Bottle Fillers

Thank you to our wonderful P&C for their dedication to the school. Their latest support has seen the school replace half the bubblers with bottle fillers. This will allow the students to fill their water bottles without wasting water on a daily basis. Given the current guidelines around Covid-19, this decision was made as we believe this generation of students will do things differently to previous ones.

Year 5 Leadership Day

Today all Year 5 students participated in the Year 5 Leadership Day. This day has been designed to support our students as they begin to think about leadership roles for next year. Thank you to Jamie Davidson for supporting the students as they engaged in a range of activities and presentations about the qualities of a leader. Our current crop of Year 6 Leaders also supported our Year 5 students. We certainly have many quality leaders in our amazing students. Thank you to Mrs Griffith for her organisation.

Stage 3 Camp

Last week saw Year 5 and 6 students challenge themselves whilst at Milson Island. I was able to see firsthand the Year 5 students challenge themselves and from all accounts Year 6 did the same. Everyone commented to me about the fantastic time they had with their friends. It was certainly a beautiful place to spend a few days and support the students. Well done to Mrs Ford and her team for organising this memorable event. A special thanks to all the teachers; Mrs Griffith (celebrated her birthday whilst on camp), Mrs Ford, Mr Bryant, Mrs Newman, Miss Pinnuck, Mrs Macnaughtan and Miss Paterson for giving up time with their families to support the students. It is very much appreciated. Certainly, a highlight for the students during this unique year.

Year 7 Selective High School applications 2022

Selective high schools cater for academically gifted students with high potential who may otherwise be without sufficient classmates at their own academic standard. Selective high schools help these students to learn by grouping them with students of similar ability, and by using specialised teaching methods.

Applications for selective high school placement are considered mainly on the basis of the Selective High School Placement Test results and school assessment scores. The Selective High School Placement Test will be held on Thursday 11 March 2021.

If you would like to have your child considered for Year 7 selective high school entry in 2022, you need to apply on the internet using a valid email address (not the student’s email address).

Detailed instructions on how to apply online will be available in late September 2020 at https://education.nsw.gov.au/public-schools/selective-high-schools-and-opportunity-classes/year-7.

The application website opens at that link on 6 October 2020 and closes on 9 November 2020. You must apply before the closing date.

There are no paper application forms. If you do not have internet access, you could apply at a public library. If you have a disability that prevents you from using a computer, you can contact the Team for assistance after 6 October 2020.

You must submit only ONE application for each student.

Thank You 

Kind Regards

Mr Matt Pinchbeck

Principal

Principal Awards

K-2 = Amity G, Jack V, Stuart W, Theo B, Esther P, Morgan F

3-6 = Oscar H

World Teachers’ Day

On Friday October 30, we are celebrating our teachers for World Teachers' day!

If you would like to acknowledge the work one of our wonderful teachers has done, please email the school pennanthil-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au with subject Mrs Wasson - World Teacher Day and I will be sure to collate and pass on.

Teacher Professional Learning

As you may be aware, our staff undergo scheduled Professional Learning sessions on a weekly basis. Our focuses for this year have been around the differentiation and planning of mathematics, formative assessment and we have a wonderful group of teachers who are leading our Action Group on Digital Technology and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics). Our staff are looking at authentically embedding Digital Technologies and STEM across our Key Learning Areas and into our units of work. Digital Technologies is a component of the NSW syllabus and is a teaching and learning requirement for our students, hence why you will see Digital Technology comments in your child’s report under the Science and Technology section. Below are some photos of our teachers demonstrating some of the digital technology available in our school and how they use it. Ms Stevens focuses on un-plugged digital technologies, looking at systems and processes, Mrs Holdway was using the robot mice and Ms Martin demonstrated how she uses the car bots and Dash robots. In other areas of the school, Mrs Reid showed how the Ozobots can be used for a writing session and Miss Paterson demonstrated how the Spheros can be used. Teachers are really excited to embed the use of these technologies moving forward. Thank you to Mrs Coventry, Ms Stevens, Mrs Reid and Mrs Ford for leading these Action Groups across the year. Well done!

2020 has been a difficult year for everyone and this year, like the last, our school is supporting the Smith Family in their Christmas Toy and Book Appeal. The donations we received for the Smith Family last year were simply remarkable. We are aware that many families have been hit by hardship during the recent crisis and we ask that you consider donating new toys and books to this appeal to support over 32 000 children who are experiencing disadvantage in Australia. Your contribution will make a difference to the lives of these children. Some further information regarding the types of donations is below. We thank you in advance for considering to donate.

HOW IT WORKS

Each child will receive a gift pack containing what we call a main gift, a filler gift and a book. 

And although we cater for children aged 0 – 12 years, it is the 6 to 12 year age group where we sometimes fall short.

So, when looking for the perfect donation to help bring smiles to the faces of children in need this Christmas, consider collecting the following gifts:

WHAT’S IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER...

Don’t wrap your donations – we need to ensure that each item is suitable before our wonderful volunteers add it to a gift pack.

Please give new toys and new books – this helps us ensure that each item is of good quality and is ready to use on Christmas morning. Unfortunately, we aren’t able to accept second-hand, handmade or damaged items.

Your gift should be ready to read or play with as soon as it’s opened on Christmas morning. When you’re deciding what to give, remember to include batteries if needed, and colouring pencils for colouring books.

Year 2 Introduction to Music Afternoon

Year 2 are looking forward to welcoming the string and band conductors tomorrow afternoon (Wednesday 28 October) for a short introduction to the band and string group. Ms Stevens will be talking to all the Year 2 students in their music class time about choir 2021. If students are interested in joining the band or string group for 2021 information will be sent home tomorrow with the Year 2 students or read the relevant sections in this newsletter to find their direct email.

3B – Lauren N, Nivaan P, Finn K, Sahanya F, Edmond L, Robert H

3D – Kiric C, Amelia C, Kelsey C, Roshini K, Alex R, Elsie G, T3/W9 : Jack C, Elsie G, Kaya G, Lithushan L, Nevaan S

3R – Chloe L, Flynn K, Henry P, Dana C, Lewis D

4G – Angus W, Lucas P, Mathieu C, Mariane O, Hazel B, Lenny F

4M – Claire M, Sofia E, Tahlia C, Marni H, Annabelle K, Preston G

4T – Molly B, Nathan C, Anthony L, Amelia B, JAckson W, Alex P

5F – Haniya K, Lauren P, Akhash K

5N – Zandre B, Ayaana S, Declan W

5P – Owen G, Nate A, Vivaan M

6B – Abbey F, Bryce H, Steven S

6M – Archie S, Morris W

6P – Michaela P, Seth M, Lily W, T3/W9 : Hunter P, Aditya K, Oscar G

COMPUTERS  –

Roshini K - 3D, Flynn K - 3R, Emma C - 4G, Clancy T - 4T, Ryo J - 3R, Zaal N - 3B, Rishita S - 4T, Tahlia C - 4M, Rebecca G - 5P, Nick R - 5F, Oscar H - 6B, Seth M - 6P

LIBRARY –

Daniel C - 3B, Shirin G - 5F, Jordan M - 5F, Meg G - 4G

MUSIC- Dhruv T - 3R, Marni H - 4M, Theodore J - 6B, Margareth M - 5N, Emily M *- 3B, Anthony L - 4T

Calling all curious creatures!

Due to the Stage 3 students being at camp last week our school will be celebrating Book Week by holding a “Curious Creatures, Wild Minds” theme day tomorrow -  Wednesday 28 October. 

Students are being asked to let their imaginations run “wild” and come dressed as any type of “curious” creature – imaginary, real or even in-between! For example, they may come dressed as book character that has sparked their imagination or an unusual animal or insect they have read about.  They might even create their own “curious” creature. The possibilities are endless!  All students will also be receiving a Book Week bookmark on the day.

In previous years we have held “The Great Book Swap” in Book Week to raise money for the Indigenous Literacy Foundation (ILF).  Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 this event could not be held this year so instead we would appreciate a gold coin donation on the day.

The ILF works to put books into the hands of children and families in remote Indigenous communities across Australia.  In the lifetime of the project, with the support on many people, organisations and schools they have sent more than 350,000 new, high quality books to over 280 remote communities.

We look forward to a wild and curious day!

Scholastic Book Club

A reminder that the closing date for Issue 7 online orders is tomorrow - Wednesday 28 October.  To order from the Book Club catalogue you will need to go to the Scholastic Book Club LOOP website page, register your details if you haven’t already done so and pay by credit card.

The catalogue can also be viewed online at https://www.scholastic.com.au/book-club/book-club-parents/.

Thank You

Kind Regards 

Ms Davis

Teacher librarian

CONGRATULATIONS to all our hard working readers who raised $6000 for our school in the recent P&C Readathon! What amazing bookworms we have at PHPS and a wonderful community of generous supporters! This money will go towards the ongoing initiatives supported by the P&C including classroom resources and technology.

And here are our amazing WINNERS who raised $1730 just by themselves!!!

Readathon Winner: Millie M 6B ($330 raised)

Stage 3 winner: Lachlan M 6B ($210 raised)

Stage 2 winner: Lucas M 4M ($210 raised)

Stage 1 winner: Emma C 1D ($180 raised)

Runners Up (Read With Me Book Prize)

Hannah R 2W

Joshua A 1D

Kindy Book Prizes

KR: Asher M

KP: Eloise K

KH: Max F-S

KD: Morgan F

Mrs Wasson and Mrs Griffith will hand out prizes this week. A big thank you once again to our Sponsors for donating prizes: Dog-Eared Books Pennant Hills, Berkelouw Hornsby, Harry Hartog Macquarie, and the PHPS P&C.

P&C Business Directory

It’s been a tough year for so many business owners and also more challenging to network in the community to support business growth.

The P&C is here to help PHPS families who own small to medium sized businesses, by providing a valuable network and an opportunity to share their business details.

We’ve brought together a team of passionate parents to build a Business Directory eBook that features registered businesses within our school community.It will be a free advertising opportunity to the 300+ families at Pennant Hills Public School.

Do you have a business and would like to advertise (for free) in the P&C Business Directory? Look out for details coming this week by email or contact the team at phpsdirectory@gmail.com for more information. T&Cs will apply.

The P&C is aiming to launch the Business Directory to all parents in early December, just in time for Christmas! More details to follow.

GREEN TEAM UPDATE:

According to studies, learning outdoors is not only a fun experience for kids, but it helps them retain information and they have increased focus when they return to the classroom. Other studies have found that teaching outdoors increases students’ interest in a subject and intrinsic motivation to learn, compared to regular indoor classes. Kids generally like learning outside with one study reporting that the kids liked their school more when lessons are held outdoors.

Do your kids have a Green team question? Email their question to phpsgreenteam@gmail.com and we’ll answer and print it in the newsletter during Term 4.

The November P&C meeting is NEXT Tuesday 3rd November 7.30 pm by Zoom.

Join us at this link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81367742593?pwd=aGtueUd0UkFoRUNwWkdKV2ptZHAvZz09

Meeting ID: 813 6774 2593

Passcode: 579345

If you would like to subscribe to our P&C meeting emails (minutes and agendas),

please subscribe at the following link: http://eepurl.com/dlK3PD

Andrew Passé-de Silva

President, PHPS P&C

pandcpresident@gmail.com

0410 653 878

Intro to Music: There will be a Year 2 intro to music assembly on 28 October. Dave will demo some of the instruments from 2:30pm to 2:45pm at the school hall.

2021 Band expression of interest: On the day of the intro to music we will be giving all the Year 2 students a Band Handout. This is a little bit of an intro to the band program. We encourage all year 2 students interested in band to fill in the form at the back of this handout and return it to their teacher.

Whilst this is aimed at year 2, any students who will be in year 3-6 next year are more than welcome to join the band program!

Band Rehearsals –

SCB continue as normal in their groups on Monday afternoons and Thursday morning.

ICB also as normal with the entire band on Wednesday morning.

TB we're going to switch up a little. As TB are only getting 1/2 the number of rehearsals, we're going try something which should be a lot of fun and get some additional rehearsal time.

For Training Band if the weather is fine and sunny then everyone in TB should turn up to rehearsals. The rehearsal will be conducted outside on the grass which will permit us to have everyone and still adhere to the distancing rules. If it is wet then only turn up to rehearsal on your groups week (Group 1, odd weeks. Group 2, even weeks) and rehearsal will be inside the band room.

By the look of the weather forecast this week it's probably unlikely to be outside this Friday, but we are hopeful for some of the other Fridays in this term!

Hornsby Busking: Save the Date! Sunday, 6 December in Hornsby Mall!! We have a 2hr time slot from 12-2pm. More detailed information will follow soon but providing advanced notice now to save the date. Word from Hornsby Westfield is that we'll likely be limited to 2 people at a time, so Dave and Rose will be talking to the students about doing a few duet pieces each. The busking will be an opt-in event. So whilst we will encourage everyone to take part, we understand if they would prefer not to.

Pennant Hills Public School Band Committee

Interested in strings?

Thinking about learning a string instrument for 2021? 

We keep a list of local tutors to help you on our website: 

http://www.phpspandc.org.au/string-ensemble/string-teachers/

Or register your interest online: https://forms.gle/L2nrW66LkJTgEAsE6

Year 2 students will get to enjoy a demonstration from our conductor at assembly this Wednesday, 2pm. 

If your child is in year 1 or 2 in 2021, our junior strings program is a great way to start learning, in a group setting. 

If you need any information, you can reach out via email: phpsstrings@gmail.com

Junior Strings

Well done to all our new junior strings players on a fantastic start to the term! Don't forget to bring your pencil and workbook each week. 

Rehearsal each week is from 3:30pm to 4:30pm, in classroom 2W. 

Our parent helpers are: 

• 27 October - Mansi
• 3 November - Carol

Rehearsals 

Our string ensemble rehearsals for term 4 remain split by stage.

The schedule for term is as follows: 

Stage 3: 

• 27 Oct - Parent helper - Piy
• 10 Nov - Parent helper - TBC
• 24 November
• 8 December

Stage 2:

• 3 November - Parent helper - Ellie
• 17 November - Parent helper - TBC
• 1 Dec
• 15 Dec

Parent Helpers

Parent helpers are essential to running our rehearsals. If you haven't already signed up for a spot this term. 

Junior Strings Sign Up:

https://doodle.com/poll/tkesrb9rd8gizec9

Full Ensemble Sign Up: 

https://doodle.com/poll/cy68d5dkuw3bvufm

The parent helper responsibilities are detailed here:

http://www.phpspandc.org.au/string-ensemble/parent-helpers/

PHPS String Ensemble

Website: http://www.phpspandc.org.au/string-ensemble/

Feedback: http://www.phpspandc.org.au/string-ensemble/contact-us/

Our Tuesday special next week will be Enchiladas!!

There will be both chicken and vegetarian options.

Gluten Free will be available too.

This week’s roster:

While there are no over the counter sales, we do not require any help for the K-2 site.

3-6 Site:

Wednesday 28 October  - Julianne.

Thursday 29 October  - Help from 12-1pm would be much appreciated.

Friday 30 October  - Narelle and Bec C.

Thank You

Heather Tyler

0425 274 681

canteenphps@gmail.com

New Operating Protocols

At this stage the Uniform Shop will remain closed for over the counter sales during Term 4. Uniform orders can be placed online through Flexischools or alternatively download an order form from the school website.

Please note that all orders will be delivered to the students’ classroom.

If you have an item that you need to exchange for another size please contact the Uniform Shop on the email address below. 

Please note that all items to be exchanged must be unworn, in original condition with packaging and tags intact. There is no exchange on socks, tights or briefs.

Second Hand Uniforms

If you require second hand uniforms, please contact me on the email address below, so that I can check what stock is on hand in the second hand clothing pool.

Year 6 Signature Bears and Balls

Year 6 parents please note that orders for the signature bears and balls are being finalised this week and will be delivered to class in the final week of Term 4.

Boys’ Summer Shirts

Size 14 and size 16 boys short sleeve shirts have sold out. Midford is still experiencing delays out of China, and is not expecting new stock to arrive until December. I apologise for any inconvenience caused by this stock shortage.

Kinderlinks

Due to Covid-19 restrictions, the Uniform Shop will not be attending Kinderlinks this year.

We encourage existing families who are familiar with the school uniform to complete the Kinderlinks Uniform Order Form that has been emailed to them and hand it in at Kinderlinks, and you will receive an email when your order is ready for collection.

New families who are not familiar with our school uniform will be able to make an appointment to view and purchase uniforms with their child.

Appointments can be made by going to www.schoolinterviews.com.au and entering the Event Code: c2zak

Dr Shoe

Dr Shoe will not be attending the Uniform Shop in the foreseeable future however Max can be contacted direct on 0414 912 838 to arrange a home fitting.

Ordering Uniforms

Uniform shop opening hours have been suspended. Uniforms can be ordered by completing an order form and together with payment of cash, cheque or card details handed in at either office.  Orders will be filled and delivered to the students’ classrooms. A combined pricelist and order form can be downloaded from the school website by following the links to ‘Our School’ and ‘What We Offer.’ Uniforms can also be ordered online through Flexischools, however prices will include a Flexischools surcharge.

Please note that uniform orders cannot be paid via the school online payment service

Order forms are available on the school website by following the link:

 https://pennanthil-p.schools.nsw.gov.au/content/dam/doe/sws/schools/p/pennanthil-p/about-our-school/uniform-shop/Term_4_2020_Order_Form_and_Price_List.pdf

Alison Parker

Uniform Shop Manager

phpsuniformshop@gmail.com