term 1 week 2 5 february 2018 dates for your diary welcome · routines, programs and expectations....

Respect, Responsibility, Resilience.

WELCOME Yesterday, we welcomed 87 new Kindergarten students to our school. To these students and their families, we extend a special welcome and wish them a long and happy association with our school. Most of our new students coped very well with the introduction of ‘big school’. They waved mum, dad, aunts, grandma and grandpa off, without any hesitation. When I visited each classroom, every child was happy and comfortable in their new environment. Congratulations to parents for the preparations you have made over the last six months to get them to this point. I also thank and congratulate our Kindergarten team for their efforts to ensure the children remained happy and comfortable. Kindergarten will spend the next few weeks getting to know their new environment, establishing routines and making new friends. I also welcome to our school 40 new families whose children began at Oakhill Drive Public School from Years 1-6. We will make it our top priority to ensure your children feel settled and happy in their new school too. To this end we have placed each child with a buddy from their class to help show the children around. If you are unsure of any procedures please don’t hesitate to see your child’s teacher or contact the school office. I wish to thank our staff who have worked consistently over the holidays both on and off site to prepare for our students. Those of you who had reason to drive past the school in January, would have noticed that not one day passed where our car park was empty. Mr Bleakly has also worked through extreme heat to ensure our grounds are maintained. With this weather the lawns and hedges have kept him extremely busy. During the summer break our P&C approved the expenditure for synthetic grass in the outdoor classroom. This is now done and serves as a learning and play space. In addition we have extended the concrete pathway in front of the portable classrooms of our Year 1 and Year 3 rooms. This will also enable our students to hang their bags outside the classroom, therefore increasing the space inside. This morning our school received a donation from our local IGA. We thank IGA and Jessica Gan for their donation $661.44 to the school. You too might like to acknowledge this gift when you’re in the store next. We welcome back to our school, Mrs Jones from maternity leave who will be working two days per week. We also welcome to our school Ms Mesiti KM, Miss Perger 3A and Ms Insuasti 4A. Welcome BBQ Our P&C will be hosting a Welcome BBQ for all Kindergarten families as well as new families to our school, on Friday 15 February 2019. Notes were sent home yesterday. We look forward to seeing you all then.

Term 1 Week 2 5 February 2018

Dates for your Diary Term 1 Week 2 Wednesday 6 February Thursday 7 February Junior Band Handout Night Friday 8 February PSSA Trials –Years 3-6 Week 3 Monday 11 February Yrs 3-6 Play-On Incursion Tuesday 12 February Wednesday 13 February Thursday 14 February K-2 Assembly – Hall 2:00pm Friday 15 February Welcome BBQ – 5:30pm Week 4 Monday 18 February Yrs 3-6 Play-On Incursion Tuesday 19 February Stage 2 Meet the Teacher Stage 3 Meet the Teacher Wednesday 20 February Stage 1 Meet the Teacher Thursday 21 February 3-6 Assembly – Hall 2:00pm Kindy Meet the Teacher Friday 23 February Summer PSSA – Round 1

OAKHILL DRIVE PUBLIC SCHOOL NEWSLETTER


Class Formations We are currently finalising student placements in 29 classes for 2019. As I write, these are not yet confirmed. We are still trying to establish the whereabouts of several absent students. These missing numbers influence the number of classes we can offer. I hope to have this finalised soon and announce our classes and their teachers in future newsletters. Deputy Principal Mrs Helen Paris and Mrs Julie Torney are our non-teaching Deputy Principals. They assist the Principal in leading and managing the school. They liaise with teachers and parents regarding student welfare matters, monitor curriculum implementation and plan for professional development of teachers. Assistant Principals Early Stage 1 (K) Ms Mesiti Stage 1 (1-2) Mr Steel Stage 2 (3-4) Mrs Cartwright Stage 3 (5-6) Mrs Marsaus (M,T)/Mrs Brito(W,Th,F)

The role of the Assistant Principals, additional to their primary role of classroom teachers, is the leadership of the programs and initiatives of their stage. They provide support to parents and teachers on their stage about student welfare, as well as supporting the principal and liaising with parents. In addition, Assistant Principals have school planning responsibilities and a number of other roles specific to their stage. The Assistant Principals job share with a buddy teacher. They are off class two days per week to support their team of teachers to improve student outcomes. Support Programs Library Mrs Ranaweera EAL/D (English as an additional Language or Dialect)

Mrs Dunn Mrs Poulton

Learning & Support Teacher Mrs Kayes Science & Technology (RFF) Mr Pullinger, Mrs Johns, Mrs Davidson Other (K-2) RFF Mrs Davidson

All teachers are entitled to 2hrs per week of non face to face teaching for planning and preparation. This is called relief from face to face teaching (RFF). During this time each class is taught by the RFF teachers. We offer Science and Technology and the creative and performing arts during the RFF program. School Psychologist Miss Aimee McCarthy has been appointed to our school as our school counsellor. Administration Support School Administrative Manager Mrs Maddalena School Administrative Officers Mrs Sparkes, Mrs Jackson and Mrs Randell General Assistant Mr Bleakley

We have had a change of roles in our office. You will notice that Mrs Randell is managing the reception desk. Over the next few weeks I will give more detail about each of the above programs. All teachers are qualified to teach classes K-6 and this year some have been given the opportunity to experience teaching a different grade. I look forward to the fresh ideas and enthusiasm that different staff members bring to their stage. Meet the Teacher Information Evenings These meetings are an opportunity for parents to meet their child’s classroom teacher, hear about routines, programs and expectations. Educating your child is a three-way partnership, between the school, the parents and the child. It is important we are all on the same page and aware of what the goals



are. This way we can all play an active role in reaching that important goal. This is not an opportunity to discuss individual children. Parents wishing to speak with the teacher about their child may organise an appointment directly with the teacher. Later in Term 1, we will be organising meetings with each family to discuss your child’s progress. Leadership Camp On Wednesday, Thursday and Friday of this week our Year 6 Captains and Vice-captains will be attending Leadership Camp. This camp provides a great opportunity for the children to meet with school leaders from other schools in our area and develop skills to assist them in fulfilling their role as a school leader effectively. I look forward to introducing them to you via this newsletter in the next few weeks. P&C Meeting The February meeting of the P&C will be held on Monday 11 February 2019 starting at 7:30pm in the staffroom. All parents are invited. School Contributions In the following weeks you will receive an invoice for planned excursions/incursions, sporting activities, consumables, text books and levies. You may pay with cash, cheque, credit card or online payment. If you have any queries please do not hesitate to call our office to speak to Mrs Maddalena. School Procedures WH&S Every Body’s Business There is no parking available on site for parents. We ask parents to use the two gates on David Rd to enter and exit the grounds. This does not include the driveway gate. It is not safe to walk children through the car park. We discourage students from arriving onto the site before 8:30am. No student must be left unaccompanied on site after school. Parents socialising on the grounds must be actively supervising their children and toddlers at all times. Before School: Students are supervised from 8:30am. They remain seated under the COLA (Covered Outdoor Learning Area) until the 8:40am bell. Students may play on the oval, basketball court or under the COLA. Balls are only allowed on the oval before school. Dismissal at 3:00pm: Year 1 and 2 students will be dismissed from the basketball courts, 3-6 from the COLA. The classrooms up/downstairs and beyond the library are accessed through two narrow pathways, making access to and from at peak hours (9:00am & 3:00pm) difficult. We ask parents to assist us by not accompanying their children to their classrooms in the morning and to pick them up from under the COLA and basketball courts. If you are supporting our students for literacy groups, please wait under the COLA until you are required in class. Kindergarten are to be picked and dropped off from their classroom for this week. Changes to this arrangement will be advised at a later date. If your child has forgotten something they require please bring it to the student services window. Please do not disturb lessons by going directly to the classroom. Food Unfortunately we do not offer any refrigeration for student food. In Summer, I strongly urge all parents to ensure ice bricks or frozen poppers are used to keep food cool. Skoolbag App I urge all parents to load the Skoolbag App and update the grade their child/ren are in. We use this daily as a means of updating and reminding you of events. Betty Ploeg (pronounced Plough) Principal



Wellbeing – LEARN IT, LIVE IT, TEACH IT! Quality Relationships and Wellbeing

Special Religious Education (SRE) and Special Ethics Education (SEE) All students are provided with the opportunity of attending SRE/SEE classes for a range of denominations where approved providers are available each Friday. Students not attending SRE/SEE will be supervised by the school with alternate activities such as reading, private study or completing homework. We are in the process of allocating students to SRE/SEE classes for 2019, with classes expected to begin mid-term. If you would like to change your child’s SRE nomination, please contact the school in writing. Student Learning All teachers are developing their understanding of where their students are in their learning by getting to know your child, as well as referring to information from the previous teachers. Students will refer to goals for each lesson (the learning intention or ‘WALT’ – ‘we are learning to…’) as well as personalised goals

SchoolTV As many parents are aware, Oakhill Drive, as part of our Wellbeing & Relationships Program, subscribes to the excellent parent resource, SchoolTV. Each month we inform you of the special topic which has been prepared by a team of specialist doctors and counsellors, led by Dr Michael Carr-Gregg. Please take a few minutes to click on the link below and choose from a range of current and previous topics that may be of interest to you and your family. Parents of Kindy students, Year 7 students and those new to Oakhill Drive may find this week’s topic of School Transitions very relevant. Next week, there will be a special report by Dr Michael Carr-Gregg on ‘Smartphones in Schools’. This Special Report discusses the findings from a recent review that was commissioned by the NSW Minister for Education on the use of mobile devices in schools. In this report, Dr Carr-Gregg will also discuss how mobile phone use in schools is managed in other countries and alert parents to some of the potential dangers. Look for the link in next week’s newsletter. This month on SchoolTV - School Transitions Whether it is starting school for the first time, moving up to a higher grade or embarking on a journey through secondary school, there is no doubt that any school transition is a very exciting time for children and parents. It means your children are growing up! However, transitioning is an ongoing process. It can continue long after students have entered their new environment and may encounter difficulties at a number of different stages. These stressors may appear as anxiety and frustration and result in negative or disruptive behaviours. Such behaviours can become problematic making the transitioning process even more difficult for children and parents. In this edition of SchoolTV, parents will learn practical strategies to assist your child during the transition process and reduce stress and anxiety levels. We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this month's edition and we always welcome your feedback. If you have any concerns about your child, please contact the school. Here is the link to this month's edition https://oakhilldr-p.schools.nsw.schooltv.me/newsletter/school-transitions Helen Paris Deputy Principal

https://oakhilldr-p.schools.nsw.schooltv.me/newsletter/school-transitions



for the medium to longer term. Learning experiences will be tailored to enable students to work towards these goals. Phones and Bikes at School A reminder that at the start of every scholastic year students wishing to bring a mobile phone to school must complete and sign a mobile phone agreement form. Similarly, if students wish to ride their bike/scooter to school, they need to complete a permission form that outlines the school rules regarding appropriate use within school grounds. Both of these forms must be signed by parents. They are available on the school website or at the school office. A copy can be found later in this newsletter. Completed forms must be returned to the school office. Julie Torney Deputy Principal

Eco Club Later this term, we will create our 2019 environment club. Stage 1 and 2 students who are interested will be invited to join. We will continue to keep you updated via the school newsletter and through our Eco Club noticeboard, next to the office window.

At the end of last year, the Eco Club was successful in obtaining our Bronze award from Eco-Schools. We are very proud of this achievement. We hope to gain our Silver award further down the track, by continuing to reduce our litter and waste at Oakhill Drive Public School.

We have a new Eco Club page on our school website. There are photos and a video that you may find informative. Here is the link: https://bit.ly/2QJ1z8Z

At our school, students and teachers are encouraged to recycle their cans and bottles using the black tubs on the school playground. Later this term, there will be a note asking for parent volunteers to empty these tubs at a local Return and Earn machine each week. Sustainability Committee Miss Siratkov and Mrs Barnett 2019 Representative Sporting Trials Each year there are trials for students to be part of a zone or area team in a variety of sports. As a school we are able to select a few students to send to each trial. To attend trials, students need to participate in the sport outside of school in either Division 1 or Representative level in U11/12 age group or above. Most sports are only open to Year 5 and 6 students. When trials are announced, the coach of the sport will consider any suitable students, looking at the level they play out of school and skills shown in weekly PSSA. Most of the trials are held after school within the local area.

Notes Due

Years 3-6 Play-On Program Thursday 7 February K-6 Food Permission Friday 8 February Stage 3 ICT Policy Friday 8 February Swimming Carnival Monday 18 February

https://bit.ly/2QJ1z8Z



The following is a list of the sports: Girls and Boys: Basketball, cricket, diving, golf, hockey, orienteering, soccer, softball, tennis,

touch football, water polo Boys only: AFL, rugby league, rugby union Girls only: Netball

If your child meets the criteria to be considered as a possible school representative at a trial, please send in the following details to Ms Chamberlain:

• Child’s name, class, age and sport • Local club and representative teams – current competing age group, name of club, number of

years played • Positions played.

Anna Chamberlain Sport Coordinator Scholastic Book Club Our school participates in the Scholastic Book Club. We earn points which we spend on additional resources for the library and for classrooms. Brochures go home each term, and parents are able to decide whether they wish to purchase items from the brochures. Payments can only be made via LOOP online. Please see the brochure for details. Brochures for Issue 1 2019 have gone home this week. Orders must be returned to school by Friday 15 February 2019. This year there is a special offer for a FREE BOOK for all LOOP orders over $10, an all about me activity JOURNAL and 2nd order for the year (any issues) FREE TOTE BAG AND Printable Certificate. Please help your child to choose wisely, as I cannot vouch for the quality of some of the non-book items offered by Scholastic Australia. Miss Lee (1L Teacher) Book Club Coordinator Canteen News The canteen cannot accept anything larger than a $10 note. Please do not send your children with anything larger than this.

Our canteen menu is within the Healthy Canteen Government Guideline. Please refer to Flexischools for full details.

Thank you to our volunteers. Next week’s roster is:

Mon 11/2 Jennifer L, Louise J

Tues 12/2 Cindy C, Aruni S

Wed 13/2 Jane M, Claire G

Thurs 14/2 Cari M

Fri 15/2 Nicole J, Belinda R, Fiona D



Thank you to all have volunteered for this year. We are always looking for extra help so if you can spare even just a few hours please come in and see us. The roster will be sent out shortly. Melanie and Helen Canteen Managers Junior Band Handout Night A reminder for all Junior Band parents about our Handout Night this Thursday 7 February from 6:00pm – 7:30pm in the school hall. All hire instruments will be issued at this time, and all students will collect their music books and band bags. Please bring your child to this event, along with their instrument if they have their own. String Ensemble The first String Ensemble rehearsal for the year will take place in Week 3 on Wednesday 13 February in the OOSH room, behind the hall, at lunchtime (1:20pm – 2:00pm). Please make sure your child brings their instrument on this day. Jamie Watkins Oakhill Drive Band Coordinator Uniform Shop TERM 1 - 2019– SHOP HOURS Thursday 7 February – 8:30am to 9:30am Thursday 21 February– 8:30am to 9:30am Thursday 7 March – 8:30am to 9:30am Thursday 21 March - 8:30am to 9:30am Thursday 28 March – Flexischools Orders (Winter Uniform May be Ordered) Thursday 4 April - 8:30am to 9:30am (Winter Uniform Available) Thursday 11 April – 8:30am to 9:30am (Winter Uniform Available)

If you find you have ordered the incorrect size for your child, feel free to place the item back in a plastic bag with details of the correct size you wish to exchange it for. Please include your child’s name and classroom and pass it onto the office who will ensure I receive it for exchange. Provided the item still has the label attached and has not been worn you may exchange the item for a like item (i.e. no price difference). Please also remember that the school canteen sells hats ($16) for cash each morning. We encourage you all to take advantage of ordering uniforms through Flexischools. It is much more convenient than standing in line at the Uniform Shop. Your order is packed and delivered to your child’s classroom (usually on the Wednesday or Thursday of each week) provided your ordered is placed before 5:00pm on the Tuesday. Georgina Brown Uniform Shop Coordinator School Banking Student banking will recommence next week, Monday 11 February. Banking Coordinators School Bus Timetable Please note that the Interchange at Castle Towers has changed. See updated travel advice for Oakhill Drive Public School later in the newsletter.



Community News DISCLAIMER We sincerely thank our advertisers for their support of our school. While Oakhill Drive Public School is selective in the advertisements it runs, parents are advised to use their own discretion in supporting these services.



1-5 Oakhill Drive, Castle Hill 2154 T: 9634 1033

E: [email protected]

SCHOOL SECURITY If you see trespassers in the school out of hours please call school security.

1300 880 021 (24 hours)

Supervision of Students Our teachers supervise children at the following times in the playground: 8:30am-9:00am - Before school 10:55am-11:20am - Recess 1:10pm-2:00pm - Lunch 3:00pm-3:30pm - Bus children only No child should be at school before 8:30am No child should remain playing on site without parent supervision in the afternoon.

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term 1 week 2 5 february 2018 dates for your diary welcome · routines, programs and expectations....

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