17 June 2016

Newsletter Articles

From the Principal

Being Present

This week I attended a professional learning activity in which we were reminded about the importance of being 'present' in every moment of our day. Presence is an essential part of quality relationships. We were reminded that many people 'sleep-walk' through their day because they cannot cope with the pace and complexity of life. They switch off and gloss over most interactions choosing to ignore or react to events rather than taking time to engage in meaningful and productive interactions. Adults and children can benefit by being more 'present' in the moment by moment activity of life. Mindfulness allows us to be present and to choose skilful and considered responses rather than reacting according to our feelings.

Mindfulness can help children to be more attentive, remain calm when they are upset and to make thoughtful and not rash decisions. At Madeley we help students to be more mindful by making them aware of how their feelings impact behaviour. We work with them to develop tools for impulse control. This works almost immediately for some students while others take time to learn.

There is plenty of information available and a growing body of research about how presence and mindfulness can help children and adults become healthier. I encourage you to check this topic out if it interests you.

Q&A Session for Parents

We held our second Parent-Admin Q&A session after assembly yesterday. We had four parents attend with lots of useful feedback and questions. Some of the topics we talked about included:

• how schools are funded
• school support programs
• ways to engage more parents in the life of the school
• the school culture
• the school Homework Policy
• the Ashdale Cluster and sharing resources/staff
• the school Business Plan
• elements of the curriculum including oral news
• the LOTE program starting in 2018

Many thanks to the parents who were able to attend. Our next meeting will be after assembly on 30th July. Everyone is welcome.

The Importance of Resilience

We believe that teaching students resilience is so important that we made it one of our three core values. For a person to be a healthy and functioning member of society they need resilience. Resilience in relationships; in learning (especially hard things); in bouncing-back when life gets tough and in dealing with failure. People need resilience in order to take risks and learn new things. People need resilience when life isn't fair and things don't go the way they would want. People need resilience whenever and wherever they deal with other people because they are unpredictable and don't always agree with our beliefs or way of doing things.

Some students are naturally resilient while others need to be taught strategies which can develop and nurture resilience. Students will not learn resilience when they run away from problems or hide behind others. Our natural tendency as parents is to 'go into bat' for our kids when they have a problem. While supporting our children is important, taking away their responsibility to own and deal with a situation can often make things worse in the long run.

At Madeley Primary School our approach is to develop resilience in students by helping them reflect on their behaviour and actions and the thinking/feeling that they experience. We approach students with a positive attitude encouraging them to 'own' their problems and supporting them to come to successful resolutions. We believe that the school day is full of teachable moments in which students can face challenges and effectively deal with problems, growing and learning resilience as they go. We teach students coping skills such as 'acceptance of differences', 'walking away', 'use of firm but kind words' etc.

There is a lot of very useful and free advice on the internet about how to develop resilience in children. I encourage you to check it out.

School Reports

In Week 10 all students will receive their Semester 1 report. It is important that parents take the time to read through the report with their child and discuss the grades and comments. Parents are welcome to make a time to meet their child's teachers if they have any concerns with the report.

Fun Run

This week students will receive information about our Fun Run which will be held on Wednesday June 29th. This fundraising event will help support our Year 6 camp and other activities around the school. When getting sponsors we strongly recommend that students do not door-knock or approach people that they do not know.

Stephen Bevan
Principal

School Calendar and Important Dates

The School Calendar is updated regularly and can be synched to your phone/computer for easy access. Please check the calendar for dates and further details of activities. Upcoming activities include the Interschool Lightning Carnival; Cluster Muster; Scitech Excursions

Year 6 Fundraiser- Cake Stalls

The two Year Six classes Cake Stall has been a great success with a grand total raised of $378.00. The next Cake Stall will be held Week 10 - Tuesday 28th June 2016.

Cakes will be available for purchase at recess (and lunch if still available) for small change donations.

Turning Spaces into Places

Following on from the success of "Turning Spaces into Places" last term it's time for a new adventure.

This term we are "Turning Tiny Spaces into Magical Places". In Week 9 we are planning to build tiny spaces for fairies, critters and their friends.

We'd like you to start collecting things from nature that might be used in this building project. Boxes will be provided to put objects in that you are happy to share.

• Twigs
• Gumnuts and other seedpods
• Dried leaves
• Small pebbles
• Flowers
• Shells

This experience has been designed by Miss James to encourage children to connect with nature and express the special creativity and imagination that only kids have.

Sirens Blaring and Lights Flashing in Kindy!

If you heard the sirens of a fire truck recently at Madeley Primary School, don't worry, it wasn't an emergency! Children from Blue, Purple and Red Kindy enjoyed a visit from fire fighters and a fire engine as part of their learning about Community Helpers. Fire Fighter Keen kindly gave up his time to speak to the children about fire safety and the role of a fire fighter in the community. The children also had the opportunity to try on various items of a fire fighter's uniform and then went outside to look at the fire truck. The children loved being able to use the fire hose before waving goodbye with sirens blaring and lights flashing.

Eagles Visit

On Monday we were lucky enough to have Jack Darling and Jamie Cripps from the West Coast Eagles visit us. The players firstly addressed the entire school with a question and answer session followed by some autographs. The Year 6's were then treated to a football session with the players. I hope everyone enjoyed the experience.

Eagles Visit Photo Gallery

VIEW GALLERY

Eagles Visit Photo Gallery

Click images to enlarge

Mr Moon
Phys Ed

2017 Kindergarten Enrolments

The closing date for next year's Kindergarten applications is Friday 22nd July or Friday 24th June if applying for this year's 3 year old Play and Learn Program.

Application packs are available for collection from the School Office, via email to tina.drinkell@education.wa.edu.au or by telephone 9302 3611.

On requesting an application pack, parents will be asked for the following information:

• Child's Name
• Current Address
• New address if moving to Madeley
• Child's Date of Birth
• Parents name, contact telephone number and email address

Enrolment Expressions of Interest at Ashdale Secondary College are open!

Ashdale Secondary College is a distinctive, world class, educational community of excellence where all students are motivated to strive to achieve their best and to realise their potential in a values-rich environment. The focus of the College is on student engagement and wellbeing so that they feel valued at all times. The College measures its effectiveness through the achievement and character of our students and the integral part it plays in the community. A partnership founded on strong relationships between students, teachers, parents and the community is the enduring platform upon which the College is built.

To submit an expression of interest, please visit the Main Administration Office at Ashdale SC or phone 9302 7100. More information can be found in the link below

FREE PARENTING SEMINARS

You are invited to attend the Triple P Seminar Series. You will learn practical, positive and effective ways to deal with common behavioural problems and ways to help your child achieve their best at school and in the future.

Parents are encouraged to attend all 3 seminars:

1. The Power of Positive Parenting
2. Raising Confident Competent Children
3. Raising Resilient Children

For more information or to register please call 9400 9551.

Please visit the website below to book your place.

To find other available programs visit our website below

P&C News

Disco – TONIGHT!

The Madeley Primary School disco will be held tonight (17th June 2016).

Entry is $6 per child. Glow Products, snacks and drinks will be available for purchase.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Next Meeting

The next P&C meeting will be held in the staffroom. Any new members to the P&C are reminded to bring $1.00 for their P&C membership.

Finding Dory Movie Fundraiser

Have you begun making plans for the school holidays? Looking for a place to catch up with friends?

On Sunday 10th July the P&C will be hosting a movie fundraiser at Grand Cinema Warwick. The movie, Finding Dory, will commence at 10am.

Tickets are $15 and can be purchased through Trybooking –

Funds raised will support the development of a Nature Play Space at Madeley Primary.

Election Day Fry Up

The Madeley Primary P&C is organising an Election Day Fry Up (Bacon & Egg Rolls and a Sausage Sizzle) at the school on election day, which is Saturday, 2nd July 2016.

Could you spare an hour to help out? Would like to meet some other parents from the school? It would be great to see you there and your assistance would be greatly appreciated!

Here's how to sign up in 3 easy steps:

1. Click this link to go to our invitation page on VolunteerSpot:

2. Enter your email address: (You will NOT need to register an account on VolunteerSpot)
3. Sign up! Choose your spots - VolunteerSpot will send you an automated confirmation and reminders. Easy!

Note: VolunteerSpot does not share your email address with anyone. If you prefer not to use your email address, please contact Tania Leach (tanialeach@bigpond.com) and she will be able to sign you up manually.

Entertainment Book

The Entertainment Book and the Entertainment Digital Membership can save you money and raise money for Madeley Primary School at the same time! The Books sell for $65 and the school earns $13 for each one we sell. Online ordering is available or alternatively, payment and order forms can be sent to the School Office.

NEW this year, when you purchase a Perth Entertainment Membership you will also have offers to more than 30 of the best restaurants, attractions and accommodation that Bali has to offer!

Canteen Relief Pool

Regular canteen volunteers are invited to join our Canteen Relief Pool. Relief Pool members provide cover for our canteen ladies for holidays and sickness. Relief pool members will be PAID for their time spent relieving our canteen ladies. To be eligible you must be a regular (monthly) volunteer, have a current WWC check and have completed an online course on Safe Food Handling. Please see Toni in the canteen if you are interested in joining our team.

Local Events

Please refer to the 'Local Events' section at the foot of the newsletter which is constantly being updated as we learn of new activities for your children. During the next two weeks information will regularly be added regarding School Holiday activities.

Our after school soccer program CF11 will be holding holiday clinics for ages 4 – 12 years and 11 – 18 years.

Music at Madeley

Keyed Up Music is running Guitar and Keyboard lessons this term at Madeley Primary School. Lessons start from $15.95 plus GST for half an hour in a small group. For enquiries please phone Therese on 1300 366 243 or enrol via our website

Before and After School Care at Madeley with Camp Australia

The Camp Australia Newsletter is attached with details of all the activities during the last two weeks. For information regarding booking before and after school care, please visit the link below