Hillsborough Herald
Term 2 Week 8 2022
Principal's Report
Dear Parents and Carers,
Star Struck
As I write this fortnight's newsletter, I am interrupted by the excited messages from Mrs Dubojski and Mr Scott who are waiting in the wings at Star Struck for our students to begin their first performance. What a whirlwind this has been for our students, staff and families. Finally, all of the rehearsals, costume fittings, hair and make up and nervous energy are about to be put into practice for thousands of audience members to enjoy. I wish I was there! Luckily for me, I get to be apart of the action tomorrow night.
I must extend my sincere thanks to Mr Scott and Mrs Dubojski for their work with our students. These events never just "happen", there is an incredible amount of work that goes on behind the scenes, often in the teacher's own time. They truly are "Iconic".
Many thanks also to our parents who are transporting students to and from rehearsals and to the shows. It is quite an undertaking and we are so grateful to you for all of the support you have shown our teachers and our students.
Finally, a huge T H A N K Y O U to our amazing students who have been so wonderful at every rehearsal. They have demonstrated through their actions that they are respectful, responsible and ready to learn in every setting.
Athletics Carnival
On Tuesday, 14 June we had our annual Athletics Carnival at the Blue Track in Newcastle. This event was organised by Mr Hanson, Mr Boatfield and Mrs Mullan. To say that the day was a huge success is an understatement. It was an absolutely tremendous day of athleticism, sportsmanship and fun!
This email was sent to all staff by Mr Hanson at the conclusion of the carnival and it really sums up the day beautifully:
"At the beginning of the day, I said to all of our students to do three things. They were show great sportsmanship, cheer on your friends and other students from different houses and to most of all just have fun. I feel it is pretty safe to say that our students did just that! 😄
While we do have some talented athletes at our school, the thing I love most about our Athletics carnivals is seeing students having a go and being acknowledged for it. I didn't get to see all of the students and their events, however I did see the huge smiles that students had when they were all competing in the 800m race. You couldn't have wiped their smiles off if you tried your hardest. They each had a loud cheer squad supporting them to get over the line and its probably a moment that they will never forget."
How wonderful!
Thank you to the parents that assisted in the canteen or at various events throughout the day. We value your support greatly.
It was so pleasing to hear that Alan, the man that manages the track, was so impressed with our school and our students. He expressed that HPS is one of the best schools to work with. High praise considering that Alan assists around 84 schools host their carnivals every year. Well done Hillsborough!
Ribbons for this event will be handed out early in Term 3. Parents will be notified when this will take place.
Staffing
I am thrilled to welcome Mrs Renee Wells to our school. Mrs Wells is teaching 5/6D while Miss Doosey is on long service leave. Mrs Wells brings a wealth of teaching experience to the school as a Head Teacher Mathematics and trained HSIE teacher. This is so beneficial for our senior students who get to ask lots of questions about high school from a real live high school teacher.
I am also delighted to report that Mrs Miller will be relieving as principal from 20 July to 12 August while I am on Long Service Leave. Mrs Miller is looking forward to taking on this role with the support of the entire executive team.
Attendance
Attendance at school every day is incredibly important. Small amounts of time away from school adds up quickly and can result in students feeling disconnected from learning and their friends.
We understand that children who are unwell need to stay home to recover. We also understand that we ask students who are exhibiting any cold and flu symptoms to stay at home while they are symptomatic. It is therefore even more important to ensure that every day your child is well that they are on time and at school.
Lessons for all students commence promptly at 9am. Students arriving after this time are marked as a partial absence and this is reported on each semester's academic report.
We ask all families to ensure that absences are accounted for by sending a note to the classroom teacher, responding to the SMS notification, submitting an absent notification on the Sentral for Parents App or telephoning school.
If we can assist in any way with ensuring positive attendance for you child, please do not hesitate to contact the school.
Wishing you all a wonderful week ahead.
Cassie Bate-Barnier, Principal
Uniforms
I have recently been asked by members of our community to clarify our current uniform expectations, particularly concerning the boys winter uniform.
Boys are required to wear grey shorts or long grey pants Monday through to Thursday and green shorts or pants on Friday (sport day). Boys can elect to wear grey tracksuit pants through the week, as the weather is quite cold.
The Uniform Shop is able to source grey tracksuit pants should families wish to purchase them through the school. School uniforms are purchased through our Uniform shop which is proudly managed by P&C volunteers. Orders can be placed online through the My School Connect App: https://myschoolconnect.com.au/.
eSafety Commissioner Parent Information
Screen Time
How much it too much?
There is no magic figure. The right amount of screen time can depend on a range of factors like your child’s age and maturity, the kind of content they are consuming, their learning needs and your family routine.
It can be easy to focus only on the clock, but the quality and nature of what they are doing online, and your involvement, are just as important.
Consider your child’s screen use in the context of their overall health and wellbeing. For example, is online time getting in the way of their sleep and exercise? Is it impacting on their face-to-face connections with family and friends? The answers to these questions will guide you and help strike the right balance of online and offline activities for your child.
HPS Parliament
Teams Day Fundraiser
Thank you to our HPS community for your support of the Teams Day Fundraiser. Our school raised $381.50 for the Mark Hughes Foundation.
Disco Fun
Many thanks to all of the teachers who gave their time to supervise the students and show off their own special dance moves.
Thanks also to our P&C for organising a delicious sausage sizzle and fun glow products on the night.
Special thanks to our own DJ Jake for making the night such a huge success!
PBL Update - Term 2 Rewards Day
It is time to celebrate the positive behaviours displayed by students in Term 2! We will be holding our PBL reward day on Friday, 1 July (Week 10, last day of term).
Staff and students continue to work together to build a positive environment, where each and every person is valued and supported. PBL data shows by setting high behaviour expectations, we have significantly and positively increased student social and emotional wellbeing.
The Term 2 reward day will be a silent disco and a delicious hot chocolate. Students will be able to dance along to their favourite songs and afterwards have a yummy hot chocolate. Full cream milk , lactose free milk and soy milk will be available.
On this reward day, students can wear out of uniform and bring along with them a plastic REUSABLE cup (for a drink).
There is no cost to families. If your child is unable to drink full cream milk please make contact with your class teacher to be offered an alternative.
Students identified as not being successful this term in achieving attendance at the reward day, will be advised by Mrs Bate-Barnier. Families of these students will be provided details individually.
This is a fantastic opportunity for students to celebrate their achievement. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the office on 4943 5695 or email at hillsboro-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au.
Premiers Reading Challenge
Below are the answers to the most Frequently asked Questions (FAQs)
Our NSW Premier supports student reading by endorsing certificates of achievement for reading.
Students achieve success when they read a certain number of books from the PRC list
https://online.det.nsw.edu.au/prc/booklist/home.html
Some of the PRC books are available from the school library, others are available from Charlestown and Lake Macquarie libraries.
https://www.lakemac.com.au/Venues/Charlestown-Library
* Books read since Monday 28 February 2022 to Friday 19 August 2022 can be added.
* K-2 Challenge: you can read books on your own, read them with someone else, or someone can read them to you.
* Older students must read books on your own, but someone can help you choose them.
* Books read in class count, as do books read at home.
* Where to add the books?
Click into Personal Reading Log and record by title and author.
* Rules about series?
In an approved series, any THREE books from the series can be read as part of official PRC reading. Extras read will use the Personal Choice books - up to five.
* How long do we have?
Students (or parents) can start to enter the books onto the website until August 19.
* Which Log in do we use?
On the PRC website homepage, click on the NEW STUDENT SITE image.
https://online.det.nsw.edu.au/prc/studentExperience.html#/
It will take you to the PRC student site.
Then click on LOGIN in the top right hand corner. This will take you to the NSW Department of Education portal login page, students need to enter their username and password here:
Quality Work Award Winners - Week 6 & 8
Kindy
H Collins, Eve E, Shaylee L and Asher S
1/2M
Maddie R, Silas B, Bobby R and Maylea S
1/2S
Novak S, Milla G, Olivia F and Savannah H
3/4H
Jasmine R, Stella M, Tayla A and Charlotte A
3/4M
Hunter J, Bonnie W, Coda B and Sinead R
4/5D
Brock S, Evie-May M, Zara P and Mason W
5/6B
Jacob H, Nate G, Aria B and Scarlett C
5/6D
Samuel D, Sidney P, Leighton A and Beau L
LaST
Marley H, Rylan G
Mrs B
Carter M and Sienna C
Dates for Your Diary
Upcoming Events
- Friday 17 and Saturday 18 June Star Struck
- Monday 20 June - NNSW FUTSAL State Competition
- Tuesday 28 June - Premier's Debate Round 4
- Thursday 30 June - NAIDOC Day Celebrations
- Friday 1 July - PBL Rewards Day
- Monday 18 July - Staff Development Day
- Tuesday 19 July - Students Return Term 3
- Wednesday 31 & Thursday 1 September - Stage 2 Overnight Excursion
- Monday 7 November to Wednesday 9 November - Stage 3 Dubbo Excursion
Notes Sent Home
Cultural Dance Naidoc Celebrations - Due Tuesday 21 June
Cardiff Community of Schools Naidoc Celebrations - Due Tuesday 21 June
Starstruck Matinee and Evening Performance Note
NNSW FUTSAL Junior State Competition Note - Due Friday 17 June
Premier's Debate Round 4 - Due Tuesday 22
Contact Us
Email: hillsboro-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au
Website: https://hillsboro-p.schools.nsw.gov.au/
Location: 83 Waratah Avenue, Charlestown NSW, Australia
Phone: 02 49435695
Facebook: facebook.com/HillsboroughPS