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We are a Respectful, Responsible, Safe and Successful School

Caswell Street, PEAK HILL NSW 2869

P: 02 6869 1304 E: peakhill-c.school@det.nsw.edu.au

Peak Hill Central School

Newsletter

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays

Term 4 Week 9 - Thursday 10 December 2020

A huge thank you to all the staff, students, parents and carers who have made my first year as Principal of PHCS such an enjoyable time. I am so proud to be leading this great school into 2021 and beyond. This year we have built on our solid foundations to prioritise:

High Expectations and High Achievement

Focus on high impact teaching and learning to improve Literacy and Numeracy for every child

Increasing engagement including attending school every day

A coordinated wellbeing approach where every student is known valued and cared for and acknowledging student choice through positive behaviour for learning

Providing in-school extra curricular activities and a curriculum that provides pathways to success and future proofing the students at Peak Hill

Hub school of the Western Access Program, providing a strong education for senior students in partnership with other small schools

As COVID-19 restrictions begin to ease, I thank you for your continued support of the school space during this global pandemic.

I look forward to greater engagement in the community for the school in 2021. I wish everyone a safe and happy holiday and am excited to be working with you all in 2021.

Mr Peter Neilsen Principal

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Principal Mr Peter Neilsen Deputy Principal Mrs Catherine Doyle Assistant Principal Miss Grace Stewart Head Teachers Secondary Studies Mr Joshua Brown Miss Lucy Dempsey Head Teacher Western Access Program Mrs Crystal Stanford Aboriginal Education Officer Mrs Vicki Sharah Administration Manager Mrs Tanya Stanford P & C Committee President Ms Kim Dern Vice President Mrs Kelly Dart Secretary Ms Kim Dern Treasurer Miss Renae Keed Mrs Kelly Dart

2021 LEARNING COMMENCEMENT DATES

Monday, 1 February - 10am to 12noon School Office open for enrolments and uniform purchase Wednesday, 3 February - Staff Development Day Thursday, 4 February - Staff Development Day Friday, 5 February - Kindergarten Best Start Assessment - Individual Time Slots - Year 7 Return - Year 11/12 Return Monday, 8 February - All students return

Principal’s Message

2020 PRESENTATION NIGHT ORGANISATION

• Monday 14 December 6pm start

• Under the main COLA Quadrangle

• Invitation ONLY no walk-ins on the night

• Please allow time to sign in and complete COVID-19 declarations at entry point

• Please enter correct gate based on your child’s surname:

A - K Caswell Street (Library gate)

L - Z Bogan Street (Primary gate)

• Award winners and their guests will be seated at family/friendship group tables

• Please limit mingling and maintain 1.5metre distancing at all times

• Please exit via the gate you entered

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Deputy Principal’s Report Continues

What a wonderful 2020 it has been – despite COVID-19! High Expectations Every Day at PHCS Congratulations to the incredible students from Kindergarten to Year 12 who are at school on time, ready to learn every day! This consistency and work ethic is an essential skill, which will future proof your child for a successful transition to post school study and the workforce.

The Prestigious “Art of Resilience” 2020 Award Presentation In 2020 Bindi Judd was the proud recipient of the “Art of Resilience” Award. Next Monday 14 December, the team from this program will be visiting the school to talk about the significance of resilience and the role of this promotion program across our region. I would like to thank Mrs Crystal Stanford the Stage 4 Art teacher who nominated Bindi for this award. Mrs Stanford’s promotion of the creative arts at PHCS in 2020 has been tremendous and sincerely appreciated!

Colour Printing of the Peak Hill & District Times Watch this space! I have long held a dream that our school could contribute to adding a splash of colour to our community newspaper, the Peak Hill & District Times. A sincere thank you to our Principal, Mr Peter Neilsen for his support of this idea, along with the enthusiastic support of the newspaper committee. We are all excited to see the very first partial - colour edition of the paper next week for the Christmas edition. The school will be donating all the resources and printing over 700 copies of the local paper for the final edition for 2020, and then we will print the newspaper once a term in 2021.

The BATY Youth Mental Health Program Sally Chapman from the Parkes Shire has contacted me to share the exciting news that the Shire has been successful in gaining a grant to fund a Youth Mental Health Program to run in schools across the Shire for all students in Year 9 to 12 in 2021.

SAVE THE DATE On Monday 22 March the BATY Program will be holding a Community Forum at PHCS for all interested community members from 4.30 – 6.30pm, followed by a B.B.Q. The following day, Tuesday 23 March, there will be a day session held at school for all students in Years 9, 10, 11 and 12 to support the wellbeing and mental health of our students.

Year 6 Celebration Lunch Next Tuesday the 15 December the Year 6 students will celebrate the culmination of their first seven years of education with lunch at the Peak Hill RSL Club. We look forward to this opportunity to wish our students all the very best for their transition into High School in 2021.

Reading @ PHCS Last Wednesday the 2 December Mrs Rhonda Brain joined the school’s Literacy Team to share her experience and wealth of knowledge as the driving force behind the “Paint the town RED” Program. The team were excited to hear about the birth of “Liddy the Ladybug” and how important it is for our students to be bitten by this special reading bug! A special thank you to Mrs Brain and our very own Literacy team for their passion and inspiration across our school community, as they remind us all of the importance of reading to and with our children every day! This simple act, will be one of the most important gifts and childhood memories that you will ever give your child. I look forward to us all sharing the love and joy of reading at Peak Hill Central School and within our families and our wider community. Let’s all work together to make a difference and to improve the outcomes for each and every student in our care!

My Holiday Wish Thank you everyone for your positive attitudes, hard work and enthusiasm for learning during 2020. My wish for all students and families this summer holiday is that you find some quiet and peaceful time to spend together as a family. Take care and have a wonderful final week of school! Mrs Catherine Doyle Deputy Principal

COMMUNITY CONSULTATION There will be two more opportunities for parent/carers and community members to be a part of the school’s situational analysis and planning for our next 4-year school plan.

If you would like to have your input into the priorities of your local school you are invited to attend one of the following events:

• Staff Development Day 1 Thursday 17th of December from 9:00am in the School Library

• Staff Development Day 2 Friday 18th of December from 9:00am in the school Library

There will be other opportunities for your input into the School Plan during Term 1 2021

Deputy Principal’s Report

Principal’s Message Continues

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The easiest and most effective way to improve your child's vocabulary at home is to read to them every day. The school has an expansive school library that students are welcome to borrow from. Pirru Thangkuray - Dream Strong - at PHCS Thank you to Dubbo AECG, Lily Spackman and David Towney for your continued support in running the Pirru Thangkuray Program at PHCS. Students in Years 9, 10 and 11 have been given the opportunity to engage in one-on-one mentoring and goal setting as well as cultural activities. On Tuesday 9th December the students visited the Cultural Camp at Balladoran to participate in cultural activities with Uncle Ralph Naden and staff from the AECG. Please enjoy the photos of students below. Miss Lucy Dempsey Head Teacher Secondary

Head Teachers’ News

Yearly Examinations Students worked well in the examination environment, with marks displaying the effort and level of understanding each student had of the course content this semester. Parents and Carers are encouraged to discuss their childrens results with them and if require contact the school to speak with the relevant teacher for strategies to support future learning. High Expectations All students are expected to attend school and strive for excellence as course content is still required to be completed before the end of the year. Students are encouraged to seek assistance when required and complete all class tasks to the best of their ability. Electives Years 8 and 9 finalised their subject elective choices for next year, last week with the four options given across two lines as follows: Line 1: Timber or Visual Design Line 2: Food Technology or Metals If you have any questions regarding your child’s progress in Secondary please contact me at the school. Mr Joshua Brown Head Teacher Secondary

Literacy at PHCS The Literacy Team have continued to meet every Wednesday to review data and plan the school's approach to literacy and reading for the next school plan. All students in Kindergarten to Year 12 are currently focusing on vocabulary and how the school can support students to engage with reading and improve their use and understanding of a range of words. A robust vocabulary improves all areas of communication - listening, speaking, reading and writing. Vocabulary is critical to a child's success because: - Vocabulary growth is directly related to school achievement - The size of a child's vocabulary in kindergarten predicts their ability to learn to read - Vocabulary helps children to think and learn about the world - Expanding a child's knowledge of words provides unlimited access to new information

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Technology Mandatory

Visual Art Over the past fortnight, Stage 4 Visual Art students developed their skills in using Google Drawings. Students created a digital mosaic with an animal as their inspiration. Students truly made gorgeous compositions and should be proud of the new skills that they have learnt. Mrs Crystal Stanford Visual Art Teacher

Year 8 Technology Mandatory

Year 8 students have been practising and learning new agricultural skills this term. Year 8 have been learning about sheep production; learning and enhancing their mustering and handling skills, how to age and sex lambs, drenching and backlining techniques. Mr Luke Watt Technology Mandatory Teacher

Visual Art

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Bowler of the Year Dunmore Bus Scholarship

Dunmore Bus Scholarship The Dunmore Bus Run began in 1948 after Dunmore School closed in 1947, to transport students into Peak Hill for school. At that time the Government paid part of the running costs, and the parents had to pay a co-payment. The bus proprietors over the years have included Tom Mahoney, Boydy Lynton, Jack Bray and now Garry Parker. In 1970 there were 63 students with no pick ups in the town area. At the end of 1965 the State Government fully funded all school bus runs. With no further need to help with running costs and having a small amount of money in the kitty it was moved at a Bus Committee Meeting to invest the money at times or lend it to the bus provider to help with upgrades to his bus. As time passed this help was no longer required. In 1991 a Trust was set up and the money was invested until there were sufficient funds to start a scholarship for students at Peak Hill Central School. 2020 will be the first year of the Dunmore Bus Scholarship, which will be for 2 years. The first year will be $2000 and the second year $1000. It will be awarded to a student going onto tertiary education or a student completing a TAFE course.

2020 Men’s Bowler of the Year Congratulations to Year 11 student, James Robinson who was recently named the Men’s Bowler of the Year at West Dubbo Bowling Club. James also took out the Men's Singles and Men's Pairs title this year. Congratulations James! Mr Peter Neilsen Principal

PBL Acknowledgement Day

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Reading Circle

Reading Circle Every Day for 2021

Next year everyone at PHCS will take part in a Reading Circle, where groups of students, teachers and other adults will read, talk about, explore and enjoy a variety of books together. We will all be reading at the same time for half an hour every day. There is a selection of books for students to choose from this year, so that the school can order copies for every reader ready to start in the new school year. This is a very exciting program that will help to boost development in oral reading, speaking and listening, comprehension, vocabulary, social skills and a love of literature throughout our school. Ms Brenda Stewart & Mrs Lyndal Edge Literacy Team

Activate Primary Groups

Activate Creativity Students in Mrs Edge’s Activate Creativity group created coil clay bowls. After the first firing in the pottery Kiln, the bowls were glazed and will be fired again to reveal beautiful, glossy colours. Mrs Lyndal Edge Classroom Teacher

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Intensive Swimming and Water Safety Program

Thank you Miss Kelly

Thank you Miss Westcott

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Year 7 - 10 Blue Mountains Excursion

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Look What’s Happening in K/1/2 It has been a busy couple of weeks in the K/1/2 classroom. In Literacy, we have been continuing with our rotation activities. Students have been working hard on Spelling, Writing, Reading and Sounds. We have started making our Christmas Crafts and have been enjoying swimming lessons and would like to thank Miss Westcott and Miss Kelly for helping us learn how to be safe in the water. Miss Elsie Woodley Classroom Teacher

K/1/2 with Miss Elsie Woodley Year 2/3 with Miss Tiarne McLeod

Learning in Year 2/3 Time had absolutely flown by this past fortnight in Year 2/3. We have been learning how to estimate and measure the capacity and volume of various objects, and how to describe them. We have loved our first week of swimming lessons with Miss Kelly and Miss Westcott. The beautiful behaviour and courage shown by all students is something we should all be proud of. Our year together is coming to an end, which makes me sad, but very proud of how far we have all come. Congratulations Year 2/3! Miss Tiarne McLeod

Classroom Teacher

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Year 3/4 with Miss Teagan Heraghty

This Fortnight in Year 5/6 During Geography lessons this term students have been learning about some great iconic Australian landmarks. With this as inspiration, we decided to create an artwork of The Sydney Opera House. First students had to create a simple sketch and draw straight lines to divide the background. We discussed using white to create shades of one colour for the Opera House and then chose a complementary colour for the background. Look at our amazing results! Did you know?

•The original cost estimated to build Sydney Opera House was $7 million. The final cost was $102 million •There are more than 1 million roof tiles covering approximately 1.62 hectares sitting over the structure. They were made in Sweden.

•Seven A380’s could sit wing-to-wing on the site. Miss Grace Stewart Classroom Teacher

Year 5/6 with Miss Grace Stewart

Year 3/4 News

This fortnight we started Intensive Swimming lessons and all students have thoroughly enjoyed the cool water, especially on a 42 degree day. I can’t wait to see the improvements of each individual child over the next two weeks. Miss Teagan Heraghty Classroom Teacher

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Who’s Behind the Book?

Can you guess who these secret readers are? If you guess correctly you’ll win your very own book to read. Write your guess under each picture, then place it in the box at the Front Office by Monday, 14 December 2020. Mrs Lyndal Edge Classroom Teacher

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Mrs Edge and Ms Samuels going through, “Guess the Reader” competition entries.

Book Review

Pictured above are our “Guess the Reader” competi-tion winners: Liam, Olivia and Byron. Each student chose a fabulous book to take home as their prize. Congratulations and well done students! Mrs Lyndal Edge Literacy Team Teacher

Guess the Reader Competition Winners

The Good Selfie - Turia Pitt, 2019

“The Good Selfie,” is a helpful book because it has tips and tools to help you get through really bad times, and I felt like it helped me. It was written by an amazing person named Turia Pitt. The story is about how she got stuck in a fire and almost died and how she survived. She shares her tips to deal with the world and everything including other people’s opinion of her. I would recommend this book to people in the age group of 11-19+. It was illustrated by Freda Chiv and was published in 2019. My favourite part of the book are pages 22-23. It is about gratitude and how being angry and not feeling good about yourself stops you from seeing the things in your life that you need to be grateful for. Turia says, “Gratitude is not something you just have, it’s something you do. It’s a skill, and it’s one you can practise right now.” It’s a great book for teenagers. Miss Lara Dennis Year 8 Student

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"Lyndal's Literacy Lounge - Where Everyone's a Reader!"

Who’s Reading What?? What are you reading at the moment? Country Style. Why did you choose to read this book? Because I’m really interested in home decorating. What are you enjoying about this book? I like this book because I love their style of decorating and enjoy the stories about the people who have their homes on display. What does reading this book make you think about or feel? This book makes me feel relaxed and gives me inspiration for my own home decorating. Ms Barbara Sharkey School Administration Officer

Who’s Reading What?? What are you reading at the moment? My Tidda My Sister. Why did you choose to read this book? Because as an educator I have worked in many communities around the state with a significant Aboriginal population and have respected the relationships that women have between each other, their families, community and country. I have also recently been learning about Peal Gibbs a proud Aboriginal women and activist. What are you enjoying about this book? I like this book because it is about real people and gives a greater understanding about the connection between Tidda’s. I believe it helps me as an educator and school principal. What does reading this book make you think about or feel? The book makes me think about the strength, resilience and fundamental role Aboriginal women play. It demonstrates the diversity of what success can look like and has offered me a greater insight into culture. Mr Peter Neilsen Principal

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Thank You and Farewell

FAREWELL and THANK YOU! It is with a grateful heart but much sadness that we farewell two of our vey loved and valued staff members this term. Mrs Gai Strahorn will be retiring at the end of this term and Mr Robert Cain has been successful in gaining a much sought after permanent position as the Agriculture teacher at Canowindra High School. Both Mrs Strahorn and Mr Cain have been dedicated and devoted staff members who have supported our students and their colleagues unconditionally, during their extended time at PHCS. We wish them all the very best in their future endeavours. They leave us with the knowledge that they have touched the hearts and lives of everyone in our school community and we know that they will carry a part of PHCS with them as they go! The Staff & Students of PHCS

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Literacy Information P&C Fundraiser

PHCS P&C Christmas Raffle

The P&C are still seeking donations towards the raffle.

All donations will receive one free raffle ticket

Drawn 14 December at Presentation Night

Tickets are available through the P&C and on the night.

Tickets $2 each, 3 for $5 or 7 for $10

Thanks for your support!

Literacy Information