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Dear Winters Flat Community,
We’ve had a great start to the 2022 school year, and it was lovely to welcome our new and returning students.
On the Sunday before school started, we had a (COVIDsafe) Working Bee with a group of fabulous volunteers who worked so hard in the heat, to tidy up the grounds before the children came back. Following the previous Friday’s storm there was plenty of sweeping and removing gravel form the asphalt which had washed down the driveway. Staff were astonished during the deluge to see waterfalls and lakes suddenly forming at WFPS! We had a couple of roof leaks in Creekview but all fixed now.
Thank you to the following parents and their children for coming to help and to Kitty, Helen and Sally for a lovely morning tea: Helen K, Peter & Lucinda, Kitty & Arlo, Jeremy with Ginger & Ripley, Rosie with Aurora & Odessa, Helen & Martin with Freya & Hermione, Shera & Edward with Indi & Nova, Melissa & Lola, Torsten & Sarah with Eisa & Raph, Simon & Kirsty with Jimmy & Sam, Rhani with Georgie & Angus and Helen W.
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If you get a chance, come and have a walk around the school or snip some herbs from the front garden- it’s looking great!
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COVID BACK TO SCHOOL PROCEDURES
With the return of students to classroom learning at school the Department of Education and Training has reiterated the following advice:
Schools will make sure your child is as safe as possible and will focus on:
- washing hands
- mask wearing
- physical distancing
- rapid antigen testing.
- Outdoor when practical
- Air purifiers indoors
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FREE RAPID ANTIGEN TESTS
Free rapid antigen tests are available for the first four weeks of Term 1 2022.
Testing is strongly recommended twice a week for students and staff.
You do not need to buy your own RAT kits. The school will provide them. If your child has not received their test kit please ask at the office.
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After doing the tests at home, if it is positive, you will need 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.
A video about RAT testing in many different languages, is available online.
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GETTING VACCINATED
Parents and carers must have had two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine or have a medical exception (with limited exceptions) to enter school buildings.
All staff working in schools need to be fully vaccinated or have a verified medical exception.
If a teacher gets COVID-19, we will bring in extra teachers and other staff if we need them.
COVID-19 vaccinations are not required for students to attend school, but vaccination for students is important. Please try to organise your child’s vaccinations as soon as possible.
For more information on how to book a vaccination, including important information about vaccination for children aged 5 to 11, refer to Vaccination information for children and teenagers.
Feel free to contact us to clarify any concerns you may have winters.flat.ps@education.vic.gov.au
Thank you for your continued support.
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VACCINATIONS FOR CHILDREN AGED 5-11 (from Department of Education and Training)
Alongside ventilation and other vital COVIDSafe steps such as regular rapid antigen testing, supporting as many students as possible to be vaccinated will help make our school as safe as possible.
Bookings for children aged 5 to 11 to receive the paediatric Pfizer vaccine are open and we encourage parents and carers to get your child vaccinated if you haven’t already done so.
The Pfizer vaccine is safe and recommended for children. The vaccine will help protect your child from getting sick from COVID-19, help to reduce the spread of COVID-19, and help ensure kids can have more time at school and playing with their friends.
Vaccinations for children aged 5-11 years old are delivered at 2 appointments, 8 weeks apart. Children with specific medical vulnerabilities can access their second dose 3 weeks after their first dose.
If you’d like more information about this, you can read a recent statement from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI): https://www.health.gov.au/news/atagi-update-following-weekly-covid-19-meeting-19-january-2022
You can book:
- at your local GP or pharmacy: https://covid-vaccine.healthdirect.gov.au/booking
- at a family-friendly vaccination centre by calling the Coronavirus Hotline on 1800 675 398.
- Online - however you will need to use an email address that has not been used in the system before: https://portal.cvms.vic.gov.au/
Vaccination centres understand that children may feel anxious about vaccination or have other support needs. A range of options are available to help children get vaccinated. Please discuss your child’s needs with the vaccination centre when you book an appointment.
Appointments are also available at Aboriginal Controlled Community Health Organisations.
? Find out more about vaccination for kids: https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/vaccination-information-children-and-teenagers
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CURRICULUM DAY – TEACHER PROFESSIONAL LEARNING
Teachers were excited by the online professional learning presentation from Narissa Leung (Oz Lit Teacher), where we discussed some of the Six+1 Writing Traits with staff from Maldon PS and Newstead PS. On Monday we specifically covered the three writing traits: Ideas, Organisation and Word Choice. We’re looking forward to an exciting year of writing!
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SCHOOL CAPTAINS 2022
We had twelve outstanding candidates who pitched their election speech to students and staff. We would have been happy to have any of those students in leadership roles. With votes counted we announced the following:
- Captains: Zahyra Wappelt-Witt and Jesse Kerin
- Vice-Captains: Neve Duthie and Ellie Clifford
Well done to the Year 6 students who nominated.
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PRIVACY POLICY
Our school collects, uses, discloses and stores student and parent personal information for standard school functions or where permitted by law, as stated in the Schools’ Privacy Policy.
Please take time to remind yourself of the school’s collection statement, found on our website under school policies https://www.winters-flat-ps.vic.edu.au.
For more information about privacy, refer to: Schools’ Privacy Policy — information for parents.
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STAFFING 2022
A big welcome to Kitty Ward who has joined us this year in the office.
P/1J |
Fiona Johnson |
2/3W |
Helen Weir |
4/5/6B |
Karen Brooks & Sam Milner |
4/5//6L |
Keenan Lucas & Michelle Creed |
Tutor |
Michelle Creed |
Visual Arts |
Jennifer Thoma |
PE |
Sam Milner |
French |
Katie Kilgour |
Performing Arts |
Suzanne Kinnersly |
Office |
Karen Mahoney & Kitty Ward |
SAKG |
Rosie Annear & Terry Willis |
Student Support |
Marg Stevens, Morgan Sherry & Bronwyn Tracey, |
Welfare Officer |
Hannah O’Keefe |
ICT Support |
Ben Colla |
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FOOD IS FUEL
A reminder please to ensure your children have enough to eat at school. We suggest some fruit for 10.00am Munch and Crunch, a healthy snack includes carbs for 11.00am and a balanced healthy lunch for 1.25pm. Some ideas at 50 Fun School lunch ideas.
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BIRTHDAYS
Finchley – 8 in the first week of January
Nova - 8 in the second week of January
Levi J – 11 in the fourth week of January
Stanley - 11 in the fourth week of January
Riva - 10 in the fourth week of January
Ava G - 8 in the first week of February
Morgan - in the first week of February
Kitty - in the first week of February
Lenny - 7 in the second week of February
Cohen - 12 in second week of February
Corben - 8 in the second week of February
Isobel - 7 in the second week of February
Hip Hip: Hooray
Hip Hip: Hooray
Hooray: Hip Hip
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COMMITTEES, VOLUNTEERS AND SCHOOL COUNCIL
This year we are once again inviting parents and carers to consider joining one of the School Council sub-committees here at Winters Flat. Thank you to those who have already signed up. We have vacancies in:
- Buildings and Grounds – manages grounds of the school and identifies building maintenance issues
- Fundraising – organises and coordinates fund raising opportunities
- School Community engagement – looks for ways of involving our community and the wider Castlemaine community in school life, as well as promoting our school
- Sustainability – supports the ResourceSmart 5 Star rating through daily school routines, leadership, curriculum and innovation.
- Wellbeing – promotes health, mental, social and emotional wellbeing in our community with students, staff and parents
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If you have an interest in joining any of these committees please complete the Volunteers form (paper copies available in the office), email winters.flat.ps@education.vic.gov.au or phone: 5472 1522. It is not necessary to be on council to participate. Thanks to those who have already expressed interest. We will send out a meeting schedule as soon as possible. School Council elections will be held in March and there are a number of vacancies for parents/carers.
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 need to wear a mask, have a current vaccination certificate and a Working with Children Check.
Suzanne Kinnersly
Principal.
Welcome back to Term 1 and a special welcome to new families to the school. The office is your first point of call when you have questions. Karen Mahoney is the business manager and works full time in the office. Kitty Ward is administration support and works Monday and Wednesday.
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Camps, Sports & Excursions Fund (CSEF)
CSEF is provided by the Victorian Government to assist eligible families to cover the costs of school trips, camps and sporting activities.
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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.
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The annual CSEF amount per student is:
- $125 for primary school students
- $225 for secondary school students
- New applicants should contact the school office to obtain a CSEF application form or download from the website below.
- If you applied for CSEF at your child's school last year, you do not need to complete an application form this year 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 this year.
- changed family circumstances; such as a change of custody, change of name, concession card number, or new siblings commencing this year.
Check with the school office if you are unsure.
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Masks
A reminder that is mandatory for 3-6 students to bring a mask to wear to school. It is also recommended that P-2 students wear them.
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Parents/carers on school grounds and volunteers
Please make note of the following updates:
Parents/carers are allowed to come onto school grounds for drop off/pick up, but please only drop your child/ren off at the door of the buildings and do not enter.
If you come into the office, please make sure you use the QR code before entering.
We are now allowed volunteers again! Please note that we are only allowed double vaxxed parents/carers volunteering on site, and you must contact us in the office prior to attending and send us proof of vaccination for our records.
On arrival, you will need to come to the office and sign in with both the QR code and on the tablet, and then come back to the office and sign out when you leave.
Any questions/queries about any of this, please contact us in the office on 5472 1522.
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Volunteers for 2022
If you wish to be put on the list to help with volunteering with a range of tasks, please fill out this form. Paper forms are also available from the office.
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Parent class reps for 2022
We are currently seeking parent class representitives for each class, please fill out the form here if you are interested.
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Hats and uniforms
It is compulsory for hats to be worn until the end of May. We keep a supply of hats at the office to purchase for $14.
Other uniform items can be purchased at the Beleza shop in town 207 Barker Street on Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays from 10am to 5pm and Saturday mornings from 10 am til 1.00pm. We also carry some second hand items that can be purchased from the office.
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A Message from your School Crossing Supervisors
Welcome back to a new school year. Here a just a few reminders about how and when to use the school crossing –
- ALWAYS cross at the crossing when the flags are displayed
- ALWAYS stand behind the white line and wait for the Supervisor to blow 2 whistle blasts before crossing
- DO NOT ride bikes, scooters or skateboards across the crossing
- ALWAYS be alert and listen to what your Crossing Supervisor says
- ALWAYS park your car legally
- BEFORE you cross – STOP, LOOK, LISTEN and THINK
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Sushi on Fridays
We are continuing Sushi on Fridays again this year. Here is a reminder of the steps you need to do to order Sushi.
- Go to www.schoollunchonline.com.au to register your family
- Choose ‘My orders’ and select ‘Create order‘
- Select the date of the Friday you wish to order for
- Add items to order by clicking on the ‘tick’
- Select ‘add to bag’
- Review order and check it is all correct, then click ‘next’
- 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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The Federal Election – May 2022
The Australian Electoral Commission is looking for people to help out at the May federal election. These are paid positions. If you are interested please contact AEC https://www.aec.gov.au/employment/working-at-elections/
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XUNO
If any families are having issues with logging onto XUNO, or trouble navigating the app, please contact the office.
Currently, the app gives you access to:
- Messages (send and receive messages to your child’s teachers)
- Timetable
- Calendar
- News
- Attendance (to add a reason for an absence on the day of absence, or to provide a reason for previous absences)
- Events, Camps & Excursions (and the ability to approve events)
- Payments (to pay for any camps/excursions)
- Parent Teacher Interview Bookings (ability to book)
We encourage all families to be regularly logging into XUNO, either via the website or the app.
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SAKG Laundry Roster
If you are able to help with the SAKG laundry, please contact us in the office.
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Karen Mahoney & Kitty Ward
Office
Hello and HNY to everyone in the Winters Flat School community!
Just touching base to let you know a few things.
We're focussed on Cricket for the first half of Term 1 with a bit of Fitness and Cross Country training.
There's an AFL clinic thrown in for our P/3 students too.
Our Winters Flat Cross Country will be on Thursday 10th March.
Followed by the Castlemaine District Cross Country on Friday 1st April....yes that's right ✅
Winters Flat and St Mary's PS will again coordinate the event....so we're already looking for helpers.
IF YOU CAN ASSIST ON THE DAY BOTH MARK O'SULLIVAN AND MYSELF WOULD BE TRULY GRATEFUL. Let me know personally or please let Suzanne, Karen or Kitty at the office know.
Have a GREAT week!
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Sam
P.E/Classroom teacher
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Issue 1 of Book Club is now available for order.
Orders due February 21st.
NEWS | Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Program
THIS WEEK IN THE KITCHEN & GARDEN...
What we're cooking in the kitchen this week...
Carrot dip
Hummus
Tzatziki
Garlic Bread
Roasted Potato
Pear Crumble
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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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From the Garden...
We are looking for someone to renovate a section of the chook run and build a new outside area. There is money for wages and materials. Please contact the school if you are interested.
COLLECTIVE CARE IN SCHOOLS
Hello families and friends of Winters Flat Primary School and welcome to 2022 to you all.
I don’t know about you, but this year feels different… are we perhaps more hopeful? Or maybe just more familiar with the possibilities that may arise as the year goes on? Based on conversations I have had with children this last week, one thing is clear, we are all looking forward to being with our friends and remaining connected to our communities.
This brings me to the title of this fortnight’s newsletter, ‘Collective Care in Schools’. The dictionary defines care as, “the provision of what is necessary for the health, welfare, maintenance, and protection of someone or something”. In our case here at Winters Flat, this refers to our students, and of course, their families. We want to, as much as we can, provide what is necessary (and hopefully a bit more!) for a child’s health and wellbeing. And now, more than ever, we need to do this with collective intent, as a school community. We have learnt over the past two years that we cannot care for our children alone, we need so many other supports and protective factors to thrive as families and individuals.
I believe that a key part of caring for others is acknowledging and validating the spectrum of emotions that we all feel. During one-on-one work with children, this approach is critical. As a school community also, we don’t need to be overly-positive and look on the bright side constantly, that helps no-one. Surely, more than ever, we can share our emotions and experiences more openly. The pandemic may not be dominating school as much (so far) but our health, education and aged-care workers are facing pretty dire worker shortages. As put so perfectly by Karnovsky and Gobby in The Conversation, “School administrators and teachers should come together to put aside the platitudes of ‘keeping positive’. They need to find space and time to share and respond to their emotional concerns. Teachers (and students) will then feel they are being heard and that their emotions are valid because their school culture is open, understanding and realistic about their experiences and stress. This is by no means the cure-all for the troubles of schools and the profession. But it is an essential starting place in these times of collective uncertainty and stress.” (https://theconversation.com/teachers-cant-keep-pretending-everything-is-ok-toxic-positivity-will-only-make-them-sick-175431)
Wellbeing Resources for Parents
The Australian Government has funded an excellent resource for schools. Here I have included the page for parents where you can find information and advice about important topics like bullying, online safety, communicating with your child and the school, and much more.
https://studentwellbeinghub.edu.au/parents/
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Screen Time
This is a handy resource for families wanting to tackle the very tricky topic of screen time. Many of us struggle to balance the amount of screen time our children have. This is a great resource to get the conversation started and has some practical advice about a family media plan.
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Mental Health Checklist for children aged 6-12
This checklist aims to measure a broad range of social, emotional or behavioural difficulties your child may be experiencing. It's suitable for kids aged four to 16. The questions relate to how your child has been thinking, feeling and behaving in general. Your responses provide you with a score. The higher your score, the more likely your child is experiencing a problem that would benefit from professional support. Based on your score, you are provided with some guidance for seeking further support.
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The mental health support system is under immense pressure. 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 Wednesdays between 9:15 and 2:15.
By far the best service you can contact if your child is experiencing a mental health crisis is the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS). 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/).
The Loddon Orange Door is also an excellent free service for adults, children and young people. They can link you in with services. They are available 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday (closed public holidays). Call 1800 512359
The following list is a comprehensive directory of mental health support services, including out of hours support. (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.
Child Protection (5pm to 9am Monday to Friday, 24 hours on weekends and public holidays) For children and young people whose safety is at risk Call 13 12 78
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.
Men’s Referral Service (8am to 9pm Monday to Friday; 9am to 5pm Saturday and Sunday). For people at risk of using family violence. Free, confidential, expert support for men and their family and friends. Call 1300 766 491
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 (LGBTQI) 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).
Safe Steps (24 hours a day, 7 days a week) For women and children who are victims of family violence. Web chat support service Monday to Friday 9am until midnight. Call 1800 015 188
Sexual Assault Crisis Line (24 hours a day, 7 days a week) For victims of sexual assault. Call 1800 806 292
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.
With Respect (5pm to 11pm each Wednesday and 10am to 10pm on Saturday and Sunday) Specialist LGBTIQ family violence service. Call 1800 542 847
Victims of Crime Helpline (8am to 11pm, 7 days a week) For adult male victims of family violence and victims of violent crime. Call 1800 819 817 or text 0427 767 891
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.
If you feel that the stress or anxiety you or your family members are experiencing is getting too much, a psychologist may be able to help. Psychologists are highly trained and qualified professionals skilled in providing effective interventions for a range of mental health concerns, including stress. A psychologist can help you manage your stress and anxiety using techniques based on the best available research. If you are referred to a psychologist by your GP, you might be eligible for a Medicare rebate. You may also be eligible to receive psychology services via telehealth so that you do not need to travel to see a psychologist. Ask your psychologist or GP for details.
There are number of ways to access a psychologist.
You can:
- use the Australia-wide Find a PsychologistTM service. Go to findapsychologist.org.au or call 1800 333 497
- ask your GP or another health professional to refer you.
- Investigate other mental health services, including domestic violence services via the link: https://mhaustralia.org/need-help
FROM LIFE EDUCATION AND NUTRITION AUSTRALIA...
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'Strive to Thrive' with Australia’s Healthiest Lunchbox and WIN 1 of 6 prizes for your family and school!
We’re celebrating the importance of healthy eating by getting kids involved in planning and preparing their own lunchbox, encouraging positive food habits so they can thrive.
Harold and his friends are on the search for ‘Australia’s Healthiest Lunchbox’ and we need your help parents and teachers.
Upload a photo of your child’s healthy and delicious lunchbox creation for a chance to WIN one of 6 prizes. Each winning lunchbox will receive a $250 Woolworths e-Gift card and their school will receive a $500 Life Ed voucher and $250 Woolworths e-Gift card.
To enter:
- Upload a photo of your child’s healthy lunchbox creation
- Tell us in 30 words of less why your creation is Australia’s healthiest lunchbox!!
The first 100 entries will receive a Dairy Australia ice block to keep your healthy lunch safe on hot school days. Healthy Harold and his expert team of Nutritionists from Woolworths and Nutrition Australia will then select 6 winners.
Here’s a few hints on what the judges are looking for:
- Pick and mix foods from each of the major food groups – grains, meat, dairy (or alternatives), fruit and vegetable.
- Make it an ‘everyday’ lunchbox – practical and affordable to prepare each day for school.
- Choose delicious foods that kids love to eat and can eat!
Entries close on Friday, February 11 during 'Healthy Lunchbox Week'.
For Terms and Conditions please click here. Winners will be contacted March 17 and an announcement to follow.
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It is never too early to get kids helping to pack their
lunchbox. Involve them in:
• choosing fruits and vegetables at the shops
• easy kitchen tasks like stirring or measuring
• packing their own lunchbox from a healthy
selection.
Visit @nutritionaustralia Healthy Lunchbox Week
Instagram for plenty of child friendly lunchbox recipes to
help get them started.
https://www.healthylunchboxweek.org.au/