Parkhill Primary School Newsletter
Issue 8, Thursday March 21 2019
Principal's Message
Dear Parents/Carers,
With only a couple of weeks left before our Easter break it’s a great time to reflect on the amount of things that have been happening throughout Term 1. We have really seen our STEAM program grow and student engagement with the hands-on inquiry learning program is outstanding. The STEAM homework activities flying around the school are wonderful – I think we are all well versed in slime and honeycomb now!!! Keep working through the activities and going further…
Our Bullying. No Way! Day was a super way to engage the children in thinking about being an active citizen. Thanks to our SRC and Andrea Crane for organising this event.
I would like to share some wonderful news with you – Steph Ravida is having a baby! Please do pop in and congratulate her.
We recently employed Niki Kouklatzis as a school based CRT for the rest of 2019. This model should reduce the number of agency staff we use throughout the year.
SCIENCE WEEK:
During Science Week, children will participate in many different science experiments and learning activities. This term's focus area is Biological Sciences. If you would like to be involved in any way please contact your class teacher.
Biological Sciences includes learning around these key areas as children progress through the school:
Living things can be plants or animals (VCSSU032);
Living things have a variety of external features and live in different places where their basic needs, including food, water and shelter, are met (VCSSU042);
Living things grow, change and have offspring similar to themselves (VCSSU043);
Living things can be grouped on the basis of observable features and can be distinguished from non-living things (VCSSU057);
Different living things have different life cycles and depend on each other and the environment to survive (VCSSU058);
Living things have structural features and adaptations that help them to survive in their environment (VCSSU074);
The growth and survival of living things are affected by the physical conditions of their environment (VCSSU075).
UNIFORM:
Now that the weather is turning colder and Autumn is definitely here, I have noticed more and more students wearing variations to our uniform, including hoodies and jumpers that are not from the Parkhill Uniform Shop. I wanted to share with you what the uniform expectations are. We have plenty of second hand uniform available should you need this – please pop into, call or email the office for details!
TWILIGHT SPORTS
What a wonderful evening we had on Monday! The weather was perfect for us to host the weather report but sadly it was not meant to be. Mike will return to Parkhill in Term 2!! Watch this space!!
The sports were so much fun and the children were just wonderful. A huge thanks to all the staff, parents and children who came along and enjoyed the evening - a particular thanks to our sausage sizzlers and to Dean Sciacca who organised the events.
REMINDERS:
Cybersafety
We are hosting a Parent Information Evening on March 25th called ThinkUKnow. The evening begins at 5pm – come along and learn more about how you can ensure your child is safe online! Please do ensure you have signed and returned your Safe Use Agreement – this should have come home already.
https://www.education.vic.gov.au/about/programs/bullystoppers/Pages/advicecybersafe.aspx
Ongoing meetings with teachers
It is important to remember that you are always welcome to meet with your class teacher and I encourage you to make appointments throughout the year to touch base and talk about your child’s learning progress.
Garden Volunteers
Jenn, our garden expert, is always looking for parents or volunteers who have green finger to help her with some pruning. She often works later on a Thursday to get some jobs done in the garden. If you happen to have green fingers and a little bit of know how please do come and help out!
Elaine Brady
Principal
Calendar of Curriculum Events
Friday 22 March - Y5/6 District Athletics (selected students)
Monday 25 March - Parent Information Evening - ThinkUKnow
Friday 5 April - Freaky Friday, Gold Coin Donation. Term 1 ends at 2:30pm
Student of the Week
F/1C - Qananii A
F/1S - Aria G
F/1T - India D
2/3G - Shania V
2/3L - Callan O
2/3M - Lucy B
4D - Ravyn D
4O - Isaac H
5/6A - Ally T
5/6CS - Tom H
5/6H - Charlie B
ThinkUKnow
We have a ThinkUKnow presentation booked in at school for Monday 25th March, starting at 5pm for approximately an hour. It will be held in 4D.
Here’s a little bit about ThinkUKnow:
ThinkUKnow is a free, evidence-based cyber safety program that provides presentations to Australian parents, carers and teachers and students. It provides information on the technologies young people use, the challenges they may face, and importantly, how they can be overcome. Presentations are delivered face to face or digitally.
We aim to provide you with the tools to create a safer online environment for young people in your care. Our presentations cover what young people SAY, SEE and DO online.
The presentations cover topics such as social media reputation management, cyberbullying, ‘sexting’, online grooming, online gaming, inappropriate content, privacy management, identity theft, how to protect your devices, and how to report matters when things go wrong.
More information can be found on this factsheet about cyberbullying:
https://www.thinkuknow.org.au/resources/factsheets-parents/cyberbullying
If you are interested in attending, please RSVP via this link:
https://www.trybooking.com/BBMOK
Hope to see you there!
Michelle Smith
Assistant Principal
Recipes from our Garden Classes
The Y2/3 classes made Zucchini and Corn Mini Frittatas using the sweetcorn and zucchini from our garden and eggs from our chickens.
https://www.sanitarium.com.au/recipes/a-z/zucchini-and-corn-frittatas#ingredients
The Y4 classes used our abundant tomato supply to whip up a tasty raw tomato pasta dish with fresh basil, also from our garden.
https://www.taste.com.au/recipes/fresh-tomato-basil-pasta/632348fd-8cb0-410c-86d5-6cb15530e118
Anne McGregor
Garden Coordinator
STEAM - Y4
What sized bricks are best for withstanding the forces of an earthquake? This was the question that we would investigate.
Students constructed their hypothesis, eliminated the variables and collected their materials before they began. Teams then designed and built structures using small, medium and large MAB blocks.
Some things we thought:
Small MAB would be best because they are lighter and would be less affected by earthquake forces
Lower buildings would be best
Building next to the edge of the tray would provide support.
Some things we now know:
Larger MAB blocks are best because they are heavier and more solid
Lower buildings were mostly best
Building next to the edge of the tray provided some support
You can see the results in our photos!
Alex Davies
Y4 Teacher
Bullying. No Way! Day
National Bullying. No Way! Day was a huge success at Parkhill. On Friday all classes engaged in activities that helped them to develop a shared understanding of bullying. They explored ways to prevent and stop the behaviour, including being active bystanders. Pop into the office to check out our Avatar Wall which displays student pledges to stop bullying.
Don’t forget to check in with your children. You are an important part of our work to prevent bullying. The attached checklist is a great prompt when talking to your child about bullying. You can pick up a wallet-sized copy of the checklist at the office.
Let’s stand together, Parkhill!
Andrea Crane
Y5/6 Teacher
Choir Connections
2019 is the United National International Year of Indigenous Languages, a year to strengthen and highlight the beauty and diversity of indigenous languages and cultures.
We believe there is so much joy in learning about culture and language through music and song and each term the Parkhill Choir are excited to share songs from Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander cultures with the school community.
Our first performance will be at assembly on March 29th. We can’t wait to see you there!
PFA News
Committee Members
Office Bearers:
President: Vanessa Cowley
Vice President: George Andrakakos
Treasurer: Sumi Sundram
Secretary: Nadine Phillips
Committee Members:
Shadow Treasurer: Fiona Crellin
Communications: Eva Conley
General Members: Jason Van Lint, Elle Delmee, Mark Havas, Lisa Jacobson, Wendy Douglas, Janneke Storteboom, Leanne Knight, Kylie Touloupis, Donna Edwards, Katrina Battle
A BIG welcome to George who has filled the VP role - or should we be thanking Maria!
All our office bearers’ positions are filled but we never say no to a helping hand. Please look out for upcoming events that we require volunteers for.
If you would like to be on our email distribution list and receive communication and minutes from our meetings please email parents.friends.secretary@gmail.com
Channel 10 Weather Broadcast
Unfortunately, it wasn’t to be. The Channel 10 team were unable to secure a signal for the live broadcast, but never fear - Eva, our trusty communications liaison, is here! When our date is rescheduled, you’ll all be the first to know. Watch this space!
CUPCAKE STALL Wednesday 27th March
We’re back for 2019! All items range from $1-3. Selling will begin at 3.20pm - any earlier and the students don’t stand a chance!
Please email parents.friends.secretary@gmail.com if you can help us out with baking goods or selling treats on the day. I promise it’s the shortest event you’ll ever volunteer for - 15 mins of mayhem and then you’re done!
Parkhill Primary School
Email: parkhill.ps@edumail.vic.gov.au
Website: www.parkhillps.vic.edu.au
Location: 4A Parkhill Drive, Ashwood VIC, Australia
Phone: 03 9807 2239