The Winston Whisper Winston Hills Public School

Hillcrest Ave, Winston Hills 2153 T: 96398518 F: 9686 3274 Email: winstonhil-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au Website: www.winstonhil-p.schools.nsw.edu.au

Issue 20 - Term 4 - Week 9 Tuesday, 3rd December 2013

CONTENTS

Page 2: Deputy’s Report , Kinder Orientation, Winston Idol

Page 3: The Recess Gardening Group

Page 4: K-2 Concert, Bushfire Appeal, Band News

Page 5: Environmental Ed, New Rugby Jerseys, Bazaar Day

Page 6: Kindergarten Day of Play

Page 7: P & C News

Page 8: Class of the Week – 2H

CALENDAR

Week 9 Tuesday, 3rd Dec Last day of School Banking Wednesday, 4th Dec High School Orientation Day Thursday, 5th Dec BAZAAR DAY Friday, 6th Dec K-2 Christmas Concert &

Year 2 Presentation 9.30am Week 10 Monday, 9th Dec Last day for Band Rehearsals Tuesday, 10th Dec 3-6 Presentation Day 9.15am Wednesday, 11th Dec Band Party Day Thursday, 12th Dec Year 6 Farewell 5.30pm Friday, 13th Dec 3-6 Special Award Assembly

9.15am Friday, 13th Dec Student Reports go home Week 11 Monday, 16th Dec Principal’s Morning Tea 10.30am Monday, 16th Dec Winston Idol Finals 11.30am Tuesday, 17th Dec K-6 PARTY DAY Wednesday, 18th Dec Last day for Students Thursday, 19th Dec School Development Day Friday, 20th Dec School Development Day Last day for Staff

WHAT’S DUE?

Friday, 6th Dec Swimming Carnival 2014 note and payment

ACCOMPANYING NOTES • New Canteen Menu for 2014 (coming soon) • Two safety flyers for Year 6 • Class Requirements List 2014 • Bazaar Day Flyer

Community Notices (email only)

• Gumnut Girl Guides • Get Active – free program for Kids • Carols – Kings Langley • Hills Rugby Union ‘Come & Try’ • Updated Tigers Rugby League registration

FROM THE PRINCIPAL ‘Parent Thank You’ Evening Thank you to the parents, friends and volunteers of our school who attended the ‘Thank You Evening’ last week. We extend a special farewell to those parents who will be leaving us this year as their youngest child goes off to high school in 2014. We wish you well in the future and thank you for your contributions to our school over the years. A special thank you goes to the lovely Judy Jones who catered for the evening so beautifully.

Student Reports - Semester 2 Your child’s Semester Two report will go home on Friday 13th December. Teachers have been busy completing assessments and writing comments over the past few weeks. Some important points for parents to remember are:

• SOUND is the expected achievement level that most students should achieve in all learning areas.

• The reports are a POINT IN TIME report. This means that we only report on what has been taught and assessed over Term 3 and Term 4 . So, it is possible that your child has performed differently during this reporting period and may receive a different level to Semester One reports.

• Information about the number of achievements levels (High-Limited) allocated across a grade is available on request from the school.

• We do not schedule parent—teacher interviews at this time. However, should you have any concerns about your child’s report, please make an appointment with your child’s teacher to discuss any issues.

NEW Canteen Menu for 2014 The new canteen tender ‘Healthy Canteens Australia’ will be sending home the 2014 Menu as soon as it is delivered from the printers. If you would like a sneak peak, look on their website at healthycanteen.com.au. Principal’s Morning Tea – Monday 17th December This is our final morning tea for the year. Students who have achieved a medal this term through our merit award system will have their special morning tea on Monday 17th December at 10.30am. Parents of these students are invited to attend. I look forward to congratulating all these students. Happy Holidays! It has been a very busy, exciting and rewarding year. Thank you to all the parents who have supported the school this year in our endeavours to provide your children with the best possible education. I wish you all a very happy and safe holiday! Maxelle Matthews Living and learning together Page 1

Issue 20 - Term 4 - Week 9 Tuesday, 3rd December, 2013

KINDERGARTEN ORIENTATION

Our new Kindergarten students for 2014 have just finished their three visit orientation program at Winston Hills. During the first visit our pre-kindy students met their Year 5 buddies and went on a school tour searching for our Winston Hills mascot “Winnie.” We found Winnie at the office, the library, the hall and lots of other important places around the school! During the second and third visits the children were able to visit a kindergarten classroom to play, sing, dance and do many other fun activities. All our Kindergarten students for next year had lots of fun and are looking forward to starting ‘big school’ next year.

Erin Adams Assistant Principal – Early Stage 1 WINSTON IDOL

FROM THE DEPUTY Scientists in Schools - Are you a scientist, engineer or mathematician? Would you enjoy inspiring our teachers and students in their science and maths? Then you might like to become our school’s scientist or mathematician! Our school is registered for Scientists and Mathematicians in Schools and we’re looking for scientists and mathematicians who are interested in working with our staff and students – it would be great to have someone from our local community. We are looking for professionals working in a science or engineering-related area. This includes research and applied scientists, technologists, engineers, medical and allied health professionals and mathematicians working in the financial sector, statistics, biometrics, computing, research or applied mathematics. Under Scientists and Mathematicians in Schools, you will be partnered with one of our teachers. There are no fixed hours – it’s up to you and the teacher to decide how you can contribute. Register or find out more information online at www.scientistsinschools.edu.au Scientists in Schools is an Australian Government initiative, managed by CSIRO Education. If you’d like to call the Scientists in Schools Project Officer, Sabine Schreuder, she’s on (02) 9490 8405 or you can email her at sis.nsw@csiro.au. Thank you to Winston Hills Tigers A big thank you to Winston Hills Rugby League Club who has donated two kits of jerseys and two perpetual trophies to our Rugby League teams. It will be a joy watching the kids playing like champions as well looking the part. It is also great to see these links between the school and the community grow. Athletes Foot – Donation to Our School As you would be aware, our uniform is about to see some changes and one welcome change is in relation to the kids’ shoes. To ensure that the uniform matches the demands of a modern school which has fitness and sport activities throughout the week, the students will be encouraged to wear black runners Monday to Friday. To help this transition process Athlete’s Foot in Merrylands and Parramatta has offered to donate $5 to the school for every shoe sold. Student Leaders 2014 Congratulations to all the Year 5 students who have been giving speeches throughout the last few weeks in an attempt to earn a Prefect or House Captain position. I have been very proud of how the kids have delivered their speeches and also handled not always being successful in gaining their first choice of leadership positions. 2014 will see numerous leadership positions being availed to the children and while it is disappointing when one door closes on a leadership role, it only opens doors to other opportunities. Winston Winners Congratulations to Megan Urcanci who achieved a top 16 position in the National Physical Culture Tournament. A huge achievement! Congratulations also goes to all the parents making our Taxi Bay safer by dropping their children off at the appropriate time and position. Your cooperation is appreciated. Ian Short

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Issue 20 - Term 4 - Week 9 Tuesday, 3rd December, 2013

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Issue 20 - Term 4 - Week 9 Tuesday, 3rd December, 2013

ENETRTAINMENT BO OK

XOXOXOX CO

SCHOOL NEWS

‘WINSTON MO BROS’ RAISE $953

Thank you to all those parents and teachers who donated to the Winston Mo Bros and raised money for prostate cancer research and Beyond Blue. We raised an incredible $953. If you would still like to donate to this great cause, please follow this link - http://au.movember.com/team/1097245. All donations are tax deductible.

David ‘Mo’ MacSporran

BAND NEWS

BAND CONCERT NIGHT 2013 What a wonderful night was had by all. We have received some very positive feedback and appreciate the support we received from family and friends. In total $750.00 was raised which will go towards purchasing new instruments and equipment in 2014. Upcoming dates for your diary- Wednesday 4th December Last tutorial session. . Friday 6th December SENIOR BAND ONLY K-2 Presentation/concert day Meet in the new hall at 8.30am wearing your normal school uniform and a Santa hat. Monday 9th December Last band rehearsal. Return of hire instruments for training and intermediate band only. Tuesday 10th December SENIOR BAND ONLY 3-6 Presentation Day Meet in the new hall at 8.30am wearing your normal school uniform Return of hire instruments for Senior Band. Wednesday 11th December Band Party Day for all three bands. Details issued via note this week. Wednesday 5th February 2014 Band commences for Training Band only Monday 10th February 2014 Band commences for School band (Intermediate) and Performance band (senior) Band If anyone still has a band t-shirt which was worn home accidently from concert night could you please return it asap. As we head towards the end of band for 2013 the band committee wishes all families of the program a very Merry Christmas and a safe and enjoyable holiday. See you all again in when we return in 2014. Sue Bryant and Band committee

UNIFORM SHOP

The Uniform Shop will be open on the 28th January 2014 from 10AM – 2PM

(Pupil Free Day)

• Pick-up pre-ordered uniforms. This will also be pickup for the new design shirts & hats.

• If you would like to pre-order these now, orders will need to be placed with payment upfront.

• Orders can be placed in person in the Uniform Shop (Thursday mornings – or 1st Thursday night of every month)

• You can order via email kellie_irish@live.com

K-6 HOMEWORK

Homework for 2013 finishes this week – ending Friday, 6th December.

K-2 CHRISTMAS CONCERT & PRESENTATION DAY

Our K-2 Christmas Celebration will be held under the Primary Shadeport on Friday, 6th December, beginning at 9.30am. Year 2 students will receive their presentation certificates at the conclusion of the concert. ALL WELCOME!

GIVING TREE K-6 On Friday, 6th Dec the children are asked to bring along a present to go under the ‘Giving Tree’. The presents will be collected by the Salvation Army for distribution to children in the local area. The Salvation Army requests that presents not be wrapped but would be very grateful to receive any donations of gift wrapping or cards.

BUSH FIRE APPEAL – GREAT EFFORT! Congratulations to all our students and parents for your generous support of our Bush Fire Appeal on our mufti day last week. Our school raised $856.25 which will be donated to the Springwood Rotary Club which is distributing funds to those affected by the recent bushfires. Over $80,000 has been raised by public schools in NSW to support the bushfire appeal!

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Issue 20 - Term 4 - Week 9 Tuesday, 3rd December, 2013

SCHOOL NEWS

NEW RUGBY LEAGUE JERSEYS

At last week’s Stage 2 and 3 combined assembly, we

had the presentation of our new PSSA rugby league

jerseys. A huge thank you to Don Stewart and the

Winston Hills Tigers Rugby League Club for their kind

and generous donation. At the presentation, Don spoke

about establishing relationships between school and

community and we look forward to continuing our

connection with this great club for many years to come.

David MacSporran

Assistant Principal

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION

Thank you! A HUGE “Thank you” from the Green Team to Jackson Lane

(KA) who kindly donated some seedlings to sow, as well as

strawberry plants and a Passionfruit vine to plant. The vine will

make the fence by the new hall more attractive. It’s great to

know the school community supports the garden and

Environmental Education. (Please let Mr. Lade know if you’re

willing to help look after the garden over the holidays.)

The Green Team If you’ve happened to wander past our veggie patch recently

you may have noticed the Green Team has been busy

replanting the garden with a variety of new seedlings. We have

some different coloured beet, some tomato plants, lettuce, peas

and some bean stalks Jack would be proud of!

Bush Tucker Garden

Even though they were

planted during the recent dry

spell most of the plants in the

bush tucker garden have

survived.

The Green Team

BAZAAR DAY Thursday, 5th Dec

There will be lots of stalls, prizes and fun!

Sausage sizzle lunch (for those who ordered)

Canteen will NOT be open

DON’T FORGET TO BRING MONEY TO

SPEND!

Bazaar Day is a MUFTI DAY

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Issue 20 - Term 4 - Week 9 Tuesday, 3rd December, 2013

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Issue 20 - Term 4 - Week 9 Tuesday, 3rd December, 2013

ENETRTAINMENT BO OK

XOXOXOX

P & C NEWS P&C

Thank You for a Successful Year! A big thank you to all of those who have worked so hard supporting the work of the P&C this year. This includes all those who have assisted with the work of our sub-committees and those who have come along to the P&C meetings.

This year sees the departure of some special parents who have been long-time supporters of the work of the school. Thank you again for your contribution.

2014 looks to be an exciting year for us. I wish you all a Happy Christmas and an enjoyable holiday period and look forward to seeing you in the New Year. Vincent Riordan President

UNIFORM SHOP Opening Times Open during the school term every Thursday morning from 8:40am to 9:30am and the first Thursday evening of the month from 6pm to 7pm. Next evening open: 5th December 2013 For Your Diary

• Will be open 5thDec morning and evening. • 12thDec Stocktake, uniform shop will be closed. • We are happy to take orders for the new uniform for

pick up on the 28th Jan 2014 from 10-2pm.

Uniform Shop Contact Details Please email Kellie Bramble at kellie_irish@live.com to place an order or make any enquires. Alterations For all alterations to school uniforms, please drop your clothes off at Uniform Shop on Thursdays. Finished alterations will be available for pick up the following Thursday. Thanks to Bernice Harker for this service who is also donating 10% of sales back to the school. Sale Items Sale items are still available in selected items & sizes.

• white short & long sleeve polos • yellow sports polos • yellow flap hats

UNTIL ALL OF THIS OLD STOCK IS SOLD

Have a safe and Happy Christmas! Kellie Bramble

CANTEEN Wednesday, 4th Dec Carly Kirk, Libby Davis, Amy McGuckin, Julia Maguire Thursday, 5th Dec Janelle Dunk, Julie Walsh, Kaelene Davis Friday 6th Dec Rachel Beldham-Collins, Melissa Johnson, Kathryn Boxall Monday 9th Dec Jennifer Harrison, Kelly Chapple Tuesday 10th Dec Robyn Scott, Rhonda-Lyn Urkanci, Jodie Maestri, Kathy Blair

Wednesday, 11th Dec Irish Lewis, Geroly Segui. Jin Young Kang, Kay Stoddart Thursday, 12th Dec Lissa Hassell, , Hatice Woods, Tina Khan Friday, 13th Dec Siobahan Buchan, Haylie Rossettin, Rebecca Connelly

Last Canteen Day for 2013

WEEK 11

CANTEEN CLOSED

Thank You to our Volunteers On Sunday 1st December we had our Canteen Thank You / Christmas Drinks at The Winston Hotel. It was nice to see the mums that could make it and even nicer to be able to put some faces to those names from the roster!

For the mums that were able to come along, thank you for taking the time to squeeze us in, at such a busy time of the year and for those that were unable to make it, we apologize for the clash of dates for you.

We are now into the final 2 weeks for the canteen and we would once again like to thank all of our volunteers who have helped throughout the year, not only with covering your own shifts but also for answering our SMSs when we desperately needed to find replacements!

A Big Thank You must go to all of the Canteen Committee; Janelle Dunk, Carly Kirk, Jenny Wilbow & Michelle Hines for all of your continued & unwavering support throughout the year and most of all for your humour!

Thank you also to Belinda Schuster, Jenny Wilbow, Libby Davis and Caroline Lovell who have offered to help with packing up the canteen on Monday 16th December after we have closed on the Friday 13th December.

Wishing you a Wonderful Festive Season.

Happy Ordering for our new owners in 2014!

Jenny Bradfield

SCHOOL BANKING FINISHED THIS WEEK Thank you to all students who banked at school this year.

Micaela Ashton-Standring schoolbankingWHPS@gmail.com

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Issue 20 - Term 4 - Week 9 Tuesday, 3rd December, 2013

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