normanhurst news · all scholastic book club orders must be in by 24 march 2019. the only form of...

Be Responsible. Be Respectful. Strive for Success.

Normanhurst News

Term 1 Week 7 13 March 2019

________________________________________________________________________________________

Principal’s Report

Dear Parents and Carers,

Zone Swimming Carnival

The Beecroft Zone Swimming Carnival was held last Friday 8 March. Congratulations to the students who

participated and represented our school proudly. Special congratulations to Jaxon K who placed first in the 8

years freestyle event and Barney H who placed third in the 11 years freestyle event. Both of these students will

compete at the Sydney North Area Carnival later this term. Thank you to Ms Veldon who attended the carnival

with our students and a very big thank you to Ms De Palo who is the Beecroft Zone Swimming Convenor again

this year, meaning she organised this carnival for all 21 schools involved!

Instructional Rounds

Last week Ms Moore, Ms Williams and I participated in an

Instructional Rounds Project with teams from three other local

schools. It is always valuable to visit other settings and work in

partnership with their staff. Next term we will be hosting these local

schools at our school, with our staff teaching lessons for Instructional

Rounds.

DATE EVENT

Thursday 14 March K-6 Assembly

Monday 18 March P&C Meeting

Email: [email protected] Website: www.normanhurs-p.schools.nsw.edu.au

Phone: 9489 1152 Fax: 9489 3257

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.normanhurs-p.schools.nsw.edu.au/


K-1 Playground Equipment Project

I am very pleased to report the upgrade to our playground

equipment has commenced! This project is involving the

removal of equipment pieces that no longer met Australian

Standards, the renovation of an existing piece of

equipment to ensure it meets these Standards, and the

installation of new equipment and softfall. This project is

being jointly funded by a Community Partnerships grant

from the NSW government, P & C fundraising and school

funds. We are looking forward to having this new play

area ready to use in a few weeks.

Ramping work

The ramping work the Department of Education has coordinated in our school is continuing and is planned to

be completed this term.

Selective High School Test

Please be reminded that the Selective High School Test for those Year 6 students who applied is tomorrow,

Thursday 14 March. The High Performing Students Unit has sent details regarding arrangements to relevant

parents.

Email Communication

As per our school Communication Procedures, please note that email should not be used for urgent matters.

Staff members are not able to check emails during teaching hours or on days they are on leave or off site and

will not be able to necessarily read or respond to emails as they are sent. In addition, where a parent / carer

wishes to discuss a complex issue or raise several issues, it is best to make an appointment with the relevant

staff member rather than addressing these through an email. Where an issue relates to your child’s learning or

wellbeing it needs to be directed to the class teacher in the first instance. If your enquiry is broader or you feel it

has not been addressed to your satisfaction, you are then able to direct it to the appropriate Assistant Principal.

If you wish to discuss a matter of a sensitive nature you may also wish to make an appointment with me.

Please note if you raise an issue regarding your child’s learning or wellbeing with the executive team that you

have not given the teacher an opportunity to address by meeting with them, you will be directed back to them to

meet.

Positive Behaviour for Learning

During this fortnight all classes are revising expectations for the toilets and how our three values relate to this

setting. The Week 6 recipient of our PBL draw was Summer W.

Merit Certificates

Congratulations to the following students who received a merit certificate at last week’s assembly:

For Being Responsible Mia K 3G Habib H 5S Nico I 3W Jeremy H 6D Hunter S 4L Zoe H 6M Ella C 4M Jayden P Computers Julian N 4/5B Grace A Library


Kind regards,

Amber Gorrell

Principal

________________________________________________________________________________________

Library News

Parent Information Session

On Monday 25 March at 2 p.m. we will be running an information session for parents about the NSW Premier’s

Reading Challenge. In this session we will run through the rules and procedures for the Reading Challenge,

how to log-in to the challenge, how to access reading lists and add books to your child’s reading log. We will

also show and talk about a selection of popular titles suitable for each grade.

If you are interested in attending, please meet in the school library at 2 p.m. on Monday 25 March 2019.

Carolyn Spender

Teacher Librarian

NSW Premier’s Reading Challenge 2019

Congratulations to the following students who have completed the 2019 NSW Premier’s Reading Challenge.

Year 2: Sophia R.

Year 3: Saif K., Hayley L., Minh L.

Year 4: Joel F., William M., Valentina P., Cooper S.

Year 5: Grace M., Julian N. Joshua P.

Year 6: Dakota A., Sienna B., Kaitlyn S., Lisa T., Lucy V., Vicki V., Keren Z.

All students wishing to complete the NSW Premier’s Reading Challenge must enter their online student reading

record by Friday 30 August 2019. Student reading records can be accessed on the NSW Premier’s Reading

Challenge website https://online.det.nsw.edu.au/prc/home.html .

For any enquires about the challenge please contact Ms Spender in the library.

Happy reading!

Carolyn Spender

PRC Coordinator

For Being Respectful Ben G 3G Cerys S 5S Thomas K 3W Nathan S 6D Emma B 4L Sophie P 6M Anuk R 4M Arthur T Library Sandy Z 4/5B

For Striving for Success Thomas C 3G Joanna C 5S Alfred G 3W Taj W 6D Carla S 4L Carl C 6M Grace H 4M Hayley S Computers Mikala K 4/5B Thomas C Library

https://online.det.nsw.edu.au/prc/home.html


Technology Screen Time - Ideas for Children and Families Part 1 So what is the right amount of screen time for children, if any? And how do we moderate their usage? The debate is understandably diverse.

Let’s consider the main downsides to ‘excessive’ screen time…

Research has shown that kids who spend too much time in front of screens risk health problems such as obesity and issues with posture.

The number of short-sighted children has almost doubled during the last five years, which has been attributed to the use of screens.

There has been a correlation between excessive screen time and reduced levels of enjoyment in other activities, such as outdoor exercise and imaginative play.

Many children who spend more time on electronic devices have reported feeling less energetic and fit.

On the flip side, the benefits and importance of screen time are equally significant.

For a start, digital literacy is crucial in many professional careers. The use of digital technology will continue to increase momentum in educational settings, so a good

grasp of these technologies will likely relate to improved academic performance. Screen time has been shown to work well as a sedative and in calming kids down in anxiety-inducing

situations, such as before surgery. Some aspects of interactive, digital programs can enable greater learning, particularly in children with

learning difficulties.

So given the prevalence and dependence on screen time in all facets of society, like with so many other things, isn’t it better to let kids get a grasp on these devices when they’re young?

The key to this dilemma, like everything, is balance, consistency and moderation. It is impractical and incredibly difficult to completely limit the use of screen time in children.

But you can put parameters around their usage to mitigate the risks, and maximise the benefits.

A few tips:

1. Set rules for ‘no screen time situations’ – such as at mealtime, in bed, before school or in the car. These times should be utilised for speaking with your children, discussing their day, preparing for their day and resting — not swiping, watching and tapping.

2. Try to set daily limits — it’s okay to go over these limits every now and then when necessary, but treat this extra time as a privilege and not a given.

3. Combine learning with screen time. Limit the use of simple games or videos and replace them with apps or programs with some educational basis.

4. Make sure that screen time does not take precedence over or replace other important activities, such as exercise, outdoor activities, or reading.

5. Create ‘no screen time zones’ — particularly bedrooms for young children. If the digital screen is going to consume their attention, at least allow them to do it in the living room or in a family setting, as opposed to in isolation in their room.

6. Participate in screen time together! Research shows that using apps or playing digital games together can be beneficial, as it encourages dialogue and conversation — a vital element in the development of verbal skills.

So whatever your child’s screen time usage is — don’t despair.

http://tenplay.com.au/news/national/september/what-too-much-screen-time-is-really-doing-to-your-kids


There is no definitive answer as to how much screen time is too much (and the Australian recommended usage is continually being challenged, debated and updated).

What’s important is that screen time does not replace or supersede other important areas of emotional, physical and developmental learning. If you’re worried that your child spends too much time on screens, try incorporating some of the above tips into their routine.

Further Reading:

https://www.melbournechildpsychology.com.au/blog/childrens-smart-phone-and-tablet-use-linked-with-weaker-literacy-skills/

https://www.melbournechildpsychology.com.au/blog/can-video-games-really-improve-academic-performance/

References: Deutrom, R, ‘Australian children well and truly over recommended daily screen time’, The Courier

Mail (2016) Wells, P, ‘iPad screen time can be good for kids if parents get involved too, experts say’, The Sydney

Morning Herald (2016) _______________________________________________________________________________________

PSSA News

Stage 3 PSSA Try Outs Next week Stage 3 PSSA trials will be held during lunchtime. Netball trials will be held on Thursday 14 March

and soccer will be held on Friday 15 March. PSSA is a commitment where students are expected to train once

a week during Term 2 and most of Term 3 with a match to follow on the Friday. Teachers will be collecting

expressions of interest this week. If students know they will be unable to attend they are asked to inform the

appropriate teacher prior to try outs so alternative arrangements can be made.

Blake Rosewarn & Stephanie De Palo

PSSA Coordinators

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Volunteers Needed Book Covering - Volunteers needed More Take Home Readers have been received and we would love the assistance of some more parent helpers to cover these beautiful new books in contact before we can place them in circulation. If you can help out please give your details to the office. Contact is provided. Thank you

Janelle Duncan Learning & Support Teacher






________________________________________________________________________________________

Scholastic Book Club

All Scholastic Book Club orders must be in by 24 March 2019. The only form of payment for ordering is Credit Card through the Scholastic website. Please see below for further details.

2019 Harmony Day Poster Competition

Normanhurst Public School will again be participating in the “Harmony Day” Poster competition.

Students are encouraged to visually articulate their interpretation of the 2019 theme: ‘Harmony – it’s up to

us’.

Entries should reflect one or more of the following principles:

Our society is made up of different people from different backgrounds.

While we are unique, we all share the goal of wanting to live together in harmony, peace and

understanding. We must respect others religion, gender and race.

We must not accept hate, violence or unfair treatment of any person or group.

We must strive to give all Australians equal opportunities and assist those who are less fortunate than

ourselves. We are proud to be Australian.

Design

All entries MUST be A3 poster size and any medium is acceptable.

Our closing date is Friday 29 March 2019. Please have your entries to Mrs Brisot by this date. Any late

entries will not be accepted.

Please provide the following information on the back of your entry: Student’s name, Class, Home

address, Parent’s name, Parent’s phone, Parent’s email. Please FOLLOW all design instructions to ensure

your entry is eligible.

For further information: http://movingforwardtogether.org.au/

http://movingforwardtogether.org.au/


_______________________________________________________________________________________

SRC News

This year NPS will be celebrating Harmony Day – a day when we celebrate Australia’s cultural diversity and

promote inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for everyone.

We would love the students to dress in cultural costume or wear a touch of orange to celebrate the variety

of cultural backgrounds of all our students on Thursday 21 March 2018.

We hope you can join our SRC in supporting this important event. Ms Williams and the NPS Student Representative Council (SRC)

________________________________________________________________________________________

P&C News

www.npspandc.com

http://www.facebook.com/NormanhurstPublicPC Dates for your diary:

Working Bee (all hands on deck) Saturday 16 March 2019 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.

P&C Meeting Monday 18 March 2019 7.30 p.m.

Election Day BBQ/Cake Stall Saturday 23 March 2019

Bush Dance/Country Fair Saturday 6 April 2019 3 p.m. onwards

A recap on the next couple of weeks, P&C activities to raise much needed funds for our school.

Tickets are now on sale for our Bush Dance Fundraiser on 6 April, please follow the prompts through our

Facebook page or Pam’s fundraising report in this newsletter to pre-purchase your tickets and food for the

event. Family and friends are welcomed along to enjoy an evening of music, dance, good food and laughter,

this promises to be a great family occasion – so don’t miss out!

Our Election Day Cake stall is only a few weeks away and cake boxes will be distributed shortly through your

class parent. Home baked or shop bought goods are greatly appreciated for our cake stall and the roster for

helpers on the day still has positions available if you have an hour to spare. Thank you in advance for making

this a successful fundraiser for our school.

Working Bee is this weekend! We will be having some large deliveries of mulch (soft fall for the seniors

playground and regular for the garden beds) and will need as many hands to move it on the 16 March. Please

bring your buckets and gloves, even 30 minutes of your time will help us to get the job done. If you have a

wheelbarrow, rakes, shovels, gardening equipment please bring them with you. Our focus will be on mulching

this working bee, and tidying up the front entrance of the school in preparation for the election on the following

weekend.

A reminder that our suggestions box in the office is always open for your ideas and input into our school.

Please see attached our agenda for the upcoming P&C meeting on Monday 18 March at 7.30 p.m. in the

staffroom. I endeavour to keep these meetings brief (an hour max) and they are a good opportunity for you to

have input and hear what is happening in our school community.

I look forward to seeing you there.

Melissa Logan

P&C President

[email protected]

http://www.npspandc.com/

http://www.facebook.com/NormanhurstPublicPC



Notice of Meeting

Agenda Normanhurst Public School P&C Week 8 Term 1

Venue: NPS Staffroom

Date: Monday 18 March 2019, 7.30 p.m.

1. Welcome and formal opening

2. Apologies

3. Minutes of the previous meeting (receipt/amendments/adoption)

4. Correspondence

5. Reports Presidents Report

Principals Report

Treasurers Report

Subcommittee Reports – Fundraising, Canteen, Uniform Shop, Building Fund, Grounds, Band

6. Business arising

1. Motion to approve an online payment system for the P&C website

If approved then a second motion to:

1. Purchase a SSL to make our website secure

2. Add an eCommerce section to the website

3. Add a payment gateway

2. That the Normanhurst Public School P&C Association Voluntary Contribution for 2019 be directed to the

NPS P&C Building Fund with contributions to be tax-deductible

3. That an amount of approx. $4000 be approved to expend on a replacement Smartboard for KT

7. General Business

8. Close

________________________________________________________________________________________

NPS Band News

How to get kids to practise their instrument?

There are a number of ways to encourage your child to practise their instrument outside of their tutor time and

band.

Here are some for you to consider:

1) Setting up an easy space, whereby the child is able to access their instrument quickly and with ease.

2) Playing the “instrumental” part of their favourite film i.e Star Wars or something similar. These are

incredible to listen to outside of the film.

3) Being their greatest fan.

4) Taking them to see live performances or even if you go, video some of it to show them. For example

“We went to see Kylie last night, and her sax player reminded me of you, look!”

5) Ask their tutor for different pieces to practice which are easy to do, and perhaps a harder piece.


Term 1 Parent Band Roster for Weeks 7 and 8:

Thursday 14 Mar Concert Band 7.15 – 8.40 Michelle Thomas

Thursday 14 Mar Training Band 12.50 – 2.00 Miriam Papantoniou

Monday 18 Mar Training Band 7.20 – 8.40 Melissa Collins

Monday 18 Mar Concert Band 12.50 – 2.00 Yuka Ueki

Thursday 21 Mar Concert Band 7.15 – 8.40 Caroline Mulligan

Thursday 21 Mar Training Band 12.50 – 2.00 Sun Hee Hong

Please like us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/npsbands/ Are you receiving the band emails? If not, please Email: [email protected]

Lisa Manton

P&C Band Coordinator

_______________________________________________________________________________________

P&C Social and Fundraising News

Election Day BBQ and Cake Stall – Saturday 23 March

A big thank you to all the people who have rostered themselves on for the Election Day BBQ and Cake Stall.

We still require help on the BBQ. Help out by grabbing a friend, selecting a time slot below and make it a social

outing!

12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. - 3 spots to fill

2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. - 2 spots to fill

3:30 p.m. – 5 p.m. - 2 spots to fill

http://signup.com/go/BUqiUqV

Bush Dance – Saturday 6 April

TICKETS NOW ON SALE!

Bring along your family and friends to the Normanhurst Public School Bush Dance. Join us on Saturday 6 April

from 3 p.m. for an afternoon filled of fun!

* Bush Dance caller

* Games

* Face Painting

* Sausage in a bun with coleslaw & drink combo

* Corn on a cob

* Apple Pie with cream

* Fairy Floss

Pre-Ordering food is important to ensure we have enough food for everyone on the day and to eliminate

unnecessary expenses.

Please follow the link below;

https://www.school24.net.au

Please note:

You will need to;

https://www.facebook.com/npsbands/


http://signup.com/go/BUqiUqV


1. 'Login' on the front page

2. Go into 'order lunch'

3. Go in 'Events' and proceed to 'Bush Dance'

** You will need to sign up if you don't already have an account.

If you have any questions please don't hesitate in contacting me. Looking forward to seeing you all there!

Pam Gins

P&C Fundraising Coordinator

[email protected]



WORKING BEE – SATURDAY 16 MARCH 8:00 – 3.00 p.m.

All hands on deck – your school needs you!

Theme is “First Impressions”

Meeting point: Front of canteen

Hi everyone on the Normanhurst Public School community! I am Ian Air and I would like to introduce myself as

the new P & C Grounds Co-ordinator taking over the role for this year.

Our school has a lot going on right now but could do with a bit of a spruce up before the NSW State Election

this month. There will be a lot of the general public turning up so hopefully we can make our grounds just a little

better than they are right now.

We have tried to open up the timing to fit in with your day. Even popping in for just an hour makes a huge

difference and all skills & abilities are wanted.

We do have a book of tasks we are always working on & there will be a list of tasks stuck to the wall outside the

canteen. Grab one & join in!

There are also blank task forms so I want you to give me suggestions on areas you would like the P& C to

create or improve. Please fill them in & we can add to the list.

Later this year we will start doing some targeted improvements to various projects in the outside areas –but this

time we will be focusing on just catching up after a vigorous growth season as well as a few running repairs. In

line with the theme, we will be focusing on the entry points as much as possible given the construction work.

Other goals are to move some soft fall to the seniors playground & general mulch so we want your

wheelbarrows. I have a trailer so will pick up & return them to your houses if this can help get them there. Even

if you can’t make it but can lend a wheelbarrow, I would be very grateful –please call or email me.

House points are awarded to all the children who attend. Snacks provided.

Remember to bring your own (labelled) equipment, including wheelbarrows, rakes, yard brooms, secateurs,

shovels and spades. The more wheelbarrows and shovels and spades we have the easier it is to move garden

waste, mulch etc. If you don’t own these things, we will have quite a few for you to use. Plastic bags also

welcome for picking up all the litter around the grounds.

Don’t forget your hats, gloves, water and something warm to wear.

If you are not a P&C member you can become a member by paying $2.00 on the day so that you are covered

for insurance purposes.

Please do introduce yourselves to me and I really hope to see you there!

Ian Air

P&C Grounds Coordinator

0439 629 822

[email protected]


________________________________________________________________________________________

Canteen News

Harmony Day is on next Thursday 21 March. Please remember to Pre-Order your food for this day, the normal

Canteen menu will be replaced by our Harmony Day menu so Sign-in to School24, Click “Order Lunch” and

Select “Events”. All Orders MUST be in by 8.30 a.m. on Friday 15 March. The multicultural cuisine menu

represents some different nationalities within our School and all meals will come with an Aussie Lamington

Finger.

Unfortunately NO LATE ORDERS can be accepted. Please pick from:

1. Sushi - Options - Teriyaki Chicken (with Cucumber), Tuna (with Mayo & Cucumber), Veggie (Carrot,

Cucumber & Tofu), Salmon (with Avocado & Cucumber)

2. Lasagna (with Garlic roll)

3. Butter Chicken (with Naan bread)

4. Nachos (with Mild Tomato Salsa and Cheese, optional Sour Cream)

5. Asian Bento Box (consisting of Fried Rice, Chicken Wing Thing, 2 Mini Spring Rolls & Mini Dim Sim)

We are also selling a “special” Ice Cream WEIS bar for Harmony Day, with choice of flavours: Mango

Passionfruit & Milk, Strawberry & Milk, Chocolate & Milk

If you are free we will need some extra Volunteer helpers on this date (11.30 a.m. - 1.00 p.m.), please email

Lisa direct on [email protected]

The canteen will be open for usual counter service at recess and lunch with the usual items for sale.

{Reminder} Instructions for Registering and Lunch ordering on School 24:

Type in School24 to your web browser: https://www.school24.net.au/ Click on “Register” to begin. Type in the

School registration ID: 2567963. Complete the fields (as requested) and hit “Create Account”. Begin ordering

from the side Menu options. Once the food has been ordered, go to Checkout to complete the order.

{Reminder} Missed Lunch procedure:

If a Student presents with no lunch, the Teacher should be notified and a note will be sent to the Canteen.

Some food will be provided to that student and a note will be sent home with the child (that day) to notify the

Parents of the cost of the food supplied. If/when this happens, we kindly request you please return the payment

to the Canteen as soon as possible. If the note is lost (in transit) Lisa will follow up via email to request this

money; because we are a non-profit organization we want to keep our Canteen prices as low as possible for

our families. Thank you.

Canteen Volunteer Vacancies

Thank you all so much for all the help so far… If you can spare an hour (or two) here and there WE NEED

YOU! :) Log into www.school24.net.au to register yourself if you can help out on any Canteen shifts. We

cannot run it without you! For quick reference, over the next three weeks we would love help on any of of these

days:

Thursday 14 March 11.00 a.m. - 1.30 p.m.

Wednesday 13 March 9.00 a.m. - 10.00 a.m.


Thursday 21 March HARMONY DAY - EVENT MENU


Wednesday 27 March 11.00 a.m. - 1.30 p.m.

Thursday 28 March 9.00 a.m. - 10.00 a.m.

Friday 29 March 9.30 a.m. - 1.30 p.m.

https://www.school24.net.au/

http://www.school24.net.au/


N.B: Please Email Lisa [email protected] or text 0414 505 800 to be removed from a shift if you cannot

make it, thank you. Each shift you do enters you into a mini-draw to win a $20 Canteen top-up to your School24

account. :) If you would like to make a comment or offer any feedback, please contact me anytime.

Cheers,

Bonita Chan

P&C Canteen Co-ordinator

Email: [email protected]




Normanhurst Public School Term 1 Calendar - 2019

MON TUES WED THURS FRI SAT SUN

WEEK 1

AUSTRALIA DAY PUBLIC HOLIDAY

28 JAN

Staff Development Day

29 JAN

Kindergarten Best Start Years 1-6 commence

30 JAN

Kindergarten Best Start

31 JAN

Kindergarten commences

1 FEB

2 FEB

3 FEB

WEEK 2

4 FEB

5 FEB

Leadership Camp (C & VC)

6 FEB

K-2 Assembly Leadership Camp (C & VC)

7 FEB

Leadership Camp (C & VC)

8 FEB

9 FEB

WEEK 3

P&C Meeting 7.30 p.m.

11 FEB

12 FEB

School Tour 9.15 a.m.

13 Feb

3-6 Assembly

14 FEB

15 FEB

16 FEB

17 FEB

WEEK 4

Brainstorm Production

18 FEB

School Photos Parent Info Evening Life Education

19 FEB

SRE/SEE Commences

20 FEB

K-6 Assembly

21 FEB

22 FEB

23 FEB

24 FEB

WEEK 5

25 FEB

Life Education concludes

26 FEB

27 FEB

School Swimming Carnival K-1 Assembly

28 FEB

1 MAR

2 MAR

Band Workshop 1 – 4 p.m

3 MAR

WEEK 6

4 MAR

5 MAR

6 MAR

3-6 Assembly

7 MAR

Zone Swimming Carnival

8 MAR

9 MAR

10 MAR

WEEK 7

11 MAR

12 MAR

13 MAR

K-6 Assembly Selective High School Test

14 MAR

15 MAR

Working Bee 8am-3pm

16 MAR

17 MAR

WEEK 8

P&C Meeting 7.30 p.m.

18 MAR

19 MAR

School Tour 9.15 a.m.

20 MAR

K-2 Assembly Harmony Day

21 MAR

22 MAR

STATE ELECTION POLLING PLACE

23 MAR

24 MAR

WEEK 9

25 MAR

26 MAR

27 MAR

3-6 Assembly Area Swimming Carnival

28 MAR

29 MAR

30 MAR

31 MAR

WEEK 10

1 APR

2 APR

3 APR

K-6 Assembly

4 APR

5 APR

Bush Dance 3pm-6pm

6 APR

7 APR

WEEK 11

Parent/Teacher Interviews

8 APR


9 APR


10 APR

Parent/Teacher Interviews ANZAC Day Assembly State Swimming Carnival

11 APR

Parent/Teacher Interviews Last Day Term 1 School Cross Country State Swimming Carnival

12 APR

13 APR

14 APR

normanhurst news · all scholastic book club orders must be in by 24 march 2019. the only form of...

Documents