22 February 2017

Newsletter Articles

Dates to Remember

Note : Incursions, Excursions, Assembly days will be updated each term This is an outline of the events that will be coming up in 2016. Please note dates are subject to change.

Principal’s Introduction

Parent Night

Thank you to all parents who were able to attend parent information nights last week. If you were unable to attend please be up to date with your child’s teacher so you can catch up with all the information presented.

Some classes are still looking for a parent representative to assist with the dissemination of information and support the class teacher. Class representatives are very important and make a huge difference for classes.

Nature Playground

In the last newsletter I reported that our new Nature Playground was now open and the children have a roster for days they can play. We are now in the third week and the numbers of children playing in the Nature Playground is quite astounding. The years one/two and three/four average over fifty children each session. The years five/six are not so involved but I did notice an increase last week as they drift from sports and other activities. The children play so beautifully sharing the broad range of activities and discovering ‘new’ things to do. They love to show me their cubbies, bridges and other constructions. One group of boys made the log frame into their sailing ship. We had a captain and the crew pulling down sails, dropping the anchor, preparing to disembark for other land adventures. It was delightful to see the imaginations at play, especially given that some from this group I have seen more regularly for poor play behaviours in the past. As the children explore and imagine I have been shown different beetles, insects, birds, lizards, fungi and much more. There is so much depth to engage the children.

This area of nature and learning is something I am very keen on and was the focus of my own doctoral studies that I commenced whilst chair of the Baldivis Children’s Forest. It really is fascinating and so important in our modern urban lifestyle.

To support the children and teachers I will continue to help supervise at recess and lunchtimes. This means that we won’t have Clubs this term as we did last year. Once the dust settles I will move to the Library at lunchtimes and open this up so children can read a book or play a quiet game. I will get back to reading a novel to the children, something that was very popular with the little ones in the past.

We are most fortunate that our children have such lovely play areas and so many options for play. Thank you to the P&C for your wonderful support with the Nature Playground and care for our playground equipment including cleaning, storage during the summer break and reinstating the shade covers and helping refill the sand pits. It’s amazing how quickly they empty. I’ll bet some of you believe half our sandpits come home in the kids shoes like we thought with our daughter a few years ago.

School Review

I have presented the Department of Education Services with the information they require from the school to undertake the latest review of the school’s performance. As an Independent Public School we have a review every three years to coincide with the last year of our Business Plan. The key role of the review is to ensure our own self review processes are effective and that we meet the Department of Education’s Independent Public School’s (IPS) Delivery and Performance Agreement (DPA).

The Review team consists of lead reviewer Mr Tom Campbell and Reviewer Ms Susan Hall. They will develop lines of enquiry from the information and data presented from the school and available through the department’s monitoring systems prior to a two day visit to the school on Monday 20th and Tuesday 21st March.

Once the visit has concluded we will be presented with a list of commendations and recommendations. These will be built into our next Business Plan that we will construct over the remainder of 2017 in readiness for 2018 – 2020. The School Board perform a really important role of regularly monitoring the progress of our Business Plan, reviewing data and negotiating and endorsing the direction of the school.

The findings of the School Review are presented on the school’s website http://www.newboroughps.wa.edu.au/ and the Department’s Schools Online website. http://www.det.wa.edu.au/schoolsonline/home.do As an open and accountable school we also present our Business Plan, Annual Reports and feedback from parent, staff and student surveys and a variety of other information for visitors to view. These websites are both right up to date.

Board Update

The School Board met for the first time this year welcoming two new members elected late last year. Yuliya Novik, parent representative, replacing Bec Gregory and Vicki Tennant, staff representative, replacing Pip Murdoch. Matt Gaunt was re-elected unopposed as Board Chair for his third year in the position.

School Budget

The Board reviewed the ‘draft Budget’ for 2017. It was noted that the addition of an extra class to reduce numbers and split classes required frugal budgeting to account for an additional teacher and set up two primary classrooms. This has resulted in lower numbers in each class and minimal number of splits. These changes were made a s a result of feedback from staff and parents in last year’s school survey. The P&C’s contribution of three interactive whiteboards for new classrooms and a replacement for one that died, greatly assisted setting up classrooms. The Board acknowledged the exceptional return of 85.35% of voluntary contributions last year.

School Review

John Worthy outlined the process for the school’s review on 20th and 21st March and the role that the Board may expect. He presented an overview of the information and data sent to the reviewers and an outline of the process for constructing the next Business Plan 2018-2020 for the school. A key feature of the data has been the onging review of the Business Plan 2015-2017, the Workforce Plan and monitoring of actions against the Department’s Delivery and Performance Agreement (DPA)

Attendance and Behaviour Data 2016

Nick Stenhouse reported that the school did not quite achieve the target of 94% attendance last year. (93.6%) The biggest impact on attendance was unauthorised absences, particularly taking holidays during school time. The school has strong processes for managing attendance. Attendance during the first three weeks of 2017 is at over 97%.

Behaviour data showed that the majority of children were exceptionally well behaved receiving their good standing badges and Ripper recess rewards. Plans and support is in place for those children requiring extra guidance with behaviour. Vicki Tennant outlined the Positive Behaviour Support achievements in 2016 and directions in developing whole school behaviour expectations in 2017. Parents will be surveyed on their core behavioural expectations that the PBS committee will decide on and adopt later in the year. Students and staff have already been surveyed resulting in ‘draft’ core behavioural expectations of Respect, Team Work, Kindness and Challenge Yourself.

Policy Developments in 2017

The School Board will develop and review several policies this year including handwriting, keyboarding, work standards, homework and dress code. Work in these policies will be scheduled throughout the year commencing after our school review.

School Board Effectiveness Survey

This survey was undertaken late last year. Members indicated that the Board has shown considerable improvement and growth in effective operations.

Exit Surveys for Students and Parents

Ian Pollock lead discussion about the idea of conducting an exit survey for students and parents from year six leavers to ascertain how the school can better prepare students for high school. It was recommended that the survey be conducted mid-term two allowing students to settle into their new schools. John Worthy will prepare a survey and present this to the Board at the next meeting for consideration.

John Worthy
Principal

Term Dates

Student Update Forms

Student update forms will be given to each student to take home this week - please check your child/ren’s school bag.

We ask that parents carefully check all details on the form are correct and make any amendments required to ensure we have the correct information on our student database. Please return the form to the school teacher by 13 March 2017.

If any of your details change during the year, please ensure the front office is informed so we can update the school records.

2017 Voluntary Contributions

The Voluntary Contributions fees were approved by the School Board, in line with Department of Education requirements. The contribution fee for 2017 is $60 per child.

While contributions are voluntary, the quality of our teaching/learning programs is further enhanced by your contribution, which is used to supplement expenditure in the following areas.

• Reading Resources
• Mathematics Resources
• Art/Craft
• Technology

Total Contribution  - $60

The P&C contribution remains at $25 per child for 2017.

Thank you to those families who have already paid their contributions through their booklist. If you have not yet done so, please consider paying your contributions either via direct deposit (bank details below) or cash (using the school’s clearly labelled envelope). If you would like to enter a payment plan, please contact Sharon Singleton, Manager of Corporate Services in our school office or by phone on 08 9446 1025.

BSB: 016 350
Account No:3408 71304

Ripper Reader Program

The Ripper Reader program has been a great success over several years. We have had hard working Mums and Grandparents assisting and supporting many students with their reading skills. There has been so much positive feedback from students, parents and teachers and we all agree it is making a huge difference to the confidence of our students.

If you are interested in joining our fantastic Ripper Reader team please see Mrs Tennant in Room 3 or email vicki.tennant@education.wa.edu.au . It might only involve 10-20 minutes of your time!

Deputy News

2017 School Photos Information

Our school photographs will be taken in Week 5 on Wednesday 1st March and Thursday 2nd March this term. Students this year will be provided with an online ordering instruction slip and unique student ordering code for parents to follow and place orders on line via the MSP website.

Our School Photos will be taken on:

Wednesday 1st March 2017 (Family Photo's by Surname A-M),
Thursday 2nd March 2017 (Family Photo's by Surname M-Z),

Class Photos/Portraits

• Every Student will have their photo taken, whether they are purchasing photos or not, for the schools pictorial history.
• The school has chosen to use the online ordering system. And your child will be given an online ordering instruction slip and a unique student code for you to follow and place you order online via the internet.
• The expiry date for online ordering is 6 days from the last photo day date. Any orders received after this date are treated as re orders and will incur additional costs.

Family Photos:

• Envelopes can be obtained from Administration.
• Family photos are being taken each morning before school. Please bring your children in on the days listed above via your child’s surname to avoid long queues.
• Please ensure that your family envelope with enclosed payment is handed to the Photographers on photo day.

Special/Sports Group Photos:

• If your child is in a Special/Sports photo you will receive a link and password to the online gallery after photo day, where you can view and order these photos if required. These photos will be packed and delivered with the school’s bulk order.

Students should wear their yellow school top or Kindy and Pre-primary t-shirts for the photographs. Teachers will remind you of the correct clothing before school photo day.

Japanese News

Hello Parents,

Hajimemashite, nice to meet you.

My name is Andrea Kurasho, and I will be teaching Japanese at Newborough Primary School. I would like to briefly introduce myself.

I originally graduated as a Speech Language Pathologist. A few years later I went to work, travel and study in Japan. Fast forward 11 years, a wedding and two children later, I returned to Perth and requalified as a Primary teacher, with a specialty in teaching Japanese.

I am looking forward to getting to know your children and yourselves! Please feel free to pop in after school to say ‘hi’ on a Wednesday or Thursday, or email me at andrea.kurasho@education.wa.edu.au.

Yoroshiku onegaishimasu (thank you for working with me).

Kind regards,

Andrea Kurasho
Japanese Language Teacher

Sports News

Physical Education lessons have been underway since the commencement of the Term with all the children once again getting involved in the many activities that the school provides for them both before, during and after school.

Just a reminder that your child requires a hat, sport shoes, a drink bottle and if possible a faction T-Shirt (available from the uniform shop), for their Physical Education lessons and Sport sessions (Year 4 – 6) each Friday.

For every student, a broad brimmed hat is required for your child to play every day outside and sport shoes are encouraged for everyday wear as they provide comfort and safety for your child’s feet for active play. Please ensure that you have placed your child’s name on every item of personal property so that it can be returned to them and not placed into the lost property trolley!

Faction Swimming Training

Swimming training has commenced at Churchlands Senior High School for all students in Years 4 – 6 in preparation for our annual Faction Swimming Carnival.

Training

Training is from 3.30 – 4.30pm on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. We have had record breaking attendances this year in our first week of training! With so many children attending, it has been fantastic to see so many parents volunteering to assist with time keeping, roll marking, collecting entry monies, recording swimming times, starting the races, poolside supervision and assisting the children with their faction caps. With your wonderful help, the children are given the opportunity to swim more timed races.

Thank you

I would also like to thank Mr Worthy and his daughter Neve, for their wonderful assistance at our first training session and our fabulous staff who have volunteered their time to come and help at training over the next 3 weeks.

Swimming Notes

I have received most swimming training notes from parents, however a few are still to be returned. As mentioned on the note, the information is vital for me for the preparation of the paperwork for both the carnival and swimming training sessions. Parents are kindly asked to return these notes to their classroom teacher asap.

Faction Swimming Carnival Notes

I will be sending home this week two very important notes to all parents with children in Years 4 – 6. They will be the ‘Parent Excursion/Consent’ form for the Faction Swim Carnival which will be held on Friday 17 March and a ‘Parent Helpers Request’ form for assistance at the carnival. Please complete and send these forms back to your child’s classroom teacher by the dates placed on the forms. Please note that all children in years 4 – 6 will be placed into events including novelty events for the carnival suitable for their level of ability unless parents specifically state that their child will not be participating. These children will not attend the carnival but will be placed into other classes with school work to be completed.

Thank you

Ms Kris Williams
Physical Education Teacher

Positive Behaviour Support

We Need Your Feedback

Positive Behaviour Support

To enhance the strong behaviour processes we already have, Newborough Primary is working towards becoming a PBS school. Positive Behaviour Support (also known as PBS) is a whole school framework which focuses on promoting positive behaviour throughout the school. PBS is a consultative, collaborative, community owned and evidence based framework. It compliments existing school policies and programmes as well as suiting the specific needs of Newborough Primary. The implementation is a 3 year process as we need to ensure it is implemented with fidelity.

In order for PBS to run effectively, the PBS committee will be asking for input from teachers, parents and students. As parents, you will be able to share your thoughts and opinions in the upcoming parent survey which will be distributed this term.

. We hope that all parents take advantage of this opportunity and come along on this journey with us.

If there are any parents interested in joining the PBS committee, please come and see John Worthy or Bree O’Dea.

Please be aware that meetings are every Tuesday fortnight from 3:45-4:45pm.

P&C News

P & C – Whats Coming Up in Term 1!!

State Election Day Fundraising BBQ and Cake Stall – Saturday March 11

The undercover area hosts one of the polling stations for the State Election and we will have a BBQ area and cake stall positioned just outside to take advantage of the passing traffic. Elections have always been a great way for the P&C to raise funds for the school. Notes and cake boxes will go out the week before the election with instructions on where donated goodies can be taken to be sold on the day.

Don’t forget to vote at the school and buy a sausage sizzle, bacon and egg burger, cake or drink and support the P&C!!

Newborough Movie Night Under the Stars – Friday 24 March

This event is proudly sponsored by the Rotary Club of Scarborough. An amazing 6 metre x 3 metre screen will once again be set up outdoors under the stars on Jim Hazlitt Field on Friday 24 March. We are close to choosing a movie and posters will be put up on the classroom doors soon. Notes and payment slips will be sent home with the kids. It will be $5.00 per ticket and bring your own picnics.

Ride/Scoot to School Day – Wednesday 29 March

Get your kids to ride or scoot to school on Wednesday 29 March. They can enjoy the obstacle course that will be set up and then feast on some fruit which is kindly donated by Sunfresh Fruit and Vegetables, 259 Scarborough Beach Road, Doubleview.

Moort Boodja Family Fun Run

A massive day for the Newborough Community, it’s our own Tough Mudder with kids and adults having to brave the different obstacles and slides set up all through the school grounds.

Easter Raffle

Tickets for the Easter Raffle will be sent home with the kids as well as requests for donations. The Easter Assembly will be held on 7 April.

If anyone has any questions about the P and C I am available on 0400 791 968 or newboroughpcpres@gmail.com.

P & C – The Bad News

The Newborough P&C started with a disappointing turn out for their annual general meeting for 2017, putting the association at risk of needing to shutdown in the next 3 months.

As an incorporated association, the Newborough P&C is required to have at least 10 people at official meetings, to decide how the association is run. At the first meeting of the year called the annual general meeting, we did not have 10, so we could not vote in 7 people that would act as the governing body of the association. We now have 3 months to organise and hold another general meeting and try to form a new governing body. If we don't then we will need to dissolve the P&C.

The P&C has been very successful at raising funds that contribute directly to the school, running community events and providing services to the school. Last year we raised around $40,000 that helped pay for nature play equipment and school IT upgrades, held a number of fun community events including Mort Boodja, school disco, movie and quiz nights and kept the canteen and uniform shop running smoothly.

If the P&C was to be dissolved the School would:

1. Not have a canteen;
2. Not have a uniform shop;
3. Not have the funds to pay for the completion of the Nature Play Area
4. Not have the funds to pay for items such as interactive white boards in extra classrooms;
5. Not have special guests come to the school and give presentations on their chosen fields;
6. Not have great community events like Moort Boodja, Fetes, Quiz Nights, Movie Nights and Easter Raffles.

We have relied on a few amazing people for too long. These people have now moved on and we need more new parents to get involved. We need people to stand up and volunteer to be office bearers and others to put their hands up and volunteer their time. We are only asking for a few hours a few times a year.

I look forward to being inundated with people wanting to help out. If you are keen please ring or text me on 0400 791 968 or email me on newboroughpcpres@gmail.com.

Cheers

Neale McQuire
P&C President

Uniform Shop

POSITION VACANT

The Uniform shop is looking for a New Co Ordinator, as this is my last year at the School , enquiries to newboroughuniforms@gmail.com.

One afternoon a week to Help out your school , without our volunteers the Uniform Shop cannot run so Please help out if you can . Thankyou

If you have paid for a Uniform but not collected please email me or come in Tuesday Afternoon.

We will be releasing a New Polar Fleece Jacket Term 2 , to keep the kids warm for Winter can you please express your interest, so I can order the right amount of Stock, I have a sample hanging in shop if you would like to pop in and have a look. Tuesday Afternoon 215 -3 pm

Order Form

Melissa McNally
Uniform Shop Co-ordinator
newboroughuniforms@gmail.com

Canteen News

Opening Hours

Newborough Primary Canteen is open from Wednesday to Friday from 8:30am to 1:30pm.

Canteen Staff and Volunteers

A huge thank you to all the Canteen Volunteers. There has been a very positive response, great to see some new and regular volunteers on our roster. Jessica will be sending out the next lot of Volunteer forms to classrooms.

There are still shifts available for the term, you can go directly to the Volunteer Roster by following the link below.

Here you can add your name to a shift. If there are no spots suitable please don't be discouraged as we have another 3 terms to fill in the future.

Just a reminder could Volunteers wear closed shoes and have long hair tied back . No experience is necessary.

Canteen Menu

The Full Canteen Summer Menu is now available. The ever so popular Sushi is back as a Friday special.

You can view the menu from the link below or a hard copy is available out the front of the school office.

Kind Regards

Patty Vallini
Canteen Manager

School Banking

Hello and welcome back to School Banking for 2017. The new theme is "Future Savers" and there are new rewards for every 10 deposits made.

This year banking will be held on a Monday morning from 8.15am in the library. Commonwealth Bank is encouraging new bankers to open their accounts online or in a branch and If you need any further information on getting started i'm always happy to help.

As always we need and love parent helpers. So if anyone is available to supervise our Year 5 tellers please get in contact with me; Megan - 0410 101 035.

School Banking is a valuable program that teaches our kids about money and establishes good saving habits, it also supports our school by contributing to the P&C so i'd love to see you there.

Happy Banking!

Megan Cowan - School Banking Co-ordinator

DoE Security

Keep an eagle eye on our school!

School Watch encourages the school community to report any suspicious activity in and around school grounds, after hours and on weekends, as well as during school holidays.

Telephone 1800 177 777 (freecall) or 13 14 44 (WA Police).

Please do not approach any individuals, just contact security and they will investigate the situation or contact the Police. Working together will help protect our school.

Community News

Barnes Karate

Perth Japan Festival

On March 25, the Perth Japan Festival will be holding its annual event, at Forrest Place in the city. Many thousands of people attend every year. Japanese entertainment can be viewed free of charge and Japanese games, activities and food will be available for purchase. For more information please see the link below.

Kids Club Doubleview

Working in partnership with Newborough Primary School

The services we offer are:

• Before School Care - daily 7:00am – 9:00am
• After School Care - daily 2:30pm – 6:00pm
• Vacation Care – School Holidays 7:00am to 6:00pm

For more information visit our website at:

For all enquiries please contact us on:

Doubleview.kidsclub@mulberrytree.com.au or on (08) 9244 2920

Scarborough Junior Football Club Registration

Ready Steady Go Kids

Relationships Australia – Parent Courses – March 2017

West Leederville Branch

Safety House

Newborough Primary School has been a proud supporter of the Safety House Program in our community for many years. We currently have 9 safety houses in our neighbourhood.

The Safety House Program is always looking for new volunteers from the local community to become a ‘Safety House’, if this interests you, please email Halijah: halijah.hyder@gmail.com for more details. FEELING UNSURE? KNOCK ON A SAFETY HOUSE DOOR!

Safety House Coordinator: Halijah Hyder

INTERESTED IN SAFETY FOR KIDS IN YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY?

IT’S EASY TO HELP AND YOU COULD MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Safety House is a community based “Good Neighbour” program of volunteer householders organised by a local Safety House Coordinator. It’s easy to be a Safety House, it will cost you very little for a 3 year Working with Children Card and you could be doing something important to help protect vulnerable young children.

The program is supported by the school and the local Parents Association.

You can make a difference for kids in your local community.

WHO CAN BE A SAFETY HOUSE?

A Safety Householder must be a caring adult who is usually in or around their home during school travel times and be ready and willing to assist any child who might seek help at their door.

This is to make sure that a child in need will find someone at home if they knock on the Safety House door for help.

Your house must have easy street access to the front door, no screening walls or trees and a Safety House sign easily visible from the street. If you have a dog it should be secured behind a fence at the rear of the building or be kept under control in the house.

This is to make sure that a young child will be able to find the Safety House door easily and will not be frightened away.

Before you can be a Safety House, any eligible adult who is likely to help a child at the door must have a valid Working with Children Card. Also everyone living in the house aged fourteen and over must consent to having a continuously monitored police check which is fully paid for by Safety House. Your local Safety House Committee will help you fill out a simple Safety House WA application form.

We need to make sure that anyone who might answer the door at a Safety House has been carefully checked out.

For further information please fill in the coupon below and leave it at your local School Office or you can contact the Safety House Head Office direct by email at safety@safetyhousewa.org.au and our website is at the link below.

Safety House WA Inc. Waddington Primary School, 15 Henniker Way, KOONDOOLA WA 6064