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NEWSLETTER Phone: 9484 8844 11 December 2018 Fax: 9484 8200

P & C. Meeting – Wednesday 20 February 2019 7:30 p.m. – Library Website: www.beecroftpublicschool.com.au Email: beecroft-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au

Principal’s Report Merry Christmas As this will be the final newsletter for 2018, I would like to thank the students, staff and community for another amazing year of learning at Beecroft Public School. This truly is an outstanding school. As the holidays approach I would like to wish all the Beecroft Public School community a Merry Christmas and a well-earned and restful break. We look forward to seeing all of our returning families in 2019 and welcoming many new families into this fabulous school community. To the families leaving as Year Six students enter High School, I hope you have enjoyed your association with our school. Leaving primary school is exciting and a little frightening for students (as well as for the parents). Good bye and good luck. Presentation Day 2018 My sincere thanks go to Ms McDonnell and the organising committee for coordinating an outstanding Presentation Day assembly last Friday. Each year we strive to include all students through incorporating whole school items and an approach that asks every student to celebrate their own proudest moments from 2018. The whole school musical item ‘This is Me’ set the tone for event with the underpinning message of celebrating each child’s unique qualities and gifts. Congratulations to the many award recipients. As a collective we took the opportunity to acknowledge and congratulate Mrs Kate Cousins, Mrs Lorna Hamilton and Mrs Lyn Keating on their outstanding careers and service to students. Congratulations to our Dance ensembles, Senior Concert Bands 1 and 2 Dance group medley and whole school performance of ‘This is Me’ led by the choir. Thank you to Miss Woodbury, Miss Smith, Mr Blythe and Mrs Stapley for your ongoing leadership of these groups and the additional work you put into preparing for this event. Thank you also to Mr Gary Johnson (CTHS Principal) and Mr Mathew Fischer (CTHS Deputy) and Cherrybrook Technology High School who provided their hall free of charge and assisted us with the detailed planning and organisation required. Thank you to the many parents and students who attended and were patient as we ensured everyone was seated. Thank you for joining with us in celebrating 2018, a year of great achievements. Mrs Kate Cousins, Mrs Lyn Keating and Mrs Lorna Hamilton are retiring. These three teachers have dedicated their lives to the inspiring, guiding, loving and teaching students. These three amazing teachers are loved amongst our community, staff and students. Mrs Kate Cousins As a teacher who has served the students and families of Beecroft for 33 years, Mrs Kate Cousins is known as a consummate professional with strong values, high standards and rigour. She spent her first 5 years at Chester Hill PS and then Bonnyrigg PS, with her first year teaching casually. Mrs Cousins has taught predominantly in K-2, with 23 years as a kindergarten specialist, and has also assumed roles on the executive team throughout this time. Her wisdom, experience and skills are attributes that are admired by her colleagues and she has helped

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shape the journeys of many teachers throughout her career. Her classroom is filled with fun and humour as she teaches her students to set the bar high and to absolutely do their best, so that they can be genuinely proud of each achievement. Mrs Cousins has championed community connections, has attended every P&C meeting throughout this time and has been a pivotal staff and community link for each Multicultural Fair. Thank you Mrs Cousins for your outstanding service to students. Mrs Lyn Keating As a secondary English teacher, Mrs Lyn Keating moved to Australia on Boxing Day in 1976 after beginning her teaching career in Christchurch. Mrs Keating first schools in Sydney were at Newington College and Cranbrook School. In 1990 she applied to teach in primary schools and started this part of her career at Ermington PS and then Lane Cove West PS. In 2004 she gained permanency at Beecroft Public School where she has served the students and families for the past 14 years. Mrs Keating has not lost her passion for teaching English and has continued to draw on this knowledge in her daily teaching. Her colleagues too, seek her expertise and guidance in this area. Over the years Mrs Keating has built strong relationships with her students and families. She knows her students well, and her classroom is a place where stories are shared and a joke can be made, after the work is finished, of course. Mrs Keating, thank you for sharing your passions and for your outstanding service to students. We wish you well as you move to Queensland to enjoy many happy times with your grandson and family. Mrs Lorna Hamilton After 23 years of dedicated service to students at Beecroft, Mrs Lorna Hamilton is also retiring. Mrs Hamilton started her teaching career at the Deaf and Blind School at North Rocks, eventually settling at Beecroft PS. Mrs Hamilton is best known for her passion for literature and has spent much of her time teaching in the library. More recently, Mrs Hamilton has lit a fire for many students with her practical scientific investigations. Prior to teaching she was a magazine editor and her passion for English and teaching creative writing is evident in the way she inspires this passion in students. Mrs Hamilton, you will be missed. We also wish you a happy retirement, with time to continue your other passions - friends, family, floristry and ballroom dancing. On behalf of the staff, students and community I would like to thank Mrs Cousins, Mrs Keating and Mrs Hamilton for their outstanding service to public education and for shaping the lives of students and their families throughout their careers. As a school community we wish each of you a wonderful retirement and a future of exciting opportunities.

Mrs Rochow will be on leave in 2019, closely followed by Miss Kirk in Week 3 as she prepares for the birth of her first child. We wish both teachers well for their year. Principal for a Day - Principal Maadhav and Principal Rudra

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Last Thursday, I got to have a rest as Multicultural Fair ‘Principal for a Day’ winners assumed the role of principal. Principal Maadhav and Principal Rudra had a busy day carrying out important work. They started the day with Swim School; then they officially opened the Mary Street Playground and entertained our special guests. The principals visited many classrooms and put stickers on excellent work, sang Happy Birthday to Mrs Irwin and issued her with a birthday sticker. Kindergarten performed an item for them, they checked that the library stocktake was progressing well and read many letters from students. They listened to interesting news in KC, danced with KS and had a delicious canteen lunch. At the end of the day they announced on the microphone for their friends to come to the office so they could give them a special Principal’s award pencil. Congratulations and thank you Principal Maadhav and Principal Rudra for your great work last Thursday. Mary Street Playground Opening Last Wednesday our ‘Principals for the Day’ and Marco L (2H) along with P&C 2019 President, Ben McSweeney and Woolworths Store Manager, Janet Stoffels, officially cut the ribbon and opened the Mary Street Playground. This is another great collaboration between the P&C and Woolworths. Thank you to everyone involved; the students are really excited to be utilising this new space. Silver and Gold Awards Last Wednesday we celebrated student excellence at our Silver Assembly and we look forward to celebrating student achievement again at our Gold Assembly this coming Monday. Thank you to Miss Fowler and Miss Shute and their team for the great work they do recognising student achievement. Congratulations to each student who has received or will receive a Silver or Gold Award in 2018. You should each stand tall, speak with pride and enjoy the fact that you are among the best of the best at Beecroft Public School. You and your parents should feel very proud. Congratulations. Student Reports Teachers are currently finalising reports. They have spent many hours preparing reports based on assessments which have been conducted throughout the year. On Friday 14 December student reports will be sent home with your child. As I have mentioned

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previously, children are like sponges and soak up all comments and emotions that you offer. Most of the comments and rankings within your children’s reports will not be a surprise to you. However, you may find some aspects of the report different to what you expected. I encourage you to praise your child. Focus on the positives and compliment his/her efforts and achievements. I have observed the intensity that teachers have applied to the reporting process and I am confident that each report reflects students’ achievements and efforts within classroom contexts. If you have concerns about your child’s report, please do not share your feelings with him/her. Please keep in mind that what you observe at home, in a one-to-one context, is often different to how children engage in learning at school and teachers base their professional judgments on the evidence students present in a class context. Enjoy reading your child’s report and celebrate his/her achievements and efforts, even if the outcomes are different to what you were expecting. Kindergarten Kindergarten reports reflect a 3-point grading scale against which students are measured. At expectation, above expectation and below expectation Grades 1-6 The NSW Department of Education has a 5-point grading scale against which all students are measured. A=Outstanding; B=High; C=Sound; D=Basic; E=Limited. Teachers make professional judgments about A-E rankings based on school-based data and outcomes outlined in NSW Syllabus documents. The “C” or “Sound” ranking is where many students across the state are assessed. “C/Sound” reflects that a student is ‘on-track’ with his/her learning. If your child receives a “C/Sound”, please understand that he/she is on the right track. A ranking above or below a C means your child is achieving above/below the majority standard, which, as I mentioned earlier, is measured according to NSW Syllabus outcomes. As you read your child’s report, it is important to be positive about his/her learning achievements and supportive regarding areas for improvement. If you would like to discuss any aspect of your child’s report, please phone the school to make an appointment with his/her teacher. Term 1, 2019 Commences on Wednesday 30 January (for Students) We would like to inform parents that children commencing in Years 1-6 in 2019 return to school on Wednesday 30 January. Children will be asked to line up in 2018 class lines. Students will be taken in to class for a post holiday catch-up before being placed into their new classes. Classes for 2019 It is anticipated that we will commence the 2019 school year with 34 classes. It is our goal to form classes on Day One Term One, however, new families may move into the area during the holidays which may require some variations to our plans. There is often a lot of speculation about “how” classes are formed. Putting it simply, teachers know their students and make recommendations to the executive team about how best to accommodate the learning and wellbeing needs of students, particularly in terms of class placements. Some parents worry about their children not being with ‘friends’. We do not deliberately separate friends; but we do not deliberately keep friends together either. We base the classes on academic needs. Children are resilient and flexible (often more than adults!), so if you discover that your child is not with his/her best friend next year, don’t worry...they will be ok! We will provide additional information about class structures when we return to school. Merry Christmas On behalf of staff, I would like to wish all students, parents and members of the Beecroft Public School community a very merry Christmas and safe and happy holidays! Enjoy playing, relaxing and celebrating with family and friends. Last Day of Term 4 - Wednesday 19 December 2018 First Day of Term 1 – Wednesday 30 January 2019 (Grades 1 - 6) Tanya Rose Principal

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Deputy Principal’s Report Wishing you all a safe and restful holiday break It is hard to believe it is that time of the year again! I would like to thank our entire school community (students, parents, teachers, staff and our local community) for coming together to support the learning and wellbeing of our young people. A special shout out to our graduating Year 6 students and their families. They have been a wonderful group of students and I wish them every success in their future endeavours. Holidays can be filled with fun, laughter and at times, tears. As you take this time to look after yourself and your family, you may like to explore the Kids Helpline website. It has a wealth of information to support our young people and encouraging your child to explore the website can provide them with some options for support when they face their own challenges. For access to this website click here: Kids HelpLine Thank you for your support this year. Wishing you all a peaceful and restful break, Karan McDonnell Deputy Principal

Deputy Principal’s Report K - 2 Party Day – Tuesday 18 December As the school year draws to a close we would like to take the opportunity to celebrate with what we call ‘Party Day’. Teachers have sent home a note with their students providing details of what to bring and what to wear. It is a great time to mix and mingle with their friends from across the grade. Students are invited to wear suitable mufti clothes, with a touch of Christmas, for their party. Attention needs to be given to the covering of shoulders, a sun-safe hat, sun screen on exposed skin and closed in shoes. Please note that on the very last day - Wednesday 19 December, students are asked to wear their summer uniform. The teachers from Kindergarten, Year One and Year Two appreciate and acknowledge your continued support.

A Special Thank you and Holiday message It’s hard to believe we are wrapping up another year.

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On behalf of all the staff and specialist support staff K - 2 we would like to wish everyone a happy and safe holiday break. To all students K - 2, thank you for your hard work and determination to reach your learning goals. We hope that you all have an opportunity to take a break and reflect back on a wonderful year. To those leaving we wish you all the best and in particular I mention Mrs Cousins, Mrs Keating and Mrs Hamilton who are retiring at the end of this year. We wish to thank them for their wonderful contribution over many years and wish them the very best in their retirement. Irene Robbins Acting Deputy Principal

The School Bell

Early days of the school, outside the (now known as) Heritage room In the 1960s next to the heritage tree near the Mary Street gate As the photos show, Beecroft Primary School always had a school bell, rung to indicate the start and finish of the school day. A number of years ago the post had to be moved to a more suitable place in the playground and the bell was removed because it was in need of repair. Mr Scott Drew, father of a student in year 6 has worked to restore the bell. He has done this work on a volunteer basis, and the school thanks him for the enormous time and effort he has applied to this task. Now the bell has been rehung and will be rung on special occasions. As a former student of Beecroft PS I remember the honour it was to be chosen to ring the bell at the beginning and end of the school day. Thank you Scott for returning this important heritage item to a fitting condition and place in our school.

Now in the corner of the 3-6 quad Mrs Lorna Hamilton (retiring teacher)

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SRC

This year Beecroft SRC have been very busy, the students have done a great job. Our last activity for the year is the reverse Christmas tree. We are collecting toys and food items to give to Anglicare which will pass these on to families in need over the Christmas season. If you wish to donate anything, it can go under the tree near the front office or to your child’s class teacher. Any toys or games need to be new, not second hand. Thank you in anticipation. Glenda Luscombe on behalf of the SRC

Students NOT returning for 2019 At this time of year, we are looking at our numbers and class allocations for 2019. Students Leaving at the end of 2018 (this excludes the current year 6 classes). Students Returning later than the first day of term 1, Wednesday 30 January 2019. Hence, if your holiday extends past 30 January

2019, please fill in the form so we know when our families are returning to start the school year. The last day of the year is Wednesday 19 December 2018. If your child/ren are not returning to Beecroft Public School for any reason for the 2019 school year, please fill in the corresponding

attachment and return to the front office as soon as possible. Thank you

Thank you gift from Year 6 We are very happy to announce that our new lectern has arrived in time for the Year 6 Graduation Assembly. Thank you to everybody who supported the Year 6 Pedlars’ Parade.

Year 6 Parents Not long now until the Year 6 Graduation. No doubt there is some excitement! It's going to be a great night and I want to extend an enormous thank you to the parents who have helped organise the evening event. A special shout out to Louise De Vos and her hall decorating team as well as Fiona McIntosh and her catering team. Just so that you're all aware of the details, please read below: 10:00a.m. Graduation Ceremony in the hall. Following this, there will be parents helping to set up and decorate the hall. If you would like to be a last minute volunteer we would greatly appreciate it and welcome your help. Decorating will start at approximately 11:30a.m. and should finish within 2 hours. Those helping should wear old clothes and bring a bottle of water. Please make yourself known to a parent volunteer in the hall after the ceremony or contact Louise De Vos on louised@jdvgroup.com.au 5:15p.m. Arrival time for Yr 6 Graduation evening. Parents to sign their child in and return at 9:00p.m. for pick up (in the COLA). Photos, dinner, dancing and lots of fun to be had!

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9:00p.m. Conclusion. Parents are requested to sign their child out. Following this, we need an army of volunteers for pack up! Many hands make light work so if we have LOTS of parents helping then we'll all be out of there in about 15 minutes. Your children will probably appreciate the extra playtime with their friends. To volunteer, please send an email to Jean Guo on dare2burself@hotmail.com or make yourself known to her on the night at pick up. I hope your child has a most memorable evening! Sarah Piper Co-ordinator Yr 6 Graduation Mob: 0437 849 150.

Chinese Brush Painting Awards This year has seen another 39 award winners from the Chinese Brush Painting Class at Beecroft Public School in the World Peace and Calligraphy Exhibition. Their art works will be on display, along with those from overseas artists, on the ground floor, Chinese Cultural Centre Chatswood, 799 Pacific Highway, Chatswood, starting Saturday 15 December. Below is a list of this year’s award winners. Opening Ceremony and award presentation starts at 11:00a.m. on Saturday 15 December. Platinum Award Amy Gold Award Zachary, Amy, Molly, Samuel Silver Award Zachary, Theresa, Antonia, Terrence, Adam, Benjamin Bronze Award Jayden, Daniel, Jason, Ava, Simar, Ella, Leah, Juliet, Dhuryah, Mia, Karen, Eesha, Ella Excellence Award Emelia, Kayla, Jerry, Joshua, Henry, Oliver, Angus, Alan, Maxwell, Lynette, Amery, Lily, Valli, Christina

Eco Corner Report 2018 is now buried

What a year it has been in the garden. In 2018 the garden knights have grown, harvested, weighed and sold spinach, silver beet,

rocket, kale, capsicum, tomatoes, cauliflower, broccolini, broad beans, celery, lemon grass, beetroot, snow peas, string beans, lettuce,

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mint, shallots, sorrel and chicory. Twenty different veggies grown from seedlings, watered, tendered, and fertilised. This Friday they will be harvesting our first ever corn cobs.

A great year and a great group of avid gardeners. Don’t forget to bring your $2 for some excellent, freshly picked, organic veggies this Friday. If you haven’t made your own veggie garden see if you can build a great garden place for your kids to play in. And if you have your

own little garden, “Happy gardening”.

Ben the Green Garden Guru

In knowledge we grow

P&C News P&C News P&C News P&C News P&C News

Message from the President

A fabulous year it has been at Beecroft Primary School. Thank you to all the parents who have helped throughout the year at all the P&C events. Whether it be Canteen, the Uniform Shop, BOOSH, Arts and Craft, Orientation Days, the Disco, morning teas, Mother’s Day, Movie Night, Working Bees, P&C meetings and the M.C.F. All these events were important in ensuring our children's school environment is a great place for them to learn and play. And just as importantly these events grow the school parent community. Next year is just as busy with all the above items being on the calendar again, except the MCF which is every second year. As you go into your much needed end of year wind down, have a think about how you can give your time to any of these activities. A volunteer sheet will come out early in the year to give you an overview of what the year will hold. As this year showed through the active involvement of the whole school for the MCF, the more you get involved, the more you are involved, and the more you can make a positive difference to our school.

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This is a wonderful school, made even better by the involvement of our school parents. Have a wonderful Christmas and New Year’s break. Looking forward to seeing you all in the New Year. First P&C General Meeting is on Wednesday 20 February 2019.

Ben McSweeney P & C President

Band Folder Collection All Band Parents Please have your child return their Black Beecroft Band Folder with all Beecroft band music to the basket in the office foyer. All folders must be returned. If your child is continuing in band next year, they will be given a new one. Please ensure personal music, certificates, exam pieces etc. are removed before placing in the basket labelled with the band they are

currently in. Fiona Burton

Canteen News - Phone 9980 7255

PARTY DAYS – HIP HIP HOORAY! 🎉🎉 As it is the last days of school, there are a lot of celebrations coming up this week. Please make sure that you only order a lunch for your child, if needed! Many students are having picnic lunches, may even be off site, and so will not need a lunch order or packed lunch. just morning tea and a water bottle. It is not too late... Come put your name down to help out for next year! If you can spare a couple of hours a week to help out at the canteen, we would LOVE it. Help keep our canteen running and meet new parents! Either email info.bps.canteen@gmail.com or drop by the counter at drop off! We are flexible and can work with you to work with us! 😜😜 Reminder - Stock Sell Down As and when food items are sold out, they will be taken off the menu. This will be reflected in the Qkr! menu. Sandwiches, sushi and salads will continue to be available till the end of term. We appreciate your understanding in the matter. THANK YOU! To all our helpers this year and especially our Year 6 mums for your time and effort in the Canteen this year. The Canteen really will miss all the Year 6 mums and we wish the best for you and your children, as they move onto the next phase of their educational journey. We sincerely hope to see all the returning mums next year and be able to work together to make the Canteen a great service to the school. An extra big thank you to our outgoing Secretary Christine H.

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MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL. SEE YOU IN 2019! Roster for the REST OF 2018 Wednesday 12 December: Rosemary G, Justine S Thursday 13 December: Kirsty S, Barbara B Friday 14 December: Jing G, Olga L Monday 17 December: Carol Y Tuesday 18 December: Nadya H, Michelle T Wednesday 19 December: Peter S, Sonia K

If you are rostered on and cannot commit, please arrange for someone to cover your day. Please try and let either myself or the Managers know to help organise the weekly roster. If you are still having difficulties, please phone the Canteen Managers, Jenny or Julie, on 9980 7255. Thanks. Belinda Varndell info.bps.canteen@gmail.com Canteen Convenor

Arts & Crafts Program

As this year draws to a close, planning has started for Arts and Craft classes in 2019. The timetable is attached. Please note:

- The proposed start date for term 1, 2019 is week 3. This will give us time to organise classrooms.

- Children need to be able to make their own way at 3.25p.m. from their classroom to the COLA (outside the canteen), where they line up by class and meet the Arts teachers.

- Qkr! will open in week 9, tomorrow Wednesday 12 December 2018 – after 9:00p.m. and close in the new year Monday 13 January 2019). Please enrol your child during this time: first in, best dressed!

- Check that you are enrolling your child into the correct grade group for their year in 2019 – this is noted on the enrolment brochure in red.

After many years organising Arts finances and pay runs, Jade has decided to take a well-earned break next year. Helena has offered to take up this role, as well as her work at school in the afternoons. Thanks Jade for the many hours you’ve given to make our school community a terrific place. Have a lovely break! Maret and Helena maretti34@hotmail.com

lanhe2211@gmail.com

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Lost Property

A big thank you to all the 2018 class parents, who have donated their time to sort out lost property each week. Your contribution is much appreciated. Year 6 class parents will be sorting the lost property this week and next week. Please note, any uncollected lost property will be donated or disposed of. There is a mountain of clothing in lost property at the moment. Please ensure you check lost property before Wednesday 19 December 3:00p.m. As we prepare for 2019, we ask that you are vigilant in labelling ALL your children’s clothing and containers. Particularly, if clothing items have been passed on, please update the label. This will make sorting out a lot easier for those volunteering their time to assist. Have a wonderful break, see you in 2019. Any concerns, please email: bpsclassparent@gmail.com Thanks, Lisa Yen Class Parent Coordinator lisakyen@yahoo.com.au

Uniform Shop

Hours: Wednesday 3:00p.m. – 4:00p.m. Thursday 9:00a.m. – 10:00a.m. The Uniform Shop Committee would like to thank all the wonderful volunteers who have helped in the shop this year. We really appreciate you! A special thank you to those volunteers whose children are going to high school next year. We wish you and your children all the very best; you will be missed. We would also like to thank Beecroft Parents for all the second hand uniforms that have been donated for re-sale this year. Money raised by the sale of second hand uniforms is donated to the P&C to be used in support of our school so thank you. Helpers this week: Wednesday 12 December - Nancy W Thursday 13 December - Shannon L Next Week: Wednesday 19 December – CLOSED

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Sherri Cooper Uniform Shop Convenor beecroftpsuniform@gmail.com

School Banking

Regular Hours: Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

School banking is now closed for 2018. Any outstanding reward items will be delivered in the next week. Thank you to all the helpers over the year – banking has been really well supported in 2018. Alice Clayton 0408 628940

Alice.clayton@cba.com.au

BOOSH

Hello Booshies!!! The end of the year is almost here! Time to fill up on Christmas cheer. The holidays are so much fun, and we can’t wait to have fun in the sun! BOOSH Kids Christmas Party This Thursday we will be holding our annual Christmas Party for the kids. This will be held during the regular PM session (from 3:30p.m.). If your child does not normally attend Thursday PM sessions you may either book them for a casual session, or they may attend if you or another guardian stays to supervise them. We will have a variety of food and games and activities organised. Any questions pleases contact Boosh. VACATION CARE Days are filling up quickly. If you have yet to book your Vacation Care days for Dec/Jan, please do so as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. .

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BOOSH Page 2 YEAR 6 BOOSH FAREWELL What an amazing night was had by all. There was staff versus Year 6 dodgeball, a giant game of capture the flag with hundreds of glowsticks, Pizza and an ice-cream bar and of course a disco dance party. We wish all our Year 6s bet wishes for their new high school adventure. Don’t forget to come back and visit us! CHANGES TO SIGN IN/SIGN OUT AT BOOSH Regulation changes that come into effect in January 2019 have meant a change to the way families sign their children in and out of Boosh. In the coming weeks information will be provided to families on the new electronic system that will be in place by the end of term. We ask for patience and understanding as all staff and families adjust to this new system. This Week Photos Art Week Display in the cottage Year 6 Farewell A candid snap from Stephs Wedding! Congrats Steph! SPECIAL AFTERNOON TEA Boosh Kids Xmas Party on Thursday afternoon! Have a great week! UPCOMING DATES: December Vacation Care – Thursday 20 December – Friday 21 December January Vacation Care – Monday 7 January – Tuesday 29 January (closed Monday 28 January) The Boosh Team 9980 8224 admin@boosh.com.au

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Band News

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Another year of wonderful music making at Beecroft has come to a close. Thank you to all children and families who have participated to make this such an enjoyable program. In particular I would like to acknowledge the Band and Strings Sub-committee, who volunteer many hours of their time to ensure that the children at Beecroft have this wonderful learning opportunity; and the conductors and tutors who have nurtured the talents of our young musicians. Special thanks go to our long serving Music Director, Peter Blyth, who will be taking leave in 2019. We wish him all the best. The band coordinators will be in contact with all new and returning band families early in the New Year, to confirm the rehearsal roster and start dates. Best wishes for a happy, safe and musical festive season. Megan Hobbs therealmeganhobbs@gmail.com Secretary

String Ensemble News

Thank you to all BPS teachers, Band & Strings Committee members, and Strings families for your ongoing collaborative support to this program. We have had a very successful year and I look forward to working with you all to make this program continue growing and flourishing!

(Photo source: Strings parents)

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

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String Ensemble Application for 2019 Audition to Intermediate and Advanced Strings Ensembles will be held in the first couple of weeks in term 1 2019. For students who are capable and interested, please send an email to StringsBPS@googlegroups.com to book for an audition time. Please note that there is no audition for Training Ensemble. For all the parents who have expressed interest for your child/ren to join this ensemble, we will provide more updates on rehearsal commencement date in Term 1, 2019. Intermediate Strings Students with one year of tuition on their instrument can join the Intermediate Strings. Rehearsals are on Monday mornings 8:15a.m. – 9:15a.m. Advanced Strings More accomplished players are invited to audition for the Advanced Strings. Rehearsals are on Thursday mornings 7:45a.m. – 9:15a.m. Training Strings - Expression of Interest (EOI) The Band and Strings Committee is going to start a third string ensemble at school next year for beginners. We have received a promising number of EOIs so far, and the preparation work has been progressing as planned. If you have a child who has just started learning violin, cello, viola or double bass, or if you are intending to start your child on learning a string instrument and want your child to join a school string ensemble, please complete the Expression of Interest form on the following link: https://bpsstrings.typeform.com/to/r9mvEy For any questions, please do not hesitate to email StringsBPS@googlegroups.com.

Have a happy and safe holiday season! Fei Gao Strings Co-ordinator StringsBPS@googlegroups.com

3W End of Year Play To celebrate the end of Year 3, please come along for afternoon tea and a play on the Village Green THIS Thursday 13 December straight after school. Please bring a small plate of food to share. Lyndal and Graham

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4C Play in the Park

When: Thursday 13 December Time: Straight after school Where: Village Green (park across the road from the school) Please bring a plate of food to share. We hope to see everyone there!! Amanda and Pip

Community News Beecroft Public School, as a service to parents, will advertise community events that may be of interest. Beecroft Public School does not necessarily endorse or sponsor the events and accepts no responsibility for the management or organization of these events.

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