Assistant Principal Report

CELEBRATING ‘BOOK WEEK’ and CHARACTER PARADE – Monday 19th August

This year’s theme of BOOK WEEK was ‘Reading Is Magic’, so we really wanted to emphasis the ‘magical’ qualities of reading a book. Although digital texts are fabulous in many ways, there is something magical and unique about reading a hard-copy book. Turning the pages, touching the illustrations, smelling the ink from the paper, storing your favourite books on a bookshelf to read whenever you feel like it, and of course, sharing a book and reading together with loved ones, creates bonds and special memories.

Reading has many life-long benefits and is a healthy habit for everyone!

Did you know, reading

Strengthens Your Brain. Reading lights up your entire brain.
Reduces Your Stress.
Expands Your Knowledge.
Enhances Creativity and Imagination.
Improves Your Memory.
Improves Your Concentration and Focus.
Improve your Vocabulary.
Improve your communication skills.

Monday was a wonderful celebration of ‘Book Week’, as both staff and students dressed up as their favourite book characters. It was amazing to see a variety of creative characters, ranging from traditional fairytales through to modern day books and movies. We had our character parade from 9.10am for everyone to share their costumes/characters. It was great to see so many parents and grandparents join us! We even had some pre-school siblings turn up in costume, so invited them to join our parade. It was a great community event.

Thank-you, parents/guardians, for your efforts in preparing your child/children for our fun celebration!

Unfortunately, our Library technician, Cas Foley, will be unavailable to join us at assembly this week to draw out names for our Book Week ‘favourite short-listed book’ competition. Cas hopes to return the following Friday. Thank-you for your understanding.

Year 3/4 CAMP to Forest Edge – Wednesday 21st to Friday 23rd August

This morning we farewelled our excited year 3/4 students and teachers as they headed off to the Forest Edge Camp in Neerim East (about 90mins. east of Albany Rise Primary). I’m sure the students will be missed by their families, however, remember they will be well cared for by peers and our dedicated staff. Our camp students will engage in a range of engaging, character-building activities.

When I ask year 6 students at their final graduation what the highlights were throughout their Primary Education, many students mention their camp experiences. Every child at ARPS can experience a variety of camp experiences offered from year 2 through to year 6. Please keep in mind If you have any concerns about your child attending a camp experience, have a chat with your child’s teacher. I’m sure there’s something we can do to support! It is important to remember that many children experience anxiety prior to new experiences such as camp. There are useful strategies available to help through this short-term challenge. I have personally experienced many students with such challenges. With guidance and support from staff and parents, they have successfully attended camp and are so thankful for the experience afterwards. Often after experiencing their first camp experience, children can’t wait for the next one!

Here are some BENEFITS of attending school camps:

Disconnect with technology and reconnect with self and others
Develop social skills.
Build lasting relationships with other students.
Staff and Students building a connection.
Learn new activity skills.
Improve independence.
Expand experiences in nature.
Teach personal organisation.

EXCURSION/INCURSION PERMISSIONS AND PAYMENTS – Please Assist Everyone by being Punctual

There are times parents/carers are required to log in to COMPASS to provide permission and payment for upcoming excursion and incursions. We try to give plenty of notice to complete these and even provide regular reminders. We ask that permissions and payments are completed BY THE DUE DATE to avoid unnecessary distress for students and staff.

Unfortunately, we experience some parents/carer’s contacting the office on the day of the event, expecting staff to process requests at the very last moment. This puts unrealistic demands on our office staff and can even delay buses from leaving on time. Please assist by completing permissions and payments promptly, no later than the due date. Thanks for your understanding and assistance.

Events Coming up…. Please be mindful of events requiring permission or payment.

- Friday 23rd August – Foundation to Year 2 Incursion ‘Mad About Science’ 9-1.30pm

- Monday 26th August - ICAS Maths Competition and assessment

- Wednesday 28th August – School Council Meeting from 7pm

- Wednesday 28th August – Victorian State School Spectacular Rehearsal (7.30am to 4pm)

- Thursday 29th August – Life Education: ‘Healthy Harold’ program begins for all year levels

- Thursday 29th August – Father’s Day stall

Michael Mottershead

Assistant Principal

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