Viewbank Voice 07.11.2024 Term 4 2024, Week 5

  • 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 2025

  • Tuesday 28 January

2024 TERM DATES

  • TERM 4: 7 October - 20 December

2025 TERM DATES

  • TERM 1: 28 January - 4 April (Students start: Year 1 to 6 - 29 January, Foundation - 30 January)
  • TERM 2: 22 April - 4 July
  • TERM 3: 21 July - 19 September
  • TERM 4: 6 October - 19 December

2025 CAMP DATES

  • Year 3 Phillip Island Camp - TBA
  • Year 4 Anglesea Camp - 14 May to 16 May
  • Year 5 Lady Northcote Camp - 08 October to 10 October
  • Year 6 Urban Camp - 15 September to 17 September

SCHOOL PRODUCTION Next week promises to be a big week for Viewbank PS with our first whole school production since pre-Covid times. ‘Where In The World Is Eddie The Teddy?’ will be performed over two days and nights at 360 Main Road, Lower Plenty – the Empower Centre – with a Matinee commencing at 11am and running for up to three hours and an evening session of the same duration starting at 7pm. For the purposes of sheer logistics, students with surnames starting with A-K will be performing in the Tuesday matinee and night session (November 12) and students with surnames starting with L-Z at similar times on Thursday (November 14). I trust that everyone has done their homework and looked up ‘Where In The World is Carmen Sandiego ?’ on You Tube, and watched an episode or two of ‘Get Smart’ and are now familiar with characters such as Max, Agents 99 and 44, the Chief and Hymie. Think other famous crime detectives whilst you are at it!! Putting on a school production is a massive undertaking, but the most important element is that your children (our students) get the opportunity to perform on a real stage, showcase their dancing and singing talents to you and your families and have fun all at the same time. It is also an opportunity for some to showcase hidden talents that may not always be apparent or to discover for themselves that this is something they really like and might want to take further as they grow older. Without too much of a ‘spoiler alert’, the production follows secret agents who attempt to track down our school mascot, Eddie The Teddy, who disappears under mysterious circumstances from Viewbank PS. Various clues take us around the globe, and different grades will perform items relating to different countries before, hopefully, we might get lucky and track Eddie down. In advance, best wishes and congratulations to all students who will perform on the night and will do mums and dads, grandparents, siblings and teachers proud. To the staff of Viewbank PS many thanks for giving up your time and energy so readily to ensure the success of the production, and to the production team headed by Renee Davey, Jen Hall and a myriad of staff and parent helpers too many to mention thanks in advance for your amazing efforts. Let the show begin!!

SCHOOL REVIEW Last week we finalised our school review and I am happy to report the whole process was an affirming and productive one. The review panel were unanimous in their summation of Viewbank PS as a high performing school, and also helped form our path ‘moving forward’ as we aim for continued successes. The panel have written together our next School Strategic Plan which is undergoing quality assurance before we can publish it for the school community. Nonetheless, I can share summarily the two main goals which are:

  • Goal 1 - Maximise learning outcomes for all students
  • Goal 2 - Maximise wellbeing and inclusion for all students

With each goal, the panel has articulated a number of targets, for example

NAPLAN - By 2028, increase the proportion of Year 3 students in NAPLAN reading in the Strong and Exceeding proficiency level from 85% (2024) to 88% or greater.

Further, there are a number of Key Improvement Strategies that align with the goals and targets. The final plan will be published and/or shared with the school community in upcoming weeks. Again, many thanks to the panel of external reviewers – Natalie Toohey, from VALAD Solutions, Pauline Rice, (Senior Education Improvement Officer), Jason Hemingway, (School Council President), Sarah Pollnitz, (Principal-Watsonia North PS) and Tom Boyle (Principal-Ivanhoe East PS) – for the time and commitment they showed to our school over the four days of fieldwork and deliberations. And, of course, the same thanks to the school panel members and the teaching and Education Support Staff for making the whole process such a resounding success.

2025 FOUNDATION FAMILIES INFORMATION NIGHT A reminder that the information night for our 2025 Foundation families will take place tonight from 6.30pm in the school gymnasium. We welcome all 81 new students and many new families to our school , and hope that your stay with us will be a long and productive one.

CLASSES FOR 2025 – AND OFF WE GO The deadline for submission of parental requests for grade placements has passed, and staff will commence the somewhat complicated process of forming grades next week. This always takes some time, as teachers strive to balance the key factors of academics, friendships and requests along with their own judgements of those who would or would not work well with others. Mathematicians out there familiar with ‘permutations and combinations’ will know how complex this may get, but I ask that all in the community understand that we do our best to place students in classes that will enable them to achieve their potential in 2025 and beyond. Sometimes being with your best friend in a class is not ideal as these great friends simply distract each other!! There are plenty of opportunities to catch up in the yard, on excursions, on weekends. Grade placements will be announced on the evening of December 10 after a whole school transition day, along with teacher names and the whole school staffing structure for 2025.

I hope everyone enjoyed the long weekend and Cup Day festivities and look forward to a quieter one this weekend.

Kind regards,

Bill Kersing

Please join with me in extending our congratulations to Meredith and Chris Kearney and family on the safe arrival of their son Ricky, who was born on the weekend.

We wish them well as they settle into family life together.

Enjoy your week and I very much look forward to seeing you all at the School Production shows next week.

Gill

SYNTHETIC TURF PROJECT The works are continuing at a quick pace. Yesterday, the final layer of rock was laid and compressed, and rolls of the artificial surface arrived. The laying will still take some time due to various shapes that need to be cut and spliced in. Hopefully we will have access to use / play on by the end of November!

TRAFFIC Further to my Viewbank Voice piece last week regarding the tragedy at Auburn South Primary School, I just wanted to let you know that Banyule Council road maintenance teams has been spotted around the school. They have been looking at the signs, we are not sure if they have changed any or just given each sign a good clean. When parking your car, please ensure you follow all signage.

This site https://transport.vic.gov.au/road-rules-and-safety/parking has a lot of information regarding where you can and cannot park, including rules next to objects such as intersections, fire hydrants, pedestrian crossings etc.

The following ‘No parking’ and ‘No stopping’ signs information is from this site https://transport.vic.gov.au/Road-rules-and-safety/Road-signs

Have a great weekend!

Patrick

Dear Parents & Carers,

Viewbank Primary School is excited to embark on another year of excellent teaching and learning and would like to share information about the Parent Payment Arrangements for 2025.

The arrangements for Curriculum and Other Contributions will be accessible on Compass from January. You will receive an email notification as soon as they are published.

Financial contributions from our families are essential in helping us provide the highest quality education and resources for our students. The learning environment and facilities we enjoy today are the result of the generosity and commitment of our parent community over many years. We value all forms of support, including financial contributions, participation in fundraising, and volunteering your time. Thank you in advance for your commitment to our school community.

For your convenience, all classroom supplies will be provided in bulk directly to classrooms, where teachers will distribute stationery and other items as needed.

Please refer to the attached 2025 Parent Payment Arrangements document for more detailed information.

Lucy Addati

School Production Video Envelopes have gone home this week with all students! If you would like to purchase a USB containing a recording of this year’s school production, "Where in the World is Eddie the Teddy?", please complete the information on the outside of the envelope. Return the envelope with payment details to the General Office by Friday, 15th November. The cost is $40 per USB, and delivery to the school will be within two weeks. Don’t miss out on this special keepsake of a fantastic performance!

School Production Week Bakery Lunch Orders – Thursday, November 14th Please note that during School Production Week, orders placed for Thursday, November 14th cannot be delivered to students participating in the L-Z Matinee Performance. All students who are not performing on Thursday can order lunch orders as normal.

Order Deadline: Orders must be cancelled or placed by Monday, November 11th at 3:00 pm.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Tickets Now On Sale - 2025 Viewbank Primary School Production - "Where in the World is Eddie the Teddy?"

Venue: Empower 365 (Planetshakers), 360 Main Road, Lower Plenty

Cost: Evening Performances: $25.00 / Matinee Performances: $20.00 *Please be advised that there is a 50 cent Trybooking fee per seat

Dates:

  • Tuesday 12th November, 2024 - 11.00am (A - K)
  • Tuesday 12th November, 2024 - 7.00pm (A - K)
  • Thursday 14th November, 2024 - 11.00am (L - Z)
  • Thursday 14th November, 2024 - 7:00pm (L - Z)

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

All performances will go for approximately 3 hours

https://www.trybooking.com/1308123

Remembrance Day Gold Coin Donation – Monday, November 11th Viewbank Primary School will be holding a Remembrance Day Gold Coin Donation event on Monday, November 11th. We kindly ask that students bring a gold coin to support the RSL Poppy Appeal.

Please note that this is not a free dress day.

Your support is greatly appreciated.

Poppy Appeal brooches are also available for purchase from the General Office for $2.00 each.

Thank you,

Viewbank Primary School - Defence School Mentor Program

Viewbank Primary School Parents and Friends Production Raffle.

The prizes include three assorted hampers.

Raffle to be drawn Monday 18th November at the whole school assembly.

Last tickets sale date Thursday 14th November.

  • 1 ticket x $2
  • 6 tickets x $10
  • 15 tickets x $20

Purchase your tickets via Compasstix: https://compasstix.com/e/l0ok1owsoo

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.

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 4 Fundraising Lunch Order Dates are:

  • Thursday 14th November (Orders closing on Monday 11th November, 3:00pm) - SCHOOL PRODUCTION WEEK - Orders can not be delivered to the students performing in the L-Z Matinee Performance
  • Thursday 21st November (Orders closing on Monday 18th November, 3:00pm)
  • Thursday 28th November (Orders closing on Monday 25th November, 3:00pm)
  • Thursday 5th December (Orders closing on Monday 2nd December, 3:00pm)
  • Thursday 12th December (Orders closing on Monday 9th December, 3:00pm)
  • Thursday 19th December (Orders closing on Monday 16th December, 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 4 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. All food is Halal.

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

Help Reduce Waste and Support Our School! - Purchase Your Name Labels Now Are you tired of losing lunch boxes and clothing? Please remember to always label your items so they can be returned to you, helping to reduce landfill. You can easily order labels via this link: https://www.mynamelabel.com.au/discount/VPS0515

This is a fundraising activity, and all funds raised will contribute to making our school more sustainable. You can order labels at any time throughout the year!

Our fundraising code is VPS0515.

Thank you for supporting sustainability at Viewbank Primary School!

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.

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