09-02-12 (2)

The Weekly Newsletter from Niddrie Primary School, Watt Street Niddrie 3042

PHONE FAX

9379 6587 9379 9946 Principal: Greg Peters

Website: www.niddrieps.vic.edu.au Email: [email protected] School Council President: Leonie Slavin

DATE: 12/2/2009

DATES TO REMEMBER Mon 16th February

School Council 7:30pm

Wed 18th February

Prep assessment

Wed 25th February

Prep assessment

Mon 9th March

LABOUR DAY HOLIDAY

Mon

23rd

March

School Photos

Tues 24th March

Grade 5/6 camp begins

Fri 27th March

Grade 5/6 camp ends

Fri 3rd April

Term 1 ends; 2:30pm dismissal

Term Dates 2009 Term 1: Mon 2nd February to Friday 3rd April Term 2: Mon 20th April to Fri 26th June (12th June will be a student free day) Term 3: Mon 13th July to Fri 18th September Term 4: Mon 5th October to Fri 18th December

Dear Parents, School Council What is a school council and what does it do? All government schools in Victoria have a school council. They are legally formed bodies that are given powers to set the key directions of a school within centrally provided guidelines. In doing this, a school council is able to directly influence the quality of education that the school provides for its students. Do I need special experience to be on school council? No. What you do need is an interest in your child’s school and the desire to work in partnership with others to help shape the school’s future.

School Council vacancies exist for both parent and teacher representatives. Should you be interested in becoming part of this year’s School Council please see Greg for a nomination form. School Council meets on a monthly basis. The next meeting of School Council is scheduled for Monday 16th February at 7:30pm in the staffroom.

School Photos This year’s school photos will be taken by Advanced Photographers. The date we have booked is Mon 23rd March. We hope as many children as possible can wear their school uniforms on this day, as well as an impressive smile! Loss of Valuables and Accidents A reminder to parents that we discourage children from bringing any items of value to school. Precious belongings can easily be lost or damaged at school causing much unnecessary anxiety to the young owner. The school is not covered for such loss. Similarly, should children injure themselves at school, any costs incurred are not covered by the school or Department. Sun Smart Policy All parents are reminded that the wearing of hats is compulsory during Terms 1 and 4. When students are outside during the school day, they must be wearing a wide brimmed or legionnaire hat. Hats may be any colour. Children without a hat will be asked to stay in the shade during recess and lunchtimes and will not be allowed to play inter-school sport. Please support the teachers in the implementation of this policy and remember that it is in the best interests of your children to be appropriately protected from harmful UV rays.

Friday 13th12th Thursday

Vynna Kirifi

Thanks, Gail Before and After School Care The YMCA offer both Before and After School Care for students. The program commenced on Wednesday in the multi-purpose room. For your information, this program operates each school day from 7.30am until 8.45am and then after school from 3.30pm until 6.00pm. The program is run by the YMCA and offers a large range of interesting activities for children. Forms are available from the multi-purpose room or office or you can call 0425788434 for further information. Information on the Education Maintenance Allowance for the school newsletter The Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) is provided to assist eligible families with the costs associated with the education of their children. To be eligible for receipt of the EMA you must: be either a parent or guardian of a primary or secondary school student up to the age of sixteen; and be an eligible beneficiary of a Centrelink pension, allowance or benefit within the meaning of the State Concessions Act 2004 or be a Veterans Affairs (TPI) pensioner or be a foster parent. Consequently parents/guardians are able to access the EMA if they have a current Health Care Card or Pension Card. The eligibility criteria must be met as at the first day of Term 1 (28 January 2009 which is the first day for teaching staff) and Term 3 (13 July 2009). The EMA application must be submitted to the school by 21 February 2009. Application forms are available from the school office. Please note: you must fill in a new application form at the beginning of each school year. Niddrie P.S. Fee Structure 2009 The Fee Structure for 2009 is: $60.00 Book Fee + $15.00 Computer Subject Contribution = $75.00 We are also providing parents with the opportunity to pay a $25.00 VOLUNTARY Contribution Fee. School Council have ‘capped’ this Fee Structure at $175.00 per family. Fees should be paid by the end of February 2009. Kind Regards, Greg

th

CANTEEN ROSTER

Monday 9 Feb Tuesday 10th Wednesday 11th

Berris Fiona Oldfield

Munchkin land Affordable and flexible hourly rates for occasional child care. A fun and exciting environment for children between the age of 6 weeks and 12 years. Highpoint Shopping Centre, Maribyrnong (Near Myer. Between Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf & H&R Block)Phone (03) 9317 4442 www.munchkinland.info

Doutta Stars Junior Football Club

The Doutta Stars Junior Football Club is seeking new and existing players to register for the 2009 season. We have vacancies in all age groups from Under 10’s to Under 16’s and we cater for all skill levels. Registration Day 2009 Sunday 22nd February 11.00am - 2.00pm At Buckley Park Cooper Street, Essendon Melway: Map 28, C1 Registration Fees 2009 Single: $210.00, Family $350.00 (all inclusive, no hidden fees) Come and see us on Feb 22nd, and register for the upcoming footy season. Nurturing fun and fairness in junior footy Success is just a bonus For further details contact: John Donnini - 0418 362 339 Lindsay Foster - 9379 6558

GLENBERVIE TENNIS CLUB

MONDAY 9 FEBRUARY – FRIDAY 13 MARCH 2009 Tennis Victoria invites you to take part in our Mums’ Tennis Program which is conducted by Tennis Australia endorsed tennis coaches. This program is open to all players of all standards from absolute beginners through to those who have played tennis previously and would like to get back into the game. Tennis Victoria is promoting the fun, fitness and health benefits of tennis in a non-competitive environment. OUTLINE OF THE MUMS TENNIS PROGRAM • • • • •

Conducted by qualified coaches at local tennis clubs Great for health, fitness and fun Meet and socialise with other mothers in your area All tennis racquets and tennis balls supplied Total cost of the program is only $15 for 5 weeks of group tennis coaching Tennis Victoria is also offering you the chance to enroll your child in the Tiny Tots program which is run in conjunction with the Mums’ Tennis Program. The program is targeted at children aged 3 – 5 with the concept allowing mums’ to participate in the game of tennis without the burden of childcare. The cost for the program is $10 for 5 weeks. To register your child in the Tiny Tots program please advise your coach when registering for the Mums’ Tennis program. To register for the Mums’ Tennis Program at the Glenbervie Tennis Club please contact local club coach Phillip Conlan on 0412 310 920. Please book early, as places are limited.

Pedal Party Bike Decorating Competition 22 February 2009 @ Boeing Reserve, Strathmore Heights Mel Ref: 16:D5 Pedal your way to a fabulous day of environmentally focused activities and showcase your creative flair by dressing up your bike and taking part in the Pedal Party Bike Decorating Competition. There are great prizes to be won so make sure your creations are as crazy, colourful and environmentally friendly as possible. Bring along your bike already decorated or take part in our FREE bike decorating workshop on the day! Activities on the day also include: Bike decorating workshop 11am- 3.30pm!

Australian Wildlife Lectures •

Envirocraft – interactive activities

•

Water Watch – check out our water through the microscope

•

Pobblebonk – an exhibition about animals on the Maribyrnong River

•

Natural environment walk and talk tour

•

Herb Patten – Australia’s leading gum leaf blower will perform and hold a free workshop Other events coming up:

Diversity Rocks at Debneys Sunday 22 march Debneys Park, Flemington Riverview Garden Tea Party Sunday 29 March Riverview Tea Gardens, Avondale Heights Registration forms and inquiries can be downloaded from mvcc.vic.gov.au, by contacting [email protected] or calling 9243 8888

Managing Back to School Separation Anxiety It is very common for children to display separation anxiety at the beginning of a new school year. The following strategies can be useful. • Develop a “goodbye” ritual: Rituals are reassuring, especially during stressful times. Plan a special way to say goodbye, such as a wave through the window or a lipstick kiss stamped on the back of your child’s hand. You might ask “How shall we say goodbye? A kiss or a hug? One hug or two?” Giving children choices in little matters helps them feel that they have some control over what is happening. • Prepare the night before: Involve your child in the packing of lunches and the selection and laying out of clothes. • An unhurried, pleasant start to the day is crucial to successful separations. • Be reliable and always come back when you say you will. If for some reason you can’t get back on time, let the carer/school know, so that they will be able to tell your child what has happened. • Your child could keep with them a special object from home like a special toy or picture. This can be comforting. • Present a calm, positive attitude. Sing a favourite song or talk about what they (or you) will be doing that day. Explain when and where you will be picking them up. • Take time to say goodbye: Leave your child with a positive picture of what you will do together at the end of the day. • Regardless of how tempting it may seem, avoid sneaking out while your child is distracted. This can affect trust and could encourage them to cling more on future occasions. • Avoid repeated goodbyes: Once you say “I’m leaving now” and go through the established goodbye rituals, then go. Stalling can make children more tearful and clingy. • Accept and listen to negative feelings: If you or your child are feeling upset about the separation, reassure yourself that you have taken all the required steps to

place them in a safe, nurturing and stimulating setting. Telling children that they are too big to cry or that they are making a fuss over “nothing” only aggravates their fears and fails to help them understand their true feelings. Saying, “I know you are feeling sad. I will miss you too,” is more helpful.

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If separation anxiety persists over several weeks alternative strategies can be provided. Please see your child’s class teacher to arrange support through the school psychologist if required.

Located on Chandler Hwy, Kew (Melway 45B1) Free Parking off site with shuttle bus service Meet Wags the Dog and loads of our adorable puppies for Guide Dogs Victoria’s annual Open Day. With Guide Dog demonstrations, live entertainment, giveaways, show bags, competitions and loads of fun activities for the kids, Open Day is a fantastic family day out. Entry via gold coin donation Visit www.guidedogsvictoria.com.au for full details and parking information or phone 9854 4444 Sorry no pets allowed