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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 - see XUNO
Friday September 9th
- AFL & Netball District competition - select students - see XUNO
Monday September 12th
- Athlethics Day at Latrobe Uni - select students - info will be on XUNO
Wednesday September 14th
- Mt Alexander Chess Challenge - see XUNO
- Year 5 camp on the oval - notes will be sent home this week
Friday September 16th
- Last day of Term 3 - 2:30pm finish
- Whole school PJ day
THE CHILD SAFE STANDARDS
As part of the Victorian Government’s commitment to implementing the recommendations of the Betrayal of Trust report, which found that more must be done to prevent and respond to child abuse in our community, there is a new regulatory landscape surrounding child safety, underpinned by the Child Safe Standards.
The Child Safe Standards are compulsory minimum standards for all Victorian early childhood services and schools, to ensure they are well prepared to protect children from abuse and neglect.
The new standards came into effect on 1 July 2022.
Schools must update their child safety strategies, policies, and practices to comply with the new standards. As a school we are currently working through the required amendments and have had a briefing with teaching staff and school councillors.
Ministerial Order 1359 provides the framework for child safety in schools.
(STILL) SURVEY SEASON
The Department of Education is currently surveying families and staff. 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 our 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. The Parent Caregiver & Guardian survey closes on the last day of term 16th September.
KIMOCHI NEWS
The Keys to Communication are about to be introduced in classrooms. Key 1: Get someone’s attention focusses on using eye contact to engage the listener and speaker to make a connection. Using a person’s name and a “communication tap” will be strategies taught with this key. See the Homelink attached to this newsletter.
BIRTHDAYS
Nerri 12 in the first week of September
Jesse 12 in the first week of September
Hayley 10 in the second week of September
Angus 9 in the second week of September
Terry in the second week of September
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
Excursion Permissions
It is turning out to be a jam-packed end to Term 3, with lots of excursions and activities planned. Please check the calendar at the beginning of the this newsletter and check XUNO for more information and to organise permissions and payments.
Father's and Carer's Day Stall
The parent craft group will be hosting a Fathers & Carer's Day stall on Thursday and Friday morning this week from 8:30 to 8:55 for students to purchase something special. The stall will be located in front of the office.
A big thank you to everyone who has donated items for the stall so far.
AT SCHOOL
Our celebration of Wear It Purple Day was awesome! We had a great student turnout and help from some parents. The kids enjoyed music, chocolate cupcakes with purple hearts, popcorn, face painting, purple hairspray, badge making and colouring! The event raised $140 for the Winters Flat Ally Network which will be used to purchase a Progress Flag and some LGBTQIA+ inclusive board games and card games. A big thanks to Bo, Iris, Neve, Jesse and Faith for their hard work to get the group up and happening and for organising this awesome event.
Some Grade 2s and 3s have almost finished the BRAVE Program, an evidence-based Positive Coping Program. When your child finishes the program a few resources will be sent home with them, so they can continue practising some of the strategies. There is also a Parent Program that I highly recommend. The option for the Parent-Child Program (ages 8-12) is in the dropdown box:
https://brave4you.psy.uq.edu.au/register
IN THE COMMUNITY
To stay up-to-date with activities tailored to the Youth of Mount Alexander Shire, check out https://mountalexandershireyouth.com.au/.
In the Wellbeing realm, the shire has a Support and Resources Page that includes clear and up-to-date support services and programs for young people: https://mountalexandershireyouth.com.au/support-and-resources/
AT HOME
I can’t recommend this organisation more for easily accessible fact sheets, guides, apps and toolkits to help you support the mental health and wellbeing of children in your family: https://emergingminds.com.au/families/.
One of my favourites is this fact sheet about communicating with your primary school-age child during ‘tough times’ and can be used to help guide conversations with your child when you are experiencing adversity and/or challenging change.
(https://d2p3kdr0nr4o3z.cloudfront.net/content/uploads/2019/07/17142403/Emerging-Minds_Communicating-with-your-primary-school-age-child_2019.pdf).
Stay warm and stay well.
Hannah
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...
- Minestrone soup
- Herbed bread rolls
- Carrot, cumin, and herb fritters with yoghurt sauce
- Herb polenta chips
- Mexican beans with roasted sweet potato, fennel, and silverbeet
- Passionfruit yoyos
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...
Year 2-6 students went on an Edible Weed Hunt over the last 2 weeks for the SAKGP. Weeds collected were used in the kitchen to make salads, pies, frittata's, rolls and soups. We would like to invite you to use this handout at home to continue to explore edible weeds with your kids. It covers a small selection of weeds, but many others are edible as well such as mallow, onion weed, dandelion, oxalis and sour thistle. As the costs of living rise, we may be able to save a little by foraging for edible weeds. I hope you are keen to join us on our edible weed journey!
Gardeners of the Week
2/3W - Jaya & Raph
4/6B - Lucinda, ripley, Daisy R, Evie O, Riley, Sullivan & Freya
4/6L - Riva, Arlo & Levi
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