FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Last week, our new car park on the western side of the school was opened. In combination with the new Kiss and Drive, it has had an immediate impact on reducing the congestion along Jaspar Bend on the eastern side of the school. The new car park is full most mornings and afternoons, please remember to enter on McWhirter Promenade and exit onto Johnson Road. The arrows throughout the carpark make it very clear as to the direction that vehicles need to travel. I have been liaising with the City of Kwinana regarding the introduction of a 40km zone along Johnson Road and McWhirter Promenade, however this appears to be some weeks away as they have to conduct a range of surveys in gathering data on traffic flow. I have emphasised to the City of Kwinana how dangerous the Kiss and Drive is with vehicles travelling through there well above 40km per hour. I also ask that students and parents are vigilant when crossing McWhirter Promenade at the intersection of Johnson Road. Please wait for all traffic to be clear before crossing. When using the Kiss and Drive I ask that you always drive to the furthest bay making it easier on the vehicles behind you to access this area. Please, do not leave your vehicle if you park in the Kiss and Drive. I am hoping these recent changes have reduced the stress and anxiety associated with dropping off and picking up of students at Wellard PS.

CHANGE IN EATING TIME AT LUNCH

Feedback from staff, students and parents has been reasonably positive about the change in eating time at lunch time. Currently, students are playing first (12.40 – 1.00pm) and then eating immediately afterwards (1.00 – 1.20pm). Some of the comments indicate that students are entering class after lunch more calmly and ready to learn, more students are finishing their lunch and that students are not as hot and sweaty from running around. Office staff have indicated there are less students coming through the office after lunch complaining of having a stomach-ache. Although it is early in the introduction of this initiative, it seems to be having some positive outcomes for all students.

YEAR SIX STUDENTS

I would like to wish our Year Six students all the best for their final term at Wellard Primary School.  They have several exciting events to look forward to and I am sure they will continue to work hard and apply themselves throughout the term.  They have been a great bunch of kids who have set a fine example for our younger students.

P&C MEETING

Our next P&C Meeting will be conducted in the Staff Room at 2.00pm on Monday 23^rd October (next week). This is being held just prior to pick up time to try and attract more parents to meetings. Come along and have a coffee, hope to see you there.

HOUSE CARNIVAL

Congratulations to all students on the level of sportsmanship they displayed throughout the days and the way they conducted themselves particularly on our House Carnival Day. Well done Mr Paparone and Mr McIntyre on the organisation of the days. I would also like to thank and acknowledge the efforts of all staff in preparing their students for the carnival. Thank you to those parents who also assisted on the days. Congratulations to Green House (Doornart) on winning the Jitty Jitty Shield and to all individual champions and runner ups. Well done everybody.

SCHOOL PHOTOS (KAPTURE)

Parents are reminded that our school photos are being conducted between this Monday 16^th to Thursday 19^th October (Week 2, Term 4). Parents are encouraged to order online, however, an envelope with payment can be brought in on the day. Please refer to a Connect notice sent home earlier this week for the timetable of when class photographs etc. are taken.

SCHOOL DEVELOPMENT DAY

(FRIDAY 24th NOVEMBER WEEK 7)

Parents and carers are reminded that we have a School Development Day on Friday 24^th November. Students DO NOT attend on this day as staff will be planning for 2024.

INTERSCHOOL ATHLETICS CARNIVAL

This will be conducted on Thursday 2^nd November and Friday 3^rd November at Wellard Oval on Abingdon Crescent, Wellard. More information will be sent home shortly to confirm arrangements.

ASSEMBLY

The next assembly will be conducted by Room 16 (Yr 4, Miss Rindel) on Friday 27^th October at 8.50am in the undercover area.  EC 5, 7 & 8 will conduct their assembly in Week 4 on Friday 3^rd November.

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 1990141  

STRANGER DANGER

I urge all parents to talk to your child or children about walking safely to and from school. Following are some suggestions to help your child/children stay safe.  Please ask your child to:

•           Always travel in company

•           Walk on the right hand side of the road so you face oncoming traffic

•           Wherever possible, leave space between yourself and the roadway

•           Stay in areas that are well lit

•           Stay in view – avoid going into areas that are hidden from view (such as parkland bush or behind shopping centres) and plan trips to avoid such locations

•           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

•           Do not hesitate to run from a situation in which you feel at risk

•           Provide this advice to brothers and sisters, especially if younger

•           Report suspicious behaviour to parents, school and the police, noting number plates of cars and/or clothing or distinguishing features of individuals.

Remember to call 131 444 or the local station to report an incident to police or 1800 333 000 to reach crime stoppers. Only call 000 in case of an emergency.

Kind regards

Geoff Miller

Principal

Physical Education Update

The House Carnival was conducted on Wednesday, October 11 which along with the K/PP Carnival, Jumps, Throws and Long Distance running events held last term completed the Athletics Carnival program for this year. All events went well, due to the wonderful support of parents and staff, and the excellent behaviour of students. A big thank you goes out to all staff, students, parents and community members who supported this event. Doornart won the House Carnival this year with a solid overall effort. There were a lot of great performances across the individual events, but we were most pleased to see every student give their personal best for both themselves and their Houses. Well done to all students who participated in the events. A full list of individual champions and runners up from the House Carnival are below.

In other news, the KSSA Interschool Athletics Carnival will take place over two days on Thursday, November 2 (jumps, throws and long distance running events) and Friday, November 3.   (Interschool Carnival). We wish the best of luck to all of our students who are representing the school. We hope to see as many parents supporting them as possible.

Kind regards,

David McIntyre and Matthew Paparone.

Physical Education Specialists