Wow – what a term it has been! There have been so many exciting learning opportunities for our students to be involved in these past weeks that has seen student engagement rise to a high level.
o The Life Ed Van was on site and classes participated in a range of activities designed to inspire and empower students, providing knowledge, skills and strategies around topics of physical health, safety and social and emotional wellbeing, all through interactive learning experiences.
o Footsteps returned once again which saw our R-4 students learn a range of great dances.
o Our year 5/6 students participated in Aquatics at Port Noarlunga and had the opportunity to experience various water sports.
o Our whole school once again celebrated Harmony Day with the theme being: Everyone Belongs. All classes participated in creating signs for the front fence as well as completing activities, enjoyed a disco at recess and lunch time, and wore orange for the day.
o Years 3 and 5 students sat NAPLAN completed for the first time in term 1.
o Parents and children had the opportunity to attend a family night run by KidzBiz ready for our 4-6 students participating in sessions early in term 2.
o Finally – Sports Day which needed to be postponed until the day after which seems to be a Reynella tradition. Despite this it was perfect weather, and the day went of magnificently; many thanks must go to Bryce Ingham for his meticulous organisation.
o One of the highlights of the year would have to be the whole school participation in the Jon Madin Marimba workshops. Students had the opportunity to learn several pieces to play on marimbas and other ‘wacky’ instruments including musical bikes and echo cellos. They then had the opportunity to showcase their new found skills at a wonderful assembly attended by many parents.
On the recent Pupil Free Day teachers participated in a workshop to continue to build on their knowledge and skills in the area of Reading – our focus was on Morphology. Morphology is the study of words and their parts. Morphemes, like prefixes, suffixes and base words, are defined as the smallest meaningful units of meaning. Morphemes are important for phonics in both reading and spelling, as well as in vocabulary and comprehension.
During week 3, term 2 we will be offering parent workshops, one in the afternoon and one in the evening, to share how our new learning has impacted on our approach to the teaching of Reading and Word Study. Information will be sent out in week 1 of term 2.
We do believe everyone is more than ready for a well-deserved holiday break, staff and students alike. Have a wonderful holiday with your children and we look forward to seeing all our students in a couple of weeks for another inspiring term’s learning.
DOGS ON SCHOOL GROUNDS
The safety and wellbeing of our students, families and staff is of utmost importance. As such, this is a friendly reminder that dogs are not permitted on school grounds.
The Dog and Cat Management Act 1995 states that:
“A person who owns or is responsible for the control of a dog is guilty of an offence if
the dog (not being an accredited disability dog, guide dog or hearing dog) is in, or in
the grounds of, a school, kindergarten, child care centre or pre-school centre without
the permission of the person in charge of that place.”
Should you have any questions or concerns regarding this matter, please contact the school.
PRIME Hydration & PRIME Energy Drinks
We have started seeing cases of children bringing bottles of ‘Prime Hydration’ to school. ‘Prime Hydration’ sports drink clearly states on the label that it is not suitable for children under 15 years. The drink contains a high level of electrolytes which are not recommended for children unless they are unwell or at risk of dehydration. Another form of the drink, ‘Prime Energy’, contains around 200mg of caffeine for every 330ml and as a result is not recommended for children under the age of 18. As a school we have taken the decision to ban all forms of the Prime drink. Children should therefore not bring it to school. Other soft drinks, energy drinks and sports drinks are also not allowed.
The Australian Dietary Guidelines and the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating encourages students to drink plenty of water every day and limit drinks with added sugars. As such, soft drinks, cordial, energy drinks and sports drinks are not suitable for consumption at school. Small juice boxes or milk drinks may be consumed at break times and some confectionary drinks are available from the canteen in line with the SA Right Bite Food and Drink Supply Strategy.
