Hello VPS Community! We hope that the fortnight since our last newsletter has been productive. With October now done, and November here, it really feels like the year is in its final stages. The calendar of events is looking super busy, and we are very excited for all the great things happening in the coming weeks!

Auburn South Primary School tragedy

As you will all be aware, the catastrophic accident that occurred at Auburn South Primary School earlier this week has had a tremendous impact on the people of Auburn South, but also the wider community. As a school, we have sent our heartfelt condolences and offers of any support we can give as they navigate this period of grief after such horrific loss.

As you may be aware, a GoFundMe page has been established for the family of Year 5 student, Jack, who tragically lost his life as a result of the incident. If you would like more information about this, you can find it here.

If you feel that anyone in your family needs support to talk about the events, or to get advice on how best to handle conversations about difficult subjects, please reach out to the school. You can also seek support through 24 Hour Grief Support

Phone: 03 9888 4944 or 1300 064 068 (Phones are answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.) You can also email: support@compassionatefriendsvictoria.org.au

Art Show

We are so excited about the upcoming Art show next Thursday, November 7 from 3:30-7pm. There will be art work on display from every student in the school, as well as live performances from some of our talented students. There will be a Gold Coin Donation entry, and we hope to see as many of you there as we can! This poster was created by one of our Year 6 students and Art Captains, Jessica L. Well done, Jessica!

Graduation changes

This week, information has gone out to all Year 6 families with details of this year's Graduation. In previous years, the Year 6 Graduation has been held at Box Hill Town Hall. This year, we are holding the event at school in our very own Stadium. The main reason for the change is that with large Year 6 cohorts, we simply were not able to fit comfortably in the venue. We were limited with the number of guests graduates could have in attendance, and students had very little input into the set up and organisation of the event. This year we have introduced a Graduation Committee made up of Year 6 students who offer ideas on behalf of their peers. This committee have made the decisions around the food, the theme of the evening, decorations and the schedule of events. They have also been responsible for planning and facilitating different fundraising activities. The funds raised will be used to minimise the costs to students families for the event, which I know will be welcome by everyone. The fundraising events have included,

Zooper Dooper Icy Pole sales
Recyclable can/drink containers (this money has gone toward Coles Vouchers to use for food/items on the night)
Running a Junior and Senior School lunch time disco (still to come).

We are very proud of the initiative the Year 6s have taken with the planning, and the involvement they have had with preparing this event. It is a true reflection of their maturity.

Good luck Mrs Pring

Next Friday, Mrs Pring, teacher of Foundation LP heads off on Family Leave. Lauren and her partner Eugene are expecting their first child in December. We wish them all the best as they embark on this exciting next chapter of their lives, and cannot wait to hear all the news of Baby Pring very soon! (We also wish Mrs Strachan, the soon to be Grandma all the best, too!)

Early pick ups from the office

Please see the below message from the Office Staff:

As we get closer to the end of term holidays, we wish to remind families of the correct procedure for collecting your student before 3.30pm or dropping off after the 9.00am bell.

Please do not enter early pick ups or late arrivals in Compass portal in advance. Parents or carers must sign their student in or out at the Compass Kiosk at the office.

As a courtesy to the teacher, an email in advance (where possible) to advise of an early departure is appreciated. This will enable the student to be be packed up and ready to go when you arrive at the school office.

Tai Chi classes

Tai Chi classes began this week to rave reviews! Thank you to Mrs Moore who has been organising this great community activity.

"As a complete beginner to Tai Chi, I found it enjoyable. Michael’s expertise as he introduced the history of Tai Chi, his family’s connection to it, and his friendly step by step guidance has made this first session a relaxing and engaging activity. All the mums here today have many commitments, and it is challenging to find time for a peaceful activity. When the school announced this event, I told myself this could be a good time to mellow out for my own benefit. The movements and the breathing techniques have made my busy mind stay calm. The full concentration was soothing. This experience has left me feeling the importance of looking after our bodies as we age. Our strength and balance changes. Gentle exercise like this is like giving our minds a break as well as improving our body coordination. This is something I highly recommend that all adults in VPS try out."

Review: Reyna Trewarn

Hesitant to join Tai Chi because you are a beginner? The classes are low-key and the instructor can assist people with a range of abilities. Don't put it off, come and join in because it has great benefits for your mind and body.

If you have a relative or good friend that is interested in Tai Chi but doesn't have a student at VPS, they are welcome to join in the classes too!

Place: At the front of school, near the office or shelter shed (weather dependent)

Cost $90 for a 6 week block of classes

Time: 9:15am Thursday mornings

See you at the next class where we can relax the daily stresses away together.

OSHC

Outside School Hours Care