Launch of the School Facebook Page

Last week we ‘softly’ launched the Mount Hawthorn Primary School Facebook page. This wasn’t created as a forum for sharing funny cat videos more to provide a medium to promote charity, local community or corporate events and entities which are relevant or linked to our school community.

Each edition our school newsletter is over burdened with requests that would simply clutter an already busy newsletter, streaming them to a dedicated space clarifies for parents what the Facebook page will be about whilst also clarifying what the newsletter is about. The newsletter is for curriculum, celebration and operational messages and should be succinct whenever possible.
On other communication matters, MHPS is reviewing our other communication platforms. The focus of this review for our large and diverse community is upon making sure communication is working for all parties and hitting the target. Definitely watch this space!

Matt Jarman

Parent Liaison Network

Wednesday, 8 March will be the first of our termly PLN meetings. As referred to above, we have much to do in this area as well. Given we will enjoy a ‘Community Fair ‘ this year classrooms require two parent liaisons, one for each role. Most classes are still getting organised, if you would like to help out please see your classroom teacher. I look forward to greeting everyone at the first meeting.

CONSENT FORMS

Please visit the school office if you would like to make changes to or update your level of permission/consent for your child/ren for either of the following:

• Visual Image Permission – Permission to use your child’s image
• Internet Access – Permission for your child to use the internet

Updated student database

Medical, contact, custodial and emergency contact information is essential. If you have any changes please inform any of our friendly office staff. Thank you.

SCHOOL OVAL

How good does it look? Sorry, that’s all that needs to be said! With the temporary fencing coming down very soon it’s now up to all of us to maintain this beautifully high standard.Come along to the official opening on Friday, 10 March at 9.00am.

SCHOOL STUDENT POPULATION

Continuing this on from the previous newsletter, our census was conducted last Friday confirming 841 students are currently enrolled K-6. The year level enrolment numbers are:

K – 112, P – 108, Y1 – 111, Y2 – 122, Y3 – 105, Y4 – 102, Y5 – 97, Y6 – 84

Class sizes are under pressure in many classrooms other than Pre-primary. We would really like that new building please! Given the distribution of these numbers, the recommended class size maximums and space being a premium commodity at MHPS at the moment we will not be reconfiguring our current class arrangements. Should enrolment pressure continue throughout the year I may need to revisit this but will keep the community and specifically the students and parents affected directly informed.

Regardless, we will adhere to our strict Local Intake Area enrolment practices and are directing our support to targeted areas across the school. It is timely to recognise the professional attitude displayed by teaching staff who have adopted a positive, proactive and collaborative approach during this time which students will benefit from as the year progresses no matter what our class sizes will be.

NAPLAN 2017

Pamphlets have been sent home this afternoon with students enrolled in years three and five with information regarding this year’s assessments on 13 to15 May. Visit the NAPLAN Website for more information.

MOUNT HAWTHORN COMMUNITY FAIR – SATURDAY 28 OCTOBER 2017

We have a fair committee stocked with enthusiastic parents who are happy to help with the fair this year. Planning has commenced with gusto as some classes rushed to get their stall nominations in.

Now we need the Fair Liaison for each class and for those who haven’t yet to nominate their class stall.  If you’re stuck on ideas here’s some suggestions:

Crafts, games e.g. ducky pond, hoopla etc., cakes, Halloween, lemonade/ ginger beer, fairy floss, chocolate wheel, hair colour, face painting, badge making, plants and condiments e.g. chillies, pickles etc.

HOST FAMILIES WANTED FOR TERM 2

MHPS has been given the fantastic opportunity to participate in the Italian Language Assistant Program once again. A student from Milan Catholic University will attend MHPS to assist with conversation classes in Term 2.

We are currently seeking expressions of interest from two families to host during the following two approximate time periods:

19 April – 27 May 2017 and 27 May – 3 July 2017

In exchange for accommodation, the Italian student will provide five hours of household chores per week for the family, which may include babysitting, tutoring, cleaning etc. We have had many families participate in this program previously and it has been a very enriching and positive experience for all involved.

For further information, please contact Signora Anne Monisse by Monday, 27 February 2017.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO BE RESILIENT?