18 June 2020

From the Principal

Dear Parents and Families,

As we move towards the end of the term, it is timely to reflect on everything that has happened over the past three months, and perhaps consider any positive revelations that have come from our recent experiences. While we have been unable to control much of what has happened, our reactions and feelings certainly tell us something about ourselves and those around us. And it may make us consider adjusting how we embrace life’s challenges in the future. These are certainly conversations we have woven into our teaching and learning programs this term when we ask students, ‘How big is the problem?’

Thank you to those parents who attended the P and C meeting last week. It was lovely to see so many faces, including new families wanting to contribute to our school. Our Roadwise committee is always looking for parent volunteers for Kiss and Drive in the afternoon. Once a week, fortnight or even month would greatly help in the smooth management of the area. 15-20mins is all the time you need to put on a vest and wave cars through, and ensure the safety of our students. Please call the office if you are interested.

Parents are asked that when they enter the school grounds on their rostered day, especially in the afternoon, that they adhere to social distancing, stay off the verandas and control younger siblings. This is to ensure minimal disruption to the learning programs that are still occurring. Once you have your child, please leave the school grounds straight away.

Our Year 6 Ministers have decided to raise money for the 'Disaster Relief and Recovery Fund' at Australian Red Cross, to help families affected by the recent bushfires. This event was scheduled for last term. The fundraiser will be held on Friday in Week 9. The theme is come to school dressed in red or orange clothing and to bring in a gold coin donation. We hope all families are able to support this student initiative.

And finally, the school’s new Principal, Josh Jashari, will be visiting for an informal meet and greet with interested parents in our Library on Monday 29th June at 8.45am. This will be restricted to 70 people, so please RSVP to the school by ringing the front office on 9302 4100.

Don’t forget to please always call the office if you have questions, queries, concerns, or compliments! We continue to be grateful that all our staff, students and families remain healthy and safe.

Happy parenting!

Cass Disisto
Principal
Landsdale Primary School

Newsletter Articles

School Calendar

2021 Kindergarten Enrolments

Kindergarten enrolments are now open for children born 1/7/2016 – 30/6/2017.

Please complete and return the application to the front office as soon as possible. Emailed applications are preferable at this time.

A copy of the child’s birth certificate, Medicare Immunisation Schedule and Proof of Address (eg. electricity bill, rates notice) is required.

The application period WILL CLOSE 3.30pm, Friday 24 July 2020. If you have any further queries, please contact the administration team.

Online Safety and Appropriate Behaviours

Just like the real world, the Internet can be full of amazing information, positive people to interact with and ideas to spark creativity and thought. However, just like the real world, it also has its dangers, inappropriate content, misinformation and harmful social interactions. In both worlds the good outweighs the bad and with care and education both can be safely navigated.

The students in Year 4-6 as Early Adolescents are beginning to act more independently with peer relationships and risk taking becoming more prevalent both in person and online.

At school we must focus on creating a safe environment for all students and as such actively and explicitly talk to the students about the type of relationships with their peers that are appropriate for school. Just as adults need to adhere to a code of conduct that is equal and safe for all in their workplace, students need the same surety for school. This means that sexual, racial or personal harassment of any kind is not tolerated. At school we address the health and growth of students in an educative manner during health lessons as is appropriate. Students having a “girlfriend” or “boyfriend” at this age is a part of experimenting and growing up, however this is often very difficult to navigate and can create many negative feelings and consequences. The students are well aware of our school agreements and know that these behaviours are not to be evident on the school grounds. Our experience is that it can cause harassment, embarrassment and humiliation of others and bullying behaviour both in person and online. We request that you support us to keep the school a place of learning and safe behaviours where all students can enjoy friendships with all their peers and be able to concentrate on their learning. Please talk to you children about responsible and appropriate behaviours for school as we want all students to retain their good standing and have a great year.

Teachers are continually teaching students sound educational and safe practices for online interactions and, in accordance with our Acceptable Use Policy and student Personal Device Usage Agreements, monitor student laptops often. When remotely monitoring the student machines since their return to school we have found an increased use of social media both during school times and home hours. We do not permit social media sites or applications to be used during school unless under the direct supervision of a teacher (for example YouTube educational videos or our monitored Google email within our school domain). Communication with parents, friends or relatives during school hours using mobile phones or social media is a breach of the Education Department’s Acceptable Use Policy. If you wish to communicate with your child during school hours, please contact the office who will assist you with this.

Many of the inappropriate interactions during the use of social media and gaming applications occur after school when students are using their phones, game consoles or laptops. You can help your child in many simple ways to ensure these interactions are safe and appropriate. Your child is probably using the internet independently at home and can come across many risks from content, contact and conduct.

You can help your child learn to manage internet safety risks by:

• Being a role model and talking with your child about online content and activities.
• Taking an interest in your child’s online activities. This builds trust and encourages your child to talk to you about online worries.
• Supporting your children to ensure that they are using it in the safest possible manner and becoming good digital citizens.
• Setting clear guidelines in relation to internet usage, when it can be used, for how long, and where they can use it
• Checking your child’s Internet history at random times and discussing the sites they access to ensure they are appropriate sites.

There are many sites that offer advice and help to parents and children and our website has links to these. Here are a couple that are really good:

On the Ball …. With Mr P

Runners Club

A big congratulations to Zak D.M. who completed his 300th lap (75 km) in Runners Club last week. I need some new badges! This is a fantastic effort and shows great commitment from 2019 into this year in continuing his running. Keep up the great work Zak!

Runners Club will return in term 3.

Thanks everybody.

Mr. P

Canteen Messages

CANTEEN INFORMATION

Canteen Manager: Sue Uyen
Phone: 0410 894 457
Opening hours: 8:30am to 1:45pm

If you've experienced any issues recently with using Qkr!, updating the app will fix it. Please regularly check the P&C facebook page for weekly specials.

To stay in the loop for daily menu specials watch the P&C fb page

Cheers,
Sue

P&C News – Entertainment Fundraiser 2020 Early Bird Launch

Renew your Entertainment membership for 20/21, get a free $10 Wish gift card and a bonus 2 month membership. And don’t forget 5% off Woolworths vouchers and many other money saving vouchers included in membership.

Any questions please email me aberline.attwood@dbca.wa.gov.au.

20% of your Membership renewal goes directly to Landsdale Primary School.