DUFFY PRIMARY SCHOOL



NEWSLETTER 9 - WEEK 9 TERM 3

UP & COMING EVENTS



Did you know? 

You can find notes on our website. 

 Click here for school notes!

EXEC TEAM'S MESSAGE 

Dear Parents/Carers,

We look forward to welcoming you to the school next week for Learning Journeys. This event is a wonderful opportunity for our students to share their work and learning with parents, carers, and special visitors. Learning Journeys offer a snapshot of each child's classroom experiences and provide a chance for students to reflect on and articulate their own learning. We encourage parents, carers, and special visitors to offer both positive and constructive feedback. 

THANK YOU  

Thank you to our amazing P&C team, led by Claire D, for organising the Spooky Disco on Friday the 13th. Your effort in coordinating the event was greatly appreciated, and it was a tremendous success. The feedback from our students has been overwhelmingly positive, with many asking, "When will we do it again?"

We also want to extend our gratitude to the parents who volunteered their time. Your contributions—whether decorating the hall, cooking and serving at the BBQ, managing the registration table, supervising the hall and basketball courts, or packing up and cleaning—were invaluable. It was a wonderful evening that highlighted the strong community spirit we have at Duffy Primary School.

Thank you for your hard work and dedication in making this event possible.

We are beginning to plan for 2025 already. To assist us with this planning, if you know that your child will not be returning to Duffy Primary in 2025 (year 6 students excepted), please let our front office know as soon as possible by emailing duffyps@ed.act.edu.au.


Wishing you all a lovely weekend and school holiday break. 

We hope you enjoy the slower pace that holidays bring with your family. 


Warm Regards,

Katie, Arilia, Fiona and Sarah

SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT

Students have been busy engaging in writing on a daily basis here at Duffy and our stamina is growing. From our Year 1 poetry writers, to Kindergartens requests to Ms Smith for some new additions to our junior playground, writing is happening everywhere. 

SPOTLIGHT ON LEARNING - LSUA

Welcome to Griffin!

Look at the new entrance in our Griffin building! With the upgrades complete we thought we would spruce up the place, it literally has our names all over it! 

Science

In Science we have been exploring microorganisms and what they need to survive. 

In our first lesson we explored different types of bread and the role that yeast plays in making dough rise. 

In our second lesson we looked at what yeast needs in order to survive. 

We set up bottles that had different conditions in it to see what the perfect combination was, for yeast to activate and let off carbon dioxide and therefore inflate the balloon. 

We predicted that bottle 4 would inflate because it had water, warmth and food (the sugar). 

We observed our results and noticed that our prediction was correct. It was exciting to see the balloon inflate from the release of carbon dioxide from the yeast! 




Maths

In Math, we have been exploring the perimeter and area of squares and rectangles using formal and informal units of measurement. 

Here is one of the fun tasks that we did to explore the concept of perimeter. 

We made lego squares and rectangles on boards and then calculated how many studs the perimeter equaled.

Mass

Some of us have also been exploring mass and solving lots of different practical problems. 

Marcus discovered that Thomas the Tank Engine was heavier than LEGO man. 

George discovered how many blocks were needed to equal the weight of his jelly. 

Emmanuel identified which cars weighed the same amount, while Andre balanced the scales using a variety of different shapes. 

Reading Time

Reading time has become a favourite part of our day. 

Each day we spend time reading, viewing and listening to lots of beautiful books. 

To enjoy this time even more, we decided to create a reading corner. 

We will continue to add to this space to make it even more welcoming and special.

We have investigated homophones during our word inquiry sessions. 

Here are some of us playing homophone memory. Students vs teachers, by the looks on the faces I think I know who won! 

Art

We are currently in the process of creating abstract photographic self portraits.

Once they are all finished we will display them in our room for everyone to admire.

Play Time

Some of the Griffin students have been enjoying recess and lunch on the playground making friends with others around the school. 

Here is a particularly fun break playing hang tag using the equipment!

A MESSAGE FROM THE ACT DIRECTORATE

Mobile Phones

A new ACT Public Schools policy comes into effect this year. Our practice regarding phones already aligns with this policy. All students who bring a phone to school need to hand it in to the front office. Phones are collected from the same spot at the end of each day. This routine has worked well for our students and phones are stored securely during the day.  Please ask that any student who wears a smart watch that these are set to ‘school mode/ school time’ during the day.

ACT Public Schools policy 

Year  1 Phonics Check

As part of the Strong Foundations reform program, ACT public schools will begin a phased introduction of the Year 1 Phonics Check starting with 26 schools this term. Our school has been selected to participate.

The Phonics Check is a quick and easy way for teachers to gauge the phonics knowledge of Year 1 students. It is designed to help teachers identify students who may need more help learning to read.

 

The first schools selected to participate were chosen based on demographic, location and size to provide a broad sample from across the ACT public school system. Insights from this first group of schools will inform a rollout of the Year 1 Phonics Check to all ACT public schools in 2025. 

 

This is an important milestone as part of the Strong Foundations program designed to strengthen literacy and numeracy outcomes for all students. You can read more on the Education Directorate website.

Strong Foundations for future success – Phase One Implementation Plan available

The ACT Government has shared the Strong Foundations Phase One Implementation plan that outlines how we will implement the Strong Foundations reform program in all ACT public schools.

Strong Foundations is focused on achieving a system-wide approach to curriculum delivery, teaching, assessment, tiered supports, and professional learning, with a focus on improving literacy and numeracy outcomes.

From 2025 there will be:

·         New curriculum resources for schools with preschool to year 2 students

·         Universal Year 1 Phonics Checks for all schools with Year 1 students – with some schools already underway

·         System-wide literacy and numeracy assessments.

We are also working with our school leaders to develop a system-wide approach to improve learning outcomes across all schools and ensure all staff are provided with the resources and professional learning they need.

You can read the Phase One Implementation Plan on the Education Website. The implementation of Strong Foundations is based on advice from the Literacy and Numeracy Education Expert Panel’s Final Report. The Final report is also available from the Education Website.



A MESSAGE FROM THE BUSINESS MANAGER

DON’T FORGET

You can still pay for you child/children’s 2024 Stationery Packs costs and Voluntary Contributions ($100) per family.

 

Please remember to pay for, Floriade, and Mulligans Flat and MUGGA excursions if your child is a participant.

 

Year 6 Band payments that are outstanding can also be paid.

 

Starting in Term 4, payments can be made using the PARENT PORTAL, please organise your login as soon as you can. The Front Office will happily assist you with any issues.

 

GRASS AND GARDENS

Thank you to students, parents, and carers for remembering to use our paths to enter and exit the school and reminding children to not tamper with the plastic chain fencing.


SECURITY 

Keeping our children safe at school requires that anyone coming into the school needs to sign in and sign out at the front office.


PROPERTY and UNIFORM

I ask that personal items from home like toys, balls and books are not brought into school. We do not have the capacity to make sure they are not lost, stolen or damaged.


On the last day of term all un-named clothing in lost property will be donated to the nearest op-shop.

 

Alice Lollback – Business Manager

E: alice.lollback@ed.act.edu.au

Phone: 6142 2513

SCHOOL ANNOUNCEMENTS

Parent Portal is now available as a mobile app!

 You can now access Parent Portal with the Sentral for Parents app. Download Sentral for Parents for free through the App Store or Google Play Store


Parent Portal is a secure online platform used to share student information between you and your child’s teachers.

If you’ve already registered, you can download the Sentral for Parents app to receive notifications when new information is available.


If you haven’t registered for Parent Portal yet, use this Parent Portal access link to log into or create your ACT Digital Account. To access Parent Portal, you will need your access key, you should have received this by email when we launched

If you can’t find the email with the access key, please contact the front office team for help.


Some reminders about what you can do with Parent Portal:

Head to our website for all the details: Parent Portal - Duffy Primary School (duffyps.act.edu.au)  

Free Period Products Available at ACT Schools

 All ACT public schools are stocked with free period products so students can access them no matter their circumstances. This is part of the ACT Government’s commitment to ensuring students feel comfortable and confident within our schools.

Free period products are available at our school’s front office. Students can access them at any time by talking to our helpful front office staff.

Sanitary pads are available from the front offices of primary schools, while pads and tampons are available at the front offices of high schools and colleges.

Because menstruation is a fact of life, we believe free access to period products should be too.

To learn more about this equity initiative and other places where free period products are available, please visit: https://www.act.gov.au/community/women/free-period-products

Assemblies

Wednesday assemblies now commence from 2:30pm-3pm. Please check our website for an Assembly Roster for the year. 

School Uniform

The School Board endorses the wearing of uniform as it is part of the school ethos of helping to create a sense of belonging and pride in the school and so engender a positive school spirit.  Students at Duffy Primary School are encouraged to wear their school uniform or school colours each day.

Students must be in uniform when attending excursions or outside events; this is to ensure their safety. When parents complete permission notes for excursions or school events, they are acknowledging this requirement.

A MESSAGE FROM DUFFY P&C

Find the Duffy Primary Parents and Citizens Association on

Facebook!


@duffypandc 

Facebook

Don’t forget to connect with your Year level parent community on Facebook – this is a great way to stay connected, get year/school specific information and even organise gatherings.


Just search “DPS Year” on google and the groups will pop up, or head to the Duffy Primary Parents and Citizens Facebook page for more info.

AWARDS

Term 3, Week 7 - Merit Awards

Kindergarten

Xavier L

Maggie W

Matilda T

Yuvaan W

Isobel H

Christopher S

Year 3

Melody M

Timoci N

Isaac G

Avie L

Year 6

Rain T 

Colin F

Dulcie B

Lexie E

Year 1

Mihaan M

Alanna S

Sabahat A 

Tenzin L

Year 4

Tai S 

Tessa T

Eva J 

Zio O 

Ivy S



Year 2

Alexander H

Taliauli T

Eevie Y

Joey W

Ella H

Abi H 


Year 5

Elana R

Caidyn J

Mike T

Dimas R

LSUA White

Marcus W

George V

Term 3, Week 9 - Merit Awards

Kindergarten

Mitchell R

Riley H

Eleanor C

Thea F

Lucy D

Madelyn W

Year 3

Arthur B

Lennox M

Torah H

Jacob R

Year 6

Eve C

Caelan N

Jazarah D

Ella B

Year 1

Maeve M

Blake W

Charlie F

Ruby D

Year 4

Elliot H

Naavya W

Elli S

Stella W

LSUA Green

Aiden B

Luis F

Year 2

Billie W

Noah M

Josie D

Edgar J

Amarah B

Tan T

Year 5

Levi D

Lena P

Ryker C

Braxton W



GOLD SPIRIT AWARDS

Emerson H 


Ella H


BRONZE SPIRIT AWARDS

Keith B

Josephine D

Edgar J



Bridie K

Haya K



Elana R

Joey W


Thomas W

Eevie Y

SCHOOL LEADERS

Prime Minister

Racquel S

Deputy Prime Minister

Ma'asi T

Opposition Leader

Ella B

Deputy Opposition Leader

Colin F

Speaker

Rain T

SAFETY REMINDERS

Requirements for daily sign-in/out and wearing of identification

Volunteers and visitors must sign-in/out for each visit, recording the date, start and finish times and the tasks undertaken.  


All Volunteers and Visitors at Duffy Primary School must enter and exit the school via the front office sign in on arrival prior to proceeding to their destination or activity (including accompanying students on excursions), identify themselves (present WWVP registration card or other identification if relevant) and report to front office staff to be signed out before leaving the school. You will be given a Visitors sticker each time you visit which must be displayed for the entirety or your visit.


This allows the school the opportunity to monitor compliance with the WWVP Act and Emergency Evacuation Procedures.


Duffy Preschool has a Visitors and Volunteers sign-in and sign-out register and you must report to preschool staff before proceeding to work with students. 

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

Help Us Create a better Education Directorate Website Experience

Share your thoughts on the Education Directorate website. This website has general information on education in the ACT and is where you go to enrol in ACT public schools. It is different to your school’s website.

 

Help us create a better website experience by completing a short 5-minute survey before Friday 30 August 2024.

Parentline ACT

Parentline ACT offers free and confidential telephone counselling for parents and carers in the Australian Capital Territory. This service provides guidance and assistance on various parenting issues, ensuring you have the support you need with no appointment necessary. Parentline ACT is open on Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. For support, call (02) 6287 3833.

Get ready for MyWay+ 

MyWay+ is Transport Canberra’s next generation ticketing system that puts all public transport services in one place, MyWay+ will offer more ways to pay for public transport and introduce new digital platforms for journey planning and accessing real-time information. 

With more ways to pay, you can choose what works best for you and your family! 

The switchover to MyWay+ is expected later this year. Until then, students should continue to use their current MyWay card or a paper ticket from a ticket vending machine to pay for travel on Transport Canberra bus and light rail services. You can also: 

• Ensure your child’s MyWay card is registered to protect the balance. Transport Canberra can only process refunds and transfer credits for registered MyWay cards. 

• Sign up to Transport Canberra’s weekly e-news for regular updates. 

• Connect with Transport Canberra on social media. For more information on MyWay+ visit Transport Canberra – MyWay+. 

Free travel during MyWay+ transition, starts Friday 20 September

The next major phase for MyWay+ will start from Friday 20 September ahead of the next generation ticketing system going live this November. To get ready for the new ticketing system, the old equipment will need to be removed and new MyWay+ validators installed in both buses and along the light rail alignment.

As a result:


Help fight the spread of illness

With Winter around the corner, one of the best ways to help protect you and your family is to get the flu vaccine. It’s important to vaccinate your child as they’re at a higher risk of serious complications if they get sick and are more likely to spread it to others.


Help fight the spread of illness by staying home if you’re sick and wash your hands regularly. Please read the Winter Wellness flyer (465 kb PDF) from ACT Health or visit ACT Health Influenza (Flu) page for more information.


REMINDER – Death cap mushrooms

Do not touch, pick or eat any wild mushrooms.

The ACT Health Directorate is reminding all school communities that death cap mushrooms are growing in the ACT. They are a deadly poisonous fungus. There have been multiple poisonings and deaths associated with death caps in Canberra.

Death cap mushrooms (Amanita phalloides) are one of the world’s deadliest mushrooms. They often grow near established oak trees, although they have also been found in other places. Death caps grow in the ACT at different times of the year, and autumn is usually the peak growing period.

All parts of the death cap mushroom are poisonous and eating just part of a mushroom can be fatal. Death caps cannot be made safe by cooking, soaking, peeling, freezing or drying.

If you suspect someone might have eaten a death cap mushroom, they must seek urgent medical attention at a hospital emergency department. Do not wait for symptoms to occur. The chances of survival increase when treatment is started early. If possible, take any remaining mushroom sample to hospital with the patient.

The key message is not to touch, pick or eat any wild mushrooms.

If you see death cap mushrooms growing on your property:

Also, monitor the site frequently for further growth, remove mushrooms before mowing to prevent spreading and do not compost them. Death cap mushrooms in public places can be reported at Fix My Street, or by calling Access Canberra on 13 22 81. 

More information is available at www.act.gov.au by searching death cap mushrooms, including some translated resources.

Take flight at Libraries ACT's Spring Holiday Program

As the flowers bloom, families across Canberra are getting ready to ‘take flight’ with Libraries ACT's Spring Holiday Program. This year’s program is packed with activities designed to ignite the imagination and creativity of young minds. Every activity is completely free, helping families enjoy quality time together without the extra cost.

This year’s theme ‘Take Flight’ explores the wonders of flight through various hands-on activities, storytelling sessions and creative projects. Whether it’s for aspiring engineers, future pilots or budding artists, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Check out the attached flyer to see what’s on offer these holidays.

Upcoming online eSafety opportunities for schools


The Online Safety (eSafety) Education team is committed to working with school communities to create safer online environments for everyone and have curated resources that can be shared with parents and carers through your existing school networks. These include:

Upcoming Webinars from the eSafety Commissioner

Online Safety for every family

The eSafety Guide

Weston Creek Little Athletics registrations are now open for the 2024/25 season! The season commences 9am on Saturday 19 October at Chapman Oval. Please go to the Weston Creek Little Athletics website for more information and to register: https://wclac.org.au/

Learning For Life

The flyer below shares information about an opportunity that has been made available to families at our school called the Learning for Life Scholarship Program. It’s run by the Smith Family organisation. They provide financial support to families who are eligible to help with costs related to education, such as book packs, uniforms and excursions. They also provide access to education programs that can further support your child.

 

To be eligible, you must;

 

Please contact the front office if you are interested in receiving a referral form or would like to discuss your eligibility.

HELPFUL LINKS

Home Learning Hub

Literacy People's Literacy Learning Modules - A guide for engaging parents and carers

Mindfulness Podcast Series - ACT Education Directorate

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