Scotts Head Public School Newsletter

At the end of Term 2, students in 3/4 and 4/5 learnt to play a traditional Indonesian board game called ‘Congklak’. This is a two-person game of luck and strategy, using a long wooden board and 50 small cowrie shells. This was a great way for students to unwind at the end of a busy term and engage in an authentic cultural experience. A big thank you to the retired Indonesian teacher who donated a class set of congklak to our school – Terima kasih banyak! Below are some photos of students absorbed in the game.

• How do people’s connections to places affect their perception of them? 

A big event we are looking forward to this term is celebrating Indonesian Independence Day (August 17th). This is always a fun day for the whole school to celebrate Indonesian language and culture. Keep an eye out for more details in the lead up to Week 8.

Another special activity coming up this term is the National Australia Indonesia Language Awards (NAILA). This is an annual speech competition that fosters and rewards the development of Indonesian language across Australia. A small number of students will be selected to represent Scotts Head by preparing and recording a short speech in Indonesian – with up to $400 in prize money up for grabs! Coaching will begin in Week 2 and students will have 6 weeks to rehearse their speeches before the competition closes on August 31st. This will be a very exciting opportunity for some of our students to challenge themselves.

Unfortunately adult Indonesian classes will have to be postponed until COVID restrictions ease, but we are hoping to get this up and running again with the help of Bu Bibi as soon as possible.

On the theme of 'Heal Country' SHPS students were able to participate in a range of COVID safe activities to celebrate Indigenous Australian Culture, for 2021 NAIDOC week.

The kids took part in small group activities where they were able to try art making, dancing, storytelling, traditional (TIG) games and campfire building. All of the activities were directed by our senior student leaders. 

Pak Adam

The Little Whales Transition to Kindergarten Program kicked off with a wonderful splash on Monday morning! What a fabulous and happy group of new Kindergarten children for 2022! Many thanks ? to everyone involved in making our our Transition Program successful! Bu Bettina 

On Thursday, our debating teams went up against Frederickton Public School in a pair of Zoom debates.
The Speakers (Tom, Cohen, Asher F and Payton) were drawn as the affirmative team and had to debate that 'Kids in Years 5 and 6 should spend a week away from their families each year.' It was a very close debate with clever arguments and robust rebuttal. After lengthy deliberation, the adjudicator awarded the win to the Scotts Head Speakers. This means the team finish the round robin with 4 wins to 0 losses record, and will continue on to the knock-out stages of the tournament. 

After lunch, The Chasers (Asher B, Wolfe, Peyton and Lior) were also drawn as the affirmative team. Their topic was 'Primary schools should start each day with a 30 minute mental health and well-being lesson'. They were undaunted by this tricky topic coming up with a multitude of ingenious arguments and discerning rebuttals. The adjudicator was left with no choice but to award them the win. The Chasers have one final debate coming up against Aldavilla Public School, who boast a very strong team. It should be a cracker!

Pak Chris

Thanks to Zoe from the Costa Group (a local avocado farm) for involving our school in a “World Food Safety Day” colouring-in competition last term.

World Food Safety Day was celebrated on 7 June 2021 and aims to draw attention and inspire action to help prevent, detect and manage food borne risks. This year’s theme is, ‘Safe food now for a healthy tomorrow’.  It highlights that production and consumption of safe food has immediate and long-term benefits for people, the planet and the economy. Everyone has a role to play from farm to table to ensure the food we consume is safe and healthy. Things we can do to keep food safe, as food handlers and consumers include:

• Remember to wash our hands as per the hand hygiene requirements including before handling food, and during food preparation. This is an amazing weapon against food borne illnesses, so when you wash... wash well...!
• Ensure that all food contact surfaces are clean.
• Protect food from insects, pests and other animals.
• When preparing food, keep raw, especially meat, poultry and seafood, and cooked food separate.
• Cook food thoroughly, especially meat, eggs, poultry and seafood. Cooking kills harmful bacteria that cause illness, another great way to keep food safe!
• Keep food at safe temperatures. Remember to keep food out of the temperature danger zone!
• Wash fruit and vegetables, especially if eaten raw. But remember, wash with water only, not with soap.

Congratulations to the winners of the colouring-in competition:

1st prize Tiger

2nd prize Emily

3rd prize Jordy

Everyone in K/1 & 1/2 got a special water bottle and metal straw for entering the colouring-in competition. Thanks Zoe for organising, the kids love them!

School Banking has unfortunately been put on hold until Wednesday 11 August 2021. 

Week 7 - Book Week / Book Fair