Be Responsible. Be Respectful. Strive for Success.

Normanhurst News

Term 4 Week 4 7 November 2018

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Principal’s Report

Dear Parents and Carers,

Premier’s Spelling Bee

Last Friday I had the pleasure of attending the Junior Division of the Premier’s Spelling Bee State Final, in

which Julian N was competing. Participants had progressed through school and regional finals to represent at

this level and competitors came from schools from all over New South Wales. Julian was extremely impressive

in this competition, progressing through several rounds of increasingly difficult words that saw many other

participants eliminated. Julian finished in the top third of the 50 competitors and we are very proud of his result.

Julian received a special award and prize pack on the day, presented by the NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian.

School Captains visit to Parliament House

On Thursday our School Captains, Charlotte E and Darcy M, visited NSW Parliament House with other school

leaders from the Ku-ring-gai electorate to participate in a tour and morning tea. This visit was organised by our

local state member, Mr Alister Henskens. We received lovely feedback from the Parliament House staff on the

exceptional manner in which our Captains conducted themselves at this event.

DATE EVENT

Fridays

Swimming 9.30 a.m. 2B, 2I, 2M 10.15 a.m. 3M, 3P 11.00 a.m. 3/4W, 4G 11.45 a.m. 5S, 5M 12.30 p.m. 6M, 6D

Wednesday 28 - 30 November Milson Island Camp – Yrs 5 & 6

NOTES SENT HOME

Wednesday 31 October Obstacle-a-thon – Whole School Monday 5 November Schools Spectacular Audition 2019 – Selected Students

Email: normanhurs-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au Website: www.normanhurs-p.schools.nsw.edu.au

Phone: 9489 1152 Fax: 9489 3257

Be Responsible. Be Respectful. Strive for Success.

Public Speaking

At last week’s Years 3-6 Assembly, Anna M presented a speech on: “The

consequence of our desire to stay connected via our devices will be our downfall”.

This was a speech Anna had prepared for a public speaking competition. It is a

thought-provoking topic and Anna did an excellent job of considering key issues that

relate to it, as well as demonstrating her exemplary public speaking skills.

Electronic permission note trial

This term we are trialling a new feature on our School app that enables permission

notes to be returned electronically. We will conduct this trial with the Obstacle-a-thon

permission note as this note needs to be returned for all students. This note was distributed last week. You can

elect to either return the paper permission note as per the usual process, or to go into the “e-Forms” section of

our app and complete the permission section electronically. This will enable us to see how effective this

process is and if any issues need to be resolved prior to implementing electronic permission notes more

broadly next year.

Staffing

As with most Department of Education schools, our staff is comprised of both permanent and temporary staff.

Staffing is overseen by the Human Resources Directorate of the Department. Each school receives a staffing

allocation based on student numbers and this staffing allocation is filled through permanent staff members. We

do not know out final staffing allocation for each year until after census date, which occurs in February.

Temporary positions only exist in circumstances such as where a temporary staff member is replacing a

permanent staff member on leave, where student numbers have increased and the position is filled in the

interim with a temporary staff member or where the temporary staff member may be employed through

integration or equity funding such as our EAL/D teacher Ms Jones or our School Learning Support Officers Ms

Dougall, Ms Lawrence and Ms Blunt. Thus, each year the number of temporary positions we have varies.

Where temporary staff members are seeking permanent employment, their supervisor and I support them in

doing so. This often includes providing advice on application preparation or interview technique, acting as a

referee, and ensuring they have opportunities to develop their skills at our school to make them attractive in a

merit selection process. The staff at Normanhurst PS is fortunate in being able to participate in a range of

innovative, evidence-based professional learning that makes their knowledge and skills sought after.

Congratulations Ms Pogainis

Following from the above, we are thrilled to announce that Ms Pogainis has been appointed to a permanent

position at another local Department of Education school, commencing in 2019. Ms Pogainis has been a

temporary teacher at our school for a number of years, fulfilling various roles including Learning and Support

Teacher, Year 1 teacher and Year 3 teacher. She has also taken on a number of extra-curricular roles and

contributed much to our school. Whilst we would have loved Ms Pogainis to remain at Normanhurst PS and

would certainly have offered her a temporary position for 2019 should one be available, we have supported her

to gain permanent employment. We trust that the school community will join with the staff in celebrating the fact

that Ms Pogainis will now be a permanent staff member with the Department of Education.

Be Responsible. Be Respectful. Strive for Success.

2019 Planning

This term we are planning for 2019 classes. To assist in this process, it is most helpful if we have accurate

student numbers. If your child will not be returning to Normanhurst Public School in 2019, please send written

advice of this to me as soon as possible.

If you have particular information related to your child’s 2019 placement of which you feel we need to be aware,

please put this in writing (letter or email) addressed to myself and ensure I receive it prior to Friday 16

November at the absolute latest. Please note that changes will not be made after classes are formed so if you

have any information you wish to be considered we need to be advised of it now. If you have submitted such

requests in the past, you will need to re-submit these for 2019. It is also important that the information is

received in writing and directed to me, as verbal requests to class teachers will not be considered.

Please note, this is not a process to request specific teachers. Assumptions should also not be made that

teachers will necessarily be teaching the same year level in 2019 as they have previously. All of our teachers

are qualified to teach K-6 and allocations are made based on preferences teachers submit to me and the

overall effective operation of the school.

The written requests we do receive prior to the deadline will be considered when forming classes for next year.

However, in the context of many factors needing to be addressed, we cannot necessarily meet all requests.

Selective High School Applications

Last term I distributed information to all Year 5 students regarding the Selective High School application

process. Please remember that all applications must be completed by Monday 12 November. No late

applications can be accepted. The online application can be accessed at https://education.nsw.gov.au/public-

schools/selective-high-schools-and-opportunity-classes/year-7. Please also remember to return the note

indicating that you intend to apply so that school assessment scores can be prepared.

Positive Behaviour for Learning

During this fortnight all classes are revising expectations for transitions between classrooms and the

playground and between classrooms and other spaces such as the library, computer room or hall. The Week 3

recipients of our PBL draw were Carl C and Liam S.

Merit Certificates

Congratulations to the following students who received a merit certificate at last week’s assembly:

Kind regards,

Amber Gorrell

Principal

For Being Responsible Chace L 3P Taj W 5S Chelsea M 3M Luke P 5/6M Joanna C 3/4W Sera F 6D Lila K 4G

For Being Respectful

Mandana A 3P Corey M 5S

Amanda T 3M Rosie L 5/6M

Julian N 3/4W Busby T 6D

Josh P 4G

For Striving for Success Jordan D 3P Lachlan D 5S Anuk R 3M Liam H 5/6M Zoe K 3/4W Anna M 6D Eloise O 4G

Be Responsible. Be Respectful. Strive for Success.

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Year 6 Mini Fete White Elephant Stall

With the Year 6 Mini Fete fast approaching we are seeking donations for the

White Elephant stall. Please have a look for any toys, games, books etc. that

you no longer need and may like to donate. Any items you wish to donate to

the White Elephant stall can be sent to Ms De Palo or Ms Moore before

Monday 3 December. All profits from the White Elephant Stall go towards the

Year 6 gift to the school.

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ICAS MATHEMATICS

High Distinction

Hugo K

Distinction

Olivia M

Joey L

Ben Y

Patrick R

Yool K

Arjun C

Jeremy H

Nathan S

Annie Z

Jocelyn Williams

ICAS Coordinator

________________________________________________________________________________________ NPS Annual School Chess Tournament Normanhurst Public School’s Chess Tournament will be held between 9.00a.m. – 12.30p.m. on Wednesday 14

November 2018. This tournament is run and adjudicated by chess coaches from the Sydney Academy of

Chess. The tournament is open to all students at Normanhurst Public School who know how to play

chess. Trophies will be awarded for the highest three scorers and medals will be presented as age prizes. All

tournament participants will receive a participation certificate and the overall winner of this tournament will be

awarded the perpetual chess trophy on Presentation Day.

To enter the tournament students must register and pay online via the Sydney Academy of Chess website

(please see details below). The cost to enter the tournament is $17.50. Please register and pay for the

tournament no later than Monday 12 November 2018.

Please confirm your child’s enrolment in the chess tournament by emailing the school office

normanhurs-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au

Thank you

Carolyn Spender

Chess Coordinator

Be Responsible. Be Respectful. Strive for Success.

Be Responsible. Be Respectful. Strive for Success.

________________________________________________________________________________________

P&C News

16 November 2018 Obstacle-a-thon

This week, we are asking you, what would you like to see at our school?

Term 4 is the time to start our planning and budgeting for next year and our P & C committee welcomes your

ideas.

In last week’s newsletter, I spoke a little about open communication and to do this, I’ve placed a suggestion box

in the main office for your thoughts on improvements to our school grounds, activities, equipment, initiatives

and educational aids that P & C might be involved in funding or coordinating for our school.

In coming weeks, we can collate these ideas and put to vote for inclusion in our budget for the 2019 year at our

next P & C meeting in Week 8. Some great ideas have already come forward and I can’t wait to publish some

of these ideas in the coming newsletters.

We are still on the hunt for a Secretary for our committee and some volunteers for the Uniform Shop sub-

committee. Please contact me by email at president@npspandc.com.au if you would like to be involved, no

experience necessary, we welcome your input.

We are on the countdown now for the Obstacle-a-thon at the end of next week, please ensure you’ve returned

your child’s permission slip so they can participate in this fabulous event.

www.npspandc.com

http://www.facebook.com/NormanhurstPublicPC

Melissa Logan P&C President _______________________________________________________________________________________

Canteen News

I just wanted to say “Hi!” and introduce myself as your new Canteen Co-ordinator (replacing Ruth Archer who

has held the position for the last three years). Ruth has done a wonderful job and during her time the Canteen

has gone from strength to strength; along with Lisa’s advice the Menu has improved whilst remaining compliant

with Department “health requirements”, and with the trading days (this year) changing to Wednesday to Friday,

this has improved our bottom line with less wastage and better consistency of orders. So I guess I have big

shoes to fill but I’d like to take the time on behalf of us all to thank Ruth for her dedication to our school

community.

Joining me in my Canteen Committee will be Jeanne Riordan and Kerri Wickenden so thank you to you ladies

for nominating yourselves to be on my team!

Canteen Volunteer Vacancies

Do you enjoy seeing the smile on your little one’s face when they peer over the counter and see you there?? Or

the surprise when your child’s friends walk past and wave madly at you??!! Please see the Volunteer Roster

available in School 24 to sign yourself up if you can spare a few hours here or there on a Wednesday,

Thursday or Friday. The Canteen cannot be successfully run without voluntary Parent help. Vacant timeslots

left to fill (over the next two weeks) are:

● Friday 9 November - 9.30 a.m. - 1.30 p.m.

Be Responsible. Be Respectful. Strive for Success.

● Friday 9 November - 11.00 a.m. - 1.30 p.m.

● Wednesday 14 November - 9.00 a.m. - 10.00 a.m.

● Wednesday 14 November - 11.00 a.m. - 1.30 p.m.

● Thursday 15 November - 9.00 a.m. - 10.00 a.m.

● Friday 16 November - 9.00 a.m. - 10.00 a.m.

● Friday 16 November - 9.30 a.m. - 1.30 p.m.

● Friday 16 November - 11.00 a.m. - 1.30 p.m.

You can find these rosters at www.school24.net.au (using your regular sign-in.) Don’t forget you will also

receive a coffee voucher to say “Thank you” for your time. If these times don’t suit, but you are available at

other times, please let us know, we can work something out.

As your new Canteen Co-ordinator I hope to be able to continue the great work Ruth has done and I would love

to hear from anyone who might have some bright new ideas about fundraiser days, menu recommendations

and anything related to improving the Canteen experience really, so if you would like to contact me please

email me at canteencommittee@npspandc.com

I look forward to hearing from you.

Cheers

Bonita Chan

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P&C Social and Fundraising Friday 16 November – Obstacle-a-thon

This is Normanhurst’s version of the Colour Run – only bigger, better and for our students in Years 2 to 6

wetter! This is our last major fundraiser for 2018 and we are hoping to exceed our fundraising target of $10K.

All money raised from our major fundraisers enable the P&C to previously contribute to funding new

playgrounds, a class set of iPads, reader and maths sets and hopefully in the future robotics equipment and

other items which enhance all our children’s learning environment. So many great prizes on offer this year –

Individual prizes for the highest fundraiser in each class

Highest fundraising individuals (top 10) will receive a catered lunch in the staff room

Highest fundraising class will receive a class party sponsored by the P&C

Highest fundraising individual overall with receive a ticket to Sydney’s Wet n Wild!

Your child’s permission note and sponsorship form need to be returned to allow your child to participate and to

be in the running for these and other fabulous prizes. Thank you to all those who have already given so

generously.

Emma Veale

emmav77@optusnet.com.au 0410 440 664

Be Responsible. Be Respectful. Strive for Success.

___________________________________________________________________________________

NPS Band News Term 4 Parent Band Roster for Weeks 4 and 5:

Thursday 8 Nov Concert Band 7.20 – 8.40 Michelle Thomas

Thursday 8 Nov Training Band 12.50 – 2.00 Roger Symonds

Friday 9 Nov Intermediate Band 12.50 – 2.00 Dong Zhai

Monday 12 Nov Training Band 7.20 – 8.40 Kam Austine

Monday 12 Nov Concert Band NO BAND – BLOW TEST

Wednesday 14 Nov Intermediate Band 7.20 – 8.40 Andrea Ukovic

Thursday 15 Nov Concert Band 7.20 – 8.40 Jason Ives

Thursday 15 Nov Training Band 12.50 – 2.00 Mahendra Ranaweera

Friday 16 Nov Intermediate Band 12.50 – 2.00 Sun Hee Hong

Would you like your children to learn Spanish?

We are assessing the possibility of offering Spanish lessons before or after school at Normanhurst Public School starting in Term 1 of 2019. If you would like your child to attend, please send your expression of interest to Ms. Kyra at spanishconnectaustralia@gmail.com.

Be Responsible. Be Respectful. Strive for Success.

Be Responsible. Be Respectful. Strive for Success.

Be Responsible. Be Respectful. Strive for Success.

Be Responsible. Be Respectful. Strive for Success.

Be Responsible. Be Respectful. Strive for Success.

Normanhurst Public School Term 4 Calendar - 2018

MON TUES WED THURS FRI SAT SUN

WEEK 1

15 OCT

16 OCT

17 OCT

18 OCT

Swimming Commences

19 OCT

20 OCT

21 OCT

WEEK 2

BAND AGM 8.00 P.M.

22 OCT

23 OCT

School Tour 9.15 a.m.

24 OCT

K-2 ASSEMBLY 25 OCT

Swimming Day BANDANA DAY

Staff Appreciation

Dinner 7.00 p.m.

26 OCT

27 OCT

28 OCT

WEEK 3

P&C Meeting 7.30 p.m. AGM

29 OCT

STAGE 2 SCIENCE

INCURSION (IN HALL ALL DAY)

30 OCT

SRC Meeting

31 OCT

3-6 ASSEMBLY MUSIC COUNT

US IN Band Info Night

1 NOV

Swimming Day

2 NOV

3 NOV

4 NOV

WEEK 4

5 NOV

YEAR 2 EXCURSION

SCHOOL HOUSE

6 NOV

YEAR 1 EXCURSION

SCHOOL HOUSE

7 NOV

K-6 ASSEMBLY KINDY 2019 TRANSITION MORNING

9.15-11 A.M. 8 NOV

Swimming Day

9 NOV

10 NOV

11 NOV

WEEK 5

12 NOV

KINDY 2019 TRANSITION

MORNING 9.15-11 A.M.

13 NOV

SCHOOL CHESS TOURNAMENT

14 NOV

K-2 ASSEMBLY NORMAN-

HURST BOYS HIGH SCHOOL

VISIT 15 NOV

Swimming Day Obstacle-A-

thon Band Showcase

16 NOV

17 NOV

BAND MOVIE FUNDRAISER –

HORNSBY

18 NOV

WEEK 6

KINDY 2019 TRANSITION MORNING

9.15-11 A.M.

19 NOV

STAGE 2 INCURSION:

LESSONS AFLOAT

20 NOV

STAGE 3 INTERRELATE THANK YOU

MORNING TEA

21 NOV

3-6 ASSEMBLY STAGE 3

INTERRELATE

22 NOV

Swimming Day

23 NOV

Working Bee

WARATAH 2 – 5 p.m.

24 NOV

25 NOV

WEEK 7

LEADER SPEECHES GIRLS

KT,KR,K/1V PANTOMIME

26 NOV

LEADER SPEECHES BOYS

27 NOV

STAGE 3 CAMP

28 NOV

NO ASSEMBLY STAGE 3 CAMP

29 NOV

No Swimming STAGE 3 CAMP

1G/1K/1B PANTOMIME

30 NOV

1 DEC

2 DEC

WEEK 8

STAGE 3 INTERRELATE P&C MEETING

7.30PM

3 DEC

2B/2I/2M PANTOMIME

4 DEC

School Tour 9.15 a.m.

5 DEC

NO ASSEMBLY YEAR 6 MINI-

FETE

6 DEC

Swimming Day

7 DEC

8 DEC

9 DEC

WEEK 9

10 DEC

CAROLS NIGHT

11 DEC

XMAS

SCRIPTURE SERVICE

12 DEC

PRESENTATION DAY

13 DEC

Last week of Swimming

BAND

BREAKFAST

14 DEC

15 DEC

16 DEC

WEEK 10

YEAR 6 FAREWELL Reports home to

parents

17 DEC

TALENT QUEST

18 DEC

LAST DAY FOR STUDENTS

19 DEC

STAFF DEVELOPMENT

DAY

20 DEC

STAFF DEVELOPMENT

DAY

21 DEC

22 DEC

23 DEC