HAPPY NEW SCHOOL YEAR
2021
FROM THE PRINCIPAL TEAM
WELCOME TO THE 2021 SCHOOL YEAR
A warm welcome to the 2021 school year is extended to all AVPS community members. It was particularly lovely to welcome our new year Prep students and their families to school on Monday 1st February and terrific to observe them all settling smoothly into their new routines throughout the week. We also have several new students in other year levels who have started their schooling at AVPS in recent days and we also wish them and their families all the best for a smooth transition.
Welcome one and all, old and new.
COVID SAFE UPDATE
A reminder that parents and guardians are now welcome on the school site, which is a pleasant change from much of 2020. Please note however, that, following a recent announcement from the Victorian Government, masks must now be worn by adults in INDOOR settings at AVPS. We therefore encourage parents and carers to drop off and pick up their children at the school door/s and remain outside as much as possible. If adult visitors have a pressing need to enter the buildings, for example, to visit the office, they must also wear a mask. Thank you in anticipation of your understanding and support for this new arrangement.
Other updates to the DET CovidSafe operations guidelines.
NEW UNIFORM SALES
Thank you for your patience regarding online uniform sales. This online arrangement will continue in 2020 until further notice.
Please be reminded that school uniform is not compulsory at AVPS but is available as a practical and attractive choice. This is available from Primary School Wear (PSW) who have been unable to operate a uniform shop at the school as usual twice per month, due to Covid-19. Instead, orders can be placed on-line ( www.psw.com.au ) for home delivery.
PRE-LOVED SCHOOL UNIFORM
A second hand uniform option is also available. This is run by a parent volunteer, Nicole, who can be contacted on 0417 522 761.
Please ensure all clothing is clearly labelled with your child’s name
STAFF DEVELOPMENT - January Pupil Free Days
The AVPS staff took great advantage of the two pupil free days at the beginning of the 2021 school year to set the scene for a positive and productive 2021 at AVPS. Highlights of the two days included valuable time allocated to:
A warm welcome to the 2021 school year is extended to all AVPS community members. It was particularly lovely to welcome our new year Prep students and their families to school on Monday 1st February and terrific to observe them all settling smoothly into their new routines throughout the week. We also have several new students in other year levels who have started their schooling at AVPS in recent days and we also wish them and their families all the best for a smooth transition.
Welcome one and all, old and new.
COVID SAFE UPDATE
A reminder that parents and guardians are now welcome on the school site, which is a pleasant change from much of 2020. Please note however, that, following a recent announcement from the Victorian Government, masks must now be worn by adults in INDOOR settings at AVPS. We therefore encourage parents and carers to drop off and pick up their children at the school door/s and remain outside as much as possible. If adult visitors have a pressing need to enter the buildings, for example, to visit the office, they must also wear a mask. Thank you in anticipation of your understanding and support for this new arrangement.
Other updates to the DET CovidSafe operations guidelines.
- Shared items during student play - these can be used however they cannot be bought from home. Hand hygiene is the critical safety control before and after breaks. To this end, we will need several weeks to purchase some additional shared equipment for each class/unit. Please do not send shared items/toys to school with your child.
- Updated information on COVIDSafe routine cleaning - we no longer have ‘day cleaners’ but have an additional 2 cleaners each day from 3.30-7.15 (Same hours as our current cleaner).
NEW UNIFORM SALES
Thank you for your patience regarding online uniform sales. This online arrangement will continue in 2020 until further notice.
Please be reminded that school uniform is not compulsory at AVPS but is available as a practical and attractive choice. This is available from Primary School Wear (PSW) who have been unable to operate a uniform shop at the school as usual twice per month, due to Covid-19. Instead, orders can be placed on-line ( www.psw.com.au ) for home delivery.
PRE-LOVED SCHOOL UNIFORM
A second hand uniform option is also available. This is run by a parent volunteer, Nicole, who can be contacted on 0417 522 761.
Please ensure all clothing is clearly labelled with your child’s name
STAFF DEVELOPMENT - January Pupil Free Days
The AVPS staff took great advantage of the two pupil free days at the beginning of the 2021 school year to set the scene for a positive and productive 2021 at AVPS. Highlights of the two days included valuable time allocated to:
- Reflect and Project - Time to look back at 2020, identify items of celebration, reflecting on feelings of the present moment and projecting forward to hopes for 2021. This icebreaker activity set a most optimistic and positive scene for a successful 2 day professional learning and preparation program and indeed, the year ahead.
- Getting to know the Annual Implementation Plan (AIP) - Time for staff to familiarise and focus on the AVPS goals, targets, key improvement strategies and actions identified as the most important for our collective attention in 2021 to achieve school wide success.
- AVPS Start Up Program - Time for teams to get to know and plan for the implementation of our Start Up Program. This program sets up our school wide consistent approaches in the teaching and learning of Literacy and Numeracy and is implemented in the first weeks of the school year to set the scene for best practice strategies to be implemented throughout the year.
- Problem Solving Workshop - Time for all staff to improve their understanding of the importance of teaching problem solving skills in a Mathematics context.
- AIP Staff Focus Teams - Time for staff to meet in the following focus teams to identify relevant AIP actions for the year.
- Literacy - Catch up and extension
- Numeracy - Catch up and extension
- Healthy Happy Active Kids - Personal & Social Capabilities, Multi age, Child Safe Standards
- Curriculum - Key Learning Area Scope and Sequences, ICT & Science as priorities
- Tutor Learning Initiative- time to learn about this initiative and to identify potential students for this catch up program in 2021
- Multi-Age - Time to reestablish the benefits and organisational arrangements for our multi age approach in 2021 and to focus on multi age Science planning. See pics below.
TUTOR LEARNING INITIATIVE 2021
The Tutor Learning Initiative is designed to support students whose learning has been disrupted as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Schools must only use their funding to engage tutors to provide targeted teaching to students identified as needing support. The DET have funded us to support up to 45 students who have been affected by the Pandemic, during the remote and flexible learning periods of terms 2 and 3 last year.
As mentioned above, staff have identified students who fit this category and we are now in the process of triaging this list. The Pandemic has impacted us all, however our focus will be on the students who it has impacted the most.
The Initiative will be delivered in 2021 and we are now in the process of recruiting a tutor/s. We expect our tutor/s will start here by the start of March - firstly working with teams of teachers before starting working with students. The majority of tutoring will happen in small groups in classrooms. From time to time, there may be a need for these small group sto work in withdrawal settings.
We will be in touch with parents/caregivers of students who we deem meet the criteria later in February to give you more specific information about the program. <More details from DET can be found here: https://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal/tutor-learning-initiative-2021/policy
SCHOOL COUNCIL VACANCIES & TIMELINE
Parents and guardians are invited to consider joining our 2021 School Council. We have 4 vacancies in the parent category in 2021 as well as opportunities to co-opt additional parent members to our council. Please look out for a compass alert next Thursday 11th February that will signal the opening of the School Council election process and will be a call for nominations. Nomination forms will be available at the office from 11th to 18th February.
Please refer to the AVPS School Council timeline below and seek more information about school councils in Victoria at this link.
AVPS 2021 School Council Election Timeline
Thu 11 Feb 2021 - Notice of election and call for nominations
Thu 18 Feb 2021 - Closing date for nominations
Fri 19 Feb 2021 - The date by which the list of candidates and nominators will be displayed
Thu 25 Feb 2021 - The date by which the ballot papers will be distributed
Thu 4 March 2021 - Close of ballot
Fri 5 March 2021 - Vote Count
Tue 9 March 2021 - Declaration of ballot(by this date)
22 March 2021 - First School Council meeting to appoint Community Members
MEET THE TEACHER “SHARE TIME”
Part of the beginning of the school year involves parents/carers of students new to a teacher catching up with them to share information which may assist in your child’s learning and development and help us to develop the home / school partnership for the school year ahead. It is important for you to attend this short 5 minute meeting so that you can share with your child’s new teacher the wealth of knowledge you have of your child, such as:
- your thoughts and feelings about your child’s school experiences
- how your child has settled in, since returning from the break
- your child’s strengths and areas for improvement
- their interests and passions
- any medical or personal issues of which we are unaware
UNIT INFORMATION SESSIONS
This year each unit will hold their own information session for parents/ caregivers remotely via Webex. Unfortunately, due to Covid-19 density limits we are unable to cater for large groups inside.
You are invited to attend your child’s unit at the time listed below to hear from the unit teachers who will together share unit specific information and procedures as well as deliver some general school information. Each session will last approximately 15/20 minutes. Webex links to each session will be sent directly to parents/caregivers to each unit via their teachers on Class Dojo approximately a week before the session.
Week 4 - Wednesday 17th February
Unit 1 - 3.45pm
Unit 3 - 4.05pm
Unit 5 - 4.25pm
Week 5 - Monday 22nd February
Unit 2 - 3.45pm
Unit 4 - 4.05pm
Unit 6 - 4.25pm
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
TERM 1 ASSEMBLY ARRANGEMENTS
AVPS assemblies will be held on a fortnightly basis on Mondays in 2021 from 2:35-3:00pm, beginning next Monday 8th February with the Principals hosting. Until further notice, these assemblies will be held remotely, via webex. This year, parents of the hosting unit will be provided with a link to the assembly. A schedule of assembly dates and host Units will be shared via a compass alert in the coming weeks.
PARKING REMINDER – 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:
AVPS assemblies will be held on a fortnightly basis on Mondays in 2021 from 2:35-3:00pm, beginning next Monday 8th February with the Principals hosting. Until further notice, these assemblies will be held remotely, via webex. This year, parents of the hosting unit will be provided with a link to the assembly. A schedule of assembly dates and host Units will be shared via a compass alert in the coming weeks.
PARKING REMINDER – 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:
- 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
Kind Regards
Sue Osborne & Michael Downing
AVPS Principal Team
Sue Osborne & Michael Downing
AVPS Principal Team
PARENT PAYMENT ARRANGEMENTS
A message from our Business Manager
Dear Parents,
Welcome back to all our families and we hope you all have a lovely break.
Student Charges for Essential Learning Items and Voluntary Contributions will go live on Compass this afternoon.
Due to Covid-19 many events were cancelled in 2020 and families were given credit notes for fees already paid. Families who completed permission forms in 2020 to use credit notes towards charges in 2021, these credits have now been applied and this is reflected on your statements and charges in compass. For families who have credit notes and did not complete this form, paper statements will be sent home with the child today along with a permission note to apply credits and a payment form, if you wish to pay via credit card. These can be returned to the office completed for processing.
Payment Methods include:
Compass - our preferred method:
For all other payments, MVIMP, excursion, incursions and swimming, these will be set up as an event to be approved and paid via compass, our preferred method. Please see office staff to make alternative approval and or payment arrangements if needed.
If you are experiencing financial difficulties please contact the office for a confidential discussion
Please find attached a copy of the 2021 Parent Payments Arrangements for your reference below.
Regards
Kylie Moverley
Business Manager
A message from our Business Manager
Dear Parents,
Welcome back to all our families and we hope you all have a lovely break.
Student Charges for Essential Learning Items and Voluntary Contributions will go live on Compass this afternoon.
Due to Covid-19 many events were cancelled in 2020 and families were given credit notes for fees already paid. Families who completed permission forms in 2020 to use credit notes towards charges in 2021, these credits have now been applied and this is reflected on your statements and charges in compass. For families who have credit notes and did not complete this form, paper statements will be sent home with the child today along with a permission note to apply credits and a payment form, if you wish to pay via credit card. These can be returned to the office completed for processing.
Payment Methods include:
Compass - our preferred method:
- Essential Learning Items – via Compass events in the Parent Portal
- Voluntary Contributions - Access via course confirmation in the Parent Portal. Please note, Voluntary Contribution charges are optional and can be changed (reduced or increased) to suit the payee.
- Credit / debit card or cash payments are accepted.
- AMEX, Diners Club and cheques are not accepted
- Credit / debit card payments are accepted.
- AMEX, Diners Club and cheques are not accepted
For all other payments, MVIMP, excursion, incursions and swimming, these will be set up as an event to be approved and paid via compass, our preferred method. Please see office staff to make alternative approval and or payment arrangements if needed.
If you are experiencing financial difficulties please contact the office for a confidential discussion
Please find attached a copy of the 2021 Parent Payments Arrangements for your reference below.
Regards
Kylie Moverley
Business Manager
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FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE INFORMATION FOR PARENT
Every Victorian child should have access to the world of learning opportunities that exist beyond the classroom. The Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund helps ensure that no student will miss out on the opportunity to join their classmates for important, educational and fun activities. It is part of making Victoria the Education State and the Government’s commitment to breaking the link between a student’s background and their outcomes. CAMPS, SPORTS & EXCURSIONS FUND (CSEF)
School camps provide children with inspiring experiences in the great outdoors, excursions encourage a deeper understanding of how the world works and sports teach teamwork, discipline and leadership. All are part of a healthy curriculum.
CSEF is provided by the Victorian Government to assist eligible families to cover the costs of school trips, camps and sporting activities.
If you hold a valid means-tested concession card or are a temporary foster parent, you may be eligible for CSEF. A special consideration category also exists for asylum seeker and refugee families. The allowance is paid to the school to use towards expenses relating to camps, excursions or sporting activities for the benefit of your child.
The annual CSEF amount per student is:
• $125 for primary school students
• $225 for secondary school students
HOW TO APPLY
New applicants should contact the school office to obtain a CSEF application form or download from www.education.vic.gov.au/csef
If you applied for the CSEF at your child's school in 2020, you do not need to complete an application form in 2021 unless there has been a change in your family circumstances.
You only need to complete an application form if any of the following changes have occurred:
new student enrolments; your child has started or changed schools in 2021 or you did not apply in 2020. .changed family circumstances; such as a change of custody, change of name, concession card number, or new siblings commencing at the school in 2021.
Check with the school office if you are unsure
MORE INFORMATION
For more information about the CSEF visit www.education.vic.gov.au/csef
PLEASE FIND ATTACHED A COPY OF THE APPLICATION BELOW
Every Victorian child should have access to the world of learning opportunities that exist beyond the classroom. The Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund helps ensure that no student will miss out on the opportunity to join their classmates for important, educational and fun activities. It is part of making Victoria the Education State and the Government’s commitment to breaking the link between a student’s background and their outcomes. CAMPS, SPORTS & EXCURSIONS FUND (CSEF)
School camps provide children with inspiring experiences in the great outdoors, excursions encourage a deeper understanding of how the world works and sports teach teamwork, discipline and leadership. All are part of a healthy curriculum.
CSEF is provided by the Victorian Government to assist eligible families to cover the costs of school trips, camps and sporting activities.
If you hold a valid means-tested concession card or are a temporary foster parent, you may be eligible for CSEF. A special consideration category also exists for asylum seeker and refugee families. The allowance is paid to the school to use towards expenses relating to camps, excursions or sporting activities for the benefit of your child.
The annual CSEF amount per student is:
• $125 for primary school students
• $225 for secondary school students
HOW TO APPLY
New applicants should contact the school office to obtain a CSEF application form or download from www.education.vic.gov.au/csef
If you applied for the CSEF at your child's school in 2020, you do not need to complete an application form in 2021 unless there has been a change in your family circumstances.
You only need to complete an application form if any of the following changes have occurred:
new student enrolments; your child has started or changed schools in 2021 or you did not apply in 2020. .changed family circumstances; such as a change of custody, change of name, concession card number, or new siblings commencing at the school in 2021.
Check with the school office if you are unsure
MORE INFORMATION
For more information about the CSEF visit www.education.vic.gov.au/csef
PLEASE FIND ATTACHED A COPY OF THE APPLICATION BELOW

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KEY DATES
Term 1, 2021
Fri 12 Feb - 3-6 Swimming Trials (details TBC)
Mon 15 Feb - Meet the teacher #1 - details distributed via compass on 11/2
Wed 17 Feb - 3:45 - Unit 1, 3 & 5 Information Sessions via remote - details distributed via Class Dojo
Mon 22 Feb - 3:45 - Unit 2, 4 & 6 Information Sessions via remote - details distributed via Class Dojo
Wed 24 Feb - Meet the teacher #2 - details distributed via compass on 11/2
Fri 24 Feb - District Swimming Carnival
Victorian School Term Dates:
Click button below
Term 1, 2021
Fri 12 Feb - 3-6 Swimming Trials (details TBC)
Mon 15 Feb - Meet the teacher #1 - details distributed via compass on 11/2
Wed 17 Feb - 3:45 - Unit 1, 3 & 5 Information Sessions via remote - details distributed via Class Dojo
Mon 22 Feb - 3:45 - Unit 2, 4 & 6 Information Sessions via remote - details distributed via Class Dojo
Wed 24 Feb - Meet the teacher #2 - details distributed via compass on 11/2
Fri 24 Feb - District Swimming Carnival
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 NB, FIRST DAY for: Years 1-6 is Fri 29th Jan Years Prep is Mon 1st Feb |
TERM 2 - TBC |
TERM 3 - TBC |
TERM 4 - TBC |
IMPORTANT REMINDERS
Please click on the heading above to access important reminders for AVPS parents and /or guardians, which are updated fortnightly.
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, which are updated fortnightly.
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.
COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD
OUT OF SCHOOL HOURS CARE (OSHC)
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

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