Weetangera Primary School Newsletter | Week 1, Term 1 2024
From Julie
Dear Families
What a great week filled with positive and productive days we have had. There have been three first days; Tuesday for preschool and kindergarten, Wednesday for Years 1 to 6 and Thursday another group of excited preschool students joined our school cohort. There has been nervousness and excitement and some challenges. Teachers have spent the time and will continue to spend time on learning and activities devoted to welcoming students to their new year level, getting to know each other, activities, developing processes and procedures in collaboration and building a sense of connection and belonging.
Good routines at home also support good routines as school, all essential to the successful start to our academic year. Continuing to focus upon clear and consistent boundaries, routines for getting up in the mornings, evening bedtimes and expectations for remembering to bring home all the things you have taken to school (I mention specifically hats, drink bottles, jumpers and lunch boxes) go a long way to enabling our students to embrace a successful life at school.
There have been changes to our staffing organisation this year and we welcome new staff, staff returning from leave and staff members who are continuing in their role. For your reference the 2024 staffing profile include the following:
Our administrative and support team are led by the Business Manager, Patricia Duffy and includes the following team members;
Front Office: Candi Jeremiah and Camilla Brown
BSO: Glen Croker
In class and learning support assistants:
Katrina Van der Sterren, Nicole Ratcliffe, Morgan Driver, Brennan Wade, Heather Boreham, Rhonin Parsons, Kerry Saxby Junna, Jude Elston, Jack Sandford, Jack Eager, Jess Wind, Nate Tokley, Jake Clydsdale, Grace Redfern-Elliot, Tory Henson, Annie Moore.
We did NOTHING today!!!
At the end of every day it is often very enlightening to ask your child/ren….. what did you do today? Invariably our students will tell you that today, they did ‘Nothing!’. I am as surprised as you are that our students, your children can spend six hours per day, 5 days per week doing nothing!!
Here are some alternate prompts to the dreaded question: What did you do today?
Try some of these questions and let me know whether you get some more fulfilling answers:
- Did anything funny happen today?
- Tell me one thing that you really enjoyed today at school? Are there anymore?
- What was the best thing about today?
- Who did you sit with today? Play with today?
- What was your favourite act of kindness you witnessed today?
- How were you kind today?
- What was the most challenging part of the day?
- What made you smile?
- What are you looking forward to tomorrow?
Remembering that no day is perfect, and no student is perfect, supporting your children to focus on the slivers of lightness and happiness in each day does enable them to look with positivity on upcoming events, learning that is challenging, friendships that sometimes fall over and what to do when they need help. Enabling our students to look through the lenses of kindness, caring, high expectations, problem-solving and being a good friend is an important area of focus in each of our classrooms and learning units.
BOOKPACKS and VOLUNTARY Contributions.
All families have received information on payments requested regarding both BOOKPACKS and VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTIONS. Please remember if your family requires support for the payment of the book packs, please let me know, it is our job to support families. As Voluntary Contributions are, as the name implies, voluntary then this is a requested additional payment that supports our school and is yours to pay if you can.
SCHOOL BOARD:
School board nominations are sought for one parent representative commencing in 2024. Terms for Board membership are generally two years, and the Board meets, usually, four times per year. Nominations will open on Monday, 5 February and further information and nomination forms are available from Patricia Duffy, Assistant Returning Officer: patricia.duffy@ed.act.edu.au
CANTEEN
This year the canteen is open on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. If you are able to provide support to the canteen, please make contact with Martina.
Quote for the week:
During our professional learning at the beginning of the year the whole staff spent day one together at Wildbark at Mulligan’s Flat. Not only was it an amazing place to come together, connect and discuss our purpose for the coming year I also shared this TED TALK by Rita Pierson. The talk is centred around this: Every child deserves a champion. I am including the link if you are interested, and this week’s quote for the week is from this inspirational and thought-provoking talk. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFnMTHhKdkw
Welcome to 2024. We are all looking forward to this academic year with a focus on ensuring each and every one of our students continues to achieve their goals.
Regards
Julie
Julie.cooper@ed.act.edu.au
Phones, technology and safety
Personal use of communication devices at ACT public schools
At the end of 2023, we sent families an email regarding the ACT Education Directorate’s new mobile phone policy. We also sent an updated version of our Portable Devices Policy. The new policy reflects what was already in place at Weetangera Primary School. As per the policy, students that bring a mobile phone or other communication device to school must be stored in the lockers provided. Thank you for your support with this.
Technology for learning
The use of technology is an integral part of learning at Weetangera Primary School. Some of the ways we use technology are:
- Google Classroom and other Google apps: we use Google Classroom, particularly in years 4-6 to incorporate digital tools into many different lessons. Other apps, such as Docs, Slides, Sheets and YouTube are used for a range of learning tasks.
- Reading Eggs: used in years K-2 to support reading practice.
- Sora: eBooks and audio books available through our library system for reading practice
- Scratch and various robotic technologies: to support lessons in the Digital Technologies curriculum area.
Technology is just another tool in our teacher’s toolkit, and our teachers plan carefully for the meaningful use of computers and other technologies.
When students enrol at Weetangera Primary School, they agree to the safe and respectful use of technology. We also conduct explicit lessons around internet safety and where to go for help. But it’s a big technology world out there, and we need to make sure that we all work together for internet safety.
Keeping children safe
Technology is important, and a big part of our lives. But it is also complex, ever-changing and sometimes dangerous! Luckily, help is available. These high-quality resources can help you to support your children to navigate the online world safely.
- eSafety for Parents: the office of the eSafety Commissioner is committed to online safety for all Australians. Their parent page includes lots of information about everything from managing screen time to parental controls and more serious issues such as online pornography and unwanted contact. There are downloadable resources, online webinars and even suggestions for how to have the more difficult conversations that may arise.
- ThinkYouKnow: this program is developed and maintained in partnership with the Australian Federal Police. They provide resources for issues such as online abuse, privacy and gaming.
Safer Internet Day
Next Tuesday (6 February) is International Safer Internet Day. We will be talking with our students about online safety, and we encourage you to get involved. Check out the resources listed above, or you might like to access the free online webinars provided by the office of the eSafety Commissioner.
Meet your Teachers
Dear Families,
I hope you have had a wonderful holiday time. I am excited to let you know I will be teaching dance & movement this year at Weetangera Primary School. Who am I? My name is Rhonda King, the students know me as Rhonda or Miss King!
Since 2008, I have been in and out of ACT classrooms teaching and working in various capacities within Education. Back in the day I graduated with an Honours Degree in Fine Arts, followed by post graduate studies in education. I came back to teaching full time at Weetangera in 2021, it has been the most fun. I LOVE nurturing curiosity and creativity, and am partial to having fun while learning and believe that a sense of humour is a must.
Conveniently, in my spare time I adore dancing; I mostly dance Mambo, Salsa and Chachacha which I teach, perform, choreograph, and compete on the local and international stage.
When I am not in the classroom or dancing in my spare time I really enjoy travelling, hiking, gardening, painting, making up silly songs and spending time with my family.
I am looking forward to getting to know and continuing to work with each of the children during their learning journey.
I look forward to meeting you all soon.
All the best - Ms Rhonda King
If you need to contact me, the most efficient way will be via email, will usually respond after face-to-face classroom hours:
Rhonda King
Parents, carers and students,
Welcome to another exciting year of learning!
My name is Sarah Masling and I am the specialist music teacher here at Weetangera. The students call me Miss Mas or Sarah.
I have been teaching music at Weetangera for 6 years. Before teaching at Weetangera, I was a singing teacher and worked as an Learning Support Assistant (LSA) in high schools while studying for my teaching degree. My passions include music and ensembles, reading, and painting. I have been playing music and different instruments from a very young age, beginning with piano and moving to flute, alto saxophone and Jazz Vocals. I have been a member of the Ginninderra Wind Orchestra since I was 12 years old and I am still playing with them today. I am also a member of the Twilight Jazz Band, where I sing and play the alto saxophone.
In 2024, I am looking forward to sharing my passions with the students and fostering their own, whatever that may be. I am also looking forward to working with the students in the Year 5 & 6 band program.
Let’s make musical moments and memories together!
Sarah Masling
Welcome back students to 2024!
My name is Sarah Cairns, the students know me as Sarah. I had 2023 off as I was spending the time raising our daughter. I will be returning part time and look forward to being apart of the Specialist team and meeting your child throughout the year.
I have been at Weetangera since 2021 and have taught in the Small Group Program and on the Specialist Team where I was teaching Science across years 3-6. Prior to 2021 I spent 4 years working in the Mt Druitt area across all year levels.
My passions include, baking and gardening. I love spending time with family, friends and watching my daughter Emily grow.
I look forward to working with your child/children throughout the year.
Sarah Cairns
Hello, my name is Tim and I will be teaching students in Years 3-6 about Design and Digital Technologies.
During this term, we will be looking at the hardware of a computer and Internet safety. Exploring how to be a good digital citizen and how to care for and maintain our equipment.
In Years 3 to 4, we will be using Block coding and creating an online story.
In Years 5 & 6, we will be exploring and using creative tools to use when designing and creating websites.
Tim Holness
Dear Caregivers, Parents and Students,
Bienvenue à l'école – Welcome back to school
My name is Shamim Sabetraftar and I am the French teacher at Weetangera School. Most of the students know me as Mademoiselle S (Miss S).
I previously worked at Aranda Primary teaching Year 5/6, before transitioning to my current role at Weetangera School as the language specialist teacher.
I was born in Iran, where I lived with my family until moving to Australia in my schooling years. Growing up immersed in two very different worlds, has taught me the importance of languages and how the spoken word and literature, helps bring people together, and more importantly different societies and cultures. I am fluent in both Persian and English and have been learning the French language since high school. I have always been passionate about languages and love learning new languages as I understand the influence that learning a language has had on myself and on other individuals.
In the year ahead, I am very excited to share my love of the French language with all the students at Weetangera. I hope by the end of the year the students will have been challenged and learned something new about the language as well as the beautiful culture.
If you ever have any questions about the learning in class feel free to email me at Shamim.sabetraftar@ed.act.edu.au
Shamim Sabetraftar
2024 Student-free Days
Get planning for 2024 with upcoming student-free days
From 2024, there will be 4 student-free days for ACT public schools. These are the first day of each
school term:
• Term 1, Monday 29 January 2024
• Term 2, Monday 29 April 2024
• Term 3, Monday 22 July 2024
• Term 4, Monday 14 October 2024.
We use student-free days for staff development, enabling us to plan in a student-free environment.
Student-free planning days have been expanded from 1 to 4 days from 2024 as part of our new
Teaching Staff Enterprise Agreement which prioritises better teacher workloads for educational
leadership, teaching and learning.
For all school term dates, visit the Term Dates page: https://www.education.act.gov.au/public-school-life/term_dates_and_public_holidays
Communication at Weetangera
Library News
Scholastic book club issue one orders are due by 19 February
Book Club | Scholastic Australia (link to issue 1)
Library Volunteers
If you have an hour or so to spare and would like to assist in our library please contact Stephen James via the front office.
Any assistance provided is greatly appreciated. Contact: 6142 2600.
Canteen
Hello Families
We have a great year planned for 2024, more lunch specials, more P&C events and lots of yummy food for your children’s hungry tummys
You will find on Flexischool our new menu, I have based our items off the favourite from last year as well as the children’s suggestion.
We have a suggestion box outside the canteen so please feel free to add feedback and ideas for me to reflect on.. I read them all and appreciate everyone’s contributions.
Items and prices have changed this year, due to cost and suppliers demand, I have tried to keep our menu healthy and still at cost value for our school community.
Canteen is open Wednesday, Thursday & Friday this year.
Counter service will be during recess and items are usually priced $2.50 and under.
We will no longer have recess orders through flexischool, but I will still offer of favourite items through counter sale e.g banana bread, pikelets, muffins
Belinda is now working Fridays only so if you would like to become a volunteer in out canteen please drop an email or pop in and say hi, I’d love to make more friends and add to our Canteen Helpers list.
Flexischool has been updated and ready for families to link their child/ren to their units/class.
Each unit will have the teachers initials, if you have any issue email me and I will do my best to accommodate you. Sometimes it’s a Flexischool issue and other times it’s on me, but we can work it out.
To our new families, if you childs order has an issue I am always here to support them, remind the kiddos ‘Tina, will absolutely redo or make up a miss order’ so don’t be shy to visit me in the canteen instead of waiting till home time.
I usually work alone so sometime accidents happen, I hope this year our little ones feel confident to visit me anytime.
If you ever miss the flexischool cut off or need to cancel an order, call through to the front office and they can forward you to me and I will happily help out however I can.
Also our special Year 6 helpers are starting back up in week 3, so I look forward to meeting my new assistant helpers. The children are rewarded with a Quelch Stick Icey after their shift.
We find by encouraging our seniors to take on these extra duties promotes their confidence, role modelling, and the benefits of teamwork.
Thank you everyone for supporting you P&C canteen with each and every order.
Martina Fleeton
Canteen Manager
P & C Update
Welcome back to school! The P&C has big plans for 2024, starting with our welcome bbq next Friday, 9 February. We’ll get cooking shortly after school finishes with a free sausage sizzle for WPS students and preschoolers (grown ups only if we have leftovers at the end). We’ll have 300 sausages and it’s first in best dressed! Bring your picnic rig and snacks and join us as we welcome new families and welcome back the not-so-new ones.
Some of the other things we have planned include a disco, winter warmer movie night and, of course, the famous Weetangera fete. But none of this can happen without volunteers and we’re looking for lots of new helpers to bring these events together.
If you’re interested to know more about how you can help us pull together a fabulous year of events, please like and follow our Facebook (www.facebook.com/weetangerapandc) and Instagram (@weetangeraschoolpandc) pages to stay up to date. We’d also love for you to join us at our AGM on Tuesday 20 February from 6pm. We’ll be in the school staff room which is just next to the front office.
School Board - Call for Nominations
Community Notices
Santa got them Skates?
Now get them the Skills
To help keep them Safe!
National Capital Rollerskating Club hold Learn to Skate classes on Wednesdays, during school terms, at Queanbeyan High School.
Our 5:15-6pm class for Term 1 2024 runs from 7 February to 10 April. This class is open aged and skate hire is available (though stock is limited). Fees are: $155 P/term ($16 drop-in fee) Skate hire is $30 P/term ($4 P/drop-in).
Enrolment is a two-step process:
1) Become a member or renew for 2024: 2024 Membership
2) Register for the class: Term 1 2024 SkateStars Registration
