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NAIDOC Week - Always Was, Always Will Be
Always Was, Always Will Be, recognises that First Nations people have occupied and cared for this continent for over 65,000 years. This week at PHPS each class will be participating in lessons prepared by a local Aboriginal company, Koori Kinnections. Each student will have the opportunity to learn about Aboriginal culture, history and beliefs. Thank you to Miss Dwyer for her organisation of this very important incursion for the students.
Healthy Harold
Healthy Harold is a community program that visits schools to educate students about healthy lifestyles. Healthy Harold has been around for many years and it was great to see ‘him’ back at our school this year. Healthy Harold delivers important age appropriate measures for the students.
Celebration of Learning
This year’s Celebration of Learning (CoL) is going to look very different due to Covid-19. Firstly, it is going to be held at school in grade groups for K-5, with one parent/adult invited to attend if your child is receiving an award. If your child is receiving an award you will receive a letter in the mail. We are also looking at setting up a Zoom session so parents and extended family can watch at home due to being able to allow a certain number of people to attend. Those attending will be required to remain seated during the entire assembly.
We are working through options for our wonderful Year 6 cohort. The guidelines now state that everyone in attendance needs to be included in the 4sqm rule. This means that we cannot have every Year 6 child and a family member attend the assembly. We are likely to hold an assembly for each class to allow one parent or adult representative to attend this assembly to acknowledge our Year 6 students graduating primary school. This will likely be a Zoom session too.
Specific information will be sent home in the coming weeks for families, especially those families whose child is receiving an award.
We are aware that it is not what the community is used to, however, everyone’s health is our main priority and we need to follow the guidelines set by the NSW Department of Education.
Thank You
Kind Regards
Mr Matt Pinchbeck
Principal
Principal Awards
K-2 = Sian Y, Nathanael C, Marlina T, Katherine W
3-6 = Kendall R, Finn K, Nevaan S, Kanj P, Ryan Z
Smith Family Christmas Toy and Book Appeal
Wow Kindy and Year 1!! Thank you for your generous contributions so far this week! Below are some of the items that have been donated so far.
If you would like to donate to the Smith Family Christmas Toy and Book Appeal, more information is towards the end of my report.
NAIDOC Week
It is NAIDOC Week and the theme for this year is ‘Always Was, Always Will Be’. We have been lucky enough to secure sessions with Koori Kinnections over the week to provide interactive and engaging lessons and activities for our students, providing an insight into the culture of our Indigenous Australians.
ABC Kids have launched ‘NAIDOC Week on ABC Kids’ where you can find shows about the languages of our land, stories from Grandpa Honeyant and the Little Jay and Big Cuz series;
https://iview.abc.net.au/collection/1969
On ABC Kids Listen, there is a great podcast called ‘Little Yarns’ which teaches an Aboriginal word from different nations in each episode.
https://www.abc.net.au/kidslisten/little-yarns/
Year 5 speeches
Yesterday our Year 5 finalists presented their speeches for our Pennant Hills Public School speaking competition. Students were asked to come up with a new public holiday which they would like to be introduced. All of the students presented great speeches in class and 2 lucky students from each class were then chosen to present their speeches to their year group. Well done to our winner, Clementine I from 5F who spoke about having a Neighbours Day.
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...
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A PDF that details the items that can not be accepted can be found here:
Please note that the Smith Family will bundle all packages. Please do not wrap or bundle your items.
DROP OFF INFORMATION
The drop off point for K-2 is the school hall and for 3-6 is the library stairs. I will at these locations to meet the students with their donations from 9am – 9:15am on the following mornings. Due to Covid restrictions, students will need to bring the donations themselves.
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Kindergarten |
9am – Monday 9th November |
School hall |
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Year 1 |
9am – Tuesday 10th November |
School hall |
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Year 2 |
9am – Wednesday 11th November |
School hall |
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Year 3 |
9am – Monday 16th November |
Library annex |
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Year 4 |
9am – Tuesday 17th November |
Library annex |
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Year 5 |
9am – Wednesday 18th November |
Library annex |
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Year 6 |
9am – Monday 23rd November |
Library annex |
Thank You
Kind Regards
Mrs Kate Wasson
Deputy Principal
3B – Daniel C, Cassius H, Nathan P
3D – Kris G, Liviru L, Nevaan S
3R –Elinore F, Kobe J, Gemma P, Anya H, Onadi P, Lewis W
4G – Josiah M, Lauren G, Emma C
4M – Tristan T, Shima A, Nikita W
4T – Leo J, Annabelle R, Charlotte P
5F – Kate A, Elijah F, Ethan S
6B – Molly A, Bronson M, Lucas B
6M – Catherine B, Dehiru H, Sophie M
6P – Abi N, Orlando L, Harrison W
COMPUTERS –
Josie A - 3D, Gemma P - 3R, Stella M - 4G, Nekiah T - 4T, Celine A - 5P, Campbell W - 5F, Isabel Q - 6M, Lachlan M - 6B
5 4 3 2 1
At the end of the countdown, the opening notes of “You Won’t Bring Us Down” began. All 560 students at Pennant Hills Public School were ready to take part in Music Count Us In 2020. Our students were not alone – together with 700 000 eager adults and children from all over Australia, from the Torres Strait Islands to the bottom of Tasmania, from Geraldton WA to 300 km east of Sydney, Lord Howe Island, the whole of Australia were celebrating Music.
Live performances of the song were broadcast from Cairns, Sydney and from the Yamatji Region in WA. Pennant Hills PS students performed along with the live broadcast. Each class performed their own version of the song. Although we couldn’t sing, each class performed the song with a combination of Auslan signing, body percussion, dance and/or actions.
There was a buzz of excitement around the school as the countdown began and then the performances began. Students thoroughly enjoyed being part of something huge yet at the same time at a very local level, in their own classroom. Students also enjoyed the chance to dress to celebrate music and dance.
This year has been a lean time for live music performances but Music Count Us In helped to fill that void. It was a fantastic time and we are already looking forward to next year.
KINDERLINKS UNIFORM DAY
A big thank you to our Uniform Shop volunteers who gave up their Sunday to help with kinderlinks uniform sales. Thanks to Alison P, Luke W, Tracey B, Lynne M, Rohini M and Sharon M. If you have questions about uniform sales, please contact us at phpsuniformshop@gmail.com
SANDPIT FAMILY PHOTO DAY - SATURDAY 21st NOVEMBER
To avoid disappointment please book NOW on FLEXISCHOOLS! Sessions are now 30 minutes apart to ensure Social Distancing between groups.
Sandpit Photos’ professional photographers will photograph your family within a 20 minute, fun and relaxed #CovidSafe portrait session. All images are posed outdoors on the grounds of Belthorn Cottage at the K-2 site.
The $15 booking fee goes towards the P&C. All sittings are obligation free thereafter. Families can buy the entire package for only $209. This pack includes approximately 30 printed photos of varying sizes plus a USB with all images taken on the day.
* This is a full family portrait session, therefore an adult MUST be included in the group.
** An email will be sent to all bookings outlining mandatory #CovidSafe practices for the day.
GREEN TEAM TEACHER UPDATE - by Bridget Dwyer
Don’t forget National Recycling Week is THIS week! Check out the links below for some ideas on how you can get involved. Every little bit we do helps our earth, so get into it!
Did you see our Green Team featured as Hornsby Shire Council’s very first Local Waste Champion? Take a look at this link: https://www.hornsby.nsw.gov.au/property/waste/local-waste-champions
Do your kids have a question for the Green Team? Would you like to join our Green Team? Email us at phpsgreenteam@gmail.com
P&C BUSINESS DIRECTORY
Do you have a business that you would like to advertise (for free) in the new P&C Business Directory? Click here for Information and Guidelines and then here to apply or contact the team at phpsdirectory@gmail.com for details on how to list your business.
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
0410 653 878
2021 Band expression of interest: Please make sure you hand in your Expression of interest form as soon as possible if you want to join band next year! We really need many students to join. The form is available here.
If you did not get a copy of the Intro to Band handout, you can find it here. If you'd like more details please contact us at phpsband@gmail.com
Please ensure that all forms are handed in by Friday - 13 November.
Zoom Information Session: We're going to have a Zoom information session for parents next week Wednesday night. If you have any questions or would like to know more about the band program please join us next Wednesday 18 November at 7:30pm.
https://zoom.us/j/91407553794?pwd=UGx3SHB3VjFqejd3Q1JxZUNJMXFWdz09
Meeting ID: 914 0755 3794
Passcode: phpsband
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.
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 (or the ground very 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.
We're hoping the weather will be fine enough for this to happen this week. Keep an eye on the WhatsApp group as Rose will be making the call if the weather is bad on Thursday evening.
Hornsby Busking: With so few opportunities to perform this year, our conductors have come up with the bright idea of busking up at Hornsby Mall!
Due to council Covid restrictions, students will need to perform duets.
We have booked two dates -
Sunday 29 November: 10am-12noon and Sunday 6 December: 11am-1pm.
Sign up here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1kBhwLd-NwPzIiq_zQ2nW0s7T1e8O158UmmuRTDKgWPY/edit#responses
Indicate which date your child would like to play and who they would like to be paired with, and if you have a preferred time. We will then organise timeslots as best we can - perhaps 10-15 minutes depending on how many pairs we get.
We will be raising money for the Australian Children’s Music Foundation. http://acmf.com.au/aboutus/
Christmas Carols Video Recording:
We're working toward being able to video some performances for Christmas and put together a Virtual Christmas concert. These recordings will take place during normal rehearsal times in Week 8 in the Hall. Please keep an eye on your email and the school newsletter for more details to come.
Parent Helpers:
Many thanks to Olivia Fang, Emily Xiang, Christy Deng and Sam Quan for being our parent helpers this week. It is very much appreciated.
Thank You
The Band Committee
Website: http://www.phpspandc.org.au/band/
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
If your student 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
Rehearsal each week is from 3:30pm to 4:30pm, in classroom 2W.
Our parent helpers are:
- November 10 - Parent helper - Shaheen
- November 17 - Parent helper - Mansi
- November 24 - Parent helper - Jing
- December 01 - Parent helper - Mansi
Rehearsals
Our string ensemble rehearsals for term 4 remain split by stage.
The schedule for term is as follows:
Stage 2
- November 17 – Parent helper - TBC
- December 01 – Parent helper - Joel
- December 15 – Parent helper - Ying
Stage 3:
- November 10 - Parent helper - Kim
- November 24 – Parent helper - Kim
- December 08 – Parent helper - Jade
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/
The Meatball Sub will be back next Tuesday!!
If you missed out the first time, this is your chance. Order now through Flexischools.
We are getting more and more orders for “Build Your Own” wraps, sandwiches, rolls and salads, which is great!! So many lovely fresh ingredients, and some very interesting combinations! Check out all the options and see what you can create.
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 11 November - Claire P.
Thursday 12 November - Lisa S.
Friday 13 November - Narelle and Stefanie.
If you have any questions, or would like to be involved with the canteen, please contact me.
Thank You
Heather Tyler
0425 274 681
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.
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 on this Tuesday evening 10 November and Sunday afternoon 15 November.
Appointments can be made by going to www.schoolinterviews.com.au and entering the Event Code: c2zak
Dr Shoe
Dr Shoe will be attending the Uniform Shop for the Kinderlinks Sunday appointments on 15 November. Max can be contacted direct on 0414 912 838 to arrange a home fitting or book your appointment for the Kinderlinks sessions.
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:
Alison Parker
Uniform Shop Manager
