Tuesday 21st October / Karen Information Session 2.10 – 3.10 pm.
Friday 24th October / Year 12 Graduation Ceremony 12.30 pm – 1.30 pm – Gymnasium.
Friday 24th October / Last day of book club orders.
Sunday 26th October / Breast Cancer Awareness Fundraiser.
Wednesday 29th October / Curriculum Day.
Wednesday 29th October – Thursday 20th November / VCE Exams held in the new Gymnasium.
Thursday 30th October / Citizen Information Session 6.00 – 7.00 pm.
Monday 3rdNovember / Prep – Year 2 Incursion payment due.
Tuesday 4th November / Melbourne Cup Day – Public Holiday.
Monday 17th November or
Tuesday 18th November / Incursion Prep - 2
Thursday 20th November / Year 12 Valedictory Dinner at Grand Star.
Friday 21st – Tuesday 25th November / Year 11 Exams.
Friday 5th December / Excursion Prep – Year 10 to Adventure Park.
Wednesday 10th December / 9 – 12 Presentation Night Gymnasium.
Thursday 11th December / 5 – 8 Presentation Night Gymnasium.
Wednesday 17th December / Prep – 4 Presentation Morning.
What’s ahead in Term 4?
Term 4 has started very positively with lots of special activities planned between now and the end of the school year. A highlight across the College will be our Annual College picnic to Adventure Park on the 5th December. This will coincide with the last school day for the year for our Year 10 students. See further information below in relation to the Adventure Park Excursion. Our Year 12 students are busily completing their studies prior to their last day on Friday 24th October. In line with our College traditions, a special ‘Graduation Assembly’ will take place for our Year 12 students on their last day, commencing at 12.30 pm. Family members are most welcome to attend. Our Year 12 students commence their final exams on Wednesday 29th October. For all other students this will be a pupil free day as it is designated College Curriculum Day. After the VCE exams have concluded the Annual Valedictory Dinner for Year 12 students, their families and staff will take place on Thursday 20th November. During December each of our three Learning Communities has scheduled a presentation ceremony to celebrate the achievement of students in each of the Learning Communities. More details to follow as the term progresses.
Staffing Update.
Welcome to Laura Monks who has returned to our College this term to replace Jason Crebbin who has taken leave. Welcome also to Olivia Beale, a trained social worker, who will be working at our College each Thursday during Term 4.
Bully Stoppers -
Speak Up Against Cyberbullying campaign:
Bullying is a serious issue for all of us. We know that it can happen anywhere, anytime, and can have devastating consequences. We also know that with the rise of social media, cyberbullying is an increasingly important issue. The DEECD have launched the second phase of the Bully Stoppers campaign: Speak Up Against Cyberbullying. The new campaign provides schools, students and families with tools and resources they can use to deal with cyberbullying. In a first for the Department, they have also partnered with Facebookin a bid to tackle the issue. Please visit the Bully Stoppers website for more information:
Karen Information Session:
Following a request from members of our ‘Karen’ Community the College has planned an information session on Student Behaviour Management and Restorative Justice Strategies. This session is scheduled for Tuesday 21st October from 2.10 pm to 3.10 pm. The session will take place in the staff room and will be assisted by a Karen interpreter.
Citizenship Information Session:
On Thursday 30th October from 6.00 pm to 7.00 pm the College will be conducting a ‘Citizenship Information Session.’ This will give students and families, who are considering applying for Australian Citizenship, information about the process and benefits of gaining Australian Citizenship. One of the benefits for students is that they pay the same university fees as Australian citizens if they apply to enter a university course. Non -Australian citizens are required to pay ‘Overseas Student’ fees, which are much higher.
A reminder: Three big changes to the student vaccine program:
In the last Newsletter in Term 3, we ran the item below in relation to changes in the student vaccine program for 2015. As this is a very important matter for all families we have included the item in this week’s Newsletter. Please take some time to the read this information
In 2015 three major changes to the student vaccine program will impact on parents of secondary school students:
- The Hobsons Bay City Council’s immunisation service may contact you about the secondary school vaccine program. Schools have been authorised to provide parent contact details to local councils for this purpose. Contact the Laverton College main office by 28 February 2015 if you do not want your contact details given to the Hobsons Bay City Council.
- In 2015 only, the vaccine that protects against diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough will be offered to all students in Years 7, 8, 9 and 10. From 2016, this vaccine will be offered to Year 7 students only. This will provide earlier protection from these diseases.
- The time-limited human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine program for Year 9 boys was completed in December 2014. HPV vaccine will continue to be offered to all students (both male and female) in Year 7 from 2015.
Look out for the vaccine consent form/s coming home from school with your child. You need to read, complete and return the form/s regardless of whether your child is being immunised at school.
To learn more about the changes, the diseases, the vaccines, or how you can prepare your child for vaccination go to immunehero.health.vic.gov.au.
Have a great week,
Neil Sproal
College Principal
Reminders:
- No dogs are permitted in the school grounds at any time.
- Laverton College carparks are designated for staff parking only.
- 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.
- All visitors are asked to report to the main college office before proceeding to a Learning Community.
- 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.
- Laverton College expects all students to follow our ‘Respectful Behaviour / Respectful Language’ Policy every day whilst at school and going to and from school.
Adventure Park:
Our end of Year picnic to Adventure Park for Years Prep - 10 will be held on Friday 5th December. The cost of the picnic has been reduced significantly by the College subsidising the buses and there is no increase on last year’s cost. Permission notes will be sent home this week and all money needs to be paid by Friday 21st November to enable us to estimate food requirements.
It should be noted that this is a whole school activity involving all students andstaff and normal programs will not operate on this day.
canteen news:
The canteen will be running a Big Breakfast for all staff, families and friends to help raise money for Breast Cancer Awareness on Sunday 26th October at 10 am -12 pm, in front of the canteen.
Price:$10 per adult or $25.00 for a family (children under 15)
Please come along and help us support this great cause!!!
Thanks Rita and Lina
Walk to school:
Walk to School encourages school children to walk to and from school every day in October, to highlight the ways walking improves children’s health and wellbeing.
Walking to and from school can help children get the daily physical activity they need – and there are plenty of other benefits too. Walking to school can help to reduce traffic congestion, parking difficulties and the associated environmental impacts.
ROYAL MELBOURNE SHOW:
Our Year 10 student Amy Venema, entered the photographic student category at the Royal Melbourne Show. Amy received second place prize. The photo was taken whilst on holiday in Canberra in January of this year. Congratulations Amy.
Laverton College Blood Drive:
On Tuesday 6th October and Monday 13th October our school sent a number of year 10, 11 and 12 students to the Werribee Donor Centre to donate blood. We would like to thank the following staff and students who generously gave up their time and blood to help those in need: Ms. Forster and Ms. Whitefield, Kane Knowles, Lachlan Creaner, Mary Chit Snow, Sasha Laaina, Ashlee Rose, Tayla Walker, Anne Manuel, Jadeley Martin, Rose Abboushi and GosonSrilarak.
Even though not all were successful in donating blood or had a reaction afterwards, their willingness and desire to make a difference in the lives of many people is greatly appreciated.
Students over the age of 16 are able to donate at their own convenience at any of the Donor centres in Melbourne.
VET YEAR 1 & 2 - 2015:
Reminder:
Deposit is due by Monday 20th October, 2014 with balance payable by 5th December, 2014. Students cannot be enrolled if deposit is not received.
YEAR 9 - 12 HOMEWORK CLUB:
Need help with class or homework?
Want to finish work after school?
Then come to the Study Group!
A Math/Science and English/Humanities teacher will be available to help you.
When: Every Thursday at 3.15 – 4.15 pm
Where: 9 – 12 Learning Community in A13 & A14.
western metro region athletics:
On Thursday 18th September, 12 students represented Laverton College P-12 in the Western Metro Region athletics in Geelong. It was a good day (albeit cold and a little wet) with many of our students showing great participation and enthusiasm. A big congratulations to these students for making it to this level: Lachlan Johnson, Anna Laaina, Tyrone Molesi, AthokDiar, Mohammed Abdulhamid, Sam Souied, KyalDeBono, RabihDannaoui , Dennis Heather and Bless Laufiso (who can jump over 175cm!).
A massive congratulations should be passed onto to our school captain Sharni Currie - Procter who placed second in discus (after achieving a third place medal last year). Thank you to Mr Lishman for driving us and waiting around for the last event (one hour after it was scheduled!)
Ms Whitefield
instrumental music:
The Summer Concert is coming up, and preparations are under way. It is very important that all students attend lessons and ensemble rehearsals every week this term.
Rehearsal times:
Earth Ensemble – every Tuesday lunch time in the Music room (all voice, guitar and drums students).
Wind Ensemble – every Monday 3.15 – 4.30pm in the PAC (all brass and woodwind students).
Violin students will be informed of rehearsal times during lessons.
western metropolitan region athletics:
On Wednesday 17th September, 2014, students form Years 5 – 6 participated in the Western Metropolitan Region Athletics.
We are very honoured to announce that we have two finalists from Year 5 that have made it into the next stage of competitions where they will compete against the rest of the State.
- MorendaMaka came 1st in Shotput,
- Keren Heka came 2nd in Discus.
UNIFORMS:
It has been noticed that students are not coming dressed in the correct uniform combinations.
- In Winter the girls may wear tunics OR track suit pants and windcheaters or jumpers for the cold weather,
- They should be coming with school windcheaters or jumpers in cold weather. Some children are arriving in just the polo top,
- No leggings should be worn under dresses. If the student is cold they should wear track suit pants,
- Long sleeved skivvies cannot be worn under the short sleeved polo tops. The students should wear their school windcheater or jumper in this case,
- Uniforms are often dirty, torn or cut and in poor repair. Pride in their appearance reflects in pride in their work,
- Shoes must be plain black and the laces should also be plain black.
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.
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.
ABSENCE:
If your child is away please ring the College to advise or send a note or medical certificate when the child returns to school. These statistics apply to all year levels.
Your child’s attendance is above 95%They are an excellent attendee. They have the best chance to learn and develop strong friendship groups.
They have the opportunity to develop a very good work ethic.
Your child’s attendance is 90-95%
They have good attendance and they are likely to achieve their best learning that will give them real opportunities to continue their studies and develop strong friendships.
Your child’s attendance is 85-90%
They have missed a number of days this year which may make it difficult for them to achieve their best learning and maintain steady friendships.
Your child’s attendance is 80-85%
They have missed a number of days this year which may make it difficult to keep on track with work and maintain steady friendship groups.
Your child’s attendance is below 80%
Students with irregular and poor attendance are more likely to struggle at school and the value they receive from their education is greatly diminished as a result. Your child is missing so much school that it will be very difficult for them to keep up with their work and maintain strong friendship groups.
Please contact the Principal or Assistant Principal for assistance and support.
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.
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 9 – Grade 3/4LP
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
Prep-4 Community Principal.
TACKERS SAILING PROGRAM:
The Boatshed Team and Altona Yacht Club are running a Tackers Program at Altona Yacht Club and would like to offer a special deal on Tackers (aged between 7 and 12 years old).
Tackers is a great way to increase children’s life skills such as communication, self-reliance, team work, problem solving and self-confidence all while having fun in a kid-centric environment.
For more information visit email or phone Tom Cotter 9868 2571.
headspace werribee:
Headspace Werribee are offering the following programs:
Jump Start – 8 weeks from 13th October,
BraveART – ongoing,
Peaceful Warrior – 6 weeks,
UR Space – 8 weeks from 16th October,
Mind Body Motion – 8 weeks from 10th October,
Please phone 8001 2366 for more information and to book.
LAVERTON FAMILY SHED:
You are invited to LAVERTON FAMILY SHED COMMUNITY LAUNCH
Enjoy family entertainment; face painting, fun activities, children’s craft activities, a BBQ and giveaways, admission is free.
The Laverton Family Shed is a new opportunity for families to spend time together in an environment, where play and creativity meet, and your imagination can run wild, this is the first of our ongoing Saturday activity sessions.
When:Saturday 18th October 10.00 am – 1.00 pm
Where:St Martin de Porres Catholic School
13-25 Bellin Street
LAVERTON
Entry via Pearce Street
For further information, please call Nellie 0419 495 325 Community Engagement Officer.
laverton community integrated services:
Laverton Community Integrated Services hold many different programs. The latest are:
- Anger Management for Men – From Thursday 16th October for 7 weeks and
- Self Esteem for Women – From Tuesday 28th October for 7 weeks.
Both Programs are free and will run from the Laverton Community Centre 95 – 105 Railway Avenue Laverton. Please phone 8368 0177 to register.
ALTONA LITTLE ATHLETICS CENTRE:
“Encouraging kids to be their best!”
There is still time to register at Altona LAC for the season, so come down and join in the fun.
Season commences Saturday 11th October 8.45am at GeorgeNevitt Athletics Track, Sugargum Drive, Altona. Costs are $155 1st child, $135 2nd child, $115 thereafter. Coaching on Mon, Tues & Wed included.
To register and for further information Mobile 0499 994 305, email