PUPIL FREE DAYS 2023 (TheirCare will be running their day care programs at school on all student free days)
- Friday 26th May - Staff professional practice day
- Monday 10th July - Three way conferences
- Monday 6th November - Report writing day
2023 TERM DATES
- Term 2: 24th April - 23rd June (2:30pm finish)
- Term 3: 10th July - 15th September (2:30pm finish)
- Term 4: 2nd October - 20th December (1:30pm finish)
PUPIL FREE DAY A reminder that TOMORROW, May 26 is a pupil free day and there are no classes for students on this day. Day care is available through TheirCare and the normal booking processes.
DISTRICT CROSS COUNTRY Yesterday our students journeyed to Banyule Flats to compete in the annual District Cross Country event. Congratulations to all sixty students who competed and gave of their best. Special recognition to the students who have qualified to compete at the Divisional level.
FOUNDATION TO GRADE 2 SWIMMING A five session swimming program for our Grade Foundation to 2 students commences next week at the Eltham Leisure Centre. We do need parental assistance for this program to run effectively, so if you haven’t already replied to the plaintive cry from your child’s classroom teacher, and you can assist, we would be extremely grateful.
BUILDING WORKS UPDATE Work is continuing on the Grade 3 and 4 classrooms with expected occupancy in the last week of term. The site cut for the Administration building has been completed and work is continuing there with the hope that the building will be completed in early October.
OPEN MORNING AND WORKING BEE Many thanks to all who attended the working bee on Saturday morning. The weather was fairly ordinary, but nonetheless we were graced with the presence of a number of families. Your attendance was greatly appreciated. Whilst the working bee was ‘happening’, the Foundation teachers, principals and a number of student leaders conducted tours throughout the morning. Attendance was excellent and a number of tours were conducted. Always so very proud of our student leaders with their eloquence and capacity to show prospective families around and answer questions on the fly.
SIBLING ENROLMENTS As mentioned in previous newsletters, we are very keen to know what our sibling enrolments are likely to be for 2024 so we encourage you to enrol your child as soon as possible. This will assist greatly with our forward planning, and help us understand how many out of zone enrolments we may be able to cater for.
I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend.
Kind regards,
Bill Kersing
Principal
Royal Australian Navy Band Melbourne Our school was incredibly fortunate to have the Royal Australian Navy Band Melbourne visit us today. Our Year 6s had an introductory session before recess, and then the whole school (and more than a few parents and community members) attended for a 45 minute concert after Recess. An excellent time was had by all. We would like to thank the Royal Australian Navy Band for coming and playing for us today.
Viewbank Primary School has a long and proud association with the Australian Defence Force through our Defence Force Program. You can find more information here: http://www.viewbankps.vic.edu.au/defence-force.
Car Parking We understand that parking is at a premium in the closest streets to the school, particularly after school. Please obey all local parking laws, as written on the street signs, and be mindful of our neighbours. We are still hearing reports of parents blocking drive ways and exceeding parking limits at the Martins Lane shops. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Swimming Our Foundation, Year 1 and Year 2 students begin their swimming program on Monday 29th May. Sessions are on Monday 29th May and Fridays 2nd, 9th, 16th and 23rd June. This is an exciting, but exhausting time for all. Just a reminder, if your child is sick, please keep them at home.
Have a great weekend!
Patrick
Thank You to our ES Staff This week we recognised and thanked our Education Support Staff (ESS), who are an essential part of our Viewbank Primary School community; celebrating their contributions with a morning tea on Wednesday 24th May.
Please join with us to celebrate and thank Lucy, Sue, Georgeina, Louise, Fiona, Thelma, Sarina, Bree, Kelli, Melissa, Kirtley, Heather, Dani, Chris and Trev for the extraordinary contributions they each make to our school. These talented staff help to keep our school running, they look after the health and welfare of everyone, they support our students to learn and our teachers to teach, they provide additional programs and look after our school grounds.
Our ES staff are essential in educating the ‘whole student’ – their contributions ensure that our school is a welcoming and safe environment where students’ academic, health, socio-emotional and practical needs are met, fostering equitable and inclusive education.
Our school simply could not function without our amazing ES staff.
Have a lovely week.
Gill
Stay well this winter Symptoms of influenza (flu) can hit very quickly and may last several weeks. Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and others from getting the flu. Annual influenza vaccination is recommended from mid-April each year and is free under the National Immunisation Program for those at higher risk of complications from the flu.
Keeping our school community well Parents, carers and students are encouraged to practice prevention measures, including:
- washing and sanitising hands regularly
- avoiding touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
- covering nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing · staying home if unwell and consulting a general practitioner (GP) or Nurse-on-call as required
- staying up to date with flu and COVID-19 vaccinations.
Flu vaccinations Flu vaccinations can be booked through GPs and pharmacies, many of which can also provide COVID-19 vaccinations. Flu vaccination is recommended for everyone aged 6 months and over.
Some people are more at risk of complications from flu and are eligible for free vaccination as part of the National Immunisation Program.
COVID-19 booster The 2023 COVID-19 booster dose is available for everyone aged 18 and above.
Getting your booster dose remains the best way to prevent severe illness or hospitalisation, especially in people aged over 65 and those at higher risk of severe illness.
You can have your booster dose 6 months after your last dose or COVID infection.
Children aged between 5 and 17 years who are at risk of severe illness can also receive a 2023 booster dose. You can get your next dose at your local pharmacy or GP. To find one near you, refer to the vaccine clinic finder.
Find out more For more information about preventing flu, and immunisation, refer to: ·
Kind regards,
Lucy Addati
Business Manager
JSC Art Competition! Would you like to be in the running to win one of these art packs?
The JSC is running an art competition and hope that submissions can link to the Reconciliation Week theme: ‘Be a Voice for Generations.’
What does ‘Being a Voice for Generations mean? It means that we want a ‘fair go’ for all Australians. It means that we want a fair and just future for everyone.
What should I draw/paint?
Maybe you could draw something that represents our shared culture? Maybe you could draw something that celebrates our First Nations people and their culture? What would you like our future to look like? Can you draw a multicultural celebration/activity of some sort? There is no right or wrong here!
Please hand your artwork to a responsible JSC member, Ms Walker or Ms Yates and pay $1 to enter by Monday 29th May (WE HAVE EXTENDED THE DEADLINE!) Prizes include ribbons and an art pack for 1st to 3rd place.
Good luck!
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Thanks to all Volunteers This is a big shout out to all those who have helped at events over the past 12 months since the school ramped their school community events back up after COVID.
We often see the same faces helping out at multiple events which we greatly appreciate. Without parent volunteers these extra events that our kids love and gain so much from couldn't happen so if you haven't helped before or for a long time please consider volunteering next time the school and P&F require helpers. For most events you don't need any special skills or expertise just a smile, willing attitude and have a current Working With Children's Check and completed our Child safety Standards Induction.
Postponed Unfortunately we have had to postpone the schools Trivia Night. It will now be held towards the end of Term 3 on Friday 8th Sept. The good news is this gives families more time to organise babysitters, rally your friends and, for the super competitive of you out there, brush up more on your general knowledge. All donations and prizes will be held until the new night.
Thank you for your understanding P&F Committee
Lower Plenty Bakehouse will be providing the school with fundraising Lunch Orders every Thursday. These lunches have been implemented via our Parents and Friends Committee. All money raised will be used towards our major school upgrade.
Our Term 2 Fundraising Lunch Order Dates are:
- Thursday 1st June (Orders closing on 29th May, 3:00pm)
- Thursday 8th June (Orders closing on 5th June, 3:00pm)
- Thursday 15th June (Orders closing on 12th June, 3:00pm)
- Thursday 22nd June (Orders closing on 19th June, 3:00pm)
Orders need to be placed in advance via Compass Canteen. Ordering will close the Monday before the lunch date at 3pm. All of Term 2 lunch dates are now open for orders, and can be placed in advance for the whole term if you choose to do so.
Please see attached a Parent User Guide on how to order via Compass Canteen. Please note a 35 cents order fee will be charged at check out.
Parent assistance is required on Lunch Days from 10:30am to 12:30pm to assist with the packing of our orders. If you are available to assist in anyway can you please email the school at viewbank.ps@education.vic.gov.au so your name can be added to our roster.
Thank you for your support.
ICY POLE FRIDAY Students are able to purchase icy poles over the counter at lunchtime every Friday. All icy poles cost $1.00 each.
Entertainment Book 20% of the membership goes directly to support our fundraising at Viewbank Primary School. https://www.entertainment.com.au/current-promotion
Lunches must be ordered online using the CLASSROOM CUISINE website.
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WEEKLY SECOND HAND UNIFORM SALE - Every Friday 8:45am to 9:15am, next to the music room. Jumpers with the school logo, long and short sleeve school polo tops and school dresses will be $2.00. We are currently asking for donations of any unwanted reusable school uniform items to sell at our stall.
Instrumental Music Enrolments Can all students who would like to join our school instrumental music programs please inform the relevant teacher below of your expression of interest.
SINGING WITH GABRIELLA - Gabriella
- Email: favrettogab@gmail.com
- Phone: 0413 676 733
STRINGS - MR CAI
- Email: cai66@optusnet.com.au
- Phone: 0403 490 078
GUITAR/BASS GUITAR - Alec
- Email: alec.stalder@gmail.com
DRUMS/BEGINNER KEYBOARD - Michael
- Email: michaelfindlaymcnab@gmail.com
- Phone: 0451 394 540
PIANO/KEYBOARD – Tiaryn Griggs
- Email: tiaryngriggs@gmail.com
Our school has partnered with an independent provider called TheirCare to provide exceptional Outside School Hours Care services for our school community.
The program is available for all children at Viewbank Primary School from 6:30am until 9:00am in the morning and from 3:30pm until 6:15pm each school day.
During School Holidays & Pupil Free Days the service will operate from 6:30am until 6:15pm.
Families wishing to use this service can visit the TheirCare website: www.theircare.com.au
Families are eligible for a Government Rebate called the Child Care Subsidy which can reduce the cost per session by up to 85%.
More information can be obtained by contacting the school or ringing TheirCare Support Team on 1300 072 410.
TheirCare provides a stimulating and safe environment for all children. During sessions, children develop life-skills, friendships, confidence and creativity through play-based programs.
A PLUS SCHOOLWEAR
Shop Details:
- Unit 3/30 Heaths Court, Mill Park
- T: 9436 4005
- E: info@northernregionaluniforms.com.au
Opening Hours:
- Monday to Thursday 9am to 5pm
- Friday 9am to 3pm
- Saturday 9am to 12pm
Online Ordering Please Visit: www.aplusschoolwear.com.au