Thursday 5th September - School Production VMTV (matinee and evening)

Friday 6th September - School Production VMTV (matinee and evening)

Tuesday 17th September - Walkathon Fundraiser

Friday 20th September - JSC Footy Colours Day / Special Lunch Order Day ORDER NOW

Friday 18th October – Student Disco

Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th October - Vision Portraits

PUPIL FREE DAYS

• Monday December 16, 2019
• Tuesday January 28th, 2020
• Wednesday January 29th, 2020
• Two extra days yet to be confirmed in 2020

TERM DATES

• 2019 TERM 3: Monday 15th July - Friday 20th September (2:30pm finish)
• 2019 TERM 4: Monday 7th October - Thursday 20th December (1:30pm finish)
• 2020 TERM 1: Tuesday 28th January - Teachers start (All students start Thursday 30th January) - Friday 27th March (2:30pm finish)
• 2020 TERM 2: Tuesday 14th April - Friday 26th June (2:30pm finish)
• 2020 TERM 3: Monday 13th July - Friday 18th September (2:30pm finish)
• 2020 TERM 4: Monday 5th October - Friday 18th December (1:30pm finish)

CAMP DATES

• Year 3: Arrabri Lodge Camp (Mon 05Aug to Wed 07Aug 2019)
• Year 5: Lady Northcote Recreation Camp (Tue 08Oct to Fri 11Oct 2019)
• Year 6: Canberra Camp (Mon 14May to Fri 18May 2020)
• Year 4: Anglesea Recreation Camp (Wed 27May to Wed 29May 2020)
• Year 3: Arrabri Lodge Camp (Mon 27July to Wed 29July 2020)
• Year 5: Lady Northcote Recreation Camp (Tue 06Oct to Fri 09Oct 2020)

THE RESILIENCE PROJECT We had a wonderful attendance on Monday night at the parent forum run by Martin Heppell from The Resilience Project. Martin spoke for nearly two hours to the more than 150 in attendance on empathy, resilience, kindness, failure (and how it is okay to fail) and perspective, and his presentation was laced with humour, self-deprecation and honesty. I know that those in attendance will happily share some of the messages they took away from the forum, will endorse much of what he spoke about and might even give you a hug (you had to be there!). Thank you to the staff who also gave up their time in a very busy week to support this presentation.

A CHILD IS BORN I am very happy to report that Fiona Wright, who left recently on Family Leave, gave birth on Friday August 30 to a son, Jack Charles Wright. Congratulations to Fiona and Kyle and their first born Evie as they welcome Jack to their household!!

SCHOOL PRODUCTION The big events have arrived and by the time you read this, (at the very least), the first matinee will have been completed. As always a massive undertaking but one so capably handled by Renee Davey and Jen Hall and very ably supported by Kathryn Harvey and a cast of many in other support roles. Most importantly, the school production gives the opportunity for all of our students to shine in the performing arts field, to develop further confidence and to have fun to boot and we trust that the feedback will be very, very positive. As always, the Foundation students will likely steal the show with their unique combination of cuteness, innocence and talent, but the items of all grades are simply amazing and we hope that you will enjoy the shows as much as we have enjoyed putting them on.

PLANNING WEEK We return to earth next week with planning week and a slightly different timetable in operation. Having said that, we will still have a few ‘other’ events in operation with PMP Land (the 2020 Transition program for Foundation ) on Wednesday, September 11, a Year 1 Financial Literacy program, the P-2 Cross country on Friday morning (September 13) and the Foundation Fire Education program. In addition, we will be hosting an interschool chess tournament on Thursday, September 12. Busy times.

That’s it from me this week. I hope to see you at the School Production.

Kind regards,

Bill Kersing

Principal

PLANNING WEEK Next week (September 9-13) will be planning week across the school.

Throughout the week all classroom teachers will be timetabled to spend a whole day planning for Term 4, along with the other teachers in their team. Specialist teachers also receive time throughout the week to plan for the following term. Teachers meet together to reflect and provide feedback on the learning that has occurred across this term, discuss student data that has been collected and use this information to inform future planning.

The teaching and learning for Term 4 will be discussed and planned, with planners being developed for English and Mathematics. Inquiry units, will be also be reviewed and planned. Common assessment tasks will be documented and excursions and in school activities researched and booked.

Planning Week allows our staff the opportunity to engage in professional discussions and develop the rich, differentiated learning programs that allow our students to engage fully in their learning.

Teaching teams will plan on the following days with students having specialist lessons for the day:

• Monday- Year 2 and 3, Tuesday – Foundation, Wednesday – Year 4,
• Thursday – Year 1 and 6, Friday – Year 5.

ASSISTING YOUR CHILD’S LEARNING - Helping your child to write Year 3 – Year 6

As your child moves through primary school, he or she will begin writing longer creative pieces, writing in different genres, and exploring non-fiction and persuasive writing.

Some general tips to help with your child’s writing in these years include:

• Continue to encourage them to write for everyday skills. This includes writing recipes, family messages, shopping lists and greeting cards.
• Make sure they have an appropriate place to write, such as a desk in a quiet room.
• Provide stationery, such as coloured pens and pencils, and different coloured paper.
• It is always helpful to discuss the writing topic with your child before they start to write. This will give your child ideas and confidence to start writing.
• After discussing the topic your child is writing about, you may want to write down a few arguments or story plot points to help them. They can then expand on these points.
• Encourage your child to write creatively in different genres, such as fantasy, realism, and adventure.
• Encourage your child to write different types of literary texts such as poems, short plays or film scripts.
• Use a book your child has read as a springboard into creative writing.
• Persuasive writing will become a focus at school. Encourage your child to write down their opinions and ideas about specific issues.
• Encourage your child to edit their work for mistakes before they show you. They should also make sure the writing makes sense. Getting your child to read their work out loud is a good technique to find mistakes in writing.
• Using a dictionary helps with spelling mistakes.
• Using a thesaurus helps to expand your child’s vocabulary.

Some fun activities might include:

• Encourage your child to keep a diary where they record their feelings and experiences.
• Write a review of a book or film. Encourage your child to have an opinion about the relative good and bad points, and how the film could be improved.
• Create ‘found poetry.’ Pick 20 random lines and phrases from books or poems and arrange these lines into a new poem.
• It can be fun to discuss the different possibilities of joining different lines, and the changes in meaning these create.
• Give your child a topic that has two clear sides, such as “Homework should be banned.” Ask your child to write a few paragraphs outlining their arguments for and against.
• If your child has recently finished a novel or film, ask them to write creatively in response to it. They might write an alternative ending, a short sequel, or write a series of diary entries from a character’s perspective.

Digital writing and creating We now live in a world full of digital technology. To give your child the best chance of success in literacy, it is important that your child becomes comfortable with technology and can use various technologies to share their ideas and show their creativity.

Some activities your child might do include:

• Create a website with a specific interest in mind, such as a hobby, a sports team, or an historical event that interests them.
• Write a blog on a hobby or interest.
• Write a short film script and then shoot the film using a mobile phone, tablet or video recorder. Use editing software to edit the film and create titles.
• Write a radio script and then record the script using a mobile phone, tablet, or digital voice recorder.
• Write a short story and record it using a mobile phone, tablet, or voice recorder. Find digital film score music or sound effects to create mood and suspense.
• Write emails or instant messages to family members.
• Use presentation or slide software to create presentations for the family about a recent family holiday, or about something of personal interest.

Family projects Take the opportunity to involve the whole family in reading and writing.

Some family projects could include:

• Email friends or family members.
• Write messages together on your social networking sites to communicate with family and friends.
• Read a book series together.
• Read together the instructions for a new household item to find out how it works.
• Record family events or travel experiences in a journal or on an online blog.
• Write plays and perform them for family and friends.
• Write a film script together and make the film.
• Read, select and collect news articles, and create an album about, for example, a sporting team, favourite animal, or leisure activity.
• Solve crosswords, word puzzles, brain-teasers, and quizzes.
• Browse libraries and bookshops together. Search for cheap books in charity stores and at garage sales.
• Prepare for an outing together, including reading public transport timetables, maps, and information brochures.

And a final reminder – all students should now be wearing their hats when out in the yard.

Have a great week and I hope you have the opportunity to enjoy the school concert. A huge thank you to our concert coordinators Renee Davey and Jen Hall as well as all our staff for supporting the event and our very talented students for participating so enthusiastically.

Gill Nicholls

School Values Update This is a final reminder to have your say about the future of Viewbank Primary School’s School Values. Please go to this link https://forms.gle/n52toJxQuNzH79NP8 , select the grade of your eldest child, then select up to 6 values (click the check box). If you select more than 6, the 7th onwards will not be considered. Please note, this should take less than 1 minute to complete – image below of the entire survey.

The survey closes at 4pm on Friday 6th September.

Concert I would just like to echo Mr Kersing and Mrs Nicholl’s sentiments regarding the concert and hope you all enjoy what has been many months in the making! I had my daughter’s final primary school concert last night – I am making a concerted effort to not be concert-ed out!

Have a great weekend everyone!

Patrick

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TICKETS NOW ON SALE - 2019 Viewbank Primary School Production - VMTV

Tickets for this years school production "VMTV" are now on sale via TryBooking

Venue: Planetshakers Theatre, 360 Main Road, Lower Plenty

Cost: All tickets $20.00 *Please be advised that there is a 50 cent Trybooking fee per seat

Dates:

• Thursday 5th September, 2019 - 12.00pm (A - K)
• Thursday 5th September, 2019 - 7.00pm (A - K)
• Friday 6th September, 2019 - 12.00pm (L - Z)
• Friday 6th September, 2019 - 7:00pm (L - Z)

For all ticketing enquiries, please contact the school office on 9459 1512

All performances will go for approximately 2 hours

https://www.trybooking.com/BEIWY

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VMTV DVD ORDER ENVELOPE  This week order envelopes were sent home with the children. If you wish to purchase a production DVD please place cash in the envelope and seal it before handing the envelope back to the school office. $30 per DVD. Final orders for DVD purchases must be given to the office by Monday 9th September, 2019.

Save the Dates!

• Friday 6th September - VMTV Production Raffle Drawn
• Friday 20th September – Footy Colours / Pie Day - Order Now
• Friday 18th October – Student Disco
• Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th October - Vision Portraits

Next meeting Our next meeting is ‘pencilled’ in as a dinner meeting on Tuesday 10th September at Kai Mook Thai Restaurant in Lower Plenty. All are welcome to join us.

Parents & Friends Term 3 Dinner Meeting All parents & friends of Viewbank Primary School are invited to attend our next dinner meeting at Kai Mook Thai Restaurant, 63B Main Rd, Lower Plenty. Tuesday 10th September, 7:00pm. This is a great opportunity to get together with other school parents and guardians to finish off the school term. Everyone welcome!! For restaurant booking purposes can you please indicate via the link below your intention to attend the dinner before September 6.

​VIEWBANK PRIMARY SCHOOL 2019 CONCERT RAFFLE TICKETS - "VMTV"

• $1.00 per ticket
• THREE WINNING TICKETS - Each winning ticket will win an assorted gift pack
• Please return all sold tickets to school by Wednesday 4th September 2019.
• The draw will take place Friday 6th September during the 7pm performance.

Purchase your Entertainment Membership NOW to help Viewbank Primary School raise much needed funds!

Viewbank Primary School are again fundraising with the very popular Entertainment Book or Digital Membership. You'll receive hundreds of valuable offers for everything you love to do, and help our fundraising at the same time. Hurry, Entertainment Memberships sell out quickly.

ICY POLE FRIDAY Students are able to buy icy poles over the counter at lunchtime. All icy poles cost $1.00 each. We are asking for parent helpers to assist with the sale of these icy poles on Fridays from 1pm to 1:30pm.

STRINGS, DRUM KIT, GUITAR, UKULELE, FLUTE, SINGING, KEYBOARD AND PIANO

Information and “Expression of Interest” forms are available at the general office. Alternatively, you may contact Gabriella on 0413 676 733 or gabriella@the.inter.net.au

Foundation Fire Brigade Classroom Incursion Here are a few quotes from our Foundation kids about Wednesday's incursion.

• “We learnt how to be safe around fire.”
• “we learnt to - crawl down low and go, go, go.”
• “you need smoke detectors in your house and in your bedroom if you sleep with the door closed.”
• “Firefighter Dan came out with all his gear on. He could breathe through a tank on his back and the outfit meant he didn’t get burnt.”
• “Don’t go back in to your house if there is a fire, even if your pet is still inside. The Firefighters will save your pet.”
• “Keep the door closed if there is a fire outside your door.”
• “Make sure an adult is with you around fire.”
• “When you hear the smoke alarm make sure everyone else is awake and go to your meeting place.”
• “When there is a fire go to your meeting place.”

Victorian Premier's Reading Challenge Just a reminder that the Challenge closes on Friday 5th September. No data can be entered after this date.

Remember that Preps to Grade 2 children are expected to read 30 books and those in grades 3 to 6 read 15 books to complete the Challenge. Many children have already finished and are continuing to read more books than required. Up to 100 books can be entered on an individual child’s record. Please contact us in the Library if you have any questions. http://www.education.vic.gov.au/prc/

School Oval Surface Upgrade Project – A Request For Your Assistance Viewbank Primary is delighted to have received a $30,000 grant through Cricket Victoria to contribute to the resurfacing of our school oval. It's now time to start putting our plan into action and we urgently need your help! We are seeking members from our Viewbank Primary School Community to join together to project manage and implement this project. No experience is necessary - just a willingness to get involved and make this project happen. If you have the enthusiasm and time to help implement this exciting project for our children, please provide your contact details to the school office by Thursday 12th September. Feel free to contact Rebecca Deighton (mob: 0418345390) or Neralie Cadusch (mob: 0412 551 430) with any queries.

Many thanks

Building and Grounds Committee

Dear Parents,

In order to keep our students safe whilst on line, we will be attaching some resources for your information. We encourage you to discuss these with your children - particularly the grade 5 and 6 students who have their own iPads. We have obtained the Information sheets from The Carly Ryan Foundation. The Carly Ryan Foundation is a certified online safety program provider under the Office of the eSafety Commissioner and delivers online safety and healthy relationship seminars to students and parents. The organisation also provides a range of services and support in the areas of internet safety and crime, cyberbullying, connection to resources and counselling and contributing to law and policy reform.

The Carly Ryan Foundation have very generously allowed us to use their Information sheets on a variety of apps that our students may or may not be aware of. The information sheets point out the concerns/challenges surrounding each app and give information on how to set up each app so that our student’s information is completely private. Of course if you are concerned about any app your child is using - DELETE! We will attach a couple of information sheets each week for your information. We are organising for The Carly Ryan Foundation to present to our grade 5 and 6 students and parents in 2020 so keep watching for more information on this.

For more information please use the attached link: https://www.carlyryanfoundation.com

Psychology service for students at Viewbank Primary School This is just a reminder about our new psychology service that may be of use to you - DBT in Schools.

Areas that DBT in Schools can help with (from http://dbtinschools.com.au/individual-therapy/):

• emotional stress such as depression and anxiety
• grief and sadness
• bullying
• sexuality issues
• substance abuse issues
• trauma
• family breakdown or parent problems, or
• friendship and relationship issues

If you would like any more information and may like to access this service, please contact the school (9459 1512) or send an email to viewbank.ps@edumail.vic.gov.au

HATS ON From 1st September until 30th April school hats must be worn outside during all outside activities.

SCHOOL BANKING Don’t forget to hand your bankbooks into your class teacher every Tuesday for banking.

RUNNING GROUP Every Thursday from 8:15am on the oval, for any students in years 4-6. All abilities welcome. Pack a spare pair of socks/shoes in case the oval is damp. Hope to see you there!

SCHOOL CHOIR Every Wednesdays, 8.30, in the Music room. Everyone from Year 2 to 6 are welcome!

The program is scheduled on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Of course, volunteers are essential to the success of the program, so we are always looking for anybody willing to work with a small group, in the kitchen or garden. You do not need to be a ‘masterchef’ or have a green thumb! Enthusiasm is the only requirement. If you are interested in volunteering, please complete the Volunteer Information form and return it to the school office. Once you have completed the form please book in to volunteer via one of the program staff.

Rosanna Library - The Indigenous Literacy Foundation Great Book Swap, Celebrate the UNESCO International Year of Indigenous Languages by swapping your favourite book for a gold coin donation. Funds will go to purchase books for children who need them most. (If you don't have a swap, you can still take a book for a donation). Come along and swap your book and make a Crocodile Craft

• Wednesday, September 4, 2019
• 10.00am-8.30pm

Rosanna Library - Virtual & Augmented Reality, Dinosaurs in the library? Planets orbiting inside? Caves to explore? Come and see what is possible without leaving the building. Bookings required. Ages 7+

• Wednesday, September 4, 2019
• 3.45pm-4.45pm