Calendonia Drive, Eltham North 3095 Ph: 9431 1599 Fax:9431 0686 OSHC Ph: 9431 2503 www.glenkps.vic.edu.au/ Office Hours: 8.00am– 4.00pm

Email: glen.katherine.ps@edumail.vic.gov.au

LINKLETTER

Issue 39 14th December 2017

Children, Teachers, Parents: A partnership for the future

LEANNE’ S MESSAGE LEANNE’ S MESSAGE LEANNE’ S MESSAGE LEANNE’ S MESSAGE

EVERY FACE HAS A PLACE EVERY FACE HAS A PLACE EVERY FACE HAS A PLACE EVERY FACE HAS A PLACE ---- KIDSMATTER AT GKKIDSMATTER AT GKKIDSMATTER AT GKKIDSMATTER AT GK

PACIFIC SCHOOL GAMES Success and Pride

Last week our three GK students, Kane, Kristian and Vanessa, participated in the Pacific School Games in Adelaide. Vanessa placed 11th nationally in her discus event and Kane placed 4th nationally in his 1500m running event. Kristian lead his basketball team in a high level of achievement, winning against all states and national teams. All of our students represented themselves extremely well and this level of accomplishment at such an elite level is truly outstanding. We congratulate them all. David Blackburn has included a more comprehensive report further in the Linkletter.

2018 SCHOOL CAPTAINS and thanks to the 2017 SCHOOL CAPTAINS

At assembly on Monday we congratulated and welcomed our 2018 School Captains into their role. Jemma G. Cameron B, Adele M and Mia C will form the GK Leadership Team and work alongside the Junior School Council and myself in strengthening our school, listening to their peers and acting on student voice in a positive way. It was also a time to acknowledge and thank our current captains on their hard work and leadership throughout the year. Brigitte, Ethan, Jeyda and Noah have been committed students, demonstrating our values in all they do. I will miss working with these fine young people and look forward to doing the same with the newly appointed 2018 team.

PREP GRADUATION

The past few months have been about welcoming our 2018 Preps and their families into GK through our transition and orientation sessions. Monday focused on our current Preps in celebration of their year. There is no other year like Prep, beginning with its level of excitement and anticipation and finishing with immeasurable growth and achievement for all stu-dents. It was great to see so many families and friends joining our jam packed assembly in celebration of our little people.

Year 6 ORIENTATION DAYS

Our Year 6 students this week spent orientation days at their new Secondary Schools, part of the exciting transition from primary school. There were many excited students this week, chatting about their new school and what they have to offer. Tonight we head to the Year 6 Graduation for a night of reflection and celebration, heading one step closer to farewelling our 2017 student group.

2018 Grade Communicator Expression of Interest

A reminder that an expression of interest note went out last week for 2018 Grade Communicator roles. These are due back to the office tomorrow if you are at all interested.

Community Helper Morning Tea

A reminder that our Community Helper Morning Tea is on Monday 18th December. We invite our community helpers to come and enjoy a morning tea put together by our most appreciative staff. Each year we have parents, grandparents, aunties, uncles and others give us their time in classrooms, working bees and events to ensure we continue to have strong community connect and teamwork. We know life is busy with work and outside commitments but if you can join us please do. The morning tea will be in the OHSC building from 10am to 11am. We look forward to having you.

Christmas Concert Information

Our Christmas Concert is on Tuesday 19th December at the front of our school. We do not know how successful this will be in terms of space and community attendance but we aim to give it a go. A note will arrive home this week from the Arts Team with more details about the night. Thanks in advance for your support.

GK SCHOOL MAGAZINE ON SALE NOW

Our sixth edition of our GK Magazine that encapsulates the events, programs and people that characterise Glen Katherine PS and the 2017 year that was are now on sale for $20.00. Order forms have arrived home or buy directly from the office.

NO ASSEMBLY MONDAY

FINISHING TIME ON THE LAST DAY, FRIDAY 22nd DECEMBER, is 1.10pm.

Have a great week. LeanneLeanneLeanneLeanne

IMPORTANT DATES FOR 2017 TERM 4

Month Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

December

Week 11

18 Community

Helper Morning

Tea 10am-11am

Yr6 MSAC

Excursion

19 Christmas Concert

5.30pm onwards

20 Canteen closed

Grade parties

21 22 Final

Assembly

8.40am

Yr6 Focus

1.10pm Finish

2018 SCHOOL TERM DATES AND CURRICULUM DAYS

TERM 1

30th Jan -

29th Mar

TERM 2

16th Apr -

29th June

TERM 3

16th July -

21st Sept

TERM 4

8th Oct -

21st Dec

Monday 29th Jan

Tuesday 13th March

(Maths Focus)

Monday 21st May

(SEL focus)

Wednesday 1st August

(3-Way Conferences)

Monday 5th Nov

(CUP DAY eve)

UNFORM SHOP OPEN: Monday 29th January

Year 1—Year 6 Students begin: Tuesday 30th January

Prep (Foundation) Students begin: Monday 5th February 9.15am

Linkletter Page 3

Our Graduating Prep Students of

2017

Merry Christmas from the library

Just a reminder to all parents that borrowing has finished for 2017. Please ask your child for their notic-es from the library that have been sent home with outstanding books. All books must be retuned by Monday 18 December. If your books have been lost, the replacement cost is listed on the overdue no-tice and can be paid at the office.

Yarra Plenty libraries have a Summer Reading Club for students and there are prizes to be won. This is a great way to extend your child's reading over the school break.

Happy Summer Reading,

Sarah Harris

Library Technician

The lucky winner of our Bookpack Payment Incentive Draw for this year is the:

O’Loughlin FamilyO’Loughlin FamilyO’Loughlin FamilyO’Loughlin Family Toby, Scout & ZanderToby, Scout & ZanderToby, Scout & ZanderToby, Scout & Zander

They win a great hamper kindly donated by our stationery supplier, Vital Office

Thanks to all families who paid for their Bookpacks which made our collection day last week such a success.

Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas

SUMMER SPORT SEASON

Well done to all GK teams and their coaches for a very successful Summer sport season. Premierships were won by both Darks and Lights Bas-

ketball teams. Summer sport finals were washed out so final placings were determined by teams final placings a9er the home and away

rounds.

PLACINGS

DIVISION 1 – GK DARKS TEAMS

1st -Basketball boys , Basketball girls

2nd - Rounders , Bat tennis boys , Volleyball boys

3rd – Cricket, Bat tennis girls, volleyball girls

DIVISION 2 – GK LIGHTS TEAMS

2ND – basketball boys, basketball girls

3rd – bat tennis girls

4th – bat tennis boys

SPORTS TOPS

THERE ARE STILL QUITE A FEW SPORTS UNIFORMS THAT HAVE NOT BEEN RETURNED. PLEASE RETURN ALL GK SPORT TOPS TO YOUR CHILD’S

SPORT COACH BY MONDAY.

GK HAS 3 NATIONAL PACIFIC SCHOOL GAMES REPRESENTATIVES - CongratulaDons to the following GK representaDves who returned from represenDng Victoria at the recent Pacific School Games in Adelaide.

Vanessa S – competed in the 10 year Girls Discus throwing 22 .87m to finish 11th NaDonally. A superb first up performance at NaDonal level.

Kane M – competed in 12 year boys 1500m , finishing 4th NaDonally. Kane ran a PB of 4 min 25secs . Only hundredths of seconds separated 2

nd

to 4th. The 1

ST PlacegeFer ran 4 min 23 secs. The NaDonal record is 4min 22 secs to provide context of Kane’s brilliant performance. Kane also

finished 6th NaDonally in the 800m.

Kris)an F – Captained the Victorian Basketball Team to victory. Victoria defeated all States comfortably as well as InternaDonal representaDve

teams from the Phillipines and India.

Glen Katherine are very lucky to not only have students who have performed brilliantly at the top level but outstanding role models in

Vanessa, Kane and KrisDan.

DAVID BLACKBURN

( PE TEACHER )

Kane M – ranked 4th Na)onally 12 yr boys 1500m, 6

th 800m

Kris)an F – Captain Vic 12 boys basketball team

that won the Na)onal Title

Vanessa S— Na)onally ranked 11th 10yr girls discuss

TOMORROW IS THE LAST DAY FOR LUNCH ORDERS

I will amend QKR as stock runs out.

If we have snacks left we will do counter sales only the final week.

As we head to the end of 2017, please think about volunteering in the canteen in 2018. Shift is once a month (unless you’d like to do

more!!) starting 9am and finishing at 12pm. I can be contacted via email

cunningham.suzanne.s@edumail.vic.gov.au or sms 0408172778 or you can fill out the form included in this Linkletter.

Thank you to everyone who has already committed to joining the Canteen Crew in 2018

Cheers, Suzi

CANTEEN

GK Twilight

Christmas Concert BBQ

19th December Helpers needed with BBQ

We need lots of hands on deck on the day to make it a success!

We need help:

After drop off - set up for about an hour 4pm – 8pm cooking and serving sausages 8pm - pack up at conclusion

All helpers, please contact Minette on 0405245988 or email MinetteCilliers@yahoo.com.

Any help is appreciated, even if it’s for half an hour!

Don’t worry that you’ll miss your child’s performance when helping… we’ll make sure you get to watch.

Thank you!

PFA

Linkletter Page 5

What is Seesaw?

• Seesaw is a multimedia journal that empowers students to showcase what they’re learning at school.

• Throughout the school year, Seesaw builds an organised, digital portfolio of each student’s learning, accessible by teacher, student and parent.

• Seesaw also keeps parents in the loop by giving them a real-time, personalised glimpse into their child’s school day, via automatic iOS or Android app notifications, text message or email.

• In addition to this, Seesaw is an excellent communication tool where you can be informed and

updated about what is happening in your child’s classroom and at GK!

Linkletter Page 6

Linkletter Page 7

Glen Katherine PFA

Christmas Hamper Raffle Dona)ons

Raffle drawn on the night of the Christmas Concert – Tuesday 19.12.17

Ideas: Non-perishable, Christmas items, chocolates, wine, bis-

cuits, toys….. Please place in donation box in office foyer by Friday 15.12.17.

Raffle tickets $2 each, sold on the night only.

Thank you!

Writing at G.K with the V.C.O.P Gang

P is for Punctuation

is used effecDvely and model how to use the different types of punctuaDon linked to their level of

development. The children learn about the PunctuaDon Pyramid which shows the levels of punc-

tuaDon in growing complexity.

You may have heard your child talk about the pyramid, Kung Fu punctuaDon and games such as

PunctuaDon Thief.

How can you help?

Look at different types of punctuaDon with your child in their reading book. Discuss why the

author may have chosen to use it.

Use a highlighter pen to highlight different forms of punctuaDon in old newspapers/

magazines.

Give your child a piece of punctuaDon and ask them to give you a sentence

using it.

Using a wide variety of powerful punctuaDon is important to add variety

and interest to your child’s wriDng. We provide the children with lots of

2nd Hand Goods & Books ON THE LOOK OUT FOR

• Goods in great used condition, books, toys, jewellery etc ( no clothing)

• Stall Co-ordinator Required

A collection box has been set up in the office foyer for all donations

We will be looking for Produce to sell (Fruit, Vegies, Eggs etc) so if you have a Vegie Patch or Fruit Trees we would love

you to start planting seasonal produce which we could sell (Lemons, Limes, Strawberries, Tomatoes etc)

• Small Crates to Display Products

* Stall Co-ordinator Required

Farmers Market

ON THE LOOK OUT FOR :

• Empty planter pots

• Green Fingers to plant & nurture seedlings

• Donations of small plants, ground covers

Stall Co-ordinator -Laura Allan 0400 578 856

Garden Stall

HOW CAN YOU HELP???

• Clean Preserving Jars (various sizes)

• Donations of homemade Jams, Preserves, Honey etc

• Volunteers to make Jams & Preserves

• Stall Co-ordinator Required

Jams & Preserves

HOW CAN YOU HELP???

We would like donations of : *Ribbon * Zips *Buttons *Beads *Lace Doilies *Small

clean Jars

Stall Co-ordinator -Rebecca Evans 0410 559 852

Craft & Gifts Stall

There are so many ways in which every family can assist toward our Mega Fete. Many people are happy to be ‘hands

on’ whilst some like to work behind the scenes. We are happy to accept ALL assistance.

Now is the time to start making, collecting, planting etc—so please read below and see if you are able to help, donate

or collect for us!

Over the coming weeks we will be adding to the things we need—so if you can’t help now, keep watching!

SHOUTING OUT for Donations!

Sunday 25th March 2018 10am—3pm

Visit our school website: glenkps@vic.edu.au – follow the Mega Fete link for downloads & more information!

MEGA FETE

BROCHURE

Coming home to every family

SOON is our MEGA FETE Bro-

chure. So much to read, loads of

updates and plenty of Holiday

activities for ALL!

RAFFLE / AUCTION ITEMS Mums, Dads & Relatives – do you have a Business? Then you could

help with our Raffle or Auction Items! Not sure how you can help????

Hairdressers – donate Cut n Blow wave Voucher

House Cleaners – donate 2 hour Cleaning Session

Accountant – donate Tax Return Service

Café/Restaurant – Dinner for 2 or 4 Voucher

Mechanic – donate Vehicle Service There are so many ways that you can be involved. You could even

become a Business Sponsor depending on the value of your Dona-

tion!

Please contact Sharon Murphy on 0407 829 036 to see how you can

support YOUR School!

A CHANCE TO WIN A FETE PACKAGE!

VISIT THE MEGA FETE TABLE AT XMAS CAROLS NEXT TUESDAY

NIGHT AND SIGN UP

SIGN UP to co-ordinate a stall or volunteer to work on a stall by Tuesday 19th December to go into the draw for a

chance to win 1 x FETE Package (1 x Deluxe Ride Wristband, 1 x Showbag & 1 x $5.00 Fete Voucher) .

We have over 750 volunteer hours to fill! A marquee will be set up at the Carols evening calling for volunteers so please

come and see us and register. The draw will take place on Wednesday 20th December.

Note: If you have already registered as a stall organiser or volunteer you will automatically be entered in the draw. Roster

in Office Foyer.

STALL ORGANISERS WANTED FOR THE FOLLOWING

ACTIVITIES: Farmer’s Market * BBQ

Clowns * Jams & Preserves

Sunday 25 MARCH 2018 10AM to 3PM

FETE UPDATE 15th December 2017

Linkletter Page 11

CHRISTMAS CONCERT 2017

Dear Parents,

Here is some information to explain our plans for our 2017 Twilight Christmas Concert. Please bear in mind that we are trial-ling a new space which will be at the front of the school.

The Twilight Christmas Concert will be held at the front of the school in the lovely garden area around Year 5 and 6 play-ground on

Tuesday 19th December, 2017

The concert will start at 6.00 pm and be finished by approximately 8.00 pm.

Children are to meet their class teacher in their Monday morning grade assembly area by

5.45pm. All students are expected to be seated in their class rows for a 6.00pm sharp start.

CHECKING IN AND OUT

Children must check in with their grade teacher (see above)

Parents and visitors are encouraged to sit on picnic rugs surrounding the performance area, there is limited space for chairs around the perimeter. GK students can bring a small cushion or rug to sit on.

The presentation will be one Christmas/Festive season song from each of the grade levels and also community singing and some special items..

Children are expected to stay to watch each of the other items as well as participate in their own item.

At the conclusion of the concert, parents will be invited to come to collect their children from the class teacher where the student will be marked off.

CHRISTMAS RAFFLE

The PFA Christmas raffle will be drawn during the performance.

TOILETS

The only toilets that will be available to GK students are the Year 5 and 6 toilets.

Children will need to ask their teacher and then they will be walked over and back by a staff member.

Toilets for all other GK visitors including siblings will be those next to the canteen.

GRADE LEVEL DETAILS FOR ITEMS

Grade teachers have sent home information about what clothes the grades will be wearing. If you have any queries, please contact your child’s classroom teacher.

FIRST AID

There will be a First Aid Station for emergencies.

We would trust that any medication or preventatives that your children may need are brought along to the venue by parents just to be sure.

CAR PARK

For safety reasons the school drive through and teacher car park area will be closed until the concusion of the concert. Par-ents and visitors are asked to be respectful of our neighbours when selecting a spot to park.

Linkletter Page 12

PARENTS & FRIENDS ASSOCIATION PRE-CONCERT SAUSAGE SIZZLE AND DRINKS

There will be a sausage sizzle that will open from 5.00 pm.

Children with their parents will be able to buy a sausage and/or a drink between 5 pm and 5.30 pm.

The Sausage sizzle will continue beyond 5.30 pm for parents/visitors only or until the food runs out.

FOOD AND DRINK IN GENERAL

Please ensure that your children have hats and water bottles with them in their grade lines.

Please also ensure that the children have eaten before 5.30 pm so that they can be comfortable to perform in and watch the concert.

THE WEATHER

There will be no glow sticks, candles or torches required.

If the weather is inclement, the concert will be cancelled. Advice will be sent home with the children on Monday after-noon.

PHOTOGRAPHY

If parents wish to take photos of their own children individually, they are advised to do it prior to 5.30 pm. After that the children are to go to their grade areas where they will remain until the end of the concert.

If parents are taking photos or movies of their children’s item it will have to be done from where they are sitting. We trust that the photos are only for private family viewing and you will use your discretion in how the media is used.

FOLLOWING OUR VALUES

We expect that the children will show respect for each other by showing good audience manners during each of the items. We do not want children talking, making distracting noises or asking to go to the toilet during another grade’s item.

Similarly, we expect that staff, parents, visitors and teenage siblings will show courtesy during each grade’s item.

Parents are responsible for supervising their toddlers at all times.

This is an alcohol free event.

With a new location this year we cannot anticipate the level of space required by our community. If we become crowded we rely on the patience, respect and tolerance of all of our GK community members in ‘making the best of it’ for our students.

CHRISTMAS CONCERT PROGRAM

In keeping with sustsainable practices, this year the Christmas Concert Program will be sent to families electronically via the linkletter. The format of the evening as well as the words to the community songs will be included. You are able to print your own copy or view it electronically on the night.

FURTHER COMMUNICATIONS

The weekly linkletter has had updates throughout the term. Your child’s teacher is best placed to answer any questions or concerns.

Cross our fingers for good weather as we celebrate yet another marvellous year of fun and learning at GK!

Many Thanks for your continued support,

Nadia Cosma, Mel Djukic, Emma Hankinson, Leanne Tingwell, Lynne Bartlett, Lucy Miller, Julie Collins, Amy Hicks

COMMUNITY NEWS