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Sunday October 16th
- Working Bee 10am - 12:30pm - please let us know if you can attend
Monday October 17th
- Professional Practice Day - no students at school
Thursday October 20th
- Year 5/6 Bike Hike to Ochre Pits - see XUNO
Friday October 21st
- Mango order forms and monies due back!
Wednesday October 26th
- Year 6 Camp at Kevin's farm - notes will be sent home in the coming week
Friday October 28th
- P-3 Grandparents and Special Friends Day 2:15pm - 3:15pm - invites will be sent home this week
Monday October 31st
- Professional Practice Day - no students at school
Tuesday November 1st
- Melbourne Cup Public Holiday
Friday November 4th
- Prep-2 Sleepover
Friday November 18th
- Year 5/6 Bike Hike to Maldon
Saturday November 26th
- Election Day Fundraiser
WORKING BEE THIS SUNDAY OR LET’S GET TOGETHER AND HAVE FUN/CAKE
The Buildings and Grounds committee are meeting on Friday morning to finalize the job list for Sunday morning. As usual trailers and brush cutters would be most welcome! A limb from a wattle came down last term (probably one trailer load) and there is long grass needing slashing in multiple locations. We are hoping to make some more progress on building the hot house so with Alistair Farley’s guidance we are seeking some assistance to do some building. All welcome this Sunday 16th October from 10:00am – 12:30pm. Please report to Blair Venn when you arrive. (we hope there’s cake ?)
Please let us know in the office if you can attend.
THE CHILD SAFE STANDARDS – CHILD SAFETY POLICY
I mentioned previously that 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.
Schools must update their child safety strategies, policies, and practices to comply with the new standards.
In order to get our community feedback, I have attached a draft of the new Child Safety Policy for Winters Flat Primary School. The wording of this policy has been prepared by the Department of Education and Training Policy Advisory Library.
MONDAY’S ATHLETICS – REGIONALS TO STATE
Congratulations to the four students who represented Winters Flat at Bendigo on Monday for the Loddon Campaspe Primary Track and Field competition. Some outstanding results and personal best achievements were recorded, and once again we thank Atti B, Evie O, Evie M and Ginger for their positive sporting attitude and fairness in competing. We celebrate Evie M who goes to the State Championships in November for Shot Put and wish her all the best. Once again special thanks to Sam for training and supervision on the day, as well as the parents who attended.
KIMOCHI NEWS
Two more Communication Keys Homelinks are attached to this Newsletter.
Communication Key 3 - use a talking face and body looks at how facial expressions influence how humans understand each other, particularly young children seeking cues in social situations.
Communication Key 4 – how to use helping words. To be able to implement caring and empathetic behaviour, children need instruction and practice. They get to think about how it feels to be treated unkindly and understand how hurting words can affect others.
SPELLING TIP #8
Open syllable ā as in bā -by, ē as in rē-play, ō as in ō-pĕn, ū as in mū-sǐc, I/i, y/y |
This rule helps with spelling as it helps to know which phonogram to use. The vowels a, e, o and u usually say their second sound name or long sound at the end of a syllable. This can be referred to as an open syllable. e.g. na-vy, re-mix, ō-pĕn, mū-sǐc (hyphen indicates syllable break).
This rule helps with reading as we know how to pronounce the vowel sound when it is at the end of a syllable.
I/I and y/y will say either first or second sound. Try the first sound. If it doesn’t make sense, try the second.
1 |
2 |
3 |
||
I |
being |
secret |
eventful |
electric |
so |
remind |
pilot |
reality |
silently |
me |
bacon |
biceps |
musically |
readjust |
COVID SAFETY
COVID-19 isolation requirements have changed
The Victorian Government has announced the end of the Pandemic Declaration and associated Pandemic Orders.
The following settings, based on advice from the Department of Health, will apply from 11.59pm Wednesday 12 October 2022.
It is strongly recommended that students:
- who test positive to COVID-19 stay home and isolate for 5 days
- should not attend school after 5 days if still symptomatic
- who are symptomatic but have not tested positive should not attend school
- advise the school of the COVID-19 positive test result
Where students become symptomatic at school they should:
- be collected by their parents/carers
- undergo testing for COVID-19
It is strongly recommended that staff:
- who test positive to COVID-19 stay home and isolate for 5 days
- should not attend after 5 days if still symptomatic
- who are symptomatic but have not tested positive should not attend school
- report their positive test result to the school and through eduPay
At school we promote and encourage:
- washing hands
- mask wearing indoors (highly recommended)
- physical distancing
- rapid antigen testing
- Outdoors when practical
- Windows open
- Air purifiers in all classrooms
Plenty of 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
- 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
Student Free Days & Public Holiday
There are four student free days and one public holiday this term, please note them on your calendars.
- Monday the 17th and Monday the 31st are Professional Practice Days.
- The Melbourne Cup Public holiday is on November the 1st.
- Monday the 19th and Tuesday the 20th of December are Curriculum days.
- Term four will finish for students on the 16th of December at 3:15pm.
Food & Fruit at school
We have had large numbers of students each day coming to the office to ask for food as they have eaten all their lunch at recess time. While we do have a supply of sandwiches for students who forget their lunch we are running out due to the large demand. We have organised a fruit box to be delivered to school from Castlemaine Fresh each week and we will be handing this out to students who come up to the office unless they have a genuine reason for wanting a sandwich. We will also send out a quick Xuno message to the family to say their child came to the office for food just so that you are aware that this is happening. We know that families are very busy and sometimes things happen, we are not trying to offend anyone but wish to keep you informed. Thank you for your support.
Hats Lotto
Term 4 will see the return of Hats Lotto. Children, remember your hats to go in the draw for an icypole each lunchtime!
Mango Fundraiser
Please order your mangoes by 21st October 2022 for delivery in the second week of December. Order forms are available at the office. You will need to pay for the mangoes at the time you place your order.
The family with the most orders will win a stoneman’s book voucher to the value of $100.
Karen Mahoney & Kitty Ward
Office
AT SCHOOL
Hello Winters Flat families.
Term 4 is wonderful… it is great watching the children connect with their peers - who often feel like family by the end of the year. Also, there are increasing opportunities for staff and students to be outside (free of wet and cold feet, which we’ve seen a lot of the last few months) – this is always a good thing!
GRADE 6s
This is a vulnerable time of year for many of our Grade 6 students who will be transitioning to new schools in 2023. Even though your child will only be at Winters Flat for a few more months, please make sure that you have communicated any concerns you or your child may be having about the transition. We can help in a number of ways;
- One-on-one sessions with students to talk about anxieties, concerns, positive coping.
- Advice and support relating to advocating for your child at Secondary School.
- Organising transition sessions if a student has missed out.
- Connecting families with Wellbeing staff at the new school.
Soon we -Grade 6 teachers and myself- will meet with Year 7 Coordinators from the various Secondary Schools to pass on important Wellbeing and other information to support your child as they transition. Please do not hesitate to contact Keenan, Karen, Michelle or myself if you would like to know more.
Here is a great article, plus resources, to support your child with the transition. There are helpful tips on how to notice if your child needs more support and how to provide that support: https://headspace.org.au/explore-topics/supporting-a-young-person/transition-from-primary-to-secondary-school/
COMFY THINGS NEEDED
We are still looking for a variety of comfy things to boost some spaces in the school. Do you have any unwanted cushions, blankets or beanbags lying around? If so, we need them! We are always re-vamping communal spaces, chill-out spaces and are generally committed to providing flexible and comfortable learning areas for our students. Drop them into the office and tell them that Hannah wants them J
AT HOME
I know plenty of families in the community whose kids love audio books and other listening adventures such as ABC Kids Listen. For those who aren’t so familiar with the ABC Kids Listen Programs available, here is the full list of programs:
https://www.abc.net.au/kidslisten/programs/all-shows/
Following on from that, if you don’t know Borrow Box, then check it out. It’s free and you can borrow a whole lot of audio books. It is a global program and is run via the libraries, so all you need is your library membership card to get an account. It’s a great way to listen to audio books for free: https://www.borrowbox.com/
IN THE COMMUNITY
CASTLEMAINE SAFE SPACE
‘Castlemaine Safe Space is a community led, non-clinical, inclusive, and comfortable sanctuary. Our lived experience volunteers are fully trained to support guests who may be in emotional distress or experiencing suicidal thoughts.
Carers of people who are experiencing distress are also welcomed to attend for support. This is an alternative to the Emergency Department for people experiencing mental/emotional struggles.
The spaces are warm, welcoming, cosy and well resourced. Guests will be greeted on arrival, offered a hot beverage and food and provided a comfortable place to sit.
Our volunteers are available to have conversation with our guests, listening deeply, empathetically and non-judgmentally.
We want to provide our guests with adequate support to meet their needs, where possible.
This space is unique from any other service, as we honour our guests autonomy by not calling other services for intervention, without the consent from our guest.
Everyone is welcome to attend the space, during our opening hours.
No referral or appointments are necessary.’
https://www.castlemainesafespace.org/
Castlemaine Safe Space Locations
Senior Citizens Centre, Mechanics Lane, next to the Library
Tuesdays from 6:00pm – 8:30pm
The Salvation Army Hall, next to the Castlemaine Train Station
Saturdays from 1:30pm – 4:00pm
TEENS AND TWEENS COMMUNITY TALK
For families with tweens and teens, Community Health Nurse Bron Grieve delivers the final Parenting in the Modern World talk, focussing on some of the most prevalent emotions our youth are experiencing. Bron will provide practical tips and share some great resources to help parents and carers support young people experiencing anxiety, depression and other big emotions.
Light refreshments provided. Bookings:
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...
- Leek and broccoli tart
- Salad of the imagination
- Broccoli soup
- Bread rolls
- Silverbeet canneloni
- Broccoli stir-fry with honey soy dressing (including egg noodles)
- Apple and rhubarb crumble
Remember, recipes are available on our school website, so you can try them at home.
Gardeners of the week:
2/3W: Frankie
4/6L: Riva
Rosie & Terry
Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden
Stanley (Year 5) & Jesse (Year 6) have been busy rehearsing with the Castlemaine Theatre Company for their upcoming production of Peter Panto. We wish them all the best for their performances.
"Imagine the story of Peter Pan crossed with One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest and told in the form of a traditional pantomime! That means lots of audience participation, local references and mad, slapstick humour. JM Barrie will no doubt turn in his grave, but audiences will have a blast!"
If you would like to attend, tickets can be purchased here.