Monday 1st May - Friday 5th May

• Book Fair - Open 3:15pm - 4:00pm each day 

Thursday 4th May

• Star Wars dress up day - gold coin donation - Student initiative - raising money for a Gravitrax

Friday 5th May

• Division Cross Country - select students 
• Trivia Night Fundraiser 

Thursday 11th May

• Mothers, Parents & Carers Day Stall - 8:30am - 8:55am
• Community Afternoon Tea - 3:15pm-4:30pm

Friday 12th May

• Mothers, Parents & Carers Day Stall - 8:30am - 8:55am
• Tabloid Sports - Years Prep-2 - see XUNO

Tuesday 16th May - Wednesday 24th May 

• Somers Camp - selected students

Friday 2nd June

• Divisional Soccer - selected students

Monday 5th June

• Professional Practice Day - no students at school

Tuesday 6th June

• Regional Cross Country - St Arnaud - qualified students

Monday 12th June

• Kings Birthday Public Holiday

Monday 19th June

• Divisional Football & Netball - selected students

NEW OUTDOOR FURNITURE

We have had delivery of the first table set built by the Mens’ Shed at Newstead. Last year’s fund-raising effort was for outdoor furniture and during the April break they delivered the proto type. We’re very happy with the result and will get five more as they can produce them. Thanks to Blair Venn for liaising and adapting this child-friendly design.

ANZAC DAY CASTLEMAINE 2023

We had a handful of students attend the service on ANZAC Day, School captains Evie and Sam did a wonderful job representing our school for the wreath laying ceremony at the conclusion of the commemorative service. Vice-Captain Georgie was also there, as were other children from Winters Flat showing their respect and support. It was a very moving ceremony.

CROSS COUNTRY

Friday’s District Cross Country was amazing with some outstanding efforts by children from Winters Flat. I received some lovely feedback about our students’ behaviour and attitude and praise all concerned for their efforts on the day. Congratulations to Luca, Atticus and Evie O for coming first in their event and to all the students who will be running again this Friday 5^th May at the Division level. Special thanks to Sam for coordinating, to supervising staff and family volunteers who made the day such a success.

PRIDE PICNIC

As you know we had a marquee at the Pride Picnic on Saturday afternoon. Despite the cool conditions there was a colourful, warm and wonderful atmosphere with many families there to celebrate. Thanks to Hannah (and Dave) for setting up and coordinating the activities, to Joe for transporting the equipment and to volunteers Bron, Lz, Shera and Rhani.

TOMORROW : MAY THE FOURTH BE WITH YOU

Our Star Wars-themed dress up day is on here at school tomorrow. Following Briscoe’s suggestion, we hope to raise some money to go towards the purchase of some GraviTrax kits. All things Star Wars will be encouraged with a gold coin donation.

FRIDAY TRIVIA

Our Trivia Night is a sellout! Thanks to the efforts of the Community Engagement and Fund Raising committees for their efforts in coordinating and to the families who purchased tables and donated prizes. We look forward to once again welcoming hosts Kate McDonald and Polly Cotton. The funds raised for this event will go towards equipment to improve the acoustics in the Hall - with sound absorbing materials.

MOTHERS, PARENTS AND CARERS DAY STALL

Our annual stall will be on next Thursday 11^th and Friday 12^th May. See the community section of this Newsletter for times.

AFTERNOON/TWILIGHT WORKING BEE NEXT FRIDAY – VOLUNTEERS PLEASE

We are looking for lots of helpers from 3:15pm – 5:15pm next Friday 12^th May for a general zhuzh of the grounds. Autumn is a lovely time of year to appreciate our beautiful school environment with some of the deciduous varieties, including the Ornamental Pears near Creekview looking particularly impressive. Alas that also means lots of leaf litter, and we are keen to have the school looking its best, for Open Morning the following week.

EDUCATION WEEK OPEN MORNING WEDNESDAY 17^TH MAY

The Mount Alexander cluster of schools are all celebrating Education Week with an Open Morning on Wednesday 17th May. Principals invite parents/carers of 2024 prep students to visit their neighbourhood (closest) school.  As school leaders we know being part of your local community connects people. Your school provides a sense of belonging, embraces diversity and motivates children to be active citizens now and into the future. You can find your closest school on the www.findmyschool.vic.gov.au  website.

BIRTHDAYS

Mirai - 7 in the first week of May

Lola – 11 in the first week of May

Artie 7 in the second week of May

Archie S 6 in the second week of May

Athene – 10 in the second week of May

Vinnie - 10 in the second week of May

Suzanne - in the first week of May

Hip Hip: Hooray

Hip Hip: Hooray

Hooray: Hip Hip

FREE RAPID ANTIGEN TESTS

With the recent rise in case numbers in Mt Alexander, please be aware that free rapid antigen tests are available from the office.

Testing is strongly recommended for students and staff who are symptomatic.

After doing the tests at home, if it is positive, you are advised 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.

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Suzanne Kinnersly
Principal.

Hats

From Monday May 1st hats are not required during outside play. Hats will be required again in Term 4.

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Sushi Orders

We just wanted to update you in that we've had to adjust our roll price from $3.30 each to $3.50 each to control our costs.

Parents will see this reflected in the prices when they order with School Lunch Online.

Thanks very much for your continued support.

Kind regards,

Matt and Yumi

Lunchbox sushi 

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Early Leavers

Just a reminder to all families that if you are picking up your child/ren up early than 3.15 you must sign your child out at the office. This is a legal requirement from the Department of Education. Thank you for your co-operation.

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Prep students 

If you receive camps and excursion funds you are eligible to receive a Prep clothing package from State Schools relief.  Some forms have been sent home to families, could you please return them to the office.  If you have any queries regarding this package, please call or drop into the office. 

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Food

Please ensure that students have enough food for the day, as students are still seeking extra food to get them through the day.

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Timetable 

We are trialling a new timetable this Term.  Please see the new times below.  We will communicate in the newsletter whether this will become a permanent arrangement.

8.55 am – Students go into class

10.55 am – Students have recess break

11.25 am – Students go back into class

12.25 – 12.40 pm – Students eat lunch in their class

12.40 – 1.40 pm – Students back in class

1.40 – 2.10 pm – Students have second break to finish lunch and go out in the playground

3.15 pm – End of the school day

Year 6 to Year 7 Placement Information and application forms 2024

Families of year 6 students have received an information pack regarding their year 7 placement for 2024.  These application forms need to be completed and returned to school by Friday 12^th May.   If you have any queries, please contact the office. 

OSH Club Promotion

Enrol here: https://www.oshclub.com.au/vic/winters-flat-primary-school/

Families who are already enrolled will be entered into the draw automatically.

Winners will be announced ????

Congratulations to our Year Three to Six students who ran in the District Cross Country on Friday. Everyone showed great perserverance and resilience and should be proud of their acheivements. Well done to those who have made it through to this Friday's Goldfields Division Cross Country: Luca, Levi, Evie O, Atti, Arlo, Michael, Sid, Jimmy, Lucinda, Ginger, Jasmine, Evie M, Ava M, Percy, Pippa, Freya, Athene & James. 

Our Trivia night is this Friday! We still have a couple of tables available, pop into the office to book before it's too late!

We are seeking volunteers to assist with set-up in the afternoon, help during the event, and pack down at the end of the evening. Please contact the office to pop your name on the roster.

A reminder also for donations of prizes - anything from artworks, products, vouchers for businesses, personal vouchers eg: gardening/baking/babysitting. All contributions are greatly appreciated. 

We hope to see you there for another night of hilarity and very serious trivia.

Community Afternoon Tea

The Community Engagement Committee is hosting another afternoon tea on Thursday May 11th from 3:15pm - 4:30pm. A chance for children to play and parents/carers to connect. Meet at the upper playground.

Mothers, Parents & Carers Day Stall

The parent craft group will be hosting a Mothers, Parents & Carers Day stall on Thursday and Friday morning from 8:30am to 8:55am for students to purchase something special. The stall will be located in front of the office.

We are seeking donations for the Stall. If you have any suitable knick-knacks, books, cook books, preserves, plants etc. Please drop them into the office.

PJ

Reuben - Care for Self

Dylan - Care for Self

1/2W

Maeve - Care for Others

Lok - Care for Self

3/4H

Perryn - Care for Self & Care for Others

Nova - Care for Self & Care for Others 

4/5C

Ava M - Care for the Environment

Athene - Care for Others

5/6 B

Indi - Care for Self, Care for Others & Care for the Environment

Jasmine - Care for Self & Care for Others

Hi families,

My name is Lina and I’m a parent at the school. I’m offering weekly half-hour group woodwind classes (flute, clarinet and saxophone). I have a Bachelor of Music Performance from the Victorian College of the Arts and seven years of instrumental music teaching experience. The cost is $15 per student per session. Some rental instruments will be available. If your child/children are keen to learn great songs on a fun instrument, please get in contact with me at karolinacutler@gmail.com or 0479161124.

Thanks 

This week in the Kitchen and Garden..........

What we're cooking in the kitchen this fortnight...

• Egyptian Sun Bread

• Labna Balls 

• Tagine with Pumpkin, Dates and Honey

• Cous Cous with Saffron and Raisins 

• Summer Fattoush Salad

• Quince and Rhubarb Cobbler with Rose and Cardamom 

Chefs of the week:

3/4H: Vinnie and Rex

4/5C: Ava M, Pippa, Archie, Finchley

5/6B: Evie O, Saskia, Briscoe

Remember the recipes are available on our school website, so you can try them at home.

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. 

Gardeners of the week:

3/4H: Louisa, Annabelle, James & Raph

4/5C: Edie

Cath & Terry
Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden

AT HOME

This Term I will be focussing on sharing Body Safety and Internet Safety resources for your family each fortnight in the newsletter.

AT SCHOOL

Every week at Winters Flat Primary School (and all schools across Victoria) each class does a one-hour session of the Resilience, Rights and Respectful Relationships program. Within this program students cover topics related and directly addressing Body and Internet Safety. Ask your child what they have been learning during their Respectful Relationships sessions.

Until next time! ?

Hannah O’Keefe

My work hours are Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9:30-2:30 and Thursdays from 8:30-4:30. Write me an email (hannah.okeefe@education.vic.gov.au) or give me a call via the school office or on 0475 800 377.

RESOURCES

Please find a list of Wellbeing helplines and support services on the Winters Flat website.

https://www.winters-flat-ps.vic.edu.au/resources

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Register here: https://www.playhq.com/afl/register/fbdd52