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Movember
Enjoy that photo, it may be a while until a Mo is seen again.
Staffing Update
This week sees the return of Angela Krivohlavy. Angela has been on Sick Leave after a nasty fall at home. Her recovery was a little slower than expected but she is very excited to be returning on Thursday. We are looking forward to her return. A huge thanks to Miss Anna Pinnuck who has relieved in Angela’s position since her arrival. Miss Pinnuck has done an amazing job and we are very lucky to have her at our school, as she brings a wealth of knowledge and skills to our community.
Mrs Ford has been off work for a few weeks after a fall at school where she hurt her ankle. Mrs Ford is expected to return to work next Monday, so long as the doctor signs off on it.
Congratulations to Mr McAnally who is currently relieving Deputy Principal at Darcy Road Public School. Mr McAnally is thoroughly enjoying his opportunity there. He is doing such a great job that he will be remaining there for 2020. Congratulations Mr McAnally!
Congratulations to Miss Lucy Ashelford! Miss Ashelford was successful through Merit Selection for a classroom teacher position at North Kellyville Public School. Miss Ashelford is an outstanding teacher and will be sorely missed by our community. She brings such passion to teaching which is amazing and the students and parents alike love what she does. Whilst we will miss Miss Ashelford it is a huge achievement for Miss Ashelford as there were a large amount of applicants and we wish her the very best of luck.
Mrs Tracy Geary recently announced that she is retiring from teaching at the end of this year. Mrs Geary has been an outstanding teacher at Pennant Hills Public School for 28 years and prior to that at many other schools. Mrs Geary always places each student at the centre of everything she does. This Thursday we will be holding an assembly to acknowledge her work at Pennant Hills PS and for the NSW Department of Education.
High School Orientation
This morning I attended Pennant Hills High School for the Orientation Day for our current crop of Year 6 students. Pennant Hills HS do an amazing job and I thank Mr Warren for allowing me to visit. I have no doubt that the students entering year 7 2020 are in a great place as they embark on their high school journey.
P&C Thank You meeting
Tonight’s P&C meeting starts a little earlier than usual. Tonight it starts at 7pm in the school hall where there will be a small celebration to acknowledge the work the P&C have achieved this year. If you are able to make it I would encourage you to do so. This school’s P&C do an amazing job in so many aspects of school life to support the school and the students.
NAPLAN Presentation
Just before tonight’s P&C meeting Mrs Wasson and I will present on this year’s NAPLAN results. Here we will show you some school trends over the last few years and what this means for staff and students at Pennant Hills PS. We are both very passionate about improving the student’s outcomes through ensuring that all factors are considered and decisions are based on best practice knowing our school context. This presentation will be in the hall and begins at 6:30pm sharp so that we finish in time for the P&C meeting. We would love to see you there.
Crossing Supervisor
It is true! We have a crossing supervisor for Greycliffe Ave. Grant started on Monday and is already making an impression. Thank you to The Hon. Matt Kean - Minister for the Environment and Planning & Member for Hornsby for his efforts in supporting our needs. Please encourage your children to chat with Grant as they travel to and from school on this route.
Reports
School reports will be sent home on Friday 13 December. The teaching staff have been working tirelessly throughout this term to compile the data for the reports. The reports are a reflection of the student’s progress throughout this semester and are graded against syllabus outcomes, not their peers. Please take the time to reflect on your child’s achievements and most importantly the effort they have placed in to their learning. As I always say the students can only control their effort, not the outcome.
Stop Work Meeting
This Thursday the NSW Teacher’s Federation has called a Stop Work meeting for its members to attend. The meeting begins at 8:45am. As such, we will be providing ‘Minimal Supervision’ on both sites until 11:15am. This time will ensure that all staff are back onsite and we can provide our normal supervision arrangements. Students when they arrive will arrive for recess and class will begin at 11:35am. If you choose to keep your child at home until 11:15am please do not sign them in at the office, the rolls will be marked at 11:35am when they go to class. I thank you in advance for your understanding.
Celebration of Learning
This Friday is the school’s Celebration of Learning. On this day we celebrate the achievements of the students in many different areas. Mrs Griffith has done an amazing job organising the day and it promises to be a remarkable one. I encourage you all to attend to acknowledge the achievements of 2019. Our Celebration of Learning is held at Pennant Hills High School and I thank Mr Warren for allowing us to use their school hall. I look forward to seeing you there.
Year 6 Farewell
Next Monday night is the Year 6 Farewell. Thank you so much to the team of Year 5 parents who have organised the night. A special mention to the year 5 teachers for their assistance. We are all excited to acknowledge and celebrate our wonderful Year 6 students as the graduate primary school and prepare to move onto high school.
Pizza Lunch
Next Tuesday is this term’s Pizza Lunch with the Principal for those students who have earnt three Principal’s Awards. A note will come home tomorrow with your child if they have submitted their awards already. If you have yet to do so, please do so ASAP to allow us to cater for the event.
Leadership
Over the last few weeks our current Year 5 students have self-nominated themselves for many of the school’s leadership opportunities. I have been very impressed with every single person and the way they have conducted themselves through this process. At Friday’s Celebration of Learning, these students will receive their leadership badge for 2020. Congratulations to all the students who will hold a leadership role.
Christmas Carols
Next Thursday night is the P&C’s annual Christmas Carols evening, held on the K-2 site. I was very disappointed to miss last year’s Carols, so I am looking forward to them next week. It is a special time of the year and promises to be a wonderful event. Thank you to all the parents and the P&C for all their work putting this event together.
Kind Regards
Mr Matt Pinchbeck
Principal
PRINCIPAL'S AWARDS
K-2: Charles D, Anastasia W, Grace P, Kayleigh B, Evie C, Amy M, Adelaide S, Jack V, Kris G, Ezekiel M, Emi L, Ewan T, Emma L, Ryo J.
3-6: Althea F, Amity G, Gurjas K, Kineesha S, Max M, Luke M, Christian P, Oscar G,
Smith Family Toy and Book Christmas Appeal
This year, Pennant Hills Public School is supporting the Smith Family’s Christmas Appeal as our chosen charity. The Smith Family’s Toy & Book Appeal has been providing for children at Christmas time since its inception in 1922 when it delivered toys and sweets to an orphanage on Christmas Eve, and they are excited for you to join them on continuing this tradition. If you are able to donate, please bring your new books and toys to my office on the K-2 site by Wednesday 11 December. Details of the appeal are below.
It is only truly Christmas when everyone can share it. Young people experiencing disadvantage need your help this Christmas.
Gift requirements:
- Donations of new toys and books help us ensure that they are of good quality and usable when they are opened on Christmas morning. Unfortunately, we aren’t able to accept second-hand, handmade or damaged items.
- Your gift should be ready to read or play with as soon as it’s opened on Christmas morning. When you’re deciding what to give, remember to include batteries if needed and colouring pencils for colouring-in books.
- No gift wrapping, please. While it may seem helpful to wrap your gift, this often creates problems in the sorting and packing process. It also means that parents don’t get to see or wrap the gift for their child. Unwrapped gifts only please!
Gifts most needed
This year we have a shortage of gifts for children between 8 and 12 years of age. By donating a gift suitable for a child in this age group, you will help us meet the needs of many more families. Gifts such as board games, STEM and activity-based toys are always well-received.
Items we can’t accept
Unfortunately, there are some items that are difficult to sort and pack. Others may not be appropriate for a wide range of children. Repurposing these items costs money that we’d prefer to spend on getting more toys and books to more children. You can help us reach more children by avoiding the sorts of items listed below.
- Breakable items such as glass or porcelain
- Calendars and diaries
- Candles and lamps
- CDs and video games
- Clothing including shoes, costumes and pyjamas
- Food or drinks
- Games suitable for adults (16+ years)
- Toys that look like weapons such as guns and swords
- Items that contain liquid
- Promotional Marketing or branded items (items with company logos)
- Religious items
- Second-hand or handmade items
- Sheets and towels
- Toiletries, perfume and makeup
- Large items such as bikes, hula hoops, ride-ons etc. Try to keep your gift smaller than a school backpack. =
Not sure of what to get? No problem! You might like to check out some of the gift suggestions to get you started!
Fun Day
Congratulations to Year 6 on a fabulous Fun Day! Everyone was entertained by mysterious escape rooms, a virtual rollercoaster, sports, an obstacle course, sponge throwing and the list goes on. Cakes and ice blocks were a treat and pet rocks a favourite. It was a great way for all students K-6 to enjoy time together. Proceeds from the day help to fund the Year 6 present for the school at the end of the year.
- Mr Mark Bryant
Stage 3 Berowra Valley National Park Bush Walk
By Hadam and Arthur
On Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday last week Stage 3 went on a bushwalking excursion to Berowra Valley National Park.
After walking to the national park with our tour guides we ate recess. Our tour guides showed us examples of nature photography and how to take great photos, focussing on a subject and its position within the frame. After this we started our bushwalk and looked for things that we could take photos of.
Our guides taught us about bush tucker and how Aboriginal people have lived in the bush for thousands of years. We also learnt about bush medicine and the many purposes of various plants.
We loved walking down the steep tracks, learning about bush tucker and taking interesting photographs of the beauty of nature.
Stage 3 Toy Show
A busy time of year for Stage 3! Yesterday our Stage 3 students presented their circuit toys to students, parents and teachers as a culmination of their hard work in Science and Technology over the term. Some wonderful concepts were on display as well as some great marketing campaigns! I grabbed a few business cards on my way around, some future engineers and designers in our midst. There were lolly dispensers, robot war machines, toys with glowing hearts and light up eyes, motorised boats and an ice cream and soft drink machine! Some very creative and impressive ideas Stage 3, well done!
Thank you morning tea
To all of our wonderful parent helpers, scripture and ethics teachers and community members, please join us for morning tea this Thursday 3 December at 11am in the hall.
Kind Regards
Mrs Kate Wasson
Deputy Principal
Friday 6 December
Pennant Hills High School
K-2 Assembly 9:45am
3-6 Assembly 11:30am
*Please note 11:30am is the correct time for the 3-6 Assembly.
Wednesday 18 December
Graduation Assembly 10am - School Hall
Clap-Out 2:15pm - 3-6 site.
All parents and carers welcome to attend.
Melissa Griffith
AP Stage 3
2C - Keiran P, Ryo J, Tommy T, Kayleigh B, Sabrina W, Nathan P
2M – Atticus P, Evie R, Sahanya F, Giselle H, Kiric C, Jack C
2P – Peter D, Gemma P, Lewis P, Eeshan S, Asa L, Jamie K, Kelsey C, Elinore F
1/2C – Evie C, Charles D, Ben A, Kris G, Micah M, Gabriela M
1D – Aaliyah P, Nathan C, Amity G, Kaiden T, Eugene L
1E – Aryan D, Daniel-John R, Heart S, Isaac L, Shahab A, Hannah M
1S – Gemma D, Avy S, Dakshita S, Liam B, Dehlon P, Ben H
KB – Frederick K, Selena R, Arya B, Ethan D, Jacinta I, Sanidhu H
KD – Anamarie A, Zane S, Letitia J, Emma C, Emily H, Olivia G, Tommy J, Anton R
KP – Hayden Y, Amy M, Yitian C, Kieran H, Myat T, Millie V
KR – Spencer C, Ewan T, Rina B, Parker P, Jayden W, Emma L
Schools Spectacular 2019
Stars!
The Schools Spectacular will be televised this Saturday night. Don't forget to watch it! Try and spot us! We are wearing white!!
Channel 7
7:00 pm
December the 7th
Julie Anne Stevens
Music and Choir Teacher
WORKING BEE
A big thank you to Dan Saunders, Sally and Luke Whenman, Brett Gosschalk, Chris Laing, Damon Murray, Russell Nicolson and Matt Whalan who attended our working bee on Sunday. Lots got done in preparation for our Carols. Most efforts were around hedges and cleaning of the new aluminium seats/tables and drains. Some low level branches on pathways were also trimmed.
Greycliffe Crossing Supervisor - Grant
Well done to Andrew Passe-De Silva, Matt Pinchbeck, Matt Kean and others who all pitched in to get a crossing supervisor for this location. It’s been a very long time coming but super excited he’s finally here to help provide safe passage for our precious kids.
P&C Meeting
The Final P&C Meeting for the year will be held tonight, Tuesday 3rd December.
From 6.30pm Matt Pinchbeck (Principal) and Kate Wasson (Deputy Principal) will be providing an overview of the 2019 NAPLAN results and discussing future curriculum directions at PHPS.
Please also join us after the presentation for Christmas drinks, followed by the P&C meeting. We look forward to seeing you there!
TWILIGHT CAROLS - 6pm December 12th
A fun end of year event open to friends and family. Invite your folks, bring a rug and grab a sausage sandwich while enjoying the carols!
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED - Monday 16 December Pizza Lunch for K-2 classes only
Two parents from every K-2 class are requested by the school to help serve pizza, poppers and ice blocks at the school hall from 1pm on 16th Dec.
If you can assist for ½ hour please contact your class parent. We also need help collecting the poppers and ice blocks from the canteen at 12.30pm to bring them to K-2 site before lunch.
Lunch is anticipated to be at 1pm. Students to line up at the tables set up, then sit to eat. Poppers will be handed out after the pizza has been eaten. The ice blocks will then be given after pizza and drinks.
THE GREEN TEAM 
PHPS is going to be greener!
Following the theme on last week’s ‘benefits of trees’ we are pleased to report that Matt Pinchbeck has approved our accepting 25 advanced trees offered by the Hornsby Bushcare Nursery. We are hoping to take delivery of them this week!
Here are the links to those articles again
https://reasonstobecheerfulworld/trees-are-healing-the-planet/
Green Team contact - phpsgreenteam@gmail.com
- NAPLAN review by Matt P and Kate W - Tuesday 3rd December from 6.30pm
- P&C December Meeting and Christmas Drinks - Tuesday 3rd December from 7pm
- 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
Final Band Rehearsals
- TB final rehearsal is on Friday, 6th December
- ICB final rehearsal is on Wednesday, 11th December
- SCB final rehearsal is on Thursday, 12th December
- Instrument Hire return is on the morning of Friday, 13th December (for percussionists the kit is yours to keep)
Celebration of Learning
- SCB and JB to perform at Celebration of Learning on 6th December at Pennant Hills High School.
Christmas Carols
- All the bands will perform at the Christmas carols on 12th December at K-2 site from 6:00pm. Students should wear their performance polo, mufti bottoms and a small Christmas related prop like Santa hat or tinsel on the instrument, etc. Please bring instruments, music and pegs.
End of Year Band Party
- Band would also like to invite all members from TB, ICB and SCB to an end of year party on Monday 16th December, starting straight after school (3:15-4:30pm). We will hold it in front of the band room. No instruments needed, it's time to relax!
- It is a BYO party food so if you can, please bring a plate (no nuts products please). Parents are welcome to come along for a chat!
TB, ICB, SCB and the string ensemble had a combined rehearsal in preparation for carols. What an immense event! A very special thank you to Mrs Stevens for helping out!
The Band Committee
On the night, we are looking for volunteers to setup, pack up, and help with the BBQ.
https://phps.doodle.com/poll/cy68d5dkuw3bvufm
http://www.phpspandc.org.au/string-ensemble/parent-helpers/
Full Ensemble - 7:35am, Monday, 9th December, in the band room. Parent helper is Kim.
Thinking about joining strings? Term 4 is the best time to start lessons!
Registrations are open all year round.
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”
There are only 7 more canteen days for this year!! We want to have as little stock left at the end of the year as possible, which means we are going to start running out of things over the next 2 weeks. We will be open on Wednesday December 18, but it will be a limited lunch menu. I will keep updating Flexischools to reflect what we have in stock.
Thank you so much; Peta Powrie, Vicky Quarmby and Alicia Cleland for helping “It’s A Wrap” go so smoothly, and for all of your support, and “hands on” help throughout the year. Where would the canteen be without you?!!
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 4th December – Kathy and Rebecca D.
Thursday 5th December – Lisa A. Need one more please.
Friday 6th December – Sam. Need one more please.
3-6 Site
Wednesday 4th December – Jacqueline.
Thursday 5th December – Vivian. Help needed for packing lunches.
Friday 6th December – Narelle, Jen H-til 12pm. Help needed for packing lunches.
Feel free to contact me with any questions.
Heather Tyler
0425 274 681
Boys Socks
Boys socks in size 13-3 have sold out and due to a delay with manufacturing the supplier will not have new stock available until the beginning of Term 1 2020. I apologise for any inconvenience caused by this stock outage.
Year 2 2020 House Colours
Year 1 parents please note that orders for the coloured sports dots are due this Friday 6 December. The coloured house dots can also be ordered via Flexischools, but prices will include the Flexischools’ surcharge. All orders will be delivered to the students’ class during December in readiness for 2020.
Year 6 Signature Bears and Balls
Signature bears and balls will be distributed next week to all Year 6 students who placed an order last term.
Second Hand Uniforms
If you are leaving the school at the end of the year and have any uniforms in good condition that you no longer require please consider donating them to the Uniform Shop.
Hours For 2020
The last day of trading for 2019 will be Tuesday 17 December. The Uniform Shop will reopen on the following dates and times in Week 1, Term 1, 2020:
Tuesday 28 January, Staff Development Day: 8.45am – 10.45am
Wednesday 29 January, Years 1-6 students return: 8.45am – 10.45am
Thursday 30 January 3.00pm – 4.00pm
Hours will revert to normal the following week.
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.