CHALK TALK - Gisborne Primary School

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CHALK TALK - Gisborne Primary School
26th November 2020
                                       No. 36

                                       Gisborne Primary School

                                      CHALK TALK
                     WE HAVE A NEW ENTRY — ON PRINCE STREET ON THE OVAL SIDE OF THE BER

 Diary Dates         PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE
                     Dear Families,
TERM FOUR:
                     Easing of restrictions regarding drop-off and pick-up
NOV 2020             In the coming week, when the official signage arrives from the DET, parents can be
*Wed-Frid            welcomed back on site. To ensure alignment with physical distancing measures, families
25th to 27th Nov     are required to continue to maintain 1.5 metres between each other as far as is practical
Grade 4 Camp         at the start and end of the school day. We must display signage at entrances and in
                     different areas of the school regarding the maximum number of members of the public
*Mon-Wed             that may be present in the space at a single time. We will let you know when this
30 Nov to 2 Dec      signage is available and parents/carers can come in for pick-up. To support contact
Grade 6 Camp
                     tracing, schools must continue to keep a record of all staff, students and visitors who
DEC 2020             attend on site for more than 15 minutes. Therefore, parents will not be able to arrive in
*Frid 4th Dec        the grounds before 3.15pm and will need to leave within 15 minutes of arriving.
Transition day
12.30 to 1.20pm      With the added complications of our building project, reduced parking and reduced
new Students 2021    spaces around some classrooms, we will be continuing our current drop-off
for Yrs. 1-6         arrangements each morning. School kerbside parking in Prince St, Fisher St and the
*Tues 8th Dec        Brantome St turning circle will continue to be 1-2 minutes drop-off and pick-up only. If
State Wide           you wish to leave your car and come in after school, please park a block away to allow
Transition Day       other families to continue with the quicker drop-off/pick-up process which is very
Preps 2021           convenient for most families. All routines stay the same until further directions next
(session times       week.
between 9am and
11am) & Yrs1-6 for
2021 is 9:10am to    Sustainability and Year 6 leaders
10:55am.             The following Year 6 students received principal awards a couple of weeks ago for their
                     work in supporting our school’s sustainability focus on reducing waste and
*Wed 9th Dec         understanding how we can limit the amount of rubbish going to land-fill — Jaxon B and
School Council       Abbey I. I lead the Sustainability Team and the following students assist with managing
Meeting 5pm          the bins and monitoring litter around the school: Jaxon B, Kasey P and Libby G (also
*Mon/Tues            Library Leaders), Keira S (also an Arts leader), Issy R (also a Community Leader),
14th to 15th Dec     Teagan S and Samara R. Thanks to you all for your work.
Grade 2 Camp
                     Further NAIDOC week activities
*Thur 17th Dec       NAIDOC week featured in the newsletter a couple of weeks ago. I would like to make
Yr. 6 Graduation     further mention of a couple of activities. The rock hunt for all students created by the
*Frid 18th Dec
                     Year 1 students (information further on in the newsletter), and the beautiful picture
Last day Term 4      created by 4C. When you are next at the office area, have a look at the ‘Always Was.
Early Dismissal      Always Will Be’ poster they created.
1.30pm
                     Penny Keehner – 35 years in Education
   HAPPY             We congratulate Penny on reaching the 35-year milestone in her teaching career this
CAMPING YEAR         year. Penny was recognised in a Zoom celebration by Region last week and has written
     4!              about her career in this newsletter.

                     Drinking fountains
                     The use of drinking fountains in schools is now permitted. Please ensure your children
                     continue to bring their drinking bottles for use in the classroom.

                     Parent of Yr 5-6 students Online Workshop “Let’s talk bodies”
                     We highly recommend parents of students in years 5 and 6 join this online session.
                     Information further on in this newsletter.

                     PTO>
CHALK TALK - Gisborne Primary School
PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE CONT’D
   Attendance assistance for students with underlying conditions (e.g. hay fever or
   asthma) and young children with persistent mild symptoms
   If a student has persistent symptoms due to an underlying condition such as hay fever or
   asthma, the student should still be tested for coronavirus (COVID-19) if they develop symptoms
   that are different to or worse than their usual symptoms. Parents/carers should also consider
   getting a medical certificate from the child’s treating GP to confirm that it is safe for them to
   attend school with persistent symptoms that may overlap with some of the symptoms of
   coronavirus (COVID-19) such as cough or runny nose.
   For younger children (in F to 2) who have had a negative coronavirus (COVID-19) test that was
   taken after they developed symptoms, the decision about return to school should be made in
   conjunction with the child’s GP. If the GP is satisfied the child has recovered from their acute
   illness, is otherwise well, and does not need a repeat coronavirus (COVID-19) test, the child can
   return even if they are not completely free of symptoms. Any worsening of symptoms will require
   review and repeat coronavirus (COVID-19) testing, if considered appropriate by the doctor.
   Students with a negative coronavirus (COVID-19) test whose symptoms have completely
   resolved do not need a medical certificate to return to school.
   Year 6 Graduation
   As it is booked and organised, we will continue with our arrangements for
   the Year 6 Graduation at Macedon Hotel and Spa. With our large number of
   students and their families, unfortunately, the gathering limits for ceremonies
   means that parents will not be able to attend the night event in person.
   However the new easing of restrictions will allow us to hold a year level
   assembly on the oval on the last Thursday or Friday morning at 9am (when
   it’s cooler) so that parents can attend and observe presentations, the
   graduation dance etc. The Year 6 teachers will provide further information
   via Seesaw once we have arranged this.
   Prep and Year 6 transitions
   Primary to secondary school transition activities can resume. This includes Year 6 students and
   their teacher or parents meeting Year 7 educators in the secondary school environment. Group
   sizes should not exceed gathering limits (20 people indoors and 50 outdoors). Your secondary
   colleges will provide information about this. Kindergarten to school transition activities are
   permitted, but group sizes should not exceed public gathering limits. Our prep transition session
   will go ahead as planned on the 8th of December.

   As reported by David Howes Deputy Secretary Schools and Regional Services, ‘The shift back
   to standard delivery for so many school operations is a significant outcome that highlights how
   far Victoria has come on the path towards COVID Normal. Thank for your continued contribution
   to slowing the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) in schools.’

   Enjoy the rest of your
   week.
                                     EVERY MINUTE OF EVERY
   Julie Soutter
                                     DAY AT SCHOOL COUNTS!

BELL TIMES & BREAK TIMES TERM 4 (2020)
8.50am War ning bell & music (all gr ades)
8.55am Class bell (all gr ades)
10.55am to 11.25am - Break 1 for Prep to Yr. 2
11.40am to 12.25pm – Break 1 for Yr. 3 to 6
                                                          TAKE A BREAK
1.40pm to 2.25pm – Break 2 for Prep to Yr. 2
2.25pm to 2.55pm – Break 2 for Yr. 3 to 6
3.25pm Dismissal (all gr ades)
CHALK TALK - Gisborne Primary School
MESSAGE FROM THE ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL
          Caring Hearts, Caring Minds, Caring Actions
Transition to 2021
Over the last week and into next week, our
students are participating in several step up
sessions in preparation for the 2021 year.
Last week’s session was very successful with
students enjoying their time with teachers
from the year level and students from next
year’s cohort. Students returned to their
classrooms expressing positivity and
excitement for the year ahead. Students
will meet their 2021 teacher and class
mates on Tuesday December the 8th.

As you may be able to appreciate, with over 525 students and approximately 80 students in each
cohort, this is an extremely difficult job. All students have their own individual needs and each
class needs a balance of various requirements such as academic, behaviours, additional needs
and other. Hours upon hours have been spent on creating these classes – a role that teachers
and leadership do not take lightly. Parents were given multiple opportunities to put in writing
preferences based on academic needs.

Please support your child through being positive about change and the excitement of being in a
new class with their 2021 teacher. This is another opportunity to develop resilience and a positive
growth mindset in our children. Please note: There will not be any changes made to classes.

End of year gratitude
Thank you to the families for embracing change with our adjustment from
student Kris Kringle to showing our support towards those in need. Our
students demonstrated Student Voice and have chosen to either support the
Gisborne Foodbank or a charity of their choice. Our new approach has been
overwhelmingly positive and accepted. The support and gratitude that is
being displayed and developed in our students is fantastic. Thank you
everyone for discussing this with your children. I am very thankful. All funds /
donations are due to the school by Wednesday the 9th of December.

Wellbeing Counsellor
Over the last week, we have been going through the recruitment process of employing a
Wellbeing Counsellor to support the students, staff and families of Gisborne PS in 2021. We are
hoping to have this finalised next week and will introduce the new member of staff and the GPS
school community then.

Victorian Education Excellence Awards
Julie was a very worthy finalist in the Victorian Principal of the year category held on Friday
evening. We congratulate her on this amazing achievement recognising her contribution to the
GPS community and making a positive impact on the lives of the students, families and staff.

The weeks are ticking by…..
Enjoy the weekend.
CHALK TALK - Gisborne Primary School
GRADE 4 CAMP 2020
The teachers have reported that everyone is having a fantastic time. Students will
arrive back tomorrow, Friday at approximately 3pm. If there are any changes to
this time we will let families know.

Here are some pictures of the grade 4s in action at camp:
CHALK TALK - Gisborne Primary School
Celebrating 35 years of valued teacher
service! Thank you Mrs Keehner!

I have been very fortunate in my career as a teacher, as I have loved my journey and forming
friendships with so many children and colleagues throughout my 35years. I have been fortunate
to be employed in three schools only, Campbellfield, Stevensville and Gisborne. I spent 11
years at Stevensville PS in St Albans where I taught Preps to Six along with three years teaching
music and had the opportunity to pick up and run with a science initiative which saw me visiting
many schools and instructing them in the field of science teaching. I remember my Prep grade,
which had over half of the students not speaking English, with many students coming from
Croatia, who dove under their desks as a plane flew over. A bit of a problem since we were on a
flight path for Melbourne Airport!

I came to Gisborne Primary in 1993 in a leading role of Numeracy and later Literacy and
worked initially with the Preps and a fantastic team. After five years, I moved to the senior
grades for a challenge and again loved the students and what they brought to every lesson. The
camps to Canberra were insightful! After a period of time, I decided to become an Art specialist
which I loved and saw my creative skills come to the front again along with being the
Integration Teacher and co-ordinator. At that time, we had 20 plus students on the integration
program throughout the school. For a challenge I become a Reading Recovery teacher which
was extremely rewarding; working with students on a one-one basis. After the program lost its
funding, I returned to the classroom and taught 3/4s and later moved to 1/2s. Recently, I became
a Mater of Leading Literacy coach and ran workshops for the Network for a year.

I love working at Gisborne Primary and meeting every child and their families. I have even
taught children of the children I taught - that showed me how old I was! I have established many
bonds within the school and had a wide range of experiences. I have never wanted to do
anything other than grass root teaching and as soon as I am not enjoying my passion, I will
know it is time to retire. I love the challenges and successes that teaching brings me and seeing
the children grow and love to learn.
A message from Mrs Keehner.
CHALK TALK - Gisborne Primary School
Sugar in drinks
Fruit drinks and other sweet drinks are not available in our school canteen. This is
because they are high in energy but low in nutritional value. Drinking them can lead to
dental issues and can also make it harder for students to concentrate in the classroom.
In 2019, the Year 6 students at
Gisborne Primary School investigated the amount of sugar in the drinks that our
canteen served. They were surprised with the high amounts of sugar in each of the
drinks. On their recommendation these drinks were replaced with low or no sugar
alternatives.
Always check the nutritional label of a drink and look at the sugar content to determine
if the drink has a high level of sugar. Sugar sweetened drinks such as soft drinks,
cordials, fruit drinks, vitamin-style waters, energy and sports drinks, are not
recommended or needed. Encourage children to eat fresh fruit and vegetables instead
of drinking juice.

Limit consumption of fruit juice to ½ cup (no added sugar) occasionally. Encourage
children to drink and enjoy water. Have water as the main drink in your family.
CHALK TALK - Gisborne Primary School
ITALIAN NEWS - HOW MANY SIBLINGS DO YOU HAVE?
        In Italian we have been learning about siblings.

      A MESSAGE FROM OUR STEM Captains
                        Eli & Axel
CHALK TALK - Gisborne Primary School
HUNTING FOR INSPIRATION?
In grade one we have been inspired by NAIDOC week and have painted rocks with our
symbols. The rocks have been hidden on the retaining wall for students to discover. We
have also made a symbol identification poster (on the double doors of the BER) so students
can find the rocks - identify the meaning of the symbol - and then re-hide it somewhere
different on the wall.

We hope everyone enjoys the hunt!

Submitted by Grade 1 & Mrs Stuart-Higgs

               Congratulations to the following students below who received
                         a Student of the Week Award last week

    PA — Clarke J                                             2D — Luca W
    PA — Sophie W                                             2D — Emily K
    PB — Emmy S                                               3A — Maggie H
    PD — Willow V                                             3A — Adele M
    PD — Xavier W                                             3B — Harper F
    PC — Noah D                                               4A — Nadia F
    PC — Sebastian F                                          4B — Adam H
    PE — Emily M                                              4B — Max C
    1C — Miranda L                                            4C — Mia F
    2A — Abby B                                               4C — Jensen P
    2A — Lucas A                                              6A — Taj C
    2A — Billie B                                             6B — Axel M
CHALK TALK - Gisborne Primary School
PAYMENTS, PERMISSIONS AND OTHER ITEMS DUE

  PERMISSION & PAYMENTS                   AMOUNT                       DATE DUE
           DUE

    Term 4 Parent Payment
                                           $56.25                      OVERDUE
       Final Instalment

                            Qkr $50 non-refundable deposit & Sentral
    Grade 2 Camp Benloch               Online Permission               OVERDUE

    Grade 2 Camp Benloch        $120 balance of payment via Qkr        OVERDUE

                            Qkr $80 non-refundable deposit & Sentral
    Grade 6 Camp Anglesea              Online Permission               OVERDUE

                                $245 balance of payment via Qkr
    Grade 6 Camp Anglesea                                              OVERDUE

            A FRIENDLY MESSAGE FROM OUR LIBRARY
                  HAVE A LOOK ~ LOOK ~ LOOK!
Hello again dear students and families,

My shelves are feeling empty. I appreciate students borrowing books
and taking them home.

Unfortunately some of the books tend to roam!

Check your house, under your beds, even have a look in your sheds!

Look anywhere, look everywhere. I am sorry for my despair.

I just want my books returned soon, otherwise I will think they have
flown to the moon.

HAPPY LIBRARY BOOK HUNTING!

                 LOST IN SPACE???
CHALK TALK - Gisborne Primary School
A CHANCE TO SUPPORT THOSE IN NEED THIS
         CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR
Sponsor a Lions Christmas Cake to be included in the Gisborne
Foodbank Christmas Hampers. These hampers will be provided to
those in need in Gisborne and the surrounding area.
The Gisborne and District Lions Club is again this year providing the
opportunity for families and/or individuals to sponsor Lions Christmas
Cakes to be included in the Gisborne Foodbank Christmas Hampers.
These Hampers will be provided to those in need in Gisborne and the
surrounding area. The Lions Club will be providing 60 Lions Christmas
Cakes to the Foodbank for this purpose.
The cost of the sponsorship equates to the cost of a Lions Christmas
Cake which is $13 each. Sponsorship payments can be made via Direct
Debit: A/c Gisborne and District Lions Club Activity Account BSB
633000 A/c No.152262994 Description insert Surname and Initials.
All sponsors will be recognised on various forums including the Lions
Facebook and website.
Please consider being a sponsor of a Lions Christmas Cake to help those
                          in need at Christmas.
Russell A Walker OAM
President
Gisborne and District Lions Club
Ph. 0419318615

  GISBORNE PRIMARY SCHOOL THANKS THE LIONS CLUB
   FOR SUPPORTING OUR SCHOOL WITH IT’S FINANCIAL
   DONATION IN 2020. THIS DONATION HELPED SEVERAL
 FAMILIES IN NEED. WE NOW ASK FAMILIES TO SUPPORT
                   THE LIONS CLUB.
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