27 February 2015

Google Translater for Newsletter

Parents may be pleased to know that our Schoolzine newsletter now has the added benefit of the Google Language Translator. Click on the dropdown list at the top of the newsletter to select from one of the many languages available.

From the Principal

Dear Parents, Carers and Community Members

P&C 2015

It was really encouraging to be at the P&C AGM and to have parents come forward and fill all of the Executive positions. These roles are critical if the P&C is to continue to function effectively in 2015. It is very important that all parents seriously consider getting involved so that the work of the P&C is not left to a few – ‘many hands make light work’. Without your P&C there would not be a canteen or other important services and fundraising events. Through fundraising in 2014 the P&C was able to provide over $35000 to the school. This money was used to purchase equipment and fund activities which help us in the work of improving outcomes for all our students.

Parent Meetings

Over the last couple of weeks teachers have conducted parent meetings which were aimed at providing information on the way classes will be organised and conducted this year. The general feedback is that these meetings were very useful. We had approximately 55% of families attend one or more meetings. Parents that missed out on a meeting are always welcome to schedule a time with their child’s teacher to catch up on what they missed. We encourage all parents to be proactive in their child’s education and to get involved in activities at the school as often as possible.

Parking Issues around the School

I have had a number of parents complain about people who are parking their cars on or across footpaths and in other areas where they should not be driving. This issue has been discussed extensively by the P&C and with the City of Wanneroo. A number of strategies will be put in place to try and reduce this illegal behaviour including increased Ranger and/or Police supervision. The Ranger will issue infringements where necessary. To reduce congestion before and after school it is recommended that a greater number of parents walk their child to school or be more patient and use the kiss-and-drive as it was intended. The safety of your kids is more important than the ‘cost’ of a 5 minute wait or 10 minute walk.

Positive Behaviour Policy

In the last newsletter I spoke about our new Positive Behaviour Policy which focuses on helping students to develop the intrinsic motivation to behave well and participate successfully at school rather than rely on the traditional ‘carrot and stick’ approach. This approach uses extrinsic motivation to drive behavioural change (rewards and punishments).

Bullying Prevention Policy

In this newsletter I want to briefly discuss bullying and the approach that our school takes to this complex issue. While bullying is not a serious problem at our school it is something that happens from time to time (as it will in any school). Attached to this newsletter is our Bullying Prevention Policy. It is important that parents realise what bullying ‘is’ and what it ‘is not’. Bullying is the repeated and unjustifiable actions by a more powerful individual or group over a less powerful person. It is intended to cause fear, distress and/or harm to another student or students. Bullying is not a one off argument or fight between students. Neither is it the behaviours of two or more students who simply don’t like each other and don’t get along (where there is no domination of one over the other). It is important that parents realise we take any confirmed incident of bullying very seriously. We use a flexible approach to dealing with bullying incidents and apply appropriate strategies and/or consequences depending on each circumstance. Parents are always informed if their child is involved in bullying at school. Please read our policy so that you have a good understanding of the issue.

Social Media

Parents are reminded that the school now has its own Facebook page. We will use this page to promote school news, activities and events. Parents are always welcome to comment on our posts. The school also asks that parents think carefully about how they use their own Facebook/Social network accounts when talking about our school. Madeley Primary School is committed to providing the best possible environment for your child to work and learn. We are proud of our track record in providing a safe and inclusive school. From time to time there may be things that happen that you are concerned about. We ask that you do not use social media to discuss these concerns. The use of social media will not result in any resolution to problems or concerns. Our staff and Admin team are always available to answer questions, address concerns and solve problems so please come to us first. Together we can ensure the best possible outcome for any situation.

Staff Development Day, Tuesday 3rd March – Student Free Day

Next Tuesday is a school development day. On this day we will have a special guest presenter – Diana Rigg. Diana is the author of the Phonological Awareness, Phonics and Spelling program that we use across our school. The purpose of Diana’s visit is to provide staff with a refresher, updating some changes to her program and helping teachers to better implement the program in our school. Parents who are interested are encouraged to check out her website: www.pld-literacy.org . We will also spend time developing our Mathematics programs and Science programs on this day.

New Madeley Support Staff

We would like to welcome new support staff to Madeley which includes Elisa Pullella our School Psychologist, Carolyn Campbell – School Chaplain and Eunice Banda our new Community Health Nurse

Have a great LONG weekend everyone.

Stephen Bevan
Principal

Important School Dates

School Development dates and holidays are already detailed on the Schoolzine 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.

Voluntary Contributions and Charges

Thank you to all the parents who have paid their voluntary contributions this term.

We will be running a “lucky draw” this year for those who pay their contributions in total on or before the 31st March. The prize will be a $250 Coles voucher.

Payments can be made in the administration office during school hours where EFTPOS is available for your convenience. You can also make payments directly into the bank for any other school charges during the year eg. Swimming lessons, excursions, incursions, camps etc.

*Student Update Forms – Important*

We would like to thank parents who have returned their Student Update Forms. If you have not returned your form, please complete and return to the school office as soon as possible.

Student Leaders 2015

The staff or Madeley Primary School would like to congratulate the following students who were appointed as student leaders in 2015. We are looking forward to all the great work they will be doing in our school this year.

Music 2015

Music this year has started off with a BANG! Students from Years 1 – 6 have been learning about different types of percussion, keeping beats, musical notes and some classes have been composing their own rhythms. I am looking forward to hearing their wonderful creations.

A reminder to the Year 4 – 6 students, Choir auditions will be held in the Music room at lunchtime on Wednesday and Friday in week 5 (4th and 6th March).

Please see the Art Captains or Miss Foulds to register to audition.

At assemblies we are going to commence singing both verses of the National Anthem, teachers will spend a little time in class teaching the words to students and discussing their meaning. Who struggles with the second verse? If you would like to sing along at assembly with the students, the words are attached in the flyer below.

Miss Chloe Foulds
Performing Arts Teacher

Psych Spot - The Brave New World of Social Media

There are many benefits of using social media - such as staying connected with family abroad or belonging to special interest groups. Yet as many primary school students now engage with an online social profile (according to research over 80% of upper primary school children have a social networking page) it is worth pausing to ask ourselves some questions on the implications of this new “connectedness”. What is the impact of losing face to face contact for new online “friends”? Is there a trade-off between increased numbers of online friends for a loss of depth to friendships? And does this interfere with the development of healthy self-esteem?

Here are four tips to guiding social media usage for children:

(I) Talk to Your Child

Have you talked to your child about what is appropriate information to reveal online? Highly personal information, negative or critical comments and arguments are not appropriate to convey online. Isn’t it far easier to be confrontational when you don’t have to face the other person? This leads to people typing things they would not ordinarily say. If on a social network site privacy settings should be set high to limit who is able to see your child’s information. It is worth going over some boundaries with your child about what they should not be saying and doing online. Talk to them about the difference in importance between online friendships and face to face friendships.

(II) Supervise Your Child When Online

Supervision is an excellent way to prevent children from stumbling across inappropriate sites. Keeping the computer out of your child’s bedroom is beneficial, and if you permit your child to use Skype or webcams these should be monitored extremely closely. It is helpful if they are able to use the internet in a public part of the house, where parents are nearby, and for parents to occasionally check in to monitor their child’s online activities. This does not mean a child is not being trusted; rather it is a way to support children to access social sites in responsible ways.

(III) Limit Time

Digital activities, including chatting online or playing games with others, are no substitute for face to face interactions. Reading social cues from facial expressions is an important element of healthy interactions lost with online social interactions. Limiting time on the computer (especially discouraging late night usage) is valuable.

(IV) Be Aware

Be aware the minimum age limit for setting up accounts such as Facebook and Instagram. Be aware of the function of the sites (what is the real impact on your child’s wellbeing, anxiety, social interactions etc) and the potential pitfalls – for example, as a default Facebook users are dealt minimum privacy settings, so that people unknown to the Facebook user can access a wealth of personal information unless the user adjusts the privacy settings.

Teachers also play a valuable role in educating students about the responsible use of internet, including social media. Simple instructions can be interwoven in lessons involving technology usage, such as what information is appropriate to share online.

Note: digital learning materials are not referred to as social media in this article.

For more information see: http://www.cybersmart.gov.au .

If you would like more information on this article please do stop by my office (near Admin) on Thursday.

Elisa Pullella
School Psychologist

Scholastic Book Club Changes for 2015

As you will have noticed for 2015, Scholastic have changed the way they are issuing their brochures.

Families will receive one brochure per child, depending on the year that your child is in.

I have arranged for spare brochures to be held at the school office, so if you want to look at and order from the younger or older year brochures please pick up those extra brochures from the office and you are able to order from them as well.

Term 1 is off to a great start with over $1300 worth of orders from the first issue. This gives the school over $300 to spend on new books and resources for the library. Thank you once again for your continued support. If you have any queries regarding Scholastic or an order please direct it to the office and we will resolve it for you.

Tracie Simpson
Scholastic Co-ordinator.

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.

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

Winter Jackets - Our first shipment of jackets has arrived, with our second not due until Term 2. If your child needs a jacket before Term 2 please come and see us before this current batch of stock runs out. Due to a price rise by our supplier, the jacket price will now increase from $34 to $35.

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

The P&C AGM was held on Wednesday 18th February and the following office bearers were voted in:

We would like to thank all of our volunteers from 2014 for their enthusiastic contributions and we would like to welcome the new committee for 2015. Without these volunteers our P&C could not run and, as a result, we would have fewer resources available to our children. We also would not have a canteen as our canteen is P&C operated.

The minutes from the AGM on 18th February 2015 can be located on the newsletter sidebar/menu.

Easter on the Green

Easter on the Green is shaping up to be another fantastic event. Keep the date free for Friday 27th March 5-8pm. Please be on the lookout for requests for volunteers or ask your classroom teacher if they need any help organising their stall or with help on the night.

Would you like to have a stall at Easter on the Green to promote your business? We ask that it is family friendly in content. Stall bays are $20 each so if you have a party plan business or work from home and are interested please e-mail Melissa Fazari to reserve your spot tmfazari@bigpond.net.au

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.

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.

Thank you
Mariesa O’Donnell
P&C Secretary

Ashdale Secondary College – Specialist Program Information Evening

The Specialist Technology Science Program (STSP) offers students an opportunity to engage in specially designed curriculum that works to the 21st century learner, while fostering creativity and adventure in the learning experience.

The successful applicants to the College’s STSP enjoy fast paced and enriched studies of Science and Technology and are provided with top of the range resources and equipment.

To find out more about this exciting program please attend an information evening on Wednesday 11 March, 6.00-6.30pm in the Ashdale Secondary College Theatre.

Please RSVP:

Phone 9302 7100 or email to ashdale.sc@education.wa.edu.au

Raising Resilient Children

Find out how to improve your child’s capacity to cope with stress at a free seminar hosted by parenting expert Professor Matt Sanders. Founder of the Positive Parenting Program (Triple P) Professor Sanders will provide parents with practical ways to help their child recognise, express and accept their feelings and deal with challenges. For further information and to book online please click on the link below.

Date: Tuesday 17th March 2015 9.00 am – 11.00 am
Venue: the Rise, 28 Eighth Avenue, Maylands

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.

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

CAMP AUSTRALIA BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL CARE

We have good news to announce as we have opened an opportunity for parents to book their children into our service on the forthcoming Pupil Free day. We will be open on Tuesday the 3rd of March 2015 from 7am-6pm with a range of activities to get involved with including arts and crafts, sports and games, cooking and much more. You can book online or with the Coordinator. www.campaustralia.com.au/holidayclubs