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The Junction News Newsletter of The Junction Public School

Union Street, Merewether. NSW 2291 Ph: 49 631343 Fax: 49 63 3501 E: thejunctio-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au

Term 1 – Week 6

Tuesday 3 March 2020

LEADERSHIP REPORT

We are already 6 weeks in to the 2020 school year! How quickly time flies by. Our students have settled in beautifully to their new classes and new routines. A learning focus in all classes has been on the teaching of units developed from the new PD/H/PE Syllabus encompassing Values, Learning Dispositions, Growth Mindset and Wellbeing with the skills of literacy and numeracy woven in. As a culmination of this work all students will be attending the play ‘The H-Team’ by Brainstorm Productions on Monday 16 March which deals with the themes of anti-bullying, inclusivity and harmony. See more information in relation to the play further in this newsletter.

Allergies at School Every year we make our community aware of our procedures around keeping our children with allergies safe at school. Our students have allergies including a wide variety of nuts, a variety of dairy products, eggs and seafood. As a school we observe the ASCIA guidelines. At the conclusion of this newsletter I have included the discussion points we covered at a recent staff WHS Meeting. If you would like to discuss anything further on a case by case basis with your class teacher, please phone the school and make an appointment at a mutually agreed time. Thank you for your consideration and care for all our children.

New School Furniture Both teachers and students are busy engaging in new experiences and creating quality learning environments. Part of this environment is the careful selection of new furniture, enabled through the wonderful fundraising of the P&C which will enhance teaching and learning spaces. A quality learning environment created by both teachers and students is a key component of increased wellbeing, learning outcomes and student growth.

Goal Setting Interviews A Quality Learning Environment is also one of the three dimensions* of quality teaching which encompasses student self-regulation, student direction and high

expectations and, as such, our teachers are guiding all students to set learning goals again this year. Students will get the opportunity to discuss these goals and their learning with their parents/carers and their teachers in our Three–way Goal Setting Interviews scheduled for Weeks 9 and 10 of Term 1. NOTE: Parents can organise an appointment with their child’s teacher at any time during the school year. *Intellectual Quality and Significance being the other two – see the Quality Teaching Framework: https://theelements.schools.nsw.gov.au/introduction-to-the-elements/policy-reforms-and-focus-areas/quality-teaching-framework.html

2020 Classes The formation of classes is increasingly reflecting the demands of 21st century learning and the new syllabuses. For more than a decade teaching has focussed on stage based acquisition of knowledge and skills rather than age based. Apart from Kindergarten (Early Stage 1) all other grades are stage based and some can be cross stage. All our classes are mixed ability and our teachers know how to differentiate learning. Differentiation is a complex skill that is acquired through a tertiary Education degree and further honed in the classroom. Children are taught according to their specific learning need and not based on their homeroom class.

IFS/OOHC Learning and Support Parent/Teaching Meetings These biannual meetings, between parents, health professionals and the teaching staff in whose care the students are in, are an important part of the planning needed to create the specialist/individualised teaching programs which enable equitable access to the curriculum. A huge thank you to all parents and health care professional who attended their scheduled meetings and provided such valuable parental insights and health professional recommendations for our teachers.

Sustainable Schools Grant: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle @The Junction PS Last year an application was submitted by Connie Emmington (DP) and Louise Crosskill (parent) to School Infrastructure requesting a grant to run an Environmental Sustainable School project in 2020. Our application was successful and the school has received a grant of $11780. Our environment committee is currently forming and will

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Term 1 – Week 6 Tuesday 3 March 2020

include teachers, students and parents. Our vision for a Sustainable School, as noted in our successful application, is: Our school community working together to empower the next generation to take action to create more sustainable grassroots practices to bring about real environmental change.

School Leadership Team

2020 Fees Our general Term 1 notes have all been issued over the last few weeks and this includes an Invoice for programs and resources used by students in the classroom. In 2020 we will continue subscribing to the programs and resources that school data shows have had positive impact on your child’s learning. School contributions are capped at $100 per family. These include: Mathletics – (K-6) an online resource that captivates students and provides formative data which teachers can use to design next steps in mathematical learning Reading Eggs – (K-4) a phonics/reading based program for students learning to read Word Dictionary – (Year 1 only) students begin to use dictionaries to support their writing whilst in Stage One School Magazine – (Year 3-6) a literary publication that the best of children’s authors contribute to – these publications are all stage based and come out monthly.

The table below outlines fees and anticipated further costs for students this year. The office sent invoices out last week. All items in ‘Red’ have been invoiced, these fees can be paid now. Other activities are not invoiced until closer to the event when we get correct costings. These activities are being flagged to you so you know what may be coming up for your child.

FINANCIAL OVERVIEW KINDER

School Contributions - $50 Maths Resource Program - $15 Reading Eggs - $12 Handwriting Book - $14 Red Tote Bag & Folder - $13 Musica Viva – 17/6 – Term 2 Oakvale Farm – Term 3 - $30 approx

YEAR 1

School Contributions - $50 Maths Resource Program - $15 Reading Eggs - $12 Word Dictionary - $7 Excursion – (TBA) - Term 2 Musica Viva – 17/6 – Term 2 Intensive Swimming - $60 approx – Term 4

YEAR 2

School Contributions - $50 Maths Resource Program - $15 Reading Eggs - $12 Excursion – (TBA) - Term 2 Musica Viva – 17/6 – Term 2 Intensive Swimming - $60 approx – Term 4

YEAR 3

School Contributions - $50 Maths Resource Program - $15 Reading Eggs - $12 School Magazine - $12 Athletics Carnival - $12 approx. – Term 2 Hunter Life Ed - $10 approx. – Term 2 Musica Viva – 17/6 – Term 2 Excursion – (TBC) - Term 3

YEAR 4

School Contributions - $50 Maths Resource Program - $15 Reading Eggs - $12 School Magazine - $12 Athletics Carnival - $12 approx. – Term 2 Musica Viva – 17/6 – Term 2 Great Aussie Bush Camp –$320 approx. Term 4

YEAR 5

School Contributions - $50 Maths Resource Program - $15 School Magazine - $12 Hunter Life Ed - $10 approx. – Term 2 Athletics Carnival - $12 approx. – Term 2 Sydney Excursion - $50 approx. – Term 2 Musica Viva – 17/6 – Term 2

YEAR 6

School Contributions - $50 Maths Resource Program - $15 School Magazine - $12 Year 6 T-Shirt - $35 Canberra Balance - $405 (Term 1) Athletics Carnival - $12 approx. – Term 2 Musica Viva – 17/6 – Term 2 Year 6 Farewell - $30 approx. – Term 4

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Term 1 – Week 6 Tuesday 3 March 2020

CALENDAR - TERM 1 – 2020

Week 6 Event

Tuesday, March 3 Regional Swimming Carnival

Tuesday, March 3 P & C AGM Meeting – 6.30pm

Merewether Bowling Club

Thursday, March 5 Year 1 & 2 Water Walk

excursion-$5

Week 7 Event

Wednesday, March 11 Book Club orders due back to

school library

Thursday, March 12 Selective High School test –

Merewether High School

Friday, March 13 Cross Country Carnival – Nesca

Park (Years 3-6)

Week 8 Event

Monday, March 16 Brainstorm Productions –

Whole School - $5

Wednesday, March 18 Harmony Day – Students may

wear ‘Orange clothes or

accessories’

Week 9 Event

Monday, March 23 Goal setting interviews –

Student/Parents

Week 10 Event

Monday, March 30 Goal setting interviews –

Student/Parents

Week 11 Event

Monday, April 6 State Swimming - Sydney

Tuesday, April 7 State Swimming – Sydney

Tuesday, April 7 K-2 Athletics Carnival here at

school

Wednesday, April 8 School ANZAC Service

Thursday, April 9 K-2 Easter Hat Parade

Thursday, April 9 LAST DAY OF TERM 1

CALENDAR - TERM 2 – 2020

Week 1 Event

Monday, April 27 Staff Development Day – STAFF

ONLY

Tuesday, April 28 STUDENTS RETURN – Term 2

Tuesday, April 28 to Hunter Life Education Van –

Friday, May 1 Years 3 & 5 (Note home soon)

Friday, May 1 Zone Cross Country

Week 3 Event

Tuesday, May 12 to Year 6 to Canberra

Friday, May 15 Year 6 to Canberra

Tuesday, May 12 to Year 3 & 5 NAPLAN

Friday, May 15 Year 3 & 5 NAPLAN

BOOK CLUB Scholastic Book Club brochures were handed out last week. All orders must be back at the school library by Wednesday 11th March. Thank you.

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Term 1 – Week 6 Tuesday 3 March 2020

HARMONY WEEK/DAY Harmony Week is a time to celebrate Australian multiculturalism and the successful integration of migrants into our community. Harmony Week is about inclusiveness, respect and belonging for all Australians, regardless of cultural or linguistic background, united by a set of core Australian values. To recognise and celebrate Harmony Week, on Wednesday 18th March, all students may come to school dressed in ‘orange clothes’ or ‘accessories’. Orange is the vibrant colour which represents communication through clear and respectful conversations. Students can also wear traditional costumes representative of their cultural heritage. An assembly celebrating Harmony, Belonging and Learning will be held on this day at 11:30am under the COLA.

2020 STUDENT EXECUTIVE The school leaders have already experienced many of the responsibilities involved with their leadership positions this year. They will be an integral link between the student body and the staff in helping to set high expectations for the rest of the student cohort. Well done to the leaders who have already run assemblies, organised events, liaised and communicated with teachers or spoken in front of large groups. We all look forward to seeing what amazing things this group can do at TJPS in their final year of primary school. School Captains: Louis H & Lalita F School Prefects: Phoebe U, Harmony B, Clodagh M, Jessica G, Luka K, Oliver V, Jarvis S, Felix D Sports Leaders: Quinlan Captains: Jett R, Alexis S Quinlan Vice Captains: Charlie F, Rosie B Treharne Captains: Kahn W, Abbey A Treharne Vice Captains: Kaleb H, Daisy M Edmunds Captains: Louis D, Sophie M Edmunds Vice Captains: Ty A, Zoe C Ladkin Captains: Sam R, Edie W Ladkin Vice Captains: Archie M, Roxanna B

ZONE SWIMMING CARNIVAL On Wednesday 19th February, the Newcastle City Zone Swimming Carnival was held at Lambton Swim Centre. More than 40 students from The Junction Public School competed at this event. There were over 600 students competing on the day. The students from TJPS tried their best all day, with many students breaking their personal best times. Congratulations to: Bailey H, Archie M and Alexis S who qualified for the Regional Carnival in their individual events. Congratulations to the Senior Girls relay - Alexis S, Harmony B, Lilli W and Lalita F and the Junior Boys Relay team - Angus J, Rafferty D, Corban B and Will B. These students are competing at the Regional Carnival today. By Alexis and Harmony

JUNIOR & SENIOR CHOIR Junior Choir and Senior Choir has commenced for 2020. Junior Choir is on a Tuesday morning at 8am in 2MC classroom. Senior Choir will be on every Wednesday morning at 8am in 2MC classroom. It is with great pleasure to announce Ella W and Nicola D-G have been elected to be Senior Choral Group, Choir Captains. Both are to be congratulated for this achievement. Everyone is welcome to come and enjoy this wonderful experience. Regards, Nina McLeod

A message from our Crossing supervisors

Julie and Lisa would like parents to know that if there is a severe storm warning they will pull their stop signs down. This also applies in heavy winds. The stop signs are made of metal and in a lightning storm could be dangerous. Julie also wishes to thank parents who assisted with a dislodged street sign near Watkins Street. A new street sign has been requested.

RECENT NOTES HOME

EVERY STUDENT General Permission Note (Yellow)

Must be returned to the Class teacher ASAP

YEAR 1 & 2 STUDENTS Water Walk Excursion – This Thursday 5/3

Cost: $5

BRAINSTORM PRODUCTIONS Whole School – Monday 16/3

Cost: $5

YEAR 3-6 CROSS COUNTRY Friday 13/3 (No Cost)

YEAR 6 CANBERRA – (12/5 to 15/5) Permission & Itinerary note (Grey)

Medical & Parental Consent (Green) – two sides Expected Behaviour Form (Blue)

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Term 1 – Week 6 Tuesday 3 March 2020

STEAM/WATER TALK Stage 1 had a visit by a scientist on Thursday 27th February to discuss their STEAM unit on water. Ms Zoe Rogers who works at Hunter Water came and had an informative chat with the students who had lots of scientific questions about our oceans, waterways and pollution that ends up in there. Miguel: I learnt that the fur on teddy bears is made out of tiny particles of plastic! How incredible! Molly: I learnt that shoes are often made of plastic, even the soles on thongs. We all thought it was rubber. Myles: I learnt that some plastic bags are made out of corn and break down quickly. Angus: Glitter found in toothpaste is made out of tiny particles of plastic. It ends up in the ocean. Maiya: I learnt that polyester sweaters with a fuzzy feel are actually made out of plastic. Amazing! Shyla: I can't believe people litter. Turtles mistake plastic bags for jellyfish and eat them. Poor turtles. Nina: Whales can get plastic bags in their tummy. This is because they don't chew. They swallow their food (krill/plankton) whole and even they eat tiny plastic particles. This makes me feel sad. Seth: We can make a difference! We can put our rubbish in the bin and recycle, reuse and reduce. Katrina Gardoll, Organising teacher

BAND/STRINGS NEWS Thank you to all of our band families who are making the effort to be at rehearsals on time. Rehearsals begin promptly at 8:00am and students should have their instruments assembled, warmed up and be ready to play by then. Once again for morning and the afternoon rehearsals – PLEASE DO NOT USE THE DRIVEWAY ACCESS POINTS – students must enter/exit through the Pedestrian gates only. Invoices went out last week which included Band fees. Only Term 1 fees are due by the end of this term. If you would like to pay in advance we are more than happy for you to do so. I am also more than happy to privately discuss a payment plan with you, should you require it. Our music team are as flexible as possible in order to keep children in the band program. We understand that sometimes difficulties arise or interest wanes but in order to have effective and competitive bands, we have a process should your child begin to mention dropping out. Please contact Miss Tonkin, Mr Bell or myself should an issue arise about band with your child. We will do whatever we can to help solve the problem, big or small. I am still working on locking in performance dates and will notify families as soon as we have our calendar set. Angie King, Band Coordinator

SCHOOL ASSEMBLIES Kinder to Year 2 and Year 3 to Year 6 assemblies are on this Friday, Week 6 (Even weeks of the school term). Kinder to Year 2 : 10.15am Class 2C will be hosting this assembly. Year 3 to Year 6 : 11.20am Parents are welcome to attend these assemblies in the New Hall. Congratulations to the K-2 students below who received their assembly awards at the Week 4 assembly.

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Term 1 – Week 6 Tuesday 3 March 2020

ONLINE UNIFORM SHOP ORDERING! Want to place your uniform shop order online? Simply go to www.tjpsuniform.com.

SCHOOL SECURITY If you or your neighbours see anyone on our school grounds after hours, we ask that you phone the Department’s Security Number on: 1300 880021.

SCHOOL GATES & VISITING OUR SCHOOL If you need to come into the school during school hours, please ensure that you close the gate behind you. This is for the safety and security of our students. If you enter the school grounds you must report to the school office first. Gates are closed at 9.30am and re-opened at 2.30pm. Please do not enter the school by any of our driveway gates unless there are special arrangements in place.

NO DOGS ON THE SCHOOL SITE We ask that dogs not be brought into the school grounds. When dropping off or picking up your child, dogs must be tied up outside the school fence, away from pedestrian gates. Thank you.

Money collection for excursions & events

All money will come straight to the office, this includes:- Dance fees, Band fees, School books, Excursion money etc. There is a “Payments” slot at the front counter in the school office – please post payments in this slot. For this to work successfully, we ask that any money that is sent into school be in a sealed envelope with your “Child’s name and class” on the front and details of what event you are paying. Plastic lunch bags that seal are ideal. The school accepts cash (exact amount is appreciated - we do not have a float-money is banked every day), cheque or we have Eftpos facilities in the office. Please note that the school Eftpos facility is only available for school payments and not P & C – such as the Uniform Shop. Payments can also be made through the “Make a Payment” tab on the school website. If you use this online option, please make sure you still return your permission note to school.

Absences Any absence from school must be explained. The Skoolbag App is a great way to advise the school of student absences, or alternatively phone the school, send an email or write a note. Each day at around 10am, the school sends out a SMS alert to parents of anyone who has an unexplained absence for that day. Please refrain from using the Class Dojo to explain absences as the teacher may not be at school or they are on class and unable to read the Dojo message before 10am. If you are going away and the leave is over (5) school days, you must complete an “EXTENDED LEAVE FORM” from the office prior to your leave.

Late Arrivals / Early Leavers School hours are from 9am to 3pm. First assembly is at 8.55am. If children arrive later than 9am, parents are requested to accompany them to the office to provide late arrivals information to office staff. A ‘Purple Partial Slip’ is then taken to the class teacher. Similarly, if children leave early for the day, parents are required to go to the office first and a ‘Purple Partial slip’ is then given to the class teacher when children are collected from the classroom. The ‘Purple Partial Slip’ indicates to the teacher you have been to the office to have the partial leave processed on the computer.

Medication at School The office is only able to administer ‘prescribed medication’ to students. This means medication that has been prescribed by a doctor. This medication must be left in the package provided, clearly labelled with the child’s name and dosage. If medication is required, a parent will need to come to the office and complete a Medical Deed of Indemnity form. WE ARE NOT ABLE TO ADMINISTER PANADOL OR NON-PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS.

UNIFORM SHOP TJPS would like to recognise the outstanding contributions of the Uniform Shop team. This role is entirely voluntary and these parents and carers spend many hours behind the scenes ensuring your children have the correct uniform available at competitive prices. The Uniform shop is open on Mondays from 8.45am to about 9.15am down the stairs from the Year 4 classrooms near the COLA.

The School Office has a supply of school hats. The office can only accept CASH for the sale of these hats. The office are unable to use the P & C Eftpos machine.

Office Hours - 8.30AM TO 3.15PM

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Term 1 – Week 6 Tuesday 3 March 2020

P & C NEWS AGM and March P&C Meeting Tonight! 6:45pm Merewether Bowling Club Library room. With supportive groups, loads of positivity and fun things in store for TJPS come along and get involved. Help vote or nominate for the following roles that are fundamental to the committee’s success.

President

Vice President

Secretary

Finance assistance treasurer

Communication team leader Come and Join the Class Parent List Each year the P&C help create a class contact list for those parents who want to ‘opt in’ and share their contact details with other families in the class. Sign up here: http://bit.ly/2020ClassContactList

Would you like to be a class parent rep? Each class list requires one parent or carer to be a central point of contact. This year we are looking for parent class rep’s who are also willing to help foster some community school spirit with the families of the class and be a link between the P&C committee and parents. Click here to find our more: http://bit.ly/2020ClassRepSignUp

Successful Application for the Sustainable Schools Grants Congratulations to the P&C as The Junction Public School has been successful in the first round of the Department of Education Sustainable Schools Grants. A huge thanks goes to Louise Crosskill our environmental and sustainability team coordinator for her help in putting together the school’s application and for her infectious passion. We can’t wait to work with the teachers and students in implementing a program with the extra funding that will inspire, inform and motivate us all to take local action. More announcements to come! Do you have ideas for future innovative grant applications? Please come and get to know your P&C Committee. Cross Country BBQ – Calling all year one parent helpers! On Friday 13th March the P&C coordinate a fun sausage sizzle at lunch time back at school available to all students K-6. Many volunteers are needed to help either prepare, set up, serve or clean up. This event has been allocated to ‘Year One’ parents who need to look out for the signup Genius link soon on skoolbag and save the date. Thanks P&C team

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Term 1 – Week 6 Tuesday 3 March 2020

COMMUNITY NEWS……………….

ENROLLING NOW FOR TERM 1 2020

FRENCH FOR KIDS CLUB (5-12yrs) at

The Junction Public School

Play-based language learning with fun activities,

craft, drama, puppets, songs and games!

Thursdays from 3.15pm to 4.15pm

For more info on cost and siblings discount

please call Audrey 04 77 123 353 or

email audrey.nys@lcfclubs.com.au

Free trial & Creative Kids Voucher provider!

PIANO LESSONS Geri Rea (Composer and teacher with 30 years experience in early childhood, published with the AMEB and London Trinity College) will be running piano lessons for beginners during lunchtimes at our school. Lessons are 50 minutes per week for only $26.85. Students learn to read music for classical and modern piano including chords, in a fun environment. See our website: www.gerirea.com for further details about this fantastic opportunity or contact Geri on: Mobile 0404 905401 for a free trial lesson.

EVERY DAY COUNTS….

A day here or there doesn’t seem like much, but…

When your child misses just…

that equals… which is… and therefore, from Kindy to Year 12, that is…

This means that the best your child can

achieve is…

1 day each fortnight

20 days per year 4 weeks per year Nearly 1 ½ a years of school Equal to finishing

Year 11

1 day a week 40 days per year 8 weeks per year

Over 2 ½ years of school

Equal to finishing Year 10

2 days a week 80 days per year 16 weeks per year

Over 5 years of learning

Equal to finishing Year 7

3 days a week 120 days per year 24 weeks per year

Nearly 8 years of learning

Equal to finishing

Year 4

Give your child every chance to succeed…

Every day counts!