This week it has been exciting to see some amazing writing and Mathematics occurring across the school.

Our Year 6 students are busily planning and budgeting for their Market Day event. Students have developed a costing plan, created posters to advertise, surveyed students and analysed data to seek the best products to sell. We are sure our school community will enjoy the opportunity to buy some special treats at the year 6 Market Day next week.

Students from Year 4-6 who took part in the Maths Olympiad program have had their results confirmed, with several of our students performing in the top 10% in Australasia. We are looking forward to sharing these results and handing out awards and certificates at Assembly next week.

Our Year 1 and 2 students have been developing some amazing information reports. The students have researched animals native to Australia, found out information about their chosen creature, and developed books with many of the key skills from our 7 Steps writing program (including some ‘Sizzling Starts’). We are so proud of the effort and outcomes from all the learning in wiring and mathematics occurring across the school.

Foundation Information night for 2024 enrolled students- Tuesday 28th November

Next week our 2024 Foundation group will attend their orientation day at Albany Rise on Thursday 30th November. I am very much looking forward to seeing this new group of students enjoy their first ‘official’ day as part of our school community. Congratulations to our Foundation teachers and Year 5 students (soon to be buddies) for their careful planning and support through the Foundation transition program. Out 2024 Foundation parents will be attending an information evening at the school, with the uniform shop open on Tuesday 28th November from 4pm-5pm for Foundation 2024 families.

Election Day BBQ

A huge THANK YOU to our small team of helpers who worked double shifts and more for our Fundraising Election BBQ last Saturday -

Bronwyn Clarke, Jason Clarke, Ann Dunford, Amanda Lewis, Milly Firaz, Michael Mullner and of course the students who came along to help with their parents.

At our school Council Meeting Last night, the following dates were confirmed as student free in 2024:

Please add these dates to your calendars for 2024.

Monday 29th Jan- operations, Wellbeing & Curriculum
Thursday 28th March- AIP priorities; Wellbeing & Learning
Friday 26th April – AIP priorities; Wellbeing & Learning
Friday 24th May- Assessment & Reporting
Monday 4th November- Professional Practice Day & AIP Program Review

2024 Parent Payments

Information regarding the 2023 Parent Payments was distributed last week. If you would like to choose a payment plan option, please remember to contact the office directly as soon as possible. All information was provided in the documents sent home to families. The school will again be using Ross Office Supplies for parent payments and stationary purchases.

Dropping Off Students

Please be reminded that students should not be dropped off or be arriving at school before 8:45am. Supervision in the school yard commences at 8:45am every morning, and it is imperative that students arrive between 8:45am and 9:00am. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Facilities and Minor works

During the week, we had some tree works completed across the school grounds, following the advice from a recent arborist report. The works included removal of 3 trees, pruning and tidying many other trees and clearing branches and overhanging limbs. We have been provided with a grant to replace each of the 3 trees removed with 2 more native trees. (6 more in total). We hope to have the new trees planted before the end of the school year.

Our school has been successful in receiving a grant to update our Main Entrance entry ramp, to ensure it is compliant with current building codes. The new ramp will allow easy access to the office for prams and persons with disabilities. Plans are already completed and works should commence this year.

Our toilet upgrade is well underway, with the first phase due for completion by the end of November. We are really looking forward to being able to access some of the new toilet facilities very soon.

Working bee Friday 1st December (4-6.30pm) - Repeat

Our next working bee is to be held on Friday 1st December (afterschool). The main tasks to be completed include:

Spruce up before carols night and before the break.
Garden beds & hedging
Playground behind Arc- tidy up
Drains
Gutters
Cobwebs
Setting up new storerooms
Dispose of old chairs outside hall
Odd jobs in classrooms
Repaint dots (Arc)

A free BBQ will be provided for those families who attend. A separate notice will be sent home to all families soon to indicate intention to take part. Many hands make light work.

Student Leadership 2024

Students in Year 4 and 5 presented their Leadership Speeches to peers and staff on Tuesday this week. I was very impressed by the quality of each presentation and the thought and practice that had obviously been part of the preparation for these speeches. Many thanks to parents for supporting students through this process. Students in Year 3-5 undertook an online voting process on Tuesday. Results will be considered over coming days, and students seeking School Captain roles will be interviewed later this term. Congratulations to all to the students who are seeking to be a role model at our school.

Uniform & Hats

At ARPS, our School Council develops a coherent Dress Code policy that ensures our students wear a uniform which helps us show cohesion, connection and pride in our school. Our Uniform shop is open every Tuesday afternoon, and 2nd hand uniform is always readily available. It was appropriate to see all the students seeking leadership roles wearing full school uniform when sharing their presentations this week.

Students should also be wearing a school, SunSmart hat every day this term. UV can be very high at this time of year, and we are eager to ensure every child has the sun protection they need. Please make contact with your child’s teacher or the office if you have any challenges with ensuring your child is in correct school uniform.

(Please note: black pants, black shorts, black leggings and black skirts are not part of ARPS uniform).

Parent Helper’s Morning Tea Tuesday 5th December - Repeat

Our school is all the better because of the extra-ordinary help received from our parents and members of our school community. You, our wonderful parents and carers assist with classroom support, daily reading, working bees and with incursions and excursions. Our School Council and its Subcommittee members as well as the numerous Parent Association helpers, who plan school events and activities, add to the vision and culture of Albany Rise PS. The teaching and support staff, have valued your assistance and participation in the school life of your students and their school.

In acknowledgement of your tremendous support, we would like to extend an invitation to join us for Morning Tea, Tuesday 5th December from 1aam in the Function Room. Please keep this date free in your diaries.

CHRISTMAS CAROLS/CONCERT:

Please put the date of Thursday 7th December into your calendars for our Christmas Concert. We are thrilled that we can again host these wonderful community events. More information about this night will be shared with the community over the upcoming weeks. Classes are already learning songs and actions to share on the night.

We look forward to a great night.

STUDENTS WITH CASH AT SCHOOL

At ARPS, we generally discourage students bringing large amounts of money in the form of Cash to school, as it is unnecessary at school and can create conflict and friendship issues.

Our Year 5/6 students have been providing a service of 'Zooper Dooper' icypole sales through the canteen at different lunch times throughout the year (which has now ceased for the remainder of the year). This purchase only requires gold coins, (and preferably not cash notes which can be lost or shared with friends without the knowledge of parents).

Next week, students will have the opportunity to spend Cash at our Year 6 Market Day (up to $10). I urge all parents to explain to students that 'giving away money' to other students is not allowed. I understand sometimes students are offering money as a kindness to their friends, or to gain acceptance with their peers, but this often leads to other friendship issues or misunderstandings which can be difficult to resolve when money has changed hands.

Money being used for Market Day next week should be in a named sealed envelope, and safely stored in the classroom (all teachers will have a process for this).

Under no circumstances are students to sell or purchase items from other students at other times without the consent of all parents involved (eg. the sale of energy drinks or chewing gum between students).

Please make contact if you have any questions about the use of Cash by students at school.

Parents are reminded that the Staff Car parks at the front and rear of the school are not for parent parking. Parents with a valid disabled pass may use the designated space at the front of the school..

Wellbeing Wonderings