Our School Values:

RESPECT, RESILIENCE, TEAMWORK & COLLABORATION and COMMUNITY

31ST JANUARY, 2019.

101 BRUNEL STREET

HUNTLY VIC 3551

PHONE (03) 5448 8866

Email: huntly.ps@edumail.vic.gov.au

PRINCIPAL MR JASON LEE

DIARY DATES

Tuesday 5th February Junior School Information & Partners in Print Evening 5.30pm (see newsletter article)

Tuesday 5th February School Banking begins again. (see newsletter article) Thursday 7th February School Choir 10.00am MPR. Open to students from Grades 2 to 6. Thursday 7th February Breakfast Program - 8.00am to 8.30am. All students welcome, every Thursday. Monday 11th February School Council Meeting 7.00pm Monday 11th February Kinder to Foundation Survey due back Friday 22nd February Conveyancing Allowance applications close (see newsletter article) Friday 22nd February Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund Application Forms due back (see article)

Dear Parents,

WELCOME TO THE 2019 SCHOOL YEAR I would like to welcome our school community back for the 2019 school year. We have a number of new students and our current enrolment is 225. I would like to extend a very warm welcome to all of our new students and families and trust you will enjoy being a part of the Huntly Primary School community. Our teachers are well organised and have planned thoroughly to ensure a smooth start to the year for all students. The teachers have reflected positively on the parent/student/teacher meetings indicating it was informative and a great way to connect with families at the beginning of the year. If you were unable to attend your meeting I encourage you to speak to your child’s classroom teacher at the earliest convenience. Clear communication is crucial to the development of relationships throughout the school community. 2019 STAFFING Bernadette Wright was asked to extend her time at Specimen Hill P.S. for the 2019 school year. I was able to agree to this but only after confirming a replacement which did not occur until after the school year concluded. Bern wishes to pass on her regards to our school community and will be back next year. Jayne Lahtz will take up our school wellbeing officer role and is looking forward to meeting our students and school community next Tuesday. I would also like to welcome Huiwen Bai and Kelly Effenberg to our team. Bai takes over from Chen in the role of our Chinese teacher. Mrs Effenberg will take on the role as Music/Drama teacher and I look forward to the opportunity for our students to have a specialised Performing Arts program this year. SCHOOL ASSEMBLY Our major school assembly takes place at 9.00am on Monday mornings. Parents are encouraged to attend. Assemblies form an important role in embedding our school values and provide opportunities to bring our students together to recognise and celebrate achievements, promote positive behaviours and publicise information to our school community. We look forward to seeing you at assembly. At our first official Monday morning assembly, to be held on February 4th we will launch our new reward system (the ‘Wirrakee’card) which acknowledges students who uphold our school values and demonstrate both our outside and inside expectations. Both the card design and name, ‘Wirrakee’, was designed and thought of by our students. HUNTLY FUN DAY This Sunday 3rd February the Huntly Family Fun Day will take place. There is a variety of activities taking place for both young and old so I encourage you to head to the Strauch Reserve. A number of Grade 5 students at the end of the year indicated an interest in assisting on the day. Students interested were provided a note outlining what time to head to Strauch Reserve to assist with different activities. Thank you to those students who are assisting. COMMUNICATION As parents and carers you will at times need to meet with classroom teachers to clarify classrooms programs and sometimes discuss problems which may have arisen. The teachers and I will endeavour to meet and discuss any range of school issues, however please be aware staff meetings occur from Tuesday through to Thursday. It is anticipated all teachers will attend meetings on time. No teacher will dismiss your question or concerns but calling to organise a time to meet will ensure the question or issue can be addressed at the earliest time and without interruption.

Grade 2 enjoying their lunch break today.

SCHOOL COUNCIL ELECTIONS All School Councils in Victoria operate under the Education and Training Reform Act 2006. The School Council has particular functions in setting and monitoring the school’s direction. School Councils have three main responsibilities: Finance – overseeing the development of the school’s annual budget and ensuring proper records are kept of the school’s financial operation. Strategic Planning – participating in the development and monitoring of the school strategic plan. Policy Development and Review – developing, reviewing and updating policies that reflect a school’s values and support the school’s broad direction outlined in its strategic plan. In 2019 school council elections must be completed by March 31st, 2019.

School Council Nominations The following timetable outlines our school election procedure. Nomination forms can be collected from the office.

Vacancies for 2019 include 4 parent representatives and 2 staff representatives. SCHOOL COUNCIL Our first school council meeting will be held on Monday, February 11th, starting at 7.00 pm. REMINDERS: School uniform is compulsory Please ensure your child is in school uniform. Uniforms can be purchased from Lowes in Bendigo. There are also a number of pre-loved uniforms that can be purchased for a minimal fee. Sunsmart Term 1 requires all students to wear a broad-brimmed hat or bucket hat during breaks in the yard. Students not wearing hats will be required to play in shaded areas. BREAKFAST PROGRAM The breakfast program will begin next Thursday 7th February. Breakfast runs from 8.00am to 8.30am in the MPR. CODE RED DAYS What happens on a Code Red Day? Schools, kindergartens and licensed child care centres that have been identified as being at high fire risk and on the Department’s Bushfire At-Risk Register will close on days determined Code Red by the Emergency Management Commissioner. Huntly Primary School and our Out of Hours School Care (OHSC) program are both on the register. Where possible, four to seven days notice of a planned closure will be provided; parents and carers should, however, expect that in some instances fewer than 4 days notice may be provided. Once a Code Red day has been determined by the Emergency Management Commissioner this decision will not change – regardless of any changes in the weather forecast. This will help limit confusion and help your family plan for how your children will be cared for when their school and OHSC facility are closed. When a school or children's service is closed due to a Code Red day determination, no staff will remain on site. Jason Lee, PRINCIPAL

SCHOOL COUNCIL ELECTION PROCESS AND TIMETABLE

a) Notice of election and call for nominations

Wednesday, 6 February 2019

b) Closing date for nominations & deciding if a ballot is required.

Wednesday, 13 February 2019

c) Date by which ballot papers will be pre-pared and distributed.

Wednesday, 20 February 2019

d) Close of ballot Wednesday, 27 February, 2019

e) March School Council Meeting First council meeting to elect office bearers

Monday, 18 March 2019

HUNTLY PRIMARY SCHOOL GROUNDS DEVELOPMENT

During the 2018 school year School Council agreed that we needed to

develop a plan to reinvigorate our school grounds. As a result a 5 year plan was developed and is now being implemented. Kathryn Stanislowski our School Council President has overseen the creation of this plan and its management, the outcome of which is quite exciting.

Late in 2018 we started some of the work required and over the school break it has continued (general maintenance). I am sure as time goes on you will notice the gradual changes which are taking place.

SCHOOL OVAL With a lot of discussion, planning and research prior, School Council

approved to redo the school oval at the November Council Meeting, this project is being managed by school councillor Jason Scott. Following the end of the school year, the oval was sprayed on 23rd of December with a broad spectrum herbicide, Glyphosate. This was to clean any of the weeds up prior to sowing the

new seed. Following on from this on 24th December the oval was reseeded with new turf seed by one of the school Parents Mark Sergeant whilst Jason Scott used a scarifier to break the compacted soil open to allow for excellent seed / soil contact and water penetration. During the initial growing phase, Bendigo experienced some the hottest

weather we have seen in a long time. The seed handled this exceptionally well and has prospered in these conditions. On Monday 28th January School Councillors Dan Miller, John Wilson and Jason Scott, ably assisted by Tom Miller, Lachlan Wilson and Sam Scott conducted the first cutting of the grass and it is now looking fantastic for the start of

the school year. Jason Scott as project manager would like to acknowledge all those that

have assisted with this project and say a big thankyou to those listed, without the

assistance of these people this project would not have been able to be completed in such a

short time frame and to such a high quality.

Scarifying the Oval Christmas Eve

24th December 2018 Mark Sergeant Seeding the new seed into

the Oval - 24th December 2018

All the seed sown Christmas Eve 24th December 2018

First Mow of the Oval 28th January 2019

Ready for the new School Year 28th January 2019 looks a Picture!

THE STEP INTO FOUNDATION

For many parents, a child starting school can be an apprehensive time. We have listed some ideas for preparing your child for their year in Foundation.

Avoiding the last-minute rush

Leave home on time.

Arrive at school well before the first class to allow time to say goodbye and for your child to join others at play.

Food for energy

Be sure your child has a balanced breakfast.

Pack a healthy lunch and snacks and explain when they should be eaten.

Pack a water bottle.

Home Reading Program

Early in the year your child’s teacher will tell you about the Home Reading Program.

Establish a quiet time for reading together-maybe as part of the bedtime routine.

Let reading together be a pleasurable activity.

Just a reminder for parents that throughout the month of February the Foundation students are not required to attend school on Wednesdays. This is their rest day and I am sure that they will need it as they adjust to being at school.

IS YOUR ENROLMENT COMPLETE??? Please make sure that you have bought in a copy of your child’s Birth Certificate and Immunisation Certificate to the school office. It is a Department of Education and Training requirement that all students enrolled at school must present a copy of these documents. We can photocopy these for you at the office.

GRADES FOUNDATION TO 2

INFORMATION & PARTNERS IN PRINT EVENING

For Grades Foundation to 2 Tuesday 5th February 5.30pm in Library

Please come along with your child to an evening where classroom teachers will share general information about their classrooms.

Teachers will also share skills and strategies to help you assist your student in Literacy at home. Partners in Print is an evening designed to assist parents to

support their child’s literacy success.

We look forward to seeing you there.

HUNTLY PRIMARY SCHOOL

2019 Grades and Staffing

We currently have 225 students enrolled at the school for 2019.

LEARNING CENTRE

GRADE STAFF MEMBER

LC1 Found/1 Alicia McGrath

LC2 Found/1 Laura Murdoch & Lisa Clohesy

LC3 Found/1 Marijke Harrison

LC10 2 Shelley May

LC11 2 Morgan Bamford

LC4 3/4 Donna Dunlop

LC5 3/4 Matthew Lehane

LC6 4/5 Alan Gillies

LC8 5/6 Lachlan O’Toole & James Ritchie

LC9 5/6 Rebecca Magee

SCHOOL NEWSLETTER

Because it is the start of the school year, a hard copy of the newsletter has been sent home with students today. In the future the newsletter will be published each Wednesday on the school website www.huntly-ps.vic.edu.au

Please make sure you read this important newsletter as it is our main communication channel with parents.

A reminder with the link to the newsletter will be sent to parents via Compass (the school app) and also on the schools facebook page.

If you do not have access to the web a hard copy of the newsletter is available at the school office.

KINDER TO FOUNDATION SURVEY

The opinions of parents and guardian are an important indicator or how well our school is meeting the needs of students. Foundation families were given a brief survey about our Transition Program from Kinder to School. To help make our Transition Program the best it can be, we need a broad range of responses therefore we ask that all families take the time to complete the survey and return it to the school by Monday 11th February, 2019. Your privacy is important therefore the responses you make are anonymous.

SCHOOL CHOIR

The first gathering of our School Choir will be held at 10.00am in the Multi Purpose Room next Thursday 7th February. Come along and have a try, no commitment required. Open to Grades 2 to 6 students.

OUTSIDE SCHOOL HOURS CARE

PLEASE NOTE: PERMANENT BOOKINGS FROM 2018

DO NOT CARRY OVER TO THIS YEAR - Please contact school office to make new bookings.

This program is operating again this year. Outside School Hours Care can provide for your family with child care assistance either because of work commitment or for convenience when needed. Just briefly, the program is run by our School Council as a service to the families of the school. Outside School Hours Care operates everyday of the school term from 3.30pm to 6.00pm. Cost is $13 per child per night and bookings must be made through the school office.

If you have questions regarding Outside School Hours Care please contact our Co-ordinator, Selena Van Riet.

The OSHC Newsletter and Program Timetable is attached to the school newsletter each month.

FROM THE LIBRARY

Welcome to all of the new students and welcome back to our existing students for 2019. Grades will be borrowing each week, when these days are confirmed class teacher will notify their students.

What Can I Borrow: Grades Prep, 1 & 2 - 2 books Grades 3 & 4 - 4 books + 1 Literature Circle Book Grades 5 & 6 - 4 books + 1 Literature Circle Book BUT… If you have one overdue book - borrow one. If you have more overdue books, please return them before you can borrow again.

Need a new Library Bag?? A great selection of fabric bags are on display in our Library window. Cost is $4.00 each, please see Mrs Strauch on Wednesdays before 9am for purchases. All money goes towards buying books for the Library from the students wish list.

Book Club – The first issue of Book Club will be sent home next week with a letter of explanation. What a great way to start the year, purchasing books to begin your reading journey in 2019!

Thank-you, Laura Murdoch and Leonie Strauch

SPORTS NEWS

We hope all students are looking forward to the year of sporting activities. These include: School Athletics (Term 2) Gymnastics Program (Senior School - end of February and Junior School - Term 2) School Cross Country (Term 1) Swimming Program (to be confirmed) Various Sporting Tournaments (all year)

Sporting Tournaments - Spor ting tournaments including Soccer , Football, Basketball, Cricket, Netball etc. will coming up on the calendar for Huntly Primary School. When taking students away to participate it isn’t always possible to allow all students to participate in the event. When choosing representative teams, the students are always aware of the criteria that they need to adhere to be successful. Which are: Enthusiasm and participation in Physical Education classes. Attendance is required to all training session unless they have notified the teacher of the reason why. Their behaviour in the yard and inside the classroom is exemplary. Classroom work and Reading Diaries must be completed to the class teachers requirements. Show a great enthusiasm and enjoyment for the sport and are willing to improve as a player and as a valued

team member. Skye Bennett, Sports Co-ordinator.

FRESH FRUIT FRIDAY - HELPERS

The Fresh Fruit Friday initiative program supplies the school with fresh fruit each Friday to be

distributed amongst the children. The program will run again this year but

we need parent helpers to prepare the fruit for the students each week from 9.30am to 10.30am. If you are interested in helping, please contact the school office.

HELPERS NEEDED DEFIBRILLATOR AT SCHOOL

Thanks to the generous donation of the Bendigo Northern District Community Enterprise and contribution from our School Council we have a Defibrillator for our school community.

The Defibrillator is located in the school first aid room.

GUITAR LESSONS

We are able to offer guitar lessons again this year. This will be group lessons at a cost of $12.50 per student per week to be paid monthly. Lesson duration is half an hour and will be held

on a Wednesday afternoon. If you are interested in your child or children having guitar lessons, please contact Brad Kemp on 0434 812 252 or email brkemp99@gmail.com

CONVEYANCE ALLOWANCE

Applications for Conveyance Allowance should be lodged at the school no later than the 22nd February, 2019. To be eligible for this allowance, a student must live more than 4.8 km, by the shortest practicable route, from Huntly Primary School (being the closest government school) or their nearest bus stop be more than 4.8 km from their home. Parents who applied last year will not need to apply again, unless claiming for extra students. Application forms are available from the school office.

BENDIGO BANK - SCHOOL BANKING

School Banking will commence next Tuesday 5th February. Students need to bring their passbook,

deposit slip and money to school and leave in the school office each day by Tuesday 9.00am. Bank account application forms are available from the bank or school office.

GRADE 6 POLO SHIRTS

Order forms for Grade 6 school polo shirts will be sent home in the next week. Keep an eye out. Please note this is a one off opportunity to purchase these polo shirts, it will not to available again.

Late orders will not be accepted.

SCHOOL APP - COMPASS

We have a school communication app, COMPASS. By using Compass you can manage your child’s absence data and personal details, read their reports and access the school newsletter, important information and any emergency situations. You will receive important information with a push notification – much like a text message directly to your device. This allows us to reach you to keep you completely informed and up-to-date.

Details for registering for Compass and your personal password are available from the school office.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE - INFORMATION FOR PARENTS CAMPS, SPORTS AND

EXCURSIONS FUND (CSEF)

CSEF is again this year provided by the Victorian Government to assist eligible families to cover the costs of

school trips, camps and sporting activities.

If you hold a valid means-tested concession card or are a temporary foster parent, you may be eligible for CSEF. The allowance will be paid to the school to use towards expenses relating to camps, excursions, or sporting activities for the benefit of your child. Please note the CSEF payments cannot be used towards voluntary school charges, nor towards books, stationery, school uniforms, before/after school care, music lessons, etc.

The annual CSEF amount per student will be: $125 for primary school students $225 for secondary school students.

How to Apply Contact the school office to obtain a CSEF application form or download from www.education.vic.gov.au/csef. Applications must be retuned to school by Friday 22nd February.

IF YOU HAVE A HEALTH CARE CARD YOU CAN

APPLY…. DON’T MISS OUT

KEYBOARD LESSONS

Private Piano lessons will be available at Huntly P.S. again this year. These lessons take place during or after school at reasonable rates. For more information, please contact Tricia McNaulty on 0418 595 990 or 5496 2225.

PAYMENT TO SCHOOL

Again this year we have our own printed Payment Envelopes. Please use these envelopes when sending cash payments to school. These must be filled out with the correct money enclosed and returned to the school office when required. We have attached a number of envelopes to today’s newsletter for your convenience. Additional envelopes are available from the school office.

There are a number of payment options available to families. Payments can be made to school by:

Cash - envelopes as mentioned above

Eftpos - present card at school office

Direct Deposit - Payments direct to school bank account: Bendigo Bank BSB 633-000, Account No. 101186153. Please use student code as reference and what payment is for.

B-Pay - Contact school office for your Biller Code and Reference Number.

Centre Pay - if you receive payment from Centrelink you may wish to use this facility. Contact the school office for details.

Payment Plans - if at any time parents are having problems paying fees, excursions, etc. we offer a payment plan. Please don’t hesitate to contact the school office to arrange this.

SUN SMART HATS MUST BE WORN WHEN OUTSIDE. PLEASE ENSURE

YOUR CHILD HAS THEIR SUN SMART HAT AT SCHOOL.

NOTES SENT HOME

When notes are sent home from school we have a coloured paper system to help parents to work out what is important, of course everything we send home is important but some require immediate attention.

Notes that need to be read, filled in and returned to school are printed on PINK paper. Notes that have important information or an urgent message for families are printed on YELLOW paper.

We hope this helps make your busy lives a little easier.

SCHOOL INFORMATION - REMINDERS

Over the next few school newsletters we will be including this page of important information regarding school operations and policies. Most families will have seen this information before, but some details may have changed. Please take the time to have a look and refresh your memory.

TELEPHONE CONTACT WITH CLASSROOM TEACHING STAFF

While we encourage parents to discuss their child’s progress or any issues with their child’s teacher regularly it is important to note that between 8.45am and 9.00am our classroom teaching staff are on duty supervising students in their classroom and cannot be disturbed with phone calls. If you require to speak to your child’s teacher by phone they may be available (please note teachers are also rostered on for yard duty at various times) before this time, at break times (11.00am to 11.45am or 1.45pm to 2.30pm) or after school.

MEDICATION AT SCHOOL

Parents please note that all medication, except Ventolin, must be handed in at the school office so that Mrs. Van Riet (who is in charge of First Aid and our Occupational Health and Safety Rep.) can administer it. It will need to be in its original container and a medication request form filled out - these are available from the school office and also on our school website for you to print off at your convenience.

CHILDREN MUST NOT HAVE MEDICATION IN THEIR BAGS

STUDENTS ACCIDENTS

Parents are reminded that the Department of Education and Training does not provide personal accident insurance for students while at school or attending any school activities. Parents and Guardians are responsible for paying the cost of medical treatment for injured students including any ambulance costs. If we have any concerns regarding a students well being the school will not hesitate to call an ambulance first before contacting parents/guardians. Ambulance cover and accident insurance is available for parents from the private insurance market and Ambulance Victoria.

PERSONAL GOODS BROUGHT TO SCHOOL

Families are asked to note that the Department of Education and Training does not hold insurance nor does it accept responsibility for private property brought to school by students, staff and visitors. This includes mobile phones, toys, electronic games, sporting equipment, bikes, cars parked on premises, scooters, skateboards, etc. The Department will not pay for any loss or damage to such property.

MOBILE PHONES: Parents are reminded that mobile

phones are not permitted in the classroom. If your child needs to bring a phone to school it needs to be handed in to the school office during school hours. It can then be collected at the end of the school day.

HEAD LICE

Parents are reminded to be vigilant regarding checking their child’s hair regularly for head lice. If head lice are

found please treat hair before your child returns to school.

The school conducts regular checks for students who we have permission form for. Those families who haven’t signed a permission form but wish us to conduct checks, please collect a form from the school office.

ALLERGIES

We have a number of children attending the school who have food

allergies, particularly to nuts. Please make sure your child’s lunch box is

free of peanuts/nut products. We ask for your support in this due to the

serious nature of anaphylaxis. All staff will be retrained in Anaphylaxis this year. Thank you for your support in

making our school a safe environment for everyone.

ABSENCES & LATENESS

When children are ABSENT from school parents must enter the absence onto Compass (our school app). Classroom rolls are marked at the beginning of the first lesson, children who are LATE must report to the school office with their parent/guardian to sign the late book and receive a late pass. If your child is absent and no reason has been given, parents will receive an SMS message at 10.00am alerting them of the absence on that day.