VGSA - new Agreement for School Staff

The Fair Work Commission recently approved the new VGSA. The agreement commences operation from Monday 25 July 2022 with a nominal expiry date of Wednesday 31 December 2025. Principals were provided with the official Implementation Guide describing the key changes on Friday afternoon last week.

In essence the main provisions in the new VGSA are the same as the previous agreement, however, there are some significant changes:

a staged reduction in face-to-face teaching time from the current maximum of 22.5hrs to 21.5 hrs in 2023 and then a maximum of 21 hours in 2024.
New Time in Lieu provisions for all staff.

School Leadership, Consultative Committee, School Council and staff will be working on our ‘local agreement’ for both these issues, which will take time and effort to get the best arrangements for both our students and staff.

We will have to carefully consider how we structure our daily timetable, which specialist classes we offer and the impact on all our events and activities, particularly those that are conducted outside normal working hours. In particular, from 2023, we need to consider how school camps will be conducted and staffed.

This is a major 'shake-up' of the current teacher agreement and will have an impact on all schools. It is my wish that we find agreement with all stake holders that does not affect the positive and supportive culture that is currently at Jells Park PS.

Zac B - Student Fundraiser

As I included in the last newsletter, please support Zac in his personal fundraiser for Variety Hair for Heart. Zac, will be having his really long hair cut at assembly on Monday 12 September. His hair will be donated to make natural hair wigs for children suffering from cancer.

Let us help him achieve his $1500 target by donating as much as we can for this great cause. We will have a Super Hero Day on that Monday 12 September to support this effort.

Please see Community Matters in this newsletter for more.

https://hairwithheart.variety.org.au/fundraisers/zacharybarel/hair-with-heart

Crossing Supervisor

I know it has been noticeable that there have been a number of days where we have had no Crossing Supervisor on Petronella Ave. This is of great concern to parents and to the school as the students safety is compromised. Can I make a few points for parent's information:

The crossing supervisors are contracted by Monash Council, not the Education Department or the school,
Education Department staff are NOT permitted to supervise crossings - we have not been trained or certified,
Is is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED that parents also do not supervise crossings - you have also not been trained or certified and you are not legally protected if something goes wrong,
I encourage parents to make complaints directly to Monash Council - it keeps the pressure on them to ensure all schools are covered.

I know that intuitively we all want to jump in an help out to ensure the safety of the children but this just empowers the council to not worry about shortages.

Parent Opinion Survey

Notice about the Parent Opinion Survey that went out earlier this week. I encourage every family to please complete this survey. The data gained from Parent Opinions is highly relevant and useful in addressing issues and prioritising our focus over the year.

Thank you to the 54 families that have already responded - we would be hoping to have a minimum of 120 families respond if possible.

Additional Student Free Day

Please note that there is an additional STUDENT FREE DAY on Friday 7 October (Week 1 Term 4). This is due to a Department allocated Professional Practice Day for teachers. On this day teachers will be working on learning about Soundwaves, our proposed new Spelling program.

Kevin Oakey

Principal

Child Safe Standards

The Victorian Government has announced new Child Safe Standards to further strengthen child safety across organisations, including schools. The new standards recognise the critical importance of families and the broader school community in maintaining and promoting child safety and wellbeing.

We have reviewed and updated our child safety policies and procedures to ensure they meet the requirements of the new standards. These are available to view on our school’s website (see links below) or hard copies can be requested at the school office.

We are committed to providing a child safe and child friendly environment, where students are safe and feel safe. Our child safety and wellbeing policies outline the measures and strategies we have in place to support, promote and maintain the safety and wellbeing of our students: As valuable partners in promoting and maintaining child safety and wellbeing at Jells Park Primary School we welcome and encourage your feedback on the recently updated policies and procedures listed below.

If you have any suggestions, comments or questions regarding these policies and procedures, please contact me.

Have a lovely weekend,

Kellie Stewart

Assistant Principal

Colour & Slime Fun Run