Hello Parents and Students,

We have officially kicked off Term 3, and it is already proving to be just as busy and fast-paced as Term 2!

Thank you to all the parents and students who either attended campus or joined us via Zoom for our Parent-Teacher Interviews. These conversations are an important part of supporting student growth and success. The opportunity to share feedback, celebrate achievements, and set goals for the semester ahead is invaluable, and I look forward to seeing the positive outcomes that come from the many productive discussions held over the past two days.

As we move further into the term, there are several exciting activities and events on the horizon. One important milestone approaching sooner than many of us realise is our Semester 2 MAP Testing, which has now been scheduled for Week 5 in August.

MAP Testing Schedule

• Tuesday 18 August – Reading
• Wednesday 19 August – Mathematics
• Thursday 20 August – Language Usage

To help students achieve their best possible results, I encourage them to spend some time completing relevant IXL tasks in the lead-up to testing. Consistent practice and preparation can make a significant difference and help students demonstrate their full potential.

I wish everyone a successful and productive term ahead and look forward to celebrating our students' achievements in the coming weeks.

Thank you,

Mr Hewitson

Today we thanked Mr. Hewitson for his care, patience and dedication he brings to our school every day.

It is lovely to have visitors to our Campus.

If you are visiting, even if only for a minute, please sign in at the office and you will receive a visitor lanyard.

Please can you wear the lanyard so that the staff and students know that you have signed in and are accounted for.

Thank you to the following staff who have recently visited our Campus:

Mrs. Deborah Selman

Mrs. Natalie Freedman

This term, our students will be exploring the fascinating world of bees across a range of learning areas. Through Science, English, Humanities and other subjects, students will investigate the important role bees play in pollination, food production, and environmental sustainability. We are especially excited to welcome Mrs Page and her bees to our classroom later this term. This will provide students with a unique opportunity to learn firsthand about beekeeping and the valuable contribution bees make to keeping our ecosystems healthy and productive.

As part of this learning, students will develop a greater understanding of sustainability and how even the smallest creatures can have a significant impact on our lives. This week, the Year 5/6 class researched the life cycle of another important pollinator, such as a beetle or honey possum, and created beautiful spinner displays to showcase their learning. They will also discover how bees help produce many of the foods we eat and why protecting bee populations is important for our future.

A reminder that MAP Testing will take place in Week 5. These assessments help us track student growth and identify areas for future learning. Students are encouraged to regularly use IXL throughout the term to strengthen their literacy and numeracy skills and prepare themselves for the tests.

We also have Book Week coming up in Week 6. This is always an exciting time that celebrates reading, imagination and storytelling. We encourage students to begin thinking about their costumes and to continue reading regularly at home in preparation for the week's activities.

We look forward to an engaging and busy term of learning, discovery and celebration. Thank you for your continued support.

Miss Corps & Mr Turk

Dress-up Book Parade: 2.30pm, Monday 24th August

Venue: Northam Primary classroom

Please join us after the parade to help your child create their Story in a Jar . All parents and grandparents are welcome to attend. Craft materials, including paint, textas, and paper, will be provided.

We hope to see you there!

GUIDELINES FOR COSTUMES & DRESSING UP

As part of our upcoming dress-up event, we kindly ask that students select costumes inspired by characters from books. Each child should bring their chosen book to school, as they will have the opportunity to share and talk about it with their peers. To maintain the fun element of Book Week, we will not be awarding prizes for costumes.

We request that all costumes and characters reflect respect and align with our school’s values and ethos. To ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all, please note the following important points:

• Toy weapons (such as swords or guns) are not permitted.
• Face paint and makeup should be kept to a minimum.
• Political figures are not suitable for this event and will not be permitted.
• Live animals are not allowed as part of costumes.

We appreciate your support in helping us create a joyful and respectful celebration of literature and imagination. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Thank you for your continued support of this wonderful celebration. We’re looking forward to a magical week of imagination and storytelling!

Along with the opportunity to dress up as a favourite book character, students will also participate in another book themed creative competition.

Create a Story in a Jar

A Story in a Jar can be either a miniature scene – similar to the Book Nook diorama but with a 360-degree view - or a collection of clues that viewers piece together to guess the book title. These creations often depict scenes from a fictional world, but they can be truly anything at all-your imagination is the only limit! .

Students will create their jar or bottle during class time with the support of their class teachers and parent volunteers.

Preparation Before Week 6:

• Choose a favourite book as the basis of their entry. Please note: Titles should be OSG approved, age appropriate and meet the guidelines for OSG Libraries

• Decide whether to recreate a favourite scene or include clues, objects, to form a puzzle to be guessed.

• Collect a suitable jar or bottle. (e.g. a coffee jar, or jam jar or plastic bottle)
• Begin gathering special materials and props (students will have access to the usual school art and craft supplies)

• Decide on their Book Week dress-up character

Once completed, the jars will be displayed in Primary classrooms/studios and Learning Centres. A campus slideshow will also be created for newsletters and shared for all to enjoy.

The Competition Element

All students will have the opportunity to make a Story jar, but participation in the competition is optional.

Class teachers and the Primary Lead Teacher will judge entries based on the competition guide and select Campus Winners using the following parameters:

• For campuses with 20 Primary students and under up to 1 winner will be selected per year group
• For campuses with 21-50 Primary Students there will be 2 winners per year group,
• And campuses with over 50 students there will be 3 winners per year group. Students may work individually or in a small team (max 3).

Campus Winners will then proceed to a National Final where the:

• Top 3 will be selected for Years 3-4
• Top 3 for 5-6 will be chosen.

The prizes:

• 1st prize $75 book voucher
• 2nd prize $50 book voucher
• 3rd prize $25 book voucher.

Important Dates

Launch Date: Monday 24th August

Closing Date: Friday 28th August

Winners Announced: End of Term 3 with date TBC

We look forward to visiting classrooms and seeing the incredible designs take shape.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact a member of the Primary staff.

Year 9 Mexican Wellness Bowl Practical. The students also did a taste test of different foods such as hot honey, kimchi and haloumi.

Year 8 Serving Size Activity. The students had to choose the appropriate serving size from three differing amounts.

The Year 7's cooked a delicious damper and were masters of the washing up!

The students did an amazing job on the last day of term with their Cafe & Car Wash.

We made a grand total of $700, (after expenses).

Thank you to everyone who came along and supported this event.

Note: Please regularly check the School Calendar in Sentral, as these can be subject to change.

OnePortal Parent Information

OSG OnePortal Instruction Handbook

Sentral - Parent Absences Process