Newsletter #12 August 9th 2024
GHPS IS COMMITTED TO CHILD SAFETY
Learning Today. Leading Tomorrow.
We have embraced the Olympic buzz this week and celebrated an Olympics day today – the values of Excellence, Respect and Friendship were highlighted, with students dressing to demonstrate their support of their allocated country, learning about that country, and taking part in fun games and races.
Grades 2-6 enjoyed a beautiful winter’s day on Wednesday for the House Athletics. This was a terrific day with all students trying their best, supporting their friends and cheering their house in the house chants. Thank you to Ms Price and staff who made the day a success. It was great to see so many parents helping out at the different events and supporting all our students.
Last Monday, I had the opportunity to attend at the statewide Victorian Principal conference. This was in follow up to my attendance at the SaGE Principal network meeting the previous Thursday. This provided the chance for networking and shared learning including keynote presentations from the Minister for Education, Hon. Ben Carroll, Deputy Secretary, David Howes, and Dr Jenny Donovan (Australian Education Research Organisation).
At the SaGE meeting we had a keynote presentation from Tracey Ezard. Tracey has worked in education and leadership for over 30 years, she is engaged in our network presenting on leadership via trust, emotional safety, strategy, and empathy. Tracey will also be facilitating our Curriculum Day on August 27. The focus will be on developing a collaborative and high performing school culture.
2024 Parent, Caregiver and Guardian Opinion Survey
A reminder that our 2024 Parent, Carer and Guardian Opinion Survey is currently open.
This annual survey provides a great opportunity to canvas our school community and seek input.
Details were shared on Tuesday via Compass and I will put out another reminder next week.
If you have an opportunity to take 15 minutes to provide us with this feedback, it is greatly appreciated.
Principals’ Day
The Department of Education and the Victorian Principals Association recognised last Friday as Principals’ Day.
I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to each and every one of you. This special day is an opportunity for me to reflect on the incredible support and collaboration that define our school community.
I am truly honoured to work alongside such dedicated teachers, staff, students, and parents. Your hard work, enthusiasm, and commitment make our school a remarkable place of learning and growth. It is through your collective efforts that we create a nurturing environment where our students can thrive and reach their full potential.
It is an opportunity to inwardly reflect on impact but also to express gratitude. I love working in education and it is such a wonderful privilege to work at Glen Huntly Primary School.
100 Days of Prep
Wow! How fast the time flies, our Prep students have already attended 100 days at school. This day is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the incredible progress our young learners have made and to appreciate the dedication of everyone who has supported them along the way.
Reaching this 100-day milestone is a testament to the hard work, enthusiasm, and growth our Prep students have achieved. From mastering new skills and exploring new concepts to building friendships and learning to work together, these first 100 days have laid a strong foundation for a successful educational journey.
For parents, it means 100 days of morning drop-offs, afternoon pick-ups, feeling proud of their child, preparing lunches and school uniforms, worrying, learning, collaborating with our teachers and many more.
We look forward to many more milestones and continued success as we journey together through this school year.
Here’s to the next 100 days and beyond!
Wellbeing
At GHPS, we are committed to creating a safe and nurturing environment for all our students. We prioritise the wellbeing of our students and recognise that bullying is a serious issue that affects not only the individuals involved but the entire school community. Our mission is to foster a culture of respect and inclusivity, where every student feels valued and supported.
To that end, we want to assure you that our school takes a strong stance against bullying in all its forms — be it physical, verbal, social, or cyberbullying. We believe that every child has the right to learn and thrive in an atmosphere free from fear and intimidation.
Next week is ‘Bullying – NO WAY’ Week. It runs from 12 to 16 August 2024 and is Australia’s key bullying prevention initiative and connects schools and communities to find workable solutions to prevent bullying. The theme is ‘Everyone Belongs’.
All classes will focus on understanding what bullying is and isn’t, standing up to bullying and knowing who to talk to about bullying. There will also be a continued focus on kindness and encouraging our students to look out for one another.
Your support is invaluable as we work together to ensure a safe and positive learning environment for our students.
Here are relevant links if you wish to read more about this;
Support and advice (bullyingnoway.gov.au)
“Be proud of yourself, be confident, be optimistic and most of all be happy.” Anurag Prakash Ray
Nerida Burns Melinda Oldman
President’s Report
Dear Families
I hope you’re all settling well into Term 3 – 2024 at GHPS with so many exciting and fun filled events! We had our Council Meeting on Monday, 5 Aug 2024.
Council Matters Update
- Thanks to the Leadership team, Ms Melinda Oldham, Mr Cameron White and Mrs Nerida Burns, for the amount of work put in to Building and Grounds works, Curriculum and Policy matters, School Attitude Surveys, planning and implementation of several curricular and extra-curricular activities.
- Curriculum & Policy – Child Safe Standards policy has been updated – This document lists the evidence requirements to demonstrate compliance with the Minimum Standards (including Child Safe Standards) for School Registration, in two sections:
- Policies and key documents
- Other evidence (often referred to as implementation evidence) required to demonstrate compliance, which is set out in two sub-sections: a: Child Safe Standards. b: Other Minimum Standards.
Next year we have a school review – where we will be providing detailed updates on how CSS has been incorporated into school activities such as community circles, student council and feedback sessions, buddy program, lunch time clubs, inclusion monitors, connection program and respectful relationships program.
- Buildings and Grounds – Our recent working bee was very successful with a good turnout of parents, students, staff, and some community members. A lot of jobs completed on both campuses. These included trees planted, drains unblocked, weeding garden beds, mulch spread, garden shed and chicken sheds cleaned.
- Other electrical, water, and buildings upkeep works underway that form part of on-going maintenance.
Expressing our gratitude and appreciation towards our staff and teachers
To our wonderful PE teacher – Ms Sarah Price – thank you for all your tireless efforts in organising House Athletics. It is no small feat. It is amazing to see how little children can be so energetic and participate in all these super organised sport events.
Thank you to all the parent volunteers and the wonderful Years 2-6 staff who generously make time and energy to set up and tidy up after! One can only fathom what’s involved in running it seamlessly.
To our lovely Ruth and parent volunteers who turn up every Tue and Thu at 8am to serve at the breakfast club, our community extends their gratitude and appreciation!
A huge shout out to Laura and Pip who work behind the scenes and hold the fort!
A huge thank you to all parents and staff members for their kind contributions and time towards Hot Chocolate and Icy poles, Friday’s cake raffle and GPA activities!
Save the date for our GHPS upcoming Events:
- DISCO night – Fri, 16 Aug
- Bunnings BBQ – Sun, 18 Aug 8am-5pm
- Father’s Day Stall –
- Soiree – Monday, 2 Sep 4 45 pm- 7 pm
- Father’s Day stall
- Father’s Day – School breakfast and Dad vs kids soccer match 8:15am
- Grandparents’ morning tea – 12th September – 9-10am class visits 10am morning tea with choir and year 6 Ukulele performances
- Pie Lunch – 20 September
- Spring Fair – 16th November: If you wish to contribute to the planning, volunteer on the day and share your skills, please email ghpsgpa@gmail.com
Wishing you and your families a wonderful weekend and an enjoyable rest of term 3!
Supriya Arikarevula
Process for Transition to Secondary School – Victoria
If your child is a current year 5 student, you may be starting to have a look at Secondary school options.
While the application process does not begin until your child is in year 6, you may start to consider your options. The best way to gain an insight into a school is to visit schools of interest and get a ‘feel’ for the school. It is good to take your child along to these tours.
Please see individual school tour dates on their websites.
Example below
Moving from a government primary school to a government secondary school – Year 6 Application Process
Use Find my School to locate your local secondary school or preferred school and read about School zones and Enrolling in school.
If your child is seeking a place in Year 7 at a secondary school next year, you will need to:
- download the Year 6 to 7 Placement Information Pack 2024-25. The pack includes the application form. Your child’s primary school may also give you a copy of the pack.
- use Find my School to locate your local secondary school or preferred school, and read about School zones and Enrolling in school.
- complete the application form and return it to your child’s primary school by Friday 10 May 2024.
- Year 7 placement is decided by secondary schools using the Department’s Placement Policy. However, all communication about your child’s placement must be with the Year 6 Coordinator or Transition Coordinator at your child’s primary school until the placement is confirmed.
- You will receive notification of your child’s Year 7 placement offer on Wednesday 17 July 2024.
- All government secondary schools will host a Year 7 Orientation Day (for Year 6 students) on Tuesday 10 December 2024.
Moving to a non-government secondary school or registering for home schooling
Contact the secondary school to find out their enrolment process.
Visit Catholic Education Commission of Victoria(opens in a new window) and Independent Schools Victoria(opens in a new window) to find Catholic and independent schools.
https://www.education.vic.gov.au/Documents/school/parents/Year-6-7-Factsheet.pdf
How do I find my local school and other schools in my area?
Use the search function on the Find my School website following the steps below.
- Enter findmyschool.vic.gov.au into your browser.
- Enter your current address under ‘Enter your address to get started’.
- Select 2025 under ‘Enrolment year’.
- Select ‘Secondary’ and ‘7’ under ‘School type’. The map will then show your local school.
Contact details for the school are available on the left of the map. If you scroll down, you will see a list of the five closest schools to your address. You can also search by school name under ‘Search for school’.
Can I apply to a government secondary school that is not our local school?
Yes, you can apply to schools other than your local school. The school should enrol your child if there is a place available.
How do schools prioritise applications?
Schools must enrol any student who resides within their zone. Schools should also offer enrolment to students who live outside their zone if there are available places. Where schools cannot enrol all students who live outside of the school zone, applications are prioritised for:
- students with a sibling at the same permanent address who are attending the school at the same time
- then all other students in order of closeness of their home to the school.
A student may enrol based on compassionate grounds in exceptional circumstances
Example of this year’s application timeline
Select Entry and Scholarships
Many schools offer a range of accelerated (select entry) learning SEAL programs. Please see individual school websites to access examination and application dates. Please note – only students with a confirmed place at the school will be eligible to sit the test.
The Department of Education also offers scholarships for primary and secondary students at government schools.
For a full list of these, please consult their webpage: www.eduweb.vic.gov.au/scholarships
Many Independent Schools offer full/partial academic, music or sporting scholarships.
Please see individual school websites for this information.
Exciting times ahead!
Melinda Oldham
Congratulations to the following students who received a ‘Student of the Week’ award.
Lucas 0A – For his enthusiasm during all learning areas. It is great to see how much you enjoy learning and applying your understanding!
Skyla 0B – For your superb efforts this week when practising the Stage 1 alphabet sounds. You have tried hard to remember the action, letter name and sound. You’re absolutely crushing it!
Aayansh 0C – For his kind and caring nature towards everyone in our class. Your bubbly personality always puts a smile on everyone’s face.
Asaha 1A – For always giving every activity that you do your all and showing a super cool curiosity towards school life! Keep rocking it!
Arjav 1B – For your absolutely amazing guide on how to brush your teeth! 🦷✨ Your creativity shone through with awesome subtitles for materials and instructions, and you nailed it with those ordinal numbers and smooth transitional words. 🚀 Bravo! Keep up the fantastic work, superstar! 🌟🎉
Yadvi 2/3A – For your amazing effort in your spelling test this week! I am so proud of you getting 25 out of 25! You’re a spelling superstar!
Dominik 2C – for your outstanding shape poem about hippos. You used similes, descriptive vocabulary and onomatopoeia. When publishing your poem, you used your best handwriting and colour. Phenomenal work!
Javkhlantugs 3B – For the confidence he has shown during Literature Circles when discussing our text. You have shown that you can make predictions, ask open ended questions and make connections to show your understanding. Keep it up!
Shivansh 4A – For your wonderful work and creativity throughout our Poetry Writing unit. You have used different poetic devices effectively and included your sense of humour to entertain your reader (and classmates!). Keep up the great work!
Lola 4B – For her efforts shown this week solving time problems. Well done for persisting and trying your best to improve! Well done Lola, I am proud of you!
Hazel 5A – For your hard work throughout our Poetry Writing unit. Your effort and creativity have been impressive. Keep up the fabulous work!
John 6A – For demonstrating leadership by ensuring that all students were being included in an activity. Great work John!
GPA News
It’s “all systems go” for the GPA this month.
Saturday 16th November SPRING FAIR – Mark your calendar NOW.
We have a group of people engaged and committed to bringing this school and community event back to the GHPS calendar.
Roles requiring Immediate Expression of Interest
- Graphic designer for promotional leaflets
- Entertainment/Stage Coordinator
- Participants for Indian food stall
- Participants for Japanese food stall
- Cake stall Coordinator
- Origami enthusiasts for the Calligraphy/Origami stall
- Henna tattoos/face painting/nail art/crazy hair Artists
- Trash and Treasure Coordinator
If you’re keen for any of these roles get in contact
Text Silwa 0476 684 888
Stay tuned for more ways to participate and be involved. This is a great opportunity to showcase GHPS to the local community and have some fun along the way.
Friday 16th August Disco, disco, disco
Remember to pay through Compass TODAY
In addition to the DJ, hot dogs and goodie bags, Lili will be taking polaroid photos $2 a shot (cash on the night), to capture the excitement of the evening.
This is a popular event for parent volunteers, so don’t delay Sign Up Here
Sunday 18th August Bunnings BBQ – Oakleigh
Last year we raised over $2500, a great addition to our school budget. In addition, it is an opportunity to meet other GHPS parents.
All we need is 2 hours of your time. There are still spaces available, particularly in the afternoon 1-3pm and 3-5pm. See you there! Sign Up Here
Friday 30th August Father’s Day Stall
The Father’s Day stall is an opportunity for students to purchase a special gift for the good men in their lives.
We will be looking for donation of baked goods and people to help with preparing the stall on Thursday 29th and selling to students on Friday 30th.
It is lovely to see the care the students take in making their selections.
Thursday 12th September Grandparents/Special Person morning tea
GPA will host the morning tea, following the family/friends visits to the student classrooms.
Friday 20th September School Pie Lunch
Celebrating footy finals and the end of term 3 there will be a special lunch on offer with pies and sausage rolls (veg or meat).
Next GPA Meeting
Friday 16th August 9.15am Library, West site
Even if you are unable to attend the meetings you are welcome to become a member, just email ghpsgpa@gmail.com or complete the form within GPA Constitution
Anyone is welcome to volunteer for GPA events, GPA membership is not a requirement.
FOODBANK VICTORIA FOOD CRISIS
We are lucky to have the support of Foodbank Victoria. They help with Breakfast Club and the Wonderful Community Pantry.
Foodbank Victoria’s shelves are dangerously understocked so we’re asking the most generous people we know to help us find food.
How did our shelves get so empty? The cost of living is not only hitting families hard – it’s also impacting us being able to get enough food through our network at a time when demand is the highest we’ve ever seen it.
So, we’re holding an Emergency Food Drive on August 10-11 to help re-stock our shelves.
With 65,000 people to feed every day, no matter how hard we work, we can’t keep enough food on our shelves.
Hit the supermarkets and come on down to the Foodbank Warehouse at 4/2 Somerville Road, Yarraville on August 10 and 11 between 10am and 3pm.
Rock up by car, scooter, hot air balloon or on foot – whatever works. Open the boot or hand over your basket and our volunteers will empty it for you.
We hope to see you there!
If you can’t get to the warehouse, you can fill a virtual trolley through the Virtual Food Drive.
If you have any questions, please call 03 9362 8300 or email partnerships@foodbankvictoria.org.au.
TheirCare News
GHPS Facebook
——————————————————
Calendar
TERM 3
August
Tue 13 Science Incursion
Mon 19 Book Week begins
Fri 23 Magician & Book Parade
Tue 27 Curriculum Day
Fri 30 Father’s Day Stall
September
Mon 2 School Music Showcase – Robert Blackwood Hall
Tue 3 Family Life Education Yr 4-6
Thu 5 Yr 6 Graduation Photos
Fri 6 Responsible Pet Ownership
Fri 6 District Athletics
Tue 10 Family Life Education Yr 4-6
Tue 17 Family Life Education Yr 4-6
Fri 20 End of Term 3 (Early Dismissal 2.30pm)
Fee payments and Excursion Permissions and Payments.
All Communication notices regarding excursions will be sent through COMPASS.
Permissions are to be given through COMPASS.
Preferred payment method for Fee payments and Excursions is through COMPASS.
This will allow us to always keep all the correct information available to staff whilst on an excursion.
If you have any questions, please contact the office or see Guide below.
CLICK HERE for Parent’s Guide to Compass
Thank you.