from the principal - fintona girls' school 1 9... · an extract from the principal’s address...

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Issue No 1 - 9 February 2018

From the PrincipalAn extract from the Principal’s address at the first assembly held on Tuesday 30 January.

Good morning and welcome to the new school year.

I would like to begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we meet today, the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin nation and pay my respects to Elders past and present. Just as this land was a place where the Wurundjeri people educated their community about history, culture and traditions through dreamtime stories, song, dance and art, we are meeting here today to begin another year of learning and growing together as a community.

A special welcome to all those who are new to the Fintona community. Like me, I hope you are looking forward to the journey ahead and becoming an integral part of Fintona. We have a number of new staff I would like to welcome: Ms Tania Christiansen - VCE Co-ordinator/ Mathematics Teacher; Mrs Geraldine Ilott - Acting Business Manager; Ms Annie Haddad - French Teacher; Miss Leah Heath - Associate Teacher (PE); Ms Sophie Kimpton - English Teacher/ Public Speaking; Mr Kit McPhee - History Co-ordinator; Mrs Anna Pickburn - Assistant Gardener; Mr Alex Rossimel - Geography Co-ordinator; Mr Lou Villani - Physics Teacher; and Mr Gavin Williams - Timetabler/ Daily Organiser/ Mathematics Teacher. We also welcome back from maternity leave Mrs Laura Barker.

2017 was another successful year for Fintona students with our Year 12 cohort achieving some outstanding results. Dux of School, Joanna Bleakley, achieved an ATAR of 99.8 and 22% of the cohort received an ATAR of 97.0 or above, placing them in the top 3 percent of the state. Of course what these statistics do not tell you is the personal bests achieved by students or the quality of each of the girls - their confidence, their breadth of involvement in sporting, cultural and extra-mural activities; their community service involvement, leadership capacity or simply the strength of character of each individual. What I can tell you is that each student received a first round offer to study a course of their choice. The range of courses to be pursued by the class of 2017 provides some insight into the great depth and breadth of interests that they held as a group and I look forward to some of these girls returning this Term to share their sage advice on navigating and thriving in the final years of schooling.

Last Friday [sic] was Australia Day and in the lead up to the day there had been much media coverage about the day. Should it be a day of celebration? Should it be a day of remembrance, of reflection? Should we change the date? While I am not going to enter into that debate, Australia Day is a day where we recognise those who have made a significant contribution to their community, their field of endeavour or who have achieved at the highest possible levels in a broad range of pursuits. Today I am going to touch on four of this year’s Australia Day Award recipients: Australian of the Year – world leading Physicist, Professor Michelle Simmons; Senior Australian of the Year - biophysicist Dr Graham Farquhar; Young Australian of the Year - sportsperson Samantha Kerr; and Australia's Local Hero - mathematics teacher Mr Eddie Woo.

Each of these recipients had a passion that was ignited and fostered when they were young, most of them while they were at school. Some didn’t take the path that was perhaps expected by others, or that they initially had for themselves, but each was driven to be the best they could be. To use their talent and to do so supporting others - taking others along for the ride, setting things up so that others may follow in their footsteps; providing opportunities for others to look at things differently or simply being a role model for future generations, inspiring others to aim high and follow their dreams.

In Dr Farquhar’s response to receiving his award he talked about the importance of creativity, honesty, struggle, failure and perseverance. As well as opportunity and success, these are things I hope Fintona offers each and every one of you. As Winston Churchill said: “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.” To change and grow we must try new things, do things differently, fall and get up again, we need to train and push through those perceived barriers. We need to step out of our comfort zones and take calculated risks. We need to face new challenges; listen to and learn from others; and take others with us. And you may not know it but school is the perfect environment to try new things and to step out of your comfort zone. You will find that you have one of the most supportive environments you will perhaps ever be in right here at Fintona. A place where people want you to grow and develop, to stretch your limits, to try new things, to challenge yourself, to reach for the stars. Where we set the bar high but provide the right scaffolding and networks for you to climb the ladder, to grow and to test your limits.

Mr Woo had a slightly different message. His was to acknowledge the great gift of education from the perspective of the educators/ the teachers who each and every day are working to make a difference, inspiring students to learn, to grow and to achieve.

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I recently had the opportunity to talk to a senior student about her time at Fintona, what her education had afforded her so far and discuss her goals for the future. During our conversation she reflected on a particular subject she undertook last year and how she observed the steadfast support and guidance the teacher of that subject gave to each and every one of the students in the class, and that as the new Principal she wanted me to know that about this teacher. While I was delighted to hear her observations and receive the feedback I encouraged her to find the time to speak with that teacher in person; to let that teacher know what a difference they made.

We can get busy being busy and forget to stop, to observe and to reflect. So as you progress through the year I encourage you to take the time to stop, to observe, to reflect and to give thanks to those around you that make a difference.

And as our motto says – Age Quod Agis - do what you do well. Be the best you can be – in words and actions. You may just be surprised at what you can achieve.

Ms Rachael FalloonPrincipal

Upcoming Events 2018

FRIDAY 16 FEBRUARYSenators' Induction (Year 12 Parents)8.30am-9.30amMargaret Cunningham Hall & Reid Studio

MONDAY 19 FEBRUARYYear 5 and Year 6 Information Night7.00pm-8.30pmYear 5&6 Classrooms

THURSDAY 22 FEBRUARYYear 7 Parents' Morning Tea8.30am-9.30amMoss House

MONDAY 26 FEBRUARYMiddle School Grandparents' & Special FriendsAfternoon Tea2.45pm-3.30pmTuckshop

TUESDAY 27 FEBRUARYParent Seminar with Dr Judith Locke(Year 7 to Year 12)7.00pm-8.40pmReid Studio

WEDNESDAY 28 FEBRUARYParent Seminar with Dr Judith Locke(ELC to Year 6)7.00pm-8.40pmBuick Hall, Junior School

THURSDAY 1 MARCHTwilight Tour5.45pmELC & Junior School6.30pmMiddle & Senior School

MONDAY 12 MARCHLabour Day Holiday

WEDNESDAY 14 MARCHParent/Teacher Interviews (Years 5-8)4.00pm-9.00pm

Term Dates 2018

Term 1 (9 weeks)30 January to Thursday 29 March

Term 2 (11 weeks)17 April to 29 June

Term 3 (9 weeks)17 July to 14 September

Term 4 (10 weeks)8 October to 12 December



Margaret Cunningham Hall

THURSDAY 15 MARCHNew Parents' Drinks7.00pm-9.00pmReid Studio

PARENT SEMINAR PROGRAMAs part of the School's Parent Seminar Program, Dr Judith Locke, clinical psychologist and author of The Bonsai Child, will now be presenting two seminars, providing information and strategies that will target parents of students in ELC to Year 6, with a separate seminar for parents of Senior students in Year 7 to Year 12. An email inviting parents to register for each seminar was sent recently. Please be aware that the seminars are for parents only.

Seminar for Parents of Students in Year 7 to Year 12Tuesday 27 February7.00pm-8.40pmReid Studio

Seminar for Parents of Students in ELC to Year 6Wednesday 28 February7.00pm-8.40pmBuick Hall, Junior School

If you haven't already registered via the email invitations sent but would like to attend, please contactMs Pamela Young [email protected]

Pictured: Presenter Dr Judith Locke

Senior SchoolA warm welcome to Term 1 2018 to all of the students, families and staff in the Senior School. I hope you have all enjoyed a wonderful break. As always, the start of 2018 has been a busy and productive time at Fintona.

On Tuesday we welcomed a number of new staff and students. I look forward to working with the new teachers in the Senior School and to getting to know all of our new students.

As always, many students were involved in exchanges and trips over the break. This term we will welcome back students from Canada and Scotland, girls who went on language exchange trips to Japan and France and students who went on the HASSE Space Trip to NASA. In addition, many girls have been involved in the recent rowing camp. We are glad that they enjoyed such a range of dynamic and varied experiences and we look forward to hearing more about their adventures in assemblies this Term.

Year 11 and 12 CampsOn Wednesday 31 January the Year 11 and Year 12 groups attended their three day orientation camps. The Year 11 group were based in Queenscliff and enjoyed a range of outdoor activities run by the YMCA such as boogie boarding, bike riding and cooking, activities run by the tutors and a range of informal pursuits, such as volleyball, soccer and cards. The students were able to mix and bond as a group and get to know the pastoral team working



with them in 2018.

Our Year 12 group were at Anglesea for three days and enjoyed the coastal scenery with walks and other outdoor activities, such as beach swimming and canoeing, a dinner at the golf club and a trivia night. The camp has enhanced the students’ sense of cohesiveness as a whole as they begin Year 12 and in the words of one student they feel calmer and more competent as a result.

I thank the staff who attended the camps for imbuing them with a sense of fun and laughter; for their readiness to spend time with the students in their care and their capacity to develop strong and supportive relationships with each other and the students. I also thank the students for their positive outlook and willingness to be involved in the various activities, particularly the new students in Year 11.

Year 9 and 10 Health and Wellbeing Day- Friday 2 FebruaryThe Year 9 and 10 students had a positive start to the year with a program devised to help the girls strive for balance in the years ahead. The benefits of sleep, relaxation, body positive self-talk and a balanced approach to health, along with strategies for dealing with friendships and identification of ways to support each other, were all dealt with by various speakers throughout the day.

The girls commented on the benefits of all the sessions; and many were delighted by Danielle Miller’s afternoon presentation. Danielle is an experienced and engaging presenter who works exclusively with young women and is passionate about assisting girls to be stronger, more resilient and more supportive of each other. She speaks with passion and flair and the girls found her anecdotes, strategies and advice most relevant.

Extra-curricular ActivitiesThe start of the year is always a flurry of activity as the girls sign up for various activities that are occurring throughout the school. It is imperative as the girls mature, that they seek a balance in their lives and continue to pursue those interests that they love and enjoy and engage in a range of activities. Sometimes as students enter the Senior School, they fear that they will not have the time to spend on pursuits other than academic ones; this is contrary to our experience as educators and education research which finds that students who are involved in music, sport, debating, drama, exchanges, trips and other such experiences, are often those who thrive in the classroom.

Keeping busy and fit and enjoying yourself assists your academic performance; and through these activities you also develop personal qualities and strengths such as determination, persistence, communication skills and creative problem solving capacities, which are invaluable for school and life. I urge Senior School students to be involved in the life of the school in 2018.

I look forward to a rewarding year ahead and to working with all of the students in the Senior School, their families and the staff who so conscientiously support them. I alert parents and students to the network of support available at Fintona; VCE Co-ordinator, Tania Christiansen; Careers’ Co-ordinator, Ms Suzanne Hannebery; School Counsellor, Mrs Fiona Stekhoven and the Year 9 Co-ordinator, Ms Lauren Norman. The Year 12 Tutors this year are Mr Nick Capriolo, Ms Heather Rowe and Ms Fiona Longfield; Year 11 are Madame Blandine Dent, Ms Cathy Devlyn and Mr Jason Forrest; Year 10, are Mr Simon Bourke, Mr Brit Biviano and Mr Alex Rossimel and Year 9, are Ms Helen McCormack, Miss Angela Raven and Dr Kit McPhee.

Senators' Induction Assembly and Morning TeaA reminder to Year 12 parents that the Senators' Induction Assembly will be held on Friday 16 February at 8.30am, followed by a morning tea in the Reid Studio. If you haven't already replied to the invitation emailed to you, could you please advise Ms Pamela Young that you will be attending, for catering purposes. Please email [email protected] by Monday 12 February.

Ms Katrina BrennanVice Principal/Head of Senior School

School TrafficDue to some confusion at the start of the Term, we would like to remind parents that Cherry Road is one way only in the morning and afternoon. You must enter Cherry Road from Whitehorse Road between the hours of 8.00am-9.00am and 3.00pm-4.00pm and travel in the direction of the blue arrows in the diagram.

There is a NO ENTRY sign at the corner of Millah Road and Balwyn Road. It is illegal to enter Millah Road from Balwyn Road between 8.00am-9.00am and 3.00pm-4.00pm. Outside of those hours, Cherry Road and Millah Road are two-way. Please observe the road signs as they are there to improve the safety of the whole community.

Drive with caution in Cherry Road and Millah Road and if you are parking, make sure you are not across neighbouring driveways, pull well over to the curb and please do not block the roads. Do encourage children to get into or exit from your car only on the curbside.



Parents should also be mindful that council officers will continue to do checks throughout the Term to ensure compliance.

Class Representatives NeededThank you to the Class Representatives who have offered to continue in the role. We are still in need of volunteers for Year 11 and Year 12. Class Representatives provide a link between parents in a given class or year level, particularly for the organisation and co-ordination of social and fundraising activities for parents and families. The role is not onerous and your daughter will appreciate your involvement, as will other parents.

If you are interested in volunteering or would like more information about the Class Representative role we would love to hear from you. Please contact Ms Pamela Young, [email protected]

SPORTS NEWS

Scoring goals in 2018! A very warm welcome to our new students and welcome back to our returning Fintonians! Sport at Fintona epitomises our school spirit of teamwork, comradery and striving for excellence. We encourage all girls to get involved in the range of sporting opportunities that Fintona has to offer.

Throughout Term 1 students in Years 7 to 12 have the opportunity to join GSV Softball, Tennis, Swimming and Diving teams. For those new to Fintona, the GSV is our inter-school sport competition. Matches occur after school usually from 3.30pm to 5.30pm on Mondays for Year 11 & 12 students, Wednesdays for Year 9 and 10 students and Thursdays Year 7and 8 students. Our Year 5 and 6 students are involved with a compulsory after school sport program on Tuesdays from 3.00pm to 5.00pm.

Swimming and Diving training sessions are open to all girls from Years 4 to 12. With the first of the GSV carnivals approaching quickly on Friday 2 March, all swimmers and divers are strongly encouraged to attend training with a goal to achieve personal best dives and swimming times.

All students are most welcome to attend Running Club on Wednesday mornings 7.00am to 8.00am in the MRC. Old Fintonian, Georgia Griffith, who recently competed at the World Championships in London invites girls to improve their overall fitness and kick start their day!

The Sport Department look forward to engaging with all students in our House and Interschool Sporting activities. Jump at the chance to join us in Sport this year and share in the joy and success of sport at Fintona!

Pictured: Zara Burk (Year 9)

Mr Simon BourkeSports Co-ordinator

Rowing Program

The Fintona Rowing Squad has had a very busy start to 2018, with a week-long rowing camp in Geelong and three regattas all within the first month of the year. Over the course of the Geelong rowing camp, all members of the Squad worked with diligence and determination to improve both their skills in the boat and fitness, whilst having some fun along the way.

The hard work and commitment that the Rowers displayed on camp certainly paid off during last weekend’s regattas, with all Fintona crew boats making it through to the A final. The Rowing Squad now looks forward to the remaining regattas on the calendar as we work towards the Head of The School Girls regatta on the 16, 17 and 18 March.

Pictured: Junior (Years 8 & 9) Rowing Squad at the Morongo Regatta after both crews qualified for the A final

Miss Alex ClarkRowing Co-ordinator



FROM THE SCHOOL COUNSELLORDuring our Year 9 and 10 Health and Wellbeing day last Friday, several presenters ran sessions on a range of topics, including sleep, mindfulness and body confidence. The afternoon session was called ‘Girl Essentials’ and was run by Dannielle Miller, CEO of Enlighten Education, who quickly engaged the girls with her hilarious anecdotes and warm presence. She empowered the girls to view themselves and each other with an optimistic mindset, by celebrating their strengths, unique qualities and using positive self-talk.

Dannielle also discussed strategies to help with resolving friendship difficulties. This is a common part of adolescence as their own identities are being strengthened and friendships often change. Regulating emotions also plays a large part in being able to thoughtfully and respectfully communicate. Learning how to manage friendship difficulties is obviously an important skill to develop for their current friendships as they are important sources of support but also for their personal and professional relationships later in life.

The session explored how talking through the disagreement or issue in a respectful way involves being assertive verbally and non-verbally. It was discussed how expressing their opinions or ideas with the other person by beginning with “I think…. or I feel…” is more helpful than “you did ….. or you made me……” It was demonstrated through role play how the other person is much more likely to listen and understand what is being said and then be able to reflect on their own part in the situation. Other tips given were being as calm as possible, choosing a time that both are comfortable with, talking in person and privately, and giving the other person time if they need.

There was a positive atmosphere and strong sense of connection whilst discussing the ways of approaching friendship issues and ways of thinking about themselves. Dannielle has written several books for adolescent girls and also one for parents – ‘The Butterfly Effect’. If interested, it can be found on her website www.enlighteneducation.com

Mrs Fiona StekhovenSchool Counsellor

FROM THE BUSINESS OFFICE

Due dates for School fees 2018Please note that Term 2 fees were emailed or posted during the first week of Term 1 and are due for payment by 26 February, 2018.Please find the following list of due dates for School fees in 2018:

Term 3 2018 Fees – due 14 MayTerm 4 2018 Fees – due 13 August Term 1 2019 Fees – due 7 November

Terms and Conditions relating to the payment of fees may be viewed on the School’s website and I request that you make particular reference to the application of administration fees.

If you have not received a fee statement please contact the Accountant, Ms Rowena Vitarelli, [email protected] to request a copy. There will be no extension of the due date because of non-receipt of an account. Please check carefully if you have a Hotmail account as your statement may have gone to junk-mail.

Ms Rowena VitarelliAccountant

Second Hand Uniform ShopThe Second Hand Uniform Shop provides parents with the opportunity to recycle uniform items and purchse uniforms at half price or below RRP. Other benefits include, a donation point for unwanted items, fundraising for the School and reduced wastage and landfill.

The Shop appreciates donations, but they must be in good condition and clean to be accepted. Blazers and skirts should be dry cleaned. If requested, a payment can be made to the “donor” for skirts, blazers and spray jackets. All other items are considered a donation and contribute to the Parents’ Association fund raising efforts.

To claim payment, please complete the form, via the link below, or collect a form from the Shop or Student Services and attach to the item. Payment will be made after sale. Please be aware that at the end of each semester, un-named items left in lost property are donated to the shop after failed attempts to reunite them

with their owners. Credit card, cheque and cash are the accepted payment methods. The Shop is open as per the schedule which is displayed on the door and is available here Read More



Get involved

Volunteering is a great way to contribute to the School community and meet parents, staff and students. We would be pleased to hear from you if you would like to assist. The Shop opens at various times, usually from 3.00-4.00pm on different days of the week.The time commitment is not onerous, but reliability is required.

To register your interest please contact Convenor, Ms Annie Lewis, [email protected] or Executive Assistant to the Principal,Ms Pamela Young, [email protected]

Ms Annie LewisSecond Hand Uniform Shop Convenor

Middle SchoolA very warm welcome to all our Middle School families, particularly our new Year 7 families and our Year 5 families, whether they have moved across the road or are new to the Fintona community. We hope you will have a long and very happy connection with Fintona. We are looking forward to an exciting year ahead full of many opportunities and activities. The girls are quickly settling into their routines and they are eager to explore many of the new challenges being presented to them.

This year, we welcome Ms Clare Sanders to the role of Year 8 Co-ordinator. Clare is well known to many parents and girls as she teaches Art across a number of year levels and she is very excited about the opportunity of working closely with the Year 8 girls.

Year Level TutorsYear 5: Miss Clare Caulfield and Ms Amy Miers and Ms Vanessa Stockley Year 6: Mrs Meredith Harris and Mrs Lara Dresser Year 7: Ms Alice Kemp, Ms Christa Ackermann and Mr Chris WilliamsYear 8: Mrs Annie Haddad, Mr Andrew Stringer and Ms Jess Brady

Should you have any queries or concerns regarding your daughter, please write a note in your daughter’s diary to organise an appointment. If the matter is more urgent, please contact me or Ms Sanders for Year 8 students via Reception and we can get a message to the teachers. Alternatively, we can be emailed at [email protected] or [email protected]

Middle School LeadersAt the end of last year students elected the 2018 Middle School Leaders. It gives me great pleasure to announce this year's student leaders:

Middle School Consuls: Abbey Jacobs and Annie WaltersSRC President: Jessica WangSRC Secretary: Maya MartinEnvironment Captain: Genevieve Retallick

Each Tutor group has also elected SRC and Tutor Representatives.

SRC Representatives

5CAUC: Victoria Gonsalves and Olivia Carletti5MIST: Annie Holland and Marcella Kedziersk6HARR: Cadence Chun and Charlize Chow6DREL: Mathangi Sritharan and Linh Duong7KEMA: Fiona Li and Lauren Pitts7ACKC: Katrina Luu, and Zarah Kahlon7WILC: Jemima Wilson and Elaina Karametos8HADA: Emily Turner8BRAJ: Livia Tropea8STRA: Zoe Stefanatos

Tutor Representatives

5CAUC: Alexandra Petre and Alessandra Pastore5MIST: Criselle Cayetano and Ruby Tu



6HARR: Saria Ratnam and Eden Zapris6DREL: Makayla Spindler and Sudiksha Dand7KEMA: Alessia Bennardo and Shani Zou7ACKC: Yazmin Gordhandas and Maddie Maxwell7WILC: Francesca Spano and Jessica Lennon8HADA: Ashley Clausen and Jordan Card8BRAJ: Ashleigh O’Donnell and Hannah Ogawa 8STRA: Mattea Black and Amelie How

Congratulations to all the girls. I look forward to working with them.

Year 7 Transition ProgramLast week the Year 7 girls enjoyed an exciting first few days as secondary students. Following a two hour introduction and orientation days before the other students returned to school, the girls began theTerm with introductory sessions in some of their subjects. They also participated in a most informative session on study skills and time management as part of the Life Skills program. An Outdoor Education day was held at Westerfolds Park where the girls participated in orienteering, canoeing, cycling and a session focusing on indigenous ideas, providing them with a chance to mix with the whole Year 7 cohort and get to know one another. This was cemented on the final day of the transition program when the girls participated in the annual Year 7 House Chess Competition. An interesting event as some students had never played chess before and they were thrilled when they were able to successfully defeat their opponent. The championship trophy was won by Ower House with Dora Li achieving the Best Player Award. The girls were eager and ready to begin formal classes following their four days of transition.

Homework ClubHomework Club operates each Monday and Wednesday from 3.30pm to 4.30pm for Middle School girls. Madame Annie Haddad will supervise the girls and they can complete homework, use the computers or read. These sessions do not have to be booked, although Year 5 and 6 students may need to be taken to After School Care in Junior School if parents are late in collecting them.

Lunchtime ClubsThe very popular Cooking Club resumed last week. This club is being ably led by Mrs Margaret Rossborough who is delighted to offer her talents in developing our young chefs. Due to the large numbers of girls wishing to participate, this year it will be held on three separate days for different year levels. There is no cost for involvement in this club. The girls are asked to sign up in Moss House each week so Mrs Rossborough knows the quantities of ingredients that are required.

For those students who enjoy being outdoors and learning about plants, the Gardening club, held on Wednesdays, is a wonderful opportunity to polish their ‘green thumbs’. Led by Mrs Helen Kinross, our very talented gardener, the girls will plant and tend for plants, vegetable and herb gardens and grow some of the ingredients for our cooking club.

Upcoming Events14 February – Year 5 Parents Morning Tea in Moss House22 February – Year 7 Parents Morning Tea in Moss House

Please come and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee in Moss House after drop off, from 8.30am–9.00am. This is a time to introduce yourself to other parents and have a look around Moss House.

19 February - Year 5 and 6 Information Evening to be held in the Year 5 and 6 classrooms.26 February - Middle School Grandparents and Special Friends Afternoon Tea

This much anticipated event will be held in the Fintona Tuckshop on Monday 27 February from 2.45pm until 3.45pm. The girls are always very excited to welcome their special visitors and show them around their school.

HatsA reminder that hats are a part of the school uniform during Terms 1 and 4 when they must be worn for all outdoor activities including all PE lessons. Please ensure your daughter has her hat each day.

We Try to be Nut FreeThere are a number of students who have severe nut allergies and so we would ask that no nuts (including nut bars) or nut products, such as peanut butter or Nutella be brought into the School.

I wish you all a fulfilling and productive 2018 and the staff and I look forward to working with you to ensure your daughters have every opportunity to grow and learn.



Pictured: Year 7 girls enjoy the challenge of Chess as part of the Transition Program

Ms Trish LeighHead of Middle School

Junior SchoolWelcome BackI would like to warmly welcome our families back to the Junior School for the 2018 school year. It was wonderful to see everyone back and to see the excited faces of the girls as they caught up with news about each other’s holiday adventures and to see friendly faces. Our Prep girls began the year with enthusiasm and now as the end of their second week draws to a close it seems as if they have been at School for much longer. Our Year 1 girls have already been exploring the school grounds as they assuredly seek new play areas to continue their imaginative play. The Year 2 girls are enjoying being close to the playground as they keep an eye on the veggie patch. The girls in Year 3 have confidently made their way upstairs for the first time and are relishing their new independence. Our Year 4 Captains have already started setting goals for the changes and improvements they would like to make in the Junior School. What an interesting year it will prove to be!

New FamiliesWe welcome all our Prep families to the Junior School. The girls have all settled in very quickly and we hope you will join with us to get to know our new families.

Welcome AssemblyThe first assembly for 2017 was our Welcome Assembly. Each girl in Year 4 holds a position of responsibility. House, Aerobics, Environment, Community Service and Library Captains, all playing an important part in the life of the Junior School and having already made a start in their roles. The girls received their badges at the end of 2017 and at the Assembly were acknowledged once again. Our Principal, Ms Rachael Falloon, also attended the Assembly and introduced herself to the girls. We look forward to sharing our Junior School experiences and talents with Ms Falloon at our Thursday Assemblies.

The Junior School Captains for 2018 are:

Aerobics CaptainsAva Kirkwood, Jayda Mukhlif, Tayla O’Neil, Elise Pitts, Tiffany Spencer

Environment Captains Isha Kapur, Claire Lau

Community Service CaptainsAmelia Lau, Emily Salimi

Library CaptainsMakayla Assimakopoulos, Mietta Boschetto, Isla Kyoong

House Captains Bedggood Menzies ReidHelen Kyriakos Samantha Bannon Lexi Stefanou Tong Tong Zhou Julia Stefanatos Nati Stefanou

Thursday Assemblies Every Thursday from 8.30am-9.00am in Buick Hall, the Junior School participates in an Assembly. Parents and friends are invited to attend the Thursday assemblies and share in the goings on in the Junior School. An Assembly schedule is on display on the notice board outside Buick Hall.

Class CaptainsEach Term the girls in Years 3 and 4 vote for a Class Captain. The Class Captains for Term 1 are:

Year 3 Yahara WimalasuriyaYear 4 Helen Kyriakos

Congratulations to these girls.



ELC – Year 4 Information NightOn Wednesday Buick Hall was packed to capacity with families. This was an important evening as the staff shared their programs, routines and expectations for the coming year. Through an understanding of these arrangements, parents are able to support their child’s learning and ensure that everyone gets the most from the year. I sincerely thank all families who attended. The Information Handbook and Curriculum Handbook were distributed on this evening. If you did not receive a copy or were unable to attend please collect a copy from your child's classroom teacher.

Food AllergiesCurrently in the Junior School we have a number of students who experience food allergies. I remind all families to be mindful of the guidelines set out in Fintona’s Information Handbook. Please do not to send foods containing nuts to School and I ask that you discuss with your daughter that no food is to be shared at School either during School hours or before and after School. I thank you for your support in this matter as we work to provide a safe environment for all our girls.

Fintona Girl GuidesFintona runs a Girl Guides unit each Friday afternoon from 3:30pm-5:30pm in Buick Hall and is open to girls in Years 1 to 4. In addition to the programs offered at Fintona, as a member of Girl Guides Victoria, your daughter has the opportunity to participate in many other events, including activity days, parades and camps. If your daughter is interested in joining the Girl Guides, Mrs Sue Peat in the Junior School Office has further information.

PunctualityWhile the Junior School day begins at 8.30am it makes for a smoother start to the day for both the girls and the staff, if the girls have arrived in sufficient time to get changed, if necessary and chat to friends all before the bell at 8.30am. At the start of each day important information is disseminated and routines are established either in the classroom or at Assembly. Thank you for your support in this matter.

Parent/Teacher InterviewsOn Wednesday 14 February the Junior School will be conducting Parent/Teacher interviews. Please note all bookings are made online through inFintona as per the email you will have received. This is an opportunity for families to meet with the class teacher and discuss their daughter’s learning. Parents are allocated a 10 minute interview time and I ask that you are mindful of the time as it is hard for those families waiting, if your interview runs overtime. Staff are happy to make an extra appointment at another time should that be necessary.

Student AbsencesIf your daughter is absent please either telephone Mrs Sue Peat on 9880 4444 or email on the day of absence and provide a note to the class teacher on her return to School. Whilst I understand it can be difficult to make appointments outside School hours, I do ask that this is done whenever possible. If your daughter arrives late or leaves during the School day could you please sign the book in the Junior School office.

Entrance to the Junior School and ELCA reminder to all parents and visitors to the Junior School and ELC that entry is only through the Junior School Administration during school hours(this does not include drop off and pick up when entry is through the Junior School courtyard). Please note that during lunchtime the roller door beside the Art room will be closed. If the front door is locked please ring the doorbell.

Car ParkingFintona appreciates that the question of parking is a sensitive one and we again ask that parents be considerate when parking in the vicinity of the school. Our neighbours’ driveways should be kept clear at all times. In consideration of other parents, please ensure you park within the designated parking spots on Balwyn Road to allow parents to park in front and behind your car.

Out of Hours CareFintona works in partnership with Camp Australia to provide Before and After School Care. Camp Australia is the leading provider of quality, safe, fun and professional Out of Hours Care. All programs meet National Standards and Quality Assurance Guidelines as set by the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development. All families who wish to use these programs must be registered with Camp Australia. All matters dealing with registration and bookings are to be done via Camp Australia’s website www.campaustralia.com.au

Out of Hours Care is available for students from Early Learning Centre to Year 6. The Before School Care program operates each morning during Term from 7.30am until 8.30am (8.45am for ELC children), and the After School program operates five afternoons per week from 3.00pm for ELC children and 3.15pm for school children closing at 6.00pm. These programs cater for the child care needs of working parents, or those who have commitments extending beyond the normal school hours. Afternoon tea is provided at 4.00pm for children attending the After School Care program and breakfast is provided during Before School Care. Children requiring breakfast need to have arrived by 8.00am. During After School Care, older students will be supervised with their homework following afternoon tea. The Out of Hours Care Program (ELC to Year 6) is located in the ELC.



Junior School and Early Learning Centre Contact NumberFor contact with the Junior School or Early Learning Centre please call Mrs Sue Peat on her direct number, 9880 4444.

After School Pick UpGirls will be supervised in the courtyard after school until 3.40pm. After this time they will be placed into the Out of Hours Care program.

Once again, I welcome you back to the Junior School and hope that 2018 is a wonderful year for your family and friends.

Ms Eleni GoulasHead of Junior School

Year 3 off to a Great Start

It has been a hectic but wonderful start to our year so far in Year 3. Last week, we visited the Life Education Van to learn about feelings, our body systems and healthy choices. You may like to have a discussion about these things with your child and find out what they have learnt. We also came up with our Essential Agreement to guide our learning and behaviour in the classroom for the year ahead.

We have just started to find out what we know about persuasion and are inquiring into place value for Mathematics. Thank you to all the parents for their support, as the first few weeks can be challenging to get back into routines.

Pictured: Year 3 students at the Life Education Van

Mrs Lucy Bray Year 3 Classroom Teacher

Wanted - Book Covering for the new JS Library resources.

Mrs Robyn Sundberg needs some assistance covering books that have been recently purchased for the Junior School Library. Although there are not enough books this time to hold a ‘Covering Bee’ at school, it would be wonderful if a few volunteers could come and take a small collection of books or drop in to cover them here at school. Please see Mrs Sundberg in the Library if you think you can help. Free lessons given and lots of gratitude expressed!

Mrs Robyn SundbergTeacher Librarian

Year 1

The Year 1 girls are settling in well to their new classroom and have been really organised with their PE uniforms and satchels. The girls have taken great pride in making the classroom their own, such as setting up their learning spaces and creating a Year 1 Essential Agreement. We are looking forward to a fun year of learning and experiences! In the classroom, we have already begun our ‘How the world works’ Unit of Inquiry. We have been looking at the central idea ‘The laws of nature transform our world’. We brainstormed what the word ‘nature’ means and found out that there are lots of living things as part of nature.

During our visit to the Life Education van, we found out that we are living things and need food and water to survive. We then asked ‘What else do living things need to survive?’ We planted cress seeds in four different bowls to see if they grew. One bowl had no water at all, one bowl had only one day of receiving water, one bowl got water every day and the last bowl received water but was kept in a dark cupboard.

Those seeds that did not get water, or only had a little water, did not grow. We found out that the seeds that grew the best got water every day and were kept in the sunlight in our classroom. The leaves were bright green and the plants looked really healthy. The bowl in the cupboard grew plants too but the leaves were orange rather than green. We decided that the plants needed sun as well as water.



We have also been looking at the word ‘transform’ in our central idea and found out that it is a different word for ‘change’. Our seeds changed their size and colour, but what other types of change are there? We have conducted several science experiments and explored the idea of reversible change (such as when we melt ice and refreeze it) and irreversible change (such as not being able to separate the tea from water in a cup of tea). Over the coming weeks, the lines of inquiry of our unit will lead us to explore other types of change, particularly in the life cycles of plants, animals and humans.What a fantastic start to our learning this year!

Pictured: Belle and Lotte exploring their ice block melting

Mrs Kym DanceyYear 1 Classroom Teacher

Essential AgreementsAs we welcome the students and families back after summer holidays, the teachers and students start the year thinking about behaviours that make us successful learners. We work collaboratively to write essential agreements for our learning spaces.

Essential agreements set the tone for the classroom. They provide the basis for a collaborative learning culture in which everyone feels safe and comfortable and are courageous with their learning. The agreement is written with the full agreement of all the stakeholders (staff and students) and signed by them.

Over the coming weeks, your daughters will be bringing their classroom essential agreements home. Please take the time to read through them together and discuss with your daughter.

At an Assembly this week we came together as a whole Junior School to write our playground essential agreement. Some of the insightful ideas included: We will be responsible with equipment and put it away when we are finished with it. We will be respectful of others and include them in our games. We will be caring, safe and sharing on the playground. We will be courageous and try playing with new people and try new games.

I hope you see your daughters doing some of these actions in your homes!

Ms Nina Manning PYP Co-ordinator

Camp Australia Welcome back to the new school year. We hope you enjoyed the summer break and have had a smooth start to Term 1. After having a fantastic holiday, we are back on board and excited to see familiar faces returning, as well as some new faces. To help get your family back into the swing of things, here are some tips that you might find handy for easing your children into after school care:

• Give your child as much advance warning as you can that they’ll be coming to Before/After School Care.• Pop into the program with your child to meet our Camp Australia team• Explain the kind of activities they can look forward to.• Speak with the Camp Australia Co-ordinator, Jamie Dunn, if your child is nervous• Let us know how your child felt after their first visit

If there is something in particular your child would like to play when they are in our care, encourage them to let us know. We are here to make Before/After school care visits the best experience possible for you and your child. If you have any questions about the program, please feel free to drop by, meet the team and see what happens in before/After school care first hand.

Program Details

To find out more about our program come in and visit us or call our service phone: 0401 254 394. Fintona Girls' School Camp Australia is located on the Junior School campus in the Early Learning Centre. To view fees and to register visit www.campaustralia.com.au.We look forward to seeing you soon.

The Camp Australia Team

Early Learning CentreWelcome to the 2018 ELC Learning Community



The Early Learning Centre staff and I extend a warm welcome to all our new ELC families and welcome back our returning families for 2018. We hope that you had a happy and restful break and we look forward to an exciting, busy year full of learning and excitement.

The ELC has been a buzz of excitement the last two weeks as the children transition into their new learning environments. The ELC staff and I look forward to getting to know both you and your child and we hope to create many opportunities for collaboration with you and your family.

Fintona ELC values a culture of open and honest communication and we welcome your feedback and input as the year progresses. If you have any ideas or suggestions, the staff and I would love to discuss them with you. I am always available for a chat. If you would like to make an appointment to see me, contact Mrs Sue Peat on 9880 4444 to arrange a suitable time.

Sun Smart PolicyFintona is a SunSmart School, therefore, we must implement strategies to prevent children suffering from excessive sun exposure in the summer months. All children must wear a hat every day when outdoors in Term 1 and 4. If they do not bring a hat they may be restricted in terms of where they are allowed to play when they are outside. We also ask you to put sunscreen on your child before they come to school, and we will re-apply it during the day if necessary. We do keep sunscreen in the ELC classrooms, but if you would prefer your child uses a specific brand please supply a tube to your child's classroom teacher.

Allergy Aware EnvironmentAt Fintona we strive to create an Allergy Aware environment and endeavour to be ‘nut free’. This is because we have a number of children attending the ELC who have severe and life-threatening allergies. As an Allergy Aware school, we aim to educate parents as to the serious nature of these allergies, as well as minimise the allergens that children are exposed to. With this in mind, please do not send any food items that include nuts, nut products or traces of nuts. This includes any foods cooked in oils derived from nuts, such as peanut oil. When ELC staff cook with the children they do not use nuts or any nut based products. ELC staff are also very mindful of the other allergies that are present in their classroom and always ensure that they use suitable foods when cooking, substituting ingredients when necessary. We thank you for your co-operation in this very important matter.

Pictured: Escher Richards was one of the many happy ELC students returning to school last week

Ms Cara MearnsHead of Early Learning Centre

Tuckshop

Middle & Senior SchoolOur Tuckshop staff, Miriam and Nick, provide interesting, affordable and healthy meal choices made fresh daily; great coffee and hot chocolate is also available. Please come to the Tuckshop and introduce yourself, have a coffee and try some of the delicious food on offer. To find out what is on the menu and how to order Read More

ELC & Junior SchoolOrder lunches online https://fintona.mycanteen.co Please Note: Orders must be placed by 8.30am on the day the lunch is required. Contact Mrs Sue Peat, 9880 4444 in the Junior School office if you have any enquiries.

Other Areas

Buy and sell second-hand uniform items. The Uniform Shop is run by volunteers and has different operating times. Schedule for Term 1 Read More

Fintona Parents' Association, Friends of Music and Friends of Rowing. Read More

See what is happening in the weeks ahead. Please Note: Parents can access the School Calendar via inFintona Read More

Permanent and casual places available in Out of Hours School Care. Read More



Middle & Senior School lunches and snacks Read MoreELC & Junior School lunches, order online https://fintona.mycanteen.co

Check notices sent home and when to return them to School. Read More



from the principal - fintona girls' school 1 9... · an extract from the principal’s address...

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