School News

School Council Update

August 2021

The KPS school council met last week, and we have some important updates to share with the school community.

Firstly, the Communications Survey

The Communications survey closes today! It only takes a few minutes, and all responses will assist in the development of a new three-year communications plan for the school. You can complete the survey here: https://forms.gle/5L1ZVqsnbxDPmD997

Sustainability

Our Sustainability sub-committee continues to work incredibly hard to ensure our school remains committed to a sustainable future. Our school website now has a Sustainability page, which highlights some of the key activities our school is undertaking. The page will continue to develop over time. Check it out here: http://www.kynetonprimaryschool.com.au/sustainability

As part of the school’s commitment to the ResourceSmart Schools Program, Darren has put together a Draft Environmental Management Plan. This is informed by baseline data on our current environmental performance (including water, CO2, landfill, gas and electricity) and sets goals and targets for continual monitoring and improvement.

Thanks to Darren and the sustainability sub-committee for all the time and effort they continue to contribute to this program for the betterment of our school.

Air conditioning

The much-anticipated air conditioning now has the green light, and the school has engaged local company Sole Refrigeration and Air Conditioning to install air conditioning throughout the school. We are awaiting a timeline from Sole, but we expect the system will be up and running before the summer months.

ELC construction

You will no doubt have noticed the significant works going on within the grounds on the Edgecombe Road side of the school, which is the first stage of construction of the council-run Early Learning Centre. The modular building is being constructed offsite and is expected for delivery in the coming months. Our understanding is that the ELC is on track for opening in Term 1, 2022.

That’s it for this update. As always, if you have anything you’d like to discuss with school council, please don’t hesitate to drop me a line at Emily.Dellios@education.vic.gov.au. The other school council members and I are always happy for a catch up too, so feel free to grab us for a chat if we cross paths around town or outside school (here’s a reminder of who this year’s school council members are: http://www.kynetonprimaryschool.com.au/school-council-1).Until next time!

Cheers

Emily

Music News

Instrumental Music at KPS 

Throughout all the changes and lockdowns, our amazing instrumental teachers have still managed to deliver fantastic music lessons to over 40 students at KPS. Parents have kindly assisted with zoom lessons and students have diligently attended their lessons with aplomb! Our music teachers are fantastic and have offered music lessons at very reasonable prices for years. 

To reflect the wonderful work they do, and using the recommended instrumental tuition fees outlined by the Victorian Music Teachers  Association, some music tuition fees will increase slightly over the next term and next year.  Your instrumental teacher will let you know of price changes. 

I hope as always that the instrumental lessons bring joy and added learning opportunities for children at KPS and that we support and celebrate our wonderful instrumental teachers. 

Choir News

Thankfully we have been able to sing in ventilated spaces for the last few weeks (when not in lockdown!)  It is always such a joy to conduct and sing with the KPS choir. We are working on “Ancient City” composed by Australian musician Paul Jarmin, and we are also learning a French Canadian song “J’entend Le Moulin”. We hope to perform for you all one day… 

School Production

The intention at this stage is to have a wonderful, colourful, outdoor production/parade at the school in week 4 of term 4.  Each class from grade3-6 will perform an item or be in the parade and there will be some MC opportunities for grades 5-6.  We hope to work with Taungurung Elder Uncle Mick on the seven seasons for this event, however, we have to wait for restrictions to ease. Please let me know if you are happy to volunteer for the production i.e  Backstage/ ushers etc 

In harmony,

Ms Polly polly.christie@education.vic.gov.au

Managing illness in schools and early childhood - COVID 19

Dear KPS Community

One of the most important things we can do to slow the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) in our community is to stay at home when we are unwell, even when we have the mildest of symptoms.

What you need to know

Young children with persistent mild symptoms

Younger children (pre-school up to Grade 2) may have prolonged post-viral symptoms such as a runny nose or cough and may return to school following a negative COVID-19 test even if they are not completely free of symptoms. They will need a medical certificate from their GP to confirm they are otherwise well or have recovered from their acute illness.

Any worsening of symptoms will require review and repeat COVID-19 testing, if considered appropriate by the doctor.

Students with a negative COVID-19 test whose symptoms have completely resolved do not need a medical certificate to return to the school.

For further information for schools and to distribute to families see: Managing illness in schools and early childhood services during the COVID-19 pandemic. I have also attached the fact sheet behind this link to this message.

Increased cost of Subway orders

Subway orders on Mondays are now $7.00. We have new envelopes available at the office. 

1/2 Price Uniform Items

We have a few winter tunics, winter skirts and summer dresses we are selling directly from school via Qkr!

The winter tunics and winter skirts are exactly the same as those sold by our uniform supplier.

The summer dresses are a slightly different design.  A photo is on Qkr!

If interested in making a purchase please go into Qkr! and place your order and the item/s will be sent home with your child.  

Numbers are limited and we will not have these available for sale again at these prices.

We think this is a fantastic cause and a great effort by our School's students.

New QR Check In

The use of Service Victoria QR codes for electronic record keeping is mandatory for all workplaces to enable the effective contact tracing of any COVID-19 cases. This now includes schools. The public health intent of including schools in the QR code check in system for workplaces is to capture those visitors accessing school buildings or indoor facilities, but not those entering the school grounds for reasons such as school pick up. QR codes will now be required to be used by:

• all visitors, including contractors, external Department staff and building and maintenance staff
• all parents who enter the office when on the school site

Parents are still not permitted to enter classrooms.

Happy Families

Remember you can sign up free for the Happy Families membership using the school's link below. 

Lunch Orders on Qkr!

Lunch orders are available to order on the Qkr! app. Qkr! allows lunches to be ordered up to 14 days in advance and can be placed up to 9:30am on the day of supply.  Children can still bring in their own container for their lunch to be provided in.  Please ensure containers are clearly marked with their name.

We ask that all lunches are ordered via the Qkr! app and any use of cash is limited as much as possible.

School Beanies 

Kyneton Primary School Beanies are a perfect way of keeping warm.  These are available to purchase on Qkr! for $12 each.  One size fits all.  As we have beanies in stock, once the order is placed the beanie will be sent home with your child.

The sale of beanies will also assist with raising funds towards portable gazebos to provide shelter for our students at outdoor events.  

Please note that beanies are not part of the compulsory school uniform.

Change of Bank Account

Kyneton Primary School now has a new bank account with CBA.  

The details are -

BSB 063-000 Account Number 14033609

Please use these updated details if you are transferring money to the school.  

Please also remember to use your CHILD'S name as the reference.

Accessing Compass

It is important that parents access the Parental Portal in Compass at https://kynetonps.vic.jdlf.com.au . 

Compass is our main method of communicating with families. 

Using our parent portal will enable you to –

• Keep up to date with school news and important information
• Approve or enter upcoming or past absences for your son/daughter
• Update your registered email and mobile number (used for SMS alters)
• Access information regarding upcoming events and news
• Access your child’s Semester Reports
• Book interviews

“Welcome to Compass” booklets for parents and families are available from the school office. Office staff are happy to assist you with accessing Compass and resetting your password when required.