It is hard to believe that we are almost at the midpoint of the school year. I hope everyone is keeping well and avoiding the winter cold and flu viruses that are alive and well in a school environment.

2025 Mid-Year Reception Class

Congratulations to Adele Taylor, who has been appointed as the teacher for our new 2025 Mid Year Reception class. We look forward to welcoming 21 new reception students, with transition visits throughout Week 7,8 and 9. The new class will be located in our only vacant classroom, the closest building to the school oval.

Senior Choir

Every year, each school choir is assessed on several factors, including lyric knowledge, part singing, pitch and rhythm accuracy, and expression.

CVPS Senior Choir recently had their 2025 assessment with one of the Festival of Music conductors and I’m very pleased to report that the choir performed wonderfully and received an A+ grade. Congratulations to our choir teacher Stacey Stutterd, while the students should also be super proud of the effort they put in, not only for the assessment but in the weeks leading up to it. 

The Festival of Music will again take place in September this year.

Mid-Year Reports

Teachers are busy preparing mid-year reports, which will go home to parents/carers in the last week of term. Our teachers have been working collaboratively in year levels teams to determine how students have progressed in their learning in reference to the achievement standards in the Australian Curriculum related to their year level.

Students in Years 1-6 will receive a written report (individual comments in Maths, English & General) with A-E grades, whilst Reception students will receive a written report referenced against the Foundation achievement standard.

eSafety Reminder – How to stay safe online

The eSafety Commissioner (eSafety) educates Australians about online safety risks and help is available to remove harmful content such as cyberbullying of children and young people, adult cyber abuse, image-based abuse and illegal and restricted content. Learn more about how eSafety helps Australians be safer online at eSafety.gov.au.

Support for families:

Parents and carers, technology can impact your child’s wellbeing and safety. eSafety is here to help your family thrive online.

At eSafety you can find:

• Guidance on parental controls for your family. Learn how to block, filter, monitor and limit your child’s online activity
• Advice on keeping kids and young people safe online 
• Free webinars for expert tips on supporting your family’s online safety
• Assistance in investigating reports of serious online harm and removal of this content.

CVPS Baby News

Congratulations to Alex Long and his partner Chelsee, who welcomed a new baby girl into the world on the 27^th May 2025. We wish them all the very best as they embark on a new and exciting journey.

On Monday June 16, Kirsty Lush from Real Schools ran a parent information session with the community at CVPS. The focus of the session was how we can work together, as a community, to build a culture that provides consistent language, conduct and mindset so that all students are supported to develop resilience and empathy. She also discussed the ways in which we show up for conflict and how we, as adults, can use these opportunities to support students in developing their emotional intelligence.

On Tuesday, Kirsty then worked in classrooms modelling how our staff can run 'circles' (a tool that is used to bring students together to discuss core information) that develop students' self-managment skills. This is the first of three years, working alongside Real Schools to develop a positive, relational, and restorative culture that supports all community members to feel safe, connected, and valued.

For those who were not able to attend the parent information session, below is a video of Kirsty outlining Restorative Practices and their role in building this culture:

Stay tuned for future opportunities to engage with her, and us, as we continue this work. 

Exploring the Wonders of Space in the StarLab Planetarium

On Monday, 16 June, Year 2 students experienced the magic of space exploration without ever leaving the school grounds, thanks to SciWorld’s StarLab mobile planetarium. This immersive incursion gave students the chance to step inside a large inflatable dome and journey through space in a unique and engaging way.

Students ‘blasted off’ from Adelaide and travelled across the globe to explore how the sky changes in different parts of the world. They observed the rising and setting of the sun and learned how Earth’s rotation causes day and night. The program also highlighted the Earth’s tilted axis and how it creates the seasons we experience throughout the year.

One of the most memorable moments was watching a stunning sunset and sunrise on Mars. Students also got an up-close look at the Moon, zoomed past distant planets, and discovered the beauty of stars, constellations, and galaxies beyond our solar system.

Importantly, the session included learning about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge and perspectives of astronomy. Students heard stories and explored how First Nations peoples have long observed the night sky and used it to guide seasonal knowledge, navigation, and cultural understanding.

This incursion  aligned with the Year 2 inquiry, where students are exploring how our solar system is made up of different celestial bodies that can be observed. The experience supported key learning about Earth’s place in the solar system, the characteristics of celestial bodies, lunar cycles, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander astronomy.

It was a truly inspiring experience that brought the science of space to life while deepening students' appreciation for both scientific and cultural knowledge of the cosmos.

On Friday the 30th of June, 4B, 4G and 4/5SH went on an excursion to see the Wheelchair Rugby World Challenge. We watched New Zealand take on Brazil and even got to watch the Australian team, The Steelers, take on the Netherlands. It was a great atmosphere and we all enjoyed learning about the sport and it’s players. At the end of the day we even got to meet some of the players from Brazil and get their autographs! 

To support their current Inquiry: ‘War on Waste’, students in 5T, 5BG and 4/5SH attended an excursion to Kesab and Statewide Education Centres. Students were able to see rubbish trucks coming in to unload, the huge piles of waste, the sorting processes and the tools and equipment involved. There were a lot of birds hanging around the landfill waste. We learned this shouldn’t happen as food waste should go into green bins, not red!

The recycling facilities were especially interesting. Students saw a spinning ‘trommel’ which helps to sort items based on their weight. We also saw larger items like e-waste and mattresses being broken up so that the parts could be reused and recycled.

Students also had some hands-on opportunities in the education centres. These included using a conveyor belt to sort cans and bottles, identifying recycled objects, bin audits, using a trommel to sort waste and identifying correct bins for various types of rubbish.

Overall, it was an interesting insight for students into the impact of the choices we make as individuals, and the processes involved in waste management.

Reconciliation Leadership in Action

The Environmental Tirkanthi Leaders coordinated a whole school collage, representing our shared commitment to reconciliation. Every student, from Reception to Year 6, contributed an 8 x 8 cm tile. On their tile, students drew or wrote symbols and words to express their understanding of Reconciliation Week. The colours of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags were used and arranged to form a bridge, symbolising the connection between lands and aligning with this year’s theme: 'Bridging now to next'. The finished collage is on display in the Library.

Walking Together for Reconciliation

On Sunday, 25 May, Coromandel Valley Primary School staff, students, and families joined the Blackwood Reconciliation Group Reconciliation Walk. The event invited the community to walk together in the spirit of truth-telling, connection, and reconciliation. The short walk from Gladstone Road to Colebrook Reconciliation Park was followed by a community picnic with music, speeches, food, and family-friendly activities. It was a powerful way to extend our learning beyond the classroom and walk together towards a fairer, more reconciled future.

Learning Kaurna Language

Staff and community members attended a three-part Kaurna language workshop with Jack Buckskin, a proud Kaurna Narungga man and respected Kaurna educator, organised by Mitcham Council and held at Tiwu Kumangka. The sessions focused on the foundations of Kaurna language and deepened participants’ understanding of culture and connection to Country. Staff are excited about finding meaningful ways to embed the learning of Kaurna language within the school setting.

Reconciliation Week in the Library

During Reconciliation Week, we acknowledge the importance of building respectful relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the wider Australian community. To deepen our understanding, students participated in a few activities that had been organised for the Children’s University participants.

Many students enjoyed making bracelets using traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural techniques of string-making. They also enjoyed delicious muffins, made by the Healthy Living Leaders, that included the native ingredients, lemon myrtle and saltbush. These Indigenous flavours certainly offered a sensational sensory experience to tantalise the taste buds.

Recipe for Lime and Lemon Myrtle Muffins
Ingredients

250g self-raising flour

1 tsp baking powder

½ tsp saltbush powder

½ tsp lemon myrtle powder

110g castor sugar

225 ml milk

Finely grated zest of ½ lime

1 egg, lightly beaten

75g butter, melted

Crunchy Topping

100g granulated sugar

Juice of 1 small lime

Zest of ¼ lime

Method

Preheat oven to 190°C and grease or line a muffin tin.

Mix flour, baking powder, saltbush, lemon myrtle powder, and sugar.

In a jug, combine milk, lime zest, egg, and melted butter.

Add wet ingredients to dry and mix gently until just combined.

Spoon into muffin cases and bake 15–20 minutes, until golden.

Mix topping ingredients and spoon over warm muffins.

Allow to cool before serving.

Reception Reconciliation Action

Reception students had a visit from singer and songwriter Jen Lush. She talked to students about the Kaurna Acknowledgement song that she wrote with students at Eden Hills Kindy. Students learnt what the Kaurna words mean and practised singing the song, ready to share at the Reconciliation Assembly.

Reconciliation Week Sharing Assembly

Students from across the school came together to participate in a meaningful Reconciliation Week assembly, led by classes 4G and 1P. Each year level contributed thoughtfully, reflecting on the theme Bridging Now to Next and our shared commitment to reconciliation.

Our Reception students opened with a respectful Acknowledgment of Country song, learned with Jen Lush during her classroom visit. Year 1 students shared reflections inspired by picture books, exploring ideas of difference, connection, and unity. Year 2 students presented ideas from their class inquiry into reconciliation, using the framework of Head, Heart, and Hand to consider what they think, feel, and can do to help build a kinder, fairer future.

Mrs Smeets' Year 3s shared the Acknowledgment of Country they developed together as a class, and Mrs Stewardson’s Year 4/5s reflected on their learning from the Behind the News "Connection to Country" special. Year 6 students spoke about their Picture Perfect inquiry and how they used photography to connect with Country.

Throughout the assembly, students from 4G and 1P highlighted Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people they admire, sharing stories of leadership, cultural strength, and courage.

Ngaityalya to all students and staff involved. The assembly was a moving reflection of our school’s ongoing journey towards truth, respect, and reconciliation.

Voices for Reconciliation

The Senior Choir learned Solid Rock by Shane Howard, a powerful song that reflects on the impact of colonisation and the enduring connection Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have to Country. Through exploring the lyrics and meaning of the song, students deepened their understanding of reconciliation and the importance of truth-telling in Australia’s history.

This work aligns with Reconciliation Australia’s Voices for Reconciliation initiative, which encourages all Australians to use their voices - through song, storytelling, and conversation - to promote understanding, respect, and change. You can learn more about the initiative here: www.reconciliation.org.au/voices-for-reconciliation.

Reconciliation Action Plan and Working Group

During Reconciliation Week, the latest version of our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) was officially published. This is an important milestone in our ongoing journey to embed truth-telling, respect, and meaningful action into our school culture. The RAP reflects the voices of students, staff, and families and outlines the steps we’ll continue to take together.

The Reconciliation Action Working Group will plan a celebration to mark the publication of the RAP. Stay tuned for more information.

We’re getting ready to dive into the magic of stories as we celebrate Children’s Book Council Association’s (CBCA) Book Week 2025 next term from August 16–23! This year’s exciting theme, “Book an Adventure!”, invites readers of all ages to explore exciting escapades through books.

The shortlisted titles have been announced, and we’re eagerly awaiting the winners! To celebrate the occasion, we’ll be hosting our Book Week Parade on Friday 22^nd August — a wonderful chance for students to dress as their favourite book characters.

Have you organised your costume?

Did you know…

• Parental involvement in reading is a powerful way to assist learning and development.

• Sounding out words, recognizing patterns, and using proper intonation all contribute to brain training.
• Children hearing themselves read aloud helps develop rhythm and voice.
• Your presence offers reassurance, and your encouragement reminds them that growth comes with practice.
• Setting aside time to read together shows commitment and care.

Michelle O’Connell

Teacher Librarian

How did some kids at Coro celebrate World Environment Day?

On Thursday, June 5, the Year 6 Youth Environmental Leaders and Environmental Tirkanthi were transported to Aberfoyle Park High School to plant local natives for World Environment Day.

APHS had received a grant to engage the community with a revegetation project and these students were invited along to help.  Within an hour, the Coro group had planted and mulched over 100 individual plants.  Well done team!

Thank you to Agnes, Nick and Annelies for helping us have a successful morning!

Sarah Todd

Children’s University Launches with Exciting Learning Adventures!

We are thrilled to share that our school has launched Children’s University this year, and what an incredible start it has been! Students have been engaging in a wide range of learning activities beyond the classroom, including lunchtime clubs, ANZAC Day celebrations, and a delightful Humour Week, where children created joke boxes and funny face pegs to spread smiles throughout the school.

As part of Reconciliation Week, students participated in meaningful activities that deepened their understanding and respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and histories. You can see some of their artwork displayed in the library.

To recognise the incredible effort our learners are putting into exploring and extending their knowledge, we are excited to present the Educational Explorer Award each term to two students who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to varied learning experiences.

For Term 1, congratulations go to:

• Edward – 49 hours of learning!
• Rebel – 18 hours of learning!

Both students have embraced a diverse range of activities and challenged themselves with new and interesting experiences. The decision was tough, as so many students showed great enthusiasm and variety in their learning.

Well done to everyone involved – we can’t wait to see what Term 2 brings!

Well done to Lars and Lily, who represented Southern Heights at the recent SAPSASA Cross Country State Championships, which was held at Oakbank Racecourse.

Lily ran the 3km course and finished in 50^th place (out of 168 competitors). 

Lars ran the 2km course and finished in 47^th place (out of 191 competitors).

Lars was a member of our district’s 10-year-old boys team, who finished in second place, and therefore received a silver medal.

In Week 7, our Year 5/6 boys soccer team played in a carnival against other schools from our region. We played at Barratt Reserve, West Beach, and it was a beautiful, sunny day. The carnival is the opener to the knockout series.

We played our first match against Belair and beat them convincingly, 6-0.

We then played Flagstaff Hill and won this game decisively too, 6-3.

In our third match, we beat Blackwood 2 v 0.

Having won all three of our minor round matches, we went to the carnival finals, which we played against Mercedes. Unfortunately, we lost 3 v 1, which means that we have been eliminated from the knockout competition.

We played one more game after that – the third-place play-off. It turned out to be a re-match against Blackwood, and this time beat them 6-0.

The boys played great football all day and should be proud of their good sportsmanship and how they conducted themselves on and off the field.

Thank you to our parent volunteers for helping during the day – Adam for coaching the boys and both Rachel and Adam for helping with transportation and supervision.

Penny participated in an exciting event over the week called Mighty 11's. It's a competition between Australia and New Zealand that's been running for many years, and lots of successful BMXers have their names on the trophies! 

The competition sees the top-ranked 5 male and female riders from Aus and NZD team up to compete against each other in the "Test Team" (BMX is usually an individual comp). Penelope was named captain after ranking number 1 at a recent national qualifier event. She was super proud and spoke at the opening dinner, welcoming the New Zealanders and introducing her team.

The groups spent the week getting to know each other and forming friendships and lifelong memories before the big two days of racing. Penelope's super proud to report that the Australian Girls and Boys won the competition in front of a stacked crowd cheering them on!

In addition to the Test team, another event is run for all 11 year olds to participate in to try to win the title of overall Mighty 11. This is called the memorial class and is in memory of a young BMX boy who died in an accident (how the mighty 11's started). Penelope won the mighty 11 female trophy, placed 4th in the overall mighty 11 competition (boys and girls included) and got the highest number of race points for the comp, winning that trophy as well.

All the winning and trophies aside, Penny had an absolute blast and was so proud to represent Australia! She hopes to qualify for the next Mighty 11 event, which will be held in New Zealand this time later this year!