2F Tribute to Health Superheroes - Art Lesson

KE Visit Jo in the Canteen

Heroes Hall Display

June 18, 2020 … Issue #9

The Executive have thoroughly enjoyed greeting students each day at our school gates and seeing all of our students arriving for school. It is lovely to be greeted with a smile and a happy "good morning"! What we have also noticed is how many children are arriving at school just as the music/bell are playing and arriving even up to 9:15am as a regular occurrence. The ideal time for your child to arrive at school is between 8:30am and 8:40am . This will allow them to come into the playground, find their friends and have some time to play before class. When your child arrives at school near, or after the bell it causes a number of effects. Firstly, your child is likely to feel self-conscious or anxious, which is not a great way to start the day. Late arrivals at school are directed to the office where they need to get a late note. Your child then needs to go to their classroom and walk in when the class has already started. If they are already feeling worried, this is not a pleasant situation. It interrupts the teacher and classmates. You may think 5-10 minutes does not matter, but it does. Added up over a school year this is nearly 17 hours of learning. What if that first 5 minutes was when the class had their wellbeing check-ins, their morning word work or shared reading? Over the 13 years of schooling these morning minutes being late really adds up. We are asking for your support in ensuring your child is at school on time. We understand that on very rare occasions there may be a reason why your child is late. Students who are late to school are marked as partially absent on the roll and unless a valid reason is given; they are marked as the absence being unjustified. “Traffic”, “we slept in”, “I couldn't find my...”, are all marked as unjustified. Please make every day count for your child and attend school on time everyday! You may find this link helpful: https://raisingchildren.net.au/school-age/school-learning/school-homework-tips/morning-routine-for-school DROP-OFF AND PICK-UP GATES/ARRANGEMENTS – REMAIN IN PLACE

All NSW schools will maintain the current drop-off/pick up arrangements at school gates for all families. At Northmead we will also continue the earlier 2:45pm pick up time for Kindergarten (via Moss Street) and Year 1 (via Kleins Road) until further notice. Thank you to all our families who have cooperated so well with the staggered departure times and exit gates for Kindergarten and Year 1 as well as your understanding when dropping off your children at the gates in the mornings and not entering the school grounds for afternoon pick-ups. It is truly appreciated by all the staff and executive and we thank you all for your help with these entry and exit strategies to keep our students and staff safe. We are constantly reviewing these arrangements, particularly for wet weather. Just a thought…if your child doesn’t already have a raincoat or waterproof jacket as the winter weather sets in, this would be a handy addition so students leave the school protected, whatever the weather!

UPDATE FOR FAMILIES – FROM JUNE 15 (PLEASE SEE UPDATE UPLOADED) You will already have received the NSW DoE’s a guide to NSW school students returning to face-to-face learning – Guidelines for parents and carers. It is available on the school’s website and was also sent to families on Skoolbag and the Schoolbytes email. It can also be found on the Department’s website here:

https://education.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/advice-for-families From Monday 15 June – the following is permitted at all NSW schools: School Assemblies with a limit of 15 minutes and for students

and staff only (no parent/carers are permitted to attend). School internal performing arts groups e.g. choir and dance groups;

Students may attend other schools but only for essential curriculum related reasons (e.g. placement tests or auditions);

Day fieldtrips to outdoor locations with no physical distancing needed; School photos (although no group staff photos); Please note: non-essential adults are still not permitted on school

grounds or at school events – this includes parents/carers unless specifically approved by the principal.

If you are currently a volunteer in the Canteen or will be in the Uniform Shop, you will be asked to complete an External Visitors to School Site form. This will include all Band Committee and P&C volunteers from Term 3 as well as external visitors, such as Band tutors.

Please the guidelines for activities permitted/resuming from Term 3.

REPORTING TO PARENTS ON SEMESTER 1 LEARNING PARENT/TEACHER INTERVIEWS TERM 3 Your child has been assessed during the learning from home period and will receive additional assessment on their return to school. You will receive your child’s Semester 1 report electronically by Thursday 23 July using Schoolbytes email system. In N.S.W. for Semester 1, student reports will be a simplified version of the report you normally receive and will not have the A-E marking component (Years 1-6). The General Comment will refer to learning your child undertook in Term 1 as well as the Learning from home platforms used – which were SeeSaw (K-2) and Google Classrooms (Years 3-6) up to when students returned to school on 25 May.

In addition, the school will hold parent/teacher virtual interviews which will start during Week 3 of Term 3 (3-7 August). We have realised that it may be challenging to contact all families who wish to have a virtual interview in that week alone due to internet and/or phone connectivity. Shortly a note will be sent home providing you some options around the dates/times virtual interviews with your child’s teacher will be available and the connection platforms that you are able to access. The timeline will be between 3-28 August. We have been researching the platforms that will most easily support teachers contacting most parents to discuss their child’s progress in Semester 1, such as ZOOM and Microsoft Teams. In some cases a phone option may be available, but with only 3 lines to the school, we cannot tie up all phone lines everyday for interviews.

PLEASE NOTE:

IN LINE WITH CURRENT DOE GUIDELINES FROM JUNE 15 AND CONTINUING INTO TERM 3, THERE WILL BE NO FACE-TO-FACE INTERVIEWS AVAILABLE.

Whilst each Stage will have a day allotted during Week 3 (3-7 August) when the class teacher will be released from their normal class teaching duties and provide timeslots throughout that day for virtual interviews, not all class interviews may be possible during that allotted day for all families.

Teachers will advise of other days between Monday 27 July and Friday 28 August when they are available before or after school or during their R.F.F. times, at the individual teacher’s discretion. ZOOM/phone interviews on any day will be scheduled no later than 5:30pm . Times for virtual interviews will be allotted by teachers strictly on a first-in basis. Thank you for your understanding of these changes to the Semester 1 report and interview processes as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as adapting to students’ learning from home.

CHANGES TO THE 2021 YEAR 5 OPPORTUNITY CLASS PLACEMENT PROCESS FOR 2020 YEAR 4 STUDENTS – IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR PARENTS

The 2021 Year 5 opportunity class placement process was put on hold in April 2020 due to the COVID-19 situation. (Please note that copies of notes including intention to register and the fact sheet were sent home to all N.P.S. Year 4 families on Monday June 1). We now have a revised and simplified timeline for the OC placement process to ensure that students and families can have certainty about their placement as soon as possible. The changes include:

A new date for online applications. Parents must apply between 9 June 2020 and 26 June 2020. Late applications cannot be accepted.

A new test date - Wednesday 16 September 2020.

To ensure fair and consistent assessment of students across New South Wales, students will be offered places based only on their test results this year – there will be no school assessment scores. You will find the fact sheets at this link: Fact sheet for parents/carers and students There will also be no opportunity for appeals given the tight timeframes. For further detailed information I encourage you to visit and stay updated at the following NSW DoE webpage: https://education.nsw.gov.au/public-schools/selective-high-schools-and-opportunity-classes/year-5

A team at the school, along with many other schools in Western Sydney, are undertaking a wonderful professional learning opportunity called “3 Rivers 4Learning” with esteemed educator, researcher and writer Ann McIntyre. Ann is recognised for her work in effective teaching and leadership as well as school and system improvement. As a school, are looking at how to improve leadership at all levels in the school to enhance the learning and life outcomes for every student at Northmead. One of the issues we all looked at today is how the COVID-19 change to our educational life actually brought about new opportunities for teaching, learning and assessing students. The school undertook exciting changes to on-line learning and analysing how we plan, program and collaborate within and across Stages in the school. Like many schools we have had time to reflect on WHY we have worked, taught, planned in certain ways in the past and do those “ways of teaching, learning and being” still serve us well? We are investigating research and reflecting on the innovation of teaching, learning and leading, always basing our learning analysis for change on “what matters most?” This quote seemed very apt in light of the exciting journey ahead for every student, every teacher and school leader and our families as we all navigate the way ahead to maximise opportunities for our students and their continued journey of success:

"We must be willing to let go of the life we planned so as to have the life that is waiting for us”.

Joseph Campbell I wonder what is better and/or changed for your family because of the differences we have had to make to all our lives in 2020? Hence my quote on the front page from the John Lennon song “Beautiful Boy”. So now…as a school we will continue to ask the question…even better if?

I look forward to chatting with you all in our next Northmead Newsbreak … … Anne Ezzy (Principal)

Kindergarten News Early Stage 1

We were so excited to welcome all our KMB friends back earlier

this term and everyone has settled in so well!

We made superhero capes to fit in with our ‘Hero’ theme and to celebrate being back together.

We have loved working with our friends again and catching up on all the art and craft we missed!

We have especially enjoyed

reading lots of quality texts and have learnt how to hold a ‘discussion circle’. These

wonderful stories have given us great ideas for our writing.

Stage 2 began studying the Roald Dahl classic, Matilda, during distance learning. Since returning to the classroom we have continued reading the novel in our classes, using it to

develop and strengthen our comprehension and writing strategies. As a celebration of finishing the book, this week we had a Pyjama Party and watched the film. Stage 2 turned their classrooms into cinemas, and everyone brought blankets and toys to snuggle with!

Stage Two News (Years 3 & 4)

Stage 3 News

Our mathematical topic for our superhero week was Area. Stage 3 have created some new cityscapes for our heroes to protect. Which city is your hero in?

KINDERGARTEN EALD

Birthdays are a glorious highlight of childhood, and for many children, the most treasured day of

the year.

Students in Early Stage One have had the opportunity to share in

this experience with each other. They completed activities on what

you would find at a party, what happens before a party and they

completed a speaking activity about a party that they went to.

The photos below depict our Birthday Party all set up. We had fun

creating our own special party hats, playing games like musical chairs

and don’t let the balloon drop! We sang Happy Birthday and opened

some special boxes on the table to find a special surprise of bubbles

inside.

The following day we had the opportunity to recreate the experience with a special drawing. We

used lots of colour and labelled the items that we thought were required at a birthday party

celebration.

Late last week we received the following notice from NSWPSSA.The health and wellbeing of everyone involved is paramount and at the heart of this decision. We recognise the pressures that schools are currently experiencing and supporting staff and students is our highest priority.NSW Primary Schools Sports Association (NSWPSSA) wishes to advise that the following trials/Championships will not proceed-Term 3NSWPSSA Cross CountryNSWPSSA Netball state championshipNSWPSSA Boys Touch state championshipNSWPSSA Rugby Union state championshipNSWPSSA Girls Rugby 7’sNSWPSSA Golf state championshipNSWPSSA Boys Softball state championshipNSWPSSA Girls Touch state championshipNSWPSSA Girls Softball state championshipTerm 4NSWPSSA Athletics

All term 3 2020 NSWPSSA activities are now cancelled and will not be rescheduled. All NSWPSSA knockouts/statewide competitions have also been cancelled for 2020.

As such all Sydney West Association events have also been cancelled for Terms 3 & 4.

Castle Hill PSSA have made the decision to cancel the Zone Athletics carnival for 2020.

A decision about Winter and Summer PSSA will be made shortly. Once we have received this information from Castle Hill Zone we will let you know.

We thank you for your understanding and appreciate how difficult these decisions are for our talented students.

Mrs Smith, Mr Hawkins and Ms HorvathNorthmead PS PSSA Co-ordinators

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Northmead Public School - P & C Association

NEWS & EVENTS

TERM 2 WEEK 8

P&C Annual General Meeting and Membership The Northmead Public School P&C Annual General Meeting and General Meeting will be held consecutively from 7pm on Wednesday 24th June 2020 via online teleconference. As the meeting will be held online, attendance must be confirmed in advance by email to northmeadpublicschool@pandcaffiliate.org.au so that the meeting link can be distributed and quorum can be ensured. Membership for all members lapses at the end of the Annual General Meeting. Please renew your membership using the attached form to continue being a voting member.  If you are interested in joining, please refer to the following membership form for additional information.

Order Your Birthday Treats From the Canteen Is your child celebrating a birthday? As we are currently limited by what can be sent to school for our children to share why not order fresh homemade birthday cupcakes or brownies from our school canteen. Cupcakes and brownies are made fresh and delivered to the classroom for your child to share with their classmates.

Cupcakes and brownies are $1.50 each and class orders can be placed via Qkr!. Please allow notice of 3 business days when placing orders.

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Uniform Order Form Update - June 2020 The Uniform Shop has released a pricing update effective from 17th June 2020. Updated order forms can be found at the following link: https://northmead-p.schools.nsw.gov.au/community/p-c-clothing-shop.html. The revised order form is attached to this newsletter for your reference.

Please continue to email orders to npsclothingshop1@gmail.com along with your direct bank transfer payment / receipt details.

Orders are processed once a week after payment has cleared and will be delivered to your child’s classroom.

Please follow The-Clothing-Shop-Northmead-Public-School on Facebook for future updates.

Dates For the Diary Annual General Meeting / General Meeting - Wednesday 24th June 2020 - 7pm Online

Enquiries General enquiries regarding P&C related matters should be emailed to the Secretary at northmeadpublicschool@pandcaffiliate.org.au.

NEWS & EVENTS TERM 2 WEEK 8

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Parent Volunteer Opportunities It takes a village to raise a child and it takes volunteers to create a community. Please complete the form below if you are interested in volunteering to help over the next year. This is not a commitment it is just an expression of interest that will enable the P&C to plan our events. Due to current COVID-19 restrictions we are discussing ideas for fundraising with social distancing requirements in mind. Please feel free to suggest your ideas for ‘contactless’ fundraising events at the P&C meetings or email them to northmeadpublicschool@pandcaffiliate.org.au.

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BECOME A MEMBER

Join a network of parents and teachers

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CONNECT WITH THE SCHOOL COMMUNITY

Share ideas

Be part of improving your child’s educational experience

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HAVE FUN

Build friendships

Use your talents

Volunteer

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Northmead Public School Parents and Citizens Association

MEMBERSHIP JUNE 2020

About the P&C Association The Northmead Public School (NPS) P&C Association is a not-for-profit organisation. It is established to promote the interests of the school by bringing parents, citizens, students and teaching staff into close co-operation, to assist in providing facilities and equipment for the school and in promoting the recreation and welfare of the students at the school.

Membership of the NPS P&C Association is open to all parents and guardians of pupils attending the school and to all citizens. The NPS P&C Association is always keen to welcome new members and particularly members who access or have an interest in the services provided by the P&C Association, such as our Canteen, Uniform Shop and School Band.

Meetings are held on the third Wednesday of each month.

Membership Fee The annual membership fee is $2.00 for individuals. This entitles you to be involved in the decision making of The NPS P&C Association. When you become a financial member, you agree to follow the Constitution, by-laws, Code of Conduct, Policies, Procedures and sub-committee rules as adopted by the NPS P&C Association, copies of these materials are a v a i l a b l e f r o m t h e N P S P & C A s s o c i a t i o n S e c r e t a r y northmeadpublicschool@pandcaffiliate.org.au. You are recognised as a financial member of the NPS P&C Association after the meeting closes at which you submit your payment. The Treasurer shall issue you a receipt for this payment, you should retain the receipt for the current P&C Association year as proof of your membership.

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Become a Member If you are interested in becoming a member, please complete the form below and return it via email to the Northmead Public School P&C Association northmeadpublicschool@pandcaffiliate.org.au. Due to current COVID-19 restrictions we ask that membership fees are paid via direct bank transfer to:

Bank: Commonwealth Bank of Australia Account Number: 905163 BSB: 062279 Reference: Please write your surname in the description field as a reference.

Thank you for your continued contributions to our school community.

Full Name: Please print clearly

School Community Member Type: Parent/Guardian ⃝ Citizen ⃝ Please tick

Contact Phone Number:

Email Address: For meeting notices and updates

Your Reference Number: (or attach a copy of your receipt)

I have made payment of $2.00 via direct bank transfer to become a financial member of the Northmead Public School P&C Association. I acknowledge that I am aware that I agree to follow the Constitution, by-laws, Code of Conduct, policies, procedures and sub-committee rules as adopted by the Northmead Public School P&C Association.

Signed Date

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MEMBERSHIP JUNE 2020

OTHER OPPORTUNITIES Executive board positions including President, Vice Presidents, Secretary and Treasurer are elected at the AGM (normally held in March). Expressions of interest for these positions should be communicated via email to the Secretary of the P&C at northmeadpublicschool@pandcaffiliate.org.au..

Other opportunities where help is always needed include the following:

Road Safety Coordinator

Fundraising / Event Coordinator

Volunteer Coordinator

Communications Coordinator (Newsletter, event advertising)

Garden Club (Coordinator)

Garden Club (Volunteer Helper)

Uniform Shop Volunteer Helper

Canteen Volunteer Helper

Contribute in another way (IT Support, Legal, Accounting, Translation, Graphic Design, Parent Surveys, Parent Education ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

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Northmead Public School Band News

NPS Band has continued to ‘play every day’ and we all look forward to playing together soon. Here are some thoughts from our clarinet students from Training, Concert and Performing Bands:

I like playing the high notes and learning- it is challenging. I love playing Spiderman and Tribal Drums. I can’t wait until band is back on at school in person!

Chloe, Performing Band

Even the dog, Cinnamon, is an appreciative audience for Amelia, Performing Band

Aishi, Concert Band

Ayur, Training Band

Concert Band

Charlotte, Concert Band

Summer, Performing Band

Rylan’s first Zoom PB Clarinet tutorial

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PRIMARY ETHICS BITES! OUR WEEKLY PROGRAM FOR SCHOOL-AGED STUDENTS primaryethics.com.au/education

The NPS Ethics volunteer teachers send their best wishes to all of our students and families, and send a huge thank you for the amazing response we’ve had to our online program Bites! If you’ve not yet had a look, please do – Each week we upload a new Bite to get you thinking!

Could you be an ethics teacher? We are seeking volunteers to help keep the program running at NPS.

Ethics classes are offered as an alternative to non-scripture and are run entirely by volunteers.

It doesn't take much time, the 40-minute classes are on Thursday mornings during term time, and it's a very rewarding role. You don't need previous experience teaching or working with children, all ethics teachers are fully trained to deliver the highly structured, age-appropriate Primary Ethics curriculum. Classes teach children how to think logically, disagree respectfully, support arguments with evidence and think about decisions that affect them and people around them.

Children discuss topic such as:

- imagining how others feel

- how do we treat living things?

- what is laziness?

- how do we disagree in a respectful way?

- fairness

For more information please visit https://primaryethics.com.au/ or you can email Kim - northmeadprimaryethics@gmail.com