Swimming Lessons

It has been very pleasing to see all of our students Reception to Year 5 participating in their swimming lessons. These lessons form an important component of our Physical Education programme and help our students to become confident and independent swimmers. The swimming instructors have been very pleased with the behaviour, attitude and the progress made by our students.

Pool Upgrade

As some parents may know, the Sports and Assets Committee have focussed on improving the school swimming pool facilities during 2014. These upgrades included purchasing and fitting a new pool blanket, installing a salt chlorinator and upgrading the solar heating system. I am please to say that this has significantly improved the temperature of the pool with the water consistantly heated to 33 degrees. As a result students have remained in the pool for their entire swimming lesson each day and there have been no complaints of sore eyes. West Beach Primary School certainly is very fortunate to have this resource.

Direct Debit

Parents are now able to opt for Direct Debit payment of school fees etc directly from bank accounts. Parents who would like to arrange this are invited to fill in the attached form and return it to Paula Walker at the front office. Alternatively forms may also be collected from the front office.

Any further questions regarding payment options can be directed to Paula at the front office by calling Ph:83567944.

Before School Care

West Beach Primary School's OSHC service is offering Before School Care to families throughout this term. The morning sessions operate from 7:30am till 8:30am, Monday to Friday.

Parents who wish to have their children attend the morning sessions are asked to contact Ann Harrison at the front office on Ph:83567944 to book a place and to lodge an enrolment form. It is important that parents make a booking PRIOR to the day as the centre will only open on mornings there are children booked in to attend. We hope that this additional service supports families requiring early morning care for their children.

Grievance Procedures

Staff at West Beach Primary School endeavour to provide the very best educational outcomes for all students. Parents with a concern or grievance relating to a classroom programme, your child’s progress, behavioural matters or school issue are reminded of the importance of following the school’s agreed Grievance Procedures.

When a concern arises it is important to discuss the issue with the appropriate staff member first in an attempt to seek a resolution suitable to those concerned. Usually issues can be solved simply by discussing the issue respectfully and promptly with the person involved. If a suitable resolution is not reached by talking to the staff member concerned, then please make a time to speak with the Principal.

Grievance Procedure Steps:

1. Arrange a mutually agreed upon time to speak with the staff member concerned

2. Discuss the issue fairly, calmly and honestly in an attempt to reach a positive resolution

3. Allow a reasonable timeframe for the issue to be addressed

4. If the issue is not resolved, make a time to speak with the principal

5. If the issue remains unresolved parents may contact the Education Office (Felixstow Office)

6. If the issue remains unresolved parents may then contact the DECD Parent Complaint Unit (Ph: 1800 677 435)

Parents with any questions regarding these procedures are encouraged to contact the principal.

Library Upgrade

Visitors may have noticed that there has been a significant amount of work undertaken in upgrading the resource centre over the past few weeks. This work has focussed on creating a more inviting and flexible learning space. The old desktop computers have now been removed and replaced with more modern and comfortable furniture as well as laptop computers and iPads. This upgrade supports enhanced teaching and learning, encouraging collaborative inquiry based learning as well as critical, lateral and creative thinking. Thank you to Owen Hughes and Joshua West who assisted Tara Saracino with the paint work.

Students enjoying the upgraded resource centre facilities.

School Uniform Pricelist

Parents are reminded that items of school uniform are available for purchase from the front office. Please see the attached pricelist for further details. Can parents also please ensure that their children do have a school hat.

Road Safety

All parents are reminded to drive with extreme care in and around the school. It is important to remember that both adults and students often walk through the carpark to access areas such as the swimming pool and sheds etc. Vehicles are not to exceed 10km p/h in the carpark. Parents are also asked to refrain from entering the staff carpark unless you are needing to use the disabled carpark.

Lego Club

Each Wednesday at lunchtime students have been enjoying the opportunity to attend the 'Lego Club' with many wonderful creations being built. This is a fabulous example of the support our volunteers provide. Thank you to David Smith for his support with this club and also the student mentoring he provides on a regular basis.

Students enjoying Lego Club at lunchtime with parent volunteer, David Smith.

ICAS Testing

Each year West Beach Primary School provides the opportunity for students in years 3-7 to take part in the University of New South Wales ICAS Competitions.

The tests are conducted at school and marked at the UNSW. Results are collated from state-wide entries and certificates are awarded to all students.

Details outlining dates and costs etc are outlined on the attached consent form. Should you wish your child to take part please complete the attached form and return it to school with the appropriate payment before Monday week 10, March 30th, 2015.

Many students have already taken home notices. If you would like an additional hardcopy please collect it from the front office or alternatively, print the attachment.

If you would like to ask questions please do not hesitate to speak to Mat Charleston.

Skoolbag App

Over the last couple of years West Beach Primary has used ‘Skoolbag’ as a means of communicating directly with parents, families and caregivers. Skoolbag provides us with an easy way to inform the community of everything they need to know, and it provides parents with a convenient way to receive notifications, newsletters, updates and information directly to any smartphone.

The Skoolbag App, which is a FREE download, is an important means of communication. All parents (and students) with a smartphone are encouraged to download the ‘Skoolbag’ app as soon as possible.

To download Skoolbag simply search for ‘West Beach Primary School’ in the app store.

Contact Details

West Beach Primary School

Principal

Deputy Principal

Reception

OSHC

Pastoral Care Worker

Term Dates