Dear parents,
The ongoing nature of the current COVID outbreak in Victoria has meant that a number of school events have had to be cancelled this week. We are currently not allowed to complete the Year 1 and Year 2 swimming, the Year 3-6 IMAX excursion has been postponed and the school disco has been postponed for now. We hope to re-schedule these events for later this year if the restrictions allow.
School Photo Day, new date 16th September.
We have rescheduled our whole school photo day to the 16th September, due to the current restrictions.
Parent Survey
You will all have received an email from the school with our unique school survey link last Friday. I understand that we all suffer from survey fatigue in our modern lives. I don’t want to pretend that finding the time for these surveys is easy but I do want you to know that we take the results seriously and they help inform our plans and programs for the future. It is always a good check-in point for us each year and the results inform the success we’re having against our school strategic goals.
International Competitions and Assessments for Schools – (ICAS) – University of NSW testing
The annual ICAS assessment period is approaching and parents and carers of students from Year 3 to Year 6 may register their children to sit a range of assessments to challenge their children. This is an opt in and pay as you go program and the assessments will be run before school between 8am and 9am in October by myself. Please follow the link below to register your child’s interest. Registrations close on September 19. The participating students receive certificates for participation and the various levels of success which will be presented at assembly in celebration of our students who strive for academic success. The link is https://shop.icasassessments.com/pages/pps the school code is: FQS757
In last weeks newsletter have provided a range of services available to parents and students for a range of mental health support. I have put these numbers in again this week as I feel it is important to know there is help available. Please feel free to reach out and contact us about any concerns that you have. Often, myself or your child’s classroom teacher will be a good place to start for support.
Private Counselling at Macedon PS – Heidi
Children may need the guidance of a counsellor to help them deal with anxiety, friendship issues, behaviour issues, grief, or many other reasons. The form on our website contains the steps that you need to take to start your child with Ms Heidi Winchester who visits the school regularly to consult with students. Please read the information at the link below and then see me if you have any questions, or need help to fill in any of the forms.
https://macedonps.vic.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/MPS-Intake-forms-and-information-final.pdf
TWEENS – Macedon Ranges Health - Gisborne
TWEENS is a referral service for students in the senior years of primary schooling (5 & 6) who are struggling with anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues.
The TWEENS Clinic can have your student seeing their doctor within days and an appointment made with a psychologist or counsellor within 2-3 weeks. We are supported by Louise Beer, a registered nurse. Please note that children on a mental health plans can only be linked in with one counsellor at a time, not multiple counsellors.
Parentline – 13 22 89
Parentline is a phone service for parents and carers of children from birth to 18 years old. They offer confidential and anonymous counselling and support on parenting issues. https://services.dffh.vic.gov.au/parentline
The qualified counsellors are available to:
· talk about any issues to do with parenting and your relationships with your child
· help you with ways to cope and be a positive parent
· help with your family's wellbeing and resilience
· connect you with services in your area.
Some reasons to ring Parentline
· child behaviour and development
· parent / carer child relationships
· education
· bullying
· living with teenagers
· family violence
· family breakdown
· parental stress and anonymous counselling and support on parenting issues.
Triple P Online Program
The Triple P Online program has resources specifically on parenting during coronavirus (COVID-19).
The COVID-19 Module includes information on:
- how to answer questions your children may have
- the importance of sticking to usual routines during the pandemic, and
- the importance of looking after yourself so you can better care for your children.
To find out more, visit Triple P Online and select your child’s age range to register. Triple P Online is free for all Victorian Health Care Card holders.
For parents of student with a disability - Strengthening Parent Support Program
The Strengthening Parent Support Program is for parents and carers with a child from birth to 18 years with a disability or developmental delay.
This free program assists parents to connect with other families and local community through:
- Peer support groups
- Education or information sessions
- Individual support from a qualified coordinator.
To find out what Strengthening Parent Support Program services are available in your area and how you can access these, please contact a provider close to where you live. These are the two closest providers to Macedon.
122 Queen Street Bendigo VIC 3550 | 0491 203 955 | |
118 Commercial Road Footscray VIC 3011 | 03 9680 8444 |
Finally, please don’t hesitate to call and we can support you to get the supports in place for your child.
Sampai jumpa (until next time)
Matt Forrest
Principal