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Welcome to the first newsletter for Term 2. I am pleased to report that there has already been many successful and enjoyable activities take place.
During the first week of the term, our senior students were fortunate to be visited by Paralympian, Amber Merritt. She shared her amazing journey that culminated in her selection in the Australian wheelchair basketball team that won a silver medal at the 2012 Summer Paralympic Games in Tokyo. In telling her story, Amber emphasized to students the importance of setting goals, being resilient, and how optimism and staying positive are such important qualities. Thanks, Mr Wulff, for organizing Amber’s visit for us. I even got to wear her medal!
Yesterday, Miss Castleden accompanied ten of our excited Year 6 students who are represented us in the 2024 City of Wanneroo School Leadership Project. Along with ten other primary schools, our group spent an excellent day developing a project that will be implemented that will benefit our community. This is a terrific City of Wanneroo initiative that our school is again involved in. Thank you, Miss Castleden, for your energy in supporting out Year 6 team. I’m looking forward to reporting on our progress in the months ahead.
Swimming Lessons I’d like to thank families for the strong response (184) to the brief survey I sent on Connect concerning swimming lessons in 2025. This has provided clear feedback for the planning- I really appreciate this. It’s evident that the timing of lessons, and the cost, are aspects that families are willing to support. Moving forward, schools are required to submit their preferences for swimming lessons (time, dates and year levels) by the end of next week. Once I’ve been advised of our allocation, I will report this to you, along with an estimated cost.
Parking and Getting to School In recent times, I have received calls and talked to family and community members, including the School Board, regarding their concern for some of the parking behaviour being observed. This includes double parking, parking where it is not safe to do so, and ignoring signs. Most of all, there has disappointment expressed that drop offs/pick-ups are taking place by families they really do not need to do so (that is, they could walk to school). Please be advised that you’ll see a response in the weeks and months ahead; at the very least, City of Wanneroo rangers will be requested to have a presence when they can, and other more practical and positive measures.
Alkimos PS School Board Our School Board’s first meeting for the year took place last week. This was a very productive meeting. The Board plays an important role in supporting school governance. For example, the school’s cash budget was present and discussed at this meeting. I appreciate the interest and support of the 2025 School Board members
Simon Cox- Parent Representative- Board Chair
Lisa Reichle- Parent Representative
Alta De Jager- Parent Representative
Karen Nociti- Community Representative
Sara Sparks and Kirstin MacLean- Staff Representatives.
I am looking forward to another rewarding term for our students and community. Tomorrow, CRs 21 and 23 host the assembly; these are good occasions always.
Andy Gorton
PRINCIPAL
Dear Families,
Welcome back to term 2. I hope you are all keeping well as we enter into the colder seasons. Please endeavour to keep your children home if you think they are not well enough to come to school. If you child is deemed unwell during the school day, and we contact you to requesting that they are collected, be aware that we do not have the facilities to keep them in our medical room to rest. If you are unable to collect them, I encourage you to make alternative arrangements with family members/friends so they can leave school as soon as possible.
Voluntary Contributions 2024
Thank you to those families who have responded to statements previously issued and paid their voluntary contribution. This really does go along way and ensure we can provide all incursions at no cost.
I would like to advise that the $30 contribution is Voluntary and can always be paid in a number of ways.
In cash, in person or over the phone via EFT
By direct transfer to our bank account BSB 066 058 A/C 1029 3855 Stating your child’s name and Voluntary Contribution as the reference. Payment plans ae always offered, just call in to see me in the office.
Here is a breakdown of voluntary contributions received to date for 2024.
|
Primary Students |
$4670 |
31.44% |
|
Pre-Primary Students |
$1250 |
57.87% |
|
Kindergarten Students |
$1150 |
43.53% |
Overall 35.94%
Brekkie Club
Remember that Brekkie club will start again from this week. 07:40am in the art room, all are welcome, I look forward to seeing your children.
School Parking and dropping off
Can I please remind you all to continue to turn left when entering the car park. The Bollards will continue to be raised during drop off and pick up times for the safety of our students walking into school on the car park crossing. This area is not for student drop off at any time of day. We have had complaints from families and community members regarding parking on verges and pavements to the rear and front of the school, this makes it extremely dangerous for students and families to navigate the crossing of the roads as they do not have clear vision. We have requested that the ranger visits the area a few times a week. I ask that you are courteous to others when using the parking around the school.
Sara Sparks
Manager Corporate Services
Anzac Ceremony
Last Wednesday our school community commemorated the men and women who have served Australia and New Zealand in the Defence Forces. Our Anzac Ceremony is a time for students to reflect beyond the anniversary of the landing of troupes on Gallipoli shores in 1915. It is a time for the people of a community to gather together to recognise and remember the sacrifices made by all those who have served Australia and New Zealand in times of conflict and those who currently serve in the defence forces. We remember with pride, their courage, compassion, and comradeship.
Our wonderful student leaders lead the ceremony with such a sense of occasion, reading poems, welcoming and introducing special speakers with confidence. They are such wonderful role models for our younger students. Well done and thank you to Annabelle Latter-Ixer for presenting the Acknowledgement to Country and the Ode of Remembrance in Noongar Language.
‘The Spirit of the ANZACs’ is a phrase frequently used to describe particular actions by, and qualities of, the Australian and New Zealander people, and underpins our Australian image and way of life. It is an integral part of our heritage. This Spirit was epitomised in the deeds of Simpson with his donkey at Gallipoli - comradeship, courage and sacrifice: others before self. It also encompasses the laughter, the pride and the love of life that is in every Australian.
Today, the Spirit of the ANZAC is not confined to the battlefield. It lives in the schools, on the sports fields, in fact all Australia and New Zealand and inspired the song “Spirit of the Anzacs” by Australian Lee Kernaghan. Our lovely school choir led the school beautifully singing at our ceremony. Thank you to our wonder music specialist, Miss Dupond for working with our students and leading them on the day.
A special thank you to Mrs Birchall who made 3 beautiful, native wreaths to be laid at the flag poles. Thank you also to our talented Art Specialists, Mrs Nixon, Miss Smith and Mrs Griffiths, who worked with students to create a stunning poppy display for inside and on the grass quadrangle and to Mr Sparks and Mitchell helping to set this up.
Kind regards,
Kirstin MacLean
Hello families, I am so happy this term, the visitors I have had to my office showing off their fantastic work has really put a smile on my face.
Whilst walking around the school at recess and lunch it has been wonderful to see all students with hats. Being in the fresh air and being active is a great way to refresh the brain. As the cold weather is fast approaching, I would like to remind families about the importance of our school jacket or a plain navy-blue jumper (no hoods).
Finally, a big well done to CR21 & CR23 on their mothers & others assembly. I really enjoyed it and loved the fact that my own mum got to make an appearance in the PowerPoint.
Good Day Everyone
Welcome back to term 2!
This term we are focusing on R E S P E C T as one of the values at Alkimos Primary School.
Some questions we are working through to help us all understand what it means to respect someone:
- Who deserves our respect? Everybody deserves to be respected.
- Why do we respect someone? Respect makes us feel safe to be around each other and it shows others how we want to be treated.
- What does it look like? We listen to each other. We allow everyone to express who they are and talk openly about their needs and wants. We admit when we’ve made a mistake or done the wrong thing.
- What does respect sounds like? We speak in a proper way to each other. We don’t yell or talk over the top of each other or interrupt. When we disagree, we listen to each other, be patient and look to work things out. It is ok to disagree!
- How does it feel to be respected? Being respected makes us feel valued and it creates a calm environment. Respect does not have to come naturally; it is something we can learn.
- What does respect do? Respect in relationships builds feelings of trust, safety, and wellbeing. Respect let’s other people know how we want to be treated and on the flip side, disrespect can send the message that we are ok with others treating us badly too.
- Disrespect harms relationships and has negative consequences.
I would love to draw your attention to an amazing resource for all parents!
It is the Triple P Positive parenting program
Check out the link https://www.triplep-parenting.net.au/au/triple-p/
They have a new Family Transitions Triple P Online course for parents going through separation or divorce.
Here is an overview of the content:
- Support your child to manage their emotions and develop good coping skills
- Based on proven psychology principles and research
- Learn ways to minimise negative impacts and help your child to feel supported and secure
- Handle difficult moments more calmly and confidently
- Improve communication and reduce conflict with your former partner
- Take better care of your own emotional and social wellbeing
- Adapt and evolve in your new family dynamic
Other FREE Triple P Online programs include:
- Baby Triple P (for parents and carers to be or with a baby under 12 months old)
- Triple P Online (for parents of young children under 12 years)
- Fear-Less Triple P Online (for parents of children with anxiety age 6+)
- Family Transitions Triple P Online (for parents going through separation or divorce)
- Coming soon! Stepping Stones Triple P Online (for parents of a child with a disability)
To register, please visit this website (scroll down to find the online programs registration): Positive parenting in Western Australia | Triple P programs near you | Triple P (triplep-parenting.net.au).
Stay Safe
Marche Smith
School Chaplain
Beacon: the cyber safety app for every parent and carer
Telethon Kids Institute is proud to deliver Beacon - a cyber safety educational app designed to keep parents and carers up-to-date with trusted, tailored information, to help keep their kids safe online.
Beacon is designed specifically for parents as a personalised, one-stop-shop for reliable information about the online world. It arms parents and carers with the knowledge they need to confidently help navigate their children’s digital behaviour and reduce harms we know are associated with being online and on screens.
The Beacon app integrates seamlessly into parents’ daily lives, delivering the most trusted and up-to-date information backed by behavioural science research, as well as personalised support, ideas and strategies at their fingertips to navigate the ever-changing online world.
The Beacon Digital Citizenship Framework outlines all the evidence-based topics found in the Beacon app (in the BROWSE tab menu) including information for each age group - pre-schoolers, young children, early adolescents and teenagers:
- App and devicesprovides reviews of popular games, social media and chatting apps
- Digital parentingsuch as managing screen time, online safety basics and role modelling
- Relationshipssuch as cyberbullying, dating and social connections
- Health and wellbeingsuch as mental health, body images and online/offline balance
- Learning and educationsuch as school and technology, developmental needs and media literacy
- Privacy and securitysuch as setting parental controls on devices, apps and consoles, digital footprint and cyber security
- Online safetysuch as pornography, grooming and hard-to-have conversations
Kind regards,
Renee Rees
School Psychologist
Welcome back for another school term, we hope everyone had a great Easter break and have settled back in well. The P&C have a big term of fundraising events coming up, but before we go into what we have planned, we would like to announce the winners of our Easter Colouring Competition and Easter raffle that were selected on the last day of term 1.
Easter Colouring competition winners:
Kindy – Esmae
Pre-Primary – Isla
Year 1 - Manit
Year 2 - Yuuki
Year 3 – Jake
Year 4 – Jai
Year 5 – Indiana
Year 6 – Aurora
Easter raffle winners:
Amanda Bethany Leonardo
Noah Eli Michaela
Kailee Stacey Troy
Anke Flora Rochelle
Sarah Tara Frankie
Sonny Hayley & Corbin
A huge congratulations to everyone who won, we hope you all enjoyed your yummy prizes.
Atlantis Fun Night
Last Saturday night kicked off our fundraisers for Term 2 with our Atlantis Fun Night. It was great to see all the kids playing and having fun over the two sessions. A big thank you to the Atlantis staff and the parents who volunteered their time to help supervise on the night, it was very much appreciated.
Mother’s Day Stall
Next week the P&C will be holding their Mother’s Day stall. We will be there every afternoon from 2.30pm, and will be set up in the usual spot outside the back of the library. Items will range from $3-$10 and both cash & EFTPOS will be available. A Mother’s Day pre-sale can be found now on our website (https://alkimos-primary-school-pc.square.site/) if anyone would like to order and have their items dropped off to classrooms on Fri 10 May. Please note not all items are listed online and will only be available in person.
Mother’s Day raffle
Our Mother’s Day raffle is now live. Tickets are $2.00 each, and are available through Raffletix at https://www.raffletix.com.au/?ref=t3dh6 Prizes are still being gathered and will be shown on our socials next week.
If anyone would like to donate an item that we can add to prize hampers, these can be dropped off to the school office.
Billy G’s Cookie Dough
Who loves cookies?! After a break last year, our cookie dough fundraiser is back, and we are very excited. Information letters and order books are coming home soon so please keep an eye out for these. This is an online fundraiser so once you receive your books, please follow the instructions to set up your online account. Ordering for the cookie dough will end Thurs 23 May, with delivery to be approximately Thurs 20 June 2024.
Other events:
Tues 11 June – Crazy hair & sock day for Kindy Green
Fri 14 June – Crazy hair & sock day for whole school
Sat 22 June – School Disco
Kind regards,
Alkimos Primary School P&C
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Term 1 |
(holidays Friday 29th March – Sunday 14th April) |
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Term 2 |
(holidays Saturday 29th June – Sunday 14th July) |
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Term 3 |
(holidays Saturday 21st Sept – Sunday 6th October) |
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Term 4 |
(holidays Friday 13th Dec – Wednesday 5th February 25) |
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School Development Days (Subject to Change) Tuesday 4th June (Week 8, Term 2) Friday 23rd August (Week 6, Term 3) Friday 15th November (Week 6, Term 4) |
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Attendance Every Day
At Alkimos Primary we know that attending school every day enables your child to get the most from their education and create a bright future. This helps them create more opportunities for their future and leads to better health, social and work outcomes. Every day your child learns something new at school. Every day they build on what they already know, growing their knowledge and skills.
While the majority of our students miss school for legitimate reasons such as illness, we do have a concerning amount of unexplained student absences.
This term, teaching staff will be contacting families to follow up on any remaining unexplained absences. It is a Department of Education requirement that schools follow up on absences and record the reasons for these. If your child is absent, please let the class teacher or school office know the reason why they have been away from school as soon as possible. Thank you to those who are notifying the school regarding their child’s absences in a timely manner. You can do this via email, phone call, letter to the teacher or using the Schoolzine app, ‘SZapp’ that can be downloaded from the school website:
Where a student’s attendance falls below 90%, it is classed as ‘at risk’ by the Department of Education. If you have any concerns regarding your child’s attendance, please discuss these with the class teacher or contact Mrs MacLean in the office.
