Palmerston Post

Issue 5 - Term 4

Palmerston District Primary School acknowledges the Ngunnawal People, the traditional owners and custodians of this land.

Principal's Message

Merry Christmas to all of our students, families and friends!

What an incredible three terms I have had since re-joining this amazing community. I would like to thank you all for the warm embrace I have felt and would like to thank you for raising such beautiful children who walk into our school every day, ready for action, ready to learn and ready to have fun.

 I have experienced so many ‘first’s and felt very proud of students who, on a daily basis: try hard to be good friends, to work hard, to learn new things, to smile and display beautiful manners, to laugh and make dynamic friendships and also to just be nice human beings. Some of my very favourite memories, since arriving has been: listening to our pre-schoolers say their Acknowledgement of Country, the ANZAC Day ceremony (which had me in tears), a chat with a beautiful group of Yr 5 and 6 girls on my first day, watching eager athletes at our Athletics Carnival, hearing melodic sounds across the blacktop from Mr Shaw’s percussion classes, being part of the Wednesday drumming club, talking to students about their learning, meeting parents, learning to ‘floss’ at the disco, cooking and serving  sausages early with the Voting Booth with our P&C, the joy on faces with the Market Day, being ‘goosebumpy’ watching the seniors lead with peer tutoring, wandering around the classes, learning names and taking many photos to showcase on Facebook, what amazing learning goes on inside our school.  Book Week dress up day, being amazed by teachers who can write original songs of such excellence, celebrating with Ms Samnakay on Public Education Excellence Awards night and being astounded at the turn up for Learning Journeys --- are more favourite memories of my first year at Palmerston.

To our teachers, thank you for the effort and passion you bring to our school. You are the driving force of what we do. I appreciate your intellect and heart that I see on display every single day. The joy you personally derive from having the best job in the world makes my heart sing. Recently, seeing Mr Joy lead his dancing elves for the Mix 106.3 Christmas initiative to raise funds for Kids In Care – what a pumping morning we had in the foyer.

It has been a unique opportunity to be able to bring in a practically new executive team – and I would like to extend my thanks to Helen, Marijana, Felicity, Kristina and Greg for the way we are designing a new vision while at the same time giving 100% of ourselves to making sure the end of 2019 is the best we can offer. We welcome Mrs Nicole Taylor to the final membership for the Executive Team for 2020.

To our School Board and P&C, I offer my heartfelt thanks for the tireless work you do. Small but incredibly powerful teams – your sense of belonging is outstanding and I thank you again for the value you add to our learning environment. Thank you particularly to Lisa Fior for being a guide for me as I navigated my way across the last three terms. We hope to build the P&C in 2020, please consider joining us.

 Sadly, at this time of year, we bid farewells to current staff as they venture into the next chapter of their careers. May I extend a very big thank you and good luck for your future to: Leanne Leake, Kate Ashcroft, Helen Duncan, Katherine Wilson, Kara Brailey ( just for one year), Vlado Susko, Sam Harris, Alice Ferrari, Albert Palazzo, Anna Newton-Walters, Catherine Griffin, Kristy Retzlaff and Justine Martin. Your new schools are lucky to welcome you to their staff.

We farewell Haylee from the Front Office and welcome back Elise Davies into the Finance role.

Today, we met and welcomed new staff coming to Palmerston, and it is my hope that your child enjoyed the Step Up day with their new teacher in their new classroom. The intention was to have open and transparent communication between home and school, and to minimise or eliminate any anxious feelings across the long summer holiday.

At time of writing this, we are very close to securing a teacher from Victoria to join our team and another teacher. It is very typical at this time of year, for a staff to not be fully complete. Please do not be concerned. We will send emails and photos out to those classes, introducing their teacher so there will be a familiarity before school begins.

Thank you to those of you who have been tuning in nightly listening to my Christmas Countdown on our school Facebook page. Thank you for being a remarkable community and giving feedback. I will be continuing these nightly stories up till Christmas Eve.

So, Palmerston families, I wish for you a joyous Christmas. I wish you peace, laughter and happiness with your loved ones over the Christmas break. I hope there is lots of laughter in your home. My family are travelling from Walcha, NSW to join Darren, Sam, Molly, Jeb and I for Christmas, and I love how our home bursts with love as three generations spend valuable and treasured time together.

Here’s to Christmas:

A time of remembering

A time of loving

A time of giving

A time of believing

A time of gratitude

A time to slow down

A time to simplify

A time of magic

A time of peace.

Looking forward to seeing you all in 2020,

Kate Smith – luckiest Principal on the Planet.

 


Felt Like Helping

Dear families,

In 2018, I spent a month in Nepal, to meet the ladies of Samunaat, south eastern Nepal. These women were survivors of trafficking and were making jewellery to start a new life and it was incredibly moving to be a part of their jewellery making team for a month. During this time, I met and fell in love with their little children, and felt so moved by their passion for life – it spurred me to do something. I started a preschool. My commitment is to raise funds by buying the little felt egg warmers you can see below from another group of Nepalese ladies, and then 100% of the funds raised go directly into their bank account. We have been able to secure a few rooms in a building, paint it, carpet it, pay local tradesmen to build little beds and tables, buy kitchen utensils and heat it. I have a teacher, whom I am helping personally.  And my heart feels full.  Raising more money means we can stock it with resources, toys, equipment etc… and pay the teacher.

So, if by any chance you might like to purchase one, or two of these little guys, they are $10 each…and can be bought from the front office. Cash is best, but I can provide bank details for direct debits. Maybe a stocking filler? There is a Santa and reindeer too…

I would also be incredibly grateful if any donation was given, as these beautiful little children deserve a future, and we can do something about it. Even $2 makes a BIG difference to these little poppets.  

My little name is FELT LIKE HELPING and my fund is called EDUKATE FUND.

Felties

Download the SkoolBag App

https://moqproducts.com.au/skoolbag/installation-instructions/
The SkoolBag app is the easiest way keep up with school events, last minute notices, newsletters and all school communications.

Instantly translate this newsletter to 100+ languages

With our Google Translation integration, you can access your newsletter in ANY language!

OR

Download the skoolbag multi-language App: SKB: Multi-language in the App Store

Deputy Principal Message

Absence Notifications

An important part of our transition into the new School Administration System (SAS) is sending SMS messages to inform of student absences. You will receive an SMS message to let you know your child has been recorded as absent on the morning of their absence. We will endeavour to send this by 9.30am every day. This will reassure you of your child's arrival at school and make it easier for you to keep your child's attendance record up-to-date when they are absent.

 You simply reply via SMS, with your child's name and the reason for your child’s absence and this will be saved directly to child’s attendance records. If you do not reply, your child’s absence will be recorded as “unexplained”. For unexpected absences, responding to the SMS will streamline our processes. The preferred way of explaining your child's absence will be responding to the txt message. Please note the Skoolbag absence notification is no longer available for absence notifications..  If your child arrives at school after 9.05am they must be signed in via the front office .

Some examples of Parent Replies:

 (Student Name) is sick today, thanks (Parent Name)

 (Student Name) (Roll Class) was late to school this morning because ........., thanks (Parent Name)

Hi (School Name). (Student Name) is at home sick today, thanks (Parent Name)

Both (Student Name) (Roll Class) and (Student Name) (Roll Class) will be absent from school (date) because ......, thanks (Parent Name).

 As always if you have any concerns please contact the Front Office on 61421440.

2020 Host Families Needed

In 2020 Palmerston will be hosting a volunteer Japanese Language Teacher’s Assistant (JTA), Miss Asahi Sekimoto from Kagoshima University in southern Japan. During her stay she will be assisting in Japanese language classes 3-6, while also hoping to also improve her English skills.  (Please see the reverse page for more information on her.)

 JTAs are home stayed within the school community and pay a contribution towards food and board of $180 a week to their host families. Assistants need their own rooms but can share the family bathroom.

This program is widely used in ACT schools (there have been over 90 assistants since 2004) and is of great benefit to both the Japanese program and to the families who become involved. We find that families really enjoy this experience as it allows them to expand their knowledge and understanding of Japan and its’ people as well as contribute to the corporate life of the school. This is an ideal way to encourage your children to engage with Japanese language and culture and make lifelong friends.

We are therefore seeking expressions of interest from families who would be willing to host our JTA for a period of 6-10 weeks (eight weeks insideal) in Terms 2 – 4 of 2020.

 f you are unable to host for a longer term but are interested in offering weekend stays, emergency back up or the occasional social activity please also return the form below.  

 If you are able to assist us or would like more information please either return the slip attached to the front office or email me at Kristina.collins@ed.act.edu.au  and I’ll get in touch. This program relies heavily on the support and hospitality of the school community and your generosity is much appreciated.

 

Kristina Collins

Executive Teacher & Japanese Language Teacher

 



Japanese Language Teacher Assistant Host Family Slip

 Asahi is 20 years old and is currently a student of the Faculty of Education. She plans to teach Maths in Junior High School eventually. She likes swimming and Volleyball. In College she tried drums, bungee jumping and boxing!

She doesn’t like birds very much. She dislikes leeks and mushrooms, pickles and dried fruit but likes cheese, meat and dessert. 

Download

P & C/Board News

The P&C are fundraising with the Entertainment book. The Entertainment™ Book is a local restaurant and activity guide which provides hundreds of up to 50% off and 2-for-1 offers from the finest restaurants, cafes, attractions, activities, retailers and hotel accommodation. The Membership entitles buyers to exclusive offers that are virtually restriction-free, and is valid through to 1 June 2020!

 The Entertainment™ Digital Membership (app) puts all of the value of the Entertainment ™ Book into the customer's smartphone. With 'near me' technology and the ability to show and save using a phone, this is perfect for the person on-the-go, with no card or voucher to present.

You can purchase a book through the front office or download the app via this link 

https://www.entertainmentbook.com.au/orderbooks/2487s6

2020 Board Vacancy

Next year we will have 1 parent vacancy on the School Board. Nominations will open on the 4 February 2020 and close on 18 February. Please keep these dates in mind if you are interested in applying for this position.

Scholastic Book Club

The P & C will now only be accepting orders via the ONLINE ORDERING SYSTEM (LOOP) starting from this last catalogue and continuing on through next year.

NO CASH ORDERS WILL BE ACCEPTED

 When you order and pay by LOOP, you do not need to fill in any  order forms or return anything to school. Your order wlll be electronically linked to the rest of your schools order. 

Visit scholastic.com.au/LOOP or download the app.

This will eliminate issues that include: incorrect money received, foreign money received & also no name or contact details being written on orders. By changing to online orders only, it will make the process much easier for the volunteers who offer their time to manage the large numbers of orders we receive for each catalogue.

Any cash orders received will be returned to the students.

We appreciate your assistance with these changes.

P & C Parent Corner

http://www.palmdps.act.edu.au/our_community/parent_corner
All P & C activities, meeting agendas and minutes are available from the school website. Please click on the button above to take you there.

Dates to Remember

Aqua Safe Yr 2                                                9-19 December

Year 6 Graduation                                          18 December

Term 4 Ends                                                    19 December

Kindergarten/Pre-school  Commences          3 February

All Students Commence                                    4 February


Palmerston Pride

Congratulations to the following students who received an Award at our K - 5 awards assembly.

Excellence (Academic Achievement) 

Heshvi - KMC    Elaine - KKA        Sebastian - 1HD        Angira - 1AS        Ellen - 2SH        Maeve - 2AF

Thomas - 3FT        Emily - 3/4DJ        Jasmine - 4VS        Georgia - 3/4DJ        Ava - 5/6CW        Ryan - 5/6JM        Charlotte - 5/6CH        Sophie - 4MG        Masha - 4RE        Siwoo - 3AP        Jion - IEC        Sophie - 4RE

Endeavour 

Hayley - KGM        Manav - KGS        Lilijana - 1DE        Caitlyn - 1KW        James - 2DZ        Rishva - 2MO        Ava - 3/4DJ        Kobe - 3JL        Jessica - 4MO        Nur HUda - 3/4DJ        Abigail - 5/6DT        Sergei - 5/6CW        April - 4RE        Charlotte - 5/6CH        Rosie - 4RE        Emily - 5/6CH        Linda - IEC

Citizenship  

Amber - KFD        Jedd - KGM        Eloise - 1HD           Biar - 1AS        Monique - 2SH        Stella - 2AF        Calvin - 3JL        Hannah - 3FT        Reuben - 4VS        Trinnity - 4RE        Halamehi - 5/6JM        Kay - 5/6KB        Ali Dad - IEC     

 

Defence News

Thank you!

A big thank you to Kristy Retzlaff for the support and kindness she has demonstrated towards all students at Palmerston District Primary School, particularly those from a Defence background.  Kristy is a much loved staff member and has also been instrumental in helping shape the way our school commemorates ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day.  We wish Kristy all the best in the future and welcome Kristle Cross as the new Defence School Mentor (DSM).  Kristle will begin in February  2020.

Postings

Postings – Are you posting this year or early next year? I would love to know where you are heading for 2019/2020 so I can support your child, if your family are moving into another locality or school. You can contact me via email kristy.retzlaff@ed.act.edu.au or 6142 1440.

Parent/Carer Information

New Car Park Directions

As you are aware we now have a new car park with some changes that we want to explain and ask for your compliance to ensure safety for all, by doing the following:

  • If you are entering the car park nearest the preschool end, from Kosciuszko Ave, you must turn left and drive down around the loop at the end of the car park, heading up towards the Administration building.
  • We have a new elongated drop off zone along the school side of the car park. There is NO permanent stopping at all along the school side of the car park.  The intention is to create a smooth flow of traffic in and out.
  • There are now 14 additional car parks on the Kosciuszko Ave side of the car park.
  • The two disabled car parks are located on the Kosciuszko Ave side of the car park.
  • The four separate reserved car parks at the front of the school are for Principal, Deputy Principals and Executive Staff, please do not park in those car parks as these staff frequently leave the school for meetings etc and must be guaranteed a space.
  • If you enter the car park via the eastern end near the Hall, you will notice the central island has been removed. Please either park in the designated parks, or keep driving through the car park to the preschool end.
  • You may NOT park behind cars parked in designated bays or along the kerb of the middle island at the preschool end - Kosciuszko Ave side of the car park.

 A member of staff will be on duty until 3.15pm every day to assure everyone is driving safely and following the new structure.

 Thank you for your cooperation with this change.

Community Connections

Pop! Goes the Muso

Hi Palmerston

Mr E is organising a free pop-up concert for the community. It is called Pop! Goes the Muso. See below: Pop! Goes the Muso is a free family-friendly series of summer concerts by Yerrabi Pond presented by Gungahlin Arts. The series is run to create an opportunity for Gungahlin locals to connect with each other and enjoy some live local tunes and art projects. Discover local musicians and artists, join in crafting activities and share stories in a relaxed community atmosphere. Food and drinks will be available for purchase including ice creams and cool treats from Cool Penguin ice cream van and sizzling sausages from the Gungahlin Rotary Club. Participate in the pop-up printing station run by local artist Jo Hollier and play with colour, texture and pattern using her simple and exciting printmaking technique that will allow you to explore and satisfy your creative urges. Create one print to take home with you, and another to contribute to a community quilt! The Pop! Goes the Muso stage will be powered by the Communi-fi Sound Solar Sound Bike.

 Where: Yerrabi Pond District Park, Gungahlin - entry via Wunderlich Street

When: December 8th Who: Featuring local musicians: Dylan Elks, Luella Adams and Dan Bennett, CJ Shaw and Evan Buckley (The Burley Griffin).

More information at: www.belconnenartscentre.com.au/pop Or search ‘Pop! Goes the Muso’ on Facebook.

Palmerston District Primary School