No 26
22 August 2013
thinking
respect
responsibility
attitude
care
JASON’S JOURNAL – The Principal’s Message
As rehearsals and preparations continue for the upcoming school production I am continually reminded as to
what a fantastic learning opportunity this represents for our students. The production is an important part of
the school curriculum and an essential part of the overall learning journey of each individual student. Being a
successful learner is very much about confidence. Learners who have the confidence to step out of their
comfort zones to try something new and challenging develop an ever increasing understanding and
appreciation of their own abilities and talents. On my Year 8 report, my Music teacher wrote, “Jason should
apply himself more, he may just surprise himself”. He was right, I did and I did! I have lost count of the
number of times I have seen students who, reluctant and hesitant at first, have genuinely surprised themselves
in their ability to perform, whether it is on stage, on the sports field, as a leader, in a particular subject area or
any field of learning. On the stage, it is not solely about the ability to sing, dance or act. It is also about the
willingness to try something new, to explore an area of learning and achievement previously not considered
and to understand that we are all capable of things we never dreamed of.
A production is an excellent example of a learning activity where students have their own individual challenges
and goals while being part of a very large team and where each individual student’s contribution is essential to
the success of the overall team and program. This is why our expectation is that all students participate in
and contribute to the school production. They may just surprise themselves!
With the outstanding success of our last whole
school production ‘Suessical’, we are sticking to a
“winning formula”.
Whilst we are proud to be
keeping our production within the local
community, we are unfortunately restricted by the
seating capacity of the Forest Hill SC Kel Watson
Theatre.
For this reason we are holding four
performances over two nights (with the 5/6s
“starring” on both nights):
Wednesday 9th October
@ 5:30pm and 7:30pm:
Prep E, Prep S, 1J, 1L, 2M, 3K, 3/4J & 4S
Thursday 10th October
@ 5:30pm and 7:30pm:
Prep A, Prep B, 1D, 1/2D, 2D, 3A, 3S & 4E
This structure enables the children to put the time
spent at rehearsals into practice – performing
twice (and in the case of the 5/6 students who are
involved in all performances, improving each of
their four times). For this reason, we are opening
up ticket sales to Grade 5 & 6 students and
families first. With all seating reserved, tickets
will be open to the rest of the school community
next Thursday afternoon.
We appreciate that some families have been split across both nights and we hope that this
may be seen as an opportunity for the children to see their siblings on stage or to invite
other family members (such as grandparents). Students performing will be supervised by
school staff backstage, with a “drop off” and “pick up” point to be arranged closer to the
nights. We consider ticket prices of $20 (for adults) and $10 (for concession/children 3-16)
to be real value for money. (Children under 3 do not need a ticket if they are able to sit on
an adults lap for the whole performance). You do not need to buy a ticket for your child if
they are in the night’s performance.
Tickets for Aladdin Jr are now available, and can be purchased @ http://www.trybooking.com/DHYI,
with each family (initially) limited to 5 tickets per performance to ensure nobody misses out. Once you have
purchased your tickets you will need to print them out. If you have any difficulties please do not hesitate
to contact the school office on  9894 2855.
CLASS VISIT – 5/6N LITERACY BLOCKS
Our “Senior School” is a part of the school where the school’s motto of “learning together” is truly evidenced.
Student leaders – both formal and informal – are amazing young citizens and fantastic role models for all in
the school.
On a daily basis I witness courtesy, politeness and children having good manners when
interacting with others in the school.
On Tuesday I saw the students of 5/6N respecting others and
themselves when working in their classroom.
During the Reading Hour, the children explored information texts, in the context of the
term three inquiry unit of media and entertainment. Children worked in three groups
working with: 1) class teacher Natasha Chidgey exploring a text with a Guided
Reading group, 2) teacher aide Nicole Dewberry working with students using
homophones and other technical language and 3) a group independently researching
online information reports using different devices: either an iPad, a desktop, or a
netbook. It was great to see the children working confidently with the technologies in
the classroom, assisting them in their research.
In the Writing Hour the children worked through the stages of the writing process
(planning, drafting, editing, refining, publishing, celebrating) and measuring their work
against a “success criteria” - writing a newspaper article with at least one interview
and one source of research to back up the information. Once again, the tools of the
classroom were iPads, desktops, netbooks and of course paper and pen!
It was wonderful to see the benefits of last Friday’s Curriculum Day in practice in the
classroom, with reciprocity in Reading and Writing teaching evident.
Natasha
employed a number of “thinking routines” in the session to promote deeper student
thought (such as using a “no hands-up” approach for class discussion, and allowing
students “wait time” before a response) also implementing strategies such as
visualisation (the children closing their eyes and imagining their writing scenario) to
promote a higher level of vocabulary and also set high expectations in the classroom.
INFORMATION & COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES (ICT)
With all our classrooms having multiple ICT tools – namely an interactive whiteboard, banks of desktop
computers and sets of iPads - in a recent discussion with one of our teacher’s I asked, “What difference has
the iPad made to your teaching and learning environment?” Natasha spoke about the multiple applications of
the device. That it could be a learning tool, a researching tool, a reading tool, a writing tool, a calculator, a
dictionary, a voice recorder, a talking book, a camera, a video or film creator and the flexibility it offered for
learning and teaching.
As our “digital natives” (our students) live in a world in which digital technology is part of the texture of their
daily lives, technology is their native language and they expect to use technologies in multiple ways at school,
home and between.
Unlike many of us “digital immigrants”, they have never known a world without
technology. Considering this and the success of the introduction of iPads into our classrooms (also knowing
that many of our students go to secondary schools where “1:1” device programs are in place), Blackburn Lake
Primary is investigating the introduction of such a program in 2014 for our Year 5/6 students. We believe that
this will enable our students to remain at the forefront of 21st century skills whilst still retaining the traditional
skills required for academic success.
We invite all families to complete the 1:1 survey by clicking @ http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/BVW6B8S
At tomorrow’s whole school Assembly @ 3pm, we once again welcome our “Launchpad parents”, who will join
us in celebrating the week at “Blacky Lake” - acknowledging our ‘Students of the Week’ and enjoying an
individual cello performance (a snapshot of our instrumental program).
Regards,
Jason Walker - Principal
[email protected]
Have you submitted your writing - a recipe for
“Blackylakealicious” @ www.publishedauthors.com.au/recipes?
The deadline is 5pm Friday (tomorrow)
DIARY DATES FOR TERM THREE
Friday
23 August
2:40 – 3:30pm
Mon - Wed
26 - 28 August
All days
Thursday
29 August
7.30pm
Tuesday
Saturday
Thursday
Friday
Wednesday
Friday
3 September
7 September
12 September
13 September
18 September
20 September
7:30 – 9:00pm
All Day
2:40 – 3:30pm
2:00 – 2:30pm
Prep 2014 ‘Launchpad’ #2
Year 4 Mount Morton Camp
Year 5 Leadership Excursion to Blackburn High
AUTUMNFEST 2014 Meeting - MPR
School Council Meeting
Federal Election Voting in DJC
‘Premiers Reading Challenge’ Closes
Prep 2014 ‘Launchpad’ #3
Year 5 Supreme Leadership Incursion
Assembly (Term 3 ends - early dismissal)
DIARY DATES FOR TERM FOUR
Monday
7 October
9:00am
Term Four commences
Wednesday
9 October
5.30pm &
7.30pm
‘Aladdin’ - Whole School Production – all 5/6s &
Prep E, Prep S, 1J, 1L, 2M, 3K, 3/4J & 4S
Thursday
10 October
5.30pm &
7.30pm
Tuesday
Friday
5 November
20 December
1:00 – 1:30pm
‘Aladdin’ - Whole School Production – all 5/6s &
Prep A, Prep B, 1D, 1/2D, 2D, 3A, 3S & 4E
Melbourne Cup Holiday
Assembly (last day of 2012 - early dismissal)
‘STUDENTS OF THE WEEK’
We congratulate the following ‘Students of the Week’ – to be presented at Friday’s Assembly
Principal’s Award
Dane T – 5/6S
Assistant Principal
Prep A
Prep B
Jonathan T – P-E
Ella G
Jessica A
Prep E
Prep S
1D
1J
1L
Luke E
Hannah D
Eliza G
Nicholas W
Marcus H
1/2D
2D
Amber K
Tara B
2M
Sheryl H
3A
3K
3S
Leroy J
Luka G
Matthew C
Being a wonderful citizen – making ‘smart choices’ and making a habit of
helping
Completing is ‘Healthy Living’ Booklet and working well with other students
Using some brilliant expression during ‘Guided Reading’ – keep it up!
your enthusiastic approach to subtraction and for completing your work
quickly and to a good standard
Working hard to improve your fluency and expression when reading aloud
Using detective clues to work out tricky Reading words!
Very neat and colourful illustrations in her ‘Healthy Me’ activity
His fantastic Maths thinking when sharing items into equal groups
Writing some very funny reasons why it is better to be invisible than
visible in his persuasive writing piece
Her enthusiastic approach to all challenges!!
Contributing to class discussions regularly and her wonderful sense of
humour will be missed!
Being able to explain how a shame can ‘flip, slide and turn’ during Maths
lessons on shape transformations
The clever way he used a fraction wall to find equivalent fractions
Working hard in class to concentrate and complete work – well done!
The sensible and responsible way he assisted his teacher with a special
3/4J
4E
Christian A
Livy G
4S
Nicholas D
5/6C
Nathan C
5/6M
5/6N
Fintan McC
Luke S
5/6S
Jack M
Art
Italian
Phys Ed
Lara P – 1J
Cushla McD - 2D
Cushla McD – 2D
delivery task – well done Matthew!
A clearly spoken and interesting speech at short notice
Showing fun and creative ways of learning her Times Table at home –
great work Livy!
Using thoughtful adjectives and good humour to produce highly
entertaining narratives
Terrific application in comprehension activities including an improved
vocabulary!
His dedication and commitment to ‘Aladdin’ rehearsals – well done!
Showing the values of ‘Caring & Thoughtfulness’ by always volunteering
his assistance – you are a much valued classmate Luke!
His positive attitude and excellent portrayal of ‘Prince – The Artist’ in the
‘Aladdin’ production
Her kindness in helping others to finish their ‘Paper Mache Hot Air Balloon’
– well done!
Persisting with a difficult design problem
Translating and Reading a sentence about ‘Our Senses’ in Italian - Brava
‘Aladdin’ from the Art Room
‘Aladdin’ ‘COSTUME MEETING’ - HELP NEEDED!
We are having our ‘Costume Meeting’ every Wednesday until the end of Term 3 in the Art room
at 3.30pm.
Calling all costume designing, sequin stitching, leotard sewing helpers.
We need YOU!
We have only a short number of weeks to plan, design and create costumes for our school
production so please if you have an interest or skills in this area, come along.
See you then
Johanna
Art Coordinator
‘Aladdin’ MUSIC NOTES
ALADDIN – Cast List BLPS.
Cast 1 – Wednesday
Cast 2 - Thursday
Aladdin - Fintan
Aladdin – Zaid
Jasmine - Eloise
Jasmine – Lucy M
Sultan - Dane
Sultan - Dane
Jafar – Joseph G
Jafar – Joseph G
Iago – Jonte
Iago – Dylan S
Genie – Daniel
Genie – Luc
Razoul – Josh R
Razoul – Josh R
Abu – Emilio
Abu – Isaac Smith
Narrators (in order) BOTH NIGHTS
1. Amy R
6. Tahlia
2. Kim
7. Darci
3. Minnie
8. Tash
4. Jasmine
9. Sammi
5. Jess
10. Laura
Guard 1. - Tristan
Guard 1. - Zac M
Guard 2. - Flynn
Guard 2. - Sam Franklin
Guard 3. - Kieran
Guard 3. - Thomas S
SUPER SPORTS REPORT
HELP!! - Please check your cupboards & drawers
I am still missing a set of bottle green basketball tops with white trim and numbers.
They were borrowed in term 3 last year. One of our new after-school teams used them
while their tops were being made. I think the children were from grade 2. If you know
which team used them could you let me know as soon as possible.
DISTRICT ATHLETICS
Our District Athletic Sports were held today. Results will be in next week’s newsletter.
Phil L
PE / Sports Coordinator [email protected]
PREMIER’S READING CHALLENGE
Just a reminder that the ‘Premier's Reading Challenge’ closes on Thursday
12th September 20013.
After this date the Coordinators will verify the books that have been read by the
students and submit their names for certificates and publication in The Age. If you
do not wish for your child's name to appear in the newspaper please contact your
child's teacher or Coordinator.
Prep
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3 & 4
Year 5 & 6
- Emma
- Lesley
- Murray
- Jacinta
- Liz
PARENTS ASSOCIATION NEWS
Your 2013 PA Executive team
President: Nicola G Vice-President: Miranda K Treasurer: Rebekah R Secretaries: Nicole R & Lisa C
Show your support for the PA and like us on Facebook (Blackburn Lake Primary School PA
Committee) or drop us a line via the PA Mailbox in the School Foyer or send us an email at [email protected]
“BLACKYLAKEALICIOUS”
What a wonderful response we have had to ‘Blackylakealicious’. If you haven’t yet submitted your
recipe, please do so before TOMORROW 5pm Friday 23 August.
We are a little short on recipes in the following categories:
 Morning & Afternoon Snacks
 Healthy Lunch Ideas
 Fish & Seafood
 Vegetarian
 Vegetables on the Side
 Salads
 Sauces & Dressings
So if you feel like submitting another family favourite that fits in any of these categories then please
just hop onto www.publishedauthors.com.au/recipes, choose Blackburn Lake and start
typing.
Many thanks – BLPS Parent’s Association
FATHER’S DAY Stall - Thursday morning 29 August
th
Come along next Thursday morning 29th August to the MPR to select a special gift
for your Dad or Grandpa / Pa / Pop. Items will be priced from $1 to $10. Please
don’t forget your money and shopping bag, so that we can get the treasures home
safely. We have some new suppliers this year with some fun items as well as lots
of Spring Vegies and Herbs to grow and ‘fair-trade’ Coffee and Chocolate to enjoy.
A big ‘thank you’ to the many ‘Helping Friends’ who have put their hands up to help
run the stall on the Thursday morning. If there are a few extra people available to help at any
time from 9am until about 12pm, please contact Robyn on  0437 937 462 or Simone on 
0422 624 630 and let us know what time you are available.
Election Day Cake Stall!
Saturday 7th September 8am-2pm
Hopefully each family will contribute some baked goods for the stall.
Either cakes, biscuits, brownies, muffins (savoury or sweet) or slices.
Labels (for ingredients), plates and more information will be distributed end of next week.
Thanks to those people who have already contacted me to help on the stall but we still need more
volunteers.
Please email me on [email protected] or call on  0412 087 663 if you can help out.
Election Day BBQ Saturday 7 September
Helpers required
Have you got an hour or two to help with the Election Day BBQ?
As the saying goes, the more hands make light work, so the more volunteers, the
shorter the shifts.
This is a great fundraiser for our school and quite a social event.
A great way for the dads to get involved but we need the mums as well.
If you are willing to help can you please contact Carolyn at [email protected] or text me on
 0432887751
If you have a connection with a butcher who may be willing to donate / discount sausages can you please
contact me. In return we will have signage promoting their business.
PA Treasurer’s role – this could be you?
Research shows that being involved in your child’s school improves learning outcomes. What better way to get
involved than through the PA! And if you have trouble getting to events during the day or on weekends, this
could be the opportunity you are looking for.
Rebekah Rae has been our PA Treasurer for the past few years. However, as her Grade 6’er will be at high
school next year, Bec will be resigning her position at the end of this year. Are you interested in taking on the
position? It involves less than 2-3 hours per month and covers:
- liaising with finance staff in school office re PA finance matters;
- preparing summary reports of transactions for PA for each meeting based on reports from the school
office;
- keeping track of expenditure committed to at PA meetings to ensure amounts approved match final
outgoing;
- supporting event co-ordinators in handling the financial aspects of events / fundraisers;
- preparing full year reports for the PA for the AGM & School Council.
As Bec herself said “Who wouldn’t want this job!” Be quick to avoid disappointment and let one of the PA
Exec know if you are interested. No prior financial experience required!
Our School Raffle Tickets
We are participating in the 2013 Our School Raffle. This raffle is organized by Scouts Victoria for the benefit
of schools like BLPS. Our involvement is in selling raffle tickets and $1:50 from the sale of each $2 raffle
ticket goes to BLPS. There are a HUGE number of prizes (123 to be exact), ranging from a Toyota Prius C
Hybrid valued at $28,912, to travel prizes, bikes, scooters and $100 gift cards.
Prize draw is on 13 September 2013.
We will be selling these at school before and after school so look out for our table and come and buy a ticket
(or help us “man” the table). If you are happy to take a book of 10 and sell the tickets to your family and
friends (or worst enemies) please email [email protected] and we will get a book to you.
We only have 50 books/500 tickets to sell so please get involved in this simple Fundraising exercise.
Next Meeting
Our next PA meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, 11 September Meetings start at 7.30 pm and are
held in the staffroom. Everyone is welcome.
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UNIFORM SHOP OPENING HOURS
MONDAY AFTERNOONS
THURSDAY MORNINGS
3.30pm – 4.00pm
9.00am – 9.30am
in the MPR
in the MPR
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SCHOOL BANKING
Term 3 School Banking Competition
How to enter
Students bank at school during competition period – every deposit
banked earns one automatic entry into the draw for a chance to
win. (Bank 5 weeks in a row, that’s 5 entries for the banker and
the school.)
Competition Period
Monday 12th August until Friday 13th September 2013 inclusive
Prize
 1 x iPad mini for student banker
 1 x Marquee for their school
NEW ACCOUNTS
If you are interested in opening a ‘Dollarmite Saver’ account for your child, please go up to the office to get an
information pack which will give you details on how to set it up, either online, or in person at a Commonwealth
Bank branch. If your child already has an account with the Commonwealth Bank, he or she can start banking
with us straightaway - just bring the deposit book in every Wednesday morning to the Staffroom. Please give
me a call if you have any questions about School Banking.
ACHIEVEMENT CERTIFICATES
Congratulations to the following students who will be receiving ‘Dollarmites Achievement Certificates’
this week.
SILVER certificate for making 20 deposits: Tiombe D, Catherine L, Lara P
REWARD ITEMS for TERM 3, 2013
You can redeem 10 silver tokens OR 1 gold token for any of the reward items below. Simply put the token(s)
in your deposit wallet the next time you bank with School Banking with the redemption card or a note to say
which item you would like.
Reward items available:
 Moneybox - choose from 5 Dollarmite characters
 Handball
 Wallet (blue)
 Knuckles game
 Torch
 *** NEW *** Calculator
Thanks for supporting the School Banking Program.
Regards, Vickie Liew, School Banking Coordinator  0419 773335
SCHOOL BASED PROGRAMS
An important notice for all parents with children in GRADE 4, if they
are attending camp next week from Monday 26th - Wednesday 28th
August.
either online or call up Camp Australia.
PLEASE ensure that you cancel them from Before AND After
School Care for those days. It is important you do this ASAP,
If any issues occur trying to do this please come and see me.
HOLIDAY CLUB BOOKINGS - NOW OPEN!
Holiday Club Bookings are now open, please take a look on the Camp Australia website and book your child in
as required. www.campaustralia.com.au - Choose Blackburn Lake as your school and book your days in.
Thanks for a great week so far ‘OSHC Superstars’.
Jess  0423 794 541
FOUND
1 x NINTENDO CHARGER – available at the School Office
COMMUNITY NOTICE BOARD
Any advertisements in this newsletter are in no way endorsed by Blackburn Lake Primary School
From September - 5 things to remember
Slip! Slop! Slap! Seek! Slide!
From September, Victoria’s UV levels are on the rise, so it’s time to dust off the
sun protection gear and Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, Slide whenever you are
outside. Check the SunSmart UV Alert for daily sun protection times – you
can find it on the free SunSmart app, online (sunsmart.com.au), in the weather
section of newspapers, or as a free website widget. If you can’t check the UV
Alert each day, make sure you use sun protection every day from September
to the end of April in Victoria. Don’t just wait for hot, sunny days.
Remember these 5 SunSmart steps during the sun protection times,
even if it’s cool or cloudy
1.
Slip on covering clothing. If you can see skin, UV can reach it. Is your child’s skin covered with cool
clothing today?
2.
Slop on SPF 30 or higher broad spectrum sunscreen. Apply sunscreen before going outdoors and
reapply every two hours. One application is not enough. Has your child had sunscreen applied and
reapplied today?
3.
Slap on a sun protective hat. The best hat shades the head, face, eyes, ears and neck. Does your
child’s hat protect all of these areas?
4.
Seek shade. Shady spaces help block some of the sun’s UV but not all so you still need to wear hats,
clothing and sunscreen even in the shade. Does your child have shady places to play?
5.
Slide on sunglasses labelled AS 1067. If practical, help protect your child’s eyes with sunglasses. Are
your child’s eyes safe in the sun?
A note about vitamin D
The sun’s UV is the best natural source of vitamin D.
From September to April in Victoria, most people need just a few minutes of sun exposure to the face, arms
and hands (or equivalent area of skin) mid-morning or mid-afternoon on most days of the week to help with
vitamin D. Even with sunscreen you can still get some vitamin D. Sun safe outdoor play throughout the day
should not put your child at risk of low vitamin D.
Children with naturally very dark brown or black skin need even more sun exposure to help with
vitamin D. These children usually don’t need to apply sunscreen but they should still use the
other SunSmart steps during sun protection times.
For further information contact:
SunSmart:
: 9635 5148
Email: [email protected]
Web: sunsmart.com.au
BLACKBURN LAKE
SANCTUARY
Meet @ the Visitors Centre
Central Rd Blackburn 3130
SATURDAY 31 AUGUST @ 7.30am
‘Breakfast with the Birds’ Spring Survey
All Welcome!
SUNDAY 29 SEPTEMBER @ 2pm
‘Heritage Week – Box Hill Artists Camp’
By Marjorie Morgan OAM
For information: email:
http://home.vicnet.net.au/~blsac
Or Education Officer  9262 6211
Junior Naturalists
Juniors Group of FNCV Inc
The group meets at 7.30 pm on the
last Friday of each month (except
Dec) at the rooms of the Field Naturalists Club of
Victoria Inc, 1 Gardenia St Blackburn 3130.
MEETING – Friday 30 August @ 7.30pm
‘Party Night with Ocean Life Theme’
Dress up & Prizes to be won
EXCURSION – Sunday 15 September
‘Edithvale Wetlands’ Melbourne Water
New Visitors Centre
For further information & bookings contact:
Clare Ferguson  8060 2474 or
email: [email protected]
Always wanted to work in:
 Aged Care
 Home and Community Care?
Enrol now for Government Funded courses
starting in BOX HILL in September 2013.
Call our friendly staff on  9761 2156 for
more information, or visit:
www.employease.com.au
*This training is delivered with Victorian & Commonwealth Funding. Subject to
eligibility. TOID 6832
FOREST HILL CRICKET CLUB
Come and join in the fun down at the home of Zebra’s cricket
Junior Sides for all Ages
Home ground – Forest Hill Reserve (next to Nunawading Aquatic Centre)
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All new players get a club shirt.
Experienced junior coaches
All cricket equipment is supplied
U10, U12, U14 and U16 age groups.
Friday night and Saturday Comps.
Bowling Machine
Season starts in October and runs until Feb/Mar 2014
For further information
John Matthews – 0425 779 371
e-mail: [email protected]
Come and join the herd!
Email: [email protected]