WELCOME TO COUNTRY

Our Welcome to Country on Monday was led by school Captains and Vice Captains. Our guest of honour was Dja Dja Wurrung elder Uncle Rick Nelson who once again performed this moving ceremony.

Student leaders spoke of the smoking ceremony and how traditionally before others set foot in another’s ‘Country’ permission needed to be sought to pass safely through or meet with the Elders.

The students talked about how the leaves of the Cherry Ballart, Manna Gum and Black Wattle are waved by the females, to cleanse the air of bad feelings/spirits, while the males perform the ‘shaky knees’ dance. The leaves are then put into a fire, where they create a lot of smoke. The visitors then pass through the smoke to cleanse themselves, particularly the soles of their feet.

Nalderun is a Dja Dja Wurrung word meaning altogether and we met altogether to celebrate and support the traditional owners of the land where Winters Flat is located. Thank you once again to Uncle Rick for officiating and to Kath Coff for being present as well as parents and visitors who attended.

We also presented ‘Care For’ Leaders badges for the following students

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CARE CROWS – SCHOOL WIDE POSITIVE BEHAVIOUR SUPPORT

Our classroom focus across the school has been waiting to take our turn in discussions. The tallies in classrooms have been steadily improving and we are still working towards no more than five interruptions per class per day.

Next term we are keen to circulate the ‘golden feathers’ – tangible and positive rewards for students who embody caring for self, others and the environment at school.

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DISTRICT CROSS COUNTRY

I was incredibly proud of the Winters Flat students who participated with such energy and enthusiasm at the Cross Country on Friday and congratulate them, as well as the students from the other district schools who were competing. The atmosphere was competitive but friendly and we are now in the process of contacting the students who have been selected to represent the school next term at the Regional event on Wednesday 5^th May at the Bendigo Racecourse.

The success of the day was a team effort led by Sam Milner and Mark O’Sullivan from St Marys. We had amazing support from parents and carers from Winters Flat who were on and off duty supporting all the students. Some past WFPS students from CSC were kindly released to help out as well.

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SAVE THE DATE – BUILDING OPENING THURSDAY 13^TH MAY 3:30PM – 5:30PM

Following years of construction work, we are excited to be having an official opening to welcome present, past and future students, staff and families to this celebration.

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BIRTHDAYS

Daisy – 11 in the first week of April

Luca - 10 in the first week of April

Charli – 6 in the first week of April

Alyssa – 11 in the first week of April

Seth - 10 in the second week of April

Hip Hip:  Hooray

Hip Hip:  Hooray

Hooray: Hip Hip

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Wishing everyone a safe and happy Easter and break.

See you next term!

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Suzanne Kinnersly

Principal

Karen Mahoney & Renae Wilson

Office

Dear parents and carers,

The Victorian Government has further relaxed its COVIDSafe settings from 6pm on Friday 26 March 2021.

Changes to the COVIDSafe settings include allowing more visitors in the home, changes to mask wearing in some settings and updates to density limits in some settings. There are limited operational changes for schools.

Visitors continue to be welcomed at our school, however face masks must be carried by individuals 12 years and over at all times and worn when physical distancing of 1.5 metres cannot be maintained.

Individuals aged 12 years and over must continue to wear a face mask when on public transport, school buses and when in taxis or ride share vehicles – unless they have a lawful exemption.

Thank you for your understanding and support throughout this term as we continue to implement COVIDSafe practices at our school.

I look forward to welcoming our students and families back to more school events in Term 2.

Regards,

Suzanne Kinnersly.

Well done to students for participating in the School Cross Country and District Cross Country! Students who have qualified for Zone Cross Country will be informed tomorrow.

A big thank you to Toshi & Noriko for their performance last Tuesday, 'Wa-sa'bi'!

A big thank you to Uncle Rick and Aunty Kath for our Welcome to Country Event on Monday.

Congratulations to our leaders who were presented with their badges.

Easter Artwork

Students used a wet on dry water painting technique over oil pastels to create some colourful Easter Eggs/Emu Eggs!

Hello families and friends of Winters Flat Primary School,

Experiencing anxiety every now and again is a normal part of the human experience. Anxiety becomes a problem when the feelings persist, impacting on our wellbeing and preventing us from doing things that are important to us.

It is common for young children to experience a range of worries as they develop, such as being away from their parents or being in the dark.
When these worries persist over time and impact on children’s abilities to do activities common for their age, they may be experiencing anxiety. 

See this resource for how to support children with anxiety.

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Hannah O'Keefe

Wellbeing Officer, Winters Flat Primary School

(Tuesdays and Fridays 9:30-2:30)

Hannah.Okeefe@education.vic.gov.au

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*If you wish for your child/ren to participate in sessions with Hannah, please ensure you provide permission on XUNO or sign a hard copy of the permission form available at the office. 

P/1 J | Audrey B

For showing Care for Self by working hard to complete writing tasks. Super effort!
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P/1 J | Corben D

For showing Care for Self by working hard on his reading strategies. Keep reading everyday Corben!
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2/3 A | Athene G

For showing Care for Self by always following instructions straight away and trying her best in class. Fantastic effort Athene!
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2/3A | Kaelyn J

For showing Care for Others by being a generous helper in the classroom. Thank you Kaelyn!
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3/4W | Briscoe F

For showing Care for Others and the Environment by being a reliable and responsible Flag monitor and for using your initiative to keep our school grounds neat and tidy. Thank you Briscoe.
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3/4W | Arlo S

For showing Care for Environment by using your initiative to keep our school grounds neat and tidy. Thank you Arlo.
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4/5L | Jamie B

For showing Care for Self by applying himself to his inquiry project. Well done on using your initiative to make sure you get the job done.

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4/5L | Nerri G

For showing Care for Self by challenging yourself to complete your inquiry project. Well done and I know I’m not the only one who is proud of you. 

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5/6B | Ellie C

For showing Care for Self and Others with your awesome happy and positive outlook and approach to all tasks. You are always so helpful in the classroom and always willing to lend a hand to help others. Thank you Ellie!

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5/6B | Malakai C

For showing Care for Self for his great focus and determination during the Easter Rotation activities and showing great leadership skills. Keep it up Malakai!

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From the Principal | Kirah-Jayne M

For showing Care for Others by showing patience, kindness and helpfulness in Kitchen classes for the younger students. Well done!

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BEST CLASS ATTENDANCE (CUMALONG CUP)

The class with the best school attendance for the past fortnight is 2/3A.

THIS WEEK IN THE KITCHEN & GARDEN...

Volunteers

Unfortunately, we recently had a fox attack and lost all our chooks. Following this, our chook pen is in need of some maintenance. If you are able to help with this, or helping with building a hot house, please contact Terry.

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Rosie & Terry
Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden

WHAT'S HAPPENING IN OUR COMMUNITY...

Commencing in Term 2 on Friday 23rd April

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