Penbank Letter Home
Celebrating growth in Term 1
On Wednesday at our Senior Campus Assembly, I asked the students to reflect on their growth this term, what has happened for them and how their experiences this term have shaped them as individuals and as learners. This may have been a camp, an activity, or a learning experience. Each of these may or may not have contributed to their development as human beings and how they learn to understand themselves and interact with those around them.
Adults are not immune to growth. As teachers, we are fortunate to share many of our students’ experiences. Like the students, we often experience growth through those shared experiences. For some families, the experiences extended beyond the classroom and into homes, particularly for our Penbank families, who recently hosted students from Wugularr School as part of the Wugubank Partnership. Many of these families have reached out to me during the past week to express the extent of this experience’s impact on their entire family. These experiences are potentially life-changing.
For me, this has been a term of growth and reflection on many fronts. From my time on the Overland Track in Tasmania to attending an IB conference in Adelaide and hearing from outstanding educators such as Helen Street and Jane Jarvis. We were also very privileged to hear from and spend time with June Oscar AO, who presented on indigenous education and the Studio Schools program in Western Australia. Part of this session involved hearing from indigenous people from Hawaii and New Zealand and the amazing way that they connect with their culture and customs through education, decolonising their curriculum.
Each of these experiences allowed me the opportunity to reflect on our philosophy at Woodleigh and think about how we are preparing students for their future. These were positive experiences, affirming, and also challenging. The opportunities for our school are boundless, and the responsibility of our task weighs heavy on our shoulders.
I hope each of you have experienced growth this term and that, as human beings, we continue to be excited about possibilities and energised about what we can do for our students both now and in the future.
I wish all of our families a wonderful Easter break. I hope you have time together as families, camping or holidaying, or simply relaxing at home.
DAVID BAKER
Principal
Everyone in! Penbank Letter Home
We have reflected on an amazing finale to the term celebrating Cultural Diversity and Wugubank Week. In addition, our Year 3 and 4 students in Katherine and Justin’s groups have enjoyed a wonderful experience this week camping at Golden Valleys Ranch. Our final day was also a special one with both Junior Campuses gathering for a combined sports day. A wonderful conclusion to the term!
Term 1 Reflection
Settling children back into school has involved a learning curve for children. School has been a significantly busier place! Although some camps were able to go ahead in previous years, mostly the curriculum has been depleted of the external experiences that were an important function of school life. For parents too, there has equally been an adjustment. Working collaboratively with parents, we are consistently developing programs and providing appropriate boundaries to ensure that all children learn in the best possible way.
The school’s 3R’s – Respect for Self, Respect for Others, Respect for the Environment - are fundamental principles and beliefs that guide our children and our work. Being a responsible member of a team is a critical life skill and one that is prioritised as children learn the skills to be considerate and respectful members of our community. The Learner Profiles of the PYP ensure that these skills are developed as children mature in their ability to cooperate and learn within a collaborative approach.
Everyone in! A wonderful Wugubank Week
Cultural Diversity Week reinforces that ‘Everyone Belongs.’ We saw this togetherness in action throughout Wugubank Week and the Harmony Day Picnic. A family afternoon at Point Leo, a fun-filled day at Luna Park, school days, Melbourne experiences including Sky Deck, the Zoo, and the Harmony Picnic, all contributed to a fantastic experience for the Wugularr children, their host families, staff from both schools and Penbank students.
The purpose of the Wugubank Collaboration is the uniting of our two schools and their communities through a cultural relationship that connects our communities through community and school engagement. Wugubank provides experiences that enable people to learn through a meaningful two-way experience promoting long-lasting relationships, friendship, and opportunity.
When we’re together, everyone belongs. Younger children enjoyed the visits by Joyce and Justine who loved teaching the children their language (Kriol) through activities and stories. School Meeting was celebrated together led by Savannah, Year 6, and Fiona, a Wugularr student. We concluded the meeting singing the Torres Strait Islander song, Kaiapi, with great heart.
I especially thank Andy for her coordination of the Harmony Day Picnic and thank all staff and families from both schools for the trust and support extended to the Wugularr children while at Penbank last week. It is a massive effort all round and an incredible commitment. Such a huge journey from the Top End to the bottom - in all, it was an incredible time.
Boh boh, Wugularr mob!
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Achievements
At the end of the term, we congratulate several students on their sporting achievements.
A very big congratulations to the Penbank Lightning basketball team who won the Grand Final for their division.
A special congratulations to Kaya Khoza (Year 5) who was awarded, Player of the Match. Well done, Kaya!
Olivia Bam (Year 6) has been highly successful in the term’s school and inter-school swimming competitions, most recently coming second in breaststroke in the Southeast Regional SSV Swimming Carnival. This is an outstanding achievement, with Olivia recognised for her excellence as a swimmer at a regional level.
Jimmy Gleeson (Year 5) has been chosen to represent Team AKAW at the MIC International Tournament to be held in Girona, one hour away from Barcelona, Spain. Jimmy will be playing soccer against teams from across the world in front of academy coaches. We wish Jimmy great success and look forward to hearing all about this amazing experience when he returns!
Again, thank you for a wonderful term. My love and best wishes to you all for a relaxing and refreshing Easter break.
VIVIENNE
Head of Penbank Campus
Key Dates:
TERM 2 2023
WEEK 1
Monday 24 April - Staff Professional Learning Day (student-free day)
Tuesday 25 April - Anzac Day Holiday
Wednesday 26 April - Term 2 commences for students
WEEK 2
Thursday 4 May - Penbank Cross Country
Friday 5 May - Hands On Science Incursion (Year 3 & 4)
WEEK 3 - CANBERRA CAMP WEEK (Year 6)
8 – 12 May - Canberra Camp Year 6
Wednesday 10 May – PFG Meeting 1.45pm
Sunday 14 May - Mother’s Day
WEEK 4
Tuesday 16 May - District Cross Country @ Penbank
Wednesday 17 May - ECC 4 Photos (School PIx)
Wednesday 17 May - IDAHOBIT Day
Thursday 18 May Mother’s Day Out Lunch
Friday 19 May – ECC 3 Photos (School Pix)
WEEK 5
Thursday 25 May - Body Safe (Year 5)
Friday 26 May – Sorry Day
WEEK 6 - National Reconciliation Week
Wednesday 31 May - Division Cross Country @ Hastings
Thursday 1 June - Body Safe (Year 5)
WEEK 7
Thursday 8 June - Body Safe (Year 5 & 6)
Friday 9 June - Report Writing Day (student free, ECC 3 as normal) TBC
WEEK 8
Monday 12 June - Queen’s Birthday Holiday
Wednesday 14 June - Regional Cross Country @ Hastings
Wednesday 14 June- PFG Meeting 1.45pm
Thursday 15 June - Body Safe (Year 5 & 6)
Friday 16 June - Winter Lightening Premiership, various venues
Friday 16 June - Reports distributed
WEEK 9
Tuesday 20 June - World Refugee Day
Tuesday 20 June - Parent/Teacher Interviews in response to reports
Thursday 22 June - Body Safe (Year 5 & 6)
Friday 23 June - Term 2 Ends
New Woodleigh App - Download Now!
We are excited to announce the Term 2 launch of Woodleigh's new School Stream app, which will improve how we communicate with families and keep you updated with all the latest news and events at our school.
Please download the app before Term 2 starts on Wednesday 26 April.
We will be starting the new term using the app as our primary parent communication tool.
Up to Date and In the Know
The new app has been designed with modern families in mind. You will receive notifications about important events, school news, and updates directly to your mobile. School Stream integrates with our Tass student database, meaning you will only receive the news and information relevant to your children and family. This means you will never miss an important announcement, whether it's news about an event, a change in the school schedule, or upcoming parent-student-teacher interviews.
The app enables easy access to our Learning Management platforms – SEQTA and Seesaw – where you can check on your child's timetable, progress, assignments and teacher feedback.
Get Started
To get started, please download the School Stream app from the App Store or Google Play, search for Woodleigh School in the app and sign up using the mobile number you have registered with our school database. Once you are signed up, you can explore the app's features.
We understand your time is valuable, and by keeping you informed and connected to the school, we hope to foster a stronger sense of community and support for your child's education.
Please download the app and start exploring its features today. If you have any questions or need assistance, please don't hesitate to contact the comms team via email: news@woodleigh.vic.edu.au
ADAM LIDDIARD
Director of Community Relations
School Transport Conveyance Allowance - Term 2, 2023
The Conveyance Allowance only applies to students attending Senior Campus and students attending Penbank Campus. These families are eligible to receive help with the cost of transporting their children to their nearest school or campus. The allowance is a contribution towards transport costs, and is not intended to cover the full cost. It is available to students travelling by public transport, private car or private bus.
The Victorian Minister for Education has amended the definition of the closest appropriate school / campus (Instrument of Specification). This may impact some of our families who have been unable to make a claim in the past, or were deemed ineligible.
Woodleigh School and Bayside Christian College are registered the same and classified as same-type schools. Therefore, previously if you lived closer to Bayside Christian College you would have been deemed ineligible to receive the conveyance allowance. However, parents can now apply for consideration by providing a “signed letter” to the school stating why the closest school of the same denomination is not appropriate for their child. You must include your child’s name and demonstrate the below points:
The student does not belong to, or associate with, the school’s particular religion, or engage in religious activity associated with the school’s religious doctrines; and
The relevant school compulsorily requires its students to engage in religious activity associated with that religion or religious doctrines.
The Department of Education and Training will review individual applications on their merits. Please note that you must still meet the main criteria listed below.
Completed conveyance application forms must be signed by the parent or guardian (page 4) and be submitted to the School no later than Friday 19 May. If you have previously submitted a form and there is no change to mode of transport or address details, you are not required to complete a new form for 2023.
New forms must be completed for students attending the School for the first time, or existing conveyance allowance claimants who have a change of circumstances affecting eligibility. For example:
- Moving residence or changing their mode of transport;
- Changing schools / campuses, ie/ Penbank Campus to Woodleigh Campus
- The Department of Education and Training’s main criteria for student eligibility is:
- The School attended is the nearest appropriate school (or attach supporting letter, as above)
- The student resides more than 4.8 km from the school by the shortest practicable route.
- Students are of school age 5 – 18 years and enrolled at school for 3 or more days per week.
To apply for a conveyance allowance, parents are required to complete the appropriate forms:
Travel by contract bus: Conveyance Allowance Application – Private Bus Travel
Travel by myki bus: Conveyance Allowance Application – Public Transport Travel. Must provide proof of purchase ie/ copy of receipt or ticket.
Travel by car: Conveyance Allowance Application – Private Car Travel will need to be completed for each student, listing all students travelling in the nominated vehicle.
Combined travel: Each appropriate form will need to be completed as above, e.g. drive further than 4.8km to catch public transport (Private Car/Public Transport).
Please note for Woodleigh Campus families: If you live within 4.8km of public transport (ie/ one of our myki buses) and choose to travel by private bus or car, you will not be eligible to claim the conveyance allowance.
Lodgment of Applications
The School will lodge 4 claims a year (1 per Term) with the Department of Education and Training. The Department will reimburse the school and the allowance will be credited to your fee account in installments. Completed applications need to be received by Friday 19 May, 2023 to be included in the Term 2 claim.
Contract Bus Reimbursement is determined on the basis of the shortest practicable route from the student’s residence to the school, and not the actual distance travelled in the bus.
Public Transport The cost of fares will be fully refunded.
Private Car Reimbursement is made on the basis of the one-way distance travelled per vehicle and the number of students in that vehicle. Payment is made to the family operating the vehicle.
If you have any queries please contact Robyn Kent on 5971 6100 or email rkent@woodleigh.vic.edu.au.
ROBYN KENT
Bus Co-ordinator
Myki Bus Travel Updates
Travelling on Woodleigh School’s Non-Contract Myki Buses
Valid Myki cards are required
All Woodleigh School students travelling on public buses must have a valid Myki card. These are not free buses and it is the student’s obligation to touch on and touch off with a valid Myki when boarding and disembarking. Fare evasion is a serious offense and can incur substantial fines. Non-compliance could also result in these bus services being withdrawn by PTV (Public Transport Victoria).
Student ID cards for students aged 17+
Students aged 17 and over are also required to carry a valid VPT School Student Id card or government-issued proof of age card (ie/ driver's licence, learners permit) to travel.
Cashless transactions
Please also note that cash transactions were permanently removed from Myki-enabled buses in 2020 in support of safer bus journeys. Alternatives available are:
- Instant Myki money: top up via the PTV app
- Online at ptv.vi.gov.au/myki
- Myki retailers
- Quick top-up machines
- Myki machines
- Ticket offices, including train stations and PTV Hubs
More information and application forms are available on the PTV website.
Pick Up Times
Please note that pickup times are given by Ventura Bus Lines as approximates only so students need to be at their stop at least 5 minutes prior to the pickup time listed on the timetable. To assist Bus Drivers to distinguish between the general public and Woodleigh School students, the bus lines also request that our students flag the bus down.
If you have any queries please contact Robyn Kent at Senior Campus on 5971 6100 or email buses@woodleigh.vic.edu.au
We have reflected on an amazing finale to the term celebrating Cultural Diversity and Wugubank Week. In addition, our Year 3 and 4 students in Katherine and Justin’s groups have enjoyed a wonderful experience this week camping at Golden Valleys Ranch. Our final day was also a special one with both Junior Campuses gathering for a combined sports day. A wonderful conclusion to the term!
Term 1 Reflection
Settling children back into school has involved a learning curve for children. School has been a significantly busier place! Although some camps were able to go ahead in previous years, mostly the curriculum has been depleted of the external experiences that were an important function of school life. For parents too, there has equally been an adjustment. Working collaboratively with parents, we are consistently developing programs and providing appropriate boundaries to ensure that all children learn in the best possible way.
The school’s 3R’s – Respect for Self, Respect for Others, Respect for the Environment - are fundamental principles and beliefs that guide our children and our work. Being a responsible member of a team is a critical life skill and one that is prioritised as children learn the skills to be considerate and respectful members of our community. The Learner Profiles of the PYP ensure that these skills are developed as children mature in their ability to cooperate and learn within a collaborative approach.
Everyone in! A wonderful Wugubank Week
Cultural Diversity Week reinforces that ‘Everyone Belongs.’ We saw this togetherness in action throughout Wugubank Week and the Harmony Day Picnic. A family afternoon at Point Leo, a fun-filled day at Luna Park, school days, Melbourne experiences including Sky Deck, the Zoo, and the Harmony Picnic, all contributed to a fantastic experience for the Wugularr children, their host families, staff from both schools and Penbank students.
The purpose of the Wugubank Collaboration is the uniting of our two schools and their communities through a cultural relationship that connects our communities through community and school engagement. Wugubank provides experiences that enable people to learn through a meaningful two-way experience promoting long-lasting relationships, friendship, and opportunity.
When we’re together, everyone belongs. Younger children enjoyed the visits by Joyce and Justine who loved teaching the children their language (Kriol) through activities and stories. School Meeting was celebrated together led by Savannah, Year 6, and Fiona, a Wugularr student. We concluded the meeting singing the Torres Strait Islander song, Kaiapi, with great heart.
I especially thank Andy for her coordination of the Harmony Day Picnic and thank all staff and families from both schools for the trust and support extended to the Wugularr children while at Penbank last week. It is a massive effort all round and an incredible commitment. Such a huge journey from the Top End to the bottom - in all, it was an incredible time.
Boh boh, Wugularr mob!
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Achievements
At the end of the term, we congratulate several students on their sporting achievements.
A very big congratulations to the Penbank Lightning basketball team who won the Grand Final for their division.
A special congratulations to Kaya Khoza (Year 5) who was awarded, Player of the Match. Well done, Kaya!
Olivia Bam (Year 6) has been highly successful in the term’s school and inter-school swimming competitions, most recently coming second in breaststroke in the Southeast Regional SSV Swimming Carnival. This is an outstanding achievement, with Olivia recognised for her excellence as a swimmer at a regional level.
Jimmy Gleeson (Year 5) has been chosen to represent Team AKAW at the MIC International Tournament to be held in Girona, one hour away from Barcelona, Spain. Jimmy will be playing soccer against teams from across the world in front of academy coaches. We wish Jimmy great success and look forward to hearing all about this amazing experience when he returns!
Again, thank you for a wonderful term. My love and best wishes to you all for a relaxing and refreshing Easter break.
VIVIENNE
Head of Penbank Campus
Key Dates:
TERM 2 2023
WEEK 1
Monday 24 April - Staff Professional Learning Day (student-free day)
Tuesday 25 April - Anzac Day Holiday
Wednesday 26 April - Term 2 commences for students
WEEK 2
Thursday 4 May - Penbank Cross Country
Friday 5 May - Hands On Science Incursion (Year 3 & 4)
WEEK 3 - CANBERRA CAMP WEEK (Year 6)
8 – 12 May - Canberra Camp Year 6
Wednesday 10 May – PFG Meeting 1.45pm
Sunday 14 May - Mother’s Day
WEEK 4
Tuesday 16 May - District Cross Country @ Penbank
Wednesday 17 May - ECC 4 Photos (School PIx)
Wednesday 17 May - IDAHOBIT Day
Thursday 18 May Mother’s Day Out Lunch
Friday 19 May – ECC 3 Photos (School Pix)
WEEK 5
Thursday 25 May - Body Safe (Year 5)
Friday 26 May – Sorry Day
WEEK 6 - National Reconciliation Week
Wednesday 31 May - Division Cross Country @ Hastings
Thursday 1 June - Body Safe (Year 5)
WEEK 7
Thursday 8 June - Body Safe (Year 5 & 6)
Friday 9 June - Report Writing Day (student free, ECC 3 as normal) TBC
WEEK 8
Monday 12 June - Queen’s Birthday Holiday
Wednesday 14 June - Regional Cross Country @ Hastings
Wednesday 14 June- PFG Meeting 1.45pm
Thursday 15 June - Body Safe (Year 5 & 6)
Friday 16 June - Winter Lightening Premiership, various venues
Friday 16 June - Reports distributed
WEEK 9
Tuesday 20 June - World Refugee Day
Tuesday 20 June - Parent/Teacher Interviews in response to reports
Thursday 22 June - Body Safe (Year 5 & 6)
Friday 23 June - Term 2 Ends
We are excited to announce the Term 2 launch of Woodleigh's new School Stream app, which will improve how we communicate with families and keep you updated with all the latest news and events at our school.
Please download the app before Term 2 starts on Wednesday 26 April.
We will be starting the new term using the app as our primary parent communication tool.
Up to Date and In the Know
The new app has been designed with modern families in mind. You will receive notifications about important events, school news, and updates directly to your mobile. School Stream integrates with our Tass student database, meaning you will only receive the news and information relevant to your children and family. This means you will never miss an important announcement, whether it's news about an event, a change in the school schedule, or upcoming parent-student-teacher interviews.
The app enables easy access to our Learning Management platforms – SEQTA and Seesaw – where you can check on your child's timetable, progress, assignments and teacher feedback.
Get Started
To get started, please download the School Stream app from the App Store or Google Play, search for Woodleigh School in the app and sign up using the mobile number you have registered with our school database. Once you are signed up, you can explore the app's features.
We understand your time is valuable, and by keeping you informed and connected to the school, we hope to foster a stronger sense of community and support for your child's education.
Please download the app and start exploring its features today. If you have any questions or need assistance, please don't hesitate to contact the comms team via email: news@woodleigh.vic.edu.au
ADAM LIDDIARD
Director of Community Relations
The Conveyance Allowance only applies to students attending Senior Campus and students attending Penbank Campus. These families are eligible to receive help with the cost of transporting their children to their nearest school or campus. The allowance is a contribution towards transport costs, and is not intended to cover the full cost. It is available to students travelling by public transport, private car or private bus.
The Victorian Minister for Education has amended the definition of the closest appropriate school / campus (Instrument of Specification). This may impact some of our families who have been unable to make a claim in the past, or were deemed ineligible.
Woodleigh School and Bayside Christian College are registered the same and classified as same-type schools. Therefore, previously if you lived closer to Bayside Christian College you would have been deemed ineligible to receive the conveyance allowance. However, parents can now apply for consideration by providing a “signed letter” to the school stating why the closest school of the same denomination is not appropriate for their child. You must include your child’s name and demonstrate the below points:
The student does not belong to, or associate with, the school’s particular religion, or engage in religious activity associated with the school’s religious doctrines; and
The relevant school compulsorily requires its students to engage in religious activity associated with that religion or religious doctrines.
The Department of Education and Training will review individual applications on their merits. Please note that you must still meet the main criteria listed below.
Completed conveyance application forms must be signed by the parent or guardian (page 4) and be submitted to the School no later than Friday 19 May. If you have previously submitted a form and there is no change to mode of transport or address details, you are not required to complete a new form for 2023.
New forms must be completed for students attending the School for the first time, or existing conveyance allowance claimants who have a change of circumstances affecting eligibility. For example:
- Moving residence or changing their mode of transport;
- Changing schools / campuses, ie/ Penbank Campus to Woodleigh Campus
- The Department of Education and Training’s main criteria for student eligibility is:
- The School attended is the nearest appropriate school (or attach supporting letter, as above)
- The student resides more than 4.8 km from the school by the shortest practicable route.
- Students are of school age 5 – 18 years and enrolled at school for 3 or more days per week.
To apply for a conveyance allowance, parents are required to complete the appropriate forms:
Travel by contract bus: Conveyance Allowance Application – Private Bus Travel
Travel by myki bus: Conveyance Allowance Application – Public Transport Travel. Must provide proof of purchase ie/ copy of receipt or ticket.
Travel by car: Conveyance Allowance Application – Private Car Travel will need to be completed for each student, listing all students travelling in the nominated vehicle.
Combined travel: Each appropriate form will need to be completed as above, e.g. drive further than 4.8km to catch public transport (Private Car/Public Transport).
Please note for Woodleigh Campus families: If you live within 4.8km of public transport (ie/ one of our myki buses) and choose to travel by private bus or car, you will not be eligible to claim the conveyance allowance.
Lodgment of Applications
The School will lodge 4 claims a year (1 per Term) with the Department of Education and Training. The Department will reimburse the school and the allowance will be credited to your fee account in installments. Completed applications need to be received by Friday 19 May, 2023 to be included in the Term 2 claim.
Contract Bus Reimbursement is determined on the basis of the shortest practicable route from the student’s residence to the school, and not the actual distance travelled in the bus.
Public Transport The cost of fares will be fully refunded.
Private Car Reimbursement is made on the basis of the one-way distance travelled per vehicle and the number of students in that vehicle. Payment is made to the family operating the vehicle.
If you have any queries please contact Robyn Kent on 5971 6100 or email rkent@woodleigh.vic.edu.au.
ROBYN KENT
Bus Co-ordinator
Travelling on Woodleigh School’s Non-Contract Myki Buses
Valid Myki cards are required
All Woodleigh School students travelling on public buses must have a valid Myki card. These are not free buses and it is the student’s obligation to touch on and touch off with a valid Myki when boarding and disembarking. Fare evasion is a serious offense and can incur substantial fines. Non-compliance could also result in these bus services being withdrawn by PTV (Public Transport Victoria).
Student ID cards for students aged 17+
Students aged 17 and over are also required to carry a valid VPT School Student Id card or government-issued proof of age card (ie/ driver's licence, learners permit) to travel.
Cashless transactions
Please also note that cash transactions were permanently removed from Myki-enabled buses in 2020 in support of safer bus journeys. Alternatives available are:
- Instant Myki money: top up via the PTV app
- Online at ptv.vi.gov.au/myki
- Myki retailers
- Quick top-up machines
- Myki machines
- Ticket offices, including train stations and PTV Hubs
More information and application forms are available on the PTV website.
Pick Up Times
Please note that pickup times are given by Ventura Bus Lines as approximates only so students need to be at their stop at least 5 minutes prior to the pickup time listed on the timetable. To assist Bus Drivers to distinguish between the general public and Woodleigh School students, the bus lines also request that our students flag the bus down.
If you have any queries please contact Robyn Kent at Senior Campus on 5971 6100 or email buses@woodleigh.vic.edu.au