WPPS Newsletter 17th February

#112


Principal's Report 17th February 2023

Hello Everyone,

2023 Parent Contributions

Great news! All parent contributions can be paid by ‘CompassPay’. This system has been rolled out previously as a way to pay for excursions and has had very positive feedback from our school community.

Be on the lookout for an alert via ‘CompassPay’ which will indicate contributions are ready to be paid for 2023. We appreciate your efforts and thank you for your support.

If you have any trouble with this system on your mobile devise, please uninstall then reinstall your Compass app. 

An investment in education is an investment in your child’s future.


Our Students

Year 4 Maths -  15 second challenges and Unifix

Our Year 4’s have been testing out their mathematical reasoning, completing activities with the learning objective of making reasonable estimations.  

Firstly, both classes estimated how many times we could repeat the same move within 15 seconds, for example toe-taps, head-shoulders-knees and how many unifix we could stack.  We then had a go at each challenge, counting our own moves, and judged if our estimation was close and reasonable. We used this information then to do two things; revise our estimates for a second attempt at the 15 second challenges, and then estimate how many of the same actions we could do in 30 seconds or 1 minute.

The unifix stacking was so transfixing that 4A students joined their stacks and found the entire tub stretched around the room and out into Farley Forum!  This made us wonder, how far would it stretch in one long line? Would it make it all the way down to the Library? We moved the unifix outside and joined them in one long line. Starting from the bottom of the 3/4 steps it reached to the end of the top basketball court – 38.5m!  We then wondered how many unifix blocks we’d used altogether, so tried estimating this too! Each student found their own method of making the estimation. Some attempted a calculation, dividing the total length of the line by the length of a single unifix. Xavier, who estimated the closest amount of unifix, counted the amount of blocks in roughly a quarter of the line, then multiplied this by 4. Curious how many unifix we had altogether?  Try estimating!!  






Assembly 9.15am Friday

17.2 Assembly - Blue Gum House Captains

Hello W.P.P.S,

We are the Blue Gum house captains for 2023 our names are Kavya, Charlie and Raynard. This year we have many goals we’d like to achieve that are school based, as well as the local community, such as getting House Points running, which we have already achieved. We would also like to host a House vs House trivia / spelling bee for the students who aren’t as sporty.

We are really excited to achieve more goals throughout the year that are fun and educational for students at Wattle Park Primary.


Students of the week

Well done to all our recipients for actively displaying our school values. Students who are not in attendance to receive their certificate will be awarded it at the next week's assembly.

Class Student

FA Emilia WFB George L
1A Ellie Aiau Y1B Josh C
2A Dorsa V2B Alex B
3A Sophie R3B Bella S
4A Will P4B Ethan C
5A Elly Y5B Megan L
6A Farrah M6B Sophie W


Crossing Safely

Whitehorse City Council made an appearance at our assembly this week to talk about using the crossing safely. They were also asking for anyone who would like to make some extra money to apply via their website. They are in need of Crossing Supervisors. 


24.2 Assembly - next week 

School Representative Council (SRC)  badges awarded

FA George C   Meiyi CFB Claire W   Luca K
1A Abigail S Wilbur E1B Damian H Leo K
2A Brayden X Angelie H2B Grace S Kasper R 
3A Sophie R Matilda C3B Emrys C Heidi B
4A Max H Isabella B4B Violet C Amber S
5A June W Flynn D5B Lili S Ammar A
6A SRC Leaders Ana V6B SRC Leaders Emily S, Nelya S and Gustavo V

 

SCARECROW badges awarded

FA Caroline C    Meera D FB George L Griva P 
1A Duncan B  Oscar H 1B Milla H Ted S 
2A Dorsa V Annicka K -R 2B Jake R Cherish C
3A Harry S Charlotte McG3B Tessa A Ethan L
4A Lachie R Isla Breslin4B Betty B  Dotty M
5A Jasmine McA  Zane R 5B Liam G  Alfie R
6A Edwin Y 6B Charne’ K  Callum W 

 

Students of the week

Confirmed next week


Running Club

Following a successful 2022 program, Running Club returned Thursday 9th February and will continue till 6th April

Running club is open to students of all ages and abilities. The session, and groups, are tailored accordingly. Meeting point is Top Oval at 8am. 

Students are required to check in at the top oval prior to participating or joining into the session. 

Any students that arrive late are to wait at the top oval for collection.


Session Outline

  • 8am arrival
  • Group warm up /activities
  • Course running - in and around school/wattle park area, multiple groups including adult supervision
  • Group warm down

This year students who participate will also earn 2 points for their school house per run..

Please be aware the students who participate in Running Club are considered in the care of the parents who are running the activity. Wattle Park Teachers do not begin duty till 8.50am

Looking forward to seeing you at what will be a fun and rewarding program. 



Our Staff

As you will be aware from reading of our 2023 Staffing Profile last week, we were looking to employ a teacher to replace M.s Cynthia Tuck in Mr Feather’s class on a Monday as well as take over from Ms Nolan who has been doing a stellar job 3 days a week in PE till we found an appropriate person. And we have!

Meet Mr Stephen Roberts:

Hello, 

I’m Mr. Roberts, I’m starting at WPPS in a few different roles.

Mondays I will be in 6B.

Tuesday - Thursday I will be in PE.

Friday I will be helping out around multiple classrooms.

I love playing footy and am a die hard supporter of the Melbourne Demons. I am looking forward to becoming a part of your school community and am excited for the year ahead.


Thank you!

Thank you once again to Drew Noakes who exterminated our second wasps nest earlier this week the day after it was discovered. Whitehorse Council’s recommended exterminator was unable to make it for several days due to the volume of wasp nests in the area. We are very lucky to have parents who are capable of doing this for us at short notice. 


Notices

NAPLAN 2023

NAPLAN is a national literacy and numeracy assessment that students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 sit in May each year.  The NAPLAN test window is 9 days. This is to accommodate schools that may have fewer devices. The NAPLAN test window starts on Wednesday 15 March and finishes on Monday 27 March 2023. It is the only national assessment all Australian students do. For more information please go HERE.


Rats

Flick Pest Control were in again on Wednesday this week to refill our anti rat stations and put even more anti vermin devices in, around and under our buildings. It is noted by the companies that deal with these tenacious little beasties there is a distinct increase in numbers all over the area.  We will call them back if their activity increases further.


18.03.2023  Great Big Working Bee

Once a term the WPPS community gets together to work on our vast and beautiful grounds to create a calm and ordered environment to support our students’ learning,  safety and well being. The next one will be on Saturday 18th March. 

Click HERE to find out what we are going to do and how you can help.

Hope to see you there!  


21.02.2023 onwards… Parent Teacher Interviews

These may be done online or in person. This can be negotiated between teacher and parent.

Tuesday 21st February

     3.50 - 7.30 Parent Teacher Meetings

Wednesday  22 February

     3.50 - 5.00 Parent Teacher Meeting

Bookings can be made via COMPASS


Canteen: Ordering

Our canteen operates on Mondays and Fridays for lunch only.

Due to the timetable change outlined above, orders must be placed by 5pm the day before the order is required. This means:

Monday orders by 5pm Sunday

Friday orders by 5pm Thursday

Orders placed after these times will cannot be processed.

This allows our Canteen Manager, Charlotte, enough time to get things organised.

To place an order, please download the free Flexischools App from the App Store or Google Play. Once you have downloaded the app you will be able to view and select your orders, and pay online. 

Please be aware Flexischools does not automatically change the class of your child to their 2023 class. Please ensure you update this information when you next order.

Canteen: Volunteering

Do you have some time to spare? An hour and a half on a Friday would be great!

Our canteen would not be able to run without the wonderful support of the volunteer Parents and Grandparents in our school. We would love to have you volunteer for us, whether you are an experienced hand or an eager learner. Please see below to sign up.

Here's how it works in 3 easy steps:

  1. Click this link to go to our invitation page on SignUp.com: https://signup.com/login/entry/827030846186224028
  2. Enter your email address: (You will NOT need to register an account on SignUp.com)
  3. Sign up! Choose your spots - SignUp.com will send you an automated confirmation and reminders. Easy!

Year level websites

As we move away from Remote Learning we have repurposed Year Level websites as digital notice boards and linked them to the school website in a more accessible manner. HERE is where you can find them. Lots of information about what is going on in each year level this term.



School Calendar

Please refer to the calendar on the School Calendar to find details about Term 1 dates, finish times and term holidays dates etc.


COVID 19 

If you require RATs please make a request to the school office. HERE is information from the Victorian Government about ‘Managing illness in schools and ECEC - information for parents and carers’ . HERE is information regarding facemasks.

A summary below:

It is strongly recommended that students:

  • who test positive to COVID-19 stay home and isolate for 5 days
  • should not attend school after 5 days if still symptomatic
  • who are symptomatic but have not tested positive should not attend school
  • advise the school of the COVID-19 positive test result
  • students who wish to wear a face mask should be supported to do so, and schools should continue to make face masks available for staff, students and visitors.

Where students become symptomatic at school they should:

  • be collected by their parents/carers
  • undergo testing for COVID-19



Have a great weekend.





Updating Student Contact Details

It is imperative the office has the latest up to date contact details for every child at school.

Year 3 Parents, please look out for an email which will be sent to you next week, asking you to look at the information we have on file, and to return the form with any changes required.

Please return the forms, even if there are no changes necessary.

Thank you for helping the office to have the very latest contact information.  Crucial, in the case of any emergency.




PFA News

Hi Wattle Parkers 
 
Hope the new year is treating you well and all settled back in. A few things happening around the school from us.
 
WhatsApp - Every grade seems to be working towards having a better form of communication outside of school channel to help each other out. This also has great benefits for us to get information out about our events.  Your Class Rep has access to WhatsApp. Please speak to your teacher about who your Class Rep is.
 
Instagram - We have created an account to help market our events and thank sponsors. Would be great to get you onboard wattle.parkps ( Also very much open to plugging businesses in our community via this )
 
 
Anthony HallPFA President 2023
on behalf of the Committee & School
Wattle Park Primary School
 


WPPS Notices 17th February 2023

Please scroll through to see all of our latest notices!

1. Financial Assistance 
2. Second Hand Uniform Shop
3. No Hat No Play
4. Volunteer for First Aid Room
5. School Photo
6. PSW New Deliver Option
7. Parents Social Night
8. WPPS Movie Night
9. Chess Club 
10. TeamKids - Newsletter


1. Financial Assistance 




2. Second Hand Uniform Shop - Gymnasium
    8.30 - 9am

  • Monday - 20th March  



3. Remember - No Hat No Play
 

It’s that time of year - September to May, when all students are required to have on a hat for outside play.  Children will be required to play in the shade if no hat is worn, and being a Sun Smart School its important to have sun protection.
Hats are now available for purchase  from office at a cost of $20 each.



4. First Aid Room Volunteer
In order to keep our First Aid Room clean and tidy, we require volunteers to assist with this task. We need approximately 40 families on our roster to ensure that every family only needs to do this once per year. It is not time consuming and requires approximately 15 minutes of your time on a FRIDAY.
https://signup.com/go/MvZZbFq



5. School Photo - 16th March 2023



WATTLE PARK PRIMARY SCHOOL | advancedLife photography Home (advancedimage.com.au)

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR PHOTO DAY

The school’s preference is online ordering.

The school code is Q32 WP2 PAR

If a family is unable to order online, they can complete their order by using prepaid order envelopes provided at the school office.

This also includes sibling order envelopes.

Ordering on line for sibling photos, closes the night before photo day.

If you have any questions, please contact Advanced Photography on 9852 1133.




6. PSW New Deliver Option
From 15th February, parents are able to order PSW school uniforms online and have the order delivered to the school office. Deliveries will be weekly for parent collection. This will save parents from actually having to go to the PSW shop if you  know what you want and sizes.


Above is a screen shot of how the screen would look like. 

The parent needs to choose the “Click and Collect” Option, the drop down box will appear and they choose for their item to be delivered to Wattle Park Primary School.



7. Parents Social Events




8. WPPS Movie Night 




9. Chess Club

Anyone may do a free trial.



10. TeamKids - Newsletter









Community Notices 17th February 2023

Support our local businesses!!!




Young Carers Connect (YCC) is a safe online space for young carers aged 12-25 years to engage with each other and find support. Our sessions run fortnightly in two age groups, 12-17 years and 18-25 years.

Join us for a series of fortnightly YCC sessions facilitated by Relationships Australia Canberra and Region in partnership with the Young Carers Team at Carers Australia.

Young Carers Connect is about meeting other young people from across Australia who care for others.  We share stories, play games, and have a laugh.

This space has been created especially for you, so join us to share ideas, topics and activities you would like to participate in.

                                                Details 

12-17 years old
Wednesday, 22 Feb 2023
5pm - 6pm (AEDT)
Please check the times in your state or territory. 

18-25 years old
Wednesday, 15th February 2023
6pm - 7pm (AEDT)
Please check the times in your state or territory. 

For more information, please get in touch with Relationships Australia Canberra & Regional via email at youngcarers@racr.org.au
Connect with other carers, learn more about services and support for you and the person/s you care for, and share your story.