4 November 2016

Newsletter Articles

School Vision

From the Principal

Dear Parents, Carers and Community Members

School Board Meeting

The Annual Public meeting of the School Board will be held in the Staffroom on 30th November between 5.30 and 7.00pm. All parents and community members are welcome to attend the meeting.

One to One Programme

The One to One Programme involves students in Years 4 to 6 accessing an individual MacBook as a tool for learning. The programme is an integral part of the school’s focus on developing ICT capabilities as outlined in the Australian Curriculum learning continuum. This programme has been very popular although there are some parents who have expressed concern about various aspects of the programme. These include:

• The cost – Apple MacBooks are high quality devices which are not cheap. The Ashdale Cluster utilises the purchasing power of Winthrop Australia to provide the most competitive price for these devices. The school recognises that not all parents can afford a MacBook. For this reason the programme is not compulsory and students without a personal device will be provided with one to use during class times.
• Apple vs Windows Devices – Having a variety of machines operating within the one classroom can cause confusion and require the teacher to know how each device works in order to manage software and maintain devices. Apple devices come with preloaded software that students can use with very little issues. Apple devices are sturdy and reliable.
• The use – Many parents have concerns about ‘screen time’ and how devices will be used. It is important that parents recognise that devices are treated as learning tools and not as entertainment or recreation tools. Therefore, they are not used to create passivity or ‘baby sit’ students in meaningless or trivial activities. Students still use pencil and paper and read regular books as part of the learning process. Computers are a powerful tool that add to the learning experience.
• Online safety – The school network has various levels of protection. Students are required to comply with a user agreement which is monitored diligently. Students receive regular lessons and reminders about online safety. Students are only permitted to use their device as part of the classroom learning programme.
• Device Security – Students are not permitted to use devices without supervision and all devices are locked in classrooms during recess and lunch periods.

In 2017 the school will undergo a review of the One to One programme to determine how it is running and to identify the degree of support that the programme has within the community. In the meantime it is important to remember that the One to One Programme has always been voluntary and if you elect not to purchase a MacBook for any reason, that the school will provide one for use in the classroom

Parent Survey

Many thanks go to the parents who took the time to complete the 2016 Parent Survey. The survey closes at 3.00pm today so there is still time to complete one before it closes. Our Parent Survey is the main way that you can share your opinion about how our school is going so please try to get yours completed today.

I have been reading through the comments that parents have given as part of the survey so far. They range from short statements like ‘Good job’, ‘A safe and positive place for children’, ‘Extend Parking’ and ‘Change the Principal’ through to lengthy comments on the school’s role in the Ashdale cluster or the quality of the teaching programs on offer. We usually get comments that suggest one thing and then others that suggest the complete opposite. We have parents who list lots of the positive ways the school is helping their child as well as parents who share their perception of the faults and failures of the school. When analysing comments we see them as neither negative nor positive but rather as useful or not useful. Comments that are accompanied with explanations are often more useful as they help us to get a better understanding of the person’s perception.

One lengthy comment we received included the statement “…I doubt that it will actually change anything at the school.” This parent had provided a clear picture of what they believed and how they think the school should operate. The statement indicates that this parent does not believe that their comments are considered seriously. So this begs the question…. “How do your responses and comments make a difference?” As stated previously, comments often contradict each other as they are a reflection of each individual. One person sees wonderful things while others see lots of areas for improvement. Obviously we do not start actioning every individual person’s statements but we do collate them around common themes so that we can start to get a better picture of the opinions of the group. Some of the themes that have appeared this year include ‘Positive Education’, ‘1 to 1 Program’ and ‘academic success’. The Admin team then read through the collated comments and the statistical information and list specific points for discussion and consideration. The staff also spend time reading comments and looking at the statistical data in order to clarify community perceptions. These perceptions are then considered as planning for the upcoming school year takes place.

Survey data and the way we use the data is an important part of the annual school review which is monitored by the Department of Education through the school review process. At Madeley we are open and transparent in the way we deal with parent survey information and the more we receive the better. For this reason please take the time to complete the survey today.

Remembrance Day

A short Remembrance Day ceremony will be held at 10.45am on 11th November. Parents are welcome to attend this event.

Nature Play Area

A group of parents and staff have formed a Nature Playground Committee. Our aim is to create a Nature Playground area within the school grounds over the next couple of years. A staged approach to construction will be used. More information about this project will be made available in future newsletters.

Have a great weekend everyone
Stephen Bevan
Principal

Absence Notification

It is important that the school is notified of any student absence. There is a new way to notify us. A New Absentee Form which is located on Schoolzine, Madeley Primary School Newsletter Menu Bar.

Example of Newsletter Menu Bar

School Calendar & 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.

Term Dates 2017

Student Free Days 2017

Term 1

Monday 30th January 2017
Tuesday 31st January 2017
Tuesday 7th March 2017

Term 2

Tuesday 6th June 2017

Term 3

None

Term 4

Friday 27th October 2017
Friday 15th December 2017

Class News

Year 6

Year 6 Kerem Adventure Camp

The Year 6 Camp was held at Kerem Adventure Camp in Bullsbrook during Week 3 this term. The students had a great time and were able to challenge themselves in a number of activities such as rock climbing, archery and low ropes. It was great to see the students work together in team situations and encourage each other to overcome their fears. Well done to all students who attended the camp.

Take a look through some of the photos in the gallery below.

Camp Kerem

VIEW GALLERY

Camp Kerem

Click images to enlarge

Year 6 Transition Program at Ashdale Secondary College

Tuesday 29th and Wednesday 30th November at Ashdale Secondary College

During Term 4 Ashdale Secondary College will be hosting a Year 6 Transition Program for all students who are within the Cluster or enrolled to attend the College in Year 7 2017.

All students are required to bring their subject books, a pencil case and notepaper.

Year 6 - Ashdale Secondary College Science Extension

Group 1 : BLA1 - Tuesday week 4& 5 Term 4
Group 2 : BLA2 - Tuesday week 6 & 7 Term 4
Bus Departs : Madeley PS at 9:45am
Science session at ASC 10am - 11am
Return to school 11:30am

Please note – BLA2

There has been a change to one of the dates. The students will still attend ASC on Tuesday 15th November, but the second session has been changed from Tuesday 22nd November to Wednesday 23rd November 2016. There has had to be a change due to the ASC Science Department not being available on the second Tuesday.

The Science sessions will be held during school hours and the students will be picked up and returned to school by the ASC bus on both of these days.

DLA2 Zoo Camp

On Tuesday the 18th of October, 26 excited students from Year 4 DLA2 headed to Zoo Camp. The trip on the bus was loud and excitable in anticipation of what would lie ahead. When we arrived at the zoo we had to meet our camp leaders and then saw where we would be sleeping – a big barn.

Our first activity was a Race to Save - where we had to complete a crossword by solving clues throughout the zoo at different animal enclosures. After a delicious dinner prepared by the parents and teachers (thanks!), we began our night activities. Some of these activities included looking at the enrichment items that they give the animals to keep them happy. We also made a mystery bag of food to feed some of the animals the next morning.

Then we headed to the most amazing part of the evening, walking around the zoo at night! We got to see so many animals including baboons, rhinos, lions, zebras, elephants and dingoes. It was so interesting to see them at night.

We got ready for bed – and it was a cold night! (The coldest Zoo Camp yet!). We were all so excited and it took awhile to get to sleep. The funniest bit of the night was when we saw Mrs Phillips and Mrs Fordham in their pyjamas!

We were up bright and early the next day. After breakfast we got to go and feed our enrichment bags to the Lemurs and the Capuchin Monkeys. It was so cool to see them try and get our food out of the pipes they were put into.

We spent the rest of the day exploring the zoo with our group leaders and making notes for our Animal Reports that we have presented in class.

We want to thank the people at Perth Zoo for letting us go at night and our helpers that came along Lisa, Keith, Mike and Corinna. Mrs Phillips and Mrs Fordham said that we did Madeley Primary School proud! We had the time of our lives!

Class of DLA2

DLA Zoo Camp

VIEW GALLERY

DLA Zoo Camp

Click images to enlarge

DLA3 & DLA5 Perth Zoo Excursion

Our Year 3 (DLA3) and Year 5 (DLA5) students will be going on an excursion to the Perth Zoo

The students will participate in educational experiences looking at Plant and Animal life cycles and adaptations. Students will also have time to explore the zoo. We will leave Perth Zoo at 2:00pm to return to school.

Friday 18th November 2016
Departing by Bus Madeley PS: 8:45am
Returning by Bus to Madeley PS: 2.00pm

WHAT TO BRING:

• HEALTHY morning tea and lunch, clearly labeled, in disposable containers in a small bag for easy carrying.
• Clearly labeled drink bottle of water
• Camera (if you want but it is your child’s responsibility & the school will take no responsibility for loss or damage)
• Asthma puffers / medication if needed
• No iPhones, iPads, or other electronic devices

WHAT TO WEAR:

• Full school uniform
• Hat
• Closed in shoes

Kindergarten 2017

Parent Information Session on

Date: Monday 21st November
Time: 4:30pm – 5:30pm.
Location: Kindy room WLA2.

The session introduces new parents to the Madeley Primary School and our Kindergarten Program.

You will receive information and handy hints to help you and your child make a smooth introduction into school.

Sport News

Reminder

All students need a broad brim hat and water bottle for all outdoor sport and class activities.

Interschool Cricket

Well done to our year 5/6 boys cricket team who recently won the T20 Blast regional final. The boys will now compete in the state final on the 24th November at the WACA ground. Good luck!

Music

Choir

The Madeley Primary School Choir will be performing at

LANDSDALE FORM SCHOOL
CHRISTMAS CAROLS ON THE FARM EVENING

WEDNESDAY 7th DECEMBER 2016
6PM – 9PM

See leaflet for more information

Congratulations to the Choir for their performances in the Performing Arts Assembly in Week 2. Despite missing some soloists due to illness, they looked and sounded great!

We have started our Christmas program in preparation for the Landsdale Farm School Carols night on Dec 7th, and the Christmas Excursion Day, the date yet to be confirmed. We hope to see many of our school community at the Carols night.

Madeley’s Got Talent

The annual search for Madeley’s most talented students is underway!!!! Madeley’s Got Talent auditions will begin in Week 6 and application forms will be available from the class teachers from Monday. Forms need to be in to the Blue Application Box in the Music Room by NEXT Thursday 10th November.

The Madeley’s Got Talent Final will be held in Week 9 on Thursday 8th December at 2 pm.

For more information, please see the Arts Captains, Jade and Tyler. Thank you!

Thanks WAGSMS for the new Drum Kit!

Madeley Primary was privileged to receive a $500 Grant recently from the WA Government Schools Music Society (WAGSMS) towards purchasing a full-sized drum kit.

It takes pride of place in the corner of the Music Room, and will be available for future special events and programs, as well as the occasional drum lesson during Music classes.

Some of the Year 1 MLA 3 class are pictured here with our lovely dark blue drums.

School Services

Healthier Eating at School

It is always a challenge packing healthy food that children will eat at school. It can be very frustrating having food left uneaten or wasted by children who are fussy eaters. There are many different online resources to help parents in this area. Here is something from the Better Health site

What to put in healthier school lunches: Try planning a healthy lunch box. Talk to your children and discuss what they would be happy to have included.

The six key parts to a healthy lunchbox include:

• fresh fruit
• fresh crunchy vegetables
• milk, yoghurt or cheese (you can use reduced-fat options for children over the age of two years). For children who cannot tolerate milk products, offer appropriate alternatives like calcium fortified soy or rice drink or soy yoghurt
• a meat or meat alternative food like some lean meat (e.g. chicken strips), hard-boiled egg…
• a grain or cereal food like bread, a roll, flat bread, fruit bread or crackers (wholegrain or wholemeal choices are best)
• tap water.

The Healthy Kids Association also has some helpful advice

School Canteen

The new Summer Menu will be available from 10th October, Term 4

School Canteen is Open on Wednesday, Thursday & Friday

At:

• Go to sign up box and click on “Register”.
• Fill out the section regarding email address and password.
• You will receive an email to your nominated email address with your confirmation order.
• A recess/lunch order bag prints out in the canteen on the morning of the order and the order is prepared.

Note – The days the canteen is not open will be marked on the calendar and you will not be able to place an order.

Benefits of this system are:

• You can order up to 2 weeks ahead.
• The system will save any regular/favourite order to make ordering online even quicker.
• It helps the canteen run more efficiently and also saves you time.

Free Parenting Seminars

Positive Parenting Program at Madeley Primary School

A well-researched and evidence-based parenting program is being offered to parents/carers at Madeley PS in Term 4 2017. Research has demonstrated the acceptability of the Triple P strategies across cultures. Parents/carers are invited to attend free parenting seminars to learn practical, positive and effective ways to:

• strengthen bonds with their children;
• encourage children’s social and language skills;
• develop children’s emotional self-regulation, independence and problem solving ability;
• manage common behavioural concerns.

Parents of children aged between 3 and 8 years are welcome to attend. Parents may choose to attend one, two or all three of the following seminars:

When: Monday 7th Nov Seminar One: The Power of Positive Parenting
Monday 14th Nov Seminar Two: Raising Confident Competent Children
Monday 21st Nov Seminar Three: Raising Resilient Children
Time: 1.15 - 2.45pm
Venue: Madeley Primary School (please sign in at Administration Office)
Cost: Free – however bookings are essential.

For more information, or to register to attend a free parenting seminar please:

Complete the slip below and return to Madeley PS Administration Office.

As part of the Positive Parenting Program at Madeley Primary School, Crèche information

So we can provide a safe and happy environment for you and your child we ask you to note the following requirements in documents attached.

Crèche hours:

The Triple P course will run from 1.15pm-2.45pm.

The Crèche will be open from 1.00pm and 3.00pm. Please make sure you drop your child(ren) off between 1.00pm and 1.10pm.

School Nurse

Head Lice

It has been brought to our attention that some students in the school have contracted head lice. It is imperative that you check your child’s head and if necessary, treat any lice and eggs.

Health Screen

It is recommended that any Kindergarten children that have not turned 4 yet, should have their health screen done as it may possibly affect their family benefits through Centrelink.

Mel Arnison & Tanya Wood
Community Child Health Nurse

School Banking

We need your help for SCHOOL BANKING to continue!

A big thanks to Kim Johnston who has been the volunteer parent for School Banking at our school. With Kim’s daughter ending her time with Madeley Primary at the end of this year, Kim is looking for a new School Banking Coordinator for 2017.

The program requires a volunteer School Banking Co-ordinator to facilitate the banking and distribution of School Banking rewards. This only takes approximately an hour of your time one morning each week and the Commonwealth Bank will provide support in how to run the program. Your help with the program will greatly benefit students as they develop vital saving skills and also help our school with fundraising.

Currently, School Banking day is Tuesday, but this can be changed to another day to suit.

Please contact Kim on 0405 112 018 or Jenni Lee (Commonwealth Bank School Banking Specialist) by phoning 0457 514 257 if you would like to help. Alternatively, contact the school office on 9302 3611.

P&C News

Next Meeting - Last Meeting of 2016

The next P&C meeting will be held in the staffroom at 7:30pm on Wednesday 30th November 2016 (Week 8). Please note this is an amended date as the date in Week 9 coincided with another school event.

Any new members to the P&C are reminded to bring $1.00 for their P&C membership.

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.

Before & After School Care

Camp Australia

The Camp Australia Newsletter is attached with details of all the activities during the last two weeks.

Our Holiday Club program is approaching and the theme for these Summer Holidays is We Can Build It. For information regarding bookings before and after school care, please visit…

Community News

LANDSDALE FARM SCHOOL CAROLS ON THE FARM

Landsdale Farm School will be holding

CHRISTMAS CAROLS ON THE FARM EVENING

WEDNESDAY 7th DECEMBER 2016
6PM – 9PM

The Madeley Primary School Choir will be performing at this event

MACEDONIAN COMMUNITY LANGUAGE SCHOOL

A language provider of Macedonian under Government’s Community Languages Program and the single largest provider of Macedonian Language in Western Australia.

Located : Balcatta House, Albert St, Balcatta
Contact: John Kirou, Board Member, Macedonian Community Language School.
Mobile: 0419979997

VACSWIM Summer 2017

About Swimming and Water Safety

Aquatic life is a part of our Western Australian lifestyle and ensuring your child can swim competently and safely is a must for all families. To assist in this aim, the Department of Education's Swimming and Water Safety team provides affordable swimming lessons across the state to give all children the opportunity to learn to swim in a safe and enjoyable environment.

The Swimming and Water Safety team offers two types of swimming programs:

• VacSwim, and
• Interm Swimming.

These programs are the largest swim education programs operated in Australia.

VacSwim

VacSwim programs offers value for money swimming lessons for all children aged 5 to 17 in the spring and summer school holidays. Lessons operate at over 180 centres across the state with over 45,000 children participating annually. Parents enrol their children into a range of programs either online or by completing and returning an enrolment form.

More details on our VacSwim programs can be found here.