Mount Macedon Primary Newsletter

Care - Create - Collaborate

Mount Macedon Primary School aims to develop positive, independent, resilient and inquiring students who are ready for the future.


Important Events

Tuesday 21st March - Bike Ed 11.30 - 1pm (Grade 4)

Friday 24th March - Macedon Bike Ride 9am -11am (Grade 4,5,6)

Monday 27th March - Cross Country Trials Years 3 - 6

Wednesday 29th March - Bike Ed 9.30am - 11am (Grade 4)

Friday 31st March - Williamstown Bike Ride (Grade 4,5,6)

Tuesday 4th April - School Photos

Thursday 6th April - Last Day of Term 1

Friday 7th April - Good Friday

Sunday 9th April - Easter Sunday

Monday 10th April - Easter Monday

TERM 2

Monday 24th April - Pupil Free Day

Tuesday 25th April - ANZAC day Public Holiday

Wednesday 26th April - First Day of Term 2 for Students

Principal's Report

Tuesday 21st March 2023

Hello Everyone,

I hope that you are all travelling well. Unfortunately, I have been away unwell for the last few days, but I know that the school has continued to run efficiently due to the wonderful staff who have picked up many of my roles. I am so grateful to work with people who are kind and resilient when things get a little tough.

Last Tuesday we underwent a stringent OH&S audit (I don’t think that was the reason I got sick!!). It lasted for many hours and was very thorough. I am pleased to tell you that we achieved a rating of 91.6%. I believe that the average is about 80%. We have been given a small list of minor improvements that we need to make, but overall, the school is compliant in all areas. I’d like to thank our OH&S team who have worked very hard to make sure that we were ready for this audit.

Tomorrow we are sending home RAT kits to every family. We understand that COVID is in the community and ask you to check your children vigilantly if they are unwell. COVID is still around, and we need to be aware of its impacts still.

This week you will be receiving a notice about swimming lessons for next term. Gisborne Aquatic Centre are encouraging most schools to do just one week of lessons per year (this is due to several reasons). I don’t feel comfortable with this, given the number of drownings in Australia already this year (35). I believe that two weeks of lessons is essential. The children will undertake one week of lessons commencing 8th May and then they will do another week of lessons in October, when the weather warms up again. There is time to do a block of two weeks together in June but moving from a warm pool back to the cold Mt Macedon weather in winter, causes colds etc.

Next week we have our Annual General Meeting of the School Council. This meeting is open to anyone who would like to attend. At the end of the meeting, I will publish and Annual Report which will show you performance results for MMPS in a wide range of areas.

Our grade 4 students who are doing Bike Education, have reached the stage where they will be venturing out on roads this week, to test out their road skills. They will be carefully supervised as they ride to Macedon Primary School and back this Friday. If you have some free time, we would love you to join us to help supervise.

Friends of the School needs a leader. Please, please consider taking on this role. It is important that our parent group continues to function as one of their major roles is to help build a happy, connected school community.

Our senior students received their Grade 6 jackets last week. Each year, every student submits a design and then the students vote on which one they would like to wear. The design is then sent off to our uniform manufacturers to complete. This year Caitlyn Krajewski’s design was chosen. There is a photo of our very proud grade 6 students in this newsletter, wearing their new Jackets.

Have a lovely week everyone.

Kind Regards,

Trish

CSEF Application Form 2023

Do you hold a valid, means-tested concession card? The Victorian Government will provide CSEF 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. A special consideration category also exists for asylum seeker and refugee families. The allowance is paid to the school to use towards expenses relating to camps, excursions or sporting activities for the benefit of your child. Further information and Application Forms are attached below. These documents can also be found in the 'School Documentation' link found under the 'Community' icon in the menu bar. Please contact the School Office if you have any further enquiries.
Download

From the Office

Hello everyone, 

We hope that you've all had a good Term 1 so far, it sure has been a busy one! However, with only a few weeks left, we can look forward to Easter and the first school holidays. Below are a few messages for this week:


Lunch Orders

Thank you to everyone who has jumped on board with Flexischools and Red Door Cafe lunch orders. So far it has been going quite smoothly without too many hiccups. In Term 2, ordering will be fully on line via Flexischools, and we will not be runnning the paper bag and cash system anymore. So just a heads up - if you haven't had a chance to download the app, please do so before the end of Term 1. Instructions and more information can be found further below in this newsletter. 


Consent and Payment via QKR!

A quick reminder that the forms for the Williamstown Bike Ride on 31st March and the Forest Edge Camp in Term 2 for Grades 4 - 6, are on QKR! We appreciate if parents could complete both payment and consent to participate electronically via QKR! 


Student Medications

We would like to remind parents that if your child is required to take any type of medication whilst at school, you must hand the medication directly to the school office, and you will need to fill in a medication authority form. This is for all forms of prescribed medication, including Panadol / Paracetemol etc for minor ailments. This is to ensure that we have the correct information, instruction and clarity around administering the medication. You can find the form and our school Administration of Medication Policy on the website under Reports, Plans & Policies.

Thank you.

OH & S Volunteer / Parent Induction Booklet

Parent Volunteers

All parent volunteers are required to complete an OH & S induction, along with Child Safety procedures. If at any time you will be participating in any school camps or excursions, reading with students or helping in the classroom, an induction will need to be completed. You can find the Child Safe Policies on our Website, and attached below is the induction documents and child safety form to be signed and returned to the office with a copy of your Working With Children's Check. This is the process we have to follow to ensure the safety of all students. We appreciate your patience and thank you in advance to help us get through this process.

Download

Induction Form to be signed

Download

Child Safe Form to be signed

Download

MMPS Easter Raffle

With Term 1 well under way, we are approaching the Annual Easter Raffle.

Each year Friends of the School (FOS) ask for donations of Easter goodies that we then package up into lots of prizes to be drawn at the final Term 1 assembly on Thursday April 6th.

Each classroom will have their own designated tub to place your much appreciated donations.

You can donate anything from Easter eggs, colouring books, story books, bunny ears, baskets (we even get a few tooth brushes in there too)! 

Raffle books will be coming home with your children this week.

School Photo Day 2023

A reminder that School Photo Day for MMPS is on Tuesday 4th April. Please ensure that students are in correct uniform on the day. This year all orders will be processed on line directly with MSP Photography. Parents will receive a personal email with a unique code from MSP for on line orders in the coming weeks. If you have any further queries or require any further information, please contact MSP on 03 5333 5577. Below is an example of the information you will receive via email to order your photos.

 Focus on Sleep & Health

While we know sleep is essential for good health, research shows that many children and young people are not getting enough sleep on school nights. This can affect thinking, concentration, memory, reaction times and mood.

Research shows about 12% of primary school-aged children, a quarter of 12- to 15-year-olds and half of 16- to 17-year-olds don’t get enough sleep on school nights. The recommended amount of time to sleep for primary school-aged children is 9 to 11 hours. For teenagers, it’s 8 to 10 hours.

Signs that your child is not getting enough sleep can include:

· low mood and irritability during social interactions

· reluctance or arguing about getting off devices and going to bed

· falling asleep during the day

· difficulties waking up for school and sleeping in late on weekends to catch up

· changes to communicating or interacting at home.

You can help your child to improve their sleep by:

· establishing a regular sleep pattern and consistent bedtime routine

· supporting them to avoid using electronic devices such as smartphones before going to bed and in bed

· encouraging your child to exercise and spend time outside in daylight, steering clear of vigorous activity in the hour before sleep

· encouraging them to wind down and relax before going to bed.

If your child is still having trouble sleeping, has persistent problems with low mood, excessive daytime sleepiness, restlessness in bed, severe snoring or wakening unrefreshed, despite getting adequate length sleep, they should see a doctor.

For more information on sleep health, you can refer to: · Sleep tips for children and Facts about sleep for parents and school staff, from the Sleep Health Foundation · Why sleep is so important, from the Kids Helpline’s · Sleep explained, from the Better Health Channel.


Harmony Week:

The ongoing theme of Harmony Week is ‘everyone belongs’. Our students will be participating in Harmony Week activities and conversations, with a focus on understanding how all Australians equally belong to this nation and enrich it. 

As a school we will be creating an art piece highlighting our collective understanding of belonging* which will be displayed at the front of the school.

A resource which we will be using to understand belonging is A kids book about Belonging by Kevin Carroll. You can watch it here : https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=D61RKIvcDJk

* Belonging: a feeling of being happy or comfortable as part of a particular group and having a good relationship with the other members of the group because they welcome you and accept you. 

Definition of belonging from the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary & Thesaurus © Cambridge University Press

Below are some photos of students working on their pieces of art for Harmony Week.

MMPS Update by School Reporter Harriet

Hello everyone and welcome to the third to last week of term. 

Last week we had NAPLAN for the grade 3s and 5s. They all did very well and we are so proud of them for pushing through it. The students are tested on reading and writing as well as spelling and grammar. There is also a numeracy test as well! GREAT JOB 3s AND 5s!

On Thursday of last week the grade 6s got their jackets. They look awesome and thanks to Caitlyn K from grade six; Caitlyn is the lucky designer of the artwork that was chosen to go on the back of the jackets. 

On Thursdays at lunch, students have the choice to go up onto the stem deck and do mindfulness activities such as mindful colouring and meditation. This is part of our daily timetable of lunchtime activities, and our wellbeing program.

Hope you enjoy the week,

Harriet

Digital Technology at MMPS

Last week it was all about circuits, conductivity, & creativity (and an excuse for me to use some alliteration there too) 

We used Makey Makey, which allows us to create our own circuits using various materials.

With the Junior students, we went on a scavenger hunt around the school to find a bunch of items and test which ones could conduct electricity (humans, leaves, grapes, foil - yes, rocks, old sticks, plastic, food wrappers - no).

With our senior students, we took it to the next level and used Makey Makey to create our own video game controllers for games we coded using graphite, apples, and, well, heads... (and, to their credit, it didn't take some long to figure out how to play Minecraft using their newly made controllers)

(PS: If your young person came home and told you Mr Garcia was playing Super Mario by (gently) tapping on their head... that is somewhat accurate)

Mr Garcia

MMPS Veggie Stall - Wednesday 22nd March

Our Veggie Garden is looking great, and is producing some lovely looking fruits, herbs and vegetables. Tomorrow afternoon at 3.30pm, we will be holding a Veggie Stall outside the school gate, so please come along with some spare cash and purchase some delicious, healthy home grown produce! Below is a snap shot of what we have grown, and it looks amazing. Well done to everyone who has been tending to and nurturing our garden.

New Book News

Andrea Mizzi, a parent at the school has published a wonderful children's book we would like to share with you. The book is called "Marshall the Brave Knight",  and teaches children the importance of personal safety communicated through Marshall a curious and fun-loving meerkat. 

As the weekend approaches, MARSHALL the meerkat wants to take his beloved robot kite out to play. Before Marshall sets out, Marshall recalls the 'five must dos' focusing on his personal safety and aided by his mother. Marshall remembers the 'five must dos' and at the same time becomes a fearless knight ready to conquer and ward off any fiery dragons or any perils that may lay ahead.

This book has been beautifully illustrated by the talented Dita Putri, and is designed to assist parents, caregivers and teachers to start the conversation with a child on how to respond when faced with an unsafe situation and in turn reducing the likelihood of a child entering into a dangerous setting. This book was compiled to equip children with the knowledge to make safe choices and decisions.

It is with the knowledge and certainly that we can empower our children and in turn increase their confidence and resilience to explore and experience the world around us.

Discussion points are available for parents, caregivers and teachers.

You can purchase here its free delivery world wide.

https://www.bookdepository.com/Marshall-The-Brave-Knight-Andrea-Mizzi/9781838755157

Congratulations Andrea on a wonderful achievement, we wish you great success with your new book.

Sushi Monday's - extended order cut off time

Just a quick note to say that we have extended the cut off time for ordering Sushi now to 9.15am on Monday mornings instead of 9am. We are hoping this gives parents a little more flexibility when placing orders, especially at the start of the week which we know can be busy.

Lunch Orders

Thank you to everyone that has jumped on board Flexischools to order lunches from the Red Door Cafe, it's been a great success so far and we look forward to seeing more specialty items added to the menu soon.

Lunch Orders from Red Door cafe in Macedon can now be ordered on line via the Flexischools App. This App can be downloaded on to your SMART phone, see below link for instructions:

https://www.mtmacedonps.vic.edu.au/source/AAFlexischools-orientation-flyer.pdf

We will still run the paper bag and cash system for a few weeks more to allow for any teething issues and give parents time to organise registration with Flexischools.

Hats in Term 1, 2023

Just a reminder to ensure that students have their hats to wear at school during recess and lunchtimes, as well as any other outdoor activities they may be participating in. It is important that we are all being sun smart and ensuring our children are protected from the harmful UV light that is at it's highest peak during the months of August to April, where UV index levels regularly reach 3 or above. Please also remember to name your children's hats as they quite often are lost, misplaced or left in the playground and it is handy to know who the hat belongs to!  Spotted inspecting our Veggie Garden this week were three of our Grade 5/6 students wearing their hats!!

Guitar Lessons 2023

Aaron Moar has been teaching guitar students at Mount Macedon Primary School for the last 8 years. He is keen to meet some new students who are interested in learning how to play, and continue working with current students for 2023. Aaron is a qualified teacher and has been teaching guitar for over 15 years. He conducts group lessons at the school, and teaches students of all levels and classes. His lessons are fun and interactive, where the students learn to play both modern and traditional tunes to practise their skills and technique. If you would like to enquire about guitar lessons for your child, please contact Aaron on 0438 177 764 or email: aaronmoar@infinitesound.com.au or see flyer below.

Ranges Music Network

The Ranges Music Network is very excited to be bigger and better at Mount Macedon Primary this year!  We have some exciting term-based performance and project activities planned in addition to our Group and Individual programs.

We'd also like 2023 to be the year of the bands -- with Classic Rock Band and Drum Squad taking the stage from 3:40-4:20pm after school each Wednesday.  If you are interested in learning an instrument while playing in the band or building on the technique and musicality you're developing in your group and individual lesson we'd love to have you.

Visit https://rangesmusic.net/mmps/ to learn more and get started.  

COMMUNITY NEWS

Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival

Join in the fun of the 2023 Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival. There is a great range of free events and activities for families to enjoy, plus some fantastic competitions and give-aways, including a Kids’ Colouring-In Competition with a chance to win one of two family prize packs, each valued at $175. Find out more at www.visitmacedonranges.com/autumn-festival/

Our Shire’s national award winning Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival opens on 1 April, and there is a great range of events and activities on offer for the community to enjoy. 


Colouring Competition 

To get everyone into the autumn spirit, we’re running a Kid’s Colouring-In Competition with some fantastic prizes to be won. There are also several other competitions, give-aways and free events that families can participate in.  

More information is available here, including links to download the colouring-in sheets.


First Nations Cultural Heritage Events

Celebrate the opening of the Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival by attending one of the three unique First Nations Cultural Heritage events held on the opening weekend of this year’s Autumn Festival on Saturday 1st April and Sunday 2nd April. 

Those attending will experience a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony and learn more about First Nations history and culture in the context of our beautiful region. Visit https://www.visitmacedonranges.com/autumn-festival/whats-on/ for more information.

MR YIM all ages

The MR YIM ALL AGES -- Friday, March 31st at the Woodend Bowling Club - from 6pm-10pm

Featuring artists Jasper Byron (Sunbury) and Hannah Cooper (Woodend) supported by Elysium (Trentham), Her Disdained Heart (Bacchus Marsh) and Snow Roaches (Kyneton).

We're looking forward to a fun, safe and inclusive event where all ages can come together to support young musicians from the Macedon Ranges & surrounds!

Tickets are $17 and available at mryim.au.  BYO Take away or nibbles and drinks from the bar.  ID at the door and wrist bands for underage patrons or anyone unable to present ID.  Hearing protection is always welcome!

Supported by MR YIM, The Ranges Music Network, Ranges Events & The Woodend Bowling Club.

Macedon Ranges Music Festival

MRSC Art Competition

Enter Council’s art competition and help the environment

Council is inviting all school-aged and preschool-aged children to enter a competition aimed at helping raise awareness of the impact of single-use plastics on the environment. Participants are being asked to create their own unique artwork using upcycled, recycled or single-use plastic collected as litter, with examples including snack wrappers, coffee cups, straws, cotton buds, polystyrene and bread bag tags.

·         Winners will have their artwork displayed in the art exhibit at the Hanging Rock Reserve Discovery Centre and will also take home a worm farm or compost bin made from recycled plastic. The early learning centre or school from which the winners are from, will win a delivery of organic compost for their gardens. 

The competition closes 6 April. For information, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/singleuseplasticscomp

Tylden Primary School Fair 2023

Macedon Ranges Calisthenics

Car Boot Sale for Dementia Fundraising

Macedon Junior Netball

Paws on Film

Young Warblers Woodend

Macedon Ranges Tennis Coaching

Macedon Ranges Netball

GSC College Tours

2023 Term Dates

Term 1 - Tuesday 31st January to Thursday 6th April

Term 2 - Monday 24th April to Friday 23rd June

Term 3 - Monday 10th July to Friday 15th September

Term 4 - Monday 2nd October to Wednesday 20th December


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