Dear Parents/Carers,

I would like to begin this newsletter discussing the staffing challenges that we have had and continue to face, and the impact this situation has had on our class programmes and our students.

The aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic is still being felt and like so many industries around Australia the Education Department have been struggling to recruit staff, but in particular, teachers and Allied Health.

The Department has been offering incentives to attract quality staff to come and work at Melton SS and to some degree this has been quite successful, however, we are not receiving the quantity of applications that we need due to the increase in enrolments.

Our staff here at MSS are truly incredible! I cannot express my personal gratitude as principal enough. Melton Specialist School staff are passionate and dedicated to our students and the continued success of the school.

We are all facing challenges that require so much flexibility and are all acutely aware that there is no end date to when this situation will be resolved, which is tiring.

I would like to take this opportunity though to reassure you all that the staff here at MSS love what they do, we care about your young people and each other and know that as a team when we work together there is nothing that we cannot overcome.

The staffing challenges that we face will come to an end eventually and we will all be stronger as a team, wiser for the journey and excited to execute the additional specialised learning programs that we are so keen to roll out.

In the meantime, we will continue to do our very best to deliver a quality education to your children and we appreciate your patience and understanding during this challenging time. Leaders will be replacing staff who are absent and covering some classes and while we will always endeavour to return your phone calls, there may be times when our responses are delayed. Please be patient with us, we are doing our best.

Once again, thank you for your understanding and continued support.

COVID-19

DET Operations Guide

Students who report a positive result are recommended to isolate for a minimum of 5 days and not attend school until their symptoms have resolved. Students who isolate as a result of a positive COVID-19 test should be supported in the same way as students with an extended absence due to illness or injury, with learning materials provided to support their continued learning.
There is no longer a requirement for principals to inform the school community of a positive case associated with the school.

Pupil Free Day

09 June 2023 – No students at school on this day.

PJ day and fundraiser for Exford PS

After the tragic events involving the Exford PS community – our school hosted a fundraiser to recognise and support our community. These are the times as a principal that I am so humbled to be part of the Melton community.

Despite personal challenges I continue to see the MSS community go above and beyond to show they care. The impact of this incident will continue, and we will be there to support families and colleagues during this time.

We were able to raise over $1500 (and counting). Thank you for your generous donations. We can accept further donations until Wednesday afternoon. Alternatively you can make a donation at Melton Primary School or via the GoFundMe link below.

Thanks,

Brooke

Melton Specialist School

Be Responsible Be Safe Be Respectful

Edition 6 · 22 May 2023

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