NEWSLETTER N0.2 STAFFING Darren Dainty, a qualified youth worker joins us as an Integration Aide providing assistance to class teachers with the individual learning needs of designated children Kelly Brown, a registered nurse, also joins us, in the capacity as a part time sick bay officer. Kelly will share this role with Denise Aurisch. Denise will be on sick bay duty for morning recess and Kelly will be responsible from 1.00pm until 3.00pm daily. Our best wishes and warm welcome are extended to both Darren and Kelly on joining our staff team.
PRINCIPAL’S REPORT Fire Services Upgrade: our fire services were found to be inadequate last year and the DEECD has commissioned the upgrade of this service to meet CFA standards. Our fire services (water supply pressure to fire hydrants) require a complete upgrade – major work which will take approximately two months to complete. I have been informed that this work will commence later this month. We will experience some significant disruption as the works to be undertaken will involve digging a new trench system around our entire school. The work will be done in a staged process to minimise disruption.
9TH FEBRUARY 2012 between 10 and 20 minutes and include a wide range of items – weekly awards, important announcements, guests, sports reports, student performances, etc. See you there whenever you can make it.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ’s) Q. How long does it take for children to settle back into the school routine? A. Hopefully sooner rather than later. Patience with children pays dividends on this issue. Just like we adults, children can enjoy their holiday break to such an extent that it takes some of them a week or two to settle back in. Being with new class mates and a new FACILITIES teacher can also take some adjusting Vandalism: I have been informed by to for some children. Talk these things Narre Warren police that they SCHOOL ASSEMBLY through with your child if you see that arrested and charged several youths in Thank you to all parents who attended they may be struggling and be relation to the ongoing graffiti our first school assembly for the year reassuring. If their anxiety persists, vandalism that our school experienced on our basketball courts last Monday have a chat with your child‘s class last year. I have provided the police morning. School assemblies are a teacher – a team approach is always with a formal statement and hopefully feature activity of our school and we better. these arrests will signal the end of this are always thrilled to see lots of vandalism. parents there. They usually run for Continued...
PRINCIPAL’S REPORT CONTINUED... QUOTABLE QUOTE ‘Cynicism isn’t an affliction of the aging process. Rather, age-old human behaviours better explain it.’
HENRY GROSSEK DIARY DATES Monday 6th February Tuesday 13th February Tuesday 6th March Wednesday 7th March
2012 Swimming Carnival Trials School Banking begins Religious Education—Prep to Grade 2 Religious Education—Grade 3 & 4
Wednesday 15th February Wednesday 29th February
Religious Education EMA Applications
NOTICES DUE BACK
ASSISTANT PRINCIPALS’ REPORT WORLD CYBER SAFETY DAY This week in recognition of the ‗Safer Internet Day, 2012‘ our Years 5 and 6 classes viewed an Internet Safety Awareness Presentation . These free student and teacher sessions were streamed via the Department‘s Virtual Conference Centre (VCC). The Australian Communication and Media Authority‘s (ACMA) Cybersmart program promoted Internet Safety Awareness for students. The presentations were easy to understand, thorough, non-technical and informative. Parents are encouraged to discuss the content of this program with their children and reinforce safe practices when their children are accessing the internet. Later this year we will be offering parents of all students the opportunity to attend an internet safety workshop at the school. Please keep your eyes on the newsletter for further information.
play times from September to April. This week we have allowed some flexibility for students who have forgotten to bring their hats. As of Monday next week students without a hat will be restricted to playing in shaded areas during play and lunch breaks and excluded from outdoor class activities such as Phys Ed and Sport. Please ensure that your child brings their Sun Smart hat to school so that they are able to fully participate in outdoor activities. It is important to remember that your child‘s hat, like other items of clothing, need to be clearly named.
SAVER PLUS We have recently received some information regarding a ―Super Saver‖ scheme which is run by the Brotherhood of St Laurence in conjunction with the ANZ bank. This is a savings and financial program that teaches money skills to people on lower incomes and encourages them to build savings to help pay for their children‘s SUNSMART HATS education. Participants‘ savings are Families are reminded that in line matched $1 for $1 (up to $500) and with our ‗Sun Smart Hat Policy‘ all the money saved is used to pay for students are educational items such as uniforms, required to wear a books, excursions and camps. Sun Smart hat To be eligible you must have: during outdoor A child attending school, or be activities and at intending to attend vocational
training yourself in 2012. A current Centrelink Health Care Card or Pension Concession Card, and Regular form of paid employment (yourself or partner). 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. MEET THE TEACHER NIGHTS Yesterday all families should have received notification of the Meet the Teacher Nights to be held on Tuesday 28th and Wednesday 29th February 2012. We ask that these notices be returned to school by Friday 17th February 2012. If for some reason you have not received this notice please contact the class teacher or the office. All of our staff are looking forward to meeting the parents of their students. Continued...
ASSISTANT PRINCIPALS’ REPORT continued... STUDENT HEALTH This week we have had several reports from families of head lice and eggs found in children‘s hair. While we realise that families are busy, we would appreciate the support of every family in checking and, if necessary, treating their children for head lice. To be successful in controlling the head lice problem, every family would need to commit some time to: Check their children‘s hair weekly If any live lice are found, treat immediately (complete follow up checks and treatment)
If any eggs are found, apply lots of conditioner, and patiently remove all eggs If every family is diligent in this exercise we would be able to break the head lice cycle at school. We thank you in advance for your cooperation. We appreciate notification of lice infestations as this assists us in informing families of the relevant classes.
WOOLWORTHS EARN & LEARN Last year our school registered for the Woolworths Earn and Learn program and we were successful in
collecting 18373 points. As a result of this we have ordered a supply of Lego construction material for our Year 1 and 2 classes. These kits have now arrived and should be available for use in the classrooms next week. Thanks you again to the many families who supported our participation in this program.
LYNNE BRENNER & DEBBIE CUSACK
Parents & Friends Association We are off and running in 2012!!! Great to see all the kids back and so excited for the year ahead. Big thanks to all who attended the first PFA meeting for the year this week. If you were unable to attend the meeting don‘t worry, there are still plenty of opportunities to get involved!!
Easter Raffle We are seeking donations to put together some awesome hamper prizes for the Easter Raffle. The shops are filled with Easter themed gifts right now so if you are able to throw an extra Easter Egg or something in the trolley when you shop it would be much appreciated. Please pass all donations onto your teachers and keep an eye out for the tickets, you could be a winner!!!
Zumba Fitness You‘ve asked for it so here it is. Get ready to rock the School with our second Zumba Fitness Party Night on Tuesday 21st February 2012. Doors open at 6pm for a 6.30 start. The cost is $5 per person payable on the night. It will be night of fun and fitness that you don‘t want to miss!!! Children are most welcome but please note that it will be an adult class with adult content.
Diary Dates for Term 1 Friday 23rd March 2012: Student Disco, more info soon!! Monday 26th March 2012: Easter Raffle will be drawn at Assembly Tuesday 27th March 2012: Hot Dog Lunch The next PFA meeting will be Wednesday 14th March 2012 at 9.30 am in room 31. As always children are most welcome!
Berwick Lodge OSHC phone: 9769 8251
Coordinator: Dorien Erasmus
Welcome back! A very warm welcome to all our OSHC kids and parents, old and new, and especially the precious little preps. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you need outside school hours care for your child. We are here to help. Holiday Club The first Camp Australia Holiday Club at Berwick Lodge was a great success! Some of the highlights were a visit to Polly Woodside and ACMI Screen Worlds. We also had lots of fun during the incursions, including Tae Kwon Do workshop, Dance Workshop, Mad Art and Karaoke 4 Kids. Thank you for your support. Don’t miss out on April Holiday Club! Visit www.campaustralia.com.au to enrol. Save on Care You can save 50% or more on Before and After School Care fees with the non-means tested Child Care Rebate. Almost all families are eligible. And remember – permanent bookings are cheaper than casual bookings. To find out more call Customer Service Team on 1300 105 343 Monday to Friday. Visit our website to register www.campaustralia.com.au. Once registered you can make bookings and cancellations, view your statements and manage your details anytime of the day online. Parents, please remember to CANCEL your child if you know he/she will not be attending ASC. Before school care: 6:45am – 8:45am
After school care:
3.30pm – 6.30pm
WHAT’S ON NEXT WEEK: Farmyard
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$1.00 from each booking goes back to BLPS. Plus $1.00 to Royal Children's Hospital GRAND OPENING! AWESOME PLAYGROUNDS 239 Princes Hwy, Hallam Come and join us in our Grand opening on Saturday 18th February 2012 Specialising in: Cubbies Outdoor Furniture Forts Sandpits Swings Trampolines Slides Monkey Bars Accessories and more All things for ‗Outdoor Play‘ for kids and/or Adults!
St Michael‘s Catholic Church, Berwick, invites Catholic children currently in Year 3 or above to prepare for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Our Reconciliation Program starts with a Parents Only Meeting on Tuesday 7th February 2012 at St. Michael‘s School Stadium. Sessions are at 1.30 pm and 7.30 pm. Attendance at one of these meetings is compulsory if your child is to participate. For more information, please contact St Michael‘s Parish, Berwick, on 9707 1355 or email secretary@stmichaelsparish.org.au With thanks Viviana Dominguez Parish Secretary
CASEY PANTHERS JUNIOR SOCCER CLUB Casey Panthers Junior Soccer Club are holding their 2012 Registration Day. Sunday 19th February 2012 11.00am—1.00pm Prospect Hill Reserve 79 Kurrajong Road Narre Warren
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