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- NEWS | From The Principal
- NEWS | From The Office
- NEWS | From School Council
- NEWS | From The Classrooms
- NEWS | From The Listening Post
- NEWS | Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Program
- STUDENTS OF THE WEEK
- REMINDER | Parking Around The School
- EVENT | Winters Flat Family Picnic
- PARENT SEMINAR | Kids, Screens and Behaviour: How to unplug, set limits and survive parenting in the digital age
- EVENT |Winters Flat Cross Country
- REMINDERS
- Community Events
Dear Winters Flat Community,
2019 is shaping up as year of great opportunities for the students and families here at Winters Flat. This week we are offering parent interviews for Years Prep-3 and Years 4-6, and next week Years 4-6 only, giving you the chance to talk about the particular needs of your child with their teacher. The Senior Learning Community (4-6) have made additional times available this week. Bookings are now available through the Schoolzine App which you should have received via email. If you haven’t received the email or have been unable to book with the link please contact the office.
Just in the first few weeks we’ve had some visiting Monash University theatre students working with the Senior Learning community and a visit from AFL players from the Western Bulldogs giving footy tips to students P-6. Chess is continuing with volunteer Harry Poulton and Lisa Mills is offering Digi club again later this year. The stop animations the students produced last year were amazing!
Later this year Artist-in-Residence Liza Jane Gilchrist will be working with Juliet and students creating 3D cardboard sculptures.
Our Welcome to Country ceremony and the school Cross Country will be later this term and this term we are also offering a parent forum on 26th March, delivered by educational psychologist Matt Davis. Kids, Screens and Behaviour: How to unplug, set limits and survive parenting in the digital age will be available to parents and carers from Winters Flat and other Castlemaine schools.
As a school we are entering the final year of a 5 year Strategic Plan. This year we will review the past five years and following the review, set the plan for the next five years. This review involves department personnel and an external reviewer and is mainly focussed on the teaching and learning program and student wellbeing. As the year unfolds we will consult with students, staff and parents.
Our school-wide literacy focus in 2019 will be writing but we will continue to build on the recent growth in reading results and continue to encourage parents to ensure children are reading at home at least 5 days a week.
Another priority is the ongoing improvement of our facilities and grounds. Fund raising efforts will prioritise air conditioning in classrooms and as a school council we are looking for ways to improve the grounds and play areas.
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COMMUNICATION
Details of most school events and what’s happening at school are listed in Flat Chat, which comes out fortnightly in an even week. If things come up unexpectedly we will always put a post on Facebook, an email and if necessary a note home.
Your child is a great source of information as well – we’re happy to clarify if there’s ever any confusion.
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ATTENDANCE AND PUNCTUALITY
When your child is absent from school it is a Department of Education and Training requirement that a reason is provided for the absence. You can notify us of the absence via the webform, Schoolzine app, email to the Winters Flat PS address, phone call or a note to the teacher.
Please ensure your children arrive in plenty of time to commence class at 8.55am. Everyone benefits from being ready to start together and late arrivals can disrupt the early morning instructions and learning time. Children can be dropped off from 8.40am when we have a staff member on Yard Duty. If your children arrive after 8.55am they must sign in at the office. Similarly if you need to take you children home early they must be signed out.
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READING
We have a school-wide initiative encouraging all children to read at home at least 5 times a week. The Reading diary supports this. Please use the diary to give feedback about your child’s reading choices. Teachers will continue to promote home reading throughout the year.
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ANAPHYLAXIS
Is the severe, life-threatening allergic reaction which some students in our school have to certain foods. As a way of minimising the risks please particularly avoid sending nuts or peanut butter in your child’s snacks and lunches.
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NUDE FOOD AND HEALTHY EATING
One of the first things I noticed when I arrived Winters Flat was the lack of rubbish and rubbish bins in the playground. A major reason for the lack of waste is that Nude Food is working really well. We are also a health promoting school participating in the achievement program. We endorse healthy eating and good oral health. We encourage everyone to send wrapper-free lunches and snacks to school. We have Munch and Crunch at 10.00am, morning snack at 11.00 and lunch at 1.25pm.
Lunch orders are supplied by the local shop on Fridays - send orders with money to school in a paper bag which will be collected in the classroom. You can find the menu and price list on our website.
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UNIFORM
All children must wear school uniform at Winters Flat. The uniform shop is open each Tuesday from 8.30am – 10.00am, and can be purchased online. Second hand items can be purchased any time from the office. If you buy items such as shorts and pants elsewhere, please ensure they are plain navy-coloured and don’t have any logos.
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TRAFFIC SAFETY
Getting our students to and from school as safely as possible is everyone’s responsibility. For many reasons we encourage children to walk to school and use the crossing. Congestion in Roberts Avenue at peak times is challenging so we encourage drivers to do the loop around Douglas Crescent and drop on the school side. Pedestrians crossing Roberts Avenue at the speed hump near the main entrance is also a safer option.
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CONFLICT/RESTORATIVE PRACTICE
From time to time our children make poor choices or are involved in conflict with other students and occasionally bullying as victims or perpetrators. We use Restorative Practice as a preferred method of dealing with incidents in the playground and classroom. This process acknowledges any harm caused by the children involved, including bystanders and encourages empathy with those harmed. Importantly it identifies how the children can move on with the relationship restored, bearing in mind that they will inevitably see each other again here at school and need to feel safe. Part of the role of the teacher who facilitates the restorative conversation is to follow up again in a week or so (and beyond if necessary) to see how each of the participants have been going since the original incident. There are other methods of intervention, consistent with department policy which we can use if a restorative conversation is not possible. This week’s Listening Post elaborates on the 5Rs of Restorative Justice.
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VOLUNTEERS
Volunteering is a great way to get involved in the school if you have the time. Helping in the Kitchen during classes, in the classroom, running performing arts activities- library or garden you’ll be welcome for as little or as much time as you can spare. There are lots of other ways you could assist at Winters Flat. Volunteers working directly with students must have a Working With Children Check card. Applications are online and free for volunteers.
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CLASS REPS
We’re still looking for Class Reps – at least one per class – who can liaise as a group to organise social functions and keep parents in the communication loop with class-specific events.
Please contact the office you’d like to join the Class Rep team. Two parents per class would be terrific.
Suzanne Kinnersly
Principal.
WELCOME JACINTA
We welcome Jacinta Deane who is replacing Liz Old while she is on long service leave. We hope that she has enjoyable time with us at Winters Flat Primary School.
Parent/Teacher/Student exchanges have been filling up very fast. There are still some appointments left for the P-3 students, if you wish to book an appointment please book here . If you miss out on an appointment then speak to your child's teacher to make an alternative arrangement.
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UPDATE YOUR ENROLMENT DETAILS
In the last few weeks letters were sent home via the classroom which contained your child's enrolment details for the start of 2019.
Could you please check these details carefully to make sure they are still valid.
Make any changes to the sheets, initial and return them back to school (even if there are no changes) ASAP.
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CAMPS, SPORTS AND EXCURSION FUND (CSEF)
CSEF is provided by the Victorian Government to assist eligible families to cover the costs of school trips, camps and sporting activities.
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.
The annual CSEF amount per student is $125 for primary school students.
How To Apply
New applicants should contact the school office to obtain a CSEF application form or download one from www.education.vic.gov.au/csef, or the forms section of our website.
If you applied for the CSEF at your child's school in 2018, you do not need to complete an application form in 2019 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 in 2019 or you did not apply in 2018.
• changed family circumstances; such as a change of custody, change of name, concession card number, or new siblings commencing at the school in 2019.
For more information about the CSEF visit www.education.vic.gov.au/csef
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SCHOOL FEES & VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTIONS
School fees statements have been sent home to each family this week, and are due by the end of Term 1. School fees are broken into two components:
Essential Education Items:
• Stationery for the year – Grade Prep & 1 $70
• Stationery for the year - Grade 2-6 $80
• Stephanie Alexander Program – from Grade 2- 6 per student $80
• Camps & Excursions – Various amounts to be advised as they arise
Voluntary Financial Contributions: this helps the school considerably.
• Library Contribution – per family $80
• Grounds Levy – mowing and maintenance of grounds – per family $80
• Building Fund – tax deductible $50
While this second component is entirely voluntary, these additional financial contributions help us provide a school environment where children can be inspired to learn and play both inside and outside the classroom. We appreciate any additional financial support you can provide.
Please note that CSEF money can only be used for camps, excursions and sporting activities and not for the payment of school fees, or voluntary contributions.
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Karen Mahoney & Jacinta Deane
Office
School Council Meeting held on Monday February 18th 2019: Summary of Meeting `
Our first School Council meeting for 2019 was held on Monday February 18th. All members were welcomed back for the new school year.
As a group, we reflected on what has worked well since commencing term 1, including the parent/carer information session held last Wednesday evening, and the new weekly communication about what’s on for the week. Thank you to Kylie Pascoe for sending out this communication.
The draft of the Annual Implementation Plan (AIP) was reviewed, and passed by Council. This plan lays out the key strategies for improving student outcomes over the next 12 months. These strategies are aligned with goals established 4 years ago.
The wellbeing subcommittee is excited to be organising an upcoming parent seminar on Tuesday March 26th 2019 from 7pm to 830pm. This seminar will be on parenting in the digital world and presented by Matt Davis who is an educational psychologist. The seminar will be held at the school, and open to the broader Castlemaine community. Please put the date in your diaries.
In recognition of World Harmony Day, the School Council is also holding a welcome picnic on Thursday 21st March 2019 at the Botanical Gardens (BBQ area) from 5 pm. We would love to see all new and existing families there to celebrate the beginning of the school year, to share some food and get to know each other.
The next school council meeting is scheduled for Monday 18th March 2018. Nominations for new School Council members are being sought. Please consider nominating for this important role.
Katie Wilson
School Council President
The prep/one classes have been busy doing recount writing and number work, and this is a sample of their beautiful work! The students featured are Lucinda, Bonnie, Finn and Angus.
NEWS | From The Listening Post
PEACE CIRCLE – The Restorative Conversation…& Student Voice
Circle time is a wonderful opportunity for your child to make sure their voice is being heard. If your child struggles with sharing their thoughts and ideas, writing a note to their classroom teacher or peer leader to make a suggestion is another way let people know what they’re thinking.
At Winters Flat Primary School, we are committed to restoring relationship and righting wrongs as soon as possible.
The Restorative Conversation, or the Peace Circle.
The goals and process of Restorative practice are the 5 R’s.
5 Rs of Restorative Practice
• Relationship – Caring, Compassion & Understanding
• Respect- No interruption or shaming
• Responsibility – ownership of harm-future behaviour
• Repair- by repairing the harm to the fullest extent possible, recognising the harm may extend beyond anyone’s capacity for repair. It’s this principle that allows us to set aside thoughts of revenge and punishment.
• Reintegration – build trust, safety and community
There are so many ways your child can ensure their voice is heard and their idea’s shared. In the classroom, in the playground, in leadership opportunities, and through communicating with you, their peers and their teachers and even their school council. We want to encourage student voice is heard every day at Winters Flat: not only though the spoken word, but the written word, through creative expression and drama – please share your great ideas with us, and we will be asking children and young people at our school how we can include their voice more and more in the decisions that impact on their day to day life at school.
3 parts of sorry
• We take responsibility for our behaviour
• We say what we are sorry for
• We fix what we can and we learn strategies so we can make a better choice next time!
Accepting an apology:
When a child apologies to your child, rather than saying ‘That’s OK’, encourage your child to say ‘I accept your apology’. This lets the other child know that the behaviour still wasn’t OK but that your child has accepted their apology and is willing to do their part to help repair the relationship through showing their forgiveness.
The playground is like a….
This month’s Deep in Discussion topic is the playground: how kids navigate it; where kids play; how kids play; and what schools can do to ensure the all-important work of child’s play is valued and supported. This discussion will be held in the French Room on Tuesday 26th February, and is open to the whole of Winters Flat Community. This conversation aims to be interactive, creative and fun and colourful! Please have a chat with your children before Tuesday and bring their ideas along to share with the community!
Kim
Wellbeing Officer
NEWS | Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Program
WHAT'S COOKIN' IN THE KITCHEN...
This week the students are creating these mighty feasts...
Vegetable Samosas
Kale Slaw With Red Cabbage and Carrots
Yogurt and Sesame Sauce
You can download the recipes from our website.
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WHAT WE'RE HARVESTING FROM THE GARDEN...
Eggplants
Tomatoes
Shallots
Kale
Jane & Terry
Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden
P/1 A | Eisa P
For caring for others by helping the preps in our class. Thank you!
P/1 A | Bonnie S
For caring for the environment by always doing a fantastic job at packing up the classroom. We're lucky to have you!
P/1 J | Lucinda
For caring for self by working hard to complete the tasks to a high standard. Well done Lucinda on your conscientious efforts in class.
P/1 J | Angus N
For caring for self for doing amazingly details drawings and taking time to do his best work. A huge effort Angus!
2/3F | Leuca B
For caring for the environment by being a fantastic worker when it's clean up, pack up or tidy up time. Thank you Leuca.
2/3F | Braxton J
For caring for self by staying focused, putting in effort and improving his work. Way to go Braxton!
2/3W | Levi J
For caring for others by allowing others to speak, listen and learn, Thank you Levi!
2/3W | Levi M
For caring for others by helping to unpack and organise classroom materials. Well done Levi!
Senior Leadership Community
4/5/6B | Eoin W
For caring for self by being organised and prepared to give things a 'go' during P.E. sessions. Great work remembering your sneakers!
4/5/6B | Iestyn C
For caring for self by applying himself with great pride to his work and producing some stunning pieces. Iestyn has 'tuned' in, followed directions and worked very hard to ensure an amazing start to the 2019 school year.
4/5/6L | Ashton C
For caring for self by being positive and understanding in difficult situations. Thanks for being a great team player!
4/5/6L| Keira M
For caring for self by showing great strength and courage in her assembly performance. Thanks Keira for being amazing!
4/5/6M | Jasmine K
For caring for others by making a wonderful start at WFPS by being positive and encouraging others!
4/5/6M | Noah S
For caring for self by being ready for his learning, completing his work with LOTS of effort, and for his beautiful big smile!
POSITIVE BEHAVIOUR FOCUS:
This week's positive behaviour focus is showing care for self by following instructions straight away. The following students are recognised for their great ability to do so.
Lukas K-F, Joe B-Z and Charlie I
REMINDER | Parking Around The School
Drop off and pick up are busy times at our school, so please be very careful when parking during those especially busy times.
EVENT | Winters Flat Family Picnic
21
Thu
21 Mar 2019
5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
21
Thu
21 Mar 2019
5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Location: Botanical Gardens Children's Playground
Address: 2 Walker Street, Castlemaine, 3450, VIC
In recognition of World Harmony Day, the School Council is also holding a welcome picnic at the Botanical Gardens (BBQ area) from 5 pm.
We believe that schools can be hubs of the community, so the School Council invites all our Winters Flat families and friends together for a casual afternoon of fun at the gorgeous Botanical Gardens.
We would love to see all new and existing families there to celebrate the beginning of the school year, to share some food and get to know each other.
21
Thu
21 Mar 2019
5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Location: Botanical Gardens Children's Playground
Address: 2 Walker Street, Castlemaine, 3450, VIC
26
Tue
26 Mar 2019
7:00 PM to 8:30 PM
26
Tue
26 Mar 2019
7:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Location: Winters Flat Primary School
Address: Roberts Road, Castlemaine, 3450, VIC
Cost: $10:00
The wellbeing subcommittee is excited to be organising a parent seminar on Tuesday March 26th 2019 from 7:00pm to 8:30pm. This seminar will be on parenting in the digital world and presented by Matt Davis who is an educational psychologist. The seminar will be held at the school, and open to the broader Castlemaine community. Please put the date in your diaries.
Tickets are $10 each and can be purchased online through Trybooking
26
Tue
26 Mar 2019
7:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Location: Winters Flat Primary School
Address: Roberts Road, Castlemaine, 3450, VIC
Cost: $10:00
EVENT |Winters Flat Cross Country
22
Fri
22 Mar 2019
11:25 AM to 1:25 PM
22
Fri
22 Mar 2019
11:25 AM to 1:25 PM
Location: Winters Flat Primary School
Address: Roberts Road, Castlemaine, 3450, VIC
We are looking at Participation as the major theme, and everyone will receive a certificate if they participate.
For those that wish to participate only there will be the opportunity to walk, jog or run laps of the bike track.
For those that are looking for the Cross Country experience we'll have a Cross Country circuit to try.
2-3 - 11.25am to 12.10 pm Grade 2's 1 lap of Cross Country circuit. Grade 3's 2 laps of Cross Country circuit.
4/5/6 - 12.15 pm - 1.25 pm Grade 4's 2 laps of Cross Country circuit. Grade 5/6 3 laps of Cross Country circuit.
Hopefully the weather will be kind. We'll evaluate closer to the day.
22
Fri
22 Mar 2019
11:25 AM to 1:25 PM
Location: Winters Flat Primary School
Address: Roberts Road, Castlemaine, 3450, VIC
WHAT'S HAPPENING IN OUR COMMUNITY...
There's lots of things to do in the community over the next few weeks, from sport to launching climate flags and asthma warnings...
Castlemaine Library is raising the flag (well quite a few really!) and hosting some great events!
Castlemaine Library is hosting children’s educator Julie Davey who will be facilitating two events for parents and primary-aged children in February, called R is for Richlife and A is for Attitude.
R for Richlife
It’s never too soon to consider what makes a rich life, how to manage money and how to manage without it. Author Julie Davey explores the money mindset and shares ways of looking after it so that it can look after you, with a little bit of the attitude of gratitude thrown in!
Best suited to children 8-12 years, and parents.
Book sales and signings.
A for Attitude
A special presentation for parents of young children from author/ illustrator Julie Davey. Julie shares tools for the development of positive attitudes tackling everything from anger, fear and jealousy, to gossip, health and creativity. Simple, direct and refreshingly successful in fostering resilience.
Book sales and signings.
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Girls Come And Try Football
Castlemaine Goldfields are excited to be able to offer places in three age groups for all girls teams this year at ages U10, U12 and U14s along side our usual programs for mixed teams (boys and girls) for from U10 - U18s. Come and play!
Castlemaine Football Netball Club news
Register now for Auskick
Campbells Creek Football Netball Club news
Asthma Awareness from Terry White Chemart
Every year there is a sharp rise in the number of asthma attacks for children when they return to school after the Christmas break. This results in a significant increase in Emergency Department visits, hospitalisations and days off school. Not only is this unsettling for children as they start a new year at school, but often it impacts on time off work for the parents/carers also.
Terry White Chemart would like to remind parents and students with asthma, to continue with their Asthma Action Plan and for children using a preventer medication, continue to take it regularly over the break.
They would also like to remind parents/carers to visit their GP to have their Asthma Care Plan for schools completed by their GP. Parents/carers should also provide schools with a clean spacer and a reliever medication that is clearly labelled with the child’s details.
TerryWhite Chemmart pharmacies will be providing FREE school bag tags and spacer labels when parents come into store to discuss their child’s asthma needs (whilst stocks last).
Sing With MaCapella Kids