A Message from David & Cam...

It has been another fantastic fortnight at AGPS. The curriculum programs are in full swing (check out the Curriculum Newsletters page of this newsletter for an overview of what each year level is focusing on this term) and many extracurricular events and activities are starting to creep into the daily operation of the school. The students have continued the way they started the year and are all focused, ready to learn for each session and are making great progress. Thank you again for your support in making this a terrific start to the school year!

Sports Field Update

We had a very welcome phone call from Tiger Turf early this week to inform us that they could finally start construction of our sports field! And in no time flat, temporary fencing is up and the heavy machinery is in! The excitement levels are high in the yard during breaks as we get to watch the demolition and preparation of the new sports field. I overheard one student yell on the first day of construction - 'Our school is going to be the BEST when this is finished!'

We have been informed that the whole project will take 3 weeks, with 1 week for preparation and 2 weeks for construction. It will be great to watch the progress during this time and we will endeavour to provide you with updates throughout.

As many of you know, the upgrade to our sports field has been the target of our fundraising for many years. For a small school like ours to raise the funds needed for a project like this is extraordinary. Thank you to all that have contributed to this project over the years. This is a wonderful addition to our school and as that student yelled, will make our school the BEST!

Colour Explosion

There is also a lot of excitement around the school for the upcoming Colour Explosion. This event is a highlight for many of our students (and staff!) and a great fundraiser for our school. A huge thank you to everyone that has donated and spread the word so far and a special mention to Victoria, Haley and Daniel who have been busy working behind the scene o get everything set up for this event - THANK YOU!

Here is the link for donations and sending to friends and family https://www.mycause.com.au/events/2023agpscolourexplosion

Here are some photos from the 2021 Colour Explosion to get everyone excited:

The Resilience Project (TRP)

The classes have made an enthusiastic start to our work on The Resilience Project. The focus has been on the concept of 'gratitude' and the mindset of being appreciative of what we have and not worry about what we don't have. The students have watched a video about a boy named Stanzin. He lives in a very poor part of India, however is extremely grateful for what he has, an example being that he has food everyday. Ask your child the word Stanzin uses when he sees something he is grateful for!

As per the Compass note that was sent out last week, it would be fantastic if you watched the videos from the Parent Hub of TRP, discussed the content and completed the activity with your child. https://theresilienceproject.com.au/2023-parent-carer-hub-inspire-hugh/

We have already heard from students who have had really meaningful conversations about gratitude with their families.

Later this term, students in Grades 3-6 will complete a survey in class that will provide us with valuable information about the wellbeing of our school community and assist us in creating and maintaining an optimal culture around the wellbeing and resilience of our students.

The Resilience Project is a major part of our improvement strategy in 2023 (and beyond) to improve the wellbeing outcomes for our students. We are always keen to hear how parents, carers and families are finding the changes and would appreciate any feedback you have.

Assemblies

Our assemblies are a wonderful way for the whole school to come together and celebrate all the student achievements. Our school captains plan and prepare to host each assembly and have done a terrific job with each assembly so far this year. In addition to handing out KEFAR and Running Club awards, each assembly features a performance by one of the classes. At our most recent assembly we were treated to a fabulous performance of George's Marvellous Medicine by 4/5M!

Here is the list of upcoming assemblies and the classes performing. We look forward to seeing you there.

TERM 1
- 10th March - 2/3V
- 24th March - 2/3S
- 6th April - 4/5BM
TERM 2
- 5th May - 2/3C
- 19th May - 4/5E
- 1st June - 1R *please note this has changed from 2nd June
- 16th June - 2/3M
TERM 3
- 21st July - Prep G
- 4th August - Prep H
- 18th August - 6C
- 1st September - 4/5A
- 15th September - 4/5E
TERM 4
- 13th October - 1V
- 27th October - 6F
- 10th November - Prep J & Prep B
- 24th November - 2/3T
- 8th December - 1H
- 20th December - Final assembly no performance

Buddies

One of the highlights of the past fortnight was seeing the Year 6 students taking their new buddies around the school and reading a series of clues to find the elusive green sheep! The buddy program has many benefits for both young and old and supports the students to feel more connected and happy when at school. It is wonderful to see the joy on all the students' faces when they spend time together. It is not uncommon to see a prep in the yard eagerly pointing to a Year 6 student and proudly yelling, 'That's my buddy!'

Year 5/6 Lifesaving

Our 5/6 students were lucky enough to spend one of those horrible 40 degree days (every other year it has been about 12 degrees!) at Altona Beach as part of the open water safety excursion hosted by the Altona Life Saving Club. The focus of the day was to develop skills and knowledge to be able to enjoy open water safely. They learnt introductory first aid, survival and rescue strategies and put these to the test through a range of different scenarios. Thanks to Nancy and Altona Life Saving Club for organising and running this very important event for our students.

Parent Payment Contributions

Thank you to our parents who have already paid the voluntary parent payment contributions for 2023. Your ongoing support ensures that our school can offer the best possible education and support for all our students.

Information about voluntary parent payment contributions can be found below and via the top of your news feed on the Compass app under 'Course Confirmations'.

Our preferred payment option is via Compass or payment can also be made using BPay, Centrepay or EFTPOS. In addition, parents are able to discuss alternative payment arrangements with Tracy Henderson 03 93600777 Tracy.Henderson2@education.vic.gov.au

Parent Information Sessions

Supporting Literacy at Home

Amy is hosting an upcoming parent information session for our prep parents. The session will focus on supporting children with early reading development and provide a range of supportive strategies that parents can use with their child at home.

The session is on Thursday, March 16th. There are two session times available, 3:30-4:30pm and 5:00-6:00pm.

2024 Prep Information Night

We also have our 2024 prep information session coming up on the 29th of March. If you know anyone that has a child that will begin prep in 2024 please ask them to register their interest in attending here https://forms.gle/BZPeqKdF2RjCm1o79 or through our office. Details of the event can be found on our website or via our Facebook page.

Dogs on School Grounds

A reminder that dogs are not permitted on the school grounds as per our policy. We thank you for your support with this.

Take care,

David & Cam