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Friday October 28th
- P-3 Grandparents and Special Friends Day 2:15pm - 3:15pm
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 11th
- Tennis, Cricket & Netball Carnival - Years 3-6
Tuesday November 22nd
- 2023 Prep Transition 2:15pm - 3:15pm
Saturday November 26th
- Election Day Fundraiser
Monday November 28th - Wednesday November 30th
- Year 5/6 Narmbool Camp
Tuesday November 29th
- 2023 Prep Transition 2:15pm - 3:15pm
Tuesday December 6th
- 2023 Prep Transition 2:15pm - 3:15pm
Thursday December 8th
- End of Year whole school picnic 5pm - 7pm
Monday December 12th
- Whole school Swimming Fun Day at Gurri Wanyarra, Kangaroo Flat
Tuesday December 13th
- Whole School Step Up session 10:00am - 12:00pm (including 2023 Preps)
Thursday December 15th
- Year Six Graduation
Friday December 16th
- Last day of school 3:15pm finish
WORKING BEE NEWS 16th OCTOBER
Thank you so much to the families who came for the working bee the Sunday before last. Considering the short notice there was a good show of volunteers resulting in a solid bit of weeding around the front, teardrop and kitchen deck garden resulted in some very happy girls getting some fresh greens. We’ve had some lovely compliments from visitors to the school. Thanks to Blair for managing OH&S induction and allocating jobs and to Lisa C, Leila, Terry, Lz, Paris, Tallace, Jill, Helen V, Helen K and their enthusiastic children for all the work. Even with some parts of the school still very sodden, the grounds are looking terrific.
The appearance of a snake close to buildings last week, is a reminder that the floods have impacted the habitats of many of our local creatures. Adam Leslie (snake guy) advised keep your eyes open for snakes, which are around now at school and home.
STAFFING CHALLENGES
We recently farewelled Morgan Sherry who commenced family leave and was a key member of our education support team. We wish Morgan and Will all the very best as they await the arrival of their baby daughter.
We have yet to find a suitable replacement and are about to re-advertise the position on the Department of Education and Training recruitment online website. We are encouraging people from the Castlemaine community to apply for the position and will be linking to the position description and selection criteria in local press and social media.
On a lighter note, we had Anne Neath working in the office on the day of the flooding on 13th October and her trusty office assistant Tootsie was flat out helping to keep things running smoothly. At the end of the day, she was ready for a lie down.
KIMOCHI NEWS
Communication Key 5 – How to redo hurtful moments.
Everyone makes communication mistakes. Although children may not always realize when they have said or done something wrong, they need to understand why it’s important to apologize. Learning the words “I’m sorry” comes faster than the genuine feeling behind it. As children develop empathy skills their apologies improve. Cat’s bandages can help children understand that hurt feelings are like an injury that needs attention. They can see the importance of an apology and making amends. Social relationships are strengthened when children can learn to redo communication mistakes.
SPELLING TIP #9
The silent final e makes the vowel before sound long.
This rule helps with spelling and reading thousands of words. It teaches how the silent final e makes the vowel sound before sound longer.
like |
inside |
provide |
misbehave |
noble |
made |
female |
repose |
concrete |
hostile |
use |
create |
elude |
supreme |
debate |
woke |
decide |
reprise |
delete |
communicate |
BIRTHDAYS
Tilly 7 - in the fourth week of October
Hannah - in the fourth week of October
Evie M - 10 in the first week of November
Tanmay - 9 in the first week of November
Izaiah – 11 in the first week of November
Hip Hip: Hooray
Hip Hip: Hooray
Hooray: Hip Hip
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 now apply.
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
Phone Lines
We are currently having issues with our phone lines. If you can not get through and need to speak to somebody, please contact us by email: winters.flat.ps@education.vic.gov.au
Thank you for your patience whilst we resolve this issue.
Mango Fundraiser
Thank you to everyone who placed mango orders. The mangoes will be arriving the week beginning the 5th of December. We'll keep you posted!
Camps and Excursion Fund
If you have Camps & Excursions Fund, please see the office to check your balance before paying for a camp or excursion.
.
Karen Mahoney & Kitty Ward
Office
NEWS | Election Day Fundraiser
The Community Engagement and Fundraising Committees have joined forces to organise another Election Day Fundraiser. It will be on Saturday the 26th of November, so mark the date on your calendar! We're hoping to make it a successful event with multiple stalls. We will be seeking volunteers shortly to fill the roster.
We would also appreciate donations of the following items:
Items for Lucky Dip bags
- small secondhand toys in good, clean condition
- kids craft supplies eg: pencils/erasers/paints/origami paper etc
Democracy Hamper Raffle
- If any families have a business that they might like to contribute a voucher or product from, we would be most appreciative.
Cakes & Preserves Stall
- Donations of baked goods and preserves can be dropped into the office on Friday the 25th of November or to the stall on the day.
Craft Stall
- Seeking donations of old woollen blankets, old jeans, chook/bird/rabbit food bags, cool fabrics, wooden beads - please drop donations to the office
.
Other stall info:
Trash & Treasure
- We are inviting our community to book a stall to sell their secondhand wares.
- Children run stalls are also very welcome! Come and sell your outgrown toys, books and clothes!
- The stall fee is $10
- Set up and leave as you please, there is no required timeframe.
- Call the office to book your spot!
Parent craft group
Come and join our craft sessions, which will be held on the 3rd and 17th of November 2:00pm-3:00pm. Everyone is welcome - parents and family, special people, friends in the community.
Our main objective will be to make goodies for our Election Day Fundraiser stall. The added bonus is you get to chat, drink tea, and eat cake with other members of our wonderful Winters Flat community.
All skill levels and ideas are embraced.
Any questions, contact Lisa Kearns 0415 131 350.
AT SCHOOL
In P/1J we are learning about the Keys to Communication by following our Kimochi’s lead. We are using the Kimochi characters for role plays and to demonstrate how to gain someone’s attention, express ourselves and fix problems. We have also been reading a series of big books about the importance of sharing, listening and owning-up to mistakes. Also, this term each student in P/1 has been paired with a peer they don’t usually play with or work with. We call it Project Partners (PPs). Throughout the term PPs will work together to complete tasks, play games, cooperate and get to know each other better. Students are currently enjoying designing tree houses for their PP as part of our STEM unit of work.
On Wednesday in the 2/3 class, Michelle took the opportunity to debrief with everyone about the floods. The class looked at photos and footage of the local impact and then shared personal stories. Students then wrote about their own experiences and drew pictures of what they saw. It was such a great session with Michelle feeling like they responded well and were all really engaged. Their drawings and writing is on display in the classroom.
The following was in last fortnight’s newsletter, but I’d like to share it again…
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/
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
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.
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...
- Spanakopita
- Salad of the imagination
- Pumpkin, silverbeet and feta couscous salad
- Mercimek Corbasi (Turkish lentil soup)
- Anicent Egyptian sun bread
Chefs of the week:
2/3W: Ella
4/6L: Detroit, Arlo, Chase, Ginger & Sam
4/6B: Faith, Freya, Ava & Lucinda
Remember, recipes are available on our school website, so you can try them at home.
Gardeners of the week:
2/3W: Peggy
4/6L: Aurelia
4/6B: The whole class
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.