New Check-In processes

Our school is taking part in the School Check-In pilot being delivered in partnership with Service NSW. As a parent / carer, this does not change your usual drop off and pick up routine. You do not need to check in unless you are intending to stay at the school for a scheduled appointment such as a reader volunteer, canten duties, parent-teacher meetings or similar activity.

Semester Two Academic Reports

Parents / caregivers receive written reports about how their children are progressing at school twice per year. Student reports outline summative information about performance and application in academic and social aspects of schooling. Teachers are currently assessing how the students in their respective classes are progressing, in readiness for reports being issued at the end of Term. I acknowledge and thank all the teachers for the way they are assessing and translating their knowledge of how each student has achieved into Semester One reports. The Department of Education has clearly defined elements which schools must include in student reports including a five-point scale which students will be measured against.

Level of Achievement – Years 1-6 only. Kindergarten students receive information on how they are progressing against aspects of what they have learnt in class.

Outstanding - The student has an extensive knowledge and understanding of the content and can readily apply this knowledge. In addition, the student has achieved a very high level of competence in the processes and skills and can apply these skills to new situations.

High - The student has a thorough knowledge and understanding of the content and a high level of competence in the processes and skills. In addition, the student is able to apply this knowledge and these skills to most situations.

Sound - The student has a sound knowledge and understanding of the main areas of content and has achieved an adequate level of competence in the processes and skills.

Basic - The student has a basic knowledge and understanding of the content and has achieved a limited level of competence in the processes and skills.

Limited - The student has an elementary knowledge and understanding in few areas of the content and has achieved very little competence in some of the processes and skills.

Level of Effort

Apart from achievement levels, our reports also include effort ratings to allow you to see how your child is applying themselves in each Key Learning Area this semester.

Music Camp

Only 5 more sleeps until the 2021 Music Camp. Thank you to everyone involved in organising this mammoth event for the students. It promises to be a spectacular few days for all students. We wish all the students attending the camp the very best of luck and we hope it is a beneficial learning experience for you.

Due to this being held on school days this year, students in years 3-6 that are remaining at school next Monday and Tuesday will be engaging in specifically designed lessons that focus on the creative arts, sports and STEM challenges.

It promises to be a great two days for all students.

P&C’s Gardens and Grounds

Again, last Sunday the P&C’s marvellous Gardens and Grounds group planted more plants and shrubs on the 3-6 site in the retaining wall area. This area looks amazing. Thank you so much to everyone who was able to assist on one or both of the last two Sundays. Your efforts are amazing. Thank you so much to Dan Saunders, Kate Ashton and Chris Laing for their organisation of the Working Bees.

Zone Cross Country

Tomorrow will be the Beecroft Zone PSSA Cross Country. This year the event returns to Fagan Park after missing last year due to Covid-19. Our school will have 40 students representing the school striving to progress to the next level. Miss Steel will be accompanying the students on the day. Parents are more than welcome to attend but please ensure you follow all the Covid-19 protocols. A special thank you to Jen Whalan and Bec Collins for organising and managing the training for our Cross Country team. This can only assist our team and we wish them the very best of luck next Wednesday.

State Champions

In last week’s newsletter I mentioned that Georgia and Naomi in Year 6 were representing Sydney North PSSA at the NSW PSSA State carnival for hockey. The girls had a great week. During the round matches they lost one match to North Coast, who they eventually played in the final. From all accounts the final was an epic battle resulting in a draw. The girls were crowned State Champions, along with the North Coast PSSA team. Congratulations girls on your amazing achievement.

Student Achievement

Congratulations to Emily N in Year 6. Last week Emily represented our school at the Beecroft Zone PSSA Softball trial for girls. Emily has been selected to represent our Zone at the upcoming Sydney North PSSA trial. One of the selectors is the former Women’s National Softball coach who sought out Emily’s mum to offer her congratulations and comment on her play. Good luck Emily at the Sydney North trial in a few weeks.

Congratulations to Christian P in Year 5 who has made the Beecroft PSSA Touch Football side to compete at the upcoming combined Beecroft / Ryde PSSA trial. Christian has progressed through many trials this year and we wish him the very best of luck for all events.

Principal’s Awards

K-2: Vanya M, Henry J, Eloise K, Aston A, Luke Z

3-6: Hannah R

Kind Regards

Mr Matt Pinchbeck
Principal

Staff Professional Learning

This afternoon, like most Tuesday afternoons, the staff at PHPS are going to be involved in a Professional Learning session. This week, the teachers will be sharing their expertise and exploring some of the Digital Technology devices we have at the school. They will then work in their stage teams to discuss how some of these devices can be authentically embedded into programs for Semester Two. Some of the devices we have on site include; Lego EV3’s, Dashbots, Robotic mice, cars and beebots, Spheros and Ozobots. Embedding the use of these devices into our programs not only instantly creates intrigue and active engagement from our students but it supports skill development in the areas of collaboration, creativity, communication, critical and computational thinking, often referred to as the 5C’s of learning.

Our wonderful Digital Technology/STEAM Action Group team will be leading the share and explore session. Thank you Miss Dwyer, Mrs Mackay, Ms Parras, Ms Davis, Mr Bryant, Miss Watts, Mrs McLaren for sharing your knowledge this afternoon and to Ms Stevens and Mrs Reid for leading this Action Group.

If you would like to hear more about our school focuses and the professional learning our teachers are undertaking to best support our students, please come along to the P&C meeting next week where we will be providing a more detailed update from the DigiTech/STEAM team.

National Simultaneous Storytime

On Wednesday, thousands of people across Australia watched in awe as National Simultaneous Storytime was broadcast from space! To promote the value of reading and literacy through an Australian children’s picture book, Shannon Walker, who is an astronaut currently in the International Space Station, read to us; Give me some space! What an experience! Students wore a touch of space on Wednesday, some photos below. Please see the library section in the newsletter for more information.

Around the grounds

Year 6 undertook some outdoor learning yesterday while investigating the viscosity of items like barbecue sauce and dishwashing liquid – fun! You can read more about this in the below section from Mrs Macnaughtan.

The talented Musica Viva grouped conducted an incursion for all students over the day yesterday. They are always so mesmerising and knowledgeable, the students were very engaged!

Kind Regards

Mrs Kate Wasson

Deputy Principal

3D - Arin S, Ginger M, Adam C, Yuvvaj L, Isaac L, Ethan S, Hannah R, Daniel-John R

3H - Zayd M, Shahab A, Zainab D, Liam C, Isabella N, Lara B

3R - Liam T, Grace C, Alexia L

4B - Lithushan L, Ben A, Monica L, Cassius H

4F - Eddy C, Syiera A, Ryan P, Thenuk T, Nathan P, Anya H, Asa L

4M - Kobe J, Arya M, Dhruv T, Lewis W, Elinore F, Tommy T

5B - Sophie S, John Y, Sophie W, Stella M, Alie J, Samara R

5M - Raymond W, Annabelle R, Preston G, Raymond W, Liam C, Bryan L

5W - Josh C, Seb J, Emma C, Isabella P, Alex P, Mariane O

6R - Adele W, Alma G, Rhia D

6S - Nick R, Lexi B, Ronan S, Zandre B, Luke M, Renee C

Library - Ethan S (3D), Zayd M (3H), Quintin L (3H), Dhruv T (4M), Stella M (5B), Hazel B (5M), Raymond W (5M), Angus W (5M), Lucas P (5M), Haniya K (6R), Isabelle K (6R), Alanna K (6S),

Computers - Daniel-John R (3D), Laura B (3H), Jamie G (3R), Stephanie L (3R), Abbie R (4B), Liviru L (4F), Tom S (4M), Edmond L (4M), Annabelle K (5B), Lauren G (5B), Christian P (5M), Joshua C (5W), Kate A (6M), Renee C (6S), Kayla Y (6S), Alexis Q (6S)

On Monday last week the ‘Living Eggs’ arrived in Kindergarten.

We have loved seeing the process of chicks being hatched and watching them grow and change over the week.

We have six chicks pecking, scratching, sleeping and brooding now. We think they’re so cute!

Ms Bridget Dwyer

Class Teacher

Mrs Rebecca Macnaughtan

Class Teacher

Introducing our PHPS Eco-Warriors at 3-6

Congratulations to these wonderful students who were elected as their classes' Eco-Warriors.

Kay M., Alex Y., Josh F., Dehlon, Jayne, Chloe H., Lucinda B., Reyansh C., Sabrina W., Henry P., Raiyan A., Kenzie W., Kobe J., Samara R-S., Alie J., Marni H., Lilly M., Chrissie C., Isabella P., Rebecca G., Martha M., Beatrice G., Haniya K., Mathew M., Mihira Y., Kayla Y., and Maysa G.

We are very excited and feel very blessed to have such a passionate team of students. These students will be involved in a variety of activities such as planting, weeding and watering the gardens, collecting soft plastics and looking after our compost, as well as speaking at assemblies and designing resources to promote sustainable practices at PHPS.

Last week, the Eco-Warriors spent some time discovering and watering the young plants that were planted on the weekend by some of our lovely parents.

Mrs Charlotte Dakin, Miss Reishlyn Dy and the Green Team

Kindy poster 2021 Parent sessions (1)_Page_1.jpg

Mrs Angela Krivohlavy

EAL/D Teacher

The Issue 4 catalogue can now be viewed on the Scholastic Australia website. In order to reduce unnecessary wastage only a limited number of catalogues are being delivered to the school. Catalogues will be available from the library or the K-2 office if you would prefer a hard copy.

How do I register and order?

Go to the Scholastic Book Club LOOP website to register your details. You will need to enter your name, email address and a password. Click on “Add new child” and using the drop-down menu locate our school and your child’s class. If you have children on both sites you may decide to register and place your entire order just with one child to save time.
Enter your child’s first name and their surname initial. Please note that Scholastic does not share student details with third parties or use this information for marketing purposes. This information is for distribution when the order arrives at the school.
Click on “ORDER” and enter the item number from the Book Club catalogue and follow the prompts to make payment by credit card.
All orders are processed after the closing date and delivered to the school to be distributed.

The closing date for Issue 4 online orders is Wednesday 2 June.

Ms Davis

Teacher Librarian

National Simultaneous Storytime …. from space!

Last Wednesday, stars, sparkle, aliens and all other touches of the universe filled the classrooms as our students viewed the astronaut, Dr Shannon Walker, read the book “Give me some space” from the International Space Station.

This year 1,980,280 students, throughout Australia and New Zealand, participated in this event that is held annually during Library and Information Week. A big thank you to 6R who posted questions to ask the astronauts about climate change and also recorded the temperature at our school for further analysis.

It was great to see so many students and teachers joining in this fun “intergalactic” event.

May the reading “force” always be with you!

Students during national simultaneous storytime.png

Ms Davis

Teacher Librarian

Stage 2 PSSA played against Thornleigh West last week at Pennant Hills Park. Please see the results below:

Soccer
Boys: THW defeated PH 8-1
Girls: THW defeated PH 2-0

Teeball
Boys: PH defeated THW 14-7
Girls: PH defeated THW 12-7

This week we play Cherrybrook.

Miss Reishlyn Dy (Soccer) and Miss Courtney Hansell (Teeball)

Stage 2 PSSA Coaches

Last Friday's scores Pennant Hills PS v Dural PS

Netball

A: PH defeated D 27-18

B: PH defeated D 15-1

Soccer

A: D defeated PH 3-1

B: PH drew with D 0-0

Congratulations to Emily N on her selection in the Beecroft Zone Girls Softball team and Christian P on his selection in the Boys Touch team.

Finally, Naomi M and Georgia D last week became State Champions as members of the Sydney North team that placed equal first in Girls Hockey. An incredible achievement! Congratulations!

Mr Mark Bryant

PSSA Coordinator

President’s Message

Hi All

What an amazing effort by the community to finish off the planting at the 3-6 site last Sunday. There are some pictures below but I encourage everyone to take a few minutes to walk past and admire the transformation that has occurred over the past year. Thank you again to Dan, Kate and the Gardens & Grounds team for the vision and persistence.

Next week we have our June P&C meeting, this will be held by Zoom to allow for more people to join remotely around family/work/life commitments. This is a great chance to hear from Mr Pinchbeck and Ms Wasson on the current focus at PHPS but also the updates from the various P&C committees.

Have a great week!

Luke

Second Planting Day Sunday 23 May

We had our second planting day at the 3-6 site last Sunday. Thank you to all the families who gave up their time to help landscape the retaining wall area. It is very satisfying work and hopefully the school community will benefit in years to come from this beautifully landscaped area.

Term 4 Trivia Night event

Later in the year we’re holding a Trivia night to bring parents together for some fun and to raise some funds towards the school!

This Thursday night, 27 May at 8pm we welcome you to dial in for half an hour to the Zoom link below, as we’d like to provide some information about the event. There will be many different ways you can participate and in whatever capacity you can manage.

Choose from

Venue scouting
Theme and decorations
Raffle prizes and tickets
Raffle sales and rosters
Invitations and Trivia ticket sales
Set up & tables
Pack down
Trivia Prizes
Booking entertainment / planning run sheet for the night
Extra hands / purchasing / support - before and on the day.
Coordination/comms/info

Topic: Trivia Night planning

Time: May 27, 2021 08:00 PM Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84877537491?pwd=blRldHJTQVdUbDlvKyt5N1BPU3VHUT09

Meeting ID: 848 7753 7491

Passcode: y41DZN

Thanks and we look forward to seeing you online!

PHPS P&C Comms Group - phppandc@gmail.com

Some bushland weeds to look out for in your garden

Our school is lucky to be located in the ‘bushland shire’ with lots of urban bushland close by. The bushland gives us beautiful surroundings, green space for leisure, cleaner air and of course habitat for wildlife. The native forests around Pennant Hills evolved over millions of years and are perfectly adapted to this area. We have a unique slice of natural history on our doorstep which we have an obligation to look after.

So how can we look after these precious areas? Bushland weeds can easily spread from our gardens to native forests and can crowd out native plants and diminish biodiversity. By making sure our gardens are free of local bushland weeds, we can all make a difference. Weed identification takes a little practice but once you have your eye in it is quite addictive! There are some good resources on the Hornsby Council website including how to control weeds: https://www.hornsby.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/35953/Noxious-Weeds-List-March-2012-Leaflet.pdf

Three weeds which are a big problem in our local forests are lantana and privet (both broad leafed and narrow leafed - see pictures). Getting rid of them from our gardens will reduce their spread as birds eat the berries and spread the seeds.

If you are having trouble identifying what you think might be a weed in your garden, email the Green team with a photo and description and we’ll do our best to identify it phpsgreenteam@gmail.com

2021 Business Directory Listings for the next edition are welcome.

If you would like your business to be included in the next edition and aren’t already listed, please contact phpsdirectory@gmail.com

Find the Business Directory on the P & C website or use this link: https://tinyurl.com/y3hsf7pp

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

Luke Whenman

President, PHPS P&C

pandcpresident@gmail.com

Thank you to everyone who answered the call for help last Wednesday!!

We were overwhelmed, and even had to turn some people away. We may need you next time though, so please keep offering your help when you can.

We are open for counter sales on Tuesdays for recess and lunch, and on Fridays for lunch.Garlic Bread and other snacks will be available at recess. Ice Blocks will only be available at lunch.

* IMPORTANT *

If your child is in Stage 3 and does PSSA sport, please remember to click on the STAGE 3 PSSA Alert when placing a lunch order for them on a Friday. These lunches need to be ready early for the children to be able to eat them before they leave for their sport.

This week’s roster

3-6 Site

Wednesday 26 May - Shelly and Julianne.

Thursday 27 May - Sally W.

Friday 28 May - Narelle and Vicky.

K-2 site

Friday 28 May - Rubi and Sanne.

If you have any questions, or would like to be involved with the canteen, please contact me.

Heather Tyler

0425 274 681

canteenphps@gmail.com

Covid-19 Operating Protocols

The uniform shop is open for all sales and service with the following procedures put in place during Term 2

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 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

Second Hand Stock

The Uniform Shop has sold out of most winter uniform components in large sizes, so if you have any uniforms in good condition in a size 10-16 that you no longer need, please consider donating them to the second hand clothing pool.

We are also looking for any second hand music polos, so if you have a music polo that you no longer need please consider donating it to the second hand clothing pool.

Uniform donations can be handed in at the 3-6 office.

Music Polos

The Uniform Shop sells the Music Polos required for Music Camp and various performances throughout the year for students participating in Band, Strings and Choir.

The music polos can be purchased for $19.50, and are also available online through Flexischools, but please note that online prices will include the Flexischools’s 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 Uniform Shop page of the school website or by using the below link:

https://pennanthil-p.schools.nsw.gov.au/content/dam/doe/sws/schools/p/pennanthil-p/uniform-shop/Term_2_Order_Form_and_Price_List_2021.pdf

Hours

Monday and Tuesday: 8:45am – 10:45am

Thursday revised: 8:45am – 10:45am

Alison Parker

Uniform Shop Manager

phpsuniformshop@gmail.com

Well done to our Senior Concert Band who played at the Kindy Open Day this morning. I'm sure all the kids coming next year will be keen to join band in year 3 when they get the chance.

Future Events at a glance

June

SCB: Monday 7, 3:30pm - 4:30pm. Sydney Eisteddfod video recording

TB: Monday 7, 4:30pm - 5:30pm. Sydney Eisteddfod video recording

ICB: Monday 7, 5:30pm - 6:30pm.Sydney Eisteddfod video recording

SCB: Wednesday 9, 7pm - 8pm. PHHS Music Festival.

August

JB: Thursday 5th 9:30am. Ryde Eisteddfod

All bands: Early August. ASBOF. Video submission.

All bands: 3rd or 4th week. School concert night. Exact date TBD

September

11/12st September. NSW Wind Ensemble

Award Worksheets
Can any completed worksheets these please be submitted as soon as possible through the new Worksheet Submission Web Form.

https://forms.gle/NpPEG9jk2FsYdmmq7

If you have issues with the web form you can still send through to phpsband+worksheets@gmail.com

Training Band

Sydney Eisteddfod. Video recording, Monday afternoon 7 June, 4:30pm - 5:30pm

TB students to be practising the following pieces:

Magpie Mayhem
Kwanzaa Celebration

Intermediate Band

Sydney Eisteddfod. Video recording Monday evening 7 June, 5:30pm - 6:30pm

ICB students to be practising the following pieces for the Sydney Eisteddfod recording:

Classic Bits and Pieces
Black Snake and Kookaburra
Tequila
Heavy Metal

Senior Band

There are still some Thursdays with only one parent helper, would be great to get the 2nd spot filled in for those days.

Sydney Eisteddfod. Video recording afternoon rehearsal, Monday 7 June. 3:30-4:30pm

PHHS Music Festival. 9 June, 7pm.

Repertoire for the Sydney Eisteddfodrecording is as follows. These pieces need to be VERY well known as we will also use them for the PHHS Music Evening on 9 June.

The Forgotten Village (Priority for PERCUSSION practice)
Stillmeadow Overture
Circus Marchimus

Jazz Band

Jazz Band has been entered into the Ryde Eisteddfod. This will be during the morning of Thursday 5 August. Please lock in this date in your diary. The school will not be providing transportation, so parents will need to organise the transportation for their children.

Practice should be focussed on the following: