6 June 2019 Edition #6

Kookaburra Chronicles

A snapshot of some of the wonderful children in TA3.

Kookaburra Chronicles

Page 2

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

NAPLAN

As you’re all aware the past two weeks have seen us completing NAPLAN. Being online, of course there were issues. All school’s had connectivity issues and we were no different to any other school. We worked our way through the problems and got the job done. However, many schools have now chosen to have entire cohorts resit tests and in writing this is in paper and pencil format as opposed to online. At South Padbury we’re not playing this game as the rules were set and we abided by them. The fact that they’ve changed the rules post mortem doesn’t make them right and we’ll stick by what we’ve done. NAPLAN is disruptive enough without prolonging the process. Of course having so many schools undertaking total test re-sits makes any comparisons between schools, whether they be like schools, state or national comparisons completely null and void. Therefore, when we receive our results we’ll just focus on our students and not partake in any comparisons. On the positive side, we’ll continue to use the NAPLAN band descriptors as reference markers for our case management plans as NAPLAN as a diagnostic tool is second to none, it’s just that this year it’s ability to make valid comparative judgements is questionable.

Focus

Schools are great places and are of interest to all concerned as we all have vested interests in the functioning of the organisation. Being an institution that deals in developing young people academically, emotionally and socially, it is a great source of drama, interest and intrigue. With so many people from so many walks of life interacting and dealing with each other in such a close and transparent manner, interpersonal disputes are going to happen. Over the years I’ve seen cases where these issues move from the periphery to the forefront and schools lose their focus on their core business – educating our students in a safe, caring, inclusive and supportive learning environment that fosters success at whatever level the student is capable of. In this, the school’s staff and I will remain vigilant in addressing our key areas of Protective Behaviours, English and Mathematics. It was for this purpose that I detailed the school’s student tracking system at the last board meeting as I’m keen to keep all forums as student and curriculum focused as possible, as they are the reasons why we’re all here.

Clubs

Lunch time activities are not always easy for all of our students and the opportunity to partake in lunch time clubs adds a great deal to these students’ day. Every day I’m reminded how fortunate we are to have such a committed staff who actively volunteer their lunch breaks to run clubs for our students. Throughout the year we run a recorder club, ukulele club, games club, sphero club, lego club, reading club, chess club, story-telling club, art club, bushland club and a singing club. I thank and commend all of our staff for making these clubs such a valuable part of the school day for so many students.

Cross Country

Due to the weather forecast for Friday we will now be holding our annual cross country running carnival on Tuesday 11 June. Please check your app for details.

Board

Last week the school board met and among other things, ratified our full suite of updated school policies. These policies are available for viewing on our website at southpadburyprimaryschool.wa.edu.au

David Knox

PRINCIPAL

CLASS ASSEMBLY— TA10/YR6

The next assembly will be held Friday 21 June and will be conducted by our TA10

students. The assembly will commence at 8:45 am in the undercover area.

Parents of the children are invited to morning tea with Miss Booker, Mrs Butterly

and the Principal in the Staff Room immediately after the assembly.

Lunch Time Clubs

Kookaburra Chronicles

Page 3

Lunch time clubs are thriving at South Padbury PS. While the wintery forecast may be an added incentive, the popularity of our clubs is evident for all to see.

Last Thursday about 60 kids attended Games Club in the library and another 30 Year 2’s went to Lego Club in TA4. The many clubs we have across the week provide opportunities for kids to choose whether they use their time to run

around and play some sports and in this case brave the cooler weather, or to decide on some indoor play. Each club is open to particular age brackets

according to safety or other factors, but is otherwise a choice for children to turn up one week or choose a different activity on another week. Each club also offers learning whether skill based, social interaction or academic. Thanks to all

staff who offer these opportunities for our students.

School Councillors

We are looking for a new assistant to join our friendly team in the Health Room on Tuesday mornings. You do not need any qualifications, just a friendly happy personality and a little time. Banking is on a Tuesday morning before school each week from 8:00 to 8:45am. Please feel free to contact the School Banking Coordinators Donna on 0481 145 578 or Sam on 0408 250 403 for more information. If we are unable to find a new volunteer school banking will not be able to continue past this year.

WANTED - School Banking Assistant

Hi my name is Alex and I am one of your student councillors this year. I have been in

the school for 8 years counting this one and along the journey I have met such amazing

friends, classmates and teachers. It is a pleasure to be in this school and I wish for

everyone to strive to be the best you can be and follow what you desire. These are the

risks I take to find success and hope in myself.

Thank you for reading my article.

Hello my name is Ashton Burgess and I am one of the eight councillors for 2019.

My story,

I am 11 years old born on the 7th February. I have two dogs and two brothers. My hobbies are AFL, drawing, soccer and in school my hobbies are Maths, PE, English

and Science. I train at Sorrento Duncraig Footy Oval for my footy club and I play on Sundays. I hope I can be a good Year 6 leader for 2019.

NOTES HOME AND OR SENT VIA FLEXIBUZZ

* X Country Notes YR3-6

* Student Photos

* Scholastic Orders

* Yr6 Camp Policy

* WAAPA Flyer

Contact Information:

56 Warburton Avenue PADBURY WA 6025 Phone: 08 9307 5833 Email: southpadbury.ps@education.wa.edu.au www.southpadburyprimaryschool.wa.edu.au Police Communications: 131 444 Education Security: 9264 4771 or 9264 4632

Dates to put in your diary….

Monday 10 June PP,YR1,YR3 Dental Checks

Tuesday 11 June X Country Year 3-6

Tue 18 & Wed 19 June Scitech Incursion PP-YR6

Wednesday 19 June Go Green Day - Gold Coin fundraiser Tree Planting

Friday 21 June TA10 Assembly

P&C Report

Kookaburra Chronicles

Page 4

UNIFORM SHOP COORDINATOR POSITION STILL NEEDED

The Uniform Shop Coordinator position is still vacant and needs to be filled. Darcie, our current Uniform Shop Coordinator, has agreed to stay on until the end of Term 2, to help the new Uniform Shop Coordinator transition into their new role. The person filling this position will be given continued support, by the rest of our very capable Uniform Shop Committee.

If you are available to help on a Thursday morning before School and would like to put your hand up, or would like more information on what is required in the role, please contact the P&C.

DISCO DATE CHANGE

As many children have sporting commitments on Friday 14 June, the Disco has now been moved to the last day of Term on Friday 5 July. Notes will be coming home closer to the date.

NEXT P&C GENERAL MEETING

Our next P&C General Meeting will be Wednesday 19 June at 7pm, in the staff room.

P&C ENQUIRES

Please direct all P&C enquiries to southpadburypc@gmail.com and we will endeavour to get back to you as soon as possible with a response.

Leona Liddelow

P&C President.

WAAPA at ECU is offering an exciting performing arts program for children and young people in years 1 to 12, these July school holidays. The Winter School includes classes in drama, acting, screen acting, film making and musical theatre. For information about the many courses on offer please visit Winter School or contact Gabrielle Metcalf at g.metcalf@ecu.edu.au or 9370 6775. Detailed flyer sent via school App

WAAPA Holiday Programs 2019

On Wednesday 19 June, this year’s student councillors would love to see the whole school ‘GO GREEN’. This day will be to raise awareness of our environment and raise money to put towards National Tree Planting day in Term 3.

So on Wednesday 19 June wear something green and bring a gold coin donation.

Go Green Day - Gold Coin Fundraiser