Principal's Message - Pinewood Primary ...

10th December 2020

                                     Principal’s Message
Dear Parents,
CONGRATULATIONS PINEWOOD PS!
Last Friday we received communication from the Victorian Schools Building Authority (VSBA)
stating that Pinewood PS had been awarded a large grant to finance a new playground at the rear
of the school, under the Minor Capital Works Fund.
The Minister of Education has approved a funding grant of $271,125.00 for our playground grant
application titled, ’A Playground amongst the Trees’… this is a huge amount! The project will be
led by the VSBA in conjunction with the school.
I would particularly like to thank Mr Andrew Thomas (Assistant Principal) for his outstanding work and thoroughness
in writing the application for the grant, which included consultation from playground companies, arborists, students
and the wider Pinewood community. Great work Mr Thomas!
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Mr Matt Fregon MP, for his letter of support for the playground
proposal .
The playground grant is a fantastic win for the students of Pinewood PS.

PREP 2021 TRANSITION PROGRAM—A Great Success!
On Tuesday morning, we held our final virtual Prep Orientation/Transition session for the year. Our amazing science
and technology teachers, Mr Wong and Mr Tate, kept the 2021 Preps entertained with their fabulous science
activity.

On Wednesday the 2021 Preps and parents had the opportunity to attend a transition tour of the Prep area for 2021.
It was lovely to have the young children come to visit the school.

YR 6 GRADUATION
Our Yr 6 students will be participating in their Graduation ceremony at the school tomorrow evening. I am sure the
students will enjoy the activities we have planned for them after the graduation as well.

THANK YOU
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all members of the School Council for their
generous contribution of both time and energy in participating on School Council and in various
sub committees over the year. The commitment you make to the school is an outstanding one
and is very much appreciated by the staff and the wider school community. I believe that it is
the high calibre, commitment and professionalism of all of the members of our School Council that assists Pinewood
PS to consistently be rated as an ‘excellent’ Victorian public school.
I wish to pass on the schools appreciation and gratitude in particular to Ms Lisa Strong, a retiring School Council
member and the President of the Parents Committee and thank Lisa for her outstanding contribution to Pinewood
Primary School and our school community. You will be missed Lisa!

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10th December 2020
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MANY THANKS TO OUR CROSSING SUPERVISORS
On behalf of the Pinewood PS community, I would like to thank our dedicated
crossing supervisors, Anne, Lance and Amy for the important role they play each day,
in helping our students cross busy roads, safely. Our crossing supervisors will be
working at the earlier time (from 2.30) on Friday 18 December, to support the school
and ensure our children are able to cross roads safely.

STAFFING FOR 2021
Our school budget has allowed us to maintain an excellent ‘student to teacher’ ratio across the school, with the
ability to provide additional Literacy and Numeracy support and the provision of enrichment programs for
identified students. The expansion of our robotics and coding programs has also been financially supported by
additional staff and resources.
As is often the case towards the end of a school year, staffing changes begin to occur. This year we have some staff
who are leaving Pinewood PS and are either moving to a school closer to home or making a ‘sea change’.

We say farewell to:
   Mrs Nicole Blowfield - moving to Balwyn Primary School - closer to home
   Mrs Michele Kyriakopoulos - part time French teacher - who is retiring
   Ms Vanessa Lim - part time music teacher returning to her base school
   Mrs Judy Smith - part time office manager moving to Brighton Primary School

We warmly welcome our new teachers and administration staff for 2021 to Pinewood Primary School:
Ms Tara Duketis, Ms Georgia Stephenson, Mr Arman Kumruyan, Ms Katelyn Marshall and Ms Simone Shoppe
(Administration).

 As the Principal of the school, I am very proud of the high calibre staff we have at Pinewood PS and the dedication
and enthusiasm which they apply to both the, ‘art and science of teaching’, to benefit each of the students in their
care.

REMINDER: Student Walk-Up to Next Year Level…and End of Year Reports
On Thursday 17 December between 12.00-12.30pm, we will conduct a ‘Walk Up’ for all students. During this 30
minute period, the students will be informed of their class teacher for next year. The students will then visit their
new classroom for 2021 and meet their new teacher (for about 20 minutes) before returning to their current
classroom for lunch. Student digital reports will also be distributed via COMPASS on Thursday 17 December.

ASSEMBLY
The final assembly for the year will be conducted at 9.30 on Friday via our digital internal school system.

REMINDER: Last Day of Term – Friday 18 December
All students will be dismissed at 2.30.
In keeping with term 4 arrangements, students in Prep to Year 2 maybe collected by their parent/s from 2.15pm.
The Office will close at 3.00pm

START OF THE 2021 SCHOOL YEAR
Staff return to school on Wednesday 27 January, 2021. Students in Prep to Year 6 will commence school on
Thursday 28 January, 2021 - with Preps commencing from 10.00am (staggered times) on the first two days.

Karen Jenkin
Principal

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10th December 2020
   pinewood-ps.vic.edu.au

Dear Parents, carer’s, teachers and students,
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Pinewood Community for partaking in Parent club events,
throughout my nine years with the school.

It’s been my absolute pleasure in assisting and organising events such as Pizza Day, Zooper Dooper Day,
Mother/Fathers’ Day Stalls, Football Day, World Teachers’ Day, and Barbeques just to name a few.

My journey with Pinewood Primary School has been rewarding, as I have had the opportunity to meet
parents from various year levels, get to know the teachers and most of all see the smiles from the children as
they look forward to an event.

A big thank-you goes to the wonderful Parents Committee, without your continual support these events
would not run so well. Each member is valued and together we are able to run a successful Parents Club.

To the Parents/carer’s who have assisted with events, regardless if it’s one or more, thank-you.

For the past two years I have been fortunate to be on School Council.
Each Councillor shows a level of professionalism and this is evident in the way the School is managed.

I wish the Pinewood Community all the best for the future and best of luck with
fundraising events.

Thank you,
Lisa
Parents Club President

Dear everyone at Pinewood Primary School and the school community,

You all contributed to my Magnificent Last Day. Thankyou so much for all the memories that you have
created and will remain with me forever. You have all made me the person that I have become.

I have enjoyed my 36 years plus contributing to many aspects here at Pinewood.

I will treasure all the beautiful messages, poems, drawings, gifts and book featuring “The Lollypop Lady”.

Thank you all so very much. It certainly was an amazing and surprising day.

Thank-you for the televised screening of everyone wishing me all the best, and a big thank-you to the School
Captains, Troy and Amaya, for their speech and appreciation of all the years I have been at Pinewood
Primary School.

A GREAT BIG WOW!!!!

Anne Hamilton

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10th December 2020
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                                           OSHClub News
Summer Vacation Care Bookings
Hurry! It is your last chance to book in for our upcoming Vacation Care starting January 4th as we will be capping the
numbers very soon due to unavoidable circumstances. Please note that late charges will apply for all Vacation Care
bookings placed less than 5 days before the date booked. Please find the brochure online or you may pick up a
printed copy we have available in our OSHClub rooms. We have planned special activities and incursions to keep
your child/children engaged and active throughout the day. To place the bookings, you will need to log into your
account or contact us. We look forward to seeing you very soon!
Early Finish Last day of School - 18th December 2020
We have almost come to the end of the year 2020 and we are very pleased to inform you that PINEWOOD
OSHCLUB will be offering an extended After School Care session on Friday 18th of December 2020. The session will
run from 2.30pm to 6.00pm at the cost of $24.00 (before any applicable Child Care Subsidy).
End of Year Party!
On the last day of school (18th of December) OSHClub will be hosting a celebration for all children who are booked in
for After School Care. We will be playing party games and supplying music,
fun activities, and special afternoon tea for everyone who comes along.
Please join us one last time before school holidays begin!
Please Note:
Bookings made within 24 hours of the session commencing cannot be
made online. You will be able to contact PINEWOOD OSHCLUB directly
through 0409 906 462.
Thanks,
Pinewood OSHClub Staff

Bonjour, Pinewood Primary School community. After revising the months and the seasons,
I thought to give you a list of the main French celebrations throughout the year.
Enjoy!
Meilleures voeux,
Madame Vinga

                     French Words of the Week
le Nouvel An – the New Year
la fête des Rois – the Kings’ day- 6 January
la Chandeleur – the pancake Tuesday
le Premier Avril – April Fools’ Day
le Premier Mai – Labour Day
les Pâques – the Easter
la Fête des Mères – Mothers’ Day
la Fête des Pères – Fathers’ Day
la Fête Nationale- 14 Juillet - the national day of France also known as Bastille Day
le Noël – the Christmas

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10th December 2020
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                               STUDENT OF THE WEEK

PG     Lucas       For the confidence he has displayed when participating in class discussions and while
                   presenting his Show and Tell. Well done Lucas!

PK     Wissam      For always striving to do your best with all of your schoolwork. You are a superstar
                   learner!

PK     Maddison    For always bringing a positive and friendly attitude into the classroom each day!
                   Well done Maddison!

PL     Hyun        For always having beautiful manners and being a helpful and tidy classmate.
                   Well done Hyun!

PM     Mia         For working hard to become more focused and independent when writing.
                   Well done Mia!

PP     Aradhya     For always being kind and caring. You are a great friend in Prep P. Keep it up.

PP     Chelsea     I love how you have developed your confidence when speaking in front of the class.
                   Well Done Chelsea!

PP     Madhura     For your fantastic effort sounding out big words like 'instructions' in your weekend
                   writing. Great effort!!

PR     Aisha       For the wonderful effort she is making with her writing and for the confidence she
                   displays when completing class activities. Well done Aisha!

1C     Melody      For always striving to do your best with all of your schoolwork. You are a superstar
                   learner!

1D     Thenara     For being a lovely friend to others and always trying to do your best. Well done
                   Thenara!

1D     Wyonna      For always using your manners and showing respect to others. Fabulous Wyonna!

1E     Justin W    For putting in a tremendous effort towards your recount about the Grade One Living
                   Things rotation day. Well done Justin!

1H     Logan       For being a well-mannered and respectful class member. Logan is a terrific friend in 1H!

1M     Peter       For trying hard to improve in all areas of your work. Peter your work is showing new
                   found confidence in your own ability! Well done!

1M     Aron        Aron you always complete tasks in the time required and you have improved the
                   standard of your work as well. Great work!

1S     Aatmik      For always putting your best effort towards class activities. Keep up your
                   wonderful work Aatmik!

2A     Eason       For his magnificent origami tutorial during Fascinating Friday. You are very talented,
                   Eason!

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10th December 2020
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                               STUDENT OF THE WEEK
2F    Yahya      For the resilience and energy you bring into the classroom each and every day. You will
                 shine at your new school!

2G    Hannah     For always listening and paying attention in class. You always help your friends and you
                 are kind and caring.

2H     Moly       For always being so kind to your classmates and willing to lend a helping hand.
                  Tremendous work, Moly!

2H    Ricky      For using beautiful expression during Readers Theatre! Well done Ricky, I'm so proud of
                 you!

2K    Kosta      For working beautifully and completing his ‘Piggy Bank’ money activity. The best work
                 ever! Keep it up Kosta!

2M    Lucy       For the enthusiasm she brings to all activities and for always trying her best. Well done
                 Lucy!

3J    Olivia     For always impressing us with your incredibly creative writing!

3J    Maisie     For always bringing a positive and friendly attitude into the classroom each day!
                 Well done Maisie!

3P    Diya       For always being a kind friend. Diya includes everyone in all activities. Well done Diya!

3P    Ethan      For having a go at using dialogue punctuation in his writing. Amazing work Ethan!

3T    Isabella   For your hard work, your organisational skills and your always bubbly personality!

3V    Tanya      For consistently putting in her best effort in all class activities. Keep it up Tanya!

4F    Rhea K     For consistently putting in her best effort in all class activities. Keep it up Rhea!

4G    Ashton     For constantly putting in your best effort in everything you do and for being a kind and
                 caring classmate. Well done!

4H    Mia        For being such a kind, helpful and empathetic student. Congratulations Mia.

4M    Alisha     For showing great improvement in your effort and attitude towards your school work! It
                 has been wonderful to see your independence grow over the last few weeks. Keep it up!

4P    Rajvir     For putting your best effort into your work! Well done for always asking for feedback to
                 help you improve.

5A    Layla      For her increased level of concentration and dedication to her learning. Great effort Layla.

5C    Mitchell   For your improvement on the effort you are putting into your work. Well done!

5D    Makaylei   For the outstanding confidence, persistence and resilience she has shown this term.
                 Makaylei has had a fantastic first semester at Pinewood P.S. Well done!

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                                 STUDENT OF THE WEEK
5J    Aniket       For the wonderfully creative newspaper articles you created. You followed the correct
                   structure, were concise and your humour entertained the class, great work!

6H    Ethan        For the fantastic help you have been in the production of our Year 6 parody video. We could
                   not have done it without you.

6T    Joanne P     For always bringing great energy into the classroom. You are constantly picking others up
                   with your positive attitude.

6U    Ken          For the hard work he has put into the graduation preparation and for lending his personal
                   equipment. Thanks Ken!
MUSIC
Humza 6U           For showing enthusiasm and volunteering to present your music composition to the class.
                   Fantastic work Humza! Well done.
ART
Tobias and Janelle 3P
                   For excellent creativity and team work creating their fabulous robots
PE
All of Grade 6     For being able to organise, referee and play different sports during a single PE class,
                   displaying strong leadership and thorough enjoyment. Well done and good luck in your final
                   week.
FRENCH P2
Fletcher 1D        For being an enthusiastic French learner and for contributing in all the French class
                   discussions. Super, Fletcher!
FRENCH 36
Satwik 6H          For completing and presenting the Family Tree project in French at an outstanding standard.
                   Bravo, Satwik!
STEM P2
Tiffany 00G        For her excellent creativity and building skill during our STEM session this week. Tiffany built
                   a fantastic model of a Watermelon! Well done!
STEM 36
Tobias 3P          For his excellent effort in building a working model of a cable car, complete with a functional
                   pulley system! Great job, Tobias!

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10th December 2020
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Term 1          27 January (Teachers start)
                28 January (Students start) to 1 April

Term 2          19 April to 25 June

Term 3          12 July to 17 September

Term 4          4 October to 17 December

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10th December 2020
  pinewood-ps.vic.edu.au

RESPECT     SELF CONFIDENCE   INTEGRITY   RESPONSIBILITY   OPTIMISM

10th December 2020
  pinewood-ps.vic.edu.au

RESPECT     SELF CONFIDENCE   INTEGRITY   RESPONSIBILITY   OPTIMISM

10th December 2020
  pinewood-ps.vic.edu.au

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