Primary School News
From the Head of Primary, Tracey Rogers
Over the last two weeks I've seen students, staff and parents show kindness, empathy, resilience and courage. These wonderful qualities, in action, make for a great School.
At John Wollaston we care for each other
It has been a great start to the year in Primary. During an informal assembly on the first day, I asked students to unpack this statement a bit more. Here is what they said…
- “If someone is sad or lonely, we can offer to support them or play with them.” Cohen Cain
- “Speak up if someone is being bullied and tell them to stop and that you are making them sad. Don’t just stand by.” Matilda Hewson
- “Help someone if they are hurt and get a teacher.” Max Newland
Students have now volunteered to create posters to put around the School so that we are reminded of these important messages while ‘out and about’. Look out for them soon!
Assemblies
You will notice that Assemblies are scheduled less often this year. In order to make time for students to come together for other purposes, we will have Year Level Assemblies on the dates outlined in both the School Calendar (available through SEQTA) and in the Primary Diary. Class teachers will notify you when their class will be involved during the year. In responding to feedback from parents, students and staff, we have taken measures to try and ensure Assemblies finish on time at 9:30am. We look forward to seeing you at an Assembly during the year.
Commissioning Service
Our Captains for Semester 1 will be presented at the Commissioning Service on Wednesday 19 February, commencing at 8:50am in the BDISC. They are already making a terrific contribution with their willingness to commit, responsibility and caring way with others.
Communication
At the Parent Information Evening I explained that Staff have been working to streamline communication for parents by clarifying the use of SeeSaw and SEQTA. There are so many opportunities for students here at John Wollaston, it is important to utilise SEQTA to keep up to date with all the things on offer.
I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude. Everyone has made me feel most welcome and shown great support of our School during these early days of the school year.
Warmest regards
Tracey Rogers
Head of Primary
From the Dean of Pastoral Care, Melissa Cuming and Fiona Shand
It has been lovely to see the buzz of excitement around the Primary School as the children have settled into their new classes. The first few weeks are a crucial time for teachers to build relationships and establish the routines and expectations for the year.
Bus safety
If you have a child who catches the bus to or from school, please take the time to discuss safe behaviours when travelling on the bus and also getting on and off the bus.
Car park etiquette
School car parks are busy places at the beginning and end of the school day and our students’ safety is of the utmost priority. Thank you to those parents who take their time and maintain caution at all times. To preserve student safety, please ensure you adhere to the 10km/hr speed limit, refrain from parking on footpaths and maintain vigilance as you reverse or move through the car park.
Uniforms
The Primary Leadership team will be checking uniforms over the next week to ensure they are being worn correctly. As representatives of the School, it is important that students take pride in their dress and present smartly. Please ensure you read the Uniform Policy at the beginning of the School Diary to ensure your child has the required items.
P&F Welcome Back Barbecue
The P&F Welcome Back Barbecue will be held on Wednesday 26 February from 5:30pm to 8:00pm. The Barbecue is a great opportunity to connect with other parents and students in your child’s class, as well as being a relaxed and informal way to meet with staff. We would love to see lots of families there enjoying the evening. To register your attendance visit: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PandFWelcome2020.
Please regularly check your child’s diary and the calendar available on SEQTA to see dates of upcoming events.
Thank you for your support since the beginning of the school year.
Melissa Cuming and Fiona Shand
Dean of Pastoral Care
From the Deputy Head of Primary, Fiona Currey
What is Transdisciplinary learning?
It was wonderful to see so many parents at the Parent Information Session in Week 1. At this meeting I spoke about transdisciplinary learning in the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme. This is one of the key points of difference to the way students learn in more traditional school systems.
The purpose of transdisciplinary learning is to ensure that learning at our school is significant, relevant, challenging and engaging. Choi and Pak (2006) make the analogy that transdisciplinary learning is like baking a cake, where in our case, the subjects of the Western Australian Curriculum form the ingredients of the cake. When you bake a particular type of cake, the ingredients are specifically chosen and used in specific quantities to ensure the cake turns out well. In the case of units of inquiry, the recipe is carefully designed to develop rich and deep understanding of a big idea. Aspects of the Western Australian Curriculum are specifically chosen and specific learning occurs to prepare them for inclusion in the 'cake'. These key learning areas are combined conceptually and regularly assessed to ensure just the right 'consistency and flavour' prior to 'baking'. The final result is quite different from the initial ingredients but richer and sweeter. There are six key areas of knowledge and understanding that are considered essential for students and these are encompassed in the six transdisciplinary themes on the programme of inquiry.
The 2020 programme of inquiry may be accessed through this link,{attach hyperlink} and will also be available on SEQTA for your reference. Access to primary resources such as local experts or secondary resources such as artefacts, is instrumental in ensuring learning is significant and relevant to our children. Please consult the programme of inquiry and let your child’s teacher know should you or your family and friends have anything they can offer in terms of expertise or artefacts relevant to the units of inquiry.
We look forward to engaging in a rich and fruitful partnership with you and your children with respect to their learning this year.
Fiona Currey
Deputy Head of Primary
Top Shot Tennis Programs
Tennis/Motor Skill Program - Pre-Primary to Year 2
Top Shot Tennis is excited to offer a fun program to help develop the tennis and gross motor skills of students in Pre-Primary to Year 2.
- The program is designed by professional Tennis Coaches to help improve catching, throwing and movement skills. The program also allows players to progress their tennis skills.
- Lots of games, fun and skill development.
- Help students with a variety of important sporting skills while including a fun tennis component.
- The sessions run for 30 minutes at a cost of $55.
For more information contact Darren Draper on 0412 497 778 or email topshottennis@gmail.com.
Before School Tennis Coaching Program - Years 3 to 6
Could you be the next Australian Open Champion?
Top Shot Tennis are offering students in Years 3 to 6 the opportunity to participate in a before school coaching program. No experience is necessary and all are welcome. For more information please see the document below:
A Message from the School Health Nurses
Welcome to the new school year from the Child and Adolescent Community Health Nurses Emily Turner and Jane Skoll.
This year we have a new buddy system, meaning you have two nurses visiting your school regularly throughout the year. We will both be available to discuss any health concerns you may have about your child, we can be contacted on 9391 2235 or through the school. We are also available on email: Emily.Turner@health.wa.gov.au or Jane.Skoll@health.wa.gov.au
Immunisations
Is your child attending Kindergarten?
The National Health & Medical Research Council (NH&MRC) recommends that children attending Kindergarten have the following booster immunisations:
- Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (whooping cough) and Poliomyelitis (one vaccine).
- All medically at risk children – Pneumovax 23
- And any other WA scheduled or catch up vaccinations.
Your child can have these immunisations from 4 years of age.
To book an appointment please phone 6151 1308
Central Immunisation Clinic: 16 Rheola Street West Perth 6005, by appointment or walk-in. Phone 9321 1312
Please provide the School with an updated copy of your child’s immunisation record, once 4 year old vaccinations are completed. This can be obtained from the Australian Childhood Immunisation Register. Phone 1800 653 809 or www.humanservices.gov.au
If a measles case occurs in a school, the Principal has the right to exclude non-immunised children from school for 14 days or longer.
Head Lice
Head lice outbreaks occur frequently in primary schools during the school year. The Department of Health recommends the following method of treatment:
- 10 day Hair Conditioner treatment
- If you do use 'over the counter' head lice treatments, they must be applied and then repeated as per the manufacturer’s recommendation.
- Parents’ can assist in the prevention and control of head lice by checking their children’s hair frequently using the hair conditioner method and treating appropriately when necessary.
- Friday is a good day to check hair as treatment, if needed, can be commenced over the weekend and no school time is then lost.
For more information please see http://www.healthywa.wa.gov.au and search head lice. Please contact your School Health Nurse if you require further advice on head lice management.
Medical Conditions
Please advise the School if your child has a medical condition that may require treatment during school hours. A health care plan will need to be completed / updated by your GP and provided to school.
Thank you.
Emily Turner | Registered Nurse
Jane Skoll | Clinical Nurse Community Health
Free Parenting Seminars
Child and Adolescent Health Service - Community Health is offering Triple P Seminar Series in Term 1.
This free program is offered to all parents with children between the ages of 3 and 8. The program will be delivered by experienced Community Nurses.
