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2020 IS THE YEAR OF GRATITUDE AT WPS

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Issue 9 – 17 June 2020 Term 2 Week 8

EASING OF RESTRICTIONS

With up-dated health advice, schools are able to recommence

the majority of school-based activities from this week or the start

of Term 3.

The following principles underpin these guidelines:

• Schools continue to be safe and operations are in line with

AHPPC and NSW Health guidelines.

• All students should be learning on-campus unless they are

unwell or have a medical certificate to support their absence.

• Existing infection control protocols at schools, and new health

and safety measures put in place will help maintain the health

and safety of students and staff.

Activities allowed from Monday 15 June

• school assemblies (limited to 15 minutes and no external

visitors)

• incursions/external adult providers to support delivery of

curriculum (e.g. music tutors, sport skills development

programs, Healthy Harold etc)

• students may attend other schools for essential

curriculum related reasons or placements (e.g. auditions

or placement tests)

• day field trips to outdoor locations

Activities allowed from Term 3

• all school sport and activities including competitions

aligned with current health advice (including those

activities run by external organisations)

• inter-school student events and competitions (choirs,

debating, public speaking)

• incursions not already permitted involving external adult

providers maintaining distancing and hygiene aligned

with the health advice of the day (e.g. school banking

talks, sport promotions etc – not directly curriculum

related)

• Scripture and Ethics

• P&C meetings – preferably for on-line meetings where possible

Dates to Remember 2020

CANTEEN OPEN EVERY DAY

Uniform Shop open Mondays and

Fridays 8:30-9:30am

Wednesday

17 June

Parent/Teacher

appointments for

phone interviews

open

Tuesday 23

June

Acknowledgement

of Country

Workshop

Friday

26 June

Semester 1

Reports going

home

Monday

29 June –

Friday

3 July

Parent/Teacher

phone interviews

Tuesday 30

June

Ernie Rewards

Day

Friday

3 July

Last day of

term 2

Monday

20 July

Staff

Development Day

Monday

20 July

Kindy Start

Tuesday

21 July

Students return to

school

Tuesday

21 July

Scope IT

Stage 2

Wednesday

22 July

Scope IT

Stage 3

WOODPORT

Public School Phone: 4367 7324

Email: woodport –p.school@det.nsw.edu.au

Principal: Judy Boland

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2020 IS THE YEAR OF GRATITUDE AT WPS

• parent/teacher meetings – where these need to take place – strong preference for online where

possible unless involving serious matters that require face to face discussion

• parent/carer school pick up and drop off – arrangements should continue at the school’s discretion

taking into consideration adult physical distancing requirements. Parents/carers should not be

on school grounds or at school events without principal’s permission.

Activities under consideration from Term 3

• school camps, excursions, parent volunteers e.g. reading helpers (note: canteen and uniform

shop are already permitted)

• school based activities that involve large gatherings of adults are not permitted at this time. These

activities will continue to be reviewed and assessed by AHPPC and NSW Health.

Cancelled events

• all NSWPSSA sporting events

• annual performing arts concert

• ELC Education Week performances

• Stage 3 Canberra excursion

Click on the link to the most current guide provided by the Department of Education.

Face to Face Learning

REPORTS & PARENT INTERVIEWS

Semester One reports will be going home on Friday 26 June. As stated previously, parents and

caregivers will be receiving a modified report, due to the impact of the changes to school operations this

semester. Student achievement will not be graded using a five-point scale. Instead the report will focus

on learning that has taken place at home and at school in English, Mathematics and selected other

curriculum areas, along with social and emotional development. I have now read nearly every child’s

report and I’m sure parents and carers will be pleased with their child’s efforts.

Families have all received information about registering for the parent portal on Sentral. If you are unable

to register for the portal or you cannot see your child’s information please contact the office.

Bookings for interviews open today. Please log into the parent portal to select a timeslot. Bookings can

be changed up until it closes on Friday 26 June. Any changes after this date will need to be made

through the office. If you are unable to make an appointment for the times available please contact your

child’s teacher as I’m sure they will accommodate an alternative time and day for you.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY WORKSHOP

Next Tuesday, Aboriginal students from Years 3-6 and a friend, will be

participating in a half day workshop facilitated by Mrs Kolev. Students will

learn about the reason why an Acknowledgement is given; the difference

between a Welcome to Country and an Acknowledgment of Country as

well as work on developing their own personal Acknowledgement. I’m

sure all children involved will find this workshop to be very rewarding.

EARLY DEPARTURE

Students are required by legislation to attend every day the school is open unless ill or there are

exceptional circumstances. All appointments should be made outside of school hours wherever

possible to minimise the disruption to the teaching and learning of your child as well as the teaching and

learning of other students. Where an early departure is unavoidable, please email or phone our school

office accordingly.

SCHOOL BAND HAS RESUMED

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This week saw the return to face-to-face lessons for our band students. It was lovely to hear the sounds

of music wafting from the hall. I applaud all band students who have worked hard while learning online

and thank Pauline Ainsworth from Teaching Services Australia for the wonderful job she has done

facilitating the program. It has been challenging but they have all continued to make good progress, whilst

maintaining enjoyment.

Band Schedule:

Every Monday children are to bring their instruments to school.

8:00 – 8:45 am Concert Band Rehearsal in the hall (existing students)

9:00 – 10:55 am Small Group Tutorials

11:00 – 11:30am Training Band Rehearsal in the hall (new students this year)

It’s not too late to join the band. If you would like your child to join please contact Miss Williams or

Teaching Services Australia (TSA) Admin Staff: 9651 7333 (enrolments, instrument hire and service)

TSA Website: www.teachingservicesaustralia.com.au (notes are also available here)

Band Director: Mrs Pauline Ainsworth pauline@teachingservices.com.au (timetabling, groups, band

rehearsals)

SCOPE IT

Next term, students in Years 3-6 will commence Scope IT lessons to further develop their STEM skills,

critical and creative thinking. Year 3 will explore the virtual world of Minecraft Education, Year 4 Website

design, Year 5 Exciting Electronics and Year 6 3D Modelling and Printing at a cost of $6 per week.

As we know, children are spending increasing amounts of time on electronic devices and it is important

that they gain a thorough understanding of what drives their software as well as becoming responsible

digital citizens.

Since beginning this journey six years ago, further research is becoming available about the importance

of learning a range of digital skills and software for the dynamic workplace. Whilst teachers at Woodport

include digital technology in their classroom, it’s great to bring in the experts who support our efforts by

providing students with a more comprehensive and complex level of skill.

Lessons for Stage 3 and 3P will be held on

Tuesdays and Stage 2 lessons will occur on

Wednesdays.

If you have not already paid for your child to access

these important classes then a note has been sent

home today. Lessons will begin in the first week of Term 3. If you are experiencing financial hardship

please contact me to ensure your child does not miss out. This year students are able to use the NSW

Creative Kids voucher to pay for the course. Please log in to the Service NSW website to redeem the

voucher. https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/apply-creative-kids-voucher

Judy Boland

Principal

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LEARNING FUN

3/4 A - ART

Since returning to school this term, 3/4A have been creating this class mural. After the 2 months of remote

learning, it was a wonderful opportunity for students to come together and work collaboratively on a class

project. Doesn't it look beautiful?!

MATHS AND TECHNOLOGY

Students in Year 6 used Google Draw to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the

Cartesian plan. To be successful they had to use online tools to create and label a coordinate plane and

then write and plot coordinates to create shapes. It was impressive to watch the students collaborate,

problem solve, tutor each other and evaluate their own and others’ work to determine future learning

goals. It is great to see students gaining confidence, developing effective learner skills and leading their

learning.

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ENROL NOW FOR KINDERGARTEN 2021

Enrolments are now open for Kindergarten 2021 and

Kindy Start 2020. Kindy Start will be held on Mondays

from 20 July 2020.

Enrolment may be completed on line or enrolment forms

are available at the school office or on the Woodport

Public School website for parents that live in our school

zone.

KISS AND RIDE

Thank you to all families for the supportive manner in which you have been

utilising the Kiss and Ride zone. As you are aware the area becomes extremely

busy, so it is essential we remain patient and follow the road rules to ensure

everyone’s safety.

Please be aware of the following:

• Continue to display name tags in a prominent position in the car to

ensure efficient organisation and collection of students.

• Remain in the car at all times. Please inform one of the teachers on duty

if you need assistance.

• Teach children to use their seatbelt independently. This will help to keep the flow of traffic moving.

SNIPPETS FROM THE LIBRARY:

Every day is filled with opportunities to expand our reading horizons, whether this is within large or small

groups, before school, during breaks, in classrooms or in warm and cosy reading places.

Building individual reading skills and habits is so important, as are the benefits children receive from

being read to.

As the cleverly named Paige Turner blogged on TheLiteracySite.com, reading together:

NEW ONLINE ENROLMENT SYSTEM

We are excited to announce that the Department of Education is rolling out the new Online

Enrolment System.

The Online Enrolment System is designed to provide flexibility for parents to submit an Application

to Enrol in a NSW Government School online at the time that best suits you. The application can

be accessed on all browsers and mobile devices including iOS and Android.

The online application process is currently restricted to:

• enrolments into local schools only

• children who are Australian citizens, New Zealand citizens or permanent residents

• children who live in NSW

We offer our support and encourage you to complete your application to enrol online. If, however,

you do not feel comfortable completing an application online, a paper copy will be available for

collection from the front office or can be downloaded from the Department’s going to a public

school site.

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● builds relationships

● provides new experiences and awareness about the world outside home

● improves communication, building greater vocabulary, speech patterns and enunciation

● improves concentration

● opens up a lifetime of books!

Considering how important reading is, we are trialling a new program in Term 3 called Literacy Pro for

students from Years 3 – 6. This program has an online component where students are assessed in order

to ascertain their ‘Lexile Score’ which indicates books that the student is able to read and comprehend

independently. Students are able to then select books from their classroom, the school or the online

library available through the program. Students will be reassessed at the end of Term 4 to show their

progress. Classroom teachers will assign books for the students to read based on their interest. In the

library, students are encouraged to borrow for pleasure, but will hopefully be guided by their level and

interest to help with their selection

As we are trialling the program from semester 2, the school will meet the cost of $7.00 per student which

covers the subscription to the assessments, quizzes and data as well to the online

library which contains thousands of titles. At the end of Term 2, your child will be

given a login that they can use to access the program.

Book Week celebrations will be held in Term 3, Week 6 on Friday 28 August

where we will delight in sharing books by Australian authors and illustrators. The

theme for this year is Curious Creatures, Wild Minds and children are welcome

to come dressed in whichever book character inspires them to be curious - Curious George, Harry Potter,

Skulduggery Pleasant, Percy Jackson, Nancy Drew, The Cat in the Hat, pirates, fairies and of course

princesses.

The Scholastic Fair will be in attendance from 24 to 28 August, as a way of encouraging students to

further develop a love of reading.

YEAR 6 PICTURE BOOK OF THE YEAR

Students in Year 6 have been working diligently on their picture books coming into the library and their

staunch commitment should be acknowledged. This task is something the final year students look

forward to having seen the work of others from the time they were in Kindergarten.

Library Policy on Overdue and Lost Items

A well-stocked library provides access to high

quality literature and informational texts. At

Woodport Public School, we pride ourselves on

our up to date collection and we encourage the

students to borrow regularly. A library bag is

required when students borrow to protect our

valuable resources. Returning books on time is

vital to make them available for others. With this in

mind, please take note of the following procedures

for collection of overdue items.

❏ If your child has an overdue item, a reminder note will be sent home.

❏ When items are 100 or more days overdue, the replacement cost for any unreturned items will

be invoiced to the family.

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HOUSE AND VICE CAPTAINS 2020 Being a House Captain at Woodport PS is an important role, fostering school spirit and promoting unity

and pride by leading initiatives, organising and assisting with assemblies and carnivals, supporting peers

on the playground and acting as a role model for all students.

House Captains maintain a high level of commitment throughout the year to promote physical activity

and ensure that students have access to equipment at recess and lunch to keep active. In Term 3, House

and Vice House captains will work as a sporting leadership team to promote participation in sport across

the school.

House captains have a very important role at our school.

HOUSE CAPTAINS:

House Captains Vice Captains

Mackellar Kingston H-D

Madison S

Zac P

Zoe S

Lawson Jordan H

Mia F

Lincoln S

Farley D

Paterson Morgan C

Kayla L

Josh S

Bella R

Gilmore Archie B

Issy B

Ryan S

Hazelle B

PBL REWARDS DAY TERM 2

On Tuesday 30 June, we will be holding our Term 2 PBL Rewards Day. As

in previous years, we are dedicating this day to celebrate our rich

Indigenous history. Activities will have an Indigenous inspired theme and

will include Bush Tucker cooking, Indigenous games, storytelling, clay

making, kangaroo sausage tastings, art and craft along with other

activities.

As NAIDOC Week typically falls in the school holidays, this time reminds

us to recognise, acknowledge and appreciate our Indigenous culture.

Students have selected their preferred activity and we look forward to this

being another great Woodport event! Students are encouraged to come

dressed in mufti clothing, preferably red, black, yellow and/or orange in

colour. Covered shoulders, enclosed shoes such as joggers, a water bottle

and a school hat are required.

2020 Senior House Captains

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OUTDOOR LEARNING AREA

ERNIE SAYS …

As Safe, Respectful Learners, students should always follow the

school-wide expectations while in the Outdoor Learning Area

SAFE

• walk

• sit on stone and timber blocks

• ball free area

RESPECTFUL • listen to others

• polite talk

• respect the equipment

LEARNER

• participate and share

• encourage others to care for the space

• follow teacher instructions

WET WEATHER

ERNIE SAYS …

As Safe, Respectful Learners, students should always follow the

School-wide expectations during wet weather

SAFE

• walk

• right place, right time

• take care on wet surfaces

RESPECTFUL • move when the bell rings

• polite talk

• listen to others

LEARNER

• follow teacher instructions

• know your area

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STUDENT AWARDS

GOLD BOOK

Our Principal has a very special book called ‘The Gold Book’. Students are given the opportunity to share their work

with Mrs Boland who is always so very proud of their efforts and thoroughly enjoys this special time with them.

Listed below are the students who were sent to Gold Book in the past fortnight.

STUDENT OF THE WEEK

KB Akapei U Brody F

KM Eddie S Patrick O

KT Niamh V Hazel W

1B Micah L Isabella K

1S Kylan H Adelle K

1/2R Brody M Azylah D

2C Jensen H Jasmine N

2E Koby M Sophie A

2/3J Michael K Tom L

3P Aurora G Helena S

3/4A Lucas H Jimmy G

4D Ava S-B Ailing D

4K Annabelle W Jackson H

5M Inara W Charlie V

5O Olivia M Lea N

5/6S Brayden A Ema R-R

6B Ruby F Charlotte P

6E Rosalie G-S Ashton B

EBS AWARDS

Alice G KM

Harry P 4D

Nicola F 4D

Rebecca T-M 2E

Hartley M 2E

Summer N 1/2R

Curtis S 2/3J

Lincoln H 3/4A

Neridah M 3/4A

Jimmy G 3/4A

Noah W 4K

Adelle K 1S

Xavier W 1S

Larissa B 4K

Mia T x 2 5/6S

Ben P 6B

Alice L – KM Abigail T – KM Sierra F – KM Rocco B – KM Havana D – KM

Caylee S – 2E Koby M – 2E Charlotte S – 2E Daniel C – 2E Amelia L – 1S

Sophie F – 1S Zoe M – 1S Adelle K – 1S Akapei U – KB Kaedan H – KB

Nola P – KB April C – KB Blade B – KM Dylan H – KM Havana D – KM

Ellen B – 2/3J Evie B – 2/3J Isla B – 2/3J Brock C – 4K Ralph B – 4K

Marley S – 4K Tahlia S – 4K Meeki W – 4K Tabitha R – 1B Oliver G – 1B

Sophie H – 1B Amariah B – 1B Micah L – 1B Amani H – KT Izzy B – KT

Mila T – KT Lenny P – KT Isabelle H – 5/6S Dakotah M – 3P Mila T – KM

Dylan H – KM Ruby R – KM James H – KM Sierra F – KM Eddie S – KM

Fraser L – KM Havana D – KM Bentley F – KM Jackson H – 4K Stefan M – KM

Henry W – KM Emily H – 1/2R Summer N – 1/2R Chloe R – 1/2R Indi S – 1/2R

Leon V – KT Seth H – 2E Rebecca T – 2E Charlotte B – 1B Isabella K – 1B

Jack R – 1B Kaylee W – 1B Trinity L - KB Charlie C – 6E Rosalie G-S - 6E

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HELPING YOUR CHILD AT HOME

Each fortnight we will include some tips for helping your child at home. This week is about

Being On Time for School – How You Can Help

Buzz!! The alarm signals it is time to get up. Can you resist the urge to hit the ‘Snooze’ button?

The likelihood of success in learning is strongly linked to wholehearted participation in school

programs. Showing up to school on time each day benefits students in many ways. They have

an advantage over those that stumble in after the assembly has started or class lessons have already begun,

particularly as the first lessons of the day are the most important.

Students who arrive on time have the opportunity to greet friends and catch

up with what is going on socially. Having that time to settle in at school before

the bell rings, allows your child a calm transition time from the trip to school

and debriefing with friends, to being ready for a successful day at school.

During morning assemblies essential information is shared about important events and if missed, leave

latecomers feeling unconnected and unprepared.

On entering the classroom, students have important organisational time where they pack

away bags and hats, prepare their equipment and focus their minds on the lessons to

come. Class teachers will mark the roll, collect money and notes and often have

information on the daily timetable and class routines to share.

Apart from being advantaged by turning up to school on time, there are definite

disadvantages to turning up late. Late students will miss the opportunity to complete

many of the preparation tasks calmly along with their classmates. If a child arrives after

lessons have started, they may cause a disruption in the classroom and may have

missed crucial information related to the lesson. This can cause anxiety,

embarrassment and discomfort. Being stressed lowers a child’s ability to learn.

Arriving at school late can have longer-term academic effects. If showing up for school late becomes a habit,

students may develop a notion that tardiness is acceptable behaviour. This belief can negatively affect their

future prospects in high school, further education and employment.

Consistent unexcused tardiness can lead to short-term difficulties and lifelong consequences.

Alternatively, turning up at school on time every day can help your child develop the habit of

being punctual for important commitments.

CANTEEN NEWS..

Don’t forget we cater for birthdays

We make cupcakes for $1.00 each

We can make fruit sticks for $1.00 each

or we can supply Quelch sticks (frozen ice blocks) for 50c each

Celebrate your child’s birthday with the whole class!

Please ring the canteen with your order at least one day before

needed. We accept cash or adults can use EFTPOS.

Thank you for your continued support

Raelene Hill

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