TERM DATES
- 2020 TERM 4: Monday 5th October - Friday 18th December (1:30pm finish)
- 2021 TERM 1: Wednesday 27th January Teachers start (All students start Thursday 28th January) - Thursday 1st April (2:30pm finish)
- 2021 TERM 2: Monday 19th April - Friday 25th June (2:30pm finish)
- 2021 TERM 3: Monday 12th July - Friday 17th September (2:30pm finish)
- 2021 TERM 4: Monday 4th October - Friday 17th December (1:30pm finish)
2021 CAMP DATES
- Year 3: Arrabri Lodge Camp - Wednesday 4th August to Friday 6th August
- Year 4: Anglesea Recreation Camp - Monday 17th May to Wednesday 19th May
- Year 5: Lady Northcote Recreation Camp - Tuesday 5th October to Friday 8th October
- Year 6: Canberra Camp - Monday 24th May to Friday 28th May
SCHOOL CAPTAINS It was our pleasure to hear the speeches of our aspirant school captains last Friday, as each spoke of their wish to be selected for that role in 2021. We contacted twelve very happy families Friday evening to advise that their son or daughter had been shortlisted by their peers for the final selection phase to take place tomorrow. We are spoiled for choice! I reflect on my own schooling and can guarantee, even taking into consideration the ravages of considerable time on my memory, that I had neither the confidence nor the conviction of these fine young students at a similar age in my own life. I commend them for taking a leap of faith, parking their nervousness and presenting to their peers with poise, respect and aplomb.
PARENT PAYMENTS I trust that everyone received advice via Compass this week on parent payment arrangements for next year. I hope it was clear advice and, as always, if there is anything that needs further clarification don’t hesitate to call the General Office.
SHADY CHARACTERS Hopefully that got your attention. Two of our parents, Bec Deighton and Neralie Cadusch are anything but shady. On the contrary, they are coherent, clear thinking, hard working and extremely articulate. With those qualities in abundance they applied, on the school’s behalf, for a $22,000 grant under the Shade Grants Program run by the Department Of Health and Human Services. I am extremely pleased to report that we were successful, and on behalf of the school community wish to commend and thank the ladies for their efforts. The money is destined to provide shade for our new playground which will finish that area off perfectly! This is the third successful grant application by the dynamic duo, so if you see them in your travels, please be sure to say thank you!
SCHOOL COUNCIL Just an early ‘heads-up’ that our final School Council meeting for the year is scheduled for Tuesday, December 1 (hopefully on-site).
SCHOOL REVIEW In term 1 next year, our school is undertaking our School Review. As part of the improvement cycle, each Victorian government school undertakes a review every four years. Our school community completes a comprehensive self-evaluation against the FISO (Framework For Improving Student Outcomes) continua of practice, which will involve students, teachers and community members.
An independent analysis is also completed of our school’s performance against our goals and targets in our school strategic plan. The review evaluates the school's strengths, areas for improvement and the impact of its improvement efforts.
At the end of the review, a new four-year school strategic plan is created and endorsed by the school community.
In upcoming weeks we will be asking you to complete a school based and created survey – entirely voluntary, of course. We hope you take the time to complete it in the wish that we can aggregate responses to help to steer and sustain our improvement. Similar school based and created surveys will be provided to students and staff as well. Please watch this space for updates in upcoming weeks.
I hope you all have a lovely weekend. So much more choice of places to go and things to do.
Kind regards,
Bill Kersing
Principal
Social Media Issues - Students Since returning to school in Term 4, we have been made aware that there have been a number of social media issues occurring. These are happening at home, but are ‘spilling over’ to the school ground. Our advice is always to obey the Terms and Conditions put forth by the platform creators (e.g. most sites requiring a 13+ age to sign up). However, we understand that some parents have wished to help their children understand these sites and use them responsibly. Laying the groundwork, if you like, for when these children are teenagers.
Some of the recent activities have revolved around apps (e.g. TikTok and Instagram) that children have accessed at home and are sharing usernames and passwords with other children. Inappropriate messages (between known AND unknown players) are also being sent through in-game chat functions (e.g. Among Us) and in chat programs such as iMessage and Messenger.
Please ensure you check your children’s devices for any accounts and monitor what is occurring closely.
Continuing Coronavirus (COVID-19) Advice With restrictions being changed this last weekend, and (hopefully!) more to come soon, the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) website and social media are important to have a read of from time to time, or if you are about to undertake an activity you have previously not been allowed to do.
Social Media
Useful website links
DET
Other
Patrick
Grade 6 2021 Polo Top and Jacket Each year our Grade 6 students are able to purchase uniform items to commemorate their final year at primary school. These uniform items are available through our uniform supplier, My Uniform however they are optional.
The Grade 6 polo top and sports top are available throughout the year and can be purchased either online or from the My Uniform store. Understandably, December and January will be peak times for purchasing so you may want to think about placing an order for the more in-demand sizes soon. These tops remain the same from year to year so sourcing a second hand item from an older sibling, friend or neighbour may also be an option.
The Grade 6 jacket will only be available to order online in the first few weeks of term 1, 2021. Orders will be managed by My Uniform and the ordering period will be clearly communicate. Sample sizes will be available at school next year for the students to try on to assist with correct sizing. The completed garments will be delivered to the school and distributed to the students.
The Grade 5 students are currently selecting the design of the 2021 jacket and once this has been finalised we will let families know.
Enjoy your week
Gill
2021 Parent Payment Charges/Arrangements Viewbank Primary School is looking forward to a new year of teaching and learning and would like to advise you of the 2021 Parent Payment Charges/Arrangements.
Parent Payment Charges/Arrangements are paid on Compass from Saturday 19 December 2020. Please check 'Course Confirmation/Payment' in 'My News' on your homepage and follow the prompts. If you are having issues with Compass, have forgotten your password or have no access please contact the school office as soon as possible.
Payments are due by Monday 27 January 2021. A Compass Payment Plan Option for Essential Student Learning Items is also available on Compass: Four even payments of $75.00 to be deducted on 01Feb, 01Mar, 01Apr & 01May 2021.
Please be advised there are alternative payment options for families who may be experiencing financial hardship or who would prefer a personalised payment plan. Please contact me if you wish to discuss these arrangements.
Late Arrivals The gates will be locked at 9.20am, if you arrive after this time please go to the Main Gate, Gate 1 on Nevin Parade and call the office and a staff member will meet your child at the gate.
Early Leavers If you need to collect your child early please call the office and a staff member will arrange for your child to meet you at the Main Gate, Gate 1 on Nevin Parade.
Thank you
Lucy Addati
Business Manager
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PHONE NUMBER: 0448 075 422
EMAIL: viewbank@oshclub.com.au