Macedon Primary School Newsletter

23 November 2022

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

Principal's Report

Dear parents,

Election Day - Voting Centre at Macedon Primary 

We are an election day voting centre this Saturday. We are hoping to run an election day sausage sizzle, but this can only be done with the help of volunteers. So if you can spare an hour or two, please contact Briohny on 0414857260. 

Christmas Market

We are also hosting the Macedon Village Christmas market this Saturday. There will be a mix of regular farmer's market stall holders along with a range of gift stalls. Please come along if you can, 9am - 1pm.

Lunch Order Providers

The Farm Truck had a great first day on Thursday with over 150 orders received.  Orders can be made at anytime through the Flexischools app,  but will close at 8:00am on a Thursday morning. If you have missed this deadline there is a limited menu available to order until 10:00am. This service is run by an outside provider, The Farm Truck, so If you have any questions about the online ordering system, please look up www.flexischools.com.au 

Hanging Rock Bike Ride

We have our annual Hanging Rock bike ride scheduled for tomorrow and we’re looking forward to stretching our legs and getting out for this ride.  The year 5/6 students will travel down Middle Gully Road and Boundary Road to get to the Hanging Rock.  We usually have a play and lunch at Hanging Rock before making the ride home.  I expect to be a fun filled day.

Disability Inclusion Survey (family survey)

Disability Inclusion is increasing support for students with disability to ensure every student at every ability thrives at school and in life.  Disability Inclusion is being rolled out to Victoria’s 1500+ Victorian government schools between 2021-2025, delivering:

1.       A new strengths-based Disability Inclusion Profile

2.       A tiered school funding model

3.       Increased workforce capability to provide inclusive education

The Department have engaged Deloitte Access Economics to undertake an independent evaluation of Disability Inclusion.

As part of this evaluation, Deloitte is conducting a short online survey (no more than 15 minutes) of families in Victorian government schools implementing Disability Inclusion.

The survey aims to capture family awareness and understanding of Disability Inclusion, any adjustments made at a student-level and attitudes towards inclusion of students with disability more generally.

As part of this evaluation, Deloitte is surveying all families with children enrolled in Victorian government schools. This includes families who have children with disabilities and those who do not.

Please note, participation is entirely voluntary, and families are under no obligation to participate. If you wish to provide input, you can complete the survey here: family survey. We want to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to participate. If you would prefer an alternative way to share your experiences and perspectives (such as completion via phone) please email: diproject@deloitte.com.au.

 Kind regards and Sampai jumpa (until next time),

 Matt


COVID update


COVID-19 isolation requirements have changed

The Victorian Government has announced the end of the Pandemic Declaration and associated Pandemic Orders.

The following settings, based on advice from the Department of Health, will apply from 11.59pm Wednesday 12 October 2022.

It is strongly recommended that students:

  • who test positive to COVID-19 stay home and isolate for 5 days
  • should not attend school after 5 days if still symptomatic
  • who are symptomatic but have not tested positive should not attend school
  • advise the school of the COVID-19 positive test result

Where students become symptomatic at school they should:

  • be collected by their parents/carers
  • undergo testing for COVID-19

Reporting positive COVID-19 test results

The Department of Health recommends that a person who tests positive for COVID-19 should inform those with whom they have recently been in contact, including their workplace, schools and household.

Parents and carers will therefore be asked to continue to report positive student COVID-19 cases using the VicED COVID Tool.

COVID-19 vaccination changes

The current mandatory vaccination requirement for staff and visitors, contractors and volunteers working in specialist schools will cease to apply from 11.59pm Wednesday 12 October. COVID-19 vaccination, including booster doses, continues to be strongly recommended for all school staff.

Face masks

Staff and students who wish to wear a face mask should be supported to do so, and schools should continue to make face masks available for staff, students and visitors.

The Department of Health recommends that masks should be worn by a person who is a close contact of someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 when leaving home.

Additionally, the Department of Health recommends that masks should be worn by a person who has COVID-19, for at least 7 days after a positive test, when they need to leave home.

Important Dates

24 November - Yr 5/6 Bike ride to Hanging Rock

25 November - Foundation excursion - Fairy Park

26 November - Christmas Market / Election day BBQ

30 November - Grade 6 'Choosical' wellbeing half day

1 December - Foundation Activities - Middle Gully from 11:30am

2 December - Foundation Activities - walk 9:00am-12:30pm

5 December - 6 December - Year 1 & 2 Camp - Lady Northcote 

7 December - Third Foundation 2023 transition morning

7 December - Macedon & Mt Macedon Carols by Candlelight  at Tony Clarke Stadium

8 December - Tabloid Sports Day 9:30am - 11:00am

8 December - Billy Cart Race Day 

13 December - Fourth Foundation 2023 transition morning / whole school transition day

14 December - Grade 6 Graduation

16 December - Grade 6 City Excursion

20 December - Last day of the year (1:30pm dismissal)

Sausage Sizzle - helpers required 26th of November

Macedon Primary is once again a polling spot for the state election. We are looking for volunteers to help on the BBQ. If you can spare an hour or two to cook an 'election day sausage' please contact Briohny on 0414857620 or contact the office and we will pass on your details. Thanks!

New Lunch order provider - Farm Truck

Our first lunch order day with our new supplier The Farm Truck went really well last week.  A quick survey of students revealed that they were happy with the food. All orders will be online through "Flexischools". Parents will need to download the Flexischools app and create an account. Follow the registration process, choose your student and then you are good to go.

The Farm Truck is run by Helen, a local business person who you may have seen at other school events and Farmers Markets in the region. She hopes she can provide fresh and tasty lunches to the children of Macedon Primary. There are also gluten free options available.

You can order anytime up until 8:00am on Thursday morning for Thursday lunch.

https://user.flexischools.com.au/

There is a limited menu for orders placed after 8:00am on Thursdays

The Australian Fire Danger System

In September 2022, all jurisdictions across Australia will implement a new fire danger forecasting system, the Australian Fire Danger Rating System (AFDRS).  This will deliver a nationally consistent system for fire danger ratings based on the latest scientific research.

What's changed?

The new Extreme fire danger rating under the AFDRS will cover a broader scope of fire ratings combining the current Severe and Extreme fire danger rating.

In addition, Code Red will now be known as Catastrophic fire danger.

What does that mean for us?

Macedon Primary is classified as a Category 2 school, meaning that we will now relocate in accordance with our pre-approved plan on a day forecast Extreme FDR  for our LGA (Local Government Area).

We will continue to communicate with the school community over the coming months about how the AFDRS change will be applied and how we can support the community through the transition.


From the office

If your child is late to school (after 9:00am) can you please sign them in at the office. The teachers mark the rolls at 9:00am and if your child is late to class they will be marked as absent and you will receive an SMS asking about their whereabouts.  The classrooms are open from 8:50am.

Medications at school

Please be reminded that if your child requires medication at school, it needs to be stored in the sick bay along with a medication authority from. Children cannot have medications in their bags.  This is a Department of Education requirement.  https://macedonps.vic.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/medication-authority-form-frm-v1.0-may-2008.pdf 

Hanging Rock Bike Ride

We have our annual Hanging Rock bike ride scheduled for tomorrow and we’re looking forward to stretching our legs and getting out for this ride.  The year 5/6 students will travel down Middle Gully Road and Boundary Road to get to the Hanging Rock.  We usually have a play and lunch at Hanging Rock before making the ride home.  I expect to be a fun filled day.

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

Student Achievement Awards

Awards will be presented at assembly this Friday. Assembly takes place at 3pm on Friday in the John Curtin Building. 

FKB - Jonah M - for working hard on his information report on wombats.

FKB - Japer K - for trying new spelling in his information report about wombats.

FKH - Spencer R - for doing a great job measuring his shoe with informal units.

FKH - Xavier B - for his incredible patterns on the tentacles of his octopus.

FKH - Lilyanna H - for her beautiful patterns on the tentacles of her octopus.

1/2AM - Beatrice B- for working really hard in numeracy this week.

1/2AM - Verity Mc - for always trying her best.

1/2TT: Xavier W - for doing sensational writing and maths.

1/2TT: Archer D - for always doing his best effort work and learning.

3/4GS: Connor L - for having a wonderful week in Mrs Slater's class.

3/4GS: Johnny F - for brilliant work on this "Australia Flag" project.

3/4GS: Estee F - for sharing her expertise on drawing a 7 point star with the class.

3/4VW - High W - for designing an alternative Australian Coat of Arms.

3/4VW - Fletcher R - for great work with fractions in Maths.

5/6MS - Mia P - for using her initiative to help others.

5/6RC - Bailey M-S – for seeking and taking on feedback to improve your leadership poster.

 5/6RC - Oscar P – for showing persistence and determination during bike ed

Visual Art:

William P - FKH - for having a growth mindset in Visual Art and striving to improve always.

Penny S - FKB - for exceptional focus and determination to improve in visual art every week.

ICAS Assessments

We have finally received the ICAS certificates for the exams that took place last term. If your child sat the ICAS English or Math exam, their certificates will be handed out at assembly. 

For the math assessment we had one child receive a distinction, 2 children received a credit and one child a merit.

For english, we had one child receive a distinction, 3 children received a credit and one child a merit.

Well done to all those that particiapted.

Indonesia Day

The school was treated to a fantastic day of Indonesian delights last Thursday. The junior students were facinated by the Indonestian wayang (shadow play) and  Aaron conducted Gaemelan Orchesta workshops for the older classes. 

There were also some beacaks for the children to have a ride on.

Aaron from Bagus Kan was very impressed with the students and sent a special terima kasih to Aahil, Toto, Marlow and Baxter, who helped him pack his trailer at the end of the day.

Lost Property

We have a number of items in lost property.  If it is not collected in the next week it will be disposed of. General lost property is down near the toilets in the main school building. Please come in and take a look.

Middle Gully Update

24th November - 1/2CS

1st December – 2 x Foundation classes from 11.30am

8th December – No Landcare

15th December –5/6AB and 5/6MS

Parent helpers are always welcome, please sign in at the office prior to going over to Middle Gully and make sure the office has seen your current Working With Childrens Check.

Our sessions are on a Thursday afternoon from 2:00pm - 3:30pm. 

Younger siblings are welcome, but must be supervised by their parent or guardian.

Visual Art Report

We’ve had a terrific time in the Art room this week, seeing the results of last week’s natural dye tie-dying. This week we had a play with felting and lots of students had fun creating a felt ball using sheep’s fleece. Foundation students enjoyed reading The Bush Jumper by Jean Chapman and Ali Beck and we started making some tiny koala jumpers of our own!

THINGS WE NEED:

We have a fun activity planned for the next few weeks but we need LOTS OF BUTTONS!! Any size and shape will do, so please send in your unwanted button jars and you’ll be rewarded with a fabulous treasure to keep.

STEM Update

This week's theme was about (dramatic music here) The Internet!

Yes, that thing all the students use for schoolwork, communicating with family, expanding their horizons, learning about the world.... or just watching puppy videos (I'm sure it's at least one of those things)

But have you thought about where the Internet actually comes from? - Well, the Foundation students did, so we went on an impromptu excursion to see if we could find it (and yes, when you are in Foundation, just leaving the school's front gate to walk down the footpath is exciting!)

It started in our classroom where we followed the radio frequency from my laptop to the wireless router, then we traced the ethernet cord connected to that to the school server room, followed that outside via the phone line, and then followed that around the school (stopping every now and then to find one of the many 'Telstra Pits' our phone lines are accessed from) until we got to one of Macedon's phone network hubs (luckily, there is one near the corner of our school - as those little legs were getting tired), all the while, talking about how we are all connected (with some pretty old copper wire) to a massive cable under the ocean... and back again.

It was a very informative (and cold) walk, that was both a Digital Tech and P.E. class combined.

Mr. Garcia

Sunsmart Reminder

In line with our Sunsmart policy, we ask that all students come to school with a wide brimmed hat. At recess and lunchtime and any other times when outdoors all students must wear a hat. Students who are not wearing hats will be asked to play in the shade or in a suitable area protected from the sun.

Hats are available for purchase at Beleza Uniforms in Gisborne, or you can purchase any wide brimmed navy hat. We have sunscreen at the office if the children would like to wear sunscreen.

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

Macedon and Mt Macedon Carols by Candlelight

Mrs Le Seur has provided a link to the Christmas songs that all of the school is currently learning for the Macedon & Mt Macedon Carols by Candlelight on Wednesday the 7th of December at Tony Clarke. As the date is approaching quite fast it would be really helpful if the children were able to listen to the songs between each rehearsal session. 

Find the songs and links listed below. It will really help the overall performance. 

Aussie Jingle Bells

https://youtube.com/watch?v=Bh2gUtJ_v2Y&feature=share

A Very Merry Aussie Christmas

https://youtube.com/watch?v=yfS8rutq92M&feature=share

We Wish You A Merry Christmas 

https://youtu.be/NDxaT4m6ZFY

Ash Wednesday Memories

To mark the 40th anniversary of the fire that burnt through Macedon and Mount Macedon on the 16th of February 1983, the Gisborne Gazette will be publishing a book of the recollections of people who lived through that harrowing event.

Anyone who would like to have their story of that night (and the time that followed) recorded in the book are invited to contact Bryan Power on 0417140828 or via bryanp2@bigpond.com  


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.