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Principal: Jessica Bowen-Duarte Teachers: Stephen Cadusch—Foundation/1 Narelle Smith & Michelle Gyton-Taylor—Grade 2/3, Erica Stute –Grade 3/4,

Jessica Ciampi—Grade 5/6, Margaret Dickinson, —- Intervention, Michelle Gyton-Taylor—Indonesian

Be Kind

Be Safe

Be Your Best

30th January 2020

PYALONG PRIMARY SCHOOL Established 1878

10-14 Bourke Street, Pyalong, Victoria, 3521

Phone: 03 57 851 291 Mobile: 0438 851 291

Fax : 03 57 851 249 email: pyalong.ps@edumail.vic.gov.au

Newsletter No. 1

IMPORTANT REMINDERS: TERM 1 Full details of events can be found in the newsletter under Excursion/Activities.

Wed 5th Feb—Cluster Swim Sports

at Lancefield

Fri 7th Feb— Tennis

Fri 14th Feb—Tennis

Fri 21st Feb—Tennis

Fri 21st Feb—District Swimming

Whittlesea

Fri 28th Feb—Tennis

Fri 6th Mar—Tennis

Tue 10th Mar—School Photos

Fri 13th Mar—JNW Program Grade 6

Fri 20th Mar—Halogen Young

Leaders Grade 6

Fri 20th Mar—Heathcote Games

Foundation to Grade 5

Thu 26th Mar—Art Centre Excursion

Foundation to Grade 6

Fri 27th Mar—Jump Rope for Heart

Fri 27th March Last day of Term 1

2.30pm finish

Term 2— Tuesday 14th April

Sun Smart Hats All children are required to wear wide brimmed

hats at school. No hat = No Outdoor play. Hats are available from the office for $8.00 each.

Parents are always very welcome to attend Friday afternoon assemblies. Our first assembly will take place next week on

Friday the 7th of February. Hope to see you there! Assembly usually commences at 3.10pm.

GRADE 6 Leadership roles for 2020

Jade & Olivia —Captain

Paige & Logan —Vice Captain

Zane & Erin—Wellbeing Captains

If the temperature is forecast to

be 35c or above, students will be

kept indoors during playtimes.

Structured play activities will be

available for students. Tomorrow, due to the extreme hot weather, free

icy-poles will be given to all students. Please

advise if you do not want your child to get an

icy-pole.

2

Values Document:Bee—Sunday 6th October 1p.m until 5 p.m

School Council has decided to have a working bee on Sunday 6th October the day before

the students return to school on Monday 7th October. Hope you can come along and help.

A list of jobs and tools required was attached to the newsletter last week.

Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden

The work is really coming along at a cracking pace, the outside of the veranda is almost completed, the old vinyl flooring has been lifted, the plaster on the inside of the new wall has been completed and the plumbing and electrical work roughed in. The painter has been organised, the colours chosen for the walls, ceiling and windows. The kitchen cabinets should be installed in a couple of weeks. The front of the old building will be cleaned up, the drinking taps placed at the side of the building, the water tanks removed and as much of the old pipes etc removed. The outside area of this historic school building will also be repainted, e.g. windows, doors, finials and eaves, The garden area of this project will see the development of an Italian feel garden,

espaliered fruit trees, olive trees, herbs, tubs with lemon and lime trees, pizza oven (with

money donated from Dr. and Mrs. Hudson). Thank goodness for the creativity of Susie

who can envisage what needs to be carried out in this area.

Welcome back everyone!

Our students all settled in very well and there is a real buzz of excitement around the school. I would like to take this opportunity to extend a very warm welcome to all of our new families; we are very excited to have you as part of our school community. Class programs for 2020 Our specialist programs for the year commence this week with Art, Health and Physical Ed, Gardening, Cooking, Mu-sic, Science/Humanities and Indonesian. The whole school timetable is attached to this week’s newsletter. We would like to welcome back Michelle Gyton-Taylor this year. She will be sharing the classroom responsibilities with Miss Smith, teaching 2 days per week on a Wednesday and Thursday when Narelle undertakes her Literacy Leader responsibilities. She will also be teaching Indonesian on a Friday across the school. Our school literacy and numeracy programs, and our Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Program, rely heavily on the support of volunteer classroom helpers. Over the years, Pyalong PS has enjoyed incredible support in this area and we hope that this continues. If you would like to help in the classrooms, we would LOVE to have you! In order to do this, you need to have completed a training session with me. We will be providing additional literacy support again this year, notes have been sent home to those students se-lected to participate in Term 1. Our major focus for this year is writing which will be a major component of staff professional learning sessions throughout 2020. Reading will continue to be a focus and the best way that you can assist is to ensure that you read with your child/ren each night at home. Arts Centre Victoria We have been very fortunate once again to be selected as a partner school with Arts Centre Victoria which provides all students with the opportunity to experience live performances at a heavily reduced rate ($1 per student) as well as fully subsidised transportation to the Arts Centre. Our first excursion is happening this term with students seeing the live play of their class novel ‘Charlie and the War of the Grannies’, it promises to be a day full of fun, drama and excitement! School Council The beginning of a new school year also signals the time for the reconvening our School Council. This year we have four members retiring (who are eligible for renomination). I would like to take the opportunity to thank Natalie Bisi-gnano, Belinda Hagan, Steve Kimel and Sean Walsh for their hard work and dedication to ensuring best outcomes for our school and students. Your efforts are really appreciated. Our department member, Mr C, will remain on Council. Thanks to Mr C for giving up his time and staying after school to conduct his role at School Council. Looking forward to a wonderful 2020!

Newsletter No. 1 Page 2

Foundation Rest Day—Term 1 During February, Foundation (prep) students have one day off per week. First Rest Day is next

Wednesday 5th February and every Wednesday during the month of February.

Rest Days—5th, 12th, 19th, and 26th February.

CODE RED DAYS As a school on the bushfire risk register, Pyalong Primary School is serious about fire safety. We have an

emergency management plan and schedule regular evacuation and shelter in place drills. Once a code red is

declared NO students are to attend school on this day. No change in weather conditions (ie sudden cool

change) will alter the decision to close. It is important that you have your own fire plan in place and are ready to follow it. It is also very important

that we have correct contact numbers for you and that you respond to messages or phone calls as quickly as

possible.

3

Values Document:Bee—Sunday 6th October 1p.m until 5 p.m

School Council has decided to have a working bee on Sunday 6th October the day before

the students return to school on Monday 7th October. Hope you can come along and help.

A list of jobs and tools required was attached to the newsletter last week.

Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden

The work is really coming along at a cracking pace, the outside of the veranda is almost completed, the old vinyl flooring has been lifted, the plaster on the inside of the new wall has been completed and the plumbing and electrical work roughed in. The painter has been organised, the colours chosen for the walls, ceiling and windows. The kitchen cabinets should be installed in a couple of weeks. The front of the old building will be cleaned up, the drinking taps placed at the side of the building, the water tanks removed and as much of the old pipes etc removed. The outside area of this historic school building will also be repainted, e.g. windows, doors, finials and eaves, The garden area of this project will see the development of an Italian feel garden,

espaliered fruit trees, olive trees, herbs, tubs with lemon and lime trees, pizza oven (with

money donated from Dr. and Mrs. Hudson). Thank goodness for the creativity of Susie

who can envisage what needs to be carried out in this area.

Drink bottles Please ensure that your child has a drink bottle to bring to school each day and fill with water only as we do not allow children to drink cordial or juice at school (except for Friday lunch orders).

Page 3 Newsletter No. 1

Swimming Sports—Wednesday 5th February

Grade 1—6 Swimming sports at Lancefield Pool on Wednesday 5th February for grades 1-6 We will be competing with Tallarook, Willowmavin and Tooborac Primary school Children will travel by bus leaving Pyalong Primary School at approximately 9am Please note: NO teacher will be at school on this day. BRING: Bathers, Towel, googles, sunscreen, Hat, Snack, Lunch and drinks Wear school uniform with bathers underneath. Cost - Nil (Thank you Parents Club) Transport—By Bus

Please return the permission form and payment by Tuesday 5th February

TENNIS Tennis coaching will commence on Friday 7th February. This is an excellent opportunity for all stu-dents at Pyalong to learn and develop tennis skills by an Accredited Coach. Foundation students will be introduced to preliminary and necessary skills for racquet sports. This program has been subsidised through Sporting Schools funding. Tennis lessons will be held at the Pyalong Tennis Courts on the following dates:- Friday 7th Feb, Friday 14th Feb, Friday 21st Feb, Friday 28th February and Friday 6th March. No Cost. Please return your permission form by Thursday 6th February.

STUDENT ACCIDENT INSURANCE / AMBULANCE COVER As a public school, Pyalong Primary School does not provide any insurance for lost or stolen property for

staff and students. We also do not provide any health insurance cover. In the event of an accident

causing injury to a child we must call an ambulance to ensure the child receives proper medical

attention. The fees for the trip in an ambulance will be payable by the family whose child requires care.

This is Department of Education and Training Policy.

4

Values Document:Bee—Sunday 6th October 1p.m until 5 p.m

School Council has decided to have a working bee on Sunday 6th October the day before

the students return to school on Monday 7th October. Hope you can come along and help.

A list of jobs and tools required was attached to the newsletter last week.

Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden

The work is really coming along at a cracking pace, the outside of the veranda is almost completed, the old vinyl flooring has been lifted, the plaster on the inside of the new wall has been completed and the plumbing and electrical work roughed in. The painter has been organised, the colours chosen for the walls, ceiling and windows. The kitchen cabinets should be installed in a couple of weeks. The front of the old building will be cleaned up, the drinking taps placed at the side of the building, the water tanks removed and as much of the old pipes etc removed. The outside area of this historic school building will also be repainted, e.g. windows, doors, finials and eaves, The garden area of this project will see the development of an Italian feel garden,

espaliered fruit trees, olive trees, herbs, tubs with lemon and lime trees, pizza oven (with

money donated from Dr. and Mrs. Hudson). Thank goodness for the creativity of Susie

who can envisage what needs to be carried out in this area.

Friday Afternoon Assemblies This year our main assembly will be on Friday afternoons at 3.10pm – led by the Grade 6 students, this is where we discuss upcoming events, give out awards and students present some of their work. We would love to see you all there!

Hot Lunches We have pie-warmers for heating lunches. Students’ names are to be clearly marked on the container or foil wrap and will be delivered to the room at lunch eating times. Forks and Spoons must be supplied from home. No student should bring food requiring a knife. Daily times School commences each day at 9:00am and the roll is taken before 9:10am. Please sign your child in at the office if you arrive after 9:00am for any reason. Please sign your child out at the office if you need to take them early for an appointment. Students MUST be signed in or out by an adult. Recess begins at 11:00 am until 11:30 am Lunch is eaten in the classroom from 1:30 – 1:40 pm Lunch recess is from 1:40 – 2:30 pm School finishes at 3:30pm

Please ensure that you pick up your child/ren promptly after school each day as it minimises anxiety for the child and ensures that staff Professional Learning sessions can occur in a timely manner. Medication at School Under new guidelines from the DET, any student who is to take any medication at school must have a completed Medical Authority Form, available from the office, outlining the type of medication, dose and times and must be signed by a parent/guardian. All medication is to be brought to Admin for safe storage. No student is to have any type of medication in his or her school bag. Absences All student absences must be explained by a note or phone call as required by DET [the Department of Education

and Training]. Unexplained absences will be followed up via a phone call to parents on the day of absence.

ASTHMA If your child suffers from asthma, you will need to complete an “Asthma Management Plan” available from the

office. This form will need to be completed by the child’s doctor and will be maintained on file at the school. It will

need to be updated each year. Your child should supply their own puffer and spacer.

ANAPHYLAXIS If your child is anaphylaxis it is important you supply an Anaphylaxis Action Plan approved by your doctor. You must also supply an EPIPEN

Page 4 Newsletter No. 1

CONVEYANCE ALLOWANCE

If you live more than 4.8km from your nearest bus stop or school, you may be eligible for conveyance allowance.

This is paid to the school and reimbursed to the parent to help with the cost of student travel to and from a stu-

dent’s nearest government school. Please ask at the school office for an application form. This payment is made

at the end of each semester.

Lunch Orders Available Friday’s

Starting this Friday 31st January.

5

BOOK CLUB Issue 6

Due by FRIDAY 30th August

Values Document:Bee—Sunday 6th October 1p.m until 5 p.m

School Council has decided to have a working bee on Sunday 6th October the day before

the students return to school on Monday 7th October. Hope you can come along and help.

A list of jobs and tools required was attached to the newsletter last week.

Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden

The work is really coming along at a cracking pace, the outside of the veranda is almost completed, the old vinyl flooring has been lifted, the plaster on the inside of the new wall has been completed and the plumbing and electrical work roughed in. The painter has been organised, the colours chosen for the walls, ceiling and windows. The kitchen cabinets should be installed in a couple of weeks. The front of the old building will be cleaned up, the drinking taps placed at the side of the building, the water tanks removed and as much of the old pipes etc removed. The outside area of this historic school building will also be repainted, e.g. windows, doors, finials and eaves, The garden area of this project will see the development of an Italian feel garden,

espaliered fruit trees, olive trees, herbs, tubs with lemon and lime trees, pizza oven (with

money donated from Dr. and Mrs. Hudson). Thank goodness for the creativity of Susie

who can envisage what needs to be carried out in this area.

CAMPS, SPORTS AND EXCURSIONS FUND (CSEF) The CSEF will provide payments for eligible students to attend camps, sports and excursions. Families holding a valid means –tested concession card or temporary foster parents are eligible to apply. $125 per year will be paid for eligible primary school students. Payments will go directly to the school and be tied to the student. There is no refund to the parent of this money. Please see the school office for more information.

NEWSLETTER The school publishes a newsletter on a fortnightly basis. Each other week a bulletin is sent out of important dates. These publications are published to the school web page and emailed to families each Tuesday. All items for inclusion in the newsletter should be approved by the Principal and handed in to the office by Monday afternoon. The newsletter contains: Information for parents, items from grades, recognition of student/school achievement, community announce-ments. We send forms home to be read and signed generally with the newsletter.

needs to be signed and returned to school is general information.

STEPHANIE ALEXANDER KITCHEN GARDEN FOUNDATION The goal of the SAKGF is to introduce primary children to the pleasures of preparing, cooking and eating a variety of food they have grown and harvested themselves. Each week children across the years Foundation to 6 will discover hands on food education through a class in a productive vegetable garden and then for students in 2-6 a class in a home-style kitchen classroom. Children will learn to build and maintain a garden and grow and harvest a wide variety of vegetables, fruit and herbs. In the kitchen the children will prepare a delicious meal from the seasonal produce they have grown.

For bookings please contact Tyler on 0434492632 or the

office. The same for cancellations

Invoices will be sent out via email once a fortnight. Children are to be signed in and out on drop off and pick up,

this is a legal requirement.

We are looking forward to a great term.

HOURS OF OPERATION

Monday—Friday 7.00am—8.45am

Monday—Friday 3.30pm—6.00pm

Page 5 Newsletter No. 1

EFT Payments EFT payments can be made to the following account Please quote your surname and brief description of what it is for, (eg: BASC) Pyalong Primary School BSB: 083644 Acct: 51579 0937

Before & After School Care

Booking diary located in the office or call,

Pyalong Primary School 57851291

BASC Co-ordinator. Tyler Agius 0402 610 031

PLEASE RETURN FORMS ASAP (6)

Permission form Swim Sports—Due Tue 4 Feb

Permission form Tennis—Due Thur 6 Feb

Chaplaincy form

Medical form

Student Publication & Head lice form

Computer / Internet Contract

Green form

Yellow form

DONATIONS OF GARDEN

TOOLS REQUIRED. We are after donations of

garden tools for the students.

(eg: Tools or Gloves)

6

BOOK CLUB Issue 6

Due by FRIDAY 30th August

Values Document:Bee—Sunday 6th October 1p.m until 5 p.m

School Council has decided to have a working bee on Sunday 6th October the day before

the students return to school on Monday 7th October. Hope you can come along and help.

A list of jobs and tools required was attached to the newsletter last week.

Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden

The work is really coming along at a cracking pace, the outside of the veranda is almost completed, the old vinyl flooring has been lifted, the plaster on the inside of the new wall has been completed and the plumbing and electrical work roughed in. The painter has been organised, the colours chosen for the walls, ceiling and windows. The kitchen cabinets should be installed in a couple of weeks. The front of the old building will be cleaned up, the drinking taps placed at the side of the building, the water tanks removed and as much of the old pipes etc removed. The outside area of this historic school building will also be repainted, e.g. windows, doors, finials and eaves, The garden area of this project will see the development of an Italian feel garden,

espaliered fruit trees, olive trees, herbs, tubs with lemon and lime trees, pizza oven (with

money donated from Dr. and Mrs. Hudson). Thank goodness for the creativity of Susie

who can envisage what needs to be carried out in this area.

CHILD SAFE POLICY As per our Child Safe Policy if you are Volunteering or Visiting at the school you are required to sign in and out at the office. A Working with children check (WCC) is required for all volunteers.

TERM DATES

Term 1—29 January to 27 March

Term 2—14 April to 26 June

Term 3—13 July to 18 September

Term 4—5 October to 18 December

Page 6 Newsletter No. 1

I am sure that you were all as amazed and excited as I

was to see the completed playground restoration. It

looks absolutely fabulous! This work could not have

been completed without the dedication of a group of

parents who assisted to bring this to fruition. Two key

individuals took on the enormous task - Steve Kimel and Dale Maher and were supported by Katrina Kimel, John Ryan, Gordon Caddie and Sean Walsh. These astounding group of parents spent

time over the holidays (including Christmas Eve!)

preparing the ground, spreading rock, completing the

arduous task of grinding back the paint and then

painting the equipment so it looks like new. Thank

you!

7

BOOK CLUB Issue 6

Due by FRIDAY 30th August

Values Document:Bee—Sunday 6th October 1p.m until 5 p.m

School Council has decided to have a working bee on Sunday 6th October the day before

the students return to school on Monday 7th October. Hope you can come along and help.

A list of jobs and tools required was attached to the newsletter last week.

Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden

The work is really coming along at a cracking pace, the outside of the veranda is almost completed, the old vinyl flooring has been lifted, the plaster on the inside of the new wall has been completed and the plumbing and electrical work roughed in. The painter has been organised, the colours chosen for the walls, ceiling and windows. The kitchen cabinets should be installed in a couple of weeks. The front of the old building will be cleaned up, the drinking taps placed at the side of the building, the water tanks removed and as much of the old pipes etc removed. The outside area of this historic school building will also be repainted, e.g. windows, doors, finials and eaves, The garden area of this project will see the development of an Italian feel garden,

espaliered fruit trees, olive trees, herbs, tubs with lemon and lime trees, pizza oven (with

money donated from Dr. and Mrs. Hudson). Thank goodness for the creativity of Susie

who can envisage what needs to be carried out in this area.

Page 7 Newsletter No. 1

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BOOK CLUB Issue 6

Due by FRIDAY 30th August

Values Document:Bee—Sunday 6th October 1p.m until 5 p.m

School Council has decided to have a working bee on Sunday 6th October the day before

the students return to school on Monday 7th October. Hope you can come along and help.

A list of jobs and tools required was attached to the newsletter last week.

Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden

The work is really coming along at a cracking pace, the outside of the veranda is almost completed, the old vinyl flooring has been lifted, the plaster on the inside of the new wall has been completed and the plumbing and electrical work roughed in. The painter has been organised, the colours chosen for the walls, ceiling and windows. The kitchen cabinets should be installed in a couple of weeks. The front of the old building will be cleaned up, the drinking taps placed at the side of the building, the water tanks removed and as much of the old pipes etc removed. The outside area of this historic school building will also be repainted, e.g. windows, doors, finials and eaves, The garden area of this project will see the development of an Italian feel garden,

espaliered fruit trees, olive trees, herbs, tubs with lemon and lime trees, pizza oven (with

money donated from Dr. and Mrs. Hudson). Thank goodness for the creativity of Susie

who can envisage what needs to be carried out in this area.

Page 8 Newsletter No. 1