Belair Public School Newsletter Take Just Pride 34 Carolyn Street, Adamstown Heights NSW 2289 Phone: 4952 1735

Email: belair-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au

Term 4 Week 2 22 October, 2019

Principal’s Message Hi Folks, Our one major fundraiser for the year, the Belair Boot Camp, is coming up in Week 3. Last week students brought home a sponsorship form for the event. To keep things simple we have set this up for students to get sponsorship for participation in the event rather than a donation for every circuit completed. This makes it easier for money to be collected.

There are two options for the passing on of sponsorship monies. 1. Students collect all their sponsorship monies

beforehand and bring it to school at any stage up to the Friday of Week 3.

2. If students are collecting money after the event, they can bring their sponsorship sheet in on the day for teachers to sign to indicate their participation and then money can be collected and sent to school the following week.

All money raised by the Bootcamp will be put towards new playground equipment and activities aimed at engaging students in active, creative and motivational play. Students can request additional sponsorship sheets from the office if required.

Last Thursday I had the pleasure of accompanying our Year 6 students on their Discovery Science and Engineering Day run by Newcastle University. Our students had an exciting day solving a range of challenges. As always, they conducted themselves beautifully on the day. For the fourth year in a row, one of the Belair teams (pictured below) won the competition.

Term 4

October

23

Kinder 2020 1st Transition Visit 9am to 11am

Year 3 Newcastle Excursion

24 Kinder 2020 1st Transition Visit 9am to 11am

29 Kinder 2020 2nd Transition Visit 10:30am to 12pm

30

Kinder 2020 2nd Transition Visit 10:30am to 12pm

Performing Arts Evening

31 Kinder 2020 2nd Transition Visit 10:30am to 12pm

November

1 Whole School Assembly

Belair Boot-camp

4-15 Kinder 2020 Interviews

Year 2 Swim-school

6 Band Parent Info Session for

Parents of New Band Members in 2020

19 Y6 into Y7 2020 Parent Information Evening

27 Kinder 3rd transition visit and information session

Belair students having fun solving engineering challenges.

Regards, Warwick Beard Principal P&C Meeting Thursday 24th October, 7pm in the staffroom. The P&C is continuing to vary the day of the week for meetings to accommodate a greater range of people. We hope to see lots of you at this meeting.

Our kids are having so much fun being creative in our playground.

Deputy Principal’s Message Deputy Principal’s Message

Congratualtions to KA the class of the week at the K-2 assembly yesterday. You were wonderful role models for everyone.

Student Attendance: Parents must ensure: Their children of compulsory school age are enrolled in a government or

registered non-government school or, they are registered with the Board of Studies, Teaching and Educational Standards (BOSTES) for Home Schooling.

Their children who are enrolled at school attend every day the school is open for their instruction.

They provide an explanation for absences by means such as a telephone call, written note, Skoolbag app or email to the school within 7 days from the first day of any period of absence.

They work in partnership with the school to plan and implement strategies to support regular attendance at school, including communicating with the school if they are aware of issues impacting on their child’s attendance or engagement with school.

• From the beginning of 2015, Family holidays and travel are no longer considered under the Exemption from School – Procedures. Travel outside of vacation period is now counted as an absence for statistical purposes. Where the Principal considers that the travel is appropriate during the school term, the parent submits an Application for Extended Leave – Travel for the principal to approve. The Principal will request travel documentation, such as travel itinerary or e-ticket to attach to the application. (downloaded from the link;

Application for Extended Leave (Travel or Holiday) or ask at the office for the application forms. The absences will be recorded as “L” – Leave

Belair Language of Resilience The current resilience focus is: Coping

Kind regards, Kathie Colley

Link to website for all Resileince elements: https://belair-p.schools.nsw.gov.au/learning-at-our-school/future-focussed-visible-learning.html

Please RSVP by Monday 16th November

Belair Public School

Performing Arts Evening Parents and community members are invited to join us for an evening of music, singing, dance and drama. When: Wednesday 30 October 2019 Time: 5:30pm Where: Under the primary COLA (weather permitting) Who: Senior and Junior choirs, Senior and Junior Dance groups, Belair Concert Band, drama groups and public speaking.

Belair Bootcamp

This year we are taking a new slant on our bi-annual jog-a-thon. Students will engage in a circuit of activities which will be age appropriate. The event is happening on Friday 1 November during sport time.

This is the only major fundraising activity for our school this year and funds raised will go towards setting up additional play opportunities in our playground including Spare Parts Play and Nature Play.

We ask that students only contact people they know and don’t go from house to house seeking sponsorship.

Term 4 Key Dates Meet and Greet 2019 families – 22nd, 23rd and 24th October from 9.30am -11.00am in school hall ES1 Presentation Assembly - Tuesday 10th December at 9.30am in school hall ES1 Class Party - Tuesday 17th December at school Welcome back to our families and students as we begin Term 4. The last term is always a very busy time in schools. Students will be working hard at completing their first year of formal learning as they prepare to move on to Year 1. Semester 2 reports will be sent home late in the term, with the Early Stage 1 Presentation Day assembly to be held in the school hall on Tuesday 10th December at 9.30am. Kinder class parties will be held on Tuesday 17th December. While there are no formal parent/teacher interviews, please do not hesitate to see your child’s teacher if you wish to discuss your child’s learning and development. 2020 Kinder Transition and Meet & Greet During Weeks 2 and 3, transition sessions will be held for 2020 Kindergarten students. During these times, 2019 students will engage in activities run and organised by those Kindergarten teachers not supervising transition. On Tuesday 22nd, Wednesday 23rd and Thursday 24th October from 9.30am - 11.00am our new families are invited to a meet and greet session in the school hall. It would be much appreciated if you are available to drop by during one of these sessions to assist in welcoming our new families to Belair. Parent Support Reading Groups will continue to run each Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Families are invited to support Reading Groups on these days. Additional support is also welcome in class at other times. Thank you to parents who have already volunteered throughout the year. Please continue to encourage your child to read and keep a reading log. Reading should continue to be a focus for your child in Term 4 with emphasis on comprehension. Books read from school or home can be added to the reading log. Remember reading should be an enjoyable experience. You may like to read to your child, have them read to you, “buddy read” and take turns to read. Reading awards will be given to students at the K-2 Assembly each Monday with additional awards presented to students who go beyond 200 nights of reading.

Reading Groups Cancelled Due to 2020 Kinder transition there will be no reading groups Tuesday 22nd, Wednesday 23rd and Thursday 24th October as well as Wednesday 27th November. Finally, please feel free to contact your child’s teacher if you have any questions or concerns regarding school life and your child. A phone call and message to the office, a note sent in with your child or a visit after school (except Wednesdays when as staff have a meeting) is probably best.

The first issue for this term has been sent home. Orders are due by:

FRIDAY 25 OCTOBER. The issue will be closed-off in LOOP after this date. Book Club orders can only be placed via LOOP. Paper forms cannot be completed and placed at the office. All orders earn resources for our school.

What is LOOP? LOOP is Scholastic Book Club’s “Linked Online Ordering & Payment” platform. This system allows parents to place and pay for their order without the need to return the paper form to school. With LOOP you can pay using credit card and you can use any Scholastic vouchers. LOOP includes a gift option so you can still request that your order is left at the office to be collected. You can access LOOP either at www.scholastic.com.au/LOOP or via the app (download from the App Store or Google play). If you have any problems using LOOP, Scholastic are more than happy to help out parents directly – call them on 1800 021 233. Belair Book Club Co-ordinator – Catherine Whittaker, 0414 945 817

2020 Band Information Session

Who: Parents of new or interested band students for 2020 When: Week 4 – Wednesday 6th November at 5.15pm Where: 4R classroom (directly down the stairs from the office, near the primary toilets) It is highly recommended that all new or prospective band parents attend this session to ensure they are aware of the requirements for joining and being part of the band program at Belair PS.

Woolworths Discovery Garden Seed Pods for School Garden We have some very keen gardening students who are planting the Woolworths discovery garden seed pots in the gardens. Please drop any donations to the KA classroom. They are much appreciated. Parent and family helpers are welcome in the garden at any break time to assist students in planting, weeding and maintaining gardens around the school. Please speak to Mrs Allars if you would like to help out.

Dear

Parent/Carer Selective high schools cater for academically high potential and gifted students who may otherwise be without sufficient classmates of their own academic standard. Selective schools help these students to learn by grouping them with students of similar ability, using specialised teaching methods and materials. Selective high schools are unzoned so parents can apply regardless of where they live. Applications for selective high school placement are considered mainly on the basis of the Selective High School Placement Test results and school assessment scores. The Selective High School Placement Test will be held on Thursday 12 March 2020. If you would like to have your child considered for Year 7 selective high school entry in 2021, you need to apply on the internet using a valid email address (not the student’s email address). Detailed instructions on how to apply online will be available from late-September 2019 at https:// education.nsw.gov.au/public-schools/selective-high-schools-and-opportunity-classes/year-7. The application website opens at that link on 8 October 2019 and closes at 10pm on 11 November 2019. You must apply before the closing date. There are no paper application forms. If you do not have internet access, you could apply at a public library. If you have a disability that prevents you from using a computer, you can contact the Unit for assistance after 8 October 2019. You must submit only ONE application for each student. Remember: the tear-off slip below is NOT an application and the school cannot apply on your behalf.

Cut along the doted line and return the completed slip below to this s�ool by next Friday.

Intention to apply for Year 7 entry to a selective high school in 2021

Student’s name:

Class:

I intend to apply for selec�ve high s�ool entry in Year 7 in 2021 through the High Performing Students Team website between 8 O�ober 2019 and 11 November 2019. Yes No

Signature of parent/carer: Date:

Note: THIS IS NOT AN APPLICATION FOR ENTRY TO A SELECTIVE HIGH SCHOOL. This is a notice to your primary school only that you intend to apply.

TO APPLY YOU WILL NEED TO REGISTER AND THEN APPLY THROUGH THE HIGH PERFORMING STUDENTS WEBSITE. https://education.nsw.gov.au/public-schools/selective-high-schools-and-opportunity-classes

Student Awards

KA

Summer C, Michael A 2L Silas D, Edie P

4/5J

Lilly G, Thomas B

KM

Tobias R, Edward A 2M Kaelym M, Kai K

5G

Charlie W, Zara B

KZ

Edward B, Indiana Q

3E

Egan C, Eadie Q

5K

Next week

1B Lucy M, Neive P 3H Evie B, April D

5/6F

Macy W, Poupe M

1K

Kai T, Olivia G

3M

Mia G, Eadie C 6P Dylan B, Toby R

1S Hayley A, Eleanora M

4B

Jessie J, Cooper M, Kaia H, Alexander M

6W

Nicola S, Oliver O

2C Indi B, Liam B

4R

William P, Charli C

Canteen Roster and News ~ CanteenSupervisor Sonja

0438 684 401

The Green Tree Kitchen Online only specials are now up and running. Check them out at

flexischools.com.au

Wednesday 23rd October

Help Required

Thursday 24th October Renee P

Friday 25th October

Jen A, Leah W

Monday 28th October Melita E

Tuesday 29th October

Mel F

Have you tried our new frozen yogurt? Strawberry and vanilla bean, and blueberry and cookie dough. Only $2 each. Tai in the office has sampled them and she gives

the thumbs up

As per Mr Beard’s announcement, the times for breaks will be changing day one, Term 4.

Recess will be 10.30, Lunch at 12.00 and second recess at 1.25. I will be closed for second recess. Lunch will be served at 12 and recess at 10.30.

Please be aware that lunch is only 30 minutes and therefore counter service will be shorter than normal. Ice blocks will be sold for the first 20 minutes of breaks one and two.

canteen news

Monthly Report September 2019

Dear Belair staff and community, Exciting news! Plastic Police® has been nominated as a Finalist in the Banksia Sustainability Awards 2019 Small Business Category. We are thrilled to receive this national recognition, and our fingers are crossed for the announcement of the winners at the gala ceremony on 3 December 2019. We would like to thank you, our valued participants, for your ongoing support – it wouldn’t be possible without our Plastic Police® champions! Read more about the awards here. In last month’s report, we mentioned we have been busy producing a video about the Plastic Police® program. We are pleased to share the video with you now. We encourage you to share this with your employees and community to showcase the sustainability initiative they are a part of. Cross Connections Consulting presented at the Supply Chain and Logistics Forums in

September 2019. It was a great opportunity to share the Plastic Police® story and the achievements of our participants. We also presented the program at the Queensland Department of Environment and Science Soft Plastics Forum and look forward to potentially expanding the program interstate. We’re working on developing an easier way for participants to purchase products to close the loop on the soft plastics they collect. In the meantime, if you’re interested in procuring products containing recycled soft plastics, simply email info@plasticpolice.com.au. Keep up the great work, From the team at Plastic Police®.

Program Updates

Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep O� Nov Dec Total

2018 Weights Colle�ed (kg) 42 38 44 28 68 28 36 141 10 52 54 32 573

2019 Weight Colle�ed (kg) 0 30 22 18 40 30 42 34 52 268

Total soft plastic collected to date: 841kg Total products purchased to date: 2,567kg % Offset (purchased ÷ collected): 305%

Central Coast Council implemented the Plastic Police® program at its administration buildings, libraries and childcare centres in early 2019. Through the program, Council’s 2,500+ employees are recycling their soft plastics. Council is currently in the process of establishing drop off locations for local schools, businesses and residents to drop off their soft plastics for recycling with Plastic Police®.

Central Coast Council is the first Hunter council to build roads containing recycled soft plastics, toner, glass and reclaimed asphalt. Roads made from Reconophalt have now been poured in Long Jetty (right) and Empire Bay, with more scheduled to close the loop (offset) the soft plastics collected by its community, paving the way for a sustainable city. Read more here. Photo: James Miller.

You can prevent microplastic fibres from your clothes from entering the ocean by washing your synthetic garments, such as athletic wear, in a Guppyfriend Washing Bag (pictured right). Guppyfriend Bags can be purchased locally at Kathmandu stores.

Here’s more proof that the youth of today are going to save the planet: Two young girls, aged 10 and 7, convinced Burger King UK to ditch single-use plastic toys in their kids’ meals. Read more here.

Collec�on Sta�s�cs

Posi�ve Environmental News

Plas�c Police® Par�cipant Spotlight

You have saved the equivalent of 210,250 plas�c bags from landfill. Well done!

At age 16, Boyan Slat invented a device (pictured below left) to remove plastic pollution from our oceans.

Today, he is CEO of Ocean Cleanup, and two weeks ago the device succeeded in capturing plastics for the first time, ranging from 1 tonne fishing nets to microplastics. Read more here.

An Aussie start-up with the lofty goal of eliminating single -use plastics in every Aussie kitchen, bathroom and laundry has raised $60,000 in crowdfunding on day one. Zero Co makes dishwashing liquid, laundry liquid, multi-purpose sprays and other household cleaners from plant-based formulas. Customers order products, fill their dispensers and return the refill pouches using the postage-paid return envelope. Zero Co then cleans the pouches, refills them and ships them back out to customers. (Pictured below right). Read more here.

How can I tell if something is paper or aluminium foil®? If you scrunch something in your hand, and it stays in a tight ball, it is aluminium. If not, it is most likely metallicized soft plastic. Metallicized soft plastics such as chip packets and chocolate wrappers can be recycled by Plastic Police®, provided they are clean, dry and free from crumbs.

If I’m unsure if something is recyclable, do I put it in the recycling bin? If you’re not sure, the best place for your waste is the red bin. Non-recyclable items being placed in recycling bins, whether your yellow lid recycling bin or Plastic Police® bin, can contaminate recycling streams and lead to even more being landfilled. View our handy Recycling Guide or email us at info@plasticpolice.com.au and we can confirm which bin to put it in.

For news, tips and updates, follow Plastic Police® on Facebook and Instagram.

You Ask, We Answer!

Foil So� plas�c

Ocean cleanup device removes plas�c for the fir� �me. Photo: Boyan Slat.

This �art-up is on a mission to remove single-use plas�cs from Aussie homes. Photo: Zero Co.