Issue 13 May 14, 2015
From the Principal
PFA Thank you - Mother’s Day
Thank you to our amazing PFA volunteer parents who did another wonderful job making sure
there were plenty of lovely gifts for our mums to enjoy on Mother’s Day. We hope all of our
mums enjoyed a lovely Sunday.
Education Week Celebration - Wednesday 20 May
‘Crack the Code with Maths!’ is the theme of this year's Education Week, 17-23 May 2015. To celebrate at Parkhill, we are having a fun filled learning evening of maths and other activities across
the whole school on Wednesday 20 May. Parents and family are more than welcome to come in
and see these exciting activities from 9.00am—11.00am and in the evening from 6.30pm—
8.00pm.
The Education Week website now features information for parents and students about the value of maths, computer coding education, and the diverse study options and rewarding career
paths it can lead to. It also features themed activity ideas.
To find out more about Education Week and the value of maths and coding, visit:
www.education.vic.gov.au/educationweek
NAPLAN
Today saw the conclusion of the National Literacy and Numeracy testing process for our Year 3 &
5 children. Results are normally forwarded to parents towards the end of Term 3 each year.
These tests are designed to take a ‘snap shot’ of a student’s basic Numeracy and Literacy skills
and does not take into account the varied other forms of assessment that schools engage the
children in.
Historically, our school does very well in these tests when results are seen as a collective and I
expect this trend to continue. I commend the children for the way in which they took these formalised tests ‘into their stride’ and all did their best at answering the booklets. Thank you also
to the teachers who planned beforehand to ensure that the children weren’t overcome with
the formality of this experience and to the parents who delivered a delicious breakfast each day
as an extra treat for our Year 3 and 5 students.
IBAC Investigation:
Congratulations to the investigation team from the Independent Broad-Based Anti-Corruption
Commission (IBAC), for their thorough investigation into corruption in the top echelons of the
Department oF Education. This investigation is being heavily reported by sections of the print
and tv media with new schools, principals and beaurecrates being named as witnesses on a daily
basis.
As a Principal, I am shocked by the nature of these developments and that those in positions of
power would use funding that was clearly allocated for student use, to benefit their own
needs. Government school Principals I speak to on a daily basis, who maintain the highest levels
of integrity and honour, trust that those responsible will be held fully accountable and criminal
proceedings engaged where appropriate.
It is important to note that Parkhill has a long and proud history of probity and careful fiscal
management, having received the highest ratings on a number of occasions from independent
financial reviewers. I commend Mrs Jo Ravida and our Finance Sub Committee for upholding
Parkhill to the highest of standards.
Should parents have further questions regarding this matter, or what has been reported recently through the media, please access the following sites;
http://www.ibac.vic.gov.au/ or
http://www.education.vic.gov.au/about/department/Pages/ibac.aspx
…..and finally thank you to the families who recently completed our Kidsmatter survey to provide the school with some baseline data around student mental health and wellbeing.
Bye for now
Rod McKinlay
Parkhill Basketball Incursion
Sport News
In PE this week, Parkhill played host to basketball professionals Breland and Delwan. Both from America, the
guys put the Grade 5 and 6 students through their paces and gave us a real insight into how much dedication
you need to be a professional athlete traveling the
world. If you know of any professional sportsperson
who would be happy to visit Parkhill, please don't hesitate to ask them to get in touch with the school via
email.
Dean Sciacca.
Science— Student Reflection
Little Scientist
On Wednesday 6 May Aurelia, Nina, Qing and John went to John Monash Science School to do
the Little Scientist, Big Science Program. We learnt about flight, there were 2 challenges. The
first challenge was to take a normal piece of paper and make it drop at the slowest rate. The
second challenge was to drop an egg without letting it crack; using string, paper, newspaper,
straws, sticky tap and popsicle sticks,. There were two groups who succeeded in both drops.
The groups that succeeded were Jells Park and Parkhill!!! Overall it was a great experience.
By Aurelia
Science— Student Reflection
It was the first day of a wonderful journey at John Monash Science School. What a big school!
We took a photo of ourselves and entered our name on a big machine. It printed out a little
passport.
Now we went upstairs – LEARNING TIME! We started off talking about Nanotechnology. The first
activity was the Aspirin activity. We had to see how fast it dissolved in water. After that activity we did the Magic Sand experiment. We started off by putting little by little grains of sand on the water. It floated! Then
we put a bunch in and it sunk! After that we played a Nanotechnology game. We had to comprehend what went on. The
last activity was observing the different types of sugar and recording information about it, such as most transparent and
the thickest. What a fun day!
By John
Calendar
of
events
Thursday
May 14
2.30pm
Parkhill PFA
MEETING
ROOM
Please note
the change
of venue
Thursday
June 4
PFA Meeting
All welcome
2.30pm
Meeting
Room
Friday
June 12
Trivia Night
R.B.Hall
7.30pm
Thursday
June 25
2 sessions
President: Anny Murray (Miakoda & Jennon Grs 4 & 3)
[email protected]
Vice President: Vanessa Cowley (Madison Prep T)
[email protected]
PFA Meeting
Student
Disco
R.B.Hall
Mother’s Day Stall:
Thank you to all the mums who generously donated their time
last Friday. There were lots of fantastic gifts for some very excited
children to buy. We hope all the mums had a wonderful day on
Sunday.
We would like to thank our helpers Karen R, Helen D, Elizabeth H,
Michelle T, Cate P, Natalie G, Debbie M, Gabrielle M, Vanessa C, Lisa
H, Kerrie Mc, Megan W, Rumi D and Irene H.
A very big thanks to Vanessa C and Lisa J for coordinating this
event.
We raised approximately $1,200 which is a wonderful total.
Mother’s Day lucky ticket draw:
We had a wonderful response to our Lucky ticket draw. The lucky
winners were Evan X, Jane P and Fran D.
Trivia night!
We had some great feedback from Jane P who was amazed at the
contents of her hamper. We thank Priceline for generously donating two hampers and Lisa J for sourcing these donations.
A fantastic night of fun
is being planned by April
and her team.
It looks like we took approximately $600.00 for this draw!
Save the date Friday 12th
June at 7.30pm
Special Lunch and Scout Raffle:
Naplan breakfasts:
A big thank you to the
mums and dad that
helped out in the mornings. Our children were
lucky to receive fresh
fruit and savoury snacks
delivered to their classrooms. A big thank you
to Sumi S and April M for
sourcing the yummy
breakfast once again.
We still are looking for someone to take on these roles; these jobs
are easy to do so if you would like to see them occur please contact us.
Student Disco:
The date for the student disco is Thursday 25 June.
Plans are underway and the SRC have been busy brainstorming a
theme for this fun night.
We are still in need of a coordinator for the parent’s retreat. It involves a little set up, purchasing some food and drinks. That’s it!
Please let us know if you are able to help. It is a great place to sit
and chat while the children have fun in the disco.
PFA is now available as part of the tiqbiz application
DIARY ALERT: FOOD ALLERGY WEEK 2015
Be Aware. Show You Care.
Sunday 17 to Saturday 23 May 2015
BE AWARE.
Hospital admissions for severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) have
doubled over the last decade in Australia, USA and the UK.
In Australia, admissions for anaphylaxis due to food allergy in children aged 0 to 4 are
even higher, having increased five fold over the same period.
As a result, Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia (A&AA) is asking parents, families, teachers,
carers and community members to join together during one week in May to help raise
awareness of the prevalence of allergy and best practice allergy management.
Originally founded by a concerned mum alarmed at the lack of information available
when her son was diagnosed as at risk of anaphylaxis, A&AA now advocates on behalf of
allergy sufferers across the country.
“Australia has one of the highest reported incidences of food allergies in the world, and
one in 10 babies born in Australia today will develop a food allergy,” explains Maria Said,
President of A&AA.
“With so many children and adults at risk, ensuring that our wider community can help
prevent allergic reactions from occurring but can also recognise the symptoms of a reaction and know what to do in an emergency, is key. Not only does this help in reducing hospitalisation rates, in some cases, it potentially prevents death.”
SHOW YOU CARE.
There are several ways that you can Show You Care during Food Allergy Week 2015.
• Paint one nail to symbolise that one in 10 babies born in Australia
today will develop a food allergy and post a pic on your social media
channels using #allergyaware
• Make a donation at www.foodallergyaware.com.au
• Adopt an allergy for one day to better understand the challenges
allergy sufferers face every single day. Set up an Everyday Hero fundraising page for
friends and family to sponsor you
• Download a badge from our website to use through your social media channels
• Hold a local community event to raise awareness and/or funds
For further information, please visit www.foodallergyaware.com.au.
Media Enquiries: Tegan Brown, Bite Communications 02 9977 8195 or
[email protected]
About Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia
A&AA is a charitable, not-for-profit organisation that aims to improve awareness of allergy in the community through education, advocacy and support. A&AA develops a
range of educational materials, resources, workshops and seminars. Part of an international alliance of like-minded organisations, A&AA works closely with peak medical bodies including the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA).
Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA) 2013. http://
www.allergy.org.au/patients/foodallergy/food-allergy
Birthdays
May
Oliver B
Joseph P
Douglas T
Alexandra S
Ruby P
Akil M
Joseph F
Mystique H
Benjamin F
Pandelis A
Amrith S
Viktoria K
Harlie C
Milan T
Anik P
Ella M
James D
Thomas H
Nicholas T
Dylan M
Mark S
Gemma E
Nathan N
Phyllis T
Pria T
Billy N
Anabel W
2015
Calendar of
Curriculum events
Friday 15 May
NO ASSEMBLY
Thank you to our wonderful volunteers who have helped out
this week with Naplan breakfasts.
Friday 15 May
5\6 Sport—
The students very much appreciate your support.
Friday 15 May
Grades 1 & 2 MCG
Excursion
Friday 15 May
Grades 3 & 4 Health
Afternoon
Sunday 17 May
Working Bee Term 2
1.00pm - 4.00pm
Tuesday 19 May
Grade 3 & 4 MCG
excursion
Care, Honesty, Unity
Respect, Persistence
Administration
Please remember to
return you Visitor badge and
for emergency purposes adhere
Visitors:
to the rules of signing in & out at
all times when helping in the classroom, dropping items off or helping out in the many ways possible
at Parkhill.
TIQBIZ News: Remember school
events are updated in the Tiqbiz
‘CALENDAR’ on a regular basis &
reminders only beep through 24
hours prior to events happening.
You can also sync the calendar to
your own device!
Also, each year you will need to
“find & tick” your child/rens class
to update the info you receive.
The ‘Details’ page is if you need to
update your personal information
ie: telephone numbers or address.
Messages: Should you need to
leave a message for your child,
please phone at recess which commences at 11.00am.
Trying to get a message to class is
at times difficult as the timetable
may mean they are not in their
classrooms & messages are missed.
Mazz Higlett
& Jo Ravida
postponed
Wednesday 20 May Story Time for 2016
Prep enrolments
2.15—3.15pm
Wednesday 20 May Open Day \ Evening
Thursday 21 May
Grade 5 & 6 Design
Inquiry excursion
Thursday 21 May
Grade 3 & 4 Parent
Health Expo in the
Hall & science Kitchen 2.15—3.30pm
Friday 22 May
Parkhill Cross Country Grades 3—6
Friday 29 May
SDSSA Cross Country
Monday 1 June
Monash District
cross Country
Wednesday 3 June Prep’s Puffing Billy
Excursion
Tuesday 23 June
Soiree
Gold Coin donation
Friday 26 June
End of Term 2
SRC Free Dress Day
Gold Coin Donation
2.30pm dismissal
PILATES
TRY YOUR 1ST CLASS FOR $6!
Pilates is popular with all ages and abilities and can help with general fitness, a stronger, toned, more flexible body, improved posture, injury prevention, increased energy and enhanced wellbeing!
Come and find out what Pilates can do for you at our friendly classes!
Mondays 9.30am, Wednesdays 6pm,
Thursdays 9.30am and Saturdays 9.15am
The Uniting Church Hall, 482 High Street Rd,
Mount Waverley. Mel: 61 G12
Tuesday 7.30pm—8.30pm
Parkhill Primary School Hall, Parkhill Drive, Ashwood. Mel: 60 K9
Cost: $13.00 per class for block bookings or $17.50 casual
Please contact Karen to reserve your place:
email: [email protected] Tel: 9807 0429
www.karenspilates.com
Ashwood Memorial Kindergarten
Open Day
Saturday 16 May 10am-12pm
AMK has provided a nurturing education environment
for over 40 years.
We look forward to welcoming your family to:
• Explore our stimulating outdoor education area
•Meet our outstanding education team and
learn about our programs
•Experience our caring community in action
Enrolling NOW for 3 & 4 year old programs in 2016/17
17a Arthur St, Ashwood
[email protected]
www.ashwoodkinder.org.au