Macedon Primary School Newsletter

8 June 2022

School Values: Respect, Responsibility, Creativity, Integrity, Teamwork

Principal's Report

Dear parents,

Social and Emotional Learning - Kimochis

Last Friday the staff engaged in some professional learning focused on supporting students to improve their social and emotional learning.  From the start of term three we are implementing a new social-emotional learning (SEL) program that teaches children positive habits to lead happy and successful lives. This new program uses Kimochis… Toys with Feelings Inside®.

Kimochi means “feelings” in Japanese, and the curriculum is based on research that tells us that a strong social-emotional learning foundation is essential to academic and life success. Research also indicates that teaching social-emotional skills in school increases employability, improves mental wellbeing, improves emotional regulation, improves connectedness to school, teachers and learning, reduces bullying and gender based harassment and improves academic achievement by up to 11%.

You will receive regular updates from the school about the program and what your children are learning.  We encourage you to have conversations with your children about these concepts and support your child’s emotional development.  Please keep an eye out for the Kimochis handouts from your child’s teacher next term and supporting information in the newsletter.

Mental Health First Aid

This Friday, on the pupil free day, our staff will be completing a combination of traditional first aid and mental health first aid.  The mental health first aid will support us to identify and support our students who are experiencing mental health challenges.  We aim to provide our staff with the skills to balance the academic and wellbeing needs of all students.

Winter Solstice – June 17 - 5:00pm – 7:30pm

We are excited to have the winter solstice event up and running again for 2022.  Plans are being made for an Arts presentation to occur in the JCB from 5pm followed by a lantern parade in Middle Gully Reserve culminating in a catch up around the bon fire and food in the Eco Shed.  We’re excited to see you all there.

Conversations around Child Mental Health Round Two - Dr William Garvey and Jennifer Dix- Wednesday , 22nd June at 7.30- live Webex events.

Earlier this term we held an online event for parents and carers “Conversations around Child Mental Health”.  The session was well attended, and we received a lot of feedback that you valued this session.  Olivia Desormeaux, our Disability Inclusion Leader, has reconnected with Dr Billy Garvey and Jennifer Dix and have arranged to the second instalment of this conversation.   The session will be held on Wednesday, 22nd June at 7.30- live Webex events.  More details to follow, including a pre-event survey to find out what you want to hear about.  We are looking forward to continuing this conversation with you.

School Opening Hours – Arriving on time

Each morning the classroom open at 8:50am to allow children to enter the classrooms and get them themselves set up and ready for the day.  It is an important part of the day to help set up positive routines, interact with their peers and greet the teacher.  Arriving on time and before the 9am rush can be a simple and effective way to support children to transition smoothly each morning and avoid some of the separation issues that some children face each day.

While I am encouraging students to arrive on time, please ensure you are not dropping you child off at school before the supervision in the yard begins.  The yard is supervised from 8:45am in the morning, if you need to drop your children before his time, please contact the before school program oshp@macedonps.vic.edu.au and book them a spot, bookings are essential.  Please support us to keep you children safe in the mornings and adhering to our opening times.

Student Free Days –Friday 10 June & 13 June

This is reminder that we have a student free day on Friday this week, Friday 10th of June and Monday the 13th is the Queens Birthday public holiday.

Kind regards and Sampai jumpa (until next time),

Matt

Important Dates

10 June - Curriculum Day - (student free day)

13 June - Queen's birthday holiday (student free day)

14 June - Yr 5/6 District Netball - Sunbury 

17 June - CERES "Towards Zero Waste" year 3/4 incursion

17 June - Yr 5/6 Emu Sky excursion 

17 June - Winter Solstice family bonfire night

24 June - Last day of term 3

TERM 3:

11 July - First day of term 3

13 September - School photo day 

16 September - Last day of term 3

TERM 4:

3 October - First day of term 4

18 October - 21 October - Year 5 & 6 Camp - Howqua

31st October - Curriculum Day (student free day)

1st November - Melbourne Cup holiday (student free day)

2 November - 4 November - Year 3 & 4 Camp - Weekaway Lancefield

5 December - 6 December - Year 1 & 2 Camp - Lady Northcote 

20 December - Last day of the year (1:00pm dismissal)

Dressing for Macedon Winter

With Winter on our doorstep and the mornings getting frosty, we remind parents to dress their children with plenty of layers. The classrooms are all warm, however at recess and lunchtime the children need to be dressed appropriately.  Our lost property has numerous jackets, jumpers and coats. I Please come in and take a look.

Important Information regarding COVID & Influenza

Face masks

Face masks, while recommended, are not required in any school setting. This means students in grades 3 to 6, staff and visitors in primary schools are no longer required to wear face masks. Any student or staff member who wishes to wear a mask may do so, including those who are medically at-risk. If you are a household contact you must wear a facemask indoors unless you are under 8 and above or have a medical exemption. 

Screening requirements

Students and staff who have tested positive for COVID-19, and have completed their 7-day isolation period, now do not need to undertake rapid antigen test (RAT) screening for 12 weeks after their release from isolation. This was previously 8 weeks.

Household contacts

Students and staff who are household contacts of a COVID-19 case are no longer required to quarantine. They can return to school as long as they undertake rapid antigen tests (RAT) 5 times within their 7-day period and wear face masks indoors if they are aged 8 and above unless they have a valid exemption.

If any household contact returns a positive RAT result during this period, they must isolate for 7 days and not attend school.

Vaccination requirements for visitors to schools

Parents, carers and other adult visitors (not performing work) are no longer required to show evidence of two doses of COVID-19 vaccine.

Rapid Antigen Test screening program extension reminder

The supply of rapid antigen tests will continue for the remainder of this term. The screening recommendations will change from the 23 of May, students will no longer be recommended to undertake twice weekly RATS. However, RATs will continue to be required by students who are household contacts to attend school (5 negative over a 7 day period)  or who have symptoms.  We will be distributing the rapid antigen tests via your child’s bag when the deliveries arrive at school.

Influenza

With borders opening and the arrival of colder weather, cases of influenza (the flu) are increasing throughout Victoria. Our community is at risk of higher rates of students and staff affected by the flu or COVID-19 this season.

What to do if your child gets sick

To help keep your child and our school community safe, please take the following steps if your child has any cold or flu-like symptoms:

* take a COVID-19 test and follow the current Department of Health isolation requirements if a positive result is shown https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/checklist-cases 

* keep your child at home until their symptoms pass

* common flu-like symptoms include a high fever, cough, runny nose, loss of appetite, body aches and feeling extremely weak and tired

* diagnosis of the flu can only be confirmed by a doctor after a nose or throat swab

* encourage your child to wash their hands regularly and ask them to cover their nose and mouth when sneezing and coughing.

Ensuring your children are protected against serious illness helps to protect everyone in our community, including older family members who may be at higher risk, along with younger children who can’t receive vaccinations yet.

You can book COVID-19 vaccinations through the COVID-19 hotline on 1800 675 398 or at a participating GP, pharmacy, or community health service.

Flu vaccination

Flu vaccination is recommended for everyone aged 6 months and over.

Some people are more at risk of complications from the flu and are eligible for free vaccination under the National Immunisation Program including:

* anyone aged 65 years and older

* pregnant women (at any stage of pregnancy)

* all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged from 6 months and over

* children aged from 6 months to under 5 years.

COVID-19 vaccines are available free of charge to everyone aged 5 years and over in Australia.

It is important that children and young people have the best possible protection against the flu and COVID-19 by getting vaccinated.

Ensuring your children are protected against serious illness helps to protect everyone in our community, including older family members who may be at higher risk, along with younger children who can’t receive vaccinations yet.

You can book COVID-19 vaccinations through the COVID-19 hotline on 1800 675 398 or at a participating GP, pharmacy, or community health service.

Flu vaccinations can be booked through GPs and pharmacies, many of which can also provide COVID-19 vaccinations. If you would like more information about the flu vaccination, visit the https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au 

From the office

Dropping students to school early.

If you need to drop your children at school earlier than 8:45am we ask that you place them in our before school care service. The children are not supervised on the school grounds before 8:45am and the mornings are too cold for them to be sitting outside in the open air. Before school care is $16.00 per child and is open from 7:00am.

Foundation 2023 enrolments

Foundation enrolments for 2023 are now open. If you have a child that is starting school next year of have friends or family interested in enrolling their child at Macedon Primary, please contact the office for an enrolment form or click on the following link: https://macedonps.vic.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/2023-Student_Enrolment_Form_Updated_Feb_2018.pdf 

Spare Clothes for students

We have noticed an increase in the amount of children requiring spare clothing. If you could please put a spare change of clothes in your child's bag (particularly if they are coming home in spare school clothes). We would also appreciate if you could wash the school spare clothes and return them to the office (no need to return underwear, we are unable to reuse this due to heath regulations). 

 Credits

We have some families with credits on file from camps and excursions that were cancelled last year. If you think you have credits, please contact the office. These can be used to pay for events during the year.

Our email address is macedon.ps@education.vic.gov.au or phone number is 54261518.

Voluntary Curriculum Contributions

The process for invoicing parents for voluntary curriculum contributions. If you are unsure if you have paid or if you would like to pay, please contact the office.

Working with Children Check

All parent helpers at Macedon Primary must have a valid working with children check. It is free for a volunteer check, please apply online at https://www.workingwithchildren.vic.gov.au/individuals/applicants/how-to-apply-1If you have a valid working with check and have yet to provide it to the school, please email a copy or come into the office and we will take a copy.

Julie and Emma

Student Achievement Awards

The following awards will be handed out to children in class Please note,  we will not be holding a formal assembly in the JCB this week, as Friday is a student free day.

FKH - Charlotte B - for fantastic efforts in everything she does in the classroom.

FKH - Xavier B - for his amazing commitment to his learning.

FKB - Ben H - for great improvement with his letter formation.

FKB - Harry K - for doing a great weekend recount.

1/2BT- Hector Mc - for the depth of general knowledge he brings to class discussions.

1/2BT - Isla D - for working consistently on her reading in class.

1/2BT - Willow B - for always giving 100% to all set tasks.

3/4VW - Fletcher R - for fantastic effort with all his school work.

3/4VW - Xander D - for contributing to class discussion.

3/4GS - Harry N - for always challenging and extending himself in maths.

3/4GS - Lullaby B - for excellent work researching an endangered animal.

3/4GS - Martha B - for an excellent Charlie and the Chocolate Factory writing piece.

3/4MS - Arwen J - for her amazing creative work in her inquiry and kids matter book. Well done!

3/4MS - Baxter Mc - for the responsibility he shows each day collecting the 'blue' bags.

5/6AB - Ryan D - for bringing joy into the classroom and always working at his best.

5/6AB - Ava  K - for being an excellent school leader supporting others.

5/6MS - Deniz N - for her creative ideas in writing time.

5/6MS - Mason D - for working hard on his writing piece about 'sustainability'

5/6RC Lilly B - for going above and beyond to print her classmates’ projects.

Visual Art

Willow B - for focus and determination in visual art.

Lukas B - for showing terrific initiative and independence.

Middle Gully Program Update

The following roster has been put in place for Middle Gully this term;

June 9 – 3/4VW

June 16 – 3/4GS and some grade 5s

June 17 – Winter Solstice

June 23 – Grade 5s and 6s 

If any parents would like to come over to help, you are welcome to attend. The sessions start at 2pm (after lunch). Please make sure you sign in at the office and have provided the office with your working with children check. Younger siblings are welcome, but must be supervised at all times.


Visual Art Report

We have been exploring surrealist art this past couple of weeks. Here is a fabulous example from Cooper B. Lots of thoughts and feelings expressed in this wonderful piece. Other students have been exploring watercolour paintings using aqueous pencils. Emily was inspired by our study of Frida Kahlo to complete this self portrait. 

 

PMP (Perceptual Motor Program) with the foundation students

Scholastic Book Club - Term 2

Scholastic catalogues were sent home last week. Thank you to the families that support the school through the purchase of Scholatic books. The current order will close on the 10th of June.  

Head to https://www.scholastic.com.au/loop to place your order, please note, we do not accept cash payments.

Winter Solstice - family bonfire night - 17 June

We are excited to have the Winter solstice event up and running again for 2022.  It will be held after school on Friday June 17th. Plans are being made for an Arts presentation, a song by the Foundation Students and a musical performance to occur in the JCB beginning at 5pm. This will be followed by a lantern parade to Middle Gully Reserve culminating in a catch up around the bonfire and food in the Eco Shed. The food includes pizza, soup and some yummy treats. We hope to see as many families as possible to enjoy the Solstice activities and delicious food. If anyone is available to assist with preparations for the Solstice, or make some treats to sell on the evening, please contact the office or Mr O.

Outside School Hours Care

Please notify the office or email oshp@macedonps.vic.edu.au if your child is sick and will not be attending before or after school care.  

We now have spaces available for casual days, however you need to fill out an enrolment form PRIOR to your child starting at the service. f you have a permanent booking and do not need the service for After School please advise the program as soon as you know, preferably before 11.00am on the day so we are able to give that space to another child.  For Before School, please call before 6.30pm the day before or email the service on oshp@macedonps.vic.edu.au

Late cancellation fees apply if your child’s place is cancelled after 11.00am.  Further, if you do not cancel your child and they do not attend, fees may still apply.

Fees for 2022

Our rates for 2022 are: $16.00 for Before School Care (7:00am - 8:45am) and $23.00 for After School Care (3:30pm - 6:30pm). All you need to do is call the school 5426 1518 or email oshp@macedonps.vic.edu.au to book.  If the unexpected happens and a casual booking is required within 24 hours, please contact the school via phone, we cannot accept walk-ins after school.  Please note that enrolment forms need to be completed at least one business day before the first session of care.

Please pay through the school via Direct Deposit, using the following details (not BPay):

Account name: Macedon Primary School

BSB: 063-840

Account: 1003 4330

Vicki, Helen, Karen & Marie.

Community News

Cut the Silence

You are invited to attend the CUT THE SILENCE community launch party at the Macedon Railway Hotel.

CUT THE SILENCE is a local campaign to get men talking.

CUT THE SILENCE is built on a series of video interviews conducted by actor, comedian and Macedon Ranges resident Shane Jacobson with other high profile men who live in the Macedon Ranges. Watch the interviews here: https://www.mrspag.com.au/cut-the-silence

Supported by Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health and the Macedon Ranges Suicide Prevention Action Group (MRSPAG), with funding support from North Western Primary Health Network, this launch event coincides with the start of Men's Health Week, featuring live performances from Karise Eden, Paper Jane, & Jarrod Shaw

This event is an opportunity to gather as a community for conversation and enjoy live music by a talented line-up of artists who acknowledge that addressing men's mental health needs to be a stronger grassroots priority.

Tickets are $15 with $5 from each sale donated to MRSPAG. Admission includes food and children are FREE but they must be accompanied by an adult.

Head to the link below for tickets and more details!

Date:                  Monday 13th June (Queen’s Birthday public holiday)

Time:                 1pm - 5pm

Venue:               Macedon Railway Hotel, 33 Smith St, Macedon

Tickets:             https://cut-the-silence.eventbrite.com.au

Woodend Winter Arts Festival

The Woodend Winter Arts Festival is almost here. Running over the Queen’s Birthday weekend, the event kicks off with a FREE community fireworks event on the Friday night, 5-7 pm at Buffalo Stadium in Woodend. There will be several food trucks available with a variety of delicious food and free entertainment before the fireworks.

Macedon Primary School

Macedon Primary School acknowledges the Wurundjeri people as the traditional owners of the country upon which we learn and work. We recognise their continuing connection to land, water and community and pay respect to Elders past, present and emerging.