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In the previous newsletter, I mentioned that the quieter school environment was enabling teachers to concentrate all their efforts on the business of teaching and learning. What I didn’t describe was the tremendous impact this has had on our students. For example, on visiting Kindy and Pre-primary students each morning this term, I have been amazed by their independence and work habits. After being guided into the classroom by a member of staff, each and every student can be seen organising their belongings appropriately, before settling down to a learning task. The classrooms are calm and filled with the gentle ‘hum’ that accompanies intense concentration. This serene and conscientious start to the day is also evident in the classrooms of our older students. Without exception, the minute teachers open their classroom doors, Year 1 - 6 students are organised and sitting at their tables working. They are clearly enjoying this diligent start too, gaining the satisfaction that comes from being engrossed in an enjoyable task. Within 6 weeks, our students, regardless of their age, have adapted to a new routine, clearly showing us adults we’re not actually needed to get them organised. Now that parents are welcomed back onsite, I urge you to take a step back, particularly at 'drop off', and observe your children's new found independence. You will be impressed.
On another positive note, student visits to my office to receive reading awards seem to have increased this term. Perhaps the current circumstances have made everyone appreciate reading as the wonderful source of entertainment and escapism it is. Whatever the explanation, our children are reading lots of books and that can only be a good thing. There is much research indicating the importance of reading and, indeed being read to, for children’s development. One study has shown that young children whose parents read them five books a day enter kindergarten having heard about 1.4 million more words than children who were never read to. This ‘million-word gap’ could be one factor in explaining differences in vocabulary and reading development. Even children who are read only one book a day will hear about 290,000 more words by age 5 than those who don't regularly read books with a parent or caregiver. Without a doubt, children who hear more vocabulary words are going to be better prepared to see those words in print when they enter school and this will support understanding in a whole range of curriculum areas. When you read to your child, you model good reading behaviours which not only supports the acquisition of this important skill, but also immerses them in the pleasure that comes from a good story. Of course, acquiring a love of books and stories is the perfect motivation for learning to reading independently. The number of students at Mullaloo Heights who happily discuss the books they’ve read and their favourite authors certainly implies that they see reading as one of life's great pleasures. Regardless, it is great to see so many students reading.Talking of cherised authors, J.k. Rowling, a firm favourite at Mullaloo Heights, is releasing her new book, ‘The Ickabog’, in instalments and free of charge for all to enjoy. If you haven’t already, access it on the website: https://www.theickabog.com/home/ While you’re there, look out for the illustration competition Rowling is hosting. Children ages 7-12 can draw or paint illustrations to accompany each chapter and some will be selected to be featured in ‘The Ickabog’ print, e-book and audiobook forms set to publish in November. The competition is already open and children living in Australia can access it via the UK tab. She is currently taking the time to share and respond to participants' work on Twitter. Wouldn’t it be lovely if something from Mullaloo Heights made its way onto that platform or even into the book - definitely worth considering on a quiet, wintry weekend!
Caroline Booth
Principal
100 Club | Isla B., Quinn, Ella, Keira, Callie, Evelyn R., Brooklyn, Jessamy |
200 Club | Travis |
300 Club | Lily T., Anna |
500 Club | Ekaterina |
Our middle primary students have enjoyed learning how to write an information report so much that some have been inspired to write another at home. The importance of selecting a topic in which you have both knowledge and interest is key to writing a good report, as is applying all those great writing skills you’ve acquired in class. Here’s an example of a student using current events to write a report that we can all benefit from reading. Enjoy!
Year 3 and 4 students have been busy working on a Design and Technology project. Their task was to design an all-terrain vehicle that would be powered by a sphero robot. They also had to code the robot using a given program. Clever stuff! They had great fun testing their vehicles and modifying them as required. Their code worked pretty well too!
We are now accepting Enrolments for the 2021 school year.
You need to apply to enrol your children in public school for 2021 if they are:
- starting Kindergarten – 4 years old by 30 June 2021
- starting Pre-primary, the first year of compulsory school – 5 years old by 30 June 2021
- changing schools.
Applications for enrolment in a public school for 2021 close on Friday, 31 July 2020.
Enrolment documents for Mullaloo Heights PS are available to download from the school website at http://mullalooheightsps.wa.edu.au/enrolments/ or alternatively they can be collected from the school office.
Wednesday, 17th June |
P&C AGM - 6.30pm, in the Undercover Area |
Friday, 3rd July | Last day of Term 2 |
Monday, 20th July | Pupil Free Day |
Tuesday, 21st July | Students commence Term 3 |
School Run4Fun Colour Explosion - Reminder
Phys Ed Teacher
I hope you’re all well and that your children have settled back into school now. It is awesome having them all back!
Over the last few weeks my days have been filled with chatting to students and supporting any students one on one who need it during this time. Recess and lunchtimes have been filled with mentoring the peer mediators and teaching and training them in their roles. They are enjoying being on duty and looking out for younger students and have been doing great. I am also working on some programs that will start up once things have settled at school, a mentoring program and an anxiety program. I am looking forward to running these soon!
Please read the article below on ‘returning to school anxiety free’ by Parenting Ideas. Though our students have been at school for a few weeks I know some have returned at different times or some may be still adjusting.
Going back to school after the enforced COVID-19 break is a source of mixed emotions for many children and young people. Some students, who revel in face-to-face interactions, just can’t wait to reconnect with friends and teachers. Others who have appreciated the break from constantly being emotionally switched on when at school may be reticent to return. Regardless of how your child reacts there’s bound to be a level of anxiety attached to returning to school after such a long break. The following strategies sourced from my book, Anxious Kids, will help your child make a smooth transition back to school.
Jess Smith
Chaplain