A portion of this break time will be spent by families in preparation for the 2024 school year, to support you in this process, I have put together some ‘Back to School Tips’ that I hope you find helpful.
Back to School Tip 1:
Class Allocations for 2024
Staff have been working on creating the 2024 class groupings over the past few weeks. Whilst we try to accommodate the many parent requests regarding class placements, we are unable to guarantee that we can do this every year. Children are often more resilient than we give them credit for when it comes to change. Providing them with opportunities to meet and make new friends each year can assist them to become independent, resilient, well-rounded and adept in seeking out and making positive social connections. Children will take their lead from parents in terms of developing their attitudes about new experiences and school in general. As such, if you are positive about the year ahead then your children will be too.
• 2024 Class allocations will be emailed to families on Thursday 18 January 2024. Please make sure you check you junk folder as this email will be coming from your child’s teacher.
Back to School Tip 2:
Classroom Transition Visits
Meridan State College staff are committed to smooth transitions for our students and therefore an opportunity is available for students to visit their new classroom, meet their new teachers and drop off their book packs before school begins.
• Classrooms will be open for this purpose from 9:30am -10:30am on Friday 19 January 2024.
At the beginning of next year we will have our amazing support staff at classrooms ready to assist any students who require assistance. Please help us in this endeavour by talking to your child about starting the day at the classroom. If you believe your child will require extra support to be successful on the first day of school, please talk to your class teacher on the Friday morning transition visit.
Gates:
To assist with smoother traffic flow in the Prep area, Gate 5 will be closed every morning. Please use Gate 4 (Helping Hands) or Gate 6 (parent car park entry/bike racks) for entry into the school.
Back to School Tip 3:
School Uniforms
To support ongoing high standards and school pride that Meridan State College is known for, the following has been taken from our uniform policy and is a reminder of our uniform guidelines and expectations. Families are invited to take the school holiday break to ensure your children’s’ school uniform conform with the Meridan State College’s uniform policy.
Girls Uniform Options
• College unisex polo shirt – Prep
• College unisex polo shirt – Yrs. 1 - 6
• College black skorts or College black unisex microfibre shorts
• College primary dress – Yrs. 1 - 6
• College primary microfibre track pants
• Broad brim hat with College logo or bucket hat with College logo
• Black shoes - leather or vinyl fully enclosed, polishable joggers or school shoes without any visible logos or colour splashes. We recommend that parents ensure that students have black joggers as a minimum so that they can fully participate in physical activities.
• White visible ankle socks
• College black backpack with College emblem
• College black pullover jumper/cardigan/primary vest with emblem
• College microfibre jacket
• Black tights (foot fully enclosed) – 40 denier.
Boys Uniform Options
• College unisex polo shirt - Prep
• College unisex polo shirt – Yrs. 1 - 6
• College black unisex microfibre shorts
• College primary microfibre track pants
• Broad brim hat with College logo or bucket hat with College logo
• Black shoes – leather or vinyl fully enclosed, polishable joggers or school shoes without any visible logos or colour splashes. We recommend that parents ensure that students have black joggers as a minimum so that they can fully participate in physical activities
• White visible ankle socks
• College black backpack with College emblem
• College black pullover jumper/cardigan/primary vest with emblem
• College microfibre jacket
Year 6 students may wear their Senior shirt as an alternative to the Meridan State College polo shirt
Jewellery
• Students may wear one small pair of plain sleepers or studs (silver or gold) in the ears only (one earing in each ear) and a watch
• All other items of jewellery, such as rings, necklaces, bracelets, medallions, anklets are not permitted
• If medical medallions are required, a medical certificate must be provided to the College. No other accessories may be worn
Hair
Students are required to tie their hair up if hair length is at or below the collar, when given as a direct instruction by a teacher
• A hair net may be required for some activities
• Hair accessories MUST be in College colours – calypso blue, purple or black. The uniform supplier sells the approved College scrunchie in these colours and elaborate flowers or coloured community hairbands should not be worn.
• Excessive unnatural hair colouring is not acceptable
• Shaved tracks or mohawks haircuts are not permitted.
Back to School Tip 4:
Student Code of Conduct
Please find attached our 2020-2023, P&C endorsed, Meridan State College Student Code of Conduct. I invite you to take some time to peruse this document to ensure you are up to date with any new school information and processes.
Student Health Plans and Medication
The Christmas break is an excellent opportunity for parents of children with health action plans to visit your child's doctor and update plans for the 2024 school year. We thank parents for undertaking this important process. A reminder to our parents to please pick up any unused medication this week.
Important 2024 Dates
2024 school starts: Monday 22 January 2024
School Office open hours:
Monday 15/1/24 + Tuesday 16/1/24 (8:00am-3:30pm)
Wednesday 17/1/24 (10:00am-3:30pm)
Thursday 18/1/24 (8:00am-3:30pm)
Friday 19/1/24 (10:00am-2:30pm)
Class placements emailed: Thursday 18 January 2024
Proposed P&C AGM Tuesday 19 March 2024 at 5:00pm Rainforest Retreat