Mount Evelyn Primary School NEWSLETTER€¦ · Wed 13th School Council AGM 2pm Tues 19th Whole...
Transcript of Mount Evelyn Primary School NEWSLETTER€¦ · Wed 13th School Council AGM 2pm Tues 19th Whole...
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28/02/2019
Issue 3
PRINCIPAL: Angie O’Hare
PHONE: 9736 2233 WEBSITE: http://www.mtevelynps.vic.edu.au/website/ EMAIL: [email protected]
Mount Evelyn Primary School NEWSLETTER
Principal’s Report We were delighted last Friday to be able to acknowledge our school leaders at the whole
school assembly. Bridget Vallence, the state member for Evelyn joined us to present leadership
badges and congratulate our young leaders. In her speech Ms Vallence spoke about the im-
portance of strong leadership and the positive impact that exemplary role modelling has on
those around us. It was great to see so many parents and family members at the assembly.
Feedback from our families
At Mount Evelyn PS we always welcome positive or constructive feedback. We see this as a
method of ensuring ongoing improvement and better meeting the needs of our school com-
munity. Whilst we do prefer feedback of the positive kind, we do realise that there are times
when families are concerned about their child’s learning or about a school process. We en-
courage parents to make contact with the classroom teacher to discuss or clarify any concerns
or issues. The teacher knows your child better than anyone else in the school and will be able
to address most concerns.
2019 House captains 2019 School captains
2019 Junior School Council Leaders 2019 ELearning Leaders
CALENDAR
2019
MARCH
Fri 1st
L5 LHSC discovery day
L3/4 Start Smart program
Tues 5th
Foundation Info evening 7-8pm
L6 Sports carnival
Thurs 7th
Evacuation Drill
Fri 8th
Whole School Assembly
Ride to School Day
Tues 12th March
Student Free Day
Wed 13th
School Council AGM 2pm
Tues 19th
Whole School Athletics day
Wed 20th
L5 - YHSC day
Thurs 21st
Harmony day
Reminders and
Key Dates
Tues 26th March
School Photos
Thurs 28th March
Student Free Day
Tues 2nd April
Billy Tea Bush Dance
Mon 6th May
Student Free Day
Wed 8th May
Mother’s Day Stall
Mon 3rd & Tues 4th June
School Production
BILLY TEA BUSH DANCE - Tuesday 2nd April
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The Arts Committee is excited to announce that the School Production for 2019 will be the theme;
‘Travels Afar’
&
‘Lion King Jnr.’
The foundation, level one and level two students will be dancing and singing their way around the world while the level
three to six students will be performing in ‘The Lion King junior’
The performances will be held at The George Wood Performing Arts Centre, Yarra Valley Grammar School on Monday June
3rd (A-K) and Tuesday June 4th (L-Z).
Rehearsals will begin very soon.
We will be looking for volunteers to help with jobs such as: Ticketing, costume making and/or washing costumes, face
painting on the night.
If you would be able to volunteer some time to make this a memorable experience for our students could you please
email Jenny Barker (Music Teacher).
At the meeting of school council last week, we looked at a number of updated policies and school council were happy to en-
dorse these. One of the policies was the Parent Concerns and Complaints Policy and we have included a copy of the policy in
this newsletter. The policy very clearly outlines the steps and processes to be followed if you have a concern. Please take the
time to read the policy. The updated policy will also be added to our website.
Child Safety
The protection of children and young persons is the responsibility of everyone who works at Mount Evelyn Primary School,
including its staff, contractors, parents and volunteers. We all share responsibility for promoting the wellbeing and safety of
children. Staff at our school have a responsibility to respond to the safety, care and welfare of students, in all environments
and outside of school hours. Mount Evelyn PS has zero tolerance for child abuse and is committed to acting in the best inter-
ests of children and to keeping them safe at all times.
Every person involved in Mount Evelyn Primary School has a responsibility to understand the important and specific role he/
she plays individually and collectively to ensure that the wellbeing and safety of all children and young people is at the fore-
front of all they do and every decision they make.
Access to our school Child Safe Standards, Mandatory Reporting and Engagement and Wellbeing policies is via the school web-
site under Policies.
Parents are reminded that a current Working With Children Check is required to volunteer in any school based activity.
School Council
The nomination period for membership of the 2019 school council has now closed. In the parent category we received five
nominations to fill the five vacancies and in the teacher category we received two nominations to fill the two vacancies. Thank
you to everyone who expressed interest and considered nominating. Joining our school council this year are Kathryn Vine,
Robyn Kefford, Danielle Grant- May, Jo Hunt, Lauren Spratt, Jenny Barker and Deb Johnson. Matt Stone will continue to join us
as a community representative.
I would also like to thank and acknowledge the retiring school councillors for their time and commitment to our school. We
very much appreciate your contribution.
Have a great week,
Angie and Helen
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Welcome to Music for 2019!
My name is Jenny Barker and I have been the music teacher at Mt Evelyn for 16 years!
My passion is music and it is my aim to instil a love of music to all the students. Outside
school, I play music in various Brass and Concert bands in the local area.
During holidays, I like to spend time with my adult children and also to go on cruises!- I’m
hooked!
I look forward to teaching your children this year and can’t wait for production!
In the music room this semester:
Foundation students will be introduced to different instruments and learn about beat and
rhythm.
The level one and two students began the term with singing songs and playing instruments with the songs.
The older students have been making up their own songs and rhythms and adding drumming patterns to these. They will be
continuing with learning drum circle rhythms on Djembes.
All of the students will participate in a drumming incursion later this term.
I am very excited to begin rehearsals for our school production later this term.
Also, at lunchtimes in the music room there is Level three to six choir, Recorder group and Clarinet group. Some of the choir
group are looking forward to performing later this year in the Victorian State Schools Spectacular at Melbourne Arena.
Welcome to Art for 2019!
Hi my name is Karen Johnston. I have been teaching for over 25 years. I have taught all
grades and specialists in this time. I particularly enjoy teaching visual arts and performing
arts. I also enjoy sustainability. My hobbies include reading, photography, scrapbooking,
card making and gardening.
Art Curriculum
The art curriculum is based on the Victorian Curriculum and combines the art elements
and principles with the areas, tools and media.
Elements and Principles
The art elements are the building blocks used to make artworks. They are:- colour & value,
line, space, form, texture and shape. We make art to express what we see, feel or imagine.
The art principles are the ways in which the art elements are combined in a work of art for
the personal expression of ideas. The art principals include contrast, repetition, pattern,
emphasis, balance, movement and unity.
Areas of visual arts are broken into two sections:- 2D which includes drawing, painting and printing; and 3D which includes
modelling, construction and threads and textiles. Tools used include hands, scissors, sticks and brushes. Media includes all
materials used to make art like paint, pencils, threads, clay, recycled objects etc.
This year students will use a variety of media and techniques combining the art elements and principles to produce different
pieces of art. Themes planned for the upcoming year so far are Dr Seuss, Fantasy, ANZAC, Ancient Egyptian Art, Op Art, Fa-
mous Artist studies, 2D & 3D Sculpture and Steam Punk.
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Welcome to Auslan for 2019!
My name is Kelsey Greig and I have been teaching Auslan at Mount Evelyn PS
since Term 4 2017. I have been signing for over ten years and continue to learn
about the language through professional development and participation in the
Deaf community. I have really enjoyed sharing my passion for the language with
students at Mount Evelyn and look forward to a positive, fun filled Term!
In Auslan this Semester
Foundation
We begin the term by learning basic greetings and common everyday words
such as please and thank you. Students will participate in fun games and learn a
number of nursery rhymes. In addition, students will learn about sign languages
around the world, what deafness is and how to communicate appropriately with deaf people.
Auslan Years1 & 2
We will begin the term by developing an understanding of our expectations and responsibilities during Auslan lessons. Stu-
dents will participate in individual and group activities to learn signs related to Colours, Fruit and Vegetables. Students will ex-
pand their knowledge of these categories by ‘Bringing it Together’ in our final topic of ‘Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.’
MEPS Newsletter
Welcome to Science for 2019!
The science of today is the technology of tomorrow.
My name is Trish Rathmell and I have been teaching science at Mt Evelyn Primary School for
2 years. My two favourite heroes are David Attenborough and Dr Karl. I love pets and ani-
mals and most things in the natural world. My dream is to travel and camp in the Kimberley
region of Western Australia!
Did you know that there are 90 different elements that make up the universe around us? The
basic foods we eat are made up from just four of these 90 elements, hydrogen, oxygen, carbon and nitrogen.
Anyhow, welcome to a productive 2019. Through the study of science, students will earn about our biological, chemical, geo-
logical, physical and technological world.
Students will find out what they think and know about the way living things grow and change in biological science. They will
participate in a range of activities related to the human body.
All children love hands-on experiments that shock and amaze them. During chemical science, students will learn about
changes in matter and will learn to think like a scientist.
Our earth is always adapting and students will learn about how human activity and the effects of climate change can impact
our planet. In addition, they will study the effects of weathering and erosion.
Through collaborative learning experiences, students will discover the power of force and motion and investigate sound and
vibration.
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Sport and Physical Education for Mount Evelyn Primary School 2019
Participation, Strength and Technique Each year the Physical Education Department strives to provide students with the opportunities to partic-
ipate, develop and excel in a variety of sports. This can be achieved in a number of ways. It is widely rec-
ognised that correct technical instruction is of paramount importance in the foundation of all sports.
Sporting bodies such as the Australian Football League and Football Federation of Australia agree that
athletes that have poor technique rarely excel in their chosen sport. With this in mind, during 2019, the
focus on technique has been elevated by providing a deeper technical tuition to all Mount Evelyn Primary
School students, no matter what the sport. I have sought to break down specific motor skills into smaller
movements and then teach these actions correctly – first as individual packages, but then as fluid consoli-
dated movements that make up the motor skill. There are many benefits to this approach. By coaching
technique correctly, I will be providing all students with the skills necessary to participate in game situa-
tions. Students who learn correct techniques are also more likely to do better in the chosen sport, and
success usually impacts participation rate.
Core Strength An initiative that will commenced this year across all levels at Mount Evelyn PS is the implementation of a
Core Strength Program. Core strength is extremely valuable in attaining a wide variety of physical skills
and abilities. Students who possess a good level of core strength acquire new techniques and skills far
more rapidly than students with poor core strength. The program consists of series of exercises that can
be done in the classroom or at home and which take no longer than 15 minutes a day. Each PE lesson
commences with a core strength component. The exercises are such that all students will benefit. They
will enhance the students who already have a solid core strength base, as well as assist all other students
in starting to develop a good foundation. The exercises are simple, fun and need no equipment and are
enjoyed by students.
Welcome to Sport and Physical Education
My name is Paul Harris and I am thrilled to be teaching Sport and Physical
Education at Mount Evelyn PS this year. I have taught sport and PE in a
number of schools and enjoy watching my students build their skills and
resilience. I am a proud and passionate Hawthorn supporter and a keen
Melbourne AFLW supporter. My hobbies include ultra marathons, travel
and anything to do with the beach.
Below is my vision and priorities for physical Education this year.
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MEPS Newsletter Dear Parents/ Guardians,
We will be holding our Parents’ Association Annual General Meeting on Friday March 15th at 2.30pm.
Parents and carers are invited to join us for an afternoon tea from 2.00pm in the community room to meet each other and find out more information, then stay for the AGM at 2.30 to officially join the committee.
The Parents Association is made up of parents and carers who are wish to enhance the Mt Evelyn Primary School Community. The main goal of the association is to encourage engagement throughout the school (between families, students, and teach-ers) as well as raise funds for projects not covered by standard government funding.
Within the committee there are four (4) executive roles that are required in order for the Association to operate;
President: Chairs monthly meetings; Spokesperson to and for parents; Delegating tasks for all activities.
Vice-President: Acts in place of President as required.
Secretary: Prepares and distributes agendas for each meeting; Records and distributes minutes for each meeting.
Treasurer: Responsible for keeping accurate records of all transactions; Prepares monthly report; Authorise expenditure of
PA funds (in conjunction with President and Principal).
Detailed Position Descriptions are available at the office.
All parents and guardians of Mount Evelyn Primary School are regarded as members of the Parents’ Association, and welcome to attend meetings. For those individuals that would like to have input, and voting rights, please complete the below registra-tion form. Please note that a registration fee of $1.00 per annum is required.
If you would like to join the Parents’ Association in 2019, please complete the following form/s. Membership and Nomination forms can be returned to the office or directly to the AGM (Friday March 15th, 2.00pm).
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Membership form – Mount Evelyn Primary School Parents’ Association
Yes, I would like to be a financial member of the Parents’ Association, receiving monthly agendas and minutes, and attending meetings as frequently as possible, to have my say, and vote on decisions to help make our school great for years to come.
Name: _____________________________ Phone: ____________________________
Email: _____________________________________________
Office use: $1.00 registration fee received Yes / No Date: __________________
Confidentiality agreement received Yes / No Date: __________________
Nomination form – Mount Evelyn Primary School Parents’ Association, Executive Committee (please circle)
President Vice- President Secretary Treasurer
Nominee*: Signature:
Moved by*: Signature:
Seconded by*: Signature:
* All individuals must be a parent/ guardian of a student attending Mt Evelyn PS, and be a financial member of the Parents’ Association.
PA News [email protected]
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Out of School Hours and Vacation Care
Highlights from OSHC
April 2019 Vacation Care Program
April Vacation Care and March Curriculum Day bookings are now open to families. Vacation Care booking forms are coming in
quickly so if you know the days you require care, please get your forms back to me ASAP!
When dropping off or picking up your children from our childcare service pleased use the allocated car spaces that are labelled
OSHC. These are located on the fence side of the gym car park. Payments on your family account can be processed at your
convenience when dropping off or picking up your children. EFTPOS is available or you can phone me between the hours of
6.00am-2.00pm and l can process your payment over the phone or in person. Please remember all childcare accounts are now
linked to the ATO by the Federal Government. Any outstanding account at the end of the financial year will be paid directly to
the childcare when lodging your tax return.
2019 Enrolment and booking forms (Curriculum Day, Vacation Care and Out of Hours Care) are available on our school website,
at the school office, OSHC front entrance and OSHC office. Session hours for our Before School care are 6.30am - 8.45am (Hot
breakfast available until 8.00am) and our After School care is from 3.30pm - 6.30pm. Curriculum Day and Vacation Care hours
are 6.30am - 6.30pm.
If you have any questions on the new subsidy rates or if you would like more information about our Vacation Care, Curriculum
day, Before or After Care programs please contact Melissa at the OSHC office (learning street) Monday – Friday 6.00am –
2.00pm, email [email protected] or phone 9736 2233. - Mel and the Team
Day/Date Program
Mon 8th April Multi Media Day
Tues 9th April Athletics Sports Incursion
Wed 10th April Inflatable World Excursion
Thurs 11th April Street Dance Incursion
Fri 12 th April Messy Day
Mon 15th April Go Kart Incursion
Tues 16th April Reading Cinemas Excursion
Wed 17th April Basket Ball Incursion
Thurs 18th April Easter Activities
Fri 19th April Good Friday Closed
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MT. EVELYN NETBALL
CLUB INC
Winter Season 2019
Registrations
Registrations are now open If you are interested in playing grading is on
Tuesday 5th February U9’s & U11’s 4.00-5.00pm
U13”s, U15’s & U17’s 5.00-6.00pm
at the Netball clubrooms,Morrison Reserve, Mt Evelyn.
If you are interested please call Sheelagh 9736
1132/0438088122 to put your name on the list and answer
queries Winter Season commences 3nd March 2019
MEPS Newsletter
WANTED
We are in need of some mulch to
spread in the gardens around the
school. If you work for or know of
an organisation that would be
able to help us out, please contact
the school office.
Thank you
Mt Evelyn Chess Club. The Mt Evelyn Chess Club started up again Monday 11th Feb, 7pm til 9pm at Hardy House, the RSL Hall, 49 Birmingham Road Mt Evelyn. All welcome – be-ginners to players. Is anyone available to run the Chess Club from early May to mid July as Tim will be overseas. Email Tim on [email protected] or phone 0419 102 380.
This club is supported by the Mt Evelyn Township Group, the Mt Evelyn RSL and a grant from Yarra Ranges Council to purchase the competition standard chess sets and clocks. Gold coin donation.
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Parent Concerns and Complaints Policy
Rationale: Unresolved issues, or issues that are perceived by either party to be unresolved have the potential to be damaging to the important relationships that must exist between schools and the parents/guardians of the children that they serve. Clarity regarding an appropriate process is important.
Aim:
These guidelines and processes seek to assist parents who are raising concerns or making a complaint that is related to the school or their child’s education.
It is important to remember that:
The school should always be the first point of contact
concerns are best resolved at the school
a complaint can be withdrawn at any time
it may not always be possible to resolve an issue to your complete satisfaction
DET expects that most complaints will be resolved by the school - that is at Step 2 or Step 3 of the follow-ing process.
Implementation:
How do I raise an issue or make a complaint?
Each step is explained in more detail on the following pages.
Step 1: Clarify the issue (what is the problem?)
Step 2: Contact the teacher
Step 3: Contact the Principal or Assistant Principal
Step 4: Contact the Regional Office
Step 5: Contact the DET Central Office
Evaluation: This policy will be reviewed as part of the school’s three year review cycle.
This policy was last ratified by School Council on February 20th, 2019
Mount Evelyn Primary School
School Policies Manual
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How do I raise an issue or make a complaint?
Step 1: Clarify the issue (what is the problem?)
Before you approach the school or your child's teacher:
be clear about the topic or issue you wish to discuss
focus on the things that genuinely affect your child
always remain calm and remember you may not have all the facts relating to the circumstances of the topic or issue you wish to discuss
think about what an acceptable outcome would be for you and your child
be informed; check the DET policies or guidelines, where relevant
ask the school for a copy of their complaints policy
Step 2: Contact the teacher
There are a number of ways in which you can raise any concerns you have about your child. You may choose to:
write a note or email to your child's teacher outlining your concerns
make an appointment to speak on the phone or in person with the class teacher or Level Team Leader
consider speaking with the school's Student Wellbeing Coordinator if you feel that is appropriate
arrange any meeting times or phone calls through the school office (this is more convenient for both you and your child's teacher and does not interrupt teachers during the time they need to be with their students).
Remember that the Class Teacher / Level Team Leader, together with others who may be involved, should be giv-en a reasonable amount of time to take the steps required to resolve or address your concerns.
Step 3: Contact the Principal or Assistant Principal
Most concerns are resolved by following the first two steps above. However, if the issue remains unresolved after you have approached your child's teacher or other school staff, you can then ask to see the Assistant Principal or Principal.
To do this, you are requested to make an appointment through the School Office. Be aware that circumstances may require that:
the Principal may ask another senior staff member to speak with you on their behalf
if a teacher is going to be present at the meeting, then the meeting is more likely to occur outside of classroom hours.
If your concern is related to issues of school policy, these should be raised more formally (in writing) with the Prin-cipal or with a letter to School Council. The postal address for the school is PO Box 249, Mount Evelyn, 3796.
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Step 4: Contact the North Eastern Victoria Regional Office
If you still feel that your complaint has not been addressed satisfactorily after speaking to the Class Teacher and the Principal, you can then contact the North Eastern Victoria Regional Office.
A regional Community Liaison Officer will be able to provide you with advice and assistance and, if required, direct your complaint to other regional staff.
The Regional Director will ensure that any formal written complaint is reviewed.
It is the Regional Office's responsibility to:
ensure that complaints, wherever possible, are resolved at the school.
ensure that procedures at the school are in accordance with the DET regulatory framework.
The Regional Office may refer your complaint to other areas or branches within DET. You will be notified of this and of any major delays in addressing your complaint.
Step 5: Contact the DET central office
Contact with the DET central office should only take place if all other steps have not led to a satisfactory resolu-tion. Where possible, all contact should be in writing.
General Information:
You may be supported at any meeting by a friend, colleague or a representative from a support organisation.
Parents and caregivers have a number of rights including the right to obtain copies of Departmental policies and procedures.
For further information for parents and caregivers visit:
http:/www.education.vic.gov.au/about/contact/parentcomplaint.htm.