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- NEWS | From The Principal
- NEWS | From The Office
- NEWS | From The Sports Field
- NEWS | Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Program
- The Stephanie Alexander Kitchen has a special visitor.
- NEWS | From The Fundraising Committee
- STUDENTS OF THE WEEK
- RESEARCH | Can you help the Uni of QLD?
- EXCURSION | Grade 2 Camp
- EVENT | School Council Meeting
- EVENT | Education Week Open Morning
- Curriculum Day
- EVENT | School Photos
- EXCURSION | P/1 Tabloid Sports Day
- EXCURSION| Me and My Shadow performance
- Community Events
DEMOCRACY SAUSAGE & CAKE STALL THIS SATURDAY
We’re putting a call out to our families for baked items for the cake stall or to assist with serving on the BBQ or cake stall on Saturday. If you’re time-poor consider making a donation towards the cost of running the stalls that day. Please see the Fundraising section of ths Newsletter to see how you can be involved. Every little bit helps!
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EDUCATION WEEK OPEN MORNING - TUESDAY 21st MAY
Our Open Morning is next Tuesday 21st May from 11.30am - 1.00pm. This is a great opportunity for the 2020 Prep year group to visit. School leaders will be conducting tours, including the SAKG kitchen program.
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CURRICULUM DAY - NEXT WEDNESDAY 22ND MAY
Next Wednesday is a pupil-free day when staff will participate in numeracy-based professional learning sessions.
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DIVISION CROSS COUNTRY RESULTS
Students from Winters Flat PS were very well represented at last week’s Division Cross Country, with effort and behaviour noted as excellent!
The following students were finalists:
1st Robert M (12 YO Boys)
1st Meg O (12 YO Girls)
2nd Anthea C (12 YO Girls)
3rd Iestyn C (10YO Boys)
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NAPLAN TESTING
NAPLAN is not about passing or failing, but about assessing learning progress. At the classroom level it is one of a number of important tools used by teachers to measure student progress.
In 2018, for the first time, children in some schools across Australia took NAPLAN in an online format.
Winters Flat will be completing the tests online this year.
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NAPLAN ONLINE TESTS
- 2019 NAPLAN Online test window: 14 - 24 May
- 2019 NAPLAN Online test timetable by domain
Read the NAPLAN Online information brochure for parents and carers (PDF, 487 KB) or see Resources to access translations of this brochure in Arabic, Bosnian, Chinese, Hindi, Khmer, Persian, Samoan, Serbian, Sinhalese, Somali, Spanish, Tagalog, Turkish and Vietnamese.
*UPDATE*
Following some statewide systemic issues yesterday with the Online version of NAPLAN, Winters Flat PS along with many other schools are now opting to complete the remaining test schedule using the traditional paper format.
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WE WANT OUR STUDENTS TO TELL US WHAT THEY THINK!
We value student voice as a means to improving student engagement, wellbeing and quality instruction and are conducting a survey to find out what your child thinks of our school. The Attitudes to School Survey is an annual student survey offered by the Department of Education and Training to assist schools in gaining an understanding of students' perceptions and experience of school. Our school will use the survey results to plan programs and activities to improve your child's schooling experience.
Students from Year 4 to 6 at our school will participate in the survey. Children will complete the survey online during school hours using a purpose built secure online survey tool. It is important to note that we are not in any way “testing” your child. Your child has the right to refuse or withdraw from the survey at any point before, during, or after completion of the survey.
This year the Attitudes to School survey will be conducted at our school over the period Monday 29 April to Friday 7 June. The survey only takes 20 minutes to complete and occurs during your child's class time.
Last year we used the survey results to frame the wellbeing initiatives in our 2019 Annual Implementation plan.
If you would like more information, please speak to your child’s teacher or visit the website.
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MUSIC MENTOR – YEAR 2 & 3 CHOIR
Our music mentor Scott Buchanan began an opt-in choir for students from Year 2 & Year 3 on Monday. This lunch time activity will be available for three more weeks this term and again next term if the numbers allow.
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PARENTING IDEAS – Michael Grose
This week's article talks about the intrinsic rewards of being helpful and kind.
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Suzanne Kinnersly
Principal.
FOOD - FOOD - FOOD
With the cooler weather upon us we are finding that students are feeling really hungry. They often eat their lunch at recess and then have nothing to eat for lunch. While we have sandwiches here at the office for emergencies we are unable to cope with the large demand for food that has been happening recently.
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FOOD WRAPPERS
As we are a nude school, please do not send food with your child/ren that have wrappers. We have found an increasing number of wrappers littering the school grounds. If food is sent to school with wrappers, children must take their rubbish home. Thank you for your support.
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.ACCOUNTS
Accounts will be sent home shortly. Please look out for these in your child's bag. Some families still owe for the start of year expenses.
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YEAR 6 TO YEAR 7 TRANSITION FORMS
Year 6 students were given transition forms today to be completed and returned to school by the end of the week. All instructions and guidelines are attached to the transition form. Parents will need to state where their child is going to Secondary School. This is government requirement and a state wide initiative. Any questions please contact the school.
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BOOK FAIR
Thank you to families who came and purchased at the Book Fair last week. We will receive $577 worth of credits to buy books of our choosing for our library. "Read More in May" was really embraced.
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GRADE 2 CAMP REMINDER
The Grade 2 camp is tomorrow and Friday. Please note that students need to be at school before the bus leaves at 9.00 am. Students should be at school by 8:45am and they will return on Friday at approximately 3:00pm.
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EARN AND LEARN 2019
Once again we are participating in the Earn & Learn sticker program from Woolworths.
Collect reward stickers when you shop at Woolworths and drop them into the big green box in the office. Please collect sticker sheets from the office also, this helps us in counting the stickers if they are on the sheet.
Every dollar will earn points and stickers and then we are able to spend these credits on items for the school such as sporting equipment, craft supplies from Modern Teaching Aides.
The reward program will run from 1st May until 25th June 2019.
Many thanks for your support.
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Karen Mahoney & Renae Wilson
Office
SPORT WRAP-UP
It’s been a massive term and a bit of Sport at Winters Flat PS! There have been some awesome carnivals as captured below by our great students!
There’s some special mentions to helpers! Without your assistance, these days and outcomes are not possible. So THANKYOU Leonie Clifford, Simon Duthie, Emma Brown, Inta Parsons, Jodie Wastell, Justine Henry, Gerke Witt, Francesca Nugent, Katie Wilson, Katie Kilgour, Kate Guthrie, Amy Addinsall, Melinda Kerby, Sharyn Robinson, Melissa Cater, Ben Bailey, Ebon Bowtell, Alex Cotterell, Amanda Fitzpatrick and Bronwyn Tracey.
And special thanks to our former students, Charlie, Sarah, Madie, Ciara, Gus, Theo & Fin!
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SWIMMING SUPERSTAR SYLVIE
Congratulations to Sylvie Norman who represented herself and Winters Flat with distinction at the Bendigo District Swimming Carnival in Term One! Sylvie smashed her race coming first in the 50m Breast stroke earning a spot at Swan Hill!
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The following sports reports have been written by the students of our school...
WINTERS FLAT CROSS COUNTRY
By Saffron K
The school cross country was running 2K or more the different grades all around the school I found it hard and I came 3rd and we all got an Icy pole in the end I felt really tired and exhausted.
I thought it was fun.
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BENDIGO CROSS COUNTRY
By Meg
We got off the bus nervous and ready to run.
10 yr boys rushing to the start line and 10 yr girls ready.
Next, the 9 yr boys ran then the girls ran. Next, the 8 yr boys ran their race next, it was the 8 yr girls sprinted there race then it was a 1-hour lunch break. The 8’s, 9’s and 10’s all ran 2 kilometres.
Then the 11 yr boys ran next, the 11 yr girls.
12 yr boys then 12 yr girls and then we were finished for the day.
I think everyone had a really great outcome of their positions and I think everyone enjoyed the cross country I know I did any way and thanks to Sam for organising the bus and for us to go to the cross country in Bendigo!!!
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By Sylvie H
In Bendigo the track was MASSIVE. The length was 2Ks there SO many schools .We stayed for 5 hours waiting for everyone to have their race. I felt proud that I made it to Bendigo.
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By Dan B
In Cross Country it was 2Ks or 2000.m it went up to 30 minutes Winters Flat got 4 wins.
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AFL 9s
By Chaz
On the 3rd of April 2019 WFPS and a number of other primary schools went to Wesley Hill Castlemaine for AFL 9s.
It was a great competition with some close games and some blowouts. The two schools to keep an eye on this year were likely south school or Winters Flat Primary School. They came to a game before the finals neither team had lost WFPS took an early lead but south came back. Then the siren sounded they go to the scores with a shocked look on their face it was a draw. So it was a match made in heaven South school vs Winter Flat Primary School Who would take home the name incrusted plaque. The announcers said it South School 1 vs Winters Flat Primary School 1 obviously pressure neither team wanted to lose but the desire inside burnt more for one team and burnt out for another. The siren sounded again WFPS gained a quick lead but this time were not going to let off the pressure they played like it was 1 point in it then the last siren sounded instantly they knew the winner was WFPS and they were the AFL 9s 2019 Champions.
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By Archie K
When we arrived we split into groups. We did a lot of fun activities , one of the activities was that we had to kick the ball the furthest, it was very fun.
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NETBALL
By Lucy N
On the third of April 2019 I took the bus to get to a the netball excursion with my school. When we got there, we put on our bibs and played against St Mary’s primary school. Our team won. I played 4 games I won 2 games and lost 2 games.it was really fun and I can’t wait to go again next year.
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By Iris D
When we arrived, we split into different groups. In my group we did lots of activities. My favourite activity was golden child. In the end I felt tired on the bus.
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Sam
Sports Teacher
THIS WEEK IN THE KITCHEN & GARDEN...
What we're cooking in the kitchen this week...
Jerusalem artichoke soup (Note: this is a variation of the Potato, Leek and Chive Soup recipe on our website)
Pumpkin silverbeet and Cous cous salad
Tomato sauce
Focaccia
Salad of the imagination
Sticky toffee pudding
Remember, all our recipes are available on our school website, so you can try them at home.
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And what we're harvesting from the garden...
Jerusalem artichoke
Kale
Silverbeet
Fennel fronds
Corianders
Mint
Parsley
Lettuce
Rosemary
Chives
Basil
Shallot Shoots
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HELP US BUILD AN INSECT HOTEL
As the weather starts to turn, the kids at our school are keen to make an insect hotel, so all our creeping, crawling and flying little friends have somewhere to get out of the cold.
But they need help...
We're looking for someone in our school community that could build a wooden frame for the kids to fill with all the right insecty parts.
Insect hotels come in all shapes and sizes, so the design options are unlimited (the ones below are just a few examples!). If you think you can help the kids with this project, please send us an email, or see Karen in the office.
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Jane & Terry
Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden
On the 15th of May, the lead person of the Creative Cities of Gastronomy, Dag Hartman is visiting Central Victoria and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to introduce him to some of our region's gastronomic legends! Dag Hartman is from UNESCO.
What is UNESCO about?
The UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) was created in 2004 to promote cooperation with and among cities that have identified creativity as a strategic factor for sustainable urban development. The 180 cities which currently make up this network work together towards a common objective: placing creativity and cultural industries at the heart of their development plans at the local level and cooperating actively at the international level.
I look forward to introducing him to Jane and the students on Wednesday the 15th of May so that he can experience the fabulousness of the SAKG program and the great work of the school in supporting this program.
I'm sure Jane will find some prep for Dag to immerse himself in as well as sharing the meal with the students at the end of the session.
Warmest regards
Sonia Anthony
Masons of Bendigo
MOTHER'S DAY STALL
Our annual Mother's Day Stall was a great success. A very big thank you to all the families who donated goods.
We would also like to thank our wonderful students who helped each day to set up the stall and sell the gifts; Salina, Sylvie W, Molly, Meg, Olivia, and Anthea - Your help was very much appreciated.
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ELECTION DAY BBQ
We are holding a BBQ at the school on Election Day this Saturday 18th May 2019 from 8 am to 2 pm.
We would love your support for this school fundraiser. How can you help ?
- Bake some goods (cakes, slices, biscuits) and drop them to the school office on Friday 17th May 2019 by 330pm OR bring them to the BBQ on Saturday. All goods need to have ingredients labelled and date of baking. Preserves will also be great.
- Offer some time to help on the BBQ - please complete the online form below if you can help and what time (block of 1 - 2 hours).
Election BBQ
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Thanks,
The Fundraising Subcommittee
STUDENTS OF THE WEEK
P/1 A | Finn H-P
For showing Care for Self by showing a commitment to doing his best in class, ignoring distractions and making good choices. You should be very proud of yourself Finn!
P/1 A | Ava G
For showing Care for Self by always trying her best during class times and working particularly hard on her writing. Fantastic effort Ava!
P/1 J | Aurelia F
For showing Care for Self by joining in class activities and participating in all lessons. Super efforts this week!
P/1 J | Olive H
For showing Care for Self by enthusiastically joining in all activities, especially your effort in music. Well done!
2/3F | Saffron K
For showing Care for Others by writing out the instructions for playing dominoes so we can all learn.
2/3F | Kirah-Jayne M
For showing Care for the Environment by being quick to pack up and clean up in the classroom.
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2/3W | Seth B
For showing care for others by working hard to follow directions straight away.
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Senior Leadership Community
Hannah O
For showing Care for Self by speaking up with honour and pride. Well done Hannah!
Robert M
For showing Care for Others by being a great role model when ding our persuasive writing.
Zander C
For showing Care for Others by being a great participant and helping others on our GRIP Leadership day.
Victoria O
For showing Care for Self by being positive and making a great start to school. Well done Victoria.
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POSITIVE BEHAVIOUR FOCUS:
This week's positive behaviour focus is:
Showing care for self by being organized and ready to learn.
The following students are recognised for their abilities in this area: Brody H
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BEST CLASS ATTENDANCE (CUMALONG CUP)
The class with the best school attendance this week is P/1J
The Parenting and Family Support Centre at the University of Queensland is conducting research into parents’ opinions about parenting and parenting programs.
If you have a child between 2 and 12 years, they would love to hear your views on parenting and the services that are available to you as a parent.
You will need to complete a short survey. To find out more or to participate please visit their website.
16
Thu
16 May 2019 - 17 May 2019
16
Thu
16 May 2019 - 17 May 2019
Closing Date: 13 May 2019
Location: Boomerang Ranch
Address: 23 Tipperary Springs Road, Daylesford, 3460, Vic
16
Thu
16 May 2019 - 17 May 2019
Closing Date: 13 May 2019
Location: Boomerang Ranch
Address: 23 Tipperary Springs Road, Daylesford, 3460, Vic
20
Mon
20 May 2019
7:00 PM to 8:30 PM
20
Mon
20 May 2019
7:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Location: Winters Flat Primary School
Address: 3 Roberts Avenue, Castlemaine, 3450, Victoria
School Council meets in the staff room at 7.00 pm
20
Mon
20 May 2019
7:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Location: Winters Flat Primary School
Address: 3 Roberts Avenue, Castlemaine, 3450, Victoria
21
Tue
21 May 2019
11:30 AM to 1:00 PM
21
Tue
21 May 2019
11:30 AM to 1:00 PM
Location: Winters Flat Primary School
Address: 3 Roberts Avenue, Castlemaine, 3450, Victoria
Winters Flat Primary School open morning - Tuesday 21st May 2019
Winters Flat Primary school is holding an open morning for prospective parents between 11.30 and 1.00 pm.
Student Leaders will be taking tours and the Principal, Ms Suzanne Kinnersly will be on hand to answer questions and talk about life at Winters Flat.
21
Tue
21 May 2019
11:30 AM to 1:00 PM
Location: Winters Flat Primary School
Address: 3 Roberts Avenue, Castlemaine, 3450, Victoria
22
Wed
22 May 2019
22
Wed
22 May 2019
Location: Winters Flat Primary School
Address: 3 Roberts Avenue, Castlemaine, 3450, Victoria
Curriculum Day - Wednesday 22nd May
No students are required at school on this day. Teachers will be using this day for planning.
22
Wed
22 May 2019
Location: Winters Flat Primary School
Address: 3 Roberts Avenue, Castlemaine, 3450, Victoria
24
Fri
24 May 2019
24
Fri
24 May 2019
Location: Winters Flat Primary School
Address: 3 Roberts Avenue, Castlemaine, 3450, Victoria
Cost: various prices
School Photo Day - 24th May
Students should have received their individualised photo form. Please make sure that your child brings this with them on photo day. If you have lost your photo form please come to the office to collect another one.
There is also the option to have sibling photos taken. These forms are at the office also.
24
Fri
24 May 2019
Location: Winters Flat Primary School
Address: 3 Roberts Avenue, Castlemaine, 3450, Victoria
Cost: various prices
31
Fri
31 May 2019
9:30 AM to 1:00 PM
31
Fri
31 May 2019
9:30 AM to 1:00 PM
Location: Castlemaine Secondary College
Address: Lawson Parade, Castlemaine, 3450, Vic
Cost: $6 per student
P/1 Tabloid Sports Day - Friday, 31st May 2019
The children from P/1A and P/1J will be participating in a Tabloid Sports Day at the Castlemaine Secondary College, Castlemaine, on Friday, 31st May 2019.
The children will be travelling by bus, leaving Winters Flat at 9.30am and returning by 1.00pm.
This is a great opportunity for the children to participate in a sporting activity as well as socialising with children from other schools in the district.
What to bring/wear: -
- school uniform (school top – blue pants)
- water bottle
- substantial Munch & Crunch and snack
- suitable footwear
- asthma medication (if required).
The cost is $6.00 (which includes buses and St. Johns Ambulance).
*If you are able to assist on the day please let your child’s class teacher know.
Many Thanks,
Fiona Johnston and Bianca Alvarez Harris
31
Fri
31 May 2019
9:30 AM to 1:00 PM
Location: Castlemaine Secondary College
Address: Lawson Parade, Castlemaine, 3450, Vic
Cost: $6 per student
7
Fri
07 Jun 2019
9:00 AM to 12:30 PM
7
Fri
07 Jun 2019
9:00 AM to 12:30 PM
Location: Ulumbarra Theatre
Address: 10-20 Gaol Road, Bendigo, 3550, Vic
Cost: $12
Me and My Shadow – GRADE PREP & GRADE 1
LIVE ON STAGE AT ULUMBARRA THEATRE
WHERE: Ulumbarra Theatre – 10- 20 Gaol Road, Bendigo.
WHAT: The art of play and creation from everyday objects– acrobatics, poetry and clowning around.
WHEN: Friday 7th June, 2019 SESSION TIME: 10.00 am
TIME: Students will depart school at 9:00 am and return at approx. 12:30 (Castlemaine Bus Lines)
COST: $12.00 to cover admission. Bus is free.
WEAR: School uniform
WHAT TO BRING: Snacks, water bottle
TEACHERS ATTENDING:
Fiona Johnston and Bianca Alvarez Harris
7
Fri
07 Jun 2019
9:00 AM to 12:30 PM
Location: Ulumbarra Theatre
Address: 10-20 Gaol Road, Bendigo, 3550, Vic
Cost: $12
What's happening in our community...
This month it's all about healthy body and mind, so drop the kids off and get into some power training this month with Dave Tobin, get your dance moves on in preperation for the annual debutant ball in September, attend a parent seminar, join a forum, or call for (free) parenting advice...
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SOUTH CASTLEMAINE OPEN DAY: 22 MAY 2019 1-3pm
Will your child be starting Kinder in 2020? Come along to our Open Day and meet our teaching team, ask questions and take a tour of our Kindergarten.
South Castlemaine Kindergarten offers an inclusive, play based program, with 3 and 4 year old groups.
Enrolments open on-line on the 3rd June 2019 or come in and pick up a paper copy.
For more information about the Kindergarten, visit our website, or call 5672 2432.
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Did you know there is a FREE telephone based parenting education program for parents, grandparents caring for their grandchildren, and carers of children aged 2 to 12 years, living in Victoria.
The Positive Parenting Telephone Service aims to increase access for all families including fathers, grandparents, kinship carers and rural families.
Participants will be provided with a workbook or online modules and will be supported by weekly 30 minute phone calls from a trained Parent Educator over a 6 to 10 week period. Appointments are available daytime and evenings.
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The Centre for Excellence in Child and Family Welfare is proud to be hosting the 2019 Debutante Ball on Friday September 20.
The Deb Ball is specifically for young people who live, or have lived, in out-of-home care (foster, kinship or residential) in Victoria.
We are now inviting young people aged 16-25 to apply to participate. Applications are open to young people anywhere in Victoria, including those from country or rural areas.
Participants can expect 10 weeks of dance classes in the lead-up to the big day, the chance to dress up in a suit or dress and show of your moves, and the opportunity to invite friends, family or workers along.
Applicants and/or their carer or worker must fill out a formal application. For all the forms and further information, please get in touch with the Project Officer Erin Moloney.
Applications close on Friday June 14.
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Early Years Forum
DATE: 15th May
TIME: 5.30 – 7.30 pm
VENUE: Civic Centre. Council Chambers
DETAILS: Dinner provided. Kids welcome
This is the first meeting since the presentation of the final Mount Alexander Early Year plan in February this year.
This group is open to all parents/ carers, early years services, health, educational, family and community service providers and those wanting to improve outcomes for kids across the shire.
At this forum they will be introducing the newly established Early Years Steering Group members. Also in recognition of the United Nations International Day of Families, they will have some great guest speakers from the Early Years Sector, plus forum participants will have the opportunity to share relevant information and provide any updates.
Bookings are required for catering purposes by Friday 10th May, and you can book here...