Office Buzz
Welcome Back!
We welcome all Preshil families to Arlington for 2017! Newly enrolled students and their families are already finding their feet amongst old students and parents. Friendships are being forged, parents are meeting, new dogs are sniffing out the landscape! Please don’t hesitate to call 9817 6135 if you need assistance in any aspect of your child’s school life; if we can’t help you directly we will certainly connect you to someone who can.
Changes at Arlington
Kate, Nerel and Bronte have a new office space next to the entry hall at Arlington (Marilyn's former office). Please come and visit us to enjoy the warm ambience and to admire Rob's magnificent handiwork with the reception counter! One further upheaval will take place this week as new furniture is delivered to complete the office space.
Other changes to Arlington House include the old staff room has been transformed into Jason's new and welcoming office and Mug's Kitchen has been given a new lease of life (not to mention a small dishwasher!) for the staff to enjoy breaks. Further changes are still in progress including a new office for Marilyn in the former General Office and the old reception area is being returned to a Sunroom where quiet reading, meetings and informal chats may take place.
Enormous thanks to Rob, Josh and Bryce who managed these changes during the school break and also to those who assisted in the 'Big Move' of office equipment.
Compass Access for New Parents
Preshil uses an online program called Compass School Manager to automate a number of administrative processes. We have had upgrades over the holidays to this system and new families will have access to this in the coming weeks. We apologise for the delay and are working hard to have it ready as soon as possible.
Using our parent portal you will be able to:
• View up-to-date class and school attendance information
• Approve or enter upcoming or past absences for your child
• Download, print and approve upcoming excursions
• Update your details
• Access information regarding upcoming events and news
• Book your Parent/Teacher interviews
A letter explaining how to access Compass School Manager and login details will be sent to all new families once the parent portal is ready for parent access. There will also be regular updates in the fortnightly newsletter.
Compass Photos
For quick and easy ordering, simply log in to the school Compass Parent Portal, Select the Community Tab and then photos. There are a variety of packs that you are able to order. Alternatively you can pick up an order form at reception which you can fill out and hand in. We will inform parents when they are ready to order.
If your child was absent on Friday 3 February, there will be time to make up individual photos on Tuesday 14 February. Kindergarten children who attend on Monday and Tuesday will have their group and individual photos taken on Tuesday 14 February.
Absences
Student absences (including late arrivals and early departures) should be advised by either phoning the School on 9817 6135 and leaving a voice message on the absence line or entering it directly on Compass on your home page via - Add Attendance Note/Approval (Approved Absence/Late). Please give a reason for the absence, ie illness, medical/dental appointment, etc.
If your child has an Instrumental Music lesson on the day of their absence, please phone the office so that music staff can be advised accordingly.
Signing In/Out
If your child is arriving late to school or needs to leave early, please visit reception and sign in or out in the register. Alternatively you can give permission for a late arrival or early departure via Compass on your home page via - Add Attendance Note/Approval (Approved Absence/Late). Adjust the times to allow for a late arrival or an early departure.
2017 Instrumental Music
Lessons have commenced this week with most instrumental teachers. If your child would like to join the Instrumental Music program please click on our website here to access the Music Handbook which gives you all necessary details including the program’s terms and conditions. You can also complete the online enrolment form here.
We welcome new music staff in 2017 to add to our wonderful cohort of teachers! Josh Kelly will be teaching woodwind and Josh Teicher will be teaching guitar.
OPEN LESSONS
In the Instrumental Music program, an opportunity exists each semester to attend one of your child’s lessons and see for yourself how he/she is progressing, find out first-hand about practice regimes and how you can be a support at home, or simply witness your child’s enjoyment of this extra-curricular activity.
The first open lesson will occur during the week commencing Monday 20 February and your child's teacher will be in contact with you about this.
Extended Care
The Extended Care Program runs every night from 3:30pm until 6pm. Registration forms are found on our websiteor can be collected at Arlington Reception. Bookings and inquiries can be made by calling and leaving a message on the Extended Care phone number (0458 512 373 ) or by emailing aftercare@preshil.vic.edu.au.
Classroom Cuisine
Our online lunch provider creates and delivers (to the Staff Kitchen) healthy and affordable school lunches. Available through the week, except Tuesdays, you can order online up until 8.30am on the day the lunch is required. A TWO COURSE lunch costs $8.65 and a THREE COURSE lunch costs $10.25. You are only able to select one item from each column. For more information, menus and details about how to order, click here to visit their website.
Chess Coaching at Preshil
Chess teaches our students to become independent thinkers and self-starters. It equips them with the ability to analyse and reason, be quick problem solvers, strategists and good planners. Chess Club will be running lessons every Thursday from 3.40pm - 4.40pm. For further information please download the form below.
School Fees
This is a gentle reminder that Term 1 tuition fees are now outstanding. Your attention to this payment as soon as possible would be much appreciated. If you wish to discuss this matter please contact the Business Manager, Bryce McLean, on 9816 7903.
(Thank you to those parents who have acted promptly in this regard.)
Next Newsletter
The next edition of the Primary School newsletter will be published on 21 February. To read previous issues or our Secondary and Alumni Issues, visit the iNewsletter Library here.