Phone: 9971 8352 Fax: 9982 5617 Email: wheelerhts-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au Website: wheelerhts-p.schools.nsw.gov.au

Redgrave Family I was contacted recently by the Redgrave family, Logan & Taylor who were ex-students of our school. They are are now back in America and mum Heather is a school teacher at Hooper Avenue Elementary, Toms River, New Jersey. Their family and school were keen to assist after hearing of the terrible bushfires in Australia. I have put them in touch with our Adopt a School program to help support schools affected by the bushfires. Hooper Avenue have started a “Colouring for Koalas” project at their school and will be donating to Steve Irwin’s Zoo. Our school SRC will be in touch with the Redgrave family and their school to thank them for their good wishes and support. Badges Presented Please be advised that all leadership badges (SRC, Sustainability, Sports, Library, Band, Dance & Choir) will be presented at the Monday 9:15 assembly on March 9. All parents are very welcome to attend and assist in the presentation of the badges. University of NSW ICAS Competitions and Assessments – Years 2-6 The University of NSW changed their assessment practices in 2019 in order to cater better for school needs. The UNSW Global ICAS Assessment Tests are still being conducted. These tests are designed for recognising academic excellence for high potential students. Only high achieving students should sit these tests. They are open to students from Years 2–6 (unless otherwise stated) and will be administered by staff members from Wheeler Heights Public School. In 2020 tests will again be conducted during school time. All ICAS Assessment Tests are now $15.95 each & will be held ONLINE (except Yr 3 & 4 Writing). All students in Years 4 and 6 will sit the UNSW Global REACH Assessments, which are designed for benchmarking and measuring full cohort progress. This assessment will be a very useful assessment to be completed in the non NAPLAN years and should be a much more appropriate assessment than the ICAS Assessment Tests which we previously used. Parents do not need to enter their children for these assessments as the school will do this. The charge for these assessments will be included in the whole school fee schedule for Years 4 and 6. A detailed note will be on the school website and at the front office for parents wishing to enter their children in the ICAS Assessment Tests. Students Leaving early Currently a small number of students are granted permission to leave early to attend important medical appointments or therapy sessions for a short period of time. Also a few highly talented students have asked to leave early to attend specialist sports or creative arts training at Homebush or similar venues. Please be advised that any request to leave early must be re submitted to the school each year & will be considered by the school executive. Leaving early causes disruption to the class, school and obviously the individual student. Canteen Volunteers Please see the note later in the newsletter regarding volunteering in the canteen. For this valuable service to run effectively, the P&C need your assistance.

2020 DATES

Mon 2 March Leaders to Halogen leadership event Tues 3 March Paul Kelly AFL Day Wed 4 March Scripture begins Shakespeare Drama try outs Yrs 5 & 6 Fri 6 March PSSA starts Rd 1 Mon 9 March Special Badges presented @ 9:15 assembly Tues 10 March Pittwater PSSA Swim Carnival Thurs 12 March Selective HS test (Yr 6) 5-6:30pm Kindy & buddies & new students Welcome BBQ Fri 13 March PSSA Rd 2 Mon 16 March 7pm P&C Meeting Wed 18 March Yr 1 & 2 to the ZOO Interrelate Evening Yrs 3-6 Thurs 19 March PCS Extension Test (Yr 6) Police visit Yrs 5 & 6 Bushlink Yrs 3 & 4 Fri 20 March PSSA Rd 3 Thurs 26 March DMI Yrs 5 & 6 TBC Fri 27 March Sydney North Swim Carnival Mon 30 March Chess @ Mona Vale PS Mon & Tues April 6 & 7 Aboriginal Immersion Days Thurs 9 April Easter Hat Parade Term 1 ends. Term 2 Tues 28 April - Fri 3 July Fri 1 May School Cross Country Mon 18 May School Athletics Carnival Thurs 21 May School Photos Term 3 Tues 21 July – Fri 25 September Mon 31 Aug Pittwater PSSA Athletics Mon 7 Sept Yr 5 Dance Sport (Ballroom Dancing) at Homebush TBC Term 4 - Mon 12 Oct - Wed 16 Dec

Term 1 Week 5

Thursday 27 Feb 2020

Acknowledgement of Country Before we begin, I would like to acknowledge the Aboriginal land under all the buildings and

concrete of our school. It is still Gai-maraigal and Garigal land that was respected and looked after by Aborginal people for thousands of years. We need to respect them and the land.

Maya R – Year 6

Welcome to new Parents BBQ – Thursday 12 March from 5-6:30pm The annual welcome BBQ for all new Kindergarten students and their buddies and any new school families will be held later this term from 5-6:30pm around the hall and canteen area. Invites have been distributed for this afternoon, organised by our wonderful P&C. School Program Fees A note outlining whole school program fees and expenses will be distributed next week . Prompt payment would be very much appreciated, with a special prize draw for full payment made by the due date. Newsletter by email and school website The newsletter is emailed and uploaded to the website each Thursday afternoon. Hardcopies are available at the office if required. If your email has changed please be sure to confirm with the office. Again this year most notes will be available on the school website wheelerhts-p.schools.nsw.gov.au for easy access at any time. Notes can also be picked up from the front office. David Scotter Principal

Mrs Wright’s Wrap Up Clever and creative coding from Stage 3 Stage 3 are lucky to be working with Ms Hammond this term. The students are currently coding with our new Edison robots. These robots are so exciting and the children have been quick to learn to navigate them. They are experimenting with coding them to sumo wrestle, play songs and avoid obstacles. Students are also gaining knowledge about food and fibre using research and creating flow charts and posters. These hands-on experiments are also allowing the children to explore and learn from their own experience. Ms Hammond is extremely passionate about all things science and technology and is a wealth of knowledge for our students and staff alike. I was so impressed when I visited 5/6B in the library and witnessed their clever and creative coding minds! A massive thank you to Ms Hammond for creating these incredible opportunities for our students.

Interrelate Reminder: Please see details later in the newsletter regarding Interrelate sessions coming to our school on Wednesday 18 March. Many families have attended these sessions in the past and find the information provided to be extremely helpful and beneficial. Mrs Priscilla Wright Assistant Principal Instructional Leader

FROM THE OFFICE Flexischools app The canteen and uniform shop have been using this app successfully for a number of years. To streamline school communications to parents, the school decided to also use this app to forward notifications and for parents to be able to inform of absences electronically. Unfortunately, with the app having a make-over in the school holidays, the app is currently not as user friendly. Flexischools have apologised, it is taking longer than they anticipated to merge the ‘old’ and ‘new’ app. Please email the school with any Flexischools app questions. These questions will be answered in this newsletter, as there would be many parents sharing the same frustrations. This week‘s questions/information: How do I add additional boxes (e.g. a PSSA or CAPA group)? Answer: Go to buzz.flexischools.com.au/login via a computer or mobile browser and log in using your Flexischools login. You will see Wheeler Heights and "View Newsfeed", click on "View Newsfeed" and you will see a little stack of three lines and dots towards the top right of the screen, click there, then you will see all the available boxes which can be selected or removed. Once these steps are complete, the relevant notifications will be delivered. Kindergarten and New Parents to the app Once you have loaded the app, the first tile you will see is ‘Our Place’. This has nothing to do with the school, we have not endorsed any of the products, unfortunately Flexischools will not move this icon. The second tile you should see is ‘News’. From this tile, click on the ‘More’ button. The notifications will be listed, the absence form is also accessed from this screen. If the ‘news’ tile does not appear, please log out and in, it will then open. Jodie Sly School Administration Manager MULTICULTURAL PERSPECTIVES PUBLIC SPEAKING COMPETITION 2020

All students in Years 3 and 4 should have received a note from their teacher regarding this years Multicultural Perspectives Public Speaking Competition. Students in Years 5 and 6 who would like to participate have also received a note. These notes outline for each stage when your child’s speech will need to be presented in class. Two students from each class will be selected for the Stage finals which will be held Wednesday 25 March (Week 9) in our school hall. Stage 3 - 9:30am & Stage 2 - 11:40am. If you have any queries or concerns regarding this assignment, please contact your child’s classroom teacher. Mrs Nadine Young Miss Rachael Tekampe Stage 2 Organiser Stage 3 Organiser CLEAN UP AUSTRALIA DAY

Clean Up Australia Day at Wheeler Heights Public School Clean Up Australia Day is on Sunday 1 March, celebrating 30 years of cleaning up Australia!!! Wheeler Heights’ students will help our school environment by participating in a clean-up of our school playground on Friday 28 February 2020. Students are encouraged to bring gardening or kitchen gloves (labelled with their names) to wear during the clean-up. Stage 2 Teachers (Clean Up School Organisers)

WHEELER WAILERS Wheeler Wailers up and running again! The Wheeler Wailers (Junior Choir) is an opportunity for children in Year 1, 2 and 3 who love singing to get together and learn how to sing as a group. Over the last 2 weeks those interested have been coming along to "have a go" to see if they would like to commit to being part of the group for the year. If you have a little one who you think would enjoy this activity one lunch time a week, please encourage them to come along and try it out. The trial period will end in Week 6, so there's not much time left. Trish McCombie Chief Wailer SRC NEWS SRC and Sustainability Badge Ceremony

Congratulations to all students selected by their peers to be on the Student Representative Council (SRC) or to be a Sustainability Team Leader. Badges will be awarded to students during our whole school morning assembly at 9:15am on Monday 9 March 2020 (Week 7). Parents or carers are invited to attend this assembly to pin their child’s badge on their uniform. If you are unable to attend, your child’s teacher can present their badge on your behalf. Please note to support sustainability, if your child has previously received an SRC or Sustainability Team Leader badge they will not receive a new badge.

Mrs Alexander (Sustainability Team Coordinator) and Miss Earl SRC Coordinator

SPORTS UPDATE

Although we are still months away from the winter season, it’s time to start thinking about snowsports.

The Interschools is an organisation running school based snow races for students in Kindergarten to Year 12. Public and Independent schools compete together within their regions. Wheeler Heights competes in the Northern Region and will contest its Regional Titles during the first week of the July school holidays at Thredbo.

We are encouraging all students from Kindergarten to Year 6 to join in the fun at the Regional Championships.

Students qualifying through their Region can expect to then compete at State and maybe even National level. The Interschools offers the disciplines of Alpine Ski, Skier Cross, Mogul Skiing, Cross-Country Skiing, Snowboard GS and Snowboard Boarder Cross.

The Wheeler Heights ski and board program is a teacher co-ordinated organisation although requires parent involvement. If you would like to be part of our snow team, an information afternoon to inform interested families and answer any questions will be held on Tuesday 24 March at 4pm in Miss Smithies’ classroom (2S). Snow Sports is a wonderful winter opportunity for both students and their families.

Looking forward to seeing you there!

Miss Smithies and Mrs Young

MANLY SEA EAGLES COMMUNITY BLITZ

On Wednesday, Years 3-6 were very lucky as they had the opportunity to participate in a presentation from the NRL Game Development officer Dan Vasek. The ‘Respect’ presentation was directly aligned to the new PDHPE curriculum. The program delivered important messages about respecting oneself, others and what it means to develop and maintain respectful relationships. The 4 Manly Sea Eagles Players who attended the presentation spoke from the heart about what it means to respect yourself and others.

Jake Trbojevic, Ruben Garrick, Ben Trbojevic and Lachlan Croker used a great quote throughout the presentation: “Pass the ball the way you like to receive it!” This is a creative spin on the “treat others the way you want to be treated”. During the presentation there were opportunities for students to participate and share their own knowledge and understanding of respect. The players played a passing game and created cool handshakes with some students. During a short video other men and women from various NRL teams shared their thoughts on how they respect themselves:

Surrounding ourselves with positive people Eating healthy Setting goals Maintaining a good head space - listening to music Hygiene - looking after body Getting outside for fresh air and exercise Getting a good night’s sleep Overcoming negative thoughts by reinforcing positive thoughts

There were 3 main messages from the presentation. Firstly, we need to respect ourselves. Secondly, we need to respect others and thirdly, we need to reflect on our actions. The presentation, games and discussion allowed the WHPS students to explore these concepts. In another short video, NRL players shared how they show respect towards others by:

Listening to others Being present Asking others if they’re ok Being on time Putting yourself in others shoes Respecting other people’s opinions Giving positive feedback Treating others, the way you want to be treated Doing things right Saying hello & shaking hands - making people feel welcome Picking people up when they are down

At the end of the presentation, everyone was asked to Take Action... What are the actions that you as a class/school take to commit to respect?

1. Respect for yourself 2. Respect for your class/schools 3. Respect for your family

There were many great messages shared by Dan and the Manly players. I was also very proud of the insightful comments made by our students. I’d like to thank the Manly players who attended the presentation, it was enjoyed by students and staff.

SUMMER/SPRING PSSA With the weather Gods on our side, we finally completed round 2 of our PSSA trials. Our Summer/Spring PSSA teams have been selected and were announced on Monday. We understand that there were many disappointed children. Try to build resilience in your child and promote a positive outlook. The ability to meet and overcome adversity needs to be fostered in children. Try to celebrate attributes like grit, persistence, initiative, and determination. Please remember that your child will need help to learn from the experience and build their resilience…

“WE GAIN STRENGTH, AND COURAGE, AND CONFIDENCE BY EACH EXPERIENCE IN WHICH WE REALLY STOP TO LOOK FEAR IN THE FACE…WE MUST DO THAT WHICH WE THINK WE CANNOT.” Eleanor Roosevelt

ROUND 1 ~ FRIDAY 6 MARCH ~ WHPS V. Collaroy Plateau (9:30-10:50)

Team Coach Training Game

Boys Cricket Mr Sam James Friday Snr: 7:45am, Jnr: 8:20am Plateau Park

Girls Cricket Mr Alex Bennett Monday Snr: 8am, Jnr: 8:30am Narrabeen Reserve

Boys Tag Mr Mitch Jeffery Friday Snr: 7:45am, Jnr: 8:20am Narrabeen Sports High

Girls Tag Mrs Nadine Young Thursday 8:15am-9am Narrabeen Sports High

Senior Softball Mr Chris Jolly Friday 8am-8:45am Rat Park 3

Junior T-Ball Miss Rachael Tekampe Friday 8am-8:45am Rat Park 4 SWIMMING CARNIVAL RESULTS We had an amazing day on Thursday. A huge thank you to our chief organisers, Mr Sam James and Mr Alex Bennett. The day was extremely well organised and ran very smoothly. A big thank you to all the staff and parents who supported the running of our carnival. These days rely on the help and support of the Wheeler Heights community working together. Please find the results below. All ribbons will be handed out at next Monday’s assembly.

PLACE NAME TIME PLACE NAME TIME PLACE NAME TIME Jnr 200 IM Jnr 50m BREAST Jnr 50m FLY

1 Jake M 3.53.20 1 Jake M 57.84 1 Jake M 48.56 2 Max C 4.05.73 2 Buddy A 1.00.49 2 Bodhi K 57.91 3 Buddy A 4.18.41 3 Dominic P 1.00.77 3 Mason K 1.00.81 Snr 200 IM 11yrs 50m BREAST 11yrs 50m FLY

1 Archie H 3.28.47 1 Nathan C 52.55* 1 Archie H 44.61* 2 Nathan C 3.38.59 2 Archie H 57.95 2 Sterling N 53.47 3 n/a 3 Sterling N 59.67 3 Aiden N 54.52 8 Yrs 50m FREE Snr 50m BREAST Snr 50m FLY

1 Evan W 50.98 1 Isaac P 59.95 1 Ewan M 51.03 2 Quade K 57.47 2 Hayden W 1.01.58 2 Isaac P 53.60 3 Taj T 59.90 3 Ewan M 1.02.42 3 Taj S 58.77 9 Yrs 50m FREE Jnr 50m BACK OPEN 100m FREE

1 Bodhi K 44.56 1 Jake M 49.82 1 Archie H 1.24.82 2 Vaughn H 52.86 2 Beau O 49.84 2 Ethan T 1.40.08 3 Cale D 53.29 3 Bodhi K 55.74 3 Jai S 1.40.52 10 Yrs 50m FREE 11yrs 50m BACK Jnr Boys 4x50m

Relay

1 Jake M 40.09 1 Archie H 45.19* 1 Jenkins 3.01.26 2 Max C 40.12 2 Nathan C 48.85 2 Wheeler 3.01.36 3 Morgan P 40.46 3 Sterling N 50.25 3 Ramsay 3.14.96 11 Yrs 50m FREE Snr 50m BACK SNR Boys 4x50m

Relay

1 Archie H 35.68* 1 Boston L 52.35 1 Ramsay 2.46.32 2 Nathan C 37.37 2 Isaac P 53.56 2 Jenkins 2.56.30 3 Sterling N 40.7 3 Ewan M 56.68 3 Wheeler 3.18.00 12 Yrs 50m FREE

Place Name 1 Matthew M 41.73* 2 Taj S 42.74 3 Harry D 42.86

Jnr 200 IM Jnr 50m BREAST Jnr 50m FLY 1 Alexis D 4.03.63* 1 Emmy H 59.89* 1 Emmy H 46.66* 2 n/a 2 Alexis D 1.07.49 2 Alexis D 53.60 3 n/a 3 Lily N 1.08.13 3 Charlotte H 1.01.89 Snr 200 IM 11yrs 50m BREAST 11yrs 50m FLY

1 Gemma C 5.27.37 1 Macy M 56.34 1 Charlie W 1.14.08 2 n/a 2 Erin H 1.04.21 2 Natalia T 1.23.48 3 n/a 3 Charlie W 1.06.89 3 Maya R 1.24.82 8 Yrs 50m FREE Snr 50m BREAST Snr 50m FLY

1 Emmy H 37.65* 1 Maya L 1.07.12 1 Luiza R 1.05.97 2 Billie M 55.34 2 Luiza R 1.07.63 2 Natasha H 1.08.35 3 Elsa D 1.03.54 3 Alanah R 1.10.33 3 n/a 9 Yrs 50m FREE Jnr 50m BACK OPEN 100m FREE

1 Lily N 49.12** 1 Alexis D 53.05* 1 Emmy H 1.32.28 2 Charlotte H 51.22 2 Emmy H 53.72 2 Alexis D 1.40.36 3 Hailey T 52.86 3 Lily N 1.10.33 3 Hannah S 2.00.11 10 Yrs 50m FREE 11yrs 50m BACK Jnr Girls 4x50m

Relay

1 Alexis D 42.96* 1 Eva D 57.85 1 Jenkins 3.20.25 2 Amber P 48.30 2 Maya R 58.50 2 Ramsay 3.26.73 3 Bianca J 52.86 3 Charlie W 1.01.17 3 Wheeler 3.40.02 11 Yrs 50m FREE Snr 50m BACK Snr Girls 4x50m

Relay

1 Lucinda K 47.91 1 Luiza R 51.74 1 Ramsay 3.22.31 2 Eva D 48.39 2 Poppy S 58.57 2 Wheeler 3.24.78 3 Jaida G 49.52 3 Emily G 59.57 3 Jenkins 3.26.72 12 Yrs 50m FREE

Place Name 1 Luiza R 44.94 2 Chloe B 50.36 3 Lara F 52.00

*Indicates a broken record **Indicates a broken record in the heat (46.28)

RELAY TEAMS:

(4x50m)

JNR Boys FIRST:

Morgan P, Buddy A, Alexander B, Max C

THIRD:

Beau O, Dominic P, Vaughn H, Jake M

SECOND:

Bodhi K, Mason K, Ethan T, Bobby W

SNR Boys SECOND:

Taj S, Aiden N, Will B, Nathan C

FIRST:

Jai S, Jayden R, Matthew M, Archie H

THIRD:

Lennox C, Charlie B, Max S, Sterling N

JNR Girls FIRST:

Amber P, Charlotte H, Willow M, Alexis D

SECOND:

Lily N, Bianca J, Ruby L, Emmy H

THIRD:

Matilda S, Hailey T, Indigo C, Zali S

SNR Girls THIRD:

Emily G, Alanah R, Sienna R,Luiza R

FIRST:

Lucinda K, Lara F, Addison P, Eva D

SECOND:

Charlie W, Chloe B, Poppy S, Annie BH

ZONE SWIMMING CARNIVAL

The zone swimming team has been announced. Students have received their notes. Please let Mr James or Mr Bennett know if there are any problems with your child attending the Zone Swimming Carnival on Tuesday 10 March at the Warringah Aquatic Centre.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Zone Carnivals hoodies will be sold at the Zone Swimming carnival. $50 each.

PITTWATER ZONE TRIALS

A huge congratulations to Aiden N and Amber P who were successful at the Pittwater Zone Tennis trial and will now trial at Sydney North. Good luck!

PSSA Zone trials are for students in Years 5 and 6 who excel in a particular sport. They must have several years of club/representative experience. We are only allowed to send 2-3 students for each sport. Successful students must be able to commit to training and future trial sessions.

Date Sport Location Time Cost

27/2/20 Boy and Girls Soccer Cromer 1 1:30pm-3:30pm Nil

4/3/2020 Rugby League Kitchener Park, Mona Vale 8:30am-3:30pm $5.00

7/3/20 Girls Cricket (Syd North) Bill Sohier Oval 9:30am-2:30pm $6.00

11/3/20 AFL Balgowlah North Public School 1:30pm to 3:30pm Nil

30/3/2020 Netball NBISC 12pm-3pm $5.00

Please email the school if your child is interested in trialling for Pittwater Zone teams. Please remember that these trials are very competitive and of a very high standard. You will need to include details of your child’s ability (years’ experience and representative teams). Notes will be sent home to students selected to trial.

Please ensure that your Flexischools and Team App are updated for your child's PSSA sport so you can keep up to date with information.

Good luck to all our students’ trialling for sports this week.

Yours in Sport, Mrs N Young Sport Coordinator LIBRARY NEWS

Library Monitors Congratulations to the 2020 Library Monitors. Each Year 5 monitor will work with Ms Hammond and Mrs Josephs in the library at lunchtimes over a semester.

Ciara F Amelia M Rihanna H Willow P Lily Z Summer P Taya S Poppy S Sydney D Annie BH Kirra B Kassia A Ava D Addison P Gemma C Mikaylah W Macy M Mali K Laura H Zali S Mackenzie P Kyah S Natalie T

Premier’s Reading Challenge (PRC) The 2020 Premier’s Reading Challenge (PRC) begins on 2 March.

All students are strongly encouraged to complete their PRC. It is a great opportunity for students to read more and more widely. Information was sent home last week regarding how to complete the challenge. If you did not receive this information please see your class teachers.

Borrowing Borrowing for most classes has begun. We are encouraging all students to borrow each week focusing on “Reading for Enjoyment”. See below for your class’s library borrowing day.

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday 4RO 4E 5S

5/6B 6J 6T 3J 2S KM 2J

5A 3Y

2W K/1H 1J

1M KT KB

Volunteer Helpers We are looking for some volunteers to help cover books. If you have some time to help us that would be wonderful! Please contact the office or pop in to the library before school to chat with Mrs Josephs or Ms Hammond. Thank you!

Mrs Corinne Josephs and Ms Amie Hammond

READING VOLUNTEERS NEEDED Parents, Carers, Grandparents, Relatives, Friends and Members of the Community – We need your help! Do you have a spare morning to help read with our children? We are looking for volunteers to come into school to support our children with developing their reading skills. If you are free on TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY or THURSDAY mornings, we would love to hear from you.

The lessons are easy to carry out and you will be given all the necessary training and resources to support the delivery of the reading program. All we need is YOU! This is an intensive reading program that is separate to the work that children carry out in the classroom. Volunteers will be working with children across the school in our learning support room. If you enjoy working with children and would like to be part of our school community please complete the Expression of Interest form below. You will require a voluntary Working with Children Check, provided by the Office of the Children’s Guardian. We will provide more details to you when you contact us. If you know anyone else that would be interested in helping, please pass this information on to them. It is a fabulous experience to support the development of children’s learning. Please return the Expression of Interest form to the office by Friday 13 March 2020. We would like to offer the training during the week beginning 24 March 2020. We look forward to hearing from you. Thank you. Louise Seager Learning Support Teacher

Reading Volunteer - Expression of Interest

Name:

Contact Number or Email:

Availability Please mark the day (or days) that you are available to help:

Tuesday Wednesday Thursday 9:15 – 10:15 10:15 – 11:15

Wheeler Heights Public School Veterans Parade, Collaroy Plateau, 2097

Phone: 9971 8352 Fax: 9982 5617 Email: wheelerhts-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au Website: wheelerhts-p.schools.nsw.gov.au

2020 University of NSW Global Assessments Dear Parents, Once again this year all students in Years 4 and 6 will sit the UNSW Global REACH Assessments, which are designed for benchmarking and measuring full cohort progress. The charge for these tests will be included in the whole school fee schedule for Years 4 and 6 and the school will arrange entry. The UNSW Global ICAS Assessment Tests will still be conducted. These tests are designed for recognising academic excellence for high potential students. Only high achieving students should sit for these tests. They are open to students from Years 2 – 6 (unless otherwise stated) and will be administered by staff members from Wheeler Heights Public School. In 2020 tests will again be conducted during school time. All ICAS Assessment Tests are now $15.95 each & will be held ONLINE (Except Yr 3 & 4 Writing)

Subject Sitting Date Entry Fee Digital Technologies Yr 3-6 Late August - TBC $15.95 Science Yr 2-6 Late August - TBC $15.95 Writing Yr 3-6 Late August - TBC $15.95 Spelling Yr 2-6 Late August - TBC $15.95 English Yr 2-6 Late August - TBC $15.95 Mathematics Yr 2-6 Late August - TBC $15.95

Please visit the UNSW Global website for further information. If you are interested in having your child sit any of these competitions, please complete the application form below and submit with payment to the school office by 3 April 2020. Thank You David Scotter Principal 27/2/2020

UNSW Global ICAS Assessment Tests 2020 - All tests are $15.95 each

I would like my child ________________________________ of class ________ Year _______ to sit the following competitions:

Digital Technologies (Not Yr 2) Science

Writing (Not Yr 2) Spelling

English Mathematics

I have made an online (POP) payment from the school website.

My receipt number is:___________________________

I have enclosed cash /cheque for $ ________

Parent Signature_____________________________ Date_____________

6pm - Session 1: Where did I come from? (Years 3 & 4)

Objectives

● To help children aged 8-10 years gain an understanding of the structure and functions of the reproductive system in males

and females.

● To provide information on conception (describing sexual intercourse, associated with love in the context of a caring

relationship), foetal development and birth of a baby.

● To provide opportunities for parents and children to discuss various aspects of reproduction in an informal way.

● To reinforce the role of parents as a source of information on matters pertaining to sexuality and reproduction.

Content

● Introduction ● Sexual intercourse & conception including assisted

● Family structure and family relationships ● Foetal development

● Male/female babies – which is which? ● Twin explanation

● Protective behaviours ● Birth

● Male/female reproductive systems ● Conclusion

7.15pm - Session 2: Preparing for Puberty (Years 5 & 6) (Years 3 & 4 at parent’s/guardian’s discretion)

Objectives

● To provide information on puberty for 10-13 year olds, in relation to the physical changes and emotional changes

(in particular, helping them feel comfortable about their bodies and its functions; preparing them for the changes during

puberty and dispelling the myths and providing accurate, understandable information).

● To help young people feel okay about being different. Everyone develops at a different rate, especially during puberty.

● To confirm their individuality and promote self-esteem.

● To facilitate communication between parents and their children and encourage young people to take their questions,

problems and concerns to their parents.

Content

● Introduction ● Changes to boys only

● Revision of Session 1 ● Changes to girls only

● How, why and when of puberty ● Why are these changes happening?

● Physical and emotional changes to both boys and girls ● Conclusion

Cost: $32 (incl. GST) per family to attend one session $37 (incl. GST) per family to attend both sessions

Wednesday 18 March 2020 in WHPS Library

Session 1: Where Did I Come From? Time: 6:00pm Audience: Year 3 and 4 students and their parents/carers Sessions: 1 x 60-minute session Program focus:

• Discuss the male and female reproductive systems, foetal development and the birth process • Personal safety and protective behaviours

Note: Older students are encouraged to attend if they have not previously seen this program.

Session 2: Preparing For Puberty Time: 7:15pm Audience: Year 5 and 6 students and their parents/carers Sessions: 1 x 60-minute session Program focus: • Discuss the physical changes of puberty, emphasising that it can be different for everyone • Develop students’ understanding of periods and sperm production, as well as the physical, emotional, social and intellectualchanges associated with puberty for both boys and girls

• Enhance awareness of children’s personal safety and protective behaviours Note: Younger students are welcome to attend at the discretion of their parents/carers.

          Family cost: 1 session $32 per family | 2 sessions $37 per family Please note that this cost is GST inclusive

Where: Wheeler Heights Public School

When: 18 March 2020

     (Specialty books are available for purchase on the night)

Tel: (02) 8882 7875  • schoolservicesnsw@interrelate.org.au  • www.interrelate.org.au

 Please complete and return to your school with payment.

Amount enclosed $________________________ (please make cheques payable to the school)

OR I have made an Online payment (POP). Description: INTERRELATE

My receipt no ________________________________________

 Family name:__________________________________________________________

 No. attending: Session 1: Where did I come from?_________  

Session 2: Preparing puberty_________

 Signed_______________________________Date______________________________Parent / Guardian

Please RSVP by 6 March

P&C MESSAGES

CANTEEN NEWS In support of our school environmental initiatives, our canteen is constantly seeking ways of reducing waste and improving our environmental impact.

As of Monday 2 March, we will encourage students to bring a labelled container to the canteen to be used for hot food orders. If you are unable to provide a container, the canteen will be able to supply one for a small fee. You will be asked to select if you require a container when you place your order through the Flexischools app. We will also be adding cups of rice to our recess menu next week. These will be available over the counter for $1. We appreciate the ongoing support of our school community. The Canteen Team P&C VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES Canteen Volunteers Required Our school canteen is seeking more volunteer parents. To operate, the canteen needs 1-2 volunteers Monday-Thursday and 2-3 volunteers each Friday from 9:30am until 11:30am and/or 11:30am-1:30pm. No experience is necessary to volunteer – just bring a sense of fun and embrace the opportunity to interact with other parents and friends in the school community. Our canteen Managers, Heidi and Tracey will guide you as much as necessary, and tasks generally include heating and preparing hot/cold lunch orders, cleaning up and working at the window during lunch. Every child loves the feeling of having a family member on canteen duty for the day. Volunteering in the canteen is a direct and easy way of helping make a significant contribution to your child's education at Wheeler Heights Public School. If you are interested in volunteering at the canteen, please sign up using this link https://signup.com/go/gOWjaGQ If you have any questions, please feel free to email our Canteen Treasurer at canteen.treasurer@whps-pandc.org

The Wheeler Heights P&C would like to invite you to attend our annual

Welcome BBQ For Kindy, New & Year 6 Families

Thursday 12 March from 5pm – 6:30pm Outside the Canteen Area

This is a purely social event to welcome Kindy and families new to the school, along with our Year 6 families (a buddy occasion).

• The P&C will be providing the BBQ; please BYO soft drinks • As children are present alcohol is not permitted on school grounds • We will be serving food from approximately 5pm • Please bring along chairs or rugs

For catering purposes, could you please return the slip below to your class teacher or office by Friday 6 March We look forward to seeing you and your family at this event. Paul Hardy David Scotter P&C President Principal

P&C Welcome BBQ For Kindy, New & Year 6 Families Thursday 12 March

Family Name ______________________________

Yes, we will be coming to the BBQ on the 12 March Number of adults attending

Number of children attending

Wheeler Heights Public School Parents & Citizens Association

Supporting our Students & School

Become a volunteer ethics teacher At Wheeler Heights Public SchoolAt Wheeler Heights Public School we are fortunate to be able to offer ethics classes to all students currently enrolled. However, many of our classes are beyond capacity and we urgently require additional ethics teachers to ensure we can continue to offer these classes to current and future students.

All ethics class teachers are volunteers (parents, grandparents or other community members) who can spare half an hour a week to run the class. All volunteers receive full training through online modules and a comprehensive 2 day workshop. It’s a fun, rewarding and interesting curriculum for both students and teachers, with full lesson plans provided by Primary Ethics.

The curriculum aims to help children develop a life-long capacity to make well-reasoned decisions on ethical issues. Children discuss topic such as:• imagining how others feel • how do we treat living things? • what is laziness? • how do we disagree in a respectful

way? • homelessness

We hope students will become informed and inquiring adults with the ability to recognise ethical issues and explore them with others in a considered, productive and respectful way.

At Wheeler Heights Public School, Ethics classes run on a Wednesday afternoon 2-2:30pm and 2:30-3pm. For more information about the program or to find out more about volunteering please visit www.primaryethics.com.au or contact:

Emilie Mascarenhas(Ethics Co-ordinator) E: emilie@cambiumgroup.com.au

FREE RUGBY UNION TICKETS

VODAFONE SUPER RUGBY

& SUPER W RUGBY

Friday 28 February @ Bankwest Stadium

Thanks to the NSW Waratahs, the NSW Premier’s Sporting Challenge and Bankwest

Stadium, students and staff at your school have the opportunity to witness both the Super W

NSW Waratahs v Brumbies game AND the Vodafone Super Rugby NSW Waratahs v Lions

game!

Up to four (4) FREE tickets are available for each student and staff member to redeem for

the match.

Tickets are limited so be sure to secure them quickly for what will be a great evening of

rugby union. To take up this fantastic offer, students and their parents should follow the

below easy steps:

1. Simply go to the website: https://bankweststadium.com.au/premiers-sporting-challenge/

2. Register details.

3. Check their e-mail inbox for an e-mail containing the vouchers, print out the vouchers

and bring with them on the day to enter Bankwest Stadium via the gate listed on their

vouchers to sit in general admission seating.

For additional information, please visit the Bankwest Stadium website.

Please note:

- Students must have parental permission to participate in this offer.

- Each student is entitled to up to four (4) free tickets (limited to one registration per student) whilst

tickets last.

- Event ticket voucher must be printed and presented at Stadium entry gates for entry to this event.

- There is a limit of 2,000 individual vouchers (registration available for up to 500 individuals).

- Entry may be refused if event ticket vouchers are damaged or defaced in any way or redeemed in

an unauthorised manner.

- If an event ticket voucher is resold or redeemed in an unauthorised manner it may be cancelled

and the bearer of the ticket refused entry.

- Accessible seating is available within the Stadium.

COMMUNITY NEWS