Heights Happenings
Winston Heights PS - Term 1 Week 8 2023
β PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE β
π‘ NEW CURRICULUM PARENT INFORMATION SESSION π‘
It is with great excitement that we will be hosting a parent information session on the new K-2 English and mathematics curriculum. There will be two sessions:
Β· Tuesday 28 March 5pm - 6pm
Β· Wednesday 29 March 9am - 10am
Information sessions will be located in The Learning Hub. Please enter the school via the lollipop gate on Langdon Road. A teacher will direct you to the Learning Hub.
If you will be attending, we ask that you register your attendance.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeNalSTpOzq5Ua9GvjPqt4pz0rglpVM9_nLdmnNdEEOgOU4tA/viewform
If you have any questions regarding the information sessions, please do not hesitate to contact Sarah Kennedy or the school office on 9624 7485.
π« SCHOOL OFFICE CLOSED - MONDAY 24 APRIL π«
The Term 2 Staff Development Day is scheduled for Monday 24 April and is for staff only.
On this day, all teaching and non-teaching staff from our school will participate in the combined hills schools Staff Development Day at an off-site location. Our staff will join teachers and admin staff from eight local primary and high schools for a day of professional learning.
The school office will be CLOSED on this day. There will be no staff on site to answer calls or respond to emails. Our admin team will endeavour to read school emails and pass them on to staff at their earliest convenience.
π₯ β½ WINTER PSSA ππ
What is PSSA?
PSSA stands for the Primary Schools Sports Association.
Schools across Sydney and NSW are organised into zone groups. Winston Heights Public School is part of the Castle Hill PSSA (CHPSSA) competition group.
https://castlehill.primarysport.com.au/
The CHPSSA zone covers 18 schools - Baulkham Hills North Public School, Beaumont Hills Public School, Bella Vista Public School, Carlingford West Public School, Castle Hill Public School, Crestwood Public School, Excelsior Public School, Glenhaven Public School, Jasper Road Public School, Kellyville Public School, Matthew Pearce Public School, Murray Farm Public School, North Rocks Public School, Northmead Public School, Samuel Gilbert Public School, Sherwood Ridge Public School, Winston Heights Public School, and Winston Hills Public School.
CHPSSA is associated with Sydney West School Sport Association.
https://app.education.nsw.gov.au/sport/sydney-west
Winter PSSA
Term 2 and Winter PSSA is fast approaching, with trials being held in Week 8 and 9. Students are able to trial for the following teams:
- Netball - junior and senior
- Boys Soccer - junior and senior
- Girls Soccer - junior and senior
- AFL - junior and senior
- Newcomb Ball - junior and senior
How are PSSA teams selected?
All students from Years 3 to 6 are able to trial for a PSSA sport.
Students who are selected to represent Winston Heights PS in a PSSA team will demonstrate the following:
- display ability and skill
- exhibit good sportsmanship, cooperation, and a positive attitude, not only during trials, but in all school settings
- display respectful, responsible, and safe behaviour toward staff, students and visitors at all times
Students who are not part of a PSSA team will have the opportunity to participate in tennis coaching lessons (paid for by parents) or school sport (no fee involved) every Friday.
What are the Responsibilities of a PSSA Representatives?
At Winston Heights Public School we believe it is a privilege to represent our school and want to ensure that sport is enjoyable for all participants. Selected students will need to uphold the following requirements for representing our school:
- Wear the full Winston Heights PS sports uniform (including blue school hat) at all times.
- While on the field/court, play by the rules, respect the referees decision, be a good sport, cooperate with your coach, teammates and opponents.
- Wear all and any mandatory protective equipment as specified by the NSW sporting bodies.
- Represent Winston Heights Public School to the best of their ability (displaying exemplary safe, respectful and responsible behaviour both at school and when representing the school).
- While on the bus, be respectful towards the driver, teachers and peers, and remain seated, and facing forward at all times.
Any breach of these expectations will see selected students miss competitive sport. Further breaches may result in a student being withdrawn from a PSSA team.
Thank you for your continued support and understanding. If you have any questions regarding PSSA or sport, please contact the school office and someone will respond as soon as possible.
π¦ COVID-SMART SETTINGS AND ADVICE FOR FAMILIES π¦
COVID-smart settings for schools have been developed and updated in close consultation with NSW Health. To find the most up-to-date information, please follow the link below.
https://education.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/advice-for-families
COVID-smart settings in schools fact sheet for parents and carers including translations
For an easy-to-read summary of our COVID-smart measures continuing in schools this term, refer to the NSW Government's COVID-smart settings fact sheet for parents and carers. You can also access and download the fact sheet in 36 community languages.
Change to isolation requirements
Following the National Cabinet announcement in late 2022, people who test positive to COVID-19 do not need to isolate. In line with this announcement, the NSW Department of Education has worked with NSW Health to support all schools to adapt to this change while continuing to prioritise student and staff wellbeing by minimising the risk of COVID-19 transmissions.
Students and staff should continue to stay home when sick
Students, staff and visitors should only attend school when they are symptom free. We strongly encourage all students, staff and visitors to follow the guidance issued by NSW Health . We will continue to send home students or staff displaying symptoms.
Anyone who believes they have been exposed to COVID-19 is strongly recommended to monitor for symptoms and test if they have any concerns, as well as wear a mask. We will continue to support our families to use rapid antigen tests (RATs) if symptomatic or if you believe you have been exposed to COVID-19. RAT testing may help identify the infection early and is important if you are in contact with people at greater risk of serious illness if exposed to COVID-19.
Masks
Masks are an effective way of minimising the transmission of respiratory diseases.
Masks are particularly encouraged for people who believe they have been exposed to COVID-19 .
Testing for COVID-19
Staff and students should stay home if they are unwell. If COVID-19 symptoms occur, your child should undertake a rapid antigen test (RAT).
The department has advised schools to maintain appropriate levels of RAT supplies to support symptomatic testing.
- If a student is unwell and has any COVID-19 symptoms , even the mildest of symptoms, they should always test for COVID-19.
- If the test comes back negative for COVID-19, the student should still not return to school until either:
- The student no longer has any symptoms, or
- A medical certificate is provided to the school confirming that symptoms are explained by another diagnosis (such as hay fever)
For positive COVID-19 cases
If there is a positive case in your childβs class, year or other grouping, your child can continue to attend school in line with NSW Health advice.
If a student or staff member receives a positive RAT or PCR test, they should:
- record the positive result, if a RAT was taken, through the Service NSW website or Service NSW app β please add details of your child's school or early childhood education centre when prompted.
- notify the school of the positive RAT or PCR test result as soon as possible.
Negative results do not need to be reported to Service NSW or to the school.
Staff and students may use the RAT kits supplied to them by their school. If you require additional RAT kits for your child, please get in touch with your schoolβs front office who can provide or organise additional kits.
Schools will continue to inform their community when there is a positive case in the school and guide families based on NSW Health advice, including monitoring for symptoms.
For more information, including COVID-19 guidelines and fact sheets, refer to People who tested positive or were exposed to COVID-19 .
π DRIVING & PARKING SAFELY AROUND OUR SCHOOL π
Driving and parking safely
The beginning and end of the school day are busy times for pedestrians and drivers outside schools.
For the safety of our students and families, please ensure you park and drive safely around our school and in the school zone:
- drop your child off and pick them up on the school side of the road
- never call out to them from across the road - it is very dangerous
- always take extra care in 40km school zones
- follow all parking signs - these help keep your child as safe as possible
- park responsibly even if it means you have to walk further to the school gate
- never double park - it is illegal and puts children at risk
- never do a U-turn or a three point turn outside the school as it puts children at risk of harm
- model safe and considerate pedestrian and driver behaviours to your child
- always give way to pedestrians, particularly when entering and leaving driveways.
School Zones
School zones operate from 8-9.30am and from 2.30-4pm Monday to Friday during school terms.
What are school zones?
School zones are in place outside every school in NSW and the ACT to keep children safe during school travel times. They are marked by school zone road signs, flashing lights and dragonβs teeth road markings. There is a 40km/h speed limit within each school zone and heavy penalties for motorists who drive over the speed limit or break other school zone laws.
School zones also include designated drop-off and pick-up areas to allow parents and carers a safe environment to take children to and from school by car. Many school zones also have school crossing supervisors in place to help students use crossings on roads adjacent to or nearby schools.
Most school zones operate from 8:00am to 9.30am and from 2.30pm to 4pm on gazetted school days (including school development days) in NSW.
What else do I need to know about driving in school zones?
Children are small, harder to see, behave unpredictably and are extremely vulnerable. They need you to take extra care when driving and parking around school zones.
- Observe No Parking Signs: You have 2 minutes to drop-off or pick up. You must stay within 3 metres of your vehicle. Failure to observe these rules can get you a $196 fine and 2 demerit points.
- Observe No Stopping signs: Do not stop for any reason. The first 10m from an intersection is a No Stopping zone. Yellow kerb lines are also no stopping zones. Failing to observe these rules can get you a $352 fine and 2 demerit points.
- Pedestrian Crossings: In a queue of traffic, no part of your vehicle can stop on a pedestrian crossing. It is unsafe to let your child out of a vehicle at a pedestrian crossing as this is a No Stopping zone. Failure to observe these rules can get you a $469 fine and 2 demerit points.
- Driveways and Footpaths: do no park on or across a driveway or footpath. Failure to observe these rules can get you a $352 fine and 2 demerit points.
- Double Parking: Double parking is illegal and very dangerous in a school zone and will get you a fine of $352 and 2 demerit points.
- U turns: Illegal U turns in a school zone are dangerous and will get you a fine of $352 and 2 demerit points.
When travelling to or from school
1. Follow the Road Rules and signs - They are there to help provide a safe environment. No one is exempt from following the Road Rules.
2. Do not expect to park close to your school - Set-down and pick-up times at schools are busy. Quite often, simply taking away the expectation of parking as close as possible to your school will bring you immediate stress relief and less anxiety. Plan on parking slightly further away from the school and walking to the classroom. Use this time to talk about the day with your child. It is advised to hold your childβs hand up to the age of at least 8 years old and closely supervise until at least the age of 10.
3. Know the Parking Restrictions around your school - Go to your school during a quiet time of the day or a weekend. Take your time to walk around and look at the road signs that are around your school. Become familiar as to where you are legally able to stop and park. This may also show you other alternative parking spaces that you can choose during busy setdown and pick-up times at your school.
Remember: Road safety is the responsibility of all road users. Look out for your fellow road users, take your time and donβt rush. Donβt put others at risk by performing illegal turns or by parking illegally. Remind your child when crossing the road to always: STOP! one step back from the kerb LOOK! continuously both ways LISTEN! for the sounds of approaching traffic THINK! is it safe to cross.
π Park legally in school zones to keep our students safe π
π DOES YOUR CHILD GO HOME BY BUS? π
Does your child catch a bus home after school?
We are noticing increasing numbers of students catching a bus home after school on some afternoons.
Students who catch bus 2563 are required to wait for the bus on the opposite side of Langdon Road to the school. This bus is often late and we encourage parents and carers to have a conversation with their child/ren about appropriate behaviour when waiting for and travelling on the bus.
The Student Code of Conduct when travelling exists to ensure students travel safely and show respect for others. It can be found at https://transportnsw.info/student-code-conduct
Students must follow regulations when travelling between home and school using public transport. All students must behave in a manner that ensures both their comfort and safety and that of other passengers.
Buses - Code of conduct for school students
Behaviour on buses:
- Use appropriate language not offensive or racist language
- Fighting, spitting, feet on seats, throwing things in or from the bus is not permitted
- No eating or drinking (other than water) - unless for medical reasons or the bus operator gives written permission.
- Offer seats to adults including people with a disability, elderly or expectant mothers
- Do not push or shove other people
- Do not bully or harass other passengers or the driver
- Avoid attracting the attention of the driver except in the case of emergency
- Do not play music at such volume that it may distract the bus driver or other passengers.
Safety on and near buses:
- Obey reasonable directions from the driver (for example, where to sit or to remain in the bus)
- Remain in your seat - do not move around the bus unnecessarily
- If standing, remain behind the front passenger seat and always keep a secure hand hold
- Keep bags and other items clear of the aisle
- Do not allow any part of your body to protrude out of the bus at any time
- Wait for the bus in a quiet and orderly manner - including at bus interchanges
- Stand away from the roadside until the bus comes to a complete stop
- Allow other passengers to leave the bus before stepping onto the bus in a single line
- Wait until the bus stops before moving to get off the bus at your designated stop
- Cross the road where and when it's safe to do so, use crossings/traffic lights where available.
Legal considerations on buses:
- Wear the seat belt properly adjusted and fastened, if one is available
- Obey the law that bans smoking on buses
- Ensure that buses are not vandalised - report any damage, graffiti and window etching, to the driver
- Do not interfere with bus property, equipment and signage
- Do not leave rubbish on the bus, or at bus stops or interchanges.
Use your school travel pass or School Opal card correctly:
Β· Carry your School Pass during all school-related travel.
Β· Use your School Travel Pass only for its intended purpose.
Β· Keep your School Travel Pass for your own use. Do not lend your School Travel Pass to other students or borrow one from them.
Β· Show travel passes or tickets to the driver on boarding and to Authorised Revenue Protection Officers, NSW Police Officers or bus company representatives when requested
Β· If issued with a School Opal card, students must always tap on when you board or tap off when you arrive at your stop, station or wharf.
Safety on and around buses - Transport for NSW and Safety Town
The Agent Walker: Operation Safe Transit bus safety video was produced for school students in Years 5 and 6, who are starting to gain independence, and their teachers, parents and carers.
Follow this link https://www.safetytown.com.au/town/student/stage-3/#list to view the list of resources for Stage 3 students and families.
There are a few things to consider when travelling by bus. Scroll down the page to find the video titled βSafety on and around busesβ. Watch the video to see how Agent Walker deals with the situations.
SNAP SEND SOLVE - REPORT PARKING OFFENCES TO THE COUNCIL
Being a community legend has never been easier!
Spotted an issue in your community like graffiti, illegal parking, dumped rubbish, trip hazards or abandoned trolleys? Time to get Snapping!
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Weβve made reporting quick and easy which means when you see an issue while youβre out, you can let the responsible authority know with only a few taps. Become a community legend and download Snap Send Solve today.
Snap Send Solve works on both iOS and Android devices and is available to download for free on both the App Store and Google Play.
You can also make an online report at https://reports.snapsendsolve.com
REPORT CRIME INFORMATION ONLINE - police.nsw.gov.au
Help keep our community safe by reporting crime information online (including dangerous driving) to NSW Police, by click on the following link https://www1.police.nsw.gov.au/mobile/cs.aspx
β LEARNING SNAPSHOT - 5O IN THE STUDIO β
Last week I visited The Studio to see what Stage 3 have been learning during RFF lessons with Mrs Menon. The classroom was buzzing with excitement and creativity as students proudly showed me their digital artwork creations. I was most impressed with our students ability to:
- open a new PowerPoint presentation
- save their artwork in a specified location and using an appropriate file name
- use a variety of tools (shape, line, drawing, fill) to create their artwork
- group and ungroup shapes
- align shapes and objects
- experiment with a variety of tools and options
I think we definitely have some budding digital artists at Winston Heights PS!
Another fabulous fortnight at Winston Heights.
Stay tuned ... I'll highlight another learning snapshot in every edition of our newsletter.
Mrs Terri Bullock
Principal
ππ NEWS FROM OUR LIBRARY ππ
Congratulations!
Congratulations to all of our 2023 Library Monitors who received their badges at the 3-6 assembly last week. They have already been involved this term in βlunchtimes in the libraryβ every Wednesday and Thursday. During this time they have helped to create a safe and happy place for students to play or learn a new game, read a book together and draw.
As a Library Monitor their duties are varied. They are relied upon by the Librarian to assist in the following everyday tasks:-
- Circulation desk β borrowing and returning library books
- Assisting students to locate books or resources
- Reshelving books to the correct location
- Helping students log in to the PRC and record their books
- Distribution of Book Club brochures and orders
- Ensuring the Library space is left in a clean and tidy manner after lunchtime duty
- Sharpening pencils and general maintenance of library books and equipment
The Library Monitors have also been hard at work βweedingβ a few old resources and learning about library procedures of the past. The little yellow envelope glued into the back of these books has caused quite a stir with plenty of discussion around why they were there and what they were used for.
There is always something to do at the moment as we work together to make some minor changes.
Premier Reading Challenge
The Premier Reading Challenge is well on its way now with 127 students already registered to participate. Remember, everyone from Years 1 to 6 can register their reading online using their own Department of Education Log in details. These have been sent home again in Week 8 just in case the original note was misplaced. If you or your child are still unsure what to do, please encourage them to come to the Library on Wednesday or Thursday lunchtime where our Library Monitors will be able to show them. Kindergarten are all registered this year with their reading log being updated with the books that we read together during our library lesson.
Two students have already completed the challenge! Once this happens, a copy of the PRC reading log will be sent home to be signed by a parent or carer. When returned, their reading log will be βvalidatedβ with the studentβs name appearing in our newsletter as well as receiving a PRC bookmark.
βYou can find magic wherever you look. Sit back and relax all you need is a book!β β Dr. Seuss
So letβs get reading WHPS and find your own magic!
Kerrie Pennell
Teacher Librarian
Well done to these PBL Award winners who have been Safe, Respectful & Responsible Learners:
K-2 PBL award winners : Wing & Allegra
3-6 PBL award winners : Wil & Stacey
βββ ASSEMBLY SUPERSTARS βββ
Week 7 Award Recipients
KT : Harvey, Soren, Bethany & Elliiot
1K : Will, Aria, Mgo, Emmi
1T : Poppy, Ava, Ari, Viraj
2G :
2M : Donny, Owen, Ariana & Arvin
Library : 1K & Delilah
Studio : 1T & Elliot
Mrs Hall : Olivia
Week 8 Award Recipients
3N : Payton, Bronte, Adam & Shadi
4H : Stella, Jake, Hayley & Jack
4E : Liam, Bodhi, Jacob & Neerav
5O : Hannah, Hailey, Aashna & Irene
5P : Oliver, Raphael, Sienna & Dean
6B : Brianna, Violet & Ethan
6S :Eve, Leyton, Connor & Sophia
Library : 3C & Nolan
Studio : 5O & Ebba
Performance Band Badges for Year 5
House Captains delivering the weekly PSSA reports
π― FROM THE OFFICE π―
Last Friday we sent home via email (and hard copy) our Annual school fees. Thank you to those families who have already paid. If you did not receive an email with a link for payment please contact the office so we can resend it to you. Our school fees include subscriptions for the students to use at school and at home. To ensure continuous activity please ensure fees are paid by the due date 19 April 2023. If you are facing financial difficulty, please contact the office on 9624 7485 to discuss options available to you, including a payment plan and extension to time.
FEES NOW DUE:
- Stewart House Donation Drive - Return envelopes to Office by 30th April 2023
- School Fees
- Year 6 Jacket - $70
- Recorder Group - $14
Payments can still be made via cash or EFT at the Office.
Other News
- Come in and check out the P&C Easter raffle prizes in the Office foyer.
Mrs Leverton, Mrs Calvar and Miss Griffin
π DATES FOR YOUR DIARY π
TERM 1 - 2023
March 2023
Thur 23 - K-2 Assembly (Performance Band playing)
Sat 25 - Election Day BBQ & Cake Stall
Mon 27 - P&C meeting and AGM (all welcome)
Wed 29 - Harmony Day
Thur 30 - Teddy Bears Picnic
Thur 30 - 3-6 Assembly & Red Badges presented @ 2pm
Fri 31 - Cross Country Carnival
April 2023
Mon 3 - Hot Cross Bun Fundraiser
Tues 4 - Cross Country Back Up Date
Thur 6 - Easter Hat Parade
Thur 6 - Last Day Term 1
Fri 7 - Good Friday
Term 2 - 2023
April 2023
Tues 25 - ANZAC Day Public Holiday
Wed 26 - Students Return for Term 2
Wed 26 - ANZAC Day service (Performance Band playing)
May 2023
Tues 2 - Motiv8 athletics (every Tuesday in Term 2)
Thur 4 - Selective High School Placement Test
Fri 5 - Winter PSSA
Thu 11 - Mother's Day Stall
Thur 18 - CHPSSA Cross Country
Mon 22 - Tues 23 - Band Camp
π 2023 TERM DATES π
Term 1 - Tuesday 31 January to Thursday 6 April 2023
Term 2 - Wednesday 26 April to Friday 30 June 2023
Term 3 - Tuesday 18 July to Friday 22 September 2023
Term 4 - Monday 9 October to Monday 18 December 2023
Please note:
- 27 January, 30 January, 24 April, 17 July, 18, 19 December 2023 are staff development days. These days are for staff-only.
- Dates and events advertised above may be subject to change.
- Further information will be sent home closer to the events being held.
ππ₯ͺ CANTEEN NEWS π₯π§
Coming Soon at the Canteen:
- Harmony Day @ the canteen - Wednesday 29 March
- Easter Hot Cross Bun Morning Tea - Monday 3 April
- Spriggy Schools will replace Flexischools from Term 2 for online ordering at the canteen
π’ P&C NEWS π’
NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM)
The P&C meeting, to be held on the Monday 27 March from 7pm, will also be our Annual General Meeting (AGM). All parents, carers and community members are invited to attend. During this AGM all positions on the P&C committee will be made vacant. All P&C executive and committee roles will be open for re-election at the AGM including President, Secretary, Treasurer, Vice President, and Junior Vice President. A list and description of these roles is provided on the Winston Heights Website.
If you are interested in nominating for any of these roles, please email us at president@winstonheightspandc.com. Our current committee executive team are happy to answer questions you may have about the roles.
Winston Heights Public School P&C Association is on Facebook!
Upcoming P&C Events
Term 1
25 March β Election Day BBQ
27 March β Annual General Meeting (AGM) at 7pm
29 March β Harmony Day @ The Canteen
3 April - Hot Cross Bun Day @ The Canteen
5 April β Easter Raffle
Term 2
11 May β Motherβs Day Stall
24 June β Trivia Night
π¨ COMMUNITY NOTICES π¨
PARKING LEGALLY IN SCHOOL ZONES
A message from City of Parramatta Counci - Some common road rules are often overlooked during busy school pick-up and drop-off times. Please read the information below to help raise awareness of these road rules.
SNAP SEND SOLVE
Being a community legend has never been easier!
Spotted an issue in your community like graffiti, illegal parking, dumped rubbish, trip hazards or abandoned trolleys? Time to get Snapping!
Snap Send Solve is the free app that simplifies the reporting of community issues across Australia and New Zealand.
Weβve made reporting quick and easy which means when you see an issue while youβre out, you can let the responsible authority know with only a few taps. Become a community legend and download Snap Send Solve today.
Snap Send Solve works on both iOS and Android devices and is available to download for free on both the App Store and Google Play.
Note that some older versions of iOS and Android are not supported.
You can also submit reports via the Snap Send Solve reporting website, report from your desktop below.