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Wednesday August 24th
- Book Week dress up
Friday August 26th
- Wear it Purple Day - Gold coin donation
Thursday September 1st
- Father's and Carer's Day stall 8:30am - 8:55am
- SLC Bike Hike to Botanic gardens see XUNO
Friday September 2nd
- Father's and Carer's Day stall 8:30am - 8:55am
- P-2 Tabloid Sports day - info will be on XUNO soon
Friday September 9th
- AFL & Netball District competition - select students - info will be on XUNO
Monday September 12th
- Athlethics Day at Latrobe Uni - select students - info will be on XUNO
Friday September 16th
- Last day of term 3 - 2:30pm finish
- Whole school PJ day
COMMFEST
Coinciding with the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, the SLC celebrated with a Commfest last Monday. Students participated in activities ranging from Finska, Gaga ball, rhythmic gymnastics and ball pit. The 100-minute challenge saw some amazing feats of personal endurance and then creativity in the kitchen with Commonwealth flag designs to inspire cupcake icing. It was a fabulous day of fun and games, and we thank the team: Karen, Keenan, Marg, Morgan and Rosie for organizing everything.
SURVEY SEASON
The Department of Education is currently surveying students and families. School staff have also just been surveyed regarding SWPBS, with the Staff Opinion survey following shortly. The surveys are made available in all schools and while the questions are generic, the data we collect is particularly useful feedback for framing the future directions of the school. If you have been invited to complete a survey, please know that we value your opinion and your responses will impact the 2023 School Review and subsequent Strategic Plan.
SCHOOL COUNCIL NEWS
At last night’s school council meeting approval was granted for the remaining 2022 Curriculum Days and staff Professional Practice Days. The PPDs are Monday 17th October (learning walks at Mt Macedon PS) and Monday 31st October (class planning 2023). Curriculum Days are the last two days of Term 4 – Monday 19th December and Tuesday 20th December. Students will finish the school year on Friday 16th December.
School Council also had the annual Child Safe Standards presentation. The Child Safe Standards were updated July 2022. As a school we are working through the updates, including associated policies and procedures to ensure we prioritize and support a culture of child safety.
WORKING BEE SUNDAY 8TH AUGUST
Our Winter Working Bee completed the following tasks:
- Shift mulch from piles
- Shift soccer goals
- Dig out long jump pit
- Re-paint blackboard at front of school
- Non-slip strips for steps near art room
- Weed & mulch tear drop garden
- Prune Teucrium hedge – front garden
Parents and Carers included: Jason & Phon Williams (Jasmine) Shera & Edd Blaise (Indi & Nova) Monte Macpherson (Finchley) Kitty Ward (Arlo & Winter), Lisa Cavallaro & Blair Venn (Luca), Peter Gringel & Helen Kaptein (Lucinda) Jason Newton (Georgie & Angus), Leon Stackpole (Archie), Melissa Walker (Lola), Leila Brook (Maeve & Patrick) Annabelle & Dan Tunley (Heidi & Rupert) Sally Mortensen & Timothy Webb (Harriet & Ottilie) Tallace Bissett (Lenny) Rowen Smith (Sullivan), Sarah Day & Torsten Pfeil (Eisa & Raphael) Staff: Jodie & Suzanne
Thanks to everyone for a sterling effort. Special thanks to Rowen for bringing the bobcat and digging out the long-jump pit as well as collecting the sand from ASQ. Thanks to the Tunleys for bringing the trailer to shift large amounts of mulch.
STRING MAKING AFTER SCHOOL TODAY
Come to the Garden classroom and see how to make string from dried grasses with Jodie Goldring. Tea/coffee provided. Fruit for children.
BUG & CAT
Classes were introduced to Bug last week. Bug is the character who helps children to learn how to be inclusive in play as well as how to get included. Bug also teaches children how to be brave and try new things and do the right thing in social situations. Bug’s challenge is to practice being brave when feeling left out and shy. Bug also teaches about being respectful, responsible, resilient, compassionate, kind and brave.
Cat is the character for this week. Cat loves to be in charge but can be bossy. This bossiness can lead to confrontation or a “cat fight”.
Cat comes with band aids to help hurt feelings. Cat is happy when being the leader but cranky when not getting own way. Cat helps children develop patience, helpfulness, forgiveness, safe and kind decision making as well as leadership skills. Cat teaches about curious, cranky and sorry feelings.
The Week 4 (Bug) & Week 5 (Cat) Homelinks are attached to this newsletter.
SPELLING TIP #7
Closed syllable a as in an, e as in pet, i as in it, o as in on, u as in up
A closed syllable is when one vowel is followed by only one consonant. In a closed syllable the vowel will always say its first or short sound. e.g. bad, set, big, cot, cut
An exception is: put. Can you think of any others?
This tip helps with spelling as a closed syllable will always say its short sound.
This also helps with reading a closed syllable, as the vowel sound will always be the short sound.
in |
his |
him |
common |
problem |
is |
had |
its |
hundred |
habitat |
it |
not |
did |
animals |
discontent |
on |
but |
than |
until |
splendid |
at |
can |
pan |
handicap |
magnetic |
an |
has |
|
fantastic |
dogmatic |
if |
then |
when |
magnificent |
cobweb |
up |
them |
this |
handstand |
chestnuts |
as |
from |
that |
penmanship |
dishonest |
is |
and |
with |
inhabit |
snapdragon |
BIRTHDAYS
Winter 8 in the third week of August
Ellie 12 in the third week of August
Atticus J 12 in the third week of August
Valentina 7 in the fourth week of August
Aurora 10 in the fourth week of August
Bron in the fourth week of August
Hip Hip: Hooray
Hip Hip: Hooray
Hooray: Hip Hip
COVID SAFETY
COVID cases continue to be reported here at Winters Flat Primary School
At school we promote and encourage:
- washing hands
- mask wearing indoors for everyone over 8 (highly recommended)
- physical distancing
- rapid antigen testing
- Outdoors when practical
- Air purifiers in all classrooms
Free rapid antigen tests
Testing is strongly recommended at least 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 RA testing is available online.
Suzanne Kinnersly
Principal
Request from the P1J classroom
We are running low on a few things in our craft supplies. If anyone has any of the below items, we would greatly appreciate it for our craft activities.
- cardboard boxes - shoebox size and smaller
- margarine tubs with lids
Traffic at school pickup
There have been reports of unsafe driving activity during afternoon pick up.
Parents and Carers are reminded to please ensure that when parking, to not:
- block a street entrance
- block the bus zone
- double park
We are recommending you drive the Douglas Crescent circuit to avoid the dangerous U turn near the gate at the bottom of Roberts Avenue. This will also mean less traffic at the crossing on Roberts Ave, making it safer for everyone!
Alternatively, you can drop off and pick up on Ray Street - at the top of the school - or near the green bridge on the Midland Highway, as both streets have School crossings.
Furthermore, please remember to use the crossing in front of the office to get to the eastern side of Roberts Ave.
Late arrivals and early leavers
Students arriving to school later than 9:00am, please remember to sign in at the office for attendance to be recorded.
Students who are picked up early from school, please remember to sign out at the office.
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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.
Last Monday we did some common wealth games themed activities. We did 6 different things. There was artistic gymnastics, which involved doing a play with your team. Keenan rated each team we got 37 out of 50. Next thing we did was finska, where you had to chuck a bit of wood at some wooden pins. Our team got 20 out of 20 points. The next thing we did was a game called ball pit. We had to wear a blindfold and put the right coloured ball in the right coloured bucket. I got 11 in the bucket. There was also gaga and we got 41 points . the whole of the middle block we did a 100 minute endurance challenge where you could walk, run or jog for 100 minutes. I did 19 kilometres running and I was really puffed at the end. After lunch we made cupcakes with the colours of the countries in the commonwealth games. I did Kenya then we got to eat them later. It was fun and i think most people enjoyed it too.
By Luca
On wednesday the 3rd of August, a collection of students from grades 5&6 went on an excursion to a place called Eco-linc, in Bacchus Marsh. The program was put in place to teach us about the problems of space junk, and what we could do about getting rid of it.
The first thing we did was to watch a short clip about space junk. The clip introduced us to the idea of space junk being dangerous, it also showed us how much of a problem space junk really is.
After that, we put on VR goggles, and they showed us what it’s like to be on the ISS (international space station), looking down at earth! There was one part when it looked like you were floating in space, looking at the earth,but at the same time, you were sitting in a carpeted room. It was weird, and SCARY!
We did an activity on what you would take on a space-mission to the moon. We had to work in teams to choose what people and equipment to bring on the 6-month mission.You had to choose only 5 people out of 10, and you could only fit 50 units, each thing took up a certain amount of units.
After a recess break, we worked in teams again, to design a space- glove prototype that we had to then test for flexibility, grip-strength, and thermal comfort.
The final activity we did was to design a machine that we would be able to use to get rid of space junk. The one that I helped to design, was a horse-shoe shaped ship,with large magnets on both sides of the horse-shoe, a magnetic net, a LOT of solar panels on it, it also had a recycling plant on the back, the whole ship was powered by the energy collected by the solar panels!
I had a great day, and overall it was an awesome experience that I am VERY glad I got to have! I had no idea what it was going to be like, but maybe that’s a good thing. Sometimes when you think something will be a certain way, and it’s not, it can be really disappointing.
By Riva
Hi everyone
Here's some PE & Sport news!
Tabloid sports for Prep-2 students on Friday 2nd September. Loads of fun and inclusive games and activities.
AFL 9's & Netball at Wesley Hill for SLC students that have shown interest on Friday 9th September. Will be loads of action in round robin format. Go the FLAT!
Goldfields Division Athletics on Monday 12th September at La Trobe Uni Athletics facility. We are currently performing Athletics in PE, students that are achieving high standard results will be invited to attend. Stay tuned?
Sam
P.E Teacher
AT SCHOOL
Please help us to celebrate Wear It Purple Day next Friday the 26th of October. Your child is welcome to WEAR PURPLE to school and BRING A COLD COIN donation to help the Winters Flat Ally Network purchase games for their group. Wear It Purple Day is about supporting LGBTQIA+ Youth around the world to feel valued, accepted and safe in schools, universities and beyond. This is a day that in general promotes care for one’s self and care for others, two pillars of our beautiful school community.
On the day we will have a special lunch time session with colouring, badge and twisty making, music and fun in the Book Nook in the 4/5/6 building. See you there!
IN THE COMMUNITY
Dhelkaya Community Health is recruiting volunteers to join our Youth Mentoring Program. Volunteers who would like to work with Winters Flat students can apply. If you care about the wellbeing of young people in our local community, and empathise with the challenges they face, have you considered becoming a mentor?
Ray has been mentoring for several years. ‘Young people know when an adult is genuinely interested in and listening to them. The impact can be profound and long-lasting.’
It’s our connections with others that keep us grounded in difficult and uncertain times.
This is a rewarding volunteer role.
The next training session will take place mid-August. The role requires an hour or two of your time each week or fortnight. Ongoing support is provided. To learn more please call 5479 1000 or visit Dhelkaya Community Health’s website https://chirp.org.au/volunteers/mount-alexander-youth-mentoring-volunteers/
AT HOME
Here are some awesome resources for you to begin a meaningful focus on Wellbeing at home. There are two links here to PDFs that can be printed. I will also provide some copies in the front office to be picked up if you like. If there are none left, just email me and I’ll arrange a copy for you.
#1. Wellbeing Booklet for Children
https://education.qld.gov.au/curriculums/learningfromhome/wellbeing-activities-booklet.pdf
#2. Conversation Starters for Parents
Stay warm and stay well.
Hannah
Wellbeing
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 fortnight...
- Leek and potato soup with nettle and onion weed.
- Bread rolls with wild fennel seed.
- Wild turnip, broccoli, and feta frittata.
- Weedy salad
- Potato, leek, and silverbeet spiral pies.
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Remember, recipes are available on our school website, so you can try them at home.
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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...
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Gardeners of the Week
2/3W - Leto, Athene, Annabelle & Ava
4/6B - Riley & Aurora
4/6L - Daisy G-L, Nerrina & Aurelia
Rosie & Jodie
Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden
Castlemaine Farmers Market Calling for volunteers!
Do you believe in a strong resilient and sustainable local food system?
Do you want to keep farmers farming?
Join this vibrant market!!
We need help for organising the Information stall/ raffle at each Sunday Market held first Sunday in the month. You would be part of a group to talk with our visitors and make them welcome.
Just I ½ hours once a month would be most appreciated and we guarantee a fun and stimulating morning with a free hot drink provided.
The market time is 9am – 1pm and if you would like to help please leave your name and contact at the school office so we can contact you