RECONCILIATION WEEK 2024

At Surfside we acknowledge the Wadawurrung People as the traditional custodians of the lands, waterways and skies of this beautiful surrounding area in which we learn, live and play. We pay our respects to their elders, past, present and emerging. We welcome and acknowledge all aboriginal people who work, visit and educate our community at Surfside Primary School and we are thankful for the opportunity to learn on this beautiful land.

National Reconciliation Week is a time and opportunity for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.

National Reconciliation Week - 27th May - 3rd June

Now More Than Ever #NRW2024

The National Reconciliation Week theme for 2024, Now More Than Ever, is a reminder to all of us that no matter what, the fight for justice and the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will —and must —continue.

There have been many moments in Australia’s reconciliation journey that make us want to turn away. But when things are divisive, the worst thing we can do is disengage or disconnect.

Now more than ever, we need to tackle the unfinished business of reconciliation. We know that the 6.2 million Australians who voted YES are committed to better outcomes for First Nations people, and are with us.

Reconciliation supporters must stand up to defend and uphold the rights of First Nations peoples. To call out racism wherever we encounter it, and to actively reinforce the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across this continent.

The dates for NRW remain the same each year; 27 May to 3 June. These dates commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey— the successful 1967 referendum, and the High Court Mabo decision respectively.

Reconciliation must live in the hearts, minds and actions of all Australians as we move forward, creating a nation strengthened by respectful relationships between the wider Australian community, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

We all have a role to play when it comes to reconciliation, and in playing our part we collectively build relationships and communities that value Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, histories, cultures, and futures.

Now more than ever, the work continues. In treaty making, in truth-telling, in understanding our history, in education, and in tackling racism. We need connection.

We need respect. We need action. And we need change.  

Now more than ever, we need reconciliation.

Some important dates as a reminder for

the next 2 weeks

June

Mon 3rd - State Schools' Spectacular Rehearsal

Year 6 Incusion - Earth Ed. - Coding

Tues 4th - Year 1 Chemical Science Incursion

Wed 5th - Year 3 Science Dome Incursion

Thu 6th - Breakfast Club 7.45am in the kitchen

Fri 7th - Assembly @ 2.30pm

Mon 10th - King's Birthday Public Holiday - no school for students

Tues 11th - Student Free Day - Staff Professional Practice Day - No students at school

Tue 11th - 28th - Smile Squad Dental Van at Surfside

Wed 12th - Robbie Noggler - Victoria Police Cyber Safety Presentation - Year 5&6

Thu 13th - Breakfast Club 7.45am in the kitchen

Foundation Maths Afternoon

On Thursday the Foundation students became the teachers, as we invited a parent or special person into the classroom to play maths games with us. Foundation students have been learning how to play a variety of maths games that support them to learn key mathematical concepts, develop their number knowledge and fluency of before/ after numbers in a fun and engaging way. It was a great afternoon to share and show families all the great maths learning we have been doing!

Year 3-6 Athletics Carnival

We were very lucky to arrive at Landy Field bathed in sunshine and no wind (lucky because the wind hit hard on Thursday) - it was a chilly start but ended with a beautiful warm afternoon. These conditions allowed for an engaging, successful and smooth day. There was a focus on our school value of achievement and all of our students working towards their personal best. With the Olympics drawing closer there were great examples on citius, altius and fortius (faster, higher and stronger)!!

It was great to see our house colours represented with face paint, t-shirts and tu-tu's! A big thank you to Mr Fraser for his organisation, our staff for their support on each event, our parent helpers for assisting on events, our supporters cheering loudly and most of all a thank you and well done to each and every students that participated!

Victoria Police Water Safety Presentation -

Year 5&6

Our year 5 and 6 students had a recent visit from Dean and Shaun from the Victorian Water Police who outlined their roles, how they support our community and how we can be safe using our waterways.

This page helps us to understand the role of the Victoria Water Police and supports for Water Safety:

State Schools Spectacular

A group of 16, year 5 and 6 students have been hard at work in preparation for the Victorian State Schools Spectacular. Our third regional rehearsal is coming up on Monday, where will we continue to learn and perfect the choreography to the eight dances we are involved in – if you were at last week’s assembly you were lucky enough to get a sneak peek at one of our numbers. The attitudes of all the students involved have been amazing and we’re very proud of Surfside’s involvement. We’re so excited for the big show at John Cain Arena in September, where we will join around 5000 other students from all over Victoria performing in front of a huge audience. Congratulations to the students on all of their efforts so far…stay tuned for details on how to get your tickets to the best show in town!!

First Aid in Schools Program

All of our students from F-6 participated in the First Aid in Schools program facilitated by St John Ambulance.

Students have had an opportunity to role play emergency scenarios and put the Danger, Response and Send For Help strategy into action. The year 5/6 modules also incorporated a practical CPR component, guiding students through how to perform CPR and when it is required in a First Aid situation. This is a great chance to chat to your kids about this learning and scenarios.

The knowledge and skills gained in the First Aid in Schools Program helps the students to develop First Aid awareness in school children and contribute to building a more resilient community.

The program brings to life the importance of First Aid and what to do in an emergency, including calling 000 and performing CPR, is our passion. The interactive games, Storytime and Action Plan scenarios make the program more enjoyable

Foundation and Year 1

Through a storybook, the children will see how Johnny Bear identifies an emergency, puts the Danger, Response and Send for help strategy into action and helps call 000 in an informative session. Students will learn the first aid chant that will help them remember what to do in an emergency. Includes a fun quiz on first aid to get students up and involved.

Year 2

Students learn how to spot DANGER in an emergency, RESPOND accordingly and SEND for help. They will be guided on what number to call and act out a scenario to get them comfortable calling 000 in real life. Students will play a fun and interactive game as teams compete in the first aid quiz. By the end of the program, students will leave with essential skills and knowledge which they can call upon in an emergency situation.

Year 3 and 4

students will revise ‘DRS’ which involves assessing for dangers, obtaining a response and calling Triple Zero. The main focus of this module will be demonstrating how to check airway and breathing and how to place a patient into the recovery position. Students will then apply the knowledge they have learnt through an interactive game based on the DRSAB action plan.

Year 5 & 6

Reiterates the learning of standard modules 1 & 2, however incorporates a practical CPR component, guiding students through how to perform CPR and when it is required in a First Aid situation. Students will also participate in group problem-solving scenarios based on a variety of first aid situations allowing them to apply their knowledge.

Emergency Lockdown Drill

On Tuesday everyone on-site participated in an emergency lock down drill. Each term we enact an emergency drill to support our Emergency Action Plan. These drills look at different scenarios such as evacuation (on-site and off-site), lockdown and shelter in place. Our emergency management procedures support our occupational health and safety procedures and checks to ensure a safe environment for students, staff and community. It is always good to talk to your children about these procedures and if they do require extra support please talk to a member of our administration team.

Book Fair Thank You

A big thank you to everyone who supported our recent Book Fair! A very special thank you to our Education Support staff and parent helpers who assisted each afternoon. We hope you enjoy your purchases and the school appreciates the support.

Well done to Milla and Eden for winning the Book Fair Raffle!!

Enrolment Time at Surfside

Enrolments have now opened for new students and families who will be joining the Surfside family in 2025. If you have a sibling of a current student at Surfside they will also need to complete this enrolment process. We have conducted our tours for prospective families and are starting to collect a number of enrolments ready for 2025. Please check out the enrolling your child in Primary School tab for more information in this newsletter.

School Council - May Meeting Overview

Our school council met for their first official meeting following our recent AGM. It was nice to welcome our school council members and also go over the following highlights:

Foundation enrolment tours
Curriculum, planning and professional learning
Buildings & grounds
School finances
Highlighting upcoming events

School Council - June Meeting

Our next school council meeting will take place on Tuesday 18th June at 5:30pm with Finance meeting taking place at 5.00pm.

What's happening in our classrooms

Each fortnight we will provide all of our parents a snapshot of what is happening in our classrooms:

Foundation

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Year 4

Year 5

Year 6