Debbie Starpins Heidi Fitzpatrick

Principal: Debbie Starpins
School Council President: Heidi Fitzpatrick
Strathmore Primary School Values:
Commitment to lifelong learning
Sense of Community and Belonging, Respect, Tolerance,
Resilience, Responsibility, Perseverance, Integrity
Wednesday, 5th November 2014
From the Principal’s Desk
School Vision Statement
Together, the Strathmore Primary School community will promote a commitment to lifelong learning. Through a stimulating and challenging environment, we will empower our students to reach their potential and to become
caring and productive members of an ever-changing world.
Dear Parents & Carers,
I hope you all enjoyed the beautiful weather and Cup Day holiday yesterday. I have heard
that many of our families took the opportunity to spend time together with BBQs, family
picnics and a variety of outings being very popular.
What’s happening at
Strathmore PS
NOVEMBER
Prep Orientation
We have completed our Prep Orientation Programs with the final sessions being held last
week. We have 65 new prep students starting school next year. The students have enjoyed
meeting each other and some of our teachers and also participated in some exciting learning activities. Many of the new prep parents joined me for a brief Information session about
school uniform, general questions and a welcoming morning tea. This was a lovely way for
me to get to know our new families. Our existing families were terrific with their ideas and
tips for beginning school.
13TH
Booklists due back at school
21ST
Prep Imax/Museum excursion
DECEMBER
Wednesday 10th
Commencement of Caretaker period
The caretaker period for the Victorian Government commenced on Tuesday 4 November
2014 and will continue until the swearing in of a new Ministry after the State election on
Saturday 29 November 2014.
During the caretaker period the business of government continues and ordinary matters of
administration are still conducted.
Caretaker conventions which are designed to protect the apolitical nature of the public sector apply during the caretaker period.
As a school we cannot distribute, promote or display material that may be considered political in nature, and that no perceived or actual preference for any political party is generated.
We must make sure that regular school activity is not interrupted to accommodate school
visitors engaged in party political activity.
We must not distribute or promote through our school outlets such as school newsletters or
displays on school property or at school events.
Planning for 2015
We are now finalising our class structure and numbers for 2015. Thank you to the families
who have let us know they will be moving and not attending Strathmore Primary School
next year. If you are moving and you haven’t notified the school, could you please do so as
a matter of urgency.
Book Lists
All students have been given their booklist with different options available. Please read the information carefully so you have everything required for the beginning of the school year. This is
a courteous reminder they are to be returned by Thursday the 13th of November. Thank you for
your cooperation with this.
Gr. 6 Graduation
Use of Social Media
Technological change around the world means we are facing the largest transformation in how people receive, interact with and respond
to things. Teachers, parents and students are increasingly using digital technologies for professional and personal use (i.e. communicating, creating and socialising). Building respectful and safe schools is a resource that we currently use to provide us with guidance to
promote and support a safe and respectful learning environment. We also have Acceptable Use Agreements with students and school
policies to develop a shared understanding and commitment to cyber safety.
Most communication on social media happens when children are at home. They use programs like Instagram which can be downloaded
and used at no cost. These programs can be used on computers, iPods, Smart Phones and iPads. A lot of time parents may not even be
aware that this communication is taking place.
Communication using social networking can be effective when it serves some purpose. Occasionally these often lengthy chats can begin
to go astray when someone decides to inject inappropriate comments or bad language into the conversation. If inappropriate communication begins it affects relationships between students. It is a well-known fact that students are more likely to say things on social media
that they wouldn’t say in person. This social networking gives some children a sense of power and this can have serious effects at home
and at school.
At Strathmore Primary School we want to educate our students to use these technologies appropriately. If inappropriate use of social
media occurs outside school hours, then it will affect relationships within school time. These are some very important things for our students to learn.
• Communicate respectfully by ensuring what is written or posted is polite and considerate of others feelings
• Never send mean or bullying messages or pass them on
• Always speak to a trusted adult if you see something that makes you feel upset or uncomfortable
• Always speak to a trusted adult if someone is unkind
• Always speak to a trusted adult if you know someone else is upset or scared
• Always stop to think about what you post or share online
• Always use spaces and sites that are safe and appropriate for my age
Parents need to speak to their children about social networking. It could be that it is happening in your home and you are unaware of it.
Primary school aged students need to be supervised when using social media.
Bikes and Scooters at School
Many of our students like to ride their bikes and scooters to school. All bikes and scooters need to be locked up in the bike shed. Children who ride to school must wear a helmet for their safety. Bikes, scooters and helmets should be labelled with your child’s name. Children are also reminded that they must walk their bikes/scooters to and from the school gates.
Parents Club
Thank you to Debra Lee who is coordinating the sale of icy poles and the parent volunteers who supervise each Friday at lunch time.
The students love this special treat.
The Fete Committee is working hard and the planning is well under way for our 2015 Fete. Make sure that you check the Parents Club
section of the newsletter for news and updates to see if you can volunteer or assist.
Parentline
Parenting is not always easy. From time to time, all families can benefit from extra support.
Parentline is a Department service which began in 1998. It provides information, support, and referral services to parents from 8am to
midnight seven days a week.
Whether you’re struggling with everyday tasks, or simply wish to discuss parenting ideas, Parentline is a valuable source of counselling
and assistance.
The qualified and experienced social workers and psychologists who staff the service answer approximately 13,000 calls per year from
parents from all backgrounds looking for support and advice.
They will work with you to better understand your relationships and personal situations to help you to develop strategies which are tailored to your individual needs.
Parenting is challenging, but Parentline can help you to develop positive coping strategies, allowing you more freedom to enjoy your time
with your children.
You can ring Parentline on 13 22 89..
Warm Regards,
Debbie Starpins
Principal
For more information see: Parentline
Perseverance means having the self-discipline to continue a task in spite of being confronted with difficulties.
It can be very frustrating for parents and teachers when children don't try hard enough to accomplish something
we know they’re perfectly capable of. I have also, many times, seen students get frustrated with each other
when they don’t try hard enough.
One way you can help yourselves with this is to set goals and meet them, one small step at a time.
Start off with fun goals like saving up for a toy or game. What about reading a book or completing a craft
project.
"Little goals are the best way to get kids moving toward big goals,"
If your child says, "I wish I could win a prize in the science fair this year," use it as an opportunity to assist him in
creating a plan. "Help him write down specific action steps and a timetable for accomplishing each of them,”
Then check in with him from time to time to help keep him focused on his targets.
"Adults have a much greater sense of what it takes to accomplish goals,", so include your child in your own
goal-setting to show her how the process works.
Andy Patch (Assistant Principal)
SINGLE PARENTS ACTIVE KIDS
PROUDLY PRESENTS:
FREE FAMILY FUN DAY
ALMA PARK EAST, 100 ALMA ROAD, ST. KILDA
SUNDAY 23RD OF NOVEMBER
STARTING 12 NOON
FREE BBQ, ENTERTAINMENT, ACTIVITIES AS WELL AS:
MEMBERSHIP SPECIALS, RAFFLES, JELLY BEAN COUNT AND MORE.
EVEN IF YOU CAN'T ATTEND THERE ARE PLENTY MORE OPPORTUNITIES, HERE IS A LINK TO OUR VERY ACTIVE WEBSITE http://www.singleparentsactivekids.org/
LIKE MINDED SINGLE PARENTS TO CHAT WITH, ACTIVE KIDS WANTING TO PLAY WITH YOUR ACTIVE KIDS, WIN WIN!
Ciao a tutti,
On Wednesday, 22nd October, Year 1 & 2 students surprised the entire school with a flash mob of the dance “La
Tarantella”. To the surprise and wonder of the whole school all the 1/2 students began spontaneously dancing this
traditional Italian folk dance at lunchtime to the music played over the P.A.
Although the spectacle did appear spontaneous, much advanced planning took place to facilitate this fun experience!!
To compliment this activity the teachers also staged their own flash mob dance “La Tarantella” to the wonderment of the
school. However, on this occasion, many students from different year levels joined in with the fun and frivolity by
dancing along to this highly energized cultural dance with their teachers. These two flash mobs were a celebration of
“La Settimana della Lingua Italiana”(World Italian Language Week).
The Moonee Valley Leader have published an article and photo of this event for those who are interested. Visit
mooneevalleyleader.com.au to read the article that appeared in the Wednesday, 29th October, 2014 edition.
Grazie mille,
Michelle Petruccelli
Languages Co-ordinator
SINGLE PARENTS ACTIVE KIDS PROUDLY PRESENTS
FREE FAMILY FUN DAY
ALMA PARK EAST, 100 ALMA ROAD, ST. KILDA
SUNDAY 23RD OF NOVEMBER
STARTING 12 NOON
FREE BBQ, ENTERTAINMENT, ACTIVITIES AS WELL AS:
MEMBERSHIP SPECIALS, RAFFLES, JELLY BEAN COUNT AND MORE.
EVEN IF YOU CAN'T ATTEND THERE ARE PLENTY MORE OPPORTUNITIES, HERE IS A LINK TO OUR VERY ACTIVE
WEBSITE http://www.singleparentsactivekids.org/
LIKE MINDED SINGLE PARENTS TO CHAT WITH, ACTIVE KIDS WANTING TO PLAY WITH YOUR ACTIVE KIDS, WIN
WIN!
“SINGLE DOES NOT MEAN ALONE”
PLEASE RSVP TO info@singleparentsactivekids.org or call Moush on 0430 504 119
For all Bookings and Cancellations
please call us directly on 9379 4347 or
email us: strathmoreoshc@ymca.org.au
YMCA Children’s Services
Strathmore Primary School
PROGRAM AT A GLANCE
For any Account Information
please call our office on: 8371 0500
www.childrensservices.ymca.org.au
DATE: TERM 4 November 3RD-November 7TH
DAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
BREAKFAST
ACTIVITY
AFTERNOON TEA
WHOLEMEAL OR
RAISIN TOAST,
ENGLISH MUFFINS,
CRUMPETS, EGGS,
PANCAKES, CEREAL,
JUICE, MILK & MORE
AASC-ATHLETICS
A SELECTION OF TOAST
PAINTING
OSHC ASSEMBLY WITH WILL
CUP DAY
MAKE YOUR OWN SANDWICHES
TUNA SALAD
CHALK DRAWINGS
FRUIT SALAD WITH YOGURT
DATE: TERM 4 November 10TH-November 14TH
DAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
BREAKFAST
ACTIVITY
AFTERNOON TEA
WHOLEMEAL OR
RAISIN TOAST,
ENGLISH MUFFINS,
CRUMPETS, EGGS,
PANCAKES, CEREAL,
JUICE, MILK & MORE
AASC-ATHLETICS
AASC-CALLISTHENICS
RICE CAKES WITH CHEESE & TOMATO
SAUSAGES IN BREAD
GROUP GAME OF ROB THE TREASURE
DIPS WITH CHEESE, BISCUITS AND VEGIES
FRIDAY
OSHC ASSEMBLY WITH WILL
MAKE YOUR OWN PIZZA
SKIPPING OUTSIDE
PANCAKES WITH ICECREAM AND MAPLE
SYRUP
For afternoon tea, a large fruit platter is served in addition to the items listed above.
Afternoon Tea and the Daily activities may change due to circumstances on any given day.
Our program is designed for children of different ages & differences. Outside play is encouraged when the weather is fine. Children
have a choice to participate in inside or outside activities.
STRATHMORE NEWS Term 4
I would like to thank the Strathmore OSHC staff for covering all of my shifts last week while I took
some time off due to personal reasons. Thanks also to Liz and Sarah for organising each of the
staff members.
FUNDRAISER COMING UP
Look out for our Christmas raffle in December. Tickets will be on sale from November 10th at
$2.00 each or 3 for $5.00. There will be several prizes included in the raffle. All money raised will
go towards purchasing new equipment for your children.
Packets of CHALK will be sold for $1.00 this fortnight. We still have a couple of boxes left and I
would like to empty them before the end of the year.
Enrolments for 2015 are open. Enrol now at www.childrensservice.ymca.org.au. Jump online at
www.childrensservice.ymca.org.au and enrol your child today. Remember there may be an
occasion when you can’t arrive on time to pick your child up from school. With a current enrolment
form, they can attend the OSHC program anytime during the year; it’s just a phone call away.
Please remember that you must book your children into care as we work in a ratio of 1 staff
member per 15 children…It’s fun to play at the YMCA.
Just a reminder that Strathmore OSHC follows the Sun Smart Policy therefore hats must be
worn at aftercare everyday starting the first day of September until the end of April 2015.
Janice Sutherland & Team
Strathmore P.S OSHC Coordinator
CANCELLATION POLICY REMINDER
Cancellations must be made in writing or online with one week's notice. Normal fees apply if these requirements are
not met. You’re assistance with this enables us to remain compliant within the boundaries of our licence, child to staff
ratios and to provide the best possible care to the children attending.
STRATHMORE 5000
18th December, 2014
It’s that time again and hopefully the Strathmore 5000 will be every bit as successful this year as in the past. There are two events to be
decided:
•
the time trial
•
the knockout competition
Each entry must have three team members - a driver and two pushers. Helmets must be worn by all members of the team. There are
two divisions in the knockout competition –
•
28 and under
•
Over 28
The ages of the team members are added together and if the total is 28 or less, then the team must compete in the younger division. A
billy cart can be entered in both divisions of the event but must have a different team, i.e. in the 28 and under and over 28. A billy cart
cannot be entered twice in the same division.
Due care should be taken with the construction of the carts. Carts which are dangerous will not be allowed to compete. Experience tells us
that flimsy plastic wheels don’t withstand the rigours of racing. Steering and control is particularly important especially for the younger
drivers.
Medals will be presented to the winners of both divisions of the knockout competition and the time trial. Certificates are awarded for:
•
best dressed team
•
most colourful billy cart
Volunteers are always required on the day and if you are available to help throughout the day, please let me know. Entry forms are
available from the office & should be completed and returned to the office by Wednesday, December 3rd.
Happy Billy Carting!
Ben Lepore
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
STRATHMORE 5000 ENTRY FORM
18th December, 2014
NAME OF CART ______________________________________________________________________
TEAM MEMBERS
DRIVER
__________________________________________________________ AGE ___________
PUSHER 1 __________________________________________________________ AGE ___________
PUSHER 2 __________________________________________________________ AGE ___________
The Strathmore Primary School fete is back again next year, bigger, newer and better than ever!
SPS Festival of Fun!
This is a huge social event for our school and the Strathmore community. As it is the major
fundraiser for the year it is important that everyone supports the Festival to ensure its success.
This event is a fun day for all families and friends to enjoy rides, attractions, food, drinks and
entertainment.
Everyone is able to help support and contribute to the success of the Festival in many ways • On the event day we need many volunteers to run stalls. This event cannot operate or succeed
without your help. It could be just one hour of your time on the day.
• We need help setting up/packing down tents, tables, stages and other structures the day before
and after the Festival
• Any unwanted items around your house can be donated for the silent action. (Keep any
unwanted Christmas gifts to donate)
• Homemade craft items can be sold in a stall, so get crafty over the holidays!
• We will have baked goods on sale at the event and need our school families to contribute to this.
• Can you make jams or preserves? Make some extra and donate these for sale.
• Perhaps you have a suggestion for something new and exciting to contribute the event?
Many families and friends of our school own businesses. Please consider what you can donate• Services
• Skills
• Consultations
• Vouchers
• Talent (we are seeking entertainers for the event. It would be fantastic to have some live music
on the day)
We have had wonderful, dedicated volunteers who have coordinated different aspects of the fete
over the years. If you are one of these people (THANK YOU!) and would like to help out, please let
the Festival coordinators know ASAP. This would be greatly appreciated. This year we have new
Festival coordinators and we would love to hear any ideas you have.
Together we can enjoy a fun and successful social event that benefits our whole school community.
Kind Regards,
Festival Coordinators,
Hannah Jacobson
Claudia Yanez
0410 432 331
han_123@hotmail.com
matncleo@hotmail.com