This week we have our year 4 (Mon-Wed) and year 5 (Wed-Fri) classes participating in a camp to Arbury Park. Normally school camps are offered to students in year 4 (and year 6) however due to last year’s cancellation it was decided to plan a camp for our year 5 students this year. Camps offer many positive opportunities for students, some of which include:
· Social skills:
Great opportunities exist to develop a wide range of social skills that strengthen established relationships and develop new ones.
· Independence skills:
For some children, school camp may be their first time away from home. Camp provides an opportunity for kids to take care of themselves. Children often rise to this challenge, they enjoy this new found independence and recognise the need to look after themselves, each other and their environment.
· Increased environmental awareness:
At school camps, students are exposed to nature-based experiences. Hands-on activities in the outdoors stimulate all senses and help learning. Students become more aware of the environment, develop outdoor skills and an appreciation for nature.
We look forward to hearing about our students’ experiences when they return back to school. I would like to acknowledge the efforts of our teachers, Mr Johnston, Ms Roberts, Mrs Burner, Ms Stevens and Mr Kitchin in planning and organising this opportunity. Thank you also to the parents who will be attending as camp helpers; your assistance is greatly valued.
This week is National Volunteer Week which focuses on recognising and celebrating the significant contribution of volunteers. As a part of this celebration we have some parents and carers who represented our school at the Minister for Education’s morning tea, an event intended to recognise and thank volunteers for their work in schools. Later in the year, in term 4, we will be having our own volunteer thank you morning tea. Further to this, each year our school awards a community member The Minister for Education’s Volunteering Award for Outstanding Service with the recipient receiving a certificate signed by the Minister thanking them for their service. Last year this award was presented to Audrey Hoskin, a grandparent, who has been a dedicated volunteer in the Grub Club (we will be seeking nominations for this award in term 4).
External School Review
Last term our school participated in an External School Review, a process established by the Department for Education to support all schools’ self-improvement systems and practices. During the review, a panel of department representatives met with staff, parents and students. From this, a report has been developed documenting both areas of strength along with areas of growth to focus on over the next 2-3 years. Key areas identified to strengthen include the consistent implementation of evidence based teaching and learning strategies and monitoring the impact of these strategies on student learning. The report notes that the school has a committed and professional staff and is well-placed to build upon existing practices and systems.
Perimeter Fence Upgrade
Work will commence on this project next week and will take approximately 3 weeks to complete. During this time, areas of the yard will be cordoned off which students will not be able to access. The school’s Facilities Manager has indicated that the scope of the project requires the fence to be a 1.5m height around the entire perimeter.
Crossing Training
This week crossing monitor training will be offered to our year 6 and 7 students. The session will be facilitated by SAPOL. We are always looking for more monitors so please encourage your child to nominate when the timetable is being developed.
