Principal's Report
From the Principal...
I trust everyone had a wonderful long weekend and enjoyed some sunny breaks. Lorrie Dell and I attended the education state conference on Friday at the Convention Centre and gained much insight in to the priorities of Victorian state education. We enjoyed our workshops and the opportunity to hear from our departmental leaders.
Walk-a-thon
Money continues to filter in from our successful walk-a-thon fundraiser. The students enjoyed the event and so many fabulous pairs of crazy socks were on display. Thank you again to the parent organizers and the helpers on the day. The weather was kind and everyone appreciated the fruit treats at the end of it. I hope you enjoyed seeing some of the happy snaps in this newsletter showing highlights of the event.
Library Volunteers
Thank you to the team of parent volunteers who have collectively spent hours of their time in maintaining the Library. From processing book returns, to organising shelves and sorting donations your efforts are very much appreciated. Being a smaller school it is these things that helps the school enormously and really shows the rich community spirit we have at Ormond.
Collectable/Swap Cards - Pokémon & Footy Cards
I would like to remind everyone at Ormond, and especially the younger students and their parents, about our ‘Footy & Pokémon Card Rules’ so that all children can enjoy this activity. During the winter season many children will begin to collect Football, Pokémon and other forms of collectable cards and they will want to bring them along to school. Collecting cards and trading them with friends is a wonderful pastime which helps to promote an understanding of value as well as providing experience in trading and negotiating. However, the enjoyment of these activities needs structure and have a few simple rules.
1. Children need to trade cards only with children of a similar age.
It would be unfair for a child in Year 3 to attempt to trade cards with a Prep or Year 1 student as they would often have a different understanding of the relative value of various cards. This is a potential source of conflict which can easily be avoided by trading only with age group peers.
2. Cards should not become a distraction in class.
Children who bring cards to school must put them in their tub, locker or bag during class time.
3. Responsibility for the cards rests with the child who owns them.
If a child drops their cards in the yard, puts them down or misplaces them it is their responsibility.
4. Keep your special cards separate from your trading cards.
Your special cards are mementos that you will want to keep. Your trading cards are ones showing players from your least favourite teams or cards which you already have.
Parents could discuss these rules with their children so that they enter into collecting and trading with a clear idea about how best to enjoy the activity.
Traffic Safety and Awareness
Just a reminder for all students and families to keep discussions around traffic safety a priority. The Bentleigh, Ormond and McKinnon areas have become overly congested with traffic and therefore everyone needs to be extra cautious. Unfortunately, we have had reports of concerning near misses and students not adhering to traffic expectations and ignoring crossing signals etc. Students in younger grade levels are advised not to travel to school on their own. As a community, we need to ensure the safety of all of our students. The school will continue to provide traffic safety education and reminders on a regular basis.
Buildings and Grounds
The school is conducting a process to secure a new maintenance person which will help to catch up on items needing repair. This includes bulbs being changed throughout the school and the turfed area being restored. The school will also complete paint work to the portables which was started at our latest working bee. We are looking forward to our new seating and future plans for ensuring our yard is kept tidy and orderly. I am currently involving student leaders in a new project focused on building shared responsibility, ownership and improving school pride.
Outstanding Absences requiring Parent Approval for Semester Reports
So that the most accurate data can be uploaded into your child's Semester Reports, could all parents please ensure that they approve any outstanding absences for their child on Compass by Friday 14th June.
Parent/Teacher Interviews
Parent/Teacher Interviews will take place on Monday 24th and Tuesday 25th of June. Interviews are now open for booking on Compass .
Please note the process for making bookings has changed. Attached below are updated 'how to' guides for making bookings.
If you have any issues with this process please contact the office for assistance.
Student illnesses
With the cooler months now well upon us, the number of sick children and staff is naturally on the increase. I wish to take this opportunity to remind parents to please keep their children at home should they show symptoms of being unwell to minimize the risk of illnesses spreading.
Appropriate clothing for the cooler weather is also recommended to help prevent illness and keep children warm, along with reminding children of appropriate hygiene practices i.e washing of hands properly, coughing/sneezing into elbows or tissues rather than hands or the open.
2020 Enrolments
Any families who have children due to start school next year are reminded to please collect their enrolment forms from the office and return them as soon as possible. The Foundation transition program is scheduled to begin in August.
Kerri McLeod
Principal
Second Hand Uniform Stall
Second Hand Uniform Stall
There will be a Second Hand Uniform Sale on Friday 15th March 3:15pm to 3:45pm.
Cash only, please bring small denominations as limited change will be available.
Out of School Hours Care
Jumper Rule
During the colder weather in term two and three, we require children to wear a jumper outside. Children will be allowed to remove their jumper/jacket, if they are participating in sport or physical activity. Parents can exclude their children from this requirement by providing a note stating their child is not required to wear a jumper.
School Holiday Program
Dates: Monday 1st July to Friday 12th July.
The Winter School Holiday Program schedule is available from the Program at the sing in/out table, on Compass and below.
Bookings close Wednesday 26th June.
End of Term Celebration
The program is celebrating the end of term on the last day of school, Friday 28th June
If your child attending the After School Care Program on the last Friday of the school term. Please nominate a party food donation on the party food list in the program diary located in the hall.
Please deliver your party food donation to the Program by Thursday 27th June.
After School Care Activities
Thursday 13th June Mice Finger Puppets
Friday 14th June Cooking
Monday 17th June Peg Heads
Tuesday 18th June Cardboard Zoo
Wednesday 19th June Paper Snake
Thursday 20th June Tube Town
Friday 21st June Movable Figures
Monday 24th June Stone Fish
Tuesday 25th June Bird Mobile
Wednesday 26th June Cooking
Thursday 27th June Paper Plate Rainbow Fish
Friday 28th June End of Term Party
April Kopitz
Out of School Hours Coordinator