Macedon Primary School Newsletter

Dear parents and carers, 

Indigenous Literacy Day

Today is Indigenous Literacy Day, a day to celebrate the literature from our first Nations people. In celebration of the day there was a live event held on Youtube that highlighted the joy of books and reading, and the importance of first languages. If you missed it, you can find the link here https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLGoNuPWMmXMrYmJAMFo4ig

Professional Learning Communities Initiative

On Thursday last week a team of teachers, Karren Baker, Anthony Bortolot, Millie Strong, Belinda Taylor and myself completed the introductory session to the DET Professional Learning Community (PLCs) initiative.

​​​​​PLCs are an approach to school improvement where groups of teachers work collaboratively at the school level to improve student outcomes.​  PLC schools start from a simple idea: students learn more when their teachers work together.  Building a PLC is a proven way for schools to increase student learning by creating a culture that is:

·         focussed on continuous improvement by linking the learning needs of students with the professional learning and practice of teachers

·         committed to professionalism

·         fuelled by collaborative expertise.

We are excited about the prospects this initiative will have for our school and the benefits for our students.

Emergency Management Planning

Yesterday I completed my annual review of our emergency management plan.  Part of these plans, given that we are on the Department of Education’s Bushfire at Risk register, include our relocation plan to Sunbury West Primary School on Extreme fire danger rating days.  There will be detailed information about our bushfire preparedness plans coming out in the coming weeks and more general information about our bushfire planning in the newsletter each week now for the remainder of the bushfire season.  I encourage you read this information and familiarise yourself with the plans the school has and consider how they will impact you this bushfire season.

Sun Smart – Wearing Hats

With spring here we are starting to get the occasional warmer day.  With this in mind, we are implementing the sun smart policy in relation to hats.  From today, all students on site will need to wear a hat to school if they wish to play outside. 

We would like to wish all the Dad's in our community a happy Father's Day. May it be a day for reflecting on the important role that they and other special people play in our lives. 

Remember to call or email me if you need support with anything. matthew.forrest@education.vic.gov.au 

Stay well,

Matthew Forrest

Principal

We had a number of events due to take place in term 3 which have now been postponed to term 4. We are in consultation with the other parties and when we can confirm dates we will.

School Photos - new date 18th November

SEA (Sex Education Australia) Program - postponed, we are looking at confirming dates in term 4

ICAS - original dates postponed, will confirm new dates shortly

Although it may still be cold, Victoria’s UV levels are on the rise so please check the daily local sun protection times to see when you need to be SunSmart.  The sun protection times are a forecast from the Bureau of Meteorology for the time of day UV levels are forecast to reach 3 or higher in your location. At these levels, sun protection (hat, clothing, sunscreen, shade and, if practical, sunglasses) is recommended for all skin types

When outdoors, whether that be for the one hour of permitted exercise in metropolitan Melbourne or if you’re lucky enough to be allowed outside for longer, to  check the sun protection times and use sun protection accordingly. For more information for families please check out https://www.sunsmart.com.au/communities/parents

Thank you to the Kime family for another great recipe. Its Fathers Day this Sunday and these biscuits would be the perfect way to show Dad how much you care!

Makes: about 45

Ingredients:

·       150g butter, chilled

·       2 cups plain flour

·       ½ cup caster sugar

·       1 tsp vanilla essence

·       1 egg

·       100g white chocolate

·       Sprinkles and lollies to decorate

Method:

Step 1: Preheat oven to 180C. Cover a baking tray with a sheet of baking paper.

Step 2: Cut butter into cubes and rub into flour until it resembles fine breadcrumbs.

Step 3: Stir in the sugar, vanilla and lightly whisked egg.

Step 4: Press mixture together to form a dough.

Step 5: Roll dough out to 5cm thickness and cut out into shapes. Place onto the tray. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden.

Step 6: Transfer to a wire rack to cool.

Step 7: Melt the chocolate and spread onto the cooled biscuits and decorate with the sprinkles and lollies.

Due to the current COVID restrictions we have decided to move Scholastic bookclub orders to home delivery only. This means you can still order through Scholastic and receive credits for the school, however, there is a delivery fee of $5.99.

https://mybookclubs.scholastic.com.au/Parent/Login.aspx

Webinar: Specifically designed for Parents/Carers to address anxieties in children and young people arising from COVID.

When: 6.30 pm – 7.45 pm Wednesday 9th September 2020

Presenters: Jac Van Velsen Mental Health and Wellbeing Educator WISA and Lyn O’Grady Community Psychologist

This webinar will explore anxiety and how it might play a role in the lives of children, young people and families during these times, such as a pandemic. While some anxious feelings can be helpful and keep us safe, sometimes anxiety can become a concern. How to respond to anxiety to reduce its impact and help build resilience will be outlined. 

email: Jac@wisawellbeing.com.au