12 December 2018

Newsletter Articles

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT

END OF YEAR CELEBRATION EVENT

Again, a lovely toe tapping and abundant smiles event where we were able to connect with our students and families and also recognise our students’ achievements and endeavours. Everywhere I pointed the camera I captured beaming faces.

Congratulations to all our award recipients and thank you to our very professional, clear and well-spoken speakers and comperes – Renea Brown and Zoe Jones pictured here with Tessa Goddard.

There are a great many people to thank for making this event such a success – we truly appreciate your support of this event even though we knew the wind and chilly evening might have made the evening a bit brisk. I think the dancing kept most people warm.

We have received a lot of positive feedback and we are now requesting suggestions about what we could do next year as it is now two years in a row that we have had the Mucky Duck Bush Band. We will put out a brief survey on the Facebook page.

• Thank you to Rachel Rutter and Tessa Goddard who let the End of Year Celebration Concert Committee.
• To Petrina Harris for bringing in the hay bales once again.
• To the class teachers and students for making the scarecrows.
• To Ashe Gough for designing the pamphlet and beautifully wrapping the books in the ‘Bush theme’.
• To the Mucky Duck Bush Band members – John, Don and Maddy for leading the dances and of course, for their banter and great dance step instructions.
• To Judith Duff for providing accommodation for the band.
• To John Willcock College for the loan of their speakers.
• To Glenn Gregorini for setting up.
• To everyone who helped to pack up.
• Brooke Harding and Katie Taylor for taking photos.

Congratulations also to all those who won the P & C Raffle prizes. Lots of excitement there! Thank you to our Geraldton Primary School P & C Association for their fundraising events throughout the year. Your hard work and generosity have been able to contribute to the purchase of an iPad Trolley, iPads and Apple TVs.

ANTICIPATED ENROLMENTS AND CLASS STRUCTURES FOR 2019

Based on anticipated enrolments (which change every day), we have been analysing and discussing a range of class structure options based on numbers in each year level. We will make a final decision on class structures which will work most effectively to meet the need of GPS students and matches the funding available in 2019.

The current 3 options for class structures being considered are shown below. A final determination will be made based on funding availability and also final enrolment figures prior to the start of the school year. *Please note, allocated classrooms for year levels may change.

OPTION A – With current enrolments and 15 classrooms

OPTION B – With increased enrolments and 16 classrooms

OPTION C – With increased Kindergarten students and 16 classrooms

It is not financially viable to have straight year levels as the funding required to staff straight classes will leave the school some $350 000 in the red and also requiring an additional classroom.

As we are a local intake school we must reserve spaces for in boundary students. Classes that we have additional space for in 2019 currently are Kindergarten, Pre-Primary, Year 4 and Year 5. We also have students on wait lists for 2019. If you are relocating in 2019 please inform the Front Office asap so that we can have the most up to date information for planning purposes.

Like all schools the class structures each year are determined by the number of students per year level who enrol at our school. Currently we have 369 students confirmed as enrolling at GPS in 2019. At the same time last we had 345 students enrolled.

Class structures and class lists will be available for parents to view on Friday the 1st of February from 1.30pm onwards. These are not released prior to the end of the year as either increased or reduced enrolments during the school holidays and up to mid-February when we have our Student Census date, can result in an alteration of the structure of classes completely.

2019 STAFFING

This is also in progress due somewhat to the very late conversion permanency process that the Department of Education undertook late Term 3 and well into Term 4 causing staffing decision delays.

*The following staff, based on Option A (which could change to Option B or C with more enrolments) have been allocated to classes. Please note, teachers and rooms may change dependant on final enrolment numbers and the outcome of staffing processes.

2019 TERM DATES

The Front Office and Administration staff will be at school from Tuesday 29 January.

• Students start the school year on Monday 4 February 2019 and end the school year on Thursday 19 December 2019.
• There are six school development days where students do not attend:
• Two of these days are before the school year starts for students and one day is after the school year ends for students.
• Each school schedules another three days throughout the year in consultation with its school board/council and school community.
• Independent Public Schools have the flexibility to trade-off school development days (except Thursday 31 January and Friday 1 February 2019). All other schools have the flexibility to trade-off the last school development day of the school year (Friday 20 December 2019). Teachers should confirm arrangements for their school development days with the school.

ATTENDANCE and ABSENCES

With your child’s report package will be included the Attendance Summary of 2018 for your child. This will show your child’s attendance as indicated by an “/” or use of another of the 16 Attendance codes used by schools as shown below. Of concern in 2017 was the high percentage of students with unauthorised absences, that is, ‘U” = Cause not established as the school was not being informed of the reason for absence by parent/carers.

In Semester 2, 2017 there was 56% attendances Authorised (reason provided for absence) and 44% Unauthorised (no reason provided for absence).

In Semester 1, 2018, we had 52% Authorised and 48% Unauthorised.

In Semester 2, 2018, we rose to 60% Authorised Absence and 40% Unauthorised Absence which shows an increase in the number of parent/carers informing the school of absence reasons however this is still not sufficient. Basically it means that 6 out of 10 absences are being provided reasons for and 4 out of 10 are not being provided with reasons for absences.

Your support to get these figures higher would be of value. You can inform the school of reasons for absence in a multitude of ways, e.g. note or email to class teachers, SchoolZine app or the Front Office on Geraldton.PS@education.wa.edu.au, message via Seesaw or calling the Front Office on 9921 2311.

Codes for students are attending on or off site

/ - Present
E - Educational Activity
M - Medical or Sick Bay
W – Withdrawn
L – Late

Codes for Authorised Absences

R - Reasonable Cause
C - Cultural Absence
N - Notified as Sick
V - Vacation
Z - Suspended

Codes for Unauthorised Absences

U - Absence – cause not yet established (To be used when a student is initially absent from school Morning Tea 2and no explanation has yet been)
K - Unauthorised Vacation.
Morning Tea 1X - Unacceptable Reason
T - Truant.

Codes for students not required to attend

Y – School Closure
Q - Not required to attend (e.g. Year 11 or 12 exams)

Attendance matters, every day and EVERY DAY COUNTS. A poster outlining this has been placed with your child’s report.

Parent Helpers Morning Tea

Thank you again to our amazing and giving parent/carer helpers. You add value to our school every time you help out in any way, be it working with our P &C Association, helping out in classrooms, donating items, being on our School Council, coaching teams, attending excursions and helping out with catering, fixing things and helping out at sports carnivals. You are all very much appreciated and we look forward to your support again in 2019.

HOMEWORK SURVEY

Please find attached the link to a GPS Parent/Carer Homework Survey. The Survey closes on Friday 14 December and your responses will help us further develop our GPS Homework Guidelines. The survey link will also be placed on the school Facebook page. All responses are anonymous. Thank you to the 60 parent/carers who have responded to the survey so far.

The topic of homework has been researched and hotly debated by educators, parents, and students over the last century. Arguments have developed for both positive and negative effects of homework on students’ academic and personal growth. Please find below the link the Department of Education Homework Guidelines.

With this survey we really want to get your feedback about current GPS homework practices, whether you think they could be better, expectations about homework and any suggestions about homework.

DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES UPDATE

We have been successful in our application for a Maker Space grant of $5000 for the purposes of for purchasing equipment required to establish a makerspace for students to access and work on STEM-related activities.

Additionally, we have purchased two 3D Printers and have also been donated one from James MacPherson from SSG Insight (Asia Pacific) and we will be receiving that shortly. We are looking forward very much to the creation of a Maker Space and teaching, and no doubt, learning from our students as well as how we can create with 3D printers.

Pictured is Mrs Luckhurst with our first 3D trial print (of a doughnut). We will get more creative we promise. We were thrilled to have the 3D printer up and running after some initial teething problems.

Voluntary Contributions 2018 – a reminder

The whole school Contributions and Charges collection rate is currently sitting at 45%.

If you have not yet paid your Contributions, would you please do so as soon as possible, to help us increase this percentage?

Payments can be made by EFT to the schools bank account:

BSB: 016-650
Account number: 34082275

Please use your child’s surname and initial as reference. Payment can also be made in cash at the Front Office.

The 2019 Charges and Contributions will be placed in your child’s report envelope along with Book Lists for 2019.

School Council News

The School Council had their final meeting for the year on Monday 26 November.

Thank you very much to our Chair Craig Palmer and to our School Council members: Chad Butler-Henderson, Sherry Datta, Shane Day, Mick Gibberd, Jacinda Harries, Odette Luk, Bradley Mitchell, Jacqui Quartermaine, Rachel Rutter, Cameron Todd, Kate Turtley-Chappel, Dianne Westlake and Katie Taylor (Secretary).

Department of Education Information

New Director General of the Department of Education announced

Lisa Rodgers has been appointed Director General of the Department of Education. She will take up the position early in 2019.

Public Sector Commissioner Sharyn O’Neill announced the appointment today.

Ms Rodgers is currently head of the Australian Institute of Teaching and School Leadership and before that was Deputy Secretary (equivalent of Deputy Director General in Western Australia) in the New Zealand Ministry of Education.

“With a strong background in education for nearly 20 years, Ms Rodgers will bring a fresh approach to the Western Australian public school system and to the broader role of the Department of Education,” Ms O’Neill said.

Ms Rodgers (47) was born in the United Kingdom and studied at the University of Wales, graduating with first class honours in psychology.

The Governor in Executive Council approved the appointment of Ms Rodgers for a five year term commencing on 28 January 2019

ADDRESSING VIOLENCE IN SCHOOLS

The Minister for Education and Training, the Hon Sue Ellery, MLC has released a Statement on violence in schools – Let’s take a stand together. It acknowledges the complexity of this issue, the impact and implications for staff and students, and the need to take action.

A 10 point plan has been developed to support principals, school staff, students and families in addressing this issue, and elicit support and engagement from the wider community. In developing this, a range of key stakeholders were consulted, including unions, associations, government agencies and parent bodies.

The actions focus on students who are physically aggressive and intend to harm other students, staff or visitors. They do not relate to students with a disability who either cannot control their behaviour or do not intend to harm others.

We believe every child has the right to be safe at school. We provide learning environments that foster good behaviour and respect for your children and those around them.

Fortunately, most students attending public schools in Western Australia are able to learn in safe and supportive environments. At times, though, some students can be physically aggressive. This is never acceptable as it can cause psychological and physical harm to those involved, as well as disruption to teaching and learning.

Programs and resources will be available for parents to support their children and where appropriate parents and staff will work closely to ensure their children maintain positive behaviour at school. A copy of the Statement is available on the Department’s website at education.wa.edu.au or via the link below.

It is important to understand that these changes focus on students who have intentionally been physically aggressive towards others. Students with a disability who either cannot manage their behaviour or do not intend to harm others are not the target of this plan.

As parents, you also play a vital role. Your children benefit from you modelling and rewarding positive behaviour. I look forward to your ongoing support to keep our school a safe place for all.

Wishing you all the very best for the upcoming school holidays. May you enjoy a relaxed time with your families and we look forward very much to seeing our ‘old’ and ‘new’ families again in 2019.

Take care and see you again on Monday 4 February 2019.

Regards

Jacqui Quartermaine

NSOS (National School Opinion Survey) 2018

The National School Opinion Survey allows parents/caregivers, students, and staff in state public schools the opportunity to have their say about what their school does well, and how their school can improve.

This survey is to help us understand different aspects of the school.

Your answers will be used in aggregate, and we will not be evaluating individual responses. As such, please be as honest as possible - there are no right or wrong answers.

The survey should take approximately 5 to 8 minutes to complete and closes on Friday 8 February 2019.

Your responses will be strictly confidential.

Jacqui Quartermaine
Principal, Geraldton Primary School

NEWS FROM THE CANTEEN

What a year it has been. I would like to thank the Geraldton Primary Community for welcoming me and supporting the canteen. Thank you to Leanne Mitchell, Christina Ross, Phillippa Warden, Sarah Todd, Angeline Griffiths, Donna Stone, Ratna Clifford, Anne-Maree Hopkinson, Jemma Franklin and anyone I may have missed for volunteering in the canteen this year.

The canteen will be closed Week 1 of Term 1 with the 2019 opening to be Wednesday 13th February.

We also sell hats, scrunchies and second hand uniforms from the canteen so if you require anything please come and see me.

I wish everyone a Merry Christmas, safe happy New Year and look forward to seeing everyone in 2019

Amy Blyth
Canteen Supervisor

INSTALLING THE SCHOOLZINE APP

If you wish to read the full interactive colour newsletter, please follow the below instructions to load the App or provide us with your up to date email address.

COMMUNITY NOTICES

Centacare Back to School Project 2019

Centacare Family Services is offering basic stationery packs to eligible families with children attending school from Kindergarten to Year 12.

To be eligible for a stationery pack, parents/caregivers must hold and present current Concession Card (Health Care Card) and have children in their full-time care.

Packs will be distributed on the following dates:

Wednesday 23rd January 2019 – Friday 1st February 2019 (or earlier if sold out)
Closed Monday 28th January

Where: Centacare, 3 Maitland St, Geraldton – follow the signs
Time: 9:30am – 12:30pm weekdays
Cost: $2:00 per pack

NB: Orders will not be taken in advance; orders must be collected by the named Health Care Card holder.

SHARING CHRISTMAS CHEER

DOLLY BHARGAVA

SOCCER

NGALA SCHOOL HOLIDAY PROGRAMMES

BLUFF POINT SCHOOL HOLIAY PROGRAMME

CENTACARE SPREADING CHIRSTIMAS CHEER

2018 CPR Sharing the Christmas Cheer in Geraldton for All Families
CATHOLIC FAMILIES REQUESTING

BAPTISM AND THE SACRAMENTS FOR THEIR SCHOOL AGE CHILDREN.

Those willing to have their children baptised, are requested to contact Carol Quill, Coordinator of the Catholic Parish Sacramental Programme, on 9964 2716, or email libraryplm@westnet.com.au.

The sacraments celebrated this year are, Reconciliation in the first term: First Eucharist in the second term: and Confirmation in the third term, 2019.

There will be a brief four week preparation time on Baptism for the children, after school re-opens in February. All are welcome.

I hope the year 2019 will be a time of blessing for you and your children, as the new school year begins.

I am contactable right now and until the 13th of December.

Please contact me through my work email while I am away during the Christmas holidays. I will make contact with you after the 29th January when I return from Christmas holidays.

BAMBI AFTER SCHOOL CARE

Choose how to add this event to your calendar:

Apple Calendar iPhone, iPad, Mac - Download .ics file

Outlook Desktop Outlook - Download .ics file

Android Calendar Android devices - Download .ics file

Other Calendar Google Calendar, Yahoo, etc. - Download .ics file

Download Event