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Student Achievement
Last week Jimmy W and Lennox S (both year 6) represented our school at the Beecroft Zone cricket trials. These trials are always well-attended by quality cricketers within our Zone. Our Zone is made up of 21 schools. Well done to both boys for representing our school. Congratulations must also go to Jimmy who has been selected in the Beecroft Zone PSSA cricket squad to progress to the next level of trials. Here he will trial against students in both Ryde and Hornsby-Ku-Ring-Gai Zones for the opportunity to attend the Sydney North PSSA cricket trial. Good luck Jimmy.
Zone Swimming Carnival
Good luck to all our Zone Swimming participants at next week’s Beecroft Zone Swimming carnival. A fantastic achievement to all those students who have been selected from our school swimming carnival. Beecroft Zone PSSA is made up of 21 local schools. Progressing to a Zone level is a fantastic achievement and we wish them all the best. Thank you to Mrs Ford for all her organisation. On the day students will be accompanied by Miss Maginnis and Mr Bryant.
Staffing Update
This week we welcome Mrs Emma Gartrell to our staff. Mrs Gartrell has taught in both Queensland and South Australia and is eager to join our school. Mrs Gartrell will be job sharing with Mrs Maddison and will be working Thursday and Friday for the year in the role of Computer teacher. We warmly welcome her to our fantastic school.
Covid-19 Guidelines
Over the past weeks we have noticed an increased number of students who are unwell. Unfortunately, as per the advice from the NSW department of education, students who are unwell need to remain at home. Parents of students who arrive at school unwell will be contacted to take their child home. If they are sent home with flu like symptoms (even mild ones) the student must get a Covid test and wait for the result. If they receive a negative result the child still needs to be symptom free before returning to school. Please ensure that you email or screenshot the negative result to the school.
As we do every day, students are reminded of the importance of maintaining positive hygiene practices, including washing hands regularly. Daily cleaning continues to be part of our everyday practice and adults continue to socially distance. We remind all parents of our drop-off and pick up routines and to make contact with the school via email or phone. It is also important to socially distance when you wait to pick up your children in the afternoon.
We understand the concerns of all our Pennant Hills Public School community, but can assure you we are following the guidelines provided by the NSW Department of Education as per advice from Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC), NSW Health and other agencies to ensure our school continues to operate in the safest ways possible.
Please check out the NSW Department of Education’s website for advice for families, Advice for families (nsw.gov.au) .
As always we thank you for your ongoing support.
Communication
Our school has two main bodies which disseminate information to the school community depending on the topic. Firstly, notes and information sent home directly from the school are provided in hard copy to the students and often additionally sent via the SZapp and on the school website. These notes inform you about everything that is happening at the school. Secondly, the P&C sends its information out via a Class Parent using emails or its Facebook page. The information from the P&C will be relating to P&C information or sharing information requested by the school.
All other forms of communication are not supported or acknowledged by the school. The school is aware that there are WhatsApp and Facebook groups that parents have created for their child’s class. This is a great way for parents to connect, but please know that these groups are not being given information from the school and the school does not monitor its content.
Metro Renewal Program
The NSW Government has created a program to assist in stimulating the economy through its Metro Renewal Program. We were able to nominate a project/s that had previously been discussed with School Infrastructure NSW – SINSW (formerly Assets Management Unit). As a result of discussions with our P&C we nominated one program for consideration, which was an upgrade of the Canteen. We were successful with our application. The school and community will contribute 20% of the total cost to this project with the rest being covered by the NSW Government. Last week SINSW met with Peta Powrie, Heather (Canteen Manager), Dave Collins and myself to begin this project. From our initial discussions this project will deliver a once in a life time opportunity to upgrade the school’s canteen. As this project develops I will continue to inform the wider community.
Kind Regards
Mr Matt Pinchbeck
Principal
Principal's Awards
K-2= Ewan T, Luca H, Shriya I, Chloe J, Grace G, Sean B
3-6= Lily N
Smarties Week
In Week 7 we will be celebrating all things mathematics with Smarties Week. Across K-6 our mathematics tasks for the week will centre around using the engaging (and delicious!) resource of Smarties. So many things to explore! The teachers at PHPS have some wonderful activities in store. Until then, can you solve the below problem?
*Hint – the value of each Smartie is below 11.
Meet The Teacher
Our meet the teacher evening last week was a great success, considering our community was unable to physically be on site or meet their child’s teacher face-to-face. Thank you for logging on via zoom and listening to what our wonderful teachers have instore for your children this year. Many teachers have commented on how they wished they could have met you all properly, however, under the circumstances the evening went well. Please find below a few pictures of what the evening looked like from the teacher’s perspective.
Around The School
Teachers spend a lot of time thinking of ways to set up their classroom for engaging and optimal learning. We consider the physical space and layout, furniture available, wall space and how best to utilise that to promote student ownership of the space, display student work and have points of reference. Below are some examples of classroom walls on the 3-6 site, many are relatively bare, ready for student work. Some have started personalised goal setting.
Swimming
At Wednesday’s assembly our House Captains will be presenting our swimmers with their ribbons. Unfortunately due to current restrictions no parents will be able to attend the assembly. All students who will be attending the Zone Carnival have been notified and should have returned their notes. The full list of swimming results will be published in next weeks newsletter.
Lost Property
There is a considerable pile of lost property without names or just initials found on each site. It is much easier for students to find their belongings when they are clearly marked with their first and last name or at least first name and second initial. This includes all items; hats, jumpers, shirts, shorts, drink bottles, lunch boxes, umbrellas (we have many still at school that were left at the swimming carnival) etc. You would be surprised at the items that turn up. Thank you for your cooperation in this.
Kind Regards
Mrs Kate Wasson
Deputy Principal
KB - Benji H, Gavin Z, Sophia D, Andrew M, Willem G, Joanna Y
KC - William P, Emily P, Janaki P, Teddy W, Rachael S, Phoenix G
KD - Tom N, Oliver F, Emma K, Viraj G, Kianah J
KL - Isabelle M, Oliver R, Jayden W, Sophie H, Finn R, Siara D
1A - Eric W, Alex P, Zoe S, Morgan F, Lachlan N
1E - Mohammad R, Shriya I, Chloe J, Marnie H, Jordan H
1M - Asher M, Nellie M, Max F, Julie K
1/2P - Natasha D, Luc P
2A - Jacinta I, Jack V, Amira R, Theo B, Aarav S, Lachlan H
2B - Ewan T, Sean B, Isabel K, Alex A, Joey C, Emma l
2W - Emma K, Calvin S, Henry H, April F, Millie V, Marcus T
EAL/D - Kayden C - 2A, William P - KC
Year 6 Writing Is Going OFF!
Last week, Year 6 we were immersed in two very different experiences
...all for the purposes of developing our writing skills!
Guided by our senses, we brainstormed rich language and literary devices that would help us express these experiences, painting a vivid picture for our audience.
Finally, it was time to put pen to paper.
Mrs Rebecca Macnaughtan
Year 6 Teacher
Did you know that PHPS students can borrow eBooks?
Our library subscribes to the Wheelers ePlatform which allows students to borrow eBooks.
Using a device via the ePlatform app or through a web browser, students have access to a digital library which has a collection of over 1800 books. eBooks can be easily borrowed and are returned automatically. They can be read on a computer, laptop or mobile device.
This video explains how simple it is to download the ePlatform app. Alternatively, our school’s eLibrary can be accessed via this link http://pennanthil.eplatform.co/ or the Oliver school library website which is accessed via the DoE student portal.
The students use their school username and password to sign in to our school’s ePlatform. They can borrow up to two books at a time for a two week period. Please note that these borrowing rules are set by Wheelers not the school.
Ms Davis
Teacher Librarian
GREAT NEWS - CHOIR REHEARSALS TO START NEXT WEEK!
After a very long break, I am pleased to say that rehearsals for both Weemala and Ramsay Choirs will start again next week. But with a bit of a difference!
We will be rehearsing in year groups to start with.
Year four and Year six will rehearse in even weeks
Year three and Year five will rehearse in odd weeks
This term we will be concentrating on learning to use our voices again and on some unison and easier singing pieces.
AUDITIONS - Thursday 25 March
If you have not enquired before and would like to join you will need to have a short audition.
For the audition you will only need to sing the first verse of Advance Australia Fair and Happy Birthday.
Interested students should have received a notice about this on Friday. If you didn’t, please see your teacher.
All Year three students wishing to be part of the choir will need to audition. Students who are new to the school or students who would like to join the choir this year will also need to audition. If you were in the choir last year, you DO NOT need to re-audition.
Weemala Choir
Year three and Year four students
Rehearsals: Tuesday mornings, 8:00am - 9:00am in the school hall.
Ramsay Choir
Year five and Year six students
Rehearsals: Wednesday mornings, 8:00am - 9:00am in the school hall.
If you have any questions about choir, please do not hesitate to send an email to the school and I will get back to you as soon as I can.
I am so looking forward to starting rehearsals again.
Julie Anne Stevens
Choir Coordinator
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81367742593?pwd=aGtueUd0UkFoRUNwWkdKV2ptZHAvZz09
Password: 579345
If you are using a laptop or PC, then just click the link however if you are using a smartphone, then you will need the Zoom app. For access from Zoom app:
Meeting ID: 813 6774 2593 and Password: 579345
If you have any network issues or can't be infront of a PC or device, then you can dial in on 02 8015 6011 and then 813 6774 2593 and Password: 579345.
Please don’t forget, to vote in the AGM, you MUST have already paid your fee AT THE END OF THE LAST AGM or subsequent P&C Meeting to be eligible to vote in this AGM as per the P&C Federation By-Laws.
Maximising The Benefits Of Solar With Battery Storage
Solar Photovoltaic (PV) installation has been very popular in Australia for some time. Now, solar PV plus battery storage installations are gaining in popularity, for some key reasons:
- PV shifting - extends your green energy reach into non sunlight hours
- Resilience - When grid power is out, solar PV will only work with the support of battery storage
- Economics - reduces consumption at peak times/rates.
To help you with your options, the NSW Government has a webpage dedicated to learning about battery storage here:
https://energysaver.nsw.gov.au/business/equipment-and-technology-guides/battery-storage
Let the Green Team know your stories about solar PV and/or solar PV plus battery storage and we will include them in future newsletters.
Contact phpsgreenteam@gmail.com
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
The uniform shop has now reopened for all sales and service with the following procedures put in place:
Covid-19 Operating Protocols
The Uniform Shop has reopened for over the counter sales and service.
However all parents are required to make an appointment before attending the Uniform Shop. This is to ensure that there is no overlapping of families or crowding and queuing at the shop.
All parents will be required to sign in and register at the 3-6 office before coming to the shop for their appointment. As a result of the sign in requirements, the Uniform Shop has had to adjust its operating hours and for the remainder of the term the shop will now open on Thursday mornings instead of Thursday afternoons.
To make an appointment at the Uniform Shop please use the following link:
https://calendly.com/phpsuniformshop/15minutes?month=2021-02
Uniform Shop Committee
We are currently seeking new members for the Uniform Shop Committee. The committee meets just once a term to discuss and monitor the supply, quality and price of the school uniform. The committee members also provide assistance to new families at the Kinderlinks program. If you are interested in joining the committee please contact me on the below email address.
Year 6 shirts
Girls Size 16 Summer Uniform
Please note the size 16 girl's Peter Pan collared short sleeve shirt and summer dresses have sold out. Due to the lengthy manufacturing time, these will not be available until September.
Second Hand Uniforms
If you have any size 14 and size 16 uniforms in good condition that you no longer require please consider donating them to the Uniform Shop.
PSSA Socks
The navy PSSA football / softball socks in sizes 2-7 and 7-11 are available for sale at the Uniform Shop for $8.50. The socks can also be purchased online through Felxischools, but prices will include the Flexischools' surcharge.
Ordering Uniforms
Uniforms can be ordered by making an appointment at the Uniform Shop during opening hours, or alternatively an order form can be completed and together with payment of cash, cheque or card details handed in at either office. Orders will be filled and then delivered to the children’s classes. 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 the 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 to Our School.
Hours
Monday and Tuesday 8:45am – 10:45am
Thursday revised to 8:45am – 10:45am
Alison Parker
Uniform Shop Manager
Look out for the HARMONY DAY menu later this week on Flexischools.
Please note that there will be no other lunch orders on this day.
This week’s roster:
K-2 site:
Friday 26 February - Rebecca D and Rubi W.
3-6 Site:
Wednesday 24 February - Julianne.
Thursday 25 February - Sally W.
Friday 26 February - Narelle and Vicky.
If you have any questions, or would like to be involved with the canteen, please contact me.
Heather Tyler
0425 274 681
Training Band
Everyone seems to be settling in well. Keep up the good work and make sure you're working through the worksheets with your tutors.
Intermediate Band
We've still got 3 rehearsals in March which do not have a parent helper. Can we please get these filled in ASAP. The link is below in the Parent Helper section.
Senior Band
We've still got 5 rehearsals in March/April which do not have a parent helper. Can we please get these filled in ASAP. The link is below in the Parent Helper section.
Ideally, we'd like to have 2 parent helpers on Thursday mornings, especially now that Jazz band will be starting up. Can we please get some additional helpers into the doodle poll schedule?
Once again this Thursday morning, even if the weather is fine, will only be Woodwind from 7:30am - 8:15am, as we'll be doing the Jazz band auditions from 8:15am.
Jazz Band
Thank You everyone who stayed for jazz band last week. Everyone did a great job. All students were given a piece of music to practice for this week. Please check with your child and ensure that they
(a) have the sheet music and
(b) take it to their tutor at their next lesson. The rehearsal this Thursday will be the try outs.
Piano Players - Jazz band auditions are open to piano players who are not currently in the band program. Playing standard needs to be around AMEB grade 5-6.
Water Towels
Every brass player must bring a water towel to rehearsal. There is to be absolutely no emptying of water valves onto the carpet in the music room. If a player does not have their water towel they will not be allowed to play.
Just like the "no hat, no play" at lunch, Band has a strict "no towel, no play" at rehearsals.
Rehearsals
Like last year, due to COVID we have social distancing requirements at rehearsals so all bands have been placed into 2 groups. On fine and sunny days band members from both groups would attend the rehearsal which will be done on the grass outside the band room. On days where it's raining or the ground is too wet only the group assigned to rehearse that day would attend.
Senior Concert Band
Group 1: Brass, Bass guitar & Percussion - Monday afternoons, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Group 2: Woodwind - Thursday mornings, 7:30am - 8:15am
Jazz Band
Thursday mornings: 8:15am - 9am
Intermediate Concert Band
Wednesday: 7:30am – 9:00am
Group 1: Brass, Bass guitar, Bass Clarinet, Tenor Sax & Percussion - Odd weeks
Group 2: Clarinets, Flutes, Alto Saxs and Percussion - Even weeks
Training Band
Friday 8:00am – 9:00am
Group 1: Woodwind & Percussion - Odd weeks
Group 2: Brass, bass guitars & Percussion - Even weeks
Your conductors will be making the call on wet weather via the bands WhatsApp group. If you have a question about a rehearsal the WhatsApp group is the best place to ask it.
If you are not part of your bands WhatsApp group and would like to be please let us know.
Worksheets
Please make sure you print off the new set of worksheets for your child to work on. They can be found on the Band web pages here. We're also working on a new way to submit these, so keep an eye on your email inbox for these details when we have it finalised. In the meantime, if you have one ready to submit, please take photos of them and send through all completed worksheets (or AMEB results) to phpsband+worksheets@gmail.com
Parent Helpers
Doodle polls are now open to fill in for Parent Helper slots. Please remember the band doesn't function without parent helpers. And if we don't have a parent helper for a rehearsal it will not go ahead.
Just a reminder, if we do not have a parent helper for a rehearsal it will be canceled.
Big thank-you to this week's helpers, Amy D, Emily X, Nic P and Martin M.
Music Camp
The school is working on arrangements for the Music Camp. This year it is scheduled for the afternoon of Sunday May 30 - Tuesday June 1. Please keep those dates free. Yes, this year it will be predominantly during normal school time. Further details to come in due course.
Future Committee Members
We have a number of people in key positions who will be leaving the school at the end of the year. If you think your child is going to be in band next year, and even if your child is not in a band and you're keen to help out with the band program, we would love to hear from you!!
Pennant Hills Public School Band Committee
Website: http://www.phpspandc.org.au/band/
Conductor Introduction - Welcome Lorraine Chai
This week we extend a warm welcome to our new PHPS String Ensemble conductor, Lorraine Chai who started with our Junior Ensemble (K-2) in Term four last year and has done an amazing job introducing the littlies to their violins.
Lorraine is a trained classroom teacher, musician and conductor with qualifications from both London and Australia, including the Sydney Conservatorium of music. She plays the violin, viola, piano and clarinet and has taught music at many primary and secondary schools. She has also published her series of music theory books for violin, viola and cello. She is a member of the Music Teachers association and a committee member with the Australian Strings Association. We are excited to have her take up the position of Director and Conductor of the PHPS ensemble and look forward to learning a lot from her.
Junior Ensemble
Junior ensemble has been cancelled this term due to a lack of numbers. We hope to run our “Intro to strings” course with a bunch of fresh faces again next term. Watch this space for more info over the coming weeks...
Main Ensemble
K-2 Hall: Tuesday, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Just a reminder that the String Ensemble can't run without help from the parents so please click on the link below and sign up to be a parent helper this term.
https://doodle.com/poll/m6xqssp8wnpu8yp7?utm_source=poll&utm_medium=link
If you need any information, you can reach out via email: phpsstrings@gmail.com
PHPS String Ensemble
Website: http://www.phpspandc.org.au/string-ensemble/
Feedback: http://www.phpspandc.org.au/string-ensemble/contact-us/
If you need any information, you can reach out via email: phpsstrings@gmail.com
PHPS String Ensemble
Website: http://www.phpspandc.org.au/string-ensemble/
Feedback: http://www.phpspandc.org.au/string-ensemble/contact-us/
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