ISSUE 20, 23RD JUNE 2016

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT

Looking back at Semester 1

As we reach the end of Semester 1, I have been reflecting on all that has happened here at Essex Heights so far this year. There have been far too many highlights to list here, but I would like to identify a few.

The continuation of our

‘Strategic Plan 2015-2018’

(available on the website) which identifies targeted areas for

improvement.

An enjoyable series of Camps which are definitely highlights

for the children in those year levels. Forest Lodge (Yr 6),

Sovereign Hill (Yr 5) and Woorabinda (selected Yr 4/5’s)

CALENDAR DATES

Term 2, 2016 Thurs 23rd June Pizza Lunch Day Thurs 23rd June Strings Concert – 7pm St Luke’s Fri 24th June Last Day of Term 2, 2.30pm Finish Sat 2nd July Election Day Cake Stall and Sausage Sizzle Term 3, 2016 Mon 11th July First Day of Term 3 Sat 16th July Essex Heights PS Birthday – (54) Mon 18th July Parent Teacher Discussions Tues 19th July Parent Teacher Discussions Thurs 21st July Indonesian Day – Whole School Tues 28th July Prep 2017 Parent Information Evening Thurs 28th July PFA Meeting Fri 29th July Pupil Free Day

The wonderful ‘Grandparents and Special Friends’ Concert

and Picnic ….. our biggest yet! Such a terrific community

event.

The entertaining and informative Parent Forum conducted

by Chris Daicos on building resilience in children.

Our fourth “Fun Run” that was a great fitness event and PFA

fundraiser.

Our second ever “Dance Program and Concert” which was

thoroughly enjoyed by children, and an appreciative

audience. Amazing what the children achieved again.

A very moving ANZAC Day Ceremony with the whole school.

The unbelievable ARISS event with eleven children talking to

Jeff Williams on the International Space Station.

Our children performing on stage at Hamer Hall for the

NEVR Concert.

Some great team events in Inter-school Sport with the

senior children achieving success in a number of areas.

Outstanding results in the Indonesian Oral language

Competition with a number of successful finalists.

A range of Incursions and Excursions across different Year

Levels, supporting the classroom program.

The way the “Essex Heights Values” continue to be applied

by teachers and children and included in our daily

conversations and interactions. Friendliness, Honesty,

Inclusiveness, Persistence , Respect

The way the 2016 Preps have settled into life at Essex

Heights. They are certainly right at home now.

The wonderful example our Yr 6 leaders have set for the rest

of the children as they have carried out their leadership

roles across the school.

The daily commitment of the Teachers and Education

Support staff to make Essex Heights a caring, friendly and

inclusive learning community

The challenging and stimulating learning opportunities the

staff provide across all Levels of the school, and the

outstanding results being achieved.

The efforts of our specialist teachers to provide a range of

excellent opportunities for the children in Visual Arts, Music,

Indonesian and Phys Ed & Sport

The professional and friendly service provided to all in our

community by the wonderful Office team.

Enjoying the recent series of Concert performances by the

children who participate in our Instrumental Music program

The work of the children in our Semester 1 Junior School

Council who have carried out their role superbly

The continued great work of the PFA in support of the

school community through fundraising, and the

opportunities offered to the children

The amazing parent helpers and volunteers who assist us on

a daily basis in classrooms and in many tasks that enhance

our programs. In particular, the dedicated team who have

been helping to upgrade our classroom and home reading

resources. A time consuming but important task.

The work of our School Council, under the leadership of

President Trevor Sharrock, as they oversee the policy,

building and financial responsibilities of the school

Finally ….. the happy smiling faces, and cheerful greetings, that I receive from all the children as I walk around the school. This is often commented on by visitors and is certainly a feature of our wonderful school.

Staffing News

I wish to inform the community that Carolyn Walker has notified me of her intention to retire from teaching. Carolyn is currently on leave, and therefore will not be returning in second Semester. Carolyn has been at Essex Heights for 20 years teaching German, in the Art program and grade sharing across Yr 3 & 4 classes.

I would like to thank Carolyn for her contribution to Victorian Education across her career, for her work with children at Essex Heights over the past 20 years and wish her well for her retirement.

Carolyn’s position in the Art Program will continue to be taken by Jean Elliot, and her teaching position in 3AW and 3CW will now be taken by Felicity O’Flynn.

Singapore Choral Festival

This year we are very excited to have a Choir travelling overseas in August to compete in the Singapore International Choir Festival. This choir of fifteen children have been working with Tanya Dolence in preparing three songs to perform in this annual choral

competition. This is a great opportunity for the children, giving them a unique experience to see other choirs perform, and to test themselves in an International Competition. The parents of these children are fundraising for their performance costumes, with one event being a ‘Sausage Sizzle’ later in July at Ashwood Woolworths. Please see the details in this Contact, and maybe call past on the day to help them along.

Class Visit - 2S

Last week I enjoyed a chance to visit Marita Steward and the children of 2S during a literacy session. The focus for the lesson was on ‘instructional text’ and this was modelled for the children at the start of the session with a ‘big book’. Marita had covered various aspects of the text and the children were encouraged to predict what was going to be revealed. This helped to revise prior learning, and focus the children on the components of the text that Marita had identified for this lesson. I then worked with a small group reading “The Secret Agent Manual”. Among a range of instructions in this manual, we enjoyed practising our ‘sneaking skills’ around the Violet Building. Following the completion of the various small group activities, the children enjoyed coming together to share their learning. Thanks to Marita for her work in building the literacy skills of the children in 2S, and her leadership in Science and environmental matters across the school.

Class Visit – Prep B

On Tuesday this week I also had the opportunity to visit Melanie Boyle and the children of Prep B. I love visiting the Prep classes as I always get a very warm welcome! I visited at 9:00am and the children were beginning the session by talking about the day, date, weather and listening to Mel explain what was ahead for them throughout the day. Mel then shared a ‘big book’ with the children along with a discussion of the ‘magic words’ that the children could identify in the text. The children then broke into four groups for their targeted activity. I played ‘Word Bingo’ with one group and they were very skilled at reading and matching the words on their game sheet.

Thanks to Mel for her great work in building a strong literacy foundation for the children in Prep B, and her contribution as member of School Council including Convening the Before and After School Care Committee.

Thanks to Erica Baddeley

Thanks to Erica Baddeley who has undertaken a massive task of stocktaking the ‘take home readers’ in the Eucalyptus Building. These are used extensively by the Prep – Yr 2 children and they and the teachers are very grateful for your help Erica …… thanks!

Essex Heights Carnival - Survey

The PFA and School Council wish to discuss the possibility of future Carnivals for Essex Heights PS. They would like to seek community views on some key questions and would appreciate you taking a few minutes to complete a short Survey.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PC6K9VN

Hindu Special Religious Instruction (SRI)

I have been contacted by the Hindu Heritage Foundation of Victoria offering to recommence Hindu SRI at Essex Heights. The SRI classes all take place for 30 minutes during Thursday Lunchtime. If you would be interested in your child participating in these classes for Semester 2, please contact the Office and leave your details. If enough children are interested, we will notify parents and distribute permission forms.

****STOP PRESS***Vandalism & Theft Sadly I have to report that overnight we were the subject of an act of vandalism and theft. Someone has cut the wire on our Chicken Coop and the chickens are gone, presumed stolen. This is most upsetting for the children as Coco, Peck and Flame were much loved members of the Essex Heights Community. I have no other News at this stage, but have reported this to Glen Waverley Police and they will call in to investigate further

Early Dismissal

A reminder for parents that the children will be dismissed on the last day of Term, Friday June 24th at 2:30pm. See you after the holidays, Andrew

Tee-Ball District Finals On Friday the 17th of June, our year 5/6 girls and boys tee-ball teams participated in the Interschool Sport District Final against Mount View PS. The finals were held at Waverley Park and both teams braved the wet weather and put in outstanding efforts. After a very close encounter, the girl’s tee-ball team finished runners up while the boy’s team defeated Mount View 21-6 and were crowned district champions! It has been a pleasure to witness both teams develop in skill as well as upholding the school values and displaying fantastic sportsmanship. Both teams represented Essex Heights very proudly. Thank you to Ben Wooster for all his work and organisation and the rest of the 5/6 teachers for their support throughout the interschool sports program. Overall, Essex Heights achieved some very good results with our Netball and Soccer teams finishing 3rd and just missing out on a finals spot. More importantly, our students received positive feedback on how encouraging and enthusiastic they were throughout the interschool sports competition. Congratulations to all the students involved! Con Papanicolaou

PARENTS AND FRIENDS NEWS

Hi all Will you be voting on 2 July? Do it at Essex Heights and you can grab a delicious sausage or a scrumptious cake, slice or plate of cookies at our Election Day Cake Stall and Sausage Sizzle. You should have received your cake kits this week. Thanks to Jenny Spowart for her organisation, to Nicola Sounas for supplying the materials, and to Soye Ham, Mina La'Forgue and Lauren Beechey for helping with packing. Your home-baked goods can be dropped to school on Friday 1 July (8–10am or 2–4pm) or on election day before 10am. If you can help on the stall please sign up online. Be quick, shifts are filling fast! Thanks to Andrea Fyfe and Luke Dow for organising the sausage sizzle, and to all the volunteers so far. Remember to turn up early on Friday (2:15pm) to celebrate the children raising $10,000 at the Fun Run. We’ll be sticky-taping Mr Crossett and Mr Wooster to the wall, and all the children who raised more than $100 will get to throw water balloons at them! Great winter fun. (Heartfelt thanks to those two brave men for being “in it”.) Have a relaxing and safe break Andrea J

BEFORE & AFTER SCHOOL CARE

Dear Parents, There has been a scheduling change with the movie booked for the 7/7/16. The children will now be watching Ice Age - Collision Course. Thank You Paul Davis

Berita Bahasa Indonesia!

‘Hari Indonesia’ – Indonesian Day

Thursday July 21st

Just a reminder about our upcoming Indonesian Day! Students from Prep-6 will be involved in a full day program. Children are asked to dress in Indonesia’s National Colours (red and white clothes/accessories) or Indonesian clothes. Our lolly guessing competition – 50 cents for 3 guesses will be raising money for BOS – Borneo Orangutan Survival Australia to buy care kits for orphaned baby orangutans in Indonesia.

Parents/grandparents/special friends are welcome to attend any of the sessions throughout the day.

Please refer to the schedule below. We look forward to a wonderful day! Alex Douros (Bu Douros) douros.alexandra.k@edumail.vic.gov.au

Hari Indonesia - Timetable Activity & Location 9.00-

10.00am 10.00am-11.00am

Recess 11.30-12.30pm

12.30-1.30pm

lunch 2.30-3.30pm

‘Suara Dance’ Workshop & Whole School Performance Hall

2S, 2O 4L, 4G 5/6 T 5/6 B 5/6 R

3F 3AW 3C 3CW 4O 5/6 M 5/6 P

Prep B Prep ZR Prep C Prep L 1C, 1W 1T, 1J 2B, 2LB

Selected children attending rehearsal for concert at the end of the day.

Whole School Performance (Suara Dance)

Angklung/Kecak Dance Indonesian Room

4O 3F

3CW 3C 3AW

4G 4 L

Whole School Performance (Suara Dance)

Carousel Puppet Theatre Stadium

Prep B Prep ZR Prep C Prep L 1C, 1W, 1T, 1J 2S, 2O, 2B, 2LB

Whole School Performance (Suara Dance)

Classroom Craft Activity (in individual classrooms)

Prep B, Prep ZR Prep C, Prep L 1C, 1W, 1T, 1J 2B, 2LB 3AW, 3C, 3CW 5/6 P 5/6 M

4G 4L 5/6 T 5/6 B 5/6 R

2S 2O 3F 4L 4G 4O

Prep B Prep ZR Prep C Prep L 1C, 1W, 1T, 1J 2S, 2O 2B, 2LB 3AW, 3C, 3CW, 3F 4O

Whole School Performance (Suara Dance)

5/6 T 5/6 P

Angklung Monash Uni Banksia Building

5/6 B ½ of 5/6 R

5/6 M ½ of 5/6 R

Whole School Performance (Suara Dance)

Congklak Challenge Stadium

5/6 P 5/6 M ½ of 5/6 R

5/6 T 5/6 B ½ of 5/6 R

Whole School Performance (Suara Dance)

Robot’s, Drones and Droids We have four vacancies for this year’s Science Talent Search. It is an exciting opportunity well worth entering. Please contact Marita Steward in V5 to take one of these limited places. Entries close soon. Marita Steward STS Co-Ordinator

CANTEEN

MONDAY 10.00 a.m.

11th July

Juliah Lai, Nina Kijwisarn

WEDNESDAY 10.15 a.m.

13th July Jacinta Savage

FRIDAY 10.15 a.m.

15th July Esha Pillay, Lingyan Cao, Doreen Lai Mun Lim

If you are unable to help please ensure that you advise Maria as soon as possible. DON’T FORGET –

Please report to Front Office to sign the Visitor’s Book and get a Visitor’s Label BEFORE proceeding to the Canteen. Any queries phone Maria on 0409 934 573

THANKS TO OUR TRIVIA NIGHT PRIZE DONORS

Agent Bricks Airstream Cafe Allied Group Services AMF Bowling Another Sweet Slice Australian Skin Clinics Bank of Melbourne Beebi Belle Party Supplies Box Hill Indoor Sports

Brazilian Butterfly Cannings Chemist Warehouse Envie Fitness Fernwood Fitness Harvest Blend Cafe Interlude Patisserie Jones the Grocer Just Swimming

The Local Framing Studio Lollipops - Forest Hill Luna Park Matthew Flinders Hotel McGrath Real Estate Michael Gidley, State MP Nachos Cantina Novotel Glen Waverley Priceline Ashwood

Primary Skills Tutoring Seed Creations The Shack Military Fitness Sticky Beaks Subway Mt Waverley Village / Box Hill North Timezone - Forest Hill Vida Tennis Waverley Gymnastics WRAMPS Fitness

THANKS TO OUR TRIVIA NIGHT TABLE SPONSORS

Box Hill Indoor Sports Indoor sports & kids’ parties boxhillindoorsports.com.au pumpedinflatablesports.com.au

NumberWorks'nWords Glen Waverley Specialist Maths and English tuition numberworksnwords.com 9574-9964

AJ Coatings Professional painters

www.ajcoatings.net.au painters@ajcoatings.net.au

Primary Skills Tutoring Mt Waverley

primaryskillstutoring.com.au primaryskillstutoring@gmail.com

Australian Skin Clinics Chadstone Shopping Centre www.ozskin.com 9081 0777

Ray White Mt Waverley Real estate agents raywhitemountwaverley.com.au courtney.matthews@raywhite.com

Carter Grange Custom homes, Mulgrave

cartergrange.com.au 1300 244 663

Subway Mt Waverley Village 317 Stephensons Rd

Subway Box Hill North 2/511 Middleborough Rd

lyn@subs4u.com.au

Kids Connect Therapy Ashwood kidsconnect.com.au info@kidsconnecttherapy.com.au

The Shack Mums Fitness Burwood theshackmilitaryfitness.com.au info@sportsshack.com.au

Liberty Builders Boutique apartment builders

libertybuilders.com.au amy@libertybuilders.com.au

KazBarTupperware Speak to Karyn

kazbartupperware@gmail.com 0423 343 867

McGrath Mt Waverley Real estate agent mcgrath.com.au NadiaKaczmarek@mcgrath.com.au

Vida Tennis Mt Waverley vidatennis.com.au kane@vidatennis.com.au

HELP NEEDED – PARENTS AND FRIENDS

10th June 2016

The Year 3 & 4 Team are working to set up and extend Learning Centres to support student learning and cater for individual needs, particularly in the area of literacy. We would greatly appreciate volunteers who would be happy to come in for about an hour at a time on a regular basis. Training will be provided. Helpers could include parents, grandparents, neighbours, retired persons or friends of the School. We would like your help with a number of tasks including:

- Creating and maintaining resources

- Supporting reading / home reading

- Working with small groups in literacy sessions

- Listening to individual students read

We would also appreciate your assistance with a number of tasks that can be undertaken if you would like to help but can’t commit to a regular time. If you feel that you could contribute to our new program, please fill in the slip below and return it through your classroom teacher. The school will then make contact with you. Thanking you for your support. Intervention Support Team Pam Rowler Lena Papadatos Annegret Talman Verity Bright Helen Broderick Felicity O’Flynn _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ I would like to help out with the Year 3 & 4 Learning Centres Program Helper’s Name: _______________________ __ Child’s Name: __________ Class: ____ Area help offered in: __________________________________________________________ I am available at the following times: _____________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________ Phone Number: _______________________

I have a Working with Children Check. Please check with the Front Office for further information about the WWCC

FAMILY ROSTER

MONASH COUNCIL RECYCLING

AREA A

Please collect the bins from driveway behind art room. Check the

gate and if the gate is locked please use alternate gate. Please

space the bins out for the driver. The bins need to go out Sunday

night as collection times vary on the Monday morning.

Alternately they cannot go out on Sat as we may receive a fine or

worse still the bins may fall over!! Please see Marita Steward V7 after adding your name

to the roster. The roster is kept at the Front Office

DATE FAMILY Special

Notes

Term 1 21/2 Done

Term 1 6/3 Done

Term 1 20/3 Done

Term Holiday

Thomas family School Holidays

Term 2 17/4 Done

Term 2 1/5 Done

Term 2 15/5 Angela Millan

Term 2 29/5 Kathy Mindum

Term 2 12/6 Kathy Mindum

Term 2 26/6 Angela Millan

Term Holiday Sun 10th July

Thomas family School Holidays

Term 3 24/7 Hedi Ziv

Term 3 7/8 Kathy Mindum

Term 3 21/8 Ian McKindley

Term 3 4/9 Ian McKindley

Term 3 18/9 Ian McKindley

Term Holiday Sun 20th Sept

Thomas family School Holidays

Term 4 2/10

Term 4 16/10

Term 4 30/10 Kathy Mindum

Term 4 13/11

Term 4 27/11 Term 4 11/12

ESSEX HEIGHTS PRIMARY SCHOOL CALENDAR

JUNE 2016

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

1 ST

2ND

Percussion/ Ukulele Concert 7pm - Hall

3 RD

4TH Trivia Night

6TH

Yr. 5 Sovereign Hill Camp

7TH

Yr. 5 Sovereign Hill Camp

8TH

Yr. 5 Sovereign Hill Camp

9TH

School Council 10TH

13

Queen’s Birthday Public Holiday

14TH

15TH

Guitar Concert 7pm Banksia Collaborative Space

16TH

17TH

20TH

Woodwind & Brass Concert 7pm Hall

21ST

22ND

23RD Pizza Lunch Day Strings Concert 7pm St Luke’s

24TH

Last Day of Term 2, 2.30pm Finish

27TH

School Holidays

28TH

School Holidays

29TH

School Holidays

30TH

School Holidays

JULY 2016

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

1 ST School Holidays

2ND

Election Day Cake Stall & Sausage Sizzle

4TH

School Holidays

5TH School Holidays

6TH

School Holidays

7TH School Holidays

8TH School Holidays

11H

First day of term 3

12TH

13TH

School Council 14TH

15TH 16TH

Essex Heights PS Birthday (54)

18 TH

Parent Teacher Discussions

19TH

Parent Teacher Discussions

20TH

21 ST

Indonesian Day – Whole School

22ND

25TH

26TH

District Cross Country Prep 2017 Info Evening

27TH

PFA meeting 7.30pm Staffroom

28TH

29TH

PUPIL FREE DAY

COMMUNITY NOTICE BOARD

Products & services advertised in Contact\’ are placed on a paid basis and are not necessarily being promoted by Essex Heights Primary School

COMMUNITY NOTICE BOARD

Products & services advertised in Contact\’ are placed on a paid basis and are not necessarily being promoted by Essex Heights Primary School

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