Macedon Primary School Newsletter

Dear parents,

It has been a pretty eventful few days and while many of our students have transitioned well back into face to face learning, I also want to acknowledge that these snap changes have been difficult for some to process.  In this newsletter this week I have provided a range of services available to parents and students for a range of mental health support.  First and foremost, please feel free to reach out and contact us about any concerns that you have.  Often, myself or your child’s classroom teacher will be a good place to start for support.

Private Counselling at Macedon PS – Heidi

Children may need the guidance of a counsellor to help them deal with anxiety, friendship issues, behaviour issues, grief, or many other reasons. The form on our website contains the steps that you need to take to start your child with Ms Heidi Winchester who visits the school regularly to consult with students.  Please read the information at the link below and then see me if you have any questions, or need help to fill in any of the forms.

https://macedonps.vic.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/MPS-Intake-forms-and-information-final.pdf

TWEENS – Macedon Ranges Health - Gisborne

TWEENS is a referral service for students in the senior years of primary schooling (5 & 6) who are struggling with anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues.  

The TWEENS Clinic can have your student seeing their doctor within days and an appointment made with a psychologist or counsellor within 2-3 weeks. We are supported by Louise Beer, a registered nurse.  Please note that children on a mental health plans can only be linked in with one counsellor at a time, not multiple counsellors.

Parentline – 13 22 89

Parentline is a phone service for parents and carers of children from birth to 18 years old. They offer confidential and anonymous counselling and support on parenting issues. https://services.dffh.vic.gov.au/parentline

The qualified counsellors are available to:

·         talk about any issues to do with parenting and your relationships with your child

·         help you with ways to cope and be a positive parent

·         help with your family's wellbeing and resilience

·         connect you with services in your area.

Some reasons to ring Parentline

·         child behaviour and development

·         parent / carer child relationships

·         education

·         bullying

·         living with teenagers

·         family violence

·         family breakdown

·         parental stress and anonymous counselling and support on parenting issues.

Triple P Online Program

​The Triple P Online program has resources specifically on parenting during coronavirus (COVID-19). 

The COVID-19 Module includes information on:  

• how to answer questions your children may have 
• the importance of sticking to usual routines during the pandemic, and  
• the importance of looking after yourself so you can better care for your children. 

To find out more, visit Triple P Online and select your child’s age range to register.  Triple P Online is free for all Victorian Health Care Card holders.

For parents of student with a disability - Strengthening Parent Support Program

The Strengthening Parent Support Program is for parents and carers with a child from birth to 18 years with a disability or developmental delay.

This free program assists parents to connect with other families and local community through:

• Peer support groups
• Education or information sessions
• Individual support from a qualified coordinator.

To find out what Strengthening Parent Support Program services are available in your area and how you can access these, please contact a provider close to where you live.  These are the two closest providers to Macedon.

Finally, please don’t hesitate to call and we can support you to get the supports in place for your child.

Sampai jumpa (until next time)

Matt Forrest

Principal

Face masks at schools

Children under 12 years of age and students at primary school are not required to wear face masks while at school (or when attending an Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) program).

For communication purposes, teachers and education support staff are not required to wear face masks while teaching.

All other staff and visitors must wear a face mask at all times, unless a lawful exception applies

Visitors and parents must observe indoor face mask requirements. Face masks continue to be worn outside at all times.

QR Codes

The use of Service Victoria QR codes for electronic record keeping is now mandatory in all schools to enable the effective contract tracing of any COVID-19 cases.

QR Code check in are required to be used by:

• All visitors on school site (including contractors, external Department staff and building maintenance staff)
• All parents who enter school building when on school site.

QR code check ins are not required to be used by parents who come onto school grounds for drop off or pick up, but do not enter buildings.

Please be reminded that:

Existing sign in and out process should continue to be used to record visitor attendance, therefore visitors still need to use the visitors book at the office, for legal and regulatory obligations.

12 August - District Athletics - postponed, new date TBC

26 August - Book parade (Thursday morning)

20 August - Glow in the dark dance night (please note new date)

23 August -  Year 3 - 6 IMAX Excursion 

23 August - Yr 1 & 2 - Swimming Program

27 August - Yr 1 & 2 - Swimming Program

30 August - Yr 1 & 2 - Swimming Program

31 August  - Whole School Photo Day (please note new date)

3 September - Yr 1 & 2 - Swimming Program

6 September - Yr 1 & 2 - Swimming Program

10 September - Foundation - Yr 2 Zoo Excursion

10 September - Winter Solstice Evening; 5:30pm-7:30pm 

17 September - Last day of Term 3 (2:30 dismissal)

TERM 4:

5 October - First Day of Term 4

13 October - 15 October - Grade 3/4 Camp Weekaway

25 October - 29 October - Grade 5/6 Cape Bridgewater Camp

2 November - Melbourne Cup public holiday (school closed)

17 December - Last day of year (1:30pm dismissal)

Looking for a permission note or important dates?

We have sent home paper forms for excursions, swimming lessons,  camps and various sporting events coming up. If you are looking for permission forms or details regarding events, you can find these on the SKOOLBAG app (under events) or on our website https://macedonps.vic.edu.au/parents/#news 

Wet weather clothing

Please pack an extra set of clothing (particularly socks) for your child during the Winter months. We try to get outside to play if the weather permits and sometimes extra clean clothes are required - even for the older students.

Enrolments and students leaving in 2021

We are now accepting new enrolments for Foundation students in 2022. If you have a child or know someone with a child that is wanting to enrol at Macedon Primary next year, please return your forms to the office. A link to the form is available here 2022 Enrolment Form

Alternatively, if you child is leaving Macedon Primary at the end of this year (not including year 6 students), can you please let us know, so we can start planning for next year.

Thanks,

Julie  and Emma

QKR! App

The QKR! App is used for paying for excursions, school fees and Parents and Friends fundraising events.

Seesaw

The Seesaw App is a simple way for teachers and students to record and share what is happening in the classroom. Parents are only notified about their child’s own work. You will be supplied with a QR code for your child’s individual login.

 Skoolbag App

Our newsletter is distributed weekly via email through the SkoolBag App. You can obtain information about school events and you can also use Skoolbag to advise an absence or to advise of a change of details.

Facebook

We have an official Facebook page which has announcements of upcoming school events.    

Due to current COVID19 restrictions, we are unable to hold whole assemblies, however, the following children will receive these awards on Friday afternoon.

1KH - Coen L - For his amazing efforts with his writing.

3VW - Bree M - For an interesting report about Badminton.

3VW - Darcy J - For a great information report about Ash Barty.

3/4MS - James M - For improving his proof reading and editing skills.

3/4MS - Harper J - For always concentrating on her work and putting in her very best.

3/4MS - James P - For improving his editing and proof reading skills.

4CS - Bailey M-S - For his hardworking approach to all learning tasks in class and at home.

4CS - Freya D - For her happy hardworking approach to all areas of her learning.

4/5BT - Flynn L - For being an awesome student!!

4/5BT - Atticus H - For always being kind and considerate to others.

5/6SK - Vance K - For being a studious learner during class time.

5/6SK - Erica S - For an excellent transition to Macedon Primary.

6AB - Rueben B - For excellent focus during all his learning time.

6AB - Akira H - For excellent resilience and overcoming challenges during her learning.

Visual Art - Archie H (5/6SK)- For excellent effort and a great attitude towards Visual Art.

Visual Art - Thomas M (2RG)- For a dedicated effort and a great attitude in Art.

IMPORTANT: Before and After School Care Bookings. Please read!

Spaces are filling up for OSHC.  Most spaces are taken up by permanent bookings and we are unable to book casuals in (they will have to be placed on a waiting list).  If you have a permanent booking and do not need the service for After School please advise the program as soon as you know, preferably before 11.00am on the day so we are able to give that space to another child.  For Before School, please call before 6.30pm the day before or email the service on oshp@macedonps.vic.edu.au

Late cancellation fees apply if your child’s place is cancelled after 11.00am.  Further, if you do not cancel your child and they do not attend, fees may still apply.

Our rates are: $15.00 for Before School Care (7:00am - 8:45am) and $22.00 for After School Care (3:30pm - 6:30pm). All you need to do is call the school 5426 1518 or email oshp@macedonps.vic.edu.au to book.  If the unexpected happens and a casual booking is required within 24 hours, please contact the school via phone, we cannot accept walk-ins after school.  Please note that enrolment forms need to be completed at least one business day before the first session of care.

Please pay through the school via Direct Deposit, using the following details (not BPay):

Account name: Macedon Primary School

BSB: 063-840

Account: 1003 4330

Vicki, Helen, Karen & Marie.

We have organised a Photography fundraiser. This is an opportunity for families to have a family portrait session and help raise funds for the school at the same time.

When: Saturday 4th of September

Where: Macedon Primary, Middle Gully Reserve (weather permitting) or the JCB

Any questions? please contact Ronelle at ronellehutchinson@outlook.com or 0413900804

To make a booking, please go to www.averandline.com.au/book and enter the guest area password: hooray2 THEN select the Centre. Families will then select their session time and pay online.

Please book by Sunday 28th of August.

Please share with friends and family