Welcome back to term 2! I hope you all enjoyed the recent Easter break and school holidays and managed to either get away or enjoy some quality family time at home in preparation for the term ahead. This term promises to be another exciting term of learning and opportunity for our students and community. ANZAC Day A reminder that Saturday 25th April marks our ANZAC day commemoration. This is a significant event on the Australian calendar and we take time to respect and value the wonderful contribution made by our diggers. If you haven’t had the chance to participate in a dawn service, I encourage you and your family to become involved in this moving and important tribute. Lest we forget! Students will be spending time next week to remember and acknowledge the sacrifice and history of the ANZAC. Relay for Life As a part of the Relay for Life initiative Watsonia Heights Primary School is pleased and honoured to announce that we raised in excess of $3,520.00 for the cancer council. A HUGE effort and a MASSIVE thank-you to the parents and friends of WHPS who involved themselves in this great fundraising initiative. Most importantly thank-you to Troy Hoffman who took on the role of team captain for our school. Troy spent many hours coordinating our team and is to be congratulated on his enthusiasm and commitment to such a great cause. Extra learning opportunities at home…. Linked to our newsletter this week is a document – ‘201 literacy and maths tips to help your child’. This provides some simple and practical ways you can enhance the learning process at home. Whilst we are encouraging reading as a primary homework focus (every child reading every night) there are many other ways to stretch your children at home. Additional homework can always be sent home on request. This document is now a few years old however it still provides a range of suitable tasks that can be entertained at home. Start smart Students in years 1-6 will be involved in an incursion teaching students about financial management and saving. This will be held on the 22nd & 27th April 2015. The StartSmart program is an incursion provided by the Commonwealth bank and has been incorporated into the 2015 school fee structure. Team newsletters next week Next week you will receive a newsletter from each of the learning teams. This will outline the term ahead and the related teaching foci and team happenings. School photos This week we enjoyed the school photo process. Parents have until Sunday 20th April to place our orders online. If you have any questions about this process please contact the school office. The approximate delivery date for the photos will be the end of May. Twilight Working Bee Please be aware of the upcoming working bee that will take place on Friday 8th May. Parents and students are invited to attend from 4pm onwards. This will provide an opportunity to help develop our school grounds and surrounds. Your input and support will be greatly appreciated. Parents and students can enjoy a BBQ and some hands on opportunities to help enhance our school!!

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 5 DATED – 17th April 2015 - Term 2 Week 1

Asian literacy Ambassador program As an enhancement to our Mandarin program students in Year 3-6 will next week participate in and Asian Literacy Ambassador program. This will see students engage in an incursion that educates and enhances the focus of Asian culture. Mr. Hung has enlisted the involvement of an international ambassador who brings a wealth of knowledge and experience of the Asian cultures. Students will be provided the opportunity of discussing, questioning and celebrating the Asian culture. The cost of this incursion has been incorporated into the 2015 school fee structure. 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 an email request to: watsonia.heights.ps@edumail.vic.gov.au Every day counts – school attendance We all want our students to get a great education, and the building blocks for a great education begin with students coming to school each and every day. Missing school can have a major impact on a child’s future – a student missing one day a fortnight will miss four full weeks by the end of the year. By Year 10 they’ll have missed more than a year of school. There is no safe number of days for missing school – each day a student misses puts them behind, and can affect their educational outcomes. Coming to school every day is vital, but if for any reason your child must miss school, there are things we can do together to ensure they don’t fall behind: Speak with your classroom teacher and find out what work your child needs to do to keep up. For any extended break from school, develop an absence learning plan with your teacher and ensure your child completes the plan. Remember, every day counts. If your child must miss school, speak with your classroom teacher as early as possible. New laws will mean that parents can be fined for not sending students to school without an acceptable reason. If you’re having attendance issues with your child, please let your classroom teacher know so we can work together to get your child to school every day. Baby time Congratulations to Trudi Waterfall who is expecting her first child. This is a very exciting time for her and we wish Trudi every health and happiness throughout her pregnancy. Trudi will depart for family leave at the end of the term and will be suitably replaced to ensure the continuity of the learning program for all students in her class. Congratulations also to Shawn Greet and his wife Brook for the upcoming arrival of their 2nd child, due in the coming weeks. 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 reduce the impact of headlice across the school is for all parents be vigilant in checking and appropriately treating each case. Thanks for your support to manage this issue in our school. 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! Welcome Congratulations and welcome to Emma Kent who was recently successful in the selection process for the role of our part time support and extension teacher. Emma joins the staff, bringing a wealth of experience and knowledge. This role will be supporting the literacy intervention needs of our Early Years students and provide numeracy extension for identified students in years 3-6. These programs will enhance our curriculum and ensure our students are further supported and extended. School Hours A reminder that students who arrive at school prior to 8.30am will be directed to before school care and similarly students still at school after 3.45pm will be sent to after school care. Leaving School A reminder that students arriving late must be signed into the school via the office and any students leaving early are to be also signed out of the school. Parents are then required to take early leave passes to classrooms to collect their children.

Grade 6 jumpers Our Year 6 students are now proudly wearing their Year 6 tops. This provides an opportunity for them to be recognised amongst our students as leaders of the school! 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. Winter Sport Upper school students have been training and practising for the upcoming winter sport fixture of our inter school sports program. The sports that are played this term are: football, soccer, netball and softball. Please see the term dates for the games and venues this term. Hopefully you are able to spare a few minutes to come along and support our sports stars during the term. All sport games are played on Fridays 9.30-11am. New Uniform item As an addition to our current uniform list we are happy to announce that we have a new school winter jacket which will be available for purchase in the next few weeks at a cost of $40. The jackets is made from water repellent soft finish microfibre and lined with soft polyester cotton. It has elastic cuffs, is lightweight and quick to dry. It is fade resistant, comfortable to wear, looks smart and is available in sizes 4 -16 youth. Please see the pictures below:

No Hats required In term 2 students are not mandated to wear hats. However, depending on the weather, students can still benefit from wearing their hats throughout the term. Preps for 2016 Although it’s early in the school year we have already taken enrolments for 2016. If any parents have siblings whom are enrolling for next year, please forward these to the office asap. As a part of our transition program, in term 2 we will be inviting our local kinder children to enjoy a ‘WHPS School Experience’. There are also many play dates schedule for terms 2 and 3. In addition will be conducting our 2016 Prep Information evening on April 22nd and offering a ‘Transition to School’ information session facilitated by well-known early childhood expert Kathy Walker. Kathy will be presenting on May 19th in the Jan Bobin Learning Centre (Prep building) at 7pm.

PATHS - Promoting Alternative Thinking Strategies SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT Our program in PATHS is aimed at assisting students with their social and emotional development. The process of social and emotional development is integral to the development of resilience and positive health and well being outcomes for students. Child development studies show that there are four key themes for successful social and emotional development in all children. These key themes are:

Attachment and connectedness. Attachment is the enduring emotional tie between infant and caregiver that is established through repeated interaction

over time. Children who have experienced responsive, positive and consistent care develop an understanding of themselves as being worthy of care, and become effective in developing strategies for obtaining it. Connectedness. The sense of belonging or relatedness that is established through positive and repeated interactions over time, and strengthened through opportunities to continue to develop and demonstrate competency, and to gain social recognition.

Emotional regulation. The capacity to control and modulate emotion.

Autonomy and identity. Autonomy is moving from total dependence towards greater self reliance. Identity is an extension of self concept and includes particular values, principles and roles that individuals adopt as their own.

Value development. The process of developing capacity to make decisions and judgements that are based on internal principles and to act in accordance with such judgements.

Developing an understanding of these key concepts of child development at each developmental phase of the student assists all caregivers – teachers, parents, relations and friends - to understand the behaviors of students being demonstrated and the appropriate actions that maybe needed to assist the student. BUILDING COMPETENCIES IN 5 TO 12 YEAR OLDS Children’s successful early integration into the primary school environment is based on their readiness to learn. This readiness is a reflection of previous experiences that have contributed to the development of competencies and a sense of self worth and self knowledge, through social, practical and intellectual skill development. Children in the early primary grades have particular needs. These needs are:

Opportunities to develop social competence, social problem solving and perspective taking to form friendships and learn cooperation and contribution.

Support in the development of self control, and encouragement of persistence in completing projects.

Opportunities to develop a wide variety of skills and support in acquiring additional motor skills, thinking skills and language skills.

Opportunities to develop a sense of mastery in a variety of skills and concepts.

Opportunities for success, reinforcement and acknowledgement for personal accomplishments.

Opportunities to become self reliant in terms of personal care.

Opportunities for taking responsibility, making choices and developing independence.

The PATHS program that we have been introducing to the students in Foundation-Year 6 gives the framework for these needs to be developed. We encourage parents to continue to ask students about this program, reinforce the skills being taught in particular giving and receiving compliments, recognising and talking about the different feelings the students have and the development of problem solving skills in difficult situations using the control signals. (STOP and calm down, SLOW DOWN and think about the situation). Enjoy your weekend ahead! Michael

201 Literacy and Maths Tips to Help Your Child

Families are the first and most enduring influence on a child’s development and play an important role in a child’s learning. Developing strong skills in reading, writing and maths is critical to ensure your child’s success in early learning and beyond.

You can make a difference by supporting what your child learns at school and helping them to learn at home.

The 201 literacy and maths tips to help your child booklet provides handy hints and way you can help your child develop literacy and maths skills. It provides practical activities for you do with your child at home and questions you can ask your child to help them learn.

The booklet is divided into age groups Before School – Year 2 and Year 3 – Year 6. Go to the sections appropriate to your child’s level and look at the tips and handy hints. Please click on the web link below to access the handbook.

201 literacy and maths tips to help your child (PDF - 1 (pdf - 1.88mb)

Personal Accident Insurance/Ambulance Cover Families are reminded that the Department does not provide personal accident insurance or ambulance cover for students. Parents and guardians of students, who do not have student accident insurance/ambulance cover, are responsible for paying the cost of medical treatment for injured students, including the cost of ambulance attendance/transport and any other transport costs. Personal Insurance Personal property is often brought to school by students and visitors. This can include mobile phones, calculators, toys and sporting equipment. As the Department does not hold insurance for personal property brought to schools and has no capacity to pay for any loss or damage to such property students, students and visitors are discouraged from bringing any unnecessary or particularly valuable items to school.

Newsletter Advertising The Department of Education and Training and this school does not endorse the products and services of any private advertiser or notice contained in this Newsletter. No responsibility is accepted by the Department of Education and Training or this school for the accuracy of information contained in advertisements or claims made by them.

Our Canteen needs your help! We are very fortunate to offer our students a variety of canteen lunch options every Wednesday and Friday. Gracie, our canteen manager, works very hard to make this happen. The canteen desperately needs volunteers so it can continue to delivery this great service for our school community. We currently have a limited amount of wonderful volunteers that do an amazing job!!!!, but unfortunately they cannot help every week. Please contact the office if you are able to assist on either a Wednesday or a Friday and even one or two hours would be a great help. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. Canteen Volunteer Expression of Interest

I can help in the canteen on: Wednesday Friday (please circle)

Name:………………………………………………………………………………………………

Telephone:………………………………………………………………………………………

My child’s grade is:……………………………………………………………………………. Please note: All volunteers must hold a WWC and be registered on the WHPS Volunteers Register.

Place House Points 1st Waratah 3,580 2nd Boronia 3,300 3rd Banksia 2,555 4th Wattle 2,150

Family Fees Reminder – Term 2

Please make sure you are keeping up to date with your fortnightly fee plans as we do not want the children to miss out on the Term 2

exciting activities.

Term 2 fees are due on the 24th of April.

All monthly payments are due on the 1st of each month.

Many thanks to all families who have paid

their fees on time.

WHPS Term 2 Calendar Dates

April 2015

Mon 20th School Council Meeting – 7pm

Wed 22nd Prep 2016 Information Night 7pm

Wed 22nd Start Smart Incursion - Grades 3-6

Fri 24th Interschool Sport V St Marys (Away)

Mon 27th Start Smart Incursion - Grades 1/2

Mon 27th 2016 Prep Play Date – No. 1 (4-5pm)

May 2015

Fri 1st Interschool Sport V Watsonia (Away)

Wed 6th Community Links Morning Tea – 9.15am (GP Room)

Thurs 7th Mother’s Day Stall

Fri 8th 1/2 CERES Excursion

Fri 8th Interschool Sport V Watsonia North (Home)

Fri 8th 4pm Twilight Working Bee

Tues 12th Thurs 14th NAPLAN Testing

Wed 13th House Cross Country Day – Gr 3 – 6 (1.45 - 3.30pm)

Wed 13th 2016 Prep Play Date – No. 2 (4-5pm)

Fri 15th Interschool Sport V Norris Bank (Home)

Mon 18th 22nd Education Week

Mon 18th Healesville Sanctuary Excursion – Gr 3/4

Wed 19th 'Getting Your Child Ready for School' lecture with Kathy Walker (OAM) 7-8pm

Thurs 20th First Aid Incursion – Prep – 6

Mon 25th Whole School Science Incursion

Fri 22nd Interschool Sport V Greensborough (Away)

Wed 27th District Cross Country Day – Gr 3 – 6 (11.30 - 2.30pm)

Fri 29th Interschool Sport V Bundoora (Home)

Fri 29th 2016 Prep Play Date – No. 3 (4-5pm)

June 2015

Mon 1st Prep Excursion – Bundoora Farm

Mon 1st 5/6 CERES Excursion

Fri 5th Interschool Sport V Streeton (Away)

Mon 8th Queens Birthday Public Holiday – No school this day

Tues 9th Curriculum Day – No children at school that day

Wed 10th Division Country Day – Gr 3 – 6

Sun 14th Bunnings BBQ Fundraiser

Wed 17th Regional Cross Country Day – Gr 3 – 6

Fri 19th Interschool Sport – proposed Finals date (TBC)

Fri 26th Last Day of Term 2 – 1.30pm finish