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
NEWSLETTER N0.15 DIARY DATES Friday 4th June Monday 7th June Friday 11th June Monday 14th June Wednesday 16th June Thursday 17th June Thursday 17th June Monday 21st June Tuesday 22nd June Friday 25th June
Gr 5/6 Winter sports (away) School Council Sub-Committee Pupil Free Day Queens Birthday Holiday—No School Gr 5/6 Lightning Premiership Senior Choir Eisteddfod Gr 3/4 Soccer Gala Day School Council PFA Pie Drive pick-up End of Term 2—2:30 finish
3RD JUNE 2010 NOTICES DUE BACK BY Wednesday 9th June Thursday 10th June Tuesday 15th June Thursday 17th June Monday 31st May Friday 18th June Friday 18th June
Gr 3/4 Soccer Gala Day Senior Choir Eisteddfod PFA Pie Drive form & money Gr 3/4 Camp Parent Helpers form Gr 3/4 Melbourne Football tickets Gr 3/4 Camp Deposit PFA Chocolate Drive money/returns
FRIDAY JUNE 11TH PUP IL FREE DAY
PRINCIPAL’S REPORT BUILDING EDUCATION REVOLUTION (BER UPDATE) Earlier today I received a reply from Anthony Parsons, Group Manager, BER Program Management on behalf of the Deputy Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, in response to my open letter (published in last week’s newsletter) to her. I have included a copy of Anthony Parson’s reply with this newsletter for your information. When you read it I would be surprised if you did not conclude that it is basically fobbing us off. Nonetheless, I will contact the DEECD and request that they be allowed to select our own project manager for our project who would then oversee the design and construction of our $3 million P21 project. There is some heartening news on the BER front and that is that media outlets other than The Australian are now running strongly on this issue and the federal Opposition are engaging the Government in federal Parliament very robustly on the BER. They are supporting our claims to temporarily halt the rollout of the remaining $5.5 billion of funds, with a view to providing government schools with the opportunity to choose their own project managers and redesign their template buildings. Most feedback I have received has been very supportive of our actions to date. However, a small number of people in our school community have expressed concern, preferring that we accept the template as is, rather than possibly miss on it altogether. I can understand this viewpoint, nonetheless, if we do that, then we would end up with a shell of a building (not worth $3 million) plus a bill for about $250,000 to
install adequate joinery, provide a cooling system appropriate for such a building, construct covered ways for shelter as children move between buildings and provide a suitable level of landscaping. Then there’s the whole question of the design of the building! I will keep you informed. STAFFING CHANGES It’s great to have Mrs Cusack back as one of our Assistant Principals after her short retirement. Debbie has assumed the same responsibilities as before her month long retirement. Geoff Ablett has resigned from his one day per week role at Berwick Lodge P.S. for personal reasons. Geoff had been sharing grade responsibilities with Karise Dell (3DA). Kylie Sylvester, one of our experienced teachers currently on Family Leave, will commence duties in Grade 3DA on Tuesday 22nd June (Tuesdays only) for the remainder of the year. For the next two Tuesdays, we will have one of our regular, experienced CRT’s teaching in Grade 3DA. INAUGURAL EXHIBITION OF THE WATERCOLOUR SOCIETY OF AUSTRALIA (WCSA) On Tuesday evening I had the great pleasure of attending the opening of this exhibition at Montsalvat in Eltham, as the guest of the treasurer of the WCSA, Antoinette Blyth, a former teacher at our school. The Kenneth Jack Award for excellence was presented at the opening; Kenneth Jack being one of Australia’s finest watercolour painters. If you have the chance between now and the 14th June, it’s a great exhibition to attend if you at all
interested in painting and the bonus is the historic site of Montsalvat. Whilst there I had the honour of meeting with Graeme Clark and Geoff Hook, both of whom are outstanding Australians in their own right. Graeme Clark is the inventor of the bionic ear and Geoff Hook is one of our countries best political cartoonists. I am hoping to both Graeme Clark and Geoff Hook visit our school later in the year and speak with our students – their stories are simply inspirational. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ’s) Q. Do we have any plans for extending the opportunity to be on radio to all grades, not just our senior students? A. The short answer is yes! Whilst the weekly one hour program, Radio Club, is broadcast live to air on Casey Radio 97.7FM from our school studio, and will continue to involve senior students, we are exploring options for introducing internet radio at our school. I am both excited and very hopeful – internet radio as we envisage it would not require that our school be bound to the needs of a licensed community radio station – Casey Radio 97.7FM. With our ten years of experience in radio broadcasting and ICT expertise that we now have, the concept of a school wide internet radio facility is very appealing. QUOTABLE QUOTE
‘If it’s hope you’re seeking, then join
the voices of reason lurking in the wilderness.’ HENRY GROSSEK
ASSISTANT PRINCIPALS’ REPORT PUPIL FREE DAYS Parents are reminded that Friday 11th June and Monday 9th August will be Pupil Free Days. On the 11th June staff will be involved in Report Writing and on the 9th August all schools will be engaged in staff training related to the introduction of the Ultranet. Camp Australia have confirmed that they will be offering a program for Friday 11 th June and will seek expressions of interest regarding a program for Monday 9th August. Families requiring care are encouraged to make contact as soon as possible to ensure that the appropriate arrangements can be made. PARKING RESTRICTIONS We are aware that the City of Casey are planning to introduce some new parking restrictions in the immediate vicinity of the school. In particular, in Collins Crescent near the Collins Crescent Car Park and in Mansfield Street between the bus stop located at the front of the school and the school crossing near the Milk Bar. Parents need to be alert as the by-laws officers and police will be patrolling and booking drivers who do not adhere to these and other traffic restrictions. STUDENT WELLBEING NEWS The City of Casey has sent us the following information about some programs and activities they are running for families: ROLLERCOASTERS: 4 hour program for children aged 5 -8 years who have been affected by parental separation and divorce. Aims to assist child with understanding, feelings and coping. Sessions: Mon 26 July and 2 August. 4pm – 6pm @ Windermere’s Biala, 26 Parkhill Drive BERWICK. $5 per week, please bring a snack. To register contact: Julie Speirs, 9705 3200 or info@windermere.org.au
ENGAGING ADOLESCENTS: An insightful 3 week course for parents of teens and pre teens. Understand adolescents and your job as parent of a teenager. Sessions: Wed 9, 16 & 23 June. 6:45pm – 9:00pm @ Windermere, Webb St. NARRE WARREN. $45 full cost, or $15 per weeks. $40 total if paid in week 1. To register & book contact: Julie Speirs, 9705 3200 or info@winderemere.org.au
Children are welcome to play on their allocated playground when they arrive at school in the morning, or if they are waiting to be picked up after school. They should not be playing on the playgrounds of other levels unless PLAYDAZE: Discover the learning their parents are supervising them. and sharing that is playgroup! Free for If for any reason your child has not been children aged 0 – 5 years. Friday 18 June, picked up by 3:45pm they will be 10am – 12pm. @ Devon Meadows directed to the front office area where Community Hall, Cnr Cross & they must wait until they are collected. Worthington Rds DEVON MEADOWS. These measures are not meant to cause any inconvenience. They are for the SCHOOL HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES safety and security of all of our students. DIRECTORY WINTER HOLIDAYS CURRICULUM NEWS (June/July): Information on school holidays GARDEN PROJECT programs, activities and events is now As part of their ‘Wash Away, Break available online at the City of Casey’s Away, Wear Away’ inquiry learning unit public website: Click on the tabs, the children from Grades 4M and 3/4R Services, Children’s Services, Primary have identified areas around the school S c h o o l Y e a r s – C o m m u n i t y affected by weathering and erosion. They have also weeded garden beds, Development aerated soil, trimmed hedges and OR h t t p : / / w w w . c a s e y . v i c . g o v . a u / collected leaf litter to use as garden childrenholidayactivities/calendar.asp? mulch. They have suggested ways to showMonth=6&showYear=2010&Major= improve these areas and designed an 377&templateID= *(Limited hard copies action plan to further improve the of the Directory booklet will be available appearance of our school. A group of students have prepared a proposal for prior to the Term Break). School Council for some funding for SUPERVISION OF STUDENTS them to support their work. We BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL congratulate these students on the We have noticed that many of our initiative they have shown and the pride students are still arriving at school very they are demonstrating in their school early and remaining in the school environment. grounds until late in the afternoon. Parents are reminded that the yard LYNNE BRENNER & DEBBIE is supervised by staff between 8:45 CUSACK and 9:00am in the morning and 3:30 and 3:45pm after school. Students in the playground outside of these times are at risk. If it is necessary for children
SCHOOL AWARDS Congratulations to the following students who received awards over the last week:
Jade PT Erica PT Aislin PC Milly PL Caitlyn PW Kyan PW Omar PM
to be at school either early or late, then parents should consider enrolment in the OSHC Program or make other arrangements.
Karuna PC Whitney PL Ainsley PM
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 all details including how must you want for them.
PHYS ED NEWS st
On Tuesday 1 June 7 students represented Berwick Lodge Primary School and the Edwin Flack District at Zone Cross Country which was held at Sydney Pargetter Reserve in Endeavour Hills. Congratulations to the following students who achieved a tremendous accomplishment in firstly making it through to Zone and then achieving such wonderful results on the day. I was extremely proud of each one of them and the personal achievements they attained. Well Done to: Matt 3/4K; competed in the 10 year old Boys and came 23rd Zoe 5L; competed in the 10 year old Girls and came 27th Monique 3DA; competed in the 10 year old Girls and came 33rd
Kyle 5/6N; competed in the 11 year old Boys and came 48th Declan 6P; competed in the 12/13 year old Boys and came 43rd Matilda 6W; competed in the 12/13 year old Girls and came 15th Madison 6C; competed in the 12/13 year old Girls and came 23rd
A reminder that next Thursday the 10th June is House Athletics Day!
All children in grades 3-6 are reminded to wear appropriate sports clothes and runners, bring a drink bottle of water and dress in their House colours. There will be ribbons awarded on the day for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Places in each event and age group, an Overall Boys and Girls Age Group Champion will be awarded a medal and certificate, the winning house will be awarded the plaque and a certificate can be won for the Best Dressed in each age group on the day! A fun filled day is sure to be had by all!
Amy Carlile Physical Education Coordinator
SOVEREIGN HILL CAMP
PFA NEWS
Theresa Smart and Nikki Robertson were the AWESOME parents that shared our experience on this camp. The parents helped us with all of our On Monday 24th – th 26 of May, 5E, 5/6N learning activities and were great on making them fun for us. and 6P went to Sovereign Hill Camp. We would like to thank all of the AMAZING parents who gave up their The parents that own time to contribute to this went on this camp MAGNIFICANT camp! It wouldn’t have were Amanda run smoothly without the parents’ and Hinchcliffe, Daniel teachers’ hard work. We’d also like to McKenzie, Kylie thank Mrs. Luketic for all of the Easton, Tony organisation involved in preparing for Morgan, Darren Buswell and Corey the camps, and thanks to Mr. Robertson. They were really friendly Whitehead, Mrs. Jinks, Mrs Cascianelli, and helpful for all of the students and Mr. Pryor, Mrs Naismith and Miss Nolde they were very kind to help out the for spending their time with us. teachers’ tough work. Thanks again to everyone involved. We On Wednesday 26th – 28th of May, 5J, 5L, 6C and 6W went on our Sovereign all had a FANTASTIC time!!! Hill camp. Steve Ashman, Belinda O’Sullivan, David Blake, Barbara Wells, By Amy. A and Zayne 6W
Just a friendly reminder that all chocolate money is due on Friday the 18th June 2010. If there are any partial boxes, please return the money and unsold chocolates to the front office. Winner of the chocolates will drawn at school assembly Monday 21st June 2010.
What Wonderful Workers!!!
On another note, congratulations to Andrea Dixon-Douglas for her new position in the PFA as secretary, filling a position vacated by Tracey Walsh, due to health reasons. Also I have resigned as President of the PFA due to personal family reasons, Sarah Anderson-Hartnett is interim President until the place has been filled. If anyone is interested in filling the position, please fill in a nomination form at the front office. A meeting to elect the new president will be noted in forthcoming school newsletters. Thank you to all who have been supportive over the last 6 months. Cheers, Michelle Sarjeant
BLOSCH NEWS NEXT WEEK M– Craft Das Clay (air drying white clay) T– Cooking: chocolate slice W– make your family TH– Easel paintings F– Curriculum Day: Breakfast, morning tea and afternoon tea provided. Brings your own lunch. Cooking, craft, inside/outside play, games etc. Open 6:45am to 6:30pm on this day. See something you’d like to join in with?? Book in and don’t miss out!! 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
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
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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
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
CASEY- CARDINIA BLINDS & SHUTTERS “He who sells you the blinds installs the blinds” We come to you! • Full range of quality blinds & shutters After hours sales & service
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YOU CAN DO IT! GETTING ALONG
Definition of ‘Getting Along’ Getting along means working cooperatively with others, solving problems with others without getting too angry, following important rules of the classroom and home, making friends, accepting others who are different, helping correct injustices in society and making our community a safer and healthier place to live and learn. LOST Max Keen from 2Z has lost two school jackets with his name on the tags. If anyone has found Max’s jackets could you please return to the office or room2Z. Thank you FOR SALE Yamaha electric piano excellent condition. Paid $199.00 sell $70.00 Please phone 0410 112 975
PFA FUND RAISING 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 and/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. Many thanks, PFA Team.
COMMUNITY NEWS