Congratulations to 1F who achieved the best attendance for the week ending 18th September, 2026.

Congratulations to Prep A who achieved the best attendance for the week ending 9th October, 2026.

Congratulations to 56D who achieved the best attendance for the week ending 16th October, 2026.

Congratulations to XX who achieved the best attendance for the week ending 23rd October, 2026.

PRIMARY SCHOOL ATTENDANCE

Going to school every day is the single most important part of your child’s education. Students learn new things at school every day – missing school puts them behind.

If your child is sick or absent, you are required to notify school as soon as possible on the day of absence using one of the following methods:

1. Online: log the absence directly using Compass.
2. Telephone: the school office and let the staff know your child’s name, class, date of absences and reason.

Notifying the school of your child’s absence either prior to, or on the day that they will be away, helps ensure the safety and wellbeing of children and will fulfil your legal responsibility.

Why do I need to notify the school if my child is absent?

Schools need to know when and why a child is absent and you need to know if your child isn’t at school.

If your child is absent on a particular day and you have not contacted the school to explain why, the absence will be marked as unexplained.

This system also promotes daily school attendance. Going to school every day is the single most important part of your child’s education, they learn new things every day – missing school puts them behind.

What is your responsibility?

You are legally required to ensure your child attends school every day or you must provide an explanation for their absence. You should let the school know in advance of any upcoming absences or let them know in the morning if your child won’t be at school. Avoid making routine medical and dental appointments during the school day or planning family holidays during the term.

Recognising great attendance and punctuality.

Our attendance target is 96%.  Each week, we reward the class with the highest attendance (which includes getting to school on time!), with our school mascot, Ripwell in their classroom for the week.

Our Learning in Years 5 & 6

Wellbeing in Grade 5/6: Personal Hygiene and Puberty

As part of our Wellbeing learning, our Grade 5/6 students have been exploring the importance of personal hygiene and how we can take care of ourselves as we grow and change through puberty.

Students discussed what personal hygiene means, why it is important and how our hygiene routines can change as we get older. We explored some of the changes that can occur during puberty, including oilier skin and hair, pimples, increased sweating and body odour, and considered practical ways to manage these changes as part of our everyday routines.

Working collaboratively in small groups, students shared their ideas on Post-it notes, sorting them into three categories: things we need to do every day, things we do regularly, and things we might need help with. This activity encouraged students to share ideas, reflect on their own routines and recognise that everyone has different needs and experiences. Students also considered who they could turn to for support when they have questions or need a helping hand.

A reminder for home: We encourage families to keep these important conversations going at home. Talking openly and positively about puberty, personal hygiene and the changes that come with growing up helps children feel informed, confident and supported. Everyday moments can provide great opportunities to check in, answer questions and encourage healthy habits. Most importantly, we want our young people to know that asking questions is completely normal and that they have trusted adults they can turn to for guidance.

Thank you for partnering with us to support our Grade 5/6 students as they continue to develop the knowledge, confidence and independence to look after themselves.

Sincerely, Grade 5/6 Team

Healthy back to school Lunch Box Guide!

 It is always hard to know what to pack in your child’s lunch box.  Lunch boxes can be a way to support your children while they are at school, supplying them with healthy brain food to support their growing bodies and minds.

Food provides children with energy, nutrients and a wonderful variety of tastes and textures.  NSW Health has developed this simple poster to help in the understanding of what makes a healthy lunchbox.

Remember always – make water your drink, pack ice bricks to keep food cool on hot days use a thermos to keep food warm.

TAKEAWAY FOOD

This is a friendly reminder that takeaway food deliveries (including Uber Eats, DoorDash, Menulog and similar services) are not permitted at school.

For the safety and security of our students, the school is unable to accept or facilitate food deliveries from external providers during the school day.

If your child requires lunch, please provide it from home or order through our school canteen where available.

Thank you for your understanding and support in helping us maintain a safe school environment.

SCHOOL UNIFORM – DOBSONS – BUY EARLY & SAVE!

A Message from First Aid

Dear Families

Just a reminder that it is spring, and the pollen count is high for the months of October, November, and December.

If your child suffers with symptoms such as red irritated eyes, runny nose, hives, or rashes.  Please ensure that they are prescribed the appropriate antihistamine.

Some medications can be taken at home before school as they are long lasting 6-12 hours.

Other medications are short acting and only last a couple of hours – these can be provided to school with a completed Allergy or Rhinitis/Hayfever Action Plan.

Your family GP will need to complete the form, and you can return it to first aid with the appropriate medication, this may be tablets, capsules, liquid form, nasal spray, or eye drops.

Please ensure that all medications are clearly labelled.  Spring is also the season for Asthma flare ups; this is a good time of year for check ups and updates to Asthma Action Plans and medications.

If your child is susceptible to blood noses in warmer weather encourage them to dress appropriately (not too many layers of clothing), remind them to drink plenty of water and to keep cool in the hot weather.

It is important to provide spare clothes for children that may have blood noses or toileting accidents (including) periods for older students.

The child can change and be back in the classroom ready for some more learning with very little fuss.

Thank you 😊

Important Dates – Term 4

Friday 30th October – Halloween Dress Up Day

Monday 2nd November – Curriculum Day (Student Free Day)

Tuesday 3rd November – Melbourne Cup Public Holiday

Thursday 12th November – Year 3/4 Soccer (selected students only)

Wednesday 18th November till Friday 20th November – Year 3/4 Lady Northcote Camp

Friday 27^th November – House Spirit Day

Wednesday 9th December – Year 6 Graduation (4pm till 6pm)

Friday 11th December – Year 6 Big Day Out at Funfields!

Friday 18th December – Last Day of Term 4 (early finish at 12:30pm)

Congratulations to the following students who received awards during our assemblies!

Keep up the great work!

Students of the Week – Ending 18th September

Students of the Week – Ending 9th October

Students of the Week – Ending 16th October

Students of the Week – Ending 23rd October

Congratulations to the following students who are celebrating a birthday in September & October!

Anaya  PF

Taliyah 34A

Maddy 56E

Sina      2A

Agampreet 34A

Baneet 34D

Shayan PD

Eulia PG

Reyansh PG

Sebastian 1E

Dhiyo PA

Satvika 2B

Tanvi 2E

Tarj 34H

Livai 34C

Jason 1H

Ransher 2D

Roger 2F

Raphael 1A

Arahia 1C

Kayden 34E

Saliha 1F

Oliver  34B

Hope 1H

Mishay 34G

Rafaan 56A

Archer 2F

Alraav  56E

Adena PD

Roman PD

Ibrahim PD

Kian 1A

Jayda-Lee 34B

Robel 56E

Virenpartap 1B

Philip   56H

Amber 1A

Ashton-Luke   34E

Othniel 2E

Connor 1E

Kim 2B

Kush 2B

Mahtot PG

Tianalia 2B

Tasveer 56D

Saesha 56G

Ariella 1F

Navya  34A

Alexander 56C

Prabhvir 34D

Alayet  PA

Ranveer PE

Eleanor 1A

Ava 34H

Charat 1H

Iyra 34D

Japneet 34A

Rian 56F

Ezra PG

Delyla 34F

Ruya 2C

Gurfateh 1B

Vivaan 2B

Jade 34C

Zayd 34G

Jane 56D

Zayden 56A

Ambar PC

Arden  PG

Nika 2F

Samer 56F

Kreeva 1A

Aroha  56F

Hazel Kaur PE

Alicia   2G

Jeremiah 34I

Eliza     34D

Eshal   PA

Benjamin 34C

Vaisaili 34E

Gracelyn 1B

Ele        1F

Essa     1B

Izaan   56F

We hope you had a lovely day!

*Please note that birthdays are only published up until the date of publication.