BERWICK LODGE PRIMARY SCHOOL Phone: 9707 1766 Fax: 9796 2198 E-mail: 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
13TH MAY 2010
NEWSLETTER N0.12 DIARY DATES Friday 14th May Monday 17th May Thursday 20th May Friday 21st May Monday 24th-26th May Tuesday 25th May
DIARY DATES CONTINUED Gr 5/6 interschool winter sports (home) Wednesday 26th-28th May Gr 5/6 camp 2 5J,5L,6C,6W Wednesday 26th May Gr 3/4 camp info night 7:00-7:45pmOSHC Education Week Open Night BLPS 20th Birthday Gr 5/6 Winter sports (away) Gr 5/6 camp1 5E,56N,6P Second hand uniform sale 2:30-3:15pm
NOTICES DUE BACK BY Friday 14th May Wednesday 19th May Wednesday 26th May
Gr 5/6 Camp money Zone Cross Country International English Comp forms
FRIDAY JUNE 11TH PUP IL FREE DAY
PRINCIPAL’S REPORT SCHOOL COUNCIL REPORT School council met last Monday evening and this is a brief summary of business conducted. Minutes of council proceedings are available for your perusal following their ratification at our next council meeting. In future, once Council Minutes have been ratified we will be posting them on our school website for your convenience. I will however, continue to provide you with a user-friendly summary of the key decisions made and discussions held. INTERNATIONAL PROGRAM Sister School Partnership with Tampines P.S., Singapore Debbie Cusack, Lois Smethurst and Paul Whitehead visited Tampines P.S. as part of a weeklong visit to Singapore during the school holidays in preparation for the commencement of student exchanges between our two schools in 2011. The trip was very valuable in that our team were able to develop a high class educational itinerary for our students, source suitable accommodation possibilities and discuss educational learning opportunities and suitable dates with the staff at Tampines P.S. for our students on their visit next year. We are now at the planning stage for a visit to Tampines P.S by a team of 12-16 Berwick Lodge P.S. students next year. We anticipate student/teacher visits will alternate yearly between our two schools – that is, we will visit Tampines in 2011, they will visit us in 2012 and so on. This is an exciting new venture and one which will require a great deal of planning. We will keep you informed.
championships attended by over 10,000 students worldwide from 34 countries, including each State in the USA. It was an outstanding event, conducted under the theme of ―Gracious Professionalism‖. Robotics programs are a growing feature in USA, European and Asian schools, though not so much in Australian schools. The trip highlighted several things for Traceye and I. Firstly, robotics can and should be taught more in our schools, particularly given the growing use of robot technology across a wide range of industries and professions. Secondly, we underestimate the capabilities of our children – it is quite breathtaking to see 10 to 12 year olds engaged in sophisticated robot technology and loving it with a passion. Thirdly, the opportunity for children (and adults) to spend time with people from other countries is a wonderful educational experience. The students from Glendal P.S. had as their immediate ―Pit‖ neighbours for the four-day tournament children from Haiti, England and China. The time they spent sharing with each other was a priceless educational opportunity. Traceye Rapinett will lead the development of a robotics program at our school, commencing in Year 4 grades later this year. Traceye and I will provide parent information updates and sessions in the coming months for you – who knows, you may find a new hobby or career path for yourself. As an aside, CNN studios which are located in Atlanta, adjacent to the Olympic Dome in which the championships were held now use robots as camera men in their studios!
INTRODUCTION OF ROBOTICS Traceye Rapinett and I attended the World Robotic Championships for school children, held in Atlanta, USA in the first week of term 2. My wife‘s school Glendal P.S. were the Australian representatives in these
INSURANC E FOR P ERSONAL PROPERTY Council discussed the option of taking out insurance cover for staff personal belongings such as cars to cover damage incurred whilst being parked on our premises during
working hours. This was raised in the wake of a recent incident in which a staff member‘s car was accidentally damaged, but unfortunately the cost was not covered by private insurance. The cost to council of such insurance would be in the vicinity of $1200 per annum. Importantly, the DEECD do not provide insurance cover for theft, loss or damage to personal belongings of staff, students or volunteers. Council, whilst sympathetic to the staff member in question decided to follow the line of the DEECD in not providing school paid for insurance. I should add that it is our policy in cases of wilful or reckless damage by students or adults to another person‘s property that we seek to negotiate recompense. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ’s) Q. When will our BER building work commence? A. The tender for the work is being let in mid-June and I would anticipate that work should commence around AugustSeptember with a completion date of February- March next year. Of course, we are still negotiating transparency issues with the DEECD, these continuing whilst the tendering process being undertaken. Later this week we will receive our commissioned quote for the cost of the template building. That should be interesting! QUOTABLE QUOTE ‘Underestimating children
says a lot
about ourselves’
HENRY GROSSEK
ASSISTANT PRINCIPALS’ REPORT LOST PROPERTY With the onset of the cooler mornings many children are wearing jumpers and coats to school. We have noticed a significant increase in unnamed clothing in our lost property. We have a system in place where our Student Leaders check the lost property weekly and return named items to the appropriate classroom. However, many items are not clearly named and remain in our lost property baskets. We request that parents check their child‘s belongings to ensure that they are all clearly labelled with the child‘s name and grade. This will assist us in returning lost items to their rightful owners. If families are missing items of clothing or other belongings they are welcome to check the lost property baskets which are housed in the entrance to the main building adjacent to the Library. OPEN NIGHT – THURSDAY 20TH MAY All families are invited to attend our Open Night on Thursday 20th May from 6:00 to 8:00PM. A program outlining activities and displays will be sent home this week. Prospective families are also most welcome to attend. The Student Leaders and some of our other senior students will be conducting guided tours for first time visitors. If you know of any families who may be interested in attending our Open Night please extend an invitation to them.
be held by Parents Victoria. The conference will be held non-stop on the internet during Education Week (Sunday 16th May to Saturday 22nd May). No special software is needed, other than an internet-connected computer and a browser. The online discussions will be very easy to join in, and guidelines about how to participate will be provided. Join in for all days, just some days, or even a few hours, depending on your lifestyle and other commitments. The conference will discuss the following topical issues: Transition – May 16th, Bullying and Discipline – May 17th , Regeneration in Victorian Government Schools – May 18th , Food and Schools – May 19th , Disability – May 20th , School Costs – May 21st , Party Safe – May 22nd . The Parents Victoria Online Conference 2010 website will be open from 6AM on 16th May at http://www.cybertext.net.au/ pv/
STUDENT WELLBEING NEWS ASTHMA PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR STAFF Recently our staff participated in a professional development session presented by an educator from the Asthma Foundation of Victoria. She familiarised all staff with asthma triggers and the four step first aid response to an asthmatic attack. She advised that all asthmatics should use their puffer with a spacer to maximise the effectiveness of the medication. We were shown handy PARENTS VICTORIA ONLINE little spacers that can easily fit into a bag CONFERENCE or coat pocket that are readily available Parents of primary and secondary from chemists. students are warmly invited to take part in the fourth annual online conference to
We have provided the Asthma First Aid flyer with the newsletter for your information. We were informed that a first asthma attack can occur at any stage of life and knowing what to do could save a life. It was also emphasised that you cannot harm a person by administering ventolin and therefore if a person is having difficulty breathing it is appropriate to use ventolin, even though they may not be a diagnosed asthmatic. CURRICULUM NEWS AMBULANCE VISIT This week our Prep classes will be visited by Ambulance Victoria. They will get to meet the paramedics and see inside a ‗real ambulance‘. The children will also learn how to make an emergency call. This visit complements the work prep teachers are doing as part of the ‗I‘m Okay‘ safety unit. NAPLAN This week our Years 3 and 5 students have completed their NAPLAN tests in Literacy and Numeracy. Results of these tests will be forwarded to the school and parents later this year. The reports will describe your child‘s particular skills in Reading, Writing, Language Conventions and Numeracy. The report will also show how your child performed in relation to National Minimum Standards. These describe minimum acceptable standards for students across Australia. We will inform parents via the newsletter of the arrangements for forwarding these reports.
LYNNE BRENNER & SUE NAISMITH
SECOND HAND UNIFORMS
BLOSCH NEWS
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 all details including how must you want for them. Second hand uniform sale will be held on Tuesday 25th May 2:30-3:15 in the Canteen.
Quality Assurance (QA) OSHC QA is coming up shortly and we have validation surveys for children to fill in. You can pick one up from the OSHC building. It is really important that is you have one, we need them back ASAP. NEXT WEEK M—Cooking truffles T– Barong mask rubbings W– Cooking chocolate weet-bix slice T– Robots (using egg cartons etc) F– Paper galore (planes, boats anything paper) Our operating hours are: Before school care 6:45am-8:45am After school care 3:30pm-6:30pm Our direct line is 9769 8251 or you can call the admin team at Camp Australia on 8851 4160. Thank you OSHC team
YEAR 7 2011 TRANSITION NEWS All Grade 6 parents are reminded their children’s applications to secondary school forms are due back to their child’s class teachers NO LATER THAN FRIDAY the 14th of MAY 2010.
CASEY SAFETY VILLAGE EXCURSION On Monday 10th May 2Z, 2M and half of 2L went to the Casey safety village in Cranbourne. We travelled in a bus. First 2Z went in the fire safety shed. Kylie taught us about fire safety. The three things you‘ll need to make a fire (which is called a fire triangle) are heat, oxygen and fuel. I did a STOP, DROP and ROLL with Brodie R because Kylie was letting everyone have a turn. Next we went and did road safety with Rae. First she taught us about being a safe pedestrian and bike rider. I rode a bike because the excursion was encouraging us to learn about safety. I had a fun day. My favourite part was when I rode a bike. By Hannah W 2Z On Monday 10th May, 2Z, 2M, and half of 2L visited the Casey Safety village. It was at Cranbourne. We went on a bus. First, Kylie showed us how to act when a fire happens. At snack we were excited about going on a bike. We were learning about pedestrians. It is safe to walk on the pathway. We went on a bike to learn about road rules. I was a pedestrian the second time and I also had a turn at changing the traffic lights from green to red. Overall I had a fun day and learnt a lot. By Patrick 2Z
On Monday 10th May, 2Z, 2M and 2L went to Casey Safety Village. They split us into two groups. We went to Fire Safety first. You need heat, fuel and oxygen to make fire. We learnt how to crawl in case of a fire. It was fun on the bikes. The bike session was for road safety. I wanted to be a lollypop person but I wasn‘t so I was the rail gate opener. But I quit that so I was the traffic light person. It was a bit fun. I stayed at that job. It was hard but I had fun. On the bikes I found the hardest part was going around the roundabout. By Jack 2Z
It was a fantastic day. By Hannah M 2Z
On Monday 10th 2010, 2Z, 2M and half of 2L visited the Casey Safety Village in Cranbourne. Firstly, 2Z went to a Fire Safety session. Our teacher (fire safety) was Kylie. We first talked about the Fire Triangle (the three sides are fuel, oxygen and heat) and she told us to stop drop and roll when you are on fire (cover your face). She also told us to crawl low in smoke. Secondly, 2Z did pedestrian or bikes. I was a pedestrian first (but I didn‘t walk, I opened the railway crossing gate) then I was riding a bike (with training wheels). I liked riding on the bike. The brand was Dragon (it went faster than I thought). I had a great day there. On Monday the 10th of By Eric 2Z May, 2Z, 2M and half of 2L visited the Casey Safety Village in OXYGEN HEAT Cranbourne. First we went to the fire safety building with Kylie. She has been a firewomen for 9 years. In the session we learnt of what we should do when there is a fire. If you catch on fire, you should STOP, DROP FUEL and ROLL. Then we did bikes with Rae for about 1 hour. First I was a pedestrian walking around and then I was a bike person. We went on a bike to learn how to be safe.
PHYS ED NEWS Last Thursday 6th May, 18 children represented Berwick Lodge PS in both mixed and girls‘ netball teams at the KEA Cup Netball tournament held at St. Margaret‘s School in Berwick. The team players were chosen after various training sessions and were then involved in training, and drill sessions conducted during lunch time breaks by Mrs Naismith and myself in the weeks leading up to the event. Both teams are to be congratulated on their outstanding efforts, overall behaviour and fabulous sportsmanship displayed on the day. The Girls team consisted of Monique 6C, Charlotte 5/6N, Kirsty 5/6N, Tiffany 6C, Codie 5/6N, Alannah, Sabrina 5/6N, Georgia 5L and Mikayla 5/6N. All girls played tremendously well on the day, and worked successfully as a team to score 7th place.
The Mixed team players were Matilda 6W, Brooke 6W, Hayley 6C, Madison 6C, Coutney 5L, Declan 6P, Reid 5/6N, Bailey 6C and Jack 6C. The mixed team had a very successful day; they were coached throughout the day by Mrs Luketic, and had a final result of Second place at the end of the day taking them through to the Grand Final the next day! On Friday the Mixed team played well together in the deciding final two matches, their results saw them take out 4th Place and out of the 17 teams that competed over the previous two days to come fourth was a tremendous achievement that they should be very proud of. I once again congratulate all of these children on an outstanding effort and thank them for being such a pleasure to take and have representing our fabulous
school. A huge thank-you to Mrs Naismith for her outstanding coaching and training sessions she conducted with the children. Also a large thank-you to Mrs Lotherington, Mrs Fudge, Mr Morgan and Mrs Jenkin who helped provide transport and assistance on the day. Also a very large Congratulations to Dele 6W who tried out firstly for the District Soccer Team, made it into that team, then progressed to try out for the Regional team, which he has been successfully selected into and now has the exciting opportunity to try out for the State Soccer Team. I wish him the best of luck and cross our fingers as he plays for a place in the State Team! Well Done.
PFA NEWS
SCHOOL AWARDS Congratulations to the following students who received awards over the last week:
Nikkitah PC Cody PW James PL Declan PM Taylah PT Zach 1J
Jared PC Chenaya PW Emily PL Jenna PM Nilma PT
I would like to extend a big Thank-you to all the PFA members and volunteers who came to help out at the Mothers Day Stall, as well as with the re-packing of the chocolates and distribution to all the classes. Without your assistance the day could not have run as smoothly and efficiently as it did—Again, thank you so much. Cadbury fundraising chocolates have been distributed this week. There are 24 pieces per box @ $2.50 each (total $60.00 per box). If you do not wish to sell them, please return (unopened) to the front office or alternatively if more boxes are required, please let us know with a written note from a parent. Michelle Sarjent PFA President.
PREMIERS READING CH ALLENGE Congratulations to the following students who have completed this years Premiers Reading Challenge for 2010. LOST JACKET School logo, buttons, size 10, Robertson on name tag please return to 2L. FOUND A mothers day present found Thursday in play ground. Please see the office
Kaitlyn Kimberley Shenelle Jessica
3/4R 3/4R 3/4R 3/4R
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