- Tuesday 10 September - P&F Sushi Day
- Friday 11 October - P&F Student Disco
- Saturday 9 November - P&F Vision Portraits Photo Fundraiser
- Tuesday 12 November - Whole School Production (A-K Families)
- Thursday 14 November - Whole School Production (L-Z Families)
PUPIL FREE DAYS 2024
- Monday, November 4
2024 TERM DATES
- TERM 3: 15th July - 20th September
- TERM 4: 7th October - 20th December
2024 CAMP DATES
- Grade 5 Camp to Bacchus Marsh - October 9 to 11
- Grade 3 Camp to Phillip Island - October 28 to 30
Hello again to the Viewbank PS community. It’s great to be back, although I would be lying if I said I didn’t miss some of the sights, sounds and cuisine of Greece and Italy. Many, many thanks to the Leadership team especially Gill Nicholls, Patrick Walsh and Lucy Addati for their brilliant running of the school in my absence. On reflection, I think I chose one of the busiest phases of the school year to take long service leave – not deliberately of course, but reading the newsletters and listening to the recounts of events held it was certainly a happening place. Nonetheless, as we gear up for the remainder of the year, there are a couple of school camps, a not insignificant School Production, a school review, student disco and much, much more to make up for my personal time of work ‘inactivity’!
WORKING BEE It was a pleasure to walk around the school grounds earlier this week and see further improvements to our school grounds and buildings. Many thanks to our maintenance team, headed by Chris Andreou and Trevor Ruddock, and to the Buildings and Grounds team led by Michael Parrent. Another successful working bee was conducted last Sunday attended by many including representatives of the following families (and potentially others who I thank in ‘absentia’ from signing the attendance list) – Nicholls, Parrent, Pham, La Rosa, Ajredini, Hrycyszyn, Arul, Pavlovski, Martinez, Andreou, Cadusch, Russell, Corden, Beilin, Bailey, Baligar and Vesal.
Much was achieved as you may have seen on social media.
TIGER TURF As has already been mentioned, we have the go ahead for our Tiger Turf project in the space between the 5/6 building and Grade 2 portables, with the project finally being approved by the VSBA and then contracts signed, sealed and delivered. This is a considerable and costly project, but thanks to some diligent and literate staff members, we procured a North-East Link grant of $100,000 early in 2023 to supplement the funds required. The school grounds will look simply amazing when the work is done and allow more play space for our students. Like you, I often spy other school grounds that seem small in comparison to ours and reflect how lucky we are when you also consider the stunning views afforded from the oval and Grade 3 and 4 classrooms.
The project has a time frame of 90 days and will commence asap. The moment I have the starting date, I will share it with the school community, but it would be folly not to include the 16 days of school holidays for uninterrupted construction so hopefully it will start before the Term 3 holidays and conclude before Cup day.
FATHERS DAY STALL Many thanks to the Parents and Friends Committee for conducting another successful Fathers Day stall. Always a lot of behind-the-scenes activity to enable the wide variety of gift options presented to the students to buy for Dad! Thank you.
MOVEMENT LAND The final of three transition events for our 2025 enrollees is scheduled for next Tuesday. Many thanks to the Foundation team for their considerable efforts in enabling these important events. We are currently planning for between 72 and 82 students in Foundation next year, with whole school numbers of around 640.
Spring is most certainly in the air and officially commences on Sunday – so happy Spring days to everyone. A reminder that hats must be worn by all students once outside during school hours as of next week.
And a big Happy Father’s Day to all of our Dads out there. I hope you are rightly spoiled on Sunday.
Have a great weekend.
Kind regards,
Bill Kersing
Year 6 Legacy Pavers At the working bee last weekend we were able to lay the 2023 Year 6 pavers. They look wonderful and we are very excited about the developing potential of this installation. It is not too late for families of 2024 Year 6 students to purchase their paver for this year, with 2024 pavers planning to be laid late in term 4. The plan is to add pavers each year, eventually filling this space and creating a lasting tribute to past students. a huge than you to the Parents and Friends group for managing this initiative.
Mathematics Achievement Congratulations to Gabriel Arul (3M) who has been extending his maths skills, and has made it into the Mathletics Hall of Fame with a 4th in the world ranking and 2nd in Australia. This is a fabulous achievement and we are very proud of Gabriel.
Happy Father’s Day Wishing all our dads a super special day this Sunday. I hope you get spoilt!
Have a great week,
Gill
DANGEROUS DRIVING We continue to be informed of ‘near misses’ of students and families as they cross roads, particularly the intersection of Nevin Parade and Lascelles Avenue, as well as the intersection of Danson Street and Winston Road.
None of us ever want to receive a phone call that our child has been struck by a car while they have crossed a road at the correct spot, due to driver error. There is a well-known saying in the motorcycle and cycling community after some types of accidents – a SMIDSY event. That is, ‘Sorry Mate, I Didn’t See You’ (of course, 2-wheel riders can be guilty of this too). This occurs primarily because the, in our circumstance, driver of a car is focused on other cars or on looking for their own child only. An extremely useful 1-minute video (from the UK, Transport for London Department) that I strongly encourage you to look at that demonstrates this concept can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xNSgmm9FX2s
From the website Intersections and giving way: How to use intersections and give way in Victoria.https://transport.vic.gov.au/Road-rules-and-safety/Intersections-and-giving-way
Fines and demerit points are applicable for those that do not obey these rules.
We have not heard from the Banyule Council yet regarding the traffic safety survey that was / is being completed this term. I believe that they monitor traffic over a few weeks, as well as physically walk the paths around the school / sites, a lengthy process when completed at several schools in Banyule. The findings will be shared once known.
RIGHT TO DISCONNECT On Monday 26 August 2024, an amendment to the Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Closing Loopholes) Act 2023 came into effect. The legislation makes explicit that all employees have the right to refuse contact from their employer or a third party (such as a student or a parent) outside of their normal working hours. This means an employee can refuse to monitor, read or respond to contact that occurs outside their normal working hours.
The Department of Education (DoE) is currently finalising communication advice for us, and this will be shared with you once known.
HATS Another reminder that hats are compulsory for all students to wear from Monday 02 September, for the remainder of the year. Please make sure all hats are clearly named. Our SunSmart Policy can be accessed here http://www.viewbankps.vic.edu.au/s/SunSmart-Policy-9rp9.pdf.
Have a great weekend!
Patrick
FOR SALE We have two second-hand air-conditioner split systems available for $50 each, located in the Auslan room. You're welcome to inspect them after school hours. Additionally, there's a gas hot water system for sale for $50, situated in the fenced-off area beside the gym. If you wish to take a look, please collect the key from the office.
IMMEDIATE NOTIFICATION REQUIRED FOR INFECTIOUS DISEASES Please notify the school immediately if your child contracts any infectious diseases. This allows us to inform the school community promptly and families to take appropriate measures. You can refer to the Exclusion Periods Table for guidance on the minimum period of exclusion from primary schools and children's services, as outlined in the Public Health and Wellbeing Regulations 2019, Schedule 7.
https://www.health.vic.gov.au/infectious-diseases/school-exclusion-table
Thank you for your cooperation.
Lucy Addati
BOOK CLUB Issue 6 catalogues have sent home this week. All orders are due by Wednesday 4th of September. Every dollar you spend earns points to buy more books for the Library. Thank you for your support.
Viewbank Primary School Sushi Day! - Order Now - Tuesday 10th September
On Tuesday, 10th September, we're hosting a special Sushi Day with options like Teriyaki Chicken, Crispy Chicken, Tuna, and Avocado handrolls. Choose from single packs for $4.60 or twin packs for $8.50
Your order MUST be placed before 10am Monday 9th September. Sorry no late orders will be accepted.
BOOKINGS OPEN - Vision Portraits Photo Fundraiser - Saturday 9th November, 2024 - ALL WELCOME!!
We are excited to be offering Vision Portraits $30 family photo fundraising photos again this year.
- When: Saturday 9th November 2024
- Where: Price Park, Viewbank
- Booking link: www.visionportraits.com.au/fundraise
Lower Plenty Bakehouse provide 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 3 Fundraising Lunch Order Dates are:
- Thursday 5th September (Orders closing on Monday 2nd September, 3:00pm)
- Thursday 12th September (Orders closing on Monday 9th September, 3:00pm)
- Thursday 19th September (Orders closing on Monday 16th September, 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 3 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.
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 20% of the membership goes directly to support our fundraising at Viewbank Primary School. https://www.entertainment.com.au/current-promotion
Lunches must be ordered online using the CLASSROOM CUISINE website.
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WEEKLY SECOND HAND UNIFORM SALE - Every Friday 3:00pm to 3:30pm, next to the music room. Jumpers with the school logo, long and short sleeve school polo tops and school dresses will be $2.00. We are currently asking for donations of any unwanted reusable school uniform items to sell at our stall.
Guitar Lessons at Viewbank Primary School! Does your child dream of playing the guitar? Enrol them in our vibrant guitar lessons at Viewbank Primary School, where they can embark on an exciting musical journey! Our dedicated teacher, Luca, is passionate about music and committed to nurturing each student's unique talent.
Why Our Guitar Lessons?
- Expert Teacher: Learn from Luca, a professional musician with years of performance and teaching experience.
- Fun & Engaging: Our lessons are designed to be enjoyable and inspiring, sparking a lifelong love of music.
- All Skill Levels Welcome: Whether your child is just starting or looking to hone their skills, our program is tailored for everyone.
- Convenient Location: Lessons held right at Viewbank Primary School for your convenience.
Program Highlights:
- Individual & Duo Lessons: Choose the format that best suits your child’s learning style.
- Flexible Scheduling: We offer various times to fit around students’ busy schedules.
Enrol Today!
Spaces are limited, so don’t miss out on this wonderful opportunity to give your child the gift of music. For more information and to sign up, please contact Luca at lucabrading@gmail.com.
Let’s make some music!
SINGING WITH GABRIELLA - Gabriella
- Email: favrettogab@gmail.com
- Phone: 0413 676 733
STRINGS – Jack Cai
- Email: jack3bld@gmail.com
- Phone: 0426 665 044
STRINGS - MR CAI
- Email: cai66@optusnet.com.au
- Phone: 0403 490 078
GUITAR – Luca Brading
- Email: lucabrading@gmail.com
- Phone: 0422 690 842
PIANO/KEYBOARD/DRUMS - Daniel Tucceri
- Email: info@banyulemusicandtutoring.com
- Phone: 0405 667 908
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
Shop Details:
- Unit 3/30 Heaths Court, Mill Park
- T: 9436 4005
- E: info@northernregionaluniforms.com.au
Opening Hours:
- Monday to Thursday 9am to 5pm
- Friday 9am to 3pm
Online Ordering Please Visit: www.aplusschoolwear.com.au