walters road public school€¦ · school photographers, p&c fund-raising etc. if unsure please...

Walters Road Public School 158 Walters Road Blacktown NSW 2148 T 9672 2333 F 9831 6249

Email: [email protected] Twitter: @WaltersRoadPS

Thursday 20th September 2018

th November, 2016

Term 3 - Week 9

Calendar Term 3 Week 10

Friday 28th September K-2 Assembly 9.30am – 11am

Friday 28th September Last Day Term 3

Term 4 Week 1

Monday 15th October Term 4 resumes for all

students

Term 4 Week 2

Tuesday 23rd October Kindergarten Orientation 2019

Parent Information Meeting

5.30pm – 7pm

Wednesday 24th October SRC Excursion Invictus Games

Wednesday 24th October Kindergarten Orientation

Student Session 1

9.45am – 11.15am

Wednesday 25th October Stage 2 Excursion ‘The Rocks’

Term 4 Week 3

Monday 29th – 31st October Stage 3 Camp Yarramundi

Term 4 Week 4

Monday 5th November Kindergarten Orientation

Student Session 2

9.45am – 11.15am

Friday 9th November Aboriginal Students Excursion

Muru Mittigar

Principal’s Message “In our school, every child is known, valued and cared for. Parents want the very best for their children. At Walters Road PS, this means teachers have a commitment to nurture, guide, inspire and challenge students – to find the joy in learning, to build their skills and understanding, and to make sense of their world.”

These sentiments were recently reflected as our school took part in an External Validation Process. Each year, a group of schools are nominated by NSW DoE to participate in an external validation process. This provides an opportunity for schools to discuss their judgements about their practice – and the evidence that underpins them – with a panel of peers. Embedding effective self-assessment practices will mean that schools are well positioned to identify and annotate their most significant pieces of evidence for submission to the validation panel. Our school panel was very reflective and prepared an outstanding picture of what learning, teaching and leading looks like at Walters Rd PS. Our peer Principal panellists were excited to hear about the great things happening at WRPS and look forward to seeing further success in our learning journeys.

Whilst we wait with eager anticipation for our Annual Performance Night, we had a peak into the multicultural nature of our great school this week. Mrs Lebens, Mrs Tume, Ms Clark, Mrs Gorges and Mrs Cortez worked tirelessly to present Multicultural Day 2018. This idea was suggested by a group of students last year who wished to share their cultural identity with others. Along with staff, community participation was amazing, providing costumes, dance tuition, clothing and resources so the students could experience authentic cultural traditions. Thank you to all involved. It is hoped 2019 will be even bigger with more groups and activities taking place for this annual event. With school holidays approaching, make sure you take some time to relax and enjoy having your children at home. Our school grounds will be open again these holidays with entry via DOUGLAS GATES ONLY. Gates will open at 8am and close at 6pm. There will be no

mailto:[email protected]


Term 3 - Week 9

supervision provided at the school. All students using Douglas Grass to kick around a ball or ride a bike must be accompanied by an adult. All other areas of the school will remain out of bounds. A full-time security guard will be on the premises to ensure no other areas are accessed. If as a neighbour, you have any concerns during the holiday period please call school security on 1300 880 021. For the first week of Term 4 I will be taking some Long Service Leave as I travel to China with my family. Mrs Tume will be relieving in my role with the support of Mrs Theodorou, Mrs Harris, Mr Dyer and Mrs Tasker. Happy holidays and let’s look forward to an amazing Term 4.

Jodi Warner Principal

Deputy Principal’s Message

It is Spring!! As we approach the end of Term 3, the weather has started to warm up a little. Please make sure that all boys and girls have a hat to wear in the playground and bring water to school to stay hydrated during the warmer weather. Just a quick reminder to students and parents about staying safe the morning between 8.50am and 9.20am. Year 3-6 students are to be in the Handball Area in front of 4/5D, 2C and 3/4H. K-2 students are to be under the shade area between the Kindergarten and Year 1 block. This allows the teacher on duty to supervise students and ensure they are safe. Please make sure students are not waiting in different areas of the school unless accompanied by their own parent/carer. It is very important that Kindergarten students are not running and playing behind the Kindergarten block where they can’t be seen by the teacher on duty. Thank you to all of our families who are supporting us with this.

Finally I would like to congratulate our first Gold Award winners for the year. Well done to……

Kiana 2/3B

Arieana KL

Hita 2L Jenny Moon-Tume Deputy Principal

Office News

Office hours are 8:40am – 3:20pm Monday to Friday. Payment options for all activities and purchas\es include:

1. Cash - correct money in an envelope or lunch bag with your child’s name clearly written on the front.

2. EFTPOS

3. Parent online payment (POP)

**PLEASE NOTE that NO CHANGE IS GIVEN FOR ANY PAYMENT RECEIVED AT SCHOOL. (e.g. excursions, hat/bag purchases.) We thank you for your understanding in this matter. ** Please do not pay for any online payments which should be paid to a third party provider. For example, School Photographers, P&C Fund-Raising etc. If unsure please check with the office. Changes to the daily collection of your children: As the school office is at its busiest between 8.40am to 9.30am and 3.00pm to 3.30pm, we would like to encourage parents/carers to make plans prior to school in regard to changes in pick-up arrangements. We understand that emergency situations do arise where you need to deter from your usual collection arrangements and we will assist you as much as we can in relaying this information to your child but it would be more beneficial if you could send a note with your child for the class teacher so that they are directly aware of any changes and can ensure that your child remembers what they need to do or where they need to go.


Term 3 - Week 9

YMCA OOSH If your child attends YMCA and they are absent, it is your responsibility to inform the YMCA (0408 596 799) of your child’s absence.

Staff Car Park: Just a reminder that our school car park is NOT to be used for parents dropping off/picking up children from OOSH or school. We thank you for your understanding in this matter.

Thank you Office Staff

Early Stage 1 Report

The term is nearly at an end, but many important things are still happening in Kindergarten. Right now all our classes are busy preparing for the Term 3 K-2 assembly, which Kindergarten will be hosting. Our assembly will be held on Friday the 28

th of September and begin at 9:30am

in the School Hall. I know many songs from last term’s assembly are still stuck in my head, and I’m eagerly looking forward to hearing many more catchy tunes to sing along too… again and again. Also, just a friendly reminder that the Australian Early Childhood Education Development Experience (AECEDE) Primary Caregiver Survey is currently open to parents of Kindergarten students. The survey will take about 10 minutes to complete and will collect information about the early childhood education and care history of your child, as well as information about your parenting style and the home environment. You can access this online at http://srcentre.com.au/Primary_Caregiver_Survey or pop into the office to receive a paper copy of the survey. Finally, we would like to extend our best wishes to Ms Brewin, who is currently taking some time off due to her upcoming wedding. She will be returning at the start of Term 4 as Mrs Gale.

Mr Toumazou

Relieving Assistant Principal, Early Stage 1

Stage 1 Report English The students have worked hard this term on developing and writing about characters during our English unit. The students have been exposed to a number of books and character types, with a specific focus on increasing vocabulary. Our ‘cold’ and ‘hot’ writing task samples have shown pleasing improvement across the stage and we look forward to this continuing into Term 4, just in time for reports History This term we started our History unit, ‘The Past in the Present’. Our students are having a great time looking at

primary and secondary sources about our school and Blacktown. They have been looking at places of significance to them and identifying and discussing how and why changes have occurred. The students have also been involved in looking at how everyday things have evolved over time, such as how butter is made. We are looking forward to completing this unit in Term 4. Awards I had great pleasure in noting a further increase in Silver Awards coming to me to be signed. Well done to those students who have earnt and received 10 Merit Awards. I was also lucky enough to be present when a Year 2 student brought up her 15 Merit Awards to Mrs Moon-Tume to receive a Gold Award. Keep working hard and well done Stage 1 students! Life Education – Term 3 Payments closed last week for our Life Education visits. Year 1 & Year 2 classes will be participating in a program called “Safety Rules”, focussing on recognising safe and unsafe environments, how to care for others, behaviours that maintain friendships, and places and people who we can go to for help. The classes will attend on the following days: Thursday 20

th September – 2C & 1C

Friday 21st September – 1D & 1B

Tuesday 25th September – 2L

Wednesday 26th September – 2B, 2P, 1Y & 1R

We can’t wait to see what Healthy Harold has in store for us!

Mr Dyer Assistant Principal – Stage 1

Stage 2 Report Excursion to The Rocks, Sydney As a part of our History unit on ‘First Contacts’ this semester, teachers have organised an excursion to The Rocks in Sydney to explore Australia’s colonial past. The excursion will take place in Week 2 of Term 4 (Thursday, 25

th October). The closing date for payment and return of

permission notes is Wednesday, 26th September. Don’t

miss out! Term 3 This has been a busy term of learning, with students consolidating their understanding of the structure and

http://srcentre.com.au/Primary_Caregiver_Survey


Term 3 - Week 9

features of imaginative texts, particularly fairy tales. In recent weeks, we have begun a unit of study focusing on informative texts, which we will continue in Term 4. Informative texts are all around us – posters, signs, recipes, lists, menus, etc. During the holidays, why not discuss the informative texts (texts that convey information to a reader or audience) you come across. Can your child identify any of the features? In Mathematics, students have learnt about fractions and decimals, including tenths and hundredths. Students learnt how our currency system is based on hundredths, with one cent being one hundredth of a dollar. Stage 2 teachers look forward to a fantastic fourth term of learning and would like to wish everyone a safe and relaxing holiday break. Mr McNamara Relieving Assistant Principal – Stage 2

Stage 3 Report Classroom Learning Can you believe we are almost at the three-quarter mark for the year? Here is a brief overview of what we have been learning in Stage 3 this term, and a snapshot of what to expect from Term 4. English Units – The central focus for this semester is informative texts. We have looked at the structure and language used in information reports and will soon move on to literary and factual recounts, news articles, instructions and explanations. Mathematics – Stage 3 teachers introduce an element of the focus for the week in Morning Routine and then follow it up in class lessons later that day/week. Students are also practising their skills in their Mentals Book, which we use to focus on the concept of the week before, where possible. We also use this time to consolidate students’ understanding of everyday Maths knowledge such as the number of days in a fortnight or the hours in a week. HSIE – History – Our unit this semester, called The Australian Colonies, has provided students with the opportunity to deepen their knowledge of the early years of colonisation. We have researched reasons for British settlement and migration, the impact on indigenous Australians and the environment. We will soon be investigating the role of certain individuals in the shaping of the colonies as well as significant events/developments of the 1800s and how these affected the Australian colonies. PD/Health – Life Skills – Our Term 3 unit was on Resilience and lessons were delivered each Monday by Miss Sam, from Life Skills. Students have really enjoyed learning some tools for coping with change or stress, in particular the mindful minute. Ask your child to lead you through some of the things we have done. Term 4 will

involve a Health Unit on Active Lifestyle and Personal Development Unit on Cyberbullying. Fitness – This term our fundamental movement skills (FMS) focus was on overarm throw and catch. Next term will be on refining the key skills of skip, side gallop, hop, sprint run, balance and vertical jump. We are looking forward to active fitness lessons that involve rotating activities and games that require a combination of skills. Our teachers at Walters Road work extremely hard, giving up many hours out of school time and on the weekends, to bring these opportunities to your children. I’d like to thank the Stage 3 teachers for their ongoing commitment to their profession, our school and your children. Have a safe and enjoyable holiday with family and friends. Mrs Harris Assistant Principal – Stage 3

Multicultural Day On Wednesday 12th of September the students and staff of Walters Road PS came together to celebrate Multicultural Day. This extravaganza could not have been such a success without the leadership of Mrs Lebens.

We would like to extend our appreciation to Miss Manapori (mother of three WRPS students) for her dedication in organising the breathtaking Pacific Islands cultural display. We must also acknowledge the incredible determination of our students, who spent many lunch and recess breaks in our classrooms perfecting their dance routines. Our warmest gratitude is extended to Mr and Mrs Lahoud who generously volunteered their time and knowledge to teach our students about the Lebanese culture.


Term 3 - Week 9

Thanks also to Mrs Barakat and Miss Lam for their contributions to the Lebanon and China tables. A special thanks to Miss Lam for her time compiling information about China so the items on the table could be understood. The children enjoyed trying to pick up coloured paper ‘food’ and trying to do up the buttons on the embroidered shirts (kay-po). On the day, everyone was able to come to school in traditional clothing from their country of origin and had the chance to sign their name with their country and flag. Then, each stage boarded a plane and travelled around the world to destinations such as Africa, The Philippines, India, The Pacific Islands, Greece, China and Lebanon. Students had the opportunity to play African drums, dance to the rhythmic Lebanese drum beat, watch and learn the Tinikling, a Filipino folk dance, make Greek biscuits and much, much more.

A very big THANKYOU

from WRPS staff and students to

for their weekly donations of bread

for Books and Brekkie.

Just a reminder Books and Brekkie is on in

KL’s classroom every Wednesday and

Thursday morning

8:50-9:10am.

PSSA Sports Results

Sport Result Term 3 Week 4 Jnr Netball A vs Blacktown Sth Loss 14-10

Jnr Netball B vs Blacktown Sth Loss 13-0

Snr Netball A vs Blacktown Sth Loss 14-9

Snr Netball B vs Blacktown Sth Loss 20-6

Jnr Tag vs BYE

Snr Tag vs BYE

Jnr League vs Marayong won 20-18

Jnr Soccer A vs Hambledon A Draw 0-0

Jnr Soccer A vs Hambledon B Loss 2-1

Jnr Soccer B vs Hambledon B loss 2-0

Jnr Scocer B vs Hambledon A Loss 4-0

Snr Soccer vs Hambledon Loss 3-1

Sport Result Term 3 Semi Finals Jnr Netball A vs Barnier Loss 12-11

Snr Netball A vs Barnier Loss 25-12

Snr Netball B vs Barnier Loss 12-11

Jnr League Vs Hambledon Loss 6-5

Snr Tag Vs Barnier Loss 9-4

Snr Soccer vs Hambledon Loss 5-0

If you have picked up an enrolment form for Kindy

2019, please return it to the office ASAP.

We are now processing Kinder 2019 enrolments. Please

ensure you have collected an enrolment form. Please

complete and return as soon as possible, so we have

an accurate indication of our Kinder numbers for 2019.

If you have a child due to start school who is turning 5, on

or before 31st July 2019, or know of someone with a school

aged child living in the area, please let them know that they

can come and collect an enrolment form from our office.

When completed it can be returned to our office with:

Proof of address

Birth certificate

Immunisation history statement


Term 3 - Week 9

SRC Throughout the year, the SRC representatives have been conducting meetings in their classrooms. They have led class discussions on the positive aspects of our school and the things that the students enjoy the most. The results of these discussions have been delivered back to our SRC meetings and some of the findings were common to most classes. The students reported that they were happy with the technological advancements that the school has made, including such things as abundant access to computers and ipads, the 21

st century furniture in some classrooms,

as well as the robotics spheros and coding lessons available. Some of our school initiatives were also praised repeatedly in the feedback. This included ‘Morning Routine’. ‘Books & Brekkie’, the ‘ Homework Club’, special fundraising days and the ‘Talent Quest’ that was held at the end of last year. There were also some positive comments about our teachers and staff. It’s nice to know that we’re appreciated. Well done Walters Road!

P & C Report Dear Parent/Guardian, RE: SAVE THE DATE

We are holding a School Run4Fun for the students as a major fundraiser next term so we do ask for your support. The event will be held on 20

th of November. The day’s

focus is on fun and fitness with the added benefit of raising funds for our school. It’s all about participation, with students treated to a great day and as a reward for their fundraising efforts we will have the Obstacool Company set up an amazing inflatable obstacle course for the children to take part in. Family support is key to our fundraising success and we encourage all students to participate. The more money we raise the more we can provide for our students. The fundraiser commences next term, so keep an eye out for the Sponsorship Form each student will receive to help raise funds for our great school Parents/Guardians are also invited to come along and cheer their child on the day.

Thank you in advance for your participation!

Rania Barakat

P&C President

Thank you for supporting us


Term 3 - Week 9

walters road public school€¦ · school photographers, p&c fund-raising etc. if unsure please...

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