Upcoming Events - Kensington Primary · PDF fileUniversity High School 7 Wesley College 2 ... Camping Program-grades 3/ 4 and 5/ 6 and the extra camping program for some ... Example

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Kensington Primary School Newsletter Kensington Primary School Newsletter

18th December 2014 McCracken Street Kensington Vic 3031

Phone: (03) 9376 6013 Fax (03) 9376 4574 www.kensingtonps.vic.edu.au E-mail: [email protected]

Care Program: (03) 9376 9848

Principal: Mark Ryan Assistant Principal: Julie Stephens

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT

Upcoming Events Contents Upcoming Events 1 Principal’s Report 1. 2,3,4,5 Farewell Gr 6 5 Student of the week 6 Wellbeing at KPS 7

Thankyou and Farewell Gr 6 8,9

Plantmania 10 Funrai$ing 11

Community News 12

Happy Christmas and Happy Holidays

It has been a wonderful year with so much being achieved. Once again there were parents aplenty helping with

so many things over the course of 2014. It was particularly nice to see some of our newer parents joining in and

helping with the Trivia Night, Working Bees, committees, gardening and cooking and so many other ways. We

simply could not offer all the things we do without all this assistance. I wish everyone a happy and restful

holiday and look forward to seeing everyone back in 2015.

Grade 6 Day Out at the Kensington/ Flemington Bowls Club. Lots of food and fun.

DATE TIME EVENT December Fri 19

th

1:00 1:30

Casual Clothes Day

Assembly

End of Term 4 Tues 27

th 9:00-11:30 Uniform Shop Open

Thur 29th

Term 1 2015 Commences - Grade 1-6

Fri 30th Term 1 2015 commences PREPS

February Fri 27th

Men’s Golf Evening - RiversideITE

March Sun 22nd SCHOOL FETE

http://www.kensingtonps.vic.edu.au/

mailto:[email protected]

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Kensington Primary School Newsletter

2015 Secondary Schools

The grade 6 students are heading off to a record number of secondary schools! They are going far and wide to

no less than 21 different schools. There are 50 students leaving this year –a big number. We will miss them.

They have been great in so many ways, particularly school spirit and wanting to be involved in the extra

curricula activities.

We will also be saying farewell to a number of families who have been at the school for many, many years. I

would like to thank them for all their involvement and support over the years. The time has flown and I can’t

believe the little preppies that were sooo very little 7 years ago are now tall, confident and happy youngsters

ready for the next stage of their life.

The numbers of students going to which secondary schools

Albert Park College 1 Al-Taqwa College 2

Brunswick Secondary College 1 Caulfield Grammar 1

Christian Brothers College 1 Essendon Keilor College (EK) 1

Gilmore College for Girls 4 Maribyrnong Secondary College 5

Mount Alexander College 7 Mount St. Joseph College 1

Princes Hill Secondary College 1 Simonds College 1

Footscray City College 8 Westbourne Grammar 1

St Alban’s Secondary College 1 St. Aloysius 1 St. Michael’s 1

Strathmore Secondary College 1 The Academy of Mary Immaculate 2

University High School 7 Wesley College 2

Some of our student’s achievements in secondary school at Mount Alexander College for 2014. Their

awards night was Monday evening. Congratulations to these wonderful students

Year 7

Academic excellence John Dunley and Tuan Ly

Classroom Leadership Malachai Mowles

Year 8

Academic Excellence Henry Frazer and Eli Burrows

Dedication to Learning Jack Walter ansd Enua Philip

Classroom Leadership Quinn Higgs

Year 9

Academic Excellence Frank Dunley and Nicholas Thongvilu

MAC Writing Competition Awards Henry Frazer

Maths Championships 2015 Credit Award Finn O’Brien year 7

Mathletics “Outstanding Achievement Award Tuan Ly year 7

The Big Science Competition Awards- High Distinction Nicholas Thongvilu and Alexander Joshi

SRC 2014 Award Quinn Higgs

Year 10 Classroom Leadership Daniel Aristotle

VCE Graduate Julie Hercus

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What happened in 2014

1. Community Evenings-Bounceback and Strategic Plan feedback sessions-great attendance

2. Lunchtime Computer club

3. Buddy grades-great excitement and making new friends

4. Friendly Friday-getting to know someone new

5. Fire Education-lots of firemen and flashing lights

6. Monday Mathematicians

7. Choirs-junior and senior and early birds-lots of performing around Melbourne- Various Eisteddfods and

singing opportunities. Singing for the big wigs at the Department of Ed.

8. Greenies and Grubbies gardening group

9. Sustainability group-lots of recycling

10. Science Fairs-lots of science happening

11. School Expo-everything on show. Excellent numbers along to see the students’ work

12. Sports Training at lunch times

13. Tournament of Minds

14. Instrumental Music program-this has really progressed and the numbers continue to grow

15. Celebrations in programs-Eid, Chinese New Year, Diwali etc-looking at how different cultures celebrate

16. Class Meetings--discussing issues- giving children a voice.

17. Student Representative Council-organised the wonderful mini –fete and lots of other activities

18. Harmony Picnic-whole school celebration-foods from many cultures etc

19. Cooking with Kay and the parents-lots of volunteers to help out

20. The Rock Band-playing the hits

21. The Strings Group-making beautiful music

22. Bread Making and breakfast club

23. Bounceback- Social Skills Values and Resilience program

24. Transition Programs-preschool to Prep, grade 6’s to Secondary schooling and through school transitions-

kinder visits and secondary school visits

25. LOTE-Indonesian-across school Selamat Pagi

26. Regular assemblies that promote diversity- children run them and perform. Celebration of children’s’

achievements

27. Partnership with the Nth Melb FC (the Huddle). Footballers running clinics

28. Swimming Programs-squad and learner swimmers-water familiarity and safety

29. Buddies program- fostering friendships from different grade levels

30. Camping Program-grades 3/ 4 and 5/ 6 and the extra camping program for some grade 4/5 students

31. Excursions-Incursions-grades and whole school

32. Premiers Reading Challenge and MS Readathon

33. Perceptual Motor Program for younger students-Big kids help out-do a great job

34. Hall activities program-lunch times-singing, dancing and playing

35. Kensington Idol

36. Interschool Sports and other team sports- a very successful year once again

37. Visiting sports people-learning the finer arts

38. Lunchtime art making

39. Tuesday Homework Club-Hotham Mission

40. Special Days/Weeks-Science, Maths, Arts, Tabloid Sports, Athletics

41. North Melbourne AFL Football Round Robin

42. Cross Country running-kids getting to State championships

43. New Web site up and running-lots of hits

44. Painting and sending the container to Somalia filled with medical equipment

45. Visits to CERES

46. Kids Teaching Kids and Ranger Program for grade 5/ 6 F

47. The Cosmodome for the grade 5/6’s studying space

48. Lots of outdoor art pieces installed-thanks to parent involvement again.

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49. Planting day-an enormous effort-lots of helpers once more

50. Pizza oven cooking-some wonderful eating

51. Preps and 1/ 2’s to the Melbourne Show

52. Celebration of the opening of the Gathering Space-great seats and brick paving. It looks wonderful

53. Trivia Night Extravaganza

54. The Ballet teaching movement to the students

55. 3/ 4’s off to Scienceworks

If there is a

bushfire, flood, severe storm or other major emergency near you, the emergency services may choose to

warn you by text to your mobile or a voice message to your home phone.

Emergency Alert is the national telephone warning system. It uses the address where your phone is registered

and the actual location of your mobile to reach you:

when your home or school is near an emergency

when you are travelling with your mobile near an emergency.

When the emergency services use the telephone warning system:

a home phone within the warning area may receive a recorded voice message that begins with

“Emergency, Emergency”, and/or

a mobile phone that is switched on and in an area of mobile coverage may receive a text message.

The service is free and you do not need to register.

The warning message will tell you:

which emergency service sent the message: eg CFA

about the emergency and where it is

what you should do to stay safe

where you can get more information.

All telephone warnings come from the official number:

+61 444 444 444

Example Text Alert

From: +61 444 444 444

EMERGENCY WARNING

FROM CFA

Fire in Pohlners Road

area. Visitors to

Grampians National

Park should leave now.

Check local radio or visit

emergency.vic.gov.au

http://emergency.vic.gov.au/

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Farewell Grade 6

Talk to your child about the Emergency Alert system.

If they receive a warning message on the home phone or a warning text on their personal mobile, encourage

them to stay calm and show or repeat the message to a responsible adult they know, such as a relative or

teacher. If adults are not around, encourage them to follow the action given in the alert.

For more information about the system, visit emergencyalert.gov.au and watch the video (it’s in 30

languages).

In an emergency, do not rely just on your telephone for a warning.

Stay aware of your surroundings

Listen to local radio

Visit emergency.vic.gov.au

Download the FireReady app

Go to facebook.com/cfavic

Follow @CFA_Updates on Twitter

Mark Ryan

Principal

Farewell to our grade 6 students

It is always hard to believe that another group of students are ready to leave primary school and make their

way in the world, although looking at the students themselves, I can see that it is time. This year’s grade 6

group have shown strong leadership and have developed firm friendships. They have developed the ability

to reflect, inquire and show empathy to others. Many of them have begun to develop interests and passions

that will be with them for the rest of their lives, as I hope many of the friendships developed through primary

school will be. It is always sad to say goodbye, whether students have been at the school for one year or

seven. I feel confident that the students in this group will tackle the next stage of growing up with

confidence, knowing they have the social, emotional and academic skills they need as well as the support of

friends, family and the community.

It has been a pleasure getting to know all of the grade 6 students over the years and to watch them grow

and mature as they tackled the ups and downs of life. I wish them every success and happiness in the future.

Come back and tell us your stories, I can’t wait to hear what the next chapter holds for you all!

Melissa Martin, Wellbeing Officer

Please Note:

Tomorrow Last Day of Term

will be a Casual Clothes Day

http://emergency.vic.gov.au/

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Student of the week

Musaab Ali 1-2F

For his fabulous effort with home reading and reading the most

number of days for the year.

Ned King 1-2C

For being a curious and hard-working learner and being a respectful

and responsible classmate, throughout the year.

Nguyen Troung 1-2F

For being a great K.P.S role model with his participation in the

school swimming program.

Tyrone Nguy 1-2H

For always challenging himself!

Tarini Muthreja 1-2H

For always respecting and supporting others!

Nganker Makieng Prep P

For being a positive member of our class.

Jack Campbell Prep P

For his excellent recount writing about the swimming program.

Kayla Nguy 1-2P

For her brilliant handwriting and accuracy in punctuation.

Dylan Setina 1-2D

For working hard when completing his persuasive writing.

Hazel Maloney McCall 1-2P

For being positive about learning new things.

Jixiu Zheng Prep J

For fantastic math!

Johan Makowski Prep J

For amazing reading!

Mahamad Farah 3-4M

For showing independence in ‘going solo’ with his animal life cycle

project.

Gebrem Aderajeio Teseri 3-4M

For working co-operatively with his group on their animal life

cycle project.

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Wellbeing at KPS

A year of wellbeing at KPS

This year has flown by so quickly, and before it is over, I want to take the opportunity to reflect on some of the

wellbeing highlights of the year. I would also like to take the opportunity to thank the whole school community

for the support they offer the students at this school. It is all the little things done throughout the year by

community members such as: support with school drop-offs and pick-ups; making meals for families who are

having a tricky time; coming in to support the breakfast and other cooking programs; noticing how others are

feeling and wondering what can be done to help; and from the teachers who are always willing to do the extra

things that students need from time to time, that support student wellbeing and offer a sense of belonging to

students. A few of the highlights of the more formal wellbeing program include:

Bread making program - before school at recess and lunch time where students prepare feasts for

themselves and others, while they talk, connect and share how they feel . Many students choose to

participate in this program and are developing excellent bread-making skills! The pizza oven has been

well used by this program in 2014;

Group work with students to focus on developing emotion recognition and emotion regulation skills,

that is emotional intelligence. More than 80 students have participated in these groups in 2014;

Training for after school care staff in relation to Bounce Back and emotion coaching;

Support for the development of the strategic plan including community consultations in which more

than 60 parents participated;

Introduction of Tuning in to Kids program for parents, 22 parents have attended so far;

Support / coaching for new teachers re the Bounce Back wellbeing and resilience program;

Support for individual students in relation to social, emotional and learning issues;

Transition program to support grade 6s in their preparation for secondary school;

Working with 4 groups of student editors to redevelop ‘working and playing together’ booklets;

Jump rope for heart program;

Beginning a breakfast program where students have gathered twice a week before school to prepare

food, have a chat and a nibble and to begin the day feeling connected;

Working with different grades to address issues arising in grade culture and supporting class meetings.

All of these processes and activities support student learning and are integral to the supportive culture at this

school. As a school we can certainly say we are contributing to the vision for the Education Department: Every

Victorian thrives, learns and grows to enjoy a productive, rewarding and fulfilling life, while contributing to their

local and global communities.

Although it is a busy time of year, I hope that there are opportunities for mindful reflection and meaningful

connection for all the families in our community. I will end with a poem that may help to get through some of

the trickier extended family moments.

Compassion Have compassion for everyone you meet even if they don't want it. What seems conceit, bad manners, or cynicism is always a sign of things no ears have heard, no eyes have seen. You don’t know what wars are going on down there where the spirit meets the bone. MILLER WILLIAMS

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Farewell Grade 6

Farewell Grade 6 Friends - Written by Peter Dunley

Hi my name is Peter, I’m in grade five and I am writing on behalf of all students in the school.

From all the students at KPS I would like to first congratulate you because you have navigated your way

through primary school and we would like to thank you for being such great kids at this school. Every step

of our way you were that little step ahead of us and we have always looked up to you.

I would like to say thank you to the great parents and friends of the grade sixes who have given so much

to the school. We appreciate your support and friendship.

On behalf of all KPS students I would like to say farewell to you and wish you all the best at high school.

We know that you will get through the tough times of high school and enjoy your selves.

Farewell and have a great time as you move into high school.

Grade 6 Thank you and Farewell - Written by Ishani Joshi

On behalf of all the grade 6 students, I would like to thank all of the people that have helped us in

everything that has happened over the years. Primary school has been an incredible experience and that is

all because of the amazing people who have devoted their time to helping us. We have all grown up in this

school and only when we are saying goodbye do we realise how many people have guided us through

seven years of school and helped us reach where we are now.

First of all we would like to thank the classroom teachers who have taught us valuable knowledge and life

lessons. There are so many teachers that have helped us and guided us through all the challenges in

primary school. We have learnt so much and have learnt those things in the most exciting ways.

We would like to say a massive thank you to the administration staff, Mark, Julie, Esther, Pat, Sylvia and all

the people who have worked behind the scenes, answering phones, organizing events, sorting notes and

so much more. We all have had occasions when we have relied on these people.

Then, there are the (other/specialist) teachers Kay, Melissa, Uli, Nuccia, Brooke and Linda. We have been a

part of soccer carnivals, athletics days, cross country days, swimming carnivals, interschool sports,

eisteddfods, done complicated art projects, performed at assemblies, cooked feasts and done so many

more things that I haven’t mentioned. These things take an immense amount of organisation and we are

grateful that we have such committed teachers. A special thankyou to Kay for all the times she has come

in to school on her days off.

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Thank you to all of our parents, who have been so supportive and amazing for us. You have helped us get

ready for school, made our lunches, come on excursions, put up with our complaining, helped us with

homework and helped us through stressful times. Also thankyou to all the parent volunteers who helped

us make the school’s grounds so welcoming. We would have to come to a very boring place if it wasn’t for

the parents who have made the school such a great place.

Also, I would like to thank the crossing guards, Jim and Abdullahi for always being out the front and back

of the school to help us cross the road. It is nice to have them there to welcome us in the mornings and

say good-bye in the afternoon.

When we move on to high school we will miss everyone at primary school and we will miss the friendly

school community, but when we leave, we will leave with only good memories.

Going into Year 7 will be a very big step for us but we will stay proud of being a Kensington Primary School

student and we will always remember the people who have allowed us to have such a good time.

Thank you so much.

Farewell.

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Opportunity to care for KPS chickens during the summer holidays

We would like to offer the opportunity for interested families to volunteer to care for the

chickens again this year during the summer holidays. This is not a very onerous job and ideally

each family might care for the chickens for a week, however this is flexible depending on

demand. The children have all been incredibly enthusiastic during the Wednesday cooking and

gardening sessions and I’m sure our volunteer families will get just as much pleasure.

The chickens would remain in their current housing at school but you would be required to:

check on them,

top up their food and water (1-2 times per week)

feed them your kitchen scraps and of course,

collect (and keep) the eggs.

This can be done any time of the day that suits. They would need attending to every second day, but every day is fine if

you want to spoil them.

You will be well supported with an instruction lesson before the end of term. We will also ensure there is a Grubbie

member available as a contact if you have any questions or concerns during your time caring for the chickens.

If you think you might be interested or know you are interested then send me an email/text with your contact details at

[email protected] 0417 237 497

If you only have certain times you are available in the holidays then please feel free to let me know these dates.

Thanks, Sharyn Olive

Call out to all KPS families and teachers who know how to use a hose!

The holidays will soon be here and we are setting up a roster to ensure our veggies thrive over the

break. If you will be around at any stage and could give a little time for watering please email me

with your availability and contact details before 10th December.

The children have enjoyed planting their summer crops of tomatoes, beans, pumpkins, zucchinis,

sunflowers (just to name a few) and it would be lovely to come back to a lush garden and bountiful

harvest at the start of next year.

If you think you can help, please put your hand up.

Thanks in anticipation.

mailto:[email protected]

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Funrai$ing News

THE FUNRAI$ING COMMITTEE

Another bumper year from the KPS community in regard to our fund raising initiatives.

Our committee would like to say a massive THANK YOU to all the families and friends from the KPS

Community. You have helped to raise over $43,500 yes that’s right - $43,500 for the year.

We have had many events, which have contributed to this amazing amount. We kicked the year off with the

Men’s Golf Afternoon, this was not a massive event in regards to the numbers but to us a massive step

forward to increasing the participation of dads, carers from all year levels of at KPS.

Harmony Picnic which we hold every second year – a fantastic event which we see such a variety of cultures

get involved. Our Trivia Night which was held in August was a fun and terrific night which had the hall bursting

at the seams, our Raffle were the winner won a trip to QLD.

Things like Aussie Farmers Direct, Entertainment Books, Muffin Morning Tea’s and Elections are all things that

generate a consistent amount of funds for the school.

We also ended the year on such a high with the school End of Year Picnic and Expo, fabulous to see so many

come and view the children’s work and stay to watch the choirs and to unwind with friends. You helped raise

over $1700.

How the school spends the money you ask?? Well the school has a “Matrix” which all the committees put

forward items needed to run and facilitate classes, refurbish classrooms, cooling of the HOF, fun things for the

kids etc. Some of the FunRai$ing money is used to purchase these items. This year we have bought 2

marquees, provided funding for the Gathering Space, bought and installed noticeboards, upgrading of the HOF

(still continuing). We are “saving” the majority of the fund for the upgrading of the surface of the playground –

this will be a massive expense for the school and the majority of our events in 2015 will go towards this.

We really do value your support of the FunRai$ing Committee and the activities which we organise. It has

been wonderful to see so many new faces put their hands up to be involved in the events. We look forward to

your continuing support in 2015, and you all being “Part of the Magic” at the Fete next year.

Thank you

Bron, Nina, Naomi, Emma, Julie, Jenny, Pam, Chris, Sylv, Stewart and Wizz

The FunRai$ing Committee.

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Community News

Department of Education & Kensington Primary School do not endorse the products or services of any private advertiser. No

responsibility is accepted by the Department of Education or Kensington

Kensington Carols

Kensington’s Christmas Carols is on again, Friday December 19th At the Women’s Peace Garden in Epsom Road BYO picnic from 6.30 pm, Carols after dark (sometime around 8pm) Flameless candles available for $4 (proceeds to the Smith Family)

Remember that there are no toilet facilities at the gardens

Please help to ensure the lovely gardens are not damaged The Carols will be cancelled if the weather is bad

Documents

Upcoming Events - Kensington Primary · PDF fileUniversity High School 7 Wesley College 2 ... Camping Program-grades 3/ 4 and 5/ 6 and the extra camping program for some ... Example