Issue 11 2024
Message from the Principal
Kaya Carramar Families
I hope you are keeping warm as we shiver through this spate of chilly weather. Our recent PJ fundraiser was perfectly timed. Thank you to our student ministers for coordinating the day, and to everyone for your very generous donations with over $700 raised for the Smith Family to help disadvantaged children.
No doubt you are enjoying the Olympics, with, hopefully, not too many late nights. There have certainly been some exciting results, some heartbreaks, and many acts of incredible perseverance! With 5 days to go, no doubt there may be a few more late nights.
Our WAGSMS students (and families and staff) may be feeling a little tired today after their late night at Burswood Theatre last night. Congratulations to all involved. Carramar Primary were the host school and our performers and comperes, Leigh-Anne and Estelle were absolutely brilliant. Sincere thanks to Ms Malinovic, Mrs Camm and Mrs Block, along with all parents who assisted with costumes and general support. Our students were very patient waiting till the very last act to perform and their audience manners were impeccable. They certainly saved the best till last, with an entertaining performance of song and dance presenting a beautiful story linked to our school’s name. We may have only been on stage for 8 minutes, but they were very memorable ones. Well done everyone!
We have also received many messages of commendation, from parents, staff of Aquamotion, our bus drivers and members of the public for the behaviour of our students at In-Term Swimming. A huge thank you to Mrs Block for her excellent coordination of these two weeks, thinking of every possible scenario, when accommodating the needs of 500+ students, with changes of timetables, play breaks, eating areas, and many other things. We know everyone is feeling tired, and with three days to go, we are hoping we can not only keep up our great behaviour record, but also our record of no lost goggles, towels, bathers or underwear! Great job all!
Next week we celebrate National Science Week and Bullying No Way, National Week of Action.
The objective of Bullying No Way Week is to encourage school communities to work together to implement positive and proactive solutions to prevent and address bullying and violence. This year’s theme, Everyone Belongs, reminds us of the importance of “Belonging”, in that belonging keeps us connected and is a powerful protection against bullying. Children who feel connected, feel safe.
It is also very important that we collectively understand what Bullying is. Bullying is not a “one off” tiff or disagreement. Bullying is when someone repeatedly tries to upset or hurt you. It is intentional, ongoing, and repeated and involves behaviours that can be physical, verbal, or social. Bullying can be easy to see (overt) or hidden (covert). Cyberbullying involves the use of technology including mobile phones.
Unfortunately, we have had incidents of Bullying, which we do take very seriously, and we do address them when we are informed. Thank you for working with us. Talking to your children about the importance of reporting all concerning incidents to their class teacher or the Duty Teacher so that appropriate follow up can occur is very important. Bystander behaviour is vital in changing the behaviour of all. A “bystander” is not a “snitch”. They are a person who can have a very positive impact, resulting in a “win-win” for all parties. Seeking help for both the person being bullied, for the bullying to stop and seeking help for the person doing the bullying so that their behaviours can be addressed. Areas that have come to our attention include challenging stereotypes; body image/body shaming; lack of empathy; and not embracing diversity. Thank you for your ongoing support in having important conversations with your child/ren about these aspects of life.
The theme for National Science Week this year is Species Survival - More than just sustainability. The theme aims to highlight the importance of science and innovation in ensuring the survival and thriving of different species in an ever-changing world.
Our students will have an amazing variety of topics to investigate and be able to dive into issues of particular interest to them. Please keep your eyes open for communications from your children’s teacher about Science Week events
Also, next week, on Friday, 16th August, we have our Kindy Faction Carnival and our Yr 1-6 Jumps and Throws, and the following week on Friday 23rd August is our PP-Year 6 Faction Carnival.
In closing this week’s newsletter, I would like to congratulate Mrs Deb Parker on her appointment to the Department’s Statewide Services Graduate Teacher Induction Program as part of the Teaching for Impact Initiative. This Fixed Term appointment commences on Monday 12th August and will continue to the end of the year. Thank you for welcoming Mrs Stacey Johnstone to our staff. She is a very experienced teacher with high commendations.
Have a great fortnight. I look forward to seeing you around the school as you support your children in our many upcoming events.
Boordawan
Maree James
PRINCIPAL
Kindy PJ Day
Sharing Successes
Two weeks ago, on Wednesday the WAGSMS Crown Cast performed their item for you at school. The Cast included students from year 4 to 6 who practiced after school on Tuesdays. They performed at Crown Theatre last night and dazzled everybody with their skills and talents. Indi from Year 6 (Kookaburra) said that “performing and practicing was very fun,” but her favourite bit about it was, “being able to perform on a stage with her friends where so many others had before her”. Mackenzie from Year 4 (hiker) said that it was a wonderful once in a lifetime experience to be able to participate in and she enjoyed every second of it.
Ruby in Year 3, Georgia in Year 3 and Mia B in Year 4 participated in the Bend the Air competition on the 13th July. Ruby participated in an acro solo and an acro troupe. She placed second in acro troupe and won a trophy for second in the acro solo. She said that she was so excited to just be there, but winning a trophy to keep the memory alive forever was even better. Georgia also participated in the acro solo, a contortionist solo and the acro troupe. She came fourth in her acro solo and won amazing talent and third for her contortionist solo. She said that winning those titles and the trophy was pure joy, and she cannot wait to perform again. Mia, Georgia and Ruby all loved performing in their troupe and can’t wait for the next comp!
