SCHOOL FAIR

I really enjoyed the recent Community Fair and would like to thank Shari, her team and all the volunteers who made the day such a success. I spoke to many ex-students and parents who are doing amazing things with their lives, including rock climbing and music. Many of them are pursuing a variety of interesting careers and involved in giving back to the community. They are also very appreciative of their time at our school and were complimentary of how the school is looking. I was also very proud of our current students, whose behaviour was exemplary.

I know I keep saying the Fair is much more than a fundraiser, and given the events in France last weekend, we can all be very appreciative that we live in a wonderful community which is safe and supportive.

TABLET PROGRAM

I confirm that the school will be continuing the Year 5 Tablet Program in 2016, commencing at the start of second term, 27 April 2016. The decision to continue was made after reviewing the implementation of the 2015 Program, which began in second semester. This initial review, which included feedback from staff and parents, was extremely positive from all stakeholders. Information has been sent home to all Year 4 parents. There will be a parent information evening on Monday, 30 November at 6.00pm.

CLASS PLACEMENT 2016

We are in the process of looking at possible class placements for 2016. Teachers collaboratively place students into possible structures guided by the Placement Policy. Class placements for 2016 will be published on the school website in mid January, due to the prospect of changing enrolments.

LIAISON PARENT MEETINGS

These topics were discussed at today’s meetings:

• Tablet Program (see above)
• Information about the School Review, which will be included in the Annual Report
• Two new transportable classrooms are to be installed prior to commencement of 2016
• Class Placements (see above)

BASKETBALL

Congratulations to all the students who competed at the Basketball Association Cup; their behaviour was exemplary and their effort commendable. Competitions like this are invaluable experiences for our students, so it is great to hear that all of the games were tightly contested and students had fun whilst being challenged, and displayed good sportsmanship.
Thank you to all the parents who agreed to take on various roles (Coaches: Alisa Fidler, Jordan Luckett and Di Dempster, Managers: Helen Davey, Steph Glynn and Lisa Gleeson, and scorers) to make this program successful. Also, thank you to all parents for getting the children to their respective training sessions on time.
As our Year 6 students leave primary school, I hope that the involvement they have had with our basketball program will encourage them to join a club team and continue to build their skills and knowledge.
Finally, I would like to congratulate the girl’s team, coached by Di Dempster, for winning their competition, and therefore having an opportunity to further represent the school at the Champions Schools Cup at Perry Lakes on Wednesday, 25 November. Sue Kenny PE Teacher

REMEMBRANCE DAY

Ryan (Year 6), our Anzac Bursary recipient, attended a Service at ANZAC House on Wednesday, 11 November to represent Mount Hawthorn Primary School. We commemorated Remembrance Day with a whole school assembly.

2016 PLANNING

The end of the year is fast approaching and planning for 2016 is well under way. The School Development Days (Pupil Free Days) are as follows:

Thursday, 28 January and Friday, 29 January (mandated)
Tuesday, 26 April – Parent Interview Day
Friday, 3 June
Monday, 18 July
Monday, 10 October and Tuesday, 11 October
Friday 16 December (mandated)

2016 booklists have been sent home with students. If you are NOT ordering online, please return your booklists to the Admin Office no later than Thursday, 3 December 2015.

HOUSEKEEPING

As the end of the year is fast approaching, we remind all families who have outstanding Term 4 accounts that payment by cash, cheque or credit card is gratefully accepted at the office. We are also still happy to accept payment for Voluntary Contributions.
If your family has moved address or will not be returning to Mount Hawthorn in 2016, please advise the office staff ASAP.

BATTERIES

Our battery collection will be on Monday 30 November, so please deposit your used batteries in the bin in the Harbeck Library before this date.

CONGRATULATIONS

Hannah from Year 5 Room 38, is a talented young dancer who participates in Charlesworth Ballet Institute’s specialist ballet program. This December Hannah will be performing in the delightful Christmas ballet The Nutcracker at His Majesty’s Theatre.