Newsletter #1 February 4, 2021
Learning Today, Leading Tomorrow.
Principal’s Report
A very warm welcome back to school for 2021 to everyone. I hope you had a wonderful break from school and were able to spend quality time with your family and friends. It gives me great pleasure to especially welcome the new Preps to the school community, along with the opportunity to see people face to face.
Thank you to the members of Glen Huntly Parents Association for organising the lovely morning tea for their parents and friends which was very well attended and enjoyed by all. Ms Mikaela Ristos, Ms Ashleigh Smart happily welcomed the new Preps into the classrooms for an exciting day of learning. There were lots of first day photos, smiles and very heartfelt looks from the Preps’ loved ones as they wished them a great first day. Some parents even managed to express relief that it all took place so smoothly.
A lovely morning tea was served in the Library for the Prep parents and friends to enjoy where they could spend some time reflecting with others about this very special day. Thank you so much to the Glen Huntly Parents Association (GPA) and all parents who provided the goodies to eat, and for organizing every detail. It was very nice to chat with everyone and I hope you enjoyed your first school morning!
We hope that there will be lots of opportunities for new and current parents and friends to be involved in the school as much as possible plus we keep pace with restrictions and managing the advice as outlined in the Operations Guide.
Just in case you may have missed our Compass Alert this morning, here is a summary of the new state-wide restrictions came into effect at 11:59pm last night, Wednesday 3 February. Please be aware of the updated face mask requirements.
New guidance for schools regarding the wearing of masks:
- Visitors to school sites must also wear masks when indoors.
- Children under 12 years of age and students at primary school or attending an OHSC program are not required to wear face masks.
- People aged 12 and over must wear a fitted face mask when in public indoor spaces unless there is a lawful reason not to.
- Students aged 12 or older must wear a face mask indoors when at school, unless they are attending a primary school, an Outside school hours care (OHSC) program or an exception applies.
- School staff are not required to wear face masks while teaching or caring, but those who wish to do so, can.
- Staff must wear face masks in indoor areas of the school when not teaching or caring.
2021 Student Leaders
Leading the School and the Houses at Glen Huntly has been a time honoured tradition and the students who have been invested as School, House, Music, eSmart, Sustainability or Sport Captains this year have the opportunity to work with members of the School to encourage and inspire them to be the best they can be and to build team and school morale.
Students have been selected by their peers and staff and the presentation of the badges to the following students took place at the Final 2020 Assembly.
Congratulations to:
School Captains Emma 6S and Marko 6J
Sports Sullivan 6J and Hasini 6OP
E-Smart Amber 6OP and Ishaan 6S
Sustainability Austin 6S and Siddharth 6J
Music Arnaud 6S and Nefeli 6S
Mitchell House Archie 6J
Batman House Sharannya 6S
Hume House Hari Krishna 6OP
Flinders House Rafael 6S
Marko and Emma
We will have all Captain photos in the upcoming newsletter.
Whole School Assembly
During Semester 1, the assembly will take place at Friday 3pm in the WW Hall. We look forward to the Year 6 students hosting the Assembly however parents are unable to be invited as yet due to physical distancing and restrictions around density limits and space. We are practicing avoiding interactions in close spaces and will advise families when they may be permitted to attend.
Students in Years 1-6 will be attending the Assembly, but the Prep students will not attend until they have been at school for a bit longer. Parents will be advised by Ms Ristos and Ms Smart when this will commence.
Year 1 students will be dismissed from the East Site following the Assembly at 3.30pm. All Parents are welcomed to wait on the basketball court for the dismissal or at the arranged spot that you have with your child. The exception is as follows: The Year 1 or prep students will not attend any assemblies where the weather is really wet or windy or over 33degrees to avoid being caught up in awful conditions. In some severe cases, the Assembly may be cancelled for all students. An “At short notice Compass Alert/ Notification” may advise parents if this is the case. This will mean that they are dismissed as usual form the West Site.
This will be the same for the Preps when they do start to come. When the Year One or Prep students do attend, they will take their bags to the WW Hall /Assembly and be dismissed from the East Site.
ANY students who will be attending OHSC will be collected by Their Care Staff after the assembly and are to remain supervised with the yard duty teacher or class teacher until collected.
Staffing
For families new to the school the following outlines the Class organization 2021 and classroom locations. There will be some future changes on the East Site for classroom locations later in the semester as we move into preparing for the Building Works. ALL parents will be notified when this will be due to take place.
| 2021 | 14 classes | Location |
| Principal | Mrs Libby Alessi | Principal Office |
| Assistant Principal | Ms Amy Tinetti | AP Office |
| Business Manager | Ms Julie Bruce | Main Office |
| Admin
OHS |
Laura James – Clark
Ruth Kinyua-Smyth |
Main Office |
| Uniform Shop | Lisa Oliver | Upstairs East Site |
| Little Book Worms | Lisa Oliver & Ms Amy Tinetti | West Library |
| Education Support | Tanya Matthews, Denise Rimanic
Lisa Oliver, Ruth Kinyua-Smyth, Laura James- Clark |
|
| Prep | Ms Mikaela Ristos PR
Ms Ashleigh Smart PS |
13
14 |
| 1 | Mrs Yasmin Moran 1M
Mrs Emma Murnane 1E |
19
20 |
| 2 | Mrs Eugenia Sassos 2S
Mrs Ashleigh Casas 2C Ms Kamila Krauze 2K |
2
4 1 |
| 3 | Mrs Shannan Fox 3F
Ms Olivia Fourniotis 3O |
10 Mod 5
11 |
| 4 | Ms Jasmine Roth 4R
Ms Ivana Novakovic 4N |
6
5 |
| 5 /6 | Mr Callum Swanson 56S
Mrs Melinda Oldham & Ms Claire Piscioneri sharing 56OP Mrs Alysha Jones 56J |
23 Oval Mod 5
24 25 Oval Mod 5 26 |
| Tutor Learning &
Butterfly House Tree House Reading |
Mrs Melinda Oldham 3 days per week
Mrs Lexie Boomsma Ruth Kinyua Smyth |
24 Oval Mod 5
16 & 17 |
| Library: Prep, Grades 1 & 2
Library: Grades 3 & 4 Library: Grades 5/6 |
Ms Juz de Bruyn
Ms Marie Kasambalis Ms Amy Tinetti |
16 & 17 |
| Art | Ms Juz de Bruyn | 21 |
| PE & Sport /PMP | Ms Marie Kasambalis | WW Hall |
| Band, Music/
Japanese |
Mr David Jenkins | WW Hall |
| Choir | Ms Olivia Fourniotis | WW Hall |
Attendance and Punctuality at School
All students are expected to come to school every day that the school is open to students. If students can’t come, parents must provide an explanation for their child’s absence to office on the day of the absence. Students should arrive at each class ON TIME and ready to learn. Parents need to assist their child to be punctual so as to create the very best opportunities for their child to learn and not miss vital instruction time which commences at 9am. It has been great to see the students in grades Prep – 6 settle into class so happily.
Glen Huntly Parents Association (GPA)
I would like to encourage any parents interested in getting involved in the GPA to do so. Whether you can attend a meeting or would be able to sign up to our official GPA mailing list, it’s a wonderful way to be involved at the school. The first meeting will be on Friday 12 February at 9am after drop off. The meetings will be on the West Site in the Activities Centre (same as OHSC). If you would like any more information, please go to:
https://www.glenhuntlyps.vic.edu.au/gpa-glen-huntly-parents-association/
I look forward to seeing you there.
Finance & School Council Meeting
The first meeting for the year will be held on Monday 15 February, 2021 at 6.30pm and 7pm respectively in the East Site Staff Room.
Before and After School Care- Activities Centre West Site
The Before and After School Care program at GHPS is a Licensed Out of Hours Care facility with an accredited program and operated by TheirCare. I would like to welcome back the Coordinator: Alison and staff to the school year and thank them for providing the excellent holiday program over the break. If your child needs supervision at the following times due to parents or carers working, study, attending appointments or have other commitments, enroll online at: www.theircare.com.au
The program operates every school day from 7am – 8.45am and from 3.30 – 6.30pm (Wednesdays for Preps during Feb as well)
Scooters and bikes
Scooters and bikes are a great way for kids to travel to school and if parents could provide a bike lock or some way of securing them near the Grade 3 Mod 5 (East Site) or near the Water tank and along the fence on Garden Ave (West Site), to ensure they are safe and do not go missing. We ask that parents teach their child about road and bike safety before they ride to school. Very important is:
- You can only ride on a footpath if you are under the age of 12 or an adult (18 years or older) supervising a child under 12
- When riding on a footpath, you must keep to the left and give way to pedestrians.
Bicycle Helmets
A reminder to parents and children that school policy and Victorian Law requires all children who wish to ride a bicycle to and from school, must wear a safety helmet approved by the Australian Safety Association.
Supervision of Pupils Before / After School
The school grounds are supervised by teachers between 8.45 and 9.00am and children may be left by parents from 8.45am onwards and supervised at 3.30 to 3.45pm after school. Please be prompt in collecting your child following dismissal of school, as the grounds are unsupervised before and after the above mentioned times. This also assists with the After School Program in the Activities Centre as children are unable to play outside until the others have vacated the grounds.
The following procedures will apply after 3.45pm for any child not collected by this time:
- Children who are already permanently booked into the Aftercare program will go directly to Aftercare at 3.30pm.
- After 3.45pm children will be placed in the school’s Aftercare program.
(N.B. You will be charged at the applicable Aftercare rates if your child is placed in Aftercare).
Parents are urged to make any necessary alternative arrangements for the collection of their children and to notify the school accordingly. It is essential also that parents provide reliable Emergency Contacts to avoid unnecessary distress to their children.
Children Leaving School Prior to Dismissal Time
A reminder to parents that Government Law requires all children to attend school between given hours of 9.00am – 3.30pm.Should a parent wish to take his/her child(ren) from school before 3.30pm, then that parent should seek permission from the Principal.
Parents, please either write a note or telephone to advise of the date, the time you wish to collect your child(ren), the reason for your request and the name of the person who will be collecting the child if it is not yourself. In the interest of children’s safety, please advise the office (West Site: Class Teacher) upon your arrival to collect and sign out your child(ren).
Home Studies Policy
Every family should have received a copy of the school’s home studies policy which was distributed earlier this week. This policy provides a guideline of the amount and type of homework parents could expect for their children.
Cars and Safety Reminder
Parents are not permitted to drive vehicles into the East or West Sites of the school grounds when bringing their children to, or collecting them from school. It is extremely dangerous as it creates a traffic hazard in Grange Road for staff trying to enter or leave the premises. The only exception is for parents of children who are not mobile. In these circumstances parents are permitted to park their vehicle in the marked Visitor’s car park at the end of the driveway. If parents feel that it is too dangerous to park in Grange Road, they are advised that there is a gate in the laneway leading from Munro Avenue and another gate at the southern fence leading from Lyons Street.
Parents are also required not to park on the school crossing in Garden Avenue. It is a parking infringement and as such, offenders may be fined. Two drop off/pick up zones have been provided in Garden Avenue via signs. These areas are situated on the school side of Garden Avenue between the corner of Grange Road and the school crossing and between the school crossing and the lane.
Parents using the drop off/pick up zones (see signs for times) should stop their cars and allow their children to alight or get into the car, then drive off. Please do not park across the crossing as this is a dangerous and illegal practice.
40KM Signage & Pedestrian Lights
The electronic 40km signs are an important safety measure on Grange Road. This highly visible signage further serves as a prompt for motorists to address the road safety issue to lower the speed when driving past our school. Please travel safely at all times. It is very important that families talk to their children about the importance of using the pedestrian lights to cross Grange Rd if not using the bridge.
Enjoy the Year
The dedicated teaching staff at GHPS look forward to celebrating the success of your child’s learning with you and your child, communicating what progress has been made and what we can do in partnership to further this learning.
Libby Alessi Principal
Student Accident Insurance
The Department of Education (DET) does not provide personal accident insurance for students. Parents and guardians are responsible for paying the cost of medical treatment for injured students, including any transport costs. These costs may be recoverable where an injury is caused by the negligence (carelessness) of the Department, a school council or their employees or volunteers.
Student accident insurance policies are available from some commercial insurers. These cover a range of medical expenses not covered by Medicare or private health insurance. The Department cannot advise parents/guardians on whether to purchase a student accident policy or which policy to purchase. It is recommended that they seek assistance in this matter with their insurance broker or find a suitable personal accident insurer in the Yellow Pages or online.
Reasonable low cost accident insurance policies are available from commercial insurers.
SUNSMART POLICY AND DAYS OF EXTREME HEAT
Children in years Prep – 6 must wear a broad brimmed hat.
There are two styles available from the uniform shop, a standard broad brimmed hat and a floppy hat similar to the surf hats.
On days when the temperature reaches 33 degrees or above a “Sweat Day” lunch timetable will be implemented. This means that the children will play in their classrooms between 12.50 – 1.50pm. Some discretion will occur prevailing weather condition (e.g. hot north wind) regarding the temperature which activates the sweat day timetable and time spent inside particularly with the younger children.
As all classrooms are air-conditioned there is no need for children to have their educational program interrupted by removal from school on extreme hot days.
STUDENT WELL-BEING
Ms Amy Tinetti will co-ordinate this very important student welfare role. Should parents have any concerns about issues related to their child it is important that they contact their child’s classroom teacher or Ms Amy Tinetti.
Class Information Nights: Grades 2-6 and F-1
Parents will be invited to attend the online class information nights for all grades will be on Tuesday 16 February. Parents will be presented with valuable information from each year level and it is very important that everyone can attend. More information will be updated on Compass.
DEADLINE FOR ARTICLES FOR THE NEWSLETTER IS 2.00PM TUESDAY.
A message from your Assistant Principal
Welcome back to the 2021 school year! It is fantastic to see all of our students with BIG, bright, happy smiles and ready to engage in learning. Parents, it’s great to see you all back on site and I look forward to working with you all in 2021.
Student Wellbeing:
Once again I will be leading Student Wellbeing across GHPS. If any parents have any questions / worries / behaviour concerns / academic concerns / attendance concerns etc. about your child/ren please do not hesitate to contact me. I am here to help!
Here are some resources and links that I shared with you in 2020. I thought it would be useful to share them with you again:
- DET Parentline 13 22 89: 8am to midnight, 7 days a week
- DET Parent Help page o https://www.education.vic.gov.au/parents/services-for-parents/Pages/parentline.aspx
- Raising Children website o https://raisingchildren.net.au/grown-ups/services-support/about-services-support/helplines
Remember I am here to help in any way I can and I am just a phone call away if you need any assistance or if you just need to have a chat. Please call me on 9571 2931.
Vegie Patch:
Our vegie patch on the West Site has been busy growing over the holidays. Look at the SIZE of vegies it has produced
Before After
First harvest producing very BIG zucchinis!
Miss de Bruyn has made a very yummy vegetable soup with this harvest and we look forward to many more harvests throughout the year.
Breakfast Club is coming to GHPS:
I was thrilled when late last year I was notified that we had been successful in our application to be part of The Breakfast Club Program through Foodbank Victoria! With one in five Victorians experiencing food insecurity, I’m proud to be able to bring the positive difference this important initiative is having in schools and communities right across Victoria.
The program creates an inclusive environment to provide healthy food for students, who might otherwise go hungry. With food in their stomachs, children and young people have an opportunity to better engage in the classroom, to focus on learning and achieve their highest potential.
We are joining a program that, since 2016, has provided breakfast foods to 500 Victorian primary schools – and its benefits have proven to be far-reaching. Teachers have reported boosts to students’ health and wellbeing, and strengthened academic and social outcomes.
The program aligns with the Department of Education and Training’s Framework for Improving Student Outcomes (FISO).
The Program links to FISO by:
- Creating a positive climate for learning
- Generating community engagement in learning
- Including parents and carers as partners
The Breakfast Club Program will be available for ALL students and I will be sharing more information in the coming weeks for parents / carers who may wish to volunteer at the GHPS Breakfast Club.
Little Bookworms:
Our Little Bookworms program is returning in 2021. This year I will be working together with Lisa Oliver to facilitate this fantastic community program which encourages a passion for reading and learning. Little Bookworms will run on Tuesday 9:15-10am throughout the school terms and will be held in the Library on the West Site. Our program is for 3 – 5 year olds and parent supervision is required.
Lisa and I have been visiting many kinders and childcare centres to drop off our Little Bookworm flyers. If you have any neighbours or friends that would be interested in coming, please swing by the office to pick up a flyer for them.
Little Bookworms will start on Tuesday 16th February 9:15am- 10am in the library. Please ring the office to book your spot TODAY on 9571 2931.
Amy Tinetti Assistant Principal
Congratulations to the following students who received a ‘Student of the Week’ award.
Student of the Week awards will be presented during assembly each week, and will appear in the Newsletter after being handed to the students.
Sport News
Year 3-6 House Swimming
On Monday, 8th February, the Year 3-6 students will be attending GESAC for our House Swimming Sports.
This event is always one that the students look forward to and it gives them all an opportunity to support their House.
Unfortunatly, due to Covid restrictions, GESAC has advised us that parents and other spectators will not be allowed to attend.
We wish all competitors luck and hope you all enjoy the day.
The District Swimming Sports will be held on Thursday, 4th March.
Miss Kasambalis
Please remember to put your name on all uniform/property.
Lost property will be sorted every month and any uniform without a name will be put into the second hand uniform shop.
Other unnamed items will be donated to charity.
If your child attends before or after school care, please check their lost property as well.
Calendar
Feb
Mon 8 Year 3-6 House Swimming
Mar
Mon 8 Labour Day Holiday
Fri 26 School Photos
Apr
Thu 1 Final Day Term 1 – Early Dismissal 2.30pm
