Weetangera Primary School Newsletter | Week 5, Term 1 2024

From Julie

Dear Families

Each year our teachers and students begin with a program called; The Start Up Program. The essence of the first 4 weeks is about developing with a new team a sense of BELONGING. The students and their new teachers establish positive processes and protocols that enable everyone to be successful in their Place of Learning.

As they work through the first few weeks the shared beliefs that they highlight empower each class to be connected to their new learning space and have a sense of camaraderie and support.

One of the key outcomes is that each class has their own motto, a key statement that  draws to their attention how they will be when they work together.

Below I have listed the class mottos; ask your child/children which one is from their class and why it is important to them.

• Be bold, be strong and continue to shine.
• Taking over learning
• We swim to the beat of our own drum
• Ziggity zaa ziggety zoo learning isa what we do
• The crocodiles snap through challenges.
• Surrender the ME for the WE.
• Elves do it well
• FF dig for more information
• We will always have your backs
• In the Froggies we catch knowledge.
• We try our best and never show less
• MM step up and be brave
• Brain Breakers; our brains never stop!
• Try. Reach for the sky.
• Buzz with kindness, bee courageous and bee yourself
• Surrender the ME for the WE.
• Be kind, it’s the Wombat way.
• Spread your wings and learn new things.
• Learn. Connect.
• Soaring to success.
• We take it one bite at a time

The school board parent voting has opened and please note there has been a withdrawal of one of the candidates. Please ensure you read and consider who is best placed to represent parent voice on the school board.

Collectively across the school everyone has settled into their new places for learning, are on time and on task and working diligently.

A great way to start our year.

And the thought for the week:

Have an excellent weekend, ENLIGHTEN begins tonight

Regards

Julie

Julie.cooper@ed.act.edu.au

Parent Portal at Weetangera

During term 1 we are introducing a new Parent Portal, a secure online platform used to share student information between you and your child’s teachers. We will send you an email next week when it is ready to launch.

Using the Parent Portal on your mobile phone, tablet or computer, you will be able to:

• notify us if your child is sick or explain an absence
• book parent-teacher interviews (coming in term 2)
• receive academic reports
• receive our school newsletter
• make payments
• download excursion notes and other documents
• access the school calendar (coming in term 2).

You can start the sign up and identity verification process now so you’re ready to go. 

To access the portal, you will need to create or have access to an ACT Government Digital Account. You can sign up now and complete the level 2 identity verification process to get ready for our launch this term.

To complete the identity verification process you will need one of the following:

• Driver's licence
• Australian Passport
• Birth certificate
• Australian citizenship certificate
• Change of name certificate
• Marriage certificate
• ImmiCard
• Australian visa
• Medicare
• Centrelink Concession Card

Visit the ACT Digital Account website to create your account: https://www.myaccount.act.gov.au/

If you have any issues with creating your account and completing your level 2 identity verification you can get in contact with ACT Digital Account to resolve by calling 13 22 81.

You will receive an email in term 1 with an access code to link your existing account to your child’s records. If you have any questions, please contact the school at info@weetangeraps.act.edu.au or on 6142 2600.

For more information about Parent Portal, visit the Education Directorate website: https://www.education.act.gov.au/public-school-life/parent-portal.

What's Happening in the Beetles

Welcome to 1HD Beetles, named after one of the insects from the book, Heads & Tails Insects by author John Canty.

As part of our learning in year one, we will be using the six Bloom Taxonomy learning levels to increase higher order thinking skills. So far, we have had opportunities to focus on the different skills that can be used in four learning levels, including:

Remembering (elephant)

• Writing a note of all the places one belongs within Australia.
• Making a mind map of all the places one belongs within the world.

Understanding (turtle)

• Drawing a diagram of a life cycle of a beetle.
• Explaining in our own words what the life cycle of a beetle is to a member of the caterpillars and bumblebees.

Applying (raven)

• Role playing what profession we’d like to be when older to a partner and having them guess.
• Peer teaching a member of the caterpillars and bumblebees how to create a tangram beetle using 2D shapes.

Analysing (octopus)

• Having a conversation about something interesting we learnt about an octopus.
• Building a model of an octopus to represent our learning.

Over the next fortnight we will continue understanding about the final two learning levels, evaluating (owl) and creating (butterfly).

Check out the photos reflecting our use of the Blooms learning levels to date! We can’t wait to be using all six learning levels across all our learning throughout the year.

Hayley Dix

Prev

Showing images 1 - 8 of 14

Next

What's Happening in the Elves

Year 4 are off to a flying start. We have wrapped up our Global Concept of ‘Belonging’ and are moving into ‘Personal Responsibility’. Our classroom is full of artwork and work samples that have explored our uniqueness, identity, goals, aspirations and expectations that we have for our class. In maths, we have been learning about the properties of odd and even numbers and how we can use them to predict whether an answer will end up being odd or even. We have also been exploring how to convert times and read a range of times on analogue and digital clocks. In writing, we have just kicked off a poetry unit and are looking at how we can use devices such a rhyme, repetition and onomatopoeia to create emotive and engaging ways to express how we feel or think about a place, thing or person. We look forward to showing you some work samples over the next few weeks.

Louise Tominich

What's Happening in the Green Machines

The 5/6EM Green Machines have made a great start to the year. A large part of our focus in the first few weeks has been getting to know each other, working together as a class as well as the school wide focus on the global concept of Belonging.

We discussed how a class is similar to a team and that we all need to work together. Students worked in small groups to brainstorm what are the most important qualities for both a teacher and a student to help our class be an effective team. Our answers could have a maximum of three key words to keep us on track, we came together as a class to decide on the most important qualities:

An inspired teacher is………. Respectful, enthusiastic and truthful.

An inspired student is………. Respectful, kind and dedicated.

We used a similar process for our class motto, students created their own class motto before we discussed which ones would be suitable for our class. The class narrowed the mottoes down to four and we had a class vote to ensure we followed a democratic process. The motto we decided on is ‘Surrender the me for the we’ which shows our focus on teamwork and working collaboratively.

Year 5/6 have been doing an author study on Shaun Tan. We have read and studied ‘Cicada,’ in the story Cicada worked in an office but unfortunately was not treated with respect by their colleagues. Students had the choice of writing a retell of the story, a book review or an alternative storyline or perspective.

Cicada works in a tall building, been working seventeen years, no sick day and no mistake.

Human co-workers don’t treat Cicada with respect, Cicada never gets promotion.

Cicada can’t afford rent, has to live in an office wall space.

Cicada has hard life, human workers never finish work, Cicada stays up late to finish.

Seventeen years and Cicada has had enough, no handshake and no celebration, Cicada deserves better!

Cicada walks up stairs to tall building thinking about co-workers.

Cicada shed his skin flying back to forest, can’t stop thinking about job, can’t stop laughing.

Adam S    

The main character is named Cicada and he gets bullied by his co-workers.

One day he had enough so he went to the top of the building and turned into a flying cicada and flew away.

I would say this book is aimed at ages eight-twelve because it is a little scary but also it is really nice plus it’s a kid’s book.

I give the book seven out of ten and the video eight out of ten because the sound makes it cool.

I also realised that all the pictures are grey and dark except for Cicada.

I wonder if all of Shaun Tan’s books are sad.

Also, are they all based on animals?

Jessica JC

Cold. Tired. Lonely. It’s hard being a cicada nowadays.

I can’t buy a house, I have no food or water.

I’m sick of it here, I need to leave.

It’s time, I’m flying away today.

I spread my wings and fly away, I only fly for a while before I see land.

A city, it’s all grey. Better than nothing I guess.

I’ve spent about a month here now and I’ve been living on the streets, eating anything I could find.

One day I find a huge building, then BAM! A paper hits me right in the face.

I look at it more carefully, ‘Help Wanted!’

Finally! I walk in the building and get in the elevator.

I stand as tall as I can and reach the button, I arrive at the office.

“I’m here for the job.”

Poppy P

Cicada works in a tall office building.

Cicada has worked in the building for seventeen years, no sick days, no days off.

Cicada always finish work, humans never finish work.

Co-worker no like Cicada, co-worker does things and says things.

Cicada goes to top of the building.

Cicada flys away.

My Questions

Where does Cicada come from?

Where did they hire Cicada?

Liam W

It all happened seventeen years ago, the dirty little bug came to me.

If only I was harsh, mean, cold but you see it was not my problem.

My father, he wanted change, he wanted a better world.

Now I’m in charge so yeah I’m a little mean but it is entertaining.

Paying people to step on him, docking his pay every time he goes downtown to use the toilet, ignoring the fact that he lives with pipes in the wall spaces.

But today, today was crazy. He asked to retire! Can you believe it? I can not but naturally I asked him to go clean his desk.

You know I’ll kind of miss having Cicada around.

The only employee finishing his work, but once he left the days became longer.

Felt like years and now I really miss Cicada.

Alisha A

Erwin McRae

School Photos

Please see below the dates for upcoming our School Photo Day for 2024

• Friday 15 March 2024 (Term 1/Week 7) – Preschool Photo Day, End of the Week Preschool Group – (Sibling photos will be taken between 8:45am and 9:00am Location - Preschool)

• Tuesday 19 March 2024 (Term 1/Week 8) – Main School Photo Day (Sibling photos will be taken between 8:30am and 9:00am Location – New Hall Unit 7)

• Monday 25 March 2024 (Term 1/Week 9) – Preschool Photo Day, Beginning of the Week Preschool Group - (Sibling photos will be taken between 1:00pm and 1:30pm Location - Preschool)

Students will not receive individual envelopes. Parents are encouraged to use the online school order code to order student photos and sibling photos.

• Online Payments - We encourage parents to pay online before the School Photography Day. An online school order code is located on the flyer - www.theschoolphotographer.com.au.There are no individual student order codes.

• Sibling Photos – In order for The School Photographer to provide the school with a list of sibling orders, the online ordering of sibling photos will be temporarily disabled one working day prior to photo day and re-open after all photo days are finalised. All students & families (if presented) will be photographed regardless of payment.
• Sibling Photos are taken of siblings who attend the school only.  Time and location for sibling photos are given above.
• Cash Orders – via envelope. Please see Front Office
• ALL STUDENT PHOTO ENQUIRIES – Parents to contact The School Photographer.

 Email enquiries@theschoolphotographer.com.au or call: 02 9674 9824

Christian Education in Schools

Christian Education in Schools volunteers will provide a session on Weetangera PS on Monday 25 March, 1.45-2.45pm. This session will be provided only to students that have opted in via the permission note. Please visit the school front office to get a copy of the permission form.

Board Nominees 2024

Don't forget to vote in the School Board elections. You will have received an email last week with details about how to vote. Please see below information about the nominees.

Volunteers Wanted

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.

Book Fair

Canteen

Hello Families 

Well this fortnight has been so much fun in the Canteen.

My Senior Helpers have been a blessing, they are taking care of counter service all by themselves.

Martinas shout outs go to Anokhi & Taylah, Mason & Tom, Amalia & Ariana, Vera & Victoria W, Soreena & Yiga, Lara, Tully & Eloise,

You each have been the best Assistants, I could ask for..  so excited to meet my new mates next week.

We had our first special lunch for the year this past Thursday, which was amazing.

We managed to get a total of 78 orders from kinders all the way to our seniors, everyone was so eager and excited to be sharing in this experience together. The senior helpers were incredible, they were responsible for gathering the juniors and ensuring they had their lunches completed YOU ROCK KIDS! I couldn’t have don’t this day without Belinda, Victoria & Vera.
I love when families join me in the canteen, so please come volunteer and see whats going on behind the scenes. You are always welcome, some days I might be busy but I always have time for you so come in and join in this crazy fun.

If you haven't already heard we're doing our 1st Fund-raiser this year.

Get those orders in before March 19th as Bakers Delight definitely have the BEST Hot Cross Buns in town and you don't want to miss you opportunity to feast this Easter.
Support our school P&C Canteen with every purchase (order via Flexischools ) keep an eye out for the updates on Flexischools and Facebook.

Everyday I feel privileged to be here amongst our school community and I thank you all for the support as I manage our WPS Canteen.

Our Canteen is a service to your children's school and every lunch I make, I create with all my effort & Love.

Happy TUMMIES make Happy LEARNERS!! That's what I always say.

With gratitude & appreciation 

Martina Fleeton 🌻 

P & C Update

WHO'S YOUR CHILD’S HERO?

The Annual Weetangera School Disco is BACK on Friday 5 April and we’re calling all heroes to join us! 

Junior School: 5:30 - 6:30pm 

Senior School: 7:00pm - 8:30pm

Dust off your cape, strap on your mask and SECURE YOUR TICKET before sales end 30 March! 

$10 via the Flexischools app

Weetangera Primary School Hall

Friday 5 April

Exciting News for Weetangera Primary School! 

Meet the stellar team leading our P&C Committee for 2024:

  President: Akshay Gupta 

 Vice President: Gab Affleck 

 Secretary: Ben Morrison 

 Treasurer: Paul Zagami 

 Public Officer: Katherine McKay 

 Vice Secretary: Susan Trainor 

 Vice Treasurer: Alison Shackleford 

 Members: Nicole Sadlier, Erin Kalokerinos, Trevor Burton, Patty McMahon, Emily McLoughlin  

Together, they'll bring fresh ideas and dedication to enhance our school community. Let's give them a warm welcome!

Community Notices

What is GPN?

• The Girls Programming Network is a workshop series for girls in grades 6-12.
• The GPN is a community of women and girls who are interested in computer science, programming and information technology.
• Workshops are run by GPN tutors – local women studying or working in IT in industry, academia and government. The workshops focus on specific topics and tutors guide the girls in how to solve fun programming projects. There is also food to eat, friends to make and other fun activities to be had!
• ASD has had a long-standing relationship with the Girls’ Programming Network and supports the Canberra node of this fantastic program.
• The workshops are free, and no prior coding experience is necessary!

Pegasus is once again teaming up with Hands Across Canberra for this years Giving Day being held on March 6, Canberra's single biggest giving day.

Canberra is one of the countries most generous cities when it comes to donating, sadly though much of that money leaves Canberra and does not go directly to supporting locals in needs. The Giving Day is all about supporting organisations who support locals in need, to Give where you Live.

This year Pegasus is proud to partner with Togetha Group, and Hands Across Canberra. To help support us, every $1 you donate to us will become $2 for the first $10,000 raised. The campaign matched funding means your contribution will go further and can turn into $20,000.

Your support helps ensure Pegasus can continue to deliver our unique horse facilitated programs for people with disability in Canberra and surrounds, with 100% of your donation supporting Pegasus directly. 

Don't wait donations are open now. Head to: https://giving.handsacrosscanberra.org.au/event/pegasus