Principal's Report
Welcome to the latest edition of our fortnightly newsletter.
Year 6 Student Leaders
It was my absolute pleasure to formally introduce our 2019 Year 6 group to the school community at a special assembly on Monday. Student Leadership positions are held in high regard at Black Rock PS and over the past two years our Year 5/6 teaching team have worked closely with our students to expand and strengthen opportunities for students to engage in authentic leadership roles. We have every confidence that this year's group of Year 6 students will be outstanding leaders and role models for all students across the school.
Keep up to date with newsletters throughout the year for contributions from our 2019 student leaders.
Baby News
Congratulations to Mrs Kim Taing and husband
who welcomed their first child into the world last week. Madison and her first time parents are doing well!
Running Colour & Welcome Picnic
With a focus on fun and community, there is only one more sleep until the “Welcome Picnic & Running Colour” event on Friday 22nd February. We hope to see all new and returning families at what promises to be a wonderful social event for all.
Thank you to those students and families who have been busily collecting sponsorship for the event. The funds raised will contribute to one of our key
Please see the Assistant Principal's report on the following page for detailed event instructions and information.
Oval Upgrade Update
Thank you to parent Michele Rowse, who a comprehensive outline of the project's history and current status on behalf of the School Council Oval Sub-provided committee in our previous Newsletter. If you missed it, the summary can be found here: BRPS Oval Update
Critical Community Support
We find ourselves at another critical time as we seek funding to realise this highest priority project for the school. For those of you on social media, you may have seen the post from Philip Dalidakis MP, outlining his visit to witness the parlous state of our oval first-hand and to confirm his ongoing support and advocacy to improve this facility for the safe use of all students. I encourage all community members who support an upgrade of our oval and have access to our Facebook page to find the article and leave a supportive message in the comments section underneath the post on Minister Daladakis' Facebook page. The more community support we can show allows us to maintain momentum with this high-priority project.
Parent Payments and Voluntary Contributions
The Compass Portal is live now for families to log in and complete all school payments.
The BRPS School Council, staff and school community have high expectations of all curriculum programs, resources and facilities that the school provides. Parent voluntary contributions are a vital aspect of maintaining these high standards and we thank our parent community for their generous support in this area to benefit all students across the school.
Casual Day Information
Thanks and gratitude from the East-West Foundation, supported by our casual day donations.
We often get asked by parents and students alike "what happens to our casual day gold coin donations?" On the last Friday of each month, our school has a casual dress day where the children are permitted to wear casual clothes instead of their school uniform. This is not compulsory but an option provided to the children in order to help support the East West Overseas Aid foundation. Black Rock PS has a long term history of supporting this foundation who provide much needed care and safety along with an enhanced educational program and extra-curricular program for abandoned children at The Uluru Children's Home in an Indian community. We ask that each child dressed in casual clothes please bring a gold coin donation on the day.
Our next casual day is TOMORROW, Friday 22nd February.
All students will learn more about the EWOA foundation in class to develop a stronger understanding of how their donations help to support others less fortunate than themselves. Last year we raised $3693.20
Further information about the foundation can be found here:
Parent/Teacher Conferences
Parent/Teacher conferences (student-led conferences will continue for Year 5/6) will take place on Wednesday 27th February from 2.30pm-7.30pm.
We believe that it is important for parents and teachers to meet early in the year so parents are able to share information about their child with their new classroom teacher.
Bookings are now open on COMPASS and will remain open until midnight on Tuesday 26th February. Please check your COMPASS portal for more information.
2019 School Council Elections
WHAT IS A SCHOOL COUNCIL AND WHAT DOES IT DO?
All government schools in Victoria have a school council. They are legally constituted bodies that are given powers to set the key directions of a school within statewide guidelines. In doing this, a school council is able to directly influence the quality of education that the school provides for its students.
Today, Thursday 21st February, a Notice of Election and Call for Nominations for 2019 School Council vacancies was issued to all families via Compass News Feed. I encourage all parents to consider the information and be involved in the election process either through nomination or voting.
Friendly Reminders
The "Student Administration Reminders" page in this newsletter is an essential reference to support parents to navigate and manage important school processes.
Please take the time to read through the items on the following pages and contact the Office should you have any queries. However, I would particularly like to draw your attention to the following points:
- It is very important to check the Compass News Feed and Calendar daily to stay informed of the latest news and upcoming events.
- Absences MUST be reported via Compass on the day of absence (early in the morning or ahead of time where possible).
- Online consent/payment for incursions and excursions must be received by the due date in order for your child to participate/attend.
- Students must NOT be left alone in the school grounds before 8.45am or after 3.45pm.
- The 'Kiss N Go' zone on Arkaringa Crescent is for dropping/collecting your child within a two-minute time frame.
- Parents and students are NOT permitted to walk through staff car parks OR use them for parking.
- Riding of scooters, bikes, skateboards etc., is NOT permitted in the school grounds at drop-off or pick-up (school and non-school children).
- Please be aware of our dog policy which is outlined on signs at all entrance points to the school.
Have a wonderful fortnight.
Sam Tyndall
PRINCIPAL