Dear parents and carers,
Welcome to Week 3 in Year 6! We have now begun our formal learning program, and students have made a strong start as they settle into the expectations and responsibilities of their final year of primary school. Over the past two weeks, we have also started completing a range of assessments to help us better understand each student’s strengths and learning goals, so we can plan targeted support and extension throughout the term.
It has also been great to see students participating in Year 6 sport and demonstrating teamwork, resilience and a positive attitude. Most importantly, we are continuing to build a strong classroom community where students feel safe, supported and ready to learn.
This week, it was wonderful to meet so many families during our Meet the Teacher meetings. We appreciate your time and support, and we value the strong partnerships we build with families to ensure every student has a successful year. If you were unable to attend, please feel free to contact your child’s classroom teacher to organise a suitable time to meet.
We also have two exciting events coming up this week. Students will be attending a local excursion to the Craigieburn Library, which will support our learning and encourage a love of reading and investigating how the library supports inclusion and access for all in our community. We will also be participating in the Carlton Respects Program, an important opportunity for students to develop skills around respect, relationships and positive decision-making. We are looking forward to another fantastic week of learning and growth in Year 6.
Year 6 Teaching Team
6A –Deeza Walsh (Monday and Tuesday) & Conor Lacey (Wednesday, Thursday, Friday)
6B – Taneesha Pattison
6C – Kristine Portier
6D – Maj O’Neill
6E – Chris Uniacke
Assembly Awards
These students received an award for demonstrating the school value of Responsibility.
6A- Guevara and Joseph
6B- Sehaj and Angel
6C- Senon and Savanah
6D- Eden and Harry
6E- Elijah and Maham
Important Dates
Please refer to Compass for further details:
Monday: 16th of February - Library Excursion for 6A, 6B and 6E
Wednesday 18th February - Carlton Respects program
Thursday 19th of February - Library Excursion for 6C and 6D
Friday 27th February- Camp Final Payments Due
Saturday 28th February - FCW Year 6 Uniform Shop Closes
• Monday 2nd March & Tuesday 3rd March – School Photos
• Monday 9th March – Labour Day Public Holiday
• Wednesday 18th- Friday 20th March Year 6 camp
• Wednesday 1st April – Last day of Term 1 for students
Reminders
• Students must wear a hat during Term 1
• Please return the iPad Agreement Form if you have not already done so
• Students are expected to bring a fully charged iPad to school each day unless the school has been informed otherwise. A limited number of devices are available to borrow if required
Library Excursion
35 students are yet to complete the local walking excursion consent form. ALL students need to have this consent form returned or they cannot attend.
https://aitkencreekps-vic.compass.education/Organise/Activities/Events/Event.aspx?eventId=132206
As a part of our CBL Community topic, we will be walking down to the Craigieburn Library to learn about the services provided to the community. This is a free event, but does require the 'Consent for Local Walking Excursion' Compass events needs to completed.
Please take your child to the Craigieburn Library before our excursion to join up for their free library membership so they can explore all the services provided on the day.
Your child will attend in one of the following groups:
Monday: 16th of February
Group 1: 6A and 6B
Leaving School by: 9:10 am to walk to the library
Monday:
Group 2: 6E 16th of February
Leave School by: 11:35 am to walk to the library
Thursday:
Group 1: 6C and 6D 19th of February
Leaving School by: 9:10 am to walk to the library
Students must bring their library card if they join the library, they can bring a small bag to hold any borrowed books and a water bottle. No backpacks or food to go with students.
Year 6 Shirts and Jumpers
The Fashion Club Wear Online Shop has now been reopened! Year 6 shirts and jumpers can be ordered up until Saturday the 28th of February. Size samples are available at school, please try on before submitting your order. Alternatively, please make sure you have referred to the size chart and ordered the correct size. Here is the link to the online shop for ordering- https://fcw.com.au/online-shop/aitken-creek-primary-school/
Year 6 Camp
For families who have already paid a deposit, camp payments are due by the 27th of February on Compass, allowing you to continue payment. Attached is the list of items to be packed for camp. All students attending camp will need to have the medical and dietary form that has also been sent out completed (can be found in the Compass event details or via this link): https://forms.gle/YnkkmQnH67m9nZL78
Please see the camps parent guide to answer any other frequently asked questions, one of which being will students have access to an ensuite, yes student bathrooms will be attached to the building they are in:
Home Learning
Home learning will commence this term. Developing consistent homework habits will support students as they transition to the increased independence expected in secondary school.
Home learning expectations are:
• 20 minutes of reading (with completion of the reading log)
• 10 minutes of My Numeracy (tasks can be completed at the student’s own pace)
• 10 minutes of Reading Eggs or Reading Eggspress (map progression, quizzes or spelling lessons)
Students should contact their classroom teacher if they have any questions or difficulties.
Items Not to Bring to School
Items not permitted at school include soccer cleats, chewing gum, soft drinks and smart watches. Smart watches fall under the same policy as mobile phones and are not allowed at school. Please discuss these expectations with your child.
Technology Use
All students have signed an iPad and Technology Agreement outlining expectations for safe and responsible use. This includes:
• Using only school-approved apps during class time
• No messaging or communication apps during school hours
• No photography or video recording of students
• iPads used only when directed by a teacher
Breaches of these expectations will be addressed with students, and will result in loss of technology privileges.
Mobile Phones
ACPS has a Mobile Phone Policy in place. Students who bring a mobile phone or smart watch capable of receiving calls or messages must hand their device into the office at the beginning of the day for secure storage and collect it at dismissal. Devices must not be used during the school day.
Attendance
If your child is absent, please notify the school promptly via Compass, by calling the office, or by providing a note upon their return. If you require assistance accessing Compass, please contact the school office.
Communication
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the school to arrange a time to meet with your child’s teacher via email or phone.
Kind regards,
Deeza Walsh
Year 6 PLC Learning Specialist