Welcome to this edition of the linkletter. We have a great fortnight of fun and learning opportunities. On Wednesday our grade 5/6 students enjoyed their excursion to the Melbourne Museum to compliment their learning on the systems of the human body. Learning experiences such as this provide a rich and engaging platform for students to learn from. Similarly our prep-2 students will next week enjoy their incursion ‘Amy’s Amazing Adventures’. This focuses on the unit of study about ourselves and our relationships with others. On Monday 18th March our year 3/4 students will be participating in a ‘Thinking Carnival’ at Montmorency Secondary College. This interactive day provides students with the chance to explore different thinking and learning styles through problem solving activities.

Fun Night Cancelled In the early stages of the school year we had proposed a Family Fun Night for tonight. However, with continuing AEU sanctions around the hours in the working week of teachers; we have cancelled this night. Hopefully we can facilitate such a night later in the year. Apologies for any inconvenience.

Swimming – Well done Congratulations to the 30+ students from year 3-6 who represented the school at the swimming carnival this week. All the students did a fantastic job and performed well. Some students will have the opportunity of moving on to represent the school at the divisional carnival to be held on March 13th. Thanks to Mrs. Brooks for co-ordinating the team and to Ms. Buckingham and Mr.O for also helping on the day. A special mention to Jack Mahaffy who represented his age group in all strokes. Jack stepped up when, unfortunately, some selected students were unwell on the day. WHPS finished fourth in the overall standings, a great result.

Our year 3-6 students will commence their swimming program on Tuesday 12th March continuing on the 14th, 19th, 21st and 26th March at Yarra swim school

Preps Well done again to our Prep students for making such a terrific start to life at school. As of next week our Prep students will attend school full time. This will be great for

their learning process. On Wednesdays our Prep students will commence their Perceptual Motor Program (PMP). Any parent helpers are welcomed. Junior School Council The JSC takes an active role in school operations and happenings. In recent times the JSC has had a strong focus on fundraising for social service and also an environmental focus on improving our school wide practices for environmental benefit. The newly formed council met this week for the first time and we look forward to seeing their work impact across the school. Congratulations to the following students for being elected as class representatives:

Grade: Reps: 1/2S Isaac Illingworth & Ella Byrne

1/2T Nekeisha Christie & Kai Dowlan

3/4R Sabrene Dennoui & Tarik Tuncel Vice: Claire White

3/4N Ella Hoffman & Ben Park Vice: Charlotte McMurray & Amy Gersch

5/6R Bailey Bowen & Miki Everard Vice: Fletcher Pendlebury & Emily Le Page

5/6B Finley Campbell & Kristin Curry

Principals Message

LINKLETTER Watsonia Heights Primary School

61 Henry Street, Greensborough 3088 (03) 94354617 www.watsoniaheightsps.vic.gov.au watsonia.heights.ps@edumail.vic.gov.au

Principal: Michael Kent Business Manager: Jenny McDonald-Price Linkletter Editor: Leah Amos

March 1st 2013

Issue 3 Term 1 2013

Principals message continued… It’s Not OK to be Away! The Department of Education is focused on ensuring all students attend school every day and continue their focussed strategy - It’s Not OK to be Away! Please keep a heightened focus on ensuring your child attends school on time every day. Please be reminded, if a student arrives late at school or leaves early they must be signed in/out by a parent or guardian. Students are not to sign themselves into or out of the school. Please also ensure that no students arrive at school prior to 8.30am in the morning and are picked up by 3.45pm. Outside of these time students are directed to our Out of Hours School Care program. Mathletics going strong Students are thoroughly enjoying their access to Mathletics program at school. This continues to provide a wonderful compliment to our existing numeracy curriculum. Being that the students have 24 access, I trust that many parents have noticed their children spending a few extra minutes on this program at home. If not, why not spend some time with your child enjoying the numeracy site! Fresh Fruit Friday In 2013 we will continue to offer fresh fruit to all students each Friday. The school had previously received funding for this program however this is now funded from school money. If any families would like to make a donation towards the sustainability of this initiative please send along your contribution to the school office. Fresh fruit Friday is a great way to promote healthy eating and a healthy lifestyle. Also if there are any parents who have a few minutes to spare on a Friday morning, we would appreciate your time to help cut up and prepare the fruit for our students.

Labour Day Please be reminded of the upcoming Labour Day holiday. School will not be open on Monday 11th March.

Fundraising Voucher Books A reminder to any families who have not yet returned their community vouchers books that were sent home last week; please return these asap. Staff Carpark Parents are asked not to park in the staff carpark. This is still an issue that must be avoided. We are also having some problems with congestion in and around the school. Unfortunately we don’t have great parking facilities however, this can be improved through everyone’s awareness, consideration and patience. I have been informed that the council will be active in issuing infringement notices in coming weeks. On a similar topic, thank-you to everyone for reverse parking in the visitors carpark.

Headlice Please be aware that we have had a few recent cases of headlice at the school. I urge you to regularly check your child’s hair and if noticed please treat accordingly prior to sending your child back to school. The only way to prevent headlice is that all parents be vigilant in checking and appropriately treating each case. Thanks for your support to manage this issue in our school.

Newsletter If you would like the newsletter personally emailed, you are welcomed to join our email list for all newsletters. If you wish to take up this option please send and email request to: watsonia.heights.ps@edumail.vic.gov.au

Instrumental Music Program - IMP Apologies to the students whom recently received their guitars without cases. Our resource provider overlooked adding these to the guitars. These will be delivered asap after we receive them.

Summer Sport Well done to our sporting teams who did a great job against St.Mary’s last week. Competing against a much larger school can sometimes be a bit overwhelming. However our students did an amazing job in displaying such great sportsmanship but also winning the rounders, boys basketball and playing an equal draw in the cricket. Today we played against Watsonia North PS and next week we are away against Greensborough. If you have some time to pass, we would love to see you here cheering on our chargers!

Being aware of Potential Dangers Schools are regularly informed of potential issues and dangers that surround our students when out of school hours. Whilst we haven’t had any reported incidents, I remind everyone to be vigilant in considering your awareness. As a school we are focussed on providing a safe and secure learning environment and our care extends beyond the school grounds. Families are reminded of the regular need to continue educating our students of issues such as being safe around our streets. This includes being aware of traffic dangers (using crossings), stranger danger and being cyber safe. Below are some helpful hints when considering what to tell your child about a stranger:

Students need to know not to converse with unknown people.

Tell your child not to listen to or be near a stranger–rather to move away or back inside.

Tell your child to never ever go with a stranger–no matter what the stranger says.

Tell your child that strangers may make up sad stories, like looking for a lost pet, needing help with a sick child, or needing directions.

Principals message continued……

Tell your child that a stranger should never be believed, no matter what they say.

Tell your child that strangers may offer treats, gifts or lollies for 'helping'.

Tell your child that you will never send a stranger to collect them. Make a list of the only, known people, you would send to pick them up.

Ensure your child know the routines of arriving and departing school safely and notify them of any changes to the ‘normal’ arrangements

Tell your child to go immediately back inside and ask someone they know if unsure.

Practice makes perfect.

Having explained 'stranger danger' or protective behavior you might breathe a big sigh of relief. However, let's not relax just yet. Research shows that kids often can quote what mum or dad said very well, but when placed in the situation, they more often still give in.

At home, role play certain situations with your child, such as pretending mum is sick and that a new person needs to take them home. Role play or practice a variety of strategies or other scenarios. Try a test in a safe environment at home, such as an unfamiliar friend at the front door trying to entice them outside to look at a sick, cute rabbit.

Research shows that kids often 'forget' after a period of time. Thus a yearly family refresher course is very worthwhile. Active, protective behaviour

Teach your child never to wander off or go out of sight.

Teach your child to always walk with and stay with friends–to never go alone.

Teach and practice saying NO loudly and repeatedly, if they are unsure.

Teach your child to yell HELP, as loudly and repeatedly as possible, until they are heard. Predators hate noise and attention.

Teach your child to find a safe adult (a policeman or a mum with a stroller) or a safe spot (if they are fearful) such as a school, shop or safety sign. However, don't tell your child that all uniforms are safe as some predators may be wearing a uniform.

A healthy balance

Assure your child that most adults are loving, caring and trustworthy.

Discuss good, safe and friendly people in the world, to avoid fear of all adults.

Remind your child of helpful adults, like firemen, teachers, police, doctors, etc.

Remind your child of 'good' adults in their world, who can be trusted.

Protect them from over exposure to graphic news stories.

Telling

Encourage your child to 'tell' if they even think they came across a stranger.

Encourage your child to 'tell' if they felt scared, unsure or uncomfortable ('yucky' with any adult).

Affirm that you will be happy and praise them for 'telling'–that they won't be in trouble.

Affirm that you will listen and believe them. Basic protective safety for parents

Always know where your children are.

Keep your kids within your sight or supervision.

Be alert to other people around you, but not paranoid.

Be alert to Internet threats–research shows predators are increasingly luring more mature children through the Internet, such as online, through forums, chat lines, and message systems.

Always keep young children's computers within your vision (not in their bedrooms), and under your supervision.

Install a 'Net-Nanny' or Parental Control Software program on your computer.

Teach your child to never ever give out personal or private information.

Hopefully this will help to promote discussion at home. Enjoy the weekend ahead! Warm regards, Michael

~CANTEEN HELPERS REQUIRED~ Looking for volunteers for recess and lunchtime. For coeliac/gluten free students, Suzanne has developed a menu, please contact on Suzanne on email bullandsuz@gmail.com for a copy. Also please note pretzels and vegie rice sticks are no longer available.

For week dated 25th February – 1st March 2013

WHPS STUDENT OF THE WEEK

Prep H **Bailey Barnett** Working hard to improve his co-operation skills. **Libby Allen** For being a kind friend when someone fell over. Prep W **Maitri Thapa** Making such a great start to your new school. **Troy Athanasiou** For being such a great helper with keeping our room tidy. 1/2 T **Lachlan John** Putting in a tremendous effort with his work this week. **Oscar Skidmore** Showing compassion and being a helpful member of 1/2T.

1/2 S **Taryn Sheedy** Listening well and trying her hardest with her work. **Lahana Depaune** For being a consistent worker.

3/4N **Sam Norton** His commitment to home reading. **Matilda Clark** Completing work tasks within set times.

3/4R **Zara Schwarze** Always presenting her work beautifully and doing her best in all subjects! **James Sheedy** His great work on emotions and wonderful facial expression photos.

5/6B **Dechlan Maclean** Responsible decision making.

5/6R **Nathan Speers** For improving interactions in class and with his peers.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

March 2013 Wed 6th Amy’s Amazing Adventures

Prep – Grade 2 Incursion

Thu 7th House Color Dress Up Day

Fri 8th Interschool Sport Round 5

Mon 11th Labour Day Holiday

Tue 12th Year 3-6 Swimming

Wed 13th Division Swimming

Thur 14th Year 3-6 Swimming

Mon 18th Grade 3-4 Thinking

Curriculum @ Monty Sec

College

Thu 28th Last day of term 1

Early dismissal

April 2013

Mon 15th First day of term 2

Thu 25th Anzac Day – no school

Tue 30th Curriculum Day

Wed 1st Prep Info Night 7pm

Houses Dress Up Day

Thursday 7th

March

On Thursday the 7th

of March, we are having a House Colour dress up day. Students and staff are

encouraged to dress up as much as they can in their house colours and be creative! It is a gold coin

donation to participate with large sums of house points up for grabs for outstanding efforts. There will

also be house activities held on the day by staff and house leaders. We look forward to seeing a rainbow

of colours!

House Mascot Design competition

All students are invited to participate in a mascot design competition for their house. Design a mascot

that represents your house colour and flower. A mascot for each house will be selected from the entries,

with each designer receiving house points to give your house a boost in the competition! The guidelines:

Submitted on an A4 page.

Design includes your house flower and colour.

Keep it simple and appropriate to share with the whole school.

Please submit your entry with your name on the back to Miss Nicholls, by Wednesday the 6th of March.

Classroom activity ideas

Create a house chant.

Create a house cheer.

Create a house slogan.

Design a house superhero/ costume.

Create a house acrostic poem.

Posters of all things (house colour). Research the meaning of your house flowers/colours.

Oath to your house.

Thinking tools on what makes a good leader?

Thinking tools on how to show good sportsman ship.

Nominating ‘one in a million’ Do you want to shine a light on a volunteer or group of volunteers who are making a difference within Banyule? If so, nominate them for a Banyule Community Volunteer Award, with award categories comprising:

Community Volunteer (individuals and Life Time Achievement)

Young Volunteer (between ages of 12-25)

Group Award (groups, schools, organisations)

Good Neighbour Award.

The extraordinary contribution of volunteers will be celebrated during National Volunteers Week with

the 2013 Banyule Community Volunteer Awards gala dinner on 16 May.

This year’s National Volunteer Week theme - ‘Thanks a Million’ - highlights the important and diverse role of more than 6 million Australian volunteers who make our community a better place to live. Nominations close on 18 March 2013 and can be made online at www.banyule.vic.gov.au/volunteerawards. For more information on the awards program, contact Karen Molinaro on 9457 9955 Mon – Wed or Bianca Ellis on 9457 9841, visit www.banyule.vic.gov.au/volunteerawards or email volawards@banyule.vic.gov.au ______________________________________________________

Looking For Volunteer Host Families

World Education Program (WEP) is inviting you to experience another culture in

your own home by becoming a volunteer host family to an international student

arriving in July 2013. Our students from Italy, Belgium, Finland, France, Switzerland,

The Netherlands and South America are looking forward to experiencing life in

Australia, making new friends and becoming a member of an Australian family soon.

Find out more!

Getting to know your student before he or she arrives brings fun and joy to

everyone involved. Take the next step and contact WEP today to receive a full

information pack for your family.

Sylvia Kelly

Manager – Inbound Exchange Programs

Phone: 1300 884 733

Email: info@wep.org.au

Online: http://www.wep.org.au

Happy Children - Successful Adults

Watsonia Library

Thursday 7 March 7.00pm – 8.00pm

Dr. Snezhana Djambazova-Popordanoska will present a talk on strategies for raising social and emotional skills in children. Her book ’72 Research Based Activities for Teaching Social and Emotional Skills’ focuses on interaction

with and education of children, particularly those between 4 - 8 years old, for both teachers & parents.

Books are available for sale on the night Bookings essential.

Yarra Plenty Regional Library

4-6 Ibbottson Street Watsonia VIC 3087

p: (03) 94357118