1 December 2021

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

Matilda The Musical JR.

It is hard to put into words how proud I am of the students’ performances and my appreciation for the efforts of our school community in making the musical Matilda JR happen. Great job Newborough. These are the luckiest kids in the world. Mrs Andria Snelson, inspired and led this most fantastic Musical that we are all raving about. I had the privilege of watching from the audience I looked at every child and the unique story behind each one. The selection of lead performers, the little quirks and additions to let individuals feel important and shine and the superb behind the scene helpers and volunteers were just incredible.

We received a lot of positive feedback from many quarters. Thank you. The one that stands out was from Mr John Winton, granddad of Elsie Winton who delightfully played Miss Honey, who said “It’s hard to believe these are primary school kids.’

This was very much a team effort with so many parent volunteers, former parents, grandparents, staff and family of staff members all contributing. As they say ‘Many hands make light work’ but we all know there wasn’t too much light work.

I would particularly like to thank all the staff who volunteered their time to help in whatever way. Nearly every staff member volunteered in some capacity. This was an outstanding effort and showed what a great staff we have. I know many gave of their time when extremely busy doing reports, end of year activities and of course preparing for our School Review. It was lovely to hear parents and community members mentioned this at the Concert Hall and afterwards around the school.

Gina Williams and Guy Ghouse Concert

Everyone is encouraged and welcome to attend the Gina Williams and Guy Ghouse Concert on Friday 10th December from 11:00-12:00 in the Undercover Area. This is a concert not to be missed as Gina and Guy sing a range of songs they have written in the beautiful Noongar Language.

Songs like Iggy’s Lullaby, (Written for Gina’s son); Bindi Bindi, (The Butterfly); Ninnyok (little Girl); the Noongar version of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star (Djinda Djinda) and a counting song called Keyen Koodjal, Daambart (One, Two Three). I’m sure our favourite song of welcome The Wanjoo Song will be featured. Gina is a former student at Newborough and I’m sure she’ll have a few reminiscing moments of her time her in the early 80’s. Here’s a taste WANJOO - YouTube

School Review

Our School Review site visit is on Wednesday December 8th will be conducted by Director, Public School Review, Maxine Augustson who will be accompanied by Peer Reviewer, Isobel Comrie. Isobel is principal of Millen Primary School.

A lot of work has gone on behind the scenes to prepare the evidence and tell our story. The Reviewers main task is to validate this and ensure we have planned actions to take us forward. Thank you to all members of the staff, school board and P&C who are giving of their valuable time to represent our school. The outcome of the Review will be sent to the school, probably early next year, and will be made available to the school community. I am sure we will shine.

Birak

The lifestyle for the Noongar communities during Birak

Birak season sees the rains ease up and the warm weather really start to take hold. The afternoons are cooled by the sea breezes that abound from the southwest. This was the fire season, a time to burn the country in mosaic patterns.

An almost clockwork style of easterly winds in the morning and sea breezes in the afternoon, meant that traditionally this was the burning time of year for Noongar people.

They would burn the country in mosaic patterns for several reasons including fuel reduction, increasing the grazing pastures for some animals, to aid in seed germination for some plants and for ease of mobility across the country.

As for the animals, there are many fledglings now venturing out of nests, though some are still staying close to their parents. Reptiles are looking to shed their old skin for a new one.

With the rising temperatures and the decreasing rainfall, it is also time for the baby frogs to complete their transformation into adulthood.

Christmas Presents

A lot is said about the importance of reading books. I encourage every parent to ask Santa to put at least one book in every child’s Christmas stocking. Book vouchers can also be a good idea they require a visit to a book shop and choices can be made. “Reading is Brainfood.”

Award Winning Photo

Mr Richard Goodwin, grandad of Riley and Stella and Community Board Member at NPS, recently won the WA Maritime Museum Exhibition Photography Competition with his entry on the theme ‘Change’. The photo, taken on tree planting day on the 30th July, shows Year 3 student Luca Gaia Marques De Oliveira preparing to plant a Banksia. Richard was very pleased with the photograph. As a previous Walkley Award winning journalist and photographer Richard certainly has excelled once again. Luca was thrilled to hear of the award as well.

By the way we have had about a 70% survival rate with our trees and shrubs. Much higher than previous years. The children have been looking after them by watering and tendering them regularly.

“We are not a team because we work together. We are a team because we RESPECT, trust and care for each other.” Anonymous
RESPECT
TEAM WORK
KINDNESS

John Worthy
Principal

Booklist Update

If you would like to order your 2022 booklist/s through the P&C and have not yet paid and handed in your form, the deadline has been extended to this Friday, December 3.

Please make payment to the P&C account – details are available on the booklist – and place the completed form in the drop box in the front office. Please do not email in your orders as hard copies are required.

Uniform Shop Update

Any orders received on or before Monday, 13 December will be filled and ready for collection on Tuesday, 14 December between 8.15am – 8.45am.

Any orders received on or after 14 December will be ready for collection on Friday, 28 January 2022, during Book List collection, 9am – 11am.

For all enquiries please e-mail: newboroughuniforms@gmail.com

TERM DATES

2021

School Directory

New Telephone Number

The Department of Education has provided the school with a new VOIP telephone system which has meant that we needed a different telephone number. We strongly suggest that parents make a note of the new number and start using it now, in case the old number is terminated earlier than anticipated.

PICKING UP YOUR CHILD DURING THE DAY

If your child needs to be collected from school during school hours (eg. attending an appointment or leaving early), can you please email the school at newborough.ps.absentee@education.wa.edu.au and your child’s class teacher ahead of time (the day before or in the morning would be great). Please include a reason for early pick up and the approximate time you will be here. This will help with coordinating your child to be waiting at the office when you arrive and lessen your wait time.

Deputy News

Pre-Primary - Year Five Presentation Morning

Save the date: Tuesday 14th December 8.50am in the Undercover Area

This year, the Pre-Primary to Year 5 Presentation Assembly will be held on Tuesday 14th December at 8.50am in the school’s undercover area. This Presentation Assembly will recognise students, regardless of the Year Level in split grades, who have achieved their classes’ Academic, Citizenship and Endeavour Awards, as well as classroom Fitness Awards. The new 2022 Year 6 Head Boy and Head Girl, Deputy Head Boy and Deputy Head Girl will also be announced along with the Faction Captains for 2022.

Academic Award: This award is presented to students who achieve not only excellent results across all learning areas but displays a true virtue of wisdom. These students show a love for learning; they challenge themselves to do better; they show creativity, curiosity, are a critical thinker and respond and act upon feedback. The winners of this award are not always the student who achieves the highest grades consistently in the class. These students earn this award through both their academic achievement and character strengths to pursue academic excellence. If a student is in a split year level class, this award will go to the recipient who displays these qualities regardless of the year level as this is a class award, not a year level award.

Citizenship Award: This award is presented to students for showing excellent civics and citizenship qualities and the virtue of humanity. These students show kindness, teamwork, respect, warmth and are genuine in their approach to everyone. These students show a strength in understanding others and treating others fairly. They set an example in their understanding of what needs to be done and they use their initiative to help others. They show leadership, and modesty, in encouraging and organising others in an unbiased way. The recipients of this award are community minded. If a student is in a split year level class, this award will go to the recipient who displays these qualities regardless of the year level as this is a class award, not a year level award.

Endeavour Award: This award is presented to students that show the strengths that help them persevere, apply consistent effort and set goals to improve. They challenge themselves regularly, face difficulties with a growth mindset, finish what is started, shows valour and bravery and reflects on and talks about their learning and growth. These students want to improve and want to learn and they work hard to do so. Their academic achievement may be at any level as this award recognises student aptitude over academic grades. If a student is in a split year level class, this award will go to the recipient who displays these qualities regardless of the year level as this is a class award, not a year level award.

If you have any queries in regards to the end of year Pre-Primary to Year 5 awards, please do not hesitate to contact me. Karen.tucknott2@education.wa.edu.au

Kindy Welcome Sign – Thank You

Many thanks to the Boyce family from Perth Property Signs for their very kind and generous offer to make a “Welcome to Kindy” sign for our fabulous Kindy.

Perfect timing to welcome our 2022 Kindy parents and children.

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.

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: 08 9278 0450

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 1/2/2021 sick with flu”.

Thank You
Administration Staff

P&C News

Scholastic Bookclub

Book Club needs your help!

We are looking for a volunteer (or more than one) to take over coordinating the book club for the school. Unfortunately, I have had to take on more hours at work and no longer have time to fit this in.

I will still be available to help and answer any questions so don't be scared to put your hand up.

Please get in touch with me ASAP with any questions or if you're willing to put your hand up and we can do the term 4 order together. - michelle.slobodan@gmail.com

Thanks you.

Michelle Brankovic
Bookclub Coordinator

Canteen News

Canteen Open

Monday, Wednesdays and Fridays

Sushi Day – Friday 10th December

We are organising a special Sushi day on Friday 10th December. Some of our very experienced Mums are going to make sushi on site, for the children to enjoy. Please place orders on Quickcliq by the end of Monday 6th December. Note, our usual Friday pizzas will not be available, however the rest of the usual menu will be available.

Icy Treats

Our Icy Treats (Ice Cream / Icy Poles / Slushies) are very popular, particularly in the hotter months. In consultation with the school Admin team, we have decided to make a few changes which has been communicated to all children through their classroom Teacher.

• If a child wishes to purchase an Icy Treat at Lunch time, they must purchase it with their own money. No sharing of money or buying for friends will be allowed.
• Children are only permitted to purchase 1 Icy Treat for themselves.
• Slushies will return in Week 3. However, to allow the younger children to finish their Slushies before the end of Lunch time, a smaller cup will be provided to Years 1 and 2 for $1.
• Years 3 to 6 will be able to purchase the usual size cup for $2.
• Icy Treats will stop being sold at 1:30pm.
• Children will have a designated area to eat their Icy Treats, supervised by Staff

Volunteers

Please keep a lookout for an email from your Parent Rep when it is your class year's week to assist. As always, if you have any spare time and wish to assist, please email me at newborough.canteen.manager1@gmail.com. We are always looking for help Monday / Wednesday / Friday from 9am - 11am and 11am - 1pm. However, any time you can spare is very much appreciated.

Regards
Amanda
Canteen Manager

Uniform Shop News

If you have some spare time on Tuesday mornings we would welcome your help in the uniform shop Your valuable time is greatly appreciated

UNIFORM SHOP Hours

Tuesdays 8:15-8:45am.

ORDERS

Uniform ordering can be made via QuickCliq (if you know the size). The cut off time is Mondays at 6pm to receive by Wednesday of the same week. Any orders after Monday at 6pm will be processed the following week.

Birthday Cakes/Gifts for Students

A reminder that we are not allowing the sharing of birthday cakes, presents etc. for birthdays or other celebrations due to the COVID restrictions. It remains too risky.