22 September 2017

Newsletter Articles

Principal’s Message

The holidays are nearly upon us and I think you’ll agree the break has been well earned by our hardworking students. They have given total commitment to every activity and event thrust upon them throughout this busy term. The recent Athletics carnival is a perfect example of this. I think you’ll all agree, it was an all-round success. The sun shone, the students chanted until they were hoarse and each sporting challenge was tackled with enthusiasm. Once again, our students demonstrated why this school has such a great reputation in the local community. The level of sportsmanship, support and encouragement for one another was wonderful to observe. They certainly deserved the icy poles provided by our generous P&C. When events such as this run smoothly, it is easy to think that little effort goes into the organisation. After observing Mrs Thorby over the past term, I can categorically state that this is not true. She put a lot of time into ensuring students were well prepared and events well organised. Her efforts made the day both memorable and fun. Thank you, Mrs Thorby. Also, well done to our students, who all tried their best on the day. We are proud of you!

By now you will have heard the sad news that Mrs Karen Whitlock is retiring at the end of this term. She has devoted over 30 years to teaching young children, with over 17 of those at Mullaloo Heights. During this time, she has established a reputation for providing a stimulating and creative learning environment that challenges and nurtures. Under Mrs Whitlock’s care, children have been given numerous opportunities to get wet and preferably muddy while playing with the most unusual junk / treasure. The perfect balance between creative play and high academic standards has characterised her classroom and, as a result, the children in her class are never bored. I think you will all agree that she has left some pretty big shoes to fill. On behalf of our school community, I would like to thank her for her hard work and commitment to Mullaloo Heights over the years. We wish her all the best in this new phase of life and hope she enjoys the new adventures it will bring.

I would like to finish by wishing you all an enjoyable break. Students please remember all the things your teachers and parents have taught you about keeping safe. Wear your helmet when cycling, look right and left before crossing the road and be mindful of ‘stranger danger’ advice at all times. We look forward to seeing you all on Tuesday 10th October, safe, rested and ready for swimming.

Caroline Booth
Principal

Dates to remember

Merit Certificates

Room 7 Assembly

The only thing better than listening to a story is seeing one performed. Room 7 treated us to exactly that in their assembly last week. Their production, ‘Giraffes Can’t dance’ incorporated complicated dance moves, uplifting music and amazing costumes. It was highly enjoyable, but underneath the fun was a clear message; everyone can dance if they find the right music. Well done, Room 7. We were unaware there were so many talented dancers in one classroom. Now where is that itunes app…

Reading Club

Mathletics Gold

Science Week 2017

Mullaloo Heights Primary School's Science Week officially took place in Week 8 and provided an excellent opportunity to celebrate Science. Activities actually began the week before with a visit from the Water Corporation which you can read more about below. Science Week was a great week beginning with a variety of activities going on including a visit from Scitech, Science Quiz and many classes undertaking some extra science activities as part of their week.

Scitech Visit

On Monday the 11th of September, Scitech visited and all students were treated to a Science Show in the morning, followed by a hands-on workshop and then a visit to the exciting Scitech Spacedome. In this experience, the junior students took a journey though day time and experienced the exciting change into night while the senior students explored the universe as astronomers and discovered the specialities of our solar system, and its nearest neighbours.

A ‘Science Quiz’ was also sent home as part of our Science Week celebrations and this generated some healthy science debate during the week. Mrs Davidson's Room 7 narrowly won the Junior Class Prize with 80% of the student returning their quiz. The senior prize was awarded to Miss Southworth's Year 5/6 class with a perfect 100% score. A great effort by all the students who attempted this activity and thanks to all the families for getting involved. We appreciate your support.

Please enjoy a few photos from our Science Week. Well done to all involved!

Water Corporation Visit

The Water Corporation of WA visited our school as part of our Science Week celebrations. They visited students from Year 2 to Year 6. The Year 2 students looked at the water cycle as they learn about where Perth gets its water from. The Year 3 - 6 students used microscopes to observe first-hand the differences of native plants and how these features help them to adapt to our climate. Students considered the benefits of native plants in our gardens and how they can help us reduce our household water use. Students had a great time during these lessons while learning more about our environment.

Please enjoy a few photos from our Science Week.

Aussie of the Month

Jack demonstrates the Mullaloo Heights values of responsibility, understanding, empathy and compassion. Jack is often seen being a great buddy by helping and counselling younger students at recess and lunchtime. He is an asset to our school community and worthy Aussie of the Month. Congratulations, Jack.

Faction Jumps and Throws

Faction Athletics Carnival

Thank you to all the parent helpers for helping with tabloid activities and running events, P&C for cake stall, sausage sizzle and icy poles for students, parents/families for their support and coming down to cheer on the students and to all our wonderful teachers, students and staff that helped to set up and prepare for the day.

The Results:

Gull 571
Tern 515
Albatross 464

Winner of Woylie Cheering Shield is Albatross.

Yr 3 Runner Up Boy - Kapish L.
Yr 3 Champion Boys - Cooper P., Oscar P.
Yr 3 Runner Up Girl - Charli C.
Yr 3 Champion Girl - Lexi S

Yr 4 Runner Up Boys - Connor W., Cash A.
Yr 4 Champion Boy - Daniel R.
Yr 4 Runner Up Girl - Chloe E.
Yr 4 Champion Girl - Isabella B.

Yr 5 Runner Up Boy - Marc W.
Yr 5 Champion Boy - Jakson F.
Yr 5 Runner Up Girl - Macey B.
Yr 5 Champion Girl - Scarlett C.

Yr 6 Runner Up Boy - Owen M.
Yr 6 Champion Boys - Oakley P., Tom P.
Yr 6 Runner Up Girls - Jaz S, Zara D.
Yr 6 Champion Girl - Zoe H.

Champions at Mullaloo Heights

At Mullaloo Heights, we love hearing about students achieving great things in their spare time. Consequently, we were very impressed to hear about Olivia and Ridham’s recent sporting successes. Olivia won a gold medal for figure skating at the Aussie Skate Championship, while Ridham achieved medals for running and the long jump at the Perth Sikh Gurdwara Athletics Competition. Well done both of you! It’s great to see the many varied interests of our students.

Displaying well deserved medals

Battery Recycling Program

As part of our Science and Recycling Program Mullaloo Heights, we are proud to announce that we are now a Battery Recycling School. We launched the program at a recent school line-up with the help of Peg from the Mindarie Regional Council and Matilda from Year 6.

A Few Interesting Facts

Did you know that batteries are the most common form of hazardous waste disposed of by Australian households? Fortunately, up to 95% of a battery can be recycled. Our school now has a dedicated recycling bin for household batteries. Valuable resources can then be recycled into a range of new products, such as street lights and car parts, rather than go to waste.

The types of batteries accepted include AA and AAA cells (single use & rechargeable), C and D size, button batteries (e.g. from watches), and 9V and 6V batteries (e.g. lantern/torch batteries).

Students are encouraged to collect used household batteries from their families and bring them to school for recycling. The Battery Recycling Bin is located in the front office.

Thank you to everyone who has been dropping off their old, dead batteries already, as you can we are already collecting a number of batteries that will be sent off for recycling soon. Please keep them coming in. If you have any questions regarding the program, please see Mr Adlam. Thank you.

Battery Recycling Program

Tips for staying safe

At school, we often talk with the students about ‘stranger danger’ and outline strategies to stay safe. Here are some pointers to share with your children if they are walking to and from school without an adult.

• Always walk with a friend.
• Always walk on the right hand side of the road so that you can view cars driving towards you
• Don’t walk too close to the road.
• If a passing vehicle stops nearby, never get too close.
• Be alert – wearing earphones and headphones can reduce your awareness considerably.
• Stay in view – don’t go into hidden areas like behind bushes, building sites or shopping centres
• Make sure your mobile phone is turned on.
• Don’t hesitate to run from a situation if you feel scared.
• If you are worried by an stranger’s behaviour, tell a trusted adult – your parents or a teacher
• Always go straight home.

Parent Information

Uniform Concepts – Holiday opening times

Uniform Concepts, 5/7 Delage Street Joondalup, will be closed for the first week of the school holidays, from Monday 25 September and will re open on Monday 2 October.

Music News

Thank you to all the parents who have returned the school choir shirts. However, there are still quite a few that need to be returned. If you still have one at home, please wash and return it as soon as possible.

ONE BIG VOICE DVD’s are now available for purchase. A note has been sent home with our choir students with the details for ordering this wonderful memento of our big night.

Thank you.

Mrs Ameduri

French News

P& C News

Don't forget to get your tickets for the fundraising event of year - Bogan Bingo, on Saturday 14 October. And remember family and friends are welcome.

If you haven't heard, the cake and sausage sizzle stall at the school sports carnival made over $800, and the pizza lunch day $400. The gold coin donations for the wine tasting evening amounted to $54. Thank you to all those wonderful people who organised, baked and helped out, and to everyone in our school community who supported the events.

The funds raised contribute to our school and help to keep costs down for parents. The P and C recently agreed to funding for:

Book week - $454

Scitech incursion - $612. This contribution reduced the cost to parents by 50%!

Buzz books - fully funded $148

Have a fabulous holiday, stay safe and dust off those DB's, if they need it!

Community News

**Correction from last newsletter. ECU apologises, as they sent the incorrect schedule to the school. This is the correct attachment for Joondalup.