Term 4

Monday 8^th December to Wednesday 10^th December- BSC Start up transition program Yr 7 2026.

Tuesday 9^th December -  STATEWIDE Transition Day

Monday 15^th December – Kanga Cricket

Tuesday 16^th December- 3/4  Pool Party

Wednesday 17^th December – F-2 Pool Party

Wednesday 17^th December – Year 6 Graduation

Thursday 18^th December – 5/6 Pool Party

Thursday 18^th December – Last day of Term 4

Friday 19^th December - Pupil Free Day

Term 1 2026

Wednesday 28th January- First day of Term 1 for students

Staffing Update
It is with great sadness that we farewell Ainsley Jones and Hanna Kiely from our teaching team in 2026. Ainsley and Hanna have been an amazing team in the 1/2 area. The children and Yackandandah Primary School are in a better place after having both Hanna and Ainsley with us. Best of luck to Ainsley and Hanna as they move to far flung places across the state.

Fortunately for us we have two experienced and quality teachers joining us next year. Welcome to Ryan Shaw and Tina Way. Ryan and Tina will be with us for next Tuesday’s transition day. Welcome to Yackandandah Primary School Ryan and Tina.

Transition Day
Next Tuesday students will spend the day in their 2026 classes. They will begin the day by going directly to their new classes when the first bell rings. Their current teachers will ensure they know which room to go to. There will be staff outside in the morning next Tuesday to assist anyone who is not sure where to go.

Lost Property
We have accumulated plenty of lost property over the year, especially jumpers. At the end of the year, we will clear the lost property cupboard. Items still in good quality condition will be added to our free second-hand collection. Items that are not in good condition will be disposed of. Remember the general rule: if you are searching for lost property and find something the right size with no name on it, you can take it.

End of year
The final day for students this year is Thursday 18^th December. The day will finish at 3:30. There will be an assembly where our departing Yr. 6 students will ring the old bell to ‘sign out’ from Yackandandah Primary School.

Michael
Principal

This week’s helpers are  Yuki Makin-Ginn and Ted Attwood

Next week helpers are   Lucia-Mary Gosling and Peter Kellaway

Congratulations to all our award recipients.

WE ARE FAIR

Lucy Hillier, for demonstrating the value of fairness by being a team player in a group maths task by supporting your group members to focus on the learning. Amazing work Lucy!

Ned Westbrook, by consistently demonstrating fairness, kindness and thoughtful consideration in all interactions.

Zack Dickeson, for demonstrating the Value of Fairness by maintaining his humility despite his outstanding achievements in the athletics arena in Canberra last week.

WE ARE LEARNERS

Ollie Reyes, for rising to the challenge of finding out how many gifts my true love gave to me in our Twelve Days of Christmas maths activity.

Wesley Paull, for demonstrating the value of learning by taking on teacher feedback to level up your sensory poem this week. Well done, Wesley!

Paddy Grogan, for writing some outstanding poetry this week that truly capture a reader’s imagination! Excellent use of word choice and understanding of nouns, verbs and adjectives!

Rowan Doyne, for writing some outstanding poetry this week that truly capture a reader’s imagination! Excellent use of word choice and understanding of nouns, verbs and adjectives!

Joni Mayhew, for demonstrating the value of learning by continually working hard to improve her cricket skills in bowling, batting, and fielding. Joni made a real impact in both games this week. Keep up the great work, Joni!

Amelia Muth, for demonstrating the value of learning by consistently working hard, listening carefully, and applying her fundamental movement skills during each sport session.

Ewan McInerny, for creating an impressive short narrative in writing this week using a wide range of literary devices.

Harry Doyne, for creating an impressive short narrative in writing this week using a wide range of literary devices.

Audrey Wyatt,  for creating an impressive short narrative in writing this week using a wide range of literary devices.

Isla Cleverley, for asking thoughtful questions and taking on board feedback- your steady effort and positive learning habits make you a great role model for others.

Molly Schultz, for consistently showing strong focus, persistence and genuine commitment to improvement.

Claudia Grech, for demonstrating the value of learning with her careful and accurate data collection during our Data and Statistics Maths Unit.

WE SHOW RESPECT

Jimmy Wall,  for always treating everyone with kindness and respect. We appreciate your smiling face and ability to get along with everyone!

Essie Haslett, by always being kind, respectful, and supportive of others, consistently demonstrating care for classmates and contributing to a positive and inclusive school community.

Max Murphy, for demonstrating the value of respect by leading with integrity, kindness, and maturity, always treating others with respect and setting a wonderful example for your peers.

Sierra Allan, for demonstrating the Value of Respect by being considerate of others and a supportive team player, both within and outside of the classroom.

Students in 3/4 A and 3/4R have been looking at artworks by Australian artist John Brack, in particular a self-portrait capturing an ordinary, mundane moment of him getting ready for work. Students were asked to create a self-portrait showing an ordinary moment of themselves, using media and techniques that we have covered in Art this year! Student choice! See if you can pick some of the artists studied (Ginger Riley, Anna Blatman), media (ink, acrylic paint) and techniques shown in these self-portraits by Max, Ben, Lincoln, Nate, Percy, Will and Essie in 3/4A.

 

Library News
A huge thank you to Hayley Gosling for covering the new library books for YPS throughout the year. On that note, the library needs some new volunteers to cover books purchased throughout the year, especially the gorgeous story and picture books for our fantastic Book Week art inspiration each year. The book covering job can be completed from home and training (if needed) can be provided!

Please call in and leave a message for Caz in the Art room or email: Carolyn.martin-doyle@education.vic.gov.au

This week's Hot Lunch was Beef/Veggie and Rice Burritos.    
Only one more Hot Lunch to go next week - a very popular and classic BBQ sizzle to finish out the term :)

 SSV NATIONAL ATHLETICS
A huge congratulations to Zack Dickeson, who proudly represented Victoria at the School Sport Australia National Championships in Canberra!

Zack competed in the Combined Event, which included the 100m, 800m, Shot Put, and Long Jump, finishing an incredible 8th overall in the country against some very tough competition.

To top it off, Zack also competed in the relay, where his team ran brilliantly to claim a bronze medal! Your dedication, determination, and sportsmanship are truly inspiring, Zack. The whole school community are so proud of your achievements!

KANGA CRICKET
On Monday, 15 December, students in Years 3–6 are invited to participate in Kanga Cricket at the Sports Park from 9:00 am to approximately 1:45 pm. Students should arrive at school as usual, have the class roll marked, and then walk with their teacher and class to the Sports Park.

Students arriving late must sign in at the Front Office before heading to the Sports Park.

There will be 16 teams, with eight games running simultaneously on the oval. Teachers will supervise the event and keep score. The winning teams from Divisions A and B will then compete head-to-head in the Grand Final, while the remaining teams cheer from the sidelines.

Students are encouraged to bring their school backpacks containing a wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen, plenty of water, lunch, and snacks.

There is no cost for this event.

POOL PARTIES
See below the dates for all pool parties

Grades 3/4, Tuesday 16^th December, 12:00 to 2:00pm

Grades F/1/2, Wednesday 17^th December, 12:00 – 2:00pm

Grades 5/6, Thursday 18^th December, 12:00 – 2:00pm

If you haven’t already, please approve the event and pay the pool entry fee before the pool party day. Thank you.

We’re currently discussing the possibility of running our January School Holiday Program and would love to hear from you to gauge interest. Please note that the program is not yet confirmed—we’re simply collecting expressions of interest for definite bookings at this stage.

If you’re interested in booking your child into Vacation Care, please jump onto this google form below and fill out your selected days. The proposed dates are January 12th–27th. (27^th Being a Pupil Free Day).

Your feedback will help us decide whether to proceed, so we’d appreciate hearing from you as soon as possible.

Here is the drafted program:

Hi all,

Merry Christmas!
OSHC is having a Kris Kringle on Wednesday 17^th December during after school care, if your children want to attend please book them in by Thursday 11^th so we can start organising it and emailing out names to everyone. Budget is $20. Looking forward to it!

Bri 
(OSHC cooridnator)

7^th December        Lillian     

7^th December        Paddy

8^th December       Indi

10^th December     Grace

The BIG Summer Read returns for 2025-2026!

The BIG Summer Read challenges students to keep reading over the summer break. Record your reading on the dedicated website http://readbooks.au/bsr or on a reading journal available at your library. Read on at least 5 days or read 5 books during 1 December 2025 and 31 January 2026 and you will go in the draw for statewide prizes. You will also be eligible to collect a prize from your local branch of Indigo Shire Libraries. Anyone aged 0-18 years can take part.

BIG Summer Read Launch Party
To get everyone excited about The BIG Summer Read there will be a BSR Launch party at the Beechworth and Yackandandah branches. Come along and find out all about the BSR, how you can take part and collect your welcome pack. There will be reading and fun activities for you to do. The party starts at 3.45pm -4.45pm. See you there!

Beechworth Monday 8 December          Yackandandah Thursday 11 December