From the Principal

Term 3, Week 4, Kevin Kennedy

Dear Parents and Carers,

Science Week

It is Science Week this week and I was fortunate enough to spend some time in our STEM room during our Science Fair. Our fabulous Science teacher Mrs Newcombe organised our upper primary students to put on a range of activities/experiments  for the younger students to enjoy. It was great to see the older students working so well with the younger ones, lots of fun and learning occurred. Check out the Teaching and Learning Section for more information and pictures.

Car Parking

The car park around the hall is now fully fenced and will be used by staff as of tomorrow, parking in this space is for teachers only. No cars are permitted to park on the oval or green spaces as of tomorrow. Please help keep our school safe by using designated drop off and parking areas.

Reconciliation Action Plan

At its heart, reconciliation is about strengthening relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous peoples, for the benefit of all Australians (www.reconciliation.org.au). Our School is developing a Reconciliation Action Plan or RAP which provides  support to the national reconciliation movement. Our plan is in the early stages of development but you have probably noticed a few signs of its impact such as the native garden, changing  the names of sports day teams and the work of the Nunga Group around the school. In the coming years we will look to increase the understanding and  knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and increase its presence in our school. Watch this space.

Japanese

I have been told by those in the know that our Japanese teacher, Natasha Gilbert, is one of the finest language teachers in the state. Of course  this is something that everyone at West Beach Primary already knew, I am happy to rank her number one.  Natasha is one of  fifteen language teachers across South Australia who have been awarded scholarship funding to enhance the teaching and learning of languages. The scholarships, which form part of the State Government’s ‘Languages in Schools’ initiative, offers teachers the opportunity to take part in either a short language course in Australia or an in-country immersion. This scholarship is a true reflection of Natasha’s hard work and commitment to Japanese language teaching at the highest level.  

Mrs. Gilbert’s scholarship is an in-country immersion which means she will spend 10 days Japan.  On behalf of the West Beach Primary community I would like to congratulate Natasha on winning the scholarship and we look forward to hearing about and sharing in her experiences.

Junior Primary  Buddy

This year we have been increasing the amount of student leadership at West Beach Primary. The most recent group of students to take on a leadership role is our Junior Primary Buddies. The buddies won their position through a written application.  The successful buddy applicants will support our junior primary students in the classroom and in the yard. It may be helping them find someone to play with or help resolve an issue or helping support learning in the classroom.  It is an important role that well help support the wellbeing of our younger students while also instilling a sense of responsibility in some of our senior students.  The  Junior Primary Buddies will be presented with their badges at this Friday’s assembly.

Congratulations to the following students:

·         Adamo Catanzariti          

·         Kai Elliott Keyte

·         Mikayla Anderson

·         Pauline Bailleul Dumenil

·         Caleb Head

·         Hayley Jade Wiseman

·         Jimmy Gettings

·         Lara Gabriel

·         Jake Williams

·         Chelsea Leach

·         Hannah Drewer

·         Kezia Noval

A friendly reminder that we have a school closure day (30/08/19) and  pupil free day (02/09/19)  coming up. OSHC will be open on both days.

If you have any queries or concerns please do not hesitate or pop in for a chat.

Kind regards,

Kevin Kennedy

Principal