Out and about with Mr Walsh

Student Free Day - Friday 10th June / Queen's Birthday Public Holiday - Monday 13th June

A reminder to all families that tomorrow (Friday 10/6) is a student free day and Monday (13/6) is the Queen's Birthday holiday. We wish all of our Surfside students and families a fantastic long weekend and for those travelling we wish you a safe trip.

Reconciliation Week

Last week as a school we celebrated and remembered Reconciliation Week. The National Reconciliation Week 2022 theme, “Be Brave. Make Change.” is a challenge to all Australians— individuals, families, communities, organisations and government—to Be Brave and tackle the unfinished business of reconciliation so we can Make Change for the benefit of all Australians. National Reconciliation Week—held every year from 27 May to 3 June—is a time 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.

What’s the significance of 27 May and 3 June?

27 May marks the anniversary of the 1967 referendum when Australians voted to remove clauses in the Australian Constitution that discriminated against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. 3 June marks the historic 1992 Mabo decision in which the High Court of Australia recognised native title—the recognition that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ rights over their lands did survive British colonisation. The day before National Reconciliation Week, 26 May, is National Sorry Day, which was first held in Sydney in 1998 and is now commemorated nationally to remember and honour the Stolen Generations.

What can I do for the rest of year? 

While National Reconciliation Week is an excellent time to think about these issues, you can still take action through the year to work towards reconciliation. Visit the following websites: www.reconciliation.org.au or nrw.reconciliation.org.au for more information.

Victoria's Principal Conference 2022

Last week saw State Government Education Principal's meet for the first time in 3 years and it was a great opportunity to celebrate best practice and learn from other school's education journey. Surfside Primary School was very proud of our Mental Health and Wellbeing Coordinator Kellie Hewson who presented along with her colleagues regarding Mental Health and Wellbeing in a primary school setting. The theme of the conference was 'Stronger Together, : Every Student, Every School'. Our presentation linked the Bellarine cluster of Surfside PS, Ocean Grove PS, Wallington PS and Barwon Heads PS to best support our Bellarine community socially, emotionally and academically and it has been great to be on this journey together.

School Uniform

We have seen a number of students not wearing the correct uniform over the past few weeks as we have entered the winter months. We have seen a number of students wearing sports club hoodies. These are not within our uniform guidelines (below and uniform policy). If you require jumpers we have a collection available in the 2nd hand uniform shop at the office or these can be purchased via our supplier - Looking Smart - details below. Our winter beanie is also ideal for winter, available from our uniform supply shop or some second hand ones here at the office.

Please label jumpers clearly with your child's name as we have a number of jumpers arriving at the office following recess and lunch unnamed. With the colder weather it is suitable for students to wear a jacket to and from school. 

Uniform Suppliers:

• Looking Smart Uniforms –  7 Marine Pde, Ocean Grove (5256 3788)

Hours – Mon-Fri 8.30am-4.30pm

E-mail – hellow@lookingsmart.com.au

https://lookingsmart.com.au/

Cross Country

We had a collection of students who qualified for the Division Cross Country Championships at Eastern Gardens. The students performed at a high level and faced tough competition. The conditions were brilliant for Cross Country running and we now have 8 students who have qualified for the Region Championships next Thursday at Brimbank Park in Keilor.

Winter Lightning Premiership - Year 5 & 6

Our Year 5 & 6 students headed to various venues last Tuesday for the Winter Sport Lightning Premiership. The students and staff were faced with challenging conditions on the eve of winter and illness and absence following camp but Surfside was definitely up for the challenge,

Basketball had a very successful day with both teams being undefeated throughout the day. Everyone put in a great amount of effort and everyone worked well as a team. A big thank you to the teachers and helpers throughout the day.

At Softball the girls team won 2 out of 3 games and the mixed team drew 2 and lost 1. The girls team have now made it through to the next level. Everyone played well and a big thank you to the year 5's who were able to fill in.

At footy everyone played great and put in a fantastic team effort and braved the rain and continued to work hard. The footy team has now qualified for the next round and is looking forward to a big day next Tuesday - Go Surfside!!

Our Netballers faced a very cold and rainy day but despite the weather performed up to their best throughout the day. The mixed team managed 1 win for the day and a big thank you for the help from our teachers and parents.

A big thank you to all our parent helpers and teachers for coaching and helping on the day and most of all a big thank you to Mr Baker for his organisation of a successful day.

Parents and Carers we need you!!!

With the return to term 2 and the further easing of restrictions we look forward to increasing our community connection and parent engagement through the planning of school based events. Our planning from term 2 onwards includes the Fresh Food Fair, Parents Association, election BBQ, Trivia Night, working bees, kitchen and garden helpers, classroom helpers, community BBQ afternoon and the list goes on. 

Below is an expression of interest for interested parents/carers for specific areas or other skill based areas that you can assist with. If you could please take the time to fill this in and will help us to get in contact and start our planning for the year ahead:

School Council Meeting - June Meeting

Our next School Council meeting will take place on the evening of the 21st June at 5.30pm.

COVIDSafe Updates as at 10/06/22

For the remainder of term 2 there will continue to be a focus on the “3Vs” of ventilation, vaccination and vital COVIDSafe steps. This will see either an introduction, continuation or elimination of the following:

• Masks are no longer required within school buildings for students, staff or visitors
• Students, staff or visitors can continue to attend school if considered a household close contact. Household close contacts aged 8 and over are required to wear a mask when indoors and undertake Rapid Antigen Testing for 5 days during the 7 day period
• Families are required to notify the school if their child is identified as a household close contact 
• If you are attending a school based event indoors or outdoors all visitors are no longer required to show evidence of vaccination
• If you are volunteering on school grounds or a school event, all volunteers, etc are required to display a 3rd dose vaccination certificate or valid exemption.
• Students and staff will only be required to undertake a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) if a child is displaying symptoms of COVID-19. Each student will receive an allocation of Rapid Antigen Tests each fortnight.
• We will continue to notify families of a positive case if they attended school while infectious
• Victorians aged over 5 years are now eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Vaccinations are available at state vaccination centers, participating GP clinics, pharmacies or community health services. Please chat to your local GP for more information. 
• Improving ventilation is one of the most effective measures to keep education settings safe. All classrooms and rooms at Surfside Primary School are installed with an Air Purifier 

We continue to thank our school community for their support, understanding and adaptability with the return to term 2.

Keeping our community COVIDSafe

The Victorian Government, Department of Health Services and The Department of Education continue to have specific measures in place to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in our local community. We can all do our part in the following ways:

We have the following in place at Surfside PS to ensure the health and safety of our school community as advised by the Department of Education. We will continue to update recommendations for 2022 as they become available.

• Anyone who is required to participate in school activities as a volunteer will be required to be triple vaccinated or provide a valid medical exemption
• Students and staff are recommended to undertake a Rapid Antigen Test if they are displaying symptoms
• Continue good health and hygiene practice by washing hands regularly, coughing or sneezing into your elbow and using hand sanitiser regularly.
• When unwell it is essential that you remain home, seek medical advice and be tested if required.
• Ensure 1.5m physical distancing when required.
• Get vaccinated if you are eligible

For further support please visit the DHS Coronavirus webpage

The current guidelines in place are fluid and we will communicate as soon as any changes occur. If you require further clarification please read the below attachments or contact the administration office for further support on 5256 1411.

YOUR COVID CHECKLIST - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH