JASON’S JOURNAL – The Principal’s Message In last week’s Lakeside News I proudly reported that we continue to “value add” to students’ Literacy and Numeracy results – our core business - evidenced in the release of NAPLAN data. As mentioned, this is a part of our goal at Blackburn Lake PS to develop outstanding and well-rounded citizens Parent volunteers play a vital role within our school's program in creating opportunities that “add value” to our “citizens” experiences. Studies indicate that the more a parent is involved at their child's school, the more engaged the child is in the school community. On behalf of the children of the school, I’d like to thank the many parents who volunteer their time to assist us in our classrooms or across the school to provide the many opportunities that make “Blacky Lake” great. Unfortunately, it is not possible to list all our volunteers; however I would like to publicly thank some key organisers for their work in Coordinating: Canteen - as well as ordering and the work required to ensure food handling and safety requirements are met, Danielle Killeen has done a terrific job of overseeing the construction and refurbishment of the Canteen in the DJC – not to mention developing a delicious menu for the 2012 school year (with milkshakes and muffins a popular choice). Thanks to the many parents who have already given their time freely on a Monday (or are rostered to assist later this year) in our Canteen. Uniform Shop – As all students are required by the School Council to wear Uniform each day, we provide for sales on site for the convenience of parents. A big thank you to Andrea Phillips and her team who open the Uniform Shop on both a Wednesday afternoon and a Thursday morning. If anyone would like to assist please let Andrea or the office know that you are available. Student Banking – Vicki Liew and her team have moved to Wednesdays this year, with many children in the school “saving” their money as well as collecting tokens to receive reward items. Autumnfest – With only 9 sleeps to go until this year’s MAJOR FUNDRAISING and community event, there has been a core group of parents working tirelessly on the many aspects of this important day that creates Autumnfest. Lynn Wooller has been instrumental in coordinating many people and many groups and I cannot thank her and her team enough. There are still a number of tasks that we seek assistance for and if you are able to help please contact Lynn via the Office. Our Parents Association (PA) already this year have coordinated a Tea & Tissue morning tea for Prep parents, presented seedlings and Reader Bags for all Preps, used fundraising to cover the costs of outdoor line-marking, and sold icypoles to happy and hot children on Friday mornings. We look forward to upcoming initiatives that improve our school (with a reminder that anyone can attend monthly PA meetings – the next scheduled for Wednesday 28th March) and put smiles on faces. I thank all parents for all levels of involvement – whether a Class Parent Representative or a member of one of the teams above – for creating a great community spirit at Blackburn Lake Primary School and adding value to our great school. Woolies & Coles

No 6

8 March 2012

Thank you to all families that participated in the ‘Earn and Learn’ Program through Woolworths last year, collecting receipts. We were about to open the 4 boxes of construction materials for the school. We appreciate your support. We are still waiting for the sports equipment that was ordered with the Coles dockets. Thanks again for your time and energy in supporting these initiatives”

REMINDER: Extra long “long weekend” No school Friday (Curriculum Day tomorrow) or Monday (Labour Day Public Holiday)

TERM ONE WORKING BEE Another example of a hard working team improving our school was in action last weekend when we had a dedicated small group of parents and staff working most efficiently to spread mulch in the rain. Many thanks to members of the Baklien, Baugh, Bogemann, Conman, Cooper, Franklin, Holmes, Saunders, Wooller and Worsam families (as well as staff members Murray and Gay) for their greatly appreciated efforts. CURRICULUM DAY - TOMORROW This Friday will be a student-free day, providing an opportunity for our staff to participate in a professional learning session facilitated by Bob Bellhouse. Bob authors a number of books and will work with our staff to develop their skills and knowledge in catering for our students' social and emotional learning. Bob is an expert in teaching students to increase their personal resilience through Circle Time activities, enabling them to embrace challenges and succeed in life. SET YOURSELF UP FOR A GREAT YEAR Two more tips (from an Andrew Fuller article @ www.andrewfuller.com.au) for students to set themself on the pathway to a successful 2012 are:

Use your time well Many people muck around in school and then wonder why they have to do so much work outside of school. If you can focus and listen well while at school you can save yourself endless hours. From little things big things grow Do a little bit often. Succeeding at school can be easy if you do a little bit each day. The best learning occurs when you do repetitive interval training. This means do a little bit of practice every day. Interval training is especially powerful in subjects like Maths and the Sciences.

As staff undertake a day of training tomorrow with the focus on student wellbeing I wish all families a wonderful long “long weekend” (with a Labour Day Public Holiday on Monday) and see you Tuesday (with Preps attending school on Wednesday as a part of their start to school transition). Regards, Jason Walker - Principal walker.jason.r@edumail.vic.gov.au

DIARY DATES FOR TERM ONE Friday 9 March CURRICULUM DAY Monday 12 March Labour Day Public Holiday

Tuesday 13 March 7:30pm AUTUMNFEST AUTUMNFEST AUTUMNFEST AUTUMNFEST Meeting in MPR Friday 16 March 1.30 – 3.00pm AUTUMNFEST AUTUMNFEST AUTUMNFEST AUTUMNFEST - Packaging & Labelling Workshop

Saturday 17 March 1pm – 6pm AUTUMNFEST 2012AUTUMNFEST 2012AUTUMNFEST 2012AUTUMNFEST 2012 - our Major Fundraiser!

Wednesday 21 March District Athletics @ Riescheicks Reserve, Doncaster

Thursday 22 March All day School Nurse Visit for Preps only

Thursday 22 March 7:30pm School Council AGM

Friday 23 March RIDE 2 SCHOOL DAY

Wednesday 28 March 7:30pm Parents Association Meeting

Friday 30 March 2:00 – 2:30pm Assembly (Term 1 concludes - early dismissal)

SUPER SPORTS REPORT

DIVISION SWIM OFF A big “Well Done!” to Taylah and Melissa on their efforts last Friday. Taylah won both her Freestyle and Butterfly events and Melissa finished second in her Backstroke and third in Freestyle. This means Taylah (Freestyle, Butterfly) and Melissa (Backstroke) both will swim at the Eastern Metropolitan Region finals on Friday 16 March at Kilsyth. GO GIRLS!!!

DISTRICT ATHLETICS –REMINDER! Our team is almost finalised! Those children attending should have brought home their permission form today. Please check bags and return permission slip and money to school by Friday, March 16. ELITE SPORT TRIALS - REMINDER! Please note that only boys can nominate for AFL and only girls for Netball. Basketball and Soccer are open to both boys and girls. Apologies for any confusion.

DETAILS SOCCER KALANG PARK WED, MARCH 28 9.30 – 11.00 AFL KALANG PARK WED, MARCH 28 12.30 – 2.00 NETBALL SURREY HILS PS THUR, MARCH 29 9.00 – 11.00 BASKETBALL BOYS BLACKBURN PS THUR, MARCH 29 9.00 – 11.00 GIRLS “ “ 11.30 – 1.30

DISTRICT TENNIS TRIALS Keiran H and Stephanie P will be representing BLPS at the District Tennis trials next Thursday. Good luck to both of you! COMING UP! Just a reminder that the next ‘Ride2School Day’ is to be held on Friday 23 March. Get those wheels out and working so you can take part. Phil Lumsden PE / Sports Coordinator

MUSIC MATTERS!

Music Quote from our Music Captain, James H

OTHER IMPORTANT DIARY DATES 2012 Monday 16 April 9:00am Term Two commences Wednesday 25 April ANZAC Day Holiday

Saturday 5 May ‘BOGAN BINGO’ Trivia Night - MPR

Sun to Sat 20 – 26 May EDUCATION WEEK

Monday 21 May Curriculum Day

Monday 28 May District Cross Country @ Ruffey Lake Park Doncaster

Monday 11 June Queen's Birthday Holiday

Friday 29 June 2:00 – 2:30pm Assembly (Term 2 concludes - early dismissal)

Monday 16 July 9:00am Term Three commences Mon - Friday 16 – 27 July Whole School Swimming Program

Monday 13 August Curriculum Day

Sunday 9 September PA ‘SAUSAGE SIZZLE’ @ Bunnings Nunawading

Friday 21 September 2:00 – 2:30pm Assembly (Term 3 concludes - early dismissal)

Monday 8 October 9:00am Term Four commences Tuesday 6 November Melbourne Cup Holiday

Friday 21 December 1:00 – 1:30pm Assembly (last day of 2012 - early dismissal)

"When you play music, you discover a part of yourself that you never knew existed" Bill Evans, 1929 - 1986, Jazz Pianist

MUSIC ENSEMBLES We have had a fabulous week with our Ensembles. It has been fabulous to see the enthusiasm and commitment so early in the year. The confirmed rehearsal days and times for your information are:

Senior Marimba Ensemble Monday lunchtime Junior Marimba Ensemble Tuesday lunchtime Choirs Wednesday 11.00 – 12.50pm String Ensemble Wednesday lunchtime Concert Band Friday lunchtime State School Spectacular Thursday lunchtime (as of 15th March)

We are desperately in need of a VOLUNTEER PIANO ACCOMPANIST for our Choirs. We would love anyone who could assist with one or all of the Choirs. The times for rehearsal are: Chamber 11.00-11.30am, Senior Choir 11.30 – 12.10pm and Junior 12.10 – 12.50pm. Music will be supplied. Also, if you would like to assist with either the Concert Band or String Ensemble rehearsals I would love to hear from you. We have a large number if students participating, which is fantastic, so a few extra hands would be brilliant! INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC We have only got a few vacancies left to learn an instrument at school. Please collect an enrolment form from the information desk outside Loisia’s office this week if you are interested. We are hoping to get a few more trombone students so please see me if this is a possibility.

AUTUMNFEST 2012 We have a variety of groups performing at Autumnfest, both on the main stage and in the Devonshire Tea Foyer. The following groups will be performing on the main stage:

Junior Choir Senior Choir Chamber Choir The Trio The Rap duo (Noah & James)

There is a sign in sheet outside the Music Room for any students wishing to perform in the Devonshire Tea Room. Students can select a timeslot that suits them (or is available). A piano and music stand will be provided but all other instruments will need to be brought by the student. Thanks Jo Myers Music Coordinator

AMAZING ART ARTICLES! The Art Room would like to say a big THANK YOU to Murray (2M) for building a beautifully made and useful shelving unit. Johanna Art Teacher

PARENTS ASSOCIATION NEWS HOW TO CONTACT US Please feel free to drop the PA a line via the “PA Mailbox” in the school Foyer or alternatively send us an email to blps.pa@gmail.com or click on the “Contact Us” on the school website.

NEW MEMBERS NEEDED / PLEASE CONSIDER JOINING PA IN 2012.: Please note the PA needs more members to keep raising funds for these little extra’s that the kids really enjoy and are not covered in budgets. We hold meetings about 1 in every 4-6 weeks depending on how many

activities we are planning. We ask members to attend a minimum of half our meetings. We would love to see some new faces come along to our next meeting.

Our next Meeting is 7:30pm on Wednesday 28th March 2012

UNIFORM SHOP Please note the Uniform Shop is open on Wednesdays 3.30–4.00pm. & Thursdays 9-9.30am

GRADE 6 POLO SHIRTS I apologise we are still out of size 10 and 12 - the order is taking a while from our suppliers. Please keep checking in with us.

SOCKS – We are trialling sports socks. They are white with 2 green stripes around the neck. They are so very comfortable and wear well (I can vouch for them personally). Sizes are - 9-12, 13-3 or 2-7 Cost is $5 per pair

SET OF 3 HAIR Accessories $6.00 with BLPS material buttons (2 clips & 1 elastic). Note we still have head bands in BLPS material at $5.00 each.

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CANTEEN ROSTER - MONDAY 26 MARCH - TEAM 5

Karen H Anne P Natalie K-N Vanessa A Nichole G Kim C ICYPOLE FRIDAYS There will be no Icy-poles for sale on Friday 16th March due to Saturday’s Autumnfest. I apologise in advance to the students, but we need to ensure there will be lots of ice-creams available for our major fundraiser!! The last Icy-pole Friday will be the following week, with us returning in Term 4.

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SCHOOL BANKING is now on WEDNESDAYS The School Banking program is getting off to a great start, thanks to all the students who have commenced saving. Don't forget you can use your tokens saved from previous years to get your reward items. This term you can redeem 10 tokens for the following reward items: REWARD ITEMS

• Money box - choose from 5 characters • Drink bottle • Wallet • Lunch box • Watch • HANDBALL *NEW*!

Taking part in School Banking is easy. * If your child has an existing Commonwealth Bank Youthsaver account they can start banking straight away. They just need to bring their deposit in every week using their Dollarmites deposit wallet. * If your child does not have a Youthsaver account, you can open one at any Commonwealth Bank branch, no forms to fill in! Alternatively, if you are an existing Commonwealth Bank customer with access to NetBank you can apply online. Another option is to download a paper-based Application Form from commbank.com.au/schoolbanking Please note this option may take up to 2 weeks before a Dollarmites wallet and deposit book is sent to your home address to start banking at school.

For those of you who have started saving, you will soon receive a pack of magnets and a redemption sheet in your bank book to use when you are ready to send in your tokens to exchange for your reward item. Thanks everyone for supporting the BLPS School Banking Program. Regards Vickie L - School Banking Coordinator � 0419 773335

IMPORTANT NOTICE: PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL CHEQUES PAYABLE TO THE SCHOOL

NEED TO BE WRITTEN OUT TO: ‘Blackburn Lake Primary School’ - not BLPS (this is a banking requirement)

‘AUTUMNFEST 2012’ NEWS!

LAST - AutumnfestAutumnfestAutumnfestAutumnfest Craft WorkshopsCraft WorkshopsCraft WorkshopsCraft Workshops!!!! Please join Georgie and Kate in creating some gorgeous 'crafty goodies' for the Autumnfest Craft Stall. No experience or creativity needed...although welcome.

Fri 16th March 1:30 - 3pm Packaging and Labelling goodies Location - 16 Clifton St. Blackburn

RSVP Kate Katehumberstone@aol.com or Georgie: georgieparker@optusnet.com.au

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4E HELP NEEDED!! @ ‘LAKE CAFÉ’ AUTUMNFESTAUTUMNFESTAUTUMNFESTAUTUMNFEST Have fun serving Devonshire Tea / Coffee!

Calling all Mums, Dads, Grandparents and friends to help for just 1 hour. Please choose between 2.30pm – 3.30pm 4.30pm – 5.30pm Please contact Susanne � 0425 823 611 or email: susie_sands@yahoo.com

HAVE YOU SEEN the AUTUMNFEST BOARDS YET?HAVE YOU SEEN the AUTUMNFEST BOARDS YET?HAVE YOU SEEN the AUTUMNFEST BOARDS YET?HAVE YOU SEEN the AUTUMNFEST BOARDS YET?

COMMUNITY NOTICE BOARD Any advertisements in this newsletter are in no way endorsed by Blackburn Lake Primary School

FREE PARENT INFORMATION NIGHT

How do I raise a Resilient Child? – the 32 skills that build resilience Wednesday 21 March 2012

Time: 7.30pm-9.00pm Location: Brighton Grammar, Robert Sanderson Centenary Centre, entrance on St Andrews

St, Brighton Cost: Nil (A gold coin donation to The Fred Hollows Foundation is warmly welcomed)

Facilitator: Melissa Anderson – Counsellor, Pharmacist and Educator Bookings: ���� 9596 8814 or info@shineacademy.com.au

It’s time for AUSKICK enrolments again! The NAB AFL Auskick ”Rookie" program has been designed for children aged five years (a child can be 4 turning 5 during the year) to Grade 6. It ensures that all children develop the fundamental skills required to participate in Australian Football. Children participate in activities designed to improve the various skills of the game, followed by a modified game in an environment which safely allows children to practice their Australian Football skills. All Auskick participants in Victoria that register and pay online at www.aflauskick.com.au before 30th March 2012 will be allocated 2x children tickets and 2x adult tickets to an AFL match during the 2012 AFL Home & Away Season. The cost for 16 sessions is $65.00 and includes a backpack filled with great goodies. Auskick at BLPS will commence on Saturday 14th April (the Saturday before Term 2 commences), with

Registration Day on the last Saturday of Term 1, 31st March. Any queries please contact Katie S (Coordinator � 9877 0887) or Mark (head coach � 0417 120 240).

HOUSE TO RENT - WALK TO SCHOOL! Would you like to rent a home within walking distance of school? A simple, affordable three-bedroom home, with additional sunroom / playroom space, will be available within the next few weeks. There are lots of great kids in the neighbourhood who love to play! For information please phone Alison �0414 883 565.

STUDENT PIANO FOR SALE

Yamaha U2 Upright Piano in Ebony gloss finish. Great student model includes: • Matching piano stool with storage area • Practice pedal to lower volume • Lockable keyboard to protect curious little fingers Very Good Condition. $2800.00 including delivery by professional carriers to ground floor of home in the Melbourne Metropolitan area. Enquiries to Bronwyn: bronspiano@gmail.com