Parking near the school

Sadly, I have to remind parents to be respectful and considerate to the school’s neighbours during drop off and pick up. The school’s neighbours are very considerate and understanding of the factors involved when residing near a school. What I cannot tolerate is inconsiderate parents blocking neighbour’s driveways during drop off or pick up. This is simply very rude and disrespectful and I will not apologise for my stance on this matter. Yesterday afternoon a parent from our school blocked the driveway of a local resident and when the parent was approached by the resident who needed to attend a specialist’s appointment they were spoken to inappropriately. As adults we are role models for our students and it is important to set the standard for our children to observe. Please ensure that you park appropriately. If this behaviour continues I will contact the Council’s Parking Rangers to visit our school. Please assist me by observing the Parking regulations that are signed around the area to ensure everyone’s safety and demonstrate respect and consideration for the school’s neighbours.

Student Achievement

Congratulations to the 'Raging Bulls' team Anthony T and Hazel B who participated in the FIRST Lego League Junior’s ‘Boomtown Build’ Expo on Sunday at Macquarie University. It was supported by FIRST (For Inspiration & Recognition of Science & Technology) Australia which inspires STEM innovation.

This is the second year they have participated and they had to explore challenges in our community, then design, program a robotic crane and build a model which showed how they would improve Pennant Hills. They designed more cycle and walkways, a community vegetable garden, a wellness bench, a theme park and more.

Both received the 'Journey' award. Thank you to Mr & Mrs Trairattanasirikul and Mr & Mrs Barnett, who were the team coaches. Well done!!

Staffing Update

Sadly, this is the last week for our wonderful General Assistant, Mr Scott Titshall. Scott has been with us since late December and has been an absolute asset to our school and will be sorely missed. The work he has done has certainly lifted the look of the school and he is very passionate about the work he does. We all wish Scott the very best of luck with his future employment.

State Athletics

This week will see our Senior Boy’s Relay team compete at the NSW PSSA State Athletics Carnival at Sydney Olympic Park. This is a huge achievement and regardless of where they place they should be very proud of their efforts thus far. Good luck boys and we look forward to hearing about your feats.

Stage 3 Canberra Excursion

From Wednesday this week Stage 3 students will travel to our nation’s capital, Canberra, to learn more about our nation’s history and the foundation of our political system in Australia. Having been on plenty of these camps the students are in for a wonderful time that will provide many lifelong memories. Thank you so much to the staff that are giving up their family time to support the students on this excursion. Your devotion is very much appreciated by all. We are all very excited to hear about your adventure on Friday when you return safely.

Movember

This year I have decided to support Movember. This fundraiser is aimed at supporting Men’s Health issues such as Prostate Cancer, Testicular Cancer, Mental Health issues and Suicide Prevention.  Too many men simply refuse to visit the doctor and take steps to look after themselves. Throughout the month I will provide updated photos of the ‘Mo’ that I am attempting to grow. I am sure they will provide many people with a laugh (which is the whole idea). If you feel you would like to support please access the following link https://mobro.co/mattpinchbeck?mc=1

Thank you in advance for your support.

Photo after 5 days. The Jury is out on its success!

Kinderlinks

Today saw the first week of the school’s very successful Kinderlinks program that supports our future Kindergarten students transitioning to big school. Miss Parras and the superb Kindergarten teachers from 2019 arranged many fun activities for the students to begin the familiarisation process of school. This program allows the students and parents to become familiar with school life and to start to make connections with the wider community. To assist with the program year 5 students, support the future Kindergarten students and today they were amazing. During next week’s Kinderlinks session there will be a parent information meeting in the hall. All parents are encouraged to attend.

Assets

The K-2 playground is complete now as the basketball/netball court has been painted. The students seem to be loving their new environment and playing games there at every chance. The 3-6 playground is also taking shape and this work is due to be completed in the holidays.

A Landscape Designer has been engaged to create a visual representation of the retaining wall area on Greycliffe Ave and Ramsay Road. This will allow us to see what it will look like and make any necessary changes. When this visual representation is available I will present it at a P&C meeting for all to see and also put it in the newsletter.

The hall PA system will be upgraded on Wednesday 13 November. I very much thank the P&C for their financial commitment to seeing this project through to completion. We are all very much looking forward to improved sound quality during concerts and assemblies.

Requests for 2020

Planning for 2020 is well underway. If you have any requests or information relating to class placement or teacher allocation for 2020 please put it in writing and mark it to the attention of Mr Pinchbeck. All requests will be treated with the strictest confidentiality. I cannot promise that I can cater for your request but I can promise that each request will be given due consideration. Thank you for taking the time if you choose to write to me.

Student Accounts

Thank you to the many families that are up to date with their accounts. Payment of these accounts allows the school to plan a wide range of activities for the students to participate in and learn and develop from those experiences. If you are not up to date can you please rectify this situation as soon as possible. If you are experiencing financial hardship, please contact me for a private and confidential chat about your situation. Appointments can be made through the school’s office on 9484 1134.

Kind Regards

Mr Matt Pinchbeck

Principal

PRINCIPAL'S AWARDS

K-2: Mia M, Darcy W, Elsie G, Lucas B, Eugene L, 

3-6: Janka J, Jade F, Stella H, Joel N, Rhia D, Clementine I, Lachlan O, Alex P, Poppy S

Year 5 Leadership Day

On Thursday, Year 5 students participated in a leadership day hosted by Jamie Davidson and the current Top 10 leaders. The students took part in a range of activities including impromptu speeches, trust games, standing like a leader and more, that all answered the big question “What does it mean to be a leader?”. The activity enjoyed by all students, leaders and teachers was the Lego activity at the end of the day. Teams had to work together to build a Lego set, but obstacles were thrown their way throughout their build. Obstacles like taking away their instructions, secretly taking pieces away from them and moving students to new groups.

A big thank you to Jamie Davidson for organising and running this day. It provided lots of opportunities for the Year 5 students to prepare them for leadership possibilities in Year 6.

Many thanks to our dedicated teachers, Ms Ashelford and Mrs Griffith for their continued support of our students and making the day extra special for them.

 

World Teacher Day

A big thank you to our fabulous P & C for putting on a very well received morning tea for all of the teachers last week. We are so grateful to have felt your thanks and appreciation. It was a wonderful opportunity to come together as a whole staff and acknowledge the hard work Pennant Hills teachers put in on a daily basis. A pretty amazing fruit cake to boot!

Class visits

4O were completely engrossed in their literacy group sessions when I popped in last week. It was very clear that the students had a deep understanding of their reciprocal reading roles and they eagerly took on these responsibilities. I heard some students reading aloud and they had very mature expression in their voices, which assists in their understanding. Well done 4O!

1E have begun working on a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) project that supports their learning about materials and their properties. Mrs Erdmanis showed videos that detailed structures that some Aboriginal people built in the past and the materials they were made from. Mrs Erdmanis had collected some of the materials; rocks, sticks, paper bark and string and the students were eager to get building! The instructions were to design a structure that would accommodate a glue stick. The students initially drew their designs in their groups then as they began to build their structures they realised some of the complications associated with their initial design, Hannah noted “We will use paperbark for the roof because it will stop the rain coming in.” Zana, Mia, Darcy, Liam and Stuart planned to use stones for the walls because they are the strongest and began experimenting with bluetak to hold the stones together. Great work 1E, I can’t wait to see what they look like when you finish.

Kind Regards

Mrs Kate Wasson

Deputy Principal

2C - Julia V, Anya H, Reyansh C, Dhruv T, Cassius H, Hannah R

2M – Hamish K, Nafi D, Atticus P, Jordan M, Ali P

2P – Francesca I, Rory M, Josh N, Robert H

1/2C – Sidharth G, Angela C, Kobe J, Flynn K, Indie M, Austin D

1D – Lucas B, Ava N, Zainab D, Owen S, Lilly N, Amity G

1E – Shion R, Mia M, Darcy W, Willow H, Isabelle D, Zayd M

1S – Josh F, Zahra C, Tanvi D, Stephanie L, Jasper C, Yumo Z

KB – Naysa D, Tyler D, Luc P, Gwen E

KD – Sean B, Maxwell C, Chloe C, Emma K

KP – Lachlan H, Emily L, Pippa C, Grace P, Marcus T

KR – Matilda S, Jasper B, April F, Emi L

COMPUTERS – Grace P, Emily W, Yuvraj L, Karina C, Hannah R, Francesca I, Clara D, Shaniq F, Liviru L

It is a busy time again for Ramsay choir – we are being Spectacular!! Last week we attended our first combined rehearsal.  The Schools Spectacular is a wonderful event highlighting the many talents of students in New South Wales.  This year the theme of the show is “STARS”.  The Schools Spectacular is on Friday November 22 and Saturday November 23.

DO you have your tickets yet?  Tickets are available through Ticketek.

The rest of the choir are busy preparing for our Christmas gigs; the Danish Christmas fete and the Twilight Carols evening in December.  Stay tuned for more information.

CHOIR 2020

Planning for 2020 is beginning, time to let me know if you would like to be involved in choir 2020.
Year 3’s in 2020 will be having their singing time later this week.
Years 4-6 2020.  If you are NOT in choir and the moment but would like to join for next year, please send me an email.  I will be holding auditions later in the term for everyone interested in being in the choir next year.

What do I do for an audition?  It’s easy!!  You need to sing 2 songs to me
1) Advance Australia Fair – with a piano backing track
2) Happy Birthday – with no accompaniment (or they can choose to sing any other song of their choosing)

Easy!!

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch through the school.

Julie Anne Stevens
Choir teacher

Mr Mark Bryant

Stage 3 PSSA Coordinator

BAND EXPRESSION OF INTEREST

If your child is currently in Year 2-5, they are invited to come to try out each musical instrument in our band program. This special event is on November 12th, 1-3pm in the school hall. If your child is curious about playing an instrument, please fill in the google form to give permission for the teachers to collect your child from class:

https://forms.gle/7Am5cM7np66NsB2n9 

The form needs to be filled in by SATURDAY this week, so don’t miss your chance! If you have any questions, please contact Rae at phpsband@gmail.com for more details. 

P&C END OF YEAR BBQ

Please join us for some free tucker and a catch up on Friday 15th November from 5pm. There’ll be kids activities in the hall. Everyone welcome.

Interrelate's "Sexuality and Relationship" education programs are coming to PHPS on Wednesday 27th November. There will be TWO sessions (details below).

PLEASE NOTE THAT SESSION 2 IS NOT SUITABLE FOR CHILDREN BELOW 10 YEARS OF AGE.

Cost is $32 per family for one session or $37 for both sessions.

These programs are highly recommended and tickets are available for purchase on FLEXISCHOOLS.  

THE GREEN TEAM  

Hornsby Council waste strategy –open for comment

Hornsby Council has recently released “Waste Matters Strategy” for public comment. 

The draft Waste Matters Strategy has been developed to provide Council and the community with a guide as Hornsby Shire Council seeks to deliver increased recycling, resource recovery and diversion of waste from landfill, towards the NSW Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Target of 70%.

Council invites your comments on the strategy by close of business Friday 8 November.  Comments can be submitted by email or post.

For more information refer to http://wastematters.hornsby.nsw.gov.au/

Contact the Green Team here phpsgreenteam@gmail.com

Sandpit Photos Family Portrait Day Bookings - NOW AVAILABLE ON FLEXISCHOOLS

Saturday 16th November at Belthorn Cottage.

Sandpit's professional photographers will photograph your family within a 20 minute obligation free, fun and relaxed portrait session. All images are posed outdoors in a modern floor style setup and shot within the beautiful back garden at Belthorn Cottage. In addition to your family portrait, extra sittings of your children, you and your partner, as well as grandparents, pets or anyone else you wish to invite are taken on the day.  

How does it work

20 minute bookings are available between 8 am and 6 pm on FLEXISCHOOLS. The $15 booking fee, which will go towards our P&C, is your only obligation and payable at the time of booking. All additional poses and extra sittings taken on the day will be available for you to view at your arranged viewing date and time.  

You can buy the entire package for only $209.00. This pack includes more than 34 various sized images printed in colour and black & white, and all images are on CD from your complete family portrait session. Alternatively, the pack can be split and individual sheets purchased. 

Book now on Flexischools. Each family can only be allocated one 20 minute portrait time-slot. This is a full family portrait session, therefore an adult MUST be included.

For further enquiries please call:        9979 9334 (Head office)

(Your photographer on the day can be contacted: Melanie 0401416063)

email: info@sandpitphotos.com.au

or visit our website:  www.sandpitphotos.com.au

P&C Calendar

• Next P&C Meeting - Tuesday 5th November 7.30pm in the school hall
• Thank You for Class Parents Friday 15th November 3.30pm outside the K-2 office
• P&C Thank You BBQ to all PHPS families 15th November from 5pm at the School Hall
• Family Photo Day - Saturday 16th November behind Belthorn Cottage 
• Interrelate - Wednesday 27th November for Stages 2 & 3 
• P&C December Meeting and Christmas Drinks - Tuesday 3rd December 7 pm
• Twilight Carols Event - Thursday 12th December 6 pm K-2 Site

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

pandcpresident@gmail.com

Community Pages

Smokin’ Hot Men’s Dinner

Bookings close at midnight Tuesday 5th November. Only $15 for a loaded plate of three mouth-watering slow cooked meats, sides and a kaiser roll.

Be quick! www.trybooking.com/BFSLO

Expression of Interest:

Please send your Expression of Interest to the Band program by 9th November by clicking on the below link. https://forms.gle/7Am5cM7np66NsB2n9

Students who have submitted their Expression of Interest will be given an opportunity to play the instruments in the Blow test on 12^th November from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm in the school hall.

Students are reminded not to purchase any instruments until they have completed their blow test and have received an offer letter from the Band program.

The Band Committee 

phpsband@gmail.com

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  6^th November  –   Bec D.

Thursday 7^th November  –  Lisa A. Need one more please.

Friday  8^th  November   –  Stefanie. Need one more please.

3-6 Site

Wednesday  6^th November  – Jacqueline and Sam.

Thursday  7^th November  – Vivian.                 

Friday 8^th  November  –  Narelle, Stefanie and Kate A.

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.

A Huge Thank you to Peta Powrie for taking charge of Ice Cream Day!!

Thank you also to; Alicia, Rohini, Christine L, Kathy Y, Siobhan, Saba, Tamika, Kat M, Kate A, Amy and  Xiaolin, for helping with the distribution of all those ice blocks.

Heather Tyler

0425 274 681

canteenphps@gmail.com

Girls’ New Culottes and Shirts

Please note that the girls’ summer shirts and culottes are both in stock and sizes 8 to 16 are now available for sale to all families who didn’t place an expression of interest order earlier this year.

Please note that sizes 4 and 6 remain on hold and are currently available to those families who did place an expression of interest as well as all students in the Kinderlinks program.

Kinderlinks

Please note that the Uniform Shop will be closed on Tuesday 5,12,19 and 26 November, due to attendance at the Kinderlinks program between 9.15 and 11.15am.

The Uniform Shop will be operating at the Infants site on those dates, and will take orders for Kindergarten 2020 in the first 3 weeks of the Kinderlinks program. All orders will be distributed to parents on the 4^th and final week.

Dr Shoe

Dr Shoe will be attending the Kinderlinks program on Tuesday morning 12 and 26 of November. 15% of all sales are donated to the P&C. Alternatively, Dr Shoe can be contacted direct on 0414 912 838 to arrange a home fitting.

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

phpsuniformshop@gmail.com

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.