
Queen of Apostles School
Term 1 Week 5 - Thursday 3 March 2022
Monday 7 March
Labour Day Public Holiday
Tuesday 8 March
Pupil Free Day - Staff PD
Wednesday 9 March
Year 3-6 First Aid
Thursday 10 March
Faction Swimming Carnival - postponed
Friday 11 March
Yr 6 Cricket Carnival
Monday 14th March
P&F Meeting Online 6.30pm
Wednesday 23 March
SAC Meeting Online 6.00pm
Thursday 24 March
NAPLAN Co-ordinated Test
Friday 1 April
Interschool Swimming Carnival
Monday 4 April - Thursday 7 April
Easter Liturgies
Thursday 7 April
End of Term 1
From the Principal
Masks
Today was the first day of the State Government enforced Indoor Mask Mandate for our Year 3 to 6 students. I thank our families for ensuring these students came to school with appropriate masks or had a medical exemption. I know it has been a tricky and confusing time for many families as they navigate the laws that we have been asked to put in place. Please be assured that common sense will apply and our staff will allow the students to take outside breaks if they need a rest from wearing a mask while conducting indoor lessons. The current rules that apply are below:
- All staff members and students in Years 3 and above are required to wear a mask while indoors when at school. Teachers and staff are not required to wear a mask providing teaching or instructions to students; however staff are encouraged to wear masks even when teaching, where possible.
- The requirement to wear masks outdoors will be relaxed unless physical distancing is not possible. This includes travelling on public transport.
- Students in Early Learning Care Centres and Kindergarten to Year 2 are not required to wear a mask, but their teachers and support staff must continue to wear masks, where possible.
- Students in Years 3 and above in Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) are required to wear a mask indoors or outdoors where physical distancing is not possible wear.
- Common sense should apply regarding the colour and markings on masks, with staff and students asked not to wear masks that may contain inappropriate markings or designs.
- Students may be exempt from wearing a mask at school under the following circumstances:
- the student has a medical certificate issued by a registered medical practitioner confirming a physical, developmental or mental illness, condition or disability which makes wearing a face covering inappropriate;
- when communicating with another person who is deaf or hard of hearing, where visibility of the mouth is essential for communication;
- when engaged in strenuous or vigorous exercise;
- when consuming food, drink or medicine, provided that they are seated at the time.
Ash Wednesday
Yesterday was Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent. Our Year 3 and 4 students attended a very reverent Mass organised by Ms Lesque and the Year 3’s while the rest of the classes were involved in a liturgy in their own classrooms. Lent is a time when we begin to prepare for Jesus’ great self-sacrifice on Good Friday and then his resurrection on Easter Sunday. We look during this time of Lent for ways that we can show self-sacrifice. People used to like to give up sweets or cool drink for Lent. Personally, I like to give up my time to help others that need it. What will your Lenten promises be?
Cricket Carnival
The Cricket Carnival for our Year 6 students complies with COVID safe guidelines and is able to take place next Friday. These are great days which the students really look forward to. I wish them the bast of luck, I’m sure they will be fantastic ambassadors for our school.
Wellness Week
This week is Wellness Week! Wellness Week is about taking a break from homework and instead focussing on using that time to play some games, go for a walk, read together or watch a movie. I hope you have taken the opportunity to do something special as a family this week.
Please remember that Tuesday March 8th is a Pupil Free Day. Our staff will be working with Ben Saulsman from CEWA on differentiation in Mathematics. Monday March 7th is also a public holiday (Labour Day) so you will have an extra-long weekend to enjoy with your family.
Best Wishes
Mark Ryan
School News
If you have a child who is due to start Kindy next year, it's time to get your enrolment forms in.
Children born between 1 July 2018 and 30 June 2019 are eligible to attend Kindy in 2023. We encourage parents to submit the application as early as possible so that any siblings of Queenies students are assured of a place. Places for the 2022 Kindy class filled very quickly last year so don't miss out!
If anyone you know is looking for a Kindy position for 2023, or a 3 year old Pre-Kindy for 2022 or 2023, please tell them to contact the office on 9376 8500 or fill out the application form on the school website and submit by email.
A Message from the School Health Nurse
Is your child of a healthy weight?
Did you know that more than a quarter of Western Australian school children are above a healthy weight range? It’s not always possible to tell if a child or young person is a healthy weight for their age, sex and height just by looking at them.
As children move through puberty and into adulthood, being above a healthy weight range often becomes more obvious but more difficult to manage. It is easier for children to move towards a healthy weight before puberty and adulthood.
Children who grow up in families that enjoy a healthy lifestyle are more likely to make their own healthy choices as they get older.
Tips that could work to keep your family healthy include:
· Limiting screen time to less than 1 hour day for 3-5 year olds and less than 2 hours a day for 5-17 year olds (this includes the television, computer, phone, game consoles etc.). Screen time is not recommended for children under 2 years.
· For every 30 minutes of screen time take a 10 minute activity break
· Aim for your child to have at least 60 minutes of “huff and puff” activity a day.
· Aim for a variety of colourful vegetables and fruit every day.
· Getting plenty of sleep helps with weight management, feeling good and learning. Ideally, children aged 2-5 years need 10-12 hours of sleep and those aged 5-13 years need 9-11 hours.
· Reduce sugary drinks, offer water only and, if needed flavour it with lemon, berries or mint.
Newly adopted healthy habits will help children who are above a healthy weight range to ‘grow into their weight’ over time. It is important to avoid discussing weight with children. Weight loss and dieting is not recommended for children, unless under medical supervision.
For some more ideas go to http://raisingchildren.net.au.
For fun ideas on how to support children and families to be more active outdoors go to Nature Play WA – www.natureplaywa.org.au.
If you are worried about your child’s weight, talk to your doctor or School Health Nurse, Fiona Ewing, 92588053
School Entry Health Assessment
All children in Western Australia are eligible for a School Entry Health Assessment when they are of school entry age.
The School Entry Health Assessment is provided by the local School Health Nurse. It is an excellent opportunity to look at the health and development of your child at the beginning of school life.
The assessments are simple, non-invasive, quick and easy. They screen for problems which are best addressed, if picked up and treated early. The assessments include:
· Vision
· Hearing
· Teeth
· Growth (including weight, height and Body Mass Index).
Your child’s results will be sent home after their health check has been completed. Results are always treated confidentially.
Please note, if the assessment results for your child suggest there may be a concern, the School Health Nurse will contact you to discuss.
School Entry Health Assessment forms are currently being distributed for parents to complete. Please complete and sign the back page of the form before you return it. Please return the form to the class teacher as soon as possible.
I look forward to working with you and your family.
If you have a concern about your child’s health, development or wellbeing please contact me on 92588053.
Shabnam Shahramian, Community Health Nurse-schools