Newsletter 28th July 2021
Principal's Message
P&C Day in WA
Last Friday was P&C Day in WA. While the weather was not the best, we were able to successfully complete the Cross Country run. However, the sign the students had all worked on for the P&C did not fare as well. Never-the-less, we did take a photo and prepare a video “thank you” for the P&C. We have put a link to this on our website and sent it out on the SZapp too, but it is also below.
https://vimeo.com/578066171/0769c0db5f
We would like the P&C to know that their work is very much appreciated and is vital to what we are able to do at the school for the students. On behalf of the staff and students of KPS I would like to thank each member for their willingness to get involved and to work for the betterment of the school and community. They have set a great example of community involvement and volunteerism for the children and they are making a difference in this community.
Just some of the events the P&C have organised/funded so far this year include:
- Colour Run
- Cyber Safety workshops (Year 5/6 and parents)
- Artist in Residence program – Music session with local singers who sang songs in the Noongar language for NAIDOC week
- DUCKS (Dads United for the Children of Kensington School) events such as the viewing of the lunar eclipse at the school this year
Previous events include, for example: school banking, competitions, discos, book fairs, movie nights, art prizes, sausage sizzles, quiz nights, decorating school toilets, cake stalls, raffles, busy bees, building and maintaining playgrounds, and helping at carnivals and other school events etc. The P&C are also working with the school on revamping the basketball courts and their big event this year – celebrating 95 years of KPS with a fete in November.
Vandalism
As you are probably aware from our SZapp message recently, we have continued to have vandalism over weekends and overnight. We have reported these events to police and the Department. As this is an ongoing issue we are now looking into installing CCTV. We encourage anyone who sees anything of concern to report it immediately to the police on 131 444 or to School Watch on 1800 177 777. We would also be happy to receive any feedback on our intention to apply for CCTV at the school.
Air conditioning
Over the holidays the Department organised for the main block of classrooms to each receive reverse cycle air conditioning. This was completed but they cannot be used until our power is upgraded. This power upgrade was supposed to have been completed before the installation of the air conditioning units, but it has been delayed due to natural disasters around the state. We hope the work is completed before summer to allow us to use these new units in the hotter months.
NAIDOC Week Celebrations
On Thursday 22nd July, we celebrated NAIDOC Week which was officially held during the school holidays from 4th – 11th July.
We began the day with a brief welcome assembly and raising of the flag run by our student councillors. Throughout the day, each student had the opportunity to enjoy some traditional Noongar food, kangaroo dip and damper, prepared by Mrs Jetta and to reflect on what they know about the six Noongar seasons by creating a poster to represent their favourite season.
A highlight of the day was the concert from Gina Williams and Guy Ghouse, where we were treated to a selection of their songs in Noongar language.
To conclude our celebrations, each class joined up with their buddies to reflect on this year’s theme, ‘Heal Country’. The students came up with some very insightful and meaningful comments about what Country means to them, using these ideas to create a collaborative paper chain. Overall, the theme from the responses was that Country is where we feel safe, connected to nature and it holds a special place in our heart. Gina Williams captured this very well in saying, “Country is where your heart goes when your head says home”. A fantastic day was had by all, and we all walked away from the experience with richer knowledge, understanding and appreciation of the Noongar culture.
Teacher - Emily Hasson
NAIDOC Day
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!
High School Scholarships
Special congratulations to the following students who have been accepted into specialist programs for high school:
- Bridget - Selective Academic Program at Perth Modern
- Maddie - Selective Music Program at Churchlands SHS
- Oliver - Selective Music Program at John Curtin
- Max - Selective Music Program at John Curtin
- Betty - Selective Drama Program at John Curtin
- Poppy - Selective Visual Arts Program at John Curtin
- Kieren - Selective Visual Arts Program at Applecross SHS
- Luke - Selective Visual Arts Program at Applecross SHS
- Ava - Specialist Basketball Program at Willetton SHS
- Tamsin - Specialist Basketball Program at Willetton SHS
- Isla - Specialist Cricket Program at Kent Street SHS.
Classroom Foyer Display
S3's Biome Map
Towards the end of Term 2, S3 had been investigating the environmental landscape of the Earth.
The students had to look at a variety of maps and make observations on their unique features.
For this project, students were divided into groups to look at a specific biome.
A biome is a naturally occurring community with flora and fauna occupying a major habitat. They looked at each biome's distinct features and replicated them on their very own world map.
Students were provided with an A4 piece of paper to construct their section of the map. Each row of the map covers a different biome. Row 1 is polar, row 2 is temperate, row 3 is Mediterranean, row 4 is arid, and row 5 is tropical.
Teacher - Jack Powers
Sports News
Olympics
Kensington Primary has our very own representative at the Tokyo Olympics. Karri Somerville an ex student is in the Hockeyroos team.
Faction Cross Country
Last Friday was the Faction Cross Country. We had a fantastic day with everyone giving maximum effort to complete the course. Thanks to our Year 6 leaders - Faction Captains, Vice Captains and Student Councillors for their assistance in making the day run smoothly. Some leaders ran the course 13 times as they led or assisted younger runners. Your encouragement was much appreciated. Thanks to the staff for their support for the carnival.
Thanks to Mrs Stanford for organising another wonderful event.
Congratulations to our medallion winners.
Year 6 Champions – Ava R and Marcus G. Runners Up - Isla and Ethan S.
Year 5 Champions – Ava F and Zakaria. Runners Up – Katya and Lawson.
Year 4 Champions – Charlotte and James. Runners Up – Kenzie and David.
Year 3 Champions – Isobel and Freddie. Runners Up – Ella and Ted.
Year 2 Champions – Bella and Maxwell D. Runners Up – Lara and Robbie.
Year 1 Champions – Imogen and Cooper. Runners Up – Edith and Zander.
Pre-primary Champions – Madelyn and Levi. Runners Up – Cora and Zach.
Our runners who came 1st – 6th in Year 3 to 6 will represent Kensington in the Interschool Cross Country next Thursday.
It was a close fought competition throughout the day with Endeavour winning, beating Cygnet by one point, followed by Parmelia and Investigator.
Running Club
Running Club is on Tuesday and Friday mornings on the oval from 8.00am. – 8.30am. Come and join us for a great start to the day and also to get ready for the Faction Athletics Carnival in Week 7.
Teacher - Raema Stanford
Library News
Kensington Primary School Band
The Kensington Primary School Band is made up of the Year 5 and 6 instrumental students. The students who learn flute, clarinet, trumpet, baritone, trombone and percussion are strongly encouraged to attend. Students who attend Band learn the skill of playing in a group. Their playing skills improve, and it is a wonderful way to showcase the musical talents of the students at Kensington. This year we will be performing at the school fete and at the Year 6 Graduation.
I look forward to welcoming lots of new students this Friday at 7.50am for an 8.00am start. Please encourage your child to attend (even if they are a little anxious). New members can just listen at first and join in playing the parts of the songs as they learn them. There will be songs suitable for beginners and some challenging ones to extend the more confident performers. For many students, Friday morning Band is their favourite lesson of the week. Please come along and join in the fun!
Don’t forget, you will need to bring your instrument and a display book for your music.
Teacher - Lynette Dewing
School Board
The School Board will meet next week on Monday 2nd August at 5:30pm in the staffroom. On the agenda is the upcoming school review and the Terms of Reference and Constitution.
P & C News
2021 P & C Bookfair - VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
As part of 2021 Book Week celebrations, the P&C are organising a Book Fair to encourage reading and help the library stock up on new books at the same time.
The Book Fair will be held for three days on Monday 16th, Tuesday 17th and Wednesday 18th of August. It will be open before and after school in the library from 8.30 - 9.30am and 2.30 - 3.30pm.
Hundreds of fiction and non-fiction titles will be supplied by Child Education Services (children's bookshop in East Perth) and each book sold will earn a credit for the library to spend on books.
It is an opportunity for parents and children to purchase quality books for home or donate a book to the library. All books donated during the Book Fair will have an acknowledgement label recognising the donor at the front of the book. Your child will then have the option to be the first student to borrow the book if they wish.
As always, to make these events a success, some volunteer help is required. One person is needed for each morning and afternoon session for approximately one hour . If you would like to volunteer for one or two sessions please contact me at hennys@iinet.net.au .
Susan Henwood
Fathering Project
Kensington DUCKS are happy to share some of the resources from the Fathering Project, to support dads in a bunch of ways. We'll be popping some of these tips regularly in school newsletters, so we hope you find them useful. This time round, here are some tips that came out when we were all in lockdown. While things have opened up again, building these tips into habits helps in normal life too. Best of luck dads.
Simon Keen