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NAPLAN
Last week all students in Year 3 and Year 5 completed NAPLAN. I would like to congratulate every single one of them for their determination, persistence and positive attitude towards the process. Well done and I know every single one of you tried your best.
Well done!!
EDUCATION WEEK
On Wednesday 25th May we will be opening our doors to the community and offering any interested families the opportunity to come and have a look at what we do and how we do things. We will be offering guided tours of the school between 11.30am and 1.30pm to those families interested in enrolling in 2023. Please feel free to spread the word to any interested families.
If anyone would like a tour of the school outside of these hours, please feel free to contact the office to and arrange an alternative time.
DISTRICT CROSS COUNTRY
On Friday 6th May we had 25 students make their way up to Bendigo to represent Winters Flat. I can proudly say that each student represented the school with enthusiasm, determination and a hunger to challenge themselves. Every single student should be proud of what they achieved and how they performed on the day.
There were a handful of students who achieved an outstanding result of finishing in the top 12 and have made it through to the next race. They will be racing in the Loddon Mallee Cross Country race in St Arnaud on the 31st May. Congratulations to Atticus Bakker, Luca Venn, Evie O’Sullivan and Daisy Gilford-Drouin on this great achievement. I know you will represent yourself and Winters Flat well in St Arnaud.
Well done and Good luck.
SPECIAL GUEST
Last Wednesday 4th May we were lucky enough to have a visit from our local member of parliament Lisa Chesters.
Lisa was given a tour of our school by our school and vice captains. Lisa did make comment about how she was extremely impressed by the passion, knowledge and honesty that they students showed during her tour.
In addition to the tour, Lisa also committed to $20,000 to improve the heating and cooling in the Creekview Building, subject to Labor winning the election and forming Government.
STRIDE EDUCATION
On Tuesday 24th May we will have all students in grade 2-6 working with Stride Education on Social and Emotional skills. With this program we will also be offering a follow up session for parents to attend where we will talk about different strategies that can be used to help students when they encounter relationship issues.
This session will be run by STRIDE Education on Tuesday 31st May at 7pm via Zoom. Parents can contact the office for access to the link.
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
Free rapid antigen tests
Free rapid antigen tests are still available for the first remainder of term. We have plenty of kits at school for all families. From Monday 23 May 2022, it is recommended RATs are also required to be used for 5 days if a student or staff member is a close contact of a confirmed case and they are attending or working at a school.
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.
BIRTHDAYS
Athene – 9 in the second week of May
Vincent – 9 in the second week of May
Jazmine – 12 in the second week of May
Elan – 6 in the third week of May
Hip Hip: Hooray
Hip Hip: Hooray
Hooray: Hip Hip
Suzanne Kinnersly
Principal
&
Keenan Lucas
Acting Principal
Did you know?
There is a secure blue letterbox in the office for handing in forms if you are in a hurry and the office is busy. We check this each day so feel free to use it if you need to.
School attendance reporting
If you know your child is going to be absent from school can you please let the office know by:
- Reporting the absence on the absence line
- Emailing the school
- Reporting the absence through Xuno
We are mandated from the Department of Education and Training to record reasons for absences for your child/ren when they are absent.
Enough food?
With the cooler weather approaching students are feeling more hungry. Often what happens is that students eat their lunch at recess time and then don’t have anything left for lunch time. While we keep toasties for students who genuinely forget their lunch we are seeing more and more students coming to the office to ask for food. Could you please ensure that your child/ren have enough food to get them through the day.
Election Day stalls
The Community Engagement and Fundraising Committees are organising a BBQ and cake stall for election day. There will also be a coffee van and plant stall.
Please see Karen or Kitty in the office if you are able to 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. Please deliver these to the office on Friday, or to the stall from on Saturday morning.
Book Fair
Thank you everyone for supporting our book fair! Your purchases hve enabled the us to purchase more books for our classrooms and library.
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.”
.
Karen Mahoney & Kitty Ward
Office
NEWS | Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Program
Gardeners of the week...
2/3W - Gabriel
4/6B - Levi M
Rosie & Jodie
Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden
Hello Winters Flat Community,
A big thanks to P1J for making some sweet birds that are now hanging outside my office! There is an orange and red letter box outside my office also - if I am not in my office just pop a piece of paper with your name in the letter box and I'll come and talk to you as soon as I can.
BODY SAFETY AND POSITIVE BEHAVIOUR SUPPORT
We are proud here at Winters Flat for having a comprehensive Positive Behaviour Support Framework. 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.
Sometimes, 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.
As mentioned in last fortnight’s newsletter, this year are focussing on Body Safety Education, which goes hand-in-hand with our Positive Behaviour framework. 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.
If you would like to discuss the school’s approach or have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact myself or the Principal. Currently Keenan Lucas is Acting Principal.
hannah.okeefe@education.vic.gov.au
keenan.lucas@education.vic.gov.au
ANXIETY AND YOUNG PEOPLE
As a community, both wider and locally, we are hearing more and more reports of children experiencing concerning levels of anxiety. Experiencing anxiety every now and again is a normal part of the human experience. Most of the time these feelings come and go, and do not last long. Anxiety becomes a problem when the feelings persist, impacting on our wellbeing and preventing us from doing things that are important to us.
Children also experience anxiety. Feeling anxious occasionally is a normal part of growing up and learning about the world; as children develop, it’s common for them to feel anxious about a variety of situations, objects and people. Pre-school aged children may be anxious about changes in their routine, separating from their parents and spending time with unfamiliar people. In the early school years, children may feel anxious about the dark, monsters and ghosts.
When children have worries that don’t go away, get worse or interfere with their daily life, it could be a sign they are having problems with anxiety (National Workforce Centre for Child Mental Health).
I would like to share with you 3 resources from Emerging Minds that can help you explore whether you should be concerned about your child’s signs of anxiety and what you can do if you are. The resources are very comprehensive but are highly useful. If you require any support to understand and/or implement some strategies at home then please do not hesitate to seek my help.
- Parent guide 1: Anxiety in children
- Parent guide 2: Gathering information about your child’s experience of anxiety
- Parent guide 3: Supporting Your Child
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