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Friday July 22nd
- Goldfields Division Netball - Year 6 Girls team
Tuesday August 2nd
- Parent and Teacher conferences - Times will be listed on Xuno
Wednesday August 3rd
- Year 5/6 Ecolinc Space Junk excursion - see XUNO
Sunday August 7th
- School Grounds Working Bee - 9:30am - 11:30am - Please let the office know if you will be attending
Wednesday August 17th
- Afternoon tea and string making workshop - 3:15pm - see Community Engagement section
Wednesday August 24th
- Book Week dress up
Friday September 2nd
- P-2 Tabloid Sports day
Friday September 9th
- AFL & Netball District competition
COVID SAFETY
COVID cases continue to be reported here at Winters Flat Primary School. As mentioned earlier this week we have a good supply of masks and RAT kits available to collect at the office.
At school we promote and encourage:
- washing hands
- mask wearing indoors for everyone over 8
- physical distancing
- rapid antigen testing
- Outdoors when practical
- Air purifiers in all classrooms
Free rapid antigen tests
Testing is strongly recommended twice a week for students and staff. Tests are also strongly encouraged for close contacts of cases or when symptomatic.
After doing the tests at home, if it is positive, you will need to:
- let the school know
- keep your child at home for 7 days
- contact the Department of Health via the COVID-19 Positive Rapid Antigen Test Self-Reporting Form or call centre on 1800 675 398.
A video about RATtesting is available online.
THREE WAY CONFERENCES 3:30PM-6:30PM TUESDAY 2ND AUGUST
Semester 2 conferences are scheduled for after school on Tuesday 2nd August. Students are invited to attend with their family and teacher to discuss their key learning goals for the rest of the year. Bookings are now available via Xuno. If you would like a conference with your child but are unable to attend on that date, please contact the office and we will try to make an alternative arrangement including online options.
OUT OF HOURS SCHOOL CARE
All families were sent a survey this week, to gauge interest in an onsite before/after school care and holiday program here at Winters Flat. If you have not completed the survey yet, please let us know (even your family are not interested), as we are investigating the viability of introducing a service in 2023.
STRING MAKING AFTER SCHOOL WEDNESDAY 17TH AUGUST
The Community Engagement committee look forward to hosting an afternoon of string making for families using natural fibers with Jodie Goldring on Wednesday 17th August. The sessions will run for 45 minutes from 3:30pm and tea/coffee will be available. If you intend to come, please RSVP to winters.flat.ps@education.vic.gov.au or let Karen or Kitty know in the office so we know how many to expect. We would love to see you there!
DIVISION NETBALL AT WESLEY HILL ON FRIDAY
We are sending students to Wesley Hill Recreation Reserve representing Winters Flat PS at the Goldfields Division Primary Netball competition this Friday. Parent volunteers are welcome for supervision, umpiring and to support the players. Please contact us if you can be there to help out: winters.flat.ps@education.vic.gov.au.
LOVEY DOVE
Classes were introduced to Lovey Dove this week. Lovey Dove (and Turtle Dove) is sweet and nurturing and teaches about friendly, proud and kind feelings. Most classes have created a nest in their classroom for Lovey Dove. The Week 1 Homelink is attached to this newsletter.
SCHOOL WIDE POSITIVE BEHAVIOUR SUPPORT
The three positive behaviour priorities for the commencement of Term 3: being in the right place at the right time, keeping hands and feet to self and using kind words and tone of voice. Students are continuing to cash in their dojo/golden feathers.
SPELLING TIP #5
c = c (hard sound) OR ce/ci/cy (soft sound)
“c” has two sounds “k” and “s”
“s” is often referred to as its “second” or “soft” sound.
When “c” is followed by “e”, “i” or “y” it sounds like “s”.
When you hear the hard “c” sound when followed by an “e”, “i” or “y” the spelling will use a “k” e.g. kit, kin, keg, kettle
hard c |
ce “s” |
ci “s” |
cy “s” |
cash |
ceiling |
cinema |
cycle |
crush |
celery |
cinnamon |
cypher |
cast |
central |
circus |
cyborg |
cure |
census |
citizen |
cymbals |
creep |
certificate |
civilized |
cyclone |
clam |
cement |
cinquain |
cyclops |
curse |
celebrity |
circuit |
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BIRTHDAYS
Sophia 12 in the fourth week of June
Annabelle 8 in the fourth week of June
Riley in the fourth week of June
Odessa 7 in the fourth week of June
Harriet 6 in the fourth week of June
Detroit 12 in the fourth week of June
Chase 11 in the fourth week of June
Isabelle 10 in the first week of July
Maeve 7 in the first week of July
Fiona in the first week of July
Kirah-Jayne 13 in the second week of July
Indiana 11 in the third week of July
Noah 11 in the third week of July
Hip Hip: Hooray
Hip Hip: Hooray
Hooray: Hip Hip
Suzanne Kinnersly
Principal
Parent/Carer teacher conferences
Parent/Carer teacher conferences are to be held on Tuesday 2nd August. Bookings to be made through Xuno, if you have not logged into your Xuno account please contact the office to gain access or we can book this in for you.
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Mobile Phones reminder
It is Department of Education Policy that mobile phones are not to be used during school hours. Students who have a mobile phone or iPad are to check their device into the office each morning. They will be kept in the safe and can be check out by students after final bell.
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Year 5/6 Camp
Forms have been sent home to gauge attendance for the Year 5/6 camp on the 28th-30th of November. Please return forms the office so we can begin planning for this excellent camp. More information will be sent home at the beginning of Term 4. If you have misplaced your form, please see the office for another.
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2023 Enrolments
We are currently taking enrolments for 2023!
If there are any families with siblings looking to start next year, please see the office for an enrolment pack.
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Please pack more food
Since the cold weather has set in, students are coming up to the office to ask for more food as they have eaten all their food by lunchtime. Could parents please ensure that students have plenty of lunch and snacks to last them for the day. Thank you.
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Secondhand uniforms
We currently have a lot of good quality secondhand uniforms in stock. Feel free to pop into the office to look through the cupboard.
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A note from the school crossing team
Welcome back to another school term. As always, our School Crossing Team is here to help you get to and from school safely. Here are a few reminders of your responsibilities at the school crossing –
- ALWAYS use the school crossing when the flags are in place and a Supervisor is present
- STAND behind the white line until the Supervisor has stopped the traffic
- WAIT for the Supervisor to blow the whistle 2 times before walking across the crossing
- DO NOT ride a bike, scooter or skateboard across the crossing
- DO NOT bounce a ball, skip with a skipping rope , be silly or run across the crossing
- DRIVERS MUST approach the school crossing at the designated speed limit. WATCH for pedestrians. STOP when the Supervisor indicates with the Stop Sign. DO NOT proceed until the Supervisor is completely off the road. ALWAYS obey Traffic/Parking signs around the school. NEVER stop in the crossing area to pick up or drop off children
Afternoon Tea & String Making Workshop
Afternoon tea for all Winters Flat Primary School families!
3.15pm to 4.30pm Wednesday 17th August
Stay behind after school on Wednesday 17th of August and enjoy a cup of tea, cake and a chat while the children play in the grounds.
Our Gardening teacher Jodie will also be hosting a string making workshop for those who would like to learn how to make string from the leaves of the Red Hot Poker and Day Lily Plants.
We hope to meet outside, using the deck on the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden.
Please let Karen or Kitty in the office know if you are planning on attending. Also, if you'd like to bake something to share, please let us know.
A great chance to catch up and meet other Winters Flat Primary School families!
A community engagement sub committee event (based on families' feedback!)
Hello from the Wellbeing team!
We have had a roaring start to Term 3. Traditionally, Term 3 is a great term for most children. There is a sense of calm as routines have been established over the first Semester, peer connections feel more stable and safe and… Spring is on the way! Hopefully, your child is enjoying coming to school. Please let us know if your child needs more support to feel a sense of belonging and connectedness to their peers and/or the school. There are things we can do to help.
LGBTQIA+ Education and Support Group
An exciting and very popular student-led LGBTQIA+ Education and Support Group is up and running during lunchtime every Tuesday. Students have been making badges, listening to music and learning about pronouns. If a child wold like to come along, they can speak to Jesse, Iris, Neve, Faith, Jazmine, Bo (or Hannah).
Learn more about pronouns and the Safe Schools initiative here:
- https://aifs.gov.au/resources/resource-sheets/lgbtiqa-glossary-common-terms#:~:text=Pronouns%20can%20be%20gender%2Dspecific,(see%20Transgender%2FTrans).
- https://www.vic.gov.au/safe-schools
Advocating for your Child at School
The Association for Children with a Disability are running a FREE online workshop for parents called, Advocating at School. This workshop aims to give parents and guardians the skills and confidence to help your child get the support they need at school.
More info and registration here: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/advocating-at-school-tue-26th-jul-10am-registration-319172121407
Stay warm and stay well.
Hannah
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The mental health support system is under immense pressure. If you are having trouble accessing any services please contact me on hannah.okeefe@education.vic.gov.au. I am available for a chat/meeting on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays between 9:15 and 2:15.
By far the best service you can contact if your child is experiencing a mental health crisis is the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS). They have a 24 hour number you can call to talk with someone and access services in the region: 1300 363 788 (https://www.bendigohealth.org.au/ChildandAdolescentMentalHealthService/).
The Loddon Orange Door is also an excellent free service for adults, children and young people. They can link you in with services. They are available 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday (closed public holidays). Call 1800 512359
The following list is a comprehensive directory of mental health support services, including out of hours support. (If your safety or the safety of others is at risk, contact emergency services on 000)
HeadtoHelp 1800 595 212
Cairnmillar Institute (free telehealth counselling) - https://www.cairnmillar.org.au/telehealth
1300 22 4636 (24 Hrs)
Lifeline
13 11 14 (24 Hrs)
Suicide Call Back Service
1300 659 467 (24 Hrs)
Kids Helpline
1800 55 1800 (24 Hrs)
Other helplines
Tandem Support and Referral Line information, support, advocacy or referral for family members or friends who are supporting a person with mental health issues. Call 1800 314 325.
Blue Knot Foundation Helpline information, support or referral for adult survivors of childhood trauma and abuse. Call 1300 657 380, 9am-5pm / 7 days a week.
Butterfly Foundation's National Helpline counselling and treatment referral for people with eating disorders, and body image and related issues. Call 1800 33 4673 8am-9pm / 7 days a week.
Child Protection (5pm to 9am Monday to Friday, 24 hours on weekends and public holidays) For children and young people whose safety is at risk Call 13 12 78
eheadspace mental health and wellbeing support, information and services to young people aged 12 to 25 years and their families. Call 1800 650 890.
MensLine Australia telephone and online support and information service for Australian men. Call 1300 78 99 78, 24 hours / 7 days a week.
Men’s Referral Service (8am to 9pm Monday to Friday; 9am to 5pm Saturday and Sunday). For people at risk of using family violence. Free, confidential, expert support for men and their family and friends. Call 1300 766 491
MindSpot Clinic telephone and online service for people with stress, worry, anxiety, low mood or depression. Call 1800 61 44 34 AEST, 8am-8pm (Mon-Fri), 8am-6pm (Sat).
QLife telephone and web-based services to support lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTQI) people. Call 1800 184 527, 3pm-12am (midnight) / 7 days a week.
PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia) telephone information, counselling and referral service. Call 1300 726 306, 9am-7:30pm AEST (Mon-Fri).
Brother to Brother, a 24-hour crisis line for Aboriginal men has been set up to provide extra support during the coronavirus pandemic. Call 1800 435 799.
SANE Australia support, training and education enabling those with a mental illness to lead a better life. Call 1800 18 7263, 9am-5pm (Mon-Fri).
Safe Steps (24 hours a day, 7 days a week) For women and children who are victims of family violence. Web chat support service Monday to Friday 9am until midnight. Call 1800 015 188
Sexual Assault Crisis Line (24 hours a day, 7 days a week) For victims of sexual assault. Call 1800 806 292
The Compassionate Friends Victoria information and peer support for families trying to rebuild their lives after the death of a child, sibling or grandchild, from trained volunteers with lived experience. Call 9888 4944 or 1300 064 068 24/7. Siblings (aged 18-30 years) can use the web chat daily, 3pm-12am.
Open Arms (Veterans and Families Counselling) 24/7 free and confidential counselling to anyone who has served at least one day in the ADF, and their families. Call 1800 011 046.
With Respect (5pm to 11pm each Wednesday and 10am to 10pm on Saturday and Sunday) Specialist LGBTIQ family violence service. Call 1800 542 847
Victims of Crime Helpline (8am to 11pm, 7 days a week) For adult male victims of family violence and victims of violent crime. Call 1800 819 817 or text 0427 767 891
Mental Health Foundation Australia National Mental Health Helpline offers emotional and practical support to families, carers and individuals with mental health issues. The response team does not provide counselling but can arrange a call back from a trained Psychologist or Counsellor. Call 1300 643 287.
If you feel that the stress or anxiety you or your family members are experiencing is getting too much, a psychologist may be able to help. Psychologists are highly trained and qualified professionals skilled in providing effective interventions for a range of mental health concerns, including stress. A psychologist can help you manage your stress and anxiety using techniques based on the best available research. If you are referred to a psychologist by your GP, you might be eligible for a Medicare rebate. You may also be eligible to receive psychology services via telehealth so that you do not need to travel to see a psychologist. Ask your psychologist or GP for details.
There are number of ways to access a psychologist.
You can:
- use the Australia-wide Find a PsychologistTM service. Go to findapsychologist.org.au or call 1800 333 497
- ask your GP or another health professional to refer you.
- Investigate other mental health services, including domestic violence services via the link: https://mhaustralia.org/need-help
NEWS | Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Program
THIS WEEK IN THE KITCHEN & GARDEN...
What we're cooking in the kitchen this week...
- Roasted pumpkin soup
- Basic pasta
- Super green pesto
- Pizzas
- Garden salad
- Sticky date pudding and butterscotch sauce
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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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Chefs of the Day
2/3W - Annabelle, Athene & Leto
4/6L - Ellie, Zeno & Izaiah
Kitchen volunteers
We would love some kitchen helpers in our cooking classes. They are held fortnightly on Mondays (even weeks), and every Wednesday, between 11:25am & 1:25pm.
What you can expect from a class: Students work in six groups to make six different dishes. Once a group finishes their dish, they clean up their bench, do dishes, and set the tables. Around 1:00pm, we all sit down together and share the meal.
Volunteers will need to sign in via the visitors log in the office and show their WWCC and Vaccination Certificate. Please contact the Karen or Kitty in the office if you would like to volunteer.
What we're up to in the garden this week...
This fortnight, students have been mulching Herb Island and sowing seeds with our wonderful garden volunteer Serena.
Students in years 4/5/6 have started creating coiled baskets and will work on these throughout the term.
2/3W have been learning circular weaving, using repurposed CDs.
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Gardeners of the Week
2/3W - Vinnie & Angus, who was our roving garden reporter
4/6B - Saskia, Suzie, Jesse, Bo, Levi M, Jaz, Freya & Eisa
4/6L - Aurelia
Rosie & Jodie
Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden
Dinosaurs: Traces of the Past
Discover everything you’ve wanted to know about dinosaurs!
Travel back to a time when dinosaurs roamed the Earth with the help of bones, fossils and stories from the Museums Victoria experts.
Join in our hands-on interactive experience with complementary digital resources for some awesome dino-fun!
Wednesday 3 August 4-5pm at Castlemaine Library
This event is FREE, but bookings are required: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/museums-victoria-dinosaurs-traces-of-the-past-tickets-384360240827