Term 4 Week 4

Padstow North Public School ”A Quality Education in a Caring Environment”

Gold! Gold! Gold! Congratulations to the following

students who have qualified for Gold and will be awarded their certificates at our Gold assembly on Thursday

7th November.Kindergarten to Year 2

Kaysar AAaliyah I

Mayson MSaee S

Matthew CAyesha D

Alexander BHadi A

Mouna CTyler G

Year 3-6Luke DKayla PIsaiah THarley GTimmy TTommy R

Chelsea WEva P

Steven LMadeline BSienna HTyler A

Udayveer SAbdullah HAbigal MAditi S

Alyssa FAshleigh M

Dean PHayley LJoshua PRabieh ERewa P

Brianna DEthan DJason L

Jessica RMariam HRamsey MSteven N

Dear Parents and Carers,

We have had a smooth start to term 4. It will be a busy term, with many exciting things planned such as Market Day and the Year 6 Drama Production. We have started our year 3 and kinder transition programs and have meet with many excited children who are eager to attend our school next year. We look forward to getting to know our 2020 students and their families.

We are starting to make arrangements for 2020. If you know your child will not be back to Padstow North Public School and you have enrolled in another school please let us know immediately. We use this information to calculate class sizes and determine the number of teachers we will need.

The last week of term 3 was Kindness Week at Padstow North Public School. Everyday student completed activities around being kind to others and worked towards making a happier, more caring school. It was wonderful to watch students work with buddies, make each other cards and complete the Kindness Challenge. I felt proud of our students as they talked about what kindness means to them, acknowledged all the things and people they were grateful for and shared their daily acts of kindness. Scientific studies have shown that kindness has a great number of physical and emotional benefits, and that children require a healthy dose of the warm and fuzzies in order to flourish as healthy, happy, well-rounded individuals. I have included a few Kindness Week Classroom Activities pictures on the next page.

Our Naplan results have arrived and our students are making excellent progress. NAPLAN Premiers’ priority is a measure of the number of students in the top bands in NAPLAN Reading and Numeracy. Our 2019 average percentage of students in the top 3 bands was 63%. Our year 3 and 5 writing results were above state average, with year 5 students performing 23 points higher than the state average in writing! Amazing!

Our school is committed to building a safe and happy environment for students, staff, parents and the broader community. We encourage parents and carers to advocate strongly on their child’s behalf and, as part of this, expect them to raise concerns about their child. Sometimes these concerns may relate to the way a child may have been treated by another student at this school. It is natural for parents and carers to feel protective of their children.

However you must not raise any concerns you have about the behaviour of another child directly with that child (or his or her parents while they are at school) but should instead report your concerns to the principal or a member of the executive team. Your concerns will be taken seriously and responded to promptly.

If a parent, carer or other community member raises their concerns directly with a child (or their parents while they are at school) this may result in the access that person has to the school site being restricted or withdrawn. We greatly value the contribution parents, carers and other community members make to the school community and do not wish to take any action that impacts on their participation in school activities. Please let us know if you have concerns about the behaviour of another person’s child while they are at school or on school related activities.

Thank you for taking the time to read the Padstow North Newsletter, we are very excited to report what our students have been doing. For day to day updates and reminders please use the Dojo app.

Genevieve DennisPrincipal

News from the Kindergarten ClassroomsKindergarten Iban Kindergarten Iban students started Term 4 settled and ready to learn. In Literacy we are using the narratives ‘Dinosaurs Love Underpants’ and ‘The Singing Mermaid’ as stimuli to develop our understanding of informative text and imaginative text structure.

In Mathematics, we developed our knowledge of numbers 1-30 and how to tell hour time on an analog clock. Students loved challenging each other when making 2-digit numbers from 11-20 using MAB longs and ones.

We had a lovely time during our Grandparents’ Day open classrooms. Thank you everyone who was able to join us. During the last week of Term 3, all students were involved in Kindness Week activities and discussion. We explored what kindness means, what it looks like and how kindness spreads. As part of our PDHPE unit on ‘resilience and wellbeing’ we will continue to explore and develop our awareness of these concepts in our everyday lives.

K/1 CaribWe have had a great start to Term 4 in our classroom! As a class we have been reflecting on all the things we couldn’t do at the beginning of the year and have been amazed at how much we have learnt and grown!

We continue to work daily on our reading, writing and mathematics and love to play games to practise our skills. Our favourite games are Bingo, Circle Champion, Race to 100, Bump and Connect 4 Addition. We also like using interactive games on the ipads to practise things like telling time, counting and ordering coins, place value and division.

We work hard in other Key Learning Areas too. This term

Kindergarten are enjoying exploring how digital technologies help in our everyday lives in Science with Ms N. Year 1 have been working well with 1 Maori investigating the weather and seasons. They used the ‘Draw and Tell’ application to make a presentation about clothing and activities appropriate for each season.

This term our class really looks forward to our fitness time where we are practising our dance steps for our assembly item in Week 7.

1-5 Basque 1-5 Basque have had a great start to Term 4! In Geography we have been learning about Earth’s Environment. We have been talking about plants and why they are so important. We decided that it would be interesting to plant different seeds and look at how they grow. As you can see some seeds have sprouted already! We learnt that as the plants grow we need to replant them in larger pots so they can continue to grow. We are excited to see how they progress over the term and we might have some different herbs and flowers by the end of the term!

News from the Stage 1 Classrooms1 MaoriWow, it’s term 4 already! 1 Maori have had a wonderful start to the term. We finished off week 10 with kindness week, where students participated in different activities that involved talking, writing and communicating all things to do with kindness. It is terrific to see students practising being kind and grateful this term.

Over the past two weeks, students learnt about Whole Number during Mathematics. In which they developed their knowledge of placing numbers in ascending and descending order, identifying the place value and partitioning two and three digit numbers.

It was also lovely to see so many families who were able to join us for open classrooms on Grandparents’ Day. Students were excited about having the opportunity to have grandparents and family members in their classrooms and to show their visitors what they have been learning.

We are looking forward to the rest of what Term 4 has to offer.

1/2 CherokeeStudents thoroughly enjoyed participating in Kindness Week. During the week, students engaged in a variety of activities designed to promote kindness in all its forms. Students particularly enjoyed creating a ‘Kindness Tree’ where they wrote down things that they are grateful for. Students have continued to practice kindness each day both in the classroom and on the playground. Well done 1/2 Cherokee!

‘My favourite day was the mufti and pizza day.’ - Kareem

‘I learnt that everybody should be kind to each other because it’s important to be kind to your friends.’ - Ahmad

‘I liked the activity where we wrote kindness cards to each other.’ - Maram

‘ I liked the assembly because people got prizes for the colouring-in competition.’ - Katia

‘I liked making a gratitude tree where we wrote things that we are grateful for in our lives.’ - Lailah

2 Hawaiian2 Hawaiian are off to a great start in Term 4! We have begun the term learning about narratives, and how to write creatively. Students have used their imagination to write some very entertaining pieces, and Miss Harrison has enjoyed reading them! We are very lucky this term to have Miss Haldezos with us from the University of Notre Dame, and she will be with us until the end of term.

Students really enjoyed the activities of kindness week, and it was very pleasing to hear the positive conversations in the classroom. We talked about being grateful for the amazing things in our lives and what a kind world looks like. We are looking forward to continuing our acts of kindness for the rest of the year. Last term, Year 2 were also lucky enough to travel out to Bankstown South Infants to participate in the Year 3 transition day to get ready for 2020. Students made several new friends, and are looking forward to the next transition day at Padstow North.

News from the Stage 2 Classrooms3/4 Vedda3/4 Vedda have had a busy start to the term. In English, we read a picture book called The Great Bear by Libby Gleeson and Armind Greder. The story was about a bear who was forced to dance for the entertainment of humans. We were really sad to hear that what happened to the bear in the story actually happens in real life.

Ella wrote this response after reading:

The author of The Great Bear felt that bears shouldn’t be treated unfairly because in the story it says that people threw stones and poked sticks at the bear while he danced. While the author was writing this she would also think that a bear locked in a cage on a cold, hard-as-stone floor would definitely be uncomfortable and in pain. She thought bears treated poorly must have freedom! The dull, dark colours in the book prove that Libby Gleeson feels blue about this emotional topic.

In Maths we have been learning about rounding numbers and are using this to help us to estimate our answers when we are doing addition and subtraction. We love playing games to practise our quick addition and subtraction skills.

3 DarugWhat a great start 3 Darug has had to Term 4!

In English, we have been focusing on our writing. In particular, using figurative language to make our writing interesting and editing our work, ready for publishing and sharing with others. We read the book ‘Tanglewood’ by Margaret Wild. The themes for this book were family, resilience and hope, 3 Darug had the opportunity to choose a different writing activity. A favourite was writing a persuasive text on Why our oceans are so important?

In Geography, we are studying the unit ‘The Earth’s Environment’. Students have researched, in groups, a different environment and presented this information to their peers. We have learnt the locations, climate, animals and vegetation in many different environments across the world. Over the next few weeks, we will be comparing some of these places.

In Science, we are focusing on digital technologies with Mrs Gaston. We are learning about digital systems and how they share information. Stage 2 have an exciting excursion coming up to the Powerhouse Museum where we will learn some coding.

We also had a very special birthday. Drax turned 3, happy birthday Drax!

4 TuvaluanThe first three weeks of Term 4 have been busy for 4 Tuvaluan. In Geography we are studying ‘The Earth’s Environment’ and learning to identify differing views about environments. Maths we have been learning to read calendars, timetables and timelines as well as revising our addition skills. Digital Systems and Information Systems have been our focus in Science. In English we have been studying the wordless text ‘Belonging’ by Jeannie Baker and using it as a prompt for our writing

For something extra, as a result of our study of drought in Term 3, 4 Tuvaluan have connected with a Year 4 class from Parkes Public School. We enjoy receiving letters from the class and hearing about their lives out at Parkes.

Farrah - I think it is nice to connect with another school and how kids our age have a different lifestyle. It is hard for the families in drought out there.

Lachlan - It is interesting that we can learn about a new school that has a different lifestyle compared to us.

Prisha - I like connecting with Parkes because I can learn more things about drought.

4 Mapuche4 Mapuche have had a wonderfully busy start to Term 4. In English, we have been studying and analysing Jeanie Baker’s wordless picture book ‘Belonging’. This picture book is based around a window in a house, through which the reader observes gradual environmental and community changes over a two year period.

We have really enjoyed analysing each one of Jeanie Baker’s detailed pictures to create our own written narrative.

Stephen shared the orientation for his narrative:The baby looked up into the smiling faces of her parents. She saw nothing but blue sky, but heard something much less comforting. The roar of the cars’ engine filled her ears.Tracy looked away from her parents and towards her new surroundings. A scruffy neighbourhood, a rusty fence – she looked back to her parents. They comforted her more than anything else. The environment made her worry about the kind of world she had been born into.

In Maths we have been refreshing our mental strategies for addition and looking at the most efficient way of finding an answer. We have loved working with five digit numbers to solve 2 step word problems for addition and subtraction.

News from the Stage 2 Classrooms

News from the Stage 3 Classrooms

Stage 3 Drama ProductionOn Friday 29th November, Stage 3 students will be performing their drama production ‘SNAP!’ Our actors and actresses have been working hard during morning rehearsals and CAPA groups to practice acting, our choir are singing beautifully with the help of Mrs Lynch and our dancers are enthusiastically learning routines. We are excited to perform for everyone in a few weeks and with only 3 rehearsals to go, the final parts of the play are coming together.

Here are a few favourite moments of what Stage 3 has enjoyed while preparing for their production:

• I have enjoyed doing SNAP because it has been a fun and entertaining play to do. I have also enjoyed playing the role of Jimmy - Andrew

• I love being Sharon, she gives quite the performance. I also think everyone else is really clicking with their characters. I hope it goes well - Leila

• This year in the Drama Production, the best part for me is that I get to play the role of Esmeralda. I’m a shy person that is part of the editorial staff. My personality is that I organise pictures - Harshini

• As the weeks go by, stage 3 are preparing for the big play. Lots of hard work has been put in from the student and especially the teachers for arriving earlier than usual - Gabe

• The stage three drama is coming together as the days go by. I really like the songs. I also like Mrs Lynch’s singing - Androniki

• I really like the stage 3 drama production. I am loving the dancing I have to do - Sandy

• I really liked how the teachers and students have worked hard this year, and every year for that matter. I think it is going to be the best ever - Sadeem

• I am excited about performing in a few weeks. I think my character is unique and fun and I’m excited to see how it all comes together. I enjoy being in the play and I can’t wait to perform. It has been fun and I have enjoyed the experience - Isabella

• I like being in the play because I get to perform in front of a lot of people and I feel that my character is unique. I also like having fun with my friends - Georgia

• I like being in the play because I get to act and perform with my friends and I can’t wait for the day as I have really enjoyed it - Jackie

• This year we have all been contributing to the play by practicing and working together so we can make sure this year’s play is excellent - Thomas

• This year Stage 3 have been practicing a school play. We have a couple more practices before we perform in Week 7 which I am excited about. Everyone can’t wait to perform and show the students and parents - Stephanie

• Every year, Stage 3 perform a play to present to the school. This year, our play is called ‘Snap!’ and the whole cast is extremely excited. There are people involved in acting, dancing or stage set up roles and we have all been contributing every rehearsal! - Aditi

Sport UpdatePSSA Season 3Girls Touch FootballThe Senior and Junior Touch Football teams have had a terrific season. It has been great to see so many new players trying the game, especially in the junior team. Everyone has been learning quickly and improving every week. We missed a couple of games with the weather, however we’re in for a good chance to make the semi finals. Good luck for the rest of the season!

Miss Greatrex

CricketBoth the Junior and Senior Cricket teams have had a great start to the season. Our Junior team has a lot of players who are brand new to cricket and it has been wonderful to see the improvement in the skills of our new players and the way the more experienced players have helped the team to work together.Our Senior cricketers have had a magnificent season and are approaching the final round of the season undefeated. We are looking forward to the finals!

Mrs Chegwidden

AFLThe Senior and Junior AFL Teams have continued building their skills throughout the season, they are learning to catch a mark, handball and drop kick to score points. It is wonderful to see the improvements everyone is making. They have demonstrated a great sense of teamwork in all games, which has led to some success. We look forward to the rest of the season.

Miss Rowan

Girls T-ball and SoftballBoth the T-ballers and Softballers have had an amazing start to the season! The girls have been very committed to training and have worked hard to develop their skills. With more than our fair share of wins up our sleeve we have our eyes fixed on the finals. Good luck for the rest of the season girls!

Miss Atkinson

Regional AthleticsCongratulations to the amazing students who participated in the Sydney South West Regional Athletics Carnival. We achieved some excellent results, and extend a huge congratulations to Mia who will be competing at state.Mia M - 2nd Place 10 year old girls 100m Finals 2nd Place 10 year old girls 200m FinalsAditi S - 11th Place 12 year old girls 100m 14th Place 12 year old girls 200m 10th Place 12 year old girls long jumpJunior Girls Relay - 7th PlaceJunior Boys Relay - 18th Place

Mataea C - 12th Place 11 year old long jumpOliver B - 6th Place 9 year old 100m FinalsJack B - 11th Place Junior long jumpKostas S - 10th Place Junior Shot PutSebastian S - 13th Place Junior 200m 5th Place Junior 800m Finals

Regional Cricket ResultsIn the past, cricket hasn’t been played by many girls in our school but on the 27th October to 30th October, Jessica R and I got the opportunity to represent Sydney South West in the Girls State Cricket Competition. We we learnt a lot about cricket, improved our abilities and although we didn’t win too many games, we had a lot of fun! Aditi.S

In the first week of Term 4, I went off to play in a State Cricket Competition. THe competition was held down in Wollongong and it lasted 4 days. We played on some great cricket facilities with our team, Sydney South West, winning one out of four matches. Josh. P

P&C ReportWe have enjoyed welcoming our new 2020 students and families at the orientation days, in particular displaying our lovely school uniform and introducing them to all things P&C.

The uniform shop is officially open and ready for business! The easiest way to order is through Munch Monitor – click on School Shop for the list of clothing items and order as you usually would. The uniform shop will also be open every Monday from 12.30 to 2.30pm and every EVEN Tuesday from 8.30 to 9.30 am. We are located in the P&C office next to 6S class room. We are stocked up on all your summer uniform needs.

Pizza Day was a great success and – YUM!! Thanks to everyone who participated.

Our canteen has a name! “The Snack Shed” will be newly painted and have a lovely sign in the coming months.

As we race towards the end of the year, keep your eye out for notes about raffle items to donate for our Carols Night and other opportunities to get involved.

Finally, our next P&C meeting will also include our Annual General Meeting, held on Tuesday 12th November at 6.30pm in the north staffroom. All welcome. There are many of items to discuss and vote on, so come along and hear what is happening around the school.

At the AGM, we vote in new committee members; if this sounds interesting to you, or you would like any further information, please contact me (Jennifer) by email padstownorthpublicschool@pandcaffiliate.org.au

We look forward to seeing you there.

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Friday 29th November, 2019 Doors Open at 5:30pm, Curtains Open at 6:00pm

Padstow North Public School Hall Entry by donation

Refreshments available for purchase

Padstow North Public School

Presents

A Stage 3 Drama Production

SNAP!

School CalendarMonday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Sat & Sun

11/11

WEEK 5

12/11

P&C Meeting6:30pm

13/11 14/11

Year 6 Market Day

15/11

Swimming

PSSA Round 9

16-17/11

18/11

Stage 2 Camp - Berry

WEEK 6

19/11

Stage 2 Camp - Berry

20/11

Stage 2 Camp - Berry

21/11

Kindy Orientation

9:15-10:30am

22/11

Swimming

PSSA Round 10

23-24/11

25/11

WEEK 7

26/11 27/11 28/11 29/11

Swimming

Stage 3 Drama Production ‘Snap’

5:30pm

30/11-1/12

02/12

WEEK 8

03/12 04/12 05/12

BSIS and PNPSYear 2

Transition Day

06/12

Swimming

07-08/12

09/12

WEEK 9

10/12

Presentation Day

9:30 - 11am

11/12 12/12

Christmas Carols5pm

13/12 14-15/12

16/12

Year 6 Farewell and Graduation

Assembly

WEEK 10

17/12

Year 6Fun Day

18/12

Last day of year

for students

19/12

Staff DevelopmentDay

20/12 21/12