Acting Principal
Mr Chris Grimmer
Victorian Government's New Mobile Phone Policy
As you may be aware, the Victorian government has announced a new mobile phone policy that will require students to switch their phones off and securely store them away during the school day if they choose to bring them to school.
The policy is designed to support teaching and learning in an environment that is free from unnecessary distractions, disruptions and student inattention caused by the urge to check their phones. At recess and lunch times, students will be better-placed to communicate with each other face to face and/or be involved in activities rather than being focused on a device or on social media.
The Merbein P-10 College Phone Policy for 2020 outlines the way in which mobile devices will be used from the first day of school next year and beyond. (The new policy is included as an attachment with the electronic newsletter, appears on the school website and is available as a hard copy at the front office.) I strongly recommend that all families take the time to read the policy and speak with your children about the expectations for 2020. This is a ministerial order and therefore must be followed by schools across Victoria.
Written Permission Required
At this busy time of the year there are a large number of activities/excursions taking place across the college. It is a legal obligation that we have written permission from parents/carers for students to take part in any of these activities that take place away from the school site. A signed permission note is the only documentation that is acceptable. We are unable to accept verbal permission, texts or emails, so I would ask that parents and students avoid putting our office staff and teaching staff in the difficult position of having to refuse permission over the phone and ensure they return the signed permission notes prior to the excursion/activity. Thank you for your understanding and support with this as it is a Department of Education directive, not an individual school decision.
2020 Primary Staffing
Green Building
Prep Mrs Tania Rivett
Prep/1 Mrs Monica Brown
Grade 1 Mrs Janelle McLean
Grade 2/3 Miss Megan Downes
Grade 2/3 Mrs Hayley Breewel & Mrs Wendy Finn
Grade 2/3 Mrs Sue Gardiner
Orange Building
Grade 4 Mrs Jordie McPhee
Grade 5/6 TBA
Grade 5/6 Miss Carla Piscitelli
Grade 5/6 Miss Jamie Lee Lyell
Mrs Brioney Hall - P/1 Literacy & Literacy Support
Mrs Kerry Grimmer - Grade 4 Literacy
Ms Janine Richardson - Grade 4 Numeracy, STEM
Mrs Rebecca Holy - PE & Art Specialist
Mrs Jodie Atkinson - Art Specialist
Mr Stephen Pay - Music Specialist
Cheryll Hodge, Cheree Hoyle, Bev Field, Natalie Donohue, Jarrod Searle, Selina Paterson - Education Support
Transition
I would to thank all staff who contributed to the various orientation programs across the college over recent weeks. Not only have we hosted 140 Year 7s on Tuesday and Wednesday but our new Preps for 2020 have spent 5 sessions with us now to familiarise themselves with the school setting and expectations. Primary classes have gone through their ‘step up’ day in readiness for next year and our year 10 students have attended orientation days at Mildura Senior College. All of these sessions have been extremely successful due to the planning and commitment of all staff across the college. A great team effort from everyone involved!!
Awards Presentation Evening 2019
This year our Annual Awards Presentation Evening will be held at Mildura Arts Centre on Monday 16th December commencing at 7.30pm. Students receiving awards will be notified prior to the evening. Students receiving awards on the night are required to attend in school uniform. Parents are welcome and encouraged to attend.
Our awards evening acknowledges the contribution to our school and academic excellence of around ninety Primary and Secondary students each year.
Through the generous support of community based organisations and businesses, we distribute over $5000 in cash and prizes to our award winners each year.