Issue 9 – April 14th, 2016

Monday 18th April - Coffee and Chat with TyWednesday 20th April - Breakfast ClubWednesday 20th April - School CouncilThursday 21st April - School PhotosThursday 28st April - Community Twilight Event

Our school community is welcome to attend our first assembly for the termMonday, April 18th

School Gymnasium – 9:00amVisitors are encouraged to meet Ty in the staffroom immediately following

assembly for coffee and chat

ACTING PRINCIPAL REPORT

It is my pleasure to welcome our community back to Whittlesea Primary School after the term 1 holidays. I trust that you enjoyed the Easter period with family and friends. The students have returned refreshed and energised for an exciting term ahead.

Term 1 concluded with a wonderful community celebration of Bente Stock’s contribution to our school. Her last day as Principal was planned to allow her to connect with every child across our school through a series of planned activities in each year level. In the afternoon it was great to see many parents, guardians and community members attend our afternoon tea and special assembly. I know that Bente was quite overwhelmed by the response to her retirement and truly valued the experience. We also celebrated Bente’s husband Gary and his incredible voluntary contribution at Whittlesea Primary. Gary has ensured that our school is one of the best presented schools in the state, with immaculate gardens. Thank you again to Bente and Gary. Below are special prints which were presented to both Bente and Gary – original works by Brett Cardwell of Cardytoons.

As Acting Principal for term 2, my goal is to continue our school’s journey of continuous improvement with a focus towards achieving our strategic goals for 2016 as outlined in our Annual Improvement Plan. This document is in the final stages of region approval and outlines the key goals and strategies for our school’s growth in 2016.

The process for selecting a new Principal for Whittlesea Primary will commence throughout term 2 with a view that a successful applicant will be appointed and in place for term 3. Regional leaders will commence this process by briefing our school council next week on the thorough process which is to be undertaken. I will endeavour to keep our community informed with key information as it comes to hand.

We definitely hit the ground running in week 1 of term. I’ve had the pleasure to lead numerous tours in the first few days of term and it is always rewarding to hear such great feedback from prospective parents as they learn about our school. Also pleasing is the positive messages people are hearing across the community which has encouraged them to book a tour, with some travelling from South Morang and surrounding suburbs. It is reaffirming that the programs we offer and learning environment which has been created is having a positive effect.

Our Pre-Foundation program started with the biggest initial enrolment yet – over 40 children! This initiative aims to prepare our 2017 foundation students throughout numerous sessions led by Kellie Redmond, leading teacher and our dedicated Foundation team. Children are introduced to our school, learning activities, specialist programs and more… We believe it is a valuable head start to a child’s schooling and look forward to welcoming even more participants over the coming weeks.

In this week’s newsletter is information relating to a study being conducted through Melbourne University into screen-time of children. The study is seeking greater understanding into exactly what children view or interact with through games and TV throughout a week and the impact this has on their development. Should you wish to contribute to this collection of data, please complete the survey through the website link in the article.

School Photos

A reminder that School Photos are scheduled for Thursday, April 21st. This date is a week later than originally scheduled to accommodate a necessary change through our photographer. Please ensure all students are in correct uniform, including all black shoes.

Until next week,

Ty HogginsActing Principal

COMMUNITY TWILIGHT EVENT

WHEN: THURSDAY 28TH APRIL

TIME: 4.00 pm – 6.00 pm

PURPOSE: FAMILY GAMES

Keep this date free

SCHOOL CHAPLAIN REPORT Fierce Conversations

I have been reading Susan Scott’s book, Fierce Conversations: Achieving Success at Work and in Life One Conversation at a Time, and have decided to share some of the content in a series of short articles. I believe this will be a helpful exercise for both me and any who read these.

I note that to have effective conversations we have to invite questions on strongly held beliefs and be open to rational influence. My personal thoughts have to be challenged through a willingness to ‘actively’ listen into someone else’s thinking. Important decisions may be collectively made in this way. I am to resist using the word “but”, because it tends to stifle openness, and I practise recognising what is significant from what is frivolous.

An important mainstay of the book is to ‘interrogate reality’; to ask the difficult questions about what is succeeding or failing and what we are afraid of. Through tackling questions such as these, we provoke personal and collective learning and enrich relationships. We are willing to look past the ‘official’ truth to what is happening at ‘ground level’. In the case of working with young people, that means putting on a child lens and seeing what they see. We work not to manipulate truth but to uncover the core of the matter and nurture a ‘no surprise’ policy with early honesty.

So let us do an integrity scan and ask ourselves what values we stand for. These guide our behaviours because our values line up with our actions. If our behaviours are against our values, the consequences will cause us harm. With our senses quickened, we are called to live and work in peace and harmony for the good of all.

Peter Ackland - school chaplain

2016 BOOKLIST

Thankyou to the families who have already paid the booklist fees for 2016. Please note that booklist fees of $225 per student were due by Friday 26 th February 2016.

The excursion levy of $70 per student can be paid in full or by 2 instalments of $35 each. The first instalment of $35 is due now and the second instalment of $35 is due by Friday 10th June 2016. If you have any queries please contact Donna Gray at the school office.

SCHOOL PHOTOS

Please remember that the school photo payment envelopes need to be returned to school on photo day, Thursday 21st April. Family photo envelopes are available at the office should you wish to have your children photographed together.

SPORTS NEWS

Due to Naplan testing, the school Cross Country event has had to be re-scheduled. It will now be held at Walkers Reserve on Tuesday May 17th. This event is for all children in years 3-6.

Premier’s Active April

Premier’s Active April is part of the Victorian Government’s commitment to promote healthy and active lifestyles and get Victorians to join in the fun of increased physical activity. At our school we encourage all children to be active and to engage in activities that promote fitness.I would encourage you to register and record your activities for the month.There are freebies for everyone and other discounts etc.

Go to the website - activeapril.vic.gov.auGo to the DashboardClick on team’s pageClick on Whittlesea KidsClick on EditRegister your name

Let’s see how many hours we can clock up during the month

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.

CSEF – CAMPS, SPORTS AND EXCURSION FUND

If you hold a current Health Care Card or Pension Card please contact the office as you may be entitled to receive a payment of $125 for each child. This payment can be put towards any camp, sports event or excursions/incursions for your child.

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.

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, do not use the disabled car park in the staff car park unless you have a disability permit, we do have parents that require the use of this space. Thank you.

CANTEEN

The canteen service provided by Metro Canteens operates every Friday.

We have attached a menu to show what the Canteen offers.

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

CHILDREN AND DIGITAL GAMES STUDY

Melbourne University is conducting a study into screen-time of children.

The study is seeking greater understanding into exactly what children view or interact with through games and TV throughout a week and the impact this has on their development.

Should you wish to contribute to this collection of data, please complete the survey through the website link shown on the iPad photo.

COMMUNITY NEWSDid 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 on 16th April will include a Car Boot Sale, a great opportunity to clean up after Christmas. 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

Introduction to Office Skills (Administration / Computer) – April 2016

This short introductory course will help you to build the general knowledge and skills to confidently approach the job market or pathway into accredited training.

Location: Thomastown Neighbourhood House (TNH)Mode of Study: Classroom / computer labDays  / Times: Thursdays  9.15 am—3.15 pmDates: 14 April—16 June 2016Duration: 10 weeks (note: in addition to attending classes participants will be expected and supported to secure and complete a work placement (min. 40 hrs)

Cost: Concession: $50, Full: $108, Fee For Service: $928 + Service and Amenities Fee

Introduction to Office Skills (Administration / Computer) – April 2016

This short introductory course will help you to build the general knowledge and skills to confidently approach the job market or pathway into accredited training.

Location: Thomastown Neighbourhood House (TNH)Mode of Study: Classroom / computer labDays  / Times: Thursdays  9.15 am—3.15 pmDates: 14 April—16 June 2016Duration: 10 weeks (note: in addition to attending classes participants will be expected and supported to secure and complete a work placement (min. 40 hrs)Cost: Concession: $50, Full: $108, Fee For Service: $928 + Service and Amenities Fee

Please contact PRACE for more information on 9462 6077 or visit our website: www.prace.vic.edu.au  

Early Childhood Education and Care Courses are now being offered at PRACE – Merrilands Community Centre in partnership with Education Institute (TOID: 21707).

The courses begin in early May.

Please contact PRACE on 9462 6077 for more information or visit our website: www.prace.vic.edu.au