Engagement and Wellbeing
Grandparents and Special Friends’ Morning
A reminder that next Thursday we have our Grandparents and Special Friends’ Morning where we invite all of our students’ special guests in to experience the classrooms of their children and to take part in a morning tea (provided by our lovely PLP group and the school). As always, this is a great opportunity to take part in the learning journey with your children and we encourage as many families to come along. The date coincides with the Ballarat Show Day public holiday, so families with relatives from afar can enjoy the whole weekend with their loved ones.
When: Thursday the 7th of November, 2019
Time: 9am - 11am with a Morning Tea from 10:45am to 11:30am.
Where: Your child’s classroom (We will have special helpers on the morning guiding
guests to the appropriate rooms). Morning tea will be held in the Grade 6 end of
the BER Building.
*** Call for Help:
To help support the morning tea, we would really appreciate it if 1-2 (even 3) families from each class are able to provide a plate to share. The more the better as this event has grown exponentially over the past few years. If you are able to provide a plate, please email Scott at mcglynn.scott.s@edumail.vic.gov.au to confirm.
We will also be needing assistance during the morning tea (serving drinks, etc). If you are able to help out in this way, we’d appreciate it also and please email Scott using the email address above.
PL Meetig Reminder
A reminder to all of our PLPs that there is a meeting scheduled for this Thursday the 31st of October at 2:30pm. If you are unable to make the meeting, we ask that you please organise another representative to share your class’ views. We look forward to seeing you there!
Social Surveys - Understanding Social Dynamics and Supporting Children with Change
This week we are asking our students in years 1-6 to participate in a class social survey. The purpose of this survey is to provide a safe (anonymous) space for students who may not necessarily speak up about about someone who is making life difficult for them, to do so.
Once complete, teachers collate the results and work with identified students to improve their behaviour and work to reduce the negative impact that it can have on other students. Ultimately we want positive social interactions between all students.
If your child has been having difficulties with another child at our school, please encourage them to use their voice and speak out by letting us know during the survey.
School Policy Update
At last night’s school council meeting the policies/procedures listed below were updated and ratified. We have attached a copy for your reference and will upload these to the school’s website soon.
Anaphylaxis Policy
Bushfire Preparedness Policy
Child Safe Code of Conduct
Head lice: Treating and Controlling Guide for Parents
Whilst difficult at times, many children will come into contact with head lice over duration at school.
Although the responsibility for detecting and treating head lice rests with parents, our school also has a referral service where we support our kids who have consent, to have their hair checked and provide families with feedback as to the treatment of any infestations.
Whilst we cannot guarantee complete immunity to head lice, we do try to minimise infestations from spreading through regular notices to class groups, use of head lice checks and follow up with families.
Should your child get head lice, we encourage you to read the attached guidelines carefully to ensure that you fully eradicate them. We also suggest treating your child’s hair 7 days after any initial treatment as this will ensure any eggs that have hatched and produce further live lice, will be accounted for.
To access the guidelines, please visit:
https://www2.health.vic.gov.au/Api/downloadmedia/%7BE9F66368-57D9-4410-AACB-6E10ED4CD182%
Child First and The Orange Door
1300 783 341
Child FIRST teams are located across Victoria, each providing children, young people and families easier access to the services they need.
Each Child and Family Information, Referral and Support Team (Child FIRST) provides a central referral point to a range of community-based family services and other supports within each of the Child FIRST catchment areas.
Child FIRST links vulnerable children, young people and their families into the relevant services they need.
Factors which affect a child's safety, stability or development are:
Significant parenting problems that may be affecting the child's development
Serious family conflict, including family breakdown
Families under pressure due to a family member's physical or mental illness, substance abuse, disability or bereavement
Young, isolated and/or unsupported families
Significant social or economic disadvantage that may adversely impact on a child's care or development.
What is the Orange Door?
Child FIRST, as the access point for family services, is progressively transitioning to The Orange Door.
The Orange Door is the new access point for women, children and young people who are experiencing family violence, or families who need assistance with the care and wellbeing of children to access the services they need to be safe and supported.
If you, or someone you know is struggling with their current situation, we encourage a phone call to Child FIRST and The Orange Door to assist. A self-referral can be made by calling 1300 783 341
self-referral can be made by calling 1300 783 341
ABC Award Winners
Congratulations to the following children for being identified by their teachers for doing great things! You’re all superstars!
Lunchtime - What’s On Offer!
Every now and then it’s great to explain what’s on offer for our kids during the lunch time period (additional to the obvious playgrounds, sporting . This can support discussions at home which in turn, can support the social development of all of our children.
Some things that your child can take part in at lunch breaks:
Lunch Time Clubs - These are offered every lunch break at Buninyong and every Wednesday at Scotsburn. Key activities undertaken include:
Figurine play (animals), craft, loom bands, beads, colouring, board games, lego, quiet drawing, dress ups and reading.
Accessing the Playpod - Most lunch breaks, our Playpods will be open and available for use at both campuses. We have lots of resources that have been donated from various parts of the community for creative play and the kids really love role-playing during this time.
Cubby Zone - Both of our campuses have zones where the kids can use natural resources to construct cubbies. These are a great way to develop teamwork and cooperation and when complete, you often see kids role-playing families in them.
Nurturing the chooks - Our chickens are able to run free during the break times and we encourage any children to help take care of them. Some give them cuddles, while others will make sure their nests are nice and cosy.
Grounds and maintenance - We often have jobs that need completing during the break times and place calls to action over the PA for anyone who is interested. Generally this can attract anywhere between 5-15 kids at any given point. The kids love helping and we appreciate them taking pride in the school.
Ukele Club - Mr Skilbeck will run the Ukele club from time to time and the kids have an opportunity to practise their musical skills.
Friends of the Botanical Gardens - At our Buninyong campus we often have the Friends of the Botanical gardens working at lunch time on potting and propagating plants. If your child has a green thumb, they can certainly help out with this.
Four square - We have lots of new four square courts around the school, the kids often love playing this and it provides them with the opportunity to develop social skills and hand-eye coordination.
Library - Our Library is open every lunch break on Tuesday to Friday between 1:10pm and 1:35pm for the kids to come in and read quietly if they like.
Again, we encourage all of our families to have a chat with their children about what’s on offer and if a little extra support is needed, please speak to your classroom teacher.
School Bus Travel for 2020
Families who are eligible and wish to use one of the three country bus services next year are required to complete and return a new application form for their child/children and return it to the office by the end of Term 4.
Likewise, if your child/children attend our Scotsburn campus and would like to use our between campus service, a new application form is also required.
If your child/children are already bus travellers, we will be sending a form home with the eldest child in the family in the next few weeks. For new travellers, please call into the office to see Mel for an application form and further details.
Please note: All current bus rolls will be cleared at the end of Term 4 and only children for which we have new application forms for will be permitted to travel.
Thank you for your understanding.