I would like to extend an enormous thank you to all of the parents who volunteered their time to assist with last Friday's Garden Working Bee, and those who supported our school at the Cake Stall last Saturday morning at Botany Town Hall. It was great to spend some time getting to know these families.
Garden Working Bee
Last Friday's Garden Working Bee was organised by Kylie Jordan, with Nell Rasmus, Stacey Dennis and her nephew, Mrs Jacqui Twitchings and Miss Chris Pitscheider helping out. Even though we were attacked by the weeds, it was an enjoyable afternoon and very rewarding to see what a difference we made to the top garden. The students in the Support Unit have enjoyed spending time out there this week. See below for some photos from the afternoon!
Cake Stall
Saturday's Cake Stall was organised by Sarah Monahas, with Danielle Pretty, Harriet Scott, Sandi Kolbe, Sharna Rennie and Karen Messenger all helping out on the day. Thank you to those families who donated cakes to sell at the stall, and also to those who stopped by to say hello. We raised a total of $285. Thanks also to Councillor Christina Curry for giving us the opportunity to run the stall.
Mowing
A very big thank you to Mr Craig Healey, who mowed the area of grass near the Stage 3 classrooms. This area was overrun with long grass and his efforts are very much appreciated. It has made a huge difference with that section of the school now looking much better.
Farewell Tom
This week we said goodbye to our General Assistant, Tom Moffat. Tom worked at the school last year and for the first few weeks of this year, but unfortunately will not be continuing in this role. Tom was a valued member of our staff. Nothing was ever too much trouble for him, from mowing to fixing things, retrieving balls from roofs, unblocking drains and a whole range of other jobs. He was an extremely hard worker and will be missed by our school.
Next week, a new General Assistant, Mr Scott Cameron, will begin working with us. You may see him around the school each Tuesday and Wednesday.
P&C Meeting - Change of date
The date for the next P&C meeting has been changed due to a clash with high school open nights. The next P&C meeting will be held on Monday 14th March at 7pm in the 6M classroom. At this meeting, the Principal and Deputy Principal of South Sydney High School will be attending to provide information about the school and to answer any questions you may have. All parents are welcome to attend. If you are unable to stay for the P&C meeting but would still like to attend the talk about South Sydney High School please feel free to come along.
High School Expression of Interest Forms
Next Tuesday, Year 6 students will receive an expression of interest form for Year 7. Forms should be returned to school no later then 18th March. All Year 6 students must complete this form, regardless of which high school they are hoping to attend. Please see Ms Hoskins if you have any concerns or problems when completing the form. It is very important that forms are returned as early as possible, so that information can be added by the school before they are submitted to high schools.
High School Open Days
Information flyers for the following high school open days/nights can be found at the end of this newsletter. If you require more information, please see Ms Hoskins or Mr Murphy. Further information can also be found on each high school's website.
South Sydney High School - Saturday 12th March from 11am - 1pm
Randwick Girls High School - Tuesday 8th March at 6:30pm
Matraville Sports High School - Saturday 5th March from 11am - 1pm
Book Club
Book Club orders are due by Friday 11th March. Please return your order and money to the office.
Tell Them From Me Surveys
This term, students in Years 4-6 at our school, like many others in the state, will participate in a Department of Education initiative: the Tell Them From Me student feedback survey. The survey aims to help improve student learning outcomes, and measures factors that are known to affect academic achievement and other student outcomes. The focus of the NSW-wide survey is on student wellbeing, engagement and effective teaching practices.
More information about the survey is available at: http://surveys.cese.nsw.gov.au/information-for-parents
The survey is a great opportunity for our students to provide our school with valuable and quick feedback on what they think about school life, how engaged they are with school and the different ways that teachers interact with them. Results from this survey will be used to help improve how we do things at school.
The survey is confidential and school staff will not be able to identify individual students from their responses. The survey is conducted online and will typically take less than 30 minutes to complete. It will be administered during school hours between 14 March and 8 April. Participating in the survey is entirely voluntary.
A consent form is being sent home with students. If you do not want your child or children to participate, please return the consent form to school by Monday 14 March. A list of FAQs and copies of the consent form, including translated consent forms, are available from the website above.
Botany Bay Community Church
Botany Bay Community Church is running a free money management course for parents and community members who might like some help with budgeting and saving. If you're struggling with debt or would just like some helpful hints and tips, please come along and get some friendly help with money matters. All welcome!
Student Banking - Repeat
The student banking program is now underway. If you are interested in registering your child for student banking, a member from the Commonwealth Bank will be at school on Wednesday 9th March (2:30pm) to answer any questions and take new registrations.
Working Bee – Save the Date - Repeat
A school Working Bee has been scheduled for Sunday 1st May from about 12pm. The aim of this Working Bee is to tidy up and weed some of the gardens within our school. By doing a thorough job on this day, it will make the areas more manageable for the future. We would love as many volunteers as possible…all gardening skill levels welcome! Please put the date in your diary and come along on the day to join our community. We are also looking for donations of a variety of plants. If you are able to assist in this area, please see Ms Hoskins or Mrs Twitchings. More information and confirmation of times will be published closer to the date.
Performing Arts Rehearsal Reminders – Repeat
Please ensure your child is aware of the days and times they will need to attend rehearsal:
Junior Dance - Tuesday @ 8:10am. Wear dance attire or comfortable clothing
Senior Dance - Tuesday @ lunchtime. Wear dance attire or comfortable clothing
Junior Guitar - Thursday @ lunchtime
Senior Guitar - Tuesday @ lunchtime
Senior Band - Tuesday @ 8:00am
Band tutorials - Wednesday
Second Hand Uniform Sale - Collection - Repeat
The P&C will be holding a "Second Hand Uniform Sale" in the coming weeks. If you have old school uniforms that you no longer need, please consider donating them so that they can be added to the sale. Donations can be left in the office foyer. Unclaimed items from the Lost Property tub will also be sold at this sale. The date for the sale will be published soon.
Health Care Plans - Repeat
We are currently updating health care plans for students with specific medical needs. Please check your child's bag for relevant documents that should be filled out and returned to school at your earliest convenience. If your child has medication that is kept at school (e.g. Epipen or Ventolin), please check with the office to ensure these medications are kept up to date.
LIBRARY NEWS - Repeat
Library Lessons and Borrowing
Library lessons began for all classes this week. If you are unsure on which day your child has library, you can check with the class teacher or with Mrs MacDonald. Each week your child will be able to bring a book home from the library to share with you. It is expected that books are returned the following week so that another one can be taken home.
To keep our books from being damaged, books should be transported to and from school in a waterproof bag. You can provide your own bag or school library bags can be purchased from the administration office.
New Library System and Donations
The very old library system is in the process of being replaced with a new system. This process began at the end of 2015 and will take until the end of this term to complete. This may cause some disruption to library and there will be some occasions where returning and borrowing will have to be suspended for a period of time. I will try to keep you updated on this.
Thank you to the people who have donated books to the library. I would ask that if you have books you no longer need, please donate them to a charity, as I will be unable to process any new books for quite a while.
P&C
P&C Email
bpspandc@hotmail.com
Please send us your email address if you would like to be on the P&C circulation list.
Second Hand Uniforms
We will be arranging a sale of second hand uniforms in the coming weeks. Details and dates will be published soon. Please leave donations of pre-loved uniforms in the foyer of the office.
New School Hats
A new version of the school hat will be phased in as the current one is phased out. It is the same shape, lighter material and easier to wash and fold. Samples can be found at the school office. Similarly, a new version of the blue sports pants, made from improved material, is being phased in.
Any new updates to uniform is phased in gradually and should be bought as needed, so there's no need to replace items until they are either worn out or grown out of.
Next P&C Meeting
Monday 14th March, 7pm in 6M demountable classroom. Everyone welcome!
