- 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
NATIONAL YOUNG LEADERS DAY As mentioned in last week’s newsletter, all of our school captains headed off on Monday to the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre to listen to the leadership and life stories of prominent Australians such as Emma McKeon, Thomas Duncan-Watt, Majak Daw and Catherine Laga’aia. Here are some of the recounts of our school captains.
Written by Sophie and Sahara (Communication Captains)
On Monday 4th of March the Year 6 leadership team had a lifetime experience at the National Young Leaders Day. It was held at the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre.
Some of the guest speakers were Catherine Laga’Aia, Thomas Duncan-Watt, Emma McKeon, and Majak Daw.
The first speaker we heard from was Thomas Duncan-Watt who talked about his screenwriting journey. The next speaker that presented was Cathrine Laga’Aia, she told us her hard journey from auditions to filming. Emma McKeon told us about some of her top 10 tips on leadership. Finally, Majak Daw talked to us about mental health, and in between the speakers they taught us a fun dance.
The leadership team learnt all different and useful tips from how to be a good leader, to how to be calm and controlled. Each speaker had a wonderful speech for a different category, for instance we had Thomas Duncan-Watt talk about how to make your presentations and speeches more interesting and how to keep going even when your surroundings wanted to push you down. It was great and I think the young leaders of our school really enjoyed it. Here are some comments of some of the captains that went.
- Sophie- It was a really great experience and I think it was really worthwhile.
- Liam- It was a fun day teaching us about leadership.
- Diya- It was a really fun day about leadership, it taught everyone to be better leaders!
- Kaiah- The day was a great experience to learn about leadership, it was engaging and enjoyable!
- Arjun-It was a great experience and it was really captivating and I hope that future captains enjoy the experience as much as I did.
- Daniel- It was a really great experience and I enjoyed doing the dance curriculum.
- Joachim- I had a great time as I learned that sometimes difficult situations can end up becoming learning opportunities and positive times.
- Amber - It was a really fun and informative day. I really enjoyed hearing each speaker’s story.
Overall all had a wonderful experience that none of us will ever forget!
SCHOOL COUNCIL ELECTIONS AND MARCH MEETING The vote for the five parent member positions on School Council was counted late Monday afternoon, and I am happy to announce the following results at the conclusion of the poll. Elected to our 2025 School Council were:
- Kate CULLEN
- Aisha STEWART
- Ben BAILEY
- Jason HEMINGWAY
- Michael PARRENT
The first meeting of our new School Council will be held at 6.30pm on Tuesday, March 11 in the staffroom with the presentation and ratification of our Annual Report preceding the meeting to elect office bearers for 2025 and then the first official meeting of the new Council. I will inform everyone of the office bearers and therefore the complete School council for 2025 in next week’s newsletter.
SPORTS UPDATES Congratulations to all students who swam at the District Swimming Carnival at the Northcote pool on Monday. Special congratulations to the following students who qualified to swim at the next level, the Divisional event at Oak Park on March 13 :-
- Blake CAMERON
- Darcy CARPENTER
- Sophie CLARE
- Madeline DIAS
- Shun GILL
- Addie GUNNINGHAM
- Maddie ISAAC
- Alexandra KHOR
- Thalisa KOSUMO
- Joachim LAI
- Lucas LIU
- Daniel MCDERMOTT
- Rubi NARULA
- Annabel STEWART
- Melinda TAN
The Viewbank PS Athletics Carnival took place on Tuesday. Such a busy week! Huge congratulations to all students who took part and did of their very best, to our teachers and parent volunteers who enabled the day to happen with their marshalling, measuring, recording and support and especially to Darren Peters our ‘chef de mission’ who coordinated the whole day’s events. It was an unqualified success!!
STATE SCHOOLS SPECTACULAR If the week wasn’t busy enough already, 16 of our students accompanied by Jackie Rielly and Jessica Ellis journeyed to Mont Albert PS today to take part in the first of the dance ensemble rehearsals for the State Schools Spectacular event to take place in September. Here https://www.vic.gov.au/victorian-state-schools-spectacular you can find out all about last year’s event!
WORKING BEE The term 1 working bee is scheduled for Sunday, March 16 from 9am. The first working bee of any year is a perfect opportunity to meet new people, contribute to enhancing the school grounds and to take advantage of the warmer weather to make progress whilst the sun shines. A sausage sizzle and morning tea are provided and kids are very welcome to be involved making it a perfect family ‘outing’. Hope you can make it.
PUPIL FREE DAY A final reminder that tomorrow, 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.
I hope everyone enjoys the long weekend and takes time to rest and recharge. School resumes on Tuesday, March 11 but there will be NO school assembly on that day.
Kind regards,
Bill Kersing
SCHOOL ATTENDANCE
The Department of Education initiative EVERY DAY COUNTS highlights the importance of regular school attendance.
Going to school every day is the single most important part of your child’s education. Students learn new things at school every day – missing school or being late to school puts them behind.
SCHOOL IS BETTER WHEN YOUR CHILD IS THERE
Why it’s important We all want our students to get a great education, and the building blocks for a great education begin with students coming to school each and every day.
If students miss school regularly, they miss out on learning the fundamental skills that will set them up for success in the later years of school.
There is no safe number of days for missing school – each day a student misses puts them behind, and can affect their educational outcomes.
Each missed day is associated with progressively lower achievement in numeracy, writing and reading.
Getting in early Attendance patterns are established early – a child regularly missing days in kindergarten or in the early years of school will often continue to miss classes in the later years, and receive lower test scores than their classmates.
It’s vital that students go to school every day – even in the early years of primary school.
In Victoria school is compulsory for children and young people aged 6 -17 years
Student Absences
The main reasons for absence are:
- Sickness – There are always times when students need to miss school, such as when they’re ill. It’s vital that they’re only away on the days they are genuinely sick, and developing good sleep patterns, eating well and exercising regularly can make a big difference.
- Family holidays - It's vital that holidays are planned during school holidays where possible, and not during the term. If you are planning to go on holiday during term time, make sure that you talk to the school in advance, so we can discuss holiday learning tasks such as keeping a journal or continuing with online learning tasks.
- “Day off” – Think twice before letting your child have a “day off” as they could fall behind their classmates – every day counts.
- Truancy – This is when students choose not to go to school without their parent’s permission. There can be many reasons for truancy. The best way to address this is for schools and parents to work together.
- School refusal - School refusing children will experience significant emotional distress not only when going to school but also at the thought of going to school; they may be absent from school for weeks or even months at a time. School refusal differs from truancy as children generally stay home with the knowledge of the parents and despite their best efforts to encourage their child to go to school.
BEING AWAY FROM SCHOOL FOR ONE DAY A FORTNIGHT EQUALS MISSING 1.5 YEARS OVER 13 YEARS OF SCHOOL
If your child is away Parents/carers are required to ensure their child attends school every day and have an obligation to enter the absence onto Compass or contact the school to notify their child’s absence. Parents/carers should inform the school or log the absence on Compass in advance of known upcoming absences, or on the day of absence as soon as practicable. In addition, in order to implement this requirement, it is essential that parent/carers provide schools with their most up-to-date contact details.
Remember, every day counts. If your child must miss school, speak with the classroom teacher as early as possible.
Openly communicating with the school about all absences is a good way to prevent attendance issues being escalated to a School Attendance Officer. A School Attendance Officer is a Department of Education Regional Director who has authority to follow up attendance issues. Chronic or ongoing attendance issues that are escalated can lead to an Infringement Notice being issued to parent/s.
If you’re having attendance issues with your child, please let the classroom teacher know so we can work together to get your child to school every day.
Top attendance tips for parents
- Schools want to work in partnership with parents – act early if you have any concerns by contacting the school and asking for advice and support
- Remember that every day counts
- There is no safe number of days for missing school – each day a student misses puts them behind, and can affect their educational outcomes and their social connectedness
- Talk positively about school and the importance of attending every day
- Open and prompt communication with the school about all absences is a good idea
- Avoid making routine medical and dental appointments during the school day or planning family holidays during the term
- Seek help from the school if you are concerned about your child’s attendance and wellbeing. Schools want to work in partnership with parents to support student attendance and wellbeing.
If you would like further advice, please also refer to our Attendance Policy on the school website.
Enjoy the extra-long, long weekend and see you next Tuesday.
Gill
National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy Our Year 3 and Year 5 students will be completing the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) next week! The following table shows our schedule:
Make up assessments will be provided within the assessment window (between Thursday 13 March and Monday 24 March). Make up tests will only be provided for students in line with NAPLAN administration guidelines.
Parents and Friends (P&F) We had our Annual General Meeting on Tuesday evening. We are very grateful to the 5 parents who attended. Narelle Matton has agreed to be President until the end of Term 2 – thank you Narelle! If you would like to ‘try before you buy’, Narelle is very happy to guide and mentor someone between now and Term 2 – please let the office or Narelle know if this is something you may like to consider.
Unfortunately, we do not have a Secretary so will have to keep trying.
Second half of the year events that may be in jeopardy due to a lack of a President includes Fathers’ Day Stall; Disco; Mango Drive …
We do have a number of events coming up in Term 1 and Term 2 that will require support and volunteers from the parent community: the Colour Run on Friday 28 March and a Parent only Trivia Night on Friday 20 June. If you are able to help the organisers of these events, please contact the office or P&F as soon as possible.
We are currently under-represented on P&F from current Foundation, Year 1, 2 and 5 families. It would be great if we could have at least one parent who has a child in each of these year levels to come along to the P&F meeting so that your voices are heard and considerations given.
Our next meeting in scheduled for Tuesday 29 April.
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
Year 4 Health and Wellbeing Inquiry As part of the ‘Finding Out’ stage of our current Inquiry unit, the Year 4 students had a visit from Healthy Harold and Life Education Educator, Leah. During the session, students were captivated by the human body and had the opportunity to ask questions and share information.
Students benefited from learning about making healthy, informed choices and the human body via ‘The Inside Story’ session which covered:
- The impact food choices have on health and energy levels
- Function of the body systems; digestive, respiratory, circulatory and others
- Factors that influence physical health, such as nutrition, exercise and medicines
The Year 4s showed that they are able to:
- Identify and locate parts of the body
- Draw and label the main body parts and describe their function/s
- Explain how sleep, food, water, mindfulness and movement benefit the body
- Make a positive commitment to change
Thank you for visiting Viewbank Primary School Harold and Leah!
https://www.lifeedvic.org.au/schools/core-program/physical-health
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 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