Newsletter 1 - 10 February 2022
Welcome to the 2022 school year! I am sure I heard a collective sigh of relief from many parents on the first day as they delivered their precious bundles into our care and headed off for a day of ‘me’ time. I’d also like to take the opportunity to offer a very warm welcome to all new families and staff to our school. My name is Karen Burgess and I have replaced Ross Tamlin as the South Ballajura Primary School Principal. My appointment is a fixed term one whilst the Department of Education runs an appointment process to appoint a principal whilst Mr Press has been seconded to another role within the Department for 2022 and takes further leave in 2023.I look forward to leading SBPS and working with this wonderful school community. Ross Tamlin has done an inspiring job in 2021 as Principal and I want to take the opportunity to thank him for leaving the school in a positive mind set ready to continue its growth, with many of the reforms that he instigated. I wish him all the best back in his substantiative position at Esperance PS. I have come from Baler PS in Hedland but this is certainly not my first foray into ‘city life’ having spent twelve years at Sorrento PS before heading off to the Pilbara, in fact the majority of my career has been in the regional areas including six years in Exmouth, a stint in Laverton and many years in the wheatbelt. However, having family in Perth and new grandchildren has had the heartstrings pulling and therefore I have made the move back to Perth. The welcoming nature of the school and its community has helped me to settle in very quickly and I am excited about the endless possibilities this school offers.
I look forward to getting to know our school community so please say hi if you see me out and about.
Warm Regards
Karen Burgess
Principal
South Ballajura PS
South Ballajura Primary School
In these uncertain and unpredictable times, it is essential that the school is able to contact you and keep you updated with important or urgent messages. We will contact you through a number of mediums, including Class Dojo, school website, school app or the school messaging service. We ask that you connect with our communication platforms as soon as possible so you don't miss out on important information. Thanks for your cooperation with this matter. If you need assistance with any of these, please call the school or send an email.
Class teachers will be sending requests to join their Class Dojo, please take the time to get this app and stay connected with your child's teacher. The website also has a link to get you connected to Class Dojo.
South Ballajura Education Support Centre
At South Ballajura Education Support Centre we will be communitating through two main platforms, which will be email and Seesaw for those classes that have it set up.
We are currently in the process of setting up a sms notification system and will introduce this system to all parents once finalised.
COMMUNITY ACCESS TERM 1
All incursion and excursions are being undertaken strictly following current Department of Education health guidelines.
The ESC is starting this year’s Community Access with Health and Safety Awareness incursions. We have 3 weeks of Hospital Awareness Incursions on a Friday for students from Kindy to Year 6 and as well as a St Johns Community Ambulance visit. We will have a meet and greet “Parent Picnic in the Park” at Pia’s Playground on Friday 8 April 2022.
Watch out for permission forms, Parent Picnic Invitation and information notes in the coming out this week.
Community Access Co-ordinator
Mrs Natalie Harney
Chatterbox Time with Miss Capelli
It is wonderful to be back at South Ballajura ESC for 2022.
Over the next few weeks, please remember that it is important to reward all communication attempts with a response, even if we are unsure what a child is attempting to communicate.
This is especially important for our younger students in the early childhood years.
For example, if a student is unable to use their speech to communicate something but they are showing you with their body language (e.g. reaching for an object), we can respond with “I want the puzzle” and provide them with the object/toy if appropriate. This way they are hearing the words that they could use next time.
Zen Zone
Friendship Circle
HASS
The Student Term Planner will be uploaded to the Campus Newsletter and Web site once it has been finalised.
ASTHMA TRIGGERS
Asthma is triggered by a variety of things. Some people will have a lot of triggers, while others may only react to one or two items. Keep a note of when you or your child gets symptoms of asthma.
Colds and influenza
The most common trigger for asthma attacks in children is a cold or influenza (flu). These are more common in winter and are difficult to avoid. If your child develops signs of asthma with a cold, follow your asthma action plan.
Exercise and play
Exercise and play are healthy activities and should not be avoided. If exercise is a trigger, you should use your blue puffer 5 to 10 minutes before sport and do some warm up exercises.
Wood fires and bush smoke
Smoky air can trigger asthma and is best avoided. Consider using electricity or flued gas fires instead of a wood fire. During bush fires, when the air is smoky, you may need reliever medication if symptoms develop.
Pollens and grasses
Allergic responses to pollens and grasses usually result in symptoms of hay fever such as a runny itchy nose and red itchy eyes. Many people who have hay fever also have asthma and find exposure to these triggers worsen their asthma. It may be worse in spring and windy days or after thunderstorms. Talk to your doctor about troublesome symptoms and appropriate treatment.
Pets and pests
Common pets and pests that cause allergy and asthma are cats, dogs and cockroaches. It does not matter whether they are long haired or short haired pets, they can all cause allergies. There is no consistent evidence that early exposure to or avoidance of pets protects against developing an allergy to that pet. If the family already has pets, it is not necessary to remove the pet from the house, unless there is a proven allergy. If allergic, minimise contact with the pet, and keep the pet out of the bedrooms and living areas, wash the pet regularly and vacuum floors weekly.
ASTMA FIRST AID PLAN
All severe or life threatening asthma attacks require urgent medical attention.
Always dial triple zero (000) to call an ambulance in a medical emergency, then:
- Sit the person upright and reassure them. Do not leave them alone.
- Give one puff of the blue reliever medication. Take 4 breaths in and out. Use the puffer on its own if no spacer is available.
- Repeat 3 times, so that you have given a total of 4 puffs
- Wait 4 minutes
- Keep giving the blue reliever medication one puff at a time until the ambulance arrives.