Kalori Newsletter

No. 17 September 2018

Principal’s Report

UPCOMING EVENTS: WHAT’S DUE NOW Band Committee Meeting 7:00pm Mon 29th Oct Swimming Scheme Swim Scheme Starts Mon 29th Oct Year 3 Excursion Kindergarten Orientation 2 Thu 1st Nov Teen Ranch Bankstown District Dance Festival Wed 7th Nov Kindy Excursion Kindergarten Orientation 3 Thu 8th Nov Year 1 Excursion Term 4 Band Dance Festival Extra Tickets SAVE THE DATE - PRESENTATION DAY TUESDAY 11 DECEMBER All families and community members are invited to attend the annual Presentation Day on Tuesday 11th December, commencing at 10:00am and concluding at approximately 12:00pm. We look forward to seeing you there. KINDERGARTEN ORIENTATION Yesterday we had our first day of Kindergarten Orientation for our students starting in 2019. It was wonderful to see how settled they were as a group and surprisingly, there were very few tears! We can already see the bravery, curiosity and zest that our newest PPPS students will bring next year, which is encouraging. We also had our annual Orientation Meeting for the parents of our new kindies last week which was well received, and our new parents are very much looking forward to becoming a part of our Picnic Point PS community. I’d like to thank all our staff for their flexibility and expertise that enables our Kindergarten Orientation program to be second to none each and every year. Special thanks goes to Mrs Austin, who does such an outstanding job organising and coordinating all three orientation days and the parent meeting to ensure our new students and their families have the best possible start in education. BANKSTOWN / EAST HILLS DANCE FESTIVAL We wish all our dance teams the best of luck during their performances on Wednesday 7th November at Bankstown Sports Club. Through hard work, commitment and talent, the students will no doubt do themselves, their families and the school proud during their performance. Special thanks to all dance teachers who have freely given their time to ensure the students are ready for this show. Thanks must also be given to parents for their support of this most worthwhile program. REMINDER - COLOUR RUN POSTPONED - TUESDAY 13 NOVEMBER (TERM 4 WEEK 5) This is just a quick reminder to everyone that the Colour Run has been postponed due to unforeseen circumstances. It will now be held on Tuesday 13th November, so that gives everyone a little more time to collect sponsors. We will be combining this year’s money raised with last year’s to fund an upgrade to our playground for all to enjoy. Thank you to everyone for your understanding and support.

VARIATION TO TERM 4 SCHOOL DEVELOPMENT DAYS – SCHOOL CLOSED 21 DECEMBER - 27 JANUARY As you may be aware, the last two days of each school year are called School Development Days (SDDs). These are pupil-free days for the purpose of providing professional learning for staff. This year the SDDs are scheduled for Thursday 20th December and Friday 21st December. While these days are crucial for staff development, they are not always at an optimal time of year to put learning into practice. Following community consultation through P&C and approval from the Director, we completed 2 x 3 ½ hr training sessions after school throughout the year in lieu of the last SDD. We have done this in order to access professional learning at a more advantageous time of the year so we can immediately implement our school planning priorities and add value to student achievement. In addition, with Donna Dilonardo being in a new cross-school role and continuing in various regional roles, our office staff Sue Trees, Kim Pryde and Thelma Stefanou have completed additional training outside of school hours in lieu of the two SDDs to fulfil their roles in higher duties. As a result, the school (including the front office) will close for the summer holidays at 3:30pm on Thursday 20th December. The last day of school for our students is Wednesday 19th December. The office will re-open for the first SDD of next year on Monday 28th January 2019. Students return on Tuesday 29th January. Please ensure you have all you need heading into the holidays as the school will be closed over this period. Many thanks in advance for your understanding. NEW ONSITE OUT OF SCHOOL HOURS CARE (OSHC) AT PPPS IN 2019! (REPEAT ITEM) I am pleased to announce that we will be establishing a before and after school care service onsite here at PPPS commencing Monday 28th January 2019. As per Department of Education policy, we formed a panel and undertook a tender process to find the successful provider. This is a very exciting initiative that will support you, our hardworking families, and provide a quality service in the convenience and safety of our school grounds. The successful provider is Kids Capers and their high quality service comes in at a competitive price with glowing references. The following services and times will be available as of Monday 28th January 2019:

Before School Care: 6:30am - 8:30am After School Care: 3:00pm - 6:00pm

Vacation Care: Held for 11 weeks per year: 4 weeks in January, 2 weeks for each of the other term breaks (Apr, Jul, Sept) and 1 week at the end of December. A typical Vacation Care week consists of 2 excursion days, 2 incursion days and 1 day with an in-centre special activity. Parents can choose which days they wish their child to attend (Hours: 6:30am - pm). In terms of places and availability, Kids Capers are committed to providing equivalent bookings for families who are currently using an off-site provider for before and after school care. In addition, they are working with the school to ensure all new families gain their required OSHC places/bookings. Enrolment for your child/ren into Kids Capers OSHC at PPPS for 2019 is open now. The enrolment process is outlined on the Kids Capers website: https://www.kidscapersoosh.com.au/enrolment. The Child Care Subsidy confirmation process will be completed in January. If you have any questions or queries regarding the enrolment process or any other details, please contact Julie-Ann Fergusson on 0412 398 539. Kids Capers have an email address if you’d prefer to contact them via this method: picnicpoint@kidscapersoosh.com.au SELECTIVE HIGH SCHOOL APPLICATIONS FOR YEAR 7 2020 (REPEAT ITEM) Selective high schools cater for highly achieving academically gifted students who may otherwise be without sufficient classmates at their own academic and social level. These schools help gifted and

talented students to learn by grouping them with other gifted and talented students, teaching them in specialised ways and providing educational materials at the appropriate level. 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 14 March 2019. If you would like to have your child considered for Year 7 selective high school entry in 2020, you need to apply now. You will need to apply on the internet using a valid email address (not the student’s email address). Detailed instructions on how to apply online have been email to all Year 5 parents. The application website opened on the 9th October 2018 and closes on Monday 12th November 2018. No late applications will be accepted. More information on how to apply can be found at https://education.nsw.gov.au/.shs-oc 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. Please note that you can submit only ONE application for each student. Ben Walsh Principal

Shared Language of Learning

In line with our School Plan, Strategic Direction 3 is focussing on the Shared Language of Learning at PPPS. At the end of Semester 1 parents were asked to fill in a survey on ‘Communicating the Shared Language of Learning at PPPS.’ From this data parents have indicated that their preferred method of communication is via the Kalori and the Parent Portal. Each fortnight our Kalori will include a section focussing on the concepts and Language of Learning used at PPPS.

BEE BRAVE

“Bravery is not the absence of fear but rather the courage to face our fears and move forward” Definition Bravery is our student’s ability to face challenges, tasks and learning with the belief that they can succeed. Bravery allows our students to be confident when faced with new challenges and take risks to improve their learning and themselves. For example Bravery can be as small as putting you hand up and saying “I’m not sure” or as big as giving a speech in front of the whole school. Why Bravery? Studies have shown that addressing and overcoming ‘fears’ in learning directly leads to improved performance and engagement levels and that if someone is brave for long enough, it turns into confidence, which is simply bravery without the fear. Language of Learning Challenge Your challenge if you are ‘brave’ enough to accept, is to have a conversation with you child and share an experience of how bravery has helped you and conversely ask them, have they been brave this week? Student Quote of the Week “We’re not afraid of tricky work” by Chloe Zhang - Kindy Canada

Stage 1 Report

KINDERGARTEN ORIENTATION It has been an exciting week as we introduced our new little Kindies to ‘big’ school yesterday. They settled in well during our first orientation visit and we look forward to our next 2 sessions with them. Parents will receive a letter in the next few weeks with details regarding their child’s Best Start time and start time for their first day of school next year. Could all parents please complete and return their coloured forms by Thursday 8th November.

Term 4 ~ Week 3 Thursday 1st November ~ 9:00am – 10:45am

Kindergarten Orientation 2 for students

Term 4 ~ Week 4 Thursday 8th November ~ 9:00am – 10:45am

Kindergarten Orientation 3 for students

MORNING TEA ~ KINDY PARENTS 2019 Thank you very much to our current Kindergarten parents for supplying a delicious morning tea for our new 2019 parents. The parents were very impressed with the yummy array of food! Thank you also to Jessica Belgre for setting up for us, it was most appreciated. YEAR 2 GEORGES RIVER EXCURSION We had our excursion at the Georges River. It was really fun and we even got to use a compass! We also went on a bushwalk and went to the beach (Yeah, I would have been excited if it wasn’t for the water and sand mixture in my shoes!) Anyways, in the end it went well, though.

We had to ride a fast bus and I nearly fell off the seat! Then we entered the Early Kids Learning Wildlife Centre and we ate our crunch and sip. After that, we went outside to go to the beach and visited the very old farm. The instructor told us, that many years ago, there was an old farmer that loved a racehorse he owned so much, that he buried it under a tree when it died. The tree was a tree that nobody could touch because it was in his area and a sign said that it was strictly forbidden on the fence. Then, we went to the beach. We used the compasses here. We used it for knowing which way was north while we explored a map and looked at the different ways people use the river.

Then we went back to the Wildlife Centre. Back at the centre, we had an instructor called Bec. She told us that when they found a dead animal beside the road, they’d send it to a taxidermist and the taxidermist would stuff the dead animal. Then, Bec let us touch the real and soft fur of the stuffed animals. They had kangaroos, birds, possums, and even bugs!

Then, we drove to Picnic Point and went on a bushwalk to learn about some of the plants. We even got to hold real Aboriginal tools. After the walk, we went into the shade and Bec read us a story about the river before giving us each a piece of clay. We used the clay to make an animal that lived near the Georges River. I made a kookaburra, and so did Yuki. I used tiny black rocks as eyes, little sticks for legs, and colourful leaves for wings.

Finally, we all went back to school and thanked the driver.

Theresa Li - 2 Tonga

Stage 2 Report

UPCOMING EVENTS: Year 3 Excursion Thu 8th Nov YEAR 3 EXCURSION TO NATIONAL PARK A hugely popular excursion with students and teachers alike, as they learn so much from this environmentally focused experience and hands on activities, which support their HSIE and science studies. Please read the note carefully to ensure students are on time and bring what they need for the day. Please see Mrs Hagan or Mrs Clarke with any questions or concerns. LEARNER QUALITIES, LEARNER INTENTIONS AND SUCCESS CRITERIA It is very satisfying to see the students’ changing attitude to what ‘learning’ really is. Their growing confidence in ‘having a go’ and understanding that not being able to do something is not a failure, but just means that we need to build a bit more knowledge and skills, is a very powerful realisation for children. Understanding exactly what it is they aim to achieve from a learning activity or experience (success criteria) gives them a measure against which they can self-assess whether they need to ask more questions, put in a little more research or practice or if they are ready to move onto the next goal. We encourage parents to have these discussions with your child. EQUIPMENT Once again, I would like to appeal to parents to support their children in having the necessary classroom equipment. Rulers in particular are needed as students cannot keep up with more complex geometry or other activity if they have to wait to borrow their friend’s ruler. Pencils also seem to be in short supply. WATER BOTTLES - HOT WEATHER Parents, please ensure your child has a water bottle every day. It should be labelled with the child’s name, as many bottles are identical. LABEL BELONGINGS We have hats, jackets and other items of clothing (e.g. change clothes for sport) turning up in bag rooms, with no identifiable name label. Please check labels each term and refresh them if necessary.

Stage 3 Report

UPCOMING EVENTS: Prefect Nomination Forms Due 3:00pm Fri 2nd Nov Prefect Pre Poll Thu 8th Nov Mr Coleman’s Visit Fri 9th Nov FORENSICS INCURSION Yesterday, Stage 3 students were engaged in an incursion - “A Case of Discovery”. They were instructed in many aspects of forensics investigations, allowing them to track down answers to a variety of problems. The “hands on” activities allowed the students to be collaborative, inquisitive, mindful, curious and reflective as they tried to solve the mysterious challenges. The students enjoyed being involved and great learning took place. YEAR 6 FAREWELL CAKE Thanks to those who answered our SOS for offers to help / suggest bakers for our Year 6 Farewell cake. Mrs Merheb and Mrs Musumeci have kindly offered their services. Thank you ladies. It is greatly appreciated.

The Farewell is to be held at Revesby Workers Club on Thursday 13th December and through the efforts of students with our Mini Fete and of a number of parents who have initiated events, we will be able to subsidise the Farewell to minimise costs. We sincerely hope all Year 6 students will be able to attend this special evening. TEEN RANCH Year 6 students have been issued with their permission note regarding dates, costs and deposits for Teen Ranch which will be on Monday 26th November to Wednesday 28th November. We understand that parents may experience some financial strain, especially just before Christmas. We encourage parents, if needed, to pay by instalments. This may be set up with our friendly office staff. We have also subsidised the cost of bus transport through our Year 6 fundraising account. Year 6 2019 will also receive assistance next year in the same manner for their efforts this year with fundraising activities. LEADERSHIP TEAM 2019 A reminder for Year 5 students wishing to submit nominations for Leadership Team 2019 positions - nominations close 3:00pm Friday 2nd November. No late nominations will be accepted. The House Captain Nomination forms will be handed out after our Prefect Pre Poll is completed and the ten prefect nominees are announced. We strongly encourage any student wishing to go for a House or Vice Captain role to try for Prefect as well. MOBILE PHONES / DEVICE SAFETY A reminder that any student who brings a mobile phone to school must take it to the office as soon as they arrive at school. The phones are locked in the school safe for security and safety. The phones are then collected by the students at 3pm. Also, a reminder that no student is to message or film one another during the school day via their devices (unless it is under the supervision / direction of a teacher). iPads and laptops are strictly used as a learning tool during school hours, under the supervision of teachers.

Band UPCOMING EVENTS: Year 2 Band Workshop Mon 29th Oct Band Committee Meeting Mon 29th Oct

YEAR 2 BAND WORKSHOP On Monday, the Year 2 students will be given a short presentation of the various band instruments in the hall and will have the opportunity to ask questions and about joining the school band and learning to play an instrument next year. They will be given notes to take home and discuss with their parents. Parents, if you have any questions, please see Mrs Stewart in the hall on a Monday or Tuesday morning, or Mrs Stawski. BAND COMMITTEE MEETING Yes, the last meeting for this year is this Monday at 7:00pm, in G block. We are asking band parents to make an effort - your child is enjoying huge benefits resulting from the hard work of a few people. If you are the parent of a current Year 2 child who wishes to join the band for 2019, you are most welcome to attend, ask any questions and be a proactive role model for your child. See you there!

Dance

BANKSTOWN EAST HILLS DISTRICT DANCE FESTIVAL On Wednesday 7th November our 4 dance groups will be performing at the Bankstown East Hills District Dance Festival. In preparation for this event there will be a dress rehearsal at school for our Junior dance girls on Friday 26th October. The other 3 groups, Year 1/2, senior girls and boys dance groups will rehearse on Friday 2nd November. Both rehearsals will take place at school from 3:00pm - 5:00pm.

Chess

UPCOMING EVENTS: Sydney Academy In-school chess tournament Wed 5th Dec IN-SCHOOL CHESS TOURNAMENT The tournament will be held in the school hall on the above date and runs from 9:00am to 12:00pm. Notes about joining will be coming home from the Sydney Chess Academy - the same group which runs our Wednesday afternoon chess tutorials. This tournament is more suitable for fairly competent players - not experts, but must know all movements and be able to use a chess clock.

Sport Report

UPCOMING EVENTS: Girls Touch Knockout Finals Mon 29th Oct State Athletics Wed 31st Oct, Thur 1st Nov Water Survival Swimming Scheme Weeks 3 and 4 GIRLS TOUCH KNOCKOUT On Tuesday, our Girls Touch Football Team played in the Sydney Championship against Marton PS - a very difficult match, played in tiring conditions against a formidable opposition. The game was very low scoring and both teams defended tremendously, but credit to our girls as they were able to hold out for a 2-1 victory to become Sydney Champions for the third successive year. The competition began with over 700 schools and the girls have reached the state quarter-finals where they will begin their day with a match against Warialda PS (North of Tamworth). Making the top 8 teams in NSW is a tremendous achievement and hopefully they have a few more wins in them! STATE ATHLETICS All the best to Josh Sabbagh, Azaleeah Oloapu, Channary Royal and our junior boys relay team, Reece Lewis, Jordan Pantazis, Blake Petrovski and Josh Sabbagh when they compete at the State Athletics Championships next week at Homebush. WATER SURVIVAL SWIMMING SCHEME On Monday 53 students will be beginning the Water Survival Swim Scheme at Revesby Pool. Students will be leaving school at 1:00pm and returning at about 2:45pm. Students need to remember to wear their costume under their school uniform, bring 2 towels, underwear and a plastic bag. Ensure all clothes are labelled. This program caters for beginner swimmers and strong independent swimmers. It teaches basic survival skills when around water as well as how to assist others safely if they are in danger. Stronger swimmers undertake rigorous water safety training to ensure they are prepared for dangerous situations that they could find themselves or others experiencing.

24 Kennedy Street, Picnic Point

Tel: 02 9771 1199

Email: marie@teenieweenies.net.au

Find us on Facebook & Web http://teenieweenies.com.au/

Teenie Weenies is a privately, family owned and run

childcare centre by the Sister and Brother team of Marie and

Chris. Marie having a Child Care background since 2002 and

Chris’ love for food and cooking has had Teenie Weenies

operating in the community since opening there doors in

late 2010. Teenie Weenies work towards meeting and

exceeding all requirements and acknowledge the

importance of play and learning in early childhood

environment. We are a small 29 place service with a close

knit team who are dedicated, highly skilled and motivated

educators.

Mon-Fri, 7am-6pm

Qualified Cook

School Readiness

Home-like environment

NSW curriculum framework

We have an Open Door

Policy, come in and visit at

anytime.

CHILDCARE CENTRE

FREE ORTHODONTIC CONSULTATION

Have you ever wondered whether your child may need braces?

Do you have any concerns about your child’s teeth?

Are they crooked or crowded?

Do they have an overbite or an underbite or do they have an

incorrect jaw position?

If you are not sure, come into Brite Dental for a FREE consultation

including photographs. The dentist will discuss your child’s needs and

recommend the best course of action. Please call our friendly staff to

arrange this FREE consultation on 97744662.

MEDICARE - $1,000 Free Dental Benefits

Did you know about the Medicare Child Dental Benefits Scheme

CDBS? Eligible children will have access to a benefit of $1,000 over a

two year period which covers examinations, x-rays, cleaning, fissure

sealing, fillings, root canals and extractions. (CDBS Benefits do not

cover orthodontic or cosmetic dental work). Brite Dental Bulk Bill

any of these services directly from Medicare. So while Medicare have

this benefit available, bring your child into Brite Dental for an

examination. Don’t delay, Call us TODAY on 97744662.

Become a foster carer

Change a child’s life today:

1800 WE CARE iwanttofoster.com.au

Help us make a positive difference to the lives of children in your community. As a Key Assets foster carer, you will be provided with 24/7 support, a dedicated social worker and on-going training.

Bankstown Family & Community

Showcase!

CHESTER HILL NEIGHBOURHOOD CENTRE

@ Chester Hill Public School 

4 PM - 7 PM Friday 26/10/18

FREE CHILDREN'S MAGIC SHOW & CIRCUS SHOW! HAIR BRAIDING, FACE PAINTING & MORE 

Proctor Parade, Chester Hill

Food Stalls!

FREE Arts & Craft

Activities!

Live Performances!

 African Drumming, Local

Studios & Lion Dancing

Sport & Game Activities!

All Enquiries Call 9645 3700

Funded & Supported By

Bankstown Communities for Children Facil itating Partner is Funded by the Australian Government and facil itated in Bankstown by The Smith Family  

NUTRITIONAL NOVEMBERDo you want to improve your lifestyle and receive some nutritional guidance to increase your wellbeing?

If the answer is YES, register now for Nutritional November!

Council will host four FREE educational and guidance sessions where you can discuss your results and improvements with Health Professionals!

The sessions will cover:

• Week 1 – Introduction to a Balanced Diet• Week 2 – Portion Control & Diet Modification• Week 3 – Healthier Options & Take Away Food• Week 4 – Combining a Healthy Diet with Physical Activity

Each week goals will be set so you are able to build on, discuss and develop a healthier overall lifestyle for yourself and family.

Healthy snacks will be provided at each session.

When: Wednesdays from 7 November

Time: From 1-2pm

Where: Bankstown Learning and Knowledge Centre 80 Rickard Road, Bankstown, NSW 2200

For more information call Council’s Recreation Officer on 9707 9236 or to register visit cb.city/nutritional-november

CANTERBURY-BANKSTOWN’S GREEN SPACESThe City of Canterbury Bankstown is home to several green gardens, walkways and parks. While spring is still in bloom it is the perfect time of year to vist these locations.

Slyvan Grove Native Gardens – Located on Sylvan Grove, Picnic Point - off Henry Lawson Drive, the garden is situated in a pleasant natural bushland setting, which includes a winding track. It is also home to more than 1,500 species of native plants.

For more information, contact 9707 9699.

Two Valley Trail Walking Track – For those who venture along this track, you will experience corridors of greenery and wildlife. The track is located in Sydney’s inner south-west and can be explored from Campsie to Kingsgrove, along the Cooks River. For more information visit www.wollicreek.org.au/tvt/

You can also visit cb.city/environment to view all the amazing parks in your community!

Nutritional NovemberNovember is the perfect time of year to get active by exploring your community’s amazing green spaces. We will also discuss Active Canterbury-Bankstown’s first educational initiative Nutritional November!

November 2018 Members’ Newsletter

WHITE RIBBON TUG-O-WAR CUP 2018When: Thursday 22 November

Time: 11.30am-2.30pm

Where: John Mackay Indoor Sports Centre, Bankstown

Details: Get a grip, pull your weight and oppose violence against women! To show support for this event, please submit a team of five men to compete in the Tug O ‘War Cup.

Register: cbtugowarcup2018.eventbrite.com.au

Contact: Council’s Community Safety and Crime Prevention Officer on 9707 9471

GREY HEADED FLYING FOX INFO EVENINGWhen: Thursday 8 November

Time: 6.15-8.15pm

Where: Turella Reserve, Earlwood (End of Finlays Road)

Details: Join us in watching the amazing nightly display of grey headed flying foxes leaving their roost along Wolli Creek

Contact: Council’s Environmental Education Officer on 9707 9798

WATERWORTH PARK COMMUNITY TREE PLANTINGWhen: Saturday 10 November

Time: 10am-12.30pm

Where: Bayview Avenue Waterworth Park, Earlwood

Details: From little things, big things grow! Help restore the banks of the Wolli Creek and Cooks River by getting involved in our community greening.

Contact: Council’s Environmental Education Officer on 9707 9000

“NO EXCUSE FOR ABUSE” LAKEMBA MARCH

When: Friday 23 November

Time: 5.30pm

Where: Start Corner of Gilles Street and Haldon Street

Details: This march provides an opportunity for local residents, schools and organisations to show their support in preventing and ending Domestic Violence within the community.

Contact: 9789 9202 or visit cb.city/noexcuseforabuse

UPCOMING EVENTS