Monday 18th August 

• Book Week Dress Up Day - Parade in the Hall 9.15am 

Tuesday 19th August

• Loddon Mallee Soccer Finals - Boys team 

Friday 22nd August

• Trivia Night - tickets available here

Friday 29th August

• Wear it Purple Day - gold coin donation

Monday 25th August

• 3/4C Assembly

Tuesday 2nd September

• Full School Dress Rehearsal @ The Phee Broadway Theatre 

Thursday 4th September

• School Production - Matinee 12pm and Night 7pm.

Friday 5th September

• Curriculum Day - no students required at school

Monday 8th September

• 2/3H Assembly

Tuesday 9th September

• P/1J parent teacher interviews

Tuesday 16th September

• Whole school excursion - Ballarat Wildlife Park 

Friday 19th September

• Last day of Term 3 - 2.30pm Finish.

EARLY SCHOOL ARRIVALS

Please ensure that students are not dropped off at school before 8.40 am.  There is no duty teacher and supervision is unavailable.  We have noticed students arriving as early as 8.15am.  If you need to drop off early please enrol in OSH Club before school care from Monday - Wednesday.  Contact the office if there is an urgent need to drop your child early. 

DISABILITY INCLUSION COORDINATOR

You may be aware that Helen has broken her wrist and is out of action for the remainder of Term 3. I am in the process of re-assigning some of her case load and Bronwyn is taking on some of the administrative responsibility. Student Support Group (SSG) Meetings will be prioritized in order of greatest need and we will endeavour to meet with families in a timely manner.

BOOK WEEK - PARADE - 9.15am in the hall 

Next Monday 18th August we will celebrate Book Week.  The theme for this years book week is "Book an Adventure".  We will have a parade in the hall at 9.15am to see all the wonderful costumes.  

SUCCESS IN CHESS

Congratulations to the Winters Flat Chess Team who competed in a schools’ competition at Eaglehawk North Primary School.

Chess coach Harry noted Winters Flat came third overall. Poorvi won a medal for her Y1-Y2 category and Tanmay won a gold medal in the Y5-Y6 category.

Leto came second in his category. Mckenna and Hazel were really motivated and seemed to enjoy themselves. Bea also seems keen to continue with chess.

We thank Harry for the many hours he volunteers to support chess at Winters Flat.

TRIVIA NIGHT FRIDAY 22^nd AUGUST CAMPBELLS CREEK COMMUNITY CENTRE

Still a couple of tables (8 people) available, as well as individual spots Please see further details in this Flat Chat.

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 4^TH PERFORMANCE

The evening performance has sold out but there are seats available for the 12:00pm matinee.

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 5^TH TERM 3 CURRICULUM DAY CONFIRMED

Friday 5^th September is the Term 3 Curriculum Day following the school performance the night before. Regrettably OSHClub are unable to run a program that day.

SWPBS CERTIFICATES

Congratulations to the following students who were awarded their Care Crow Certificates at assembly. They have all been given 20 Care Cards. Well done for demonstrating our school values.

Assembly 28.07.2025

Prep/1:  Matis, Zhoni, Arci, Sid S

2/3H: Reuben, Rori, Angus, Win, Sid L, Willow, Velvet, Heart, Archie S,

3/4C: Jamie, Hermione, Beau, Odessa

5/6B: Odetta, Annabelle, Ella, Frankie, Jaya, Louisa

Assembly 11.08.2025

1/2A: Dylan, Gabby

2/3H: Rupert, Zoe

5/6B: Fran, Midas

VOLUNTEERS

Volunteers are welcome in every classroom as well as the Kitchen/Garden and specialist areas.

If you have the time and inclination, please let us know. Volunteers at school must have a Working with Children Check.

BIRTHDAYS

Happy Birthday to you…

• Edith turned 7 at the weekend
• Leo turned 10 this week
• Peg turned 12 this week
• Fae turns 7 next week
• Alex R has a birthday this week

Hip Hip Hooray

Hip Hip Hooray

Hooray Hip Hip

COVID SCHOOL PROCEDURES

We are hearing anecdotally from families that COVID is active again in Castlemaine at the moment and there have been cases in school families.

Schools will make sure your child is as safe as possible and will focus on:

• washing hands
• physical distancing
• rapid antigen testing
• Outdoors when practical
• Air purifiers indoors
• mask wearing – recommended but not mandatory

Free rapid antigen tests

Free rapid antigen tests are still available from the office.

Testing is strongly recommended for students and staff who are symptomatic.

After doing the tests at home, if it is positive, you are advised 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.

Suzanne Kinnersly
Principal.

WE WANT OUR FAMILIES / CAREGIVERS / GUARDIANS TO TELL US WHAT THEY THINK!

 Our school is conducting the annual Parent / Caregiver / Guardian Opinion Survey offered by the Department of Education and is seeking your feedback. The survey is designed to assist schools in gaining an understanding of families’ perceptions of school climate, student behavior, and student engagement. A random sample of parents / caregivers / guardians have been selected to participate in this year’s survey.

Our school will use the survey results to assist in identifying areas for improvement and professional development needs in the school, to target school planning and improvement strategies.

 The Parent / Caregiver / Guardian Opinion Survey will be open online from Monday 18 August to Friday 19 September 2025.  The survey will be conducted online, only takes 20 minutes to complete, and can be accessed at any convenient time on desktop computers, laptops, tablets or smartphones.   You will receive an email if you have been selected to complete the survey and we would greatly appreciate your feedback.

Kitty out of office 
Kitty won't be in the office for the rest of this term as she is on teacher placement.  

Xuno permissions & attendance

Please remember that you can give permission to attend excursions, update your child’s absences can all be completed through Xuno.  If you are having trouble logging in to Xuno or need help with any aspect of Xuno please see the office. 

Snacks and Lunches at school

During the cold winter months students are extra hungry for food during the school day.  We do have extra supplies of food from the Foodbank that we gladly give students, but it is not an endless supply.  Please ensure that that your child has plenty to eat in their lunchbox for the day.  We do offer fruit at the start of outside play at 1.40 pm located outside the office.  Thank you for your support.

.

Karen & AnneMaree

.

Why We Celebrate Wear It Purple Day

Supporting LGBTQIA+ Youth and Their Mental Health

Wear It Purple Day is a powerful opportunity to show support for LGBTQIA+ young people and affirm that they have the right to be proud of who they are, feel safe in their environment, and be celebrated for their diversity. The theme of Wear It Purple 2025 is simple: "Bold Voices, Bright Futures”.

When schools and communities actively take part in this day of celebration, it sends a strong message of inclusion and visibility to young people who may otherwise feel isolated or misunderstood.

Research tells us that LGBTQIA+ youth are at a higher risk of experiencing anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts—not because of their identity, but because of stigma, discrimination, and lack of acceptance. When young people feel seen, respected, and valued, their mental health outcomes improve dramatically.

By celebrating Wear It Purple Day, we are:

• Teaching children the values of kindness, respect, and inclusion.
• Letting every student know they are valued and supported just as they are.
• Helping  to build strong mental wellbeing by showing children they are not alone.
• Showing our LGBTQIA+ student and their families that they are welcome and supported.
• Promoting safe and inclusive environments for all young people.
• Opening up important conversations about respect, diversity, and mental health.
• Helping reduce the stigma that surrounds gender and sexual diversity.

Ultimately, it's about creating a culture where every young person feels like they belong. That sense of belonging is one of the most protective factors for mental health—and it’s something we can all help build together.

ON FRIDAY THE 29^TH OF AUGUST, YOUR CHILD CAN DRESS IN PURPLE IF THEY CHOOSE. STUDENTS FROM THE WINTERS FLAT RAINBOW NETWORK WILL VISIT CLASSROOMS TO OFFER WEAR IT PURPLE DAY BRACELETS FOR $1-$3. ALL MONEY WILL GO TO THIS STUDENT GROUP TO PURCHASE CRAFT AND OTHER ITEMS TO RUN THE THURSDAY LUNCH TIME CLUB.

What we're cooking in the kitchen this fortnight...

• Indian Flatbreads
• Pumpkin Curry
• Samosas
• Spiced Potato and Greens
• Yellow Rice
• Fruit Crumble

Yum!!!

Chefs of the week:

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Cath & Terry
Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden

Donations Wanted!

Tickets Selling Fast!

Kind Regards,

Brooke

Winters Flat OSHClub Coordinator