Phone: Primary 9249 8022 Fax: 9249 9072 Phone: ESC 9249 8912 Fax: 9249 3921

SMS Student Absences to 0437 703 226

NEWSLETTER 17 – 31st October 2013

LEARNING TOGETHER – GROWING TOGETHER

IMPORTANT DATES 2013

TERM 4 Fri 1st Nov * ESC Excursion to Ballajura Aquatic Centre Mon 4th - Fri 15th Nov * In-Term Swimming Yrs 3-6 Tue 5th Nov * Parent Chat Time 9-10am Mon 4th 11th 18th Nov * Healthy Eating Workshop Tue 19th Nov TA19 Assembly

Jump Jam Success Story Since it was trialled as a pilot program at the beginning of 2013, both the Education Support Centre and the Primary School have embraced Jump Jam - an aerobics-based exercise program originating in New Zealand, which allows students to express themselves through music and dance, while exercising. ‘School Matters’, the Education Department magazine showcasing our success story was published in Edition 7 on the cover page with two page article. Congratulations to all our students and staff on this fantastic achievement, particular special mention to Angela Guise as Coordinator.

TA 9 Assembly We all enjoyed the delightful poems and song performed by TA 9 students this week at our assembly.

Congratulations Congratulations and well done to Mrs Rani Joseph who has attained Level 3 Teacher status through a rigorous and extensive process.

Staff Changes We welcome Mrs Angela Watson to TA 11 whilst Miss Mary McEvedy is on Long Service Leave for five weeks. Also, Mrs Madeleine Gorham will be teaching in TA 24 for the last five weeks of term whilst Miss Gwen Davis takes Long Service Leave. Just to let you know that in 2014 Mrs Lynda Moir will be taking leave for the year. At this stage, the incoming Primary Principal has not been appointed. I will definitely miss you all and thank you for your support of our school in 2013.

SMS Messaging for Monitoring Attendance From Monday 4th November SMS Messaging will be available for use by the whole primary school for monitoring and supporting attendance. This program involves SMS texts being sent to your mobile phone number if your child is recorded as being absent form school. If your child is absent please text to 0427 703 226 by 9:15am. If you send the school a text message, or respond to the message sent to you, you are not required to send a note as well. If we do not have your mobile number, please confirm absences in the usual manner.

World Teachers Day Friday, 25th October was World Teachers’ Day, to celebrate and thank our wonderful educators who provide both academic and social development opportunities everyday for our students. A scrumptious celebratory morning tea was enjoyed by all, which was provided by our campus Admin team, thank you.

Funding Cuts 2014 As you are aware, education funding cuts were announced for 2014 which will impact on teaching, & learning programs & staff. Robyn Parker from State School Teachers’ Union will be here at 9am on Tuesday 5 November to talk about the Education cuts and implications for our schools. All campus parents are welcome to come to Life Skills room and have a cuppa while listening to Robyn.

P&C Disco Volunteers Needed Please respond to the important flyer enclosed!

In-term Swimming The two week In-term Swimming program for the Year 1 and 2 students was completed last Friday. The Swimming Instructors at the Ballajura Pool supported our students in developing a range of aquatic skills including water safety and skill development. Thank you to all staff involved in coordinating the swimming schedules and supporting the students at the pool. Our children have to be commended for their wonderful behaviour during the last two weeks. Senior classes from Years 3-6 will start their two week swimming on Monday, Week 4 at Bayswater Waves.

‘Save Money and Eat Healthy’ Katie and Ashley, from Nutrition Australia, presented a most informative session for parents/caregivers on cooking and nutrition, including food budget tips! All participants had a great time, discussing, preparing and consuming a healthy meal and drink. Please join them in K1 (Mrs Newman’s room) for the next three Mondays for more good ideas, food and fun – 9-11 a.m. For more information phone 62010469 or e-mail wa@nutritionaustralia.org

All Primary and ESC parents welcome! Why is learning languages important in schools? The study of languages contributes to the general education of all students. It operates from the fundamental principle that for all students, learning to communicate in two or more languages is a rich and challenging experience of engaging with and participating in the linguistic and cultural diversity of our interconnected world. ( ACARA).............watch this space for more reasons. This term classes will:

Year 3: tell the time, describe their clothes and birthdays and Indonesian celebrations. Year 4: continue animals - pets and zoo animals and birthday celebrations. Year 5: look at the Indonesian Good Manners Guide and create an Australian Good Manners Guide. Celebrations in Indonesian will follow. Year 6: engage in planning a 5 day trip to Indonesia. Education support: read the Indonesian version of “The Hungry Caterpillar” and learn about the Asian fruits the caterpillar eats. This will include a fruit tasting experience! Birthday celebrations will follow.

Then it is all about Christmas. Salam Ibu Francis

Garden for Miss Sibma Mrs Denise Wilkins and Year 5 and 6 students have started work on creating a garden adjacent to TA19 in memory of Miss Sibma. This year the garden will be planted out with annuals and next year we hope to create a flowering native garden. Miss Sibma loved birds and nature and this will be a lovely way to remember her contribution to our school. Please see Mrs Wilkins if you would like to be involved in any way.

YOU CAN DO (achieve) IT Classes for 2014 Teachers will be working on class lists for 2014 towards the end of this term. Final lists will be displayed in the Undercover Area, at the front office and on classroom doors on Friday, 31 January 2014. Primary parents please put in writing to Mrs Lynda Moir by Friday, 22 November, any information about your child that you would like taken into consideration when placing your child for 2014. This information can be left at the front office. At this stage teachers have not been allocated to classes or particular year levels Student Numbers 2014 As we are currently working towards finalising our student numbers for 2014, if you know that your child will not be returning to South Ballajura Primary School or Education Support Centre for next year (not including current year 6s) As school is required to submit numbers within the first two weeks of term 1, we would appreciate you informing us of this fact by completing and returning the slip below as soon as possible. My child/ren, name[s] _______________________ TA ____, _________________________ TA_____ _______________________ TA____, _________________________ TA_____ WILL NOT BE returning to Sth Ballajura PS / Sth Ballajura ESC (please circle relevant school) in 2014

WILL NOT BE returning on Monday 3rd Feb 2014 but will be returning on __________ (date) Parent/Carer Signature: _______________________ Date: _______________

Affirmation

I am positive This term we are focusing on the Resilience key to success One way you can demonstrate Resilience by showing this virtue: Enthusiasm ** Enjoy whatever you are doing. ** By celebrating with others when something good happens. ** Do things whole heartedly. ** Let yourself look forward to things.

RESILIENCE

Muffin Break Face Book Competition Muffin Break is running a competition on their FaceBook page where schools can win!! We are asking South Ballajura Primary School and Education Support Centre parents go to Muffin Break’s Facebook page, follow the links to “The Great Bake Sale” and vote for our school. You will need to ‘like’ the Great Bake Sale before you can follow the other steps to vote. Our school could win up to 1000 muffins for fundraising and three iPads for the school. The web page is https://www.facebook.com/MuffinBreak

Work Experience Over the term, we were fortunate to have a number of Education Assistant work experience placements in our classrooms. Their energy and enthusiasm supported our students in providing individualised programs and extra care, This was particularly evident during our Aquatic program. Thank you for your commitment to SBESC, wishing you the very best in your studies and work placements. Christmas Party Tickets Once again we are delighted to be offered tickets to the ‘Annual Special Christmas Party’ which will be held on Sun 17th November. If you would like tickets for your child, remember to complete the slip on the letter you received with details and return to your child’s class teacher, or see the ESC Registrar in front office.

Just a reminder that we are open on Tuesdays, if you need a new menu please collect one from the canteen. We are running a Christmas raffle this year notes for donations will go home soon. We would like to give a very big thank you to Anne Whitehurst, Melanie Saunders, Marija Curkoska, Yrkije Hasani & Tina Christmass for helping in canteen. If you have any spare time and would like to volunteer to receive a $5 voucher towards your childs lunch please come and see us in the canteen. Michelle Cole & Bronwyn Plane

There is a new competition running throughout Term 4 in which any student who makes 2 or more deposits during the term goes into the draw to win an i-Pod Touch or a DVD Pack containing three DVDs, so get your deposits in! Tina Christmass

Saver Plus You May Be Eligible To Join A Local Savings Program that Matches Every Dollar You Save, Up To $500

As you may be aware, the Dept Of Education supports parents to provide financially for their children and refers families to community and government organisations that can offer additional support. Saver Plus, Australia’s largest matched savings program, is one such program and assists people to save for educational expenses by matching their savings dollar for dollar up to $500. The Dept wishes to offer eligible parents the opportunity to participate in Saver Plus. What this means for you SaverPlus is a free 10 month program that provides you with financial education, budgeting and savings tips to assist you to build your skills around managing money., become a regular saver and reach saving goals. Once you finish the program, ANZ will match your saving dollar for dollar, up to $500. You can use your matched savings for educational-related costs, such as school uniforms, computers, text books and more. Can I join? You may be eligible to join if you have a Centrelink Health Care or Pensioner Concession Card. Are at least 18 years old, have some regular income, have a child at school or attend vocational education yourself. How do I find out more Saver Plus is delivered by The Smith Family in the Mirrabooka, Kiwinana & Rockingham areas and also by Anglicare WA in the Mandurah area. To contact your local Saver Plus Worker, call or SMD your name and postcode to 1300 610 355 or email saverplus@ bsl.org.au Please note: a family my only receive matched funds only once.

Wheelchairs for Kids Fundraiser Miss Penny’s Mad Monday lunchtime groups have recently undertaken a fundraising project. We have begun fundraising for a local organisation (based in Wangara) called Wheelchairs for Kids , who provide wheelchairs for disabled children in under resourced countries. To begin our fundraising efforts we are collecting aluminium cans to access the small cast refund. This money will be donated to Wheelchairs for kids to fund the building of their 3 wheel rough terrain wheelchairs. One wheelchair can be produced with a donation of $150. We will also continue to use the ring pulls for a Rotary International Project that has been promoted in the school over the years by Mrs Cheryl Lennox, ESC Principal. Each 1kg of ring pulls collected by Rotary enables the manufacture of a complete hinge for an artificial limb. Maybe you can help? Do you drink soft drink? We would love to recycle the empty cans for cash. Any cans can be dropped off to Miss Penny’s office (Staff Study 3) on Monday or Tuesday’s. ______________________________________________ BALLAJURA INDOOR SPORTS – NETBALL Our new season will commence Wed 16th October/Sat 19th October and run for 18 weeks in total. No games are played during school holidays. Cost $130.00 per player for the season, including your nomination fees which are payable on or before the start of the season. Ages 6 – 12years TAKE HOME A BIG BROTHER OR BIG SISTER Give your children the wonderful opportunity to have an international big brother or big sister by hosting one of our exceptional international students arriving in Australia in February 2014 for their 3, 5 or 10 month programs. Our international students from Germany, Italy, Finland, Colombia and Mexico will live as a local, attend a local secondary school, arrive with their own spending money and comprehensive insurance cover – all arranged by Southern Cross Cultural Exchange. Visit us at www.scce.com.au, email scceaust@scce.com.au or call us toll free on 1800 500 501, request our international student profiles, and capture the spirit of family and friendship! Thanks and Kind Regards Genevieve Eyre Program Coordinator Southern Cross Cultural Exchange Tel: (03) 9775 4711 Toll-free: 1-800-500-501

VacSwim December/January Swimming Programs

Enrolments are now open and information postcards have been sent home with students from Pre-Primary to Year 6 Swimming pools and beaches are part of our Western Australian lifestyle. It is important for every child to learn how to swim and develop essential water safety skills. VacSwim’s Dec/Jan school holiday swimming programs are conducted by qualified instructors who teach children the skills to be confident swimmers and safe in the water. For information and to enrol, visit det.wa.edu.au/swimming, for more information, phone VacSwim on 9345 4007 or email vacswim@education.wa.edu.au

STS STUDENT EXCHANGE

STS Student Exchange is a not-for-profit student exchange organisation and has place many students from all around the world with Australian host families over the last 27 years.

We have a number of exchange students who are arriving in January 2014 and are very keen to become part of an Australian family. We are seeking Aussie families who are busy, friendly, interested in other cultures and willing to welcome an STS exchange student into their family. Our volunteer host families provide room and board and treat their host son or daughter as a member of the family.

Call us today on 1800 263 964. Tennis Coaching During the school term Ross Gerrans Tennis School will be conducting tennis coaching for children and adults in your area. Application forms are available from the school office or by calling Ross on 9284 9588 or Mobile: 0408 945 509 If venues or times unsuitable please phone for details of alternative times and venues. Healthy Eating for School- Aged Children Children need a variety of different food each day. Snacks are an important part of a healthy diet for active children. Make snacks nutritious, not just high energy. Let children tell you when they are full. Let children help prepare family meals Encourage children to drink plain water. Give your child lunch to take from home. Enjoy talking and sharing the day’s happenings at mealtimes.