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Wednesday December 7th
- Mangoes arrive - collect from the office
Thursday December 8th
- End of Year whole school picnic 5pm - 7pm - BYO picnic
Monday December 12th
- Year P-3 Swimming Fun Day at Gurri Wanyarra, Kangaroo Flat - see XUNO
Tuesday December 13th
- Whole School Step Up session 10:00am - 12:00pm (including 2023 Preps)
Thursday December 15th
- Year Six Graduation - Students 5:00pm, Invited guests 6:30pm
Friday December 16th
- Last day of school 3:15pm finish
- Year 4 - 6 Party at Chewton Pool Pick up from the Pool at 3:00pm - see XUNO
Monday December 19th
- Curriculum Day - no students at school
Tuesday December 20th
- Curriculum Day - no students at school
STAFF
Morgan Sherry (ES) had a baby daughter Gia Scarlett on 26th November. We wish Morgan, Will and Gia all the very best.
During the past few weeks, we have continued to advertise and seek education support staff and currently have two positions advertised in the Department of Education and Training - Recruitment Online. We have also shared on social media for local, suitably qualified applicants to apply.
We are so grateful and extend our sincere thanks to pre-service teacher Tina Radcliffe who has made herself available to us for these last weeks of term to assist in this very important role. We also thank Kate O’Sullivan and parents Heidi Barrett and Annabelle Tunley for their support.
Thanks to Anne Neath and Scott Buchanan who have been helping Fiona during the transition afternoons.
At this time of the year when things get particularly busy and challenging, it goes without saying that Winters Flat staff do an amazing job. I would again like to thank the terrific teaching team, superb support staff and the awesome Admin team for their work throughout 2022 and wish them all the best for the school holidays and a chance to rest and recharge.
FAMILY HELPERS AND VOLUNTEERS – WE THANK YOU!
To all the family members who have assisted with School Council membership, being on committees, classroom reading support in the junior school, helping in the kitchen, on excursions, at sports days, chess trips, clubs (SLC Music) crafts and any work you do that supports the smooth running of the school – we send our gratitude and appreciation for your efforts. Our school is growing steadily with 22 new preps enrolled for next year and we look forward to welcoming new families into the wonderful Winters Flat community. Special thanks to Serena Everill who has been volunteering in the garden.
HOPES AND DREAMS
On 22nd November I invited families who attended our first Prep transition session to share their hopes and dreams for life at school for their children starting school next year. These were their responses:
“I hope that my son becomes an engaged, confident learner and feels supported and encouraged”
“to be a happy, inquisitive and engaged learner”
“HAPPY”
“A happy kid who feels he has the capacity to learn whatever he sets his mind to.”
“Explore, Develop, Communicate, Share, Team work, Fun”
“I hope that she will learn in a happy environment and make lots of friends just like her big brother.”
“Enjoy school environment and make long-lasting friendships.”
“A warm and welcoming environment for the Preps to feel safe, confident and happy.”
“I hope my child feels safe and cared for. I hope her love of learning is fostered and nurtured.”
“To feel accepted and worthy and find a love for reading.”
“Build her personality and friendships.”
“To thrive in the environment. She will enjoy the experience.”
“I hope my child feels happy and comfortable in her new learning space and feels excited to learn.”
“That he develops a love of learning and curiosity, and a strong, secure sense of self.”
“To have fun while learning. To make friends – which my child is already good at. To be able to express freely.”
“For my child to be safe and be themself.”
We entirely support these relatable hopes and dreams and will do our best to support the children starting school next year. Just as importantly we will continue to encourage the children returning next year to have confidence, friendship, curiosity, love of learning, engagement, enthusiasm, a sense of safety and belonging and be comfortable in their school environment.
PROPOSED STAFF LIST 2023
- Prep (Foundation) - Fiona Johnston
- 1/2 - Elizabeth White
- 3/4 - Jennifer Thoma (Houlihan)
- 4/5 - Michelle Creed
- 5/6 - Karen Brooks & Sam Milner
- Tutor – Helen Weir
- French – Katie Kilgour
- PE – Sam Milner
- Visual Arts – Bronwyn Tracey
- Performing Arts – Suzanne Kinnersly
- Learning Specialist – Helen Weir
- Disability Inclusion Coordinator – Helen Weir
- Business Manager – Karen Mahoney
- Office & Reception – Kitty Ward
- Kitchen – Catherine Chugg
- Garden – Terry Willis
- Wellbeing Coordinator (Chaplain) – Hannah O’Keefe
- Education Support – Marg Stevens, Bronwyn Tracey, tbc x 2
Keenan is taking 12 months leave to try some new experiences outside classroom teaching, for 2023. We will miss Keenan and his very good dog Buddy very much. We hope they have a great year.
OUT OF SCHOOL HOURS CARE PROVIDER
Following the tender and shortlisting process the successful provider for Out of School Hours Care (before/after school, holiday program, curriculum days) was selected - OSHClub.
OSHClub are due to commence here at Winters Flat and at Castlemaine PS on 7th March 2023.
Locally they are already at Taradale and Harcourt Valley schools.
SHADE SAILS UPDATE
Construction of shade sails is due to commence with Shade N Sails doing both jobs at the same time next year.
The proposed shade for an outdoor learning space will be on the Creekview Deck and cover for the Junior playground are set for completion by mid-year. Both are possible due to grants from the Victorian School Building Authority and Victorian Department of Health respectively.
ELECTION DAY: AMAZING FUND-RAISING
The number of voters at our polling booth exceeded the expectations of the Electoral Commission workers here on-site and meant that our Raffle, Barbecue, Cakes, Face paint, Crafts, Refreshments and other stalls did a roaring trade, and we raised a whopping $4,000.
This was assisted enormously by the team of hard-working volunteers who baked and made, set up, cooked, supervised, served and packed up. We could not have had such a successful day without you – thank you so much!
We already mentioned the proceeds of this fund-raising effort will go towards outdoor furniture.
BIRTHDAYS
Frankie M - 9 in the third week of December
Jamie – 7 in the fourth week of December
Jimmy – 10 in the fourth week of December
Raphael – 6 in the last week of December
Bo – 12 in the last week of December
Briscoe – 11 in the last week of December
Hip Hip: Hooray
Hip Hip: Hooray
Hooray: Hip Hip
JOYEUX NOËL
Wishing everyone at Winters Flat a Merry Christmas, happy, safe holidays and a Happy New Year. May 2023 be everything you want it to be!
Cheers
Suzanne Kinnersly
Principal
Mangoes are here!
If you haven't had a chance to do so already, plese come to the office to collect your trays.
End of year picnic
Don't forget our end of year picnic is tomorrow (Thursday 8th) from 5pm - 7pm.
This social gathering is an opportunity to farewell the Year 6 families who are leaving, to welcome new families, to make social connections (children and families alike), and to celebrate a fantastic year.
Please BYO a picnic dinner and a rug if you like.
We hope to see you there!
2023 Year 6 T-shirts
Current Year 5 students have receive a note regarding 2023 Year 6 T-shirts. Please ensure the note, along with the purchased T-shirt and payment is returned to the office as soon as possible.
Summer holiday garden volunteers needed
We are seeking volunteers over the summer holiday to water the garden and tend to the chooks. If you can help at all, please contact the office.
The Election day Stalls were a great success! A big thank you to all who volunteered their time on the day, donated items for lucky dips, cakes or preserves and to the parent craft group for all their time and effort making their creations.
We raised an incredible $4000 which will go towards outdoor furniture.
The Preps and Year Ones were lucky to experience a visit from the Newstead Fire Brigade. They learnt about fire safety, were shown how to use some of the equipment and got to climb aboard the appliance.
AT SCHOOL
At our school, Student Wellbeing is everyone’s responsibility. We believe that creating a village; a community of care, is the best way to support children’s, families and teachers’ wellbeing and resilience. We do this by inviting families to participate in their school community in whatever way they can, in a way that is meaningful to them.
Would you like to be part of the Wellbeing Sub-Committee in 2023? Many parents or carers may find being part of this group rewarding. We meet about once a term. Here is a link to our statement which will explain our approach and purpose.
AT HOME AND IN THE COMMUNITY
Mission Australia 2022 Youth Survey
The Mission Australia Youth Survey has been capturing the aspirations, experiences and concerns of young people annually for the last 21 years. As the largest survey of its kind in Australia, it provides an opportunity for young people to share what matters to them and give their perspectives on a range of issues. In 2022, the Youth Survey was completed by 18,800 young people aged 15 to 19 across the country.
Though our children are currently in Primary School, the survey provides some food for thought in regards to what schools, families and communities can be thinking about so as to prevent issues from developing later in life.
41.5% of respondents named School Challenges (academic pressure, high workload, challenges with teachers, learning difficulties, and general school challenges) as their biggest personal challenge. 27.7% named Mental Health (low mental health, stress, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem or self-harm). 19.7% identified Relationship Challenges (death, abuse, challenging relationships with family, friends or significant others.
Young people themselves identified the following things that would help:
- Having more supports available in schools
- Asking family and friends for additional support
- Asking for help from healthcare professionals like psychologists, counsellors and doctors
However, asking for help isn’t that easy and is something we must teach ourselves and our children to do more readily. The survey also identified that the top barriers to accessing professional mental health support are:
- Feeling stigma or shame
- Concerns about confidentiality
- Don’t know where to go for help
To promote Help Seeking in your home, check out the following resource from The Kids Helpline: https://kidshelpline.com.au/parents/issues/empowering-young-people-ask-help
Community Christmas Lunch
Share a delicious meal with good company on Christmas Day. Come alone or bring your family & friends. Enjoy music, activities and festivities.
Date: Sunday 25 December
Time: 12.30pm to 2.30pm
Where: Castlemaine Town Hall, 25 Lyttleton Street (entry via Fredricks Street)
Cost: FREE
Bookings essential – https://cch.org.au/community-christmas-lunch/
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, Wednesdays and Thursdays 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.
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
THIS WEEK IN THE KITCHEN & GARDEN...
We’ve had an amazing couple of weeks of cooking classes - our last for the year! To celebrate, we’ve cooked a bunch of our favourite things:
- Gnocchi with pesto
- Pizza
- Rice paper rolls
- Sushi
- Gingerbread
- Pavlova
It was a MASSIVE menu, and everyone did an AMAZING job! I’m consistently impressed by how well the students rise to the occasion, and the quality of the food they produce. They should all be very proud of themselves - I am! :)
Chefs of the week:
2/3W:
Peggy, Annabelle, Angus, Ella
Big thanks to big kid helpers Aurora, Eisa, Ripley, Daisy G-D, Atti B, and Arlo!
4/5/6B:
Aurora, Daisy R, Faith, Ava
Thanks to Noah’s grandma, Ruby, for her help!
P/1J:
All of them! We had an amazing class, and made the same menu as the older classes for the first time! Everyone did a great job and worked really hard :)
Big thanks to big kid helpers Ginger, Aurelia, Hayley, Ash, Levi M, Freya, as well as parent helpers Tallace (and Cecil), Eliza (and Archie), Leila, and my mum, Robyn.
4/5/6L’s final cooking class will be on Monday!!
Terry and I will announce the winners of the Golden Trowel and Silver Spoon awards next week! :)
Remember, recipes are available on our school website, so you can try them at home.
Summer holiday garden volunteers needed
We are seeking volunteers over the summer holiday to water the garden and tend to the chooks. If you can help at all, please contact the office.
Rosie & Terry
Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden
Four of our students will be playing with the Just Brass Band at the Carols in the Park.
Come down and show your support!
