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COVID SAFETY
We are currently experiencing COVID cases here at Winters Flat Primary School.
At school we continue to promote and encourage:
- washing hands
- mask wearing (Staff, visitors and students Year 3-6)
- physical distancing
- rapid antigen testing
- Outdoors when practical
- Air purifiers indoors
Free rapid antigen tests
Free rapid antigen tests are available for the rest of Term 1 2022. We have plenty of kits at school for all families. Testing is strongly recommended twice a week for students and staff.
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.
Getting vaccinated
Parents and carers must be fully vaccinated 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 recommended.
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.
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SCHOOL COUNCIL 2022 – WE STILL HAVE 2 PARENT/CARER VACANCIES
The new School Council met last night where we thanked outgoing members Helen Kaptein, Emma Brown and Edd Blaise for their contribution on council. We welcomed new parent members Rebecca Morecroft and Armstrong Scherlies.
This year’s council members are:
Rhani Dean-Talbett
Fiona Johnston (Secretary)
Suzanne Kinnersly
Monte Macpherson
Rebecca Morecroft (vice-president)
Armstrong Scherlies
Kitty Ward (Treasurer)
Helen Weir
Blair Venn (President)
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WELCOME TO COUNTRY 10:30am 28th MARCH 2022
We are pleased to announce Uncle Rick will perform our annual Welcome to Country ceremony next Monday at 10:30am. All welcome – please wear a mask if you can’t maintain social distance.
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FARMERS MARKET BBQ SUNDAY 3rd APRIL – WE NEED YOUR HELP
Winters Flat PS is hosting the BBQ stall at the next Farmers Market on Sunday 3rd April. This is an opportunity to showcase our fabulous school at the market with displays and images. We’re seeking volunteers to work at the stall either cooking or serving. If you could be there for a 90-minute stint from 12:00 – 1:30pm (lunch peak), 9:00-10:30am or 10:30am-12:00pm please let Kitty know at the office or winters.flat.ps@education.vic.gov.au.
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END OF TERM SAUSAGE SIZZLE WEDNESDAY 6th April 5:00pm -6:30pm
With the relaxation of some COVID restrictions related to school events we are pleased to announce the End of Term sausage sizzle – an opportunity for our school community to get together and welcome new families. We will provide sausages with bread or veggie burgers and have attached a pre-order form. Please submit orders to school by next Wednesday 30th March. Please byo (non-alcoholic) drinks.
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PIANOLA
We are lucky to have received a generous donation of a beautiful Pianola from the Red Hill Hotel in Chewton. Tom (parent of Jamie in Prep) donated the removal and delivery of the Pianola to school. Thank you!
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SPELLING TIP #1
In response to spelling results in NAPLAN 2021 we have targeted spelling teaching and learning in the 2022 AIP (Annual Implementation Plan). From time to time, we’ll include spelling tips in flat chat.
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Phonogram
A phonogram is a single unit of sound. A multiple phonogram is two or or more letters together making one sound.
The phonograms teach students when and why to use a particular sound in a word for spelling. A phonogram has a consistent reason for its position.
The phonograms teach students that each symbol can be read as different sounds.
1 2 3 4 5
e.g. a at, cape, past, walk, was
1. single |
2. multiple |
3. harder |
vowels a e i o u y
consonants b c d f g h j k l m n p q r s t v w x y z
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th sh ch wh ck er ir ur ear wor
ai ay oi oy ui ew au aw ou ow ee ea ey oo ar or igh ng kn wr |
dge tch ci si ti ph sc gu gh gn oe eu ei eigh augh ough |
BIRTHDAYS
Felix J – 6 in the last week of March
Daisy GD – 12 in the first week of April
Jasmine – 10 in the first week of April
Luca – 11 in the first week of April
Hip Hip: Hooray
Hip Hip: Hooray
Hooray: Hip Hip
Suzanne Kinnersly
Principal.
District Cross Country - Thursday 31st March
All students in Year 2 -Year 6 will be participating in the District Cross Country at Wesley Hill Oval. Permission can be granted via XUNO or forms are available in the office. Please approve by this Monday the 28th. The cost is $6.50 which covers bus travel and St John's attendance on the day.
School Photos – Tuesday 5th April
Photos are happening in the last week of Term. Your child will receive information this week. There will be various packages available. We are using the same photographers that we used last year “The School Photographer” who delivered a refreshing change of style for the class photos.
Last day of Term – 8th April
On the last day of term school will finish at 2.30 pm. Please ensure that you have arrangements in place for your child/ren if you are unable to pick them up yourself.
Get Active Vouchers
The Get Active Kids Voucher Program helps eligible families get their kids involved in organised sport and active recreation activities. Eligible children may receive up to $200 to cover the costs for membership and registration fees.
Children must be aged 0 to 18 and named on a valid and issued Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card and Medicare card to be eligible. See the Get Active Victoria website for information on how to apply.
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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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Karen Mahoney & Kitty Ward
Office
Term 1
Last day of term. 2:30pm dismissal.
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Term 2
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Farmers Market BBQ Stall
Winters Flat has booked the BBQ stall at the Farmers Market on the 3rd of April. We are currently looking for parent volunteers to help out on the day. Each shift is 1.5 hours, beginning at 7:30am, 9:00am, 10:30am or 12:00pm.
Please contact the office if you would like to volunteer or have any questions.
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Parent craft group
Come and join our craft sessions! Our next session is on the 31st of March 1:30-3:00pm. Everyone is welcome - parents and family, special people, friends in the community.
Our main objective is to make goodies for our stalls throughout the year and our Twilight Fair. The added bonus is you get to chat, drink tea, and eat cake with other members of our wonderful Winters Flat community.
All skill levels and ideas are embraced.
If you can not make the sessions, but can still offer your crafty skills, please get in touch. We often have projects that can be taken home to sew.
Any questions, contact Lisa Kearns 0415 131 350.
We are currently seeking donations for our Mother's and Carer's Day Stall. If you have any suitable knick-knacks, books, cook books, preserves, plants etc. please drop them into the office.
We are also seeking animal feed bags to repurpose and donations of great fabric, if you have anything needing a new home. Please drop them in at the office if you have any.
Hello Winters Flat Families and Friends,
We are speeding through Term One with all kinds of wonderful activities and events, such as last week’s 2/3 camp and the whole-school swimming happening this week. Although school is full of these potentially fun and engaging activities, they can also be a source of stress for some students.
Parents and other caregivers have an important part to play, by adopting their own healthy habits and helping children with stress-managing strategies. Supporting your child during these potentially stressful times may take a little time and persistence but learning stress-reducing strategies is a worthy investment. Some ways parents can take action:
- Notice your child’s behaviour. Well-developed observation skills can tell you if your child is experiencing distress. Observe for more quarrels with playmates, poor concentration, or bedwetting. See these behaviours as a communication.
- Be positive. Encourage children and show you care by pointing out what they are doing right.
- Acknowledge feelings. Let children know it is OK to feel angry, alone, scared, or lonely. Give children the names for their feelings and words to express how they are feeling.
- Avoid shaming. Some stressors make children feel ashamed. Shaming truly affects self-esteem.
- Structure activities for cooperation, not competition. This allows children to go at their own pace and enhances the learning of social skills.
- Host regular, safe talks.
- Model healthy coping. Caregivers can talk with children about how they’ve thought about and dealt with their own stressful situations.
- Let kids be problem-solvers. It’s natural to want to fix your child’s problems. But when parents swoop in to solve every little glitch, their children don’t have a chance to learn healthy coping skills. Let your child try to solve their low-stakes problems on their own, and they’ll gain confidence that they can deal with stressors and setbacks.
- Combat negative thinking. Children and teens can easily fall into the trap of negative thinking. When children use negative self-talk, though, don’t just disagree. Ask them to really think about whether what they say is true, or remind them of times they worked hard and improved. Learning to frame things positively will help them develop resilience to stress.
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Wellbeing Spaces at Winters Flat
Kids’ Club happens at lunch times on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays in Karen’s room (in upper classrooms behind the front office). The space is designed to be a quiet place for students who need some time indoors to rest or play board games. All students are welcome and are encouraged to attend for some time out from the school yard. There are a number of crafts and board games.
Dancing on the Deck happens at Friday lunch time and is run by Katie on the deck in between the upper classrooms and the office. This is a fun and energetic way to spend lunch time… and what better way than to have a dance!
Wellbeing Office is located in the Creek View building. Hannah is available on Tuesdays and Wednesdys between 9:15 and 2:15. Check-in with Hannah to see when she is available throughout the day.
Susanne Kinnersly’s Office is located behind the front office. Susanne’s office usually has an open door and she is always ready to listen if a student has something they are concerned about.
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Resilience, Rights and Respectful Relationships Program
The Respectful Relationships Program supports schools and early childhood settings to promote and model respect, positive attitudes and behaviours. It teaches our children how to build healthy relationships, resilience and confidence. As well as being a whole of school approach to promote and model respectful and positive relationships, it also supports educators to teach students how to build relationships, resilience and confidence.
This Monday some staff members attended a Respectful Relationships training day with our mentor school, Kangaroo Flat Primary School. Staff reported back that it was an excellent day, renewing staff enthusiasm for the program. The workshops inspired staff to ensure maximum success of the program. Students at Winters Flat engage in at least one hour per week of the program. To be successful the program must be delivered sequentially, consistently and with a firm, deep and personal understanding of the concepts – something our school is wholly committed to!
Stay connected and stay safe!
Hannah J
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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
NEWS | Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Program
THIS WEEK IN THE KITCHEN & GARDEN...
What we're cooking in the kitchen this week...
Basic bread rolls
Garden salad
Homemade burgers
Zucchini and chickpea veggie burgers
Spiced plum crumble muffins
Apple and cinnamon muffins
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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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Chefs of the Day
Riley for being focused, helpful, and great listening.
Georgie for holding her group together and getting the salad made, even when she was the last person standing at her bench.
Special mentions to Nova, Winter, Jaida, and Annabelle for doing such a great job in a strange class.
Special mentions also to Evie and Amelia who go above and beyond every single class.
Big thanks to Ruby (Noah and Jaya’s grandmother) for all her hard work.
Kitchen volunteers
We would love some kitchen helpers in our cooking classes. They are held fortnightly on Mondays (even weeks), and every Wednesday, between 11:25am & 1:25pm.
What you can expect from a class: Students work in six groups to make six different dishes. Once a group finishes their dish, they clean up their bench, do dishes, and set the tables. Around 1:00pm, we all sit down together and share the meal.
Volunteers will need to sign in via the visitors log in the office and show their WWCC and Vaccination Certificate. Please contact the Karen or Kitty in the office if you would like to volunteer.
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What we're picking from the Garden...
Tomatoes
Beans
Zuchinni
Basil
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Rosie & Terry
Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden