NEWSLETTER N0.6 CURRICULUM DAY ACTIVITIES TOMORROW CPR & ASTHMA TRAINING- all staff will be involved in a series of workshops on both CPR and asthma training to ensure we are all competent in these important areas of first aid. It is a legal requirement that school staff undertake both CPR and asthma training on a regular basis. TODAY’S SCHOOLS: CHANNEL 31 Late last year our children and several staff members were involved in filming for a new TV series called Today’s Schools. I have been notified that the series has commenced this week and will be telecast on Channel 31 weekly for the next 5 weeks. Today‟s Schools is telecast on Monday evenings from 7.00pm to 7.30pm. Each of the five episodes is repeated on Wednesdays at 4.00pm and Thursdays at 3.30am. Our school is featured in each of the
PRINCIPAL’S REPORT 5 episodes as follows: Episode1: Children – You Do What? Episode 2: The Radio Station Kids Episode 3: Blogging at Berwick Lodge Episode 4: In the Office – You Do What? Episode 5: LEEP Program
8TH MARCH 2012
wisdom. When questioned about any regrets they had or anything they would do differently, common themes surfaced again and again. Here are the most common five: 1. I wish I'd had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me. WORTH THINKING ABOUT As part of our staff wellbeing focus, I This was the most common regret of all. When people realise that their life is brought the following report to the attention of staff earlier this year. The almost over and look back clearly on it, it is easy to see how many dreams have article appeared in The Guardian newspaper (UK) recently and is food gone unfulfilled. Most people had not for a lot of thought. I hope you find it honoured even a half of their dreams and had to die knowing that it was due interesting. “Bronnie Ware is an Australian nurse to choices they had made, or not made. It is very important to try and who spent several years working in palliative care, caring for patients in the honour at least some of your dreams last 12 weeks of their lives. She recorded along the way. From the moment that you lose your health, it is too late. Health their dying epiphanies in a blog called Inspiration and Chai, which gathered so brings a freedom very few realise, until they no longer have it. much attention that she put her observations into a book called The Top Continued…. Five Regrets of the Dying. Ware writes of the phenomenal clarity of vision that people gain at the end of their lives, and how we might learn from their
PRINCIPAL’S REPORT CONTINUED... 2. I wish I didn't work so hard. This came from every male patient that I nursed. They missed their children's youth and their partner's companionship. Women also spoke of this regret. But as most were from an older generation, many of the female patients had not been breadwinners. All of the men I nursed deeply regretted spending so much of their lives on the treadmill of a work existence. By simplifying your lifestyle and making conscious choices along the way, it is possible to not need the income that you think you do. And by creating more space in your life, you become happier and more open to new opportunities, ones more suited to your new lifestyle. 3. I wish I'd had the courage to express my feelings. Many people suppressed their feelings in order to keep peace with others. As a result, they settled for a mediocre existence and never became who they were truly capable of becoming. Many developed illnesses relating to the bitterness and resentment they carried as a result. We cannot control the reactions of others. However, although people may initially react when you change the way you are by speaking honestly, in the end it raises the relationship to a whole new and healthier level. Either that or it releases the unhealthy relationship from your life. Either way, you win. 4. I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends. Often they would not truly realise the full benefits of old friends until their dying weeks and it was not always possible to track them down. Many had become so caught up in their own lives that they had let golden friendships slip by over the years. There were many deep regrets about not giving friendships the time and effort that they deserved. Everyone misses their friends when they are dying. It is common for anyone in a busy lifestyle to let friendships slip. But when you are faced with your approaching death, the physical details of life fall away. People do want to get their financial affairs in order if possible. But it is not money or status that holds the true importance for them. They want to get things in order more for the benefit of those they love. Usually though, they are too ill and weary to ever manage this task. It is all comes down to love and relationships in the end. That is all that remains in the final weeks, love and relationships. 5. I wish that I had let myself be happier. This is a surprisingly common one. Many did not realise until the end that happiness is a choice. They had stayed stuck in old patterns and habits. The so-called 'comfort' of familiarity overflowed into their emotions, as well as their physical lives. Fear of change had them pretending to others, and to their selves, that they were content. When deep within, they longed to laugh properly and have silliness in their life again. When you are on your deathbed, what others think of you is a long way from your mind. How wonderful to be able to let go and smile again, long before you are dying.” FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Q. Do the City of Casey Bylaws Officers really patrol the streets around our school regularly during school days? A.Yes they do. They can use photography as a means by which you may find a traffic infringement notice in your mail weeks later, so be careful. QUOTABLE QUOTE ‘More often than not the difference between an idealist and a cynic can be measured in years’
HENRY GROSSEK DIARY DATES Friday 9th March Thursday 15th March Friday 23rd March Tuesday 27th March
Curriculum Day - No students required to attend school National Young Leaders Day Grade 5/6 Bigbuzz Productions: Our Story Hot Dog Lunch
Thursday 15th March Monday 19th March Monday 26th March
Hot Dog Lunch Orders Grade 5/6 Bigbuzz Productions: Our Story 5/6 Interschool Winter Sport - Code of Conduct/Medical Form 5/6 Camp Sovereign Hill Deposit
NOTICES DUE BACK
ASSISTANT PRINCIPALS’ REPORT BETTER BUDDY LAUNCH – PURPLE DAY On Tuesday 6th March 2012 we launched our Better Buddy Program in conjunction with the Alannah and Madeline Foundation. The school was a sea of purple as children dressed in the colour of the Alannah and Madeline Foundation to acknowledge our involvement in this program which is designed to promote the safety of students and help them feel safe in the school environment. The students met up with their 2012 buddy and shared some time with them over lunch. The prep children were quite excited to receive a „Buddy Bear‟ from their Year 6 buddy. We hope that this event was the start of an ongoing support relationship between the students throughout the year. INTEGRATION AIDE COURSE The RMIT University is offering a Certificate of Education (Integration Aide) to be held in Pakenham during 2012 at Beaconhills College Pakenham. The course consists of 8 six hour Saturday sessions. The course will run from 12th May, 2012 until 28th July 2012. For further information contact Brigette Whyley on 9925 6612 or email cdu@rmit.edu.au
BABY NEWS Congratulations to Jodie and Tom Luketic on the safe arrival of Ruby Grace Luketic on Friday 2nd March 2012. Ruby‟s birth weight was 7lb 4oz. We look forward to a visit from Jodie and Ruby in the weeks ahead.
This week we have included advice focusing on the importance of regular and punctual school attendance. We encourage families to read through this flyer and keep your eyes open for future inclusions in the newsletter. Parents may access Michael‟s website at www.parentingideas.com.au
STUDENT WELLBEING NEWS – CYBER SAFETY WEB LINK Parents are often asking how they can help their students be aware of the dangers when accessing online sites and seeking suggestions for ways in which they can support their children in remaining cyber safe. We have been informed of a useful link that addresses online safety in a fun way. This link has a film, „Cyber quoll‟, which consists of several short animated stories that can be used to generate discussion between children and their parents. „Cyberquoll‟ can be found at: http:// www.cybersmat.gov.au/cyberquoll
CASEY CARDINIA LIBRARY – ‘YOUR TUTOR’ The Casey Cardinia Library Corporation has advised us of a service that may be of interest to families. This service, „Your Tutor”, provides an online tutoring service for students in Years 4 to 12. Families will need a computer with internet access to avail themselves of this service which is available from 4:00 to 8:00pm week nights during the school term. Subjects covered include english skills and concepts, maths, assignment and project research and study skills. The tutors are qualified educators and are police checked. To access „Your Tutor‟ you will require a Casey Cardinia Library Corporation Library Card and you will need to go to http://www.cclc.vic.gov.au If you are not already a library member you can join by visiting your local library to secure free membership.
PARENTING ‘INSIGHTS’ In an effort to provide quality information for parents within our school community, throughout this year we will be including copies of relevant insights to parenting from Michael Grose. Michael is a highly recognised child psychologist and parenting educator. These insights have been provided through Michael‟s parenting ideas website to which the school has subscribed.
Grade 5/6 Camp
Thank you to the parents that came to last night's Camp Information Evening. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to contact me before 9am or after 3.30, or speak to your child's class teacher. If you're interested in being a parent helper on camp, please come and collect a form from me (Room 23) or ask your child to come and see me. These forms are due back by Wednesday 21st March 2012. Thanks, Jackie Pope
LYNNE BRENNER & DEBBIE CUSACK
Junior School Council Hospital Day On Tuesday 20th March 2012 we will be having a Hospital Day to raise money for the Good Friday Appeal. Children can come dressed as a doctor, nurse or patient (in their pyjamas). If children dress up they can donate a gold coin.
SPORTS NEWS On Monday 5th March 2012, the Casey North divisional swimming trials were held. Berwick Lodge PS had 10 swimmers representing the Edwin Flack district. Well done to all of those swimmers, it is a great achievement to have made it so far. We also had some swimmers qualify for the regional finals, held at Melbourne Sports and Aquatic centre on Thursday 22nd March 2012. These swimmers have proven to be the best in our sporting division! So good luck to the following students on the day, you have already done us proud: Matthew K 6K
Aaron G 6W
Jake M 6W
Josh S 6N
Yasmin M 4Y
HOUSE ATHLETICS Just a reminder that the House athletics carnival is being held on Wednesday 21st March 2012. Remember to come in your house colours and do your best for your house on the day.
Year 7 2013 Transition News
BETTER BUDDY PROGRAM
Parents of Grade 6 children who are interested in the Berwick S.C High Achievers Program are invited to collect the brochure outlining all the information about the program from Mrs Sue Naismith in Room 24. Applications for this program close at 4pm on Monday 26th March 2012. Emerald S.C have also sent information about their SEAL Program, (Select Entry Accelerated Learning). Any parents interested in considering this school are welcome to collect the relevant information from Mrs Sue Naismith.
Last Tuesday we launched our Better Buddy Program with a „Purple Day” celebration. It was wonderful to see so many students and teachers dressed in purple for the day. Visitors from the Alannah and Madeline Foundation, organisers of the Better Buddy Program, joined in the picnic lunch and were very impressed with the friendliness of all of our students as they got to meet their 2012 buddies. Here are some of the comments about the day from some of our Grade 6 students-
PARENTS OF GRADE 5 and 6 children are invited to attend a school tour of Berwick S.C. Bookings are essential for these tours. Please contact the Berwick S.C school office on 8768 1000 to register for a tour. Tour Dates areTuesday 13th March 2012 at 9.30am Thursday 15th March 2012 at 9.30am Saturday 28th April 2012 at 9.30am Monday 30th April 2012 at 9.30am Thursday 3rd May 2012 at 9.30am Thursday 10th May 2012 at 9.30am Thursday 16th August 2012 at 9.30am Thursday 13th September 2012 at 9.30am For further information about Berwick S.C please contactMrs Linda Bourke on 8768 1000 or bourke.linda.g@edumail.vic.gov.au For any queries about zoning restriction at Berwick S.C please contact Mr Spencer Davenport davenport.spencer.n@edumail.vic.gov.au
On Tuesday we got to see our Prep buddies and we had lunch with them. My Prep buddy is Max. We gave him a special teddy. He is lucky because he has two buddies, he has James as well as me. Jackson 6N On the 6th of March 2012 we met our prep buddies. My buddies‟ name is Rad. He is an awesome buddy. I gave him a teddy to welcome him to school. Jordan 6N On Tuesday we met our buddies for the first time. I was very excited to meet my buddy. I was nervous though in case she did not like me! My buddy‟s name is Tehya and she is a lovely girl. Steph 6N On Tuesday it was „Purple Day Buddy Launch‟. Andre was terrified of us but Grace and I persisted and we are sure we can be great buddies to him. He was very shy and hasn‟t warmed up to us yet! Ashleigh 6N On Tuesday we met our prep buddy. I was so excited to meet my buddy Zack. When we got to the Prep classroom we met our buddies. Zack was very friendly and loved the bear we gave him. I‟m really looking forward to our year together. Kara 6N
Book Fair – Grand Total! Our Scholastic Book Fair was a HUGE success! Thank you to all the parents, students and teachers who supported this event; because of everyone we sold $7,200 worth of books and stationary items. This means that $2,500 will be spent on new books for our library; and all the boys and girls will be able to enjoy these. Congratulations to the following students who won a „door‟ prize at our assembly on Monday 5th March 2012. Each student was able to choose a poster, stationary item or small book. Briani PM Liam 2G Mickayla N 3S Logan 5C
Ella PM Keely 2G Annalise 3S Shannon 5C
Zoha 1J Venuki 2G Leyla 4R Tyson 5T
Matthew 2FR Jack 3M Josh 4R Liam 6K
Halinka 2FR Bailey 3M Luke 4Y Cole 6P
I have really appreciated the positive feedback given to me from our parent community. If you have any further feedback (either positive or constructive) I would welcome your comments. Many smiles, Miss Sarah Vine Asia Studies/Library
Berwick Lodge OSHC phone: 9769 8251 / 0403050165
Coordinator: Dorien Erasmus
A few reminders for the New Year: Please remember to CANCEL your child if you know he/she will not be attending ASC. To ensure the safe arrival of your child at OSHC, please make a booking online or call us to confirm attendance. Update your contact details when it changes. We will only allow those people you nominate on your Enrolment Form to collect your child/ children. No child is allowed to play outside without a hat – please send an extra hat for OSHC. Curriculum Day Please note: Due to low numbers there will be NO program on curriculum day, Friday 9th March 2012. Save on Care You can save 50% or more on before and After School Care fees with the non-means tested Child Care Rebate. Almost all families are eligible. And remember – permanent bookings are cheaper than casual bookings. To find out more call Customer Service Team on 1300 105 343 Monday to Friday. Visit our website to register www.campaustralia.com.au. Once registered you can make bookings and cancellations, view your statements and manage your details anytime of the day online. Hours of operation Before school care: 6:45am – 8:45am
After school care:
3.30pm – 6.30pm
Star of the week: Ewan M 4K: For using his manners, packing up and sharing toys. WHAT’S ON NEXT WEEK Autumn (Thank you Shenelle K for your contribution) AFTER MONDAY SCHOOL CARE
TUESDAY Scarecrow
WEDNESDAY Autumn Tree Collage
THURSDAY Apple Stamping
FRIDAY Leaf wreath
Parents & Friends Association Easter Raffle Easter raffle tickets came home this week with the eldest child from each family. If your family did not receive a book please let the office know and we will get one out to you ASAP!! There have already been requests for extra books which is fantastic, if you would like to sell extra tickets please tick the box on the return slip provided. The Easter Egg Prize Hampers are starting to take shape and are looking great but there is always room for improvement. There is still time to contribute so keep those donations coming in, every little bit is appreciated. Just a reminder that all tickets, both sold and unsold, along with the money raised needs to be returned to school by Monday 19th March 2012. The winners will be drawn on Monday 26th March 2012 at assembly, so get out there and start selling, the winning ticket could be one of yours!!
Hot Dog Day The very popular and highly anticipated Hot Dog Day Lunch is fast approaching. All orders must be received by Thursday 15th March 2012. Late orders will not be accepted. Organising and catering for so many students on one day is a huge undertaking and your understanding in this is much appreciated.
Disco The end of term Disco will be held on Friday 23rd March 2012 in the School Gym. The theme will be 'Easter' so start thinking about you outfits now, I have my bunny ears ready to go!! Keep your eyes open for more information coming soon!!!
PFA Meeting The next PFA Meeting is next Wednesday 14th March at 9.30am in Room 31. Even if you only have 20 minutes to spare come along, grab a coffee, meet some fantastic people and find out what you can do to make our awesome school even greater! As always kids are most welcome :)
Carly Baker PFA President
BUSINESS ADVERTISING CRYSTAL CLEANING SERVICES P/L For all your carpet/upholstery and general cleaning needs Special Offer 3 rooms/3 seats Professionally steamed cleaned for $77.00 incl. GST Free deodorising Free stain treating Other services: Vacate clean-up/ready for sale For bookings & enquiries contact Steve 0411 752 279
$1.00 from each booking goes back to BLPS. Plus $1.00 to Royal Children's Hospital
BUSINESS ADVERTISING
COMMUNITY NEWS NARRE WARREN-BERWICK BLUE LIGHT DISCO BERWICK LEISURE CENTRE, MANUKA ROAD, BERWICK SATURDAY 31st March 2012 (NO APRIL DISCO) For Students in years 4, 5, 6, 7, & 8 only Times 6:00pm to 10:00pm COST: $10.00 Any enquires to Narre Warren Police Station 9705 3111
COMMUNITY NEWS
“Berwick Flames is a basketball organisation that is focused on core values that include family, friendships and fair play. We exist to promote healthy competitive competition whilst maintaining our core values. We focus on our kids playing, practising, while growing physically, mentally and socially”. Registration for Winter Season is now open at Berwick Flames Basketball Club Winter Season starts Saturday 14th April 2012 All are welcome! For more information please looks at our website: www.berwickflames.com
FREE TO A GOOD HOME Grey Male Rabbit Comes with hutch that goes on grass Please call Lisa on 0425 751 902 for more information