Newsletter - Term 4, Week 10


BVPS Valley View Monday 14th November 2020

Here’s the latest news to keep our community up to date on the latest happenings at our school.

 

Principals Message

Hello everyone, we have reached the end of another fortnight in our fabulous school.

 

We’ve made it and what a year it has been! It is difficult to sum up and reflect upon this school year within this newsletter. 2020 was a year that presented us all with our own set of unique challenges, as we adapted to a changing world caused by COVID-19.

 

The first closure of schools back in March prevented us from spending time with friends, families and colleagues. It was a time that students, staff and parents experienced an exponential rate of learning as we transferred to the online classroom. It was as though the odds were stacked against us. However, thanks to the attitude of students, the support of families, and the professionalism and care of staff, we were able to enjoy some highs and precious moments.

 

If COVID taught me anything, it highlighted even further the value of school; the importance of being alongside your schoolmates and your teachers, to learn and to laugh together.

 

The wonderful energy with students back at school is palpable; long may it continue.

 

Thank you for your understanding, adaptability, care, feedback and support of each other and of the school.

I would like to thank you all for the contributions you have made to support us in developing your children in 2020. It is a testament of a great school when there is a strong and effective partnership between parents and teachers. This year has demonstrated this is an extraordinary way and you have shown us the care and support of our learning community.

 

 

PARENT OPINION SURVEY

Thank you to all the 43 families who completed the Parent Opinion Survey. You have expressed your absolute faith and trust in us with your children. You clearly stated that BVPS looks after the learning needs of your students in a respectful and effective manner. All of the six areas that were surveyed resulted in scores of 80% and higher positive outcomes!!

 

 

GRADE 6 STUDENTS

As always at this time of the year we are farewelling our Grade 6 students. Some of these students have been with us for the past 7 years and we have formed beautiful relationships with them and their families. Throughout the years we have welcomed in new students who have relocated into our area and have also contributed to the Broadmeadows Valley learning community.

We are very proud of our Year 6 cohort; we thank them for their contributions to BVPS and wish them nothing but the very best as they move on to high school. We thank departing families for their time and contributions to the school and wish you every success in your new setting.

Congratulations on graduating into secondary school and we look forward to hearing about your new schools in 2020.

 

This week, we look forward to Year 6 celebrating their primary school graduation with families. We closely monitored restrictions to find out what would be possible and were delighted when it was confirmed that graduation ceremony could proceed with families in attendance. It is sure to be an evening to remember, as we celebrate at the Broadmeadows Town Hall.

 

We need you to continue to grow this relationship in 2021, and the best place to start is to form a relationship with your child’s teacher.

 

 

HOMEGROUPS AND STAFFING FOR 2021

I would now like to present to you the 2021 Homegroup Teachers:

 

Learning Neighbourhood 1

Jamielee Black - Neighbourhood Leader

Nick Marchbank - Foundation/Grade 1

Sarah Maroukel - Foundation/Grade 1

Jen Thompson - Grade 1/2

Jordan Colombo - Grade 1/2

Cyndi Stewart - Grade 1/2

Learning Neighbourhood 2

Aimee Lowry - Neighbourhood Leader

Sharni Moloney

Belinda King

Isabelle Grossmith

Learning Neighbourhood 3

Sharon Goldfinch - Neighbourhood Leader

Jason Hucker

Wendy Cecchini

Cassandra Hook

Specialist Team

Ash Macarthur

Marina Lopez Garcia

Liam O'Grady

Amy Hermans

 

Our grade structure for the Foundation to Grade 2 students is different this year. We will have Foundation and Grade 1 students learning together.

 

 

FAREWELL TO STAFF

A very fond farewell to Mr Gareth Taylor who is leaving us and taking up a full-time position at another school across town. We are sad to see Gareth leave us, but we have been privileged to have worked with him this year. He has been a supportive and valued member of our teaching team, always willing to help in any way. We wish him and his family all the very best for their new beginnings.

Laurena Merlino is also leaving us and for very obvious reasons! Laurena’s contribution to our school over the past 2 years has been highly valued and appreciated. We wish Laurena and Nicholas all the very best for the birth of their first baby. A very special 2021!

 

END OF YEAR REPORTS

Teachers have finalised the reports highlighting for you the achievements of our students. Most of our students have been able to show growth in their learning despite a very interrupted year, because of the partnership between our dedicated group of teachers and our parents and carers. It is the quality of the teachers that makes a difference to student learning, and this year, you too even more so, have been the complimentary teacher working side by side with us. 

 

HOLIDAYS

A reminder that we have 12.00pm dismissal this Friday 18 December.

The first day of 2021, Wednesday 27th January is a Pupil Free day.

BVPS staff will be engaging in Professional Learning on Thursday 28th and Friday 29th of January.

We will see our students back for their first day of school on Monday 1st February 2021.

 

Wishing you all a safe holiday break enjoying  happy times with your family.

I look forward to welcoming you all in 2021.

 

Regards,

Carmela

 

2021 Prep Enrolment

 

If you have a child who is to start Prep at Broadmeadows Valley in 2021, we would appreciate you enrolling them ASAP. Please make all enquiries via the school office by calling 93094066. 2021 classes have already been created, so it is important that your child is enrolled ASAP so you don't miss out!

 

2021 School Captains

 

Congratulations to the following students who have been elected as School Captains and Vice Captains for 2021.

 

Captains - Naari N-I & Omer G

Vice Captains - Tuiai F & Mohammed A

 

 

LN1 News

 

In the last couple of weeks, our wonderful Foundation students have explored a range of materials that can change through heating/cooling and recycling. We created recycled artworks using a range of materials in groups where all students demonstrated collaborative skills just like our BVPS Learning Monsters, Gus and Gert. It was pleasing to see some students create an artwork piece at home and share it with us at school.

We have also investigated how paint changes from being wet to dry when creating symmetrical butterflies. We learned that if we left the paper closed, the paint would dry and stick the pages together.

(See attached photos for recycled artworks, Chiya’s recycled artwork made at home and our symmetrical butterflies.)

 

Our Grade 1/2 learners have become scientists this term! The students have been participating in a range of experiments, from attempting to squash different objects into the smallest possible ball to seeing what would happen if you left an egg in a bowl of vinegar for a day. The students could not believe their eyes when they saw the egg and how it changed in looks and texture.

Our Grade 2s also celebrated the end of their time in LN1. They participated in some fun games that showcased their ability to work like Gus and Gert and also enjoyed a movie and special pizza lunch.

It is hard to believe how quickly this year has gone. We would like to thank you for your flexibility and support throughout this challenging year. Our fantastic LN1 students have demonstrated just how resilient, hardworking and confident they are. Through their efforts, they have proven that they are ready for a new year of learning in 2021.

We wish you a safe and happy holiday break and look forward to seeing you next year.

 

Sarah, Laurena, Jen, Jordan, Belinda, Jamieelee & Janet - LN1 Team

 

   

 

LN2 News

 

We can't believe how quickly 2020 seems to have gone, despite having been cooped up at home for at least half of it! LN2 have really enjoyed learning together this year. Last week's Whole School Transition Day was a fantastic opportunity for Grade 4 students to spend the day in LN3, and for the Grade 3 students to step up as the leaders in LN2 when the current Grade 2 students spent the day with them.

 

Students celebrated the end of a fantastic year with a Celebration Day on Monday. The Talent Show was the highlight of the day - we were very proud of everyone who got up and had a go at sharing their 'talent' - be it singing, acting or playing music. 

 

Cyndi, Nick, Sharni & Aimee - LN2 Team

 

 

 

LN3 News

LN3 have had a wonderful final few weeks engaging in many fun learning opportunities. Over the past 4 weeks we have been learning about Physical Science, focusing on the types of energy and how electricity is made. This unit has allowed the students to work in small groups to complete tasks, participate in experiments and practice talking about their learning. In Maths, LN3 has been learning about geometry and chance. These two units have seen the students play chance game using playing cards and dice, as well as investigate the area, volume and capacity of 2-D and 3-D shapes.

As we near the end of the school year, we are preparing to farewell our current Grade 6’s. They have been busy writing speeches, learning songs and creating slideshows for their graduation ceremony which will be held on Wednesday 16th December at Broadmeadows Town Hall. Although we will miss these wonderful students, we are excited for their new chapter in high school next year.

The LN3 teachers are looking forward to next year and a new beginning for the students. See you in 2021!

 

 

Sharon, Isabelle, Jason & Wendy - LN3 Team

 

PE News

Who would have thought that the year would be over so quickly! To finish off the year in the Health and PE learning space in Learning Neighbourhood 1 we have been completing a unit on developing our overarm throw and catch, we have practised using a range of equipment that is different in size and shape to throw and catch. See if your children can recall the catching song we learnt! In Learning Neighbourhood 2 and 3 we learnt a new sport called Badminton. We were practising our forehand and backhand strike whilst also learning new skills to incorporate in small games. Students have also had the opportunity to develop their scoring and knowledge of rules when playing these games.

 

  

  

Ash Macarthur - PE Teacher

 

Art News

Hi everyone!

Enjoy the last few photos from the art room. We have been very busy in each of the learning neighbourhoods finishing off all the projects from this term. The weather has been good to us, so students were able to work outside and enjoy our beautiful outdoor space most of the time. Our grade sixes were able to finish their self-portraits which they used to create the invitations for their Graduation. I hope you like them as much as we did! I want to wish everyone a fantastic break and a wonderful summer. Looking forward to seeing you all next year in the art room again.

Thanks,

Ms. Marina

 

 

Music News

Hi everyone! Thanks to everyone for a great year of music! I’ve seen some great creativity and talent shown from all across the school, and have been so impressed by everyone’s effort all through a very challenging year. I hope that everyone has a safe, restful and musical holiday, and can get rested and ready for a big 2021!

  

Mr Gareth - Music Specialist

 

Digitech News

In Digitech we have all been learning about coding. Some of our coding has been on Code.org and others with coding robots. LN3 have practiced with Spheros, LN2 have been using Lego WeDo robots, grade 1-2 have been coding and our preps have coding Bluebots.

  

 

Mr Liam - Digitech Specialist

 

Kitchen Garden News

LN2 has had a delicious end to the year. Last week they made Vegetable pizzas with a fresh green salad from our school garden. This week they enjoyed roast vegetable couscous with caramel scrolls and custard for dessert. The students have reflected on all of the cooking, cleaning and gardening skills they have learnt this year.

 

 

 

In the garden, our zucchini and cucumber seedlings are growing with the help of some milk bottles! The clear milk bottles are acting like a mini greenhouse for each plant, keeping them warmer at night and keeping the snails away from them.

 

Amy Hermans - Kitchen Garden Teacher

 

Community News

Well done everyone for staying connected, sharing and learning together this year.

Playgroup in the park was so much fun!

Walking on Wednesdays was wonderful!

Lessons and meetings on Zoom were fun and informative.

WhatsApp groups were friendly and helpful.

Next year we hope to be back together on site at BVPS. Our adult classes and community activities will start up again bigger and better than ever! English classes, Sisters Sharing Skills program, sewing, gardening, playgroup and the famous Valley café will all be back! We will also continue to do some activities online. So much to look forward to!

Have a relaxing holiday break. I can’t wait to see you back again for a great start to 2021.

 

 

Kirsten