The school year has commenced smoothly. All five of our classrooms participated in a three-day Ready to Learn curriculum, which introduced students to the structures and routines necessary for achieving their best learning outcomes. Our students demonstrated immense commitment to this initiative, making it one of the strongest starts to a school year I have witnessed. Each student has taken home a social story to read with their family about their classroom and school—we hope you enjoy sharing this with your child.

This year, we begin with 81 students across five classrooms. A large percentage of these are our new Foundation students, who have settled seamlessly into the rigors of primary school life. They bring great joy to staff and students alike as they smile, play, and laugh their way through the school day.

Staffing Update
During the holiday period, Mrs. Sharon Smith-Francis accepted a position at Alfredton Primary School. Mrs. Seff has been a valued staff member at Macarthur Street for 17 years, playing an integral role in the development of hundreds of students. She will be missed immensely, and we know all students hold fond memories of her. We wish her all the best on her next educational adventure and are certain she will not be a stranger to Mac Street!

With Mrs. Seff’s departure, we welcome Mrs. Wendy Tangey to the team. Mrs. Tangey will be teaching PE, Auslan, Art, and tutoring. She brings a wealth of knowledge to our school, and her vibrant and energetic nature has already been a hit with the students. If you see Mrs. T in the yard, please give her a warm welcome to our amazing school community.

Building Works
Over the school holidays, several projects have taken place to enhance our learning spaces. All classrooms have been freshly painted, and new flooring has been installed, creating vibrant learning environments. The excitement was evident as students walked through the doors on day one!

Additionally, the ITTC has relocated to Gov Hub down the road, allowing us to convert those spaces back into classrooms—an exciting development as our enrolment numbers continue to grow. Lastly, we have installed 16 security cameras around the school to provide additional security for our wonderful building outside of school hours.

Uniform
It has been wonderful to see our students wearing the correct uniform. However, we are aware that uniform stock has been a challenge for our supplier, and we have raised this issue with the company. If you are waiting on uniform items that are preventing your child from being in full school uniform, please inform their classroom teacher or the school office.

Attendance
Regular attendance is essential for your child’s success. Unexplained absences can result in missed valuable learning opportunities. If your child is unwell and unable to attend school, please notify their class teacher with a note or contact the school office.
With our structured approach to teaching and learning, lessons begin promptly at 9:00 AM, with Literacy as the first session each day. Arriving on time ensures that your child starts the day with their peers and maximizes their learning opportunities.

Athletics Carnival
Students have begun training for our upcoming Athletics Carnival, which will be held at school on Friday, March 7. Please mark this in your diary - we would love to see you there!

Fundraiser
On Saturday, March 1, we will be hosting a sausage sizzle at Bunnings Ballarat on Creswick Rd. We would love to see as many community members as possible supporting our school by purchasing a sausage or drink.

It has been a fantastic start to the school year!
Have a great weekend.