Guildford West Public School
NEWSLETTER - 2023, Term 2, Week 5
Principal News
Dear Parents and Carers,
It has been a busy start to the term with lots of exciting learning experiences both in and out of the classroom including: cooking ANZAC biscuits, Vietnamese rice paper rolls and healthy sandwiches in the kitchen, ANZAC Day, Walk Safely to School Day, Swim Scheme, Pirate Day, K-2 gymnastics program and 3-6 sport program including cycling and rugby.
On Friday we held our first whole-school assembly for the year. It was fantastic to see so many parents attend to see their children receive awards and join together as a school community. Each week there will be two awards given for each class, one will be a values based award which reflect the values students learn about through our Life Skills Program and the other for any student the teacher would like to recognise that week.
As we are moving into winter, I would like to remind parents to please keep your children at home if they are experiencing any cold or flu symptoms so that we can stop the spread of germs. It is also important to give them a good chance to rest and recover so that they are ready to return to school as soon as possible.
Ms Weston
Principal
Support Unit News
It has been a wonderful start to the term in the Support Unit. Students have been enjoying participating in a gymnastics program every Thursday. Students have been showing enthusiasm and an eagerness to develop their skills each week. Students engage in rotations involving developing the skills of balancing, jumping, skipping, rolling and landing. Our favourite activities have been building human pyramids, using a bar to swing and attempting handstands.
Students in the Support Unit enjoyed participating in Swim Scheme for 2 weeks this term. All students developed confidence in the water and had lots of fun while learning important water safety and survival skills.
Students have been busy in the kitchen making lots of delicious recipes. We loved baking ANZAC biscuits for our Mother’s Day gift. Through cooking lessons, students are learning about the ingredients and utensils they are using and developing skills and confidence in the kitchen.
Early Stage 1 News
Early Stage 1 had a busy start to Term 2. We learnt about the ANZAC day and created artworks to commemorate ANZAC soldiers. Kindergarten students participated in the ANZAC ceremony and sang the national anthem respectfully.
Kindergarten students enjoyed making delicious ANZAC biscuits in the Paddock to Plate kitchen for Mothers day as well as creating beautiful cards.
Early stage 1 students have been enjoying Gymnastics lessons this term. They have practised a variety of fundamental movement skills such as jumping and landing, developing upper body strength.
Kindergarten students dressed up as pirates and raised money for children with cancer. They all enjoyed being pirates as well as participating in singing and drawing activities.
Stage 1 News
Stage 1 have had a busy and exciting start to the term! Students have been working very hard in their classes and showing improvements in reading, writing and mathematics daily.
This term, students are participating in a gymnastics program which is being taught by a former Australian Olympian named Nicole Kantek. They have shown lots of enthusiasm and energy to practise a range of skills including balancing, jumping and landing. They have participated in attempting handstands, balancing on beams, building human pyramids and much more! Students look forward to these lessons each week.
Furthermore, students have been learning about the past and present in history through Walker Learning. Students have been learning about how schools have changed over time and are fascinated by how life was very different for children back in the olden days. Students have also completed writing on this topic as well.
We have had many magnificent, little chefs in the kitchen with students participating in cooking lessons. They have learnt many skills such as mixing, folding and measuring when making their ANZAC biscuits. We are looking forward to more cooking adventures this term.
Stage 2 News
Stage 2 started their term with learning about the significance of ANZAC Day in our history as part of our literacy lessons. To commemorate ANZAC Day, students respectfully participated in our whole school ANZAC service alongside respected members of our community. Students were very respectful in remembering the sacrifice made by our ANZACs. We even made ANZAC biscuits in our Paddock to Plate Kitchen to commemorate the service and sacrifice of our soldiers. It was great to see students learning how to read a recipe, use the equipment and move safely in the kitchen. It was lovely to hear that the ANZAC biscuits were enjoyed by the students’ families on Mother’s Day too.
Students in Stage 2 have continued to learn about Australian history including the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s culture. Students in all Stage 2 classes including S2 Rodda, S2 Mayor, S2 Tutt and S2 Wild created their own Acknowledgement of Country to pay our respect to the Elders, past, present and emerging and acknowledge their spiritual connection to the Country. Students will continue to broaden their knowledge about the rich history of Aboriginal people and the First Contacts through research, engaging activities as well as our upcoming excursion which we are really excited about!
Stage 3 News
This Term, Stage 3 headed into the kitchen to make delicious ANZAC biscuits. Students successfully worked cooperatively together to follow the steps of the recipe, listen to the teacher's instructions, and safely use the kitchen equipment. In addition to this, students improved their skills in softening butter, sifting flour, measuring ingredients, and creating the best texture and density. In celebration of Mother’s Day, students had the opportunity to bake these biscuits to give to someone special in their life. Not only were these biscuits made with love, but sealed with a printed recipe so students could make these biscuits at home. Happy Baking Stage 3!
Year 5 and 6 students have also been participating in a range of sport programs. Students have been selected to take part in rugby union which is being taught by the Rugby Sevens Coaches, pickleball, or cycling. Each week, students have been demonstrating increased confidence and dedication to practise agility, passing and receiving the ball, coordination, control, and balance. This opportunity has provided students with a deeper understanding of the importance of regularly staying active and building on their fundamental skills.
3-6 Swim Scheme
In weeks 2 and 3, students from Stages 2 and 3 walked to the local Guildford pools everyday to participate in the School Swimming and Water Safety Program. Each day, students engaged in a lesson about water safety strategies and then practised important swim skills in the pool. Despite the cool weather, all students displayed enthusiasm and determination throughout the lessons, and outstanding behaviour all week. By the end of the program, a whopping 92% of students could complete the longest continuous survival swim of 5 metres or more. Mr Robinson and Miss Bui had a fantastic time supervising students and can’t wait to see how students progress next year!
Walk Safely to School Day
On Monday 15th May we participated in Walk Safely to School Day. Students loved being greeted by our local police and learnt all about road safety skills. Walking to school is a great way to learn vital road safety skills and encourages healthy habits. This annual campaign encourages all primary school children as well as their parents/guardians to walk safely and regularly to school. Remember to always use the School Crossing. Children under 10 years of age must always hold an adult's hand when crossing the road.
Birthday Celebrations
We like to acknowledge birthdays at school but we cannot have a birthday party.
We ask for your cooperation in this matter. If you would like to bring in something for the students to share, please ensure:
· You speak to your child’s teachers prior to the birthday to book a suitable time and discuss any student allergies.
· Please only send individual cakes that are easy to share at school. Cupcakes, cake pops, donuts or chocolate crackles are best. Ice cream cakes are not practical and should not be sent to school. We do not recommend lolly bags as they can contain allergens. We do not use matches or knives in classrooms so we will not be able to cut cakes.
Please note that cousins and siblings (brothers and sisters) will not be able to attend. Their learning is important.
Guildford West Public School
Email: guildfordw-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au
Website: www.guildfordw-p.schools.nsw.edu.au
Location: 23-51 Palmer Street, Guildford West NSW, Australia
Phone: (02) 9632-9942
Facebook: guildfordwestps