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SOCIAL & EMOTIONAL WELLBEING INITIATIVES
We are introducing some additional supports for student wellbeing here at Winters Flat PS. On 24th May we have a whole day workshop presented by STRIDE Education: Supportive Friends 2.0 – Social and Emotional Skills, for all students in Year 2 – Year 6.
This is a comprehensive friendship program that focuses on three aspects of relationships:
My relationship with myself
My social self
My online self
Supportive Friends encourages students to talk about what it means to be a good friend, including the relationship with ourselves. Students learn how to tune in and manage their self-talk and develop a growth mindset. Students work together to discuss and resolve issues within their groups, through visual references, imaginative tools and role play. This
encourages deeper discussions and provides a greater understanding of the learning outcomes.
Topics covered include:
-Getting to know me
-Communication skills
-Speaking up for myself
-My online self (SLC)
-Conflict resolution
This will be extremely beneficial to all students participating; however, we have included an “Opt out” form which is attached below.
We are also excited to announce that Kimochis are coming! “On the surface, they are a family of cuddly critters and a big bowl of emotions. Underneath, a proven system for helping children grow and transform by dealing skilfully with their feelings.”
We are aware that some of the Castlemaine kinders and pre-schools are using Kimochis and with training, we plan to use them in every classroom P-6.
Money raised at the Farmers’ Market BBQ will go towards the purchase of the Kimochi kits.
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SCHOOL WIDE POSITIVE BEHAVIOUR SUPPORT
As you may be aware the expectations of positive behaviour are displayed in every classroom as a matrix. The matrix sets out school rules within the structure of the Care Crows – Care for Self, Care for Others and Care for the Environment. Students know that the acknowledgement of positive behaviour with Class Dojos and Golden Feathers can be exchanged for tangible rewards, healthy snacks, and other incentives. Currently we are acknowledging: being in the right place at the right time, keeping hands and feet to self and using kind words and tone of voice.
In contrast when students are non-compliant or behave in a way which causes upset, hurt or distress there are consequences. We have recently reminded students about some non-negotiable behaviour which is not tolerated. Using language which is offensive or abusive and behaviour which is rough and causes others to feel unsafe will result in parents being contacted to take children home.
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NAPLAN
Next week students in Year 3 and Year 5 will be participating in NAPLAN. Here is some information for parents and carers about it. If you have any further questions please feel free to contact me.
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WEBEX PROMOTION FOR NEW ENROLMENTS
Last week I hosted an online session for prospective families enrolling in 2023. It was wonderful to have the support of current staff, families and students and I would particularly like to thank Amelia, Freya, Jesse, Lucinda and Neve for sharing their love of our school, Blair, Helen V, and Helen K for giving some parent endorsement and Fiona, Helen, Keenan and Kitty representing staff. We continue to offer individual school tours and will have an open morning during Education Week on Wednesday 25th May. The Mt Alexander network of principals are promoting the consistent message that the neighborhood school is the best school.
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COVID SAFETY
We continue to have COVID cases reported here at Winters Flat Primary School.
At school we promote and encourage:
- washing hands
- optional mask wearing (Staff, visitors and students Year 3-6)
- physical distancing
- rapid antigen testing
- Outdoors when practical
- Air purifiers indoors
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Free rapid antigen tests
Free rapid antigen tests are still available for the first four weeks of term. 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.
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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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SPELLING TIP #3
mi my
The letter “i" has two sounds – short and long. The letter “i" cannot end an English word and the letter “y" takes its place. “y" may say “i" short or long sound – the “y" is considered a vowel.
The letters “i", “j", “v" and “u" cannot end English words.
Words that end in “i" are derived from other languages.
macaroni (Italian)
ski (Norwegian)
hi – is short for hello
my |
pity |
baby |
magnify |
considerably |
by |
study |
lady |
butterfly |
community |
cry |
body |
lazy |
amplify |
necessary |
fry |
city |
tiny |
multiply |
especially |
fly |
empty |
handy |
family |
essentially |
sly |
handy |
easy |
energy |
geography |
sky |
story |
history |
sincerely |
anniversary |
spy |
happy |
busy |
century |
confidentially |
shy |
any |
many |
recently |
opportunity |
why |
only |
very |
industry |
electricity |
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BIRTHDAYS
Atticus B– 10 in the fourth week of April
Eisa – 10 in the fourth week of April
Archie– 9 in the fourth week of April
Peter – 6 in the fourth week of April
Suzie – 10 in the fourth week of April
Lola – 10 in the first week of May
Suzanne - in the first week of May
Hip Hip: Hooray
Hip Hip: Hooray
Hooray: Hip Hip
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Suzanne Kinnersly
Principal
&
Keenan Lucas
Acting Principal
Sustainability Victoria Resource Smart Awards
Winters Flat has been named a finalist in the Community Leadership School of the Year category! We are excited to send representatives from our school to attend the awards ceremony on Thursday the 2nd of June.
We have been recognised for our leadership role in reducing the plastic waste of fruit stickers. Last year, Terry and Helen supported students in writing to politicians, supermarkets and fruit industry groups to bring the issue to their attention after finding stickers in the school compost.
Primary School Traffic Survey
The Mount Alexander Shire Council is performing a traffic study of selected Primary Schools. At the top gate, there is a sign with a QR code, please follow the QR link to complete the survey. To ensure the success of the study, we encourage the Winters Flat community to participate.
More information and a link to the survey can be found here.
Harmony Day Performance - Wala: The Spirit of Ghana
We are looking forward to welcoming WALA to our school on the 6th of June. Information can be found on XUNO. Permission is not required, just pay the $6 via XUNO or to the office.
A dynamic fusion of drumming, dance, percussion and soaring vocal harmonies. Three passionate, exuberant and talented performers present audiences with an exciting display of Ghanaian culture. With 15 hand-made African drums, flutes and stunning costumes, WALA engage their audiences in a call and response song, invite them to try out different instruments and to join in the dance.
Their enthusiasm is utterly contagious as they rejoice in the live sounds and rich heritage of their people.
WALA means “life” in their local language and the perfection of the name becomes clear as they explode into their breathtaking celebration of the Ghanaian Spirit.”
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Karen Mahoney & Kitty Ward
Office
Mothers and Carers Day stall
The parent craft group will be hosting a Mothers & Carers Day stall on Thursday and Friday morning from 8:30 to 8:55 for students to purchase something special. The stall will be located in front of the office.
A big thank you to everyone who has donated items for the stall so far.
Election Day stalls
The Community Engagement and Fundraising Committees are organising a BBQ and cake stall for election day.
Please see Karen or Kitty in the office if you are able to volunteer on the day or bake items for the cake stall.
All baked goods are required to be placed on a disposable plate, covered and have a label listing the ingredients.
On Tuesday 26th April 4/5/6BM put together an amazing assembly for the whole school about ANZAC day. Have a look at some of the photos below.
Book Fair is on this week in the Prep/One end of Creekview. It will be open during lunchtime each day and on Thursday afternoon from 3:15 to 4:00pm.
Books can be purchased each day or parents can order online via the student wishlist form, with students able to collect the books on return of the wishlist receipt.
NEWS | Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Program
THIS WEEK IN THE KITCHEN & GARDEN...
What we're cooking in the kitchen this week...
Nasturtium pesto
Homemade pasta
Nasturtium Caprese salad
Nasturtium soup
Quince Apple Crisp with Cardamom and Rosewater
Rosehip, ginger and lemon syrup
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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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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...
Olives
Nasturttiums
Basil
Quince
Gardeners of the week...
2/3W - Tanmay
4/6L - Daisy G-D
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Rosie & Jodie
Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden
Hello Winters Flat Community!
Welcome back to Term 2.
This year we have had a big focus on Body Safety Education. What is Body Safety Education? Body Safety programs are age-appropriate, non-threatening and aim to teach children these basic points:
- Your body is YOUR body and no-one else has the right to touch it.
- If someone does touch you inappropriately, you must tell a trusted adult and keep telling until you are believed.
- Be able to identify the difference between safe and unsafe touch.
- Understand what the words ‘respect’ and ‘consent’ mean.
- Know what actions you can take if you feel worried or unsafe.
Each class has been partaking workshops run by myself, Hannah, and have the aim of familiarising children with what Body Safety looks like in the school context and also outside of school. These sessions build on the skills and knowledge taught within the Resilience, Rights and Respectful Relationships program but have a particular focus on hearing the perspectives and ideas of students themselves. For example, all students have been given a map of the school and have identified places and spaces in which they feel safe, or otherwise. Discussions have been valuable and illuminating.
In addition, students have learnt crucial strategies to use to exit unsafe situations in the school yard. Some strategies we have workshopped are:
- using strong and assertive language (such as saying or even yelling, “stop!”) when you feel unsafe or someone is in your body boundary.
- seeking help from a trusted adult.
Following are some awesome resources on Body Safety for children and families.
For parents:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u03EHVf-7vI&ab_channel=Educate2EmpowerPublishing
For kids:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u03EHVf-7vI&t=22s&ab_channel=Educate2EmpowerPublishing
Awesome book to purchase (we have a copy at school but having one at home too is great!)
Until next time!
Hannah
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