Macedon Primary School Newsletter

16 September 2020

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

Principals Report

Dear parents,

Change in Return to Face to Face Teaching – Monday 5 October

Hello everyone, late last night I received another change in the return to face-to-face teaching from the Department of Education.  Students enrolled in Prep to Grade 6 in standalone primary schools will return to on-site learning from Monday 5 October.  Again we had the option to stagger the return in that week, however we do not want to delay the start of face-to-face school at all for our students.  That means that there will not be any remote learning at the start of term four and we will be welcoming students back straight after the holidays.  Please put this date in your diaries.

Four Year School Review Process

Every four years, schools undergo a review process led by the Department of Education.  In this process schools take part in a thorough evaluation of the previous four years and the review panel ascertains the extent to which the school has achieved the goals set out in the previous strategic plan.  We are due to have our school review in term 1 2021.  A review panel is assembled to carry out this work including, myself, the School Council President, Nina Moncrief, my line manager and Senior Education Improvement Leader, Chris Eeles, an independent reviewer contracted by the Department and two challenge partners who are typically principals who act as a critical friend for the process.

As a part of this review we have to complete a thorough self-evaluation which is presented in the review panel meetings.  We are beginning work on this pre-review self-evaluation in term four of this year.  To inform this self-evaluation we will be interviewing groups of students in student forum meetings and unpacking the relevant data sets with our teachers.  Parents are also invited to attend a parent session that will delve into the data and aim to invite you to share your ideas about our current strengths and possible areas for improvement as we move into the future.  It is likely that this event will need to be hosted online and the tentative date for this event will be Tuesday 10 November on WebEx.  More details will follow about this session. 

The school review is an exciting opportunity for us to check how we are going and develop a new and ambitious plan that will support student learning, wellbeing, and engagement as we move into the future.

It has been yet another term like no other.  Please enjoy a safe and restful holiday period, I hope you get some time to make the most of the recent easing of COVID restrictions.

Matthew Forrest

Principal

Important Dates

18 September - Last day of Term 3 - Assembly at 2pm, School finishes 2.30pm

5 October - Start of Term 4 - Return to onsite learning

18 November - School Photos - TBC

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

ICAS - original dates postponed, will confirm new dates shortly.

From the Office


Drink Bottles and Hats

With the return of face-to-face learning, we remind all families that children need to bring a clearly labelled drink bottle and hat to school each day.  School hats are available for sale from Beleza in Gisborne. Beleza will be open over the school holidays if you need to stock up  some uniform for term 4.

Stay safe and well,

Julie and Emma

Achievement Awards

The following awards will be announced at this weeks 'virtual' assembly.  Please note, assembly will be at 2pm due to end of term.

 https://eduvic.webex.com/webappng/sites/eduvic/meeting/download/5c51e9f011ce4ef0b35766dec5b226d8?siteurl=eduvic&MTID=m443d628f25a9c0d5cdf463bd1d81ba90

The Foundation students completed Ocean dioramas as part of their Remote Learning on the Great Barrier Reef.

2/3 VW Created some amazing vegetable characters

Diorama making at school.

Sunsmart Reminder

***School hats are available for sale at Beleza in Gisborne***

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 two hours 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

Outside School Hours Care

A reminder to all parents that social distancing rules apply in the OSHC room, can parents please remain outside the JCB building during pick up and drop off and please maintain a 1.5 metre distance between yourself and the OSHC staff members.

Our rates are: $15.00 for Before School Care (7:00am - 8:45am) and $22.00 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.

School Council update

The 2020 Macedon Primary School Council members are:

  Parents - Nina Moncrief (President), Justin Sawyers (Vice President), Danielle Grigg (Treasurer), Tiffany Barton (Secretary), Christine Denyer, Danny Kane, Duncan McGauchie and Melinda Rollinson.

Teachers - Matthew Forest, Karren Baker, Martin Smith and Veronica Wuthrich.

 

At the School Council WebEx meeting held on 9 September 2020, the discussion included:

  • School Review – Macedon Primary School is due to undertake a school review in early 2021.  Preparations will commence in Term 4.
  • Pupil Free Day – Monday 16 November will be a pupil free day for the teachers to engage in these preparations.
  • Child Safety – A presentation was given in respect of the school’s child safety policies and procedures.  The Education subcommittee will review these policies ahead of the school review.  
  • Facilities – A competitive process has been used to select a contractor to install a new retaining wall between the oval and JCB.
  • Pine Plantation – Further information is being requested to assist the school council to consider the next steps.  
  • Finance – The finance subcommittee provided an update on the school’s financial position, including in respect of OSHC.   

  • The next school council meeting will be on Wednesday 21 October 2020 at 7pm.

    Community News

    Gisborne Library is back for Reserving and Collecting

    Library patrons can go online and reserve items or call us to organise a bundle of books. When the items are here at Gisborne Library they can be collected Monday / Thursday 10 am - 1 pm or Tuesday / Friday 1 pm - 5 pm. Wednesdays we are closed. 

    Our School holiday program is available for bookings. Check out all our events on the website www.ncgrl.vic.gov.au 

    There are colourful, fun activities and workshops these holidays for all ages. Juggling, weaving,  a bit of science, music, LEGO challenges and Treasure Hunts and Tim Credible: The Incredible Science and Magic Show. Jump online and book EARLY.

    HELPING YOUR CHILDREN COPE WITH THE CHALLENGES OF 2020

    Join Michelle Teunon for a series of free information sessions exploring anxiety and other emotional concerns, from a Traditional Chinese Medicine behavioural perspective. Discover some of the underlying factors contributing to your child's stresses and gain some practical tips and tools on how to support them in dealing with the challenges of 2020, including simple acupoints for stress relief.

    DATES: Session 1: Wednesday 23rd September, 7.30pm - 8.10pm

                 Session 2: Wednesday 30th September, 7.30pm - 8.10pm 

    TO BOOK: www.trybooking.com/BLMPN

    Michelle is a Kyneton-based kinesiologist who supports children to step into their true potential.  With a focus on childhood learning and development, and over 10 years experience working with children and teenagers in both a clinical and school setting, she is passionate about assisting others on their path to personal empowerment. 

    For further information, contact Michelle: michelle@bodyandsoulsolutions.com.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.