I am writing to you with a sincere request for help. Several years ago, we had a traffic incident at our school where several students were badly injured. The impact that event had on the lives of the children and families involved was significant. We are trying very hard to put processes in place to do all that we can to avoid anything like this happening again. We have invested heavily in car park and drop off/pick up zones, we have many staff on duties around the school in the morning and afternoon to help look after our students and educate our families about safe practices in dropping off and picking up children, we have given directions at parent information evenings, in emails, sms's and the weekly newsletter. What I am saying is we are doing everything we can to help keep our kids safe as they arrive and leave school, but we need your help.

While the large majority of families are doing what we have asked, there are times when either children on their own, or children and parents are walking through high traffic areas and the risk of an accident is high. So I ask that you do the following;

1. First and foremost, if you are simply dropping off or picking up children, please use the drive through zone. This area has been specifically designed so children can get out of and into cars without crossing any traffic and can quickly get in or out of school. This results in far fewer people walking across traffic and so is much safer.
2. Walk behind the yellow bollards and only cross at the crossing in the church car park. Please do not walk up the middle of the car park to get to your car and always accompany your child to the back gate.
3. Do not use the car parks opposite the bus zone directly in front of the school during pick up and drop off times. I know these parks are convenient, but to get to the school, you have to cross constantly moving traffic, including buses that cannot stop quickly like a small car. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES ALLOW A CHILD TO CROSS TRAFFIC UNATTENDED. The other problem parking here at peak time causes, is backing back out into the traffic line causes traffic to bank back through the drop off/pick up zone, and also back out on Wright Road. People also then get impatient and some let their children out in the traffic. If you want to park and go into classrooms, please use the back car park or side streets around the school and avoid the high traffic areas.
4. Turn left off Nelson road to get into the back carpark and the drive through rather than turning right off Nelson Road. This avoids having cars back up down Nelson Road through the roundabout (and phone calls from frustrated motorists).
5. Turn left on to Wright Road when exiting the end of the drive through. It is often difficult to break into traffic when turning right out the front of the school. Please turn left, find a side street and go around. If cars wait to turn right, it banks traffic back through the bus zone, and the drop off/ pick up zone causing congestion. I know it might take a minute or two extra, but it makes for a much safer place for our children.

I know that some of this is less convenient, but we must prioritise the safety of our children, families and staff over what is most convenient for us. If we are unable to reduce the risks around these places and times, we will have to introduce some measures to help keep us safer.

Again, a big thank you to you all for the care and consideration you give to our students.

Have a great week with your kids,

Mark B

SPELD

PM Pick-Up Zone

Please ensure you have your child's name label visible in your car when picking up your child. This makes it a lot quicker to have your child ready for pickup.

COVID Safe Check In

We have now installed posters with the COVID SAFE Check in QR Code at entrances and some other spots around the school. It is now required procedure for all adults who enter the site to check in on the phone app. 

If you wish to enter your child's classroom you will still need to sign in at the Front Office as well as scan the QR code.

Uniform Policy

Daily Health Check

Premier’s Reading Challenge

Did you know that we have had two students hand in their completed PRC reading records already? Well done to Gracie Elvin and Felix Joy, who are both in Year 2.

The library team are very excited by the amount of students who are keen to complete the challenge. We would love as many students as possible to take part. Reading records are available from the library.

Library Bags

This is a reminder that all students need a library bag to be able to borrow books. Library bags protect the books from damage and can prevent them from getting lost.

Library bags are available for purchase from the Uniform Shop for $15.00 and if ordered through Flexischools can be delivered to your child’s classroom.

Prescott College