March, 2014 CALENDAR DATESessexheightsps.vic.edu.au › app › ...7_20th_march_2014.pdf · 27th March Indonesian Incursion- Bagus Kan 1st April Grandparents & Special Friends Day

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT 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 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 and Renae Simpson for their role in organising the JSC meetings and activities. The Junior School Councillors for Semester 1 are;

3AW Ellen T Amber R

3L Ruby H Jeremy C

3CW Stephanie M Lachlan S

4L Celene H Alex G

4S Natalie F Ranu P

4R Caitlyn D Lucas E

5H Lauren T Max Z

5S Victoria P Kye B

5M Kristen M Nicholas G

6K Camilia R Kyle H

6B Declan V Ethan C

6S Nicholette R.Y Roan N

CALENDAR DATES

TERM 1 20

th March School Council Meeting – 7.30 p.m. staffroom

21st

March ICAS – Forms & money due 25

th March Junior School Council Morning Tea – 11.00 a.m. – School Hall

26th

March Internet Safety Parent Presentation – Ashwood College- 6.30 p.m. 26

th March PFA Meeting – Staffroom – 7.30 p.m.

27th

March Indonesian Incursion- Bagus Kan

1st April Grandparents & Special Friends Day – 11.30 a.m. – 2.00 p.m. 2

nd April Science Talent Search discussions begin

4th

April Last day of Term 1 – 2.30 p.m. finish

TERM 2

22nd

April Term 2 commences 8

th May Mother’s Day Breakfast

9th

May Mother’s Day Stall 23

rd May Walk to School Day

4th

June ICAS Science – Yrs 3, 4 6 5

th June ICAS Science – Year 5 (due to Camp)

27th

June Last day of Term 1 – 2.30 p.m. finish

TERM 3 14

th July Term 3 commences

21st

July Maths Talent Quest - Registrations close 29

th July ICAS English – Yrs 3, 4, 5 & 6

12th

August ICAS Maths – Yrs, 3, 4, 5 & 6 13

th August Maths Talent Quest – Delivery of entries to Latrobe

20th

August Maths Talent Quest - Display of entries

TERM 4 6

TH October Term 4 commences

23rd

October Maths Talent Quest – Award Ceremony

ISSUE 7

20th March,

2014

PFA Welcome Picnic Last Friday the PFA organised our first ‘community event’ for the year with a Welcome Family Picnic on Friday night. On a perfect night for a picnic it was great to meet many of our new families joining Essex Heights PS. Those who were there enjoyed the chance to meet and chat with other families and to listen to some excellent music played by “Unit Two” a band partly made up of past Essex Heights students. The Library and Courtyard provide an ideal venue for an event such as this

and will certainly be featured in many more events in the future. Thanks to the PFA for organising this event, arranging the music, the BBQ and drinks sales and the publicity. Thanks also to Luke and Andrea Dow (Caitlin, Prep C) who provided and supervised the Jumping Castle; this was a big hit with the kids. Finally, thanks to all the families who supported the event and came along on the night, it was a great night!

Ride to School Day It was great to see so many children (and parents) supporting the ‘Ride to School Day’ yesterday. With 54 bikes and 53 scooters that represents almost 20% of the student population who participated …… a great result! Thanks also to Morwenna Griffiths-Hunt and Robyn Perkin for organising and distributing the stickers and treats on arrival. We may have to begin drawing up plans for an extension to the Bike Shelter!

‘Screen Time Volume Can Hurt Kids’ Yesterday’s 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 co-operation 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.

2.30pm Finish on April 4th, and Term 2 Return on Tuesday April 22nd A reminder to all parents and students that we will be finishing at 2.30pm on Friday, April 4

th as the last day of Term 1.

Andrew Crossett Principal

PARENTS & FRIENDS ‘NEWS’ Last Friday we held our welcome event, and what a great night it was. It was great to see so many families come and enjoy a picnic on the hill, the children had fun with the jumping castle for which a big thank you goes to Luke and Andrea Dow. We were also lucky enough to be entertained by the band ‘unit on’e for which they did a fantastic job. A big thank you also must go to the PFA parents Tim and Nicola, who helped organise the event and to all the parents who helped with the sausage sizzle. It was a great success. The Easter raffle forms have been sent home this week. If you are interested in buying some raffle tickets please return the ticket stubbs with your name or child’s name and class clearly written on each stubb together with the money in an envelope marked PFA. They must be received by the 26

th March to be in the draw.

Enjoy your weekend Betty Ciorciari

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CIORCIARI FAMILY The lucky winners of the signed Glenn McGrath cap. Thank you to all of the community for your support. Our total funds raised was $1260! This money will help ensure that every Australian woman diagnosed with breast cancer will have access to the support of a Breast Care Nurse, regardless of where they are as well as encouraging all young Australian women to be breast aware.

Looking forward to Pink Stumps Day 2015 – together, we can make a difference !

PINK STUMPS DAY AUCTION

Internet Safety Parent Presentation

On Wednesday 26th March Ashwood College will host an Internet Safety & Awareness presentation for parents. It will be run by an expert from the Australian Government organisation, Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA). The presentation will provide valuable information about the risks confronting children online, and offer tools and tips on to help make their internet experiences safe and positive. Some of the topics covered will include:

The ways young people use the internet and emerging technologies.

Potential risks for young people online, such as cyber bullying, illegal content, inappropriate contact, identity theft, grooming and predatory activity.

Tips to help people stay safe on line.

The presentation will be held in the PAC (Performing Arts Centre) – registration 6:15pm for 6.30pm start. This Information session is specifically targeted for an adult audience.

Please RSVP by Friday 21 March using the reply slip below, or call the Essex Heights Primary School General Office to register your attendance.

For further information and resources please refer to the following ACMA website: www.cybersmart.gov.au

PARENT INTERNET SAFETY PRESENTATION

Parent Name: ………………………………………………………

Student Star Group: ………………………………………………………

I will be attending the parent presentation on Wednesday 26th March 6.30 pm in the Performing Arts

Centre, Ashwood College.

Number of Adults attending ……………….

Parent Signature ……………………………………………….

Please return to Essex Heights Primary School General Office by Friday 21 March

From the Health Centre We have again been fortunate enough to have St Johns First aid presenters here today to present the First Aid in schools program. This free Program is delivered by St John Ambulance Professional Trainers, teaching primary school students on the importance of First Aid and what to do in an event of an emergency. The knowledge and skills gained in the First Aid in Schools Program will develop First Aid awareness in school children and contributes to building a more resilient community. This learning is age-appropriate and integrates with the Victorian Essential Learning Standards (VELS) curriculum. This program will be presented to all children at EHPS today in an age appropriate level: Prep-Year 2, Grade 3/4, Grade 5/6. Please ask your children about what they learnt today and reinforce these important skills.

Creative Dance & Drama Lunchtime Dance and After School Dance have now finished for the term. All classes will begin again in Wk 2, Term 2.

After School Dance - Prep & Year 1 – Monday 28th April – 3.40pm – 4.25pm – Stadium After School Dance – Year 2 – Year 4 – Wednesday 30th April - 3.40pm – 4.25pm – Stadium Lunchtime Dance – Year 1 – Year 4 – Wednesday 30th April – 1.40pm – 2.10 – Hall Registration forms are available at the school office or please visit creativedanceanddrama.com and request desired form via the contact page. Georgia Lombard 0402 024891 Creative Dance and Drama

Premier’s Reading Challenge 2014 Premier’s Reading Challenge is now open! This is a wonderful way to encourage your child to read a variety of books and to talk to you about the books they are reading. Reading is such an important part of learning! We have sent out a permission slip for you to return to your class teacher. Once this is done your teacher will provide your child with a username and password to record all the fabulous books they read for the challenge. Your child receives a certificate at the end of the Challenge which closes on the 12

th September 2014.

If you would like to browse the website now, the link is http://www.education.vic.gov.au/prc Happy reading everyone! Kirsten Lightfoot,

DON’T FORGET - Please report to Front Office to sign the Visitor’s Book and

get a label before proceeding to the Canteen FRIDAY 21st March

10.00 a.m. Katy Smith, Justine Hall, Malinda Zhu, Pooja Kelkar, Arusha Chander

MONDAY 24th March 11.00 a.m.

Louise Power, Rose Wang

WEDNESDAY 26th March 10.15 a.m.

Jacinta Savage, Nina Pan, Renata Sedlacek

FRIDAY 28th March 10.00 a.m.

Leigh Sherpa, Penny Fleming, Andrea Jordan

Maths Talent Quest 2014

All students from Prep to Year 12 can enter the Maths Talent Quest. The Maths Talent Quest is a competition for an open-ended mathematical project with the student’s choice of topic The MTQ encourages mathematical investigations into real life problems. It can be creative writing, a poster, model, video or computer program. The cost is $25 per entry.

Important Dates Registration Closes Monday 21 July 2014 Delivery of entries Latrobe Wednesday 13 August 2014 Display of entries Wednesday 20 August 2014 (Morning) Award Ceremony Thursday 23 October 2014 Individual – One student Group – No more than 6 students For more information please see the website Mathematical Association of Victoria http://www.mav.vic.edu.au/activities/student-activities/maths-talent-quest.html Jenny Austin Maths Talent Quest Co-ordinator - (Grade 3 teacher, P2 classroom)

BASC On Monday the children had a cooking session in the new kitchen with Maria and Sue. It was a huge hit. The children loved it and we will be definitely using this resource every week if possible. The children made Soda Scones. Every week we will try to advertise in the newsletter what activities we have planned for the children. I know that after Monday we will have to get a heap of recipes for the children. If you would like to make a cooking suggestion, supply us with recipes, make a culinary appraisal or come along and run a cooking activity with your child and other children at After care that would be great. Just let us know and we will schedule it in when possible. We are very fortunate to have such an amazing resource for the children. The April Vacation Care Program is now out and enrolments are being taken. The program is seeking parental feedback in relation to the programs quality and processes. It will only take 5 Minutes to complete. The program needs and appreciates your feedback. The questionnaires can be picked up from the sign in and out table (in the hall) and returned to the box labelled SURVEYS 2014 on the same table in the hall. Thank You Paul Davis

JUNIOR SCHOOL COUNCIL MORNING TEA There will be a morning tea for all Junior School Council Members on Thursday 26

th March at 11.00 a.m. in the School

Hall.

‘SCIENCE RULES’

IMPORTANT

Science Talent Search

information for 2014 Essex Heights Primary School will soon register for this year’s theme:

‘Food For Our Future, Science feeding the World’. The multiple categories aim to stimulate students in the following ways;

Encourage independent self-motivated project work amongst students of science;

Provide opportunities to communicate their achievements to a wider audience;

Provide opportunities for recognition of effort and achievement in a scientific enterprise;

Promote involvement in processes of science and its communication;

Display primary and post primary student’s work to the public.

The categories students compete in are:

Experimental Research

Creative Writing

Working Models

Inventions

Games

Computer Games

Posters- Scientific Wallcharts

Science Photography

Video Productions

Entry fees apply Individual- $8.00 per entry Group- $15.00 (max 2 students)

Visit the website - Science Teachers Association of Victoria (STAV) stav.vic.edu.au OR see me. Marita Steward Science Talent Search Co-Ordinator

Official discussions to begin Week 9 Term 1 Wed April 2nd.

Grandparents & Special Friends Day

Tuesday 1st April, 2014

Dear Grandparents & Special Friends,

We are planning a concert and picnic lunch for Tuesday 1st April.

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

amam

ESSEX HEIGHTS PRIMARY SCHOOL

MARCH 2014

Parent/Teacher

Discussions

Parent/Teacher

Discussions

PFA AGM – 7.30 pm School Photos School Photos

Labour Day

Public Holiday

Yr 6 Camp Yr 6 Camp Yr 6 Camp 1.Yr 6 Camp

2. PFA Welcome

Event

Ride to School Day School Council

Meeting

JSC Morning Tea PFA meeting Indonesian Incurs.

APRIL 2014

Grandparents &

Special Friends Day

Science Talent

Search discussions

Last day Term 1

2.30 finish

School Holidays School Holidays School Holidays School Holidays School Holidays

School Holidays School Holidays School Holidays School Holidays School Holidays

School Holidays Term 2 commences

Anzac Day

Public Holiday

MAY 2014

0 Mothers Day

Breakfast

Mothers Day Stall

Walk to School

Day

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

ESSEX HEIGHTS PRIMARY SCHOOL