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Calendar

Templestowe Valley Primary School

STUDENT BANKING

21st Oct Joanne Gardner

Emma Schwarz

28th Oct Rebecca Crouch

Cathy Evangorou

WORKING BEE DATES

Saturday, 19th October

Saturday, 7th December

18 Oct 2019 Issue No: 16

Valley Views

OCTOBER

Sat 19th Working Bee

Mon 21st Foundation & Y3-Y6

Swimming Commence

Mon 21st 9am Assembly

Wed 23rd Foundation Incursion

Fri 25th World Teachers’ Day

Sat 26th 50th Birthday Carnival

Mon 28th 9am Assembly

Wed 30th Y4 Incursion

Wed 30th Y1 Incursion

Wed 30th Valley Voices @ Age Care

It Takes a Village to Raise a Child

From the Principal’s Desk – Alison Rees

From the time when I first heard this African proverb, “It takes a whole village to raise a child”, and truly thought about its meaning, it has resonated with me and is a mantra that I have as an educator. There are different interpretations of this expression, but for me it is the idea that a child will grow and learn best when all the people involved in their life care, connect and work together for the child’s benefit. To expand on this, for me, it is when people strive to be active members of a community that provides care, respect, trust, support, guidance and knowledge for all

children. It is developing a sense of community so that the children understand that they belong; that someone is always looking out for them and they know there is someone they can turn to for help. The development of a “sense of community” allows children to understand that they are connected to place, people and have a shared purpose.

For us, in this day and age, Templestowe Valley – the school; its surrounds and community - is our “village”. It is what connects us and brings us together, and all of us in our different ways are striving to support children to develop and grow to be the best person that they can be.

Recently I’ve been thinking about “How” we develop that “sense of community” with children. I’ve been reflecting on my childhood, and particularly those years through primary and early secondary school, when my parents were my greatest influencers. My strongest memories are of the things that we did together, and many of them supported developing that “sense of community”. Activities were done for, and with, family, friends or neighbours, and many involved helping others or volunteering. It was just part of my childhood that on some days my mother went to help at our church or at school. She was often cooking, sewing or knitting things for other people, or driving an elderly neighbour somewhere. Dad never mowed the lawn without doing a couple of other houses and their nature strips, and he was the neighbourhood’s “fix it man” – he could repair anything! There wasn’t a church or school fundraiser when one or the other was involved, so I guess that I learnt about “belonging” to a community by following their example. I also learnt that it only takes one person to make a difference to someone else’s life.

Looking around us we see a world where our children are all too often immersed in the worlds of computer and TV screens, and removed from real life experiences. In a world that is generally focused on monetary gain or rising up the corporate ladder, volunteering one’s time and services for free is one of the greatest ways to teach compassion. Everyone has something to offer – even if you only have a small amount of time, every little bit makes a difference.

Helping others is the best way for children to build strong morals. The benefits are enormous. Helping, volunteering, doing something for the benefit of others teaches children about compassion, empathy, tolerance, gratitude, and community responsibility. Children learn what it means to be a valued member of a community. Children’s involvement in service to others brings out their sense of self-worth, giving them the understanding that they do have something to contribute to society. Growing into adulthood with a greater sense of social responsibility makes children more likely to volunteer throughout their lives. Volunteering also feels good, and lets children know that they can make a difference.

You might now be wondering why this is the “From the Principal’s Desk” article this week. Yesterday, Saturday October 19th, we had a Working Bee at TVPS. It was never going to be a “fun” event because we needed to move mulch, weed, trim, prune, generally clean up the grounds and garden in preparation for next week’s Celebration. We’d advertised it; had one apology, and on Friday when we checked the list, only one person had signed up. That pile of mulch had to be moved, so we – Rob, Ross Peters, Jordan and myself, resigned ourselves to the fact we’d be doing it alone. But . . . we weren’t! We had the most amazing group of workers arrive to help, and what was fantastic was that a number of our workers were TVPS students; past, present and future!

I am so proud of the children who worked side-by-side with their parents yesterday. (I’m very thankful for their parents as well!) What was really affirming was knowing that we have families who are building that “sense of community” with their children, teaching them the value of service, developing social responsibility and supporting them to understand that they do have something to contribute to society.

My Principal’s Awards this week therefore goes to everyone who came and helped at the Working Bee on October 19th.

Name/s Class Name/s Class

Ross Peters Chris & Riley Johnson Daniel - 5V

Jordan Barker Simon & Blake Ubergang Kai - 5B

David Calthorpe Tilly - 5S Christine Gouramanis & Angelos Raftis Angelos - 5S

Bill Argiropoulos Tia - 5S Neil Barker & Lucy Cooper 4V

Graeme Renshaw Rosa & Stuart Avery 1J

Chris Delianis Thomas - 6CH Elizabeth, Richard & Samuel Avery 1J

Maurice Becchetti Jake - 5B Matthew & Ben Tyler, & Felicity

McNamara 5V

Chris & Ben Bodycoat 5G Shane, Joshua & Lucas Gardner 2BD & 4S

World Teachers’ Day – Friday October 25th

The UNESCO declared World Teachers’ Day provides us with the opportunity for all of us, students, teachers and parents, to reflect on the important role that the teacher plays within our community. The theme for this year’s World Teachers Day is: “Valuing Teachers, Improving their Status.”

World Teachers’ Day, held on the last Friday in October, recognises teachers as wonderful learners in the school, acknowledging the complex and growing demands of a career in education. Teachers have so much to learn, new curriculum initiatives and direction, knowing each child’s learning style, as well as understanding and implementing educational theory that supports the best teaching and learning practice. Teachers never stop learning. In and out of the classroom they look for new ways to engage their children and create positive learning environments.

Teachers are optimists. They always think they can do better, they think they can work harder; they think that with one more lesson they will bring the understanding and insight to a few more students. It is a career that only the passionate can enjoy; the endless nights of preparation and reports and the seemingly endless expectations of society are only sustainable if you love your work, if you have a love for working with children.

We are indeed fortunate to have a wonderful group of educators at Templestowe Valley PS. Through their passion our teachers and support staff members develop a special bond with the children.

Please take the time over the next week to thank the teacher who teaches your child and acknowledge their dedication and commitment to create an environment where every child will achieve their personal best. Maybe your child can make a card for their teacher or simply say – thank you. This is a lovely day where we are able to celebrate teachers and the significant role they play in our lives.

2020 Class Placements

It's at this time of the year that we move into the planning for 2020. This is a very considered and carefully thought out process involving decisions relating to budget, class structure, specialist and support programs, teacher allocations, as well as student placement within classes.

In creating classes for the following year, Templestowe Valley PS, and all schools, need to consider the social, academic, emotional, and in some specific cases, the physical needs of every child. Year level teams spend a great deal of time to ensure that classes are balanced and that the best interests of every student is taken into account when forming classes.

At TVPS we recognise the importance of fostering and maintaining friendship groups. We also understand that it is equally important for students to mix and learn with peers who have different interests. All students are given the opportunity to list friends and we ensure that they have at least one friend with them in next year’s class.

Please note: The TVPS Principal will not accept requests for particular teachers. Class structures have not yet been completed and teacher allocations have not been made. The only requests that will be considered are those that concern the emotional and/or social needs of students.

Friendship requests for class placements must be made in writing, outlining who you would like your child to be placed with and why. Requests need to be sent in writing to the Principal – Alison Rees – at rees.alison.m@edumail.vic.gov.au no later than Wednesday October 30, 2019. Parent requests that are received after this date will not be considered as the process for creating the 2020 classes’ starts after that time. Please note that all communications of this kind - requests are confidential.

Additional information can be found in the Class Placement Policy that was emailed to all parents via Compass last week.

Student Celebrations

Congratulations to the following students who represented Templestowe Valley PS when they competed in the Regional Athletics last Thursday October 17th. I don’t have their results at this time, so we’ll share how they went in our next newsletter.

Lily A (4PS) – 9/10 girls 1500m run

Caitlin T (5V) – 11 girls 200m dash

Jack W (6CH) – 12 boys Long Jump

Rachel W (6B) – 12 girls 800m & 1500m run

11 boys relay team:

o Jude C (5B), Dylan F (5B), Jake B (5S) & Eric M (5S)

Around the Bay in a Day

On Sunday the 6th of October I had a bike race. 17,000 people attended. It was a 20km ride from Albert Park Lake to Elwood and back. Dad, Annabelle and I did it. We had to get up really early at 6am because the race started at 8am.

We had to wear a special bike riding jersey and socks. We had a special number on our bikes so that so our race time could be calculated. At half way there was a party with cake and bubbles. I thought the 2nd half was easier because it felt shorter, smoother and faster. At the end we got a medal. I thought it was fun, I want to do it again next year.

By Benjamin G (3R)

Parents & Friends News - Icy Poles are BACK!

We will be selling Icy Poles after school every Fridays at $1 each starting Friday October 18th. Melinda Minuzzo

P&F Coordinator

50th Anniversary - Wine & Cheese Night

A fabulous night was had by all who attended. Photos from the night will be shared over the next few weeks. Huge thanks to Viv Dariol and Jane Marshall for their organisation of the night. It wouldn’t have happened without these ladies enthusiasm and commitment.

Special thanks to Michelle and David Cursio who provided the entertainment throughout the night. The atmosphere in the room was just wonderful, and whilst only a few people braved the dance floor, the music was very much appreciated by all.

The wines for tasting and purchase were provided by award winning winery, Boat O’Craigo Wines. We really do appreciate Travers Graham’s very generous support of this special event. He shared a wealth of knowledge with us as we enjoyed tasting some of his wines. If you’d like to see the range and read the reviews, please visit: https://boatocraigo.com.au/

Travers Graham 458 Maroondah Hwy Healesville https://boatocraigo.com.au/ Ph: 03 5962 6899

Cellar Door Hours Fri, Sat, Sun & most Public Holidays: 11am – 5pm

The commemorative wine glass – a stemless wine glass featuring the TVPS 50th Anniversary logo - that was given to all who attended, is available for purchase with the order form being sent home last week, or below.

Carnival News

Well with less than a week to go to Carnival, we now really into the final stretch. Our Carnival Committee comprised of five amazing people:

Jenny Wales

Chrissie Edwards

Eva Wong

Melinda Minuzzo

Kathryn Taylor

These women have done an incredible job in organising the whole event and putting all of the pieces in place for a wonderful day of celebrations. They have coordinated sponsors, rides, raffle, advertising, school and market stalls, all of the food vendors, the emergency services, demonstrations and shows, . . . the list is endless, and all of it whilst organising their own families and work commitments. We seriously can’t thank them enough for what they have done on behalf of our students and school.

If you see them over the next week, PLEASE stop them and thank them for their enthusiasm, commitment and hard work in organising this 50th Anniversary event.

But now it’s time for others to step up and help.

DESPERATELY NEEDED

THE CARNIVAL IS NEXT SATURDAY – SATURDAY OCTOBER 26TH between 11:00am and 4:00pm

CAN YOU HELP IN SOME WAY ON THAT DAY?

AN HOUR OR TWO OF YOUR TIME IS ALL WE NEED.

VOLUNTEERS

For this event to be a success for everyone, we really need your help on the day!

Even if you can only donate one hour of your time, we would really appreciate it.

The volunteer sign-up form is available through the QR Code or at: www.signup.zone/tvps-50.

Thank you to those parents who have already put their names down. We still have a number of roles to fill and we would love you to sign up sooner rather than later. Many hands make light work!

RIDE TICKETS

The EARLY BIRD PRICES CLOSE THIS WEDNESDAY – OCTOBER 23rd. Have you bought your unlimited rides wristband and tickets at the discount prices?

We have a special online Early Bird price of $25 for unlimited rides, $15 for 3 rides and $6 for single rides, but this closes Wednesday afternoon.

After Wednesday, the prices will go up to $30 for an unlimited ride wristband, and individual rides will be $8.

Book now through the QR Code or at:

www.trybooking.com/BDXTU

CARNIVAL - CASH ONLY ON THE DAY NO CREDIT CARD FACILITIES AVAILABLE Please being small bills & change if at all possible

RAFFLE TICKETS

ALL RAFFLE BOOKS – FULLY & PARTIALLY SOLD - MUST BE RETURNED WITH ACCOMPANYING MONIES TO SCHOOL

BY FRIDAY OCTOBER 24th The Raffle draw is being between 3:30 and 3:45pm at the Carnival on Saturday.

It is absolutely essential that all sold tickets make it into the draw.

RAFFLE TICKETS cont.

Early Bird Draw Winners:

Congratulations to the following students who won the Early Bird prizes for returning their sold raffle books at the start of Term 4. Both prizes will be given to the children later this week.

Alan C (Yr 1) – won the Unlimited Ride Wristband

Krissy A (Yr 3) – won the $50 Spin Art Voucher

SPONSORS

As you know we have a number of businesses, families and individuals who have generously donated items or sponsored aspects of our 50th Anniversary Carnival. We can’t thank them enough for their generosity and support. Our major sponsors are:

A new company has just recently come on board; generously donating vouchers for use at the Carnival. Thanks to Will Johnson and the team at Catch for supporting Templestowe Valley. For more information about their work, please visit their website at www.catch.com.au.

PAVE YOUR WAY INTO TVPS HISTORY

REMINDER: DEADLINE DRAWING NEAR ………………

It’s time to act on your enthusiasm to be included in the commemorative paving project - Pave Your Way into TVPS History.

The deadline is drawing near for you to submit your design and information.

There are only a limited number of the large square pavers remaining – so make this a priority if you are wanting that option. More information can be found in the flyer sent via Compass, and in the following pages.

Join me and . . . PAVE YOUR WAY into TVPS history.

Regards,

Anne Ellenby

50th Anniversary ~ Silent Auction

Community News

Have you enrolled your child for at TVPS Foundation ~ Preps next year, 2020?

If your answer is “NO.”, please contact the TVPS

Office ASAP.

Orientation sessions are only available to enrolled students.

Dates are shown in the poster.