Thursday 20th February 2020 BELLBRAE PRIMARY SCHOOL … · Sally Hunt – clinical psychologist, ‘123 parenting’ coach and mother of two – recommends lots of parental involvement

School Council Elections – Just a reminder that any nomination forms for potential School

Council membership need to be returned to the front office by Monday 24th February no

later than 4.30pm. In the event of more nominations being received than available

vacancies, a ballot will be held. This is an ideal opportunity to have input into the

governance and future vision of the school.

Student Learning – Dr Spencer Kagan, a renowned educational author, states that: ‘The

more diverse learning experiences we provide our students, the more robust their education

will be, the more ways they will learn each topic, hence the more they are prepared to

succeed in a world marked by increasing diversity and an accelerating change rate.’ What

this suggests is that we need to take more cognisance of multiple intelligences. In short,

students all learn and express their skills in different ways. This is a challenge for all

teachers, as many assessment tasks are relatively generic and only cater for specific learning

styles. As an example, not all students can best express their knowledge in a standard ‘pen

and pencil’ assessment. Some might be able to better showcase their skills through an oral

presentation, or the construction of a 3d model, or through a visual poster, or through the

creation of a video, or through a drama presentation; as examples. As such we need to shift

our thinking from traditional testing to authentic assessment. This is an area our teachers

will be focussing on throughout the year. By incorporating more student voice and agency

into our planning, we will improve our understanding of the types of learning and

assessment tasks we provide to ensure they are both intellectually stimulating and

challenging. (If you want to read a little more about Gardner’s multiple intelligences, the

following link will give a balanced and objective overview:

https://www.verywellmind.com/gardners-theory-of-multiple-intelligences-2795161)

Facilities – The oval is looking fantastic and students have been making full use of it over

the last few days, in between extreme rain events! Our student leaders have provided input

into the colour and design of new goal post pads which we have now ordered. Although the

recent rain has disrupted recreational use, it certainly been beneficial to the new turf and has

helped provide a safe and comfortable surface for the kids to play on as it dries out.

Meet and Greet – Please use the opportunity on Tuesday to meet with your child’s teacher

and discuss issues of relevance that will help us better cater for teaching and learning. The

more we know about our students, the more individualised and specific the learning

opportunities we can offer. All students have different strengths and as parents, you can

assist the teacher in catering for individual differences. (As some of our staff work on

different days, some classes have made alternative arrangements for different times, so

please check their availability.)

Thursday 20th February 2020

BELLBRAE PRIMARY

SCHOOL NEWS

Phone 5261 2660 Fax 5261 6177

E-mail: [email protected]

www.bellbraeps.vic.edu.au

Issue 3

2 Bellbrae Primary School IPads and learning - Our BYOD iPad program will commence in coming weeks. With

this in mind, here are some important tips we have sourced for the use of iPads both at

school and home. One great resource is ‘10 Tips for Healthy iPad Use for Kids and Their

Parents,’ which contains valuable information and guidance as outlined below.

1. Focus on connection - The attachment relationship between you and your child is the

foundation for all future relationships. Connection builds inner security and a healthy

sense of self – the best preventative medicine for addiction there is! Make time for

connection with your child as soon as you arrive home – there is nothing more deflating

and damaging to a child’s sense of self than parents checking online as soon as they

walk in the door. Use the iPad to build relationship by using apps together, rather than

using the iPad as a babysitter. Sally Hunt – clinical psychologist, ‘123 parenting’ coach

and mother of two – recommends lots of parental involvement including looking at the

internet and apps together and taking time to answer any questions your child may have.

This not only enhances connection but it also develops the child’s research skills. She

also recommends playing the games together – just for fun.

2. Healthy boundaries create healthy relationships - Boundaries help and guide your

child; it is therefore essential you ‘own’ your parental authority, set clear boundaries and

formulate a family home use plan:

Be clear regarding expectations and consequences.

Be consistent as this helps your child feel safe and secure and in turn builds inner security.

As your child grows, make time and space for connection, wondering and negotiation

around boundaries and privileges.

Set boundaries from a loving place based on values, meaning and purpose.

Well our Victorian weather has certainly lived up to its reputation over the last few

days. I walk my dog most days and have experienced cold, heat, wind, rain, hail,

thunder, lightning, humidity and beautiful sunrises; and this is all since Monday!

Although I sometimes get frustrated with prevailing weather conditions, I wouldn’t

live anywhere else. We are all very fortunate to live in such a beautiful part of the

world with so much on offer for us and our kids. Let’s make the most of it, appreciate

it, look after it, and enjoy it!

Adrian Waters –Principal

FROM THE OFFICE

CALL OUT FOR MAYFAIR SILENT AUCTION CO-ORDINATOR/S

The Mayfair is our major fundraiser which is loved by all at Bellbrae

PS and the wider community each year. The Silent Auction is one of

our most popular (and biggest money raiser) on the day and has been

co-ordinated by Lauren Webber & Bianca Webber for the last few

years. Sadly for us they are no longer able to do this and we are looking

(and hoping) a group of parents would like to take over from them. We

work closely with co-ordinators and the main role is following up

requests & collecting pledged donations from local businesses etc. This

could suit parents who are friends and would like to volunteer together.

If this is you, or you would like more information please see Belinda or

Judy in the office. Thanks and fingers crossed :)

3 Bellbrae Primary School

EVENTS TO COME……………….

Birthday Celebrations this week

FEBRUARY 17th Indi Phillips & Harper Atkins

19th Willow McVerry, Lennox Geary & Aidan Marshall

21st Charlotte Seiffert, Estella Carbonelli, Lily Lloyd & Xavier Palmieri

22nd Harper Edwards & Kit Blizzard

23rd Ada Garrard

FEBRUARY

25th - Tuesday Meet & Greet - Appointments from 2pm – 6pm

28th - Friday District Tennis at Grovedale TC for selected students

MARCH

9th - Monday Labour Day Public Holiday –NO SCHOOL

11th - Wed Division Swimming for Qualifying Students

20th - Friday Summer Lightening Premiership – Year 5 & 6

24th - Tuesday Whole School Photos with Arthur Reed Photos

27th - Friday Last day of Term One - Dismissal 2.30pm

APRIL

13th - Monday Easter Monday Public Holiday – NO SCHOOL

14th - Tuesday First Day Term Two

20th - Monday Bellbrae PS Cross Country

23rd - Wed Girls AFL Football Lightening Premiership

MAY

3rd - SUNDAY MAYFAIR******* MAYFAIR ******MAYFAIR

28th - Thurs Winter Lightening Premierships Years 5 & 6

JUNE

26th - Friday Last Day Term 2 – 2.30 Dismissal

JULY

23rd - Thurs Bellbrae Athletics

Monday 27th – Wed 29th Year 3 Camp Wyuna *Note Date Change*

AUGUST

Mon 24th Aug –– Fri 4th Sept Foundation – Year 4 Two Week Swimming Program

OCTOBER

Mon 5th Oct – Fri 27th Nov Foundation – Year 4 Gymnastic 8 week Program

Mon 26th – Wed 28th Year 4 Urban Camp

Thurs 29th – Fri 30th Year 2 Camp to Burnside Camp Anglesea

NOVEMBER

Mon 5th Oct – Fri 27th Nov Foundation – Year 4 Gymnastic 8 week Program

12th – Thursday School Concert – GPAC

Wed 25th – Fri 27th Year 5 Sovereign Hill Camp

4 Bellbrae Primary School

SCHOOL COUNCIL ELECTIONS - INFORMATION FOR PARENTS

WHAT IS A SCHOOL COUNCIL AND WHAT DOES IT DO? All government schools in Victoria have a school council. They are legally constituted bodies that are given powers to set the key directions of a school within state-wide guidelines. In doing this, a school council is able to directly influence the quality of education that the school provides for its students.

WHO IS ON THE SCHOOL COUNCIL?

For most school councils, there are three possible categories of membership:

A mandated elected Parent category – more than one-third of the total members must be from this category. Department of Education and Training (DET) employees can be Parent members at their child's school as long as they are not engaged in work at the school.

A mandated elected DET employee category – members of this category may make up no more than one-third of the total membership of school council. The principal of the school is automatically one of these members.

An optional Community member category – members are co-opted by a decision of the council because of their special skills, interests or experiences. Department employees are not eligible to be Community members.

Generally, the term of office for all members is two years. The term of office of half the members expires each year, creating vacancies for the annual school council elections.

WHY IS PARENT MEMBERSHIP SO IMPORTANT? Parents on school councils provide important viewpoints and have valuable skills that can help shape the direction of the school. Those parents who become active on a school council find their involvement satisfying and may also find that their children feel a greater sense of belonging.

DO I NEED SPECIAL EXPERIENCE TO BE ON SCHOOL COUNCIL? Each member brings their own valuable life skills and knowledge to the role. Councilors may need to develop skills and acquire knowledge in areas that are unfamiliar to them. What you do need is an interest in your child's school and the desire to work in partnership with others to help shape the school's future.

HOW CAN YOU BECOME INVOLVED? The most obvious way is to vote in the elections, which are held in Term one each year. However, ballots are only held if more people nominate as candidates than there are positions vacant. In view of this, you might consider

standing for election as a member of the school council

encouraging another person to stand for election.

WHAT DO YOU NEED TO DO TO STAND FOR ELECTION? The principal will issue a Notice of Election and Call for Nominations following the commencement of Term one each year. All school council elections must be completed by the end of March unless the usual time line has been varied by the Minister. If you decide to stand for election, you can arrange for someone to nominate you as a candidate or you can nominate yourself in the Parent category. Department employees whose child is enrolled in a school in which they are not engaged in work are eligible to nominate for parent membership of the school council at that school. Once the nomination form is completed, return it to the principal within the time stated on the Notice of Election. You will receive a Nomination Form Receipt in the mail following the receipt of your completed nomination. Generally, if there are more nominations received than there are vacancies on council, a ballot will be conducted during the two weeks after the call for nominations has closed. REMEMBER

Ask at the school for help if you would like to stand for election and are not sure what to do

Consider standing for election to council this year

Be sure to vote in the elections. Contact the principal for further information.

5 Bellbrae Primary School

YEAR 6 CANBERRA CAMP

Last week, the Year Six students spent time in our Canberra capital. We kept very busy the

whole time, and crammed in a lot of fun and learning. We visited Parliament House, The

Australian War Memorial, Old Parliament House, The High Court of Australia, as well as

the Museum of Australian Democracy, The National Gallery, and unbelievably – many

more places as well!

We were able to see our democracy in action, watch our politician’s debate in the House of

Representatives and The Senate, vote in our own elections, and role play our own mock

parliament. These amazing places and the tours we went on, brought to life our learning

about Australian Democracy, and have added greatly to our Civics and Citizenship unit. To

support the camp, we received financial support via the Australian Government initiative of

a PACER (Parliament and Civics Education Rebate), with each student receiving $30 to

subsidise the cost of the camp.

The students were exemplary, and everywhere we went we were complimented on their

fantastic behaviour, and also on the interest and enthusiasm they showed in their

learning. Thank you to all the staff, parents and of course to all the students, who made the

camp so fantastic. Well Done

6 Bellbrae Primary School

WELFARE NEWS

Communicating effectively with our children has enormous benefits, not only does this

assist in building a greater connection with your child, but is also enhances self-esteem

and confidence levels. It also increases the likelihood of a child approaching you to talk

about the more significant issues going on for them. Simply changing the way we

communicate can encourage children to feel more comfortable to open up, share their

feelings and reflect on their day, and avoiding the dreaded one worded answers we often get

to 'how was your day?'! You may also find that changing your language can assist in

reducing power battles with your child, whilst still achieving your desired goal. Have a try

using some of these simple conversation starters, and positive language techniques - you

might be surprised!

This term I will be focusing on sharing ideas on building positive relationships with your

child, please get in touch if you are interested in any additional information.

Welfare Officer - Jess Swain

7 Bellbrae Primary School

RELAY FOR LIFE SURF COAST NEEDS YOU…… Last year Bellbrae Primary School demonstrated outstanding support for the Relay for Life. We would love to continue the tradition in 2020. Our job will be to walk around the oval for short periods of time, starting at 6:45pm on Friday 13th and continuing through the night, to finish a 1:00pm on Saturday 14th March. Students can walk together in small or large groups- the more the merrier. Students are allowed to camp at the oval over night with parent supervision. Last year many families camped out so bring your tents and sleeping bags. There will be music, food trucks and entertainment over the course of the relay. Where: Polwarth Oval - Banyul Warri Fields Precinct, 1 Merrijig Drive Torquay. When: 13th and 14th of March 2020

Contact: Matthew Messinger [email protected]

To register, logon to http://fundraising.cancer.org.au/site/PageServer Our team name is Bellbrae Primary School and the event name is Surf Coast 2020. We encourage anyone interested to find our team and click join!

Please contact us if you have any questions. Kind regards, Matthew Messinger Classroom teacher 05B

WELL DONE AWARDS Awarded to students at the next assembly

Lucia Garrard For aspiring to make meaningful connections between the texts she reads.

Kai Clift For aspiring for his best during Independent Reading.

Rosie Anderson For always aspiring to be a great role model for the class.

Miley Hogan For showing such great responsibility for her own learning.

Arabella Betts For showing respect to the person speaking at all times!

Isabel Turnock For being a kind and helpful classmate.

Taj Haidlinger For being a responsible Canberra camper and reliable classroom leader.

Maddie Hollands Aspire - Such focus during writing time.

Tyler Cormack For responsibly approaching tasks and trying his best.

Layla Selleck Helping her classmates with excellent contributions in all group

activities.

Liam Waldron For the awesome start he has made at Bellbrae Primary School.

Excellent effort Liam!

Shanti Buggy

For the effort she is putting into her thinking and learning. What a

wonderful leader!

Acqua McCallum For contributing interesting ideas to class discussion.

Ky De Vries For aspiring to do your best writing. Well done and keep it up!

Byron Bones For aspiring to achieve his personal best in all areas of his learning!

Ryder Edwards For being a caring and considerate helper in our class.

8 Bellbrae Primary School

CANTEEN – Wednesdays, Thursdays & Fridays

Don’t forget to order online

Create your own account at…..

Ultimate Schools www.ultimateschools.com.au

Please sign in at the office at 12.30 pm prior to going to the Canteen. Also don’t forget to sign out

SICKBAY WASHING ROSTER - Fridays

DATE VOLUNTEER

Friday 21st Feb Sarah Hunter Friday 28th Feb Kaz Palmieri Friday 6th March Melissa O'Keefe

Please call into the office Friday afternoon, strip the bed and return early in the next week

SECOND HAND UNIFORM - Any day of the week that suits

DATE VOLUNTEER

W/Starting Mon 24th Feb Erin Littlewood

W/Starting Mon 2nd March Jacinda Pfeffer

W/Starting Tue 10th March Melinda Stott

Any day of the week that suits

GARDEN ROSTER

15th – 28th Feb

Henwood Family

Hilbert Family

Hogan Family – Charli

Hogan Family - Sophia

29th Feb – 13th March

Hollands Family

Hunter Family

Huppatz Family

Hurley Family

14th – 27th March

Hutchieson Family

Hynes Family

Isaac Family

Jackson Family - Ben

A garden roster letter with an explanation of how the roster works will be sent home with your eldest child prior to your duty

Helen’s Special next week are

Hot Dogs

$5 each

Term 1 NAME Friday 21st Feb Jacquelle Gorski

Thursday 27th Feb Myra White

Friday 28th Feb Jacinda Pfeffer

Thursday 5th March Richard Muntz

9 Bellbrae Primary School

COMMUMNITY NEWS

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