- Tuesday 27th February - School Photos
PUPIL FREE DAYS 2024
- Tuesday, March 12
- Friday, April 26
- Monday, July 15
2024 TERM DATES
- TERM 1: 29th January - 28th March
- TERM 2: 15th April - 28th June
- TERM 3: 15th July - 20th September
- TERM 4: 7th October - 20th December
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
SCHOOL COUNCIL ELECTIONS Just a final reminder that nominations for the vacant positions on School Council close on Monday, February 19 at 4pm. There are four two-year vacancies in the Parent Member category, and one in the DET Employee Member category. Nomination forms may be obtained from the General Office. Further advice will be provided in due course as to whether or not a ballot will be required.
COMMUNICATIONS AND SUSTAINABILTY CAPTAINS BADGE PRESENTATIONS Many thanks to Loren Barry and Richard Rowe who presented these badges to our Grade 6 captains this week. I mentioned Loren’s credentials in last week’s newsletter. Richard is an ex-parent of our school. He currently works as an environmental educator for school children and adults at Edendale Community Environment Farm in Eltham, runs the training program for Sustainable Gardening Australia and operates a small worm farm business for council office organic waste recycling. He is also a founding committee member of Local Food Connect which runs the Eltham Farmers Market. We are grateful to both presenters for making the badge presentation special for our students and hopefully it will be a great motivation for their roles in 2024.
SCHOOL SWIMMING TRIALS Another successful swimming trial day was held on Monday at Water Marc in Greensborough to select a team to represent our school in upcoming district (and further) competition. Congratulations to all students who participated, and further congratulations to those who made the team. Many thanks to Lucas Prell, Patrick Walsh and all other teachers and volunteer parents who made the event flow so swimmingly!
SCHOOLGROUNDS DEVELOPMENT With the building works 90% complete, and just a few problem areas to resolve, it is now time for us to assess the schoolgrounds as they now stand and to contemplate future developments. This is a call to those with expertise and interest to meet at school on Tuesday, February 20 at 5pm (perhaps build your getting to know you interviews around this time) for a discussion and tour of the grounds. Many hands make light work, and many minds can share and digest ideas. The Grade 3 and 4 ‘courtyard’, the remaining strip of Nevin Parade at the Northern end, a place to build storage near the gymnasium, the area behind our Art room and the rest of the grounds in general are just some of the talking points for the meeting. Hoping as many of the Buildings and Grounds committee as possible can attend.
SCHOOL PHOTOS An early reminder that school photo day is on Tuesday, February 27 (less than two weeks away).
Have a lovely weekend.
Kind regards,
Bill Kersing
Principal
Get To Know You Interviews Thank you to all who have booked a time to meet your child’s teacher/s. We will keep these open for further bookings until 10am Friday 16th February.
These 10-minute meetings are an excellent opportunity for you to share important information regarding your child, information that will help the classroom teacher best support them to ensure that they can succeed in 2024. As it is very early in the year, the teacher will be able to provide information on how your child has settled into their 2024 class. A comprehensive written report and interview regarding academic and social progress will be offered mid-year.
Times are available with our Specialist teachers (see Week 1’s Viewbank Voice); however, these are only available on the days that they work, and the number of slots that they have are limited. We strongly recommend that you only book a time during these sessions if there is an important reason to do so (e.g. explaining to Mr Prell, that your child has a condition that may prevent full participation in PE classes).
For those of you with children in 4K (Mrs Stepowski), we are hoping that the new class teacher will be in attendance on both days. In 1M, Mrs Mentiplay will hold interviews on the Tuesday, and Ms Rielly will be available on the Thursday. Ms Rielly and Mrs Mentiplay have an excellent communication system in place, and anything communicated to one teacher will be shared with the other.
If you have any difficulties booking a time, feel free to contact the office (9459 1512 or viewbank.ps@education.vic.gov.au).
Car Parking As Mr Kersing mentioned in the first Viewbank Voice of 2024, there are still a few lingering items regarding the building project, including the staff car park. Losing 50-ish carparks has meant staff are parking in the streets, spots that may normally be used by our school community. We continue to receive phone calls and the occasional email from our neighbours voicing their concern at the number of cars parked illegally, and in (!) and across their driveways. To families new to us in 2024, please be aware that Banyule City Council parking infringement officers made several visits to the streets around the school at drop off and pick up times in 2023, issuing fines.
We encourage you to use our excellent ‘valet’ service on Nevin Parade from approximately 8:50am most mornings. Parents who have turned their cars in the turning circle to come back down Nevin Parade may find Mr Kersing waiting near the main gate and he will open the car door for your child, they hop out with their bag and off you go. Some days it is like a F1 pitstop at the Melbourne Grand Prix!
You can find all VicRoads regulations regarding parking here: https://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/safety-and-road-rules/road-rules/a-to-z-of-road-rules/parking However, I would like to bring your attention, in particular, to the section ‘Parking signs’.
Have a great weekend.
Patrick
School Policy Information School policies are developed in line with Department guidelines and the community’s educational aspirations for its children. Policies are statements of purpose, which are implemented on School Council’s behalf to achieve many of the objectives stated in our School Strategic Plan as well as areas, which need to be addressed to ensure our programs and practices are followed in accordance with the needs of the community in mind.
A range of operational, curriculum and health and wellbeing policies are available on our school website, providing detailed information about how the policy topic is implemented at our school. All policies are reviewed and updated on a cyclical basis.
School Transition Tips Back to school is an exciting time for students and families. It can be a big step – particularly for those starting prep or moving to secondary school.
For advice in multiple languages on how parents can help their child have a positive start to school, refer to Tips for starting school.
Parenting Webinars ParentZone are offering a range of free online parenting sessions coving a range of topics including –
- My child doesn’t want to go to school – what do I do?
- Learning Through Play
- Parenting in the Early Years
- Stress Less Parenting
- Parenting in the Teen Years
- Tuning into Teens
Please check out the below flyers. Programs are free of charge but registration is essential.
You can contact ParentZone on 03 86418900 or parentzone.northern@Anglicarevic.org.au if you have any questions.
Volunteering at School - Child Safety Standards Induction Please read the Volunteer Induction Notice 2024 posted on Compass on Wednesday 7th February if you plan to be a volunteer at a school this year. Volunteer Induction sessions will be held at school on Monday 19 February from 9.30-10.15am and Friday 1 March from 2.45-3.30pm. Both Induction Sessions will be the same and you only need to attend one of the sessions.
During these sessions we will present a Volunteer Induction PowerPoint and take you through the Viewbank Child Safety Policies. At the conclusion of the session you will be invited to sign and return the VPS Child Safety Standards Induction Checklist 2024.
All adults volunteering at a school must have a current Working With Children Check and have completed the Child Safety Standards Induction Checklist. Both these documents must be sighted at the school office prior to volunteering.
Have a wonderful week.
Gill
COMPASS The Compass Parent Portal is an online portal that allows you to access up-to-date information about our school and your child’s progress. The portal is accessible via the web and also via the Compass School Manager App (available for download via the App store on your device).
The Compass parent Guide will assist you with navigating the portal and includes step by step information on how to complete key processes. Please note, some processes detailed in this guide may not be applicable (or in use) at our school. If you have any questions regarding your Compass parent portal, please contact the school for assistance.
Within the parent portal are many different features including the ability to:
- Add Attendance Notes
- Communicate with your child’s teachers
- View Semester and Progress Reports
- Book Parent Teacher Conferences
- Consent and Pay for school events
- Order school lunches via the Canteen
- View school news items
- Make school fee payments
COMPASS PAYMENTS Please note payments for school fees, events, and voluntary contributions can be found on the top of your homepage.
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 2023, you do not need to complete an application form in 2024 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 2024 or you did not apply in 2023.
- changed family circumstances; such as a change of custody, change of name, concession card number, or new siblings commencing at the school in 2024.
- 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.
Kind regards,
Lucy Addati
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 1 Fundraising Lunch Order Dates are:
- Thursday 22nd February (Orders closing on Monday 19th February, 3:00pm)
- Thursday 29th February (Orders closing on Monday 26th February, 3:00pm)
- Thursday 7th March (Orders closing on Monday 4th March, 3:00pm)
- Thursday 14th March (Orders closing on Monday 11th March, 3:00pm)
- Thursday 21st March (Orders closing on Monday 18th March, 3:00pm)
- Thursday 28th March (Orders closing on Monday 25th March, 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 1 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 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/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
- Saturday 9am to 12pm
Online Ordering Please Visit: www.aplusschoolwear.com.au