Grade 3-4 students presenting their Inquiry dioramas at the end of last term

Positive Start to School: DET camp initiative

Chewton Primary has been able to access a camp for the Grade 5-6 students this term at Angahook Camp, Aireys Inlet. All costs for this camp are covered and there is no cost to families.

The Grade 5-6 Urban cluster camp will still take place in Term 4 and will incur a cost, usually $250-$300 per student. The cost is yet to be finalised.

The Grade 3-4 Cluster camp is taking place 10-12 August, with a cost of $304.50 per student. The camp is at Lady Northcote, at Bacchus Marsh.

Miki and Renee are working to find available day excursion or camp that can be funded under this Government Initiative.

The Victorian Government is acting to re-engage primary and secondary students and to boost their physical and emotional health and wellbeing as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

Students who attend a government or low-fee non-government school will get more opportunities to attend camps, swimming programs, sports programs and cultural experiences in 2022. This program is for grades 3-12 students.

With the free Positive Start in 2022 program, Victorian students can be more active, reconnect with friends and find inspiration in new and exciting places.

Holiday Camps

Eligibility

Students in years 3 to 12, who meet one or more of the following criteria are eligible to attend a free holiday camp:

• attend a school that experienced closures of five days or more due to a positive COVID-19 case or close contact in 2021

• have an approved Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF) application for 2022

• have a parent that holds a valid means-tested concession card (for example a Health Care Card, Job Seeker, Newstart Allowance, Disability Support Pension)

• are in out of home care

• have a disability

• are from a refugee background

• are Koorie students

• are in the Navigator program

• are young carers.

The Department of Education and Training has worked directly with camp providers to secure spots on holiday programs for eligible families.

Cost

These camps are completely free of charge to eligible families. It will not cost you anything for your child to attend the camp.

Most camps can organise transport from central locations. Some camps may ask parents to provide transport for their child. After you choose a camp, the camp provider will send you information about transport.

Locations

Use this map to find a holiday camp location. Select the camp icon to find out more.

Bushire Evacuation Planning

RMIT University, in collaboration with Luke Ryan, Mount Alexander Shire’s Emergency Management Coordinator, and Claire Collie, CFA’s Community Based Bushfire Management Facilitator, facilitated a Chewton Bushfire Evacuation Workshop on 18 July 2022. A wide range of stakeholders with insights into the region were present in order to capture multiple views from different key representatives and agencies working and living in Chewton.

BACKGROUND

For the past few years, RMIT and CSIRO have been developing a simulation tool that allows bushfire evacuation scenarios to be modelled and consequences for communities to be understood. The tool, called SEEKER (previously also known as the Bushfire Evacuation Decision Support System, and Emergency Evacuation Simulator), takes as input an estimate of a bushfire spreading across the landscape, and models how individuals in the area might respond, in order to build an understanding of what evacuation in that specific situation might look like. Outputs of the simulation include estimates of where people are over time as the fire front progresses, and detailed understanding of traffic flows on the local roads. These outputs can also be visualised in the form of a bird’s eye view of the unfolding situation. Insights gained from SEEKER outputs can be valuable for planning, preparedness, and community information and education around bushfire and egress risk in the region.

Mount Alexander Shire’s Municipal Fire Management Planning Committee has been involved in SEEKER development and use for several years. SEEKER has previously been used to better understand evacuation issues during special events such as the annual Maldon Twilight Dinner and the Fryerstown Antique Fair (now held in Campbells Creek) that both occur in the high-bushfire risk month of January. In the coming months, RMIT plans to use the SEEKER tool to better understand evacuation behaviour and traffic flows during a potential bushfire scenario in Chewton.

WORKSHOP

Participants worked to develop likely and credible evacuation scenarios for Chewton that can be simulated by SEEKER. During the workshop, participants were asked for their perspectives on likely population numbers for both residents and tourists, likely daily activities of both groups, and popular destinations in Chewton, especially during the summer months. Participants were also shown a map of the roadways in and around Chewton to ensure that the SEEKER model accounts for all possible and likely evacuation routes.

It was a fascinating session. the scenario we looked at was a high fire danger day in February when the swimming program would be in place. It certainly highlighted how important it is to make sure that all parents and carers are fully aware of our Emergency Management plan and different emergency procedures.

The 2022-2023 plan will be completed prior to September 1st.

We ask all parents and carers to carefully read the information, make sure your emergency contact details are up to date to assist us in our preparation.

Home-School communications

Help us improve our communication about your child's learning by filling out this quick form. Some suggestions have been a weekly email, casual catch ups in the yard before and after school, and using our Sentral app to share information. Let us know what you would like to see in place.

Covid Safe

While masks are not mandated, they are highly recommended when indoors. Staff and all students 8 years of age and older are requested to wear them. We also ask parents to use a mask when indoors in the school building. We ask that you help keep our community safe by keeping your child home if they are unwell or have any cold or flu like symptoms. If students have symptoms we ask you to do a RAT or PCR test.

If you are collecting a sick child from school, please make sure you check in with Kitty or Bernadette in the new office before leaving the school. The sign in/out books are in the hallway near the staffroom, but we do ask you to let us know in the office if you need to take your child early. Our COVID Safety plan includes asking parents to collect students who are unwell or who are showing any cold or flu like symptoms.

Veggie Garden

Friday afternoons 2:30-3:30. come and join the fun! We need you! Let's get the garden ready for spring planting so we can get eating!

Can't make this time but would love to take part? Let us know when you're available, or just drop in!