November 1, 2023
'The Puggle Post'
OUR SCHOOL VISION:
"Wandong Primary School...Making a difference by developing confident, independent and resilient learners who strive for personal excellence."
What's on What's Due
| NOVEMBER | 2023 |
|---|---|
| Wednesday 1st | Wandong Primary School Team Shirts 2024 - Last day for orders & payments - Grades 3 - 6 |
| Monday 6th | Curriculum Day - No Students – If your child requires care, please book in at https://theircare.com.au/ |
| Tuesday 7th | Melbourne Cup Holiday - No Students |
| Thursday 9th | Grade 6 Uniform 2024 - Final day for orders & payment - No late orders can be accepted |
| Wed 8th – Fri 10th | Grade 3/4 Camp |
| Mon 13th – Tues 14th | Grade 1/2 Camp |
| Friday 10th | Foundation 2024 Transition Day #1 - 9.10am - 10am |
| Wednesday 15th | Parent Event – Susan McLean – Cyber Cop, Keeping our Kids Safe Online. Please email or call the office to book in for this event |
| Friday 17th | Foundation Day Camp |
| Mon 20th – Wed 22nd | Grade 5/6 Surf Camp |
| Thursday 23rd | Professional Practice Day - No students required - If your child requires care, please book in at https://theircare.com.au/ |
| Friday 24th | Foundation 2024 Transition Day #2 - 9.10am - 10am |
| DECEMBER | 2023 |
| Friday 1st | Foundation 2024 Transition Day #3 - 9.10am - 10am |
| Monday 4th | Foundation 2024 Meet the Teacher |
| Mon 4th - Fri 8th | Gratitude Week |
| Tuesday 5th | Funfields End of Year Pool Party - Consent and Payment Due |
| Thursday 7th | Grade 6 Graduation - Consent and Payment due |
| Friday 8th | Foundation 2024 Transition Day #4 - 9.10am - 10am |
| Tuesday 12th | Whole School Transition Morning - 9am - 10am |
| Tuesday 12th | 2024 Foundation Transition Day - Teddy Bear Picnic at 9.15am |
| Thursday 14th | Grade 6 Graduation |
| Friday 15th | Pizza in the Park - 200 Nights of Reading 12.30pm - 1.30pm Selected students only |
| Monday 18th | School Fete 3.30pm - 7pm |
| Tuesday 19th | Funfields - End of Year Pool Party |
| Wednesday 20th | Last Day of term - 1.30pm dismissal |
PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE
Grade Placement and Parent Requests
As outlined in our newsletter many weeks ago, parents had the opportunity to provide in writing grade placement requests for 2024 and these were due no later than the 22nd September. We subscribe to an online tool called ‘Class Creator’ – this software generates classes, balanced by class size, gender, behaviour, special needs and academic abilities, all the while taking into account recommended student separations, pairings, friendships, student sociograms, social dynamics and parent requests. This software saves many, MANY hours and days of work for staff.
At this stage, we have not assigned teachers to grade levels for next year. There are no guarantees that teachers currently teaching at certain grade levels will be teaching there next year, as leadership needs to take into consideration a range of factors including the development of our teaching staff and teacher preferences before this allocation is completed.
There is no place to request a particular teacher by name, NOR to request your child does not have a particular teacher. Selecting a particular teacher does not fit within the realm of special circumstances.
At this stage staff have worked through these lists and ensured they are all balanced. The leadership team will finalise these over the coming weeks. Once our grades are finalised, there is no negotiation and no changes will be made unless there has been an error in our process. Any changes made after we have finalised grades triggers a great number of issues- and the hard truth about accommodating all requests is that helping one, often comes at the expense of someone else’s child.
Curriculum Items for 2024
As the year draws to an end, we are looking at consolidating our revenue. Did you realise that the school budget is partly reliant on families paying their child’s curriculum items which the school purchases in good faith? This money covers resources for specialist programs as well as essential educational items such as stationery and resources your child receives at the start of every year. If these costs are not met the school carries the debt. We hope that all families will make these payments in a timely manner. A big thank you to families who have finalised their accounts for 2023.
As always, if you are experiencing any financial difficulties, please make an appointment to see any member of leadership or administration to discuss the matter in strict confidence. Your attention to this is greatly appreciated.
Family Holidays
Our attendance rate has improved considerably over the last few years. However, there is a growing trend of family holiday requests during our assessment period. This means that we have children that will miss different assessments which provide data for our teachers to moderate and report. This is not ideal for the classroom teacher, the child or the other children within the room.
Intention to Leave
Each year, we have a number of families moving into the area and enrolling students at grade levels other than Foundation, and this seems to increase significantly around this time of the year. Similarly, and often because of circumstances relating to job transfers, moving house and changed family situations, we have families leaving us with students attending other primary schools in the following year. PLEASE, if you are one of these families and you know for certain, or fairly sure, that you won’t be returning in 2024, could you let us know at your earliest convenience? Some important decisions are made based on enrolment information, and the more reliable the information, the better the decisions! An email to wandong.ps@education.vic.gov.au or a handwritten note presented to the General Office will suffice.
SAVE THE DATE! COMING TO WANDONG! SPECIAL PARENT EVENT
Susan McLean – CYBER COP, KEEPING OUR KIDS SAFE ONLINE
BOOK IN NOW WITH THE OFFICE – PLACES LIMITED
Please ensure you have called or emailed the office to book in for this special event.
School preparedness and pre-emptive actions for the bushfire season
Fire danger ratings indicate how dangerous a fire would be if one started in those conditions and provide clear direction on the safest options for preserving life. They can be a trigger for action in community and for school and household level fire plans.
Schools and children’s services listed on the Department of Education and Training’s Bushfire At-Risk Register (BARR) and those at some lower risk of bushfire or grassfire on the Category 4 list will be closed when a Catastrophic fire danger rating day is forecast in their Bureau of Meteorology district.
Schools and early childhood services listed on the Department of Education and Training’s Bushfire At-Risk Register (BARR) and those at lower risk of bushfire or grassfire on the Category 4 list take pre-emptive actions on elevated fire danger days to minimise the risk of being caught in a fire in these conditions. The category of risk (per the BARR or Category 4 list) determines the actions that the school or early childhood service will need to take on days of elevated fire danger.
Our school has been identified as being one of these schools at high bushfire or grassfire risk, and is listed on the Bushfire at Risk Register (BARR) / a category 3 school.
Our school will close on a day forecasted as Catastrophic fire danger rating in North Central – Murrindindi fire district.
The department will advise our school of the potential for a Catastrophic fire danger rating as information becomes available, however the pre-emptive closure will be confirmed by 1pm the day prior to Catastrophic fire danger day.
Fire danger ratings are forecast by the Bureau of Meteorology up to four days in advance. Should a Catastrophic day be forecast, we will notify you of the potential closure by an email or hard copy letter and Compass Push Notification. Closure of the school due to a forecast Catastrophic day will be confirmed on the day prior and we will provide you with advice before the end of the school day.
Once confirmed, the decision to close will not change, regardless of improvements in the weather forecast. This is to avoid confusion and help your family plan alternative care arrangements for your child. It is also important to note that:
- No staff will be on site on days where the school is closed due to a forecast Catastrophic day.
- Out-of-school-hours care will also be cancelled on these days.
- School camps will be cancelled if a Catastrophic fire danger rating day is forecast for the Bureau of Meteorology district in which the camp is located, or if the travel involves passing through areas that have Catastrophic fire danger.
- All bus routes that travel through the Catastrophic area will be cancelled.
- Depending on which fire weather district is impacted, bus route cancellations may affect our school.
Families are encouraged to enact their Bushfire Survival Plan on Catastrophic fire danger rating days. On such days, children should never be left at home alone or in the care of older children.
For those of us living in a bushfire prone area, the Country Fire Authority (CFA) advises that when Catastrophic days are forecast, the safest option is to leave the night before or early on the morning of the Catastrophic day.
As part of preparing our school for potential hazards such as fire, we have updated and completed our Emergency Management Plan and i.e. reprioritised any maintenance works that may assist in preparing for the threat of fire and cleared our facility’s grounds and gutters].
What can parents do?
- Make sure your family’s bushfire survival plan is up-to-date and includes alternative care arrangements in the event that our school is relocated / undertaking remote and flexible learning and/or closed due to elevated fire danger or a Catastrophic fire forecast. Further information can be found on the CFA’s website.
- Ensure we have your current contact details, including your mobile phone numbers. Keep in touch with us by reading our newsletters, by talking to your child’s teacher or any other member of the teaching staff about our emergency management plan.
- Most importantly at this time of year, if you’re planning a holiday or short stay in the bush or in a coastal area, you should check warnings in advance of travel and remain vigilant during your stay.
- If your child is old enough, talk to them about bushfires and your family’s Bushfire Survival Plan.
- You can access current information about school and early childhood services closures, including those due to elevated fire danger, on the Department of Education and Training’s website – see
http://www.education.vic.gov.au/about/programs/health/pages/closures.aspx
Multiple sources that offer information on emergencies are listed below:
- VicEmergency app – that can be downloaded on your android and iOS mobile devices
- VicEmergency Hotline (1800 226 226)
- Website https://emergency.vic.gov.au
- Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/vicemergency)
- Twitter (https://twitter.com/vicemergency)
- ABC local radio, Sky News and other emergency broadcasters
WELLBEING
Foundation SEW
The Foundation students, had a wonderful time participating in the Bravehearts’ personal safety education program, Ditto’s Keep Safe Adventure show. Ditto’s Keep Safe Adventure provides students with personal safety tools and strategies, while supporting positive self-esteem and building resilience.
A MESSAGE FROM THE SRC
Our SRC are partnering with volunteer organisation ‘Lids4Kids,’ to help rescue plastic bottle lids from landfill and recycle them to protect our environment for future generations to come. Lids4Kids partner with many other recycling plastic manufacturers to re-purpose lids into any sustainable recycled plastic projects to benefit the communities in which they were collected.
To be part of this wonderful initiative, please bring CLEAN milk, water or soft drink lids to school and place them in your classroom collection point. Alternatively, you can bring them to the Auslan room or 5/6W.
NOTICES
Office Hours
Please note that the school office hours are 8:30am until 4:15pm.
Picking Up Children – Please help our admin team!
IMPORTANT – Mobile Phone/Watch/Device Policy
In 2020, DET introduced strict restrictions on the use of any device with access to a cellular system, with or without a physical connection to a network. Where students bring a device of this type to school, it MUST be placed in secure storage at the office.
IMPORTANT – Student Information
It is very important we have up-to-date information for all students. Please check Compass and update current home & email addresses, phone numbers & medical details.
Reminder:
Hats must be worn throughout Term Four outside. If your child has taken their hat home, please make sure it’s brought back to school.
Uniform Orders
COMPASS – CANTEEN UNIFORM ORDERING
When ordering uniforms through Compass, use Canteen. See below for how to order
Going paperless will reduce waste & conserve our natural resources.
Please Note:
Select the following day as your order date if the current date is closed, even if it’s a weekend!
Log into the Compass App.
Select more at bottom of screen.
Click on the Canteen button.
Select Place Order at bottom of screen.
Select Student.
Select Date. (Will have to select next date if current date is cut off)
Select sitting e.g. Uniform
Click on item you require e.g Short Sleeve Polo.
Select how many you want and then select the size.
Add to cart.
Repeat for other items e.g. Bomber Jacket.
View Cart
Proceed to Checkout or create another order.
PAFA
Next Meeting: TBA
Primary discussion will be around fete and planning for 2024. If you’d like to help out please do come down! Everyone is welcome. We will be in the staffroom.
OUR SCHOOL FETE IS COMING!!!
- Volunteer your time to PAFA prior or on the day with setup and running of the event
- Help your classroom teacher run a stand
- Donate milo tins or some spooky stuff for the haunted tunnel
Need more info? Get in contact!
Steph 0408 039 935 or stephanie.domino@education.vic.gov.au
INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC INFORMATION
Wandong Primary is pleased to offer instrumental lessons for students from Foundation to grade 6.
Thank you for your interest in the Instrumental Music Program at Wandong
Primary School.
Our program provides students with the opportunity to develop musicianship
skills, build confidence and collaborate with others to deliver performances.
Above all, we aim to foster peoples love of music, have fun and stay creative.
Please find below, the conditions of our program and Enrolment form.
| Fee Description 2023 | Term 1 (10 Weeks) | Term 2 (10 weeks) | Term 3 (10 weeks) | Term 4 (10 weeks) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Individual Lessons | $390 | $390 | $390 | $390 |
Please read carefully to ensure your child’s maximum involvement and development.
In order to continue and develop their skills, students are encouraged to
show evidence of regular practice. Below is a recommended guide for weekly
practice times:
Beginners: 15-20 minutes, 3 days a week
After one year: 30 minutes, 4 days a week
After two years: 40 minutes, 5-6 days a week
Payment Terms & Withdrawal from the Instrumental Music Program
1. An invoice will be sent at the beginning of each term and is to be paid,
in full, via Direct Deposit.
2. Fees must be paid by the due date. Failure to do so will result in lessons
being stooped until payment has been made.
3. Unless notified, the instrumental teacher assumes all students in the
program will automatically continue lessons each term. A verbal or written
notification to the instrumental teacher is required to withdraw students
from the program. Notice needs to be received 2 weeks prior to the end
of the term, to avoid incurring the next term’s fees.
AFTER SCHOOL CARE
About the program
TheirCare provides adventurous and stimulating Before & After School Care Programs in a safe environment for all children. During sessions children develop life skills, friendships, confidence and creativity through play.
Wandong Primary School has partnered with TheirCare to provide this service to your school which includes quality care, booking flexibility, amazing programming for your children and commitment to deliver on our promise to your school community.
| Operation Times | Fees* | Out of Pocket | Average^ | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Before School Care | 6:30am - 8:45am | $21.00 | $3.15 - $21.00 | $4.83 |
| After School Care | 3:30pm - 6:30pm | $23.00 | $3.45 - $23.00 | $5.29 |
| Pupil Free Day | 6:30am - 6.30pm | $103.00 | $15.45 - $103.00 | $23.69 |
| Holiday Program | 6:30am - 6.30pm | $103.00 | $15.45 - $103.00 | $23.69 |
| Late Booking Cancellation Fee | Within 48 hours | $5.00 | ||
| Cancellation Fee | Same Day | Full Fee | See BSC/ASC |
Service Phone Number: 0497 877 771 Your Service coordinator will be available during sessions times. TheirCare support is available during office hours if required on 1300 072 410
How to Enrol
Visit Theircare website: www.theircare.com.au and click on ‘Book Now’ in the top right hand corner to register your child’s details
*Standard fees excluding incursions/excursion costs
^Based on ABS published average family income for the suburb the school is located
WANDONG PRIMARY SCHOOL FETE SPONSORS 2023
