Belmore School Council

On Monday 20th February 2023, the 2022 Belmore School Council met for the final time prior to the Annual General Meeting to be held in March. Becoming a School Council member is an excellent way to become involved in our school and provides you with an opportunity to contribute to policy and program development.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank our current School Council members who have been invaluable in supporting me in my role as school principal in leading the strategic direction and financial management of the school.

Parent members:

Brenton Carey (President)
Bronwyn Brown (Vice President)
Michael Duffy (Treasurer)
Paul Han
Jessica Bisignano

DET Members:

Melissa White
Sofie Yannacopoulos
Julie Nicholson (Minute Secretary)

Information has been emailed to all parents and carers calling for nominations for the 2023 Belmore School Council. This year we have one parent vacancy. Please take the opportunity to consider nominating and do not hesitate to contact me if you would like further information about the role of a School Council member.

Voluntary Financial Contributions

A letter has been sent home today detailing the schedule of 2023 Voluntary Financial Contributions. As detailed in the letter whilst Government funding based upon our number of students covers the majority of our school operations, additional funds are required to enable the school to continue to provide a high standard of facilities and resources.

Please be assured that while all financial contributions are voluntary, they are greatly received to support us to continue to provide the best possible education for our students. Funds will be used to purchase and or upkeep the following items:

essential education items to enhance access to the curriculum
student diary
first aid and hygiene supplies
personal care items
hydrotherapy pool
sensory room
playground
Belmore school bus.

Please contact our Business Manager Julie Nicholson if you would like additional information.

Moomba Birdman Rally

Michael Duffy, our incredibly dedicated (and brave) School Council member and father of PLC student Emma is entering this year's Moomba Birdman Rally as Weber the Wedgie. Michael is raising funds to purchase specialised outdoor playground equipment to supplement our upcoming playground renovation and to provide families in Australia living with Sturge Weber Syndrome funding support to attend the Sturge Weber Foundation conference in America mid 2024.

All donations will be gratefully received and can be made through the Birdman Rally fundraising page: https://birdmanrally2023.gofundraise.com.au/page/WeberTheWedgie

Moral support and encouragement for Weber the Wedgie can be provided through attending this year's Moomba Birdman Rally at Birrarung Marr on Sunday 12 March from 11.00am. Weber the Wedgie is going to great lengths to design and produce a flying craft that will support him to fly high over the Yarra River. You can follow his progress on the weber_the_wedgie Instagram page.

Capital Works Program

As notified in my BSC Message on Monday the greatly anticipated move into our new Learning Centre has been delayed due to some unforeseen technicalities which are impacting on the issuing of our certificate of occupancy. The renovation of a 60 year old building, broken into three stages to enable our schools continued operation, requires us to ensure all areas in use are compliant with current building and safety standards.

Having the opportunity to experience first hand our new classrooms, library, sensory room, bathrooms and breakout spaces, I can assure you this delay in opening, while disappointing, will be absolutely worth the wait, with handover now scheduled for Friday 24 March.

Please note the PUPIL FREE DAY planned for MONDAY 6 MARCH has been CANCELLED and will not be rescheduled this term.

BSC Social Gathering

Our Belmore School Council is proudly hosting a social gathering for parents, carers and staff on WEDNESDAY 29 MARCH between 7.00pm and 8.30pm to enable our school community to view the new Learning Centre and experience a taste of what our renovated school will provide for all our students throughout the year. This event is designed for adults only to enable the re-establishment of social connections following three years of hiatus. An invitation will be sent home shortly.

Term 1 SSG Meetings

Term 1 Student Support Group meetings will be held between Tuesday 14 March and Friday 24 March. Term 1 SSG meetings are an opportunity for teachers to share the goals they have drafted in your child's individual education plan (IEP) and to seek your input into the finalisation of their plan. Information will be sent home later this week regarding the online booking process for these meetings, which can be held in person at here at Belmore or online through the Webex platform. Once again the ‘schoolinterviews’ website will be available for you to book a time which bests suits you. Information on the roles and responsibilities of the Student Support Group (SSG) can be found in the following SSG document.

Karen Overall

Principal

Community Events