Macedon Primary School Newsletter

25 May 2022

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

Principal's Report

Dear Parents and Carers,

Celebrating 150 years of public education

This year, Education Week runs from 22–28 May. The theme, ‘150 Years of Public Education’ commemorates the past, celebrates the present and imagines the future of education in Victoria.  Education Week is an opportunity for our primary school to highlight our education journey.

This year, Macedon Primary School is 147 years old.  

The students will be viewing videos and doing activities in class to commemorate Education Week.

Parent and Friends Association Fundraising

The PFA have been very active with fundraising so far this year. The committee and volunteers have had a number of successful fundraising activities and raised a total of $8801.34 so far.  We are raising funds to improve the facilities in the middle gully reserve shed area and hope to see improvements as a result.  Thank you very much to the whole committee and everyone who has volunteered time and energy to our cause.  There will be many more opportunities for you to get involved in the coming months and I encourage you to help out if you can.

Date

Event

Profit $

29/01

Farmers’ Market

2,020.00

31/03

Sushi Day

858.40

March

Hot X Buns Sales

258.00

08/04

Easter Raffle

2,334.10

08/04

Bulb Fundraiser

726.60

30/04

Farmers’ Market

1,235.00

05/05

Mother’s Day Stall

347.28

21/05

Election Day Sausage Sizzle

1,021.96

Total

8801.34

 

Tuning into kids

The Macedon Ranges Shire are running  2 Tuning into Kids programs for parents of children in grades five and six. Tuning into Kids is an emotion focused parenting program. The program provides parents and carers with skills in emotion coaching, which is about recognising, understanding, and managing their own and their child’s emotions. The program is evidence based and has proven success in improving parenting, parent-child relationships, and children’s emotional resilience. Please see the flyer below for more information.

Kind regards,

Matt

Important Dates

26 May - Grade 6 visit to Gisborne Secondary

27 May - Yr 5/6 District boys and girls soccer - Gisborne

3 June - Curriculum Day - (student free day)

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 - Winter Solstice 

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

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.

Tuning into Kids

The Macedon Ranges Shire are running  2 Tuning into Kids programs for parents of children in grades five and six. Tuning into Kids is an emotion focused parenting program. The program provides parents and carers with skills in emotion coaching, which is about recognising, understanding, and managing their own and their child’s emotions. The program is evidence based and has proven success in improving parenting, parent-child relationships, and children’s emotional resilience.

We are excited to be offering this program to parents in the Macedon Ranges, to help support them while parenting through the ups and downs.

The Macedon Ranges Primary School Mental Health Project has progressed significantly since the beginning of the year, and we have some exciting activities coming up. Stay tuned for more!

Please email svassilios@mrsc.vic.gov.au to register your interest.

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

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

Election Day BBQ Thanks

Thank you to the PFA and parent helpers who ran the sausage sizzle on Saturday. Melissa C, Emma H, Kate A, Ronelle H, Andrew & Henry C, Charley L, Mark B, Sam & Shaun E, Nicola R, Marlow & Piper E, Briohny & Caitlin L, Liesl and Jess F and Scarlett B.

Thank you to Bakers Delight in Gisborne for the discounted bread and KR Castlemaine for the discounted sausages.

Scrunchie Munchie Success

Scarlett sold all of her 95 Munchies (cookies) in less than 2 hours and Jessica sold 51 of her crotchet Scrunchies on Sat.

The girls are fundraising for the school and will be donating 20% of their sales to the school. Well done to both of you!

Student Achievement Awards

The following awards will be handed out at assembly. Please note,  we will not be holding a formal assembly in the JCB this week, the assembly will be over the loudspeaker at school.

FKH - Hudson F - for showing increased persistence to complete tasks.

FKH - Jocelynn L - for her great efforts with having a go at independent writing.

FKH - Maggie D - for her efforts with having a go at independent writing.

FKH - Ned S - for his amazing effort at writing about his weekend.

FKH - Katie H - for her awesome effort at handwriting 'p'

1/2BT - Anja E - for creating an imaginary story about a lighthouse keeper.

1/2BT - Piper E - for taking ownership of her learning during reading time.

1/2BT - Sidney Mc - for using sounding out when reading. She is making great progress.

1/2CS - Gia L - for her happy and enthusiastic attitude towards learning. 

1/2CS - Aubrey R - for always being keen and eager to learn. 

1/2CS - Louie J - for his great work in mathematics. Louie is a great problem solver. Keep it up!

1/2CS - Archer C - for being a kind, thoughtful friend and making good choices.

1/2CS - Owen D - for his fantastic reading of "The Three Little Pigs' being the "Bad Wolf"

Visual Art

Max P - 5/6MS - for exceptional effort in visual art.

1/2TT - Lydia S - for always doing her personal best. Great job Lydia.

1/2TT - Billy S - for working hard with his learning, Great work Billy. 

3/4MS - Rylan K - for settling so well into Macedon PS. 

3/4MS - Jack B - for concentrating on his work and improving his editing and proof-reading skills.

3/4GS - Bella D - for a fabulous limerick about a girl called May!

3/4GS - Evie E - for a fantastic effort on her symmetry drawings.

3/4GS - Johnny F - for a fantastic effort on his symmetry drawing.

3/4GS - Ivy D - for her excellent work on her tessellation picture.

3/4VW - Bree M - for correctly identifying different types of angles.

3/4VW - Syd M - for writing a great summary about a BTN report.

5/6RC - Scarlett B - for confidently taking on the school captain duties at assembly.

5/6MS - Hannah R - for her conscientious approach towards learning.

5/6MS - Hunter F - for being kind and caring towards others.

Middle Gully Program Update

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

May 26 – 1/2TT

June 2 – 1/2BT

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.


Milk bottles for Middle Gully Lanterns

We are seeking donations of milk bottles for the children to make lanterns at Middle Gully. Two litre "Farmhouse Gold" bottles are ideal, or the regular 2 litre milk bottles. The three litre bottles are too large. Donations can be made at the office., please make sure bottlers are cleaned, with labels removed. Thanks!

STEM Update

This week in Digital Tech / STEM, students started printing their 3D models as part of the suitability unit we have been working on.

Students were asked to come up with a product that would help the planet, or stop them from having to buy something new (yes, I kind of let the requirements be a little broad to aid in creativity)

In this case, Ruby has designed and printed a personalised dog tag for her dog Jack using recycled 3D printer filament. 

3D printing still takes a bit of time I'm afraid, so I will be printing the students work over the next few weeks (In case your young people keep telling you how slack Mr Garcia is...)

Visual Art Report

We have been exploring watercolour painting in Art this week. We used aqueous pencils and watercolour brushes to apply water to our artworks, with some amazing results. 

Indonesian News

Caring for our planet in Indonesian 

This term in Indonesian, Year 3&4 students are checking in with our school-wide inquiry theme by making Indonesian posters about caring for Earth's land and water habitats. 

This is the noticeboard outside the library before it started filling up with posters. Next time you are at school, swing past the library to see what has been added. 

Big terima kasih to Arts Captain, Jess F, for our theme poster.

Bu Deryn

Scholastic Book Club - Term 2

Scholastic brochures were sent home yesterday. There is a special off of $5 off if you get your order in by the 27th of May, use promo code 'COSYREADS'.

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

The cut off date for orders is the 10th of June.

Winter Solstice - family bonfire night - 17 June

We are please to advise that our Winter Solstice family bonfire night is back for 2022. Macedon Primary families are invited to enjoy a family friendly night, commencing at 5:00pm in the John Curtin Building with a lantern parade, local drumming group and bonfire in Middle Gully Reserve. Snacks and drinks will be available to purchase on the night,

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

Kyneton High School Pre-Orientation Day

Dear Parents, Guardians and Carers of Grade 5/6 students,

We would like to invite children whose parents/carers are considering enrolling them at Kyneton High School to attend our Pre-Orientation Day. This year, it will be held on Friday, 3 June. The purpose of the day is to give students an opportunity to learn about the Kyneton High School environment and programs to assist in the transition from primary to secondary school.

Signing Up

As your child’s primary school is not one of our designated ‘feeder schools’, either because it lies outside our updated government school ‘zone’, or because it is a non-government school, if you would like your child to attend, please either:

·         Contact the school on 5421 1100 or Kyneton.hs@education.vic.gov.au OR

·         Fill in the Sign Up form: https://forms.gle/Nveiw5Pe64JSQm5s7

More information

Please note that children will need to be dropped off at 9am and picked up from the school at 3pm by a nominated adult.

Once you have signed up, you will be sent further details and a permission form directly from Kyneton HS.

   KYNETON HIGH SCHOOL FAMILY INFORMATION SESSIONS

A child’s journey from being a primary school student to a high school student can be an exciting but overwhelming one – both for the child and their family! As in any major life change, knowing more about what to expect in the next stage can leave us feeling more comfortable about the process.

We would like to invite parents, guardians and carers to a High School Transition Information Session on Friday 3 June. This is an opportunity to find out about Kyneton High School’s:

·         Transition supports and the enrolment process

·         Curriculum offerings and pathways from Years 7-12

·         Co-curricular offerings and clubs

·         Special programs to support diverse student learning needs

·         Equity and Inclusion support

·         Middle Years Literacy and Numeracy Support program

·         Student Excellence Program (formerly the Gifted and Talented Program)

·         Student Wellbeing Program

·         Buildings Program

 Information Sessions

Morning Session (on site): 9.30 -11.30am – School Hall. Please enter through the main entrance on Epping Street, and then sign in at the General Office. This session will include a tour of the school and morning tea with staff.

Evening Webinar (remote): 7.00-8.00pm. A remote information session will be run using WebEx. Please RSVP to faye.zollia@education.vic.gov.au and you will be sent a meeting link closer to the time.

School Tours

Tours of the school with our Executive Principal, Ana Rees, are held fortnightly on Wednesdays at 9.30am. Call the office to make a booking on 5421 1100.

Enrolment

For government secondary schools, the enrolment process begins during Term 2 of the year the child is in Grade 6. For government primary school students, information will be provided through the child’s current school. Parents/carers of students at non-government primary schools may contact us directly on 5421 1100 or kyneton.hs@education.vic.gov.au to apply for enrolment.

Keep up-to-date with us!

Consider following our Facebook page – Kyneton High School (@kynetonhs) to see what is going on in our school. Our website also hosts a lot of useful information – please have a look at https://kynetonhigh.vic.edu.au/.

We look forward to meeting some prospective students!

Young Voices of Macedon

Young Voices of Macedon, a community choir for children of the Macedon Ranges invites primary school children to join us in Term 2. Under the direction of well-known and highly respected conductor Polly Christie, the choir has groups for younger and older children, which work both separately and together to learn a great variety of fun songs. The current emphasis is on songs about the environment. The choir also aims to provide quality training in voice production, part singing and performance, and features a friendly social environment.

 

Rehearsals take place on Thursdays at 4.15 pm at the Norma Richardson Hall, Buckland Street, Woodend. For further information visit www.yvmacedon.org.au

 

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.