2020 VISION AND THE SCHOOL REVIEW – PARENT FORUMS

As you walk around the school in the coming days and weeks you will see posters designed by students promoting our future gazing for 2020 and beyond. To start the conversation we are inviting parents and carers to join us next week at 7.00pm on either Tuesday 13^th August or Wednesday 14^th August to give us some feedback and help shape the next five years at Winters Flat PS.

Our students’ needs are at the centre of this inquiry and with that in mind we will be asking:

What would you like to see more of?

…and less of?

Are there things we could be doing that we currently don’t do?

What needs to change?

The broad area for discussion will be:

• Students’ academic experiences
• Students’ social and emotional experiences
• Students’ experiences of the school environment
• School community experiences

The timing of these forums is to collect some information for our 2019 School Review, but with the ultimate aim of improving engagement and shaping our school to best reflect community expectations. For this reason I encourage you to come and share your thoughts at the forums with members of the School Council.

We will continue the conversation in the months ahead and members of our school community will have the opportunity to give us feedback online, following next week’s forums.

Central to this process is finding out what our students think and they will be invited to participate in this process.

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YARD DUTY AND INCIDENT REPORTING

Student safety is our number one priority at school. At Monday’s assembly we outlined the additional support being offered to students in the playground to access adult support when issues arise. We have increased the number of teachers on duty during breaks, as well as having a teacher on duty to provide First Aid and follow-up with incident reporting and communication with parents. Encouraging bystanders to actively seek assistance from teachers is another way of reinforcing students’ sense of safety and will be promoted in classrooms, as part of our commitment to improving the School Wide Positive Behaviour Support (Care Crows).

 

SCHOOL CHOIR – MONDAYS

Music mentor and singing teacher Scott Buchanan will be offering students from Year 2-6 the opportunity to develop their singing voice, experience the joy of ensemble singing and explore some new songs and old favorites. This will be a lunchtime activity on Mondays commencing next week.

 

WINTER WORKING BEE:  9am – 11am SUNDAY AUGUST 18^th

This Working Bee is taking advantage of the seasonal timing for planting and pruning. There are other jobs to be done as well so if you can come along we’ll have plenty to keep you busy. Delicious morning tea provided.

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Suzanne Kinnersly

Principal

UNIFORM SHOP- BELEZA

The uniform shop will be temporarily unavailable until further notice.  There are plans for the company to open a shop in Castlemaine stocking all the uniforms in the area. In the meantime you can order uniforms from the office as we have a small selection of styles and sizes for viewing.  Tuesday will be the day to order and then Thursday the order will be delivered.  You can also use your vouchers from State School Relief.  Free postage for online orders until further notice using code FREEPOSTCASTLEMAINE. There is also going to be a slight price rise from the 1^st September 2019.  New price lists will be distributed shortly. 

 

PERMISSION FORMS OUTSTANDING

We still have permission forms outstanding for the Life Ed Van visit (P-3), Book week (all students) and Art project (all students).  Please call in to the office or print these  to complete.

 

ACCOUNTS

Outstanding accounts were sent home via your child.  Please check their bags for these envelopes, we would appreciate payment as soon as possible as some of the items relate to the start of the school year.

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Karen Mahoney & Renae Wilson

Office

Principal's Day

Friday 2^nd August 2019 was Principals’ Day. This is an important day to recognise and acknowledge all the great work done by School Principal’s in Victorian Government Schools. On behalf of the Winters Flat School Council, I would like to extend a special thank you to our School Principal, Suzanne Kinnersly for her strong leadership and dedication to making our school the best school that it can be. Suzanne has shared her passion for the performing arts with our students, and maintains an open door policy for all members of the school community. She is committed to ensuring that we have the best possible learning spaces and is always open to exploring new initiatives and opportunities for the students and their families. Suzanne lends her helping hands at working bees and other fundraising events. She is truly committed to our school and making sure that it is a place where everyone feels welcome. Thank you Suzanne. 

The next school council meeting is scheduled for Monday 19th August 2019 at 7pm.

Katie Wilson

School Council President

JUNIOR LEARNING COMMUNITY

P/1 A | Haylee Y

For showing Care for Others by always being friendly and encouraging to others in the class and in the yard. Thank you Haylee!
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P/1 A | Ivy S

For showing Care for Self by trying really hard and making sure her writing makes sense and that she can read it back. Great effort Ivy!
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P/1 J | Amaya M

For showing Care for Self by being ready to learn and join in all class activities. Well done Amaya on your 5 star listening and persisting to finish tasks. Thank you Amaya!
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P/1 J | Finchley M

For showing Care for Self by independently writing and illustrating his recount. Well done Finchley on your efforts. Keep up the fantastic writing!
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MIDDLE LEARNING COMMUNITY

Iris D

For showing Care for Self by having a go and being positive. Well done Iris!

SENIOR LEADERSHIP COMMUNITY

Eliza P

For showing Care for Self by creating amazing pictures with her words for the reader to read. Thank you for your willingness to share your expertise with others. Beautiful writing.
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Lila D

For showing Care for Self by using wonderful word choices in her writing and creating such a vivid picture in the readers mind. Fantastic work.

Keira M

For showing Care for Self with fantastic focus, enthusiasm and attention to detail shown during the Art Project. Your contributions are amazing.

Sonny R

For showing Care for Self by displaying fantastic strength of character and leadership during the ‘Engineers Without Borders’ experience.

Huckle S

For showing Care for Self with his unwavering focus, enthusiasm and creativity with his narrative writing. Congratulations Huckle for leading the way and showing how it’s done.

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FRENCH

Sam G

For excellent focus and listening to instructions.
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Neve D

For always listening to instructions and contributing well to class discussions.

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POSITIVE BEHAVIOUR FOCUS

This week's positive behaviour focus is:

Showing care for self by getting help from a teacher.

The following students are recognised for their abilities to do so:

Indiana B

Evie O

Jazmine W

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BEST CLASS ATTENDANCE (CUMALONG CUP)

The class with the best school attendance for the week ending 26th July is P1J.

The class with the best school attendance for the week ending 2nd August is P1A.

THIS WEEK IN THE KITCHEN & GARDEN...

What we're cooking in the kitchen this week...

Guacamole

Soft taco shells

Chilli 'Non' Carne

Spicy potato wedges with sour cream and sweet chilli sauce

Shortbread

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Remember, all our recipes are available on our school website, so you can try them at home.

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And what we're harvesting from the garden...

Thyme

Chives

Oregano

Fennel Bulbs

Broccoli

Spinach

Rainbow Chard

Miners Lettuce

Kale

Salad Burnet

Pencil Leeks

Rosemary

Parsley

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Jane & Terry
Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden

'Threatened Species' Children’s Art Competition  

Grade 2 and 3 have been busy creating amazing artwork for the Humane Society's 'Threatened Species' Children’s Art Competition.  The competition required students to choose an endangered animal (or plant), create an original artwork and explain in 50-150 words why they were inspired by their choice.  It was great to see the enthusiasm for the project with some students giving up break time, or even completing the project at home.  Not everyone was able to complete the requirements in time so we will also have a WFPS opportunity for every piece to be included. 

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The More You Look the More There is to See

We are into the fourth week our Creative Learning Partnerships supported project with local artist Eliza Gilchrist. So far staff and students across the school have completed a workshop and created a cone based shape taking inspiration from the natural world.  The senior school have had further opportunity to observe, sketch and photograph organic patterns and shapes, including a walking excursion to local garden Tranquil Grove.  These experiences are being used to create imaginative design work that will form the basis of our cardboard garden.  Senior students have also begun sharing their learning with cobbers.  Already some fantastic work has been created and it will be exciting to see where it leads next!

AFL CARNIVAL

It all started in the deep winter cold, 9:13am, Winter Flat PS, VIC. We boarded the transport vehicle and arrived 9:19am ready for the battle ahead, but none of us were prepared for the carnage that awaited us.

We disembarked the transport vehicle, prepared for the worst and we began our journey into the forbidden lands of Wesley Hill Oval. When we entered, we were met by strangely dressed foe in AFL bibs. Our head in command was a footy torn hero that goes by the name of Samuel Milner, he has trained all of us for hours to get to this great moment in history.

The first game started at 9:52am. The enemy team was a brash brutal clan of violence and pain, they caused some of our trooper’s pain and torment. After that game we had two more and then we had some time to eat our rations. Before the last three games started we were given a speech of pure greatness by Sam. That speech lead us through the last three games, but we fell short of any victories.

We returned defeated, battle torn, wounded, but we still held our heads high and accepted defeat. We all had a good time and that was the real victory today.

By Ashton C

(Thanks for reading. It’s a dramatic version but a funny one)

Bendigo Chess Championship

On Tuesday 30th July, a group of students travelled to Bendigo to compete in the Greater Regional Chess Championships.

Students had a great day and came home with a bundle of medals, including the winning trophy! 

Well done to all the students who participated and a big thanks to Chess Tutor Harry Poulton, and to Principal Suzanne Kinnersly for driving the bus.

 Arki S proudly holding the winning trophy

When it comes to using sun protection, temperature isn't a good guide. You can’t see or feel UV but UV is the part of the sun that can damage skin and eyes and lead to skin cancer. SunSmart advises that Victoria’s UV levels start to rise from mid-August. Please remind your child to pack their hat and sunscreen. For SunSmart information visit https://www.sunsmart.com.au/communities/parents

Please don’t wait for term 4 to start protecting skin.

26^th July 2019

As a part of National Tree Day and our Living Things science unit, the Prep and Grade One students went on a bush walk and explored Campbells Creek.

WHAT'S HAPPENING IN OUR COMMUNITY...

Lots going on in this wonderful community!

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MOUNT ALEXANDER SUSTAINABILITY GROUP

WASH AGAINST WASTE

A locally designed and developed trailer that enables events to dramatically reduce the waste they produce. The trailer includes quality cutlery and crockery for up to 250 people.

It is an ideal way to make your event more sustainable, by greatly reducing the materials sent to landfill. 

Our Party Hire has everything you need to make your party or event waste free. We can supply everything from tea spoons to trestle tables.

We are in the process of developing a Kids’ Party Hire range. Whether they invite a few close friends, or the whole class we will have you covered with a range of colourful pieces for kids of all ages.

Find out more at:

waw.org.au

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2019 Mount Alexander Shire Battle of the Bands

 Battle of the Bands Application Now Open!

 Battle of the bands in an annual music competition that provides a platform for young musicians to perform in front of a live audience in a safe and supportive environment.

Applications are open to all Central Victorian young people aged 12-25 yrs.

1st place takes home $500 for new equipment, recording time, instruments etc.

Application due back by Monday 19th August.

Pick up an application form from Mount Alexander Shire Council Civic Centre, Mondo Lounge, Captain Cherry's Guitar Shop, from our website below or Castlemaine Secondary College Reception.

Battle of the Bands will be held on Friday 13th September Theatre Royal Castlemaine, 6.30-10.30pm.

For more information please contact Jodie Hearn on 5471 1743/ 0429 421 214 , email j.hearn@mountalexander.vic.gov.au or visit www.mountalexandershireyouth.com.au

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Young Makers Market

Registrations for the next Young Makers Market are now open!

Young creatives aged 12-25 yrs are encouraged to get in touch about having a free stall at the next Young Makers Market- Father's Day special at the Theatre Royal.

The Young Makers Market is an opportunity for young people to sell their homemade wares such as crafts, candles, horticulture, clothing, photography etc. in a safe and supportive environment.

Space hire is free and easy.

To register for a stall or more information, contact the Young Makers Market Committee on youngmakersmarket@outlook.com or call Jodie on 54711 743/ 0429 421 214.

The Father’s Day Market will be held on Sunday 1 September, from 9am- 1pm at the Theatre Royal Courtyard.

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MALMSBURY VILLAGE FAYRE 2019 WELCOMES YOU TO WONDERLAND

Join us for an adventure down the rabbit-hole as things get curiouser and curiouser at this year’s Fayre! The Malmsbury Village Fayre returns Sunday 17 November 2019 transforming the Malmsbury Botanic Gardens into a wonderland for children and adults with the theme Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.

The Fayre – now in its 18th year – is a popular fixture on the Macedon Ranges calendar and is known for its live music, local produce, craft stalls and unique family activities held in the enchanting Malmsbury Botanic Gardens and lake.

Venue: Malmsbury Botanic Gardens
When: Sunday 17 November 2019
Time: 10am – 4pm
Cost: $2 entry at the gate

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