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NEWSLETTER Phone: 9484 8844 5 November 2019 Fax: 9484 8200

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

Principal’s Report

Every Week is a Great Week Every week is a great week at Beecroft Public School and last week was certainly no different. The photographs that follow show just a small sample of the fun that was had during the week. Some of the activities included: Kindergarten Orientation; Band and musical performances; 2020 leadership speeches and the Ball Games Carnival. At the fortnightly 3-6 assembly, Year 3 entertained the audience with their sustainability rap, reinforcing their message to reduce, reuse and recycle waste. The Training Band conducted by Mr Peter Blair blew us away with their rendition of the Star Wars theme and taught us all about each instrument that was played. 2020 Leadership Speeches Our Year 5 candidates for the 2020 student leadership team presented their speeches to the 3-6 student body on Friday afternoon. To say they have made the decision difficult would be an understatement. The candidates’ orations were persuasive, poignant and entertaining. They really captured the essence of what it means to be a good leader that will serve their fellow students and school well. There were catchy phrases and rhyming memory joggers, emotive adjectival phrases, along with some humour used to reinforce the more serious points. Overall, it was what you might expect in a strong political campaign. So, to each and every candidate, I say congratulations on representing yourself well. There will be many opportunities for you to serve in 2020 and beyond, so keep this in mind as you await the outcome of the voting. Congratulations to the 2020 leadership candidates: Sophie A, Jacinta K, Amelia T, Maxine K, Vanessa Y, Zoe T, Tavishi N, Mikayla Y, Martha G, Eesha S, Harry T, Riley M, Nicholas H, Horace T, Ali E, Jeremy B, Julius B, Lochlann N, Anthony K and Andrew L. Thank you also to Mr Nick Littlejohn for his support and considerable organisation of this important democratic process.

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Kindergarten 2020 Our 2020 Kindergarten students visited us on Thursday for session 2 of their orientation program where they participated in a range of sporting challenges. Our Year 5 leaders took their role of mentors very seriously and were an amazing help to Mrs Widolf, Miss Smith and the Kindergarten team.

Ball Games Carnival Our Year 2, 3 and 4 students participated in the annual Ball Games Carnival. This activity not only allows for students to practise the important physical skills but also provides a transition opportunity for our Year 2 students to be a part of the fun in Stage 2 in readiness for 2020. Thank you Mrs Brianna Gow and Mr Caetano Lima for organising this event.

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A Chance to Serve – Annual General Meeting Reminders Leadership is valued across our school and it is no different within our strong and active P&C and community. In the coming weeks, Band and Strings, BOOSH and the P&C will all conduct Annual General Meetings. Please consider attending a meeting and volunteering for a role. Our students benefit and our school is better because of the strong ethos of volunteering. Thank you to the many parents and carers who have volunteered and served our school and students throughout 2019.

Date Event Time Venue Thursday 7 November Band and Strings Committee AGM 7:30p.m. Staffroom Wednesday 13 November BOOSH AGM 7:00p.m. Beecroft Bowling Club Wednesday 21 November Volunteer Thank you starting at 7pm

P&C AGM 7.30pm

Library

Tanya Rose Principal

Deputy Principal’s Report 4B Travel Expo It was a pleasure to be welcomed along with Mrs Rose, Mrs Robbins and students from years 4 and 5 to the first ever 4B Travel Expo, a culminating event to celebrate the new skills and knowledge learnt this term. In English lessons, students have developed more skills in the art of persuasive writing. The dedication and effort that students put into researching their chosen country’s climate, cultural celebrations and unique attractions was outstanding. Italy, Switzerland, Botswana, South Africa, and America - the choice was varied! We were all very impressed with the level of work that was produced and how passionate, articulate and confident the students were when convincing us to select their country for our next holiday destination.

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Year 7 selective high school placement in 2021 A reminder that online applications for Year 7 selective high school placement in 2021 opened on Tuesday 8 October 2019 and will remain open until 10:00p.m. on Monday 11 November 2019. Parents who have indicated their intention to apply but have not done so should apply urgently before the due date. All parents must apply online. There are no paper applications. Further information is available on the internet at https://education.nsw.gov.au/public-schools/selective-high-schools-and-opportunity-classes/year-7 Ellen Randall Deputy Principal (Rel.)

Toys ‘n’ Tucker Beecroft Public School is taking part in the 2019 Toys ‘n’ Tucker campaign run by Anglicare. Christmas can be a particularly difficult time for many people and Toys ‘n’ Tucker provides a way for us to let them know they’re not forgotten. The following items are provided as suggestions for purchase: Food ideas: Items that would normally be found in a food hamper (and of standard size for packing) such as Christmas cake*; Christmas pudding*; Tinned ham (450g)*; Tinned salmon (415g)*; Tea (50pk) or Coffee (100g)*; Milo (small tin)*; Packet of biscuits; Dried pasta

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(500g); Pasta sauce; Long-life milk; custard or cream; Tinned fruit and vegetables (425g); Jam (500g). Sadly we can’t include chocolate as it’s likely to melt. * Items that have been specially requested for collection by Toys ‘n’ Tucker Gift ideas: Divided into three age brackets: Pre-school (Age-appropriate games, Educational toys, Picture books); Children (Good-quality toys, Outdoor games, Sporting equipment); Teenagers (Gift cards/vouchers, Sporting equipment, Toiletry packs). There will be drop off points throughout the school for items to be donated. Thank you in advance for your support and contributions to this campaign. SRC

Year 6 Farewell Dance Year 6 students are getting excited about their upcoming 80s neon themed farewell dance to be held at the school on the evening of Wednesday 11 December. As a student only event, we are seeking the help of an enthusiastic photographer from our community who will be able to capture both arrival and spontaneous moments throughout the evening. The photos will then be made available to all year 6 parents to download. If there are others who would like to help or donate/lend items that fit with the 80’s neon theme and have not already spoken to Leah Thomas (food) or Caroline Chong (decorating), please let me know. With thanks Rachel Ive rachelive.au@gmail.com 0401 984 036

Year 6 Graduation Assembly

Dear Parents,

You are cordially invited to attend the Year 6 Graduation Assembly on Wednesday 11th December 2019.

To be held in the school hall at 10am.

Please let class teachers know how many adults will be attending.

RSVP Friday 22nd November.

Thank you ,

Year 6 Teachers

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Updated School Travel Advice We have received the following information that may be applicable to some of our students. Students are reminded that they must have a valid Opal card to travel on school buses, and must tap on and tap off in the morning and afternoon.

Eco Corner Report Garden fun in the sun for the Knights Lots of garden fun in the sun for the knights on Friday. New tomato seedlings were planted hopefully ready for summer. The knights harvested kale, spinach and lettuce which were all weighed, bagged and sold. This week the knights will be mulching and fertilising all the garden beds. Ben the Green Garden Guru In knowledge we grow

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

Message from the President November Annual General Meeting (AGM) and P&C Thank You Celebration. Starting at 7:00p.m. In November, the P&C holds its Annual General Meeting. The meeting reflects on what the P&C has done and achieved throughout 2019. It is also a time when we get together to celebrate the year, and to thank all those who have given their time and energies to make this great school better. To help celebrate the year, the meeting will start at 7:00p.m. for drinks and nibbles, before we go into the formal part of the meeting at 7:30. Various roles within the P&C: We need you to volunteer The P&C has been an active part of Beecroft Public School for more than 30 years. In this time, it has overseen BOOSH, the canteen, the uniform shop, arts and crafts, and recently the Band and Strings program. The P&C has also been involved in: installing air conditioning throughout the school; introducing interactive whiteboards into all the classrooms; purchasing new digital tablets, new readers, more library books, new sporting equipment, new playground equipment and new play areas and seating; new sound and lighting systems in the hall and the big fan in the hall; supplying gardening needs around the school and every second year organising and running the Multicultural Fair. It has also organised Fit-a-Thons and all of the welcome morning teas and movie nights. Our P&C which has achieved so much over the years, is a collection of school parents who volunteer their time and skill to help make this great school better. None of the above activities, which have added so much to the culture of our school and wellbeing of all our students, would have occurred without the parents of the school getting actively involved. As the year comes to an end, it is your time to assess how you can play your part as a parent in adding to the experience of not only your child, but all the children within this beautiful school. There are many ways to be involved but a few key areas include the treasurer role, social co-ordinator role and communications role and these all need to be filled. There are also some roles where you are not assigned to a particular area, but attend the executive meetings to input on future events, direction and projects.

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If you are interested or need to discuss how you can become involved, please give me a call or talk to Lisa Yen (Vice President), Adam Fusca (Vice President), Caroline Choong (Social Committee) or Gary Tyzack (treasurer) or any other member of the P&C. We are keen to have you join with us in helping make this great school better. Ben McSweeney ben.mcsweeney@gmail.com P & C President

Canteen News - Phone 9980 7255

Welcome The Canteen Committee would like to welcome our new manager who will be taking over from Julie next year. Donna Dubsky has been on the Canteen Committee as a volunteer for the past two years and brings years of experience in the food industry into this role. We are all excited and look forward to working with her next year. In the meantime, make sure you drop by on a Wednesday, Thursday or Friday to say a thank you and farewell to Julie. She has been a staple in the canteen for many years and we certainly would not have been able to run the canteen as well without her time and dedication to the school! Stay hydrated As the weather warms up (except for today it seems!), make sure your child has their water bottle when they leave you for the day. Speaking from experience, a dehydrated child could end up having severe headaches to the point of vomiting. There are are plenty of bubblers on the school grounds, so they can always refill their bottles – no excuse! Term 4 special This term we are going to introduce the Banana Pop – a snack portion of banana dipped in yummy yoghurt and frozen to make a delicious healthy fruit pop! We are looking to sell them in Week 6, till stocks run out. Stay tuned for more info next week! Roster for the upcoming week Wednesday 06 November: Fang S, YiLing Z Thursday 07 November: Barbara B – MORE HELP NEEDED! Friday 08 November: Kathryn L, Jung G, Stella Monday 11 November: Alison M Tuesday 12 November: Alison F, Christine H

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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

Lost Property

Volunteers give up their own valuable time each week to sort out this area. As you can see from this photo, it takes a lengthy amount of time when so many items are left here in such a messy manner. To this end, can you PLEASE ensure that all of your child’s items are labelled clearly and if you do happen to look through the lost property area, can you kindly put items back in the allocated containers. This will save our volunteers a considerable amount of time. Thank you in advance to Class KB for your help in sorting lost property this week. If anyone else has any time to spare around drop off or pick up times, please feel free to help out if you can. Lisa Yen P&C Vice President bpsclassparent@gmail.com

Uniform Shop Beecroft School Uniform Shop REFUND/EXCHANGE Policy • You must have Receipt of Purchase – within 28 days. We cannot exchange/refund ANYTHING without a receipt. • Item(s) must still be in new condition / not worn / not washed. • Labels and packaging, where applicable, must be intact. Please try on our sample shirts in the shop BEFORE making a purchase,

as it is almost impossible to re-package them, and we are then no longer able to sell them as no one wants to buy an obviously opened package.

• NO REFUND on SECOND HAND items! • NO REFUND or EXCHANGE will be given for socks, tights or hats, due to Health Regulations, so please choose carefully. • All REFUNDS are at the discretion of the Uniform Shop Manager!

NOTE: Second Hand Uniform is ‘donated’ to the shop: we do not sell on consignment. Helping in the shop this week: Wednesday 6 November - Kate L Thursday 7 November - Virginia C Next week: Wednesday 13 November - No volunteers Thursday 14 November - Olga L

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Hours: Wednesday 3:00p.m. – 4:00p.m. Thursday 9:00a.m. – 10:00a.m. Sherri Cooper Uniform Shop Convenor beecroftpsuniform@gmail.com

School Banking

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

Fluffy Yeti Notebook is now out of stock After more than six years of co-ordinating School Banking at Beecroft, I am ready to hand over the position next year. Co-ordinating School Banking is quite possibly one of the easiest volunteer positions at BPS, and no experience or specific skills are required. The roster is all set up and takes care of itself; we have lots of willing and able volunteers and a lot of information and resources are provided by the Bank. If you think this position might suit you, please get in touch and I can talk you through the weekly routine. A full handover will be provided, and I will still be here to help out regularly as needed. Dates for the diary: The School Banking Specialist will be coming: Thursday 21 November Last day of School Banking: Thursday 28 November Alice Clayton BeecroftSchoolBanking@gmail.com

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BOOSH

Hello Booshies!!! Year 6 Farewell Parents of Boosh children who are in Year 6 this year should have received an email with information about the Boosh Year 6 Farewell. If you have not received this information, please email Boosh. Halloween Lego Competition We had some amazing entries for our Halloween Lego competition. Congratulations to our winners Emily B and Camille S! Direct Payments for Fees Have you filled in a direct debit/credit authority form for your family yet? Remember that to re-enrol for Boosh positions in 2020 you must be registered for direct debit/credit for payment of fees by 13 November. The form and FAQ can be downloaded from here http://www.boosh.com.au/fees-and-hours/bank-details-and-direct-payment-authorisation/ . Re-enrolment for 2020 All families have been emailed detailed information and the answers to Frequently Asked Questions in regards to The Annual General Meeting and Re-Enrolment for positions in 2020. Please refer to these emails and if you have further questions please email Boosh. Special Afternoon Tea This week’s special afternoon tea is Banana Bread on Thursday afternoon. This Week’s Photos Halloween at Boosh! The theme was SPACE COWBOYS! Upcoming Dates AGM and Re-enrolment night: Wednesday 13 November Re-enrolment for temporary and casual families: Thursday 14 and Friday 15 November BOOSH Year 6 Farewell: Thursday 28 November 6:30-8:30p.m. Have a great week! Mel and The Boosh Team 9980 8224 admin@boosh.com.au

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Band News

Committee meeting and AGM: our band program needs you! The Band and Strings subcommittee will hold its Annual General Meeting this Thursday 7 November, from 7:30p.m. Our fabulous band program (including five bands and three string ensembles) could not run without the support of volunteer parents. If your child is involved in one of our ensembles, please consider joining the committee. The work is shared by many wonderful parents and teachers, so it is very manageable, even for working parents, and no prior knowledge is required. A few of our long serving members are leaving the school at the end of the year, and we need some new people to step up. The November monthly committee meeting will be held immediately before the AGM, at the earlier time of 7:00p.m. Anyone who is interested in finding out what is involved is welcome to attend either or both meetings, or to contact me via therealmeganhobbs@gmail.com. Training Band 2020

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From Year 3 onwards, students have the opportunity to join the Beecroft Public School Training Band. Generally, Training Band is made up of Year 3 students but it is open to students in years 4 to 6 as well. No previous experience is required to join Training Band and it is amazing how far the children progress by the end of the year. In order to be considered for joining the training band, you need to complete the online Training Band application form by THIS Friday 8 November. To access the registration form visit http://bit.ly/BPSTraining2020 In the online application form, you can select a first and second choice of instrument (although there is no guarantee every child will get their preferences). The instruments on offer are: Flute; oboe; clarinet; saxophone (tenor and alto); trombone; euphonium; french horn; trumpet; bass guitar; tuba or percussion. The instrument try out on Monday 11 November 2019 will be held in the library. Students will meet the Band Conductors at 3:30p.m. to check suitability of instruments for children (parents are not required to attend). This is not an audition – just a chance to have a try at holding and making a sound with the instruments that they are interested in. Children will need to be collected by 4:30p.m. or if they attend BOOSH, parents are required to notify BOOSH of their late arrival. Training Band Recruitment Co-ordinator, Engaish Sapra, engaish@hotmail.com or 0424 781 852 2020 program changes The committee has been planning ahead for the 2020 program and we are pleased to announce that next year’s team of conductors and rehearsal times/days have been confirmed:

• Music Director: Tim Ferrier • Advanced Strings: Katrina Papallo. Rehearsal Thursday 7:45-9:10a.m. • Intermediate Strings: Katrina Papallo. Rehearsal Monday 8:00-9:10a.m. • Training Strings: Lorraine Chai. Rehearsal Thursday 8:00-9:10a.m. • SCB1: Tim Ferrier. Change of rehearsal to Wednesday 7:45a.m.-9:10a.m. and alternate Fridays 3:30-5:00p.m. • SCB2: David Sismey. Rehearsal Friday 7:45-9:10a.m. and alternate Tuesdays 3:30-5:00p.m. • Intermediate Band: David Sismey. Change of rehearsal to Tuesday 7:45-9:10a.m. and alternate Thursdays 3:30-5:00p.m. • Training Band: Tim Ferrier. Rehearsal Thursday 7:45-9:10a.m. and alternate Mondays 3:30-5:00p.m. • Stage Band: Tim Ferrier. Rehearsal Monday 8:00-9:10a.m.

It would be appreciated if you would note the times/days for your children’s rehearsals and arrange any other activities around these times. Remember, attendance at rehearsals is a compulsory part of the program. Band and strings awards Don’t forget, completed forms for band and strings awards were due to be returned to the band box by the end of Week 3. Please return your form as soon as possible if you have not done so already. Band calendar

Date Event Time Thursday 7 November Band and Strings monthly meeting and

AGM 7:00p.m. monthly meeting 7:30p.m. AGM in the library

Monday 11 November Training Band 2020 instrument try out 3:30 – 5:00p.m. (library) Friday 29 November End of year concert 5:00p.m. arrival for 5:30p.m. start (School Hall)

If you have any questions, please contact your band coordinator. For general inquiries, please contact the secretary. Megan Hobbs therealmeganhobbs@gmail.com Secretary

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String Ensemble News

Band & Strings Committee Annual General Meeting (AGM)

Date: Thursday 7 November Time: 7:30p.m.

Location: Staff room

Committee meeting and AGM: our band program needs you! Our fabulous band program (including five bands and three string ensembles) could not run without the support of volunteer parents. If your child is involved in one of our ensembles, please consider joining the committee. The work is shared by many wonderful parents and teachers, so it is very manageable, even for working parents, and no prior knowledge is required. A few of our long serving members are leaving the school at the end of the year, and we need some new people to step up. The November monthly committee meeting will be held immediately before the AGM, at the earlier time of 6:30p.m. Anyone who is interested in finding out what is involved is welcome to attend either or both meetings, or to contact the committee secretary at therealmeganhobbs@gmail.com. Training Strings Program 2020 are now open for EOI (Expression of Interest) Is your child starting Year 1 or above in 2020? Is he/she interested in playing a string instrument such as violin, viola, cello or double bass? Do you know that children generally enjoy playing music better in a group ensemble environment? Training Strings is perfectly designed for students in Stage 1&2 to develop their interest in music learning. Requirements: Minimum music reading skills; some use of fingers on the fingerboard; a minimum of 3-6months’ private tuition in a string instrument. No audition required. To express interest, please complete the EOI form online.

(Training String Ensemble performs at K-2 school assembly) Intermediate Strings and Advanced Strings 2020 are open for application To inquire or book an audition, please contact the Strings Coordinator on StringsBPS@googlegroups.com. For more details about applying to Training Strings, Intermediate Strings and Advanced Strings, please refer to the BPS Band and Strings Program Handbook 2019.

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(Intermediate String Ensemble performs at 2019 Australian School Band and Orchestra Festival at UNSW)

(Advanced String Ensemble participated in 2019 Festival of Instrumental Music FOIM at Opera House)

Weekly Rehearsal Parent Roster – Term 4 A volunteer parent is needed to support the smooth running of each rehearsal. Please remember to sign up to the weekly parent roster if you have not done so already. Please note that each member’s parent(s) is expected to roster on for at least one shift each term. Advanced Strings: https://signup.com/login/entry/447016456513544039 Intermediate Strings: https://signup.com/go/xkHLqBL Training Strings: https://signup.com/go/xKCbOBA Term 4 Events

Ensemble Event Location Date Time Advanced Strings Epping Festival Chatswood Concourse 13 Nov (Wednesday) Evening Advanced Strings OC Orientation* BPS School hall 14 Nov (Thursday) 9:30a.m. Intermediate Strings Beecroft Nursing Home visit Beecroft Nursing Home 28 Nov (Thursday) Morning Training/Intermediate /Advanced Strings End of the year concert BPS School hall 29 Nov (Friday) 5:30p.m.

Advanced Strings Rotary Christmas Carols Beecroft Village Green 9 Dec (Monday) Evening *Note: The Advanced Strings rehearsal on Thursday 14 November is cancelled, as students are required to gather at the school hall at 9:00a.m. for OC orientation. Fei Gao Strings Co-ordinator StringsBPS@googlegroups.com

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2P End of Year BBQ All families of 2P students are invited to a BBQ on the Village Green to celebrate the end of another year. Details are as follows: Date: Sunday 24 November Time: From 4:00p.m. Location: Village Green (near the playground and BBQs) What to bring: Your families, a plate of food to share with everyone (no nuts please) and meat/dinner things if you plan on staying for the BBQ.

Kate 2P Class Parent

4B End of Year Celebration All families of 4B are invited to join us to celebrate the end of the year. Details are as follows: Date: Sunday 8 December Time: From 10:00a.m. Location: Village Green What to Bring: Please bring a plate to share, a drink and of course, games, bikes, balls etc!

Georgia & Olivia (0425 829 495) 4B Class Parents

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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Hornsby Chil d and Yo uth Mental Healt h Service (CYMHS) Parenti ng Anxio us Children

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