##04 - 21/03/19

YWPS Newsletter

Greetings From the PrincipalFurry mice with pink noses and ears, rats with black tails and whiskers, convicts in chains, characters from ‘The Hunger Games’, babies with dummies, a footy tummy, swimmers with scuba gear and flippers. Pumping, dancing music, dogs, mums and dads, little and big kids, face paint (who WAS that person with the green face?), jungle, fur, skeletons and Harry Potters …. Where am I?At the Wacky Walkathon, of course! The grass was perfectly groomed for our walking, running and dancing feet. Round and round for an hour we went, clocking up tally marks on our arms and having a heap of fun with friends (including furry ones), teachers, and families.Thank you everyone for a very successful morning of wacky walking!!

Yarraville OvalThank you for your support by contacting Maribyrnong City Council (MCC) councillors. There is different information circulating from MCC to parents so to clarify: the school has received from MCC a draft agreement for use of the oval which proposes some improved access from 1 April to 30 September; currently restrictions are still in place – no access all day Monday and during the Friday lunch break. I understand that spraying and watering now occurs every Monday during the cricket season. I have not yet received a reason from MCC for the restriction on Fridays. The lack of access on these days creates a great deal of added congestion within the school for students. Lunchtime clubs operate most lunchtimes and we also open up the Hall on these days for students. With these in place the grounds are still fairly congested. We are investigating an alternative schedule which would see the senior grades having breaks and lessons at different times from the rest of the school. This will have an impact on our teacher and support resources, but it is something that we need to consider from a health and safety perspective.The State Member for Williamstown, Melissa Horne, visited last week and is very supportive of our school having adequate access to the oval.

Working with Children Checks (WWCC)Thank you to everyone who has signed up for a card.If you haven’t yet ….Go to www.workingwithchildrencheck.gov.au and follow the steps. You will need to fill out the online form and go to a post office to have your photo taken.When you fill out the form please write in the school name and address 30 Powell Street, Yarraville, as this means we will be sent a copy for our file. Otherwise we will need to make a photocopy of your card at the office. We must keep a register of ALL volunteers.We are transitioning to this new procedure so to give parents time we plan to have all school volunteers registered and wearing cards by the start of term 2.

Electronic devices and phonesWe encourage students to leave devices and phones at home. If you wish your child to bring their phone to school they must adhere to our safety protocol:

- Turn it off and leave it in their bag when they get to school

- Turn it on once they have left the school groundsStudents who are unable to be responsible and respectful with devices will have their device taken from them for the rest of the day – their teacher will lock it away securely. I hope there will not be any occasions where this happens.

Important Dates5th Apr • Term 1 Ends 2.30pm

23rd Apr • Term 2 Starts25th Apr • ANZAC Day (no school)

##04 - 21/03/19

Supporting children and young people – ChristchurchI understand that our community may be affected by the tragedy in New Zealand on Friday March 15, and my thoughts go out to everyone in Christchurch at this time.Some members of our community may have watched the footage and may be impacted by the images. Others may need reassurance and to be supported to feel safe.

Tips for supporting children and young peopleCommon reactionsIt is common to think about safety and predictability of the world when tragedies such as the Christchurch incident occur.Reactions are influenced by many factors:

- Knowing someone impacted.- Identifying with the victims and survivors.- Seeing and hearing terrifying images and discussions.

The developmental age of the person influences what they understand and how they respond. Some may be unaware, others will be following all the discussions and media coverage, looking for understanding.

What to say and how to careHere are some ways you can make children and young people feel safe:

- Give reassurance that the incident is over.- Keep to routines, as they are reassuring.- Have time to listen and talk. Listen to concerns and worries and discuss strategies for feeling safe, dealing with

worry and being able to take action. This helps in repairing safety and calm.- Give a calm response to their concerns.- Keep your explanations appropriate for their age and development. Start at their starting point: ask what the

child/young person understands about what has happened and what their key worry is. Each child will have a different understanding and will find different parts of what has happened frightening or worrying. Very young children need simple, factual information balanced with assurances of safety. Older children will be appraising their own, and loved ones, safety. They may need help with separating reality form fantasy, and to dispel rumours.

- Reduce exposure to media coverage and conversations that are distressing and not age-appropriate.- Monitor their emotional state. Changes in behaviour, appetite and sleep can be an indicator of anxiety or worry.

Young children often express worry through bodily aches and pains.

For resources that can help support children and young people, see:

How to cope with traumatic news: an illustrated guide

https://www.redcross.org.au/getmedia/60d44951-875d-43c7-8415-1fee678ce1a1/helping-children-and-young-people-cope.pdf.aspx

How to cope with upsetting news https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Sa1ZChGwqo

Warm Regards,Karen

From The OfficeFinanceAll school fees are due by the end of Term 1 (5th April) If you have not already paid the account and require a Payment Plan please either email Johnstone.chris.c@edumail.vic.gov.au or call on 03 9314 7714.The CSEF (Camps, Sports, Excursion Fund) is still open to parents who currently hold a Centre Link Card. If you are unsure of eligibility please contact the school office.GeneralThere is an abundance of preloved uniform of varying sizes, please have a look before you buy new items. There is no cost for preloved uniform.

##04 - 21/03/19

Junior School CouncilIntroducing our new JSC for 2019! We are very excited to have the following students on board. Our first official task was attending the GRIP Leadership Conference.

34 Sam C Lucy Peters Ollie Walters

34 Emily Jasper Murphy Ruby Rector

34 Bethany Audrey Dwyer Gracie Scott

34 Ellie Cleo Dillon Grace O'Brien

34 Erin Taya Argus Mick McMahon

34 Jenny Scarlet Gibson Hunter Watson

34 Sam B Josephine Bradbury Isabel Hill

34 Christine Harper Lombard Lucy Wigney

34 Clare Sebastian Carr Ivy McConnell

34 Donna Fred Chen Frances Ardley

34 Rebecca Elizabeth Alston Griffin Pollock

56 Tegan Imogen Taylor Adrian Molla

56 Neil Sam Chandley Lily Manley

56 Ed Jude Dale Scarics Lilly Bell

56 Grace Ephrata Shetu Crystal Du

56 Christina James Keating Lilian Walsh

56 Stav Meredith Whittaker Chloe Kouteris

56 Mary Lara Wynn Mikayla Powell

56 Paul Elliot Pace Charlie Werner

5/6 Aimee Chloe Marum May Ardley

##04 - 21/03/19

GRIP ReportOn the 13th March the Junior School Council (JSC) went on a fun and interesting excursion to the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. The excursion was run by GRIP Leadership. GRIP taught us how to be thoughtful and responsible leaders for our school.We were shown the key qualities that can make us a caring leader. Some of the leadership skills we discovered were the CORE characteristics; confidence with humility, others focussed, reliability and empathy.Our main focus was the People Pathway. This was the journey that took us through the different stages of leadership. This was fun, but they took it to the next level with educational and engaging games to hype us up. The Loud Noise boys, Hot or Not, Leadership Limbo and Tip Toe were among the highlights. Each game provided a relevant example for each of the leadership lessons we learnt.Overall it was rewarding and inspiration day. We would like to thank Bethany, Tegan and Paul for taking us.Charlie and Elliot (5/6 Paul JSC Reps)

##04 - 21/03/19

Camp NewsIn Term 2 the 5/6s will be going on camp to Valley Homestead, located on the Great Alpine Road, near Bright. Due to the large number of students in the 5/6 area, the camp will be split into two groups. 5/6 students from Amy, Christina, Neil, Paul & Stav’s grades will attend camp on Tuesday 11th and return on Friday 14th of June. Students in Ed, Grace, Mary & Tegan’s grades will attend camp from Monday 17th and return on Thursday 20th of June. The camp consent and medical form will be sent home next week. If you have any questions, please speak to Simone or your classroom teacher.

PE/Sport NewsMaribyrnong Division Swim CarnivalOn Tuesday 19th March the Yarraville / Spotswood District Swim Team competed in the Maribynong Division Swim Carnival.Despite the coldness of the pool everyone soldiered on and did amazingly well. We are proud to say that 21 of our 27 swimmers in the District Team made it to the Western Metropolitan Regional Finals to be held on 2nd April at Kardinia Aquatic Centre in South Geelong. A big congratulations to our relay teams as 6 out of 8 of our teams made it through to Regionals. Again a big thanks to Chris for coaching us. All the individual swimmers did very well and 10 will be competing in Geelong. Well done to Archer Boykett on being the first multi class swimmer ever to represent Yarraville West and our District at the Division Finals. He did an amazing job and he will be going through to Regionals too.Thank you. - Jesse Falloon and Jemima Kinkade [sport captains]The swim team were a great advertisement for our school by being good sports, supporting all the members, of not only our school but the schools in our District. Thanks to the parents who came along to support us. Chris has been so supportive of the swimmers. If you are interested in squad swimming, his flyer is later in the Newsletter.

Weetbix TryathlonI saw many Tryathlon stickers on faces following the event. As yet I have received no details about our school from the organisers. By the smile on Tessa Hemley’s face it must have been a great day. Well done everyone who participated.

##04 - 21/03/19

FinalsOver the last weekend there have been a number of finals. It is always great to see our kids doing well in their chosen out of school sports.In the WRJCA U11A Grand Final, a team of YWPS boys weren’t quite good enough against Spotswood but across the season they only lost 2 other games. They will have another shot, as most will still be under 11 next season.

Pictured here are:Mick McMahon, Lucas Bigmore, Ryland

Mitchell, Oscar Tilders (former student), Ted McMahon, Oliver Denning, Christopher Kemp,

Winston Ashburner & Sam Warner.

The featured indoor football (soccer) team were victorious once again, having won in the last season. It is a mixed group of ages but they obviously work well together. It might be the family links!

Pictured here are: Jude and Ned DaleCsarics, Cooper and Tyler Pecora, Hunter George and Tate Halliwell

More Great KidsJessica and Sam Thornton swum in the Metro West All Junior heats and they have both qualified for a stroke at the Metro All Junior semifinals on the 30th March, being placed in the top 10. Jess has made it in for the 50 fly, and Sam for 50 breaststroke.Both Sam and Jess have represented our school in District and Division swimming. This year Sam is off to Geelong for the Western Metro Finals. Jess was very unwell at our District Carnival but still gave it her all. She will be there next year. They are both pocket rockets. Fantastic. We are very proud of you.

##04 - 21/03/19

##04 - 21/03/19

##04 - 21/03/19

##04 - 21/03/19

EVENTS@ Yarraville West

PS

EVENTS committeeNext meeting is Tuesday 26th March All welcome to join us in the YWPS library @7pm next Tuesday.

Come and be part of the fun with a fabulous year ahead.

ywpsevents@gmail.com

DonationsYWPS Events committee are gratefully accepting donations of prizes in the form of goods, services or experiences for raffles & prizes throughout the year.

ywpsevents@gmail.com or contact the office.

wacky Cake stallThanks to all our creative bakers the wacky cup cake stall was a huge success. From 3pm today there is a limited number for sale again in the middle area. YUM!

Plenty of classes have had their party and there are still lots to comeA great way to get to know the families in your child’s class and have some fun. Contact your class teacher for more information.

suns

hiny

des

ign.

com

ywpsevents@gmail.com

##04 - 21/03/19

Dear Parents/Guardians,

YWPS is seeking school community members who have energy and time to spare, and are committed to ensuring Aboriginal and Torres Straits Islander culture is celebrated and further included in our school. We are forming a Working Group to develop and help implement a RECONCILIATION ACTION PLAN (RAP).

Please click on the link below to LEARN MORE about the RAP process.https://www.narragunnawali.org.au/raps/what-is-a-rap

HOW OFTEN: At this stage, plans are for the Working Group to meet twice per term but this may vary slightly throughout the year around special occasions such as NAIDOC Week.

TO GET INVOLVED in this important school initiative, or if you have any questions at all, please send an email at:Mountford.david.r@edumail.vic.gov.au

DUE DATE: 5thth APRIL

Thank you,David Mountford

We acknowledge that we all live and work on Aboriginal land, & wish to pay respects to all of our Elders, both past & present.

##04 - 21/03/19

##04 - 21/03/19

##04 - 21/03/19

eliteSWIMMING

Junior & Competitive Swim SquadsElite Swimming invite Yarraville West

Primary Students to join our Junior Swim Training Programme.

Appropriate squads highlighted

Junior Squads:Monday 5:00-6:30* & 6:30-7:30Tuesday 5:00-6:00 & 6:00-7:30*

Wednesday 5:00-6:30* & 6:30-8:00*Thursday 5:00-6:30 & 6:00-7:30*

Friday 6:00-7:30*(*denotes competitive squads only)

Victoria University Pool, Farnsworth AveFootscray Park0408 954 123

eliteswimming@icloud.com