11 March 2020

Newsletter Articles

Dates to Remember

Please refer to the side panel “School Calendar” section for the “live” calendar of events for information

Principal’s Introduction

Healthy Hygiene Habits

With the increasing spread of the Corona Virus and the annual Flu and Cold season not too far away it is important we ensure our hand and general hygiene practices are in place at school and home. The school has reviewed all the soap dispensers, hand dryers, towels and paper towels to ensure all are in working order and regularly maintained by our cleaners. Those not working have been reported and handwash gel put in place until repairs have been carried out. The junior boy’s and girl’s toilets are most affected at this stage. All classrooms have a good supply of the hand gel and we have placed an order for more. More information has kindly been supplied by our School Community Health Nurse, Brittany Seeley. Please refer to School Nurse News. Laminating posters have been placed in the toilet areas.

Coronavirus (COVID – 19) Update

Please refer to our school website for the most up to date information, this will be the primary source of the most updated information for our school community

Storm Damage

On Tuesday 25th February late in the afternoon the metropolitan area was hit with a short, powerful storm leaving a trail of damage. Unfortunately, Newborough Primary School was not left unscathed. At least one of our trees on Hazlitt Field was shattered by lightning. It seems that this also greatly impacted many of the school’s electrical systems including power, phones, PA system and our internet. Whilst most of these systems have been restored the phone system is still limited to two lines to the front office. Thank you to everyone for your assistance and understanding during this difficult period. Mr Stenhouse, Miss Tucknott, Mrs Singleton and the front office staff did a great job coordinating the school’s recovery. Hopefully the phones will soon be repaired and we will be back to normal. Unfortunately our flame tree may be lost however our school policy with tree replacements will see five trees or shrubs planted around the school in its place.

Swimming Carnival

Last Friday 6th March Churchlands Senior High School hosted our annual Faction Swimming Carnival. What a great day it was with years four to six keenly competing in freestyle, kickboard, backstroke, breaststroke, freestyle relay and novelty events. There were 96 events over the day. In the end Corbett snuck home by three points from Manning followed by Connor. Whilst the competition was keenly contested and the results of so many races was very tight, the sportsmanship and team spirit were wonderful, reflecting our school values. As one of our very valued volunteers said “The students were all extremely well mannered, positive and showed excellent sportsmanship. I would like to especially commend the Year 5 Boys who shook hands and wished each other luck before each race.” Another highlight was the way our new student faction leaders embraced the challenges of assisting teachers with organising competitors and leading the cheering. They have certainly set the bar high at their first real opportunity to shine as leaders.

As always Mrs Williams organised the carnival with great care and precision. Swimming is one of those activities that with some extra training and practice competitors can make quantum improvements. The series of after school voluntary training sessions certainly reflected this and gave great impetus for this carnival and the Interschool carnival coming up on Friday 3rd April. Our parents, former students and staff volunteers at both the training and carnival did a fabulous job. They helped make this a real highlight for our students. Thank you everyone who helped in whatever way. We really appreciate your efforts.

Finally and most importantly congratulations to all our swimmers. You challenged yourself to do your best, to celebrate your own achievements and appreciate the effort of others. To see two competitors at the finish look at each other smile and then recognise each other’s effort was a real feature. Good luck to our interschool swim team.

For more information on the Faction Swimming Carnival, please see Sports News article from Ms Williams below

John Worthy
Principal

Term Dates for 2020

School Directory

Absentees

Just a friendly reminder that if your child will be absent, please contact the School directly either by:

Please include only the student’s name and room number, reason for absence and the date in any messages – the use of apostrophes, a colon or emoji results in the school receiving a blank message, and we are unable to accurately update your child’s record.

For Example: “John Doe Room 13 absent 1/2/2017 sick with flu”.

Thank You
Administration Staff

Visitors to the school

If you are visiting the school to deliver your child’s lunch, hat etc or volunteering in a classroom, please ensure that you sign in at the front desk. This is a risk management procedure to ensure that all people on school grounds are accounted for in case of emergency and for the safety of our children.

Messages for students during the day

We do appreciate that emergencies sometimes arise and we will always endeavour to deliver urgent messages to students by the end of the day, if needs be. However, please also appreciate that the afternoon pick up time is incredibly busy in the front office and the front office staff cannot leave the office unattended, to deliver non-urgent messages.

Please arrange playdates, afterschool care, etc and advise your child of these arrangements before the start of their school day. We ask that parents and carers only phone to request messages be delivered to their child if it is an absolute emergency as we do not wish to offend any parent/carer by advising we are unable to deliver a non urgent message. If you are running late, please let the front office know, but be assured that it is standard procedure for your child to be directed or brought up to the office after approximately ten minutes’ waiting outside their classroom, on the verandah, and the front office staff will attempt to contact you, if you haven’t already let us know that you’re running late. Please do not instruct your child to wait in other areas of the school or play in the playground, as this is not permitted.

Payment of Incursions and Excursions - NO CASH PAYMENTS ACCEPTED

Payment of Incursions and Excursions – Newborough Primary School is a cashless school – all payments must please be made via internet banking only.

If you need assistance with making payment and would like a payment plan, please contact Sharon Singleton, Manager Corporate Services to make alternative arrangements.

Non-payment of future incursions or excursions

Non-payment of the incursion or excursion by the DUE DATE will result in your child not attending the event – they will be placed in another classroom while the incursion or excursion is taking place.

School Nurse News

Hand washing

Washing hands is the easiest way to protect ourselves from contagious diseases, like colds, influenza and gastroenteritis. Hands should be washed before and after eating or preparing food, after going to the toilet and after nose blowing.

When teaching your child to wash their hands:

• Use clean water and soap, making sure they cover their hands and wrists.
• Use a brush to clean under nails if they’re dirty too
• Dry their hands with something clean (like a paper towel)

Alcohol based sanitisers are useful when soap and water is not available. Use half a teaspoon of the product and encourage your child to rub their hands together until they’re dry. If you can see dirt on their hands, it is better to use soap and water.

Should you require further information about hygiene, please contact your local Community Health Nurse, Brittany Seeley on 0456 627 171.

Colds

Upper respiratory tract infections or colds are everywhere, especially in winter, so it is almost impossible to stop children from catching them. Here are some points which may help:

• Teach your child to cover his/her nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, and to wash hands straight afterwards.
• Hands should be washed after blowing noses and before eating.
• Use tissues once and then throw them in the bin. (Avoid using handkerchiefs.)
• Keep your child home from school if he/she has a cold/cough/fever/pain.
• Make sure that your children eat a balanced diet of plenty of healthy foods.
• Keep children away from smoke – it irritates their eyes and nasal passages, making it more likely that they will catch a cold.

What to do if your child gets a cold

No treatment will cure a cold or make it go away more quickly, but you can help your child feel more comfortable:

• Rest: This need not be in bed.
• Provide extra drinks: If your child doesn’t want to drink much, try giving lots of small sips of water, milk or juice, or iceblocks to suck for older children.

Should you require further information about Colds, please contact your local Community Health Nurse, Brittany Seeley on 0456 627 171.

Regards
Brittany Seeley
School Nurse/ Community Health Nurse

Deputy News

HARMONY DAY – Friday 20th March 2020

Harmony Day is a celebration of inclusiveness, respect and belonging for all Australians, regardless of cultural or linguistic background, united by a set of core Australian values. Harmony Day is held every year on 21st March and this day also coincides with the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

This year we are inviting all students, staff and parents to wear orange on Friday 20th March as orange is the official Harmony Day colour.

We will also start our Harmony Day with a beautiful whole school song, “We Are”, on the quadrangle. This is not a formal assembly and will only take a few minutes. However, parents are welcome to stay and watch.

Please note that all Year Six students will be on camp during this week and will not participate in Harmony Day at school.

NAPLAN Online 2020

This year, all students in Years 3 and 5 will participate in the annual NAPLAN tests online. The assessment window for NAPLAN Online is from Tuesday 12th May to Friday 22th May 2020. Newborough Primary School will be holding a one hour information evening on NAPLAN Online for any interested Year 3 and 5 parents on Monday 23rd March from 6-7pm in the school library. Please do not hesitate to contact either Mr Stenhouse or Miss Tucknott if you have queries in regards to NAPLAN Online 2020.

BOOKS for BUBS

Have you recently had a baby?

Newborough Primary School would love to welcome you and your new baby to our school. We would be delighted to invite you and your baby to an Assembly and present you both with a “Books for Bubs” bag with some gifts for you both.

Please fill in the slip below and return it to the office so we can let you know when our next assembly and presentation will be.

Do you know of someone in our area who is having a baby in 2020 but they don’t have children at our school yet ? Please pass this information onto them so we can welcome them into our School Community.

If you want any information about the Newborough Primary School “Books for Bubs”

Program please contact me via email Karen.tucknott2@education.wa.edu.au or call into the school office.

Ripper Reader

Newborough Primary School has successfully run a reading program called ‘Ripper Reader’ for many years. The purpose of the program is to provide children one-on-one practice for their reading. Reading tutors listen to a child read, talk about the book and ask questions. Training is provided for volunteers new to tutoring.

The program usually takes place 15-20 minutes before school starts, however some teachers may need support at other times. To make this vitally important program a success in 2020 we need your help. If you have some time and love reading, consider volunteering for one or more morning.

To volunteer please email Nadine MURRAY: nadine.murray@education.wa.edu.au

Newbro News

Welcome back to 2020 from the Newbros and a very BIG welcome to our new families, please come and get involved! In case you don’t know about the ’Newbros’.

It is us, the many Dads, Grand-fathers, solo-Mums and father figures of Newborough Primary School…

In association with The Fathering Project (<— CHECK it out!)

It’s all about building a community of Dads, Grand-fathers, solo-Mum’s and any other Father figures of all shapes and sizes at Newborough Primary School to share, grow, gather, learn and laugh with each other and our kids through a range of annual activities.

Many of us Newborough Dads don’t have the time 9-3 Monday to Friday to be involved in our kids school lives... hopefully NewBros can change this.

NewBros is by Dads for Dad’s and it can be as big and great as we make it. Please get on board and get involved! We have big things planned!

Please REQUEST TO JOIN our Facebook group. (Mums especially, please join too to keep us men organised!)

On facebook simpy search ‘NEWBRO Dads - The Champion Dads of Newborough Primary School’ and request to join.

We have quite a few events organised in 2020. First up is our 2nd ever Newbros BIG School Camp Out and Movie Night (on the school oval). Saturday April 4 - Sunday April 5 we will be pitching our tents on the school oval, there will be a big movie screen and 2 movies, popcorn, ice cream vans, a DJ tent, marshmallows on the campfire, rides and MORE! Dinner and breakfast will be cooked by the Newbros! Come and stay the night ($10 per person including everything [except the coffee van]) or if you have little ones or camping isn’t for you, $5 per person gets you 2 new release kid’s movies on the BIG screen, popcorn, ice cream and all rides and amusements! A flier will come home with your kid’s soon. Get on Facebook and book now or see the link below!

BOOK NOW!

Regards…. Newbro Dads!

Sports News

Faction Swimming

Last Friday, the children in Years 4 – 6, travelled to Churchlands Senior High School to participate in our annual Faction Swimming Carnival. With much anticipation from the all of the students, a beautiful day and a wonderful turnout of parents the carnival was another exciting sporting event for our students.

The Swimming Carnival is a wonderful opportunity for every child to develop their water confidence and demonstrate their swimming abilities by being involved in a range of activities from novelty fun events to competitive racing depending on their ability level.

The students do not have to have to be strong swimmers to be involved in the carnival. The carnival provides a wonderful opportunity for every child in Years 4 – 6 to develop their water confidence and demonstrate their swimming abilities by being involved in a range of activities from novelty fun events to competitive racing depending on their ability level.

The students representing their factions participated with great effort and determination to do their best for their team. For some children, it was their first time in a swimming carnival and for many children they had to overcome their own anxiety to demonstrate courage, determination and persistence to swim the 25m. No matter where the children finished in any event, they were rewarded with the knowledge that they had succeeded in their personal challenge and that their efforts were acknowledged by their family, friends and teachers who had supported them throughout their events.

All of the children who participated, demonstrated the Newborough values of Respect, Kindness, Team Work and Challenge Yourself. All around the pool area the children’s endeavour, good team spirit and sportsmanship were on display. The carnival is planned for maximum participation at the children’s level of swimming ability, and all of the children who attended had a fun and rewarding experience. It was delightful to see so many children smiling, cheering, encouraging and congratulating their team mates during all of the events.

Once again, there was a wonderful turn out of parents, grandparents, friends and former students to support the children. Our carnivals would not be as successful and memorable for the children without the wonderful assistance and support that the parents and staff provide. I would like to sincerely thank all parents, staff and former students who helped with training and all of the jobs before, during and after the carnival. Special thanks to Mr Stenhouse, Mr Worthy, Mr Kosok and other parents for your assistance with the set up prior to and at the conclusion of the carnival. Your assistance and support was greatly appreciated.

This year the three factions were very closely placed throughout the carnival day. The relay events were very significant events which eventually determined the winning team which won by only three points. Congratulations and well done to all members of every team for your terrific efforts.

Final Scores:

1st Place – Corbett – 670 points
2nd Place – Manning – 667 points
3rd Place – Connor – 532points

We would like to congratulate the following children who won the Championship medallions

Interschool Swimming

On Friday, 3rd April our Interschool team of 49 students, will travel to Churchlands Senior High School to compete against Hillarys, Duncraig and Glengarry Primary Schools in the Coastal District Interschool Swimming competition. Selected students for this carnival commenced training after school at Churchlands SHS yesterday. Training will continue for the next two weeks on Thursday’s only for this event. Selected students for this carnival MUST return their permission form and make payment no later than MONDAY 30TH MARCH in order to be eligible to attend.

As all carnivals require a large number of parent volunteers to assist to ensure the smooth running of a carnival, I have sent home a ‘Request for Parent Helpers’ form to with the Interschool Swimming Team students last Monday. Please return your completed volunteer forms to your child’s classroom teacher by Wednesday 25th March.

We wish all the members of the Interschool Swimming Team the very best of luck. Go Newborough!

P&C News

Uniform Shop

New Opening Hours 2020

Starting Tuesday 4th February, we will be open Tuesday afternoons from 2:15pm to 3:00pm.

Exciting News!!!

The Uniform Shop has now made the move to complete ONLINE ORDERING AND PAYMENT via Quickcliq - the system we use for online Canteen orders. On the link below It's quick and simple. And you can either request for your order to be sent direct to your child's class (usually on the next Wednesday) or you can still collect on a Tuesday afternoon when the shop will be open for collection, trying sizes, size exchange etc.

All available stock and sizes can be viewed online, then ordered and payed for in one go. This will cut down on double handling, checking that bank transfers have been made and will result in getting your items more quickly. Newborough is now a cashless school so cash will no longer be accepted at the uniform shop.

Quickcliq is easy to use, you just need to register, enter details for your child(ren), add credit onto your account and then select "Uniforms" from the menu bar. Or use the canteen feature of course for lunch!

If you have any difficulty or questions you can contact Fiona and Miriam by email: newboroughuniforms@gmail.com or visit the uniform shop Open on Tuesday afternoons 2:15-3pm

Thanks!

Miriam Lopes and Fiona McCallum
Uniform Shop Co-ordinators
newboroughuniforms@gmail.com

Canteen News

To maintain the output of the Canteen, and to keep the menu fresh and interesting we really need the support of volunteers. Even if it is not your year group's turn to volunteer, and you have time spare (even as a one off), we encourage you to please put your name down on the roster or just pop in when you can.

Pizza

As noted in the last newsletter, we have improved the quality of our pizzas by having our pizza bases supplied and par baked in a wood fired oven by Al Fornetto Pizzeria. We hope the children are enjoying the new product. Below are pictures of the par cooked pizza dough and the various pizzas made with it.

Volunteers

General - To maintain the output of the Canteen, and to keep the menu fresh and interesting we really need the support of volunteers. Even if it is not your year group's turn to volunteer, and you have time spare (even as a one off), we encourage you to please put your name down on the roster or just pop in when you can.

Regards
Amanda Meyer
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.

Community News

Wests Scarborough Rugby Union Club

Junior registrations open 1 February

All ages and experience – Under 5’s to Under 18’s

From Beginners to Experience

Visit the link below:

Hale School Scholarships

Scholarship applications are now being accepted for students currently in Year 6 who would like to attend Hale School from Year 7, 2021. Various scholarships are available, including academic and music. Applications close 16 March 2020 and an information session will be held 4 March 2020. For more information, visit the link below:

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 neighbourhoodFEELING UNSURE? KNOCK ON A SAFETY HOUSE DOOR!

Are you 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:

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 fingertips!!