Filter Content
BELATED THANKS TO THE MOTHERS’ DAY STALL GROUP
It was back in Week 3 that a small but dedicated group of parents and carers set up the Mothers’ Day Stall for students to purchase some amazing and affordable gifts. Special thanks to Lisa Kearns, Kirsty Williams, Emily Maher and Bethia Lord for their work during the “crafternoons” in the weeks before the stall, creating and assembling these treasures. We had lovely feedback from the recipients as well.
If you’d like to join the crafters and makers keep an eye on the schedule on XUNO. They will be re-grouping for Fathers’ Day and the Christmas Fete.
BUILDING OPENING AND OPEN DAY – WOW!
It has been an amazing two weeks since our last Flat Chat with these two milestone events celebrating our school.
The weather was against us but the crowd faced it down and there was a wonderful vibe at our Grand Opening. We were so well supported by staff, families and school councillors and so proud of our students who firstly performed for and then acted as Tour Guides for the assembled guests. Being ‘open’ is the perfect metaphor for what we value about our school. The wide open spaces of our grounds, the open-plan classrooms and most importantly the open hearts and open minds of our community. We feel that these buildings and the current works continuing at Creekview have transformed our campus and opened up so many new learning opportunities for our students.
A big thank you to the following people:
· Lil B, Sally K and Kacey S for the historical display.
· Ray S, Kitty S, Kathy L, Ruby B, Olivier D, Marcus M, Alistair F, Gerke W, Andrea B, Leila B, Helen K, Kirsty W, Helen V, Emma B, Rhani D, Monte M, Tom F, Bronwyn T, Blair V for being amazing volunteers in multiple ways.
· Justin M for sharing his expertise and training a Marimba band in 4 sessions
· Rosie A, Ruby and Kathy for all the baking.
· Students leaders and volunteer students for the tours and the students who are now expert scone makers.
· Don KR (Kylie P and Tim W) for the yummy sausages.
· Cantwells for the sponsorship of the sign.
· Castlemaine Fresh for the fruit.
· Bakers Delight Castlemaine for the bread.
Monday’s Open Day was very successful and once again thanks to the teachers and students who had the school looking very impressive inside and out as we welcomed prospective families to come and have a look. School Councillors Blair, Kitty, Rhani and Helen K were on hand to meet and greet with morning teas as were parents Lisa Cavallaro and Liz Duthie. Thanks also to the teachers who attended the Information Night for new families on Monday evening. Once again I was immensely proud of our school.
.
NATIONALLY CONSISTENT COLLECTION OF DATA ON STUDENTS WITH DISABILITY
Every year, all schools in Australia participate in the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD). The NCCD process requires schools to identify information already available in the school about supports provided to students with disability. These relate to legislative requirements under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 and the Disability Standards for Education 2005, in line with the NCCD guidelines (2019). Please see the attached letter which explains this more fully.
.
BIRTHDAYS
Arlo - 9 in the fourth week of May
Katie K - in the fourth week of May
Kaelyn - 8 in the last week of May
Saskia – 10 in the first week of June
Abigail P- 11 in the first week of June
Jennifer – in the first week of June
Hip Hip: Hooray
Hip Hip: Hooray
Hooray: Hip Hip
.
Suzanne Kinnersly
Principal
School Calendar
Computers for students from lockdown 2020
We still have some laptops to be picked up from the office for those parents/carers who signed the form. Could you please collect these as soon as possible. We do have a few spare if you would like to have one for your child at home, if you would like one please call the office as they won’t last long.
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.
.
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.
.
Karen Mahoney & Renae Wilson
Office
Education and Training Reform Amendment (Protection of School Communities) Bill 2021: Information for Parents, Carers and Families
This information is for parents, carers and guardians about the new Education and Training Reform Amendment (Protection of School Communities) Bill 2021.
Victorian school communities are overwhelmingly positive and safe places for teaching and learning where we all play a role in supporting students in their achievements, engagement and wellbeing needs.
It is likely that you have heard the recent media announcements that the Victorian Government has introduced the Education and Training Reform Amendment (Protection of School Communities) Bill 2021. If passed through parliament, the proposed Bill would come into effect in May 2022.
The Bill aims to protect and keep school communities safe by preventing and deterring violent and aggressive behaviors from adult members of the school community and ensure that schools are positive, safe and inclusive places to work and learn. This Bill will apply to the small minority of adult members of the Victorian school community who engage in this behaviour, after early conflict resolution measures through non-legislative avenues have failed.
The proposed law will empower principals and other authorised persons to issue School Community Safety Orders in response to parents, carers and other adult members of the school community who engage in harmful, threatening, abusive or disruptive behaviours on school grounds or places where school activities take place, or inappropriate and harmful communication through emails and social media.
This Bill will apply to the small minority of the school community who engage in this behaviour when all other reasonable interventions have failed. The changes would ensure that all members of the school community are kept safe and to minimise any harm to their safety and wellbeing. There will be internal and external review mechanisms in place if a person who is subject to a School Community Safety Order wishes to appeal an Order.
Arrangements will be available to ensure parents can still remain engaged in their child’s learning to and to minimise any disruption to the student.
This Bill would not replace the existing avenues to raise any complaints, issues or suggestions with schools (see our website for our policies). By continuing to engage with these communication channels in a respectful and collaborative manner, we can continue to work together to support our students.
Further information about the details of the Bill will be communicated to you if the Bill is passed by parliament.
Please see the attached updated price list for Winters Flat Primary School.
Please be aware, the prices in the last column include the 5% members discount available in store. If a customer is to purchase uniform online, the price will reflect the second last column, which excludes the 5% discount.
This price list does include adult sizing (S - M) for most items, we are aiming to begin stocking these sizes regularly in store, however, there may be an initial delay depending on current stock availability.
The revised prices will go live in store and online in the upcoming weeks.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.
Kind Regards,
Beleza School Uniforms Team
Beleza Pty Ltd | 72 Wedgewood Road Hallam VIC 3803 Australia
Tel: (03) 9702 3218 | Fax: (03) 9702 3193 | beleza@beleza.com.au
2/3 A | Lola G
For showing Care for Environment by doing a fantastic job of helping to make our school yard tidy. Thank you Lola!
...
2/3 A | Lily W
For showing Care for Environment by doing a fantastic job of helping to make our school yard tidy. Thank you Lily!
...
3/4W | To all Grade 3 students
For showing Care for Self with their attitude and hard work during NAPLAN week.
.
3/4W | To all Grade 4 students
For showing Care for Self and Others by showing exemplary behaviour and attitude at the Writers Festival event.
.
4/5L | Abi E
Showing Care for Self by always being positive and open to trying new experiences. Well done on being such a great leader in our classroom.
.
4/5L | Daisy G
Showing Care for Self by always looking to do your best on all tasks and always encouraging others to do the same. Well done on having such a great mindset.
.
5/6B | Bo A
For showing Care for Self. Thank you Bo for always being organised and ready to work. You have the cleanest tub in the room! You are always co-operative, follow instructions and complete beautiful detailed work. Congratulations.
.
5/6B | Tully S
For showing Care for Self. Thank you for your quiet, gentle presence in our room. You always contibute your ideas and answers to our classroom discussons, allow others to listen, are in the right place at the right time, and complete some amazing pieces of work, displaying creative and colourful design ideas. Congratulations.
.
5/6B | Malakai C
For showing Care for Self and Others. Congratulations on your wonderful performance in the Kitchen. You were on task, working hard and made some delicious dipping sauces. Thank you.
.
POSITIVE BEHAVIOUR FOCUS
The school's current positive behaviour focus is:
Waiting to take our turn in discussions.
The following students are recognised for their abilities to do so:
Faith C
Iris D
Heidi T
.
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...
Chicken and ginger wontons
Asian noodle salad
Chinese egg tarts
Basic steamed rice
Vegetable gyoza
Brine cured olives
Brined green olives
.
Remember, all our recipes are available on our school website, so you can try them at home.
Chefs of the fortnight
5/6B
Great teamwork, great food, great clean-up. Awesome work. A pleasure to have in the Kitchen!
.
And what we're harvesting from the garden...
Spring onions
Chives
Mint
Basil
Fennel leaves
.
Rosie & Terry
Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden
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
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.
.
Hannah O'Keefe
Wellbeing Officer, Winters Flat Primary School
(Tuesdays and Fridays 9:30-2:30)
Hannah.Okeefe@education.vic.gov.au
.
*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.
WHAT'S HAPPENING IN OUR COMMUNITY...
.
Reconciliation Australia’s theme for 2021, More than a word. Reconciliation takes action, urges the reconciliation movement towards braver and more impactful action. Reconciliation is a journey for all Australians – as individuals, families, communities, organisations and importantly as a nation. At the heart of this journey are relationships between the broader Australian community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
SORRY DAY COMMEMORATION, WED MAY 26th
Market Building steps, 11am, all welcome
Smoking & Welcome to Country Ceremony: Uncle Rick Nelson
Speakers: Aunty Maxine Briggs and Uncle Larry Walsh
Introduction and MC: Vic Say
Address by the Mayor: Tony Cordy & Castlemaine Secondary College School Captains
RECONCILIATION WEEK EVENTS, MAY 27th-JUNE 3rd
Ongoing:
* Exhibition at Market Building - with Aboriginal artefacts, local stories, Aboriginal art by talented local artists and much more. 27th of May - June 3rd, 9am - 5pm
* Castlemaine Library - book display and participatory Sorry Tree installation
Events:
Thursday May 27th
* Reconciliation Week Launch, Market Building, Speaker Uncle Ron Murray and Sarah James, 10.30am, all welcome
Friday May 28th
* Aboriginal Storytime (Aboriginal Stories for 3 - 5 year olds), Castlemaine Library, 10.30am
* Dja Dja Wurrung Cultural Tour, Market Building - 9.30-1.30, Book @ http://www.bendigoregion.com.au/visit-castlemaine-maldon/whatson/dja-dja-wurrung-cultural-tour
Saturday May 29th
* Tabilk Mooroopook (Spirit of Country) celebration at Booladj Kiarp Bolealong (Creeks Meet) - Koorie led Landcare, Landcarers and friends event, 10-1pm, Book @ https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/tabilk-mooroopook-spirit-of-country-celebration-at-booladj-kiarp-bolealon-tickets-154358820387
* Film - Nalderun Surprise Film and Q&A, Theatre Royal, 1pm, book here
Sunday May 30th
* Film - WAWI + Q&A with director Michael Portway and Uncle Rick Nelson, 11am, Theatre Royal, booking link below
* Film - MILPIRRI + Outtakes + Q&A “Where are things now?" With Filmmakers Cath South and Stewart Carter along with Kath Coff and Wanta Jampijinpa Patrick, 12.30pm. Theatre Royal, booking link below
Monday May 31st
* Toddlertime with Aunty Kerri Douglas, Castlemaine Library, 10.30am
Tuesday June 1st
* Schools Tour, 9.30 - 10.30, 11.30-12.30 and 1.30 - 2.30pm
Wednesday June 2nd
* Uncle Rick’s History Walking Tour, CHIRP, 10am, book here (03) 5479 1000
* Film - TALKING WITH OUR ELDERS PREVIEW/PREMIERE + Q&A with Aunty Kerri Douglas and Jacinta Douglas, 7.30pm, Theatre Royal, booking link below
Thursday June 3rd
* Film - WE DON'T NEED A MAP + discussion with local writer Declan Furber-Gillick with Jan Wositzky, 7.30pm, Theatre Royal, booking link below
Nb-The Film program at Theatre Royal is part of The Central Victorian Indigenous Film Festival. Book here - https://theatreroyalcastlemaine.oztix.com.au/outlet/event/4f8dc793-e5b0-4708-94d3-dfae73b77044?Event=126047
For more information contact Nalderun on 0477 522 248 or www.nalderun.net.au
.
.
We are excited to announce the upcoming launch of our new and improved Connect Mount Alexander website on Thursday 20 May at the Castlemaine Library, to coincide with National Volunteer Week (17-23 May).
As you may be aware, we had repurposed the Connect Mount Alexander platform during the COVID-19 pandemic last year to create a Virtual Emergency Relief Centre to provide important Covid-related information, resources and support networks to the community.
Now, as well as retaining information about COVID-19, it’s returning to its roots as a key site for community groups and organisations to self-promote and gain new members and volunteers.
The new interactive home page, features designs by local illustrator Trace Balla, to give the site a fresh new look and community feel.
We have re-introduced a section for local community ‘Events’ and ‘Directory’, as well as options for you to still find out information about local support and services.
We encourage you to revisit the site and log in to check that your club/group/organisation details are up to date.
If you log on before 5:00pm on Friday 18 June, you will go into the draw for a chance to win a $250 voucher for a local business service.
The log in page for Connect Mount Alexander can be found here: https://connectmountalexander.com.au/register-an-organisation/
If you need any assistance to log in to the Connect Mount Alexander or alternatively if your email address is no longer associated with a Connect Mount Alexander listing please send through the details via email: connect@mountalexander.vic.gov.au
We hope you enjoy the new and improved Connect Mount Alexander website.
Business Support Officer Community Partnerships | Mount Alexander Shire Council
.