Pennant Hills Public School eNewsletter

School Spectacular

I had the pleasure of attending School Spectacular on Friday evening. The theme for this year was ‘Fabulous’ and this word most definitely described the performances and the overall event. It was lovely to meet up with our students before they performed as part of the mass choir. They all did a wonderful job and from all accounts very much enjoyed the experience. A huge thank you to Ms Stevens, Mrs Donoghue, Miss Ings and Ms Dy for the time they gave last week and over the weekend to support and supervise students at this event.

Upcoming Events

As I settle into Pennant Hills Public School, I am very much looking forward to meeting more parents and carers at the upcoming end of Term 4 events. School ceremonies and festivities at this time of the year provide a great opportunity to bring our school community together.

I hope you all have a wonderful week.

Warm Regards

Alison Filipic

Principal

No Upcoming Events

Mr Bryant – Lifetime membership

Last week, Mr Bryant received a lifetime membership award for the NSW Teacher’s Federation. Mr Bryant has been a long-standing member with 35 years of membership and an activist within the Federation. He has been a wonderful representative of Pennant Hills Public School for 20 years and has represented teachers of the Hornsby area for a decade. Congratulations and thank you Mr Bryant!

Christmas Toy Appeal – Children’s Hospital

To share the PHPS cheer, we are asking for your donations of new toys, books and gift cards for our PHPS Christmas Toy Appeal for the Sydney Children's Hospitals Network (Randwick and Westmead).

Over the last few years you have all contributed so generously and the staff at the hospital are always blown away by the amount and quality of what is donated - thank you muchly!

This year I will be taking donations in the school hall on Wednesday 6th and Friday 8th December from 8am. Please leave the items unwrapped.

So that we can ensure the toys you donate are age appropriate and safe for sick kids, here are some guidelines on what we can/cannot accept.

All toys must meet Australian Safety Standards
For health and safety reasons, toys must be brand new, unopened and still in manufacturers' packaging or with the tags attached
There's no need to wrap the toy as we need to see it to make sure it is appropriate for each child
We don't accept toy guns, swords or war games
We don't accept electrical, spark-producing toys (due to fire regulations)
We don't accept bikes, scooters, tricycles, rollerskates etc.
Toys can't have small or easily detachable parts that can be swallowed, or easily removable button batteries
Toys can’t have dangers such as breakable glass, protrusions, sharp edges, or long cords
Glue or paint in craft kits must be non-toxic and non-flammable

If you are unsure what to donate, plase check out the gift suggestion list here.

3/4S

Last week 3/4S were learning about grid coordinates and turned it up by playing super-sized battleships! Looks like fun!

KW Budding Scientists

KW were fortunate to have Mrs Fowler and Mrs Laing visit last week to talk about our natural world and how we can see things clearer through a microscope. All of the students had the opportunity to see a thyme leaf, a frond from an air plant and a bird feather through a microscope. They also read books about bugs and plants and drew some diagrams. It was a great afternoon. We had many students interested in being scientists after the visit!

Dance Group Party

Last week on Wednesday, our talented dance groups celebrated the amazing year of dance! The students and teachers would like to thank Mr Arnold on another fantastic year of dance! We are so grateful to have you! The teachers and Mr Arnold would like to thank all the students in the dance groups! Keep dancing!

Kind Regards

Kate Wasson

Deputy Principal

Burumin Award Winners

1. Sid M (4P) - Aspiring

2. Henley W (3E) - Responsibility

3. Lily B (3E) - Respect

Respect

Responsibility

Aspire

3E

Ethan F

Kaleiya S

Sian Y

Jenna K

David H

JP C

3M

Kurtis M

George Y

Alexander W

Aadhya S

Julie K

Oliver T

Vihaan K

3/4S

Nellie M

Chloe H

William A

Jayden W

Adrian X

Jeremy D

Toby H

4B

Sanidhu H

Marcus T

Clara D

Parker P

Amelie M

Ella K

4P

Amira R

Pippa C

Emma CG

4/5B

Lucas V

Calvin S

Emilija L

Michael B

Stephanie L

Blake K

5T

Quintin L

Avy S

Alexia L

Zainab D

Zayd M

Ava N

5W

Hannah R

Zoe C

Liam C

Angus M

Darcy W

Ethan C

6G

Nafi D

Jake S

Eeshan S

Lewis D

Edmond L

Finn K

Thenuk T

6R

Pierre D

Julia V

Ansh B

Mohamad A

Kaya G

Kenzie W

6S

Cassius H

Nathan Y

Josie A

Lewis W

Siddarth V

Reuben T

Student Borrowing Has Now Finished For The Year

Many thanks to all those students who have returned their library books.

Borrowing has now finished for the year so all books must be returned so that the library can be organised for the coming year.

Reminder notices are still being issued so have a good look under beds, bookshelves and anywhere else you think the books may be. If your child attends BASC, please check there too.

If your child receives a reminder notice and you cannot find the book, please let me know so we can double-check the shelves.

Happy book hunting!

Ms Davis

Teacher Librarian

Busy Weekend for Choir

It was a very busy weekend for our school choirs last weekend with 2 singing events.

Schools Spectacular

We had a FABULOus time. Schools Spectacular celebrated its 40th anniversary and the program was brilliant mix of music, old and new.

25 of our students were involved and had a wonderful time. We spent all day Wednesday and Thursday rehearsing and then 4 performances on Friday and Saturday. There were singers, dancers, orchestra, aerialists, bands and even a giant chef to keep everyone entertained. A highlight was rocking it out in our fluorescent mullets to hits from the 80’s. Huge thank you to Ms Stevens, Miss Dy and Miss Ings for being with us and organizing everything.

“We know, we know, we know we’re Fabulous!”

Remember to watch the 2023 Schools Spectacular FABULOus on Saturday 9th December at 7:00 pm on Channel 7. Also on 7+

"As the lights shone across the stage and in our faces, as the beat began and the music played we sang to our hearts' content and this once-in-a-lifetime experience began… School Spectacular was an awesome event and every year it celebrates public education across NSW, this year it was the 40th birthday of School Spectacular with the theme being FABULOUS and we celebrated 175 years of public education. There were many rehearsals across a number of weeks with the performances on the 24th and the 25th of November, which included over five thousand students in the mass choir and dance groups with around 30 featured artists each performing in multiple songs. All of us choir students who performed in the Qudos bank arena received a props bag containing all of the things we needed to perform such as a wig, cool light-up sunnies, a country’s mini flag, light-up lollipop, ring, happy birthday hat, scarf, bracelet, a creatively made diy hat and two torches to make the show a better and more memorable experience. In one of the songs, Louder than Words, the choir students went out from their seats onto the floor to sing and dance to their special song, all eyes were on them, hearts beating fast, 100 miles per minute but they nailed it! They had practiced this song for weeks straight and the audience was booming with applause. We have the right to say that this was definitely a night to remember and one we won’t forget, our choir students got the opportunity to perform, and some might say they were.... FABULOUS!

- Written by Year 6 students Roshini K, Victoria N, Lucinda B, and Francesca I"

Danish Church Christmas Fete

Bright and early on Saturday, members of Greycliffe choir embraced the spirit of Christmas and entertained fete-goers at the Danish church. They sang a variety of carols and songs. They sang like angels and the audience loved it.

Thank you to Mrs Griffith and Miss Pinnuk for being there with our choir.

Thank you to Mrs Sherie Barton from Epping West PS for being our special guest conductor.

Glædelig Jul.

Ms Stevens

Choir Coordinator

Year 6 parents / carers and family are cordially invited to attend the following events:

Year 6 Graduation Assembly

15 December 2023, 9:30am in the School Hall, Trebor Road, Pennant Hills

Year 6 Clap Out

15 December 2023, from 2:30 on the 3-6 site, Weemala Road, Pennant Hills

Mrs McLaren
Stage 3 Relieving Assistant Principal

Gardens and Grounds

Recently in the Native Nibbles garden one of our Sandpaper Figs was completely denuded by an insect pest. The bug in question appeared to be a caterpillar but was in fact the larvae of the Fig Tree Leaf Beetle. Only one of the four trees was affected thankful and it is sprouting new shoots and should make a full recovery.

Also in the Native Nibbles Garden at the moment are some little mushrooms. They have been identified as Hare’s foot ink caps (Coprinopsis lagopus) and are not poisonous or dangerous in any way.

We have plans next year to turn our efforts to the kitchen garden on the 3-6 campus. Ms Gardener is very keen to reinvigorate the somewhat neglected patch there. To that end we are looking for donations of any unwanted raised veggie beds please. If you have one thats in good condition that you no longer use please email Chris L claing@ihug.com.au

A reminder that Chris is often in our school community garden on weekends so if you ever want to lend a hand on weekends or over the school holidays please contact her via email (above) or via the Gardens and Grounds Whatsapp group. All parents, grandparents or extended family and local community members are welcome.

Cheers from the Gardens and Grounds Team?

Join the Garden Gang Whatsapp group for quickest comms and updates

https://chat.whatsapp.com/IsRzRCTVf8976QPJekoC62

Drop us a line at: phpsgardensgrounds@gmail.com for info and details.

Brand NEW Product Launch!

We are super excited to share this NEW PRODUCT available to purchase from our Uniform Shop. The latest product to hit our shelves is the functional and stylish Pennant Hills Public School EXCURSION BAG. This bag is an optional item, available to all K-6 students (and staff!) and is perfect to use for daily sportswear/shoes, extra-curricular activities, school excursions or sports days. The bag has a drawstring toggle and secure Velcro fastener, adjustable back straps, Hi-Viz reflectors, internal zipper pocket and is made from 100% P.E.T. recycled water repellent fabric. It's lightweight material makes is easy to fit into your child’s school bag or it can be worn as a backpack. You can purchase this item online through Flexischools or at the Uniform Shop, why not place your order today and be one of the first to own an excursion bag! Don’t forget to name your bag straight away on the name patch at the back of the bag. We know this will be a great addition to your uniform supplies.

Last orders for Kindy 2024

UNIFORMS NEED TO BE PURCHASED IN TERM 4 as the Uniform Shop will not be open over the school holidays. You can order your Uniforms either Online or in-person at the Uniform Shop.

Online Orders (Flexischools)
- You will need to create a new Flexischools profile for your child under “New Starter 2024”.
- Orders must be placed by 5 December (5pm). You will be contacted when your order is ready for collection from the Uniform Shop. (Last day to collect orders in Term 4 is Thursday 14^th December).
Uniform Shop Appointment
- Please make a “Kindy Appointment” for sizing and purchases on the day. See Appointments booking link below. (Appointments are limited and last appointments will be Thursday 14 December, so please book as early as possible to avoid missing out).

End of Year Special Orders

Kindy Commemorative Tea Towels – there are a couple spares in the uniform shop if you missed placing an order. Please send me an e-mail if you need to get one, which will be on a first come first served basis.

Year 6 Signature Bears & Balls – all orders will be distributed to students from Week 9.

Important Dates

Last Appointments in Term 4, Week 10: Thursday 14 Dec
Online Orders Close: Sunday 10Dec 5pm (Delivery Tuesday 12 Dec)
Uniform Shop is CLOSED over the school holidays, we will reopen Thursday 1 Feb 2024

Pre-loved and Second-hand

The Uniform Shop gratefully accepts donations of second-hand items as all profits go towards supporting the school, and provides great uniform options for other families. We kindly request items are pre-washed and in good resale condition. Donations can be given to the 3-6 office or directly to the Uniform Shop if open.

Preloved – are items in very good condition and will only be available via online Flexischools.
Second-hand – if you cannot find what you are looking for in Flexischools, you can book an appointment to inspect unsorted/unlisted items at the Uniform Shop.

Appointments

Please click or scan the QR Code below to make an appointment, you will be redirected to our square booking site.

Pease select the appropriate appointment type for your visit:
- Standard appointment times are in individual 5-minute increments. (Choose this for returns, exchange is sizes and simple purchases).
- Double appointment times are in individual 10-minute increments. (Choose this for larger orders, second-hand purchases, new enrolments).
Appointments are at the uniform shop located on the 3-6 campus.

UNIFORM SHOP APPOINTMENTS

Flexischools Ordering for Existing Students

Order on Flexischools via the “SHOP”. If the “SHOP” icon doesn’t appear on your page, you may need to refresh your browser or pull down the screen for mobile devices.
Currently, all uniform orders will need to be placed by 5pm on Sundays prior to the delivery date.
Your order will be delivered on Tuesdays to your child’s classroom. Please allow 3-5 days from delivery date for your child to receive their order from their teacher.

If you have any queries regarding Uniforms, the school website or Uniform Brochure will be the best place to look, and if you can’t find the information you need, please do not hesitate to e-mail the Uniform Shop at phpsuniformshop@gmail.com

Nicola Lee

Uniform Shop Manager

phpsuniformshop@gmail.com

It’s that crazy, busy time of year again!!!

Both Canteens will be selling some Fun Festive Food at Lunchtime next Monday, December 4. It will be very yummy!! Cash sales only. Helpers needed please.

The Canteen will not be operating on Tuesday December 12 (Movie Day). K-2 are having a Pizza lunch and 3-6 will not be returning to school until 2pm, so they will need to bring lunch from home.

Friday December 8 is the Year 6 Mini Fete. Lunch orders will be as normal, however we will not be doing any counter sales at either site, so the children can concentrate their spending on the Fete.

You will start to notice some items going “Out of Stock” on Flexischools as we approach the end of the year. We try to keep as little stock as possible in the Canteen over the summer holidays.

Heather Tyler

0425 274 681

canteenphps@gmail.com

Join Band

Christmas Busking

Please come along and listen to some of our talented students play at Hornsby Westfields on Saturday between 10-12 at the clock water fountain.

At time of writing we still had 1 spare slot for busking. Please put your name down in theGoogle Spreadsheet roster if you're interested in filling it..https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1auvhrHQ4A3LiBfOmOvJBkvP9kYMjm60w1Fb8N_Qt3ow/edit?usp=sharingEach slot can have a maximum of 3 students playing at once. So your child can play on their own as a soloist, or organise their own little duo or trio so they can play with their friends.

Join Band in 2024! - It's not too late

If your child wants to join band next year there is still time!Any student who will be in years 3 to 6 next year can join.

The link to the Expression of Interest form is here: https://forms.gle/WEcp17zii8GP5p2D9

We've had lots of information on the various instruments in the school newsletters over the last few weeks. You can revisit these in previous newsletters:

Percussion, Euphonium/Tuba, Trombone, Trumpet, Saxophone, Clarinet, and the Flute.

Instrument Offers for 2024

We have sent out instrument offers via email for the 2024 Training Band members who had already filled in the Expression of Interest form. I'd really appreciate it if you could respond to these as soon as possible, as this is the time of year where I start to stress out about the number of band members for next year and the mixture of instruments. Responding quickly really helps us with planning as we need to start arranging new instruments and workbooks etc, and these take time to order.

If you have any concerns about the instrument your child has been offered please get in contact with us.

FIVE FACTS ABOUT SCHOOL MUSIC

Music education uniquely contributes to the emotional, physical, social and cognitive growth of all students. National Review of School Music Education, Australia, 2005
A 10-year study called Champions of Change found that high school students who participate in arts programs, including in school bands, are less likely to be involved with drugs, crime or have behavioural problems.
Researchers found that young children aged 5-7 who had been lagging behind at school had caught up with their peers in reading and were ahead in maths after seven months of music lessons. The children's classroom attitudes and behaviour improved too.
Brain imaging techniques (MRI) reveal that musical tasks such as sight-reading musical scores and playing music activate regions in all four lobes of the brain and parts of the cerebellum. Music is one of the few activities which engage the entire brain.
A 2001 study in Switzerland found that, when 3 other curriculum classes were replaced with music classes, young children made more rapid developments in speech and learned to read easier. They also learned to like each other more, were less stressed and enjoyed school more.

Parent Rosters for Term 4

Only 2 spots left to fill, please get them filled in ASAP.ICB - 1 parent for week 9SCB - 1 parent for Thursday week 9.

Link to the rosters is here: http://www.phpspandc.org.au/band/band-roster/

What To Be PractisingThere might be some new music coming for Christmas or the End of Year Concert. So make sure your child is practising whatever the conductors are giving them.SCB: Christmas Swings (main focus), African Bell Carol, 20 Carols in 2 MinutesFor celebration of learning they will also play Brass in the Basement along with the school song and national anthem. ICB: The Simpsons, Rock The Halls, December TriptychTraining Band: Jingle Bones, Oh Christmas Tree, Silent Night

Award Worksheets

We're nearly at the end of the year, so Training and Intermediate bands really should have turned in their Term 1, 2 & 3 worksheets, and be close to finishing their term 4. If your tutor has not been signing off on their exercises please work with them to ensure they do so. If you're working on AMEB examinations instead please let us know so we can make note of it.

Year 6 students should be working toward having their GOLD worksheet signed off and handed in.

Once complete these are to be submitted through the Worksheet Submission Web Form. If anyone needs a particular worksheet you can print them from the Band web pages here.

Graduating to the Next Band in 2024

Training Band:

Students in Training band need to have completed and handed in at least the Terms 1, 2 & 3 worksheets in order to move up to Intermediate Band in 2024. The expectation is that the Term 4 worksheet can be completed over the Xmas break, or within the first couple of weeks of Term 1, 2024. Alternatively they need to show a passing grade in a comprehensive Grade 1 AMEB examination, or a passing grade in a Grade 1 repertoire exam plus get the scales section of the Term 4 worksheet signed off.

Intermediate Band:

Students in Intermediate Band need to have submitted all 4 worksheets to move up to Senior Band in 2024. Alternatively they need to show a passing grade in a comprehensive Grade 2 AMEB examination, or a passing grade in a Grade 2 repertoire exam plus get the scales section of the Term 4 worksheet signed off.

If you think your child will not be able to meet these requirements please let us know so we can have a discussion with the conductors to see what provisions, if any, can be made.

PHPS Band Tutor Feedback Form 2023

If you haven't already, please use this form to take the opportunity to provide any feedback you have regarding the 2023 band tutors as well as general feedback regarding the band program.https://forms.gle/iLnn8Hbvmp2cKtPM7

Events

Only a couple more things for the year!

Term 4
Solos, Duets, Trios	Saturday 2 December	Busking Hornsby Westfields
All Bands	Thurs 7 December	Carols/End of Year Concert
SCB, JB	Mon 11 December	*CoL@PHHS

Parent Helpers

A full list of parent helper duties is available here.

When walking the students, especially Training Band, back to the 3-6 site try to have them line up in pairs on the path to the side, count them twice, check with Rose head count. Tell the students to walk nicely and stick together on the walk & you should stop at the driveway, Weemala corner, school crossing at the 1st driveway at the big site to be recounted. If possible, have a parent front and end and discourage wandering. Once all accounted for you are free and thank you for helping.

Big Thank You To This Week's Helpers