23 August 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 2017. Please note dates are subject to change.

Principal’s Introduction

NAPLAN Results 2017

With great anticipation we look at each students’ and the school’s results in NAPLAN testing each year. This set of tests provides an opportunity to see how individuals perform and how the school performs. It is not the only data we use to monitor performance and needs to be seen as a dip stick litmus test rather than the ‘be end and end all’ type test.

Parents will shortly receive their child’s Year three or Year five results in Numeracy, Writing, Reading, Spelling, Grammar and Punctuation. I would encourage you to spend a few moments with your child and go through the results. There is a lot to celebrate and of course areas for improvement. At the school level we have data on the responses to each question from each child. From this we can dig in and see how each child and the year level cohort went in each area. If there are any gaps or areas children haven’t performed as well as expected we build this into our planning. Parents can make an appointment with their child’s teacher to discuss NAPLAN results.

As a school we were thrilled with the overall longitudinal results in all areas. The school has performed above like schools in every area, both Years three and five. This is the first time that this has occurred for our school since NAPLAN commenced. The longitudinal trends show improvement in all areas except Year five numeracy. One exceptional performance is Year three Grammar and Punctuation where our Year threes actually performed better that the state average for year fives.

Whilst we are pleased with the performance of our Year threes and fives it is important that we acknowledge the team effort from teachers and parents from the time students commence in Kindergarten. As a staff we take great pride across the school in working together to improve students at all stages, not just the NAPLAN testing years.

Now that we have our initial results we as a staff explore deeper and look at where students have done well and where we need to place emphasis in our teaching.

Attached are the longitudinal graphs showing our school’s results since 2013 against like schools. If we were to compare this to the state average rather than like schools the gap would be even greater. In general our state results are slightly better than the Australian average.

STEM Week Activities

Congratulations to everyone for a really successful and vibrant STEM Week. This was a real highlight for the school with such a broad range of exciting activities for every student to be involved with. These included the open classrooms with children showing their projects and work, a library display and the open Japanese classroom. Lunchtime activities included robotics, making hovercrafts, watching the Einstein story, the construction challenge and the Egg Capsule Challenge. Friday’s assembly with Miss Kos’s class was brilliant with their Science demonstrations and of course there were all the amazing and thoughtful range of STEM costumes worn by students and staff. Well done to everyone for making this important week such a memorable success.

Stem Week – Open Classroom

Egg Capsule Challenge

Round Table Luncheon

On Wednesday 9th August the student leaders and I met with a very keen group of year two representatives to have a pizza lunch and share ideas about what is great about our school and things we can do to make it even better. Representing the Year twos we had Museo, Finn, Mitchell, Elsie, Titan and Margot. It was especially nice to have Margot on board as she and her family recently visited the Great Hall of Winchester Castle where the legend of King Arthurs’ round table originated. The idea that we use where everyone is equal and each view is valued.

Members of our round table really liked our schools’ open spaces and green grass, that it is a safe school with no bullies and everyone cares for each other, teachers are really nice, we have a great sports program and the Nature Playground is a huge hit.

The children also came up with some great ideas to make our school even better. These included having a Glee Club (Singing and dancing – a talent show), adding swings and a survival playground in our Nature Playground, putting in more netball and basketball courts, making the canteen an ‘all you can eat’ buffet lunch (I’m sure the P&C will love that one), a robotics club and a swimming pool. One I really liked was ‘Hello Day’ when everyone finds someone they don’t know and says ‘hello’ and get to know them. Our student leaders will have fun discussing the merits of these ideas.

At our last Round Table with Year sixes it was suggested that Year sixes could eat their lunches at the tables near the library. Weather permitting this idea has been adopted and it has meant the Year sixes have a special place to eat and this has reduced congestion on the veranda as well. They came up with their own rules to keep the area tidy and orderly. Great idea and it is working.

Open Board Meeting – Monday 11 September

Each year our proactive School Board looks at ways of engaging our school community to provide feedback and get involved with the governance of our school. Last year the Board led the way with discussion about our aging facilities, safety and security. This resulted in the establishment of the Facilities Sub-Committee that is doing some excellent work on our behalf.

This year the Board is looking at the future of schooling and what our school might be like in 2050. The aim is develop a vision for us to strive towards. One that is well beyond the tenure of most of us (in 33 years’ time although in my case. Who would have guessed that I would have come back to the school 34 years after my first stint). We are developing a 3 year Business Plan but really that’s a short snapshot in time and only really deals with the here and now. Imagine if politicians thought beyond a 3 or 4 year term.

Keep this date in mind and come along. I’ve done a little research in preparation and there’s some really interesting stuff. Will school’s as we know them still exist?

STEM Class Awards Years 4/5 Room 8 and Years 3/4 Room 5

Kindly sponsored by Mike Ferraro from S.L.P Real Estate.

Emma Rowan-Brain Year 4-5 Room 8 (Mr Freeman’s Class) Emma is an enthusiastic STEM student. She demonstrates curiosity in all areas and is able to ask questions to gain further information on concepts and ideas. Emma is a risk taker who is willing to try new ideas, showing perseverance and creativity. She possess excellent communication skills. Emma listens carefully to the ideas of others and building upon their ideas while also sharing her ideas and understandings confidently to her group and the class during discussions. She is able to follow instructions with care to complete experiments and follow the design process. Emma's enthusiasm for STEM is to be commended.

Will Drysdale Year 3 Room 5 (Miss Kos’ Class)Will is a very inquisitive student, a quality that is ideal for the area of STEM. His creativity allows him to be open to the possibilities for the future of science and technology. Will enjoys a challenge and loves to research and discover the way the world works. He shares his knowledge freely with his classmates, taking joy in educating others. Will enjoys the hands on nature of STEM areas and excels in coding and problem solving. Congratulations Will. We are sure you will have a bright future in the area of STEM.

John Worthy
Principal

Term Dates

School Directory

Library News

Process for Overdue Library Books

• If a student fails to return a library book an email will be sent home that day to parents as a reminder.
• If the library book is then not returned by the following borrowing week, parents will be invoiced for the cost of the book immediately.
• Students will not be able to borrow until the book is either returned or paid for.

We thank all students and parents for their assistance in helping all books be returned each week to the library to allow other students to also enjoy those books. A reminder that Library Bags are essential for students to care for our books. Our Newborough Primary School green reading book/library bags can be purchased from the Front Office.

Please do not hesitate to either contact myself, Sharon Singleton or Deb Kirton on any questions in regards to our school library.

Student Voice

Lost Property

There is an increasing amount of lost property being left on school grounds, after hours and during school.

Please check the lost property rack, located outside the Uniform Shop, for missing items. Any items that are unlabelled and left over at the end of every two weeks, are donated to the Uniform Shop for second hand resale or disposed of. We strongly suggest that your child’s property is clearly labelled to ensure it finds its way back to its rightful owner.

Late Collections of Students

Our staff are being increasingly asked to relay messages regarding the afternoon pick up of students at the end of the school day. Children should be informed at the beginning of their day, of their afternoon arrangements, for example attending afterschool care, family members/friends picking up. Early pick up of children disrupts the class and the learning of others.

Please note that due to the increased demand at the front office during this time, we may not be able to take messages to your children at the close of school however if parents are running late, the children are taken to the front office by their teachers and are supervised, and parents/guardians called to organise pickup, if necessary. Thank you for your consideration.

Absentees and Lates

If your child is going to be absent from or late to school, please advise us via SMS/email (preferred) or phone the school, advising us of the student’s name and room number, as well as the reason for their absence.

Keep the following details on hand for easy reference:

If your child is not in class by the time the roll is taken at 8.40am, please ensure that they come up to the front office to receive a Late Pass before going to class, and have their ‘unexplained absence’ changed on the system. Our automated absences system sends out SMSs to parents of those students who have an ‘unexplained absence’ recorded for that day.

Schoolzine App

Have all our school’s information accessible at all times – download the FREE Schoolzine app to your mobile device to readily access the latest information in real time.

Newsletter, School Calendar, Term Dates, Dates to Remember – It’s now all at your finger tips!!

Sports News

Faction Athletics Carnival

Just a reminder that our annual Faction Carnival will commence on Tuesday 29th August commencing at 8.50am with the Long Distance running events followed by the Jumps and Throwing events being held consecutively.

The main carnival will be held on Friday 1st September commencing at 9am and progressing throughout the day.

The children have trained very hard for this wonderful day and are looking forward to this day.

On behalf of all of the staff, I would like to extend a huge thank you to all of the parents who have volunteered to assist at either the carnival or to help in the canteen. Your assistance is greatly appreciated by everyone to ensure our carnival is memorable for everyone.

This year, the faction bays will be in the centre of the main oval (East side of the running track). Parents will be allocated an area on the west side of the running track which will be behind and heading North along the boundary fence. Parents are kindly asked to remain behind this area unless visiting the Kindy Café, taking photo memories or visiting the toilets.

For the competitors and your safety, please do not cross the running track or go in front of the finishing hoops if you are visiting one of these areas!

Setting Up for the Friday Carnival

If any parents are available, I would greatly appreciate any assistance with the setting up of the carnival from 7.30am onwards. We need the most assistance with setting up the shelters. We also need help with setting up the star pickets and bunting around the faction bays.

I would like to wish all students good luck for the carnival and look forward to seeing everyone having a wonderful day.

Kris Williams
Physical Education Teacher

Japanese News

Congratulations to Hugh (Yr 6) who won third prize for an eBook he wrote for the Modern Language Teachers Association competition for Languages Week. Hugh wrote a bilingual book about a small ra-men (Japanese noodle) shop and how it became famous. Hugh was presented with a certificate and received $30 in prize money.

Two weeks ago NPS hosted six Japanese exchange students from Years 2-5. By all accounts they had a wonderful time and found the NPS staff and students to be very friendly. They reported that the friendships they developed while at NPS were one of their highlights (even better than meeting a koala!). Some classes were able to take part in their presentations of calligraphy, origami, ayatori (old fashioned strings) and traditional Japanese games. Thank you to everyone that had a small part in making their trip so enjoyable.

Lastly, It was great to meet so many parents at the Japanese Open Room in STEM week. Any parents that were unable to attend the Open Room are able to knock on the door any Wednesday or Thursday, and if I'm free you are welcome to come in.

Andrea Kurasho
Japanese Teacher

P&C News

Entertainment Membership Newborough Primary School is raising funds. Here's how you can help...

If you haven’t already purchased your NEW 2017 | 2018 Entertainment Membership this year, this is your chance to support us and be rewarded with over $20,000 of valuable offers!

TOP 5 reasons to love your Entertainment Membership

1. You will be supporting Newborough Primary School fundraising! We receive 20% of the purchase price for every Entertainment Membership sold.
2. You can enjoy hundreds of up to 50% OFF and 2-for-1 offers from some of the best fine dining restaurants, popular cafés and family restaurants in your area.
3. You’ll be ‘entertained’ all year long with valuable cinema, activities and theme park offers.
4. Treat yourself to discounted eGift Cards from national retailers like David Jones, Woolworths, rebel and much more.
5. Discover new places with more than 2,000 hotels and resorts, with exclusive accommodation offers.

Uniform Shop

Exciting News

After 2 yrs of running the shop and my last year at Newborough it's time to hand the reins over To our new Uniform Shop Co Ordinator, Thankyou Rhonda Yates for taking on the wonderful job of running our Uniform Shop for our School.

The shop will still be open Tuesdays 2:15 -3

Online orders newboroughuniforms@gmail.com pay into P&C Account with surname as reference.

We will deliver to class.

Thankyou again Rhonda your a star.

Melissa

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

Canteen News

On Friday 1st September the canteen will be closed due to the Athletics Carnival.

The P&C will be hosting their annual Sausage Sizzle for the event. Look out for order forms that will be coming home today. You have an option to order via "Our on-line Canteen" . Hurry as orders close on Monday 28th August.

Please view the new menu by following the link below.

Canteen Menu

Volunteers

Most parents have received a plea letter for canteen volunteers from our P&C president Neale McQuire.

Our weekly regular volunteer is away for the rest of the Term and also Christine, will be away for the last two weeks of term. We need your help more so this Term.

As all ways thank you to all our parents, grandparents etc. who have put their name in for a shift.

Please follow the link below to view the Canteen Roster or call into the canteen if you would like a shift

Canteen Roster

Patty Vallini
Canteen Manager

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.

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:

Safety House WA Inc. Waddington Primary School, 15 Henniker Way, KOONDOOLA WA 6064 v2.0 2016