Principal's Message

Please take the time to read each page of our newsletter, as we provide you with information updates across each curriculum area. 

Service Learning- Splat 'n' Sparkle Market Stall

What an amazing group of students we have at Upwey South Primary School! 

Through engaging in service learning (learning through providing a service to their community) students are able to enjoy the rewarding feeling which comes with knowing that your efforts are benefiting others in the community. 

It is always wonderful to see students living our school values beyond the boundaries of the school fence. 

Lily H and Lucy C have been working hard over recent weeks putting their arts and science skills into making polymer clay earrings, key rings, figurines, and cards. They will be holding their first market stall this coming Sunday at the Big Dreams Market in Belgrave. Make the most of a long weekend, and visit the "Splat 'n' Sparkle" Market Stall. 

School Council Membership 2023

As you would be aware, the nomination process for School Council recently closed. 

On behalf of our school community, thank you to everyone who expressed an interest in joining School Council. Successful nominees have been contacted by the School Principal, with our next meeting to be held on Monday 20th March 2023. 

Following the above date, we will be in a position to publish Executive Positions in the next edition of our newsletter, and to provide our community with details of subcommittee involvement. 

Please also refer to our PTA News for upcoming PTA events, details of which have been communicated via Compass. 

A strategic focus upon Student Agency, Voice, and Engagement

Today, Friday 10th March, our school is hosting a Curriculum Day for the Dandenong Ranges Network; the first in a series of professional learning sessions which sees our network partner with the Quaglia Institute for School Voice and Aspirations. 

As we further develop our professional learning in this space, we will provide our community with updates of our vision and actions. 

However, in the meantime please refer to the two articles below, taken from the Australian Council for Educational Leaders (AEL) professional journals:

Voice is sharing thoughts and ideas in an environment underpinned by trust and respect, offering realistic suggestions for the good of the whole, and accepting responsibility for not only what is said but also what needs to be done.

Head Lice- Expectations for our School Community

Across Dandenong Ranges schools there have recently been a number of head lice infestations occuring. Therefore, we bring to your attention the expectations from DET in regards to the treatment of headlice. 

When treating your child, please be aware that one treatment may not always be sufficient. 

For more information refer to:

https://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal/head-lice/policy

Celebrating Student Achievements

We have the most amazing students at Upwey South Primary School, and quite often their brilliance extends beyond the boundaries of our school fence. With community sport, artistic endeavors and other events back in full-swing we are wanting to use our newsletter as another chance to celebrate the achievements of our students beyond the school gates. 

If you know of a student who has achieved something beyond the school gates which should be celebrated, please email damien.kitch@education.vic.gov.au 

Keeping Aware of Information Relating to School

As a school we work hard to keep our families informed of happenings across the school. We acknowledge that receiving information in a timely and consistent manner can help to alleviate the pressures which come from managing a busy family calendar. 

Communicating via Compass

All of our school notifications are sent via the Newsfeed within the Compass app. There is also a calendar of events within the app, which sends push notifications to users to remind them of school events. 

We continue to utilise Compass for families to consent and pay in order for their children to take part in school events. 

In order to filter notifications which are received, you will notice that we send out notifications which are year level specific. This means that sometimes not all notifications are sent to all year levels. 

Administration Reminder

Please be reminded that if you need to collect your child/ren early, please contact the office when you are five to ten minutes away so we can have them at the office for collection.

Communicating with the School Administration Team

We look forward to partnering with you in 2023, and welcome your input: 

Damien Kitch (Principal)  damien.kitch@education.vic.gov.au 

Paula Lee (Business Manager) upwey.south.ps@education.vic.gov.au

Janette Clarke (Office Manager) upwey.south.ps@education.vic.gov.au