BERWICK LODGE PRIMARY SCHOOL Phone: 9707 1766 Fax: 9796 2198 Email: berwick.lodge.ps@edumail.vic.gov.au Visit our Websites : http:// www.berwicklodgeps.vic.edu.au, Camp Australia/Out of School Hours Care: 9769 8251
22ND APRIL 2010
NEWSLETTER N0.09 DIARY DATES Friday 23rd April Monday 26th April Tuesday 27th April
NOTICES DUE BACK BY Preps Basil’s Safety House ANZAC Day Holiday—no school Second Hand Uniform Shop 2:30-3:15pm
Tuesday 27th April Wednesday 28th April
Casey Safety Village form/money KEA Cup Netball form/money
Thursday 29th April
Mother’s Day Stall money
CANTEEN WILL BE CLOSED EVERY TUESDAY FOR TERMS 2 & 3
PRINCIPAL’S REPORT EARLY LEARNING EXPO
In endorsing the comments of Lynne Brenner and Debbie Cusack on the Expo in their Assistant Principals report, I congratulate our Prep Area team on their professionalism. They provided an outstanding display on behalf of our school and were wonderful ambassadors last evening. Our school captains, Cameron (6W) and Amy (6W) also deserve acknowledgement for their excellent support at the event.
SCHOOL COUNCIL SUBCOMMITTEES We have vacancies on all three subcommittees of council for both parents and staff members. These subcommittees, MANAGEMENT, RESOURCES and LEARNING ENVIRONMENT meet in the week before our school council meetings for approximately one hour at a date and time agreed to by members of the subcommittee. They are an important part of our school decision -making structure; providing an excellent opportunity to participate in the decision-making and learn more about how our school operates. Sub committees meet twice a term, usually after school or in the early evening, depending on what suits members best. Our next round of subcommittee meetings will be held during the week commencing Monday 3rd May. If you have the time and are interested and/or would like more information about the role and
duties of our subcommittees, please contact me or either of our Assistant Principals, Lynne Brenner or Debbie Cusack – we would be delighted to hear from you.
BUILDING EDUCATION REVOLUTION (BER) UPDATE The tender for our Library and 6 classroom facility is currently being drawn up and is expected to be let out for tender at the end of May by APP. In recent discussions with APP, I have been given an undertaking that our quotation for the rerouting of the stormwater drain and sewerage pipe will be taken into account in the deve lopme nt of t he t ender documents and I have been assured that we can nominate an accredited independent builder of our choice to be invited to tender for the project. These are important gains that we have made. The issue of transparency remains outstanding – I am liaising with the DEECD on this matter. They are reluctant to provide us with access to the financial details of the tendering process for our project, citing commercial confidentiality conditions. Nonetheless, we are proceeding with having our template facility independently costed drawing on the services of a quantity surveyor and builder. This will provide us with a benchmark cost that we can utilise in future discussions with the DEECD to ensure that we get value for money.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ’s) Q. Why we are holding this year’s Education Week Open Night on a Thursday, rather than a Wednesday as has been our recent practice?
A. Simply because the date in question – Thursday 20 th May coincides with the date of our official opening, way back in 1990. We thought it would be a great idea to acknowledge that occasion during Education Week this year. QUOTABLE QUOTES ‘‘If
you doubt the timeless relevance of Dr Jeckyll and Mr Hyde, then just think internet.’ HENRY GROSSEK
SCHOOL AWARDS Congratulations to the following students who received awards over the last week:
Brayden PL Venuki PC Kasey PW Tahlia PT Holly PM
Ameshi PL Karuna PC Nikolas PW Cody PT Wayde PM
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL’ S REPORT SAVER PLUS We have again received some information regarding the “Super Saver” scheme which is run by the Brotherhood of St Laurence in conjunction with the ANZ bank. This savings and financial program teaches money skills to people on lower incomes and encourages them to build savings to help pay for their children’s education. Participants’ savings are matched $1 for $1 (up to $500) and the money saved is used to pay for educational items such as uniforms, books, excursions and camps. Parents who have previously taken advantage of this program have provided us with very positive feedback. If you are interested in further information regarding this scheme please let the office know and they will pass on the relevant contact details. EARLY LEARNING EXPO Last night our Prep Team represented our school at the Berwick Early Learning Expo. This Expo provides local families with the opportunity to explore the options available in the area for schooling when considering enrolment for their students commencing primary school. We would like to thank our School Captains, Cameron and Amy, for representing the students on the evening, handing out information and answering questions from the students’ point of view. The feedback from families in attendance was very positive, with many of them enjoying the advice provided by the guest speakers who addressed the issues of kinder and school readiness. CHRISTIAN RELIGIOUS EDUCATION Katherine Merbis, our CRE team leader, is seeking a parent or grandparent interested in training as a CRE volunteer to conduct CRE session with the Year 3 and 4 students at Berwick Lodge. Interested persons can seek further information by contacting Robyn Miles by email at rmiles@accessministries.org.au or phone on 5940 8652.S
Our attention has been drawn to a website established by Woolworths which enables parents to plan interesting and varied lunches to meet the needs and interests of their children. The website can be accessed at www.woolworths.com.au and by following the link to the ‘lunch box planner’, parents can seek suggestions to encourage healthy eating habits. Parents are asked to reinforce with their children that sharing food or drink is not an acceptable practice and that they should not accept food from others. CURRICULUM NEWS EXCURSIONS & SCHOOL BASED ACTIVITIES This week many of our students have been fortunate to attend activities to support classroom curriculum programs. Our Year Three and Four students attended the Imax Theatre and Melbourne Museum. The film that they saw at Imax supports our Term Three unit ‘Healthy Body, Mind and Soul’. Our Melbourne Museum visit enabled the students to learn more about the history of their own state which are they are currently focussed on in the classroom. On Tuesday our Year Five and Six students had a visit from Nexus Arts who performed an hour show taking us on a journey through major parts of our Australian history from Indigenous history through to modern day. This historical performance was presented with humour, supported the classroom program and was enjoyed by the children. It provided the students with background information which will be valuable for their camp experience at Sovereign Hill. Further reports from the students can be found in this week’s newsletter. CANTEEN REMINDER! In last week’s newsletter families were informed that our canteen is no longer operating on Tuesday’s. Therefore lunch orders will not be accepted on this day. Please ensure your child has a snack for recess and a suitable lunch. We are not in a position to provide lunches for children who bring lunch orders and families will be contacted to make alternative arrangements should this happen.
STUDENT WELLBEING NEWS – HEALTHY LUNCHES Often it is difficult for parents to come up with new ideas to provide their Lynne Brener & children with the healthy lunches that we Debbie Cusack all know are so important for the development for brain and body growth. Assistant Principals
PFA NEWS The PFA is co-ordinating a fundraiser where we need a lot of prizes for a raffle and silent auction. We would love to hear from anyone that might be willing to assist in donating goods, vouchers or financial assistance. Please leave your contact details with the office and a member of the PFA will contact you. Looking forward to hearing from you. We will promote all businesses in our newsletter who help us out.
SECOND HAND UNIFORMS We are asking for second hand uniforms. So if you want us to sell them for you or you want to donate them to the school please leave them at the office...BUT remember that they must be clean and with current logo PLEASE. If we are selling for you please include
“Our Story”
The story “our story” was very entertaining. It was an exciting, fun and educational show. I learnt a lot about indigenous Australians, and I am enthusiastic about learning more. It was humorous while being educational. I think that putting a show that is educational and funny is a fantastic way to keep kids enthusiastic about learning. Overall I think that it was a fun and educational show that everyone enjoyed! I would have given the show 5 stars if they gave us cushions to sit on!!
By Maddy
2010 INTERNATIONAL COMPETITIONS AND ASSESSMENTS FOR SCHOOLS (ICAS) ENGLISH
Is your child in Grade 3 to 6 and do they have a strength or passion for literacy? We have received information regarding the 2010 International Competitions and Assessments for Schools (ICAS). For over 20 years ICAS has taken place each year in schools throughout Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei, the Pacific Region and South Africa. It is an initiative of Educational Assessment Australia (EAA), a non profit organisation owned by the University of New South Wales. ICAS provides an opportunity for students to gain a measure of their own achievement in an external assessment situation. It provides teachers, parents and students with comprehensive reporting of results. All students receive a certificate and an individual student report indicating which questions they answered correctly, their total score as well as their average compared with the rest of the students in the state/region. The student report is also useful for highlighting student strengths and weaknesses. High quality UNSW certificates are awarded for each year level as follows * High Distinction to the top 1% of entrants * Credit to the next 20% of entrants
* Distinction to the next 10% of entrants * Participation to all other participating students
The format of the English paper is 45 or 50 multiple choice questions to be completed in 45 or 50 minutes (depending on Year level). The sitting date is Tuesday 3rd August at Berwick Lodge. If you wish your child to participate in the International Competitions And Assessments For Schools – English, please fill out the details below and return to school with $6.60 entry fee NO LATER THAN WEDNESDAY 26th MAY, 2010. Bernadette Kelly Literacy Coordinator
2010 INTERNATIONAL COMPETITIONS AND ASSESSMENTS FOR SCHOOLS (ICAS) – ENGLISH I give permission for my child …………………………………………………………… of Grade …………………… to participate in the 2010 International Competitions and Assessments for Schools English to be held at Berwick Lodge on Tuesday 3rd August 2010. I enclose payment of $6.60 entry fee. Name of Parent/Guardian …………………………………………………. Signature of Parent/Guardian ………………………………………………
This entry form MUST be received at school no LATER THAN WEDNESDAY 26 TH MAY.
AUSTRALIAN MATHEMATICS COMPETITION The Australian Mathematics Competition Awards is a competition open to any student in Grades 3 - 6. Following our successes in past years, we are pleased to announce that we will once again be offering the opportunity for Grade 3 - 6 students to participate in this competition. All students who participate will receive a certificate showing their level of achievement and a detailed report of their performance on each problem with comparative statistics. The competition will be undertaken at school (numbers permitting) on Thursday 5th August, 2010. The cost for entering the competition is $5.00 per student. If you are interested in having your child/children participate in this competition, please complete the reply slip below, include the registration fees and return to your child’s class teacher by Friday 30th April, 2010. Should you have any further queries about the competition please do not hesitate to contact Mr. Paul Whitehead, Numeracy Co-ordinator in Room 24. Please note that no late registrations will be accepted. (Only children in Grade 3-6 are eligible to enrol). PAYMENT ADVICE 2010 AUSTRALIAN MATHEMATICS COMPETITION Name of Student/s :
_____________________________ Grade______ _____________________________ Grade ______
Total moneys enclosed at $5.00 per child is $ ___________ Parent / Guardian Signature : _________________________________________________
PHYSICAL EDUCATION NEWS st
Yesterday, Wednesday 21 April Berwick Lodge Primary School held its annual House Cross Country event involving all students from grades 3-6. I would firstly like to congratulate all the children on their fabulous personal performances, wonderful behaviour and the overall good sportsmanship shown throughout the day. Also I would like to send out a huge thank-you to all the teachers, parents and the two sports captains (Matilda and Reid) for their assistance and support with the event and without their contributions the event wouldn’t be such a success. From the day 60 students have been selected to represent Berwick Lodge P.S at the Edwin Flack District Cross Country on Monday 3 rd May at Sydney Pargeter Reserve in Endeavour Hills. I wish all these students the best of luck and congratulate them on their outstanding performance in the long distance running event. Congratulations on all those students who have tried out for the District Football, Soccer, Basketball and Netball Teams yesterday and I wish them the best of luck next week also in their final try out, my fingers are crossed for all of you! Good luck to the Girls and Mixed Netball teams competing in the Kea Cup at St. Margaret’s School on Thursday 6 th April, you have done a fabulous job in training. Also a huge thank-you to Mrs Naismith for her fabulous commitment to both of these teams and her fabulous training- Thank-you! Overall, well done to all students for a fabulous start to Physical Education for Term 2, you are all showing great effort and participation and I am very proud of every one of you! Also a reminder to put in your diaries Thursday 10th June for House Athletics day Amy Carlile Physical Education Co-ordinator
‘Our Story’ The show ‘Our Story’ was an educational but entertaining experience. I thought that Terry Cole (the professor) and Paddy (Patrick) Bath (Neville) played a terrific, humorous role in the show. learnt new and interesting information that will probably help me with me projects on Australian History. I recommend this show to 11 yearolds and people who are older. I rate this wonderful performance 5 stars out of 5 stars.
By Amy 6W
I
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
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!!!
Mel’s Guidance Counselling Specialising in: ▪ Relationship / Family violence ▪ Grief / Bereavement, including suicide ▪ Anger Management ▪ Depression ▪ Family Breakdown ▪ Child / Adolescent Issues ▪ Teenage pregnancy Please call ▪ Eating Disorders Melissa on 0413 ▪ Self esteem 333 547 to ▪ Personal Development You can also visit my website: www.melsguidancecounselling.com.au
Osteopathy & Clinical Pilates At Casey Allied Health 548 Kangan Drive Berwick Vic 3806 Phone Fax
8774 9600 8774 9611
www.berwickfamilyosteopathy.com.a u
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
EMA CHEQUES EMA cheques are now available for collection with ID from the office.
COMMUNITY NEWS GARAGE SALE Saturday April 24th, 2010 - 8:00a.m. – 1:00p.m. 5 Jason Close, Berwick FOR SALE Pine Bunks $35 Pine single bed $20 Stained Pine T.V. Cabinet $50 Pine Buffet $20 Pine Buffet and Hutch $30 Dark Green Hills Hoist Clothesline $100 2 x Black Swivel Bar Stools $40 Lime Green Rug with intermittent black stripes $50 (paid $300) All furniture in very good - excellent condition. For sale now OR at Garage Sale if not sold prior. Contact Ian on 0438 353 320 FOR SALE Lounge 3 Seater + 2 x 1 Seater $700 for lot (Excellent condition) 0416 062 201