Affirmation ∼ “Don’t let yesterday take up too much of today”. Will Rogers

Dear Parents/Care Givers,

Thanks

Harmony week was a resounding success for our students and families at Caladenia. The week consisted of many classroom activities designed to allow students to obtain a better understanding of our similarities and differences in our customs and cultural celebrations and dress. Students at Caladenia have a very healthy respect for their friends and classmates they work and play with every day. The Orange Day, Cultural Dress Day and the Harmony Day Assembly were fantastic events during the week-long celebrations. Our First Nations People showcased their pride in culture, history and importance to our cultural identity at Caladenia. The Cultural Food Day was organized to attract as many cultural foods as possible to the whole school community. The Food Trucks were a great success and attracted many families. The picnic-type atmosphere was beautiful with families (parents, children, grandparents and friends/relatives) sharing food and talk. A very huge thank you to Ms Asplin for her tremendous organization and set-up skills for the evening’s event. Thank you to staff who assisted on the night – the help was appreciated.

We are so fortunate in having such a wonderful mix of cultures in our school and for the wonderful way our students explore and accept each other’s differences so well in our large multicultural community. It is a rich and vibrant community and we should feel blessed with it – our lives are healthier and better for it. Living in Australia is an absolute pleasure. Thank you, all.

Travel Overseas

Please be aware that the number of families travelling overseas during the term for long periods of time (two weeks or in some cases, months) is becoming disturbing for the teachers and students at Caladenia. There are twelve weeks of holidays during the year to make travel arrangements. Missing two weeks of school or more is not allowed in accordance with the Education Act of WA.

There is an important outcome to these long breaks away from school each year and that is the amount of concepts and skills missed during the time away from school that the class is covering. Sometimes, these concepts cannot be “caught up” and students may miss the developmental stages of understanding in key concepts in English and Mathematics. Teachers will not be giving homework while students are away on long holidays. This is not possible. The Principal is not allowed to approve long holiday periods during term time – the Department of Education WA has policies and rules governing when students must be at school – please make yourself familiar with these rules and understand that it is not at the Principal’s discretion to approve these. Please make alternate arrangements for overseas travel whenever possible.

Traffic Flow and Parking

It may seem that Caladenia is the only school with traffic flow and parking issues – it is not. Most schools (Other than those with a falling enrolment/lower numbers) have the same issues and cannot accommodate all vehicles that want to come on site or park around the school. There are over 600 families on site and only some 70 bays onsite and on the roadways. Wet weather is an issue with a greater number of vehicles trying to access the site – it becomes congested quickly. We ask that as winter approaches, we all become a little more careful and patient around the school’s streets and carparks. Thank you.

Our School

• Mothers’ Day is coming up in Week 4 where the P&C will be busy with stalls selling goods to students for their wonderful mothers. Please be generous to assist the P&C and the children to support our families and the school.
• Please download the School APP to your phone/ipad/computer. It is very informative and provides ALL communications from the school to families immediately. Thank you
• Please try to attend the Assemblies – they are a great celebration of student achievement as well as showcasing some fun songs and who we are at Caladenia. It is a lovely time together with our community of families and students.
• Reconciliation Week is in Week 7 of this term. It is an appropriate time to give support and thanks to our First Nation People as the rightful owners of this land and to try to reconcile our differences of the past to be great citizens together with them, living in harmony and goodwill. The theme for the week is “Voice for Generations”.
• We love our new MCS, Ms Sue Iskra. She has been with us for a few weeks now and is a great supporter of the school already. We wish her well in her time with us (many, many years we hope).
• 3 June is WA Day and is a public holiday.
• This is a 11-week term and ends on Friday 28 June for students and staff.
• Term 3 is a 10-week term – starts 15 July.

Have a great weekend.

THOUGHT:       You have to never look over your shoulder at honesty.

Ted Nastasi

Principal

School News

2025 Kindy Applications are now open.

If you have a child/ren born 1 July 2020 to 30 June 2021 you can now enrol for Kindy 2025. Download an application form from our website or call into the front office. Applications are by appointment only. Please call 6258 9350 to book.

Applications close Friday 26 July 2024.

Harmony Week Celebrations

Last week we held our Harmony Day celebrations. On Wednesday the 17th April our Community Event was a great success with many families coming along to enjoy the food trucks and conversations.

On Friday the 19th April, staff and students came to school in cultural dress. The diversity of the students outfits was a wonderful sight to see throughout our school.

 

Mothers’ Day Picnic 

Day: Friday, 10 May 2024

Time: 12:30 – 1:30pm

Venue: School grounds

What to bring: picnic blanket, and own food to share with your children

Mothers’ Day Picnic for Kindy 2A (Room 2) and 3A (Room 3) Classes

Kindy 2A (Room 2), and 3A (Room 3) families,

To help celebrate Mothers’ Day this year, we are holding a Mothers’ Day Picnic.

We would like to invite the parents/caregivers of our Kindy 2A, and 3A classes to a Mothers’ Day Picnic on Monday, 6 May 2024. Please bring along your picnic blanket and your own food and enjoy some time with your child/children to celebrate this event.

Day: Monday, 6 May 2024

Time: 12:30 – 1:30pm

Venue: Kindy and Pre-Primary play area

At the end of the picnic, the children will return to classes to continue the rest of their school day.

If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to speak with your child’s class teacher.

We hope you can join us and look forward to celebrating this occasion with you all.

Student Achievement

At Caladenia, we love showcasing our students’ sporting achievements and events, as well as any other interests that they would like to share with our Caladenia Community.

If you have something your child would like to share, please email along with photos to the email address below:

Justine.arnold@education.wa.edu.au

Class News

Year 2 Room 12 – Miss Lewis (on behalf of Miss Manuel)

In Room 12 we have been learning how to measure objects in grams and kilograms using a variety of different scales. The students found different objects around the classroom to weigh and classify them as more, less or about the same as a kilogram. Additionally, students were able to read kitchen scales to measure approximate grams. The students enjoyed applying their knowledge to real-world applications!

Year 5 Room 15 – Ms Avery

Our young scientists in Room 15 have embarked on a journey to explore states of matter this term. In science classes, we dive headfirst into the mysteries of solids, liquids, and gases. From classifying mystery substances to exploring how liquids flow, our hands-on experiments are unlocking the dynamic nature of matter and its role in everyday life. Students are using their critical thinking and collaboration skills as they work together to pose questions and investigate.

Additionally, we are learning about the courageous ANZAC soldiers and their incredible sacrifice to protect our freedom. Through engaging lessons, thought-provoking discussions, and meaningful activities, we gain a deeper understanding of the significance of ANZAC Day and the values of courage, mateship, and service embodied by these individuals. We believe that learning about the ANZAC soldiers will not only enrich our knowledge of history but also inspire us to honour and remember the sacrifices made for our country.

P&C News and Community News 

Bunny Breakfast

    

Our recent Easter Bunny Breakfast P&C was a resounding success, and we couldn’t be more thrilled with the turnout and support from our wonderful community.

The morning kicked off with the scent of delicious hot cross buns wafting through the air, accompanied by the laughter and chatter of eager children. Juice boxes were on hand to quench their thirst as they eagerly awaited the highlight of the event – a special visit from the Easter Bunny!

The atmosphere was buzzing with excitement as children lined up to meet the beloved bunny, exchanging hugs, high-fives and a delicious carrot treat. The joy on their faces was truly heart-warming.

To add to the festivities was the Easter raffle draw, with an impressive 22 lucky winners walking away with fantastic prizes. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the winners and express our gratitude to everyone who generously donated items to the raffle and purchased tickets helping to support our school and its initiatives.

None of this would have been possible without the dedicated efforts of our P&C members and Mrs Asplin alongside parent and teacher volunteers. Their tireless work behind the scenes ensured that everything ran smoothly. We are immensely grateful for the commitment and generosity, which truly made the Easter Bunny Breakfast a success.

As we reflect on this wonderful event, we are reminded of the power of community and the joy that comes from coming together to celebrate special occasions.

Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to making our Easter Bunny Breakfast a day to remember.

Mothers Day

 

Volunteers Needed

Please contact the P&C if you are available to help on Stall days

CaladeniaPandC@outlook.com

P&C Meeting