Echunga Primary School · Echunga Primary School Together we will strive for academic, social, emotional and personal achievement, working within a positive culture that promotes

Echunga Primary School Together we will strive for academic, social, emotional and personal

achievement, working within a positive culture that promotes the pursuit of excellence and the understanding of others

Week 2, Term 2, 12th May, 2017

Diary Dates 1

From the Principal 1-2

School News 2-4

OSHC News 4-5

School Banking 6

Community News 7

Inside this issue:

DIARY DATES

Mon 15/5-7:00 Governing Council Meeting

Tues 16/5, 23/5, 30/5 Gymnastics R-7

Fri 19/5, 26/5 & Thurs 1/6 Dancify R-7

Mon 15/5, 5/6 & 26/6 Assembly

Fri 19/5 & Mon 22/5 Book Fair

Mon 22/5 Aboriginal Elder Visit

Tues 23/5 Golf Yr 6-7

Tues 6/6, 13/6, 20/6, 27/6 Tennis R-7

Mon 12/6 Public Holiday

Sun 18/6 Family Portraits

Mon 19/6 Arts at the Zoo Yrs 2-5

View the newsletter on

our website at

www.echungaps.sa.edu.au

FROM THE PRINCIPAL I hope everyone had a lovely break with their children. We are well and truly back into Term 2 and feeling the change in weather, although it’s lovely to still have sunshine in the mornings. Welcome to Jackie Norris, who will be teaching in the Year 4/5 class on Thursdays and Fridays. We have also welcomed three new students this term: Catherine in Year 3, Lucas in Year 4 and Travis in Year 6. We hope you enjoy your time at Echunga Primary School.

This week our Year 3, 5 & 7 students sat the 4 NAPLAN tests – Language Conventions, Writing, Reading and Numeracy. We were very pleased with the calm and considered way our students approached the tests.

Last week the Year 6/7 class were lucky enough to have a sleepover at the zoo – what an experience! Luckily, they didn’t have to share sleeping quarters with the animals! They will be sharing this experience with you in the next newsletter so watch this space.

On Monday Senior Constable Jane Pink visited our school and ran some workshops for our students. The preschool children and the Reception to Year 2 students learned about keeping safe, whilst the Year 3-5 students learned about cyber safety. Our students seemed very engaged during the workshops. At the end of the day Jane commented on the behaviour of our students and what a lovely day she had had with them. They were a credit to our school. Well done, everyone!

All of our R-7 students are participating in Dancify sessions with Erin. They are learning new dance moves and routines, which will also be built upon in their Dance lessons with Georgie. There was certainly a lot of energy in the room last Friday when I popped in. maybe we’ll see some of the learning in an assembly later this term.

SCHOOL NEWS

Just a friendly reminder that students need to be following the dress code in the Uniform Policy.

The school colours are navy and yellow with the option of an Echunga primary School logo on

the t-shirts. These can be purchased from the Uniform Shop in Mount Barker. Jeans are not part

of the school uniform. Please also make sure that your child is wearing shoes suitable for school

activities as they can be participating in fitness activities at any time.

Volunteers are such an important aspect of school life and there are many things that couldn’t happen without our volunteers. We are fortunate to have many parents/caregivers who contribute voluntarily to our school in areas such as: Governing Council; Working Bees; fundraising; going on excursions (and even camps and sleepovers!); shelving book sin the library; cooking with groups of children; washing toys for the preschool; listening to reading; working with children on literacy and numeracy activities. These are just a number of ways that we all benefit from our vol-unteers here at Echunga Primary School. On behalf of everyone at our school I would like to say a heartfelt thank you to all of our volunteers – you do make a difference!

Praise your child for trying hard (not just for doing well)

Celebrate little successes.

Aim high

Let your child know you think that learning and school are important and that trying hard matters.

Discuss children’s dreams for the future with them

This is important at any age. Talk to your child often about their hopes or ideas for the future.

I’m Renae Beaumont. My husband Grant and I live at Flaxley with our three children, Charlie (6), Henry (4) and Eliza (1). Charlie is currently in year 1 and Henry and Eliza attend the kindy playgroup. I love the small community feel at Echunga primary school as well as the natural setting. I have a strong interest in nature play, sports and outdoor recreation. I look forward to contributing to Governing Council in 2017.

SCHOOL FEES

Thank you to all families who have paid this year’s school fees. Fees are now overdue. If you still owe fees could you please speak to Merridee about setting up a payment plan as soon as possible.

SCHOOL NEWS

P.E. UPDATE

On the 4th of April Echunga Primary entered 7 Volleyball teams to the Volleyball tournament at Heath field High. We fielded 7 teams in this modified event. I was extremely pleased at the sportsmanship displayed by all of our students during their matches. Their skill level was of a high standard and each of them should be very proud of the attitude, Steve

Echunga Primary School attended the Barker District Athletics, held at

Oakbank High school, April 11. We had 14 participants from the upper

primary who participated in every individual discipline. We as a school

performed extremely well finishing 4th in the district. All excelled and we had a

number of students who placed in the finals, with Mia Paech qualifying to

represent the Barker Athletics team at the State Athletic championships. Well

done to everyone, it’s great to be a teacher at Echunga Primary School, Steve

WE’RE TAKING IT IN OUR STRIDE ON FRIDAY 19 MAY 2017

Well it’s that time of year again when our school seriously starts talking about walking! Walk Safely to School Day asks that we all consider our transport habits and try to incorporate more walking as part of a healthy, active way to get around. And although walking all the way to school isn’t realistic for many of us, it’s quite easy to figure out how you can build a walk into your family’s daily routine. You can teach your child the healthy habit of walking more by: - Walking with them the whole way to school - If they get the bus or train, walk past your usual stop and get on at the next stop - If you have to drive, park the car a few blocks away from the school and walk the rest of the way. Regular exercise like walking with your child not only helps them (and you!) beat chronic problems like obesity, heart disease, behavioural and mental health issues and diabetes. It also gives you a great opportunity to teach your child safe ways to behave around roads and traffic. For those who would like to walk as part of a group, we will meet at the General Store at 8.15 and then commence the walk to School, followed by a healthy breakfast at school provided by us. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to join in if they can. Remember, Active Kids are Healthy Kids so get planning your own Walk Safely to School Day journey for Friday 19 May 2017! For more information, visit www.walk.com.au

SCHOOL/OSHC NEWS

FAMILY PORTRAIT FUNDRAISING DAY

On Sunday 18th June Advanced Life Studios are running a Family Portrait Fundraising Day for the School. An information sheet was sent home on Wednesday to each family. For a $20 donation to the school your family receives a 10”x13” colour portrait and keyring with portrait; a professional photo session in their purpose built, pop up studio including custom lighting, white studio backdrop, in a comfortable environment to create beautiful images and up to five poses of you and your family, professionally posed and photographed by their experienced portrait photographer. Additional package options are available to order. If you would like to book a time for a family photo session please speak to Merridee in the office or ring 83888306. The $20 payment must be paid to the school before the 18th June.

PREMIER’S READING CHALLENGE

Congratulations to the following students who have recently completed the Challenge: Bennett and Charles (Rosella); Samantha and Mia (Ibis).

Parents and students are encouraged to nominate books they would like to see included on the Challenge book lists. Send in your recommendations and the panel will consider them. The Premier’s Reading Challenge website (www.prc.sa.edu.au) has the criteria the panel will look at when considering suitable books for inclusion.

OSHC NEWS OSHC Awards Term 2 2017 And the OSHC Awards for the following weeks go to… 1. Charlie B 2. Charlie H April Vacation Care Program

We had lots of fun through the holidays. Josie and Alyce worked on the floor with the children, while I did some admin and went on the excursions. We went to Monarto Zoo with Meadows OSHC and had a private bus tour of the Zoo. It was amazing. We went to see Boss Baby at Wallis Cinema as well. We did a lot of gardening and craft activities which the children enjoyed.

July Vacation Care Program We are already working on this with our children for the next Holidays, and we have come up with some great ideas. If you have any suggestions, on cost effective things we can do and places we can go please feel free to come in and see us. We love trying new things. Doing joint excursions with other small OSHC services has proved to be very cost effective and fun for children and staff. We will continue to do this so we can enjoy some experiences we would not be able to afford to do by ourselves.

OSHC NEWS

Give away couch It’s still here. I am still trying to give away or get rid of the black steel frame futon in the OSHC room. If I could have some help with it that would be great. The big mattress keeps sliding off and it’s becoming and Occ, health and safety issue in our room. It doesn’t need to be replaced as our room is becoming too cluttered and with it gone it will free up some much needed floor space for play. Behaviour Guidance Policy Review Included in our Interactions with Children Policy is our Behaviour Guidance Policy. I would like to separate the Behaviour Guidance Policy from the Interactions with Children Policy and review it. Under the NQS it was changed to comply with DECD and NQS recommendations and it needs to be clarified further with very clear steps for us to take when children’s behaviour becomes unacceptable and other children are getting hurt often from their actions. At what point do we suspend a child for hurting other children often, for how long, when is it appropriate for them to return etc. If you would like to help review our current policy please come into OSHC and see Jodie.

THE NEW CHILD CARE SUBSIDY

Families earning around $65,000 or less will receive a subsidy of 85 per cent of their child care fees (up to an hourly fee cap). The subsidy gradually tapers to 50 per cent for families earning around $170,000 or more. There will be no annual cap for families earning less than around $185,000. Families earning around $185,000 or more will have a $10,000 annual cap on the total amount of assistance provided per child per year. This is $2,500 more than the current Child Care Rebate annual cap per child. To be eligible for the Child Care Subsidy, children must attend an approved child care ser-vice and meet immunisation requirements. The Child Care Subsidy will be paid directly to providers under these arrangements. For more information please visit the following website. http://www.budget.gov.au/2015-16/content/glossy/families/html/families-02.htm In 2017‑18, the hourly fee caps will be set at:

$11.55 for Long Day Care;

$10.70 for Family Day Care; and

$10.10 for Outside School Hours Care. From 1 July 2018, the income threshold for the maximum subsidy rate will be indexed to the Consumer Price Index, with other thresholds aligned accordingly, therefore increasing over time. To be eligible for the Child Care Subsidy, children must attend an approved child care service and meet immunization requirements. Building maintenance Josie and I have been cleaning up the veranda, getting rid of cobwebs etc. I have bought some paint to paint the shelf to brighten it up and seal it. As usual for this time of year we have a lot of mouse activity. Normally I empty everything from our shelves, disinfecting the shelves, wait for it to dry then put all the toys/boxes back. During this time of year I would have to do this weekly. Currently I’m unable to do this. Is there anyone who would be kind enough to help me this time?

SCHOOL BANKING

COMMUNITY NEWS

CASUAL JOB VACANCY

There is a casual job vacancy available in a ceramic studio in Echunga. No experience is necessary. Working hours are three and a half plus. Days and times worked are flexible. Job would suit a mum with school children. For more information phone Jane on 0428554001.

Australia’s #1 non-competitive soccer program for girls and boys aged 2 – 12. More than just soccer, we’re about having fun, building confidence and learning new skills. Enrolments are now open online Tuesday–Aldinga Beach & Hallett Cove Wednesday – Woodcroft Thursday – Bellevue Heights Saturday – Reynella East, Seaford Rise, Clapham & Myrtle Bank Sunday – Reynella East, Crafers, Brighton & Myrtle Bank For more information visit our website, www.grasshoppersoccer.com.au “Grasshopper Soccer Southern Adelaide” on Facebook OR contact Daniel by phone 0433 422 347 or email [email protected]

COMMUNITY INITIATIVES - ECHUNGA UNITING CHURCH Visit echunga.ucasa.org.au/activities for further details and term programs for Kids Club, MOPS, Youth Group and more: MEN’S COFFEE MORNING - 9:30am Wednesday 17th A relaxed cuppa at the Echunga General Store with other locals. All welcome to this monthly initiative. MOPS (MOTHERS OF PRESCHOOLERS) - 9:30-11:30am Thursday 18th Guest speaker Paula Love on ‘Positive Relationships’ Craft: Baby suits for a women’s shelter For more information contact Bec on 0439 622 224 'LIVE LIFE LOUD’ Regional Youth Event in Echunga! 6:30-9:30pm Friday May 19th @ Echunga Memorial Institute BBQ, activities, worship music, inspiring guest speaker An opportunity to celebrate Jesus who came to give us life to the full along with other youth groups from across the Hills. For more information contact Caleb Willsmore (Youth Worker) on 0435 282 799 ECHUNGA KIDS CLUB - 3:30-5pm Tuesday May 23rd Join our growing group enjoying craft, activities, story and more! Held fortnightly during school terms. For more information contact Sarah Hammond (Children’s Worker) on 0429 134 031