Principal Newsletter

One month in a what a very busy term it has been. In fact, since my last newsletter a fortnight ago, we have continued to include quite a number of learning experiences and community events with more coming very soon. Never a dull day, always something new to experience at TSPS.

Year 1/2 Science Fair

On Monday July 31st all the students in Year 1/ 2 (Topaz, Garnet and Sapphire) hosted their Science Fair. It was wonderful to see so many families support this event as parents and other family members walked through the exhibition asking questions, listening intently to explanations re student learning and celebrating final presentations and productions. The parents spoke with were very impressed and proud of not only their children’s work, but in the way the school is nurturing the inquiry process of learning. I was able to ask questions not only about new information learnt, but also challenge them about the new skills and reflections they have about how they learn. Students displayed their learning through a number of creative vehicles, from dioramas to charts, posters to hands on models, ICT representations to delivering explanations and speeches about their science focus (physical, environmental, chemical, biological ). It was a tremendous celebration as was the picnic afterwards. Thank you to all parents, carers and family members who were able to be part of this event. Thank you to the teachers who have invested great time and energy in guiding the students through this learning experience.

US Student Visitors

On Monday 7 August, TSPS hosted eight students and their chaperone from Estancia, California. These 17 and 18-year-old students are here as part of a 3-week exchange program, billeting with families from Hoppers Crossing Secondary College. They shared their experiences of school with our students and Brianna and I took great pride in sharing our facilities and our programs. Our students delighted in hearing that these students live approximately 20 minutes from Disneyland, Anaheim. Our guests enjoyed an hour visiting our learning spaces. They loved the Science space, especially our animals, joined in a PE class and got a real sense for how Trug South works and plays.

Book Fair

A huge thank you to Kerry Cahoon, who coordinated this event. It has been extremely well supported and students have created wish lists for purchases of books and other items that will further nurture their love for reading. I also added to my office book collection of picture story books which I love to share with students who visit! Clifford, the dog made many an appearance and it was great to hear the hum of discerning “buyers” especially during the after school sales as families perused together. Initial indications show that approximately $6,700 in sales occurred and that as a school we will be able to redeem approximately $1,200 in funds to buy more books from Scholastics to fill our library shelves and for our students to enjoy.

Semper Dental and School Nurse

I applaud all our families who have taken up this important initiative. Over 200 families took up the opportunity for dental checkups for students at our school, provided by Semper Dental. I have to acknowledge the incredible work carried out by Demi Isles (Year 5/ 6 teacher) and our wonderful admin office team who pulled the program together. I love the quote “Everyone smiles in the same language” and we certainly had some amazing smiles this week! I also waSnt to acknowledge Ash Haining’s (Prep team leader) facilitation and coordination of the School Nurse visits this past week for our Prep children. Both these services promote wellbeing and good health for our children and I am pleased that as a school we can offer these services to our families. Next time you wander into the school please check out our new photo stills in the library of some of our children and work and play with some of the best smiles you’ll ever see.

Parent Lobby Meeting for Safe Travel around our School

On Wednesday Aug 2nd two meetings were offered for concerned members of our community to discuss the traffic issues around our school. I was disappointed that for an issue that causes great consternation and concern for many, few people were able to join the discussions. I thank Rhonda Velkovski and the eight parents who did attend and I acknowledge the attendance by Darren Jones, Wyndham Council’s Sustainable Transport, at one of these meetings. Michael Laird and Terry Prowse from our teaching community also attended. Some possible ideas have been shared as part of this meeting and will be brought to school council for consideration. Whilst the school has offered a number of initiatives (such as the Walk2 School program and the provision of 2 minute drop off zones), it is really about the behaviors we display and the actions we take as adults that our children are watching and engaging in. I will not apologise for asking students to walk the long way up to the crossing whilst their parent beckons them to cut across the road. I do not want a headline that reads of a tragic accident like the one that graced our news headlines on Thursday about the young girl from Cranbourne. At all times we are the ones who must exercise restraint, show patience and model safe practices for our children. I commend a couple of parents who I saw instruct their children to head to the crossings. Please let’s keep all our children safe.

Fit kicks

I love to promote opportunities for our students to attend out of school hours’ activities that get them out and about, moving, engaging in physical activity and developing confidence and collaborative skills. One such opportunity is provided through the Fit Kicks program that offers activities that build children’s confidence in their own self, social and sporting abilities. Carlo runs these programs on Monday and Tuesday afternoons at TSPS from 3.10- 4.10pm. He is currently also offering a free class for any interested children. If you are interested in learning more, please contact Carlo on 1300154257 or contact@fitkicks.com.au. You can also visit the website: fitkicks.com.au

Book Parade

On Friday August 25th the school will be hosting its annual Book Parade as part of our School Assembly.

All children are encouraged to come dressed as their favourite book character. We would love to see as many parents as possible attend our parade.

Community Cultural Event Acknowledgments

Aug 4th: Cook Islands, Constitution Day

Aug 4th : Indigenous, National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Day

Aug 7th: Hindu, Raksha Bandhan

Aug 11th: Chad, Independence Day

Aug 14th: Pakistan, Independence Day

Aug 15: Orthodox Christian, Dormition of the Theotokos

Aug 15th: India, Independence Day

Aug 15th: Hindu, Krishna Janmashtami

Aug 17th: Indonesia, proclamation Of Independence

Aug 19th: Afghanistan, Independence Day.