Principal’s Message

This is the last newsletter for the term with a special focus on our excellent Music Program. For all the families heading for the warmth enjoy the sunshine and water, and for the rest of us stay in your pj’s, drink hot chocolate and read lots of books. I would also like you to spare a thought for me, as I take my eldest boy for more driving lessons; I’m sure to return with considerably more grey in my hair.  I look forward to seeing students return on Tuesday, 21 July fit and ready for our Term 3 athletics program.

I have heard the comment that our school is too big and my reply is “fantastic”! We have structures in place where children play at different times and have heaps of space to run. A school this size can also offer amazing programs to cater for the needs of individual students.

Our music program is one such program, offering students opportunities in the choir, orchestra and band as well as tuition in string, wind and percussion instruments, through the School of Instrumental Music (SIM). The program has been recognised at a state level with many of our ex-students pursuing further studies in music at a secondary and tertiary level.

Mrs Hardman is supported by Mrs Smart, Mrs Mears and huge army of talented SIM teachers, who volunteer a great deal of extra time to ensure our students get opportunities to showcase their talents. This newsletter is a snapshot of the program.

From Mrs Hardman

STREETS AND LANEWAYS FESTIVAL
The Hawthorn Hummers and the School Orchestra were invited to perform at the Mount Hawthorn Streets and Laneways Festival on Sunday, 3 May. They performed on the main stage and entertained the crowds. It was so exciting to be part of this community Festival. The students looked professional in their black and white but most importantly sounded amazing.

ANZAC CEREMONY
The Hawthorn Hummers were honoured to perform at our ANZAC Ceremony this year. They sang “One Hundred Years the ANZAC” which paid tribute to the one hundredth anniversary of ANZAC Day. The whole ceremony was moving and the children showed great respect for the ANZAC’s.

CROWN THEATRE CONCERT
The choir and orchestra have started rehearsing for the upcoming Crown Theatre Concert, which celebrates music in government schools. Our concert night is Monday, 21 September. On the morning of the concert, the choir and orchestra will travel to Crown Theatre for a rehearsal and will then come to the Theatre at night with their families. The students are working hard to rehearse their items and are so excited about performing at such a great venue. Some of our students have tried out for solos at Crown Theatre and are anxiously waiting to see if they will be performing on the night. We wish you all well. Tickets available through Ticketmaster.

MUSIC CAMP
Music camp is nearly upon us and this year, excitement is in the air with students from the String Orchestra and Mount Hawthorn Area Band attending camp. Music camp will be held at Ern Halliday Camp in Hillarys on Monday, 20 and Tuesday, 21 July.
Our school band incorporates students from five different primary Schools – Mount Hawthorn, West Leederville, Maylands Peninsula, Kyilla and Jolimont. This is a very unique and exciting opportunity for our children to perform in an ensemble led by Mr Dale Pointon. Our string orchestra has talented students playing violin, cello and viola and is led by Mrs Barbara Symington. Special thanks to our parent helpers and organisers for giving our students this fantastic opportunity.

SIM PROGRAM
Next term our students from Years 2 to 5 will complete a Music Aptitude Test, which will form the basis of our selection for students to play instruments through the SIM program.

Students are offered instruments as follows:

Year 3 ~ Violin, Year 4 ~ Cello, Year 5 ~ Flute/ clarinet/ brass/ percussion and Year 6 ~ Double Bass
Offers will be sent out to selected students in Term 4.

CLASS ACTIVITIES
Our Year 6 students have been creating jingles to promote a real or fictional healthy product. In groups, students worked in teams to come up with a product and a catchy jingle which could help to increase sales. They used vocals, instruments and props to enhance their performance. Great work, Year six!

Many of our music students who learn instruments privately or through SIM are given the opportunity to play for their class during music time. This gives them a chance to play to a small audience and also gives other students the opportunity to hear instruments and be inspired. Here are some of our students playing their chosen instrument.

The Year one students from Room 14 have been playing percussion instruments in groups. They used a familiar tune “Hot Cross Buns” as the basis for their performance and then played for the class. Great percussion playing, Year one!

In Year 4 and 5, students at Mount Hawthorn learn the recorder, which gives everyone the opportunity to learn a tuned instrument. They are developing skills in reading music notation and playing as an ensemble. These skills can be applied when playing other instruments. Keep up the great tooting and rocking recorder players!

Principal’s Message

We have had a fantastic start to athletic season with the Cross Country yesterday. It was great to see so many parents supporting their children and I would like to thank Sue Kenny and Anita Putt for their efforts. The focus of this newsletter is on our sensational Physical Education program. The next edition will focus on Visual Arts, followed by other specialist areas that make Mount Hawthorn such a distinctive school.

One of the highlights in my day is following the progress of our ex-students and highlighting these on our website. It’s great for our young students to see the opportunities available to them in the future. Congratulations to Matilda Keynes who was recently awarded First Class Honours at La Trobe University.

I would also like to congratulate Molly from Year 6 Room 21. Molly was presented with a framed certificate by Ms Eleni Evangel MLA for her outstanding entry in the ANZAC Centenary essay competition at the Assembly on Friday, 29 May.

I have spoken to the students about using the school grounds on weekends and during holidays. I encourage families to use the grounds; however I request that students are accompanied by their parents. Problems arise when older youths use the premises for skateboarding and gatherings, and eventually vandalism occurs.

NATIONAL COLLECTION OF DATA
The Australian Government wants to plan better for the needs of students with a disability which include Medical, Social and Emotional and Physical conditions and/or learning difficulties across Australia. To do this the government needs to collect information about the number of children who have a disability, what programs are currently being provided for them and what this will mean for resourcing in the future. We will include information about your child, or children, in the project. If you do not want us to include information, please sign the attached form and return it by Wednesday, 29 July. If you do not return the attached form, you are authorising us to include your child/children’s information in the data collection.

MEDICAL ACTION PLANS
It’s time to update Student’s Individual Medical Action Plans. An up-to-date Health Care Authorisation is required for all students with identified health care needs. This information will be made available to all staff with responsibility for the student. Last term, the current Individual Medical Action Plans were sent home. Please update, amend, sign the Action Plans and return this to school by Wednesday, 17 June 2015. Many Thanks Louise Swain

YEAR 4/5 FACTION CRICKET
This end of term cricket carnival was a T20 Blast Cricket Carnival organised by the West Australian Cricket Association (WACA), Mount Hawthorn Primary School and students from the SEDA Cricket Program. All of our students played a number of T20 Blast cricket games as well as participating in a bowling competition. We would like to thank the SEDA Cricket students for their coaching expertise, umpiring and management of our students. It made it a very enjoyable day for both staff and students.

INTERSCHOOL SWIMMING CARNIVAL
The Interschool team was selected from the faction carnival and what a mighty team it was. Congratulations to all students who attended Interschool Swimming training at Beatty Park and Tuart Hill pools, especially the reserves. The competition at interschool level has really lifted in the past few years and all students should be congratulated for their fine efforts. Mount Hawthorn did extremely well this year to WIN the competition! The Handicap Shield was won by Churchlands. Thank you to Doubleview Primary for organising the Interschool Carnival.

MODCROSSE
Modcrosse WA provided our school with a number of clinics to introduce students to the modified game during Term 1. Year 6 students may select this as one of the winter sports. It is important for students to be exposed to a wide variety of sports and have the opportunity to try various skills. Through exposure to this program some ex Mount Hawthorn students have represented Australia in this sport. The students pictured play every week for Wembley Lacrosse Club as a result of their exposure to the sport through school clinics.

SEPEP VOLLEYBALL
Sport Education in Physical Education Program (SEPEP) is an annual event at Mount Hawthorn Primary and the students look forward to taking ownership of this Volleyball Competition for Term 1 each year. All Year 6 students are divided into teams of equal ability and are given the opportunity to choose a team name, uniform and captain. Each week the teams take turns in being responsible for setting up the courts, umpiring and scoring, choosing best players and reporting results at the end of the session.

STUDENT AMBASSADORS
Congratulations to the Year 6 students who have been selected as Ambassadors for their chosen winter sport. These ambassadors have been selected to represent their sport and to help carry out duties involved in preparation for interschool fixtures, faction football and the winter carnival.

HOCKEY
Hockey WA provided our junior primary students with some hockey clinics in Term 1. They were run by a group of state representatives lead by Felicity Gallagher from UWA. Students from all these classes really enjoyed the expert hockey advice and were exposed to many skills needed to play hockey at this junior level. Ex-student Mikayla Swart was selected for the Schools WA State team for her age group.

ASSOCIATION BASKETBALL CUP
The squads have now been selected for the Association Cup to be held in Term 4. Two squads have been selected from Year 6 boys and girls. Appointed coaches and managers will start training this term in readiness for the competition later this year. Thank you to those parents who have taken on the responsibilities of fulfilling these duties. The tournament will be on Monday, 9 November at the Victoria Park Leisure Centre.

RUNNING A MARATHON
Term 2 saw the beginning of a whole school fitness initiative called “Running a Marathon”. This is a running program which involves all students from Pre-primary to Year 6 running different courses within the school.

NETBALL
Emma from Year 6 Room 21 has been selected in the 2015 Perth Netball Association Development Team and competed in a carnival on the June long weekend. Her team won the Grand Final for her division. Congratulations, Emma!

ENROLMENTS
We are now accepting Applications for Enrolment to Kindergarten and Pre-primary for commencement in 2016. The closing date for applications is Friday, 24 July 2015. You are not required to complete an Application for Enrolment for Pre-primary if your child is currently enrolled in Kindergarten at Mount Hawthorn Primary School and you plan to stay at this school for Pre-primary. We will request proof of address in Term 4.

P&C

Thermomix Raffle Tickets – $20 each – Selling fast!
P&C Thermomix Raffle tickets will be for sale every Thursday afternoon at the Uniform Shop, at various pop-up stands around the school grounds and by contacting Justine Spencer on 0413 314 578.
Be sure to get your ticket to be in the draw to win the new Thermomix T5.
Drawn on Friday, 26 June 2015.

QUIZ NIGHT – Friday, 26 June, St Peter & Emmaus Church – Tickets are selling fast!!
Only a few tables left or individual tickets – just $15/each
Book online http://www.trybooking.com/HTRJ

School Fair – Latest News

Donations
Do you have any old faction shirts? The “Hair at the Fair” stall needs your shirt! Please drop them off at the Harbeck Centre.
“Second Hand Book Stall” Room 33 is looking for donations of any good quality, second hand books. Please deposit in the collection box outside the Harbeck Centre every morning before school.
Entertainment Co-ordinator
Are you a great organiser? We have all the talent organised and need a co-ordinator. Contact Shari for more information.
Business Advertising
Advertise your business on our Fair Website

Vinnies Volunteers – Vinnies is opening a New Retail Outlet in Mount Hawthorn in July, they need volunteers to work in the store, as well as donations. If you can help email Tim Lee
School Battery Collection – Household dry cell batteries including AA, AAA (single use or rechargeable), C, D, button batteries, 9V and 6V batteries will be collected on Monday, 29 June. Please deposit at the Harbeck Library.
Mt Lawley SHS – Some of our Year 4 students will be performing at 3.30pm at the Languages Expo Friday, 26 June 2.00pm to 5.00pm.

Principal’s Message

MOUNT HAWTHORN FESTIVAL
I had the pleasure of watching the choir and orchestra perform at the recent street festival under the guidance of Mrs Hardman and Mrs Symington. The students performed magnificently and I received fantastic feedback from members of the wider community.

CRAZY HAT DAY/FUNDRAISING
We had a great response to the Crazy Hat Day fundraiser and raised over $700 for the Nepal Earthquake Appeal. Well done to everyone for supporting this very good cause.
Given the fantastic response to the recent Spellathon, raffles at the start of the year and the impending parent fair organisation, I am very aware of fundraising fatigue. We always have such a great response from our parents, supporting the school in many different ways, and given the busy time of the year for all members of the school community there is no expectation that classes conduct ongoing fundraisers.
If you have already started planning your class fundraiser we will definitely support your efforts, with all funds made supporting the Friendship Garden. The tree has been planted and we eagerly await the next stage – the instalment of the rocks painted by all the children late last year.

THANKS
Over the past few newsletters I have placed some information which has caused a great deal of discussion in the community. I see it as a real positive that firstly, people are reading the newsletter and secondly, happy to give feedback. I also will be requesting to take my children out of school at the end of year for a trip overseas.
This week I would like to thank all parents for the level of supervision of children before and after school, especially with the many ongoing training sessions. It is great to see the campus being used and the children being so active.

INTERSCHOOL SPORT/AFL
The Year 6 students will be participating in Interschool Sport against Subiaco and Wembley Primary Schools this term, culminating in a Lightning Carnival. Parents are very welcome to attend and best of luck for all our teams!
On the topic of sports, the P&C has generously funded AFL goals to be installed on the Oval, which will hopefully enhance the skills of the budding Eagles & Dockers stars at school.

SPELLATHON PRIZE ANNOUNCED
The Spellathon prizes have been decided by Mr Mackesey and the lucky children in Rooms 6 and 26 will be receiving a fantastic class celebration for all their hard work.
The newly renovated Braithwaite Park nature play space is due for completion very soon. Mr Mackesey will escort the classes over to Braithwaite Park to test drive the new facilities and enjoy a sausage sizzle, with some help from our Student Councillors.

ENROLMENTS FOR 2016
Applications for Enrolment in Kindergarten and Pre-primary for commencement in 2016 are now open. The closing date for applications is Friday, 24 July 2015.
You are not required to complete an Application for Enrolment for Pre-primary if your child is currently enrolled in Kindergarten at Mount Hawthorn Primary School and you plan to stay at this school for Pre-primary. We will request proof of residential address in Term 4.

SCHOOL BANKING
Volunteers are needed for school banking.  School Banking is every Tuesday morning from 8.00 am.  Come and see us in person on Tuesday banking day and meet the team.

 P&C News

BIG WEEKEND OF P&C EVENTS
It was great so see so many onesies and rugged-up school families out for some dragon fun at our outdoor Movie Night. The sausages, popcorn and yummy dragon cupcakes were devoured before snuggling up under the stars for our regular outdoor movie fun. Congratulations to one lucky family who won the raffle and got to enjoy the luxury of our “Dragon’s Lair” (Gold Class) for the evening! Thank you to all the helpers before the event and on the night, keeping the BBQ running, to Helen for her fantastic MC skills and to everyone who helped the night flow smoothly.
Thanks also to the many people who baked up a storm for our stall at the Mount Hawthorn Streets and Laneways Festival, and who came along to sell the delicious treats on the day. With over 35,000 people in Mount Hawthorn that day, we helped keep the hungry crowds happy and showcased our school with pride! Stay tuned for what the Festival organisers and the P&C have planned for next year’s event!
These 2 events on the weekend raised a total of $2500 for the school, which will go towards new AFL posts on the oval!!

QUIZ NIGHT DONATION REQUEST
The P&C will be holding a quiz night on Friday, 26 June 2015, at St Peter & Emmaus Church.
At present we are seeking donations that can be used for prizes, raffles and/or auction. Previous donations have included larger items, such as a dishwasher, Dockers guernsey, overnight accommodation, and smaller items including bottles of alcohol, books, or pampering products. No item is too small as it can be used as part of a prize pack, although it is asked that all donations are new and unused. If you can help, a donation box will in the front office (see Fiona), or email Jenny or Tanya. Money raised from the quiz night will be used to improve gardens and play spaces at school.
Tickets on sale at www.trybooking.com

MOUNT HAWTHORN COMMUNITY FAIR – SATURDAY 7 NOVEMBER 12 – 6PM
There is a buzz building throughout the school as classes start planning their stall for the school fair. Would you like to be more involved?
We need an Entertainment Co-ordinator and Stage Hands to help co-ordinate the fair entertainment and we also need Committee Members to help with planning the fair.  Did you know your business can provide sponsorship for your class stall and for the Fair?  If you are interested in helping or providing sponsorship please contact Fair Co-ordinator Shari McKeown, via email, for more details. Make sure you visit our website and like us on Facebook to keep up to date with what is happening. It’s going to be our best Fair ever!

GIRL POWER/GOOD GUYS SESSIONS
Internationally recognised friendship program that empowers tweens with the skills, language and self-confidence to be better friends and develop healthier relationships. Mount Hawthorn Primary will be running a session, as will Aranmore Catholic Primary School.

MOUNT HAWTHORN WINS INTERSCHOOL SWIMMING CARNIVAL

The “Mighty Mount Hawthorn Swim Team Machine” is the Interschool Champion Team. After entering the competition in 2008, Mount Hawthorn now has their name on the trophy three times 2011, 2012 and now 2015. A sensational record!
After coming 2nd to Doubleview last year and with our rivals Kapinara swimming well, the team was well prepared. Nothing but our best would do! We said “swim until your legs are jelly”. They all did just that!
Mia won the Year 4 Champion Girl title by winning all her races and displaying the competitive spirit of the champion she is.
As often happens, it came down to the big points for relays to hold our lead from Kapinara and Doubleview. Every member of our swim team machine, led by our mighty captains Emma and Stephen, swam like the champions they are, slicing through the water, giving their personal best for the school and making us all so proud.
This fantastic result would not be possible without the commitment of the children, with their early morning trainings, their own personal squad trainings and the wonderful, dedicated parents of Mount Hawthorn PS community.
We would especially like to acknowledge the P&C, Rachel and Mel and all the parent helpers for the swim team breakfast and the wonderful support at the carnival. Mount Hawthorn had more parents helping than any other school. This commitment sets the Mount Hawthorn machine in motion and led to our success. Bring On Athletics, Cross-Country and the Winter Carnival!
By Jen Townsend and Anita Putt

Principal’s Message

It has been a very successful first term with the learning program in full swing. There have been many highlights with a steady flow of students coming up to my office to proudly show me their work.
Spelling and Reading continue to be priorities, with year level targets highlighted in the Strategic Plans (links to website). The Business Plan for 2016 – 2019 will be ratified early next term and will outline the strategic directions for the next three years.
Our school budget was finalised on 20 March, and we are in the process of funding extra Teaching and Support Staff. This will support targeted initiatives and specific year levels, and will be implemented at the start of Term 2. The Spellathon was extremely successful, and the funds raised will with funds be used for library and reading resources.
Our Music program, which includes a Band, Orchestra and Choir, are in full swing with many events planned throughout the year.
I have also had the pleasure of visiting all classrooms and observing the programs in action. Students have enjoyed some great excursions, which complement their learning program. They have also participated in quite a few school based events, many of which have been supported by parent volunteers.
If you get a chance, visit the Admin and have a look at the student’s wonderful artwork. Our resident parent art curator, Jenny Emmeluth refreshes this display each term. Banking and Book Club are back for the year and we value the efforts of the parent volunteers who have supported us.
Class based fundraising has commenced with the first cake stalls and funds raised going towards the next stage of the Friendship Garden near the Ed Support Centre. I believe we have raised enough money for one third of a mature tree, which will be the centre piece of the garden. The Year 6 students will be selling tickets for an Easter Raffle throughout this week.
Now for your homework for Easter – read a book with your children and get them outside by playing catch and throw with them. Enjoy the holiday break and thanks for your ongoing support.

TABLET PROGRAM
After a great deal of consultation and some debate, a decision has been made to proceed with the tablet program for Year 5 students, commencing in second semester.
Parents have asked about my thought process, and why I started consultation last year. As a school, we are continually managing and planning to provide complex networks of computers to meet the challenges of the digital revolution. Implementation of such ICT rich classrooms requires careful thought and planning, if these classrooms are to truly deliver the technology to enhance student learning and create truly engaging learning environments for today’s students.
I believe this program will complement the teaching program, by giving teachers access to the technology to enhance lessons. The program is not designed to be a replacement for text books or to have students just working on applications such as Mathletics.
Information on the planning for implementation will be available next term. It will be comprehensive and include and number of protocols.

REPORTING TO PARENTS DAY
Monday 20 April – All Kindy to Year 6 students do not attend. All students return to school on Tuesday 21 April (except Kindy Blue, Green and Orange groups).

ANZAC CEREMONY
On Friday, 24 April the school ANZAC Ceremony will take place on the junior tiger turf, commencing at 9:00am. The ceremony will be run by the six Year 6 Councillors. Members of the Mount Hawthorn Returned Services League and their wives will also be in attendance. During the proceedings, the choir will perform, and a specially selected student from every Pre-primary to Year 6 class will place a flower on the memorial plague. All students are to wear full school uniform (no faction t-shirts) including the correct school hat. If your child belongs to a uniformed youth group, they may wear their uniforms (guides, scouts, girls/boys brigade etc.)

RELIEF OFFICE STAFF
We are seeking Expressions of Interest for casual relief in the school Admin Office. We need people who are available from 8.00am until 4.00pm each day and have general office experience and good computer skills. Applicants will need a current Working with Children Check and to obtain a National Police History Check through the Department of Education Screening Unit. Please send your details to Marjorie Commijs to register your interest.

 P&C

OUTDOOR MOVIE NIGHT
Get ready to learn “How to Train Your Dragon 2” at the 2015 Outdoor Movie Night, on Friday, 1 May.
Bring along your warm PJs and blankets for a fun night under the stars. Food on offer and prizes to be won. Tickets will go on sale online Week 1 Term 2, for $5 each. We would love your help in organising this event, in the lead up and on the night (or both!). If you can lend a hand, please contact Alex Castle on 0401 549 051 or alex@jumpingjigsaws.com.au

GIRLPOWER AND GOODGUYS SEMINARS
Find out how to help your child manage their friendships. Tickets on sale now for Girlpower and Goodguys seminars. MHPS Girlpower – Goodguys 2015
Go to www.trybooking.com/DALR

FOOTY TIPPING
It’s not too late to get involved in the year’s competition and with the season starting tomorrow, now’s the time to sign up!
If you’re keen to join in the fun this year, here’s how:

1. Visit footytipping.thewest.com.au/ and login using the same details as last year, or register as a new member.
2. Search competitions for “MHPS PC Tipping Comp” and join our competition (your membership will be approved shortly after)
3. Fill in the attached form and drop into the Red Post Box in the front office to complete your payment – or if you don’t have time to get to school, simply scan and email back to me for processing.
4. Forward this message on to anyone else you think might be interested in joining. The more members we have, the bigger the prize pool!

P&C’s Footy Tipping competition.

Community Notices

EASTER RAFFLE
Get your tickets before school in the undercover area on Thursday morning. Drawn at the end of the Assembly. Also, guess how many eggs in the jar – $1.00 per guess. Proceeds go towards the Pirate Garden.

SCHOOL SIGNS RADAR PROJECT
Last year, the City of Vincent installed two permanent road safety radar signs along Scarborough Beach Road near Mt Hawthorn Primary School to discourage speeding during peak activity periods.
The signs were joint funded by the City and the Office of Road Safety and are intended to remind motorists to drive within the 40km/hr limit in school zones and create a Safer Vincent for everyone, especially our kids.
As members of the Mt Hawthorn Primary School community, we welcome your feedback and encourage you to visit this web page to complete a short survey about the new signs: www.vincent.wa.gov.au/mthawthornradar
Your participation in this (very quick) survey will help us gauge community perception and report on the effectiveness of this community safety initiative. Thank you.

PRE PRIMARY PARENT INFORMATION
Pre-primary Parent Information Evening – Protective Behaviours. Harbeck Centre, 6.00pm Thurs 23 April.

SPECIALIST NETBALL PROGRAM TRIALS
Become part of the specialist Netball program at John Forrest Secondary College.
TRIAL DAY 1 – WEDNESDAY 29 APRIL 2015 (8.45AM-11.00PM)
TRIAL DAY 2 – WEDNESDAY 6 MAY 2015 (8.45AM-11.00PM)
2015 Netball Trial Day
NETBALL TRIAL PACKAGE 2015