Welcome back to Term Three!
2024 Religious Education Assessment (REA):
Our Year Three and Five classes were recently involved in the Religious Education Assessment (REA). This Assessment provides a point-in-time snapshot of student performance in Religious Education. Students’ knowledge and understanding of the content of the RE curriculum is assessed using a combination of multiple choice, and short and extended answer response items. The REA was completed online and will give us information to measure student learning of content in the Religious Education curriculum. The results of these assessments will also inform teaching and will be made available to parents and carers, once released. Thank you to our Year Three and Five teachers for all their support in administering the assessments.
2024 NAPLAN:
NAPLAN results for 2024 were sent home to families last week. Information was also sent home about interpreting and reading the data. The data is a good resource for our school to review how we are travelling across different learning areas and focus areas for continuous improvement. Please do remember that these reports provide a very specific snapshot of how your child is progressing at a point in time in Literacy and Numeracy. There are many other forms of assessment that we use here at Christ the King to track your child’s achievements across a range of domains, not just in Literacy and Numeracy. Please contact your child’s classroom teacher if you have any questions.
SCHOOL PROCEDURES:
This a gentle reminder that class begins for our students at the times listed below:
Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten:
Doors open at 8.30am and class begins at 8.40am
Pre-Primary to Year 6:
Doors open at 8.30am and class begins at 8.40am
For the safety and well-being of each individual child, no student should be on school grounds, unattended, before 8.10am (unless your child is participating in a co-curricular event). We have had several students who ride and get dropped to school arriving closer to 8am and school supervision does not begin in the quadrangle until 8.10 am. We appreciate your support with this and appreciate your understanding.
If your child arrives at school after 8.40am, please take your child to administration and sign in via the app on the iPad before going to class. This is also required if a child is collected during the day and then returned to school. If a child needs to be collected before 3pm (or 2.45pm for Kindergarten), please sign out via the app on the iPad in the office. If a child will not be attending school on any day, please contact the school prior to 9am on the day of the absence using one of the following methods listed below:
- Calling: 9487 9900 and leave a message on our absentee line
- Complete the quick link absentee form on our school website
When a planned holiday or other period of absence falls during term time, please submit an Extended Absence Form to the administration prior to the absence. This is required for any absence of five days or longer and must be approved by the school Principal.
UNWELL STUDENTS:
As we are well and truly in the colder months can we please ask that unwell students are not sent to school. Our staff and school nurse will call parents if a child is unwell or presents unwell throughout the day. Sending an unwell child to school in turn has an impact on the other students as well as the staff and all our families at Christ the King. Your consideration around this matter is greatly appreciated. If you need further clarification please refer to the https://www.health.wa.gov.au/ for recommendations of time children should be away from school for any sicknesses.
CHILD SAFETY AND WELL-BEING:
At Christ the King School, child safety and well-being is the primary focus of our care and decision-making. The Code of Conduct, Behaviour Management procedures and the Keeping Safe Curriculum are some of the ways that we do this.
What is the Keeping Safe: Child Protection Curriculum?
The Keeping Safe: Child Protection Curriculum (KS:CPC) is a respectful relationships and child safety curriculum, that teaches all children and young people they have the right to be safe and they can help themselves to be safe by talking to people they trust.
The KS:CPC is delivered by teachers to children and young people each year from Age 3 to Year 12. Teachers who deliver the curriculum complete training in its use. The KS:CPC fits primarily within the Health and Physical Education learning area of the Australian Curriculum but can be taught across multiple learning areas.
Why is child protection important?
The Department for Education and Child Development (DECD) has a legal responsibility to protect children and young people from abuse in its own settings and in the wider community. All children and young people have a right to:
- be treated with respect and to be protected from harm.
- feel and be safe in their interactions with adults and other children and young people
- understand as early as possible, what is meant by ‘feeling and being safe’.
- the support of school-based counsellors or designated staff in their education or care environment whose role includes being an advocate for their safety and wellbeing (Child Protection in Schools, Early Childhood Education and Care Services Policy, 2015, p4).
BOOK WEEK 2024:
Book Week is nearly here! The theme for this year is ‘READING IS MAGIC’. The Book Week Parade will be on: Wednesday 21st August at 9am for students from K – 6 in the quadrangle. Pre-Kindy will have their book week dress up day on Thursday 22nd August. On the day, your child is welcome to come to school dressed as a character from a book they enjoy. Students can bring along the book or a printout of the cover page. Parents and carers are most welcome to join us for our parade in the Quadrangle area. If you have any questions or queries, please contact your child’s classroom teacher.
STAFF PROFILE:
Our Year 6 Head Girl and Head Boy, Dominique and Christian will be interviewing our staff throughout the year so that we all can get to know each other well. This week they interviewed Ms Mangan, our school nurse. To find out more about Ms Mangan, please read below;
What is your favourite colour?
Pink.
What’s your dog Henry’s favourite colour?
Henry’s favourite colour is purple.
What’s your favourite food?
Chorizo.
What’s Henry’s favourite food?
McDonalds chicken nuggets.
What’s your favourite part about CtK?
My favourite part about CTK is the beautiful kids and all the friendly staff.
What’s Henry’s favourite part about CtK?
Getting to come to CtK. After coming to CtK, Henry helps calm kids down.
What sports do you follow?
AFL, Triathlon, Hurling (Irish sport)
What sports does Henry follow?
AFL and Horse-racing.
What is your favourite animal?
Pigs.
What’s Henry’s favourite animal?
Goat.
Where do you like to go to get away from things?
The beach or the bush, away from the city.
Where does Henry like to get away from things?
The beach, but he hates the water.
If you had a million dollars what would you buy?
One flight for all my family to go to Australia.
If Henry had a million dollars what would he buy?
He would donate it to the charity he came from, Nopup Cleft Behind.
What do you value most?
Honesty.
What does Henry value most?
Food.
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT:
We know that many students at Christ the King have amazing gifts and talents and achieve outstanding things outside of their life at our school. We would love to hear about all these achievements and have created a ‘Student Spotlight’ section in the Newsletter where you can share your stories with us. In order for us to share the news, we require as much detail as you can provide, so please email Mrs Reardon at: sabrina.reardon@cewa.edu.au
We can’t wait to hear and share your news!
ONLINE LUNCH ORDERS:
A reminder that Locavora offers 3 days of lunch delivery to our school on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays using the School Lunch Orders Online platform: https://schools.locavora.com.au.
Wishing you all a lovely weekend!
Mrs. Sabrina Reardon
Assistant Principal
ENRICHMENT at CtK:
At Christ the King, we offer an Enrichment program for select students in Years 4 to 6, where they engage in a variety of projects each semester. This year, our Enrichment students have tackled a fictional crime scenario in the Cluedunnit Kids project, where they investigated clues, presented evidence and handed down sentences. Other groups embarked on a virtual road trip around Australia. In the current semester, students are diving into the world of entrepreneurship. They are exploring concepts such as goods and services, economics, and the distinction between wants and needs, culminating in the presentation of their own business ideas to a panel of “Sharks.” This hands-on approach allows students to apply their knowledge in creative and practical ways.
“Enrichment is one of our favourite sessions in the week, we love getting to do the extra learning which exposes us to different subject areas and skills to help us grow. We also love our enrichment teacher Mrs Doecke who supports and helps us. Enrichment is a fantastic learning experience, and we love being part of it.” Cate and Ariana – Year 6
“I like enrichment because it’s fun and the activities we do are really enjoyable, my favourite activity so far has been Speak Up challenge, and last term we had to solve a crime which was challenging.” Pearl – Year 5.
Mrs Danae Doecke
Enrichment Teacher
ONE BIG VOICE:
The One Big Voice Festival at RAC Arena on Thursday August 22, 2024, commencing at 6.15pm is getting closer and our students are working so hard to get all their lyrics and choreography learnt! This wonderful choral festival promotes a love of singing, friendship, and acceptance and develops relationships with other children who share a love of music.
Tickets are now on sale through Ticketek or onebigvoice.com.au
Information regarding the tickets and stage plan were sent home in week 2, so you can see the best section to purchase your tickets. More specific details will follow next week about details on the day, what to bring and collection of your child at the end of the concert.
It promises to be a wonderful night, and we are thrilled that this year two of our choir students, Violette and Sofia D have been selected to sing solos and with the vocal group on stage. You will see them in the ‘National Anthem’, ‘Yellow’, ‘Cloudy Day’ and ‘One Big Voice’ so look to the stage to see them in those songs. The girls went through a rigorous audition process to be selected and then have attended several rehearsals to work with students from across Perth to perfect their parts. Congratulations girls.
Mrs Jackie Carroll
Music Specialist
A MESSAGE FROM OUR SCHOOL NURSE:
As the school nurse, I am dedicated to ensuring the health, safety and well-being of our students. One seemingly simple yet essential skill that greatly contributes to your child’s safety and independence is learning how to tie their own shoelaces. Here are several reasons why this skill is important and why I encourage you to support your child in mastering it:
Risks to Children in a School Setting with Untied Shoelaces:
Tripping and Falling: The most immediate risk of untied shoelaces is tripping and falling. Children are active and often run, jump, and play, making them more susceptible to accidents if their shoelaces are not securely tied.
Injury Risk: Tripping over untied shoelaces can lead to various injuries, including scrapes, bruises, sprains, and even fractures. Falls can occur on hard surfaces like concrete playgrounds, causing more severe injuries.
Disruption to Learning: Frequent stops to retie shoelaces can disrupt a child’s focus and participation in class activities. This can affect their concentration and overall learning experience.
Social Implications: Children with constantly untied shoelaces may feel self-conscious or be teased by peers. This can impact their social interactions and self-esteem.
Safety Hazards during Physical Activities: During physical education classes, sports, or recess, untied shoelaces pose a significant safety hazard. They can get caught in equipment, such as bike pedals, or cause accidents during games.
Interference with Mobility Aids: For children who use mobility aids (like crutches or wheelchairs), untied shoelaces can become entangled, posing additional risks and complications.
Increased Teacher and Staff Burden: Teachers and school staff may need to frequently assist children with tying their shoelaces, taking time away from instructional activities and other supervisory duties.
Inadequate Footwear Fit: Untied shoelaces can cause shoes to fit improperly, leading to discomfort, blisters, and foot pain. Poorly fitting shoes can also affect a child’s gait and posture over time.
Emergency Situations: In case of emergencies where quick evacuation is needed, untied shoelaces can slow a child down, posing a risk to their safety and potentially hindering the smooth execution of emergency procedures.
Encouraging children to keep their shoelaces tied and teaching them the importance of this practice helps mitigate these risks, ensuring a safer and more conducive learning environment.
Importance of Parents Teaching This Skill:
Bonding Opportunity: Teaching a child to tie their shoelaces is a great bonding activity. It allows parents to spend quality time with their child, creating lasting memories and strengthening their relationship.
Personalised Instruction: Parents can tailor their teaching methods to suit their child’s learning style and pace, ensuring a more effective and enjoyable learning experience.
Patience and Support: Parents can provide the patience and encouragement that children need when learning a new skill. This supportive environment helps children feel more comfortable and less pressured.
Consistent Practice: Parents can incorporate regular practice into daily routines, ensuring that the child gets enough repetition to master the skill.
Positive Reinforcement: Parents can celebrate small successes and milestones, offering praise and rewards that motivate the child to keep practicing and improving.
By learning to tie their shoelaces, children gain essential life skills and confidence, and when taught by their parents, the experience becomes an enriching and supportive journey.
Ms Andrea Mangan
School Nurse
Highway Heroes
Have you heard about Kimochi’s at CTK? The Kimochi’s Tool Kit is social and emotional learning program designed to give children the knowledge, skills and attitudes they need to recognize and manage their emotions, demonstrate caring and concern for others, establish positive relationships, make responsible decisions, and handle challenging situations constructively. Children in ECE classes have had the feelings pillows introduced and incorporated into their Health Lessons to link in with the Highway Heroes Program. They compliment each other beautifully. Children are now starting to meet some of the Kimochi Characters (Huggtopus, Cloud, Cat, Bug and Lovey Dove) so watch this space.
Below is some information we’d like to share with you and get the conversation not only happening in Health lessons, but also in the classrooms, out in the playground, and with families at home.
Getting Started with Kimochis in the Home
- Post your Kimochis feelings chart on your refrigerator, bulletin board, or child’s bedroom wall.
- Invite each family member to point to a feeling and…
- Say the feeling word
- Make the feeling face
- Make the feeling sound
- Have your child tell you what might make a kid (his or her age) have this feeling
STARTING & ENDING YOUR DAY IN A POSITIVE KIMOCHIS WAY
- To start your day with positive feelings, choose a feeling you want to have more of today. Ex. I want to have more SILLY.
Think of one way to create more feelings.
- At the end of day share SILLY stories of SILLY.
- Likewise, you can use your Kimochis feeling chart to predict and point to a hard-to-have feeling you don’t want to have today. Ex: Frustrated or mad. (Make it clear that everyone has hard-to-have feelings. These feelings feel hard or ouchy in our body but are very important.)
- Create a positive plan for what each of you will say and do should this feeling happen. Act out the plan to raise the odds everyone will remember to use this plan when emotions run high.
- At the end of the day, share how your feeling plan worked and create feeling plan B if needed. (This is a great way to create resilient people!)
BONUS: FEELINGS CHART IDEAS
I Doubt It
Use your pinky fingers to touch one feeling you had this week and one you didn’t. Have the rest of the family guess which feeling they doubt you had.
Share a story about the feeling you really did have.
Finger Twister
Each family member uses as many fingers as they can to touch feelings you had this
week. Other family members take turns pulling up one finger at a time and ask questions about this feeling. For example, if your finger was on frustrated someone could ask, “What made you feel frustrated?”
3 Pluses and A Wish
Each family member takes turns and shares 3 positive feelings they had this week and one wish for a feeling they want to have tomorrow.
Share ways you might be able to create this wished feeling for tomorrow.
Rikki Chapman
ECE Health Teacher
P&F News
We still have a limited number of Paint and Sip tickets available to purchase. $65pp which includes a drink of your choice, all materials and a giant shared grazing board. Raffle tickets are also available to pre purchase online now. Don’t miss out on this amazing event as ticket sales will close soon. Come and paint a masterpiece or something to hide in your back shed and have fun while doing it! No prior experience necessary as it will be a fully guided paint with lots of artists walking around helping you out.
The Father’s Day Arvo BBQ & Beats flyer has gone out this week. If you are a Father figure/ Caregiver please RSVP via the link on the flyer or visit our P&F Hub to secure your spot. It will be a fun-filled afternoon from 3pm-5:30pm with a make your own burger/hot dog bar, sports balls to have a kick on the oval and plenty of fun activities to do with the kids. We will have the music cranking and multiple art & craft stations around for the children to enjoy so you can chat and connect with all of the other amazing blokes in our CTK community. RSVP’s close Tuesday 27th August. We hope to see you there!
If you would like to volunteer for the Father’s Day Arvo, please go onto the hub and sign up. These events would not run without volunteers so join up and let’s give the blokes and kids a wonderful arvo. We are also looking for helpers for the Father’s Day Stall which will run that same morning so any help would be appreciated.
Have a fantastic week everyone!
Suraya
P&F President
Community News
Private & Group Singing Lessons
The above scripture quote offers us all a marvellously optimistic and challenging philosophy towards life. As teachers and parents we may not have any chance of influencing the world’s major events, but we can be powerful in our school and our home to instil in our children some of the great positive Gospel values such as love, respect, kindness, tolerance, sacrifice of self for another, gentleness, sharing and the list can go on.
Feast of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop
A man was taking a sunrise walk along the beach. In the distance he caught sight of a young man who seemed to be dancing in and out of the waves. As he got closer, he saw that the young man was picking up starfish from the sand and tossing them gently back into the ocean. “What are you doing?” the wise man asked.
Children, like adults, have a basic desire to be happy, to feel a sense of harmony within themselves. But with polite, thoughtful, loving interactions, parents can offer emotional support to the children and so make a significant difference to their achievement prospects and their all-round quality of life.
Helping Kids Unwind