Filter Content
- Principal's Message
- Deputy Principal's message
- From the DSM Desk
- New building update
- From the Front Office
- House Colour Day
- Sporting School
- NAPLAN 2022
- Japanese News!
- Harmony Day
- Masks in schools
- Cyberbullying and online drama
- School to Work Webinar Series
- Public Health Alert: protect against mosquito bites
Dear families,
Our school website has recently been updated by the ACT Education Directorate to reflect the current progress of our school modernisation project. Please see below a small component of the update. I encourage all families to view the website regularly for any further updates on progress.
https://www.campbellps.act.edu.au/school_modernisation_program
Building Modernisation update 2022
Over the last two years the construction challenges at Campbell Primary School have been both complex and difficult for everyone. Since the construction commenced to modernise the school, it has been reported over 100 days were lost due to the unseasonal weather and the COVID-19 pandemic. The Education Directorate acknowledges your patience, and endurance in supporting your children and school community throughout this process.
We thank you for your ongoing support for the Principal, Ms Paula Kinsman and teachers at Campbell Primary School and look forward to delivering to you innovative and modern learning spaces that will accommodate your school now and in the future.
2022 Construction Progress Schedule
All construction work and key landscaping is currently forecast for completion by start of Term 2, 2022. Landscaping works will continue into Term 2 to fully establish artificial turf and plantings and ramps in some areas.
Learning Community 1 – Progress Schedule
Site Works | Status |
Carpet & Vinyl | 95% complete |
Glazed partitions | 95% complete |
Joinery including bag storage | 90% complete |
Bathrooms including staff wet areas | 90% complete |
Learning Community 2 – Progress Schedule
Site Works | Status |
Signage Install | 80% complete |
Final clean | 95% complete |
Learning Community 3 – Progress Schedule
Site Works | Status |
Painting | 80% complete |
Carpet and Vinyl | 50% complete |
Service Fit off e.g. water/electricity | 50% complete |
Joinery | 90% complete |
Bathrooms including staff wet areas | 80% complete |
Landscape and Playground – Progress Schedule
Site Works | Status |
Footpaths | 80% complete |
External furniture | 15% complete |
Timber Decks | 90% complete |
It is going to be a very busy, but exciting time as we prepare to move into our beautiful new learning spaces. More information regarding the schools transition across to the new spaces will be communicated through the eNewsletter in Week 8 and Week 10.
Kindergarten BASE assessment (weeks 7 and 8)
BASE (formerly PIPS)
The early years assessment program uses BASE to assess early reading, phonics and numeracy skills of students in their first year of school. There are two assessments, with the first occurring in weeks 7 and 8 of Term 1 (2022 only) and the second occurring in Term 4.
The BASE data is used to identify, as early as possible, students who may need extra support or enrichment. The BASE data helps teachers plan appropriate learning experiences for every child in the class.
Information about the program was sent home recently to all Kindergarten families.
Purpose of the Assessment
The intent of any assessment is to determine what an individual knows in an area. The BASE assessment is different from other assessments as the focus is not solely on what the student knows and can answer correctly, but how the student goes about determining the answers. Teachers can gain valuable insight through the one-to-one administration of the assessment.
BASE provides an indication of individual student needs in early literacy and numeracy development. The assessment predicts future performance and assists teachers to identify students who might benefit from early intervention or extension programs. The final assessment provides information on how well students have progressed during the year relative to their starting point. Schools use this data to monitor and revise their teaching programs in the next year of schooling.
BASE is a computer based, highly engaging assessment conducted in a quiet and supportive environment by a Kindergarten teacher. It is an integral part of the teaching and learning cycle and the results are used to inform teaching practices relevant to the needs of the individual child.
Reporting on BASE
BASE reports are available to the school principal and relevant teachers to assist with planning and teaching in the classroom. The BASE results are part of the wide range of assessment information collected by teachers.
Individual student reports using BASE results are provided to parents during Term 2 and Term 4.
Parents and carers are encouraged to discuss their child's progress with teachers, establishing a partnership that supports their child's future learning.
Help shape the future of inclusive education in ACT Public Schools
The inclusive education survey on disability and education in ACT Public Schools has re-opened. Discussion groups are also being held over the coming month.
Students with disability (both current and former), carers, families, advocates, school staff and the broader community are invited to join the ‘Community Conversation’ and help shape how we strengthen inclusive education in ACT Public Schools. If you haven’t already done so, visit ‘A Community Conversation’ to complete the survey and/or join a discussion group.
For more information about the survey and this work visit the Education Directorate website: https://www.education.act.gov.au/support-for-our-students/students-with-disability/strengthening-inclusive-education.
Seesaw Family App
Our whole-school Seesaw Family app was officially launched last week. We are very excited to have over 280 families connected to the platform. It has been incredible to see the community engaging, with families commenting on posts and students sharing their learning. Over the next couple of weeks our teachers will be working within their teams to further investigate all the ways that this app can be utilised.
Please contact Rachel Honner (our Seesaw coordinator) or your child’s contact teacher if you require login information.
School Choirs
We are very excited to announce that our junior and senior choirs will commence in Week 8 (week beginning 21st March). Kylie Cheater will be working with years 3 and 4 on Mondays and years 5 and 6 on Tuesdays. Helen Scott will work with years 1 and 2 on Wednesdays. To adhere to COVID health safety advice, choir practice will be held outside for 20–30-minute sessions. We are looking forward to exploring opportunities for the students to perform during 2022.
School Library Reopened
Some of our classes have visited the library this week for borrowing. This is the first time the library has been used since the relocation and return of onsite learning. It was lovely hearing the excitement of the students as they ventured into the library and carefully chose books. Kate Herrington added some photographs to our Facebook page this week. Each cohort has chosen a day to attend the library, to ensure that we can maintain effective cleaning and keeping us COVID safe.
As we slide past the halfway mark of term, I continue to marvel at the resilience and enthusiasm of all of our CPS students, but especially those students with parents serving in the ADF. The rigors of a career in the ADF can mean that one or both parents are often away, work long hours, and family situations can change with little to no notice. World events like the Tongan volcano eruption and the ongoing conflict in the Ukraine along with local events like fire, flood and health emergencies can have a significant impact on ADF families. At this time we have CPS community members alongside their ADF colleagues supporting aged care, covid health interventions, flood relief and clean-up, as well as their usual operational and training commitments. It truly is an incredibly busy and challenging time for our serving members, and we thank them for their service while also acknowledging the resilience and sacrifice of the families that stand behind them. Please let me know if your child requires any additional support, particularly if you expect to be away for a protracted period.
A quick reminder about the availability of the education support program offered by Defence Member and Family Support’s (DMFS, formerly DCO) for those who have posted in recently. Information about the scheme is available via the link here. The application form AD301 is available via webforms for the serving member, or via the DCO helpline on 1800 624 608 at any time. Please let me know if you have any questions.
Defence Club will be recommencing during lunch times next week on a fortnightly rotating basis, to maintain our cohorting requirements. Details and reminders will be sent to students via their classroom teacher on the relevant days. Defence Club is a play space in the BER where students from ADF families can connect with the DSM and each other, share stories and widen their social networks. New 2022 students are welcome to bring a buddy from their class. Quiet play options are offered including craft, puzzles and board games.
One of the tips that I often give families struggling to make social connections in a new location is the value of volunteering. Volunteers at Campbell Primary are highly valued and appreciated. We’ve been heavily restricted from engaging our families with volunteering at school due to Covid-safe measures, and the connection has been much missed. Whether they be one off, for events like our cross country and athletics, or ongoing like our wonderful second-hand uniform volunteer or P&C committee members; and everything in between, like changing readers or helping in the canteen. We look forward to a time where we can welcome our volunteers back on site, but in the interim, Canberra has an enormous range of volunteering opportunities to suit almost any interest. I had the great privilege of volunteering on Saturday night with Soldier On during their 10-year anniversary gala ball. It was wonderful to see some of our school ADF community there as guests and members of the incredibly talented RMC band. It was a great opportunity to give back to an organisation that supports so many of our ADF families. If you have any questions about local volunteering opportunities or would like to be connected with Soldier On for future events, please reach out by email.
As always I am available to CPS families Monday to Friday 9:00am – 3:30pm. Should you wish to make contact please call the front office or email me directly at Karyn.heitmann@ed.act.edu.au.
We look forward to a very successful second half of Term 1 and lots of exciting changes in Term 2.
DEFENCE CONTACTS and EVENTS
Defence Member and Family Helpline 1800 624 608 or email. Join the DMFS mailing list stay connected with what's on in your community. DMFS have a “Drive Thru” welcome event and spouse dinner coming up. Please scan the QR code to subscribe to the newsletter or click here for RSVP details.
Kookaburra Kids program is dedicated to supporting the unique needs of children from serving and ex-serving ADF families.
Open Arms are offering a range of face to face and online workshops during March call 1800 011 046 or you can register online.
Soldier On's mission is to enable serving and ex-serving veterans and their families to thrive. They offer a range of activities for veterans and for families. See their website for a full list of upcoming activities (check out the kids’ session at the AIS in the holidays)
School Arrival:
If your child arrives at school any time after 9:00am, please ensure they come through the Front Office and advise the staff there of their arrival time.
Once the rolls have been marked in class, the teachers commence the daily lessons and will not return to the class roll to make amendments for late arrivals.
Please be reminded, if your child is marked as absent, you will receive an absence notification from the school.
Attendance:
Please advise the school of student absences via:
- The school smartphone app (SZapp) – first preference
- Emailing campbellps@ed.act.edu.au – second preference
- Calling the front office (6142 3580).
Please do not email the teacher as these messages do not always get forwarded to the front office and may result in your receiving an absence notification from the Front Office.
Early collection:
Should you need to collect your child from school early, we ask that you endeavour to give the Front Office as much forward notice as you can via the smartphone app (SZapp), emailing campbellps@ed.act.edu.au or by calling 6142 3580.
We would appreciate as much notice as possible to be able to prepare the child, the teacher, class and Front Office with the least amount of interruption. This will also ensure minimal waiting time for yourselves.
Thank you for your consideration.
HOUSE COLOUR DAY
On Tuesday of Week 10 (April 5) we will be holding a ‘House Colour Day’. This special day is designed to encourage house spirit across the school (Preschool - Year 6), in lieu of having a swimming carnival this term.
Children are invited to wear their house colours to school on House Colour Day. One point will be allocated to houses for each person who has come to school in the appropriate colour (see below).
Davidson - GREEN
Britten - BLUE
Walker - YELLOW
Hodge - RED
Teachers will be provided with a list of house groups prior to the day. If your child is unsure which house they are in, feel free to contact the Front Office to confirm.
House coloured t-shirts are available for purchase at the school’s uniform shop. New t-shirts are $20 and second hand t-shirts can be purchased for $2. If you would like to order a house t-shirt, please contact Liz at uniform.shop@campbellpandc.com.
Further details about the school uniform shop, including opening hours, can be found on the school website https://www.campbellps.act.edu.au/our_community/uniform_shop. Alternatively, children are encouraged to wear items that they already own in their house colours.
Fun fact:
Did you know that the house names ‘Davidson’, ‘Britten’, ‘Walker’ and ‘Hodge’ were named after prominent Campbell citizens in the early 1960’s? Do any of our current school community know these families today?
We are so excited to see the wonderful Campbell house spirit on display on Tuesday 5th April!
Campbell Primary School is very excited to again be the recipient of Sporting Schools funding for Term 1, thanks to the Australian Government’s $320 million Sporting Schools Initiative. We are even more delighted to be able to welcome back specialist coaches to deliver the sports programs, supported of course by our amazing teaching staff. Week 1 of the four-week programs are well under way, with Year 5 and 6 leading the charge enjoying tennis at the adjacent Campbell Tennis Courts on Mondays, under the expert instruction of Dan from Tennis 360. It was fantastic to see maximum participation from the senior cohort and skills developing rapidly as they work through the fundamentals of the sport.
Year 1 have also started their four-week soccer (football) program that will run each Tuesday for the next 3 weeks. Not to be defeated by yet more wet weather, their initial session was moved to the hall and expertly delivered by Coach Sam from Football Australia’s Mini Roos program. Kicking off (pardon the pun) with the fundamentals of dribbling, the students played a range of very exciting games designed to develop control and gross motor skills. We are very much looking forward to making the most of our much larger oval space next week!
This Thursday, Year 3 and 4 will start their tennis program, with Year 2 commencing hockey on Friday. Please ensure that students wear comfortable clothing and sports shoes on these allocated sports days. A reminder also that local area permission notes are mandatory for tennis participation. If you haven’t yet done so, please return the note ASAP (attached).
Karyn Penney | Defence School Mentor (DSM)
NAPLAN 2022
NAPLAN season is just around the corner! NAPLAN is a point-in-time assessment that allows families to check how their child is progressing in literacy and numeracy against the national standard and compared with their peers across Australia. For schools, NAPLAN provides a tool to support teachers’ professional judgement about student progress, and the data helps to inform some school planning. NAPLAN is designed to give students an opportunity to demonstrate skills that they have learnt through the curriculum over time.
Families who would like more information about NAPLAN are encouraged to read this brochure: NAPLAN – information for parents and carers.
Students, teachers and parents can become familiar with NAPLAN Online by completing mini-tests available in the public demonstration site: http://nap.edu.au/online-assessment/public-demonstration-site.
The purpose of the site is to familiarise students with the type of items they will see on NAPLAN Online and related functionalities. This level of familiarisation is worthwhile to help students understand and be comfortable with the format of the test. In years 3 and 5 classrooms, teachers will work with students to prepare and become familiar with NAPLAN tests.
If you would like to discuss exemption, withdrawal or adjustments that can be made for students who require support, or have any questions about NAPLAN, please email me at kate.herrington@ed.act.edu.au.
Important Dates - NAPLAN 2022
Test | Date | Testing Format |
Year 5 Practice Assessment | Wednesday 30th March | Online |
Year 3 Practice Assessment | Thursday 31st March | Booklet |
NAPLAN Writing Assessment | Tuesday 10th May | Year 3 – Booklet / Year 5 – Online |
NAPLAN Reading Assessment | Wednesday 11th May | Online |
NAPLAN Language Conventions Assessment | Wednesday 11th May | Online |
NAPLAN Mathematics Assessment | Thursday 12th May | Online |
Catch up testing | Friday 13th May | Online |
In the Japanese classroom, students from Years 3 to 6 are beginning their journey towards a black belt in HIRAGANA KARATE! All students will learn the 46 hiragana in class, and will be tested by Libby Sensei (or a senpai – a capable student who has already reached their black belt). The colour belts are called obi and progress in colour from white to black, with 7 other colour levels in between. When students reach their green belt (midori obi) they will receive a small medallion to mark this achievement, and when they gain a black belt, they will receive a medallion and a certificate. To assist this process, students should be encouraged to use an online hiragana program to consolidate their learning.
Save the date – Harmony Day celebrations Friday 25th March.
Watch this space for more information!
Mask rules remain in schools
The mask rules for ACT schools and early childhood settings have not changed. Face masks must continue to be worn by staff and visitors in all indoor spaces at school and early childhood education and care settings.
Students in Years 7 to 12 are also required to wear a face mask while in an indoor space at school.
The wearing of masks for primary school students is at the discretion of the student and their parents/carers but is not recommended for children in ECECs, or Preschool to Year 2.
The measures we have in place, including mask-wearing, are helping to limit the impact of COVID-19 and ensure continuity of learning for our students.
Public Health Alert: protect against mosquito bites
Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) has been detected in samples from pigs in commercial pig farms at locations in regional New South Wales, northern Victoria and southern Queensland indicating the virus is likely circulating in the mosquito population.
There are no commercial pig farms in the ACT and JEV has not been detected in the ACT at this time.
This virus is spread by mosquito bites and may affect animals, including pigs, and humans.
Less than 1 per cent of people infected with JEV experience symptoms - which typically appear between five and 15 days after a bite from an infected mosquito - and include fever, joint pain, and rash.
Rarely, JEV can cause Japanese encephalitis, a severe neurological illness with headache, convulsions, and reduced consciousness.
There is no specific treatment for Japanese encephalitis or other mosquito-borne viral infections. The best way to avoid infection is to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.
Simple actions to avoid mosquito bites include:
- Cover up as much as possible with light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing and covered footwear when outside.
- Use an effective insect repellent on exposed skin and reapply within a few hours. The best mosquito repellents contain Diethyl Toluamide (DEET), Picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
- Use insecticide sprays, vapour dispensing units (indoors) and mosquito coils (outdoors) to clear rooms or repel mosquitoes from an area.
- Cover all windows, doors, vents and other entrances with insect screens.
- Remove any water-holding containers outside the house where mosquitoes could breed.
For more information on vector borne diseases visit health.nsw.gov.au/environment/pests/vector/Pages/factsheets.aspx.