Kaya families

It’s Week 2 of Term 1 and already feels like we have run a marathon.  Thank you for your patience and understanding with the amount of information that has been provided to you about COVID-19, the directions from the Department of Education, and how the school is responding.  We will continue to provide you with the most up to date information, as it becomes available.

What is no surprise is that the school day carried on as per usual.  Mrs Sweet talked to the children about tigers, classes began their Sounds-Write literacy program, teachers are collecting information about reading abilities, Year 3 and 5 teachers are discussing the requirements for NAPLAN, Year 6s are perfecting Numero, Mrs Phillips has talked about lab safety, children have bought lunches from the canteen, and Mr Lee is mapping out the cross country track. 

Open Night

Traditionally each class would have an Open Night where families can meet their children’s teacher and find out how the class ‘works’.  Given the current social distancing requirements this event is cancelled.  To find out about the specifics of your child’s class, you will receive an information book via Connect. As always you are very welcome to contact the teacher to a phone interview.  You can contact teachers through the school’s email address – joondalup.ps@education.wa.edu.au

Communication between the school and families

We have several ways to communicate with families.  Please make sure that you have:

• Downloaded the school app – Schoolzine

• Bookmarked the school’s website – https://joondalupps.wa.edu.au/

• Make sure you are logged into Connect to see messages from your child’s teacher. If you are experiencing any problems with Connect please contact the School office. 

Important information to be returned to the school

Today children will have received a Student Information Update Form which shows the information that we have on the school database.  Please check it, update it and return it to the school by Monday 14 February.  It is vital that the school knows how to contact you, who the emergency contacts are, current medical contacts and if you have moved to a new house.

An updated Third Party Services Approval form needs to be completed.  This form outlines the ICT programs and apps that children use at school such as Mathletics, Study Ladder, Class Dojo, Apple products, and Kapture Photography.  Giving approval means children can use these apps as part of their learning program. The link to complete this online form can be found in this newsletter.

School grounds after 3.15pm

Families are reminded that at the end of the school day, everyone needs to leave the school grounds by 3.15pm

The playground area behind K Block (near Room 30) is out of bounds for all families.  The space is reserved for children and staff use during the day.  

Important reminders

As a result of the changes related to COVID-19 here are few key reminders:

• No assemblies – Honour certificates will be given out in the class and a photo sent home by the teacher
• No before and after school clubs
• Adults on the school site are required to wear a mask unless there is proven exemption
• Staff are making a number of changes to how they do staff meetings, how many people meet for lunch and when they should wear masks in the classroom

 Staff, student and community well being is our focus.

International Day of Women and Girls in Science – Friday 11 February 2022

This special day recognises the role that women and girls play in the field science, technology, engineering and maths.  There have been many women who have been scientific leaders whose work makes a difference today. 

Interesting Facts:

• Marie Curie promoted the use of the x-ray machine to help injured soldiers
• Dr Dorothy Hodgkin studied insulin
• Mary Anning found the first complete fossil of a dinosaur
• Professor Fiona Wood co-developed spray on skin to help burns victims

All of our teachers and education assistants play a key role in teaching our children Science, Engineering, Maths and Technology through lessons that include experiments, robots, computers, numbers, problem solving, and discussions.

I would like to recognise the work of Mrs Nerelle Phillips, our Science teacher, Mrs Sandi Bennett, Education Support Sustainability teacher, and Ms Heidi Brough, Education Support Science teacher, for their leadership and expertise. 

Ms Selley

Principal