School Life @ ASPS

Volunteering at ASPS

After reviewing our current processes, we have developed a Parent/Volunteer Helper Handbook.

Going forward, all volunteers at ASPS (sporting events, classroom reading, excursions, SAKG, canteen etc.) will be required to read this handbook and return the two signed forms, along with their WWC, to the office.

Once this has occurred, then you can volunteer at ASPS.

Please find the Parent/Volunteer Helper Handbook below:

Book Week 2023

Year six leaders have been preparing for this year’s Book Week!

Our leaders will read the CBCA (Children’s Book Council of Australia) books to each class to determine the school’s favourite. The book list includes: 

• Jigsaw
• Bev and Kev
• Market day
• Snap! 
• Where the Lyre Bird lives
• Lionel and Me

On 21st of August, a Book Parade will take place at the school assembly. Students from Prep to Year Six are encouraged to dress up as their favourite book characters and showcase their costume to the school! It’s marvellous fun for the students! Parents, come and join in the fun and dress up! 

Remember! 21st of August is the day to come to Auburn South and watch your child embrace their love of reading!!!

Book of the Week

Sunday Skating                                     

By Andrea Rowe & Hannah Sommerville (Illus.)                                     

Clancy’s friends skate through the quiet Sunday streets, while Clancy feels self-conscious, and embarrassed, that he’s just a beginner. His board stays tucked under his arm; his feet stay firmly on the ground. But his friends aren’t giving up on him and Clancy realises the only way forward is to step on his board and try … even if he might fall.

Andrea Rowe and Hannah Sommerville transport us back to the world of their award-winning picture book, Jetty Jumping, with a story about self-doubt, courage and the power of friendship. ( Hardie Grant)

Respectful Relationships

You might notice that staff are wearing spiffy new name badges this term. These were organised by the wonderful Ms Jang so that staff can be easily identified both at our school and when representing our school at workshops, meetings and events. The name tags also have provided staff the opportunity to share their preferred pronouns which has been a great conversation starting in supporting the Respectful Relationships Curriculum.

Keep an eye out for them!

RR Team

Sarah Jang and Patricia Stanton

The Great ASPS Gatsby Gala Ball

Stay Well this Winter

In Victoria, influenza (flu) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection numbers are high among children aged 5 to 11 years, particularly in those in their first few years of school. The Victorian Department of Health expects more respiratory infections over Term 3.

Most children with flu or RSV have a mild fever, runny nose or cough. Some children, particularly babies and children with underlying medical conditions, may have more severe illness.

Keeping our school community well

Parents, carers and students are encouraged to:

• wash and sanitise their hands regularly
• avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
• cover their nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing 
• stay at home if unwell and consult a general practitioner (GP) or NURSE-ON-CALL as needed
• stay up to date with flu and COVID-19 vaccinations.

Our school has masks for staff, students and visitors if they want to wear them.

Flu vaccinations

Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and your family from getting the flu. Annual flu vaccination is recommended for everyone aged 6 months and older. As part of the National Immunisation Program, it is free for:

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 6 months and older
• children aged 6 months to under 5 years
• people aged 6 months or older with underlying medical conditions.

Flu vaccinations can be booked through GPs, pharmacies or your local council immunisation service.

Find out more:

For more information about staying safe this winter, refer to:  

• Stay well this winter on the Better Health Channel, translated into 16 languages 
• Influenza and immunisation on the Better Health Channel 
• Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) on the Better Health Channel  
• Getting vaccinated against influenza

Victorian Premiers’ Reading Challenge

The Victorian Premiers’ Reading Challenge is now open and Auburn South Primary School is excited to be participating. The PRC application offers a range of exciting features including:

• access to a library catalogue (including book images and blurbs)
• a modern user-friendly interface
• rewarding students with badges as challenge milestones are achieved
• the option for students to mark books as a favourite, give them a star rating or complete a book review

The Challenge is open to all Victorian children from birth to Year 10 in recognition of the importance of reading for literacy development. It is not a competition; but a personal challenge for children to read a set number of books by 8 September 2023.

Students’ from Prep to Year 2 are encouraged to read or ‘experience’ 30 books with their parents and teachers. Students’ from Year 3 to Year 10 are challenged to read 15 books.

All students’ who meet the Challenge will receive a certificate of achievement signed by the Victorian Premier and former Premiers.

To read the Premier’s letter to parents, view the booklist and for more information about the Victorian Premiers’ Reading Challenge, visit: https://www.vic.gov.au/premiers-reading-challenge

Kind regards,

Judy Mundy & Lisa Skelton 

Library