from the principal - fintona girls' school...6.30pm-8.30pm margaret cunningham hal term 4 (10...

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Issue No 1 - 10 February 2017

From the PrincipalThe following is the Principal's address to the first assembly held on Tuesday 31 January:

Good morning and welcome to Term1 2017. I would particularly like to welcome all of our new students and the Year 4s from across the road. Whether you are starting in Middle School, Year 7 or in older year levels, it’s a challenging few days getting used to new routines and different expectations. Please be assured that we’re all here to help you transition and that we’re looking forward to your involvement in the life of the School.

Of course, we also welcome our ongoing students and hope you have a great year, especially if you have a leadership role or perhaps are tackling the challenges of VCE for the first or final time.

As well as new students we have an unusually large group of new staff due to a number of retirements last year. We congratulate and welcome you most warmly to Fintona and wish you all the best for a long and happy association with the School.

The class of 2016 carried on our proud tradition of maintaining excellent results, most especially a median ATAR score which puts us amongst the foremost schools in the state. The median ATAR score is a reflection of the great truth that if you work hard, work with good teachers who enjoy working with you and you listen to their advice, if you get involved with the diverse offerings the School gives you outside of the classroom, you will thrive. Zoe Schwerkolt was our DUX with an ATAR of 99.9 and 67% of students received an ATAR of 90 or above. The median ATAR was 93.9 and our seven year median ATAR remains at 95.1. Better still, 84% of the class of 2016 received their first or second preference in the first round tertiary offers which is the primary purpose of those ATARs.

School results, indeed all testing results, cause debate about their validity, relevance and accuracy but they can’t be ignored as the result of years of education, hard work or not and the input of teachers and schools. No one at Fintona should feel that there is pressure on them to perform at some impossibly high standard nor should you feel that if you sit in class at Fintona doing very little that, as the result of osmosis, you will achieve a high standard. You should, however, feel that you are developing a good work ethic, reward your teachers’ diligence in teaching you with interest, interact with your peers in class in a positive manner to enhance everyone’s efforts and be as kind and tolerant as you can be to other members of the school community. Some members of the class of 2016 will come to an assembly soon and I hope you will listen to their experiences and take on board some of their advice.

I love the start of things. Everything seems new and all things are possible. The dictionary defines beginning as the place where something starts, the source or cause. Science says we started with a big bang, the Bible says we started with the word, the day starts with the rising sun as it has since the world began. As humans we begin our life usually scrunched up and crying. Plants, even enormous trees many hundreds of metres tall begin as seeds and tiny green shoots.

The year starts with everyone in either new, or very clean, freshly ironed clothes, with new books, usually new shoes and a look of expectation on their faces. If only every day could be like this, but alas, real life starts to impinge on us and we begin to be late with work or forget textbooks, have a falling out with a friend, be a bit bored, get cross and bad tempered when things are not working out. So when the optimism and freshness of the first day or the first week wears off, we need to think about how to reinvent the feeling we have today, go back to the drawing board, clean the slate and start again. We need to think that at any time we can begin again, rather than feeling that once something has gone wrong or is not as perfect as we wanted it to be, then we may as well give up and let everything go or that everyone sees us as a failure or a fool ever afterwards.

When we get up each morning, the world has basically stayed as it was the day before. The only thing that changes is the way we see it. So, if something goes wrong and the world seems to be a terrible place or we feel like a failure it is within our capacity to change it, by changing our point of view. However, it’s also the unfortunate case, that many things in life are totally beyond our control; the weather, other people’s actions and emotions, the inevitability of getting older, even some diseases seem to be beyond our best efforts to get rid of them. Nothing perhaps has

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verified the truth of what I just said more than the last two weeks, with the appalling events in the Bourke Street Mall and Trump’s decision to ban immigration and refugees from a number of predominantly Muslim countries. However, what became apparent in the first terrible event was that the strength of the human spirit, the desire of people to, in the first instance, help and later to grieve with those affected was much stronger than whatever drove that young man to commit the atrocities in the first place. In the latter decision by Trump, the reaction has been across cities, states and countries, across racial, gender and religious divides one of universal condemnation and again, a coming together to protest but also to celebrate the great human connection.

So perhaps a great skill to possess or develop if we don’t possess it already is to be able to differentiate between those things we can do something about and those we can’t.

Although I am not a religious person, I’m happy to adopt any sensible or wise views from anywhere and the old prayer that reads God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; the courage to change the things I can; and the wisdom to know the difference, is such a view.

Have a great year, try something new, be kind to each other and remember, every day is the first day of the rest of your life.

Mrs Suzy ChandlerPrincipal

Upcoming Events 2017

THURSDAY 16 FEBRUARYParent Seminar (No Students)Middle School Friendship7.30pm-9.00pmMargaret Cunningham Hall

FRIDAY 17 FEBRUARYSenators' Induction (Year 12 Parents)8.30am-9.45amMargaret Cunningham Hall & Reid Studio

TUESDAY 21 FEBRUARYMiddle School Grandparents' Afternoon Tea3.00pm-4.00pmTuckshop

WEDNESDAY 22 FEBRUARYYear 7 Parents Morning Tea8.30amTuckshop

FRIDAY 24 FEBUARYYear 11 & 12 Formal7.00pm-11.30pmWaterfront Venue, Docklands

TUESDAY 28 FEBRUARYParent Information Evening (No students)Sex Education Australia7.30pmMargaret Cunningham Hall

WEDNESDAY 1 MARCHTwilight Open Evening6.30pm-8.30pmMargaret Cunningham Hall

THURSDAY 9 MARCHNew Parents' Drinks

Save the Date 2017

FRIDAY 28 APRILCabaret Night5.30pm (Drinks & Finger food)Reid Studio7.00pm-9.30pm (Performance)Margaret Cunningham Hall

SUNDAY 26 NOVEMBERFintona Food & Wine Festival11.00am-4.00pm

Term Dates 2017Term 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



6.30pm-8.30pmMargaret Cunningham Hal Term 4 (10 weeks)

9 October to 13 December

Senior SchoolBeginning of the YearIt is always a pleasure to welcome back students at the start of the year. I hope that families and students enjoyed a peaceful and relaxing break. It is very interesting to hear of the girls’ travels, celebrations and family time over the holidays. It is also wonderful to welcome back our staff from a much deserved break. I look forward to working with all the families and students in the Senior School this year, and with many of the staff, most particularly the Year 9 Co-ordinator, Ms Julia Lloyd-Bruin, the Senior School teachers and tutors and the VCE Co-Ordinator, Ms Lindy Grahn, the Careers Counsellor, Ms Suzie Hannebery and the School counsellor, Mrs Fiona Stekhoven.

Year 11 & 12 CampsBoth the Year 11 and Year 12 classes were at camp in Queenscliff and Anglesea respectively last week from Wednesday 1 February to Friday 3 February. The camps involved the students mixing with each other in a beautiful environment, with staff who will be working closely and supporting them throughout VCE. This includes their tutors, VCE Co-Ordinator, Ms Lindy Grahn, Careers Counsellor, Ms Suzie Hannebery, School Counsellor Mrs Fiona Stekhoven and myself.

The students were enthusiastic and co-operative and have set a positive tone for the remainder of the year. The activities were recreational and team building in nature, and included sessions on VCE and from past students reflecting on their university experiences.

Health & Wellbeing DayThe Year 10 students were busy on Friday 3 February with the annual Health and Well Being Day – a day of workshops about women in the media, a session about the importance of sleep and strategies for improving sleep and a yoga workshop. We understand at Fintona that looking after yourself mentally and physically sits alongside academic success and that one is not possible without the other. This day enables the girls to focus on positive attitudes and habits for the year ahead.

Year 11 & 12 Cyber Safety PresentationAs part of the Life Skills Program, Susan McLean presented to our senior students a fascinating overview of ways that they can be respectful and appropriate in their use of the internet and increase their awareness of issues that may arise as a result of social media. Susan is a world renowned expert in this area and her engaging and direct presentations are informative and important for students’ developing knowledge.

New StudentsWe welcome a number of new students to the Senior School this year and have had much enjoyment in getting to know them better and having them settle in to the Fintona environment. We wish them well and I look forward to meeting their parents at the upcoming new parents’ evening.

TutorsThe following staff will be working with your daughters this year as tutors, and as such, may be contacted in regard to any questions or issues that you may have.

Year 10 – Ms Philippa Elder, Ms Brynne Hornett-Devers and Mr Brit BivianoYear 11 – Ms Blandine Dent, Ms Cathy Devlyn and Mr Jason ForrestYear 12 – Mr Nick Capriolo, Mrs Yoko Kirkman and Ms Fiona Longfield.

New StaffThere are some new faces among the Senior School teaching staff this year, and I welcome them warmly to Fintona and look forward to working closely with them this year in caring and guiding your daughters. Parents will be able to meet new staff at the parent teacher interviews scheduled for later in the year.



Student OpportunitiesI have been contacted in regard to two opportunities that students may be interested in:

Jess Vovers from Science Gallery Melbourne (SGM), a new space to be established in Melbourne showcasing the collision of art and science has contacted me. Their target audience is 15-25 year olds from all walks of life, and as they approach their inaugural program for 2017 they would like to hear more from this age group to better develop the best possible experience they can. In order to do this, they will be holding a focus group very soon and they have said that it would be fantastic to have some students from Fintona if possible. The details are all available on the signup form here.

Wednesday 15 February from 5.00pm (approximately 2 hours), Parkville campus, The University of Melbourne (exact venue TBC). Free food provided! There is also a short survey for those who can't make the event but would like to help us shape the future of the gallery, as well as go in the running for 10 kg of chocolate! https://ourcampus.unimelb.edu.au/science-gallery

UN Youth Victoria

At State Conference, students engage in thought provoking debate and in-depth conversations on important global issues and challenges that are happening right now. State Conference is a weekend unlike any other, where over 100 students in Years 10-12 come together to meet like-minded people and engage with some of the biggest global challenges facing our generation. Students make new friends, hear from some great speakers and learn new skills and ideas through workshops and debate.

State Conference 2017 is all about Sustaining Our World: Through discussion and debate, State Conference will open a door to what are perhaps the most pressing issues of our generation. Topics will look at issues such as sustainable development, international aid and non-government organisations and much more. The peer-to-peer education style of State Conference offers a safe and engaging environment where students can develop their understanding of global issues and their debating and public speaking skills, as well as have a chance to meet like-minded young people from across the state. Content covered over the weekend will be relevant to VCE English, English Language, Australian and Global Politics, History, Legal Studies, Philosophy and Sociology. Details are as follows:

Date: Friday 10 March - Monday 13 March (Labor Day weekend)Location: Lord Somers Camp, Somers VIC Cost: $250 per student (includes accommodation, food, etc.) Half and full scholarships are available.Registrations close February 20 2017

For more information on the conference and to register, please visit UN Youth website

Senators' Induction Assembly & Morning TeaYear 12 parents are invited to the Senators' Induction Assembly to be held on Friday 17 February at 8.30am in the Margaret Cunningham Hall, to be followed by a morning tea in the Reid Studio. The closing date for RSVPs, for catering purposes, is today Friday 10 February. If you haven't advised that you will be attending, can you please do so immediately by email [email protected]

Ms Katrina BrennanHead of Senior School

Health & Wellbeing Day

The girls in Years 9 and 10 took part in the annual Health and Wellbeing Day on Friday 3 February. This event is now in its third year and the intention is to highlight to our girls that a healthy mind and body is necessary in order for students to achieve their personal best in academia. It is as important to look after our mental health, as it is the physical. Students took part in activities around positive body image and acceptance of themselves, learning what they can and cannot control, as well as how important sleep is for their brains and overall health.

The Butterfly Foundation spoke to Year 9 about the ‘great expectations' they,and others, put on themselves and this was later followed up with Year 10 learning about ‘Living Healthy and Free’; encouraging the students to live their best possible life, free from the constraints of social media and others’ expectations.

Brad Felstead once again attended Fintona to speak on the ‘Power of 'Sleep and Mindfulness', a presentation specifically focused on adolescents and their rapidly developing brains. Both sessions ended with a fully guided meditation after which the girls felt calm and prepared for whatever was coming their way.



In the afternoon, four yogis led students through a range of movements, some of which would have been completely new to our girls. Yoga is a calming but challenging activity and when used alongside a good diet and exercise regime, helps keep its participants balanced.

The girls appeared to enjoy the day and hopefully the practical activities from these sessions will be carried on individually at home, as many would benefit from continued practice. There have been numerous studies reinforcing the positive outcomes for young people to regularly practice being ‘mindful’, impacting on their mental, physical and emotional health.

Pictured: Girls enjoying the Yoga experience

Ms Julia Lloyd-BruinYear 9 Co-ordinator

FROM THE BUSINESS OFFICE

Fee Accounts for Term 2, 2017Fee accounts were mailed or emailed by 31 January 2017 and are due for payment by Monday 25 February, 2017. Terms and Conditions relating to the payment of fees may be viewed on the School’s website and I request that you make particular reference to the application of administration fees.

Please be aware that a surcharge applies to payments made by credit card. 1% surcharge to any credit card payment made via Mastercard, VISA and American Express. This surcharge will be added by the Business Office when the credit card payment is processed.

If you have not received an account, please contact the Accountant, Rowena Vitarelli at [email protected] to request a copy.

Camps, Sports & Excursions FundThe Victorian Government's $148 million initiative helps ensure all Victorian students can take part in school trips and sporting activities. The Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF) commenced in 2015 for four years and provides payments for eli gible students to attend camps, sports and excursions. CSEF applications for 2017 open from term one 2017. Parents or legal guardians are required to submit a CSEF application form to their child's school. Please refer to the following website for details: http://www.education.vic.gov.au/about/programs/health/Pages/csef.aspx

Ms Rowena VitarelliAccountant

ENGLISH NEWS

Reading ExpectationsLast year, a letter went home to all parents stating what reading the girls needed to have done over the school holidays. If anyone missed seeing that letter, or has concerns about their daughter’s ability to read their set texts, please contact me. Also, the English Faculty is very aware that many parents have asked for assistance in recommending books for their daughters. As stated in the letter, the Resource Centre has spent much time in collating book lists to suit every taste and purpose. Students wishing to read fiction or biography are welcome to ask teachers or Resource Centre staff at any time for recommendations. There are hundreds of reading ideas on the library lists. Visit InFintona – Senior School Library – then click on a year level or any other tile to discover a multitude of fiction reading suggestions.

We recommend that parents read the novels and literature set for their daughters’ English courses. Discussion of literature makes for wonderful conversation around the dinner table or in the car!

Public SpeakingThere are a number of external public speaking competitions held during the first semester. If any student would like to participate, please see Ms Lauren Norman, Mrs Jennifer Johnstone or Inez Trambas, the Public Speaking Captain, to find out more. Inez will be holding a meeting on this soon.

Mrs Jennifer Johnstone



English Co-ordinator

Cabaret Night

It is our pleasure to announce the Fintona Cabaret Night, to be held on Friday 28 April, 2017. Cabaret Night is the major annual fundraising event for the Friends of Music parent group, and this year we are very excited to announce that the theme is “The Roaring 20s”

All parents have received a letter home this week via CareMonkey regarding the details of this event, and how your daughter might be involved. We refer you to that document at your leisure.

We are very excited about the Fintona students presenting a wonderful night full of the sights and sounds of an amazingly vibrant and prolific decade in the development of the Arts. We are looking to the parent body for assistance with fundraising and other aspects of the evening, so if you are interested in helping, please contact Ms Elizabeth Exintaris who will connect you with the Friends of

Music parent group. We will advise of booking procedures along with further details in the coming weeks. If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact the School. We look forward to seeing you on the night, if not before.

Ms Rowena McDowell & Ms Elizabeth ExintarisPerforming Arts Co-ordinators

Parent Class Representatives NeededAs the school year has already commenced we are in need of one or more Class Representatives for Year 6 and Years 9, Year 10, Year 11 and Year 12. Class Representatives provide a line of communication between parents, the School and the Fintona Parents’ Association. They organise and promote opportunities for students, parents and their families to get together. The role is not overly demanding and your daughter will appreciate your involvement.

We would be delighted if you could indicate your interest in becoming a Class Representative for the year levels where there is a vacancy, by email to [email protected] Please provide your daughter’s full name and year level when replying. Thank you to the parents who have already volunteered. If you have any enquiries, please contact Ms Pamela Young by email or phone 9880 4441.

Fintona Cookbook 2017 - Call for RecipesYou would by now have received a letter about an initiative to produce a Fintona Cookbook this year and the request for submissions of your favourite family recipes. We are excited about the project and hope that you will all contribute to make the cookbook a success. Further details can be found in the letter that was emailed to families Read More.

The closing date for submissions is Friday 3 March 2017. If you have any enquiries please contact [email protected]

We look forward to receiving your delicious ideas.

FROM THE COUNSELLOR

Utilising Personal Strengths

A start to the school year can bring with it a renewed energy towards new goals, ambitions and hopes for what students want to achieve and focus on. Having internal motivation to work towards their own goals, can be a strong driving force that can help to maintain this energy throughout the year. There is a feature documentary called ‘The Will to Fly’ that the Year 11 and Year 12 students watched during



their camps in the first week of school this term. This documentary follows the inspiring journey of Lydia Lassila – an aerial skier who competes at the Winter Olympics. It shows her strong drive, determination, how she coped with injuries, how she worked on managing her emotions and the persistence that she draws on, to pursue her goals. She won the gold medal at the Vancouver Winter

Olympics in 2010 and achieved the world record highest competition score. When she returned to the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics her focus was on her personal goal of performing a jump that she saw men doing for years but was not in the women’s competition. Lydia was the first woman to perform the quadruple twisting, triple somersault on snow, which really looks as tricky as it sounds.

The mental strength that comes with overcoming obstacles and adapting to situations to continue working towards goals can be taught and practised. It can be developed by learning helpful ways to perceive and think about obstacles, past disappointments or potentially difficult situations. Every individual has a different combination of what their personal strengths are and having self-awareness about one’s own strengths is a valuable asset. A helpful resource is the VIA character strengths website www.viacharacter.org/ that has information about strengths and a free survey for adults and students aged 10-17yrs. The survey ranks the 24 character strengths to show which ones are stronger and areas that could be further developed. Being aware of one’s strengths can be drawn on and utilised within the learning process, to help achieve personal goals and maintain motivation.

Mrs Fiona StekhovenSchool Counsellor

Art Stars

Anything that is unrelated to elephants ...

... is irrelephant!!

Art for Elephants - FundraiserFintona is pleased to announce an art competition and auction which aims to collect art work for an auction to raise funds for elephant conservation.The Art Auction will be held on Friday 5 May 2017 and a letter with further details regarding the event will be sent sent home in Term 1. Anyone within the school community is encouraged to enter, affording themselves the chance to win great prizes whilst simultaneously



supporting a very worthy cause. There are no restrictions on subject matter or medium; all work is welcome.

Entries can be delivered to the Year 12 common room or the Art Department up until Friday 31 March, 2017 (end of Term 1). Additionally, all entries will be automatically donated to the School upon submission so that they can be sold at the Art for Elephants Auction which will support Save the Elephants (a not-for-profit organisation in Africa). More information about their conservation efforts and programs can be found at the following link: http://savetheelephants.org/

Thank you in advance for your support of this project. All donations are much appreciated and will assist in altering the plight of the African elephant. A slip to attach to all art work donated can be found here Read More

Good luck with your creations!

Ayla Edwards (Year 12)Art for Elephants Committee

Middle School

Welcome to Middle School for 2017A very warm welcome to all our Middle School families, particularly our new Year 7 families and our Year 5 families, whether they have moved across the road or are new to the Fintona community. We hope you will have a long and very happy connection with Fintona. We are looking forward to an exciting year ahead full of many opportunities and activities. The girls are quickly settling into their routines and they are eager to explore many of the new challenges being presented to them.

This year, we welcome Ms Lauren Norman to the role of Year 8 Co-ordinator. Lauren is well known to many parents and girls as she teaches French across a number of year levels and she is very excited about the opportunity of working closely with the Year 8 girls.

Year Level TutorsYear 5: Miss Clare Caulfield and Mrs Jo CallenYear 6: Mrs Meredith Harris and Mrs Lara Dresser Year 7: Ms Alice Kemp, Mde Anna Mendonca and Mr Andrew StringerYear 8: Mrs Anne Hotta with Ms Dianne Bereza, Mr Simon Bourke and Ms Clare Sanders

Should you have any queries or concerns regarding your daughter, please write a note in your daughter’s diary to organise an appointment. If the matter is more urgent, please contact me or Lauren for Year 8 students via Reception and we can get a message to the teachers. Alternatively, we can be emailed at [email protected] or [email protected].

Middle School LeadersThe leaders for Middle School who were elected last year are:

Middle School Consuls: Aleen Dhaliwal and Emma PugliaSRC President: Neroli DanceySRC Secretary: Aliki SouliotisEnvironment Captain: Zara Burk

Each Tutor group has also elected SRC and Tutor Representatives.

SRC Representatives5CAUC: Elizabeth Pantazis and Makayla Spindler5CALJ: Sudiksha Dand6HARR: Gemma Parmenter and Lucy Parmenter6DREL: Samantha Antonios and Isabella Pastore7KEMA: Paige Stanley and Chloe Spencer7MENA: Charlotte Dowling and Emily Turner7STRA: Natasha Poon and Annie Walters8BEHO: Izzy Kirkham and Lani McKernnan



8BOUS: Kara Whitbourn 8SANC: Olivia Johnson

Tutor Representatives:5CAUC: Linh Duong and Mathangi Sritharan5CALJ: Eden Zapris and Katerina Marcus6HARR: Maddie Maxwell and Ruby Bennett6DREL: Bella Stefanou and Melissa Paul7KEMA: Zoe Stefanatos and Judie Chen7MENA: Mattea Black and Dailey Gillies7STRA: Abbey Jacobs and Rose Khurana8BEHO: Sara Seresli and Sarah Stephen8BOUS: Lauren Smith and Hannah Smit 8SANC: Caroline Pearce and Catherine Zheng

Congratulations to all the girls and I know I will enjoy working with them.

Year 7 Transition ProgramLast week, the Year 7 girls all enjoyed an exciting first few days as secondary students. Following a two hour introduction and orientation two days before the other students returned to school, the girls began the term with introductory sessions in Music, Science, Maths, Humanities and Art. They also participated in a most informative session on study skills and time management as part of the Life Skills program. An Outdoor Education day was held at Westerfolds Park where the girls participated in orienteering, canoeing, cycling and initiative tasks providing them with a chance to mix with the whole Year 7 cohort and get to know one another. This was cemented on the final day of the transition program when the girls participated in the annual Year 7 House Chess Competition, an interesting event as some students had never played Chess before and they were thrilled when they were able to successfully defeat their opponent. The championship trophy was won by Ower House with Clara Pelusi achieving the Best Player Award. The girls were eager and ready to begin formal classes following their four days of transition.

Year 5 & 6 SwimmingYear 5 and 6 students have enjoyed the swimming program this week where they have been given the opportunity to refine their skills. The girls have been working in ability groups and they have been instructed by specialist swim instructors. Their sessions included stroke technique and refinement and water safety.

Homework ClubHomework Club operates each Wednesday and Thursday from 3.30pm to 4.30pm for Middle School girls. Mde Anna Mendonca will supervise the girls and they can complete homework, use the computers or read. These sessions do not have to be booked, although Year 5 and 6 students may need to be taken to After School Care in Junior School if parents are late in collecting them.

Lunchtime ClubsThe very popular Cooking Club resumed last week. This club is being ably led by Mrs Margaret Rossborough who is delighted to offer her talents in developing our young chefs. Due to the large numbers of girls wishing to participate, this year it will be held on three separate days for different year levels. There is no cost for involvement in this club. The girls are asked to sign up in Moss House each week so Mrs Rossborough knows the quantities of ingredients that are required.

For those students who enjoy being outdoors and learning about plants, the Gardening club held on Wednesdays, is a wonderful opportunity to polish their ‘green thumbs’. Led by Mrs Helen Kinross, our very talented gardener, the girls will plant and tend for plants, vegetable and herb gardens and grow some of the ingredients for our cooking club.

Upcoming Events14 February – Year 5 Parents Morning Tea in Moss House22 February – Year 7 Parents Morning Tea in Moss HousePlease come and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee in Moss House after drop off, from 8.30am – 9.00am. This is a time to introduce yourself to other parents and have a look around Moss House.

20 February - Year 5 and 6 Information Evening22 – 24 February – Year 5 visit to Sovereign Hill27 February - Middle School Grandparents and Special Friends Afternoon TeaThis much anticipated event will be held in the Fintona Tuckshop on Monday 27 February from 2.45pm until 3.45pm. The girls are always very excited to welcome their special visitors and show them around their school.



HatsA reminder that hats are a part of the school uniform during Terms 1 and 4 when they must be worn for all outdoor activities including all P.E. lessons. Please ensure your daughter has her hat at school each day.

We Try to be Nut FreeThere are a number of our students who have severe nut allergies and so we would ask that no nuts (including nut bars) or nut products, such as peanut butter or Nutella be brought into the School.

I wish you all a fulfilling and productive 2017 and the staff and I look forward to working with you to ensure your daughters have every opportunity to grow and learn.

Ms Trish LeighHead of Middle School

Parent Information Seminar for Middle School ParentsHow to support your daughter with developing and maintaining friendships

The School Counsellor and registered Psychologist, Mrs Fiona Stekhoven, provides counselling to students and parents at Fintona. She will be running an informative seminar for parents of Middle School students covering the following topics:

• How you can help your daughter(s) with friendship changes • Supporting your daughter(s) to learn and grow from different social situations • Friendship skills, including assertiveness

The seminar will be held on Thursday 16 February from 7.30pm to 8.30pm in the Margaret Cunningham Hall

If you have not already registered and would like to attend, please email [email protected]

Junior SchoolWelcome BackI would like to warmly welcome our families back to the Junior School for the 2017 school year. It was wonderful to have everyone back again and to see the excited faces of the girls as they caught up with news and friends. I would like to thank the parents and staff for their friendliness and support in my first weeks; and a very big ‘thank you’ to the girls for their smiles and enthusiasm as they start the year with laughter, a thirst for knowledge, resilience and eagerness to contribute to our school community. Our Prep girls began the year with enthusiasm and now as the end of their second week draws to a close it seems as if they have been at school for much longer.

New FamiliesWe welcome all our Prep families to the Junior School. We also welcome a number of new students to the Junior School:

YEAR 1Iphigeneia Bablis and her parents Arthur and Helen (sister to Aphrodite in Year 2)Abby Jordan and her parents Craig and KellieLillian Preston and her parents David and Tanya

YEAR 2Aphrodite Bablis and her parents Arthur and Helen (sister to Iphigeneia in Year 1)Amelia Cronin and her parents Stuart and Rowena

YEAR 3Mietta Boschetto and her parents Corrado and Prue



YEAR 4Leah Kitchin and her parents Les and Karen

The girls have all settled in very quickly and we hope you will join with us to get to know our new families Everyone in the Junior School is looking forward to a productive and enjoyable 2017.

Ms Eleni GoulasHead of Junior School

Assemblies and Helpful InformationPresentation Assembly

The first assembly for 2017 was our Presentation Assembly. Each girl in Year 4 holds a position of responsibility. House, Aerobics, Arts, Community Service and Library Captains play an important part in the life of the Junior School and these appointments are made at the start of the year. The girls proudly received their badges and I know they will uphold these positions with pride.

AEROBICS CAPTAINSPiper Hartnett, Annie Holland, Chloe Shu, Alexia Simon, Celina WangARTS CAPTAINS Victoria Gonsalves, Alexandra PetreCOMMUNITY SERVICE CAPTAINSAnna Chen-Tilley, Isabella WeedonLIBRARY CAPTAINSLeah Kitchen, Ruby Tu, Ella Wang

The 2017 Junior School House Captains were announced during the Final Assembly in 2016.

BEDGGOOD Sienna Tang. Sophie Ang MENZIESMarcella Kedzierski, Chloe PaceREIDZoe Brown, Stephanie Jenkins

Thursday Assemblies

Every Thursday at 8.30am in Buick Hall, the Junior School participates in an Assembly. Parents and friends are invited to attend all Thursday assemblies. An Assembly schedule is on display on the notice board outside Buick Hall.

Class Captains

Each term the girls in Years 3 and 4 vote for a Class Captain. The Class Captains for Term 1 are:

YEAR 3 Tong Tong Zhou YEAR 4 Zoe Brown

Congratulations to these girls.

ELC – Year 4 Information Night

On Wednesday Buick Hall was packed to capacity with families. This was an important evening as the Staff shared their programs, routines and expectations for the coming year. Through an understanding of these arrangements, parents are able to support their child’s learning and ensure that everyone gets the most from the year. I sincerely thank all families who attended. Could all families please make sure they have a copy of the Information Handbook and Curriculum Handbook.

Food Allergies

Currently in the Junior School we have a number of students who experience food allergies. I remind all families to be mindful of the guidelines set out in Fintona’s Information Handbook. Please do not to send foods containing nuts to school and I ask that you discuss with your daughter that no food is to be shared at school either during school hours or before and after school. I thank you for your support in this matter as we work to provide a safe environment for all our girls.



Fintona Girl Guides

Fintona runs a Girl Guides unit each Friday afternoon from 3:30pm to 5:30 pm in Buick Hall and which is open to girls in Years 1 to 4. In addition to the programs offered at Fintona, as a member of Girl Guides Victoria, your daughter has the opportunity to participate in many other events, including activity days, parades and camps. If your daughter is interested in joining the Guides, Mrs Sue Peat in the Junior School Office has further information.

Punctuality

The Junior School day begins at 8.30am. It makes for a smoother start, for both the girls and the Staff, if the girls arrive in sufficient time to get changed, if necessary, and chat to friends before the bell at 8.30am. At the start of each day important information is disseminated and routines are established either in the classroom or at Assembly. Thank you for your support in this matter.

Parent/Teacher Interviews

On Wednesday 15 February the Junior School will be conducting Parent/Teacher interviews. Please note all bookings are made online through inFintona as per the emails you will have received. This is an opportunity for families to meet with the class teacher and discuss their daughter’s learning. Parents are allocated a 10 minute interview time and I ask that you are mindful of the time as it is hard for those families waiting, if your interview runs overtime. Staff are happy to make an extra appointment at another time, if you would like.

Student Absences

If your daughter is absent please either telephone Mrs Sue Peat on 9880 4444 or email [email protected] on the day of absence and provide a note to the class teacher on her return to school. Whilst I understand it can be difficult to make appointments outside school hours, I do ask that this is done wherever possible. If your daughter arrives late or leaves during the school day, could you please sign the book in the Junior

School office.

Entrance to the Junior School and ELC

Could I please remind all parents and visitors to the Junior School and ELC that they must enter through the Junior School Administration during school hours (this does not include drop off and pick up when entry is through the Junior School courtyard). Please note that during lunchtime the roller door beside the Art room will be closed. If the front door is locked, please ring the doorbell.

Car Parking

Fintona appreciates that the question of parking is a sensitive one and we again ask that parents be considerate when parking in the vicinity of the school. Our neighbours’ driveways should be kept clear at all times.

Out of Hours Care

Fintona works in partnership with Camp Australia to provide Before and After School Care. Camp Australia is the leading provider of quality, safe, fun and professional Out of Hours Care. All programs meet National Standards and Quality Assurance Guidelines as set by the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development. All families who wish to use these programs must be registered with Camp Australia. All matters dealing with registration and bookings are to be done via Camp Australia’s website www.campaustralia.com.au

Out of Hours Care is available for students from Early Learning Centre to Year 6. The Before School Care program operates each morning during term from 7.30am until 8.30am (8.45 am for ELC children), and the After School program operates five afternoons per week from 3.00pm for ELC children and 3.15pm for school children, and closes at 6.00pm. These programs cater for the child care needs of working parents, or those who have commitments extending beyond the normal school hours. Afternoon tea is provided at 4.00pm for children attending the After School Care program and breakfast is provided during Before School Care. Children requiring breakfast need to have arrived by 8.00am. During After School Care, older students will be supervised with their homework following afternoon tea. Both programs are located in the ELC.

Junior School and Early Learning Centre Contact Number

For contact with the Junior School or Early Learning Centre please call the direct telephone number which is 9880 4444.

After School Pick Up

Girls will be supervised in the courtyard after school until 3.40pm. After this time they will be placed into the Out of Hours Care program.

Cars and Young Children in Summer Months

Last year, we received an email from the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development- Victoria asking ask to circulate the following



information to parents and we thought it worthwhile circulating again this year:

Melbourne and greater Victoria will experience extremely high temperatures for the back to school period. Parents and/or guardians are reminded that on hot days it is important never to leave children alone in a car. Temperatures inside a parked car during summer can be around 20 to 30 degrees hotter than the outside temperature. Leaving children in hot cars, even for a moment, can result in serious injury or death. Young children’s smaller body size and under-developed nervous system places them at a much greater risk of life-threatening heatstroke, dehydration and other serious health risks. If a parent or guardian is travelling with a child, never leave them alone in a parked car, not even for one moment.

Once again, I welcome you to the Junior School and hope that 2017 is a wonderful year for your family and friends.

Ms Eleni GoulasHead of Junior School

School BankingOur School Banking program is a fun way for your child to develop the knowledge and confidence to handle their money, combining a savings Reward Program with great activities throughout the year. If you would like your daughter to participate in our School Banking Program, please see Mrs Sue Peat in the Junior School Office.

Year 1

The Year 1 girls are settling in well to their new classroom and have been really organised with their PE uniforms and satchels. The girls have taken great pride in making the classroom their own such as setting up their learning spaces and creating a Year 1 Essential Agreement. We are looking forward to a fun year of learning and experiences! In the classroom, the girls have already begun their ‘How the world works’ Unit of Inquiry. We have been looking at the central idea ‘Change occurs in our natural world'. As an introduction to our unit, we have been discussing the concept of change. We have found lots of changes in our classroom with new windows, a new smartboard and new display areas. We have also conducted several science experiments and explored the idea of reversible change (such as when we melt ice and refreeze it) and irreversible change (such as not being able to separate the tea from water in a cup of tea).

Over the coming weeks, the lines of inquiry of our unit will lead us to explore other types of change, particularly in the life cycles of plants, animals and humans. On Monday 20 February, there will be much excitement in the Year 1 classroom. 10 chicken eggs will be delivered to our classroom, all set up in their incubator. We will be able to experience firsthand how these eggs will hatch and then watch our chickens grow! What a fantastic start to our learning this year!

Pictured: Isabelle and Sarah learning about rice

Kym DanceyYear 1 Classroom Teacher

PYP – A Positive CultureAs the school year commences here at Fintona Girls' School, the ELC and Junior School teachers have been busy establishing classroom routines, getting to know their students personally and academically and reintroducing them to the language of the Primary Years Program (PYP). The initial weeks of the school year provide a rich, authentic context for student and teacher inquiry. A PYP school is infused with a sense of purpose and a spirit of inquiry. Both students and teachers are courageously heading into the unknown with a sense of wonder of what is to come and how the year ahead will unfold. Encourage these questions and discussions with your children, and support a positive attitude as they venture into the New Year. From the first weeks of the school year, students begin to realise that this is an environment in which they will have voice, and in which they are expected to actively investigate as opposed to passively obtain information.

Students have been working collaboratively with their teachers to establish Essential Agreements. Joint construction of these Agreements engages the students in the process, allows voice and choice in how their classroom will look and feel while also making students more accountable for their actions. These are not a set of rules telling us what not to do, but rather what we shall do to enable a safe and constructive learning environment and promote a positive culture. Gone are the days of ‘we will not…’ along with the chalk and blackboards. These Agreements are displayed prominently throughout the school and signed by all students that they apply to. Take the opportunity to chat with your



children about the Essential Agreements they have worked on. This may be something that you and your family would like to establish in your homes. How will you show the attributes of an inquirer and begin your year with a positive mindset?

Mrs Lucy BrayPYP Co-ordinator

Year 3 Off to a Great Start

It has been a hectic but wonderful start to our year so far in Year 3. Last week, we visited the Life Education Van to learn about feelings, asthma and food labelling. You may like to have a discussion about these things with your child and find out what they have learnt. We also came up with our Essential Agreement to guide our learning and behaviour in the classroom.

This week we have been busy with swimming. We have just started to find out what we know about persuasion and are inquiring into place value for Mathematics. Thank you to all the parents for their support, as the first few weeks can be challenging to get back into routines.

Pictured: Year 3 having fun at the pool

Mrs Lucy Bray & Mrs Barb LackiClass Teachers

Come Dance with UsDance Fitness conducts exciting and fun jazz and ballet classes for students in K4 ELC and Prep to Year 4 at Fintona during lunchtimes and after school. No extra picking up and dropping off required! Students will experience everything dance has to offer in a familiar, fun and friendly environment.

ELC 4YO Ballet: Tuesdays 3.10pm – 3.40pmPrep & Year 1 Ballet: Tuesday lunchtimeYears 3 & 4 Jazz: Thursday lunchtimeYears 1 & 2 Ballet/Jazz: Tuesday 3.45pm – 4.30pm

Enrolments are open now! You can enrol online via the website: www.dancefitnessvictoria.com.au just follow the links to Surrey Hills Studio. Please contact Ash on 0403 135 850, or email [email protected] if you have any questions.

Early Learning Centre

Welcome to the 2017 ELC Learning CommunityThe Early Learning Centre staff and I extend a warm welcome to all our new ELC families and welcome back our returning families for 2017. We hope that you had a happy and restful break and we look forward to an exciting, busy year full of learning and excitement. The ELC staff and I look forward to getting to know both you and your child and we hope to create many opportunities for collaboration with you and your family. Fintona ELC values a culture of open and honest communication and we welcome your feedback and input as the year progresses. If you have any ideas or suggestions, the staff and I would love to discuss them with you. I am always available for a chat and invite you to make an appointment to see me if you need to.

Sun Smart Policy



Fintona is a SunSmart School therefore we must implement strategies to prevent children suffering from excessive sun exposure in the summer months. All children must wear a hat every day when outdoors in Term 1 and 4. If they do not bring a hat, they may be restricted in terms of where they are allowed to play when they are outside. We also ask that you please put sunscreen on your child before they come to kindergarten, and we will re-apply it during the day if necessary. We do keep sunscreens in the ELC classrooms, but if you would prefer your child uses a specific brand please supply a tube to your classroom teacher.

Allergy Aware EnvironmentAt Fintona we strive to create an ‘Allergy Aware’ environment and endeavour to be ‘nut free’. This is because we have a number of children attending the ELC who have severe and life-threatening allergies. As an Allergy Aware school, we aim to educate parents as to the serious nature of these allergies, as well as minimise the allergens that children are exposed to. With this in mind, please do not send any food items that include nuts, nut products or traces of nuts. This includes any foods cooked in oils derived from nuts, such as peanut oil. When ELC staff cook with the children they do not use nuts or any nut based products. ELC staff are also very mindful of the other allergies that are present in their classroom and always ensure that they use suitable foods when cooking, substituting ingredients when necessary. We thank you for your co-operation in this very important matter.

Pictured: Xander Russo and Eliana Lorenzi enjoying their first day back at Kinder

Ms Cara MearnsHead of Early Learning Centre

Community NoticesFintona Out of School Hours Care - InformationWelcome back to the new school year. We hope you enjoyed the summer break, and have had a smooth start to Term 1. After having a fantastic holiday, we are back on board and excited to see familiar faces returning – as well as some new faces. For more information Read More

Stage Australia ‘Join us in the Spotlight’Drama, Musical Theatre and Dance for young people. Stage Australia operates their range of drama, musical theatre and dance classes at 18 locations across metro Melbourne. If you would like a brochure from Stage Australia, please see Mrs Sue Peat in the Junior School Office.

Australian Girls ChoirCome along and try free classes, if your Junior School daughter likes performance, voice and dance. Read More

TuckshopMiddle & Senior SchoolShannon 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 SchoolOrder 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. The Sustainable Uniform Shop is a new initiative. Read More The Uniform Shop is open the first and third Monday of the month during term; 3.00pm-4.00pm.

Fintona Parents' Association, Friends of Music and Friends of Rowing. Read More

See what is happening in the weeks ahead. Please Note: Parents can access the School Calendar via inFintona. Read More

Permanent and casual places available in Out of Hours School Care. Read More

Middle & Senior School lunches and snacks Read MoreELC & Junior School lunches, order online https://fintona.mycanteen.co

Check notices sent home and when to return them to School. Read More



from the principal - fintona girls' school...6.30pm-8.30pm margaret cunningham hal term 4 (10...

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