​ASCOT NEWS
December 8, 2023. Term 4 Issue 2

Ascot Vale Primary School
‘Unique Learning Community’
Where we value:
RESPECT      RESPONSIBILITY      EXCELLENCE      EMPATHY      GRATITUDE
"Hands up, hands down. We are on Wurundjeri land."

Celebrating Japanese
​Language and Culture
​@ AVPS

Picture
Zoom in to see utter joy on those young faces.

​Konnichiwa to all families,
Like a taiko drum, Sensei Andrew's heart was booming with delight last Wednesday when drummers Ayako and Shin Tsunazawa gave a spectacular Taiko Workshop to all our school community at the Family Festival of Learning.

FInd out more in the slideshow, videos and tab in the red zone below.
JAPANESE festival NEWS (click this tab)
Konnichiwa to all families,

Like a taiko drum, my heart was booming with delight last Wednesday when drummers Ayako and Shin Tsunazawa gave a spectacular Taiko Workshop to all our school community at the Family Festival of Learning. Students learnt that the ends of taiko drums are made from cow (ushi), posture and safety precautions when hitting the taiko. In groups, all students got a chance to play the taiko creating rhythms as a group along and creating beats independently for all the students to copy. Staff also got a chance to join in the fun and play the taiko along with the students before the grand finale of the ōdaiko (Big Taiko) where five lucky participants got a chance to do three thunderous hits before a grand pose.

The taiko incursion was a little taste tester of what Ayako could do since that evening she performed with her partner Ayako Fujii as the duo A.YA. The school community experienced an amazing bond between both taiko drummers as one played a flute while the other played the taiko. There might have been a few new young fans in the crowd that night.

During that evening, everyone experienced a touch of Japan through the make-shift restaurant of bento box models created by our Year 5/6 student, reading fictional zoo recounts and hobby writing pieces, watching Japanese short films and lastly eating oishii (delicious) okonomiyaki.
As a school, we do hope to experience a touch of Japan once again in the future.
​
Arigatou gozaimasu.
Andrew Truong
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,

What a vibrant, celebratory Term Four we have had at AVPS in 2023. 

It is hard to choose a favourite moment out the MAGNIFICENT Mega BBQ & Bake Sale, SUPER-SPECIAL Special Lunch Days, TERRIFIC Transition Programs, DELIGHTFUL Disco Trivia Night, MARVELLOUS MVIMP Combined Concert, FABULOUS Flemington Farmers’ Market bake stall, SENSATIONAL (3-6) Surf Camp, BRILLIANT Book Fair, FANTASTIC Family Festival of Learning, GREAT Green Day, PERFECTLY PERFORMED Piano Concert or the GORGEOUS Gratitude Gathering that took place in term four to date (8/12/2023).
 
As a school community, we are full of gratitude for having had these opportunities to gather, connect and celebrate our unique learning community together. 2023 has certainly been the year of getting back together, after some challenging years of restriction, followed by periods of uncertainty.  
 
Thank you to all community members who have contributed, be it in small or large ways, to support AVPS in 2023. We can’t operate a vibrant school community without the help or support of the collective. The many hands make light work approach certainly has helped in 2023. We are grateful for the multitude of people who contributed to our school community throughout term four and across the year. Think bake sales! These simply can’t succeed without a collective effort, and they worked so very well throughout 2023. Thank you one and all. See the Finance Committee tab below for ALL the details and figures raised in 2023.  Well done to all. 
 
We are looking forward to celebrating our Year 6’s as they transition to secondary school, and we wish them all the very best for enjoyable celebration events next Wednesday and Friday. We hope their final primary school days are memorable. See their Graduation Photo, taken in term 1, below.
 
Speaking of graduating, please also enjoy the image of our AVPS Class of 2017 students who returned this week to visit their teachers (Ellen and Sarah), to celebrate their graduation from Year 12. It was lovely to meet and celebrate with these fabulous young people. Even more lovely that they look forward to visiting their old Primary School and teachers, where very special life-long connections were created.  They have grown into amazing young adults, and AVPS wishes them our very best as they embark upon their next big adventures into adulthood. We hope they continue to visit in the years to come.
 
We also hope the weather will be kind to us on our last day of school to allow our community to gather in large numbers outdoors for our final celebration of the year; the End of Year Assembly, also known as our Santa Assembly. Please join us on the oval just after 9:00am on Wednesday 20th December. However, in the event of rain, the numbers will need to be watered down (literally). Location decisions may be made at the last minute, please be prepared to pivot on the day.

Wishing our wonderful AVPS community a joyful summer break and we look forward to seeing you again in 2024.

​
Kind regards,
​From the Principal Team
Sue & Michael 
Picture
Sue Osborne, Principal
Picture
Michael Downing, Assistant Principal
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Congratulations to our Graduating Year 6 Students of 2023
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Congratulations are also extended to our AVPS Class of 2017 who are the Graduating Year 12 Class of 2023
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.

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 Professional Learning for staff
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 
Please enjoy more images below of the 'classroom' section of our Family Festival of Learning, where students enjoyed the opportunity to showcase their favourite recent learning to family members. 

​Thank you to all the families who attended this event. 

​Click in the space below if the images remain hidden. 
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]  ​
BOOK FAIR 
A big Thank You is extended from Jo and Kerry (from the Library) to everyone who supported the recent Book Fair.
Total money taken over the week was $4419.
We now have $1325.50 to spend on books next year.

Click on the Finance Committee tab below for more fundraising totals.
Unit structure 2024
2024 Staff Structure
We are pleased to announce our unit structure and teaching and non teaching roles for 2024. 

Families will be informed about childrens' unit placements on Tuesday 12th December, next week, where a 'Step Up' transition event will be held and students will get to meet in their 2024 unit classmates, in most cases, with their 2024 teacher.

At this stage, Bridie and Rozeena are the only teachers unable to attend. The plan is for Molly to stand in for Bridie and Ben to stand in for Rozeena on the step up day. 

FAREWELL MOLLY FOX
AVPS thanks Molly for the fabulous job she has done since term 2, teaching the Unit 3, Year Prep, 1 and 2 students. Molly, who is a graduate teacher from WA and was never meant to stay very long in Melbourne, stepped in when we needed her the most and decided to accept an offer to stay with AVPS / Unit 3 until the end of the year. She has demonstrated professional maturity beyond her years of experieince, has fitted in with the staff team and made strong connections with students and families as if she has been at AVPS for years. We will miss Molly in 2024, but wish her all the best for safe and enjoyable travels later in term 1 2024. Molly may return as a casual replacment teacher early in term 1, which will be fabulous. Farewell, thank you and good luck to Molly. 

2024 CLASSROOM TEACHERS
Unit 1 - Doug Skate & Annie Cuthbert
Unit 2 - Bianca Bertolacci  4 days + Connie 1 day (Yr 3/4) & Rozeena Sen 3 days Ben Kline 2 days (Yr 5/6) 
Unit 3 - Bridie Naughtin & Chris Middleton
Unit 4 - Ellen Waters (Yr 3/4) & Michelle Rangott (Yr 5/6)
Unit 5 - Heath Smith  & Amanda McClure
Unit 6 - Jason Simpson  (Yr 3/4) & Zara Mason (Yr 5/6)

2024 SPECIALIST TEACHERS
JAPANESE - Andrew Truong .6
PE - Emily Walker .6
ART- Lucy McKinnon .6
P-2 MUSIC - Katherine Anderson .3
3-6 DRAMA - TERM 1 - Britt Stephenson .4
TUTOR - Emily Walker .4

2024 LEARNING SPECIALISTS
Teaching & Learning + Mental Health - Ben Kline
Inclusion & Mental Health - Jamie Saggers

2024 INTEGRATIONS AIDES
  • Jo Haar
  • Kerry Kinniburgh
  • Swapna Ballireddy
  • Maria Scarpaci
2024 OFFICE STAFF
Admin Assistant: 
  • Christina Micucci- Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday
  • Maria Scarpaci - Thursday & Friday
Business Manager 
David Cauchi

​2024 FAMILY LEAVE ARRANGEMENTS 
We are delighted to offer our hearty congratulations to the following staff members, who will be adding to their families in 2024.
Sarah Ashton from the beginning of term 1 and Britt Stephenson from term 2.
K-P TRANSITION PROGRAM AT AVPS

2024 Year Prep/Foundation students are invited to attend the final transition session at Ascot Vale PS to meet teachers and classmates, to be held on:

  • 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 should have received an email to confirm which gate to drop their child at. It may be a different gate this time, as class groups have been confirmed.

We request that parents/carers drop off and collect children at the specific gate, which will be sign posted with the colour of your child’s group. 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 gate.


We look forward to welcoming you and your children at our final transition sessions and again next year, when your child / children begin their schooling with us at AVPS.
​
Please don’t hesitate to contact us on 9370-6507 if you have any queries.
CAMP 2023 & 2024
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 have been cirulated  There's only 10  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. 
LOST PROPERTY
AVPS seems to have accumulated more lost property than ever. 

Please claim your child's missing items (from the Unit 2 - 3 bag area) before the end of the school year, as all left over items will be donated to charity. 
WELLBEING DOG 2023
​Exciting News: Ascot Vale Primary School is Welcoming a Wellbeing Support Dog!
We are thrilled to share some exciting news with you all! In 2024, Ascot Vale Primary School is partnering with Dogs Connect to introduce a wellbeing support dog into our school community. This program, endorsed by the Department of Education as one of the Mental Health initiatives, promises a multitude of benefits for our students, staff and the entire AVPS community.

We will have a team of staff who will lead this program. We would also like to assure the community that this program will not involve anyone who does not wish to be involved. We know that this work will have a really positive impact on many people in our community, and we acknowledge and respect that connection with our wellbeing dog will be offered on a great variety of levels.

This is something that will be very carefully introduced, and our dog will not be onsite at school for quite some time yet. In this time, we will be preparing the whole community for this introduction.
​
Benefits:
  • Emotional Wellbeing: Wellbeing dogs are known for their ability to provide comfort and emotional support, promoting a positive and nurturing environment within the school.
  • Reduced Stress: Interacting with a wellbeing dog has been proven to reduce stress levels and anxiety, contributing to a more relaxed and focused learning atmosphere.
  • Social Skills Development: A wellbeing dog will play a vital role in fostering social interactions and communication skills among students, encouraging a sense of community and inclusivity.
  • Improved Concentration: Studies show that the presence of a wellbeing dog can enhance concentration and attention span, leading to better academic performance.
  • Enhanced School Environment: The presence of a wellbeing dog will contribute to creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere, making AVPS an even more inviting place for both students and staff.
Meet Riley:
We are delighted to welcome back Riley, the official school wellbeing dog! Riley is owned by Jamie, one of our teachers here at AVPS. Riley had a brief visit to our school as a puppy last year, and since then, she has undergone training and matured into the perfect candidate for her new role. Riley is now ready to commence formal training and will be an integral part of our school community in 2024.
​
Acknowledgments:
We would like to express our gratitude to the school consultation teams - Student Voice Team, Student Wellbeing Team, Policy Sub-Committee and School Council. Their invaluable assistance in providing feedback and reviewing policies ensures that we recognise and plan for cultural sensitivities, allergies, fears/phobias, and other safety concerns when engaging in initiatives such as this.

Looking Ahead:
Stay tuned for more information early in 2024 as we provide details on how Riley will be integrated into our school activities and programs. We are confident that Riley will make a positive impact on our school community, contributing to the overall well-being and happiness of our students.
If you would like to check out some of the success stories of other schools who have worked with Dogs Connect, head over to dogsconnect.net.au. This is an evidence-based program that is underpinned by best practice, and we welcome you to look over the website to gain more of an idea of what the program is about.
​
Thank you for your continued support, and we can't wait for you to meet Riley (if you haven’t already)! In the meantime, here are some current photos of our newest enrolment!  ​
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
Thank you to all who contributed towards making the 2023 Trivia Night such as success. 

The event raised over $8000, which is an incredible effort. 

Please peruse the slideshow of contributors below, who we are most grateful to for donating vouchers or items for our silent or live auctions. 
​
FRESH FRUIT FRIDAY (FFF)
Thank you to the volunteers who have helped to prepare fruit platters on Fridays in 2023.

The children enjoy sharing a healthy snack together and seeing their parents or caregivers at school helping to prepare and deliver platters. 

​Fresh Fruit Friday has finshed for the 2023 school year and will return again in 2024. 

​
2023 Parent Reps
Thank you to the following volunteers who have performed 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
FUNDRAISING 2023
At the November/ December meetings, the Finance Committee and School Council again noted the good work of the Parent Reps and staff members who have organised successful fundraising activities that have raised over $16,000 in the 2023 school year.

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, after expenses, from this year's fundraising events:  

$2,321 - FARMER’S MARKET STALLS
$198  - MOTHER’S DAY BREAKFAST
$189 - FATHER’S DAY BREAKFAST
$3129 - REFERENDUM DAY BBQ & BAKE SALE
$8247 - TRIVIA NIGHT
$1283- SPECIAL LUNCH DAYS 
$1325.50 - BOOK FAIR
$16692.50- TOTAL

THANK YOU to all community members who have contributed towards our successful fundraising efforts in 2023.

From the ever grateful Finance Sub - Committee of the AVPS School Council

Matt Vitins (AVPS Treasurer) - 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.
POLICY NEWS
​The Education and Policy Sub Committee of School Council have worked hard in 2023 to monitor and update our policies.
 
The following policies were approved or endorsed at the December School Council meeting:

  • Dogs at School
  • Communication With School Staff
  • Homework
 
Please find these in the files below or on the policy page of our website:
​
dogs_at_school_policy_-_december_2023.pdf
File Size: 236 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
communication_with_schoolstaff__policy_avps_2023.pdf
File Size: 211 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
homework-policy_dec2023.pdf
File Size: 233 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
ENVIRONMENT TEAM NEWS
​The Environmental Team recently organised an Eco 'Green' Day which focussed on bringing awareness to how we can take steps together (that isn’t too difficult) to be more sustainable in our own lives by:

We turned off the lights where possible, weeded the gardens and collected rubbish. As a buddy activity, classes engaged in a Kahoot Quiz. Students then discussed what they can do to more sustainable like not having the tap running when you brush your teeth.

We have also been gardening and thinking about activities for next year.

As an end of year activity, we will be creating our own gift card tags by reusing unwanted used Christmas, birthday or other occasion cards that have a colourful, appropriate picture on the front that we can re-purpose.

Thank you to the Environmental team representatives for the year. Your input, ideas and commitment have been terrific.

Thank you also to the Friday Gardeners. It has been good fun!

 Chris and Doug
MUSIC NEWS
Click headings below for 'Music' news. 
mvimp - mOONEE VALE INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC PROGRAM
UNION ROAD CHRISTMAS EVENT
The manager of the Unioon Road Traders Association recently sent this message to Katherine Anderson, Woodwind teacher following a flautist performance on Saturday 2nd december.

'We would like to say a big THANK YOU for joining our Christmas event on Union Road. Although the weather was super wet and locations changed, we appreciate you and your students' efforts in coming. It was a wonderful festive performance and to see talent from our local community. We would love to have you all back for our Christmas event next year. :) 

Please see attached some photos from the performance. I wish you a lovely and safe Christmas Summer break.'

Jaesel Magallanes
Precinct Manager
Union Road Traders Association'


Congratulations to Katherine and her flautist for performing and representing AVPS so well at this event. 
Please find the latest MVIMP Family Handbook in the file below. 
mvimp_family_handbook_2023.pdf
File Size: 619 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
PIANO - LAMPLIGHT MUSIC
End of Year Piano Concert 
Congratulations to our amazing AVPS student pianists who put on a delightful concert on Wednesday 6th December, showcasing the talents of all age groups and stages of musical capacity.

Joshua Cowie from lamplight music did a stirling job of hosting an enjoyable event. It was great to see children overcome performance fears in a supportive environment to build their performance abilities and confidence. 

​Thank you also to Belinda and Marianna for their dedication to teaching piano at AVPS in 2023. 

ENROLMENT INFORMATION
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
School Tours will be scheduled towards the end of Term 1, 2024. ​
cAMP DATES
SCHOOL CAMP ARRANGEMENTS 2024 
AVPS Year 5 / 6 Camp
  • Canberra Camp
  • Accommodation / TBC
  • Term 2 - Monday 15th April - Friday 19th April
  • Traveling both ways by Coach

 AVPS Year 3 / 4 Camp 
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
File Size: 470 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
drop-off-and-pickup-zone-flyer-2.pdf
File Size: 2294 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
mvcc3264-getting-to-and-from-school-brochure-november-2018-3.pdf
File Size: 302 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
​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
File Size: 2937 kb
File Type: pdf
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ascot_vale_yoga_flyer_2022.pdf
File Size: 2326 kb
File Type: pdf
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ascot_kindergarten_flyer_1_2022.pdf
File Size: 332 kb
File Type: pdf
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