Thursday 16th May - Cyber Safety Parent Session, 7pm

Saturday 18th May - Election Day Sausage Sizzle, Cake and Book Stalls

Monday 20th May - Cancer Council Biggest Morning Tea, after assembly in the gym foyer

Tuesday 21st May - Education Week Open Day

Saturday 25th May - Working Bee

Saturday 25th May - Education Week Open Morning

Saturday 25th May - Dolly's Disco Bingo, 7pm. Tickets now on sale.

Wednesday 26th June - 3 Way Conferences, 11am - 7pm (variation to school hours day)

Thursday 8th August - The Resilience Project (students)

Monday 2nd September - The Resilience Project (parents)

Thursday 5th September - School Production VMTV (matinee and evening)

Friday 6th September - School Production VMTV (matinee and evening)

TERM DATES

• 2019 TERM 2: Tuesday 23rd April - Friday 28th June (2:30pm finish)
• 2019 Term 3: Monday 15th July - Friday 20th September (2:30pm finish)
• 2019 Term 4: Monday 7th October - Thursday 20th December (1:30pm finish)

CAMP DATES

• Year 3: Arrabri Lodge Camp (Mon 05Aug to Wed 07Aug)
• Year 4: Anglesea Recreation Camp (Mon 03Jun to Wed 05Jun)
• Year 5: Lady Northcote Recreation Camp (Tue 08Oct to Fri 11Oct)
• Year 6: Canberra Camp (Mon 27May to Fri 31May)

Education Week Open Day We encourage you, if you can, to pop in at some stage between 9.30am and 3.00pm on Tuesday, May 21, for Open Day. Classrooms are more ‘open’ than usual on this day, as we celebrate Education week in a low key way. Whilst this is a ‘normal’ school day, feel free to visit – your children will be happy to see you. It is also a day for prospective families to visit our school and to be shown around (proudly) by our Grade 6 leadership team (in pairs). Feel free to mention this opportunity to any other families you are aware of who may be enrolling students here in 2020.

District Cross Country This event is scheduled for Wednesday, May 22 at Banyule Flats from 9.30am. It is always a highlight of the sporting calendar. I hope to see you there. Good luck to our 59 student representatives and I am sure they will acquit themselves well.

The Resilience Project Staff will be involved in some professional development next week as part of our commitment to the Resilience Project over these next few years. The Resilience Project delivers emotionally engaging programs to schools, sports clubs and businesses, providing practical, evidence-based, positive mental health strategies to build resilience and happiness. I have been privileged to listen to these presentations over a number of years and never fail to take away an important message or two, as well as refocussing my perspective and outlook on a range of things. Our students and parents/guardians will take part in the program in upcoming months and I suggest you mark it down as a ‘do not miss’ seminar. For further information, please go to https://theresilienceproject.com.au/

Working Bee and Open Morning At peril of repeating other important and more detailed information later in this newsletter, please don’t forget the Term 2 Working Bee on Saturday, May 25 from 9am. This coincides with an Open Morning for prospective families run in the same 9am – 12 noon time slot.

School Council Council meets from 7pm in the staffroom tonight, following the Finance subcommittee at 6pm.

That’s it from me this week. Don’t forget to vote on Saturday, if you haven’t done so already!

Kind regards,

Bill Kersing

Principal

Education Support Staff Celebration On Tuesday morning, we recognised our wonderful Education Support Staff and the valuable contributions they make each and every day, with a morning tea.

Our ES staff have many roles and responsibilities and are vital to the daily operation of the school. In the office, Lucy, Sue and Georgeina take care of all the administrative tasks that keep our school functioning smoothly. They manage endless communications across the school and wider school community, handle the finances, keep everything operating smoothly and are the first port of call for all visitors. Louise, Thelma, Sarina and Bree are our integration aides who provide assistance to individual students. They work closely with classroom teachers and parents to ensure learning is accessible for all our students. You will also find Louise managing the library in her library technician role. As our school nurse, Fiona expertly takes care of all things medical. She provides wonderful care to all our students and staff and diligently keeps parents informed of actions taken and follow up required. We are very proud of our Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden program, and Chris and Dani make sure that this program runs smoothly and the students experience valuable, hands on learning opportunities in both the kitchen and garden. Our ES staff are a wonderful, multi-talented team. They are positive and cheerful and always seem to be able to manage whatever is asked of them. I hope that you will join with us in saying THANK YOU FOR ALL THAT YOU DO! You are very much appreciated.

Have a great week.

School Wide Positive Behaviour Support (SWPBS) - Essential Feature 3 Essential Feature 3 (EF3) is about having clearly defined sets of expected behaviours (expectations and rules). To achieve this, we are working towards having:

• school-wide behaviour expectations that are highly visible throughout the school, there is a shared responsibility for ensuring adherence
• a behaviour matrix (this to be developed in 2019) – these will be positive and succinct, action-based and age appropriate
• established routines and procedures that can prevent/promote behaviours in non-classroom settings e.g. anywhere that is not a classroom such as playgrounds, toilets, corridors (including stairs), library, SAKGP garden.

National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) As you may be aware, like many schools across Victoria and Australia, we had difficulty accessing the online NAPLAN platform on Tuesday. We received advice from the Victorian Curriculum Assessment Authority (VCAA) on Tuesday evening that if we were a school that experienced disruption, we could switch to completing NAPLAN on paper, as done in previous years. A decision was made on Wednesday morning to forgo doing any more NAPLAN assessments on technology (Grade 3s and Grade 5s) and the appropriate communication sent to the VCAA.

Primarily, many of our Grades 5s experienced multiple ‘drop-outs’. This generally only lasted 10-30 seconds, but interrupted the ‘flow’ of their writing. We will need to wait on advice from the VCAA regarding the Grade 5 assessment outcomes.

Sensory resources Conditions that cause anxiety for people in our community (including schools) has had an increase in public awareness in recent times. Attendance at certain events, experiences, places that many of us take for granted can be overwhelming for some, leading to a lack of connection in the community. As such, this awareness by some organisations to be more ‘sensory’ conscious allows greater access for many more people (not to mention appealing to an untapped section of the market!)

Below is a list of resources, organisations that are a little more sensory aware. If you know of others, please email them to me at viewbankps@edumail.vic.edu.au

AFL football https://www.disabilitysupportguide.com.au/talking-disability/sensory-rooms-at-afl-stadiums-kicking-family-fun-goals

St Kilda home games: The Sensory room is located in the Victory Room and provides a chill-out zone that is an escape from the colour and noise of the grandstands.

Sensory playgrounds

• Outdoor: Hays Paddock Kew; Wombat Bend Templestowe
• Indoor: Preston https://www.werockthespectrumprestonvic.com/ (for 1-12 year olds)

Shopping

Coles: Quiet hour. Tuesdays 10:30-11:30am. Search for Victorian stores here:

https://www.coles.com.au/corporate-responsibility/community/quiethoursstorelocator#secVic

“During Quiet Hour, customers will notice the following changes in participating Coles supermarkets:

• Store lighting will be reduced
• Coles Radio will be switched off
• Register and scanner volumes will be reduced to the lowest level
• No trolley collections and roll cages will be removed from the shop floor
• No PA announcements except in the case of emergencies
• Free fruit will be offered at customer service
• Additional team members will be available to support customers”

Movies

Village Cinemas: https://villagecinemas.com.au/events/sensory-friendly-films

Sensory Friendly Films allow families to enjoy their favourite films in a safe and accepting environment with the cinema lights turned up and the sound turned down. Look for the orange "Sensory Friendly Film" icon next to the session times to see which cinemas and sessions are screening these films.

Hoyts Cinemas: https://www.hoyts.com.au/offers-events/events/hoyts-sensory-screening (during school holidays on selected movies only)

Sensory Screening sessions – allowing families living with autism and other sensory needs to enjoy their favourite movies on the big screen where kids are free to get up and move around, shout or even sing. We’ll dim the lights and soften the volume, to ensure it’s a safe and accepting environment.

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 call me (9459 1512) or send me an email at viewbank.ps@edumail.vic.gov.au

​

VIETNAM VISIT NEWS With just over two weeks before our Vietnam visitors arrive, planning details are now being finalised. The itinerary is organised with a combination of educational experiences at school and cultural experiences in and around Melbourne, planned for our visitors. On Monday 3rd June, we invite everyone to our whole school welcome assembly that will be held in the gymnasium at approximately 12.15pm. Our school choir and vocal students will be performing, along with the string ensemble. We hope to see you there.

This year the school production is called VMTV. The production is celebrating many of the music icons from across the decades. We are hoping the stage will come to life as a high energy music television show. Singing, dancing, acting, lighting and amazing costumes will all help bring our theme to life!

All the students have been told the artist/s music they will be celebrating on the stage this year. You may have already heard whispers from your child or children of the artist/s that their grade is rehearsing for. The students have been enthusiastic and excited about coming into the music room to learn their items and we hope this continues throughout terms 2 and 3.

Please note the dates on your calendars, Thursday 5th of September & Friday 6th of September for this special event. There will be both matinee and evening performances.

We will keep you posted regarding this fantastic event!

Cheers,

The Production Team.

​

Foundation — Janice, Mia, Celina, Alex, Liv & Byron

Year 1 — Harley, Noah, Johan & Abbey

Year 2 — Luke, Claire, Zoe, Reece & Ethan

Year 3 & 4 — Sam, Ella, Yianni, Tedric & Whole 4N Class

Year 5 &6 — Abby, Jai, Chloe, Tabatha, Oli & Liam

SECOND HAND UNIFORM SALE (Every second Friday), next to the music room. Jumpers with the school logo, long and short sleeve school polo tops and school dresses will be $5.00 and all other items $2.00. We are currently asking for donations of any unwanted reusable school uniform items to sell at our stall.

ELECTION DAY SAUSAGE SIZZLE, BAKE & SECOND HAND BOOK SALE

Your help is needed...

In conjunction with the Election polling day Viewbank Primary School will be running a fundraiser sausage sizzle, bake sale and second hand book sale on Saturday May 18th. All money raised at this event will go towards future school improvements such as the oval area renovation.

We are looking for some bakers that can help fill the bake stall with some delicious home baked goods. Home Baked goods can be any type of home baked goods, such as whole cakes, muffins, slices, biscuits etc. that are ready (paper plates, boxes, plastic bags) for sale either whole plates or smaller/individually packaged goods. Goods cannot contain ingredients that require refrigeration (ie. fresh cream), as these facilities are not available. All items will need to be labeled with ingredients.

We are also seeking donations of second hand books. The books need to be in good condition, no textbooks or encyclopedias or magazines.

Books and home baked goods can be dropped on Friday 17th May to SAKG room 8.30am-9.30am and 3pm-4.30pm (room next to old canteen).

We are also requiring volunteers to help with the organising of the goods on Friday 17th and people to man the cake stall, book stall and sausage sizzle on Saturday 18th.

If you are able to help in any way even an hour or two of your time or the donation of baked goods or books we would be very grateful for your support.

Election Day Volunteer Sign up - volunteersignup.org/BWED3

Bake Sale pre-register and additional information - https://forms.gle/kfPWdWcVrK9czeQj9

For any queries please contact Brooke - brooke@smoiled.com or or see the school office.

Thank you

P&F Committee

Cancer Council Biggest Morning Tea - Viewbank Primary School is hosting a Biggest Morning Tea to help raise vital funds for cancer research, prevention and support services. All welcome!! Monday 20th May, after assembly in the gym foyer.

Donations can also be made online to help the Cancer Council raise much needed funds that go towards vital cancer research, support services, prevention programs, and advocacy. CLICK HERE TO DONATE NOW

Purchase your Entertainment Membership NOW to help Viewbank Primary School raise much needed funds!

Viewbank Primary School are again fundraising with the very popular Entertainment Book or Digital Membership. You'll receive hundreds of valuable offers for everything you love to do, and help our fundraising at the same time. Hurry, Entertainment Memberships sell out quickly.

Disco Bingo Come join us for a fun night of Disco Bingo & help raise money for our major Oval upgrade.

Instead of numbers, Dolly will play well known tunes from all the era’s for you to mark off on your bingo sheet. There will be great songs from the 70’s, 80’s, pub rock, morning melodies & Top 40 that will have you dancing and singing the night away as you socialise with Viewbank families.

Come dressed in your coolest 80’s gear, or just come dressed as you are…………the night is about having fun, meeting new & old school parents & letting your hair down (kid free!)

There are whole tables of 10 available or just grab a friend or 2 & book together via trybooking & we’ll allocate you seating with your friends & other Parents from the same year level.

We have an amazing selection of Auction items too so Grab your tickets via the Trybooking link ASAP so you don’t miss out.

We have some amazing products up for grabs at our Auction on May 25th at Disco Bingo……….you may even pick yourself up a bargain!!

https://www.trybooking.com/BBXFE

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.

BRIGHT STAR KIDS PERSONALISED NAME PRODUCTS We've teamed up with Bright Star Kids to help us raise funds and to decrease the amount of lost property. When you buy anything from their range of personalised name labels and school supplies (or anything else in their store) 20% of it will come back to our group.

Please remember to link up our group "VIEWBANK PRIMARY SCHOOL" in the Nominate a Fundraiser checkout section. Thanks for your support!

Visit their website: https://www.brightstarkids.com.au where you can buy directly from them and get it sent directly to your home.

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

We are taking part in Big Group Hug’s ‘Sock’s, Jocks and PJ”s” drive. Please leave all donations in Mrs Farley's classroom.

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!

CSEF (Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund) is a government assisted fund which provides payments for eligible students to attend camps, sports and excursions ($125 per child). Applications for the Governments ‘CSEF Fund’ can be accessed by filling in the attached form and return to the office with a current Health Care card. To be eligible for this funding, you need to hold a current Centrelink Health Care Card or Pension Concession Card or Veteran Affairs Card. Please note: as this funding is means tested, the Parent/Guardian MUST be the card holder, no Medical Health Care Cards in the student’s name will be accepted as it will be rejected by the CSEF system. Funds are paid to the school and will be automatically allocated to the Term Expenses unless otherwise stated by the parent at the start of the year.

Facility Hire Viewbank Primary School provides a venue for hire with kitchen facilities. Please submit a written application to the office, outlining the details of intended use via email at viewbank.ps@edumail.vic.gov.au Please note that conditions do apply. At the discretion of the school, venue costs may also be waived in some instances. All applications will be considered on a case by case basis