We are entering into a very busy couple of weeks at our school with Father’s Day, Book Week celebrations, Art Show, School Review and the Year 5/6 Camp on the radar.

Book Week

We look forward to another installment of our Book Week Celebrations next week.  We will be having a performance on Wednesday from Tony Bones called, ‘That Bird has Arms’ which is a shortlisted book from this year’s list.  Information and costs for this were sent on Compass earlier in the term.  Students who have not paid for the performance will not be admitted as it is charged per head and we have to pay performers up front. There will also be a Book Fair in the library over the week where parents and students can purchase books.  This is a significant fundraiser for our school and money raised will go back into purchasing books for our students.  Children are also encouraged to dress up as their favourite book characters on Friday and we will have a parade in the gym from 9am.  Parents are welcome to attend.

Father’s and Significant Males Open Day and Stall

This Father’s Day week we will be having an open afternoon on Thursday 29th August and encouraging Father’s, Grandfather’s and other significant male influences in our students lives to participate in an afternoon of literacy or numeracy activities.  We will also be holding the annual Father’s Day stall in the Library where items will start from $2 – $10.  Students are encouraged to bring small notes and coins and to bring their own bag to carry their purchases.

Art Show

Our Art Show is fast approaching and our students and art teachers have been busy getting things together for this occasion.  We will have a sausage sizzle happening on the day as well as Lolly Bags and drinks for purchase.  Parents will have the opportunity to purchase class made art works and other pieces with all proceeds going towards our fundraising at the school.  It is happening on Friday 6th September from 2pm – 6pm.  We hope to see you all there.

Drop Off Zones and bikes

Thank you to all the people who have been following the rules in our drop off zones.  There have been Council Officers and a Police presence over the last couple of weeks to ensure that we can help our students to remain safe.  Please remember to use the traffic lights or supervised crossing when crossing the road and ensure that any children riding bikes or scooters should be wearing helmets.

School Review

The first part of our School Review will be taking place on Monday 2nd September.  We are keen to see what the reviewers will find as the areas we need to focus on for the next 4 years.  A parent forum will take place at 2.30pm in our Library Space.  All parents are welcome to provide input to our reviewers on the day.

Have a wonderful weekend

Darryl Spiteri

BOOK FAIR

It’s about books! It’s about your children. It’s about fun! It’s our Scholastic Book Fair — a special time for our entire school community, to be held in our Wellbeing area. Please plan now to attend our Book Fair, scheduled for Tuesday 27^th, Wednesday 28th, Thursday 29^th and Friday 30^th of August before school (8:15- 8:40 am) and after school (3:00-3:30pm) in the Wellbeing space. You’ll be glad you did! It’s a perfect time to explore the affordable books and products with your children. Plus, a portion of the sales benefits our school directly. Money raised will contribute to purchasing books for our students. Eftpos payments only.

We encourage you to take time for this special event. Can’t wait to see you there!

BOOK CHARACTER PARADE

On Friday, 30^th August Thornhill Park Primary are celebrating Book Week with a book character dress up parade. The theme of this year’s Book Week is ‘Reading is Magic’. Students from ALL classes are asked to dress up as a character from a book to celebrate a love of reading! Costumes can be anything you already have at home in the cupboard. The parade will be held in the gym at 9 a.m. Parents are most welcome to attend.

WE WANT OUR PARENTS / CAREGIVERS / GUARDIANS TO TELL US WHAT THEY THINK!

Our school is conducting a survey to find out what parents / caregivers / guardians think of our school. The Parent / Caregiver / Guardian Opinion Survey is an annual survey offered by the Department of Education that is designed to assist schools in gaining an understanding of families’ perceptions of school climate, student behaviour, and student engagement. The survey is optional, but we encourage all families to participate. Our school will use the survey results to help inform and direct future school planning and improvement strategies.

All families are invited to participate in the survey.

The Parent / Caregiver / Guardian Opinion Survey will be open from Monday 29 July and Friday 30 August.

The survey will be conducted online, only takes 20 minutes to complete, and can be accessed at any convenient time within the survey period on desktop computers, laptops, tablets, or smartphones. The online survey will be available in English and 10 other languages including Arabic, Greek, Hakha Chin, Hindi, Japanese, Punjabi, Simplified Chinese, Somali, Turkish, and Vietnamese.

Please speak to our office staff if you would like more information.

Student Appointments / Arrival / Departures

We would like to make families aware of our arrival procedures for students arriving late to school.

It is important that children arrive on time.  If your child is late for school (after 8:50am), they must report to the administration office with a parent to register their late arrival and receive a late pass which will be handed to the class teacher.

We would like to make families aware of our pickup procedures for collecting students early.

If your child has an appointment and is arriving late, or departing early, or has an appointment during the term, please let your child(s) classroom teacher know via Class Dojo.

When your child is leaving early, please wait at the school office.  Office staff will call your child’s classroom/exit your child, and then your child will be brought to the office, to minimise disruptions.

Please also be mindful that it is difficult for children to hear announcements whilst out in the playground enjoying themselves, should you need to collect them during break times it may take us quite a bit longer.

Break times:

Recess: 10:50am – 11:20am

Lunch: 1:20pm – 2:00pm

Congratulations to 34C who achieved the highest attendance for the week ending 16th August!

Congratulations to Prep D who achieved the highest attendance for the week ending 23rd August!

PRIMARY SCHOOL ATTENDANCE

Going to school every day is the single most important part of your child’s education. Students learn new things at school every day – missing school puts them behind.

If your child is sick or absent, you are required to notify school as soon as possible on the day of absence using one of the following methods:

1. Online: log the absence directly using Compass.
2. Telephone: the school office and let the staff know your child’s name, class, date of absences and reason.

Notifying the school of your child’s absence either prior to, or on the day that they will be away, helps ensure the safety and wellbeing of children and will fulfil your legal responsibility.

Why do I need to notify the school if my child is absent?

Schools need to know when and why a child is absent and you need to know if your child isn’t at school.

If your child is absent on a particular day and you have not contacted the school to explain why, the absence will be marked as unexplained.

This system also promotes daily school attendance. Going to school every day is the single most important part of your child’s education, they learn new things every day – missing school puts them behind.

What is your responsibility?

You are legally required to ensure your child attends school every day or you must provide an explanation for their absence. You should let the school know in advance of any upcoming absences or let them know in the morning if your child won’t be at school. Avoid making routine medical and dental appointments during the school day or planning family holidays during the term.

Recognising great attendance and punctuality.

Our attendance target is 96%.  Each week, we reward the class with the highest attendance (which includes getting to school on time!), with our school mascot, Ripwell in their classroom for the week.

Our Learning in Years 1 & 2

The Melbourne Zoo Excursion

On Friday 2nd August the Grade 1/2s attended the Melbourne Zoo for a fun and exciting visit. The students had an opportunity to learn about animals and see them in their habitats. We had a wonderful time and enjoyed exploring the zoo and listening to the zookeeper talks. Students connected what they have been learning in class to what they saw. They loved seeing the elephants, giraffes, meerkats, seals, butterflies and monkeys and much more. 

Our Water Incursion

On Tuesday the 13th August the Grade 1/2s had a visit from  Greater Western Water. We learnt all about the water cycle, from precipitation to clouds, sun and rain. They interacted with stories such as Donna the Water Droplet  and sang songs. Students  drew, wrote and acted out what we learnt. All students had a great time and learnt valuable information like how water can be a solid, liquid and a gas!

The Mini Olympics 

Thornhill Park Primary School Students were very excited to take part in the school’s mini Olympics  on the 9th of August. Students competed in various events,  including the parachute, jumping sack races, hula hoops, a chicken relay and so much more! We especially enjoyed being outside in the sunshine and having fun!

Grade 1s and 2s also took part in a separate Potato Olympics. Students decorated a potato and made an athlete who competed in different activities, such as rolling races and balancing. 

Olympic Games!

In Week 4 of Term 3, Thornhill Park held their very first Olympic games in honour of the games in Paris! The week was filled with lunchtime activities like an indoor obstacle course, word searches and a battle of Rob the Nest.

On Friday, Foundation to Grade 2 students competed in sack, egg and spoon and three-legged races, rubber chicken relays, and completed the classic parachute.

Students in Years 3-6 also did a torch relay and a very intense tug-of-war match!

At the closing ceremony, families attended to help us celebrate the parade of countries, and to join us in congratulating our medal winners on an amazing display of our school values!

Visual Arts 

The students in Grades One and Two have been exploring the work of French artist, Henri Matisse.

They have created some interesting ‘cutouts’ based on Matisse’s shape work using paper.

The students created their own shapes and then glued them onto paper to form a unique design.

These wonderful creations will be on display at the Art Show on the 6^th September. 

During Visual Art this week, the Grade 3/4 students have been exploring the work of Mexican artist, Frida Kahlo.

The students created their own portrait of Frida Kahlo. They drew the portrait first using grey pencil, then they outlined the design using a black permanent marker and finally they used watercolour paints to include the vibrant colours Frida used in her art.

These amazing portraits will be on display at our Art Show on the 6^th September from 2.00-6.00pm.

Physical Education

Throughout this term in PE, our Prep students have been developing various skills in gymnastics. There has been a focus on movement to music, landing safely and balancing. We have been learning how to work with a partner or small group to complete movement challenges.

Mr. Ford & Mr. Luca

STEM

In STEM, year 5/6 students have been learning about the power of the wind. This week they have used their knowledge to design and build a wind powered machine.

Support if you’re concerned about your child’s mental health.

As parents and carers, you’re often in the best position to identify if your child or teen is struggling with their mental health.

Recognising when your child needs support

Like all of us, children can feel sad, angry or upset sometimes. Knowing that these feelings are normal can be helpful.

However, if your child feels like this a lot or most of the time, or has difficulty coping, getting on with others, or doing their usual activities, it’s a sign they may need help.

Letting your child know that you care for them and are ready to listen and help is a great first step.

You don’t have to manage these concerns on your own. There’s a range of supports available through your child’s school and within your community.

If you’re concerned about your child’s wellbeing

• Contact your child’s school. Depending on your child’s needs, the school can put in place a range of supports or help you in seeking further support. Read more about how schools can support your child’s mental health.
• Call Parentline on 13 22 89 for telephone counselling services from 8 am to midnight, 7 days a week.
• Make an appointment for your child at the GP to make a mental health care plan and seek advice on appropriate further support.
• Mental health support, resources and advice are available for students and families to access over the school holidays. To access translated factsheets, visit: mental health supports for students over school holidays.

Common mental health and wellbeing concerns

Children and teens can struggle with a range of issues as they grow up.

Get advice and help for these common problems:

• relationship problems (for example family, peers)
• eating or body-image issues
• bullying (including cyberbullying)
• feeling sad or depressed
• worry or anxiety
• self-harm or suicide
• school refusal
• drug and alcohol use
• family violence
• abuse (physical, emotional or sexual)
• dating violence and sexual assault.

Encourage your child to seek help

It can be hard to ask for help, but it’s important your child knows it‘s okay.

You can encourage help-seeking in your child by:

• asking how things are going
• letting them know it’s okay if they’re feeling sad or frustrated
• listening without judgement when they seek out your support
• giving your child information on where to get help if they need it.

Look after yourself

Parenting can be very challenging at times, and it’s normal to feel ups and downs. While it may not always be easy to prioritise your own needs, your wellbeing is important.

The Raising Children Network provides comprehensive advice to help parents look after themselves and have healthy relationships.

If you’ve been experiencing negative or frightening feelings and thoughts for more than a couple of weeks and they’re getting in the way of daily life, it’s a very good idea to seek some help. You could start by talking with your GP, or a psychologist if you’re already seeing one.

Immediate advice and support

In an emergency, always call triple zero (000).

Medical support

• Contact:
  • the emergency department of your nearest hospital.
  • your local community health centre or GP.
• Nurse on call -expert health information and advice (24 hours, 7 days):
  • Call 1300 60 60 24.
  • NURSE-ON-CALL

Mental health support

• Beyond Blue – information and support for anxiety, depression and suicide prevention
  • Call 1300 224 636
  • org.au
• Butterfly – support for people impacted by eating disorders and body image issues
  • Call 1800 334 673
  • org.au
• Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAHMS)
  • Victorian Department of Health mental health services for children and adolescence (0-18 years).
  • CAHMS – access services in your area by selecting from the table on the right-hand side of the page.
• Sane – support for people experiencing recurring, persistent or complex mental health issues and trauma
  • Call 1800 187 263
  • org
• Mind Australia – support for people with mental health and wellbeing concerns
  • call 1300 286 463
  • org.au

Suicide prevention support

• Lifeline- crisis support for suicide prevention and people experiencing emotional distress (24 hours, 7 days)
  • Call 13 11 14
  • Lifeline
• Suicide Call Back Service – telephone and online support for people affected by suicide
  • Call 1300 651 251
  • Suicide Call Back Service
• Suicide Line – telephone and online counselling for people at risk of suicide
  • Call 1300 651 251
  • SuicideLine Victoria

Sexual assault and family violence support

• 1800RESPECT – national domestic, family and sexual violence counselling, information and support service.
  • Call 1800 737 732
  • 1800RESPECT
• Safe Steps – Victoria’s 24/7 family violence response centre
  • Call 1800 051 188
  • Safe Steps
• The Orange Door – a free service for adults, children and young people who are experiencing or have experienced family violence and families who need extra support with the care of children
  • The Orange Door locations
  • Out-of-hours services

Congratulations to the following students who received awards during our assemblies!

Keep up the great work!

Students of the Week – Ending 16/08

Students of the Week – Ending 23/08

2024 School Terms    

Term 1  Tuesday 30th January till Thursday 28th March

Term 2  Monday 15th April till 28th June

Term 3  Monday 15th July till 20th September

Term 4  Monday 7th October till Friday 20th December

Important Dates – Term 3

Monday 26th August – TPPS Book Week – Theme – ‘Reading is Magic’

Tuesday 27th August – Book Fair (before and after school)

Wednesday 28th August – ‘Books to Life’ whole school Incursion

Thursday 29th August – Father’s Day Stall

Friday 30th August – Book Parade (dress up) 9am in the gym

Monday 2nd September – 4th Sep – Year 5 & 6 – Weekaway Camp

Thursday 5th September – Year 3 & 4 Basketball

Friday 6th September – Art Show (2pm – 6pm)

Tuesday 10th September – Year 3 & 4 AFL

Thursday 12th September – R U OK? Day

Thursday 12th September – Divisional Athletics

Friday 20th September – End of Term 3

Melton & Surrounds Finals Frenzy Auskick Centre

• Monday nights from 4pm-5pm at Mt Carberry Reserve, Melton South
• 4-week program, 2nd September – 23rd September
• Girls only options available
• Register here: https://www.playhq.com/afl/register/fbeb0e