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Phone 9757 2666 Fax 9757 2863

Margaretriver.ps@education.wa.edu.au www.mriverps.wa.edu.au

CHALK DUST CHATTER 19th October 2018

Newsletter issue: 15

Uniform Shop Tuesday & Thursday

8.30am—11.15am

Phone 9270 4688

margaretriverps@uc.ubd.net.au

This science-based project involved field trips to a number of key sites along the Margaret River to complete water-testing, and also to visit a number of land users along the Margaret River who were being proactive with a number of innovative methods to limit their impact on our river.

The program was coordinated by Environmental Scientist, Mrs Tracey Muir who works for Nature Conservation Margaret River. Additionally other local schools also presented their findings and included Cowaramup Primary School, Thomas Moore Primary, Montessori and the Margaret River Independent School.

Our Year 6 students designed logos around the idea of ‘Our Margaret River: 2020 Vision’ to focus their presentation. Students were asked to think about the threats and dangers affecting our Margaret River and were asked to consider ideas and action plans that are necessary to ensure the ongoing health of the catchment area.

Our presentation included the production of a large map of the Margaret River Catchment Area identifying key features, threats and dangers and solutions and ideas to protect the river. They used the ‘Six Thinking Hats’ to analyse their findings and ideas. Working with media expert, Mike Dunn, students set up a studio at school to produce a video which was shown at the AMR-Shire presentation (the final videos can be viewed on Mike Dunn’s ‘You Tube’ channel). Additionally, science work booklets, a PowerPoint presentation, brochures, logos and wall charts added to the depth of our students’ findings and solutions which were on display to the public. Finally, a ‘Graffiti Wall’ was included asking for the general public to offer their ideas and solutions as well.

Continued page 3 ...

Power Point—Showing a selection of photos showing the

field-trips and the key points, and brochures produced for

the general public to take Thinking Hats – on display for the public to view

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Room 4 Will Teasdale Room 4 Jarrah Davies Room 5 Charlie Roberts Room 5 Sebby Roberts Room 6 Charlie McDonald Room 6 Dominic Wakefield Room 7 Ariya Nock Room 7 Liam Walker Room 8 Pepper Martin

Room 8 Lui Kozyrski Room 9 William Dunn Room 9 Macy Breslin Room 14 Arki Smilovitis Room 14 Iris Mas Room 15 Edward Sanders Room 15 Mia Ashworth Room 16 Jesse Haynes Room 16 Daniella Gherardi

Room 17 Isabella Thomas Room 17 Vincent Lonnie Room 23 Willow Hoath Room T4 Kirralee Hermon Room T4 Ruby Anderson Room T6 Emma Wilson Room T8 Daisy Worsley

Bee Bop A Lula Award

Year 3 Room 5

Merit Certificates

...continued

School Councillors, Ben Lochore, Tom Utting, Sara Clarke and Annabel Bancroft spoke on behalf of our school and explained our presentation, findings and suggestions to the large crowd in the AMR Shire offices, including Shire President Pamela Townshend, Deputy President Julia Meldrum and Councillor Peter Lane.

It is hoped that the AMR Shire Council will embrace and consider the ideas and suggestions put forward by our town’s year six students.

Councillors—Our school councillors during the presentation,

with coordinator Tracey Muir Margaret River Map – part of the large map that the students

made.

Graffiti Wall—asking the general public to provide their own

solutions and ideas to ensure the health of our Margaret River.

Work Books – the science books that the students produced to record and analyse the key points and concepts covered during their field-trips.

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Welcome Back

It’s great to see everybody back again after the holiday break. We have a busy term ahead of us with swimming

lessons, camp, graduation, end of year ceremonies and concerts, the junior sports carnival and lots of learning in

our classes. We look forward to seeing you at class celebrations this term and out and about around the school.

Welcome Mrs Johnstone

Mrs Naomi Johnstone has joined us as our Phys Ed teacher Mr Gibbon is on leave for the remainder of the

year. Mrs Johnstone might look familiar and that’s because she has worked with us before in lots of classes

across the school. It’s great to have her on the team.

Parent Survey

Our online parent survey is open until the end of this week. It’s an opportunity for you to tell us what we do

well and how we can improve. The information that we collect from the survey helps us plan to make our

school better and to provide the very best educational experience for your family. You can access the survey via

the link below or by dropping into the office to collect a hard copy. All surveys are anonymous.

https://www.schoolsurvey.edu.au/s/sQv5L9He

School Attendance

Term 3 is often the time that most students miss a day or two of school due to illness. A significant number of

families take vacations during the Term 3 which means students are missing more school. Our expectation is

that families who are withdrawing students during the term for vacation make an appointment to speak with

the Orincipal or a Deputy Principal. Every day of school that is missed has an impact on student learning and is a

day that can’t be made up. Families with students who have missed more than 10 percent of the last term (5

days) will receive a letter shortly outlining the number of days missed and we do this to provide you with

information about the impact of missing school. We appreciate you notifying us of absences and understand

that some are unavoidable. The facts from Term 3:

TOTAL NUMBER OF STUDENTS AT MRPS

844

NUMBER OF STUDENTS ATTENDING BETWEEN 80% AND 89%

188

That’s a whole week.

NUMBER OF STUDENTS ATTENDING BETWEEN 60% AND 79% (MISSING UP TO 20 DAYS LAST TERM)

121

That’s a day every week!

NUMBER OF STUDENTS ATTENDING LESS THAN 60% (MISSING MORE THAN 4 WEEKS LAST TERM)

26

That’s more than a day every week!

So why do we monitor attendance? Because we know that every day counts and that there is a large body of

research that says that school achievement is linked to attendance rates. We want the best for our students

and to do that we need them at school. If you need support in raising attendance levels we are here to

help. Speak with your classroom teacher or drop in and speak to us in the office.

Aaron Thomas, Principal

22nd October Year 5 Swimming Carnival 9am 22nd October Year 6 Swimming Carnival 12.10pm 22nd October Senior Assembly 22nd October Book Fair starts 23rd October Year 6 Graduation Photos

29th October Year 4 Swimming Carnival 30th October Year 4 & T4 Swimming lessons start 30th October IMMS Parent info – 5pm music room 1st November Music Count Us In 5th November Combined Assembly

What’s on in October/November...

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Music News—Term 4

Welcome back to another exciting Term in the music room.

Instrumental Music School Service (IMSS) selection of students for 2019

Selection criteria for 2019 IMSS is currently underway. All 2018 Year 4 students sat an Aptitude Indicator

in Week 10 of Term 3.

Selection criteria are assessed by the class teacher, Music Specialist and Instrumental teacher. Please feel

welcome to contact me if you have any queries regarding the selection criteria and/or any aspect of the

IMSS Program for 2019.

Limited spaces are available in the 2019 IMSS program.

The instruments on offer at MRPS are Guitar (Classical), Woodwind (Flute, Clarinet) Brass (Trumpet,

Trombone) and Percussion (Drum Kit/Concert Xylophone).

A Parent Information Evening will be held for parents only of those students who receive an Expression

of Interest Letter. It’s aim is to inform parents/caregivers about the program, the commitment involved

and to meet the Instrumental teachers.

Following this, students who are shortlisted for the 2019 IMSS Program will be assessed by IMSS

Instrumental Teachers in Week 7.

Final selection with a Formal Offer into the Program will be sent home shortly after final assessments in

approx. week 8.

URGENT: A reminder to our current Year 4 students who have received an Expression of Interest Letter to

kindly return your response (yes/no) asap so as to allow other students the opportunity to be considered

for selection in the 2019 Program. Thank you to those that have returned your Expression of Interest

Response form.

Music Count Us In 2018 is fast approaching - 1st NOVEMBER! This is when over 500 000 students from

across the nation sing one song at the same time to promote the importance of music in schools. All

parents and members of the community are most welcome to join our whole school in the undercover

area, with live streaming commencing at 9:00am. This year’s song is named “ONE SONG” and we are

learning the Auslan Signing to accompany our voices. I encourage everyone to google You Tube – “Music

Count Us In One Song Auslan signing”. Here you will be delighted to discover the Auslan Signing

demonstrations to Verses 1&2, Chorus &Tag, Bridge… (remembering to use the opposite hand as the

instructor is using – tricky at first, however, with practice, soon becomes second nature! Good Luck and

hope to see as many parents and community members on the day!

MRPS ROCK BANDS AND BELLA MELODICA SINGERS

A gentle reminder that Band fees for Term 4 are now due – please contact your band coach. Thank you.

Our final gig for 2018 at Settlers Tavern includes the debut of the Bella Melodia Singers – Wednesday

28th November, 5-7pm.

Could I please have two volunteers (band member’s parents/caregivers) to help load our gear on

Wednesday at 2.00pm to take to Settlers and back to MRPS the next morning. Thank you. There will be a

raffle on the 28th Nov for an electric guitar and amp. The tickets will be sold from the music room during

the day and on the night of the gig where the winner will be announced. This night is the major

fundraiser for the Music Room to purchase resources for our children. More information to follow.

Ms Helen Collis, Music Specialist

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Student Health and Wellbeing MRPS Code of Conduct incorporates six core values:

Cooperation, Empathy, Enthusiasm, Flexibility, Honesty and Respect

One of Margaret River Primary School Virtues is Enthusiasm.

Enthusiasm is when we have a strong liking for, or interest in, someone or something. We can display

enthusiasm in our schoolwork by trying extra hard and listening carefully to instructions when the teacher is

talking to the class.

Remember, nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.

SDERA

This term there will be inspiring and interesting information to promote health and wellbeing. There will also

be information on Drug Education. A drug is any substance (except for food and water) which, when taken

into the body, changes the way the mind and body works. The consequences of drug use are determined by a

combination of factors: the drug itself, the person using the drug, and the place where the drug is being used.

Research indicates that eating well and being active are critical to children’s health and wellbeing in both the

short and long term. They also have an impact on children’s performance at school.

The school day is busy, filled with learning, concentration and physical activity. Food is fuel for our bodies and

healthy food provides your child with energy and nutrients to get them through the day.

Healthy eating habits begin at home. Play a role in supporting and ensuring your children know the

importance of making healthy food choices.

Children should eat a wide range of foods so that they have the energy for learning and growing. A new easy

to follow “traffic light” system has been introduced to help public schools plan menus full of healthy,

nutritious and affordable food and drinks.

The new standards require that foods in the

GREEN category are encouraged. Schools should aim to fill their menus with these healthy foods

AMBER foods should be selected carefully and eaten in moderation

RED food and drinks are off the menu and will not be available in public schools

Nutrition and Physical activity messages are being taught in our classrooms to promote healthy lifestyles. You

can help us by putting healthy foods in their lunch boxes. If stuck for ideas you can visit our healthy eating

ideas at MRPS kitchen garden or even google recipes.

You can also enhance your health by developing positive attitudes towards it and taking positive actions. The

best way to avoid ill health is by staying fit and healthy, exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet, getting

plenty of sleep and learn some relaxation techniques.

Thank you for playing a vital role in your child’s health and wellbeing education.

For more information visit www.sdera .wa.edu.au

Kitchen Garden Volunteers Kitchen Garden lessons for Year 4 and Year 5 begins in Week 2. Year 4 classes will commence in the kitchen and Year 5 classes will start with garden lessons. Class timetables remain unchanged. May I take this opportunity to thank our volunteers for committing to our program throughout the year. We look forward to your ongoing support and perhaps there are others who now have some time to spare as a kitchen garden class volunteer? Please contact your child's teacher, Terri Sharpe in the garden or Sarah Goodwin in the kitchen, if you can volunteer in advance. Alternatively, you can make yourself available 5 or 10 minutes before the scheduled lesson if you are unable to make an earlier commitment. We are very happy to have you join us in our kitchen garden journey!

Terri and students have the garden looking in tip top shape and Sarah can't wait to have her classes turn that fresh produce into something special!

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CRAZY COLOURS DISCO TICKETS

Tickets for students in Pre-Primary through to Year 2 can purchase their tickets by clicking this link

https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/mrps-pc-crazy-colours-disco-pre-primary-year-2-tickets-49798205774

For students in Years 3—6 please click the link below

https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/mrps-pc-crazy-colours-disco-years-3-6-tickets-49798330146

MARGARET RIVER PRIMARY SCHOOL - Book Fair 2018

Margaret River Primary School will be hosting a Book Fair and all children and parents from Kindergarten to Year 6 are invited to attend. The money raised will be used to purchase reading books and English resources.

Week 3 - 4 – Monday 22nd October to Thursday 1st November 2018

The purchasing times will be between 8:30am – 9:30am and 2:30pm - 3:30pm, Monday to Friday over the 9 days.

The Book Fair will be located in T2 (Transportable near school crossing gates).

The P & C have kindly donated their time to open the fair during these times. If you are available to assist, please see the front office. Cash and Eftpos are

available.

Classrooms have the opportunity to visit the Book Fair during the school week to browse the books and make a wish list. There will be no purchasing during this time.

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On the last day of Term 3, the Year 1s in Room 9 finally got to cook the potatoes they grew. It all began in Term 1 when we found out that our favourite food was hot chips and we wondered if potatoes tasted different when we grew them ourselves. There was only one way to find out…and the Spud Off Challenge was born. We decided to have a class competition of the genders, with the girls and boys planting different kinds of spuds and the ‘winner’ being the team who grew the most. The students planted potatoes in grow-bags and tended to their many needs over the course of the five months. They experienced success and failure as some plants grew rapidly, some got attacked by minibeasts and some were displaced elsewhere around the school. By the time the last one had died off, we had harvested almost 3kgs of potatoes! We booked in an army of helpers, the school kitchen and got our cook on. We made daupinoise, potato and leek soup, stuffed roasties, potato salad and spicy wedges. They were all delicious!!

Fundraiser Back Pack Medic s Many thanks to our amazing school community for your support of our Sulawesi Fund Raiser. Together we raised $1400 to assist the Back Pack Medics. Your efforts are greatly appreciated. Here is the response from founder Nathan Burns — Firstly: thank you for your amazing fund-raising efforts. We are truly humbled when people get behind us like this. And what a cool idea to engage the students. Nice work!! We have a MR local deploying to Sulawesi as we speak (Joe Knight) and I hope that when he returns he will be able to come in and say a personal thank you to you and the students. As you know the situation over there is pretty dire, however, our teams are working tirelessly to make the suffering just a little more bearable.

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COME AND TRY DAY

DAY: Friday 19th October

TIME: 4—5 pm

Margaret River Primary School Oval

**Bring your parents and get involved in this EVENT**