Thursday 6 February 2014 Edition 1 The Beacon Student and Parent Newsletter Important Dates 28 February Last day for EMA applications to be delivered to the office 26 February Last Wednesday off for Prep students. They will resume full time from Monday 3 March Message from the Principal Welcome Back to the 2014 school year! Over the holidays and through until March our college has been going through a significant transformation as our student numbers grow. At the end of last year we had 17 primary grades which is a contrast to this year where we are beginning with 30 primary grades and 4 year seven classes. To meet this growth our staff has more than doubled and you would have observed the new relocatable buildings that have been delivered. With the number of new teachers, staff and new students attending our college it will take a few days for everyone to understand our rules and operating procedures. In this newsletter, you will find the names of the College Staff members. Parents are asked to contact their Classroom Teacher directly, should there be any concerns. If you feel that a matter need to be escalated, you are then encouraged to speak to the Year Level Coordinators, as listed on the next page. During February our relocatable primary classrooms will undergo a transformation as we enclose these building to make the learning environment more conducive to 21st century learning. These buildings will become fully enclosed, carpeted, air-conditioned and aesthetically a more pleasant flexible learning space. While there may be some minor disruptions during the construction period, the end result will be worthwhile. During the holidays we also had two playgrounds installed as well as shade structures being erected over the playground equipment. The three playgrounds are extremely popular during lunch, recess and after school. While it’s great to see the children enjoying the playground equipment, we ask all parents to leave the playground by 3.30pm as teacher supervision ceases. A big welcome is extended to all the new students who started with us this year. Our year 7 students are charting a new path for the college and we look forward to working with them over the next three years. A very special welcome to all our new prep students who are starting their journey through school with us. We will be working very hard to make sure every child attending our school will get the most they can out of this experience. Peter Devereux 2014 Staff Members Principal Deputy Principal Assistant Principal, Prep-Grade 1 Assistant Principal, Grade 2 – 4 Assistant Principal, Grade 5 – 7 Business Manager Leadership Team Peter Devereux Rynn Anderson Terese Healy Rachel Corben Paris Spencer Michelle Calderone Curriculum Leaders Literacy Leader Numeracy Leader Sarah Lunn Chris Daxecker Year Level Coordinators Prep Year 1 Year 2 Year 3/4 Year 5/6 Year 7 Rita Mather Kasey Simpson Tegan Partington Shirley Duarte Jason Henry Chris Daxecker Prep PRM PJD PBG PAH PSH PJS PSB PBK PJP PTM PCQ 1LP 1KS 1RP 1NL 1AR 1DF 2BS 2MG 2YK Rita Mather Jenna Darul Beverly Guest Ashleigh Harwood Shannon Harmer Jayden Spudvilas-Powell Stephanie Black Bonne Keating Jessica Pfister Tayla Marie Chantal Qualls Grade 1 Libbi Posar Kasey Simpson Romy Proudfoot Nitnoy Limnguen Ashlee Roach Daniella Fiorenza Grade 2 Brooke Slopak Matthew Gilchrist Yonca Kuscali A3 A9 A7 A5 A4 A2 A1 A6 A8 A10 A16 3SL 3CT 34DJ 34SW 4AM 5BD 5TC 56DR A15 A11 A17 A2 A13 A14 D1 D2 D4 6JH 6LM 7ET 7JE 7HB 7SS Grade 3 Sarah Lunn Claire Tierney Grade 3/4 Daniel Jull Sally Williams Grade 4 Emilia Zawadska Grade 5 Barry Devlin Teagan Currie Grade 5/6 Danielle Reed Grade 6 Jason Henry Lauren McKerell-Kerr Year 7 Liz Tawfik John Eskander Hannah Blake Snezana Voican/Steyn B1 B2 D5 D6 E1 E3 E4 E2 E5 E6 F1 F2 F3 F4 Rebecca Di Lorenzo Roberta Varrenti Anne Browning Chris Teazis & Jess Moroney Christina Lam & Jess Moroney Rebecca Sidebotham Rachael Furner Alana Gentile Kristie Decelis Subject - Teaching Staff Visual Arts LOTE Performing Arts PE Science Intervention Education Support – Wellbeing Team Speech Pathologist Social Worker Psychologist Education Support – Administration Emma Stephens Administration Manager Antoinette Williams Administration Officer Pina Burns Finance Officer Mustafa Fehmi Maintenance Alex Devereux & Matthew Napoli Library Shaquil Elias ICT Support Song Gosumsiri ICT Support Trevor Martin ICT Support Education Support – Integration Aides Francine Smart Narel Ciavarella Loretta Wialletton Therese Rushin Mustafa Fehmi Kelly Sevior Michele Haslam Semester 1 Primary Subjects Subject Performing Arts Visual Arts Physical Education LOTE (French) Science Year Level Prep - Grade 1 Grade 2 – Grade 6 Prep - Grade 6 Grade 2 – Grade 6 Prep - Grade 6 2014 EDUCATION MAINTENANCE ALLOWANCE The application process in now open for parents eligible to apply for EMA. The application form must be lodged at the school office by: 28th February 2014 Late applications cannot be processed BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS If families would like to bring something along for the classroom to celebrate their child’s birthday, the College encourages them to bring lollypops or something healthy. These will be distributed to the children at the end of the day to take home with them. We do not allow cakes or other treats as we do have children at the College who have a variety of allergies. Pina Burns Finance Officer/EMA Co-ordinator REMINDER SCHOOL FEES The College would like to remind all families who have yet to pay their children’s school fees to please do so as soon as possible. Once school fees have been paid the College Diary and Classroom Stationery will be issued. BELL TIMES Please note: The bell that rings at 8.50am is for the Year 7 Homeroom to start. Prep to Grade 6 students will hear music at 8.55am. This is their cue to line up for class time to start at 9am. Please ensure that your child is ready to start their class on time. Thank you for your cooperation. ASTHMA & ANAPHLAXIS It is crucial that all students who suffer from Asthma & Anaphylaxis have provided the College with a GP approved Action Plan along with any required medication. OUR STUDENT WELLBEING TEAM We would like to introduce Alana & Rachael as the Student Wellbeing Officers at the College. Any parent, who has a wellbeing concern, is asked to speak with your Year Level Principal, to arrange a meeting. CANTEEN INFORMATION WELCOME PREP STUDENTS School life for you has just began …. You really will have lots of fun… Lots to learn and things to do New friends to make-----WOOOO-HOOOO!!!!! Here's some news from the school canteen…… Come say hello to Sonja and Kaye! CANTEEN NEWS Welcome back! The Canteen is looking forward to providing you with delicious, healthy snack and lunch options in 2014. You're in grade prep and everything is new Listen carefully and I'll tell you what to do Mum and Dad can help as well! They will think it's really swell! Please check our amended Menu for Term 1 2014, available at the canteen window and soon on the School's Website. Write name and room number on bag with money inside….Let us know if a special menu is required Look out for our new Combo options! Into the lunch order tub your bag must sit Hurry to the canteen --- you must be quick Deliver the lunch tub to us by NINE That would be mighty fine We'll get your lunch ready----and then eat your lunch and when you're through here's the thing that you must do…. Another rule that must be told, if you have ordered a treat that's icy cold, you will find a pretty stamp on your bag , then come out of your classroom, and come over to us It's really as easy as ABC … Pass your stamped bag over and you will receive what you have ordered --your frozen treat at recess and lunchtime you might like some food Whatever the weather and your mood there's a lot to choose--it's really cool But remember, "We're a HEALTHY-EATING SCHOOL" Another thought before I'm through; a special job we'd like you to do… Be proud of your school---keep it as neat as a pin …. Always put your rubbish in the bin Thank you Sonja and Kaye We try our hardest to provide a large variety of items on our Menu, however if you have any suggestions or would like to see something new, we now have a suggestion box stationed at the Canteen window. We look forward to your input. Sonja and Kaye Wolff. As a summer special: Icy Twist will be on sale for $1.00 for Term 1 only Bienvenu à la langue et la culture françaises. Welcome to the French language and culture. An explanation of the content of the French units Years 2 – 7 Bonjour les familles! This term, your child began a new French program, called Histoires en Action! It is based upon the use of stories and music for the teaching of French. The stories are designed in the form of plays and become the focus for a range of activities that help students develop confidence and competence in the language as they progress through each story unit. Music is integrated with the story, and in each unit of this program, students will learn to perform a play to showcase their skills. The vocabulary has been carefully selected and is essential for students to communicate with each other and the teacher in class during their language learning. Another component of this program is the Gesture Approach, a technique that uses hand signs to help students learn and remember the important vocabulary found in the plays, songs and other activities. There is an equal, strong emphasis on the development of all four language skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing. In order to do well in French this year, your child will: • participate actively in class, in French only; • memorize the play; • work cooperatively within a small group while practicing the play; • work cooperatively with others in the class while answering questions, both orally and in written form; • learn the gestures covered in class; • learn the gesture associations; • participate in songs, dances, and games with enthusiasm; • complete class work and hand it in on time; • keep corrections up-to-date; • seek help when needed. Homework In order to support the students in learning the words and becoming confident in their speaking, much of the homework will consist of practicing the gestures and memorising the play, song and dance. There will also be a student DVD which may be ordered to support the students and can be used as the basis for homework. This is OPTIONAL. Vocabulary sheets, a copy of the play and the song are provided to accompany and support their learning. Please encourage your child to share with you what and how s/he is learning in French class. Establishing a link between home and school is a very important aspect of this French program, and we hope that you will enjoy this sharing time with family. Sincerely, Madame Varrenti LOTE: French TISSUE BOXES All families are asked to supply the College with 2 x tissue boxes. These should be delivered to Reception. Thank you for your support. School Banking Announcement Student Banking will resume for students on Thursday 13 February. Information will be provided shortly for new students who wish to join. Are you interested in volunteering some time to help our Parents Association? Please see Reception if you would like to help our Parents Association coordinate events such as; Student Banking, Mothers/Father’s Day Stall & much much more… SEASON LAUNCH & REGISTRATION DAY We are now calling for interested players, parents, assistants, trainers, volunteers and supporters…. to be part of an exciting new community minded sports club, and be part of the fun and excitement that comes from being involved in Australian Rules Football. Wyndham Suns will be fielding teams in: WRFL: U9, U10, U11, U12, Youth Girls U13, U14, U15, U16, and Women VAFA: U19, Club 18, Seniors The Club will be holding its Season Launch (our new jumper will be on display and the release of our Club Song) and Registration Day on: Sunday 9 February at the Tarneit Community Centre on the corner of Leakes Rd and Sunset Views Boulevard, The day will run from 1.30pm to 4pm. Club Launch will be from 1.30-2.15pm (everyone) Special General Meeting from 2.15-2.30pm Registration from 2.30-4.00pm (all players, incl. seniors) This year our Junior* fees are $220 per player. This includes registration with the Club, insurance from the WRFL, a pair of Wyndham Suns Socks, a Wyndham Suns 2014 Bumper Sticker and a Wyndham Suns training singlet. Payment of your fees can be made online during the registration process, however this is by Credit Card only and the full amount must be paid (no part payments can be accepted on line). Note: For families with more than one player, we offer a discount on shorts. Payments for registration will be available on the day via EFTPOS, cash or cheque. If required, a payment arrangement can be made (please see Jenny Mangan (Treasurer) on the day or contact her at [email protected] or 0421 014213. Full payment of fees is required on or before Friday 4th April (before Round 1).