18 December 2020

Newsletter Articles

FROM THE PRINCIPAL

2020 has been a year like no other. So much has happened since school started this year. It’s crazy to think back on all that has occurred in Australia and around world in such a short space of time.

Our teachers had to upend and revamp their work, strategies and pedagogy to cope with what we thought might be the new norm. Most of them had to learn new tech or at least upgrade their understandings of how to use it effectively to ensure that their students could interact with it effectively. In an instant they did this.

And in an instant they moved back – most them were supporting students at home as well as at school. I cannot fault their dedication in an unprecedented time.

As you may have noticed there is a fallout from the state of the world and that is the anxiety of our students. We have noticed increased levels of anxiety and conflict amongst our students. Our focus next year is to build processes that address student wellbeing and resilience through our Positive Behaviour Support programme that explicitly states, and teaches, the expected behaviour under the following areas: We are Respectful; We are Responsible; We are Resilient; We are Achievers. I look forward to presenting this programme to our community and sharing the successes.

One of the things that we are hoping will be reinstated is the ability for our parents to come back into classrooms in their volunteer capacity. Despite the restrictions, our fabulous P&C managed to contribute $24 000 to the school. This included funding the senior Nature Play project, building a shade over the entrance to Room 2, providing new blinds for Room 1 as well as purchasing new hats for all of our new Kindy 2021 students. We are so grateful for their commitment to the betterment of our school.

The first day back for students will be Monday 1 February, 2021. On Thursday and Friday the week before the staff will be working on finalising class lists, looking at the our Business Plan targets, operational planning and setting up rooms. The front office will be open from Monday, 25 January for any enquiries.

I look forward to a productive 2021.

A Snapshot of Term 4:

Book Week – Curious Creatures & Wild Minds

There were a lot of curious creatures and wild minds wandering around the school on Thursday 22 October as our students and staff dressed up for Book Week. We had a parade in the morning and got to see all the fabulous characters from our favourite books come to life. Each year I am amazed at the creativity of the students and the willingness of our parents and guardians to become involved and support their children to participate.

We look forward to the creativity and imagination that we just know will be displayed next year for the Old Worlds, New Worlds, Other Worlds Book Week theme.

Swimming Lessons

With excited faces, towels and goggles in hand, and full of anticipation, Rooms 2, 3, 4, 5 and 8 have boarded the bus every day to head to Bilgoman Pool. Swimming lessons have been a wonderful experience that everyone has enjoyed immensely. Seeing how much our students have learned since the start of the two weeks, we are both impressed with their perseverance and their eagerness to learn. We are grateful to the supportive swimming instructors at Bilgoman Pool who are not only teaching proper swimming technique, but also pool safety and a love for swimming.

Evie D, Lynx, Jax, Evie W, Jay: “I like that we get to go in the big pool!”

Archie, Miah: “We do lots of fun things!”

Renae, Hugh: “I can put my head underwater!”

Jack: “We go diving to find sinkies!”

Tommie: “We get to float on our backs!”

Daisy: “It’s fun because you get to glide!”

Thea: “I like that we get to go on the bus!”

Interschool Athletics Carnival

In week 3 students from Parkerville Primary departed the school grounds in pursuit of glory at the HEC Interschool Athletics Carnival.

The carnival for 2020 was hosted by Mundaring Primary School and was held over two days.

The first day was long distance running events, distance throws and jumps for the qualifying children. It was great to watch our kids put their best feet forward as the year 1-6 joined the Blue army representing our school.

As the day ended, students returning to school proud as we held 1st position after day one ahead of Darlington Primary and the 4 others trailing close behind.

Day 2 was held on the Friday which came along with a 37 degree forecast. This was going to be challenging.

Sprints were first up with Parkerville dominating as they blew away the competition with back to back to back wins and podiums.

Team games were held in the middle of the day with Mt. Helena, Darlington and Mundaring Primary showing us how it was done as we struggled to find out composure.

Relays were the final events of the day and our kids were well practiced; smashing forward and pushing their limits to come home strong.

As the day ended with silence and nervous tummies, presentations were carried out and individual athletes were crowned interschool champions and runner ups.

A massive congratulations to Ruby, Sophie, Alex, Martin and Bella on their awards.

The final results were a bitter disappointment with Darlington winning the overall championship as we finished in second place, missing out also on the track and field shield by only 2 points heartbreaking.

I can't express how proud I am of all our kids for the efforts this year. We ran out hearts outs and will be back again next year.

Thanks for all the help of parents and our staff who attended the event. We couldn't have got the job done without you.

Thomas Hall, Physical Education Specialist

HEC Spelling Bee

Congratulations to the students who represented us in the HEC Spelling Bee, Violet C, Isobel B, Jessica B and Quinn W. Big Congratulations to the senior champion – Quinn W!

NAIDOC Week – Outdoor Classroom Day

To celebrate NAIDOC Week, 9 November to 13 November, our school participated in a MAGS day with our students completing a variety of activities celebrating Aboriginal culture. What was a week of rain ended up with a beautiful day of sunshine on our Outdoor Classroom Day.

Choir – Sing Festival

As the Massed Choir was cancelled this year, our Choir was invited to participate in the Sing Festival that was held outside the Perth Concert Hall. It was a great atmosphere created by so many schools singing on masse.

Please see flyer below to view a youtube of the event.

Nature Play

What a great job our awesome bunch of Busy Bee Parents/P&C Members have done in the Nature Play Area this year. Thank you to the P&C who have funded this venture. Also thank you to Martin Shurlock and Liam Sexton for their tireless coordination and planning.

Daniel Morcombe Foundation

On Friday 30 October our school participated in the Daniel Morcombe Foundation Day to raise awareness for child safety in partnership with MTM Earthmoving Pty Ltd. Our school raised $222.00 for the Foundation with everyone wearing Red.

Year 3-6 Japanese ‘Amabie’ Challenge

“If there is an epidemic, draw a picture of me and show everyone.”

In Japanese this term, Year 3-6 participated in the viral Japanese trend known as the Amabie Challenge. Amabie is a mythical, mermaid-like Japanese creature that is said to have appeared from the ocean to prophesize and ward against an epidemic. According to the legend, it is said that drawing and showing her image to people can put a stop to diseases, which is why she has gained popularity across Japan this year due to the coronavirus pandemic. Many people began drawing their own versions of her and posting on social media as part of the challenge. Soon, her image spread nationwide and began to appear on sweets, wine, clothing, and other products. Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare even used Amabie’s image to help raise awareness about efforts to ‘stop the spread’. Though most Japanese people do not really believe that drawing Amabie will end the pandemic, she has become a symbol of hope and a reminder to many that they are not alone. It is hoped that by drawing their own versions to take home, Year 3-6 can be reminded of this positive message during what is still a difficult time for many people around the world.

Term 1 - 2021

Term 1 Calendar

We have drafted a calendar for Term 1 2021 below. Please note as always, things may change as DOE directives are issued.

FROM THE P&C

Wow what a roller coaster ride of year 2020 has been. The Parkerville Parents and Citizens would like to take the time to reflect and acknowledge the wonderful efforts of the people and businesses who have supported or contributed gifts in 2020. This generosity within the community has allowed the P&C to raise over $12,000 and funded school projects equalling over $24,000.

The P&C has already began writing the goals for 2021 with the biggest being to enclose the undercover area for the children in times of rain and to possibly contain Tom Hall’s booming voice! Already we have started the process of seeking funding from both Federal and State Government. Design and quotes will be completed by end of 2020. The team has agreed to another Disco Night in Term 1 of 2021 and a sausage sizzle/cake stall for the State election in March. A community Fete event is being planned for Term 4 of 2021, like the one in 2018. With a busy calendar and large project to fund we are seeking more team members particularly for the fundraising sub-committee (Fete) and two executive positions: Secretary and Treasurer to join the P&C team.

For people considering joining we schedule two General meetings per term, which last for approximately 1 hour each, where decisions for money expenditure and ideas are discussed. Most Executive positions spend approximately 30-60mins per week completing duties. Members contribute ideas and often help organise, get materials and assist with activities. If you wish to become a member or take on an executive role please email the president (Collette Morvell) at president@parkervillepandc.org.au or attend the Annual General Meeting scheduled for 12th February 2021, 9:00-11:30am where the executive positions will be elected.

Listed below is all the people and businesses that have generously donated gifts and or their time that have enabled the improvements at the school.

Nature Play Area:

Thank you to Martin Shurlock and Liam Sexton. They started this project over a year ago and without their dedication it would not have even gotten off the ground! They have taken it from idea stage to design and planning stage, gathering resources, materials and organising busy bees to get the area where it is today. What a fantastic addition to the school and for kids to get outdoors, play, create and imagine. Terrific work guys.

To all the Parents & Carers

who supported the P&C for the following activities: Busy bees, Raffles, Father’s Day stall, Cake stall, Sausage sizzles and Disco. Many hands make light work and we appreciate the support. Thankyou.

Canteen Team:

What a terrific team you are and the dedication you continue to provide to the school in operating the canteen, aka “Special Lunch Day” for the children. Thank-you for volunteering your time, managing the canteen and most importantly; the smiles you provide every Monday to our children. Enjoy a well-deserved Christmas break.

Businesses:

that have supported the P&C through gifts or time in 2020 are listed below:

AMS, AVS Engineering, Bunnings, Coles, Kmart, MTM Earthmoving, Rebel Sport, Anaconda, Toolmart, Sticky Fingers, Supercheap Auto, The Good Guys, Sista Slices and Sweets, Woolworths and the Parkerville Tavern.

Teachers:

So many events for the P&C have teacher support and input. Teachers go above and beyond what is required to support the students: Our children!

Covid-19 isolation threw us an extra curve ball this year and we as carers understand and appreciate the additional efforts in preparing packs, printing packs, online portal setups, answering questions, guiding us and most importantly supporting our children get through this difficult time. Thanks for all your efforts and enjoy the well-deserved end of year break.

P&C team-

I would personally like to thank all those who are members and regularly attend the P&C meetings, contribute to ideas, get their sleeves rolled up and get involved in any event. Thankyou to Carolyn Nunn for her support and guidance throughout this tough year. A special mention is to Kara Powell for Acting President for most of the year whilst being the Vice President. She has dedicated so much time and has been the glue that sticks the team together. Also, another big thankyou to Haydn and Nerrida for stepping up, providing guidance and amazing support to the team over the past few years in the key and critical roles; Treasurer and Secretary respectively.

We wish everyone in the community to have a Safe and Merry Christmas and we look forward to seeing you in 2021.

RECYCLING NEWS

Battery Recycling

This year we collected 150.6 Kg. We ran a competition between classrooms each Wednesday for “Weigh in Wednesday”. Each class brought in the batteries they had collected for the week, they were weighed and the class with the most amount received the weekly Recycling trophy.

The class with the most amount collected over the year was Room 3, Pre-Primary. They all received a gift of appreciation for their efforts kindly donated by The Green Life Soil Company on Toodyay Road. Their efforts ensured that batteries did not end up in landfill which supports our sustainability program.

Containers for Change

This year we joined with the Shire of Mundaring in the Containers for Change Program. We have commenced collecting containers for change and we would appreciate any donations of containers. This can be done by placing them in the bins provided around the school which are clearly marked with the Containers for Change Poster. Thank you to the South Family for donating and preparing a large red bin for the containers. Proceeds from the Containers for Change Program will be used to continue funding our sustainably program. You can also deposit your containers directly with the Shire at their Collection Centre at Coppin Road Tip and use the school’s ID being C10284886.

General Recycling

Don’t forget our general recycling station situated outside the back of the school office. We collect the following items which you are welcome to drop off at any time:

• Bread Tags
• Writing Instruments
• Oral Care Waste
• Coffee Pods – Nespresso, Nescafe Doice Gusto, L’Or and Moccona
• Plastic lids
• Ink Cartridges
• Oral Care Waste

This is a great way to educate our children about the importance of recycling everyday household waste.

We have had a positive year running our sustainability program and introducing our “Weigh In Wednesday” to support battery recycling.

Next year our target is to collect more oral care items which can lead to earning points to win garden products for our school.

We thank all parents and students for your efforts this year and look forward to your continued support in our sustainability program in 2021.

GENERAL

Please be advised the Dental Therapy Mobile Van is now closed as of end of business hours on Tuesday 8 December 2020 and will re-open Monday 1 February 2021.

If any enrolled patients have an emergency between now and Tuesday 23 December (Mon-Fri) please contact the Edney Dental Therapy Centre on 9454 4034.

From 23 December onwards please contact MT Henry Dental Clinic on 9313 0552.

The Dental Therapy Mobile will physically be moved from the Parkerville P.S site at this time, however will return to the Parkerville Primary School 29 Jan.

The clinic answer machine will also detail this information.

Once re-opened we will continue to send appointments out in the order patients are due. Unless an emergency parents are required to wait until they receive an appointment.

Wishing you all a safe and happy end of year break.

Kind regards,
Dental Staff

DENTAL MOBILE
c/- PARKERVILLE PRIMARY SCHOOL
WINDOO RD ENTRANCE
PARKERVILLE WA 6081
Ph: 0429 120 614
Email: MundaringMobile@dental.health.wa.gov.au

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