St Andrews PS Newsletter

6th of December 2019

Dates to Remember

Term Four Dates
  • Tuesday 10th Dec - Grade 6 state wide transition

                                          - Christmas Night Market at STAPS starting at 5pm

  • Friday 13th Dec     - Final 'Step up' Transition -10:00-1:30 with BBQ

                                          - Whole School Dress Rehearsal

                                          - Student Reports to go home

                                          - Japanese Assembly 3pm

  • Week Eleven - 16-18th Dec - Scheduled Parent Teacher Interviews 
  • Thursday 19th Dec - End of Year Concert at Eltham Community Centre
  • Friday 20th Dec      - Last Day of School - 1:15 Assembly with 1:30 dismissal

Principal News

As we edge towards Christmas, we're finding we're busier and busier here at STAPS. Between Production rehearsals, meeting our new 2020 Preps, the Senior Christmas Market preparation and just the general Christmas excitement, we are all go here. We're very excited to be in the midst of looking for our new 2/3 teacher and hope to announce the successful applicant next week.

Today we had our very first whole school run through of Circus STAPS and we cannot wait to show you all next week!!  If you haven't got a ticket yet, don't forget to purchase them at https://events.humanitix.com.au/st-andrews-primary-school-2019-concert. We've got a full dress rehearsal on Friday so please ensure your child is sent along with everything they need. If you have any questions, please refer to the Concert Info Letter that was sent out last week or ask your child or teacher. 

This time of year isn't easy and happy for everyone. We've notice that children's normal problem solving strategies and patience are running a bit low and everyone needs a little more time, kindness and apprciation to get through the day. We know the same situation might be happening for you at home so here are some little tips to get through the festive season:

  • Look beyond the presents and see what your child and family can do for others. It might be a Christmas card written to a distant relative, a visit to an elderly neighbour or donation to a charity - Our Christmas market being the perfect opportunity for that. Providing opportunities to give can bring a sense of achievement and pride. 
  • It can be easy to find the kids in front of Christmas movies and on technology at this time of year. Some resources to ensure that these times are safe for your child can be found at:

            - Safe on Social Toolkit - Cyber Safety Education                       

            - Common Sense Media - Movie guide for families

            - eSafety Parents - Advice for parents and carers

  • Check out Parents.com for some amazing advice on How-To's, Hacks and Tips to survive and enjoy the Chrismas Season. 
  • If you’re finding it hard to cope, you might like to talk to someone who’s not so close to the situation. Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 or Lifeline 13 11 14 both have counsellors who are available 24 hours a day, so feel free to call them if you feel overwhelmed.

    Lastly, don't forget to enjoy all of the amazing activities we have going on here at STAPS before you're all whisked away into the Silly Season and 2020!! From our Christmas Market (and Special Visitor), Friday's Step Up BBQ, our Japanese Assembly to Production, there are plenty of ways to get involved here over the next two weeks. Make sure you have all the dates in your diary!

We are so proud of our Students of the Week - Showing that they are Caring, Responsible, Courageous members of our school.

Chan's STEM BLog

Last week we learned about one of the most powerful data analysis programs out there.

 Check out what we did on the blog: http://sugarloafstem.global2.vic.edu.au/category/weekly-s-t-e-m-summary/

Classroom News

4/5/6 Classroom News - Christmas Market

We are always doing a lot in 4/5/6 but recently, more than ever we have been focused on preparing for our very first St Andrews Primary Christmas Market! The products are nearly made, the posters are getting their final touches and the excitement is building. 

So... we'll see you from 5pm on Tuesday 10th December. Our stalls will be ready, selling a range of student produced goods. All products are selling for under $5, so bring lots of loose change to test out our financial skills. All proceeds will be donated to our carefully selected charities. Learn about them too, through our informative posters and displays. 

At 6pm the Prep, 1, 2 and 3 students will take the stage for an informal 'dance off'!  The junior students have been dancing in PE, so join them, if you are feeling courageous for a round of Nutbush, Macarena and Heel & Toe Polka. 

There will be a special visit, from a seasonal visitor at 6:30pm so stick around!


Prep/1 Excursion - Gawa Wurundjeri Trail

On Thursday morning the Prep/1's set off on an exciting excursion to the Gawa Wurundjeri Resource Trail. There we were met by members of the Nillumbik 

Prep/1 Excursion - Gawa Wurundjeri Trail Photos

Community News

Hosting Opportunity