2021 TERM 1 – Week 8

ENDEAVOUR

NEWSLETTER OF WEST RYDE PUBLIC SCHOOL

‘nothing left unattempted’

Principal’s Message.

This week we have enjoyed the chance to slow down and focus on our own wellbeing, as well supporting and caring for those around us. This is something we do every Term and we encourage you to build some similar routines at home. Research shows strong evidence that when the environment is nurturing and positive, learning is improved… and one of the Dept. of Education’s goals for all schools is that “All students are known, valued and cared for.”

2021 – 2024 School Improvement Plan

Over the past few weeks, we have been in deep consultation with students and teachers about our 2021-2024 School Improvement Plan. It was a pleasure to share the draft plan and to hear parental perspectives on how we ‘Nurture the Mind and the Person’ at West Ryde PS during our P & C meeting Parental engagement in the ‘High Potential Gifted Education’ Forum was well attend with 68 parents sharing their thoughts about how we support students academically.

We are focused on three main directions:

1. Student Growth and Attainment 2. Wellbeing 3. Excellence in Teaching and Leading

Please find below snippets of the presentation below. The completed School Improvement Plan will be available on the school’s website at the end of Term 1.

UPCOMING DATES: Fri 19th March Canteen open Summer PSSA Swim School Mon 22nd March Canteen open Swim School Tues 23rd March Yr 1 Child Protection Program Canteen open Wed 24th March Canteen open Swim School Thurs 25th March Canteen open Swim School Fri 26th March Canteen open Swim School Mon 29th March Canteen open Parent Teacher interviews Tues 30th March Canteen open Yr 1 Child Protection Program Parent Teacher interviews Senior Choir rehearsals Wed 31st March Canteen open Parent Teacher interviews

NSW Department of Education

2021-2024 Strategic Improvement Plan

West Ryde Public School

NSW Department of Education

1

School Excellence Framework

Self Assessment / External Validation 2020

Elements Self Assessment

Learning Culture (LC)

Wellbeing (W)

Curriculum (C)

Assessment (A)

Reporting (R)

Student Performance Measures (SPM)

Effective Classroom Practice (ECP)

Data Skills and Use (D)

Professional Standards (PS)

Learning and Development (LD)

Educational Leadership (EL)

School Planning, Implementation and Monitoring (SIP)

School Resources (SR)

Management Practices and Processes (MP)

WRPS’ Sensory Garden

Our sensory garden is now complete. K-2 students will be able to access this area with their teachers during

developmental play. For students who may require time to play in a quiet area of the school. The staff will discuss

this new play area next week. Further work will be done over the next couple months on our sustainability area.

NSW Department of Education

2020 Update

What Works Best

NSW Department of Education

1

Initiatives:

• Collaborative Practice Conferences (CPCs)• Instructional Leaders (DPs / Teacher Mentors)• Primary Specialist in Mathematics Initiative (PSMI)• Fountas and Pinnell• High Potential Gifted Students• Development of School Data Dashboard.

Student Growth and Attainment – Albina Lee/ Trish Whittaker (Num) &

Kate Young/Natalie Devlin (Lit)

Strategic Direction 1

Learning Teaching Leading

Learning CultureCurriculumAssessmentReportingStudent Performance Measures

Effective Classroom PracticeData Skills and UseProfessional StandardsLearning and Development

Educational LeadershipSchool Resources

What Works Best

High expectationsExplicit teachingEffective feedbackUse of data to inform practiceAssessmentCollaboration

NSW Department of Education

1

Initiatives:

• Positive Behaviour for Learning (Revised)• Learning and Support (Strengthened)• Community Partnerships

» CCA

» P&C

» Leadership Networks

» Teacher Networks

» Community of Schools (MLA)

» Transition Programs

Wellbeing – Emma Gibson

Strategic Direction 2

Learning Teaching Leading

Learning CultureWellbeingCurriculumAssessmentReportingStudent Performance Measures

Effective Classroom PracticeData Skills and Use

Educational LeadershipSchool Resources

What Works Best

Use of data to inform practiceClassroom management Wellbeing

NSW Department of Education

1

Initiatives:

• Quality Teaching Rounds» Stage 2 – Newcastle University

» Stage 3 and 4 - Bridging the Gap with Marsden High

• Digital Education Team• Professional Growth Coaching• SLIF

Excellence in Teaching / Leading – Ryan Cox

Strategic Direction 3

Learning Teaching Leading

Learning CultureCurriculumStudent Performance Measures

Effective Classroom PracticeProfessional StandardsLearning and Development

School ResourcesManagement Practices

What Works Best

High expectationsExplicit teachingEffective feedbackUse of data to inform practiceAssessmentCollaboration

The proposed play equipment as promised by School Infrastructure NSW will soon go to tender. The picture

below is a representation as to what is being proposed.

Sakuna Pho Principal

Deputy Principal Report

High Potential & Gifted Education - Focus Groups

Ms Liang and Ms Park are leading our implementation of the DoE High Potential & Gifted Education (HPGE) policy

at our school. This past week they have run focus groups with staff, parents and students to gain insights and

feedback. We were overwhelmed by the response from parents to be involved and were able to run two forums

instead of the planned focus groups. Thank you to all parents who attended. We are in the process of collating

all the data and will feedback through an upcoming newsletter.

Naplan Online

This year all students in Year 3 and Year 5 will sit NAPLAN Online (Year 3 will still do a paper test for Writing). The

National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) is a point in time assessment of literacy and

numeracy skills that are essential for every child to progress through school and life. Students in Years 3, 5, 7 and

9 participate in the annual NAPLAN tests in writing, reading, conventions of language (spelling, grammar and

punctuation) and numeracy.

Our school will be participating in NAPLAN Online between 11 and 21 May 2021.

In preparation for NAPLAN Online, our school will also be participating in practice tests between 22 March and 1

April. The practice test is a trial-run and key preparation activity for NAPLAN Online in May. It is not an

assessment of student ability and the tests will not be marked.

Excessive preparation for NAPLAN Online is not recommended. Students can use the public demonstration site

(https://www.nap.edu.au/online-assessment/public-demonstration-site) to familiarise themselves with the types

of questions and tools available in the NAPLAN Online tests.

If you have any questions about NAPLAN Online, please contact your child’s teacher. Please do not hesitate to

contact Ms Gibson, Ms Whittaker or Ms Young should you have any further queries.

The school has purchased a bank of new laptops for students to use during these tests.

Premier’s Reading Challenge

The Premier’s Reading Challenge (PRC) is well underway. Students in K-2 complete the challenge with their class

and 3-6 are invited to read 20+ books from the Stage 2 and Stage 3 reading list. This year we would like to see as

many of our students as possible participate. Students in 3-6 who complete the challenge, and read an additional

10 books will be invited to a special Author Visit incursion. Keep reading and remember to log your books!

School Dental Initiative

During Week 7 members of Australian Dental Health NSW were on site to offer students free dental checks.

Student behaviour was exceptional and everyone reported positive reviews. We had an overwhelming response

to the Dental Initiative last week. Due to the high number of students participating, not all students were able to

be seen. The school is working with the dental team to return to West Ryde as soon as possible for all students

who have expressed interest to be seen.

Swimming Scheme

Our Year 2 and Year 3 students have commenced their two week intensive swimming scheme project. Students

are learning vital skills regarding water safety as well as swimming techniques. Thank you to Mr Cox for co-

ordinating this program and to all the teachers attending, we wouldn’t be able to offer this program without your

support.

Harmony Day - Everyone Belongs

Harmony Day is a time to celebrate cultural diversity, inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for

everyone. Due to the swimming scheme we will be holding our Harmony Day celebration on Thursday 1st

April. All students are invited to come to school dressed in a cultural dress or orange to celebrate.

Evacuation and Lockdown Drills

It is mandatory in all NSW DoE schools for regular drills to be held to practise responses to either an evacuation or

lockdown event. The days and the times of the drills should be varied in order that the students and staff have

opportunities to practise these procedures. We will be having our first drill for the year during Week 10.

Upcoming Events

● 22nd March - 1st April: NAPLAN ONLINE Practice Tests (Year 3 and Year 5)

● 29th March - 31st March: Parent Teacher Interviews

● 1st April - Harmony Day Mufti Day

Miss Albina Lee and Miss Kate Young

Deputy Principal

School Uniform Shop News … Now Online

The WRPS Uniform Shop is now ONLINE!

Follow the link below and start placing your orders, you will also find this link on the school’s website under Uniforms.

http://uniformshop.westrydepublicschool.com.au

Please be patient as we navigate this new system, we may have some delays or glitches but please remember we are here to help you get your child’s uniforms as quickly and efficiently as possible.

From 24th March 2021 the Uniform shop will only be open to those who require a fitting service, you will find this via the 'MORE' tab on the website. All other orders are now online only.

We look forward to this new phase of our uniform shop service.

Library News Blind Date with a Book in Stage 3

Students wrote brief persuasive book reviews in recent Stage 3 library lessons, in an activity called “Blind Date

with a Book.” They wrote their reviews in Padlet, an online writing tool. The rule for each review was that it had

to be anonymous and that the student could not name the book title or main character. The aim of the lesson

was to be as persuasive as possible, using techniques such as emotive language, triplets, rhetorical questions and

addressing readers directly to hook them in. Students read the reviews and then took home the book that

sounded most interesting. The book reviews below are by students from 6NR and we hope you enjoy them. Lizzie

Chase, Teacher Librarian

Reviewer #2

Are you looking for a book that is rife with strong emotions, has mysteries on every corner and reveals dark

secrets throughout? Well, this review must be for you. In this book, the MC has a secret that he has never told

anyone. His secret is that he has an extremely rare and valuable life pearl. This pearl makes the MC ageless, once

he mixes it with his blood. Two people who discover his house deep in the woods become terrific friends with the

MC. But what will he do when his friend’s uncle is the one who killed his dad and is crazy for the last life pearl that

the MC has hidden? I would most definitely give this book a 5 star rating since it is an intriguing, mysterious and

breathtaking book.

Reviewer #10

This is an intriguing realistic fiction book that you’ll never be able to put down. The MC can spell. Brilliantly. Every

night she would watch a national spelling bee, the MC would spell every single word flawlessly – and when the

MC’s parents suggest she should try it out, their whole world turns upside down. With them hurrying to every

new location, every stage costs far more than the MC’s family can afford! Will the MC pursue her dream of

becoming an outstanding speller? There’s only one way to find out… This terrific book gets a 4/5 from me!

Reviewer #16

Are you looking for an action-packed thriller that’ll be so enthralling that you won’t EVER want to put it down? If

that’s the case, I’ve got the perfect book for you. The MC is just a troubled teenage boy, going to school, playing

basketball, skateboarding. The usual. Until he gets claimed by his godly father, Poseidon, the ruler of the sea. This

is the one where the MC is wrongly accused of stealing the magic item of not one, but two gods. Will he be able

to trudge through terrible betrayals and countless near-death experiences? Rating: 5/5 stars

Reviewer #17

Are you thinking about a funny but heart-warming book to lift your spirits? Well, this book is just right for you!

The main character is an orphan, scavenging in the streets of London, after escaping a horrific orphanage. One

day, during a snow storm, she meets a kind and jolly lady who introduces her to a new world of stuffed animals,

skeletons, antiques and even smelly old brooms! After a surprise visit from a mad scientist, the little girl is forced

to contribute to one of the scientist’s crazed experiments! The little girl discovers a serious betrayal and has no

choice but to leave the only place she has cherished in her entire life. Will she finally find true happiness in life, or

will she never experience joy again?

Lizzie Chase Librarian

PSSA Results – Round 4 - 5.03.2021

Junior Cricket - BYE

Senior Cricket vs Ermington – won 56:45

Volleyball vs Melrose Park – Lost 0:2

Junior Newcomb Ball vs Melrose Park – Won 2:1

Senior Newcomb Ball vs Melrose Park – Won 2:1

Junior Girls Tee Ball vs Melrose Park – Lost 8:10

Junior Boys Tee Ball vs Melrose Park – Lost 3:13 Senior Girls Softball vs Melrose Park – Lost 0:6 Senior Boys Softball vs Melrose Park – Draw 1:1

PSSA Results – Round 5 – 12.03.2021

Junior Cricket - vs Eastwood Heights – Won 57:54

Senior Cricket vs Eastwood Heights – Won 62:44

Volleyball vs Eastwood Heights – Won 2:1

Junior Newcomb Ball vs Eastwood Heights – Won 2:1

Senior Newcomb Ball vs Eastwood Heights – Lost 1:2

Junior Girls Tee Ball vs Kent Road – Won 11:10

Junior Boys Tee Ball vs Kent Road – Lost 12:13

Senior Girls Softball vs Kent Road – Lost 2:9

Senior Boys Softball vs Kent Road – Won 9:4

PSSA

Coaches

Ryde Zone Swimming Carnival

The Ryde Zone Swimming Carnival was held on Wednesday, 10 March 2021. We had 29 students participate in this memorable event.

All of the students showed great enthusiasm and tried their best no matter what the outcome was. For some students, it was their first time to attend the Zone Swimming Carnival and they were very proud to have achieved a new personal best. Our Senior Boys Relay Team came 2nd in their heat and we had many of our students move onto participating in the Finals for their swimming event. Great effort, West Ryde!

Congratulations to Kody, Dana and William! These students represented our school in the Sydney North Primary Swimming Championship on Monday, 15 March 2021. A special mention to Kody who also received the 11 Years Boys Champion Runners Up trophy!

Sydney North Primary Swimming Championship

On Monday, 15 March 2021, three of our students attended the Sydney North Primary Swimming Championship. These students gave it their all, competing against the fastest swimmers in the Sydney North area and we would like to express how proud we are of their accomplishments. Well done to Dana, William and Kody!

Ms Ham Sports Coordinator

Kiss and Ride Information

Students leaving school early Any parent wanting to take their child out of school early for any reason, a DoJo message must be sent to your child’s teacher as early as possible stating the precise time you will pick your child up. Please avoid picking up children at lunch time (from 1.10pm to 2.00pm) You are required to come to the office to sign your child out. Your cooperation would be very much appreciated.

Students arriving before 8.30am Parents are reminded there is no supervision of students on school grounds prior to 8.30am. Any students arriving at school prior to 8.30am must not wander around the playground and must be seated on the bench near the COLA until the 8.30am bell.

Making Online Payments It is now possible for parents to make online payments to the school for amounts owing for students, via a secure payment page hosted by Westpac. Payments can be made using either a Visa or MasterCard credit or debit card. The payment page is accessed from the front page of the school’s website by selecting ‘$ Make a payment’ or via https://quickweb.westpac.com.au/OnlinePaymentServlet

New On-line Enrolment System The Online Enrolment System is designed to provide flexibility for our parents to submit an enrolment application

online and at the time that best suits you. The application can be accessed on all browsers and mobile devices

including iOS and Android.

The online application process is currently restricted to:

Enrolments into local schools only

Children who are Australian citizens, New Zealand citizens or permanent residents

Children who live in NSW.

We offer our support and encourage you to complete your application to enrol online. If, however, you do not

feel comfortable completing an application online, a paper copy will be available for collection from the front

office or can be downloaded from the Department’s going to a public school site.

Further information about online enrolment can be found on our website here

Uniform Shop Uniform Shop is closed to all public until further notice, however, it will be taking orders. If you would like to order any uniforms you will need to complete the ‘Uniform Order Form’ together with the correct payment (CASH ONLY) or alternatively, you can make a booking via Skoolbag. Please be aware that there is only limited appointment times. Please place Order Form and payment in an envelope and bring to the school office. You will be contacted to collect your order once filled.

Canteen News The Canteen will be operated by Bespoke School Canteen and will be open every day.

All orders must be given to the Canteen in the morning, prior to school commencing and no orders will be taken at the office. Check out their daily menu and daily specials on the West Ryde Website.

Bespoke Canteens are in the process of setting up a new online ordering system called School24. This will take a couple of weeks to be set up and more information will be communicated in the next few weeks. If you have any questions, please contact BSC: - Email: contact.bsc.westrydeps@gmail.com Ph: 9874 8454

Communication At West Ryde PS we use a range of communication methods to keep our community up to date: Newsletter – The newsletter is sent out to families via the Skoolbag app. The newsletter can also be found on our website and a hard copy in the office foyer. School Website – The website provides a platform to locate general information about WRPS. Permission notes, photos and new stories are uploaded throughout the year.

Skoolbag App. – The Skoolbag app provides notifications to your phone. The app is used to provide you with reminders about school events. For information on how to download the app, please see the instructions in the newsletter or go to the website.

Could we please ask that you do not come to class lines or to classrooms and expect the teachers to talk to you while supervising the children or teaching the class.

Our staff are more than happy to talk to you at a time that is suitable to both parties and affords enough time to discuss any issues that you might have.

We do understand if the issues are urgent. If this is the case please see the office staff so that they can communicate this urgent information to your child’s class teacher.