Dear Clovelly Park Primary School Community,

Welcome to Week 6 of Term 3—a term that is always filled with energy, opportunities, and achievements across our school! By now, we have well and truly settled into the year, with teaching and learning routines firmly embedded and our school abuzz with activity. Term 3 is often the busiest time in the school year and this year is no exception. Our students are enjoying a range of enriching experiences, from ongoing choir practices and preparing for their final performance, to welcoming our new Reception class mid-year.

These youngest learners bring vibrant energy and a passion for discovery as they begin their school journey. It’s a joy to see their enthusiasm embraced by peers and staff alike.

We are grateful for the active involvement of our Governing Council parent members. Recently, they joined us to explore what’s happening around the site and discuss how the Governing Council can further support our school. Together, we’re working to increase parent engagement and understanding of ‘how we support students’, fostering strong partnerships that benefit every child. Please consider volunteering in some way – if you can.

Our partnership with Bunnings has blossomed this term, with staff leading hands-on planting and gardening sessions. These activities not only beautify our grounds but also equip students with knowledge about growing and caring for plants—important life skills for the future.

International connections have continued with a special visit from 25 educators from Taiwan Normal University in Week 3. They were impressed by our culture, particularly the respectful and engaging way our teachers interact with students and the strong relationships they build.

Science Week brought plenty of fun into our classrooms, with many budding 'Professors in the making' experimenting, problem-solving, and discovering the wonders of science firsthand.

In Week 5, we celebrated Indonesian Independence Day with music, kite-making, and sampling traditional snacks—an experience that strengthened our students’ appreciation of cultural diversity.

Several of our students and staff participated in the STEM Aboriginal Learner Congress. This experience is especially valuable for our Year 6 students as it helps foster interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, while empowering Aboriginal learners through connection, leadership, and visibility in STEM fields.

We have also continued our commitment to literacy and wellbeing through the Premier’s Reading Challenge and the Premier’s Be Active Challenge. These programs encourage children to spend more time reading and being active, building habits that support lifelong learning, strong minds, and healthy bodies. Book Week is upon us! This year’s theme, ‘Reading is Magic’, gives us a fantastic chance to celebrate the joy of reading. The whole school is immersed in exciting activities and creative learning, with our much-loved Book Week assembly on Friday 28th August at 9:00am. Students and staff will be dressing up as favourite book characters, and parents are warmly invited to participate in the dress-up fun too—because reading truly does open up a world of possibilities for all learners.

Recently, we also took part in some Bullying No Way Week activities, reinforcing our commitment to building a safe, respectful, and supportive school environment. With R U OK?Day approaching, we encourage everyone to recognise the importance of wellbeing, kindness, and respect in ensuring all students can engage meaningfully in learning. Research demonstrates that positive wellbeing supports improved attendance, engagement, and educational success—students who feel connected and valued at school are more likely to thrive academically and socially. Our continued focus on attendance this term underscores the importance of being at school every day. When students feel connected and supported, and experience success, they are better prepared for life beyond primary school—bringing the skills and confidence needed for a successful transition to high school and beyond.

As of 31st August, our students will be engaged in the Department for Education Water Safety Program. This program equips students with essential skills and knowledge to keep themselves safe in and around water. Through practical lessons and explicit instruction, students learn vital skills such as safe entry and exit, floating, swimming techniques, and understanding water hazards. This education is particularly important in Australia, where we are fortunate to have many beautiful beaches and aquatic environments. By fostering strong water safety awareness from an early age, we help ensure that students can confidently and responsibly enjoy our local beaches and waterways, reducing the risk of accidents and supporting life long healthy, active lifestyles.

The Royal Adelaide Show is also just around the corner—a much-anticipated highlight for many families! Whilst there is not a dedicated school closure day for Show Week this year, the days are getting sunnier, so there are many hours after school or on the weekends to visit the show.

On 18th September, we will hold our annual SPORTs Day. Sports Day is a wonderful opportunity for our entire school community to come together, stay active, and celebrate the spirit of participation and teamwork. It’s a day filled with friendly competition, laughter, and camaraderie, where students, families, and staff can all join in the fun. Beyond the sporting events, there’s something for everyone to enjoy, with delicious food and a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere that brings our community to life. It’s these shared experiences that help foster strong connections, promote healthy lifestyles, and create lasting memories for all involved. Please note that students will be dismissed at 2:00pm on Sports Day, and again on Friday 25th September, the last day of term 3.

Finally, teaching and learning takes many forms throughout the year. Alongside our wonderful special events and celebrations, important assessment also occurs every day to inform and support student growth. Key term 3 assessments include the Phonics Screening Check (which provides valuable insight into students' phonological awareness and early reading development) and PAT testing (Progressive Achievement Tests that give us a snapshot of students’ learning progress across key curriculum areas). These assessments help teachers tailor instruction to meet the individual needs of every child.

Term 3 certainly ‘packs a punch’, and we love every moment of working alongside our students, families, and community. Thank you for your ongoing support—you are an essential part of our vibrant school!

Warm regards,

Kylie Tuckey

Principal

Intensive English Learning Program