John T Bell Drive Maryland NSW 2287

T 4955 9430 F 4955 8945 E maryland-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au Web: https://maryland-p.schools.nsw.gov.au/ Our P & C Association meets the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 6.00pm

All parents and community members are welcome to attend

Page 1

Newsletter Maryland Public School

Tuesday, 12 November 2019

Skills for Life

Respect Responsibility Excellence Safety

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT

Welcome to Week 5.

Bushfires Due to the weather warnings, lack of air quality and strong winds, we have kept our students inside for the day. This may continue for the next couple of days, depending on recommendations from our WHS department.

We will, continue to communicate and update via our Facebook page and Skoolbag app as necessary.

Our thoughts are certainly with those affected by this catastrophic disaster.

Colour Run What another fabulous turn out for our Colour Run last Friday afternoon. On a hot, dry, blustery day, it was sensational to see so many smiling, laughing children enjoying the fun of water, mounds of colour and lots of mess! Congratulations to our ever enthusiastic volunteers for their organisation and work getting this event off the ground. Thanks to all who also jumped in on the day to assist and to those who came along simply to support and enjoy. Your attendance and company is always appreciated.

Thanks Mr Higgins for the set up and a special shout out to our wonderful staff for braving the elements, being great sports and providing such a variety of activities. Well done to Mrs Wingrove and Mrs Mackay for their organisation.

Congrats to our awesome MPS kids for their participation and energy. MPS is a great place to be!

Uniform Review Thanks to all who responded to our survey about our school uniform. We had 89 parents / carers respond to the survey, which is fantastic!

I understand there is some concern within our MPS community about what may happen as a result of this review. Please be assured that as the review unfolds, we will keep you informed.

To answer a couple of questions already raised; 1. The girls dress / tunic will remain an item for purchase

as part of our MPS uniform.

2. If the review results in any changes to current uniform

items, there will be a three year phase in period

during which time, all current items will still be official

MPS uniform. There will be no need to throw out

perfectly good uniform items in order to purchase new

ones.

The following is a snapshot of survey results (% of respondents):

95.5% of parents / carers and 90% of staff agreed that

school uniform is important to school image / culture.

62.5% of parents / carers, 54% of boys, 56% of girls

and 40% of staff are satisfied with our current uniform.

70% of staff would like to see a more streamlined

school uniform (reduction of variations) compared to

37.5% of parents / carers.

50% of parents / carers and 40% of staff believe our

current MPS official uniform items are affordable.

The top three most important aspects of a good school uniform are as follows: Parents / Carers 1. Comfort - 97%

2. Affordability – 93%

3. Quality – 83%

Girls 1. Comfort – 80%

2. Quality – 68%

3. Reflection of school values – 51%

Boys 1. Comfort – 80%

2. Quality – 76%

3. Colour – 62%

Staff 1. Comfort – 100%

2. Affordability – 90%

3. Quality – 80%

Most popular items girls would choose to wear in Summer are skorts, shorts and every day polo.

Most popular items girls would choose to wear in Winter are a school jacket, school jumper and dress.

The least popular items girls would choose are the every-day shirt like the Year 6 shirt and the track suit jacket (aside from shorts, skorts and a skirt in Winter).

Most popular items boys would choose to wear in summer are sports shorts and every day polo.

In Winter they would choose to wear a school jacket and shorts or long pants.

The least popular items boys would choose are the every- day shirt like the Year 6 shirt and the school jumper.

Trends (more than 10% respondents with same / similar comments) that have been evident through written responses are;

Page 2

Tuesday, 12 November 2019

Concerns raised about the “sun safety” quality of the

bucket hat. (Please be aware that a wide brimmed hat

is also available for purchase).

The track pants / sports shorts are not comfortable

(particularly for the girls). The elastic is tight and there

is not much give. They are a bit expensive.

The quality of some items is questionable.

There are many colour variations which detracts from

the uniformity.

There is a need to consider differences of body types

/ shapes / sizes.

Quality items which are affordable is important.

Lots of girls would choose shorts if they were

comfortable to wear.

Hard to pass up buying non-branded items when they

are so much cheaper.

76% of boys and girls would like to see some

changes to our existing school uniform.

Where to next? The review committee will meet with our supplier and share this information. We will also discuss how we might address the concerns our respondents have raised. We will have the opportunity to view some samples of options / choices to address the needs of our community.

Certainly what has come through strongly is the need for a uniform which is comfortable for everyone, affordable and of excellent quality! Watch this space.

Remembrance Day Yesterday, along with our student executive, I attended the Remembrance Day service at Wallsend Park to commemorate and remember all Australians who have died as a result of war.

Kayla B, Hunter K, Riley W and Latesha W represented our school beautifully, laying a wreath as tribute at the soldier's memorial.

We will remember them. Lest we forget.

Have a super week everyone,

Mrs Van Egmond

Calendar Term 4 - Week 5

Wednesday 13 November 2019 2pm Whole School Assembly

Thursday 14 November 2020 9.15am – 10.45am 2020 Kindergarten Orientation

Term 4 - Week 6

Tuesday 19 November 2019 6pm P&C Meeting

Friday 22 November 2019 Swimming Scheme finishes

Stage 3 Touch Football Gala

2pm Infants Assembly 1/2SC Hosting

Important Dates for Your Diary

Wednesday 27 November 2019 9am Cut-off for Grey & Gold Cards to be handed into the office for next week’s Whole School Assembly

11.30am Non-Denominational Christian Religious Education Christmas Concert

Thursday 28 November 2019 9.15am – 10.45am 2020 Kindergarten Orientation

Friday 29 November 2019 Principal’s Picnic

2pm Primary Assembly

Tuesday 3 December 2019 State Wide Year 6 to Year 7 High School Orientation

Wednesday 4 December 2019 2pm Whole school Assembly

Monday 9 December 2019 Presentation Day

Tuesday 10 December 2019 Year 6 Farewell

Thursday 12 December 2019 Carols Evening

Monday 16 December 2019 Party Day

Wednesday 18 December 2019 Last day of Term 4 for students

OFFICE NEWS

PRESENTATION DAY This year parents will be notified that their child is to receive an award on Presentation Day via email.

These emails will be sent out towards the end of week 7.

If you have recently changed your email address please notify the school office.

Page 3

Tuesday, 12 November 2019

Colour Run Sponsorship money (cash only) for the Colour Run needs to be returned to the school office by this Friday (15 November). NO ONLINE PAYMENTS CAN BE MADE FOR THIS EVENT.

Scholastic Book Club

Book club brochures were sent home today. Parents wishing to order books from the Scholastic Book Club will need to process their orders online at scholastic.com.au/LOOP

LOOP orders for Issue 8 will be open until Wednesday, 20 November 2019.

Orders cannot be accepted at the office.

STAGE 2 & STAGE 3 NEWS Newcastle Permanent Maths Competition Certificates for this year's Newcastle Permanent Mathematics Competition have arrived. We have had a number of very successful students in years 5 and 6 who will receive certificates. A small number of talented stage 2 mathematician also sat the test and will be recognised.

These will be handed out at our next Whole School Recognition Assembly in Week 5 (13 November). Your child will be informed if they are getting a certificate.

Ms Blanch (Stage 2 & Stage 3 Leader)

STAGE 1 NEWS Stage 1 Awabakal Excursion Stage 1 had a fabulous time at Awabakal Environmental Education Centre last week! We learnt all about 'The Past and the Present'. Students enjoyed conducting an archaeological dig at Little Swamp to find remains from the past, constructing shelters from natural resources, investigating the mining history of Dudley and learnt about tools used by Awabakal Aboriginal people.

Miss Clunes (on behalf of Stage 1 teachers)

Page 4

Tuesday, 12 November 2019

SPORT NEWS PSSA State Athletics Congratulations to Latesha W who ran 6th in her heat at State Athletics last week.

Stage 3 Touch Football The Stage 3 Touch Football gala will be held on Friday 22 November at Newcastle Touch Fields. Mrs Wingrove and Ms Squires will coach the teams on the day.

Mrs Wingrove (Sports Coordinator)

P&C NEWS A friendly reminder that the P&C Committee will be meeting next Tuesday 19 November 2019 from 6pm in the school library. We extend a warm invitation to all interested members of the community. All welcome to join in with the planning and organisation of events for the remainder of the year. Hope to see you there!

FUNDRAISING NEWS Colour Run A huge thank you to all who assisted last Friday with the Colour Run. Sponsorship cards were sent home in the last week of term 3. Incentive prizes for each class include bubble wands, bouncy balls, frisbees, grip ball games and skipping ropes. Rebel Gift cards will be on offer as follows:- $100 Rebel Gift card for the student that raises the most money across the school, and a $25 Rebel gift card for the student in each stage who raises the most money. Kindly return the sponsorship card and cash to the school office before this Friday 15 November. Your prompt attention to this request would be greatly appreciated. Hopefully we will reach and exceed the target amount of $5,000!

Carols Evening This event is scheduled for Thursday 12 December 2019. Dance groups, band and choir groups will also perform at this event. All classes from Kindergarten through to Year 6 will also sing carols at this event. A barbeque tea will be on offer and a raffle will be a major fundraiser on the night. So, if you are willing to donate a prize, please hand it in to the school office staff. Tickets will be $2 each and shall be sent home in the next week or so. First prize will be an i-Pad, second / third prize bicycles, third prize a Bunnings $100 gift card plus many more. We look forward to your seeing you that evening.

P&C Committee

CANTEEN NEWS

Canteen Roster Term 4

Day Date Name

Week 5 Wednesday

13 November Lesley, Robyn

Thursday 14 November Kristie, Lyndell

Friday 15 November Amanda S, Esme, Kass

Week 6 Monday

18 November

Tuesday 19 November Amy, Cath

Wednesday 20 November Lesley, Robyn

Thursday 21 November Janelle, Lesley, Cher

Friday 22 November Sharna, Maryanne

Week 7 Monday

25 November

Carmen

Tuesday 26 November Amy, Lesley

Wednesday 27 November Lesley, Robyn

Thursday 28 November Kristie, Lyndell

Friday 29 November Esme, Maryanne, Kass

Page 5

Tuesday, 12 November 2019

NEW UNIFORM SHOP NEWS Opening Hours

Tuesday 8.30am - 9.30am

Thursday 2.30pm - 3.30pm

Please see attached flyer for November, December 2019 and January 2020 Extended Hours.

Visit the website by clicking on the link below to order uniforms online. http://www.countryfeelinguniforms.com.au/

PRELOVED UNIFORM SHOP NEWS Opening Hours

Tuesday Mornings 8.30am until 9.00am

Thursday Afternoons 2.45pm until 3.15pm

Cathy & Kiera (Preloved Uniform Shop Coordinators)

\

COLOUR RUN

Page 6

Tuesday, 12 November 2019

NOV/DEC 2019 EXTENDED HOURS

Thu 14th Nov 2019 9.15am – 10.45am2.30pm – 3.30pm

Thu 28th Nov 2019 9.15am – 10.45am2.30pm – 3.30pm

Tue 3rd Dec 2019 CLOSED TODAY

Thu 5th Dec 2019 2.30pm – 3.30pm

Tue 10th Dec 2019 8.30am – 9.30am

Thu 12th Dec 2019 2.30pm – 4.30pm

Tue 17th Dec 2019 8.30am – 10.30am

JANUARY 2020 EXTENDED HOURS

Tue 14th Jan 2020 8.30am – 10.30am

Tue 21st Jan 2020 4.00pm – 6.00pm

NORMAL TRADING HOURSTUESDAYS 8.30-9.30THURSDAYS 2.30-3.30

ORDER ONLINE – COLLECT AT UNIFORM SHOPwww.countryfeelinguniforms.com.au