Newborough Primary School
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178 Newborough Street
Karrinyup WA 6018
Subscribe: https://newboroughps.wa.edu.au/subscribe

Email: newborough.ps@education.wa.edu.au
Phone: 08 9278 0450

8 April 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

What a Term!!

Term One started with all the excitement of another great year ahead. Our calendar full of thrilling and engaging activities to support strong learning and teaching. In the background the spectre of Coronavirus loomed as we heard news from China and the first ripples of change worked its way around the world. At first our approach was to try and do things as normally as possible, even be creative by trying alternatives such as running assemblies through the PA. Social distancing and increased hygiene became the order of the day. I think the first really big impact was when the Government, rightly, cancelled a series of activities in schools including the Year Six Camp. Camp is the big highlight for our senior students and even up to three days before we were ready to go. I felt like the world’s meanest Principal when I had to inform students, parents and staff that the camp was abandoned. Again this week as we had to close down our playgrounds. The look on the little one’s faces was devastating and in disbelief. Thank goodness we managed to run the Easter Raffle. Thank you, Jackie Stott and the P&C team. That was a real lifter for us all.

We now enter a phase of self-isolation and the potential that the school will move to a form of schooling at home. Our teaching staff have worked tirelessly to cater for the children still attending and to develop meaningful work packages and communication strategies should the school be closed.

How do you cater for such a broad range of family situations where some have full connectivity and devices, others don’t have internet at all? Families have been hit hard with having to stay at home, being restricted from the usual range of activities and sports, trying to do schooling with everyone on top of each other and for some having to work from home or maybe not even having regular work. The same applies to staff and their families. I am so impressed with student families and staff families who have self-isolated to ensure the safety of all. Without going into detail, I am well aware of those who have done this so selflessly and thoughtfully.

Kindness and Newborough at its best.

Everyone is a bit tired and anxious about their health and wellbeing and that of family. This we have made our focus for Term Two. Health and wellbeing first and learning second. Stick with us and we will work together for the benefit of every child and family.

This week we would normally host the ANZAC Service. Our guest speaker was to be Mr Vince Connelly MP, Federal Member for Stirling. Mr Connelly was previously in the Australian Armed Forces. This service would also have been conducted on our new stage platform with new flagpoles and much better viewing. Unfortunately, these works have been delayed. I encourage families to stop and remember the ANZAC’s. Here is a link to a range of fantastic resources and ideas you can use at home suitable for all ages.

https://anzacday.org.au/themes

I wish everyone a safe and enjoyable Easter and holiday break. It will be different. We are all very inventive and creative at Newborough so I am sure you will rise to the challenge to enjoy our Staycation.

In whatever form, school recommences on Wednesday 29th April. Monday 27th is the ANZAC Public holiday, Tuesday 28th is a School Development Day – Pupil Free that may well be needed to make some very quick adjustments to delivery for our teaching staff.

Staff Changes

There will be several staff changes when Term Two commences. Mrs Kelly Hughes, Year 4 Room 12, will be commencing her parenting leave in preparation for the exciting arrival of her baby. Mrs Mandy Farmer will increase her time from three days a week to four (Monday –Thursday) and Mrs Megan Saggers will teach on Fridays. Mrs Kara Varcoe will replace Mrs Saggers in the Kindergarten on Fridays. Kindergarten Education Assistant, Miss Vanessa Adamson is also having a baby and has commenced parenting leave. At this stage with the uncertainty of when we may return, we have not replaced her yet.

Sadly we say goodbye to Special Needs Education Assistant Mrs Rebecca Lee as her contract expires at the end of this term.

Everyone’s a Teacher

At the start of each school year I share my fundamental professional beliefs with my staff and re-affirm my personal ethos. One of these is “Everyone is a teacher’. It’s true. We all teach and learn from each other and that is why coming together in likeminded groups, in our case a school with similar aged learners, is so fundamentally important. We really want all the kids back and be teaching them again soon. Our teaching and support staff are here to help you and will do our very best to cater for every child in the school. Our partnership has changed, our focus has not. We work together teachers ALL.

Dr Karl’s Fabulous Books

You may remember I wrote about our Skype session with Dr. Karl earlier this term. Miss Phillip’s and Mrs Farmer/Mrs Hughes’ Year 6 and 4 classes were privileged to have this session as a result of Will and Isla Drysdale’s efforts at a book signing with Dr. Karl last year. Dr. Karl has sent our school a wonderful selection of Science books, journals and a brochure to join the Helix Club. These books are being acquisitioned by Mrs Kirton who is putting together a display for when we can all get back together. I was particularly keen to see a book titled ‘Brain Food’ as this is what I continually say to everyone about reading.

I hope that as we enter a period of family self-isolation you have plenty of good books and do lots of reading. I will be, especially Science fact books!

A Baby for Mrs O’Dea

Amidst the uncertainty of Coronavirus, we recently received very welcome and exciting news for Mrs Bree O’Dea and husband Greg and daughter Eloise. A little baby brother Jackson John O’Dea, 4.3kg and 56cm born on the 19th March. All doing well and safely tucked in at home. We look forward to a visit when the time is right.

Container Deposit Scheme – Start Collecting Now.

Did you know that on 2nd June the State Government’s 10 cents a bottle ‘Container Deposit Scheme’ commences, assuming the world gets back on track after the COVID –19 Pandemic. Not only is this a great way we can raise some funds it is also a wonderful way to educate our students and community about the benefits of recycling and reducing plastics and glass as rubbish into landfill all the dangers this brings to our society and future generations. Our Newbie Knights have said waste plastics is their number one environmental issue.

https://www.containersforchange.com.au/wa/how-it-works

I would like to set up our school as a Donation Point where school community members, and possibly local community, can drop off eligible containers at the school Drop Off Point or donate directly to the schools’ Refund Account at a designated Refund Point for 10cents a container.

To assist with NPS becoming a Donation Point I have applied for a grant to purchase a school trailer (8x4 with mesh sides) several large garden bags with frames and a trailer security lock. A trailer would be very handy for lots of other activities such as sports carnivals, busy bees, etc. Hopefully we are successful raising funds that will go directly into our Newbie Knights Sustainability projects. Making Sustainability financially sustainable.

You can assist now by collecting eligible containers and storing them ready to bring to the school when it is safe and we are ready to go.

Set up your own storage and collection system as I have done at home. Why not set up a system at your workplace! (For those fortunate to still be working)

Please remove plastic lids and rinse out containers so they don’t attract insects and bees.

Happy Collecting!!

I am also looking for some great posters, flyers and information sheets that we can use to promote our Container Deposit Scheme – a great home activity.

Worm Farm Home

We have a small Worm Farm that needs a home that can feed and care for the worms if the school closes for any period of time. Worms are easy to care for, don’t smell and are a great way to recycle most food waste. A great activity for children and something to keep them engaged and active. The worm farm needs a sheltered shady space and a little regular TLC. We have some easy to follow instructions that can help.

If you are interested please email me and let me know. I can arrange pick up from school or delivery to home. Email or call John Worthy or Sam Metcalf (Science Teacher).

Noongar Season

Have you observed some changes in our weather lately? The Noongar peoples didn’t pick a date to say the season has changed they observed signs. The daylight hours have decreased, the mornings are cooler and we’ve even had some rain. Whilst we can’t get out and about from our house as much with the current COVID – 19 restrictions this is an opportunity to really take in what is happening around the garden and local area. What do you notice?

Djeran - Ant season (season of the adulthood) April - May

Djeran season at last sees a break in the really hot weather. A key indicator of the change of season is the cool nights that once again bring a dewy presence for us to discover in the early mornings.

The winds have also changed, especially in their intensity, with light breezes being the go and generally swinging from southerly directions (i.e. south east to south west). Many flying ants can be seen cruising around in the light winds.

Djeran is a time of red flowers especially from the Red Flowering Gum (Corimbia ficifolia), as well as the smaller and more petite flowers of the Summer Flame (Beaufortia aestiva). As you travel around the Perth area, you may also notice the red 'rust' and seed cones forming on the male and female Sheoaks (Allocasuarina fraseriana). Banksias start to display their flowers, ensuring that there are nectar food sources for the many small mammals and birds that rely upon them.

Traditionally, foods at this time of year included the seeds that had been collected and stored for treatment from the Zamia last season along with the root bulbs of the Yanget (Bullrushes), fresh water fish, frogs and turtles.

As the season progresses, the nights will become cooler and damper along with some cool and rainy days which also means that traditionally mia mias (houses or shelters) were now repaired and updated to make sure they were waterproofed and facing in the right direction in readiness for the deep wintery months to come.

“Teachers, I believe, are the most responsible and important members of society because their professional efforts affect the fate of the Earth.”

Helen Caldicott

CHALLENGE YOURSELF

John Worthy
Principal

Term Dates for 2020

Term 2, 2020

Wednesday 29 April – Friday 3 July

Term 3, 2020

Tuesday 21 July – 25 September

Term 4, 2020

Tuesday 13 October – Thursday 17 December

School Directory

Department

Number

Email

School Office

08 9446 1025

Newborough.ps@education.wa.edu.au

Absentee

SMS 0409 088 585

Newborough.ps.absentee@education.wa.edu.au

Website

www.newboroughps.wa.edu.au

Department

Number

Email

School Office

08 9446 1025

Newborough.ps@education.wa.edu.au

Absentee

SMS 0409 088 585

Newborough.ps.absentee@education.wa.edu.au

Website

www.newboroughps.wa.edu.au

Absentees

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

SMS:

0409 088 585 (preferred method)

Email:

Newborough.ps.absentee@education.wa.edu.au

Phone:

9446 1025

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

Music News

Harmony Day

On Friday the 20th March, Newborough Primary School celebrated Harmony Day.

Here are a few photos and Individual class performances!

Room 3

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nFZAJjJxaW8

Room 7

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RdxD_8cCKEw

Room 9

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HSdkQ_UP38g

Room 13

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N2Wq7LZWO8M

Room 14

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EbOMqj6Q_Qo

Room 15

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29Oez7P9lGw

Room 16

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hbn8IlPaB3k

Chaplain Chat

Hello wonderful Newborough families

I hope that you are travelling as well as can be expected in these different circumstances.

Know that I am still available to be of support to you and your children. If you would like me to be in contact please email Nick.Stenhouse@education.wa.edu.au and we will come up with a plan.

I’m passing on this link from a parent in our school community which has some great creative ideas to be done online with kids below.

https://www.northmidlands.org.au/creative-at-home

I encourage you to take a moment in the midst of whatever you are facing and go outside and sit under a tree, feel the breeze on your face, some sun sneaking through, a bird flying past and just enjoy that moment of peace.

I’m sure I will say this a lot in these weeks ahead but… I look forward to the day when we are all back at school – greeting each other with handshakes and hugs and big, big smiles. What a great day that will be.

Take care and please be in touch if there is any way I can be of assistance.

Ali Dee
YouthCARE Chaplain

P&C News

Uniform Shop

Online ordering

The Uniform Shop has now made the move to complete ONLINE ORDERING AND PAYMENT via Quickcliq - the system we use for online Canteen orders. 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.

http://www.quickcliq.com.au/

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

Canteen Closed

The Canteen is currently closed, however we are busy using this extra time to plan the next menu and test new recipes. If you have any great, reliable recipes that your children love and you think others would also, please email me at newborough.canteen.manager1@gmail.com

Volunteers

For the first time ever, we don't have the need for volunteers, however when the Canteen re-opens we will appreciate help to replenish our meal stocks. Please use it as a great avenue to get out of the house!!

Thank you to all the volunteers who assisted us through Term 1, your help was invaluable.

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.

School Calendar

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!!

SZapp

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SZapp

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Please click the affirmative options on each pop-up.

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The Home tab displays the most recent news item and links to important school information and tools.

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The Feed tab shows a summary view of all news items which you have subscribed to.

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The Manage tab allows you to customise what information shows in your news feed and what push notifications you will receive.

For more information please view our FAQs

NOTICEBOARD

Mulberry Tree Childcare

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:

http://www.mulberrytree.com.au/doubleview-oshc/

For all enquiries please contact us on:

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

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