Hi everyone,
Whole School Carols Night: Tuesday 17th December
Our school Carols Night will be held in the new ‘Gardens of
the Future’ in the Botanical Gardens adjacent to the back of
the school. The night will commence with families bringing
their own basket tea at 6.00pm followed at 6.30pm by class
performances. It is expected that the night will conclude
before 8.00pm.
As all children at the school will be involved in this night,
we ask that parents keep this date free and we look forward
to your attendance.
The format of the Carols Night is as follows:
The event is alcohol-free. As the evening involves
children, we ask that parents, friends and relatives do not
bring alcohol.
Supervision: can parents please ensure that pre-school
children are not running around any performance or sitting
areas.
Whilst this event will not be within school grounds, we
request that this also be a smoke-free event.
School children are to be seated in their class groups in
front of the stage area so they are ready to go on for their
performance. They should not be sitting with their family.
Adults should display good audience behaviours by facing
towards the performers and limit their talk whilst
performances are taking place. Your support is appreciated.
Please no pets.
Uniform Shop Closing
After Orientation Day, next Tuesday 10th December, the
uniform shop will be closed for this year. Uniforms will be
available to purchase on Book Pack days, Wednesday 22 and
Thursday 23 January between 9.30am and 1.00pm.
Orders can be made through Qkr at any time.
White Hills Primary School No 1916 Week 9, Term 4 Thursday 5th December Ph 54430799 F 54437222
At White Hills Primary School we provide students with skills to be
lifelong learners. We are a community which caters for academic,
physical, social and emotional needs, preparing our students to
contribute productively to an increasingly globalised world.
Term 4 2019: Monday 7 October – Friday 20 December
Week 9 Thurs 5 – Fri 6 Dec Gr 5 Camp – Phillip Island
Thursday 5 December Gr 1 Tea 5.00pm Week 10 Monday 9 December Christmas Raffle Donations due today
Tuesday 10 December Orientation Day 2020 Prep Orientation 12-2pm
Parent Information Session 1-2pm
Last Day for Uniform sales
Bookpack Order forms due today 2020 G6 Grad Top orders / payment due
Thursday 12 December Parent Helpers Afternoon Tea 2.00pm G2 Sleepover
Raffle books and money due today
Week 11 Monday 16 December G6 Graduation Tea payment due today
Tuesday 17 December Whole school Carols Night Christmas Hamper Raffle Drawn tonight
Wednesday 18 December G5/6 Pool Party / Santa visit
School Reports home today
Thursday 19 December Transition - Step Up Session
G6 Graduation
Friday 20 December Last Day of Term 4–1.30pm Dismissal
Out of Uniform Day – Gold Coin
Wednesday 22 January Bookpack Day 9.30am – 1.00pm
Thursday 23 January Bookpack Day 9.30am – 1.00pm
Term 1 2020: Tuesday 28 January – Friday 27 March Tuesday 28 January First Day Teachers
Wednesday 29 January First Day G1-6 students 8.50am
Friday 31 January First Day Prep students 8.50am
Term 2 2020: Tuesday 14 April – Friday 26 June
Orientation Day next Tuesday
Orientation Day for those children commencing school in
2020 will be on Tuesday, 10th December, from 12.00 –
2.00pm. During this day, the children will be participating
in play and activities while their parents attend an
information session in the hall from 1.00-2.00pm. Details
of this transition session and book orders has been sent
home with the children at their second familiarisation
session. If you did not receive this information please see
Jeanine Fitzgerald or speak to someone in the office. Please
mark this date on your calendar so you and your child can
participate in this important transition session. On this day
children from Grade 6 will spend the day at their chosen
Secondary Schools, while children in Grades 1-6 in 2020
will be given the opportunity to work from 12.00 – 2.00pm
in one of their possible 2020 rooms.
Book Pack Information for 2020 Full payment for Essential Education Items Part A
(Student book pack & computer printing) MUST be
paid on your allocated book pack collection dates in
January 2020 (Wednesday 22nd or Thursday 23rd
January) or prior to the end of the 2019 school year. This can be paid via QkR.
Uniform Shop will be open on both book pack days
End of Term Dismissal -Early Finish-1.30pm
All students will be dismissed at 1.30pm on Friday, 20th
December. Children will have their normal lunch break at 11.00am
and then be dismissed at 1.30pm. There will be no assembly on this
day.
Out of Uniform Day – Last Day 2019
(Gold Coin Donation) We remind students shoes must still have covered toes and no
singlet tops to be worn as per the schools sun smart policy. Gold
coin donations will go towards supporting Bendigo Health.
2020 School Commencement School begins for students in Grades 1-6 on Wednesday, 29th
January 2020 at 8.50am.
Please note: Prep students will begin on Friday 31st January
2020 at 8.50am.
Lost Property
Please collect any jumpers/jackets and lunch containers from the enormous piles in the lost property tubs in Admin area.
Teaching Staff 2020
Below is the list of teaching staff in 2020. We welcome Darin Lord an experienced teacher from Merbein, near Mildura, Zoe Zhang,
our new Chinese teacher who has been teaching at BSE this year, Verona Beasley will be the wellbeing person who comes with
social worker experience in Tasmania and Caitlin McQueen a graduate teacher. We also welcome back some staff who have been
absent on family leave. This includes Bec Woods, Kaitlyn Morrissey, Jac Tanner and Hayley Robins.
Students will be given a note and map on Friday 13th December indicating their classroom teacher for 2020 and where they will be
located.
Specialist Staff 2020 Classroom Additional Support Personnel
Subject Staff Members
Art Monique White
Cadi Watchman
Music Kaine Marsh
Physical Education
Stewart Scoble
Jac Tanner
Chinese Zoe Zhang
Year Level Staff Members
Prep Jan Ellis
Grade 1 Karen Netherway
Grade 2 Karen Netherway
EAL Teacher Merrilyn Gaulke
Wellbeing Worker Verona Beasley
Chaplain (Access) Ricky Cawley
Grade Teacher
Foundation (Prep)
Emily McCoomb
Foundation (Prep)
Emma Roberts
Foundation (Prep)
Jeanine Fitzgerald
Foundation (Prep)
Liz Stewart
1 Jolene Travaglia
1 Dinah Freeman
1 Sarah Wood 0.6/ Sue Baker 0.4
1 Hollie Horbury
2 Kylie Pitt
2 Caitlin McQueen
2 Lauren Kilcullen 0.6/ Emma Allan 0.4
2 Melanie Young
3 Ashley Jenkyn
3 Sam Mumford 0.6/ Kristy Bateman 0.4
3 Greg Matthew
3 Jaime Gray
3 Ash Day
4 Hayley Robins
4 Chris Connaughton 0.8/Karen Netherway 0.2
4 Bree Bentley
4 Pauline Englefield
5 Darin Lord
5 Roger Byron
5 Gayle Millard
5 James Sait
6 Eddy Dickins
6 J’aime Perryman
6 Kaitlyn Morrissey 0.6/Bec Woods 0.4
6 Daniel Wridgway
29 Classrooms
The Silent Tragedy Affecting Today’s Children, (and
what to do about it) I came across this article and it certainly resonated with me
as a parent so I hope it will with many of you. The fix is just
about being a great parent as I know many of you already
are!
There is a silent tragedy developing right now, in our homes,
and it concerns our most precious jewels - our children.
Through my work with hundreds of children and families as
an occupational therapist, I have witnessed this tragedy
unfolding right in front of my eyes. Our children are in a
devastating emotional state! Talk to teachers and
professionals who have been working in the field for the last
15 years. You will hear concerns similar to mine. Moreover,
in the past 15 years, researchers have been releasing alarming
statistics on a sharp and steady increase in kids’ mental
illness, which is now reaching epidemic proportions. (APF
Note: the statistics cited in the links below are from the US,
however this is a world wide phenomenon).
• 1 in 5 children has mental health problems
• 43% increase in ADHD
• 37% increase in teen depression
• 100% increase in suicide rate in kids 10-14 years old
No, “increased diagnostics alone” is not the answer!
No, “they all are just born like this” is not the answer!
No, “it is all the school system’s fault” is not the answer!
Yes, as painful as it can be to admit, in many cases, WE
parents are the answer to many of our kids’ struggles!
It is scientifically proven that the brain has the capacity to
rewire itself through the environment. Unfortunately, with the
environment and parenting styles that we are providing to our
children, we are rewiring their brains in a wrong direction and
contributing to their challenges in everyday life.
Yes, there are and always have been children who are born
with disabilities and despite their parents’ best efforts to
provide them with a well-balanced environment and
parenting, their children continue to struggle. These are NOT
the children I am talking about here. I am talking about many
others whose challenges are greatly shaped by the
environmental factors that parents, with their greatest
intentions, provide to their children. As I have seen in my
practice, the moment parents change their perspective on
parenting, these children change.
Cont: pg3
What is wrong?
Today’s children are being deprived of the fundamentals of a healthy childhood, such as:
• Emotionally available parents
• Clearly defined limits and guidance
• Responsibilities
• Balanced nutrition and adequate sleep
• Movement and outdoors
• Creative play, social interaction, opportunities for unstructured times and boredom
Instead, children are being served with:
• Digitally distracted parents
• Indulgent parents who let kids “Rule the world”
• Sense of entitlement rather than responsibility
• Inadequate sleep and unbalanced nutrition
• Sedentary indoor lifestyle
• Endless stimulation, technological babysitters, instant gratification, and absence of dull moments
Could anyone imagine that it is possible to raise a healthy generation in such an unhealthy environment? Of course not! There are
no shortcuts to parenting, and we can’t trick human nature. As we see, the outcomes are devastating. Our children pay for the loss
of well-balanced childhood with their emotional well-being.
How to fix it?
If we want our children to grow into happy and healthy individuals, we have to wake up and go back to the basics. It is still
possible! I know this because hundreds of my clients see positive changes in their kids’ emotional state within weeks (and in some
cases, even days) of implementing these recommendations:
Set limits and remember that you are your child’s PARENT, not a friend.
Offer kids well-balanced lifestyle filled with what kids NEED, not just what they WANT. Don’t be afraid to say “No!” to your kids
if what they want is not what they need.
• Provide nutritious food and limits snacks.
• Spend one hour a day in green space: biking, hiking, fishing, watching birds/insects
• Have a daily technology-free family dinner.
• Play one board game a day.
• Involve your child in one chore a day (folding laundry, tidying up toys, hanging clothes, unpacking groceries, setting the table
etc)
• Implement consistent sleep routine to ensure that your child gets lots of sleep in a technology-free bedroom
Teach responsibility and independence.
Don’t over-protect them from small failures. It trains them the skills needed to overcome greater life’s challenges.
• Don’t pack your child’s backpack,
• don’t carry her backpack,
• don’t bring to school his forgotten lunch box/agenda,
• and don’t peel a banana for a 5-year-old child. Teach them the skills rather than do it for them.
Teach delayed gratification and provide opportunities for “boredom” as boredom is the time when creativity awakens:
• Don’t feel responsible for being your child’s entertainment crew.
• Do not use technology as a cure for boredom.
• Avoid using technology during meals, in cars, restaurants, malls. Use these moments as opportunities to train their brains to
function under “boredom”
• Help them create a “boredom first aid kit” with activity ideas for “I am bored” times.
Be emotionally available to connect with kids and teach them self-regulation and social skills:
• Turn off your phones until kids are in bed to avoid digital distraction.
• Become your child’s emotional coach. Teach them to recognize and deal with frustration and anger.
• Teach greeting, turn taking, sharing, empathy, table manners, conversation skills,
• Connect emotionally - Smile, hug, kiss, tickle, read, dance, jump, or crawl with your child.
We must make changes in our kids’ lives before this entire generation of children will be medicated! It is not too late yet, but soon
it will be. By Victoria Prooday, Occupational Therapist.
Repeat Messages
Centrepay an option to manage school costs in 2019
Please see previous newsletters for details, link is provided below:
Centrelink online account help – deduction
https://www.humanservices.gov.au/individuals/online-help/centrelink/adding-new-centrepay-deduction-using-your-centrelink-
online-account
This might be a viable option to help families manage the school costs including camps as we know that the CSEF (Camps, Sports
Excursion Funds) of $125 generally covers the cost of Part B of the book pack (gymnastics, swimming, incursions and excursions)
but not the camps. Our Chaplain Ricky Cawley is also available to assist with this as he has had experience in supporting families to
set this up.
Please let us know if there is anything that we can do to support you.
Andrew Schaeche,
Principal
Students of the Week – Week 8 Term 4
PFG News Christmas Raffle The hampers will be drawn at the school Christmas Carols on Tuesday 17th December.
We are asking families to please donate items for the hampers. Donation ideas might include toys, decorations, gardening items,
cooking items, craft, books, games, tableware, and most importantly food for the Christmas feast. Any donations would be very much
appreciated and can be handed in to the school office. If you have sold the raffle tickets distributed last week and would like extra
raffle ticket books, please see staff in the school office. Please return money and any unsold tickets no later than Thursday 4.00pm,
12th December.
Graduation - Grade 6 Graduation will be held on Thursday 19th December. Helpers will be needed to ensure this event is a
success for students, so please advise Grade 6 teachers, PFG members, or office staff if you are able to volunteer time for this event
on 19th December. Payments are due Monday 16th December.
Thank you from PFG members
Grade 4 News Grade 4 news
The end of the year is approaching FAST, a couple of things to remember as we near
the end of 2019.
Please remember to return any school library books and classroom library books to
classroom teachers.
WHPS Christmas carols – Our song is Run Rudolph Run the kids have been
practicing hard and singing well in the lead up. We are going to be making some
reindeer headpieces at school, or if you have access to some please feel free to bring
them on the night.
Term 4 showcase will be on the 20th of December (last day of school) from 1 –
1:30pm in the BER building. Showcasing green screen adverts and historical events.
We look forward to seeing all of you there!
CLASS NAME AWARDED FOR…. CLASS NAME AWARDED FOR
2AK Chelsea A super star class member 3MB
Maddison Her excellent attendance this week
2P Hailie Supporting others in our grade without being asked
3C
Joseph Being an excellent role model
2H Charlie Showing responsibility during swimming lessons 3G Caleb Being a kind and helpful friend to everyone
2M Kaitlyn An outstanding effort during swimming classes 3J Lilly Being resilient during her Maths group
2T Ellen Always aspiring to be her best with the presentation of her work
4M Oliver Participating more independently in class discussions and asking for help when needed
2F Shakira Being responsible during swimming lessons this week
4B Deon Aspiring to do his best with sharing his strategies in Maths
1D Georgia Always completing work to the best of her ability 4O Ebony Being a responsible class member and always willing to help others
1M Zeruiah Always trying her best in class 4CP Ryder Making strong choices and leading by examples
1EW Ethan Always being a kind and considerate class member
5B Charlie Aspiring to do her best at the EBT last week
1S Mitchell Being responsible making sure he was here on time every day for swimming
5SH Ella Aspiring to break her lap record at EBT and achieving her goals
PR Maddison Always using good manners 5D Jack Increased resilience demonstrated at the EBT last week
PW Kayden Wonderful reading and listening 5S Jeslyn Aspiring to work incredibly hard each day in the classroom
PF Levi Being a caring, helpful class member who has aspired to do his best all year
6D
PJ Emerson Wonderful work on her sight words 6P
Chinese Lilly Actively participating in revision and completing her writing task with great quality
6W
Sport Ella F Her excellent work during volleyball sessions 6V
All students on camp
Community News
WEEKLY ROSTERS
Canteen Fri 6 December Jayde Proctor
Helper needed
Tues 10 December -
Wed 11 December Rebecca Adams
Margaret Blandthorn
Fri 13 December Sheridan Rose
Kate Duncan
Jayde Proctor
Helpers to arrive at 10.00am
All orders must be in the day before Orders are to be written on a large paper lunch bag unless
ordered through Qkr, (NO ENVELOPES), one per child.
Lunch bags are available for 10 for 60c or 10c each, with lunch
orders and will be sent home.
Urgent Reminder: If you are unable to assist with canteen
duty, please arrange a swap or inform the office so that a
replacement helper can be arranged. Mrs Helen Williams, Canteen Manager
Uniform Shop Fri 6 December Kelly Adcock
Tues 10 December Joji Abraham
Fri 13 December Closed for 2019
We will be selling Uniforms on Book Pack Days:
Wed 22 January 9.30am – 1.00pm
Thurs 23 January 9.30am – 1.00pm
Opening Times 2020
Tuesday 3.30pm – 4.00pm and Friday 3.30pm-4.00pm Mrs Kim Engi, Uniform Shop Coordinator
Newsletter Thurs 12 December Kelly Shaw
Thurs 19 December Teegan Stirling
Please collect from the office 2.30pm
Sickbay Fri 6 December Jo Piggott
Fri 13 December Katherine Debattista
Please collect from the office at the end of the day