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JASON’S JOURNAL – The Principal’s Message What a year 2012 has been! Blackburn Lake Primary continues to thrive; solid results in Literacy and Numeracy, sporting prowess in both individual and team forms, and the performing arts featuring strongly – most notably the students’ opportunity to shine in ‘Suessical’. One of the biggest highlights of the year for me has been the increase in positivity in our school community, with high levels of spirit and engagement of both our student and parent populations. This was of course captured through the school musical, but also during Education Week, where families completed a “school search” (treasure hunt) and also enjoyed performances from our Choirs and Ensembles – not to mention appreciate ArtWorks Show creations. Our teachers are wonderfully committed to our school but can’t do everything and it is this level of support that allows us to provide so many opportunities for our students. We look forward to building on this success next year and I thank all the staff, parents and students who contribute to our strong positive culture. PUPIL PACKS A part of our strong culture at Blackburn Lake Primary is the high expectations we set. I thank all families in advance for their payments of Essential Education Items early next year. I remind families to please read and make payment on ‘Pupil Packs’ (student supplies) on the days preceding the first day of school, paying and picking these up from our school office on either:
29th January (10am to 7pm) or 30th January (9am to 5pm). If you have misplaced this there is a copy on our website @ www.blps.vic.edu.au under News – Notices. YEAR 6 GRADUATION
Last week many of our Year 6 children attended their first official Orientation Day events at their respective secondary colleges. This was a day that most of the Year 6s have been anxiously “hanging out” for - a chance to meet a great range of new people, get to know their Year 7 teachers and make some new friends. It is also that time of the year that we say goodbye to our graduating Year 6s. I want to personally congratulate these children as exceptional role models, setting high standards for their peers. As I am writing this the knot is tightening in my stomach. I always get nervous before such public speaking events, scared of becoming tongue tied or forgetting to thank somebody or tripping over on the stage. To this end, I am amazed at our students and the magnificent job they do at school each day and each week - making speeches at Assembly or performing on stage. This comes about from the wonderful experiences that they are provided with over the years at BLPS. Compare their efforts to mine and I have no doubt that the students will win out! I have appreciated the children’s efforts as remarkable student leaders, who have risen to every challenge I have given them. I wish the Year 6s a memorable Graduation night tonight, an enjoyable last day of school tomorrow and wish them the very best for the future. We also say goodbye at the end of this year to a number of families leaving the school after their children graduate; others moving to new schools. Many thanks to these families for their contributions and commitment to the strong culture of Blackburn Lake PS. SCHOOL CAPTAINS 2013
Every facet of our lives provides opportunities to lead; at home, university, work, in our communities and the global environment we live in. Each day brings occasions to raise important questions, speak to higher values and surface unresolved conflicts; chances to exert positive influence and make a real difference.
No 40
20 December 2012
While everyone has the capacity of leadership, few actually choose to make a stand, to take on the issues, fight against trends, face conflict, challenge long held beliefs or demand new ways of doing things. And the reason is fairly simple ... “To lead, is to live life dangerously” (Ron Heifetz, Leadership on the Line). We believe we have a very strong student leadership program here at Blackburn Lake Primary. We have spent a great deal of time talking to the children about what makes a good leader and that all roles at Blackburn Lake are extremely valued. Leadership is a challenge and should be for all students, not just those elected into specific positions. This month the children in Grade 5 have gone through a selection process for the 2013 School Captains and other formal positions of leadership. Seeing these student presentations this fortnight has reinforced my comments above about the high calibre of our student leaders (and gave staff many difficult selection “headaches”). After this process, I am pleased to announce that our School Captains for 2013 are:
School Captains: Kim M and Luke S
School Vice Captains: Sophie G and Joshua M
Peer Mediators are positions of honour and responsibility, and the following students have earned the respect and recognition of the school community as Peer Mediator Captains for 2013:
Jessica A, Joseph G, Viktoria L, Darcie P, Stephanie P-S and Tom S
Our 2013 House Captains – our student leaders in sport - will be:
Acacia: Alice P and Joseph B
Jacaranda: Bridie B and Hamish C
Kurrajong: Tara K and Mitchell W
Waratah: Sarah B and Flynn P
We congratulate the successful application to the following specialist captaincy positions as:
Art Captains: Isabella C-M and Alexandra C
Music Captains: Minnie H and Hasti S-R
LOTE Captains: no nominations (still vacant)
Library Captains: Laura A and Alexandra H
Environment Captains: no nominations (still vacant)
And we look forward to working with these skilled Monitors:
Art Room Monitors: Emily R and Immy B
Audio Visual Monitors: Stewart B and Ricky S
Computer Monitors: Tristan R and Marshall P
First Aid Monitors: Jasmin L and Dane T
Thank you to all Year 5 children for your leadership nominations, and congratulations to our successful selections to positions of formal leadership. We understand the disappointment of those who missed out on formal leadership positions, and there will still be opportunities next year in regards to other monitor tasks as well as the very important Junior School Council membership. The entire school looks forward to learning from our (formal and informal) student leaders next year, watching your planning, creative thinking, goal setting, decision making, problem solving, time management, conflict resolution, public speaking, empathy, consideration for others, teamwork, confidence, resilience, social, environmental, civic responsibility and more. CURRICULUM DAYS 2013
Please check our school calendar below for important dates for 2013, with the following days having been approved by School Council for our Curriculum Days next year:
Tuesday 29th & Wednesday 30th January – School Organisation and Team Planning;
Monday 20th May – Assessment and Reporting
Friday 16th August - Strategic Plan
Please note that the first school day of 2013 for all students will be on Thursday 31st January 2013 It is important to take note of this date as there will be some variation between state schools. Further information regarding 2013 School Term dates can be found at: www.vic.gov.au/Victorian-School-Term-Dates.html
IN THE NEWS
The bad news… No doubt everyone has heard the horrific news out of the USA recently. I recently provided guidelines for our teaching personnel, in responding to students who express concerns or appear troubled by exposure to the media coverage of this event. As parents, it would be wise to have a ‘strategy’ for supporting your children through this event, given the media saturation that can make avoiding this news almost impossible. Included in this newsletter is an article from parenting educator, Michael Grose. In his article Help Kids Make Sense, he recommends a range of graded steps that you may consider in supporting your children to cope with this event. The good news… As well as there being only being one more day of school to go for 2012, there is an early finish (with Canteen open at recess time for snack and “early lunch” purchases – see below). I hope to see you at our early whole school Assembly @ 1:00pm tomorrow where we will congratulate our students on a fine year, acknowledge our 2013 student leaders (above) and farewell our Graduating Year 6 students – who will reprise their Graduation Song ‘Hall of Fame’. With the holidays upon us, I include another article from www.parentingideas.com.au ‘Making The Most Of These Holidays’. Whatever you may be doing over summer, please stay safe, enjoy time with your family and friends and have a joyous Christmas. Wishing you all a great New Year and see you in 2013 (with students beginning on Thursday January 31st). (And if you and your family use our school grounds during the holidays and see any suspicious activity, please call DEECD Emergency Management 9589 6266 or Whitehorse Police 9871 4111. Regards, Jason Walker – Principal [email protected] thinking respect responsibility attitude care
2013 IMPORTANT DATES Tuesday 29 January 10.00 – 11.00am
10.00am – 7.00pm
Uniform Shop Open in MPR
BLPS Office open - Parent Contribution Payments and Pupil Pack collection
Wednesday 30 January 9.00am – 5.00pm BLPS Office open - Parent Contribution Payments and Pupil Pack collection
Thursday 31 January 9:00am Term One commences – all students begin
Tuesday 19 February 7.30pm Parents Association Meeting – Staff Room
Monday 11 March Labour Day Public Holiday
Thursday 28 March 2:00 – 2:30pm Assembly (Term 1 concludes - early dismissal)
Monday 15 April 9:00am Term Two commences
Thursday 25 April ANZAC Day Holiday Monday 20 May Curriculum Day
Monday 10 June Queen's Birthday Holiday Friday 28 June 2:00 – 2:30pm Assembly (Term 2 concludes - early dismissal)
Monday 15 July 9:00am Term Three commences
Friday 16 August Curriculum Day
Friday 20 September 2:00 – 2:30pm Assembly (Term 3 concludes - early dismissal)
Monday 7 October 9:00am Term Four commences
Tuesday 5 November Melbourne Cup Holiday
Friday 20 December 1:00 – 1:30pm Assembly (last day of 2012 - early dismissal)
Wishing all “Blacky Lake” community members a very Merry Christmas!
2012 TERM FOUR DATES
Thursday 20 December 6:00pm Year 6 Graduation
Friday 21 December 1:00 – 1:30pm Assembly (final school day 2012 - early dismissal)
LOISIA’S LETTER – The Assistant Principal’s Message
Year Six Graduation Our annual Year Six Graduation Dinner and Ceremony will be held on Thursday 20th December in the David Jewel Centre. The graduating PowerPoint will commence at 6.00pm followed by dinner at 6.15pm. Parents and Staff are invited to the formal Graduation Ceremony commencing at 8.00pm Graduating Certificates as well as Community and School Awards will be presented at this ceremony.
Thank You As the end of year rapidly approaches, I wish to thank our teachers and the BLPS community who have provided so many educational highlights. Even though these experiences have been mentioned in the newsletter each week, I wish to formally say ‘thank you’ to the families and friends that have worked tirelessly to provide such rich educational and lifelong experiences for our students. I wish you all a safe and enjoyable Christmas break and look forward to ‘working together’ in 2013.
Regards, Loisia Steed – Assistant Principal [email protected]
MUSIC MATTERS!
Music Captain’s - Music Fact of the Week:
ARIA CHART SALES IN AUSTRALIA FOR 2012 Top Selling Album: ‘21’ by ADELE
Top Selling Single: ‘Call Me Maybe’ by Carly Rae Jepsen
PARENTS ASSOCIATION NEWS
President: Andrea P Vice President: Lynne W Treasurer: Rebekah R Secretaries: Nicole R & Lisa C
So show your support for the PA and or drop us a line via the PA mailbox in the school Foyer or send us an email at [email protected]
Canteen Lakers Lunches– Christmas has come early!! To finish off the school year, the Canteen will be opening at morning recess this Friday (11am to 11.30am). A limited number yummy drummies and party pies will available at $1 each as well as limited sausage rolls for $2. First in, best dressed on the day! There’s also some Christmas specials with red rock deli chips just $0.50 and frozen yogurts at $1.20 for Friday only – don’t miss out!! Drinks, icy poles and gingerbread men will also be available for purchase.
Mineral water $1.50 Paddle pops $1.50 Gingerbread kids $1.00
Up’n’Go $1.50 Sunny boys $1.00 Red Rock Deli chips $0.50
Juice Box $1.00 Quelch $0.50 Yummy drummies $1.00
Big M $1.50 Calippo mini $1.00 Party pies $1.00
Soft drink $2.00 Frozen yogurt $1.20 Sausage rolls $2.00
Miss Peppercorn will recommence their online lunch service on Monday 4 February 2013 and the canteen will re-open on that day as well, selling icy poles, chips and drinks. Wishing you all a safe and happy holidays. Amelia, Anni, Mandy and Nicola – the Canteen Committee
Christmas stall report Thank you very much to all the volunteers who helped at the recent Christmas Stall. Your time and help at such a busy time of year is really appreciated! The children really love bring able to choose something special for their family and friends. We also raised $932 for the PA.
Happy Holidays everyone! Simone Taylor & Robyn Williams
Merry Christmas all The BLPS Parents Association would like to wish all the BLPS staff, students and families a very Merry Christmas, Happy new year and a Safe and relaxing holiday.
Help needed from 2012 Prep Parents for next year’s
‘Tea & Tissues’ Each year it is a tradition at the school that the previous year’s Prep parents host a 'Tea & Tissues' morning, after drop off on the first day of the school year. This will be on the morning of Thursday 31 January 2013. We need some current Prep parents to attend and assist on the morning (and provide advice, shoulder to cry on and a friendly face to new parents at the school). If you can help, there is a sign up sheet on the Prep doors, or otherwise get in touch with Lisa C at [email protected] or call 0409 773 849, or Wendy M on 0407 797 774.
UNIFORM SHOP REOPENS TUESDAY 29 JANUARY from 10.00am – 11.00am
Diary date for 2013: First PA meeting Our first PA meeting next year will be on TUESDAY 19 FEBRUARY 2013 AT 7.30pm. We’d love to see you there, including if you’ve never been to a meeting before.
SCHOOL BANKING Wishing everyone a safe and happy holiday! I would like to thank my SB Team of mums who have generously volunteered their time every Wednesday - Jo B, Cynthia P, Katherine R, Danielle B, Nicola A, Alison A and Patricia S. We will be back next year and start the program again on Wednesday 6 February 2013. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED for 2013 Two of our lovely school banking mums are leaving us next year, so our team will be looking for new volunteers to help us in 2013. It only takes about 45 minutes every 3rd Wednesday of the school terms, and involves collecting and counting money then entering the amounts into a web-based system. If you would like more information or would like to help us out, please contact Vickie on 0419 773335. REWARD ITEMS 2013 Next year's rewards will include:
Torch Calculator Headphones Jacks blue Dollarmites Wallet Handball.
DOLLARMITES ACHIEVEMENT CERTIFICATE Congratulations to the following students for their great saving this year: GOLD certificate for making 30 deposits: Anna L, Nathan W Thanks everyone for supporting the School Banking Program. Regards, Vickie Liew, School Banking Coordinator M: 0419 773335
Holiday Club bookings are now OPEN!
This year Holiday Club will run from Monday 14th
January till Friday the 25th
January. We will also run for the Tuesday the 29
th January the following week. Hope to see you
there!
Last day of school: Friday 21st December
On the last day of school After School Care will run from 1:30-6pm, as there will be no lunch time on that day could each child please bring a snack to have during the night. As it is the last day we will provide food and a party! Congratulations to all of the students who received prizes for their amazing help this year and to all who received stickers on the star chart. Thank you to all of the staff, students and parents for a great term and making me feel so welcome! Have a safe and happy Christmas and New Year If you have any questions or queries please come and see me. Don’t forget to enroll for next year Emily Tapper Coordinator, Blackburn Lake PS OSHC
