KOJONUP DISTRICT HIGH SCHOOL Blackwood Road, Kojonup, WA, 6395 Phone: 9831 2300 Fax: 9831 1643 Canteen: 9831 1403 Email: marcelle.howe@education.wa.edu.au

SCHOOL EXPECTATIONS Show Respect - Be Safe - Follow Instructions - Have Pride

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY

9 Book Fair Early Close 2:30pm Canteen: Nilla Rowe

10 NAPLAN Kindy Day School Psychologist

11

12 Kindy Day Director General Visit 1:00pm – 2:30pm

13 Yr 2 Miss Hutchison Whole School Assembly 2:30pm Canteen: Liz Leusciatti

16 Kindy Day Early Close 2:30pm Canteen: Deb Elliott

17 Kindy Day School Psychologist

18 19 Kindy Day Newsletter Yr 8 Immunisation

20 Inter-House Cross Country Canteen: Vicky House

NATUREPLAY PLAYGROUND

NEWSLETTER 5th MAY 2016

We are very pleased to announce that our Junior Primary Natureplay area is complete and has already been overrun by an abundance of happy students enjoying the new area. The grand opening was held on Monday April 4th with all the Primary School students in attendance (including many envious upper primary students) that couldn’t wait for the recess siren to sound. It has been a long but rewarding journey that all began due to the National Quality Standards and our staff identifying the need for the playground to become a Natureplay area to better benefit our students. Researchers at the University of WA have found that natural playgrounds provide children with more opportunities than typical pre-formed playgrounds, in the development of gross-motor skills. We have a long list of people to thank for their support, time and generosity. Firstly, our wonderful P & C Committee who we would like to sincerely thank for all their efforts. They not only funded the project but also donated and sourced materials and organised the busy bee to make it all happen. With special thanks to all the parents, staff and community members that gave up their Saturday to help construct the playground, we couldn’t have achieved what we did without you all. A special thank you to Deb Elliot for designing the playground and donating materials, Vicky House for managing the Busy Bee and making our abacus and noughts and crosses game (much loved elements of the playground) and Matthews Transport for their generosity in transporting the mulch. We are so fortunate to have such a wonderful school and wider community that have made such a project possible. FROM THE PRINCIPAL – Peter Callaghan Dear Parents and Carers, I could write a small book about the many and varied things I did on my Long Service Leave but it can all be summed up as an amazing and very restful time. With a week back l I feel I am getting back in step with my colleagues and the ongoing life of the school. I know this will be covered in detail elsewhere but I must comment on our junior primary playground. Thank you to the many people who worked so hard to create such a spectacular space for our younger children to play and test themselves. This is a wonderful transition space from the tightly controlled ECE play environment through to the more relaxed upper primary games area. As you can see from the two photos I took this morning this area is enjoyed by all who come to it! Bendigo Bank Netball. We have students playing mixed Netball in Katanning tomorrow and I would like to wish them well as they compete against students from other schools across the region. I know they will represent our school well. NAPLAN. Next week we begin our annual NAPLAN assessment cycle. As educators we look forward to seeing the results of these assessments as they are a valuable tool for us in refining our teaching programs and priorities. On Thursday 12 May we will be hosting a short visit by the Director General of Education, Sharyn O’Neill. Ms O’Neill will be here from approximately 1:00 pm to 2:30. During this time she will spend time with teachers over lunch; a school tour, led by our Student Leaders, of their favourite places and finally a trip to the Farm. Friday 13 June is the Year 2 Assembly and unfortunately both Mrs Hewson and I are required to be in Albany at the meeting the Director General is coming down for. In our absence Mr Trouchet will host the Assembly. Scripture. Last year we were approached by the Department approved ‘scripture teachers’ and asked if we would introduce Scripture to our curriculum. This became quite an involved issue and I have just recently had a call from the State Director of Scripture teachers and for a number of reasons we have decided NOT to proceed with this. Independent Public School. For those parents who have been involved with us for several years you will remember that in 2012 and 2013 this school was working towards an application for IPS status. I arrived here shortly after that process was completed and in the first few weeks we received the news that Kojonup had not been successful. There is now another opportunity to investigate the program and we have taken the first steps on the path. Last Term Mrs Hewson, Miss Dezotti and I attended an IPS Briefing day in Albany and I have been talking about this here at school. We will now undertake some training aimed at helping me form an opinion as to our readiness to formally apply. This will see me sharing with my staff what I learn, and together with the School Council, make a decision later in the year. In the next few weeks I will hold a Parent Information session where I will be able to elaborate on our intentions and on what we have achieved. I will promote this more and inform you when I have a time set. At this point, IPS is an ‘idea’ and a ‘work in progress’, no decisions have been made.

FROM THE PRIMARY DEPUTY PRINCIPAL – Jayde Hewson Term 2 already! I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday and enjoyed some quality time with their children. We have a very busy term ahead of us with numerous incursion, excursion, NAPLAN Testing and reports. ANZAC Day Service On Friday 8th April Kojonup DHS and St Bernard’s Primary School hosted the Combined School ANZAC Day service. I would like to thank the Student Leaders from both schools, Emma Bellotti, Jessica Chambers, Tara Coole Toby McGuire, Harry Parker and Annabelle Trezise on an outstanding commemorative service. Each leader spoke with poise and integrity and should be very proud of their efforts. Lily Hope and Jy Bevis read an ANZAC poem. I would like to thank Mrs Joan O’Halloran and Mrs Jan Norrish for the beautiful wreaths made for our school and the town ANZAC Service. Also to Miss Morgan Dezotti who organised and ensured the smooth running of the school service, thank you!

School Development Day On Tuesday 26th April all staff from KDHS travelled to Albany to engage in Professional Development. Primary Staff focused specifically on HASS (Humanities and Social Sciences) looking at the new Curriculum Documents to support grading across the years as well as sharing resources with colleagues teaching the same year levels. Using IT in the classroom as well as a means to share with the wider community, Connect was highlighted as a successful tool. PBS (Positive Behaviour School) Mascots Our Mascots are here! Thank you to Sonya Koster who has spent hours drawing and painting our PBS Mascot’s. They are now complete and will be up around the school in the coming week. Each Ram represents one of the four school expectations R = Show Respect, S = Be Safe, I = follow Instructions, P = Have Pride. Watch this space in the next newsletter for more details and pictures. Parent Interviews Communication is the key & it must be two way. Please make sure you are in contact on a regular basis with your child/ren’s classroom teacher either via a communication book, phone call or email. If you have any concerns please make sure you contact the school without delay to allow time to deal with the matter appropriately. NAPLAN Testing Next week from Tuesday 10th May all students in Year 3, 5, 7, & 9 will be a part of the National Assessment Program Literacy and Numeracy. Students will complete a Reading, Writing, Spelling & Grammar as well as Numeracy (Calculate & Non Calculate in Year 7 & 9) test over the course of the week. It is important to remember that these assessments are not to cause children or parents high levels of stress. It is a means by which students can be assessed in one standardised test across Australia. Director General Visit Sharon O’Neill will be visiting Kojonup DHS on Thursday 12th May from 1:00pm to 2:30pm. Ms O’Neill will be speaking to staff on a number of topics during lunchtime then having a tour of the school led by our Student Councillors. It is asked that all students wear full ‘light’ blue school uniform. Assembly Our first assembly for this term will be held on Friday 13th May hosted by Miss Hutchison’s Year 2 Class. FROM THE SECONDARY DEPUTY PRINCIPAL – Bob Trouchet Attendance I have been very busy signing certificates for students who had 100% attendance during Term 1. There were over 40 students who didn’t miss a single day. We are also recognising students who have made a major improvement in their attendance. (One student is attending on average an extra two days a week!) NAPLAN Testing Students have been preparing for this testing program which will take place next week on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Students who are absent on those days will be given the opportunity to sit the tests on Friday. Parent-Teacher Meeting Reports came out on the last day of Term 1. Parents have the opportunity to discuss them with secondary teachers on Thursday 5th May. The original starting time was incorrect as most staff will be at the netball earlier in the day and will need to return to school for the meeting. Connect The Education Department has set up an online system called Connect. This system allows students, parents and staff to communicate for the benefit of the students. I am trialling some aspects with my Year 8 maths class. They have access to assignments, a calendar showing due dates and the marks they have received for assignments and tests on any Internet connected computer. Parents of this class have been given the opportunity to have their own logon to the system and will be able to see this information and attendance details as well. A note was sent home with the Year 8 students regarding the trial and it should be returned to the Front Office if you wish to have access to Connect. Other staff are keen to make use of Connect as we see how the trial goes.

FROM THE SCHOOL NURSE - Carol Nicholls PACKED WITH GOODNESS: lunchbox ideas for busy parents and carers. This is a very good resource for parents/carers with guidelines for healthy lunchboxes and recipes for different but healthy lunch ideas. I will be giving you the whole booklet over a few weeks as it is too large to print out and send to all families – money issues! First newsletter – Introduction and information about how to keep lunches “food safe” Episode 2 – choosing packet foods and making healthier choices Episode 3- Healthy eating guide & how to know what a “serve” is Episode 4 - Healthy lunchbox example for various ages Episode 5 – recipes to try (4 of them) Episode 6 – 1 more recipe to try and where to obtain more information If you require any more information, please contact me at school on 98312300 Tues – Thurs I hope you find this resource useful and helpful!

MERIT AWARD WINNERS – 8th APRIL 2016 Congratulations to the following Award winners: Primary Award Winners Mia Noanoa Matilda Parker Adyn Reid Savannah Tunui Tama Glen Shonavae Potaka Amelia Webb Blake Simons Zander Chesson Kayden Mules Joshua Pexton Mikaela Gibbons Tahnee Dalton Jy Bevis Raevin Tunui Alyssa Fitzgerald Wiremu Watene Secondary Award Winners Maddy Moule Darci Campbell Darcy O’Halloran Moana Pedersen Mackenzie Pape

Wow!! 48 students had 100% attendance for Term 1, 2016. Students will be presented with their 100% attendance certificate at Mini Assembly, Monday 9th May, 2016 commencing at 10.30am. Congratulations to the following students:

Zach & Beau Baker Jenna Bilney Ruby Clews Ava Clifton Jackson Cowie Dakota Dalton Carissa Daw Britney & Brock Donaldson Olivia Draper Ashlyn & Chelsea Evans Brendan, Chantelle & Danielle Evans Benjamin, Cheyenne & Lacey Hallett Leah & Libby Hardingham Kowhai Harris Jacob Hart Mitchell Holland Stephanie Ladyman Amy Leitch Jacob Marsh Maxwell Miller

Kayden-James & Cooper Mules Zoe Pexton Millie Plowman Oliver Porter Taj Ramsden Isaiah Reid William Reid Joseph Retallack Amelia & Dylan Robinson Henry Simpson Jacob Sullivan Letitia & Shiann Wallam Ruger & Taylor Watson Tess Webb Noah Worts Sophie Zacher

BIRTHDAYS UP TO 5th MAY Maximus Ladyman Liam Hunter Titi Glen Cooper Mules Tayisha Campbell Malachi Woods Dane Moyes Jenna Bilney Hamish Eatt Sarah Cussons Jessie Gibson Cheyenne Hallett Jaxson Manolini Kirra Carrick Alexander Venn Carissa Daw Nathan Moore William Fleay

Jacob Sullivan Lanii Brown Georgia Malady

YEAR 4 ZOO CAMP FUNDRAISING Due to the wonderful baking skills of the Mums and Dads of Year 4, we raised a total of $794.70 at the cake stall held on Saturday 30th April. Awesome effort! The year 4 class would like to thank everyone who assisted on the day and the fantastic support received from the Kojonup Community. Our next fund raiser for camp is Billy G’s Gourmet Cookie & Biscuit Dough. Information and order forms have been sent to the youngest in family with today’s newsletter.

LIBRARY NEWS The pick for Lower Primary. Oi FROG! By Kes Gray & Jim Field Cats sit on mats, hares sit on chairs, mules sit on stools and gophers sit on sofas, but Frog does not want to sit on a log! A very funny rhyming tale about a frog that discovers that all animals have their special places to sit! … And it doesn’t end well for poor Frog… The pick for Upper Primary THE PEARL-SHELL DIVER By Kay Crabbe It is 1899 and life is fun for 13-year-old Sario. He lives with his clan on a beautiful island in the Torres Strait and spends his time diving, fishing and hunting. But everything changes when a white trader arrives on the island and offers Sario a position as a pearl shell-diver on his ship. Sario comes head-to-head with Hiroshi, a cruel Japanese pump-diver who takes an instant dislike to the young boy. But when Hiroshi suffers a case of the bends, Sario must take his place and learn to go down deep in a breathing helmet and suit to walk the ocean floor.

BOOK CLUB Issue Three has been sent home this week. Please order either by using the LOOP system or return your orders to me by no later than 11th May 16. BOOK FAIR Book Fair is coming to the Library next week Monday 9th May commencing at lunchtime (12.50pm). Students and parents are welcome to visit the Book Fair from 8.00am to 4.00pm Tuesday 10th through to Friday 13th May. If you have any problems or enquiries, please contact Sonya Koster on 9831 2300 during school hours.

Sonya Koster

DATES TO REMEMBER: Monday 9th May – Friday 13th May – Book Fair Tuesday 10th May – Friday 13th May – NAPLAN Thursday 12th May – Director General Visit Friday 13th May - Year 2 Miss Hutchison Whole School Assembly, 2:30pm, KDHS Common Room Thursday 19th May – Year 8 Immunisation Friday 20th May – Inter-House Cross Country Friday 27th May – RAC Road Safety – Secondary Thursday 2nd June – Inter-School Cross Country Friday 3rd June – Year 3 Mrs Hill Assembly, 2:30pm, KDHS Common Room Monday 6th June – WESTERN AUSTRALIA DAY PUBLIC HOLIDAY Friday 10th June – Fine Edge Theatre Wednesday 15th June – Primary Speech and Drama Festival Thursday 16th June – Secondary Speech and Drama Festival Friday 17th June – Whole School Assembly, 2:30pm, KDHS Common Room Friday 24th June – Primary Winter Carnival Friday 1st July – Reports sent home Friday 1st July – LAST DAY OF TERM 2

KOJONUP DHS P&C ASSOCIATION The Kojonup DHS P&C Association is always after new members to join us for our meetings which are generally only one or two a term. If you would like to receive correspondence from the Kojonup DHS P&C Association informing you on what’s happening at the meetings or would like to come along to the meetings please email me at parkers1@activ8.net.au or complete the slip below and return to the front office. Thank you. Our next meeting is on Monday 30th May 7pm at the school library. This is to further discuss a Quiz Night we are organizing for later in the year. We hope to see lots of new faces very soon. Yes I would like to receive correspondence from the P&C. Name:……………………………………………………………….. Email address: ……………………………………………………..

Julie Parker P & C Secretary

BLUE LIGHT DISCO When: Friday 13th May 2016

Where: Kojonup Memorial Hall Theme: Dress-up for the occasion

Time: 6.30pm-8.30pm Ages: 0 -15 Years

Canteen: Drinks, Chips, Lollies, Novelties Drop off and pick up required

Special food requirements or medical conditions are not the responsibility of organizers Kojonup/Katanning Bluelight

Ph: 9831 2555