Pennant Hills Public School eNewsletter

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Working together for student attendance and to maximise learning

At Pennant Hills Public School staff want to do all we can to ensure your child achieves their potential and enjoys being in school. Our current school attendance rate is strong. On average students marked present at school each day is around 95%. We ideally would like to see this figure remain steady or improve.

We know that school is the best place to learn. By attending school every day your child will get the most out of their learning and improve their career and life options. If you are having trouble getting your child to school every day or on time, please talk to our school staff so we can work together, because every day counts. 

Whilst we strongly encourage students to attend school each day, we understand that children who are unwell should be at home resting and recuperating.

https://education.nsw.gov.au/content/dam/main-education/student-wellbeing/attendance/2024-campaign/YT_DOE_30_The_Pool_Party.mp4

Learning Goal Meetings – Week 5 (26-29 February)

Class teachers are looking forward to meeting and chatting with parents/ carers during Learning Goal Meetings. Each teacher has an allocated day to meet with parents. If this day does not suit, please reach out to your child’s teacher to arrange an alternate and mutually convenient time. We look forward to connecting and collaborating with you next week.

Warm Regards

Alison Filipic

Principal

Parent/Teacher Goal Setting Meetings

The registration process for our Parent/Teacher Goal Setting Meetings has opened.

Meetings will be held next week (Week 5) either in-person or via Zoom, you have the option of selecting your preference when booking your meeting timeslot.

To book your Parent/Teacher Goal Setting Meeting, please follow this link;

https://www.schoolinterviews.com.au/code/hp482

Select the teacher and the time you wish to meet and toggle the option for either in-person or via video conference (Zoom).

The Parent/Teacher Goal Setting Meetings replace the Meet the Teacher Night.

In-Person Meetings;

K-2 meetings will be held in the Hive - Learning and Support room (between the Kindergarten and Year 1 rooms) - room will be signed

3-6 meetings will be held in the old computer lab - (next to the Year 3 rooms) - room will be signed

Video Conference Meetings;

Zoom links will be sent in bulk via Szapp.

Meetings will occur on the following days;

Monday 26 February

1P - Ms Parras

1V - Mrs Van Der Wal

1D - Mrs Donoghue

3C - Mrs Cumming

3M - Mrs Mortimer

3/4R - Mrs Macnaughtan

Tuesday 27 February

2C - Ms Catlin

2A - Mrs Arancibia

2R - Mrs Rudd

1/2DT - Mrs Turnbull

5B - Mr Bryant

5M - Miss Maitland

5N - Ms Nelson

Wednesday 28 February

KC - Mrs Coventry

KL - Miss Lester

KM - Mrs Mackay

4D - Miss Dy

4M - Mrs McCloghry

Thursday 29 February

6M - Mrs Partridge

6O - Miss Griggs

6I - Miss Ings

We look forward to seeing you then!

Swimming Carnival Ribbon Assembly

NAPLAN

This term, students in Years 3 and 5 will undertake the NAPLAN assessment.

NAPLAN provides schools with valuable information about your child’s learning progress in literacy and numeracy. NAPLAN is only one way we assess student learning in years 3, 5, 7 and 9.

NAPLAN will take place from Wednesday 13 March to Monday 25 March in 2024.

Your child's teacher is getting students ready for NAPLAN and will provide appropriate support and guidance. Students will become familiar with the types of questions in the tests and the online testing platform that we use. In addition to school preparation, I want to share with you some information on how you can further support your child for NAPLAN.

Preparation for NAPLAN

Students are not expected to study for NAPLAN and do not need excessive preparation or the use of services by coaching providers. You can support your child by reassuring them that NAPLAN is a part of their school program. If you or your child/children would like to know more about the NAPLAN online platform you can go to the public demonstration site and do some practice tests and past NAPLAN papers are also available online.

Participation in NAPLAN

Adjustments are available for students who have diverse functional abilities and needs. On a case-by-case basis, reasonable adjustments for individual students can be made so they can complete NAPLAN. Speak to your child’s teacher to discuss the adjustments available. For more information read the Guide for schools to assist students with disability to access NAPLAN (PDF 96 KB).

Assessment tips

You can support your child by reminding them to simply do their best. You can also encourage:

a healthy diet
drinking lots of water
getting enough sleep
exercise and relaxation time

These along with arriving at school on time ready to sit the test will help prepare our school to bring their best on the day.

Community reminders

Thank you to all of our community-minded families who ensure that they abide by the road rules and parking requirements while around the school. Unfortunately, we are receiving complaints from our lovely neighbours that parents/carers from PHPS are parking illegally and across their driveways during drop off and pick up times.

We are also noticing parents/carers parking in and walking through the staff carpark on K-2. Please note that there is a path that runs adjacent to the carpark for you and your child/ren to walk along safely. No one should be walking through the staff carpark, it is a big safety concern for staff. The staff carpark is closed to the community between 8am-4pm.

We understand parking around the school can be frustrating at times, we kindly request that everyone please ensure adequate time to pick up and drop off your children and always have safety and setting a good example as a focus.

ONLINE PERMISSION NOTES & ONLINE PAYMENTS

Get ready for a smoother and more convenient experience as we introduce permission notes and online payment options via School Bytes!

No more digging through backpacks for misplaced forms. Soon, you'll be able to grant permissions and handle payments effortlessly from anywhere.

Keep an eye out for updates in the coming days and weeks as we roll out these new features.

Should you encounter any issues or have questions, don't hesitate to contact Claudine Tucker at the school office for assistance.

Kind Regards

Kate Wasson

Deputy Principal

Swimming_Carnival_2024_Results_for_news_letter_Updated _pdf 68.17 KB

We hope you have a lovely week!

Burumin Award Winners

1. Hannah R (6M) - Responsibility

2. Aadhya S (4M) - Aspire

3. Lilijana M (4M) - Respect

RESPECT

RESPONSIBLE

ASPIRE

3/4R

Luca H

Rasidhu H

Ashleigh D

Ishan S

Benji H

Emma L

4M

Zoe S

Alex M

Lachlan G

Will A

Isla A

Nellie M

5B

Parthiv V

Millie V

Isabel K

Spencer C

Joshua A

Nora Z

5M

Sean B

Eleanor T

Beau G

Ella K

Jack V

Katherine W

5N

Amira R

Lachlan H

Parmida S

Ashley H

Tommy J

Ewan T

6I

Zayd M

Zanna P

Stephen D

Laila M

Darcy W

Luis M

6M

Hannah R

Mathias H

Kay M

6O

Liam C

Avy S

Madeleine W

Audrey M

David G

Tyson P

All students have started to borrow when they come to their library lessons, a reminder to all students to bring their library bags to each lesson. 3-6 students are encouraged to come and borrow books before school and second half of lunch Monday – Friday.

Library Lesson Days

Odd Weeks

Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
4D	KL	3C	KC	1V
	3M	2C	5B	2R
	4M

Even Weeks

Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
5N	1P	3/4R	KM	1/2DT
	6I	1D	5M	2A
	6M		6O

Our library subscribes to the Wheelers ePlatform which allows students to borrow eBooks and Audiobooks.

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 2000 books. eBooks and Audiobooks can be easily borrowed and are returned automatically. 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 Wheelers set these borrowing rules not the school.

Mrs Griffith

Teacher Librarian / Stage 2 Assistant Principal

Just like the students, Teddy is also back at school.

He has been busy meeting and greeting the students at the front gate or in the playground, even on the walk between 3-6 and K-2. He is so happy to be back at school!

Teddy visits 3-6 on a Tuesday and pops down to K-2 on a Wednesday. If we are lucky, he may come on another day too- cross your fingers!

This week, Hamish G of 3M read a story to Teddy.

Hamish read ‘There is No Dragon in this Story’ by Lou Carter.

This book is playful, inventive and highly original. It is an explosion of fun from start to finish.

A dragon grows tired of always being the villain and goes in search of a new adventure, where he can be the hero instead. He embarks on a tour through traditional fairy tale terrain, but there is nothing conventional about this narrative.

If you would like to watch the story that Hamish so expertly read to Teddy, please click on this link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oTWdLzIhzbU or ask Ms Schmidt to see the book (she has a copy in the Green room). Let your teacher know if you would like to read a story to Teddy too.

Please also let Teddy know if you liked the book as much as he did!

Teddy and Ms Schmidt

Learning and Support Teacher

Don't forget to fill out your family details if you would like to be included in "Class List" communications, please feel free to complete the optional "include me in class list Comms" https://forms.gle/aGEE9E3Q7sC6GZti6. We would love to get all responses by Fri 23/2/23 to help finalise Class lists please.

The survey seeks your family details to be included as part of the Class Lists, such as offering to be a "Class Parent", full details are also given in the survey instructions. Feel free to nominate yourself, we recommend 2-4 Class Parent's ("CPs") to help share the load. The survey is also a great way of showing areas where you might like to volunteer your time to help the school such as joining a committee - don't forget nominations to join a P&C committee need to be made at the next AGM/P&C meeting (Tue 5/3/24).

Luke Whenman
P&C President
pandcpresident@gmail.com

Uniform Updates

Year 6 Sports Polos are expected to arrive early-mid March. The shirts will be delivered to your child’s classroom as soon as they arrive. We apologise for any inconveniences.

Winter Uniforms are due to arrive soon and will be available for purchase towards the end of March. You can already purchase pre-loved winter items on Flexischools, or in-store from the $5 second-hand buckets.

Second-hand Uniforms

With the generous uniform donations at our second-hand uniform stall, we have plenty of second-hand stock available to purchase in-store or via Flexischools. The Uniform Shop continues to accept donations of second-hand items throughout the year 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 which have been sorted and in very good condition. Only 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 from the $5 buckets 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

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

New to the School? Want to join Band?

We can still take students into the band. All students in Years 3 to 6 are welcome. But we need to get them onto an instrument ASAP. If we get too far into the term it becomes really hard to catch up to the students who started straight away. Email phpsband@gmail.com

Instruments, Folders & Method Books

Please ensure you have all these clearly labelled, and/or tagged, with your childs name. This makes it much easier to reunite them with your child when things are left behind in the music room. (Which they often are).

What to be Practising

SCB - Please be practising, Back to the Future, Friend Like Me, Brass in the Basement, Mamma Mia, Shadows Unleashed, The Mandalorian.

ICB - start working on the new exercises in your new Blue workbook.

TB - start working on the exercises in your Red Book for your Term 1 worksheet.

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. Can these please be submitted as soon as they're complete through the Worksheet Submission Web Form.

ICB & SCB students, if you didn't complete all your worksheets from last year please try to get these submitted ASAP. There are a number of students close to receiving awards from last year who need to do either solos or submit compositions.

Parent Helper Roster

The new Google Sheets based parent rosters 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.

http://www.phpspandc.org.au/band/band-roster/

Great work to the new Training Band families who have already filled all of Term 1.

ICB - There are still 1 spots to fill in week 7.

SCB - There are still 8 spots to fill this term.

BASC

If your child attends BASC on a rehearsal afternoon, or Morning, or has an instrument tutorial on an afternoon please ensure you let them know. I believe you need to fill in a form to enable the tutors to collect and return the students to BASC.

Band AGM and Committee Meeting

We're having our inaugural 2024 band AGM, followed by a band sub-committee meeting tonight! Tuesday night 20th February at 7pm via Zoom.

Please feel free to join us, it's always great to get new members into the committee.

Zoom Link

Future Events

The only event we currently have on the list for Term 1 is the Senior Concert Band playing at the Royal Sydney Easter Show. More information about this will be forthcoming.

We'll be working with the school to figure out what other events we can play throughout the year in the coming weeks.

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 weeks helpers

TB Friday - Edwina H, Phye I

ICB Wednesday - Brian H

SCB Monday - Jen W

SCB Thursday - Laura B

PHPS Band Committee

phpsband@gmail.com

www.phpspandc.org.au/band/

MAIN ENSEMBLE REHEARSAL K-2 Hall IS THIS AFTERNOON 3:30pm-4:30pm

FOLLOWED BY FOIM K-2 HALL 4:40pm-5:20pm

Main Ensemble Parent Helper’s are Louisa L and Young Hee Kim – Thankyou.!

!! PARENT ROSTER LINK IS BELOW FOR TERM 1 & 2 - please filled in ASAP.

Parental assistance is required each week with set up, pack up and assisting both the conductor and students. If you require any further information, clarification regarding the ROSTER / PARENT HELPER please feel free to contact us.

PARENT ROSTER LINK

PHPS Music CAMP

IT'S THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN! The Music Camp committee has already been hard at work planning... further communication will be coming.

Sunday 2 June –Tuesday 4 June 2024!!

If you are a new student to the PHPS and play a string instrument – we would love to hear from you. We have a string ensemble of approximately 12 players and welcome new members that have been learning from a private tutor for at least 3 months and have some competency in reading music. Main ensemble is open to children in years 1-6. Please contact us by registering through the registration form link below or by emailing phpsstrings@gmail.com

REGO 2024 LINK: https://forms.gle/hQhDwQ9JdpVmhfar5

If your child is interested in learning a string instrument and would like to come along to see what is all about, please contact our friendly Committee friendly to arrange to bring your child to a rehearsal.

PHPS String Ensemble

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

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

Thanks to generous funding from Castle Hill RSL, Interaction is offering a FREE 4-week Music Therapy program for kids with disability! The classes will be held at Interaction’s office in Bella Vista.

The program is open to anyone under the age of 16 with a disability. Spaces are extremely limited.

Click here to register your interest in music therapy.

Program supporting families of children with developmental concerns

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DISCLAIMER

Advertisements placed in the School’s Newsletter do not reflect an endorsement or otherwise by Pennant Hills Public School of the product or service.

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