- 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
WORKING BEE As I pointed out in last week’s newsletter, we sometimes have the capacity to make it rain simply by advertising a working bee and this was proven to be true! The forecast 8-20mm of rain was sufficient for us to postpone last week’s working bee to this Sunday, March 23 which will surely be perfect to complete the range of tasks planned. We hope to see you there from around 9am.
DIVISIONAL AND REGIONAL SWIMMING UPDATES Congratulations to all students who swam at the Divisional Swimming Championships last Thursday at Oak Park. So very proud of all of you. I am pleased to report that the following students swam well enough that they have now progressed to the Regional Championships which were scheduled for today at WaterMarc. I’m sure they will have acquitted themselves well and given their all!
- Lucas Liu
- Joachim Lai
- Shun Gill
- Blake Cameron
- Darcy Carpenter
- Rubi Narula
COLOUR RUN The Viewbank Primary School Parents and Friends Committee is once again hosting the 2025 Colour Fun Run Fundraiser! This whole-school event will take place on Friday, 28 March 2025, from 2:20 PM on the school oval and is a heap of fun as well as being an excellent fundraiser.
ANNUAL REPORT UPDATE This is the second extract from our Annual Report of 2024. Happy reading.
Enrolment Profile
A total of 646 students were enrolled at this school in 2024, 305 female and 341 male.
33 percent of students had English as an additional language and 1 percent were Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.
Overall Socio-Economic Profile
The overall school’s socio-economic profile is based on the school's Student Family Occupation and Education index (SFOE).
SFOE is a measure of socio-educational disadvantage of a school, based on educational and employment characteristics of the parents/carers of students enrolled at the school. Possible SFOE band values are: Low, Low-Medium, Medium and High. A ‘Low’ band represents a low level of socio-educational disadvantage, a ‘High’ band represents a high level of socio-educational disadvantage.
This school’s SFOE band value is: Low
Parent Satisfaction Summary
The percentage endorsement by parents on their General School Satisfaction, as reported in the annual Parent/Caregiver/Guardian Opinion Survey.
Percent endorsement indicates the percent of positive responses (agree or strongly agree) from parents who responded to the survey.
School Staff Survey
The percent endorsement by staff on School Climate, as reported in the annual School Staff Survey.
Percent endorsement indicates the percent of positive responses (agree or strongly agree) from staff who responded to the survey.
Data is suppressed for schools with three or less respondents to the survey for confidentiality reasons.
Hoping to see you on Sunday.
Kind regards,
Bill Kersing
Rescheduled Working Bee – this Sunday This Sunday, 23rd March, we will be holding our rescheduled Term 1 working bee from 9.00am.
The weather was against us last weekend but the rain was certainly appreciated. The school oval has a fresh green tinge to it and the garden plants are certainly standing stronger.
If you have any time this Sunday, we certainly welcome your support at the working bee. There are a range of jobs to be completed including laying a gravel pathway to the vegetable garden, building a low sleeper retaining wall near the new tiger turf, weeding, and mulching and general tidying. There something for everyone, regardless of your skill level.
Michael Parrent, our Buildings and Grounds convener, always does and excellent job preparing for the morning ensuring tools and materials are ready as well as explaining jobs to the volunteers.
The working bee is a great way to meet other families and share in the care and maintenance of our school grounds. The morning cuppa, free sausage sizzle and icy poles are also popular.
I look forward to seeing you on Sunday. The weather is looking promising with a fine 24 degrees predicted.
The Importance of Sleep If you are feeling tired or your children are struggling with sleep after a busy day, the following article from the Department might be worth a read.
Supporting sleep health - While we know sleep is essential for good health, research shows that many children and young people are not getting enough sleep on school nights. This can affect thinking, concentration, memory, reaction times and mood.
Research shows about 12% of primary school-aged children, a quarter of 12- to 15-year-olds and half of 16- to 17-year-olds don’t get enough sleep on school nights. The recommended amount of time to sleep for primary school-aged children is 9 to 11 hours. For teenagers, it’s 8 to 10 hours.
Signs that your child is not getting enough sleep can include:
- low mood and irritability during social interactions
- reluctance or arguing about getting off devices and going to bed
- falling asleep during the day
- difficulties waking up for school and sleeping in late on weekends to catch up
- changes to communicating or interacting at home.
You can help your child to improve their sleep by:
- establishing a regular sleep pattern and consistent bedtime routine
- supporting them to avoid using electronic devices such as smartphones before going to bed and in bed
- encouraging your child to exercise and spend time outside in daylight, steering clear of vigorous activity in the hour before sleep
- encouraging them to wind down and relax before going to bed.
If your child is still having trouble sleeping, has persistent problems with low mood, excessive daytime sleepiness, restlessness in bed, severe snoring or wakening unrefreshed, despite getting adequate length sleep, they should see a doctor.
For more information on sleep health, you can refer to:
- Sleep tips for children and Facts about sleep for parents and school staff, from the Sleep Health Foundation
- Why sleep is so important, from the Kids Helpline’s
- Sleep explained, from the Better Health Channel.
Have a great week and see you Sunday.
Gill
Baby News Our heartiest congratulations to Kelsey Mentiplay and her husband Ben on the safe arrival of Ziggy Mentiplay. Ziggy was born on Sunday 9th March, a beautiful baby brother for Leo!
Planning Week Next week (24 to 28 March) is our Term 1 Planning Week. Traditionally, this normally occurs in the second last week of term. It is hard to believe that we are at the second last week of term already!
For new families to our community, Planning Week is where your child/ren’s specialist classes are compressed into one day (they do not have specialist classes at any other time throughout the week). All classroom teachers in a year level (e.g. Foundation) have the same day together.
This day is to reflect on Term 1, and to plan for Term 2. A question we sometime have from parents is ‘Will my child have the same Specialist Teacher as they normally do?’ e.g. Mrs Hall for Art. The answer is (like all good questions) ‘it depends’. The reason for this is that we have several part-time staff in specialist positions, and they may not be available on the allocated days. Our Specialist Teachers also receive time to reflect on Term 1 and to plan for next term.
The timetable for next week is as follows:
National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy As of the time of writing this, our Year 3s and Year 5s have completed the scheduled NAPLAN sessions. We still have a few students that can complete a make-up session or 2 before the test window closes on Monday 24 March.
I would like to express my thanks to the Year 3 and Year 5 teachers for their professionalism and commitment to ensure every student has the best opportunity to show what they can do.
The below is what I shared with the Year 3 and Year 5 families last Friday – this is still true today.
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
Pi Day at Viewbank College - Written by Alex and Abhi
Today, 11 students from VPS attended PI Day at Viewbank College. We all had a really fun time competing against other schools (Rosanna Primary and Banyule). The college had their students prepare wonderful activities for our school and other schools to do. We explored many different ways to solve problems, work as a team, and have fun! We learned that maths is much more than getting answers correct. Overall it was an amazing experience, and we hope to celebrate more events with Viewbank College.
WORKING BEE A friendly reminder that the Viewbank Primary Term 1 Working Bee was postponed last weekend due to weather and will now be held this Sunday, 23rd March.
We’d love to see as many families as possible join us to help keep our school grounds looking great! Thank you for your support, and we look forward to a productive day together.
See you there!
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 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.
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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