2023 TERM DATES
- Term 1: 27th January - 6th April (2:30pm finish)
- Term 2: 24th April - 23rd June (2:30pm finish)
- Term 3: 10th July - 15th September (2:30pm finish)
- Term 4: 2nd October - 20th December (1:30pm finish)
School Council Elections Each year we conduct School Council Elections at our school. Our School Council is made up of NINE members in the ‘Parent Category’ and FOUR members in the ‘School Employee Category’. The intent is that each year half of the positions in both categories become vacant, as the elected members have served their two years term of office.
I would very much like to thank Gill Nicholls and Jane McLeod (School Employee Category) and Jason Hemingway, Michael Parrent, Roger Schmidt, David Filcoff and Nicholas Deane (Parent Category) for their contributions to our school these last two years as their current term on School Council is now complete. Carol Seneca has also played a significant role over a number of years, but as her daughter graduated at the end of 2022, she is no longer eligible to complete the final year of her membership. On behalf of the school community, I thank you all. Whilst these terms have finished, the aforementioned are eligible for re-election, providing they still have children at our school, or remain as a School Employee (depending on the category).
Therefore, I am now in the position to give notice of an election for members of Viewbank Primary School’s Council. There are five two-year vacancies in the Parent Member category, and two two-year vacancies in the School Employee Member category. In addition there is one casual vacancy in the Parent Member category to fill the unexpired part of Carol Seneca’s tenure. (This position is filled by cooption by the new School Council). Nomination forms may be obtained from the General Office (by email or sent home with your child) and must be lodged by 4.00pm on Monday, February 20, 2023. If a ballot is required, it will close at 4pm on Monday, March 6, 2023. For further information please read the included advice on School Councils later in this newsletter.
Swimming Trials Our first sporting event of Term 1 takes place at Water Marc Pool on Friday, February 10 with the Grades 3 to 6 Swimming Trials. These trials form the basis for the school team to represent us at the district event later in the term (February 27). Good luck to all participants and a huge thank you to Lucas Prell and Patrick Walsh for undertaking a huge amount of work to make these happen.
Getting To Know You Interviews I do hope everyone has availed themselves of the opportunity to book up a time for these next Tuesday and Thursday nights. Patrick has more to say on these later in this newsletter.
School Council The first School Council meeting for 2023, and the last for the current School Council is scheduled for Tuesday, February 21 at 7.00pm in the staff room.
I hope you have a lovely weekend.
Kind regards,
Bill Kersing
Principal
Get To Know You Interviews Thank you to everyone who has booked a Get To Know You Interview time for the Webex meetings. The booking system (classroom teachers and specialist teachers) will close to further bookings on Monday 13th February at 12:00pm. If you have a change of circumstance, please contact your child’s teacher to request a change of time. This may need to happen at a later date.
On Friday 17th February (in some cases earlier), families who have booked in a time for the Get To Know You Interviews will receive a meeting link (or links if booking in a time with a specialist teacher). It is the family’s responsibility to ensure that they access the meeting at the time they nominated in Compass – this will be accessible until after 24th February. When you log on to the meeting, you may be directed to a ‘Lobby’ or ‘Wait Room’. The teacher will be notified that you are there and will admit you to the meeting as close to the start of your meeting time as possible. In some cases, there may be a delay, we do apologise for this in advance.
Once again, I would like to thank the teachers for giving up their evenings with their families and other commitments on these nights, and thank you for your attendance and support. Our staff do this because they recognise the importance of a strong school-home relationship, and that they value your input. We are fortunate to have such committed teachers and support staff at Viewbank PS!
Specialist Classes Our specialist teachers this year are Mrs Roccasalva (AR), Mr Prell (LP), Mrs Davey (RD), Mrs Kearney (MK), Mrs Hall (JH), Ms May (LM), Mrs Carr (NC), Mr Walker (PW), Mrs Stuckey (KS) and Mrs Sargeant (ES). Except for Mrs Roccasalva and Mr Prell, these staff are working part time. As of Thursday 9th February, classes have the following specialist teachers:
- Green shading = staff member works in this role one or more days Monday to Wednesday.
- Gold shading = staff member works in this role one or more days Wednesday to Friday.
- Not shaded = staff member is here every day.
Class Coverage As with every other employee in Victoria, our staff are entitled to sick/personal leave. Schools do not have an allocated pool of Casual Relief Techers (CRTs) that are designated to that school only, they are free to work at any school they wish (some CRTs may choose to only work at one or two schools though). If a staff member is absent, we will attempt to find a replacement teacher, if this is unable to occur, we will attempt to cover this by staff who do not have a class or a member of the principal class team. We will do our best to not ‘split’ classes (that is, allocate 3 or 4 students to a number of grades for a period of time) unless it is necessary.
Have a great weekend. See you at the Whole School Picnic on Tuesday afternoon.
Patrick
School Policy Information School policies are developed in line with Department guidelines and the community’s educational aspirations for its children. Policies are statements of purpose, which are implemented on School Council’s behalf to achieve many of the objectives stated in our School Strategic Plan as well as areas, which need to be addressed to ensure our programs and practices are followed in accordance with the needs of the community in mind.
A range of operational, curriculum and health and wellbeing policies are available on our school website, providing detailed information about how the policy topic is implemented at our school. All policies are reviewed and updated on a cyclical basis.
Transition Tips Back to school is an exciting time for students and families. It can be a big step – particularly for those starting prep or moving to secondary school.
For advice in multiple languages on how parents can help their child have a positive start to school, refer to Tips for starting school.
Parenting Webinars ParentZone are offering a range of free parenting groups both face to face and online coving a range of topics including –
- My child doesn’t want to go to school – what do I do?
- Managing children’s anxiety
- Creating and maintaining routines
- Navigating co-parenting
Please check out the below flyers and their newsletter with all the groups on offer.
You can contact ParentZone on 03 86418900 or parentzone.northern@Anglicarevic.org.au if you have any questions.
Have a wonderful week.
Gill
2023 PARENT PAYMENT ARRANGEMENTS (Curriculum & Other Contributions) – We would like to thank all the families who have thus far made financial contributions to our wonderful school. Your support and involvement in your child’s education is crucial in helping our school provide a high-quality learning environment for students. Whether it's through volunteering, participating in events, or making financial contributions, every little bit helps. Thank you to our parents for their dedication and commitment to the students and the school.
EXTRA-CURRICULAR ITEMS & ACTIVITIES (Enhancing and Broadening the Student Experience). The school provides camps, excursions, incursions, and other activities that enhance or broaden the schooling experience, and these are provided on a user-pays basis. Families will be invoiced for these activities via Compass and run on a user-pays basis. We have support for families facing financial hardship to attend these activities. Term 1 charges and permissions were posted via Compass last week.
CAMPS, SPORTS AND EXCURSIONS FUND (CSEF) The Government assisted Fund provides payments for eligible students to attend camps, sports, incursions and excursions ($125 per child). Applications for the Governments ‘CSEF Fund’ can be accessed by filling in the application form and returning it to the office with a copy of your current Health Care Card. Families holding a valid means-tested concession card or temporary foster parents are eligible to apply) i.e. a Centrelink Health Care Card or Pension Concession Card or Veteran Affairs Gold Card.
If you applied for the CSEF at your child's school in 2022, you do not need to complete an application form in 2023 unless there has been a change in your family circumstances.
You only need to complete an application form if any of the following changes have occurred:
- new student enrolments; your child has started or changed schools in 2023 or you did not apply in 2022.
- changed family circumstances; such as a change of custody, change of name, concession card number, or new siblings commencing at the school in 2023.
Funds are paid to the school and will be automatically allocated to the Extra-Curricular Items and Activities unless otherwise stated by the parent at the start of the year.
WORKING WITH CHILDREN CHECK (WWCC) A ‘Working with Children Check’ is just one part of creating and maintaining a child-safe environment. It is a requirement that all parents/careers who wish to volunteer or participate in school activities have a current WWCC. https://www.workingwithchildren.vic.gov.au/
Kind regards,
Lucy Addati
Business Manager
This week 4B and 4R unpacked our School Values as part of the Fresh Start program.
Respect
- Respect is something that can be given and received. (Elliot, 4R)
- Respect is treating people fairly. It is also something that you give to people and can receive from people. It is worth a lot but doesn’t cost anything. (Henry, 4R)
- Respect is something that you show to someone to make them feel good. (Sophie, 4B)
- Respect is understanding others and treating them the way you want to be treated. (Trini, 4R)
- Respect is something that can be given and received, it can be common and rare but most of all it should be shown to everyone. (Will, 4R)
- Respect is something you give and hope to receive in return. If you don’t though, it’s good to know that you did the right thing. (Harper, 4R)
Responsibility
- Responsibility is taking care of your own belongings, other things and an action of trust. (Ella, 4R)
- Being responsible is to take care of your belongings and to keep your learning environment clean. (Ikdaat, 4B)
- Responsibility is being trusted to do something sensibly and making your own choices. (Liv, 4R)
Resilience
- Resilience is never giving up, believing in yourself, bouncing back and thinking ‘I can’t do it… yet!’ (Immi, 4R)
- Resilience means to attempt a task even if you are too scared about it. Be brave and always have a turn even if you are not good at it yet. (Patrick, 4B)
- Resilience is never giving up and having a positive attitude. (Alice, 4R)
- Resilience is not giving up and always having a go. It also means you trust that you can do anything as long as you try. (Aria, 4R)
- Resilience is never giving up no matter what and always trying your best. (Sebastian, 4R)
Kindness
- Kindness is an amazing attitude that has a sprinkle of every school value. There is no one in this world who can’t show kindness, you have to tell your mind ‘No, I want to use my manners, help people who are hurt and hold the door for people’. (Mia, 4R)
- Kindness is using your manners when speaking to others. Kindness is using full body listening when somebody is talking to you. (Arjun, 4B)
- Kindness is being caring and supportive to others and showing them that they are not alone. (Josie, 4R)
ACROSTIC POEMS WRITTEN BY THE CHILDREN IN GRADE 4R
BOOK CLUB Issue 1 catalogues have sent home this week. All orders are due by Wednesday 15th of February. Every dollar you spend earns points to buy more books for the Library. Thank you for your support.
The Year 4 students were very excited this week to be back in the Kitchen and Garden for 2023!
In Garden the students enjoyed harvesting fresh produce to cook with – Check out those carrots!
In Kitchen we cooked with our fresh produce and made Chickpea & Lentil Burgers, Tomato & Herb Quinoa Salad and a Tomato Sauce – Delicious!
Lower Plenty Bakehouse will be providing the school with fundraising Lunch Orders every Thursday. These lunches have been implemented via our Parents and Friends Committee. All money raised will be used towards our major school upgrade.
Our Term 1 Fundraising Lunch Order Dates are:
- Thursday 16th February (Orders closing on 13th February, 3:00pm)
- Thursday 23rd February (Orders closing on 20th February, 3:00pm)
- Thursday 2nd March (Orders closing on 27th February, 3:00pm)
- Thursday 9th March (Orders closing on 6th March, 3:00pm)
- Thursday 16th March (Orders closing on 13th March, 3:00pm)
- Thursday 23rd March (Orders closing on 20th March, 3:00pm)
- Thursday 30th March (Orders closing on 27th March, 3:00pm)
- Thursday 6th April (Orders closing on 3rd April, 3:00pm)
Orders need to be placed in advance via Compass Canteen. Ordering will close the Monday before the lunch date at 3pm. All of Term 1 lunch dates are now open for orders, and can be placed in advance for the whole term if you choose to do so.
Please see attached a Parent User Guide on how to order via Compass Canteen. Please note a 35 cents order fee will be charged at check out.
Parent assistance is required on Lunch Days from 10:30am to 12:30pm to assist with the packing of our orders. If you are available to assist in anyway can you please email the school at viewbank.ps@education.vic.gov.au so your name can be added to our roster.
Thank you for your support.
ICY POLE FRIDAY Students are able to purchase icy poles over the counter at lunchtime every Friday. All icy poles cost $1.00 each.
Entertainment Book Upgrade Get a Free membership Upgrade (Validity 4th October - 24th November 2022) for a limited time only. You get all your usual vouchers plus more. Purchase any Single City Entertainment Membership and receive a bonus, Multi City upgrade*, unlocking access to 20 cities and thousands of offers across Australia and New Zealand. And of course 20% of the membership goes directly to support our fundraising at Viewbank Primary School. https://www.entertainment.com.au/current-promotion
People who purchase this book often get the entire value back through savings within the first few uses.
Lunches must be ordered online using the CLASSROOM CUISINE website.
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WEEKLY SECOND HAND UNIFORM SALE - Every Friday 8:45am to 9:15am, next to the music room. Jumpers with the school logo, long and short sleeve school polo tops and school dresses will be $5.00 and all other items $2.00. We are currently asking for donations of any unwanted reusable school uniform items to sell at our stall.
Instrumental Music Enrolments Can all students who would like to join our school instrumental music programs please inform the relevant teacher below of your expression of interest.
SINGING WITH GABRIELLA - Gabriella
- Email: favrettogab@gmail.com
- Phone: 0413 676 733
STRINGS - MR CAI
- Email: cai66@optusnet.com.au
- Phone: 0403 490 078
GUITAR/BASS GUITAR - Alec
- Email: alec.stalder@gmail.com
DRUMS/BEGINNER KEYBOARD - Michael
- Email: michaelfindlaymcnab@gmail.com
- Phone: 0451 394 540
PIANO/KEYBOARD – Tiaryn Griggs
- Email: tiaryngriggs@gmail.com
Our school has partnered with an independent provider called TheirCare to provide exceptional Outside School Hours Care services for our school community.
The program is available for all children at Viewbank Primary School from 6:30am until 9:00am in the morning and from 3:30pm until 6:15pm each school day.
During School Holidays & Pupil Free Days the service will operate from 6:30am until 6:15pm.
Families wishing to use this service can visit the TheirCare website: www.theircare.com.au
Families are eligible for a Government Rebate called the Child Care Subsidy which can reduce the cost per session by up to 85%.
More information can be obtained by contacting the school or ringing TheirCare Support Team on 1300 072 410.
TheirCare provides a stimulating and safe environment for all children. During sessions, children develop life-skills, friendships, confidence and creativity through play-based programs.
A PLUS SCHOOLWEAR Our uniform supplier is A Plus Schoolwear which is located at 41-43 Northern Road Heidelberg West. Open hours are Monday, Wednesday and Friday’s from 9am to 4.30pm (closed on weekend and public holidays).
You can also purchase your uniform online at www.aplusschoolwear.com.au