Principal's Report

Twilight School/Open Night

This week a notice came home informing parents of our planned Twilight School/Open Night.

On Thursday 7th of May, school will begin at 12pm and will finish at 6.30pm. A normal school timetable will be run on this day, just shifted 3 hours later. This will provide a great opportunity for parents and friends who are unable to visit our school during normal hours to come and share in the learning experiences of their children. It also allows new and prospective parents to view the school in action.

This was a decision made by School Council in an attempt to deepen the links we have with our parent community, and to celebrate the fantastic learning outcomes our students are achieving. In making this decision School Council carefully considered the impact this event would have on families and students. We have received highly positive feedback from schools who run similar events as part of their annual calendar and we are looking forward to the great community night our Twilight School will provide.

A small number of parents have expressed concerns to me about commitments their children have on a Thursday evening. We understand the very busy lives of young people today and realise that the timing of the Twilight School will not meet the needs of every family. If your child is unable to attend on the day, or will need to leave school earlier than 6.30pm, please simply provide a note to your child's teacher.

We have been able to negotiate a very reasonable arrangement with Camp Australia for students who's parent needs to drop them at school early on the day. For a nominal fee of $5 per child, students can enrol in the "Gap Day" program from 8.45am to 11.45am on Thursday 7th May. This will be a supervised before school program. If you require your children to attend this supervised program, please return the form that was sent home on Tuesday. BOOKINGS ARE ESSENTIAL and should be made through the school office, there is no need to register with Camp Australia for the 8.45am-11.45am session. Note: normal arrangements and rates will apply for the standard Before School Camp Australia program from 7am -8.45am.

Building positive connections between home and school is a vital part of the learning process. It is recognised that parents/grandparents and other extended family visiting school is a great way to strengthen these connections. However, working parents are often unable to visit and see their child at school. I encourage you to invite family and friends to visit our school, take a tour, pop past your child's grade, or simply join us between 4.30pm and 5.30pm for our Dinner Break. Participating in your child's education is a hugely rewarding experience for all, parents and students alike, and we are thrilled to be able to offer this opportunity to our families.

Smoking near Schools

At the beginning of this term, new laws came into force regarding smoking in the outdoors. You may have seen advertisements in the media. Smoking is now banned within 4 metres of the school grounds (including carparks). This means there is no smoking in the rear carpark off Catherine Court (something which has long been the case at our school), nor is there to be any smoking near the gate at Caroline Street or anywhere along the fence line at the front of the school. Signs will be erected to remind the community of these new laws.

ANZAC Children's Service

Today our two school captains, 8 student leaders and 16 Student Representative Councillors attended the Legacy ANZAC Children's Service at the Shrine of Remembrance. This was a very moving ceremony and a fitting tribute to those who have served our nation in this way. This year we particularly focused on the landing at Gallipoli and valiant efforts of our Armed Forces.

Thanks to Mrs Katrina Collitt for joining the excursion and to Mia C's step father Darren for making Rosemary Sprigs for each student and staff member.

It was a wonderful experience.

I was going to write about ANZAC Day, however I took a sneak peak at the Chaplain's Chat in this issue and I could not have said anything better than what has been written there. Beautiful words Gill, thank you.

Lest we Forget.

Student Uniform

As we are heading into cooler weather it is timely to bring to mind our school uniform policy. It is important that students dress warmly and safely whilst maintaining the high standards of our school uniform. A few points to note:

Leggings are not part of the KPS uniform.
Tights (with feet) may be worn under a dress in winter.
Black, loose fitting tracksuit pants or black school pants may be worn.
Tight fitting shorts may be worn under a dress, however must not be visible below the hemline.
Black, loose fitting, mid-thigh length shorts may be worn. Black “Skorts” and black, mid-thigh length netball skirts are also acceptable for girls.
Black school shoes are preferred, however sports runners may be worn. Canvas shoes (converse, volleys, etc…) are not to be worn.
Long sleeves should not be worn under dresses or t-shirts. A school windcheater or red long sleeve school polo should be worn if sleeves are required.
Earrings should be plain studs or small sleepers.

It is important to note that as a whole, students at Kilsyth PS wear their uniform exceptionally well and with pride. The intent of our school uniform is to develop and maintain a strong sense of identity and positive school image, to facilitate identification of students and to enhance their sense of security, (particularly when they are on excursions or representing our school), to eliminate the potential for students to feel peer pressure to wear fashion items at school and to provide an affordable, safe, practical clothing for students to wear with pride at school. I thank you for your efforts in supporting our school in achieving these goals.

Community Events

Bookaburra

Today we launched "Bookaburra" at Kilsyth Primary School. In partnership with Japara Living and Learning Centre and Yarra Ranges Council, we are holding a storytime session for pre-schoolers each week, on Thursdays from 9.15am -10am. This time of reading and craft is a terrific opportunity to build early literacy skills, and supports the development of oral language.

These free sessions are open to all children from birth to 3 1/2 years.

Bridgefest

On Sunday, Friends of Elizabeth Bridge Reserve and Yarra Ranges Council are holding BRIDGEFEST. A community performance event of music, circus and dance, it looks to be a wonderful day. Our school will be running a food stall on the day. More information can be found on the Fundraising page.

Thumbs up...

to our Senior students who head off to Camp Coolamatong on Monday. I know you will have a fantastic (and very safe) adventure! We can't wait to hear all about it when you get back.
to Jack (Middle C) who shared his fantastic writing with me last week and showed how a huge improvement can be made with just a little effort and focus. Great job Jack!
to Ava, Joel, Archie, Carrissa and Christopher (Foundation G) for a fantastic display of reading prowess. I loved it when you came to my office to read to me. It was terrific.
to Caleb (Senior BE) for being strong enough to have a difficult conversation with his friends and encourage them to behave safely and do the right thing. You really looked after your mates Caleb!
to Jo Bradley who has done a splendid job of creating shelving as part of the first steps of our Library make-over. Thanks for all you do around our school Jo.