Principal Update
Dear Families
Normally by this stage of the term we would have held the classroom information sessions throughout the school, but this year we have decided to initiate something different. We are very excited to announce that we will be providing an afternoon of food and entertainment prior to visiting your child’s classroom.
We believe in the importance of embracing the community and developing a connection to the school. As a way to develop this, we are inviting families to join us in a sausage sizzle and a spectacular presentation from the Chinese Kung Foo and Tai Chi Academy who will perform a traditional Lion Dance and weapons demonstration. Please see the following running time:
- 3pm – Students dismissed from class and move to the New Undercover Area where they will receive a hotdog.
- 3:30pm – Lion dance and Weapons Performance.
- 4pm – Parents and care givers move to their child’s classroom for information session. Students will either go home or stay in the oval area where they will be supervised by admin staff while the information session takes place.
- 4:30pm – Information session complete and families will vacate the school.
P&C
It was a fantastic turn out for our AGM at the beginning of the year. We are pleased to announce that the majority of the roles have been fulfilled, and it was wonderful to have so many community members attend and show their support for the school. Once we have confirmed the committee members we will announce them asap. I would like to take this opportunity to thanks the previous members for the significant contribution they have made to the students and school over the years.
GPS (Guided Positive Support)
To align with the Department and Balga PS’s restorative approach to behaviour, we have introduced a strategy to support students at recess and lunch. This will be an alternative to detention where students were required to sit on a bench during break time.
The Process
If a student reaches the stage in the behaviour management process where they are required to visit the office, admin staff will decide whether the student will need to attend a GPS session. The GPS session will be a learning opportunity for the student to develop the necessary skills to regulate their own behaviour. They will be involved in discussions and activities that relate to the difficulty they are having with their behaviour. The GPS session will be run by admin staff.
If you have any questions relating to this approach, please feel free to call me on 9253 4500.
Regards,
Mike Wills
Deputy’s Desk
Harmony Day Celebrations & Multicultural Feast – 26 March
You are invited to celebrate Harmony Day at Balga Primary School on Thursday 26 March from 9am. It is a celebration of different cultures living together in harmony within our community and across Australia. Students and families are encouraged to wear their traditional clothing or orange and/or black clothes which are the colours of Harmony Day. Our celebrations begin at 9am with our Harmony Day assembly which includes a parade of traditional clothing, performances including African drumming and songs from our choir. After the assembly, you can share in our Multicultural Feast. Please bring in a plate of traditional food from your culture to share with everyone. We would appreciate if you could prepare a paper plate or ensure that your containers are clearly labelled with student’s name and classroom number. Please label the food and country of origin and deliver the food to the Art Room prior to school. Please note we are an allergy aware school and currently have students with anaphylaxis, where possible please avoid sending peanut based dishes.
Room 8 Assembly: Growth Mindset
Well done to Miss Fox and her amazing students from Room 8 for their fantastic assembly about having a growth mindset. “In a growth mindset, people believe that their most basic abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work—brains and talent are just the starting point. This view creates a love of learning and a resilience that is essential for great accomplishment.” Students who embrace growth mindsets—the belief that they can learn more or become smarter if they work hard and persevere—may learn more, learn it more quickly, and view challenges and failures as opportunities to improve their learning and skills.
First Aid Incursion
Balga Primary School joined forces with St John to learn about basic first aid. All classes learnt about what to do in an emergency, what paramedics do and how an ambulance works.
NAPLAN – Tuesday 12 May – Friday 22 May
Students at Balga Primary School in Years Three and Five will be completing NAPLAN Online (Year Three Writing is done on paper) from Tuesday 12 May to Friday 22 May. Students will participate in adaptive tests in writing, reading, conventions of language (spelling and grammar), and numeracy. More information about NAPLAN can be found in the attached flyer. If you have further questions about NAPLAN, please contact the school on 9253 4500.
Regards,
Anthony Chiappalone
UPCOMING DATES TO REMEMBER
Science Quest – Friday 6 March
Selected students will be travelling to Dianella Secondary College to compete in the 2020 Science Quest. Students will leave Balga Primary School by bus at 8.45am and will return by bus at 2.30pm. If you child is attending, please ensure that they arrive at school early. Good luck to all the students involved.
Radio Lollipop Uniform Free Day – Wednesday 11 March
This year marks the 25th anniversary of Radio Lollipop’s charity in Western Australia. They are run by volunteers and provide care, comfort, play and entertainment for all children in hospital and their families.
All students are encouraged to wear free dress for a GOLD COIN DONATION which will help support this very worthy cause.
Please click the Radio Lollipop logo below to be redirected to their website for more information.
(https://www.radiolollipop.org/)
Room 4 Assembly – Thursday 12 March
We’re looking forward to our second assembly of the year, Room Four’s assembly! We hope you can join us at 9am to enjoy their performance the great work of our students
No Canteen Service – Friday 13 March
Our Canteen service will not be operating on Friday 13 March. Please ensure your child brings their lunch to school this day. We apologise for any inconvenience.
Classroom Information Sessions – Thursday 19 March
The Classroom Information Session afternoon will run from 3.00pm to 4.30pm. Food and entertainment will be on offer in the new undercover area from 3.00pm with the Classroom sessions to commence at 4.00pm, finishing at 4.30pm.
Screen Time Discussion Session – Monday 30 March
The Child and Parent Centre – Warriapendi will be running a Screen Time Discussion session at Balga Primary School on Monday 30 March 2020 at 9.00am. They will discuss the effect that screen time has on your child’s development and relationships, how to support your children to develop healthy screen time habits and how to use technology to support your child’s learning.
Coronavirus update
Please find attached a letter regarding the Education Department’s position regarding school organised international travel.
Reading Helpers Wanted – Support a Reader Program
We are looking for volunteers to support teachers with their morning reading routines. Volunteers will be required to sit with individual students, and listen to them read between 8.45 – 9.00am. If you are interested in volunteering to help, please inform your child’s classroom teacher or the front office in person or by phone.
Balga Primary School Facebook Page – Search @BalgaPS
If you haven’t done so yet, jump onto the Balga Primary School Facebook page and follow us – search for ‘@BalgaPS’. It’s a great way to keep up-to-date with the special things happening at Balga Primary School.
COMMUNITY NOTICES
P&C
We would like to congratulate and welcome our newly elected P&C Committee and take this opportunity to thank our outgoing P&C Committee for all their hard work and dedication for the school community over the years. The P&C are always looking for new members, so please come along and join at the next P&C meeting. The joining cost is $1.00 and is valid until the 2021 Annual General Meeting.
Playgroup
The Child and Parent Centre – Warriapendi run a Playgroup from Balga Primary School every Monday and Friday during school terms. Playgroup runs from 9.00am and 10.30am and is for all children aged 0-4 years of age.
Child and Parent Centre – Warriapendi
The Child and Parent Centre Warriapendi run a series of programs for the local community. Please find attached a copy of their Weekly Timetable.
Moorditj by Moonlight – Sunday 8 March 4.00pm – 7.30pm
A Free family event held at Wesley College, South Perth, celebrating the strength of Indigenous Culture. For your Free Tickets – click here.
Lowes Uniform Sale – Thursday 12 March
Lowes are having a 20% off Schoolwear sale on Thursday 12 March. You must use your Lowes Zero or Lowes Rewards card to receive the discount. See Lowes store or website for all the terms and conditions.
PDF Links:
Link to Balga Primary School – Term 1 Planner 2020