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Phase 3 of WA’s roadmap to pre-pandemic life brought much joy to our students. There was an audible cheer when we announced over the PA (whole school assemblies still being off limits) that the playgrounds were once again open. The fact that we haven’t had one complaint from students about the closure of the playgrounds led us to believe they weren’t that bothered. But we were wrong; they have just been taking the restrictions in their stride. Since their reopening, the playgrounds have been full. Children are back to playing tag, parquet and building dens on our Nature Play. Recent storms have supported this flurry of activity, providing them, with the many branches and tree debris required to make a fantastic cubby.
Of course, Phase 3 also allowed parents back onsite and it has been lovely to see so many of you again. It has been a while! However, many of you have continued the term as you started, leaving your child at the classroom door and letting them get themselves organised for the day. We really appreciate your support on this. As I said in my last newsletter, our youngest children, in particular, have developed real independence and are starting work before the siren even sounds. Teachers also feel as if the teaching day has been extended which can only be a good thing.
Things are certainly starting to looking a little more normal, although restrictions mean we still cannot get together for assemblies and other large events. At this time of year, a number of school based and interschool sporting events are scheduled. Under current guidelines, they will not go ahead and future dates aren't recorded on this newsletter for this reason. We are monitoring the news closely, though, and will keep you updated with developments as soon as we hear them.
Sports events may still be on hold, but work on improving our school environment has recommenced. We recently installed new flooring in Gull Block Reading Room, an area of school used by small groups of our young students to work on reading and art tasks. With the latter in mind, we will be adding a new sink and cabinetry. We’re hoping this upgraded workspace will continue to inspire our young artists. Our school verandahs are also about to undergo a makeover as part of the government’s school stimulus payment; you may have noticed the sign displayed on our basketball fence. Rust damaged beams will be treated or replaced and repainted, enhancing both safety and the physical appeal of our surroundings. Something else to look forward to at Mullaloo Heights.
I would like to finish by acknowledging the hard work of our cleaning staff. The unsusual circumstances over the past months have made their job even harder. We got the chance to thank Sue, Mary and Darika, our wonderful cleaning team, and spoil them a little this week on International Cleaners Day. It was a great opportunity to show how much we appreciate them.
Enjoy your weekend.
Caroline Booth
Principal
Friday, 3rd July | Last day of Term 2 |
Monday, 20th July | Pupil Free Day |
Tuesday, 21st July | Students commence Term 3 |
100 Club | Ruben, Charlotte, Tahlia, Mahkynlei, Harriet, Ella, Ziggy, Charli |
200 Club | Khushboo, Melody |
300 Club | Keira |
There have been a few queries regarding school uniform during the colder months, with feedback indicating that the school jacket is not warm enough for some students. This issue was added to the agenda of the last Board meeting with the aim of identifying a solution.The resulting discussion reiterated that the School Board strongly supports an official school uniform for a number of reasons:
- Firstly, a uniform teaches students to dress smartly and take pride in their appearance.
- A uniform also means students don't have to worry about peer pressure when it comes to their clothes. When everyone is dressed the same, worrying about how you look isn't so important.
- It also creates a strong identity for the students attending Mullaloo Heights. We are all part of a team, working together and supporting one another.
With these beliefs in mind, we are working with the uniform shop to provide a new jacket lined with polar fleece. Parents can choose between this warmer option or the original jacket depending on their child’s needs. Unfortunately, with current delays on delivery, it is unlikely that this will be available this Winter. While parents are waiting for the new jacket, the Board, in collaboration with school, has proposed a number of alternatives. These are outlined in the following guidelines for school uniform this winter:
- Students should wear items from the official school uniform, as sold at Uniform Concepts.
- During cooler weather, students should wear the official school jacket.
- While the fleece lined jacket is unavailable, students can wear a red, long sleeved, crew neck top under their school T-shirt and jacket.
- Other items, such as coats and hoodies, should be removed while students are in school. Classrooms are fully heated and become very warm once all children are inside. The school jacket will suffice if an additional layer is required.
- During winter months, girls should wear woollen or opaque stockings/tights, preferably in bottle green, rather than leggings (tights without feet).
- The official track suit bottoms in fleece or parachute material are also an option for winter warmth.
- Please make sure you record your child’s name inside their school jacket. During cooler months, we have many in lost property as the children discard additional layers when the temperature rises throughout the day. Named jackets are easier to return to their owners.
If parents follow these guidelines during the colder months, children will be warm and also look smart, as do the students in this photo gallery below. They are all wearing a combination of school uniform items with pride.
If you have any additional queries or feedback regarding uniform, please contact one of our Board Parent Reps (Kelli Pickford, Shaun Carmody, Jasmine Clarke, John Merl and Hayden o'Mara) or Caroline Booth, school principal.
Our students made the most of the reopening of our playgrounds. As you can see from these photos, they've clearly missed them!
I hope you’ve been enjoying this term, even with the changes and adjustments we have had to make.
This week, I started a Year 2 Activity club in the library with loombands, bracelet making, colouring in, drawing, arts and crafts and board games. It has been a lot of fun doing these activities with our young students at recess and lunchtime.
I have also been developing a mentoring program for older students which I am excited to start next term, as well as organising some professionals to run an anxiety program.
Please read a fantastic article below on ‘Anxious kids? Teach them to take off their anxiety googles’ from Parenting Ideas.
Do you find it hard to focus on the present?
There’s always so much to do and plan for as parents. It’s no wonder our minds wander so much. But to think that we spend nearly half of our lives thinking about things other than what we are doing means there’s an awful lot we’re missing out on. It’s the same with our kids.
https://www.parentingideas.com.au/blog/anxious-kids-teach-them-to-take-off-their-anxiety-goggles/
Kind regards,
Jess Smith
Chaplain
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.