Welcome to a new school term. I am delighted to be at school once again and as Term 3 is my favourite term, the timing is perfect. There are many things to look forward to including the One Big Voice choir festival, Faction Athletics Carnival, Book Week and Science Week. Please make sure that you read the newsletter and Connect notices carefully for details.

ThinkUKnow

I would like to invite parents, particularly those with children in Years 5 and 6, to an information session on Wednesday 16 August 2023 at 6:00 pm. ThinkUKnow is an education program led by the Australian Federal Police and addresses the use and misuse of technology. Topics include sharing of videos and images, social networking, messaging, and online gaming. There will also be an in-school presentation for the students on the 19 September to further promote the safe use of technology.

Working With Children Check

We thank all our parents who generously volunteer their time and energy to support our school community. There are some changes to the Working with Children Check policy, to ensure the safety of children when we have volunteers in the school.

If you would like to volunteer at our school, you will need to sign a ‘Parent and child volunteer declaration form’. You cannot volunteer if you have a current Working with Children Negative Notice or Interim Negative Notice.

These changes affect parents who are engaged in volunteer work. For example, you are considered a volunteer when you assist with activities such as reading sessions, day excursions, canteen duties, helping at a sports carnival or carrying out P&C duties.

 You are not a volunteer when:

• picking up and dropping off your child
• observing events like school assemblies
• attending parent and teacher interviews

If your circumstances change, and you are issued with a Negative Notice or Interim Negative Notice after completing the ‘Parent and child volunteer declaration form’, you must advise the principal.

A current Working with Children Check is required by all other family members and friends over 18 years of age who want to volunteer.

It is a collective responsibility to ensure the safety of our children. We appreciate your ongoing support and dedication to our school community.

Wrap free Wednesday

Thank you to all of the families who consciously chose to go wrap free last Wednesday. There were some good discussions about reducing food wrappers and waste. Please make wrap free part of your everyday decisions when packing food for school.

Kiss & Drive

Please remember that the designated Kiss & Drive zone on Candlewood Boulevard means that drivers cannot leave their cars unattended. The zone is for a quick drop off or pick up. Please leave Kiss & Drive and park elsewhere if your children are not ready to be picked up. It is a priority that drivers act responsibly and respectfully so that families are safe. The success of Kiss & Drive is down to how drivers act.

P&C Meeting

The next P&C meeting is tomorrow, Wednesday 2 August 2023, at 7:00 pm. It is held in the staffroom and everyone is welcome.

School Board meeting

On Wednesday 9 August 2023 the School Board will be meeting from 6:30 pm and everyone is welcome to attend. If you have never been to a Board meeting and are interested in what the Board talks about and would like to meet the current members, this is the meeting for you. At this meeting we are talking about Sounds Write and share the findings of the National School Opinion Survey. Please RSVP to the office at joondalup.ps@education.wa.edu.au

Assembly update

The next assembly is being presented by the Pre-Primary classes on Tuesday 8 August from 2:15 pm.

Ms Selley

Principal