Firbank. Aspire. Achieve. - Firbank Grammar School

The new school year is well under way, and we are all determined to make 2013 a wonderful
year for the Firbank Community.
Work continues to progress on the Learning Hub of new classrooms on the Sandringham
Campus. The new Early Learning Centre has opened to much excitement and I know the
students, staff and parents are enjoying the new facility. The planning and hard work by the
Building Committee in consultation with the Staff and Head of the Sandringham Campus,
Mr Pat Kenny has all been worth the effort.
The landscaping across the front of the school in Royal Avenue will continue in conjunction
with the building progress and the Learning Hub of classrooms. I know Mr Kenny will keep the
Sandringham community well informed.
The classrooms and storage space planned for the Junior Campus at Brighton has been delayed
by objectors. We are due to attend a hearing in VCAT on 8 March. It is hoped that once this has
occurred we will be able to progress the new classroom build.
It is always energising at the start of another school year to be part of the new beginnings. Our
rowers have been training over the summer and enjoyed a very successful camp on the Barwon
River in Geelong during the holidays. The rowers are involved in Regattas every weekend but
look forward particularly to the ‘Firbank Regatta’.
It has been a little while since we hosted a regatta and much work has gone into the organisation
of this event by the Parent Committee. The Firbank Regatta will take place Saturday week, 16
February at Carrum and will run from 9.00 a.m. until approximately 5.00 p.m.
NEWSLETTER
From
The Principal
8 February 2013
I know the girls and coaches would really appreciate your support for the Firbank crews.
One of the highlights of the first weeks of the new school year is the Year 7 Camp. The Head
of Year 7, Mrs Michelle Goss, together with the Tutors and Outdoor Education Staff have
developed an excellent program that focuses on the girls getting to know each other and their
teachers. This year, with five classes, the program was designed to maximise the opportunities
for teachers and girls to interact in activities which ranged from surfing and body boarding
to initiatives and kayaking. While the girls were in class groups as they rotated through the
program, the groups crossed over several times and a barbeque on Tuesday night brought
groups together. Thursday night is the concert – the activity all look forward to!
I always anticipate eagerly the Year 7 Camp – travelling down with the girls and spending
time with them; not only participating in their activities but observing their participation, their
willingness to help others and to make friends. It is heartening to hear their responses:
The water activities are amazing!
I really enjoyed the surfing and body boarding.
It has been a great experience, living indoors and outdoors.
Camp means lots of bonding and making new friends.
I loved getting dirty in initiatives.
The camp cooking was really good.
Choosing our own cabins was really good because it helped us to make new friends.
The camp out was an interesting experience which has made me appreciate the comforts of
home.
Camp food is simple but yummy.
Initiatives was fun because I like falling in the water.
The teachers are very supportive and they make sure we give everything a go.
Last night was hilarious because Mrs Waite had a sleeping bag with arms and legs.
And from Mrs Goss : This is a great bunch of Year 7s!
Firbank.
Aspire.
Achieve.
New girls and new beginnings – it is an exciting time, even for those of us who been to many
camps because our students bring such enthusiasm and commitment to the activities we offer. It
has been a delight to spend the three days with the Year 7s, getting to know them and watching
them as they each reveal their own special talents and interests and develop new friendships.
Dr Anne Sarros

UPDATED INFORMATION FOR YEAR 7 IMMUNISATIONS
Further to my letter of 29 January, the forthcoming Year 7 immunisations, does not include the
Hep B vaccine. This is because most Year 7 students will have had Hepatitis B vaccine as a
baby and it does not have to be repeated. If your 12-13 year old child was not vaccinated as a
baby, she can get a free catch-up vaccination either through your GP or at local council community
infant session in 2013 only. Apologies for any confusion.
The first of the immunisations is on Thursday 7 March. Please make sure you return your form
and ensure your child eats a proper, healthy breakfast on this morning. Thank you.
Fiona Tait, Health Centre
SENIOR SCHOOL PHOTOS – WEDNESDAY, 27 FEBRUARY 2013
Arthur Reed Photos will be taking School photographs at the Senior School on Wednesday,
27 February 2013. Students are to bring their completed School Photograph Order Envelope,
including payment for photographs, on this day. They will receive their package of photographs
approximately four weeks after photo day. Packages may be ordered up to 3 days after photo
day by forwarding your payment directly to Arthur Reed Photos. An additional fee of $9.00 will
apply after this time, per order, for this service. Orders may be paid for on-line up to 10 days after
photo day, at no additional cost, by going to www.arphotos.com.au and following the links. If
you have any queries regarding School photographs, please contact Arthur Reed Photos directly
on 1800 032 028 or 5243 4390 or email; office@arphotos.com.au.
NEWSLETTER
Senior School
8 February 2013
FIRBANK ROWING REGATTA – SATURDAY 16 FEBRUARY
Year 9 and 10 Girls Quad Scull and Four Divisions 1 – 6
Senior Girls Divisions 1 – 4 Quad Scull and Division 1 - 5 Four
Entries via ROMS. Close 5.00 p.m. Sunday 10 February 2013. Further information is available
on the Firbank Regatta webpage
SSPA – SENIOR SCHOOL PARENTS ASSOCIATION
We’re back! With renewed enthusiasm after a lovely summer holiday, we are ready to take on
the challenges of 2013!
We have a great selection of events planned, which should cater for everyone in the Firbank
community.
Here is a quick run down of our plans for this year:
Firbank.
Aspire.
Achieve.
• Friday 15 February at 12 noon– Year 7 Parents Lunch – Hindley House – please RSVP via
the Trybooking website by Monday 11 February 2013. Please note that this event is always
sold out, so please get your bookings in early. Fabulous lunch and fabulous entertainment.
• Friday 1 March at 7pm – SSPA BBQ in Courtyard – please RSVP via email to sspa@firbank.
vic.edu.au by Wed 27 Feb 2013. Everyone is invited – event is free and BYO, but you must
RSVP for catering purposes. Sorry, no latecomers.
• Sunday 3 March – SSPA – Cleanup Australia Day – please RSVP via email to sspa@
firbank.vic.edu.au by Thurs 28 Feb 2013. Come and help cleanup our local beach. Lots of
fun for families! Please make sure you let us know you are coming along as we need to
organise gloves and rubbish bags for all involved.
• Friday10 May at 7pm – Laos Art Show in CCA. We will be highlighting artworks by talented
students at the Laos Luang Prabang Orphanage, where some of our Year 10 students visit.
We hope that the Firbank community will support this exhibition. More details to follow.
• Saturday 1 June at 7pm – Cocktail Party at the West Brighton Club. Woohoo – it’s going to
be a fun night!
• Friday 22 November at 12 noon – Parents Christmas Lunch in the CCA – always a lovely
way to finish the year with Christmas cheer!
Class reps will organize year level functions and morning teas, so keep an eye out for what’s

happening in your year level.
The SSPA meetings for 2013 are as follows:
Wednesday 13 February
Wednesday 24 April
Wednesday 19 June
Wednesday 14 August
Wed nesday16 October
Wednesday 14 November - AGM
The venue for meetings will be the SMAART Meeting Room in Turner House, Middle Crescent. Meetings start at 8.45 a.m.
We are looking for class reps for all year levels. If you think that you would like to be involved and make a contribution to the Firbank
community, please email us at sspa@firbank.vic.edu.au . You will be most welcome.
Toni Armstrong, President Senior School Parents Association
FIRBANK ASSOCIATION
Welcome to all Firbank Parents,
The Firbank Association and the many parent auxiliaries are looking forward to another exciting year for our children and school. As
we start a new year, we would like to encourage all parents to consider donating your time and experience to one of the many Firbank
Auxiliaries or the Firbank Association. Even part-time help would be greatly appreciated. Please contact your campus group to get
involved. Warm regards,
Dale Harrington, President of the Firbank Association
The first Firbank Association meeting for 2013 will be held on Tuesday, 5 March at 6.30 p.m. in the Turner House SMAART Meeting
Room.
All members of the Firbank Community are invited to attend.
The remaining dates for the Firbank Association meetings are:
21 May
13 August
19 November AGM followed by Ordinary Meeting
All meetings will commence at 6:30pm
SOCIAL ACTIVITIES
YEAR 10
Morning coffee to welcome in 2013!
All Year 10 parents are invited to Kim Shepherd’s house, Monday 11 February after 8.30am, 81 Outer Crescent, Brighton.
Looking forward to seeing you!
YEAR 8
Mums and Dads drinks
Date: Friday February 22
Time: 8.00 p.m.
BYO: bubbles, beverage of choice &/or nibbles
Address: 3 Mayflower Court, Brighton East
RSVP: michelle@red-bus.com.au
2013 Diary dates:
Term 1
- Drinks - Friday February 22 - ‘Mums and Dads’ - Janey Francis
- Coffee- Wednesday 20.2 - Michelle Gilmore to advise details
Term 2
- Drinks - Date tbc - ‘Mums drinks’ Imelda Bourke
- Coffee - Tuesday 23.4 - Jacque Klein to advise details
- Lunch - Friday 24.5 - Jacque Klein to arise details
- Dads and Daughters - organiser and date tbc
Term 3
- Drinks - Date tbc - ‘Mums drinks’ - Jane Brown
- Lunch/coffee - dates tbc - Michelle Kelso
Term 4
- Drinks - Thursday 28.11 - ‘Mums & Dads’- host tbc (please feel free to volunteer if you are able)
- Coffee - Helen Gee

FIRBANK SWIM AND DIVE SCHOOL
We currently have vacancies in our beginner diving classes on Saturday 12:30 and Sunday 9:00am.
Term 1, 2013 $115.50
Please call Nadine Preston 9553 8664.
STUDENT EXCHANGE – MEMORIES AND SKILLS FOR A LIFETIME!
Give your child the opportunity to gain international experiences and language skills to kick-start a future career. Along with distinct language
benefits, exchange students mature, gain confidence and develop a much more worldly approach upon their return to Australia.
World Education Program Australia (WEP), a not-for-profit student exchange organisation registered with the education departments, is
now accepting applications for students to live overseas in 2013/14 as exchange students for a summer, semester or year.
WEP is offering two $3000 scholarships towards semester-long student exchange programs to Argentina and China commencing in
2014.
Find out more!
Visit www.wep.org.au
Attend one of WEP’s information evenings and open days
Call 1300 884733
Upcoming Information Sessions
12 February 2013 / 7:30-9pm
Northcote Town Hall
189 High Street
Northcote
19 February 2013 / 7:30-9pm
Kingston Arts Centre
979 Nepean H’way
Moorabbin
13 March 2013 / 7:30-9pm
Kew Court House
188 High Street
Kew

Youth Ambassador Competition
Do you have children between the ages of 10 – 18 years and believe they could do
more for other young people with with asthma? Would they be interested in making a
video and win some awesome prizes?
Then don’t let asthma hold them back! Your child could be The 2013 Youth
Ambassador for The Asthma Foundation of Victoria. The competition is now open and
closes 29 th February 2013.
For more information, please contact the Asthma Foundation of Victoria on 1800 278
462 or email
sflanagan@asthma.org.au
“Talking with other parents and carers makes you realise you are not
alone”
If you would like to talk to someone who has been through a similar experience with
managing their children’s asthma, or need support to live well with your own asthma,
we would like to connect you with others for mutual support via the phone, internet or
face-to-face groups.
Peers Leading Peers will link you to a trained volunteer who can listen to your
concerns and help you to manage.
This is the first program of this kind to be available for asthma in Australia. We are
grateful to the Victoria State Government Department of Health for their funding
support.
The program is available for anyone with asthma or parents, grandparents and people
who regularly care for a child with asthma.
If you are interested in accessing support or becoming an “Asthma Peer Support
Volunteer” contact Belinda at The Asthma Foundation of Victoria on 1800 278 462 or
binglis@asthma.org.au
Spacers and Schools/Preschools: Reminder for Parents & Carers
Schools/preschools in Victoria have been informed by The Asthma Foundation of
Victoria about new guidelines regarding the use of spacers for children with asthma.
Spacers are essential equipment when following Asthma First Aid best practice,
however schools/preschools will no longer be able to wash, sterilise and re-use spacers
from their asthma emergency kits when assisting students with asthma symptoms.
Asthma first aid kits should only ever be used as a back-up for when a student does
not have their own spacer available, if it is a first asthma attack or the cause of
breathing difficulty is unknown. Some schools/preschools may implement a policy
where parents/carers are responsible for the cost of the spacer if one must be used
from the asthma emergency kit.
Even if your child has mild asthma, it is essential that their medication and
spacer is always available to school/preschool staff. Please make sure your
child always brings a spacer with them to school, or has one that stays at
school.
For more information, please contact the Asthma Foundation of Victoria on 1800 278
462 or email schools@asthma.org.au