Thursday 7th February - Information Night, 5pm - 7pm for Years 2, 3 and 4

Monday 11th February - Year 3 to 6 Swimming Trials

Tuesday 12th February - 2019 School Photos

Tuesday 12th February - Getting To Know You Interviews

Thursday 14th February - Getting To Know You Interviews

Friday 15th February - Foundation BBQ 5:30pm - 7:30pm

Tuesday 19th February - Parents and Friends meeting, 7pm

Thursday 28th February - District Swimming

Monday 11th March - Labor Day Public Holiday (No School)

Wednesday 13th March - Athletics Day, Year 3 to 6

Saturday 4th May - Parent Fundraising Event - Disco Bingo (Save the date).

TERM DATES

• 2019 TERM 1: Tuesday 29th January (All students start on Thursday 31st January) - Friday 5th April (2:30pm finish)
• 2019 TERM 2: Tuesday 23rd April - Friday 28th June (2:30pm finish)
• 2019 Term 3: Monday 15th July - Friday 20th September (2:30pm finish)
• 2019 Term 4: Monday 7th October - Thursday 20th December (1:30pm finish)

CAMP DATES

• Year 3: Arrabri Lodge Camp (Mon 05Aug to Wed 07Aug)
• Year 4: Anglesea Recreation Camp (Mon 03Jun to Wed 05Jun)
• Year 5: Lady Northcote Recreation Camp (Tue 08Oct to Fri 11Oct)
• Year 6: Canberra Camp (Mon 27May to Fri 31May)

I trust that the first full week has gone by smoothly for everyone. We have been a little lucky with much of the heat saving itself for weekends, so we have had relative comfort on school days.

GETTING TO KNOW YOU INTERVIEWS Patrick Walsh will elaborate on these in his weekly column, but please avail yourselves of the opportunity to meet with your child’s teacher for 2019 and to share information that will be valuable moving forwards.

SCHOOL PHOTOS These will be taken next Tuesday, February 12.

FOUNDATION PICNIC The Communication Committee have planned a welcome BBQ for our Foundation families on Friday, February 15 from 5.30pm to 7.30pm. I look forward to chatting with families there in a less formal setting than others and fingers crossed for good weather.

NOTICE OF 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 ‘DET Employee Member Category’, and 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.

Consequently, I would very much like to thank Patrick Walsh and Gillian Nicholls (DET Employee Category) and Rachel Kraft, Rebecca Deighton, Nancy Wagner, Cosimo Graps and Kate Ryan (Parent Category) for their contributions to our school these last two years. All Council members have contributed in a significant way to the decision making at our school, and on behalf of the 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 DET employee (depending on the category). In addition, as Sandra Vander Pal’s youngest child has now finished his time at our school, this creates a casual position on Council for one year, which will be filled by co-option by the new Council when in place.

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 in the DET Employee Member category. Nomination forms may be obtained from the General Office and must be lodged by 4.00pm on Monday, February 18, 2019. If a ballot is required, it will close at 4pm on Monday, March 4, 2018. For further information please click on the link below.

BLACK SATURDAY Today marks the ten-year anniversary of the 2009 Victorian bushfires. It is a time to pause, reflect and remember the impact of one of the worst natural disasters Victoria has experienced. A number of our own school community were impacted on this day and our thoughts are with them, and everyone else who suffered trauma, the loss of property, the loss of loved ones and more on that day.

DOGS ON LEADS Just a reminder that whilst dogs on leads may very well be under control, we ask that you do not bring them into the schoolgrounds. They may very well be cute, and obedient, but we have had in the past a few dog incidents that have caused stress to our students. Children are the first priority in a school environment and as you will know some children are unfamiliar and/or afraid of dogs.

Have a great weekend,

Kind regards,

Bill Kersing

Principal

Specialist Program 2019 This year our Specialist program will operate on a fortnight timetable. All grades will attend weekly 45 minute lessons in Japanese, PE (Perceptual Motor Program for Foundation students) and Music. Students will attend Art and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) lessons on alternate weeks for 90 minutes each, throughout the year.

In term 2 and 3 there will be a slight change to the Music schedule as students begin rehearsals for our School Concert which will be held at the end of Term 3.

Information Nights Thank you to the many parents and guardians who attended the first of our Information Nights on Tuesday. Our second Information Night for Years 2, 3 and 4 is on tonight. I hope you have a greater knowledge of the curriculum, programs and expectations at the relevant year levels. Thank you also to our wonderful staff for preparing and delivering the sessions. If you were unable to attend, all information presented by each year level will be made available on Compass shortly.

If you have any feedback from the evenings please contact me in person or via the school email address.

Inquiry Professional Learning Education Consultant, Jeni Wilson returned to Viewbank today to work with teachers from Years 4 and 5 to develop Inquiry investigations that the students will begin shortly. Jeni will return on Monday 11th to plan with the Year 3 team. Each team has half a day with Jeni, allowing the teachers time to utilize Jeni’s expertise and build their knowledge of Inquiry. Jeni will return later in the year to work with teachers from the other year level teams.

Have a great week

Gill Nicholls

Getting to Know You Interviews The ‘Getting to Know You Interview’, held each year early in February, is an excellent opportunity for you to share important information regarding your child, information that will help the classroom teacher best support your child to ensure that he or she can succeed. As it is very early in the year, the teacher will be able to provide information on how your child has settled into the 2019 class, as well as some preliminary information regarding initial academic performance. A comprehensive report and interview regarding academic and social progress will be offered mid-year.

The teachers do their best to ensure that the interviews are completed in the allocated time. However, at times, interviews may run longer than expected. Please try to be understanding. If you have more than one child at Viewbank PS, it would be helpful to have at least a 10 minute ‘break’ between each interview.

As per the Compass Feed item you received on Wednesday, the booking system is now open. If you have any difficulties booking a time, feel free to contact the Office.

I would like to thank the teachers for giving up their evenings (Information Evenings and Getting To Know You Interviews) with their families and other commitments. Our staff do this because they recognise the importance of a strong school-home relationship, to make sure we have a common understanding and that they value your input. We are fortunate to have such committed teachers and support staff at Viewbank PS!

Viewbank Primary School Values As you walk around the school, visit classrooms and the office, you will notice that our School Values are quite prominent. Viewbank Primary School prides our-self on the fact that these values are not tokenistic, but are ideals that are referred to and enforced. For your reference, I have included our School Motto, Community Rights and School Values below. As always, we value your support to ensure that the highest of standards are met in regards to these, and to ensure we can provide the best education possible for your child.

Our School Motto

Love of Learning, Learning for Life

Our aim is to constantly strive to improve the learning outcomes for students in an atmosphere that is caring and supportive and in which successes are shared and celebrated.

Our Community Rights

• Everyone has the right to feel safe
• Everyone has the right to learn
• Everyone has the right to be treated with respect

School Values

Respect

• For self, others and the environment
• Treating others as you would like to be treated
• Using excellent manners
• Not interfering with others or their property
• Considerate of others and the environment

Responsibility

• For self
• Look after your own items and take care of other things in our school
• Exercising self-control of your words and actions
• Being accountable for your own actions without making excuses or blaming others

Doing your best

• Being a good friend
• Being loyal so that people can trust you
• Knowing that you can be relied upon

Honest and Trustworthy

• Tell the truth
• Be loyal so that people can trust you
• Know you can be relied upon with all people at all times

Sewing help Do you have a sewing machine and/or overlocker? Do you know how to sew? If so (sew!), we would love to have you help us out!

Towards the end of 2018, the Department of Education and Training gave every school in Victoria some money to spend on increasing schools’ ability to cater for students with additional needs. Mr Ruddock (1R) spent a great deal of time researching and then purchasing a range of items (eg fidget toys, weighted items, clocks, earmuffs, wobble chairs) – thank you Mr Ruddock. One item has been immensely popular, something we could make ourselves – body socks. Body socks are made of Lycra (we will supply) with an opening as per the image (no zip or Velcro). We are looking to make another 28 – one per class. If you have some time, and can help put, please drop in and see me at my office as I have a sample, or send me an email at viewbank.ps@edumail.vic.gov.au.

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CSEF (Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund) is a government assisted fund which provides payments for eligible students to attend camps, sports and excursions ($125 per child). Applications for the Governments ‘CSEF Fund’ can be accessed by filling in the attached form and return to the office with a current Health Care card. To be eligible for this funding, you need to hold a current Centrelink Health Care Card or Pension Concession Card or Veteran Affairs Card. Please note: as this funding is means tested, the Parent/Guardian MUST be the card holder, no Medical Health Care Cards in the student’s name will be accepted as it will be rejected by the CSEF system. Funds are paid to the school and will be automatically allocated to the Term Expenses unless otherwise stated by the parent at the start of the year.

COMPASS If you are requiring any assistance with Compass (logging-in, attendance, installing the App etc) please contact the office.

TERM 1 EXPENSES AND 2019 SCHOOL CHARGES Payments can be made via Compass. Please be advised there are alternative payment options for families who may be experiencing financial hardship or who would prefer a regular payment plan. Please contact me if you wish to discuss these arrangements.

PARENTS DUTY OF CARE – LATE ARRIVALS AND EARLY LEAVERS It is parent’s responsibility to accompany their child to the office when their child arrives after 9am so they can be signed in and record their attendance accurately. When you record the late arrival in Compass it provides us with the explanation but does not mark your child as present. When you present at the office, staff will record your child’s actual arrival time which updates the class roll.

Kind regards,

Lucy Addati

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The Parents and Friends Committee has operated in various formats for a long time at Viewbank Primary School and has raised significant amounts of money over the years. The first Parents and Friends meeting for the year is scheduled for Tuesday, February 19 at 7.00pm in the staff room. Our ‘meetings’ are very informal, and we would love to see you there. Everyone is welcome!

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.

Welcome back to all returning instrumental music students and to new students! The Instrumental Music Program has commenced this week. Singing lessons with Gabriella commences next Tuesday, 12th February.

We had a display of wonderful talent in 2018. The end of year performances were both entertaining and very impressive. 2019 offers many wonderful opportunities for those students who would like to learn an instrument.

Viewbank Primary School offers tuition in a variety of musical instruments.

Further 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

STRINGS There are a few places available for cello and violin. These fill quickly!

DRUM KIT There are a few places remaining for those students interested in lessons.

GUITAR / UKULELE / FLUTE Students (Grades 2-6) interested in guitar, ukulele or flute lessons can contact James directly on 0425 730 643 or email jameshmac22@yahoo.com.au

SINGING Students (Grades 2-6) interested in singing lessons can contact Gabriella directly on 0413 676 733 or email gabriella@the.inter.net.au

KEYBOARD/PIANO Ella can be contacted directly on 0410 938 840 or email ellac.blackburn@gmail.com

Here’s to another great year of Instrumental Music!

Gabriella Favretto

Instrumental Music Coordinator

Nepal School Build During the April school holidays 2019, I (Miss Boness) will be travelling to Nepal with 15 others and volunteering with the charity This World Exists. Whilst there, we will be hiking and rebuilding an earthquake damaged school. In order to fundraise to pay for building materials a Go Fund Me Page has been set up. Please note the trip is self-funded and all money raised will go towards the community in Nepal. If you would like to donate please see the link below. Your support is very much appreciated.

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

Facility Hire Viewbank Primary School provides a venue for hire with kitchen facilities. Please submit a written application to the office, outlining the details of intended use via email at viewbank.ps@edumail.vic.gov.au Please note that conditions do apply. At the discretion of the school, venue costs may also be waived in some instances. All applications will be considered on a case by case basis