DUFFY PRIMARY SCHOOL

NEWSLETTER 12 - WEEK 4 TERM 3

UP & COMING EVENTS

Monday Morning WOW (Mon 14th August, 9:00am)
Science Week (14th-18th August)

Year 6 Combined Band (Tue 15th August)
Senior Choir Rehearsal at Chapman (Wed 16th August)
SW Athletics (Thurs 17th August)
Book Week (21st-25th August)
Book Week Performance K-2 (Wed 23rd August)
Year 5 Assembly (2:15pm - Wed 23rd August)
Book Week Parade (Fri 25th August)

Did you know?

You can find notes on our website.

Click here for school notes!

EXEC TEAM'S MESSAGE

Dear Duffy Primary School Community,

It was great catching up with many of our parents at our P&C meeting last week. It was a fabulous opportunity for our community to plan future events, learn more about our school priorities and provide us with their feedback.

Last Saturday night the P&C held their Trivia Night. It was a great community evening with about 80 people in attendance with our 70s theme embraced by all. Evening such as these are a great opportunity for parents to connect, grow their school support networks and meet new people whilst also having a few laughs and some fun.

We are very lucky to have such an active and amazing P&C.

PBL

As part of being a PBL school, we continue to explicitly teach and learn about following our school values of Respect, Responsible and Inclusive. At Duffy, students receive spirit points for demonstrating our school values throughout the school day across the various school environments.

Unfortunately, this year we have had ongoing technical difficulties with entering these spirit points in our digital system. Please be assured that teachers continue to hand out spirit points regularly. Due to these glitches, some students may receive bronze, silver, gold and PBL hero awards within a short time. We would still like to celebrate these achievements and will continue to hand out spirit points frequently!

Students who receive a PBL hero award will enjoy a PBL Morning Tea with the leadership team in Term 3 Week 9.

AWARDS BREAK DOWN

Bronze 75 spirit points

Silver 150 spirit points

Gold 225 spirit points

PBL Hero 300 spirit points

50th Year School Mural

As mentioned in the previous newsletter, we are in the process of gathering ‘The Duffy Story’ to commemorate our 50 years. Our Year 6 School Parliament has recently collected ideas from all our students about ‘What does Duffy mean to you?’ Some common ideas/findings that we have established so far include our strong sense of community, connection to nature, strong affiliation with water ways, friends, love of learning, families and collaboration to name just a few.

Following on from this a group of year 6 representatives meet online with the artist Eddie Longford to start the initial phase of the design process. Here are some of the images Eddie has shared that he uses in his artwork.

CELEBRATION - Winter Walk To School Week

Winter Walk to School Week (WWTSW) is an ACT Government initiative to encourage school students to walk safely to school. It is a great opportunity to walk, ride, scoot, or skate to school, even in the colder months of winter. It increases physical activity, teaches independence, and is better for the environment than driving in a car.

Thank you to all the students who participated in the Winter Walk To School Week to school last past week. All students who took part (even if it was only for one trip!) went into the draw to win one of 10 prize bags. The lucky winners were drawn on Wednesday.

Congratulations.

Pump Track

Here is a link to our independently lead and filmed, student instructional video about the use of the pump track.

Thank you Nina, Chester, Rupert, and Finnegan!

Hats Are Back On from August

In Canberra sun protection is required for part or most of each day between August and May. The end of May is ‘Hats Off Day’ whilst the beginning of August is ‘Hats On Again’ for all of us.

Please remember to ensure your child/ren brings their hat to school!

Science Week

Learning Journals

Save the date! Learning Journals will take place on:

Tuesday 5th September - 3.15pm-4pm
Wednesday 6th September - 8.30-9.15am

Book Week

Duffy Primary will be celebrating Book Week from 21– 25 August 2023 (Week 6). We will be participating in a number of exciting learning activities related to the theme: Read, Grow, Inspire.

On Friday 25 August at 9.30am we will have a Book Week Parade for all students who would like to dress up as one of their favourite book characters. We will have the whole school participating in the parade on the oval, with a back up plan if the weather is not looking good. We are thrilled to have parents join us at the parade.

We look forward to celebrating books & literature with you all.

2023 School Satisfaction & Climate Survey

Each year, the Directorate surveys all parents and carers, school staff and students in Years 4 to 12 about their experience of public education. The 2023 School Satisfaction & Climate Survey will be available online from 18 August to 8 September. The survey results will help us to continue to make quality informed decisions about how to improve our school. No personal identifying information will be provided to any school or college.

For each child in their family who attends an ACT public school, parents and carers will receive:

• A letter about the student survey outlining the reasons for collection and privacy provision for the data; and

• An email about the parent survey, including a unique link to access the survey. Genuine survey invitation emails will have the title "The 2023 School Satisfaction & Climate Survey is now open!" and will be sent from EDU Surveys & Evaluation with 'from' address EDU@qualtrics-survey.com

If you do not receive the survey invitation, please check your Junk email folder; if it is not there, please contact your school. If you do not have an email listed with the school, please email Front Office DuffyPS@ed.act.edu.au

The Parents and Carers Survey will be available online in other languages: Arabic, Burmese, Chinese, Hindi, Korean, Urdu, Vietnamese, Punjabi, Bengali, Spanish, Telugu, French and Italian. Respondents can select their preferred language when they start the survey. A shortened paper-version of the Parents and Carers Survey is also available in the following 5 languages: Dari, Dinka, Farsi, Karen and Mon. These surveys are available at the Front Office.

For the results to reflect the opinions of our whole school community, we need as many parents and carers, staff and students as possible to complete the survey. Your feedback is important, and we hope you will take part. For more information, visit: https://www.education.act.gov.au/public-school-life/school-satisfaction-and-climate-survey

With every best wish for a wonderful weekend with your beautiful families.

Regards,

Katie, Arilia, Sarah and Katie

SPOTLIGHT ON LEARNING - YEAR 1

In Writing this term we are looking at writing about our expert topics.

Students were asked to brainstorm some topic they felt they were an expert in before narrowing down the selections to ONE! With this one topic, we began creating a mind map of all the information we knew about that topic.

Next we are collating topic-specific words in an Alphabox before using that information to make a list of facts we know about our chosen topic. This will form the base of our writing piece.

We can't wait to share with you everything we know about our 'expert topic'!

We are experts ~ on certain topics

Outdoor investigations are one of our favourite places to learn. We enjoy using our skills across contexts and applying them in the outdoor environment. Just like with indoor investigations, students can choose from a range of purposefully selected activities that consolidate learning from our everyday lessons.

Investigating shadows and textures while outside in the sun on rough ground. These boys are creating their own comic, following on from their free writing that morning.

The product of a STEM challenge where students had to create a safe animal trap for small animals using only certain materials.

French knitting outside is such a fun way to build our fine motor skills!

In the sand pit, students love to use their gross motor skills by digging and building sand castles. Some students use this as an opportunity to engage in dramatic play, such as making a milkshake!

How to create a Pokémon... a list in line with year one's current project exploring visual art, habitats, mapping, teaching books, mathematics, and writing.

First, research Pokémon that already exist. Which ones do you like the most? How could you turn this into a new idea? Could you combine multiple Pokémon into one?

Second, create a brand new, unique Pokémon. Decide what type your Pokémon might be. Don't forget to give it a unique name! Explore the etymology of the type of Pokémon you have chosen. Perhaps you could explore some synonyms that could make up your Pokémon's new name! Could you combine two words?

Third, think about what type of Pokémon you chose. What kinds of power moves might this type have? Create a "strong move" -something that attacks another Pokémon - and a "speed move" - something that can be done quickly. Give your new power move a cool name!

Fourth, create your Pokémon's evolutions. Carefully consider how your Pokémon looks and what could be added to each evolution. Give your new Pokémon evolution a name that is somehow related to your original Pokémon.

Next steps:

Create a habitat for your Pokémon. Create a map and promotional brochure for your habitat space.
Explore addition and subtraction through a Pokémon battle.
Create your own Pokedex entry.
Create a triarmara of your created Pokémon in their new habitat.

SCHOOL LEADERS

Prime Minister

Barney Mungoven

Deputy Prime Minister

Kleio Slater

Speaker

Nina Aubrey

AWARDS

These will be presented at Monday Morning WOW (August 14th - 9am)

Principal's Award

Taylah R - 3SZ

Merit Awards

Curtley K - KBS

Fletcher K - KBS

Theodore A - KDL

Imogen H - KDL

Clancy J - KRP

Theodore H - KRP

Md Safwaan B - 1ET

Ella H - 1ET

Marcus C - 1JS

Joey W - 1JS

Aakif E - 1SF

Alexander H - 1SF

Franky C - 2RW

Wyatt G - 2RW

Jacob R - 2KJ

Sara B - 2KJ

Maeve H - 3MS

Rupert A - 3MS

Sam Z - 3SZ

Nadine A - 3SZ

Rea E - 3VS

Hunter B - 3VS

Keith B - 4RP

Ryker C - 4RP

Daniel B - 5CM

Georgie E - 5CM

Hazel D - 5CN

Adam A - 5CN

Sammi C - 6LK

Sera R - 6LK

Barney M - 6ZG

Evie B - 6ZG

Gold Spirit Awards

Aubrea E - 3VS

Harry P - 3VS

Callum M - 3VS

Mia L - 3VS

Sean C - GBP

Jesse S - 3VS

Naavya W - 3VS

Evie W - 3VS

Silver and Bronze Awards will be handed out by Exec staff during the week.

Silver Spirit Awards

Nio A - KBS

Rubert A - 3MS

Sarah B - 1SF

Levi C - 1SF

Finnegan D - 3MS

Ruby D - KBS

Alex D - 1SF

Mason E - 1SF

Scarlett E - KBS

Bianca E - KDL

Lucas F - GBP

Timaleti F - KDL

Charlie F - KBS

Keenai G - KDL

Maeve H - 3MS

Alex H - 1SF

Rose H - KDL

Erin H - 3MS

Imogen H - KDL

Jack H - KDL

Curtley K - KBS

Annie K - KBS

Fletcher K - KBS

Sienna K - KBS

Aria K - 1SF

Bridie K - 1SF

Abdulhaadi K - KDL

Hayley K - KBS

Peter K - GBP

Akain K - 2RW

Ava L - 1SF

Chloie M - 1SF

Willy M - 1SF

Maeve M - KBS

Richard M - 1SF

Adib M - 2RW

Paige P - 1SF

James R - KDL

Abigail S - KDL

Zemirah S - KDL

Pihu S - 3MS

Ursula W - KBS

Scarlett W - 2RW

Hannah W - KDL

Jaxson W - KDL

Blake W - KBS

Frankie W - KBS

Bronze Spirit Awards

Nadine A - 3SZ

Lachlan A - 3MS

Marley B - 3MS

Thomas G - 3MS

Elliott H - 3MS

Gabe K - 3MS

Eden C - 4JB

Maria K - 3MS

Tyson M - 3MS

Charlie M - 3MS

Ivy S - 3MS

Stella W - 3MS

Muaz S - 3MS

Elsa B - 4JB

Thubten C - 5CN

Marcus C - 1JS

Cooper C - 4JB

Chester D - 5CN

Jyrgal D - 1SF

Bailey D - 4JB

P & C NEWS

P&C Meeting

We had our general meeting last Tuesday and discussed a lot of things:

Our celebrations for the 50th Anniversary are coming along fantastically, and it will be a party to remember. Keep watching this space for more information as it gets closer!

Fundraising activities we have coming up including the Referendum sausage sizzle and 50th commemorative tea towels.

Spending more money on sports equipment for the school

Past Events

We had a groovy 70s themed Trivia Night last weekend and fun, laughter and prizes were had by all. If you have photos to share, pop them on our Facebook page with the others.

Cup-A-Yum was another success on Tuesday with $561 raised. Cup-a-Yum is specifically run to provide a practical opportunity for kids to independently handle money and coins. Most importantly to get kids engaged and excited to buy a healthy snack. And this was accomplished!

Thank you also to the volunteers who help make it run smoothly each time we do it!

We have already planned the next one – Thursday 7 September! Keep an eye on info in the newsletters and Facebook.

Uniform Shop

Uniform shop is still opening on Friday morning on ODD weeks. The uniform shop will be open next on Friday 18th August between 830-9am and will continue to fill orders submitted through Flexischools. For more information email duffypandc@gmail.com

Facebook Page

The P&C have a Facebook page that we use to communicate with the school community. If you aren’t following us yet, please do so by clicking the link or searching for Duffy Primary Parents and Citizens Association

Due to the Facebook algorithm, to see our posts and information follow these steps:

Log into Facebook through a browser
In the search box, search for Duffy Primary Parents and Citizens Association
Click on the page and click the LIKE button. This should give you the 'Follow Settings'.
Select Favourites
Below is 'Notifications' settings
- - - Select Content then Standard
    - Select Video then All Notifications
    - Click Update

Now you should receive notifications when we do post something on the page. Dont worry - we wont spam you, we value your engagement!

Find the Duffy Primary Parents and Citizens Association on

Facebook!

@duffypandc

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.

Don’t forget that the lovely staff at Baker’s Delight Cooleman Court give the school store credits for every purchase made. These credits help us run events like school barbeques and other fundraising events.

Don’t forget to mention Duffy

Primary BEFORE your purchase.

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

Changes to Upcoming Assemblies

Please also note the change in dates for Year 2 and Kindergarten Assembly:

Term 4 Week 2 – Year 2
Term 4 Week 8 – Kindergarten

Additional Koori Preschool sessions from 2024

Additional Koori Preschool sessions will be available at the start of the 2024 school year for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in the ACT. Extra sessions of 15 hours a week will be offered at three of the ACT’s five Koori Preschools: Narrabundah Early Childhood School, Ngunnawal Primary School and Wanniassa School.

Koori Preschool provides children aged 3 to 5 years with a play-based, culturally safe learning program. Families attending Koori Preschool can also attend universal preschool. Children attending Koori Preschool do not need to live in the Priority Enrolment Area. Enrol now at education.act.gov.au

Find out more about Koori Preschool by contacting the Early Childhood Education Officer by email EDUKooriPre@act.gov.au or calling 620 71106.

Big skills for small bikes – Register for the July and September course now!

Families can now register for the big skills for small bikes course run by Pedal Power ACT. Big skills for small bikes is a learn to ride course for younger children aged 3-8, which focuses on teaching parents and carers how to get their kids riding confidently and safely. This is a beginner course best suited to kids who are not yet riding on their own unaided.

The course includes 5 separate 45-minute sessions delivered each morning from Monday to Friday. Courses in the July and September school holidays are currently open for registration. More information on the course including dates, registration and pricing is available on the Pedal Power Website.

Help fight the spread of illness this winter

One of the best ways to help protect you and your family this winter 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 this winter by staying home if you’re sick and wash your hands regularly. Please visit the ACT Health Influenza (Flu) page for more information.

Learning for Life

The Learning for Life program helps children by supporting their education from primary through to post-school studies, like TAFE or University.

Learning for Life provides:

To be eligible for Learning for Life, you need to:

Have a child or children in Primary School, at one of the schools The Smith Family work with
Have a Health Care or Pension Concession Card
Have a strong commitment to your child/ren’s education and make sure they attend school regularly

To register your interest in Learning for Life, you need to:

Click this link https://www.thesmithfamily.com.au/campaigns/learning-for-life-expression-of-interest
Fill out the relevant details (your name, phone number, child/ren’s details and School Information)
You will then receive an email from The Smith Family with information about next steps

If you have any questions about Learning for Life, or need help to apply, you can call The Smith Family on 0481 464 065 or 1800 280 223.