ASCOT NEWS
19th March 2020, Term 1, Issue 5
We value:
Respect Responsibility Excellence Empathy Gratitude
Respect Responsibility Excellence Empathy Gratitude
ASCOT NEWS
JOIN OUR AVPS GRATITUDE REVOLUTION
FROM THE PRINCIPAL TEAM
GRATITUDE REVOLUTION
AVPS recognises the benefits of practicing gratitude regularly, this is why it has been selected as one of our important new school values. This week, teachers will distribute simple exercise books to students which will soon be transformed into their very own gratitude diary. If your child is not at school, we encourage families to find or purchase a very simple exercise book. (Make sure they're not too fancy, ours only cost 15 cents each). This book will be used by children to record, (via written words, illustrations, designs, collage, printed photos, doodles etc), the things that brought them joy and gratitude on that particular day, or their reports of random acts of kindness for the day. Children are encouraged to decorate the front cover with collage, drawings or decorations of the things that bring them the most joy.
Lots has been written about the benefits of practicing gratitude, including the article, accessible below, that suggests keeping a gratitude journal may impact in these ways:
So come on ......... join the revolution.
AVPS recognises the benefits of practicing gratitude regularly, this is why it has been selected as one of our important new school values. This week, teachers will distribute simple exercise books to students which will soon be transformed into their very own gratitude diary. If your child is not at school, we encourage families to find or purchase a very simple exercise book. (Make sure they're not too fancy, ours only cost 15 cents each). This book will be used by children to record, (via written words, illustrations, designs, collage, printed photos, doodles etc), the things that brought them joy and gratitude on that particular day, or their reports of random acts of kindness for the day. Children are encouraged to decorate the front cover with collage, drawings or decorations of the things that bring them the most joy.
Lots has been written about the benefits of practicing gratitude, including the article, accessible below, that suggests keeping a gratitude journal may impact in these ways:
- increase in positivity
- improved self esteem
- promotes sleep
- makes you happy
- reduced stress
So come on ......... join the revolution.
PREMIER'S ACTIVE APRIL - AVPS sign up
Premier’s Active April is part of the Victorian Government’s commitment to promote healthy, active lifestyles and get Victorians to join in the fun of increased physical activity. Our PE teacher is hoping we can all become 'Fit with Britt' in the month of April.
Ascot Vale PS has established a team, so please sign up and join the family fun of keeping active in the month of April.
Click on the button below and join the AVPS team using this code: ascot-vale-primary-school-1
Premier’s Active April is part of the Victorian Government’s commitment to promote healthy, active lifestyles and get Victorians to join in the fun of increased physical activity. Our PE teacher is hoping we can all become 'Fit with Britt' in the month of April.
Ascot Vale PS has established a team, so please sign up and join the family fun of keeping active in the month of April.
Click on the button below and join the AVPS team using this code: ascot-vale-primary-school-1
CULTURAL DIVERSITY WEEK
We were absolutely thrilled to be able to provide the World Dance incursion for students last week. This was a lovely way to celebrate not only our 2019 'walk to school' win but also to introduce learning about Cultural Diversity Week and Harmony Day coming up next week. Thank you to Jason, Heath and the 2019 SRC team for their successful efforts in making this event possible.
Unfortunately, we will need to cancel any planned parent visits to classrooms next week for the purpose of celebrating cultural diversity week, as previously encouraged.
STAFFING NEWS
FAREWELL JUDE
On Friday 13th March 2020, we farewelled teacher Jude Wigley after five ‘and a bit’ years of service to Ascot Vale PS. During this time, Jude has been a classroom / unit teacher, year level co-ordinator and Art specialist.
More significantly, last Friday marked the end (or a new beginning) of a magnificent career that has touched the lives of countless students (possibly tens of thousands) and their families, over several decades, across ten + schools, mostly State Government Schools but also including private schools.
On behalf of the AVPS community we extend our sincere gratitude and best wishes to Jude for her many years of dedication, diligence, compassion, good humour, creativity and flair!! Above all, thank you Jude for your continuous commitment to one of the most important professions, particularly at Ascot Vale PS, where you have certainly had a positive and lasting influence on many.
We wish Jude all the very best of health and happiness as she embarks upon the next stage of her life and look forward to hearing of her next new adventures.
WELCOME RUBY & ZORICA
Following two recent staff selection processes at AVPS, the following staff have been appointed to Education Support Staff positions:
- Ruby Nicholson – Integration Aide
- Zorica Rakovic – Literacy Intervention
AVPS HEALTH AND HYGIENE PRACTICES
We recognise increased levels of concern in the community and therefore, would like to share some of the things we have been doing to address heath and hygiene practices at school.
Please be aware that teachers have been supplied with antiseptic wipes, hand sanitiser, spray and wipe (kills 99.9% of germs), eucalyptus antiseptic spray and antibacterial hand wash. (We went bulk shopping before the rush!!)
Also, we (Michael and Sue) have been checking student soap supplies regularly – we have plenty. This includes antibacterial liquid soap in classrooms that have sinks and regular liquid soap purchased in bulk for staff and student toilets. The cleaners have also been requested to check soap dispensers as a priority.
Hand sanitiser is actually considered a dangerous good (it is flammable) and should be kept out of reach of children. However, considering the low risk of combustion, compared to the benefits to be gained from its use, we have announced to staff that students may also use hand sanitiser. We have some back up supplies of hand sanitiser that should get us through the next few weeks / months.
In addition, staff have been requested, from the beginning of the year, to remind and arrange for students to regularly wash hands. Since then, staff have been reminded and updated regularly (in terms of OHS responsibilities at weekly briefings) about the importance of student and staff hand washing and to follow advice given. All teachers confirmed at this week's briefing that regular hand washing is happening, including before eating. This reminder has also been added to our regular induction process for replacement teachers.
CANCELLATIONS & CORONAVIRUS UPDATES
Please find below this Principal team report and blue section, previously published coronavirus updates. These have been repeated, not only as a helpful reminder, but also to allow community members the ability to change the language if required.
Victorian Department of Education and Training have recommended the cancellation of excursions and camps as well as non essential gatherings or meetings. Therefore, here is our updated list of cancellations / postponements:
- Parent Rep Meeting - 20th March
- Cultural Diversity week parent visits
- Uniform Sales - 26th March
- Fresh Fruit Friday
- Friday Icy poles
- School Council & Sub Committees
- School Tours
- Divisional Swimming Carnival- 17th March
- Young Leaders Conference – 20th March
- Interschool Sport from 20th March
- Year 3 / 4 Camp – 15-17th April
- Year 3-6 Swimming
- Assemblies
- MVIMP lessons
We appreciate the support and kindness expressed to us and our staff in recent days. In turn, we thank our community for your understanding, patience and co-operation as we all navigate these uncharted times together.
Stay well, stay grateful and kind.
Kind regards
Sue Osborne & Michael Downing,
AVPS Principal Team
Sue Osborne & Michael Downing,
AVPS Principal Team
KEY DATES
Term 1, 2020
Sat 21st Mar - World Harmony Day
23rd-27th Mar - Cultural Diversity Week
Fri 27th Mar - LAST DAY TERM 1 - EARLY FINISH - 2:30PM
Term 1, 2020
Sat 21st Mar - World Harmony Day
23rd-27th Mar - Cultural Diversity Week
Fri 27th Mar - LAST DAY TERM 1 - EARLY FINISH - 2:30PM
Term Dates 2020 |
TERM 1 - 29 Jan - 27 Mar |
TERM 2 - STARTS TUESDAY 14 Apr - 26 Jun |
TERM 3 - 13 Jul - 18 Sep |
TERM 4 - 5 Oct - 18 Dec |
Public Holidays 2020 |
TERM 1 - Mon 9 March LABOUR DAY School Closed |
TERM 2 - Mon 13 April EASTER MONDAY School Closed |
TERM 2 - Mon 8 Jun QUEEN'S BIRTHDAY School Closed |
TERM 4 - Tue 3 Nov MELBOURNE CUP DAY School Closed |
Pupil Free Days 2020
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 and on the Student Led Conference Day (SLC) children are only required to attend at their appointment time:
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 and on the Student Led Conference Day (SLC) children are only required to attend at their appointment time:
Pupil Free Days 2020 |
TERM 1 - Fri 6 Mar |
TERM 2 - Tue 9 Jun |
SLC TERM 3 -Wed 16 Sep |
TERM 4 - Mon 2 Nov |
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.
AVPS CORONAVIRUS UPDATE - Tuesday 17th March 2020
Dear AVPS parents/guardians & staff,
Thank you for your continued support and cooperation as we navigate our way through unprecedented circumstances. In addition to previous COMPASS alerts, we have prepared a comprehensive range of additional information for you today which is organised into 2 parts:
1)GENERAL INFORMATION
2)ATTENDANCE - TEACHING & LEARNING
1.GENERAL INFORMATION
AVPS is currently operating. Some families are in self-isolation for a variety of reasons. Victoria’s Chief Health Officer has advised that all schools should continue to operate as planned for now. Please refer to the attached statement (below) for more information – “CHO advice to schools 16 March”.
Please be reminded - If a staff member or student at our school is in one of the categories below, the school must take action.
‘Close contact’ is defined by DHHS as someone who has had at least 15 minutes of face-to-face contact with a confirmed case, or shared a closed space with someone for more than two hours with a confirmed case.
AVPS therefore request that parents, guardians and staff please contact the school immediately on 9370 6507 if staff or children fit one of the two categories above.
School Closures
Parents/guardians will be informed directly if there is any prospect that AVPS will be closed, either as a stand-alone school closure or as part of a local or area-based closure. You will then be provided with detailed advice and communication resources to support you through that process.
MVIMP
From today all MVIMP lessons will be suspended for the next 2 weeks. More information will be shared with you when known.
Payments
We are aware that a range of paid activities and school events have been either cancelled or postponed. Please be patient as we navigate through these issues to find the best solution for our school. We will communicate outcomes when known.
Cancellations or Postponed events – updated
Contact details
Please ensure parent, student and staff contact details are updated and accurate. Parents can do this via COMPASS.
Gatherings & Social distancing - Advice
Mass gatherings have the potential for serious public health consequences if they are not planned and managed carefully. From midday Monday 16 March 2020, the following directive came into effect in Victoria that focus on organised gatherings of people:
With this in mind, please consider your options for gathering in groups after school. We recommend parents and students reduce the time spent gathering after school.
Advice from DHHS about transmission reduction measures can be accessed here: https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus-covid-19-transmission-reduction-measures
Hygiene & Cleaning
AVPS continues to encourage and remind students and staff to implement and model good hygiene practices. Everyone can protect against infections by practising good hand and respiratory hygiene.
Here are some tips that we all can follow:
Anxiety
During this challenging time we are reminded to do whatever we can to help each other with a kind word or a small act of generosity to build a positive outlook and reduce stress. This is the time to check in on each other and the vulnerable in our community. While being prepared and sensible in this difficult time is important, so are our school values, particularly, Gratitude, Empathy, and Respect, which are all underpinned by kindness. Together, we can support each other through this challenging time. The link below provides information and strategies from Headspace to support young people (and ourselves) cope with stress and anxiety related to covid-19. Crisis and student support services contact details can also be found at this link.
https://headspace.org.au/young-people/how-to-cope-with-stress-related-to-covid-19/
2.ATTENDANCE - TEACHING & LEARNING
Self-Isolating families
Some families are choosing to self-isolate. The Department of Education (DET) recognises that this is an approved absence. The DET encourages parents/ guardians to add an attendance note through COMPASS, including the words “Covid-19” in the comments section in these circumstances.
At this point in time, individual remote learning plans are unavailable as staff currently only have the capacity to manage the teaching and learning of students who are in attendance.
In the meantime, we encourage self-isolating families to be aware of the AVPS teaching and learning focus for the term. See our Curriculum news link at the bottom of our Newsletter page http://avps.vic.edu.au/newsletter.html
Other ideas for home learning activities:
AVPS School Closure Plan
In the event that AVPS closes, staff will provide a more comprehensive teaching, learning and communication plan for all students. At this point in time, specific details are unavailable, however staff will be working on a consistent plan and approach to roll out ‘remote learning plans’ in a systematic way, over the coming days if needed.
In the meantime, please ensure you have access to COMPASS and Class Dojo as these are methods of communication that will be used if AVPS closes.
Kind regards
Sue Osborne & Michael Downing
AVPS Principal Team
And now for a giggle:
Dear AVPS parents/guardians & staff,
Thank you for your continued support and cooperation as we navigate our way through unprecedented circumstances. In addition to previous COMPASS alerts, we have prepared a comprehensive range of additional information for you today which is organised into 2 parts:
1)GENERAL INFORMATION
2)ATTENDANCE - TEACHING & LEARNING
1.GENERAL INFORMATION
AVPS is currently operating. Some families are in self-isolation for a variety of reasons. Victoria’s Chief Health Officer has advised that all schools should continue to operate as planned for now. Please refer to the attached statement (below) for more information – “CHO advice to schools 16 March”.
Please be reminded - If a staff member or student at our school is in one of the categories below, the school must take action.
- The staff member or student is a confirmed case of COVID-19
- The staff member or student is a close contact of a confirmed case of COVID-19 in the past 14 days
‘Close contact’ is defined by DHHS as someone who has had at least 15 minutes of face-to-face contact with a confirmed case, or shared a closed space with someone for more than two hours with a confirmed case.
AVPS therefore request that parents, guardians and staff please contact the school immediately on 9370 6507 if staff or children fit one of the two categories above.
School Closures
Parents/guardians will be informed directly if there is any prospect that AVPS will be closed, either as a stand-alone school closure or as part of a local or area-based closure. You will then be provided with detailed advice and communication resources to support you through that process.
MVIMP
From today all MVIMP lessons will be suspended for the next 2 weeks. More information will be shared with you when known.
Payments
We are aware that a range of paid activities and school events have been either cancelled or postponed. Please be patient as we navigate through these issues to find the best solution for our school. We will communicate outcomes when known.
Cancellations or Postponed events – updated
- Fresh Fruit Friday
- Friday Icy poles
- School Council & Sub Committees
- School Tours
- Divisional Swimming Carnival- 17th March
- Young Leaders Conference – 20th March
- Interschool Sport from 20th March
- Year 3 / 4 Camp – 15-17th April
- Year 3-6 Swimming
- Assemblies
Contact details
Please ensure parent, student and staff contact details are updated and accurate. Parents can do this via COMPASS.
Gatherings & Social distancing - Advice
Mass gatherings have the potential for serious public health consequences if they are not planned and managed carefully. From midday Monday 16 March 2020, the following directive came into effect in Victoria that focus on organised gatherings of people:
- The organising, attending or allowing of non-essential mass gatherings of 500 or more people will be prohibited.
With this in mind, please consider your options for gathering in groups after school. We recommend parents and students reduce the time spent gathering after school.
Advice from DHHS about transmission reduction measures can be accessed here: https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus-covid-19-transmission-reduction-measures
Hygiene & Cleaning
AVPS continues to encourage and remind students and staff to implement and model good hygiene practices. Everyone can protect against infections by practising good hand and respiratory hygiene.
Here are some tips that we all can follow:
- Cover your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing with a tissue, or cough into your elbow.
- Dispose of the tissue into a bin and then wash your hands afterwards.
- Wash your hands regularly using soap and water, including after using the toilet, and before eating.
- Minimise hand contact – SUGGESTION: friendly elbow taps to be used instead of high fives and handshakes for the time being.
Anxiety
During this challenging time we are reminded to do whatever we can to help each other with a kind word or a small act of generosity to build a positive outlook and reduce stress. This is the time to check in on each other and the vulnerable in our community. While being prepared and sensible in this difficult time is important, so are our school values, particularly, Gratitude, Empathy, and Respect, which are all underpinned by kindness. Together, we can support each other through this challenging time. The link below provides information and strategies from Headspace to support young people (and ourselves) cope with stress and anxiety related to covid-19. Crisis and student support services contact details can also be found at this link.
https://headspace.org.au/young-people/how-to-cope-with-stress-related-to-covid-19/
2.ATTENDANCE - TEACHING & LEARNING
Self-Isolating families
Some families are choosing to self-isolate. The Department of Education (DET) recognises that this is an approved absence. The DET encourages parents/ guardians to add an attendance note through COMPASS, including the words “Covid-19” in the comments section in these circumstances.
At this point in time, individual remote learning plans are unavailable as staff currently only have the capacity to manage the teaching and learning of students who are in attendance.
In the meantime, we encourage self-isolating families to be aware of the AVPS teaching and learning focus for the term. See our Curriculum news link at the bottom of our Newsletter page http://avps.vic.edu.au/newsletter.html
Other ideas for home learning activities:
- Daily reflections in a writer’s notebook and/or gratitude diary.
- Watch, read then write a review of a favourite movie or book.
- Write a poem or new song.
- Play ‘school’ with siblings – set mathematics challenges for each other.
- Plan a cooking session (with adult supervision). Write a plan, design the table setting and decorations, cook, clean and enjoy the food. Take photos. Write a reflection of the maths, science and social skills that was learnt.
- Practice a musical instrument. Invent your own tune.
- Prepare a performance – dance, drama, comedy, music.
- Skype a friend or grandparent and present your performance to them.
- Redesign the layout of your bedroom. Create a plan, get approval from adults, then do a complete tidy and redesign of your room.
- Re organise the family’s linen cupboard – get approval first, create a plan, sort the items into categories then do it! This can be applied to other cupboard – but ask adults first.
- Go outside and sketch or do water painting on concrete or walls.
- Go outside and take photographs of nature up close. Download and write a report about your discoveries.
- Create a daily schedule with your children. See the example attached (or google others); here’s another example:
AVPS School Closure Plan
In the event that AVPS closes, staff will provide a more comprehensive teaching, learning and communication plan for all students. At this point in time, specific details are unavailable, however staff will be working on a consistent plan and approach to roll out ‘remote learning plans’ in a systematic way, over the coming days if needed.
In the meantime, please ensure you have access to COMPASS and Class Dojo as these are methods of communication that will be used if AVPS closes.
Kind regards
Sue Osborne & Michael Downing
AVPS Principal Team
And now for a giggle:
| cho_advicetoschools_16march2020.pdf |
UPDATED ADVICE TO SCHOOLS - 13th March 2020
On 12th March 2020, the Premier, Minister for Health and Victorian Chief Health Officer announced that preparations are well underway to manage the growing risk of an emerging COVID-19 pandemic outbreak in Victoria. They also announced that Victoria is well-prepared to deal with an outbreak, and the Department of Education and Training is working closely with the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to plan for and respond to the likely impact on our schools.
If a staff member or student at our school is in one of the categories below, the school must take action.
AVPS therefore request that parents / guardians please phone the school immediately on 9370 6507 if your child fits one of the two categories above. This request applies to and has been communicated to AVPS staff also.
PROTECTION ADVICE
Everyone can protect against infections by practising good hand and respiratory hygiene.
Here are some tips that we all can follow:
Please refer to the Department’s coronavirus web page for the latest advice and information.
UPDATED ADVICE TO SCHOOLS - 2nd February 2020
Nb,Outdated advice has been deleted and web page has been updated
Please refer to the Department’s coronavirus web page https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus , where the latest advice is available.
Please assist by reminding (and modelling to) children good hygiene practices; please also find the following Department of Education and Training resources attached below:
Additional advice and information on the steps to take can be found on the following coronavirus web page:
https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus
This advice is based on the latest expert recommendations of the Commonwealth’s Chief Medical Officer and Victoria’s Chief Health Officer.
Please contact the school if you have any concerns or queries about this advice.
On 12th March 2020, the Premier, Minister for Health and Victorian Chief Health Officer announced that preparations are well underway to manage the growing risk of an emerging COVID-19 pandemic outbreak in Victoria. They also announced that Victoria is well-prepared to deal with an outbreak, and the Department of Education and Training is working closely with the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to plan for and respond to the likely impact on our schools.
If a staff member or student at our school is in one of the categories below, the school must take action.
- The staff member or student is a confirmed case of COVID-19
- The staff member or student is a close contact of a confirmed case of COVID-19 in the past 14 days
AVPS therefore request that parents / guardians please phone the school immediately on 9370 6507 if your child fits one of the two categories above. This request applies to and has been communicated to AVPS staff also.
PROTECTION ADVICE
Everyone can protect against infections by practising good hand and respiratory hygiene.
Here are some tips that we all can follow:
- Cover your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing with a tissue, or cough into your elbow.
- Dispose of the tissue into a bin and then wash your hands afterwards.
- Wash your hands regularly using soap and water, including after using the toilet, and before eating.
- Minimise hand contact – SUGGESTION: friendly elbow taps to be used instead of high fives and handshakes for the time being.
Please refer to the Department’s coronavirus web page for the latest advice and information.
UPDATED ADVICE TO SCHOOLS - 2nd February 2020
Nb,Outdated advice has been deleted and web page has been updated
Please refer to the Department’s coronavirus web page https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus , where the latest advice is available.
Please assist by reminding (and modelling to) children good hygiene practices; please also find the following Department of Education and Training resources attached below:
- Novel coronavirus - general advice poster
Additional advice and information on the steps to take can be found on the following coronavirus web page:
https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus
This advice is based on the latest expert recommendations of the Commonwealth’s Chief Medical Officer and Victoria’s Chief Health Officer.
Please contact the school if you have any concerns or queries about this advice.
| novel_coronavirus_-_general_advice_poster_for_victorians_02feb__1_.pdf |
OUT OF 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
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
| newsletter_-_autumn_holiday_club_launch.pdf |
| camp_aust_newsletter_-_recipe.pdf |
