At Avondale Primary, we believe that the education of our students is a partnership between home and school and parents are encouraged to actively participate in their child's education.
CHILD SAFETY VOLUNTEER INDUCTION SESSION
As part of our commitment to continuous improvement in our approach to child safety and wellbeing we will be running a volunteer induction session next MONDAY, MARCH 27 at 9:30am online via WebEx. All volunteers at Avondale Primary School are required to hold a current Working with Children Check Clearance and attend a volunteer induction session. This includes canteen helpers, classroom helpers etc. People wanting to attend this meeting need to email the school by 3pm Friday March, 24 avondale.ps@education.vic.gov.au to receive the meeting invitation.
The implementation of the school's philosophy to develop each student is enhanced by an active and supportive community.
All parent helpers are required to sign in at the school office and abide by our Child Safety Code of Conduct. Avondale Primary School now requires all volunteers/ parent helpers apply for a volunteer Working With Children Check (WWC) and attend a school run OHS induction session. These are held once per term. Click here for more information on how to appy for a Working With Children Check. Department guidelines and policy are available using the following link:
Suitability Checks for School Volunteers and Visitors DET
Areas of ParticipationParents are encouraged to participate in a wide range of areas including:
Education CommitteeThe Education Sub-committee plays a very important role in advising Council on policy development and the evaluation of educational programs. Parents are welcome to seek membership or visit meetings of the sub-committee.
Teachers report regularly to the committee on the implementation of Literacy and Numeracy programs and consult the committee regarding curriculum initiatives. This is a very valuable way for interested parents to gain detailed knowledge of curriculum goals and program evaluation. The committee meets at an agreed time every month before reporting to school council.
Fundraising CommitteeThe Fundraising Committee is a group of enthusiastic and caring parents committed to involving the whole school community in the continual advancement of the quality of students’ education.
It aims to raise monies to purchase facilities which enhance the school’s facilities and educational programs. The committee meets monthly at a time convenient to members.
Its ability to be successful and effective is directly related to the amount of support it receives from the parent community. Everyone is welcome.
Canteen Committee or volunteering in the canteen.
Canteen Parents Perspective
We started volunteering in the canteen 4 years ago when our eldest kids were in Prep. It felt daunting having never worked in a canteen environment before but we were both genuinely surprised at how much we enjoyed it. So much so, 4 years on and we are still volunteering.
The canteen provides a fantastic opportunity to meet other parents/ grandparents. You can also get to know kids from different grades whilst making a valuable contribution to the school. The children love having a free lunch when we are there – one of the benefits! It is also incredibly rewarding! Seeing the smile on your son/ daughter’s face when you are there is one of the best things about it!
Di (who runs the canteen) is extremely welcoming and friendly – always greets you with a smile. She finds roles for everyone so if you don’t want to handle the money, you don’t have to. You could prepare the food, make toasted sandwiches, check the orders, put the labels on the drinks and snacks, the list is endless! It is really flexible as well – you only need to volunteer once a month on either a Monday/ Thursday or Friday just for a couple of hours if that’s all you can do or alternatively for the day. Any help is gratefully received!
If you are worried you cannot attend the training session or complete a Working with Children Check on the days specified, just contact the office/ Jenna Heywood and they can make an alternative arrangement. The WWC is really easy and quick to do all as it can be completed in the school with Jenna’s guidance.
We would both encourage anyone who has spare time on any of those days to volunteer, it is a great way to support and feel part of the school community. It really is fun and sociable for you and makes your kids really happy! Don’t hesitate, speak to the office today!
Isabelle & Karena
The Canteen Committee meets each term to oversee the running of the canteen and then reports to school council.
School Council
Avondale Primary School declare elected the following nominees who nominated in the school council parent and school employee category. Click here to view a copy of the official notification form to the the school community: Form 1- Form 2
- Isabell Sawtell- Jonathan Woodman- Reece Campbell
- Scott Cameron- Jenna Heywood (DET)
2023 President - TBC
School Councils are constituted as legal bodies under State Legislation and represent the Crown. The School Council is a representative body of elected parent and teacher members who provide the governance for the school’s policies, financial and curriculum operations.
Avondale School Council currently comprises eight parents, two elected staff, the Principal as an ex officio voting member and one co-opted member. The Council also has the power to co-opt up to two members from time to time if it wishes to use their particular expertise or have a specific interest group represented.
Council members are elected for a two-year term, with half the positions becoming vacant each year, thus allowing for continuity of membership. Parent members must have a child attending the school. Parents are encouraged to stand for Council at election time.
Parents and members of the wider community are most welcome to contact any member of the council to discuss any matters of concern or interest.
Council meets a minimum of eight times a year, currently on the third Tuesday of each month, at 7.00pm in the staff room. Members of the school community are most welcome to attend as observer.
SCHOOL COUNCIL PRESIDENT’S REPORT- NOVEMBER 2022
We held our last Council meeting of 2022 on Tuesday 22 November.
The Council approved the following:
• Curriculum Days for 2023
• SunSmart Policy
• The Draft 2023 Indicative Budget Summary Report
• $75 refund/credit to parents for the Grades 3/4 Bendigo Camp
• 2023 Parent Payment Letter
• Team Kids school holiday Program will be accessible by current Grade 6 students and also students who will be commencing Foundation in 2023.
School Council discussed the following:
• The Interrelate Tricky Talks received very positive feedback and Council support the return of these in 2023.
• The School Council is keen to support future school activities (including Fundraising) and the discussed the possibility that all members could undertake the required training to obtain the Food Handling Certificate.
• The lawn mowing was also a key area of discussion with numerous factors including the significant rain fall and a change in mowing provider affecting the school grounds. Peter Gagliardi is investigating different solutions to address this.
• The water leak under the new building is still causing issues around the building and outside the school grounds. Jill is working closely with the VSBA (Victorian Schools Building Authority) to ensure this is rectified and is an ongoing investigation.
School Council members are excited to have the opportunity to attend the Grade 6 graduation to support our students progressing to high school in 2023. The end of year celebration on Thursday 8 December promises to be a highlight of 2022. The excitement is building in the community with some incredible raffle prizes to be won and live performances from each grade. We look forward to seeing the school community all together in a fun and relaxed setting to celebrate Avondale Primary!
Please support the fundraising sausage sizzle this Saturday 26 November held at the school for the Federal State Election. Helpers are still welcome even if you can only spare an hour! If not, just come and enjoy a sausage or 2!
SCHOOL COUNCIL PRESIDENT’S REPORT- SEPTEMBER 2022
We held our meeting on Tuesday 13 September (this week) and Council members were provided with Child Safety training in accordance with the new Child Safe Standards.
The following are highlights from our discussions based on the reports tabled at the meeting:
Excitement is building with Team Kids who are preparing to commence the OHSC next term.
Although not instigated by School Council, safety is a responsibility which falls under our remit. So, we are very pleased to see the introduction of the School Drop-Off zone this week in Wood Street, another positive way to help keep our children safe.
The Fundraising Team had a successful Father’s Day Stall and Sports Day lunch. They will be seeking volunteers for the State Election BBQ on Saturday 26 November 2022.
The Facilities Subcommittee have replaced the sand in the sandpit with a new cover and shade sails will soon be installed beside the Futsal Court. There are a number of improvements/ projects in the making including a bike shed and extension of the PA system.
The Canteen is undergoing some menu changes…keep an eye on Compass for more details.
The Education Subcommittee is currently reviewing the Homework Policy and will discuss this at the next meeting.
The Council endorsed the new Statement of Values and School Philosophy which can now be shared with our community.
SCHOOL COUNCIL PRESIDENT’S REPORT- AUGUST 2022
Our last meeting was held on Tuesday 16 August in which we welcomed our new member, Scott Cameron who has filled a vacant position on the Council.
Daniel from TeamKids, our newly appointed OSHC provider, shared an informative presentation followed by a Q & A session. The Council are very pleased to welcome TeamKids to our Avondale community to provide new and exciting opportunities for our children. An information webinar has been scheduled in Week 10.
The Child Safety Code of Conduct was endorsed by the Council and consultation with related Child Safe policies has occurred.
Some highlights from our School Council Subcommittee meetings are:
Canteen:
Education:
Fundraising:
SCHOOL COUNCIL PRESIDENT'S REPORT- MAY 2022
Our last meeting was held on Tuesday 17th May 2022. The Council ratified the following:
The Council discussed the role of subcommittees and proposing meetings for them for the duration of the year. Participation in subcommittees is a fantastic way to be involved in the school and we welcome anyone who is interested. The subcommittees are:
The dates for these monthly meetings will be shared through Compass this If you would like to be involved, please email the school avondale.ps@edumail.vic.gov.au
We also discussed ideas for some whole school events (including some possibilities for the Fundraising Subcommittee) for students and families and would love some input from the Student Representative Council (SRC) to see what the students think.
