Parent Newsletter Issue 2
30 April 2018
Inspiring young minds, creating possibilities Welcome to Term 2. The Open Night, including the P & C Movie Night, was a wonderful way to celebrate a very busy first term that was filled with an abundance of learning and opportunities for parents to be involved in the school. You will note from the Term 2 Planner that although this term is only nine weeks, it is going to be another busy one. This term we will be implementing Connect as our main source of communication between school and home. You will receive an email from the school on Tuesday 1 May with login details for Connect and will also receive a Connect Notice from your child’s teacher later in the week. To help support parents to use this new communication tool we will be conducting two identical information sessions: Connect Parent Session #1—Friday 4 May, 9.00am, school library Connect Parent Session #2—Tuesday 8 May, 5.00pm, school library We are planning to distribute Student Achievement Reports to parents electronically via Connect this semester. The school will be participating in two national assessment programs this term: the National Assessment Program Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) with our Year 3 and 5 students in Week 3 and the Australian Early Development Census (AEDC) involving our Pre-primary students during May, June and July. These assessments are in addition to our whole school and class-based assessments which will focus on our English and Mathematics priority areas. Dental Screening of Pre-primary, Year 3 and Year 6 students and Health Screening of our Kindergarten students by the School Health team will also be conducted this term. We are very fortunate that the Constable Care team will be performing two free shows this term. Fun Scary will focus on protective behaviours with our youngest students and Screen Name will focus on online protective behaviours with the older students. Thank you to the City of Vincent for sponsoring this safety initiative. As part of our Performing Arts program the Salaka African Drumming group will perform in Week 7, building on the Term 1 Japanese drumming performance. More information and payment details will be distributed next week. The Uni-Active Program is being offered again and our Kindergarten students now have the option of joining in to develop their catching and running skills before-school on Fridays. Our Physical Education program will include the interschool Eagles Cup and Lightning Carnival, the Slam Series Basketball Carnival (Year 3—4), NRL League Carnival (Year 5—6) and our annual Fun Run and Cross Country events. There will be no after-school Sporting School events this term, however, the Royal Districts AFL Kids (PP—Year 2) program will be conducted after-school on the school oval and Robertson Park Tennis Centre will be offering a six week tennis clinic for interested Year 3—6 students. Information about both of these activities will be available from reception later this week. The P & C also have some key events organised for this term including the Harvest 6006 olive picking and pressing, a Mothers Day Stall, the Beaufort Street Books book sale and a grounds busy bee. I encourage everyone to support these events as they are a great way to meet other parents and support our school. If you want to know more speak with the P & C representative for your child’s class or email northperthpandc@gmail.com. The Term 2 Planner is now available on the school’s website. Additions and amendments will be advised through emails, Connect or our website. REMINDER: The canteen is closed for Term 2 due to the extension of the covered assembly area.
An Independent Public School
5 Albert Street, North Perth WA 6006 PO Box 83 North Perth WA 6906 Email: northperth.ps@education.wa.edu.au Tel: 08 9328 7104 www.northperthprimary.edu.au
Inclusivity Resilience Respect Responsibility
VINCENT COMMUNITY ANZAC DAY MARCH AND SERVICE On Wednesday 25 April two of our Student Councillors, Isabelle and Will, laid a wreath on behalf of our school at the ANZAC Service at Axford Park in Mount Hawthorn. The Service honoured the generations of Australian and New Zealand servicemen and women who have, and who continue to, defend our values and freedoms in wars, conflicts and peace operations. It also marked the Centenary of ANZAC national commemoration and paid tribute to one local ANZAC, Thomas Leslie (Jack) Axford. Jack was one of only 17 West Australians (and 100 Australians) who received the Victoria Cross, the Commonwealth’s highest military honour for bravery in the field. He received his medal for bravery in WW1 during the Battle of Hamel in Northern France. In 1982 Axford Park was named after him and its first Anzac Day service was held in 2000. Jack died in 1983, aged 89. He is remembered as a humble family man with a strong sense of humour. It was also reported that he lived for a time on Mabel Street and his five children attended our school. Jack Axford is a community member we should all be very proud of, and remember. Lest we forget.
CCTV SYSTEM Schools need to have appropriate measures in place to create a safe environment for students and staff, and to protect school property. A variety of approaches have been implemented at our school to improve security and minimise disruption to the normal daily routine, property damage and loss of resources. CCTV has recently been installed to strengthen our site security. The CCTV will be used to monitor the school grounds, including the staff car park, and also the reception area. There are no cameras in the classrooms. The CCTV is not intended to be used to monitor general playground activities during school hours. Signage has been placed around the school, informing staff, students, the school community and members of the public that CCTV surveillance is taking place. The recorded information is only accessible to authorised employees, WA Police and the Department of Education security section. All criminal activity detected will be reported to both the WA Police and the Department’s security section. Please direct all enquiries regarding the CCTV to the Principal, Karen Lockyer. TERM DATES FOR STUDENTS — 2018 Term 1: Wednesday 31 January – Friday 13 April Term 2: Tuesday 1 May- Friday 29 June
AUSTRALIAN EARLY DEVELOPMENT CENSUS (AEDC) A nationwide program called the Australian Early Development Census (AEDC) will take place again in May, June and July 2018. The AEDC looks at how young children are developing in the years before they begin school. In 2009, 2012 and 2015, the AEDC was completed nationally collecting information on over 850,000 children in their first year of full-time school. The AEDC takes place every three years. In Western Australia information will be collected on Pre-primary children. Pre-primary teachers will complete the AEDC Instrument (like a questionnaire) for each child in their class and enter information into a secure web-based data entry system that protects the privacy of all children. Information entered is based on the teacher’s knowledge and observations of their students and children are not required to be present while data is entered. The AEDC results are reported back to the community based on the suburb or locality where children live, so individual children cannot be identified. The results help communities understand how their children are developing and where improvements can be made to give children the best start in life.
Term 3: Tuesday17 July - Friday 21 September
Parents of Pre-primary students will receive a letter about our schools involvement this week.
Term 4: Tuesday 9 October – Thursday 15 December
You can find out more at www.aedc.gov.au
HOLIDAY WORKS PROGRAMS Covered Assembly Area The extension of the covered assembly area is progressing as scheduled. During the holiday break new drainage was installed, the concrete slab was laid, the roof frame was installed and the cabling connecting the south side of the school to the north side was rerouted. We are expecting this project to be completed by the end of term. Oval Sandpit The large sandpit on the school oval received some attention on the holidays. The sand was cleaned and then 22 cubic metres of fresh white sand was added. This was an expensive exercise and we ask that you help us keep this sand clean by discouraging dogs from contaminating the sandpit. Early Childhood Slide Our Kindergarten and Pre-primary students will be happy to know that the broken slide has been replaced and the new slide promises to be a little more fun with a hump on the way down. Secret Playground Flowers The gorgeous flowers at the entrance to the Secret Playground received another colourful coat of gloss by Ms Downsborough. She has advised, ‘that’s two down and one more to go’. Maintenance Projects Maintenance projects in preparation for the wet weather included trimming branches and cleaning gutters and downpipes. Internal cleaning in the early childhood classes (K & PP) included stripping and sealing the vinyl and extraction cleaning of all carpets. It’s surprising how much dirt collects in the carpets and mats in these rooms!
SCHOOL DEVELOPMENT DAY While the students are enjoying an extra day of holidays the staff returned to a day of school development and professional learning. The morning session focused on the roll-out of the Connect program to our school community, preparing for reporting to parents at the end of this term and the organisation of school assessments and learning activities. There was also an interactive presentation of the revised policy and procedures for staff performance management which followed a review conducted in Term 1 by a consultant. The afternoon session provided teachers the opportunity to work in their Curriculum teams (English, Mathematics, Science, Technology, and History and Social Sciences) and the Pre-primary teachers commenced planning for the Australian Early Development Census assessment this term.
PARENT PARKING There is limited parking available around the school and the difficulties parents experience finding a spot is amplified at the moment with building contractors using many of the bays along Albert Street. We encourage our school families to consider walking or riding to school. If you are unable to walk all the way to school, consider parking a short distance away and walking the last bit. There are manned crosswalks on View Street, Angove Street, Charles Street and Loftus Street to help keep everyone safe crossing these busy roads. If you do drive all the way to school please abide by the road signage and be very considerate of residents, especially our Albert Street neighbours, by not parking on their verge (many are registered and may attract a fine) or blocking drive-ways. Important: The car parks located between the main school buildings and the oval are for staff members vehicles, delivery vehicles and the out-of-school care buses only. Staff members need to be able to park in this area as street parking around the school has time restrictions and it is extremely disruptive when staff members need to move their cars during the school day. Please do not park in the staff car parking area. Note: Visitors to our school with a valid ACROD Parking Permit may use the disabled bay near the rainbow gate.
WE’RE TAKING IT IN OUR STRIDE ON FRIDAY 18 MAY 2018 SPINAL AWARENESS PROGRAM The School of Physiotherapy & Exercise Science at Curtin University has been conducting an annual schools program for many years now - to promote care of the back and healthy bodies - to primary school students in their final year before high school. On the morning of Wednesday 2 May a small group of 3rd year Physiotherapy students from Curtin University will conduct a short presentation to our Year 6 students. Topics covered in the presentation – consistent with contemporary research - will include: The design and resilience of the spine The effects of activity and sedentary behaviour Recommendations about sleep, activity and movement What to do if you develop spinal pain The presentation will include an interactive PowerPoint and an opportunity for the students to ask questions of the Physiotherapy students. The classroom teacher will be present throughout the talk. NEVER STOP READING Never stop reading to your child, even when they can read for themselves! Reading is a fundamental skill your child will use for the rest of their life – so why stop when they’re just getting started?
Well it’s that time of year again when our school seriously starts talking about walking! Walk Safely to School Day asks that we all consider our transport habits and try to incorporate more walking as part of a healthy, active way to get around. And although walking all the way to school may not be realistic for some of us, it’s quite easy to figure out how you can build a walk into your family’s daily routine. You can teach your child the healthy habit of walking more by: Walking with them the whole way to school If they get the bus, walk past your usual stop and get on at the next stop If you have to drive, park the car a few blocks away from the school and walk the rest of the way. Regular exercise like walking with your child helps beat chronic problems like obesity, heart disease, behavioural and mental health issues and diabetes. It also gives you a great opportunity to teach your child safe ways to behave around roads and traffic. Remember, Active Kids are Healthy Kids so get planning your own Walk Safely to School Day journey for Friday 18 May 2018. For more information, visit www.walk.com.au
REMINDER: NO DOGS Dogs are not permitted on school property, including the school oval and car parks between the buildings and oval.
Building a love of reading in your child by reading aloud at home strengthens their language, vocabulary and comprehension skills, and improves their social skills and confidence as you listen to them read.
SCHOOL BANKING Wednesdays 8.15am in the school library
The quality time you will also spend with your child raises their mood and sense of wellbeing, and creates those special moments you and they will always cherish.
Kids Helpline
Build a love of reading in your child and give them the best start for a life of learning and discovery.
Free, private and confidential, phone counselling service specifically for young people aged between 5 and 25.
Find out more: education.wa.edu.au/neverstopreading Parent resources on the website include Building a love of reading Ideas for reading aloud with your children A starting guide of stories to read aloud with your children Recent research by literacy expert Dr Margaret Merga
Also, go to youtube.com/depteducationwa and see one of our students, Eloise, who was involved in the making of the Never Stop Reading video during the summer school holidays.
1800 55 1800 SCHOOL WATCH Please report any suspicious activity or vandalism to the following:
School Watch Security 1800 177 777 Police 131 444.
2018 WA EDUCATION AWARDS Nominations for the 2018 WA Education Awards opened on Monday 30 April. In 2018 nominations may be submitted for any of the following 11 categories: WA Premier’s Primary Teacher of the Year WA Premier’s Secondary Teacher of the Year WA Premier’s Excellence in Aboriginal Education WA Primary Principal of the Year WA Secondary Principal of the Year WA Beginning Teacher of the Year
WA Education Assistant of the Year WA Aboriginal and Islander Education Officer of the Year WA School Services Staff Member of the Year WA Primary School of the Year WA Secondary School of the Year
Key Dates: Nominations open – Monday 30 April 2018 Nomination writing workshop - Monday 28 May 2018 Nominations close – Friday 29 June 2018 Finalists announced – Monday 6 August 2018 Schools are being encouraged to acknowledge the hard work, commitment and passion by nominating an individual or school for an award. Please speak with a member of the school leadership team immediately if you would like to make a nomination for any of the categories.
FREE MENINGOCOCCAL VACCINE FOR CHILDREN UNDER 5 On 23 January 2018, WA Health introduced a program to provide free meningococcal catch-up vaccine for all children aged 12 months to less than 5 years. This vaccination program was initiated because of the rising number of meningococcal infections in WA and last year children in this age group had more than twice the number of meningococcal infections compared to any other age group. Parents of age-eligible children should not delay because the catch-up vaccination is time limited and will end on 31 December 2018. See your GP or immunisation provider.
KEY DATES—Week 1 & 2 Tuesday 1 May ANZAC Commemorative Service 1.30pm Wednesday 2 May Spinal Awareness Program (Year 6)9.50am Thursday 3 May Canteen Committee 9.00am Friday 4 May Uni-Active Assessments (new students) 9.00am Connect Parent Session #1 9.00am, Library Tuesday 8 May Connect Parent Session #2 5.00pm, Library Wednesday 9 May Assembly Year 4 Room 19 Friday 11 May Uni-Active (K—Year 3) commences P & C Mothers Day Stall—before and after school Prospective Parent Tour #4 9.30am
ATTENDANCE The importance of attending school every day cannot be understated. There is a direct and measurable relationship between student absence and student achievement. North Perth Primary School is striving to increase attendance rates. The School Education Act (1999) requires parents to send their children to school each school day unless there is good reason (e.g. illness) for them not to attend. The new School Business Plan includes a target to increase student attendance at North Perth Primary School. The School Board has discussed factors that affect student attendance at our school and recognise that family vacations, including extended weekends, taken during school time are an ongoing issue. We are encouraging parents to organise vacations during school holiday breaks. Ideally, we would love every child at school every day. Although a student with an attendance rate of 90% is deemed to be a regular attender, this actually equates to missing one day a fortnight and one and a half years of their total education!
TRIPLE P POSITIVE PARENTING PROGRAM You are invited to attend a Group Triple P. Triple P teaches positive, practical and effective ways to manage common issues which most parents will face. Parents will learn effective parenting strategies such as ways to encourage behaviour you like, how to promote your child’s development and how to prevent or manage common child behaviour problems. The next FREE Group Triple P is being held: When:
Starting Tuesday 8 May 2018 (5 weekly group meetings plus 3 phone calls) Time: 9.30am—11.30am Location: Beatty Park Leisure Centre RSVP: Bookings are essential. Please book online www.healthywa.wa.gov.au/parentgroups Unable to book online call 1300 749 869 To find other available programs visit our website www.healthywa.wa.gov.au/parentgroups
SAFE TO SCHOOL The following are tips provided by the Department of Education to assist parents to regularly remind their children about how to stay safe while walking/riding to and from school. Always travel in a group. Walk on the footpath on the right hand side of the road so you face oncoming traffic. Wherever possible, leave space between you and the roadway. Stay in areas that are well lit. Stay in view – avoid going into areas that are hidden (such as parkland bush or behind shopping centres) and planning trips to avoid such locations. Be alert – earphones and headphones can reduce your awareness considerably. If you have a mobile phone, have it turned on and ready to dial an emergency number. If a passing car stops nearby, never get too close. Do not hesitate to run from a situation if you feel at risk. Report suspicious behaviour to your parents, school and the police (call 13 14 44 to report an incident or 1800 333 000 to reach Crime Stoppers), noting number plates of cars and/or clothing or distinguishing features of individuals. To get the latest community safety information from police, visit WA Police on Facebook www.facebook.com/WA.Police or online at www.police.wa.gov.au