BERWICK LODGE PRIMARY SCHOOL Phone: 9707 1766 Fax: 9796 2198 E-mail: berwick.lodge.ps@edumail.vic.gov.au Visit our Websites : www.berwicklodgeps.vic.edu.au, http://berwicklodgeps.globalteacher.org.au
NEWSLETTER N0.40
20TH YEAR ANNIVERSARY
DIARY DATES Friday 18th December Thursday 28th January Friday 29th January Monday 1st February Tuesday 16th February
Last day term 4—1:30 finish Office open for payments 9.30-4.00pm Office open for payments 9.30-4.00pm First day term 1 2010 Second hand uniform shop
17TH DECEMBER 2009
NOTICES DUE BACK BY
PRINCIPAL’S REPORT CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR GRADUATES Congratulations are in order for our graduates of 2009. On Monday evening we all celebrated a wonderful graduation dinner - graduation is one of the very special events on our calendar and most certainly one of my most favourite. As I reminded our graduates during the evening, their contribution to Berwick Lodge Primary School extended up to seven years for most of them. In acknowledging that fact, they should remember with pride their very significant contribution our school’s excellent reputation. Furthermore, their graduation reminds us all of the fact that our world is constantly changing, whether we like it or not; whether we handle it well or not. Most importantly, they will be in charge of their destiny more than anyone else. In saying this, it is important to remember that, as graduates, not only will they be confronted with change, but also they have the capacity to be change agents – for themselves as well as for society at large. That is an exciting opportunity. I know you are all up to it. Good Luck!
and certificates of recognition and Casey won the House competition for the first time in five years. Well done Casey! What with global warming and the early dismissal and final assemblies that s-t-r-et-c-h to 45 minutes, I don’t think we will be having final assemblies in the afternoons of our last school day for the year in the foreseeable future. They may well remain an echo from our past. I hope you have enjoyed this segment throughout the year – snippets from our school’s history vault. I will endeavour to collate them into an online publication on our website for your keepsake.
have contributed so much to our school in a very short time. Thank you and please take our best wishes with you back home. We have a first rate staff and they work very hard at our school. I’m sure you all know that, but that shouldn’t stop us from acknowledging the fact. Many, many thanks. To our parents - whether it’s on school council, the PFA, in the classrooms, on excursions, attending camps or supporting your child with their education, thank you ever so much. We wouldn’t be the school we are without you. Merry Christmas and good cheer to you all!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ’s) QUOTABLE QUOTE Q. What do you do in the holidays ‘The best thing about a year is a question children frequently ask that’s passed is that we were me. Well, this one is for you, our kids! here for it.’ A. It varies. Some years I stay at home, relaxing and catching up with friends and family over a variety of get-togethers. Other years, like this one, we head off on a holiday. This year Deborah and I are driving to North Queensland and Congratulations to the following spending time with Jennie Tranter and students who received awards her family (Deborah’s daughter and over the last week. former administration officer at our ECHOES FROM OUR FIRST 20 school). Then we will visit the YEARS Whitsunday Islands for a few days before Sienna PC For many years we used to have our final heading back. We intend to take our school assembly on the afternoon of the time on the way up and back – enjoying Brandon PC last day. Along the way we experienced the outback towns and sights at a some really blistering hot afternoons and leisurely pace. Then it’s back to work at some parents suggested that it might be Berwick Lodge! a good idea to have our final assembly THANKS TO OUR PARENTS early in the morning. What a great idea! AND STAFF For the past 5 or 6 years now we have Firstly, thank you to our two Canadian held them on the final Monday morning, teachers who are leaving us to return to when it’s still relatively cool. This year’s Canada after spending a great year at our final assembly was marked with the school. Anna Graham and Krista Wells presentation of a large number of awards
HENRY GROSSEK
SCHOOL AWARDS
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL’ S REPORT GRADUATION What a fabulous night we all enjoyed on Monday as we celebrated the graduation of our grade 6 students. Students, family members and staff joined together to reflect on the seven years of primary school and congratulate our graduates on their achievements. Our School Captains, Rachael and James, presented a heartfelt reflection of their time at Berwick Lodge on behalf of our 108 students. Special thanks needs to be extended to the grade 5/6 teaching team who organised all aspects of the night, from the emotional powerpoint presentation to the memento folders that were given to each student. Thanks also to other staff members who attended the evening and helped out on the night. Many of our students and parents have commented that ‘Bernard’, our performer, was an inspiration to them – not just through his brilliant dance performance, but also his personal ‘words of wisdom’ for our students and parents. Good Luck to all of our graduates for the future.
JUNIOR SCHOOL PERFORMANCES Our prep students and students in Years 1 and 2 enjoyed performing for their parents yesterday. Many families attended the performances and were proud to see their children singing with such enthusiasm. The children and staff appreciated the support from families despite the changing arrangements to accommodate the weather. BEST WISHES Tomorrow we will be farewelling some students at various year levels. We would like to wish these students all the best, and thank them and their families for their contributions to our school over the years. To Anna Graham and Krista Wells, our Canadian friends who will be returning home, good luck in your endeavours, and thank you for all of your hard work and commitment to BLPS.
We wish Andrew Searle and his fiancé Dell, all the best for their New Zealand wedding in January. We wish our whole school community a happy and safe holiday break and look forward to seeing you all in the New Year.
LYNNE BRENNER & DEBBIE CUSACK
Congratulations to Jodie Luketic (formerly Donnellan) on her marriage last weekend. From all reports Jodie made a radiant bride and had a wonderful day.
SECOND HAND UNIFORM SHOP
EMA NEWS
Our lovely second-hand uniform shop is running low on stock. So if you have any uniforms you wish to sell or donate, please bring them to the front office for collection. If you would like the PFA to sell uniforms, please clearly label with your name and telephone number and price you would like to sell at. Please note: uniforms must be clean and in good condition with current logo. Next second hand shop to open is Tuesday February 16th 2010. From the PFA team.
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 valid Health Care Card or valid Pension Card. The eligibility criteria must be met as at the first day of Term 1 (27 January 2010 which is the first day for teaching staff) and Term 3 (12 July 2010). The EMA application must be submitted to the school by 26 February 2010 . The EMA provides an annual amount of $225 for primary students. This amount is split evenly between the parents/guardians and the school. Parents with continuing eligibility, who are paid the first instalment of 2010 through this school will not be required to complete a new application for the second instalment. Parents who transfer children to another school after 26 February 2010 and prior to or on 6 August 2010, must reapply at the new school for the second instalment.
COMMUNITY NEWS For Sale Yamaha PSR-18 keyboard and stand Excellent condition - $65 Call Terryl 0412 040 241
WANTED GIRLS BORN IN 2000 WHO WOULD LIKE TO JOIN A GIRLS’ UNDER-10 TEAM TO START PLAYING IN FEBRUARY 2010 CONTACT DENNIS: 9707 1286
COMMUNITY NEWS Entertain the kids this school holidays at the
The Yarra Valley Railway Christmas Holiday Timetable Trolley rides will depart Healesville Station hourly between 10am to 4pm on the following days: 26th – 31st Dec, and every Wednesday to Sunday throughout the rest of the school Holidays
Have a Safe & Merry Christmas
For more information please call 5962 2490 www.yvr.org.au
BUSINESS ADVERTISING MICHEL’S PATISSERIE, PARKHILL PLAZA,SPECIAL Purchase a medium coffee or chocolate and try our fruit mince tart on us.
FOUNTAIN GATE JUNIOR FOOTBALL CLUB Registration Day Sunday 21st February 2010 12.00pm--3.00pm Sausage sizzle on the day Looking for all age groups u/9 to u/16 All new players must bring proof of age to register on the day Big discounts for all under 9 registrations All enquiries please contact the Secretary Mary on 0417 351 045
BUSINESS ADVERTISING The Party Food Shop Your one stop party shop Paul Stemson 0418 141 946 Phone 9704 6940 Fax 9704 6214 New Bigger Shop, Factory 3/12 Deblin Drive, Narre Warren 3805 1300 1 PARTY or 9704 6940
ROB’S British & Irish Products The Best Butcher on the Block. 177 Lonsdale Street Dandenong 9792 5188 Specializing In: British Gammon, Haggis, Irish Boling Bacon, Pork Pies, Welsh Faggots, Scottish Pies. White Puddings, Scottish Black Pudding, English Black Pudding, Scottish Kippers and Much Much More!!!
FRAMING BY BRAD Specialising in Scanning of negatives & slides, Restoration of photos, Framing of photos, All types of photography Brad Norton Chief Framer/Photographer 0417 953 199 Web: Www.aarp.com.au Email: brad@aarp.com.au
CRYSTAL CLEANING SERVICES P/L For all your carpet/upholstery and general cleaning needs Special Offer 3 rooms/3 seats Professionally steamed cleaned for $77.00 incl. gst Free deodorising Free stain treating Other services Vacate clean-up/ready for sale For bookings & enquiries contact Steve 0411 752 279 $1.00 from each booking goes back to BLPS. Plus $1.00 to Royal Children's Hospital Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year to all the BLPS community. Thankyou very much for all your support this year.
SCHOOL HOLIDAY DANCE CLASSES
Classes Held Thursday 14th January Dance and Musical Games Group ( Birdie Dance, Limbo Etc ) 11.30 am – 12.30 pm (6- 9 Years ) High School Musical 12.45 pm – 1.45 pm (6- 9 Years ) Thursday 21st Hanna Montana 11.30 am – 12.30 pm ( 6- 9 Years ) Michael Jackson 12.45 pm – 1.45 pm Suitable for 8 to 12 years $ 10 Per Child Per Class Parents are welcomed to stay Where Masonic Hall 106 High St Berwick Bookings Essential Ph 98892022 or Email charismadance@bigpond.com Charisma Dance Centre
Staycool Heating & Air Conditioning Pty Ltd For all you heating and cooling needs phone 24 hours Call us to get ready for summer 9703 2500 www.staycool.com.au
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15% discount on Travel Insurance when you mention Berwick Lodge Primary School CALL or EMAIL Joanne Haines Personal Travel Manager Tel: 9769 9932 Mob: 0404 032 483 Email: joanneh@travelmanagers.com.au