AN INDEPENDENT PUBLIC SCHOOL

From the Principal From the Principal From the Principal From the Principal Harmony Day Harmony Day celebrates Australia’s cultural diversity. It’s about inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for everyone. It was wonderful to celebrate our Harmony Day once again this year with a range of activities in classes across the school. Celebrations commenced with two wonderful Harmony Day Parades in which many children wore clothing representing cultures from around the world or dressed in orange costuming which is the celebration colour for Harmony Day. This was a very colourful and musical event and it was wonderful to see many parents and families also join us for the parades. In addition to the Parade, a beautiful art installation of Butterflies of Belonging created by the children was displayed in the village green by our Visual Arts teacher, Ms Randall. This display featured hundreds of coloured butterflies with special messages of Harmony. It was certainly an amazing display and congratulations must go to Ms Randall for her vision and hard work in coordinating this project. Listening to the children sing our School Song at the end of the Parade certainly provided a picture of ‘perfect harmony’. Thank you to all the parents who provided their children with such wonderful

IMPORTANT DATES

March

22 Harmony Day Parade 8.50am & 9.45am Undercover Area

27 P&C Meeting 6pm

29 Assembly Senior Rm 11 & 17

April

9 Parent Interviews School closes 12.00pm

11 9am ANZAC Ceremony

12 School Development Day PUPIL FREE

Early close every Tuesday at 2.30pm

School Security 1800 177777 9264 4771 9264 4632

costuming for the parade. It certainly was a memorable cultural celebration. Reporting To Parents –Term 1 As this term draws to a close, teachers are beginning to prepare for the Term 1 Reporting to Parent Interviews. These are a most important aspect of the school Reporting Policy as it provides all parents with the opportunity to discuss their children’s progress during these initial months and to establish areas requiring improvement for the following term. This year Parent Interview Day will be held on the afternoon of Tuesday 9 April from 12.00pm – 5pm. The school will officially close at 12.00pm on that day when the children will be dismissed for the day enabling teachers to conduct the Parent Interviews all afternoon through to 5pm. Teachers are very keen to speak with all parents. This process has been supported by both the School Board and the Regional Director as a valuable component of reporting. All parents will receive information in regard to their scheduled interviews next week. Kindergarten Blue Groups will have their interviews on Monday afternoon, 8 April. I look forward to seeing all parents during these afternoons.

School Board Following the call for nominations to the School Board last week, I am pleased to announce that our new Parent

21 March 2019 The Official Newsletter of Wattle Grove Primary School Term 1, Issue 4

HARMONY DAY PARADES 2019

Representative is: Mrs Suzette Forrest. Suzette brings a considerable amount of experience to the School Board, having been a member for the past three years. She is an outstanding parent contributor to the school and is always willing to assist in any way. The Board will seek further parent nominations in Term 2 as we still have one more position to fill.

Principal’s Volunteer Reading Program Thank you to the many parents who have volunteered to assist with this program which will commence next week. I was thrilled with the response, however, I would still like many more. If there are any further parents who would like to assist, please don’t hesitate in contacting the office. I will be conducting a training session for new parent volunteers next Wednesday, 27 March at 2.15pm. Parents who have volunteered will be contacted with the details of this presentation. I am extremely grateful for your support and I believe that, together, we can make a significant difference to the reading abilities of our children. School Board Awards – Term 1 Each term, the School Board presents an Award of Commendation to acknowledge the wonderful achievements and service of individual staff members and volunteer parents and/or community members working within our school. This is a wonderful initiative and recognises people in and around our school who help make Wattle Grove Primary a wonderful school. Parents will have the opportunity to submit a nomination for this Award. There are 4 major areas:- 1. Demonstrating Excellence in Teaching and Learning (Staff Award) 2. Making a significant difference to individual student/s (Staff Award) 3. Outstanding service to the school community (Parent/Community Award) 4. Outstanding commitment to volunteering in the school (Parent/Community Award) Nominations are sought from all parents and staff for this term, with the School Board selecting two award winners who will be presented with their Award at the first assembly in Term 2. Information was sent to all families yesterday. Please return your nominations to the office by Friday 29 March.

Julie Roberts Julie Roberts Julie Roberts Julie Roberts Principal

Deputy Principal CornerDeputy Principal CornerDeputy Principal CornerDeputy Principal Corner

World Poetry Day is a celebration which falls on March 21st. The purpose of this day is to promote the writing, reading, teaching and publishing of poetry throughout the world. It’s also a day to give recognition to international, national and regional poetry movements. It is also a day when we can all take the time to share poetry with our children and promote the love of poems. Poetry can make sense or be nonsense, it can rhyme or not. It can have many shapes and sizes; it can be serious or funny. "To say something poetically" means to give information in an artistic way. Poetry offers up a wealth of benefits for children. It fosters a love for language, thereby building literacy. It helps children understand themselves and others, allowing them to cultivate valuable qualities like compassion and empathy. It is also a healthy way for children to express their emotions and deal with emotionally challenging situations. Exposing children to poetry early is a great way to build reading skills and a love for poetry. Children will learn new words, practise reading aloud with expression, and be exposed to rhymes. Children's poetry makes reading fun, which will ignite a passion for the spoken and written word.

My dog does my homework at home every night.

He answers each question and gets them all right.

There’s only one problem with homework by Rover.

I can’t turn in work that’s been slobbered all over.

--Kenn Nesbitt

Helen McIllwraithHelen McIllwraithHelen McIllwraithHelen McIllwraith Deputy Principal

Bike/Scooter HelmetsBike/Scooter HelmetsBike/Scooter HelmetsBike/Scooter Helmets

A helmet that is worn correctly and fits properly can help to protect your child’s head if they fall off their bike or scooter. Help your child to check that

Fogarty, Mrs Bradtke and Mrs Farid for your contributions to our amazing props and backdrops. Miss Ryan and Mrs Govan Room 7 and Room 24 Teachers

Merit CertificatesMerit CertificatesMerit CertificatesMerit Certificates————JuniorJuniorJuniorJunior Congratulations to these students who were presented with Merit Certificates at the Assembly: Kindy Room 1 Michael, Gracie, Kirat, Noah Kindy Room 2 Savannah, Nethmi Kindy Room 4 Amrose, Rayan, Sharban, Agustya, Mandy PP Room 2 Hannah, Ashlyn PP Room 3 Leroy, Hannah, Ryan PP Room 5 Jamie, Connor, Serah PP Room 6 Zaviah, Aramis, Shivang PP Room 7 Vaiga, PP Room 9 Shea, Owen, Ranbir Year 1 Room 7 Matilda, Vincent Year 1 Room 10 Stella, Vihaan, Maansi Year 1 Room 21 Grace, Luis Year 1 Room 23 Meryl Year 1 Room 24 Mankirat, Spencer, Imani Year 1 Room 30 Lucas, Rupa Year 2 Room 13 Caleb, Maddison Year 2 Room 15 Bentley, Peyton Year 2 Room 23 Nikki Year 2 Room 28 Kaden, Amber, Asha Year 2 Room 30 Karish Sports Award Veera, Aaron, Matilda Science Award Liam, Bryan LOTE Award Year PP & Year 1 Room 7 Values Award Respect Ananya Values Award Kindness Milla

their helmet is the right size and okay to wear. Checklist • The helmet isn’t too tight or too loose. It should

be snug and not move around. • The buckles can be clipped together. • The helmet has not been in a crash. • The foam on the inside doesn’t have any dents. • The plastic skin on the outside isn’t buckled or

cracked. • The chinstrap isn’t broken or frayed. Sometimes ‘hand-me-down’ helmets are not always safe to use. Use the checklist to find out if it is okay to wear or needs to be thrown away. Adapted from the Challenges and Choices Parent Information Sheet.

Carrie Oliver Carrie Oliver Carrie Oliver Carrie Oliver Teacher Physical Education

Junior Assembly Rooms 7 & 24Junior Assembly Rooms 7 & 24Junior Assembly Rooms 7 & 24Junior Assembly Rooms 7 & 24

On the 14th of March, the students from Room 7 and Room 24 hosted the junior assembly. The junior assembly was transformed into a show about space adventures. The students presented information about the solar system and delivered two entertaining songs. All the students remembered their lines, sang beautifully and performed all the actions. The students looked stunning in their costumes. Overall, it was an outstanding assembly! Miss Ryan and Mrs Govan are very proud of all the students. Thank you very much to all the parents for your time and effort in helping us with our assembly preparation. We truly appreciate all the wonderful support you have provided us. A special thank you to Mrs Webber, Mrs

Payment AppPayment AppPayment AppPayment App Have you downloaded the QKR payment app? This is a safe, electronic way to makes payments for your child’s Voluntary Contributions, Prime Maths book, Year 6 Leavers Shirts, incursions and excursions.

Student Out Of School AchievementStudent Out Of School AchievementStudent Out Of School AchievementStudent Out Of School Achievement Bianca Dolorosa Year 5 has been invited to an international Math Bootcamp to represent Australia and compete in an International Abacus Math Championship in Amsterdam. During this bootcamp, students will learn fast mental arithmetic as well as double digit multiplication and division. Competitors are required to do 25 double multiplication sums and 25 double digit addition and subtraction sums (5 rows) within 8 minutes with the use of an abacus. Their second exam is 20 single/double multiplication sums and 20 single/double digit sums (6 rows) within 5 minutes using only mental arithmetic. This is an amazing opportunity and great achievement to compete in the competition, well done Bianca !

School Contributions School Contributions School Contributions School Contributions Financial support provided by parents has always played an important role in the provision of resources and the school’s capacity to add value to children’s learning experiences. For example, parent voluntary contributions assist schools to provide resources for all classes and can include items such as reading books, puzzles and blocks for the littles ones, maths equipment, paint and craft supplies, dictionaries, atlases, iPad, maths and sports equipment.

Each year the School Board sets the contribution amount and for 2019 the schedule is:

Thank you to the many parents who have already paid their school contributions this year. It makes a significant difference and is greatly appreciated.

1 child $60.00

2 children $100.00

3 + children $135.00

Lost and FoundLost and FoundLost and FoundLost and Found

On School grounds in late December 2018, girls KMC bike and a Razor scooter.

P & CP & CP & CP & C School Banking School Banking is held on Thursdays from 8.20am to 8.40am in the undercover (assembly) area Canteen Open Wednesdays & Thursdays To Order, Simply: Go Online – https://quickcliq.com.au/ register, and complete your order before 8.15am; OR In class – Fill out the lunch bag and leave money and your order in the Lunch basket. Uniform Shop Opening Hours Uniform Shop is open at the following times:

• Thursday mornings 8.30am to 9am

• Friday afternoon 3pm to 3.30pm

Harmony Day Parade Harmony Day Parade Harmony Day Parade Harmony Day Parade

HHHH019 HARDAY PARADES 2019

LogenLogenLogenLogen My name is Logen and I’m 11 years old. My classroom is Room 17 and I’ve been at Wattle Grove Primary School since Kindy. I have seven siblings, four sisters and three brothers. I love to play on my computer at home and hang out with my friends. I go to Gracelife Church in Midland. Things I like about Wattle Grove Primary School:

The lovely teachers and students. Challenging work. High Standards. Carnivals, fairs and excursions. The Canteen. Nice Community. Assemblies. Fun Play Equipment. End of Year concerts and parties. Engaging staff.

As a Student Representative I want to use the experience to become better at public speaking, as I am very shy, and become a greater leader. I look forward to helping with fundraisers, assisting students in need and supporting other students when organising games during recess and lunch. I want to serve as a respectable, positive and kind role model to all younger students

SuhailaSuhailaSuhailaSuhaila Hi, my name is Suhaila I’m 11 years old and I’m in Room 29 with Mr Eaves. This is my eighth and last year at Wattle Grove Primary School. My hobbies include singing, dancing, shopping and reading, my favourite subject is English. My favourite colours are aqua, pastel pink, purple, light blue and rose gold. I am a very honest and trustworthy person I have been selected as a Student Representative in Term One. I am absolutely enjoying it and so grateful for this opportunity. I couldn’t have asked for better people to work with this term and I’m looking forward to seeing what this term brings. Wattle Grove Primary School has really brought out the best in me. It will be sad to graduate and see some of my friends go on their own path. All the students here are amazing it has really been a journey. I am so grateful that I can go to such an amazing school with phenomenal teachers and sensational students. I will never find a school that can replace Wattle Grove. This is a special place. I really appreciate having the chance to make this school an even better place than it already is and making sure everyone feels safe and comfortable attending Wattle Grove Primary School.

AshleyAshleyAshleyAshley Hello my name is Ashley and I am in Room 17. I have been at Wattle Grove Primary School for six and a half years. My family first originated from England. I have two siblings; an older brother and a younger sister. My number one thing I like to do is art. I have created one painting and a whole lot of drawings. I also like playing cricket at school or home. I participate in a sporting club doing Taekwondo. I’m a ‘Black Belt’ as well. The thing I love about Wattle Grove Primary School is that it has high standards. I have made

great friends and have had great teachers. I love being a Student Rep. I like doing all the jobs,

such as tidy bags, paper recycling and last but not least, leading the sports shed tasks. I love

helping staff and students and I get along with everyone. I think it’s important to make sure that

the school is a nice clean place. Teachers like to challenge me and my class mates with tests,

such as the Principal’s Challenge. When I am challenged I give it a go and never give up.

Elijah This is my eighth year attending Wattle Grove Primary School. I have one sister that is eight years old. I love playing my extraordinary Xbox and riding my scooter and favorite my bike. I play football, soccer and I dance.

The standards at Wattle Grove Primary are extremely high. Work here is really challenging and it is fun to get your mind going every day to extend your knowledge. Our school is amazingly clean everywhere around our school. Everyone cooperates well with each other and we’re all friends.

I am a role model for all younger students at our lovely school. I will provide a strong voice for younger students to bring issues to the attention of all staff around the school. I am prepared to give up my time to help raise money for the school and different charities. I look forward to taking on tasks that will help me develop my leadership skills.

Luke In 2012, I started at Wattle Grove Primary School and it has been a pleasure to be a student at this school. My family has been very grateful to be living in Australia. I have a sister who is older than me. My hobby at home is music I have learned piano and I am starting to learn guitar right now. This school has helped me learn lots of thing in my eight years of being here.

At my time at Wattle Grove Primary School I have enjoyed: 1. That my teachers strive to help me when I’m having trouble with a task. This has

helped me to be successful. 2. Meeting different people and making friends. This has helped me socialise with

different people. 3. Ms Roberts has encouraged me to put 140% to everything I do. This has helped

me to improve my grades.

My time at this school has helped me prepare for high school. I would like to be a role model for the younger students at the school. While I am a Student Representative I would like to continue to help the school improve.

Michael Good morning/afternoon teachers and fellow students of Wattle Grove my name is Michael, I am in Year Six, Room 11. I started at Wattle Grove in Year 4. My family and I originally come from Africa and then came to Australia. I have one brother, his name is Ethan. My hobby is beading. I love beading because you can make amazing stuff. At my church I help out with the Sunday school like helping them with stuff they don’t know. I like Wattle Grove because of all the fun after school family activities and all of the lovely students of Wattle Grove who get along so well. I think that the teachers are so kind and they don’t judge the students and help them out with every problem they have until they have got it. During my time as a Student Representative I want to help as many students as I can. I want

to be a positive hard-working role model for the younger students, who will one day be a

Year Six and have all of the big responsibilities.

Holly My name is Holly and I am from Room 17. I am eleven years old and I live in Wattle Grove. I have been at Wattle Grove Primary School for over seven years. I was born in Australia. I have one brother. My parents were born in Melbourne. I like to play Hockey and hang out with my friends or my brother. I am good at Mathematics. I can solve problems with negative numbers and prime numbers. The staff at Wattle Grove are really helpful because they have helped me whenever I have been hurt and they helped me figure out any issues. As a Student Representative, I help clean up the school by doing paper recycling. I like to do things without being told to. I partake in principal challenges and science challenges. I always help people if they’re sad or if they need help with doing their work. Ms Roberts is our principal and she is a fabulous leader, all the staff are amazing. We raise

money for people in need by having dress up days.