Hello everyone and welcome to the final linkletter of 2017! What a wonderful year it has been at Watsonia

Heights. Our students are to be congratulated on the fantastic year they have had. We are very proud of our

school and the students and we always celebrate their achievements throughout the school year. As a school

we work extremely hard to ensure the highest quality learning for all students. This manifests in fantastic

educational experiences in and out of the classroom. Our students have positively engaged in all that’s been

on offer at WHPS.

I am humbled and grateful for the opportunity to lead such a wonderful school community. Our staff are

honoured and privileged to be entrusted with the responsibility of leading the learning for your children.

WHPS places great emphasis on empowering your children to be the best they can be. We focus on

developing each individual to be literate, numerate, articulate, curious, collaborative, responsible,

empathetic, resilient, creative and communicative!

Every day of this year we have embraced the opportunity of leading and challenging your children.

In order for us to do fulfil our responsibilities, we rely on your support and intervention. Reading to your

children, discussing their day, challenging their thoughts, developing their emotional, social and academic

development is crucial in providing the parameters that allow all children to reach the full potential.

I say a HUGE thank-you to all of you for supporting your children and the school in the way that you do.

In particular I’d like to say congratulations to our Prep and Year 6 students.

Our Preps have now completed their first year of schooling! A great achievement and all our Preps have

made a wonderful start to their formal education. It has been fantastic to see the growth and development

of our youngest students. Well done also to our Prep staff and team for making the year so successful for

our students.

This was evident this week with the students showcasing their publishing skills with their individual book

launch. You can read more of this later in the newsletter within the library update. I must congratulate the

students and staff on their efforts and accomplishments within this project. So wonderful to see the Preps

being celebrated as authors!

Similarly to our exiting Year 6 students. You should feel very proud of your accomplishments this year and indeed

across your primary years of schooling. It was a pleasure to share in the Graduation ceremony held at Watsonia RSL

this week. The evening providing the chance to reminisce and celebrate the journey through your Primary School.

You have accomplished great things along the way and are well equipped for the next stage of learning and living

through secondary school. We wish you all every success and happiness at this exciting time of your lives.

As was my message on the night. Our students come through WHPS equipped with the skills and values to

succeed in secondary school and beyond. By Striving for the Heights our students can reach the loftiest of

goals and ambitions.

In supporting our Year 6 students through their learning journey as we do for all our students, the staff are

to be congratulated on their hard work, dedication and enthusiasm within which they teach, support and

guide our students. Please note, Graduation DVDs will be posted in January 2018.

Watsonia Heights Primary School 61 Henry Street, Greensborough 3088 (03) 94354617 www.watsoniaheightsps.vic.gov.au Email- watsonia.heights.ps@edumail.vic.gov.au

LINKLETTER PRINCIPAL – MICHAEL KENT

ISSUE 23 DATED – 22ND December 2017 – Week 11 Term 4

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

LINKLETTER PRINCIPAL – MICHAEL KENT

ISSUE 20 DATED – 10th November 2017 – Week 5 Term 4

We are lucky to have such wonderful staff whom work together so cohesively. This includes our wonderful

office, educational support and OHSC staff who have continued to provide a dynamic and engaging

program throughout the year. Their ongoing hours of commitment provides for our students and ensures a

positive and engaging learning environment. We look forward to another amazing year in 2018!!

We wish you well – Year 6 students!! – A message to our graduating students!

These words are applicable for all our students whom are leaving this year.

Well the time has come! The end of an era at WHPS.

Before you look forward you should take some time to look back.

When you began, you set out into the unknown world of primary school. What’s in store? What will happen? What

will become?

Look back with pride at your own personal journey. Each and every one of you are very special people who have

sooo much to offer the new world in front of you.

Your achievements, the lessons learned, your successes and the wonderful friendships and connections you’ve made

will stay with you forever and will also be the pillars of confidence for you as the next stage of life and learning

unfolds for you.

What feels like the end is often the beginning….

Whilst I am sad to see you leave our great school, I am more so excited about just how you’ll leave your impact on

those around you in the future.

You have left your impact on me and also on our staff team. So, I thank-you for your contribution to the school and

for the positive impact you’ve all had on us.

So, as this chapter closes and you then turn the page to the next…. There are no words yet! The story hasn’t been

written. You are in charge of the pen!

Always believe in yourself and your abilities. Be true to yourself and hold onto the strong sense of values that your

families and the school have instilled in you.

Write a great story for yourself! I’ll look forward to reading your book as the chapters build.

Congratulations of successfully finishing your time at Watsonia Heights Primary School, you should feel extremely

proud of yourself.

I wish you every possible success for next year and into the future.

I do hope that you continue to Strive for the Heights in all that you do!

Don’t be a stranger.

Although no-one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending.

~Carl Bard

Student leaders

We have recently undergone and extensive process to decide on our students leaders for 2018. For next

year and beyond we have made our decisions based, not on gender, but rather on the role. Students were

welcomed to apply for the formal roles of school captains and vice captains. Interested students were

encouraged to write to the role and undergo and interview process. Additional to this process, staff have

also had input into this decision. At WHPS we value student input and student leadership very highly.

Within this process we have considered the skill set and capacity of our young leaders. I am very excited

to announce that our school leaders for 2018 are:

Lily and Taryn; they will be supported by Brodie and Ella.

In looking forward, we must look back. I acknowledge and thank our exiting student leaders: Captains:

Shannon and Will and the Vice Captains: Ashla and Isaa.

They have done an amazing job this year. Representing the school so admirably and respectfully. Whilst

all of our students are ‘leaders’; we rely on our nominated leaders to be the face of our school and students.

Well done team, you should feel be very proud!

Year 2 and 5/6 Camps

We recently had our year 2 and 5/6 students attend their annual camp. This was a wonderful opportunity

and provided a fantastic learning experience for all those involved. A special thank-you to the staff whom

made this experience so positive for everyone. I had the pleasure of sharing in these camps and thoroughly

enjoyed the chance to have some fun but also share in the challenge of engaging in the activities provided.

2018 Fete

We look ahead to our next amazing school fete! This is scheduled for March 17th 2018! We are already preparing for

this whole school community event and are asking for parents to put their hand up to help and support our upcoming

Fete!!! You can help to make this great! Please let us know if you are able to help.

Without your support this event will not be able to run effectively.

Volunteers dinner

Thanks to the parents whom came along to our recent volunteers wine and cheese night. Unfortunately we didn’t see

as many people as we would’ve liked in attendance. We hoped to thank many parents but didn’t get the chance to do

so. However, I do acknowledge and thank all of our volunteers and supporters who have given of their time, resource,

expertise and commitment over the course of the year. Our school is greatly enhanced by your involvement!

School council

I also say a BIG thank-you to the 2017 school council. Their leadership and governance has been fantastic

and very supportive component to making our school great.

Thanks to: Leigh Greenhalgh, Wendy Rowe, Emily Burley, Shelli Giosis, Pierre Scotney, Belinda Denison, Charlotte Bethune,

Richard Illingworth, Tony Ryan, Ally Clarke, Jessica Rancie, Amy Davidson

We will be calling for nominations for the 2018 council in February next year. If you are interested in joining council

please let me know.

Reports

This week you will have received your child’s December report. I am sure you will have found these to be

comprehensive and thorough. Staff have been working extremely hard to ensure you are well informed as to your

child’s progress. Please note the progression on the reports is indicative of 6 months progress from June to December.

Please ensure you download and save your repot. Any students leaving the school will not have access to compass

so please download a copy.

2018

Looking ahead to next year please be aware of the curriculum days at the start of the year.

2018 Dates:

Monday 29th January – Staff return

Tuesday 30th January – Curriculum day no students

Wednesday 31st January – Year 1-6 commence

Thursday 1st February – Prep students commence 9-1pm

Friday 2rd February – Prep 9-1pm

Term dates 2018:

Term 1: 29 January (school teachers start) to 29 March (Thursday) *

Term 2: 16 April to 29 June

Term 3: 16 July to 21 September

Term 4: 8 October to 21 December

2018 Staffing.

Please see the full list of staff for the 2018 school year. Grade/Program Staff Time fraction

Prep Ally Clarke 1.0

Prep Rebecca Mead 1.0

Prep Angela Gray 1.0

Grade 1 Shanai Bowden 1.0

Grade 1/2 Mary Stanton

Jenny Humberstone

0.6

0.4

Grade 1/2 Georgia Barnes 1.0

Grade 1/2 Phillip Hannon 1.0

Grade 1/2 Madelyn Creasey 1.0

Grade 3/4 Bridie Ruane 1.0

Grade 3/4 Clint Mackie 1.0

Grade 3/4 Amy Davidson 1.0

Grade 5 Jessica Rancie 1.0

Grade 5/6 Reem Elsaafin 1.0

Grade 5/6 Cherrie McIntosh 1.0

AP Tony Ryan 1.0

PE Amanda Macellari 0.8

LOTE

Support/Extension

Serina Lee 1.0

Discovery Learning Catherine Trethowan 0.7

Art / music Sally Wagner (Beran) 0.5

Science Cathy James 0.4

Science Sharni Kennedy 0.4

Art Emma McDonald 0.2

Term 3 Chantelle Lanyon 0.4

Term 4 Lana Cordwell 0.4

Aide Support Kylie Emmenegger 0.8

Aide Support Izzy Cahill 0.8

Aide Support Debbie Nichols 0.5

Aide Support Effie Roubos 0.8

Aide Support Kay Rowland 0.8

Aide Support Jacqui Heczey 0.5

Library Kathryne Campara 0.8

Office Manager Leah Amos 0.8

Bus Manager Bev Ashley 0.8

I take this opportunity to thank the exiting staff for their hard work, dedication and commitment to the school.

Lisa Davison, Vivienne Degran, Juanita Abreu, Catherine Rankin, Dave Horne, Gemma Albress, Jamie Thompson

and Yan Wu.

I would also like to acknowledge retiring staff member, Bev Brooks. Bev has had a long association with WHPS

and has a positive impact on many families and students over her career. We will welcome the opportunity

to farewell Bev at the beginning of 2018.

Grades for 2017

Students spent some time this week in their new classroom with their new teacher and new classmates. This was a

positive experience as students enjoyed some time getting to know their 2018 classmates.

Family fun night

Thanks to all of the families whom attended the recent family fun night. This was a great night for everyone

concerned and provided the chance to socialize and commemorate the end of a wonderfully positive year.

Community Garden News

After our wonderful helpers at the working bee put in a sterling effort to build the first stage of our

community garden, we were excited to get the planting underway. Over the last month the students from

all year levels have had the opportunity to plant out the beds with fruits and veggies. We have had lots of

fun planting and watering lettuce, peas, pumpkin, eggplant, strawberries, silverbeet, capsicum, leek and

watermelon! We should have a feast of healthy food ready to eat in the first term of 2018!

We are looking forward to incorporating the care of the plants, garden area and compost into our teaching

program next year. In the next phase we hope to plant some fruit trees which will act as a wind break for

our garden and complete the infrastructure with some potting benches, a potting shed and our outdoor

classroom area. We would love the assistance of anyone who has any building skills/tools for these

activities. If you fit the bill please email Angela Gray – gray.angela.m@edumail.vic.gov.au.

I wish you all a very safe and happy holiday time.

Thanks again for all your support throughout the year and I look forward to seeing you all again in 2018.

Warmest regards,

Michael

Across The AP’s Desk….

It’s hard to know where this year has gone, but I’m working on the assumption that the old adage of ‘time

flies whilst you’re having fun’ is the reason. It really has been an enjoyable year with many memorable

moments and amazing experiences along the way.

I feel privileged to belong to a school that has such a great atmosphere and vibe. Of course it is only this

way due to the people that make up our school community. We work with a great bunch of kids and

seeing them challenging themselves, striving, encouraging each other, succeeding, leading, laughing and

developing strong personal relationships everyday, is really inspirational.

We also enjoy a very supportive parent community and the contribution you make in supporting your

children and the wider community is very much appreciated. It is wonderful to see how many parents we

have involved in activities such as reading, PMP, volunteering to assist with sporting days, graduation

preparation, Fete, working bees, Mothers and Fathers Day stalls, excursions, the list goes on… We know

that this involvement enriches our students’ experiences at school and is essential in getting the best

outcomes for them. Thank you!

We have an amazing, hard working, highly skilled and dedicated staff that go above and beyond to create

a dynamic and caring learning environment for our students. As a team we work hard together and are

always looking for the next aspect that will strengthen the educational experience for our students. I thank

them for their dedication and investment in our children. In addition to seeing it everyday myself, I know

our staff go the extra mile, based on all the feedback Michael and I receive from parents about the

positive impact the staff have had on their children. Thank you for this. I think it’s important that their

efforts are acknowledged and they hear of the difference they make.

This time of year is always tinged with a little sadness as we farewell staff that have been such an integral

part of our team. This year we say goodbye to staff for a variety of reasons from maternity leave, study,

career changes and other professional opportunities. I’d like to thank Jamie Thompson, Gemma Albress,

David Horne, Yan Wu, Juanita Abreu, Viv Degran, Lisa Davison and Catherine Rankin for their

contribution to our school and wish them all the best for their future endeavours. They will be missed!

In addition to staff departing, we say farewell to our year 6 students and other families departing the

school. We wish you all the best for the future and thank you for helping shape the great culture of our

school. I’m hopeful that these students will call back into school regularly in the future so that we can

continue to track their progress and stay in touch.

Lastly, I want to wish everyone in our community a fantastic holiday period and hope that this time with

your family brings much laughter and happiness. I look forward to seeing everyone in the New Year and

hearing about all their adventures.

Regards,

Tony

Summer Sport EVEN Fixture 2018

Round 1 Friday 9th February Streeton V Watsonia Watsonia Heights v Bundoora Greensborough V St Marys Watsonia North V Norris Bank

Round 5 Friday 9th March Watsonia V Greensborough Watsonia North v Watsonia Heights St Marys V Norris Bank Streeton V Bundoora

Round 2 Friday 16th February St. Marys v Bundoora Watsonia V Watsonia Heights Greensborough V Watsonia North Streeton V Norris Bank

Round 6 Friday 16th March Watsonia Heights v Streeton Greensborough v Bundoora St. Marys v Watsonia North Norris Bank v Watsonia

Round 3 Friday 23rd February St. Marys v Watsonia Heights Watsonia v Bundoora Norris Bank v Greensborough Watsonia North v Streeton

Round 7 Friday 23rd March Greensborough v Streeton Watsonia North V Bundoora Watsonia v St Marys Norris Bank v Watsonia Heights

Round 4 Friday 2nd March Streeton V St Marys Watsonia Heights v Greensborough Watsonia North v Watsonia Norris Bank v Bundoora

Finals Wednesday 28th March Note: No make-up rounds due to short term.

VENUES 2018

Bundoora Primary School: ( Bundoora to play AWAY all games)

Greensborough Primary School: Cricket and rounders played at War Memorial Oval. Basketball and bat tennis played at school. (no girls basketball team)

Watsonia Primary School: All sports played at school grounds. ( No Rounders team)

Watsonia Heights Primary School: Cricket played at Central Oval, Glenice St. All other sports played at school grounds.

Watsonia North Primary School: Cricket played at Warrawee Park. Jacqueline Rd (10 minute walk) all other sports played at school grounds. Away cricket team should get dropped off at Warrawee Park by bus.

St. Mary’s Primary School: Cricket played at Whatmough Park, Greensborough. All other sports played at school grounds.

Streeton Primary School: All sports played at school grounds. ( No cricket team)

Norris Bank: Sports played at school grounds or across road (Short walk) Greenhill’s rd.

Norris Bank Reserve. ( No cricket team)

WHPS 2018 Important Calendar Dates

January 2018

Monday 29th – Staff Return

Tuesday 30th – Curriculum Day No Students

Wednesday 31st – Gr1-6 Commence

February 2018

Thursday 1st – Preps Commences 9am-1pm (no lunch required)

Friday 2nd – Preps 9am-1pm (no lunch required)

Monday 5th - Preps 9am-1pm (no lunch required)

Tuesday 6th - Preps 9am-1pm (no lunch required)

Wednesday 7th – PREPS NO SCHOOL TODAY

Thursday 8th – Preps 9am-3:30pm

Friday 9th - Preps 9am-3:30pm

Friday 9th - Gr 3-6 Swimming Trials – Yarra Swim School

Friday 9th – Inter-School Sports – Home vs Bundoora

Wednesday 14th - PREPS NO SCHOOL TODAY

Friday 16th – Inter-School Sports – Away @ Watsonia

Wednesday 21st - PREPS NO SCHOOL TODAY

Thursday 22nd - District Swimming Carnival – Water Marc – Times TBC

Friday 23rd – Inter-School Sports – Away @ St. Marys

March 2018

Thursday 1st - Gr 3-6 Intensive Swimming – Yarra Swim School

Friday 2nd – Inter-School Sports – Home v Greensborough

Monday 5th - Gr 3-6 Intensive Swimming – Yarra Swim School

Thursday 8th - Gr 3-6 Intensive Swimming – Yarra Swim School

Friday 9th - Inter-School Sports – away @ Watsonia North

Monday 12th - LABOUR DAY – Public Holiday – No School today!

Thursday 15th - Gr 3-6 Intensive Swimming – Yarra Swim School

Friday 16th - Home v Streeton

Monday 19th - Gr 3-6 Intensive Swimming – Yarra Swim School

Thursday 22nd - Gr 3-6 Intensive Swimming – Yarra Swim School

Friday 23rd – Away @ Norris Bank

Monday 26th – SCHOOL PHOTOS

Tuesday 27th – Gr3/4’s Start Smart Incursion

Wednesday 28th – Gr1/2’s Start Smart Incursion

Thursday 29th – Gr5/6’s Start Smart Incursion

Thursday 29th – Last Day of Term 1

WHPS STUDENT OF THE WEEK

For Week beginning 11 December 2017

Jude PB For being a superstar this year in Prep B and always having a positive attitude and a smile on his face :)

Thomas PC For always being such a kind and caring classmate to everyone in our grade.

Julia PG For always listening during instructions.

Chelsea PM Writing a unique and detailed picture story book about a magic fairy being kidnapped by a witch! It was incredible!

Fergus 1/2E For showing S.T.R.I.V.E in the construction of his time machine. Great job!

Asha 1/2HS For doing a great presentation on your Genius Hour Project.

Isabella 1/2T For always using her manners when speaking to others and when listening on the floor.

Erik 3/4D For showing improved listening and always applying himself.

Ryder 3/4L For writing a truly beautiful poem about the series Once. He even created his own very creative structure.

Nathan 3/4M For working hard and persisting with his poetry slam. Well done Nathan!

Tommy 3/4R For being such a kind caring, fun and hilarious member of the Fancy Rancies. Good luck at your school, we will miss you!

Taryn 5/6M For being a consistently awesome member of 5/6M.

WHPS STUDENT OF THE WEEK

For Week beginning 18 December 2017

Alice PB For always trying her best and persisting through difficult tasks. Great job Alice!

Zali PC A fantastic story, ‘Lost in the Jungle’ that she wrote for our Creativity unit. Well done!

Tuna PG For focusing on your work right to the end of the year. Great

concentration.

Rafael PM For making excellent progress with his use of spaces when

writing. Well done!

Leah 1/2E For the great effort you put into all of your work. Excellent job, Leah!

Charlie 1/2H For showing dedication and focus when working on his Genius Hour project on skateboards, even making a mini skate park!

Oliver 1/2HS For always being quick to start work and finish.

Rory 1/2T For always putting in his best effort in all learning tasks. Well done!

Callum 3/4D For showing creativity and being a kind and generous classmate.

Lily 3/4L For always presenting her work professionally.

3/4M 3/4M For being an amazing class to teach this year. Enjoy the last week!

The wonderful, amazing and terrific Fancy Rancies

3/4R For being such a fantastic class to teach this year. You are all awesome!

Liam 5/6A For his fantastic teamwork skills, cooperation and his impeccable manners displayed on camp.