Filter Content
- NEWS | From the Principal
- NEWS | From the Office
- EXCURSION | Chess Tournament
- NEWS | School Council
- NEWS | Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Program
- FUNDRAISING ACTIVITIES | Major Raffle
- STUDENTS OF THE WEEK
- EXCURSION | Grade 1/2 Swimming Program
- EVENT | Bike Education
- EVENT | Paul Bangay Open Garden
- EXCURSION | Grade 5/6 Swimming Program
- EVENT | Scholastic Book Fair
- EVENT | School Council Meeting
- EVENT | State Election
- EVENT | School Assembly
- EVENT | Prep Transition
- EVENT | Volunteers Thank You Morning Tea
- EVENT | Curriculum Day
- EVENT | School Assembly
- EVENT | Step-up Day
- EVENT | School Council Meeting
- EVENT | Grade 6 Graduation Evening
- EVENT | Special Assembly/Excellence Awards
- EVENT | End Of School Year & Christmas Celebration
- COMMUNITY EVENTS
Dear Winters Flat Community,
Please remember to contact the school if your child is absent. A phone message, email or via our website or app to let the school know your child is unwell is a legal requirement.
1. Contact Details
There are times when we need to contact you, including if your child is absent without explanation. Do we have your most up to date contact details? If not, please contact the school on 5472 1522 or email winters.flat.ps@edumail.vic.gov.au so we can update our records. Please include parent/carers’ name, address, phone numbers, email address and emergency contact details. Please remember to contact the school if any of these details or your circumstances change.
2. Notify the School of your Child’s Absence
Protecting the safety and well-being of children through the reporting and monitoring of absenteeism is the responsibility of both parents/carers and schools.
Please remember to contact the school on the Absence Line - 5472 1522 and Press 1, or email winters.flat.ps@edumail.vic.gov.au, early in the morning if your child is going to be away or late for school so your child’s absence can be recorded correctly. You may also log your child’s absence through our school’s app or on our website.
3. Same-day notification of unexplained student absences
Our school will email/SMS/phone you as soon as practicable on the day if a student is not at school and you haven’t notified the school as to why. If you are notified by the school that your child is away without a reason, please contact us as soon as possible by phoning, emailing or using the school app, to let us know where your child is. If we cannot reach you because we don’t have your correct contact details (i.e.: message notification fail, disconnected number), then we will make contact with any emergency contact/s nominated on your child’s file held by the school, where possible, on the same day of the unexplained absence.
Please remember it is your responsibility to contact us to provide an explanation for your child's absence from school, and where possible, please inform us in advance of upcoming absences.
Save this number! Our school uses Email, Phone or SMS to contact parents/carers as soon as practical on the day, on an unexplained student absence. Save this number 5472 1522 into your phone.
Can you Help with our Two Big Fundraising Efforts Coming Up?
For the Paul Bangay Open Garden this weekend we are seeking your donations of homemade preserves, shortbread and biscuits to sell. Please deliver to school by Friday 9.00am.
On the following weekend of the State Election on Saturday 24th November we need homemade cakes, biscuits and slices to sell. Please see more details from the Fundraising subcommittee.
Prep & Year 1 Dinner and Sleepover
Students and staff had a great evening of fun and activities last Friday. Despite the 6.00am wake up everyone seemed bright-eyed the next morning –even the kids! I’d like to thank Fiona, Jeanette and Keenan for organizing the program as well as the dedicated team of parent helpers who assisted with serving dinner and breakfast the next morning.
Swimming Program
The swimming program is in full swing with Year 1 and 2 students going this week and the Year 5/6 classes next week. We were really pleased with the behaviour and participation of the students in Year 3 and 4 who finished the program with their fun day at the pool on Friday.
Please note that students in Grade 1 and 2 will need a pair of shorts and t-shirt, for tomorrow's session, as part of their survival lesson.
End of Year School Celebration
5.00pm – 7.00pm Wednesday 19th December
Musicians in our community please contact me via email if you/your band would like to perform that night or could assist with amps/microphones or other sound gear.
A reminder to everyone that on the night the Christmas crafts stall will be available, as well as pizzas for sale from the pizza oven and a barbecue.
Urgent Call for 2019 Prep Enrolments
We are asking all families with a Prep-age child for next year to submit their enrolment details as soon as possible! All Castlemaine schools are hoping to have their 2019 enrolment numbers confirmed immediately, with transition programs commencing in a couple of weeks.
Volunteers - Thank you Morning Tea Monday 3rd December
As you know our school is strongly supported by parents, carers and others in our community who volunteer to assist in classrooms and school programs. We invite all those who have helped at school this year to our Thank You Morning Tea at 10.55am on Monday 3rd December, in the S.A.K.G. Kitchen.
Recycle your Old Mobile Phone and Help Save Wild Gorillas
There is a collection box in the front office where you can leave old mobile phones. The coltan can be re-used and reduces the demand on illegal mining of coltan in gorilla habitat.
Suzanne Kinnersly
Principal.
FINAL DAY - Term 4 2018 - Friday 21st December
Dismissal - 2:30pm
Outstanding Accounts
Over the coming weeks, accounts will be sent home with your child. We would appreciate if these could be paid promptly.
Thank you to parents who have already paid.
CHESS VICTORIA SEMI-FINALS – FRIDAY 26th OCTOBER 2018
Lewin and Rohan deep in thought.
On the back of a tremendous performance at the 'Old Castlemaine Gaol' on September the 19th
Winters Flat won a place into the Chess Victoria State Semi-Finals which was held on the 26th October at Marcellin College. With our year Year 5's on camp, it was the Year 3 & 4's who got us to the state semis. It was an amazing performance. Much of the chess talent and enthusiasm came from Karen's 3/4BM class this year.
The stand out performance for Winters Flat P.S. at the Chess Victoria Semis was Lewin B, who is only in year 3.
He won 6 out of 7 games and came 8th over-all based upon the tiebreaker score. It was a brilliant performance for a young student who had only started chess this year.
Lewin capped off a remarkable year overall in which he consistently put in stellar performances.
Lewin is an end game specialist, who fearlessly plays out tight positions against seasoned opposition, with a cool head and a methodical approach. He often finds first-rate solutions in complex endings and executes them with composure.
Other standout performances were; Ashton C, Ayden C, Iestyn C and Zander C all on 4 wins and nearly everyone else was around 3-3.5 wins.
We were only half a point away from making the grand final. The competition was that close.
There were 29 schools in our semi final with a total of 218 students competing including; Balwyn North P.S., Candlebark, Penleigh& Essendon Grammar, Buninyong P.S. and Melbourne Montessori. In all the semi finals combined there were approximately 650 students competing. Chesskids, the other big chess server for schools, had approximately the same amount.
Students who represented the school on the day were: Lewin B, Zander C, Iestyn C, Lukas K-F, Zephyr N-W, William H, Kai H, Ashton C, Lillian B, Isobel L, Ayden C , Rohan S, Oslan S and Caleb M.
Parent volunteers and drivers:
We would like to give our special thanks to our parent volunteers and drivers for all their generosity and support on the day; Maryanne and Michael Blanch, Sharon Robinson, Nick Haslam, and Rowan Smith (who came on short notice and enabled us to take more students). I would also like to thank Graham McNichol, Pastor of the Castlemaine Seventh Day Adventist Church, for helping by driving students as well.
The pictures above tell a thousand words. Students were engaged in intense concentrated thinking at the tournament and the beauty of a mind sport is the kids enjoy doing it. They learn that thinking is fun! One of the impressive things about Rohan's last game, as shown in the picture, was that he had risen early, made a long car journey, already played 6 half hour tournament games and in game 7 he was still alert and focused.
On a personal note, I would like to give special thanks to all our parents for their help and support this year most notably; Maryanne and Michael Blanch, David Frazer, Scott and Annetta Henderson, Sharon Robinson, Rowan Smith, Anna Choothesa, Gabrielle Norden , Beba Murphy and Alex Cotterell, and Nick Haslam, and if I have missed anyone I humbly apologise. I would also like to thank our Principal, Suzanne and all the staff at Winters Flat.P.S. for their goodwill and wonderful support again this year.
2019 is full of promise, and with all our new found champions, Winters Flat is rising again in the world of primary school chess!
Thank you,
Harry Poulton
WFPS Chess Tutor.
Our two two major fundraisers are fast approaching….
The Paul Bangay Open Garden on 17th and 18th November 2018
and The Election Day BBQ and cake stall on 24th November 2018.
We still need your help with:
Homemade Preserves
Buttery Lemon Thyme & Vanilla Boomerangs
Shortbread
All ingredients to be listed and labelled with date of baking.
Please bring to the school office by no later than 9:00am on Friday 16th November 2018.
Cakes
Biscuits
Slices
All ingredients to be listed and labelled with date of baking.
Please bring to the school office by no later than Friday 23rd November, or can be dropped to the stall on Election day.
Also don’t forget our great Christmas raffle. Please sell as many tickets as you can.
THANK YOU IN ADVANCE
Fundraising Sub-committee
Fiona Johnston, Karen Mahoney, David Tobin, Suzanne Kinnersly, and Katie Wilson.
NEWS | Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Program
Recipes
- Spaghetti with Kale, Leeks, Pine Nuts & Ricotta
- Polenta Herb Chips
- Salsa Verde
- Aioli
- Fruity Frozen Yoghurt (Jamie Oliver Recipe).
Copies of the recipes above are available on the school website - click here.
Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden - Chefs
Grade 2/3W - Levi J.
Grade 3/4B - Lilli D, Cedar C & Ayden C.
Grade 5/6F - Salina C, Jacob F & Alex F.
Grade 4/5/6O - Leonard P.
Grade 5/6 B - Esther H-H
Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden - Gardeners
Grade 5/6F - Salina C, Jacob F, Ava K S, Jake P & Eoin W.
Grade 4/5/6O - Noah S.
Grade 3/4BM - Naomi C, Rohan S, Milly K S, Monty A & Oslan S.
Grade 2/3W - Whole Class.
Grade 1/2MB - Archie K & Jazmine W.
Grade 5/6B - Isa V O, Esther H-H, Rocket B L & Annika G.
FUNDRAISING ACTIVITIES | Major Raffle
Raffle tickets were sent home to families last Wednesday. They will also be sold at the State Election fundraiser and our End of Year & Christmas celebration on the 19th December.
Tickets will be drawn on the 19th December and winners contacted.
The cost of tickets is $2.00 each.
Please ensure money and ticket stubs are returned by the 19th December.
1ST PRIZE - HOLIDAY PACKAGE (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!
P/1J
Lily W - caring for self by working hard to complete number facts independently. Terrific effort lily. Your subtraction was superb.
Leuca B - caring for others by always being friendly, co-operative and fair to your classmates. Thank you for your efforts.
P/1L
Polly L - caring for self by always following instructions straight away.
Noah N - caring for others by always using kind words.
1/2MB
Sam G - caring for self and others by working really hard at our Grade 1 Sleepover, helping to carry all the mattresses. Thanks Sam!
Riley F - caring for self by taking his time with his handwriting and being very proud of his work!
2/3W
Jem J - caring for self by showing persistence and resilience in a challenging situation. Well done Jem!
Jasper R - caring for others by speaking nicely and showing interest in younger students.
3/4BM
Circus Performing Group - caring for others by showing exemplary organisation, team work, inclusion, dedication and respect for each other in the developing and performing of your Circus Show. And WOW, what a show it was, with all troupe members displaying enthusiasm, confidence and excellent acting skills.
You all did a truly wonderful job, showing your skills and experience with each other, in your own time, to put together a great show for the entertainment of others. Very proud of you all!
Kaire K - caring for others. Thank you Kaire for the respect and kindness that you ALWAYS show towards your friends, classmates and teachers. Your willingness to share with and care for others is so very much appreciated in our class. Thank you for all of your positive energy, co-operation and sensitivity that you display.
4/5/6O
William H - caring for self by working well and completing tasks in a mature manner.
Maeve K - caring for self by taking on the challenge of extending her poetry portfolio.
5/6B
Jack K - caring for self by developing a growth mindset towards his learning.
Annika G - caring for self by always working to succeed, even when it's difficult.
5/6F
Jasper C - caring for self by using a growth mindset to improve the quality of his work.
Ava K S - caring for self by using a growth mindset to improve the quality of her work.
POSITIVE BEHAVIOUR FOCUS:
The winners are: BeBe C, Steph H & CJ R.
CUMALONG CUP WINNERS:
Grade 5/6B.
EXCURSION | Grade 1/2 Swimming Program
12
Mon
12 Nov 2018 - 16 Nov 2018
12:00 PM to 3:00 PM
12
Mon
12 Nov 2018 - 16 Nov 2018
12:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Closing Date: 09 Nov 2018
Our School Swimming Program is a component of the Health & Physical Education Key Learning Area at Winters Flat. The program will run over a week, during term 4 at the Kyneton Aquatic indoor pool. Students will leave the school at 12 noon and return to school by approx. 3.00 pm. The time of the lesson is 12.45-1.45 pm
The sessions are conducted by qualified Aust Swim Instructors and will be subsidised by the Education Department which cover the swimming lessons only.
The program cost to parents will be $60. This includes pool entry and bus travel costs.
12
Mon
12 Nov 2018 - 16 Nov 2018
12:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Closing Date: 09 Nov 2018
16
Fri
16 Nov 2018
10:26 AM to 3:26 PM
16
Fri
16 Nov 2018
10:26 AM to 3:26 PM
Recurring
Students in Grades 3 and 4 will be doing Bike Education safety this Term - Friday 16th, 23rd and 30th November, for 2 hours.
Bikes need to be provided by students, which have to be in a roadworthy condition. Safety helmets must also be worn. It would be good for parents/caregivers to have a talk about road safety rules with their child prior to the sessions.
Please complete forms and return to school before this Friday.
16
Fri
16 Nov 2018
10:26 AM to 3:26 PM
Recurring
EVENT | Paul Bangay Open Garden
17
Sat
17 Nov 2018 - 18 Nov 2018
17
Sat
17 Nov 2018 - 18 Nov 2018
Closing Date: 19 Nov 2018
Address: Stonefields, Denver, VIC
Stonefields is rarely open to the public and this event offers garden lovers and food enthusiasts an exclusive opportunity to go behind the scenes at one of Australia’s most celebrated gardens.
Guests can enjoy the spectacular vistas, walk through seven acres of gardens bursting with colour, chat with members of the Kitchen Garden Foundation team and, of course, shop for handmade and seasonal keepsakes made by Winters Flat and other Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden School students.
Also on offer: a selection of fine food and beverages, and a vibrant Community Market with rare plants and many other unique items. The full list of food and drink available will be announced on our Facebook event page closer to the date.
As is tradition, each day kicks-off with a small-group private tour of the gardens led by Paul Bangay and proudly sponsored by Ross Garden Tours; private tour tickets are strictly limited so book yours early. Paul will then join Stephanie Alexander at the book-signing marquee, with an extensive range of books available to buy.
All proceeds from this event go towards supporting the delivery of pleasurable food education.
For more details - visit the website
17
Sat
17 Nov 2018 - 18 Nov 2018
Closing Date: 19 Nov 2018
Address: Stonefields, Denver, VIC
EXCURSION | Grade 5/6 Swimming Program
19
Mon
19 Nov 2018 - 23 Nov 2018
11:30 AM to 3:00 PM
19
Mon
19 Nov 2018 - 23 Nov 2018
11:30 AM to 3:00 PM
Recurring
Our School Swimming Program is a component of the Health & Physical Education Key Learning Area at Winters Flat. The program will run over a week, during term 4 at the Kyneton Aquatic indoor pool. Students will leave the school at 11.30 am and return to school by approx. 3.00 pm. There will be two sessions 12.30 – 1.15 & 1.15 – 2.00 pm
The sessions are conducted by qualified Aust Swim Instructors and will be subsidised by the Education Department which will cover the swimming lessons only.
The program cost to parents will be $60. This includes pool entry and bus travel costs.
Students require caps to participate in the swimming program. Unfortunately the school has sold all swimming caps.
Please return the permission and assessment forms by Friday 16th November.
19
Mon
19 Nov 2018 - 23 Nov 2018
11:30 AM to 3:00 PM
Recurring
19
Mon
19 Nov 2018 - 23 Nov 2018
19
Mon
19 Nov 2018 - 23 Nov 2018
Closing Date: 16 Nov 2018
Scholastic Book Fair.
- Monday 19th - Browsing and wish lists in class.
- Tuesday 20th to Friday 23rd - Purchases -1:35pm to 2:00pm and 3:15pm to 3:45pm.
19
Mon
19 Nov 2018 - 23 Nov 2018
Closing Date: 16 Nov 2018
EVENT | School Council Meeting
19
Mon
19 Nov 2018
7:30 PM to 9:00 PM
19
Mon
19 Nov 2018
7:30 PM to 9:00 PM
School Council Meeting held in the staffroom - 7:30pm to 9:00pm.
19
Mon
19 Nov 2018
7:30 PM to 9:00 PM
24
Sat
24 Nov 2018
24
Sat
24 Nov 2018
Winters Flat PS is a polling booth on that day. This will be located at the deck in the middle of the administration block.
We will have barbecues selling bacon and egg rolls with a vegetarian option, as well as a cake stall.
Volunteers will be required from our school community to make cakes for the cake stall, sell cakes and assist with the barbecue on this day, from 8.00am – 2.00pm.
Like to help at this event?
24
Sat
24 Nov 2018
26
Mon
26 Nov 2018
8:55 AM to 9:30 AM
26
Mon
26 Nov 2018
8:55 AM to 9:30 AM
Sustainability Leaders.
26
Mon
26 Nov 2018
8:55 AM to 9:30 AM
4
Tue
04 Dec 2018
4
Tue
04 Dec 2018
Recurring
Tuesday – 4th December - Children arrive at 2:15pm and depart at 3:15pm. Parents meet in the Staffroom for a cuppa and chat with the Principal, Suzanne Kinnersly.
Tuesday – 11th December - Children arrive at 10:00am and depart at 12:00pm. Please bring a fruit or vegetable snack for ‘Munch & Crunch’ and a snack for recess. Winters Flat PS is a “Nude Food Everyday School”, so please provide food in a labelled container. Also, don’t forget a water bottle.
Parents are very welcome to phone us on 5472 1522, or call into the school at any time.
Uniforms are available every Tuesday morning at WFPS from 8:30am to 10:00am.
4
Tue
04 Dec 2018
Recurring
EVENT | Volunteers Thank You Morning Tea
3
Mon
03 Dec 2018
10:55 AM to 11:25 AM
3
Mon
03 Dec 2018
10:55 AM to 11:25 AM
3
Mon
03 Dec 2018
10:55 AM to 11:25 AM
7
Fri
07 Dec 2018
10
Mon
10 Dec 2018
8:55 AM to 9:30 AM
10
Mon
10 Dec 2018
8:55 AM to 9:30 AM
School Assembly - Grade 6.
10
Mon
10 Dec 2018
8:55 AM to 9:30 AM
11
Tue
11 Dec 2018
10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
11
Tue
11 Dec 2018
10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Grade 6 Students who are attending CSC in 2019, will be attending a Transition Day at the college.
From 10:00 am to 12:00 noon, current Grades Prep to Year 5 students will be spending time in their classrooms for 2019.
This will include Grade Prep students commencing school in 2019.
11
Tue
11 Dec 2018
10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
EVENT | School Council Meeting
10
Mon
10 Dec 2018
7:30 PM to 9:00 PM
10
Mon
10 Dec 2018
7:30 PM to 9:00 PM
School Council Meeting held in the staffroom - 7:30pm to 9:00pm.
10
Mon
10 Dec 2018
7:30 PM to 9:00 PM
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