ASCOT NEWS
17th September 2021, Term 3 Issue 2
ASCOT NEWS
Celebrating Term 3
incl. BOOK WEEK
2021
BOOK WEEK
Thank you to Kerry and Jo (library staff), teachers students and parents for enabling Book Week activities to proceed remotely.
Please enjoy the images above of some of our lovely book week characters.
A book was created by AVPS students called 'Old Worlds, New Worlds, Other Worlds' , inspired by Book Week. This is currently located in the (lonely) library and will be made available online in term 4.
Thank you to Kerry and Jo (library staff), teachers students and parents for enabling Book Week activities to proceed remotely.
Please enjoy the images above of some of our lovely book week characters.
A book was created by AVPS students called 'Old Worlds, New Worlds, Other Worlds' , inspired by Book Week. This is currently located in the (lonely) library and will be made available online in term 4.
LOCK DOWN LOWDOWN
Student Writing
Thank you and congratulations to Unit 4 students, for sharing their writing pieces below. Please enjoy reading the information texts in the attachment.
If your child has a learning task demonstrating our school value of 'excellence' that they wish to share in the next newsletter, please forward these in jpeg or pdf form to [email protected] .
Thank you and congratulations to Unit 4 students, for sharing their writing pieces below. Please enjoy reading the information texts in the attachment.
If your child has a learning task demonstrating our school value of 'excellence' that they wish to share in the next newsletter, please forward these in jpeg or pdf form to [email protected] .
| unit_4_information_texts.pdf |
Student Videos
Year 3/4 students prepared and filmed monologues as part of their remote and flexible learning program in term 3. Please enjoy these excellent examples below, prepared and performed by Lizzy (Unit 2) and Lucy (Unit 4). They do a hilarious job of imitating teachers trying their best to manage an online class, possibly in the last week of term!! Congratulations Lizzy and Lucy on a great (and humorous) effort. Enjoy!
Year 3/4 students prepared and filmed monologues as part of their remote and flexible learning program in term 3. Please enjoy these excellent examples below, prepared and performed by Lizzy (Unit 2) and Lucy (Unit 4). They do a hilarious job of imitating teachers trying their best to manage an online class, possibly in the last week of term!! Congratulations Lizzy and Lucy on a great (and humorous) effort. Enjoy!
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FROM THE PRINCIPAL TEAM
CELEBRATION OF LEARNING
Thank you to our AVPS students families who have contributed to our ‘Lock down Lowdown’ slideshow, student writing and videos above. As you can see, our students have continued taking on opportunities to develop their academic, physical and creative talents throughout, what became, one of the most challenging terms in memory.
Arigato / thank you and congratulations to all contributors.
We look forward to new adventures in term 4, hoping and wishing it won't be too long until we can all be back on the AVPS school site together.
TERM 4 ARRANGEMENTS - incl. camp
We are looking forward to the Premier’s announcement of the 'roadmap' out of lockdown to be delivered on Sunday.
Team leaders have been discussing what Term 4 might look like when students do return, and we are in agreement that the focus will be on reconnecting our students, and on their wellbeing.
Please be prepared for Compass communications over the holiday period announcing term 4 arrangements, including news about whether or not our Year 3-6 Camp will be going ahead.
TERM THREE WRAP UP
Congratulations to all AVPS community members for making it to the end of term 3 2021 . Thank you for doing your part to help keep our community safe and healthy throughout term 3. The term started out full of hope and joy and soon transformed to an unwelcome one, dominated by lockdown and remote and flexible learning; certainly not a preference for any of us.
Despite this, there is much to celebrate and be grateful for, including this ‘start’ list below. I encourage community members to make their own list of achievements to celebrate and justify us all putting our feet up and slowing down somewhat to enjoy a well deserved September school holiday break.
Throughout term 3 2021 at AVPS:
Thank you to our AVPS students families who have contributed to our ‘Lock down Lowdown’ slideshow, student writing and videos above. As you can see, our students have continued taking on opportunities to develop their academic, physical and creative talents throughout, what became, one of the most challenging terms in memory.
Arigato / thank you and congratulations to all contributors.
We look forward to new adventures in term 4, hoping and wishing it won't be too long until we can all be back on the AVPS school site together.
TERM 4 ARRANGEMENTS - incl. camp
We are looking forward to the Premier’s announcement of the 'roadmap' out of lockdown to be delivered on Sunday.
Team leaders have been discussing what Term 4 might look like when students do return, and we are in agreement that the focus will be on reconnecting our students, and on their wellbeing.
Please be prepared for Compass communications over the holiday period announcing term 4 arrangements, including news about whether or not our Year 3-6 Camp will be going ahead.
TERM THREE WRAP UP
Congratulations to all AVPS community members for making it to the end of term 3 2021 . Thank you for doing your part to help keep our community safe and healthy throughout term 3. The term started out full of hope and joy and soon transformed to an unwelcome one, dominated by lockdown and remote and flexible learning; certainly not a preference for any of us.
Despite this, there is much to celebrate and be grateful for, including this ‘start’ list below. I encourage community members to make their own list of achievements to celebrate and justify us all putting our feet up and slowing down somewhat to enjoy a well deserved September school holiday break.
Throughout term 3 2021 at AVPS:
- We managed to squeeze in (and were most grateful for) face to face parent teacher interviews in week 1 term 3.
- Remote and flexible learning opportunities began, continued and improved over time for all students throughout the term, despite the very strong preference and longing for face to face teaching and learning.
- We all persevered and made it to the end of term - well done everyone.
- Many in our community endured (and survived) 14 days of quarantine, including MAC families and others. Well done to you all and THANK YOU for helping keep our community safe.
- We held two community forums. 1) the Annual Report / eLearning presentations and 2) the Staff meeting for parents. Both forums offered an opportunity for parents to connect with the school and to participate in breakout discussion groups. See attachment below of feedback from the Staff Meeting for parents.
- The AVPS Parent Reps met twice in term three ........... dreaming of the day we can put ideas into action.
- Some incursions and online excursions occurred.
- Literacy, Numeracy and Well being continued to be the key foci for learning.
- MANY opportunities for stimulating and extending learning via specialist subjects were offered.
- Continuation and improvement of enrichment and extension programs delivered by Zorica, Ian and Anne-Louise, with some stellar outcomes
- News of excellent Victoria-wide 2021 NAPLAN results spread across the community. AVPS results mirrored this good news- see attachment below. Congratulations to our hard working students, their families and teachers on these excellent outcomes.
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Apart from delivering an ever improving remote and flexible learning program in an ever complex environment, some special staff celebrations throughout term 3 2021 included:
It has well and truly been a 'bumper' term for AVPS staff and we extend our sincere gratitude to each and every AVPS staff member for their outstanding efforts in term 3, 2021. Wishing all staff a relaxing and somewhat ‘laptop-free’ break.
STAFF NEWS
As mentioned above, our best wishes are extended to Ben Kline and partner Ellen who are expecting their first baby .... any day now. Enjoy the sleep while you can now and then treasure every moment with your new born.
This week, we farewell Education Support Staff member Ruby Nicholson, who will be leaving us to join the staff of Docklands PS as an Integration Aide. Ruby has worked at AVPS as an Integration Aide since part way through term 1 2020 and, it is fair to say, most of her time with us has been either in lockdown or transitioning from or to lockdown. Thank you Ruby for all your hard work, dedication to our students and capacity to adapt in unexpected circumstances over time. Your contributions have been much appreciated by the students, families and staff who worked with you and who will miss you very much. Goodbye and good luck.
- celebrating a special 'zero' birthday - Happy Birthday Doug
- buying a new house - well done Maddie
- moving house (x 2 staff)
- preparing to welcome a new baby - congratulations Ben who is eagerly awaiting the arrival of a first born!
- welcoming a very special new four legged family member.
- enduring and surviving 14 days of quarantine.
- home schooling own young children - no easy feat when juggling teaching duties. (x 3 staff)
- supporting own children in Year 12.
- managing and caring for family members in hospital.
- managing own injuries, mishaps and illnesses.
- participation in professional learning and networking events.
- seeking and gaining employment elsewhere -see 'staff news' below.
It has well and truly been a 'bumper' term for AVPS staff and we extend our sincere gratitude to each and every AVPS staff member for their outstanding efforts in term 3, 2021. Wishing all staff a relaxing and somewhat ‘laptop-free’ break.
STAFF NEWS
As mentioned above, our best wishes are extended to Ben Kline and partner Ellen who are expecting their first baby .... any day now. Enjoy the sleep while you can now and then treasure every moment with your new born.
This week, we farewell Education Support Staff member Ruby Nicholson, who will be leaving us to join the staff of Docklands PS as an Integration Aide. Ruby has worked at AVPS as an Integration Aide since part way through term 1 2020 and, it is fair to say, most of her time with us has been either in lockdown or transitioning from or to lockdown. Thank you Ruby for all your hard work, dedication to our students and capacity to adapt in unexpected circumstances over time. Your contributions have been much appreciated by the students, families and staff who worked with you and who will miss you very much. Goodbye and good luck.
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DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES POLICY
Following three terms of collaborating with AVPS staff, students and parents, the e Learning team (Bridie, Neville, Doug & Sue) finalised the AVPS Digital Technologies policy, which was approved by School Council at the recent September meeting. Please find a copy in full below and on our website 'policy' page. Here is a summary of the policy features pertaining to the Digital Devices section:
More information will be shared in term four pertaining to:
Following three terms of collaborating with AVPS staff, students and parents, the e Learning team (Bridie, Neville, Doug & Sue) finalised the AVPS Digital Technologies policy, which was approved by School Council at the recent September meeting. Please find a copy in full below and on our website 'policy' page. Here is a summary of the policy features pertaining to the Digital Devices section:
- AVPS will provide student Digital Devices (DDs) across all year levels.
- Parents will be invited to contribute to the costs of the program via the yearly Parent Payment arrangements.
- A Bring Your Own Device Program will not be operating.
- This arrangement will provide more equitable student access to DDs across the school.
- Chromebooks will be phased in over time starting at a ratio of 1:1 in year 3-4 and 1:2 in P-2
- Windows devices will be provided to Year 5-6 students (1:1) in 2022/23. These may also be configured as Chromebook devices.
- DDs will be stored at school and allowances may be made, at the discretion of the school, for devices to be taken home when needed, for example, for remote and flexible learning purposes.
- The eLearning Team and eLearning Plan will drive the teaching and learning over time. Community feedback, exemplified in the word art below, will help guide the work of the eLearning Team.
- Safe use of DDs by students will be a strong feature.
- Emphasis on school use and ‘learning’ will be the main purpose for DDs.
- A distinct effort will be made to avoid student DD addiction &/or DD used for social media excessively in spare time
More information will be shared in term four pertaining to:
- Parent payments, following a determination by the Finance Committee of School Council of an appropriate annual charge for Digital Devices.
- Chromebook Devices. The eLearning Team will update the community about the eLearning Plan and how Chromebook devices will impact this in 2022.
| digital_technologies_policy_2021.pdf |
STUDENT RESPONSES
PARENT RESPONSES
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STAFF RESPONSES
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VACCINATIONS FOR STUDENTS
As part of the COVID-19 vaccination roll-out, from Monday, 13 September, everyone aged 12 and over is now eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.
Victorians aged 12 and over are eligible to book and receive their COVID-19 vaccine at a state vaccination centre, Commonwealth vaccination centre, participating GP clinics, pharmacies or community health services. COVID-19 vaccines are an essential protection against serious illness.
A comprehensive message for students aged 12 years and over and their parents can be found in the green section of the newsletter below.
PUPIL FREE DAYS
The AVPS School Council approved the final remaining Pupil Free Day of the year, which had been postponed twice due to the Term 3 lock down. This will now be held on, what was to be, the final day of the school year; here are the updated Pupil Free Day / Public Holiday arrangements for term 4 2021:
NO CHANGE TO ARRANGEMENTS
Monday 1st November - Pupil Free Day (Staff Report Writing Day) - parents are asked to please make alternative arrangements for the care of children on this day.
Tuesday 2nd November - Public Holiday - Melbourne Cup Day - School Closed
UPDATED ARRANGEMENTS
Thursday 16th December - last day of school for students - finishing at 1:30pm
Friday 17th December - Pupil Free Day (Staff Development & Planning day) - parents are asked to please make alternative arrangements for the care of children on this day.
2022 ENROLMENT REMINDER
Parents are reminded to please enrol pre-school children in the family who are eligible to start school in 2022. Please contact office staff (9370 6507) to arrange collection or delivery of an enrolment form and endeavour to return these ASAP. Many thanks.
END OF TERM / HOLIDAY REMINDER
Close neighbours and visitors to the AVPS playground are asked to please keep an eye out on our school grounds over the holiday period and to please report any suspicious activity to police on ‘000’. Please note, we are expecting some contractors to be onsite periodically over the holiday period.
Thank you for your continued support throughout term three and have a safe and happy school holiday.
Sue Osborne and Michael Downing
AVPS Principal Team
As part of the COVID-19 vaccination roll-out, from Monday, 13 September, everyone aged 12 and over is now eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.
Victorians aged 12 and over are eligible to book and receive their COVID-19 vaccine at a state vaccination centre, Commonwealth vaccination centre, participating GP clinics, pharmacies or community health services. COVID-19 vaccines are an essential protection against serious illness.
A comprehensive message for students aged 12 years and over and their parents can be found in the green section of the newsletter below.
PUPIL FREE DAYS
The AVPS School Council approved the final remaining Pupil Free Day of the year, which had been postponed twice due to the Term 3 lock down. This will now be held on, what was to be, the final day of the school year; here are the updated Pupil Free Day / Public Holiday arrangements for term 4 2021:
NO CHANGE TO ARRANGEMENTS
Monday 1st November - Pupil Free Day (Staff Report Writing Day) - parents are asked to please make alternative arrangements for the care of children on this day.
Tuesday 2nd November - Public Holiday - Melbourne Cup Day - School Closed
UPDATED ARRANGEMENTS
Thursday 16th December - last day of school for students - finishing at 1:30pm
Friday 17th December - Pupil Free Day (Staff Development & Planning day) - parents are asked to please make alternative arrangements for the care of children on this day.
2022 ENROLMENT REMINDER
Parents are reminded to please enrol pre-school children in the family who are eligible to start school in 2022. Please contact office staff (9370 6507) to arrange collection or delivery of an enrolment form and endeavour to return these ASAP. Many thanks.
END OF TERM / HOLIDAY REMINDER
Close neighbours and visitors to the AVPS playground are asked to please keep an eye out on our school grounds over the holiday period and to please report any suspicious activity to police on ‘000’. Please note, we are expecting some contractors to be onsite periodically over the holiday period.
Thank you for your continued support throughout term three and have a safe and happy school holiday.
Sue Osborne and Michael Downing
AVPS Principal Team
VACCINATION UPDATE
A message for students aged 12 years and over and their parents.
Consent
How to book an appointment
More information
For more information about eligibility, visit coronavirus.vic.gov.au or use the Australian Government’s COVID-19 vaccine eligibility checker.
A message for students aged 12 years and over and their parents.
- As part of the COVID-19 vaccination roll-out, from Monday, 13 September, everyone aged 12 and over is now eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.
- Victorians aged 12 and over are eligible to book and receive their COVID-19 vaccine at a state vaccination centre, Commonwealth vaccination centre, participating GP clinics, pharmacies or community health services. COVID-19 vaccines are an essential protection against serious illness.
- Vaccination is not mandatory, but it is highly encouraged, except where your medical practitioner advises you otherwise.
- You and your parents/guardians or carers should speak with your GP or pharmacist if you have health questions.
- The Victorian Government’s aim is to provide an opportunity for all students aged 12 years and over to receive at least one vaccine dose by the end of the school year.
- Please discuss your vaccination with your parent/guardian or carer and with your teachers to plan your absence and minimise disruption to your learning if your vaccination appointment is during school hours.
Consent
- You can book your own vaccination appointment and you may be able to consent to vaccination yourself if the health professional assesses you to be a mature minor. This means that the health professional assesses that you understand
- the information relevant to your decision to be vaccinated and the effect of that decision.
- Your parent/carer can also complete a consent from for COVID-19 vaccination for you to bring to your appointment, or they can attend with you to provide consent in person.
How to book an appointment
- You, your parent/guardian or carer can find a participating Commonwealth vaccination centre, GP, pharmacy or community health service through the Australian Government Eligibility Checker. You can book your appointment online or by calling the vaccine provider nearest to you.
- You, your parent/guardian or carer can book or change a vaccination appointment at a state vaccination centre through the Victorian Government’s COVID-19 vaccine online booking system.
- To find a state vaccination centre and opening times, visit coronavirus.vic.gov.au.
- For information on what to bring to a vaccine appointment please visit Checklist: before your COVID-19 vaccination.
More information
For more information about eligibility, visit coronavirus.vic.gov.au or use the Australian Government’s COVID-19 vaccine eligibility checker.
REMINDERS
BEING ON TIME at 9
Being late to school impacts the child, the teacher and the class, not to mention sets bad habits that in some cases can be hard to break. If punctuality patterns for individual students occur, we will seek individual meetings with families, and together developing attendance improvements plans. Please ensure your child is at school on time. DET Every Day Counts - http://www.education.vic.gov.au/Documents/school/principals/participation/everydaycountsprimparent.pdf
STUDENT MEDICAL INFORMATION
Medical documentation is important to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all of our students. From time to time it is necessary to update student medical and home contact information. If this is the case we ask you to come to the office or write to us to alert us of any change.
ASTHMA CARE/MANAGEMENT PLANS
The Asthma Care/Management Plan tells the school how to manage your child’s asthma and what to do if their asthma gets worse. This should be updated and signed by the doctor on an annual basis. Please forward these to your classroom teachers as soon as possible. A reminder was sent home yesterday. Thank you to the parents who have already presented these.
Asthma Checklist for parents
1. Does your child have an up to date Asthma Action Plan (Asthma Care Plan)?
2. Does your child carry their reliever puffer and spacer with them at all times? Or is it readily available to their Carers?
3. Are you and your child aware of their asthma triggers?
4. Do you listen to what your child says?
5. Does your child take their asthma medication correctly
BEING ON TIME at 9
Being late to school impacts the child, the teacher and the class, not to mention sets bad habits that in some cases can be hard to break. If punctuality patterns for individual students occur, we will seek individual meetings with families, and together developing attendance improvements plans. Please ensure your child is at school on time. DET Every Day Counts - http://www.education.vic.gov.au/Documents/school/principals/participation/everydaycountsprimparent.pdf
STUDENT MEDICAL INFORMATION
Medical documentation is important to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all of our students. From time to time it is necessary to update student medical and home contact information. If this is the case we ask you to come to the office or write to us to alert us of any change.
ASTHMA CARE/MANAGEMENT PLANS
The Asthma Care/Management Plan tells the school how to manage your child’s asthma and what to do if their asthma gets worse. This should be updated and signed by the doctor on an annual basis. Please forward these to your classroom teachers as soon as possible. A reminder was sent home yesterday. Thank you to the parents who have already presented these.
Asthma Checklist for parents
1. Does your child have an up to date Asthma Action Plan (Asthma Care Plan)?
2. Does your child carry their reliever puffer and spacer with them at all times? Or is it readily available to their Carers?
3. Are you and your child aware of their asthma triggers?
4. Do you listen to what your child says?
5. Does your child take their asthma medication correctly
KEY DATES
Term 3, 2021
Fri 17th Sep - Last Day term 3 - early finish - 2:30pm
Term 4, 2021
Mon 4th Oct- First Day - Term 4 - A Compass alert will be sent on the holidays announcing arrangements for term 4
Wed 13th - Fri 15th Oct - Year 3-6 Camp - Portsea
Mon 1st Nov - Pupil Free Day - Report writing day. Please make alternative arrangements for the care of your children on this day.
Tue 2nd Nov - Melbourne Cup Day Public Holiday - School Closed
Thu 16th Dec - Last Day term 4 - early finish- 1:30pm
Fri 17th Dec - Pupil Free Day - Staff professional learning and planning day Please make alternative arrangements for the care of your children on this day.
Victorian School Term Dates Click button below:
Term 3, 2021
Fri 17th Sep - Last Day term 3 - early finish - 2:30pm
Term 4, 2021
Mon 4th Oct- First Day - Term 4 - A Compass alert will be sent on the holidays announcing arrangements for term 4
Wed 13th - Fri 15th Oct - Year 3-6 Camp - Portsea
Mon 1st Nov - Pupil Free Day - Report writing day. Please make alternative arrangements for the care of your children on this day.
Tue 2nd Nov - Melbourne Cup Day Public Holiday - School Closed
Thu 16th Dec - Last Day term 4 - early finish- 1:30pm
Fri 17th Dec - Pupil Free Day - Staff professional learning and planning day Please make alternative arrangements for the care of your children on this day.
Victorian School Term Dates Click button below:
Pupil Free Days 2021
Please make alternative arrangements for the care of your child or children on the following dates, as students are not required to attend school on Pupil Free Days.
Please make alternative arrangements for the care of your child or children on the following dates, as students are not required to attend school on Pupil Free Days.
Pupil Free Days 2021 |
TERM 1 Wed 27th Jan - Staff Dev Thu 28th Jan - Staff Dev |
TERM 2 - NIL |
TERM 3 - NIL |
TERM 4 Mon 1 Nov - Report Writing Fri 17 Dec - UPDATED - Staff Development |
COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD
OUT OF SCHOOL HOURS CARE (OSHC)
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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
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
Dee and the OSHC team
IMPORTANT REMINDERS
Please click on the heading above to access important reminders for AVPS parents and /or guardians.
OPTIONAL/ EXTRA CURRICULAR OPPORTUNITIES @AVPS
Please click on the heading above to discover how your child / children can become involved in extra curricular programs at AVPS.
Please click on the heading above to access important reminders for AVPS parents and /or guardians.
OPTIONAL/ EXTRA CURRICULAR OPPORTUNITIES @AVPS
Please click on the heading above to discover how your child / children can become involved in extra curricular programs at AVPS.
