Hello all,
On Saturday 24th February, 2024, we will be celebrating the 11th Anniversary of our wonderful Bentleigh Farmers’ Market (BFM). Our school is greatly indebted to all those many parents and community members who have worked so hard to maintain the success of this extremely important community event at our school over the years. This is our major fund-raiser for the year. In 2023, the Farmers’ Market raised $34,840.00.
Families can get involved by volunteering to cover the following shifts:
Set up of 4 Marquees, with trestle table and chairs. Witches’ hats on Bignell Road. 6 Bins put on the oval. Signage out.
Sitting comfortably in our ‘all weather’ marquee and welcoming all shoppers to our market with a friendly smile.
A reversal of open shift!
Each month Heidi Nankervis and Rachel Jeffreys send out emails via COMPASS asking for volunteers. It is a fun way to meet other families at the school and an excellent way to support our community. Proceeds from the market support our Stephanie Alexander Kitchen/Garden Program and other infrastructures around the school.
A reminder also that any family who volunteers at either a Bentleigh Farmers' Market or Working Bee in 2024 will have a one-off $50.00 credit allocated to their school account.
In 2024, we will be focusing on fund-raising for a new playground at the front of the school. Our Infinity Playground that has provided numerous fun for multitudes of children for over 20 years, has sadly been deemed unsafe for use and will need to be removed.
Swimming Program – Grade 1 – 4 During this week and over the next few weeks our Grade 1-4’s are participating in our Intensive Swimming Program at Toby Haenen Swim Centre in Bay Road, Sandringham. Please see some photos below of our Grade 3 and 4’s enjoying their lessons.
Volunteer Parents A reminder to all our parent volunteers that anyone working with our students in any capacity is required to have a current WWCC. A copy of your card must be given to the office Anyone working onsite is also required to read through our ‘Volunteer Induction Handbook’. We also have produced a short ‘Child Safe’ training module for volunteers which all volunteers are required to view and sign off on at the office. The sign off will be included in the ‘Induction Handbook’. The Child Safe training module is a new requirement to ensure all adults working with our children are fully aware of their obligations. The induction and video can be accessed via the this link:
https://www.eastbentleighps.vic.edu.au/page/38/Policies,-Permission-Forms-&-Documents
We thank you for your co-operation in this endeavour.
Kiss and Go Area Thank you to all the parents using this area so well so far this year. Please remember that it isn’t a ‘sit and wait’ spot, rather a ‘zip in and out’ spot to ease the traffic congestion that is so common around our schools. There is only a 2 minute limit when stopping and you must stay with your car.
CSEF The Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund helps eligible families to cover the costs of school trips, camps and sporting activities. If you have a valid means-tested concession card, such as a Veterans Affairs Gold Card, Centrelink Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card, or are a temporary foster parent, you may be eligible. There is also a special consideration category for asylum seeker and refugee families. Payment amounts this year are $150 for eligible primary school students. Payments are made direct to the school to use towards expenses relating to camps, excursions and sporting activities for the benefit of your child. If you would like to apply please contact the school office on 9570-3525 and ask for an application form. You can also download the form from our website via this link:
https://www.eastbentleighps.vic.edu.au/uploaded_files/media/2024_csefapplicationform_2.pdf
Check with the school office if you are unsure, and please return completed forms to the school office as soon as possible.
Finally - Parents, if you have any worries about anything to do with school and your class teacher is busy or can’t seem to help for any reason, please come and talk to me or to Michelle Mather/Aaron Jones our Assistant Principals. Our doors are always open (unless we are already dealing with another person) and we will always drop what we are doing if possible to deal with anyone who comes to see us. If you can’t wait until we are free, then you can always make an appointment with Ann to catch us as soon as we are able. Alternatively, if you would prefer direct contact, our email addresses are:
Susan.Jackson@education.vic.gov.au
Michelle.Mather@education.vic.gov.au
Aaron.Jones@education.vic.gov.au
Kind Regards,
Susan Jackson - Acting Principal
Literacy in Steiner Class 1
In class 1I and 1ES the children have been ‘meeting’ the consonants of the alphabet. They have first been hearing rich imaginative stories that contain a strong image, such as that of a tree, lion, or dragon. Building on this the children have drawn this image which is designed in such a way as to represent a letter, e.g. the tree being formed as a T shape. Finally, we have worked meticulously to practise forming each letter with good pencil grip, body positioning, pressure, and extra attention to where each letter starts, where it travels and where it ends in reference to the blue sky, golden road, and green grass.
Written by Sinead Delaney - Classroom Teacher 1ES
Numeracy in Class 3A
Form Drawing and Symmetry
Studying symmetry is an important part of mathematics, not only because it is useful but also because it is a beautiful subject in its own right. In the Steiner curriculum we often study symmetry through form drawing.
Form drawing is a unique subject in the Steiner curriculum. It's the drawing of patterns, or forms, beginning with the straight line and curve on the first day of first grade and progressing through to very complicated Celtic knots by fourth grade and freehand geometry in fifth.
Here are some examples of how the children in 3A progressed from vertical and horizontal symmetry drawings in Class 2 to their first attempts at 4 fold symmetry this week.
Written by Alison Hackett - 3A Classroom Teacher
Well-Being: Circle Time in 3/4P
Since the beginning of the school year, our 3/4 Mainstream classes have been actively engaging in Circle Time, particularly in 3/4P. Each morning, students gather in a welcoming circle, providing a safe space where they can connect with their peers. During this time, we practice handshakes and verbal greetings, fostering social skills and mutual respect.
Circle Time isn't just about greetings; it's an opportunity for students to share exciting news from their lives, allowing everyone to be heard and valued. With many new faces joining our classes, this ritual plays a crucial role in building strong bonds and a sense of belonging within the class. Additionally, teachers showcase the day’s schedule to provide clarity and structure to our routine.
By incorporating Circle Time into our daily routine, we create a supportive environment where every student feels seen, heard, and appreciated. We're excited to continue this journey of connection and growth throughout the year.
Written by Aric Parsons - 34P Classroom Teacher
Dear Parents & Carers,
It’s been an exciting few weeks as students return or start their instrumental studies.
We have a huge influx of students across our String, Guitar, Singing, Ukelele, Piano and Flute lessons.
Individual Lessons
If you would like to enrol your child in Guitar, Singing, Ukelele or Piano
Please contact Matt - mattmoras@gmail.com
If you would like to enrol your child in Violin, Viola, Cello or Double Bass
Please contact Felicite – Felicite.Heine@education.vic.gov.au
Afterschool Ensembles
We have a number of extended ensembles for our string students.
The ensembles incur a fee of $100 for the first ensemble, if your child decides to do more than one ensemble the second ensemble is charged at $75. These ensembles run from 3:45 – 4:30pm in the PAC and are invoiced by myself in addition to the Steiner Instrumental Fee.
Upper Strings runs afterschool on a Tuesday and is lead by Lachlan Harris. This ensemble is for keen Violin and Viola students from Class 3 – 6.
Lower Strings runs afterschool on a Friday and is lead by Jonathan Tosio. This ensemble is for keen Cello and Double Bass students from Class 3 – 6.
Extension Orchestra runs afterschool on Wednesday and is lead by Felicite and after week 5 by Sasha. This ensemble is our most advanced ensemble and is suitable for students in Class 4 – 6.
If you would like your child to participate in any of these ensembles or have questions please contact Felicite.Heine@education.vic.gov.au
Looking forward to a musical year ahead!
Felicite Heine - Instrumental Music Coordinator