CALENDAR DATES

Term 1, 2015

19th

March New School Council – 1st

meeting 20

th & 26

th March School Photo Days

20th

March PFA Welcome Event – 6.00 – 8.00 p.m. 23

rd March Easter Raffle Drawn at Assembly

27th

March Grandparents & Special Friends Day 27

th March Hot Cross Buns distribution

27th

March Last day Term 1 – 2.30 p.m. finish

Term 2, 2015

13th

April Term 2 commences 29

th, 30

th April – 1 May Year 5 Sovereign Hill Camp

8TH

May Sayembara Lisan - Indonesian Language Competition 15

TH May Indonesian Classes for Parents start (3.00- 3.30 p.m.)

19th

May Dance Concert – Ashburton Primary School Hall – Students A - L group

20th

May Dance Concert – Ashburton Primary School Hall – Students M – Z group 3

rd June I.C.A.S. – Science

3rd

June Melbourne Symphony Orchestra – Year 4 4

th June Melbourne Symphony Orchestra – Year 2

5th

June PUPIL FREE DAY – Students do not attend school 26

th June Last day Term 2 – 2.30 p.m. finish

Term 3, 2015

13th

July Term 3 commences 18

th September Last day Term 3 – 2.30 p.m. finish

Term 4, 2015

5TH

October Term 4 commences 18

th December Last day Term 4 – 1.30 p.m. finish

Friday May 8th Sayembara Lisan - Indonesian Language Competition

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT

PFA - AGM Last night we held the AGM of our PFA, and it was encouraging to see the number of parents present, including some for the first time. Our PFA carries out an important role in ‘community building’ at Essex Heights PS. In all the activities they organise, either for children or families, they are adding great value for the members of our school community. Of course, there is also the added benefit of raising much needed funds that we use in areas that directly contribute to the children and the curriculum programs. My thanks to the parents who devote time and energy to supporting the work of the PFA.

At the AGM, the members nominated and elected the executive for 2015 and I would like to thank and congratulate;

Andrea Jordan President Steph Wendler-Canning Secretary Andrea Fyfe Treasurer

On behalf of the school community I would also like to thank two members of the 2014 executive who are stepping down from their positions of responsibility. To Betty Ciorciari (President) and Martha Kotsifas (Secretary) …… thank you both for the leadership you have provided during your time in this executive role, much appreciated!

Junior School Council (JSC) - Badge Presentation At Monday’s Assembly this week we presented badges to the Junior School Councillors for Semester 1. These children have been elected by their peers to represent their class on our JSC and it was good to recognise that achievement. We

ISSUE 7

19th March,

2015

were pleased to have the President of our PFA, Betty Ciorciari, to present the badges to the children. The JSC carry out an important role in the school in both charity fundraising and providing an opportunity for student input into a range of matters relating to school improvement. Thanks to Maria Capsalis, Kelvin Tang and Alex Douros for their role in organising the JSC meetings and activities. The Junior School Councillors for Semester 1 are; 3AW Gaurav J. & Isabelle D, Vice JSC Ethan G. & Kye H 3CW Harpith P. & Alyssa L. Vice JSC Jimmy O. & Sienna P. 3/4L Dimitri P. & Catherine Z. Vice JSC Mia C. & Evelyn S. 4R Ellie H. & Chika Y. Vice JSC Abby S. 4O Jeremy C. & Kiska A. Vice JSC Luella M. & Grant K. 5H Thomas McLachlan & Imogen T. Vice JSC Kyra H. & Nillay T. 5M Celene H. & Christopher C. Vice JSC Alex K. & Caitlin D. 5P Jack Y. & Claudia A. Vice JSC Tomasz P. & Ashleigh P. 6D Aiden B. & Nicole B. Vice JSC 6S Timothy W.,& Minji C. Vice JSC Darcy E. & Pranav J. 6T Rex A. & Lillian L. Vice JSC We are looking forward to their contribution to the school, community and abroad. We wish them well with this leadership role.

Screen Time & Children Last year the Age carried an article by reporter Miki Perkins regarding a recent Australian study into ‘screen time’ for young children. The research carried out at Deakin University by Dr Trina Hinkley explores the issues faced by young children who spend long hours in front of TV or other electronic devices. The link to obesity and health has been well documented, but this study also points to detrimental effects on behaviour and psychological health. I encourage you to read the article as it raises some interesting issues for families to consider. http://www.smh.com.au/digital-life/digital-life-news/wellbeing-of-preschoolers-at-risk-from-increased-exposure-to-smartphones-tablets-computer-games-20140318-34yor

Car Park and Traffic Safety I would like to thank parents for their recent cooperation with regard to the Staff Car Park and ‘2 Minute Drop Off Zone’. This has certainly ensured a safer environment for the children. I would also like to ask that parents take care if they are using the Council Car Park between the school and the Council Oval. Whilst this is not on school property, it is being used by parents as a drop off zone and this causes concern. It means that we again have the situation of children and cars sharing the same space which is far from ideal. Whilst I cannot make rules outside of the school property, I would ask parents to exercise great care if using this Council Car Park. Ideally, it would be better to avoid this area to reduce the congestion and the chance of an unfortunate accident.

PFA Welcome Picnic A reminder to families about the PFA Welcome Picnic tomorrow night. The PFA would love to see as many families as possible join in for a pleasant evening in the school courtyard, especially new families to the school. There will be live music provided by a band comprising some past Essex Heights students as well as a sausage sizzle for those who would like the night off from cooking.

Look forward to seeing you there!

2.30 pm Finish on March 27th, and Term 2 Return on Monday April 13th A reminder to all parents and students that we will be finishing at 2.30 pm on Friday, March 27

th as it is the last day of

Term 1. See you at the PFA Picnic, Andrew

PARENTS & FRIENDS ‘NEWS’ The Welcome Event is on this Friday 20

th March. Hope to see you all there -

6.00 -8.00 pm. So far, the weather is looking good so bring a picnic blanket come and enjoy a night of food music and family fun.

Hot cross buns orders are due back by Friday 20th March so get your orders in by this date. . Delivery of the hot cross buns will be on the 27th March (last day of term). Help is needed in distributing them to the classrooms. Please come to the Hall at 9.00 am if you are able to assist. Easter raffle tickets are due back this week. To be eligible to win and be in the draw, please return your ticket stubs and money as soon as possible as the Raffle will be drawn at Assembly on Monday 23

rd March..

Enjoy your weekend Betty Ciorciari

BEFORE & AFTER SCHOOL CARE (B.A.S.C.) If you are using the program or intend to use the program, please ensure that you have registered with Centrelink for The Federal Government’s Childcare Rebate. All families are entitled to this

benefit. IT IS NOT MEANS TESTED AND PROVIDES MOST FAMILIES WITH A 50% REDUCTION IN THEIR FEES. All you have to do is provide me with your families Customer Reference Number and your children’s Customer Reference Number. Every week the program issues accounts via email. Could you please let us know if you are not receiving these emails so we can try and rectify the problem. The April Vacation Care Program is now out and enrolments are being taken. Places are limited so please enrol early. Thank You Paul Davis

SCHOOL PHOTOGRAPHS

Arthur Reid Photographers will be coming to our school on Friday March 20th

and Thursday March 26th

to take individual and class photos. Unfortunately, whilst this is split over two weeks, it is beyond our control. The current suggested photo timetable is included for your information.

By now each child should have received a named envelope with details of the photo selections available. After deciding what photo selection you would like, the envelope must be returned on or before the photo day.

It is strongly recommended to make payment online: it offers security for you and accountability for the company. If paying by cheque or cash, payment must be included in the envelope.

Special photos such as family or school groups (e.g. Choir) require a separate envelope. If you need another, there are envelopes available at the office. On the day of the photo shoot your child will receive a slip with your individual key code on it. School photos are an important opportunity to capture memories for you and your child to look back on for years to come. Even a class photo speaks volumes, showing friends at school and teachers.

SCHEDULE FOR SCHOOL PHOTOGRAPHY Friday March 20

th Thursday March 26

th

Time Name of Group Time Name of Group

8:30 Whole Staff

8:50 Specialist Staff 8:50

9:10 Prep B 9:10 Prep C

9:25 Prep L 9:25 3/4L

9:40 Prep ZP 9:35 6 D

9:55 3AW 9:45 6 S

10:05 3CW 9:55 6 T

10:15 4 O 10:05 1 C

10:25 4 R 10:20 1 F

10:35 SSO’s / Admin Staff 10:35 1 J

10:45 (Photgraphers Break) 10:45 (Photographers Break)

11:00 RECESS BREAK 11:00 RECESS BREAK

Special Staff Groups Special Staff Groups

11:40 2 B 11:40

11:55 2 FB 11:45 1 W

12:10

2 L 12:00

Prep Choir

12:35 2 S 12:15 Yr 1 Choir

12:50 2 T 12:30 Yr 2 Choir

1:00 5H 12:40 Yr 3/4 Choir

1:10 5M 12:50 Yr 5/6 Choir

1:20 5P 1:00 Chamber Choir

1:15 Music Staff

1:30 LUNCH BREAK

Special Staff Groups 1:30 LUNCH BREAK

2:30 Year 4 Marimba x 2 Special Staff Groups

2:40 Year 5 Marimba x 2 2:30 Student Leadership

2:50 Year 6 Marimba x 2 Groups :

3:00 Before and After Care

1. I.C.A.S. EXAMINATIONS

A reminder to parents of children in grades 3, 4, 5 and 6. If you are interested in having your children sit these exams in the subjects of Science (Wednesday 3 June). English (Tuesday 16 June) and Mathematics (Tuesday 11 August) please return your form and payment by the end of the week. Thanking you Carolyn Waker, ICAS coordinator

BERITA BAHASA INDONESIA!

Sayembara Lisan: State-wide annual Indonesian Oral Competition

The Sayembara Lisan is an annual state-wide Indonesian Oral Competition for students in Prep-Year 11. It has been great to have so many children who have expressed interest in participating this year! Practices will be in Indonesian class time. However, children will also need to practise at home. Date: Friday May 8

th (students will have an allocated time on this day)

(Finals: Saturday May 23rd

. Children who do particularly well on Friday May 8th

will be invited to participate in the Finals, before state winners are announced).

Venue: Melbourne University Private 422 Auburn Road, Hawthorn 3122 Please note families are required to make private travel arrangements to the venue on the day and stay for the duration of their child’s participation (approx. 15 minutes). Cost: $15.00 (TBC) Students who wish to participate in the competition will bring home the competition material this week (please see song/poem links for Years Prep-4 below). A final notice with some further details including the cost and permission slip will be sent home soon (I am just waiting on confirmation of the price).

Prep/Year 1/Year 2 song links Balonku – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bLSEtNEmhTc Pelangi – pelangi - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3wMjOIhvuE Year 3/Year 4 poem links Hai Becak – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kveyDKw5TgY Kapal Api - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v3dpiGXKqvY

Tanggal Penting: Important Dates/Events

February 28

th – March 25

th From Lontar to Canvas – Traditional and Contemporary Indonesian Art Exhibition

The Highway Gallery: 14 The Highway, Mt Waverley (Free Entry). Sunday April 19

th Indonesia Street Festival

Details: www.visitvictoria.com/regions/Melbourne/Events/Multicultural/Indonesia-Street-Festival Friday May 8

th Sayembara Lisan – Statewide Indonesian Language Competition (open to all children in Years Prep-6)

Thank-you to Akira and Zian (Yr 1)& family (again!) for our most recent additions to our beautiful classroom –a Batik (material) map, stamps and

wayanggolek (wooden puppets) pair.

INDONESIAN (BEGINNER) CLASSES FOR PARENTSs Classes for parents (grandparents/special friends) will be on offer again during Term 2 (Fridays 3.00-3.30 pm) beginning Friday May 15

th for 4 weeks.

If you are interested, please return the Slip in this Newsletter to the office by Friday April 24

th (2

nd week of Term 2).

These sessions will include some introductory language to assist parents in communicating with their very clever kids! Intermediate classes will also be on offer for any interested parents.

1.

DON’T FORGET – Please report to Front Office to sign the Visitor’s Book and get a Visitor’s

Label BEFORE proceeding to the Canteen (in the Stadium). FRIDAY 19th March

10.00 a.m. Helen Giakoumatos, Christine Interrigi, Joann Tan

MONDAY 22nd March 11.00 a.m.

Tara Hickcox, Karen Lam

WEDNESDAY 24th March 10.15 a.m.

Nadeeka Priyashanth, Sohelia Maduliat

FRIDAY 26th March 10.00 a.m.

Jan Mattrow, Carolyn Hibbert, Sandy Chen

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Indonesian Language Classes Term 2

Name: ______________________ Parent/friend/relative of (student) ________________

Class: ____________

Yes! I wish to participate in the Indonesian Language classes.

I would be interested in …….. (please specify)

Beginners lessons Intermediate lessons

Signature: ____________________________

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Grandparents & Special Friends Day

Friday 27th March, 2015

Dear Grandparents & Special Friends,

We are planning a concert and picnic lunch for Friday 27th March from

11.30 a.m. to 2.00 p.m.

This will be a great opportunity to visit your grandchildren at school, see their classroom

and school and enjoy a picnic lunch in the school grounds.

The program for the day will be:

11:30 am – meet in The Stadium for a ‘Welcome Assembly’ & Concert

12:15 pm – visit classrooms with your grandchildren

1:00 pm – meet in the school grounds to share a picnic lunch (BYO – chairs, picnic rug and lunch)

Concert & Picnic time

11.30

am

ESSEX HEIGHTS PRIMARY SCHOOL

MARCH 2015

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

2ND

Parent Teacher

Discussions

3RD

Parent Teacher

Discussions

4TH

Book covering in Violet

5TH

PUPIL FREE DAY

6TH

PUPIL FREE DAY

9TH

Labour Day Public

Holiday

10TH

Year 6 Camp

11TH

Year 6 Camp

12TH

Year 6 Camp

13TH

Year 6 Camp

16TH 17TH 18TH PFA - AGM

19TH

School Council - New

20TH

School Photo Day

PFA Welcome Event

23RD

Easter Raffle drawn

24TH 25TH 26TH

School Photo Day

27th

Grandparents &

Special Friends Day

Term 1 finishes

2.30 p.m.

APRIL 2015

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

13TH

Term 2 begins

14TH 15TH

16TH

17TH

20TH 21ST 22ND 23RD

24TH

27TH 28TH 29TH 30TH

MAY 2015

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday

1st

4th

5th 6th 7th 8th 9th

11th

12th 13th

14th

15th

Indonesian classes

for Parents begin

18th 19th

Dance Concert A-:L

20th

Dance Concert M -Z

21st

22nd

PRODUCTS & SERVICES ADVERTISED IN ‘CONTACT’ ARE PLACED ON A PAID BASIS AND ARE NOT NECESSARILY BEING PROMOTED BY ESSEX HEIGHTS PRIMARY SCHOOL