Salisbury Downs Primary School Courage Good Manners Friendliness Compassion Persistence Tolerance Newsletter No. 02 Week 04 Term 1 Date of Issue: Friday 23rd February 2018 PRINCIPAL S You may have heard that Salisbury Downs Primary School has been undertaking studies in STEM over the last couple of years, but what is STEM? The acronym STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics and is an approach to learning and development that obviously integrates the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Through STEM, students develop key skills including: problem solving creativity critical analysis teamwork independent thinking initiative Communication digital literacy. The use of STEM methods in the school means that Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics are not seen as stand-alone subjects, rather as a way of thinking. STEM is about the skills required to learn science, technology and mathematics, and how engineering and design processes and principles are used to achieve an outcome. Initially, students of STEM need to identify a problem. They then create possible solutions to that problem, which can be tested. The skills are inquiry-based approaches to teaching and learning. For example: In a traditional classroom, students might be asked to research ways to stop litter going down the stormwater drains. They present a poster to the class, explaining what they consider to be the best solution. In a STEM classroom, students would be asked to design, build, test and re-design if necessary a solution to the problem of litter going down the stormwater drain. REPORT Some people think that STEM means technology and coding. That is one part of the bigger picture. Science encompasses our world and includes environmental science, marine science, chemical, physical and earth and space sciences as well. STEM learning requires critical and creative thinking, engaging and relevant learning experiences and perseverance. Why is STEM important? The global economy is changing. Current jobs are disappearing due to automation and new jobs are emerging every day as a result of technological advances. The continual advances in technology are changing the way students learn, connect and interact every day. Skills developed by students through STEM provide them with the foundation to succeed at school and beyond. Employer demand for STEM qualifications and skills is high, and will continue to increase in the future. Currently, 75 per cent of jobs in the fastest growing industries require workers with STEM skills. To be competitive, the Australian workforce needs people who can adapt to a changing workplace. At Salisbury Downs Primary School, we firmly believe that STEM empowers individuals with the skills to succeed and adapt to this changing world. Ask your child about the work they have done lately in STEM, they might talk about Solution Fluency, Innovative Thinking, Critical and Creative Thinking or even about construction and robotics, but it s all related and interconnected. There will be even greater importance put on STEM throughout the year, so keep your eyes and ears open. SALISBURY DOWNS PRIMARY SCHOOL 39 Paramount Road, Salisbury Downs 5108 Telephone: (08) 8258 7560 Facsimile: (08) 8281 5860 Email: dl.1194_info @schools.sa.edu.au
Community Chat Why Wear Uniforms?? Uniforms have for centuries represented belonging, values, traditions and expected codes of conduct. A uniform helps foster loyalty and pride and a unified group identity. It takes little to see that a uniform gives children the perfect mechanism to display that sense of belonging and encompass our school values. Sports clubs proudly wear their uniforms and coaches will remind players of club values and the meaning behind the guernsey before sending them off to play proudly against the opposition. The benefits of wearing uniforms Increase students self esteem because they do not have to participate in the school fashion show. Dressing alike helps students learn that what really counts in on the inside. Improve learning by reducing distraction, sharpening focus on schoolwork and making the classroom a more serious environment. Promote a sense of teamwork and increase school spirit. Mask the income difference between families. All children dress the same, whether rich or poor. Improve behaviour and increase school attendance. Some students actually skip school to avoid embarrassment about their clothing. Save families time and money. Many parents report that three uniforms cost about the same as an expensive pair of designer jeans. Help school staff quickly identify outsiders who could be a danger to students. Let us make it that a uniform stands for values, character and that extra something that comes not from going to school but proudly belonging to our specific school, Salisbury Downs Primary School. So we will be expecting all students at Salisbury Downs to be in our colour coded uniform as agreed upon by our Governing Council. Our uniform is navy blue tops either plain or with our school logo on it and plain navy blue or black pants. Please help to support this an let s all be proud of our school. Cheryl Taylor Wellbeing Co ordinator A Short message regarding Shorts! We encourage our students to wear shorts, and with the weather we have been having lately shorts are definitely the go! We do ask that shorts are not TOO short (we should be able to see the shorts below the top) and that they are of a fit that allows the wearer ease of movement and the ability to participate in all activities.
MATERIALS AND SERVICES FEES Invoices have been sent home recently for the 2018 Materials and Services Fees. Please note: School Card limits have changed, please check your eligibility and complete a School Card form if you are now eligible. If you have completed a School Card form you will still receive an invoice until your School Card application has been approved. Free Parenting SA seminar: Raising brilliantly behaved children Parenting SA is hosting a seminar for parents of children aged 5 to 12 years old on Wednesday 21 March 2018 from 7.00 to 9.00pm at the Adelaide Convention Centre. Presenter Jodie Benveniste will help parents learn about positive approaches to children s behaviour and discipline, which can lead to less drama and stress in the family. She will talk about: encouraging cooperation rather than conflict alternatives to punishment dealing with challenging behaviour in ways that bring out children s strengths and character. Contact: Senior Health Promotion Officer, Dorian Marsland-Smith, phone 8303 1660 Actions Promote the seminar and live webcast to parents and staff via newsletters and social media. Register for the seminar Download the seminar flyer for more information. Some of our students enjoyed a performance by a group from Salisbury Secret Garden this afternoon. The Salisbury Secret Garden is a Fringe venue and has a variety of shows on in late February, early March. They range from family days and exhibitions to music and comedy acts. Some have an entry fee and some are free! SALISBURY DOWNS UNIFORMS We have taken delivery of our ordered uniform items recently. If you had placed an order, or wish to purchase a uniform item, please see our friendly Office staff for assistance. Our Year 7 Windcheater Design has been approved so make sure you pay your deposit asap!
WHO DO WE THINK WE ARE?
B1 MAKING THEIR OWN ID PICTURES
USING POWER DIRECTOR PROGRAM
AND GREEN SCREEN!
PLEASE NOTE THE NEW COUNCIL SIGNAGE IN THE ROUNDABOUT AREA IN FRONT OF THE SCHOOL. KIDS TAEKWONDO Resilience, Confidence, Discipline, Respect. SALISBURY St Johns Anglican Church Hall Church Street, opposite Mc Donalds Classes on Wednesday 6.30 pm We would like to remind parents that the Staff Car Park should not be used as a walkway. It is almost impossible to see children between cars. Please teach your children safe road practises. ICE CREAM DAY Monday 26th February Also at: Modbury, Golden Grove and Greenwith. Term 1 enrolments open now Children can start at the age of 5 Experienced, qualified, DCSI approved Instructors Olympic Sport Taekwondo Enquiries Ph: 0412 909 500 or 0412 965 905 Email: info@worldtaekwondo.com.au Coming Events Thursday 1st March Blue Unit -Clipsal Friday 2nd March AFC Visit Monday 12th March ADELAIDE CUP DAY Download Skoolbag App to be kept up to date with everything that is happening at SDPS. Join the many school members who are reaping the benefits of SDPS Skoolbag APP. PUBLIC HOLIDAY