Issue 9, Term 2 Wednesday 3 July, 2019
Greetings from Europe and welcome to the last edition of the Aspiri Primary School Newsletter for Term 2.
We hope you enjoy the new layout and format of the Newsletter. It should prove to be more user friendly for your mobile devices.
Thank you for your continued support and see you at the gate next term.
Noel Morgan – Principal.
Good Afternoon Parents and Caregivers,
As we are now in the final weeks of Term 2, it’s a great opportunity to reflect on some amazing achievements and events we have had in the first semester of 2019.
We have formed a School Board, and a Parents and Community Association; two parent bodies that advocate for, and represent the interests of the community and school to achieve the best outcomes for our students. We have celebrated Harmony Day, Mother’s Day, Crazy Hair Day and National Simultaneous Story Time. We have opened a new library and started a school choir, a dance group and a running club. And we also won the regional Lightning Carnival Netball competition!!! These are all huge achievements for such a new school.
In addition, in all our classrooms our students are making excellent progress. I am excited particularly by the progress of many of our Year One students who have joined us this year and have been working closely with their teachers, education assistants and myself (it has been a team effort) to help them improve their reading and writing skills. I would like to give special mention to Oaklen Cooper, Reyna Riksman, Tariq Elbeialy, Sahaj Virk, Codey Riksman, Lachlan Bank, Kruiz Clarke and Samarveer Grewal. Keep up the good work!
CLASS RESTRUCTURES AND STAFFING CHANGES
Yesterday we sent an email to all our families to communicate some changes in Semester 2. Please contact the school directly if you did not receive this email.
The email gave details about a possible restructure of classes at some point later in the year.
It also informed the community about our recent teacher advertising process. Several of our teachers applied to win contracts and permanent positions at the school. We would like to congratulate Miss Kristyn Oldfield (Year 2) and Miss Alana Dyer (DOTT Provider in Kindergarten and Pre Primary) on their successful applications. Unfortunately some of our current staff members were not successful in their applications and we will be saying goodbye to these fantastic team members – Mrs Reechelle Guadagnino (Year 1B), Mr Alan Chamberlain (Year 4) and Mr James Walsh (Music Specialist).
Saying goodbye to teachers and welcoming new teachers is a normal part of schooling. Teachers come to and leave schools for a whole variety of reasons including promotions, alternative job opportunities and personal commitments. Whilst we always try to minimise disruption during the school year, it is not always possible and new schools are more likely to have changes throughout the year than established schools.
All of our team work collectively to support your child’s educational outcomes, so I can guarantee there will be no disruption to their learning or progress.
However, if you have any concerns please don’t hesitate to contact me to make an appointment to have a meeting.
Please keep an eye on our School Facebook page to learn more about our new staff members in the next couple of weeks.
NAIDOC WEEK CELEBRATIONS
Today we celebrated NAIDOC Week with a number of events organised by Miss Kaili Beeson. We had a visit from the Aboriginal Dance Group Koolangas Kreate and then students participated in activity rotations to learn about Aboriginal culture including damper making and tasting, braiding, a yarn circle, face painting, dreamtime stories, making keyrings, story stones, Noongar sport game and whole school artwork.
The Australian Curriculum recognises that all students must have the opportunity to engage in reconciliation, respect and recognition of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures. Below are some great photos of our performers (aged 10-12) teaching our teachers and students some Aboriginal dance routines.
STAFF DEVELOPMENT DAY TERM 3 – FRIDAY 23 AUGUST, 2019
Please note that students return from their winter holidays on Monday 22 July, 2019. Our Staff Development Day will not be held on the first day of school, instead teachers will be participating in a network conference on the 23 August, 2019. This means that our students will have a pupil free day in the middle of the term, not at the beginning of Term 3. For further information, please refer to our parent handbook on our website.
Have a happy and safe holiday, and we look forward to the new opportunities that Semester 2 will bring our school.
Sheri Evans
Honesty / Effort / Attitude / Respect / Teamwork
Congratulations to all the students who were awarded certificates at the recent assembly for displaying the H.E.A.R.T attributes.
Across Term 2, Year 1/ 2 Split have been appreciating Pop Art. We have including bold lines, contrasting colours and everyday objects to create our own ‘pop-tastic’ creations.
Here are some of our favourite finished pieces:
On Wednesday 19 June, 2019 PP3 presented their item ‘Counting in 2s, 5s and 10s’! They have been working really hard to improve their counting skills and were all extremely confident. The Pre-primary students should be congratulated on the way they spoke while introducing speakers and delivering important announcements to the school community. This cool class certainly made skip counting fun! Congratulations to Mrs Atherton, Mrs Fowler and Miss Bosso for choreographing the performance.
On Wednesday 26 June, 2019 Pre-primary were visited by a koalas, dingos, lizards and snakes! The incursion was run by West Oz Wildlife and the students were able to ask questions and interact with all of the animals. A big thank you to Miss Amy Blyth for organising such a successful incursion.
The Year 4/5 class has been working hard to combine Mathematics, Technologies and our teamwork and communication skills with a Minecraft challenge! Our class measured different areas of the school and converted our measurements into Minecraft block sizes. The students then logged into a single server and began building the Year 4 - 6 learning block. We have had to learn about communication pretty quickly, as 27 students building one creation means we have a lot of people moving, building and destroying blocks all at the same time!
Have a look at some of these photos and see how our block developed over time! Does it look familiar?
On Friday 21st June all Year 5 and 6 students participated in the VSSA Winter Lightning Carnival. Aspiri had two netball teams and one soccer team. The day was filled with great teamwork and all students had lots of fun while playing.
Results:
Netball B division - 1st
Netball C division - 3rd
Soccer B division - 3rd
All students should be proud of their efforts on the day and congratulated for their awesome sportsmanship.
Miss Ryan
Year 2 Visual Arts
The Year 2 students were introduced to the well-known artist Vincent van Gogh and his famous painting the “Sunflowers”. We discussed the use of colour, line and texture in the “Sunflowers” painting and the effect that they have on the actual painting. Then, students were given a photo of a still life just like Vincent van Gogh’s “Sunflowers” and asked to create their own version. They first made a draft on A4 paper using coloured pencils and then they painted their good copy on A3 thick paper using acrylic paints. The results are breath taking! Once again, a small taste of the wonderful skills and creativity of our students!
The Year 4 students were introduced to Jimmy Pike’s colourful artworks and we discussed his use of line, shapes and imagery. We also looked at some images of Dreamtime creatures and discussed their significance and symbolic meaning. Then students were given different images of Dreamtime creatures and asked to create their own one using acrylic paints. They started by creating an A4 draft version of their Dreamtime creature and then painted their good copy on A3 thick paper. What amazing imagination and results! Well done Year 4’s!
Apollo 11 was the spaceflight that landed the first two people on the Moon. Commander Neil Armstrong and lunar module pilot Buzz Aldrin, both American, landed the Apollo Lunar Module Eagle on July 20, 1969.
To commemorate the 50th Anniversary, we have planned a special display for the library that the students will love! It’s estimated that we will need 500 egg cartons, so if you are able to contribute, please bring your egg cartons to school as soon as possible!
We have exciting news from the Woodman Point Recreation Camps team. The long awaited return of our School Holiday Camp - Day Programs. We thought you would like to be informed of this fantastic outdoors program for the upcoming July School Holidays and pass the information onto families either via a communication portal, in the newsletter or on your noticeboard. Spaces are limited and registrations close on the 8th July.
Why send kids on Outdoor Recreation Camp?
Time and again, clinical studies and even your experiences tell you how important it is for children to engage in sport and outdoor activities. Engaging in outdoor activities builds the right foundation for children so that they become more productive and well-rounded adults in the future. These activities help children improve their physical, emotional, social, and mental health. Thus, it is essential to give children the opportunity to explore the outdoors, play with other kids, and expose them to real-life situations. Our top 7 reasons for why it is important to get kids involved in outdoor activities are:
1. Social Skills
2. Health benefits
3. Team Work
4. Sense of freedom
5. Academic Advantage
6. Confident and ready to take on a challenge
7. Improves mental health
Commencing Term 3 Subway lunch orders will now be on a Friday. All orders need to be handed to the office by 8.40am Thursday.
A new order form with additional options will be distributed early next Term.
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Triple P Seminar Download |
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Learning English Through Storytime Download |
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New Uniform Concept Store Opening in Jandakot Download |
Parenting support
As parents, you are the most important person in your child’s life.
Many parents find life with a child a joyful but challenging experience. Children’s needs change as they grow and each stage brings new challenges.
Parenting WA offers an information, support and referral service to parents, carers, grandparents and families with children up to 18 years of age. Parenting WA services are free and no referral is needed.
Parenting WA’s trained staff are available to work with parents;
· On specific parenting needs. They will help develop strategies for home life;
· To manage the different parenting challenges from infancy and childhood through to teenage years;
· To understand the different stages of child development, and;
· To find information about local community support services.
Parenting coordinators, located throughout WA, can provide individual parenting discussions, group sessions and workshops.
Parenting WA also provides the Parenting WA Line, a 24/7 telephone information service, a library rich with useful resources, parenting guide sheets and an on-line guide to parenting courses in WA. For more information contact Parenting WA (08) 6279 1200 or 1800 654 432 or at: http://www.communities.wa.gov.au/parents
Parenting WA Library
Did you know that Parenting WA offers a FREE parenting library to parents, carers and families throughout Western Australia? The Parenting Library has a range of helpful books, and DVDs on subjects of interest to parents and carers with children from pre-birth to 18 years of age. When you join the library you can borrow up to two items for a period of three weeks. You will be sent these items free of charge with a reply paid envelope for their return. You can browse the catalogue online at www.communities.wa.gov.au
When you have made your selections, email or telephone to speak to one of the parenting consultants. Phone (08) 6279 1200 or 1800 686 155 or email: parentinglibrary@communities.wa.gov.au
Parenting WA Line: The Parenting WA Line is a telephone information and support service on parenting that is available 24/7. Ph: (08) 6279 1200 or 1800 654 432
More parenting support information can be found at:
Raising Children Network www.raisingchildren.com.au
Child and Youth Health www.cyh.com
Positive Parenting Program www.pmh.health.wa.gov.au/services/TripleP
Positive Parenting Program (Triple P)
There are many ways to be a good parent. Managing children’s behaviour can be challenging at times, however it is an essential part of good parenting. The Positive Parenting Program (Triple P) may help you raise happy and confident children, through small changes and simple routines.
Programs offered include:
· Seminar Series Triple P
· Group Triple P
All programs are at no cost to parents or carers. To find out more, or to register in a program near you phone1300 550 879 or email positiveparenting@health.wa.gov.au
For more information, go to: www.pmh.health.wa.gov.au/services/TripleP
Adolescent support services - Where to go for help?
Kids Helpline is a free, private and confidential telephone and online counselling service specifically for young people aged between 5 and 25 years. You can phone the helpline anytime on 1800 55 1800, or visit the website at www.kidshelp.com.au.
Somazone is a safe space for young people to ask questions, share stories and get help for mental health issues, sexual health, relationships, abuse, body image, and drug use. Visit the website at www.somazone.com.au.
If you need help or information relating specifically to mental health difficulties, you could also try www.reachout.com.au, www.youthbeyondblue.com.au, or www.headspace.org.au.
You can also talk through any problems you may be having with your local Community Health Nurse, Jessica Wheatcroft on (08)9391 2235. Remember, no matter how big or small your problem is, there is help available and it is important to seek help as soon as possible.
Playground safety
Play is important for your child’s physical, emotional, mental and social development. Playgrounds are fun and provide children of all ages with excellent opportunities for physical activity. Here are some tips for keeping your child engaged and safe in playgrounds:
· Encourage your child to have fun and try new things.
· Visit different playgrounds in the community to keep things new and interesting.
· Arrange to meet friends at playgrounds.
· Always supervise your child.
· Encourage your child to take turns, play safely and think about others.
· Help your child to develop a simple set of playground rules.
· Remember to protect you and your child from the sun.
· Check how your child is dressed – clothing or hats with cords could result in injury.
· If you notice any damage to the playground, report it immediately
