Kaya

Welcome to Term 2. We have had a great start.

Anzac Day service 

Last Wednesday we recognised Anzac Day with a school service presented by the school captains. The choir sang beautifully and the undercover area was decorated with student artwork. In the lead up to the service, lots of work was done in class so that the students understood the significance of Anzac Day and the associated traditions. I would like to thank the staff for all of their efforts into making this a reflective time for our school. Thank you to Lynne Alldred, School Board chair, for attending and laying a wreath.

School attendance

I cannot stress strongly enough that school attendance is vital and taking a day off for any other reason than illness makes a difference to your child's learning. In a recent discussion with staff, they have said that 'catching up' a student is getting more and more difficult. The curriculum is crammed and daily schedules are tight. Teachers absolutely make sure that a child who has been away knows what has happened in class. The reality is that in an effort to catch up someone, other children are missing out. I know that children get sick and the school will always support you in keeping children at home. It is the absences that are linked to things such as birthdays, grandparent visits and holidays that make it difficult for your child, others in the class and the staff.

Cool morning and sunny days

Please make sure that your child’s jumpers, jackets and hats are clearly labelled with their name. It makes it much easier to return them when they get left behind.

All students need to wear a hat to play outside. Please check that your children have one in their bag.

Kindy 2025 

Do you have a child who will be 4 years old by 30 June 2025? If so, they can begin Kindy next year. Families need to submit an Application for Enrolment to the school before Friday 19 July 2024. We are accepting applications now.

To find out more about our Kindy program, we are offering an information session and tour on the following dates:

• Monday 6 May at 5:00 pm
• Thursday 23 May at 5:00 pm

If you would like to attend any of these tours, please RSVP to the school by calling 9233 5800 or email joondalup.ps@education.wa.edu.au

Public School Review

I have been advised that our Public School Review will be taking place on Monday 16 September 2024 and it is an opportunity for us to reflect on the progress of the school across a number of areas. Staff, representatives from the School Board and P&C Association, and students will be involved in the process.

Thank you to the many families who have paid for swimming lessons. Lessons begin on Monday 6 May and end on Friday 17 May 2024. Information about swimming was sent to families through Compass and you are able to make your payments online.

I would like to thank the P&C Association for the $3000 donation to the school. This money has been used to subsidise the cost of swimming for all families.

Information for Year 3 - 5 swimming will be sent out in the coming weeks.

P&C Association meeting

The next P&C Association meeting will be held on Wednesday 1 May commencing at 7:00 pm. The meeting will be held in the staffroom at school, and everyone is welcome.

Carol Selley

Principal

This term has been all steam ahead in preparation for the Faction Cross Country on Friday 3 May. All students have been running the course in preparation with many showing determination and commitment. Remember to refer to the booklet for event details.

Garden of Weedin News

The vegetable garden and orchard have begun to produce some early produce. During lessons many students have observed animals in the garden, including a bobtail lizard. They have also tasted the vegetables, the banana tree has some little green bananas on it, and we all look forward to eating them. Unfortunately, the orchard has lost most of its fruit as the children have picked them when unripe. It would be a big help if you could encourage your child to be responsible and only pick produce when directed by staff.

Our Green Team has been diligently working with the worm farm, compost system, 10c containers scheme and our many other recycling programs. The enthusiasm of these various teams has been fabulous. A few of the teams have named themselves; The Worm Wizards, The Coffee Crew (emptying and recycling coffee pods by material type), Compost Champions and 10c Container Collectors. Watch out for the 10c container posters designed by ESC Year 5 & 6 which are going up around the school to encourage everyone to bring them to school to raise funds for a recycled plastic picnic table.

After School Garden Club News

The Garden Club commences this week and will run every Thursday 3:15-4:00 pm from Weeks 3 - 10. At the moment the club is full. Term 2 participants need not reregister as they have been rolled over into Term 2 due to missed sessions. Should there be a vacancy, you will be notified.

Battery Recycling Program

Joondalup Schools have joined the Battery Rescue Program. Did you know that in Australia, each year, over 300 million household batteries are thrown away with ordinary waste? Less than 3% are recycled meaning a staggering 14,000 tonnes of batteries end up in landfill. Please place them in the battery recycling bin that is part of our recycling station. (Outside demountable on the oval). While you’re there, see what else you can recycle at our community hub. We will keep you posted on our progress!

Happy gardening and recycling,

Sandra Bennett – JESC Environment & Sustainability Teacher

Sandra.Bennett@education.wa.edu.au