Community News

Working Bee @Altona College for National Tree Planting Day
The working bee was a great success. Thank you so much to those of you who made it along.
We had 22 parents, 21 children and 4 teachers come along, as well as Sarah Moore, our gardener who was incredibly patient in guiding the children in how to help. Hats off to the parents too – “put the soil in the plants, not the path” etc
We completed a lot of tasks and the area looks very well-loved. The investment that we have made into the trees and plants has been further supported with mulch, stakes, irrigation pipes and water.
I loved that we had children from the kinder next door, primary students from the College, children from other schools who are coming into Altona College for high school next year, as well as some of the secondary students including Jack from year 10 who was a great help.
Sarah Brooker
Buildings & Grounds committee
Victorian Premiers’ Reading Challenge
Altona College is excited to be participating in the Victorian Premiers’ Reading Challenge.
The PRC is not a competition; but a personal challenge for children to read a set number of books by 8 September 2023. The challenge offers a range of exciting features including:
- access to a library catalogue (including book images and blurbs)
- a modern user-friendly interface
- rewarding students with badges as challenge milestones are achieved
- the option for students to mark books as a favourite, give them a star rating or complete a book review.
The PRC is open to all Victorian children from birth to Year 10 in recognition of the importance of reading for literacy development.
Children from Prep to Year 2 are encouraged to read or ‘experience’ 30 books with their parents and teachers. Children from Year 3 to Year 10 are challenged to read 15 books.
All children who meet the Challenge will receive a certificate of achievement signed by the Victorian Premier and former Premiers.
To read the Premier’s letter to parents, view the booklist and for more information about the Victorian Premiers’ Reading Challenge, visit: https://www.vic.gov.au/premiers-reading-challenge
For further support or information, please contact: casey.sperling@education.vic.gov.au
Tools and resources to safeguard children from Cyberbullying
eSafety is designed to help with advice and resources to help support families safely online.
- Set up a family tech agreement and parental controls
- Explore ways to stay safe online for parents, kids, and young people
- Learn digital skills for staying safe in games and apps using The eSafety Guide
- Get help for online issues by reporting to eSafety
- Join an eSafety webinar to help your children have positive online experiences
Download online safety resources, including this guide to reporting cyberbullying
Term 3 - Extend Before and After School Care
Hobsons Bay Counselling & Case Management
Hobsons Bay Council have male and female counsellors offering free and confidential counselling, case management and support for young people aged 12-25 years.
A mental health care plan is not required. To speak to one of their qualified and experienced staff, call 9932 4000 or make a referral online.www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/counselling Youthcounselling@hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au