PALMERSTON POST
25 February 2016
Week 4, Term 1
Board Members: Parent Reps: Shelley Penyu, Saravanan Thavamanikumar and George Villaflor
Board Chair: George Villaflor P&C President: Lisa Fior
Principal: Melissa Travers Deputy Principal: Kate Flynn (Acting)
Executive Teachers: Kylie Libbis
ASSEMBLY:
26 Feb Whole school
4 Mar Junior / Senior
DATES TO REMEMBER:
29 Feb Phil Kettle author visit
4 Mar Clean Up Australia Day
11 Mar Kenny Koala
14 Mar Canberra Day Holiday
15 Mar 5/6 Camp
Preschool Bus Wash
17 Mar Preschool Bus Wash
19 Mar Car Boot Sale
1 Apr
Trivia Night
NOTES HOME:
 5/6 Camp to Borambola
 3/4 Fife Band
 Car Boot Sale
 Preschool Bus Wash
 Christian Education (Kindy)
P & C NEWS
Save the Date:
1 Apr Trivia Night
All P&C activities, meeting
agendas and minutes are
available from the School
website at – Parent Corner
School Board:
29 Feb Voting Opens for
School Board Election
17 Mar 7:30am Board Meeting
DEPUTY PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE
Hello everyone,
What a pleasure it is to be writing for you for the first time this year.
2016 is going to be another busy, but wonderful, year. I would love to
share some of our Term 1 happenings with you.
Already this year we have held our Parent Information Night and it
was fantastic to see the families that came to find out about the
programs running in classes this year. If you did not receive a Term 1
Overview they are available on the school’s website. We had a
wonderful Swimming Carnival in week 2 and will be taking part in
‘Clean Up Australia Day’ on Friday 4 March. On Monday author Phil
Kettle will be visiting years 1-4 for writing workshops.
Years 3 and 4 have attended their school camp and years 5 and 6
have a camp coming up. That’s just the start of the amazing range of
learning experiences we will provide this term. Please make sure you
use the school calendar to keep you up to date. We also provide
regular updates on our Facebook page, so if you haven’t ‘liked’ us,
please do.
Action Plan
To ensure we meet the goals in our Action Plan, and to assist us with
setting a strong and clear vision for the school, teachers have been
participating in a range of professional learning opportunities. We
began at the end of January with Spelling and Maths. This term
teachers will also attend courses on:
Essential Skills (Classroom Management)
 Best practice in teaching Literacy and Comprehension
 Gifted Education
2017 has been confirmed this week as the year our school plan will
be reviewed.
Response To Intervention (RTI)
In alignment with our Annual Action Plan we utilise a Response to
Intervention approach to accurately inform our learning and
teaching programs.

Together, we learn from each other
PALMERSTON POST
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Response to Intervention (RTI) is a multi-tier approach to the identification and support of students.
The RTI process involves high-quality instruction and universal screening such as in - class
assessment and data. We have already used this data to commence strategies such as scaffolded
literacy, small group support and Pre-lit. We are looking to commencing Mini and Multi-lit over the
next few weeks.
Safety at School
Providing for your child’s safety when at school in our care is a major responsibility of our staff. As
part of the preschool accreditation process we need to practise lockdowns for both sessions of
preschool students. The whole school will participate in this during term 1. This is to ensure our
procedures run smoothly and that both staff and students are aware of their roles and
responsibilities. At Palmerston, we have conducted our first fire drill for the year. I would like to
congratulate all children across the school for carrying out this procedure both efficiently and safely.
Travelling to school
From time to time school buses may break down and require a replacement bus to be called. On these
occasions drivers will ask students to remain on the bus until the replacement bus arrives. This may
result in some delay but it is a much safer option than children leaving the bus. Parents may wish to
remind children to ensure they stay on the bus on these occasions.
Attendance
Daily attendance at school is very important for children’s learning and from a legal perspective. The
ACT Directorate’s policy Education Participation (Enrolment and Attendance) states that the
attendance requirements for children includes the responsibility of the child’s parents/carers to
ensure that the child attends school on every day the school is open for attendance, and attends every
activity that the school requires the child to attend, unless there is a reasonable excuse. If you are
arriving at school after 9:15am it is a legal requirement that you sign your child in at the front office.
This enables teachers to mark their rolls correctly.
Parents are responsible for notifying the school of their child’s absence as soon as reasonably
possible to ensure the safety of each child. On the rare occasion that unexplained absences reach
seven days in a school year school principals are required to commence official procedures. If your
child is absent please notify the school by:
Calling the school on 6205 7241
 Emailing your child’s class teacher
 Sending a note with your child on their return to school.
We are currently exploring new options around the notification of child absences, more details to
follow over the next few weeks.
Teasing V Bulling
Included in this week’s newsletter is an interesting read by Michael Grose about teasing in
comparison to bullying. It discusses the use of these words and how we can distinguish between the
two terms.

Lego & Dinosaur Play Area
If you have any Lego / Duplo at home that you no longer use then we would happily take it off your
hands! Lego is fantastic to utilise in many areas of the curriculum as well as during lunch time clubs.
Please approach the front office staff or your child’s class teacher to organise this.
We are thrilled with the newest addition to the playground - our dinosaur play area! We hope you have
had the opportunity to see the area which is located at the side of PoD 3.
Together, we learn from each other
PALMERSTON POST
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We will name it during 2016. We have plastic dinosaurs
and Hot Wheels cars for the children to use in that area at
recess and lunch time and we are working with all the
children to remind them to place the cars and dinosaurs
back in the tubs when the bell goes. This ensures that the
toys stay together at all times.
Easter Eggs
Our SRC are currently advertising an Easter Egg raffle.
They are asking families to donate Easter Eggs to the
front office over the next few weeks. Delicious Easter
prizes will be created from the donations. Tickets will be on sale from week 6 onwards. These will be
available from SRC members before morning lines at a cost $1 per ticket. All money will go towards
an identified need within the school - watch this space for details.
Car Boot Sale
This year’s Car Boot Sale will take place on Saturday 19 March in our carpark. This event has grown
remarkably over the last three years and we are looking forward to helping the P&C again this year.
We have a vast range of pre-loved goods for you to choose from as well as great food at the BBQ. It is
a fun community morning that brings us all together at the start of the year. More information will be
available on the flyer that is also being sent home today. The P&C organisers will be looking for
volunteers to help at the BBQ and cake stall as well as for the Car Boot Sale itself. Our P&C have a
fabulous record in fundraising and we are very excited to see them up and running already for 2016!
We love having such an involved community as part of our primary school and we all look forward to
seeing many of you over the year, whether it be in the classrooms, at our community events or on the
P&C or Board. Together we work cooperatively and support all our students to receive the very best in
public education. Please come and say hello when you are around the school.
Kate Flynn
Acting Deputy Principal
Together, we learn from each other
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PALMERSTON POST
WORDS Michael Grose
Teasingv
l
-
When speaking with parents when I
present at schools, or engaging with them
via our social media, bullying is always a
hot top1c. A recent Facebook post had one
of our biggest engagement rates ever.It
begged the question- "What is bullying?
Do we mix it up with teasing and other
forms of mean behaviour?"
It's an important topic that needs
clarification.
Bullying is a term that's wrapped in
Bullying
and thoughtlessness.Taken on their
own many rude behaviours can be seen
as an element of bullying but when
looked at in context they are more about
thoughtlessness, lack of consideration and
poor manners rather than a deliberate
attempt to hurt someone.
Teasing refersto annoyi ng, hurtful
behaviour that is used to get a reaction
from someone else.Teasing can be
persistent in nature, but not always. It's
Pmotion.l=nr m ny pPOpiP We;. ;t :;c;.O<""i t:Pd
generally an attempt to get under a
with bad childhood memories. It's been
estimated that around 40 per cent of
people have experienced bullying in the
past. It'ssomething that we don't want to
happen to our kids.
person's skin.It can involve name-calling;
it can be personal and hurtful in nature.
It can also infringe on another person's
rights.But generally teasing doesn't have
But I fear it's being overused at the
moment and confused v.nth teasing and
rudeness.
Rudeness refers to thoughtless
behaviours and thoughtless words.
Kids often do rude things to each
other without thinking their actions
through.Examples include breaking
wind in a child's direction; joking about
the colour of a child's hair in front of
others;failing to share possessions and
the key ingredients that make up bullying.
Bullying isthe selective, uninvited,
repetitive oppression of one person
or group by another. It involves three
elements-intent to hurt or harm; power
imbalance;and repetition over time.lt
takes many forms and guises including
physical aggression; verbal abuse;
emotional aggression (or blackmail);
intimidation;harassment and exclusion.
The new cyber-dimension to bullying
has moved the goal post for many kids. In
neglecting to admowledge someone.
the past children and young people could
Rudeness is usually about selfishness
escape bullying behaviours by being at
home.Cyber-bullying means that children
can't escape bullies like they once could.
Why the distinction? Ihear the term
bullying misused a great deal in the
media and when talking with parents.
We run the risk of "The Boy Who Cried
Wolf" Syndrome where we become so
desensitised to the term that we (or
teachers) ignore it when children really
are the victims of bullying.We also r un
the risk of failing to skill our kids up to
manage rudeness and teasing if we
categorise every awful behaviour that kids
experience as bullying.
Our ability to be discerning about
bullying is as important as the action we
take when we are sure that our child is on
the receiving end of bullying behaviour.
These actions include:dealing with
feelings;providing emotional coping
skills, getting others involved; building up
a child's support networks;and building
self-<onfidence that can take a battering.
Bullying needs to be taken seriously.
But we also need to be discerning about
bullying behaviours.
Together,we learn from each other
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PALMERSTON POST
PALMERSTON PRIDE AWARDS
Congratulations to the following students who received a PRIDE Award
at assembly on 19 February:
PARTICIPATION – becoming involved, “having a go” and cooperating with others
Antonio - 2DT
Bridgette - LSU
April - 1CG
RESPECT – respect for self, others and their property
Amara - 2DT
Nicholas - 1CG
INTEGRITY – being honest, fair, responsible and loyal
DETERMINATION - being persistent and resilient
EMPATHY - understanding and supporting others, regardless of our differences
WORKING WITH VULNERABLE PEOPLE REGISTRATION
Time for volunteers and visitors to renew their WWVP registration
Parents and other adults who volunteer, or work in some paid capacity, at school are required under
the Working With Vulnerable People Act to be registered with Access Canberra. There are however
some exemptions.
Those who registered in 2013 will need to apply to renew their registration during 2016.
If your card is over three years old it has probably expired and you cannot lawfully have contact with
children as a volunteer or visitor in a school-related activity.
If you are uncertain, you should contact Access Canberra on 13 2281 or accesscanberra.act.gov.au,
or in person at an ACT Government shopfront. WWVP Registration Renewal
If you think you may be exempt under the Act, you should contact the school.
Registration for (unpaid) volunteers is free. Registration for employees and paid visitors is $76 for
three years.
If you volunteer at the school over 8 times a year, you will need a WWVP card.
You can apply for a card via this link: How to apply for WWVP
Once you have received your card (new or renewed) please bring your WWVP card to the front office for
us to sight.
Together,we learn from each other
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PALMERSTON POST
SCHOOL BOARD ELECTIONS
P&C Representative Voting Now
29 February – 7 March 2016
Collect your Voting Form from the Front Office
One parent and citizen representative member position for the Palmerston District Primary School
Board was declared vacant. The following Nominations for the School Board P&C Positions were
accepted;
George Villalfor
Julian Fior
Emma Davidson
Please read about our nominees in this week’s newsletter. All Members of the Palmerston District
Primary School P&C are eligible to vote in the School Board Election. The voting period for the School
Board Election will open on the 29 February 2016 at 11:00am and close on the 7 March 2016 at
11:00am.
You can pick up a voting form from the PDPS front office during normal business hours (9am to 3pm,
Monday to Friday), or request one be emailed to you.
You can submit your vote by: hand delivery to the PDPS front office
email to info@palmdps.act.edu.au
mail to ARO, c/o PDPS front office
80 Kosciuszko Ave, Palmerston ACT 2913
BALLOT PAPER
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PALMERSTON POST
SCHOOL BOARD ELECTIONS - NOMINEE PROFILES
George Villaflor
Hello everyone,
It’s that time again when parents and others family members are asked to put their hands up to
become involved in the school board. I am a parent with one child at Palmerston. A lot of positive
things have happened since I joined the school board two years back; previously being involved in the
school P&C. I have re nominated because I know that the Palmerston school is the best in the ACT. I
am a parent devotee of “giving back” to help where I can with involvement in the school; especially
being a part of the school management and working with parents and their children and young
students. There are always new and old pressing strategic education issues arising at our school, our
congested drop off and pick up traffic issues dominate daily safety for both parents and students.
That is still a priority problem that I am keen to keep addressing. The parents and family members on
our P&C have done wonderful efforts in engaging the Palmerston community with school activities.
So overall, we are fortunate to enjoy a safe and enjoyable learning environment for our children
because of an active and caring community engagement with our school.
I am originally from tropical Australia (Darwin and Cairns), saw my first snow in the nearby Alps in
2003 and have been fascinated with the cold and seasonal changes in this part of Australia since.
Though I still grumble when its gets too cold.
Cheers
George Villaflor
Julian Fior
As a recently graduated Education student I have a demonstrated interest in educational issues in
addition to a personal connection with three children attending the school. Since joining the
Palmerston Primary community I have been actively involved in numerous ways assisting with fund
raising initiatives and organised school activities. I have found the staff and other parents to be
friendly and helpful and particularly cooperative in working together to create positive student
outcomes.
I am interested in becoming a member of the school board because I believe that effective schools
manage and provide a range of opportunities for stakeholder input and this position provides the
forum to advance suggestions and encourage external input. I believe that as a community hub
schools are central in developing and maintaining local partnerships, networks and collaborations
with parents, business and civil society to enhance the curriculum and provide a breadth of
educational outcomes.
I have a strong interest in ensuring that the school is able to provide the best possible education for
our children. Palmerston Primary is fortunate to hold a particularly diverse student and parent
population and it is within this reservoir of assets that I believe is one of Palmerston’ s strengths and
an area that can be further developed to provide a direction that reflects that diversity.
Professionally I have worked within the community sector for over 15 years including roles working
with disadvantaged young people, disability employment services and in my current role as Client
Support Coordinator at Housing ACT.
I feel my background and experience will provide a solid foundation to be a valuable contributor to
the Palmerston District Primary School board.
Together, we learn from each other
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PALMERSTON POST
Emma Davidson
My name is Emma Davidson and I am nominating for a position on the Palmerston District Primary
School Board for 2016-2018.
Our eldest daughter is enrolled in kindergarten and our youngest child will attend preschool here in
2017.
I have a Bachelor of Education, Early Childhood and have a passion for teaching our youngest
students. I have previous experience on a school board as a teacher member. I am looking forward to
working with the Principal, Board Chair and board members to set the broad strategic direction of the
school in line with Education Directorate priorities.
PHIL KETTLE - AUTHOR VISIT
Phil Kettle, author of the “Too Cool” series, will be visiting the school on Monday 29
February to share his writing skills with the students in years 1-4. He will be sharing
his knowledge, to help students begin to see themselves as authors when writing. He
will be discussing how to get story ideas and how to write a story plan.
We know it will be an exciting visit with lots of learning and creative writing involved.
Book will also be for sale.
CLEAN UP AUSTRALIA DAY
On Friday 4 March, Palmerston District Primary School will be participating in
Clean up Australia Day. The whole school will be working together, to make
sure our school grounds are clean and that all rubbish is placed in the bin.
Students should bring gloves and a plastic bag for rubbish collection.
Let’s work together to keep our school looking clean and tidy for everyone to
enjoy!
Together, we learn from each other
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PALMERSTON POST
Defence News
DEFENCE NEWS
Defence Welcome Morning Tea
A reminder that we will be holding a Welcome Morning
Tea for all new and returning Defence families this Friday,
26 February straight after assembly in the school library_
Please come along and join us for the morning_ RSVP to:
Hermione_bartlett@ed_act_edu_au
for catering purposes
DEFENCE KIDS LUNCH CLUB
We have been having lots of fun at Defence Kids Lunch Club each Friday after
eating time in the Music Room_ In Week 2, we had a Valentine's Day theme where
we made some yummy love heart fruit sticks and Valentine's cards_ Last week we
enjoyed scratch art, board games and threading!
It's a great opportunity for the Defence Kids in our school to get to know one
another and they are welcome to bring along a friend each week©
Friday.4 March (next week !) we will be
having a visit from Rex D.
Dog from DHA!A note will be going out
to all families about Rex D. Dog's visit
this week.
DCO Welcome to Canberra
The DCO Welcome Event 'Explore and Interact' is a FREE event for all Defence
families living in the Canberra region_ It will be held on Saturday, 5 March 2016
11-2pm in the ADFA Gym and AFL Oval- A fun day out for all the family_
Have a great week,
Mia Bartlett
DSTA
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PALMERSTON POST
P&C NEWS
The P&C AGM was held on Monday 15 February and we are pleased to report that we have a new
P&C executive in place for 2016. A big thank you to everyone who has volunteered to take on the
executive roles and assistants positions.
2016 P&C Positions are held by the following:
President
Vice President
Secretary
Assistant secretary
Treasurer
Fundraising Officer
Lisa Fior
Sharley Pavier-Jones
Helen Ritchie
Mandy Scanes
Jenni Palombi
Tara McGowan
We also continue to have the support of Edwina Samuelson overseeing book club and school banking
and the second hand clothing pool looked after by Leanne Harvey.
As the continuing P&C President I look forward to spending time getting to know many more families
at Palmerston Primary School. The P&C and all of its volunteers have many events planned in 2016
and we look forward to the year ahead.
We welcome and warmly encourage new parents to the P&C. Being a member is a great way to
contribute to and be part of your child’s schooling. Meetings are held in week 3 and 9 of each term.
Please come along and find out what the P&C is all about.
If you can help in any way or would like more information (on them) then please see one of the P&C
executive or email palmpandc@hotmail.com.
Lisa Fior
P&C President
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PALMERSTON POST
CAR BOOT SALE- 19 MARCH 2016
Palmerston Primary School
Annual Car Boot Sale
Saturday 19 March, 2016
8.00am- 11.00am
The P & C would like to invite you to our
first fundrafsing event for 2016.
Come and grab a bargain!
Entry is just a gold coin donation.
Gather your pre-loved items and bring them to school for an
easy way to sell them and help our P & Cat the same time.
Cost for a selling site: $12.00
Limited spaces available (38)
BYO table or a limited number available for hire for $5.00
To book a site or hire a table, please ring the Front Office on
6205 7241.
Book early to avoid disappointment.
Grab a tasty treat from the BBQ.
We would love to see you there.
Volunteers to help on the BBQ can email Helen: helen@ritchiecreative.net
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PALMERSTON POST
COMMUNITY NEWS
Fridays 9:30am - 11:30 am
(during school term)
For Gungahlin families with
children 0-5 years
Semi Structured Playgroup Craft ,
Activities,Indoor & Outdoor Play and
Morning Tea
New Members Welcome
Enquiries:
palmerstonpossums@gmaiI.com
Venue: Palmerston Community Centre
Tiptree Crescent Palmerston
Together, we learn from each other