A note from Mr Jackson

Staffing Changes  

As we move into the second half of the year, a number of staffing changes will take place. We are very grateful for the role Nicole Baillargeon has played over these last six months, teaching 56D one day a week and supporting students in a Learning Support role. Her gentleness, experience and energy has been appreciated by all. From Term 3, we welcome Eli Phillips onto staff as a Learning Specialist. He will be collaborating with Shannon Mitchell to support teacher professional learning and teach 56D. He joins our staff with a rich experience as a Learning Specialist and having worked with a range of children experiencing trauma and disengagement in the non profit sector.

Footy Season At Rosanna Primary  

It was great this week to see students from across the school participating in AFL clinics. By the end of primary school students should be participating in at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day. The benefits of a healthy lifestyle for children now will have benefits that last for years to come. Thanks again to Kelli Zealley for her enthusiasm and organisation that keeps our students energised and active. 

Working Bee Thanks 

A wonderful gathering of hard workers gathered on Saturday for our Term 2 Working Bee. It was a day full of activity across the school site with large and small hands helping out. The fencing outside the 3/4 area garden was completed. An impressive running track on the Tee Ball square on the oval was compacted. Mulch was spread through the oval gardens. The Sustainability Garden was refreshed and the chicken coop door now swings freely. A huge amount of litter was collected using our brand new donated rubbish 'picker uppers'. Paths were blown clear providing a safe and neat space. Drains were cleared of sticks and leaves. Most importantly, the day finished (for some) with a sausage! Thanks to all who participated, whether it was for an hour or whether it extended well into the day. The site looks all the better! 

Student Voice Louder Than Ever  

The Junior School Council Representatives have been at the centre of the renewal of our school values in Term 1. This term, they have consulted with their peers and developed a school mascot that will support the implementation of the values. We are all looking forward to their announcement at the upcoming final assembly. It has indeed been a highlight, to see all the students grow into their leadership roles and develop an authentic voice that shapes the school. That is real agency! Their contribution, along with the contribution of the Sustainability Agents will be celebrated at the School Assembly on Friday. 

Three Way Conferences  

A reminder that Monday 17 June is a Curriculum Day and our Three Way Conference Day. Students are only required to attend their scheduled meeting time.  This is a powerful opportunity for students to reflect with their parents and teachers on the learning they have experienced over the first semester. Bookings are made via compass and will be open shortly.   

Learning is Growing (Years 3-6)  

We’re excited about kicking off the term on the first Monday of Term 3 and continuing the programme over the following dates 10 July, 24 July and 31 July. Students not attending our learning is growing workshops will continue with the Respectful Relationships programme. 

Student Reports 

Student reports should be available on Compass by the end of the day. If you are having trouble accessing your child's report, please speak with the office. We hope that these reports provide a springboard into conversations at home and with teachers during the Three Way Conferences scheduled in week 2 next Term. 

NAIDOC Week  

While the second week of our school holidays will see the celebration of NAIDOC Week throughout the nation, here at Rosanna Primary School, we will be celebrating in our first week back. All are invited to our assembly on the morning of Friday 14 July for a Welcome to Country by Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung elders. A range of activities have been planned throughout the week and provide an opportunity for all to reflect on the remarkable history and ongoing contribution of our First Nation’s peoples.  

Early Finish to the Term  

A reminder to all in our community that school will finish at 2:30pm this Friday. Supervision in the playground will continue until 2:45pm. Please ensure that students are picked up or enrolled at TheirCare from this point. 

Vacation Care Available These Holidays  

For families who are working or for those looking for opportunities where their child/ren might enjoy a day out, ThierCare have another entertaining and engaging programme planned for the holidays. You may choose to enrol your child for one day, or the whole two weeks. Contact TheirCare to ensure that you can register your child as soon as possible, limits apply to particular events. 

School Fair Update  

A special thanks to the parents and carers who are busy scheming and planning in preparation for our School Fair in November. I have been asked to seek out the skills of a barista who might help along with others, pour some coffees and help us get through the day.  Please let us know if you might be available. I encourage all parents to keep an eye on the news items in this newsletter related to this significant event.

Security Over the Holidays  

Last weekend, we had some young people onsite responsible for vandalising our water tanks and damaging our STEM Garden. Heidelberg Police have encouraged us to contact ‘triple zero’ in such circumstances. As we head into holidays, a time when our site is vulnerable to vandalism, I encourage any of our community to make a call to ‘triple zero’ if they identify suspicious behaviour of individuals on site.  

Library Fund Tax Deductible Contributions  

There is nothing more exciting in a school than to see students absorbed in a book! It happens in the library, in classrooms and even in the playground. A special thanks to recent contributions to our tax-deductible library fund. Teachers have been thrilled to begin replacing some of our dated home readers and literature sets for students to use. Students have been excitedly nominating books to buy in the library! Guided reading texts have also been ordered. A range of genres, some focusing on decodable strategies to support instruction and other rich literature texts have been purchased. Over $15,000 has been invested in an effort to continue to see student’s plunge into books.  If you wish to contribute to this tax deductible fund please don’t hesitate to use Qkr! or simply speak to the office. 

Canteen Price Changes

A number of items in the canteen have increased in cost. Adjustments to the current menu have been made to accommodate these costs. While the Canteen Committee of School Council have been able to maintain the cost of many of our ‘green options’, other items have seen a slight increase. We continue to seek to ensure that the canteen provides a healthy and affordable range of foods and to ensure it serves the needs of our community.  Our new menu commences from Term 3.

TheirCare Fee Reductions

TheirCare have announced  a reduction to the costs for families in using their services. These changes have been approved by School Council and will begin from Term 3. Savings have been made on the before and afternoon out of hours school care and the vacation care and curriculum day costs for parents.

We hope the holidays are an opportunity to rest for all.  We look forward to the return and embarking on another rich term of learning and adventure.