13 February 2015

From the Principal

Dear Parents, Carers, Community Members

The start of school for 2015 has been very smooth with students settling well into their classes. I am looking forward to a year of great things at Madeley Primary School and am excited to be a part of such a wonderful school.

This week many teachers have conducted parent meetings to provide an opportunity for you to meet your child’s teacher and to hear about how their classroom will operate in 2015. We had a good turn up to most meetings which I hope were useful to you.

Last year the school introduced a new Positive Behaviour Policy. The policy has seen a very different approach being taken by our staff to the way we develop and manage student behaviour. Attached to this newsletter is a copy of the policy which I suggest every parent reads. The following link will take you to a document on the Play is the Way website which explains some of the philosophy behind the new policy. My focus as Principal is to promote and embed one main rule into the culture and behaviour of everyone at our school, this rule is outlined in the policy as the Golden Rule: ‘Treat others the way you want them to treat you’. Applying this rule successfully into a persons’ life does not just happen, it requires continual learning and experience. Consider your own life and ask yourself how well you go in:

• recognising and regulating emotions,
• developing empathy for others and understanding relationships,
• establishing and building positive relationships,
• making responsible decisions,
• working effectively in teams,
• handling challenging situations constructively and
• developing leadership skills.

All of these behaviours are required if you are to live a life in which the Golden Rule is demonstrated. Even as adults we struggle at times to achieve this. Understandably, children need a positive and caring environment in which they can learn, practice and strengthen these behaviours. This is the kind of environment we seek to establish at Madeley Primary School. Although the behaviour of our students is usually excellent, occasionally I have parents visit me in my office to discuss concerns. It is important for parents to remember that there are no quick fixes when it comes to managing emotive and complex behavioural issues. The idea that a specific strategy, consequence or punishment will fix a problem is unrealistic especially when at the heart of the issue is ‘relationship’. At Madeley Primary School we care about relationships and will work to ensure that our school environment allows for relationship building through positive behaviour education.

On a lighter note, parents are reminded that students should not arrive at school before 8.15am. Students who arrive early must wait outside my office (even if their parent is with them).

Safe parking and driving have been brought to my attention again. Please care for the safety of our students and school community by obeying traffic and parking rules around our school. We expect our children to obey the rules so the same applies to adults.

Madeley Primary School is now on Facebook. Please ‘like’ our page to receive regular updates. I am also posting additional information on my Principal Blog from time to time. Parents are reminded that students should not have access to social media including Facebook, Instagram, Kik etc. There is plenty of time in a person’s life to use these tools but it is not recommended for primary school aged children. The school also has a Twitter account. We will use it to post current information and events. Search for @MadeleyPS

I really enjoyed listening to the prospective student leaders present their speeches this week. Results of the selection process will be announced at next week’s assembly.

Finally, I am always available to discuss issues, concerns, ideas that you may have about our school (by appointment).

Have a great weekend

Stephen Bevan
Principal

Important School Dates

School Development dates and holidays are already detailed on the calendar but please check for updates during the coming weeks. This calendar can be accessed at any time and printed. The calendar will include details of the swimming carnival, faction athletics carnival and your child’s classroom excursions and incursions as they arise.

*Student Update Forms – Important*

Student Update Forms will be arriving home shortly and we ask that you please check the details fully and return them to the school office by Friday 20th February. It is essential that the school has accurate information about our families attending Madeley. For the safety of students and for our staff to contact you in an emergency it is vital that Parent contact information, telephone numbers etc. are up to date.

Finding the Balance – Screentime versus Outdoor Play

We have all seen and heard the discussions about children and how much time they should have using technology and spending time outside but how do we get a healthy balance?

Like everything in life we have to make choices and we make the best choices when we are educated about the pros and cons of each choice.

As educators and parents it is our job to teach our children how to make responsible choices and that starts with a few questions:

• What’s the purpose of the activity? (learning, playing, relaxing, socialising …)
• Are there any negative consequences? (safety, fairness, health …)
• Are there any rules I have to consider? (family, school, law, moral …)
• What else am I planning to do? Have I planned for a balance of activities?

That’s a lot to think about, especially for children, but they will only be able to make good choices for themselves as adults if you teach them now.

Adults and children alike function well if they make educated choices to have a balanced and varied life that includes spending some time outside each day and using technology wisely.

You might like to try the Greentime vs Screentime resource on the Nature Play WA website. http://www.natureplaywa.org.au/resources/green-time-vs-screen-time

Jude James
Deputy Principal

Fuel for School

Many parents find packing lunches a challenging chore. Finding foods that are healthy, tasty and easy to eat can be tricky. Lately there have been a few articles in newspapers and social media with some great information and recipe ideas.

The West has these articles that show how food affects learning.

The Body and Soul site has articles about kids health, nutrition and diet, learning and development and recipes.

Freezer Friendly Lunchbox Snacks

More Lunchbox Ideas

Jude James
Deputy Principal

Phys Ed

HEALTH & SPORT REPORT

Congratulations to Matthew Carroll for being selected in the U/11 Perth Glory soccer squad and good luck to the Santich and Hewitt families who are competing in the Tee Ball State Championships over the Labour Day weekend.

Parents, if your child achieves excellence in his/her chosen sport or achieves a long term personal goal please feel free to let me know. I enjoy hearing about what my students strive for on the sporting field outside of school hours.

Dates for your diary:

Friday 6th March – Year 5/6 interschool cricket carnival (selected students) @ Kingsway
Thursday 2nd April – Year 3-6 Faction Swimming Carnival @ Warwick SHS

What are we doing in Phys Ed?

In PE the Year 3-6 students have just started a golf unit and the year 1/2 students have just started a cricket unit. In Health the Year P - 3 students are learning about nutrition and how to maintain a healthy body and the Year 3-6 students are learning about cyber safety.

The Year 1 - 6 students will be participating in structured PE and sport lessons. Please be aware that classroom teachers will be conducting daily fitness on most days as well. Students need to be dressed appropriately for all physical activity. This includes:

• Broadbrim hat (please note that the application of sunscreen is the responsibility of students and parents)
• School polo OR faction shirt
• Navy blue shorts/skorts/skirt/tights (no jeans or restrictive clothing please)
• Runners/sandshoes (no sandals/thongs/boots please)
• Water bottle filled with water only please
• No jewellery to be worn during sport for safety reasons please.

Classroom sports days are as follows:-

All Year 3-6's will be involved in Friday sport every Friday afternoon.

Students are encouraged to wear their faction shirt on Friday’s. If you are unsure of your child’s faction, please ask the classroom teacher or office staff.

Thankyou

Mr Jarred Moon
PE Teacher

Australia ‘The Story of Us’ – Primary School Challenge

What is the Primary School Challenge?

• A quiz for primary school students aged 9 – 13
• Open to students in NSW, VIC, QLD, SA AND WA
• Students answer a set of online questions each week
• The quiz questions are based on real historical events featured on Seven’s new series Australia: the Story of Us
• Students in each state will compete to win a $10,000 grant for their school
• PLUS each week students and their families can win great prizes just for participating

The episodes are rated PC and have been created for the whole family to enjoy on Channel 7 starting Sunday 8th February (you may need to view the first episode on catch up TV!

Parent Information Booklets 2015

Each year new families to Madeley are issued with a Parent Information Booklet. These are available at the front office if anyone would like a booklet to refer to or alternatively you can download from the Schoolzine newsletter sidebar.

Ashdale Secondary College Tour

Chaplain's Chat

Hi there parents and students of Madeley Primary School! I'd like to introduce myself, Carolyn Campbell, to you as your School Chaplain. I will be working at your school on Thursday afternoons incorporating the Buddy Club at lunchtime.

I have been working at different primary schools as a chaplain for the past 5 years and I have to say it's the best job in the world! I love meeting new people from all walks of life and being a listening ear to those who need one. I have a Certficate IV in counselling and I am passionate about helping people deal with struggles along their life journey. I have always enjoyed working with children, encouraging them to grow to be the best they can be.

I am married with two kids, Daniel aged 15 and Grace aged 12 and live in Carramar. As a family we are involved in many volunteer activities with Whitford Church. My hobbies include scrapbooking, reading, fitness classes, camping and I love to travel around the world.

Please feel free to contact me to organise a chat . Appointments can be booked via the office or you can email me Carolyn.Campbell@education.wa.edu.au

Kind regards

Carolyn

School Banking

All children have the opportunity to utilise the Bendigo Bank or CBA School Banking Service. School Banking is conducted weekly on Tuesdays from 8.30 am – 8.50 am in the Library. Account opening packs are available from the Library on Tuesday mornings.

CBA Account Opening Day

The Commonwealth Bank will be holding an account opening day at 8.30am on Tuesday 10th March in the Library @ Madeley Primary School. If you are interested in opening a Commonwealth Bank Youthsaver account for your child please bring along your current driver’s licence or another form of photographic identification. No identification is required for your child attending school, as the school will confirm their identity. Alternatively, you can open an account at any branch, by calling 13 22 21, or online if you are an existing Commonwealth Bank customer.

See attached flyer for more details regarding the Dollarmites Program.

Walking School Bus

Madeley Primary School participates in the ‘Walking School Bus Program’ and currently has 2 routes servicing different areas of Madeley.

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 or download the attachment below.

Uniform Shop

A reminder that the Uniform Shop opening times are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8.30 am to approx. 9.15 am. Payment can be made by cash or eftpos. You can also hand your uniform order into the school office, send by fax: 9302 1250 or by email Madeley.ps@education.wa.edu.au

P&C News

P&C AGM Reminder!

The P&C AGM will be held on Wednesday 18th February at 7pm in the school staffroom as opposed to previously in the library. Everyone is welcome. Annual memberships do need to be renewed so please remember to bring your $1 membership fee along. A few of the office bearer roles are up for nomination so please consider taking an active role in our school community and taking on one of these roles. Some of the roles can be done by a couple of people or a group. The roles are President, Secretary and Fundraising officer. The Treasurer and Vice President are both keen to renominate. If you have any questions about any of these roles then please approach a P&C committee member and feel free to ask questions.

Facebook

The P&C have a Facebook page. It is a closed group so you will need to request to join. Please look us up at “Madeley P&C”. It is a good way for you to keep up to date with P&C news and events.

Save the Date!

Easter on the Green will be held on Friday 27th March. We will be putting the call out for volunteers or see if your class teacher needs any help on the night! For those of you new to the school this event is a P&C run event held in the evening on the oval and the early learning area. Entry is by gold coin donation. There are raffles and each class hosts a stall to help raise money for their year level. The P&C sell sausage sizzles and provide a coffee van, icecream van and Boost Juice van. It is a good social event and all funds raise go back into the school to purchase resources for all of our children. More information to follow closer to the event.

Promote your Business!

As part of the upcoming Easter on the Green, the P&C is looking to both provide a way to raise some extra funds, whilst also providing a means for some of our parents and local business owners a chance to promote their business. We are looking for contributions that have both a kid friendly focus, but also promote the contributors business. As a guide, things like money boxes, frisbees, balls, pens, lollies! These will be added to some other novelty items to make up a showbag for sale on the night. Any questions or contributions, give Jason a call on 0408060844.

Thank you

Mariesa O’Donnell
P&C Secretary

Keyed Up Music

Keyboard and guitar group lessons will be held after school again in 2015 at Madeley PS. If you are interested please contact Therese at Keyed up Music on 1300 366 243.

Perth College Open Day

Perth College is a place where your daughter can be proud of being smart, knowing that everyone else is, too. Where she can work hard to bring out the best in herself. Where she’s taught to be even smarter, more confident, and more determined than she already is. But it’s no good just telling you we have an environment that nurtures all of this - we’d love you to see it in person. Come to our Open Day, Monday 2 March, 10.00 am to 2.00 pm and see what we’re all about.

For more information, call (08) 9471 2100, or visit www.perthcollege.wa.edu.au .

Cricket Skills Testing Day at the WACA for Belridge Secondary College ‘Specialist Cricket Program’

Calling all Year 6 Junior Cricketers!

Are you interested in choosing cricket as a full time subject at Secondary School in 2016?

The Belridge Secondary College ‘Specialist Cricket Program’ Trial Day is being held on Tuesday 31st March 2015 at the testing venue at the WACA

Full information is available on www.belridgecollege.wa.edu.au Specialist Cricket Program where you can download a trial pack and application form. Applications close Monday 30th March 2015

Should you wish to discuss further please do not hesitate to contact Scott Ogilvie, Cricket Coordinator for Belridge Secondary College on 9408 8000 or email scott.ogilvie@education.wa.edu.au

This Specialist Program is endorsed by the Department of Education and the WACA

Please read the detailed flyers and application forms attached regarding the Cricket Course Testing Program

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.

Criteria

• Applicant must be aged 5-18 years
• Applicant must have a Health Care Card or Pension Concession card, or be referred by a recognised referral agent
• Applicant's primary place of residence must be in the local government area they are applying to (exceptions may apply)
• It is preferred that applicants register with a club that is in their local government area (exceptions may apply)

Please refer to the City of Wanneroo website link below for an application form.

For further details regarding KidSport please contract the City of Wanneroo Development Officer: Nerisa Newberry Tel: 9405 5668 Email: nerisa.newberry@wanneroo.wa.gov.au

Spikezone Volleyball WA

Teams can be formed with just 4 players. To be held at Joondalup Indoor Beach Centre from Wednesday 14th February to 1st April 2015.

Telephone John Sewell on 0400 228 814 or email jsewell.allsport@gmail.com for further information

Kingsway Junior Football Club

Registration and Open Day – Sunday 22nd February 2015

Local Events

See various items displayed at the foot of the newsletter including Pink Stumps Day for the McGrath Foundation; Tennis Coaching and the Glitz n Glam Ball fundraiser for former student Taylah Taseff.

CAMP AUSTRALIA BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL CARE

Please view the attached flyer from Madeley’s Before and After School Care provider Camp Australia