School News

Dental Screening

First Day Back At School! 

Beaconsfield Dental Therapy will be coming out next term on Tuesday, 10 October at 9am for a dental check up for PP, Year 3 and 6 students.

Room 12 - Year 1

In the colourful world of Room 12, our class have this week embarked on an inspiring journey of creativity and growth mindset through the enchanting story of "The Dot." This heart-warming tale, penned by Peter H. Reynolds, teaches invaluable lessons about self-belief and the limitless potential of imagination. 

Our budding artists didn't just read the story; they brought it to life! Each student crafted their own vibrant dot, showcasing their unique creative flair. These dots, now proudly on display, remind us that every small mark can be the beginning of something extraordinary. 

But it didn't stop there! Year 1 students unleashed their imaginations and wrote enchanting descriptions about the adventures one could have with a simple dot.  

Through "The Dot," the Year 1’s have not only discovered the joy of artistic expression but also embraced the power of a growth mindset – the belief that with effort and perseverance, they can achieve anything. As they continue to connect the dots of their learning journey, we can't wait to see the masterpieces they will create and the stories they will tell. 

Year 6 Camp

During Week 9, the Year 6 students embarked on a three-day adventure to Nanga Bush Camp. Despite the howling wind and pouring rain on Day One, our campers settled in by meeting our amazing camp coordinators, who facilitated a range of fun activities and team building games.   

Over the next two days, our Year 6 adventures faced the dizzying heights of the rock-climbing wall, took to the freezing river for flat water rafting and raft building, and learned valuable lessons about teamwork and collaboration on the low ropes course. The staff in attendance were particularly proud of the way our students encouraged and supported their peers to meet and surpass their individual goals.  

The evenings were also filled with excitement (and a healthy dose of laughter) as the campers took part in a quiz night and a newspaper fashion show, as well as reflections on the day. Much to the relief of all in attendance, the energy our students put into the day activities meant that we were all exhausted and ready for bedtime with minimal fuss. 

On behalf of all the staff who attended the camp, we would like to congratulate the Year 6 students on their fantastic attitude over the three days. Cold and wet weather conditions did nothing to dampen their enthusiasm and willingness to have fun and challenge themselves to try new things. We would also like to thank Gale for providing incredible food and our camp coordinators Shay, Nieve and Bree for providing us with unforgettable experiences and cherished memories.  

Interschool Athletics Carnival

On a sunny Thursday, White Gum Valley went to Winterfold to compete in the Interschool Athletics carnival. It was a hectic day of jumping, throwing and running, particularly for some students who had to step up and compete unexpectedly in events to help our school. A special mention to our year 6 leaders, who led from the front, displaying wonderful leadership and cheering on every member of our team. All of the staff were extremely proud of the behaviour and sportsmanship of our school.  

We had a dramatic end to the carnival, with a dropped baton in the final race of the day. It could have been a disaster if it were not for an incredible run by our anchor Bill to recover and secure second place. In the end, White Gum secured the championship trophy for the 3rd year running. Congratulations to Mia for year 3 champion girl, Molly for year 4 runner-up champion girl and Sarah for year 6 champion girl. 

Thank you to all of the parents who came to support the team on the day. It means a lot to our school and students to have such a supportive community at every event. A very special thank you to Ms Foster for her tireless efforts throughout the term, not just for training the team but also the behind the scenes work that not everyone sees. 

Congratulations White Gum!

Honour Certificates

Room 1     Emilia and Liam

Room 2     Jake, Marlon and Nathaniel

Room 3     Samson and Anna

Room 5     Eloise, Andy and Harry

Room 6     Zara, Bob and Eleanor

Room 7     Charlotte and Sammy

Room 8     Gracie and Gretchen

Room 9     Leonardo and Oscar

Room 10   James and Sam

Room 11   Sullivan, Billy and Owen  

Art              Adele and Ivy

Attendance Matters

Congratulations to Alba in Room 11 for winning the fortnightly attendance competition.

Room 6 won the class competition for Week 8 and Room 11 won for week 9. Well done to everyone.

Many thanks to parents for returning letters regarding unexplained absences. We ask that parents inform the school of the reasons for absences on the day or within 3 days of your child returning to school.

School officially starts at 8.50. Students are asked to wait in the undercover area, if they arrive between 8.30 and 8.45. A hand bell is rung to release students to their classrooms. 

Every minute a student is late does count as important messages are passed at 8.50 as well as allowing the students to settle and get into the green zone ready to learn. 

e-Safety Commissioner

With our Year 6 students about to enter their final term with us, their use of social media and online platforms will possibly be increasing as digital trends become more important to them. 

The eSafety Commissioner website has a page dedicated to young people. 

https://www.esafety.gov.au/young-people is the place to visit to help your child navigate the world of all things digital. Why not spend the holidays going through the site with your child so that they (and you) are as fully informed of what’s safe and not so safe online. 

There are many topics covered and provide essential information for our young adults.

Parent/Caregivers Volunteer Declaration Form Changes

We thank all our parents who generously volunteer their time and energy to support our school community. There are some changes to the Working with Children Check policy, to ensure the safety of children when we have volunteers in the school. 

This is effective from Monday, 14 August 2023.

If you would like to volunteer at our school, you will need to sign a ‘Parent and child volunteer declaration form’. 

These changes affect parents who are engaged in volunteer work. For example, you are considered a volunteer when you assist with activities such as:

• reading sessions
• day excursions
• canteen duties
• helping at a sports carnival
• carrying out P&C duties ie. cake stall during recess 

You are not a volunteer when:

• picking up and dropping off your child
• observing events like school assemblies
• attending parent and teacher interviews
• visiting the uniform shop

Therefore, you do not need to complete the Parent and Child Volunteer Declaration.

You cannot volunteer if you have a current Working with Children Negative Notice or Interim Negative Notice.

If your circumstances change, and you are issued with a Negative Notice or Interim Negative Notice after completing the ‘Parent and child volunteer declaration form’, you must advise the principal. 

A current Working with Children Check is required by all other family members (ie. Grandparents) and friends over 18 years of age who want to volunteer.

It is a collective responsibility to ensure the safety of our children. We appreciate your ongoing support and dedication to our school community.

WGV Good Standing Policy