NEWSLETTER N0.25
DIARY DATES
Tuesday 30th August Edwin Flak District Athletics
Wednesday 31st August Grade 6 - CERES Community
Environment Park
Thursday 1st September Grade 5 - CERES Community
Environment Park
Father‟s Day Stall
Monday 19th September Film Festival
Wednesday 21st September Clover Cottage Dinner
Thursday 22nd September Pie Drive Pick Up
25TH AUGUST 2011
NOTICES DUE BACK BY
Friday 26th August Father‟s Day Stall
Parent Survey Forms
Monday 29th August 3/4 Camp Balance
Friday 9th September J-Rock Performance Tickets
Wednesday 14th September Clover Cottage
Dinner
Thursday 15th September Pie Drive
BERWICK LODGE PRIMARY SCHOOL Phone: 9707 1766 Fax: 9796 2198
E-mail: [email protected]
Visit our Websites : http:// www.berwicklodgeps.vic.edu.au,
Camp Australia/Out of School Hours Care: 9769 8251
PRINCIPAL’S REPORT DISABILITIES &
IMPAIRMENTS (D&I)
FUNDING ISSUE In my report in the 11th August
newsletter I presented an article titled, ‘Short changing our disabled
students’. I had written this piece partly inspired by a case at our school
involving a seriously disabled student enrolled at our school. This case was
widely publicised in the print media and also on the Jon Faine Show. This
public exposure has resulted in the following outcomes;
1. Two benefactors who wish to remain anonymous have donated $3,000 each toward the cost of
providing the disabled student with the resources needed to provide him with
the level of educational and medical support to ensure that his educational
needs are appropriately met. 2. The DEECD have informed me that
they are conducting an urgent review of his case, the outcome of which will
be known within a week.
The issue of D&I funding is one which generates a lot of heat in many
schools. Many are the claims that while we have a very rigorous D & I
application process in place, the overall level of funding for disabled students attending regular schools is inadequate.
The consequence being, it is claimed, that many children do not receive an
appropriate level of resourcing – the
implication being that it is not the
process which is at fault. To date, in our case, community philanthropy has
addressed our issues for the remainder of this year. Hopefully, philanthropy
does not become the mechanism by which such cases need to be addressed
in the future.
BER UPDATE Things are moving – not the least being work on our BER building! Work on
the building is expected to be completed by the end of this term –
this including the landscaping and reinstallation of our boundary fence.
The former gravel car park is not being replaced. Instead we will have an attractively landscaped play area for
the children in the front area of the new building.
We have been notified that the balance of funds available for our companion
project is $604,053 (that is the balance between the cost of our new BER
building and our notional amount of $3 million. That is, our notional $2 million
building actually has cost $2.386 million).
With reluctance we have accepted this balance and have chosen Option 1:
School-led Project for the management of
the Companion Project. This in effect means that we manage the project
manager, architect and builder to
deliver the project. We are very
pleased with this management outcome and look forward to
developing and delivering a great internal refurbishment of our main
building library/administration block by June next year. We anticipate that in
about six weeks we will have appointed a project manager/architect
to undertake this project with us. In addition, the BER Taskforce has
provided our school with an additional $50,000 to enhance our BER building
because they assessed our value for money on that project as being only
40%. We are currently negotiating with the DEECD the scope of this enhancement.
FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS (FAQ’s) Q. Can children go to the local
milk bar for their lunch? A.No, unless they are accompanied by
a parent or approved guardian who signs them out before leaving the
premises and signs them back in when they return.
QUOTABLE QUOTE
‘Be wary of the process perfectionist!”
HENRY GROSSEK
Canteen Closed on Tuesdays
URGENT REMINDER DEECD
PARENT OPINION SURVEY
Please note parents that we have
so far received 18 out of the 100
Parent Opinion Survey requests
sent home. We understand that
time is limited and surveys can be
a burden, but it is a DEECD
requirement that this survey be
conducted. A low response rate is
taken by DEECD as a poor
reflection on our school.
Please return the completed
surveys in the sealed
envelopes as soon as possible.
ENROLMENTS AND
TRANSFERS FOR 2012
Planning for 2012 is now underway
so if you have a child who will be
starting school next year, who is
not already enrolled, please
contact the school to collect
enrolment forms. On Friday we
will also be forwarding all families
a letter requesting information
regarding
students in Prep
to Year 5 who
may be
transferring to
another school
for 2012. It is
important for us to get an
accurate picture of the number of
students at each year level so that
the best plan for students and staff
can be put in place. Your support
with this process would be greatly
appreciated.
STUDENT HEALTH
This week we have had
confirmation of a case of viral
meningitis in a year 3 class.
Whilst we do not wish to alarm
families we feel that it is important
that our community is aware of
this and can keep this in mind if
children present as unwell. Viral
meningitis is
not as serious
as bacterial
meningitis but
needs to be
diagnosed by a
doctor so that
appropriate treatment can be
administered. For your
information we have included a
flyer in this newsletter about the
types of meningitis and the
possible symptoms.
Sneezesafe is a health education
program, designed for children
aged 4–7. Devised by Kleenex®
Tissues and Australian teachers,
this resource enables schools to
encourage children to practise
correct respiratory hygiene and
tissue use to help reduce the
spread of colds, flu and other
viruses. The program information
has been passed on to class
teachers who will reinforce the
messages of the program with
students.
You can help your child stay
healthy and prevent the spread of
viruses by reminding them of our
simple 1-2-3 message (CATCH IT
– always use a tissue when you
cough and sneeze, BIN IT – throw
the tissue away immediately after
use, KILL IT – wash your hands)
which is in line with the Federal
Government‟s recommendations
for respiratory and hand hygiene.
For more information, visit http://
www.nps.org.au/bemedicinewise/
common_colds
NAMATJIRA
PERFORMANCE
The Drum Theatre in Dandenong
is presenting a performance,
„Namatjira‟ on Wednesday 31st
August, 2011. „Namatjira‟ is the
retelling of Albert Namatjira‟s life
and captures the intense beauty,
depth, opportunism, mateship and
injustice that has shaped our
country. This is a free community
event in Dandenong for anyone!
There are still tickets available. For
tickets please call the Drum
Theatre on 9771 6666.
INTEGRATION AIDE
COURSE – BURWOOD
The next Integration Aide course
is scheduled to start on Friday,
30th September. This course will
run over 6 weeks from 9:30am to
4:30 on Fridays & Saturdays.
Presently there are a few places
left for this course. The cost of
the course is $700 and is GST
free. On completion of the
course you will receive a full
certificate. Details can be obtained
from the office or log into their
website at http://
www.deakin.edu.au/arts-ed/cppe/
courses/aide.php
LYNNE BRENNER AND DEBBIE CUSACK
ASS I STANT PR INCIPALS ’ REPORT
HAVE YOU CHANGED YOUR ADDRESS OR PHONE NUMBER?
Please ensure you let the school office know if you have changed address or updated mobile phones with new numbers.
This information alleviates stressful situations on students when they are ill and we cannot contact parents
Stevie PM
Caleb PW
Sharn PC
Elia PM
SCHOOL AWARDS
Congratulations to the following students who
received awards over the last week:
BOOK CHARACTER DRESS UP DAY
To celebrate Book Week (20th-26th August 2011) and Literacy Week (29th August-4th September 2011)
we are having a dress-up day.
On Friday 2nd September 2011 all the students at Berwick Lodge Primary School are invited to come
to school dressed as their favourite book character.
Students are asked to bring a gold coin to help raise money for our 2 Asian schools in Cambodia and
Laos. At the moment these children only have one A5 notebook to record all their learning for the
whole year. It would be nice to think we could provide them with some much-needed
books.
Weather permitting; a whole school buddy lunch will take place on the basketball
courts to showcase everyone‟s effort.
There will be a „Smiggle‟ prize awarded to the best-dressed student in each grade!
Happy costume designing,
Miss Sarah Vine
Hayden PC
Anakin PW
Ruairi PL
Phillip PC
Brooke PC
Erin PW Joey PW
Hayley PL
Stephanie PW
2011 Premier’s Reading
Challenge
Congratulations to all students
participating in this year‟s challenge.
It is great to see so many
enthusiastic readers eagerly
borrowing books from the
recommended booklists.
Don‟t forget to let your teachers know when you have
completed a book so it can be verified on the
Premier‟s Reading Challenge website by a coordinator.
All books must be entered online and verified by
Friday 16th September 2011.
Congratulations to the following students who have completed
the 2011 Premier’s Reading Challenge.
Ethan 3D Ruby 3B Nihaal 3B
Eric 3B Chloe 3B
Cathryn 3B Henna 3B
Shannon 3B Brodie 3B
Happy Reading!
Bernadette Kelly
Daffodil Day Friday 26th August 2011
This year Daffodil Day is celebrating 25 years in Australia. During the month of August we
will be selling merchandise to raise much needed funds for cancer research, support and
prevention.
The daffodil is an international symbol of hope for people who have been affected by
cancer including patients, family, carers and friends.
If you would like to purchase any daffodil merchandise please go to the office. There is a
variety of items to choose from including badges, key rings, pens, bears and even footballs!
They range from $5 - $30.
Daffodil Day is a day for all of us to give hope for a brighter, cancer-free future, so with your help we can make a
difference.
Thank you for your support
Jo Zammit
LIBRARY NEWS
LIBRARY BLOGGING COMPETITION
A BIG thank-you to the following students who have already contributed to the Library Blog by making a
comment (or two):
These children are in the running to have their name drawn out of a hat at the end of August to win one of 5
„lucky dip‟ prizes. If you would still like to enter the „Library Blogging Competition‟ you have until next
Wednesday!
http://blpslibrary.global2.vic.edu.au/
CHILDREN’S BOOK COUNCIL OF AUSTRALIA AWARDS
It‟s „Book Week‟ this week (20th-26th) and the 2011 Book of the Year Award winners are:
Older Readers – The Midnight Zoo by Sonya Hartnett
Younger Readers – The Red Wind by Isobelle Carmody
Early Childhood – Maudie and Bear by Jan Ormerod & Freya Blackwood
Picture Book – Mirror by Jeannie Baker
Information Book – The Return of the Word Spy by Ursula Dubosarsky
Most of these books are available in our school library. A few titles have been ordered and
will be here in 7-10 days!
Many Smiles
Miss Sarah Vine
1K
Mrs Kelly
3B
Henna x 2
3M
Shanae
Kaaviyan x 2
4DR
Tanisha
4R
Abbey x 3
5C
Isaac x 3 Jake
Britney O x 2 Amy
Alex Lauren
James H Jemma
Karla Nathan
Juan Devon
Kayla H Matthew
Cole Ashlea
Jordan
5W
Zahra
5T
Phoebe
6N
Chloe R x 6
Jake
Enrolments for 2012 are now being accepted! Enrolment forms are available from the school office. Original birth certificates and immunisation certificates need to be sighted by the office at the time of enrolment.
Junior School Council News...
Dear Parents,
As part of our fundraising efforts for our Sponsor Children,
Pheear and Oshdi, we have registered with Pauls Collect a
Cap. Each specially marked milk bottle cap donated earns
our School 10c.
We are hoping to raise as much money as possible to enable
us to help Pheear, Oshdi and their communities in Cambo-
dia and Sri Lanka.
The money we raise helps their community to provide edu-
cation and school supplies, training in farming skills, medical
check-ups and supplies, building materials for new class-
rooms and clean, safe drinking water.
The caps can be placed in the marked collection bin outside
Mrs Cusack‟s office.
Thank you for your support
Vanessa Stevens and Lianne Morgan
On behalf of the Junior School Council
2011 BERWICK LODGE FILM FESTIVAL
and
J-ROCK PERFORMANCE
Looking for a sensational family night out???
Well we have the answer for you!!
The Grade 5 and 6 children have been busy writing, filming and creating super short films and
photo stories this term and we would like to invite our whole school community to the Berwick
Lodge Primary School Film Festival on Monday 19th September 2011. This fantastic night will
include a special performance of our star J-Rock cast as a special bonus. Invite your family and
friends to a very special night and travel down the red carpet of the Drum Theatre in Dandenong
for a night you will not forget!
WHEN: Monday 19th September 2011
WHERE: The Drum Theatre, Dandenong Town Hall, 226 Lonsdale St Dandenong
(Melways reference 91A E7)
TIMES: First screening – 5pm for a 5.30pm screening (finishing around 7.15pm)
Second screening – 7.45pm for a 8.15pm screening (finishing around 10pm)
TICKETS – available ONLY at the Drum Theatre
Either by phoning the theatre directly on (03) 9771 6666, attending the theatre personally
or ordering over the internet (http://www.drumtheatre.com.au/) and following the links.
$10.00 – primary school aged children
$12.00 - concession card holders (pensioners, health care cards, seniors cards etc)
$ 16.00 – adults and secondary school students.
Get in quickly for the best seats available as tickets will sell fast.
WHAT IS ORGANISATION?
Things to Say to Communicate :Planning My
Time”
“You have achieved your goals
through good time
management.”
“You schedule your study
time well. Good for you in
getting your assignment in on
time.”
“With all you have to do, you managed to get
it done. You achieved your goals through
good time management.”
“You‟re a good time manager.”
“How does it feel to have managed your time
to get the job done.”
“You seem to appreciate that planning your
time leaves more time for fun.”
“I‟m glad to see your keeping track of when
your assignments are due.”
Parents & Friends Association NEXT MEETING: Thursday 1st September 2011 at 1.30pm in Room 16.
Everyone is welcome, including toddlers.
2ND HAND UNIFORM SHOP: Our next 2nd hand uniform shop will be open in the school
canteen on Tuesday 30th August 2011 from 2.30pm until 3.15pm.
PFA CAFÉ: Is open on Thursday afternoon‟s from 2.45pm in Room 16, next to the
grade two portables. If you arrive at school early to get a car park close by, or you
want to come and keep warm, please come and visit us and enjoy a hot drink for a
gold coin donation.
Current Events FATHERS DAY STALL: Thursday 1st September 2011
Forms have been sent home for the Fathers Day Stall. There will be a wide variety of gifts to
chose from including mugs, photo frames and games, for that special Dad, Grandad or Great
Grandad. All forms must be returned by Friday 26th August 2011. If you have a few hours to
spare, please fill in the Parent Helper slip at the bottom of the form. We appreciate your
assistance in setting up and running the stall.
PIE & SLICE DRIVE:
The PFA are holding a Pie & Slice Drive this term with our pies and slices being supplied by
Emerald Bakery. There will be a variety of savoury and sweet pies and also some yummy slices.
Order forms will be sent home this week. Remember to ask family and friends for their much
appreciated support of our school.
UPCOMING EVENTS
CLOVER COTTAGE: There is only 4 weeks remaining until Clover Cottage.
Be sure to return your form together with payment a.s.a.p. to avoid
disappointment. It will be a spectacular night filled with auctions, raffles, great
food and entertainment. Some of the items up for auction/raffles include
vouchers to various family fun parks, beauty packs, restaurant vouchers and
passes an that is only the start.
DRIVE IN MOVIE NIGHT: December we will be having another fun filled Drive In Movie
Night at Akoonah Park. This is a great opportunity for advertising for your business. If you work for, or own a business and would like to advertise on the night please email us at
Keep collecting....
Remember to keep collecting your Woolworths Earn and Learn Receipts, Coles Sports for
Schools Vouchers and Paul‟s Collect-A-Caps. So far we have collected Coles Vouchers - 11,150,
Paul‟s Collect-A-Cap - 300 and Earn and Learn Points - 2500. Boxes for each promotion can be
found at the office or send them through your classroom so you can earn
house points too !
School Name OSHC Coordinator: Dorien Erasmus
Father’s day is around the corner and we want to show that special father, grandpa or even uncle, just how much we love them. Don’t miss our special Father’s day crafts planned for next week. REMINDERS 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. To find out more call our 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 cancella-tions, view your statements and manage your details anytime of the day online.
Before school care: 6:45am – 8:45am After school care: 3.30pm – 6.30pm
Star of the week: Max K 3D: For very good behaviour
WHAT’S ON THIS WEEK Father’s Day Crafts
BLOSHC NEWS
AFTER SCHOOL CARE
MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY
Diploma and Trophy for Dad
Kite Card Giant Tie Key ring for Dad
Photo Frame
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 treat-
ing
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
TAX RETURNS SELVEY TAXATION SERVICES
Individual & Business Returns
14 Day Refund
Partnerships, Companies & Trusts
Taxation & Business Advice
BAS & GST Advice
Discounts for Couples, Students & Pensioners
Investment Properties
REGISTERED TAX AGENT
Over 20 years experience
Contact Wayne on 0412 714 421 or
email: [email protected]
Thursday 8.15pm & Sunday 9.30am $10.00 per class
Contours Berwick 39 Enterprise Ave
Bring in this ad for your first class free!
Advertisements published by the school are accepted in good faith and should not be regarded as an endorsement of any product or service.
Parents and members of the school community are advised to investigate any service or product to determine its suitability to meet their family's needs prior to accessing it.
COMMUNITY NEWS
BELEZA SCHOOL UNIFORMS Shop 7, 151-159 Princess Highway, Hallam
(Cnr Wedgewood Road)
Ph: 9702 3181
20% off SALE
(No Layby)
Sale includes membership discount
29th August - 3rd September 2011
Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00am - 5:00pm
Saturday 9:00am - 1:00pm
Note: Therer will be no VIP nights this year in December
Sale excludes Griffo and Clearance Lines
MENINGITIS
Meningitis is a very serious illness in which the membranes and fluid to establish that surround the brain and the
spinal cord become infected.
What Causes meningitis?
Meningitis is caused by a virus, bacteria or a fungus. It‟s important to establish what caused the illness so that it can
be treated properly. Meningitis is spread when someone with the illness coughs or sneezes.
Is meningitis serious?
Bacterial meningitis is generally more serious than viral meningitis, which is often caused by another illness such as
enteroviruses, coxsackievirsues, mumps viruses or adenoviruses. Bacteria meningitis can cause permanent disabili-
ties in up to 20% of children who get it. Bacterial meningitis can also cause death.
Can I prevent meningitis?
There are vaccines that can help prevent several types of meningitis, including vaccines for haemophilus (Hib) men-
ingitis, meningococcal meningitis, and pneumococcal meningitis. Viral meningitis is best prevented by washing hands
thoroughly and often.
How do I know of my child has meningitis?
Babies with meningitis may have the following symptoms: Older children may experience:
Fever
Refusing to eat
Fretfulness
Being difficult to wake
Skin rash or bruising
High moaning cry
Pale or blotchy skin
How do I treat meningitis?
Treatment for bacterial meningitis may involve hospitalisation, antibiotics, and other medications such as anticon-
vulsants, cortisone, and sedatives which may be used to treat complications.
Treatment for viral meningitis is similar to the treatment for any viral illness. Make sure that you child gets lots of
rest and fluids. Keep her warm and use paracetamol for discomfort and fever. Viral meningitis cannot be treated
with antibiotics.
Should I call the doctor?
Always call the doctor if you suspect that your child has meningitis. The earlier your child receives treatment for
bacterial meningitis, the better the outcome.
What you need to know about meningitis?
Meningitis is a serious illness that can cause serious complications and even death.
Bacterial meningitis is more serious than viral meningitis.
Bacterial meningitis is treated with antibiotics.
Viral meningitis is treated the same way as you treat any virus.
There are vaccination available for some forms of meningitis.
Written by Rebecca Stigall for Kidspot, Australia‟s parenting resource for family health. Sources include Better
Health Channel, NSW Health and Health Insite.
Headache
Fever
Vomiting
Neck Stiffness and joint pains
Drowsiness and confusion
Skin rash or bruising
Discomfort looking at bright lights
(photophobia)