Issue 15 – May 26th, 2016

Friday 27th May - Foundation, Year 1 & 2 Excursion to ACMI (Australian Centre for the Moving Image)Friday 27thth May - Interschool Sport – Home Game vs. Morang SouthTuesday 31st May - District Volleyball Round RobinWednesday 1st June - Breakfast ClubWednesday 1st June - Division Cross CountryWednesday 1st June - Scholastic Book Club Orders DueFriday 3rd June - Interschool Sport – Away Game vs. St Mary’sMonday 6th June - Coffee and Chat with Ty after AssemblyWednesday 8th June - Breakfast ClubThursday 9th June - Year 6 Science IncursionFriday 10th June - Excursion Levy 2nd Instalment Due

ACTING PRINCIPAL REPORT

Hello Everyone,

This week at assembly I reinforced our ‘Fish Philosophy’ and its importance at our school. The four practices of the Fish Philosophy are – Be There, Make Their Day, Choose Your Attitude and Play. We relate these practices to a variety of situations and scenarios within our school community.

On Monday morning it was timely that a student ‘made my day’ by presenting me with a small plant in a pot that he had brought from home. Of course, it isn’t always necessary to give physical possessions to make someone’s day. It can be as simple as a compliment, offer of support or a warm welcome. Our teachers regularly share precious moments from their teaching through our professional forums. This can be in the form of a child persisting in class, achieving through their learning or demonstrating our school values to make our school a better place.

This week has been a busy week with all years, except the year 6’s, leaving the school for excursions. These learning experiences are targeted to match with the current classroom program and support our personalised inquiry approach to learning. It is a particularly exciting week for our Foundation students who leave Whittlesea Primary for the first time as a group. The bus trip in itself is proving to be an exciting aspect of the day with many children eagerly anticipating what lies ahead on Friday. In preparation for the excursion we have actually rehearsed the process of boarding and departing the bus through a role play scenario. The highlight of my past week has been assuming the role of bus driver in our custom designed Early Years bus. The role of a Principal in a primary school is definitely varied and exciting!

Until next week,

Ty HogginsActing Principal

NEWS FROM SCHOOL COUNCIL

Our school council is looking at developing a master plan for future growth of our facilities at Whittlesea Primary School.  If you have experience and skills in architecture, engineering or construction in general please contact the school on 97162140 or whittlesea.ps@edumail.vic.gov.au.     School Council would also like to address the recent marketing material distributed last week at the front of the school by a major political party contesting the upcoming federal election.  As this occurred outside of the school’s boundaries, Whittlesea Primary has no control over this style of correspondence.  We would however, wish to confirm that our school maintains a position of being politically neutral.  Any complaints regarding the recent flyer distribution should be addressed directly to the candidate’s office.

DISTRICT CROSS COUNTRY RESULTS

Congratulations to all our cross country runners from years 3-6 who competed at the Bridge Inn District Cross Country event at Bundoora Park on Tuesday. The course was hard with a long run up the hill during the first part of the race. Students in the 10yr age group ran 2km and the students in the 11 and 12 age groups ran 3km. There were some excellent results from our students with twelve children qualifying for the Whittlesea Division event, which will be held next Wednesday at Bundoora Park.

Our 10 and 11 year old age groups came second on the day and our school came 2nd overall. This was once again a fantastic result. Those who finished in the top 10 places and competing next week are:

10 yr boys - Charlie Parks 5th, Aaron Abbondio 10th

10 yr girls - Jade McLay 6th, Mia Webster 8th

11 yr boys - Blake Robertson 4th, Jack Morley 6th

11 yr girls - Tara Watson 1st, Emilee Sorensen 4th

12 yr boys - Seth Jackson 2nd, Riley McLay 4th, Alex Luscombe 9th

12 yr girls - Hayley Barmby 10th

Others who finished in the top 20 runners were Jobe Watson, Caden Allen, Sophie Coe, Chloe Mott, Lily Coomber, Jay Allen, Kitt Perry, Chase Burgess, Max Hempenstall and Kelsey Hawking.

Star of the Week

Foundation M/Powell

Awarded to: Hannah GriggsFor: achieving her best in all aspects of her learning.

Foundation Powell Awarded to: Sheldon PerlFor: listening to instructions so he can complete his learning.

Foundation Redmond

Awarded to: Danika CoakleyFor: trying her best and showing great improvement in maths learning.

Year 1 Capito Awarded to: Clancy BowlenFor: displaying excellence in writing.

Year 1 Miller Awarded to: Reece OakleyFor: being an amazingly kind and caring classmate.

Year 1 Starkey Awarded to: Will WellandFor: being a terrific independent reader.

Year 2 Goetzke Awarded to: Tom McCumberFor: displaying our school value of confidence.

Year 2 Panahinejad

Awarded to: Jagger FentonFor: using the turtle strategy at school.

Year 2 Vitale Awarded to: Ryan CorbynFor: showing our school value of confidence in maths and his writing last week. Keep it up Ryan.

Year 3 Kaur Awarded to: Hayley ParkFor: being a cheerful, helpful and kind class member. Well done Hayley.

Year 3 Walsh Awarded to: Olivia SorensenFor: displaying persistence and having the confidence to ask questions. Keep it up Olivia.

Year 4 Mion/Walsh Awarded to: Brooke O’ShannessyFor: being a risk taker and giving everything a go, even when it is a difficult challenge.

Awarded to: Cameron EadeFor: showing kindness towards his classmates.

Year 5 Dipaola Awarded to: Hailie GaseckiFor: settling well into 5D and showing enthusiasm in all aspects of her learning.

Year Cook/Tolmay Awarded to: Harlem ScowcroftFor: working independently on his information report and doing a fantastic job.Awarded to: Zac AbbondioFor: always working to the best of his ability to

WELCOME TO MATHS CORNER

There have been some exciting initiatives happening recently in the maths world for Whittlesea Primary School and we thought it would be great to share a few things with you.

Last Tuesday night Debra Armstrong, our Numeracy Coach, held a mathematics information session from 6.30pm-8pm, where she touched on some important mathematical concepts in the primary years of education. The session was particularly well-received and all who attended left with some valuable information about how to assist their children at home. Michelle Weber was in attendance and was pleased to note her experience.

“I would like to sincerely note my appreciation to Debra Armstrong and Ty Hoggins for the very informative Maths Parent Information Night. Debra's enthusiasm was infectious and a

lot was covered in the time allocated. I learnt a lot of useful strategies to use with my preppy and was really happy to learn now and not further down the track that my grade 4 and I need to work on her times tables! If this evening were offered again next year I would

attend. Hopefully word of mouth would encourage more parents to attend.”

Another valuable learning experience will happen for three teachers in our school this week. As part of their commitment to learning and development, Debra Armstrong, Stacey Powell and Emma Walsh will attend a Mathematics Conference held at the Australian Catholic University this Saturday the 28th of May. They will explore ideas and link experiences to mathematical concepts among many other things and will share this information with the whole staff later in the year. This professional development will be a real benefit for all and we thank these staff members for giving up their weekend to learn and develop mathematics at Whittlesea Primary School.

INTERSCHOOL SPORTS DRAW

PHYSICAL EDUCATION NEWS

Jump Rope for Heart Fundraising online balance as of 24th May 3.30pm

$2,572.00

This week during PE classes our students have been practising their long rope skipping skills, classroom teachers have jump rope sets to practice with the kids and skipping club is every Thursday second break in the gym.

Keep skipping and keep collecting those funds online or on your sponsorship forms. If you require an extra sponsorship form please see the office.

Happy skipping

Kim FergusonPE

SCHOOL CHAPLAIN REPORT

Fierce Conversations (part 7)

I continue with Susan Scott, Fierce Conversations: Achieving Success at Work and in Life One Conversation at a Time. I like the book because it encourages me to use silence powerfully. There are times I don’t know what to say. Sometimes simply listening with empathy is all that is required. If I speak, I ought to ask questions only, and not the inquisition type but those that fiercely search for something deeper. I might be eager to show what I know but to speak these out would break the power of the moment. A question to focus on is “What do you see as the next most important step you need to take?”

So, a fierce conversation is one that holds back from offering a point of view and instead coaxes a natural learning experience by “interrogating reality through sharing intelligent questions.” Susan Scott offers levels of decision making using a tree motif, useful for business and families:

“Leaf Decisions: Make the decision. Act on it. There is no need to report the action.”

“Branch Decisions: Make the decision. Act on it. Report the action.”

“Trunk Decisions: Make the decision but report the decision before taking action.”

“Root Decision: Make the decision jointly with other people. These decisions affect the life of the family or organisation.”

Susan Scott’s argument is for families or organisations to move more decision making to the leaf level, to nurture trust and develop autonomy. At root level we learn decision making with those more experienced and we grow from there to take on greater responsibilities. This is a healthy evolution in a dynamic family. Once a core of a problem has been identified and changes made to adjust or correct, the family is better equipped to engage with yet another challenge and less equipped family members learn to how do for when they are at the leaf level. Let’s nurture these principles for the next generation and enjoy the learning.

 

Peter Ackland - school chaplainMOTHER’S DAY GIFT FEEDBACK

This year you may have noticed that there was no Mother’s Day stall for children to buy presents as we thought we would try something different. Instead, students made personalised gifts in their Visual Art classes.We would love to get your thoughts regarding which option you would personally prefer in order to assist us in future planning; Mother’s Day Stall or Student made gifts.

Please send all feedback to whittlesea.ps@edumail.vic.gov.au

SCHOLASTIC BOOKCLUB

Issue 4 of the Scholastic Book Club was sent home last week. Orders and payment need to be returned to school by Wednesday 1st June. If you would like to pay by card please order via the online LOOP system at https://mybookclubs.scholastic.com.au/Parent/ClubManagement.aspx

EXCURSION LEVY 2016

Thank you to the families who have paid the $70 levy for their children. This levy was due on 26th February 2016.

If you opted to pay this levy in two instalments please be advised that the second instalment of $35 is due on Friday 10th June 2016.

Excursions/Incursions are planned for most year levels this term. Please make sure to check if you have made payment for your child. These activities are based on user pays and we would like every child to be included.

If you are unsure whether you have paid please contact Donna Gray at the school office.

CAMPS, SPORT AND EXCURSION FUND

Families who hold a current health care card may be entitled to claim $125 per child from the Camps, Sports and Excursion Fund.

Please contact the office if you are requiring assistance or advice in relation to this fund. Please note that the cut off date for applications for the 2016 school year is Friday 3 rd June. Unfortunately, we will not be able to process any applications received after this date.

REMINDER

Families who had previously paid for the year 3 – 6 swimming program, please contact the office to arrange your refund. Refunds can be made by cheque, direct deposit or offset against any outstanding fees.

SCHOOL BANKING

School Banking is every Tuesday. Please contact the Office if you would like a school banking pack to be sent home for your child.

CANTEEN

The canteen service provided by Metro Canteens operates every Friday. Families are able to place an online order up until 11:30pm on Thursday each week. You will need to set up an account through – www.flexischools.com.au

CAR PARKING

The Church kindly lets our school families use their car park. Please reverse park, and keep to the actual car park area. Driving beyond this is not permitted. Also, please do not use the disabled car park in the church car park or in the staff car park unless you have a disability permit, we do have parents that require the use of this space. Thank you.

COMMUNITY NEWS

Did you know WHITTLESEA PRIMARY SCHOOL HAS A MARKET?

Why not come!

Our market is held at the College on the third Saturday of the month and is run by the Whittlesea Secondary College and Primary School Chaplaincy Committee to raise money so

both schools can have a chaplain – Peter Ackland at the primary school and Eva Natsis at the college.

It is the committee’s main fundraiser and needs your support as a customer and even as a stallholder. There is a good range of stalls including craft, homemade cakes and jams, fresh fruit and veggies, nuts and dried fruit, clothes, DVD’s, plants, dog supplies, gifts and of course enjoy a BBQ sausage or hamburger with a coffee.

The next market is on 18th June. The smaller car boot sites are $10 with the regular stall sites being $20. Just line up at the gate around 7am if you would like a spot. If you have any enquiries please ring 0419 357 395. Check out our facebook page at

https://www.facebook.com/saturday.community.market.whittlesea

Certificate III in Education Support (Teacher's Aide) - CHC30213   - 30th May 2016

This qualification will give you the skills and knowledge to provide assistance and support to teachers and students in a range of educational settings. This includes early childhood education, as well as Primary, Secondary and Special schools.Graduates work as education assistants/teacher aides and support workers (working with children with disabilities)

Location: Merrilands Community Centre & Keon Park Children's Hub 

Days & Times: Mon (KPCH) & Wed (MCC): 9.15am to 3.15pm, Fri: 9.15am to 3.15pm (2 sessions at MCC)

Dates: Mon 30th May to Wed 31st Aug (Classroom) + Fri 17th & 24th June (Classroom); Mon 22nd Aug (Assessment Workshop); 5th Sept—18th Nov 2016 (Practical Placement)

Duration: 24 sessions, 2 workshops (TBA) + 100 hour practical placement. (Excludes: Public & School Holidays.)

Cost: Concession: $180, Full: $900, Fee For Service: $2,685 (Concession- Limited Places) + Service & Amenities Fee

Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA)

Gain skills & knowledge required to responsibly sell or serve alcohol and satisfy the requirements for responsible sale and service of alcohol under Vic. Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation (VCGLR).Location: Merrilands Community Centre

Days: Friday (1 session)Time: 9:30am – 1:30pm

Date: 17th June 2016Duration: 1 sessionCost: Fee for Service: $55   Manual: $10

For more details please ring PRACE on 9462 6077 or visit our website: www.prace.vic.edu.au  

OPPORTUNITY FOR STUDENTS TO EXPERIENCE ANOTHER CULTURE, MAKE NEW FRIENDS AND IMPROVE THEIR LANGUAGE STUDIES AT HOME

In June and July we will be receiving exchange students from Brazil, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Italy, Norway, France, Japan, Sweden, Slovakia, the USA and the Netherlands. Our new arrivals will live with a host family and attend a local school for 3, 5 or 10 months. As we plan for their arrival, we are keen to hear from suitable families who might be interested to host a student.

Host families come in all shapes and sizes, backgrounds and ages. Hosting an exchange student can be a truly rewarding experience. It allows a family to experience a foreign culture first hand, be exposed to a new language and pass on a bit of our own culture. They might even make a friend for life!

All students have at least basic levels of English, would attend a school in your local area and live the life of a local. Below is a sample of students who will be arriving.  

You can view profiles students arriving soon from our website. Please note that this is just a handful of the students who will be arriving.  If families would like a selection of student profiles sent to them to review and decide which student may fit into their family best, please contact us.

Student Exchange Australia New Zealand is a not-for-profit organisation that is registered with all state and territory Departments of Education around Australia and with the Ministry of Education in NZ.  We are the first and only secondary exchange organisation in Australia and New Zealand to be certified to ISO 9001 (Quality Management System) and we ensure the highest standards of care and support to our participants. You can find out more about our organisation by visiting www.studentexchange.org.au. 

If your have any questions about hosting an exchange student or would like to view profiles of students arriving from other countries, they can respond to this email, call our office on 1300 135 331 or visit our website. Our staff members will be happy to discuss which student might be best suited to their family. No obligation. 

Please note that the purpose of this email is to find families to host international exchange students.  Thank you in advance for your assistance. 

Yours sincerely,

Sandra HardersHosting Coordinator

Student Exchange Australia New Zealand Ltd

PO Box 1420, Mona Vale  NSW 1660 AustraliaT: (02) 9997 0700 F: (02) 9997 0701W: www.studentexchange.org.au

Suite 2590, PO Box 83000,Wellington 6440 New ZealandT: 0800 440079 F: 0800 440077W: www.studentexchange.org.nz

ABN: 49 101 489 356