Port Augusta West Term 3 week 6
Principal's Report
Term three has once again been a very busy term with a number of learning and extra curricula opportunities available for our students.
I would like to thank the yr 4/5 class along with Mr Ikiua and Simone Schupelius for their organisation and set up of the Book Week disco last week. A huge thank you also to the Parent Club who supported the disco by cooking the bbq, and assisting with supervision on the night. These types of events increase school unity, by bringing together students from different grades and fostering a sense of community. When students are involved in organising an event, they often feel a greater connection to their school. Students are given the opportunity to meet new friends or strengthen existing relationships. We hope to continue to offer these positive memories for our students and showcase the positive, inclusive environment of our school.
I am pleased to announce that Paul Kalfas will continue his leadership role in 2025 and has won the position of Coordinator of Data Analysis and Curriculum. Congratulations Paul and we look forward to continuing with consistent leadership for the 2025 school year.
We celebrated SSO week this week by engaging in a wonderful celebratory assembly which was hosted by the 2C class. The students shared their gratitude by creating a video with their thoughts as well as presenting each of our wonderful SSO’s with a handwritten card which incorporated words of appreciation. The teachers prepared a lovely morning tea which included a gold medal biscuit being awarded. This year the theme was ‘Know your Worth’. We truly appreciate our SSO’s and the amazing job they do in making a difference in the lives of children and students every day. The pictures below were created by the 2D class, and they also interviewed our SSO’s and these are displayed in the staffroom.
Our most recent Student Free Day was very productive. Staff engaged with the new Public Education Strategy. Children and students learning and thriving public education is for every child and young person in every community across our state. Educators and staff work in partnership with families and communities to nurture, develop and empower all South Australian children and young people with the knowledge, skills and capabilities they need to become fulfilled individuals, active, compassionate citizens and lifelong learners. We are excited by the new strategy, and we are very much looking forward to diving deeper in to the 'Wellbeing' Area of Impact as a school. Staff unpacked our Student Wellbeing and Engagement Data and have made the commitment to focus on School Belonging and Emotional Regulation as a school direction. You will be hearing many updates and initiatives in the near future about our work with the strategy which will involve students, staff, families and the community.
Please find below a copy of the Department for Education’s Public Education Strategy.
Sarah Bury
‘Every Child – Every Classroom – Every Day’
Happy SSO Week!
SSO sketches completed by 2D.
Assistant Principal's Report
BOOK WEEK
In Week 5 Port Augusta West Primary School had celebrated Book Week. This year’s theme was “Reading is Magic”. We had celebrated the wonderful world of literature in a variety of ways. Teachers had read nominated stories to their classes and conducted activities related to the book. Every morning throughout the week, a morning announcement was made of a book week quiz where students could answer questions related to popular stories.
During the week, the Book Week Fair was on where books could be purchased to take home. On Wednesday morning, the school hosted their annual book week parade, our emcees were Joe Grantham, Addison Murphy and Luca Hamilton all doing a fantastic job. It was great to see so many amazing costumes and congratulations to all the winners. Thursday throughout break time we had the book swap happening where students could swap their own book for another one. Thank you so much to all who donated. Lastly on Friday to finish off book week we had a scavenger hunt in the library hosted by our SSO Tracey. The students had a lot of fun searching around the library to try and find all the clues. Thank you to everyone who supported in making this year’s Book Week a success.
Congratulations to all Book week winners, the judges found it extremely difficult to choose from so many amazing dress up costumes. Above are the winners for 2024.
back row... Murray, Jackson, Kobin, Bella, Leena, Sophie, Lexy, Charli, Amarli, Lylah, Joe, Oscar, Addison, Luca, Ronnie, Maddison, Dakoda
front row... Lilly, Evie, Carter, Jackson, Isobel, Oakley, Toby
Mrs. Maloney's class chose to read "Can you teach a fish to climb a tree" for book week, then enjoyed making their fish to display on the tree in their classroom. Students were also excited to shop at the bookfair held at school, we thank Katrina and her helpers, Sarah and Andrea who sold over $1600 worth of merchandise. This allows our school to purchase $470 worth of books for our library.
Assembly Awards
Our assembly times allow us to acknowledge our students based on the three values of our Positive Behaviour for Learning Program. These values include Respect, Resilience and Relationships.
Congratulations to the students who were awarded for their efforts during the week 6 assembly.
Classroom Chatter from Unit 1
2024 Paris Olympic Celebrations
In Unit 1 we have been celebrating the Olympics. In Art, we chose a sport and made a diorama about it. The catch is we had to make the athletes out of alfoil. I chose to go kayaking because it looks cool. I think all of them turned out well and I hope you like them. In Visual Arts, we also experimented with water colours to create different shades painted around our sport icons.
by Flynn
Children's University Spotlight
Rocket Launch
On Wednesday the 14th of August, we welcomed Richard Parker from the Children’s University in to our school to facilitate a Bottle Rocket making activity. Students were asked to bring in a plastic bottle to use as the basis for their rocket. During the first break, the students gathered in the library and created their own individual rockets by decorating them with a variety of resources.
The following week, Richard came back with his rocket launcher. During the first break, the students were able to launch their rockets out on the oval. Thank you to Richard for coming in and running this activity. The students thoroughly enjoyed the experience and those involved in the Children’s University were able to record an hour towards their passports.
We look forward to Richard continuing to offer these wonderful opportunities in term 4 and in to 2025 with our partnership with the Children’s University.
National Science Week
National Science Week
Week 5 was National Science Week 2024 with the theme ‘Species Survival: More than Sustainability’. PAWPS celebrated the sciences with a Bottle Rocket experimental launch, organized by the Children’s University; a wildlife experience in the Junior School and with the Upper classes taking part in the National Science Quiz.
Room 2C students had been studying Animal Adaptations in Science class. They used their research to develop a media presentation and invited Unit 3 classes to take part in the ‘Reptile Room Experience’, where they took on the role of ‘Reptile Rangers’. Students observed real live animals brought in by SSO Dakoda Lloyd- a Children’s Python, Bearded Dragon, Long Necked Freshwater Turtle and a Green Tree Frog. Students learned about the distinct adaptations for survival each species had developed.
We hope you enjoy the video as much as we all enjoyed the presentation!
Miss Mount
Classroom Chatter from 2B
'Disco Magic'
On Wednesday 21st of August, we had the wildest disco on the westside. We had just over 80 students attend we had a blast, dancing the night away and taking part in Simone's dance games like the limbo and the cha cha. I liked the flashing screen and the disco lights. A BIG THANKYOU to the Parent Group and their BBQ helpers for cooking the sausage sizzle, and suppling all the other goodies like fruit boxes, chips and the popular glowsticks.
Can't wait for the next one!!!
Aadi
Autism Inclusion Teacher
Sensory Processing for Learning
AITs and the school staff continue to learn about sensory processing to support our students’ learning and wellbeing. Our sensory systems (e.g. sight, sound, touch, body movement) build the foundation for our ability to manage daily living activities and behaviours, and to engage in academic learning. So…if sensory processing needs are not met, we can’t learn!
Therefore, it is important that students are given the tools and support to regulate their sensory systems, to be able to participate in school successfully. There are many strategies for this. For example, we can provide a quiet space or headphones for students who are sensitive to noise. Having quick movement breaks or squeezable items can help students who need extra input to their body.
We understand that the strategies that support autistic students can benefit any learner in the classroom, and we will keep trying them!
If you have any questions or concerns, please come and have a chat anytime.
Kyoko Miyamoto (Autism Inclusion Teacher)
Father's Day
In Mrs. Maloney and Mr. Kalfas' class the students made ties for someone special that they wanted to celebrate with on Father's day. The students wrote about the many great things their dads do, how they are funny, he loves playing with us, he's good at fishing, gardening and football. The ties are displayed in the library.
Wishing you all a Happy Father's Day.
