What a busy start to Term 3.

I hope everyone is staying warm and dry in this sudden burst of Winter weather.

Last Friday we were able to farewell Mr Langford in style. A great reflection from students, the school council and staff on his time at Carrum. It was great for our students to say goodbye and well done to Kai and Meila on their wonderful speech on behalf of the students.

    
            

Our Junior School Council also organised Pyjama Day and chose this year to donate to Guide Dogs Australia. This dress up day is a particular favourite of Carrum staff, and I know many students told me they just came straight to school after getting out of bed. I wonder if it made the morning hustle a bit easier for some families? It was great to see our teachers in their stylish and matching PJs too.

The school has been a bit quieter at the start of the week as our P-2 and Yr 5/6 students have spent the last three days participating in their first week of the swimming program. This program is a government initiative so all students can receive quality swimming and water safety education so primary school students can have the opportunity to learn how to swim and develop lifelong skills in water safety to reduce their risk of drowning and injury. This is an essential skill particularly for Carrum students to have living in a Bayside suburb close to water.

Congratulations to our Prep students as tomorrow they will celebrate 100 days of school. What an achievement and how fast this year has flown for our young students. I know the teachers have been busy planning for this day and have some great activities planned. As parents you must also be feeling very proud!

This week we have had some of our staff participate in Professional Learning to upskill in our whole school programs. We aim to have all staff educated in the Orton-Gillingham (OG) training which is an explicit synthetic phonics program that underpins our literacy programme and the Berry Street Educational Model. Both these courses are quite intensive, and our teachers are trained over four days. Like our students our teachers are continually learning to improve their practise which impacts student outcomes.

We have had our save the date flyer in the newsletter recently for the school performance, as a reminder this is September 8^th and 9^th stay tuned for costume requirements and more communication about official times.

Finally, a huge shout out to our Teamkids educators. Yesterday was Out of School Hours Educators Day and we are so grateful for the wonderful programmes Teamkids provide and the amazing support Renee and Declan give to our school.

Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend

Cassie Kennedy

As spring approaches, thousands of migratory shorebirds and seabirds return to Victoria from the Northern Hemisphere between August and October. These birds are an important part of our environment, but they also increase the risk of diseases such as H5N1 avian influenza (bird flu) entering Australia.

While the risk to people remains very low, bird flu can have serious consequences for poultry, including our much-loved school chickens. We all have an important role in helping keep them safe.

Over the past few weeks, we have noticed seagulls visiting our school every day to feed on food scraps left on the ground after recess and lunch. The more food that is left outside, the more wild birds are attracted to our school. Reducing the number of wild birds on our grounds is one simple way we can help protect our chickens.

How can we help?

Protect our chickens

• Please do not feed or encourage wild birds near the chicken enclosure.
• If you notice wild birds inside or around the chicken area, let a staff member know.

Support Nude Food

• Bring lunches with as little packaging as possible.
• Eat all your food where possible.
• Make sure no food is left on the ground after recess or lunch.

Keep our school clean

• Place all food scraps and rubbish in the correct bins.
• Help pick up any litter if you see it.

Respect wildlife

• Do not touch sick, injured or dead birds.
• Tell a staff member immediately if you find a sick or dead bird at school.

Practise good hygiene

• Wash your hands after being near animals and always before eating.

By keeping our school grounds clean and free of food scraps, we can discourage seagulls and other wild birds from visiting our school and reduce the chance of contact with our chickens.

Thank you for helping protect our animals, care for our environment and keep our school community safe.

At Carrum Primary School, we are fortunate to have a unique learning environment that includes our farm, gardens, Wetlands and animal enclosures. These spaces provide valuable opportunities for students to connect with nature, learn about sustainability, and develop respect for living things.

Unfortunately, we continue to find large amounts of rubbish across the school grounds every day. Plastic wrappers, food packaging, drink containers and other waste are regularly found in our gardens, Wetlands and animal areas. While this rubbish may not always be deliberately placed there, wind can easily carry litter into sensitive areas.

This is becoming a serious animal welfare issue.

Yesterday, Pebble was found eating a piece of plastic packaging that had blown into the enclosure. Plastic and other rubbish can cause illness, injury, blockages and, in some cases, can be life-threatening for animals.

In addition, last week Pebble became unwell after eating citrus fruit that had been given or thrown into the enclosure. The citrus caused vomiting and distress. While food may be offered with good intentions, many foods that are safe for humans can be harmful to animals.

No food should ever be fed to any of the school animals unless directed by staff. Each animal has specific dietary requirements, and feeding inappropriate foods can cause serious health problems.

The problem extends beyond our farm. Our wetlands are home to frogs, birds, bees, insects and many other important species. Rubbish, sport balls and other waste can damage habitats and threaten the biodiversity that makes this area so special.

Adding more bins has been trialled in the past and did not significantly reduce litter. The solution requires all members of our community to take responsibility for their waste and support our Nude Food initiatives wherever possible. Reducing packaging, taking rubbish home when necessary, and ensuring all waste is placed securely in the correct locations can make a significant difference.

We also ask families to be mindful of dogs on school grounds outside school hours. Dogs must remain on a leash at all times, in accordance with local regulations. Staff have observed unleashed dogs entering areas near the farm and animal enclosures. There are occasions when animals have access to free-range areas, and uncontrolled dogs can create unnecessary stress and safety risks.

In addition, dog urine and faeces in garden beds present hygiene concerns. Many of the vegetables grown in these areas are used in our Kitchen Garden program, and students regularly work with the soil and plants. Animal waste can contaminate garden areas, creating health and safety risks for both students and staff.

We cannot protect our animals, wetlands and gardens without the support of our entire community.

Please help us:

• Support our Nude Food initiatives and reduce unnecessary packaging.
• Ensure all rubbish is disposed of responsibly.
• Never throw food scraps into animal enclosures.
• Never feed any of the school animals.
• Keep our wetlands, gardens and animal areas free from litter.
• Keep dogs on a leash at all times when visiting school grounds.
• Respect the farm, animals and learning spaces.

Our animals rely entirely on us to keep them safe. Every piece of rubbish picked up, every food scrap kept out of enclosures, and every responsible action taken helps protect the wellbeing of our animals, our wetlands, and the many species that call our school home.

Together, we can create a cleaner, safer and healthier environment for our students, animals and local wildlife.

CHOCOLATE

    
We’re bursting with excitement to let you know that bookings for our Winter Holiday Program are now officially OPEN for Carrum Primary!

TeamKids has another exciting school holiday program planned this winter!

Families can look forward to:

• Unique daily experiences, incursions and excursions ?
• Screen-free fun and active play ?
• Delicious morning and afternoon snacks included daily ?
• CCS-approved care ✅
• Flexible booking options ?

 Check out what's on at your school → https://downloads.teamkids.com.au/carrum_primary.pdf

 Book now → www.teamkids.com.au/venues/carrum-primary-oshc



    

Parent Pathways program is open to parents and caregivers with children under the age of 6, who currently receive a support payment through Centrelink.

Program participants are eligible for funding up to $1,250 per year to access services and build a brighter future for their families.

We provide support across a range of areas, including:

• Financial support through grocery and fuel vouchers and funding for essential items
• Building confidence and digital skills
• Allied health
• Transportation
• Study and training pathways
• Connecting with local community supports
• Crisis support

    



Piano Dynamics – Patterson Lakes 

Don’t miss this opportunity!!!   Start your children’s musical education today.

What better way than to improve self-esteem and showcase your child’s development than through music.  For younger children, playing the piano helps develop listening skills as well as coordination. Piano also improves cognitive and intellectual abilities such as memory, reading and maths skills.  I  am offering an introductory half price lesson to all new students who wish to develop their musical skills.  Certified  exams also offered.   I am a fully qualified teacher who has extensive experience in teaching all ages and levels.
Ring me now to organise your  introductory half price lesson.

Carolyn Rossis                                                                                                                                                          
Dip of Ed and Grad Dip of Music Toorak                                                                                                                           
Current children’s check and accrediated member of VMTA                  www.pianodynmics.com.au    [email protected]                                                                         (m) 0409 131 961

Students of all ages are tutored in private one-to-one lessons. Children are taught in a positive and nurturing environment. The tuition sessions are designed according to the student’s individual needs, which are regularly evaluated and form part of ongoing assessment. I tailor to the needs of each student, which is delivered in a positive learning environment designed to foster self-esteem and motivate students to achieve their full potential.  Students with special needs are also catered for.

The core work covers the following:

READING: To develop Comprehension, Accuracy, Fluency and Expanded Vocabulary.

WRITING: Examines the different genres and includes writing organisations for each genre, essay writing, spelling, punctuation, grammar and editing skills.

MATHEMATICS: Covers Numeracy & Algebra, Measurement & Geometry and Statistics & Probability

EXAM PREPARATIONS: These helps identify the student’s progress and help develop skills for NAPLAN, ICAS, scholarship and entrance exams

Carolyn Susan Rossis

Diploma of Education and Graduate Diploma of Music

Email:  [email protected]

Current children’s check and fully COVID vaccinated

(M) 0409 131 961

School Holiday Confidence & Self-Defence Program (Ages 5–13)

We’re excited to share a local school holiday program focused on building confidence, resilience, and practical self-defence skills in a safe and supportive environment.

Students can take part in a 7-Day unlimited training pass, designed to be beginner-friendly and engaging for all experience levels.

- Limited spots available
- Special school community offer available

For more information or to book, please contact:
Paul – 0419 753 930

            

             

Local Community Events, things to try and Sports Clubs