Newsletter No 31 17 October 2013

TERM CALENDAR

FROM THE EXECUTIVE TEAM

GATES Our new gates have allowed us to make sure our school-ground is much more secure both during school time and out of hours. To this end we ask that everyone closes gates behind them. All pedestrian gates are fitted with child safety latches (similar to the ones used on pool fences), which are easily operated by lifting the latch at the top of the mechanism. Please do not lift drop pins (the metal pins that drop into the holes in the round) – one drop pin is left lifted on each gate, indicating the side of the gate to push open when the latch is disengaged. Parents are also asked to use the main entrance in preference to all other entrances during school time (except at the start and end of the day), as it is an expectation that you proceed immediately to the office before going to any other area in the school.

PARENT SURVEY Earlier this year a number of families (random sample) were asked to complete our Parent Input survey. The results of the survey have just been released and the results indicate some areas of improvement and some areas for further development. In particular, improved perceptions around the following have been reported:

Approachability

Stimulating learning environment

Reporting

Behaviour management and classroom behaviour

Student safety Parent perceptions indicate that we need to improve in relation to:

Parent input

Transitions

Homework Steps are already in place to work on some aspects of these elements. In particular, School Council is currently reviewing our homework policy and the PFA will soon be releasing a short survey. School Council is also working on a Communication Strategy, which

will lead to further opportunities for parents to be involved in and informed about the school.

READING AT HOME I commend to you the article attached to this newsletter and encourage you to take some time to read it and consider its contents. As educators we know that the partnership between home and school is very important and recognise that learning doesn’t just happen at school. Reading together at home in an enjoyable way has a highly positive effect on the literacy skills of children. There are some terrific views and ideas expressed in the article, including 10 Read Aloud Commandments by Mem Fox, renowned children’s author.

INSIGHTS ARTICLE – Literacy Please see attached.

HATS It was terrific to see so many students start the term with hats at the ready – without being reminded. Hats are a compulsory part of our uniform in terms 1 and 4, so please make sure your child has a clearly named broad brim hat to wear when outside. Best wishes, Phil, Marie & Andrew

CURRENT NEWS SCHOLASTIC BOOK FAIR The Scholastic Book Fair is coming to Killara. This is a great time to start shopping for Christmas gifts for your family or provide suggestions for grandparents while supporting our school at the same time. When: Wednesday, October 30 until Thursday afternoon, November 7. Where: The library will be open before school from 8:30 until 8:55 and after school from 3:30 until 4:30. Children will tour the Book Fair during their library time and fill in their wish list. They will bring this home to share with you. We will also send home a brochure explaining how you can order from the Book Fair at home and send the completed form with your child to school. Save the date on your home calendar. We look forward to seeing you there.

Deb Shepherd Teacher Librarian

SCHOOL HATS Killara hats can be purchased from PSW at school on Thursdays from 2:30pm – 4:30pm in the gym foyer.

23 – 25 Oct Yr 3/4 Phillip Island Camp

30 Oct – 7 Nov Scholastic Book Fair

5 Nov Melbourne Cup Day holiday

20 Nov 2014 Preps Information Night

27 Nov 2014 Prep Orientation Session 1

4 Dec 2014 Prep Orientation Session 2

10 Dec 2014 Prep Orientation Session 3

11 Dec End of year school picnic

20 Dec Last day of Term 4

Killara Primary School

Our Best – Every Child, Every Day

Caring Acceptance Responsibility Excellence Support & teamwork

Killara Primary School Results in the 2013

Australian Mathematics Competition We congratulate our students who took part in this year’s 36

th Australian

Mathematics Competition. Hundreds of thousands of students in primary and secondary schools from around 40 countries sat the AMC on 1

st August.

Killara Primary School had 50 students competing from Year 3 to Year 6 this year. Of those students, 5 received Distinctions, 16 received Credits and 15 received Proficiency awards. A great result from all students! In recognition of the outstanding effort all students made in participating in the competition, students will be receiving a Certificate of Achievement as well as an individual performance report at next week’s Monday assembly. We extend a warm invitation to parents and friends of students to be present for this presentation. Congratulations once again to our 50 competitors on a truly terrific result. Nancy Smith - Numeracy Coordinator

VOLLEYBALL ZONE FINALS

On Friday the 11th of October, the Volleyball teams went to Boardman Stadium to represent our school in Zone Volleyball. Our first game was against Gladstone Park and was a tight game but we managed to pull through it with a score of 21-8 for our first set and 21-4 for our second set. The second game we played Roxburgh Rise with a score of 21-13 on our first set and 21-12 on our second set. Once we got to our third game we felt really confident and blew up the court with a score of 21-9 on our first set and then 21-10 on our second set against Broadmeadows Valley. A big thanks to all the parents

for supporting us and thanks to Chris and Piza for using their spare time to help us train. Shelby and Jess

PFA CALENDAR FUNDRAISER The calendar fundraiser has been extended and is now due back by Friday 25

th October. Please ensure

all students details are on both sides of the artwork sheet and the order form.

PUPIL OF THE WEEK TERM 3, WEEK 9

Junior School Preps

Displaying a positive attitude towards production

rehearsals

Middle School Teacher’s Choice

R1 Dylan B R11 Monique S

R2 Clancy E R12 Amy C

R3 Jasmine P R13 James W

R4 Callum G R14 Robbie B

R5 Mitchell R R15 Sid H

Year 1/2 Getting along with others

inside and outside the classroom

R16 Logan J

Senior School Teacher’s Choice

R6 Gracie B R7 Tahlia W

R17 Jackson V G R8 Casey D

R18 Hannah L R9 Connor O

R19 Lee T-S R10 Abby H

R20 Crystal T R25 Annmarie C

R21 Eric S R26 Gabriel D

R22 Kabir C

R23 Charlotte H

R24 Matthew B

PUPIL OF THE WEEK TERM 3, WEEK 10

Junior School Preps

For a great finish to Term 3

Middle School Teacher’s Choice

R1 Finn B R11 Sophie B

R2 Baylee C R12 Charlotte D

R3 Zak M R13 Bridget C

R4 Maddison W R14 Chelsi C

R5 Daniel L-T R15 Rory A

Year 1/2 Displaying a positive attitude

during the “Wiping out Waste” production

R16 Thomas S

Senior School Successfully

participating in and completing the Premiers

Reading Challenge

R6 Stephanie C R7 Katelyn S

R17 Lorenza K-C R8 Cody W

R18 Hayley R R9 Jacob B

R19 Amber M R10 Trent C

R20 Charleigh W R25 Molly H

R21 Phoenix M R26 Campbell D

R22 Blake C

R23 Brock P

R24 Rylan H

GOOD CITIZEN AWARDS

Prep: Zane Room 1 Yr 1/2 Riley Room 6 Yr 3/4 Lachlan Room 16 Yr 5/6 Cailey Room 26

GREAT CYCLE CHALLENGE I am riding in the Great Cycle Challenge this month to Fight kids’ cancer! The funds I raise will support Children’s Medical Research Institute to continue its work in developing treatments and finding a cure for childhood cancer. With lots of hard work and your encouragement, I have smashed my initial goal of 200km and am now on my way to reaching 500km by 31st October! With only 14 days left, I would appreciate your continued support and donations. Please sponsor my challenge to fight kid’s cancer by making a donation through my fundraising page: www.greatcyclechallenge.com.au/Riders/SarahRound

Cash donations with your name (and email address, if you require a receipt) are also accepted at the office.

CONVEYANCE ALLOWANCE TERM 4 Applications for conveyance allowance close on Friday 8 November. Families who currently receive this allowance in 2013 do not need to reapply for Term 4. This allowance may be available to those families who reside more than 4.8km from their nearest government primary school. If you would like further

information regarding conveyance allowance, please see the office.

COMMUNITY NEWS

HUME CITY COUNCIL MUMS WITH KIDS SWAP PARTIES How can you update your own wardrobe or find toys, books and clothes for the kids all for free? By attending our Mums and Kids Swap Parties! Simply bring up to six unwanted items in good condition to swap for something else. You could bring toys, books, your own or your child’s clothing. Arrive at the start to check in your items, then enjoy light refreshments before swapping begins.

Dates and times: Friday 18 October, 11.00am – 12.30pm Elizabeth Drive Maternal and Child Health Centre 511 Elizabeth Drive, Sunbury

SUNBURY BLUE LIGHT DISCO When: Friday 25 October Time: 6pm – 8pm Cost: $5 Where: Sunbury Memorial Hall Stawell Street Sunbury Theme: Halloween dress up

PUPIL OF THE WEEK TERM 4, WEEK 1

Junior School Preps

For writing a detailed holiday recount

Middle School Great improvement in

reading

R1 Abbey H R11 Cameron M

R2 George W R12 Corey B

R3 Wilson L R13 Charlize H

R4 Tautoko A R14 Ryan B

R5 Jacob H R15 Holly H

Year 1/2 Demonstrating a positive

learning attitude at the beginning of Term 4

R16 Rowan R

Senior School Using their manners and

being polite

R6 Jay G R7 Matthew L

R17 Isobel R R8 Adam Y

R18 Piper A R9 Madi M

R19 Eve W R10 Elma C

R20 Riley D R25 Ebony C

R21 Natalie W R26 Ryley B

R22 Lily W

R23 Lizandrie S

R24 Bradley C

Specialist Class of the Week Performing Arts

1/2 B – Bec Armistead

Singing the “music count us in” song so enthusiastically

Visual Arts 1/2 D – Susan Moloney

For displaying positive and responsible behaviour when creating their art work

Physical Education

1/2 A – Cynthia Follett

Being focused and persistent learning new skills

Library Prep E – Kellie Eastaughffe

Great listening to “Don’t be a bully, Billy” and brainstorming how to stay safe.

KILLARA PRIMARY SCHOOL Phone: 9744 6432 Fax: 9744 4956 website www.killaraps.vic.edu.au

Email us at killara.ps@edumail.vic.gov.au

PAYMENT REMINDERS

Year 5/6 Term 4 netbook fees are now overdue.

Payments outstanding as of next Monday 21 October will result in the possible use

of netbooks being suspended.

Year 3/4 Phillip Island Camp payments must be finalised by tomorrow,

Friday 18 October.

Year 1/2 Melbourne Zoo excursion due Friday 25 October.