A Successful College Athletics Day

Important Dates To Remember
Wednesday 6th August / Year 10 VCE/VCAL Information Night.
Friday 8th August / Out of Uniform ‘Jeans for Genes Day’ – Gold coin donation.
Monday 8th – Thursday 18th September / P – 4 Swimming Program.
Tuesday 9th September / First Aid Training for staff: School finishes at 1.30 pm.

A successful College Athletics Day:

After several postposed dates due to bad weather, our College students finally got the opportunity to participate in the annual Athletics Day yesterday. The long wait was well worth while as excellent weather conditions prevailed. Students and staff got into the spirit of the sports by dressing in their house colours and other ‘representations’ of these. Even Superman made an appearance! Congratulations to all the students for thoroughly supporting their fellow team members. Thank you to parents who came on the day to encourage the students and a big ‘thankyou!’ to Rhonda Jackson for her wonderful organization and preparation which made the day possible. Well done to all.

News from School Council:

1. Study Language – Indonesian

At last week’s School Council meeting a recommendation to re-introduce Indonesian, as the College ‘study language’, was endorsed. The Karen members of our college community expressed a preference for the introduction of ‘Karen’ as the study language. Due to a range of factors Indonesian gained School Council support. One of the major contributors to this decision related to the availability of qualified teaching staff. Another contributing factor was that the two main ‘feeder’ primary schools in our district also endorsed Indonesian at their school’s study language. In time, the students at these schools will be able to continue their studies in Indonesian at a secondary school in the district, i.e. Laverton College. College Executive is well aware of the desire by the Karen community for an opportunity for their children to study ‘Karen’ in a school environment. The College will, therefore seek to have a ‘Karen’ Saturday School Program introduced by the Victorian School of Languages in a nearby location, in the near future.

1. Temporary WELS Campus for Laverton College.

The Laverton District has seen an increase in the number of new arrivals of Karen families from Burma/Thailand. These arrivals are connected to the Federal Government refugee re-settlement program. As such, our College has experienced a significant number of enrolment requests for children from these ‘new arrival’ families. All these children require intensive English Language study. As the nearest English Language School is current unable to accommodate any new enrolments this year, an offer to establish a temporary ‘primary’ campus of the Western English Language School (WELS) was made to our College. At last week’s School Council meeting a recommendation to endorse a temporary WELS school at Language College for the remainder of 2014 was endorsed. This gives the new arrival students an immediate opportunity to quickly develop their English Language skills. In 2015, the students will then enrol at our college and join our regular classes. The temporary WELS campus will operate out of our College Language Centre which is next to the Years 5-8 Learning Community.

Parent Opinion Survey:

Currently the Education Department’s Annual Parent Opinion Survey is being conducted. A random sample of families in all schools have been sent a survey to complete. If you have been given a survey you are requested to complete the survey and return it to the College’s Main Office by the end of this week. All completed survey’s will be sent off for processing on Friday. Surveys handed in after this date are not able to be submitted for processing and consideration.

Out of Uniform Day.

This Friday, 8th August, an Out of Uniform Day will take place. Each Learning Community will nominate a charitable organisation to support with the funds raised. To participate in the Out of Uniform Day students are requested to make a gold coin donation. In the Years 9-12 Learning Community the focus is ‘Jeans for Genes Day’. Funds raised will go to genetic research. The focus for the Prep to Year - 4 Learning Community isthe Salvation Army and in Years 5-8 students will be voting on the charity of their choice.

Have a great week

Neil Sproal

College Principal

Reminders:

1. No dogs are permitted in the school grounds at any time.
2. Laverton College carparks are designated for staff parking only.
3. Parents and visitors to the school are requested to avoid smoking in the vicinity of the school. Smoking is not permitted in the school grounds.
4. All visitors are asked to report to the main college office before proceeding to a Learning Community.
5. Students are not permitted to use mobile phones whilst at school. Phones will be confiscated. Families wishing to make contact with their son or daughter during the day should phone the college office for assistance.
6. Laverton College expects all students to follow our ‘Respectful Behaviour / Respectful Language’ Policy every day whilst at school and going to and from school.

It is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT that the College has up to date and accurate information regarding your child/children in case of an emergency.

If there are any amendments to your child/children information, could you please complete the attached UPDATED STUDENT DETAILSFORM attached to this newsletter AS SOON AS POSSIBLE and return it to the College Administration Office.

A big thank you to BunningsHoppers Crossing,for their generous donation of 30 Basketballs for our Years 5 – 8 Learning Community sports program.

Year 12’s and Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC):

Throughout this term Year 12 students will be completing their 2015 tertiary application forms. To assist students in this process Mr Daborn will be interviewing all Year 12 students. Many students will need to make a VTAC application that will cost the student $28. VTAC is not a Government body—it is funded by participating institutions and processing fees are paid by applicants. Please discuss with your child their pathway plan and if you wish a VTAC application needs to be completed.

VTAC is the Central Office that administers the application processes for places in Tertiary courses, scholarships and special entry access schemes at University, TAFE and independent Tertiary Colleges in Victoria (and a few outside Victoria). VTAC receives and forwards application information and supporting documentation to the relevant authorities at institutions.

Year 10 VCE/VCAL night:

REMINDER

The VCE/VCAL night will be on Wednesday 6th August, 2014 at 6.00 pm. On this night a presentation will be made in regards to VCE, VCAL and VET. Parents and students will also have the opportunity to talk to our Year 9-12 staff in regards to possible subjects your child may wish to study in 2015.

SWIMMING PROGRAM:

The Prep-4 Community will be running a swimming program for interested students in the last nine days of term – 8th September until 18th September.

Permission noteshave been sent home and the last day for payment is 1st September.NO late payments will be accepted.

NATIONAL LITERACY AND NUMERACY WEEK

As part of National Literacy and Numeracy week, there will be a Maths Day in the Prep to 4 Community on August 29th.

Children will take part in a fun filled day of open ended maths activities involving art and construction. The day will be finished with an assembly celebration. Parents are very welcome from 2.20pm.

There will be prizes and competitions! The aim of the day is to see maths in a variety of real life fun activities.

PREP – 4 ASSEMBLIES:

As we have expanded the teaching areas in the grades 3 and 4 area, the Prep -4 assembly will now be held in the red room. (in the Grade 1 and 2 areas).

Assemblies will commence once the new Hall is available.

WINTER UNIFORM:

A plain navy blue beanie may be worn this term. Windcheaters must not have a hood on them. Plain black runners are recommended for everyday wear but if wearing black leather school shoes please bring a pair of runners to change into for sport.

BREAKFAST CLUB:

Breakfast club is held between 8.15-8.45. Children will be able to get extra toast or raisin bread before school each morning.

SPORT:

It is important that students wear the correct shoes for participating in sport (i.e. runners) so that they do not injure themselves. Runners can be brought along in their bag and changed into before the sport class. At the end of sport the students can put their school shoes back on.

MEDICAL ALERT AND SPORT ALERTS:

If your child cannot participate in sport or has a medical reason (i.e broken arm etc.) we need a note advising the reason and the length of time the student will not be able to participate (sport/running around etc.).

The student will then be issued with a “Sport Alert” or “Medical Alert” badge which they will wear while at school. They must collect it before school and at the end of the day return it to the Prep-4 office.

If your child suffers from asthma they must have an updated Asthma plan and their medication/puffer/spacer handed into the Prep-4 office for use at school.

PREP-4 ATTENDANCE TROPHY:

Every Tuesday morning the Attendance Trophy will be awarded to the class with the best attendance for the previous week.

Winner of Week 1 – Grade P/1AR.

Winner of week 2 – Grade 4CG.

PARENT DETAILS:

If you have changed your phone number or address please notify the office of the changes. We need to have correct phone numbers in case of emergencies.

Jan Scott

Principal Prep - 4 Community

Supporting families of GLBTIQ young people:

ISIS Primary Care and Hobsons Bay Youth Services are holding a consultation with parents and friends of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer (GLBTIQ) young people to find out how we can better support parents and friends. If you care for a young person who identifies as GLBTIQ you are invited to come along and tell us how we can we can best support you. The meeting will be held on Tuesday 12 August 2014 from 6:30pm – 8:00pm at the Williamstown Library, 104 Ferguson Street, Williamstown. Refreshments will be provided. For more information, to RSVP and to advise of food allergies please contact Ashleigh on 9313 5000.

St Martin De Porres - Outside School Hours Care:

Dear Parents,

Term 3 started off with many creative and inspired activities. The Children helped create a giant Griffin complete with rainbow feathers, now displayed on the wall, rearing majestically across from the dragon we made last term.

Children were also able to explore the world of the creepiesand crawlies, making creatures such as ladybugs, frogs, snakes and butterflies out of various craft materials. This week we also explored the science of flying things, and children were able to make paper planes, balancing birds that could balance on the tip of your finger, kites that actually flew, and paper gliders. Children also explored how to bend the wing and tail flaps on the planes and gliders to control the direction of flight.

Despite the cold, we try to ensure that the children stay active. Therefore, the children also participated in many active games such as four corners, soccer, table tennis and badminton. Also due to popular demand, we have included at least one cooking activity per week. This is great for children to learn some life skills, improve fine motor skills, measurement and estimation. Children were able to make chocolate chip cookies, cupcakes and oatmeal slices.

For any enquiries or bookings please email me at smdp.oshc@gmail .com or call 0417 727 908. You can also download the enrolment forms on the St Martin De Porres website. Make sure you enrol your kids so they can enjoy the fun at St Martin de PorresOutside School Hours Care.

Alex Dang

Program Coordinator

Father bob maguire foundation angels of the street awards:

Do you know someone who deserves to be recognised? We want to fin inspirational people in our community who don’t realise how specials they are. We want to celebrate their achievements, possibly for the first time.

Nominateonline now at nominations close 15th August, 2014

WOOD STREET ART SPACE:

Dance: Hip hop and Freestyle class for 10 - 18 year olds. Sarah has most recently run the Poly Hip Hop Dance group at the Wyndham Resource Centre. Her dance and choreography experience is extensive. Sarah has been an independent dance contractor since 2008 and has worked with schools and studios including You Can dance Studio and the West End Performing Arts School.

COST: FREE - although registrations are required.

12 sessions Wednesday afternoons from 4 – 6pm

The August dates will be 6, 13, 20, 27, September 3, 10, 17, 24, October 1.

44 Woods Street Laverton

Contact: Gail Jessen 9932 4027 - Registrations are required. Please contact

Maths Homework Help:

for students from Grade 5 to Year 10

Where :Laverton Community Hub,

opposite Laverton Station

When:Saturday 16th August,

Saturday 30th August,

Saturday 13th September.

Time:2.00 – 3.00 pm

Cost: $20 per session

To book a place, call Emily 0411 096751, Qualified Maths Teacher.

ONLY FILL OUT ONE FORM PER FAMILY.

Students Name: ______Year Level: ______

Students Name: ______Year Level: ______

Students Name: ______Year Level: ______

Students Name: ______Year Level: ______

If any of your details have changed for any of the below, please list.

Home Address: ______

______

Home Phone: ______Mobile Number: ______

Emergency contact details (if you want to delete or add any contact please list).

1. ______

1. ______

1. ______

NAME OF PARENT/GUARDIAN (Please Print): ______

SIGNATURE OF PARENT/GUARDIAN: ______

DATE: ______