Science Week Celebrations: As part of our Science Week celebrations,

our students yesterday, enjoyed a Science dress up and Experiment Day. It was

a great day where all our students had the opportunity to dress up as crazy

scientists and participate in a variety of hands on science activities and

experiments. I just loved seeing our students totally embracing our crazy

scientist theme. Their creative and ‘mad’ dress ups were such a sight to see.

Today, our students in Years 3 – 6 experienced the ‘Professor Science Show’

presented by the Science Faculty at Victoria University. The show provided our

students with further opportunities to enjoy and explore the wonders of

science. Thank you particularly to Mr Garcia and Mr Chigros for all their great

planning and preparations for the day. Thank you also, to the staff who always

embrace our special days with such enthusiasm and excitement. Of course,

thank you to our parents who supported and encouraged their child/ren with

their creative dress up. It was such a great way for our students to have fun

with their learning and for us also to show off our new Science Lab.

Chaplaincy Program: Starting tomorrow, our school Chaplain /

Wellbeing Officer, Chantelle Olafson will be running each Friday a ‘hang out’ for

our Year 6 girls. This will be on a voluntary basis where students can choose to

get involved if they want to. The ’hangout’ will take place in the Wellbeing

Room during lunch time where the girls will have the opportunity to eat

together and chat about things such as secondary school and any excitement /

anxieties they may be feeling as they begin the transition to this new phase of

their school life. This program will work towards encouraging stronger

friendships and highlight inclusion. It will be a student run, fun ‘hang out’ space

where the students can grow and develop their friendships and leadership skills

by helping with the planning of ideas. The girls have decided for the hang out to

be called the ‘Graduate Girls Club’. I think this is a great name. Thank you to

Mrs Olafson for steering this group and supporting our students during what

can be a considerably stressful time for them. Please note: The boys were

offered the same opportunity but kindly declined, preferring to spend their

lunch breaks outside.

Parents as Helpers Program: Parent helpers are a valued resource at

Donvale Primary School. For parents, teachers and students to gain optimum

benefits from working with each other, we would like all parents wanting to

help in the school to participate in the ‘Parents as Helpers’ course. This is an

Education Department course that is used in schools throughout Victoria.

Quote of the week:

13th October 2016 Elata Street, Donvale

Phone: 03-9842 3373

Fax: 03-9841 7033

Email:

Donvale.ps@edumail.vic.

gov.au

Website:

www.donvaleps.vic.edu.au

Our Values

Respect

Responsibility

Resilience

Compassion

FROM THE PRINCIPAL - Lena Clark

The purpose of the training sessions is to welcome and support parents working in the school, as well as

to give parents useful strategies to draw upon when working with students in the classroom.

We are again this year, presenting the course during the Foundation Transition Program thereby offering

any new parent community members, the opportunity to participate in the training. This is also a perfect

opportunity for any current parents who have not yet completed the training and would like to become

parent helpers, to join us if they are available during the dates and times on offer.

As mentioned in previous newsletters, due to our new school policies and Child Safe Standards, parents

who have completed this training will be prioritised as helpers in the school. It is also an expectation that

parents wishing to be helpers in the school to have up to date ‘Working with Children Check’ cards.

Three different focus sessions are presented and parents are strongly encouraged to participate in

the three training sessions.

The sessions aim to develop in participants an awareness of:

Roles and responsibilities of Parents as helpers.

Student learning and literacy development.

Classroom literacy activities.

How to assist the classroom teacher and students in the classroom.

The 3 sessions are as follows:

Session 1: Tuesday 25th October 2016 9.30 – 10.45am (Library)

What does being a Helper mean?

Helping with Speaking and Listening

Session 2: Thursday 3rd November 2.00 – 3.15pm (Library)

Helping with Reading

Session 3: Tuesday 8th November 9.15 – 10.45am (Library)

Helping with Writing

If you would like to participate in this training and are available on the above dates and times, please

contact the office to register your attendance. I look forward to seeing you there.

Parent Requests: A reminder that I am currently taking any parent requests you may have for your

child’s class placement next year. This is with particular reference to friendship groups only. I will

aim to accommodate these requests where possible. Please understand, however, that as we are not a

large school, it is extremely difficult to accommodate all the requests I receive – although we do try!

Please also appreciate that requests for teachers will not be considered. Please ensure that if you

have any class placement requests for your child/ren, that your forward this to me in writing no later

than Friday 28th October. Unfortunately, due to the difficulty of this task, any requests forwarded to

me after this date will not be considered.

Parent Survey: Our annual Parent Survey is now available online to all parents. Please see more

information from Mr Gordon (ICT Coordinator) in this newsletter. Your feedback is very important to

us. We are always seeking opportunities for improvement as providing the best teaching and learning

environment to all our students is our core purpose. I encourage all parents to participate in the survey

and take the opportunity to have a say.

Mrs Jones: We send a fond farewell to Mrs Clare Jones (1 / 2 class teacher) who has unfortunately

been unable to continue with her teaching duties at Donvale PS. I would like to take this opportunity to

thank Mrs Jones for the work she has done during her brief time with us. She has made a big impact on

the students, parents and school, in general. I know the students will miss her. We wish Mrs Jones all the

very best as she takes some time to spend with her family.

Hope you are having a wonderful week.

Lena Clark

October

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1

MELBOURNE CUP

DAY

2

3

2.00-3.15: Foundation

2017 Transition

2.00-3.15: Parents as

Helpers Course

11.30-12.30: Donburn PS

Band performing

1.00: Music Count Us In at

special music assembly

4 5

7 8

9.30-10.45: Founda-

tion 2017 Transition

9.30-10.45: Parents as

Helpers Course

9

7.00-8.30pm: Foundation

2017 Parent Info Night

Grade 1/2 Woodworking

Incursion

10

Lunchtime: Jnr Chef

11

3.30-6.00pm: Family Fun Art

Show

3.45-4.15: Jnr Jammers, Music

Makers, Snr Groups performing

12

8.00-

11.00pm:

Art Soiree

14 15 16 17

2.00-3.15: Foundation

2017 Transition

18

Whole school disco

19

21 22 23

Grade 3/4 on camp

24

Grade 3/4 on camp

25

Grade 3/4 on camp

Grade 1/2 camp activity day

26

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri

10

Science Week

11 12

‘Experiment Day’

Dress Up as a Scientist

Day

13

2.30-3.30: Incursion for

Levels 3-6 ‘Victoria

University Science Show’

14

17 18 19

Lunchtime: Jnr Chef

20 21

All day: Currawong Bush

Park Sustainability

Excursion for Leaders

Snr Hooptime Regionals

at Kilsyth

24 25

Grade 5/6 Camp

9.30-10.45: Foundation

2017 Transition

9.30-10.45: Parents as

Helpers Course

7.00-8.00pm: Grade 3/4

Camp Information

Evening for Parents

26

Grade 5/6 Camp

All day: Foundation

excursion to Chesterfield

Farm

27

Grade 5/6 Camp

28

Grade 5/6 Camp

31

CURRICULUM DAY

November

GENERAL

Annual Parent Opinion Survey – Have Your Say!

The Annual Parent Opinion survey is now online via Survey Monkey. The link will be sent via Skoolbag

and Compass. Please follow the link to enter a rating for each of the school programs, and add an

optional comment about any of the programs. Using this online version will allow us to analyse the results

more quickly and accurately. We look forward to receiving your feedback. Please complete the survey by

Friday 28th October.

Students leaving Donvale

Planning and structuring of grades is already underway for next year. If your child is not returning to

Donvale next year, we would appreciate it if you can let the office know as soon as possible.

DONVALE JUNIOR CHEF

Donvale Junior Chef on the 19th October: SUSHI

Dear mums, dads, students and teachers, it is with great sadness that I let you know next Wednesday,

the 19th of October, we will have our last session of cooking. Unfortunately moving comprises a great

deal of packing, sorting, filing and it’s taking a good chunk of my time. Many mums have been fantastic

helpers during this exhilarating adventure and I am so grateful.

I am grateful for the support many of you have shown and offered.

SO….we kept the best for last!! On Wednesday we’ll be making and eating delicious sushi, taught and

made by our Japanese mums, Natsuko and Aya. If you learn to do something, learn from the best, and

they are!!

If you’d like to take part in the class, you know what to do!! Bring $5 to the office asap, first in first

served!

Looking forward to enjoying our last session with my favourite little chefs.

Chi cucina con me?

Laura Emozione

Uniform outgrown? Leaving the school?

Sell your pre-loved uniform items!

Join the

Pre-Loved Uniform Buy & Sell: Donvale Primary School Facebook Group

As our new uniform has almost completed third year in service, many families may be looking to the next size up for their children and a way to move on their current items. Although Donvale Primary School does not currently operate a secondhand uniform shop as such, we do offer families a way to connect with others in our school community to buy and sell pre-loved Donvale PS uniform items through our closed Facebook group. Members can sell their child's outgrown and surplus uniform items or pick up quality pre-loved items at a significantly lower cost to retail prices. If you are in need of a particular item, you can also post a 'Wanted to Buy' request to the group for members to respond to. To join the group, go to https://www.facebook.com/groups/DonvalePS.PrelovedUniforms/ and click 'Join'. Only Donvale PS families are permitted to join this group (not the general public). Here are the ground rules for the group: 1: Only Donvale PS uniform items are to be posted to this group. 2: Sellers are to use the 'Sell Something' function of the group's page. 3: When listing items for sale here, clearly state your price, item size and condition the item is in. Refer to the Suggested Pre-loved Selling Prices list on the next page. 4: Include photos of the item, with a close up photo of any defects/stains so buyers know what they will get. 5: Items are to be offered to the first person to respond to your post, subsequent members can request to be 'next in line' by commenting 'NIL' in the post, should the first member not purchase the item. Next-in-line requests shall be offered in order of comments posted. 6: 'Wanted to buy' requests should be prefixed with the letters 'WTB' at the start of a Discussion post. 7: Buyers and sellers should make contact each other through the private messaging function of Facebook to arrange a time to meet to complete the sale. 8: For everyone's safety, all transactions are to be held on school grounds rather than private homes, eg at drop-off or pick up. You could even arrange to meet at the front office during school hours. 9: Remember to mark your item as 'SOLD' once you sell it. This is a community service to enable families to purchase quality pre-loved uniforms at a fraction of the retail price and enable families to re-home old uniforms easily, whilst getting some return on their initial purchase. Any anti-social behaviour will result in exclusion from this group by the administrator. If a dispute arises, the administrator will offer mediation to resolve the situation.

ART ROOM NEWS - Ms De Stefanis

Term 4 in the Art Room

A major focus in the Art Room this term is the Art Show. We are preparing for a magnificent celebration

of our creativity. Students will be able to witness how art moves from a concept, to creation, to audience

enjoyment. A very satisfying process for any artist. The students are excited to share this with their

families and friends on the Family Fun afternoon on Friday 11th November. Whilst parents and adult

friends can join in our Art Soiree on Saturday 12th November. Tickets on sale now.

Year level exploration

Foundation: Our Foundation students will be using ‘The Farm’ as inspiration this term to look at the

various animals, crops and practices on a farm. All the while exploring colour mixing, symmetry and line.

The art works will take the form of collages, sculptures and paintings. They will also work on a level

group piece for the Art Show which will be an explosion of colour.

Year 1/2: The Year 1/2 level will use the fascinating topic of ‘Gardens’ as their focus. This is such a rich

topic allowing the students to explore a number of artistic concepts such as colour, line, printing and

drawing. They will also be participating in a woodworking incursion on Wednesday the 9th November

where they will use proper woodworking work benches, tools and materials to develop their fine motor

skills and build confidence in their abilities.

Year 3/4: The Year 3/4 students are going to further develop their knowledge of colour, line and

composition through drawing and other art practices. They will be undertaking a series of lessons on

photography that will enhance these concepts and continue to grow our students understanding of digital

art. They will explore how these images can be manipulated to create interesting compositions.

Year 5/6: Our Year 5/6 students will look at intricate insect specimen drawings to further their

development of line, pattern and texture in drawing. Then the Year 6 group will focus on designing and

creating their graduation bears based on ‘Someone that inspires me’. The Year 5 group will continue to

explore colour theories, perspective and refining their artistic skills.

The end of the term will see an explosion of red, green and glitter as we embrace all things Christmas

and the conclusion of a messy and creative year in the Art Room.

Mandarin Messages (hàn yǔ xìn xī) - Serina Lee (李老师 lǐ lǎo shi)

2016年10月13日

Mandarin Term Overview

This term each level will focus on a specific aspect of Chinese culture and learn relevant vocabulary to describe

and talk about those elements of Chinese culture.

Prep and 1/2

Students in Grade Prep to Grade Two will be focusing on habitats and in particular animals living on farms to tie

in with the story ‘Xiao Ji’ (Little Chicken). They will explore differences in the sounds animals ‘make’ in English

and Mandarin. They will also apply and reflect on the Mandarin they have learned throughout the year as they

focus on these topics. Prep students will learn a Mandarin song relating to farm animals.

Grade One and Two students will also be introduced to Chinese Gardens this term. There are many deep

aspects of Chinese culture embedded within all the elements that are apparent in Chinese gardens and we will

explore some of those aspects this term. Students will also learn how to say a number of mini-beasts in Mandarin

and learn a mini-beasts song in Mandarin.

Year 3/4 and 5/6

Learning about language and culture through food is very interesting and meaningful. Students in grades 3 to 6 will

reflect on what they already know and understand about Chinese cuisine and aim to broaden that knowledge and

understanding. The middle year students will focus on the many variety of noodles and the senior students will

focus on the ‘Eight Regional Cuisines of China’. Students will also explore the differences in eating utensils and

eating etiquettes along with some of the history behind the elements involved in studying those topics.

FORTNIGHTLY MANDARIN CHALLENGE

What is it? A challenge to all students to answer a question accurately in Mandarin before the end of Wednesday every

second week in order to be in the draw to win a prize at the end of the year!

How do you play? You just need to find lǐ lǎo shi before the end of Wednesday each week and tell her your answer to the

Question Of The Fortnight. Your answer is due by Wednesday October 26th!

What do you get? You get a chance to have your name published in the Snippets Newsletter and go into the draw to win

a prize at the end of the year!

Question Of The Fortnight

中国的国旗有什么颜色？zhōng guó de guó qí yǒu shén me yán sè?

Hints: 中国 (China); 国旗 (flag); 有 (has/have); 什么 (what); 颜色 (colour); 和 (hé – and)

GOOD LUCK! 加油！jiā yóu!

MANDARIN MUSIC GROUP (MMG)

The focus of the MMG this term is on singing a Mandarin song and dancing to a Kpop medley. All students are

welcome to join every Wednesday lunchtime. Come and join in on the fun!

FROM THE SCIENCE LAB - Mr Christian Garcia

What a wonderful day we have just had at Donvale Primary School with our Science Dress up and

Experiment Day. Many students came dressed as mad scientists and professors and all the outfits looked

fantastic, much effort has been put into these costumes.

Each level participated in an experiment rotation system and included activities such as the floating egg,

liquid layers, making slime and much more. All the students were highly engaged and so very enthusiastic

during the entire day, it was extraordinary. What a monumental day for Donvale Primary School and a

big thank you must go out to all the staff, you are all incredible! Also a special mention for Will E for a

being a brilliant scientist and helper throughout the week, well done!. I look forward to next years

Science Week edition, thank you everyone.

MATHS FUN AT HOME - Mr Reiter, Maths co-ordinator

Program Update

Dear families,

In keeping with the school’s ‘Science Week’ theme, the children at OSHClub have engaged in a variety of science

experiments and activities. Some of our favourite activities have been making bath bombs, slime and crystal stars.

Next week we will be exploring nature and the environment through a variety of Springtime activities.

Just a reminder that in Term 4 it is time to Slip, Slop, Slap! Please make sure your child brings a hat to the

OSHClub program. OSHClub has a “No hat – No outside play” policy. OSHClub supplies sun cream. If your

child is allergic to a particular type of sun cream please inform the Coordinator at the program. We also

encourage you to read our sun smart policy.

Remember bookings can be made right until 12pm the night before, or you can book on the day

by calling or leaving the text message but there will be an extra charge of $3.00 for bookings

within 24 hours. If you’re ever stuck and would like your child to attend OSH After School Care

you can call me or leave a message on 0402 362 443 and I will get back to you. For some reason if

you need to cancel the child from attending the after school care session you can cancel online if it

is before 24 hours or leave a text message on the program phone (0402362443/98422261) if it is on

the day.

Please remember to update the contact details (Especially the phone

numbers and address) on the enrolment form if there is any change. This can

be done online at www.oshclub.com.au

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

Before Care

Activities

Felt flowers

Gaga Ball

Make a

Chatterbox

Chinese Wall

Make a bird feeder

Soccer shoot outs

Ladybug craft

Night at the

museum

Board game bonanza

Heads down thumbs

up

After Care

Activities

Bubble wrap

painting

Ultimate Frisbee

Cooking:

cinnamon scrolls

Hockey

Wind Chimes

Ball tiggy

Growing sprouts

Tricky tiggy

Make a kite

Nature playground

fun

OSHC program phone: 0402 362 443/9842 2261

Coordinator: Kate

Assistants: Clare

OSHClub Head Office: 03 85649000

All families must be enrolled to attend the program, remember this is Free!! Please create an account online at

www.oshclub.com.au all bookings and cancellations can also be managed via your online account. For on the day

bookings please contact the Coordinator direct at the program.

Lamingtons are cool, so are icypoles

on sale @ Friday Recess - $1 each.

Bring the whole family -

Vision Portraits - Friday 21 October

Book a $15 sitting before Friday 15 October

& receive a free 10”X13” framed photo of your choice.

One lucky DPS family wins a $200 voucher

to spend at their booking!

Friday 18 November.

Practice your mooooves……….

PARENT ASSOCIATION NEWS

DONVALE BASKETBALL CLUB – News & Views!

A great start to Term 4 with a win by the Dribblers over the Birralee Blazers. Down 0-3 at half time, a

strong display of teamwork and great passing by the whole team saw an awesome comeback to win 13-3.

Goals to Sam, Aidan and Kade. Huge thanks to Angus for joining our team for the day!

U/9 Girls – Dolphins - The girls started the term with amazing energy and dominated the game early.

Unfortunately they just couldn't land a basket and continued to pepper the ring before finally getting on

the board. There was no turning back from there and they won 14-0. Abby, Ally and Zara all scored and

we were so happy to see Bani K and Rosana S both score their first ever goals!! Well done girls, you are

off and running now, and for that they shared the 'Dolphin of the Week' award.

Dreamers - A tough game this week against the top team, but the girls did much better than they have

previously. There were a few steals, some much-improved movement up the court, and a few shots on

goal which meant they were able to hold their opponents to only 8 points in the 2nd half.

Great effort by the Daisies on the weekend even though we didn't come away with a win. We put heaps

of shots up but just couldn't get them in! Lots of shooting practice at training this week! Well done to

Zoe on a great game and congratulations to the Diamonds on their win.

The Daredevils played a great game and were rewarded for their fantastic teamwork. There was lots of

passing and an all round display of positive attitude. Well done boys!

The Donvale Primary Basketcases – News & Views!

We are passionate about

Basketball

The Department of Education & Training, Donvale Primary School its Management, and teachers

do not endorse the products or services of any advertiser listed in this publication. No

representation, warranty or undertaking is given or made in relation to the accuracy or

completeness of the information presented in this publication, or any claims made by the

advertisers.

Birthday Wishes To

Matin K, Connor R, Caitlin D, Noah G, Imogen M, Madison S, Ben P, Pavit K

Who are celebrating birthdays from the 14th to 20th October