ENewsletter

From the Principal

It is hard to know where to begin in describing the incredible learning opportunities afforded our children beyond that of the normal teaching day. You will undoubtedly get more detail regarding activities later in this newsletter but here is a summary of activities in which children have been involved. I am not even sure that I have the complete list!

Here we go!

Knock out basketball, Readers’ Cup, Junior Primary Grandparents and Special Friends morning tea, Book Week, Music is Fun, Orienteering Relay, Championships, Father’s Day Breakfast, Lightning Carnival, Choir travel to Port Pirie to participate in regional Festival of Music, Dancify Disco, Band performs as guest artist for Festival of Music, Choir performs as part of a massed choir on Festival Theatre stage as part of the Festival of Music, Pedal Prix perform highly in races leading up to the 24 hour race and a team is selected to participate in the 24 hour race at Murray Bridge…

Of course, as with every activity, our appreciation is ongoing for the personnel who work hard behind the scenes. Our school is blessed to have dedicated staff, parents and other community members who strive to enrich the learning of our children.

Staffing Term 4

Caroline Zada will be on leave next term. Lauren Thorn will replace Caroline.

Lyndal Chittleborough will be on leave for the first two weeks of term 4 and will be replaced by Tim Lundy.

Chan Welfare will still be on leave until the end of week 1.

Looking forward to a busy and happy term 4!

John

Ticket available now through Audiri

Jump Rope for Heart

Thank you to ALL the students who got involved with Jump Rope for Heart!

A huge thank you for the effort skipping and fundraising for the Jump Rope for Heart program this term. Together we raised an incredible $8603 and this money will all go towards vital heart research and education programs.

We’ve loved seeing so many smiling faces skipping on the playground and in sports lessons. Despite the poor weather and our Jump Off activities having to be cancelled, our Jump Off Presentation was a huge success.

Here’s our school leaderboard, congratulations to our top fundraisers! Keep up the skipping and thanks again for the hard work!

1.      Declan C - $558.16
2.      Olivia C - $503.61
3.      Evie S - $331.10

An update from Ebony

Worry is a feeling that most of us experience in life. One of the great strategies I talk about with children when they talk with me about experiencing big worries or anxieties that take over their mind is a ‘5 senses grounding strategy’.

I talk them through the following, explaining what I would do in my head. No one even needs to know you’re doing it, it’s so inconspicuous.

In your head, think about:

5 things you can see

4 things you can touch/feel

3 things you can hear

2 things you can smell

1 thing you can taste

I explain that our brain can only focus clearly on one thing at a time, and that if we make our brain think about our surroundings and sense, rather than the thing that is worrying us, it’s amazing how quickly we can refocus our brains on positive things, rather than the negative.

Orienteering Relay Championships

On Friday, the 1st of September, a group of ten of us headed to Thorndon Park to compete in the South Australian Schools Orienteering Relay Championships. The group consisted of Ella, Leila, Milla, Tallulah, Jack, Neissen, Jasper, Lattie, and Lina. Helping to bring the children down were Emma, Sally, Amelia, and Tara. Katie was also with us. The teams were as follows: Ella and Leila, Milla and Tallulah, Jack and Neissen, Jasper and Ascha, and Lattie and Lina.

Upon arriving, we had a quick snack before the officials called everyone down to the grass for a quick briefing. After the briefing, those with pink bibs—Ella, Tallulah, Jack, Jasper, and Lattie—lined up to get ready for their runs. Meanwhile, those with yellow bibs stayed behind to prepare for their turn.

Ella was the first to return, putting her team into 3rd place and sending Leila off towards the finish line. Next was Jack, who placed his team in 5th position, sending Neissen on his way. Everyone else returned in their own time. Unfortunately, Jasper and Ascha's team was disqualified due to a mis-punch. Milla and Tallulah's team finished in fourth place, making them the highest-placed team from Crafers.

By Ella

Crafers Concert Band - Guests Artists at the Festival of Music

On Monday, the 18th of September, the Crafers Concert Band went to the Festival of Music at the Festival Theatre as a guest artist. This meant that we had to audition, as there were a lot of schools wanting to perform. We auditioned at Marryatville High School with the song "Counting Stars." We were the largest group to audition, with just under 25 band members taking part.

On the night of the performance, we all arrived at the Festival Theatre with our instruments, band jackets, and jitters. Someone came and directed us to our dressing room, where we spent the next hour. After that, we had to go get photos taken and complete our sound check on the big stage. Then we returned to our dressing room, and all too soon, it was our turn to play. We waited backstage for a few minutes while the choir sang "Whisper" and "South Australian Seas." Then it was our turn.

Once we got on stage, two girls introduced us and shared a story about the history of the Festival of Music. They introduced us to the audience, and we waited for our band teacher, Mark Hudson, to signal when to start "Counting Stars." As soon as we started the song, all our nerves flew away. Before we knew it, the song was over, and the crowd went wild.

Everyone in the band should be proud of their amazing efforts in the Festival of Music.

Emily and Liam - Year 6

"I play clarinet in the Crafers Primary School Concert Band led by Mark Hudson. We recently played Counting Stars by One Republic at the Festival of Music. Many of my friends were there and we all had fun. Playing together on the main stage at the Adelaide Festival Theatre was an amazing experience. When we finished the performance, we had a sense of achievement. I would like to thank Mark for his patience and respect for everyone around him. Without his experience and kindness none of this would've happened." Milla E

“Playing with the band at FOM was such a great experience, I loved it so much and can’t wait to do it again. We were on the same stage as Mary Poppins!” - Lachie T

"Performing on stage was amazing! It was definitely exciting! The waiting in the dressing room was a bit boring but we created our games!" - Ascha C

"“I have enjoyed playing at the Festival of Music concerts! And I enjoyed playing at magic millions because it was fun and I played music with an orchestra!” Isaac W

Crafers Choir

I've been on an amazing roller coaster during the last 2 weeks! The Crafers Festival Choir has outdone themselves with 5 concerts. The Crafers children have been outstanding during each and every single performance with which they have been involved in, whether it be Regional, Adelaide, Soloists, Choreography Leaders, Orchestra or Assisting Artists. We have received many positive comments from parents and teachers on their performance.

I have many people I would like to thank for all of this to happen. Firstly, I would like to thank the students for their energy and continued professionalism on stage. To the parents for allowing their students to join me on this amazing journey and helping me in what ever way you could. To he Port Pirie and East of the Ranges schools for allowing us to join them on stage and to the McLaren Flat Primary School children for joining us in Port Pirie.

I would also like to thank Mr Nielsen for helping out with the backstage work that happens during the concerts. Between the both of us we have done eight concert and rehearsal performances. We cannot wait to showcase our brilliance to the school community for the Spring Fair and the end of year concert for the Choir as we have many songs and soloists we are eager to share. I can't wait for next years concerts.

Miss Shephard

Port Pirie Choir Adventures

On Monday, 11th of September, the Crafers choir left school at approximately 12.00pm and set off to Napperby to be part of the East of the Ranges Concert. Once we got there we were delighted to see the McLaren Flat choir there waiting for us. We all settled in and made ourselves at home. We all became very close to the McLaren Flat kids very quickly, and definitely made plenty of friends.

On the second day we left base camp and set off to the rehearsal. After a long day of hard work we finally got to the part that we were all waiting for and most enjoyed - the Concert! Gabby and Sienna were able to be part of the concert, not just in the choir but as our choreography leaders. We definitely had a lot of fun.

On the third day, we were all bouncing in our shoes with excitement. A few of us went for a walk. We had some lunch and then went on to the rehearsal for a second exciting concert. Once again we had heaps of fun and it was very memorable experience.

On the fourth and final day we packed up our things and set off back to Adelaide. We definitely missed a lot of our new friend and we hope to see them again.

On behalf of the Crafers choir we would like to acknowledge and thank all the parents and any other behind the scene support, our amazing conductors, Mr G and Mrs Benson, Mr A and their SSO Gaye - and especially Miss Shephard and Mr Nielsen.

By Ivy, Gabby and Sienna

Festival of Music Soloists!

This year the Festival of Music was amazing! This was my second year of Festival of Music.

Last year I auditioned for a solo, which was "You've got a true Friend". It was a hard solo and was really popular, more than 500 children auditioned for it! Unfortunately I was unsuccessful and didn't get it, but that didn't stop me from trying again this year.

I tried out for 'Proud Mary' solo 2 this year, but I got a call back for 'Smile' and 'I am the Earth'. They asked me after my audition which solo did I prefer, and I told them 'Smile' was my favourite. Two weeks later, I found out I got 'Smile'! I was so excited.

My best friend Ivy also got a solo, so we were both so excited to sing them on the Festival Theatre stage. I wasn't too scared until I got on. I walked on stage, lifted my microphone and sang. It only lasted a few seconds but it was so much fun while doing it! I hop people in future years get solos too!

Amelie, Year 6

Festival of Music Orchestra

The Festival of Music consists of the Troupe, Orchestra, and Choir. I'm part of the Seaview Orchestra, which means I practice around 13-14 songs. We then perform these songs in five concerts at the Festival Theatre, alongside the Troupe and Choir who are on stage. Although the Orchestra is in the pit, you can still see us on two screens on either side of the theatre.

The Seaview Orchestra practices once a week. We also have "Magic Millions," which is essentially a rehearsal that allows the Choir to practice with the Orchestra. These Magic Millions rehearsals last for about eight hours, and throughout the day we get three breaks. We've also participated in three workshops that combine the Seaview and Klemzig Orchestras. Lina Wang, Isaac Wang, Oliver Young, and Zara McGregor are part of the Klemzig Orchestra, while Charlie Ness and I are in the Seaview Orchestra.

At the end of Term 3, we get the opportunity to go to the Festival Theatre and play in the pit. Each Orchestra performs in five different concerts, and there are two standalone pieces that we play: "Blue Danube" and "Living on a Prayer."

In summary, the Festival of Music is a fantastic experience to be a part of. You can choose to join the Troupe, Orchestra, or Choir!

By Yahong Collins and Lina Wang

Year 6 Bench Revamp

Pedal Prix 24 Hour Race

The last race of the year came around at an alarming pace, and the 24-hour battle was almost upon us. From the 16th to the 17th September, the official 24-hour Pedal Prix race began. A small group of Crafers kids, who had previously put their names forward to participate with the Comet in the 24-hour race, set out either the night before or the morning the race began. Numerous competitors from the Comet and a few from other cars all represented our team. The reason for this was that the Comet's success in previous races had propelled us into first place overall. This meant our team (or specifically the Comet) was selected to participate in the 24-hour race located in Murray Bridge! Just qualifying was an amazing achievement.

The race got off to a rocky start as our car immediately crashed, largely due to unfamiliar race conditions. The track was a closed-off road, and the Crafers team had little confidence since we'd never raced in these conditions before. This crash knocked us back to fifth place, but our high spirits enabled us to persevere. By the time darkness fell, we'd overtaken three cars and were in second place!

Though we managed to maintain second place all night, we briefly rose to first! However, this celebration was short-lived. Most of us woke up the next morning to the slightly disappointing news that we had slipped back to second place. As the end of the race approached, we finished in second place on the afternoon of the 17th, not just for the day's race but overall! It was an extremely tight race, and every kid who participated in the 24-hour Murray Bridge competition should be immensely proud of themselves. A big thank you to all the facilitators and parents for organising an admirable season of Pedal Prix. I'm sure the upcoming seasons will be just as astonishing as this year.

By Juliet Pickard

SAPSASA Soccer

On a Wednesday in August, four Year 6 students travelled down to Gepps Cross to play eight games of SAPSASA soccer over three days. The four students were Isabella Jones, Rupert Jones, Juliet Pickard, and Mia Christie. The Hills girls' team won their first two games and either drew or lost the rest. The boys' team drew their first game and won the second. Teams from all over South Australia competed, including squads from the Riverland, Pirie, Southern Fleurieu, and so on.

Unfortunately, the Hills teams didn't place first or second. The boys did quite well and came in fourth, but the girls' team ended up in seventh place. Both teams worked very hard, especially considering they had to trial and play with unfamiliar teammates. Their performance was commendable given the limited training they had received.

By Izzy Jones

Crafers Primary School

Newsletter 29 September 2023