Since our last newsletter, our school enjoyed the first assembly of the year; a wonderfully entertaining and lively occasion hosted by CRs 6 and 7.  Our community was reminded about the all-important Zones of Regulation that Alkimos PS has used since its inception and showed us the range of tools and strategies we can use to help manage us through the four zones. An amazing morning!

Tomorrow, CRs 5 and 8 present the assembly for us. I am excited about what these superstars have planned for us!

Families of the students that are awarded Merit Certificates should soon receive a nice photo showing this. Thanks, Mr Hood for introducing the photos for every assembly.

For families of students in Years 3 and 5, you’ll be aware that NAPLAN commences next week. This week, students have participated in practice assessments. 

Student Events     In the next three weeks leading up to the end of term, our senior students have several events planned. The annual Year 6 Graduation Bake Sale takes place on Wednesday 20 March. On Tuesday 26 March, I am delighted that our Years 5 and 6 girls will field teams in the AFL Dockers Cup; we re-join this carnival after an absence of several year.  The next day, 27 March, is the Summer Carnival for Years 5 and 6 students. Families will receive information through Connect.

 Alkimos PS P. & C. Association    Our school is very fortunate to have a hard-working and supportive P. & C. Association, led by President, Nicole Page. This parent body has successfully completed many projects in our school, through find-raising activities that both students and our community can enjoy.  Today’s popular Subway lunch is a perfect example.

Next Thursday evening, the Association holds its Annual General Meeting. This commences at 6.30pm and will be held in the Conference Room at school. It will be great to see new faces in attendance to assist the Association to continue to have such a positive influence in our school community.

Reminder about Hats Parents can you please remind your children that hats are required to be worn in our Physical Education lessons. This is really important to ensure that the children are able to get the most out of each lesson and enjoy the sun while it is still around.

Driving In School Zones   This week, a sobering video of a press conference appeared on WA Police’s Facebook page, concerning an operation outside a metropolitan school during the 40 km/hour afternoon period.  Below is the article that accompanied this video: 

“Children are vulnerable road users”.

“Children do not always make the best decisions”.

WA Police are reminding motorists to reduce their speed to 40kms/hr in school zones.

During one camera operation last week, 401 infringements were issued to speeding motorists.

On Thursday 22 February 2024, between 2.40pm and 4pm, approximately 1,400 vehicles passed through the crossing managed by two wardens on Stirling Highway near McNeil Street in Peppermint Grove.

Of these vehicles, 401 (29%) sped through the school zone with 281 motorists exceeding the school zone by 10-19km/h, 26 motorists exceeded the limit by 20-29km/h and two motorists exceeded the limit by 30 to 39km/r over the 40km/h zone. 

These motorists’ total disregard for the school zone endangers not only children, but the wardens working the crossing.  One warden was clipped by a vehicle at the end of last year and is still recovering from his injuries.

“Children are vulnerable pedestrians, and 40 km/h school zones are specifically designed to maximise the safety of both the children and traffic wardens,” said Commander Mike Bell, Road Policing Command.

Road Policing Group officers will continue to be deployed to the location to undertake speed enforcement duties during the new speed zone times. Depending on the circumstances at the time, the response to speeding drivers will be a mix of education and enforcement.

This makes for very worrying reading, and I’m sure you are dismayed like I am.  It’s up to us, as the responsible adults behind the wheel, to always ensure the safety of children on our roads.