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- NEWS | From The Principal
- NEWS | From The Office
- NEWS | From The Listening Post
- NEWS | Physical Education
- NEWS | Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Program
- STUDENTS OF THE WEEK
- NEWS | Fundraising Subcommittee
- FUNDRAISING ACTIVITIES | Major Raffle
- PEACE POSTER AWARD 2018
- EVENT | Grade 6 Graduation Evening
- EVENT | Special Assembly/Excellence Awards
- EVENT | End Of School Year & Christmas Celebration
- EVENT | Pop-up Uniform Shop
- EVENT | Prep Students
- COMMUNITY EVENTS
Dear Winters Flat Community,
As 2018 draws to a close we still have some end of year events to celebrate.
Yesterday we had Step-Up-Day where students spent time with their new class and teacher for 2019. We make every effort to have the class lists finalised by this day but occasionally we need to make changes.
Next Tuesday we say farewell to our Year 6 students officially at their Graduation evening.
Next Wednesday at 9.15am is the Special Assembly. Children should wear school uniform but may add a ‘touch of Christmas’. Wednesday is also the day for class parties and Kris Kringle – please remember healthy food.
Next Wednesday evening from 5pm - 7pm it is the end of year celebration and our final opportunity to get together for 2018. There will be wood-fired pizzas (sorry no gluten-free), sausage sizzle, and veggie burgers for sale, the Christmas raffle draw, Christmas crafts and singing. Children are encouraged to dress for the festive season.
SPECIAL ASSEMBLY
Time: 9:15am Wednesday 19th December
BABY NEWS
Terry and his partner Bronwyn have a new baby, Kit who was born last week – a little brother for Sonny. Terry will be on leave for the rest of 2018 and we wish the family all the very best!
STAFFING 2019
We recently advertised a 12-month contract position to commence in 2019. Bianca Alvarez Harris has been provisionally appointed and will be teaching Prep/1A. Bianca is returning to Winters Flat and met her new class at Step-Up-Day yesterday.
Sam Burdett will be finishing his contract at the end of 2018. We acknowledge the great work he has done with 5/6B this year and the significant contribution he has made to our school in his first full year of teaching. We thank him sincerely and wish him all the best in his future teaching career.
Jill Murphy has decided to leave Winters Flat at the end of 2018. Jill has been responsible for Literacy intervention since retiring from teaching full time. We wish her all the best for a happy retirement.
2019 CLASSES
P/1 J |
Fiona Johnson |
P/1 A |
Bianca Alvarez-Harris |
2/3F |
Peta Firth |
2/3W |
Helen Weir |
4/5/6B |
Karen Brooks & Sam Milner |
4/5/6L |
Keenan Lucas |
4/5/6M |
Jeanette McMahon & Marie Bourne |
SENIOR LEARNING COMMUNITY AND FLEXIBLE LEARNING SPACE
In 2019 we are introducing an innovative approach to teaching and learning which makes use of the flexible learning space in the new building and the initiative of a group of teachers who are keen to take collaboration to the next level with a team teaching approach. Many schools in Victoria, both primary and secondary have adopted the team teaching approach as a way of more effectively catering to the individual needs of their students. Schools in our region where team teaching is being implemented include Kangaroo Flat PS, Bourchier St PS in Shepparton and Crusoe College in Bendigo. Members of the WFPS team visited some of these school to observe the ways they teach and work together.
With a strong emphasis on developing the learning community within our school we are looking to develop team teaching opportunities in other areas of the school as well.
The ability of teams to plan and implement these changes will be supported by the timetable which will release teams of teachers to meet together during a planning block. Examples of where team teaching already happens at Winters Flat are the Activities sessions run in the junior school as well as literacy and numeracy groupings across the school.
We are excited and enthusiastic about the innovations this team approach will bring to Winters Flat PS.
I have included some links which outline the Team Teaching philosophy and experiences.
Blog post Kathleen Morris (Victorian teacher)
Ashburton Primary School (a primary school in Melbourne outlining Team Teaching in their context)
Collaborative Team Teaching: Challenges and Rewards - Marisa Kaplan (US teacher)
The 4/5/6 Team will be working hard during the summer break to ensure a smooth start to the school year.
We will also host a forum early in 2019 with additional information and a Q & A session.
SCHOOL CAPTAINS 2019
Students who nominated for School Captain and Vice-Captain were given the opportunity to speak to the students and staff before Step-Up-Day on Tuesday. Each of the students represented themselves very well and I look forward to working with those who were unsuccessful, in providing other leadership roles and opportunities next year.
The School Captains for 2109 are Molly Kilgour and Sylvie Wilson. The Vice Captains are Salina Carlile, Esther Henry-Hannan and Sam Rees-McWilliam.
MANGO FUNDRAISER
The winner of the voucher is Chloe B, with a grand total of 30 trays sold. We raised $3,472.00 for the school!
Thank you to everyone who made this fundraiser so successful! Also to the students who helped unload 400 trays of mangoes.
NEWSHOUNDS
Winters Flat Primary School participated in the Newshound program run by Elliott Midland. Special thanks to the Newshounds from 4/5/6O.
Below is a copy of the winning article and award.
END OF YEAR THANK YOU
On a personal note I would like to extend my thanks to the many groups within our school community who help to make Winters Flat such a great place to be.
The classroom and specialist teaching team have worked incredibly hard this year and managed to work around the challenges of the protracted building process. Thanks to all teaching staff for your flexibility and for taking on the additional challenges of innovative curriculum reform and for your ongoing support for the students in your care.
Thank you to the support staff team for all the things you do to help our classrooms run so smoothly, going above and beyond the job description.
To Terry and Jane for a wonderful Kitchen garden program which resonates with so many of our students.
To Liz and Karen in administration, who keep me on my toes and support my busy schedule on a daily basis.
I extend my gratitude to the School Council for their work in representing the school community and for the hours of volunteering that once again go above and beyond the job description.
To the volunteers who work at Winters Flat, such as Harry Poulton who runs an amazing Chess Club.
To the many parents and carers who have come during school hours to support classroom programs and after hours to work on the buildings and grounds.
To the class of 2018 I thank you for your leadership and commitment this year and wish you all the best in your future schooling.
Finally a special thanks to the students who are the reason the rest of us are here. I wish you and your family all the best for a Merry Christmas and a safe and happy holiday and I look forward to working with you in 2019.
Suzanne Kinnersly
Principal.
LAST DAY OF SCHOOL FOR 2018
Friday 21st December is the last day of the 2018 school year. Children will be dismissed at 2:30pm. 2019 Term dates are now available on our website.
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NO SHOP LUNCHES FRIDAY DECEMBER 21ST
Students will need to bring their lunches on the last day of Term, Friday 21st December, as SHOP LUNCHES WILL NOT be available to purchase.
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LOST PROPERTY
As the end of the year draws near, our pile of lost property grows! Come and check it out at the office and see if any of it belongs to you or your family - you never know what you might find!
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STILL LOOKING FOR THAT PERFECT GIFT?
We have a range of fabulous gift ideas available to purchase from the school. Check out 'The Emporium' on our Facebook and Website. All items are available now to purchase from the office.
NEWS | From The Listening Post
THE LISTENING POST… Enjoy your holidays!
Hi Everyone,
Welcome to all the new children and families at Winters Flat, and goodbye to all the young people and families leaving our school – we wish you all well on your new adventures in lifelong learning!
I was fortunate enough to ‘sit in’ on the speeches our wonderful students gave in their bid for School Captain – as our Principal Suzanne said, "Regardless of who actually becomes our School Captain, we will be in good hands!".
I write this on ‘Step-Up’ day – and this reminds me of the book by Dr Seuss – ‘My many coloured days’. Step-Up day is a day where children and teachers alike have a lot of mixed emotions; so be gentle with yourselves – talk to your mums, dads and carers about how you are feeling and if you did not quite get all your wishes come true for the teacher you really wanted or the friends you really wanted to be with – remember that it takes a while to get used to new things – give yourself time and patience and remind yourself that this is the start of a new adventure!
With the school holidays ahead, I am sure there are lots of lovely plans. If over the holidays, you speak or hear those dreaded words ‘I’m bored’, I thoroughly recommend a book for you and your family to share – it’s called “Unbored” and it’s jam packed with ideas for all kinds – check it out!
To all the staff, children, families and friends of Winters Flat, thank you one and all for making our Winters Flat Community a wonderful place to work and play! Have a wonderful holiday everyone.
Warm regards,
Kim
Student Wellbeing.
Recently students in Grades 3 and 4 participated in the “Bike Education” program developed by Vic Roads. The main purpose was to prepare children for on-road riding through skill development, knowledge of road rules, and most importantly, the thinking skills essential to safe on-road riding. This was the main area of our Health and P.E. learning this term.
The program comprised of some ‘in class’ sessions, but the majority of the program involved riding in the school grounds and finished with a bike ride along Campbells Creek.
NEWS | Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Program
CHEFS OF THE WEEK
Grade 4/5/6O - Nate L, Sylvie W, Anouk P and Bela T.
Grade 5/6F - Alex F, Keira M, Tom H and Salina C.
Grade 5/6B - Gardening Gurus and Raven M.
Grade 2/3W - Whole Class.
Grade 1/2MB - Whole Class.
Grade 3/4BM - Whole Class.
A special mention to all Grade 2 Students, who had a fantastic year in S.A.K.G. cooking classes.
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WATERING THE GARDEN & FEEDING THE CHOOKS
P/1J
Amber O'R - caring for others by always being friendly and co-operative in class and at playtimes.
Brody H - caring for self by making a huge effort to participate in reading activities in class. Super effort!
P/1L
Gracie D - caring for others by always making sure everyone is included in games. Good work Gracie.
Levi J - caring for self by always bringing a positive attitude to school and trying his best. Well done Levi.
1/2MB
Georgie N - caring for self by being ready for her learning and keeping focused until her work is complete!
Jazmine W - caring for the environment by looking out for everyone around her and helping to make our environment beautiful!
2/3W
Calypso E-McD - caring for self by settling in to the classroom with such ease and for your hard work and dedication to a high standard of work. Well done calypso.
Chase-Lee D - caring for self by being resilient during tough situations and working hard to complete your work. Keep it up Chase-Lee.
3/4BM
Iestyn C - caring for self by making such a great, focused and determined effort to keep his head down and work REALLY hard to consistently complete ALL work tasks. Great 'self-umpiring' skills Iestyn, and congratulations on developing such a great work ethic.
Ayden C - caring for others by showing such AMAZING leadership and bike riding skills during the grade 3/4 'Creek ride'. You displayed great responsibility as well as care as you led each group down the track. Thank you for your willingness to step in and lend everyone a hand.
4/5/6O
Kody A - caring for self by giving 100% effort in Mathematics and sharing his great strategies.
BeBe C - caring for others by sharing her property to help out others. Thanks BeBe.
5/6B
Esther H-H - caring for self by keeping a growth mindset and developing so much this year.
Eadie N - caring for others by always being welcoming and kind to your school mates.
5/6F
Jake P - caring for others by being a positive role model in class - always on task and ignoring distractions. Thank you Jake.
Tahnee N - caring for self by using a growth mindset to achieve success - putting in effort, seeking help and doing her best. Well done Tahnee.
French
Harry M - caring for self by always making an effort to use French everywhere!
Sam G - caring for self with a greatly improved effort and participation in French.
POSITIVE BEHAVIOUR FOCUS:
The winners are: Lincon V, Felix M & Naomi C.
CUMALONG CUP WINNERS:
Grade 1/2MB.
NEWS | Fundraising Subcommittee
We would like to say a very big thank you to everyone who helped to make our two major fundraisers (Paul Bangay Open Garden and Election Day BBQ) such a big success.
In particular, we would like to thank Jane Grylls for her help in securing all the delicious and very popular strawberries for Paul Bangay Open Garden weekend and Ian Garsed, Newstead and Don KR Castlemaine, for their donations for Election Day.
Also everyone who helped on these days and/or who baked goods to sell.
Our final event for the year is the End of Year Celebration on Wednesday 19th December. We will be selling pizzas and having a BBQ. There will also be Christmas craft/gifts to buy. Our Christmas raffle will also be drawn on the night.
Please don’t forget to return your raffle tickets.
THANK YOU
Fundraising Sub-Committee
Fiona Johnston, Karen Mahoney, David Tobin, Suzanne Kinnersly and Katie Wilson.
FUNDRAISING ACTIVITIES | Major Raffle
Please ensure that all raffle tickets and money are returned to the office by Wednesday 19th December. Great prizes!
Tickets will also be sold at our End of Year & Christmas celebration on the 19th December. Tickets will be drawn at this event and winners contacted.
The cost of tickets is $2.00 each.
1ST PRIZE - HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION (Value $1500)
Enjoy a luxurious week away in beautiful Coffs Harbour at Nautilus Resort. This one bedroom apartment easily sleeps a family of four. Situated 147 metres from the beach, and with its own swimming pools, this apartment has all you need to enjoy a relaxing getaway. (Kindly donated by the Coff Family).
2nd PRIZE - CHRISTMAS HAMPER (Value $500)
This hamper is jammed pack full of goodies to get you ready for Christmas. You will be amazed at the assortments of items in this hamper.
3rd PRIZE - PAMPER PACK (Value $200)
This is just what you need at the end of a busy year. Enjoy a massage, Reiki and facial as you prepare for the summer months ahead.
(Kindly donated by David Tobin, Esther Barneveld and Cherie Amor)
4th PRIZE – Winters Flat Primary School Pack (Value $150.00)
Winters Flat Primary School package consists of a signed Stephanie Alexander Cookbook, Winters Flat PS Tote Bag, Winters Flat PS Tea Towel, our famous Coffee and of course our much sort after Honey.
5th PRIZE - MORPHY RICHARDS ASPECT SCANDI 4-SLICE TOASTER (Value $124)
This 4-slice toaster is blue by design with a wood effect trim. It has variable width slots for different types of bread, with easily operated controls for adjusting browning levels. A must have for the family kitchen.
6th PRIZE - BUNNINGS VOUCHER (Value $100)
You can’t go wrong with a Bunnings Voucher. However big or small, there is always something that needs fixing!
EVENT | Grade 6 Graduation Evening
18
Tue
18 Dec 2018
18
Tue
18 Dec 2018
Location: Castlemaine
Address: 1 Wimble Street, Castlemaine, 3450, Victoria
The Grade 6 Graduation is being held at the Mount Alexander Golf Club rooms on Tuesday 18th December.
Students need to be at the venue at 6:00pm for a formal sit-down dinner - Cost $25.00.
Parents and guests may arrive at 7:00pm for speeches and performances. The evening will conclude at approximately 9:30pm.
See attached flyer for permission form and further details.
18
Tue
18 Dec 2018
Location: Castlemaine
Address: 1 Wimble Street, Castlemaine, 3450, Victoria
EVENT | Special Assembly/Excellence Awards
19
Wed
19 Dec 2018
9:15 AM to 10:45 AM
19
Wed
19 Dec 2018
9:15 AM to 10:45 AM
Special Assembly - 9:15am to 10:45am approximately.
Excellence Awards will be presented at this assembly.
19
Wed
19 Dec 2018
9:15 AM to 10:45 AM
EVENT | End Of School Year & Christmas Celebration
19
Wed
19 Dec 2018
5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
19
Wed
19 Dec 2018
5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Location: Winters Flat Primary School
Address: Roberts Road, Castlemaine, 3450, VIC
End of Year Celebration
Join us for our End of School Year & Christmas Celebration.
This will be a great opportunity to farewell the school year with friends and families and watch as our students perform their end of year songs.
There will be a small market with gifts available to purchase (check out the range in The Emporium) plus a food stand/BBQ with pizza, sausage sizzle and vege burgers.
19
Wed
19 Dec 2018
5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Location: Winters Flat Primary School
Address: Roberts Road, Castlemaine, 3450, VIC
16
Wed
16 Jan 2019 - 31 Jan 2019
16
Wed
16 Jan 2019 - 31 Jan 2019
Beleza Uniforms will have a Pop-up Uniform Shop operating out of the IGA shopping complex commencing Wednesday 16th January to the 31st January for parents who would like to purchase uniforms for students prior to the start of the school year.
Opening hours:
Tuesday 22nd Jan to Friday 25th Jan - 10:00am to 5:00pm
Saturday 26th Jan - 10:00am to 1:00pm
Tuesday 29th Jan to Thursday 31st Jan - 10:00am to 5:00pm
Please see attached flyer for further details.
16
Wed
16 Jan 2019 - 31 Jan 2019
30
Wed
30 Jan 2019
30
Wed
30 Jan 2019
Prep Students are not required at school on Wednesday 30th January.
They are also not required to attend school on Wednesday 6th, 13th, 20th and 27th of February, 2019.
30
Wed
30 Jan 2019