Issue 04/19 – Tuesday 19th March

EDUCOM

Excellence, Opportunity, Care and Success www.mtrivervie-p.schools.nsw.edu.au

Welcome to Week 8 and four weeks remaining of our first term. Where has the time gone?

The next three weeks we have parent / teacher interviews operating. Hopefully you have logged on and booked in a time to talk with your child’s teacher. If there are no times available that fit with your schedule then please contact your teacher to see about an alternative time.

This Saturday is the state election. The P&C will be running a BBQ during the morning so don’t forget to pop on over after you’ve voted to grab your brekky or brunch.

Year 6 families – your high school forms are due back today. This applies to all students regardless of whether they intend to go to Blaxland High or not. If you haven’t returned the forms, please do so ASAP.

Finally, over the past week or so I have noticed parents using the two staff carparks as a pick-up or drop-off area for their children. Please, do not use the carparks to pick up or drop off your children. Both areas are close to high pedestrian traffic and I would not want to see one of our students hit by a car that is in an area it shouldn’t be in.

Mr Giles

School Photos

School photos have been booked for next Monday 25th March.

The pre-printed envelopes have already been sent home. It is very important that all children return these envelopes to school on our photo day, even if the payment is included in a sibling’s envelope or payment has been made online.

Family photo envelopes are available from the office. Unused envelopes should also be returned to school.

All students should wear correct summer uniform on the day. If there are any questions please contact the office.

What’s Happening At Our School ……

TERM 1 WEEK 8 – PARENT TEACHER INTERVIEWS

Tuesday 19th March Healthy Active Lifestyle program Year 6 High School letters due

Friday 22nd March PSC Leadership Day Primary Assembly – 2pm

TERM 1 WEEK 9 – PARENT TEACHER INTERVIEWS

Monday 25th March School Photos

Tuesday 26th March Healthy Active Lifestyle program

Friday 29th March Infants Assembly – 2pm

TERM 1 WEEK 10 – PARENT TEACHER INTERVIEWS

Monday 1st April Pyjama Mufti Day

Tuesday 2nd April Healthy Active Lifestyle program

Friday 5th April Captains’ Assembly – 1:45pm

TERM 1 WEEK 11

Tuesday 9th April Healthy Active Lifestyle program P&C Meeting – 8pm

Thursday 11th April Anzac Day Assembly

Friday 12th April Pedlars’ Parade – 11:10am End Term 1

TERM 2 WEEK 1

Monday 29th April Staff Development Day

Tuesday 30th April Students Return – Term 2

Thursday 2nd May Sydney Writers’ Festival – Yrs 5 & 6

TERM 2 WEEK 2

Friday 10th May School Cross Country Carnival

TERM 2 WEEK 3

14th – 24th May NAPLAN Online – Yrs 3 & 5

Tuesday 14th May P&C Meeting – 8pm

Thursday 16th May Yr 4 CARES Excursion

TERM 2 WEEK 4

Thursday 23rd May AECG Meeting – Lawson PS – 4pm

Friday 24th May BMPSSA Cross Country

Excellence, Opportunity, Care and Success www.mtrivervie-p.schools.nsw.edu.au

Congratulations to:

Scott and Jacob for their selection in the Blue Mountains Open Rugby League team.

Jacob for his selection in the Blue Mountains Boys Touch Football team.

Liana, Jacob, Niamh, Cody, Millie and Mia for their selection in the Blaxland High School Transition Drama Ensemble.

The following students who have completed the Premier’s Reading Challenge:

Niamh G and Emily W.

Thank you to:

Year 6 for your wonderful baking in preparation for today’s cake stall.

All students who are leading the way through their safe, respectful behaviour at school.

The P&C and parent volunteers who are manning the BBQ this Saturday for the state election. Donating your weekend time is greatly appreciated.

P&C News

The new 2019 P&C Executive Committee is:

President Shaun Williams

Secretary Ian Duncan

Treasurer Jean Martin

Vice President Kellianne McLaren

Vice President Kirsty Ruecroft

2nd Hand Uniform Coordinator Deb Kirkman

Canteen Coordinator Kellianne McLaren

Canteen Treasurer Naomi Little

Canteen Roster Kirsty Ruecroft

Auditor TBC

If you have any questions please contact someone from the committee.

The next P&C meeting will be Tuesday 9th April, commencing at 8p in the library. Everyone is welcome to attend. P&C Easter Mufti-day – Monday 1st April

On Monday 1st April we will be holding a pyjama mufti-day with the funds raised used to help purchase the Easter eggs for the P&C Easter raffle.

Student wishing to participate in the mufti-day will need to bring a gold coin or Easter Egg donation to school on the day.

If there are any questions please contact the school.

NAPLAN

NAPLAN assesses literacy and numeracy – important skills that each child needs to succeed in school and life. The NAPLAN tests are designed to help us make sure students are on track with their literacy and numeracy development. Students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 participate in NAPLAN tests for reading, writing, conventions of language (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and numeracy.

Between Tuesday 14th May and Friday 24th May, our school will participate in NAPLAN Online. Students do not need to be computer experts to take the NAPLAN test online. Making sure students have computer skills is part of our school curriculum, and our teachers will ensure your child is familiar with the online format. To see the types of questions and interactive features of NAPLAN Online, visit the public demonstration site.

If you have any questions about NAPLAN Online, please contact your child’s teacher.

For more info:

How to support your child during NAPLAN

information for parents and carers

Watch a video that explains NAPLAN Online

Subscribe to ACARA’s monthly parent newsletter, Parent Update

Library News

The PRC site is now open to take student reading records. As we are going paperless this year please log onto the PRC site using your child's internet user name and password. Your child's borrowing history is available on the Loan History tab in Oliver Library. This can be found via the det student portal using the same user name and password. Add your books by title. All year 3 to 6 students will do their own reading record during lessons. Additional reading time is being given to all students to foster participation in the challenge. Weekly borrowing also enables students finishing the challenge and to this end the Library is open before school and during the first half of lunch Wednesday to Friday for borrowing. Many new and exciting books have been added to the challenge and will continue to be added during the year. Please contact me if you need further help and happy reading experiences to you all.

Happy reading and enjoy the wonders within the covers!

Mrs Turner

Excellence, Opportunity, Care and Success www.mtrivervie-p.schools.nsw.edu.au

National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence

On March 15th, Mt Riverview PS joined the National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence.

Lessons were taught to reinforce that bullying is not acceptable and what needs to be done if anyone in our school felt uncomfortable or bullied.

The staff spoke to the children about being an ‘upstander’ rather than being a bystander. NSWPSSA Cricket Knockout

On Tuesday 12th March, students from Years 5&6 represented the school in the NSWPSSA Cricket State Knockout.

We were drawn to play Blaxland East PS and played at Knapsack Park. Unfortunately Blaxland East won on the day. Final scores were:

MRPS – 5 for 46 BEPS – 2 for 104

A special thanks to Mr Martin for umpiring the match and thanks to Mr Simone for organising the cricket.

Theo and Scott Anzac Day Ceremony

Anzac Day (Thursday 25th April) this year falls in the second week of the school holidays. The school will be marching once again this year in the Glenbrook RSL Anzac Day service.

Traditionally we have a great turn-out of students who represent the school at this solemn occasion. Students wishing to take part in the march with the school should be dressed in full school uniform and meet Mr Giles in Glenbrook (Glenbrook Park) by 9:45am. If there are any questions please contact the school.

The school’s Anzac Day service will occur on Thursday 11th April, commencing at 10:30am. Parents are welcome to attend this ceremony. Assembly Dates

Friday 22nd March Primary Assembly (2pm) Friday 29th March Infants Assembly (2pm) Friday 5th April Captains’ Assembly (1:45)

Parent / Teacher Interviews

Our Term 1 interviews commenced this week for some teachers and will continue over the next two weeks.

This year we are using the online booking process again. A note was sent home with the booking code. If you need this booking code again please contact the office.

Booking an interview is a simple process:

1. Go to www.schoolinterviews.com.au

2. Enter the school event code supplied in the letter home.

3. Follow the onscreen prompts to book an interview.

The interviews this term are not compulsory and are intended to give a quick snapshot of where your child is at present time and what will be worked on over the coming terms. If you believe you will need a longer session than what is timetabled please contact your teacher and discuss an alternative time.

If there are any questions, or you’ve lost the code, please contact the office.

Pedlars’ Parade

On Friday, 12th April 2019, we will be holding our annual Pedlars’ Parade. The parade will start at 11:10am under the COLA.

All students are invited to participate in the parade. Students carry a decorated tray, basket or small box filled with goods or novelties to sell. Please don’t go to great expense and remember to price your items and label your tray/container if you wish to have it returned to you.

The students can come dressed in a costume appropriate to the theme of the goods that they are “selling” (eg. Captain Hook selling pirate patches, dress as a fairy and sell fairy wands) or a fun costume.

The children will parade in their class groups with their trays under the COLA and following the parade each class will place their items at their own class stall. Class teachers will coordinate and parent volunteers will be needed to help sell the items.

The students are free to walk around and purchase items at the different stalls and so will need to bring some pocket money (or Mum, Dad, grandparents may need to bring their pocket money!). A small plastic or paper bag to help carry their purchases is also a good idea.

Everyone is welcome, so please come and join us, as it is always a memorable and enjoyable day for all and a wonderful fundraising activity.

Excellence, Opportunity, Care and Success www.mtrivervie-p.schools.nsw.edu.au

Band News

Band times are:

Monday morning – junior band (7:30am) Thursday morning – senior band (7:30am)

Most tutorial groups will be run during our morning sessions and will alternate regularly so students are not missing from class at the same time each week. Students need to make sure they bring their instruments and music on their tutorial day. They are:

Monday – Brass and junior woodwind Thursday – Senior woodwind

Invoices are going home this week and fees are due by Wednesday 3rd April. If there are any questions, please contact the school.

Mr Giles School Banking

School banking operates every Thursday. The mums who coordinate the program are set up in their regular place under the COLA. For those families wishing to commence student banking please have a chat with them. Mount Riverview Play Group

The playgroup runs every Wednesday morning in the school hall commencing at 9:15am. It has been established for parents, grandparents and caregivers of children aged 0 – school age in an effort to help the transition to school become a little smoother by helping children become familiar with our school environment.

Visitors to the School

ALL visitors to the school are required to visit the office before going to one of our classrooms or contacting students in the playground.

If your child is arriving late or leaving early please remember to go to the office to receive an early leaving / arriving late slip which is then given to the teacher. If there are any questions then please contact the office.

Financial Assistance Is Available

Throughout the year we have several extra-curricula activities that are held approximately at the same time and have a similar cost each year. Examples include camps, overnight excursions, text books, gymnastics program, swim school, etc.

For various reasons this may become an issue for families within our school. There are however a couple of ways to tackle this issue and to help lessen the burden many of our families feel, especially if they have more than one child at school.

The most popular option used in 2018, was to work out a payment plan with Mr Giles, spread across the desired number of weeks, covering all associated costs within that time frame. This option is becoming more popular because it spreads the costs out over easy fortnightly payments rather than having a few major costs at different points of the year.

If this sounds like something you would like to look into, or if parents require any assistance with school related expenses, please contact Mr Giles or your child’s class teacher. All enquiries are confidential.

School Entry and Exits

For safety reasons we ask that all students (and visitors to the school) enter and exit the school using one of the three pedestrian gates. There are two on Rusden Road and one on Blackbutt Circuit. Entering and exiting the school via one of the carparks is not a safe practice as we have delivery vehicles using all three driveway entrances at various times each day.

Residents in Students Lane have also requested that people who park in the lane in the morning or afternoons please not park across driveways as residents use the lane to access their properties.

Finally, when crossing Rusden Road outside of the school please use the pedestrian crossing thereby setting a good example for all of our students.

PBL News

Our school Warin token will be handed to children who are seen to be following our school rules of being safe, respectful and a learner.

They will be collected in the classroom and placed in a class Warin box. For every 5 Warins collected, a Mt Riv sticker will be given to the student that can then be placed on their Mt RIv chart.

We will continue to draw 2 Warins from each class box on a Monday morning assembly. These students will receive a Mt Riv sticker.

Mrs Sowter

Excellence, Opportunity, Care and Success www.mtrivervie-p.schools.nsw.edu.au

Sun Safe K – 6

Sunscreen is available in all class rooms for use at recess, lunch and during sport times or times spent outside. If your child cannot use sunscreen due to allergies or sensitivities please let your child’s class teacher know. Parents may opt to provide sunscreen for their child to use at school.

The school’s bucket or broad brimmed hats are a requirement of the school uniform and sun safe policy. If students forget their hat then they will be asked to play in the various shady areas within the playground.

Sunglasses have been provided by the P&C for all students and should be worn during recess and lunch. Captains will announce during morning assembly particularly high UV days. Replacement glasses can be purchased from the office if needed. School Uniform

We are a very lucky school in that nearly all children are dressed in the correct uniform every day of the school year. Whilst on excursions or camps we are always complemented on how smart our students look.

For 2019 the P&C have outsourced the school uniform shop to Principal School Wear which is located in Springwood – 2/66 Springwood Avenue, Springwood. Their telephone number is 4751 3157.

Opening Hours during the year will be:

12th Feb to 22nd April: 9am – 5pm (Tues & Thurs)

9am – 12:00pm (Sat)

23rd April to 6th May: 9am – 5pm (M-F) 9am – 12:00pm (Sat)

7th May – 28th June: 9am – 5pm (Tues & Thurs) 9am – 12:00pm (Sat)

28th June – 23rd July CLOSED

8th Oct – 21st Oct: 9am – 5pm (M-F) 9am – 12:00pm (Sat)

23rd July – 20th Dec: 9am – 5pm (Tues & Thurs) 9am – 12:00pm (Sat)

The P&C run a second hand uniform pool. This is run by volunteers and is currently open on Wednesdays from 8:45am – 9:15am.

Family Contact Details

At the beginning of each year we ask families to ensure that their contact details are accurate, which include email address and mobile numbers. Thank you to those families who have already updated their details.

Accurate information is extremely important in the event that we have to contact you regarding your child or in the event that we have to declare a catastrophic fire warning during bushfire season.

Updates can be completed via our Skoolbag app or by contacting the office.

Absent From School?

If you child is away from school a note explaining the reason of the absence is required to be sent to school within 7 days of them returning to school. If an absence remains unexplained after this period then a letter will be sent home asking for an explanation of the absence.

There is a feature available within our SkoolBag app which allows parents to send the absent note straight away. If you would like to be shown how this works please visit the office for a “test drive”.

Changes have been made to the way extended family trips or holidays taken during the school term are recorded. A certificate of exemption is no longer issued for such trips and the days will be counted as absences. Obviously, special circumstances do arise from time to time and will be looked at when they occur.

If a student has high absenteeism during the school year a referral will be made to the Home School Liaison Officer.

If there are any questions regarding school attendance please contact Mr Giles.

School Security, You Can Help

If parents or community members observe any destructive or suspicious behaviour in the school grounds please ring the School Security phone number listed below. All reports are treated discreetly; names do not have to be left with the operator.

School Security - 1300 880 021

Excellence, Opportunity, Care and Success www.mtrivervie-p.schools.nsw.edu.au

UWS PENRITH OBSERVATORY Great Western Highway, Werrington North

(Building AO)

Public Astronomy Night

Saturday 13 April (8pm – 10pm)

Getting your head around the universe

Dr Luke Barnes

Just how big is the universe? We’ll take our time to tour the universe, starting on Earth, and ending with the most distant places our telescopes can see. No maths – just

imagination.

The night will include a multimedia presentation, a 3D astronomy movie, tour of the dome and viewing of the

night sky through a range of telescopes (weather permitting).

---------------------------------------------------------------

Cost: $18 adult, $12 child/concession & $50 family (2 adults + 2 children) Children under 3 years of age free

Bookings are essential

https://www.westernsydney.edu.au/observatorypenrith/penrith_observatory/whats_on

Enquiries:

Phone: (02) 4736 0135 (Mon, Wed or Thurs)

or email: penrithobservatory@uws.edu.au

Anaphylaxis – a shared responsibility

Being the start of a new school year it is just the right time to remind everyone about anaphylaxis and what we can do as a school community for the families that have to deal with this.

We now have several students at our school who have varying degrees of allergic reaction to nuts and mango in particular. Currently, our student reactions can range from mild allergies to severe reactions which can quickly become life threatening.

For this reason we ask (as much as possible) that nuts are not brought to school, which includes peanut butter, nut spreads (nutella), and nut bars.

Obviously, being able to do this is sometimes difficult or at times simply forgotten. With this in mind we implement hygiene procedures at school to try and eliminate as much as possible the likelihood of an allergic reaction occurring.

The procedures taught to students at school are:

a) washing hands before and after eating; b) washing hands at the end of each play period; c) using the sanitising spray which are being installed in classrooms upon entering and leaving the room.

The inconvenience to some children is recognised and their cooperation appreciated, but the consequences to children with anaphylaxis are extremely serious.

All members of our school community are asked to be aware of the dangers of even the slightest contact with nuts for these children.

To help minimise the risk, simply washing hands and cleaning teeth before coming to school would really help.

If there are any questions please contact the office.

School Voluntary Contributions

Each year the school asks families to consider paying the voluntary contribution if they are in a position to do so. Money raised with the voluntary contributions is used to help provide additional funding for programs that the school runs. Voluntary contributions for 2019 are $49 per student or $80 per family.

Excellence, Opportunity, Care and Success www.mtrivervie-p.schools.nsw.edu.au

School Volunteers

At Mount Riverview we are very fortunate in the number of volunteer parents, grandparents and community members who volunteer their time to help the students at school in a variety of ways.

Anyone who is thinking of helping out at school will need to have completed a “working with children” form here at school. When completing the form you will need to bring 100 points of identification. I have included a list of appropriate documentation below.

If you volunteer at multiple organisations then it may serve you better to do the working with children check at the link below. Along with what you have to do there you will also have to go to the RMS and do the identity check. Their website is http://www.kidsguardian.nsw.gov.au/

If you are not sure about which procedure you need to do then please see Mr Giles

Proof of Identity

Category 1 – 70 points (Only ONE form of identification accepted from this category.)

Birth Certificate/Birth Extract

Australian Passport (Current, or expired within the previous two years, but not cancelled)

Australian Citizenship Certificate

International Passport (Current, or expired within the previous two years, but not cancelled)

Other document of identity having same characteristics as a passport e.g. diplomatic/refugee (Photo or Signature)

Category 2 – 40 points

(More than one of the following documents may be counted. The initial document will score 40 points, and any additional documents will be awarded 25 points each.)

Current Licence or Permit (Government Issued)

Working With Children/Teachers Registration Card

ASIC/MSIC Card

Public Employee Photo ID Card (Government Issued)

Department of Veterans' Affairs Card

Centrelink Pensioner Concession Card or Health Care Card

Current Tertiary Education Institution Photo ID

Reference from a Doctor (must have known the applicant for a period of at least 12 months)

Category 3 – 25 points

(More than one of the following documents may be counted; each will score 25 points.)

Foreign/International Driver’s Licence

Proof of Age Card (Government Issued)

Medicare Card/Private Health Care Card

Council Rates Notice

Property Lease/Rental Agreement

Property Insurance Papers

Tax Declaration

Superannuation Statement

Seniors Card

Electoral Roll Registration

Motor Vehicle Registration or Insurance Documents

Professional or Trade Association Card

To use more than one of the following documents, they must be from different organisations:

Utility Bills (e.g. Telephone, Gas, Electricity, Water)

Credit/Debit Card

Bank Statement/Passbook

Special Category 4 – Aboriginal person or Torres Strait Islander resident in a remote area/community

The applicant will meet the 100-point requirement if the applicant is an Aboriginal person or Torres Strait Islander resident in a remote area/community, and the identity of the applicant is verified by two persons recognised as ‘Community Leaders’ of the community to which the applicant belongs.

Special Category 5 – Person under the age of 18

A child will meet the 100-point requirement if his or her Identity is verified from ONE of the following:

Birth Certificate/Birth Extract;

Australian Passport (current, or expired within the previous two years, but not cancelled);

Australian Citizenship certificate;

International Passport (current, or expired within the previous two years, but not cancelled);

Other document of identity having same characteristics as a passport eg. diplomatic/refugee (Photo or Signature);

Or

A statement from an educational institution, signed by the principal or deputy principal, confirming that the child attends the institution (statement must be on the institution’s letterhead).

MT RIVERVIEW PUBLIC SCHOOL CANTEEN MENU 2019 OPEN WEDNESDAY & FRIDAY ONLY (NOT OPEN FIRST OR LAST WEEK OF TERM)

SANDWICHES

Vegemite 1.50

Ham 2.00

Ham & Cheese 2.50

Ham, cheese & tomato 2.80

Cheese 1.50

Honey 1.50

Salad 2.50

Ham & Salad 3.50

Tuna 2.00

Salmon & mayo 2.50

Real chicken 2.80

Chicken, lettuce & mayo 3.10

Additional salad fillings – 30c

Toasted sandwich - 30c extra

SNACKS

Jelly cups - raspberry .70

Hot/cold milo 1.50

Piranha – Italian supreme 1.00

Noodle snacks - chicken .60

Popcorn .50

Sea salt plain chips 1.20

Sultanas .50

Raisin toast per slice .50

Cheese triangle with 2 salada crackers 1.00

Pretzels .80

Vanilla custard cup .80

Vanilla yoghurt cup .80

Banana dipped in Milo .80

Please print your child’s name, class and order on a paper bag. Place Recess and Lunch orders in separate bags and enclose the correct money for each order. Thank you for supporting our school canteen.

We always need more volunteers. Your children love seeing you in the canteen!

HOT FOOD

Roadie steak pie 2.50

Sausage roll 2.20

Pizza – Ham & pineapple 2.20

Party pie .80

Garlic bread 1.50

Corn on the cob (GF) .80

Chicken tenders (GF) 1.30

Chicken noodles or Hot cuppa soup – chicken or vegie

2.00

Lasagne 3.00

Macaroni & cheese 3.00

Spaghetti Bolognese 3.00

Cheese rolls .90

Chicken tender, lettuce & mayo wrap 3.50

DRINKS

Poppers 100% juice - orange, apple, blackcurrant 1.10

Bottled water 600ml 1.20

Milk – chocolate & strawberry 2.00

COLD ITEMS

Quelch fruit sticks .50

Frozen fruit cups – orange, apple & blackcurrant .70

Frozen yoghurt – strawberry, raspberry & mango 1.60

Salad box – tomato, cucumber, lettuce, cheese, carrot, beetroot, salad dressing and fork

3.20

EXTRAS

Lunch bags .20

Tomato or bbq sauce .30

MOUNT RIVERVIEW PUBLIC SCHOOL 188-204 RUSDEN ROAD, MOUNT RIVERVIEW, NSW 2774 PHONE: (02) 4739 2180 (02) 4739 2063 FAX: (02) 4739 8322

EMAIL: mtrivervie-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au WEB: www.mtrivervie-p.schools.nsw.edu.au ABN: 59 929 869 657

PEDLARS’ PARADE Dear Parents and Caregivers,

On Friday 12th April, 2019, we will be holding our annual Pedlars’ Parade. The parade will start at 11:10 am under the COLA.

All students are invited to participate in the parade. Students carry a decorated tray, basket or small box filled with goods or novelties to sell. Please don’t go to great expense and remember to price your items and label your tray/container if you wish to have it returned to you. The students can come dressed in a costume appropriate to the theme of the goods that they are “selling”. (e.g. Captain Hook selling pirate patches, dress as a fairy and sell fairy wands).

The children will parade in their class groups with their trays under the COLA and following the parade each class will place their items at their own class stall under the COLA. Class teachers and parent volunteers sell the items.

The students are free to walk around and purchase items at the different stalls and so will need to bring some pocket money (or Mum, Dad, grandparents may need to bring their pocket money!)

Everyone is welcome, so please come and join us, as it is always a memorable and enjoyable day for all and a wonderful fundraising activity.

Kind regards Wendy Sowter Richard Giles Coordinator Principal 5th March, 2019

NAPLAN Online – information for parents and carers

Why do students do NAPLAN?The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) assesses literacy and numeracy skills that are essential for every child to progress through school and life. Students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 participate in the annual NAPLAN tests in reading, writing, conventions of language (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and numeracy.

The assessment provides parents and schools with an understanding of how individual students are performing at the time of the tests. NAPLAN is just one aspect of a school’s assessment and reporting process - it does not replace ongoing assessments made by teachers about student performance.

NAPLAN also provides schools, education authorities and governments with information about how education programs are working and whether young Australians are meeting important educational outcomes in literacy and numeracy.

What is assessed?NAPLAN assesses literacy and numeracy skills that students are learning through their regular school curriculum. All government and non-government education authorities have contributed to the development of NAPLAN materials.

In 2019 most students across Australia will sit NAPLAN online.

Feedback in the first year of NAPLAN Online showed that students engaged well with online assessments. One of the main benefits of NAPLAN Online is tailored (or adaptive) testing, where the test automatically adapts to a student’s test performance. The test presents questions of higher or lower complexity, depending ona student’s performance.

Tailored (or adaptive) testing is designed to assess a wider range of student abilities and to measure student achievement more precisely. Your child should not be concerned if they find questions more challenging than usual; they may be taking a more complex test pathway. A student’s overall NAPLAN score is based on the number and complexity of questions they answer correctly.

NAPLAN Online is not a test of keyboard skills. There are variations in how fast and well a student can type – just as there are variations in how fast and well a student can write by hand. Year 3 students will complete the writing test on paper.

To get an idea of what the online assessment looks like, visit the public demonstration site at nap.edu.au

How can I help my child prepare? Help your child prepare by reassuring them that NAPLAN is just one part of their school program, and by reminding them on the day to simply try their best. Teachers will ensure students are familiar with the types of questions in the tests and will provide appropriate support and guidance. Ensuring students are familiar with using devices, typing on them and navigating through programs are a part of student learning and a requirement of the Australian Curriculum from the first year at school.

ACARA does not recommend excessive preparation for NAPLAN or the use of coaching providers.NAPLAN is about assessing learning progress in literacy and numeracy.

Will my child sit NAPLAN onpaper or online?

In 2019, your child will sit the NAPLAN online tests.However, children in some other schools across Australia will sit the NAPLAN paper tests this year. Federal, state and territory education ministers have agreed that all schools will move online by 2020. State and territory education authorities will determine when their schools move online.

As students are assessed on the same literacy and numeracy curriculum content, regardless of whether they complete the test online or on paper, results for both formats can be reported on the same NAPLAN assessment scale.To find out more about NAPLAN Online, visit nap.edu.au

Participation in NAPLAN All students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 are expected to participate in the annual NAPLAN assessment.

Students with disability may qualify for adjustments that reflect the support normally provided for classroom assessments. You should first discuss the use of any disability adjustments for your child with your child’s teacher.

A formal exemption may be granted for a student with disability that severely limits their capacity to participate in the assessment, or for a student who has recently arrived in Australia and has a non-English speaking background.

Your school principal and your local test administration authority can give you more information on NAPLAN Online disability adjustments or the process required to gain a formal exemption.

NAPLAN Online 2019 timetableThe assessment window for NAPLAN Online is extended from three days provided for the paper test to nine days. This is to give schools more flexibility in scheduling and accommodate schools that may have fewer devices. The NAPLAN Online assessment window starts on Tuesday 14 May and finishes on Friday 24 May 2019.

The online tests must be taken in the following order:

Test Duration Order Details

Writing

Year 3: 40 min.Year 5: 40 min.Year 7: 40 min.Year 9: 40 min.

To be completed in the first two days

Year 3 students do a paper-based writing test on day one only

Reading

Year 3: 45 min.Year 5: 50 min. Year 7: 65 min. Year 9: 65 min.

To be completed after the writing test

Students read a range of informative, imaginative and persuasive texts

Conventions of

language

Year 3: 45 min.Year 5: 45 min. Year 7: 45 min.Year 9: 45 min.

To be completed after the reading test

This test includes spelling, grammar and punctuation

Numeracy

Year 3: 45 min. Year 5: 50 min. Year 7: 65 minYear 9: 65 min.

To be competed after the conventions of language test

This test includesnumber and algebra; measurement and geometry; and statistics and probability

What if my child is absent from school on assessment days?Where possible, schools may arrange for individual students who are absent at the time of testing to complete missed tests at another time during the school’s test schedule. Individual students are not permitted to sit NAPLAN online tests after Friday 24 May 2019.

How is my child’s performance measured?Individual student performance is shown on a national achievement scale for each assessment. A result at the national minimum standard indicates that the student has demonstrated the basic literacy and numeracy skills needed to participate fully in that year level.

A NAPLAN individual student report will be issued by your child’s school later in the year. If you do not receive a report, you should contact your child’s school.

How are NAPLAN results used?

• Students and parents may use individual resultsto discuss progress with teachers.

• Teachers use results to better identify studentswho would benefit from greater challenges orextra support.

• Schools use results to identify strengths and areasto improve in teaching programs, and to set goals inliteracy and numeracy.

• School systems use results to review programs andsupport offered to schools.

• The community can see average school NAPLANresults at myschool.edu.au

Where can I get more information?For more information about NAPLAN:

• contact your child’s school• contact your local test administration authority

at nap.edu.au/TAA• visit nap.edu.au

For information about how personal information for NAPLAN is handled by ACARA, visitnap.edu.au/naplanprivacy

Building Australia’s innovators and problem solvers

Expression of Interest

Years 3-6 robotics program in 2019 Mount Riverview PS 2019 TIME: 1hr 15min straight after school COST: $200 for 8 week program ($100 with CreativeKids voucher) DATES: Thursday afternoons Term 2 2019

Code your robot to dance, battle and complete fun challenges!

Using the Lego EV3 hardware (robot kits) and Mindstorms software (block coding environment), students will write numerous programs each week and complete fun and engaging challenges. All equipment (robot kits and laptops – 1 kit

between 2 students) is provided. All students welcome – beginners and experienced!

Kindy – Year 2 robotics program in 2019

Mount Riverview PS 2019 TIME: 1hr 15min straight after school COST: $200 for 8 week program ($100 with CreativeKids voucher) DATES: Wednesday or Friday afternoons Term 2 2019 (please indicate preference)

Build a new robot each week and learn to program it to complete fun activities!

Using the Lego WeDo robot kits and iPad software, students will build and program different activities each week. Student will develop their programming understanding and also their team work and cooperative learning skills. All

equipment (robot kits and iPads – 1 kit between 2 students) is provided. All students welcome – beginners and experienced!

See our website listed below for more information about our award-winning programs.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------

Robokids After School Robotics Program 2019

I am interested in enrolling my son/daughter in the Robokids after school program. Childs name: ________________________________________ Childs Year (in 2019): ____________ Parents name: ________________________________ Preferred day (for K-2 group): ____________

Holiday Therapy Group

CRAFTERNOON!

A 3 day small group program for GIRLS only aged 6- 12 years of age. Join us for an afternoon of craft and fun! This group will be facilitated by Aspect Therapists who will work with the girls on the following skills whilst enjoying some fun and creative craft activities:

Social communication skills

Working in a group

Planning and organizing skills

Fine motor skills

DATE & TIME:

Monday 15th April 2019 – 12:30pm – 2:30pm Tuesday 16th April 2019 – 12:30pm – 2:30pm Wednesday 17th April 2019 – 12:30pm – 2:30pm

LOCATION

Penrith Baptist Church 11 Morello Terrace, Kingswood (Caddens) 2747

COST

$179.26 per session ($537.78 TOTAL – 3 Days)

Covered under NDIS, HCWA or Private Payment

PLEASE RETURN THE ACCEPTANCE FORM ATTACHED TO SECURE YOUR PLACE.

SPACES ARE LIMITED!

Required skills

Your child should have verbal language and be toilet trained. This is due to the language required within the program, and as toileting

support is not available.

If your child displays any challenging behaviours that may impact their or others

safety, please contact the coordinator to discuss e.g aggressive behaviours, running

away.

CONTACT

Rebecca Keane – Service Coordinator

0466 427 853

rkeane@autismspectrum.org.au

Crafternoon! – Holiday Group – April 2019

Acceptance Form

Child’s name:

Date of Birth:

Age:

Parent/Carer name:

Phone number:

Email address: Current Aspect Therapy Client:

YES/NO

Address:

NDIS Number:

Location: Penrith Baptist Church – Morello Terrace, Caddens NSW 2747

Date and Time: Monday 15th – Thursday 17th April 2019, 12:30pm – 2:30pm

Payment: Please select one of the following payment methods:

I will be using NDIS funds and agree there is sufficient funding available in “Improved

Daily Living” support category. (We are unable to use any other funding category for

this group) Please attach NDIS plan in return email with this form if we do not

already have a copy on your child’s file

NDIS managed

Self Managed

Managed by a funds manager. Provide details:

________________________________________________________

OR

I authorise Aspect to deduct the amount from my private account at the end of the

program (Separate Payment Authorisation Form to be completed)

OR

I authorise Aspect to deduct the amount due for this service through my HCWA

funding at the end of each the program (Week ending 19th April 2019)

Please also include the following information:

Any allergies ____________________________________________________________

Any current medications or medical conditions

_________________________________________________________________________

Any other information we may need to know:

_________________________________________________________________________

Please note: for your child to gain the most from these programs, they will need to attend all

three days. Your place will be secured once this form has been completed and returned. You

will then be contacted by group staff with further information regarding the groups.

Signed: ______________________________ Date: ____ / ____ / 2019

Parent Name: _________________________________

Please return this form ASAP to Rebecca Keane at rkeane@autismspectrum.org.au

AFTER SCHOOL DRAMA @ Mt Riverview Public School

WEDNESDAYS 3:15 - 4:15pm : Years 1-4

4:20 - 5:20pm : Years 4-6

Term 1 2019: 6 february – 3 april (9 wks)

$153 for the term (sibling discount available)

Come join the fun and learn from a working industry professional

in invigorating, inspiring, and dynamic weekly classes

Learning is centred around voice, movement, improvisation,

script devising, play-making, & scripted work, culminating in

an annual performance for an invited audience later in the year

Exercise and improve:

voice speech breath posture

communication co-ordination confidence

teamwork negotiation problem-solving

literacy focus performance

in a positive learning environment

contact/click:

eliza@bluemountainsdrama.com.au or call 0414 930 455

bluemountainsdrama

www.bluemountainsdrama.com.au

Holiday Therapy Group

GAME TIME!

A 3 day small group program for children aged 8-12 years of age. This will be facilitated by therapists with the aim of the developing the skills required when playing a variety of games both indoor and outdoor and at home and school.. The sessions will focus on:

Playing and working in a team

Ball skills for the playground

Coping with winning and losing

Learning and following rules

DATE & TIME:

Monday 15th April 2019 – 9.30am – 11.30am Tuesday 16th April 2019 – 9.30am – 11.30am Wednesday 17th April 2019 – 9.30am – 11.30am

LOCATION

Penrith Baptist Church 11 Morello Terrace, Kingswood (Caddens) 2747

COST

$179.26 per session ($537.78 TOTAL – 3 Days)

Covered under NDIS, HCWA or Private Payment

PLEASE RETURN THE ACCEPTANCE FORM ATTACHED TO SECURE YOUR PLACE.

SPACES ARE LIMITED!

Required skills

Your child should have verbal language and be toilet trained. This is due to the language required within the program, and as toileting

support is not available.

If your child displays any challenging behaviours that may impact their or others

safety, please contact the coordinator to discuss e.g aggressive behaviours, running

away.

CONTACT

Rebecca Keane – Service Coordinator

0466 427 853

rkeane@autismspectrum.org.au

Game Time – Holiday Group – April 2019

Acceptance Form

Child’s name:

Date of Birth:

Age:

Parent/Carer name:

Phone number:

Email address: Current Aspect Therapy Client:

YES/NO

Address:

NDIS Number:

Location: Penrith Baptist Church – Morello Terrace, Caddens NSW 2747

Date and Time: Monday 15th – Wednesday 17th April 2019, 9:30am - 11:30am

Payment: Please select one of the following payment methods:

I will be using NDIS funds and agree there is sufficient funding available in “Improved

Daily Living” support category. (We are unable to use any other funding category for

this group) Please attach NDIS plan in return email with this form if we do not

already have a copy on your child’s file

NDIS managed

Self Managed

Managed by a funds manager. Provide details:

________________________________________________________

OR

I authorise Aspect to deduct the amount from my private account at the end of the

program (Separate Payment Authorisation Form to be completed)

OR

I authorise Aspect to deduct the amount due for this service through my HCWA

funding at the end of each the program (Week ending 19th April 2019)

Please also include the following information:

Any allergies ____________________________________________________________

Any current medications or medical conditions

_________________________________________________________________________

Any other information we may need to know:

_________________________________________________________________________

Please note: for your child to gain the most from these programs, they will need to attend all

three days. Your place will be secured once this form has been completed and returned. You

will then be contacted by group staff with further information regarding the groups.

Signed: ______________________________ Date: ____ / ____ / 2019

Parent Name: _________________________________

Please return this form ASAP to Rebecca Keane at rkeane@autismspectrum.org.au

Election Do Cake Stall Mt Riverview Public School P&C fundraising

for new turf for the School Oval

What can I donate?

We would appreciate any cakes, slices, biscuits or treats that can be sold at our cake stall.

What type of labels do they need? To ensure we don't upset anyone with allergies please list the ingredients on a piece of paper that is stuck to the packaging of your cake.

How should the cakes be packaged? Simply wrap them in some cling wrap, a disposable container or cellophane bag. If you are giving your cakes in a reusable container make sure it is marked so we can return it to you! We will have some paper bags for any unwrapped treats.

Where do I take the cakes? Take the cakes to the school office by Friday 22nd March or drop to the stall on Saturday 23rd

March morning (located outside the library).

Thank you for your support!

Election Day Cake Stall I Saturday 23,a March 2019

Can you help? Election Day BBQ & Cake Stall

The Mt Riverview P&C is going to run an election day BBQ and Cake Stall as a fundraiser on election day, Saturday 23rd March.

We will be selling cakes, biscuits, sausage, bacon and/or egg sandwiches and drinks from 8am until 2pm.

Helpers We will need some helpers to make the Election Day BBQ and Cake Stall a success.

If you are able to help with the BBQ or Cake Stall please let us know. We will need people to assist with setting up, cooking, serving and cleaning up at the end.

Cakes must be wrapped and ingredients labeled.

Weare

fundraising for new turf on the oval

Any time you could help would be greatly appreciated. Please return this form to the school office by Wednesday 201" March to allow us the time necessary to plan.

x------------------------------------

y es I can help!

Yes I can help on the Election Day BBQ & Cake Stall, 23'd March between: D Setup from 7am D8am-l0am D1oam-12pm D12pm-2pm D Donate wrapped & labeled cakes, slices or biscuits /handed into the office on Friday 22nd March

oron Saturday 23'd March at the cake stall)

D Other, please specify: __________________ _

Name: ___________________________ _

For further information on the BBQ contact Kellianne McLaren on 0438 140982 or email kelsteven 14@gmail.com or Shaun Williams on 0414 902404 or email shaun williams@hotmail.com

Mt Riverview Public Scl,ool P&C I Election Doy BBQ I Volunteers Needed I 23•• March 20191

Have you tried

PHYSIE yet?

Tel: 0402139613 /47394214

Glenbrook Physie

Why not join us in 2019? Physie is a great dance sport for girls and ladies including:

* Ballet * Jazz * Contemporary * Pilates * Aerobic dance For girls aged 3 years to Ladies. Your daughter can have fun, make friends and learn to dance…and so can you!

GLENBROOK PHYSIE is associated with the BJP School of Physical Culture

** CLASSES HELD AT MT RIVERVIEW PS

New members welcome

Gateway Family Services Parenting Group Programs

Term 2, 2019

For more information and Individual Flyers go to:

www.gatewayfamilyservices.org.au or www.facebook.com/GatewayFS

Gateway family services parent group program is funded by DSS and NSW FACS. Gateway works collaboratively with community partners to bring parent groups to communities from St Marys to Blackheath.

Thanks to MMM for providing childcare for the Daytime groups.

Gateway encourages, supports & respects diversity in families & communities. Our Groups are open to everyone.

Program Date & Time Location Registration

Circle of Security

Learn how to be a strong, wiser & kinder parent with your kids. Suitable for parents of 0 -12 year old.

Every Tuesday

14th May - 25th June

9:30am - 11:30am

* Childcare Available

Heatherbrae, Lawson

1 Benang Street, LAWSON,

(located beside carpark behind Lawson Pub)

Gateway -

1300 316 746

(free call)

Tuning In To Kids

Emotionally Intelligent Parenting Learning to better talk & understand

your child to help manage your child’s emotions & behaviour.

Every Monday

13th May - 3rd June

9:30am - 11:30am

* NO Childcare

Blackheath RSL

Cnr Station Street & Bundarra Road,

BLACKHEATH

Gateway -

1300 316 746

(free call)

1-2-3 Magic & Emotion Coaching

Learn how to understand & manage your child’s difficult behaviour.

Suitable for parents with 2 -12 year olds.

Every Tuesday

21st May - 4th June

10:30am - 12:30pm

* Childcare Available

Blaxland Uniting Church

(Back Hall)

70-76 Old Bathurst Road,

BLAXLAND EAST

(Onsite parking available)

Gateway -

1300 316 746

(free call)

Bringing Up Great Kids

Learn about mindfulness & reflection, promoting positive interactions, the

meaning behind children’s behaviour and ways in which parents can take

care of themselves & find support when they need it.

To be Advised To be Advised

Gateway -

1300 316 746

(free call)

Let’s Talk about ...… Siblings without Rivalry

Discussion and practical tools for parents who want to help their

children live well together so you can all live.

Every Tuesday

14th May - 4th June

7:00pm - 9:00pm

* NO Childcare

Gateway Family Services

70-76 Old Bathurst Road,

BLAXLAND EAST

(located in the Cottage beside Blaxland Uniting Church)

Gateway -

1300 316 746

(free call)

Cool Little Kids - Anxiety Program

For parents and caregivers with children aged 3-6 years who have

developed, or are at risk of developing, an emotional disorder.

Teaching skills to address factors that can lead to anxiety

Every Wednesday

22nd May - 26th June

10:00am - 12noon

* Childcare Available

Thrive Services

2 Station Street,

KATOOMBA

Thrive Services -

02 4782 1555