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Issue No 11 - 19 August 2016
From the Principal
Last year the Victorian State Government announced the fact that they wanted to make
Victoria the ‘Education State’ and called for contributions as to how to achieve this from
various sections of the community.
So far I’m not certain how this aspiration, which I am sure we all applaud, is being
translated into action, but several days ago, James Merlino, the Minister for Education and
Deputy Premier, suggested that they would like universities to raise the ATAR score for
students applying for a teaching degree. This of course has caused a storm of articles and
letters; some from teachers, some from the universities and others from interested
onlookers. Some of the articles being generated from universities which are very much against setting a minimum ATAR for aspirant
teachers such as Swinburne and Victoria Universities, are the same universities who want unfettered entry and no restriction on student
numbers. Earlier in the year, the top eight universities called for a limit on numbers to preserve quality and also to enable them to better
focus on the core business of universities which is not to generate workers according to business criteria but to conduct research and
provide tertiary courses. I think the latter issue has been somewhat subsumed in the past by deregulating numbers and focusing on the
business sectors’ call for students to be more skilled in areas that they set as criteria, such as, higher levels of numeracy and literacy,
more practical skills, etc.
The teacher issue really goes to the heart of the debate and the seemingly endless contradictions being presented by government, the
universities themselves and research. On the one hand we have people calling for equality of access to tertiary level courses and thus
the lowering of ATARs to help enable that including not publishing ‘clearly in’ scores for courses in some universities. We have
pathways being created for economically disadvantaged students, migrants, disabled students, etc. and a conflict at university levels
regarding the advantages and disadvantages of unregulated numbers. We also have the scandal around private providers, particularly
of TAFE style courses and the lack of quality and quality control of those courses and thus the qualifications they provide.
At the same time we have calls for improved literacy and numeracy levels amongst students after the publishing of international figures
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(PISA) reveal that student achievements in Australia have declined over the last 5 or 6 years in relation to other countries. We also
have government imperatives around student achievement in STEM areas, LOTE, creativity, IT, citizenship, teamwork, etc. to say
nothing of global citizenship, safe social behaviour, cyber safety, swimming, etc.
We have all had a teacher and know what constitutes a ‘good teacher’. Surely education and this kind of ‘good’ teaching lies at the
heart of producing a society that is well educated and can then educate the next generation. Of course we need to create opportunities
for less fortunate people, but universities and particularly teaching degrees should not be part of a social experiment to create that
opportunity at the expense of the quality for the people who will eventually contribute to why we are a ‘better’ society.
Not every hairdresser, dancer, doctor, dentist or farmer is a perfect exponent of their trade occupation or profession and nor should
anyone expect that. If the person is skilled and well trained and has chosen that field as their career choice that is perhaps as much as
we can expect. Teachers are no different and all we can hope is that they have achieved a good level of education themselves, chose
their field of study as their preferred career path and enjoy being in a classroom with students.
Leadership 2017
Congratulations to all the girls who stood for Consul or Deputy Consul. The speeches about the relevance of single sex schools in the
21st century were very impressive as were the girls’ interview responses. The School voting is always interesting with girls from Year 9
to Year 12 voting and staff also.
The Consuls for 2017 are; Sophie Schwerkolt and Pardis Sorati; Deputy Consul Senior School is Eva Lewis-Col; Deputy Consul
Middle School is Yasmin Gudarzi and Deputy Consul Junior School is Meredyth Lee. Congratulations to these girls and all the best for
your roles for 2017.
This is a good opportunity to thank this year’s leaders who have done an excellent job and set such a great tone in the School. It’s
difficult sometimes balancing school work, responsibility and other activities but they have done it well and led in a clam and cheerful
way. The younger girls especially appreciate the fact that they are always friendly and welcoming and willing to spend time with them.
We wish them luck for the all important lead up time to exams, but hope they enjoy their last few weeks of secondary school.
Upcoming Film Spin Out
I would like to mention an upcoming feature film, Spin Out, that Year 8 student, Stella Gracie, has been involved in. Stella has assisted
with the design concepts of the characters in the film and her art work is featured in the opening and closing titles. I am sure Stella has
found the experience worthwhile and satisfying.
The film is rated 'M' and Senior School students might be interested in seeing it when it is released on 15 September Australia wide.
Mrs Suzy Chandler
Principal
Upcoming Events 2016
FRIDAY 19 AUGUST
ELC-VCE Art and Design Show (final viewing)
3.45pm-5.00pm
Corbett Lyon Gallery
FRIDAY 26 AUGUST
Trivia Night - Friends of Rowing
7.00pm
Margaret Cunningham Hall
Term Dates 2016
Term 2 (11 weeks)
12 April to 24 June
Term 3 (9 weeks)
12 July to 9 September
Term 4 (10 weeks)
3 October to 7 December
MONDAY 29 AUGUST
Year 7 2017 Information Evening
7.00pm
Reid Studio
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FRIDAY 2 SEPTEMBER & SATURDAY 3 SEPTEMBER
School Play - Game of Tiaras
7.00pm
Margaret Cunningham Hall
MONDAY 5 SEPTEMBER
Father's Day Breakfast (Middle School)
7.50am-8.30am
Tuckshop
WEDNESDAY 7 SEPTEMBER
Spring Concert
7.30pm
Margaret Cunningham Hall
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Term Dates 2017
Term 1 (9 weeks)
31 January to 31 March
Term 2 (11 weeks)
19 April to 30 June
Term 3 (9 weeks)
18 July to 15 September
Term 4 (10 weeks)
10 October to 13 December
FRIDAY 9 SEPTEMBER
End Term 3
MONDAY 3 OCTOBER
Start Term 4
Please note: All students return on Monday, not Tuesday.
WEDNESDAY 12 OCTOBER
Valedictory (Middle & Senior School)
7.30pm
Robert Blackwood Hall, Monash University
Senior School
Fintona has been full of “speeches” and presentations of late. We have been listening to some wonderful speeches as part of the Elizabeth
M Butt competition and also enjoying some debating as part of the House competition this week. In addition, there were some wonderful
presentations from the students who had applied for Consul Positions for 2017.
House Captain Applications
Application forms and the position description for House Captain are on the Year 11 common room notice board. Students have previously
heard reflections from some current House Captains about the role and what is involved. Applications are due next Monday 22 August to
the House teacher and voting for House Captains takes place during House on Wednesday 24 August. I am encouraging the Year 11
students to talk to the current House Captains about the role. They can expect to be interviewed by their House leader between the date
that the applications are due and the date of the voting.
Connections
The Year 9 students have begun their community service placements this term and have generally reported favourably on their first two
days. This part of the program offers them vital real life experience and we encourage students to use public transport where possible to
get to and from their placement, in order to foster a sense of independence. On placement, they should endeavour to be positive and cooperative, trying to gain as much experience and understanding of the environment as possible. This is a unique opportunity for the
students to interact with their community. They have chosen a diverse range of areas to be involved with; from working with people living
with disabilities, the elderly, young people and to assisting with environmental projects. I look forward to hearing more about their
experiences as the term progresses.
Parent/Teacher Interviews
The parent/teacher evenings were a chance for teachers, parents and students to focus on students’ strengths, weaknesses and strategies
for improvement. I thank staff, parents and students for attending and furthering the ongoing discussion about students’ learning.
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Year 11 and Year 4 Buddies
This year, a group of Year 11 students have on occasion, been visiting their Year 4 Buddies in the Junior School and the Grade 4 students
have visited the Senior School campus. This program has enabled the girls to get to know the younger students, a delightful process that
has enriched both the Senior and Junior girls’ lives. We look forward to the girls continuing their friendship next year, when the juniors are
in Year 5 and their buddies are the “Big” Year 12s.
Ms Katrina Brennan
Head of Senior School
ASSIST Scholarships in USA 2017/2018
AMERICAN SECONDARY SCHOOLS FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS AND TEACHERS
10-month, fully-funded scholarships are available to Australian AHISA independent school students to attend an NAIS-affiliated
independent school in the United States. No school fees and no boarding costs are required for these places. The
tuition/boarding fees which are waived are as high as $US59,892. Requirements of candidates are:
•
A program administration fee of $US12,750. (While entirely a decision for the student’s own home school, most Australian home
schools waive all fees including holding fees for the period of the student’s time away.)
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•
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Return airfare costs Australia to USA (US internal air transport is covered)
High academic and general ability
Exceptional character and personal suitability references
Ability to sustain a long-term overseas placement
Applicants must be students who would benefit from a year in a leading American independent school and who would make a significant
contribution to their school and country on returning. The basic requirement is good academic standing, but that is not all. Students chosen
must be able to sustain the experience, and therefore temperament and character are vitally important.
Background on ASSIST
172 students from 19 countries, including seven young Australian scholars, are just about to commence the current year’s program with
enrolments across 90 NAIS schools in almost every State in America. This comes about through the generosity of ASSIST, a non-profit
organisation incorporated in the State of Vermont and designated by the Department of State as an authorized Exchange Visitor Program.
Scholarships in the next annual round are being offered for the period August 2017 to June 2018, allowing the completion of a full
academic year of study and experience. These are extremely valuable awards as there is no charge either for tuition or for
accommodation, the value of which at participating schools is as high as $US59,892 currently.
Selected students pay a registration and service fee to ASSIST of $US12,750 and also need to pay the return airfare to the USA, health
insurance, and to provide their own personal spending money (approx. $US150 per month). All candidates are individually matched to
schools with meticulous care, and a very high standard of pastoral oversight is provided by ASSIST personnel throughout the school
placement.
Students who are currently in Year 10 and who will be in Year 11 in 2017, in Australian independent schools only, are eligible to apply for
ASSIST Scholarships. The closing date for all online applications is Monday 19 September. The application includes a personal essay so
candidates need to allow adequate time to prepare the application. Applicants must then be endorsed by their School. School reports and
references are needed by Monday 10 October and are very carefully considered.
Preliminary interviews of short listed applicants will be conducted in Melbourne, Brisbane, Sydney and Perth in late October and early
November. Recommendations are then made to the ASSIST office in the US. Final selection is made by ASSIST directly, not by the
Australian representatives. For further information prospective applicants, parents or schools may contact:
Dr Alan Hutchison
Deputy Principal and Head of the Senior School
Ivanhoe Girls’ Grammar School, Melbourne
(03) 9490 6237
[email protected]
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Friends of Rowing - Trivia Night
The Friends of Rowing (FOR) Trivia Night will be an enjoyable evening that will raise funds for
the purchase of a quad scull. The evening will be run by a professional quiz master, with an
electronic answer board (no pens or paper). Bring your own nibbles. Drinks will be at bar
prices.
Friday 26 August
7.00pm
Margaret Cunningham Hall
Please join us for a night of games, prizes, action items and lots of fun. Read More
Tickets are $25.00 per person and you can book your seats on line now at https://www.trybooking.com/215717
Enquiries: 0407 110 905
Miss Alex Clark
Head Coach Rowing
Valedictory Evening 2016
We are delighted to invite all parents to celebrate the achievements of the Class of 2016 at
Valedictory Evening 2016, to be held on:
Wednesday 12 October
at 7.30pm
Robert Blackwood Hall, Monash University
A letter will be emailed/sent home in the weeks ahead with details of rehearsal arrangements
during school hours on Wednesday 12 October, early dismissal, and expectations for the
evening itself.
We would also like to remind parents that Valedictory Evening is a compulsory school event for all students in Middle and Senior School.
We are very much looking forward to this special occasion in the Fintona calendar, and hope that all of our parents will join us for what will
be a wonderful night of celebration to farewell the Class of 2016. A map of the Monash University Clayton campus is provided Read More
Please contact the School if you have any enquiries.
Mrs Suzy Chandler
Principal
School Play - Game of Tiaras
Preparations are well underway for this year’s school production. Game of Tiaras by Don
Zolidis is a hilarious mash up of King Lear and Game of Thrones, starring some of Disney’s
most popular cartoon princesses.
When a foolish king decides to split his kingdom up between his three daughters he sets off a
series of tragic, bloody and hysterical events. Who will win the battle between Cinderella and
the Snow Queen for world domination? Will Belle discover that her sisters are worse than
beasts before the executioner’s axe falls on her beautiful neck? Will the invasion of the Little
Mermaid’s army of fish succeed? Will the dwarves confess their love to Snow White? Can
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Prince Charming really be this stupid?
There is sword fighting, romance, songs, evil monologues, bad accents and lots of fake blood. There are even some true historical facts for
the academically inclined. A word of warning: The play is not suitable for the very young or those who will be distressed by the
deaths of their favourite fairy tale princesses.
Don’t miss this opportunity to be entertained by the excellent comic talents of Fintona’s students. This will be the final school performance
for some of our most talented actors. Come and give them the send-off they deserve. Read More
Friday 2 September & Saturday 3 September
7.00pm
Margaret Cunningham Hall
Tickets: $15 & $12
Bookings: www.trybooking.com/MNMM
Mr John Thomson
Drama Co-ordinator
MUSIC NEWS
Spring Concert
It is my pleasure to invite you to the Fintona Annual Concert (Spring Concert). The concert will
feature the very best of the School's music ensembles and will be held on:
Wednesday 7 September
at 7.30pm
Margaret Cunningham Hall
We would love to see many families and friends in attendance, to provide a warm and
supportive audience for our talented girls. It will be a lovely way to conclude a very busy term
that has been full of music. Tickets are not required for this event.
Students will receive a letter in the near future confirming their involvement in the concert. This letter will also provide other information that
you may need regarding the concert. In the meantime, if you have any queries please feel free to contact the Music Office on 9880 4457 or
[email protected] We look forward to seeing you on the night.
Ms Elizabeth Exintaris
Music Co-ordinator
MATHS NEWS
Our girls have been busy with their work in mathematics. Many have been finishing off their work from STEM week including producing
beautifully embroidered two-times tables, while some in Years 5-6 have been finalising their responses to the Australian Problem Solving
Maths Olympiads and the Maths Challenge for Young Australians competitions. Results from these competitions are expected soon and
will be announced as they arrive.
Thursday 28 July was particularly hectic with students in Years 5-12 participating in the Australian Mathematics Competition. As the name
suggests this competition is a national event with students across the country furiously colouring in their multiple choice answers to an
assortment of complex problems from all realms of maths including geometry, algebra and arithmetic.
Earlier in the term selected students competed in the University of Melbourne Mathematics Competition. This is a demanding contest,
designed to identify real mathematical talent. Over 3000 students Australia-wide enter the three hour examination and we are delighted to
announce that we have just received notification that Maanya Kapoor has been awarded an Award of Merit placing her in the top group of
students of her division. Well done Maanya!
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The annual Year 8 Maths Games Day was held on Wednesday 3 August at Penleigh and Essendon Grammar School. This year two teams
of Year 8 girls, Lucy Boyce, Chloe Bridgeman, Norah Chen, Rachel Flynn, Grace Hordern, Anya Latti, Joanne Lau and Anna Mei,
travelled across town to Keilor to participate in this extravaganza where almost 300 Year 8 students from across the state compete in
teams of 4, working collaboratively on problems of logic and lateral thinking. Mrs Kathleen Williams accompanied the girls and reports that
a fun-filled, high energy maths day was had by all.
Our senior girls have been preparing for the School Maths Olympics to be held at the University of Melbourne on Open Day Sunday 21
August. Two teams comprising of Sophie Schwerkolt, Zoe Schwerkolt, Meredyth Lee, Emma Goodieson, Queenie Mok, Helen Guo,
Yelena Yang, Lily Cao, Alice Song and CoCo Leng have been refining their skills and tactics. This competition combines mathematical
reasoning with intellectual and physical challenges. We look forward to hearing of their conquests.
Ms Cathy Devlyn
Maths Co-ordinator
FROM THE COUNSELLOR
Having a positive body image impacts greatly on one’s physical and psychological health,
outlook on life, self-acceptance and relationships. As children grow and particularly for
teenagers going through all the changes that are part of adolescence, body image can come
up as a concern for them. It can be very common for adults too, as it’s natural that people want
to change something about themselves but when it has an impact on self-esteem or if
unrealistic expectations are often on one’s mind then that can be unhelpful.
Body image is the attitude one has towards their body, how they see themselves, how they
think and feel about how they look and how they think others perceive them.
While changing the actual appearance can be counterproductive, improving body image is a
constructive goal. Some tips with changing the way one sees, feels and thinks about their body and themselves are:
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•
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Focusing on positive qualities, skills and talents to help appreciate one’s whole self
Saying positive things to yourself every day
Notice and stop any negative or berating self-talk
Focus on appreciating and respecting what the body can do will help to feel more positive about the body
Setting positive, health focused goals rather than weight loss related goals is more beneficial for overall wellbeing
Avoiding comparisons to others
Remembering that many media images are unrealistic and represent a minority of the population
Fresh Faced Friday is an Australian wide campaign that began a few years ago and this year, will be held on Friday 2nd September. The
aim of FFF is to help raise awareness of how young people can support themselves and their friends with embracing, accepting and
respecting their bodies. It is an opportunity for them to find out more about how they can improve their body image and confidence, which
has a positive impact on their wellbeing. Fresh Faced Friday is about noticing one’s self-talk by writing down any negative things they say
to themselves and literally tearing it up - physically and mentally. Then they write a FFF message, which is focused on what they want to
embrace about themselves, to help encourage even more positive self-talk.
Two Year 9 students have shown some great initiative with wanting to support others with increasing positive self-awareness by running a
Fresh Faced Friday event this year. By raising awareness of the impact of self-talk, it increases positive ways of how young people see
themselves, think and feel about themselves. This then helps them to feel even more comfortable with who they are.
Ms Fiona Williams
School Counsellor
Art Stars
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Silently, one by one, in the infinite meadows of heaven ...
... blossomed the lovely stars, the forget-me-nots of the angels
ELC-VCE Art and Design Show
The annual Art Show opening on Tuesday 16 August was well attended and the Fintona community was treated to an array of colourful,
interesting, inspiring and skilfully created works, some of which have appeared in Art Stars throughout the year. The Art Faculty are
proud of the art work produced this year and the students were delighted to see their creations on display. The Art Show is a
collaboration and I would like to thank all involved in making the art, teaching the art and hanging the art for the event.
The ELC-VCE Art and Design Show is open for final viewing this afternoon, Friday 19 August from 3.45pm to 5.00pm. All are welcome.
Pictured: Examples of the work exhibited
Mr Brit Biviano
Co-ordinator of Art
Middle School
Thank you to all the Year 7 and 8 parents who came to Parent /Teacher Interviews this week. Education is definitely a three-way
partnership where the student is central to our discussions and we are able to work together to achieve the very best outcomes for her. It is
very rewarding to be able to share the girls’ strengths, to recognise the challenges and to agree upon strategies that can be employed to
allow each girl to reach her potential.
Many of our Years 6, 7 and 8 girls were involved in the public speaking assemblies last week, in preparation for the Elizabeth M Butt Public
Speaking competition. It is a delight to be able to witness the girls speaking with such clarity, poise and confidence in front of an audience
and they are to be congratulated for their fine efforts in preparing and presenting such informative and interesting speeches.
The girls also enjoyed participating in the House Debating competition. It is very interesting to see the girls speak so passionately and
convincingly to put their points across. These competitions allow the girls to develop their analytical thinking and their ability to think on
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their feet.
Reminders
• Year 5 Parents and students Sex Education Information evening – Year 5 classrooms on Tuesday 23 August 7.30pm
• Year 7 2017 Information Evening – Reid Studio on Monday 29 August at 7.00pm
• Fathers' Day breakfast in the tuckshop for all fathers or grandfathers of Middle School students on Monday 5 September from
7.50am until 8.30am.
Ms Trish Leigh
Head of Middle School
Junior School
Assemblies
Last week was the Year 3 French Assembly and the girls delighted us with their performance of the French play, ‘Comment y aller?’ The
girls performed confidently, humorously and entirely in French. We were amazed with their extensive French vocabulary and lovely
accents. The French immersion program, ‘Histoires en action!’ has been most successful in both Years 3, 4 and 5. This week we enjoyed
performances from the Junior and Middle School Quartets. We thank Ms Eugenie Teychenne for her work with the string program at
Fintona and thank the girls for sharing their music with us.
Ballet Assembly
Please note that the Ballet Assembly scheduled for Thursday 10 November will now be held on Thursday 1 December. No Assembly will
be held on Thursday 10 November.
Student Led Conferences
On Wednesday 10 August, as part of our reporting process to parents, we conducted our Student Led Conferences from Prep to Year 3. I
do hope you enjoyed this experience and felt the pride that the girls had sharing their learning with you. Please take a moment to complete
the questionnaire to provide us with valuable feedback.
PYP School Tours
On Wednesday 3 August, the Victorian PYP Network organised an Open Schools program providing opportunities for staff to view other
PYP schools at work. Ms Andrea Sherburn and I proudly showed eight visiting teachers the PYP at work here at Fintona. Some of our
staff have also availed themselves of the opportunity to visit other schools and have returned to share their observations. The staff at
Fintona are continually learning and reflecting on their current practice which makes for a dynamic teaching and learning environment.
Year 4 Exhibition – Needs Your Help
The Primary Years Program (PYP) exhibition represents a significant event in the life of a PYP school. It is an opportunity for students in
Year 4 in the final year of the PYP at Fintona to share their learning with the whole school community. One of the projects the girls are
keen to pursue involves an art installation. To create this artwork the staff are looking to collect ‘blue coloured rubbish’ such as plastic
bags, bottle lids, plastic containers, packaging, pegs, bubble wrap etc.
Commencement of Term 4
Please note that there is no Staff Day at the commencement of Term 4 so students return to school after the holidays on Monday 3
October.
Long Service Leave
As I will be on Long Service Leave for the last two weeks of this term, I would like to take this opportunity to wish all our families a safe and
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happy holiday break and I look forward to our busy Term 4. Miss Cara Mearns will assume the role of Head of Junior School during this
time.
Mrs Sally Clayton
Head of Junior School
Roald Dahl Incursion
The Roald Dahl performance was on Tuesday 2 August and was attended by Years 3, 4 and 6.
The performers’ names were Sarah Kinsella and Russell Fletcher and their show was called
Witches, Giants, Peaches and Twits. They showed their great talent by making up stories
using improvisation techniques and gathering inspiration from us, their audience.
We loved the funny gruesome stories which were just like the great ‘Dahl’ himself. We also
loved Sarah’s funny accents and Russell’s expressive actions. With only a limited number of
costumes they were able to create hilarious characters and stories. The Fintona girls who took
part in the show were really creative and added great value and humour to the stories. It was
so much fun and we could not stop laughing!!
Pictured: Roald Dahl performance
Isabella, Sienna, Belle and Tara
Junior School Library Captains
Year 3 Werribee Zoo Excursion
ROAR!! On Friday 5 August, Year 3 went to Werribee Zoo. It was amazing! We saw lions,
meerkats, rhinos and more. First we looked at the marvellous Eastern Barred Bandicoots and
learnt about them. Something that we learnt was that they are endangered and Michelle, our
guide, asked as an inquiry question – ‘would you save the bandicoots or the tawny frog
mouth?’ The tawny frog mouth wasn’t endangered but the bandicoot was. We had to report
back on our decision at the end of the day.
Later, everyone went on a Safari bus. It was so much fun and some of the animals were
giraffes, rhinos, zebras, camels and many more. When we got off, it was finally lunch time!
After lunch, we continued to wander around the zoo, looking at all the animals and recording
our discoveries and wonderings. At the end of the day, we had to decide if we were going to
save the eastern barred bandicoots or the tawny frog mouth? What would you decide? It was an amazing experience and we all learnt a lot
and now want to find out more!
Pictured: Year 3 learning about habitats and endangered animals
Angelica Yiappos
Year 3 Class Captain
Guides Sleepover
The Fintona Guides had a wonderful time at their recent ‘Inside Out’ themed sleepover! The
girls quickly settled in for their movie night, and everyone had a great time on Saturday with the
craft and games.
It was great to see so many of our new Guides being brave at their first night away from home.
Thank you to all the girls, parents and leaders for making this another fantastic experience.
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Pictured: Ally and Lissette enjoying the Sleepover
Nicole Elsegood
Guide Leader
Early Learning Centre
Book Week Celebrations
Monday 22 August to Friday 26 August is Book Week, and ELC teachers have already begun to read the children shortlisted books for the
Early Childhood Book of the Year. In addition to this, each ELC group will be celebrating this event with a Book Week inspired Dress-up
Day. We are inviting the children to attend dressed as something from their favourite book and bring the book to kinder share with their
friends. For more information about this event please see your class room teacher.
Fintona ELC Footy Colours Day
This year each ELC group will be hosting an annual Footy Colours Day and raising money to support the Fight Cancer Foundation. The
foundation raises money to pay for the care and treatment of patients with leukaemia and other cancers as well as to support research into
improved treatment methods and to find a cure. We invite all ELC children to come to kinder dressed in their favourite football colours
(AFL, NRL, Rugby Union or Soccer) and bring a contribution of a gold coin.
The Footy Colour Days will be held in the last week of Term 3 on the following dates:
Wednesday 7 September – K4 Ginkgo Kookaburras and K3 3-day Jacaranda Joeys.
Friday 9 September – K4 Wattle, K4 Banksia, K3 Ginkgo Rosellas and K3 2-day Jacaranda Joeys. Please note that K3 5-day Jacaranda
Joeys will be participating on both days.
On the day we will be having footy themed activities as well as an outdoor footy inspired session. We will also be sharing a delicious footy
themed morning tea (you will not need to bring snack on this day). We will be asking for parents to help us run our morning activities.
Please see your classroom teacher if you are interested in helping.
Ms Cara Mearns
Head of Early Learning Centre
Looking through the window ...
As part of our inquiry, 'Where we are in place and time' the Banksia and Wattle classes
ventured across the road to meet people from our school community. Our first stop was Mrs
Suzy Chandler’s office. The children had prepared questions to ask Mrs Chandler about her
role in the school. There were a lot of 'W' questions, such as 'What do you do?”' 'Who are you?'
'Where do you work?' and interestingly, 'What do you wear?'
As well as providing a provocation for our unit of inquiry we are also working on a project called
'Looking through the window'. This project involves the children visiting various staff in the
school, observing, taking photos and discussing what they see looking out their window and
what they can see looking in through their window.
Mrs Chandler was very happy to facilitate this part of our investigation and we thank her for welcoming us into her workspace. We look
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forward to sharing with you the children’s work in this inquiry which will culminate in an exhibition at the end of the year.
Pictured: Holly Pace with Mrs Suzy Chandler
Mrs Jackie Dimattina & Ms Fran Hyde
Banksia & Wattle Pre-Prep Teachers
Tuckshop
Middle & Senior School
Shannon Smith and his staff provide great coffee, hot chocolate and interesting, affordable and
healthy meal choices, made fresh daily. Please come to the Tuckshop and introduce yourself, have
a coffee and try some of the delicious food on offer. To find out what is on the menu and how to
order Read More
ELC & Junior School
Order lunches online https://fintona.mycanteen.co Please Note: Orders must be placed
by 8.30am on the day the lunch is required. Contact Mrs Sue Peat in the Junior School Office if
you have any enquiries, phone 9880 4444.
Other Areas
Buy and sell second-hand uniform items
Fintona Parents' Association, Friends of
online. The Sustainable Uniform Shop is
Music and Friends of Rowing. Read More
a new initiative. Read More The Uniform
Shop is open the first and third Monday of
the month during term; 3.00pm-4.00pm.
See what is happening over the next two
Permanent and casual places available in
weeks. Please Note: Parents can access
Out of Hours School Care. Read More
the School Calendar via inFintona.
Read More
Middle & Senior School lunches and
Check notices sent home and when to
snacks Read More
return them to School. Read More
ELC & Junior School lunches, order
online https://fintona.mycanteen.co
ELC to Year 12 ♦ 79 Balwyn Rd, Balwyn, Vic, 3103 ♦ (03) 9830 1388 ♦ www.fintona.vic.edu.au
A CONSISTENTLY HIGH ACHIEVING INDEPENDENT GIRLS' SCHOOL
http://www.vision6.com.au/em/message/email/view.php?id=860308&u=39799
22/08/16