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Thursday June 16th
Friday June 17th
Friday June 24th
BAKER BOY
On Thursday many students in the SLC were offered a rare opportunity to see Baker Boy perform, thanks to the Positive Start in 2022 program.
Baker Boy, a hip-hop artist, dancer, actor and Yolngu man known for performing original songs in both English and Yolŋu Matha, was headlining the MEGAMIX Social. As the recipient of Young Australian of the Year in 2019, Baker Boy hopes to inspire younger generations to embrace their culture through his music. MEGAMIX Social was a free concert at Hamer Hall.
The concert aimed to promote youth wellbeing through access to a cultural experience - sorely missed during the pandemic. Students arrived at the Arts Centre and had lunch in the park opposite. The first act was a singing/rapping ensemble of about 20 people. Following the acknowledgment of country, Baker Boy performed. From all accounts it was a brilliant concert experience and great participation by Winters Flat students. Feedback was very positive with Stanley giving 4.5/5 stars. Thanks to Keenan, Fiona, Jennifer, Tina and Kirsty for attending with the students.
AFTERNOON TEA GATHERING AT PICK-UP TOMORROW 3:15PM – 4:30PM
Members of the Community Engagement committee look forward to seeing you tomorrow in the Kitchen. If you intend to come along please RSVP to winters.flat.ps@education.vic.gov.au so we know how many to expect. We’d love to see you there.
SOCCER AT CHEWTON ON FRIDAY
We are planning to send 16 students to Chewton to represent Winters Flat PS at the Goldfields Division Primary Soccer competition this Friday. Parent volunteers are welcome for supervision, umpiring and to support the players. Please contact us if you can be there winters.flat.ps@education.vic.gov.au.
SOCIAL & EMOTIONAL WELLBEING INITIATIVES
Kimochis are nearly here! We will be using kimochis in classrooms to support social and emotional wellbeing commencing next term.
SCHOOL WIDE POSITIVE BEHAVIOUR SUPPORT
The positive behaviour priorities for the remainder of Term 2: being in the right place at the right time, keeping hands and feet to self and using kind words and tone of voice. Students are continuing to cash in their dojo/golden feathers.
COVID SAFETY
COVID cases continue to be 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
We have plenty of free Rapid Antigen Test kits at school for all families. Testing is strongly recommended twice a week for students and staff. Tests are strongly encouraged for close contacts or when symptomatic.
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 should be fully vaccinated or have a medical exception (with limited exceptions) to enter school buildings.
All staff working in schools must 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.
SPELLING TIP #4
qu
The letter “q" is always followed by a “u".
This rule helps with spelling as every time we write the letter “q”, “u” follows. There are over 220 words starting with “qu” and over 2,000 containing the “qu” combination.
The phonogram “qu” has two sounds “kw” and “k”.
“kw” eg. queen, quiz, quick quack
“k” eg quiche, antique
This rule helps with reading as “qu” has those two kw/k sounds. If one sound doesn’t make sense try the other.
quit |
quirk |
quite |
Banquet |
antique |
quiz |
quake |
queen |
sequence |
boutique |
quad |
question |
quiet |
aquarium |
unique |
quin |
quarrel |
quiver |
quarterly |
racquet |
quilt |
quarter |
quirk |
quadrangle |
quiche |
quest |
quality |
quiche |
quintet |
quince |
quill |
quench |
quantity |
quadruped |
questionnaire |
quack |
quicksand |
quartet |
quarantine |
quotient |
quick |
quail |
qualify |
picturesque |
quotation |
queer |
quart |
qualm |
etiquette |
quantum |
BIRTHDAYS
Georgie – 11 in the second week of June
Sullivan – 11 in the second week of June
Aurelia – 10 in the second week of June
Evie O – 11 in the third week of June
Hip Hip: Hooray
Hip Hip: Hooray
Hooray: Hip Hip
It is lovely to be back at school and observe our students frequently making us proud on a daily basis.
I would like to acknowledge and sincerely thank Keenan for taking on the role of Acting Principal during my Long Service Leave. He did a great job!
Suzanne Kinnersly
Principal
We are currently taking enrolments for 2023!
If there are any families with siblings looking to start next year, please see the office for an enrolment pack.
Last day of term
Term 2 will finish on the 24th of June. Please note that school will finish at 2:30pm.
Please pack more food
Since the cold weather has set in, students are coming up to the office to ask for more food as they have eaten all their food by lunchtime. Could parents please ensure that students have plenty of lunch and snacks to last them for the day. Thank you.
Xuno
The preferred method of communication between school and parents is through Xuno. Xuno is the one stop shop for reporting your child absent, messaging teachers or contacting the school and for camps and excursions. If you need help logging onto Xuno, please come into the office and we can help you.
We are still celebrating our ResourceSmart Awards win. Here are some more photos of the day.
Afternoon Tea - Tomorrow!
Afternoon tea for all Winters Flat Primary School families!
3.15pm to 4.30pm Thursday 16 June
Stay behind after school on Thursday 16 June and enjoy a cup of tea, cake and a chat while the children play in the grounds (some games will be available).
We hope to meet outside, using the deck on the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden.
A great chance to catch up and meet other Winters Flat Primary School families!
A community engagement sub committee event (based on families' feedback! If you'd like to bake something to share, please let Karen in the office know).
Hello Winters Flat Community!
As a Wellbeing Officer, my job is to support the emotional wellbeing of students by providing individual and group support where needed. A large part of my work is having one-one-one sessions with students to help them to feel safe and better equipped to integrate and enjoy their time at school by feeling a sense of belonging and connectedness to their peers, teachers and school in general. Another responsibility that I have is to assist families and the wider community to connect with the school and to help them access support and/or appropriate referrals in difficult situations such as during times of grief, or when students are facing personal or emotional challenges.
My work hours are Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays between 9:15 and 2:15. If you would like to arrange a phone meeting to discuss any concerns, feel free to email me on hannah.okeefe@education.vic.gov.au
Hugely important to us as educators, carers and parents is encouraging our children and students to seek help. Promoting help-seeking behaviour is crucial if we want to assist our children to work through any challenges they are facing. It can be hard to ask for help but it is important that your child knows that it is okay. Encourage help seeking in your child by:
- asking how things are going
- letting them know it’s okay if they are feeling sad or frustrated
- listening without judgement when they seek out your support
- providing children with a range of information about where to get help if they need it.
One in three young Australians are experiencing high or very high levels of psychological distress which is triple the number since 2007. One in four secondary students are experiencing mental health problems and one in three primary students are experiencing mental health problems.
A simple and effective way of slowing things down and giving yourself a chance to reflect on the wellbeing of yourself and your family is to bring some form of mindfulness into your lives. This is often easier said than done but can also be as easy as playing a mindfulness meditation recording to your kids or setting the kids up to do some yoga using a video on Youtube. Here are some useful links:
- Smiling Minds Guide for Parents and Carers: https://info.smilingmind.com.au/parentsguide
- 5 minute guided meditation for kids: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VZ_wdeog5Ek
- Yoga for kids: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LhYtcadR9nw
Remember, if you are concerned about the wellbeing of your child for any reason please let the school know so we can support you and your family. Reasons can included changes to your family or living arrangements, emotionally intense events or experiences, mental health concerns such as anxiety and peer related challenges at school or home.
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You may know of a young person in your life who is questioning their gender identity and/or sexual orientation. Below is a helpful article that provides information for parents/carers.
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The mental health support system is under immense pressure. 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)
Lifeline on 131 114 (24 Hrs)
HeadtoHelp 1800 595 212
Cairnmillar Institute (free telehealth counselling) - https://www.cairnmillar.org.au/telehealth
1300 22 4636 (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...
- Spicy red lentil soup
- Wheat tortillas
- Pasta
- Spanish chickpea balls
- Golden syrup dumplings
- Self-saucing double chocolate pudding
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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
4/6B - Freya, Bo, and Daisy R
4/6L - Abi & Daisy G-D
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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.
What we're up to in the garden this week...
Pesky Ivy
Some of the Prep/Ones were concerned about the Ivy growing in the garden. They did a fantstic job of pruning it back.
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Milk bottles...
We are currently collecting 2L & 3L milk bottles to protect our seedlings from the frosts and pests. Please drop them into the office if you have any.
Making string...
4/6L learnt how to make string from the leaves of the Red Hot Poker and Day Lily Plants. Wire was used to add rocks. The beautiful creations will be hung together to create an art installation.
Rosie & Jodie
Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden