1 | 10

NEWSLETTER ISSUE 11 TERM 3, WEEK 06 27th August, 2020

DIARY DATES

Friday 28th August Banksia Radicool Reptiles Incursion Wednesday 2nd Sept. Fathers Day Stall Friday 4th September School Closure Tuesday 8th Sept. E01, E02, E03, E04, E07 Zoo Excursion Thursday 10th Sept. Campus Newsletter Friday 18th Sept. Sports Day Thursday 24th Sept. Playford Newsletter Friday 25th Sept. Last Day Term 3 2.10pm Dismissal

TERM 4 Monday 12th October

First Day Back

Text your child’s absence to:

0416 906 281 Full Name / Class / Reason

Rory’s Canteen Lunches

Order online before 8.30am via Qkr App

216-220 Adams Road, Craigmore SA 5114

Phone: 08 8284 3065 Email: dl.1879.info@schools.sa.edu.au

Fax: 08 8284 3061 Website: playfordr7.sa.edu.au

Dear Parents / Carers,

Is it just me, or does it feel that the weeks are getting even quicker? We are about to enter Week 7 of Term 3! We are only days away now from the onset of spring, so we welcome some slightly warmer days with sunshine to warm the cold bones from winter. We have had a lot of students away from school sick (which is not good news, but we also applaud the many families that kept their children home, to stop the spread of any winter germs and bugs). Sadly, we have also had a high number of students attend school, when they should be home, as they are unwell. So whilst we applaud those families keeping their children home until they are better, we need to clarify, that any student absent for 3 or more days, needs to provide us with a doctor certificate (ie, it is required on the third day of not attending school). We thank you in advance for supporting us with this request, so that we are all compliant with the DfE regulations.

This week, we welcomed Ms Alison Kennedy, as Assistant Principal - Intervention, Support and Student Services. Alison is backfilling Elizabeth Mullins whilst she is on leave for the remainder of this term. Alison comes to us with a wide array of experiences and knowledge. Most recently, she has been employed as a Special Educator, for DfE, Support Services. We are confident that the school community will make her feel welcome during her time here at Playford Primary School.

This week is National Recognition Week for School Services Officers (SSOs) – a week when we recognize the efforts of our Playford Primary School Support Staff who contribute tremendously to the support, learning, administration, finances, maintenance, care and lots of ‘behind the scenes’ things for our students, teachers, community and school. We are very fortunate to have a terrific and dedicated team of support staff who work extremely hard in a wide variety of areas across the school. On Tuesday, all SSOs were invited to a morning tea and have been enjoying special surprises during the week.

SPORTS DAY

As you are aware, September 18th is our Sports Day (Friday week 9) and its fast approaching. Last year, we listened to the community and brought the date forward, as a number of people were frustrated that Sports Day continues to be held so late in the year, having been postponed due to hot weather. On the second attempt of Sports Day in 2019, a week or two later, we were heavily rained upon, and now this year, we face a world-wide pandemic of Coronavirus. Given that the world continues to be shaped and modified by COVID-19, we are trying to best cater for all concerned and keep everyone safe. This year, we have made the extremely difficult decision, to appeal to our school community, and request that this year, the crazy year of 2020, that parents / grandparents - adults in general, do not attend.

A number of schools have elected to cancel their sports days due to COVID-19 but we feel that our students deserve this opportunity, to partake in a fun day with a bit of healthy competition, however, the continuation of this event, requires the support of the whole community. Should parents / caregivers choose to ignore this request, it is highly likely that a decision will need to be made on the day, to cancel the event for all involved.

PLAYFORD PRIMARY SCHOOL

NEWSLETTER ISSUE 11

2 | 10

Here’s why...... Recently, SA Health announced that certain industries need to provide a trained COVID Marshal, and ensure that contract tracing is occurring; for example, the time and date of the activity, the name of each person in attendance and either the phone number or email address of each person in attendance. Whilst schools are exempt from that, given the size of our site and the number of people within our school community, it would be remiss of us to allow such a big event to occur without taking added precautions. We are limited to set number of people in rooms, in shopping isles and waiting rooms of hospitals, and yet we can host an event that has over 1000 adults in attendance. It just doesn't make sense! Whilst we too, acknowledge that these may seem rather dire, we must ensure that the potential of any COVID-19 outbreaks are not transmitted via our site, but all precautions are put in place to stop any transmission.

As a staff, we discussed how we manage Sports Day; whether we let it proceed or cancel it altogether for this year; but the staff felt that our students deserved the normality of Sports Day, during this very surreal year with COVID-19. Given that the oval is not fenced, we have absolutely no way to contact trace, so if that were to be a directive, we would have no choice but to cancel.

Therefore, for the 2020 Sports Day the added precautions are; * We are requesting that, just for this year, that no parents attend.

* That we have looked at modifying events to limit indoor exposure i.e. little to no activities in the gym, keeping to outside in the fresh air.

* We will dedicate several staff members, to take photos, and lots of photos, so that the day can be shared via the class teachers (keeping in mind which students can and cannot be photographed) so that you can see the day in photos.

* The student BBQ will still proceed, with food being delivered to classrooms, prepared under strict hygiene COVID-19 standards.

* Only the class teacher and one additional member of staff will be permitted in any classroom on the day to support students, with the only exemption being for those students with significant additional needs and may require more adult support.

* Hand sanitiser will be available for student / class use at sports stations, to help support good hygiene practices.

* A modified program will be created, which will not start at the usual time, to allow parents / caregivers to drop their children off at school and go home / to work.

* Signage will be placed around the school leading up to, and including the event, reminding the whole school community to not attend - to help us support social distancing and limit any potential transmission of the virus.

Should parents choose to attend, we will not ask people to leave, as let’s face it, no one likes being placed in that uncomfortable position, but we will simply sound the rain bell (three sirens) which will indicate to our staff that the day has now been cancelled and will not proceed, and to return to class. It takes a LOT of time and effort to set up and organise the day, so we of all people, don’t want to set up, and then be forced to cancel.

Whilst we know that this decision will not appeal to everyone, we ask that you consider this;

That potentially 1500-2000 adults attend sports day on 18th September through the course of the day. An unsuspecting and unaware adult, attends the day at 9am, supports the class teacher by helping at events, occasionally coughing near other adults and children. Now, whilst this person shows no symptoms, they are carrying COVID-19. The transmission has now been ‘shared’ with 100 people. Of those 100 people, a number are supportive grandparents who have come to share a fun filled day with their grandchildren, a few people with auto immune diseases, and a small number of children with respiratory issues, partially due to just emerging from the Winter season, have a weakened or compromised immune systems. Effectively, 5 of those ‘now affected’ for various medical reasons, simply won’t make it, whilst the other 95 will continue to equally spread the virus, far and wide, where we will be in a similar position to Victoria, with high numbers of new cases, and potentially high numbers of fatalities. So we have to ask, is it worth it?

So please, we ask that parents / adults do not attend the Sports Day this year, to support social distancing and ensure that we minimise any chance of transmission into the school or wider communities. Whilst we apologise for the inconvenience caused, especially to those families who have booked the day off work in advance and for the somewhat alarmist precautions, we won’t apologise for making the decision to try and keep everyone safe and COVID-19 free. Please work with us on this.

We appreciate your support and understanding in this matter.

Kind regards, Jason, Vicky, Matt, James, Lauren, Alison A and Alison K - Playford Primary Leadership Team

STUDENT SHOWCASE Ms Strauss

3| 10

PLAYFORD PRIMARY SCHOOL

NEWSLETTER ISSUE 11

Media Studies

As part of our Media Studies this term, students have been learning how to stay safe online and creating, “Say No to

Cyberbullying” posters. Some of the student messages from the posters include: “If you encounter cyberbullying, get help

from a trusted adult” and “If you feel as if you can’t get help from anyone you know, call Kids Help Line on 1800 55 1800.”

Festival of Music – Choir

We are busily learning all of our Festival of Music songs ready for our celebration movie day on Wednesday 23rd of September 2020. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, The Festival of Music Concert will not be taking place this year.

Instead, students in the Festival Choir are going to Reading Cinemas in Elizabeth City Centre to attend Festival SING 2020. The purpose of the excursion is to watch the Festival of Music Movie and sing along to all the songs we have learnt during the year as part of our Festival of Music celebrations.

Music Ensemble

This term, the music ensemble has been learning some new songs ready to perform at the end of term assembly.

The instruments we have been learning include, Boomwhackers, cajon, alto recorder, soprano record, keyboard, glockenspiel

and the xylophone. The songs we have studied include, Beginners Bounce, Hot Cross Buns, Mary Had a Little Lamb, The

Wheels on the Bus, Gently Sleep and Old McDonald.

PLAYFORD PRIMARY SCHOOL

NEWSLETTER ISSUE 11

STUDENT SHOWCASE Ms Baxter

This term in The Arts, we have

been focusing on Drama.

Each class has been exploring

narrative structures through

different roles and situations.

There has been a focus on

characterisation and performing

through improvisations, as well as

devised drama.

E06 have been designing their own role plays

by choosing a setting, characters, problems

and solutions to complete a scene.

We have worked explicitly in deconstructing

and constructing performances and role plays.

This has allowed students to create and

communicate the characters’ intentions as

well as purpose in their scenes.

The E06 students have been incorporating

technologies into their learning, using iPads to

record their performances and reflect and

improve on different aspects of their

performance. B07 have been learning to project their voice and use body

movements to portray a variety of character roles. They have been

working on creating a scene using the skills learnt throughout the

term.

B07 created a storyline together to then act out in smaller groups.

We have been recording their performances to reflect and improve

on specific skills and to see what the audience sees.

Their prison break scenes have been very exciting!

4 | 10

GETTING TO KNOW US

5 | 10

PLAYFORD PRIMARY SCHOOL

NEWSLETTER ISSUE 11

Introducing…. Do you have any

pets and what is

your favourite

animal?

What kind of music do

you like?

Where would you go

for a dream holiday?

How do you

relax?

What is your

favourite colour?

Angela Strauss

Arts

Teacher

(Eliza Baxter Arts Teacher featured in Issue 02)

I have a very old

cat named Lylah

and 4 chickens

named Stella,

Snow, Laverne

and Shirley. I like

Australian native

animals.

I enjoy all types of

music from classical

and musical theatre to

rock. Some of my

favourite musical

artists include Katy

Perry, Pink, Queen,

Elton John, REM,

Green Day and Queen

Latifah.

A place where the

bush meets the sea

with minimal people

around.

I relax by painting

and/or creating

while listening to

music.

Purple and Black

Alison Kennedy

Assistant

Principal

I have a dog

named Dougal,

my favourite, 18

chickens, 5 ducks

and 8 beehives.

Hoping for pet

cows for

Christmas.

90s Pop, Aqua and

Vengaboys, any music

you can dance to.

Anywhere warm! Spending time in

my veggie garden

and sleeping in!

Green

Cheree Webb

Curriculum Support

I have a dog and

my favourite

animal is a

dolphin.

Drum and Bass,

Country, and anything

New aged.

USA, I'd love to

travel the USA to

Bonneville raceway,

Nascar Racing,

travel Route 66, site

seeing with the end

at Bahama’s at a

nice relaxing Resort.

No time for Relax

in my world, This

BMX mum is far

to busy to Relax.

But one day I wish

just for a

massage.

Purple

Hannah Smith

Curriculum Support

I have one cat, two cockatiels and 11 fish. My favourite animals are Meerkats.

I like a variety, really

anything that makes

you want to get up

and dance!

I’d love to go to

Ireland.

Spending time

with my family.

Purple

Chiara Trentin

Curriculum Support

I don’t have a pet at the moment. I like cats.

Hip Hop Peru Going for a bike ride, watching movies and listening to music.

Red

SAPOL VISIT

6 | 10

PLAYFORD PRIMARY SCHOOL

NEWSLETTER ISSUE 11

We recently attended a session run by SAPOL to discuss how to keep ourselves safe online. CO6 explored the issues with technology use further and created posters to increase awareness of safe practices. Lisa Eddy - C06 Class Teacher

7 | 10

PLAYFORD PRIMARY SCHOOL

NEWSLETTER ISSUE 11

RESOURCE CENTRE NEWS

The school time capsule will be sealed later this term and the library will be including lists of the most popular books borrowed by children at all year levels. Ask your child which books they love at this age. What was your favourite book when you were a child? Have you shared your childhood favourite story with your children? Our library SSO, June Holland, grew up in England as a child and loved the Beatrix Potter stories of Peter Rabbit and friends. She loved the beautiful detailed illustrations of the animal characters. Our Teacher Librarian Di Scott’s favourite book when she was a child was a non-fiction book with 1001 facts about the world. It was a book that sparked a love of trivia and a curiosity about all things weird and wonderful.

The Premier’s Reading Challenge is just about over for another year. For this unusual year only, the PRC office has allowed all students taking part to read and record 12 free choice books. Completed forms will be collected by the end of week 7 (our school closure day) and all medals and certificate awards will be presented at assemblies in term 4.

Our library has successfully begun a new process of emailing overdue book notices directly to parents. This has had a huge impact on book returns with the number of long term outstanding books dramatically reduced. Thank you to parents and caregivers for helping to remind your children about returning books on time so others can enjoy them too.

Di Scott Teacher Librarian

FUNDRAISING

FATHERS’ DAY STALL - WEDNESDAY 2ND SEPTEMBER

The Fundraising Committee have been busy getting ready for our Fathers’ Day Stall on

Wednesday next week. Huge thanks in advance to our Committee members who will be

manning the stall, without their support we would not be able to run the event. Classes will

be visiting the stall throughout the day. Gifts range from 50 cents to $5.00. Please send in a

bag for your child to take home their surprise. We hope the recipients appreciate their spe-

cial gift and have a lovely day on Fathers Day.

Jessica Whitmore - Fundraising Coordinator

Thank you to all our families who have finalised their 2020 School Fees, arranged an instalment plan or have lodged a School

Card Application. Statements have been sent home to those families who have outstanding accounts. If you received a school

card form via your child please either return the form to school or lodge a School Card Application online as soon as possible.

https://www.sa.gov.au/topics/education-and-learning/financial-help-scholarships-and-grants/school-card-scheme

Renee Bennett - Business Manager

FINANCE NEWS

8 | 10

PLAYFORD PRIMARY SCHOOL

NEWSLETTER ISSUE 11

GOVERNING COUNCIL NEWS

Introducing our valued

Governing

Council

Lauralee Mason

Governing

Council Position

Chairperson

Tracey Haynes

Governing

Council Position

General Member

How long have you been a parent

of Playford Primary?

I have been a parent at Playford Primary since 2009 when my son Josh started in reception.

I have been a parent at Playford Primary for 5 years.

What made you decide to join our

Governing Council?

I joined Governing Council back in 2012 when my girls started and I had 3 kids here.

I thought it would be a good idea to get involved and have an understanding of how the school operates.

I joined Governing Council because I believe it’s so important to be involved in my children’s education. Being part of Governing Council allows parents to have a voice in what happens in the school community.

Share a top tip for helping your

kids get organised for school.

My tip for helping the kids get organised, is encouraging them to be independent.

Getting them to prepare as much as possible the night before, so it's less chaotic in the morning. (Doesn't always work)

"Do it now - then it's done!"

My top tip for getting organised for school is to encourage my boys to be independent. It gives them the opportunity to grow and learn from mistakes.

Tell us one of your fondest

memories of primary school when

you were a child.

My fondest memories I have of primary school would have to be our school camps and sports days.

I loved everything about primary school (was quite a while ago now though). I loved sports days, camps, the friendships, it’s a great time of life!

BELL TIME REMINDERS 8.40am Staff on Yard Duty

8.55am Classrooms Open

9.00am Lessons commence

11.00-11.20am Recess

12.50-1.00pm Eating Time

1.00-1.30pm Lunch Play Time - students finishing their lunch need to remain in yard eating areas

3.10pm Students dismissed

3.25pm Yard Duty Ends, school gates locked - all students / parents / carers need to be offsite.

In the interest of safety, please do not exit the school grounds via the staff carparks.

Any left over students are returned to the Front Office and may be sent to OSHC (charges apply).

Please note, playgrounds are out of bounds for students and siblings

before and after school.

9 | 10

PLAYFORD PRIMARY SCHOOL

NEWSLETTER ISSUE 11

DEFENCE NEWS

This year our Campus will be supporting Legacy week, 30 August - 5 September.

The Legacy badge is a special emblem of support for our veterans' families, symbolising our nation's greatest values of mateship, compassion and fairness.

Next Thursday 4th Sep, we will have students selling Legacy badges at our school gates. Badges will be available for purchase from $2, and Legacy bears can also be ordered for $15.

Thank-you, we appreciate your support.

Jacqui Langstreth

Defence School Mentor

For the past few weeks Playford/McAuley have been running a “Name the Military Animal” competition. We had lots and lots of entries from all of our classes. Some of the winning names were very popular, with entries from many other students as well.

Congratulations to our Playford winners:

Georgia from B02 named the camel Sandy.

Freya from E03 named the donkey Simpson.

Harrison from B07 named the horse Spirit.

Kobe from G02 named the dog Brave.

10 | 10

PLAYFORD PRIMARY SCHOOL

NEWSLETTER ISSUE 11