PLEASE CHECK COMPASS EVENTS REGULARLY
- Tuesday 12th December - Statewide Transition Day
- Wednesday 13th December - Grade 6 Graduation
PUPIL FREE DAYS 2023
- Monday 6th November - Report writing day
2023 TERM DATES
- Term 4: 2nd October - 20th December (1:30pm finish)
2024 CAMP DATES
- Grade 3 Camp to Phillip Island - October 28 to 30
- Grade 4 Camp to Anglesea - May 15 to 17
- Grade 5 Camp to Bacchus Marsh October 9 to 11
- Grade 6 Camp - April 29 to 1 May
BUILDING WORKS UPDATES The demolition of the ‘old’ administration building is now proceeding rapidly and will be complete in the next three or four weeks. The new administration building is now at lock up stage with paths being built and other landscaping about to ‘happen’, in time for the December 18 completion date. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the whole school community for your tolerance, understanding and flexibility throughout 2023 – we have moved classes, sometimes more than once, had to shut off entrances to the school, relocated administration, had times where we operated without bells or p.a. systems, put up with the noise of concrete cutters and trucks and yet still managed to run effective classroom programs and maintained a good discipline and tone across the school. Everyone can’t wait to see the builders go (no offence to them, but it means the project is finished!). The latest pictures and updates accompany this newsletter.
SCHOOL COUNCIL MEETING The November meeting of School Council was held on Tuesday night and, among other things, approval was reached to proceed with the installation of artificial turf in the ‘footprint’ of the almost demolished Administration building. This project is scheduled for completion in February 2024 and will enhance the open ‘feel’ of the area as well as providing a safe and colourful play space for our students.
GRADE STRUCTURE 2024 We are now in a position to announce our grade structure for 2024 as follows:-
- Foundation 4 classes of 22
- Grade 1 3 classes of 22
- Grade 2 3 classes of 23
- Grade 1/2 1 class of 22
- Grade 3 4 classes of 24
- Grade 4 4 classes of 25
- Grade 5 3 classes of 25
- Grade 6 3 classes of 26
- Grade 5/6 2 classes of 24
As has been the case in the last few years, a commitment to ‘straight’ grades sometimes lends itself to difficulties. For example, you will note that we have one composite class at Grade 1/2 and two composite classes at Grade 5/6 in 2024. If we were to have been rigid in our pursuit of ‘straight’ grades this would have meant classes of 26 or 27 in Grade 2 and 28 or 29 in Grade 6 and as generally happens any further enrolments from now on and into 2024 would probably be in Grades 2 and 6. Something called Murphy’s Law!! We continually point out that every grade is a ‘composite’ as the academic levels of students in a single cohort naturally cover 3 or 4 years of learning with some high fliers and some needing support. Further, teachers adapt their lessons to teach at the point of need for each student not just at a particular year level. We trust and hope families understand the logic behind this decision, and ask that you take this understanding on board. If you absolutely MUST put in a request not to have your child in a composite class next year and you haven’t done so already please email me NO LATER than Thursday November 23 for this request to be considered (but not necessarily granted).
WORKING BEE The final working bee for the year was held on Sunday, November 12 and it was probably our best attended working bee for the year. Work focussed primarily on the vegie patch in ‘Jilinga Gardens’ and much was achieved. As well, the new portable soccer goals were assembled. Many thanks to all attendees too numerous to mention but understand your contributions were greatly appreciated.
I wish everyone a lovely weekend.
Kind regards,
Bill Kersing
Principal
Disability Inclusion From January 2024, Viewbank will introduce Disability Inclusion, a new approach to help us improve support for students with disability and build a more inclusive school for all our students. Inclusive schools have better outcomes in learning, engagement and wellbeing for all students.
To support the implementation of Disability Inclusion at Viewbank, Angela Roccasalva has been appointed as our Disability Inclusion Coordinator. In this fulltime role, Angela will coordinate our support programs and staff, liaise with families, coordinate student Support Group meetings and oversee Individual Education Plans.
Disability Inclusion will help our school better understand what our students need to help them learn, through:
- a new funding model with more investment
- a new strength-based process called the Disability Inclusion Profile to help identify the student’s needs and required adjustments
- more training and coaching for teachers and school staff about the best ways to support student learning.
A new funding model with more investment
The new funding model provides additional investment that our school can use to support many students including those with autism, learning difficulties and more.
This additional investment will provide more support for students with disability, including students who haven’t been eligible for individual funding through the Program for Students with Disabilities (PSD) in the past.
Our school can use this funding for a range of activities including:
- more training and professional development for teachers and school staff
- getting expert advice about disability
- hiring teachers or other staff to help plan and deliver changes for students
- equipment and resources to support learning.
The Disability Inclusion Profile
The Disability Inclusion Profile will help us find out more about your child’s strengths and needs. It will inform personalised funding allocations, help us plan student learning and any changes a student may need to better learn.
The new Disability Inclusion Profile process will replace the Educational Needs Questionnaire used as a part of the current PSD.
As we transition over the next three years, families of students who are part of the PSD will be asked to attend a meeting to complete a Disability Inclusion Profile.
People who know your child will be involved in the meeting, along with an independent, trained facilitator who will help our school and families complete the profile.
The profile will also be available to a broad group of students with high needs.
We will identify students who are not currently part of the PSD, who may benefit from a Disability Inclusion Profile. If we consider that your child’s education will benefit from having a profile, we will contact you.
More training and coaching for teachers and school staff
Disability Inclusion will give more teachers and support staff a better understanding of disability and how to respond. This could include access to:
- more professionals in schools who are experts in disability
- coaching
- professional learning
- evidence-based guidance and resources
- scholarships.
More information
Visit www.education.vic.gov.au/disabilityinclusion to find out more about Disability Inclusion.
Over the next few weeks I will share further information regarding the implementation of Disability Inclusion.
Congratulations Our congratulations are extended to Heather Gulliford and her family on the safe arrival of their son River, who was born on Wednesday, 1st November. We wish them well as they settle into family life together.
Enjoy your week,
Gill
Parking We continue to be informed by our neighbours of car parking transgressions around school drop off and at pick up time. That said, we are aware that not all of these are from our parent community. We have been made aware that Banyule Council has been informed and that they may be about to do another round of spot checks before and after school. Any parking fines given are at the driver’s expense.
The attached link is to the A-Z of VicRoads Road Rules https://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/safety-and-road-rules/road-rules/a-to-z-of-road-rules/parking
Headings on this page are:
- Parking check
- Public holidays
- Can I park here?
- How close can I park to that?
- Types of parking
- Parking signs
- Park and Ride facilities at Melbourne railway stations
For ease of access, I have copied (bolding is my addition) the VicRoads information from ‘Can I park here?’
Can I park here? You are NOT allowed to park, stop or leave your vehicle:
- double parked
- within an intersection (except on the continuous side of a continuing road of a T-intersection)
- on a freeway (except in an emergency stopping lane)
- fully or partially across a driveway except for 2 minutes to pick up or drop off passengers (there is no defined measurement for parking near a driveway)
- if there is fewer than 3 metres of clear road left for other traffic
- on a footpath, nature strip or reservation (unless the vehicle is a motorcycle or bicycle)
- across a footpath, bicycle path or passageway or footpath ramp, unless a sign allows it
- in a bus, tram or truck lane
- on a curve or crest of a hill outside a built-up area, unless your vehicle is visible for 100 metres from behind, or there is a sign allowing it
- in a slip lane, unless a sign allows it
- on a painted island or where a road marking says 'Keep clear'
- in a no stopping area
- in a clearway
- next to a continuous yellow line on the edge of the road (curb).
You ARE allowed to park or leave your vehicle:
- opposite a driveway as long as you leave 3 metres beside your vehicle
Have a great weekend!
Patrick
The office has relocated to the gym foyer/STEM room.
2024 PARENT PAYMENTS Viewbank Primary School is looking forward to another great year of teaching and learning and would like to advise you of Viewbank Primary School’s Parent Payment Arrangements for 2024.
We continue to value and thank you for your financial contributions in supporting our school’s programs and resources. These contributions assist us to broaden the educational experience for our students.
All classroom supplies will be provided directly to the classrooms in bulk. Teachers will distribute stationery and other supplies to the students as required.
Payments can only be made on Compass from Monday the 22nd of January 2024.
Further detailed information about Parent Payments can be found on Compass and our website.
Kind regards,
Lucy Addati
Year 4's in the kitchen
WORKING BEE Term 4's Working Bee was a great success, with over 42 people from 20 families attending. A special thanks to Dani and Chris, and also all the Principals for coming along and working hard!
On a beautiful sunny day, we were able to achieve the following:
- Planting a long row of clivia along the Martins Lane boundary fence
- Cladding the final wicking garden bed
- Removing accumulated waste materials from Jillinga
- Topping up the wicking garden bed and other areas with new soil
- Laying new stepping pavers throughout the garden
- Improving the pedestrian ramp in the Grade3/4 area
- and last but not least, assembling and installing the new portable soccer goals on the oval!
A big thanks to all who attended, and also to Lucy for ordering and arranging delivery of the materials.
Michael Parrent
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 4 Fundraising Lunch Order Dates are:
- Thursday 23rd November (Orders closing on 20th November, 3:00pm)
- Thursday 30th November (Orders closing on 27th November, 3:00pm)
- Thursday 7th December (Orders closing on 4th December, 3:00pm)
- Thursday 14th December (Orders closing on 11th 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.
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 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 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 $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
PIANO/KEYBOARD – Tiaryn Griggs
- Email: tiaryngriggs@gmail.com
PIANO/KEYBOARD/DRUMS - Daniel Tucceri
- Email: info@banyulemusicandtutoring.com
- Phone: 0405 667 907
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
- Saturday 9am to 12pm
Online Ordering Please Visit: www.aplusschoolwear.com.au