PRINCIPAL’S PIECE What is my favourite thing in the world? Trae and Genae asked me this last year in their letters. It wasn’t too hard to answer this great question. My favourite thing is to go snorkelling. I love seeing the wonderful underwater world. I have swum with sharks, manta rays, turtles and many colourful and exquisite fish. I have even seen Nemo! I have snorkelled in Fiji and on the Great Barrier Reef. My favourite reefs were at Lady Elliot Island.

STUDENT SAFETY Last week there was much publicity around hoax threatening calls to some schools across the country. Tatura Primary School was not involved. I wish to reassure you that we, along with all schools in Victoria, have an emergency plan in place for such events and it is practised regularly. I took the opportunity to have an emergency evacuation drill last week. Students were reminded of the need to follow teacher instructions, walk to the evacuation point and to remain calm. The safety and wellbeing of our students is paramount.

TATURA POOL BBQ Thanks to everyone who attended the Pool Party on Friday last week. We had many staff and parents there to enjoy the balmy evening with so many of our students. The BBQ was a success, earning over $300 for the School Council fundraising committee. Thanks to Jill, Noel, Natalie, Andy and others who contributed to this successful evening.

HI FROM OUR NEW TEACHERS “Hi, I'm Katrina Maskell and I teach the wonderful 5/6C. I grew up in Shepparton and completed my

university degree over in Bendigo. I love sport and enjoy most outdoor activities. I'm very excited to be teaching at Tatura Primary School in 2016 and look forward to meeting you all.” “Hello, I'm Justine Miller and you can find me in 3/4C. This year I have moved back home to Tatura after completing my University studies at La Trobe, Bundoora. Tatura Primary is extra special to me as it's where I came to school myself! When I get time to myself I love to read and I also enjoy music and the outdoors. I've already had a great first few weeks here at Tatura Primary and I'm looking forward to getting to know more of the students, the parents and the helpers as the year progresses.”

VOLUNTEERS We love volunteers. There are so many opportunities to volunteer at TPS. You are reminded that all parents, guardians, etc., are required to have a Working With Children Check to volunteer at the school. A volunteer WWCC is free (except for the cost of passport photos approx. $17 at AusPost). Forms can be downloaded online at www.workingwithchildren.vic.gov.au

SCHOOL COUNCIL If you would you like an opportunity to have a say in your child’s education and find out more about the running of the school, why not join our school council? There are currently 5 parent member vacancies. Further information and nomination forms are attached to this newsletter. Please see me if you have any questions about School Council.

REMINDER LEVIES: The $55 student supplies payment is now overdue. Could payments please be finalised. Birth certificates and immunisation Certificates are still required by some families. Please provide these documents to the office as soon as possible.

MEET & GREET It was great to see parents attend the Meet and Greet last night with their students. It was an opportunity to meet your child’s teacher and see what wonderful work they have been doing this term already. If you were unable to attend, your child will have an important information brochure to take home today. It outlines the expectations and programs that operate in the classroom and within their particular section.

CROSSING SAFETY I joined the Foundation and new students on their School Crossing Induction last Thursday. We all now know how to cross safely and should be sharing the learnings with parents at home. As I said earlier, the safety of our students is paramount and we all have a role to play in keeping them safe. Please remember to drive carefully through the crossings and near the car parks.

BADGE PRESENTATION On Monday at assembly, our newly elected leaders will receive their badges. A full list of recipients will be in next week’s newsletter.

Susanne Gill PRINCIPAL

TATURA PRIMARY SCHOOL NEWSLETTER

Phone: 5824 1684 Fax: 5824 1898 Before School Care: 0417 554 094 (BSC cancellations only)

Email: tatura.ps@edumail.vic.gov.au Website: www.taturaps.vic.edu.au

February 10th, 2016 Term 1, Week 3

SCHOOL TIMETABLE

CHILDREN TO UNPACK BAGS/FRUIT

AND ENTER CLASSROOM

8:50AM

SCHOOL INSTRUCTION

COMMENCES

9.00AM

FRESH FRUIT/VEGETABLE- AND

WATER BREAK

(small piece easily eaten while

working)

10.00AM

RECESS

11.00AM– 11.30AM

FRESH FRUIT/VEGETABLE AND

WATER BREAK (junior grades if needed)

12.00PM

LUNCH-1.30pm -1.40pm

supervised eating

1.30PM-2.30PM

2.05PM yard duty bell

BUS TRAVELLERS DISMISSED 3.25PM

SCHOOL DISMISSED

3.30PM

STUDENT OF THE WEEK

1/2A Kaitlyn Bowman For fantastic detail, confidence and taking care when creating her “dot” artwork. Well done. 1/2B Ryley McKenna For a settled start to school and showing kindness to new students to our school. 1/2C Marcus Perry For starting off the year really well, setting a good example for others. Keep it up! 3/4A Shakara Ralph For showing outstanding organisation, time management & leadership skills. What a brilliant start! 3/4C Griffin Snelling For making a great start to grade 3. He has been making good decisions in the classroom and trying his best. Keep up the great work! 5/6A Travis Perry We congratulate Travis on his excellent leadership assisting the Yr 5 students during their first week of being in the senior section. A great role model.

SICKBAY DUTY

This Week: Kim Mann Next Week: Emily Downie

FREE FRUIT FRIDAY PARENT

ROSTER

Sponsored by

This Week - Friday February 12th:

Alison Dellar, Marni Stevens & Nicole Hart

Next Week - Friday February 19th: Amanda Ross & Alana Cope

PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOU CHECK THE PARENT ROSTER

AND IF UNABLE TO ATTEND PLEASE LET THE OFFICE

STAFF KNOW SO THAT WE CAN ORGANISE A

REPLACEMENT HELPER.

Please collect laundry from the office on Friday afternoons.

OFFICE HOURS: 8:30AM - 4:00PM

ABSENSE NOTES: If your child is going to be/were absent, please fill in an absence note available from the office or provide a handwritten note to your child’s teacher providing the reason your child was not at school.

SCHOOL BANKING: Student banking is available every Tuesday through the Commonwealth Bank’s School Banking Program. Account opening information can be obtained from the school office.

REMINDER: Students are required to bring a box of tissues to

share with their classmates throughout the year.

We do not provide tissues to students.

AVAILABLE FOR SALE:

1 x Size XS 2016 Grade 6 Polo Shirt

Please contact the office to purchase

SICKBAY LAUNDRY DUTY ROSTER

We are currently seeking volunteers to be placed on the sickbay laundry roster for 2016. Linen for washing is to be collected from the office on Friday afternoons after 2:30pm and returned the following Monday morning.

I …………………………………………………………………………. would be pleased to be placed on the sickbay laundry roster.

Signed:……………………………………………………………………

LOVE A LIBRARY BOOK

CAN YOU HELP! Throughout the year we receive new books for our Library that require covering. The contact will be pre-

cut and the books ready to go. IF REQUIRED WE WILL HAPPILY SHOW YOU HOW TO COVER. If you would be able to assist

us in this task please fill in this slip and return it to school. Your assistance would be greatly appreciated as this allows for

books to be quickly placed in circulation for the students.

Thank you.

Name……………………………………………………… Contact number…………………………………………

FREE FRUIT FRIDAY’S NOW FOR ALL GRADES

COMMENCING FRIDAY 12TH FEBRUARY

PARENT HELPER ROSTER

To encourage healthy eating habits in children the school receives sponsorship which enables us to provide fresh fruit to students one day

a week free of charge. We are in need of volunteers to assist with the washing, peeling, cutting and sorting of fruit for distribution to all

students. The fruit is distributed to students before their 10am fruit break. We ideally have 3 people rostered on for this role and it takes

approximately 45 minutes. If you are able to assist please complete the form below and return to the school by Tuesday 9th February.

Yes I am able to assist with Free Fruit Friday by washing, peeling, cutting and sorting fruit for distribution before the 10am fruit break. I

am happy to share my phone number with the other helpers for the purpose of arranging a swap of days should the need arise.

Name:………………………………………………………. Telephone:……………………………………... Signed:…………………………………………….

PARENTS AND FRIENDS COMMITTEE 2016

Our first meeting for 2016 was held on Monday February 8th following assembly.

There were lots of new ideas exchanged and it was great to have such a great response from parents.

Our next meeting will be held on Monday February 22nd after assembly. New faces always welcome.

Dust off your runners, it’s that time of year again!

Save the date … Sunday April 17th, 2016

Tatura Primary School Fun Run Come along for a morning of fun and fitness.

Family, friends and neighbours…everyone is welcome!!

Dedicated runners, walkers and families, young and old are encouraged to join in on this annual event on the school calendar. Their will once again be a 10km, 5km and 3km run as well as a 3 km family walk, with drink stations along the way. All routes leave from the school grounds in Service Street.

Registration forms are available from the school office or at

http://www.taturaps.vic.edu.au/

A BBQ and milkshake stand will be available throughout the morning.

All proceeds to go towards TPS programs and facilities.

Not a runner, not a problem! We would also appreciate parents making themselves available to help on the day with marshalling, record keeping, drink stations, as course guides, catering, etc.

Foundation: Our 24 Foundation students have made a terrific start to the school

year, already enjoying our Buddy program, the Developmental Curriculum room (DC

room) and Adventure playground. Under Miss Farrar’s care the children have settled

in very well.

1/2s: This year we have 3 classes in the 1/2 area. Our first days at school have

focused on the Start-up program (developing our class routines, organisation and set

of values) as well as P. E, Art, Social Skills and Italian.

This week we will begin our theme “Toys & Games: Old and New” as well as

multi-groups (Science, Health and ICT).

Tanz, Shannon and Robbie

made a model of the

Leaning Tower of Pisa!

Our reading program is now underway. Each morning at the 8:50 bell, we settle

down to read at our tables. The children practise independently, read to a parent

or their teacher. The children bring home their reader and reader

pocket each day. Please help your child learn to be organised by

returning their reader pocket to their school bag after reading.

We made pictures

using pattern blocks.

The 2016 Junior section team:

Room 1 Foundation Ms Rachel Farrar

Room 14 1/2A Ms Leesa Kirkman

Room 12 1/2B Mrs Donna Crosbie

Room 13 1/2C Mrs Pru Fraser

We will be supported with Literacy

support by Kerry Morse.

Freddy is again supporting our

LOTE Italian program.

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

GOWRIE PARK FUN GROUP 2016 The Gowrie Park Kindergarten, Tatura, runs a 3yr old Fun Group session on Friday mornings from 9am-12noon. Enrolments are now being taken. Please contact Kinder teacher, Linda by telephoning 03 5824 1602 BERRY STREET FOSTER CARER INFORMATION NIGHT Currently there is a large demand for more foster carers in the Shire Of Strathbogie, Shire Of Mitchell & Shire Of Murrindindi. Come along to an information night to find out how you can become a registered foster carer and care for children and young people who cannot live with their families. Date: Tuesday 23rd February 2016 Time: 6.00 pm – 7.00pm Venue: 110 Wyndham Street Shepparton (Berry Street Building) RSVP: Friday 19th February 2016 to Janene or Annie on 58228 100 or humefostercare@berrystreet.org.au POST SEPARATION CO-OPERATIVE PARENTING PROGRAM 3 Hour Seminar to help separated parents have healthy and strong relationships with their children. Seminar includes:

Ways of communicating with the other parent

Impact of separation and conflict on children

Setting goals for future parenting Once participants complete the Intake Process they are registered to attend the seminar. To register or for more information please contact: Berry Street, Post Separation Services. Phone 5822 8100. MOOROOPNA EDUCATION & ACTIVITY CENTRE What is on at Mooroopna Education & Activity Centre for February 2016: Craft Card 1pm – 4pm 1st & 3rd Tuesday of the month Even Stitchers 1pm-4pm 2nd & 4th Tuesday of the month Art Gold coin donation 10am – 12noon Wednesday Craft 9am-12noon every week $2.00 9th February to 1st March: Computers for Beginners 9.30pm – 12.00pm $100 19th February, 26th February: iPad for Beginners 9.30am-11.30am $35.00 26th February: Mooroopna Blue Light 7pm-10pm Exercises classes have already started but you can come along at any time we have Tai Chi/Qigong, Healthy Hearts, Circuit, Men’s class, Strong Moves, day and evening classes and many more. MEAC are agents for V/Line tickets. For these and any other enquires please contact MEAC on 58251774. TATURA BASKETBALL AUTUMN COMPETITION Tatura Basketball Autumn Competition will commence February 29th. This competition is open to ages 8-16 (must still be 16 on 30th June 2016).

Registration Night: 6-7.30pm Monday February 8th, upstairs at Tatura Stadium. Registration and Payment must be made on this night. Can past players please return any playing singlets they may have on registration night. For further information please contact Lisa Cullum, President, at taba@viberts.com.au or on 0428242889. TATURA NETBALL ASSOCIATION Training and team selections to play for Tatura in the Shepparton Netball Association Saturday competition in 2016 are fast approaching! Join a friendly, competitive, community-based club that encourages leadership & excellence in netball. Training & team selections will be held on 25 February, 1 March, 3 March, 8 March & 10 March at the Tatura netball courts, Hastie Street, Tatura at 6:00pm. 11 & Under and 13 & Under (Primary age groups) 13 & Under, 15 & Under and 17 & Under (Secondary age groups) Registration on 25th February. All abilities welcome. Parents & prospective coaches & team managers are most welcome. Everyone plays at Tatura! Contact Simon Pogue for more details by phoning: 0417 305 637 or email: taturanetballassoc@hotmail.com .org.au

Tatura Primary School

School Council Election 2016 - Information for Parents

What is a school council and what does it do?

All government schools in Victoria have a school council. They are legally constituted bodies that are given powers to

set the key directions of a school within statewide guidelines. In doing this, a school council is able to directly influence

the quality of education that the school provides for its students. Who is on the school council?

For most school councils, there are three possible categories of membership:

A mandated elected Parent category - more than one-third of the total members must be from this category.

Department of Education and Training (DET) employees can be Parent members at their child's school as long

as they are not engaged in work at the school.

A mandated elected DET employee category - members of this category may make up no more than one-third

of the total membership of school council. The principal of the school is automatically one of these members.

An optional Community member category - members are coopted by a decision of the council because of their

special skills, interests or experiences. DET employees are not eligible to be Community members.

Generally, the term of office for all members is two years. The term of office of half the members expires each year,

creating vacancies for the annual school council elections. Why is Parent membership so important?

Parents on school councils provide important viewpoints and have valuable skills that can help shape the direction of

the school.

Those parents who become active on a school council find their involvement satisfying in itself and may also find

that their children feel a greater sense of belonging. How can you become involved?

The most obvious way is to vote in the elections, which are held in Term 1 each year. However, ballots are only

held if more people nominate as candidates than there are positions vacant. In view of this, you might seriously

consider:

standing for election as a member of the school council

encouraging another person to stand for election. Do I need special experience to be on school council?

No. What you do need is an interest in your child's school and the desire to work in partnership with others to help

shape the school's future. What do you need to do to stand for election?

The principal will issue a Notice of Election and Call for Nominations following the commencement of Term i each

year. All school council elections must be completed by the end of March unless the usual time line has been

varied by the Minister.

If you decide to stand for election, you can arrange for someone to nominate you as a candidate or you can

nominate yourself in the Parent category.

DET employees whose child is enrolled in a school in which they are not engaged in work are eligible to nominate

for parent membership of the school council at that school.

Once the nomination form is completed, return it to the principal within the time stated on the Notice of Election.

You will receive a Nomination Form Receipt in the mail following the receipt of your completed nomination.

Generally, if there are more nominations received than there are vacancies on council, a ballot will be conducted

during the two weeks after the call for nominations has closed.

Remember

Ask at the school for help if you would like to stand for election and are not sure what to do

Consider standing for election to council this year

Be sure to vote in the elections.

Contact Susanne Gill for further information.