Term 1 2014
Thursday 20 March Uniform Shop 8.45-9.15am Monday 24 March Breakfast Club 8-8.30am Tuesday 25 March Visit from Wanneroo Secondary College music group Wednesday 26 March P&C Annual General meeting (AGM): Staffroom 7pm Breakfast Club 8-8.30am Thursday 27 March Uniform Shop 8.45-9.15a Friday 28 March Room 15 Assembly Harmony Day: Gold coin donation to come dressed in orange. Monday 31 March Breakfast Club 8-8.30am Tuesday 1 April Room 9: Wanneroo Museum Eagles Rock: 9.00-9.30am Proposed Industrial Action by Unions Wednesday 2 April STRIVE program information session 9.00am Breakfast Club 8-8.30am
At a recent assembly the 2014 Year 6 and 7 Student Councils were announced. Congratulations to Bailey T, Cathy, Taylin, Dion, Jade and Bailey H who were elected for Year 6 and Ben, Jack, Shye-lily, Madison, Ashlen and Oceana who were elected to represent Year 7. As coordinators of student leadership, Mrs MacDonald (Year 6) and Mrs Castle (Year 7) will build the capacity of the councillors as leaders and work with them as a team to undertake special activities to support the school and students. The two councils will alternate each fortnight to take responsibility for conducting the assembly.
Our School Values Respect Tolerance Self Discipline Courtesy Cooperation Confidence
Last week, ACARA released the 2014 My School data with information to monitor the effectiveness of schools. As in previous years, it will enable us to compare ourselves with like schools across Australia that serve similar students and also compare our progress over the years with those schools. I encourage you to go to the My School web site at http://www.myschool.edu.au/ and feed back your thoughts to the Wanneroo Primary School Board. The School Board will use the data to review the progress of the school and make recommendations for the 2014 2016 Business Plan. The Department of Education has updated the system for monitoring student attendance. A new code has been added to identify students whose parents take them on an in-term holiday. It is important for you to be aware taking your child on an in-term holiday is now classified as an unauthorised absence. Next Wednesday the P&C will conduct its AGM at which key decisions will be made for the year ahead. I would urge you to attend the meeting and become actively involved in the P&C. Not only is it a great way to contribute to the school but it is an opportunity to meet other parents which can lead to lasting friendships. On behalf of the school community I would like to thank the outgoing committee for their special contribution to the school over the past year. Penny Halleen Principal Week 7 Penny.Halleen@education.wa.edu.au 19 March, 2014
Issue Number: 4
Term 1
Harmony Week
Harmony Week is an opportunity for all Western Australians to celebrate our vibrant multicultural state. The week runs during March every year and encourages everyone to experience, explore and appreciate WA's wealth of cultural, religious, linguistic and ethnic diversity. As part of these celebrations our school will be involved in a variety of activities on Friday 28 March. Students will draw a template and be encouraged to illustrate the clothes that represent their culture or their favourite pastime. This will then form bunting that will be displayed in the covered assembly area. Students and staff are invited to wear orange on the day for a gold coin donation. Funds raised will be forwarded to The Smith Family.
courtesy cortesia.
Courtesy is having good manners. It is a way of speaking and acting which gives others a feeling of being respected.
Support-A-Reader Program
Thank you to the wonderful group of volunteers who have joined our Support-AReader program this year. Support-A-Reader is a highly valued program at our school and is set in place to encourage fluency and love of reading in reluctant readers. We are still seeking volunteers to join us. Any parents, grandparents and interested people from the
community are welcome. Please contact us on 9306 0500 if you are able to assist.
years State Budget. The Government has made it clear that it has no intention of changing the Budget. The Department does not endorse any form of industrial action and all public sector staff has a responsibility to implement and work within any decisions taken by the government of the day. As we get closer to this date, you will be kept informed about any implications for your child(ren).
Evacuation Practice
As part of our risk management processes, the school recently practised evacuation procedures to ensure the students and staff were prepared in case of an emergency. If you have any queries about the practice please see Mrs Halleen.
Evidence Files
All students are required to have an evidence file that will stay with them for the duration of their primary schooling. Evidence files are available for purchase through your childs classroom teacher at a cost of $3.00.
Photo Permission
Any parent/guardian who wishes to revisit permission preferences for the use of visual images for their child/children in newsletters or other publications, is asked to contact the office to make the relevant changes.
Voluntary Contributions
A schedule for the 2014 Contributions and Charges was sent home with students at the end of last year. Reminders are currently being posted home regarding contributions and outstanding charges. If you have recently paid please disregard the reminder. The Wanneroo Primary School voluntary contribution is: Kindergarten & Pre-primary $60 per child Year 1 7 $30 per child The payment can be made by cash, cheque or eftpos at the front office and a receipt will be issued. Please note that the P&C contribution must be kept separate from all other school payments.
Head Lice
The presence of head lice in schools is an ongoing community problem. When present, the child, school and family are all most inconvenienced. By working cooperatively as a school community, the presence of lice at school may be reduced. Please check your childs hair on a regular basis and if lice are found treatment must be commenced. Children with long hair should keep it tied up. More information is available at the Department of Health website www.health.gov.au/headlice
Canteen Update Please note that from Term 2 the canteen will only be available on Thursdays. An updated menu will appear on the schools app and website and copies will be available from the school office. If you have any concerns please contact me via email thefestas@hotmail.com.au or see me at the canteen from 8.30am Tuesdays (this term) or Silvana on Thursday mornings. Please do not contact the high school direct. Thank you, Deb Festa, Canteen Coordinator.
Health Awareness
Reports of Impetigo (school sores) have been made to the school. A range of publications and information can be accessed through the Department of Health WA website www.public.health.gov.au
Chaplains Chat
Please feel free to email me carolyn.campbell@education.wa.edu.au or phone the office and leave a message. Carolyn Campbell YouthCARE School Chaplain Monday, Wednesday, Friday
Community Notices
City of Wanneroo School Holiday Program A variety of activities and excursions are available during the school holidays through the City of Wanneroo. Bookings are essential. Visit www.wanneroo.wa.gov.au or phone 9405 5600. If you would like information about upcoming children and youth programs please send your email address to programs@wanneroo.wa.gov.au
P&C Notices
P&C Annual General Meeting (AGM) Our P&C AGM will be held in the staffroom on Wednesday 26 March from 7.00pm. Everyone is welcome to attend and we look forward to seeing you there. Easter Bun Fundraiser Orders together with payment need to be returned to school and placed in the P&C letterbox by Monday 31 March. Orders will be delivered on Thursday 10 April. We look forward to your support.
INSIGHTS
by Michael Grose - No. 1 parenting educator
parentingideas.com.au parentingideas.co.uk parentingideas.co.nz
Kids who are mentally healthy are equipped to handle many of lifes curve balls that come their way. They also dont let their emotions overwhelm them. As a result, they learn better and have more friends as well.
It seems strange to talk about promoting good mental health in children. Shouldnt all children naturally have good mental health habits? After all, childhood is supposed to be a pretty relaxed time of life, free from the pressures and stresses that can come with adulthood. Sadly, it doesnt seem that way. According to the Australian Psychological Society one in seven Australian children experience some type of mental health issue, with ADHD, anxiety and depression being the most common kind. Having good mental health doesnt mean that kids dont experience difficulties or worries. Feeling worried, sad or fearful is normal. Kids who are mentally healthy are equipped to handle many of lifes curve balls that come their way. They also dont let their emotions overwhelm them. As a result, they learn better and have more friends as well. As a parent its useful to reflect on the mental health habits that you promote in your kids. Here are five basic mental health habits that you can consider right now: 1. Sleep: Sleep is the one of the building blocks of mental health and well-being. Many children and just about all teenagers are sleep-deprived at the moment. Many parents are sleep-deprived as well!!!!! Children need between 10 and 12 hours sleep to enable proper growth and development, while teenagers need a minimum of nine hours. One of the single, most powerful strategies to improve kids ability to cope with stressful or changing situations is to ensure they get enough sleep. 2. Exercise: When my mum told me all those years ago to turn the television off and go outside and play she didnt know that she was promoting good mental health. She just knew that physical activity was a good thing for an active, growing boy. Kids today get less exercise than those of past generations, which is an impediment to mental health. Exercise stimulates the chemicals that improve mood and release the stress that builds up over a day. An hours movement per day seems the minimum for kids. How much exercise does your child receive? 3. Help others: Social isolation is a huge predictor of poor mental health. Encourage your child to be connected to others and to help others in any way possible. Helping others reinforces social
Michael Grose Presentations PO Box 167 Balnarring Vic 3926 p + 61 3 5983 1798 f (03) 5983 1722 e office@parentingideas.com.au
2011 Michael Grose
connectedness and the importance of being part of a community, as well as providing opportunities for positive recognition. 4. Talk: A problem shared is a problem halved! Talking about whats worrying you is a great way to remove the burden of worry and reduce anxiousness. Some kids bottle up whats inside, while others will catastrophise a situation, which can make matters seem worse. If your child or young person has a problem let him know that his concerns are important to you. Kids often cant tell you what may be wrong, so be observant and gently ask questions to help you get a clearer picture of how they may be feeling. 5. Relaxation: Make sure your child or young person has a hobby or activity that relaxes them. The ability to relax and get away from the stresses of everyday life is essential. Some children who have real difficulty switching-off may benefit from practising meditation or mindfulness, but most kids just need to have the time to chill out, and theyll relax quite naturally. These five habits are basic common sense. However, as kids lives get busier these essentials get squeezed out. Heres my recommendation to ensure that mental health habits dont get overlooked or neglected. First, see these habits as the building blocks of mental health. Dont ignore them or trivialise them. Talk to your children and tie these activities to their mental health but do so in your own way and in your own timeframe. Second, assess which of these five essential habits need your attention and make some adjustments over time to push the pendulum back, if necessary, in favour of your childs mental health.
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