​ASCOT NEWS
9 February 2024, Term 1 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."
Please click on the headings below to discover more. 
REMINDER: You can change the language at the top left hand corner of the webpage
HELLO FROM THE PRINCIPAL TEAM 
Dear parents, carers, staff, and students,
 
Welcome to the 2024 school year at AVPS. 

We hope everyone has had an enjoyable summer break and positive start to the school year. An extra special welcome is extended to our children and families who are new to Ascot Vale PS.

We had 43 Year Prep children begin their school experience across units 1, 3, & 5, as well as several new students joining us from other schools across various other year levels last week.  We hope all students settle in smoothly to their school year at Ascot Vale PS. A special welcome is also extended to our returning staff members in 2024 (noting we have no new staff members this year) Ben Kline (Unit 2b) and Bridie Naughtin (Unit 3), see the 'Meet the Staff Team' tab below for details of all staff roles in 2024.

​We have two opportunities coming up very soon for parents, carers and teachers to strengthen connections with eachother.
​
Firstly, Year Level Information Sessions will be presented to parents and carers by teaching teams as follows:
  • Monday 12/02  - Year 3/4 at 3:45pm in the school hall
  • Monday 12/02  - Year  5/6 at 4:20pm in the school hall
  • Wednesday 14/02 - Year P/1/2 - in Unit 1 at 3:50-4:10pm, Unit 3 at  4:10-4:30pm and Unit 5 at 4:30-4:50pm

Also, Individual 'Meet the Teacher' meetings will be held on Monday 19th February. See the Compass alert for details about how to book a time with your child's teacher. 

These formal opportunites to connect with the school have been scheduled earlier this year. The earlier these are held, the earlier the benefits will be felt. We therefore hope you are able to join us at these events to take advantage of the chance of gaining stronger insights into our school and your child's school experience. Our teachers are looking forward to gaining a stronger understanding of their students and families, which will benefit the learning and wellbeing programs being planned for students in 2024.  

Best wishes for a wonderful school year to all families and staff.

​Kind regards,
​From the Principal Team
Sue & Michael 

Picture
Sue Osborne, Principal
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Michael Downing, Assistant Principal
KEY DATES & EVENTS 
Please access our AVPS Key Dates & Events page AT THIS LINK.
TERM ONE EVENTS
We are putting the finishing touches on plans for upcoming events and will send these details via Compass alerts in the coming days and weeks. Please save the dates fo these events:
  • MONDAY 12th Feb - Year 3/4 & 5/6 Information Sessions in the Hall  (Yr 3/4 start at 3:45pm. Yr 5/6 start at 4:20pm)
  • MONDAY 12th Feb - Assembly - School Leaders (Staff ) - 3:00pm - School Hall
  • WEDNESDAY 14th Feb - Year P-2 Unit Information Sessions - in classrooms. Unit 1 at 3:50-4:10pm, Unit 3 at  4:10-4:30pm and Unit 5 at 4:30-4:50pm 
  • MONDAY 19th Feb - Meet the Teacher (From 3:45pm )  ‘Getting to Know You’ Meetings between parents/carers and teachers. 
  • FRIDAY 23rd Feb - District Swimming Event
  • MONDAY 26th Feb - Assembly - Unit 2 - 3:00pm - School Hall
  • MONDAY 4th March - Canberra Camp - Parent / Carer Information Session (online)
  • THURSDAY 7th March - Pupil Free Day - No Students. Please make alternative arrangements for the care of children on this day. Staff will undertake Professional Learning focussing on the 'Teaching of Writing' on this day.
  • MONDAY 11th March - LABOUR DAY PUBLIC HOLIDAY - school closed
  • SMILE SQUAD ( School Dental Service) @ AVPS from 12th - 22nd March 
  • NAPLAN TESTING WINDOW for Year 3 & 5 students - Week 7, 8 & 9. Dates TBC. 
  • 18 - 24 March – CULTURAL DIVERSITY WEEK (Victoria). AVPS will recognise inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for everyone. More details to follow. Wear orange to show your support for cultural diversity.  
  • MONDAY 25th March - Year 5/6 Money Talks Incursion
  • MONDAY 25th March -- Assembly - Unit 4 - 3:00pm - School Hall
  • TUESDAY 26th March -  Year 5 / 6 Sports Gala Day
  • WEDNESDAY 27th March -  School Photo Day
  • THURSDAY 28th March - Last Day Term One - Early Finish Time - 2:30pm
  • FRIDAY 29th March - GOOD FRIDAY PUBLIC HOLIDAY  - school closed
​THE RESILIENCE PROJECT
PART 1: A REFRESH WITH Hugh – Embracing your season 

​Throughout 2024, we will continue to work closely with The Resilience Project to support the wellbeing of our school community. 
The Resilience Project delivers emotionally engaging programs and provides evidence-based, practical strategies to build resilience.

Our Partnership Program consists of online presentations and weekly lessons for students, professional development for staff, and Parent & Carer Hub (inc. digital presentations) for our parent and carer community. 

Over the coming weeks, we’ll be sharing the Parent & Carer Hub with you. The videos are 5-10 minutes long and will walk through the key pillars of resilience with some new content: Gratitude, Empathy, Mindfulness, Connection & Vulnerability. You’ll hear stories and be introduced to activities to show how these strategies can support your children’s learning and development, and also support you as parents and carers. 

This program is an important part of our school’s effort to look after the mental health of our community.

View the first presentation of the series here:

Part 1 - Embracing you season: https://theresilienceproject.com.au/2023-parent-carer-hub-inspire-hugh-martin/d-carer-hub-hugh/
In this presentation, Hugh shares his realisation of the importance of embracing the season (chapter) you are in at the present moment. 

For mental health resources and support information, visit The Resilience Project’s Support Page.

We will be in touch to share the remainder of the program, including research and wellbeing activities to integrate into day-to-day life.
ANNUAL PRIVACY REMINDER FOR OUR SCHOOL COMMUNITY
Our school collects, uses, discloses and stores student and parent personal information for standard school functions or where permitted by law, as stated in the Schools’ Privacy Policyand the Schools’ Privacy Collection Notice.

Please take time to read our school’s collection notice, found on our website at this link .

Our Photographing, Filming and Recording Students Policy (click link to website), describes how we collect and use photographs, video and recordings of students. The policy also explains when parent consent is required and how it can be provided and withdrawn. The AVPS Annual Consent Form and Collection Notice 2024, incliding an 'opt out' form is also availailable on the AVPS policy page on our website, click here. 

 
We ask parents to also review the guidance we provide on how we use Google Workspace for Education safely at the school and what parents can do to further protect their child’s information. If after reviewing the guidance, you have any questions or concerns regarding your child using Google Workspace for Education, please contact the school.

For more information about privacy, refer to: Schools’ Privacy Policy — information for parents. This information is also available in ten community languages:
  • Amharic
  • Arabic
  • Dari
  • Gujarati
  • Mandarin
  • Somali
  • Sudanese
  • Turkish
  • Urdu
  • Vietnamese
ANNUAL CONSENT PROCESS (opt out) FOR PHOTOGRAPHING, FILMING, AND RECORDING STUDENTS
​As communicated via a COMPASS alert on 5/2/24

During the 2024 school year, staff at AVPS anticipate there will be many occasions where students may be photographed, filmed, or recorded participating in school activities and events.

Ascot Vale PS understands that parents and carers have the right to withhold permission for our school to use photographs, video, or recordings of your child or children.
 
Please read the attached documents (found below):
  1. AVPS Photographing, Filming and Recording Students Policy
  2. AVPS Annual Consent Form (OPT OUT) for photographing, filming, and recording students

If, after reading the attachments, you are comfortable with the school using photographs, video or recordings of your child as described in the attachments, you do not need to take any further action.

However, if you have decided that you do not want photographs or recordings of your child to be collected or used by our school, please complete the form on page 3 of the consent document and return it to the Ascot Vale PS office immediately. Copies of this form are also available at the office.

Parents or carers must complete a form each school year if they do not consent to AVPS using photos, videos, or recordings of their children. AVPS has removed such consent collection from the enrolment form and now follows the updated attached AVPS policy, which reflects current Department of Education and Training policy, found here https://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal/photographing-students/policy . Therefore, consent forms collected prior to 2024 are now considered null and void.

Please contact the school if you wish to discuss this policy and procedure. 
photographing_filming_and_recording_students_policy_feb_2024.pdf
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avps_annual_consent_form__opt_out__-photographing_filming_and_recording_students_2024.pdf
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PARENT PAYMENTS 2024 - NOW OPEN
The Course Confirmation and Payments Portal in Compass is now open to accept parent payments for 2024.

Please see the documents below which outline the various contributions for your child's year level.

These can also be found on the Parent Payment Page of our website here: https://avps.vic.edu.au/parent-payment.html

If you have any queries, please contact the school office in person or on 9370 6507.

2024_prep_parent_payment_1_sheet.pdf
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2024_year_1_2_parent_payment_1_sheet.pdf
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2024_year_3_to_4_parent_payment_1_sheet.pdf
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2024_year_5_6_parent_payment_1_sheet.pdf
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RAPID ANTIGEN TESTS
We have a supply of Rapid Antigen Tests available at AVPS. Please drop by the office to request a box for your family. 
WELLBEING & INCLUSION
Some of the information below has already been shared on Dojo, but for those who may have missed it, we have some exciting news in the wellbeing and inclusion space…
  • Lunchtime clubs have recommenced, providing alternative play spaces and opportunities for students to connect with like-minded peers. Please see the Dojo ‘School Story’ for the new weekly timetable – there are lots of new and exciting clubs, many of which are going to be student-led. The Learning Studio will also be open at recess and lunch for students to join in on passive, self-guided activities.
  • School wellbeing dog: Riley is due on site in the very near future (date to be announced to our community prior to her arrival). Lots of information has been shared in classrooms this week to prepare students, and to ensure we have consistent expectations around safety and positive interactions. There is a real buzz around the school with students talking about Riley, making safety signs and asking questions. Please see Dojo for recent posts with additional information, including a link allowing families to share important information around allergies, cultural considerations etc.
  • Shopping spree: We have restocked our classroom Sensory Toolboxes with additional quiet, tactile and (hopefully) indestructible sensory tools. Explicit teaching of the purpose and use of these tools will be shared and celebrated in classrooms over the coming weeks (if it hasn’t already).
  • Inclusion Coach: This week, we welcomed Heath McDonald to our school. As part of the Department of Education’s Disability Inclusion reform, Victorian government schools are provided with opportunities to connect with and work alongside an Inclusion Outreach Coach. Heath is based at Western Autistic School and comes to us with a wealth of knowledge around working with neurodivergent learners. He will work with us for all of Semester 1, helping us to identify clear goals for improving inclusion, tailored to the our school’s specific needs and context.
                                                                                                                          

MEET THE STAFF TEAM
SMILE SQUAD - school dental program
The Smile Squad team from Cohealth are coming to our school soon.

Smile Squad is the Victorian Government free school dental program.

This means all students can get a free dental check-up, preventive services, and treatment at school.

How to access free dental care
We need your consent before we can provide services. Consent is usually provided by a parent or guardian.
Sign up to Smile Squad at: https://bit.ly/smilesquadvic

OR use the below QR code below.
 
Please complete and submit the consent form by 26th Feb 2024.
Paper copies of the consent form are available. Please contact the school office if you would like to request one.
Protecting against mosquito-borne diseases
Warm and wet weather can result in greater numbers of mosquitoes and increased risk of illnesses from mosquito bites. While the overall risk is low, some mosquitoes carry diseases that make people sick.
 
The best protection against mosquito-borne illness is to avoid mosquito bites.
Families can protect against mosquito bites by:
  • covering up as much as possible with long, loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing
  • applying insect repellent that contains picaridin or DEET on exposed skin when leaving home.
  • limiting outdoor activity if lots of mosquitoes are active.
 
Families with any health concerns should see their doctor or phone NURSE-ON-CALL: 1300 606 024 (available 24 hours).
 
 
Free Japanese encephalitis vaccines
Japanese encephalitis virus is spread to humans through bites from infected mosquitoes and can cause a rare but potentially serious infection of the brain.
 
Free Japanese encephalitis vaccines are available to protect Victorians at higher risk of the virus.
The Victorian Department of Health encourages eligible people who live or work in high-risk local government areas to get vaccinated.
 
For more information, including what is considered a high-risk area and eligibility for a free vaccine, refer to the Department of Health’s Japanese encephalitis webpage.
 
Find out more
For more information on protecting against mosquito-borne diseases, families can refer to the following Better Health Channel pages:
SCHOOL COUNCIL NEWS - ELECTIONS
AVPS School Council Elections - call for Nominations

As communicated via a COMPASS alert on 5/2/24
 
Dear Parents/ Guardians
  
The February AVPS School Council Meeting, to be held on Monday 26/02/2024, will be the final meeting of the 2023 School Council.

Nominations to join the 2024-2026  AVPS School Council are now being sought from interested parent community members.

We have 4 parent member vacancies that will run for a two-year term. Nomination forms are attached below, as well as available at the school office.

Parents or guardians of currently enrolled AVPS students may nominate themselves by completing the ‘self' nomination form or they may nominate another AVPS parent/guardian using the ‘nomination’ form. These forms must be submitted to the school office by 4:00 pm on MONDAY 12th February.

Please find the following files attached below: 
  • Fact Sheet 1: school council elections - information for parents
  • 2023 School Council Election Process & Timetable
  • Form 2 notice of election and call for nominations
  • Form 3 - Self nomination form 
  • Form 4 - Nomination form
 
Please note, at the conclusion of the two year term, members need to re-nominate if they wish to extend their term.
 
More information regarding school councils can be found here:  https://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal/school-council-overview/overview
 
Specific information about the AVPS School Council can be found on our website here: http://avps.vic.edu.au/school-council-parents--community.html
 
Please do not hesitate to contact the office if you have any queries regarding the 2023 AVPS School Council elections.
fact_sheet_1_sc_elections_-_info_for_parents.pdf
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2024_sc_election_process___timetable.pdf
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form_2_notice_of_election_and_call_for_nominationsdocx.pdf
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form_3_self_nomination_form_parent_category.pdf
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form_4_nomination_form_for_parent_member_category.pdf
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MUSIC NEWS
mvimp - mOONEE VALE INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC PROGRAM
​MVIMP has well and truly started and we are excited. It’s great to hear music across the school.
 
Please check below to confirm the day that your child has their lesson.
 Monday
  • Percussion   
  • Woodwind      
  • Brass                     
Wednesday
  • Violin                    
  • Cello     
  • Bass               
Thursday
  • Woodwind    
  • Band                      ​

Don’t forget that BAND is now on a Thursday at 9.00am.
Band is made up of predominately year six students who have been part of the program for a few years. Some year 5 students have been invited to join by their tutor. Students have been informed if they are in Band.

MVIMP camp occurs early in term 3. This is a time when some of our year 6 students in band are invited to attend. There are only a limited number of places available, as all four of the MVIMP schools attend.
 
If you haven’t returned your MVIMP contract, please do so ASAP.
 
For those new students at AVPS, MVIMP is an instrumental music program offered to students in Years 3-6.  If your child is in Year 3-6 and they are interested in being part of the MVIMP program, please inform the office ASAP. We have some spaces still available in Woodwind, Violin and Strings.
 
Thanks,
Amanda and Jason
MVIMP Liaison Teachers
PIANO - LAMPLIGHT MUSIC
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] 

OUTSIDE SCHOOL HOURS CARE (oshc)
OSHC phone:​​ 0423 795 247
Coordinator:​​ Dee Seneviratne
week_3_newsletter_t1_2024_-_big_art.pdf
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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
SPORT & PE NEWS - COMING SOON

ENVIRONMENT TEAM NEWS  - COMING SOON
ASCOT VALE COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD
Please peruse the community notices in the files and slideshow below:

Location