Newsletter 12th May 2021
Principal's Message
Loose Parts Play
This week we had our first Loose Parts Play session supervised by our chaplain, Michael Anson. Loose parts play is a type of play that supports invention, divergent thinking, problem solving and offers a sense of wonder to children. It uses materials that can be moved, carried, combined, redesigned, lined up, and taken apart and put back together in multiple ways. Thanks to our student leaders – Seb, Luke, Jack, Oscar and James - for running this program at break time; and to Mrs Brook and Mrs Backhouse for collecting the loose parts for use here. This program is another way our school promotes our school values – CREATIVITY and PERSEVERANCE.
Wet Weather Gear
As you may be aware, we are encouraging children to get outside and play each day at break time. We also offer opportunities throughout the week to get outside during class time. In order to do that during the wet winter months, children are asked to bring raincoats with hoods etc. (not umbrellas) so that they can still go outside even when it is raining. We don’t allow children out during thunder & lightning storms but we do want them outdoors at other times. Unfortunately, children cannot leave covered areas if they don’t have wet weather gear or sun safe hats.
Parking Before and After School
Recently we have received complaints from community members about the parking and stopping on Fifth Ave at the end of the day when people are collecting their children. Apparently some people are using it as an informal ‘kiss and wave’. I believe this has been reported to the City of South Perth rangers so I suggest we all use the kiss and wave on the school grounds instead. Also, just to remind everyone that surrounding the school there are no standing areas. Please ensure you check the wording of the signs as many not only prohibit you from stopping on the road but also prohibit you from stopping on the verge too. Please don’t get caught out by the rangers who frequently monitor this and hand out fines.
NAPLAN
Yesterday, NAPLAN assessments began across the nation for Year 3, 5, 7 and 9 students. Mrs Backhouse is overseeing this at Kensington PS. Reprinted below is a copy of the timetable for these assessments.
WA Education Awards
These annual awards are now open for nominations. It is public education’s most celebrated recognition program for schools and staff. Nominations close on Thursday 8th July. Find out more about nominating for these awards at http://education.wa.edu.au/awards
NB: Only public school staff, school board and council chairs, and P&C presidents can nominate a staff member or public school for an award.
Dogs on School Grounds
Just a reminder that it is Departmental policy that dogs are prohibited on school grounds. We allow dogs to be tied to the external boundary fence line (away from the gate so they don't interfere with people using the gates) while you collect or drop off your children. However, they should not be taken into the grounds except to tie them to the external fence, this includes carrying them through the school. Some of our students have allergies or anxieties about dogs and we cannot risk any incidents that may cause injuries.
Bronwyn Jones
PRINCIPAL
Pre Primary 2022 Application for Enrolment
Enrolment forms will be sent home to all current Kindergarten students within the next two weeks. Further information on documents required will be advised at that time. Thank you.
Applications for Kindergarten 2022
are now open!
If your child is born between 1 July 2017 and 30 June 2018, you can apply to enrol them in our school.
Please visit the school office to pick up an 'Application for Enrolment' form or alternatively you may complete this editable pdf. Download the document, save it to your computer, complete and return it by emailing kensington.ps@education.wa.edu.au
Complete one form per child and return the completed form to us, along with a copy of:
- your child’s birth certificate, Australian passport or citizenship papers if both parents were born overseas or visa grant papers if applicable.
- two pieces of evidence of your address – your most recent gas, water or electricity bill and your rates notice or lease agreement.
As Kindergarten is pre-compulsory schooling, there is no guarantee of a place in your local school. All applications received by 3:00pm on July 23rd 2021 are equally considered against Department of Education criteria.
Values & Honour Awards
Perseverance
Committing to goals and overcoming obstacles no matter what it takes. Choosing your committments wisely, and then don't give up!
Creativity
Discovering the power of imagination! Encouraging original thought, curiosity and daring to see things in new ways. Identifying your own special strengths.
Classroom Foyer Display
PP3
We have been learning about birds around school and our local environment, and identifying the differences between living and non-living things. Our favourite book this week is "How the birds got their colours" by Mary Albert. Here are the Pretty Parrots we made for the 'P' sound.
Teachers - Miss Marris and Mrs Brown
Sports News
Sporting Schools
The Term 2 Sporting Schools grant has enabled us to have extra coaches come in to assist Mrs Stanford in PE lessons. We have done AFL and now hockey. We have also purchased some new equipment for our school.
Running Club
Running Club continues on Tuesday and Friday mornings on the oval from 8.00am – 8.30am. New runners are always welcome. Thanks to the parents who assist with each session. On Tuesday we had 83 runners!
Cross Country
The Faction Cross Country is on the first Friday in Term 3, July 23. More details of the program of events will be in the last newsletter of the term. A Consent2Go request has gone out informing parents that later this term and next we will be practising the course in PE lessons, which means we will run out of the school grounds on the footpath from the Kiss and Wave gate to the gate on the oval.
Teacher - Raema Stanford
School Board
The School Board met on Monday night. It endorsed the school budget, annual report and new business plan (see flyer below).
The school promotional brochure was also reviewed and finalised (see flyer below). We hope to have our virtual tour on our website soon too.
As the school must now complete formal risk assessments and deeds of licence for anyone using the school facilities, the Board also endorsed a slight increase in charges for use of school facilities in line with the charges other local schools make.
P & C News
DUCKS Astronomy night - Wednesday May 26th
On Wednesday May 26th, there will be a total lunar eclipse visible from Perth. From 6:30-8:00pm, the DUCKS will hold a telescope night on the KPS oval. There will also be a Q&A session with astronomers, and a sausage sizzle. Cost $10 per family to cover the catering. Please come and join us! Sign up at https://tinyurl.com/m8c8cnj6.
MOTHER'S DAY RAFFLE
The Year 6s would love to thank the school community for the wonderful support of our Mother's Day raffle.
Our lucky winners were:
Lenny S3
Harry and Annabelle S3 and Rm 10
Grace Rm 10
Parker Rm 9
Olivia Rm 8
Flynn, Ashley and Zoe Rm 4, 5 and 10
Congratulations to all our lucky mums and I hope all of the mums had a wonderful Mother’s Day!
Waste Wise
Community News
Help shape our Youth Plan!
The City of South Perth is developing its first ever Youth Plan and we’d like to find out more about what matters most to the young people in our community.
The Youth Plan will help us deliver events, programs and services for our younger community members and ensure that the youth perspective is part of our future planning.
We’d like to hear from young people aged 10-25 years who live, work, study, play sport or visit the City of South Perth, as well as from their parents and guardians/caregivers.
Please share your thoughts, ideas and expectations so that the Youth Plan truly reflects what you want for future events, programs and services in the City.
Parents and guardians/caregivers survey
It is important to us that we hear from the parents, guardians and caregivers of young people. We want to know your thoughts, ideas and expectations so that the Youth Plan truly reflects what you want for future events, programs and services in the City of South Perth. We have worked with a group of local young people to develop this short survey. Take Survey
Your personal details, such as age group and suburb, are only used by the City to interpret the feedback we receive. For transparency, your feedback may be published as part of reporting, however, we respect your privacy and all identifying information will be removed and your feedback kept anonymous. View our Youth Support Services list for details of organisations that help young people in many different ways.
Complete the survey and you could win a $100 prepaid Visa card (terms and conditions apply). Hard copy surveys are available at the City's Civic Centre and South Perth and Manning libraries.
Feedback closes 4pm, Monday 17 May 2021.
Young people aged 10-25 survey
It is important to us that we hear from young people aged 10–25 years. We want to know your thoughts, ideas and expectations so that the Youth Plan truly reflects what you want for future events, programs and services in the City of South Perth.
We have worked with a group of local young people to develop this short survey. Take Survey
View our Youth Support Services list for details of organisations that help young people in many different ways.
Your personal details, such as age, how you identify yourself and suburb, are only used by the City to interpret the feedback we receive. For transparency, your feedback may be published as part of reporting, however, we respect your privacy and all identifying information will be removed and your feedback kept anonymous.
Complete the survey and you could win a $100 prepaid Visa card (terms and conditions apply). Hard copy surveys are available at the City's Civic Centre and South Perth and Manning libraries.
Feedback closes 4pm, Monday 17 May 2021.
Please share this email with all of your networks and place this information into your newsletters, social media or school bulletins.
Thank you very much for your support and I look forward to receiving feedback from students, teachers and parents.
If you have any questions please feel free to call or email me.
Kind regards
René Polletta
Youth and Children’s Officer
P 9474 0708 E renep@southperth.wa.gov.au