FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Next week, 27^th May to 3^rd June we reflect on the meaning of National Reconciliation Week. Its theme – “Now More Than Ever”, sets us the challenge to continue making ever important strides towards a culturally responsive and reconciled society. What a fitting reminder to each of us to ask questions, explore, learn, share, build and continue the important journey of reconciliation, now and through our children, for generations to come.  This is essential to becoming an equitable community where truth-telling is embedded in how we work, teach and live. National Reconciliation Week is a time for all of us to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia. Students will be participating in a range of activities in this week organised by their classroom teacher.

SCHOOL BOARD VACANCIES

I am pleased to announce that Mrs Emma Castle and Mrs Ravinder Kaur have been successful in nominating for our School Board. I would like to thank both parent representatives for their time and commitment in being on our Board. Our next meeting is on Monday 17^th June.

SCHOOL DEVELOPMENT DAY FRIDAY 31^ST MAY

We have a School Development Day on Friday 31^st May (Week 7) where students do not attend school. Staff will be engaged in professional learning and planning for the rest of this year. The following Monday, 3^rd June is a Public Holiday for WA Day.

CAR PARK CONGESTION

No doubt we are all aware of the congestion that occurs in our car parks particularly at the end of the day and how much frustration is associated with this. The increased traffic flow makes it more dangerous for pedestrians moving around the car parks. If possible, I would like parents and carers to reflect on their pickup arrangements and make some changes that may reduce congestion, increase student safety and decrease levels of frustration. Please consider the following suggestions:

• If you child is old enough, have them walk, ride or scooter to and from school.
• Use the Kiss and Drives on McWhirter Promenade and Jaspar Bend (Yr 1 – 6) instead of parking your vehicle.
• Arrive at the school at 3.05 – 3.10pm to pick up your child (Yr 1 – 6) from the Kiss and Drives. The McWhirter Kiss and Drive is virtually cleared by 3.05pm and will significantly reduce your wait time.
• Consider carpooling with neighbours to reduce the number of vehicles around the school.

The City of Kwinana is looking at the current design of the McWhirter Kiss and Drive to increase the safety for students and parents.

BEFORE SCHOOL PLAYGROUND SUPERVISION

I am becoming increasingly concerned with the number of students who are playing on equipment before school unsupervised by parents/carers. I ask that your child sits with you until the siren goes at 8.40am and not be playing on the playground equipment. Students (Yr 1 – 6) arriving at school before 8.40am without parents are required to sit between the library and TB4 until the siren goes. I encourage parents to drop off their children as close as possible to 8.40am.

NEXT P&C MEETING

The P&C will conduct their next meeting on Monday the 10^thJune commencing at 2pm in the Staff Room. Hope to see you there.

SWIMMING LESSONS TERM 2 (PP – Yr 6)

Congratulations to all students who participated in our swimming lessons over the last two weeks. The weather was very kind to us, and it was great to see all students enjoying themselves. We now have the other half of our school attending lessons over the next two weeks. A big thank you to staff and parents/carers for organising students so well and to Mrs Glenda Tucker on her outstanding organisational skills.

WA STUDENT ASSISTANCE PAYMENT

The new WA Student Assistance Payment will provide parents and carers with a payment of $150 for each primary school aged child, including Kindergarten. A Connect message was sent home recently with more information about how to access these funds. You will need a valid WA Student Number (WASN) to be eligible for the payment. This number can be found on your child’s report from Semester 2 of 2023. Parents of Kindergarten and Pre-primary students can see their child’s teacher to obtain this number as neither group have received a report with this number.

 

KINDERGARTEN ENROLMENTS FOR 2025

Wellard PS will be taking enrolments for Kindergarten for 2025 commencing 9.30am on Tuesday 23^rd April (Week 2, Term 2). Enrolments will close on Friday 19^th July (Week 1 Term 3). It is most important that you enrol your Kindergarten child for next year as soon as possible. Please speak with neighbours etc. who you know need to enrol their child. To be eligible for enrolment, students need to be born between 1^st July 2020 and 30^th June 2021. When enrolling your child, you will need to come into the office and provide the following:

• Copy of your child’s Birth Certificate
• Up to date Immunisation Records
• Proof of Address that you reside in our local intake area – preferably a utility bill in your name that is no older than three months.

We have received a total of 77 enrolments out of a possible 120 placements.

Please note that students who live within our local intake area will be prioritised for enrolment. Our local intake area can be found within “Schools Online” on the Department of Education’s website.

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

STUDENT REPORTS AND CONNECT

It is most important that EVERY PARENT (Pre-primary – Yr 6) has used Connect by Monday 24^th June so they are able to access a copy of their child’s report. Please note that reports (Pre-primary – Yr 6) will be sent home on MONDAY 24^TH JUNE via Connect but students will also be supplied with a paper copy of their report. Parents are asked to inform the office if a copy of a report needs to be disseminated to other parties. Paper copies are provided to all Kindergarten students only as their reporting format is very different to the rest of the school. Do not hesitate to contact the office if you experience difficulties accessing Connect.

 

Kind regards

Geoff Miller

Principal

geoff.miller@education.wa.edu.au

GIRLS SOCCER

On the 10^th of May our Wellard girl's soccer team made the state final playoffs. The girls did tremendously well, coming up against one of the best teams in the competition in the opening round. Unfortunately, the girls were unable to get a victory in their first match. However, their effort and commitment to the team over the last 5 months has been amazing. The girls finished in 8^th place in the entire of Western Australia and we are all super proud of them. Well done girls.

 

Thank you

Matthew Paparone

Health & Physical Education Specialist

SCHOOL CROSS COUNTRY CARNIVAL

On the 11^th  June our students from Year 1 - 6 will be participating in this years School Cross Country carnival. Please look out for more information as it becomes available within the next week through your connect notices. Our students have been training since the start of this term and many have made big improvements on their personal times. The top 4 placings in Year 3 - 6 will gain entry to participate in our interschool event.  We hope you come along and cheer on your child and their peers in this special event."

 

Thank you

 

Matthew Paparone

Health & Physical Education Specialist