Dear families and carers,

Walk Safely to School

Happy Walk Safely to School Day, everyone! Today, on Friday 19 May, Walk Safely to School Day aims to promote our students' health, safety, and well-being by encouraging them to embrace active transportation and prioritise pedestrian safety. It is a day to raise awareness about the benefits of walking to school, such as increased physical activity, reduced traffic congestion, and improved environmental sustainability. Let's take this opportunity to remind our students about the importance of road safety, the joy of walking with friends, and the positive impact their choices can have on their health and the community.

P&C Annual General Meeting: we need you! 

Mark your calendars for an important event — the P&C Annual General Meeting on Thursday, 25 May, at 6:00pm. We extend a warm invitation to all families, as we highly value strong parental involvement and recognise its incredible impact on our school community. Your presence, ideas, and contributions, regardless of their size, are immensely valuable to us. This meeting serves as an opportunity to gather, share insights, and actively participate in shaping the future of our school. 

We look forward to seeing you all at the AGM and collectively working together to improve and enrich our student’s educational experience. 

Why do we wear school uniforms? 

As we embrace the cooler season, we have noticed a concerning trend — a rise in students arriving at school out of uniform. At Campbell Primary School, we firmly believe in the importance of school uniforms and their positive impact on our student's academic and personal development. In this newsletter, we would like to remind everyone about the numerous benefits of wearing uniforms and why they are an integral part of our school's culture. 

1. Fostering a Sense of Belonging: When students wear their school uniform, they become part of a united community. Uniforms create a sense of belonging and pride, allowing students to identify with their school and forge stronger connections with their peers. By fostering this collective spirit, we encourage a supportive environment where every student feels valued and included. 
2. Promoting Equality and Inclusion: School uniforms eliminate visual markers of socioeconomic differences and promote student equality. All students stand on equal footing regardless of their backgrounds when they wear the same attire. Uniforms create an environment where the focus shifts from material possessions to individual achievements, fostering a more inclusive and accepting atmosphere. 
3. Enhancing School Safety: School uniforms play a vital role in maintaining a secure school environment. Adhering to a standardised dress code makes it easier for staff and administrators to identify individuals not part of our school community. This enhances our ability to ensure the safety and well-being of all students and staff members. 
4. Encouraging Discipline and Focus: Wearing uniforms cultivates discipline among students, teaching them the importance of adhering to high and positive expectations. By following the dress code, students develop a sense of responsibility, school pride and self-discipline, essential skills that can contribute to their success inside and outside the classroom. Furthermore, uniforms minimise distractions associated with fashion choices, allowing students to concentrate on their studies and personal growth. 

At Campbell Primary School, we believe that embracing school uniforms creates a visually cohesive environment and instils valuable life skills and positive character traits. By wearing uniforms, our students develop a strong sense of identity, mutual respect, and a commitment to academic excellence.

We kindly request the support and cooperation of parents and caregivers in ensuring that our students come to school dressed in the appropriate uniform. Together, we can nurture a positive and inclusive school culture that supports the growth and success of each student.

Thank you for your continued partnership in providing our students with the best possible educational experience.

Active travel program evaluation

Transport Canberra and City Services (TCCS) is undertaking an evaluation of the school active travel programs, including the Ride or Walk to School, Active Streets for Schools and School Crossing Supervisor programs.

As part of the evaluation, TCCS is requesting school communities to complete a short online survey about their travel habits to and from school. The survey can be accessed through this link or via the QR code below.

TCCS has engaged First Person Consulting (FPC) – a Melbourne-based evaluation consultancy – to manage the evaluation and the surveys. FPC will not be collecting any identifiable information from anyone completing the survey, and all responses will be kept confidential and anonymous.

TCCS appreciates your support to evaluate these programs to continue to enhance the program offerings to schools.

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Kind regards,
Paula Kinsman

ACT Swimming Championships

On Tuesday, we had three students representing the North Gungahlin region at the ACT Swimming Championships at the AIS. These students, qualified after excellent performances at the regional swimming event last term.

Congratulations to Carla S and George S for qualifying for the championships and representing our school and regional. I would also like to acknowledge, Easton K, who also qualified but was unable to attend.

Our third competitor at the ACT Championships, Jessica W, deserves a special congratulations. She finished second in the ACT in the 11 Years breaststroke event and is in contention for selection on the ACT Team which will attend the National Championships in August. What an amazing achievement!

Upcoming ACT Representative Trial Opportunities

NB: Students must be born between 1/07/2010 and 31/12/2013 to be eligible to trial.

2023 12&U Girls Basketball Trials

1st Trial - 27 May
9:00-10:30am

2nd Trial - 3 June
9:00- 10:30am

Venue: Radford College

2023 12&U Boys Basketball Trials
Tuesday 23rd May: 4:300-6:30pm
4:15pm arrival for a 4:30pm start

Tuesday 30th May: 4:300-6:30pm
4:15pm arrival for a 4:30pm start

Venue: The Dome, Fadden

Invitational: Radford College
Athletes to be invited back for Trial
Sunday 4th May 3:00-4:30pm
2:45pm arrival for a 3:00pm start

If your child interesting in trialling, please see find information on how to register at the ACT School Sport website: https://schoolsportact.org.au/sports/basketball/

The Campbell Primary P&C exists to make our school community the best it can be for YOUR CHILD! Did you know that you are already part of our Parents & Citizens Association?

The P&C Executive invites YOU to our AGM at the school on Thursday 25 May at 6pm – come along and hear about what the P&C has been up to in the past year and give us your suggestions to help us to further build our community in the coming year – for our kids.

The evening will begin with drinks and nibbles - an opportunity to get to know more of your school community. An agenda for the meeting is attached. This is your opportunity to hear about the activities of your P&C and give us your suggestions.

You are also invited, and encouraged, to nominate to join the P&C Committee - all contributions are welcome no matter how big or small.

Nominations  for any of the positions are welcome, but we are particularly seeking nominations for the below positions:

• Vice President
• Treasurer
• Fundraising Convenor
• Clubs Convenor
• Canteen Convenor
• General members

Position descriptions can be found here P&C Position Information

We need your help to provide the best support we can to Campbell Primary school. Please follow this link to put in your nomination. 2. 2022 Nomination form.docx

We look forward to seeing you on the 25th!

Kind regards,

Danielle Hawley

Campbell P&C Secretary

It has been a fantastic couple of weeks around CPS as students really get stuck in to their learning and the ever growing list of events and activities on offer. It was truly wonderful to see so many of our ADF families able to make it out to cheer on all of our runners as they tackled the cross country this week. Those of us who have spent some time serving know the pain of long distance running (especially in cold air) and the students did exceptionally well!

I wanted to share some information as well as community opportunities that might be of interest as we head in to that time of year where the “winter hibernation” starts to creep in and there are less big events around Canberra.

Bus Travel

As with all things ADF life, we are all always learning! For example, did you know that you can apply for free bus travel for students in the ACT if a veteran or serving parent holds a DVA white card? Me either! The application has to be made in the name of the white card holder (not the spouse) and students must reside outside of 1km from the school grounds to qualify. If you are interested in exploring this further, please see the link below:

Please note that this is different to the NSW QCity bus system.

Duntroon Community Centre

For those that have been here for a while you may have heard that Duntroon Community Centre went through a period of uncertainty at the end of 2022 due to a lack of volunteer committee members. The good news is that it is up and running for 2023 with most programs returning and some new and exciting events to come. Duntroon Community Centre is accessible to ALL Campbell Primary and local families (both defence and civilian) and is located on Duntroon. If you have never been I strongly encourage you to pop in and check it out; they have fantastic facilities and resources including ski clothing and cake tin hire! There is a minimal annual membership fee to access the activities at member prices. You can find all the information at their website https://www.duntrooncommunitycentre.org.au/

Soldier On

Soldier On continues to be active locally supporting ADF and veteran families. With a big focus on employment along with social connection and advocacy there is a lot on offer for families. There are regular groups like wellbeing Wednesday, guitar band and coffee club as well as a range of one off events. If you are interested in volunteering or looking into events or programs you can visit their website https://soldieron.org.au/

Invictus Australia

Thanks to Prince Harry most of us have now heard of the Invictus Games, but did you know they partner with local sports organisations to provide athletic opportunities to veterans and families? The benefits of exercise for not just physical but mental health are well documented, as well as the opportunity for social connection and support. If you would like more information please visit their website https://invictusaustralia.org/

Integra Service Dogs Australia

This is a bit of a “new kid on the block” despite having been around for a few years. Integra Service Dogs Australia works with Veterans and First Responders and their families suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) by enriching lives through highly trained Labrador assistance dogs. They have recently signed a partnership with RAAF chaplains to provide dogs to assist with support to serving members during their day to day work. For the animal lovers out there, there is an opportunity to support this not for profit through fostering of Labradors during training. Their website has the details here: https://isda.com.au/#  or you can see how they help veterans here: https://youtu.be/zawWCignb58

Lots of opportunity to get out and connect with the ADF community in Canberra. For wider community events please see the “Local News and Events” attachment to this email. As always should 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.

The Year 6 community leaders are committed to helping the broader Campbell community.

We would like to invite our families to participate in our month-long food drive for St John's Care food pantry, as they experience record numbers of clients at their Centre. Your non-perishable donations provide people in need with immediate support.

Items can be dropped off to the designated tubs in the Front Office or to the 5/6 learning area.

We thank you for your support on this project and thank you for helping members of our community who need assistance.

Year 6 Community and Fundraising Committee

Kate Deady

Classroom Teacher

On Tuesday, students participated in our final carnival for 2023 - the Cross Country.

The weather was spectacular, as was the enthusiasm, spirit and determination on display. All of the students who took part in the races did an incredible job of representing their houses and themselves.

The races were all hotly contested with some incredibly close finishes. Congratulations to the students who finished in the top 5, who have qualified for the North Gungahlin regional event on Friday 2 June at Stromlo Forest Park. If you want your child to compete at this event, please ensure that the permission note is returned, with payment, by Wednesday 24 May.  

Students who finished in the top three in their race will also receive a ribbon at Yuma. The date of the ribbon presentation will be advised via email.

A massive thank you to the parents who assisted at the carnival. Your contributions were greatly appreciated!

Al Scherer

Sports Coordinator

Throughout the year, the ACT Education Directorate eSafety Education team offer free parent and carer information webinars about supporting children with online safety. These webinars look at understanding the current eSafety issues experienced by our young people, supporting children to be safe online, resources for handling online issues, and where to go for further support. 

Schoolzine have announced the latest version of SZapp is now available for download on the App Store and Google Play. This new version looks similar on the surface but under the hood are some significant improvements.

If you are using an Android Device, you will need to uninstall the old app and install the new version.

IOS Devices (iPhones) will be able to update without requiring a re-install. 

Click here to view the Article for Parents

Click here to view Installation Instructions

When asked for a secure passcode, use 4972 to connect to Campbell Primary School.

Improvements

Schoolzine knows how important it is to have a communication tool that works reliably, and have made sure that SZapp now meets the highest standards of reliability.

Additionally, the new version provides improved speed and performance, which means you can now access Campbell Primary's communication channels and updates faster than ever before. They have also made sure SZapp is now more compatible with a wide range of devices.

Finally, they have added even more security protocols to SZapp. Your data and personal information are now even more protected, giving you peace of mind when using SZapp.

Increased traffic is common around schools for short periods each morning and afternoon during the peak periods.

One way our school is trying to beat the congestion is through the Active Streets program. More people walking and riding to school will help to create ‘active streets’ – where drivers are more aware of our school and slow down when children are present.

You can show your support by driving less or avoiding the main carparks at the school. Try one of the part way drop-off locations on our school map or walking or riding the entire way. It doesn’t need to be every day, choosing to walk or ride once or twice a week is a great starting point and will make a significant difference to create a safer school environment for our students.