Schools and You Issue 3
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From the Minister
Welcome to the third issue of Schools and You - a magazine for parents with children in WA's public schools.
The response to the reader survey in the last issue was excellent - a big thank you to all of you who took the time to fill out the survey and offer suggestions on what you would like to read about in the future.
All suggestions have been considered, and some of these form the basis for stories in this issue. The most requested...
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Sending cyber bullies out of space
Western Australian public school students are taking part in a major study designed to send cyber bullies out of space.
In a world first, Edith Cowan University is looking at students' electronic technology use and social networking habits. The study will follow participant's lives for five years.
Professor Donna Cross, who heads up the research team at ECU, says dealing with bullying in any form requires a strong partnership between...
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Fun learning for kids with PEAC
Imagine your child being part of CSI Perth, learning about forensic techniques like fingerprinting, handwriting analysis, DNA analysis and chromatography. Or they might be part of a robotics team, designing and building robots.
These are some of the many fascinating activities gifted children in primary schools can be involved in through the Primary Extension and Challenge program - affectionately known as PEAC.
Wendy Hawkes, PEAC coordinator...
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Keeping our Year 7s in primary school
In public schools, Year 7 classes will not be moved to secondary schools following evidence showing the educational, emotional and social needs of students are best met in a primary school setting.
A study carried out by the Department compared the performance of Western Australian students with students in all other states and territories across Australia to see if there was any benefit in moving Year 7s to secondary school.
Norma Jeffery,...
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Fun with maths at home
Having a good understanding of maths can give your child a head start in their learning. In this issue Schools and You focuses on exploring maths at home for children in Years 4 to 7.
There are lots of things you can do to help your child increase their understanding of maths and how it's used in every day life.
Glenys Reid, numeracy specialist in the Department, says maths isn't something that is just taught in schools.
"Parents...
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New testing for 2008
Children in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 across Australia were tested in writing, language conventions/grammar, spelling and numeracy for the first time last month through a national assessment program.
David Axworthy, who heads up testing in WA for the Department, says the new National Assessment Program in Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) is good news as parents will now be able to see how their children are performing against children in the same...
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Spicing up science
Science classes have been spiced up with a partnership between schools and The University of Western Australia.
A group of science teachers has returned to university to work with leading scientists as part of the $5 million SPICE program where teachers research and develop new classroom resources for WA secondary schools.
Duncraig Senior High School physics and chemistry teacher Jenny Gull took part as a teacher-in-residence at UWA....
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Inspiring passion with specialist programs
Children have a chance to follow their passion and explore their interests through Specialist Programs for children in Years 8 to 10 in 2009.
With 83 programs to choose from, your child can specialise in the Arts, sports, academic or applied programs, which are available at 45 public schools throughout the State.
The teachers and coaches involved in these programs specialise in the particular subject area and challenge children to excel....
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Easy recipes for healthy lunchboxes
We received lots of requests from busy mums and dads in our Schools and You reader survey, asking for more healthy lunchbox ideas.
Lisa Shepherd from Rossmoyne Senior High School suggests these ideas, which are great lunchbox fillers. They are also great for topping up hungry kids when they get home from school without ruining their appetite for dinner!
Banana Loaf
This simple recipe doesn't require beating or whisking...
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Leaders in our schools
Linda Crombie, Principal of Babakin Primary School, was recently named Rotary Principal of the Year.
An inspirational leader, she emodies the heart and soul of not just the school but the whole Babakin community.
Schools and You spoke to Ms Crombie and other Rotary Principal of the Year finalists to find out about their approach to leadership and what makes a good school.
LEADING THE WAY WITH STAFF
Linda Crombie, Babakin...
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Term Dates - 2008
Term 2
Tuesday 29 April - Friday 4 July 2008
Break
Saturday 5 July - Monday 21 July 2008
SEMESTER 2
Term 3
Tuesday 22 July - Friday 26 September 2008
Break
Saturday 27 September - Monday 13 October 2008
Term 4
Tuesday 14 October - Thursday 18 December 2008
Subscribe online
You can receive this newsletter and updates about what is happening in WA public schools by subscribing at the...
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Reader competition
Win two VIP tickets to a Fremantle Dockers home game in the Admiral's Suite, courtesy of Members Equity Bank by nominating a favourite teacher.
To enter the draw, email us with the name of:
1. your child's favourite teacher and why they are special
2. your child's school
Email details to parentnewsletter@det.wa.edu.au
or post, with your details to:
Reader Competition
Corporate Communications and Marketing
Level 2, 151...