Kapunda Primary School Newsletter

2023 Primary Schools Festival of Music

On Tuesday 19th September I had the pleasure of attending the Adelaide Festival Theatre where 27 Kapunda Primary School students performed on stage as part of the Primary Schools Festival of Music.

The Primary Schools Festival of Music, an official state icon, and custodian of an iconic South Australian tradition, engages our students in artistic excellence, cultural diversity and social inclusion through performance in Music and the Arts.

This year Paul Jarman was invited to compose a set of four songs entitled “World of Tomorrow”.

In this rapidly evolving modern world, it is hard to imagine that less than two hundred years ago there was no electricity, no running water or central heating and cooling. We lived without antibiotics and medicines. Cars, trucks, buses and planes were not yet invented. There were no telephones, let alone smart phones.

While most of these differences have improved our lives, some haven’t. Many of these differences are greatly influencing our lives. Are we heading the right way?

The technology challenges of our changing world formed the theme of the four-part song cycle for the 2023 Festival of Music, “World of Tomorrow”.

It was a spectacular event that our students and staff enjoyed being a part of. Thank you to Liz Fahlbusch, Choir Teacher, not only her time and energy supporting and preparing the students, but also for her work behind the scenes which made the night a success.

Congratulations to the KPS students who performed on the night and represented our school so well. It was clear from their reactions they all had an amazing time.

Dress Code policy consultation

I thank the families that took the opportunity to provide feedback as part of the review of the Dress Code policy. Students have and are continuing to provide feedback. Staff will now be given the opportunity to provide feedback.  

It is hoped that the Dress Code policy will be finalised in early Term 4.

2024 M & S Charges

Section 106A of the Education Act enables schools, in consultation with the school Governing Council/Community to set, collect and recover a Material and Services Charge. Attached to this newsletter is the proposed 2024 Materials and Services (M & S) Charges Notice that has been approved by the Department for Education in the form of a “Watermarked Notice”.

The proposal is that the 2024 M & S Charges are set at $320 per student.

All Parents/Caregivers are invited to attend the School Governing Council Meeting on Tuesday 07/11/2023 at 6:30pm, at which the proposed Materials & Services Fees for 2024 are to be approved. Please see the copy of these fees in this newsletter. If you have any queries regarding this charge, please contact the school on 8566 2008. If you are unable to attend the Governing Council meeting, you are welcome to express your views in writing to the Chairperson, Megan McWaters at Kapunda Primary School.

Attached to this newsletter is the proposed 2024 Materials and Services (M&S)

Planning for 2024 - Enrolment and Classes

We are using next years predicted numbers to plan and design for classes and staffing. It appears at this stage there will be a composition of both single and composite year level classes in our class structures. Although we understand that many parents preference is that classes are single year levels, as educators we know that composite, mixed year, level classes do not disadvantage a child’s academic or social development.

If your child will not be attending Kapunda Primary in 2024, please let the Front Office staff know at your earliest convenience.

Staffing update

I’m pleased to announce that Linda Travers will continue in Room 22A whilst Tammy Kearns is on leave.  Lauren Boyle will continue working in Room 9 on Wednesday whilst Emma Valentine will continue teaching PE/Health fortnightly on Wednesday.

I also wish to announce that Tara Mickan and Emma Valentine have been converted to permanency at Kapunda Primary School, commencing January 2024. Both are excited to be working at our school long term.

We would like to wish Taylah Wood all the best with her upcoming Maternity Leave.  Taylah will finish up at the end of this Term and will be on leave for Term 4 and all of 2024. We wish her and her partner Locky all the best with their new addition to the family. We are in the process of finalising Miss Wood’s replacement teacher and will advise as soon as we can. 

Reflecting back on Term 3

It has been another rewarding term at Kapunda Primary School, which included ….

• Positive growth for students in PAT-M and PAT-R testing
• Market Day, which allowed Year 5 and 6 students in Mrs Wells and Miss Wood to showcase their entrepreneur skills and raise funds to support with reducing 2023 camp costs
• A magnificent performance by our students at Primary School Music Festival
• Emotions Matter seminar for Year 3-5 students
• A fun filled Book Week Parade, that showcased the magic of reading
• Successful Kapunda High School Transition Days for our Year 6 students
• Excellent sales at our Father’s Day stall, run by our Parents and Friends

I thank our teachers, SSOs, leadership team members, parents and volunteers for their time and effort which allows these events to take place and their work over the course of the term to support our school.

I hope all families are able to spend some quality time together over the next fortnight. If you are able to get away, may you have a safe and enjoyable time.

Kind regards,

David 

Term 3

Friday 29th September     Colour FUN Run  

                                              Last Day of Term 3 - Early finish @ 2.10pm

Term 4

Monday 16th October       Return to School

From Monday 16th October    Bike Ed for Year 5/6 Students

Monday 23rd October       Pupil Free Day

Friday 3rd November        Movie Night

Friday 15th December       Last Day of the School Year - Early finish @ 2.10pm

Please note that these dates are subject to change

Nominees

Winners Junior Primary

Jordan Roesler

This student is a hardworking, persistent and resilient learner at Kapunda Primary School. He is a bubbly student in our class, often sharing jokes and telling stories to his peers and teacher. He strives to achieve his best, regularly seeking feedback on his learning. He is confident and happily shares his understanding of concepts in front of the class and eagerly supports others when they are stuck. He happily includes peers in learning tasks or at play time, often supporting younger students and encouraging fair play. He is well-respected by his peers for his positive demeanour and always has a calm manner when trying to solve playtime problems. This student should be proud of his positive behaviour at our school and his improved maturity throughout the year. He is a well-deserving recipient.

Congratulations Jordan Roesler!  

Sadie MacKenzie

This student consistently demonstrates persistence in all areas of her learning. She approaches challenges with a positive mindset, never giving up until she achieves her goals. She approaches new challenges with self-assurance, consistently pushing herself to reach new heights. Her confidence not only empowers her to take risks but also inspires those around her to believe in their own potential.  She displays a genuine respect for her peers and teachers, fostering a positive and inclusive classroom environment. This student is an active listener and empathetic communicator, always willing to lend a helping hand and collaborate with others. This student makes a positive impact within our school community and is an exemplary role model for her peers.  

Congratulations Sadie Mackenzie! 

Winners Middle Primary

Oliver Mickan

This student is a kind and caring member of our class who gets along well with all of his peers. He has worked hard to achieve his learning goals by being persistent and resilient. He is organised and is confident to work independently or in a group. He is responsible and shows good leadership skills by being a good and fair peer within our class.

Congratulations Oliver Mickan!

Emily Pratt

This student is a role model across the school within the yard and in the classroom. Nothing is ever too much to ask and she goes about all tasks across the school with enthusiasm and respect. We applaud her on her willingness to help others in the yard or classroom a lot of the time even without being asked. Her bookwork is always set to the highest standard and she is always striving to reach her goals.

Congratulations Emily Pratt!

Winners Upper Primary

Dylan Allert

This student is consistently enthusiastic and engaged with his learning.  He conscientiously works towards his goals and continually improves his skills and understandings.  He is always kind and supportive of his classmates, and always respectful towards his teachers.  His fantastic work habits, positive attitude and caring nature, make him an excellent role model to others and a very deserving winner of this award.  

Congratulations Dylan Allert!  

Bridget O’Reilley

This student is a very well-mannered and respectful student. She is a great role model in the classroom by always having a positive attitude towards her learning and treating others with kindness and fairness. She strives to achieve her best in all areas and is genuinely motivated to be successful. She is always happy to be at school and her positivity and happiness rubs off on other people. Thank you for always being inclusive and helping others when needed. You have been an absolute pleasure to teach. 

Congratulations Bridget O’Reilley!