Term 3 Week 2 Newsletter
From the Principal
Dear Families,
Welcome back to Term 3. We hope everyone had a restful and enjoyable mid-year break and you are ready to go for a productive term of learning at Calwell Primary School. It was great to see many of our community brave the icy weather on Sunday to attend the first of our Game On sessions being held at the school over the next few weeks. The next one is this Wednesday afternoon from 3.00 to 4.30pm. Please come along to participate in some community based games and physical activity. This week we are welcoming parents into the school for parent/teacher interviews. This is your opportunity to come in to discuss your child’s learning and experience at school. We value working in partnership with all of our families so please make an appointment if you can. If this week does not suit you for any reason then please contact your child’s teacher to organise another more suitable time.
Indigenous Artist Mural
Later this year we are planning on working with Kalara Gilbert who is a local Indigenous artist to create a mural for our school entrance. Kalara has worked at a number of schools around the ACT to research, design and then produce amazing art works celebrating our cultural awareness and First Nation’s history in our area. Kalara works with our students and community members when designing the concept for the mural and when painting it. We are looking to represent some of our First Nations history from the Calwell and Tuggeranong area. We would really appreciate help from our community. If you or someone you know have any knowledge or information about any of this it would be great to have your input. Later on we will also be calling on our community members who might be interested in painting the mural.
This year we are recognising Bullying No Way Week which is held from the 12 to 16 August 2024. This is one of Australia’s key bullying prevention initiative and connects schools and communities to find workable solutions to prevent bullying.
On the 12th of August, Calwell Primary School will be stepping in to our power and taking action to recognise, learn about and prevent bullying in our community.
In our Term 3 newsletters, you will find helpful articles about bullying that will allow families to also make a valuable contribution in reducing bullying and increasing the sense of belonging that students have in our school.
Purple is the new hero colour representing Bullying No Way: National Week of Action. Students are encouraged to wear purple to school on the 12th of August and get involved in the Purple Hat parade that will happen at 9am on that day. Scan this QR Code to get some inspiration for your hat making!
The Bullying No Way theme for 2024 is 'Everyone belongs'.
When we all feel like we belong, bullying struggles to find a place. It's about embracing who we are, respecting everyone's differences and standing up together against unkindness.
Belonging means we all have a role in preventing bullying. We're encouraged to speak up and create a safe place where everyone feels supported and respected, and our voices are heard and valued.
The library book display that champions the “Everyone Belongs” theme is up in the library, and in the weeks leading up to the National Week of Action, students will be considering their role in reducing bullying in our community. This is a great time to have a conversation with your child around how they can play a role in strengthening belonging for everyone in the Calwell Primary School community.
Reinforcing Positive Behaviour Expectations - PBL
Over the next two weeks, our students will be revisiting their classroom Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) expectations, along with the expectations for all school settings. This means that teachers and students will be talking about and practicing the values of safe, respect, and learner in everything they do at school. By taking the time to go over these important guidelines, we aim to create a happy and supportive environment where everyone knows what is expected of them and can do their best.
Consistently reviewing expectations with students has positive effects. It helps make sure that everyone is on the same page, which makes students feel more secure and reduces confusion about behaviour. When students understand and agree on these expectations, they are more likely to follow them, leading to fewer disruptions and a better learning experience for everyone. Additionally, involving students in these discussions gives them a sense of responsibility and pride in their school. This not only improves their behaviour but also strengthens their confidence and sense of community. We believe that by reinforcing these positive behaviours, we will see our create a more positive and respectful school atmosphere.
Kind Regards
Ben Roberts
Principal
Important Information
Parking
A reminder that the pick up and drop off zones out the front of the school and down near the carpark are not for parking. If you need to come into the school please park in the lower carpark.
Breakfast Club
Breakfast Club are needing more spreads. They are looking for butter/margarine, vegemite and jam. Any donations can be dropped off at the front office.
Washing
We have a bag of washing for our second hand uniform shop. If anyone is available please come and see us at the front office.
Parent Portal
Parent Portal reminders
Parent Portal is now available. It is a secure online platform used to share student information between you and your child’s teachers.
Some reminders about Parent Portal:
- If you already have a Parent Portal account, use this Parent Portal access link to start using the great features.
- You can’t access Parent Portal directly through the ACT Digital Account website, you need to use the link above.
- When you are logged into Parent Portal, we recommend saving the browser as a favourite or to the homepage on your mobile phone for quick access in the future.
- The website can only be viewed using a web browser on your computer, mobile phone or tablet. An app is not available at this time.
- If you still need to register, you will need an access key and a Parent Portal registration link via email to link your existing account to your child’s records. If you haven’t received this, please contact the school’s front office team for assistance.
CARES
Gold Awards
Notes Home/Due & Dates to Remember
A reminder for parent's to please download the SZapp to view our Newsletters and upcoming events. If you access the calendar and click on the date on an excursion/incursion permission notes are attached to re-print if needed.
- Book Club due back Friday 9th August
- Years 1/2 Assembly Friday 9th August at 9:15am
- Years 1/2 National Gallery of Australia notes and payment due Tuesday 13th August
- Donut notes and payment due Monday 19th August
- Kindergarten National Arboretum notes and payment due Friday 30th August
Preschool
Welcome Garawang and Bandalugs to Term 3! We have a very exciting term planned ahead with a focus on all the clever things our hands can do. We will be diving deep into exploring all the ways we use our marvellous hands - we will be all 'hands on' building and refining our fine and gross motor skills. A key focus will be on trying new things and persevering with challenges. We’ve launched into our learning by exercising our hands to fingerpaint, trace, cut with scissors and perform finger plays and practise the skill of an underarm roll. As always, we look forward to sharing our learning journey and goals with you via Seesaw. In week 1 we enjoyed a visit from Mr. Roberts. He played a game of tunnel ball with the Bandalugs and read Pearl Barley and Charlie Parsley to the Garawang class.
In week 4, during Book Week, we are excited to meet a Canberra children’s author at preschool. We wonder “what is your favourite book or who is your favourite author?” Maybe this is something you could start thinking about before Book Week, so that when Book Week arrives, you can share your favourite story with your class.
Walk to School
PBL
