Wednesday 14 March 2012

50 Main Rd GEMBROOK 3783 Ph: 03 5968 1313 Fax: 03 5968 1548 email: gembrook.ps@edumail.vic.gov.au

www.gembrookps.vic.edu.au

DATES TO REMEMBER

Gembrook Primary School

A view to the future

15 March Family picnic 6pm

17 March School Working Bee—details to follow

20 March EDEC Athletics

21 March School Council

22 March ESC Transition visit Grade 6 only

23 March Ride to School day NB: change of date

23-25 March HPV-Wonthaggi (grades 5-6)

25 March Gembrook Market Sausage Sizzle (volunteers needed)

26 March Puffing Billy Day-whole school excursion

28 March Junior Sports Afternoon 2pm

Garden market 3pm

30 March End of term 1! 2.30pm dismissal

Diary Dates for Term 1

HPV Wonthaggi—grade 6

Hot cross buns

Puffing Billy-all grades

EDEC Athletics 4-6

Parent Helper Session-all

grades

ESC Transition Tour gr6

Grade 2 camp

Notes that have gone home

2012 Term Dates

Term 1: 3 February to 30

March

Term 2: 16 April to 29 June

Term 3: 16 July to 21 Sep-

tember

Term 4: 8 October to 21 De-

cember

Dates for Gembrook Market

Sausage Sizzle

25 March

27 May

24 June

28 October

All volunteers VERY welcome!

Review Meeting

Parents of Boys

Did you attend the Parents of Boys course at the Gembrook

Primary School in 2011?

If so, Helena the facilitator would like you to attend a

review meeting on

28 March 1 - 3pm

Please call Helena to let her know that you will be attending

on 9721 3646

Saturday 17 March: 9am-12pm

Come and help build our chook shed! Other jobs include: chain sawing branches; planting shrubs; sweeping

Under the Big Top-GPS’s wonderful Rock Ed performance

A word from the Principal

Kym

A view to the future

Rock Ed—Under the Big Top We should all be very proud of our wonderful girls and boys—their performance last Thursday evening was fantastic. The lead performers were outstanding! Thank you to all the teachers for preparing the stu-dents so well.

Thank you to all our fabulous parents for supporting this event by providing terrific costumes and great enthusi-asm on the night! The whole school production is one ele-ment of the performing arts program at Gembrook prima-ry School. Next term the stu-dents will participate in a weekly instrumental music program which will culmi-nate in a performance. In term 3 our students will have weekly dance sessions. This year we will not be having a Footsteps concert. In term 4

we will celebrate the end of the year with a Christmas Con-cert. Keyboard and guitar lessons are available on Mon-days with Stephanie through the EXCEL company. Steph-anie also facilitates the choir sessions during Monday lunchtimes. Working Bee—Saturday 17 March 9am-12pm This Saturday the Buildings and Grounds Committee will have a working bee at the school. We plan to build a chook shed. Other plans for the morning include: chain-sawing trees; planting shrubs; sweeping paths and mulching gar-den beds. If we have enough helpers we are also hoping to remove the old kitchen from the multi. The removal of the kitchen is part of the refurbishment of the multi that is be-ing undertaken this year. Please come along—even for an hour. Many hands make light work. The PFA will be providing a delicious morning tea. PFA Team 2012 Congratulations to Angel—she has been elected 2012 PFA President. Angel did a magnificent job of leading the PFA team in 2011. Kath McLennan was elected Secretary and Jude Harris is Treasurer. Gaylene McCulloch and Robyn Murugan are also part of this brilliant team of parents. The PFA already have a number of events and activities planned for 2012 including Mother’s Day and Father’s Day stalls; Ladies Night Out; Smoothies Day; Healthy Sandwich Day; and the popular Children’s Disco. Each week the PFA team provide fruit to all the students for the Free Fruit Fri-day program. Last week’s fruit sticks were an amazing hit. The PFA provide amazing support for the school. Please support this fabulous team of school parents.

Parent Workshop—Helping in the Classroom Last week a large group of parents attended the first ses-sion—facilitated by Tabitha, our Teaching and Learning Leader. During the session parents were given tips on assisting with children’s learning, both in the classroom and at home. Parents also provided ideas on their own involvement in the school. This input was greatly appre-ciated. This session will be offered again in term 2. Next Friday, 16 March at 2.30pm, I’d like to invite interested parents to the staffroom for a cuppa and chat about school activities, programs and facilities.

Family Picnic—Thursday 15 March 6pm-7pm All school families are invited to the Family Picnic tomor-row evening in the Circle of Harmony. After dinner join in the fun of playing with the Giant Ball and Parachute. Good luck to the Gembrook Swim Team Good luck to our champion swimmers: Lynton, Shae, Kira, Frankie, Dana, Ella, Ryan G and Aaron. Our swim team will be competing in the Eastern Metropolitan Regional Swimming Event on Friday 16 March. Trainee Teachers The Gembrook school community welcomes Claire and Hannah. Claire and Hannah are studying to be primary teachers and will be assisting with the teaching and learn-ing program in the Junior Learning Centre this term and next term. Lynne Huberts is unwell and will not be back at school this term. Ann Liston will be teaching the art program. We wish Lynne all the very best.

Under the Big Top—back-stage

Working with Children Checks and

Volunteering at Gembrook Primary School in 2012 Gembrook Primary School welcomes parents into the school and especially into the classrooms. It is a DEECD require-ment that all volunteers are required to have a current Working with Children Check. The school is currently updating the list of volunteers in the school who have a Working with Children Check. Please bring your Working with Children Check card to the school office so we can update our list of volunteers. The check is free for volunteers. Forms for the Working with Children Check are available from the school office. If you are a volunteer elsewhere with a current card you can update your details online to include volunteering at Gem-brook Primary School. The WWC Check website at https://online.justice.vic.gov.au/wwccu/ or call the WWCC Information Line: 1300 652 879.

FOOD SAFETY CERTIFICATE The school is also presently updating its list of people with food safety certificates. If you have a cer-tificate and you are able to assist at some school events please inform the school office. If you are interested in gaining a Food Safety Certificate please contact the school office.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

TO YOU

March

16 Harper

19 Blake

21 Billy B.

I READING

Help your child develop a love for reading with our

reading tip of the week:

Your child’s understanding will develop with

their reading ability as they progress

through primary school. You can help that

development by being interested in what they

are reading,and what they are doing at

school. Ask questions to help them under-

stand the things they are working

on and the world around them.

Scholastic Book Club Orders

Due back 16 March

Out of School Hours Care Parents My name is Kaitlyn Carter; I am the new supervisor of Gembrook After School Care. I am cur-rently studying primary school teaching at Deakin University. The Gembrook After School Care pro-gram provides children with the opportunity to participate in art and craft, board games and out-door activities. Children can enjoy creative play and construction activities using Knex and Mobilo. Afternoon tea is provided and we actively promote cooking within the program. Gembrook After School Care is provided by the Cardinia Shire Council. We welcome new children

to our program; enrolments forms are available at the Cardinia shire web site

www.cardinia.vic.gov.au or come and see me at After School Care.

The JLC enjoyed a visit

from Pickles, Jayda’s new

pony

Hot cross bun order form on back

page of newsletter

PFA PRESIDENT’S REPORT for the AGM 2012 In 2011 the PFA were busy providing great activities, healthy food and fun events for the school, not only for the children of Gembrook Primary but for the teaching staff, parents and friends of Gembrook Primary. Our discos hosted by Kevin and Lynne are always popular with the children and adults. The children are able to pur-chase glow-sticks, popcorn and icypoles. All the kids come home with their faces painted or with an airbrush tattoo and quirky novelty toys. The Mothers and Father’s day stalls provide an oppor-tunity for children to buy their parents, carers and even Grandparents something special. The kids love to be able to buy a surprise pressie for their loved ones. In 2011 we again enlisted the expertise of Helena from Parentzone to run free parenting classes. The focus was on boys. The classes provide advice and support for par-ents. Helena is great at her job and we hope to have her back in 2012. We can never have too much info when it comes to our children. Our big fundraiser in 2011 was the Trivia/Silent Auction Night held in the new Middle Learning Centre. It was an action packed night full of laughs and of course lots of fun for all of the parents and GPS staff who attended. There were great prizes and auction items up for grabs. Money

raised was going to the Circle of Harmony, which looks fantastic and the PFA was pleased to be able to put money towards such a great space in our school. As always, the PFA have encouraged healthy eating amongst the children (and teachers too), which supports the “Go For Your Life” philosophy. The children enjoyed homemade soups in winter, Super Sandwich Day in Spring and Smoothie Day in summer. We have also been providing the free fruit on Fridays for all of the children. We try to get different types of fruit so the children can try fruits they have never seen or tried before. Robyn does a great job sending the fruit around to all of the class-rooms on Friday mornings. Helping Robyn is a great way to become involved in the PFA.

The Shopping Tour and Girls Night Out each year is a great way to meet other parents from the school and a way to treat ourselves for all the hard work we do as par-ents.

The PFA are a friendly group of mums who have fun rais-ing money by doing all the great activities mentioned. In the past the money raised has helped to pay for the play-ground, bike shed, line markings, Circle of Harmony, the cricket pitch and the list goes on.

Thank-you to the PFA team for the great job you did in 2011 and for your time that you give freely to our school. You are very much appreciated.

Angel Thomas

Did you know that 21 March is World Down Syndrome Day?

During March, people across the world celebrate the lives and achievements of those with Down Syndrome. In Australia this important day is recognised by hosting a morning or afternoon tea in communities across the country. Whilst I will not be able to organise one this year, on March 21 you could think about some of the fol-lowing information on Down Syndrome, visit the Down Syndrome Victoria website and find a way to make a difference, either by donation, changing your attitude towards Down Syndrome or learning something new about Down Syndrome.

Did you know that: All people with Down Syndrome have some form of intellectual disability, however it varies greatly from

individual to individual and some people with Down Syndrome need relatively little support to lead an ordinary life.

People with Down Syndrome have the same needs and aspirations as we do, including somewhere to live, meaningful employment, family, friends, intimacy and having a role in their community.

People with Down Syndrome are each unique, with their own talents abilities, thoughts and interest. People with Down syndrome have the same emotional range as everyone else. They get happy, sad, embar-

rassed, frustrated, thoughtful and fall in and out of love just as we all do. The majority of individuals with Down Syndrome will today enjoy a long and healthy life. For more information go to www.downsyndromevictoria.org.au and remember 21 March .

Thanks for reading, Josephine McCrohan

BELVEDERE HAIRDRESSING Your family hairdressing needs

Come see Michele for a one on one quality hair service

with that at home feeling.

With over 20 years experience Michele will help you walk

away

feeling great.

Style Cut Pricing Ladies/Mens Hair Cuts $20.00

Ladies Shampoo, Haircut & Blow-dry $40.00

Ladies Shampoo & Blow-dry from $25.00

Pensioner Prices Mens/Ladies over 55 with a pensioner card Cuts only $15.00

Kids Boys/Girls Haircuts aged 4 & under $10.00

Boys/Girls Haircuts aged 5 to 13 $15.00

Family discounts on hair cuts

3 or more at one time 10% discount

Other Pricings Full colour from $40.00

¼ to ½ Head foils from $100.00

Contact Michele for your appointment on

59681350 or 0409 384 452

Address 8 Belvedere Court Gembrook

(Just off Station Street at the end of the court)

Please let the school know if your contact

details have changed.

For Sale

New maranti window: beige surrounds around flyscreen

and on window opener. Right hand opener. NEVER

USED!

Measurements: W1520mm x H1050cm x D15.50mm

Price: $950

Phone or text: Suzanne 0438028022

LG Gold Window Type Airconditioner & Heater

Will fit a window size: 71cmW & 52cmH

Unit measures: 60.5cmxW, 38cmxH, 55cmxD

Will require a stand to sit it on, outside the window.

Price: $250

Phone: Suzanne: 04038028022

Head Lice are Back!

Please be vigilant about head lice. They are

present in all learning centres. Check your

child’s hair regularly and treat if you find eggs

or live lice. Please let the office know if your

child has been infected so that we can send out

the general letter to all students in the learning

centre to prompt all parents to check their

child’s hair. Let’s try to stop the cycle.

Fitness Class for Parents When: Thursday morning 9.30-10.30

Where: Gembrook Primary School multi

purpose room

Cost: $8 per session

What does it involve: a mixture of fat burn-

ing cardio work, strength and toning work,

core strength as well as

stretching and strength-

ening to enhance healthy

posture.

Qualified instructor:

Certified in many fields

of fitness including ad-

vanced resistance training, person training,

group fitness, cycle and zumba. (And 1st aid,

of course)

Experience: 20 years gym, aerobics, group

fitness, personal training and 15 years fitness

club owner / operator.

How fit do you need to be: come as you

are. I encourage everyone to work at a safe

level for themselves and I will guide you all

the way.

What to bring: a drink of water, wear run-

ners, bring a bath sized towel and….. yourself.!

Further enquiries: Natasha, phone:

0412183329

Registration 19 March

For Sale

Hills swing set, including:

Four swings all different plus rings

and slide. Cleaned and ready for

use again.

Colour: Green & yellow

Cost: $100

Phone /text: Suzanne on

0438028022

Prep for Parents Did your child start Prep this year? Would you like tips on how to support your child in their first year at school? Then subscribe to the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development’s new weekly Prep for Parents email. You will be sent an email every Wednesday during school term that will include tips, advice and information about the day-to-day experiences children have in the class-room and things you can do at home to assist and encourage your child. To subscribe to Prep for Parents, see: http://www.education.vic.gov.au/aboutschool/prepare/prepforparents/default.htm

Beautification of Gembrook

The Gembrook Township Committee (GTC) would

like to get your ideas / involvement in building on

the community pride that already exists in Gem-

brook. Specific aims include reducing litter and

promoting care and beautification of the town

and surrounding areas.

Community Think Tank, Monday 26 March

2012 Community groups and local residents

are invited to join the GTC on Monday 26

March at 7pm at the Gembrook Community

Centre. Topic: How to tackle the litter

hot spots?

Any queries: contact Merle Mathisen

59681011

BE SUNSMART

HATS MUST BE WORN FOR ALL

RECESS AND OUTDOOR

ACTIVITIES

Without a hat children will have to stay in

the shade during recess and lunch times.

For all your sewing alterations and

mending.

Phone Dawn Ashford,

59681592

School Holiday Fun at the RSPCA

Calling all animal lovers! If you go crazy for cats, dote on dogs or want to have some fun with farm animals, then the RSPCA School Holiday Pro-gram is the place for you! We have sessions running from Monday 2nd April until Friday 13th April (excluding Easter public holidays). There will be lots of animal interaction, art and craft, as well as a behind the scenes look at the RSPCA. Sessions for children include:

Dog Day Behind the Scenes 3Rs (Rabbits, Rats and Really

Cute Guinea Pigs) Horses and Ponies Day

Visit www.rspcavic.org for more information about any of our programs. Call Penny on 9224 2286 to book a place.

Newsletter by Email

Please arrange to have the newsletter sent to you

by email and help the school save paper

(and our environment).

The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development does not endorse the products or services of any private advertiser

Please return to your child’s teacher on their return to school

ABSENCE NOTE

Date/s of Absence

Students Name Grade

Reason for absence

Parent /Guardian Signature Date

Space Available for Newsletter Advertising

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Advertising rates for Gembrook PS

Newsletter

Business card on back page: $5/wk or $45/term

1/4 page: $15/wk or $100/term

1/2 page: $25/wk or $150/term

Full page: $40/wk or $200/term

Space Available for Newsletter Advertising

Hot Cross Bun Order Form