Dear Parents / Carers,

Last Monday, we welcomed our 2022 Foundation students. It has been a very positive start to school for our youngest students. As I roved around the school, I noticed that our Foundation students were settling well into school.

At the end of the same week, members of our school team and the school community joined together to pay our respects to Claire Doyle. We are reminded by Claire’s untimely passing to focus our time and effort on what is important, those things that add meaning and purpose, happiness, and well-being to our lives.

I am hopeful that the rules around mask wearing are soon eased for both students and staff. I thank parents for undertaking rapid antigen tests, and reporting positive cases to the school. When we receive a positive case, we inform the class cohort. Our students are currently growing up in a world where there is much uncertainty. They are observing how we, the adults in their lives, demonstrate resilience during circumstances that are beyond our control. They are observing how we respond to rules and restrictions. They are also observing how we care for the vulnerable amongst us during a time of uncertainty.

School is life, it needs to be in the best shape as possible for our children, and our community. One of the ways that parents support their child to enjoy school is to take part in the life of the school. The School Council at Rowville Primary School comprises of fifteen members, and collaborates with the leadership of the school to develop the policies that make our school unique. In essence, the role is one of setting the long-term future for the school and maintaining oversight of the school's operation. Please feel free to have a conversation with me if you are interest but would like more information about the role. I hope that some of our new families will express interest to become a member of the Rowville Primary School Council. Nomination forms and information are enclosed.

Timeline for School Council Election

Thursday 17th February: Notice of Election & Call for Nominations.

A self-nomination forms for Parent & DET vacancies are attached to this notice. A copy is also available on the school website www.rowvilleps.vic.edu.au and at the office.

Friday 25th February @ 4.00pm: Nominations close.

If nominations equal parent and DET employee vacancies nominations will be declared closed. If insufficient parent and/or DET employee nominations received, those nominated will be declared elected and a further call for nominations to fill the remaining vacancies will be made. If nominations are in excess of vacancies, then preparations are made for an election.

Monday 28 February: Display list of candidates and their nominator (if applicable).

If nominations are in excess of vacancies then call an election.

Thursday 3rd March: Deliver 2 ballot papers & 2 envelopes to each family in electorate, requesting return of such on or before close of ballot on Wednesday 16th March

Wednesday 16th March: Closure of Ballot

Thursday 17th March: Counting of ballot and members declared

Wednesday 23 March @ 6.30pm: the final meeting of the current school council where we farewell outgoing School Councillors. This is followed by the Annual General Meeting where the annual report will be presented. An election meeting of office bearers for the new school council will be held at 8.30pm on the same night.

For further information please click the attached document

Anne Babich

Principal

Rowville Kids Cafe