Parents/Carers

Another busy term has come to an end.

The colour Splatacular was an amazing success. The primary students had their run 22 March and preschool had their run over two Wednesdays. On Wednesday 3 April local member Lia Finocchiaro also got slimed at assembly! The school raised $26 757. Thank you everyone for your support for our major fundraiser of the year. A big shout out to Mrs Joanna Panatos who coordinated the events.

Term 2 Monday 15 April is a Professional Development Day for all staff. No students are to attend school.

Staff will be undertaking work connected to the Annual School Improvement Plan’s goals. Workshops will include

1. Zones of Regulation, Frameworks and Strategies, delivered by the Department of Education Occupational Therapist Alice O'Connell-Debais.

6 workshops will be run by Zuccoli Staff

1. EAL/D: Assessing writing samples using EAL/D progression points.
2. Numeracy: How to create a high-quality Numeracy program that is aligned with Australian Curriculum assessment tasks.
3. Inquiry: How to develop an inquiry stance in the classroom and improve student engagement.
4. Behaviour and Wellbeing: Begin to review the Zuccoli Behaviour Expectations Poster processes.
5. Writing: Working through the Writer’s Process.
6. School Culture: Continue to develop a framework.

I wish everyone a safe holiday and look forward to seeing students resume Term 2 on Tuesday 16 April.

Carolyn Edwards

Congratulations to the following award recipients:

Assembly hosted by: Gabrielle Briggs and Felix Pena

The school and school council is working with Palmerston City Council Rangers to ensure there is increased safety for students and families at morning drop off and afternoon pick up. Palmerston City Council Rangers have flagged that the following three road rules are currently not being followed.

Road Rule 197-Stop on path, dividing strip, nature strip or painted island.

1. A driver must not stop on a bicycle path, footpath, shared path or dividing strip, or a nature strip adjacent to a length of road in a built-up area, unless:

1. the driver stops at a place on a length of road, or in an area, to which a parking control sign applies and the driver is permitted to stop at that place under the Australian Road Rules; or
2. the driver is permitted to stop under another law of this jurisdiction.
   
   

Road Rule 168- Stop vehicle on a length of road or area which No Parking signs applies.

Road Rule 171- Stopping on or near a children’s crossing.

(1) A driver must not stop on a children's crossing, or on the road within 20 metres before the crossing and 10 metres after the crossing, unless the driver stops at a place on a length of road, or in an area, to which a parking control sign applies and the driver is permitted to stop at that place under the Australian Road Rules.

Offence provision.

Notes

1. Children's crossing is defined in rule 80, and parking control sign is defined in the dictionary.
2. A driver stops within a particular distance from a children's crossing if the driver stops so any part of the driver's vehicle is within that distance – see rule 350(2).

(2) For this rule, distances are measured:

1. in the direction in which the driver is driving; and
2. as shown in example 1 or 2.

(3) In this rule: road does not include a road- related area, but includes any shoulder of the road.

Note Road -related area is defined in rule 13, and shoulder is defined in rule 12.

Examples

To read a full summary of the rules listed above please click on the link -TRAFFIC REGULATIONS – AUSTRALIAN ROAD RULES

This term in 3/4 Mick we have been learning about our local council and government. During our writing lessons we have written our own persuasive speeches to read, to be elected as class president. This links in with our HASS lessons as the students have created a whole campaign around class elections.

This term in 3/4 Machacek we have been learning about our Inquiry question “What is my story?” We have linked our inquiry questions to lots of learning areas this term including; visual arts, inquiry and writing. In visual arts students learnt how to use colour to convey meaning and contrast, the class discussed how art tells a story. To end the unit students had to create a self portrait that informed the audience about experiences and elements that connected to their story including their culture, hobbies and families.

On Friday the 8^th of March, students from Zuccoli Learning Commission participated in a school excursion, joining forces with peers from Palmerston and rural schools to discuss school improvement. This unique opportunity provided a platform for our students to share their schooling insights and experiences, analyse Zuccoli improvement data and look at potential projects to bring about positive change within our school. We were proud of the way that these Zuccoli students participated in mature, goal driven discussions and displayed the school values.

KITCHEN

During Kitchen lessons this term students have been learning about natural/whole foods and processed foods. Using their lunch boxes years 3/4 and 5/6 were able to identify the differences between the two. Across all year levels, students have been learning about healthy eating and what food should be included in a healthy lunch box. Years 1/2 prepared a fruit salad, while learning the correct technique to chop a variety of fruit using the bread and butter knife. Years 3/4 and 5/6 prepared vegetables for rice paper rolls and were also taught knife skills while chopping with a paring knife.

GARDEN

Term 1 certainly went quickly in the Zuccoli PS Garden. Students have been very busy reconnecting with the garden space including harvesting some wet season fruit and vegetables, caring for the garden and enjoying the school chickens, tadpoles and guinea pigs.

The Year 5/6 students have been learning about the complexity of soil and have completed a variety of experiments to ensure our school garden beds are ready for the up-and-coming dry season. This included learning about soil types and performing PH soil tests.

Year 3/4 students have been busy investigating pests that are impacting the garden and they are using their creativity to design pest deterrents. We look forward to seeing students' completed designs in Term 2.

The Year 1/2 students have been learning about the life cycle of plants and examining seeds. This has included planting seeds and observing them grow. They have also designed a pot using upcycled materials that they will complete in Term 2.

It is wonderful that students access both the kitchen and garden spaces in a fortnightly timetable so that they experience the connection between the two learning spaces. We look forward to growing, harvesting, preparing and sharing in the Zuccoli Kitchen and Garden in Term 2.

In an exhilarating display of skill and sportsmanship, Zuccoli Primary School emerged victorious in three out of four divisions at this year's 7-a-side inter-school soccer carnival. Demonstrating the true spirit of our school values, our students showcased teamwork and respect on the field. Zuccoli teams won both boys divisions and one girls division, with the girls team delivering a particularly exceptional performance. Inspired by the Matildas' success, there has been a significant surge in girls participation in soccer at Zuccoli and their dominance on the field highlights the growing talent and enthusiasm among our young athletes. Congratulations to all players for representing Zuccoli with pride.

Over the last couple of weeks we have had so many wonderful celebrations. Harmony Day was a time to come together and celebrate all the different cultures we have in Preschool. We invited families to join in with some activities and a special morning tea where we shared different foods from around the world. In Week 9 and 10 we had our Colour Splatacular where the students got to participate in a colourful obstacle course which was both fun and messy! It was so lovely to see so many parents come to all the events over the last couple of weeks. Term 1 has been filled with so many community events, learning and lots of time getting to know our new peers and Educators. We would like to take the time to thank all the families for providing feedback to our observations, coming to events and providing ideas for more opportunities to connect as a community throughout the year. We hope you all have a relaxing and safe holiday and we will see you back in Preschool Tuesday 16^th April for Groups 1 and 3 and Thursday 18^th April for Groups 2 and 4.  

Our garden is seeking donations of plastic pots from families such as those that seedlings and flowers come in from Bunnings. Donations can be dropped at the front office.

What is your favourite Sporting Team?

Collingwood AFL

What is a place that you have visited that you would like to revisit and why?

Italy for the food especially the pasta.

What is one thing you still have from when you were a child?

My childhood Elmo doll that I have had since I was 2.

If you could have dinner with anyone who would it be and why?

Having dinner with Nelson Mandela would give me unique opportunity to gain insights into his remarkable life, leadership, and activism. I could learn firsthand about his experiences, principles, and vision for social justice, which could inspire and enrich your perspective on various issues

If you were to give one book to all your friends, what would it be and why?

I'd recommend "The Chronicles of Narnia" series by C.S. Lewis. It's a timeless collection of fantasy novels filled with adventure, imagination, and valuable life lessons.

What is your favourite Sporting Team?

I’m not a fan of Australian sports.

What is a place that you have visited that you would like to revisit and why?

Hoi An’s Old Town, located in the central region of Vietnam. I love Hoi An because of its timeless charm and perfectly preserved merchant houses. It is small enough to explore on foot, with narrow alleyways and peaceful streets without motorbike chaos.

What is one thing you still have from when you were a child?

All my handwriting notebooks from primary school. 

If you could have dinner with anyone, who would it be and why?

It would be a peaceful and nourishing experience if I could have a vegetarian dinner with Zen Master Thich Nhat to connect with him and learn from his teachings on mindful eating and living in harmony with the world around us.

If you were to give one book to all your friends, what would it be and why?

A photo book that can bring back moments of our unforgettable childhood memories.

What is your favourite Sporting Team?

The Wallabies

What is a place that you have visited that you would like to revisit and why?

I would love to go back to the Seychelles. I haven’t been there in around nine years now and it would be great to visit my family over there again, not to mention I would love to lounge on the beach for a month or two.

What is one thing you still have from when you were a child?

My very first non-picture book that sparked my love of reading. I kept it and have loaned it to each of my nieces so far. They’re all avid readers as well.

If you could have dinner with anyone who would it be and why?

My best friend who moved to Perth, I have not seen her in years.

If you were to give one book to all your friends, what would it be and why?

The Gruffalo. It became a class favourite at my previous school and I’ve loved sharing the excitement with others.

What is your favourite Sporting Team?

Unfortunately, I don’t have one.

What is a place that you have visited that you would like to revisit and why?

About 5 years ago, my husband and I visited Whitsunday Islands. I love swimming, sailing, and snorkelling so this is a place I hope we revisit.

What is one thing you still have from when you were a child?

Thanks to my Mum, I have several pieces of clothing that I used to wear when I was a toddler. Now my daughter gets to wear them and it feels surreal seeing her in clothes that I was photographed in over 20 years ago.

If you could have dinner with anyone who would it be and why?

It would have to be my grandma. Sadly, she is no longer with us but her and I shared a special bond and created many memories which I cherish.

If you were to give one book to all your friends, what would it be and why?

I love reading, although I haven’t done much of it this year. There are many books that come to mind. However, one book that I would love to give all my friends is The Little Prince by Antonie de Saint-Exupery. It’s a beautiful and timeless story about a young boy who travels across the universe and learns important lessons about life, love, and friendship. It's a book that can be enjoyed by readers of all ages, and it has a simple yet profound message.