The Poppet Head · 2017-02-28 · Weekly newsletter of Quarry Hill Primary School Wednesday February 22, 2017 ... A letter was received by the school from the City of Greater Bendigo

Quarry Hill Primary School, 25 Peel Street, Bendigo 3550 Phone: 5443 3537 Email: [email protected] Fax: 5442 7590 Website:www.quarryhillps.vic.edu.au Mobile: 0427 595 073

The Poppet Head Weekly newsletter of Quarry Hill Primary School Wednesday February 22, 2017 Newsletter No. 3

IMPORTANT DATES Time Details

February

Thursday 23 5.30pm – 7.00pm Welcome Back Picnic Tea Bushland

Friday 24 9.00am – 10.00am 3.00pm

Foundation – Grade 2 Parent Reading Information Session – Room 8 Leadership Badge Presentation – Jacinta Allan MP

Tuesday 28 6.30pm – 7.30pm Foundation – Grade 2 Parent Reading Information Session – Room 8

March

Wednesday 1 All Day Curriculum Day – Pupil Free Day

Monday 6 9.00am PFA Meeting Staffroom

Monday 20 7.00pm School Council AGM

Sunday 26 10.00am – 1.00pm Working Bee

Wednesday 29 Various Foundation – Grade 2 Incursion – Street Sense

Friday 31 2.30pm End of Term – Early Finish

WELCOME BACK PICNIC THIS THURSDAY FROM 5.30PM – 7.00PM IN THE BUSHLAND. COME AND MEET NEW AND OLD FAMILIES OF QHPS. BRING PICNIC TEA, RUGS, CHAIRS AND YOUR ABILITY TO MINGLE. LEADERSHIP BADGE PREENTATIONS THIS FRIDAY BY JACINTA ALLAN MP. A REMINDER NEXT WEDNESDAY IS A CURRICULUM DAY – PUPIL FREE DAY. THE NEWSLETTER WILL BE PUBLISHED ON THURSDAY.

Acting Principal: Jo Menzel School Council President: Tim Shanahan PFA President: Kasslea Shaw

~OUR VALUES~ Integrity: Being true to oneself Being honest Owning our choices Respecting people, property & environment Being Positive ambassadors for QHPS. Sense of Belonging: Feeling safe Being part of a community Being inclusive and accepting Being committed to friendliness and caring for others. Passion for Learning: Being curious, inquisitive, active thinkers and engaged learners.

Our Purpose: To provide a creative and nurturing learning environment that enables everyone to achieve their personal best.

2017 TERM DATES Term 1 January 31 – March 31 Term 2 Tuesday April 18 – June 30 Term 3 July 17 – September 22 Term 4 October 9 – December 22


Dear Parents and Carers, Peel Street School Crossing A letter was received by the school from the City of Greater Bendigo dated February 17, 2017 in response to the petition request for a crossing supervisor to supervise the Peel Street crossing before and after school. Caroline Grylls, Acting Manager Parking and Animal Services, has asked that I share the following information with the school community as a way of reaching those most impacted. “All school crossing supervisors are jointly funded by the City and VicRoads, with 43 crossings funded for Greater Bendigo for the 2016/2017 financial year. Traffic and road management is core business for VicRoads and they are responsible for determining where school crossing supervisors will be jointly funded utilising a formula developed using evidence from road safety research. The formula requires that the number of pedestrian movements in one hour (P), be multiplied by the number of vehicle movements in one hour (V). This figure must meet the threshold value of 5,000. Data was collected by the City for a one hour period on December 6, 2016 which resulted in a figure of 3,638 (P = 34, V = 107). While this figure does not meet the threshold value of 5,000 the data was forwarded to VicRoads for consideration. No formal response has been received to date. Until such time that the City is advised of VicRoads intentions, we have worked together to make available a speed monitoring trailer for the area near the crossing, to assist in ensuring that road users obey speed restrictions. In addition parking officers are regularly inspecting school crossing zones to ensure that parking signs are followed. Parking officers will also respond to requests from the community if parking in the area is unsafe at any time. The City will inform you of the final decision by VicRoads, and whether or not a crossing supervisor will be funded.” Many of you may also be aware of the article in the Bendigo Advertiser on Tuesday, February 21st where VicRoads was quoted as saying that “Council can appoint a supervisor at any time, on a voluntary or paid basis, provided the person is properly trained and equipped.” The process continues! I will keep the community informed as information comes to hand. School Council Summary – February Meeting On Monday night School Council convened for the February meeting. The following items were ratified and/or discussed:

Approval of the Curriculum/Pupil Free Day on Wednesday, March 1st

Approval of amendments to the Tender for the new school building

School Strategic Plan goals and the Annual Implementation Plan for 2017

Department of Education and Training’s Values and Code of Conduct

Working With Children Checks and Volunteer Code of Conduct

The Education and Training Reform Regulations regarding fundraising activities

Endorsement of school based fundraising which includes the following: Easter Raffle, Mother’s Day & Father’s Day Stalls, Trivia Night, Mango Drive & Disco (PFA). Sausage Sizzles, Icy Poles (Team China students and families). Raffles, Footy Colours Day (Energy Breakthrough Team). Bandanna Day, Out of Uniform days (Junior School Council).

Endorsement of the School Cash Handling Policy, School Parent Payment Policy, School Electronic Funds Management Policy, School Purchasing Card Policy and Investment Policy.

The next meeting is the Annual General Meeting followed by the March Meeting on Monday 20th March at 7:00pm.

School Council Membership 2017 I would like to congratulate the following parents that have been duly elected as Parent Representatives of the Quarry Hill Primary School Council:

Joan O’Brien

Tim Shanahan

Tony Smith Welcome also to Tamieka McErvale who will be the new DET representative on School Council. I would also like to sincerely thank the outgoing School Council members; Carlene Egan and Kathryn Loy (Parent Representatives) and Jane St Clair (DET Representative) for the key roles they have played in supporting the best possible educational outcomes for our students.


The following outlines membership of School Council for 2017:

Parent Members Retiring 2018 Retiring 2019

Justin Clark Oriane Landry Sheree Yates Joan O’Brien Tim Shanahan Tony Smith

DET Members Retiring 2018 Retiring 2019

Lauren McCurdy Anne Rochford Tamieka McErvale

Acting Executive Officer Jo Menzel

The Annual General Meeting of School Council will be held on Monday March 21st. School Census Day Tuesday February 28th is School Census Day. If your child is absent on this day it is very important that we are provided with a note explaining the absence. Our budget is determined by the number of children who attend on Census Day and enrolment numbers and information will be subject to audit. We thank you in anticipation for your cooperation with this matter. Welcome Back Picnic A reminder that the PFA are holding the Welcome Back Picnic this Thursday, February 23rd 5.30pm – 7.00pm down in the Bushland. All families are invited to bring a picnic tea to share with their family. PFA will also kindly distribute Zooper Doopers on the night. Presentation of School Leaders’ Badges -2017 Jacinta Allan will be presenting student leadership badges at the assembly of February 24th. At the same time, we will also present the Junior School Council badges for the representatives from Grades 4, 5 and 6. The Junior School Councillors for 2017 are:

Ruby L

Bel L

Xanthe T

Jeremy M

Tadhg McB

Hannah W Congratulations to this enthusiastic team. They are very keen to represent the student body of Quarry Hill Primary School. Curriculum Day – Wednesday March 1st – Pupil Free Day A reminder to families that there will be a Curriculum Day next Wednesday March 1st. Staff will be using this day to set important processes in place for the year. Jo Menzel Acting Principal


Already children are back in the classroom routines, reunited with old friends and

made new ones. During these early months of school, it’s not uncommon for

certain dynamics to cause challenges for young children.

Typically this happens in areas like the playground. It’s common for children to

come home and tell their parents things like:

“I was told there wasn’t enough room for me to join the game all the other

kids were playing at recess.”

“A boy in my class keeps punching me at lunch when he thinks nobody is looking.”

“A girl in another class keeps calling me names in front of my friends, and I hate it!”

In her article Helping Kids Navigate Playground Politics, parent educator Melissa Benaroya

explores how parents can help their children navigate day-to-day playground politics by teaching them

social-emotional skills—such as empathy, emotion management, and problem-solving. I have

included an excerpt from her article which can be read here.

Building Social Emotional Skills to Deal with Playground Politics.

Empathy - Empathy helps children understand or feel what another person is feeling by putting

themselves in the other person’s shoes. Empathy can also help create self-awareness that allows

children to distinguish their feelings from the feelings of others.

How to Teach Empathy to Kids

The most powerful way to encourage empathy is to model it. For example, when your child is hurt,

disappointed, frustrated, or has a strong emotion, you might model showing empathy by saying, “Oh

no, you sound sad…” or “It’s so hard to leave the park when you’re having so much fun, isn’t it?” or

“Uh oh, what happened?”

You can also foster empathy in your child by discussing scenarios in which it could be used. For

example, you could talk with your child about how another person might feel if he or she were to see

someone get hurt on the playground or in response to something that happens to a character in a book

or movie.

Emotion Management - Emotion management refers to a person’s ability to control his or her

emotions in response to arousing situations.

How to Teach Emotion Management to Kids

Two of the most important skills we can teach children are how to identify their feelings and how to

self-soothe when they are experiencing a strong emotion. These skills take time and practice to

develop. Positive self-talk and deep breathing are two emotion-management tactics commonly used

and practiced with children. Teaching self-talk encourages kids to talk to themselves in a quiet voice

or inside their heads. Some examples are: “I need to take three breaths,” “I can do this if I practice

more,” “I’m not going to let her get to me,” or “That was probably an accident,”

Problem Solving - Teaching problem-solving means helping kids learn to recognize a social

problem, focus on finding solutions, predict consequences, and select a safe and respectful solution.

http://www.heysigmund.com/playground-politics/


How to Teach Problem Solving to Kids

When challenges arise with other children, ask your children a series of questions to help them think

through the problem. Eventually they’ll be able to ask the questions for themselves. Questions to

consider when teaching problem solving are:

• “What happened?” This allows each child to tell his or her story and feel heard before solutions

are brainstormed.

• “How did that feel?” Helping kids get clear about how they feel will help clarify what they actually

want or need.

• “What did you want/need?” Many times we can read situations inaccurately. Asking this question

helps focus the brainstorming solutions.

• “What are other ways to get what you want/need?” Let your children brainstorm two or three

ideas. It’s okay if they’re not all great ideas! This is just brainstorming. If they can’t come up with

ideas on their own, offer them two choices that align with your family’s values.

• “How would that work for you?” or “What will happen if you try …?” This is an opportunity to

evaluate each of the proposed solutions.

• “What are you going to do now?” or “What will you try next time?” By asking this question, you

allow your child to choose how to act differently next time. Expressing a future action out loud

increases the likelihood your child will try it.

Managing social dynamics in a school setting can be very stressful for you and your child. Social-

emotional skills can help children de-escalate a conflict, advocate for themselves, and find more

acceptable, safe, and socially appropriate ways of getting their needs met when they may be feeling

bullied or dismissed.

Please remember if your child is having difficulties in the playground to encourage them to speak to a

teacher or follow up with their classroom teacher.

Anne Rochford

Assistant Principal STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS Organisation Keira G (Room 14B) for always being organised and ready to learn. Persistence Jack MG (Room 2) for demonstrating persistence in his learning about synonyms. Sense of Belonging Oscar G (Room 15A) for being a helpful class member. Zhoe S (Room 3) for displaying initiative during completion of outdoor tasks. Tim C (Room 12A) for providing great leadership when taking on the role of chairperson for class meeting. Organisation Amelia G (Room 14A) for completing homework to a very high standard. Passion for Learning Ewen M (Room 4) for always showing interest in all subject areas & trying his very best. Spencer F (Room 10A) for extending his maths beyond the set tasks. Well done Spencer! Hudson V (Room 7) for always following the school-wide expectation of ‘Doing your best’.


Integrity Ivy L (Room 15B) for setting an excellent example of behaviour & work ethic. Confidence Annabelle C (Room 10B) for always having confidence when sharing her thoughts & wonderings during whole

class discussions. Sarah W (Room 9) for making such a confident & positive start to Grade 5. Getting Along Sam P (Room 12B) for always speaking kindly & calmly to others. A great role model.

WANTED EGG CARTONS/MAGAZINES Room 3 are looking for egg cartons and magazines. If you have any magazines with topics that are suitable for 10-12 year olds could you drop them into Room 3. WORKING BEE The first Working Bee for the year has been set down for Sunday March 26th. The day will begin at 10.00am and conclude at 1.00pm with a BBQ. All parents are most welcome and if you have any of the following items could you please bring them with you on the day. Lawn mowers Whipper snippers Blower vacs Pruning secateurs Wheel barrows Look forward to seeing you all there.

WELCOME FOUNDATION STUDENT CERTIFICATES Over the next few assemblies students new to the school will be presented with a welcome to Quarry Hill Primary certificate. Parents are encouraged to attend the assembly where their child will receive their certificate. Foundation students in Room 7 will be presented their certificates at assembly on Friday March 3rd. Foundation students in Room 8 will be presented with their certificates at assembly on Friday March 10th.


HEAD LICE We are looking for volunteers that would like to assist with our head lice checks on a Wednesday afternoon from 2.30pm. To be able to assist you would need a Working with Children check and need to sign a confidentiality form. If you are able to assist please see Narelle in the office. Luci Hauke will be coordinating the checks on a Wednesday.

Cartridge Collection at Quarry Hill Primary School

We have a cartridge collection box located in the art room which has been provided by Close the Loop / Cartridges 4 Planet Ark. Staff at Quarry Hill Primary are working hard recycling our imaging consumables aiming for zero waste to landfill.

This program collects and returns inkjet, toner cartridges, toner bottles and other imaging consumables from printers, fax machines and photocopiers for reprocessing and recycling. If you remove any of these items from a printer, fax or copier, remember to drop them into the box located in the art room. Please keep all packaging out of the cartridge collection box.

Some of the cartridges are returned to the original producers to be remanufactured while the remainder will be dismantled and used to make products as varied as pens, rulers, outdoor furniture and white goods.

To help you make your home a little greener, you are invited to bring the cartridges you use at home and drop them into our collection box.

The collection box is located in the art room.

News from the art room In Art we have been learning about the Australian artist John Olsen. Some people say his art is abstract art but he says it is based on landscapes and animals. One of the things he likes to paint is frogs. Junior and middle grades have looked at some of his pictures of frogs and then used some photos of real frogs to make their own paintings. Senior students are learning and practising their watercolour techniques and will be creating some watercolour landscapes in the coming weeks.

ANAPHYLAXIS As you are already aware we have students at QHPS who have severe allergies to foods & also insect bites. We also have a student in Room 9 who has a severe allergy, causing anaphylaxis, to horse hair. We ask all parents, especially in Room 9 to be mindful of this when around horses. If your child rides horses or you are around horses please remember to ensure you have no horse hair on you when entering Room 9. We thank you for your assistance with this very important matter. If you have any questions please see Narelle in the office.


Next Meeting: Monday March 6th at 9.00am in the staffroom.

WELCOME BACK PICNIC TEA Thursday February 23rd 5.30pm to 7pm in the Bushland. The PFA will be hosting a Welcome Back Picnic Tea as our first event this year. This event is designed to welcome new families and existing families back to QHPS in 2017. Please bring your dinner, drinks (this is an alcohol free event), picnic rugs, and chairs down to the bushland and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and meet new and old friends and staff. PFA will be handing out FREE icy poles to kids. PFA will also be selling second hand uniforms again this year after last year’s success. This will be in the multi-purpose room. All items will be 50 cents each. If you have uniforms which you would like to donate, please bring them washed to the multi-purpose room at the start of the night. PFA MEMBERSHIP PFA is open to all parents of QHPS. We meet monthly with dates of the next meeting published in the newsletter. We encourage everyone to attend as often as possible. Membership is 50 cents to join each year and it gives you voting rights on decisions made by PFA at these meeting and includes access to the PFA Facebook page. You can be as involved as you like and you don’t have to attend meeting as all meeting minutes are emailed out. If you would like to know more please pick up a flyer from the office or come along to our next meeting. Kasslea Shaw PFA President

P.F.A News


Quarry Hill Junior Football Club Registration Day We welcome new players and families to join our club for the 2017 Season and invite you to come along to our Registration Day and enjoy a

**FREE SAUSAGE SIZZLE** Sunday 26 February 2016 12:30am – 2.00pm Ken Wust Oval Houston Street Quarry Hill Boys and Girls Under 9’s, 10’s and 12’s EFTPOS/Cash Facilities Available For further enquiries please contact our: President – Mick Kealy on 0409 139 593 Secretary/Registrar – Lisa Parkinson on 0408 436 647 Or email [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

The Poppet Head · 2017-02-28 · Weekly newsletter of Quarry Hill Primary School Wednesday February 22, 2017 ... A letter was received by the school from the City of Greater Bendigo

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