FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Welcome back everyone to a very cold and wet Term 3!!  We have much ahead of us including athletics carnivals, music events, Book Fair and Open Night. You can keep yourself informed through the newsletter or the calendar that appears on our website. Open Night will be occurring on Tuesday 17^th September (Week 10) from 4 – 6pm. This is a great opportunity for parents and carers to come into the school so that your child can share their wonderful learning with you. I encourage all parents to keep in touch with your child’s teacher particularly if you have any concerns about their learning.

WELCOME NEW SCHOOL CHAPLAIN: MS CALLYN FYNN

On behalf of the Wellard school community, I would like to welcome Ms Fynn as our new School Chaplain who has replaced Ms Sinead O’Dea. Ms Fynn works at Wellard on a Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Parents may request the services of the Chaplain through speaking with your child’s teacher. Access does depend on the workload of the Chaplain at that point in time and the level of need. We look forward to working with Ms Fynn, welcome!!

DUTY TEACHER CORNER OF MCWHIRTER PROMENADE AND IRASBURG PARADE

The school has recently applied for a Traffic Warden to be placed at the above intersection. In the interim we have decided to try and escort students across the intersection each afternoon. Unfortunately, from time to time, we are unable to provide this service due to staff being absent from school and other duty areas having to be supervised. We will do our very best to ensure this service is provided but it cannot be guaranteed.

MOBILE PHONES AND SMART WATCHES

The Department of Education does not permit student use of mobile phones/smart watches unless for medical or teacher directed educational purposes. Students from Kindergarten to Year 6 are not permitted to have mobile phones/smart watches in their possession during the school day. For this reason, ALL students are required to hand in their mobile phone/smart watch to the office prior to school commencing and to collect them after school. Any child who does not abide by this will have their phone confiscated which will then need to be collected by parents. We are aware that we have some students who are keeping their phone in their bag and not handing them in. I ask that parents reinforce with their child the importance of handing in their phone/smart watch.

THANK YOU AND GOODBYE MR IVAN RICCI (SCHOOL GARDENER)

Unfortunately, Tuesday 6^th August will be Mr Ricci’s last day working at Wellard PS as he is transferring to Bertram PS. Mr Ricci has been our School Gardener since the opening of the school in 2018. I valued Mr Ricci’s knowledge and expertise when we were opening the school as his electrical background enabled us to ensure everything was done the right way. His handyman skills and his straightforward way in speaking with tradies was also much appreciated. Thank you Mr Ricci and we wish you all the best for the future.

KINDERGARTEN ENROLMENTS FOR 2025

Wellard PS still has some vacancies for Kindergarten for 2025, but they are filling fast. 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.

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

Account: Contributions are as follows:

BOYS CHAMPION SOCCER COMPETITION

Last Thursday 25^th July, we had a number of boys who represented Wellard Primary School at the Champions Soccer Carnival held on our school oval. The boys had a great time competing against other students from surrounding schools. I would like to thank Mr Paparone for spending a great deal of their own time in preparing students for this carnival.

INTERSCHOOL CROSS COUNTRY EVENT

Selected students from Years 3 – 6 will be participating in the Interschool Cross Country Oval at Thomas Oval, Medina on Tuesday 20^th August. Mr Paparone will be sending a letter home to those students who are participating. I wish them all the best and have no doubt they will represent Wellard PS with the highest level of pride and sportsmanship. A big thank you to Mr Paparone and Mr McIntyre for organising.

SCIENCE WEEK

Mrs Singleton will be organising a range of activities for Science Week which will be occurring in Week 8. (2nd – 6^th September). This will be an exciting time for all students.

SCHOOL DEVELOPMENT DAY

Parents and guardians are reminded that we have a School Development Day on Monday 19^th August (Week 6). Students DO NOT come to school this day as staff will be involved in professional learning.

WESTERN AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT SCHOOLS MUSIC SOCIETY

Under the guidance of Mrs Amanda Middleton, our school choir has been preparing itself for their performance at the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre on the evening of Thursday 29^th August. Parents and guardians who are interested in attending can purchase tickets through ManPAC as outlined in the note sent home to parents. I would like to acknowledge and thank Mrs Middleton for overseeing our school choir for this event.

USING EMAIL

A reminder to all parents, that corresponding with staff using email is a very effective strategy in communicating with the school.  All staff have email addresses making it easier to explain absences, request an interview or clarify questions about homework etc.  Please seek the email address of your child’s teacher through the front office.

DOGS NOT PERMITTED ON SCHOOL GROUNDS

Parents and guardians are reminded not to bring their dog onto school grounds (includes car park) at any time. Whilst your dog might be very friendly and affectionate, circumstances may occur where children are placed in a position of discomfort and/or danger due to the presence of your pet.

STRANGER DANGER

In light of a recent incident occurring at another school, 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

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