- Ironbark Ridge PS Cnr. Ironbark Ridge Road and Withers Road, Rouse Hill, 2155 Ph: 8814 5687 Fax: 8814 5698 Email: ironbarkrg-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au Webpage: www.ironbarkrg-p.schools.nsw.edu.au Nurturing personal growth through inspired learning…

Newsletter 2018

Term 1 Week 3 16th February 2018 Be Safe, Be Responsible, Be Respectful

DATES FOR THE DIARY

FEBRUARY 20th – Meet the Teacher Evening (Classrooms) (except 1D) 21st – Student leaders assembly, Scripture starts (TBC) 22nd – Chinese New Year celebrations , Welcome to Kindy Evening & Family BBQ 5.00pm 26th – 1D Meet the Teacher evening 28th Student Leadership Induction Assembly

MARCH 2nd- Ridges Zone Swimming Carnival 5th – 7th – Year 4 Camp to Broken Bay 8th – School Photos

** Subscribe to our ‘Ironbark Ridge – Events’ Google calendar (see the app or the school website)

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT

As we all begin our 2018 learning journeys I want to invite you to be a part of our vision and expectations for Ironbark Ridge PS. We are committed to growth. Are you with us? NSW Public Schools have embarked on a 5-year plan together. As one of the largest education systems in the world, we are immensely powerful if we collaborate, and all schools are setting themselves and their learning communities the expectation that:

- “Every student, every teacher, every leader, and every school will improve every year.” I’d suggest we want at least a year’s growth for every year’s effort… perhaps even 18 months if ‘Excellence’ matters to us as Ironbarkers! However you are all part of this journey with us, so:

- “…every parent/ carer and community member” must improve every year by 18 months growth as well. What does that growth look like? How will we measure it? What will your parenting look and sound like in a year’s time when you’ve made that growth? Persistence (and ‘Grit') Studies into success in life are clear in proving that talent or cognitive ability are not as important as positive character traits (and ‘habits’) such as persistence and self-control. Over this fortnight at assembly I am speaking to our students about the importance of persisting when in a challenging situation. I suggest that having a growth mindset is a crucial start, but that showing ‘grit’ and persistence is when success will begin to happen. *I’ve included a great article to read later in this newsletter about the importance of ‘grit’. Classes for 2018, class names An early formation into 2018 classes was facilitated by our planning at the end of 2017 and by our fantastic office staff efficiently processing over 75 new enrolments extra to the 160 Kindies and 30 new OC Year 5 students in the first week of 2018. All classes this year have been named after book characters to encourage a love of reading in our students. Last week we had 934 students in our 38 classes. We’ve already had a few extras join our great school since then so “Welcome!” to our newest Ironbarkers

Kindies… Mia & Shakiya

Meet the Teacher Next week on Tuesday 20th Feb. we will host all available parents for our ‘Meet the Teacher’ sessions in each classroom. The sessions run for 30 minutes and are not a chance to discuss your child, but rather to meet the teacher… hence the title Teachers will give a brief introduction to themselves and will discuss classroom operations and arrangements for the year. The annual Class Contact volunteer parent role will be discussed unless the position has already been filled. A small amount of ‘School Strategy’ information will also be included in the talk, but most of the time will be an opportunity to mix with other class parents and carers, and to… “Meet the Teacher”. (Formal interviews are always available if you contact the school office or your child’s class teacher directly.) 5.30-6pm: Stage 1 classes (Year 1 and Year 2) **1D postponed until Mon 26/2. 6-6.30pm: Stage 2 classes (Year 3 and Year 4) 6.30-7pm: Stage 3 classes (Year 5 and Year 6, and 5/4W) Kindy families are invited to a special ‘Meet the Teacher’ evening and ‘Welcome to Ironbark Ridge” BBQ on Thursday evening next week, 22nd Feb. from 5.00pm, starting in the classrooms. See below in this newsletter for a map of all classrooms so you can navigate your way to meet your child’s teacher next Tuesday evening. Differentiated Curriculum Normal practice in primary schools these days is to design learning experiences for students that are ‘differentiated’, or in more friendly terms, according to the Goldilocks Principle – “not too easy, not too hard… but just right!” This means students often work in small groups or even individually with varying levels of support, different materials and tools, and different teacher expectations or requirements. The process, known as ‘Differentiated Instruction’, is not easy, but our teaching staff have been working effectively at developing their skills in this over the past three years and we have many experts now at Ironbark Ridge. Each classroom is equipped with a mobile teacher station and a ‘huddle table’ – both designed to help the teacher move the learning and instruction to the students. As we continue to develop these processes in each classroom, students are being more responsible for taking charge of their own learning journey, actively asking for teacher evaluation and feedback, even evaluating their own skills and knowledge against frameworks and benchmarks, and identifying what they need to demonstrate to the teacher (and themselves) to move on to the next step. Differentiated Instruction is one of our Six Strategic Practices we employ across all we do at Ironbark Ridge to maximise our impact on student learning. Ironbark Ridge PS - Strategic Practices

1. Evaluative Thinking 2. Collaborative Practice 3. 3-Tiered Logic 4. Distributed Leadership 5. Growth Mindset 6. Differentiated Instruction

** We’ll discuss these all over the coming newsletters so you get an idea of ‘how’ teachers at Ironbark Ridge are working with your children, as well as ‘what’ we are doing.

Year 1… Autumn Traffic and Parking School Executive are working closely with Kim, our School Crossing Supervisor, Council Rangers, and the Castle Hill LAC Police to ensure student safety at the front of our school in the mornings and afternoons. Much of this work is educating our parents and community about the rules and laws governing parking and driving on our local streets. Our early vigilance and efforts are being rewarded by a more calm start to 2018 than we had last year. Continued support from the P&C is greatly appreciated as their volunteers wear a hi-vis vest and guide parents in the morning as they use the ‘No Parking’ student drop-off zone at the front of the school. Remember:

- No Parking from 8.30 - 9.30am in front of the school. This means you can help your children out of the car but must say goodbye there and not leave the vehicle parked but rather drive off ASAP to allow another parent/carer to drive in and do the same.

- Never let students/passengers into or out of a car that is not fully parked in a legal parking space. This must be at least 10m from a corner/intersection, not across a driveway (that would annoy me if I lived there, too!), and definitely not in a No Stopping zone or while in a line of traffic waiting!!

- The School Crossing (supervised by Kim) has clear markings at its start and finish, and it is NEVER legal to be stopped on it, even if in a line of traffic. So watch the traffic ahead and stop BEFORE the crossing if in any doubt. The roundabout is causing such issues to occur however patience is required from everyone

Homework In 2018 we are trialling alterations to homework across all classes K-6. We will be using and trialling two online tools (Literacy - Reading Eggs, Numeracy - several maths tutorial and practice sites) to offer parents some guidance and resources to use with their children if they wish. Teachers will still guide the programs’ use from school and set student expectations. These tools are designed to continually assess student skills and set activities at the appropriate level of challenge. Evidence clearly shows that the effect of homework on student academic growth over time is extremely limited or nil, especially for primary school age students. We are convinced that teachers’ time and resources are more effectively spent designing high-impact learning experiences for the classroom. Class Contacts 2018 Teachers are already inviting parents to volunteer for the role of Class Contact for the email distribution and communication system that has been so successful at Ironbark Ridge. Teachers will discuss this at next week’s Tuesday evening ‘Meet the Teacher’ session (see above). We will host a welcome and information session for the parent volunteers from each class at 6.30pm, Wednesday 28th February. A special invitation will be sent via email to the Class Contacts who are chosen for each class. Early school arrival… No students should be at school before 8.30am unless under your direct supervision or booked into the KTOOSH Before School Care service. A teacher will be on the playground supervising from 8.30am each day. and after school late pickups. Students who catch the bus from the school entrance are supervised by a teacher while waiting, however the school does not provide supervision for students who are collected later than 3.15pm. Students are asked to wait inside the school gates for safety reasons if you are late collecting them, however supervision is not provided by the school in these cases. Please ensure you collect your children on time from school or make arrangements for them. Chinese New Year Happy Chinese New Year to everyone in the community. All of our students learn Chinese language as part of our educational programs at Ironbark Ridge and it’s great fun to engage in these celebrations and learn more about another culture. Ms Przyrembel has arranged an exciting Lion Dance performance, along with follow-up practical learning sessions later in the term for all of our students to enjoy! Loving the challenge… with grit and persistence, Nick Thomson Principal

It’s so much fun being a Gruffalo!!

DEPUTY PRINCIPALS’ REPORT

Mark Scott, Secretary of NSW Department of Education welcomed all staff to the 2018 school year on Monday 29th January, with a message to ensure that all students in NSW public schools feel ‘known, valued and cared for.’ At Ironbark Ridge, we aim to do this each and every day. That every child feels valued, inspired, nurtured and achieves their personal best is at the core of our everyday practice. With this in mind, we would like to introduce our teaching staff of 2018. We encourage you to come and meet us at our ‘Meet the Teacher’ evenings, scheduled for Tuesday 20th February (all classes Years 1-6, except 1D), Thursday 22nd February (Kindergarten) and Monday 26th February (1D). Meet the Teacher evenings will be held in your child’s classroom. The attached map will assist you in finding the correct one! (HB stands for ‘Home Base’ – our brick classrooms; P stands for ‘portable’ – our demountable classrooms.)

CLASS TEACHER/S ROOM K Bumble Bees (KB) Ms Baracz P 34 K Corduroy Bear (KCB) Ms Bryce-Borthwick (M-W) and Ms Cameron

(Th-F) P 35

K Gruffalo (KG) Ms Goddard P 37 K Merlin (KM) Ms Shorten P 33 K Paddington (KP) Ms Pratt HB 11 K Smurfs (KS) Ms Sexton (Early Stage 1 Rel. Assistant Principal) HB 12 K Trolls (KT) Ms Nahirny P 36 K Wombats (KW) Ms Woodbury P 38 1 Dora (1D) Ms Davies P 30 1 Ferdinand (1F) Ms Florence HB 3 1 Incredibles (1I) Ms Ingrey P 20 1 Jedi (1J) Ms Johnson (Stage 1 Assistant Principal) HB 4 1 Roos (1R) Ms Ryan HB 2 1 Snugglepot (1S) Ms Sammut HB 1 2/1 Cheshire Cats (2/1C) Ms Carter P 28 2 Aladdin (2A) Ms Antoniazzi P 27 2 Dalmatians (2D) Ms Dhillon P 32 2 Matilda (2M) Ms Milliken P 31 2 The Lorax (2TL) Ms Laws P 29 2 Wonka (2W) Ms Williams (M-Th) and Ms Ristic (F) P 26 3 BFG (3B) Ms Bartholomew P 17 3 Fly Guy (3F) Ms Forster P 15 3 Hairy Maclary (3H) Ms Horsley HB 13 3 Hercules (3DH) Mr den Hollander P 21 4/3 Baba Yaga (4/3B) Mr Brent (Stage 2 Assistant Principal) HB 14 4 Fantastic Four (4F) Ms Furnell P 16 4 Sherlock (4S) Ms Sayer P 23 4 Toto (4T) Ms Taylor P 22 5/4 Wolfsbane (5/4W) Ms Wilkinson P 25 5 Buckbeak (5B) Ms Barton P 18 5 Firebolt (5F) Ms Fox P 24 5 Golden Snitch (5S) Ms Stewart HB 6 5 Potter (5P) Ms Puddy HB 10 5 Weasleys (5W) Ms Sider (M-T) and Ms Withers (W-F) HB 5 6 Albus (6A) Mr Maffey HB 8 6 Centaurs (6C) Ms Campbell P 19 6 Hedwig (6H) Ms Hoggan HB 9 6 Muggles (6M) Ms McCarthy (Stage 3 Rel. Assistant Principal) HB 7

Can you see our class ‘theme’ for the year? We love to promote reading at Ironbark Ridge!

Safe, Respectful and Responsible Play Spaces With our new classrooms and growth in student numbers, we have decided to split our lunchtimes to allow extra play space for all students. All Kinder to Year 6 students enjoy recess together, from 11.10 to 11.30. Years 3-6 then play outside from 12.40-1.15pm. Kindergarten to Year 2 then play outside from 1.25-2.00pm. Initial reports indicate a reduction in playground accidents and incidents, and an increased enjoyment of the extra play space. As with any new change in procedures and timing, there have been hiccups, and we will continue to monitor and evaluate this system during Term 1. To maximise learning time, we have reduced our morning assemblies to Mondays and Thursdays only. On all other days, students will meet their teachers at class lines. We ask that all parents please keep the pathways clear, and leave the school promptly to enable students to settle and safely find their way to class. You may have heard our students talking about our new orange ‘Bidgerees’. These are part of a refreshed focus on safe, respectful and responsible behaviour in the playground, and before and after school. Students should place their Bidgeree in their ‘house’ box. Each week, these are tallied and the total goes towards our termly house point competition. At the end of the term, all students in the winning house will receive a free frozen treat. Each week, 2 Bidgerees are chosen from each house box to receive a $5 canteen voucher. Many thanks to our PBL (Positive Behaviour for Learning) team for their hard work and enthusiasm in seeing this initiative thrive and for the positive impact this is having in the playground. As an established, yet growing school, Ironbark Ridge has very effective systems in place to deliver quality education to nurture and inspire every learner. With the development of the new 2018- 2022 Strategic School Plan, we will continue transforming learning in every space for now and into the future. Welcome Kindergarten! Our newest students have settled in quickly to the new routines of school. From next week, home time for all kindergarten students will align with the rest of the school at 3pm. We ask that all parents plan for school pick up times to ensure the safety of all students.

FOOD ALLERGY ALERT To help minimise the risk of life threatening allergic reactions we ask all parents to refrain from packing foods that contain peanuts or tree nuts in lunch boxes. Help us protect our students. School Photos Our annual school photos will be taken on Thursday 8th March. It is important that each child is dressed in the full school uniform including red, green or white hair pieces and clean black shoes.(No sports uniform please.) If you wish to pre-order your child’s class photo, portrait or would like to arrange a sibling photo, please log onto www.theschoolphotographer.com.au and enter the code X324EL39R. All orders are to be processed through this site. Please note that no notes or money will be processed through the front office.

Kiyan loves playing at school. Harrison loves sport!

Harper loves reading and Isla loves reading too!

Samuel loves everything about being in Kindy!

Visitors’ Book—Signing in and Signing out The Department of Education requires all visitors to the school to present to the front office on arrival and sign in and once completing the visit you need to sign out. This assists in the case of an emergency and for the school to know who is on site. This includes parents attending meetings, assisting in classrooms and visiting the office. Working with Children Check (WWCC) All parent helpers who are working in the canteen or in classrooms or on school excursions and events must have a valid Working With Children Check. For volunteers, this WWCC is free and valid for five years. Please be aware that you are unable to assist in classrooms, working with children if you don’t have a valid WWCC. Applications form for applying for a WWCC are accessed online through the NSW Office of the Children’s Guardian. A link to the website can be found below. Once again we appreciate greatly your support and thank you for your assistance in this matter. www.kidsguardian.nsw.gov.au/child-safe-organisations/working-with-children-check Leadership Camp Last week our school captains and vice captains attended a leadership camp with other school leaders from 36 primary schools. The students learnt about the qualities of leaders, meeting challenges, supporting others, event organisation, public speaking and more. Tom, Lily, Oliver and Abby made the most of this opportunity and we look forward to them using and sharing their leadership skills at IRPS this year.

Swimming Carnival We had an incredible day of sunshine and swimming on Monday at our annual Swimming Carnival. Thank you to all participants, and congratulations to those who were successful in gaining a place on the Zone team. The Ridges Zone swimming carnival will be held at Blacktown Aquatic Centre on Friday 2nd March. Thank you to Ms Paton and Ms Pryzrembel for their organisation and leadership of our swimming carnival. (Photo credits to Ms Ormsby – Thank you!)

Term 1 Calendar Please see the attached calendar for the term events. The IRPS ‘Events’ Google calendar is updated regularly. We encourage all parents to download this calendar onto their phone or device to keep updated with all school goings on. Have a great weekend, Kerrie Pho and Kerry De Jager Deputy Principals

Ironbark Ridge Public School Parent Planner Term 1 2018

** Note: All dates on this planner are subject to change at the discretion of the school.

Week Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Sat/Sun

1 Jan/Feb

29 STAFF DEVELOPMENT DAY

30 Best Start Assessment Current Years 1-6 students return to school

31 Best Start Assessment Newly enrolled Years 1-6 students return to school

1 Best Start Assessment

2

3/4

2 Feb

5 Kindergarten 2018 students begin school

6 7 7pm P&C Meeting

8 Leadership Camp

9 Leadership Camp

10/11

3 Feb

12 IRPS Swimming Carnival

13 14 Student Leaders Assembly- Chinese New Year

15 Vietnamese Lunar New Year Tet

16 Enviromentors incursion – Stage 1 Chinese New Year

17/18

4 Feb

19 20 Meet the Teacher evening- Years 1-6 (except 1D)

21 Scripture begins TBC Student Leaders Assembly- Chinese New Year

22 Chinese New Year celebrations Kindy Meet the Teacher evening and BBQ

23 24/25

5 Feb/Mar

26 Meet the Teacher evening – 1D

27 28 Student Leadership Induction Assembly

1 2 Ridges Swimming Carnival Holi – Hindu Coloured Water

3/4

6 March

5 Year 4 Camp to Broken Bay

6 Year 4 Camp to Broken Bay

7 Year 4 Camp to Broken Bay Student Leaders Assembly

8 School Photos

9 10/11

7 March

12 National Young Leaders Day

13 Sydney West Swimming Carnival

14 5B & 2TL Assembly

15 Selective HS Test

16 17/18

8 March

19 20 21 Harmony Day Scripture Easter Assembly 5P & 2/1C Assembly 7pm P&C Meeting SRC Disco

22 23 24/25 P&C Scavenger Hunt

9 March/ April

26 27 28 Student Leaders Assembly

29 Easter Hat Parade Year 6 Spider Drinks

30

Good Friday

31/1

Easter Weekend

10 April

2

Easter Monday

3 K-6 Incursion: The Magic Words – Years K, 1, 2, 5, 6

4 K-6 Incursion: The Magic Words – Years 5 & 6 Whole School Assembly

5 IRPS Cross Country

6 7/8

11 April

9 Stage 1 excursion: Rouse Hill House and Farm Year 5 Camp: Mogo

10 Year 5 Camp: Mogo

11 Year 5 Camp: Mogo Year 6 Camp: Mogo No Assembly

12 Stage 1 excursion: Rouse Hill House and Farm Year 6 Camp: Mogo

13 Stage 1 excursion: Rouse Hill House and Farm Year 6 Camp: Mogo

14/15

WEEK 3 1R Adam, Quinn, Cooper, Lily 1I Amelia, Darren, Amelie, Dylan 1S Prajuarn, Aryan, Zara, Jack 2TL Bonnie, Elliot, Yalda, Oscar 2A Luke, Cage, Selina, Hantian 2M Neyli, Hamish, Ciara 3BFG Mariam, Joey, Aidan 3HM Emily, Oscar, Seif, Holly, Natalie 4T James, Giselle, Ben Roach, Rani, Jaden, Harsameep 4S Annabelle, Hanoor, Ramsey, Caeden 5B Athul, Cooper, Zara, Lucas, Liam 5GS Jordan, Beau, Mitchell, Hannah, Oliver 5W Kyra, Jayee, Rachel, Kevin, Saavir CLASS OF WEEK 1 Roos CHINESE 5 Buckbeaks ART AWARD Sienna -6M PRINCIPAL Sports House Captains

ADMINISTRATION We will be emailing out term invoices within the next couple of weeks, and this will include the final camp payment for Years 5 and 6. This is taking longer than normal due to the number of new students that have started at our school this year. Year 4 camp payment notes were given directly to students today (Fri. 16/2) and needs to be paid no later than next Wednesday 21st February. The invoice will have detailed information contained within the email about what activities are included. This will also have a “due date” for payment and this is strictly adhered to. If payment is not made by the due date, unfortunately your child will be unable to attend the activity Thank you for your co operation Mrs. Allison Batten School Administration Manager

KINDY CAPERS Welcome everyone to Kindergarten 2018. We trust that all our Kindergarten families have enjoyed the start of the school year as much as we have. Thank you to all for helping to make the transition so far a smooth and enjoyable one. Our Best Start assessment process ran smoothly thanks to your cooperation. Don’t be too surprised if your child is extremely tired during the first few weeks of school. They are learning a lot in these beginning weeks about their new school and making friends. As you can imagine, we are busy establishing daily routines that will be followed throughout the 2018 school year. Parents are encouraged to give their children space to develop independence and routines at this time. Students will be joining the whole school morning assemblies in Week 4. They will still place their bags in their class line on the basketball court and then proceed to the handball court area to line up. These morning assemblies are held each Monday and Thursday mornings. Week 4 will also see the end of our early pick up arrangements. From Monday, students will be walked to the basketball court in the afternoons for collection by parents at 3.00pm.

On Monday next week, students will start to participate in Crunch ‘n’ Sip during the morning session. Students are able to eat a small fruit or vegetable snack during this time. Snacks need to be something the students can easily remove from lunch boxes and eat while they are listening and completing activities. With our hot summer weather, please ensure your child has a water bottle and a hat. Please write your child’s full name clearly on all items of property.

Library day for all Kindergarten classes will be Tuesday and borrowing will commence in the next few weeks, students will require a library bag for borrowing. Sport day will be Friday. Please ensure sports uniform and running shoes are worn each Friday. Students participate in many art and craft activities in the classroom. If you’d like to send an art smock to help protect uniforms, please send it in to the class teacher. We are looking forward to seeing all of our parents on Thursday 22 February at 5.00pm for our Meet the Teacher and Welcome BBQ evening. After meeting with your child’s teacher in their classroom, we will all come together to meet other teachers and families at our BBQ dinner.

Classes for 2018

Kindergarten Smurfs Mrs Katrina Sexton – Assistant Principal Kindergarten Bumble Bees Miss Lauren Baracz Kindergarten Gruffalo Mrs Vanessa Goddard Kindergarten Trolls Mrs Tamara Nahirny Kindergarten Paddington Mrs Tara Pratt Kindergarten Merlins Mrs Margaret Shorten Kindergarten Wombats Mrs Louise Woodbury Kindergarten Corduroy Bears Mrs Stephanie Bryce-Borthwick (M-W) Nicole Cameron (Th/Fri) Regards, ES1 Teachers

Stage 1 Snippets The Stage One teachers would like to welcome all our families to Stage One 2018. We have formed our new classes and are enjoying getting to know your children. Stage One has 12 classes this year. Morning & Afternoon Routines As we are such a large stage we ask that parents don’t wait at the end of E block or under the canteen cola in the mornings. It makes it even more challenging for us to get to classrooms when parents are giving their child one last farewell or a last hug before the children go to their classrooms. Similarly in the afternoons we ask that you do not block the pathways at the end of the buildings. Students are taken to the basketball court to be dismissed at 3.00pm. Please collect your child from their class line. Classroom Stationery & Supplies

Many thanks to all families who have sent in classroom supplies. If you haven’t already done so, please send items in as soon as possible. We will send some reminders throughout the year to top up on various items. Glue sticks, lead pencils, handwash and paper towel run out quickly so please replenish items each term if possible.

Crunch ‘n’ Sip Each day students will participate in Crunch ‘n’ Sip during the morning session. Please remember that food containing nuts, fish, honey and eggs should not be consumed at school as some students have severe allergies to these items. This includes some snack and muesli bars. Library Borrowing books from the Library will commence in the next few weeks. Students will require a library bag for borrowing. Sport

Students will need to wear their sports uniform for Sport. Year 1 on Wednesday and Year 2 and 2/1C every Thursday. With our hot summer weather, please ensure your children have a water bottle and a school hat, both clearly labelled with your child’s full name and class.

Class Contact If you are interested in becoming a class contact please inform your child’s teacher as soon as possible. Classes for 2018 1 Jedi Mrs Alison Johnson - Assistant Principal 1 Incredibles Mrs Kylie Ingrey 1 Roos Mrs Sandra Ryan 1 Ferdinand Mrs Kerryl Florence 1 Snugglepot Mrs Tracey Sammut 1 Matilda Mrs Melissa Solomon 2/1 Cheshire Cats Mrs Alison Carter 2 The Lorax Mrs Emma Thomson Laws 2 Wonka Mrs Simone Williams (M-T) and Mrs Rebecca Ristic (F) 2 Aladdin Miss Lorriana Antoniazzi 2 Dalmations Mrs Navneet Dhillon 2 Matildas Miss Whitney Milliken Looking forward to a wonderful year of learning, Stage One Teachers

Stage 2 Snippets Weeks 2 and 3 have seen Stage 2 students in their new classes for 2018. We are so pleased with the way students have taken on the challenge of making new friends and being in a new classroom with a new teacher. Lots of news! They have taken on these changes with a growth mindset and a willingness to embrace an exciting year.

Our swimming carnival on Monday was an outstanding success and we must congratulate the fantastic swimmers of Stage 2. You are amazing sportspeople and it was so exciting watching you all do your thing in the pool. Year 4 Broken Bay Camp is getting closer! The teachers on Year 4 are so excited to have time with the kids in a context outside of the school environment. It is such a great way to get to know

them even more and it is a wonderful opportunity for new friendships, lots of laughter and just wholesome great fun. Teamwork, organisational and resilience skills developed during camp are for a lifetime and you can be assured that this will be one of their favourite things about school for 2018. Final arrangements are being made for camp and a note regarding the final payments will be sent early next week. Thank you to those parents who have been so organised and contacted teachers and the office regarding this payment. You are amazing! Please know that further information is coming. Remember to complete the Broken Bay Camp online medical survey for your child: https://sportandrecreation.nsw.gov.au/facilities/medicalandconsentform Parents/guardians must complete this form on behalf of their child. You will need the following details: Booking Number: 520885 Booking Start Date: 05/03/2018 Booking Venue: Broken Bay Sport and Recreation Centre Name of Organisation: Ironbark Ridge Public School It was fantastic to see so many Stage 2 students trying out for PSSA teams. The process of trying something new and possibly failing is a lesson within itself. Life can at times hold disappointments, along with successes, and the ability shown by students to bounce back was wonderful to see. Congratulations to those students who have achieved a place on a PSSA team. We are sure you will represent Ironbark with your sportsmanship, integrity and passion for your sport. The PSSA notes have been given to those students selected for teams and will need to be returned to the office as soon as possible. Have a wonderful weekend! The Stage 2 team Stage 3 Snippets Welcome to Stage 3, 2018 - a year that promises to be full of fun with a whole lot of work thrown in too. We’re settling in to our new classes and routines, getting to know each other through a range of activities. Our Ridgy Didge Buddies have been doing a fabulous job making our new kindergarten students feel welcome.

Congratulations to all our newly elected House Captains – we know you’ll do a terrific job. The swimming carnival was a huge success and it was wonderful to see so many of our Stage 3 students competing in the pool. Meet the Teacher Evening

On Tuesday 20 February parents and carers have the opportunity to meet the class teacher at 6:30pm in your child’s classroom. Stage 3 teachers are looking forward to meeting parents and discussing information regarding our exciting year ahead.

PSSA and Extra-Curricular Activities Try outs have been held for a variety of summer sports and teams have been finalised. The first round of PSSA will commence on Friday 16th February. Those who did not make it into the PSSA teams will be involved in weekly school sport. For more information regarding PSSA and the weekly draw, you can access the Ridges PSSA website. Other dance groups will soon be up and running, along with choir, debating and public speaking.

Camp Stage 3 students will be attending a three-day camp to Mogo. Year 5 will attend from Monday 9th April to Wednesday 11th April and Year 6 students from Wednesday 11th April to Friday 13th April. The purpose of this camp is to engage students so they will enjoy the living history of the Australian 1850s Gold Rush days and participate in an array of fun and educational activities. Other activities will include Mogo Zoo and the Wollongong Science Centre. More information will be provided closer to the end of term. Please keep an eye on your emails, newsletters, the school APP and Facebook page for updates and reminders of activities. We are looking forward to this busy but exciting term. Thank you in advance, for your support and for encouraging your child to always have a go and give of their best. Stage 3 Teachers SCHOOL SWIMMING CARNIVAL Our annual School Swimming Carnival was held on Monday 12th February. We were very fortunate to have wonderful weather and congratulations to all swimmers on their amazing efforts. A number of records were broken by Suzie A and Haya S. Congratulations to both girls. House Places: 1st Wattle 2nd Bluegum 3rd Casuarina 4th Waratah Age Champions: Junior Girls: Suzie A Junior Boys: Veer D 11 Years Girls: Judy S 11 Years Boys: Oliver P

12 Years Girls: Haya S 12 Years Boys: Carter J

The Ridges Zone Swimming Carnival will be held on Friday 2rd March, at Blacktown Aquatic Centre. Notes have been sent home with swimmers involved. Best wishes to all Ironbark competitors.

Thank You Judy Paton

CHINESE Xīnnián Kuàilè! 新年 快乐！ Gōngxǐ fācái! 恭喜发财！ Happy Chinese New Year everyone! Chinese New Year started today with celebrations lasting for the next 15 days. This week and next week our school leaders are running our assemblies with a Chinese New Year theme. Also next week on Thursday, we will be having a traditional lion dance troupe come and perform for us. The lion dance is done to scare away all the bad luck and old problems from the previous year and bring good luck for the year ahead. As our school begins a new stage of growth it will be a wonderful way to start our learning in our new classes. We have also been decorating classrooms and some of the common areas of the school and I would ask all students and teachers to wear red and/or yellow next Thursday to help us celebrate. If you have a traditional Chinese costume at home please feel free to wear it no matter what the colour. We will also be selling fortune cookies and fried rice in the canteen. A yellow note will come home today with all the details. We wish all of our Ironbark families a happy and prosperous new year.

Xīnnián Kuàilè! 新年 快乐！ Mrs Linda Przyrembel & Miss Chantelle Chong

Borrowing from our School Library will commence in Week 5. Please ensure your child/children bring their library bag on their class Library Day.

Thank you Library Teachers

Garden Club

2018 began with a harvest and a feast for the Ironbark Ridge Gardening Club. It was a much deserved reward for all of the effort, energy and enthusiasm put in by all involved in 2017. Many thanks go to Mr Ian and Mrs Weekley for keeping the garden and worm farm alive during the school holidays. Our plants are thriving and looking wonderful. This year, Garden Club will be opening up to students in stage 1 and 2. Interested students must listen for announcements made at morning assembly informing of where and when meetings will be held. Participants usually will spend one lunch time each week working on Gardening Club projects in the vegetable garden or around the school.

COMMUNITY NOTICES

Go4Fun has now helped over 10,000 children and their families to live happier, healthier lives! This FREE program offers children and their families information about healthy eating, provides

opportunities to put the screen down, get more physically active and build self confidence. Where can

you find a local Go4Fun program?

Stanhope Gardens Blacktown Greystanes Granville Baulkham Hills North Rocks Wentworthville