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
I trust everyone enjoyed the Melbourne Cup Day Public Holiday and is now suitably recharged for the ‘run home’. Pardon the analogy, but I feel we are at the clock tower at Flemington just now, with the finish line in sight. With further easing of restrictions, and some warmer weather ahead there is much to be positive and hopeful about.
There is also an increasing sense of urgency, as we suddenly only have six weeks left to complete a range of school tasks in preparation for 2021. These include the grade selection process, transitions in whatever forms these may take, graduation, the preparation and approval of budgets and more.
GRADE STRUCTURE 2021 Unless enrolments change dramatically over the next few weeks, we will be running the following grade structure in 2021:-
- Foundation - 4 classes
- Grade 1 - 3 classes
- Grade 2 - 2 classes
- Grade 1/2 composites – 2 classes
- Grade 3 - 4 classes
- Grade 4 - 4 classes
- Grade 5 - 4 classes
- Grade 6 - 4 classes
An imbalance of numbers has led us to the formation of two composite classes at Grade 1 and 2 with the remaining classes across the school ‘straight’ grades. I have previously called for grade requests in the newsletter and have decided to extend the cut off for these until Tuesday, November 10. After that time, NO further requests will be accepted. As mentioned in previous newsletters if there are special circumstances that we need to know about, you are welcome to let us know of these. Please note that these requests will be considered but not necessarily granted. Commonly, these special circumstances might include but are not limited to health, emotional or learning matters, peer or sibling relationships or changes in the home situation. Information requiring our consideration needs to be addressed to ‘The Principal’ and emailed to the office Tuesday, November 10. Please title the email “CONFIDENTIAL – GRADE REQUEST’.
INTENTIONS TO LEAVE This is the final call for notification of any family intending to leave our school community in 2021 because of relocation or other reason, to advise us as soon as possible. A phone call to the office, or an email to the school or my email account would be most appreciated.
STUDENT LEADERSHIP Many of our Grade 5 students are currently contemplating applying for a school leadership position for 2021. This is an exciting time for these students with a range of opportunities including school captain, house captain, sustainability captain, Japanese language captain and performing arts captain. Our School Captain speeches will be presented this Friday with interviews being conducted next week for short listed candidates. Our Student Leadership Policy states, in part, that at Viewbank Primary School we foster a leadership culture with all students. As a part of their learning, students are offered the opportunity to develop their leadership skills. Leadership is demonstrated through the actions of people and can be demonstrated without the need of a title. Having effective Student Leaders supports the development of responsible behaviours, a positive school tone and encourages students to model the school values of Respect, Responsibility, Resilience and Kindness. Students are encouraged to take on leadership roles in an endeavour to develop their own leadership skills, act as positive role models for the student body and offer responsible service to their school, peers and the community. Democratically elected Student Leaders represent the student body and their school in a wide range of forums at school and in the community to help shape a positive future.
I hope everyone has a lovely weekend.
Kind regards,
Bill Kersing
Principal
Morning Drop Off Challenges It has been great to see everyone now returned to school and eager to start their day. We would like to remind you all that no students are to be on the school grounds (except if attending OSH Club) before 8:45am. Our supervision duty of care begins at 8:45am when the gates open and your child enters into the school grounds. This has been particularly concerning over the past week or so when we have had up 30 students waiting at the Gallipoli Oak entrance on Winston Rd before 8:40am.
We also fully appreciate that parents and carers are slowly heading back to work and are time constrained. Students can still enter the grounds between 8:45am and 9:20am without needing to attend the Office for a Late Pass.
We must insist that if you are crossing the road with your child, please use one of the supervised crossings. Winston Road, in particular, has become incredibly busy and there have been a few near misses. Parents doing ‘U-turns’, delivery drivers backing out from driveways too quickly and without looking carefully, people driving well in-excess of the speed limit, and cars and buses attempting to squeeze through gaps impatiently has created a potentially fatal situation.
One way of avoiding this (but may not work for all) is to park a little further away at one of the open spaces near the school (e.g. Marks Reserve, Price Park, Clovelly Park) or in one of the neighbouring streets, and walk an extra 5 minutes. Another way is to organise with a friend to walk together from their house.
With Christmas just around the corner, we just want to make sure everyone stays safe and healthy so we can put this year well behind us.
https://www.parentingideas.com.au/blog/you-have-choices 2 minute read
You have choices – Parenting Ideas Blog What drives kids’ behaviour? Is it impulse, mood, emotion, age or genes that cause kids to be sociable and safe or unsociable and risky?
The motivating forces behind kids’ actions are as complex as the many behavioural theories that have done the rounds over the years. Psychiatrist Sigmund Freud suggested that most behaviour is driven by internal desires, which were difficult to control. “Boys will be boys!”
His colleague Alfred Adler believed that behaviour is driven by the need to find a place within our groups. “Would someone pay me some attention!”
Development psychologist Jean Piaget suggested that children’s behaviour was largely governed by their stage of development. “It’s just a stage she’s going through.”
Continue article here: https://www.parentingideas.com.au/blog/you-have-choices
Patrick
Policy Review and Feedback Just a reminder that if you have any feedback or comments on any of the following policies please email the school (attn. Mrs Nicholls) by Friday November 6. Once finalised these policies will be added to our school website.
Have a great week
Gill
New Term 4 School Crossing Supervision Times
- 8:30am to 9:15am
- 3:00pm to 3:45pm
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.
Classroom Cuisine Classroom Cuisine lunch orders will not be offered at school for the remainder of this year.
Thank you
Lucy Addati
Business Manager
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Remembrance Day - RSL Poppy Appeal It may be more challenging than usual to find a red poppy this year however your support of the Poppy Appeal Australia is crucial for the veteran community.
You can safely purchase a poppy online at our commemorative badge store!
100% of the proceeds raised are used to support veterans and their families in times of need.
PHONE NUMBER: 0448 075 422
EMAIL: viewbank@oshclub.com.au