How often do you just stop and think to yourself “Where did time go?” That has been me all of this week. When I look back to the beginning of school year and then where I am now – I am astounded that so much has happened in such a short time!

There are many things that I am grateful for as this term has progressed. I am so grateful that my job allows me to work with such a diverse gathering of people on a daily basis. I am grateful for the support I have received when I made the decision to extend and challenge myself professionally, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to really live the concept of being a lifelong learner.

So, in celebration of the term that has been, I sat down with some of our youngest KPS learners (FFW) to find out what they were grateful for during their first term of being ‘at big school’….

Jack – ‘I was happy that I could sit at the very front of the top level on the double decker bus to swimming!’

Heidi – ‘I have loved spending time with my friends.’

Luna – ‘I have loved coming to school everyday and seeing my buddy.’

Otis – ‘My best bit is playing Ninjas on the playground with my friends!’ (At first, I thought he said he enjoyed playing dentists – I thought that would be an interesting game to watch!!)

Alfie – ‘I am happy that I am going to be class representative. I can’t remember what I need to do, but I think I will go to meetings.’

I extend my thanks to everyone who competed the survey that was published in our previous newsletter. Your insights and suggestions are invaluable, and I look forward to really teasing them out next term with staff and school council. In saying that, I am always open to further conversations and suggestions, so please feel free to grab me in the yard or come by the office!

The Term came to a spectacular end with the annual Easter Hat Parade! There are certainly some crafty people in our school community! 

So, I will now take this opportunity to thank all the staff at our school for the effort that they have put into the term to ensure rigorous and engaging learning tasks were offered to the students. To all our students, the work that you have put in to your learning has not gone unnoticed! Well done on everything that you have accomplished. And to our families, your continued support it very much appreciated!

I wish you all a very restful break with opportunities for adventure and memory making! See you all again on April 15^th!

Emma Vasilevski
Acting Principal

P.S Thanks you to Hugo, Chase and Sonny for counting  the gold coins donated collected oin casual clothes day.

As we come to the end of another enriching term in the Primary Years Programme (PYP) at Kingsville it is with great pride and joy that we reflect on the remarkable journey of learning, growth, and achievement experienced by our students. Nurturing inquiry and exploration is at the heart of the PYP. The programme is a commitment to fostering inquiry-driven learning experiences that inspire curiosity and ignite a passion for discovery. Throughout the term, our students have delved into a diverse range of topics, engaging in thought-provoking discussions, conducting hands-on experiments, and embarking on collaborative projects that have encouraged them to question, explore, and make meaningful connections to the world around them, embracing diversity and global citizenship.

In our ever-changing world, it is essential to cultivate in our students a deep understanding and appreciation of diversity, as well as a sense of responsibility as global citizens. Through the lens of the PYP transdisciplinary themes, our students have explored issues of global significance, gaining insights into different cultures, perspectives, and ways of life. By embracing diversity and fostering empathy and compassion, we strive to empower our students to become active contributors to a more inclusive and harmonious society.

The PYP celebrates and nurtures creativity by encouraging students to express themselves through a variety of mediums and platforms. Whether through visual arts, music, drama, or storytelling, our students have embraced their creative instincts, unleashing their imaginations and showcasing their unique talents. These opportunities not only deepen their understanding of concepts but also develop essential skills such as critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving.

As we celebrate the end of term, we also take time to acknowledge and celebrate the growth and achievements of each and every student. Whether it be academic milestones, personal triumphs, or acts of kindness and leadership, every accomplishment is a testament to the dedication, resilience, and spirit of our students, teachers, and families.

As we bid farewell to this term and look ahead to the next chapter in our journey, we do so with optimism, excitement, and a renewed sense of purpose. Together, as a vibrant and diverse learning community, we will continue to embrace the principles of the PYP, fostering inquiry, nurturing curiosity, and empowering our students to become compassionate, creative, and engaged lifelong learners. Thank you to our dedicated teachers, supportive families, and, most importantly, our incredible students for making this term a truly memorable and rewarding experience. Wishing everyone a restful and rejuvenating break, filled with joy, laughter, and cherished moments with loved ones.

Sam Eason
Assistant Principal
PYP Coordinate

The first meeting of the 2024 School Council took place Monday 18^th March and office bearers were elected. The results of the election process were –

• President                                                      Clive Domone
• Vice President                                              David Hickey
• Treasurer                                                     Tom Weir
• Secretary (correspondence)                         Sam Eason  

This is a very positive and productive place to be, and I thank the above members for accepting nomination and congratulate them on their appointment to these positions.

In working to decide what sub-committees will best assist the work of council in any year a range of factors are taken into consideration. These include but are not limited to –

• the schools Strategic Plan KPS 2023-2027and Annual Implementation Plan (2024)
• any ongoing work from the past council year which needs to be taken forward by the new team
• specific priorities for the year that come under the auspices of the council

At the first meeting of the 2024 council, sub-committees for 2024 were determined. It was agreed that the sub-committees would be -

• Finance
• FOKPS (Friends of KPS – fundraising/community engagement)
• OSHC (Out of School Hours Care)
• Buildings & Grounds
• Policies

Council also determined convenors for these sub-committees, and we thank parent members for taking up these responsibilities.

• Building and Grounds – Angus Friend
• Finance - Tom Weir
• OSHC - Andrew Nichols   
• FOKPS - David Hickey
• Policies - Sam Eason

Due to the nature of the work involved for the B&G and FOKPS sub-committees they will always benefit from additional non-school council volunteer parent/carer members. These volunteers assist the convenor and school council members to drive and facilitate the brief and scope of works, as developed by School council.

Each of these sub-committees is now seeking 5 to 6 volunteers from the community to support the implementations and actions as approved by school council. If you would like to volunteer to be part of either the Buildings and Grounds or FOKPS sub-committees please email the school kingsville.ps@education.vic.gov.au with the subject heading Building and Ground sub-committee or FOKPS sub-committee. Then in the body of the email your name, email address and your child/children’s names.

The Policies sub-committee will throughout the year seek community engagement via working parties to review policies. As those policies fall for review, expression of interest to be part of the working party will be communicated to the community.

Ensuring knowledge of and, appropriate and desirable transparency with regard to the work of a school council is vital every year and in 2024 these will communication in newsletters and compass posts relating to the work of the subcommittees and council as a whole.  

What is neurodiversity?

Neurodiversity is a term used to describe the natural variation in our brains. All brains are different and while most brains are considered neurotypical some brains are neurodiverse. This includes people with ADHD, autism and dyslexia just to name a few!

Last week was Neurodiversity Celebration Week. At KPS we strive to acknowledge the strengths and talents of all our students and Neurodiversity Celebration Week is a time to raise awareness of the strengths within the neurodivergent community. At school, our grade 3-6 teachers shared a presentation with our students. To learn more and to access the presentation shared with our grade 3-6 students please visit the following link: https://www.neurodiversityweek.com/powerpoint-presentations

Better informed, more accepting school communities can help make school experiences more positive for everyone.

April 2^nd is recognised internationally as World Autism Awareness Day and April is often referred to as Autism Awareness month. I have included a helpful infographic created by the team at Onwards and Upwards Psychology below.

It is official! KPS has elected its student representatives for 2024. After getting to know each other during the first few weeks of term, students have thoughtfully elected one of their classmates to represent them in our Student Representative Council.

The Student Representative Council at KPS will aim to:

• provide opportunities for the development of ‘student voice’ within the school
• provide opportunities for students to develop their leadership skills, teamwork skills and public speaking skills
• raise student awareness of school, local and global issues
• support and fundraise for school and community-based charities and initiatives/special causes
• build a strong and inclusive school community

Thank you to all of the students who courageously put their hand up to nominate themselves for the role. Please find a list of the representatives for each grade below. Meetings will begin in Term 2 and during the first Friday assembly of next term (Friday 19^th April) our representatives will be awarded their badges, so they can be identified by their peers.

Kind regards,
Lucy Oates (Teacher)

Kingsville Primary School staff will be holding a Foundation/Prep Information Evening on April 30^th in the school hall. The session is an introduction to KPS with an opportunity find out about who we are, and our enrolment process and procedures. It is also a chance to meet the Principal, Assistant Principals, and current early years staff.

This evening is for “all and any” interested and prospective parents who have children eligible to begin primary school in 2024. The audience is not restricted to families living in the Kingsville PS enrolment neighbourhood zone.

• Where: Kingsville Primary School Hall 58 Bishop Street, Kingsville (Enter via Bishop St double gates to the Hall)
• When: Tuesday April 30^th, 2024: 6.00 – 7.00 pm

Responses from parents / carers wishing to attend are expected and are important in assisting us in organising the event.

Bookings are required. RSVP by:

Link: 2025 Foundation Enrolments - Parent Information session

OR

Phone: 9314 5869

OR

Email: kingsville.ps@education.vic.gov.au with a subject line of ‘2025 Foundation Information Session’.

Information has been sent to a large number of pre-school / kindergarten and, childcare centres in the immediate area and, further across the Yarraville/ Footscray/ Seddon/ Spotswood/ Newport areas. This is in line with our practice each year.

We request that current KPS parents assist in the advertising of this event by spreading the word amongst friends, neighbours etc to help us raise awareness in the area.

If KPS parents / carers are informing friends and neighbours about the event, please let them know they need to respond to the school.

The Department of Education has released an updated statewide Foundation (Prep) enrolment timeline for the 2025 school year.

The timeline advises families when and how to enrol their child into Foundation (Prep) at a Victorian government primary school, including Kingsville Primary School.

 Our School Zone

Details of the KPS school zone are available on, findmyschool.vic.gov.au  which provides the most up to date information about Victorian Government school zones.

Students residing in a school zone are guaranteed a place at that school.

Enrolments from outside of zone are considered and determined in line with school capacity.

The enrolment process for parents/carers seeking an enrolment to KPS who live within our school zone.  

Step 1: Please click here for an enrolment form or collect one from the office.

Step 2: In order to accept your enrolment form, the school requires the following documentation to be presented when you submit your enrolment form

• Proof of your residential address to indicate that Kingsville is the closest neighbourhood school - provide photo identification (e.g. drivers licence) and a utilities statement that shows primary residence location
• Australian Birth Certificate or Passport
• Record of immunisation issued by Medicare

Other relevant documentation

• details of medical or other conditions which may require the child to have special consideration
• proof of Australian residency or appropriate visa that would allow for enrolment (non-fee paying) in an Australian government school
• copies of any legal documents relating to custody, parenting arrangements or access regarding child/children

Step 3: Enrolment applications due – parents and carers submit their completed enrolment application to a government primary school by Friday 26 July 2024.

Step 4: Confirmation of a place at Kingsville Primary for your child or children for 2025 will be communicated by Friday 23 August 2024

Step 5: Making an enrolment appointment. On confirmation of your child attending Kingsville Primary School an enrolment meeting appointment will be booked.

The first set of enrolment meetings are scheduled for the end of term 2 and beginning of term 3. Additional enrolment meetings will be added later in term 3 and term 4 as required.

The child who is being enrolled is required to attend the enrolment meeting. This is seen as an important rite of passage and the preschool student is expected to participate in the process.

Please visit the school’s website for a comprehensive understanding of enrolling at Kingsville Primary School.

Attention readers! I am thrilled to announce the launch of the 2024 Victorian Premier's Reading Challenge. Students across all year levels are invited to embark on a literary adventure by reading a wide range of books. Whether it's exploring magical realms, delving into historical events, or uncovering mysteries, this challenge is your ticket to a world of imagination.

As part of the Challenge, students are tasked with reading a set number of books before the Challenge end date in early September. Students in F-2 are to read or experience 30 books, while students in years 3-6 are to read 15 books.

Participating is easy – simply access your online personal profile using the VPRC username and password provided to you by your classroom teacher, log your books and watch your reading journey unfold. You can access your online profile here: https://vprc.eduweb.vic.gov.au/home

Let's ignite our passion for reading and aim to surpass last year's achievements. Get ready to turn pages and dive into stories that inspire, entertain, and enlighten!

More information about taking part in the Challenge can be found here: https://www.vic.gov.au/school-student-and-parents-taking-part-premiers-reading-challenge

Happy reading!

Lauren Anile
Learning Specialist – Literacy

In line with school policy and government expectations related to being a SunSmart school students are required to wear sun hats until April 30^th. This means that during the two and a half weeks of the beginning of term 2, students are still required to wear hat while in the yard.

Explaining to children that even though the sun is not visible the UV radiation is extremely high from August to the end of April can be tricky. Ultraviolet radiation (UV) is both the major cause of skin cancer, and we cover up whenever UV levels are 3 or higher. So let us take this task on board together i.e. some explaining at home and some at school.

Some data from Thursday 28^th March:

• Max temperature 21C
• Min temperature 8C
• Max UV 3 This day's UV index is moderate. Using sunscreen or other UV protection is recommended. Try to avoid direct sun exposure between 10.50 AM and 1.20 PM.

During Term One, all KPS students explored the transdisciplinary theme of ‘Who We Are’ by inquiring into self-portraits. The students completed their annual graphite pencil self-portrait as well as completing an A5 self-portrait. The A5 self-portraits are displayed in the foyer at the office. The display is almost complete! The Grade 6 Buddies will help their Foundation buddies with their self-portrait early next term. This display has developed into another Kingsville tradition which the children look forward to each year. In the past, students have completed pastel portraits and their ‘very sticky portraits’ where the students and teachers drew a picture of themselves as stick figures on sticky notes. 

This year the students used illustrator’s markers to help them trace and colour their self-portrait. The students made creative choices regarding the background design and were encouraged to include important details such as the ‘Kingsville K’.

 Monica Gallivan – Visual Arts Teacher

The Smile Squad team from Cohealth are coming to our school soon. Smile Squad is the Victorian Government free school dental program. This means all students can get a free dental check-up, preventive services, and treatment at school.

HOW TO ACCESS FREE DENTAL CARE
We need your consent before we can provide services. Consent is usually provided by a parent or carer.
Sign up to Smile Squad at: https://bit.ly/smilesquadvic

Please complete and submit the consent form by 22/04/2024. 
Paper copies of the consent form are available. Please contact the school office if you would like to request one.
The electronic consent form can be translated into more than 100 languages, and the paper form is available in 13 languages.
 
Do I need to attend my child’s appointment?
No, you do not need to attend your child’s appointment. You can attend if you would like to, and you can take your child to the community dental clinic if you prefer.
The Cohealth Smile Squad look forward to seeing you soon.
 
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact CoHealth on 9448 6171. You can also find more information about Smile Squad at: www.smilesquad.vic.gov.au, or looking through the attached information.

 Smile Squad electronic consent brochure_primary schools_
 Smile squad Parents and Carers info

Our wonderful school Easter hat parade is a vibrant celebration filled with creativity, joy, and a sense of community. Each year, students eagerly anticipate the opportunity to showcase their creative Easter hats adorned with an array of colourful decorations, from pastel ribbons to whimsical bunny ears. As they parade around the Monday morning assembly area, joy fills the air, and proud parents/carers join in celebrating everyone’s participation. It's a heartwarming event that not only fosters artistic expression but also strengthens the bonds within our school family. The Easter hat parade is a cherished tradition that brings out the best in our students and showcases the spirit of unity and camaraderie that defines our school. Have a wonderful break from the staff at KPS.

The Easter Raffle Prize Winners 2024

Eva K. 1/2M

April P. 3/4A

Sophie Mc. 6EH

Baradu A. 5CH

The Easter Hat Award Winners 2024

School photos will be taken on WEDNESDAY 15 MAY 2024. Please clearly mark this date on your family calendars.

Photo packs and other important information will be shared early in term 2.

30^th March – 12^th April

Happy Birthday to:

Naysa K, Louis E, Luke S, Maeve J, Maisie G, Fin A, Olivia D, Mia D, Amelia A, James C, Aiden V, Poppy W, Nathan B, Audrey W, Aidan T, Shahzad S, Noa G, Hendrix L.   

13^th April – 26^th April 

Happy Birthday to:

Makayla M, Elizabeth J, Ned O, Miranda B-M, Koa P, Lola M, Ivan E, Nalah M, Winnie O, Zack H, Bani R.

Roster for Assembly Items – Term 1

Friday 21st March - No Assembly
Friday 28th March - 5SP
Friday 4th April - No Assembly - early finish

Term Dates 2025

Term 1 - Thursday 30th January - Friday 4th April
Term 2 - Tuesday 22nd April - Fri 4th July 
Term 3 - Monday 21st July - Friday 19th September
Term 4 - Monday 6th October - Friday 19th December