Mount Kuring-gai Public School News · Student voice or student agency is about students taking an...

Mount Kuring-gai Public School NewsLeeming Street, Mount Kuring-gai NSW 2080T (02) 9457 9088 F (02) 9457 8691 E-mail: [email protected]

TERM THREE - WEEK 1 JULY 2019

PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE:

Another term down and we are now officially into the second half of the year! What a fun but busy term it was – and what a fantastic way to finish it off, with our wonderful Bush Dance! The community really came together to share a yarn over great food, fun games like Thong throwing and of course a bit of a dance! I’d like to thank all of the people who contributed to the event, which was so well organised, with everything thought of, that it felt like an effortless family get-together.

Reports have now gone home and I would like to thank the teachers again for the time and effort they put into preparing this summary of learning for you. We will make a few tweaks in the design for next semester, but we have received some positive feedback so far, and is great to know we are on the right track. Please use the link provided later in the newsletter to have your say about the new format. Please see your child’s class teacher with any questions you may have. Remember too, that we want to work in partnership with you. So you are encouraged to let us know of anything that may be happening for the students out of school which may impact their mood, energy levels or concentration.

The teachers have been feeling the love and continue to enjoy the delicious treats that have been generously been given to us on Monday mornings. The accompanying notes are so special and we love to read things like “I love what you are changing about me” - What a wonderful thing, when students recognise that they are growing and changing and learning new things.

Staffing News: Many of you will have been involved with the school when Assistant Principal, Natalie Weeks, was here. She had been working in an Instructional Leader position. We now congratulate Natalie as she has secured a permanent position at another school closer to her home. Late last term completed the ‘merit selection process’ with a panel of four, representing the parents body, staff, executive level from another school and myself as principal. We were lucky to have the luxury of choice, receiving many applications.

I am delighted to announce that Miss Lauren Brown has happily accepted the offer of Assistant Principal as the successful applicant. Lauren brings with her a wealth of knowledge and experience from a diverse range of settings, from rural to coastal which MKPS will continue to benefit from. An added benefit for our school is the continuity the school will have in keeping Lauren with us. We are excited to now have a permanent executive team which can get stuck in to the work of driving our school forward and providing the best possible education for our students. I would particularly like to acknowledge Nicole Tudor and Pam Thwaites, as well as all of the staff and hardworking P&C who have been here at MKPS, through times of significant change both within school and within the Department. Without these dedicated people, the school could have been in a very sad place, but it is a vibrant, dynamic place of great teamwork where the learning of many students is nurtured every day. We are all lucky to be a part of something really special here at MKPS!

MKPS NEWS | PAGE 1GROW IN KNOWLEDGE


MKPS Weekly Calendar

WEEK 2

Jul 29 Art Club with Mrs Slade

Jul 30 Junior Choir with Ms Samuel Senior Choir with Mrs Slade

Jul 31 NAIDOC assembly 9:30 Pyjama day (gold coin donation) AUSLAN group with interested Year 5 and 6 Junior Dance Group with Mrs Connolly

Aug 1 PSSA Soccer Training 8.30am Debating at Afternoon Tea

Aug 2 PSSA Soccer - Mount Kuring-gai Oval PSSA Netball - Mount Kuring-gai SchoolSenior Dance Group with Miss Brown 9am Garden Club with Miss Hindmarsh

WEEK 3

Aug 5 Education Week Open Day 9:30-11:30 Art Club with Mrs Slade

Aug 6 Junior Choir with Ms Samuel Senior Choir with Mrs Slade

Aug 7 AUSLAN group with interested Year 5 and 6 Junior Dance Group with Mrs Connolly

Aug 8 PSSA Soccer Training 8.30am Debating at Afternoon Tea

Aug 9 Book Club Orders due PSSA Soccer - Quarter Finals PSSA Netball - Quarter FinalsSenior Dance Group with Miss Brown 9am Garden Club with Miss Hindmarsh

MKPS Weekly Calendar

WEEK 4

Aug 12 Art Club with Mrs Slade

Aug 13 Junior Choir with Ms Samuel Senior Choir with Mrs Slade


Aug 15 August Kids Night In – Disco and STEM PSSA Soccer Training 8.30am Debating at Afternoon Tea

Aug 16 PSSA Soccer - Semi Finals PSSA Netball - Semi FinalsSenior Dance Group with Miss Brown 9am Garden Club with Miss Hindmarsh

WEEK 5

Aug 19 Art Club with Mrs Slade

Aug 20 Book Week Parade Junior Choir with Ms Samuel Senior Choir with Mrs Slade


Aug 22 Stage One Reptile Park Excursion PSSA Soccer Training 8.30am Debating at Afternoon Tea

Aug 23 PSSA Soccer - Grand Final PSSA Netball - Grand FinalSenior Dance Group with Miss Brown 9am Garden Club with Miss Hindmarsh

Education Week is coming up in Week 3 of this term. You are warmly invited to visit us for our Open Day on Monday 5th August. Please see the schedule included later in this newsletter. The theme this year is “Every Student, Every Voice” . Student voice or student agency is about students taking an active role in their learning journey. Part of our Positive Education and Visible Learning approaches are focused on these principles.

Here’s what the Department of Education have published about Education Week:

Every student, every voice Key messages:

Authentic participation Student voice is more than just having a say. Valuing and actioning the ideas, opinions and expertise of all students has significant impact for student wellbeing.

Partners in learning Student perspectives, experiences and aspirations shape and enrich our schools and communities and actively influence our

decision-making as we strive to be the best education system in Australia.

Respectful relationships

Working collaboratively with other students and teachers, our young people grow into engaged learners and ethical citizens, able to contribute positively to their school and wider community.

Connecting communities We connect our diverse communities by creating and sustaining inclusive, interactive learning environments that use advanced technologies to promote and extend student influence beyond the classroom walls.

Change makers

A culture of high expectations empowers our students to build a shared sense of purpose, self-value and belonging that will prepare them for future lives as active citizens in an increasingly complex and dynamic society.


We Need Your Votes! My Community Project is a NSW Government program that provides funding for community projects, which are decided using a public vote. The program is made possible by the NSW Generations Fund. Our wonderful Learning and Support Teacher, Bernadette Whiting, wrote a proposal for a fabulous sensory garden for Mount Kuring-gai Public School and we are so lucky that our application was accepted to be part of the vote but we need your help to get as many votes as we can.

My Community Project is a NSW Government program that provides funding for community projects, which are decided using a public vote. The program is made possible by the NSW Generations Fund. Our wonderful Learning and Support Teacher, Bernadette Whiting, wrote a proposal for a fabulous sensory garden for Mount Kuring-gai Public School and we are so lucky that our application was accepted to be part of the vote but we need your help to get as many votes as we can.

Please vote for MKPS Sensory Garden: a place where you can smile with your soul, your spirit and your senses.

It will be an all-inclusive space for the community to come together and support play, friendships and inclusivity, catering for all sensory needs . During the school day, the sensory garden will provide an inclusive space for all children to play and develop friendships and relationships in an environment catering for diverse sensory and social needs. These relationships will continue outside school hours when the community unites to enjoy the benefits of a safe space that brings families together in an inclusive space grown from the seeds of local interest and expertise.

Voting is open now. Please spread the word to anyone in the Hornsby community who is over the age of 16 and can set up a MyServiceNSW account (you can easily sign up on the Service NSW website). You can only vote once and you have until 15th August to lodge your vote.

Please go to:

mycommunityproject.service.nsw.gov.au

You’ll need a MyServiceNSW Account and your Medicare card to vote

VOTE NOW

mycommunityproject.service.nsw.gov.au or visit your nearest Service NSW centre

For more information call 13 77 88

It’s your chance to pick your favourite projects

MKPS Sensory Garden: Smiling with your Soul, Spirit & Senses

Report Feedback We have put together a survey to allow you to give us some feedback on the new report format. We would really appreciate you taking the time to complete this quick 5 minute survey. Thank you.

https://forms.gle/9JoLK1iZMKmgHrrf6

Netball NSW Schools CupOn Wednesday of Week 9, our Senior Girls Netball Team participated in the Netball NSW Schools Cup at Willoughby. The weather was not looking great that morning but after a few heavy downpours it cleared and we managed to play all of our games. The girls had a great day; won a few, lost a few, but always maintained a positive attitude and a smile on their faces. A big thank you to Georgie Simpson Lee for helping transport the girls there and back.


Year Six Fundraiser – Cake Stall and Mufti day Year Six hosted a great fundraiser day on Thursday to raise funds to go towards their farewell and a gift to the school. Students got to wear mufti clothes for a gold coin donation and could purchase cakes, biscuits and slices for just 50c. The wet weather did not get in the way of us all wanting our sweet treats, and Year Six proudly raised $378! Well done, to the students who planned and prepared their stalls and baked up some delicious things for us to enjoy.


Star of the Month Assembly 5/6HMStage 3 students have been scientific investigators this fortnight, checking out the energy usage in each room of our school. They then prepared some short videos encouraging others to consider ways that we can save energy. 5/6HM presented some of these videos when they hosted the Star of the Month assembly last week. We were all pleasantly surprise by a FLASH MOB! which invaded our assembly! Almost everyone ended up dancing along. What a great way to start the day!

Pyjama DayOn Wednesday 31st July, we are raising funds for children in foster care by wearing our PJs to school. Students may wear their pyjamas to school but must ensure that footwear is enclosed. Students participating in Pyjama Day are to bring in a gold coin donation.

The Golden RuleAs part of our Positive Education lessons, we have been learning about ‘The Golden Rule’. All classes read the book ‘The Golden Rule’ by Ilene Cooper in Term One and we continue to refer to the main message of ‘treating others as you would like to be treated’ on a daily basis to reinforce the importance of being mindful of how we speak to and treat others. The book looks at different religions from Judaism, Christianity, Buddhism, Islam, Hinduism, and even Shawnee Native Americans and how a version of the Golden Rule spans the world and touches all cultures.


BUSHDANCEWe had such an amazing time at our bush dance last term. Thank you to all of the staff and parents who helped to organise and run the event. A special thank you to Mrs McCloghry for bringing the whole event together. So many people gave their time, skills, money, donations, muscle and smarts to make it happen – so thank you!


K-2 News We have a busy term ahead for K-2 with lots of fun activities to look forward to.

We started the term with a lovely bushwalk through Kuring-gai Chase National Park to kick off our learning units centred around Living Things, which includes animals and plants. We are so fortunate to have such beautiful walking tracks so close to our school and it was fantastic to see so many students showing appreciation and respect for our local bushland.

Kindergarten will begin a hatching program in Week 3 to link to our Science unit, where we will observe chickens hatching from eggs. Students will be keeping a scientific observation journal to note down the changes that are happening to the chickens over the two weeks that they are here. Thank you to the P&C for funding this program for our students.

Each week, K-2 will be combining together for Singing. The ‘Wombat Wobble’ is the first of many songs we will learn this term. Singing has so many benefits:

• When you sing it uses many different areas of the brain, these include the musical aspects (pitch, timbre and rhythm), fine motor behavior, emotion, visual imagery and language.

• Due to the brain doing multiple things, singing will help to develop the memory. Learning and remembering lyrics and recognising the cue to begin singing are very beneficial memory skills.

• Singing also increases the feel good endorphins in the body, which will increase brain activity and make people happier.

In Stage One, we will be integrating Science, Geography, Creative Arts and English as students investigate and describe Australian animals, their characteristics and their habitats. We have named the unit “Wildlife Warriors”, as our aim is for students to develop an understanding of the needs of our native animals, how some of their habitats are in danger and what they can do to help protect them. The unit also explores some Aboriginal Dreamtime stories that explore connection to place. As part of this unit, Stage One students will experience lots of Australian wildlife up-close during their excursion to the Reptile Park coming up in August.

In Kindergarten, we will be integrating Science, Geography Creative Arts and English as students learning about important places and living and non-living things. We named the unit “Environmental Explorers”, as our aim is for students to explore and learn about the environments around them. We will be visiting Golden Ridge Farm later on in the term where students will have the opportunity to get close to animals while exploring the environment that they live in. We will be looking at a variety of quality literature about living and non-living things and special places, including exploring Aboriginal perspectives on connection to place.

Nicole Tudor and Amelia Wargren


3-6 News To conclude last term, Stage 2 presented to their peers a variety of celebrations and commemorations. They worked together to research, design one pager posters, create slides and presented their findings. It was wonderful to see the enthusiasm and support shown to their peers through the planning and presenting stages. The quality of the slideshows was outstanding and the costumes worn demonstrated great understandings of their chosen celebrations.

This term Year 4 have been invited to Asquith Girls High School to participate in a Science Expo in Week 3. They will take part

in hands on science experiments conducted by class teachers and high school students, and view displays of projects completed during the year as part of our Science Expo display. Both Stage 2 and 3 will be partaking in excursions related to their History units of Gold and Early Settlement.

Our Senior Choir is currently preparing for their performance at the Opera House very soon and our debaters will continue to showcase their team work and public speaking abilities when competing against other local schools. Year 6 are eagerly looking forward to running their Mini Fete and continue raising money for their end of year celebrations. 3/4B will be concluding the term with their Star of the Month assembly.

Thank You P&C!The staff at Mount Kuring-gai Public School would like to say a huge ‘Thank You’ to our wonderful P & C for our coffee machine, fridge, mugs, toaster, kettle and tea-towels for our new library office. We have already put them to good use. Thank you so much!


ICAS 2019Information was sent via our SkoolBag app about the opportunity to participate in the ICAS assessments.

ICAS Assessments are now online, a move that reflects a sector-wide transition to computer-based assessment. This allows greater accessibility for students and faster delivery of results.

If you choose to have your child participate, please:

• Access this service by typing

https://pay.unswglobal.com.au parentpay into a browser

• Use unique access code to purchase assessments that were registered by the school.

• Our school’s unique access code is: 7a4abcb7f0

• Find communications materials at https://unsw.global/support-icas

Zones of Regulation You may have heard your child come home talking about ‘Zones of Regulation’. This is a systematic, cognitive-behavioural approach used to teach self-regulation by categorising the different ways we feel and the different states of alertness we experience, into four concrete coloured zones. The framework provides strategies to teach students to become more aware of and independent in controlling their emotions and impulses, manage their sensory needs, and improve their ability to problem solve conflicts.

During our Positive Education lessons this year, we have been discussing with students that there are four zones to describe how your brain and body feel.

BLUE Zone – Your body is running slow, such as when you are tired, sick, sad or bored.

GREEN Zone – Like a green light, you are “good to go.” Your body may feel happy, calm and focused.

YELLOW Zone – This zone describes when you start to lose control, such as when you are frustrated, anxious, worried, silly or surprised. Use caution when you are in this zone.

RED Zone – This zone is for extreme emotions such as anger, terror and aggression. When you are in this zone, you are out of control, have trouble making good decisions and must STOP!

End of Premier’s Reading Challenge TasksThere is a little over a month to go for students to finalise their Student Reading Records (SRRs). Please ensure that all SRRs are completed online before Friday August 30. Mrs Els and Miss King will then have 2 weeks to ensure that all records are finalised and validated before Friday September 13.

A huge thank you to all students who participated. If you have any questions please see Miss King in the library.


2019

Mountain Fest Progress UpdateFeeling a bit confused by all the Mountain Fest messages?

Here’s your one stop shop!DONATIONS

We’ve had a great response but we are still looking for more. Every donation is a prize for someone, so let your imagination run wild. We can use donations for stalls, for prizes on stalls, raffles, lucky dips and also silent auctions. There is a use for everything!

If you have any queries please see Carmel or Natalie.

STALLS

KS&K/1W Books and Toy Stall - Laura Herbert is collecting donations for sale

1/2T Lego Stall - Emma Kettle is looking for unwanted Lego pieces, as well as sets for prizes

2E Nerf Shooting Gallery - Please contact Mick Barnett if you think you can help

3/4B Cake Stall - Claire Stevens will be calling for bakers closer to the day

3/4C - Raffle Stall - Natalie Gallagher is asking for donations in the following categories: KS - PICNIC - Blankets, basket, non-perishable foods, plates & utensils, etc. K/1W - TEA & COFFEE - Teas and coffees, travel mugs, biscuits, etc. 1/2T - PAMPER - Body wash, bath bombs, candles, scented oils, etc. 2E - CAR - Wash, was, polish, buckets, sponges, chamois, etc. 3/4B - Games - Board games, card games, puzzles, etc. 3/4C - FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT - DVD’s, nibbles, popcorn, drinks, etc. 5/6HHM - SPORTS - Bats, balls, safety wear, skipping ropes, etc. 5/6S - GARDENING - Watering can, hand tools, seeds, gloves, etc.

But don’t be limited by your class hamper. If you have donations that fit another one please bring them to the office. Or if you would prefer to donate money or vouchers we have a team of shoppers who can use them!

5/6S Plant Stall - Please contact Belinda Young if you have plants or pots to donate

5/6HM Sensory Stall - Please see Mel Wood if you can assist with this

FOOD Neil Gow is looking for lots of volunteers on the day

RIDES Make sure you contact Lindy Donnelly to get your rides wristband

Anywhere you feel you can contribute, we would really appreciate it a lot. Please head over to the Mountain Fest Helpers Facebook page and

feel free to ask any organisers any questions.


K/1W and KS StallThis year K/1W and KS are in charge of running the

book and toy stall!We would like to put the call out to everyone to have a look through your books and toys over the holidays to donate to this great stall to raise money for our school.

We would ask that we only get books that are in great condition and no magazines, travel books or text books please also no soft toys please unless they are in pristine condition.

Drop off will be to 8 Bayview Street, Mt Kuring-gai

Please feel free to call if you have any questions

Thank you in advance

Laura Herbert and Amanda Clarke (stall coordinators)

0410 384 663 (Laura) 0412 537 588 (Amanda)


MKPS Mountain Fest RidesSaturday 31st August, 11am till 3pm

Pre-order your wristbands and save money on unlimited rides!

The rides we have are:Giant Inflatable Slide Primary school ageThe Storm Ride Over 110cmSafari Train 2 years and overJurassic Adventure Preschool to primary schoolMini Putt Putt Golf All ages

* Pre-order price only. Cost will be $30 on the day.


2019

MT KURING-GAIGROW IN KNOWLEDGE

MT KURING-GAIGROW IN KNOWLEDGE

UNLIMITED RIDE WRISTBANDSMountain Fest is fast approaching and Unlimited Ride Wristbands are now on sale! Ticket sales from the rides are one of our major revenues from Mountain Fest and we really appreciate your support.

Wristbands entitle the wearer to unlimited rides all day and by pre-ordering, you can save money! We don’t want you to be thinking “Should have bought a wristband”!!

COSTPre-paid wristbands $25Wristbands on the day $30Rides on the day $5 per ride

Mountain Fest rides will operate on Saturday 31st August between 11am and 3pm have been booked as shown below. Fairy Floss will be available to purchase as well:

Giant Inflatable Slide Primary school ageThe Storm Ride Over 110cmSafari Train 2 years and overJurassic Adventure Preschool to primary schoolMini Putt Putt Golf All ages

Wristbands will be available for collection on the day of Mountain Fest at the Ticket Tent near the rides from 10.45am. Please note, wristbands may not be collected on behalf of others and lost wristbands are not refundable or replaceable.

Please return the completed form and payment to the school office by Friday 23 August 2019.

Kind regardsLindy DonnellyMKPS Mountain Fest Rides Coordinator

MKPS MOUNTAIN FEST 2019 - UNLIMITED RIDES WRISTBAND ORDER FORM

Family Name Class

Direct Debit / Cash / Cheque (please circle)

Direct Deposit: Mt Kuring-gai Public School P&C Association BSB 633-000 Acct 156 311 540 Ref “Surname – Rides”

Cheques payable to: Mt Kuring-gai Public School P&C Association

Quantity ($25 per wristband)

Total amount enclosed/paid

If purchasing for another family, please use a separate order form (available from the school office).

✁


Level 1 30A George St, Burwood 2134Office: (02) 9745 1170

CHESS!!

Learn to be a chess champion! Coaching for students at Mt Kuring-Gai Public School is heldon Thursdays from 11:30am to 12:20pm, starting on 25 July 2019.

Learning and playing chess helps children develop their logical thinking and problem solvingskills, improves their concentration and focus, while also being a great source of enjoyment.Activities include group lessons on a demonstration chess board or interactive whiteboard,puzzle solving and fun practice games.

Students earn merit awards by making checkmates, or by displaying skills and positivequalities, which all good chess players strive to develop.

If your child is interested in taking part, you can collect an enrolment form from the schooloffice, or email [email protected] for a copy. For all enquiries, pleasecontact Sydney Academy of Chess on (02) 9745 1170.

1 / 118 July 2019


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NSW AECG & Department of Education

Invite the Central Coast Community to Partnership Agreement Community Consultation

Have your say about Aboriginal Education

Have a voice regarding your child’s education

Our Kids - Our Voice

23 August, 2019 8.30am till 2pm

Morning Tea and Lunch provided

Mingara Recreation Club Mingara Drive, Tumbi Umbi NSW 2261 RSVP to Lesley Armstrong or Kirsten Booker Central Coast Regional AECG [email protected] [email protected]

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