Welcome back to Concord Public School and a special welcome to the families who have joined us this year. I am sure the very friendly school community will ensure that you quickly become part of this wonderful school.
I met again with Ms Vountoulas last week and her recovery is on track for her return on Monday March 8. I know that she is really keen to get back to see you all.
We welcomed back Ms Coco and Mr McGee and Ms Chen, Mrs Darlow and Mrs Slattery have joined out staff. They are very impressed with the school and the students.
I would like to take this opportunity to share a few reminders with you.
Please use the gate near the hall to enter the school and remember not to park across private driveways.
Office hours are from 8.30am – 3.30pm. Please contact the school during these hours.
Before and after school supervision
School hours are from 9am to 3pm. The bell goes at 9am. Please ensure that your children are at school on time. Students should be collected at 3pm. Everyone should leave the school grounds as quickly as possible.
Students late to school should be accompanied by a parent or caregiver to the front office so their arrival time can be recorded. Students are late once the classes have gone inside. Please be aware that children are required by law to attend school between our opening hours of 9 am and 3 pm. Reasons for being repeatedly late such as “slept in” or “no parking/ too much traffic” do not have to be accepted by the school. Students should only be picked up early in exceptional circumstances.
For additional information about school attendance please read the Compulsory School Attendance notice.
Students should not be in the playground before 8.30am as supervision begins at 8.30am unless attending a school supervised activity e.g. choir. Parents will be contacted if students are left before 8.30am.
Students going to after school care are to go directly to their meeting area. Students going to COOSH are to remain in the care and supervision of the COOSH.
Parents are reminded that they are not to approach other children to discuss any issues or concerns they may have with the child or the child’s family. Please speak to the class teacher or for serious issues make an appointment with Mrs Coco K-2 and Mrs Vermiglio and Mrs Soteriou 3-6.
Allergy Reminder A number of students at CPS have severe allergies resulting in a condition known as anaphylaxis. The severity and range of symptoms varies from person to person. Please note that, while the school can never be considered a nut-free zone and nut products are not banned in the school, we do ask for parents’ co-operation in providing alternative food products for their children. For some affected children even the slightest contact with nuts or nut products or other allergic foods can result in a life-threatening reaction.
We also ask that you discuss with your children the importance of always washing hands before and after eating and not sharing their food with others. Parents, when you send in cakes and other party food please check packaging to ensure that, as much as possible, they are nut free.
If your child has anaphylaxis it is a mandatory requirement for all schools to meet with the family to prepare a medical action plan. Please ring the school for an immediate appointment if this applies to one of your children.
All student health concerns should be reported to the school. Mrs Annetta very capably oversees all student medical conditions. Please note that we can only administer prescribed medications. Please ensure that medications left at school are up to date. We request that when you take your child to the doctor that you ask for medications that can be taken outside of school hours.
From the RMS
Use the flyer included in this newsletter and this information to refresh your understanding of safety rules near schools.
Please remember not to park across driveways
Drop-off and pick-up by car
Make sure your children are in appropriate child car seats that are fitted and used correctly.
Stick to the 40km/h speed limit in a school zone as children are about and can be unpredictable.
Look out for buses pulling out – watch for wig-wag lights.
Always park and turn legally around schools and avoid dangerous manoeuvres like U-turns and three-point turns.
Always give way to pedestrians, especially when entering and leaving driveways.
Drop the kids off and pick them up on the school side of the road in your school's designated drop-off and pick-up area. Calling out to them from across the road is dangerous because they may run to you without checking traffic.
It's safest for the kids to get out of the car on the kerb side of the road to be away from passing traffic
Walking together to and from school
Plan your trip to school so you are using pedestrian crossing areas where possible.
Always hold your child's hand up until the age of eight. Young children need your help to spot danger like vehicles coming out of driveways. They can also be easily distracted and wander into traffic.
Drop off and pick up your child near the school gate and avoid calling them from across the road. Talk to your children about Stop, Look, Listen and Think every time they cross the road:
Stop one step back from the kerb
Look continuously both ways
Listen for the sounds of approaching traffic
Think whether it is safe to cross and keep checking until safely across
Your child's safety depends on you
Young children can learn these safe pedestrian habits from you and use them when they are old enough to travel alone.
Thank you for supporting our students, your children, in our efforts to keep everyone safe.
Upcoming events
P&C Meeting Tuesday February 11 at 7pm in the staffroom.
Parent information sessions- dates to be confirmed.
Swimming Carnival – February 19
I look forward to seeing you.
Mrs F Brewer
Principal (R)
Concord PS
