- Colour Run Day (Whole School) - Friday 28 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
SCHOOL COUNCIL OFFICE BEARERS AND MEMBERSHIP School Council met on Tuesday night to ratify our Annual Report, to conduct normal monthly business and to elect office bearers for 2025. I am now in the position to announce all positions and the full membership for 2025.
PARENT MEMBERS (9)
- Jason HEMINGWAY - President
- Michael PARRENT – Vice President
- Kate CULLEN - Secretary
- Michell PAN - Treasurer
- Aisha STEWART
- Ben BAILEY
- Svitlana ILLIEVSKA
- Kate DORAN
- Anthony SPENCE
SCHOOL EMPLOYEES (4)
- Patrick WALSH
- Gill NICHOLLS
- Jamie RUDDOCK
- Bill KERSING
With regards the Annual Report, it will soon be posted on our website as we are obligated to do, but I hope you will be interested in reading some of the commentary and referencing the data contained within over the next few newsletters. Today we focus on our NAPLAN 2024 data – topical, given our students commenced their 2025 NAPLAN tests yesterday!
NAPLAN Percentage of students in the Strong or Exceeding proficiency levels in NAPLAN.
Note: The NAPLAN test was revised in 2023. As a result, a 2-year average has been provided for 2024.
Key: ‘Similar Schools’ are a group of Victorian government schools that are like this school, taking into account the school’s socioeconomic background of students, the number of non-English speaking students and the size and location of the school.
NAPLAN 2022
Percentage of students in the top three bands of testing in NAPLAN.
SPORTS UPDATES Divisional Swimming championships took place at the Oak Park swimming pool today and we will update you on the outcomes in a later newsletter.
Congratulations to Dmytro IIEVLIEV who recently became a Victoria Karate State Champion winning a silver medal. Always like hearing of our students successes outside of school!
WORKING BEE Please don’t forget the term 1 working bee to be held on Sunday, March 16 from 9am. As mentioned previously, any support is appreciated and welcome and a sausage sizzle and morning tea are provided. We sometimes have the capacity to make it rain simply by advertising a working bee, but if it could just hold off for one more day that would enable us to achieve some of the tasks earmarked for the day.
Hoping to see you on Sunday.
Kind regards,
Bill Kersing
Principal
Cultural Diversity Week and Harmony Day Victoria’s annual Cultural Diversity Week recognises our rich multicultural heritage and is being celebrated from March 17 to 23. Cultural Diversity Week is a great opportunity to highlight and celebrate the cultures within and around our school.
The theme for 2025 is ‘Embrace The Journey, Shape Our Future’ and highlights the unique and shared cultural journeys that define our diverse communities, encouraging us to honour our own cultural stories and those of others, fostering understanding, belonging and connection.
At Viewbank, we will celebrate with different activities across the week with a special focus on Friday 21st, which is Harmony Day. Our student leadership team are currently developing a range of resources to promote and celebrate the week. More information regarding the planned activities will be communicated by our student communication captains.
Mrs Buissink has created an informative display at the library and has sourced a range of relevant texts for students and staff to access.
Across our school, the students and staff will be using these events to share and reflect on our multicultural heritages and stories while strengthening cultural inclusion within our school and community.
Looking forward to seeing you at the working bee on Sunday. Fingers crossed for a fine morning.
Have a great week,
Gill
National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy As of the time of writing this, our Year 3s and Year 5s have completed the first two NAPLAN tests - Writing and Reading. The following table shows the remaining schedule:
Current Events And Our Playgrounds Schools are like small communities, reflecting the broader world around us. What children see and hear at home or in the media (social or other) often finds its way into our classrooms and playgrounds. I remember being a teenager in the 80s, sporting a 'mullet' haircut to emulate my VFL heroes, as did many a student around 2018/2019! While fashion trends are one thing (‘tracky dacks’ tucked into socks in the 80s anyone?), the language and news topics of the day also make their way into school.
Children are like sponges, absorbing everything around them. However, they may not always have the maturity to understand the seriousness of what they see or hear. This can sometimes lead to them repeating things without fully grasping the implications. Recently, there has been a lot of news about law and order, especially with the election cycle in Victoria. Topics like gangs and 'edged weapons' (such as knives and machetes) are being discussed more frequently.
Your children are likely seeing this online and hearing about it at home and in the community. It is important for us to be aware of topics they are exposed to and to guide them in understanding these issues appropriately.
We have noticed an increase in discussions about these topics (and anything else from which ever social media ‘personality’ is popular now) in our school yard. This is concerning, and we are taking steps to address issues as they arise. We encourage you to talk to your children about the seriousness of these topics and to help them understand the potential consequences of such discussions and ‘off the cuff’ comments.
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
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 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!
.
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.
.
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
Credits:
Created with an image by magann - "blue sky with sun and clouds background"