It is always nice to get to the middle of the first term, where all the nerves and uncertainty of starting a new year have mostly faded, and we as a community begin to get into our 'groove' as we get stuck into our many wonderful learning experiences and programs.
Firstly, thank you to the P & C for kicking off the social calendar in style with the wonderful 2023 Sundowner. The students were abuzz on the following Monday, with many exciting stories of foam mountains and bush dancing! The weather was perfect for our CPS families to enjoy a catch-up, as well as a great opportunity to make some of our new families feel welcome within the community. The CPS P & C form an integral part of our school community, working closely to provide valuable support and opportunity for our students. To continue the amazing work of our 2022 team, as per normal at the beginning of most years, we have several P & C positions that require filling. If you would like to join our dynamic team this year and make a positive difference in our community please let us know. Some roles on offer include the esteemed presidency, communications coordinator, canteen coordinator and Fathering Project DUCKs Coordinator and classroom representatives are still required for ECE 1, Room 9 and Room 10.
Back in the classrooms, we are really starting to get into the thick of it! We have had our first excursions taking place this week with the 2023 Year 6 Councillors experiencing their Leadership Conference on Wednesday under the guidance of Mark O'Mara, our year 6 councillor leader. The students enjoyed exploring their personal leadership styles and learned about how it takes courage to lead well. We are all looking forward to hearing from the councillors as they share their experience at next week's assembly.
Melinda Cockerill, our specialist Visual Arts teacher, lead the year 4 students and teachers down to Cotteslow today to experience another instalment of Sculptures by the Sea. Always a favourite for both students and teachers, their first-hand exploration of one of Perth's most iconic events will hopefully provide great inspiration to our students in the lead-up to the much-anticipated Sculptures by the School, coming up in week 9. Always such a colourful, creative and inspiring experience, now is the time to begin discussing with your child about what they might like to contribute to the installation. Being creative at home is also a great opportunity to spend some quality time with the kids!
We have also had a very productive start to the year in our sustainability program with Sheree Samsa, our sustainability leader busy organising many projects. A huge thank you must go out to Mrs Samsa, as well as the teachers, parents and students who joined her on Sunday for the first busy bee of the year. Despite the very hot conditions, it was a great turnout with work on both the EcoShed and Frogpond completed efficiently. Both spaces are looking terrific, set up for the year to use and enjoy. Look out for the official opening of the Frog Pond soon, as well as new artwork adorning our EcoShed walls. On top of the busy bee, Mrs Samsa organised the school's Waste Audit on Monday, which provides valuable data for us to use, and work towards being a greener and cleaner environment, as well as today's contribution to Clean Up Australia Day! What a start to the year.
On the sporting front, Michael Marshall, our physical education teacher, is busy in preparation for this year's Year 3-6 Swimming Carnival. Save the date for the 22 March and come down to Churchlands Senior High School's pool to enjoy a great day. Weather has been traditionally great, and being our first carnival of the year, students really enjoy the buzz of competing in front of a crowd while striving for their personal best!
This week also saw preparations for the 2023 NAPLAN assessments move into gear with our first official practice run on Thursday. It was great to see most students were technically ready, with functional iPads, headphones and the updated NAP apps. While the assessment is an important measure for us as a school to be able to measure our progress annually, it was great to see that our students were relaxed, well-prepared and comfortable when using the assessment tool. Thank you to Libby Goodwin, our Digital Technologies Leader and NAPLAN coordinator, who has led our very smooth preparations this year. The writing assessment will begin the 2023 NAPLAN schedule on Wednesday 15 March (Week 7). Please see the official CPS NAPLAN timetable below for more information.
As we hit the halfway mark of the term, it is great to look back on a relatively smooth beginning of the year. Please enjoy a well-earned long weekend and stay safe if you are going away. For more information on any of these great happenings around the school, please check out the reports below.
Luke Johnson
