Parent and Student Notices
Code Red Fire Danger Rating
As you are probably aware, during the warmer months, the CFA issues Fire Danger Ratings based on Bureau of Meteorology data and other environmental conditions that impact bushfires such as fuel load.
The school is not located in a “Bushfire at Risk zone” and closure of the school, especially on days declared Code Red, are at the discretion of the school.
The school’s policy is not to routinely close on days that are declared Code Red by the CFA.
The School’s Emergency Management Plan that outlines this policy is approved by the CFA.
However, should a pre-emptive decision be taken by the school to close on a forecast day of Code Red Fire Danger Rating, parents and guardians will be notified by SMS text message or phone call by no later than 1.00pm on the day prior to the school closure.
For safety reasons, no staff will be on-site at the school while it is closed and alternative care arrangements for your child/ren will need to be made. Whilst this is inconvenient, the safety of our students and staff must come first.
School will resume when fire conditions improve but should a consecutive Code Red day be determined, then the school will remain closed. The school will contact parents to confirm this by text message or phone, but you should assume in this instance that the school remains closed.
Note too, that the school does not close on days of extreme heat with buildings suitably set up to comfortably accommodate students and staff.
If you have any queries or concerns about this, please feel free to contact the school on (03) 5441 3114.
Financial Assistance Information for Parents
Safe Parking Around Schools
Parking and Animal Services from the City of Greater Bendigo have contacted our school and requested that the following information be conveyed to our school community.
The illegal parking of vehicles adjacent to our school poses a safety concern to children, pedestrians and other road users. Parents are reminded that it is essential to comply with parking restrictions when dropping off and collecting children from school.
Motorists must not stop in no stopping areas, even briefly, with or without the motor running. They must not stop next to a continuous yellow edge line, on nature strips, too close to school crossings, park over driveways or double park. A number of schools have short term time restricted areas, such as 2 minute pick up / drop off. These parking areas are in place to allow for ease of access close to schools and these restrictions must be adhered to. Drivers should also be aware that they cannot perform a U-turn over an unbroken or continuous dividing line.
With regard to children’s crossings, the law requires that a driver approaching a children’s crossing must drive at a speed at which the driver can, if necessary, stop safely before the crossing. Please slow down and take extra care when driving in school zones.
City of Greater Bendigo Parking Officers and Bendigo Police do conduct random patrols throughout the school year at various locations to ensure that motorists are adhering to the Road Rules.
Educational and Psychological Services
Our School’s Pastoral Care system includes my specialised services which include consultancy, counselling and educational assessments for students of all ages in both the Junior and Senior School.
The consultancy services involve regular meetings with the Pastoral Care team throughout the School. Staff present student issues for discussion and support plans are made collaboratively.
Counselling Services may be initiated by parents or staff. This generally involves matters which are complex, and possibly requiring Mental Health Care Plans from General Practitioners. Such issues may include stress management, separation, anxiety, depression and grief.
Educational Psychology assessment work utilises current internationally recognised tools which provides a comprehensive profile of a student’s cognitive processing capacities. From this, evidence based recommendations are provided to guide educational decisions. This work may be initiated by parents, and also from teacher’s concerns being expressed to their Head of House, LRC staff or following consultation with myself.
Early identification of Specific Learning Difficulties can do much to address student skill levels and to assist them achieving their potential. Should you require further information or support for any aspect of your child’s social or emotional development, learning or behaviour, please email me directly on johnpease@girton.vic.edu.au or on 0419108460. Interviews can be made by contacting Mrs. Lorraine Ellis (Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday) on 4408 5937, or Mrs. Rebecca Doherty and Mrs Amy Hayes (Thursday and Friday) on 4408 5951.
John Pease Registered Psychologist, APS.