Alexandria Park Community School Community Opportunity Success in a caring learning environment

Achieving and inspiring students.

An engaged and

connected K – 12

community.

Teaching, learning and innovation.

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT Welcome to the 2018 school year. Pictured on the left is Mr Ben Colmer DP K-12, Ms Linda Turner Rel SAM, Ms Diane Fetherston Principal, Debra Lade DP K-6, Lucy Smith DP K-6 & Therese Gibson Counsellor K-12. What a start it has been! Alexandria Park Community School certainly is a school of great adventure for our students, staff and parents. Our new building is truly an amazing construction and we look forward throughout 2018 to getting to know our new learning spaces a whole lot better.

The positive connection being made from Kindergarten to Year 12 has been enhanced with our students, staff and parents all on the one site. With our staff building stronger relationships with each other – across the primary and the secondary areas Alex Park will be best placed to provide continuity of learning, well-being,

relationships and trust across all the stages of learning from the early years to completion of 13 years of schooling and the attainment of the Higher School Certificate.

Term 1 MARCH 2018

Park Road, Alexandria NSW 2015 P: 02 9698 1967 F: 02 9319 5007 E: alexparkcs-c.school@det.nsw.edu.au

Enjoy our first newsletter for 2018 where you can meet our staff teams in the primary school and in the high school, learn more about school programs like PBL (Positive Behaviour for Learning), and some of our procedures and expectations that relate to students absences, health care needs and respectful parent behaviour. Organising time to talk to a teacher At times parents and carers may come to school wanting to talk to a teacher. Teachers have a professional responsibility and a duty of care to their students and their classes and as such they are not available to meet with parents or carers when they are on allocated teaching or playground duties. If you need to speak to a teacher please make an appointment by either phoning on 96981967 or calling into the office or by emailing the school putting the name of the teacher in the subject box. ATTENDANCE & ABSENCE Regular attendance at school is important. This includes being on time and leaving at the correct time. If children are absent for any reason they require a note to their class teacher explaining their absence. Parents are encouraged to make specialist appointments outside of school hours. For longer absences (10 days or more) an application for extended leave form must be obtained from the office and needs to be returned to the principal for consideration. Code of Conduct for Parents, Carers and visitors to our school. A code of conduct for parents and visitors ensures that everyone who visits the school site is able to do so in a safe and harmonious manner and to ensure that students, staff, parents and other visitors are not subjected to aggressive, hostile or violent behaviours. I remind parents and carers that if they have a concern or problem with a student in our school they are not allowed to approach that child or their parent about the concern. Parents and carers are expected to discuss issues or concerns about other students through the correct procedures. If the concern is occurring during class time parents are to contact the class teacher and talk to the teacher about the concern or problem. If the concern is happening on the playground or whilst travelling to and from school the parent is to contact the Assistant Principal or Deputy Principal to explain what is happening and allow the AP or DP to investigate and manage the students issue within the school’s ‘Student Behaviour Code’ and ‘Positive Behaviour for Learning’ practices. Parents and visitors are expected to treat all persons associated with the school with respect and courtesy. This includes all of our students. MEET THE TEACHERS It was a night of excitement, fun and making new friends at our annual Meet the Teachers event. Held on Tuesday February 20 many families came to school to tour the classrooms, meet their class teachers and other staff, establish relations with other families and enjoy the social BBQ and fundraising events. Many Year 7 parents provided positive feedback about the opportunity to engage with their child’s new high school teachers and to listen to how the Key learning Areas and curriculum is delivered in high school. The information booth about our exiting redevelopment was popular with many families providing ongoing feedback to the project. The P & C led event was an outstanding success so much thanks and kudos to our wonderful P & C. Many parents helped make the event a wonderful launch into the 2018 academic years at Alex Park. Julie, Cat, Craig Tim, Rachel, Catherine, Suzan, James and others….. thank you for your enthusiasm and team work supporting our great school.

N

Find out what’s on – check out the important dates Date What’s happening Date What’s happening Feb 28 High School Swimming Carnival Mar 1 Artist in Residence Dance Master class Mar 2 Artist in Residence Dance Master

class Mar 5 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander

parent & carers meeting Mar 8 K-6 assembly

Mar 12

P&C AGM 6:30pm Parent Consultation on School Plan 2018-2020

Mar 15 Selective School Test Mar 22 K-6 assembly Mar 27 Year 7 excursion to the Royal Easter Show

EARLY STAGE 1 (Kindergarten)

The 2018 Early Stage One team consists of Coco Page (KP), Jade Fogarty (KF), and Jessica Wayland (KJ). We enjoy teaching Kindergarten because the students’ natural inquisitiveness means that if you throw in a little fun, care, and encouragement, the students grow and thrive in ways you would never expect. We have begun Kindergarten by having fun getting to know each other and the new Park Rd campus. He have been working together to build and create with new activities and enjoying getting to know the school expectations. We have all learnt how to do the 5 L’s of Listening, legs, laps, look, lips & listen. We are looking forward to learning how to read and write.

STAGE 1 (Years 1 and 2) Welcome back from the Stage 1 Team The Stage 1 teaching team for 2018 includes; Mr Daniel Gleaves (1G), Miss Molly Moore (1M), Mrs Donna Davey (1/2D), Mrs Roslyn Broomfield (1/2D), Mrs Deborah Morgenstern (2M) and Miss Thea Wilson (2W/Assistant Principal Stage 1). Additional staff who will be supporting Stage 1 include; Ms Rosemary Kent (EAL/D), Mrs Leanne Toia (Reading Recovery) Aunty Deb, Aunty Jayne, Deb Heggatonklenner, and Joasia Gajda. We all bring a wide range of interests and skills to the team, and are really looking forward to working with the Stage 1 students, parents and community in 2018. Stage 1 (Year One and Two) students have been really enjoying getting to know their new classmates, teachers, and also the new Park Road Campus. Students have already been spending lots of time learning about the school expectations “be a learner, be respectful, be safe” and what this entails at our new campus. Some student highlights from the new campus so far include the beautiful murals or ‘wraps’ which are printed on the buildings, the awesome view of Alexandria Park from level 1, and the new ‘future focussed’ learning furniture in our rooms. YEAR 1 Year 1 have been taking photos of the school garden with the iPads and writing some imaginative stories using various stimuli.

2M MINIONS

Last Thursday, Year 2 attended their first Swimming Carnival at Prince Alfred Pool. The students travelled by bus to the pool and when they arrived they all sat in their houses. Most of the boys and girls entered their age freestyle races and some even were chosen for the junior relay. Any students who were not confident swimmers were given an opportunity to have a paddle in the pool and cool down.

The Year 2 students were very well behaved and had a wonderful time. I’m sure they all slept well on Thursday night. Here are some photos from the day.

Pictured: Ms Rosemary Kent, Mrs Roslyn Broomfield, Ms Thea Wilson, Mrs Deborah Morgenstern, Mr Daniel Gleaves, Mrs Leanne Toia, Miss Molly Moore. Absent: Mrs Donna Davey

STAGE 2: YEARS 3 AND 4 Welcome our New Teacher Mrs Saintilan Name: Mrs Meg Saintilan I attended the University of Sydney where I gained my B.Ed (Hons) in Primary Education. I am currently undertaking a Master of Indigenous Education at Macquarie University. I have taught in a range of Departmental and independent schools in a variety of roles, including class teacher, teacher-librarian and establishing a new arrivals program. Prior to coming to Alex Park, I taught for seven years at Bald Face PS on Early Stage 1, Stage 1 and Stage 2, and relieved in the role of Assistant Principal. This year I am teaching 3/4S and am the Assistant Principal for Stage 2.

This year I will be running the K-6 SRC. I have been trained as a public speaking adjudicator at zone level and look forward to working with Alex Park students in public speaking competitions. I am excited to get to know and work with the community at Alex Park. I believe that my role is to provide high quality, engaging teaching and learning programs for my students. I recognise the importance of working as a team with parents and carers to improve learning outcomes for all students. I maintain high expectations of students, both socially and academically. I see myself as “school mum” for the children in my class. First impressions of Alex Park I love it! Community is something close to my heart and Alex Park operates as community in action. Everyone has been so open and welcoming and our new classroom spaces are fresh and innovative. I am excited to work collaboratively in this flexible learning environment. I am also looking forward to working closely with Mr Hansen and Mrs Oluk, as we initiate and develop exciting activities and programs for our Stage 2 students. Any other info you want to share? I love family, community, time with friends and walking my two dogs in our local bushland. I love to read and relax by escaping down the south coast with my family.

Ms Saintilan Assistant Principal Years 1 & 2, Stage 2 Teachers Mr Bradley Hansen 3/4H and Ms Sarah Oluk 3/4O

All Year 3 and 4 students have settled well into their new stage-based classes, taught by Mr Hansen, Mrs Oluk and Mrs Saintilan. The children are enjoying our new flexible learning spaces, including stand up desks, low tables and comfortable lounge chairs for quiet reading and learning. We will be learning many exciting and engaging things in Stage 2 this year. Most days will start with a daily fitness program, where all classes will participate together and rotate through a range of activities. We will also be starting STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) groups, where children from each class will be mixed into groups across the stage and will participate in various STEM activities. Each class will be running differentiated literacy and maths groups as part of our daily timetable. Stage 2 is such an important time for children as they learn to become increasingly independent in managing themselves, their time and belongings. We look forward to working with families to ensure that our students are happy, engaged and learning.

STAGE 3 (YEARS 5 AND 6) Welcome back to school I’d like to take this opportunity to introduce our Stage 3 team for 2018. Ms Smith and Ms Williams are both teaching our 5/6 cohort, and Ms Mancell continues to teach the Year 6 Opportunity Class. I also have the pleasure of teaching the Year 5 Opportunity Class. We have been immensely proud of how well all new students have settled in so far, and how welcoming our continuing students have been.

Our students and teachers have embraced the opportunity to work in our new learning spaces and we’re looking forward to further collaboration.

HIGH SCHOOL NEWS

Welcome our New Teacher Catriona MacIntyre Academic Qualifications & Institution:

• Master of Teaching (Secondary) - University of Sydney • Bachelor of Science (Forest Science and Geography) – Australian

National University I have been teaching for 2.5 years.

• Junior science and chemistry teacher at Newtown High School of Performing Arts.

• Junior science teacher at Liverpool Girls’ High School. • Casual teacher at APCS, Sydney Secondary College Leichardt and

Tempe High School. This year I am teaching Year 7 and 8 Technology Mandatory, Year 9 and 10 Information Software Technology & Year 10 Science I would like to be involved in at Alex Park as the Technology coordinator for Science and TAS I love to encourage students to achieve to the best of their abilit APCS is a dynamic school community with a diverse range of educational opportunities available for all students.

YEAR 7X ART Congratulations Year 7X for achieving the completion of Level 1 of the drawing unit they are learning. The students in the front row all did outstandingly by being able to draw rapidly and with great accuracy showing ‘foreshortening’ and an artistic flair. Now the class will move onto new challenges to reach level 2.

MATHS FACULTY Members of the Mathematics faculty in 2018 are Head Teacher Joanne Ridge (maternity leave) Muhammad Abdullah, Stephen Bennett, Ray Liceralde, Xiaoxi Liang. Staff in the Mathematics faculty aim that all students should gain confidence in Mathematics and become numerate members of society. In 2018 we wish to continue the strong performances of our 2017 students who achieved excellent results at the HSC and in the NAPLAN tests for years 7 and 9. To this end staff analysis of student learning, assessment, and results will be continued to identify areas of student need.

The next three years will be extremely busy as we prepare for the introduction of the new Senior Mathematics courses. This year we have a new course in year 11 called Standard Mathematics which replaces General Mathematics of which the current year 12 is the last class. 2019 will see the introduction of the new courses to replace the 2 unit and Extension 1 and 2 Mathematics courses. Faculty staff attended professional development and completed planning in 2017 to facilitate the introduction of the new Standard course this year while professional development and planning will be ongoing throughout this year to ready us for the implementation of the new syllabi day one 2019. ENGLISH FACULTY

From left to right BR: Alex Forbath, Geraldine Prexl, Jane Ryan, Tahlia Sanders and FR Leigh Pyman and Harry Jun. Absent: Maeve Thomson This year is one of great challenge for the English team because of the new Stage 6 syllabuses. Year 11 kicks off with a mandated unit ‘Reading to write: transition to senior English’. In this module, students undertake the intensive and close reading of quality texts from a variety of modes and media. In doing so, they further develop the skills and knowledge necessary to appreciate, understand, analyse and evaluate how and why texts convey complex ideas, relationships, endeavours and scenarios. Central to this module is developing student capacity to respond perceptively to texts through their own considered and thoughtful writing and judicious reflection on their skills and knowledge as writers. Students read texts that are engaging thematically,

aesthetically, stylistically and/or conceptually to inspire or provoke them to critique skilfully, or to respond imaginatively. Through the study of texts, students develop insights into the world around them, deepen their understanding of themselves and the lives of others and enhance their enjoyment of reading. (Standard/Advanced syllabuses)

Year 12 is now almost halfway through the HSC course and students are working towards their next assessment task. Year 10 are conducting close study of Shakespeare’s Macbeth through exploring themes such as power, free will, control and ambition. Students will reflect on how the events, themes and characters reflect aspects of our society leading them to questions raised within the play. Year 9 are studying the media as a text that represents the ever-changing world around us. Students explore persuasive language tools such as pathos, ethos and logos and other specific techniques employed within the media. Students will be challenged to hone their critical literacy skills. Year 8 are studying the novel Apple and Rain and poetry, which is an integral part of the book. Year 7 are studying the Australian novel Crow Country which explores themes such as identity, race and culture. A reminder that NAPLAN achievement in Year 9 affects student attainment of the HSC. Some Year 10 students will be sitting the minimum standards test in reading and/or writing this year. The ‘Fix it writing’ program will begin again later this term to assist students who did not make the Band 8 writing requirement in year 9. All in all it is a very learning-packed year for students in English. All students will be encouraged to further their skills in reading, writing and critical thinking. They will encounter an array of texts, from novel, to performance to film. An integral part of assessment in English includes a student being able to create multimodal texts. Hence, in English, it is a requirement that students don’t forget to ‘bring their own device’ – either a laptop or a tablet. A multimodal component of assessment is mandated in all Stage 6 English courses for Year 11 this year and Year 12 in 2019. In order to ensure our students develop this skill to the highest possible level years 7-10 also complete one multimodal task per year (weighted at 25%). Year 8 Korean

The decorations of room 3 have begun! Year 8 students have learned how to write their names in 한글Hangeul, the Korean alphabet. So far we have learned basic greetings and phrases such as 안녕하세요? “Hello.” and 감사 합니다 “thank you” which we practice every lesson!

Year 8 have been so conscientious and hard working so far, and I’m excited to continue to explore Korean language and culture throughout the year.

Lunar New Year Celebration Last Friday we hosted a Lunar New Year Celebration. We shared some traditional Korean food, Japchae and Gogi Jeon. Students had to say “Happy New Year” in a language other than English in order to get some food. Special thanks to the following students for contributing and helping out: Igor Andonov, Judie Wang, Annaliese Ho, Aurpita Saha, Robinson Shi, Lydia Raynor and Lotus Strik.

PDHPE FACIULITY Another exciting year beckons for the Alex Park PDHPE department. Year 7 commence their focus on interpersonal communication and team building through physical activity, while Year 8 are conducting various personal fitness tests and comparing the results against normative data. Year 9 are preparing case studies of contemporary issues in physical activity while Year 10 examines the components of healthy relationships. Year 11 is a particularly exciting year as we introduce Community and Family Studies (CAFS) for the first time, delivered by the passionate Ms Constance Rossides. The course examines the diverse nature and interdependence of families and communities within Australian society and enables students to plan and manage resources effectively in order to address contemporary issues facing families and communities. The Sport Life and Recreation (SLR) course is another popular choice this year, examining a range of areas that underpin health and physical activity. The Year 12 Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE) class continue their demanding study as they complete their Physical Activity in Australian Society module and approach the Improving Performance elective. All the best in the upcoming half yearly exams Year 12! We wish a speedy recovery to PDHPE teacher and Sports Coordinator Tiffany Kasz, who has been sidelined due to a painful jaw fracture, sustained while advancing her own physical development wake boarding on the Nepean River. Ms Kasz is due to return to class and solids in week 5. She is replaced by the experienced and ever-ready Mr Bowman while Ms Rossides takes over the demanding sports coordinator role. A reminder that Alex Park plans to make a big splash at Prince Alfred Pool for the annual High School Swimming Carnival on Wednesday 28th February. See you in the water! Alex Forbath HT PDHPE

HSIE FACULTY (Human Society and its Environment) Welcome back to all students, parents and carers. The HSIE staff are energised and looking forward to teaching you again in 2018. The HSIE team consists of Ms Kadek Arya, Ms Amy Day, Ms Andrea Fatouros, Mr Adrian Johnson, Mr Stewart Okell, Mr Nathan McEwan, Ms Maeve Thomson and the Head Teacher Ms Thecla Siamas. Congratulations to the Class of 2017 on their outstanding results. In 2017 HSIE delivered Business Studies, Economics, Legal Studies, Modern History

and for the first time Aboriginal Studies. In 2018 we are also delivering Work Studies and the class of 2019 will be sitting for the HSC in Ancient History. All students in HSIE have been issued with an assessment schedule that outlines the topics that are being studied and the timing of assessments. Year 7-10 are studying History in Semester One. Students will study Geography in Semester Two. Year 7 are studying Ancient Egypt, Year 8 Ancient Japan, Year 9 are looking at the Trans Atlantic Slave Trade and Year 10 are studying The Civil Rights Movement in Australia. In 2018, we are also excited to be delivering new syllabuses in Ancient History and Modern History. In Modern we are studying the French Revolution and felt compelled to reenact the Tennis Court Oath on the basketball courts. In Semester Two Year 8 and 10 will also be the first students to be taught the new Geography syllabus, which has a more contemporay focus. Mr Okell is continuing as Year 8 Advisor. Ms Fatouros has been wonderful in assisting the Class of 2019 to transition to Year 11 as well as running the PBL(Positive Behaviour for Learning) program. Year 11 have stepped up to the challeages of Stage 6 and we are ready to help support them achieve their personal best. Ms Thomson, who HSIE shares with English, is the Year 12 advisor.

SCIENCE/TECHNOLOGY/APPLIED STUDIES – (TAS)

The Science Faculty is excited about the opportunities 2018 has to offer. New syllabus for Year 11 includes Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Some of the exciting projects coming up include STEAM as part of our enrichment program and the Sydney Easter Show competitions. Our team of dedicated Scientists inspire students to achieve their very best in all areas of Science. We aim to develop student’s appreciation of the contribution of science to finding solutions to personal, social and global issues relevant to their lives now and in the future.

Technological and applied studies (TAS) are one of the fastest-growing and most innovative subject areas. A foundation of the STEM programs at APCS. TAS teachers thrive on both the creative and practical challenges associated with teaching cutting edge subjects at APCS such as Agriculture, Engineering, Food Technology, Graphics Technology, Information and Software Technology, Industrial Technology, Technology (mandatory) Textiles, Design & Technology and VET Hospitality.

This term Year 7 classes are studying our Working Scientifically topic which has a focus on laboratory practical skills especially in the area of laboratory safety. All students are required to complete a laboratory safety induction as an integral part of the topic. Students have drawn a range of colourful posters on laboratory safety to illustrate our PBL ‘Be safe’ message to all of Alexandria Park Community and can be seen posted up around our science

laboratories. We look forward to a range of exciting and engaging hands on activities that will help us further develop our science skills. Year 8 Scientists have been very engaged and studying the many different roles parts of the body play in making a living thing. Fortunately, they have been able to monitor the growth rates of the chickens to enhance their learning.

Stage 5 Scientists are studying Physics topics of electricity and motion. Pre-service teacher, Mr Locklen Kwan, from the University of Sydney has joined our talented science team for Term 1 and will be delivering year 9A science and year 12 Biology classes. The new syllabus for year 11 science courses of biology, chemistry and physics have Year 11 students starting to plan out their depth studies. Year 11 Biology students have started with a data collection day at Centennial Park, on the plant and animal diversity in Lachlan swamp.

Year 12 students are continuing their studies and are expected to be preparing themselves with an effective study routine as the approach the half yearlies at the end of the term.

Teachers as Learners APCS staff is often involved in a variety of professional learning opportunities to learn new skills or update syllabus content. Opportunities enable staff to collaborate with teachers from other schools and bring fresh ideas back to benefit all at APCS. Recently, Ms Bourke completed training for the new Primary industries syllabus which involved training on the safe use, application and transport of chemicals.

Design and technology TIMBER Yr 7 and 8 design and technology timber students are designing, researching, 3D sketching and making a timber phone stand / amplifier, then they will be evaluate their projects success. DESIGN BRIEF- PHONE AMPLIFIER To design and construct a phone amplifier made from timber. The design must amplify the sound and be light weight and portable. The amplifier must meet Australian Safety Standards

COMPUTERS In Information Software Technology this term Year 7 are designing a movie poster using photoshop. Year 8 are looking forward to coding circuits with Arduino. Year 9 are designing and building websites using HTML and CSS. Year 10 are developing their skills in coding learning a new programming language JavaScript.

AGRICULTURE Year 7 2017 planted sweet corn and now Year 8 Ag students at the end of the 16 week growing process are enjoying the delicious result. The twist is the carpet over the soil to suppress weeds. Year 7 are managing the gardens by companion planting South American crops of sunflowers, sweet potatoes and scarlet runner beans.

MUSIC Ensembles Program This year at Alex Park we are offering the following music ensembles:

• Beginner Concert Band is open to students in years 3-6 who have not previously played an instrument. The band will be run by Directions in Music, a specialist school band provider on Thursdays. For further information or enrolments please visit their website www.directionsinmusic.com.au

• Intermediate Band is open to all students from both primary and high school who already have instrumental experience. The band rehearses on Tuesday mornings at 8.00am. New players are very welcome.

• Primary Choir is a non-auditioned group that rehearses on Tuesdays during lunch-time. We have had a great response to this ensemble but still have some room left for interested students in years 3-6.

• High School Pop Choir is up and running on Thursdays at lunchtime. Any student in years 7-12 is welcome to join.

• The Alex Park Sapphires, our Aboriginal girls’ group is open this year to primary school girls (from yr 1) and high school girls. High School Sapphires rehearse on Mondays at lunch and Primary School Sapphires on Wednesday at lunch.

• Friday Jam operates on Fridays during high school lunch. It is a free time when any students from years 8-12 can come and make music using instruments and equipment in the music room.

Please contact Ms Winfield for more details ANTI-RACISM CONTACT OFFICER The Anti-Racism Contact Officer is the contact for students, staff, parents and community members of Alexandria Park Community School who wish to make a complaint regarding racism. Alexandria Park Community School has two Anti-Racism Contact Officers (ARCO). Ms Austin is the K-6 ARCO and Mr Okell is the 7-12 ARCO. Please contact them using the relevant email address below. A SPECIAL SHOUT OUT from HSC student Ily Ralitza-Perez is studying Visual Arts in year 12 and she is presently preparing to create her Body of Work which will be photographs with an Alice in Wonderland theme. Ily is desperate and in need of some props for her old school style photographs. Here is the list of things she needs to borrow or be given; A chessboard and chess pieces (the bigger the better), Old style telephone (hand-set with cord) Small white lamp, Vase, Lace cloth, Typewriter, Oraments -(Victorian eras like things) None of the electrical items must be working, they are just props for photographs. Ily promises to return items that she borrows. Any donated items or loaned things can be given to the art teacher Ray James at the senior art room or contact Ily Ralitza-Perez in year 12 SPORTS NEWS HOUSE CAPTIANS

Congratulations to our newly elected House Captains and Vice House Captains for 2018! Pictured left to right: Du Wang, Isabella Wang, Munha Mirza, Noa Dechter, Sabrina Feng, Franklin Kidenya, Ibbi Olkuklu, Nathan Young. These students will have the opportunity to lead their houses in our annual carnivals and other sporting events in 2018. HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS

With the continuation of the warmer weather we are well underway into our summer sport season. We have kicked off Term 1 with a range of sports including Volley Ball, Soft Ball, Summer Soccer, Hockey, Basket Ball and Oz Tag across year 7-8 and

Martha.austin@det.nsw.edu.au Stewart.okell@det.nsw.edu.au

9-10 sport groups. Students have shown great enthusiasm towards participation whether enjoying a leisurely game amongst friends or battling it out competitively on the field.

Alex Park’s new Year 7s have proven to be quite the sport enthusiasts displaying high participation across Softball, Volley ball and Summer Soccer with a lot of students showing off their sporting talent. Well Done year 7!

Weekly sport awards has been put in place for year 7 and 8 sport where students have the opportunity to really shine. This may be due to an enthusiastic attitude, always giving a helping hand or showing off amazing skills. Well done to those students who have already received sport awards and we look forward to giving out many more weekly sport awards throughout the term.

Plans are already underway for our much anticipated swimming carnival. It will take place on Wednesday the 28th of February at Alfred Park Swimming Pool. The day is always a successful event with the excitement of our house teams competing for glory… To all parents and carers, please feel welcome to come and join in on the fun and watch the excitement unfold.

This term will also see many other thrilling sport events coming up such as the start of the Sydney East SSA School Knockout Competition, Zone tryouts for Basket Ball and Football, as well as the Eastern District Zone Swimming Carnival. Announcements regarding these events frequently occur during school assemblies and students selected for these events will be promptly notified of competition dates and venues. Good Luck to those teams!

Finally, the Alexandria Park Community School Fitness Club has commenced the year with a bang seeing an influx of new members, high levels of participation and the initiation of a breakfast club. Members can come and enjoy a nutritious breakfast after a hardy workout to start their busy school day. Fitness Club promotes the benefits of physical activity, teaching students the knowledge and skills to lead a healthy and active lifestyle. Any students interested in joining in the fun, please come and speak to Ms Kasz in PDHPE faculty.

To conclude, well done to all students thus far in their enthusiasm and Positive Behaviour for Learning during sport. We look forward to the results of those sport competitions coming up and encourage all students to keep putting their best foot forward.

SWIMMING CARNIVAL PRIMARY On Thursday, 15th February, APCS held their annual primary swimming carnival at Prince Alfred Park Pool. All the students had a fantastic time and swam either for fun, or competitively. A big thankyou to all the parents and teachers who helped with the smooth running of the day.

HOMEWORK CENTRE APCS Secondary homework centre is open every Wednesday after school, 3pm – 5.30pm on the Buckland campus in the FLS. All students’ years 7-12 are welcome to come and do homework and assignments with help, if needed, from supervising teachers. If you have any questions please feel free to call the senior office on: (02)96981967 or email muhammad.abdullah@det.nsw.edu.au or laura.a.medway@det.nsw.edu.au “I come to Homework Centre basically every week because it is highly beneficial to my learning, gives me an opportunity to work with friends and get a more thorough understanding of the work through asking the teachers for help.” (Igor, Year 11) “I come every week and like it because by completing my homework when I get to class it helps my understanding of the content more.” (Jonathon C, Year 9) “I come to homework centre almost every week because working with my friends helps me to work through hard assignments.” (Christine, Year 12) Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) Year 7-12 Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) Carnival On Thursday 14th December 2017, Year 7-12 celebrated with an annual carnival to praise all the students who worked well in achieving our PBL values throughout the year. PBL is a whole school initiative that improves student behaviour and learning outcomes. Students across K-12 learn our PBL values through high expectations and structured lessons on how to be a “safe, respectful learner.” During Term 4, the teachers on the high school PBL team and the two Year 10 Commerce classes created the annual PBL carnival that consisted of food stores, face painting, hair braiding, photo booth and much more. Students could collect tokens for the carnival by handing in their full deadly cards as well as receiving written positive comments from teachers. The PBL team was happy to give over 920 free tokens for students to participate with at the carnival as well as seeing an increase in written positive comments from teachers. Well done to all the students across 7-12 who were very deserving of these tokens.

An engaged and connected K – 12 community.

In Term 1, Years 7-12 will be focusing on how to be the best learner they can be. We encourage parents and caregivers to speak to their children about this topic and remind them to always try their best at school. Mrs. Fatouros 7-12 PBL Leadership Coordinator

Alexandria Park Community School has an official Facebook page Learn more about our great school and what’s happening each week by following us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/alexandriaparkcommunityschool/ Alexandria Park Community School has an excellent website Our school website remains a great tool for engagement and communication for parents, students and the wider community and it provides links to the most recent posts on Facebook. http://www.alexparkcs-c.schools.nsw.edu.au/ Look at our new fabulous Library Bags which come in 4 vibrant colours blue, green, orange & black now available from Park Road Office for the bargain price of $10. Grab yours NOW!