Friday 20th September - JSC Footy Colours Day / Special Lunch Order Day

Friday 18th October – Student Disco Book your tickets now

Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th October - Vision Portraits

PUPIL FREE DAYS

• Monday December 16, 2019
• Tuesday January 28th, 2020
• Wednesday January 29th, 2020
• Two extra days yet to be confirmed in 2020

TERM DATES

• 2019 TERM 3: Monday 15th July - Friday 20th September (2:30pm finish)
• 2019 TERM 4: Monday 7th October - Friday 20th December (1:30pm finish)
• 2020 TERM 1: Tuesday 28th January - Teachers start (All students start Thursday 30th January) - Friday 27th March (2:30pm finish)
• 2020 TERM 2: Tuesday 14th April - Friday 26th June (2:30pm finish)
• 2020 TERM 3: Monday 13th July - Friday 18th September (2:30pm finish)
• 2020 TERM 4: Monday 5th October - Friday 18th December (1:30pm finish)

CAMP DATES

• Year 3: Arrabri Lodge Camp (Mon 05Aug to Wed 07Aug 2019)
• Year 5: Lady Northcote Recreation Camp (Tue 08Oct to Fri 11Oct 2019)
• Year 6: Canberra Camp (Mon 14May to Fri 18May 2020)
• Year 4: Anglesea Recreation Camp (Wed 27May to Wed 29May 2020)
• Year 3: Arrabri Lodge Camp (Mon 27July to Wed 29July 2020)
• Year 5: Lady Northcote Recreation Camp (Tue 06Oct to Fri 09Oct 2020)

STATE SCHOOLS SPECTACULAR I was lucky enough to attend the State Schools Spectacular on Saturday. Whilst our school participates every second year with a group being part of the massed dancers ensemble, there are opportunities each October for individuals to audition for various roles for the following year. Lachlan Deane, Grade 6, successfully auditioned to be part of the Victorian State Schools Choir and so took part in both the matinee and evening sessions on Saturday. Congratulations to Lachie, who also took centre stage for one item with the other members of the choir. Whilst on congratulations, it was wonderful to see ex-students Nicola Ingvarson, Jack Carter and Alex Stalder play very major roles, either singing/dancing (Nicola/Jack) or playing electric guitar solos (Nicola and Alex). So much talent on show!

CHESS TOURNAMENT Each year our school hosts two interschool Chess tournaments, as well as providing opportunities for our students to compete in tournaments at other schools. Last Thursday we hosted our second tournament for the year and around 150 students from our Region attended. We had more than 20 students participate and we came third overall. An excellent effort.

CROSS COUNTRY – FOUNDATION TO 2 And in a super busy week, all Foundation to Grade 2 students participated in our school cross country on Friday on the school oval. The weather gods smiled, and everyone ran well and had a fun time. Special thanks to Kori Stuckey who organised everything so wonderfully well. Medals were presented at Assembly on Monday.

WALKATHON Many thanks to everyone who made yesterday’s walkathon such a success. Proceeds of the day will go towards our oval redevelopment project. With grants received from Cricket Victoria, and our own accumulated fundraising from last year and this year, we have about $60,000 earmarked for improvements in the not too distant future. Watch this space.

SCHOOL COUNCIL The September School Council meeting is scheduled for 7pm tonight (Thursday, September 19) in the staffroom.

GRADE 5 SCHOOL CAMP A reminder that we are not long back in Term 4 and the Grade 5s pack their bags and sleeping gear and head to the Lady Northcote Camp in Bacchus Marsh for their four day adventure camp. Students leave on Tuesday, October 8.

DIVISIONAL ATHLETICS Whilst there is another piece written on yesterday’s Divisional Athletics later in this newsletter, I wish to pass on my congratulations to all 18 students who participated in yesterday’s event under sunny skies at Meadow Glen. Plenty of personal bests and at least 6 students have qualified for the Regional Championships early in Term 4. Well done!!

FINAL ASSEMBLY The final assembly for term 3 is scheduled for 2.05pm on Friday with students dismissed from the gymnasium at 2.30pm. Term 4 resumes on Monday, October 7.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS And so another term draws to a close. Can I take this opportunity to wish everyone a safe and relaxing holiday break. Nicer weather, a few football matches, and longer days makes for the perfect ingredients for a lovely break. I look forward to seeing everyone back on deck on Monday, October 7.

Kind regards,

Bill Kersing

Principal

Thank you to our entire school community for the support that has been given throughout this term. Without your assistance to help run programs such as SAKG and F-2 reading as well as assisting with camps, excursions and Inquiry activities we would not be able to offer the rich curriculum experiences that we do. Supporting fundraising events allows for big projects like the oval rejuvenation to be achievable. Thank you for coming along to celebrate our school concert, F-2 cross country, interschool sport games, family STEM night and athletics events. Our 2020 transition sessions have been wonderfully attended and many new families are beginning to feel part of our Viewbank school community.

We look forward to your continued support in term 4. No surprises – it’s going to be busy!

Have a fun and relaxing holiday. I hope we get lots of sunshine and you have time to slow down and enjoy some family time.

Stay safe and well,

Gill Nicholls

Student Safety As the weather starts to warm up and the days are getting longer, it can be tempting to drop your children at school a little early or to leave them at school to play with their friends.

This is just a reminder that the school provides supervision for students before school from 8:50am to 9am, and after school from 3:30pm – to 3:40pm. It is an expectation that any student who is not in the care of their parent or other adult, that they will come to the office. No student should be left unsupervised in the school grounds outside of these hours.

Parent Tips A resource for young people that may be of assistance for some is Youth Beyond Blue (www.youthbeyondblue.com). While primarily aimed at teenagers, there are resources that may be a useful starting point for you, your child, or someone close to you.

Parents and Friends The Parents and Friends Committee met at the Kai Mook Restaurant on the 10th September. We had a big turn out with almost 20 parents in attendance. There has been a huge amount of work done behind the scenes to try and maximise fundraising activities. The resurfacing of the Oval is the primary focus at the moment.

In Term 3, the P&F have organised the concert raffle, Fathers’ Day Stall, Skaterz on the Curriculum Day, Walkathon, and the hot lunch day tomorrow.

There are a range of other events coming up in Term 4 – please keep an eye out on Compass and in the Viewbank Voice.

It is always dangerous to name people, but the P&F would like to send a massive thank you to the Office ladies for their continuing support with monies that come in and following up elements of each event. That said, the P&F is a huge team effort with many parents going above and beyond with what they do for the school. If you would like to be involved in the P&F, please come along to our next meeting, we are always looking for new members – many hands make light work!

Our next meeting is scheduled for the 22nd October – more details to come early October.

See you all next term. Go Pies!

Patrick

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Save the Dates!

• Friday 20th September – Footy Colours / Pie Day
• Friday 18th October – Student Disco
• Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th October - Vision Portraits

ICY POLE FRIDAY Students are able to buy icy poles over the counter at lunchtime. All icy poles cost $1.00 each. We are asking for parent helpers to assist with the sale of these icy poles on Fridays from 1pm to 1:30pm.

STRINGS, DRUM KIT, GUITAR, UKULELE, FLUTE, SINGING, KEYBOARD AND PIANO

Information and “Expression of Interest” forms are available at the general office. Alternatively, you may contact Gabriella on 0413 676 733 or gabriella@the.inter.net.au

Foundation — Eli &Colin

Year 1 & 2 — Nicholas, Oliver, Stef, Livie, Darcy & Cruz

Year 3 & 4 — Jesse , Olivia, Maddie, Whole Class 3B & 4B Grades

Year 5 & 6 — Caitlin, Maya, Phoenix, Mia, Caitlin & Gretel

DIVISIONAL ATHLETICS On Wednesday 18th September, Mr Morton and Mrs Farley accompanied 17 students to Meadowglen Athletics Track in Epping. The keen athletes were thrilled to be greeted by fine spring conditions for the Division Athletics Championships. Having qualified back in March, all were glad the long wait was over. Competitors gave their all in a variety of track and field events, and it was pleasing to see a number of ribbons pinned to the chest of our students. Congratulations to those students who finished top two in their event, and now move on to the Regional Championships on Wednesday 16th October. The event will also be held at Meadowglen Athletics Track.

We are currently looking for a volunteer to coordinate the Walk To School program for our school. If you are interested in this role can you please email the school. viewbank.ps@edumail.vic.gov.au

Year 3 Kinder Visit (Term 3, 2019) Before we went to the kinder, in Maths, we wrote down directions and some kids got to direct us to the kinder and they were James, Ethan, William, Aarav, Zac and Owen. At the kinder I met Norris and I read a book to him. The book was called ‘Whose Nose’. It is about guessing different noses. Then we asked our buddies questions like, what was your favourite part? Who was your favourite character? Then we went to play outside with our buddies. We played in the sandpit and dug a big hole. After that we went back to school and the people who directed us needed to reverse the directions.

Written by Joseph Armstrong, Evelyn Disario and Owen Lancer

LOST PROPERTY/CLOTHING

• Reminder to please check lost property in the breezeway near the Stephanie Alexander Garden Room this week please.
• Please CLEARLY name all items as unnamed items will be sold as second hand uniform next term.
• All lost property uniform will be brought at assembly on Friday for students/parents to make final collection before the holidays.

Psychology service for students at Viewbank Primary School This is just a reminder about our new psychology service that may be of use to you - DBT in Schools.

Areas that DBT in Schools can help with (from http://dbtinschools.com.au/individual-therapy/):

• emotional stress such as depression and anxiety
• grief and sadness
• bullying
• sexuality issues
• substance abuse issues
• trauma
• family breakdown or parent problems, or
• friendship and relationship issues

If you would like any more information and may like to access this service, please contact the school (9459 1512) or send an email to viewbank.ps@edumail.vic.gov.au

HATS ON From 1st September until 30th April school hats must be worn outside during all outside activities.

SCHOOL BANKING Don’t forget to hand your bankbooks into your class teacher every Tuesday for banking.

RUNNING GROUP Every Thursday from 8:15am on the oval, for any students in years 4-6. All abilities welcome. Pack a spare pair of socks/shoes in case the oval is damp. Hope to see you there!

SCHOOL CHOIR Every Wednesdays, 8.30, in the Music room. Everyone from Year 2 to 6 are welcome!

The program is scheduled on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Of course, volunteers are essential to the success of the program, so we are always looking for anybody willing to work with a small group, in the kitchen or garden. You do not need to be a ‘masterchef’ or have a green thumb! Enthusiasm is the only requirement. If you are interested in volunteering, please complete the Volunteer Information form and return it to the school office. Once you have completed the form please book in to volunteer via one of the program staff.