​ASCOT NEWS
October 27  2023, Term 4 Issue 1

Ascot Vale Primary School
‘Unique Learning Community’
Where we value:
RESPECT      RESPONSIBILITY      EXCELLENCE      EMPATHY      GRATITUDE

"Hands up, hands down. We are on Wurundjeri land."

THANK YOU to our hard working, dedicated AVPS teachers.

Congratulations Annie Cuthbert ​for
35 Years of Service to State Education

Annie is pictured above being presented with a 35 Years of Service Certificate by Regional Director, Chris Thompson and Area Executive Director, Silvana Sena.

On World Teacher's Day, our hearty congratulations and gratitude is extended to Unit 1 Teacher and P-2 Co-ordinator, Annie Cuthbert, for her unwavering commitment to the teaching profession over a significant period. Ascot Vale PS is all the more richer for having Annie as a key member and driving force of our Unique Learning Community.

​No-one loves teaching more than Annie and no-one is more deserving to headline today’s acknowledgement of hardworking teachers, on World Teacher's Day, than Annie.
​
​Annie lives and breathes infectious enthusiasm for children, their learning and growth, which spreads like wildfire among our staff team, who count themselves most fortunate to work with Annie. She has taught hundreds, perhaps thousands, of Ascot Vale children for more years than we can count on two hands (and feet) and has been a dedicated leader and mentor to dozens of teachers in her P-2  and multi-age teaching teams over the years. Annie has forged enduring relationships with adoring AVPS parents, students, staff and Ascot Vale community members over decades and, on behalf of them all, we say THANK YOU ANNIE for your outstanding contribution to Ascot Vale PS and Public Education in general over the past 35 years.

We look forward to many more years to come working, learning and laughing alongside Annie at AVPS.

PLEASE NOTE: 

• Annie has NO plans to leave us any time soon, thank goodness!
• The picture above is all the more special because Annie is actually Chris's daughter's teacher. 

Enjoy these lovely community tributes to Annie and cute pics of her in the slideshow below.

Please click on the headings below to discover more. 
REMINDER: You can change the language at the top left hand corner of the webpage

FROM THE PRINCIPAL TEAM 

 Dear Parents, Carers, Staff, and Students,

Today is a special day to say THANK YOU to a teacher in honour of  WORLD TEACHER’S DAY 2023. 
 MORE INFO HERE

We are fortunate to have passionate teaching and support staff who love coming to work and always go the extra mile to ensure the school experience for AVPS children is the best it can possibly be. 

It is fitting that this special day coincides with our Year 3-6 Camp Week, where our teachers and support staff have been happily and expertly providing 24/7 care for our older AVPS kids. The images on Class DoJo certainly suggest a great time was had by all, thanks to all the hard work of Lucy Mackinnon (Camp Co-ordinator) and the staff who attended the Lorne Camp. 

We would like to extend our gratitude to all our teaching and support staff at AVPS for taking such great care of the children of Ascot Vale PS each and every day of the school year.  

We hope you enjoy our special tribute to Annie Cuthbert in honour of her 35 Years in Public Education milestone. Annie is the epitome of a great teacher and an inspiration to many other fantastic teachers at AVPS, who follow her good example.

​How lucky we are to have them all at AVPS!

Please don't forget to Thank a Teacher today, Friday 27th October, or any day of the school year for that matter!
​
Kind regards,
​From the Principal Team
Sue & Michael 

Sue Osborne, Principal

Michael Downing, Assistant Principal

KEY DATES & EVENTS 

Please access ALL AVPS Key Dates & Events page AT THIS LINK.

However, to help plan for the beginning of the year, please find below, key dates for the beginning of the 2024 school year and Pupil Free Day information for 2023 & 2024. 

KEY DATES
TERM 1 2024
The first school day for Year 1-6 students in Term 1 will be WEDNESDAY 31st January 2024.
The first school day for Year PREP students in Term 1 will be THURSDAY 1st February 2024.
Finish date:  THURSDAY  28th March 2024

• Mon 29th Jan- Pupil Free Day. No School for all Year Levels
• Tue 30th Jan- Pupil Free Day. No School for all Year Levels
• Wed 31st Jan -1st Day for Year 1-6 Students -  No School for Preps
• Thu 1st Feb, 9:00am – 3:30pm - 1st Day for Year Prep Students
• Mon 11th Mar - Public Holiday - School Closed
• Thu 7th Mar, 9:00am – 3:30pm - Pupil Free Day for ALL STUDENTS. Please arrange for the care of children of all year levels on this day.

​Remaining Pupil Free Days 2023
​Please make alternative arrangements for the care of your child or children on the following dates in 2023, as students are not required to attend school on Pupil Free Days.

TERM 4 

• Monday 6th November 2023 - Report Writing Day 

Pupil Free Days 2024
​Please SAVE THE DATES and begin plans to make alternative arrangements for the care of your child or children on the following dates in 2024, as students are not required to attend school on Pupil Free Days.

TERM 1
Monday 29th January 2024 - Curriculum Day -  First Day Preparations 
Tuesday 30th Jan - Professional Practice Day  - Curriculum Planning Day
Thursday 7th March 2024 -Curriculum Day - Misty Adoniou, (Click for name information ) Writing PL
TERM 2
Friday 7th June 2024 - Curriculum Day - Staff Professional Learning - Topic TBC
TERM 4  
Monday 4th November - Curriculum Day - Report Writing Day
​

FAMILY FESTIVAL OF LEARNING 

SAVE THE DATE  for our
AVPS Family Festival of Learning  - a celebration of learning within and beyond the classroom with a special focus on JAPAN
WEDNESDAY 29th November - 3:45- 6:30

Family members will be invited to atted AVPS after school on this day to visit classrooms, where children will proudly showcase their best efforts in learning for the year. 

Elsewhere across the school, different activities will be on offer at various times for family members to participate in, mostly with a Japanese feel,  including:

• Origami
• Table Tennis
• Fit With Britt
• Performances
• and more

We are still working out the finer details and schedule for this event, which we hope to include a Japanese food truck. 

Families will be encouraged to enjoy a picnic dinner on the oval if the weather is kind. 

Please look out for confirmed  information in the coming weeks.

In the meantime, please mark this date in your family calendars and we look forward to welcoming you on the day.

PLANNING FOR 2024

STUDENTS LEAVING AVPS
If you and your family (current year Prep to Five students) are leaving at the end of the 2023 school year, could you please contact the office now, by phone or in writing via email [email protected]  ​

This information is important for us as we will soon start planning 2024 units and class structures.  

UNIT PLACEMENT AND A NOTE ABOUT REQUESTS 
Staff will begin placing students in classes for the 2024 school year in the coming weeks. As always, when the structure is confirmed, this will be communicated via the newsletter or Compass alert  later this term.

In the meantime, please note we are now seeking requests in writing for siblings to be placed together (or not). To ensure requests can be met, these are due by no later than Friday 10th November 2023. Please attention this information to Michael Downing in the subject line at this email: [email protected]   Requests after this date may not be able to be met. 

Also, please be aware that the school cannot accept requests for particular teachers or units. The reason being, it is impossible for the school to satisfy such requests from everyone if this was to become usual practice across the school. It also sets parents/carers up for great disappointment if requests are made that cannot be accommodated. This is a situation we would prefer to avoid and therefore ask parents/carers to refrain from requesting a particular teacher or unit.

During Term Four, AVPS staff go through a complex and comprehensive process of determining individual and social needs of students in developing unit groups for the following year, noting our multi-age structure also encourages students and teachers to be together for more than one school year where possible. 
​
Students and their families will be informed about their 2024 Unit placement  on Wednesday 13th December, 2023 and it is planned that all students will have the opportunity to meet with their 2024 unit and teacher/s (where possible and available) before the end of the school year.

We will also hold 2 internal ‘step up’ transition days for our current year P-5 students. The second of these days coincides with the secondary school transition day as well as inviting our new 2024 prep students on the Tuesday 13th December 2023.

​DEALING WITH DISTRESSING ONLINE CONTENT

With the tragic and distressing events unfolding in the Middle East, Australia's independent regulator for online safety, eSafety, has issued guidance to help parents and carers support their children in dealing with distressing online content. The eSafety website has resources for parents and carers about online safety. These include information on extra precautions you can take to protect your children from seeing disturbing content online.
eSafety encourage parents and carers supporting young people who may be more vulnerable to check in with them. If they are presenting with signs of distress, support is available through external services including:
· headspace: 1800 650 890
· Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800
· Lifeline: 13 11 14
​· Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636.

VOICE REFERENDUM RESULT

The Deputy Secretary, Schools and Regional Services, David Howes, recently communicated to school staff regarding the Voice Referendum result. An except appears below:
​
 As you know, over the weekend the Commonwealth government held a referendum on whether to alter the Australian Constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice. 

Enough votes have been counted for us to know that the referendum did not pass. 

This referendum is the first that Australia has had in over two decades and it highlights the importance of referendums to our democratic system of government. 

We know that in a democracy, it’s important that people can express their opinions on key issues, especially those of great national importance. The Premier and the Minister for Treaty and First Peoples put out a joint statement on Voice yesterday that I encourage you to read. 

For many people, this referendum has been – and will continue to be – a sensitive topic with deep, personal meaning and it is important that we continue to engage with each in a respectful and considerate way, including in the workplace. There will be different responses to this outcome, including disappointment or distress for many students, staff and communities. 

Please:

• Contact the school for support  if you or your child has been impacted by The Voice result.
• Access the Joint Statement on The Voice in the file below

231015-joint-statement-on-voice__1_.pdf
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K-P TRANSITION PROGRAM AT AVPS

The following transition visits have been planned for 2024 Year Prep students.   

2024 Year Prep/Foundation students are invited to attend the following transition sessions at Ascot Vale PS to meet teachers and get to know our school: 

1. Thursday 2nd November: 3:45-4:45pm. Exploring the playground and classrooms. Please bring a hat and water bottle.
2. Thursday 16th November 2023 - 9:15 am- 10:45 am. Visit to a P/1/2 classroom. Please bring a water bottle, hat and a snack. Parents are invited to meet the Principal Team at this time in the hall.
3. Tuesday 28th November 2023 – 9:15-12:15 pm. Visit to a P/1/2 classroom. Please bring a water bottle, hat and a snack.
4. Tuesday 12th December 2023 – 9:30- 10:45 am. Meet your 2024 teacher and classmates. Please bring a water bottle, hat and a snack.

Families have been contacted via email to confirm which gate to drop their child at. 

We request that parents/carers drop off and collect children at the same specific gate, which will be sign posted with the colour of your child’s group, for each of the sessions above. Please see the map below for the gate location.

• Green Gate is on Bank Street; located close to the staff car park.
• Red Gate is on Bank Street; located on the Ascot Vale Rd side of the school.
• Purple Gate is on Moonee Street, located in the middle.

Children will be greeted and farewelled by teachers at the same gate at each of the session times and dates listed above. Expect children to have different teachers at each session, who will take them to experience different classrooms.
Please find the following documents below:

• AVPS Handbook for New Families commencing in 2024 – see pages 28 & 29 for Transition Program details and page 30 for Key 2024 Dates. NB, The Week 6 Pupil Free Day on Thursday 7th March 2024, has now been approved and the handbook updated to include this.
• Orientation Program Gate Map

2024 Prep students and their families will be informed about their 2024 Unit placement at Orientation visit #4, on 13th December 2023. 

We look forward to welcoming you and your children at our Transition sessions.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us on 9370-6507 if you have any queries.

avps_new_families_handbook_2024_.pdf
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CAMP 2023 & 2024

A big thank you to our wonderful staff who took part in this year’s school camp. From planning to attending the camp - these memorable moments for our students don’t happen without the thought, care and hard work of our wonderful staff. THANKYOU!!

As this year’s camp comes to an end we are pleased to announce our 2024 camps, importantly the dates. Mark them in your calendar now. They are also in your Compass Calendar. 

• Year 5/6 Canberra Tour - Mon 15th April - Fri 19th April 2024. Details including expression of interest and deposit will be sent home early next week. Only 17 school weeks until this camp!
• Year 3/4 Campaspe Downs Camp - Wed 13th November - Fri 15th November 2024 - Planning for this camp will commence in term 2 2024. 

community connections

Please access the headings below for 'Community Connections' news

​​​SCHOOL COUNCIL NEWS

Click on the Sub-Committee Updates in the tabs below.

PARENT REP NEWS

TRIVIA NIGHT 2023
Following the tremendous success of the 2022 Hawaiian AVPS Trivia Night, a Disco Trivia event will take place on  Friday 10th November, 2023.
The 2023 AVPS Disco Trivia Night tickets are now available for purchase online. You can access tickets at this link: https://compasstix.com/e/pcifat8bir

This is an adult only event, Friday 10th November, $30.00 per person, Starts 7:00pm in the AVPS Hall. Dress - Disco.
 
Tables of 8 are available, you can either reserve a whole table or purchase individual tickets and join others. Either way, it will be a great opportunity to connect with familiar faces or meet new people in our community.
 
Seats are limited, book early to avoid disappointment.
 
THANK YOU to Erin (Aria’s Mum) for the artwork in our groovy disco flyers. See below.
 
 
TRIVIA NIGHT DONATIONS NEEDED (deadline - Wed 8th Nov)
Please donate hamper items to the office and remember that adults need to drop alcohol to the office. Please consider donating:

• Gourmet food
• Ground coffee
• Cooking items / recipe books
• Alcohol / wine
• art/craft items
• sport items
• health, beauty or bathroom products / vouchers
• Fancy tea and biscuits
• Candles
• etc

Please contact the office if help with the following items to ensure the Trivia Night is a great success:

• Allow us to borrow your trestle table/s
• Helping with set up and hamper making.
• Helping with pack up​

SPECIAL LUNCH DAYS
Term 4
The AVPS Parent Reps will be running a 'SUBWAY' LUNCH DAY  in Week 5, Term 4.

DETAILS
WHEN – Friday 3rd November (delivered between 1:15pm-1:45pm)
CUISINE - Subway
ORDERS – Sign in via the Subway site here: https://myschoollunch.com.au/ascot-vale-ps-traffic-selector 
ORDERS CLOSE: Wednesday 1st November 9:00am
Please place one order per child.

FLEMINGTON FARMERS' MARKET (FFM) 
Our next and final Farmer's Day Market Stall for the year is planned for Sunday 19th November- SAVE THE DATE -  More details to follow 

Thank you to parents and carers who have done a great job producing baked goods and running FFM stalls to date.  Enjoy the pics at the bottom of this section. 

FRESH FRUIT FRIDAY (FFF)
Thank you to the volunteers who have helped to prepare fruit platters on Fridays to date. The children enjoy sharing a healthy snack together and seeing their parents at school helping to prepare and deliver platters. 
​
Term 4  FFF DATES
U 2 / 3 - Wk 4 - 27th Oct
U 6/1 - Week 5 - 3rd Nov
U 4 / 5 - Wk 6 -  10th Nov
U 2 / 3 - Wk 7 - 17th Nov
U 6/ 1 - Wk 8 - 24th Nov
U 4 / 5 - Wk 9 - 1st Dec
U 2 / 3 - Wk 10 - 8th Dec

2023 Parent Reps
Thank you to the following volunteers who will share the Parent Rep roles in 2023.

UNIT 1 PARENT REPS Kirsten Deruddere Jemima Flego ​Andrea Benyi	​UNIT 2 PARENT REPS ​Claire Topliss Hazel Grunwaldt Katie Roberts​	​UNIT 3 PARENT REPS Benita Champion Emily Webster Jennifer Wallace
​UNIT 4 PARENT REPS Katherine McConnell Volunteer Needed ​	​UNIT 5 PARENT REPS ​Erin Katsavos Tanya Anderson Jenelle Dandris Danielle McKeown ​Shelley Smith	​UNIT 6 PARENT REPS Volunteer Needed ​​ ​

Delicious Farmers' Markets 2023

FINANCE SUB COMMITTE NEWS

PARENT PAYMENTS 2024
2024 AVPS Parent Payment arrangements were recommended by the Finance Sub-Committee and approved by the School Council at the October meetings. We can report that the 2024 Parent Payment amounts will essentially remain the same as 2023. This information will be updated on our website once our Business Manager, David Cauchi, returns from the Year 3/4 Camp, please check the following site after Wednesday 1st November for updated documents: https://avps.vic.edu.au/parent-payment.html

Separate files for 2024 Years Prep, 1/2, 3/4 and 5/6 payments will be made available on the website above.
This is for your information only, noting, payment is not due until February 2024. 

Parents / carers will be prompted in the new year, when office staff are ready to accept payments.
Please approach or contact the office on 9370 6507 if you have any queries regarding Parent Payments. 

BUDGET REVIEW & DEVELOPMENT
Another major item of business for the Finance Sub-Committee in October was the approval of the indicative cash budget for the 2024 school year. 

Our Business Manager David Cauchi, has been working hard behind the scenes with Sue to review 2023 revenue and expenditure and develop a 2024 budget that takes into account intricate details of funding sources (government grants, expected parent payments, fundraising, facilities hire etc) and expenditure needs across about 50 budgets (e.g., classroom/curriculum, ICT equipment and services, activities/events, camps/excursions, buildings / grounds / maintenance, professional development, staff replacement and administration.) ​The 2024 indicative cash budget was developed based on a conservative enrolment estimate of 278 students and will be updated in the new year to account for any changes in enrolment numbers in 2024. 

The Finance Committee wishes to acknowledge the support provided by our parent community of the 2023 Parent Payment process.  This has enabled AVPS to adequately resource our teaching and learning programs across the school. We wish to note in particular, the generous donations from families in 2023 that helped enormously to add value to our school, for example: 

Student Sponsorship - Community generosity via parent payment donations in this category has meant no AVPS child has missed out on learning events or opportunities, including camps and excursions if they could not afford the payment in 2023 - THANK YOU. 

Student Sponsorship ICT Device - These generous donations ensured AVPS could provide digital devices to ALL students regardless of their socio economic background. THANK YOU

Working Bee - These community generated funds paid for our start of year gardeners who prepared the grounds for the children after the long wet summer break that resulted in record volumes of weeds infultrating our grounds!! THANK YOU

Library Fund - Donations in this category contributed towards the recent purchase of library books which cost just over $9,000. We plan to bolster the P-2 take home book collection in 2024 from this budget. THANK YOU

FUNDRAISING 2023
The Finance Committee and School Council  also noted the good work of the Parent Reps who have organised successful fundraising activities that have, to date, raised $5846. These funds will contribute towards school building or grounds improvements in 2024, which will be overseen by the Finance and Buildings and Grounds Committees of the School Council.  

Here is a rundown of profits from AVPS fundraising events to date in 2023: 

$2,321 - FARMER’S MARKET STALLS
$198  - MOTHER’S DAY BREAKFAST
$189 - FATHER’S DAY BREAKFAST
$3129 - REFERENDUM DAY BBQ & BAKE SALE
$5846 - running TOTAL

THANK YOU to all community members who have contributed towards our successful fundraising efforts in 2023 to date.
From the Finance Sub - Committee of the AVPS School Council
Matt Vitins - father of Lil - Unit 5 
Nicci Bilinski - mother of Scarlet - Unit 1
David Cauchi - Business Manager
Rozeena Sen - Unit 6 Teacher
Michael Downing- Assistant Princpal 
Sue Osborne - Principal

OSHC (outside school hours care) SUB COMMITTEE

GREAT NEWS! 
The AVPS OSHC Sub Committee recently found out we have been successful in receiving a grant as part of the Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) Establishment Grant initiative.

​This will essentially enable the school to start up a Vacation Care program, starting in Autumn 2024.

​AVPS will be working in co-operation with Camp Australia to establish and promote this program, expected to be offered at least in the Autumn, Winter and Spring 2-week holiday periods in 2024.

Parents will be encouraged to sign up for this program in Term 1 2024.

MUSIC NEWS

Click headings below for 'Music' news. 

mvimp - mOONEE VALE INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC PROGRAM

 MVIMP Combined Concert Ticket Sales now open - October 24 2024
 
Dear MVIMP Parents/ Carers,
We are excited to let families know that ticket sales are now open for the Combined Schools Concert to be held at the Clocktower Centre on Monday 13 November.
 
There will be two shows on Monday 13 November.

• Matinee Performance at 12.30pm
• Evening Performance at 7pm*

*Due to limited seating, there is a strict limit of 2 tickets per family for the 7pm performance, in order to provide as many families as possible the opportunity to attend. Schools will be notified is there is any unsold tickets remaining for the evening performance on Thursday 9 November.
 
To purchase tickets, please use this link: Moonee Vale Instrumental Music Program Combined Schools Concert - Clocktower Centre

 MVIMP Term 3 News 1st September 2023

MVIMP has been humming along nicely, with regular lessons and band rehearsals happening. This year we have tried hard to include regular performances at our assemblies, and it has been terrific. This has been a showcase for the whole school to see just how talented our students are. It has also been a chance for our students in Years P/1 and 2 to see some of the different musical instruments on offer and don’t forget that our Year 2s can sign up for MVIMP next year when they are in Year 3.
 
Next term is going to be busy. All MVIMP students will perform at the annual MVIMP Combined Concert. This is to be held on Thursday November 9th at Moonee Valley. There will be more information coming home early next term. We are excited!
 
Thanks,
Amanda and Jason


​

MVIMP Term 3 News 28th July 2023
This term the MVIMP program started with a BANG.  Week one saw some lucky students visiting the Urban Camp in Parkville and what a success it was. Our musicians had a fine time practising their skills for three days with the help of the Music Tutors. This culminated in a concert on the Thursday night and many parents and teachers were entertained with some fine playing. A HUGE thankyou to Jason who spent 3 nights at camp, supervising and entertaining the crew.
 
Week 2 was a big one too. Our Soiree took place in the Hall and it was so impressive. Many parents were blown away. Every MVIMP student played, there were nerves but it went off with a hitch. Well done to everyone who performed.
 
Please keep an eye out on our School Dojo Page for any changes to lesson times. We try our best to keep you up to date.
 
Thanks,
Amanda and Jason

 

Percussion Fun Term 2 2023

Violinists Term 1 2023

Please find the latest MVIMP Family Handbook in the file below. 

mvimp_family_handbook_2023.pdf
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Please take a look below to confirm the day that your child has their lesson.
 Monday

• Percussion          
• Brass                     
• Saxophone        

Wednesday

• Violin                    
• Cello                     

Thursday

• Clarinet/Flute      
• Band                      

 
Don’t forget that BAND is on a Thursday afternoon at 2.30pm.

PIANO - LAMPLIGHT MUSIC

SAVE THE DATE
End of Year Piano Concert 
WEDNESDAY 6th December, 7:00pm - School Hall 

Private piano lessons are available on request, vacancies permitting. 
The company providing this service is Lamplight Music. 
​Director:  Joshua Cowie
PH 0413 884 067 Email:  [email protected] 
NB There are currently no vacancies. 
Please contact Joshua to be placed on the waiting list.

reminders

As previously published, please access important information by clicking on the headings below:

2023 PUPIL FREE DAY REMINDERS

Pupil Free Days 2023
​Please make alternative arrangements for the care of your child or children on the following dates in 2023, as students are not required to attend school on Pupil Free Days.
TERM 1

• Friday 27th January 2023 - 'Teaching Writing' Professional Development 
• Monday 30th January 2023 - Start of Year Pupil Free Day 

TERM 2 

• Monday 24th April 2023 - Staff Professional Practice Day
• Friday 2nd June 2023 -  Strategic Planning Development Day

TERM 3 

• Monday 10th July 2023 - Staff Professional Practice Day

TERM 4 

• Monday 6th November 2023 - Report Writing Day 

ASSEMBLY SCHEDULE 

'In person' assemblies have returned to AVPS after three years of 'going online'. 

The plan is to hold these on the outdoor stage at the rear of the library, near the oval in fine weather, or in the hall when the weather prevents us from enjoying the healthy outdoor air. 

Parents/carers are welcome to attend. Gates will be opened just prior to commencement of the assembly. Alternatively, please enter via the school office.  There is no need for community members to sign in as visitors when attending AVPS assemblies.  

Teachers of the presenting units will publicise the assemblies in the days or week prior to the event. 

​TERM 3 MONDAY Assembly Schedule - Oval or Hall at 3:00pm
These arrangements have been updated and appear in the Compass Community Calendar- accessible by families.
WEEK 3 – 24th July - Unit 2
WEEK 5 – 7th August - Unit 4
WEEK 7 – 21st August - Unit 6
WEEK 9 – 4th September - Unit 1
Assembly Schedule Term 4
WEEK 1 – 2nd October – Sue and Michael
WEEK 3 – 16th October - Unit 2 
WEEK 5 – 30th October – Unit 3 & 5
WEEK 7 – 13th November – Unit 4
WEEK 9 – 27th November – Unit 6
Week 11 – 11th December – Sue and Michael
Week 12 – Wednesday 20th December – END OF YEAR ASSEMBLY – 9:00am

school tours

We are offering opportunities for community members to visit Ascot Vale PS in person to meet with leadership staff, interact with school community members (where possible), visit classrooms and other facilities.

Visitors will receive information about AVPS and how to enrol from the tour guides, usually the Principal, Sue Osborne and/or Assistant Principal, Michael Downing.

These tours are designed to help visitors find out more about our school and to get to know us better. They are mostly suited to parents or carers of Year Prep / Foundation children intending to start school in 2024, however, any prospective family may join AVPS tours.

Please click on the button below to book a school tour. ​

school tours

cAMP DATES

In case you missed this under the School Council section in the last newsletter, here is a repeat for your information and diaries.
SCHOOL CAMP ARRANGEMENTS 
The following arrangements have been approved by the Principal, pending documentation: 
2023 

• Club Lorne https://www.clublorne.com.au/
• October 23-27 - Week 4 Term 4 
• Year 5 / 6 ’s Monday to Wednesday.
• Year 3 / 4 ’s Wednesday to Friday. 
• Approximate costs $350 - $420. Final costs to be confirmed 

2024 
AVPS Year 5 / 6 Camp

• Canberra Camp
• Accommodation / TBC
• Term 2 - Monday 15th April - Friday 19th April
• Traveling both ways by Coach
• Approximate costs $950 - $1000. Final costs to be confirmed

 AVPS Year 3 / 4 Camp 

• Campaspe Downs  www.pgladventurecamps.com.au
• Term 4 - Wednesday 13th November - Friday 15th November 
• Approximate costs $430 - $480. Final costs to be confirmed 

PUNCTUALITY AND ATTENDANCE

​As partners in your child's education, we would like to address a matter of utmost importance that affects the smooth functioning of our school and your child's learning experience. We kindly request your attention to the topic of student punctuality and minimising withdrawals for routine appointments. Recently, we have observed a growing concern regarding student punctuality and the impact of early  withdrawals. While we understand that there are always exceptions, such as illness, unavoidable medical attention, and agreed upon allied health appointments, we kindly request your cooperation in ensuring that your child arrives at school on time, at 9 am, and remains present for the entire school day.
 
The impact of lateness and frequent absences is noticeable more than ever, affecting various aspects of our school community:

• Impacts on Classrooms and Learning: Punctuality plays a crucial role in maintaining a conducive learning environment. When students arrive late, it disrupts the flow of instruction, interrupts their classmates' focus, and may result in missed essential information. Consistent punctuality fosters a sense of responsibility and respect for others, while maximising the learning opportunities for your child.

 

• Impacts on Office Staff: Frequent withdrawals for routine appointments can place a burden on our hardworking office staff. The increased administrative tasks involved in managing attendance records, collecting students, and coordinating with teachers can be time-consuming, hindering their ability to attend to other important tasks.

 

• General Impact of Missing School: Regular school attendance is critical for academic success. Students who consistently miss school days or arrive late often experience gaps in their learning and may find it challenging to catch up with their peers. Every school day offers valuable opportunities for growth, collaboration, and social interaction, which contribute to your child's overall development.

 
Furthermore, we have been actively listening to our teachers, who have expressed their concerns about the impact of student punctuality on their roles in the classrooms. When students arrive late, it requires additional attention to help them settle in, which diverts precious instruction time away from the entire class. Consistent punctuality allows our dedicated educators to provide uninterrupted lessons, ensuring that every student receives the best possible education.
 
We acknowledge that there are exceptional circumstances where withdrawal for routine appointments is necessary. However, we kindly request that such appointments be scheduled outside of school hours whenever possible or during times that minimally disrupt your child's education. We greatly appreciate your understanding and support in this matter.
 
Please remember that our primary goal is to provide your child with a nurturing and academically rich environment. By emphasising the importance of punctuality and minimising routine appointment withdrawals, we can collectively create an optimal learning environment for all students.
 
Thank you for your cooperation in helping us maintain a culture of punctuality and regular attendance. Should you have any concerns or questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to the school office staff and/or your child’s classroom teacher.

ROAD & PEDESTRIAN SAFETY - MOONEE AND BANK STREETS

​PARKING –DROP OFF ZONES
Parents/visitors are reminded to please follow the  Moonee Valley City Council’s (MVCC) rules and regulations pertaining to parking and the drop off zone near our school. Some parents/visitors have been observed leaving their cars in the drop off zones, which impacts the efficiency of the drop off system and deems drivers at risk of being fined. MVCC parking officers regularly monitor these zones and issue fines for breaches of the rules. To ensure the zones work effectively, drivers should:

• ask your child to head straight to the pick up zone once the bell rings –they will then be ready and waiting once you arrive
• plan to arrive after the bell rings, not before, as you cannot wait in the zone
• remain in your vehicle at all times
• move forward to join the queue so that other cars can move into the zone
• use the handbrake when the vehicle is stationary
• not double park
• not park across a pedestrian crossing or driveway
• not undertake a U-turn in close proximity to the school
• not use the staff car park as a drop off zone

What does the no parking sign (in the drop off zone) mean?
Drivers cannot park in the drop off zone during the times identified on the sign as this is only  to be used as a pick up or drop off zone during those times.
Vehicles are only allowed to stay in the drop off zone for two minutes. If you overstay this time limit, you may receive a parking infringement.

​IN PARTICULAR - PLEASE NOTE – The Bank Street car park and lane way MUST NOT be used as a drop off zone or for completing U turns as this is a DANGEROUS  manoeuvre around small children.

In the interests of children's safety, community members are reminded to NOT use the carpark / lane driveway on Bank Street as a drop off zone. This is considered a hazardous practice, given that children often walk across this driveway. 

We strongly encourage parents and carers to please follow the requests above in order to keep everyone safe, particularly our children.
We encourage parents / carers to park away from school and walk a short distance to avoid traffic congestion. ​

Please find ' Safety Around Schools' and 'Drop Off & Pick Up' & 'Getting to and From School' information from MVCC below:

safety-around-schools-flyer-updated-september-2022.pdf
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drop-off-and-pickup-zone-flyer-2.pdf
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mvcc3264-getting-to-and-from-school-brochure-november-2018-3.pdf
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​SUPERVISION OF STUDENTS BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL HOURS

Dear Parents and Caregivers,
We would like to address an emerging concern regarding the supervision of our students before and after school hours. It has come to our attention that an increasing number of students are being left unsupervised during these times. As partners in your child's education, we want to ensure their safety and well-being at all times.

At Ascot Vale Primary School, we have established guidelines to ensure adequate supervision for our students. Please take note of the following responsibilities and guidelines:
1. Supervision Hours: School supervision is provided 15 minutes before the start of school and up to 15 minutes after the school day ends. Specifically, our staff members will be present for yard duty between 8:45 am and 3:45 pm.
2. Active Supervision: We emphasise the importance of active supervision before and after school hours, particularly before 8:45am and after 3:45 pm. During these times, it is the responsibility of parents and caregivers to ensure the care and supervision of their children, including their travel to and from school.
3. Parental Responsibility: Before and after the designated supervision hours, the primary responsibility for the care and supervision of students lies with parents and caregivers. We kindly request your cooperation in fulfilling this crucial role.

Please note our Yard Duty and Supervision Policy - https://avps.vic.edu.au/uploads/9/5/6/5/95656824/yard_duty_supervision_policy_2022.pdf 
To further support the supervision of students before and after school, we highly recommend that you familiarise yourself with the DET (Department of Education and Training) student supervision policy. You can find the policy, including the section titled "Strategies to encourage parent or carer support for supervision," at the following link https://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal/supervision-students/policy

This resource will provide valuable information through a safety lens and aid in maintaining a secure environment for our students.
We believe that by working together, we can create a safe and nurturing environment for all our students. Your cooperation and adherence to the supervision policy and guidelines will help ensure their well-being and security. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We appreciate your ongoing support and commitment to your child's education.

OUTSIDE SCHOOL HOURS CARE (oshc)

OSHC phone:​​ 0423 795 247
Coordinator:​​ Dee Seneviratne

How to get started ​​before using our programs you must register online for an account. Registering is quick and easy. Visit our website to begin www.campaustralia.com.au​​

Once registered you can make bookings and cancellations, view your statements and manage your details anytime of the day online. Keep in mind we are able to take bookings at short notice to help busy families. ​

Save on Care. ​You can save 50% or more on Before and After School Care fees with the ​non-means tested Child Care Rebate. Almost all families are eligible. To find out more, call our Customer Service Team on 1300 105 343 Monday to Friday
​Please access files below to view the OSHC fortnightly report and/or the Camp Australia Holiday Program.
​
Dee and the OSHC team

ASCOT VALE COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD
Please peruse the community notices in the files and slideshow below:

ascot_vale_-_kelly_sport_term_1_2023__1_.pdf
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ascot_vale_yoga_flyer_2022.pdf
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ascot_kindergarten_flyer_1_2022.pdf
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