21 September 2018

Newsletter Articles

Principal’s Message

The holidays are finally here and, I think you’ll agree, the break has been well earned by our hardworking students. During the last few weeks of term, they have navigated the Interschool Athletics Carnival, a NAPLAN Online practise test and a fundraiser for drought stricken farmers. As always, each challenge has been taken in their stride, most notably, the NAPLAN Online practise tests. We adults imagined all kinds of problems and issues with the new test format, but thankfully our students didn’t feel the same way; rather, they embraced the change, completing each task enthusiastically and giving positive feedback about the experience. Being able to use a word processor for the writing task, something we had worried about, made the task easier in their opinion, especially when it came to editing and improving their work. In addition, the numeracy and reading tasks were easier to navigate and more engaging. The consensus was that completing the testing online was much more motivating. I think this is a clear example of us underestimating our students’ ability to cope with change. Instead of dwelling on potential problems, they applied their considerable ICT skills to the task in hand and did rather well. If you are interested in this new testing format, you can have a look at example NAPLAN Online questions on the public demonstration site. Click on the link below. Note that all WA schools will be taking part in NAPLAN online next year.

As a Board, we have been recently reviewing our Behaviour Management Policy. At Mullaloo Heights, we take a proactive approach to behaviour management by providing a safe and supportive environment for our students. Positive behaviour is modelled by adults and also by peers through our councillor and buddy programs, while good citizenship and behaviour are rewarded in many ways, including in-class points, merit certificates, Aussie of the Month and invitations to the Awesome Kids Morning Tea, to name a few examples. We also have a strong values programme that permeates all areas of the curriculum and explicitly teaches children about bullying: what it is, as well as strategies to deal with it. Having an accurate definition of bullying and, more specifically, being able to differentiate between this and mean or unpleasant behaviour is essential. Unfortunately, the term bullying is often used to label the latter. As unpleasant as this type of behaviour is, it is important to remember that bullying has a clear set of characteristics, namely an imbalance of power (strength, popularity or access to information) between victim and perpetrator and repeated instances of negative behaviour. Someone can display insensitive, mean and even aggressive behaviour without it being bullying. It is important that our students understand this because, in the future, their happiness at home and success at work will be determined by how well they can navigate relationships and resolve difficult issues. If we describe every unpleasant encounter as bullying, we don't prepare them well. At Mullaloo Heights, children are equipped with strategies to deal with this type of behaviour, as well as bullying. Furthermore, instances of bullying are taken seriously and dealt with swiftly. For your interest, I have attached a copy of an article that explores this difference between bullying and negative behaviour in more detail. It makes the point that labelling every bit of unpleasant behaviour as bullying trivialises true cases and does not serve to instil resilience in our children. The ability to recognise unpleasant behaviour as just that and to move on from it is an important skill. The article makes for interesting reading. Please click on the link below to access.

Before Term 4 is upon us, I would like to wish you a happy 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 9th October, safe, rested and ready for another term of hard work.

Caroline Booth
Principal

Dates to remember

Parent Satisfaction Survey

As part of our school self-review process, we actively seek feedback from our parent community about our strengths and weaknesses. With this objective in mind, we invite you to share your views and give constructive feedback about Mullaloo Heights. Last week, we emailed a link to our latest Parent Satisfaction Survey. To complete the survey, click on the link and follow the prompts to rate our school against several criteria. At the end of the survey, there is an opportunity to give more specific feedback regarding areas of your choosing. The survey is anonymous and is a great opportunity to give feedback on the things you think are good and the things we could do better. It will close on Friday 12th October at 4:00pm. Remember that surveys are anonymous. If you did not receive an email, please let us know as soon as possible and we will re-email the link.

Room 5 ‘s Assembly

We were treated to a thoroughly engaging history lesson by Room 5 during their assembly. They used stories, songs and drama to give us an accurate taste of life on a convict ship in the First Fleet. In fact, it was so lifelike, we’re glad we didn’t have to step aboard - rats, cockroaches and rotten vegetables are not very enticing. Anyway, children in Room 5 clearly know a lot about the First Fleet and now we do too!

Merit Certificates

Reading Club

Mathletics Gold

Aussie of the Month

Aussie of the Month is Hannah.

Hannah approaches all tasks with a positive attitude and always presents her very best work. She uses her initiative on a daily basis and she never hesitates to give up her time to help other children in our school, her classmates and teachers, and the concern she displays for others is genuine. This positive attitude and caring nature make her a great role model for others in our school.

Congratulations,
Hannah.

Inter-School Jumps & Throws

The Inter-School Jumps and Throws carnival was held on Wednesday 12th September, at Mullaloo Beach Primary School, for students in year 3-6.

All students tried their best with many achieving their PB's (personal bests), as well as students earning a place ribbon on the day!

Overall Mullaloo Heights placed equal 4th with Mullaloo Beach.

Thank you to Mrs Smith and Mrs Wallace for assisting with the jobs on the day.

Mrs Thorby is very proud of all students that competed!

Results:

Jaida

4th Yr 5 Long Jump
4th Yr 5 Triple Jump

Scarlett

3rd Yr 6 Long Jump,
2nd Yr 6 Triple Jump
4th Yr 6 Throws

Levi

4th Yr 4 Long Jump

Connor

4th Yr 5 Long Jump

Lexi

3rd Yr 4 Throws

Chloe

2nd Yr 5 Throws

Nicole

3rd Yr 6 Throws

Ruben

1st Yr 3 Throws

Inter-School Athletics Carnival

The Inter-School Athletics carnival was held at Statewide Services on Friday 14th September.

Mullaloo Heights PS students showed amazing talent in the running events, relays and team games, resulting in many placings for our school!

The good sportsmanship and exceptional behaviour our students displayed on the day is to be commended!

Thank you to all our staff, Mr Heron and school community for assisting with the setup of the carnival, training sessions and overall support to our students and school.

Mullaloo Heights placed 4th overall.

Class Placements 2019

Later in Term 4, we will be organising classes for 2019. When placing students, teachers will take into account educational and social needs to ensure that classes are well balanced and provide an effective learning environment for all. If you have a request regarding the placement of your child and it is based upon an educational reason, please put this in writing and forward to Caroline Booth before Friday, 9th November – Caroline.Booth@education.wa.edu.au . All requests will be considered, but as we are a small school, they cannot be guaranteed.

Please read our Class Placement Policy to find more information about the way in which we organised classes. Click upon the link below:

Parent Information

Beldon Dental Therapy Centre

The new Beldon Dental Therapy Centre is now open!

It is located in a new building, next to the old clinic at Beldon Primary School, 10 Pacific Way, Beldon.

Please park on Nautical Grove and enter through the pedestrian gate with the Dental Therapy sign. There is no parking available on school grounds.

The contact number for the centre remains the same, (08)9307 1425.

Ocean Reef Senior High School Specialist Program

Community News