ENewsletter

From the Principal

Dear parents and caregivers,

Welcome back everyone to another exciting, yet busy term. The first 3 weeks have certainly flown by, with our new Receptions settling exceptionally well into school life thanks to the caring guidance and expertise of both their teachers and through the ongoing support and kindness of our wonderful senior students as Buddies.

Our students, staff, and broader community have already been involved in a variety of events and activities that have really showcased what makes our school such a special place to live, grow and learn. Our students continue to demonstrate a strong commitment and courage towards ‘having a go’ and ‘giving their best effort’ in public speaking during our assemblies as well as competing in interschool competitions including; Oliphant Science, ICAS academic, Pedal Prix, and Knockout sports.

All teaching and support staff have completed their second session of the Wellbeing for Learning Professional Development series during our recent Pupil Free Day. The session had a focus on supporting student regulation and provided us with key strategies to trial and implement across the school including; Brain and Movement breaks, class transitions, 3 phases of planning tasks with students (Get Ready, Do, Done), and teaching coping strategies. This work will also complement our shared journey of bringing our school values to life. Over the next few weeks our community will begin to see visual displays around the school and in our newsletters of ways in which we model the ‘Respect’ Value within our school community to include key words and actions that have been co-designed with students.

I once again continue to be in awe of how generous, hardworking, and supportive the volunteer community are within our school in ways that make a pleasant and rewarding difference for all. The Uniform Shop remains a hive of activity and our Pedal Prix students have recently become National Champions, all due to the tireless work and ongoing commitment of our volunteers. Last Friday evening, the Parents and Friends committee and volunteer staff ran two very successful Discos with 166 students enjoying the music, games, and colours of the rainbow. Thank you also to Heidi from Dancify Dance Education for providing us with the entertainment.

This edition of our newsletter paints a fabulous visual story of our journey so far, with many more great community events to look forward to in the coming weeks including our Grand Parents and Special Friends Morning Tea and Book Week Parade of this year’s theme ‘Book an Adventure’.

I am very much looking forward to the coming weeks and celebrating some of the many wonderful learning opportunities our fabulous school community provides.

Kind regards

Shaun Barber

Peer Mediators

Congratulations to our Year 5 and 6 students for successfully completing their Peer Mediation training in readiness to becoming an active leader in the yard during break times by assisting in the mediation of low-level issues such as turn taking, friendship problems, and buddy bench support.

The Peer Mediation program provides students with the basic skills necessary to enter respectfully enter a conversation, state their purpose for doing so, and work with all parties involved to reach a healthy resolution by using restorative practice questioning techniques.

Lunch Time Clubs

Lunch Time clubs have begun and are becoming very popular amongst our students. We currently have 3 active clubs throughout the week including; Dance Troupe with Tamika, Cross County Running with Mr Barber, Math with Mrs Staniford and Mr Nielsen, and Visual Arts that has been created and led by Amelie L. in Year 5.

As part of our student leadership model, student leaders have met with their fellow Year 5-6 students to brainstorm and vote for a list of activities that will see the offering of further activities for students to enjoy which include; World Cup Soccer, Craft/Origami, Coding, Knit Club Lego and Gardening.

Run Club

Dance Troupe

Maths Club

Art Club

Have you noticed the changes in our school?

Thanks to the efforts of our wonderful grounds person Hannah and to members of our Facilities committee for creating two new features in our school - paid for by our recent fundraisers. There is a Tepee for students to use in the nature garden nearest the court area as well as a freshly painted Performing Arts Mural located outside of the entrance to the Ruth Bare Hall. The elements were designed by a team of wonderfully talented people including; Hannah (painting), Ms Zada (Aboriginal art), Felicity (quotes), Mr Nielsen (musical notation - the Crafers school song), Tamika (colour swirl design). Tom, Jacob and Hannah B's handprints are included as they assisted in the preparatory working bee.

Car Park Safety

We would like to bring your attention to carpark safety. Please be aware:

Students must have an adult with them to cross into the middle of the carpark, quickly dashing across is not acceptable, come across and collect you child/ren school side.
Students and adults are asked to use the paths and not cross through the staff carpark. People come and go at all times of the day and this poses a risk to pedestrian traffic.
Kiss n Drop has improved enormously over the years. To maintain this, please keep moving if you cannot see your child or park and walk over - there is no waiting in this space.
Note that the Kiss n Drop is the only monitored location after school pick up. Waiting for collection up around the top of the carpark near the big tree is not acceptable. Please make arrangements to meet your child at the kiss and drop zone for drive by pickup.
Carpark duty requires considerable attention from the staff member on duty. if you would like to speak at length to this person, please wait until this duty is finished - we do love a cheery hello however so keep them coming.

Thank you in advance for your support and cooperation. In this way we will safe children and a happy community!

Bookings open 18 August - keep an eye out for more information!

A note from Ebony

Each week, I have been reading a ‘When I’m feeling….’ (Trace Moroney) story with our reception classes. We start each session by having a few children mime a feeling. We then read the story and discuss times we have experienced that feeling and what it might look like. Each student is also creating their own ‘Feelings Book’ of times they have felt each of the feelings we’ve talked about.

This week, we spoke about being brave and how situations that make us feel nervous give us an opportunity to be brave. Students excitedly shared their moments of bravery with each other and then drew pictures to illustrate their experiences. We had a range of answers, and the buzz around the classes as they shared was exciting to hear. Students shared moments such as starting school, going swimming, doing handstands, competing in competitions, sleeping alone in the dark and meeting new people. It was wonderful to hear each student proudly recognise a moment where they ‘felt nervous, but gave it a go anyway’.

Room 6 & 7 News

Pedal Prix Success

I have had the privilege over last 6 months to lead a team of super human parents, supporting a group of 19 amazing CPS students embark on the journey of Pedal Prix.

Now don’t get me wrong, they have learnt a lot about pedalling, race lines, strength training and fitness; but seeing them thrive and grow as individuals and as a team has been the trump card. Through the course of twice weekly fitness training sessions, weekend practices, and all day races, this group of young people have learnt hands on about the importance of team work, of resilience and courage, of respect and good sportsmanship. They have represented themselves and CPS with a spirited, dedicated and determined approach.

To top it off, they need also to be congratulated on placing first in all 4 races, earning outright the title of 2025 Australian HPV Primary School Series Champions.

Congratulations goes to Lachie, Eamon, Ollie, Jack, Fletcher, Matilda, Neissen, Eddie, Knox, Noah, Harvey, Elliot, Pippa, Daniella, Eloise, Ethan, Sebby, Kai and Baxter.

Year 4…get ready for 2026!!

Jess Topham
Pedal Prix Coordinator

Crafers Primary School

Newsletter 8 August 2025