- Athletics Day (Year 3 to 6) - Tuesday 04 March
- Colour Run Day (Whole School) - Friday 28 March
PUPIL FREE DAYS
- Friday 07 March
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 - 27 October - 29 October
- 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
CAPTAIN BADGE PRESENTATIONS The final Grade 6 badge presentations took place on Monday and Tuesday of this week. Monday’s assembly was a big celebration with three presenters in attendance. The Member for Ivanhoe, Minister Anthony Carbines, was in attendance to present school captain badges to Abhi Sathish, Joachim Lai, Kaiah McLauchlan and Arjun Pingala. The wellbeing and engagement captain’s badges were presented by Kate James, Banyule Council Youth Engagement Officer to Diya Baligar and Amber Dunn. Henry Whiting and Daniel McDermott received their sustainability captains badges from Gemma Watson, Banyule Council Community Engagement Environmental Officer. Tuesday saw a special assembly where Georgia Nanscawen, ex- Olympic hockey player and current AFLW player for Essendon, presented the house captains badges to Alexandra Kohr, Ikdaat Kaur, Gabi Riveros, Liam Wong, Melinda Tan, Will Booth, Imogen Kingham and Kevin Wei. We are extremely grateful to all presenters for giving of their time so selflessly, as well as sharing their stories and answering questions.
NATIONAL YOUNG LEADERS DAY In what amounts to a perfect segue, all of the Grade 6 captains head off to the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre next Monday for an annual leadership experience. They will be in attendance to participate in a range of activities and to hear the stories and leadership wisdom of four of our prominent Australians - some similar and some very diverse stories. This year’s speakers include Australia’s most successful Olympian, Emma McKeon, screenwriter and author Thomas Duncan-Watt, ex-AFL player Majak Daw the first Sudanese-Australian to play senior AFL football and actress Catherine Laga’aia. For more information, please go to https://www.halogen.org.au
We look forward to recounts from our school captains in next week’s newsletter.
SCHOOL COUNCIL ELECTIONS I trust that every family received their School Council voting information last Friday. Please remember that all votes must be cast by 4pm on Monday, March 3 with votes handed in at the office or posted back in time to make that deadline. Votes will be counted on Tuesday, March 4 and successful and unsuccessful candidates advised shortly thereafter. The first School Council meeting of our new group will be held in the staffroom on Tuesday, March 11 at 6.30pm.
PUPIL FREE DAY A further reminder that Friday, March 7 is a pupil-free day and there will be no classes for students on that day. All day care is available and can be arranged with Their Care via the usual processes.
HOUSE ATHLETICS EVENT Good luck to all Grade 3 to 6 students as they head to Willinda Park in Greensborough next Tuesday, March 4 for the annual house athletics competition. Always an immense undertaking, always a fun event, and always appreciate volunteer support to make the day a success. I hope each student gives of their best and has a fun day.
Hard to believe that tomorrow marks the halfway mark of Term 1 and Saturday marks the first day of autumn. Have an enjoyable weekend.
Kind regards,
Bill Kersing
Indigenous Art Mural Project We are gradually moving forward with the proposed indigenous art mural to be painted on the wall near the new tiger turf. We are currently liaising with Indigenous artists and will keep you informed as project progresses.
We are proposing a mural that considers the school’s proximity to the Banyule wetlands, celebrates the natural flora and fauna of the area and our school’s connection with and care of the local environment, as well as communicating a sense of belonging and unity.
We believe an Indigenous mural is a wonderful way to celebrate Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander culture within our school, building connections both within and outside of our school, with our students, families and community.
The mural will provide an opportunity for students to be exposed, on a daily basis, to Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander art styles as well as being a great platform on which to introduce students to both past and contemporary Indigenous art.
The mural will also help create a learning environment which champions cultural pride. This is important for all students as it can help to deepen awareness and appreciation of Indigenous culture. By including students in the creation of the mural, we hope to foster belonging and team work.
The mural will certainly create a colourful focal point in our school grounds, complementing this large and inviting community space.
School Medical Policies A number of school medical policies are available on our school website, providing detailed information about how the policy topic is implemented at our school.
The First Aid Policy details our school’s approach to first aid for students, including First Aid management, the care of an ill or injured student and how we will communicate with you if your child requires first aid at school.
Please note, in the event of a medical emergency, staff may need to contact Triple Zero ‘000’ for emergency medical services. Parents are responsible for the cost of any Ambulance Victoria intervention regardless of their ambulance subscription status. If you do not currently have Ambulance coverage for your child, you may wish to investigate this further.
The Administration of Medication Policy explains the process we follow to safely manage the provision of medication to students while at school or attending school activities, camps or excursions. The policy includes a MEDICATION AUTHORITY FORM which must be completed by a parent or medical professional and supplied along with the medication to be administered at school.
In accordance with the Department of Education policy, Viewbank Primary School will not store or administer analgesics such as aspirin, ibuprofen and paracetamol as a standard First Aid strategy as they can mask signs and symptoms of serious illness or injury. Students are not permitted to store medication in their school bags.
If you require further information, please refer to the complete policy on the school website or contact the school office. Our medical policies have recently been reviewed and will be update on the school website in the coming days.
Volunteer Induction 2025 - Child Safety Standards Thank you to the parents who attended the Volunteer Induction Session held at school over the last two weeks.
If you were unable to attend either of the sessions, you can complete the induction process at home. All the relevant Child Safety documents as well as the Volunteer Induction PowerPoint are available on the school website.
Please make sure you complete and sign the Child Safety Standards Induction Checklist and return it to the school office along with your Working With Children Card, if you haven’t already done so, so that you will be ready to volunteer throughout the year at different events.
Have a great week.
Gill
Mathematics Reporting It may seem like it is still quite a bit of time away, but we need to inform you of some upcoming changes to student reports. All Department of Education (DoE) schools are required to implement the Mathematics Curriculum version 2.0. We will forward more information as we get closer, but the new curriculum has meant a change to the mathematics component of the report. In the past, we have reported to you progress in 3 areas:
- Measurement and Geometry
- Number and Algebra
- Statistics and Probability
Previously, a report would like this:
The new mathematics curriculum is now organised into 6 interrelated strands:
- Number (F – 6)
- Algebra (F – 6)
- Measurement (F – 6)
- Space (F – 6)
- Statistics (F – 6)
- Probability (Year 3 – Year 6 only).
Under the revised mathematics curriculum, your child’s teacher will report against the mathematics achievement standards, providing a single, aggregated score, and will look like this.
As it will be the first time that we have done this, students in Years 1 – 6 will not see a progression dotted line in Semester 1. I believe that all students will see this in Semester 2.
More information to come between now and the publishing of Semester 1 Reports.
The staff will be spending some time on our scheduled Student Free Day (Friday, 07 March) looking at the mathematics curriculum.
Get To Know You Interviews (GTKYI) Thank you to everyone who was attended the GTKYIs last week. If you missed out on booking a time, please reach out directly to the teacher.
P&F Meeting Postponed to Tuesday 04 March The Parents and Friends AGM scheduled for Tuesday 25 February at 7:30pm was postponed to Tuesday 04 March at 7:30pm in the staffroom. Our apologies for the late notice and any inconvenience caused.
Have a great weekend.
Patrick
School Saving Bonus We encourage families who have not yet accessed their SSB on the Department portal to log in as soon as possible and allocate how you would like to use your $400 School Saving Bonus for 2025. The funds will not be visible on Compass, as they are recorded in your family accounts within our school-based computer system.
At Viewbank Primary School, you have the flexibility to allocate your bonus in one of two ways:
- In-store/online purchases of uniforms at A Plus Schoolwear (AGS Prints Pty Ltd)
- School activities, such as camps, excursions, incursions, and activities
Please note once you make your selection, it cannot be changed, so ensure you are confident in your decision.
We are unable to automatically allocate your funds to Term 1 school incursions, excursions, and activities unless you first select this option through the portal. Once you designate the funds to our school, they will be automatically applied to your child/ren's upcoming activities unless you advise us in advance.
If your child/ren will be away on holidays during the school term, please email the school (Viewbank.ps@education.vic.gov.au) and record the absence on Compass to ensure funds are not allocated to an activity while your child/ren is away.
Please note: the School Saving Bonus cannot be allocated towards the Curriculum and Other Contributions (Parent Payments Arrangements)
To learn more about the SSB online system, download the step-by-step System guide for parents and carers (DOCX, 945KB) or watch this School Saving Bonus video. System guide translations are also available in 14 languages.
If you have only recently completed your enrolment into the Victorian government school system you can expect to receive your SSB code(s) in the coming weeks.
If you have transferred to our school from another Victorian government school, any remaining funds on your SSB code(s) will soon be available to use at our approved school suppliers. We request your patience as this change is processed.
The Department of Education has established a dedicated contact centre to support the SSB. The contact centre can be reached by:
- completing the School Saving Bonus enquiry form
- calling 1800 338 663, between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm on weekdays.
CAMPS, SPORTS AND EXCURSIONS FUND (CSEF) The Government assisted Fund provides payments for eligible students to attend camps, sports, incursions and excursions ($150 per child). Applications for the Governments ‘CSEF Fund’ can be accessed by filling in the application form and returning it to the office with a copy of your current Health Care Card. Families holding a valid means-tested concession card or temporary foster parents are eligible to apply) i.e. a Centrelink Health Care Card or Pension Concession Card or Veteran Affairs Gold Card.
If you applied for the CSEF at your child's school in 2024, you do not need to complete an application form in 2025 unless there has been a change in your family circumstances.
You only need to complete an application form if any of the following changes have occurred:
- new student enrolments; your child has started or changed schools in 2025 or you did not apply in 2024.
- changed family circumstances; such as a change of custody, change of name, concession card number, or new siblings commencing at the school in 2025.
- Funds are paid to the school and will be automatically allocated to the Extra-Curricular Items and Activities unless otherwise stated by the parent at the start of the year.
Lucy Addati
Over the last fortnight the grade 3 & 4 grades have been busy planting, harvesting, watering and navigating wheelbarrows with dirt. We have started planting a variety of vegetables and herbs.
In the kitchen both year levels prepared, cooked and enjoyed eating a Greek cuisine of, eggplant parmigiana, pita bread, Greek salad and hummus dip.
The Viewbank Primary School Parents and Friends Committee is proud to announce the 2025 Colour Fun Run Fundraiser!
- When: Friday 28th March – 2.30 to 3.30pm on the school oval.
- What: At their own pace students will be encouraged to run, walk or skip through an obstacle course which includes colour stations.
- What else: Students are encouraged to wear a white t-shirt with appropriate sports attire to the school for the day. Sunglasses will be provided.
- Why: A colour run is a fun way for students to be active with friends and raise money for the school! Share the fundraising link with family and friends. https://compasstix.com/e/sx0q2brrio
- Anything else? The junior and senior classes that raise the most money win a hot chip lunch!
- More: See the Colour Fun Run FAQs and think about volunteering to help!
Volunteers The Colour Fun Run encourages our students to be active, help raise funds for the school and have a little fun along the way. We will rely on some parent helpers to make the day a huge success and you’re guaranteed to have a little fun too!
We require helpers on the day for the duration of the event. A briefing will occur at 1.45pm and the event finishes at 3.30pm (a little pack up support would be appreciated).
Roles will include encouraging student participation, throwing some colour powder and even getting students wet!
Lower Plenty Bakehouse proudly partners with our school to provide fundraising lunch orders every Thursday.
This initiative, organised by our Parents and Friends Committee, serves as one of our school’s major fundraising efforts. All proceeds will go towards our significant school upgrade project.
Term 1 Fundraising Lunch Order Dates:
- Thursday 6th March (Orders close: Monday 3rd March, 3:00 PM)
- Thursday 13th March (Orders close: Monday 10th March, 3:00 PM)
- Thursday 20th March (Orders close: Monday 17th March, 3:00 PM)
- Thursday 27th March (Orders close: Monday 24th March, 3:00 PM)
- Thursday 3rd April (Orders close: Monday 31st March, 3:00 PM)
Ordering Instructions: Orders must be placed in advance via Compass Canteen. Ordering will close at 3:00 PM on the Monday before each lunch date.
You can now place orders for all Term 1 lunch dates in advance if preferred.
A Parent User Guide on how to order through Compass Canteen is below for your convenience. Please note, a $0.35 transaction fee will apply at checkout.
All food is Halal.
Thank you for supporting our school community!
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ICY POLE FRIDAY Students can purchase icy poles over the counter every Friday at lunchtime for $1.00 each. We offer an assortment of different icy poles each week, but always have Zooper Doopers available.This serves as a school fundraiser.
If you're interested in volunteering as a parent helper to sell icy poles, please contact the school's general office.
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
PIANO/KEYBOARD/DRUMS - Daniel Tucceri
- Email: info@banyulemusicandtutoring.com
- Phone: 0405 667 908
GUITAR - Dimi Holborow
- Email: dimiholborow@outlook.com
- Phone: 0409 629 612
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