PERMISSIONS & PAYMENTS DUE
Ern Halliday Day Camp – Year 6
THIS WEEK
Monday – Swim Squad am
Tuesday – Double Bass, Violin and Viola lessons commence
Tuesday – No orchestra
Wednesday – Canteen open
Wednesday – No Choir
Wednesday – Cello lessons commence
Thursday – Canteen open
Thursday – Guitar Lessons commence
Thursday – Swim Squad pm
NEXT WEEK
Monday – Swim Squad am
Thursday – Swim Squad pm
Message from the Principal
Dear Parents and Carers
Thank you for your efforts behind the scenes that contributed to such a smooth, positive start to the school year. It’s been a busy but productive start as our new staff members settle into the routines and ebb and flow of all that is Kapinara. The major works being completed in our Pre-Primary building has added a layer of complexity, as each of the Pre-Primary classes has commenced in the music and art rooms. Less than ideal for an incoming music and incoming visual arts specialist! I’d like to thank our staff and our families for maintaining the flexibility and adaptability that we have had to harness over the last couple of years.
We are hoping that the Pre-Primary project will be completed in the next couple of weeks, and I look forward to being able to share some images with you as soon as possible. The two Pre-Primary classes, one larger and one smaller, have been this way for many years. The restructure of the internal area has ‘reallocated’ some of the space from Pre-Primary 1 to Pre-Primary 2, and the kitchen has been remodelled to claim some additional room and easy access from both classrooms. There will be a little more to do after the main work has been completed, primarily painting, for which we will be responsible. The structural work, new vinyl flooring, new kitchen benchtops etc were part of the ‘capital works’ brief funded via our Department’s centrally managed budget. Additional painting, pin-up boards and new electronic whiteboards will be funded by the school … hopefully with some financial support from P & C funding – so we will be very grateful if the P & C voluntary contributions could be paid in the coming weeks. Thank you!
School Chaplaincy
At the very end of last year, we received confirmation of Australian Government funding for school chaplaincy. We are delighted to join the many other public schools who receive this support. We are also very grateful to the P & C who quarantined money from the last year’s major fundraising event (Bingo Night) to top up the government funding. This means that we have Melissa Caley, our school chaplain, two days per week now. Mel will be here on Mondays and Tuesdays adding to the support we strive to offer our students to support their wellbeing.
School Chaplaincy services are designed to contribute to existing wellbeing and pastoral care services. within the school. While the term ‘chaplain’ suggests that the program might have a religious focus, or reference a specific faith, this is not the case. The program is about supporting the social and emotional wellbeing of students and families within our school community. Notwithstanding this, students’ engagement with a school chaplain is completely voluntary and parents may elect for their child to not be part of the chaplaincy program.
NAPLAN
Students in Years 3 and 5 will be involved in NAPLAN this term, commencing in Week 7. The intention behind the change of schedule is that schools will receive the information from these assessments earlier in the year. We view NAPLAN as we view a range of other assessments – we gain some information about how our students in Years 3 and 5 are achieving and progressing.
Parental Leave
Ms Burrows is now on leave, and Mrs Davey will be close behind her. Mrs Davey’s last day for now will be this Thursday. We wish them both well.
School Board
In the next week I will be seeking nominations for our School Board. Please keep an eye out for an email from me. Being a member of a School Board is vastly different from being a member of a corporate board, and does not require any specific experience. More information will be provided in my email.
Best wishes for all those attending our class meetings in the next two weeks. I trust you find them valuable.
Best wishes
Elizabeth
Music Programs
Instrumental Music lessons have commenced this week.
Orchestra for Years 4-6 Instrumental students will recommence in Week 4.
You can find the Instrumental lesson days and times under the What’s On tab in our Parent Information section. We are adding the year levels and times progressively as the music teachers are attending this week.
As we have welcomed a new Music Specialist teacher this year, information regarding choir will be sent as soon as finalised.
Road Safety
A reminder to all parents that Styne Rd (north to South) should be treated as a one way street during drop-off and pick-up times.
Parents parking in Styne Road are asked to depart Styne Road by turning right into Catesby St. This prevents a traffic hazard in front of the school. Could parents also please be careful of their speed around the school (40km during school zone times) and strictly observe the kiss n’ drive bays and other markings on Catesby St at all times.
Thankyou
Community
JOEY SCOUTS (Wembley Downs) – Children aged 5-7. Term 1, 2023 enrolments are now open!
Does your child love nature, adventure, and learning about the world? Joey Scouts helps to build friendships, independence, and confidence through a variety of activities & adventures including crafts, games, cooking, camping, and exciting excursions.
Tuesdays 4.30 pm – 5.30 pm. Wembley Downs Scout Hall, Dover Crescent. Free trials are available this term! Contact: donnapfarrell@gmail.com
