Friends Of the Box-Ironbark Forests and Art class

Students in Grades 5/6 were recently invited to participate in a 25th Anniversary exhibition created by members of Friends of the Box-Ironbark Forests.  

Students were asked to create drawings in the bush behind the school, using ochres, charcoal and watercolour paints. 

All students in grade 5/6 will have their work on display in the Exhibition which opens this Saturday the 25th February at the Newstead Arts Hub. 

Please try and visit the exhibition to see our lovely school represented in the wider Arts community.

For more information on the exhibition and on FOBIF see here:

https://newsteadartshub.org/portfolio/responding-to-country-friends-of-the-box-ironbark-forests-1998-2023/

School Picnic 

Thanks to all the families who braved the hot weather on Thursday night! We were so happy to have Uncle Rick give us a Welcome To Country. It was a lovely ceremony. We could not do a smoking due to the weather conditions. Congratulations to our School Captains Arkie and Zach, who received their badges on the night. Our House Captains Quincy, Gus, Millie, Akira, Ana, Tyrone, Merri and Busby were all presented to the community. Unfortunately the new supply of badges had not arrived in time for the event.

wurru mouth of river, lagoon Red house Captains: Quincy, Gus yaluk   flowing or running creek Blue house Captains: Millie, Akira

baring bend in the river, knee   Green house Captains: Ana, Tyrone

yarram yarram chain of  waterholes or ponds form after the creek floods and dries Yellow House Captains: Merri, Busby

Watering the plants in the bush block with Joel and Christine from PHOAG (Post Office Hill Action Group)

Bushfire Education CFA Burn Table Demonstration

The grade 5-6 class are completing a unit of work on Bushfire Education in conjunction with the CFA. this week Rob, Ryan and some other CFA helpers came and set up a Burn table, to show the students how fire behaves. The whole school was lucky enough to watch the demonstration. 

We were super excited to meet Essendon Bombers captain Dyson Heppell and players Rhett Montgomerie and Jye Mennzie last week! Students asked lots of interesting questions about their preparation for games, the toughest players they competed against and even what their favourite food is! There are a few converts ..  thanks for the visit!

Jobs that need doing...

Can't make a working bee? Have a spare hour or two that you can offer the school? 

We have a google doc that shows jobs that are needed. Please put your name to one and mark when complete. Many hands make light work. 

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1XaBY5PpytuXhLlmffMAMG752ysMIo-QsEzgzS9pJCcE/edit?usp=sharing 

What is Hands on Learning?

Chewton Primary is very excited to be part of the Hands On Learning program in 2023. 

Michelle has spoken to our Grade 3-6 students and over 20 students applied to be part of the program this year. We are selecting 7 students each semester and look forward to it growing in 2024!

Hands on Learning (HoL) is a practical school program that builds wellbeing, engagement, and attendance by creating opportunities for students to discover their talents and experience success through significant and authentic hands-on projects. Please browse the HoL Companion at https://handsonlearning.org.au/3d-flip-book/hol-companion-2021/

How it works

5-10 students spend one day every week working collaboratively with 1-2 artisan-teachers on authentic meaningful projects around the school and community. Students stay onsite at their own school and the evidence-based methodology (child rights approach, four pillars, reflective practice, shape of the day) integrates what is happening in HoL back to the classroom.

STUDENTS HoL supports a diversity of students to build aspiration and realise their potential. Students from different year levels are self-nominated or referred by wellbeing staff, year level co-ordinators and school leadership teams. Each student has their own reason for participating in HoL.

STAFF Artisan-teachers are employed directly by partner schools. 54 Reason/Save the Children Australia’s HoL School Support team provide training, ongoing support, professional development and quality assurance. Schools become part of regional HoL networks to foster the sharing of ideas and inspiration.

Four Pillars of Hands on Learning

A PLACE TO BELONG A physical sanctuary at school.

PEOPLE TO BELONG TO Small teams working together, sharing meals and building strong relationships.

REAL THINGS TO DO Engaging in creative and meaningful projects.

A CHANCE TO GIVE BACK Making valuable contributions to their community, building self-esteem and connection.

The Hands on Learning December ENews features students’ experiences and highlights: https://handsonlearning.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/HoL-eNews-December-2022.pdf

Community Notices

Dja Dja Wurrung websites

Djaara (Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation)  https://djadjawurrung.com.au/ 

DJAARA - Home | Facebook 

Nalderun Education Aboriginal Corporation https://nalderun.net.au/ 

Chewton pool news

Dear Chewton Swim families and supporters,

Chewton Swim Family Day

On Sunday 5 March we will be holding our Chewton Swim Family Day at the pool from 3.30pm!

We would love to see you all there, to celebrate the achievements of our swimmers across all of our 2023 programmes - including the presentation of Swim and Survive Level Attainment and Participation Certificates.

It's a super casual affair... there will be a bbq and kiosk goods (for purchase), as well as some music and fun activities.

Bring your swimwear all!!

FREE ENTRY for all Chewton Swim participants.

Pop it in your diaries and we look forward to seeing you there!

——————

Farewell Frog!

The end of this season will also see an end to an era. 

After 5 seasons of managing, running and being the lead instructor for our Swim and Survive program, Frog Peck will be stepping away from Chewton Swim at the conclusion of the 2023 programmes.

Frog has tirelessly been at the head of the programme not only in providing valuable swimming and water safety lessons, but has introduced dozens, if not close to a hundred, families to our pool over the years. 

Under Frog’s leadership since January 2019, Chewton Swim has seen close to 800 enrolments, with participants spanning from infants, through pre-school, primary school, high school and even a successful and popular adult program.

Frog’s efforts were recognised last year by Life Saving Victoria when Chewton Swim was nominated as the Swim and Survive partner of the year at the 2022 Awards of Excellence. 

He will be missed by many, but hopefully much of his work will stay with you as you and your families continue on your swim journeys.  Please join me in saying a huge thank you and congratulations.

Keep an eye on our website later in the year for updates on the Chewton Swim program for 2024.

Here is a farewell note from Frog.

Dear wonderful Chewton Swim families,

Thank you so much for your support you have given me, Chewton Swim and the Chewton Pool over the years.

It has been an extremely rewarding job overseeing the growth of the programme, which in part is due to the amazing dedication by all of you and of course your word-of-mouth that has spread what we do throughout the community and beyond.

I am exceptionally proud of what Chewton Swim has become known for. Lessons are delivered with a unique enthusiasm and diligence coupled with fun and engaging classes, whilst continuing to provide invaluable water safety skills to our community. 

I have not done any of this alone.

A massive thank you to those you have taught alongside me in sweltering 40 degrees, crazy 17 degrees, hail, rain and bone chilling winds! To Kylie, Jenny, Amanda and Liza, I could not have done this without you!  Thank you, thank you thank you!

A special shout-out needs to go to Hayley Sommeling Farrugia, whose game changing vision it was in the first place to make Chewton Pool a Swim and Survive partner back in 2018. Hayley and I started Chewton Swim together as a way to deliver industry best practice to our local community. Thank you Hayley.

Finally, thank you to the Chewton Pool members, volunteers, operational staff and in particular committees of management, both past and present, for their commitment and support for Chewton Swim.

A particular mention needs to go to the amazing Jess Carter, who over the years, has been the boss of the website, assisted greatly with development of the enrolment process, and as you know this year has stepped up as the Chewton Swim administrator. Onya Jess, you’re the best!

So, I’m not running away, but I am indeed looking forward to spending a full summer with my family next year.

Please keep swimming and practicing and noticing…

Take care.

Never swim alone.

And catch you at the pool

Frog x

——————

Finally, a reminder that we still have 3 more Saturday afternoon sessions remaining before the end of the season.

See you there!!

Fire Danger Ratings

We are in the North Central District

On Extreme Fire Danger days we relocate to Castlemaine Primary

On Friday 17th February we had to relocate to Castlemaine Primary School for the day. Feedback from the school was how well behaved our students were. We were very well looked after by Castlemaine Primary. Thankyou!