From The Principals
Important updates from Mrs Mann, Mrs Cook & Mrs Strachan
Hello VPS families, and welcome to the latest issue of the Nurlendi News! With only 4 and a bit weeks left of the school year, we are very much preparing for 2024. Not only are teachers busily working on reports for students, but we are working hard to finalise recruitment and classes for next year. We have successfully appointed two classroom teachers for next year, as well as a Wellbeing Teacher who will be working with us 3 days a week. We look forward to sharing who they are with the school community once the recruitment process is finalised.
With lots of excursions happening at the moment, it's timely to remind parents that we require a current Working with Children Check. If you are thinking of helping out at school, in the classroom or on excursions, and don't yet have a WWCC Card, you can apply for one here Working with Children Check | vic.gov.au (www.vic.gov.au)
Parking
We are aware that the parking surrounding the school has long been a source of much frustration, and acknowledge that the current situation at the Vermont Oval has compounded this issue even further. We appreciate people being patient and respectful on the road, however sadly, not everyone is as safe as they could be.
If you witness unsafe behaviour on the road, parking violations or infringements of road rules, we urge you to contact the local council or Victoria Police. As much as we sympathise with parents frustrations, as a school we do not have the ability to enforce road laws or parking fines.
We urge parents and carers to adhere to the parking limits, not park in the kiss-and-go zones, and please, do not leave young children unattended in cars. This is against the law, and above all, extremely dangerous.
Rotary Youth Achievement Award
Each year the Forest Hill Rotary Club, sponsors the Rotary Youth Achievement Award, which is affectionately known as the 'Unsung Hero' award and is given to a Year 6 student. This year, Penny A was chosen by her teachers as a worthy recipient. Here is why she was selected:
Penny is a positive student, who always embodies the school’s values. Her genuine kindness and willingness to assist others make her a superb role model for her peers. Penny eagerly takes on leadership positions; often without being asked. Her commitment to her studies is commendable, applying herself with diligence and enthusiasm. She has significantly enriched our school community through her active involvement and positive influence. She willingly helps younger students with their reading and helps and encourages her peers to achieve their best. Penny’s enthusiastic approach to school and outstanding character make her an inspiration and asset to our school.
Congratulations Penny - we are extremely proud of you!
School Magazine: Vermont Views
Once again, the Vermont Views magazine is available for purchase for $12.50 on Qkr! This is a great keepsake of 'the year that was' and a fun way to track your child's journey through their school years. The magazine has every 2023 class included, special items from the specialist subjects, and information from the student leaders and the Principals. This year there is also a signatures page, where students can have their magazines signed by their friends. If you are unsure what this magazine is, ask your child's classroom teacher to show you a past edition. If you would like to purchase a copy, you will need to do it before it closes on the 30th of November 2023.
Remembrance Day
On Monday 13th November, at the whole school assembly, we included a brief ceremony to talk about why we celebrate and recognise Remembrance Day on the 11th of November.
Matthew and Mackenzie from Year 5 read beautiful poems to remember those who suffered and lost their lives in wars and conflicts.
They also talked about the significance of the poppies
as the commemorative flower of remembrance.
On Saturday the 11th of November, it was Remembrance Day. Kiara, one of our Year 5 students at Vermont Primary School, was involved in a special ceremony at the war memorial in Halliday Park helping the Mitcham RSL commemorate. She was representing the 1st Vermont Scout Group.
NAIDOC Medal of Excellence
We are pleased to announce that Grace Z from Year 4 received a NAIDOC Medal of Excellence as part of the 2023 NAIDOC Week Schools Initiative.
Grace received one of only 25 medals awarded throughout the state for her poem submitted as part of the competition. She proudly read the poem at the whole school assembly on Monday. Well done Grace!
Christmas on the Lawn - Friday 15th December
Please make a note in your diaries! Each year we have a special Christmas Concert that involves all of the grades. In the past we have held it in the stadium. This year, we are very excited to announce that "Christmas on the Lawn" will be occurring on Friday the 15th of December. All families are invited to join us from 4:00pm to 5:30pm to watch each year level perform a song. You're more than welcome to bring a picnic rug, some nibbles and enjoy this festive evening! More information will be coming soon, so keep a look out for it!
Working Bee
An email has been sent out to the Vermont Community to invite you all to the Term 4 Working Bee on Friday 24th November. It commences at 3.30pm and finishes at approximately 5.30pm.
Mrs Joy Cook and Mr John Hoskin have worked out a "To Do List” which includes:
- Gardening – re-establishing succulent plants from their old garden bed to a new location. Cleaning up the old site so that it is ready for the laying of new turf. (Please bring own, named tools and wheelbarrows)
- Moving and spreading new mulch around the playground areas. (Please bring own, named tools and wheelbarrows)
- Oiling of wooden benches (Items will be provided - decking oil, paint brushes, plastic sheeting)
- Plus more …. .
At the end of the Working Bee, there will be a sausage sizzle provided. Please read the email that was sent out for further details. There is a digital form link below that we would like you to complete if you are planning to attend the event. The link is:
We are looking forward to seeing as many helping hands on the 24th November, as possible!
Eastern Region Cricket Championships
Well done to Mr Walsh and the Year 5/6 boys that attended the Eastern Region Cricket Championships. The boys did a terrific job and achieved 2nd place in the region. Well done boys, you should all be very proud of your efforts!