23 October 2015

Newsletter Articles

From the Principal

Dear Parents, Carers and Community Members

Year 6 Camp:

Our Year 6 students have spent this week at Kerem Adventure Camp . I visited the camp on Tuesday and participated in some of the wonderful activities. Many thanks go to Mr Taddei, Mrs Chester and Mrs Miller who have planned and accompanied our students on camp this year. If you are interested in seeing what our students have been doing, check out the school Facebook page for some great photos.

Educating the Whole Child

At Madeley Primary School we are committed to providing a balanced curriculum which incorporates both academic and behavioural outcomes. We want your children to achieve their best academically and we want them to learn behaviours that will make them successful members of society. The behaviour of our students is generally very positive but, like all schools, there are some students who find it hard to manage social interactions and maintain successful friendships. Occasionally I get parents visiting me who are concerned about the behaviour of specific students because this behaviour is having an impact on their own child. As a state school we take all students who live within our intake area and we use the resources we have to provide them with the best teaching and learning environment possible. Our students come from many different cultural and family backgrounds. Their parents have different beliefs and behaviours which they pass on and which are sometimes reflected at school. Sometimes student behaviours need to be challenged and shaped. This process takes time. Positive outcomes may occur quickly but generally they take many months and even years.

The perception that a few parents have shared with me is that ‘nothing is ever done’ to address the behaviour of some students. Other parents have suggested we should bring back the ‘old style’ approach of suspending students every time they over-step the mark. The reality is that the well-being of students is a primary concern of our school. This is why we have recently revised our Behaviour Management Policy. Our focus is not on rewarding and punishing behaviour (carrot and stick approach) as research shows this does not work as it does not ultimately change behaviour. We choose to take a positive approach, expecting that students will learn and then demonstrate positive behaviours. When this does not occur we use a range of techniques to teach appropriate behaviour. If this fails we re-teach and monitor and then repeat this process, trying different strategies along the way. This approach is founded on the belief that EVERY child deserves to be treated fairly and with respect and that every child can learn appropriate behaviour. At Madeley Primary School we DO NOT give up on any child no matter what behaviours they may exhibit.

When faced with students who may constantly misbehave a range of options are used. The discussion we have with these students focuses on the weak decisions they are making and we identify ways that they can make stronger decisions. We use questions such as:

• Was that the right or wrong thing to do?
• Did you make strong or weak decisions?
• Were your feelings or thinking in charge?
• Are you going to be the boss of this situation or do you want me to be the boss?
• Are you running away from the problem or dealing with it?
• Am I trying to hurt you or help you?

We always try to help students see how their behaviour impacts on others with a focus on what they can do to make the situation better. Students are required to self-reflect and explore ways that they can restore broken relationships. Sometimes students miss play periods, complete community orientated tasks, write letters of apology, play in limited or restricted areas (away from peers) and/or spend time in ‘in-school’ suspension. In most instances, the parents of students are also contacted and where necessary have meetings with teachers and/or Admin regarding their child’s behaviour. Individual Behaviour Plans are sometimes developed when required. In short, there is a lot done at Madeley Primary School which most parents or community members may not be aware of.

We will be holding another parent meeting in which we outline the Positive Behaviour Education approach being used by the school. This meeting is scheduled for November 10 at 5.30pm in the Staffroom.

What to do if you have a problem with another parent or the child of another parent:

If you have a problem with the behaviour of another person’s child the only appropriate way to deal with it is to contact a member of Admin. I want to preface my comments below by saying that 99% of parents always do the right thing and I thank them for the positive way they resolve issues and promote cohesion and care across our school community.

From time to time students will have negative interactions at school or outside of school with their peers. It is in these times that we require parents and adults who have direct influence of these children to demonstrate maturity and to model appropriate ways to deal with conflict that is positive and respectful. It is not appropriate for parents of students to become involved in verbal or written altercations. Shouting abuse at a parent through a car window or sending abusive emails or text messages or posting inflammatory comments on social media will not solve problems but make them worse. Similarly, parents are not permitted to confront any other student and comment on their behaviour or question them about it. Our school’s primary rule is ‘Treat others as you would like them to treat you.’ This rule applies to everyone – staff, students and parents. I reiterate that parents who have an issue or problem with the behaviour of other students should talk to a member of Admin.

We have a great school with dedicated staff and wonderful community support. The onus is on everyone to work to build and maintain our school as an excellent place to be.

One to One Laptop Program

We have scheduled a meeting for parents of Year 3 students to talk about the One to One Laptop program. This will take place on Tuesday November 3rd at 5.30pm in the Staffroom.

Student Reports

Teachers are busy writing end of year student reports this term. These reports will be sent home to parents in the last week of term.

Class Placements 2016

Class lists for 2016 will be prepared over the next 8 weeks and will be displayed outside the Library on the last day of school. These lists will be draft only and may change before the start of school next year.

School Development Day – Friday 30th October

Next Friday is our School Development Day for Term 4. On this day staff will receive professional learning in a number of areas with a strong focus on Mathematics (facilitated by Richard Korbosky). We will also spend time analysing the 2015 NAPLAN data and planning for next year.

Have a great weekend everyone

Stephen Bevan
Principal

Important School Dates

Please refer to the Schoolzine School Calendar for further dates and more information about events, assemblies, incursions and excursions etc. This calendar can be accessed at any time and printed when you open the newsletter via your Schoolzine email.

Parent Survey

An email has been sent out to parents this week requesting your participation in a survey which will help us gather information about what you think. Please take the time to complete the survey.

The link and survey code: 2hswHYeL is included here for your convenience.

Walk to School Day 2015/80’s Theme Dress Up Day

On Wednesday 28th of October Madeley Primary are hosting their annual Walk to School Day. The Sustainability Captains have been working hard to organise a number of fun activities for our day. They include;

• Double points for students walking and riding to school
• Points for parents and guardians who walk to school with students
• Costume walkathon on the school oval for the first 15 minutes of the day
• Parents are all welcome to dress up and join in our walkathon.
• Classroom fitness activity for the students
• Road Safety bike course held on the school basketball courts at lunch time
• A photo booth will be held after lunch for students in costume to take some fun photos together

Costume idea's

If your child would like to participate in the bike course, please ensure their bike/scooter has been checked and is safe. Students participating will need to wear a helmet and appropriate footwear.

Walking and riding to school is a fantastic way to teach our kids road safety at a young age. It also encourages students to lead an active and healthy life style and has many environmental benefits for our planets.

Hope to see you all on Wednesday.

Miss Foulds & the Sustainability Captains

Ambulance Cover

Travelling in an ambulance comes at a cost to a patient. If a medical emergency occurs at school the school will always act in the best interests of the student involved. Sometimes this may mean calling an ambulance without the consent of a parent. For this reason it is important that you are aware of the associated costs. Many private health funds cover ambulance travel so we recommend you check to see what coverage you may have. Currently the fees for ambulance travel are as follows:

• Life threatening $916
• Urgent $916
• Non-urgent $492

See more at:

Odd Socks Day!

Thursday 29th October

DLA5 are organising a whole school fundraiser to raise money for the “Sock it to Sarcoma” foundation. Sarcoma is a type of cancer that affects both children and adults.

To raise money and awareness of Sarcoma we will be wearing odd socks on Thursday October 29th for a gold coin donation.

Please find your funkiest socks for the day!

Sports Report

Interschool Cricket

Yesterday our Year 5 Interschool Cricket team competed in the regional final against a number of other schools. Results of the carnival will be in the Week 4 newsletter.

Talented Taya

Well done to Taya who recently achieved some amazing results in her Acro competitions. Taya is now the Level 5 State Champion and National Champion in the 11 and 12 years category. A fantastic achievement.

Parents, if your child achieves excellence in their chosen sport I’d love to hear about it.

Mr Moon

Casual Cleaners Pool

Madeley Primary School is seeking to create a pool of Casual Cleaners. The hours to be worked are before and after school. A National Police History Check (WA Education & Training Sector) and Working With Children registration are required.

Please contact Registrar Marie Lingard for further information by calling 9302 3611 or email marie.lingard@education.wa.edu.au

Ashdale Secondary College Tour

All prospective parents/guardians are invited to attend a tour of the college

Date: Monday 3rd November
Time: 10.15 – 11.00 am

Meet at the main Administration Foyer at the college, 75 Wesport Parade, Darch.
RSVP by phone 9302 7100 or email Ashdale.sc@education.wa.edu.au

School Banking with CBA and Bendigo Banks

Student banking is available in the library every Tuesday before school. Account opening packs are available for completion if you would like to open a student account for your child.

We have representatives from both Commonwealth Bank and Bendigo Bank to help with any new enquiries.

School Uniform Shop

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

School Canteen

Open Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays

Volunteers are always welcome and even 30 minutes to an hour can really help. Pop in after drop off to help make sandwiches and pikelets? Just pop by and see Rebecca in the canteen.

Our online ordering system greatly reduces workload in the canteen so register today to start ordering at www.ouronlinecanteen.com.au

P&C News

Crown Casino

Madeley Primary School P&C is proud to host A Night at the Casino. Parents, staff, friends and the wider Madeley community are all invited to attend.

Date: Saturday 7th November 2015
Time: 5:30pm to 11:45pm
Cost: $32 per person. Follow the link to purchase tickets online www.trybooking.com/Embed.aspx?eid=160833 or pay by cash via the payment box at the School front office (envelopes provided)
Includes: Transport via coach to and from the Crown Casino, meals voucher to be used at Carvers, Noodle 88 or Snax Restaurants and Casino vouchers for members (or join on the night)
Details: You will be collected by bus from the Madeley Primary School staff car park at 5:30pm and taken to the Crown Casino. Once at the Casino you will be given a pack with meal and casino vouchers. You are then free to enjoy dinner and the casino at your leisure. Everyone will meet up at the assembly point at 10:45pm to return home. However, you may stay-on and find your own way home.

Please direct any queries to Wendy Mitchell. wendy.mitchell@live.com.au or 0412 823 297

Hartman Drive Children’s Crossing Success!

The following article appeared recently on the City of Wanneroo’s website, we will supply further information as this develops.

At the September Council meeting Councillor Denis Hayden and myself successfully moved a motion which was carried unanimously by Council to support a dedicated Children's Crossing on Hartman Drive at the Westport Parade intersection; and requested the City of Wanneroo write to Main Roads WA to extend the 40kmph school zone; Councillor Denis Hayden and myself would like to thank the parents of Madeley Primary School P&C Committee for all their hard work in supporting the crossing.

Please Help Your Canteen

Volunteer assistance is always appreciated. If you have 30 minutes to an hour to spare after drop off to help make sandwiches and pikelets? Just pop by and see Rebecca in the canteen (Wednesday-Friday), we would love the help. You can also assist the canteen by ordering online. Our online ordering system greatly reduces workload in the canteen so register today at www.ouronlinecanteen.com.au and start ordering.

Cookbook

The school cookbook, “Madeley on a Plate”, is still for sale via the front office or P&C. The price has been reduced to just $10 and would make an ideal gift for friends and family.

Do you own a business or work somewhere with good traffic flow? If so we’d love you to take a few of our cookbooks to put on your counter to sell for us. We have sold over half but with 350 cookbooks to go we would love to sell them at our new reduced rate and use the profits to purchase resources for our children. Please contact Mariesa O'Donnell at mariesa76@iinet.net.au if you are interested.

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.

Contacting the P&C

The P&C can now also be contacted via email: madeleypandc@gmail.com

Last P&C Meeting

Thanks to everyone who came to the last meeting. Various submissions were voted on at the meeting, including:

Early Childhood Education – Nature Play Area
Whole School – Nature Play Area on the oval (consultation and planning)

Councillor Brett Treby and the Hon. Margaret Quirke MLA were in attendance at the meeting and have generously offered to donate mulch and a large tree for the Nature Play areas. We thank them for their contribution to the school.

P&C Minutes

The minutes from the last meeting are available as an attachment to the newsletter for anyone interested.

Next P&C Meeting

The next meeting will be held on Wednesday 28th October at 7.30pm in the staffroom. As always, everyone is welcome to attend.

Tania Leach
P&C Communications Officer

Fathering Workshops

Family and Children’s Services invite you to our FREE Parenting Workshops with a focus on Dads. The program is facilitated by the fathering project, Relationships Australia and supported by the City of Stirling.

Olympic Kingsway Soccer Trials

Please see the attached flyer regarding soccer trials commencing in November at Olympic Kingsway

Various dates for age groups from Under 12’s – Under 18’s

Email contact is: OKSC1@IINET.NET.AU

Irish Dancing

A new Irish Dance School has recently opened in Landsdale. Classes take place on Mondays and Thursdays at The Dance Studio Unit 2/3, Kalinga Way Landsdale 6065

These classes offer children a great opportunity to exercise and work the mind and learn about the beauty of Irish dance that has transcended generations and crossed the World.

Dancers have the opportunity to excel at a hobby and compete nationally/internationally while making lifelong friends.

I have been dancing for the past 20 years and have won major competitions as well as performing worldwide in many shows. I spent 5 years touring the world with 'Rhythm of the dance' and worked alongside Michael Flatley in his productions. My work has taken me to 42 different countries and has seen me perform in some prestigious venues including Madison Square Gardens and Wembley Arena.

• I am a fully registered teacher of CLRG (Coimisiun Le RinciGaelacha, the most prominently recognised and oldest Irish Dance Authority in the world.
• A member of AIDA inc (Australian Irish Dancing Association Incorporated)
• Hold a Working with Children's card.

All info regarding local classes please log onto www.threecrownsirishdancing.com
Email: eleanorrooney07@hotmail.com
Mobile: 0449 961 669

Eleanor Rooney