12 February 2020

Newsletter Articles

From the Principal

Welcome to all students, staff and families for the 2020 school year. We have 779 students enrolled at present across years K to 10. It is great to see students and staff so well prepared and eager to get the year under way. Lessons commenced early on day one and I was particularly impressed by the enthusiasm, cooperativeness and politeness of the students.

We have continued our high standard of wearing the school uniform and I thank parents for their support with this. It certainly reflects the pride students have in themselves and their school.

The Education Department’s new mobile phone policy came into effect this year and students are showing their respect for this requirement. In summary: years K to 6 - no phones at school; years 7 to 10 – phones to be off and away all day.

The money the College receives to pay for everything we need for student learning (salaries, resources, utilities, etc) depends entirely on the number of students who are enrolled and who have attended before Friday, 14 February. Even if a student is enrolled, if we haven’t seen them before 14 February we receive no funding at all for them. I urge parents to ensure that children enrolled at the College for 2020 do attend as soon as possible. If you know of someone whose child is not attending currently, but who is intending to, please ask them to contact the school office.

I have reduced my working days for this year to four per week. Ms Cole will be principal on Fridays for semester one and Mr Todd will be principal on Fridays for semester two.

The College staff have developed very comprehensive improvement plans which will lead to improved learning for students. Parents are encouraged to maintain contact with the College so that we can work together to achieve the best outcomes for your children. Please contact reception on 9351 2400 if you have any queries or concerns and we will do our best to assist you.

Clyde Graham
Principal

Novel coronavirus

An outbreak of Novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) was detected in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China in late December 2019. An Information for Parents fact sheet has been issued from the Department of Health which can be viewed by opening the link below.

College Board meeting dates for 2020

Friday 6 March
Friday 29 May
Friday 21 August
Friday 13 November

From the Primary Deputy Principal

Our class structures for 2020 are as follows:

Cass Cole
Primary Deputy Principal

Secondary Assistance Scheme

Parents/Guardians that hold a Centrelink Family Health Care Card, Centrelink Pensioner Concession Card or Veterans’ Affairs Pensioner Concession Card and who have students in Years 7 to 10 may be eligible to claim the allowance up to and including the year the student turns 16 years of age. The card held must be current in the first term of the school year. Please note we are unable to process applications without your bank account name/BSB number/Account number, so please remember to bring them with you. To see if you are eligible or apply for the scheme or to obtain more information please enquire at the College reception. Applications close on Thursday 9 April 2020.

Angelo Kovidis
Manager Corporate Services

Community Health Nurses

Secondary

Welcome to the new school year. My Name is Amy Myles and I am the Clinical Health Nurse (Community Health – Schools) who is based at Cannington Community College, servicing the secondary school, years 7-10.

Community Health Nurses are skilled in assessing adolescent health needs. We engage in health counselling with young people to identify issues, risks and protective factors, provide advice and brief intervention, assist with access and referral to other services, and provide follow up care. Young people can drop in to my office in student services or make appointments with me to discuss health and wellbeing issues.

The services provided are free and confidential. If you have any concern about your child’s health or wellbeing please contact me, Monday-Thursday on 9351 2400.

Primary

Community Nurses visit all primary schools in the Canning Region throughout the year. My name is Fiona Ewing and I am the contact for Cannington Community College – Primary students.

Community Health Nurses work in schools to promote healthy development and wellbeing so students may reach their full potential. A major part of our work is focused on early intervention and the School Entry Health Assessment program.

Community Health Nurses serve as a health contact point for children and their families, providing information, assessment, health counselling and referral. The services provided are free and confidential.

If you have a concern about your child’s health or development, please contact me on 9258 8053.

Immunisation News

Year 7 School-based Immunisation Program

The Department of Health is offering parents of students in Year 7 the opportunity to have their child vaccinated against pertussis (Whooping cough), tetanus, diphtheria and human papillomavirus (HVP).

Year 10 Meningococcal ACWY School Based Immunisation Program

The Department of Health is offering parents of students in Year 10 the opportunity to have their child vaccinated against Meningococcal ACWY.

Immunisation information and Consent Forms

Students in years 7 and 10 have been given an envelope to bring home with more information, including consent forms. If you would like your child to be vaccinated via these school based programs, please follow the instructions on the information coming home to complete the consent form. If you do not want your child to be vaccinated in the school based program, please also follow the instructions and send the form back to school.

PLEASE COMPLETE AND RETURN THE FORMS TO STUDENT SERVICES AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. If your year 7 or 10 child has not received this information, please ask them to collect one from student services.

Mobile Phones 2020

Students in years K-6 – mobile phones and associated ear buds etc not to be brought to school.

Students in years 7-10 – mobile phones and associated ear buds etc not to be used at school.

Clyde Graham
PRINCIPAL

Student Mobile Phones

From the start of the year, the College must comply with the recently announced Education Department policy about student mobile phones. We are currently working to incorporate the new requirements into our existing policy, and the revised version will be considered by the College Board at its forthcoming meeting.

The new policy will need to include the following:

The use of mobile phones is banned for all students from the time they arrive to the conclusion of the school day, including break times, unless the student has been granted an exemption for the following uses of mobile phones:

• to monitor a health condition as part of a school approved documented health care plan; or
• for a particular educational purpose under the direct instruction of a teacher; or
• with the permission of a teacher for a specified purpose.

Students from Kindergarten to Year 6 are not permitted to have mobile phones in their possession during the school day.

Students from Year 7 to 10 are permitted to be in possession of their mobile phone during the school day, however mobile phones must be turned off and neither seen nor heard. Students must put their smart watches in ‘aeroplane mode’ so phone calls and messages cannot be sent or received during the school day.

For the purposes of this policy, mobile phones include smart watches, other electronic communication devices and associated listening accessories such as, but not limited to, headphones and ear buds.

All communication between parents and students during school hours should occur via the school’s administration.

The Department’s revised requirements for student mobile phone use are intended to reduce distractions during the school day, and therefore increase student engagement in the curriculum and learning. We anticipate that parents will be in agreement with this intention and will support us as we implement the new rules.

A copy of the revised policy for 2020 will be made available prior to the end of the term. It will be in effect from day one next year.

Clyde Graham
PRINCIPAL

Safety Around Schools

Please read the attached brochure from the City of Canning regarding Safety around Schools.

Year 10 Student Councillors for 2020

Congratulations to Jerry and Taea on being elected 2020 Head Boy and Girl for our College and to Elmar and Leakna for being elected Deputy Head Boy and Girl.

Respect and Responsibility

We are focusing on using positive language and a respectful tone of voice when speaking to others. We wait our turn to speak and use our manners if we need to interrupt or walk in front of people who are talking.

We have a responsibility to attend school every day and arrive on time. Lessons begin at 8.40am. If you arrive at school after this time, you will need to sign in at the front office before going to class. We need to wear our school uniform, sun smart faction hat and bring all of our equipment to class every day.

When we do these things, we are meeting our College expectations and helping to create a positive and safe learning environment for all.

Ms V Bramwell-Keys
Program Coordinator Student Services

Faction Hats

Please see your child's classroom teacher if you are not sure what colour faction they are in. Our sun smart school faction hats can be purchased from Uniform Concepts in Willetton. Baseball caps and visors are not suitable for outdoor school activities, especially in the hotter Summer months.

Ms V Bramwell-Keys
Primary PE Teacher

Family and Relationship Services

Workshops for Parents and Carers for Term 1, please view the link below.

Child and Adolescent Health Service

Wellness Warriors

Our Wellness Warriors program aims to support women in their quest to achieve stronger physical and mental health. Women can live a more vibrant life by being physically active, mentally stimulated and socially connected. Wellness Warriors is a 10 week term program offering women the opportunity to try a different form of exercise each week. We will visit local sporting clubs, recreation centres, dance schools and fitness facilities to participate in 45-60 minutes of moderate physical activity. Women are encouraged to stay for a chat over a shared morning tea and to listen to a brief talk on a wellness topic by a guest speaker.

Circle of Security Parenting

A relationship based parenting program designed to enhance attachment security between parents and children. Through attending this program you will be given the opportunity to discover the missing “manual” you were hoping to receive when you had your child/children. You will develop an understanding of not only your child but of yourself as a parent and get a close look at your relationship with your child/children. In turn parent/child interactions will become less stressful and experience improved behaviour.

Gosnells Women’s Circle

Imagine a place where you can speak your truth free of judgement and interruptions. Dream of a space where you feel fully supported and respected by other women. If you are yearning to connect with your inner self and want to be able to develop communication skills to speak honestly in your relationships, then the Gosnells Women’s Circle may be for you. Facilitated by volunteer guides from Woman Within WA to create a safe and confidential space for all women. Min age: 18.

TRIPLE P St Jude’s Catholic Primary School

This seminar is open to families outside of the school for registration.

Seminar 1 - Positive Parenting

This workshop introduces parents to the five key principles of positive parenting.

These principles include:

• Ensuring a safe engaging environment
• Creating a positive learning environment
• Using assertive discipline
• Having reasonable expectations
• Looking after yourself as a parent

Bookings are essential. To book telephone school reception on 6350 2500

or contact the Child and Parent Centre Brookman on 9235 7032

The Smith Family - Lets Count Session

Open the link below to view information regarding a free event for parents of kindy children at Willetton Library.

Canning Districts Hockey Club

We have a very exciting year coming up and welcome all current & past players and any new players for any level of hockey to join our family orientated club. Canning is a Kidsport Club within the City of Canning.

For more information, please contact Elaine Foote, President on 0417 954 414 or email secretary.canning@hotmail.com

Student Guide to Microsoft Office 365 ProPlus

Student email and calendar has been extended at the College to include FREE downloads of Microsoft Office software: Office 365 ProPlus makes it easy to download and install the full MS Office suite on up to 5 PC’s or Macs and 5 tablets or smartphones.

There is no charge for using PRoPlus – it can be reached through the student email link on the portal.

To view How to Install instructions open the link below.

Cameras at School Events

Parents are advised that they may not publish images or videos made at school events. Parents individually give permission for images to be used by College staff in College publications, and we keep a current list of students for whom we don’t have permission. Parents may not assume permission to record and then publish images of other parents’ children. It is important that we respect individuals’ privacy.

Clyde Graham
PRINCIPAL

Immunisation History Statements

Schools must record and retain a student’s vaccination status on enrolment. Parents and carers must show evidence of their child’s vaccination status on enrolment. This applies to all students.

The only acceptable evidence is the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) Immunisation History Statement. The Australian Immunisation Register enquiries contact number is 1800 653 809.

The statement must be:

• sighted and copied by the principal or school officer
• recorded as ‘up to date’ or ‘not up to date’ in the School Information System (SIS).

If the AIR Immunisation History Statement is not provided, the status will be recorded as ‘not up to date’ until a current statement is provided.

Schools are expected to follow-up with parents and carers until a current statement is sighted. If you receive a follow-up letter from us, please respond to the information requested promptly.

Thank you for your efforts in maintaining the well-being of all children.

Angelo Kovidis
Manager Corporate Services

Health/Medical Forms

When students enrol at the College we record information about any medical conditions they may have. It is important that we have current details of all students’ medical conditions and the training/planning or response management (if required) recorded in our student database. Parents are reminded that they must inform the College front office if any of the medical conditions change, or there is a new one that we need to be aware of.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Angelo Kovidis
Manager Corporate Services

Visa Details

Please ensure that if your child is enrolled at Cannington Community College via a visa, under DOE policy all visa details must be current at all times. If your visa details have changed or have been renewed, please bring the original documents to the front office to be photocopied by the office ladies.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Angelo Kovidis
Manager Corporate Services

Food Allergies

At Cannington Community College we have a number of students with life threatening food allergies, particularly Peanut/Nut, Eggs.

What does this mean for these students?

Even a small trace of nut, peanut, nut/peanut or egg product may trigger a severe allergic reaction called Anaphylaxis, which attacks the immune system leading potentially to death within minutes.

This reaction can happen by taste, touch and sometimes can be airborne. All of these students have access to an adrenaline injection in the form of an Epipen, which can save lives.

Cannington CC works with parents/carers to support students in developing an awareness of their allergies and what foods to avoid. Students are encouraged not to share food and to always check with a parent/adult/teacher if unsure at any time.

How can you help to keep CCC students with allergies safe?

Please help us by not including peanut or any nut products in your child's lunchbox if possible. This includes peanut butter and Nutella. Please avoid products with any nuts/peanuts listed as an ingredient.

Look for alternatives such as the delicious and moist Scooby Doo Chocolate Mud Spread and others that are available in the Health Food Section at the supermarket.

Please consider what you are sending for birthday treats to share with the class, checking there are no nut products included.

Explain about food allergy to your child and encourage the ‘no food sharing' rule.

The school canteen does not serve products containing peanut/nuts.

Thank you for your support.

PRINCIPAL

Healthy Eating for Families

In our modern society, very few of us use up enough energy to take on the extra calories of ‘treat’ food and drinks. The Australian Dietary Guidelines provide up-to-date advice about the amount and kinds of foods and drinks that we need regularly, for health and well-being.

By providing your family with the recommended amounts from the Five Food Groups and limiting the foods that are high in saturated fat, added sugars and added salt, your family will get enough of the nutrients essential for good health, growth and development. A healthy diet reduces the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity and some cancers.

The amount of food your child will need from the Five Food Groups depends on their age, gender, height, weight and physical activity levels. For further information go to the link below:

Healthy Lunchbox Ideas

Your child’s lunch box can contain food from all of the five food groups. The food groups are; breads and cereals, fruit, vegetables, meat/meat alternatives and dairy/dairy alternatives.

Try these in the lunchbox:

• lean ham and salad wrap
• banana and handful of grapes
• sliced vegetables (carrots, cucumber, tomatoes)
• handful of reduced fat cheese cubes
• bottle of water

Remember, children who help plan and prepare their own lunch are more likely to eat it. Your child might like to try out this fun, ‘Interactive Lunchbox’ website:

Shop Smart and Eat Healthy - Tips for Parents

Go shopping with your children and allow them to choose the healthy foods that they enjoy eating. For example, ask children to choose some of the fruit and vegetables.

Shop twice a week - fresher fruits, vegetables, breads and meats are more likely to appeal to the whole family.

Buy in season - seasonal fruits and vegetables taste great, are better quality and are better value for money.

Select small pieces of fruit - younger children prefer smaller pieces of fruit as they are easier to handle.

Choose quality - try to avoid bruised fruit or vegetables.

Encourage variety - so that your child does not get bored with their food.

School Playground Equipment

The use of the playground equipment is not permitted outside of school hours for safety and insurance reasons. All children should arrive at school by 8:30am and be picked up promptly at the end of school at 2.50pm or at 2.30pm on Wednesday.

PRINCIPAL

Driver Reminder

Drivers are reminded of the need to be very cautious in the College car parks and Wharf Street, particularly at peak times (start and end of the school day). There are many children and adult pedestrians in the vicinity at these times and vehicle traffic is quite heavy. The posted speed limit (40 km/h) is the allowable maximum – but it may still be too high for the conditions. Drivers must always drive to the prevailing conditions. It is our job to control our vehicles safely at all times. Particular care is needed when turning from or onto Wharf Street.

PRINCIPAL

Crosswalk

Wharf Street is a busy road and we are fortunate to have a crossing warden to assist our students to cross in a safe place. We ask all parents to encourage the students to use this safe place for crossing because we care about the safety of our students and without its use by the students, the crossing warden may be removed. All parents walking their students to school should model the correct way to cross the road using the crossing warden. We do have an old crosswalk near the Early Childhood classes but this is not a monitored crossing and should not be used by the students. Its position is close to the parking exit and the view of the student’s crossing is difficult.

Be SUNSMART at School

By following 3 simple sun protection steps at school when the UV Index is above 3, you can reduce your risk of skin cancer.

• PUT on a school shirt (preferably with collar for extra neck protection)
• SLOP on some sunscreen
• SLAP on a hat

Slap on a hat that provides as much shade as possible to your face, head, neck, ears and eyes. There are 3 main styles of hats that provide adequate sun protection:

• Broad brimmed hats – with a brim of at least 7.5cm.
• Bucket or surfie style hats – with a deep crown and brim of at least 6cm.
• Legionnaire hats – with a flap that covers the back of the neck.

Baseball caps and visors are not recommended as they leave the ears and the back of the neck exposed. The difference can be easily seen in these two photos, showing two different students in the same position, out in the sun, but the protection offered by the style of hats is very obvious.

Our school faction hats provide the best sun protection. They are available from the Uniform Shop in Willetton.

Vicki Bramwell-Keys
Primary PE Teacher

Wearing a Hat – All Year

All students from Kindergarten to Year 6 who play outside are required to wear a hat. Parents are asked to ensure that students have a hat for Physical Education lessons, daily fitness and recess and lunch times. Hats should be named and offer protection for the face as well as the back of the neck. Wearing of a visor is not considered as wearing a hat as they do not offer protection for the top of the head or the back of the neck.

Lesson Times

Picking up Students

Our College finishes at 2:50pm every day except Wednesday when our finishing time is 2:30pm. Please ensure that the pick-up of students is made promptly at this time. In the event of a delay, we ask that you contact the College to inform the staff of the delay. This prevents students from becoming anxious and a lot of time being used by staff trying to make contact.

Arriving on Time

School begins at 8:40am every day during term time. The College has a school-wide standardized lesson structure that is used to introduce new learning. The beginning of lessons is a time that the purpose of the learning is explained along with how and why the students will be engaging in the learning. The first lesson of the day is of critical importance in primary classes where highly structured literacy lessons are delivered every morning. Students that arrive late to class will miss this key part of the lesson, and will then struggle to join in with what is going on. The interruption created by the late entry to the room also distracts the teacher and other students. Parents are asked to ensure that children arrive at school early enough so that lessons can begin at 8:40am.

Clyde Graham
PRINCIPAL

Absences or Lateness

The College needs to be informed if a student is absent or is late for school.

ABSENCE: A phone call to the school notifying of the absence of a student on the day or a note on return to school is required. If a student is absent for more than one day, a parent must ring the school informing the reason for the absence. A text message will be sent to parents/carers if the student has been marked absent. We request parents to respond to this message. Follow up letters will go to students, if their absence is unexplained. Parents are requested to respond to this letter as we are required by the law to ensure that all students are at school unless there is a reasonable cause for absence.

LATENESS:  Gates close at 8:40am.  ALL students arriving after 8:40am must enter through the College reception and sign in, then go straight to class where the class teacher will input attendance.  Secondary students arriving after 11:05am need to go to Student Services to receive a late note. Lateness is tracked at the College and a parent/carer will be asked to explain the reason for a student who has frequent lateness. Classes start at 8:40am and coming late to class impacts on a student’s learning.

HOLIDAYS: If a student is going away on holiday during the term, if longer than one (1) week absence, parents/carers need to apply to the Deputy Principal prior to the holiday commencing.

Going to school every day really matters

At school, teachers plan programs in a sequence so children build on skills and activities from one day to the next.

Developing the habit of going to school regularly from Kindergarten is vitally important so children don’t miss out on important ideas and skills they need for future learning.

You can help make every day matter by:

• Talking positively about school so your child is happy to go each day.
• Showing interest in what your child is doing at school and talking with the teacher about what you can do at home.
• Setting play dates to help your child make friends.
• Teaching your child how to share and take turns.
• Arriving at school and collecting your child from school on time.
• Making sure your child gets nutritious meals each day and enough sleep each night.
• Making appointments with doctors, dentists and specialists after school or during school holidays.
• Taking family holidays during school holidays and not during term time.

If your child is unwell and unable to go to school, telephone or text the school to let the teacher know. If your child misses a day, talk with the teacher to find out how you can help your child catch up. If you are having difficulty getting your child to school, talk with the teacher.

Taking an interest in what your child does at school, helping in class and being part of the school community shows your child how much you value school.