46 East Terrace, Kingston SE SA 5275 T (08) 8767 2677 F (08) 8767 2247 E dl.0737.info@schools.sa.edu.au www.kingstoncs.sa.edu.au

Kingston Community SchoolH o n e s t y . P e r s o n a l B e s t . R e s p e c t . F r i e n d l i n e s s . R e s p o n s i b i l i t yPrincipal: Ms Lucretia Tocaciu Newsletter 5: 14 May 2020

FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Dear Families

Please enjoy our newsletter and see the wonderful work happening around the school despite all the chaos of the world. School is often the only constant in some student’s lives and it is more important now than ever that we pull together as a community. Our public spaces have changed and perhaps will be changed forever and we will have a new normal but we can be creative and resilient. My mother always told me in times of crisis that, “this too will come to pass” and it always did but it changed the way I approached life. She was a wise women who was born during a war, lived through a depression and survived another World War and married a”new” Australian. I often think of the resilience, kindness and forgiveness that people who have been through great adversity, show. We are working together so school is as normal as can be for everyone. However we cannot be complacent as complacency will be COVID 19’s ally, so I ask you to be vigilant for your children’s safety and your own.

Despite the crazy times, I have staff that are prepared to be flexible both in their delivery of curriculum at school and for those who have chosen to be home. They have done so much learning, preparation and work throughout the pupil free days and holidays. I thank them so much for their dedication and support despite their own fears. It makes me smile when it is discussed in the media about isolation and working from home when as a group of educators we have been working at school through all of this.

The Department created the website OUR LEARNING SA that can be accessed by students that have internet access. I was wondering if any parents had used this website or any of the others that we sent home. I know that my teachers prepared lots of work and we would really appreciate feedback on the usefulness of this for families. Students have done so much new learning as well, and many of them have thrived in the online environment.

What’s “normal” at school and at home?

• The reception class love their play / learn time and are starting to know the part-part wholes of numbers to ten. They are creating a book about

each of the numbers to ten and what they know about these numbers. This is so important as numeracy is about understanding number not just being able to say the numbers or write their symbols.

• The year 1 class are concentrating on learning phonics sounds and blends and they have some fantastic goals around writing and sentences. The junior primary staff have connected with Literacy coach Kellie Burge to discuss and review our phonics processes. Phonics is one of the big six of reading along with oral language, phonological awareness, fluency, comprehension and vocabulary.

• The year 2 class are extending their numeracy knowledge in place value and are continuing decoding in reading as their skills improve. I have been really impressed with their writing in their Mother’s day cards and I have seen some very impressive book making stories. They have been doing some very exciting technology work - ask them about their evaluations.

• The year 3/4 class have been creating a worm farm and are learning about composting and recycling. I have observed their spelling classes and they are really extending themselves.

• The Year 4/5’s are learning about continents and countries of the world in HASS with Mrs Lyon and Ms Wood. They have been focusing on Antarctica, looking at the geography and science of the region.

• The Year 6 class maintain a focus on reading comprehension and developing their vocabulary to improve their writing.

• The Year 7 class seem very settled and working well alongside Mr Mc Laughlin. They have started Agricultural studies this year. I have done some further work on sustainability with the class, we hope to develop this along with Robe Primary School.

• The Year 8 classes have transitioned to high school and welcomed and blended with students from Robe. New friendships have been made and they even do some school work. They have been learning Maths in the online environment and this continues back at school. For those that may have missed the information Mr Medwell is conducting an afterschool session most Tuesdays for Year 8 students.

• The Year 9 classes are maturing and enjoying having new teachers. They did a science practical where they made hand sanitiser with isopropanol and aloe-vera extract prior to holidays and they are discovering all there is to know about the digestive system.

• Years 10’s are starting their SACE with Personal Learning Plan and thinking about their strengths and areas for development. In Science they have been investigating gene technology and are currently delivering their projects remotely in conjunction with students at school. This will be important for future studies in Year 11/12, especially in Biology. Both the year 10 and 12

classes were looking at cell division at the same time.

• Year 11 students love their non-instructional time. Google classes continue remotely and face to face. Lucky our students and teachers are very tech savvy.

• Year 12 are deep in reality and realise this year is to prepare them for future learning. This is where they have to learn to think independently. They are carrying on fantastically despite uncertainty.

Site Improvement work is the focus again and we have looked for new ways of working and we have re-focused on improvement in our targeted areas.

Modular building planning continues and will become a reality very shortly.

Keep safe, call when you need and stay focused on making this a learning opportunity where ever you may be.

Lucretia Tocaciu

The Library will be open Monday – Friday 8.30am – 9.00am and 3.30pm - 4.30pm with a number of restrictions and protocols. The Library remains closed on Saturday mornings. We apologise for the change in opening hours BUT have to abide by the decision made by the Department for Education. They want to ensure minimal contact between students and community members to keep everybody safe.

As part of our services re-opening, coupled with our responsibilities for the health and safety of customers and staff in controlling the spread of COVID-19, the Library will be limited to 10 patrons at any one time (not including staff). Staff will monitor this. Please sign in at the Library front desk on arrival.

There is a time limit of 15 minutes for being inside the Library including urgent computer usage. Patrons are encouraged only to browse the collection, borrow resources, use computers and seek assistance with digital access.

Digital Library services such as e-books, e-audio books and digital magazines continue to be available any time, seven days a week.

Our returns chute is available 24/7.

You can now place holds on items from other Libraries.Our community programs will not be operating. We will advise you when we are able to recommence these

valuable services.

Whilst restrictions have been eased, we ask that you still:• Adhere to social distancing guidelines of 1.5 metres

distance from others• Stay home if you are feeling unwell or have cold or flu

symptoms • Wash your hands often, wipe frequently touched

surfaces and cover coughs and sneezes

Please adhere to these restrictions so we can keep the Library open!

Do not hesitate to contact the library with any questions on 8767 3003.

LIBRARY OPEN

HOPE AND GENEROSITY GO A LONG WAY

Various reactions take place when we lose hope. We become deflated and almost everything seems lost, like the hope we once had has disappeared. It then becomes a struggle to reignite the lost hope. Do you know someone who feels this way? Do you feel like all hope is lost? I would like to encourage you that when everything seems absent, hope is never really lost.

Here are some ways to support someone who is struggling.

As we well know, life throws many curve balls at us which can often times knock us off track, the dreams and plans we once had are seen as no longer possible and out of reach. Even though the impossible really is impossible at times, one small act of hope can validate a person’s self-esteem and purpose. The greatest thing about igniting hope and being generous is that both the person receiving the hope and the person delivering the hope experience the beauty of the meaningful moment. We all need to experience true neighbourly love in this world, and sometimes that love is experienced in the form of hope and generosity. So, always choose every moment to be kind to those around you, this world already has enough devastation in it for us to add to it.

Go and spread happiness like glitter and this world will look so much kinder.

Much loveKirstin Olivier

PLAYGROUP NEWS

Playgroup has found new ways to stay in touch and continue our playing and learning together during self-isolation.

We have been handing out take home play packs each Wednesday which have been taken up by many families. So far we have made Mother’s Day cards, Nature Weaving frames and Nature Masks.

All of these activities encourage families to spend time together offline and outdoors when possible. Children learn when we talk with them about what we are doing and what we are noticing. By using lots of new and interesting words we are building up their vocabulary. This will help them when they are learning to read at school.

Click the link below to learn more about learning with everyday experiences.https://www.learningpotential.gov.au/articles/any-time-can-be-learning-time

If you are interested in a take home play pack follow the school Facebook page. Play packs are available Wednesdays between 10-10.30am at the top of the school.

WHATS HAPPENING IN AG

Steer Shed/Yard Extension

Earlier this year work began on the new wash bay area behind the current steer yards and a roof has been erected over part of the existing steer pens/yard and out over the new wash bay area. The project has been completed and thank you to Bawco for the fantastic job they have done in completing the project. At the same time, thank you to our groundsman Neville Hines who has worked on improving the area with a focus on accessibility and ease of access with the installation of new gates and fencing while overseeing the project. The new wash bay area allows space between animals while being able to work fully undercover and have an entire class working in the same area. This new area has been a project that the Agriculture Committee has been planning for a while and it is great that it has come to fruition. Thank you to all involved.

Show Team Update

With the Royal Adelaide Show cancelled in September we have had a slow start to Show Team. We are currently awaiting for further information in regards to possible activities for the Merino Wether Competition. Currently Merino SA are seeking feedback from schools in the possibility of running a competition either at the Wayville show grounds in September or as regional hub competitions. The Beef Cattle Committee have announced this week that there will be a Royal Adelaide Show Steer Caracase Competition. Mount Gambier Show have released a press release stating that they are still planning to go ahead with a final decision to be made in August based on the Government’s advice and restrictions in place at that time.

So with all this in mind, we are continuing with Show Team for interested students in Years 9-12 at lunchtimes. We hope to be able to support the various competitions this year however, we will be governed by the Department for Education in response to COVID-19 protocols and guidelines.

Katie HinesAgriculture Teacher

We are currently looking to purchasesome cereal/pasture hay for the school

farm. If you know of any pleasecontact the front office on 8767 2677and leave a message for Katie Hineswith price and type of hay available.

Term 2 Crossing RosterNew teams take over on Tuesday morning each week, including new terms.Term 2Week Team 4 19/5/20 Benjamin Brodhi Taylor5 26/5/20 J-De Travis Archie6 2/6/20 Charley Douglas Delta 7 9/6/20 Tamsyn Bailey Wesley8 16/6/20 Riley Saxon Jed9 23/6/20 Mia Abby William10 30/7/20 Milly Piper Tara

School SMS Number0437 063 411

Please remember to message the school and respond to messages when your child is going to be absent

from school

DIARY DATESJUNE8 Public Holiday

Has COVID-19 effected your financial situation?

The School Card scheme offers financial assistance with school fees (materials and services charges) for students attending government schools in each year.

If your school fees are less than the School Card subsidy, the scheme can also help with other educational expenses such as uniform, camp and excursion costs.

SCHOOL UNIFORMUnisex Slate Grey/Navy pants are now available from Hip Pocket Mount Gambier - Size 4 - 5XL.Pants have zips at the bottom of leg, 2 zip pockets and cotton lining.Kids sizes: 4-16 $23.50Adult sizes: small to 5XL $26.50Sizes available for trying on in Front Office.

COVID-19 SILVER LINING!

During the school holidays and the last few weeks the gym roof and guttering has been replaced. This has happened at a very convenient time with the gym being unavailable for use to community members due to COVID-19.

KINGSTON COMMUNITY SCHOOL

Education Regulation 189a provides the right for School Governing Councils to determine the School Dress Code Policy. The following policy was developed by the Uniform Committee after consultation with the school community and passed at the School Governing Council meeting on 25 October 2010. We believe that a School Dress Code:

contributes to a sense of unity and pride in our school

contributes to the development of a supportive school environment by reducing the levels of competitive dressing

increases the safety of students both in the school and on excursions

increases the profile of the school in the wider community

is cost effective with a choice of affordable clothing OUR SCHOOL UNIFORM:

Supplier - Hip Pocket Workwear and Safety Mt Gambier Girls Winter

Pleated Skirt Navy blue, grey, white and pale blue check

Pants Plain navy blue microfibre/parachute fabric acceptable. Now available from Hip Pocket Mt Gambier.

Fleece fabric not acceptable Legging fabric not acceptable Denim jeans not acceptable

Polo Shirt Navy with red/white/pale blue stripe monogrammed with school logo

Shirt White collared either short, long or ¾ length sleeve

Windcheater Navy with standup collar lined with pale blue, short zip, pale blue and white stripe in bands on bottom of sleeve and waist, side pockets no zip, KCS embroidered on front top left in pale blue with white edging

Woollen Jumper Navy V neck monogrammed with school logo

Tie Navy with red and white diagonal stripe Girls Summer

Dress Blue and white fine hounds-tooth with red piping

Shorts Plain navy blue

Socks Navy, grey or white

Polo Shirt Navy with red/white/pale blue stripe monogrammed with school logo

Shirt White collared either short, long or ¾ length sleeve

Windcheater Navy with standup collar lined with pale blue, short zip, pale blue and white stripe in bands on bottom of sleeve and waist, side pockets no zip, KCS embroidered on front top left in pale blue with white edging

Woollen Jumper Navy V neck monogrammed with school logo

Tie Navy with red and white diagonal stripe

UN

IFO

RM

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Boys Winter

Pants Plain grey microfibre/parachute fabric acceptable. Now available from Hip Pocket Mt Gambier

Fleece fabric not acceptable Denim jeans not acceptable

Polo Shirt Navy with red/white/pale blue stripe monogrammed with school logo

Shirt White collared either short or long sleeve

Windcheater Navy with standup collar lined with pale blue, short zip, pale blue and white stripe in bands on bottom of sleeve and waist, front welt pockets (no zips), KCS embroidered on front top left in pale blue with white edging

Woollen Jumper Navy V neck monogrammed with school logo

Tie Navy with red and white diagonal stripe Boys Summer

Shorts Plain grey

Polo shirt Navy with red/white/pale blue stripe monogrammed with school logo

Shirt White collared either short or long sleeve

Windcheater Navy with standup collar lined with pale blue, short zip, pale blue and white stripe in bands on bottom of sleeve and waist, front welt pockets (no zips), KCS embroidered on front top left in pale blue with white edging

Woollen jumper Navy V neck monogrammed with school logo

Tie Navy with red and white diagonal stripe Jacket (optional extra)

Navy Jacket Navy zip-up jacket monogrammed with Kingston Community School Sport Year R-5

Students do not have to change for PE lessons Sport Year 6-12 (optional)

Shirt Navy and red with ‘Kingston’ heat pressed on back

Short Plain navy Years 6-12 students are required to change for sports practice and for PE lessons. Unless these lessons are at the end of the day, students must change back into school uniform after sport. Footwear Year R-5

Choice of colour fully enclosed shoes/track shoes/sandshoes or a strapped sandal in summer Footwear Year 6-12

Black fully enclosed shoes/track shoes/sandshoes or strapped sandal in summer House Sports Day Uniform

Shorts Navy

Shirt House colour T-shirt or polo shirt (must have sleeves)

Shoes Sports shoes Hat:

Bucket (7cm brim) wide brimmed or legionnaires cap (navy recommended) During Terms 1, 3 and 4 students are expected to wear appropriate hats when outside for lessons,

recess and lunch times, excursions and sport to be in line with the new Sun Safe Policy.

Jewellery, makeup and other accessories:

Modest and inconspicuous

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Unacceptable items:

Fleece fabric pants not acceptable

Legging fabric pants not acceptable

Denim jeans not acceptable Summer or winter uniforms may be worn during any season. They are not restricted to the official summer and winter seasons. EXEMPTIONS: The Principal may exempt students from the School Dress Code upon written request from their parents or caregivers. Grounds on which exemption may be sought include:

Religious

Cultural or ethnic

New students (negotiate time to purchase)

Itinerant students

Financial hardship (negotiate time to purchase)

Genuine medical or family sickness If a student is unable to comply with the School Dress Code for a short period of time due to circumstances beyond their control, a note of explanation to the class teacher is required. CONSEQUENCES FOR NON-COMPLIANCE The Department for Education and Child Development makes it clear that non-compliance is not serious enough to deny access to learning. Consequently, suspension is not permitted. However, schools are allowed to implement a range of other measures to encourage compliance including restrictions within the yard, yard service and sitting out.