Macquarie Memo Issue 7 - 2024

News from the Deputy Principal

Dear families,

Macquarie Primary School is a place where everyone is welcome. We continue to recognise and celebrate the diversity of culture within our school. At Macquarie Primary School we are committed to:

• Learning more about the cultures of others,
• Being kind to each other with our words and actions,
• Making everyone feel welcome,
• Working through challenges respectfully.

As we head into Reconciliation Week, it is a time to reflect and learn about our shared histories, cultures and achievements and consider how we can individually and collectively contribute to reconciliation in Australia. The theme for Reconciliation Week 2024 is ‘Now More Than Ever’.

The National Reconciliation Week 2024 design and artwork represent the momentum of the theme Now More Than Ever. The chevron, a universal symbol for pointing the way, signifies advancing as one as we look towards a reconciled future; and the vibrant artwork of Gubbi Gubbi artist Maggie Douglas encourages connecting with one another, understanding and continuing to move forward.  

The 2024 theme design incorporating the artwork is by Carbon Creative.

(Reference: reconciliation.org.au)

In the words of Reconciliation Australia,

• We need connection
• We need respect
• We need action

Regards,

Karen

Parent Portal reminders

Parent Portal is now available. It is a secure online platform used to share student information between you and your child’s teachers.

Some reminders about Parent Portal:

• If you already have a Parent Portal account, use this Parent Portal access link to start using the great features.
• You can’t access Parent Portal directly through the ACT Digital Account website, you need to use the link above.
• When you are logged into Parent Portal, we recommend saving the browser as a favourite or to the homepage on your mobile phone for quick access in the future.
• The website can only be viewed using a web browser on your computer, mobile phone or tablet. An app is not available at this time.
• If you still need to register, you will need an access key and a Parent Portal registration link via email to link your existing account to your child’s records. If you haven’t received this, please contact the school’s front office team for assistance.

Mirri has had a busy two weeks...

I have been busy welcoming our families and also helping Jen settle in at Macquarie Primary.

                                                                                                 We all had fun on Pirate Day

  and sometimes we all need a little rest.

Suspension, Transfer or Exclusion of a Student in ACT Public Schools Policy

The Education Directorate has released its updated Suspension, Transfer or Exclusion of a Student in ACT Public Schools Policy.

ACT public schools work hard to support every student to achieve their best and meet their individual  learning needs.

Schools use a range of prevention and early support approaches to manage student behaviours when they may impact on a student’s ability to be positively engaged at school or impacts other students.

We recognise the importance of every child’s right to a quality education. Suspension, transfer or exclusion from school is not a punitive measure and will only be used for the purpose of providing the time necessary to ensure a safe and effective learning environment at school.

When this need arises, our schools work closely with students and their families to support them through this process and to support the continuity of learning for the student.

You can read the full policy on the Education website.  

Notes / Reminders

All notes are available on our school website.

P & C News

Thank you to Mother’s Day stall volunteers

Thank you so much to our volunteers for all their efforts to make the Mother's Day stall such a success. We absolutely could not run these special events without volunteers, and we really appreciate all of you for being a part of the day.

A special thank you to Shane and Veronika who donated items for the stall - these unique items were very popular gifts and we are so grateful for the contribution!

P&C uniform shop

The P&C Uniform Shop is located in the Tidbinbilla Building. It is run by volunteers and sells new uniforms as close to cost price as possible, and second-hand items for $2 and $5. Open times are:

Mondays 8:45 - 9:15am, Wednesdays 3:00 - 3:30pm, and Fridays 8:45 - 9:15am.

Cash and card payments are accepted. Orders can also be placed online via the flexischools app - see  www.flexischools.com.au. No need to collect online orders - they will be sent home with students. Any questions can be sent to uniforms.mps@gmail.com.  

Donations of pre-loved uniform items are gratefully accepted during open times, or may be left at the front office.

Contact Details

Community Notices

All donations can be dropped off to the school. Items must be in great condition and Children's size 5-16 are preferred.

For 20 plus years, Menslink have provided free counselling to young guys throughout Canberra and the surrounding region.

If your young guy is having a hard time and could really use someone to talk to, get in touch with Menslink. Now conveniently located in Holder (with some sessions also available at Kippax & Lanyon), our wait times are currently low so we’re ready to help when he needs it.

We provide a welcoming and supportive environment for young guys to share their concerns and worries with a male counsellor who will hear them out, work alongside them and provide tips and strategies to get them through those tough times.

Our Counselling sessions are completely confidential and are available to any male aged 10-25. There are no fees or charges or limits to the number of sessions. You don’t need a mental health plan and we are available during school terms and school holidays. The only prerequisite is that he is willing to give it a try.

If you think your young guy will benefit from chatting to one of our counsellors, have a chat with them and head to www.menslink.org.au, hit the ‘Get Help’ button, fill in the form and we’ll get back to you, generally the same or next business day.

If you need more info on how to have that chat with them, just email admin@menslink.org.au or call 6287 2226 and we will send you some information.