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Holidays
What an eventful term!
Term 3 has been incredibly busy. There has been many wonderful events such as; Art Show, Festival of Instrumental Music, Festival of Choral Music, Primary Proms Concert, Hills Dance Spectacular, Hills Network Public Speaking competition and finals, Spelling Bee and finals, Pennant Hills High School Music Evening, City of Ryde Eisteddfod, ASBOF at The Concourse, North Shore Public Schools Band Festival, Music by Moonlight and a Performance assembly at PHPS. In addition, we cannot forget about the daily teaching and learning that happens in our classrooms.
None of these events could happen without fantastic, dedicated teachers and supportive parents. The ‘extra mile’ the teaching staff go to support the students is astonishing. Often giving up their family time to support your children’s education. Well done and thank you to all of you.
Please enjoy a safe vacation period and I look forward to seeing everyone return ‘safe and sound’, ready to learn in Term 4. Please be mindful that students return to school on Monday 14 October as Term 4 Staff Development Days are at the end of term.
During the vacation period please be aware that there will be some work taking place on the school grounds during this time. The K-2 asphalt will be painted during the second week. This work will only take a couple of days. The 3-6 playground will be re-asphalted during the holidays. As such, please stay clear of the work site during this time for your safety.
Pennant Hills High School Sports Coaching
This term has seen student’s in Stage 2 having the opportunity to learn and develop their skills in several sports due to some coaching session organised by Pennant Hills High School (PHHS). The students have had a great time and certainly developed their skills across a number of sports. Thanks to Mrs Castro-Gonzalez and Mrs Stewart from PHHS for their organisation. We are already planning this opportunity for next year, so was the success of this year’s program.
NAPLAN
Yesterday students in Years 3 and 5 received their NAPLAN results for 2019. The reports are quite detailed and provide a snapshot of your child’s learning progress. If you have any concerns about your child’s progress, your child’s class teacher is the first and best place to start the discussion.
Selective High School 2021 Applications
Applications for a Selective High School in 2021 open in a few weeks. Further information about this process will be sent home by the school early in Term 4. I have included a link that will provide you with the necessary information about the process. Please keep in mind that this process is NOT conducted by the school, however, it is important you let us know that you have applied so that we can ensure you application proceeds. A note next term will be sent home seeking your intention to apply. https://schoolsequella.det.nsw.edu.au/file/eafa8804-3a28-4730-9fc0-0ee49dd90f83/1/SHS-application-information.pdf
Principal for an Hour
Kind Regards
Mr Matt Pinchbeck
Principal
Class visits
2P
Stage One have been revitalising their literacy program to ensure that students are reading with the teacher more frequently and are exposed to activities that require higher order thinking and creative skills to demonstrate their learning. During my visit to 2P last week, I witnessed highly engaged students who were excited (yes – excited!) to be participating in their literacy session.
Using ‘the matrix’ style of activity, students are able to choose the way in which they are responding to a text. The options support different learning styles and promote creative thought. When I asked some of the students if they liked using ‘the matrix’, their responses included;
Eleanor – Yes, because it is fun and you get to use your mind and create things, like bookmarks. (Eleanor was working on creating a bookmark of her text.)
Laura – Yes. It’s one of my favourite activities in the day because I get to be creative.
Josh – Yes because I get to choose what I want to do. I like to do the posters of the book I read with the teacher.
These comments alone demonstrate the importance of choice in highly engaging cooperative and independent activities. The pictures below are of students creating maps and board games in response to texts. Well done 2P!
2M
As a teacher, the best feeling in the world is when you know the kids are highly engaged, the tasks are within their zone of proximal development and fires are igniting (metaphorically), you can (literally) feel the excitement and anticipation in the air as students are working through a task and then, they get it. You know they get it because they can explain it. They love that they get it. #ultimateteachermoment.
This is what I felt when I walked into 2M last week. To start, students were working through a number mat, which required them to demonstrate their knowledge of a number in multiple ways. Below is a picture of Raiyan who animatedly exclaimed – “I needed 51 groups of 5 tally marks!”
Students were then given a number and in collaborative groups, demonstrated the different arrays (equal rows and columns) that could be created to form that number. The moment of enlightenment occurred when 6 rows of 4 were cut in half and repositioned to create 3 rows of 8. Perfection.
Thank you for having me Year 2!
Holiday activities
The holiday period is a time to rest, recuperate and reconnect. Please allow your child some down time during this break, they have worked hard and not only deserve it – they need it.
If you are short of ideas for things to do with the kids during the holidays, getting outside is always a winner. Some suggestions for activities include;
- Going for a bushwalk – with Cumberland State Forest, Lane Cove National Park and Kuringai Chase National Park at the doorstep – let’s get exploring!
https://www.forestrycorporation.com.au/visit/forests/cumberland-state-forest
- Row a boat – at Lane Cove National Park
https://www.lanecoveboatshed.com.au/
- Head to the park - There are so many fabulous parks in the area – many that are close to coffee!
https://hillsdistrictmums.com.au/parks-and-playgrounds/
- Go for a dip – the weather is getting warmer, don’t forget to slip, slop, slap!
Most of all, enjoy the break! We look forward to seeing you safe and well in Term 4.
Kind Regards
Mrs Kate Wasson
Deputy Principal
2C - Liviru L, Ryan Z, Kayleigh B
2P – Josh N, Lewis D, Edward C, Eeshan S, Kenzie W, Mana A, Francesca I, Nivaan P, Robert H
1/2C – Angus M, Kris G, Alex Y, Adam C, Jacqui Z
1D – Kaiden T, Abi W, Zainab D, Quintin L, Sasha S, Eugene L
1S – Liam B, Zahra C, Tanvi D, Avy S, Ben H, Dakshita S
KB – Arya B, Clara D, Henry H
KP – Audrey W, Grace L, Yitian C
KR – Parker P, Rina B, Jake W
COMPUTERS – Letitia J, Jayden S, Adam C, Liam C, Kayleigh B, Nivaan P, Archie L, Eleanor T, Lilly N, Isaac L, Edmond L, Sabrina W
The performance assembly for Term 3 is being held tomorrow, Wednesday 25 September, in the hall on the K-2 site. The groups performing are: the stage 2 dance group, the stage 3 dance group, Weemala Choir and the training band. Everyone is invited to attend and witness the talent of our wonderful students and teachers. It will begin at about 2.10pm.
Kind regards,
Diane Maddison
Julie Anne Stevens
Tuesday 15 October 2019
The NSW Police Band will be conducting a workshop with the Senior Concert Band at 10:15am followed by a concert for all K-6 students at 11:15am
Parents are welcome to attend at 11:15am for the K-6 concert.
Melissa Griffith
URSTRONG Event
urstrong.com
TONIGHT - Tues 24th September - School Hall 6-7.30pm
Tickets are not available on the night so book in using the link below.
There are 8 tickets left at the discounted price of $12.50 each! Be quick!
A little bit about our presenter;
Dana is a Teacher, Friendship Expert and the Founder of URSTRONG, an internationally-recognized social-emotional wellbeing program for kids.
After starting her career as a 4th grade teacher in Canada, Dana began to recognize the complexity and intensity of childhood friendships. Motivated to create cultures of kindness in schools and eradicate bullying, Dana launched her first skills-based friendship program in 2009.
With a team of Presenters and a curriculum designed for educators, Friendology 101, URSTRONG has inspired students globally to strengthen relationship and conflict resolution skills. Dana has been featured by numerous media and has presented at education conferences across North America, Australia and Asia. URSTRONG’s ground breaking efforts in empowering children in friendships, led to Dana’s participation in an exclusive conference on gender equality at the White House in 2016.
A mother of two and an educator, Dana is passionate about empowering children with the skills, language, and self-confidence to develop healthier relationships.
Introduction to Music Night
Wednesday 23rd October 6:30pm
If your child is interested in joining our amazing Music Program in 2020, this intro night is not to be missed. Discover how to join the band, strings or choir program, try out instruments and meet the conductors.
BAND and CHOIR are open to current Year 2-5 children, and STRINGS are open to kids currently in Kindy-Year 5.
The Fathering Project
Bookings are now open for the 2019 Kids and Dads Camp on Friday 18th October!
https://www.trybooking.com/BFKDS
FYI - if you need equipment, or any camping gear, try and borrow it from family or friends. Also, there are always sales on, like BCF are currently having. At the end of the day, the aim of the event is to bond with your kids and have fun together, so please don’t stress yourselves out or miss out,
worrying about the set up.
To wrap up Term 3, we’d like to share with you the Green Team achievements to date:
- Introduction of return and earn bins, so far 3682 containers have been collected, earning $368.20 for the school
- Introduction of ewaste bins
- Clearer signage for recycle bins, to avoid contamination
- Acquisition (via generous donation from Bunnings Thornleigh) of rotary compost bins and scrap collection caddies (coming to classrooms soon) - We have 1 bin in action on K-2, with 3 more supplied recently, we will have a couple of units on each site before long - See photo
- A demonstration yesterday for stage 2, on how to make beeswax wraps, courtesy of Felicity J (if you are interested in purchasing beeswax, please email the green team for supplier details. Follow this link for instructions of an iron on method - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c93HE1h6H5M
Thank you to our students, their families and our hard working teaching staff for embracing our green initiatives, long may the good work continue…
You can contact the Green Team here - phpsgreenteam@gmail.com
P&C Calendar
- UR Strong Workshop - TONIGHT - Tuesday 24th September 6pm-7.30pm.
- The Fathering Project camp - Friday 18 October at Crosslands, Galston
- Introduction to Music Night - Wednesday 23 October 6:30-8pm in the school hall
- Spring Clean Day - Sunday 27th October
- Next P&C Meeting - Tuesday 5th November from 7.30pm in the school hall.
- Interrelate - Wednesday 27th November for Stages 2 & 3
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
Visit the P&C website for P&C news, calendar dates & other helpful information http://www.phpspandc.org.au/
Andrew Passé-de Silva
P&C President
0410653878
- Music by Moonlight
- SCB gave an exceptional performance at Music by Moonlight event and won the hearts of audience. Congratulation to SCB!
- Practice Challenge
- Top 6 Practice Challenge program award recipients are
- Aadya, Dhruv and Anita for most practiced minutes
- Munira, Lucas and Eva for most improved
- Upcoming Performances
- Training Band will perform at Performance Assembly on 25th Sep, 2:30pm
- A Short demo of Band Instruments will follow Performance Assembly
- Police band will perform at school on 15th October
- Intro Music Night on 23rdOctober, 6:30pm
- Top 6 Practice Challenge program award recipients are
The Band Committee
Full Ensemble - Holidays! Next rehearsal will be first Monday back, 14th October.
Registrations
You can register online here: https://goo.gl/forms/qYT2tLYQhdUvuslF3
If you'd like more information about learning to play the violin, viola, cello or double bass, please contact us, via email, or come and chat to one of the committee members at one of our performances.
The Strings Committee
phpsstrings@gmail.com
Website: http://www.phpspandc.org.au/string-ensemble/
Feedback: http://www.phpspandc.org.au/string-ensemble/contact-us/
Pusheen says “PLEASE READ”
Roster
Here is the roster for this week. Please remember to sign in at the office of either site before starting your shift.
K -2 Site
Wednesday 25th September – Carol and Bec S.
Thursday 26th September – Alicia. Need one more please.
Friday 27th September – Rebecca D and Melanie.
3-6 Site
Wednesday 25th September – Bec S from 11am and Julianne from 12pm.
Thursday26th September – Vivian and Alicia.
Friday 27th September – Narelle and Yixiong. Help Needed!!!
The canteen menu is undergoing some changes. Some of these changes are in preparation of submitting the menu for approval by the Healthy Kids Association. Some are to make things easier for our wonderful volunteers, especially new ones. Some are because of lack of volunteers, and others are to try and reduce the amount of plastic we use. Please bear with us while we work to get it right.
I would like to thank all of the Pizza Day helpers; Peta (and Casey), Zoey, Angela, Alicia, Christine and Sherry. You were amazing!!
THANK YOU to all of the wonderful people who give up their time to help in the canteen. It literally couldn’t run without you!! I am so grateful to you all, but I would like to give a special mention to VIVIAN, who comes in EVERY THURSDAY, and NARELLE, who comes in EVERY FRIDAY!!!! You are awesome, and lovely as well.
I hope everyone has a safe and relaxing break!!
Heather Tyler
0425 274 681
Changes to the Summer Uniform
As approved by the P&C late last year there will be some
changes made to the 
summer uniform effective Term 4 2019. The new girls’ embroidered summer shirts and culottes and the boys’ short sleeve embroidered shirts are now available. The existing girls’ summer dress remains unchanged, and the culottes and shirts will simply be an additional option for the girls. The boys’ summer shirts will now have the school crest embroidered on them, and as per Department of Education policy with any uniform change there is a phase in period. As such, the boys may continue to wear their unembroidered short sleeve shirts for three years and after that phase in period the embroidered short sleeve shirts will become compulsory.
Summer Uniform
All students are required to wear summer uniform in Term 4. In readiness for next term, all summer stock has arrived and is now available for sale. Orders can be placed for summer uniforms and the items will be delivered to your child’s class, or alternatively you may attend the shop during opening hours.
Please note that the girls summer shirts and culottes are both in stock and now available for sale to all families who placed an expression of interest order earlier this year.
Second Hand Uniforms
If you have any uniforms in good condition that you no longer require please consider donating them to the Uniform Shop.
Ordering Uniforms
Uniforms can be ordered by attending 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
Hours
Monday and Tuesday 8:45am – 10:45am
Thursday 3:00pm – 4:00pm
Order forms are available on the school website by following the link: https://pennanthil-p.schools.nsw.gov.au/content/dam/doe/sws/schools/p/pennanthil-p/about-our-school/Updated_New_Design_Order_Form_and_Price_List_Term_3.pdf
Alison Parker
Uniform Shop Manager
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.