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Welcome to our last newsletter for Term 3!
Spring is such a lovely time of year, and I hope that you and your family enjoy a safe and restful break while making the most of the beautiful weather we’ve been experiencing.
As we come to the end of a busy and successful term, I would like to thank you for the ongoing support you provide to your children and our educators. There have been many highlights this term—for me, I have especially loved the assemblies and learning journeys. These occasions are such special opportunities for students to share their learning, and it has been wonderful to see so many families come along to support and celebrate with them.
Looking ahead to Term 4:
- Class Lists for 2026
Staff will begin developing class lists for 2026 next term. To assist us, we ask families to let us know if your child/ren will not be returning to Charles Weston School next year. We would greatly appreciate it if you could let us know by completing this form https://forms.gle/a18sgJ9hjWedjomU7 - If you have information you would like us to consider when forming classes, please email me directly or contact the front office to request an appointment with me to discuss. These requests are required by Friday 21 November.
Year 6 Exhibition
This is a wonderful milestone where students engage in self-directed learning on a topic of personal interest, integrating elements of the IB and showcasing the culmination of their skills and understandings from primary school. The community is invited to come along to either of the sessions on Thursday 25 September 5-6:30 or Friday 26 September 9:15-10:45. We will begin in the hall, then move to Building 6.
Safety Reminders
As the holidays approach, please talk with your child about stranger awareness and moving safely in the community. Useful resources include the Australian Federal Police Child Safety webpage, Safety4Kids, and the Constable Kenny website.
If you notice anyone acting suspiciously around the school or students, contact police immediately on 131 444, or 000 in an emergency. You can also contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 anonymously, and please let the school know so we can support our community.
Thank you again for your support this term. Our students achieve their best when school and families work in partnership, and I am proud of the strong, connected community we have here at Charles Weston School.
I wish you all a safe and happy holiday, and I look forward to welcoming everyone back for an exciting Term 4. I will be on Long Service Leave for Week 1. Please don’t hesitate to contact Deputy Principals Maz Smith or Jemma O’Brien if you have any concerns or queries while I am away.
Kind Regards
Laurel Rodrigues
Principal
School Calendar - Term 3 - week 10 &
Term 4 - 1, 2 & 3
Upcoming Events
TERM 3
Week 9
19 September to 23 September - Bookfair
19 September - Year 1 Excursion to Australian Botanical Gardens
Week 10
22 September & 23 September - Book Fair
23 September - ACT Athletics Championships
25 September - PYP Exhibition (Students) - Whole School
25 September - PYP Exhibition (Parents) - Evening Session - 5:00pm-6:30pm
26 September - PYP Exhibition (Parents) - Day Session - 9:15am-10:45am
TERM 4
Week 1
14 October - Kindy - Reptile Zoo Incursion
16 October - National Ride to Work Day
Week 2
22 October - Choir performance for Children's Week at Canberra Museum & Gallery
23 October - Year 4 Excursion to "Imagine Live" at Canberra Theatre
23 October - Year 2 Excursion visiting NGA, Questacon, NLA & Old Parliament House
24 October - Whole School Assembly (P-6) Preschool (end of week classes) - HOST
24 October - Junior Athletics Carnival from 11:15am
Week 3
28 October - Year 6 Band Concert Rehersal (from 11:45am-2:30pm)
28 October - Year 6 Band Concert (from 6:45-9:00pm)
31 October - Kindergarten Learning Journey
✨ Slow down the urge to immediately fix everything.
✨ Slow down the pressure to give the “perfect” response.
✨ Slow down the habit of reacting out of discomfort.
✨ Slow down your thoughts, your assumptions, your auto-pilot mode.
✨ Slow down your expectations of your child and of yourself.
Imagine your child runs up to you after school, buzzing with excitement: “Can I go to Jason’s house? Please?! Can I go? Please! Can I?”
They're urgent, they're excited, and they want an answer now.
Your brain starts spinning - Is today a good day? What about homework? Have they had a snack? What else do we have going on?
Pause and slow down.
Just because your child is urgent, doesn’t mean you need to be.
“Hmm... let me think about that.”
“I need a moment.”
“I hear you. Let’s pause and figure it out together.”
That pause? It’s not indecision or avoidance. It’s leadership. You’re not brushing them off. You're modelling the skills of intention and thoughtfulness.
Slowing down doesn’t mean you’re doing less.
In fact, it often means you're working harder. It’s doing the inner work to stay steady and grounded. This is a valuable, foundational skill to model for our children.
Cheryl
YEAR 6
Literacy
In literacy we are working on our PYPX writing pieces. Each student has chosen their own text type like narratives, information reports, persuasive letters, to present their research and information on their chosen sustainable development goal. Once students have finished their chosen writing piece they have the opportunity to present it in a unique style. Some of these styles include documentaries, magazines, lesson plans etc. Currently in year six we are reading a new novel called Dragonskin by Karen Foxlee.
Maths
In maths we are learning about measurement including length, mass, capacity and volume. We are learning to convert between different units of measurement, finding equivalent units of measurement and applying this learning to plan and design a farm and a chicken coop. The task was to use your knowledge of perimeter and area to be able to use the space you were given wisely, and the practice converting your design on to a different scale. During our PYPX unit of inquiry students are also doing individual research and collecting data that relates to their chosen sustainable development goal that they have based their whole PYPX project on.
Sharing the Planet (PYPX)
Year 6 is nearing the end of PYPX (primary years program exhibition). PYPX is when the year six students showcase their learning and how they have a good understanding of the steps of the inquiry cycle ( Which features the steps: Tuning in, Finding out, Sorting out, Going further, Making conclusions, Taking action). The year sixes chose their topic based on the UN Sustainable Development Goals. As a group we do a big tuning in activity to learn more about the goals and discuss which ones we were most passionate about. We then went off on our own.
After all of the research and information is sorted and displayed in different ways, we can begin to plan out taking action which is when we get out in the community and make a change based on all of the learning and research that we have just done.
Recently we have finished our taking action week (which was the week most people got out into the community). Some things that students did that you may have noticed are: We had a book fair, a clothes swap, litter pick ups, some even taught lessons to other classes about their topic and much more. Year 6 are currently putting the finishing touches on their writing piece, setting up their provocation (which is the introduction into their learning to get guests interested and wondering about their topic) and gathering materials, organising their area and working with others on how they are going to contribute to the group introduction/opening.
For the introduction/opening year six has been split into groups for certain tasks like acting, singing, music, technology, dancing and script writing. The exhibition is open to all members of the community; it will be held on Thursday the 25th at 5pm and Friday the 26th at 9:15am during week 10, term three.
Sensory Board Notice
Soon we will be building some sensory boards to put up around the school. These boards will help students during class time as an option for a brain break, or for a calm activity to do during break time.
To help build our sensory boards we are looking for some donations. Things like:
- Parts of wind chimes
- Velcro
- Textured items
- Bottle caps
- Safe mirrors
- String,
- Beads
- Pom poms
- Paddle pop sticks
- Sponges
- Pop its
- Pegs
- Xylophone pieces
- Shakers
- or anything else that might go well on a primary school sensory board
Donations are accepted from Week 9 term 3 until the end of week 3 term 4. There will be a donations box in the front office during these times.
Thank you for your generosity and consideration.
From Olivia Jelbart (school prime minister)
PE
Gymnastics – Kindergarten to Year 2
This term, students in Kindergarten to Year 2 have been exploring gymnastics with a focus on balance, movement, and fun. The unit encouraged students to practise fundamental movement skills such as rolling, jumping, balancing, and safe landings.
Students enjoyed using the floor and simple apparatus to try out different ways of moving and holding shapes. The unit supported the development of confidence and body awareness, while giving students opportunities to be creative in how they move and combine skills into short sequences.
Gymnastics has been an exciting way for our youngest learners to build strength, coordination
Net and Wall Sports (Years 3–6)
Students in Years 3–6 have been exploring a range of Net and Wall Sports, including volleyball, badminton, pickleball, and modified variations. These games challenge players to send an object into an opponent’s area while defending their own, requiring both skill and strategy.
Throughout the unit, students developed important fundamental movement skills such as striking, serving, rallying, positioning, and moving effectively around the court. They also applied game sense strategies by anticipating opponents’ moves, working with teammates, and making smart decisions during play.
Beyond physical skills, students demonstrated the IB Learner Profile attributes of being communicators and thinkers—encouraging teammates, sharing ideas, and reflecting on ways to improve performance.
The focus has been on more than just playing the games—it’s also about fostering teamwork, resilience, and sportsmanship, helping students to understand the value of cooperation and fair play both on and off the court.
South Weston Regional Athletics
Our South Weston Regional Athletics Carnival was a fantastic day full of effort, excitement, and great sportsmanship.
Many students achieved personal bests by running faster, jumping higher, or throwing further than they ever had before. It was great to see everyone proud of their own improvements and efforts.
There was also amazing support throughout the day. Friends, families, and teammates cheered each other on, showing that encouragement to athletes who participated.
Most importantly, we saw lots of perseverance. Some races and events were tough, but students kept trying their best and finished strong, even when things didn’t go their way. Overall, the carnival showed how personal bests, support, and perseverance help us grow as individuals.
A big congratulations to Hunter Evans who was selected to represent our region at the ACT Championships! We hoped you enjoyed the experience of competing against ACT’s best.
Junior Athletics Carnival – New Date
We are excited to announce our Junior Athletics Carnival for students in Kindergarten to Year 1 will now be held on Friday, 24 October 2025, from 11:30am – 1:00pm.
Students will have the opportunity to participate in a range of fun events that focus on teamwork, participation, and developing fundamental movement skills. Families are warmly invited to come along and cheer on our youngest athletes as they enjoy a day of activity and school spirit.
We look forward to celebrating this special event together!
Congratulations to Charlotte H!
Charlotte proudly represented the ACT Schoolgirls Team at the School Sport Australia Hockey Nationals in Bendigo, Victoria. She was a dependable presence in goal, helping her team with her skills and composure throughout the tournament. We are very proud of her dedication, talent, and sportsmanship!
Kindergarten
- Jok Aleer (KLN) - Bronze Growth Mindset
- Anvika Alluri (KLS) - Bronze Growth Mindset
- Abirami Balaji (KEQ) - Bronze Wellbeing Seed
- Tessa Campbell (KLN) - Bronze Growth Mindset
- Zakariya Chami (KLS) - Bronze Respect Seed, Bronze Growth Mindset & Bronze Organisation Seed
- Hunter Clarke (KEQ) - Bronze Wellbeing Seed
- Alana Clayton (KLS) - Bronze Growth Mindset
- Levi Coppin (KLS) - Bronze Growth Mindset
- Matilda Darke (KMA) - Bronze Organisation Seed
- Maisie Delaney (KLS) - Bronze Respect Seed, Bronze Growth Mindset & Bronze Organisation Seed
- Sebastian Dell - (KLN) - Bronze Growth Mindset
- Priyanna Dhungel (KKG) - Bronze Respect Seed
- Teresa Fan (KLS) - Bronze Growth Mindset
- Tiffany Fan (KLS) - Bronze Growth Mindset
- Princess Maryjoy Gaano (KKG) - Bronze Organisation Seed
- Waliya Haider (KEQ) - Bronze Wellbeing Seed
- Carly Hogben (KLS) - Bronze Growth Mindset
- Hridaya Kharel (KLN) - Bronze Growth Mindset
- Bijan Kunwar (KMA) - Bronze Respect Seed, Bronze Weelbeing Seed & Silver Organisation Seed
- Evie Lum (KLS) - Bronze Growth Mindset
- Ashton Murphy (KLN) - Bronze Growth Mindset & Bronze Respect Seed
- Niduk Nawarathna (KEQ) - Bronze Organisation Seed
- Lillian Nguyen (KLN) - Bronze Growth Mindset
- Elijah Noy (KLS) - Bronze Growth Mindset
- Olivia Nwosu (KEQ) - Bronze Wellbeing Seed & Bronze Organisation Seed
- Finley Pedersen (KMA) - Bronze Respect Seed
- Miya Pethes (KKG) - Bronze Respect Seed
- Aarav Punyapu (KLN) - Bronze Growth Mindset
- Ashvi Pyakurel (KKG) - Bronze Growth Mindset
- Roselyn Rogers (KLN) - Bronze Growth Mindset & Bronze Organisation Seed
- Hania Saqib (KEQ) - Bronze Growth Mindset
- Maisha Fathima Syeda (KMA) - Silver Organisation Seed
- Tate Walker (KEQ) - Bronze Organisation Seed & Bronze Growth Mindset
Year 1
- Leon Marcus Agustin (1GS) - Silver Growth Mindset Seed
- Jannah Cetinkaya (1KF) - Bronze Welbbeing Seed & Forest of Fame - Bronze
- Feynman Chen (1KF) - Silver Organisation Seed
- Eli Emery-Smith (1KF) - Bronze Growth Mindset, Bronze Wellbeing & Forest of Fame - Bronze
- Maxwell Geerlings (1BY) - Silver Growth Mindset Seed
- Shengheng Guan (1GS) - Bronze Wellbeing Seed & Forest of Fame - Bronze
- Alfie Hughes (1KF) - Silver Organisation Seed
- Chun Hei Liu (1BY) - Gold Organisation Seed
- William Park (1KF) - Bronze Wellbeing Seed & Forest of Fame - Bronze
- Araz Rasouli Seisan (1BY) - Silver Growth Mindset Seed
- Quinn Shannon (1KF) - Silver Growth Mindset Seed
- Liev Turner (1GS) - Silver Respect Seed, Bronze Wellbeing Seed & Forest of Fame - Bronze
- Raayan Parag Umbarkar (1GS) - Bronze Wellbeing Seed & Forest of Fame - Bronze
- Tasif Wadi (1KF) - Gold Growth Mindset Seed
- Henry Williams (1BY) - Gold Organisation Seed & Silver Growth Mindset Seed
- Rohail Ziya (1BY) - Bronze Organisation Seed
Year 2
- Leona Arizapa (2CF) - Gold Growth Mindset Seed
- Jessika Clayton (2SR) - Gold Organisation Seed
- Thomas Eby (2SR) - Bronze Respect Seed
- Keenan Galgey (2ED) - Bronze Organised Seedling
- Jaxon Heitel (2SR) - Bronze Growth Mindset
- Georgina Lourigan (2ED) - Bronze Organised Seedling
- Aiden Ola-Roberts (2CF) - Bronze Growth Mindset
- Blake Pattugalan (2CF) - Gold Growth Mindset Seed
- Alexandra Pedersen (2ED) - Gold Respect Seed
- Maya Phillips (2ED) - Gold Growth Mindset Seed
- Jay Sapkota (2ED) - Gold Organisation Seed
- San Seo (2ED) - Gold Respect Seed & Gold Growth Mindset Seed
- Kai Steffen (2SR) - Silver Organisation Seed
- Marcus Wong (2SR) - Gold Respect Seed
Year 3
- Fadi Al-Doori (3ST) - Gold Respect Seed
- Alina Alghamedi (3CF) - Silver Organisation Seed
- Ariana Banijamali (3CF) - Gold Organisation Seed
- Medina Chami (3SK) - Gold Growth Mindset Seed
- Bowen Fernance (3ST) - Silver Organisation Seed
- Finley Jelbart (3SK) - Bronze Grow Mind Seedling
- Yuna Grace Ko (3CF) - Gold Organisation Seed
- Aria Mallawaarachchi (3CF) - Bronze Organised Seedling
- Zaydan Mamun (3SK) - Silver Growth Mindset Seed & Gold Respect Seed
- Hannah Rae (3SK) - Gold Growth Mindset Seed
- Reyan Rathi (3CF) - Bronze Organisation Seed
- Spencer Swain (3ST) - Gold Organisation Seed
- Avin Vineeth (3JH) - Silver Growth Mindset Seed
- Arham Jamshaid Zafar (3JH) - Bronze Organised Seedling
Year 4
- Warabek Amol (4AL) - Gold Respect Seed
- Jasmine Ching (4AL) - Gold Organisation Seedling & Bronze Respect Seedling
- Rufus Hughes (4AL) - Silver Grow Mind Seedling
- Isaac Ethan King Li (4AL) - Bronze Organised Seedling
- Eric Kumar (4AL) - Silver Respect Seed & Silver Growth Mindset Seed
- Reyansh Luitel (4AL) - Bronze Grow Mind Seedling
- Annabelle O'Brien (4AL) - Gold Respect Seed
- Zoe Phan (4AL) - Silver Grow Mind Seedling
- Summer Isabelle Solis (4AL) - Silver Growth Mindset Seed
- Eliza Watts (4AL) - Silver Respect Seedling
Year 5
- Allison Deng (5AM) - Gold Respect Seed
- Lorena Laurel (5AM) - Silver Wellbeing Seed & Forest of Fame - Silver
- Aimee Lee (5ZJ) - Gold Organisation Seed
- Eisa Mazaydeh (5AM) - Gold Respect Seed
- Louis Ng (5AM) - Silver Respect Seedling
- Tilba O'Shea (5ZJ) - Bronze Organised Seedling
- Diya Parakkal (5AM) - Bronze Grow Mind Seedling
- Pepita Spare (5AM) - Bronze Wellbeing Seed & Forest of Fame - Bronze
- Om Sumesh (5DG) - Bronze Growth Mindset
- Sheza Umair (5AM) - Gold Respect Seed
- Elias Wong (5ZJ) - Silver Growth Mindset Seed
- Chimee Yangzom (5AM) - Silver Growth Mindset Seed
- Alayna Ziya (5AM) - Bronze Respect Seed
Year 6
- Alanah Arun (6AT) - Gold Respect Seedling
- Sebastian Calixterio (6AT) - Bronze Organisation Seed
- Gurjot Dhillon (6AT) - Bronze Respect Seedling
- Jessica Frogley (6AT) - Bronze Wellbeing Seed
- Raini Koralage (6AT) - Gold Growth Mindset Seed & Bronze Respect Seedling
- Akif Nizam (6AT) - Silver Wellbeing Seed & Forest of Fame - Silver
- Dash O'Shea (6AT) - Bronze Organised Seedling
- Yubi Park (6AT) - Gold Wellbeing Seed & Forest of Fame - Gold
- Krishiv Patel (6AT) - Bronze Organised Seedling
- Jai Talasila (6AT) - Silver Respect Seedling
- Monday 13 October 2025
Student-free days are for staff development, enabling teachers and schools to plan in a student-free environment, and form part of our commitment to priortising better teacher workloads for educational leadership, teaching and learning.
As term two draws to a close we wanted to shout out to our incredible committee and volunteers who have helped put our events together this term. Below you will see some of their handywork in action.
We hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday and hope we have some warmer, sunny days ahead for everyone to enjoy.
LSA Appreciation Week
The P&C was so proud to acknowledge the contribution of our LSAs for appreciation week by hosting a morning tea with lots of delicious treats. We hope everyone enjoyed them on the day.
Father’s Day Breakfast
We had a fabulous start to the day on Friday 5 September with breakfast to celebrate all the special men in our lives. The students enjoyed crafting and card making activities and our gift stall was popular as ever.
We also hosted a paper plane making and flying competition… a big congratulations to our winner Hunter (6JG) and runner up Bella (6AB) who both enjoyed a voucher at the gift shop and left with some wonderful prizes to share with their families.
What would you like to see (or hear) from the CWSC P&C?
Our goal is supporting our school and community the best we can, by fostering connection across the CWSC community. If there is something you would like to see or hear from us, please reach out via the email contact below, or better yet – come along to our next meeting to share your ideas! Meetings are usually held in the School Library from 6:30pm on Thursday of weeks two and six each term.
Reminder for communicating via our WhatsApp cohort groups
We love seeing our CWSC families connect with each other via WhatsApp. Please remember to always be respectful and mindful of others.
Also remember we are a Parents & Citizens group and School Staff are not part of the chat. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your child, these should always be communicated to the school directly.
Group rules are listed below for your convenience.
Michelle van Lier - President
Save the date for the (almost) Summer Disco
We are excited to host another school disco in Term 4 on Friday 21 November!!
Our Winter Disco DJ is returning, and we will be giving students the opportunity to request their favourite songs by posting a paper sign-up sheet in each year cohort area next term.
We are currently finalising all the details so keep an eye out for information at the start of next term.
Volunteers Needed … it’s your time to shine!!!
If you can assist on the day to make this event extra special for our ladies, please click here and register to help for the event https://forms.gle/2BLuCBk2xt2wq7Bn9
Uniforms desperately needed!!
You may be aware the P&C runs a second hand uniform shop. Our goal is to provide good quality second hand uniforms to our families at reasonable prices. We rely on donations of uniforms to keep up our stock levels and provide this valuable service to our school community.
If you have any uniform items that your children have outgrown - you can donate them at the school front office, where our team will collect and wash them ready for sale.
P & C Association Contact Information
Next Meeting: Thursday 23 October, 2025 (Term 4, Week 2)
6:30pm in the school library
Or via zoom https://RSMAU.zoom.us/j/95989212249
Website: https://charles-weston-pc.square.site/
This includes our Second-Hand Uniform Shop
Email: charleswestonparents@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CWSCParents
Connect With Other Parents and P & C
WhatsApp groups provide another channel of information for parents and the opportunity to connect and chat with others in your child’s year group. Simply scan the QR code at the school front office using your phone camera to join the relevant group.
We are aware some families are not comfortable sharing their mobile numbers via WhatsApp. Unfortunately, this is an app setting and cannot be changed. We recommend joining our Facebook (private) group to receive regular updates. More details on this group to come.
***** PLEASE READ - Group chat privacy and communication standards*****
- The group is for parents and care givers of Charles Weston students only, please do not share with friends and members outside our school community.
- Please be always respectful and mindful of others
- Chats are to be text only - please do not post any pictures of children as this will breach privacy rules.
- Any sensitive student issues should be communicated with the school directly and not discussed in the group chat.
- Anyone using unsavoury language or not adhering to the above will be removed from the group immediately by the administrator.
- WhatsApp is not a marketing or promotion channel. If you would like to feature your business or community group - please contact the P&C directly on the email above or via our Facebook page.
SCHOOL SAFETY SERIES – EPISODE 3
Children's crossing safety
Teaching children to cross the road safely is an important life skill. Children’s crossings are provided near schools to make it safer and easier for children to access the school. Children should be taught to make sure motorists completely stop prior to stepping onto the road.
When driving and parking around the school, please keep a look out for pedestrians when approaching the crossing and remember to stop and allow pedestrians to clear the road completely prior to proceeding.
Never park on the approach to the crossing, it reduces visibility and safety, particularly for children who are less visible to motorists. It is also important that motorists never try to pass other cars at a crossing or queue through a crossing, this type of behaviour significantly reduces safety for children.
More information is available in this children’s crossing information sheet. Please drive slowly and be patient near the school to keep our community safe.
Free event: Community Conversations: Child Development Pathways in the ACT
Parents, carers, teachers and health services often tell us that it can be hard to know what to do, and where to go when a child is showing social, behavioural, communication, emotional or other developmental differences.
If you've been confused by this, come along to hear from speakers from across the public, private and community sector about the pathways they offer for child development challenges.
When: Friday the 10th October 12noon to 2pm
Where: Majura Hall, Northside Community Service, 2 Rosevear Place, Dickson, ACT, 2602
Cost: FREE!
You will hear from:
- Canberra Health Services - Community Paediatric and Child Health Service
- ACT Health and Community Services - Child Development Services
- EACH – Early Childhood NDIS Partner
- Spark for Life Psychology
- Little Hands Occupational Therapy
- A Village for Every Child – Collective Action Group for Child Development for 0-5yo
- ACT Playgroups
- Capital Region Community Services
How it will run:
The audience will be seated at tables of 6-8 people with food and drinks, and each speaker will rotate around the room to provide a 5-7min presentation, and answer questions on their service, for each table.
We will share clear information on the different options available for child development services in the ACT to help parents, carers, teachers, and educators have better conversations about next steps.
We invite families, carers, early childhood educators, preschool, and primary teachers and any other educators to come along armed with your list of questions! Note: this event is not open to service providers.
Register at: https://events.humanitix.com/community-conversations-child-development-pathways-in-the-act
Contact us at adminofficer@hcca.org.au or call 02 6230 7800 with any questions.
