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- NEWS | From The Principal
- NEWS | From The Office
- NEWS | School Council
- NEWS | From the Classroom
- NEWS | Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Program
- WELLBEING | From The Listening Post
- FUNDRAISING ACTIVITIES | Major Raffle
- SUSTAINABILITY | War on Waste
- STUDENTS OF THE WEEK
- OUR SCHOOL DAY
- REMINDERS
- EVENT | Prep Transition
- EVENT | Volunteers Thank You Morning Tea
- EVENT | Curriculum Day
- EVENT | School Assembly
- EVENT | School Council Meeting
- EVENT | Step-up Day
- EVENT | Grade 6 Graduation Evening
- EVENT | Special Assembly/Excellence Awards
- EVENT | End Of School Year & Christmas Celebration
- COMMUNITY EVENTS
RESPECTFUL RELATIONSHIPS
Program Background
The Royal Commission into Family Violence identified the critical role that schools and early childhood education have in creating a culture of respect to change the story of family violence for future generations.
In 2016, respectful relationships education became a core component of the Victorian Curriculum from Foundation to year 12, and is being taught in all government and Catholic schools and many independent schools.
Everyone in our community deserves to be respected, valued and treated equally. We know that changes in attitudes and behaviours can be achieved when positive attitudes, behaviours and equality are embedded in our education settings.
Respectful Relationships is about embedding a culture of respect and equality across our entire community, from our classrooms to staffrooms, sporting fields, fetes and social events. This approach leads to positive impacts on student’s academic outcomes, their mental health, classroom behaviour, and relationships between teachers and students.
Together, we can lead the way in saying yes to respect and equality, and creating genuine and lasting change so that every child has the opportunity to achieve their full potential.
16 Days of Activism Against Gendered Violence Campaign
Beginning Sunday 25th November and ending on Monday 10th December is an initiative of Victorians against Violence.
The VAV campaign promotes the colour orange as symbolic of a future free from violence against women and girls, as designated by the UN Secretary-General’s UNiTE to End Violence Against Women campaign.
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OLD CASTLEMAINE SCHOOL BOYS GIFT TO SCHOOL
Once again this year Winters Flat PS received a generous donation of books valued at $100 from the Old Castlemaine Schoolboys association. The association members meet for a reunion in October and have been doing so for over 100 years. Each year they raise funds for schools in Castlemaine and district to donate to school libraries. Ron and Greg presented the books to our school captains yesterday morning and we will make them available for students as soon as we can.
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PAUL BANGAY OPEN GARDEN WEEKEND
We were thrilled to have raised $5,600 at the Paul Bangay Open Garden weekend. Proceeds will go towards installing blinds in the new building before the heat of summer hits us, as well as to the SAKG program. Many thanks to the parents, carers, students and staff who baked, grew seedlings and came to support the school at Stonefields. I would like to acknowledge the incredible effort of our kitchen and garden team Jane and Terry in the lead up to and during this event. Special thanks to Simon and Liz Duthie with Lila, Iris and Neve, Lisa D’Onofrio and Blossom and Sonny Willis, as well as Anne Neath who volunteered at the Winters Flat stall over the weekend. Also very special thanks to Katie Wilson and Karen Mahoney who in addition to pre-event organisation grew seedlings and baked as well as volunteering all day Sunday at the stall. I would also like to pay tribute to the efforts of Mary-anne Rooney who was instrumental in ensuring we took part in this event, made preserves and played a key role in setting up the stall with Jane on Friday and then spent the day volunteering at the stall on Sunday.
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CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2018 PEACE POSTER FINALISTS!
Students from the upper school participated in the annual Lions Club Peace Poster competition this year with some fantastic results. Students interpreted this year’s theme ‘Kindness Matters’ in many beautiful and creative interpretations. Voting was close but the winners were Bela T in First place, Anouk P Second, Charlie C in Third, Sylvie W Fourth place and Esther H-H in Fifth. Extra congratulations to Bela for taking out the Endeavour Award in the district awards. Thanks always to Ray from the Lions Club for his help in organising and making it happen. Also thanks Wendy, Peta and Sam for supporting in class and allowing students to develop their projects to their potential. Finally thanks to all the teachers and aides who helped with the difficult task of judging the finalists.
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ELECTION DAY BBQ & STALL
Another great fund-raising effort on Saturday! Once again I would like to acknowledge the efforts of all parents and carers, staff and students who baked for the cake stall and volunteered on the day. Also a big thank you to DON KR for their donation of sausages for our BBQ.
Special thanks to Fiona and Keenan, Katie Wilson (for the second weekend in a row) and David Tobin who set up early, cooked and sold the delicious hot food and worked incredibly hard on behalf of the school. Thanks to our parent volunteers Anne-marie Middlemast and Louis, Liz Duthie with the girls and Jodi Oakman as well as Sylvie Wilson for helping out on the stalls.
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FINAL WORKING BEE FOR 2018
Sunday December 2nd 9:00am to 12:00 midday
Please consider helping out for our final Working Bee for the year, happening this Sunday. We have a long list of jobs in the garden as well as some external painting. Please sign up and remember if you can’t make it, you can make a tax-deductible donation to the Building Fund.
Please submit our form on the website if you are able to assist in any way.
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VOLUNTEERS THANK YOU MORNING TEA
11.00am Monday 3rd December
We invite all parents, carers and volunteers who have helped our school this year to come to morning tea in the SAKG at 11am next Monday.
Volunteers make such a difference in our school whether as classroom and program helpers, gardeners or guest presenters and we would like to express our heartfelt appreciation. Please join us next Monday.
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END OF YEAR CELEBRATION
5.00pm – 7.00pm Wednesday 19th December
I’m still putting the call out to the musicians in our community if you’d like to be part one of the act that night. I believe we have sorted some sound gear but always happy for technical support.
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MANGO ORDERS
Due to the mango season being early this year, we will now be receiving our orders sometime in the week commencing 3rd December. We will notify you as soon as possible, when they arrive.
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FOR SALE
We have a range of fabulous gift ideas available to purchase from the school. Check out 'The Emporium' on our Facebook and Website. All items are available now to purchase from the office.
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REMINDER
Final Day Term 4 2018 - Friday 21st December - Dismissal 2:30pm.
2019 Term dates are now available on our website.
School Council Meeting Held on Monday November 19th 2018:
Summary of Meeting `
Our last School Council meeting was held on Monday November 19th 2018. As a group, we reflected on what has worked well since our last meeting, including the Prep/Grade 1 Dinner and Sleepover, the Swimming Program, the Grade 1 / 2 Halloween Fundraiser for Orphfund, the recent Chess and Cricket Tournaments, and the Paul Bangay Open Garden. Thank you to all the volunteers who helped with these events; your time and energy is greatly appreciated.
Reports were presented by each of the School Council sub-committees. These sub-committees are: Finance; Student Leadership; Wellbeing; Community Engagement, Buildings and Grounds, Sustainability and Fundraising.
Our dedicated group of volunteers are continuing to work in the garden, and would welcome some extra hands; please see the office if you can assist.
We are gearing up for one of our last major events for the year, which is the End of Year Celebration. Be sure to come and join in with the students and staff on Wednesday 19th December, as we farewell the year with some singing and music.
The final School Council Meeting for 2018 is scheduled for Monday 10th December 2018.
Katie Wilson
School Council President
Grades P/1L and P/1J learned how to make sushie today, with 'Master Chef' Rohan Smith, a parent of students at the school. They then enjoyed their culinary delights for lunch.
A big thank you to Rohan and the parent helpers - Natasha O'Reilly, Helen Kaptein, Rebecca Morecroft and Cam Frost - who made this activity possible.
NEWS | Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Program
RECIPES
- Flat bread
- Tzatziki
- Broad Bean Dip
- Gnocchi with Sage Butter
- Master Salad / Salad of the Imagination ( Depending on what is in the garden)
- Apple Slice.
Copies of the recipes above are available on the school website - click here.
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STEPHANIE ALEXANDER KITCHEN GARDEN - CHEFS
Grade 5/6F - Jacob F, Asha V D & Kiera F.
Grade 2/3W - Jasper C & Mia F.
Grade 4/5/6O - Sarah McL, Sylvie W, BeBe C, Sonny R, Anouk P and Charlie C.
Grade 2/3W - Jem J, Neve D, Saffron K & Olive H (Prep 2019).
Grade 3/4B - Iestyn C, Lila D, Eliza P & Milly K S. Special mention to Jan Crum.
Grade 1/2M - Abi P, Iris D & Amelia B.
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STEPHANIE ALEXANDER KITCHEN GARDEN - GARDENERS
Grade 3/4BM - Lila D, Caleb M, Kaire K & Ayden C.
Grade 2/3W - Teekah-ann M & Calypso E McD.
Grade 1/2MB - Whole Class.
Grade 5/6F - Tom H.
Grade 4/5/6O - Louis W.
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WANTED - FAMILIES TO FEED AND WATER OUR CHOOKS OVER THE HOLIDAYS
The school is in need of volunteers to water and feed the chooks. If you can help out, please get in touch.
WELLBEING | From The Listening Post
The Listening Post…
Learning the art of clear communication.
A difference of Opinion, a Bit Annoying, or Bullying Behaviour: Naming it.
Sometimes a child will complain that other children are being mean to them or bullying them. While bullying is a very serious issue that needs to be heard and responded to, there are many disagreements and disappointments that a child faces in their day to day school life which they can learn to navigate smoothly. If children recognise that these are a normal part of school life, they can build confidence in their ability to solve problems and self-regulate strong emotions, which in turn builds resilience.
If your child tells you other children are being mean, try to get them to say exactly what happened – what was said, how it was said, and how they responded or reacted. Learning to ignore the things others do and stand up for oneself in tricky situations by naming the behaviour, are two healthy self-preservation skills that children can learn.
Seeking help when a child has tried these strategies, but the unwanted behaviours continue, is a third step to feeling safe at school. Knowing a teacher will follow up and the problem will be resolved is important.
At Winters Flat we use a process of Restorative Justice, which helps the children involved understand the impact their behaviour has had on others and asks them to take responsibility for their behaviour and make amends to the child/ren impacted.
Taking responsibility may also include helping the child who has felt bullied, learn to speak up and seek help and not take the little things to heart. Looking to other children in their circle of friends is another way children can avoid becoming overly upset or focused on the small disappointments, and doing so builds their social resilience.
Social skills can be learned, both at school and home – practice is the key!
Please give me a call or drop in if you would like any further information or support for you or your child/ren.
Drop-in Tuesdays and Asking for Parent Feedback for 2019.
The Tuesday drop-ins are finished for the year, but I would love some feedback on whether you would like this to continue in 2019, or if there are other ideas you have that I can support parents and caregivers on their parenting journey .
Warm regards,
Kim
Student Wellbeing.
EXTRA HELP FOR YOUR CHILD in 2019?
Just a friendly reminder that we have psychologist Simon Harvest working from Winters Flat on Mondays (as requested). Simon is currently taking referrals for 2019. Simon has many years experience of counselling work with children and young people. If you would like to refer your child to Simon for counselling, you will require a referral letter and Mental Health Care Plan from your GP. Please contact Kim if you have any questions about the work Simon can do with your child at the school.
For more information about Simon & Healing Minds, the website is: http://www.healingmindspsychology.com.au/
FUNDRAISING ACTIVITIES | Major Raffle
Raffle tickets have been sent home to families. Please support this Major Fundraiser. Great prizes!
They will also be sold at our End of Year & Christmas celebration on the 19th December. Tickets will be drawn at this event and winners contacted.
The cost of tickets is $2.00 each.
Please ensure money and ticket stubs are returned by the 19th December.
1ST PRIZE - HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION (Value $1500)
Enjoy a luxurious week away in beautiful Coffs Harbour at Nautilus Resort. This one bedroom apartment easily sleeps a family of four. Situated 147 metres from the beach, and with its own swimming pools, this apartment has all you need to enjoy a relaxing getaway. (Kindly donated by the Coff Family)
2nd PRIZE - CHRISTMAS HAMPER (Value $500)
This hamper is jammed pack full of goodies to get you ready for Christmas. You will be amazed at the assortments of items in this hamper.
3rd PRIZE - PAMPER PACK (Value $200)
This is just what you need at the end of a busy year. Enjoy a massage, Reiki and facial as you prepare for the summer months ahead.
(Kindly donated by David Tobin, Esther Barneveld and Cherie Amor)
4th PRIZE – Winters Flat Primary School Pack (Value $150.00)
Winters Flat Primary School package consists of a signed Stephanie Alexander Cookbook, Winters Flat PS Tote Bag, Winters Flat PS Tea Towel, our famous Coffee and of course our much sort after Honey.
5th PRIZE - MORPHY RICHARDS ASPECT SCANDI 4-SLICE TOASTER (Value $124)
This 4-slice toaster is blue by design with a wood effect trim. It has variable width slots for different types of bread, with easily operated controls for adjusting browning levels. A must have for the family kitchen.
6th PRIZE - BUNNINGS VOUCHER (Value $100)
You can’t go wrong with a Bunnings Voucher. However big or small, there is always something that needs fixing!
The totals below are for paper, organic and green waste recycling, through our worm farms and compost bays.
TERM 3
Green Waste – 2.5 cubic meters
Organic Waste – 2.94 cubic meter
Paper/cardboard Waste – 1.95 cubic meters
Total waste recycled on site = 7.39 cubic meters!!
Also 1.1 cubic meters of soft plastics have been recycled through REDcycle.
P/1J
Suzie McD -M - caring for self by working hard to complete tasks during Reading Groups. Great effort Suzie!
Indiana B - caring for others by always being kind and helpful to her peers. Thank you for being so thoughtful and caring.
P/1L
Atticus B - caring for others by trying his best to help his friends make good choices. Thanks for being a leader.
Braxton J - caring for self by always being ready to learn in class. Well done Brax.
1/2MB
Luca V - caring for self by working really hard at his writing and for providing lots of detail! Well done!
Sophia N - caring for the environment by enjoying and helping lots in the S.A.K.G. Program. You are a wonderful helper!
2/3W
Hobie H - caring for self by showing great focus and listening during the swimming program.
Levi M - caring for self by putting in a great effort to complete his history project. Well done on the presentation too.
3/4BM
Dom Q - caring for self by having the strength to "name it", and confidence to know that saying something will make it right. Well done Dom!
Oslan S - caring for self by working consistently with diligence and care to complete his work. Well done Oslan on taking the time to seek feedback and question the accuracy of your work and ways that it can be extended and improved. You are working in a very positive and constructive manner. Well done!
4/5/6O
Leonard P - caring for others by willingly working with any student in our class in a positive manner.
Anouk P - caring for self by writing very thoughtful and beautiful poetry.
5/6B
Eadie N - caring for self by striving and growing in Maths, even when it's difficult.
Pru R - caring for others by helping and tutoring others in Maths.
5/6F
Reece H - caring for self by doing a great job with his Water Safety Animations. Terrific problem solving Reece!
Jacob F - caring for the environment by going out of his way to help keep the school grounds free of rubbish. Thank you Jacob.
Asha Van D - caring for others by collaborating effectively and successfully on a 'Water Safety' stop motion film. Well done Asha.
FRENCH
Hugh V - caring for self by showing enthusiasm during our play rehearsal.
Tom H - caring for others by being helpful and respectful during speaking activities.
Lila D - caring for self by showing excellent, expressive delivery during play run through.
POSITIVE BEHAVIOUR FOCUS:
The winners are: Seth B, Evie M & Madie C.
CUMALONG CUP WINNERS:
Grade 1/2MB.
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Tue
04 Dec 2018
4
Tue
04 Dec 2018
Recurring
Tuesday – 4th December - Children arrive at 2:15pm and depart at 3:15pm. Parents meet in the Staffroom for a cuppa and chat with the Principal, Suzanne Kinnersly.
Tuesday – 11th December - Children arrive at 10:00am and depart at 12:00pm. Please bring a fruit or vegetable snack for ‘Munch & Crunch’ and a snack for recess. Winters Flat PS is a “Nude Food Everyday School”, so please provide food in a labelled container. Also, don’t forget a water bottle.
Parents are very welcome to phone us on 5472 1522, or call into the school at any time.
Uniforms are available every Tuesday morning at WFPS from 8:30am to 10:00am.
4
Tue
04 Dec 2018
Recurring
EVENT | Volunteers Thank You Morning Tea
3
Mon
03 Dec 2018
10:55 AM to 11:25 AM
3
Mon
03 Dec 2018
10:55 AM to 11:25 AM
3
Mon
03 Dec 2018
10:55 AM to 11:25 AM
7
Fri
07 Dec 2018
10
Mon
10 Dec 2018
8:55 AM to 9:30 AM
10
Mon
10 Dec 2018
8:55 AM to 9:30 AM
School Assembly - Grade 6.
10
Mon
10 Dec 2018
8:55 AM to 9:30 AM
EVENT | School Council Meeting
10
Mon
10 Dec 2018
7:30 PM to 9:00 PM
10
Mon
10 Dec 2018
7:30 PM to 9:00 PM
School Council Meeting held in the staffroom - 7:30pm to 9:00pm.
10
Mon
10 Dec 2018
7:30 PM to 9:00 PM
11
Tue
11 Dec 2018
10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
11
Tue
11 Dec 2018
10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Grade 6 Students who are attending CSC in 2019, will be attending a Transition Day at the college.
From 10:00 am to 12:00 noon, current Grades Prep to Year 5 students will be spending time in their classrooms for 2019.
This will include Grade Prep students commencing school in 2019.
11
Tue
11 Dec 2018
10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
EVENT | Grade 6 Graduation Evening
18
Tue
18 Dec 2018
18
Tue
18 Dec 2018
Location: Castlemaine
Address: 1 Wimble Street, Castlemaine, 3450, Victoria
The Grade 6 Graduation is being held at the Mount Alexander Golf Club rooms on Tuesday 18th December.
Students need to be at the venue at 6:00pm for a formal sit-down dinner - Cost $25.00.
Parents and guests may arrive at 7:00pm for speeches and performances. The evening will conclude at approximately 9:30pm.
See attached flyer for permission form and further details.
18
Tue
18 Dec 2018
Location: Castlemaine
Address: 1 Wimble Street, Castlemaine, 3450, Victoria
EVENT | Special Assembly/Excellence Awards
19
Wed
19 Dec 2018
9:15 AM to 10:45 AM
19
Wed
19 Dec 2018
9:15 AM to 10:45 AM
Special Assembly - 9:15am to 10:45am approximately.
Excellence Awards will be presented at this assembly.
19
Wed
19 Dec 2018
9:15 AM to 10:45 AM
EVENT | End Of School Year & Christmas Celebration
19
Wed
19 Dec 2018
5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
19
Wed
19 Dec 2018
5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Location: Winters Flat Primary School
Address: Roberts Road, Castlemaine, 3450, VIC
End of Year Celebration
Join us for our End of School Year & Christmas Celebration.
This will be a great opportunity to farewell the school year with friends and families and watch as our students perform their end of year songs.
There will be a small market with gifts available to purchase (check out the range in The Emporium) plus a food stand/BBQ with pizza, sausage sizzle and vege burgers.
19
Wed
19 Dec 2018
5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Location: Winters Flat Primary School
Address: Roberts Road, Castlemaine, 3450, VIC