FROM THE PRINCIPAL

As a school we continually reflect on what we do in relation to what the latest research outlines. Recently, there has been discussion around the advantages associated with students eating lunch after they play. Schools who have gone down this path have observed the following:

• A decrease in the number of behavioural issues across the school.
• Students are more settled when they return to class.
• More students are eating their lunch as they are not in a hurry to run off and play.
• There is less litter in the playground.
• There are fewer accidents.
•  
• The teaching staff at Wellard Primary School would like to trial this change for the duration of Term 4. This would mean students (Pre-primary – Yr 6) would go out to lunch at the normal time of 12.40pm and play until 1pm. They would then go to the toilet, have a drink and make their way back to class to eat their lunch. They would begin the afternoon teaching and learning session at 1.20pm. Kindergarten students will continue with the current arrangement. Parents who are concerned their child will find it difficult to delay their eating time are encouraged to provide an extra piece of fruit/vegetable to get them through. “Crunch & Sip” will remain in place prior to recess. The canteen will move the sale of some items to recess to accommodate this change.

We will monitor this change throughout Term 4, and I will provide ongoing updates to parents via the newsletter. The purpose of this trial is to determine if this strategy has a positive impact on students and maintains the smooth operations of the school. Should this be the case, we will then look towards making the appropriate changes in 2024.

WESTERN AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT SCHOOLS MUSIC SOCIETY

Under the guidance of Miss Ash Alden, our school choir performed at the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre last Friday evening. They thoroughly enjoyed the experience and did Wellard PS very proud. Congratulations to Bonnie and Jaylyn on their soloist performances. I would like to acknowledge and thank Miss Ash Alden, Miss Foster, Miss Scheer, Ms Saunders and Mr Van Berkel for preparing and supervising our school choir for this event. Special thanks to those staff and parents who attended to support our choir.

BOOK FAIR

Mrs Jane Rogers, our school librarian, has organised for our Book Fair to be conducted between Wednesday 30^th August – Monday 4^th September (Weeks 7 & 8). Students and parents have been able to purchase books and other book related items before and after school. As of this morning there has been sales of $8,519 with $340 worth of books donated to the library by parents and staff. The library will receive a commission of 40% ($3,407) of total sales which will be used to purchase more books for the library. A huge thank you to Mrs Rogers for again coordinating our Book Fair and to those staff and parents who have supported this event, much appreciated.

NEW CAR PARK

I have been told the final inspection for the new car park will be held on Tuesday 12^th September. I will communicate with the school community when this area becomes available and how it is to be used. We may have a few teething problems as parents work out what side of the school is most convenient for them. Once the new Kiss and Drive has been completed, we will be better placed to determine a design for a shelter for this area.

OPEN NIGHT

On Tuesday 19^th September (Week 10), Wellard PS will be conducting an Open Night where parents are able to visit their child’s classroom and have a look at the work they have been doing throughout the year. Classrooms will be open between 4.00 – 6.00pm. Please note there will not be sufficient time for you to organise a meeting with your child’s teacher during Open Night. This is to be arranged for another time. We do hope that parents (particularly Dads) take up this opportunity to visit Wellard PS.

VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTIONS

Payment of Voluntary Contributions is now due. Funds raised through these contributions are used to purchase resources etc. to complement the educational programs we run throughout the school. Thank you to those families who have already paid their contributions. As a school we are always conscious of the costs we seek from parents in relation to educational activities.

Kindergarten – Year 6 - $60 per child per year.

Our preferred way of payment is by using our Qkr App, please see attached PDF for details.

School contributions can also be paid at the office or

by direct deposit:

Account Name: Wellard Primary School

(Please use the student’s surname as reference)

BSB: 066 040    Account Number 19901412

NEXT ASSEMBLY

Our next assembly will be conducted by Ms Baker’s Year 2/3 class (Rm 27) on Friday 8^th September (this week) commencing at 8.50am in the Assembly Area. Mrs Freeman’s Year 5 class with then present their assembly the following Friday.

SICK STUDENTS

As we get closer to the warmer months, we still have quite a few students (and staff) who are suffering from a range of illnesses. I ask that if your child is coughing and spluttering, please keep them home until they have fully recovered. Sending children to school when they are sick can result in students and staff coming down with the same illness. Your cooperation with this is greatly appreciated.

UNIFORMS

Parents are asked to write their child’s name on all uniform items, particularly zip up jackets. Having their name on it ensures they are promptly returned to the child concerned.  I also suggest students leave their hat at school to prevent them from leaving them at home. They can still take them home every few weeks for a wash.

Kind regards

Geoff Miller

Principal

RECYCLING STATION ARTWORK

By Cash, Mason and Ryder.

This term, we were given the privilege of creating some artwork with Mrs Protzman. We created a graffiti style sign for our school recycling station outside the Science room.

First, we painted the background and used a real coral sponge to create a spray effect that brought some energetic vibes to the design. Then we drew the lettering in graffiti style before filling the letters in with three thick coats of paint. Cash then made an ambitious suggestion of painting more of the background in bright pink. This colour contrasted wicked against the yellow, blue and purple! We used black paint to outline the lettering and added a drop shadow for a 3D effect. Finally, we whipped out the airbrush which Mrs Protzman showed us how to use. We used the airbrush to spray the cool drippy letters and faded the edges of the colours. We had a really great time and learnt a lot making this artwork. Thank you, Mrs Protzman, for giving us this opportunity.If you’d like to see our gangsta design, make sure to have a peek and don’t forget to bring in your batteries, mobile phones, bottlecaps and markers to put in the recycling bins.

Peace out!