Boneo Buzz: 29th January

Dear Parents and Guardians,

As with the beginning of any school year, there is always a certain amount of nervous anticipation and excitement about the return of our students and no more so than this year, when we look forward to what hopefully will be a bit more of a ‘normal’ year.

To our new families, welcome to our wonderful learning community and to our returning families welcome back. I hope that everyone managed to enjoy the summer holidays with family and friends. Congratulations to our students and staff on a calm and organised beginning to the school year. Walking around the classrooms, everyone is happy and relaxed and so glad to be back at school. Students are busily working away in class, engaged in their learning and excited to be making new friends or reacquainting with old friends.

Our prep students have settled in beautifully to the routines of school life. I know I say this every year but it is an absolute joy and privilege to be a part of a child’s primary school education. Everything is new, exciting and wondrous. Every story is enthralling, everyone is a friend and everything is fun!

It was so lovely to actually say hello onsite this morning. Each morning and afternoon Marija Pandza, our new Assistant Principal and I will be outside so please come and say hello. Marija can be contacted via email: marija.pandza@education.vic.gov.au

Schooling is compulsory for children from 6 – 17 years of age. Daily school attendance is important for all children to succeed in education and to ensure they don’t fall behind both socially and developmentally. Research suggests that children who regularly attend school and complete Year 12 or an equivalent qualification have better health outcomes, better employment outcomes and higher incomes across their lives. It is important that children develop habits of regular attendance at an early age. I ask all parents to ensure their child attends school and to provide an explanation for their child’s absence from school. Where possible, parents should inform the school in advance of upcoming absences.

Mobile Phones

All Victorian government schools are required to implement a local Mobile Phone Policy. Students who choose to bring mobile phones to school must have them switched off and hand in to the office at the start of each day. All devices will be securely stored at the office during school hours. You can access the school’s Mobile Phone – Student Use & Digital Technologies Policies on the school website.

Holiday Maintenance

Over the holiday period, we have had scheduled maintenance work completed at the school. Half of the main building was painted internally and it looks fantastic. The students are excited to see that the construction of the new garden and outdoor kitchen classroom is underway. One of our shade sails over the kitchen is finally completed. I apologise in advance for the inconvenience closing the front of the school is causing but I know we are all happy that this exciting project is finally underway.

Mr Gary Cooper’s Retirement Assembly

As you know Gary decided to retire in January and we would like to acknowledge his outstanding over 30 years service to our school at a special assembly on Friday 5th January at 2:30pm on the basketball court. We invite all parents to attend.