Monday 10^th February  – 5/6 Information night  4:30pm-5pm

 Monday 10^th February - 1 /2 Information night 5:00pm- 5:30pm

Tuesday 11^th February – 3 /4 Information night 4:30pm – 5pm

Wednesday 12^th February - No school for Foundation students

Wednesday 12th February -Foundation information night 4:30pm-5pm

Thursday 13^th February – District Swimming Sports
Thursday 13^th February -  Book Club closes.

Wednesday 19th February – No school for Foundation students

Friday 21^st February – Division Swimming Sports

Wednesday 26th February – No school for Foundation students

Wednesday 5^th March – Regional Swimming Sports

Friday 21^st March – MTB – Falls Creek

Thursday 27^th March – School Cross Country 

Friday 28^th March – School Cross Country (Back up day)

Friday 4^th April – Last day of Term 1

Wednesday 7^th May – school Photos

Friday 30^th May – Division Cross Country

Friday 13^th June – Regional Cross Country, Benalla

School Council elections

Each year half the parent positions on School Council become vacant. This means that there are four school council parent positions becoming vacant at Yackandandah Primary School. I am calling for Nominations for School Council. You can nominate yourself or someone else (be sure to check they would be interested). Nominations close Tuesday 17^th Feb. Nomination forms are available from the school office.

If there are more than four nominations received, we will go to an election process within the school parent body. If there are four or fewer nominations received those nominees would be automatically elected.

If you would like to learn more about what is involved in being a School Council member you can talk to existing school council members or any staff member (including Michael.)

Building Works

Over the holidays and continuing into the school year there have been some building works take place at school. You are unlikely to notice any major changes as the works are functional improvements and repairs. For example, repairs to window fittings, roofing, ceiling repairs and tree maintenance. These are mostly due to keeping the school  compliant with bushfire code regulations.

House Swimming

Congratulations to all the students who participated in the House Swimming Sports. I was encouraged by the great spirit shown by the students. It was great to see everyone cheering on their peers, regardless of any positions at the end of the races. Thanks, Robyn, for conducting such a well-run event.

Michael Edwards

Principal

Forms

Last week students took home an envelope with the Local Excursion Permission, Photography/Filming consent form and a copy of the student details that we have on file.  All these forms need to be returned to school as soon as possible.  Classes walk across to the town library and without the local excursion consent your child will not be able to attend. Students who have not returned forms will have new ones sent home today, to be returned Monday. 

Student Medical Details

If your child has any medical conditions that are not on the student detail form that has been sent home, please add it to the form with details when you return it to school.  This could include allergies, being prone to blood noses or any other type of minor medical problems.  It is very important that the school is aware of all medical conditions no matter how minor.

Medication Held at School.

Emails were sent out last week about medication we hold here at school. These medications need to be kept up to date. If your child has medication held at the school please check your emails, and ensure prompt delivering of updated medication and allergy, asthma and anaphylaxis plans.

School Savings Bonus

A reminder that parents need to log into the School Savings Bonus portal and allocate the $400 per student.  If you allocate it to school activities you can use it for any camps, excursions, school activities and school uniform that the school sells.  You can purchase uniform through State Schools Relief – if you wish to do that you will need to allocate it to uniforms.  The link below will take you to the parent portal.  If you don’t have your code, please let us know and we can resend it to you.

https://www.schoolsavingbonus.vic.gov.au/s/

2025 CSEF Prep Uniform Package/Uniforms for families experiencing financial hardship

If you have a child in Foundation and you have applied for the CSEF (see below) you are also eligible to receive a uniform package through State School Relief.  Please call into the office for an order.

For families who are experiencing financial hardship uniforms are also available for all ages through State School Relief.  Please call into the office and we can assist you.

Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (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 $154 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 applied for CSEF through our school last year, you do not need to complete an application form this year, unless there has been a change in your family circumstances or you have a new enrolment at the school.

If you would like to apply for the first time, please call into the school office and ask for an application form.

Enjoy your week,

Kerryn & Sandra

Assembly Helpers for Today
Lara Bebbington and Miles Thorton

Assembly Helpers For next Friday 14/02/2025
Ivy Mahoney and Will Maybury 

WE ARE FAIR

Audrey Costenaro for always including others in class discussions and sharing her ideas thoughtfully during turn and talk time

Rory McIntyre For demonstrating the value of fairness by positively supporting his classmate to learn a new maths game

Max Boschetti for considering others by being thoughtful and respectful during focus sessions.

Audrey Wyatt for demonstrating the value of Fairness by always ensuring her peers in the 3/4R&C space are heard, seen, and respected in all areas of our routines and learning.

Amelia McNicol for demonstrating the value of fairness by supporting others in the classroom to feel safe and included

Artemis Ashcroft for demonstrating the value of Fairness by: being a caring friend and showing empathy towards others. This helps to create a kind and safe space for everyone.

WE ARE LEARNERS

Hazel Perry for using learning time to try new things even when they’re hard and asking for help when things are tricky.

Frieda Haslett For demonstrating the value of learning by building her writing stamina and enthusiastically sharing story ideas with a partner

Amber Wallace for demonstrating the value of learning by consciously and consistently pushing herself to the very edges or each challenging task.

Edward Crispin for demonstrating the value of Learning by exceptional efforts with your Maths bookwork demonstrating clear and precise records of your work and thinking.

Molly Schultz for being organised, working hard in her learning and participating in class discussions.

Grace Westbrook For demonstrating the value of learning by explaining her thinking in Maths in a clear and logical way to assist others' understanding

Florian Whitley for demonstrating the value of Learning by: self-extending his learning in class activities and engaging thoughtfully with class discussions – a positive example to others.

WE SHOW RESPECT

Edward Pendleton for using classroom equipment appropriately, being a helpful classmate and even thinking of those who are absent.

Hughie Vorbach for demonstrating the value of respect by settling into his classroom in a calm, always polite and friendly way.

Jim MacCalman  working hard to complete work to a high standard by listening carefully and taking on feedback.

Jim Kelley for working well with a range of different students and always encouraging his classmates.

Thomas Killen For demonstrating the value of respect by showing maturity when working with others and being kind and inclusive in the classroom

Welcome to Hot Lunches for 2025!

A 'Hot Lunch' option is offered to students on Fridays during the school term. The lunch is served at 11 am, and includes an individually served hot meal and a fruit platter to share. Each Hot Lunch meal costs $5.

Parents, carers and senior students volunteer their time (Friday's 9am-11:30am) to collect ingredients, prepare, cook and serve the hot meal. The meals are delivered to the classroom, where the class teacher will hand them out to the students that have ordered them.  

We have some delicious Hot Lunches on the menu for this term!

If you would like to place an order, please use the link below to complete a separate Google form for each of your children. Orders for week 3 (Feb 14) need to be placed by 6 pm Monday  10th February.  All orders for the rest of Term 1 must be submitted by Friday 14th February.

**We do our best to cater for students with alternative dietary needs (e.g. allergies/intolerances, vegetarian/vegan, etc.). Please indicate these on the order form**

We also need and welcome kitchen helpers, so please indicate on the form if you are able to assist. No experience needed, we love to have new faces in the kitchen! 

TERM 1 HOT LUNCH ORDERING LINK:

https://forms.gle/1xxaDtCwHzjF9Yyx9

Please reach out with any questions using the email address below. Looking forward to a fabulous term 1!

Hannah Glanville-Jones

YPS Hot Lunch Coordinator

ypshotlunch@gmail.com

At Yackandandah Primary School, we offer a few lunch time activities for students to participate in. Sometimes, the yard can be a big place, it can get a little bit crazy, and some students might find they need a circuit breaker, or they feel they need a space to go regulate for that break.

Over the course of the week, staff offer inclusive activities to support our students’ engagement, wellbeing and sense of connectedness to our wonderful school.

You may hear your child talk about some of the activities, but here is a list and some photos.

The Hub

The Hub was created last year with the financial support of School Council. On Mondays and Wednesday, the fake turfed area at the top of the school is transformed into an inclusive play space where children are supported in their play or just given a chance to take some down time. Activities on offer vary, the children can make/create with construction toys, play simple card/board games, or draw and colour (using smelly textas of course).

Indoor Board Games Year 3-6

Once a week, our 3-6 students may be offered the chance to come inside during break and play board/card games. This is supervised by myself and is a nice opportunity for students to check in and seek help if needed.

Tuesday Tunes

This is an activity that sees music played in the courtyard during recess. It is energetic, loud and sometimes a little cray cray, but Tuesday Tunes allows students to dance and express themselves through movement. It’s good for shakin’ the old sillies out and the kids LOVE it!

Hope you’re staying cool.

Enjoy your weekend.

Stacey Hogan

Mental Health & Wellbeing Leader

House Swimming Carnival

On Friday 31^st January we had our House Swimming Carnival for students in Years 3 to 6 (and those who turned 9 this year). It was awesome to see students ‘having a go’ and earning points for their ‘House’. Students supported each other, cheered, and congratulated each other on their achievements. Thanks, as always, to the teaching staff who assisted on the day.

What stood out to me on the day, was that every single point, even one point, made a difference to the overall House results.

4^th Hammond Blue (97)

3^rd Windham Yellow: (98)

2^nd Wellsford Red (119)

1^st Kars Green (126)

Congratulations Kars on winning the most House Points. There were also a number of great individual results on the day. Check out the age champion results below.

12/13 BOYS

1. Spencer Dowsley (Hammond 20)
2. Jim Kelley (Windham 12)
3. Will Maybury (Kars 11)

12/13 GIRLS

1. Lara Bebbington (Kars 16)
2. Lucia-Mary Gosling (Kars 13)
3. Ivy Mahoney (Kars 12)

11 BOYS

1. Nate Maybury (Kars 19)
2. Zack Dickeson (Wellsford 11)
3. Will Boddenberg (Wellsford 8)

11 GIRLS

1. Evie Burston (Wellsford 15)
2. Maeve Van Duinen (Windham 11)
3. Kaitlyn McGlead (Hammond 4) & Molly Schultz (Wellsford 4)

9/10 BOYS

1. Nate Millward (Wellsford 15)
2. Richie Burston (Wellsford 11)
3. Ned Westbrook (Hammond 8)

9/10 GIRLS

1. Kiera Porteous (Windham 14)
2. Mia Bebbington (Kars 11)
3. Essie Haslett (Wellsford 6) & Penny McNicol (Wellsford 6)

District Swimming Carnival – THIS FRIDAY!
We have a crack squad of 31 swimmers heading to Beechworth to make a splash next Thursday, February 13^th. We will be taking a bus.  Cost is $10 per student.  Permission forms need to be returned to school by Monday 10^th February and payments made by Monday 10^th also.

Earle and I will be attending and supervising the students at the Carnival.

Best of luck to all those involved!

Robyn

News from the Art Room

The theme for the 2025 Folk Festival Street Parade will be all things BLUE and BLUES MUSIC related, so the Art room is gearing up to become a BLUE clothing Op Shop!!
We will be designing and dreaming up COOL BLUE themed costumes and making BLUES MUSIC related instruments! We would love to achieve a colour coordinated look to the parade this year, by having the colour BLUE as the dominant visual. Of course, blue can be paired up with other colours and patterns too. 

We would love families to start collecting blue, blue with colourful patterns and blue denim clothing to donate to the Art room Op Shop. We will be de-constructing and re-combining clothing to make fashionable BLUE wearable artworks. If the garment is for sharing and cutting up, there's no need to name them, however, if your child wants to wear that particular item of clothing in the parade, please clearly label and name it, including your child's class. Here are some wearable artworks that Mandy has been working on over the holidays. Clothing destined for de-construction can be of any size and shape!!

Thank you, from the Op Shop Art team, Caz & Mandy

There are still cook books available for pickup from the school office. They will cost $40 each and payment should be made to the office using the usual processes (i.e. making a deposit quoting your name and "cookbook" in the transaction detail)

1^st February          Richie Burston     

4^th February          Beau Ridgeway    

                            Ivy Mahoney

6^th February          Ewan McInerney

7^th February          Frieda Haslett

11^th February        Dash Lockett

                            Taj Dean

Yackandandah Soccer Club

Expressions of Interest for miniroos Saturday competition 2025.

With the soccer season (4 - 12-year old’s) just around the corner we are calling out for expressions of interests for miniroos!

The season starts on Friday May 2, with Friday night trainings from 4.30pm, not including public or school holidays and the miniroos competition is on Saturdays in Wodonga.

AUSKICK - Yackandandah

• YFNC Under 12s Pre-Season
•  YFNC would like to invite those players (boys and girls) born in 2013 and 2014 who are interested in playing footy in 2025 season to come along to our first training season:
• Thursday 6^th February 2025
• Butson Park Yackandandah 
• 4.30pm - 5.45pm, followed by a meet and greet straight after training in visitors changerooms. 
• Please make sure they have a hat and a drink bottle. 

• Under 11s Football 
• If you have a player (boy and girl) who is born in 2015 and is interested in playing footy during the 2025 season, please get in contact with -

Kiera Maybury 0407 368 549. 

Children’s Choir

Yackandandah Folk Festival Community Choir

Do you like to sing?
We would love you to join us each Sunday afternoon in February and March to sing with the Yackandandah Folk Festival Community Choir. There is both an adult and children’s choir who perform together at the Yackandandah Folk Festival on Sunday 23^rd March.

We have the wonderful Aaron Silver and Sarah Wallis leading the children’s choir again this year. It promises to be lots of fun and a gentle, supportive environment for all ages.

Where:                      Yackandandah Public Hall (36 High St, Yackandandah)

Rehearsal Dates:     Sundays - 2^nd Feb to 16^th March

Time:                          Children - 2-3pm
                                    Adults    - 2-4pm
Performance Date: Sunday 23^rd March (Yackandandah Public Hall at midday, which is a FREE concert).

DON’T WORRY IF YOU CANT MAKE THE FIRST REHEARSAL, YOU WILL CATCH UP QUICKLY.

Please contact Cheryl Graham – 0408 393 105 for more information.