Viewbank Voice 01.08.2024 Term 3 2024, Week 3

  • Father’s Day Stall, Wednesday 28th August

PUPIL FREE DAYS 2024

  • Monday, November 4

2024 TERM DATES

  • 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 5 Camp to Bacchus Marsh October 9 to 11

Hope you are all enjoying the excitement of the Paris Olympic Games. The level of dedication and the passion displayed by the athletes is inspiring. And it is fabulous to see our Aussie athletes doing so well!

In the spirit of the Olympics, we held our own whole school Olympic themed event today. The students had a great deal of fun representing different nations during the opening ceremony and subsequent team activities. As well as living the Olympic motto ‘Faster, Higher, Stronger – Together’ the students also demonstrated the school values ‘Respect, Resilience, Responsibility and Kindness’ throughout the day. Our student leadership team did an amazing job organising and hosting the day. I’m sure there will be many proud ‘athletes’ sharing their commemorative VPS Olympic medal at home this afternoon.

ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY This week marks the first anniversary of our students and teachers moving into the Year 3 and 4 learning hub at Jilinga. Hard to believe it has been a year but in that time so much has been achieved. From very sparce, basic beginnings we now have gardens, pathways, many new trees and a reasonable coverage of grass. Landscaping continues to be a work in progress but certainly this learning area is a wonderful addition to our school.

FOUNDATION 100 DAYS OF SCHOOL Our Foundation students celebrate 100 days of school next Monday 5th August - the first of many milestones along their school journey. I’m sure we will see a few photo highlights of the celebrations in next week’s newsletter.

TRANSITION 2025 Next Wednesday sees the beginning of our transition sessions for our 2025 Foundation students. Storyland will be held in the school library during the morning session with our current Foundation teachers in attendance. We encourage all our new students to attend the session and begin their school familiarisation.

F-2 SWIMMING PROGRAM We are half way through the 5 week program, and by all accounts we have received very positive feedback about the program. Even though the weather has been a tad chilly, the students are enjoying themselves and participating enthusiastically. Thank you to all our volunteers who are assisting.

Have a great week,

Gill

SunSmart Policy - Hats With a 3 degree start to Thursday morning at 9am, it seems a little ridiculous to be reminding families about our SunSmart Policy. However, we need to remind you to start looking for the school hat that you have not seen for the last 5 months! Each year in August, we make a decision regarding hat wearing that is in line with our SunSmart Policy. http://www.viewbankps.vic.edu.au/s/SunSmart-Policy-9rp9.pdf. Hats will be required to be worn daily from Monday 02 September 2024 until Wednesday 30 April 2025. All students must wear a sun protective hat that shades the face, neck and ears for all outdoor activities. The hats below can be purchased from our uniform supplier at A PLUS Schoolwear https://www.aplusschoolwear.com.au/ShopPage.aspx?Labels=VIEWBANK%20P.S

Second Hand Uniforms and Lost Property Second-hand uniform sales take place at our school every Friday between 3:00pm and 3:30pm during the term. You can find our ‘shop’ next to our Music Room at the top of the Lascelles Avenue ramp.

Before purchasing another clothing item, please check the lost property box, also located next to the Second-Hand Uniform shop. Items can sometimes be left at our Specialist lessons and lost library bags are often found outside the library. The best way to almost guarantee that an item will be returned is to ensure that your child’s name is clearly marked on the item.

Have a great weekend,

Patrick

PRINCIPALS' DAY – Friday 02 August We are delighted to take this opportunity to celebrate the exceptional leadership of our dedicated school principals, Bill, Gill, and Patrick, on Principals’ Day. Their unwavering dedication and guidance have profoundly influenced our school community, enriching the lives of students, parents, and staff.

Our principals are a continuous source of inspiration and encouragement. Their outstanding leadership and steadfast commitment to our school community have fostered a culture of open communication, where students and staff feel valued and supported.

On behalf of the entire school community, we express our deepest gratitude to Bill, Gill, and Patrick for their unwavering commitment to our core values: Responsibility, Resilience, Respect, and Kindness. Their vision and passion for education have cultivated an environment where learning thrives, creativity flourishes, and values are nurtured.

Kind regards,

Lucy Addati

School-Wide Positive Behaviour Support At assembly on Monday, our Engagement and Wellbeing Captains made the exciting announcement that our students recently reached 600 bees, which means they have earned another small school reward. Our beehive is still finding its new home, but we have been continuing to track hole punches and this is a huge milestone…over 6000 points given for students demonstrating respect, responsibility, resilience and kindness!

The next small reward was revealed at assembly to be extra recess. Next week, each year level will get 20 minutes’ additional playtime at the end of a recess or lunch break at a time convenient for their cohort.

Our next goal is 900 bees, which we’re already getting close to. This milestone will earn students their first big school reward. Stay tuned for announcements about this as we get closer!

Congratulations to all our students on reaching another school reward. Thank you to our staff also for continually encouraging and acknowledging positive behaviour.

Auslan Students have continued to work hard in Auslan lessons this term, learning more and more vocabulary each week. This week and next, students are learning to ask questions in Auslan using key words such as who, where, when, why, what and how.

Accordingly, below you will find answers to some frequently asked questions that have popped up throughout the year and in 3-Way Conferences earlier this term.

What is Auslan? Auslan is a portmanteau (a word made up of parts of other words) and it is short for Australian sign language. It is not an acronym so should not be written in all capitals.

Is Auslan the same as other sign languages? No. It is closely related to British Sign Language (BSL) and New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL), but it is distinct and very different to other countries’ sign languages (for example ASL, American Sign Language). There are over 300 sign languages in the world, and there is not a universal sign language, just as there isn’t a universal spoken language.

Can you write in Auslan? No. Auslan is a visual language, which means it is communicated through cues from the hands, face, eyes and movements. It has a distinct grammar and sentence structure that is not the same as English (e.g. you sign ‘dog red’ rather than ‘red dog’). It is best learned in person rather than through pictures of signs because signs incorporate movement, and the type of movement can completely change a sign’s meaning.

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 upgrad

Our Term 3 Fundraising Lunch Order Dates are:

  • Thursday 8th August (Orders closing on Monday 5th August, 3:00pm)
  • Thursday 15th August (Orders closing on Monday 12th August, 3:00pm)
  • Thursday 22nd August (Orders closing on Monday 19th August, 3:00pm)
  • Thursday 29th August (Orders closing on Monday 26th August, 3:00pm)
  • Thursday 5th September (Orders closing on Monday 2nd September, 3:00pm)
  • Thursday 12th September (Orders closing on Monday 9th September, 3:00pm)
  • Thursday 19th September (Orders closing on Monday 16th September, 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 3 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 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.

Guitar Lessons at Viewbank Primary School! Does your child dream of playing the guitar? Enrol them in our vibrant guitar lessons at Viewbank Primary School, where they can embark on an exciting musical journey! Our dedicated teacher, Luca, is passionate about music and committed to nurturing each student's unique talent.

Why Our Guitar Lessons?

  • Expert Teacher: Learn from Luca, a professional musician with years of performance and teaching experience.
  • Fun & Engaging: Our lessons are designed to be enjoyable and inspiring, sparking a lifelong love of music.
  • All Skill Levels Welcome: Whether your child is just starting or looking to hone their skills, our program is tailored for everyone.
  • Convenient Location: Lessons held right at Viewbank Primary School for your convenience.

Program Highlights:

  • Individual & Duo Lessons: Choose the format that best suits your child’s learning style.
  • Flexible Scheduling: We offer various times to fit around students’ busy schedules.

Enrol Today!

Spaces are limited, so don’t miss out on this wonderful opportunity to give your child the gift of music. For more information and to sign up, please contact Luca at lucabrading@gmail.com.

Let’s make some music!

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