thinking respect responsibility attitude care

JASON’S JOURNAL – The Principal’s Message

The school’s recent recognition in state print media (Herald-Sun) and national television (Channel 10 news on August 1st and Studio10 earlier this week) confirmed a lot about the relational work done at Blackburn Lake Primary that underpins our other successes. We know that by helping to build relationships in schools where students feel connected, valued and supported, we can reduce negative and violent behaviours such as bullying. I am immensely proud of the work our teachers, our children, and our parents do in creating a safe environment for all. Class teacher Debbie McDermott and myself presented yesterday at this year’s ‘National Centre Against Bullying Conference’ at the MCG, an opportunity that has been made available due to our relationship with the Alannah and Madeline Foundation, who selected our school in recognition of our school’s strong culture and use of their ‘Better Buddies’ framework.

‘Better Buddies’ enables younger children to feel safe and cared for (caring one of our school's core values) while older children feel valued and respected. ‘Better Buddies’ teaches students the values of caring for others, friendliness, respect, valuing difference, including others and responsibility. The framework – traditionally used as a Prep and Grade 6 Buddy arrangement in schools, aims to create positive behaviour, as well as build students' self-esteem, connectedness, social skills, trust and sense of community. It is for these reasons that all children have a buddy at Blackburn Lake PS and indeed the reason we have been selected to showcase this program.

Whilst implementing a range of proactive and positive social programs across the school we know that a consistent approach is the most successful in promoting a safe environment. We encourage children to use the five-finger strategy, which helps support students in developing assertive behaviours and can assist them in promoting the wellbeing of all students as they interact within the classroom and outside in the playground. When feeling unsafe due to other’s actions, students are encouraged to:

1. Ignore 2. Move away 3. Say, “Stop it! I don’t like it!” 4. Call out loudly, “If you don’t stop it I’m telling a teacher.” 5. Tell a teacher.

Please practice this strategy with your children at home and reinforce the importance of telling a teacher if these efforts aren’t successful in order for us to assist in resolving any incidents. I also recommend the Alannah and Madeline Foundation website: http://www.amf.org.au/forparents/ CLASS VISIT – PREP S This week I joined Prep S for a morning Literacy Block – one hour of reading followed by one hour of writing, with narratives the current text type. As such, the children began the morning watching an interactive whiteboard story of ‘Goldilocks and the Three Bears’ – having listened to class teacher Sue Rosendale read this big book story the day before. Discussing this narrative provided the basis for the morning’s focus on the features of this text – characters, setting, problem and resolution.

No 24

7 August 2014

Whilst Sue worked with a group on Guided Reading, the children engaged in a variety of tasks. Rotational groups are a way the teacher can cater for the different student needs in the classroom, and whilst both myself and Teacher Aid Nicole Dewberry worked on sequencing activities based on ‘Goldilocks and the Three Bears’, these two activities were again designed differently. Other tasks for the Reading Hour involved a listening post, a dice game (focusing on the characters, setting, problem and resolution) and use of the iPad app ‘Starfall’. At the end of the session the children got their “brain-food” and shared “Today I learned…” At 10 o’clock work continued for the morning, shifting the focus to writing. The children classified different picture cards into ‘characters’ or ‘settings’ as a class, before having the opportunity to independently brainstorm a problem and resolution for their own narrative. Some children were supported in their writing with small group Guided Writing instruction with Sue. I am continually amazed at the high level of Literacy work that the children of Blackburn Lake produce and this is due not only to the children’s efforts in the class and the support of nightly reading at home, but also the careful planning and preparation done by the teachers across the school - especially in Prep where a strong foundation is set during the daily “Literacy Block”.

SCHOOL REVIEW As part of the many changes underway within the Education Department, in terms of school accountability and performance, is a changing process for School Reviews. All schools are involved in a Review every four years where their performance and future direction is mapped with input and assistance from external consultancy companies and peers from the education sector.

Accredited School Reviewer Bev Moore met on Monday first with the student School Captains, then the school’s Leadership Team (AP Loisia Steed along with Leading Teachers Allison Duffy and David Dowson), local Principal’s Andrew Crossett (Essex Heights PS) and Duncan Cant (Old Orchard PS), DEECD Senior Advisor Rod Williamson, and Deakin University’s Ian Trend. School Council President Mark Eaton also brought a wonderful parent perspective to discussions and I invite you to read his thoughts (below in the Lakeside News).

It was great to pause and reflect upon our achievements of the last Strategic Plan and ask “what do we want the school’s teaching and learning programs to look like in four years?” Having spent some late night’s recently savouring the performances of Australian athletes at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, no doubt what makes the elite performers the best is that no sooner have these gold medallists celebrated their success, they are starting to plan for the Gold Coast Games in 2018. The Review Day panel congratulated school staff for their culture of improvement, acknowledged solid student outcomes (with some areas of exceptional data), and challenging / confirming future thinking, with the staff now preparing to write its next Strategic Plan which will become the guiding document for the school over the subsequent 4 year period. CURRICULUM DAY – MONDAY 1st SEPTEMBER School Council have approved a Pupil Free Day for Monday 1st September, with the staff to be engaged in a range of professional learning activities at school. If any parents need childcare, our OHSC Program may operate if there are enough enrolments – contact Camp Australia on 0423 794 541. SPECIAL RELIGIOUS INSTRUCTION SRI will begin later this month (in the last week of August) for children whose families have notified the school their desire to “opt in”. As required in the new Ministerial Order, parents of children participating will be asked to send $5 to school to cover materials used in these sessions (this letter distributed to children “opting in”). If you wish your child to join these sessions, please return permission forms asap to the office; alternately, parents can withdraw their children from the program at any time by notifying me in writing. We hope you are able to attend tomorrow’s whole school Assembly @ 3pm to acknowledge our ‘Students of the Week’ and celebrate other achievements. Regards, Jason Walker - Principal walker.jason.r@edumail.vic.gov.au

SCHOOL COUNCIL REPORT ON SCHOOL REVIEW As School Council President, I had the pleasure of joining the Peer Review Panel for Blackburn Lake Primary School’s Review Day on Monday 4 August 2014. The review process involved consideration of the School Self-Evaluation of the School Strategic Plan over the period 2010-2013 along with school performance data during the same period. It was very satisfying to be able to spend some time during the day celebrating the successes of the School during the review period, the highlights of which included:

The strong focus on our TRRAC values;

The successful development and implementation of a “whole school” approach to the teaching of Literacy;

Reading results evidenced by both teacher judgments and NAPLAN becoming a real strength;

Our NAPLAN results showing the “relative gain” between Year 3 and Year 5 being described by the DEECD peer reviewers as “extraordinary”;

A strong improvement in the area of student engagement connected with the school’s use of ICT (such as interactive whiteboards and iPads in classrooms); and

Improved outcomes in student pathways and transitions at all levels of the school. Whilst celebrating the successes, it was very pleasing to see the focus of the School Leadership Team is clearly in the “what next” mind-set, looking to identify areas for improvement. Some of the areas for improvement that were discussed include:

Development of a “whole school” approach to the teaching of Numeracy;

Working further in the area of student engagement and assessment to cater for the substantial number of high achieving students at BLPS;

Developing an ICT strategy built on delivering strong learning outcomes through the use of technology;

A focus on improving parental engagement and communication; and

Giving students a voice in guiding their own learning. Shortly, the School will be presented with a Report prepared by School Reviewer Bev Moore. This report will be a valuable resource as the School Leadership Team commences the process of preparing the next Strategic Plan. On behalf of the School community, I would like to thank all involved in preparing for and participating in this most productive day. Mark Eaton President BLPS School Council

DIARY DATES FOR TERM THREE Mon - Wed 18 - 20 August Grade 4 ‘Mount Morton’ Camp

Friday 22 August 2:35 – 3:25pm Prep 2014 ‘Launchpad’ #2

Monday 1 September Curriculum Day - Pupil Free

Thursday 4 September 9.00am – 11.00am ‘Father’s Day’ Stall

Saturday 6 September 9:00am – midday Working Bee

Tuesday 9 September 7:30 – 9:00pm School Council Meeting

Friday 12 September 2:35 – 3:25pm Prep 2014 ‘Launchpad’ #3

Friday 19 September 2:00 – 2:30pm Assembly (Term 3 ends - early dismissal)

DIARY DATES FOR TERM FOUR

Monday 6 October 9:00am Term Four commences

Tuesday 4 November Melbourne Cup Holiday

Saturday 29 November State Election voting in DJC

Friday 5 December 7:00pm – 10:00pm ‘Back to 1964’ 50th Celebration at Box Hill Town Hall

Friday 19 December 1:00 – 1:30pm Assembly (last day of 2014 - early dismissal)

LOISIA’S LETTERS - The Assistant Principal’s Message

CREATING ART Your children are creating beautiful pieces of Art for the school’s Reflective Garden. But Johanna still needs more patterned and colourful crockery that can be cut and used as mosaic pieces. It’s an excuse to have an early spring clean-up and an excuse to go through those cupboards to find those chipped and random crockery pieces, and give them to a good home; the Art department would love to use them. Any small plastic figurines, old game pieces and small plastic toys will also be appreciated.

School Uniform Wearing the Blackburn Lake school uniform instils recognition that each student is an integral part of the school community and encourages pride in representing our school. During the winter months it has been pleasing to notice that the vast majority of students have been wearing their correct school uniform. This has helped to:

Enhance and maintain a positive image of our school throughout the local community

Promote equality amongst all students

Allow all students to identify with our school community and feel a sense of pride in representing Blackburn Lake Primary School

Promote consistency in the appearance of our students with a uniform that is easily recognisable during whole school and interschool excursions and events

I would like to thank all parents and students for their efforts in ensuring that the correct school uniform is being worn and would remind everyone that as per our uniform policy it is preferred that any additional weather accessories (for example, rain jackets, umbrellas, beanies, scarves) are bottle green or red in accordance with school uniform colours. Thanks Again for your Support

Summer Uniform Options Blackburn Lake Primary School is a SunSmart school. Hats are compulsory during outdoor activity throughout Terms 1 and 4.

White / red / green check patterned summer dress (girls)

Red short sleeve or long sleeve polo shirt with Blackburn Lake logo (girls & boys)

Bottle green skort or bottle green shorts (girls) / bottle green drill shorts (boys)

Red bomber jacket with Blackburn Lake logo or red fleece jacket with Blackburn Lake logo (girls &

boys)

Bottle green broad rim hat or bottle green slouch rim hat (girls & boys)

Winter Uniform Options

Red short sleeve or long sleeve polo shirt with Blackburn Lake logo (girls & boys)

Bottle green bootleg pants (girls) / bottle green drill pants (boys) / bottle green tracksuit pants (girls &

boys)

Red bomber jacket with Blackburn Lake logo or red fleece jacket with Blackburn Lake logo (girls & boys

Bottle green tights (girls may wear – available from the Uniform Shop)

Sport Options Applies predominantly to Senior Students during all senior and interschool sporting activities / events.

Red short sleeve or long sleeve polo shirt with Blackburn Lake logo (girls & boys)

Bottle green basketball / sports shorts (girls & boys)

Additional Items School Bags Blackburn Lake logo school bags, library bags & satchels (available from Uniform Shop) Shoes Lace up, Velcro or buckled shoes - runners or plain black school shoes (girls & boys)

No open toe shoes permitted Socks Plain white / black / grey preferred Winter Accessories Beanies, scarves, rain jackets - preferably plain bottle green or red (in accordance with school uniform colours)

PLEASE USE PERMANENT LAUNDRY MARKER TO LABEL ALL SCHOOL CLOTHING CLEARLY WITH YOUR CHILD’S NAME

Lost Property is located in the large grey cupboard in the foyer of the Multi Purpose Room.

Please help to maintain the tidiness of this cupboard when searching.

STUDENTS OF THE WEEK We congratulate the following ‘Students of the Week’ – to be presented at Friday’s School Assembly

Principal’s Award Sam F – 5/6D Being a good role model at Assembly & politely reminding another child to listen

Assistant Principal Natalie W – 2D Assisting a new student to settle into BLPS – your beautiful BLPS Guidebook demonstrated our value, Caring - Congratulations

Prep A Alison H Starting each school day with a smile – keep it up Alison, well done!

Prep L Mia C Working at home to produce an impressive project about the Commonwealth Games

Prep E Bill L Completing a wonderful narrative story – great job!!

Prep S Kirralie R Writing an excellent narrative text about a boy who lost his swimming goggles

1D Eliza G Always displaying a ‘happy’ smile & enthusiasm for her learning

1J Ilia N A great start to BLPS – we are so glad to have you in 1J!

1L Ava R Being able to Write sizzling starts to all her stories – well done!!

2C Georgia B Her fantastic work on area during Maths this week – well done Georgia!

2D Maria C Demonstrating wonderful expressive, fluent & phrased Reading

2S Kelly Z Trying very hard to improve her English language skills – welcome Kelly to BLPS

3A

3J Bailey V Helping our new student Tara in class, particularly with her Maths activity

4A Ruhui F Your dedication to Reading – amazing effort!

4E Kate M Showing enthusiasm & a positive attitude towards her work in Term 3 – keep up the good work Kate!

4N Riley C Showing great determination to master subtraction – well done!

4S Ryan W A fantastic profile on Scotland for his Commonwealth Games homework

5/6D Jasmine K Providing thought provoking & insightful feedback to students about their space

5/6K Victoria G Excellent contributions to our class shared narrative, including thoughtful adjective & metaphors

‘ART ARTICLES’ Thanks for all the boxes for our Grade 2 Art Project. Please keep sending them, as the Grade 1’s will be starting construction within the next few weeks. Johanna McPhail Visual Arts Coordinator

ITALIAN The student in Prep in Italian will be learning about ‘Healthy Food’. The Years 1 and 2 will be doing ‘Safe and Sound’ and ‘Healthy Food’ Years 3 and 4 ‘Healthy Body, Healthy Mind’ Years 5 and 6 are studying ‘Healthy Life and Healthy Country’ There is a Italian Photographic Exhibition by Cristian Lottie being held at the ‘Museo Italiano’ at COASIT 199 Faraday Street Carlton. It is showing from the 19 August until the 4th October and the opening times are from Tuesday to Friday 10am – 5pm, Saturday 12noon - 5pm. ‘What I Do, What I would Like To Do’ young Italians living in Melbourne, their jobs and aspirations. Vincey Montesalvo Italian (LOTE) Coordinator

MAGICAL MUSIC NOTES Classroom Spotlight

Grade 3&4 The Grade 3 & 4 students will again be doing some work within their ensembles. Could you please remember to bring your instruments to class next week.

Instrumental News

Open Concert

Congratulations to those students who performed at this week’s Open Concert. We had a great variety of

instruments and pieces, with the following students performing in front of a significant audience. Congratulations to the following performers: Amber 3J Tayla & Melissa 5/6T Elise 4E Olivia & Lucy 2D & 2C Tahlia 4N Esther 4N Stuart 5/6T

Ensemble News

String Stars The String Stars are preparing for a performance at the Waverly Eisteddford on the 23rd August. Please make sure that you attend all rehearsals between now and then. It is important that you are aware of what is happening on the day. Looking forward to a great performance. Marimba Group Has begun. Would love to see you all there. We will be preparing for a performance at assembly, as well as

learning some music to play as part of the Music Count Us In extravaganza. Students from grade 3 – 6 are

welcome to attend at lunch-time on Mondays in the Music room. Choir We have also begun our choir rehearsals. The choirs rehearse on Tuesday. Grade 2 & 3 choir meets at lunch-time

Grade 4 – 6 choir meets at 2.30 – 3.30

Choir is open to anyone in these grades. Come along for a chance to have a sing with friends.

5/6M Thomas A Sharing his great knowledge about space during class discussions

5/6N

5/6T

Art

Italian (LOTE) Tayla H – 3A Writing an excellent sentence in Italian describing her house

Music Isaac E Helping others when he had finished his work early

Phys Ed Freddie C-M – 4S

His terrific attitude during Athletics lessons!

Looking forward to a fun filled term of music making!

Sam Collins Music Coordinator (collins.samantha.s@edumail.vic.gov.au)

SUPER SPORTS REPORT DISTRICT ATHLETICS Busy, busy, busy! We have started our athletics practise. This year our district event is to be held on Tuesday, August 26. We will be very busy over the coming weeks to prepare for this event. If you have a child in grades 3-6 please encourage them to come to school each day prepared to do some practise or trials if need be. Once trials are complete those involved will be bringing home the relevant information. HOOPTIME Hooptime for both Grades 4 and 6 are rapidly approaching too. Grade 6 will be taking part on Wednesday 27 August (the day after ath’s). More information and permission form will be coming home next week. Please check bags!!! Grade 4 will be up and dribbling on Wednesday 10 September. More information in the coming weeks. Girl’s AFL Gala Day Our district will be holding an AFL Day for grade 5/6 girls on Friday 5 September. If you are interested girls start honing those kicking, marking handball and tackling skills!! More information to come!! MORNING MOVERS - See you all there!

MASCOT FOR A DAY Just a reminder that Box Hill Hawks are again holding their “Mascot for a Day” event. Our day is Saturday 16 August. Not long to go if you are interested – make sure you enter very soon! To enter this competition you need to email the club with your name, age, phone number and our school name to andrew@boxhillhawks.com.au Phil Lumsden Sports Coordinator

PARENTS ASSOCIATION Show your support for the PA and like us on Facebook (Blackburn Lake Primary School PA Committee) or

drop us a line via the PA Mailbox in the School Foyer or send us an email @ blps.pa@gmail.com

Up Coming Events ‘Dads & Kids Big Day Out’ Coming up soon (September)

What an amazing first half of the year for the PA of Blackburn Lake PS! There have been activities constantly underway and plenty of new items appearing around the school as a result of the funding the PA has been able to provide. A huge THANK YOU to all our wonderful volunteers who make these activities possible. The PA has contributed funding this year for:

Classroom Furniture

The Cricket Pitch

Plants and Reader Bags for the Preps

Flag Pole

3 Station Recycling Bin in the DJ Centre

Easter Eggs for Students

Wooden Outdoor Seating in the school grounds

Shelving in the Uniform Shop Events and activities of the PA so far this year have included:

Ongoing operation of the Uniform Shop

Canteen, including four Foodie Days (Sushi, Sausage Sizzle, Milo & Snowballs, Party Pies & Yummy Drummies)

School Banking

Tea & Tissues for new Prep Parents

Sale of Entertainment Books

Mother’s Day Stall

Education Week Sausage Sizzle

Parents Cross Country (cancelled due to rain)

Lost Property Management

Sign up of new fundraisers / sponsors, including TinyMe Events underway or in planning, include:

Chocolate Drive

Sale of the Scout Schools Raffle Tickets

Father’s Day Stall

September Dad’s and Kids event

Roll’n’drink Foodie Day in August If any of the up-coming events is of interest to you, or you would like to be involved in some other activities, please do not hesitate to contact us on blps.pa@gmail.com or by dropping a note in the PA mailbox located in the office foyer. Nicola Gray President PA

UNIFORM SHOP OPENING HOURS in MPR

Monday Afternoon 3.30pm – 4.00pm Thursday Morning 9.00am – 9.30am *****************************************************************************************************************************************

SCHOOL BANKING - Every WEDNESDAY is School Banking Day

ACHIEVEMENT CERTIFICATES

As a school banker you will receive a Dollarmite Achievement Certificate when you reach 10, 20 & 30 deposits in the year. Congratulations to the following school bankers for receiving their certificates this week:

BRONZE Certificate for making 10 deposits: Delara S, Lucia S, Zara S

SILVER Certificate for making 20 deposits: Maria C, Ka Mon F, Andrea T Your certificates will be passed to you through your classroom teacher

Please remember that no pooling of tokens is allowed between siblings (or friends!) as we are trying to encourage every child to save regularly to earn their reward.

PLEASE COMPLETE DEPOSIT SLIP Could everyone please make sure all the details are completed on your deposit slip, especially your STUDENT ID number, which is unique to each banker and makes our job easier when we are entering your deposit into the Commonwealth Bank system? The number should be written on the inside cover of your savings book. Please let us know if you haven't got a number yet.

REWARD ITEMS For every deposit you make, you earn 1 Dollarmite token. When you have saved 10 tokens, you may redeem them for one of the following rewards:

** NEW ** Swimming bag

** NEW ** Money tin

Handball Set of 4 scented pencils Penguin or Shark plush keyring

Whale Shark pencil case

Light blue wallet - 2013 item

Knuckles game - 2013 item

Headphones - 2013 item

Pat, Pru or Spen moneybox - 2013 item (please specify). Thanks everyone for supporting the School Banking Program. Regards, Vickie Liew, School Banking Coordinator M: 0419 773 335

COMMUNITY NOTICES Any advertisements in this Newsletter are in no way endorsed by Blackburn Lake Primary School

KOONUNG CELEBRATES 50 YEARS Friday 29th – Sunday 31st August

Friday 29th August Koonung Day for all current students 8:30am – 3:30pm Free Music Concert

Past & current students performing 7pm on the Soccer Pitch. Bring your picnic rug. Hot food and drinks available.

FIREWORKS 9PM

Saturday 30th August Open Day 10am- 4pm

Walk around the school & look at all the displays & photos. Enjoy souvenirs, music & great food.

Saturday Night Reunion Cocktail event from 7pm in the Senior Centre $50 per head drinks at bar prices Semi-formal

dress code. Tickets from http://www.trybooking.com/ELIM

Sunday 31st August Displays in the Library open 10am-12noon

Inquiries98909662 | 50th@koonung.vic.edu.au | www.koonung.vic.edu.au

Want to play Basketball? Come & join the Nunawading Vikings Basketball Club

GIRLS & BOYS are welcomed with open arms Can’t Play? Doesn’t matter. We will teach you.

Can play? Great. We have teams for all skill level We play games in various competitions.

****Saturday Comp*****Weeknight Comp******Open-Age Comp**** If you want more information please go to:

www.nunawadingvikings.com.au

Or contact: Jody Walker Registrar 0497 095 457