1. Parent Feedback Survey
Thank you to all parents who completed our recent feedback survey. Your input is valuable and is helping us shape our school vision and values. The staff were really interested in reading the feedback from families. It was clear from reading the parent responses, the importance of building academic skills, resilience and supporting the development of emotional intelligence and social skills. Other priorities included the importance of creating a safe and supportive learning environment and promoting a sense of belonging within the school community. I am working with staff to look at how we can move from a good school to a great school and setting high expectations at Emu Park SS to help our students feel safe, supported and achieve their potential. I am also very interested in how we can work closely with families and the community in the new year and will be interested to get more parent voice in school initiatives.
I am currently finalising the school vision and values with staff and look forward to sharing them with you before the end of the year. Thank you again for this input.
2. Volunteering in Schools – Blue Card Requirements
Recent changes to Blue Card requirements mean that all volunteers working with children must hold a valid Blue Card. If you plan to volunteer at our school, please ensure your Blue Card is current. Additionally, all volunteers must sign in at the school office upon arrival so we know who is on site for workplace health and safety requirements.
3. Reminder – No Animals on School Grounds
For health and safety reasons, we kindly ask that families do not bring animals onto the school site. This helps us maintain a safe environment for all students and staff.
4. Swimming Lessons 2026
Swimming is an essential life skill, and we are committed to providing high-quality lessons. Due to an increased requirement from the Education Department in regards to safety requirements and instructor qualifications, the school will need to employ additional qualified instructors to run swimming in 2026.
In 2026, lessons will run intensively for one week per year level (daily lessons for 5 days), rather than one lesson per week over five weeks. The schedule will be shared early in the new year.
The cost of swimming in 2026 will be approximately $60 per child (includes bus transport, pool entry, and lessons). To keep swimming as affordable as possible, the school will also contributing additional funding to reduce costs for families.
5. Back to School Boost – Government Funding
From the start of 2026, the government's Back to School Boost will provide a $100 credit for every primary school student (Prep–Year 6). This credit will appear on your child's account and can be used for school-related expenses such excursions (including swimming), camps, or extra-curricular activities. Families can determine how they would like to use this payment, but please note that this credit cannot be used for external purchases or as a cash payment.
6. Social Media Age Restrictions
We encourage parents to review the eSafety Guide on social media age restrictions. Many platforms have minimum age requirements, and understanding these helps keep children safe online. A useful resource for parents in regards to these changes can be found on the eSafety website - https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents/social-media-age-restrictions/get-ready-guide
7. Year 6 End-of-Year Celebrations
It's a big week ahead for our Year 6 students as they prepare to transition to high school:
- Graduation: Tuesday, 9 December – Please arrive at 6:00 pm for a 6:30 pm start.
- Celebration Day: Wednesday, 10 December.
- Signing Shirts: This can commence on Thursday of Week 10.
8. Christmas Festivities
To maintain a calm environment in the couple of final weeks, we ask that students save wearing Christmas attire until the last day of term. On that day, students are welcome to wear Christmas shirts and accessories.