Penbank Letter Home
Knowing Our Why - Welcome to Woodleigh 2023
Welcome back! What a holiday we've had.
It has been great to welcome our community back to school, and in particular, to welcome new students and parents at the start of the year. It has been an incredibly positive start to the school year, and I am grateful to the efforts of our staff, our students, and our families for working tirelessly to bring together a great beginning.
As is always the case at the start of a new school year, I am often asked, 'how was your holiday?' In previous years, I might have given the obligatory 'OK' answer. However, this year has been different. I have quite unapologetically answered, "the best holiday ever."
Why was my holiday so great? Well, I had an amazing holiday, which began on our last working day of 2022, catching the evening ferry to have Christmas in Tasmania with family, surfing every day, and enjoying everything the great island state has to offer. After New Year's, I travelled to Japan with my daughters to enjoy two weeks of powder skiing in Hokkaido; a difficult place to get to, but well worth it.
While both of these on their own are trips of a lifetime - full of adventure and in some cases, risk - it was the journey with my daughters that was the highlight for me. For three weeks, we surfed, skied on beautiful snow, enjoying amazing Japanese cuisine; yet for me it was the time we spent together that was most valuable. To be honest, we could have been camping down at Wilson's Prom and my holidays would have still been amazing. Precious time with my adult daughters and my wife was regenerative for me personally, giving me the mental break I needed to come back to school refreshed and excited about the year ahead.
It wouldn't be a trip to a far-off place without running into several Woodleigh students and their families, enjoying the snow of Japan or the clean waves of Tasmania. True to our culture, they are always happy to see me and show interest in why I am where I am and what I am doing.
This is my fourth year at Woodleigh, yet the first start I have had where our planning and communications haven't been dominated by COVID rules and instructions. Instead, we have been able to meet as a leadership group and with staff to clarify our purpose and our direction for this year. What is it we hope to achieve and how will we lead the change that we aspire for?
We have some incredibly exciting projects beginning this year, and we can't wait to share with families what's in store for their young people. But before we talk about these projects, we need to come back to the why.
To understand this, I have been reflecting on my purpose in this world. I try my best to respect the environment and to act sustainably in the way I live my life. However, the impact of my individual actions will be nothing compared to the opportunity I have to lead this school, and the impact that will have on each of our students. Our impact in developing a better future will have much greater efficacy if we work together to achieve things collectively.
As teachers we have an amazing opportunity to work with parents to purposefully help our students to develop character, compassion, resilience, creativity, and skillfulness, to enable them to thrive in a complex and ever-changing world. At school, we are preparing our students for life beyond school. This must be at the heart of everything we do. This is our purpose.
For me, this comes back to our responsibility to prepare our students for their futures, creating in them the skills to become the leaders of the future who will help to guide our country and the world to a better place; a place where the environment is worshipped, and we do everything we can to act not only sustainably, but regeneratively. That is how we can add value to the environment and society in general.
We also have the desire to create a world that is equitable and respectful, and values each person for who they are. We want to encourage them to develop their own voice to have a say, not only in their own futures but all of our futures.
These are ambitious goals, which will require a lot of work and a great amount of commitment and dedication. After a great summer, it is now time to roll up our sleeves, get on with the work at hand and strive to do our best in everything we do. I will be doing that with the leadership team, our teachers, and all Woodleigh staff.
I wish every member of the Woodleigh community a wonderful and successful 2023, a year of great optimism and hope.
DAVID BAKER
Principal
School Transport Conveyance Allowance - Term 1, 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 3 March. 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 3 March, 2023 to be included in the Term 1 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
New Year, New Waterways Bus Route!
Families in the Chelsea, Patterson Lakes, Waterways and Sandhurst areas will be thrilled to hear we have a new bus route, just for you! This contract bus operates Monday to Friday, and connects with our existing bus network servicing the Minimbah, Penbank and Senior Campuses.
For further information, visit our website or contact Robyn Kent at Senior Campus on 5971 6100.
Staying up to date @ Woodleigh
Woodleigh is a dynamic, three-campus school. There is always something happening. New families might be wondering, how do you stay up to date?
We're currently developing a new App for families, which we hope to launch in Term 2. Until then, regular communication to families will include:
· ‘The Fridge Dweller’ – a hard-copy calendar posted to families at the beginning of term (also available online)
· Messenger newsletter sent via email every second Sunday (weeks 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10)
· Once-per-semester Namalata, our Woodleigh Community Magazine
- For learning updates, Junior Campus families will be kept up to date via Seesaw; Senior Campus families will be updated via SEQTA. There will also be an opportunity to meet with your child’s teacher through Parent Teacher Interviews.
- Permissions for excursions, activities and camps will be issued via Operoo. Please ensure your child’s Operoo profile and medical information is up to date, as staff rely on this information to keep your child safe and well.
We like to keep our socials super-social, bringing you the low-down on all the latest goings on our Minimbah, Penbank, and Senior Campuses. If you’re not already following along, join our online community on your preferred platform via our official Woodleigh School channels:
· Facebook
· Instagram
· YouTube
· LinkedIn
When in doubt, never hesitate to contact your Campus Reception.
KAREN CHARLTON-MILLS
Communications Coordinator
Body Safety Parent Information Night
Penbank and Minimbah Campus parents are invited to join us for a family information night with Body Safety Australia on Wednesday 22 February in the Minimbah Campus Hall, from 6.30 to 8.30pm.
Learn about what our approach to Body Safety at Woodleigh School in 2023, and how you can keep the conversation going at home.
Limited parking is available on-site, or in Minimbah Court. Please be mindful of our neighbours when parking on the street.
Please note this evening is intended for parents only.
LET US KNOW YOU'RE COMINGJoin us at our Term 1 PEP Talk - Wednesday 1 March
Join Professor Lea Waters, leader in the field of positive psychology, for our Term 1 PEP Talk on the evening of Wednesday 1 March in the Senior Campus Hall from 7pm.
Prof Waters will introduce you to the strength-based approach that informs the teaching and learning at Woodleigh School, and highlight the research underpinning this approach, including:
- higher levels of resilience and well-being;
- more effective stress-appraisal processes
- and higher likelihood of growing through adversity.
The strength-based approach has been shown to help adults be happier at work, children be happier at school and parents be happier at home.
See you at the Minimbah Fair! Friday 3 March
It's FUNORAMA time! Festivale Du Minimbah, Minimbah's County Fair will be full of wonders and fun for all, thrilling attractions and activities!
Games, challenges and stalls will provide the fun, delicious food and drinks will keep tummies happy, and heaps of live music, including the return of our fabulous class performances, will keep everyone entertained!
This PFG-sanctioned event will occur on our Minimbah Oval after school on Friday 3 March.
Your ticket purchase will award you with MINIMBUCKS! To be used on the attractions and activities!
Purchase your family ticket or single today!
Get your Fair tickets hereThe 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 3 March. 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 3 March, 2023 to be included in the Term 1 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
Families in the Chelsea, Patterson Lakes, Waterways and Sandhurst areas will be thrilled to hear we have a new bus route, just for you! This contract bus operates Monday to Friday, and connects with our existing bus network servicing the Minimbah, Penbank and Senior Campuses.
For further information, visit our website or contact Robyn Kent at Senior Campus on 5971 6100.
Woodleigh is a dynamic, three-campus school. There is always something happening. New families might be wondering, how do you stay up to date?
We're currently developing a new App for families, which we hope to launch in Term 2. Until then, regular communication to families will include:
· ‘The Fridge Dweller’ – a hard-copy calendar posted to families at the beginning of term (also available online)
· Messenger newsletter sent via email every second Sunday (weeks 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10)
· Once-per-semester Namalata, our Woodleigh Community Magazine
- For learning updates, Junior Campus families will be kept up to date via Seesaw; Senior Campus families will be updated via SEQTA. There will also be an opportunity to meet with your child’s teacher through Parent Teacher Interviews.
- Permissions for excursions, activities and camps will be issued via Operoo. Please ensure your child’s Operoo profile and medical information is up to date, as staff rely on this information to keep your child safe and well.
We like to keep our socials super-social, bringing you the low-down on all the latest goings on our Minimbah, Penbank, and Senior Campuses. If you’re not already following along, join our online community on your preferred platform via our official Woodleigh School channels:
· Facebook
· Instagram
· YouTube
· LinkedIn
When in doubt, never hesitate to contact your Campus Reception.
KAREN CHARLTON-MILLS
Communications Coordinator
Penbank and Minimbah Campus parents are invited to join us for a family information night with Body Safety Australia on Wednesday 22 February in the Minimbah Campus Hall, from 6.30 to 8.30pm.
Learn about what our approach to Body Safety at Woodleigh School in 2023, and how you can keep the conversation going at home.
Limited parking is available on-site, or in Minimbah Court. Please be mindful of our neighbours when parking on the street.
Please note this evening is intended for parents only.
LET US KNOW YOU'RE COMINGJoin Professor Lea Waters, leader in the field of positive psychology, for our Term 1 PEP Talk on the evening of Wednesday 1 March in the Senior Campus Hall from 7pm.
Prof Waters will introduce you to the strength-based approach that informs the teaching and learning at Woodleigh School, and highlight the research underpinning this approach, including:
- higher levels of resilience and well-being;
- more effective stress-appraisal processes
- and higher likelihood of growing through adversity.
The strength-based approach has been shown to help adults be happier at work, children be happier at school and parents be happier at home.
It's FUNORAMA time! Festivale Du Minimbah, Minimbah's County Fair will be full of wonders and fun for all, thrilling attractions and activities!
Games, challenges and stalls will provide the fun, delicious food and drinks will keep tummies happy, and heaps of live music, including the return of our fabulous class performances, will keep everyone entertained!
This PFG-sanctioned event will occur on our Minimbah Oval after school on Friday 3 March.
Your ticket purchase will award you with MINIMBUCKS! To be used on the attractions and activities!
Purchase your family ticket or single today!
Get your Fair tickets here