Walters Road Public School 158 Walters Road Blacktown NSW 2148 T 9672 2333 F 9831 6249

Email: waltersrd-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au Twitter: @WaltersRoadPS

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Thursday 27th June 2019

th November, 2016

Term 2 - Week 9

Calendar Term 2 Week 9

24th June – Kindy excursion to the farm

24th June – Stage 2 geography excursion

26th June – Recorder rehearsal in Sydney

27th June – Stage 3 geography excursion

28th June – Parent Meeting Space open

28th June – Year 6 farewell meeting in 5/6H

Term 2 Week 10

1st July – Parent/teacher interviews

2nd July – Longneck Lagoon – 1B, 1F, 2L

2nd July – Parent/teacher interviews

3rd July – Longneck Lagoon – 1M, 2H, 2P

3rd July – Parent/teacher interviews

4th July – Longneck Lagoon – 1D, 1J, 2S

4th July – Parent/teacher interviews

5th July – K-2 Assembly, Year 1 presenting

Term 3 Week 1

22nd July – Staff Development Day

23rd July – Students return to school for Term 3

24th July – P & C meeting

Term 3 Week 2

29th July – Camp Quality puppets

31st July – Recorder Ensemble perform @ Opera House

Term 3 Week 3

6th August – 100 Days of Learning mufti day

7th August – School athletics carnival

7th August – P & C Meeting

8th August – Education week Open Day

Term 3 Week 4

14th August – Choir rehearsal

Principal’s Message In Week 10, Semester 1 reports will be handed out to families during our interview period. We encourage all families to attend the 10-minute interview with your child’s teacher. At this time, not only will you receive the written report, but you will also get uninterrupted time to discuss your child’s progress. For families that cannot make the interviews, reports will be handed out to students on the last Thursday of term. This year, all support teachers are also available for an interview with families. If your child receives additional support from English as additional Second Language or Dialect (EALD) or Learning and Support (LaS) teachers, you may also book an interview to discuss your child’s progress with these staff members. Classroom teachers will be able to tell you if your child receives support and from whom. Interpreters may also be available for those who require these services. Please be sure to inform your child’s teacher in person if this is required.

This term we have also been lucky enough to receive

some well received goods from Good360. This

organisation helps “nonprofits get the goods they need

so they can spend more of every dollar on programs

and services – in other words, helping more people

and doing more good.”

Just recently we had a delivery of LEGO, which has been a well-received resource in classrooms. The LEGO will be used for lunchtime LEGO club, to integrate design skills into science lessons and to encourage social skills and creativity in the classroom. Our captains and prefects did an amazing job of unpacking and distributing the boxes throughout the school. We are awaiting a new delivery of some more resources that we hope will encourage play in the home, unplugged from technology. Stay tuned for more information.

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Term 2 - Week 9

Our exceptional school psychologist, Miss Vinita Devapiriam, has established a link with Evans High School, so our students can have access to therapy dogs. Research has shown therapy dogs can reduce stress and provide a sense of connection in difficult situations. Given the impact therapy dogs can have on student well-being, schools and universities are increasingly adopting therapy dog programs as an inexpensive way of providing social and emotional support for students. If successful we will look into an opportunity at our school. This is Argyle, who just graduated from puppy school and is often seen at Evans High School.

NSW Department of Education standards state that reports should –

compare student achievement against state-wide syllabus standards in each Key Learning Area

Kindergarten reports will describe how a child’s achievement compares with syllabus standards through teacher comments. (No A-E grades)

Schools will use the five point achievement scale to report to parents for students in Years 1 to 6. Achievement is judged in relation to syllabus standards. The achievement scale is to be used for reporting all KLAs or subjects.

I hope you all have a safe and happy holiday. School finishes for all students on Friday 5th July. All classes then recommence on Tuesday 23rd July at 9:20am. Have a great break, stay safe and warm.

Jodi Warner Principal

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Term 2 - Week 9

Deputy Principal’s Message

Term 2 is quickly coming to an end and it has become very cold all of a sudden! Just a reminder to all boys and girls to have their jumpers and jackets clearly labelled with their name and class so items can be returned to students if misplaced. The cold weather has also brought the flu season to Walters Road Public School, with many students and staff having time off school. If your child is absent from school for any reason, please ensure that you contact the school, send a letter of explanation to your child’s class teacher, or use Skoolbag. With a number of staff having time off, I thought it may be a good time to explain what happens when your child’s teacher is away from school. Most of the time a casual teacher will be employed for the day where they will either be provided with the regular classwork by staff at school or in some cases they will provide their own teaching activities. Unfortunately it is becoming more frequent that we are unable to find a casual teacher and classes are split. When classes are split we try to send students to a room where they will be able to join in with lessons and still be provided with appropriate teaching and learning activities. They may also be provided with a contract that revises concepts taught earlier in the year. This enables students to work independently and consolidate grade appropriate skills and knowledge. Due to their age and the fact that it is their first year at school, we try to make sure Kindergarten students keep to routine as much as possible. If a Kindergarten teacher is absent from school, their class is split to other Kindergarten classes. The students are split to the same class each time, therefore ensuring consistency and familiarity with the room they go to. This also means that students are receiving the exact same teaching and learning that they would have received in their own classroom. On a brighter note, congratulations to our most recent Gold Award winners!

Jenny Moon-Tume Deputy Principal

Office News

Our Office hours are 8.30am – 3.20pm

Payments Due:

Stage 3 camp – 3rd instalment 7/8/19

Stage 3 camp – final payment 18/9/19

Stage 2 Chinese Whispers Excursion– 6/8/19

If you are yet to pay your voluntary contribution you can still do so. Payment can be made by cash to the office, EFTPOS or via POP. School Contributions are a vital source of funds for NSW Public Schools. We use these funds to target specific areas of our school budget, not covered by the funds we receive from the government. Your contributions help us to purchase extra classroom resources, teaching, support and admin staff to support your child.

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PSSA payments are due by Wednesday morning 9:30am. Current charge for PSSA is $8.50. Payment options are: Parent online payment (POP)– paid by 6pm Tuesday EFTPOS – by 9:30am Wednesday Cash – by 9:30am Wednesday If you are paying by cash: correct money (no change can be given) in an envelope/plastic lunch bag/paper bag, with child’s name, class and sport they are paying for, this is put into the payment slot located in the admin area. Please note that due to banking we cannot take late payments.

To assist the office whilst receipting multiple payments for your child/children, please enclose all notes & money in one envelope or lunch bag. (Sibling payments can all be placed together.) Also, please note that the office is unable to receive cash payments on Fridays.

Payment options for events and purchases include:

1. Cash - correct money in an envelope or lunch bag

with your child’s name clearly written on the front. (Not Fridays)

2. EFTPOS - mornings only 3. Parent online payment (POP)

Please note that NO CHANGE IS GIVEN FOR ANY

PAYMENT RECEIVED AT SCHOOL. (e.g.

excursions). We thank you for your understanding in

this matter.

**PLEASE NOTE** Please do not pay for any online

payments which should be paid to a third party

provider. For example, School Photographers,

P&C Fund-Raising etc. If unsure, please check

with the office.

Thank You

Office Staff

Early Stage 1 Report

What a wonderful term it has been for Kindergarten! There has been so much new learning and lots of exciting things happening. This term in literacy, we have commenced structured writing tasks. The students worked hard to build their background knowledge and vocabulary so they were able to construct informative texts about ducks, goats and cows. We have all been very impressed with their work and they should be very proud of themselves. We have also continued with our phonics lessons where the students have been working very hard to blend their phonemes together to read new words. In numeracy, the students have continued to develop strategies to solve addition and subtraction problems and have enjoyed using mathematical language in everyday discussions. The big highlight of our term was the excursion to Calmsley Hill City Farm. It was a great day for everyone and the children came away with lots of new knowledge, stories and experiences. The teachers were all very proud of Kindergarten and the way they represented Walters Road by being responsible and respectful.

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As Term 2 comes to an end, I encourage you to continue reading with your child and engage in lots of conversations with them over the holidays. I wish you all a safe and enjoyable break.

Mrs Thom

Assistant Principal - Early Stage 1

Stage 1 Report Stage 1 students are excited to announce that they are all completely obsessed with Australian native animals! All students have been busily learning about animal classifications, habitats, diet, appearance and breeding. Did you know that wombats have a backwards-facing pouch? Some great writing examples from 1M:

K/1B investigated the Platypus this week and even 3D printed our own class Platypus!

Teachers and students in Stage 1 are all very excited for our upcoming excursion to Longneck Lagoon, where we will have a chance to get up close and personal with nature and consolidate learning from our current Science and Technology lessons. A reminder note will be sent home this week. We look forward to meeting with all of our Stage 1

families in Week 10 at Parent/Teacher Interviews.

Mrs Tasker

Assistant Principal - Stage 1

Stage 2 Report

What a tremendous term of learning that Term 2 has been for the students and teachers in Stage 2. Our explicit modelled writing lessons, focusing on developing an adventure, tale have gone exceedingly well. The work the Stage 2 staff and the support teachers have done each fortnight in planning have made a big difference in the writing skills of our students. In Week 7, I selected 6 students randomly from each class and asked them to draw and explain the block planner. 100% of them reported it was something they memorised rather than copy it from the teacher model (meaning it has gone into their long term memory as they all accessed it with automaticity). 80% could explain each element in detail, with the students who couldn’t, only making minor errors on one or two elements. This is testament to the hard work that all the teachers and students have done. We

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took great pride at our stage meeting in Week 8 in sharing successful pieces of writing amongst the teaching staff and having some valuable reflections on the teaching and learning that has taken place so far this term. Here are a selection of samples of the opening paragraph of an adventure tale from 3L, 3T, 3/4K, 4R & 4W (4/5D have been learning a different block planner). Jonah – Year 3 Creature in the Ocean “Help!” I screamed as I woke up in the ocean and felt something lurking under me. I tried to swim to land. “Oh no!” I whispered to myself as I felt the creature touch my feet. Emma- Year 3 Woe Waterfall “Aaah!” I screamed as I fell in some water. The salty water rushed in my mouth. I could hear the water bubbling on the surface. The sun shone in my eyes as I sunk lower. I was in a really deep lake. “Why am I here?” I thought to myself. Gabriella – Year 3 Dangerous Danakil Desert “Why’d I come here?” she exclaimed with fear. The sun, which was punishing her, was as scorching as lava. The Danakil Desert was a sandy nightmare. Sally Saltminer, was a salt miner. She could feel fear running up her veins. Even though it was torturing her, she still wouldn’t let it stop her. Billy – Year 4 Desert of Doom “AHHH!” I screamed as I ran away from the skeletons shaped like scorpions. I could see and hear the skeletons clicking and the scorching sand burning below me. I could smell the hot sand and the sauce from the wrap I just ate for lunch was dripping in my mouth. I ran across the land full of sand. Oh why had I come on this mission? Rafael – Year 4 The Rapid River “Help!” bellowed the injured man. The thick water crushed his face and muffled his bellow. The rocks and soil combined, created small dams in the water that hit his face incredibly hard. Darkness was slowly approaching.

Ezekial – Year 4 Reappearing River “Where am I and why am I next to a river?” It was so cold and I couldn’t feel my body anymore. The last thing I remembered was that it was dark. Well done to these students on their wonderful pieces of work. Notes have gone out for our Term 3 excursion to the city so that the students in Years 3 & 4 can participate in the Chinese Whispers and Dirt Diggers programs. Both programs, which link to our Semester 2 History program, look to be amazing with a jam-packed day of fun and learning to be had. More details can be found on the permission note. Please be aware that payments are due by Tuesday 6th August 2019. Our work with Anita Chin progressed well in Week 6 and as a result we making some alterations to the lesson structure we use in Mathematics. Each lesson will have a number sense component to begin the lesson (used to build skills for the lesson to come or review previous content) and will have explicit modelling take place with a gradual release of responsibility. Lessons will progress from ‘I do’ (teacher modelling) to ‘We do’ (whole class working together) to ‘You do’ (independent practice). Formative and summative assessment will be utilised to track student progress, with opportunities for student self-

assessment also present within lessons.

Mr Dyer Assistant Principal – Stage 2

Stage 3 Report

McDonald’s Fundraiser A big thank you to everyone who contributed to our McDonald’s Fundraiser on 3rd June. We raised $403.00 on the night. In addition, the guessing competition made a profit of $143.50. Congratulations to all our winners and their families: Izabel KC, Zara 5M, Ben 4/5D, Aiden KC, Char-Lee 5/6H, Rocco 5M, Jaisal 2P, Annabelle 1D and Alma 2S. An extra special congratulations to the families of Selena KJ, Mercedez 2L and Gagan 2H, who each won two prizes! Open Day BBQ Our major fundraiser for Year 6 will be held on Open Day during Education Week on 8th August. We hold a

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cake stall and BBQ for parents and students. We will be asking for all Year 6 students to bring in something to sell for the cake stall. This is an excellent opportunity for all families to be involved, even if you can’t come to Open Day or the farewell meetings. A separate note will go home about this early next term. We also need people who are able to help out at the cake stall and BBQ on the day. We understand people have busy lives and work commitments make this impossible for some. However, we need about 10 people to help out on the day so if you are available we would really appreciate the help. Please contact your child’s teacher to volunteer. After all, many hands do make light work...and we’ve found out that we make more money this way too! Year 6 Farewell Meeting Our next farewell meeting will be next Friday, 28th June in 5/6H from 3.30pm. Thank you to those parents who regularly attend. We are always looking for new people who are willing and able to help us organise fundraisers and contribute valuable ideas to the meetings. Stage 3 Camp Time is passing quickly and our trip to Canberra will be here before we know it! With this in mind, please keep an eye on payment dates for camp instalments. Students should have paid a minimum of $120 by now. The next instalment of $50 is due by 7th August. The final instalment is due by 18th September. All camp payments should be finalised by this time. Classroom Learning Can you believe it we are halfway through the year already? Here is a brief overview of what we have been learning in Stage 3 this term, and a snapshot of what to expect from Term 3. Morning Routine – Morning Routine continues to focus on expanding students’ knowledge, vocabulary and skills in identified areas, connected to our other lessons throughout the week. For example, Sentence of the Day and Talk for Learning have focused on grammar and vocabulary in imaginative texts, which are directly linked to our English unit. English Units – The central concept for the term has been on the construction of a goodie vs baddie tale, using a writing block structure. Students have learnt to include direct speech, internal thoughts, a range of vocabulary for ‘said’ and ‘thought’, an action to

reference the setting, a sound that connects characters and timelines within the text, character descriptions, types of sentences, sentences of varying length, an action scene and a resolution where the goodie wins. We have been very busy and teachers are seeing very positive results! HSIE – Geography – Our unit called Factors That Shape Places has provided students with the opportunity to broaden their knowledge and understandings about. Students investigated how people change the natural environment and how our environment, in Australia, has influenced where and how people live. Students also explored the impact bushfires have on Australian people, places and environments and proposed ways people can reduce the impact of bushfires in the future. PD/Health – Drug Education – These lessons have been designed to raise awareness of alcohol. Students have learnt about its effects on the human body, where and why people consume alcohol and possible consequences. They have examined alcohol labels and how it is portrayed in the media. Fitness – The Footsteps dance program ran for 5 weeks and our fundamental movement skills (FMS) focus is currently on two-hand strike and dodge. Next term will be on the key skills of overarm throw and catch. Our teachers at Walters Road work extremely hard, giving up many hours out of school time and on the weekends, to bring these opportunities to your children. I’d like to thank the Stage 3 teachers and support teachers who work with us for their ongoing commitment to their profession, our school and your children. Have a safe and enjoyable holiday with family and friends. Mrs Harris Assistant Principal – Stage 3

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PSSA Sports Results Sport Result Term 2 Week 1 Jnr Netball A vs Marayong Hgts Won 11-6

Jnr Netball B vs Blacktown West Loss 10-0

Snr Netball A vs Marayong Hgts Won 16-9

Snr Netball B vs Blacktown West Loss 13-5

Jnr Tag vs Hassall Grove Won 6-3

Snr Tag vs Hassall Grove Loss 5-2 Jnr Rugby League vs Quakers Hill Loss 26-12 Snr Rugby League vs Quakers Hill Loss 30-14

Jnr Soccer A vs Shelley Loss 11-0

Jnr Soccer B vs Shelley Loss 3-0

Snr Soccer vs Shelley Loss 1-0

Sport Result Term 2 Week 2 Jnr Netball A vs Hambledon Loss 6-3

Jnr Netball B vs Hambledon Loss 3-1

Snr Netball A vs Hambledon Won 15-9

Snr Netball B vs Hambledon Won 7-4

Jnr Tag vs Marayong Sth Won 8-4

Snr Tag vs Marayong Sth Won 10-8 Jnr Rugby League vs Shelley Loss 32-16 Snr Rugby League vs Shelley Loss 36-8

Jnr Soccer A vs Barnier Won 3-0

Jnr Soccer B vs Barnier Loss 2-1

Snr Soccer vs Barnier Loss 6-0

Sport Result Term 2 Week 3 Jnr Netball A vs Barnier Loss 14-3

Jnr Netball B vs Barnier Loss 7-1

Snr Netball A vs Barnier Loss 19-9

Snr Netball B vs Barnier Won 17-0

Jnr Tag vs Shelley Won 7-2

Snr Tag vs Shelley Draw 5-5 Jnr Rugby League vs Hambledon Friendly game Snr Rugby League vs Hambledon Friendly game

Jnr Soccer A vs Hassall Grove Won 7-6

Jnr Soccer B vs Forfeit

Snr Soccer vs Hassall Grove Draw 1-1

Sport Result Term 2 Week 4 Jnr Netball A vs Shelley Won 16-11

Jnr Netball B vs Shelley Won 2-0

Snr Netball A vs Shelley Won 34-1

Snr Netball B vs Shelley Won 29-0

Jnr Tag vs Blacktown Sth Loss 5-3

Snr Tag vs Blacktown Sth Loss 11-0 Jnr Rugby League vs Mt Druitt Loss 22-20 Snr Rugby League vs Mt Druitt Loss 34-10

Jnr Soccer A vs Marayong Hgts Loss 4-3

Jnr Soccer B vs Marayong Hgts Won 5-1

Snr Soccer vs Marayong Hgts Won 5-1

Sport Result Term 2 Week 5 Jnr Netball A vs Marayong Won 21-2

Jnr Netball B vs Marayong Forfeit

Snr Netball A vs Marayong Won 22-3

Snr Netball B vs Marayong Won 25-9

Jnr Tag vs Mt Druitt Won 12-2

Snr Tag vs Mt Druitt Won 14-2 Jnr Rugby League vs Hassell Grove Loss 48-12 Snr Rugby League vs Hassell Grove Loss 42-10

Jnr Soccer A vs Quakers Hill Forfeit

Jnr Soccer B vs Quakers Hill Forfeit

Snr Soccer vs Quakers Hill Draw 2-2

Congratulations

On Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Mia 3/4K attended the Country Capital Gymnastics

Competition in Tamworth. She had an amazing time with some even more amazing results. Mia’s team

finished in 3rd place.

Mia is now looking forward to the State Title Trials at the beginning of July......

Great Job Mia

We Are So Proud Of You.

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Term 2 - Week 9

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Thursday 27th June 2019

Term 2 - Week 9