Clapham Primary School

The week ahead will draw to a close a very busy and successful term for Clapham Primary School. We would like to sincerely thank all of our families for their ongoing support, in assisting us to maintain a safe and healthy learning environment for our community. We really appreciate it.

Although Term 2 has been a little different, we have had numerous exciting and successful learning experiences. Below is just a snap shot of what we have been up to this term. Also, please refer to our beautiful photos.

Room 6 and 7 celebrated Reconciliation Week. Students completed individual dot paintings that were put all together to create a Rainbow Serpent. They studied Australia and its neighbouring countries. One country they studied was New Zealand and the Maori Culture. Students drew Maori face tattoos on a picture of themselves. They worked on measurement and length and created some beautiful mosaic tiles. They designed a table and chairs for a maths café through Makers Empire.

Room 13 really enjoyed working with Mrs Graham to make butter and write the procedural text for how to make it. It was so much fun and tasted delicious. This term they started the Smiling Mind program, and have enjoyed learning how to be more mindful to help our wellbeing and positive thinking.

Room 16 really enjoyed LEEP as it was nice to get out into the sunshine. They found learning about Ned Kelly interesting in History.

Room 4 have done a remarkable job of settling into the routines of school after home learning. This term they have focussed on learning about different celebrations and embracing diversity. They explored special celebrations and places that are important to their families, bringing in photos from home to share with the class. They have enjoyed learning about the special connection Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have with the land, as the traditional custodians. They listened to Dreamtime stories and made their own rainbow serpent and colourful birds from “How the Birds Got Their Feathers”.

Student reports for Semester 1 will be sent home next Wednesday 1st July. When assigning a grade, teachers make an on-balance professional judgement referenced to the standards of the Australian Curriculum about student’s level of achievement. The grade is based on a range of evidence of students’ knowledge, skills and understandings and their ability to apply their learning to unfamiliar contexts. This evidence includes work samples, assessment information and teacher observations over time. Teachers moderate across year levels to ensure consistency of grading.

Teacher judgement of achievement needs to be communicated for each area of study in levels as follows:

A: excellent (achievement beyond what is expected at the year level)

B: good (achievement of what is expected at year level)

C: satisfactory (achievement of what is expected at year level)

D: partial (achievement of what is expected at year level)

E: minimal (achievement of what is expected at year level)

The format of the report is consistent across the school, however, variation to the format occurs for our Reception students, as they do not receive a grade in the learning areas. Teachers moderate across year levels to ensure consistency of grading.

Teacher comments will provide information about student progress that can assist future learning. Comments will address strengths, weaknesses or areas for improvement in learning areas, skills and habits. The information enables parents to support the education of their children.

The following is a brief update of each sub-committee:

Facilities: The school has been able to receive funding for many projects.  The Security upgrade has begun this week and is expected to be completed in July.  The roof upgrade costings have been completed and is soon going to tender.  The bitumen works has been postponed until the Disability Access and Pathways is installed (due to works being completed in same areas) and that the pathways may reduce the area bitumen is required to be installed. 

After School Sports:  Netball, soccer and futsal training have all commenced on Thursday afternoons. Thank you to the parents who have volunteered as coaches and team managers. Also thank you to all parents for observing the Covid-19 restrictions by not attending training sessions.

OSHC Advisory Sub-Committee:  Utilisation at Happy Haven has been steady (and has had minimal impact due to COVID-19.   A Medication Policy was developed in 2020 and was recently reviewed. This policy has been implemented thoroughly and no changes were required to be made in the policy.  14 children attended on PFD on the 9th of June.  Discussion about School Closure Day on the 25th of September, Happy Haven planning the day further info to be provided about the program in Term 3 to the school community. 

Events (Fundraising): Wine sale fundraiser will occur in Term 3. Thank you to parents who completed the expenditure survey although there were not many responses. Will survey again in Term 4.

Education and Communication Committee: First meeting will occur next week off-site. Looking forward to catching up for a coffee and chat with our Parent Reps.

Finance:  The schools budget is tracking well.  The school has been successful in obtaining additional funding to support individual students with specific needs.  The school has developed its “Our Resource Plan” and this was approved by Governing Council.

This term our students have been involved in daily mindfulness activities using the program Smiling Mind. During these sessions’ students have been paying attention to the present moment with openness, curiosity and without judgement. Mindfulness mediation has been shown to help manage stress, resilience, anxiety, depression and improve general health and wellbeing. If you wish to continue using this program with your children during the school holidays it is a free app that can be downloaded. Programs that can be accessed are suitable for adults, kids and families.

The Material & Services fee approved for 2020 is $410.00 and now overdue.

Payments can be made via Qkr, EFTPOS or cash.

Payment plans are available by contacting the finance office, either in person or via email at dl.0952.finance@schools.sa.edu.au

School Card applications are able to be completed online at www.sa.gov.au/topics/education-and-learning/financial-help-scholarships-and-grants/school-card-scheme.

Click on the Applications button and select School Card A, alternatively you can come into the front office and see Tracy or Gail to complete an application.  You will need your Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card.  Applications for School Card need to be completed annually.

Thank you,

Tracy and Gail

Finance Team