Dear Parents, Families and Community members,

It's hard to believe we only have one week to go after a HUGE term!

Next week we will finish off with a final virtual assembly for the term and hope that maybe we can gather together as a community in Term 3.

Term 1 Awards

Term 1 Awards were announced during a virtual assembly at the end of last term and today after much anticipation were presented to a very excited and deserving group of students.

A big congratulations to all of these students on receiving an award and well done for continually showing our values of Care, Collaboration and Commitment.

School Wide Positive Behaviour Support at Armstrong Creek School

School-wide positive behaviour support (SWPBS) is a framework that brings together school communities to develop positive, safe, supportive learning cultures.

SWPBS is a major advance in managing students behaviours. Its’ emphasis is on school-wide systems of support that include proactive strategies for defining, teaching and supporting behaviours that create positive school environments. Instead of using a patchwork of individual behavioural management plans, a continuum of positive behaviour support for all students within a school is implemented.

The continuum of positive behaviour support occurs across all areas of the school including; all Learning Community spaces and non - Learning Community settings as well as the yard. Positive behaviour support is a fundamental aspect of a behavioural based systems approach to enhance the capacity of the school, families and community to design effective environments that improve the link between research-validated practices and the environments in which teaching and learning occurs.

Attention is focused on creating and sustaining universal systems of support that improve lifestyle results for all students by making behaviours of concern less effective, efficient and relevant, and desired behaviour more functional.

Our Positive Climate for Learning Team has developed a short video about SWPBS at Armstrong Creek School:

Local Traffic Update

On Thursday Janelle Levy (School Council President) and I met with members of City of Greater Geelong regarding current traffic conditions around the school as well as upcoming changes.

One of the most significant changes relates to the closure of Batten Road up the Boundary Road intersection. This will occur later in the month and likely mean that there will be increased traffic flow along Central Boulevard (front of the school), including local and construction traffic.

CoGG have provided a website link with more information relating to this change, which includes some common questions.

https://www.geelongaustralia.com.au/roads/news/item/8d80c538cbffb6b.aspx

I also again remind and encourage all families to adhere to local road and parking regulations.

Many families continue to park in the bike lanes and on the nature strip, particularly near the crossing. Not only is this illegal, it is unsafe and is not setting a great example for our students and community.

I have said this many times; however, we have more available parking options than any government school I know, so please take advantage of this.

Also, a reminder for students to use the supervised crossing when crossing the road. Whilst it may not be 'super convenient', it is certainly the safest option and a must in the mornings and afternoon.

Winter Warm Wear - Friday 26 June

Winter is coming and we want to keep warm and cosy. What do we wear to protect ourselves from those icy cold winds?

We wear lots of layers, from an under layer, to waterproof outer layers. Cotton and wool are good suggestions for clothing to wear as it keeps away moisture. The outer layers can be anything from fleece to snow jackets.

Don’t forget about accessories! Mittens, scarves and hats and always make sure there is lots of time for hot chocolate, milo and soup. We hope you keep warm and safe over the holiday period.

On the last day of Term 2, Friday 26 June students can wear WINTER WEAR e.g. onesies, warm casual clothes, scarves, mittens, beanies and/or their snow gear.

A reminder to clearly label all clothing items with your child's name.

Birthday Celebrations

Birthdays are a very special and exciting time and to celebrate with friends at school is even better! At ACS we want to make sure that students having birthdays are recognised and celebrated.

Please be aware that each Learning Community will make every effort to acknowledge and make students feel special on their birthday. We do; however, ask that families do not send food, balloons (etc.) into school.

There are many reasons for this including dietary and health related considerations. It is also very complex from a school management perspective to coordinate the large number of birthdays that a Learning Community would have with up to 100 possible birthdays!

We have though committed to holding a celebration once a term to recognise all the birthday's in the term. Typically this will be done at the end of term; however, each Learning Community will inform parents of the specific arrangements closer to the time.

Last Day of Term 2 Early Dismissal

A reminder that school finishes at the earlier time of 2.10pm on the last day of Term 2, Friday 26 June. Please make arrangements to collect your child/ren at this earlier time.

Have a great weekend!

Evan Savage

Principal

Dates to Remember

June

July