Principal's Message

Welcome Back

It has been wonderful to see so many smiling faces back at Albany Rise to start the 2023 school Year. Students have settled beautifully into their new classes and during the visits I have made to each class, I have enjoyed seeing well organised and engaged groups of students. Thank you to all the parents and carers who have prepared their children so well for school this year. A special welcome to the parents of Foundation students and the many students in other classes new to ARPS this year. We know you will quickly become part of our positive school community.

New and Returning Staff

This year we have a few fantastic new and returning staff across the school:

We are very excited to have these teachers as part of our team and community, all of whom bring multiple skills and expertise to benefit our students. 

Attendance

Research has proven than regular attendance at school ensures students have far more positive social and academic learning experiences and outcomes. Information to support parents/carers with attendance can be found here:

https://www.vic.gov.au/attending-school

Staying safe from mosquitoes

Recent wet and warm weather has increased mosquito breeding. Mosquitoes can carry diseases that may be passed on to people through mosquito bites. A range of mosquito-borne diseases have recently been detected in mosquitoes in northern Victoria.  Mosquito-borne diseases can cause serious illness, including infections of the brain, with children particularly at risk.

The best way to prevent mosquito-borne diseases is to avoid mosquito bites. 

In line with community health advice, families can protect against mosquito bites by:

• using insect repellent that contains picaridin or DEET on all exposed skin if outdoors when mosquitoes are observed, from October to March
• wearing long, loose-fitting clothing outdoors if possible if mosquitoes are around and covering exposed skin as much as possible. Summer school uniforms, including polos and shorts, can continue to be worn, but students should use insect repellent on exposed skin if mosquitoes are active
• limiting outdoor activity when mosquitoes are active.

Further information

• A handy guide to help protect you and your family from mosquito-borne disease
• Better Health Channel information about preventing mosquito-borne diseases.

Hats

A reminder that hats must be worn in terms one and four and anytime the UV is 3 or higher.  Sunscreen and sunglasses are also highly recommended.

Curriculum

Our Annual Implementation Plan (AIP) for 2023 has a significant focus on Writing, Mathematics and student Wellbeing this year, with substantial professional learning, resourcing and leadership planned to ensure students’ positive progress across the curriculum

Throughout the year, we are continuing to build our whole school practices in using School Wide positive behaviours and enhancing our communication processes with all members of the school Community.

Our 2023 AIP will soon be available on the school website. We are eager to have parent input and feedback on all aspects of our school program and encourage families to communicate regularly with teachers and school leadership regarding school programs and practices.

School Council

Information relating to vacancies on School Council will be distributed next week. Please look out for this if you are interested in nominating or being nominated for 2023. Information will include a timeline and summary of the role of School Council. Our next school council meeting is on 22nd February.

Wellbeing

Parents and carers are encouraged to read the department’s mental and wellbeing health toolkit, which offers guidance to help them support their child’s mental health and wellbeing at home, and advice on working with your school and seeking help if they have concerns.

Help with school costs

Families are encouraged to contact myself or the school office if you are having difficulty with school costs. Programs like Affordable School Uniforms and the Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF) can help with the cost of school uniforms and other essential school items as well as school activities for eligible students.

For more information for parents, refer to Help with school costs and fees.

DET does not hold insurance for students personal items

A reminder to all community members that the Department of Education does not hold insurance for the loss or damage of personal items bought into the school. Students are encouraged to avoid bringing any items of value into the school. Parents are also strongly encouraged to clearly name all items, especially hats and jackets, as this can lead to a prompt return if lost.

I look forward to enjoying a wonderful year with all members of our ARPS community in 2023!

Judy Drew

Principal