EAST LODDON P- 12 COLLEGE TELEPHONE -03 54368300 PARENT NEWSLETTER. FAX -03 54368321

E-mail: east.loddon.p12@edumail.vic.gov.au

School Councillors : Dale Lewis, Rod Baker, Wendy Twigg, Richard Hicks, Andrew Wall, Brad Madden,

Scott Wilkinson, Sarah Byrne, Adrian Hocking, Sue Thomas.

NEWSLETTER NO 5 27th

February 2014

Respect - Resilience - Responsibility - Relationships What’s Happening

Friday 28th

February Student Investiture Service 2.40pm

SH Division Swimming

Monday 3rd

March

Tuesday 4th

March Parents Association Meeting 1pm

Wednesday 5th

March

Thursday 6th

March

Friday 7th

March Yr 9/10 Term 1 Sports Day

Yr 12 Chemistry Excursion

Monday 10th

March Labour Day Holiday

Tuesday 11th

March

Wednesday 12th

March

Thursday 13th

March

From the Principal School Council Elections

Following the call for nominations for parent membership of the 2014 School Council, we have received three

nominations. This matches the three vacancies meaning there will not need to be an election. We will have three new

councillors this year and we congratulate Ash Davis, Nicole Hocking and Jeannie Wagner on becoming members of

Council. We also thank the departing councillors, Rod Baker, Richard Hicks and Adrian Hocking for their years of

service and contribution to the College. In the DEECD employee category, Sarah Byrne and Scott Wilkinson will

return for further terms while Sarah Windridge will join for the first time. Our thanks go to all these people who have

committed their time and energy to support the College’s efforts to deliver the best possible outcomes for all students.

Online Communication

From this week, students in Year 9 will be bringing home information to their parents about Edmodo which is a

secure online environment designed for educators to be able to communicate anywhere, any time with students and

parents. It is accessible through the internet and allows teachers to post assignments, instructions, marks, videos etc.

for students to access wherever they can get online. The parent access is only to their child’s marks and information.

Mr Judd, our ICT Leader, is setting this up with the Year 9 Maths class and will be exploring the potential for

improvements in learning and communication with families. In the coming months, feedback from parents and

students will inform us as to the best ways to maximise the use of Edmodo. Some other teachers of senior school

classes have already been using the program with their classes so you may be able to get more information from your

children.

Attendance at School

As mentioned in last week’s newsletter, there is a change in proceedings regarding student attendance at school. The

changes include a trigger point of five unexplained absences in a school year at which time further investigations into

the reasons for the absences needs to occur. Unexplained absences also now includes inadequately explained

absences. In order for this process to be managed prudently, please ensure that you always provide a written

explanation of any absence your child has from school. If you would like to read more yourself, please visit

http://www.education.vic.gov.au/school/parents/behaviour/Pages/studentattendance.aspx

School Photos

As we announced in last week’s newsletter, school photos will be taken on Wednesday March 19. Envelopes for

ordering were distributed last week. As with last year’s arrangements, families with four students who order a

package for each student will receive the fourth student free as well as a free family photo. In addition to this, Richard

has agreed to provide families with two packs of family photos for $34 which is a saving of $10 for those who wish

to acquire more copies of their family photos. Please write on your family photo envelope if you wish to take

advantage of this deal.

Student Insurance

In last week’s newsletter, there was mention of medical costs that may be incurred by parents in the event of injuries

sustained at school. While it is unusual for students to suffer major injuries during normal school activities, some

families may like to take extra precautions to guard against financial difficulties that can arise if there is an accident.

While there are many possible ways to insure for this situation, you can gather further information from

www.studentcover.com.au This is just one example of such a service. The school has no affiliation with any provider

and does not recommend any specific company.

Swimming Carnival

Our thanks go to all students, families and staff who were involved in last week’s swimming carnival at

Mitiamo. While winning individuals and teams were announced at the end of the day, it was the enthusiasm of

the competitors, particularly in the early events before the sun was out, that was the highlight of the day. In

addition to this, the House spirit among students was great to see, as was the community spirit among

spectators. Many thanks to Mr Clyne for his organisation of the program and to Mr Smith and the other staff for

the assistance provided on the day and in preparation.

2015 Rotary Youth Exchange

Are you a Year 9, 10 or 11 Student? You may qualify as a Rotary Youth Exchange Student and have the opportunity

to live and study in Germany, France, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Japan, Taiwan, Brazil, Hungary, Norway, Poland,

USA, Austria, Spain or Turkey.

The Rotary Youth Exchange Program is a unique opportunity for students to experience the culture of a new country,

to learn a new language and develop new friendships. Applications are now being accepted and close on Friday 25th

April 2014. Students must be under the age of 18 years, as at 1st January in the year of departure. Further information

is available through our mentor program co-ordinator, Tony Plant who can be contacted through the College or by

visiting www.rotaryyouthexchangeaustralia.com.au

Brad Madden

Principal

Assistant Principal’s News

I happened to be at volleyball last Thursday night to see my daughter play her first game and I was mightily

impressed by the standard of the East Loddon girls who were playing in the first game. It goes to show what a

bit of hard work and practice can do. It was also great to see Mrs Johns, Juddy, Mr Schultz and parents there

supporting our girls. Just remember though, go easy when you play my daughters team, or I will replace all

sports lessons with NAPLAN practice.

I have had a lot of interest in the proposed trip to Turkey, so far 15 students have said ‘that sounds better than

school’. I am currently sourcing quotes from tour companies for Istanbul-Cappadocia-Kusadasi-Canakkale-

Istanbul. The trip would include approx. three weeks away, two weeks with host families of our sister school

(Toki). As soon as I have a starting quote, I will inform all parents who have returned an expression of interest

form and organise a time to meet. This will clearly be the school trip of a lifetime and would coincide with the

centenary of the ANZAC landing. Any other students who are interested should return the signed form to the

office. One is attached to this newsletter. Based on other similar trips, we anticipate this costing approximately

$5000. At this stage we have had expressions of interest from students currently in years 7-11. The expression

of interest form is not a commitment to attend at this stage, it is merely saying, ‘give me some more info so as I

can decide’.

Trivia night table bookings have started rolling in. Last year this event was taken out by Paula Maxted and a

group of her ‘brainiac’ friends. For those of you that know her ‘I know! I couldn’t believe it either’. For those

who don’t know Paula, she is a PE teacher, who lives between Calivil and Jarklin. So there you go, proof that

anyone can win. Get your tables of ten together and names to the office 54368300. Cost is ten dollars per

head. If you don’t have nine mates, send us the names that you have and we will join you with another group.

For those who didn’t attend last year, this is a relaxed, kid free social evening. BYO drinks and nibbles and

support the school at the same time. Hope to see you all there on the 21st of March.

Sorry, forgot last week to mention congratulations to Alyce Falls, who has been selected to represent Australia

in Italy this year in ‘ultimate frisbee’. Not sure of how the rules work, but I am sure Alyce will fill us in before

leaving. Onya Fallsie, flying the East Loddon flag in overseas sporting events is becoming a familiar thing!

Scott Wilkinson

Senior School News

Alyce Falls is playing for AUSTRALIA!!!

Congratulations are certainly in order for Alyce Falls. She has recently been

invited to participate in the World Junior Ultimate Frisbee Championship in

Lecco, Italy in July this year. Alyce at 15 years old, has been selected to play

for the Australian Under 19 Ultimate team ‘Southern Terra’. Alyce is the

youngest member of the team. An amazing achievement for a young lady

from Dingee who only started playing Ultimate Frisbee last year through

constant encouragement from her brother (Roman), who is naturally very

proud and possibly a touch jealous of her future international travels. Roman

initially got involved in Ultimate Frisbee through a competition at RMIT

University where he is currently studying. Alyce’s brother provided useful technique tips and tactical

information. He must have been a good coach as Alyce quickly picked up the skills required to play the game,

and play the game extremely well. Roman initially got involved in Ultimate Frisbee through a friend at the

Student Residence where he was living. He has gone on to play with RMIT and a couple of other teams.

Through his current coach, Roman was able to inquire about Alyce trying out for the Victorian team. Shortly

after this Alyce was selected in the Victorian team and then invited to attend trials for the Australian team.

Alyce was selected / invited to attend two training / try out weekends in Melbourne over the Summer holidays

in 40deg heat. Alyce managed to impress the Australian selectors and just weeks ago received a phone call and

official letter asking her to represent Australia.

There will be further training sessions held in the coming months across Australia which Alyce is expected to

attend in order to prepare for the international competition. Alyce participates in weekly sprints sessions and

state tournaments. Most months Alyce will also attend weekend training sessions with the national team.

Alyce will depart Australia on July the 12th bound for Italy with the competition being held from July 20

th –

26th.

The Australian team have been preparing for nearly a year in the lead up to the championships. They will face

their toughest opposition from Canada, Japan, Scandinavia and the USA. The Australian team aims to compete

strongly and develop experience of the players to improve Ultimate Frisbee at a grassroots level within

Australia.

In between honing her Ultimate Frisbee skills, Alyce is busy on her parents’ farm raising calves to save money

for this international trip and the prior travel to attend training sessions.

Our school is currently organising various fundraising activities such as, a sports person dress up day, ultimate

Frisbee demonstration game and bbq lunch further details to come. The money raised will go towards

international travel costs, pre training costs, accommodation expenses and tournament fees. It is estimated that

the cost per player to attend the world championships will be about $6,500. While recognised by the Australian

Sports Commission, Ultimate Frisbee doesn’t receive financial support, so each player must meet the cost

personally. If you would like to sponsor Alyce please contact Alyce or her family directly via email

rocfalls@activ8.net.au (parents Robyn and Colin Falls).

Potential Ski Camp in NZ

Wycheproof and Charlton College are offering a minimum of 4 places for students from East Loddon to attend

a week long ski trip to NZ in the September school holidays. Students who express an interest can receive

further information. Please note the overall cost is estimated at or above $2,175.

4R’s award: Congratulations Sam Primrose

Sam spent a considerable amount of time on Tuesday mixing all the concrete for Ben Winspear to make the

slab for our pizza oven IN THE SUN. It was an outstanding effort! Thanks Sam and well done!

Swimming Sports

What a great day and so nice to see families come along to support the students. Well done to all the students

that participated and made the day such a success. Congratulations to the House Captains, all your effort and

encouragement was certainly noticeable. BIG THANKS to Mr Clyne too who put in hours of preparation to

make the day, fantastic.

Sarah Byrne

Senior Sub School Leader

Vocational Work Experience Update from Mr Rudkins

Script when ringing to ask for placement.

My name is << your name >> and I am from <<your school>>. I am looking for a workplacement to help with

my studies in <<your subject which is relevant to the workplace, ie VET subject or VCAL WRS >>.

Can I please speak to someone about visiting you so that I can talk more about this? If you are put through to

someone else you will need to repeat the above, but if not, keep on explaining with the following……

For my studies, it is a great advantage to me to have a workplacement for one day a week, most likely on <<the

day which the school has suggested workplacement day will be>>. If I was able to come into the workplace and

meet with you I can explain in more detail and it would also allow you to meet me.

When visiting the workplace;

Dress VERY appropriately (especially hair/piercings/slogans & pics on shirts etc -remember the Granny rule).

Look alert and happy to be there, be on time, speak clearly, explain which VET subject you are studying which

links into their workplace. Explain also how some activities in the workplace can help you to achieve

competencies. Suggest that a trial period of 5-10 weeks could be good for both sides of the equation, then the

situation can be reassessed after that before a decision to continue is made. Suggest that they can talk to me, or I

will give them a call if they need more information. Let me know what you have done so that I don’t talk to

someone you have already spoken to, or I can follow up your conversation to help the employer.

Shane Rudkins

rudkins.shane.m@edumail.vic.gov.au

Vocational Education Co-ordinator

Middle Years Report

Sub-School Captains – Lunchtime Sessions

This week saw our sub-school captains begin their Tuesday lunchtime

sessions between 1:00pm and 1:30pm. Ethan and Jo opened up the

year 5 and 6 rooms for Homework Assistance and ‘Hang out time’ for

any year 5-8 student that wanted to take part. Homework Assistance

time is bound to see a steady rise in the number of students taking part

(as they realise that this is a great way to stay on top of homework

demands) and the number of students taking part in ‘Hang out time’ is

sure to stay high. Well done to Jo and Ethan for getting this initiative off the ground, and thanks to

Sarah J for assisting with the running of the Homework Assistance. Jo and Ethan would like to

encourage all students to come along next week if they would like to!

Revisiting ‘The Basics’

This week I have included a copy of our Middle Years Basics, which serve as a set of basic

expectations of all students within the Middle Years. These basics are displayed in the form of a poster

in all Middle Years homerooms and although they seem to be pretty straight forward to me, we

currently have a number of students that are forgetting to follow these simple guidelines. Hopefully a

gentle reminder to all students is all that is needed to have all students adhering to the following.

1 - Teachers’ instructions are to be followed. 2 - School Bags stay at lockers. 3 - Students are not to enter classrooms without a teacher. 4 - Students will only be allowed out of a classroom with a

signed diary. 5 - Students must be ready to learn, prepared and punctual. 6 - No personal music at school.

Respect Responsibility Resilience Relationships

Respect Responsibility Resilience Relationships

Year 6 Netbook Computers

Year 6 students are continuing to enjoy the use of their Netbook computers and it has been pleasing to

see some fantastic work being completed with the aid of this one-to-one technology. In coming weeks,

these students will gradually be able to bring these computers home with them in the evening and on

the weekend, however, this is a privilege that needs to be earnt through the correct use of this

technology and the appropriate level of care shown at all times with this expensive device. Students in

year 6 will earn a licence through their demonstration of positive behaviours, safety considerations,

attitude and common sense, and this licence will then permit the student to take their computer home.

Swimming Sports

Congratulations to all who took part in the Swimming Sports last Friday. Whether you were

participating, spectating or assisting on the day, I think it is fair to say that the day was a huge success!

Parent numbers seemed to be up on recent years, which was great to see and the support given to our

participants was very much appreciated. As the ‘starter’ for the day, I must say that the students were

‘The Basics’ - Middle Years Sub-School

These basic expectations are designed to maximise student learning. Refusal by any student to follow these basic expectations will result in an exit from

class and consultation with Mr Leed.

brilliant in the way that they displayed a positive attitude towards participation. Next year I will try and

get Mr Clyne to hook up a huge sub-woofer to the starting gun so that anyone outside of a 3m radius

can hear the starting shot!

‘Good News Story of the week’ – Year 6 Win the Year Level Participation Award!

I was most impressed with my class this week and very proud of their level of participation at the

House Swimming Sports. Their level of participation was so great that they actually won the Year level

participation award on the day! Super effort Year 6, I can’t remember another time that a year 6 class

has achieved this. LEGENDS!!!

‘In the Pipeline’ – Yr 7 Sleepover and Possible Year 8 Camp

Middle Years staff have been working on plans for a year 7 sleepover which will be held this term,

and also on plans for a possible year 8 camp at the start of term 3. We will continue to organise and

plan for these events and will inform relevant students and parents of the details as they are finalised.

Contact with the College

Parents are encouraged to keep in close contact with the College so that we are able to assist students

with specific issues as they arise. Please feel free to contact class teachers with specific issues relating

to particular learning activities. For general concerns or issues, please contact your child’s Home

Group teacher or myself.

Good News Stories– I Would Love to Hear Some More!

I would love to hear from any students, families or school community members who have good news

stories involving any of our Middle Years students. Whether it be a student passing a music exam or

swimming level, or someone assisting with a community group, it would be great to have the chance to

acknowledge the fantastic things that our students do. Please pass information on to me at

leed.steven.a@edumail.vic.gov.au so that it can be published in this Newsletter.

Have a fantastic week!

Steven Leed – Middle Years Leader

P-4 Update

Building Strong Foundations

*Please note that these awards were for last week and that students will be presented with their awards at our

next P-4 assembly this Friday.

Student of the Week

PREP

Hayley

For great participation in the swimming program.

YEAR 1

Marley

Mia

For her tremendous attitude to learning and

always being prepared to help out

For always doing her best work, especially during

story writing.

YEAR 2

Isaac

For always being prepared to do his best..

YEAR 3

Jade

For working hard all week.

YEAR 4

Philip

For his fantastic attitude during swimming and

being confident to ‘have a go’.

You Can Do It! (Organisation )

Prep – Logan

Year 1-Kathleen

Year 2- Noah

Year 3 –Holly

Year 4- Trista

Prep Letter in Focus M,m

Prep Word to Fluency - like

Swimming Program Thank You

The swimming sports were a great success despite the chill in the air. The water did warm up and it was great to

see our students demonstrating persistence and resilience, and jumping in for each event. The sports are a great

opportunity for our students to develop a sense of community and teamwork (scoring points for their House by

participating and giving their best). The sports also afforded the opportunity for our students to demonstrate

growing water confidence and skill development. We take this opportunity to thank the parents who gave up

their time to help teach our students new skills; as a community we are indebted to them for sharing water

safety and survival skills, and teaching water confidence, floating and stroke techniques. We also thank the

staff for their organisation and who gave up so much over the last two weeks, including lunchbreaks and

preparation time, so that the program could run smoothly. Please continue to monitor your child around water,

remembering that in a different setting (muddy dams or channels, or in the ocean) the conditions are different to

a clear pool with good footing and children will react differently.

THRASS Charts and Desktop Dictionaries

We recently received an email from a parent who has both these items (in good condition) and is willing to sell

them at half the cost price. If interested, please contact either Miss Windridge or myself and we will pass the

contact details on.

BULLYING

At East Loddon we have a zero tolerance towards bullying. When an incident

happens for the first time, we encourage the victim to name the behaviour, say how it

makes them feel and insist that it not happen again. If the behaviour is deliberately

repeated after the warning, then we ask that it be reported to a teacher for immediate

action. One off incidents are not designated as bullying but a repeat offence is and we

need to know about it. We encourage students to report incidents to us as this

empowers them, however, if they are not confident enough to do so we would

appreciate a phone call so that we are informed. There is no place in our society,

schools or homes for bullying behaviour (physical or verbal) and together we can

send a clear message that it is not acceptable and will not be tolerated.

We will be addressing these at school but it is also important that the family discusses what constitutes bullying

and why the family and school are one in taking a stand to eliminate this socially unacceptable behaviour. It is

also important that children have strategies to implement should they be confronted with bullying directed

towards either themselves or friends.

SOME FORMS OF BULLYING

Exclusion- Being deliberately left out or ignored on purpose.

Physical- Being hit, kicked, pinched or pushed around.

Lies or rumours- Spreading lies or half-truths so that others will not like them.

Threats- When someone is made to feel afraid.

Verbal abuse- Being made fun off or belittled.

Peter Vernon

P-4 Co-ordinator

P-12 House Swimming Sports Results

The annual P-12 House sports was an entertaining day filled with colour and excitement - due entirely

to the students enthusiasm and readiness to get involved in the life of the College’s programs. From the

smallest Prep, struggling to ride a noodle across the wading pool, to the biggest Yr12, all decked out in

their colourful finery.

Official results are listed below, but the biggest achievement of the day was the fun and happiness

enjoyed by all.

P-12 Aggregate Year Level Championship

1st Laird 781pts 1st Yr 6 308pts

2nd

Shaw 766pts 2nd

VCE 307pts

3rd

Evans 760pts 3rd

Yr 7 230pts

4th

Long 757 pts 4th

Yr 5 216pts

5th

Yr 8 200 pts

Age Champions

Boys Girls

Yr 7 Zac Clarke Lydia Melgin-Hill

Yr 8 Ethan Lewis Alia Melgin-Hill

Yr 9 Mel Addlem Erin Casserta

Yr 10 Nathan Twigg Alyce Falls

VCE Lachlan Twigg Sarah Collins

A big thank you to all the parents who attended and those people who contributed to making

our P-12 carnival, a success. Particular mention must go to the Pool Committee, Life Guards and

helpers, without their contribution in setting up and running the gate / canteen etc. the carnival would

not proceed.

John Clyne

Sports Coordinator

Deutsche Nachrichten

In Integrated Studies, one of the activities the Year 3 class did was the Sonnenschutz experiment, the students

predicted what would happen to sausages if we put them out in the sun for 2 hours. One had 30+ sunscreen on

it, another had less than 20 SPF on it, and the others were wrapped in foil, cling-wrap, newspaper, paper towels

and cloth. Here are some of their final observations.

Annette Burgstett

LOTE

Our sausage turned out very smelly. It was the smelliest . It looked like a green wrap. We wrapped ours in glad

wrap. At the start I thought it would end up brown but it didn’t.

Wurstchen Experemente Jade

Chapo’s Chat Space

Thought for the week;

"It is never too late to become what you might have been."

~ George Eliot

Rev'd Sue Allen

Chaplain/Primary Welfare Officer

East Loddon P/12 College

M: 0417 365386 W: 54368300

Email: allen.susan.m@edumail.vic.gov.au

Seasons for Growth Grief Program

Learning to live with change and loss

Change and loss are issues that affect all of us at some stage in our lives. At East Loddon P12 College we

recognise that when changes occur in families through death, separation, divorce or related circumstances,

young people may benefit from learning how to manage these changes effectively. We are therefore offering a

very successful education program called Seasons for Growth which will commence during March. This

program is facilitated in small groups and is based on research which highlights the importance of social

support and the need to practise new skills to cope effectively with change and loss. The program focuses on

issues such as self-esteem, managing feelings, problem-solving, decision-making, effective communication and

support networks.

If you think your son or daughter would benefit from Seasons for Growth we would encourage you to talk to

him/her about participating in the program.

East Loddon College is pleased to be able to offer this important program and we are confident that it will be a

valuable learning experience for those students in Middle Years who request to be involved.

If you require further information please contact:

School Nurse Denise Leed or Student Wellbeing Co-ordinator Rosie Coleman.

Canteen News

Remember to make sure you clearly label lunch orders with child’s name and year level. This makes it a lot

easier for volunteers! Canteen is open for lunch orders only until 1pm. Just a reminder to all volunteers that

food & safety requires anyone with long hair to have it tied back when on Canteen. Please note there have

been some changes made to the roster.

Please Remember - If you cannot do your rostered turn, please arrange your own swap with someone

else. If there are any problems or concerns, or you need to update your availability, please contact me.

Jo Guthrie

Canteen Coordinator

ajguthries@bigpond.com or 0428 366 220

Canteen Roster – TERM 1 2014

FEBRUARY Monday 17th

Michelle Diss Margaret Hocking

Friday 28th Rachel Hay Jenny Drust Tuesday 18th

Sue Pickles

Wednesday 19th

Julia Roulston Belinda Clymo

MARCH Thursday 20th

Sue Pickles

Monday 3rd

Sue Marlow Friday 21st Tania Twigg Lynda Cartwright

Tuesday 4th

Sue Pickles

Wednesday 5th

Penny Wall Tania Twigg Monday 24th

Delwyn Collins Jacinta Hicks

Thursday 6th

Sue Pickles Tuesday 25th

Sue Pickles

Friday 7th

Mel Primrose Judy Mountjoy Wednesday 26th

Robyn Falls

Thursday 27th

Sue Pickles

Monday 10th

PUBLIC

HOLIDAY Friday 28

th Rachel Hay Jodie Demeo

Tuesday 11th

Sue Pickles

Wednesday 12th

Jo Guthrie Wendy Twigg Monday 31st Sue Marlow Robyn Gamble

Thursday 13th

Sue Pickles APRIL

Friday 14th

Kaye Leech Natalie Rose Tuesday 1st Sue Pickles

Wednesday 2nd

Mel Primrose Sheryl Addlem

Thursday 3rd

Sue Pickles

Friday 4th Judy Mountjoy Julia Roulston

LOST

Lost at school, 1 Large Blue Tupperware lunch box and a blue insulated bag. If found please return to the

Office.

East Loddon Community : Olympic Games Survey

We are trialling a new class at East Loddon called Big Picture and I Would like to ask just a few simple

questions.

I am currently studying the Olympic Games and the question of whether the spirit of the games has been lost

and been taken over by commercialisation or the Spirit is still as strong as it was in the past.

”In The Spirit of the Olympics, the most important thing is to have taken part fairly and done ones best”

..................................................................................................................................................................

Please circle one

The Olympic Spirit is still as strong as it was years ago

The Olympic spirit has been lost by commercialisation

I would also like you to answer this question

All Athletes are competing fairly- Yes No-please circle one response.

Please feel free to right any more comments on the Olympics

****Return of surveys- please return you survey responses to the red box in the middle years corridor. I

would appreciate return of responses by March 13.

Thank you Jessica Demeo