Dear families,

Thank you for another wonderful term of learning and community engagement.  I would like to particularly thank our School Board representatives and P and C committee for their wonderful contributions over the term.  We have some exciting events on the calendar in Term 4 because of their collaboration and contributions.

As we look ahead to next term, please remember to SAVE THE DATE as Campbell Primary School is hosting a STEM Evening on Thursday 27 October form 4.00pm-6.00pm.  We are so excited to welcome families into the school for an evening full of fun and learning.

Keeping our school protected over the holidays.

During the stand down period vacation care is running and there will be builders onsite. 

However, we encourage all families who live locally to report any suspicious behaviour around the school over the holiday period.  We have had some stolen plants and attempts to enter the learning communities during weekend periods.  Please contact the authorities, do not approach anyone, or put your own personal safety at risk.

Have you confirmed your 2023 intentions?

If your circumstances have changed and you are/are not continuing at Campbell Primary School next year, please advise the school as soon as possible.  We have had many new enrolments across year groups and will be making decisions around class composition and final staffing next term.

Paula Kinsman

Principal

A message from the ACT Education Directorate: Updates to the management of COVID-19 in ACT public schools

Term 4 planning days (pupil free)

Two staff planning days (pupil free) will again be in place in Term 4. The dates are Friday 28 October 2022 and Monday 28 November 2022. 

These planning days provide an important opportunity for our staff to undertake training, plan for the remainder of the term and the year ahead and finalise end of year student reporting which can’t be done during class time.

While students may wish to use these days to catch up on homework and / or assignments, no additional work will be allocated to them on these days. Families may like to use these as wellbeing days for their children.

Changes to exposure advice in ACT public schools

Since the beginning of Term 1, ACT public schools have been providing families with email advice when a positive COVID-19 case within a cohort/class group has attended school during their infectious period.

From the beginning of Term 4, families will no longer receive an email every time a positive case is reported. Instead, families will be notified when there is an outbreak of COVID-19.

This change aligns with the recent change in public reporting by ACT Health.

Schools will continue to have COVID Smart measures in place to support the health and wellbeing of everyone at school.

Do I still need to tell my school if my child has been at school while potentially infectious?

Yes. Anyone who has attended school while positive with COVID-19 must still notify their school. Schools provide this data to the Education Directorate and ACT Health each week and it remains an important tool to help identify any potential outbreaks or areas of concern in our schools.

How will I know if there is an outbreak in my school?

You will be notified by text message when there is a higher number of cases in a particular cohort/class group or if a confirmed case is deemed as high risk. This will enable appropriate measures to be put in place to manage these exposures.

Your school will let you know if they need to make any temporary changes to learning.

A reminder to stay COVID smart at school

To help reduce the impacts on learning as a result of illness, please remember to:  

• Stay up to date with COVID-19 and influenza vaccinations.
• Do not attend school if unwell or if you have tested positive to COVID-19.
• Practise good hand and respiratory hygiene.
• Wear a mask when appropriate.

If your child or young person is a household contact, they may still attend school as long as they do not have any symptoms and have tested negative for COVID-19. Please follow ACT Health advice and let your school know by contacting their front office.

From the DSM Desk  

The end of another term! Hasn’t this one been busy? It’s been fantastic to see so many of our families back on site and re-establishing that lovely sense of community we had at Campbell Primary pre restrictions. For many of our families it’s just in time with posting orders out and the cycle of housing searches, clean outs, travel plans and lots of boxes in full swing in preparation for end of year uplifts. It’s an important time for ADF families to lean on each other – if only to lament the complete lack of DHA housing on homefind with others that understand!

Relocation support sessions for students in K-6 will commence in Term 4. These are small group sessions for students who are relocating due to posting for 2023. During these sessions we will work through some age-appropriate art and book activities, look at recognising and managing the big emotions related to moving, as well as some online new location research for older students. The sessions will culminate with a small farewell celebration and last day farewell bag. If you have not yet advised the office of your impending relocation, please do so as soon as possible. Please look out for an information form in Week 1 for those who have already advised us of their move.

Defence Club has continued throughout Term 3 for students from ADF families. It’s held during recess in the orange room in the BER on Monday (Kindy), Wednesday (Years 2 and 3) and Friday Years 3 to 6) and is an informal opportunity for students to network with each other and share experiences while engaging with games, craft, play and activities. Attendance is completely voluntary and lots of fun. It’s been great to see some of our youngest students coming along for a play! We look forward to more Defence Club in Term 4.

If you have any questions or concerns, I am available to CPS families Monday to Friday 9am – 3:30pm. Should you wish to make contact please call the front office or email me directly at Karyn.heitmann@ed.act.edu.au.

Exciting news - Erin entered a story into the Dot Shaw writing competition for deaf children. She won first place for the kindy to year 2 category!

NRL Road to Glory INSPIRE Program

Last Wednesday Year 5 and 6 were very privileged to have the opportunity to participate in the NRL “Roads to Glory” INSPIRE program. The program is delivered by Raiders and League legend Alan Tongue. They have a different theme each year, this year the focus was on diversity and inclusion. Students learned about: 

• Respect, empathy, and valuing diversity to build stronger communities
• Teamwork, communication, collaboration, and decision making
• Similarities and differences between groups.
• Building strategies to respect and value diversity
• How teamwork plays a critical role in success

Students were very engaged and actively participated in the discussions. We hope all students took something positive away from the message of the value of inclusivity and diversity.

With the Raiders just days away from their final with the Eels we were very excited to also host Raiders winger and rising star James Schiller who helped with the presentation and shared his own journey in sport. Both Alan and James were very generous with their time signing countless autographs and having photos with the students at the end of the session.

Our Raiders faithful were devastated by the loss to the Eels on Friday night. We will get them next year! We also hope the INSPIRE program will visit again in 2023 with a new theme.

2022 R U OK Day

It’s the name that gives our spelling and grammar teacher purists the twitches! R U OK Day is a national day of action when Australians are reminded that every day is the day to ask, ‘are you OK?’ and start a meaningful conversation whenever they spot the signs that someone they care about might be struggling. You can learn more about R U OK Day via the website along with this years’ message via the video here.

It's our third consecutive year acknowledging R U OK Day at Campbell Primary School. Utilising the school-based resources provided by the R U OK organisation some of the activities engaged in were videos, craft, word searches and the always popular “friend” nomination forms. This year we had 151 nominations for 91 different recipients! Among the “Great Mate” certificates issued to these nominees were siblings, buddies from other grades, even teachers! All were filled in during lunch time activities, with students giving part of their play time to acknowledge the friends in their lives and think about the qualities that make an effective friend.

The Campbell Primary staff team also marked the day a little late with a staff morning tea and check in on the Planning Day on Friday. They focused on the 4 conversation steps that give the skills and confidence to navigate a conversation with someone you're worried about. These are:

Well done to all staff and students who took part in the various optional activities last week. Finally, a reminder to all in our community that EVERY day is the day to ask, “are you okay?” and start the conversation.

We are planning to host a special STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) Evening for students to attend with their families next term. Think Virtual Reality Headsets, Lego Wedo workshops, science experiments and lots of other fun exhibitions to engage us all in STEM activities! It is so exciting that we can begin considering events like these again, as they were such an important fixture of the Campbell calendar pre-Covid! If you have any contacts in the STEM world, or would like to host an activity for students and families to visit, please email me at kate.herrington@ed.act.edu.au

Did you know that we have a Campbell Primary School Facebook page?

If you don’t already follow us on Facebook, please do! We share lots of exciting posts throughout the week, including school highlights and special events, interesting happenings from our learning communities and also helpful reminders for families.

You can find our Facebook page at this link: https://www.facebook.com/campbellprimaryschoolcbr

The school is currently in the process of reviewing class numbers for 2023.  This information also guides our staffing profile and the need to recruit and/or transfer staff. 

To date, there has been a very supportive response so far, with nearly 90% of our families already returning this vital information in their Enrolment Intentions for 2023 forms.

With the current teacher shortage, it is critical that the school has clarity around our projected student numbers to secure enough teachers for the commencement of the 2023 school year.

We understand that some families may be waiting on additional information, but we do request that you indicate at least one of the three options below:

1. Returning
2. Not returning
3. Undecided

The form is available from the school website in the CPS Dropbox.  Please visit the Front Office if you require an additional paper copy.

Please assist us gathering this critical information by responding as soon as possible.

Thank you.

Dear Families,

Please be advised that due to current staffing issues with pre-school qualified educators, unfortunately preschool children will not be able to attend CASAC during Weeks 1 and 2 of Term 4 2022.

The CASAC Management Team are working on resolving this issue and will notify you as soon as it is rectified.

Please note: All families with a permanent pre-school booking will not be billed for the 2-week period and your permanent position will be held for you.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

Please contact us if you have any questions.

Kind regards,

The CASAC Management Team
Campbell After School Activity Centre (CASAC)
Campbell Primary School P&C
Chauvel St, Campbell ACT 2612
Phone: 0479 099 070 | Email: casac@campbellpandc.com

As you will all be well aware, the Covid-19 safety considerations mean that no excursions are guaranteed to be able to go ahead, and contingency planning is occuring up until the last minute.  This puts additional pressure on the management of any excursion we attempt to hold for our little people.

We ask that you kindly support us by honouring the due-by date on all excursion forms sent home.

We want for all of our students be able to participate in every extra curricular activity organised by the school, but this is only possible with your support.

Please be reminded, as of Week 5 Term 3, any excursion permission forms that are not handed in by the due date, will no longer be able to be accepted.

When notes are lost or damaged in school bags, you can download additional copies from the Campbell Primary School website Dropbox in the 'Notes sent home' folder.  

Thank you all for your continued understanding.  We are so grateful to have the support of our families to be able to continue to provide the very best learning experiences possible for our little people.

Due 13 October 2022

Parents and carers can learn more about how to support their child with disability as they transition into adulthood in the Supported Decision Making Seminar on 13 October from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm at Black Mountain School, O’Connor.

Representatives from the Public Trustee, National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and ACT Disability, Aged and Carer Advocacy Service will help increase understanding of guardianship and powers of attorney. NDIS Staff will share information about supported decision making and how their service is able to help parents and carers navigate services and organisations. Read the attached flyer for more information. RSVP to Stephanie Nott at stephanie.nott@ed.act.edu.au.

2022 Climate Choices Schools Awards – nominate today

Due 31 October 2022

The annual Climate Choices Schools Awards (previously known as the Actsmart Schools Sustainability Awards) is hosted by the Environment Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate’s Sustainable Schools Program. Schools play an important role in teaching sustainability practices and concepts, and the impact of this teaching spreads beyond the classroom walls to the broader community.

The Climate Choices Schools Awards recognises the people, projects and schools that are making a difference. If this sounds like you or someone you know – a teacher, student, group or school-community member – nominate them for an award. Learn more about the award categories on the Everyday Climate Choices website. Nominate online by 11.59 pm, Monday 31 October 2022.

Contact Madeleine Gisz on 02 620 52538 or madeleine.gisz@act.gov.au.

Register for Mix 106.3 Pack the Bus – Christmas fundraising activity by 31 October

Due 31 October 2022

Transport Canberra and Mix 106.3 invite schools to participate in the Christmas community activity: Pack the Bus. Schools can host donation collection points for new toys and non-perishable food items. At a prearranged date between 28 November and 18 December, Santa will drive a bus to each school and children and parents will help Pack the Bus.

This year’s event is collecting for Communities at Work, an organisation that distributes food parcels and toys to Canberra families in need. For more information or to register your school, email promotions@canberrafm.com.au. Registrations close on 31 October 2022.

Applications are now open for Future of Education Equity Fund – Round 2, 2022.

The ACT Government's expanded Future of Education Equity Fund provides financial assistance to low-income families (and independent students) with students in years P-12 to meet the costs of education expenses, such as school uniforms, school excursions, sport equipment and activities and music lessons through a one-off payment.

The Future of Education Student Equity Fund Round 1 opened in late 2021 for families with students in years 7-10. Round 2 is only open to families who have NOT already applied for and/or or received payment to support their students in the 2022 school year using a paper based form.

The following payments are available to those who meet the eligibility criteria:

• $400 for preschool students
• $500 for primary school students
• $750 for high-school and college students

2022 applications close 30 September 2022. Only applications received by this date will be processed. There is no limit on the number of students for whom each applicant can apply, providing they meet all conditions.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Reside in the ACT
• Have sole or shared parental responsibility for a dependent student(s) in grades P-12; or be an independent student
• Be financially responsible for the student(s)
• Demonstrate low-income status through:
• a current means-tested Health Care Card or Centrelink card, which must list the student(s) as dependents; or
• alternative forms of evidence proving low-income status or equivalent financial stress.

Students must be:

• Enrolled full-time in a public or non-government school in the ACT in years P-12.
  NOTE: For the purposes of the Equity Fund, a preschool is defined as a preschool that is attached to an ACT school and led by a Principal. When applying online, only eligible preschools will appear in a drop-down list.
• Enrolled in an approved form of education other than a school and of an equivalent age to a student in years K-12 E.g. attending the Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT), or registered for home-schooling in the ACT.
• Residing with the applicant in the ACT, or in special government care that is paid for by the applicant, or be independent.

Visit the Education Directorate, Support for our students, financial and resource assistance for families webpage more information and to apply.

Dear families,

We are pleased to reopen bookings for Campbell Clubs for Term 4!

This term, we currently have four different clubs available here through CASAC. Unfortunately none of them are suitable for Preschool ages.

On Mondays we have Gecko Sports who are running a program called GeckoSKILLS. It is a fun and engaging program that supports students to learn new skills and techniques each week through a variety of multi-sports games and activities that improve gross motor skills. Over the program participants will be exposed to Soccer, Cricket, Athletics, Basketball, Rugby League, AFL, Boxing, Netball, and more!

On Tuesday’s and Thursday’s we welcome the return of Budding entertainment! They will run two programs.

• Tuesdays - Pre-primary and Junior Primary: Fairytales & Superheroes - develop confidence through themed drama games as you learn fundamental skills in speech, movement, expression and stagecraft. (K. Y1, Y2 & Y3)
• Thursdays - Senior Primary: Myth, Fantasy and Comedy - develop confidence as you learn and perform monologues and scenes inspired by exciting themes and characters. (Age 9+)

Also on Tuesday’s we have ArtKids joining us between 3:30-5! More than “art’s and crafts” ArtKids help foster and develop children’s drawing and art skills. A flyer with details has been attached.  

On Wednesday’s we also welcome back the return of Young Engineers! They will run STEM related activities between 3:15-4:30pm. A flyer with details has been attached

As these clubs are organised through CASAC the children who attend these clubs will need to be booked into our after school care program on the days they attend the clubs. Fees for attending CASAC on these days will only apply for the hours they are attending and does not include the times they are attending the club. The duty of care we will provide for the children will be feeding them afternoon tea and late snack as well as escorting them to and from the clubs that we have organised. 

Clubs will start in Week 1 and 2 of Term 4 so please get your bookings in early to secure your places.

Please use this link to make your bookings:

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=CPLkdTUpukigHCeYRsLBc7wxX71EqllFuI9-odVQuRpUQjhTSjY5SjdVREY3UkNYU1cyMEdNNkVBQi4u

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at clubs@campbellpandc.com

Kind regards,

The Campbell Clubs Team

Nominations for the 2022 ACT Public Education Awards are now open.

The annual awards are an opportunity to recognise our exceptional colleagues in schools and the Education Support Office, and to acknowledge their work and dedication.

We all know of the incredible work done by our colleagues – so nominate an inspiring individual or team for an award today.

For more information and to nominate, visit ACT Public Education Awards - Education.

Nominations close on 10 October 2022.