5 May 2017

Newsletter Articles

Principal’s Message

Welcome back! I trust you had a relaxing break with plenty of time to recharge ready for another term at Mullaloo Heights. There’s certainly a lot to look forward to in Term 2; the Faction Cross Country and Lightning Carnivals take place later in the term, while arts enthusiasts will have a chance to showcase their talents at our annual Talent assembly. The term will finish with an opportunity for the whole school to celebrate Aboriginal culture and history during our NAIDOC Week. It’s going to be an interesting term!

On a more serious note, NAPLAN testing in literacy and numeracy begins next Tuesday for our Year 3 and 5 students. This can often be a stressful time, with some students feeling intense pressure to do well. As teachers and parents, we need to remind them that our expectation is that they do the very best they can and nothing more. We should also consider that NAPLAN gives us information regarding student achievement at a particular point in time. While this is useful in allowing teachers to plan appropriate programs, it will always be taken in the context of other assessment information gained throughout the year as a result of classroom based work. At Mullaloo Heights, the acquisition of literacy and numeracy skills is a priority and a strong focus of our teaching. Our homework program, incorporating, Mathletics and Literacy Pro/Home Reading, supports this. However, we also believe that a broad and balanced education is essential and encourage parents to supplement homework with other activities when children are out of school, such as sports and the arts. The pursuit of a wide range of interests will help students to put NAPLAN in perspective.

Caroline Booth
Principal

Dates to remember

School Board 2017

I would like to thank all parents who nominated for a position on the School Board. Your interest and commitment to taking on this role is very much appreciated. On this occasion, the number of candidates matched the vacancies, meaning an election is not required. As a result, the Board will comprise of the following members in 2017.

• Vicki Rasmussen – Chair
• Caroline Booth - Principal
• Shaun Carmody - Parent Rep
• Jasmine Clarke - Parent Rep
• Hayden O’Mara - Parent Rep
• Angie Taylor – P&C Rep (co-opted)
• Andrew Jones – Community Rep (co-opted)
• Mike Adlam - Staff Rep
• Rachael Edwards - Staff Rep

The Board will continue to play an important role in working with staff to set the long term strategic direction of the school and assess progress achieving our objectives. It will also continue to promote our school within the local community. The Board is an important part of our school planning and improvement team and we are looking forward to working together, over the coming months, with this objective in mind.

Remembering the ANZACS

We held our ANZAC Ceremony on Friday the 7th of April, to recognise the significance of this important occasion in our history and to recognise the contribution of all the men and women who have fought and died in wars.

The ceremony began with some of our Year 6 students Zoe H, Jack C and Zara D reading some very thoughtful poems that they had written in class. Our School Leaders, Konrad D and Charlie C showed great respect when leading this ceremony and described the history behind ANZAC Day and the Gallipoli campaign clearly and carefully.

We would like to thank Ms Duffy, a parent and returned servicewomen who spoke to the students about the significance of the occasion and reminded us of the role many individuals, such as herself, play in conflicts situations.

This was followed by the laying of the wreath, a minute silence, the Reveille being played and The Ode was read by Ms Booth. The school choir then sang Green and the Gold beautifully.

The ceremony concluded with students placing flowers at the base of the flag pole. During this time special guest, Mr Sinclair played his bagpipes alongside his grandson, Jack who played his snare drums in a very moving performance as students left the area.

The ceremony included a display which was generated by the students. As part of this, each student coloured a red poppy to honour all those who serve or have served in the armed forces.

We are very grateful to Ms Duffy and Mr Sinclair for taking the time to attend our service. The whole School can be congratulated on their attitude to this commemoration and that they are carrying on a tradition of many years and one which makes us proud to be a member of Mullaloo Heights Primary School community.

Out and About at Mullaloo Heights!

This week, the roving camera paid a visit to the French Room. It was a hive of activity with an impressive range of learning activities in evidence. Students were investigating the geography and culture of France whilst also practising their vocabulary through challenging conversations and songs. It is clear that learning another language is fun at Mullaloo Heights. Thanks for your hard work and enthusiasm, Madame Wilderspin and students.

News from the French Room

Parent Information

Enrolments for 2018

We are now accepting Enrolments for the 2018 school year.

Who needs to enrol?

You need to apply to enrol your children in public school for 2018 if they are:

• starting Kindergarten – 4 years old by 30 June 2018
• starting Pre-primary, the first year of compulsory school – 5 years old by 30 June 2018
• changing schools.

Applications for enrolment in a public school for 2018 close on Friday, 21 July 2017.

Enrolment documents for Mullaloo Heights PS are available to download from the school website at the link below or alternatively they can be collected from the school office.

Dogs on school grounds - Reminder

It is a great way to add your dog’s exercise into the walk to and from school, but we must insist that parents DO NOT bring dogs onto school grounds. Not only are some children allergic to dog hair, but the situation that is created by having dogs of all nature, breeds and ages mixed with children who have a range (or lack thereof) of personal knowledge of how to act appropriately around animals is encouraging a situation that may have a grievous outcome.

We thank you for your support with this issue of student safety.

Road Safety

It is a good time at the beginning of the new school term to remind everyone about road safety. The speed limit on Charonia Road is 40kmph between the hours of 7.30-9.00am and 2.30-4.00pm.

Kiss ‘n’ Drive bays at the school

A Kiss ‘n’ Drive is located at the front of the school and clearly sign posted.

Students may be picked up and dropped off at this point.

Please use these bays as they are intended – drop ‘n’ run. Two minutes tops is all it takes to safely allow the child/ren to alight and move on.

For further information regarding safe parking at schools, please read the information below:

2017 Voluntary Contributions

Thank you to all who have paid their child’s contributions for 2017. Monies collected through this scheme enhance the learning program at MHPS. If you have overlooked payment, please come in and see us at the front office or alternatively, payment can be made via direct deposit into the school bank account:

Mullaloo Heights PS (MHPS)
BSB: 066 040
A/C No.: 19903178
Please include your child’s name as reference.

Chaplain’s Corner

Dear Parents,

Welcome back to school and to term two! I hope you had a great Easter and enjoyed the school holidays! This term I am excited to continue with ‘Cooking club’ at lunchtime with small groups of students from years 3-6. There will be some new recipes on the menu, which I’m sure the students are looking forward to!

I am also excited to continue the BUZ Together Program with the year 5 and 6 students in room 11 which students have really been enjoying! This term I will also be starting the BUZ Friends Program with the year 3’s in room 9. The BUZ Friends program focuses on helping students develop skills such as: resilience, self-confidence, handling their feelings, making and keeping friends, resolving conflict and bully-proofing themselves, all of which will help make their class, and the school as a whole, a more positive environment.

As we begin a new term, I just wanted to remind you that I am available every Thursday and Friday from 8.15am-3.20pm, if you have any questions or if I can help in any way. I can be contacted through the school or by email: jessicas@youthcare.org.au.

Please see the article below about ‘Making the daily switch from work to home.’

A stressful day at work might be followed by a new set of tasks and demands when you get home. When your partner’s looking for backup and your children want your attention, a big ‘head and heart’ shift is what you need. Article from the link below:

Kind regards,

Jess
School Chaplain

P&C News

There was a good turn up for the second general election meeting. Thanks to everyone who came along. The office bearers for this year look very familiar:-

President- Chris McCafferty
Vice President- Shane Porter
Treasurer- Neridah Deering
And newly appointed:-
Secretary - Claire Johnson
School Board representative - Angela Taylor.

All we need now is a fundraising coordinator and your contouring help and support.

The next meeting is at 6.30pm on Wednesday 10 May in the staff room. New faces are always welcome!

Mother’s Day Stall

Talking of volunteering, Sara Breeden is looking for volunteers to help with the Mother's Day stall this year. Kindy/PP is Wednesday 10 May (about an hour/ hour and a half) and years 1 to 6 is Thursday 11 May (for about 2 hours), once school has commenced.

For those that are new, the children can purchase a small gift for their mum (up to $5) and purchase raffle tickets. See Sara if you can help please.

Entertainment Book

Don't forget to support the school and order your NEW 2017 | 2018 Entertainment Membership.

Fathering Project - Billy Carts

Shane Porter and his son Cooper invited families to help with the trial of their billy cart prototype No.1. Shane is championing a Fathering Project at the school and has great plans to make building and racing the carts a fun day out. Look out for more info and testing of Billy No. 2

Community News

Help Celebrate Mullaloo Community Kindy’s 40th Birthday

Mullaloo Community Kindy are celebrating their 40th birthday on May 20th between 2pm and 4pm.

If you have been associated with the Kindy over the past 40 years, you are welcome to attend this event at 27 Koorana Road Mullaloo.