Primary School News

From the Head of Primary, Tracey Rogers

It has been lovely to catch up with students over the last two weeks and hear about their holiday adventures. Some chose to read their pile of books that had grown over the term, others winning their sporting events and some even swimming with sharks! 

This week has been wonderful celebrating Valedictory Week with our outgoing Year 12 cohort. It is a highlight of being in a Pre-K to 12 school that we can travel the whole journey with our students, particularly our Veterans who have been with us since Kindergarten. This year’s cohort introduced the Valedictory Mug Netball Game. In a fine showing from staff and students, the staff took the Cup with a small two-point win. The Year 12s are a fine group of young people and in conversations this week I was struck by the clear direction and post-school opportunities they have planned. We wish them well on their exams and endeavours ahead.

Last week I sent an additional communication for parents through SEQTA which contained some important upcoming dates and information. Please be sure to have a read and note those dates that apply to your family in the calendar. 

Term 4 Uniform

We have now returned to our Summer uniform and with it, the requirement to wear the School hat to and from school each day. The students were a bit rusty in Week 1 but are now back in the habit. I ask parents to please support this by reminding students at home and replacing old or tatty hats as soon as possible. In the case of a lost hat, please check in the lost property collection at Primary Reception.

Late Arrivals

It is really important that students arrive at School on time for a settled start to the day and to minimise disruption to the class program. Students should be in class by 8:30am when the morning attendance is taken. Classroom doors open at 8:15am. This is a good arrival time and allows students to settle and get organised before the official start of the day. 

KIDDO Program

Staff and students spent time last week developing an understanding of the KIDDO program, a fundamental movement skills program developed by UWA. It has the potential to help our students develop into students with high physical literacy skills, meaning they are motivated, and have the skills and confidence to live an active lifestyle. We look forward to seeing the results for our students and how to build on this into the future. Our thanks to Physical Education Specialist, Melanie Fowler for her leadership of this initiative. 

Amazing Race Day Years 3-6

Last week I outlined our plans for an Amazing Race Day for Years 3 to 6. A note with more details has since gone home to all Years 3 to 6 families this week. The Amazing Race Day will be held on Friday 30 October and we are looking for a number of parent helpers. Please contact Primary Secretary, Donna Brown on 9495 8118 if you can assist. 

It is shaping to be a very busy term with all end of year event planning well underway. I look forward to seeing many of you in person over the course of the term. 

Kind regards

Tracey Rogers

Head of Primary

From the Deputy Head of Primary, Fiona Currey

NAIDOC Week: 9-13 November 2020

In anticipation of Term 4, the two words “Celebration” and “Community” spring to mind. NAIDOC Week in Week 5 creates an opportunity for us to acknowledge our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and celebrate the history, culture and achievements of their people. Our children would greatly benefit from hearing these stories from members of our own Indigenous families. 

During NAIDOC Week, Primary students will be involved in creating an artwork for the Upper Primary Building. We are looking for parents or grandparents who enjoy sewing to assist in the completion of this project.

Participation of family members in school activities provides children with a strong sense of identity and self-worth. Should you wish to be involved in either Indigenous storytelling at the NAIDOC Week Assembly or in the sewing project, please contact me through Primary Reception on 9495 8118.

Kind regards

Fiona Currey

Deputy Head of Primary

Pre-Primary Koala Classroom Activities

The students in the Koala class at the Early Learning Centre have been learning about relationships as part of their unit of inquiry this term. They have been making collages of their family and washing baby dolls as part of their learning.

Pre-Primary student Angelina said, "I am washing the doll and taking care of her. In my family I have a dad called Michael, a mum called Natasha and a brother called Max. I love going to school!"

Students are learning through play based activities while also expressing the IB Learner Profiles of thinkers, communicators and inquirers. Take a look at some of the activities the Koalas have been doing including literacy, numeracy, painting and building!