EPSOM PALM PRESS Strive for Excellence Take Pride Act Responsibly Respect Our Community EPSOM PRIMARY SCHOOL NEWSLETTER NO 1– 02/02/17 Phone Number: 03 5448 4318 Email: [email protected]

Principal’s Report Welcome back to everyone. 2017 is going to be such an exciting year. On Tuesday it was so great to see how excited all the children were to be back. Many wonderful stories of holidays; places visited, people seen, sleepovers, presents and special treats. Welcome to our new families and also a very big welcome to our Prep students. What a fantastic group of children; they are already starting their reading and by the end of term 1 should all know the 26 letters and sounds and 42 blends. Remember mums and dads practice is the key. READ, READ, READ!

Student Materials Fee In 2016 the student materials and requisites fee is $90 per child. The ICT charge is $40 per student or $100 a family of 3 or more. These are compulsory payments that ensure that your children have the best possible resources. These amounts are due for payment before the end of Term 1 at the Office. School Council has also set a voluntary levy of $30 per family to maintain and improve our grounds.

Student absences during February It is important for the school to have accurate information regarding student absences. Absences that are ‘unexplained’ can reduce funding that the school receives as part of the February Census. If students have significant unexplained absences during February then they can be taken off the funding schedule. I would remind parents to either contact Deanne in the office or to inform their class teacher if their child has been absent. A note to the class teacher upon the child’s return will be acceptable also. Prep non-attendance days for February Prep students are not required at school on Wednesdays for the first 6 weeks. They will commence full weeks after the Labour Day Holiday on Tuesday March 14th. The prep teachers will be conducting the prep assessments during these days and parents have been notified when they are required to bring their child to school for their child’s assessment. The assessments help the teachers with starting points for the children and this helps inform their teaching.

School Fax Number: 03 5448 3334 Website: www.epsomps.vic.edu.au

Staffing Update 2017 Principal – Mrs Coulter Assistant Principal – Mr Saddlier Leadership – Ms FitzGerald, Mrs Hayward, Mrs O’Connor Chaplain/Wellbeing – Ms Vicky Business Manager/Office – Mrs Sheedy Junior School Unit Leader – Mr Pocock Middle School Unit Leader – Mrs Stone Senior School Unit Leader – Mr Mayes Prep – Mrs Hayward, Mrs Fitzpatrick Grade 1/2 P – Mr Pocock, Ms Smart Grade 1/2ES – Mrs McKenna Grade 1/2ES - Mr Smyth Grade 3/4W – Ms Warfe Grade 3/4S – Mrs Stone, Mrs Larson Grade 3/4E – Ms Edwards Mrs Brewer Grade 5/6M - Mr Mayes, Ms FitzGerald Grade 5/6WO – Mr Wardell, Mr Illott Grade5/6WO – Mrs Tuohey, Mrs O’Connor

Contact details All families will now have received a “Student Enrolment Information Form.” Please only return the form if you have made any changes. Can you also carefully read the parent occupation category and adjust if necessary. This information is used as part of our funding formula. If it does not accurately reflect our parent occupation then we could miss out on funding to provide resources for our children. When information changes it is important that the school has the latest information. Parents may wish to check the emergency contact information and change of mobile numbers, as these are often forgotten. School Council Our School Council meeting is on Monday 13th February at 6.00pm. I will be calling for nominations for the vacancies on the 2017 School Council shortly. If you are interested being part of improving our school and want to know more: There is a Power point available at: http://www.education.vic.gov.au/ school/parents/involve/Pages/ schoolcouncilguide.aspx Lyn Coulter

February 2017 Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

1 Gr 6 Camp

2

Gr 6 Camp

Fri

3

Gr 6 Camp

Prep Rest Day 6Fundraising Meeting 9am

7

8

13 Parent/Tch

14 Parent/Tch

15 Prep Rest

Interviews 2-7pm

Interviews 3.30-5pm

Day

20

21

22Prep Rest Day 23

27

28

Prep Rest Day

9

10

16 Disco—

17

Jnr 4.30-5.15pm Snr 5.30-7pm

24

March 2017 Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

1

2

3

6

7

8

9

10 Swimming Carnival

13 Labour Day

14

15

16

17 Dahlia & Arts Parade Saturday 18th

20 Gr 5 Camp

21 Gr 5 Camp Gr 4 Camp

22 Gr 5 Camp Gr 4 Camp

23 School Photos

24

27

28

29

30

31 End of T1

April 2017 Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

17

18 Term 2 Begins

19

20

21

24

25

26

27

28

HATS—BE SUNSMART

PARENT HELPERS

Children are expected to wear broad-brimmed hats for sun protection. Baseball caps are not acceptable, as they provide inadequate protection. The school has a ‘no hat, no play’ policy. A copy of the policy is available at the office upon request. Children who do not have a hat will be directed to remain under the shelter area. We appreciate your support with the promotion of sunsmart behaviours.

We invite parents of children in all grades to come into our classrooms to hear reading any morning you are available. Our preference this year is for reading to begin at 9:00am through to approximately 9:30am. We also require parents to assist cleaning the tables. This could happen any morning before 9.00am or any afternoon after 3.30pm. A reminder that all volunteers need to obtain a Working with Children’s Check.

SUPPLIES TO BE PROVIDED BY PARENTS The school supplies most materials that your child will need. The only things parents are asked to supply are:  Smock or old shirt for Art and Craft.  Large box of tissues. Please send to your child’s class teacher.  School bag large enough to hold a lunch box, reader cover and general belongings.  Library book bag for Grades 1-6. Please ensure you name clothing, bags, drinking containers, lunch boxes and other personal items. Small children often fail to recognise their belongings.

ELECTRONIC NEWSLETTER DELIVERY Let’s save some trees and some money! How, you might ask? You can access our newsletter via an app, the Epsom PS web page or I can email it to you….hot off the press. There are several advantages when you access the newsletter electronically, one being that the photos are in colour and much better quality. Please use the slip on the last page to indicate how you would like to receive your newsletter. HATS AND UNIFORMS Hats and uniforms are available from Uniform Plus, 56 Williamson Street, Bendigo 3550.

WORKING WITH CHILDREN CHECKS School Council have ratified that all school volunteers are required to have a current Working With Children’s Check. Application forms can be obtained online. A parent register will be maintained at the office so please let us know when you have submitted your application. Please ensure this is finalised prior to the end of Term 1. We look forward to your cooperation with this as it is a measure to ensure the health and safety of all students.

P.E TIMETABLE MONDAY— 1/2 Smyth, 5/6 Mayes TUESDAY—3/4 Stone, 3/4 Warfe WEDNESDAY—3/4 Edwards, 1/2 Pocock THURSDAY— Prep, 1/2 McKenna FRIDAY— 5/6 O’Connor, 5/6 Wardell It is school policy at Epsom PS that any student who cannot participate in PE classes needs to bring a note signed by their parent/guardian. It would also be a great help if students could apply sunscreen before coming to school in Term 1. FUNDRAISING [email protected]

The first fundraising meeting for 2017 will be held on Monday at 9a.m. Everybody is welcome! Please If your child is having a lunch order, please write your consider joining the Fundraising Committee, you’ll child’s name, grade and order items on the form and for- love it. ward the correct money in a named & sealed envelope. Your child then needs to place his/her lunch order in the ZOOPER DOOPERS THURSDAYS IN FEB slot at the general office before 9am on a FRIDAY Zooper Doopers will be for sale on Thursday’s at MORNING. Subway lunch order forms are available lunchtime in February. 50c each. from the Office. DISCO FUN BREAKFAST @ 8.15AM TOMORROW The first event being planned is a disco for Thursday We will be starting our Breakfast Program tomorrow! 16th February. The Junior Disco will be from 4.30Some wonderful parents come in and cook breakfast 3 5.15pm and the Seniors will dance away from 5.30mornings a week. (Monday, Wednesday and Friday.) 7pm. The cost will be $5 per child or $10 per family Food is donated by the Food Bank. of 3 or more. The entry will include drinks, popcorn Each week breakfast may vary, so please supply a bowl and a glow stick. and spoon for your child. Please fill in the slip in this newsletter if your chilAll volunteers are welcome, just show up! dren would be interested or email [email protected].

SUBWWAY LUNCHES—FRIDAYS

(The disco will go ahead if there is plenty of interest).

Code Red Days – Bushfire at Risk Schools Schools, kindergartens and licensed child care centres that have been identified as being at high fire risk and on the Department’s Bushfire At-Risk Register will close on days declared Code Red. Epsom Primary School has been included on the Bushfire At-Risk Register as therefore will be closed on Code Red declared days. Schools and services not on the Department’s Bushfire At-Risk Register will remain open, unless directly threatened by fire or another emergency. Where possible, up to 3-days notice of a planned closure will be provided; parents and carers should, however, expect that in some instances fewer than 3-days notice may be provided. Once the final decision to close is confirmed at 12 noon the day prior, this decision will not change – regardless of any changes in the weather forecast. This will help limit confusion and help your family plan for how your children will be cared for when their school, kindergarten or child care centre is closed. Advice will be provided to you directly by the school. When a school or children's service is closed for bushfire, no staff will remain on site and all out-of-school care programs (including vacation, before and after school programs) will not operate. Student Accident Insurance & Ambulance Cover Parents are strongly encouraged to have up-to-date ambulance cover as parents are responsible for any medical expenses such as ambulance costs incurred if their child is injured or requires an ambulance at school, or whilst participating in a school activity. Parents are liable for all medical expenses incurred as a result of student injury. Parents are advised that a number of companies provide insurance for accidents to children that occur whilst they are at school if they wish to have cover for their child or children.

2017 SCHOOL TIMES

Session 1 9.00– 11.00am Victorian Government School Term Dates for 2017 11.00 am - 11.30 am Term 1: 30th January (school teachers start) to 31stMarch * Recess Session 2 11.30– 1.30pm Term 2: 18th April to 30th June** Eat Lunch 1.30—1.40pm (in rooms) Term 3: 17th July to 22nd September Lunch Play 1.40 – 2.20 pm Term 4: 9th October to 22nd December Session 3 2.20—3.30pm * The first day of Term 1 was a student-free day in all Children need to be at school early enough to government schools to allow for appropriate planning allow time to unpack bags and change reader/ to take place for the arrival of students. library books ie: 8:50 am Children should not be at school prior to Each year government schools are provided with four 8:30am. student-free days for professional development, school planning and administration, curriculum development, and student assessment and reporting purposes. The remaining three student-free days are determined by each individual school and these will be communicated to the school community in a timely manner.

CAMPS, SPORTS & EXCURSIONS FUND (CSEF) School camps provide children with inspiring experiences in the great outdoors, excursions encourage a deeper understanding of how the world works and sports teach teamwork, discipline and leadership. All are part of a healthy curriculum. CSEF will be provided by the Victorian Government to assist eligible families to cover the costs of school trips, camps and sporting activities. If you hold a valid means-tested concession card or are a temporary foster parent, you may be eligible for CSEF. A special consideration category also exists for asylum seeker and refugee families. The allowance is paid to the school to use towards expenses relating to camps, excursions or sporting activities for the benefit of your child. The annual CSEF amount per student is: $125 for primary school students/ $225 for secondary students. HOW TO APPLY Contact the school office to obtain a CSEF application form or download from www.education.vic.gov.au/csef MORE INFORMATION For the CSEF application closing dates and more information about the fund visit www.education.vic.gov.au/csef

STEMMING WITH THE GRADE 5’S The grade 5's saw the importance of teamwork today with a fabulous STEM activity! Mr W gave them the challenge of planning and engineering the tallest structure while holding a basketball for 20 seconds! And they had newspaper and masking tape only! Well done grade 5's- there was a buzz in your classroom today, so much maths, science and engineering talk (STEM), Ms Fitz was in heaven!

NEWSLETTER DELIVERY

I would like to receive the newsletter electronically. EMAIL My email address is: _______________________________________________

PICTURES CAN BE SEEN ON ELECTRONIC VERSION OF NEWSLETTER

DISCO FUN—EXPRESSION OF INTEREST FUNDRAISING COMMITTEE We would love to attend the disco. NAME _________________________________

I would love to assist with fundraising activities but cannot attend meetings. Please contact me:

NAME__________________________________

NAME ____________________________

NAME__________________________________

PHONE NO.________________________

ANAPHALAXIS INFORMATION Food allergies are becoming increasingly common among children, and this year there are student/s in some classrooms who have severe allergy to nuts. Any exposure to these items, even a tiny amount, could be potentially very serious and life threatening for these children. We do ask our students and families to help make the school environment safer for all students, by following these simple suggestions:     

Please avoid sending any foods that contain nuts, such as peanut butter or Nutella sandwiches, muesli or health bars with nuts, to school with your child. Please always contact the Classroom Teacher before sending any food for sharing with the class for special celebrations like birthdays, Easter or Christmas. Please remind your child never to share his/her food and drinks with other students. Please wash your child’s face and hands thoroughly before they leave home, especially if your child has eaten nuts prior to coming to school. Please remind your child often to wash their hands before and after eating.

Thanks you for helping to support our school.

BENDIGO YMCA AFTER SCHOOL HOURS CARE AT EPSOM Our programs are designed to cater for the individual needs of every child so that they can develop their social skills, make new friends and be engaged and learning; while enjoying a variety of different experiences. Parents can have peace of mind knowing their children are safe in a caring, stimulating, supportive and inclusive environment. After School Care Fast Facts: All children from Prep-Grade 6 welcome Operates 3.30pm-6pm every school day Permanent or Casual Bookings taken Qualified Educators plan a variety of activities to cater for all ages and abilities Healthy and nutritious afternoon tea provided Great activities

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STEMMING WITH THE GRADE 5’S

COMMUNITY NEWS The Eaglehawk Junior Football Club is seeking players in all age groups for the 2017 season. As well as having sides in under 9, under 10, under 12, under 14, under 16 and Youth Girls (under 18), in 2017 we have the opportunity to also field girls sides in under 12 and under 15. If you are interested in playing, please come along to our Season Launch Day at California Gully Oval on Sunday 19th February 2017 between 11.00am and 1.00pm. Enquiries to Gavin Parkes, Secretary, on 0448 374 455 or [email protected].

Spring Gully United Soccer Club Before having our registration day for 2017, we thought it may be a fun idea to bring everyone together and have some family fun. Not focused on the Soccer club, more so the community.

White Hills Junior Football Club Registration Night for season 2017 We welcome all current and new players for 2017 season. Registration night will be held at the White Hills Football Ground (Scott Street) on Wednesday, 22nd February 2017, 4.00pm – 6.00pm. We will be registering Teams in all junior grades. For further information visit our website or call Nigel Lewis on 0409022275. You can also register your interest to play by email to the club [email protected] Players Wanted Monday Ladies Netball Sumer Season starts Monday 6th at Bendigo Stadium games start at 9.30 am and are played school terms A free creche is provided grades from social to A grade BFL Phone Marj 54437379

KIDS CLASSES 2016 More classes available subject to demand

Littlies – under 6 years Teens - ages 13 and up All kids classes in dance fitness studio run for 45 minutes. Class Descriptions: All classes available for instruction at Z Fit Dance Hub Ballet

Contemp

Dance technique that improves strength, flexibility, control, balance, and memory. One of the classics for a reason.

Flowing and strong contemporary dance with controlled falls, leaps and smooth transitions to the floor.

Hoop

Jazz

The Aerial Hoop is suspended in the air as you roll, swing, balance and hang from it.

Strong technique with expression and flair. Upbeat music and fine body control.

Song & Dance Make your body sing and your voice dance in this fun-filled combination class. Musical inspired routines with lyrical acrobatics.

Tap Dance where your body creates the soundtrack. Put on tap shoes and use your feet to create the rhythm.

Hip-Hop Hammock Kids Fly, swing, play games and relax in a hammock.

A dance style based in the Hip-Hop culture and music. Grounded movements and rhythmic shifts make this style iconic.

Silks Monkey Kids Climb, spin, free dance & games with the pole.

Teens Pole Age appropriate moves and dance routines using the pole.

Two pieces of aerial silks are used to twirl, wind, and hold breathtaking shapes suspended above the ground.

Zumba Kids Kid friendly routines based on Zumba choreography. Steps broken down plus games and activities.