principal - black forest primary school · the acting deputy principal role and i would like to...
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TERM 1 NEWSLETTER No. 3 - 2nd MARCH 2017
CALENDAR
Term 1 2017
Adelaide Cup
13th March
Harmony Day
21st March
RAN training
22nd March
Parent Teacher
Interviews
Commencing 27th March
Sports Day
Thursday 13th April
LAST DAY OF TERM
Thursday 13th April 2:10pm
OSHC Autumn
Vacation Care
Program
Available on website next week
PRINCIPAL:
Linda Weetra
DEPUTY PRINCIPAL:
Brianna Jordon
SENIOR LEADER:
Joel Catchlove
PHONE …….…. 8293 1204
FAX ………..…….. 8293 1673
OSHC: …...…….... 8293 8085
E-MAIL:
WEBSITE:
www.blforest.sa.edu.au
Inspiring optimistic, successful and sustainable futures for all
Creativity Respect Endeavour
Collaboration Responsibility
Acting Principal News
Dear Families,
2017 Governing Council
Have you considered being on our Governing Council? We have a few vacancies opening up in
2017 and the Governing Council would like to welcome nominations from parents who are
interested in being involved. The Governing Council is a parent representative council where you
are given regular updates from staff and leadership as well as having the opportunity to have input
into decision making around the school. Our Governing Council is actively involved in fundraising,
major school events and planning improvements for the school. Meetings take place on Monday
nights, twice a term.
The BFPS AGM will be held on Monday 20th of March at 6.30pm. All parents are welcome to attend
this meeting where we will reflect on the successes of 2016 and share developments for 2017.
Nominations for our Governing Council are presented and voted for at the AGM with a short
Governing Council meeting being held directly after. If you are interested in being a member of the
2017 Governing Council, please see Sandy in the front office to pick up your Governing Council info
pack and register your interest. Please let me know if you have any questions.
I would like to say a BIG thankyou to all of the members of the 2016 Governing Council. Their
commitment and effort has been vital to the continuous improvement of our school.
Leadership Update
In a recent email it was announced that I will be continuing in the role as Acting Principal through
to the end of Term 1. Over the last week I have been involved two panels to backfill the Deputy and
Assistant Principal positions. I would like to announce that Joel Catchlove will be continuing on in
the Acting Deputy Principal role and I would like to welcome Stuart Greene into the leadership
team as the Acting Assistant Principal.
Sports Day
We would like to inform you that Sports Day will be held on Thursday 13th April - last day of term.
There were a number of reasons for this change and we apologise for any inconvenience.
Banrock Station
The planning for the Year 3 Banrock Station family weekend is underway. Joel has been working
with the Ranger to build community links and strengthen the ongoing partnership. While the
official date hasn’t yet been confirmed, the Banrock Station weekend will be held during June/July.
The Ranger is also looking forward to attending our Garden Night on 31st of March.
Student Executive Council
I would like to take this opportunity to formally introduce
the 2017 Student Executive Council . This fantastic group
of kids have already started demonstrating their
leadership skills within our school and at the Grip
Leadership Conference. I am looking forward to working
with them across the year.
The 2017 Student Executive
Zoe F, Braden D, Oliver H, Brooke H,
Angus L, Mia F, Ayesha A, Lachie K
Thanks,
Brianna
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Message from the Student Executive Council
Some of the things that I learned at the GRIP conference were how to put ideas into action, how to make school a better place and I enjoyed the Loud Noise Boys and meeting kids from other schools. Lachie K The main thing that I got out of the conference was learning how to put my ideas into action. I learned the what, why, where, who and how and the main process on how to put ideas into action. Angus L One thing that I learnt at GRIP and took back to school was that leaders should put others needs before their own. My favourite part of GRIP was when the Loud Noise Boys came on and we were all allowed to yell as loud as we could. Oliver H I learnt about how to put an idea into action so then if I have an idea I can write it well. I also learnt about the 4 expectations of responsibility which are role modelling values, upholding the trust of others, responding to needs and lastly developing own strengths. I enjoyed the Loud Noise Boys because they brought fun to the meeting. Braden D I enjoyed the lessons because they were powerful and I learnt a lot about leadership. One think I mostly got out of it was how to put my ideas into action and make it happen. I mostly enjoyed the Loud Noise Boys because they made me loosen up a lot and feel relaxed. I liked asking the other school students about their opinions and asking lots of questions. I think GRIP is a great program and I would love to go again. Zoe F One thing I learned from the GRIP conference was that I shouldn’t be afraid to talk about my ideas and take action. Another thing I learned was to think outside the box. Mia F
I learnt at the GRIP conference the 4 expectations about responsibility revolving around modelling values, upholding trust, responding to needs and developing strengths. The main thing I learnt at GRIP is how to make your big idea a real thing for the school and for the community. I enjoyed the Loud Noise Boys because they included the crowd in their games. Brooke H I learnt that there is a lot of responsibility to take on as a leader. I enjoyed the Loud Noise Boys and all of the activities. Ayesha A
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Senior Leader’s News Children’s University
In 2016, Black Forest Primary School participated in the Children’s University program, with 26 of our students graduating
at the University of Adelaide’s Bonython Hall at the end of the year. While 20 students from the program have chosen to
continue to achieve a higher level of award in 2017, this year we are also offering 50 additional places for new
participants in the Children’s University program.
The Children’s University program acknowledges student learning that occurs outside of the classroom. In addition to
extra-curricula school activities (school sports, Chess Club, Debating, Orienteering, Family Maker Workshops, Tech Cadets
and other action teams), a range of “Learning Destinations” offer validated Children’s University programs. These
Learning Destinations include museums, galleries and trails as well as various businesses, offering a range of free and paid
events. Participants in the program receive a Learning Passport in which they can record the time spent participating in
various approved activities. Students must achieve a level of 30 hours of learning in order to graduate, but higher
amounts entitle the student to higher levels of award.
Further information will be distributed about this program shortly.
Grounds redevelopment
Funds raised through the many excellent events and initiatives organised by the tireless fundraising committee are
dedicated to the redevelopment of our school grounds. To this end, we have contracted one of South Australia’s leading
nature play consultants Climbing Tree, together with Landscape Architect Peter Semple, to develop a design concept for
the area of the grounds extending from the Junior Primary Playground to the Kertaweeta building. After discussion with a
number of consultants and landscape designers, we have been contracted Climbing Tree based on the reputation,
experience and the participatory and consultative process they employ in the design process.
To support this process, we are seeking expressions of interest from parents who would like to be involved in the design
discussions for this area of the school grounds. This could involve:
Being involved a parent workshop on the evening of Tuesday 9 May
Being involved in a staff and parent design committee (places are limited)
Contributing to the design through in-kind donations of materials, labour or machinery.
We welcome your participation, please get in touch with [email protected] if you want to get involved!
For inspiration and ideas, check out Nature Play SA at https://natureplaysa.org.au/, or search for them on Facebook and
Instagram, Climbing Tree at http://climbingtree.com.au/ and see the story of Trinity Gardens Primary School grounds
redevelopment in their short film, “Portrush Forest”: https://vimeo.com/139163051
Garden Coordinator
Our Garden Coordinator Dani Austin has now completed her time at Black Forest and is moving on to her next
adventures. We thank her for her commitment to the garden over the last year. We are currently in the process of
seeking a new Garden Coordinator, and look forward to finalising this soon. As a staff, we have also been reflecting on
the use of the garden in student learning, and once appointed, staff will be working with the coordinator to develop a
range of new curriculum-linked learning experiences based in the garden.
Competitions
Our annual offering of competitions from the Australian Mathematics Trust are now available. The two main
competitions we offer are the Year 5-7 Computational and Algorithmic Thinking (CAT), held on Tuesday 21 March, and
the Year 3-7 Australian Mathematics Competition (AMC), held on Thursday 27 July. Both competitions cost $6.50, and a
registration form is available elsewhere in this newsletter. This year, we will not be offering the ICAS Assessments in
favour of trialling a number of other enrichment and leadership programs in line with our school priorities.
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Australian Mathematics Trust | 2017 Competitions and Programs
In 2017, Black Forest Primary School will be offering two competitions coordinated by the Australian Mathematics Trust: the Computational and Algorithmic Thinking (CAT) competition and the Australian Mathematics Competition (AMC), to encourage and challenge students in their understanding of mathematics and computational and algorithmic thinking.
The Trust designs its competitions to support problem-solving and recognise and stimulate mathematical talent. While the AMC focuses on a range of mathematical skills and knowledge, the CAT competition tests student ability to accurately perform procedures, apply logical thinking and algorithms. These provide a strong connection with both the Australian Curriculum Mathematics and Technologies learning areas. Both tests will be conducted online, at BFPS, on the dates indicated below.
If you wish to enrol your child in any of these events, please complete and return the entry form below with payment by Friday 10 March 2017. Registration and payment for these competitions is also available on Qkr.
Australian Mathematics Trust: 2017 Competitions and Programs Entry Form
Student Name:......................................................................................Year Level:.............. Room No:...............
I wish enrol my child in the following programs:
[ ] Please find enclosed the total sum of $...........................................
Signed: ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Event Date Cost per student Year level
Computational and Algorithmic Thinking (CAT) competition
Tuesday 21 March $6.50 Years 5-7
Australian Mathematics Competition (AMC)
Thursday 27 July $6.50 Years 3-7
Tick Event Date Cost per student Year level
Computational and Algorithmic Thinking (CAT) competition
Tuesday 21 March $6.50 Years 5-7
Australian Mathematics Competition (AMC)
Thursday 27 July $6.50 Years 3-7
TOTAL COST
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Harmony Day in Room 4 This year Harmony Day is being organised
differently. Every class has been assigned a
country to learn about in the hope
that we spread international
understanding. We are pleased to be
learning about Russia.
During this week the students have been researching
significant events in Russian history and they have presented
their learning on a timeline. The second assignment that they
are currently working on is to research tourist attractions in
Russia and present their learning as a travel brochure.
If any parent has any knowledge of Russia and would like to
share it with our class, that would be greatly appreciated.
Stuart Greene
Room 4 Class Teacher
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Finance News
Thank you to all the families who have promptly returned their consent forms and student detail forms with amendments.
These were sent out with the invoices earlier this term. Many families have already paid their fees and excursion levies. Thank
you for being so organised!
Please remember that the Materials and Service Fees and the first half of the excursion levy are due 13th April 2017. The only
exception to this is school card applicants that have already submitted their forms for 2017 and families that have opted to
complete direct debit forms /making regular part payments.
If you are experiencing difficulty in making payments please contact the Finance Office before the due date to discuss a
payment arrangement.
Sports Invoices
We have received team lists for Cricket and Softball so we have only invoiced these sports to date. Invoices for these sports
were sent home via the students last week. Payment can be made via the ‘QKR’ app.
Uniforms
Uniforms are available every morning 8.30 am – 9.30 am from the Finance Office or via ‘QKR’ phone app. Please note – some
sizes are currently not showing on ‘QKR’ as we are out of stock of those items. When new stock arrives, we will make them
available once again on ‘QKR’.
For the coming cooler weather we have plenty of stock of the new jackets and limited stock of the Windcheaters. More stock is
on the way but there may be delays with some sizes. There are still some of the old windcheater (current colour and style but
the inside of the collar is navy not blue) in sizes ‘S’ ‘M’ and ‘L’. This is adult sizing so the ‘S’ is close to a size 16 child. These are
on sale for $20.00.
Harmony Day
We are very excited to be celebrating ‘Harmony Day’ as a whole school on Tuesday March 21st. Harmony Day is a celebration of
our cultural diversity, a day of cultural respect for everyone who calls Australia home. Held every year on 21 March, the Day
coincides with the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. The message of Harmony Day is
‘everyone belongs’, aiming to engage people to participate in their community, respect cultural and religious diversity and foster
sense of belonging.
Students are invited to dress up in Orange for the day or in clothing which is significant to their own family’s cultural heritage.
Students are asked to bring along a gold coin donation to contribute towards our school’s commitment to sponsor the education
of a child in Africa.
There will be a special multicultural lunch available to be ordered from the canteen before the day (look out for the separate
special lunch canteen note coming out soon). Please note that regular lunches will not be available from the canteen on the day.
Parents are invited to join the whole school in witnessing the students participating in the ‘Parade of Cultures’ at 9 am on the
outside netball courts where all children will walk around with their class, displaying their spectacular outfits to the wonderful
sounds of World Music.
At the conclusion of the ‘Parade of Cultures’, parents are invited into our school library to plot on our World Map, their family
country of origin to enable further understanding by the school community about the rich cultural diversity which makes up our
community.
Classes will be involved in buddy activities throughout part of the day as they learn about and celebrate World cultures. There
will be at least 20 nationalities and cultures being highlighted and celebrated throughout the school day in some way.
It promises to be a rich occasion so we hope you are able to join us for the first part of the day as we celebrate ‘Harmony Day’
on Tuesday March 21st at 9 am.
See you all there!
The Harmony Day Organising Team
On behalf of the staff of Black Forest Primary School
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Canteen News
Wow what a week! From over 150 sushi orders on Monday to 250 pancakes sold Tuesday.
Thanks so much for our team of helpers who helped prepare, cook and sell all those yummy pancakes!
Remember though we are still looking for volunteers to fill the gaps in our roster for the rest of the term.
We need people on the occasional Tuesday and Wednesday and every Thursday. You will need to have
your RAN training up to date as well as a current police clearance. If we are unable to receive help freshly
cooked recess specials cannot be provided. These are a speciality that the children look forward to. So
please consider adding your name to the roster (even if it is once a term) it all goes a long way to making
our job manageable.
Due to some children been fructose and lactose intolerant we have bought back Icy Poles which is a non
fruit and dairy option they may choose over the Moosies and juicies.
Our next sushi day is Monday 27th March, below is the tuna and Californian sushi handmade by Maria’s
Kitchen.
Term 1 2017 roster for canteen Please let us know if you can fill any shifts
Week Monday
Corina
Tuesday
Grace
Wednesday
Grace
Thursday
Corina
Friday
Corina
Six 6th Sanjula 7th 8th 9th 10th Jenny H Gillian
Seven 13th Public holiday
14th Sarah 15th Sarah 16th Joanne Driscoll
17th Monica D Gillian
Eight 20th Sanjula 21st 22nd Alice M 23rd 24th Jenny H Gillian
Nine 27th sushi Alice 28th Sarah 29th Sarah 30th 31st Joanne Driscoll
Ten 3rd April Sanjula 4th 5th 6th 7th Jenny H
Eleven 10th Dasha 11th Sarah 12th Sarah 13th Sports Day
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SCHOOL VALUES
Scarlet C, Isabelle A, Sofia S, Scarlett M, Ronnie R, Sienna C, Eliana P, Oliver L, Harry M, Charlotte H, Hamish F, Thomas P, Sarah C, Ella L, Vanna A, Ben W, Charlotte LeP, Isabel G, Oliver B, Molly S, Thurston W, Scarlett W, Eliza H, Zac A, Chenifer R
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Football News
Season 2017 - Black Forest Primary School Football
An invitation is extended to all interested boys and girls to join our Black Forest Blues
football teams in year levels 2/3, 4/5 or 6/7 for the coming season. If you have not already,
please complete and return your winter sports form selecting Saturday morning football
and come and enjoy the great game that is Aussie Rules football.
Coaching Vacancy Year 2/3
Expressions of interest are sought to fill a vacancy to coach our year 2/3 team.
You will require a current Police clearance, RAN training, along with a time commitment to one after school
training and Saturday morning game.
Coaches play an essential role in enabling our teams to not only participate each week but to importantly
develop our children’s skills and teamwork!
Please contact me via email or mobile to discuss further.
Ross McLaren – BFPS Football Co-ordinator
[email protected] 0418 834 434
Magical Park at Heywood Park
Celebrate Parks Week in the City of Unley To celebrate Parks Week, we will have a Magical Park set up between 4 – 12 March. Magical Park is an augmented reality game to encourage kids to get outdoors and use their local parks in new and exciting ways. There are two fun fantasy worlds to play in, Augmentia and Dino Land. Our Magical Park will be at Heywood Park, Addiscombe Place, Unley Park. To download the app, log on to the Google Play store or Apple App Store and search ‘Magical Park’. General Information
· Designed to get kids active outdoors, using an Android or Apple device · Suitable for kids 6-11 years old · We respect data privacy · No in-game advertising · Average playtime 30-60 minutes · Different games to choose from · Kids run on average 700m-2km · Kids must be under adult supervision · Sponsored by the City of Unley
Age: Suitable for ages 6 - 11 Dates: 4 - 12 March Meeting Point/Venue: Heywood Park, Addiscombe Place, Unley Park