Filter Content
Welcome back to all our families, and a warm welcome to the many new families and students who have joined our Arbor Grove community.
What an interesting start to the school year! First we had the 5-day COVID lockdown and then the challenges of the Woorooloo fire. I hope that no members of our school community were adversely impacted by the fires. All things considered, the children have done an amazing job of settling into the new school year.
We welcome a number of new staff for this year:
- Mr David Brown Year 5
- Miss Mahlia Ladouce Year 4
- Miss Caroline Bartlett Year 3
- Mrs Belinda Condo Year 1
- Mrs Amanda Ferullo Pre Primary
- Miss Tiana Nero Pre Primary
- Mrs Emma Nelson Senior Performing Arts
COVID Update
Schools remain under Phase 4 Operating Guidelines for WA public schools and residential facilities, announced 29 June 2020.
Under these guidelines there are no current restrictions preventing parents or carers to come on to school sites to attend school events or for drop off and pick up purposes, however,
- physical distancing of 1 adult per 2 square metres applies. Where the event is on school grounds, use the 2 square metre rule, after the students are accommodated, to determine available space for adults.
- Maintain 1.5 metre separation between people who are not from the same household, with the exception of students on school grounds.
Gates
Families are reminded that the front gates are not opened at the end of the day due to the danger posed to the children from parents not following road rules and parking signage.
In the afternoon school gates will not be opened until 15 minutes before the end of the school day. We request that only those families with students in Pre Primary and Kindergarten use the Pre Primary gates.
Parent Meetings
Due to the challenges posed in meeting the health advice relating to social distancing, Teachers will not be running traditional parent meetings. Please keep an eye out for further information from your child’s classroom teacher in the coming weeks. We remain committed to ensuring a strong link between school and home.
Clubs
Again this term the staff are preparing to offer a range of clubs and other activities. I would urge all students and parents to keep an eye out for the flyers. I am sure, like me, all parents are so appreciative of the staff for giving up their own time to organise and run these activities.
I am very excited that Clan Midland and the school will be working in partnership once again this year to offer the Families & Schools Together Program (FAST). I would also like to acknowledge and thank the staff that are willing to give up their own time to support this program, volunteer to serve the meals, wash up dishes, and supervise and entertain siblings. As I have mentioned before, the FAST program is internationally acclaimed and helps children thrive by building strong relationships at home.
Child & Parent Centre Arbor Grove
We are very excited to have the Child & Parent Centre fully operational and under the management of Anglicare. The Centre will be a source of valuable support to families in the Ellenbrook Community. We are thrilled to be partnering with an experienced organisation like Anglicare. Please keep an eye out for information on the programs being offered through the Child & Parent Centre which will be in future newsletters.
Other News
There is always a lot of good things happening at Arbor Grove Primary School and I remind parents that it is important to keep an eye on the newsletter, Connect and the school web page to ensure you are up to date with all the many exciting activities and going ons.
I look forward to working with the P&C again this year. The P&C contribute in a range of ways to the school, the community and to the provision of services to the students. I would encourage all families (new and existing) to consider getting involved in the P&C.
We understand that from time to time parents will have questions or concerns and I would remind all families that your first point of contact should be the classroom teacher. The Deputies and I are always available to meet parents where the concern has not been resolved, or where parents believe the matter is sensitive.
Mobile Phones in Public Schools
The Education Department has banned students from using mobile phones from the time they enter school grounds to the conclusion of the school day. This ban includes smart watches and listening accessories, such as headphones and earbuds.
The Departments policy supports staff and students to:
- reduce the potential for learning distraction
- protect the privacy of staff and students
- improve health and wellbeing
- reduce the chance of students bringing external issues to school through technology
- reduce opportunities for cyberbullying.
The School Policy and Procedures are available, with our other policies, on the school web page. Lockers are available for students wishing to store their mobile devices during the school day. More information is available from the front office or please speak to one of the Deputies.
Cyberbullying and Social Media
Sadly, each year the instances of cyberbullying in the wider community appears to increase. Those at Arbor Grove Primary (staff, parent or student) unfortunately are not immune from this behaviour. In the last few years we have offered support to a number of our students in the upper years who have experienced episodes of cyber bullying.
Cyberbullying is described as bullying that is carried out through internet or via mobile device technologies.
Examples of cyberbullying can include:
- repeated hang up calls
- sending insulting or threatening text messages
- publishing someone's personal or embarrassing information online
- creating hate sites or starting social exclusion campaigns on social networking sites.
Cyberbullying has the potential to result in the target of bullying developing social, psychological and educational issues.
While online bullying is similar to real life bullying it also differs in the following ways:
- it can occur 24/7 and a person can be targeted while at home
- it can involve harmful material being widely and rapidly disseminated to a large audience
- it can provide the bully with a sense of relative anonymity and distance from the victim, so there is a lack of immediate feedback or consequences.
We encourage parents to be vigilant in monitoring their child’s online activity and to ensure that their child adheres to the age criteria before creating accounts at sites such as Facebook, Twitter etc.
Parents can also play an important role by modelling the appropriate use of the internet for their child.
Some suggestions for those who are being cyberbullied are to:
- avoid retaliating or responding
- collect the evidence – keep mobile phone messages and print emails or social networking conversations
- block the mobile number and change their privacy settings
- report the abuse to the social media service
- talk to someone they trust such as a parent, teacher or friend.
If they have a friend or know someone at school who is being cyberbullied, advise them:
- not to join in, i.e. don’t comment on posts, images or videos that will hurt others
- not to forward or share posts, images or videos that will hurt others
- to make sure they leave negative groups and conversations
- to report bullying to a trusted adult such as a parent or teacher
- if they feel confident enough, ask the bully to stop
- to support friends who are bullied.
More information and resources to support families is available on the eSafety Commissioner web site www.esafety.gov.au
Early Close on Wednesday
Just a reminder to all our families that Wednesday is our early close (2.30pm) day. The earlier close allows the staff the opportunity to engage in professional learning opportunities and various meetings. It is important that parents collect their children on time as children become distressed when their parents are late to collect them, particularly when it is a regular pattern.
Before School
I would like to remind all parents and students that the playgrounds including the Nature Play and the Megatoy are out of bounds before and after school until there is a change in the COVID guidelines. Students arriving before 8.30am are to sit outside the library or with their parents outside their classroom.
If students are with their parents, then we ask that parents actively supervise their children during this time and ensuring that their children are following our ARBOR values.
Chasing games are not appropriate before school even if you are with your parents.
Glen Purdy
On-Entry Assessment Program
During weeks 4 – 7 of Term 1 students from Pre Primary to Year 2 will be participating in the Department of Education’s state-wide On-entry Assessment Program. There is no pass, fail or desirable standard. There is no preparation required by the student or parent/caregiver.
On-entry is an assessment for learning. The purpose of the program is to provide teachers with an opportunity, early in the year, to gather further information on the current literacy and/or numeracy skills and understandings of children in their class. This will assist them in developing targeted programs reflective of individual needs. On-entry assesses the literacy and numeracy skills and understandings considered critical to early and ongoing educational development.
A website for parents containing additional information is available at: http://det.wa.edu.au/educationalmeasurement/detcms/navigation/on-entry/information-for-parents/
If you would like any further information, or to discuss your child’s participation, please contact your child’s teacher.
Parent Information Sessions
Due to COVID restrictions this year our Parent Information Sessions will take on a different format. Next Friday 26 February your child will be bringing home an information pack with all the relevant information about their classroom.
If you would like to meet with your child’s teacher about any concerns, please contact the front office to organise a meeting.
Kym McCabe
Room 22
What an interesting start to 2021 we have had in Year 6. We have so many big, exciting things to look forward to this year. However, a highlight of Year 6 has already been the commencement of the buddy program with Room 3. The Year 6's have very much enjoyed the fun and responsibility of having a buddy and are looking forward to library sessions with them this year.
Room 22 student Susie has summarised our buddy experience so far:
2021 has started off being very different, especially for the Year 6's, but there have been some amazing things that have happened to us such as having buddies. Having a buddy means that you get to supervise and help the Pre Primary students with things they need help with. When our class walked over to meet them everyone was definitely super excited.
When we got there, the teachers introduced themselves. Our room was paired with Miss Nero’s Room 3 class. After the teacher’s introduced themselves, we got to go outside and pick one of the Pre Primary students to be our buddy. Once we had picked someone we got to go and have free play with them. This was the fun part. Having a buddy is really fun and you should look forward to it when you get to Year 6.
Pre Primary |
Year 1 |
Year 2 |
Year 3 |
Year 4 |
Year 5 |
Year 6 |
Jasnaaz | Isabella | Marley | Ajak | Daniel | Hope | Aleyrah |
Ava | Sam | Baylee | Harley | Brady | Karthick | Lida |
Arna | Harrison | Neam | Andrea | Jayden | Manroopdeep | |
Lillian | Elijah | Pukhraj | Annabelle | |||
Lilly | Max | Dylan | ||||
Lucas | Ellah | |||||
Annette | ||||||
Yabsira | ||||||
Sanayat |
Literacy Award |
Mathlete Award |
Aussie of the Month |
Miia | Ben | Tahnee |
Leadership Excursion
Yesterday the student leadership team attended Swan Valley Adventure Centre. They participated in various activities that developed leadership, communication and problem solving skills.
We are excited for the year ahead with this great group of students, and continuing to support them in developing their skills.
Welcome to 2021
What a start to the year we have had. We hope everyone had a lovely long break.
In the coming weeks we will be holding our AGM and we would love to see some new faces join our team. The date for the AGM will be announced soon.
Canteen
The canteen is open this year on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. We encourage ordering via Flexischools however we are still taking over the counter orders.
Like all schools we are not able to open our canteen without volunteers. If you are able to help out, even if it's only for a couple of hours, please email Jenni at
Would you like to have a say about what is on the menu? Why not join the P&C and join the Canteen Committee. We are always looking for new people to come on board and bring new ideas with them.
Fundraising
For regular updates on events and the canteen visit our P&C Facebook pages and keep an eye out for Connect notices.
Christmas Raffle 2020
Over $2000 raised.
Congratulations to our winners!
We would also like to apologise to the following businesses whose logos were not visible in the last newsletter of 2020. Your donations were greatly appreciated.
Novatel Vines Resort
Muffin Break Ellenbrook
One Spotty Dog
Edgecombe Brothers Winery
Swan Valley Cuddly Animal Farm
Wine and Gin Fundraiser
Wise Winery are a Halliday 5 Star rated Margaret River winery supplying sweet, dry, red, white and sparkling plus a great range of Gin’s to choose from.
FREE DELIVERY (AUS WIDE) straight to your door plus 20% of sales comes back to our fundraising.
Visit https://wisewine.com.au/arbor-grove-primary-school/
You can also see how much we have raised for this fundraiser by clicking on the link.
Feel free to spread the word to your family and friends.
If 12 bottles are too much get together and share a case, you can pick any combination of wines and gin to make up the 12 bottles!
Entertainment Memberships
This year Entertainment are launching a brand new LOOK.
1-year Single City for just $69.99
visit https://www.entertainment.com.au/orderbooks/87028a
You will have the option to choose either a BONUS Woolworths Store eGift Card or a JB Hi-Fi eGift Card in the denomination assigned to the Membership product purchased. You must redeem your choice of BONUS eGift Card within 60 days from the date of purchase from the Entertainment portal. Your BONUS eGift Card will be sent by email within 30 days after choosing your BONUS eGift Card in the Entertainment portal. The link to the portal to choose your BONUS eGift Card will expire on the 14 June 2021.
Choose a BONUS $10 Woolworths Store eGift Card or $10 JB Hi-Fi eGift Card when a Single City Membership product is purchased or choose a $20 Woolworths Store eGift Card or $20 JB Hi-Fi eGift Card when a Multi City or Multi Plus Membership product is purchased between 12:00am Tuesday 16 February 2021 and 11:59pm Monday 15th April 2021 AEST. One eGift Card per product purchased.
Woolworths Store eGift Card Terms: View Gift Card FAQs here - https://giftcards.woolworths.com.au/about/terms-and-conditions. Your BONUS Woolworths Store eGift Card does not expire. Lost or stolen cards cannot be replaced. If you request a refund on your Entertainment Membership within 30 days of your purchase and it is after receiving your eGift Card, the amount of the eGift Card will be deducted from the original value of your Membership purchased.
BONUS JB Hi-Fi eGift Cards Terms. View JB Hi-Fi eGift Card FAQs here - https://support.jbhifi.com.au/hc/en-au/categories/360004372033-Gift-Cards. JB Hi-Fi eGift Cards do not expire. Lost or stolen cards cannot be replaced. If you request a refund on your Entertainment Membership within 30 days of your purchase and it is after receiving your eGift Card, the amount of the eGift Card will be deducted from the original value of your Membership purchased.
*All member offers are subject to terms and conditions. Check individual offers on the Entertainment Membership App or www.entertainment.com.au for more information. For all dining offers, it is optional for participating businesses to accept your Entertainment Memberships on all official Australian and New Zealand public holidays, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and Valentine’s Day. © 2021 Entertainment Publications of Australia Pty Ltd.
Our school uses the Flexischools online ordering system for our Canteen as well as P&C Events and Fundraising.
Flexischools allows you to place all these orders online in a matter of seconds, at any time of the day.
1. Download the Flexischools App
Note: for iPhone and iPad please select ‘Allow’ notifications.
2. Add your School and Group
Click on the search icon, enter Arbor Grove Primary School, and select your school and year group.
3. Login/Register
Click the ‘Order now’ button located in the bottom right-hand corner of the app, this will open a login screen.
- Already a Flexischools user - Enter your details and login. To save your login details select ‘remember me’.
- New Flexischools user - Click ‘Register’, enter your email address, and follow the instructions in the email to set up your account.
Once your account is set up, add new student; search for our school, enter student details and select their class.
Once registered, you can start placing orders immediately. If you have any questions, please see Jenni in the canteen for more information or you can contact the Flexischools Customer Service Team via their website.
The Flexischools system is now available and ready to use, so we look forward to seeing your next order online.
School Banking
Get involved in the School Banking Program
Arbor Grove Primary School P&C is excited to offer the Commonwealth Bank School Banking program to all students.
School Banking is a fun, interactive and engaging way to help teach your child the importance of saving. Children who deposit money into their Youthsaver account through School Banking will earn an exciting reward everytime they reach 10 deposits.
The rewards available during 2021 are:
o Terry Denton’s Activity Book |
o Scented Stackable Highlighters |
o Mini Soccer Ball (size 2) |
o Icicle Slapband Ruler |
o Treetop Stationery Set |
o Snowy Origami Set |
o Treetop Handball |
o Water Skimming Bounce Ball |
o Tomato Seed Kit |
o Polar Pencils & Pencil Toppers |
o Emoji Wallet |
o Scratch Art Cards |
o Snakes & Ladders Game |
|
School Banking is also a great fundraiser for our school. Our school receives a Regular Savers Contribution of $5 for every 10 deposits processed per student as well as an Annual Contribution which is based on the number of students who made at least one School Banking deposit in the prior year. For more information about contribution payments visit www.commbank.com.au/sbinfo
Getting involved in School Banking is easy!
All you need to get involved in the School Banking program is a Commonwealth Bank Youthsaver account. You can open an account for your child in one of two ways:
- Online
Visit www.commbank.com.au/schoolbanking and click on the link to open a Youthsaver account.
- In Branch
Visit a Commonwealth Bank branch with identification for yourself and your child, like a driver’s licence and birth certificate.
If your child has an existing Commonwealth Bank Youthsaver account they can start banking straight away. They just need to bring their deposit in every week on School Banking day using their Dollarmites deposit wallet.
School Banking day is Tuesday. Each week you need to fill in your banking book and bring it to the canteen between 8.30am and 9am every Tuesday.
If you would like to know more about School Banking, please ask for a 2021 School Banking program parent guide from the school canteen or visit www.commbank.com.au/schoolbanking
P&C Contact Details
Hayley Hennessy – President – agpsp-cpresident@outlook.com.au
Rachael Jones – Secretary – agpsp-csecretary@outlook.com.au
Amy Holmes – Fundraising Coordinator – agpsp-cfundraising@outlook.com.au
Jenni – Canteen Supervisor – arborgrovep-c@hotmail.com
Canteen – (08) 6497 4831
Arbor Grove Dental Therapy Centre
Arbor Grove Dental Therapy Centre will be opening:
Monday - Friday
8.00AM - 4.00PM
For emergencies outside these hours or during public holidays please contact the Emergency Service on 1800 098 818, The Oral Health Centre on (08) 6457 4400 (Eligibility Applies), OR your Private Dentist.
Parents must attend dental examination appointments with their children. If you have not received an appointment in the past few years, we may not have your current address. Please contact us and advise of any address or contact detail changes.
Text message reminders will be sent two days prior to your dental appointment.
High School Students are eligible to attend the Dental Therapy Centre from year 7 to year 11 or until they turn 17, whichever occurs first. If your child is not already enrolled, it’s not too late to enrol now!
Entry to Arbor Grove Dental Therapy will now be on Harberton Parkway. Please park in the carpark with the sign for ‘Canteen/Dental staff parking’. The gate to enter is on the left side of the carpark with a sign.
Thank you,
ARBOR GROVE DENTAL THERAPY STAFF (08) 9296 7388
Wednesday 24 February | Foodbank Food Sensations Incursion Rooms 17 and 20 |
Monday 1 March | Labour Day - STUDENTS DO NOT ATTEND |
NOTICEBOARD