Macedon Primary School Newsletter

6 November 2019

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

Principal's Report

Dear Parents and Carers,

Welcome to Macedon

If you have dropped into the foyer recently you will notice that there is a new collaborative art piece welcoming visitors to our school.  Each student is represented with an individual face and our school values are woven into the piece.  Thank you Carolyn Pain and Deb Fiori for their time and expertise in getting each face fired and the art assembled.  It is such a symbolic representation of our connected student community.

Recent Appointments

We are pleased to announce two recent appointments in the MPS staff, I would like to congratulate Belinda Taylor who was a successful applicant in the learning specialist role. Learning Specialists are an integral part of the MPS leadership team, supporting staff to drive excellence in teaching practice. Vicki Leening has been appointed the  OSHC co-ordinator. Vicki has been doing a fantastic job acting in this role and we are sure the OSHC service will continue to make strong improvements into the future.

Prep Transition – 2020 Preps

It is always exciting when our new Foundation students begin their transition to Macedon PS. I would like to extend a warm welcome to all of our 2020 Foundation students who are visiting Macedon Primary School for their first official transition session tomorrow.  Our newest students will be visiting three times in the coming weeks to familiarise themselves with the school and getting comfortable with our environment and some of the class routines.

Whole School - Step up sessions

Our current students will also be involved in a transition process to support them to feel comfortable about their new year group for 2020.  Students will be completing three “step-up” sessions to give them an idea of the new processes and expectations for their 2020 classes.

2020 Planning

We are currently developing the class structures in 2020 and assigning teachers to these classes before the process of developing the new 2020 classes.  This is a complex task that the teachers undertake each year.  We aim to develop well balanced classes that meet the needs of all students.

Working Bee – 9am – 12pm Saturday

This Saturday is the final working bee of the year.  This is one of the last opportunities to tidy up the school prior to the fete.  The jobs we have planned include removing the tank on the southern side of the front building, this will enable us to repair and replace the weather boards along that section of the school.  We are also aiming to weed the front garden beds and paint the large pots at the front of the school.   If you can spare an hour or two between sport runs or make it for the whole time it would be great to see you.

Macedon Primary School Fete

The Fete team are now finalising the planning for the school fete which is on Saturday the 23rd of November.  You may have seen the signup sheets in the foyer to offer your support on the day.  I encourage you to either put your name down there or email the committee and the email address below.  macedonpsfete@gmail.com

Matthew Forrest

forrest.matthew.j@edumail.vic.gov.au

Bush fire Season

Bush Fire Season

With the changing of the seasons it is important for us to start consider the upcoming bushfire season.  We have detailed plans and procedures in place to monitor and manage our risks during the bushfire season.  We are currently reviewing these procedures with staff and students.  Below is a brief overview of our procedures in relation to the Fire Danger Rating.

1.    On Code Red Days the school will be closed

  •  Once confirmed, the decision to close will not change, regardless of improvements in the weather forecast.  
  • There will be no staff at school; enact your own family fire plan.

 

2.     On Extreme fire danger ratings, the school will enact pre-emptive relocation to Sunbury West PS.

  • Parents will be contacted to confirm whether they are sending their children to school or not.
  • Students who attend school will assemble at school and be bused to Sunbury West PS.
  • Parents must pick up students at 3pm from Sunbury West PS.

                - No staff will be on site on days once the school has relocated to Sunbury West PS.

                - Out of School Hours Care will also be cancelled on these days.

 3.       Severe Fire Danger Rating days

·         The school will be on high watch but will run as usual.

 4.       Fire activity in the local area (25km radius), Macedon Primary School will enact one of the following bushfire procedures:

a.       Option 1 – Evacuation Plan

           i.      Gisborne Secondary College Stadium if fire is north of Macedon

           ii.      Kyneton Secondary College Gymnasium if fire is from the south of Macedon

b.      Option 2 – Shelter in Place (SIP) -

           i.      Main School Building until parent pick up if safe to do so.

c.       Option 3 - Shelter in Place (Last Resort) Plan

           i.      Take shelter in the Main School Building

Important Dates to Remember

  • 7 November - Grade 5 Kanga cricket @ Dixon Field, Gisborne
  • 7 November - 2020 Foundation transition session #1 
  • 8 November - Yr 3 - 6, Western Metro Orienteering @ Hanging Rock
  • 9 November - Working Bee 9:00 -12:00 BBQ afterwards
  • 14 November - Yr 5/6 Bike Ed #5 - road trip to Hanging Rock
  • 21 November - 2020 Foundation transition session #2
  • 23 November - Macedon Primary Fete
  • 28 November - 2020 Foundation transition session #3 
  • 30 November - Macedon Community Farmers Market
  • 10 December - Orientation Day for Government schools
  • 16 December - Picnic & Twilight Billy Cart Races from 5:00 pm
  • 17 December - Macedon Community Carols @ Tony Clarke
  • 18 December - Yr 6 Graduation Dinner
  • 19 December - Yr 6 Excursion to City
  • 20 December - Last Day of Term 4 - 2:30pm dismissal

Notes / Information sent home to families

From the office...

Uniform Shop

We have some exciting news regarding the purchase of school uniform. We will shortly be transitioning to 'Beleza’ who have a retail store in Gisborne and an online store.  

Option 1:  Parents can go to the Beleza shop at 42C Aitken Street, Gisborne during business hours and purchase uniform (please note uniforms will not be available until January)

Option 2: Parents can order online at www.beleza.com.au (please note uniforms will not be available until mid January)

Our last day for the uniform shop and QKR! at Macedon Primary will be Thursday the 21st of November. There will be a short transition period of 2-4 weeks when no uniform will be available for sale. If you have any queries, please contact us.

New Face in the Office

Julie will be absent for a number of weeks, however we have Nicole assisting in the office on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Please make her feel welcome.

Thank you,

Julie and Emma

Macedon Primary School - Fete 23rd November

Fete News #14

The fete is fast approaching and there is lots of news this week…

The Limited Ticket Combination Lock Wine Fridge raffle is live at www.raffletix.com.au/macedonpsfete

For $35 – the price of a good bottle of wine – you have a 1 in 60 chance to win a fully stocked wine fridge worth over $1500.  The raffle is open to any adult.  Lock combinations will be available to try from 2pm on the day, and you can nominate someone to try your luck if you’re not in attendance.   This raffle is open to the general public – so get your tickets now!!

Thank-you to those who have returned sold Raffle booklets.  If your eldest child has not bought a booklet home (unmissable bright green cover) please check with their classroom teacher. More booklets are available from the office, and are to be returned to school by 21st November please.

Signup boards are now located around the school.  If you can assist in anyway, please add your details or contact us at  macedonpsfete@gmail.com 

We would love to see more volunteers for set up and pack down on the day, and a co-ordinator for the BBQ!  Most of the planning has been done, we need the physical bodies to make it all run smoothly and successfully.

Wristband purchases will be available soon on QKR! 

This allows unlimited access* to four amazing Amusement Rides, Wild Action The Zoo Comes To You shows, Parklands Petting Farm and Pony Rides.

*some Age or Height restrictions apply – please see QKR! For details.

Presale price is $25 for 1, $70 for 3 and $80 for 4. 

On the day price will be $30. and individual tickets will be available from $8.

Donation & Loan requests

TABLES, CHAIRS, GAZEBOS & MARQUEES, SHADE UMBRELLAS AND STANDS – we will need additional items to equip stalls and make shade (we’ve locked in perfect weather for the 23rd!). Clearly named, these can be delivered to school in the days prior or earlier by arrangement. macedonpsfete@gmail.com

PROPS & ACCESSORIES – for the Green Screen Photo Booth. Clearly named if on loan.

LARGE GLASS JARS -  for the new and improved War on Waste version of lucky cups.

LUCKY ‘JARS’ PRIZES – to the value of $5. Paper bags are available from the donation box. Items could include Hair accessories, toys, lollies (please no nut products), pens, erasers, jewels - anything you think children would love!

COFFEE CUPS with LIDS! –clean disposable cups. These will be used as coin voting boxes for the Lego Competition. 

CHOCOLATE – in boxes, blocks, bars and bags. A nice collection is coming together for the Chocolate Toss game.

LEMONS - We have a recipe. If you’d like to made the lemonade syrup drop us an email at macedonpsfete@gmail.com.

Collection boxes are located in the foyer, or see Emma in the office.

Thank you for your kindness and generosity.

Perri Jackson, Christine Denyer, Renee Briffa, Alison Taylor & Tanya Graham

Macedon Primary School Fete 2019 is Proudly Supported by Macedon Ranges Family Law   www.macedonrangesfamilylaw.com.au

Student Awards

Well done to the following students who will receive these awards at assembly this Friday at 3:00 pm.

Sun Smart - Please remember to bring your hat!

With the change of seasons we remind all students to please wear their hats when they are outside. UV radiation cannot be seen or felt , can be reflected off surfaces, can pass through light clouds and varies in intensity across the year (it is highest in Victoria from mid-August to the end of April). 

So at lunchtime and recess we ask that children seek shade, slip on protective clothing, slap on a sun protective hat, slop on some sunscreen and slide on some sunglasses!

Hats are $14  and available from the uniform shop Monday 8:45am - 9:00am, Wednesday 3:15pm- 3;30pm or order through QKR! App.



Middle Gully Landcare

Landcare is run by volunteers who enjoy gardening, outdoors and seeing the students learn about the environment around them. We welcome anyone who would like to come help out on a Thursday afternoon between 2pm and 3.30pm (even if your child's class isn't scheduled for that day).

Thursday 7 November - Cooking, garden crafts - 6KB

Thursday 14 November - Chicken talk, gardening - 1/2RG

Thursday 21 November - water session, signs - 3/4SH

Thursday 28 November - Natural dyes, gardening/cooking - 4/5MS

Thursday 5 December -  Natural dyes, gardening/cooking - 4CS

Thursday 12 December - Cooking, nesting box labels - 5/6AB

Younger siblings are also very welcome although are your responsibility. 

For more information, please contact David Oxworth, Matt Forrest or Penny Ball.

Outside School Hours Care

Casual places are available for before and after school care. Our rates are; $15.00 for before school care (7:00am - 8:45) and $22.00 for after school care (3:30 - 6:30). All you need to do is call the school 5426 1518 or email oshp@macedonps.vic.edu.au to book. Please note that enrollment forms need to be completed at least one business day before the first session of care.

Please pay through the school using the following details (not BPay):

Account name: Macedon Primary School

BSB: 063-840

Account: 1003 4330

Vicki, Helen, Karen, Marie & Bianca.

OSHC Enrolment Form

Download

School Council

The School Council meets eight times each year, but much of the work in between meetings is done by small enthusiastic subcommittees. Members of the school community are now invited to get involved by joining one (or more!) of the following subcommittees:

  • Education & Policy – responsible for drafting, consulting on and reviewing the school’s policies;
  • Facilities – responsible for the strategic planning and maintenance of the school’s grounds and facilities;
  • Pine Plantation –responsible for managing the future of the school’s pine plantation;
  • OSHC – responsible for managing all aspects of the Out of School Hours service;
  • Grants – this is a new group and is calling on those with an interest/experience in identifying and applying for grants. Last year the school received $20,000 from a single successful grant application!

 


Community News

Macedon Junior Blast Cricket

Woolworths Cricket Blast is a fun and fast programme for kids of all abilities to learn the skills and play Australia's favourite sport.

Buzzing with the energy of big bash cricket, Cricket Blast teaches kids how to bat, bowl, field and catch - all while making new friends. 

5 - 10 year olds. All welcome. 

All equipment supplied (plastic bats and rubber balls - not hard cricket balls).

It doesn't matter if you've never picked up a bat or ball.

Learn some skills, meet some locals and most importantly - get out there and HAVE FUN.

Come and join the fun at Macedon Cricket Club, Sunday mornings from 9:00 - 10:00, starting November 17th. (We'll have a break over Christmas then get back into it mid-January). 

Registration will be online via the Playcricket website.

You can find general details at playcricket.com.au. Any queries please call Andrew on 0409 265 912

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.