We are into the closing stages of 2024 and it seems like there is still so much to do.  We still have Graduation, our End of Year Celebration and Step Up Day.  Lots to pack into the final couple of weeks.  Even though it is moving to the end of the year, we still want to ensure our students are representing our school well and following our school values.

Unkind Language

We have been hearing instances of unkind and often racist language being used at school recently.  Many of our younger students are often unaware that the language they are using is racist and therefore it is important to take this into account when dealing with this issue as a school.  Up until now it has been wonderful to see how well the many cultures at our school get along and add to the rich tapestry of our history.  I am confident that with the right education and a supportive home/school partnership we can ensure that all students at our school feel welcome and are not teased for their appearance or the colour of their skin.  We do not teach children to be unkind to each other and at our school.  On the contrary, we teach concepts around being Respectful and Inclusive, therefore we need everyone to do their bit to ensure our community continues to be a vibrant and wonderful place to be.  Any language that is deemed unkind will not be tolerated and dealt with accordingly.  We ask you to speak to your children about this and perhaps help them to cope with such situations by letting adults at school know about it.

Parking

We are still getting people parking in the bays at the front of the school and stopping others from driving in and picking up their children effectively.  Please do the right thing in this space to keep our students safe.

Graduation

Our Year 6s are about to embark on their end of year celebrations including a trip to Funfields and a visit to their new High Schools.  It will also involve a Graduation Ceremony for all our 6s.  We look forward to being a part of this celebration.

End of Year Celebration

The End of Year Celebration is coming up.  We are still looking for prizes for our raffle, so if you are linked with a business and can get something donated as a prize for our raffle, it would be appreciated.  We want all families to be at our end of year celebration.  There will be performances, awards and Food Trucks for you all to enjoy.

Step Up Day

Our Annual Step Up Day will be on Tuesday 10th December.  Students will spend two hours with their new grades and new teachers.  It will be a wonderful opportunity for our students to get to know their new classmates and spend some time establishing expectations for 2025.  Classes have been carefully created, so it is very difficult to take any late requests for friendship groupings.  We wish our Year 6s all the best as they travel to their respective Secondary Schools on this day.

Curriculum Day

2025 sees the introduction of a new Curriculum for Victorian teachers to follow.  Therefore, we will be having a Curriculum Day on Friday 6th December to prepare for the new year.  Students are not required at school on this day.

Enjoy your weekend

Darryl Spiteri

Big Christmas Raffle

We are excited to announce our BIG Christmas Raffle and would love your support!

We are asking for your generous donations to help make this event a success. Any items or contributions are greatly appreciated, and we thank you in advance for your kindness and support.

Please drop off your donations at the School Office at your earliest convenience.

Raffle Tickets:

• Tickets will be sent home with your child tomorrow or Monday – please check their bag.
• Tickets are $2 each.
• Write your name and contact number on the left side of the ticket book, and keep the right side as your receipt.
• Please return completed tickets and money to the school by 13th December.

The raffle will be drawn at our End of Year Celebration on 18th December.

All funds raised will go towards supporting the continued growth of our school. Your participation helps us provide even more opportunities for our students.

Thank you for your support and involvement!

Holidays

We have many families who are going on overseas holidays in the next few weeks and months. Please remember to send an email to the school office and your child’s teacher letting us know your child will be on extended leave.

Leaving/Exits

If your child will not be returning to Thornhill Park Primary School in Term 4, or in 2025, can you please make contact with the school via email Thornhill.park.ps@education.vic.gov.au with your child’s name, year level/class, their final day of attendance, and their destination school.
If you have any questions regarding exits, please contact the school office on 8764 3990.

Congratulations to Prep D who achieved the highest attendance for the week ending 22nd November.

Congratulations to 12E who achieved the highest attendance for the week ending  29th  November.

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.

Screen Time

This page is for parents and carers, covering online time in general. Parents can also read information about online gaming.

Targeted advice on managing online time is available for young people.

How much is too much?

There is no magic figure. The right amount of screen time can depend on a range of factors like your child’s age and maturity, the kind of content they are consuming, their learning needs and your family routine.

It can be easy to focus only on the clock, but the quality and nature of what they are doing online, and your involvement, are just as important.

Consider your child’s screen use in the context of their overall health and wellbeing. For example, is online time getting in the way of their sleep and exercise? Is it impacting on their face-to-face connections with family and friends? The answers to these questions will guide you and help strike the right balance of online and offline activities for your child.

Signs to watch for

Signs that your child’s online activity may be having a negative impact on them or on your family include: 

• less interest in social activities like meeting friends or playing sport
• not doing so well at school
• tiredness, sleep disturbance, headaches, eye strain
• changes in eating patterns
• reduced personal hygiene
• obsession with particular websites or games
• extreme anger when being asked to take a break from online activity
• appearing anxious or irritable when away from the computer
• becoming withdrawn from friends and family.

What to do if you are concerned

Ask questions and listen

• Some of the behavioural changes described above are a normal part of growing up but, if you are concerned your child is struggling, try to find out why — there may be underlying issues such as cyberbullying, friendship difficulties or mental health issues.
• As part of your conversation, ask your child about how much time they spend online and explain why it is worrying and what they could be missing out on.
• Try not to show that you disapprove or they might shut down communication altogether.
• Talking to your child’s school may also reveal academic or social issues, and the school may also be able to provide support.

Explore underlying issues and seek help if necessary

• You can read advice for parents about issues like cyberbullying, gaming, and grooming and unwanted contact.
• If necessary, you can get help for your child through a counselling or online support service.

Help your child manage their online time

Stay engaged and encourage balance

• Keep an eye on the games, apps and devices your child uses. Chat with your child regularly and help them stay aware of how much time they are spending on different online and offline activities.
• Include positive things outside the online world in your conversations, such as what they love in life, careers they are interested in and new hobbies.
• Join in. Play games together as a family, or explore some joint online projects. Rather than being just a solitary activity, online time can then become another way of strengthening connections as well as building social skills.
• Where possible, avoid limiting online time as a punishment as this approach may inflate its importance to children.

Create a plan

• Involve your child in creating a family plan for leisure and entertainment time that balances time spent sitting in front of screens — including time online and watching TV — and a variety of offline activities.
• Work out the plan together. Young people are more likely to respond to rules they have contributed to and see as being fair and consistent.
• As well as agreed age-based time limits, the plan could include rules about which websites can be visited and online games can be played. It could also include control of access to the internet or devices, perhaps with daily passwords revealed once family time, homework and chores are complete.
• A minor reduction each day or a ‘15-minutes to switch-off’ warning can help the transition to a more balanced use of time.

Reducing your own screen time also sets a positive example.

• You could also consider formalising your plan into a signed written agreement — a family online safety contract. Our advice in online safety basics has some tips on this.
• There should be clear consequences for not sticking to the agreement and it is important to follow through with these.

Use the available technology

• Parental controls are software tools that allow you to monitor and limit what your child sees and does online. But be honest and open with your children about why and how you want to use these technologies.
• There are also apps and software to measure online time as well as set time limits on device use or internet access.
• Find out more information in parental controls.

Set boundaries for digital device use in your home

Device-free zones and times can help you manage screen time. For example, your family plan could include rules like this:

• no devices in the bedroom for younger children
• all screens off in bedrooms after a certain time for older children
• all screens off at least one hour before planned bedtime
• all family members switch off at dinner time
• devices charged overnight in a place your child cannot access.

Our Learning in Years 3 & 4

Last week, both the campers and the non-campers had an incredible time, filled with fun activities and valuable life lessons.

The Grade 3-4s at camp participated in a wide range of exciting outdoor adventures including canoeing, yabbying, bike riding, the Amazing Race, the giant swing and low ropes. These activities not only challenged them physically but also taught important skills such as teamwork, communication, trust and resilience. They pushed themselves out of their comfort zones, whether conquering the giant swing or facing challenges during the outdoor adventures, all while enjoying the beauty of nature and building lasting friendships.

Meanwhile, the non-campers enjoyed their own set of thrilling activities, including Capture the Flag, Tug of War, Dodgeball, and the Scavenger Hunt. These games encouraged teamwork, strategic thinking, and friendly competition, while also allowing them to bond with others. Whether working together to capture the flag or using quick reflexes in a fast-paced game of Dodgeball, the non-campers had plenty of opportunities to connect, grow, and have fun.

Overall, it was a week of personal growth and unforgettable memories for everyone. Both the campers and non-campers had the chance to develop resilience, problem-solving skills, and a sense of community. The time spent together, whether in the wilderness or participating in high-energy games, brought the group closer, creating a strong sense of friendship and belonging. With delicious meals and movie time offering moments of relaxation, this was truly a week of learning, adventure, and fun that they will carry with them for years to come.

Physical Education

Last Friday, some of the Year 5/6 students represented our school in a Rugby League Tag Day held at Arnolds Creek Reserve. Many schools across the Melton area participated. In very hot conditions, the students played with enthusiasm and determination. The girls team came away undefeated and the boys team drew their first game and lost their remaining 2 matches.

There was also a relay race against a teacher team and a disco to show some moves.

Although very hot, (Thanks to Skyla’s mum for the much needed icy poles) the students had an enjoyable day.

STEM

Apologies, I usually remind the specialists, but being out sick this week I forgot.

In STEM this week, Prep students have been practising their coding skills. Students needed to program the Blue Bot giving it sequential code to make it move and reach the end of the maze.

Art – Year 5/6

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

Keep up the great work!

Students of the Week – Ending 22/11

Students of the Week – Ending 29/11

Congratulations to the following students who are celebrating a birthday in November!

We hope you had a lovely day!

Kiana    12F

Bakari  34B

Riley     56C

Delisha PE

Dezirae 56D

Marta   PD

Asees Kaur PF

Ayansh PD

Merina 12C

Durre    12H

Nethaniah 12G

Jasmine 34A

Kuol 34A

John 12A

Manveer 56D

Cobie PB

Raza 34D

Taliah 34F

Trinity PE

Dhanvi Sri 12F

Ripandeep 34F

Arisha PF

Akira 34E

Liem 56A

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 4

Tuesday 3rd December- Year 1/2 Cohort (End of year celebration Picnic @ school)

Thursday 5th November – Koorie Club Museum Excursion – Koorie Students only

Friday 6th December – Curriculum Day (student free day)

Wednesday 4th December – Year 6 Funfields

Tuesday 10th December – Whole School Transition

Thursday 12th December – Year 6 Graduation (The formal ceremony will start at 5:30pm and will conclude at 6:30pm)

Wednesday 18th December – Whole school performance and presentations

Term 4 – Ends Friday 20th December @ 12:30pm

Cricket Victoria – Girls

Parents can register their child one of two ways through the registration portal;

1. Scanning the QR code in the attached flyer
2. Click the following link https://www.playhq.com/cricket-australia/register/64cd09