term 1 week 2 5 february 2020 dates for your diary thursday 6 february …€¦ · term 1 week 2...

Respect, Responsibility, Resilience.

Dear Parents/Carers WELCOME Yesterday, we welcomed 96 new Kindergarten students to our school. To these students and their families, we extend a special welcome and wish them a long and happy association with our school. Our new students coped very well with the introduction of ‘big school’. They waved mum, dad, grandma and grandpa off, without any hesitation. When I visited each classroom, every child was happy and comfortable in their new environment. Congratulations to parents for the preparations you have made over the last six months to get them to this point. I also thank and congratulate our Kindergarten team for their efforts to ensure the children remained happy and comfortable. Kindergarten will spend the next few weeks getting to know their new environment, establishing routines and making new friends. I also welcome to our school 30 new families whose children began at Oakhill Drive Public School from Years 1-6. We will make it our top priority to ensure your children feel settled and happy in their new school too. To this end, we have placed each child with a buddy from their class to help show the children around. If you are unsure of any procedures please don’t hesitate to see your child’s teacher or contact the school office. I wish to thank our staff who have worked consistently over the holidays both on and off site to prepare for our students. Mr Bleakley has also worked through extreme heat to ensure our grounds are maintained. During the summer break, the Department of Education replaced two roofs in our school. This included gutters and down pipes. The Library/Lib Lab and the hall roofs are now water tight!! In the next few weeks, work will begin on the lower oval to correct the erosion. A sandpit will be added to this playground where students can enjoy their breaks. Staffing We welcome back to our school, Mrs Michelle Johns and Mrs Beth McElhenny from maternity leave, who will be working two days per week. We also welcome to our school Mrs Stacey Pham, Mrs Amy Pullinger, Mrs Kay de Sacadura, Miss Hannah Vallentine and Mr Christopher Chapman. During the summer break, Mrs Kelly Cartwright was successful through the merit selection process to gain a teaching principal position at Brooklyn Public School. We wish her all the very best in that role. However, this leaves a vacancy in our school. Following an Expression of Interest, Miss Anna Chamberlain will fill this position until we complete the merit selection process. A panel will be formed, representing our staff, the parent community and our director’s nominee. It is anticipated that this position will be advertised, before the end of Term 1.

Term 1 Week 2 5 February 2020

Dates for your Diary Term 1 Week 2 Thursday 6 February Junior Band Handout Night 6:00pm Friday 7 February Week 3 Monday 10 February Tuesday 11 February Kindergarten Meet the Teacher Stage 2 (Yrs 3 & 4) Meet the Teacher Wednesday 12 February Student Leadership Team Photos Thursday 13 February K-2 Assembly – Hall 2:00pm Sydney Kings Visit – selected students Stage 1 (Ys 1 & 2) Meet the Teacher Stage 3 (Yrs 5 & 6) Meet the Teacher Friday 14 February Years 4-6 Sport Week 4 Monday 17 February Kindergarten Gymnastics Tuesday 18 February Wednesday 19 February Thursday 20 February 3-6 Assembly – Hall 2:00pm Friday 21 February Summer PSSA – Round 1 Welcome BBQ

OAKHILL DRIVE PUBLIC SCHOOL NEWSLETTER


Welcome BBQ Our P&C will be hosting a Welcome BBQ for all Kindergarten families as well as new families to our school, on Friday 21 February 2020. More information will follow. We look forward to seeing you all then. Class Formations We are currently finalising student placements in 29 classes for 2020. As I write, these are not yet confirmed. We are still trying to establish the wellbeing and whereabouts of several absent students. These missing numbers influence the number of classes we can offer. I hope to have this finalised soon and announce our classes and their teachers in future newsletters. Relationships are Key In the first few weeks of school, our teachers prioritise building relationships between students and themselves and providing opportunities for students to make connections with their peers. Building a cohesive team that learns and plays harmoniously together. At Oakhill Drive Public School we believe this is a key investment to ensure a successful year ahead. Deputy Principals Mrs Helen Paris and Mrs Julie Torney are our non-teaching Deputy Principals. They assist the Principal in leading and managing the school. They liaise with teachers and parents regarding student welfare matters, monitor curriculum implementation and plan for professional development of teachers. This year Mrs Paris, is reducing her working week to three days. Mrs Hollie Brito, will relieve in this position (2 days/wk). Assistant Principals

Early Stage 1 (K) Ms Mesiti Stage 1 (1-2) Mr Steel Stage 2 (3-4) Miss Chamberlain Stage 3 (5-6) Miss Feeney

The role of the Assistant Principal, additional to their primary role of classroom teacher, is the leadership of the programs and initiatives of their stage. They provide support to teachers and parents on their stage about student welfare as well as supporting the principal and liaising with parents. In addition, Assistant Principals have school planning responsibilities and a number of other roles specific to their stage. The Assistant Principals job share with a buddy teacher. They are off class two days per week to support their team of teachers to improve student outcomes. Support Programs

Library Mrs Ranaweera Mrs McMunnigall

EAL/D (English as an additional Language or Dialect)

Mrs Pham

Learning & Support Coordinator Learning & Support Teacher

Mrs Ehsman Mrs Tondini

Science & Technology (RFF) Mrs Vanderklauw, Mrs Pascoe, Mrs Johns, Mrs McElhenny

Other RFF Mrs McMunnigall, Mrs Poulton School Counsellor Mr Luke Mcadam (M,W,Th)

All teachers are entitled to 2hrs per week of non-face to face teaching for planning and preparation. This is called relief from face to face teaching (RFF). During this time each class is taught by the RFF teachers.



Administration Support School Administrative Manager Mrs Maddalena School Administrative Officers Mrs Sparkes, Mrs Jackson, Mrs Randell and

Mrs Spajic

General Assistant Mr Bleakley Over the next few weeks I will give more detail about each of the above programs. All teachers are qualified to teach classes K-6 and this year some have been given the opportunity to experience teaching a different grade from previously. I look forward to the fresh ideas and enthusiasm that different staff members bring to their stage. Meet the Teacher Information Evenings These meetings are an opportunity for parents to meet their child’s classroom teacher, hear about routines, programs and expectations. Educating your child is a three-way partnership, between the school, the parents and the child. It is important we are all on the same page and aware of what the goals are. This way we can all play an active role in reaching that important goal. This is not an opportunity to discuss individual children. Parents wishing to speak with the teacher about their child may organise an appointment directly with the teacher. Later in Term 1, we will be organising meetings with each family to discuss your child’s progress. Leadership Camp On Wednesday, Thursday and Friday of this week our Year 6 Captains and Vice-captains will be attending Leadership Camp. This camp provides a great opportunity for the children to meet with school leaders from other schools in our area and develop skills to assist them in fulfilling their role as a school leader effectively. I look forward to introducing them to you via this newsletter in the next few weeks. P&C Meeting The February meeting of the P&C will be held on Monday 10 February 2020 starting at 7:30pm in the staffroom. All parents are invited. School Contributions In the following weeks you will receive an invoice for planned excursions/incursions, sporting activities, consumables, text books and levies. You may pay with cash, cheque, credit card or online payment. If you have any queries please do not hesitate to call our office to speak to Mrs Maddalena. School Procedures WH&S Every Body’s Business We discourage students from arriving onto the site before 8:30am. No student must be left unaccompanied on site after school. Parents socialising on the grounds must be actively supervising their children and toddlers at all times. Before School: Students are supervised from 8:30am. They remain seated under the COLA (Covered Outdoor Learning Area) until the 8:40am bell. Students may play on the oval, basketball court or under the COLA. Balls are only allowed on the oval before school. Dismissal at 3:00pm: Year 1 and 2 students will be dismissed from the basketball steps, 3-6 (including 2/3W) from the COLA. The classrooms up/downstairs and beyond the library are accessed through two narrow pathways, making access to and from at peak hours (9:00am & 3:00pm) difficult. We ask parents to assist us by not accompanying their children to their classrooms in the morning and to pick them up from under the

There is no parking available on site for parents. We ask parents to use the two gates on David Road to enter and exit the grounds. This does not include the driveway gate. It is not safe to walk children through the car park.



COLA and basketball Steps. If you are supporting our students for literacy groups, please wait under the COLA until you are required in class. Kindergarten are to be picked and dropped off from their classroom for this week. If your child has forgotten something they require please bring it to the student services window. Please do not disturb lessons by going directly to the classroom. Food Unfortunately we do not offer any refrigeration for student food. In Summer, I strongly urge all parents to ensure ice bricks or frozen poppers are used to keep food cool. Skoolbag App I urge all parents to load the Skoolbag App and update the grade their child/ren are in. We use this daily as a means of updating and reminding you of events. Betty Ploeg (pronounced Plough) Principal Learning at Oakhill Drive Public School Our school vision at Oakhill Drive Public School is that “Our students will gain the skills, knowledge and attitudes, that will prepare them to be creative, connected and collaborative lifelong learners. Our students will be encouraged to become healthy, well rounded, global citizens who contribute to the creation of the common good in today's knowledge based, dynamic, interdependent world.” In order to achieve this vision, we set school goals which are planned, actioned, monitored and reflected throughout the year. As part of the action phase, we undertake research and professional learning to implement research for all teachers. This year, professional learning undertaken by all staff includes:

• Mandatory training (Code of Conduct, Child Protection, Anaphylaxis, CPR.) • Data analysis (Internal data and external data including NAPLAN) • Curriculum development (New PDHPE and Science & Technology syllabus) • Wellbeing and relationships (Restorative practices) • Induction for new teachers and teachers that are new to the school in our teaching

methodology and wellbeing & relationships • Moderation to develop teachers’ consistency of judgement in learning

Professional development is delivered by internal and external experts during school and after school hours. Executive and mentor staff support the learning in practice by working in classrooms of each teacher a number of times each term; this means that teachers co-teach to model, guide and learn from each other. Special Education in Religion/Ethics We are in the process of forming classes and teachers for SRE/SEE. You child will be placed into the group as nominated by parents/carers in 2019. If you wish to make an alteration to the group, please contact the office or refer to the school website for a new permission form. At Oakhill Drive Public School, we plan to offer classes in the following:

• Buddhist • Catholic • Islamic • Orthodox • Protestant • Sikh • Ethics (Years 2, 5 & 6 only in 2020 at this stage)



Kindergarten Our Kindergarten students are settling in very well to school at Oakhill Drive. They are making many new friendships and getting to know their teachers while they learn through playing, drawing, creating and imagining.

Julie Torney Deputy Principal Talking About Bushfires Following on from last week’s newsletter item on ‘Talking About Bushfires’, please take the time to read about the different strategies you can use with your children, if they are feeling anxious about the recent bushfire disaster. As adults, we need to manage our own shock, grief, anxiety and anger before talking to young people about the bushfires. However, there are several key strategies that can be implemented to support kids who feel scared or worried as a result of this event. Below is a toolkit which contains resources to help and support adults and children before, during, and after a disaster or traumatic event. It will help you understand some of the impacts of disaster and how you can help lessen these impacts. Emergencies and disasters are extremely stressful and it is normal to feel overwhelmed. Children, even infants, can also be affected. They depend on the adults around them for safety and security, and will



need reassurance, care, and opportunities to share their feelings. These resources provide a starting point for you to help children navigate the different stages of a disaster. Community Trauma Toolkit https://emergingminds.com.au/resources/toolkits/community-trauma-toolkit/ If you do have any concerns about the wellbeing of your child, please contact the school for further information or seek medical or professional help. Personal Development, Health (PDH) This week in health lessons, students will be focussing on the book called the ‘The Golden Rule’. This book is a gentle reminder of a timeless rule for parent and child: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. ... In this gorgeously illustrated book, a grandfather explains to his grandson that the Golden Rule means you "treat people the way you would like to be treated. You may like to continue the discussion of this important topic at home or perhaps enjoy listening to the story together. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HADIgbrSW5s Mrs Marsaus Assistant Principal Wellbeing – LEARN IT, LIVE IT, TEACH IT! Quality Relationships and Wellbeing

As many parents are aware, Oakhill Drive Public School, as part of our Wellbeing & Relationships Program, subscribes to the excellent parent resource, SchoolTV. Each month we inform you of the special topic which has been prepared by a team of specialist doctors and counsellors, led by Dr Michael Carr-Gregg. Please take a few minutes to click on the link/s below and choose from a range of current and previous topics that may be of interest to you and your family. Parents of Kindy students, Year 7 students and those new to Oakhill Drive may find this month’s topic of School Transitions very relevant. https://oakhilldr-p.schools.nsw.schooltv.me/category-latest-newsletter School Transitions Whether it is starting school for the first time, moving up to a higher grade or embarking on a journey through secondary school, there is no doubt that any school transition is a very exciting time for children and parents. It means that the children are growing up! However, for many it may also be a very anxious and stressful time for both parents and children. Parents need to be aware of their child’s feelings during any school transition and minimise anxiety so the process is an enjoyable experience for all. It is important for children to attend transition or orientation programs offered by schools. Familiarisation is often key to reducing stress levels. It is also important for parents to talk to their children about their expectations and being more responsible for their own needs. https://oakhilldr-p.schools.nsw.schooltv.me/newsletter/school-transitions

https://emergingminds.com.au/resources/toolkits/community-trauma-toolkit/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HADIgbrSW5s

https://oakhilldr-p.schools.nsw.schooltv.me/category-latest-newsletter

https://oakhilldr-p.schools.nsw.schooltv.me/newsletter/school-transitions



2020 Representative Sporting Trials Each year there are trials for students to be part of a zone or area team in a variety of sports. As a school we are able to select a few students to send to each trial. To attend trials, students are expected to participate in the sport outside of school in either Division 1 or Representative level in U11/12 age group or above. Most sports are only open to Year 5 and 6 students. When trials are announced, the Representative Sport Coordinator and coach of the sport will consider any suitable students, looking at the level they play out of school and skills shown in weekly PSSA. Most of the zone trials are held after school within the local area. It is the parents’ responsibility to transport your child to the various venues. The following is a list of the sports: Girls and Boys: Basketball, cricket, diving, golf, hockey, netball, orienteering, soccer, softball,

tennis, touch football, water polo Boys only: AFL, rugby league, rugby union

If your child meets the criteria to be nominated as a possible school representative at a trial, please send in the following details to Miss Lord:

• Child’s name, class, age, date of birth • Chosen representative sport • Local club and representative teams – name of club/s, current competing age group, division,

number of years played • Positions played.

Janelle Lord Representative Sport Coordinator

Notes Due

3-6 Homework Program participation Thursday 13 February Stage 2 (includes 2/3W) Film and Multimedia Permission Thursday 13 February

Special Report: Moving to a New School Families often move to different areas, locations and even countries for various reasons and this often results in children having to change schools. Moving to a new school is a big deal! It can be one of the most significant transition periods of a student’s life. Children will often be pushed mentally and emotionally during this time and can feel worried and anxious, but also excited and happy – all at the same time! These mixed emotions can often be difficult to navigate for both children and parents. However, there are a number of strategies that can be deployed to ensure a smooth transition. Making new friends, learning new routines, discovering new environments, accepting new cultures and adjusting to new learning practices is all part of the process. Some children will sail through this transition period, whilst others may need a bit more guidance. https://oakhilldr-p.schools.nsw.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/moving-new-school If you have any concerns about your child, please contact the school. Mrs Marsaus Assistant Principal

https://oakhilldr-p.schools.nsw.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/moving-new-school



Canteen News Thank you to our volunteers. Next week’s roster is: Our canteen menu is within the Healthy Canteen Government Guideline. Please refer to Flexischools for full details. Thank you to all have volunteered for this year. We are always looking for extra help (copy of the current roster can be found later in this newsletter) so if you can spare even just a few hours, please come in and see us or call on 9634 1033. Helen, Liz and Jenny Canteen Managers Uniform Shop TERM 1 – 2020 – SHOP HOURS Thursday 6 February 2020 – 8:30am to 9:30am Thursday 13 February – Flexischools Orders Only (Shop Closed) Thursday 20 February – 8:30am to 9:30am Thursday 27 February – Flexischools Orders Only (Shop Closed) Thursday 5 March – 8:30am to 9:30am Thursday 12 March - Flexischools Orders (Shop Closed) Thursday 19 March – 8:30am to 9:30am Stocktake 25 March (Winter Uniform) Thursday 26 March – Flexischools Orders (Shop Closed – winter uniform orders) Thursday 2 April – 8:30am to 9:30am (winter uniform sales) Thursday 9 April – 8:30am to 9:30am (winter uniform sales)

FLEXISCHOOLS ORDERS CAN BE MADE AT ANYTIME AND WILL BE DELIVERED TO YOUR CHILD’S CLASSROOM ON THURSDAY. Georgina Brown Uniform Shop Coordinator School Banking Student banking will recommence Term 1 Week 4, Monday 17 February. Banking Coordinators

Mon 10/2 Grace, Mia Tues 11/2 Belinda Wed 12/2 Jane, Mina Thurs 13/2 Jina Fri 14/2 Belinda, Fiona, Grace, Mia

Supervision of Students Our teachers supervise children at the following times in the playground: 8:30am-9:00am - Before school 10:55am-11:20am - Recess 1:10pm-2:00pm - Lunch 3:00pm-3:30pm - Bus children only No child should be at school before 8:30am No child should remain playing on site without parent supervision in the afternoon.



TERM 1 2020 Calendar *

Wednesday 5 February

Student Leadership Camp (Wed 5 to Fri 7 – selected students) Years 3-6 SISA Athletics Program (Weeks 2-10)

Thursday 6 February Junior Band Handout Night 6:00pm

Tuesday 11 February Kindergarten Meet the Teacher Stage 2 (Years 3 & 4) Meet the Teacher

Wednesday 12 February Student Leadership Team Photos

Thursday 13 February Sydney Kings Visit – selected students Stage 1 (Years 1 & 2) Meet the Teacher Stage 3 (Years 5 & 6) Meet the Teacher

Friday 14 February Years 4-6 Home Sport and Summer PSSA Training Monday 17 February Kindergarten Gymnastics Program (Weeks 4-10)

Friday 21 February Summer PSSA (Weeks 4-8) Welcome BBQ

Thursday 27 February Swimming Carnival

Friday 28 February Scripture Classes begin

Thursday 5 March Zone Swimming Carnival Year 2 Gruffalo Excursion

Thursday 12 March Selective High Schools Placement Test Stage 2 Sydney Zoo Excursion

Wednesday 18 March Whole School Photos Thursday 19 March Harmony Day Monday 23 March Parent Teacher Interviews Commence (Mon 23 – Fri 27) Wednesday 25 March Maths Olympiad – selected students

Friday 27 March Area Swimming Winter PSSA Trials

Monday 30 March Stage 3 Narrabeen Camp (Mon –Wed)

Friday 3 April Combined Easter Scripture Winter PSSA Trials/Training

Monday 6 April State Swimming (Mon & Tues) K-2 Music Incursion

Thursday 9 April LAST DAY OF TERM 1 Monday 27 April STAFF DEVELOPMENT DAY - NO STUDENTS Tuesday 28 April K-6 students return to school for Term 2 *Calendar details correct at the time of printing however events/dates are subject to change.



Community News DISCLAIMER We sincerely thank our advertisers for their support of our school. While Oakhill Drive Public School is selective in the advertisements it runs, parents are advised to use their own discretion in supporting these services.



1-5 Oakhill Drive, Castle Hill 2154 T: 9634 1033

E: [email protected]

SCHOOL SECURITY If you see trespassers in the school out of hours please call school security.

1300 880 021 (24 hours)

mailto:[email protected]

term 1 week 2 5 february 2020 dates for your diary thursday 6 february …€¦ · term 1 week 2...

Documents