Newsletter 3 - 4 March 2021
Dear Parents & Carers,
It was a pleasure to be able to welcome more parents back on campus last week for a fabulous TA9 & TA17 assembly and presentation of Student Leader Badges, as well as the ESC Welcome and Information session on a very warm Wednesday and Primary Parent-Teacher sessions across the past two weeks.
We trust that these meetings will strengthen the home-school partnership for 2021. The evidence shows that a joint effort will improve your child's learning outcomes.
The ESC School Board and Primary School Council and our Campus P&C all work hard to improve the students learning opportunities. Please consider joining/supporting one of these dedicated groups of parents and community members. Please put the Trolls outdoor movie night on Friday 19 March and P&C Family Games Night on Tuesday 23 March, 4-5pm on your calendar.
Great to see recent playground additions and the new classroom nearing completion. These will be motivating spaces to encourage social, physical, and creative learning. How to safely rescue Jack from the top of the beanstalk in the quadrangle has generated some great conversation, problem solving and imagination. We are busy "Learning Together-Growing Together" at South Ballajura Campus. Learning is fun and rewarding.
TA9 & TA17 Assembly “G’day!”
Congratulations to all of the students, and both class teachers, Ms Azza Ibraheem, and Ms Kelley Drage and Music Teacher, Ms Helen Sutherland. The confidence and organisation was especially impressive as this was the first class assembly for 2021 with only a couple of weeks to rehearse together. The song item was perfect to make everyone from all cultural backgrounds feel welcome.
Congratulations 2021 Student Leaders
Pizza with the Principals
Congratulations and well done to everyone who had a yummy pizza lunch with the principal's on Tuesday, our first for 2021. You were selected for showing You Can Do It Keys to success and your good manners on the day were much appreciated.
Last Friday, two students reported that,on the way to school, a male person was acting suspiciously.
The matter has been reported to WA Police who are investigating.
In light of this reported incident we urge all children to take care when going to and from school, and to report anything suspicious to their parents/carers, the school and the police as soon as possible.
You can call 13 14 44 to report an incident to WA Police (only use 000 in an emergency) or 1800 333 000 to reach Crime Stoppers.
Here are some suggestions to help your children stay safe:
• always travel in a group.
• walk on the right hand side of the road to face oncoming traffic.
• wherever possible, leave space between you and the roadway.
• stay in view – avoid going into areas that are hidden (such as parkland bush or
behind shopping centres).
• be alert – earphones and headphones can reduce your awareness considerably.
• if you have a mobile phone, have it turned on and ready to dial an emergency
number.
• if a passing car stops nearby, never get too close.
• run from a situation if you feel at risk.
• give this advice to your brothers and sisters, especially if they are younger.
• report suspicious behaviour to your parents, school and the police.
• if you can get it safely, try to photograph or remember the number plate of the
car.
• report number plates of cars and the clothing or distinguishing features of
individuals to police.
ASSISTANCE DOG
You may see Comet, a black Labrador, on campus. Comet is professionally trained, with the same access rights as a guide dog for the Blind. This includes school grounds and classrooms to support a student with Autism. As a working dog, when he is wearing his vest, please do not interact with him.
Please note that other dogs, such as family pets are not permitted on campus grounds.
HELP JACK!
Last Monday a beanstalk appeared near the undercover area and the infamous robber, Jack is stuck at the top with no ability to come down!
Teachers have challenged their students to find creative ways to help Jack ninja his way away from the giant and land safely back on the ground. This is part of our whole campus STEM (Science Technology Engineering Maths) project. The students will research, plan and then make a model of a solution to help Jack.
You can help us by collecting clean recyclable materials that may be used in the construction process. Class teachers may request these materials be brought in over the coming weeks. The students are excited and looking forward to the task. Stay tuned for some creative solutions and don’t forget to check Jack out, as he swings high in the clouds on his beanstalk!
South Ballajura Campus has some new play equipment! Forpark were on the school grounds last week building new climbing and balancing equipment at the bike track, and a new spinner in our Early Childhood area. Thank you to Variety Australia for providing the spinner as part of a community grant.
This term we have been looking at teamwork achievement and one of the areas we have been focusing on is teamwork. Get Along Gabby and her crew have been very pleased with the way the students have been getting along and working together as a team.
Helpful hints to support your child at home with Achievement:
- Ask why it is important to work together.
- Start a small project together, how can teamwork support you with this project?
- Where can you see evidence of teamwork in the community.
Stay tuned for more exciting news from the ‘You Can Do It” crew
Breakfast Club is back for 2021 starting Tuesday 9 March
Time: 8.10 - 8.30am
Days: Tuesday & Wednesday
Where: Wet Area Block 5
Toast, Milo and Fruit will be provided
We look forward to seeing you there.
We currently have a new campus website https://www.southballajuraps.wa.edu.au/ and South Ballajura App(Szapp) and we strongly encourage all Primary School and ESC parents to go to the school website which has a link to explain how to get and set up the school app. You will then be able to view messages through the app feed.
Please ensure that when you set up the app you turn on push notifications and default subscription.
QR code and instructions to set up the app.
How to Download our school APP SZAPP
1.Use this QR code to get to the APP site
On Apple Devices
On your device, open the App Store.- Search the App Store for SZapp.
- Download and install SZapp.
Download for Apple
On Android Devices
- On your device, open the Play Store.
- Search the Play Store for SZapp.
- Download and install SZapp.
How do I register?
- Tap the menu button in the top left corner
- Tap Login or Register.
You can register using the following methods:
Email:
1. To register with email, tap Create account.
2. Fill out the Email, Password, First Name and Last Name fields and tap Signup.
Once you have registered, you can login with your email and password.
Why use the APP?
- It will help you to keep informed of what’s going on in the school
- Canteen Menus are easily available
- You can easily let the school know if your child is going to be absent
- The newsletters are easily accessed through this APP
- If you miss an event, you can quickly catch the photos via the gallery
Thank you to our dedicated board members for continuing to make their valuable contributions assisting staff to achieve identified Business Plan targets and promoting our school. The Board will also be involved in the Department of Education School Review process this year and the visit in term 4.
Our parent representatives are critical to ensure parents have a say in the direction of our school.
here was one parent vacancy advertised for 2021 and nominations closed on Tuesday 6 March. A vote was not required and we are delighted to welcome Ms Maria Santana to the board team.
PARENT INFORMATION SESSION
Despite the very hot weather on Tuesday last week, it was great to have parents come along to our information session. Even more impressive was the willingness to give the Yoga breathing exercise a go. (We hope you tried it with your children at home too.) Thank you to Mrs Jen Quigley and Mrs Natalie Harney for the Welcome to Country, which was a project undertaken with students last year.
Mr Simon Hume, our Deputy Principal, covered many important Digital Technology aspects of the curriculum. We are very grateful that /education Assistants volunteered to stay back and supervise children so that parents could attend and focus. Teachers appreciated the time to discuss classroom programs.
The ESC has started this year’s Community Access with Health and Safety Awareness incursion. We had a St Johns First Aid incursion with Integration classes last Friday. Younger students learnt about dangers and calling 000 while older students learnt how to do the Recovery Position.
During Weeks 3, 4 and 5, a nurse from the Association for the Welfare for Children in Hospital will be here to continue the health focus for the Education Support Centre.
Community Access Co-ordinator
Mrs Natalie Harney
TRIPLE P
South Ballajura Primary School and ESC P&C needs you!
What is the P&C? A group of interested parents, just like you, who help create a feeling of community in the school.
What do we do? We organise school events such as discos and colour runs, assist the school with Open Night, fundraise for items for the school and run our school canteen.
We would love for you to share your ideas and skills, even if you can’t attend every meeting.
P&C Annual General Meeting (AGM)
- When: Tue 30th March 2021, 3:15pm snacks, 3:30pm start
- Where: School Library
Come along and be involved!
From the current P&C: Annette, Dan, Kylie, Bree, Jo, Brendan & Tasma.
Contact us for more information:
Talk to Bron or Kath in the canteen
Email southballajuraprimaryschoolpc@outlook.com
Join Facebook group: South Ballajura Primary School P&C.
Call President: Annette Hopkinson 0434 357 187 or VP: Danielle Wróblewski 0402 799 440.
Sun protection tips for parents & carers
For the best protection use all five forms of sun protection – clothing, sunscreen, a broad-brim hat, shade and sunglasses – when the UV is 3 and above
1. Slip on sun protective clothing
If you can see skin, UV can reach it. Clothing can be a great barrier between the sun’s UV and your child’s skin. Try to cover as much skin as possible with cool, loose-fitting clothing made from densely-woven fabric like cotton. If your child is wearing a singlet top or dress with thin straps, don't forget to layer up with a t-shirt or shirt before outdoor play.
If you can see skin, UV can reach it. Clothing can be a great barrier between the sun’s UV and your child’s skin.
Try to cover as much skin as possible with cool, loose-fitting clothing made from densely-woven fabric like cotton. If your child is wearing a singlet top or dress with thin straps, don't forget to layer up with a t-shirt or shirt before outdoor play.
2. Slop on SPF30 (or higher) broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen
- Choose a sunscreen that your child feels comfortable wearing and is easy to apply.
- From about the age of three, let children practise applying sunscreen so they can develop this skill ready for pre-school and school.
- Set up a sunscreen station in the bathroom at home so children can apply their sunscreen in front of the mirror and then wipe their hands.
- Pop sunscreen in the cooler section of their lunchbox so it will be cold when applying – especially refreshing on a hot, summer’s day.
- Try a clip-on sunscreen that can hang from your child’s bag and act as a visual reminder.
- Make sunscreen application a bit of fun and encourage children to put a dot of sunscreen on each cheek, nose and their chin and carefully rub it in (avoiding the eye area). They can add squiggles of sunscreen to any part of their arms and legs not covered with clothing.
- Remember role modelling – children learn best from what they see adults doing. Apply your sunscreen at the same time so children can watch how you do it and follow your example.
- Remember, no sunscreen blocks out 100% of UV radiation. Always use sunscreen as a last line of defence in combination with clothing, hats sunscreen and shade
Sunscreen and babies
We do not recommend widespread use of sunscreen on babies under 6 months old. Physical protection such as shade, clothing and broad-brim hats are the best sun protection measures. If babies are kept out of the sun or well protected from UV radiation by clothing, hats and shade, then sunscreen only needs be used occasionally on very small areas.
3. Slap on a sun-protective hat
Many children do not like to wear hats. Persistence is needed to teach them that a sun protective hat is part of their outside routine. If a hat is on, the outdoor fun is on! Children are more likely to wear their hat if you do too.
Choose a hat that shades your head, face, eyes, ears and neck. Bucket, broad-brim or legionnaire hats are best. Caps do not offer enough protection, so leave those inside.
Hat tips
- For babies, choose a hat fabric that will crumple easily when they put their head down.
- For younger children choose a hat size that is proportional to the size of their head and provides shade across their face and neck areas.
- For older children, a bucket hat should have a deep crown and angled brim which is at least 6cm. A broad-brim hat should have a brim that is at least 7.5cm. The side flap and front peak of a legionnaire hat should meet to protect the side of the face.
- Hats that can be adjusted at the crown are best. If the hat is secured with a long strap and toggle, ensure it has a safety snap, place the strap at the back of the head or trim the length so it doesn’t become a choking hazard
4. Seek Shade
- The shade moves with the sun, so be prepared to move around and follow the shade.
- Trees with dense foliage with a dark, even shade patch are the best types of natural shade.
- Take portable shade with you to make sure you don’t get caught out. Consider a beach or market umbrella or shade tent.
- Use a shade visor or hang a light blanket over the side windows in the car. Side and back windows don’t offer as much protection as the front windscreen.
- Babies under 12 months have very sensitive skin and should always be kept in dense shade and out of direct sunlight during the daily sun protection times (when the UV is 3 or higher).
5. Slide on sunglasses
Sunglasses designed for babies and toddlers may have soft elastic to keep them in place. It is important to choose a style that stays on securely so that the arms don't become a safety hazard.
Some young children may be reluctant to wear sunglasses. You can still help to protect their eyes by putting on a broad-brimmed hat and staying in the shade.
Toy sunglasses do not meet the requirements under the Australian Standard and should not be used for sun protection
