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Term 1
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Term 2
COVID SAFETY
We continue to have COVID cases reported here at Winters Flat Primary School.
At school we 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.
WELCOME TO COUNTRY 2022
It was wonderful to have Dja Dja Warrung Elder Uncle Rick Nelson here for our Welcome to Country last Monday. According to Professor Mick Dodson, “Country is a word for all the values, places, resources, stories and cultural obligations associated with that area and its features. It describes the entirety of our ancestral domains”. Rick told of the ancient ceremony performed by Indigenous Australian Elders to welcome visitors to their traditional land. The smoke ceremony saw Rick burn the Cherry Bullart used by Dja Dja Wurrung to represent Community. The Cherry Bullart seed attaches and grows on the roots of another tree, usually the Manna Gum, when young - thus “relying on others”. He also used the Manna Gum that represents the wisdom of the Elders. It is the largest tree in the bush so “sees all”. The nuts or buds are usually formed in groups of three (no other gums have nuts which form in this way). The Black Wattle is used by the Dja Dja Warrung to represent the produce of country. It is used for food, soap, medicine, tea, bandages, rope, shoes, special treats (gum), glue, weapons, tools and fires. Waving the leaves gives the visitor permission to use the produce of the land. We thank Uncle Rick for his time and for making this important school event so special.
At the ceremony we presented badges to the 2022 school leaders as listed below.
School Captains: Zahyra, Jesse
Vice Captains: Neve, Ellie
Care for Self: Nova, Frankie, Saskia, Indi, Jazmine, Kirah-Jayne, Seth
Care for Others: Finchley, Noah, Freya, Atticus J, Detroit
Care for the Environment : Ava G, Faith, Briscoe, Ginger, Evie
SWPBS: Peggy, Stanley, Riley, Iris, Daisy GD, Sophia
FARMERS MARKET BBQ SUNDAY 3rd APRIL – WHAT A BRILLIANT EFFORT!
Preparations for the BBQ were in full swing on Friday in the kitchen as Rosie, Kitty, Kirsty W and Helen K were assisted by Amelia, Bo, Daisy GD, Detroit, Levi J, Jesse, Kirah-Jayne, Riva and Zahyra. The team worked tirelessly to chop kilos of onions, make coleslaw, best-ever beetroot and bean burgers and home-made relish.
On Sunday Blair helped get the stall set up and in no time at all the egg and bacon, sausages and burgers were sizzling. Once things got going it was non-stop until the end.
The team of volunteers kept up with demand at a cracking pace. We sincerely thank Rosie Annear, Aliki Boufi, Martin Brennand, Emma Brown, Lisa Cavallaro, Sarah Day, Rhani Dean-Talbett, Fiona Johnston, Helen Kaptein (who worked from 7:30am to 2:00pm at the barbecue and then played and won a tennis match!), Sally Kaptein, Suzanne Kinnersly, Jill Prior, Annabelle Tunley, Dan Tunley, Blair Venn, Helen Vickers, Melissa Walker and Kitty Ward. When it came time to pack-up we had Blair back with Simon Butler and Leon Stackpole.
This was an incredible effort and combined with an amazing donation of delicious sour dough buns and bread from Red Beard Bakery meant we raised a whopping $1300.00.
We are keen to purchase resources to support social and emotional learning and will let everyone know how the money is spent.
WEBEX PROMOTION FOR NEW ENROLMENTS 7:00PM WEDNESDAY 27th APRIL
This year marks 150 years of public education in Victoria, which will be celebrated during Education Week 22 -28 May. Traditionally at Winters Flat we have an open morning and school tours for Education Week and this year we are also offering a Webex information evening for prospective enrolments at 7:00pm on Wednesday 27th April. Local kindergartens have been invited to attend. I will host the session with staff, students and parents. Last year we had a similar session and had some great feedback. If you or your child would like to attend to advocate for Winters Flat and answer questions, we would love to have you as part of the team. Please let me know as soon as possible: Suzanne.Kinnersly@education.vic.gov.au.
LONG SERVICE LEAVE
I am planning to take Long Service Leave for the month of May. During that time Keenan Lucas will be Acting Principal and Michael Rogan will be teaching his class 4-6L from Monday to Thursday with Michelle continuing to teach the class on Fridays.
SCHOOL COUNCIL 2022 – WE STILL HAVE 1 PARENT/CARER VACANCY
Thanks to Jill Prior for nominating for one of our council vacancies. There is still one position available. Let us know if you’d like to nominate. The next school council meeting will be via Webex at 7:00pm on Tuesday 17th May.
SPELLING TIP #2
Spelling
When spelling words are broken into syllables. This way every sound (phonogram) in every syllable is heard. e.g. Wed-nes-day, sa-id, fri-ends, stom-ach
Reading
When reading words are read as we say them
e.g. Wensday, sed, frends, stumic,
sa-id |
Sed |
do-es |
dus |
Wed-nes-day |
Wensday |
fri-end |
frend |
stom-ach |
stumic |
is-land |
īland |
k-nife |
nife |
k-now |
no |
prett-y |
pritee |
BIRTHDAYS
Seth – 11 in the second week of April
Polly – 10 in the second week of April
Bonnie– 10 in the third week of April
Hip Hip: Hooray
Hip Hip: Hooray
Hooray: Hip Hip
Suzanne Kinnersly
Principal.
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.
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Lost Property
Lost property will be placed at the gate outside the office every afternoon this week. Please have a look through and see if anything belongs to your child/ren.
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Student lunches
Because lunch time is relatively late in the day, students may require extra food in their lunchboxes to sustain them. We suggest extra fruit and raw vegetables but also some food that will fill their tummies and keep them energised and ready to learn for the whole day. Recess food might include yoghurt, crackers and cheese/dips, even a sandwich.
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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
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Thanks to everyone involved with the Cross Country on Thursday.
The attitudes, efforts, performances and goodness displayed by Winters Flat was nothing short of brilliant....
Congratulations to everyone that participated and contributed.
Congratulations to the below students who have all qualified for Bendigo Cross on Wednesday 4th May.
Gabe GD, Freya B, Athene G, Nova B, Atticus B, Arlo S, Jimmy B, Aurora AF, Jasmine W, lucinda K, Ava M, Evie M, Ginger R, Luca V, Seth B, Levi J, Evie O, Daisy GD, Amelia B, Nerri G, Sophia N, Ellie C, Levi M, Riley F, Cohen C
By Jasmine W
We arrived at Weasley Hill and after around half an hour the 10-year-old girls were called. everyone started of very quick and i had trouble keeping up. after a few minutes I started getting into a rhythm. for most of the race I was around 15-20th place. I was very tired, and my throat was dry. but I was enjoying it.at the end I spotted the finish line and sprinted as hard as I could. I later saw a video of me sprinting and it was very impressive. I puffed my way into 7th place! I was very proud of myself . ?
By Evie O
On Wednesday night I was lying in bed wide awake, I could not sleep I was so Nervos I lay in bed thinking about cross country. Thursday The day of cross county, I was Waiting to run and watching the race before me then before I new it I was at the starting with mad butterflies in my stomach. then we were off. half way through the first lap I was in About the tenth place and by the end of the first lap I was in Fifth place. on the second lap I was focusing on my breathing and pacing myself. Then On my last lap I saw mum and suddenly I had so much motivation i pushed my legs as fast as they could go and came to twenty meters from the finish line. I sprinted as hard as I possibly could go. Mum and Dad Where Waiting at the finish line I put both my feet over the finish line and jumped my way into Third place.??♀️
By Aurora AF
On Thursday morning I was really nervous about cross country I had run it once and this was my second time. Eventually I was on the start line and my heart was racing. Sam yelled "GO" I had to push to get in the top ten at the start. Most of the time I was in top ten. Probably 200 meters from the finish line I pushed as hard as I could and puffed into 6th place.?
By Eisa P
On Wednesday night I could not sleep, I was so nervous for the race. the next day I was watching all the races and waiting to line up for my race. then we were of. about halfway throw the first lap I felt so tired I wished I could just stop but I did not I kept on running. I felt butterflies in my stomach, then 28 meters away from the finish line I started bolting as fast as I could go. in the end I came 29th.
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Sam
P.E/Classroom teacher
Farmers Market BBQ Stall
We had a fantastic time at the Castlemaine Farmers Market BBQ. Thanks to all the parents, staff and students who helped out in the lead up and on the day.
Thanks again to the market organisers for allowing us this opportunity and to the fine folk at Redbeard Historic Bakery in Trentham for thei donation of bread. If you find yourselves down that way, pop in for delicious food and warm hospitality.
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Parent craft group
Come and join our craft sessions! Our next session will be confirmed early next term. 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.
NEWS | Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Program
THIS WEEK IN THE KITCHEN & GARDEN...
What we're cooking in the kitchen this week...
Basic bread rolls
Herb polenta chips
Ratatouille
Tangy cabbage slaw
Spiced plum cake
Chocolate Zucchini Loaf
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
2/3W
Big thanks to 4/5/6L helpers: Sam, Detroit, Kirah, Izzy, Cohen, Sofia, and Ginger!
And big congratulations to Vinnie who was our chef of the day for being so helpful, focused, and involved!
4/6B
Chef of the day was Bo, who didn’t stop all class!
4/6L
Big congratulations to Kirah and Nerri who were our chefs of the day!
One last shoutout to everyone who helped in the kitchen last Friday, getting stuff ready for the BBQ.
The Preps and Year One's were also very excited to have a kitchen lesson this week.
They made:
Pesto pasta
Pizzas
Rainbow fruit skewers
Jam drops (with homemade plum jam!)
Banana and chocolate muffins
Big thanks to Evie O, Aurora, Indi, Georgie, and Freya from 4/5/6B for being group leaders and helping the class run so smoothly!
And big congratulations to the prep/ones for doing such a great job in their first cooking class!
One last shoutout to everyone who helped in the kitchen last Friday, getting stuff ready for the BBQ.
We couldn’t have done it without:
Helen (who organised all the ingredients) Kitty (who made the delicious relish) Kirsty (who cut the onions) Detroit, Kirah, Levi J, Nerri, Riva, and Daisy from 4/5/6L who made the beetroot and black bean burgers.
Amelia, Zahyra, Bo, Jesse, and Detroit for making the coleslaw.
And Kirah and Detroit (again) who stayed in the kitchen with me until stumps, shaping the burgers.
Great job, team!
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
Thyme
Rosemary
Parsley
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We have finished our insect hotel and are keen to see some insects move in.
Rosie & Terry
Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden
What Is Anxiety and When Should I Be Concerned About my Child?
Anxiety is a normal part of life and can affect anyone, including children. But as parents and carers, it’s sometimes hard to know the difference between normal worries and something more serious.
Anxiety during childhood
Anxiety is a normal part of childhood. In most cases, anxiety in children is short-lived and goes away after a while. Some examples of normal worries might be:
- being shy or being worrying about being laughed at
- being upset before and/or after being left at school
- worrying about schoolwork, sport or health
But many children experience anxiety more intensely and more often than other children, stopping them from getting the most out of life.
Signs of anxiety in children
If a child is often anxious, they might:
- try to avoid the situation or issue they’re worried about
- get headaches and stomach aches often, especially when away from home
- have trouble sleeping or have vivid nightmares
- worry often
- need a lot of reassurance
- want things to be perfect and get upset if they’re not
Supporting children with anxiety
If you think your child has anxiety, you can support them by:
- acknowledging your child’s fears — don’t dismiss or ignore them
- gently encouraging your child to do things they’re anxious about
- waiting until your child actually gets anxious before you step in to help
- praising your child for doing something they’re anxious about
- avoiding labelling your child as ‘shy’ or ‘anxious’
Treating anxiety in children
Kids’ mental health is important. If you’re concerned, see your doctor, a psychologist or a mental health service. Some children have an anxiety condition, such as:
- a phobia
- generalised anxiety disorder
- separation anxiety.
Where to get help
Helping your child overcome anxiety issues is easier if you seek help. You can find help and support from:
- your child’s doctor or paediatrician
- Anxiety Recover Centre Victoria (https://arcvic.org.au/)
- Raising Children Network (https://raisingchildren.net.au/school-age)
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