Welcome back to Term 1 and a special welcome to new families to the school. The office is your first point of call when you have questions. Karen Mahoney is the business manager and works full time in the office. Kitty Ward is administration support and works Monday and Wednesday.

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Voluntary Parent Payments 2025

The environment and resources that we enjoy today represent the contributions made by our parent/carer community over many years. Parent/carers voluntary contributions make a significant difference to the quality of our programs. This financial support ensures that we can continue to provide the excellent range of facilities and resources for your children. Your support in 2024 will allow us to:

• provide high quality programs and specific subject materials and equipment for English, Mathematics, Science, Art, Music, Inquiry, Language and PE
• maintain and develop the school grounds
• ensure the upkeep of our computer devices to enhance learning opportunities
• maintain sufficient class sets of books for students to develop their reading skills
• provide hands on maths equipment i.e.: measuring materials for teaching purposes
• facilitate Literacy and Mathematics online digital subscriptions
• deliver a range of sporting equipment and access to sporting programs.
• arrange for individual student supplies and class bulk supplies
• offer effective first aid for all students

Please note that these voluntary charges will be available on Xuno and hard copies are available at the office should you wish to contribute.

There is also the option to pay for these in instalments via XUNO or through the office.

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Uniforms & Hats

At Winters Flat we pride ourselves on being part of a community and wearing our uniform proudly promotes our sense of belonging.  You can purchase new uniforms at Beleza in Castlemaine, which is located 207 Barker Street, (across the road from the post office).  We also provide some second-hand uniforms that can be purchased for a low fee.  Hats must be worn from September until the end of April each year, you can purchase a hat either at Beleza or the school.

Beleza Update

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Whole School Swimming Program 2024 – 17th – 21st  March inclusive

We will be running our swimming program again this year in Term 1. Swimming is part of our curriculum, and all students are expected to participate. The students will be graded and put into their appropriate swim levels. The program will run everyday for a week from 17th – 21st March so students will need their bathers and towel every day. Permission forms to follow shortly. 

Families are asked to complete a short survey about their child/ren's swimming ability to assist with grouping into classes. Please complete the survey asap.

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School Photo Day – March 14^th

Our school photo day is Friday 14^th March.  Photo forms will be sent home shortly.  There are plenty of options available to choose from.

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School Saving Bonus

Information regarding the SSB can be found here. If you have not received the email with the code, it is advised that you check your spam/junk folder. If you still cannot find it, then there is an enquiry form available here.

Money not spent on uniforms will remain on your school account to put towards future excursions, activities and camps. Money not spent this year will rollover into future years.

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Camps, Sports & Excursions Fund (CSEF)

CSEF is provided by the Victorian Government to assist eligible families to cover the costs of school trips, camps and sporting activities.

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If you hold a valid means-tested concession card or are a temporary foster parent, you may be eligible for CSEF. A special consideration category also exists for asylum seeker and refugee families. The allowance is paid to the school to use towards expenses relating to camps, excursions or sporting activities for the benefit of your child.

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The annual CSEF amount per student is:

• $150 for primary school students
• $250 for secondary school students
• New applicants should contact the school office to obtain a CSEF application form or download from the website below.
• If you applied for CSEF at your child's school last year, you do not need to complete an application form this year unless there has been a change in your family circumstances. 
• You only need to complete an application form if any of the following changes have occurred:
• new student enrolments; your child has started or changed schools this year.
• changed family circumstances; such as a change of custody, change of name, concession card number, or new siblings commencing this year.

Check with the school office if you are unsure.

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Volunteering at school in 2025

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A Message from your School Crossing Supervisors

Welcome back to a new school year.  Here a just a few reminders about how and when to use the school crossing –

• ALWAYS cross at the crossing when the flags are displayed
• ALWAYS stand behind the white line and wait for the Supervisor to blow 2 whistle blasts before crossing
• DO NOT ride bikes, scooters or skateboards across the crossing
• ALWAYS be alert and listen to what your Crossing Supervisor says
• ALWAYS park your car legally
• BEFORE you cross – STOP, LOOK, LISTEN and THINK

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Sushi on Fridays

We are continuing Sushi on Fridays again this year. Here is a reminder of the steps you need to do to order Sushi.

Your child/s class must be updated to their 2025 class before you order.

1. Go to www.schoollunchonline.com.au to register your family
2. Choose ‘My orders’ and select ‘Create order‘
3. Select the date of the Friday you wish to order for
4. Add items to order by clicking on the ‘tick’
5. Select ‘add to bag’
6. Review order and check it is all correct, then click ‘next’
7. Choose how you want to pay and then select ‘submit’

      *Update your billing details under the tab ‘my account’

*Pay as you go or top up your account regularly

*No minimum order or long term commitment

*Order ahead up to any time within the current term

Orders need to be made by 5pm on Thursday to ensure order is placed for Sushi at lunchtime on Friday.

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XUNO

If any families are having issues with logging onto XUNO, or trouble navigating the app, please contact the office.

Currently, the app gives you access to: 

• Messages (send and receive messages to your child’s teachers)
• Timetable
• Calendar
• News
• Attendance (to add a reason for an absence on the day of absence, or to provide a reason for previous absences)
• Events, Camps & Excursions (and the ability to approve events)
• Payments (to pay for any camps/excursions)
• Parent Teacher Interview Bookings (ability to book)

We encourage all families to be regularly logging into XUNO, either via the website or the app.

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SAKG Laundry Roster

If you are able to help with the SAKG laundry, please contact us in the office.

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Chess Club

Chess will return in 2025! Chess will be held on #### 

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Karen Mahoney & Kitty Ward

Office