Filter Content
- Mr Gorton’s Gossip
- Mrs Sparks' Office Remarks
- Mr Chrimes' Comments
- Mrs MacLean's Memo's
- Mrs Papadopoff's Ponderings
- Chaplain’s Chatter
- Triple P - Free Program for Separating and Divorcing Parents by Mrs Rees
- Strength in Unity Week - by Mrs Birchall
- e-SafeKids Cyber Safety & Digital Wellness
- Bunnings Sausage Sizzle - Year 6 Fundraiser
- Farmyard on Wheels Incursion By Mrs Reichle
- Levels of Playground Behaviour at Alkimos Primary School
- Highlights from Atlantis OSHC Alkimos
- Term Dates 2024
- Attendance
- Story Dog Volunteers for 2024
- Community News
Welcome to our first newsletter for the term. It has already been busy and rewarding- our interschool cross-country team made it a hat-trick, winning the event for the third year running last Friday at Kingsbridge Park. Amazing! On Tuesday, our student leader team spent time at Alkimos College, speaking with Harry, a Year 10 student who is a member of the WA Student Council. This was excellent opportunity for our group to have a voice.
Yesterday, Alkimos PS was delighted to host a group of pre-service teachers, newly enrolled in Edith Cowan University’s early childhood Master of Teaching degree. For some of this group, this was their first time visiting a Western Australian school. It is very satisfying to know that our school is recognised as being a strong example of a good school by Edith Cowan University.
Academy School Photography I’m pleased to advise that the USB device containing our school photos has arrived. Fotoworks will now assist us to sort through these, and I’ll update you as quickly as possible about where we stand in terms of the images that can be provided to you.
Student Wellbeing In previous newsletters this year, I have begun to highlight our involvement in projects and initiatives that focus upon student wellbeing and safety, in settings other than school. The Berry Street Education Model (BSEM) and the WA Respectful Relationships Teaching Support Program. In relation to the Respectful Relationships, this program has at its core supporting children in dealing with family and domestic violence. White Ribbon Foundation’s report ‘An Assault on Our Future’ noted that:
- UNICEF estimates that between 75,000 to 640,000 Australian children and young people are living with domestic violence.
- Children and young people experiencing domestic violence are more likely to experience behavioural and emotional problems compared with other children.
- Children and young people living with domestic violence have been shown to be at a higher risk of impaired social development in some studies.
From this week, you’ll see a banner displayed near the office, affirming our commitment to the Respectful Relationships program. It states, ‘Alkimos Says No To Violence’. I have shown and discussed this banner with students, staff, the School Board and P & C. Association, where it has been emphasized that this mantra can be applied to all places for children, not just at home- in the local park, on the sporting field, at the beach, or when on holiday.
I’ll be very interested to hear your feedback about the school’s intent in this area.
Classes 2025 Planning for classes in 2025 is already underway. As has been the case in previous years, families wishing to make a request for a class placement may do so in accordance wit the Class Placement Policy printed below. Please contact me should you have queries about this policy.
Good Standing Policy Like many schools, Alkimos PS has developed a Good Standing Policy that provides direction about the expected behaviours for our senior students. In order for students to participate in events such as excursions, camps and carnivals, Good Standing must be maintained. At the School Board meeting on Monday evening, minor changes to this policy were discussed; these changes relating to providing clarity around how the loss of Good Standing points takes place, and how student have the opportunity to have these reinstated. This policy is printed below for your information:
Staffing News Commencing this week, Mrs Birchall, our fantastic Languages teacher, has been seconded on Thursdays and Fridays to the Department’s Statewide Services, based in Padbury, to assist other schools in developing their Languages programs and implementation of the Aboriginal Cultural Standards Framework. This is great news for our public school system. We welcome Miss Shauna Narrier to Alkimos, who will take over the Thursday Languages classes.
Andy Gorton
PRINCIPAL
Dear Families,
Welcome back to a very busy term 3, and especially to our new families who have joined us.
Brekkie Club
This resumed last week (Thursday) club starts 07:40am in the art room, some students are arriving after 8am and it’s a rush for them to eat and tidy up before 08:20. All are welcome, I look forward to seeing your children.
Statements of account
Statements of student account will be issued next week. It is Department policy that we send this home.
Camp 2024
Next week we will be sending information home regarding the year 6 Camp. It is anticipated that the cost will be $280, this includes all year 6 graduation activities and the camp. If you would like to set up a payment plan to pay instalments contact me sara.sparks@education.wa.edu.au
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. This payment equates to .75c per day for your child.
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 are 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 |
$6116 |
41.19% |
|
Pre-Primary Students |
$1400 |
64.81% |
|
Kindergarten Students |
$1240 |
48.63% |
Overall 44.76%
Lost Property
If your child has lost any item, please ask them to look in the lost property located outside the library. There are always jumpers and hats which are not named, so please make sure that you name all your child’s property so it can be taken back to them. Please not that if your child has lost their hat, we do not have spares to loan them, and they will be asked to sit under the shade during recess and lunch to observe the schools’ No Hat No Play policy.
New Garden
For those of you who drop off and collect your children, you would have noticed the transformation of the new quiet play area. This has slowly been transformed. We are currently waiting for the recycled mulch to be installed. Our very talented Mr Sparks has designed and built 2 stages with the help of Mr Chaloner and Mr Johnston. These will be used for outdoor classrooms too. Mr Sparks, Mrs Birchall and Mrs Sutton have been busily selecting and planting shrubs and trees. We are hoping to have this area complete before the end of term. I look forward to sharing before and after photographs very soon.
Sara Sparks
Manager Corporate Services
Hello families,
We are well into the swing of things in Term 3, it is great to see all the students enjoying their learning. We have had a fun start to the term with Pyjama Day last week!
I have a few notices in this week’s newsletter to share with you.
NAPLAN 2024: Earlier on in the year, students from Year 3 and Year 5 sat their NAPLAN tests. Those results have no been distributed to families. You should all be very proud of your child’s achievements.
APS Staff Art Collaboration: On June 4, the staff of Alkimos took part in an Art/Dreamtime exercise. This was kindly hosted by Mrs Birchall, Ms Sutton, Mrs Nixon, and Miss Smith. Staff created a collaborative artwork piece related to the Emu Dreaming story. The piece of artwork turned into a masterpiece. It is hanging proudly outside my office; I have the luxury of seeing it every day. Please see the photo below.
APS student leaders visit to Alkimos College: On July 30, the eight student leaders & I had the pleasure of visiting Alkimos College. The student leaders took part in a Department of Education initiative called the WA Student Council; a group of high school aged students from all regions across WA who advise on policy to key stakeholders within the Department, including the Minister for Education. Part of their role is to advise stakeholders on the opinions of students within the education system. As the Council is made up of only secondary school students, they have identified a need to harness the opinions and perspectives of primary aged students. As Alkimos College represents the North Metropolitan region, they reached out to primary schools in their area to gauge the need for a consultation-type of meeting with the student leaders within Alkimos Primary School.
Free Dress Day: On Friday 16 August, we will be having a sport themed free dress day. All students are welcome to wear any sports themed clothes they have. These can range from AFL, Netball, Soccer, Basketball, Cricket, Athletics etc. Even more importantly, they can wear the colours of their National Olympic team! Please remember free dress days are a gold coin donation.
Alkimos P&C Sausage Sizzle: As previously advertised throughout class connect messages, our Year 6 parents are hosting a Bunnings Sausage Sizzle at the Mindarie store, all day on Sunday 18 August. They are in still in need of Styrofoam Eskys if anybody has any they could donate? If you can help them out, can you please drop them into the office or email Alkpnc.fundraising@gmail.com to organise collection.
Thanks,
Mr Chrimes
What a wet and soggy few weeks we have had…but even the rain and wind wasn’t enough to dampen our spirits as we have had an amazing start to Term 3.
As we head into August, we also enter the Noongar season of Djilba. BOM tells us that Djilba season is a time to look for the yellow and cream flowers starting on mass.
Djilba is a transitional time of the year, with some very cold and clear days combining with warmer, rainy and windy days mixing with the occasional sunny day or two.
This is the start of the massive flowering explosion that happens in the South West. This starts with the yellow flowering plants such as the Acacias.
Traditionally, the main food sources included many of the land based grazing animals as in the season before. These included the Yongar (kangaroo), the Waitj (emu) and the Koomal (possum).
As the days start to warm up, we start to see and hear the first of the newborns with their proud parent out and about providing them food, guiding them through foraging tasks and protecting their family units from much bigger animals, including people.
The woodland birds will still be nest bound, hence the swooping protective behaviour of the Koolbardi (Magpie) starts to ramp up and if watched closely, so to do the Djidi Djidi (Willy Wag Tails) and the Chuck-a-luck (Wattle Birds) to name a couple of others.
As the season progresses and the temperatures continue to rise, we'll start to see the flower stalks of the Balgas (Grass Trees) emerging in preparation for the coming Kambarang season.
Potato Olympics!
To coincide with the Olympics currently being held in Paris, the pre-primary students in ECE 3 have started their own 'Potato Olympics' in class. They have talked about the origins of the Olympics and watched the Olympic flame make its way to Paris. They also created their potato athlete's uniforms and designed their own flag.
This week, the potato athletes started competition. The first sport tried out was shot put. Students discussed good sportsmanship, being persistent and trying their best. After the competition, potatoes were awarded 1st, 2nd and 3rd place on the special podium. I can’t wait to see who the medal winners are from the potato gymnastics and running events being held next!
Social Media
Use of social media platforms has exploded in the past decade. There are many positive benefits of social media use and unfortunately negative aspects as well as social media can be a hub for potentially harmful or questionable activities. It is such a tricky space for children and parents to navigate.
- Young people use social media to connect with others they may or may not know offline in the ‘real world’.
- Online profiles have basic information that forms your child’s social media identity - people identify each other through their profiles and also by what they post online
- Young children mostly start using social media to play online games; they may then graduate to platforms such as Instagram, Snapchat, Tumblr, Kik and Facebook
What's Positive About Social Media Use?
Social media can help kids:
- stay connected with friends and family
- interact with a more diverse group of kids than they may be used to
- volunteer or get involved with a campaign, non-profit, or charity
- enhance their creativity by sharing ideas, music, and art
- meet other people who have similar interests
- communicate with educators and fellow students
- find health information
- learn about current events
- get support when they feel sad or anxious
At school, students are involved in ongoing responsible Digital Citizenship lessons throughout the year. Having open and honest communication around Social Media use is also very important. There are many support options available for parents and students. The websites below offer a wealth of informative guides around issues that may arise due to Social Media use.
https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents/resources
https://kidshelpline.com.au/parents/issues/social-media-and-safety
Students in year 5 and 6 will be taking part in an at school workshop with Kayelene Kerr from eSafeKids (https://www.esafekids.com.au/about) on Thursday 22 August. To further support families, Kayelene will be running and invaluable parent workshop (free) open to all parents from 5.30 – 730pm that evening at Alkimos Primary School. We would urge you to attend if possible. For further information please see the flyer attached.
Kind regards,
Kirstin MacLean
Hi Everyone,
We see many forms of “Fidgets and Sensory Tools” around our school to support students with their learning.
Children who are Neurodiverse often find specific sensory experiences calming and assist them to regulate their emotions. Sensory experiences could be rocking, flicking, visual patterns, flapping to name a few. Holding an object in their hands can often support a child to focus and engage in learning. Sensory tools can also replace unexpected behaviours. Sensory tools and fidgets are successful when used in conjunction with other strategies in the classroom and can in some circumstances improve students’ learning and behaviour.
The reduction in the students’ stress and distraction causes an increase in learning readiness and promotes good behaviour. We have set rules and agreements with students around the use of fidgets in the classroom.
Please approach your child’s teacher or anyone in the office if you have any questions about the use of Fidgets or Sensory Tools in our school.
Good Day Everyone
Hope you are all keeping warm and dry.
Are your kids safe online? We know the students know a lot about staying safe on line – and that is Great! It is a topic that is talked about a lot at school, which is awesome, because in discussions with students a lot of them said they have felt unsafe or uncomfortable while on line at some point. We encourage parents to have regular discussions with their kids about their online activities and to educate yourselves as parents/carers.
I thought I’d share with you some of the things that came up in conversations with the year 5 and 6 students in our In Real Life Program on the topic of cyber safety:
What has made them feel uncomfortable:
Being contacted by someone they don’t know
Receiving unwanted content such as violent material or porn
People posting things to ruin their reputation
Getting threats or abusive messages while playing a game
Being asked for personal details by a stranger
What they worry about:
“I worry about making a fake friend who would take advantage of me ”
“Personal information shared in public, online bullying or rumours.”
“Hacking or private data being shared with people I don’t know or trust”
“(Strangers) knowing my school/where I live/my friends.”
“Being sent a message request with a link to inappropriate stuff.”
What they already doing to keep safe:
Blocking a person or account when they feel unsafe and reporting them
Speak to family, friends or trusted adult when they feel unsafe
What they can do better:
Be careful accepting friend requests from people they don’t know
Think before they upload photos or share inappropriate images
Be mindful of what they say or write about others
Check their privacy settings or parental control on devices
Know what to do or who to talk to when they stuff up
What parents can do:
*Attend the free eSafeKids workshop at Alkimos Primary school on Thursday 22nd August from 5.30pm – 7.30pm
Let your kids know It is never too late to take action, let them know they can be brave enough to talk to a parent when things go wrong. Check your child’s private settings/parental control. Check out the following sites for more helpful information or assistance when your child is targeted:
Marche Smith
School Chaplain
Free program for separating and divorcing parents
CHANGES IN YOUR FAMILY CAN BE A BIG ADJUSTMENT
Going through separation or divorce can be one of life’s most challenging experiences. And when you have children to consider, it can feel even more difficult. As a parent or carer, you’re dealing with your own emotions and practical issues. For children, it can be an unsettling change, too.
You might be feeling worried about how they (and you) will cope and adjust. However, positive parenting strategies can make the transition smoother for everyone.
In an Australian first, parents and carers who are going through separation or divorce now have access to a free, self-directed online course, which is university-developed and based on extensive research.
Family Transitions Triple P Online, developed by the Triple P – Positive Parenting Program, is an easy-to-use online resource that gives proven tips and strategies for managing the transition in a way that can boost parenting confidence and minimise the impact on children.
“In the program, parents get evidence-based tips and strategies to avoid common parenting traps, help kids adjust, manage emotions and co-parent effectively. And while the program recognises this is often a tough time for families, it's not just about coping skills, it's also about evolving and moving forward in a new family dynamic.” said Dr Stallman.
"The research shows divorce itself isn't harmful to children. It's how parents and carers manage the transition through separation and divorce that has the potential to negatively impact children," said Dr Stallman.
Family Transitions Triple P has been evaluated and shown to effectively reduce child behaviour concerns, reduce stress, depression, anxiety, and anger in parents, and reduce co-parenting animosity.
Triple P recognises that every family is different, which is why Family Transitions Triple P Online can be personalised to suit different circumstances. The free online program supports parents and carers to:
- create a stable, reassuring environment for children
- reduce adverse effects and help them feel supported, reassured and secure
- help children and themselves to manage emotions and develop good coping skills
- handle challenging moments more calmly and confidently
- build effective communication and problem-solving skills to reduce conflict and co-parent more effectively
- adapt and evolve in their new family dynamic.
Parents and carers can sign up to Family Transitions Triple P Online now.
Kind regards,
Renee Rees
School Psychologist
The Boodja-k Karadjiny students went over to the bushland opposite our school and helped Sasha Poli, Conservation Officer from the City of Wanneroo plant some seedlings. Its important to revegetate the nature corridor that runs down Benenden Ave, it provides food and shelter to the amazing wildlife in Noongar boodja.
Kind regards,
Mrs Judith Birchall
Noongar Language Specialist
We would like to invite you to a free, invaluable parent workshop run by Kayelene Kerr from eSafeKids, on Thursday 22nd August, from 5:30-7:30pm, here at Alkimos Primary School.
This workshop will give you the vital tools to help keep your child safe online. Please see the attached flyer for all of the content to be covered in the workshop and click on the link to register for your spot...you don't want to miss out!
Register at:
Hope to see many of you there for this worthwhile event, to help us protect our children in an ever rapidly evolving online world.
Kind regards,
Alkimos Primary School
Come and grab a sausage!
Bunnings Sausage Sizzle for Year 6 Camp
Sunday 18th August
Dear families,
As you may know, the Year 6s are eagerly awaiting their upcoming Year 6 Camp at the end of Term 4, to help celebrate their graduation! As incredible as camps are, they are also incredibly expensive, but, we are so very fortunate to have some wonderful Year 6 families who have been working tirelessly behind the scenes to organise some fundraising events for us all, to help make the camp possible and affordable for every student.
On Sunday 18th August, at Bunnings Mindarie, the Year 6 parents will be holding a sausage sizzle fundraiser, from 6:30am - 5:30pm. Please come down to grab a sausage and a drink to support them.
A huge thank you to Hon. John Quigley MLA for supporting this, to Coles Butler for donating all of the drinks and sausages and to Year 6 mums, Kerry Bell, Kendall Burnham, Julie Sharrock and Kirsten Cole for the huge amount of time and effort they have put into getting this event up and organised. We really appreciate all of your efforts and kind donations.
If anybody else would like to support the fundraiser, there are a few items they are still in need of for the day. These items are:
They are still in need of the following items:
- stryofoam esky's
If you can help out with any of these items, please contact the fundraising team on: Alkpnc.fundraising@gmail.com
Alternatively, if you can help out on the day, you can sign up to secure your spot by clicking on the following link:
Many thanks for your generous support, it is greatly appreciated!
Year 6 students and teachers
Farmyard on Wheels Incursion with Early Childhood
Last term, Farmyard on Wheels came to visit all the Early Childhood classrooms. Wow, what an entertaining, educational and hands-on experience it was!
Farmer Mick brought a selection of farm animals, big and small. We met a rooster and his girlfriend the chicken, who laid an egg! There was a cattle dog, goose, duck, rabbits and lots of little chicks that we had an opportunity to hold. We met a cuddly woolly sheep, a goat and a gorgeous miniature horse. The students got to bottle feed lambs and baby goats, some that were only 4 weeks old!
Farmer Mick taught us all about the animal’s special features and the correct names of the males, females and babies. He had everyone laughing and was very entertaining for all.
It was a fantastic incursion, we all had fun and learned a lot!
Kind regards,
Lisa Reichle
Kindergarten Teacher
Highlights at Atlantis OSHC Alkimos
Hello Families,
We hope this newsletter finds you well and ready for an exciting update from our July school holiday program and the start of Term 3 at Atlantis Alkimos. We had an absolutely fantastic time during the holidays, filled with thrilling excursions and engaging activities.
Throughout July, the children embarked on some wonderful adventures. We visited Hoyts cinema for an exciting movie experience, practiced Judo skills at Kano Judo, danced our hearts out at Decadance, and had a blast bowling at Warwick Superbowl. The highlight, undoubtedly, was the visit from Perth Reptile Company, where our curious minds got up close and personal with fascinating reptiles!
As we launched into Term 3, the excitement continued with a range of stimulating activities. The children explored their creativity with cloud dough and cookie decorating sessions, sparking their imaginations and artistic talents. Additionally, our woodworking sessions provided hands-on learning experiences that encouraged teamwork and craftsmanship.
Moreover, we kicked off our TAG Sport sessions with a focus on skipping for the initial three weeks of term. This initiative not only promotes physical fitness but also teaches coordination and teamwork, setting a positive tone for the term ahead.
We're thrilled to witness the students' enthusiasm and growth as they participate in these enriching activities. Thank you for your continued support in making Atlantis Alkimos a vibrant and nurturing environment for the children.
Kind regards,
Atlantis OSHC Alkimos Team
|
Term 1 |
(holidays Friday 29th March – Sunday 14th April) |
|
Term 2 |
(holidays Saturday 29th June – Sunday 14th July) |
|
Term 3 |
(holidays Saturday 21st Sept – Sunday 6th October) |
|
Term 4 |
(holidays Friday 13th Dec – Wednesday 5th February 25) |
|
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) |
|
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.
