10 February 2017

Newsletter Articles

School Vision

From the Principal

Dear Parents, Carers and Community Members

Welcome back!

This is our first newsletter for 2017 and we want to welcome everyone back to Madeley Primary School for Term 1. A special welcome goes to new students and staff. This year we have Ms Shannon Kekula joining us on teacher exchange from Canada. Shannon comes from Saskatoon which is the largest city in the province of Saskatchewan. She will be teaching Physical Education and Health Education. We are also joined by Ms Jenny Wheeler who will be working to support students in the early years of schooling. Both these ladies are very experienced teachers and we look forward to their work at Madeley.

This fortnightly newsletter is a critical communication tool. Surveys conducted last year indicate that our newsletter is one of the most effective ways of sharing information with our community so it is important that you always let us know if you change your email address so you will never miss a copy. Hard copies are also available for those without regular access to a computer.

As we start a new year it is important to refresh memories. Below is some information that is important for you to remember…

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 the link below.

Strengthening Literacy Instruction

The school is seeking to strengthen the Literacy curriculum by implementing the ‘Letters and Sounds’ Program as well as the ‘Words Their Way’ Program.

Letters and Sounds is designed to help teachers teach children how the alphabet works for reading and spelling by:

• Fostering children’s speaking and listening skills as valuable in their own right and as preparatory to learning phonic knowledge and skills;
• Teaching high quality phonic work at the point they judge children should begin the programme. For most children, this will be the age of five with the intention of equipping them with the phonic knowledge and skills they need to become fluent readers by the age of seven.

Words Their Way is a teacher-directed, student centred approach to vocabulary growth and spelling development whereby the students engage in a variety of sound, pattern and meaning activities, sorting pictures and words.

School Board

Our School Board is an important group of parents and staff who review and create policy and set directions for the school. This year, we have a vacancy on the Board which we need to fill. I encourage all parents to consider nominating for this important position. A request for nominations has been included with this newsletter. Please think about this opportunity and give me a call if you would like additional information. Nominations close at 3.00pm on 24th February.

Current School Board members include:

• Mike Kelly – Chairperson
• Paul Wright – P&C Rep
• Nicole Forrest
• Siobhan Jones
• Paul Thomas
• Dee Randall – Staff
• Michelle Horrocks – Staff
• Stephen Bevan – Principal

Assemblies

Our Assemblies this year will be held on Fridays. 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 e.g. it was the work of members of the P&C that helped get a crosswalk on Hartman Drive. 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 Tuesday 14th February at 7:00pm in the Staffroom.

Parking

Safe and legal parking is an ongoing issue in 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. Patience, kindness and respect are all virtues we need to model when driving around our school.

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 and have their lateness recorded in the school database, this is where Class Teachers and Administration are able to refer to Attendance Records. 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 using the ‘Absentee Form’ link on the school newsletter or 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 Undercover Area (AAA). 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 are able to attend one of the information sessions provided by staff. 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. All staff have a Department of Education email account – firstname.surname@education.wa.edu.au.

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

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

Library

Library News

All classes from Pre-primary to Year 6, have commenced borrowing books from the Library this week. Please make sure your children have a suitable bag or plastic folder to take their library books home in, for protection. Any type of bag or folder is fine, and library bags are also available from the Uniform shop.

The Library is staffed Mon Tues, Wed and Thurs, so if you have any queries, please come and see me before or after school.

Mrs Cabrera
Library Staff

School Banking

This year the school banking will be held on Wednesday morning in the Library from 8.30 – 8.50am. Please enter the Library through the side entrance – playground side.

Trish Johnson and Robyn Walton have volunteered to be banking Co-ordinators this year. If you have any queries, please contact them or come and see them on Wednesday morning in Library.

Sport

Reminder

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

Milo T20Blast School Cup Cricket Carnival

Milo T20Blast School Cup Cricket Carnival

Years: Year 4 – 6 Select Students
Date: Friday 10th March
Location: Kingsway Sporting Complex.

Selected Students will receive a letter and consent form for parents to complete, sign and return.

Shannon Kekula
PE Teacher

School Services

Walking School Bus

Benefits of the Walking School Bus

• Children arrive at school more alert and ready to learn
• Encourages healthy lifestyles and exercise
• Children and parents get to meet others in their community
• Children gain skills to safely walk to school
• Reduces traffic around the school

Madeley Primary School participates in the Walking School Bus Program, and currently services the following area:

Wednesday Mornings - Route 1
(Zeus/Martindale)

Pick up starts at 8.20am and the WSB arrives at school at 8.45am.

If you are interested in joining in, pick up an information package from Administration.

We are always looking for Volunteers and Co-Ordinators

WE THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR ROAD SAFETY ADVICE FOR PARENTS AND LOOK FORWARD TO CREATING A SAFER ENVIRONMENT FOR OUR CHILDREN.

School Canteen

• 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.

Uniform Shop

The School Uniform shop will be open on the following days:

Friday 10th February 8.30am – 9.15am
Friday 17th February 8.30am – 9.15am
Tuesday 21st February 8.30am – 9.15am

School Psychologist

My name is Jedda Crow and I am excited to be joining Madeley Primary School in the role of School Psychologist. My role is to provide specialist support to school staff in the area of student behavior, learning, and mental health and well-being. I have worked in North Metropolitan area schools since 2009, and in schools in the South Metropolitan area before that. I completed my Doctorate in 2015, researching a topic that spurred a particular interest in children’s development of empathy and social conscience. I am looking forward to getting to know the Madeley School community.

School Chaplain

Hello Madeley Primary Community,

I am excited to be here as your chaplain this year. My name is Tosari Thomas, I have been a chaplain for a year and previously worked as a youth worker for five years. I really enjoy working with children, young people and families and being a listening ear. I have a husband and a baby who is nine months old. We have lots of fun and love going to the beach together. I look forward to meeting more and more families and staff each Thursday. A Chaplain is someone to talk to and confide in through the good and the bad. If you or your child would like to speak to the chaplain please contact Ms Stitfold.

Kind regards and let's make it a great term! Tosari Thomas

P&C News

Next Meeting – AGM 14th February 2017

The next P&C meeting (which is also the AGM) will be held on Tuesday 14th February 2017 at 7.00pm in the staffroom. All are welcome, and encouraged to attend.

All who attend are reminded to bring $1.00 for their yearly P&C membership, which is to be renewed at the start of each school year.

We will be seeking nominations for the following positions:

Secretary
Fundraising Coordinator
Canteen Treasurer
Canteen Coordinator

If you are interested in nominating for a position or would like more information, please contact one of the P&C members or email madeleypandc@gmail.com.

What is a P&C Association?

Ever wondered what the P&C is all about?

Parent & Citizen Associations are officially recognized under the Education Act of 1999 as, ‘a forum where anyone interested in the welfare of government schools can meet to discuss educational issues.’

What can a P&C do?

• Generate cooperation between parents, teachers, students and members of the general community.
• Assist in the provision of resources, facilities and amenities for the school.
• Foster community interest in educational matters.

Mark you diaries for Easter on the Green

Easter on the Green, the annual Madeley Primary School community get-together will be held on Friday 31st March 2017 from 5pm to 8pm. More details to come soon.

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.

P&C Dates

Meetings are held on Wednesdays at 7:30pm in the staff room which is opposite the School Front Office. There are two meetings per term (week 3 & week 9 of each term).

P&C meeting dates for 2017 are:

Tuesday 14th February 7pm (AGM) - 2nd August
29th March - 13th September
10th May - 25th October
21st June - 6th December

People who would like to become members of the P&C are required to contribute $1.00 for their yearly P&C membership.

Check the Facebook page or School Newsletter for confirmation of meeting dates.

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

Stepping Stones Triple P Parent Discussion Group

Are you a parent of a child with a disability?

Does your child need to learn how to follow instructions?
Would you like to learn how to improve your child's behaviour?

Researchers at the Curtin University School of Psychology and Speech Pathology are seeking families to participate in a FREE - 2 HOUR

Stepping Stones Triple P Parent Discussion Group focused on teaching parents how to prevent and manage disobedience in children.

Stepping Stones Triple P:

• Stepping Stones Triple P is specifically tailored for parents who have a child with disability.
• It has been shown that parents who use Stepping Stones Triple P see improvements in their children’s behaviour and experience less parenting stress.

What you will receive:

• Free attendance at a 2 hour Stepping Stones Triple P Parent Discussion Group.
• Free Stepping Stones Triple P “A guide to Disruptive Behaviour” booklet.

Criteria for participation:

• Be a parent of a child with a disability aged between 3 and 8 years of age.
• Eligible disabilities include autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, fragile X and intellectual disability.
• Be willing to attend a 2-hour parent discussion group at Curtin University in Bentley.
• Be willing to complete questionnaires about your parenting style, parenting confidence and your child’s behaviours, at two points in time. These questionnaires may take you 90 minutes to complete and can be completed at home in your own time.

Interested? Would you like more information?

Contact Claire Watson -0479131358

claire.e.watson@postgrad.curtin.edu.au

Helen O’Grady Drama Academy – Northern and Western Suburbs

Weekly Classes Enrolling Now

Kindy Drama 3-5 Years | Lower Primary 5-8 Years
Upper Primary 9-12 Years | Youth 12-17 Years

• Carramar
• Duncraig
• Ellenbrook
• Greenwood
• Kallaroo
• Kingsley
• Kingsway
• Kinross
• Quinns Rocks

Contact:

9402 8744 or 9402 5849

Kingsway Junior Football Club

Kingsway Junior Football Club invites you to join us for the 2017 season with registrations now open.

The Rockets are a community based family club that promotes equality and development for all boys and girls across all ages and abilities by proudly providing the following opportunities to play AFL;

• Auskick program for Pre-Primary to Year 3
• Modified Rules for Years 4 to 7
• Open Rules for Years 8 to 12
• Girls Competition for Year 4 to 9
• Integrated 'Count me in' Youth program for players aged 11 to 16 living with an intellectual or physical disability

For any queries please contact our Club Registrars at registrar@kingswayjfc.com.au or by calling Carol on 0418 431 964 or Lisa on 0474 051 773.

Alternatively, you are welcome to join us at our Registration day being held at Kingsway Football and Sporting Club on Sunday February 19th between 10am to 2pm.

Wanneroo Modcrosse Club

Wanneroo Modcrosse Club Penistone Reserve, Greenwood

Modcrosse is fast fun for girls and boys aged 5-13. Modcrosse is a modified version of Lacrosse and is a non-contact sport. Modcrosse is played at many primary schools throughout Perth. Come and join a family friendly club and play a great sport.

• Full season registration only $120. Use own stick or hire one for $25/season. We also have sticks for sale. All other equipment, including team shirts, supplied for Modcrosse games. Training and skill development by top Lacrosse players is included.
• Games played from 8.30am –9.30am Saturdays at Penistone Reserve Greenwood
• Season starts 29th April 2016
• Registrations accepted from 20th February and ongoing though the season.
• Form a school team and play with your friends, the club will arrange a coach for the team
• For more information please contact the club via the Information below.

Wanneroo Modcrosse Club is registered for Kidsport.

Email modx@wanneroolacrosse.com or call 0401 330 357 (Dennis) for more details or to request a Registration Form.

For up-to-date information find us on Facebook or visit our website at the link below.

WOLFPACK BASKETBALL JUNIOR REGISTRATION DAY WINTER 2017

To register your early interest in joining one of our six Junior Domestic clubs, for the upcoming Winter Basketball season

JUNIOR REGISTRATION DAY ON SATURDAY MARCH 18 FROM 9am

UNDER 8’S UPWARDS | BEGINNERS WELCOME | AUSSIE HOOPS CENTRE

P 08 9300 1325

Ready Steady Go Kids

Ready Steady Go Kids - Term 1 Enrolments Open !

Ignite your child’s passion for sport and exercise

Ready Steady Go Kids is Australia’s leading multi-sport program for children aged 1.5–6 years. Our award winning, high quality, physio-designed program teaches children the fundamentals of 10 different sports in a fun, non-competitive, team-based environment. We cover Soccer, Tennis, Hockey, Rugby, Tball, Athletics, Basketball, Golf, AFL & Cricket. 5 sports are covered each term and classes focus on specific gross-motor, hand-eye/foot-eye and/or balance activities to compliment the sport component.

For a free trial, visit our website

Locations:

Carine | Currambine | Craigie | Karrinyup | Mirrabooka | North Cottesloe | City Beach | West Leederville

Phone | 1300 766 892