News From the Principal

School Council

Our school needs some parent/community members to volunteer to be on our 2023 School Council. In order to perform our required functions we must be able to form a school council that consists of members outside of staff (staff also are on council). We have two short meetings each term (8 in total) and these usually run for no more than an hour (this year we have begun at 5.30pm, but that is negotiable with members once we have our first meeting). Parents are welcome to bring kids along to school whilst we meet, so please don't let that be a barrier. We can also organise Webex meetings, so members who would find it difficult to attend in person, can join us virtually. You do not need any special skills to be on school council and it is really not a big commitment in terms of time or effort.

Without a functioning school council our school can not operate, so we are asking families to please give this deep consideration. Lisa or Bree are happy to answer any questions.

2023 Family Contributions

As you would all be aware, our school needs to purchase materials that are used by students as part of their learning. Last year, families paid money directly to Office Choice in Bendigo for student requisites.

For 2023, we have two options for families with regard purchasing of learning materials. Our preferred and probably easier method for families is for us to complete a bulk order of materials and programs for our students and ask each family to pay a contribution of $150 per student for these. Items such as workbooks, stationery, ICT subscriptions and art supplies are all covered within this amount. A purchase by the school guarantees that your student has the correct materials and saves you the hassle of trying to locate specific items.

The second option is for us to provide families of list of requisites and subscriptions which they would need to organise the purchase of themselves. Doing the sums on this list, it would appear that it would be more costly to do it this way due to not being able to purchase in bulk, like we can. But if families do want to purchase their own requisites we can provide you with the list.

Our family contributions (which used to be referred to as school fees) are set at $150, which is excellent value, especially when you consider the amounts that other schools require families to pay. These funds buy all student requisites, art supplies, cooking ingredients, photocopying, sports equipment and loads of other materials and programs your child accesses throughout the year. Families can elect to pay this amount in one lump sum or each term or by more regular, but smaller instalments.

If families are electing to purchase materials and programs themselves, please contact Lisa or Bree to get a list of what is required. Please ensure these supplies are labelled and ready to go on Day 1 of Term 1, 2023.

For those families who are happy for us to bulk purchase materials and programs, and therefore provide a family contribution of $150 per child, please note that this can be paid anytime between now and the beginning of school, 2023 (either in full or with arrangements made for part payments).

A note will be sent home to each of our 2023 families today along with a copy of the Parent Payment Policy. If you have any questions or concerns about this, please contact Lisa or Bree.

Election BBQ

Last weekend our school ran the sausage sizzle at the Raywood Hall when the voting was taking place for the Victorian State Election. We raised $300 which will go towards our savings for new playground equipment. Whilst this was not a huge amount, it all helps and most importantly it provided us with the opportunity to be present within the Raywood Community. A huge thank you to Bree and Mez who worked alongside myself for the day and thank you to all of those community members who came along and supported our bbq, by buying a snag and/or making a donation towards our school.

End of Year Celebration/Excursion

On Friday December 16th we have organised a whole school excursion to celebrate the end of the 2022 school year. This excursion sees us travel to The Zone in Bendigo for two games of laser tag and some roller skating. We will then head to the Eaglehawk Placespace, for lunch and a play before heading back to school. This excursion will require parent consent, a notice can be found on the uEducateus site. The cost of this excursion is $25 per child (with the school contributing a small amount per child to reduce the price), costing is based on bus travel and entry to the activities at The Zone. Some families may still have CSEF funding and this can be used to offset the costing, Bree will contact those families directly to see if they wish to use this funding for this event. If you have any questions about payments, this excursion or CSEF funding please contact Bree in the office.

That's all for this week- Lisa Duffy

News from Bree in the Office

Christmas Raffle

It's that time of year for our annual Christmas Raffle. Purchase your tickets and you can be in the draw to have the chance to win one of our wonderful prizes, just in time for Christmas. All fundraising goes towards our playground equipment upgrade.

Each family will receive a raffle book if you would like more please contact the office. Tickets are $1dollors each or 6 for $5 dollars. Please only sell the one side and make sure they are clearly labelled with a name and phone number. All sold tickets and money are due back no later then Wednesday the 14th of December so we can draw this on the last day of school. .

Prizes

1st Prize - Giant 10kg Block of Cadbury chocolate)

2nd Prize - Scratchy Tree

There will also be an assortment of other exciting prizes to be won.

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Community News