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28/02/2019

Issue 3

PRINCIPAL: Angie O’Hare

PHONE: 9736 2233 WEBSITE: http://www.mtevelynps.vic.edu.au/website/ EMAIL: mount.evelyn.ps@edumail.vic.gov.au

Mount Evelyn Primary School NEWSLETTER

Principal’s Report We were delighted last Friday to be able to acknowledge our school leaders at the whole

school assembly. Bridget Vallence, the state member for Evelyn joined us to present leadership

badges and congratulate our young leaders. In her speech Ms Vallence spoke about the im-

portance of strong leadership and the positive impact that exemplary role modelling has on

those around us. It was great to see so many parents and family members at the assembly.

Feedback from our families

At Mount Evelyn PS we always welcome positive or constructive feedback. We see this as a

method of ensuring ongoing improvement and better meeting the needs of our school com-

munity. Whilst we do prefer feedback of the positive kind, we do realise that there are times

when families are concerned about their child’s learning or about a school process. We en-

courage parents to make contact with the classroom teacher to discuss or clarify any concerns

or issues. The teacher knows your child better than anyone else in the school and will be able

to address most concerns.

2019 House captains 2019 School captains

2019 Junior School Council Leaders 2019 ELearning Leaders

CALENDAR

2019

MARCH

Fri 1st

L5 LHSC discovery day

L3/4 Start Smart program

Tues 5th

Foundation Info evening 7-8pm

L6 Sports carnival

Thurs 7th

Evacuation Drill

Fri 8th

Whole School Assembly

Ride to School Day

Tues 12th March

Student Free Day

Wed 13th

School Council AGM 2pm

Tues 19th

Whole School Athletics day

Wed 20th

L5 - YHSC day

Thurs 21st

Harmony day

Reminders and

Key Dates

Tues 26th March

School Photos

Thurs 28th March

Student Free Day

Tues 2nd April

Billy Tea Bush Dance

Mon 6th May

Student Free Day

Wed 8th May

Mother’s Day Stall

Mon 3rd & Tues 4th June

School Production

BILLY TEA BUSH DANCE - Tuesday 2nd April

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The Arts Committee is excited to announce that the School Production for 2019 will be the theme;

‘Travels Afar’

&

‘Lion King Jnr.’

The foundation, level one and level two students will be dancing and singing their way around the world while the level

three to six students will be performing in ‘The Lion King junior’

The performances will be held at The George Wood Performing Arts Centre, Yarra Valley Grammar School on Monday June

3rd (A-K) and Tuesday June 4th (L-Z).

Rehearsals will begin very soon.

We will be looking for volunteers to help with jobs such as: Ticketing, costume making and/or washing costumes, face

painting on the night.

If you would be able to volunteer some time to make this a memorable experience for our students could you please

email Jenny Barker (Music Teacher).

barker.jennifer.j@edumail.vic.gov.au

At the meeting of school council last week, we looked at a number of updated policies and school council were happy to en-

dorse these. One of the policies was the Parent Concerns and Complaints Policy and we have included a copy of the policy in

this newsletter. The policy very clearly outlines the steps and processes to be followed if you have a concern. Please take the

time to read the policy. The updated policy will also be added to our website.

Child Safety

The protection of children and young persons is the responsibility of everyone who works at Mount Evelyn Primary School,

including its staff, contractors, parents and volunteers. We all share responsibility for promoting the wellbeing and safety of

children. Staff at our school have a responsibility to respond to the safety, care and welfare of students, in all environments

and outside of school hours. Mount Evelyn PS has zero tolerance for child abuse and is committed to acting in the best inter-

ests of children and to keeping them safe at all times.

Every person involved in Mount Evelyn Primary School has a responsibility to understand the important and specific role he/

she plays individually and collectively to ensure that the wellbeing and safety of all children and young people is at the fore-

front of all they do and every decision they make.

Access to our school Child Safe Standards, Mandatory Reporting and Engagement and Wellbeing policies is via the school web-

site under Policies.

Parents are reminded that a current Working With Children Check is required to volunteer in any school based activity.

School Council

The nomination period for membership of the 2019 school council has now closed. In the parent category we received five

nominations to fill the five vacancies and in the teacher category we received two nominations to fill the two vacancies. Thank

you to everyone who expressed interest and considered nominating. Joining our school council this year are Kathryn Vine,

Robyn Kefford, Danielle Grant- May, Jo Hunt, Lauren Spratt, Jenny Barker and Deb Johnson. Matt Stone will continue to join us

as a community representative.

I would also like to thank and acknowledge the retiring school councillors for their time and commitment to our school. We

very much appreciate your contribution.

Have a great week,

Angie and Helen

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Welcome to Music for 2019!

My name is Jenny Barker and I have been the music teacher at Mt Evelyn for 16 years!

My passion is music and it is my aim to instil a love of music to all the students. Outside

school, I play music in various Brass and Concert bands in the local area.

During holidays, I like to spend time with my adult children and also to go on cruises!- I’m

hooked!

I look forward to teaching your children this year and can’t wait for production!

In the music room this semester:

Foundation students will be introduced to different instruments and learn about beat and

rhythm.

The level one and two students began the term with singing songs and playing instruments with the songs.

The older students have been making up their own songs and rhythms and adding drumming patterns to these. They will be

continuing with learning drum circle rhythms on Djembes.

All of the students will participate in a drumming incursion later this term.

I am very excited to begin rehearsals for our school production later this term.

Also, at lunchtimes in the music room there is Level three to six choir, Recorder group and Clarinet group. Some of the choir

group are looking forward to performing later this year in the Victorian State Schools Spectacular at Melbourne Arena.

Welcome to Art for 2019!

Hi my name is Karen Johnston. I have been teaching for over 25 years. I have taught all

grades and specialists in this time. I particularly enjoy teaching visual arts and performing

arts. I also enjoy sustainability. My hobbies include reading, photography, scrapbooking,

card making and gardening.

Art Curriculum

The art curriculum is based on the Victorian Curriculum and combines the art elements

and principles with the areas, tools and media.

Elements and Principles

The art elements are the building blocks used to make artworks. They are:- colour & value,

line, space, form, texture and shape. We make art to express what we see, feel or imagine.

The art principles are the ways in which the art elements are combined in a work of art for

the personal expression of ideas. The art principals include contrast, repetition, pattern,

emphasis, balance, movement and unity.

Areas of visual arts are broken into two sections:- 2D which includes drawing, painting and printing; and 3D which includes

modelling, construction and threads and textiles. Tools used include hands, scissors, sticks and brushes. Media includes all

materials used to make art like paint, pencils, threads, clay, recycled objects etc.

This year students will use a variety of media and techniques combining the art elements and principles to produce different

pieces of art. Themes planned for the upcoming year so far are Dr Seuss, Fantasy, ANZAC, Ancient Egyptian Art, Op Art, Fa-

mous Artist studies, 2D & 3D Sculpture and Steam Punk.

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Welcome to Auslan for 2019!

My name is Kelsey Greig and I have been teaching Auslan at Mount Evelyn PS

since Term 4 2017. I have been signing for over ten years and continue to learn

about the language through professional development and participation in the

Deaf community. I have really enjoyed sharing my passion for the language with

students at Mount Evelyn and look forward to a positive, fun filled Term!

In Auslan this Semester

Foundation

We begin the term by learning basic greetings and common everyday words

such as please and thank you. Students will participate in fun games and learn a

number of nursery rhymes. In addition, students will learn about sign languages

around the world, what deafness is and how to communicate appropriately with deaf people.

Auslan Years1 & 2

We will begin the term by developing an understanding of our expectations and responsibilities during Auslan lessons. Stu-

dents will participate in individual and group activities to learn signs related to Colours, Fruit and Vegetables. Students will ex-

pand their knowledge of these categories by ‘Bringing it Together’ in our final topic of ‘Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.’

MEPS Newsletter

Welcome to Science for 2019!

The science of today is the technology of tomorrow.

My name is Trish Rathmell and I have been teaching science at Mt Evelyn Primary School for

2 years. My two favourite heroes are David Attenborough and Dr Karl. I love pets and ani-

mals and most things in the natural world. My dream is to travel and camp in the Kimberley

region of Western Australia!

Did you know that there are 90 different elements that make up the universe around us? The

basic foods we eat are made up from just four of these 90 elements, hydrogen, oxygen, carbon and nitrogen.

Anyhow, welcome to a productive 2019. Through the study of science, students will earn about our biological, chemical, geo-

logical, physical and technological world.

Students will find out what they think and know about the way living things grow and change in biological science. They will

participate in a range of activities related to the human body.

All children love hands-on experiments that shock and amaze them. During chemical science, students will learn about

changes in matter and will learn to think like a scientist.

Our earth is always adapting and students will learn about how human activity and the effects of climate change can impact

our planet. In addition, they will study the effects of weathering and erosion.

Through collaborative learning experiences, students will discover the power of force and motion and investigate sound and

vibration.

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Sport and Physical Education for Mount Evelyn Primary School 2019

Participation, Strength and Technique Each year the Physical Education Department strives to provide students with the opportunities to partic-

ipate, develop and excel in a variety of sports. This can be achieved in a number of ways. It is widely rec-

ognised that correct technical instruction is of paramount importance in the foundation of all sports.

Sporting bodies such as the Australian Football League and Football Federation of Australia agree that

athletes that have poor technique rarely excel in their chosen sport. With this in mind, during 2019, the

focus on technique has been elevated by providing a deeper technical tuition to all Mount Evelyn Primary

School students, no matter what the sport. I have sought to break down specific motor skills into smaller

movements and then teach these actions correctly – first as individual packages, but then as fluid consoli-

dated movements that make up the motor skill. There are many benefits to this approach. By coaching

technique correctly, I will be providing all students with the skills necessary to participate in game situa-

tions. Students who learn correct techniques are also more likely to do better in the chosen sport, and

success usually impacts participation rate.

Core Strength An initiative that will commenced this year across all levels at Mount Evelyn PS is the implementation of a

Core Strength Program. Core strength is extremely valuable in attaining a wide variety of physical skills

and abilities. Students who possess a good level of core strength acquire new techniques and skills far

more rapidly than students with poor core strength. The program consists of series of exercises that can

be done in the classroom or at home and which take no longer than 15 minutes a day. Each PE lesson

commences with a core strength component. The exercises are such that all students will benefit. They

will enhance the students who already have a solid core strength base, as well as assist all other students

in starting to develop a good foundation. The exercises are simple, fun and need no equipment and are

enjoyed by students.

Welcome to Sport and Physical Education

My name is Paul Harris and I am thrilled to be teaching Sport and Physical

Education at Mount Evelyn PS this year. I have taught sport and PE in a

number of schools and enjoy watching my students build their skills and

resilience. I am a proud and passionate Hawthorn supporter and a keen

Melbourne AFLW supporter. My hobbies include ultra marathons, travel

and anything to do with the beach.

Below is my vision and priorities for physical Education this year.

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MEPS Newsletter Dear Parents/ Guardians,

We will be holding our Parents’ Association Annual General Meeting on Friday March 15th at 2.30pm.

Parents and carers are invited to join us for an afternoon tea from 2.00pm in the community room to meet each other and find out more information, then stay for the AGM at 2.30 to officially join the committee.

The Parents Association is made up of parents and carers who are wish to enhance the Mt Evelyn Primary School Community. The main goal of the association is to encourage engagement throughout the school (between families, students, and teach-ers) as well as raise funds for projects not covered by standard government funding.

Within the committee there are four (4) executive roles that are required in order for the Association to operate;

President: Chairs monthly meetings; Spokesperson to and for parents; Delegating tasks for all activities.

Vice-President: Acts in place of President as required.

Secretary: Prepares and distributes agendas for each meeting; Records and distributes minutes for each meeting.

Treasurer: Responsible for keeping accurate records of all transactions; Prepares monthly report; Authorise expenditure of

PA funds (in conjunction with President and Principal).

Detailed Position Descriptions are available at the office.

All parents and guardians of Mount Evelyn Primary School are regarded as members of the Parents’ Association, and welcome to attend meetings. For those individuals that would like to have input, and voting rights, please complete the below registra-tion form. Please note that a registration fee of $1.00 per annum is required.

If you would like to join the Parents’ Association in 2019, please complete the following form/s. Membership and Nomination forms can be returned to the office or directly to the AGM (Friday March 15th, 2.00pm).

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Membership form – Mount Evelyn Primary School Parents’ Association

Yes, I would like to be a financial member of the Parents’ Association, receiving monthly agendas and minutes, and attending meetings as frequently as possible, to have my say, and vote on decisions to help make our school great for years to come.

Name: _____________________________ Phone: ____________________________

Email: _____________________________________________

Office use: $1.00 registration fee received Yes / No Date: __________________

Confidentiality agreement received Yes / No Date: __________________

Nomination form – Mount Evelyn Primary School Parents’ Association, Executive Committee (please circle)

President Vice- President Secretary Treasurer

Nominee*: Signature:

Moved by*: Signature:

Seconded by*: Signature:

* All individuals must be a parent/ guardian of a student attending Mt Evelyn PS, and be a financial member of the Parents’ Association.

PA News mtevpa@gmail.com

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Out of School Hours and Vacation Care

Highlights from OSHC

April 2019 Vacation Care Program

April Vacation Care and March Curriculum Day bookings are now open to families. Vacation Care booking forms are coming in

quickly so if you know the days you require care, please get your forms back to me ASAP!

When dropping off or picking up your children from our childcare service pleased use the allocated car spaces that are labelled

OSHC. These are located on the fence side of the gym car park. Payments on your family account can be processed at your

convenience when dropping off or picking up your children. EFTPOS is available or you can phone me between the hours of

6.00am-2.00pm and l can process your payment over the phone or in person. Please remember all childcare accounts are now

linked to the ATO by the Federal Government. Any outstanding account at the end of the financial year will be paid directly to

the childcare when lodging your tax return.

2019 Enrolment and booking forms (Curriculum Day, Vacation Care and Out of Hours Care) are available on our school website,

at the school office, OSHC front entrance and OSHC office. Session hours for our Before School care are 6.30am - 8.45am (Hot

breakfast available until 8.00am) and our After School care is from 3.30pm - 6.30pm. Curriculum Day and Vacation Care hours

are 6.30am - 6.30pm.

If you have any questions on the new subsidy rates or if you would like more information about our Vacation Care, Curriculum

day, Before or After Care programs please contact Melissa at the OSHC office (learning street) Monday – Friday 6.00am –

2.00pm, email osh@mtevelynps.vic.edu.au or phone 9736 2233. - Mel and the Team

Day/Date Program

Mon 8th April Multi Media Day

Tues 9th April Athletics Sports Incursion

Wed 10th April Inflatable World Excursion

Thurs 11th April Street Dance Incursion

Fri 12 th April Messy Day

Mon 15th April Go Kart Incursion

Tues 16th April Reading Cinemas Excursion

Wed 17th April Basket Ball Incursion

Thurs 18th April Easter Activities

Fri 19th April Good Friday Closed

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MT. EVELYN NETBALL

CLUB INC

Winter Season 2019

Registrations

Registrations are now open If you are interested in playing grading is on

Tuesday 5th February U9’s & U11’s 4.00-5.00pm

U13”s, U15’s & U17’s 5.00-6.00pm

at the Netball clubrooms,Morrison Reserve, Mt Evelyn.

If you are interested please call Sheelagh 9736

1132/0438088122 to put your name on the list and answer

queries Winter Season commences 3nd March 2019

MEPS Newsletter

WANTED

We are in need of some mulch to

spread in the gardens around the

school. If you work for or know of

an organisation that would be

able to help us out, please contact

the school office.

Thank you

Mt Evelyn Chess Club. The Mt Evelyn Chess Club started up again Monday 11th Feb, 7pm til 9pm at Hardy House, the RSL Hall, 49 Birmingham Road Mt Evelyn. All welcome – be-ginners to players. Is anyone available to run the Chess Club from early May to mid July as Tim will be overseas. Email Tim on therlihyau@gmail.com or phone 0419 102 380.

This club is supported by the Mt Evelyn Township Group, the Mt Evelyn RSL and a grant from Yarra Ranges Council to purchase the competition standard chess sets and clocks. Gold coin donation.

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Parent Concerns and Complaints Policy

Rationale: Unresolved issues, or issues that are perceived by either party to be unresolved have the potential to be damaging to the important relationships that must exist between schools and the parents/guardians of the children that they serve. Clarity regarding an appropriate process is important.

Aim:

These guidelines and processes seek to assist parents who are raising concerns or making a complaint that is related to the school or their child’s education.

It is important to remember that:

The school should always be the first point of contact

concerns are best resolved at the school

a complaint can be withdrawn at any time

it may not always be possible to resolve an issue to your complete satisfaction

DET expects that most complaints will be resolved by the school - that is at Step 2 or Step 3 of the follow-ing process.

Implementation:

How do I raise an issue or make a complaint?

Each step is explained in more detail on the following pages.

Step 1: Clarify the issue (what is the problem?)

Step 2: Contact the teacher

Step 3: Contact the Principal or Assistant Principal

Step 4: Contact the Regional Office

Step 5: Contact the DET Central Office

Evaluation: This policy will be reviewed as part of the school’s three year review cycle.

This policy was last ratified by School Council on February 20th, 2019

Mount Evelyn Primary School

School Policies Manual

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How do I raise an issue or make a complaint?

Step 1: Clarify the issue (what is the problem?)

Before you approach the school or your child's teacher:

be clear about the topic or issue you wish to discuss

focus on the things that genuinely affect your child

always remain calm and remember you may not have all the facts relating to the circumstances of the topic or issue you wish to discuss

think about what an acceptable outcome would be for you and your child

be informed; check the DET policies or guidelines, where relevant

ask the school for a copy of their complaints policy

Step 2: Contact the teacher

There are a number of ways in which you can raise any concerns you have about your child. You may choose to:

write a note or email to your child's teacher outlining your concerns

make an appointment to speak on the phone or in person with the class teacher or Level Team Leader

consider speaking with the school's Student Wellbeing Coordinator if you feel that is appropriate

arrange any meeting times or phone calls through the school office (this is more convenient for both you and your child's teacher and does not interrupt teachers during the time they need to be with their students).

Remember that the Class Teacher / Level Team Leader, together with others who may be involved, should be giv-en a reasonable amount of time to take the steps required to resolve or address your concerns.

Step 3: Contact the Principal or Assistant Principal

Most concerns are resolved by following the first two steps above. However, if the issue remains unresolved after you have approached your child's teacher or other school staff, you can then ask to see the Assistant Principal or Principal.

To do this, you are requested to make an appointment through the School Office. Be aware that circumstances may require that:

the Principal may ask another senior staff member to speak with you on their behalf

if a teacher is going to be present at the meeting, then the meeting is more likely to occur outside of classroom hours.

If your concern is related to issues of school policy, these should be raised more formally (in writing) with the Prin-cipal or with a letter to School Council. The postal address for the school is PO Box 249, Mount Evelyn, 3796.

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Step 4: Contact the North Eastern Victoria Regional Office

If you still feel that your complaint has not been addressed satisfactorily after speaking to the Class Teacher and the Principal, you can then contact the North Eastern Victoria Regional Office.

A regional Community Liaison Officer will be able to provide you with advice and assistance and, if required, direct your complaint to other regional staff.

The Regional Director will ensure that any formal written complaint is reviewed.

It is the Regional Office's responsibility to:

ensure that complaints, wherever possible, are resolved at the school.

ensure that procedures at the school are in accordance with the DET regulatory framework.

The Regional Office may refer your complaint to other areas or branches within DET. You will be notified of this and of any major delays in addressing your complaint.

Step 5: Contact the DET central office

Contact with the DET central office should only take place if all other steps have not led to a satisfactory resolu-tion. Where possible, all contact should be in writing.

General Information:

You may be supported at any meeting by a friend, colleague or a representative from a support organisation.

Parents and caregivers have a number of rights including the right to obtain copies of Departmental policies and procedures.

For further information for parents and caregivers visit:

http:/www.education.vic.gov.au/about/contact/parentcomplaint.htm.