Week 5, Term 4, 2021
Update from Leadership
Dear Bradshaw Families,
As this weekend rolls around we are officially on the downwards slope as there are only 5 weeks of school left. Although some eager beavers may have their Christmas Trees already set up, we are not taking our foot off the pedal here at Bradshaw in terms of learning and behaviour expectations.
After enduring the most rain the Alice has had in 20 years this week, when walking around the school there was still some high level learning happening. Students in 1/2 Sherriff were deep into a lesson on how to read the clock when its quarter to and quarter past the hour. If you see a student from this class please ask them the time! Then up in Year 6- there was some fun learning going on in regards to brands and logos!
Although we could have saved time and had our swimming lessons here on the oval with the size of the puddles, our younger students have been so responsible when travelling to and from the pool each day for their block of swimming lessons this week. Thank you to all staff involved and Mrs Fahey for coordinating.
Quick shout out to Leisa Cousins, Amy Nunez and all other staff who supported the library with the annual book fair last week. The discussions in classrooms and during break times about what books students were hoping to buy was amazing to hear.
Our mountain bike program has been running again this term in the last few weeks for students in grades 4-6. These students meet at school at 7am Tuesday mornings and tackle the trails with George from Aus Cycling and other fit, agile and coordinated staff members. These students then head to class at the beginning of the school day feeling alert and ready to learn.
What a disco we had last night! The students boogied the night away and costumes were next level. It was also a lovely chance to see so many people from our school community come together for the joint BBQ. A very big shout out to the SRC for running this fundraiser, they have been the most mature, eager and responsible SRC students this year. Always looking for ways to improve the school and bringing a range of student voice to our weekly meetings.
Sadly, DJ Vitamin A has now run her last disco for a while as she is taking maternity leave at the end of this year….
I am also taking a few years maternity leave at the end of this year (what a coincidence) and wanted to take the opportunity to thank the entire Bradshaw community for your enthusiasm, support and love over the last 10 years that I have been at Bradshaw. What a ride! Thank you so very much.
Enjoy the cooler weather this weekend and let’s enjoy these last 5 weeks together.
Alex Morton
Senior Teacher- Student Support and Wellbeing
Whats been happening at Bradshaw...
5 Anderson and 1 Gill Buddy class
5 Anderson and 1 Gill recently had a buddy session where Mrs Gill taught both grades how to draw a Mandala.
Computer Science
This week our upper primary students got a taste of Computer Science. Students linked in with university students via Zoom. Students were guided through a series of coding exercises and concepts on a platform called Autbot. Mrs Mapstone reported that she was "mind-blown" by the experience and stated that her Year 6 students taught her a "thing or two". Many of our students said they 'loved' the lessons and that they "were challenged but persisted to complete the tasks because it was fun".
Rex visits Transition
Last week our Transition classes were treated to an incursion by Rex and his reptile buddies. The students and teachers loved getting up close and personal. Especially Mr Barnes!!
Thanks Rex!!
6 Warner and Transition Barnes Buddy Class
6 Warner have really enjoyed the opportunity to spend time with their buddy class in recent weeks, which is always a highlight! As we start to think about the transition to middle school it is nice to spend some time reflecting on where it all began and get back into the Transition classroom. We have joined together to work on some mathematics activities and 6W were wonderful teachers, helping Transition Barnes to come up with survey questions, ask their friends and record their data. Another week we spent time creating some spooky Halloween art!
4 Spencer-Wright and 3 Rinkin
4SW and 3R thrived when given the opportunity to apply their critical thinking skills in our paper chain challenge. It was all hands-on deck as students battled to see who could create the longest paper chain using just 10 pieces of A4 paper. Teamwork and communication were key and all groups shone in the face of a challenge!
Acacia Cheetahs
For our project/unit study we made a study of things that move. Well done to Kevaia who presented the Titanic.
Transition Clarke Art
Transition Clarke are drawing self-portraits in art this week. On the whiteboard, students drafted their ideas before transferring them to paper using lead pencil and then black markers. Look out for the finished masterpieces coming soon. How clever are our Transition students? The pictures are so detailed!
Transition Information Night
Parenting in the Digital Age
Results from this years School Survey indicated that:
- 56% of parents feel that their child knows how to communicate safely and respectfully online.
- 84% of students agree that they know how to communicate safely and respecftully online.
Bradshaw are fortunate to be able to support our families a second ‘Parenting in the Digital Age’ Workshop. Dolly’s Dream will be hosting the event online. The workshop held last term was informative and helpful.
Wednesday 17th November 7:30 to 8:30pm in the School Library
Parents and carers of all students are invited and encouraged to join the workshop which offers tips, tricks and advice on how parents can support their children to interact safely online.
This is an opportunity not to be missed in the fast paced, changing digital world.
RSVP by contacting the front office to advise of your attendance.
Book Fair
A huge Thank You to everyone that supported our recent Book Fair. Our final sales figure was just over $8000!! The highest sales we have done for many years.
This means we will receive over $2000, which will be put towards resources for the school.
Sustainability at Bradshaw
Priority Enrolment Area Review
The Department of Education is currently seeking feedback on proposed changes to the priority enrolment areas of Alice Springs government primary schools. When a primary school's enrolment exceeds 85% of its capacity, enrolment in that school is limited to children living within the priority enrolment area.
The proposal including interactive maps is detailed online at https://haveyoursay.nt.gov.au/alice-springs-school-priority-enrolment-areas-review. There is also a feedback form at this location that you can use to express your views about this proposal.
Alternatively, you can pick up a proposal document from our school office.
Please note that any changes will not impact on currently enrolled students.
Not returning to Bradshaw 2022?
We are currently working on our workforce planning and class structures for 2022. For this to be successful we need to be sure if our current students are going to be attending Bradshaw Primary School next year.
Parents and Carers please let the front office know ASAP if your children are NOT returning.
Jolly Soles - School Council Fundrasing
Everybody wears socks! Mums, dads, uncles, sons, daughters and total strangers. Bradshaw School Council is selling Jolly Soles socks as a fundraiser. Look out for the order form coming home next week - $5 per pair - cash only sales and paid for at the time of ordering. Orders are due Wednesday 24th November. Friday 3rd December students will be having a Silly Socks and Hotdog Day. This is a School Council fundraising activity!
Reminder to families
PARENTS - Please use the school crossing on Flynn Dr and Adamson Ave with your children. We have had reports of students crossing these busy raods where their car parks and not using the crossing. This is the perfect opportunity to be teaching children how to cross the road safely.
Upcoming Events
- Principal School Tour Friday, 12th November, 4:30pm. All new families welcome
- Week 6 Swimming for Year 2 and Year 3
- Transition Information night, Wednesday 17th November, 5:30 to 6:30pm
- Dolly's Dream Parenting in the Digital Age workshop, Wednesday 17th November, 7:30pm to 8:30pm in the School Library
- Silly Socks & Hot Dog Day - School Council fundraiser. Wear your silly socks and order a hot dog for lunch - Friday 3rd December
- Preschool Gradutation Wednesday 8th December
- Year 6 Graduation Thursday 9th December
- Bradshaw Buddy Concert Tuesday 14th December