From the School Leadership Team
National Reconciliation Week
It was a privilege to attend the National Reconciliation Week Breakfast on Monday hosted by Reconciliation SA, and to have many of our Aboriginal students and families there. They were great representatives of our school. More importantly it was also a time where our students were able to reflect on and consider the theme of the week this year - 'Now More Than Ever'.
Reconciliation Australia tells us with this year’s theme that “the work continues. In treaty making, in truth-telling, in understanding our history, in education, and in tackling racism. We need connection. We need respect. We need action. And we need change.”
It is important that we can approach National Reconciliation Week this year with our minds and our hearts open, remembering that in spite of the challenges laid ahead of us in achieving genuine reconciliation, we can still make a difference.
One of the key differences is in having a shared understanding that racism can simply no longer be tolerated, minimalised or ignored.
As a school setting, we are in the unique position of being able to support our learners in being active and informed members of their communities with knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives. In turn, this helps to grow an informed next generation who will stand up and be counted in progressing our journey towards reconciliation.
National Reconciliation Week marks two significant dates.
Ths first is May 27, 1967, when Australians voted to rectify two clauses in the Constitution that discriminated against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
The second is June 3, 1992, Mabo Day, which marks the High Court acknowledgement that the declaration of terra nullius (a British law declaring that the land of Australia was owned by no-one) in this country was unjust.
My grandfather was a public school principal in NSW in the 1960's at a time before the referendum. At that time the policies for schools allowed for Aboriginal students to attend and be educated alongside non-Aboriginal students only if there was consensus for this agreed with the school community. I am proud that his Christian beliefs helped him to see the importance of treating all people equally and fairly, and led him to negotiate to achieve this with his school community in his typical calm and ethical manner. Education is a great opportunity for everyone to succeed, regardless of their background, culture or nationality.
Whilst it is important to understand the history behind, and significance of these dates, the key thing is for us to consider and understand how we can best support reconciliation in these challenging times.
Reconciliation Australia tells us that “Now more than ever, the work continues.”
Colour Run
Unfortunately, looking ahead, it has been a pretty wet day today with the oval already fairly squelchy underfoot. With more rain forecast for tomorrow, particularly in the afternoon, and considering the cool temperatures, the Colour Run will be postponed for a week - to next Friday 7 June.
We do sincerely apologise for this late change and any inconvenience caused as we appreciate that many families had arranged to take the afternoon off work to see the children enjoy the event, but also appreciate your understanding that it was done to give the children the best possible experience in much better forecast weather next week.
Direct donations to the Building Fund can be made via the Qkr! app, or via cash, card or direct debit through the School Office.
All measures have been taken to ensure that this event is safe for all students. Students will run (or walk, or skip!) around a circuit on the school oval. There will be various colour powder stations throughout the circuit with two designated lanes – one for colour powder, the other with no powder. Your child can still participate in the event should you not wish for them to be sprayed with colour powder. It is not a race or a timed event, but all about fun!
Staff and volunteers at the colour stations will do their best to throw the powder at the torsos of participants (between shoulder and hip level), however wind and other factors can occasionally result in students getting some powder in the face from time to time. As such, each child will be provided with a free pair of sunglasses on the day, or alternately you may wish for your child to bring their own eye protection such as sunglasses or goggles and/or a face mask if you wish.
The day will be a casual clothes day for our students. To heighten the effectiveness of the colour powder, we encourage students to wear a white t-shirt, and students are asked to purchase an inexpensive one for the day, or to reuse last year's if this is an option. If you would like to preserve the colour in your child's white t-shirt, you can try spraying it with vinegar, letting it dry and then ironing it. But if you wash it.... the colour eventually will come out!
The colour powder used in the event is non-toxic, biodegradable and environmentally friendly consisting of 98% corn starch and 2% food colouring. It will likely wash out of your child’s clothing, and that the loose particles can be brushed off, however we recommend that you consider the possibility of minor staining when selecting your child’s clothing for the day and perhaps consider sending them in some older clothing and shoes. You may also send a change of clothes if you would like your child to change after the event prior to the end of the school day. We would ask that all students catching the school minibus at the end of the day bring a change of clothes. if you are picking your child up by car, you may also wish to bring a towel to cover your car seats.
We welcome parent volunteers to assist with the Colour Run on checkpoints on the course and in other roles. If you are interested in volunteering for the afternoon, please complete the form at this link.
Get ready for a BLAST OF COLOUR and thanks in advance for your support! Happy fundraising! It is our responsibility to seek permission for your child to participate in the School Colour Fun Run.
Please complete the online permission note located on the school website by Thursday 6 June. If you have questions about this activity, please contact the school.
Colin Buchanan Concert
We are super excited to announce that the renowned children's Christian entertainer, Clin Buchanan, will give a concert in our Worship Centre on Saturday 15 June at 3.00pm. Lots of us would know some of Colin's songs including 'Remember the Lord' and '10,9,8, God is Great!'. This is a joint effort between the school and the church and we are pleased to be able to partner in this on the back of successes that we've enjoyed with Messy Church and many other initiatives.
To purchase tickets you can either click on the QR code below or visit the following website
A few reminders
Please be reminded of some of our key events to commence the term.
- Friday 7 June – Colour Run
- Saturday 15 June - Colin Buchanan Concert
- Saturday 22 June - P & F Quiz Night
Will Wallace
Principal
Learning conversations.
As a school, we talk with students regularly about their learning. A lot of teaching occurs in one-on-one conversations or small groups. This teaching is exciting because it provides the student with input that is needed at the time that is needed and specific to that student or group. These conversations are times for teachers to listen to thinking, to correct any misconceptions and to increase awareness of what children are and are not understanding.
Conversations with teachers and other adults are not the only places that conversations can bring about learning. We encourage our students to talk about their learning with each other. They too can listen to each other and to challenge thinking – both their own and others.
The PYP unpacks what students do in exchanging information, listening, interpreting and speaking when communicating with others as:
Listening
• Listen to, and follow the information and directions of others.
• Listen actively to other perspectives and ideas.
• Ask for clarifications.
• Listen actively and respectfully while others speak.
Interpreting
• Interpret visual, audio and oral communication: recognizing and creating signs,
interpreting and using symbols and sounds.
• Understand the ways in which images and language interact to convey ideas.
• Recognize the meaning of kinaesthetic communication (body language).
• Be aware of cultural differences when providing and interpreting
communication.
Speaking
• Speak and express ideas clearly and logically in small and large groups.
• Give and receive meaningful feedback and feedforward.
• State opinions clearly, logically and respectfully.
• Discuss and negotiate ideas and knowledge with peers and teachers.
• Communicate with peers, experts and members of the learning community
using a variety of digital environments and media.
Principles into Practice: Teaching and Learning, P35,36
Teachers work with students to develop these skills and give many opportunities to practise and embed skills. The growth of skills plays into the student’s disposition as a learner. A learning disposition is not only about WHAT the student is learning, but HOW they are learning. Communication skills are just one area that the PYP develops and grows each learner’s dispositions. There are also other strands within communication skills, other than those above. The aim of the PYP is to develop students as life-long learners who are confident and capable learners armed with skills, such as communication skills, that they can use in their learning.
Jayne Zadow
Director of PYP, Teaching and Learning