Karoo News

Term 2 Week 11 Thursday 25th June, 2020

JUNE 2020

Friday 26th June PJs Day—gold coin donation

Early Dismissal for End of Term 2 A-I : 2:20pm J-P : 2:25pm Q-Z : 2:30pm

JULY 2020

Monday 13th July First day of Term 3 (note new staggered start/finish times)

Term Dates 2020

Term 2: Tues 14 Apr — Mon 26 Jun Term 3: Mon 13 July—Fri 18 Sept Term 4: Mon 5 Oct—Fri 18 Dec

Respect Responsibility Excellence Honesty & Fairness

Tolerance & Understanding

Karoo Calendar Principal’s Comments

Return to School I would like to acknowledge and thank the school community for supporting the students as they returned to school. It has been a great effort by everyone! We have received many positive comments of support. I appreciate the parents who have offered suggestions and made me aware of some situations in regards to school drop offs and pick-ups, always willing to take on board feedback.

The necessity to have two separate recess and lunch breaks has been a challenge for the staff. They have been allocated additional yard duties, there have been significant changes to the timetable which has impacted on learning time for the students. It was our intent to ensure that all students had access to every Specialist area on their return to school.

A ‘big shout out’ and thank you to the staff for their co-operation and support! At the time of writing this article I have received no further updates from DET in relation to staggered start and finish times. Please check Compass regularly for updates. Buildings and Grounds The Buildings and Grounds subcommittee are currently obtaining quotes to install new edging around the Foundation playground. The design we intend to have will allow the students to sit on the edge and also ensure that the soft fall doesn’t get kicked out onto the grass.

They are also looking to do a ‘make over’ of the pathway and garden bed on Murrindal Drive. The pathway needs to be redefined, weeds removed and mulch added. We are hoping to have some work completed by a gardener and will then be seeking parent support at a Working Bee in Term 3 (dependent on COVID restrictions). Lawn Maintenance Our current contractor has informed School Council that he intends to cease mowing the school lawns. We are hoping that the work can be completed by someone in the local community. If you would like more information please contact the school office and we will forward your details to Andrea Haley (School Council President) or Ben McFarlin (Buildings and Grounds Convenor).

A process is necessary to receive and review quotations. Interested contractors will require a ride on mower, Public Liability insurance and a current Working With Children Check. Semester One Student Reports and Parent Teacher Interviews Semester One reports were uploaded to Compass on Wednesday 24th June. We anticipate holding Parent Teacher Interviews via Webex and/ or onsite later in Term 3, details and further information will be available next term. This will be dependent on COVID-19 restrictions and guidelines. Karoo Website The Marketing and Grants sub-committee have met recently to discuss the content for our new website. Early in Term One we had a photographer take some inspirational photos of our school environment and students at work and play. We are excitedly looking forward to launching the new website in Term 3. Curriculum Day Term 3 School Council have approved a Curriculum Day on Monday 27th July (week 3). We had intended to hold this day in Term 2 however were unable to proceed as it was not possible to have the presenters onsite and staff were working from home. Out of School Hours Care will be running an activity day for students, more information available tomorrow. The purpose of the day is have Professional Learning on a whole school approach to writing. The Leadership Partners who support staff will be presenting along with Emma Finnerty our Literacy Learning Specialist. School Grounds during the holidays The school grounds will remain locked during the school holidays. It is necessary to limit the accessibility to play ground equipment and school facilities as we continue to adhere to COVID restrictions and follow guidelines.

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Phone: 9759-6222 Fax: 9759-6211 Email: karoo.ps@edumail.vic.gov.au Web: http://www.karoops.vic.edu.au

UNIFORM SUPPLIER

Klad Sport 2/8 Macro Court, Rowville Ph: 9763 0266

Open: Monday - Friday : 8:30am-4:30pm / Saturday: 9:00am-1:00pm

Uniform List available from office.

All camps, excursions and assemblies

cancelled/postponed until further notice.

VISITORS TO THE

SCHOOL

All visitors to the school must

report first to the office,

observing social distancing and

hand sanitising requests.

LATE ARRIVALS

Come in to the office to be

signed in and receive a late

pass. Office staff will take the

student to class.

EARLY PICK UP

Come in to the office to sign the

child out. Office staff will have

the student brought down to the

office.

Parents are requested to remain

out side the gates at all other

times. Thank you.

FRIDAY 26TH JUNE —END OF TERM 2 :

Early dismissal times:

PRINCIPAL’S COMMENTS continued Term 3 Staggered Starts We will continue to have students arrive and depart next term at staggered times according to surname, as has been the practice this term. It is our intent to continue to ensure adults are following recommended social distancing regulations.

Please continue to use the allocated gates and follow parking time limits in Karoo Rd and Murrindal Drive. Importantly the Staff Carpark is not to be used by parents. These arrangements will allow us to follow our regular timetable which will provide more learning time for the students.

New times for Term 3 commencing Monday 13th July :

Wishing our school community a safe and happy holiday.

Please continue to check updates on Compass during the holidays.

Leanne Vines Principal

Surname Drop Off time Pick Up time

A-I 8.45am 3.20pm

J-P 8.50am 3.25pm

Q-Z 8.55am 3.30pm

KAROO READ TO SUCCEED Karoo Read to Succeed Karoo Read to Succeed will commence on the first day of Term 3, Monday July 13th 2020 and finish on the last day of Term 3, Friday September 18th 2020. To participate, students simply need to read a set number of books, depending on their year level. Please see below for details. Every Karoo student will receive a reading record to record the books they have read for the Challenge. When finished, these reading records need to please be returned to the Library.

Prep to 2: 20 books to be read/heard from the following categories:

2 non-fiction books. 2 books recommended by a family member. 1 book recommended by a friend. 5 books from the school library which have a blue sticker on the spine. 10 books of personal choice.

Years 3 to 6: 8 books to be read from the following categories:

1 non-fiction book. 1 novel by an unknown author. 1 novel of a new genre/type, e.g. fantasy, adventure, historical. 1 picture story book. 1 book recommended by a family member. 1 book recommended by a friend. 2 books of personal choice.

Student Achievements To celebrate student achievements, every student that completes the Karoo Reading Challenge will be given a bookmark from the library, a certificate and an entry into the prize draw. Certificates and prize draw will occur at assembly during Term 4. One student from each year level, chosen from the draw, will win an amazing book prize.

All Karoo students will receive their reading record at the start of Term 3 and we look forward to all students participating in the challenge.

Happy reading! Mrs Corrales and Mrs Mitchell

Meet our 2020 School Councillors ...

Leanne Vines As Principal of Karoo Primary School my role on School Council is the Executive Officer. This role includes informing the Council on educational matters relating to the Department of Education and the progress of the school’s Strategic Plan and Annual Implementation Plan. As Principal it is my role to lead curriculum development and implementation; appoint and manage staff; manage student wellbeing, discipline and academic progress; oversee maintenance and improvement of facilities. I meet regularly with our School Council President and members of sub committees to ensure ongoing

communication is maintained. I was thrilled and proud to be appointed to the Principal position at Karoo Primary School in 2019. I have a five year contract and look forward to continuing to work with the school community to ensure all our students are learning in a safe and secure environment. This is my 11th year at Karoo, I have seen significant changes during these years to improve and maintain the facilities. In regards to student learning I am passionate about ensuring every student is supported, encouraged and provided with every opportunity to be a successful learner. Ultimately of great importance to student learning is their wellbeing, the emotional and social needs of students are of great interest to me.

Danielle Heatley My name is Danielle Heatley and I joined School Council when I came to Karoo in October 2019 as the Assistant Principal. I thoroughly enjoy working alongside staff, students and families in close partnerships that strive towards providing an effective and stimulating school environment that allows everyone to be their best. I believe that teachers, students and parents all play an integral role in a school and being a part of school council supports

these links to be transparent. This year I am convening the Education committee and a part of the Marketing committee and Finance committee. My goals are to ensure the parent and wider community is abreast of the effective teaching and learning that takes place at Karoo PS. I have a passion for curriculum, coaching and student leadership and love being part of the strong community that is Karoo.

Kim Davidson My name is Kim Davidson and I’m thrilled to be on school council for another year. I really enjoyed being on school council last year, and getting to know everyone who was a part of it. I enjoy working with Karoo staff, teachers, parents and the community to help

support and enhance student learning. This year I’m on the Finance and Education Committee.

Andrea Haley I'm Andrea Haley, mum to Bridget in 6L, and to Charlotte who will start at Karoo in 2024. As President, I chair the School Council meetings, and meet regularly with the School Principal. In my 6 years on Council, I have enjoyed being involved in the governance and oversight of the school, and our part in providing the environment for our students to shine.

Robyn Mowat My name is Robyn Mowat and I am proud to be a teacher at Karoo since 2015. I chose to be involved in the School Council this year as I am passionate about being developing the direction the school takes for our students. I value the connection between parents, students and

staff, and want to help provide the environment that best facilitate our students to learn and flourish. I am a member of the Building and Ground committee and look forward to creating a wonderful learning space with the subcommittee.

Fiona Robinson My name is Fiona Robinson and this is my family’s 13th year at Karoo with my son now in year 12 and daughter in year 9. I currently have Ashlee in grade 5. I have seen many changes at Karoo over the years but it continues to be a hap-py, safe environment for our children to learn and grow. Being a part of School Council I have learnt a lot about what is involved in running the school and it has given me a new found appreciation for the amazing work our staff do every day. I would encourage anyone to come along to a School Council meeting and get more involved especially if your children are just starting their schooling jour-ney.

Michelle Davies My name is Michelle Davies. I am currently teaching Year 6. I have taught many year levels and specialist classes during my time at Karoo, however, this is my first time being part of School Council. I look forward working with school council and the Education Sub Committee

to assist in further enhancing the school's commitment to providing quality education and environment to our students.

James Lancaster G’day, I’m James Lancaster. I have two daughters at Karoo, Bella in Grade 6 and Soph in year 4. I joined the school council in 2019 because I‘m interested to learn about how the school operates, and to contribute to the school community. This year I’ve been elected Vice

President and I’m on the Building & Grounds sub-committee. If see you me at school or in the local area please come up and say hello and have a chat.

Sarah Elliott Hi, I’m Sarah, mum to Sam in Year 2, Jacob in 4yo kinder and

Jocelyn who is 2. This is my first year on school council, and also my

first year as co-president of the Karoo Parent’s Association. I am still

unsure of what I have got myself into, but I am looking forward to

being able to play an active role in contributing to the already terrific school

community that Karoo is. This year I will sit on the fundraising sub-committee.

Kitrina Taylor My name is Kitrina Taylor. I have 2 children- a son in Grade 5 and a daughter in Grade 3. My husband and I moved over to Melbourne from New Zealand in 2015. Being part of the school community has been a great way to get to know people and build relationships. I have

been on the KPA for the past 4 years and have had fun being an active part of the school community. I chose to go on school council as I thought it would be inter-esting to learn more about how the school functions, and become involved in the decision making process.

Ben McFarlin My name is Ben McFarlin, and I have 2 sons who attend Karoo

Primary School – Will in 1C, and Alex in Foundation B. I also have a

12-year-old son, Darcey, who does not attend the school. I’m look-

ing forward to contributing to the school, particularly in the area of

buildings and grounds. I’m a long suffering Melbourne Demons supporter, and

also write a weekly blog called Launching Dad.

Kylie May My name is Kylie May. I have two daughters currently at Karoo - Olivia in Grade 6 and Georgia in Grade 3. This will be my second year on School Council and I will be involved in the Outside School Hours Care Sub Committee, Fundraising Sub Committee and the Marketing and Grants

Sub Committee. I am also a long time member of KPA. Being a member of School Council enables me to be work with like minded people who have a keen interest in ensuring Karoo continues to provide an outstanding learning environment for our children.

Mark Oudshoorn Hi, I’m Mark Oudshoorn, father of Bethany in Grade 5 and Luke in

Grade 2. I’m starting my second term on Karoo’s School Council and

have been mainly involved with the Marketing and Grants sub-

committee. I’ve also accepted the role of Secretary for the current

council term. I’ve enjoyed getting more involved in the life of Karoo over the last

two years and look forward to working alongside the other councillors to improve

what is already a fantastic public school. Stay tuned later in the year when we

launch our new school website!

Simon Cowan Simon is the Vice President and has one son in 5T, and two that are now at sec-ondary school.

Sam Forder My name is Sam Forder. I have one daughter at Karoo in grade 4 and a son in Year 7.This is my first year on School Council and I’ve taken on the role of Treasurer. I have spent the last few years contributing to the school via the KPA and I now look forward to

doing this through School Council.

If you have a child starting Foundation next year,

please come into the office and collect

2021enrolment form.

School Tours have been postponed

until further notice.

MULTILINGUAL COVID-19 INFORMATION

EthnoLink Languages Services has set up a multilingual resource library dedicated to COVID-19 (Coronavirus).

Visit the site -

COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Multilingual Resource Library

Currently they have information available in 24 languages (more to come) from Health authorities at Federal, State

and Global levels.

Hello!

We have a number of unnamed jumpers in lost property at the moment as you can see from the image below. We also have two unnamed pairs of tracksuit pants. There are also a number of small items which are still looking for their owners, including a pair of prescription glasses, house keys and captains’ badges.

Please ask your child to come and have a look at the end of each day next week in Room 22.

Mrs Corrales

OUT OF SCHOOL HOURS CARE (OSHC) CURRICULUM DAY PROGRAM—MONDAY 27TH JULY

A Curriculum Day program to Big Slides, an indoor play centre, has been organised for Curriculum Day on Monday 27th July - bookings are essential. To book please download and print both pages of the Information/Permission form from the Compass notification posted this week. Permission forms and payment of $50 are to be returned to the School Office or OSHC by 6pm on Thursday 16th July. This program will only go ahead if sufficient numbers book. Parents will be notified via Compass whether or not the program will run. Please Note If you wish your child/ren to attend this Curriculum Day program please ensure they are currently enrolled in Outside School Hours Care (enrolment available online at www.smartcentral.net/v2/service_profile/show/409 ($10 registration fee per family is payable).

Neither Karoo Primary School nor the Department of Education endorses the product or services of any private advertiser. No responsibility is accepted by Karoo Primary School or Department of Education for accuracy of information contained in advertisements or claims made by them.