Wednesday 14th February

• No Preps at school

Wednesday 21st February

• No Preps at school

Wednesday 28th February

• No Preps at school

Thursday 29th February

• School Picnic - 5pm - 6:30pm - all families invited - BYO picnic dinner & picnic rug

Monday 4th March

• Welcome to Country Ceremony - 9:30am - families invited to attend

Monday 11th March

• Labour Day public holiday - no students at school

Tuesday 12th - Thursday 14th March

• Naplan testing

Wednesday 13th March

• School photo day - full school uniform required

Monday 18th - Friday 22nd March

• Whole school swimming lessons - info will be on XUNO shortly

Friday 22nd March

• Harmony Day

Thursday 28th March

• Last day of school - 2:30pm finish

2024 – YEAR OF THE WOOD DRAGON

We’ve had a great start to the 2024 school year, and it was lovely to welcome our new and returning students last week.

On Monday we had our first assembly where we met as a whole school to connect with each other, meeting new people and celebrating achievements. Assembly is a place to show kindness and respect to each other and have fun together.

The Lunar New Year falls this Saturday 10^th February.

Happy New Year – san nin faai lok (Cantonese) or xīn nián kuài lè / gōng xǐ fā cái (Mandarin)

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SAFER INTERNET DAY 2024

Yesterday was Safer Internet Day. Year 2 – 6 classes have connected with the webinars on offer from the eSafety Commissioner. Next Wednesday we will welcome Keenan Lucas back for some sessions to remind students about the school’s expectations of safe online usage at school and recommendations for safe online usage at home. Students and families will be invited to sign up to the Digital and Online Acceptable Use Agreement.

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SCHOOL LEADERS 2024

We have some outstanding Year 6 students who nominated to be our school leaders this year.

We are happy to have these students in leadership roles and wish them every success.

• Captains: Freya Brennand and Jasmine Williams
• Vice-Captains: Aurora Annear-Foster, Ava Marshall and Ginger Rasmussen

• Care for Self: Evie Mountford
• Care for Others: Lucinda Kaptein-Gringel
• Care for the Environment: Ripley Rasmussen
• SWPBS: Eisa Pfeil

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MORE TERM 1 DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

• Back to School Picnic – 5:00pm – 6:30pm Thursday 29th February – bring your own picnic we’ll provide watermelon and oranges
• Welcome to Country – Smoking Ceremony and presentation of school leader badges Monday 4th March 9:30am Creekview forecourt
• Meet and Greet Interviews – parents providing information to teachers about their children that they may not know about – 10-minute sessions during week commencing 4th March. Book via Xuno

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FLYING START

Inspired by our SWPBS mascots the Care Crows, we are implementing a school-wide orientation to prepare students for the 2024 school year. With the focus on Wellbeing, Literacy and Numeracy, our motivation in classrooms is to familiarise and encourage students to take the next steps in their learning with the support of instructional models in English and Mathematics. To support wellbeing teachers are referencing the Berry Street Education model, Kimochis for emotional intelligence and the SWPBS framework.

Having a Growth Mindset is being open to new strategies, taking risks and trying new things.

I have attached some pdfs below to promote having a Growth Mindset (Thanks Michelle Creed).

PRIVACY POLICY

Our school collects, uses, discloses and stores student and parent personal information for standard school functions or where permitted by law, as stated in the Schools’ Privacy Policy.

Please take time to remind yourself of the school’s collection statement, found on our website under school policies https://www.winters-flat-ps.vic.edu.au.

For more information about privacy, refer to: Schools’ Privacy Policy — information for parents. 

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STAFFING 2024

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THE SCHOOL DAY

8:55 - School starts

10:55am - 11:25am - Recess

12:25pm - 12:40pm - Lunch eating time in class

1:40pm - 2:10pm - Lunch play

3:15pm - School finishes

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FOOD IS FUEL

A reminder please to ensure your children have enough to eat at school. We suggest some fruit/veggies for 10.00am Munch and Crunch, a healthy snack which includes carbs for 11.00am and a balanced healthy lunch for 12.25pm. Some ideas at 50 Fun School lunch ideas.

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COMMITTEES, VOLUNTEERS AND SCHOOL COUNCIL

This year we are once again inviting parents and carers to consider joining one of the School Council sub-committees here at Winters Flat. Thank you to those who have already signed up.

We have vacancies in:

• Buildings and Grounds – manages grounds of the school and identifies building maintenance issues
• Fundraising – organises and coordinates fund raising opportunities
• School Community engagement – looks for ways of involving our community and the wider Castlemaine community in school life, as well as promoting our school
• Sustainability – supports the ResourceSmart 5 Star rating through daily school routines, leadership, curriculum and innovation.
• Wellbeing – promotes health, mental, social and emotional wellbeing in our community with students, staff and parents

If you have an interest in joining any of these committees please complete the attached Volunteers form, email winters.flat.ps@education.vic.gov.au or phone: 5472 1522. It is not necessary to be on council to participate. Thanks to those who have already expressed interest. We will send out a meeting schedule as soon as possible.

School Council elections will be held in March and there are vacancies for parents/carers.

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 need to have a Working with Children Check.

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BIRTHDAYS

Rupert – 7 in the first week of January

Finchley- 10 in the first week of January

Moss – 9 in the first week of January

Nova - 10 in the second week of January

James – 10 in the second week of January

Ted – 6 in the third week of January

Willow – 7 in the fourth week of January

Dylan – 7 in the fourth week of January

Velvet - 7 in the fourth week of January

Willow – 7 in the fourth week of January

Ava G – 10 in the first week of February

Ned – 9 in the first week of February

Morgan in the first week of February

Kitty- in the first week of February

Lenny – 9 in the second week of February

Hip Hip: Hooray

Hip Hip: Hooray

Hooray: Hip Hip

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COVID SCHOOL PROCEDURES

According to the Department of Health community transmission of COVID-19 is increasing across Victoria.

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 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.

Welcome back to Term 1 and a special welcome to new families to the school. The office is your first point of call when you have questions. Karen Mahoney is the business manager and works full time in the office. Kitty Ward is administration support and works Monday and Wednesday.

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Voluntary Parent Payments 2024

The environment and resources that we enjoy today represent the contributions made by our parent/carer community over many years. Parent/carers voluntary contributions make a significant difference to the quality of our programs. This financial support ensures that we can continue to provide the excellent range of facilities and resources for your children. Your support in 2024 will allow us to:

• provide high quality programs and specific subject materials and equipment for English, Mathematics, Science, Art, Music, Inquiry, Language and PE
• maintain and develop the school grounds
• ensure the upkeep of our computer devices to enhance learning opportunities
• maintain sufficient class sets of books for students to develop their reading skills
• provide hands on maths equipment i.e.: measuring materials for teaching purposes
• facilitate Literacy and Mathematics online digital subscriptions
• deliver a range of sporting equipment and access to sporting programs.
• arrange for individual student supplies and class bulk supplies
• offer effective first aid for all students

Please note that these voluntary charges are available on Xuno and hard copies are available at the office should you wish to contribute.  There is also the option to pay for these in instalments.

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Uniforms & Hats

At Winters Flat we pride ourselves on being part of a community and wearing our uniform proudly promotes our sense of belonging.  You can purchase new uniforms at Beleza in Castlemaine, which is located 207 Barker Street, (across the road from the post office).  We also provide some second-hand uniforms that can be purchased for a low fee.  Hats must be worn from September until the end of April each year, you can purchase a hat either at Beleza or the school.

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Changes to the Office Staff

Our business manager Karen Mahoney is taking some long service leave this term and some of Term 2.  We will still have Kitty in the office two days a week but would like to welcome back Rosie Annear (previous Stephanie Alexander Cook) who will be in the office 5 days a week.  Rosie will be here to man the office and help students when needed, she has not been in this position before so she may not be across everything to start with, so your understanding is sought while she settles in.

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Whole School Swimming Program 2024 – 18^th – 22^nd March inclusive

We will be running our swimming program again this year in Term 1.  Swimming is part of our curriculum, and all students are expected to participate.  The students will be graded and put into their appropriate swim levels.  The program will run everyday for a week from 18^th – 22^nd March so students will need their bathers and towel every day.  Permission forms and grading information to follow shortly.

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School Photo Day – March 13^th

Our school photo day is Wednesday 13^th March.  Photo forms will be sent home shortly.  There are plenty of options available to choose from.

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Year 2/3 School Camp advance notice – 13^th – 14^th May

2024 is a camp year and all Grade levels will get to experience going to camp except for Prep and Grade 1.
Grade 2/3 will attend Campaspe Downs which is situated in Kyneton.  This is an adventure camp so students will participate in outdoor learning activities which encourages friendships and co-operation in a group setting.  The date for the camp is 13^th – 14^th May in Term 2.  More information to follow.

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Camps, Sports & Excursions Fund (CSEF)

CSEF is provided by the Victorian Government to assist eligible families to cover the costs of school trips, camps and sporting activities.

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If you hold a valid means-tested concession card or are a temporary foster parent, you may be eligible for CSEF. A special consideration category also exists for asylum seeker and refugee families. The allowance is paid to the school to use towards expenses relating to camps, excursions or sporting activities for the benefit of your child.

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The annual CSEF amount per student is:

• $150 for primary school students
• $250 for secondary school students
• New applicants should contact the school office to obtain a CSEF application form or download from the website below.
• If you applied for CSEF at your child's school last year, you do not need to complete an application form this year unless there has been a change in your family circumstances. 
• You only need to complete an application form if any of the following changes have occurred:
• new student enrolments; your child has started or changed schools this year.
• changed family circumstances; such as a change of custody, change of name, concession card number, or new siblings commencing this year.

Check with the school office if you are unsure.

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Volunteering at school in 2024

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A Message from your School Crossing Supervisors

Welcome back to a new school year.  Here a just a few reminders about how and when to use the school crossing –

• ALWAYS cross at the crossing when the flags are displayed
• ALWAYS stand behind the white line and wait for the Supervisor to blow 2 whistle blasts before crossing
• DO NOT ride bikes, scooters or skateboards across the crossing
• ALWAYS be alert and listen to what your Crossing Supervisor says
• ALWAYS park your car legally
• BEFORE you cross – STOP, LOOK, LISTEN and THINK

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Sushi on Fridays

We are continuing Sushi on Fridays again this year. Here is a reminder of the steps you need to do to order Sushi.

1. Go to www.schoollunchonline.com.au to register your family
2. Choose ‘My orders’ and select ‘Create order‘
3. Select the date of the Friday you wish to order for
4. Add items to order by clicking on the ‘tick’
5. Select ‘add to bag’
6. Review order and check it is all correct, then click ‘next’
7. Choose how you want to pay and then select ‘submit’

      *Update your billing details under the tab ‘my account’

*Pay as you go or top up your account regularly

*No minimum order or long term commitment

*Order ahead up to any time within the current term

Orders need to be made by 5pm on Thursday to ensure order is placed for Sushi at lunchtime on Friday.

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XUNO

If any families are having issues with logging onto XUNO, or trouble navigating the app, please contact the office.

Currently, the app gives you access to: 

• Messages (send and receive messages to your child’s teachers)
• Timetable
• Calendar
• News
• Attendance (to add a reason for an absence on the day of absence, or to provide a reason for previous absences)
• Events, Camps & Excursions (and the ability to approve events)
• Payments (to pay for any camps/excursions)
• Parent Teacher Interview Bookings (ability to book)

We encourage all families to be regularly logging into XUNO, either via the website or the app.

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SAKG Laundry Roster

If you are able to help with the SAKG laundry, please contact us in the office.

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Chess Club

The format for Chess club has changed this year. It will be offered during one lunchtime a week instead of after school. We will keep you posted on which day it will occur.

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Karen Mahoney & Kitty Ward

Office

Until next time!

Hannah O’Keefe

My work hours are Mondays and Tuesdays from 8:30-4:30. Write me an email (hannah.okeefe@education.vic.gov.au) or give me a call via the school office or on 0475 800 377.

RESOURCES

Please find a list of Wellbeing helplines and support services on the Winters Flat website.

https://www.winters-flat-ps.vic.edu.au/resources