PUPIL FREE DAY (OSHClub available)
- Monday 29th August 2022 (Staff Professional Practice Day)
- Monday 31st October 2022
FUNDRAISING BAKERY LUNCH ORDER DATES - Lower Plenty Bakehouse
- Thursday 18th August (Orders closing on 15th August, 3:00pm)
- Thursday 25th August (Orders closing on 22nd August, 3:00pm)
- Thursday 1st September (Orders closing on 29th August, 3:00pm)
- Thursday 8th September (Orders closing on 5th September, 3:00pm)
- Thursday 15th September (Orders closing on 12th September, 3:00pm)
2022 TERM DATES
- Term 3: 11th July - 16th September (2:30pm finish)
- Term 4: 3rd October - 20th December (1:30pm finish)
2022 SCHOOL CAMP DATES
- Year 5: Lady Northcote Recreation Camp - Tuesday 4th October to Friday 7th October
PARENT OPINION SURVEY Our school is conducting a survey to find out what parents/caregivers/guardians think of our school. The Parent/Caregiver/Guardian Opinion Survey is an annual survey offered by the Department of Education and Training that is designed to assist schools in gaining an understanding of families’ perceptions of school climate, student behavior, and student engagement. We encourage all families to participate in this survey. Our school will use the survey results to help inform and direct future school planning and improvement strategies.
While previously a random sample of approximately 30 per cent of parents/caregivers/guardians have been selected to participate, this year, all families are invited to participate in the survey.
The Parent/Caregiver/Guardian Opinion Survey will be conducted from Monday 15th August to Friday 16th September. You were advised via Compass on Monday how to access and complete the survey.
The survey will be conducted online, only takes 20 minutes to complete, and can be accessed at any convenient time within the fieldwork period on desktop computers, laptops, tablets or smartphones. The online survey will be available in a range of languages other than English. These include: Arabic, Vietnamese, Simplified Chinese, Chin (Hakha), Hindi, Japanese, Somali, Turkish, Punjabi and Greek.
Survey results will be communicated to parents/caregivers/guardians through annual reporting and the newsletter when results become available.
MATHS LAND The second transition event in our term 3 ‘offerings’ is set down for Wednesday, August 24, when Maths Land takes place for our Foundation 2023 students.
BOOK WEEK Book Week takes place next week with a range of activities on offer including a visiting author visit on Thursday (Dale Baker), a dress up day and parade on Tuesday and a book swap activity organised by the Junior School Council. I have also been reliably informed that Wally has gone missing again so there will need to be a ‘Where’s Wally?” hunt around the school during Book Week as well!
PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE DAY A reminder that on Monday, August 29, there will be NO classes for students to enable staff to undertake the tasks associated with their professional practice day as discussed in last week’s newsletter. OSHClub is facilitating a full day care program for any parents unable to make arrangements on that day. Please note that there will NOT be a common professional practice day in Term 4, but rather individual days with the hope that replacement staffing issues are less prevalent then.
AUSLAN INFORMATION AND INTRODUCTION SESSIONS You may recall that last year we surveyed our community about the possibility of change to the Languages program offered at our school. Whilst we currently offer Japanese as a 45 minute stand alone lesson per week for each grade level in the school, we posed the question whether this serves our students needs or could we offer an alternative language that could be ‘immersed’ more into the curriculum (Japanese has been the language offered at Viewbank PS for more than 23 years). School Council took on board the survey responses and has decided to offer introductory lessons to students this term, as well as a couple of parent sessions in AUSLAN, provided by Expression Australia. The parent sessions are running on Monday, September 12 and Thursday, September 15 from 7pm until 8pm, and details on how to attend these sessions (online via Zoom) will be advertised in future newsletters. Nearly all students have experienced an AUSLAN session by now, so it would be important for parents to talk to your children about the experience, what they learned and how they enjoyed their learning. It is important to note that NO decision has been made at this stage about changing the language for next year but that our community will be re-surveyed early in Term 4.
WORKING BEE A further reminder that the first of our term three working bees will be held at school on Sunday August the 21st commencing at 9:00 AM. If you can manage a spare hour or two in the morning your help would be greatly appreciated as always.
VIETNAM VETERANS COMMUNITY MEMORIAL SERVICE On Saturday, 13th August, I attended the annual Vietnam Veterans Community Memorial Service at Greensborough Memorial Park with our school captains. There were a number of school groups in attendance, and our captains laid a wreath, not to celebrate war, but to honour those who paid the supreme sacrifice during the conflict and those that have since passed on. It was quite a moving service, and I thank our Viewbank families for their attendance.
That’s it from me this week. Less than two weeks to spring!!
Kind regards,
Bill Kersing
Principal
New and Updated Policies on School Website As Patrick mentioned in last week’s newsletter, the new Child Safety Standards came into effect on July 1, 2022.
Our school has developed a number of new Child Safety policies and procedures and updated a range of existing policies to meet the standards.
All policies are now available on the school website under the OUR SCHOOL tab http://www.viewbankps.vic.edu.au/forms-policies
The new Child Safety Policies include:
- VPS Child Safety and Wellbeing Policy
- VPS Child Safety Code of Conduct
- VPS Child Safety Responding and Reporting Obligations Policy and Procedures
- Four Critical Actions – Child Abuse
- Volunteers Policy
- VPS Child Safety Standards Induction Checklist 2022
The following existing school policies have been updated and reflect the Child Safety Standards
- Bullying Prevention Policy
- Concerns and Complaints Policy
- Digital Learning Policy
- Duty of Care Policy
- Inclusion and Diversity Policy
- Student Wellbeing and Engagement Policy
- Visitors Policy
- Volunteers Policy
- Yard Duty and Supervision Policy
Volunteering at Viewbank - Child Safety Obligations Our Child Safety and Wellbeing Policy outlines the new requirements for volunteers in order to volunteer at school or at a school organised event such as Athletics day, an excursion or school camp.
It states:
All staff and volunteers will:
- participate in child safety and wellbeing induction and training provided by the school or the Department of Education and Training, and always follow the school’s child safety and wellbeing policies and procedures
- act in accordance with our Child Safety Code of Conduct
- identify and raise concerns about child safety issues in accordance with our Child Safety Responding and Reporting Obligations Policy and Procedures, including following the Four Critical Actions for Schools
- ensure students’ views are taken seriously and their voices are heard about decisions that affect their lives
- implement inclusive practices that respond to the diverse needs of students.
All volunteers are required to comply with our Volunteers Policy, which describes how we assess the suitability of prospective volunteers and outlines expectations in relation to child safety and wellbeing induction and training, and supervision and management.
If you are a current volunteer or wish to volunteer in the future -
Please read the following policies and documents available on the school website or from the school office-
- VPS Child Safety and Wellbeing Policy
- VPS Child Safety Code of Conduct
- VPS Child Safety Responding and Reporting Obligations Policy and Procedures
- Four Critical Actions – Child Abuse
- Volunteers Policy
Watch the Child Safety Standards Volunteers Training PowerPoint available on the school website, under the Child Safety Policies heading.
Complete, sign and return the VPS Child Safety Standards Induction Checklist 2022, available on the school website. This form can be emailed to the school or sent back to the school office.
From 2023, Volunteer Induction Training Sessions will be offered in term 1 and term 3.
Have a great week
Gill
Part-time cleaner wanted for Viewbank Primary School We are currently 2 part-time cleaners short at the moment. With viral illnesses being prevalent in our community, this is not ideal. ISS Facilities Services are providing casual cleaners where possible, but these are not consistent on a daily basis. If you are looking for a part-time job, or knows someone who is, please get in contact with ISS, Bikram Tiwari on 0427 882 052 or Carmen De Lille on 0439 846 471 for further information.
Working With Children Checks As mentioned above by Mrs Nicholls, our child safety obligations have increased. There are a number of policies that volunteers have to now abide by. With many opportunities arising for parents and volunteers to help out at school, it is vital that all ‘Working With Children Checks’ (WWCC) are up to date. Unfortunately, we have had to turn some parents away recently as their WWCC had lapsed. Upcoming events that will require the presentation of a valid WWCC (or approved exemption - e.g. a current member of the police force, registered with the Victorian Institute of Teaching), and have viewed the material outlined above, include helping at the Father’s Day Stall (2nd September), the School Discos (9th September), excursions, helping out as part of the Garden Program and with reading in the classroom. If you do not have a WWCC, please go to https://www.workingwithchildren.vic.gov.au/ and follow the steps for a ‘Volunteer’ check.
SunSmart Policy - Hats Each year in August, we make a decision regarding hat wearing that is in line with our SunSmart Policy. http://www.viewbankps.vic.edu.au/s/SunSmart-Policy-9rp9.pdf. Hats will be required to be worn daily from Monday 29 August until 30 April. All students must wear a sun protective hat that shades the face, neck and ears for all outdoor activities.
Have a great weekend.
Patrick
HELP NEEDED – SECOND HAND UNIFORM SALES We are seeking a parent volunteer to man the second-hand uniform sales at the school every Friday for half an hour at 8.45am to 9.15am. Please contact the office if you are able to help. Unfortunately, the Second Hand Uniform shop will be unable to open until we have a helper. Thank you
LATE ARRIVALS Please ensure children who arrive late go straight to the office to be marked as present. If the child does not come to the office for a late pass a text message will be sent to the parent/carer notifying that the child is absent. Late arrivals can only be time stamped at the office. When Parents/carers record the late arrival in Compass it provides us with the explanation but does not mark your child as present. When your child presents at the office, staff will record your child’s actual arrival time which updates the class roll.
EMAILING TEACHERS DIRECTLY A reminder that you can now email your child/ren’s teachers directly, if you do not have their email address, please email the school account viewbank.ps@education.vic.gov.au to request the teachers’ email.
WORKING WITH CHILDREN CHECK (WWCC) A ‘Working with Children Check’ is just one part of creating and maintaining a child-safe environment. It is a requirement that all parents/careers who wish to volunteer or participate in school activities have a current WWCC. https://www.workingwithchildren.vic.gov.au/
Kind regards,
Lucy Addati
Business Manager
Part-time cleaner wanted for Viewbank Primary School ISS Facilities Services are seeking motivated and enthusiastic part-time cleaner to join the team at this wonderful school. Please call Bikram Tiwari on 0427 882 052 or Carmen De Lille on 0439 846 471 for further information.
Book Week A reminder that next week is Book Week. The Dress Up Day will be on Tuesday 23rd August and will include a whole-school costume parade in the morning. Students are encouraged to dress up as their favourite book character (and some staff might be dressed up too!).
An Australian children’s author, Dale Baker, will be visiting on Thursday 25th August and will have a session with each year level. This will be an exciting opportunity for the students will learn about writing stories and how books are created.
Finally, for the whole week the Where’s Wally Hunt (popularised during lockdowns last year) will be back! Students will be able to find Wallys all around VPS during recess, lunch and as they walk between areas of the school.
SWPBS Whole School Reward Day Our first ‘BIG’ school wide reward will be happening on Tuesday the 30th of August. We are having a movie day! The day includes allowing students to come in free dress, watching a G rated movie as well as being provided with an individualised box of popcorn to enjoy, thanks to Hoyts Northland. Please email the school if you do not wish for your child to receive popcorn.
The sessions will be 9:15 – 11 for the F – 2 students and 11:30 – 1:15 for the Year 3 – 6 students. We also ask that each student brings a pillow to school to sit on as well as a drink bottle. We look forward to sharing pictures and reflections on how the day went!
NATIONAL SCIENCE WEEK: 13th- 24th August, 2022. The National Science Week theme is ‘Glass, More than Meets the Eye’.
“Each year, ASTA (Australian Science Teachers Association) considers the United Nations “International Year Of…” when exploring potential themes, and 2022 provides us with the International Year of Glass, offering a rich thematic opportunity for National Science Week. Glass: More Than Meets the Eye will celebrate the many roles that glass plays in our lives – from phone screens to optical fibre to glassware in labs – plus investigating glass as a part of our sustainable future.”
Students may like to get involved at home by doing one or more of the following activities to learn more about this wonderful material that is so often used in our everyday lives. You will find the activities at the office (ready for your child to grab from the notice holders on the pinboard).
- Watch this video about how glass is made: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UOwk2QIfDqY
- Glass wordsearch (all year levels)
- Make a glass chatterbox (and try to answer the questions years 3-6)
- Make a magnifying glass with some everyday materials by using the instructions (all year levels, with support)
Enjoy the activities.
Kind regards,
Nat Carr
STEM teacher
Book Week 2022 Book Week will be celebrated in the week beginning Monday 22nd August this year and VBPS has two events to celebrate, with the theme being ‘Dreaming with Your Eyes Open’. On Tuesday 23rd August, students are invited to come to school dressed as a character from their favourite book. A whole school costume parade will be held on the Tiger Turf (weather permitting) from 9:00-9:45am which the school community is welcome to attend. As it is winter, please ensure students are wearing appropriate clothing and footwear. Whilst Wally was successfully located last year, it appears he has gone missing again and we will be asking the students to join us on a Where’s Wally Hunt around the school during Book Week.
Our second event is a visit from Dale Baker (author/illustrator), who will be speaking to the Foundation to Year 6 students on Thursday 25th August over 6 separate sessions. Each session will run for about 45 minutes. No payment is necessary as the cost has been included in the Term 3 expenses.
We look forward to celebrating Book Week onsite this year!
,
School disco helpers needed. We are in search for some helpers to set up the bbq area from 3.30 to 4.30 the day of the disco. Kids can be there and have a play on the playground while the adults get it set up.
We are also in need for some BBQ helpers between 4.30-7.30 if anyone is free. They are in hour blocks or feel free to do a couple of hours, we will appreciate anything that you can do.
Parent helpers at the disco are required as well. The tasks include supervising all doors (so no students can leave), supervising the toilets and drink tap area, signing the students in and out when parents arrive to collect them as well as monitoring student behaviour. And just general looking out for students that may have a question or need some help with their dance moves!!!!
We have a few names down and we thank you for that but we still need more. Jump on the compass site and book in for a time that suits you.
Please note all parents must have a working with children check prior to the event and they need to be registered at the school office prior to the night.
Lower Plenty Bakehouse will be providing the school with fundraising Lunch Orders every Thursday during Term 3. These lunches have been implemented via our Parents and Friends Committee. All money raised will be used towards our major school upgrade.
Our Term 3 Fundraising Lunch Order Dates are:
- Thursday 25th August (Orders closing on 22nd August, 3:00pm)
- Thursday 1st September (Orders closing on 29th August, 3:00pm)
- Thursday 8th September (Orders closing on 5th September, 3:00pm)
- Thursday 15th September (Orders closing on 12th September, 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 3 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.
Lunches must be ordered online using the CLASSROOM CUISINE website.
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Unfortunately, the Second Hand Uniform shop will be unable to open until we have a parent helper.
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 $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.
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
SINGING WITH JADE - Jade
- Email: jadefaving@gmail.com
- Phone: 0413 834 933
STRINGS - MR CAI
- Email: cai66@optusnet.com.au
- Phone: 0403 490 078
GUITAR/BASS GUITAR - Alec
- Email: alec.stalder@gmail.com
PIANO/KEYBOARD - Ella
- Email: ellac.blackburn@gmail.com
- Phone: 0410 938 840
DRUMS - Michael
- Email: michaelfindlaymcnab@gmail.com
- Phone: 0451 394 540
PHONE NUMBER: 0448 075 422
EMAIL: viewbank@oshclub.com.au
A PLUS SCHOOLWEAR Our uniform supplier is A Plus Schoolwear which is located at 41-43 Northern Road Heidelberg West. Open hours are Monday, Wednesday and Friday’s from 9am to 4.30pm (closed on weekend and public holidays).
You can also purchase your uniform online at www.aplusschoolwear.com.au