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2020 IS THE YEAR OF GRATITUDE AT WPS

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Issue 7 – 20 May 2020 Term 2 Week 4 It has been lovely welcoming students back to school. We have certainly missed them. Some were feeling anxious which was to be expected but once they reconnected with their friends and teachers, they quickly settled back into routine. I know Mr Day and I have certainly enjoyed our time with them in the playground. You can tell students are genuinely happy to be back.

Dates to Remember 2020

CANTEEN CLOSED THIS FRIDAY 22 MAY

Monday 25 May

Students return to full time school

Monday 25 May

Uniform shop open 8:30am – 9:30am

Monday 25 May

Canteen open 5 days a week

WOODPORT

Public School Phone: 4367 7324 Email: woodport –p.school@det.nsw.edu.au Principal: Judy Boland

Woodport at play

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I would like to thank Brett Mitchell (Professor of Nursing at The University of Newcastle) for educating staff about COVID-19, in particular prevention and control. His presentation reassured us that school is a safe environment for staff and children. His time and expertise were greatly appreciated. Next Monday 25 May, will see all students return to school every day. Schools continue to be safe and operations are in line with Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) guidelines and NSW Health advice. All students are expected to attend school unless they are unwell. If parents believe that their child has a condition which means it is not safe for him or her to return to school, they will need to obtain a medical certificate. Thank you to everyone for observing the new drop off and pick up procedures. The staggered pick up will continue for the remainder of the term and is outlined below. WEEK 5 – STUDENT PICK UP AND DROP OFF From Monday 25 May the following rules will be in place to ensure the safety of all students and staff. Parents and carers are to utilise the Kiss and Drop Zone for drop off and pick up in the mornings

and afternoons. Parents are to remain in their cars (a staff member will be on duty from 8:25am - 8:55am and

again from 2:30pm to assist families). Parents are NOT to call children across the road. Students are to cross the road when deemed

safe by the crossing supervisor. School pick up will be staggered K-2 students and their siblings being collected from the Kiss and Drop Zone will depart school at

2:35pm. Students will be escorted to the area by a teacher.

All other students will depart school at 2:50pm. That includes students who: are in Years 3-6 using Kiss and Drop Zone attend WOOSH catch a bus walk home – (depart school via the gate closest to the pedestrian crossing) meet parents – (outside the school gates)

We are in the process of making name cards that we would like parents to place on the sun visor (passenger side) of their car to ensure safe and efficient collection of children. We ask that parents do not enter the school grounds for pick up and drop off. Please wait outside the school gate observing social distancing practices. Please discuss new procedures with your children prior to next week. SCHOOL HEALTH AND SAFETY PRACTICES The following School Health and Safety practices will be in place:

• Parents and carers are to utilise the Kiss and Drop Zone. • Staff and students are not to attend school if they are unwell or presenting flu-like symptoms -

parents will be called immediately if they do. • Communicate with us via email, Class Dojo and phone wherever possible. • Social distancing of 1.5 metres will continue for all adults on our school site. • Maintain social distancing by avoiding gathering outside of school gates – if there are too many

people near the gate wait back for the crowd to clear. • Additional soap, hand sanitiser, paper towel and wipes have been provided by the Department

of Education and can be found in all areas of the school. Please talk to your children about the importance of proper handwashing and the appropriate use of hand sanitiser.

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• Enhanced cleaning by additional staff focusing on high touch points such as hard surfaces, door handles, light switches and handrails has been implemented.

• Essential visitors only, such as departmental staff, allied health providers, wellbeing and case management professionals, maintenance providers and final year teaching practicum students will be permitted on site.

• No non-essential visitors are to be on site (including parents). We need to, as a school, appreciate these practices for the safety of staff and students. SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

• short outdoor school assemblies to deliver critical communication • canteen and uniform shop will operate • school sporting activities will recommence in stages • school incursions and excursions are on hold e.g. camp • no inter-school activities (debating, inter-school sport) • no in-school activities requiring volunteers (e.g. scripture, reading support etc)

P&C MEETING Our P&C met last Monday night via Zoom. It was great to catch up with the team and discuss plans for the school moving forward. The P&C will be funding the purchase of playground games that will be installed in coming months.

SEMESTER ONE REPORTS This semester the written report to parents will look different to previous years as it has been modified to reflect the current teaching and learning environment. A five-point scale will not be used to describe the achievement in each subject area taught. Instead it will encapsulate student’s progress and achievement of the learning content provided both at school and at home. The written report has been simplified to reflect the adjustments to learning during this time. Semester One reports will be going home on Friday 26 June and will be followed up with an interview. PARENT/TEACHER INTERVIEWS Families will soon receive letters from their child’s teacher inviting them to attend a parent teacher interview. These will be held in the last week of this term. The interviews are your opportunity to discuss with the teacher your child’s current progress (including learning from home), their learning goals for the year, their social development and any other areas you would like to discuss. As always, should you have any concerns please do not wait - contact your child’s teacher so the issue of concern may be dealt with promptly. BORROWED DEVICES All devices that were loaned to families during the pandemic will need to be returned to the office first thing Monday morning so they are available for class use next week. Please ensure your name is marked off the register. UNIFORM SHOP The uniform shop will open on Monday mornings for the remainder of the term from 8:30am – 9:30am. If you wish to access the uniform shop, please sign in to the front office and collect a visitors badge before making your way to the shop. Alternatively, you can order on line through the school’s website and the clothing will be delivered to your child’s class. Cash and EFTPOS are accepted. Hats are also available from the school canteen. Slouch hats are $16.00, legionnaire hats $15.00. Fleecy zip up jackets in sizes 10 and 12 are currently out of stock and will be available in 2 weeks. There are plenty of “V” neck jumpers and micro-fibre polar fleece jackets available.

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CONGRATULATIONS The Easter Raffle was drawn on Thursday 14 May, congratulations to the following winners. 1st Prize - $150.00 voucher from Casey’s Toys Erina plus a basket of Easter Eggs – Barlow Family 2nd Prize – basket of Easter eggs – Sophie J – 2E 3rd Prize – basket of Easter eggs - Jenny Morrow – (Harrison and Ellen’s Grandmother) Book Sellers Prize – tube of Easter eggs - Sophie S – 1/2R Thank you to everyone who purchased and supported our P&C and thank you to Jess Carroll and Linda Scown for organising the raffle. FAREWELL MRS O’NEIL We will farewell Mrs O’Neil next Thursday as she takes maternity leave. On behalf of the school community I wish Mrs O’Neil and her husband the very best as they await the arrival of their third child and we look forward to meeting the new addition to their family. The dedication, commitment and enthusiasm she displays in the various roles she undertakes within the school, particularly with dance and sport is much appreciated. We are very fortunate to have a permanent staff member, Mrs Claire Eland, return from leave and take on the role of class teacher of 5O for the remainder of the year. Mr Morris will continue to teach the class on Fridays. Mrs Eland is very excited to be returning to school and becoming the new class teacher of 5O. Thank you very much Mrs O’Neil, we will miss you. Judy Boland Principal

ENROL NOW FOR KINDERGARTEN 2021 Enrolments are now open for Kindergarten 2021 and Kindy Start 2020. Kindy Start will be held on Mondays from 20 July 2020. Enrolment may be completed on line or enrolment forms are available at the school office or on the Woodport Public School website for parents that live in our school zone.

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CONSERVATORIUM HIGH SCHOOL ENTRY FOR 2021 Applications are open for students wishing to audition for the Conservatorium High School for entry in 2021. Applications will close on 5 June 2020. To apply, go to the Conservatorium High website and fill out the Expression of Interest https://conhigh.nsw.edu.au/2021-entry-application/ Auditions will be begin in July.

Life Education has been rescheduled for Term 3, Weeks 7 and 8.

A revised timetable will be available next term.

SCHOOL PHOTOS Printing of school photographs is taking MSP Photography longer than normal due to COVID-19. MSP has had to cut back staffing at its lab to meet social distancing protocols. They estimate that photos are still going to be a few weeks away. Thanks for everyone’s patience. Melissa Goodman

NEW ONLINE ENROLMENT SYSTEM

We are excited to announce that we are rolling out the new Online Enrolment System.

The Online Enrolment System is designed to provide flexibility for parents to submit an Application to Enrol in a NSW Government School online at the time that best suits you. The application can be accessed on all browsers and mobile devices including iOS and Android.

The online application process is currently restricted to:

• Enrolments into local schools only • Children who are Australian citizens, New Zealand citizens or permanent residents • Children who live in NSW.

We offer our support and encourage you to complete your application to enrol online. If, however, you do not feel comfortable completing an application online, a paper copy will be available for collection from the front office or can be downloaded from the Department’s going to a public school site.

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kindergarten It has been exciting to welcome back our beautiful Kindergarten students to face-to-face learning. We are thrilled with the progress they have made during this challenging time and a huge shout out must go to the parents and carers of our Early Stage 1 students for their continued support and encouragement. We have enjoyed receiving photos, videos and work samples demonstrating engagement in their learning. At school the children have enjoyed reconnecting with both friends and teachers and have easily settled back into classroom routines. We look forward to returning to normal lessons next week. Please remember we are always at the end of the phone, email or Dojo for support. We acknowledge the challenge that learning from home presented and thank you all for the terrific job you’ve done to ensure continuity of learning.

KINDERGARTEN LEARNING AT HOME AND

AT SCHOOL

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stage 1 Stage 1 have had a fantastic fortnight and have been very happy to see their friends again as we return to school for one day a week. As you can imagine teachers are so excited to reunite with their classes and have been busy teaching face-to-face lessons. We have been looking at information reports and digging in to some place value, addition and subtraction. Stage 1 teachers have been overwhelmed by how successful the students have been as they return to class showing us how much they have learnt and achieved during home learning.

A big thank you to all our parents who have worked tirelessly becoming teachers at home, we know this has been challenging for everyone. We have been so grateful for all your kind words, communication and pictures of amazing things happening outside the classroom.

Here are just some of them:

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stag e 2

It has been great to see all the fabulous learning that is occurring at home. We love to see all the hard work and fun activities you have been completing. Stage 2 have really enjoyed all the STEM activities these past weeks, especially when they can create them together as a family!! Remember to send lots of pictures to your teacher, it makes her day!

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Stage 3 What a fantastic start to Term 2. Stage 3 students have been working hard both online and at school on their day of learning producing work of which to be proud. This week there were many happy children and teachers as our Year 5 and 6 students had the opportunity to connect face-to-face with their peers and teachers. There was so much catching up to be had, laughs, stories and learning. Stage 3 teachers are looking forward to seeing all of the students back in the classroom next week. Here is a taste of what our Stage 3 classes have been up to.

Hazelle’s Easter egg craft

Isaac’s Maze – STEM project!

First day back 5/6S

Holly participated in the first letter of your name challenge - Harper (dog) highlighter and a brush.

5O has started reading the novel, Wonder, by R.J. Palacio and have been introduced to some very inspirational and brave characters who just might change their perspective on how they see kindness and courage. As we read this book, students are encouraged to keep an open mind and grow as a person!

Evan timetabling his week

Emilee completed her stem activity – a luggage holder made out of recycled materials

Toby and Mason working hard at home

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CANTEEN NEWS We are very excited the canteen has re-opened Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at the moment. The canteen will resume normal operation (Monday to Friday) from Monday 25 May, 2020. Our full menu is available to order on FlexiSchools. We are accepting cash over the counter. I would like to say thank you to the families that have been ordering and supporting the canteen.

Please support small businesses during this hard and challenging time.

Remember our treats start from as little as 20c.

Thankyou Raelene Hill Canteen manager

MEET THE LIBRARY MONITORS – SAGA K – 5/6O

Why did you want to be a library monitor? I wanted to be a library monitor because I love helping out in the library and I really enjoy using my time for something helpful. What do you enjoy about being a library monitor? I really enjoy Book Week, sharpening pencils and putting away books. Share your favourite book and why? My favourite book is Wings of Fire #2 – The Lost Heir by Tui T Sutherland because it has a good story board. If you could meet any character from a book, who would you choose? I would like to meet Glory from Wing of Fire. Best quote from a book you have read? “Why blend in when you’re born to stand out” from Dr Seuss.

Do you have any advice for children who don’t like reading? Reading is essential to learning. It is also really enjoyable. Can you recommend a book? “Pirate Pug” – age 8+

ATTENTION

ALL PARENTS & CARE GIVERS

Please DO NOT enter

All children attending WOOSH Care will be signed in & signed out by the staff.

If there is no staff member monitoring the gate on your arrival, please use the bell on the gate.

If you do not have a staff member acknowledge your presence, within a reasonable timeframe, please call the mobile 0455 035 794 (preferred) or the landline 4367 8666.

In the event of wet weather, please call the mobile number from your vehicle.

Staff will organise your child/ren & their belongings, then bring them to the gate/car.

Thank you.

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KISS AND DROP

ERNIE SAYS …

As Safe, Respectful Learners, students should always follow the

school-wide expectations while waiting at Kiss and Drop.

SAFE

• stay in designated area • hands and feet to self • everything in bag

RESPECTFUL • polite, quiet talk • keep walkway clear • listen carefully

LEARNER

• right place, right time • look, listen and wait • enter car kerbside

PERSONAL HYGIENE

ERNIE SAYS …

As Safe, Respectful Learners, students should always follow the

School-wide expectations for keeping well.

SAFE

• wash hands regularly • cough and sneeze into elbow

RESPECTFUL • stay at home if unwell • tissues in bin

LEARNER

• drink from your water bottle • avoid sharing stationery

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Happy Birthday to these students who have recently celebrated:

Central Coast Library Service News

Welcome to term 2. School holidays have come to an end and regardless of whether you are home-schooling or back in the classroom, we are here to help.

Our branches remain closed, but our eLibrary is available 24/7 with a range of online services and resources to support teachers, parents and students. You can still call our branches for assistance with setting up resources, reading recommendations, requesting books or finding information. Our specialist teams are also available to help you navigate online resources simply email your enquiry to the Outreach teams below via library@centralcoast.nsw.gov.au

Children and Young Adults Team - Beckie, Wayne and Yvonne

Training and Support Librarian - Philippa

History Team (Family and Local History) - Michelle and Geoff

Joining the library has never been easier.

1. Visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/membership 2. Click ‘join online’ 3. Accept the terms and conditions 4. Choose your preferred branch location 5. Enter your details 6. Press submit You will be issued with a library membership number. Use this number to access the eLibrary resources and sign into the Central Coast Library Service app. Your password is your date of birth as an eight digit number [ddmmyyyy]. All online membership accounts will remain valid until our library branches re-open. Need further assistance? Email library@centralcoast.nsw.gov.au

Olivia P – 3/4A Sophie F – 1S Oliver Z – 5O Emily G – 2E

Massimo B – 5/6S Alicia G – 2E Kiara P – 3P Anastasia K – KM

Liam T – KB Tabitha R – 1B Inara W – 5M Scarlett A – 3/4A

Isaac D – KT Sophie Anne S – 1/2R Helerin M – KB Michael K – 2/3J

Jasmine N – 2C Sierra F – KM Sophie W – 4D Nate D – 4D

Marley S – 4K Saga K – 5/6S

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STUDENT AWARDS KB Willow M James C Liam T Emma J KM Fraser L Anastasia K Havana D Abigail T KT Lenny P Izzy B Jasper F Niamh V 1B Amelia B Charlotte B Micah L Xavier B 1S Jayden M Aiden W Aubrey G Jennifer G 1/2R Caitlin F Oliver M Amelia G Summer N 2C Logan Z Sage S Ashton O Emily W 2E Koby M Dylan H Emily G Caliana C

2/3J Bayley L Noah M Jack D Caden M Curtis S 3P Jaxon S Isabella E Emilee-Jane G Helena S Chayse W Lockie T 3/4A Neridah M Jimmy G Lucas H Eva B Summer C-L Ali V 4D Jessica H Ella F Miliyah N George B Harry P Gemma A 4K Lucas S Meeki W Ruby M Alice H Daniella C Noah W 5M Kallan B 5O Semisi G Macaela P Olivia M Toby F Lea N Julian H-R 5/6S Brayden A Hazelle B Rosa F Isaak G Edan S Tahlia S 6B Leilani M Liam A Ben P Griffin W Zoe W Harrison B 6E Bella R Josh S Darcy M Mia F Bailey W Sammy W

EBS AWARDS Jakeb B – 5O Nate D – 4D

GOLD BOOK – CONGRATULATIONS! At Woodport PS the Principal, Mrs Boland has a very special book, called ‘The Gold Book’. Students are given the opportunity to share their work with her. Mrs Boland is always so very proud of their efforts and she thoroughly enjoys this special time with them. Listed below are the students who were sent to Gold Book in the past fortnight.

Ben P – 6B Josh H – 6B Scarlett A – 3/4A Charlotte B – 1B George B – 4D Kallan B – 5M Floyd P – 3P Bentley F – KM Willow M – KM Sophie W – 4D Ava S-B -4D Brent D – 4D Harry P – 4D Phoebe M – 1B Abigail J – 1B Parker M – 1B Alegra M – 1B Bailey S – 1B Freya S – 1B Marcus G – 1B Owen N – 6B Kane D – 6B Harrison B – 6B Charlotte r – 5/6J Isabelle H – 5/6J Lazar N – 5/6S Ema R-R – 5/6S Sophie W – 5/6S Stevie S – 5/6S Taj B – 5/6S Jasmine M – 5/6S Sam W-M – 5/6S Beth P – 5/6S Ruary M – 5/6S Rosa F – 5/6S Edan S – 5/6S Jayden S-H – 5/6S Cooper F – 5/6S Olivia M – 5O Toby F – 5O Holly A – 5O Zane D – 6E Corey T – 6E Josh S – 6E Evan P-B – 6E Jonas P – 6E Sky A – 6E Jordan H – 6E Kobi G – 6E Ryan S – 6B Ciarn S – 6B Griffin W – 6B

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INFORMATION FROM THE GOT IT TEAM

The GOT IT Team from Central Coast Area Health have been working at our school this year. They have made available some information which may be of assistance during these challenging times. COPING WITH THE NEW NORM The world has become a very different place in the past few months. We are all adapting to a changed world where new rules, regulations and social contact has turned how we usually live upside down. Everyone everywhere is trying to adapt to a new norm that has no immediate end in sight. A parent’s own coping style and mental wellbeing can have a big influence on how well a child adapts to this new environment. As a parent, it is therefore very important to look after yourself first and seek help as early as possible if you are finding it hard to cope. Now more than any other time it is very important to fill up on your own buckets so that you have room to deal with our children’s responses to the crisis as well as all the everyday little crises that occur. SELF-CARE STRATEGIES FOR PARENTS AND CAREGIVERS Try to get a good night’s sleep. This can be a difficult task for busy parents/carers. There are some good tips available at the following website to assist if sleep is a problem for you. https://www.sleephealthfoundation.org.au/tips-for-a-good-night-s-sleep.html Make time for some physical activity. A walk in the sunshine can lift mood and boost vitamin, breathing exercises, meditation or yoga can help reduce stress. There are some good tips for these calming exercises at the following website. https://raisingchildren.net.au/grown-ups/looking-after-yourself/anger-anxiety-stress/breathing-exercises Look after your dietary needs. Research shows that healthy eating can improve moods and wellbeing some great tips can be found on this website. https://raisingchildren.net.au/guides/first-1000-days/looking-after-yourself/eating-exercise-for-parents

Connecting with friends and families others. Connecting with family and friends can help us cope. We often feel better when we debrief with our loved ones. Often solutions are found when our problems are shared and explored. Due to social restrictions staying in touch may mean using skype, zoom, what’s app, messenger or any other media resource to have a virtual coffee time. These may be new technologies for you to explore get some tech help from others if you need it. If you don’t have many contacts and would like to discuss ideas with other parent or carers then there are forums on the internet such as the one operated by Reach Out. https://forums.parents.au.reachout.com/?gclid=EAIaI