Now Autumn, like a lusty king,

Strides through the fields - awake, aware.

From summer sleep we've watched him bring

This crispy coolness to the air.

And fruit, well-ripened on the tree,

To me it whispers, round and sweet:

"Be firm.  Be strong.  Then it shall be

That you'll bear fruit for gods to eat!"

Dear GHSS Families,

What glorious weather we had for the long weekend!  Perfect for a morning wedding celebration in the grounds of our school.  I was ever so proud to show off our beautiful grounds and hall to family and friends and would like to thank my wonderful work colleagues who contributed their own time to help our school look its best for our special day.

Term Two is certainly busy!  NAPLAN testing returns in Week 4, May 10-13.

Our swimming lessons slot has been changed this year to Week 7 of Term 2, May 31-June 4.  This is for all students in classes 1-6.  Students not swimming will still need to attend the pool.

Week 7 ends with the Festival of Voice long weekend and our classes are already working on songs in preparation for the Youth Concert on Friday.

At this stage, our Winter Festival is set to return to its normal format on Friday, June 18th.

Car Park A reminder to parents that car parks and driveways, just like roads, are not appropriate places for children to play.  We have noticed a number of families walking through the car park with their children at pick up and drop off and chatting in the car park whilst allowing the children to play in the island in the middle.  This can be quite dangerous and in the interests of avoiding an accident we ask that parents please use the designated paths when moving to and from your vehicles. 

When exiting the vehicle, we ask that families use the gravel path that runs along the fenceline of the paddock and cross between the painted yellow logs that separate the parent and staff car parks.  Thank you for your co-operation.

Earthworks We are currently carrying out drainage works to assist in improving the sogginess of our school grounds during winter.  This does create some inconvenience in relation to mud, vehicle movement and rubble piles, however the long term results should make it all worth it in the end.

Board AGM On May 24th we will hold our School Board AGM in the staffroom at 3.00pm for a 3.15pm start.  We are looking for new members to join our board.  The board meets 6 times a year and conducts remaining business by email.  The board plays a governance role, overseeing the management of the school by the Principal and setting the policy guidlines under which they want her to operate.  They also monitor the financial viability of the school.  If you are interested in contributing your skills to the board, further information can be obtained by contacting the school for a nomination pack on 9848 1811 or by emailing office@goldenhill.wa.edu.au or by contacting the Board Chair, David Stockdale, at chair@goldenhill.wa.edu.au.

Warm regards,

Jacqui Hollingworth

Principal

First term was an extremely busy one for bush craft and woodwork.  In addition to class projects, all classes helped with sanding the spears for the Autumn Festival and Class 5 boys added some ochre to finish them off.  Thanks to Justin for making those sessions with the spears so insightful to all of Friday’s class and allowing the boys to experience some ‘boy’s business’ time.  Classes 3 to 6 helped with the football crate and many children started to salvage timber from the damaged furniture for future projects.

Class One hit the ground running by making their own knitting needles, proving they were extremely good at sanding.  Then they made bush pictures and bush hanging decorations.

Class Two made vessels from garden clay as well as clay animals made from modelling clay inspired by their reading of Celtic myths.  Finally, a reward for all their efforts with free choice toy making.

Class Three also made clay vessels, stands for their sun dials and their major project hat racks for themselves and Neal’s cooking room.

Class Four and Five managed to make their whittled birds in addition to all their “school” jobs.  Several children have also helped Milly with her doll’s house.

Class Six learnt about Ancient Egypt so amongst their “school” jobs they created both cardboard and timber pyramids which provided lots of practice in measuring, cutting and gluing! 

Class 3 have been busy with our music main lesson, beginning our first building main lesson and settling in to the new term.  We are really happy to welcome Mischa as a new member of our class and to welcome Archie back from Queensland.  They both bring such positive and fresh energy to our class!

In preparation for our building main lesson we have been continuing to develop practical skills in building and gain valuable hands on experience by constructing shelters in the paper bark forest.  There was some talk of a sleepover!

In music we have been singing, playing and writing our way to a better understanding of what music is and how it works.  We now know the basics of how to read musical notes on the staff and we have begun to notate our own melodies.  We have explored pitch, tempo, volume, time signatures, melody, harmony, texture and major and minor keys.  This has been such a joyful main lesson with children bringing in and making all sorts of amazing musical instruments.  As Steiner said, we are indeed musical beings!

Ashley & Renee

School Entry Health Assessment

All children in Western Australia are eligible for a School Entry Health Assessment when they are of school entry age.  The School Entry Health Assessment is provided by the local School Health Nurse.  It is an excellent opportunity to look at the health and development of your child at the beginning of school life.

The assessments are simple, non-invasive, quick and easy.  They screen for problems which are best addressed, if picked up and treated early.  The assessments include:

• Vision
• Hearing
• Teeth
• Growth (including weight, height and Body Mass Index). 

Your child’s results will be sent home after their health check has been completed.  Results are always treated confidentially.

Please note, if the assessment results for your child suggest there may be a concern, the School Health Nurse will contact you to discuss.

School Entry Health Assessment forms are currently being distributed for parents to complete.  Please complete and sign the back page of the form before you return it.

Please return the form to the class teacher as soon as possible.

Kindy assessments start in term 2 and will continue until term 3.  I look forward to working with you and your family.

If you have a concern about your child’s health, development or wellbeing please contact me on 0427 922 663.

Paula Stretton

Please know that as a school we are always open to feedback should you wish to provide it.  We are constantly striving to refine our processes and make improvements where necessary.

Feel free to contact us via phone (9848 1811), email - office@goldenhill.wa.edu.au or principal@goldenhill.wa.edu.au) or come in and make an appointment to speak with someone.

Positive feedback especially welcome!