E M P O W E R A N D E M B R A C E A C U L T U R E O F O P P O R T U N I T I E S F O R S U C C E S S

A: Westall Terrace, Leeming, WA 6149 W: www.westleeming.wa.edu.au P: 9266 6000 E: westleeming.ps@education.wa.edu.au

NEWSLETTER

09 Mar 2020

Dear Parents, Guardians, Community Members, Staff and Students,

Independent Public School - Culture Survey A community survey to support our application for becoming an Independent Public School (IPS) will be distributed to all families by email today. Links to access this survey are also included later in this news-letter. Your assistance in completing this survey is important to assist us to identify areas where we are performing well and those requiring improvement.

The community survey considers a range of areas that impact on your child’s educational experience at West Leeming. This includes the school’s learning environment, your child’s academic progress as well as the quality of the teaching and leadership teams.

The final report will be analysed by the School Council as part of our application to become an Independent Public School. The results generated from this survey, in conjunction with the results from a staff survey,

will also assist the school to identify areas that require improvement.

will take less than 10 minutes to complete. It is confidential and you do not need to provide your name.

The survey is available until 3.00 pm on Monday, 23 March 2020 and can be completed on a computer, tablet/iPad or mobile phone. Paper copies are also available in the school office.

Curriculum Update

actions, a new whole school approach to the teaching of numeracy was introduced. Concrete Representational Abstract (CRA) is an instructional approach supported by curriculum advisors with the Department of Education to assist our students to develop a better understanding of mathematical concepts. Our school’s student assessment data indicated that students could complete basic calculations, but required greater knowledge of the underlying concepts, before learning the “rules” of maths. I encourage you to read this section and speak with your child’s teacher if you have any queries in relation to their academic progress.

Coronovirus (COVID-19) Update In the first newsletter this year, I shared with the community that we have added a section to the first page of our school website to ensure that information about this virus was readily accessible to interested families. Current advice from the Department of

from the Department of Health and fact sheets incorporating frequently asked questions. One of these questions outlines the importance of practising good hygiene. At West Leeming we have been responding proactively to this advice by incorporating hygiene practices into teaching opportunities. This includes effective hand washing and covering of nose/mouth when coughing or sneezing. The strategy we use to encourage our students to wash their hands effectively is included in this newsletter. These posters are on display near the sinks in all wet areas and in student toilets.

Faction Swimming Carnival Tomorrow is our annual swimming carnival where students from years 4 to year 6 will swim against their classmates for their faction. To qualify for their events, students were required to demonstrate their swimming ability in trials that were held a

teacher, Mr Alan Placanica for his work in ensuring our students have this opportunity. Thank you also to staff and parents who

Last year’s winner of the Swimming House Championship Shield was Murdoch. I look forward to seeing the outcome of the 2020 carnival tomorrow at the pool.

Lisa Tucker

Principal

As long as I'm enjoying swimming, I will keep swimming. ~Cate Campbell

Our next newsletter will be out on

Monday, 23 March. Please email any notices to wlpsnews@gmail.com

by Thursday, 19 March, 3.00pm

WANTED! Any news regarding the achievement of any of our students. If you are submitting group photos, please make sure all students in the

E M P O W E R A N D E M B R A C E A C U L T U R E O F O P P O R T U N I T I E S F O R S U C C E S S

09 Mar 2020

to the following students:

J1 - Ella H. M2 - Elisabeth R. S2 - D’Luca V. J2 - Emerson S. M3 - Alexis T. S3 - Tanika H. J3 - Emilia I. M4 - Miller I. S4 - Samantha M. J4 - Joshveer G. M5 - Charlotte L. S5 - Aster B. M6 - Mackenzie L. S6 - Naoise G.

Music - Eamon S. Music Award - M5

Instrumental Award - Payten R. Science - Kaan J.

Aussie of the Month - Samantha L. West Leeming Star - Jack T.

Term 1 Week 4

MERIT CERTIFICATE

SCHOOL PHOTO DAY IS COMING!

SCHOOL PHOTOGRAPHS by KAPTURE 30 and 31 March (K to Year 6)

Our school photo day is coming! Prior to the photo day every student will receive a Kapture Photography order envelope to bring home. Please read the information below carefully . You will make the process easy for us on Photo Day if all these guidelines are followed.

The recommended method of ordering your photos is online through Kapture’s website as your payment is secure and can be easily verified at any time. If you pay online, there is no need to return the order envelope to school.

Alternatively you can pay by cash and return the provided envelope to the school on the photography day. Please note the photographers cannot open sealed envelopes and cannot provide change.

SIBLING ORDERS CAN ONLY BE PLACED ONLINE: Late requests cannot be granted.

You have the option to order a sibling photo package online,

instances at midday sharp, one business day before

sibling order as soon as you receive your order envelope with your order instructions as places are limited.

Log on to kapture.com.au for your sibling photo order

cut-off date and time.

Late payment envelopes cannot be accepted by the school office or by Kapture. You can place an order online for class or individual photographs at any time for the remainder of the current school year; however a $20 fee will apply if you order more than 10 days after photography.

If your child is in a sports or special group photo, you can use the same school code on your order envelope to view and order these photos on Kapture’s website, around the time that school photos are ready to be delivered. Please note: Class group, individual and sibling portraits are not available to view online prior to purchase.

Kapture offers a money back guarantee for any parent who is not fully satisfied with their photo package.

Should you have any queries before or after photo day, please direct them to the Kapture office:

phone 9240 1714 or email enquiries@kapture.com.au

Please adhere to the following dress code for Photo Day. A clean, smart WLPS uniform - navy polo. No house tee

shirts.

simpler the better. Ribbons for girls are fine if in the school colours of white

and blue. Avoid brightly coloured socks. White is preferred. Definitely no leggings. Children will be photographed without jackets.

for school administration records AS WELL as included in

Should there be any reason why your child should NOT be included in the photo shoot –please contact the school office.

INDEPENDENT PUBLIC SCHOOL - CULTURE SURVEY West Leeming Primary School would like to invite you to complete a survey to support our Independent Public School application this year.

This survey is confidential. You do not need to provide your name and we will not be able to identify you individually. Results will be automatically generated by the Department of Education School Survey Tool and compiled into a West Leeming report.

The final report will be analysed by the School Council as part of our application to become an Independent Public School. The results generated from this survey will be used to identify areas of your child’s education at West Leeming where we are performing well. It will also assist the school to identify areas that require improvement.

You can access the survey at https://www.schoolsurvey.edu.au/s/ZuVLmhme

or using the QR code provided below: The survey is available until 3.00 pm on Monday, 23 March and can be completed on a computer, tablet/iPad or mobile phone. Paper copies are also available in the school office.

SCHOOL ABSENCE FOR VACATIONS Family holidays can only be authorised where there is an exceptional reason that is discussed with the Principal prior to the absence. This may include significant family events.

this leave is able to be authorised.

Please ensure you notify the school office, as well as the class teacher of the reason for your child’s absence so that where necessary, Principal approval can be sought.

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09 Mar 2020

MUSIC BUZZ Week 6 Term 1 2020

THANK YOU to the parents who came to the Instrumental Music program evening held 2 weeks ago. Remember to set up that practice routine and always be positive about your child’s playing.

are hard at practice to get ready for this special occasion. Thank you for making sure that your child gets to the morning rehearsals early or on time as it makes a big difference to their playing and singing.

CHOIR FORMS: Choir students need to return the forms

their commitment to the choir. It could be at the bottom of their bags!!

HELPER Needed: to assist with the distribution of music tops for Anzac Day. If you can give some time in Weeks 9 and 10 to help Miss Hall and Mrs Mathie, please drop by and have a chat. It will make our lives so much easier if someone can help with this.

Mrs Mathie and Miss Hall Music Specialists

CHAPLAIN’S CORNER My name is Meredith van der Klip and I’m the school chaplain. Earlier this term I visited each of the Year Six classrooms and asked the students, “What does a chaplain actually do?” and “What’s my favourite question to ask?”

They rightly described my role as being someone in the school with time to listen.

Sometimes we all need someone to talk to about how things are going - be that in the classroom, playground or at home - or in the case of us adults, in the hurly-burly of parenting (my husband and I are busy raising teenage boys at the moment), homelife and the workplace.

Sometimes just having the opportunity to talk something out

forward or a fresh perspective. Sometimes it’s just about giving someone the courage to go back and try again, to get through

to students, their families and staff on Thursdays

to ask – and in fact there are two – I will write about that in my next newsletter item.

Meredith Van Der Klip Chaplain

SUMMER CARNIVAL The Summer Carnival will be held on Friday, 27 March 2020. This is an interschool sporting event for selected Year 5s and 6s. The sports are Basketball, Cricket, T Ball and Volleyball.

form with more details of the event soon.

SWIMMING CARNIVAL Years 4 to 6 Tuesday, 10 March 2020 Riverton Leisureplex, from 12.15pm Spectator entrance fee is $2

The program is available on our school website. Permission notes for selected children have been sent home.

Please contact Mr Placanica if you have any queries.

Alan Placanica Physical Education Specialist

2020 SWIMMING CARNIVAL EVENTS

Event# Event Group

1-2 50m Freestyle Open Boys/Girls

3-8 50m Freestyle Years 4/5/6 Boys/Girls

9-14 25m Freestyle Years 4/5/6 Boys/Girls

15-16 3 x 50m Medley Relay Open Boys/Girls

17-22 50m Breaststroke Years 4/5/6 Boys/Girls

23-28 25m Breaststroke Years 4/5/6 Boys/Girls

29-34 50m Backstroke Years 4/5/6 Boys/Girls

35-40 25m Backstroke Years 4/5/6 Boys/Girls

41-42 4 x 50m Freestyle Relay Open Boys/Girls

PRIVACY AND CONFIDENTIALITY—SOCIAL MEDIA

take photos or videos of other students and may not post them on any social media web-sites. This includes, but is not limited to, such activities as assemblies, music recitals, school incursions/excursions and sporting events.

0438 942 201

DIARY DATES 10 Mar, Tue

13 Mar, Fri GRIP Leadership, Yr 6

NAPLAN ONLINE Teachers and students have already begun preparation for

technology they will be using on the day. We have scheduled practice test sessions for week 8, so that we can ensure the

children a chance to experience the test atmosphere.

WestLeeming.PS@education.wa.edu.au

Kim Saw Deputy Principal

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09 Mar 2020

TEACHING MATHEMATICS AT WEST LEEMING PRIMARY SCHOOL USING THE CRA APPROACH Concrete Representational Abstract (CRA) is a three step instructional approach that has been found to be highly effective in teaching mathematical concepts. The first step is called the concrete stage. It is known as the “doing” stage and involves physically manipulating objects to solve a mathematical problem.

The representational (semi-concrete) stage is the next step. It is known as the “seeing” stage and involves using images to represent objects to solve a mathematical problem.

The final step in this approach is called the abstract stage. It is known as the “symbolic” stage and involves using only numbers and symbols to solve a mathematical problem.

CRA is a gradual systematic approach. Each stage builds on to the previous stage and therefore must be taught in sequence. This approach is most commonly used in primary schools.

The school data around mathematics was showing us that students were good in algorithms and doing equations; but did not have in-depth knowledge and understandings in regards to the concepts taught.

At West Leeming Primary School this approach was introduced to two mathematics committee members in 2019. These teachers visited another school and observed a number of teachers using this strategy in their classrooms.

Teachers worked together and through planning, observation and feedback cycles found the process professionally rewarding and more importantly, ensures a consistency of practice.

implement this very exciting change across our school. Staff continue to share their practice and a review cycle is ongoing.

Doreen Stewart On behalf of the Mathematics Committee WLPS

COMMUNICATION AVENUES AT WEST LEEMING SMS 0438 942 201—to advise the school if your child will be absent from school and the reason for the absence. Please remember to include child’s name and class.

Email: westleeming.ps@education.wa.edu.au

School Website: http://www.westleeming.wa.edu.au/

School Stream App—Download and install the School Stream app from either the Apple App Store or Google Play

go to https://www.schoolstream.com.au/download/

If you don’t have access to a smartphone, you can access the app on your pc or laptop at this link: https://westleeming.myschoolstream.net/?style=embed

CRA WITH J4

E M P O W E R A N D E M B R A C E A C U L T U R E O F O P P O R T U N I T I E S F O R S U C C E S S

09 Mar 2020

Term 1 Week 4 MERIT CERTIFICATE

Did you know that your child has been

learning about effective hygiene practices

since Kindy?

This is the poster about handwashing that

we are displaying across our school.

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09 Mar 2020

Discover multicultural Perth at https://www.omi.wa.gov.au/EventsInitiatives/Pages/DiscoverMulticulturalPerth.aspx or for the Events calendar go to https://www.harmony.gov.au/events/harmony-day-events

GILBERT’S FRESH MARKET SUPPORT OUR SCHOOL PROGRAM (SOS) Our school is participating in the Gilbert’s Fresh, Southlands Shopping Centre, Willetton Support Our Schools Program.

Program at their checkout; then have your card scanned whenever you shop at Gilbert’s. Gilbert’s will donate 1% of your total spend back to our school.

Gilbert’s Fresh Market (Open 7 days) Shop78-80 Southlands Shopping Centre, WILLETTON 6155

SCHOLASTIC BOOK CLUBS Orders due by Fri, 20 Mar

NO CASH ORDERS WILL BE ACCEPTED. Parents will now have to use the Loop Online Ordering and Payment System to create Bookclub orders and pay online. Log in to www.scholastic.com.au/LOOP or download our app from the Apple Store or get it on Google Play for Android.

20% comes back to West Leeming. Every order earns free books and learning resources for our school.

THANK YOU for your support .

INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE: ““We don't get harmony when everybody sings the

same note. Only notes that are different can harmonize. The same is true with people.”

~ Steve Goodier

FROM THE UNIFORM SHOP TRACKPANTS ON SALE Get in Early for Winter... All of our Trackpants are on sale for $15 a pair. Below cost price! Don’t forget, we are open every Wednesday from 8:15-9:00am if you would like to try before you buy. (No refunds or exchanges on sale items, so please choose carefully). Order via https://quickcliq.com.au/

POLAR FLEECE JACKETS We are currently out of stock of Size 6 Polar Fleece Jackets and have limited stock available in all other sizes. New stock is on order and is due to arrive in approximately 3 weeks. Due to a supplier increase, the new stock will be increasing to $35. The remaining stock we have will continue to be sold at the current price of $30. So order now to avoid the price increase. ($30 applies to the current stock listed on Quickcliq. New price effective 23/3/2020)

NAVY POLOs We have almost sold out of Size 8 & 10 Navy Polo Shirts. We have more on order but as they are a custom made item, they are not due for 12-14 weeks. We have plenty of stock available in all other sizes.

SECOND HAND Don’t forget, we have a great range of second hand stock available. Backpacks and Jackets are $15 each, everything else is $5 per item. All proceeds from second hand sales go directly to the P&C. A reminder that all second hand sales are CASH ONLY (as we no longer have an EFTPOS machine) and there are no refunds or exchanges on second hand items.

Shannon Rees WLPS Uniform Shop Coordinator

FREE PARENTING SEMINARS You are invited to attend the Triple P Seminar Series. You will learn practical, positive and effective ways to deal with common behavioural problems and ways to help your child achieve their best at school and in the future.

Parents are encouraged to attend all 3 seminars: 1. Children's behaviour - the tough part of parenting 2. Raising Confident Children 3. Raising Emotionally Resilient Children

The next FREE 3 week Series is held:

When: Starting Tue 24 Mar 2020 Location: Willagee Community Centre RSVP: Bookings are essential and places are limited.

To find other available programs visit our website www.healthywa.wa.gov.au/parentgroups

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09 Mar 2020

PROGRESS CHECK: HOW ARE YOUR KIDS SETTLING INTO SCHOOL? And just like that, we’re six weeks into Term 1 – how did that happen? Adjusting to a new routine, dealing with social anxiety and making friends can be tricky, so here are three top tips for settling your children into school, by experienced school psychologist, Suzanne Gibbney:

1. Set a morning routine for your children A stressful morning can lead to a stressful day! We can all relate to that – sleeping through the alarm and running out the door with breakfast in hand makes it pretty hard to feel composed.

Keep mornings calm by: turning off the television packing bags, laying out clothes and making lunches the night before writing out a step-by-step plan and putting it on the fridge.

Ms Gibbney says involving your children in planning the routine gives them a sense of control and allows them to focus on achieving what’s next on the list in the morning.

“Keep the initial routine simple with just five or six items on the list and build it up as your children get used to it,” she says.

2. See them off at school the right way Skidding through the kiss and drop area while your children jump from the car isn’t the most effective way to drop them off at school. Getting to school at least 15 minutes before the bell so your children can get organised for the day saves rushing to classes and increasing feelings of anxiety. Ms Gibbney says staying with your children can sometimes make the situation worse.

“This prolongs the wait time for your children and makes it harder for them to leave you,” she says.

“If a child is finding it difficult to say goodbye, it may be helpful to give them a quick kiss, tell them you’ll see them in the afternoon and then go.”

“Reinforce that your child can rely on you and trust you by being on time for pick up – that helps them feel secure at school.”

3. Help them make friends for life We all remember sharing highs and lows at school with best friends. Friendships make school memorable and, most of all, make learning exciting. If your child is struggling to make friends, it’s important to keep things in perspective, says Ms Gibbney.

“Empathise with your child’s feelings, but keep those feelings in perspective. Children usually let go of the pain a lot faster than we do. Also remember that, as parents, we may overreact and blame others unfairly because we only know one perspective.”

To help your children develop friendships: encourage and help them to invite friends home create opportunities to meet new friends outside school time; make friends with the parents of your children’s friends (and those they don’t get along with) model being a good friend with your own social group and talk with your children about the ways good friends act.