22 March 2018

Newsletter Articles

A Note from the Principal

Friday, 16 March was the 'National Day of Action Against Bullying'. Butler Primary School is committed to providing a safe and supportive learning environment every day, free from bullying, harassment and violence. By the school community working together, we are sending a clear message to young people that bullying and violence, in or outside of school, are not okay at any time.

The Bullying. No Way! Website is a great resource for students, parents and teachers in providing advice, support and information regarding bullying, prevention and resolution.

The following excerpt from the website outlines what bullying is, and isn’t:

Bullying is an ongoing misuse of power in relationships through repeated verbal, physical and/or social behaviour that causes physical and/or psychological harm. It can involve an individual or a group misusing their power over one or more persons.

Bullying can happen in person or online, and it can be obvious or hidden.

Bullying of any form or for any reason can have long-term effects on those involved, including bystanders.

Some conflicts between children are a normal part of growing up and are to be expected. Single incidents and conflicts or fights between equals, whether in person or online, are not considered bullying, even though they may be upsetting and need to be resolved.

Identifying bullying can sometimes be difficult. Bullying is often conducted out of sight of teachers and children may be reluctant to report bullying.

Online bullying (sometimes called cyberbullying) is bullying carried out through the internet or mobile devices. Children who are bullied online are also often bullied face-to-face. Examples of online bullying include:

• face-to-face (e.g. pushing, tripping, name-calling)
• at a distance (e.g. spreading rumours, excluding someone)
• through information and communications technologies (e.g. use of SMS, email, chat rooms)
• 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

Online bullying is one potential cybersafety issue for children when they use computers and mobile phones.

It is of particular interest that the website mentions ‘bystanders’. The role of the bystander in de-escalating and stamping out bullying cannot be understated. We often see in media bystanders taking video footage of incidents, and can only hope that bystanders actively intervene in a safe and appropriate manner to support and protect those being bullied.

All schools and many other institutions experience reports of bullying. Through our process of resolution the vast majority being satisfactorily resolved. Our experience tells us that parents can and must play an important role in reducing bullying.

The most important actions a parent can take are:

1. Inform the school immediately. The majority of our most serious concerns arise from the school not knowing there is an issue. The growing use of social media now means the majority of bullying does not occur face to face, at school or in the playground. It can be happening anytime, anywhere.
2. Monitor your son/daughter’s social media. Whilst technically 13 years of age is the minimum age for opening many social media accounts, many of our students report having them.

Your guidance and support will greatly assist them to navigate the new, challenging issues they will face with these new tools. Whilst Friday 16 March was our National Day against Bullying and Violence I would ask you to join with the school to “Stand Together Every day."

Mrs Julie Woodhouse
Principal

Merit Certificate Recipients: Week 4 – Junior Assembly

Merit Certificate Recipients: Week 5 – Senior Assembly

Merit Certificate Recipients: Week 6 – Junior Assembly

Merit Certificate Recipients: Week 7 – Senior Assembly

Butler Primary School’s Choir Woolworth Choir – Woolworths Butler Opening December 2017

On Wednesday, 13th December the Butler Primary School Choir joined Alkimos Primary School in the grand opening of the Woolworths in Butler.

The Butler Primary School Choir with local member Hon. John Quigley – State Member for Butler

The morning started off with a Welcome to Country and song by local Noongar Elder, Walter. This was followed by speeches given from various Woolworth’s managers and the Honourable Mr John Quigley.

After the speeches both choirs stood and beautifully sang the National Anthem together. This was followed by the official ribbon cutting and opening of the store.

Next the schools were presented with a $1000 voucher from the Manager of Woolworths. Also, all students were given a special gift bag as thanks for their outstanding performance. A huge thank you goes to the Store Manager, John and his staff for their generosity.

Hannah & Tayla accepting a $1000 donation from Woolworths on behalf of our school

To finish off this special morning, our school Choir sang two carols ‘Do They Know It’s Christmas?’ and ‘All I Want for Christmas is You’. All performers did an amazing job! I am very proud of your beautiful singing. Congratulations Choirettes!

Students’ artwork displayed at the opening of Woolworths

Miss Jurgowiak
Music Teacher

WHAT’S ON IN?...........

PP4 - Kindy

We have had an amazing start to Kindy in 2018. We have learnt to follow a class routine and explore our environment. We have enjoyed practicing our fine motor skills and our jumping, running and climbing. We have listened to stories – our favourite story is ‘We’re going on a Bear Hunt’. We went on our own bear hunt to look for George, our class teddy. We are learning to play together, show kindness and be creative.

Mrs Kerry Buhner

PP5 - Kindy

In PP5 we have been learning about using our listening ears. We have played several listening games and took our listening ears on a walk around the playground to identify different sounds. This term we are getting to know our new friends and learning how to work and play together. Last week we made our own teddies using the sewing machine, then we built houses for them. At the end of term we will take our teddies out for a Teddy Bears Picnic.

Mrs Alison Johnston

PP6 – Kindy

In PP6 our year has started with an educational focus upon “Me and the Family.” The kindy children are beginning to develop and understand a sense of their own identity and know that families can come in all shapes and sizes. As they have shared information during this fun and exciting program, the children have enhanced their knowledge of why families are so very important to us all.

Mrs Elizabeth Saunders

NAPLAN ONLINE

This year, students in Years 3 and 5 will take part in NAPLAN Online. NAPLAN 2018 will see approximately 277 schools in Western Australian move to the online delivery method. By 2019, all schools will be expected to participate in NAPLAN Online.

NAPLAN testing will begin on the 15th May and run for approximately 2 weeks. Students in Years 3 and 5 will participate in Writing, Reading, Conventions of Language and Numeracy Tests. Year 5 students will complete all tests online. Year 3 students will complete the Reading, Conventions of Language and Numeracy tests online. However, the Writing test will be handwritten (as in previous years).

NAPLAN Online will provide improved assessment, more precise results and a faster turnaround of information. Please ensure that your child has received the NAPLAN Online – Information for parents and carers brochure. If you have not received this, please contact your child’s class teacher.

Racheal Tighe, Leah Jones & Haylee Smith

Parent Parking

To help ease congestion around the school during peak times we encourage families to walk their children to and from school wherever possible, especially in fine weather or park at the Community Centre car park and walk your children across the oval.

All Staff park at the front of the school. This will free up all bays in the public car park off Cambourne Way.

Families are reminded that parking is not permitted on grassed kerbside areas around the Pre-primary car park and along Tollesbury Avenue, as well as the bricked median strip in Cambourne Parkway or across any footpaths. Parking is also not permitted in bus bays. Please consider the safety of all other road users and pedestrians when parking and leaving schools grounds.

Please also give consideration and respect to owners of properties surrounding the school.

All usual road and parking rules apply around the school and parking fines are issued by rangers (who visit frequently) to those not adhering to the road rules. Please download the map below for parent parking information.

School Payment Options Available

Butler Primary School now has eftpos facilities available in the front office!

Payment methods for charges and contributions can now be made via:

• Eftpos
• Cash or Cheque (please use the school money envelopes and place the sealed envelope in the black letter boxes. The boxes are located in the wet areas of each of the blocks and the office)
• Direct Deposit (reference student name and payment description.)
  BSB: 016 338
  Acc: 110391487

Absentee Messaging Service

Due to the ease of this service, the sending of a text message to Butler Primary School to notify us of your child/ren’s absence has been embraced by many families. Please send absentee messages through to 0419 091 075 with all of the following details so we can correctly update student records:

• Full name of your child/children
• Reason for absence
• Date of absence

Absences can also be phoned through to the office on 9562 1804.

As per Department of Education policy, it is the parent’s responsibility to notify the school of the reason for your child’s absence/s within three days of the absence. Failure to do this will mean that the absence will be marked as “unacceptable reason” affecting your child’s education and attendance record.

Students Arriving Late

Any student arriving late to school, after the siren sounds at 8.35am, will need to enter the school through the front office to collect a late note which is to be given to their class teacher.

Update Student Contact Information

If you have recently changed mobile numbers or moved address, it is important you update your contact information with the office. Please also advise if there is a change to any of your emergency contact information.

Siren Times

Please note the change in time for recess and lunch this year. The start and finish times for school remain the same.

2018 Siren Times

Donating Uniforms

Butler Primary School is seeking donations of uniforms, including polo shirts, dresses and suitable navy bottoms, especially in sizes 8-12. If you are able to assist please drop the clean clothing at the front office.

From the Library

We have had an exciting start to 2018 with Kindy and Pre-primary children enjoying their visits to the Library and making their own choices in which books to borrow.

Book Club

We have decided to not to distribute the Book Club Issue 2 catalogues and process cash orders, as they will not be back to school before the end of Term 1.

Easter and ANZAC Day

We have 2 upcoming themes in the Library, Easter and ANZAC Day. Along with displays to coincide with these themes, we have many books which we hope your children will enjoy.

Did you know?

The world’s largest library is the British Library, located in London, England. It has over 170 million items!

The world’s oldest continually operating library is the Al-Qarawiyyin in Fez, Morocco. It opened in 1359 AD.

And Russia has the most public libraries with approximately 62,000 which are in most towns and villages.

The British Library reading room

Mrs Pengelly and Mrs Dowrick

Chaplain’s Corner

HELLO Everyone,

I hope you are well, and that Term 1 has been a successful one for you so far and will continue that way.

We are already at the end of Week 8 and there is only 1 week to go before our Easter break!

May this Easter be a Blessed and reflective time for yourself and your family.

Take time to rest, take time to share with loved ones, and take time to stop and be present in the moment.

In Real Life: Real Friendships, Real Confidence

This term we are beginning a new program at Butler PS - a program designed to help girls grow their friendship skills. Specifically designed for girls in Years 4-6, In Real Life addresses topics such as making and being a good friend, gossip, conflict resolution, managing emotions, safe social media use, plus assists girls to identify their support networks. The program runs over seven 45 minute sessions, and encourages girls to grow their communication with each other, build each other up and handle feelings in helpful ways.

In Real Life will begin on 9th March with a small group of Year 4/5 girls. For more information, please speak to Vangi Hunter - School Chaplain.

Last week on Friday 16th March, was the National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence.

Some Helpful Info from BULLYING. NO WAY! Official Website.

Parents and carers

Parents and other carers have a key role in preventing and responding to bullying.

You can:

• Learn what bullying is and what it is not. This is the first step in talking about how to prevent or respond to bullying with your child. 'Bullying' is a word that is used for lots of things that are not actually bullying. These other behaviours may be just as serious, but may require different responses.
• Talk about bullying with your child at home to make it easier for them to tell you if something happens. Make sure they know what bullying is and how they can respond. Help prepare your children to prevent online bullying and to know what to do if it happens.
• Start when your child is young to guide them to develop the social and emotional skills they will need to build positive relationships throughout their lives, including problem-solving skills.
• Recognise the warning signs of bullying. Although there may not be an issue, you should talk to your child if you have any concerns. Raise the topic generally if you don't want to ask directly. Be aware that many times children and young people won't ask for help, so it is important to know what to look for.
• Learn about how to respond appropriately if your child tells you about bullying. You can reassure your child by remaining calm and being supportive.
• Find out as much as you can about what has happened by talking calmly with your child. A good understanding about what has happened can also help you in communicating with the school about the situation.
• Read about strategies that can help. Practising strategies at home with your child is a good way to prepare them to use them at school.
• Contact the school if bullying has occurred and the school needs to be involved. Read about how you and the school can work together to support your child, whether your child was bullied, bullied others, or witnessed bullying.
• Get involved in what your school is doing to prevent bullying.
• Learn about relevant state or national laws about bullying.
• Find resources for parents on online safety on the Student Wellbeing Hub about supporting your child to be safe online.
• Find additional assistance if, after working with your child and your school, you need more information or help to address the situation from outside the school.

Have a fabulous few weeks Families!

Kind regards,

Ms Hunter
School Chaplain
Thursdays and Fridays

Canteen Corner

Online ordering is available for the Canteen via:

Recess and 2nd bell lunch treats and snacks are still available through the canteen hatch.

Online Canteen Ordering

Please be reminded that we have a new online ordering system. It only takes a minute to sign up and the P&C will be using the same website for all future events like discos and sausage sizzles.

Sign up to QuickCliq now by using the link above.

Mrs Siakia
Canteen Manager

P&C News

Our new P&C office bearers are:

Fundraising

Our fundraising coordinator Lucy Malins, is always on the lookout for people to join the fundraising committee. If you are willing to help or have a great fundraising idea, please contact Lucy via the P&C Facebook page or butlerps.pandc@gmail.com.

We are currently fundraising for new resources in the areas of literacy, maths, science & STEM, as well as our school sensory garden and hope to also purchase new wobble chairs & jelly bean tables for our school this semester.

Billy G Cookie Dough orders close TODAY (March 22) and are expected to arrive April 9th.

The Easter Raffle closes tomorrow! (Tickets are available at the front office & we are still welcoming donations up until this time.) Winners will be drawn on Monday March 26th.

Entertainment memberships are available online for Presale with $200 worth of early bird vouchers for memberships purchased before April 30th.

Please order yours here;

Term 2 fundraising will commence immediately with an enormous Mother’s Day Stall running in the undercover area Monday, April 30th – Friday, May 4th (8:20am-8:35am only.) We will have gifts priced from $2-$8 along with another incredible raffle!

The fundraising committee is constantly seeking donations for raffles, rewards and school discos so if you or someone you know would like to donate, please contact the P&C.

School Banking

THURSDAY is school banking day!

Please remember to put your child’s deposit book and money into their grey classroom banking bag. The banking bag will be sent to the canteen with the class lunch basket. For more information regarding the program or to open an account, follow the link:

For further information contact the P&C via email at butlerps.pandc@gmail.com or through the P&C Facebook page “BPS P&C Association” – please see details above.

BUTLER OUT OF HOURS SCHOOL CARE

Please feel free to drop into the centre or contact us on 0403 347 952 or butler.oshc@ymcawaa.org.au for any queries. Information is also available at the school office.

Kind regards,

YCMA

COMMUNITY NOTICES

IRENE McCORMACK CATHOLIC COLLEGE
Presents…….Peter Pan

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