Wednesday April 26 2017

From Sue Anzac Day Services Last Friday we had our Peacemaker Captains Maya Jacobs and Sam Hodges represent the school at the local Anzac Day Service for Schools at the Hampton RSL Club. Hampton Harmonies performed ‘In Flanders Fields’. Our year 6 students wrote poems as part of a competition. Quite a number of students took the time to consider Anzac Day, war in general, the impact it has on families and communities and peace. The teachers carefully reviewed all the entries and selected the top three poems all of which were excellent. I extend congratulations to Miranda McLean, Maya Jacobs and Amy Wilson all of whom produced excellent poems. Miranda

wrote the winning poem reflecting on the contribution that nurses made to the war effort. Miranda and Maya have both confidently presented their poems recently. We will be inviting Amy and other year 6 students to share their poems at assemblies over the next few weeks. Today our some of our Year 6 leaders conducted an assembly for the whole school on Anzac Day. Jake Taranto, Miranda McLean, Max Lynch, Audrey Smart, Sam Hodges and Maya Jacobs all played a pivotal role in the organisation, preparation and conduct for the assembly. Each has shown initiative and persistence in researching the topic and then polishing their delivery of poems, stories or presentations on family history of involvement in a war. They have worked at lunchtimes, recesses and after school and shown strong desire to do their best in this regard. I have felt great pride in working with this group; they are wonderful ambassadors for Hampton Primary.

The soldier pictured is Jake’s Great, Great Uncle Harry who fought in WW2. He was a decorated soldier who was captured and transported by train to a prisoner of war camp. He showed much courage by escaping from the train and then hiding in a hole in the ground for 5 months during winter. Harry was fortunate to have some support from the local people! We had the pleasure of hearing great, great Uncle Harry’s story through his very proud nephew Jake today at our special assembly. Miranda decided she would deliver a summary of the well-known story of Simpson and his donkey. She very quickly captivated her audience with this

poignant tale of devotion between Simpson and his trusty donkey; together they rescued over 300 men during a twenty-four day period. Tragically, Simpson was shot and killed shortly after this time.

Maya recited a beautiful poem that she composed entitled ‘Forever in our Hearts’ she delivered this with excellent timing, pace and obvious confidence. Maya also recited the Ode setting a respectful and sombre atmosphere. Maya enjoyed the challenge of memorising her poem and the ode and was particularly adept at presenting to a very large audience. Audrey researched her family involvement in the war . Her great Uncle John died fighting for Australia in WW2. Audrey’s Aunt Tracy is currently serving our country in the Australian Air Force; she is an Air Vice Marshal and is the Surgeon General of the Australian Defence Force. Tracy has served Australia in a number of war zones including Rwanda, East Timor and the Middle East. Max researched and found a poem entitled ‘The Best on Earth’ which outlined the importance of veterans in war and that we must recognise and value their experience and skills. This topic resonated strongly with Max who delivered his presentation with poise and conviction. Sam carefully gathered some family knowledge that r efer red to two family members – his great, great uncle Lars who was in the Norwegian army and was shot in the back and badly injured by the enemy, but the doctor was unable to remove the bullet. He survived and lived the rest of his life with a bullet in his back! The second was his great grandad Richard Burrell who was radio technician stationed in Borneo and worked with the Australian Air Force. He ensured that pilots could communicate effectively whilst in the air. Richard survived the war and returned safely to Australia. The String Ensemble performed ‘Simple Hymn’ today ably accompanied by Lana, Mandy and Dorothy. This was an excellent selection as it set the tone and atmosphere for the assembly. The auditioned choir Hampton Harmonies performed ‘In Flanders Fields’ with considerable skill and enthusiasm. Traci had taped the choir in advance and used this as a backing tape, which enriched the performance and particularly the volume. Again, the selection of the music matched the occasion ad they provided a rousing rendition! Well done to 2E who led the singing of the National Anthem today with great gusto. I extend my congratulations to our leaders including Miranda, Jake, Sam, Maya, Max and Audrey. Parent Teacher Interviews: Monday 1 May Parent teacher interviews are important; they provide an opportunity for parents to discuss a child’s progress from an emotional, social and academic perspective. Very often, the social and emotional can affect the academic achievement, so it is important to consider all three areas. This year we have responded to parent feedback with the scheduling of interviews, they have been brought forward in the year. Interviews with the teachers will occur next week on Monday 1 May between 1.30 and 8pm. I am aware that a number of parents have requested other days and time to meet; please speak directly with the teacher to arrange a mutually suitable time. The interview will focus on the successes of the year so far, identify future learning goals and discuss an Individual Learning Improvement Plan if required. You will also have the opportunity for the first time (for many parents) to access your child’s ‘Seesaw’ digital portfolio, displaying your child’s learning in a range of different areas and formats. We have introduced Seesaw across the school from Foundation to Year 6. The portfolio also provides the opportunity for peer and teacher feedback that you can also access. You will leave the session with information about how you can access this from home in the future. I encourage parents to make a time to see their child’s teacher. Parents are welcome to make an appointment to speak to me about student progress or any other matter. Music News This year children in grades 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 will have the opportunity to see the musical Aladdin later in the year on Wednesday 20 September; this musical is currently receiving impressive reviews from the theatre critics. Our school is keen to expose children to a variety of musical and theatrical experiences and styles; this broadens their outlook and develops an appreciation for the arts generally. Typically, those participating would attend a matinee session and arrive back at school at around 5pm in the afternoon. Further details regarding booking tickets are available on Traci’s blog.

School Uniform This term quite a few children have been more relaxed in wearing clothing that is not part of the school uniform. Please check what your child is wearing to school and ensure that they are appropriately dressed for school. Sue Knight Principal

KISS AND GO STAY WITH YOUR CAR

2 MINUTE LIMIT All Parents please be aware of the Kiss and Go limits.

The parking inspector regularly inspects the 2 minute pickup area and if you exit your car for any reason, even to open a boot you will be booked.

The 2 minute zone is only for parents whose children are old enough to exit the school by themselves. If you need to enter the school to collect your child

you must park in an appropriate parking place.

Hampton Primary will be actively enforcing this in conjunction with the Bayside City Council.

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS IN

THE

BUSINESS

Dry Cleaning available 3 Plain Garments $21.00 5 Business Shirts $17.00

HAMPTON 7 DAY MARKET

Specialising in quality fruit and vegies daily.

We also stock a large number of grocery lines

Milk Eggs Drinks Pasta Etc.

Suppliers to hotels, motels, hospitals, clubs, restaurants and schools.

331 HAMPTON ST, HAMPTON PH: 9597 0785