Belair Public School Newsletter Hub of Learning, Excellence and Opportunity for All Phone: 4952 1735, 34 Carolyn Street, Adamstown Heights NSW 2289

Email: belair-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au 16 February 2021

Take Just Pride Term 1 Week 4

Principal’s Message Greetings Everyone,

It is hard to believe students have only been in their new classes for 12 days, even less for Kinder. Classes are very settled and highly engaged in learning- both children and teachers are extremely enthusiastic. The school has a great learning buzz. Like other years, once class routines have been established and students are settled into these routines, teachers will be able to invite parents into the classroom to assist as parent helpers. Individual teachers make decisions if they require parent helpers based on their students’ needs and will be in touch over the coming weeks. This may change over the year in response to both class/teacher needs and changes to Covid requirements. A big congratulations to our Kindergarten students who have started in such a positive way even though our normal transition activities at the end of last year were impacted on with Covid regulations. When I popped my head into the classroom yesterday they were looking very happy and engaged in their learning, as if they had been here for a term already.

Term 1- 2021

February

19 Whole School Assembly

22 Kinder finishing time at 3pm

24 Zone Swimming Carnival

March

8-26 Parent Teacher Interviews

15-19 Harmony Week

15 9am-12pm

Cross Country Years 2-6 Hudson Park

17 P&C Meeting - AGM

17-19 Aussie Bush Camp

22 Athletics Carnival - Glendale

Just a reminder to Kindergarten parents that as of next week Kinder children will finish school at 3pm and that drop off and pick up will transition to the school gate. In the afternoon, kinder teachers will escort students to the gates that you have organised to meet your child at. We will ensure that Kinder arrive at the gates before the rest of the school so that when the bell goes they will be first to leave and hence avoid getting caught up in the congestion with other students. Prepare your child by talking with them about the change and perhaps trial a drop off where they have the opportunity to walk in with other students. Parent teacher interviews will commence earlier this year to allow the opportunity to meet with your child’s teacher as we were unable to have face to face information sessions last week. These interviews will take place over weeks 5,6 and 7.

The Belair Learning Hub has been updated and is ready for you to access through the link: https://sites.google.com/view/belairpslearninghub/home Through this link you will be able to open the tab of your child’s class, see a photo of your child’s teacher, access the class organisation information and various learning resources. There is also a video link on the opening page with a recap of important messages for the beginning of the year.

Following a parent enquiry regarding class structure in 2021 I just wanted to share information around the composite (mixed grade) classes that have been formed. This year, like other years, we have been placed in the situation that we need to form composite classes due to where our student population fall. In 2021 we have 4 composite classes: 1/2M with Mrs Marsh, 2/3E with Mrs Everard and Mrs Keith, 3/4L with Mrs Loredo and 5/6F with Mrs Flook. Even though these classes have a mix of grade students, the teachers ensure that students are learning at their grade level and more specifically, we aim to individualise their learning to cater for individual needs. This is the case in every classroom, regardless of its composition. The 2/3E class is actually also a mix of Stage 1 and 2 students, which we had to create so as to avoid having Year 2 classes of around 30 students. I just want to assure you that even though this class does cut across 2 different stages that the students will be taught the relevant content from their stage and they will remain aligned to their stage for activities such as sport, assemblies, excursions etc. Mrs Marsh will responsible for supervision of the Year 2 student as Stage 1 Assistant Principal and similar, Mrs Jardine the Stage 2 students. If you have any questions regarding your child’s class placement please don’t hesitate to contact the school. My apologies that composite classes weren’t addressed in greater detail in the information sheets sent home or prior newsletters.

The School Improvement Team have been working very hard on the situational analysis and planning for the next 4year school improvement plan. We are at the point we would like to consult with the community. Within the Covid regulations, we are able to have up to 30 parents meet after school. We are planning to meet on Thursday 18 February from 4.00pm to approximately 5.30pm. If you are interested in being involved in this process, please follow the link to register. We would love as many people to be involved in our consultation process as possible so please come and meet with us, register with the link below.

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=muagBYpBwUecJZOHJhv5kQX1rhREFWZCraLabhQOLalURERBQ0pJVkQzU1hHM1BWWElMWERGMEQyTC4u

I would like to extend a warm invitation to parents to attend the P&C meeting tomorrow night. The P & C is a wonderful way to be informed about your child’s schooling, meet other parents and get involved in the many great things that happen in the school. I look forward to meeting as many of you there as possible Have a fantastic week!

Kind regards, Kathie Colley Principal Parent Teacher Interviews In response to not being able to hold our general information sessions with your child’s class teacher we are moving the Parent Teacher Interviews to earlier in the term so that you have the opportunity to meet with your child’s classroom teacher and together establish learning goals. These interviews will take place over weeks 6,7 and 8. There will be a booking link in next week’s newsletter for you to arrange an interview time. Whether your child attends the interview or you would prefer to meet without them is at your discretion. Student goal setting is an important part of the interview process where parent, child and teacher discuss and establish goals in English, maths and then a third goal that is usually related to work habits, social goals or something else that is seen as important for your child to focus on. We will send a push notification through Skoolbag APP when the interviews are open for booking. Class information sheets were sent home last week with your child. These have also been published on the Belair Learning Hub which can be found via this link: https://sites.google.com/view/belairpslearninghub/home On the learning hub you will be able to locate your child’s year tab, and within that their teacher and information and resources that may assist you support your child throughout the year. P & C Meeting BELAIR P&C Monthly Meeting #1 2021 First meeting for 2021 is on Wednesday 17th Feb in the School Staffroom. Any new and existing parents/community members are invited to attend. Please come along and join in. It's only an hour or so once a month, and it's a great way to be involved in a variety of different ways the P&C assist the school in providing the best learning outcomes for all students. The 2nd meeting (which will be held in March) will be the Annual General Meeting (and a normal Monthly meeting will follow directly after the AGM). Those who wish to have voting rights at the AGM will need to pay a $2 membership fee prior to the AGM (the $2 fee will be accepted on the night up until the time of the meeting).

School Leadership Team Our executive team and their areas of responsibility are as follows:

Mrs Kathie Colley Principal

Mrs Sarah Jardine Deputy Principal, Stage 2 Supervision, 3-6 Instructional Mentor

Mr Andrew Mort Kindergarten Assistant Principal, K-2 Instructional Mentor

Mrs Rozi Marsh Stage 1 Assistant Principal

Mrs Jocelyn Flook Stage 3 Assistant Principal

Mrs Michelle Pritchard Assistant Principal - Student Support

Mrs Janelle Kennedy School Administration Manager

If at any point you require clarification or assistance regarding the education of your child, the best place to start is with the classroom teacher who can then direct your enquiry to the appropriate executive member as needed.

School Communication Guide The following guide is provided to help parents connect with the right people when the need arises.

ISSUE APPROPRIATE ACTION The academic progress of my own child Directly contact the child’s teacher either by note, by

phone, email at belair-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au or in person to arrange a suitable time to discuss any issues

The welfare or wellbeing of my own child Directly contact your child’s teacher to clarify information.

The Assistant Principal Deputy Principal and/or Principal are available to discuss complex or ongoing issues. Contact the office so a mutually suitable appointment time can be made.

Change of personal details Please contact the school office to inform change of address, telephone number, emergency contact, custody details, health issues etc. Email is suitable.

Actions of other students Contact the class teacher for a classroom or playground problem.

Contact an Assistant Principal for ongoing playground problems.

School policy or practice

Contact the school office. State nature of concern. The appropriate member of staff will contact you to discuss further.

Actions of a staff member

Contact the school office. Speak to the Principal. An appointment will be made if necessary.

Covid Support Initiative The government and department have recognised the challenges of COVID-19 throughout 2020 and the disruptions that impacted on student learning including seven weeks of remote learning. In response to this the Government have announced a $337 million program aimed at ensuring that schools can identify students who would benefit the most from intensive support. This will be tailored to their requirements to ensure that students’ educational outcomes continue to improve in 2021. The 2021 COVID intensive learning support program will provide small group tuition for students who need it most across NSW primary, secondary and specialist schools. All public schools across the state will benefit with an allocation to employ additional teachers to support student learning through small group tuition. At Belair, Mrs Keith and Mrs Bruce we will be focusing on literacy and numeracy, working with small groups of students across K-6 to support learning. We will keep you updated as to what the program will entail and notify you in coming weeks if your child will be included in this program. If you would like more information on this government incentive visit the department’s website at: https://education.nsw.gov.au/teaching-and-learning/curriculum/covid-learning-support-program Student Invoices and Book Packs Invoices of school costs were sent home last week and we have had a fantastic response from our community already in regard to invoice payments. Parents can choose to pay the whole amount or wait until notes for various activities are sent home with a payment due date. Our community response to supporting the school through voluntary contributions has also been terrific and in next week’s newsletter we will be able to update you how much contributed to the basketball resurface project so far. Thank you to our community for your efforts to make these payments so far. We understand that it can be a bit of a challenge, particularly when students are in the big overnight excursion Years of 4 and 6. Parents are encouraged to contact the school to work out an alternate payment plan if you need to. Voluntary Contributions

Turn this into…………………………………this 😊😊

Last year voluntary contributions were put towards the creation of shaded outdoor covers over the fixed play equipment and the mud kitchen to ensure the safety of students when playing. This year the school would like to resurface the large cola outside the library using school contribution funds. Currently this area is surfaced with pebblecrete which is dangerous and slippery when wet, unforgiving when students fall over and not the best surface for sporting activities. The plan is to resurface the basketball court area similar to the picture, and then use synthetic turf to cover the rest of the area that extends under the current shade sail. It will be exciting to transform this area to a wonderful play space for our students.

COVID-19 Protocols 2021 Please read carefully as there are some changes to the restrictions that apply this year: * Parents are still not permitted on school grounds or at school events without invitation. Kiss and drop pick up and arrival practices remain in place. (Kindergarten can drop off and pick-up in the Kinder Cola until the end of Week 4). * No entry for parents or visitors through Terence Street Gates, except for OOSH drop off/pick up. These gates will be locked between 9:10am and 3pm. If you are running late for school students need to enter through Carolyn or Cynthia street gates to sign in through the office. Visitors are to enter through Carolyn Street and make their way directly to the office. * All visitors and external to school providers must adhere to relevant hygiene, distancing and safety protocols as follows:

a. ALL visitors must report directly to the office (this includes visitors to the Uniform Shop on Monday mornings).

b. Office staff will ask all visitors to sign an external visitor form, sign in using QR code and take you through hygiene protocols

c. A visitor’s sticker must be worn while on site (this will confirm you have followed the protocols at the office for staff members on site)

d. All adults must maintain physical distance from each other (1.5m) while on site and including pick up and drop off arrangements where parents are asked to physically distance outside the school gates.

Clarification for schools - identifying and responding to unwell students. Students and staff must not attend school or work if they are unwell, even with the mildness of symptoms including fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, loss of taste, and loss of smell. Students need to be symptom free and a negative COVID-19 test result must be received and sighted by the school prior to their return to school. Students who do not undertake a COVID-19 test are not permitted to return to school for a 10-day period and they must be symptom free for at least 3 days prior to their return. Students who have seasonal allergic rhinitis or another condition that presents similarly to flu-like symptoms are still required to get tested for COVID-19 and return a negative test result. Where their symptoms continue beyond 10 days, students should provide documentation from their GP confirming their symptoms are typical for their condition.

Isolated incidents of sneezing or coughing may not indicate that a student is suffering from an illness. Staff should talk with students about how they are feeling to determine if a cough/sneeze is an isolated incident or whether the student is unwell. Where a student is unwell arrangements should be made to send them home. COVID-19 testing for very young students or students with complex health or disability may be challenging. In these situations, schools are to ask the parent/carer to have their child assessed by their medical practitioner. Where a medical practitioner determines that a COVID-19 test is not indicated, a medical certificate must be provided to the school to confirm that the student does not have symptoms that warrant a COVID-19 test. The certificate must also indicate that the student is able to return to the school environment.

Parking Regulations

Offence Fine Demerit Points

Comments

Disobey no stopping sign (school zone)

$344 > 2pts Vehicles cannot stop here for any reason

Disobey no parking sign (school zone)

$191 > 2pts Vehicles may stop for 2 minutes ONLY and the driver must be more than 3 metres away from the vehicle

(Mobility Parking Permit holders are

allowed to park for up to 5 minutes in

a No Parking area)

Park vehicle longer than maximum period allowed

$83 Vehicle cannot park longer that time period says regardless if they are in the vehicle or not

Stop on/near pedestrian crossing/children’s crossing (school zone)

$457 > 2pts Vehicles cannot stop here for any reason. Vehicle must be parked a minimum of 20mtrs before the crossing and 10 metres after the crossing in a legal parking space

Double park (school zone) $344 > 2pts Vehicles that park to the right of an already parked vehicle

Stop at/near bus stop $344 > 2pts Vehicles must not park within 20 metres before the bus stop sign, and within 10 metres after the bus stop sign

Stop within 10 metres of intersection without traffic lights (school zone)

$457 > 2pts Vehicles cannot stop within 10 metres of any intersection for any reason

Deputy Principal’s Message

Some fabulous student designs have been submitted for our new extra-curricular award. This

award will recognise effort in and commitment to extra-curricular activities. The judging panel will

make their decision this week and we will publish the winner in next week’s newsletter.

Thanks to Mr Baker for sharing this photo of an

awesome stick fort that was built by some year 4 and

5 boys. It is great to see these boys being safe and

responsible while playing in the playground. Keep up

the great work, boys!

Attendance Update

Weekly attendance target = 95.1% Weekly attendance for Week 3 = 93.84%

(Including partial absences)

Week Total No. of Partial

Absences

% Late arrivals

% Sick leave for

appointments

% sent home sick from

school

% leaving early for

family holiday

% other

2 52 16 – 31% 15 – 29% 14 – 27% 1 – 1.5% 6 – 11.5%

3 48 18 – 37.5% 17 – 36% 7 – 14.5% 1 – 2% 5 – 10%

Below is a table that outlines each class’s percentage of attendance for Week 3, based on whole-

day and attendance and partial absences. Our school target is 95.1% attendance.

KB – 95.56% KM – 97.78% KZ – 100% 1B – 93.91% 1S – 93.91% 1/2M – 90.91%

2C – 92.8% 2H – 94.62% 2/3E – 97.77% 3B – 98% 3/4L – 90.37% 4A – 91.85%

4B – 93.79% 5B – 88.62% 5G – 90.71% 5/6F – 93.57% 6P – 88.97% 6W – 96%

Congratulations to KZ on 100% attendance this week – no partial or whole day absences!

Kind regards,

Sarah Jardine

Deputy Principal (Rel.)

We’ve just missed the target this

week. Remember, every minute

counts!

Kindergarten Report

Kindergarten have survived their first full week of school. Thank you to all parents and carers for your efforts toward being COVID safe during drop off and pick up times. Please ensure you continue to sign in using the barcodes provided each time you enter the school grounds. Kindergarten move to a 3pm finish from next Monday 22nd February. This week teachers will contact parents to check which gate students will be exiting through. From Monday, teachers will walk students to their pick up gate or OOSH each afternoon. Please contact your child’s teacher if you have any questions regarding drop off or pick up procedures. In preparation for group learning in the coming weeks, students had a practice session of playing and moving around the room in a small group.

Stage 1 Report 1B have had a fabulous start to the school year. We have

settled into our classroom and we are already working hard

with our learning and taking on new and exciting

challenges. We also make sure we spend just the right

amount of time playing, laughing and having fun!

We love literacy groups each morning!

The fun just

keeps going

after 1st break

when we

move into

maths groups

too!

Stage 2 This term, students are in Stage 2 are working within the visual arts strands of the Creative Arts syllabus. Lessons are designed to teach students about colour theory and various art-making techniques. Art appreciation also forms part of our art lessons where students study the work and technique of artists. Here are some fabulous artworks by students in Stage 2.

Zoe – 3/4L

Last week we were learning the leaf rub technique. I created two artworks using this technique – a tree and some flowers. I enjoyed choosing which colours to use and thinking about the different shapes that I could create with the leaves.

Brock – 4B

In art, we have been creating shields/coat of arms that tell the audience all about the artist. I sketched first with lead pencil and then coloured in using coloured pencils. Some of the things I have included on my coat arms are my dog, Buster and my PS5.

Hugo – 2/3E

My artwork is very colourful. It includes all the things I love. We made these because it was recently Valentine’s day. My biggest section of my heart is my family, followed by my 4-year old brother. To create my artwork I used pencils and outlined using sharpie. I had lots of fun creating this artwork.

Matilda – 4A

My artwork was inspired from an original picture that Mrs Allars displayed on the board. First, I had to sketch my lorikeet. We then used watercolours to paint our birds and our backgrounds. It was quite tricky learning how to blend the colours. I had a great time creating this artwork.

Stage 3 Report Stage 3 Athletics Carnival Preparations Underway… Stage 3 have begun athletics carnival preparations during our Friday sport times. Students are competing in shot put and long jump trials as well as preparing for athletics events such as sprints and relays.

In 6W this week… Students in 6W have been continuing to organise and orient themselves with the routines we will take forward throughout 2021. We have completed some pre-testing using our BYOD and have begun creating accounts and logging into various websites that will assist our learning journey.

6W have also completed some visual art activities and enjoyed a “friendly” art competition drawing “eyes” with our neighbours in 5/6F. As you can see from the images we have some very talented artists in our classes.

Student Awards

KB

2C Billie A, Thomas B

4A Luke V, Emily W

KM

2H Alia M, Felix G 5G Hannah M, Kaikoa F

KZ

2/3E

John K, Sophie R, Hugo G 5B Dekoda SM, Jarryd R

1S Hannah P, Lara R 3B Noah RM 5/6F Adam R, Flynn W

1B

Ted B, Evelyn K

3/4L Next Week 6P Next Week

1/2M Hannah C, Indiana Q 4B Max B, Samuel R

6W

Nicolas C, Owen H

BAND Emmett W Joel B

Tyler R

Upstander Award- Sophia S

canteen news

Canteen Roster and News ~ Canteen Supervisor Sonja

0438 684 401

The Green Tree Kitchen

Ordering through Flexischools is preferable. Please go to flexischools.com.au for a full menu. And over-the-counter cash sales are also available for your convenience.

Wednesday 17th

February Kate C

Thursday 18th February Robyn S

Friday 19th February

Rebecca R Mel W Sally H

Monday 22nd February

Help Needed

Tuesday 23rd February Sally A

The first issue for 2021 will be sent home this week. Orders are due by:

TUESDAY 16 FEBRUARY

The issue will be closed-off in LOOP after this date.

Book Club orders can only be placed via LOOP. Paper forms cannot be completed and placed at the office.

All orders earn resources for our school.

What is LOOP?

LOOP is Scholastic Book Club’s “Linked Online Ordering & Payment” platform. This system allows parents to place

and pay for their order without the need to return the paper form to school.

With LOOP you can pay using credit card and you can use any Scholastic vouchers. LOOP includes a gift option so you

can still request that your order is left at the office to be collected.

You can access LOOP either at www.scholastic.com.au/LOOP or via the app (download from the App Store or Google

play).

If you have any problems using LOOP, Scholastic are more than happy to help out parents directly – call them on

1800 021 233.

Belair Book Club Co-ordinator – Catherine Whittaker, 0414 945 817

Applications to Audition for Conservatorium High School are NOW OPEN for 2022 Conservatorium High School is a specialist high school that accepts enrolments through audition.

Please find attached information regarding our audition process for entry to Year 7 through to Year 11 2022. Please note that Conservatorium High School is a specialist performing arts high school with specific enrolment criteria, which requires students to audition. February 2021 Expression of interest (EOI) to apply for an audition via Conservatorium High website https://conhigh.nsw.edu.au/2022-entry-application/ 25th June 2021 Applications close 9th August 2021 Auditions begin at Conservatorium High September 2021 Students find out if they have been offered a place To register for an audition, please complete the online application form located on our website: https://conhigh.nsw.edu.au/2022-entry-application/

Good for Kids

GET SET FOR HEALTHY SNACKS!

Healthy snacks are important to keep kids’ energy levels up

and meet their nutritional needs.

Choose snacks based on vegetables, fruit, milk, cheese,

yoghurt and wholegrain breads, crackers and cereals.

Some tips to make choosing healthy snacks easy:

Include a vegetable and fruit snack each day.

Keep a range of healthy snacks in the fridge and pantry

e.g. vegetables and fruit, pikelets, popcorn, yoghurt and

cheese.

Cut up vegetables and fruit so they are easier to grab

for snacks during the week.

Get your kids to help prepare snacks.

Add vegetables into homemade snacks (muffins,

scones and slices).

Show your kids you enjoy eating healthy snacks.

HNELHD-GoodForKids@health.nsw.gov.au

http://www.goodforkids.nsw.gov.au/

Since 1934 the Australian Air League has been teaching young boys and girls nationwide all about aviation, while helping them develop important life skills like leadership, discipline, self confidence and teamwork. When you join the league you will make new friends and take part in fun and exciting activities, on the ground and in the air. Each week you will attend your local squadron where you will learn valuable skills and take part in fun and interesting activities and classes. Some of our classes include Meteorology, Navigation, Photography and Community Service. Squadrons also attend training camps, sport and recreational days, flying experiences and ceremonial drill. We welcome boys and girls the age of 8 years old from all different cultures and backgrounds. Parents and families are welcome to support or even join their local squadron as a volunteer. All adult members and volunteers are Working with Children Checked. The Australian Air League is running both a fun and educational programme that is making fine citizens out of our young Australians.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE AUSTRALIAN AIR LEAGUE AND YOUR CLOSEST SQUADRON

PLEASE CONTACT

www.airleague.com.au Email: info@airleague.com.au Free Call: 1800 502 175

NSW Group

BACK TO SCHOOL GUIDE

Nutrition Snippet

healthylunchbox.com.au

Kids will take around 200 packed lunches toschool each year!

Check out our top tips for packing a healthylunch box to make your job a bit easier!