PENSHURST WEST NEWS
Penshurst West Public School
Welcome to Term 3!
I would like to welcome everyone back to what is shaping up to be a busy term already!
The Executive Team have been working on updating the look of our newsletter, as well as ensuring the information delivered is accurate and beneficial to our school community. Please continue to give us feedback as this is the best way for us to meet the needs of our community.
I look forward to seeing you all at the numerous school events we have over the upcoming fortnight.
Mrs Sarafoski
Acting Principal
Parent Teacher Interviews
Just a reminder that it is Parent-Teacher Interview week this week. This term we trialled a new online booking system and feedback was positive from both parents and teachers. If you haven't made a time to see your child's teacher, please do so. It is an important time for us to discuss your child's achievements and learning goals for the future.
Staffing News
As you all know, Mrs Jenkins is now the Principal of Sylvania Heights Public School. Until a Principal is appointed to our school, the position will be filled by myself (weeks 1-3), Mrs O'Brien (weeks 4-6) and Mr Ackerman (weeks 7-10). During term 3, Miss Leece will be a relieving Assistant Principal. Please feel free to see either of us with any matters you may wish to discuss.
NAIDOC Week
This week we celebrated NAIDOC week at school. NAIDOC Week celebrations are held across Australia each July to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Mrs O'Brien organised some fantastic activities, including petition writing (this years theme), Aboriginal dance and art, all which were culminated in a whole school assembly on Thursday. I felt very proud listening to our students sing the National Anthem in traditional Aboriginal language. Thank you to Mr James Wilson-Miller for also contributing to our NAIDOC activities, Terry Olsen "Uncle Terry" who taught the children some Aboriginal dances and to Becky Beetson for her Aboriginal art activities.
Athletics Carnival
Unfortunately, we have had to postpone our Athletics Carnival twice due to wet or inclement weather. Years 3-6 will (hopefully!) hold the track events on Thursday 25 July at Old's Park, while years K-2 will run their carnival at the school on the same day. Fingers crossed for great weather!
Education Week
Week 3 marks Education Week in all Public Schools. The theme for this year is 'Celebrating our stories' - an opportunity for schools to document and share their proudest moments. During Education week, our creative arts groups will perform at Hurstville Westfield on Monday, 29 July. Join us on Tuesday, 30 July for our Art Show and Open Day.
Art Show
Our little artists and their teachers have been very busy creating amazing artworks for our biannual art show! "Art Through the Ages" will see our school converted to an Art Gallery that every student has contributed to. See you at the show on Tuesday, 30 July (11.45-12.30 and 3.30-5.00).
Gold & Silver Awards
Congratulations to the following award recipients:
Beth E, Youssef S, Riana H, Victoria H, Abdulla K, Jason L, Lomi S, Mary C, Jazmin H,
Andrew H, Yuvraj M, Amish P
Gold:
Maya A, Samantha H, Deborah H, Youssef S, Lomi S
Resiliency
We are very pleased to be implementing a new program in our classes called 'MindUP'. It is a classroom based program which focuses on developing resiliency in our children. Research has shown that children who participate in this program enhance their learning potential and their ability to empathise, as well as decrease their anxiety levels. Thank you to Mrs Lopes who has prepared the program for the school. We will also include information in our newsletter outlining what we are doing at school and what you can do at home.
Enrolling now for Kindy 2014
We are now taking enrolments for Kindergarten 2014. If you have any children who will be starting Kindy next year, or know of any family or friends who are ready to enrol, please see our office staff for enrolment forms. It is important that this is done promptly to ensure participation in our Orientation and Kindy Start programs.
Tell your friends and family what a wonderful school we really are!
Official Facebook Page
We now have an official facebook page administered by the school, authorised by the Department of Education. Find us at https://www.facebook.com/#!/PenshurstWestPublicSchool or by looking for our page name: Penshurst West Public School - NSW DEC.
Tuesday 23rd July
SPAF Junior Choir Rehearsal
Monday 22nd-Friday 26 July
Parent Teacher Interview Week
Wednesday 24th July
Year 6 GRIN High School Visits
Thursday 25th July
Athletics Carnival
Friday 26th July
PSSA Round 6
Monday 29th July
Hurstville Westfield Performance - Performing Arts Groups
11.45am-12.30pm
Tuesday 30th July
School Open Day and Art Show (3.30-5pm)
Wednesday 31st July
ICAS English Competition
Friday 2nd August
PSSA Round 7