The Torch ARARAT PRIMARY SCHOOL 800

PO Box 225 / 70 —78 Moore St

Ararat VIC 3377

P: 03 5352 1253 F: 03 5352 4926

E: ararat.ps@edumail.vic.gov.au

W: www.araratps.vic.edu.au

February 11th, 2016

Principal’s Report Dear parents and friends of Ararat Primary School,

Ararat Primary 800 is about to commence the School Council election process for 2016, and we invite you to consider becoming part of our dynamic and committed council team. A School Council is a legally formed body that is given powers under the Education and Training Reform Act of 2006. It is the major governing body, deciding future directions for the school and overseeing the school's operations.

School Council meets at least eight times each year, and at least twice per school term. Our meetings are restricted to two hours’ duration at most. All School Councilors are also expected to sit on at least one sub-committee – Finance, Buildings and Grounds, Community Connections and Policy Development. Sub-committees also meet at least twice each term. Council appointments are of two years duration.

A ‘Notice of Election and Call for Nominations’ form has been included on Page 2 of this newsletter, detailing the number of Ararat Primary School Council positions declared vacant. Nominations will open on Monday of next week, February 15th, and close at 4:00pm on Monday, February 22nd, 2016. Nomination forms will be available from the school office from Monday, with completed forms to be placed in the ‘School Council Elections’ box in the office foyer.

Involvement in School Council is a highly rewarding experience and I encourage you to consider nomination. If you have any questions regarding School Council, please feel free to contact me.

As a community, we extend sincere thanks to our retiring Council members, who have worked tirelessly on behalf of our students and school during their terms in office: Adam Merrick (Council President), Angela Day, Leonie Cowey, Adrian Pilgrim and Heidi Jerram. Their leadership, loyalty, support and commitment are greatly appreciated.

As a learning-community, we’re very proud of our extensive professional learning agenda and commitment to student engagement and wellbeing. That commitment will continue during the next few months with Monday, February 22nd set aside as a student-free day by the Ararat and district schools to work on the implementation of the “Whole School Positive Behaviours Framework”. Highly recognized educator, Mr George Booker, will return to work with us on May 20th, extending our teachers’ understandings of mathematics instruction and the stepping stones of maths learning. Please note that February 22nd and May 20th have been approved as student-free by the DET and School Council. Our School Councilors will be involved in their own training program on March 1st, focusing on Strategic Planning as

part of our 2016 school review process.

“Quality Beginnings” is the focus of our curriculum during the first few weeks of the year, with all classes establishing their mission statements, clarifying their standards and expectations and building strong, positive working and social relationships. A highlight of the program again this year will be our “Quality Beginnings” balloon launch, planned for Friday morning of next week, followed by our annual “Welcome Back Games”. We invite you to join us for this very special occasion, as our students share their mission statements with each other, and the world, and enjoy a fun morning of getting-to-know-you activities.

We also invite you to join us at the Ararat Fitness Centre on Thursday of next week for our 2016 “Let’s Have a Go” Swimming Carnival. All students in Years 3 to 6 will be involved in events and activities, and it’s shaping up to be a great program. Please note that events will commence promptly at 9:40am - a copy of the schedule has been included overleaf. We’re very keen for parent volunteers to assist us on the day. If you’re available to lend a hand, please contact Adrian Pilgrim or leave a message at the office. We look forward to seeing you there!

Looking ahead, 3-Way Conferences for Year Prep to 6 students and their families will be conducted over two days on March 8th and 9th. Please note that children are required to attend school as usual on these days, and will be withdrawn from their class to attend the conference with their teacher and parents. Conference bookings will be available using our on-line system, with further information distributed during the next few weeks.

Finally, ensuring the safety and well-being of all of our students at all times is central to our school’s operations. Given this commitment, it is important to remind you that the Department of Education and Training, and Ararat Primary School, do not provide personal accident insurance for students. Parents and guardians are responsible for paying the cost of medical treatment for injured students, including any transportation costs. In the event of the use of an ambulance, parents who do not hold a Pensioner Concession Card, Health Care Card or Health Benefits Card will be charged for that use if they are not members of an ambulance fund. We urge all parents and guardians who are not holders of one of the above-mentioned cards to join a fund. Ambulance services are very expensive, so please give this matter serious consideration. Reasonably low cost student accident insurance policies are available from commercial insurers. Student Insurance information is also available through our school office.

Kind regards,

Jennifer Molan

STUDENT FREE DAYS

Please note the following Student Free dates:

Monday, February 22nd - Whole School Positive Behaviours Framework PD

Friday, May 20th - Differentiating Number and Algebra PD

To be advised - Term 2 Report Writing Day

TERM DATES 2016

Term 1: 1st February - 24th March

Term 2: 11th April - 24th June

Term 3: 11th July - 16th September

Term 4: 3rd October - 20th December

School values: Respect Honesty Self Awareness Learning Belonging

Ararat Primary School Council Elections 2016 Call for nominations

An election is to be conducted for members of the Ararat Primary School Council.

Our Council is made up of nine parent members, two co-opted community representatives and four Department of Education and Training (DET) representatives. Parent representatives on the School Council provide important viewpoints and have valuable skills that can help shape the direction of our school. Parents who become active members of School Council find their involvement satisfying in itself, and often find that their children feel a greater sense of belonging.

The term of office for newly elected members is two years, ending on the day of the declaration of the poll in February of 2018. A proportion of the members must retire each year, creating vacancies for annual School Council elections.

Nomination forms may be obtained from the school office from Monday, February 15th, and must be lodged by 4:00pm on Monday, February 22nd, 2016.

The ballot will close at 4:00pm on Monday, March 7th, 2016. Following the closing of nominations, a list of nominations received will be posted in the school’s foyer.

The terms of office and number of positions in the Parent Category open for election are as follows:

Membership category Term of office Number of positions Parent member 2

DET member 3

If the number of nominations is less than the number of vacancies, a notice to that effect, and calling for further nominations, will be posted on our website and Facebook page, through the school newsletter and in a prominent position in the school foyer.

If you are interested in standing for election but are not sure of the process, or require further information about the roles and responsibilities of School Council members, please arrange a time to meet with me, or speak to a current council member.

Jennifer Molan

From the day after the date of the declaration of the poll in 2016 to, and inclusive of, the date of the declaration of the poll in 2018.

Grade 3-6 ‘Let’s Have-A-Go’ Swimming Carnival Thursday, February 18th at Ararat Fitness Centre

9:40 am - 2:30 pm

TIME AGE EVENT EVENT TIME AGE EVENT EVENT

11:40 8 Yr 50m Freestyle 25m Freestyle 9:40 12/13 yr 50m Freestyle 25m Freestyle

11:50 10 yr 50m Backstroke 25m Backstroke 9:50 11 yr 50m Freestyle 25m Freestyle

12:00 9 yr 50m Backstroke 25m Backstroke 10:00 12/13 yr 50m Backstroke 25m Backstroke

12.10 8 yr 50m Backstroke 25m Backstroke 10:10 11 yr 50m Backstroke 25m Backstroke

12:20 8/9/10 yr Kickboard race 10:20 11/12/13 yr Kickboard race

12:40 10 yr 50m Breaststroke 25m Breaststroke 10:40 12/13 yr 50m Breaststroke 25m Breaststroke

12:50 9 yr 50m Breaststroke 25m Breaststroke 10:50 11 yr 50m Breaststroke 25m Breaststroke

1:00 8 yr 50m Breaststroke 20m Breaststroke 11:00 11/12/13 yr 25m Butterfly

1:10 8/9/10 yr 25m Butterfly 11:10 11/12/13 yr Noodle race

1:20 8/9/10 yr Noodle race 11:20 10 yr 50m Freestyle 25m Freestyle

1:30 All ages Freestyle relays 11:30 9 yr 50m Freestyle 25m Freestyle

Earthlings . . .

Our Earthlings meetings have started again and it is great to see some familiar faces from last year, as well as some new ones. We held our first 'Nude Food Lunch' today and the Earthling members will be encouraging each classroom to have the smallest amount of rubbish within their lunchboxes each Thursday.

Last year, Buzzy Bee World was fortunate enough to borrow two incubators and watch the process of a chicken's development during our 'Where does it come from' Discoveries theme. The hens from this project have settled back into the school yard in their new home and it is great to see so many people stopping in to visit them. We would like to thank the McGrath family, once again, for their long running support, assistance and chook-sitting services!

We would also like to extend a big thank you to Rod, Turk and Tammy for their help building the chicken coop, as well as Bernie for her help watering the herbs and fruit trees during the summer holidays. We greatly appreciate all of your help!

We have plenty of mint, parsley and basil growing in our herb garden near the Learning Centre and encourage families to come and pick some if they need it.

- Ms Sharp, Mr Kean and Miss Sanford

Marigolds for ANZAC Day . . . Thankyou to all of the helpers who planted 500 marigold plants last night. Our garden beds look spectacular!

Earn and Learn . . .

Drum and Guitar Lessons at Ararat 800 Primary School

Students at Ararat 800 Primary School have the opportunity to receive drum or guitar lessons from Mark Gillett at Marian College.

For information, pricing and terms see Mark’s website: www.markgillett.com.au

You can call or text Mark on 0417 574 499 or email Mark at markgillett@exemail.com.au

Thursday 3rd March 2016 U13 Registration & Information Night (5:00 – 6:00pm)

& Association AGM (6:30 – 7:00pm)

Where: Richardson Oval

Our Earn and Learn order is on its way!

Our students last year were very busy collecting the Woolworths Earn and Learn stickers, collecting a total of 28,560 which filled

476 stickers, giving our SCR students plenty of work to collate.

Because of such a fantastic effort, the SRC have been able to place an order for the following items for the whole school to use: a

first tools complete gardening set of 10, which the Earthlings will use for the Herb Caterpillar; a Polydron Giant Octoplay super set

of 60 pieces, giant dominos, three different sets of glove puppets and a human skeleton with stand.

Change to Canteen List . . .NO NOODLES!

Please note that Chicken Noodles (cup) will no longer be

available on our canteen list.

MON TUE WED THU FRI

School Banking

processed on Tuesdays

SUNSMART POLICY

Hats must be worn when

outside during Term One

11th

3-6 Swimming

12th LUNCH ORDERS

NO NOODLES

3-6 Swimming

Sporting Schools #2

15th Assembly

3-6 Swimming

16th

3-6 Swimming

17th

3-6 Swimming

18th

SWIMMING CARNIVAL

Gr 3-6

19th LUNCH ORDERS

Balloon Launch &

Buddy Family

“Welcome Games” from

9:00am

22nd

STUDENT FREE

DAY

23rd 24th 25th

Rock ‘n’ Roll Dance Lesson #1

26th LUNCH ORDERS

Sporting Schools #3

29th

Preps commence

full time

SCHOOL CENSUS DAY

March 1st

Black Ranges

Swimming Carnival

2nd Assembly 3rd

Rock ‘n’ Roll Dance Lesson #2

4th LUNCH ORDERS

Sporting Schools #4

Grades 3-6 Swimming Program 2016

Thursday 4th February to Wednesday 17th February

Swimming Carnival is on Thursday 18th

Swimming roster: classes departing school at

3/4B - 9:00, 5/6D - 9:30, 3/4 C - 10:00

5/6C - 10:30, 3/4H - 11:00, 5/6K - 11:30

Happy Birthday to:

Feb 12th Maggie Croft

13th Lacey Farrington

Holly McAdie

16th Dakota Back

17th Xavier Wilson

Rishi Kalluri

Madison Ferguson

Summer Clarke

20th NICA– Melbourne

NICA FUNDRAISER

Icy poles will be available

for purchase at

lunch time

$1.00 per icy pole.

Funds raised will go

towards

bus transportation

costs.

Price List for 2nd Hand Uniforms . . .

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC LESSONS

Available during school time on Tuesdays

All brass instruments, flute & violin

Contact Sandra Pope 0413 624 175

6th Willaura - Bamboozle

We now have set prices for our 2nd hand uniform pieces. School Jumpers $5-00

Dresses $2-00

T’Shirts & Bottoms $1-00

All funds raised are used to support the circus program.

Welcome back to Term 1, 2016 everyone.

There is a lot happening in Circus this year, which we are very excited about. We will be using our

Mothers Day raffle proceeds to go towards employing Clowning Specialist, Liz Skitch, to work with our

students. Whatever they create will be performed in the foyer prior to the Senior School’s Annual

Production in August.

NICA VISIT ~ Saturday 20th February

Keep your eye out for the NICA form, which will be out this week. We have had a few concerns regarding train

travel, but think we have them safely sorted. We meet at Ararat Railway Station at 6.50am on the Saturday. We

travel to Southern Cross, and then to Prahran to NICA. Our workshop runs from 10.30am until 1.30pm. We then

return to Southern Cross, have something to eat, and then catch the 3pm train back to Ballarat. From there we

catch a bus home to Ararat, which ensures we arrive home by 5.40pm. Parents are encouraged to attend.

ICY POLES

We are currently selling icy poles of a lunchtime. They are $1, and the proceeds will go towards bus hire for our

NICA trips. We really appreciate your support.

CIRCUS CLASSES

During class this term, we are initially focusing on acrobalance activities using two or more people. We are

having a lot of fun with this, as some of the poses are quite challenging. When we present our Circus

Showcase, we plan to include a short acrobalance performance.

BAMBOOZLE @ WILLAURA

Bamboozle will be performing at the Willaura Market on Sunday 6th March, so come along to see our fun

performance!

We will be having a practice session after school on the Wednesday prior to performing.

Permission forms and note out soon!

STILT WALKERS @ BALLARAT HARMONY FEST

At this stage we think the stilt walkers will be at Harmony Fest. It is a wonderful festival, so go along for support if

you can.

BAMBOOZLE AFTER SCHOOL WEDNESDAY PRACTICE STARTS IN MARCH.

Circus

From the Art Room

Welcome back to 2016, everyone. We have lots of exciting things planned for Art this year. Firstly though, a request for all students to have clearly named art smocks ready to go as soon as possible please. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy. An old shirt is absolutely perfect. Thanks to everyone who already has theirs ready to go.

Each week there will be a focus student in each class. For those in Years 3 – 6 they will need to bring in an artwork of their choice to share on their day. The artwork can be something students have made, or an artwork they have found in a book, or on the internet. I will be putting up the focus students’ names on the board outside the art room. Well done to Flynn, Kaine, Izaiyah, Aria and Xavier who have started us off so well.

From the Art Room cont.

We will be continuing with our Art Blog this year, with students taking on the role of reporters and photographers to create our posts. These will also be displayed in an Art Journal near the front office. There will be new posts up shortly as I am trialling uploading at the end of the week with a post for each year level. I am very impressed with our Grade 1/2 focus students’ learning statements this week. Well done, Kyle, Kassie, Stella and Zabina.

Our first creations this year will be around self-portraits and getting to know our new classmates. We will also be setting some goals for what we would like to achieve in the areas of drawing and painting. Years 3 – 6 will be exploring their portraits through the ‘selfie’, creating a fun display. The Year 1-2 students will be exploring colour and looking at improving their work through use of feedback and drafts, to paint their self-portraits.

Prep students will begin to create their very special Prep Art Books. These focus on introducing basic skills and art concepts, such as primary and secondary colours. The Prep Art Books usually take a couple of terms to complete.

猴 Chinese Language

Program 2016

Welcome back to Ararat Primary School’s Chinese Program for the 2016 school year.

The Year of the Goat has finished and on Monday the 8th of February, the Year of the Monkey began. Students are

currently learning about the 15 day Chinese celebration of Chinese New Year. They are also learning how to

recognise and write the character for monkey -猴.

This year, we will continue to work on our ‘Dragon Body Project’.

Last year, all of our students individually decorated a fabric square for the dragon’s body. This year, we will add

our new Preps’ squares to these and will begin sewing the panels together to make larger panels, that will

eventually become the dragon’s body.

Ms Sharp and Mrs Jerram will be meeting with our Project Advisor– Jade Kahle (Ava’s Mum ) next

Monday, to determine our next steps in the design and construction of the dragon’s body. We will also

be setting a workshop date to begin sewing the panels together. I will advertise this workshop in future

newsletters. Thanks to all the parents, grandparents, and APS 800 community members who have

already volunteered to assist with this task. If new parents and families would like to be involved in this

workshop, please come and have a talk with Ms Sharp or Mrs Jerram.

Finally, thank you to our whole school community for your support of our “Scales for the Tail” project

in Term last year. We raised $210.00 just from all the 5 cent coins our community donated. Excellent

work! This money will assist us to purchase Art materials to help Mrs Powell finish the dragon’s tail.

Thanks, once again, for your great support.

Wishing you all a great start to the school year and Year of the Monkey.

新年快乐！ Xin nian kuai le! Happy New Year!

Mrs Jerram