Thursday 9th May

• Mothers' and Parents' Day stall - out the front of the office
• Before school: 8:30am-8:55am
• After school: 3:15pm-3:45pm
• Cash preferred :)

Friday 10th May

• Curriculum Day - No students at school!

Monday 13th May - Tuesday 14th May

• Grade 2/3 Overnight Camp to Campaspe Downs Adventure Camp
• See Xuno for approval, payment, and further details

Wednesday 17th May

• Winters Flat Primary School Open Day!
• 9:30am-11:00am
• All prospective families welcome :)
  Winters_Flat_Primary_School_2024_Open_Day.pdf

  Winters_Flat_Primary_School_2024_Open_Day _pdf 6.68 MB

Friday 17th May

• Goldfields Division Cross Country (Grades 2-6)
• Only for those students who finished in the top 20 in their race at District Cross Country
• More information very soon!

Monday 20th May

• Assembly - P/1J (2:45pm in the hall) - all families welcome :)
• Will include a special celebration for three of our long-term teachers: Fiona, Helen, and Karen B! Please come along to help us show these three amazing teachers our appreciation :)

ANZAC DAY SERVICE - CASTLEMAINE

Thanks to Freya and Hermione who attended the ANZAC Day Service with their parents, Martin and Helen. It was a chilly autumn morning and I thank them for representing the school and laying a wreath at the cenotaph.

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DOGS CONNECT

Sunny is settling in nicely with his humans, Fiona and Sam Johnston. He’s just turned 10 weeks old, has had his vaccinations, and continues to learn more each day as he prepares to be introduced into the school setting. We all have a lot to learn before that happens and we will keep you informed!

The Dogs Connect program will support us in implementing this very gradually, thoroughly, and considerately. At this stage we encourage anyone who would like to know more about this program to look through the website link: https://dogsconnect.net.au

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SORRY DAY AND RECONCILIATION WEEK

A round table discussion was held last week at CSC, helping to prepare Castlemaine student leaders who will be speaking at this year's Sorry Day event (to be held on Friday May 24th at the Western Reserve). Our school captains met with Kath Coff and students from some other local schools, to share ideas and plan for the day. Our school captains are now preparing their speeches to be delivered on the day. Students in Year 4-6 will attend from Winters Flat.

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SWPBS BRONZE AWARD

At assembly on Monday, we received a Bronze Award for our implemantation of School Wide Positive Behaviour Supports (SWPBS), presented by our Senior Education Improvement Leader, Kim Saddlier. As a school, we are making good progress in implementing SWPBS, with the guidance of our coach Kerry Hammond, who also attended the assembly. We are always looking to improve the School Wide Positive Behaviour Supports in place at Winters Flat, and are about to overhaul our reinforcement system to encourage increased student involvement. Watch this space for updates!

School Vice Captain, Aurora, receiving our Bronze SWPBS Award from Senior Education Improvement Leader, Kim Saddlier.

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DISTRICT CROSS COUNTRY

We had an enthusiastic turnout at Wesley Hill on Friday for District Cross Country, with children from Grade 2 - Grade 6 joining in and giving it their best.

Congratulations to those who finished in the top 20 in their race, and are now progressing  to Goldfields Division Cross Country on Friday 17^th May. What a bunch of champions!

• Jamie – 19th – 9 Boys
• James – 9th – 10 Boys
• Atti – 1st – 12 Boys
• Michael – 6th – 12 Boys
• Jimmy – 7th – 12 Boys
• Sid – 8th – 12 Boys
• Fran – 7th – 10 Girls
• Freya – 14th – 11 Girls
• Aurora – 9th – 12 Girls
• Jas – 15th – 12 Girls
• Ava M – 16th – 12 Girls
• Persephone – 20th – 12 Girls

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LITTLE LEARNERS LOVE LITERACY©

Prep families received a letter from the junior literacy teaching team last week, outlining some changes to the way reading is taught in the Foundation stage, here at Winters Flat. Another fundraising goal this year is to increase the number of decodable texts, which are an essential part of the reading program.

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WEEDING

Next Wednesday is our school's Open Day, and a spruce up of the front garden and other spots around the school would be amazing! Rather than a specific working bee, if you’ve got some time at drop off or pick up (or any time convenient to you) - we’d love your help! Bring along some weeding tools, or borrow some of ours :)

With the support of the Buildings and Grounds Committee, I will confirm a new Working Bee date as soon as possible.

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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.

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BIRTHDAYS

Lola- 12 last week

Artie – 8 this week

Archie S – 7 this week

Athene – 11 this week

Vincent - 11 this week

Lok – 9 next week

Sophie - this week

Hip Hip: Hooray

Hip Hip: Hooray

Hooray: Hip Hip

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COVID SCHOOL PROCEDURES

We are hearing anecdotally that COVID is active in Castlemaine at the moment and have had school families report cases this week.

Please keep your children home if they are sick or symptomatic!

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

2/3 Camp

Grade 2/3s will be going on camp next Monday May 13th, returning on Tuesday May 14th.

If your child is attending, either for the day or for the entire time, please pay the balance of the camp fee via Xuno or in the office by Friday May 10th.

*We fully understand the difficult financial times that many are experiencing, so please speak to someone to explore options. We want to include all of our students in this fantastic experience!

For a confidential discussion about financial support options, or if you would like to discuss CSEF or alternative payment arrangements, please contact Kitty in the office.
Ph: 03 5472 1522
Email: winters.flat.ps@education.vic.gov.au

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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. Parents'/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, Maths, Science, Art, Music, Inquiry, Language, and PE.
• Support the implementation and quality of our Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden program.
• 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 Maths 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 information and payment options about these voluntary payments is available on Xuno and hard copies are available in the office, should you wish to contribute. There is also the option to pay in instalments!

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Sushi on Fridays

We are continuing Sushi on Fridays again this year!

PLEASE make sure you update your child's class to assist with the distribution of the sushi at school. Some families are yet to do this, and it makes our job a lot harder, when it comes to getting the right sushi to the right students!

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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Hats

Our requirements for when hats are to be worn have changed this year. Students are required to wear hats when outside at school on days when the UV index is 3 or above. You can check the predicted UV each day on our website, using the free SunSmart app – or download it to your phone!

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Food

Please ensure that students have enough food for the day. During the colder months, we often see kids needing more food to get them through the day. We are experiencing many students seeking extra food at the moment, and, while we will never let students go hungry, we only have limited supplies of spare food.

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Late Arrivals and Early Leavers

Just a reminder to all families that if your child arrives late to school or if you are picking up them up early, you must sign them in or out at the office. This is a legal requirement from the Department of Education. Thank you for your co-operation.

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Timetable 

For families’ information, here is the current school timetable: 

8:55am – School begins.

10:55am-11:25am – Recess break.

12:25pm-12:40pm – Students eat lunch in their class.

12:40pm-1:40 pm – Students back in class.

1:40pm-2:10pm – Lunch play time.

3:15pm – End of the school day.

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Year 6 to Year 7 Placement Information and Application Forms 2024

Families of year 6 students have received an information pack regarding their Year 7 placement for 2024.  These application forms need to be completed and returned to school by Monday May 13^th. If you have any queries, please contact the office. 

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Goodbye and thank you!

Karen M will return to school on Monday May 13th, after a couple of months off on long-service leave. Rosie's last day in the office is tomorrow, Thursday May 9th. She has had such a wonderful time working at Winters Flat and getting to know staff, students, and families. Thank you to everyone for their kindness, patience, and support.

Kitty Ward & Rosie Annear

Office

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P/1J

• Gaby - Care for Others
• Vincent - Care for Self

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P/1R

• Poorvi - Care for Others
• Otis - Care for Self

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2/3H

• Moss - Care for Self
• Isobel - Care for Self

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4/5/6C

• Lola - Care for Self
• Michael - Care for Self

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4/5/6B

• Freya - Care for Self
• Atticus - Care for Self

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All staff and students at WFPS:

•  Care for Others - Thank you all for being so kind and patient while I've been working in the office :) From Rosie

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.

Hannah O’Keefe

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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

This week in the Kitchen and Garden..........

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

• Baked spinach and ricotta gnocchi 
• Jerusalem artichoke soup
• Broccoli slaw
• Pesto scrolls
• Quince and apple cobbler 

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Chefs of the week:

2/3H: Lok, Moss and Isobel

4/5/6C: Jimmy and Ginger

4/5/6B: Bonnie, Persephone, Abel, Atticus and Tanmay

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Kitchen volunteers:

We would love some kitchen helpers in our cooking classes!

They are held fortnightly on Mondays (even weeks - 4/5/6C), and every Wednesday (even weeks - 4/5/6B; odd weeks - 2/3H), between 11:25am & 1:25pm.

The Prep/1 classes will have a special cooking class each term.

P/1J's Term 2 cooking class is NEXT MONDAY May 13th.

P/1R's Term 2 cooking class is Monday May 27th.

Kitchen helpers for these classes would be particularly helpful - please let the office know if you'd like to volunteer!

What you can expect from a class:

Students work in groups to make seasonal dishes, using produce from our garden. Once a group finishes preparing their dish, they clean up their bench, do dishes, and set the tables. Around 1:00pm, we all sit down together and share the meal.

Volunteers will need to sign in via the visitors log in the office and show their WWCC. Please contact the office if you have any questions or would like to volunteer! 

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In the Garden:

Cath & Terry
Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden

Mothers and Parents Day stall

Our parent craft group are hosting a Mothers and Parents Day stall tomorrow Thursday May 9th for students to buy a small gift to celebrate their special person/people this weekend.

The stall will be open before school (8:30am-8:55am) and after school (3:15pm-3:45pm). 

Cash is preferred :)

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Bulb fundraiser

Thank you to everyone who supported our bulb fundraiser - we raised $740 for the school! Please share some pics of your bulbs blooming later in the year :)

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Book fair

Thank you to everyone who supported our Book Fair last week. It was lovely to see so many happy kids with new books (we hear that the Pokemon books were particularly popular!). 

A percentage of the profits made come back to the school and we also receive some new books for our classrooms and library!

Castlemaine District Cross Country:

Last Friday, students in Grades 2-6 participated in the Castlemaine District Cross Country event, with students from other local primary schools.  It was a brilliant day and students' resilience, attitude, and comradery was first class!

Please see Suzanne's section for some beautiful photos taken by the wonderful Bron!

Students who came in the top 20 of their race will progress to the Goldfields Division Cross Country on May 17th. 

Well done to everyone who had a go!

Soccer:

Starting tomorrow, Thursday May 9th, students will be participating in soccer clinics during their usual PE sessions. A local accredited soccer coach will be helping Sam run these sessions for the next four weeks!

Sam