12 February 2016

Newsletter Articles

Dear Parents, Carers and Community Members

Welcome back!

This is our first newsletter for 2016 so we want to welcome everyone back to Madeley Primary School for 2016 including our new families to Madeley. It has been a great start to the year with students and staff settling well into the routines of a high functioning school. Our newsletter is a critical communication tool and it is important that you always let us know if you change your email address so that you will never miss a copy. Below is some information that is important for you to know, especially at the start of a new school year.

School Review:

In Week 4 of this term we will undergo our second school review. This review is conducted by the Department of Education Services and will look at all the operations of our school. At the end of the review we will receive commendations for what we are doing well and recommendations for ways we could develop and improve. These recommendations will be addressed in our next Business Plan (2016 – 2018). We are looking forward to this opportunity to promote and develop our school as we look to the next three years of operation.

Positive Education:

At Madeley Primary School we are working hard to fully implement the Western Australian Curriculum. One element of this curriculum is the development of personal and social capabilities:

“…personal and social capability assists students to become successful learners, helping to improve their academic learning and enhancing their motivation to reach their full potential. Personal and social capability supports students in becoming creative and confident individuals with ‘a sense of self-worth, self-awareness and personal identity that enables them to manage their emotional, mental, spiritual and physical wellbeing’, with a sense of hope and ‘optimism about their lives and the future’. On a social level, it helps students to ‘form and maintain healthy relationships’ and prepares them ‘for their potential life roles as family, community and workforce members’ (MCEETYA 2008, p.9).”

The school uses the “Play is the Way” philosophy and program as the basis for managing student behaviour. This program is important as it enables us to teach key areas contained with the Personal and Social Capability. These include:

• Recognising and expressing emotions appropriately
• Understanding self
• Developing self-reflection
• Developing self- discipline
• Building the capacity to show initiative and work independently
• Developing confidence, resilience and adaptability
• Recognising and appreciating the perspectives of others
• Contributing to civil society
• Understanding and building positive relationships
• Developing effective communication
• Working collaboratively
• Making strong decisions
• Negotiating and resolving conflict

For more information about the Play is the Way program talk to your child’s teacher or visit

School Board:

Our School Board consists of 4 parent representatives and 3 staff. Our parents are Mike Kelly (Board Chair), Jenni Cangemi, Natalie Italiano and James Dillon. Our staff are Michelle Horrocks, Dee Randall and myself. A key role of the School Board is to assist in setting school policy as well as school direction. This year, two of our parent members have come to the end of their three year tenure. This leaves two positions vacant. One of these positions will be appointed by the P&C while the other will be open for nomination. I encourage all parents to consider nominating for this important position. A request for nominations will be sent home in the next newsletter so please think about this opportunity and give me a call if you would like additional information. You are also welcome to attend our next School Board meeting on February 17 at 5:30pm to see what we do.

Assemblies

Our Assemblies this year will be held on Thursdays. Further information will be advised regarding the dates of Classroom Presentation Assemblies.

Parents and Citizens (P&C):

Our P&C meets twice per term and is highly active in supporting our school. Without our P&C we would not have a canteen and would miss out on many additional resources which they help us purchase through fundraising every year. Our P&C has also been proactive in lobbying state and local government to support our school. Every parent can contribute to our P&C, it is not hard, all you need to do is come along to meetings and get involved. Their next meeting is on Wednesday 17 February at 7:30pm in the Staffroom.

Parking:

Safe and legal parking is an ongoing issue in our school. We continue to have parents disobeying road rules and common courtesy in the way they drive and park around our school. Student and staff safety are critical so we again remind all parents to do the right thing by driving and parking safely and legally around our school. Kiss-and-Drive bays are not for parking and should be vacated as quickly as possible so as to maintain the flow of traffic. Parking in the driveway of the Kindergarten car park is also illegal and has resulted in safety concerns as well as damaged cars. Please be patient and wait until a car bay becomes available.

School Times:

The first bell goes at 8:50am. We ask that students are not left at the school before 8:15am as adequate supervision cannot be provided. Students who arrive early are required to wait outside the Principal’s office until they are released to their classes at around 8:30am. Students are not permitted to play ball games, use playground equipment or their personal laptop computers before school unless directed by their classroom teacher. Students waiting outside my office should be sitting or standing quietly talking with friends or reading a book.

When students arrive late they must attend the office to get a late slip. This slip is given to the classroom teacher and becomes a record of student attendance. Continual lateness is detrimental to academic achievement so please try to be on time.

Kindergarten finishes at 3:00pm and Pre-Primary – Year 6 students finish at 3:05pm. Please note that the whole school closes at 2:30pm on Wednesdays. It is important that students are picked up on time. For safety reasons, students are not permitted to wait around the boundary of the school for parents who are late. These students must be collected from the office.

Student Absences:

It is a legal requirement that all absences from school be adequately explained. This can be done via written note, email ( Madeley.ps@education.wa.edu.au ) or verbally. It is also a legal requirement that extended absences through family holidays or activities be approved by the Principal. Please email requests to me Stephen.Bevan@education.wa.edu.au

Rules for Visits:

If you need to enter the school outside the normal drop off and pick up times we require that you come through the office first to let us know. We need to know who is in the school in case of emergencies and for the general safety of our students, staff and property.

Uniforms and Hats:

Our School Board has endorsed the school uniform which includes a broad-brimmed hat. The wearing of school uniform is compulsory as it promotes pride and community cohesion. A team of volunteer parents operate our Uniform Shop in liaison with the school office. New and second hand uniforms are available to be purchased. If you are having trouble purchasing uniforms due to the cost please contact the office in order that we can discuss possible ways to assist. Students are not permitted to play in the sun if they do not have a hat. This rule applies year round so please ensure your child has their hat every day. All items of clothing should be clearly labelled so they can be returned if lost.

Students must wear shoes at all times when at school. It is recommended that students wear closed in shoes e.g. sneakers as these provide greater protection and grip when playing sport and games.

Lost Property:

The Lost Property box is outside the Library. Students and parents should check this for lost items and only take things that belong to them. Unclaimed school uniform items are eventually passed onto the Uniform Shop to be recycled or thrown away. Please remember to label your child’s clothing, so they can be returned to their classrooms.

Mobile Phones:

It is not recommended that primary school children be regularly using mobile phones. However, some parents provide phones so that students can contact them after school. Students are not permitted to use mobile phones during school hours. Phones should be given to the classroom teacher at the beginning of the day and then collected at the end of the day. Students seen using mobile phones will have them confiscated and returned to their parent/s.

Positive Communication, Social Media and Internet Safety:

It is essential that parents use social media in a positive way, ensuring that they communicate positive messages and not use it as a means of making complaints. From time to time you may have a problem about something that has happened in school which you would like addressed. The best way to achieve a positive outcome is to come and talk with us. Posting negative comments on Facebook can only lead to greater problems and does not lead to matters being resolved.

It is also important that parents do not allow their children to have a social media account. Facebook and other social media providers have rules which restrict the use of their site by those under 13. If your child has created an account then they have lied about their age and are in breach of the terms and conditions of the site. I have worked in many schools and have had to deal with a multitude of issues caused by students (and parents) using social media inappropriately. It is the onus of all parents to ensure that their children are monitored and remain safe when using any device that allows access to the internet. The school has a Facebook page which we use to communicate with parents and the community. The P&C also has a Facebook page. We love providing you with information and photos of the great things happening in our school on Facebook so please ‘like’ our page for regular posts.

Parent Information Meetings:

I hope that you were all able to attend one of the information sessions provided by staff this week. If you missed a session please arrange a time with your child’s teacher to find out what you missed. Parents are reminded that they can make an appointment to meet with their child’s teacher any time during the year. The best way to do this is by contacting the office, by talking to the teacher directly or emailing the teacher with a request.

We are looking forward to a wonderful year of learning and growing together. Please look for ways that you can stay involved in the life of our school as we need you to partner with us to make Madeley the best school in the state!

Have a great weekend.

Stephen Bevan
Principal

SZapp

Learn how to install the app

Apple Devices:

1. On your device, open the App Store.
2. Search the App Store for SZapp.
3. Download and install SZapp.

Android Devices:

1. On your device, open the Play Store.
2. Search the Play Store for SZapp.
3. Download and install SZapp.

Find your School

Select your school's region.

Search for and select your school.

Register a User

Before you can add your school, you will need to register.

Enter your email and name.

Create your password.

Confirming your Email Address

Once registered you will be sent an email to confirm your email address. Open your mail program and click/tap the URL to confirm.

Upon completion, you will then be shown a confirmation screen.

Allowing Permissions

Upon installation of the update, you will be asked to allow access to storage on your device. This is required to ensure that SZapp can access the necessary files to store crucial data on your device.

Please click the affirmative options on each pop-up.

Note: The pop-up message you see may differ depending on your device.

Managing Notifications

Choose which group/s you would like to receive notifications from.

Groups with arrows indicate that there are sub-groups which you can join.

Home

The Home tab displays the most recent news item and links to important school information and tools.

Feed

The Feed tab shows a summary view of all news items which you have subscribed to.

Manage

The Manage tab allows you to customise what information shows in your news feed and what push notifications you will receive.

For more information please view our FAQs

Click here to download a printable Installation Guide

Click here to view SZapp FAQs

School Calendar

The calendar is updated regularly and can be accessed at any time. School Holiday dates and School Development dates for 2016 have been added to the Schoolzine Calendar for your information and future reference.

Easter School Break

Please note that the Easter break 2016 falls outside of the usual school holidays. School will be closed Good Friday 25th March, Easter Monday 28th March and additionally Easter Tuesday 29th March.

Music News

Thanks everyone for your warm welcome to Madeley Primary. I’ve really enjoyed meeting everyone!

Choir

Auditions are taking place this week and next during lunchtime for places in our School Choir. Madeley PS Choir performs at the WAGSMS event at Crown Theatre, the Cluster Muster and other school events during the year. If any students from Years 4, 5 and 6 have not yet booked a time to audition and would like to, there are audition sign-up sheets on the Music Room door. The successful choir students will be announced once auditions have been completed.

SIM – School of Instrumental Music

This year we will have both Year 5 and Year 6 Beginner classes. The Year 6 Clarinet and Flute students will be finalised at the end of this week and the Year 5’s are being tested this week for possible inclusion. Notes will go home as soon as possible.

General Music classes

Our theme for the start of the term is AFRICA, inspired by the current musical ‘The Lion King”. Ask your child what they have been learning about African music so far!

Mrs Campione

Sports Report

An email was sent home last week regarding PE times and what to wear and bring to sport. Can I also ask that students do not wear jewellery to PE lessons as this is both a safety issue and contravenes our Dress Code Policy. If at any time your child cannot participate in sport please inform me in writing.

Swimming Lessons

Thank you to all parents who have returned their completed forms and payments. Any outstanding should be returned as soon as possible please.

Faction Swimming Carnival

The Year 3-6 carnival will take place at Warwick SHS on Friday 8th April which is the last day of term. A note will be sent home in week 7 once swimming lessons are complete.

Student achievements

Well done to Mitchell Perry who recently won gold in the U/9's relay at the State Athletics Championships. Parents, if your child achieves excellence or a long term goal in their chosen sport I would love to hear about it.

Phys Ed and Sport Information for 2016

Recently an email was sent to all parents with details of Phys Ed and Sports Information for this year. A copy is attached for your reference.

Mr Moon
PE Teacher

School Banking with CBA

Since 1931, the School Banking program has been introducing interactive and exciting new ways to teach students lifelong money skills. This year’s program invites your child to join the Dollarmites on a wild outback adventure through the Canyon of Savings.

Your school has received parent packs that include all the gear you need to get started.

For more information, visit commbank.com.au/schoolbanking

Kim Johnston
School Banking Co-ordinator

P&C News

Easter on the Green

Save the date for our annual Easter on the Green - Friday 18th March 2016.

Once again the P&C are hosting Easter on the Green for the Madeley Primary School community, there will be food for purchase, stalls and rides in what will be a fun evening at our school. Any help with the event would be appreciated either by the P&C or your classroom teacher, with all funds raised going to help our school.

Please contact the P&C via email madeleypandc@gmail.com if you think you may be able to assist.

Canteen

Our Online Canteen users - please make sure you have updated your child's teacher, year and classroom before you place their lunch order to ensure your child's lunch goes to the correct room.

Please help your canteen

Volunteer assistance is always appreciated. Got 30 minutes to an hour to spare after drop off to help make sandwiches and pikelets? Just pop by and see our new Canteen Supervisor Toni in the canteen (Wednesday-Friday), we would love the help. You can also assist the canteen by ordering online. Our online ordering system greatly reduces workload in the canteen so register today at www.ouronlinecanteen.com.au and start ordering.

P&C Meeting

The next P&C meeting (which is also the AGM) will be held on Wednesday 17th February at 7.00pm in the staffroom. All are welcome, and encouraged to attend. Any new members of the P&C are reminded to bring $1.00 for their yearly P&C membership, which is to be renewed at the start of each school year.

Facebook

Did you know that the Madeley P&C has a Facebook group? Please look us up at “Madeley P&C” to join and keep up to date with the latest P&C information.

The P&C can now also be contacted via email: madeleypandc@gmail.com

Ashdale Cluster Dance Group Auditions

Audition Day: Monday 15th February 2016

Time: 3.30 pm – 4.30 pm
Place: Ashdale Secondary College Galileo Theatre

Further information is available in the attached flyer and application form.

Application forms are to be sent direct to the office at ASC or via email to Sherree.gull@education.wa.edu.au

Kidsport

KidSport allows eligible children aged 5-18 years to participate in community sport and recreation, no matter their financial circumstances, by applying for financial assistance to contribute towards club fees. All fees go directly to the registered KidSport clubs participating in the project through their participating local government.

• Funding will cover the cost of fees to join the nominated sport or recreation club (this may include other related costs as identified by the club).
• Maximum of up to $200 per child per calendar year.

For further details regarding KidSport please contact the City's Club Development Officer at Email: leisure.planning@wanneroo.wa.gov.au

Or click on the website below which will direct you to an application link

Occupational Therapy Clinic for Children

Are you worried about your child’s school performance?

Does your child have any of the following difficulties?

• Poor drawing, colouring and/or cutting skills
• Messy or slow handwriting
• Delayed motor skills
• Can’t concentrate in class
• Has difficulty interacting with peers
• Doesn’t enjoy kindy/school
• Becomes distressed in the classroom
• Can’t keep up with work in class
• Teacher has concerns with child’s learning or behaviour

OT @ ECU may be able to help your child. Occupational Therapy at ECU is running groups at the Joondalup Community Clinical School located on site at Joondalup Health Campus. These groups are currently free of charge and aim to improve school participation and performance for children who are in the early years of primary school.

See attached flyer for more information about the program structure and registration requirements.

Youth Anxiety

BRAVE Self-Help is an online program for the prevention, early intervention, and treatment of youth anxiety. It was developed at The University of Queensland by experts in youth anxiety and has now been running for over 14 years throughout Australia. The program is fun, interactive, based on cognitive-behavioural principles and has been found to be effective in reducing anxiety in children and adolescents. It has helped hundreds of children experiencing social anxiety, shyness, separation anxiety, phobias and general worries. BRAVE Self-Help is now available to use at home for free due to the support of beyondblue. Any Australian young people who would like help with anxiety can access the self-help program via https://brave4you.psy.uq.edu.au/ The program can be accessed through any computer or tablet device, at any time and includes up to 10 sessions for youth. Parents can also take part in a separate parent program to learn ways of helping their child or teenagers manage anxiety. Teachers, young people and parents can also find out more about the program or take a trial or any of the programs through the BRAVE website.

Free One Day Positive Parenting Workshop

Like all school-aged students, young people on the autism spectrum benefit from strong, positive relationships between the home and school. Positive Partnerships uses evidence based materials and practical resources to help support these relationships by facilitating workshops for parents and carers.

Venue: The Boulevard Centre

99 The Boulevard

Floreat WA 6014

When: One day workshop – Wednesday 30 March 2016

9.15 am – 3.00 pm (Arrival and registration from 8.30 am please)

What will you gain?

The Positive Partnerships parent/carer workshop intends to:

• Increase understanding of the impact of autism on your young person, both at school and at home
• Assist in understanding how to develop or build on an effective home school partnership
• Increase knowledge of strategies that will help:

 
- advocate for your young person
- support your young person’s participation at school
- develop an awareness of ongoing learning needs

• Assist in understanding school and community supports and how to access them
• Provide an opportunity to network and share strategies with other parents/carers and discuss a range of topics relevant to students on the autism spectrum and their families

Registration available from Monday 25 January 2016 and closes two days prior.

We strongly recommend you register as soon as possible to secure your place. You will receive confirmation of your registration.

Online registrations are preferred directly through our secure website

If you have any enquiries phone the Positive Partnerships Infoline 1300 881 971 or email parentcarer@autismspectrum.org.au .

Before and After School Care

This term we are focusing on Nature and Water World and our ocean themed activities are designed to explore sea animals, ocean recycle art and crafts, colouring, weaving, sewing, texture exploration and sensory play.

We are also focusing on bringing the natural materials in so we will be going for a nature walks to collect branches, leaves, rocks and sand to enable children to develop better connections to the world around us.

Keyboard and Guitar Lessons at Madeley

We will be running Guitar and Keyboard lessons starting in term 1

Lessons start from $17.00 for half an hour in a small group

For enquires please phone Therese on 1300366243 or visit our

Sunshine Beach Run

Walk or run 1Km, 3km or 5km. Starts 8.00 am from City Beach on Sunday 21st February 2016

For further information regarding fundraising for this very worthy cause click on the attached flyer.