MOUNT HAWTHORN SHINES!

In the past few days there have been a number of opportunities for the children to participate in key local and State events.  The choir sung beautifully at the centenary of Anzac Cottage on Saturday night.  I was very pleased to see the photos of the children dressed up and performing brilliantly.  Thank you to Mrs Katie Hardman for all of her work.

The school children also featured ‘brightly’ at the Perth International Arts Festival on Saturday night.  As the finale to the opening event, our children displayed the lanterns they had created in class and in Art with Mrs Edmiston.  It was  quite a spectacle to see the stage area lit up by the children’s work.  Thank you to Mrs Rosie Edmiston, Mrs Jen Townsend, and Mrs Heather Kerr for all of their work and support.

Thank you to all of the parents who ensured that children were at the right place at the right time and ready to perform.  I certainly appreciate your support and interest in what the school is doing in the wider community.

WEST COAST EAGLES VISIT

On Monday Jack Darling, Matthew Priddis and Josh Kennedy, current players of the West Coast Eagles, visited the school.  The men talked to the children about football statistics, career highlights and gave some good advice about healthy lifestyles.  The visit of such high profile people reinforces the school’s key messages of setting goals and displaying perseverance. Mr McNeilage also encouraged children to join the local Cardinals Football Club.

Mr McKenzie was a happy man and the children loved seeing players in real life.  You have to agree that there is something magical about seeing people on TV or in the newspaper and then having them stand in your classroom!

PARENT INFORMATION SESSIONS

Thank you to all of the parents who have made time to attend the parent information sessions held in the past week.  The brief but informative meetings provide you with guidelines about how classrooms run so that you can support your children.  If you are attending a session in the coming day, we appreciate that you have made time for us.

You are also able to pick up a copy of the year level strategic plans which provide some details about how the school’s business plan is implemented in classes.  If you were not able to attend the meetings please make sure that you speak with your children’s teachers to collect the relevant information.

I appreciated the opportunity to drop in on each of the sessions to say hello and introduce myself.  As I said to many of you, my focus has been and is always education, children, families and staff.  I enjoy coming to school and like to hear children’s stories, see student work and write in the “Gold Book”, talk to staff about effective learning programs, and to meet parents.  Please do not hesitate to come and see me.  I am happy to talk about the school and what we have available to our local families. Thank you to all of the staff who have spent considerable time preparing for these sessions.

STUDENT COUNCILLORS AND FACTION LEADERS

Congratulations to all of the Year 6 students who did a fantastic job of presenting their speeches at the election for the Student Councillors and Faction Leaders.  Each person did a great job of thinking about what they wanted to do as a leader, what qualities they would bring to the role, and why they should be voted for.  Students hold these positions for two terms and there will be another opportunity for children to have a leadership role in terms three and four.

Our Student Councillors are:

Room 21 – Ruby and Nic, Room 22 – Sacha and Hannah and Room 23 – Annabelle and Will

The Faction Captains are:

Braithwaite – Michelle and Sean, Shakespeare – Milla and Finn, Menzies – Jack and Lizzie and  Axford – Ruby and Shaun.

SWIMMING LESSONS

For the children in Years 3-6 swimming lessons commenced on Monday and will continue for the next two weeks.  Swimming lessons are an important part of the Physical Education curriculum.  The children are enjoying having a swim on what have been very hot days.
Some of the children have participated in trials for the interschool swimming carnival which is being held on 5th April 2016.

NATIONAL ASSESSMENT PROGRAM LITERACY AND NUMERACY (NAPLAN)

Today parents of children in Year 3 and Year 5 will receive a copy of the “2016 Information for Parents” which gives a summary of the key points regarding NAPLAN which is happening in May.

ICT UPGRADE AT SCHOOL

In the last newsletter I explained that the school’s computer system was being upgraded and it meant that there would be a disruption to the staff and student access to computers.  With thanks to the team from the Department who have been very accommodating and worked efficiently, we are on track for everyone to re-join the digital world.  For some of us, two weeks of no computers has been too long!

ANAPHYLAXIS

Twenty eight students currently enrolled at Mount Hawthorn Primary School (K–6) have nut, tree nut, egg and insect allergy and are at high risk of anaphylaxis. Most of these students have food related allergies (particularly peanuts, nuts, and egg).

Anaphylaxis is a severe and sudden allergic reaction. It occurs when a person is exposed to an allergen. An anaphylactic reaction always requires an emergency response.

Parents please note: To minimise the risk in our school we appeal to parents not to send foods contains nuts, nut derivatives or eggs to school. Your help can help the school reduce the exposure to triggers or known risk factors.

NITS

In every school, no matter how big or small or the postcode, head lice appear.  Please take a moment to check your child’s hair for head lice and their eggs.  It is also important that children’s long hair is tied up.  For more information about Headlice click HERE.

PERMISSION SLIP TO WALK OUTSIDE THE SCHOOL GATE

In our local area there are a number of places that teachers and children may like to visit during the school year.  Rather than sending an excursion permission form home each time the children want to go to the park, I would like to request parent permission for all children until the end of the year.  For example walking to Braithwaite Park to eat lunch under the tree or doing some scientific observations in the grounds, walking to Menzies Park for a game of sport, or walking around the neighbouring streets to look the different types of houses.  This week a permission slip will be sent home for your signature which we would like back as soon as possible.

TENNIS CLINICS

During Term 1 all students in Year 1 to 6 have been involved in a tennis clinic run by Peter Gerrans and the coaches from Leederville Tennis Club. One student from each clinic was fortunate enough to win a racquet donated by Peter.