Winters Flat Primary School
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3 Roberts Ave
Castlemaine VIC 3450
Subscribe: https://wintersflatps.schoolzineplus.com/subscribe

Email: winters.flat.ps@education.vic.gov.au
Phone: 03 5472 1522

FLAT CHAT | 12th May 2021

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FLAT CHAT | 12th May 2021

BUILDING OPENING TOMORROW 3:30PM – 5:30PM

Looking forward to seeing you all there!

Please sign in on arrival at the main gate using the QR code or manual sign in sheet.

Program:

3:30pm School open to public

3:45pm Welcome and speeches

4:00pm Student performances

4:10pm School Tours with student volunteers

              Winters Flat history display in the Multi-Purpose Hall

              Art Display in the Art Room

              Afternoon Tea in the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen

              Sausage Sizzle in front of the Music Room

              School merchandise for sale in the Multi-Purpose Hall

5:30pm close

    

Thanks in advance to all our volunteers helping out tomorrow with:

  • Baking scones/cakes/cup cakes
  • Setting up or packing up
  • Fruit kebabs stall
  • Sausage sizzle
  • Serving Afternoon tea
  • Merchandise stall

We have a team of student volunteers helping as Tour Guides. Hoping the weather holds but expecting rain!

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NAPLAN

Students in Year 3 and Year 5 have been participating in the NAPLAN this week.

Tuesday was the Language Conventions and Writing Tests, Reading Test today and Numeracy Test tomorrow.

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THANK YOU FOR WORKING BEES SUNDAY 2nd MAY & SATURDAY 8th MAY

Many thanks to the parents who helped us get the school looking so amazing in time for tomorrow’s opening. Our School Council President Blair Venn deserves our special thanks for the extra work he does to keep the school looking so good. He attended both scheduled Working Bees and was assisted by Simon B, Monte, Terry, and Peter G. Blair spends many hours watering, weeding and keeping things looking good. Maintaining our extensive grounds is a huge task and we welcome any offers of help with gardening, particularly during Working Bees.

Thanks also to our teachers and students working hard keep their ‘Care For Areas’ looking so good.

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HAVE YOU SEEN OUR SIGN?

Rowen Smith has worked wonders with the old school sign that was most recently attached to Oak View. In homage to our past, Rowen has had the old sign powder coated and he carefully hand-lettered the words which date back to when the school was opened on this site in 1964.

It looks fabulous!

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BLOWING OUR OWN TRUMPET

We’re celebrating becoming a Just Brass school in partnership with the Salvation Army, Castlemaine. The program will be initially offered to students in Year 5 and Year 6, with individual and group tuition as well as instruments made available at no cost! There will also be opportunities for students to connect with students from other schools as they gather for weekly band practice.  

 “There is an increasing body of research that highlights the value of learning a musical instrument and participating in a music group. Not only does music improve the capacity of children and young people to connect to school, it also improves academic outcomes.”

For more information contact: Suzanne.Kinnersly@education.vic.gov.au

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BIRTHDAYS

Kade – 11 in the fourth week of May

Arlo - 9 in the fourth week of May

Katie K - in the fourth week of May

Kaelyn - 8 in the last week of May

 

Hip Hip:  Hooray

Hip Hip:  Hooray

Hooray: Hip Hip

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Suzanne Kinnersly

Principal

School Calendar

Thursday 13th May
Grand Opening of New Buildings- 3:30-5:30pm. 
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Monday 24th May
School Open Day- 11:30am-1:30pm. Principal tours will be held at 11:30, 12:00 and 12:30.
Assembly- 2:30pm. Led by 3/4W.
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Friday 28th May
P-2 Tabloid Sports. See XUNO.
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Monday 7th June
Assembly- 2:30pm. Led by 2/3A.
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Friday 11th June
4-6 District Soccer and Football/Netball. More information to come through XUNO.
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Monday 14th June
Queen's Birthday Public Holiday.
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Monday 21st June
Assembly- 2:30pm. Led by P/1J.
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Thursday 24th June
Whole School Excursion to IMAX and Melbourne Museum. See XUNO.
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Friday 25th June
Last day of Term. 2:30pm finish.
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Book House

Thanks to Castlemaine Toy Library, we now have a 'Book House' set up in our front office! We invite all families and students to come and visit, to see our wide range of books for children to read/borrow/keep. We are also accepting donations of books which can be placed into our exchange for other children to enjoy.

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Year 7 Placement

All Year 6 students have been sent home with a pack regarding their 2022 Year 7 Placement. Please complete these forms and return to the office by this Friday 14th May.

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Camps, Sports and Excursion Fund Applications

The Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund helps eligible families to cover the costs of school trips, camps and sporting activities.

If you have a valid means-tested concession card, such as a Veterans Affairs Gold Card, Centrelink Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card, or are a temporary foster parent, you may be eligible. There is also a special consideration category for asylum seeker and refugee families.

Payment amounts this year are $125 for eligible primary school students. Payments are made direct to the school to use towards expenses relating to camps, excursions and sporting activities for the benefit of your child.

If you applied for CSEF through our school last year, you do not need to complete an application form this year, unless there has been a change in your family circumstances.

If you would like to apply for the first time, you can download the form here. Forms are also available at the office.

You can also download the form, and find out more about the program and eligibility, on the Department of Education and Training’s Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund web page.

Please return completed forms to the office as soon as possible.

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Karen Mahoney & Renae Wilson

Office

P/1 J | Hermione B

For showing Care for Self by always being in the right place at the right time. Super effort!
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P/1 J | Winter S

For showing Care for Others by being kind and helpful in class. Thank you Winter for your efforts.
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2/3 A | All Grade 3's

For showing Care for Self by showing an amazing attitude and fantastic effort in NAPLAN this week. We're so proud of you all!
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3/4W | Aurora A

For showing Care for Others by putting the interests of others before her own. Thank you for being so caring and considerate.
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3/4W | Jimmy B

For showing Care for Others by working consistently in the kitchen and putting yourself out for others. Keep it up!
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3/4W | Evie M

For showing Care for Others by working consistently in the kitchen and putting yourself out for others. Keep it up!
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4/5L | Kirah-Jayne M

For showing Care for Self. Your focus in the kitchen was outstanding. The ability to work in a team and do whatever role was required is an amazing character strength which you should be proud of. Well done on showing so much maturity. Great job.

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4/5L | Detroit V

For showing Care for Self. Your focus in the kitchen was outstanding. The ability to work in a team and do whatever role was required is an amazing character strength which you should be proud of. Well done on showing so much maturity. Great job.

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5/6B | Xander K

For showing Care for Others. Wow! Never have the kitchen floor or work benches sparkled and shone so brightly! Thank you Xander for the meticulous and particular care you showed completing this cleaning jobs during the S.A.K.G.P. Awesome work Xander.

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5/6B | Sophia N

For showing Care for Others. Sophia, thank you soo much for your focus and contribution to our cooking classes. You never seem to stop! You always work so hard and seek extra jobs everytime you complete one task, continuously moving on to another task. You are such a great worker Sophia.

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5/6B | Teekah M

For showing Care for Self and Others. You are truly the 'mother hen' or our room, always taking care of your friends and classmates around you in such a kind, caring and understanding way. You show such great leadership skills and kindness. You are a joy to have in our class.

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BEST CLASS ATTENDANCE (CUMALONG CUP)

The class with the best school attendance for the past fortnight is: 3/4W

THIS WEEK IN THE KITCHEN & GARDEN...

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

Basic pasta - linguine

Seasonal garden salad

Bolognese

Veggie bolognese

Garlic bread

Scones with jam and cream

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Remember, all our recipes are available on our school website, so you can try them at home.

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Cooks of the day

Congratulations to our cooks of the day from this fortnight (Haylee Y, Briscoe F, Kirah-Jayne M, Detroit V and Xander),

and last fortnight (Frankie M, Ava M, Levi J, Bo A and Sophia N)!

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What to plant in your garden...

Cool Soil 1st Planting – March to August

Soil temperature 10c - 20c

Air temperature 5c – 25c

 

Veggies

Asian Greens – Wong Bok, Pak Choy, Bok Choi

Beetroot

Broad Beans

Broccoli

Broccolini

Cabbage

Carrot

Endive

Garlic

Kale

Leeks

Lettuce

Onions

Peas

Radish

Salad Greens – Rocket, Mizuna, Mustard, Tatosi

Spinach

Turnips

 

Herbs

Coriander

 

Cool Soil 2nd Planting – August to September

Soil temperature 10c - 20c

Air temperature 10c – 25c

 

Veggies

Beetroot

Cauliflower

Celery

Carrot

Edible Flowers

Kohi-Rabi

Lettuce

Potatoes

Salad Greens – Rocket, Mizuna, Mustard, Tatosi

Silverbeet

 

Warm Soil Planting (Frost Free) – October to February

Soil temperature 15c - 24c

Air temperature 15c – 30c

 

Veggies

Asian Greens – Wong Bok, Pak Choy, Bok Choi

Beans

Beetroot

Broccoli

Broccolini

Capsicum/Chilli

Carrot

Corn

Cucumber

Edible Flowers

Eggplant

Lettuce

Pumpkins

Radish

Salad Greens – Rocket, Mizuna, Mustard, Tatosi

Tomatoes

Zucchini

 

Herbs

Basil

Chives

Coriander

Dill

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Rosie & Terry
Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden

Cross Country- Bendigo- 5th May

Congratulations to everyone that participated, assisted and attended the Division Cross Country last Wednesday in Bendigo. 

Special thanks to Kitty for her leadership and assistance!

We had some tremendous results. Well done to Daisy who qualified for Regional Cross Country at St Arnaud!

Hello Winters Flat Community.

At Winters Flat we are committed to nurturing the mental health of our students. It is fundamental to a good education that Wellbeing forms an integral part of our approach. The term Wellbeing refers to when individuals have the psychological, social and physical resources they need to meet everyday challenges. It sounds like a lot to achieve, but schools must ensure they are doing all they can to support students and their families in this endeavour.

CHILDHOOD TRAUMA

There has been much research of late into the area of childhood trauma and its effects on the brain. Trauma remains a largely misunderstood term and deserves much focus within schools. Approximately two thirds of young people will have been exposed to a traumatic event by the time they turn 16. Experiencing a traumatic event can potentially affect both a child’s current and future mental health.

There are two types of trauma that we see commonly in children. 1. Single event trauma is related to a single, unexpected event, such as a physical or sexual assault, a bushfire, an accident, or a serious illness or injury. Experiences of loss can also be traumatic, for example, the death of a loved one, a miscarriage, or a suicide. 2. Complex trauma is related to prolonged or ongoing traumatic events, usually connected to personal relationships, such as domestic violence, bullying, childhood neglect, witnessing trauma, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, or torture.

Schools are becoming better at using trauma informed approaches in the classroom (https://www.monash.edu/education/teachspace/articles/five-approaches-for-creating-trauma-informed-classrooms) and at Winters Flat we have begun a relationship with the Berry Street Education Model, a research-informed, multifaceted and systemic approach to engage children in their learning. Wellbeing and engagement is at the core of the Berry Street Educational Model, with a strong emphasis on positive psychology and positive education. Teachers at Winters Flat are already trained in the model and we are looking to update our training in this area over the next year.

If you feel that your children may have experienced trauma there are some things that can be done to help your child recover. These simple steps and ideas are detailed in this very accessible and helpful article: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/HealthyLiving/trauma-and-children-tips-for-parents

Parents or care-givers should seek help if:

  • you are concerned or unsure about how your child is coping
  • you are not coping yourself – this makes it harder for you to help the child to cope and you may both need to seek help
  • the child has lots of symptoms and things are not settling
  • the household has experienced a significant loss and the community around the child is disrupted
  • several family members are affected and there does not seem to be enough attention to go around
  • the family is struggling to re-establish any kind of routine or predictable pattern in the household and week.

MEANINGFUL MAY

On a more positive note, it is Meaningful May! Meaningful May is all about reflecting on what gives our life meaning. Being a part of something bigger than ourselves and focusing on things that we value is key to our wellbeing. So let's take time to reflect on what we care about this month and keep these things at the front of our minds as our societies begin to open up again. Some ideas and activities to do this include:

-Make a list of what someone means to you and why.

-Do something kind for someone you care about.

-Listen to one of your favourite songs and remember why you love it.

For the full calendar of ideas check out this link: https://www.actionforhappiness.org/meaningful-may

Finally, here is an awesome poster print out that I use often with my students to kick-start conversations about emotions. Having one of these up on the wall is such an easy and useful first step to talking about emotions (your child’s and you own) at home. Print out this document or there are some copies at the front office.

The mental health support system is under immense pressure since Covid-19 began last year. If you are having trouble accessing any services please contact me on hannah.okeefe@education.vic.gov.au. I am available for a chat/meeting on Tuesdays and Fridays between 9:30 and 2:30.

By far the best service you can contact if you or your child are experiencing mental health issues is the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service. They have a 24 hour number you can call to talk with someone and access services in the region: 1300 363 788 (https://www.bendigohealth.org.au/ChildandAdolescentMentalHealthService/).

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The following list is a comprehensive directory of mental health support services. (If your safety or the safety of others is at risk, contact emergency services on 000)

HeadtoHelp 1800 595 212

Cairnmillar Institute (free telehealth counselling) - https://www.cairnmillar.org.au/telehealth

Beyond Blue

1300 22 4636 (24 Hrs)

Lifeline
13 11 14 (24 Hrs)

Suicide Call Back Service
1300 659 467 (24 Hrs)

Kids Helpline
1800 55 1800 (24 Hrs)

Other helplines

Tandem Support and Referral Line information, support, advocacy or referral for family members or friends who are supporting a person with mental health issues. Call 1800 314 325.

Blue Knot Foundation Helpline information, support or referral for adult survivors of childhood trauma and abuse. Call 1300 657 380, 9am-5pm / 7 days a week.

Butterfly Foundation's National Helpline counselling and treatment referral for people with eating disorders, and body image and related issues. Call 1800 33 4673 8am-9pm / 7 days a week.

eheadspace mental health and wellbeing support, information and services to young people aged 12 to 25 years and their families. Call 1800 650 890.

MensLine Australia telephone and online support and information service for Australian men. Call 1300 78 99 78, 24 hours / 7 days a week.

MindSpot Clinic telephone and online service for people with stress, worry, anxiety, low mood or depression. Call 1800 61 44 34 AEST, 8am-8pm (Mon-Fri), 8am-6pm (Sat).

QLife telephone and web-based services to support lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) people. Call 1800 184 527, 3pm-12am (midnight) / 7 days a week.

PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia) telephone information, counselling and referral service. Call 1300 726 306, 9am-7:30pm AEST (Mon-Fri).

Brother to Brother, a 24-hour crisis line for Aboriginal men has been set up to provide extra support during the coronavirus pandemic. Call 1800 435 799.

SANE Australia support, training and education enabling those with a mental illness to lead a better life. Call 1800 18 7263, 9am-5pm (Mon-Fri).

The Compassionate Friends Victoria information and peer support for families trying to rebuild their lives after the death of a child, sibling or grandchild, from trained volunteers with lived experience. Call 9888 4944 or 1300 064 068 24/7. Siblings (aged 18-30 years) can use the web chat daily, 3pm-12am.

Open Arms (Veterans and Families Counselling) 24/7 free and confidential counselling to anyone who has served at least one day in the ADF, and their families. Call 1800 011 046.

Mental Health Foundation Australia National Mental Health Helpline offers emotional and practical support to families, carers and individuals with mental health issues. The response team does not provide counselling but can arrange a call back from a trained Psychologist or Counsellor. Call 1300 643 287. 

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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. 

 

May
13
Thu

13 May 2021

3:30 PM to 5:30 PM

Event Info
May
13
Thu

13 May 2021

3:30 PM to 5:30 PM

Address: 3 Roberts Avenue, Castlemaine, 3450, VIC

Celebrating the launch of new Art Room, updated SAKG and new deck, new multi-purpose assembly hall, revamped Admin building with new roofing.

All past, current, and future students and families welcome!

Events:
o Opening welcoming statement and Acknowledgement of Country
o Art Exhibition in Art Room
o School tour to classrooms
o Sausage sizzle
o Scones/coffee and tea for sale 
o Snacks for sale
o History display of photos of school
o WFPS merchandise for sale (tote bags, coffee, socks, honey, tea towels)

**If you are planning to attend, please fill out this web form for catering purposes: https://wintersflatps.schoolzineplus.com/form/36

*If anyone wishes to volunteer to help out with this event, contact Renae in the office or fill out the form: https://wintersflatps.schoolzineplus.com/form/35

Event Info
May
13
Thu

13 May 2021

3:30 PM to 5:30 PM

Address: 3 Roberts Avenue, Castlemaine, 3450, VIC

Community event School event

WHAT'S HAPPENING IN OUR COMMUNITY...

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OPEN DAY

South Castlemaine Kinder is having an Open Day

Wednesday May 26th

1-3pm

Please come along and have a look at our beautiful kinder

Enrolments Open NOW

earlyyears.ymca.org.au

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Celebration Day for Girls

Tuesday 15th June, 7 to 9pm  – Mothers Session

Sunday 20th June, 9.45am to 4pm – Celebration Day for Girls

Booking link - https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/153243775257 

 

Fathers Celebrating Daughters

Tuesday 6th July, 7 to 9.30pm

Booking link - https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/153241177487

 

Celebration Day for Girls

Tuesday 27th July, 7 to 9pm  – Mothers Session

Sunday 1st August, 9.45am to 4pm – Celebration Day for Girls

Booking link - https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/153243797323

 

Fathers Celebrating Daughters

Tuesday 17th August, 7 to 9.30pm

Booking link - https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/153241664945

 

Venue: Castlemaine Community House, 30 Templeton Street, Castlemaine

 

Celebration Day for Girls was created in Castlemaine and has been offering girls a confident and informed passage through puberty since 2000. This workshop is now available in all Australian states and territories, and thirty countries worldwide. Facilitators are trained by Mt Alexander Shire local, Jane Bennett, and the Chalice Foundation team of trainers. 

Celebration Day for Girls is a programme for girls 10-12 years old with their mother or female carer. Fathers Celebrating Daughters is for fathers of daughters. Please note the maximum participants are 12 girl/mother pairs for Celebration Day for Girls and 20 men/fathers for Fathers Celebrating Daughters . For more information go to www.celebrationdayforgirls.com, and for more about the Chalice Foundation go to www.chalicefundation.org.

To book or enquire about these free to participants workshops supported by Mt Alexander shire please contact Rachel Pilgrim at rachel.pilgrim@yahoo.com and 0430 450 967. Rachel is an experienced facilitator of both workshops and trains new facilitators internationally (online through 2020 and 2021).