Phone: 9971 8352 Fax: 9982 5617 Email: wheelerhts-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au

Website: wheelerhts-p.schools.nsw.gov.au

Welcome back! It has been so lovely seeing our parents back on site at pick up and drop off time. Thank you so much for ensuring that you are maintaining the 1.5m social distancing requirements and also not staying on site for extended periods. The students have developed strong independence skills around entering and exiting school, so it has also been great to see how many families have continued with the current arrangements. We will continue to monitor how things are going and make adjustments as necessary to ensure that we are both compliant with the NSW Health guidelines and also working in the best interest of our whole school community. Last week the executive engaged in two full days of planning for our new Strategic Improvement Plan. The plan is coming together well and we believe clearly reflects the feedback that we have received from teachers, parents and students. Our second P&C evening of the term is on next Monday at 7pm and I’m looking forward to seeing some of you there. The guidelines around social distancing and the 2 square metre ruling are still in place, which means that we need to limit numbers to 30. If you would like to attend, please let the P&C secretary know. As you are aware there has been some easing of restrictions and updating of COVID-19 guidelines. Unfortunately, not all is quite as simple as it might appear in the media. Whilst it has been stated that large community events can take place, what they don’t always mention is that many of the previous restrictions still need to be adhered to. For example, social distancing, where possible everyone is seated, no mixing of groups, sharing of food etc. Unfortunately, this means that the much anticipated Welcome Picnic is still on hold. However, it does look promising for our K-2 Easter Hat parade, with certain restrictions. More information will be sent out shortly. At this stage we will definitely be able to hold our Kindy 2022 information evening, open mornings and school tours. These will be starting in Term 2. One sad bit of news this week is that I recently had a call from one of our neighbours in Veterans Parade. Unfortunately, they reported that a small number of our students were regularly playing on their wall, going through their garden but most disturbingly had damaged their treasured palm tree. Please can I ask all parents to keep an eye on where their children are when they are walking to and from school and also to remind them about appropriate behaviour. Thank you.

This week the leadership team have surveyed the students to find out what qualities they look for in their school leaders. These are some of the characteristics they came up with. The leadership team also asked for suggestions of what activities the school would like to see their school captains and prefects leading. The team have come up with a number of exciting initiatives – watch this space! Simone Rizzuto Principal

FROM THE OFFICE K-2 parents - Extra clothing Parents with students in grades Kindergarten, Year 1 and Year 2, please provide a spare set of underwear in your child’s school bag to be used in case of toileting accidents. If your child is given a spare uniform due to an accident, a letter will be sent home requesting the return of the cleaned uniform.

Jodie Sly School Administration Manager

Acknowledgement of Country This land is so special because our ancestors took care of it in the past, they do now and will

hopefully in the future. Our beloved and not forgotten Aboriginal leaders and ancestors have shared their stories down the ages. With high hopes let us look after our land and have a bright, rich future.

Taya F – Year 4

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Thursday 11 March 2021

2021 DATES

Mon 15 Mar Syd Nth Swimming Carnival

Wed 17 Mar Harmony Day Celebration

Thurs 18 March Yr 7 2022 PCS Extension Test

Mon 22 March – Thurs 1 April Parent Teacher Interviews

Thurs 25 March Halogen Young Leaders Conference

Thurs 1 April K-2 & Y6 Buddies Easter Hat Parade TBC Thurs 1 April Last Day of Term 1 Term 2 Tues 20 April - Fri 25 Jun Term 3 Tues 13 July - Fri 17 Sept Term 4 Tues 5 Oct - Thurs 16 Dec

Mrs Wright’s Wrap Up

PARENT/TEACHER INTERVIEWS

We will be holding Parent/Teacher Interviews in Weeks 9 and 10 this term. Interviews will take place in your child’s classroom.

Bookings will be opened on Monday 16 March at midday.

You will need to book your interview online at:

https://www.schoolinterviews.com.au and the code is 9yssw

Parent/Teacher interviews are an important aspect of a child’s learning as they provide an opportunity for communication and the building of relationships. You as parents, can find out more about your child’s academic, emotional and social development at school. Similarly, you can share information and help your child’s teachers understand more about your child. This allows parents and teachers to make plans about how you can both support your child in their learning journey. Going to parent-teacher interviews also shows your child that you are interested in their learning and life at school.

You can prepare for interviews by thinking about what you want to discuss with the teacher, as well as any questions about your child’s progress.

Please note that each booking is for 15 minutes. Teachers attempt to stick to this time limit to ensure people are not waiting for long periods for their appointment. Please be prompt for your interview and allow the teacher to finish within the 15 minute time frame. If a longer appointment is required this will need to be organised for another time. Thank you for your understanding and support.

TELL THEM FROM ME STUDENT FEEDBACK SURVEY (TERM 1, 2021) – YEARS 4-6 ONLY This term, our school, like other public schools in the state, will participate in a Department of Education initiative: the Tell Them From Me student feedback survey. The survey measures factors that are known to affect academic achievement and other student outcomes. The focus of the NSW-wide survey is on student wellbeing, engagement and effective teaching practices. The survey is a great opportunity for our students to provide us with valuable and quick feedback on what they think about school life, how engaged they are with school and the different ways that teachers interact with them. Capturing the voices of our students will help improve how we do things at our school. I want to assure you that the survey is confidential. The survey is conducted online and will typically take less than 30 minutes to complete. It will be administered during school hours between 22 March and 30 April. Participating in the survey is entirely voluntary. A consent form and information for parents/carers about the survey was emailed earlier today. If you do not want your child or children to participate, please return the form to school by 19 March 2021. More information about the survey and the research is available at https://education.nsw.gov.au/student-wellbeing/tell-them-from-me/information-for-parents-and-carers

Mrs Priscilla Wright Assistant Principal Instructional Leader

HARMONY DAY

WHPS will be celebrating Harmony Day on Wednesday 17 March. Students can participate by choosing one of the options below:

1) Culturally appropriate mufti/heritage outfit. Kids can wear a garment or outfit significant to their cultural heritage.

2) Wear a colour found on a flag that has significance to their cultural background.

3) Bring in a symbol or artefact of cultural significance and share with the class on Harmony day.

It is a day of cultural respect for everyone who calls Australia home – from the traditional owners of this land to those who have come from many countries around the world. By participating in Harmony Day activities, we can learn and understand how all Australians from diverse backgrounds equally belong to this nation and enrich it. Year 2 Teachers

PAUL KELLY CUP Last Tuesday, Mr Jolly and Mrs Smith accompanied two very enthusiastic AFL teams to participate in the Paul Kelly Cup at Nolan Reserve. This was the first year we had a girls team in the competition due to increased interest. Only a handful of the boys had played before too so it was going to be a great day of learning and fun for all. Both boys and girls teams played 4 games and each team had a successful day with 2 wins and 2 losses. It was a steep learning curve with none of the girls having ever played in a Paul Kelly Cup competition. Their skills and confidence increased with every game. They developed their understanding of the rules and played their best. There were some fantastic marks taken and amazing kicks for goal as well. Excellent tackling and defence were on display during all games. The girls should be commended on their outstanding sportsmanship and interactions with the other teams. It was great to hear many of the girls remarking that they look forward to playing again next year.

The boys were so pumped for a day of footy. They developed a greater understanding of the rules throughout the tournament and their skills and teamwork improved dramatically by the final and toughest game of the day. There were some impressive kicks and magnificent marks made throughout the day. The boys showed poise and restraint when tackling and were always there to help their team mates out when extra men in defence were needed. It was great to hear encouragement and team talk which really lifted the players during the games. Although the rain added the extra challenges of a slippery ball and sloshy field, both teams embraced it as it added to the fun! A great day was had by all. Well done boys and girls, you did Wheeler Heights Public school proud. Mr Jolly and Mrs Smith

Paul Kelly Cup Coaches

SPORTS NEWS PSSA On Friday 5 March, Wheeler Heights students began their PSSA season full of optimism and excitement. After trialling, training and trying their personal best for a number of weeks, it was finally time to put their skills to the test against Bilgola Plateau Public School. Below you can find a table of the results, including MVP’s. Each week, we will have more detailed match reports from different sports. This week we will be highlighting cricket. In girls’ cricket the juniors performed admirably in a sprinkler interrupted 50 - 21 win. A superb achievement considering that for many it was their first ever game. A special mention to this week’s MVP Lilly W for excellent batting and bowling. The seniors also demonstrated ‘The Wheeler Way’ and were fantastic representatives of the school in a 50 - 35 loss. Macy M and Mali K were this week’s MVP’s for being supportive and helpful members of the team. As the boys’ cricket teams graced the hallowed turf of Plateau Park, the COVID interrupted 2020 season was a mere distant memory. Most of the juniors had their first game of PSSA ever, performing remarkably well in a 165-125 loss. A special mention to this week’s MVP James G for some fantastic catching. The senior team started their campaign off with a fantastic 10 wicket win over Bilgola. We restricted them to 6-39 off 11 overs and we reached 0-49 off 8 overs, passing their total after only 6 overs. A huge mention to the MVP Aiden N for some fantastic bowling. Next week we play Elanora Heights and we look forward to some fantastic games and results.

Sport Score Result MVP

Jnr Boys Cricket 165 - 125 Loss James G - Great catching

Snr Boys Cricket 49 - 39 Win Aiden N - Fantastic bowling

Jnr Girls Cricket 43 - 20 Win Lilly W - Awesome batting and bowling

Snr Girls Cricket 50 - 35 Loss Macy M and Mali K for being super supportive

Snr Boys Softball 10 - 4 Win Harry S - Great hitting in his first game

Snr Girls Softball 6 - 3 Win Kirra B - Great catching and batting

Jnr Boys T-Ball 5 - 3 Win River Z - Enthusiastic start to the season and displaying good sportsmanship

Jnr Girls T-Ball 5 - 5 Draw Kessia A - Great contributions in batting and fielding

Jnr Boys Tag 5 - 4 Win Tom R - Fantastic effort all game

Snr Boys Tag 6 - 1 Win Jayden R - Great tagging

Jnr Girls Tag 4 - 2 Win Lily N - Doing her personal best on the field

Snr Girls Tag 4 - 1 Win Amber P - Being a great all-round player

Personal Best – Rugby League A huge congratulations to all the students who trialled and a special mention to the following two students who qualified for the Manly/Pittwater Rugby League team on Thursday 4 March:

- Archie H - Jayden R

Both boys showcased great skill and determination to be selected and should be very proud of their efforts. The boys received their Pittwater Zone representative patch at this week’s Stage assemblies. We are all very proud of them and wish them luck in the next trial.

2021 Carnival Dates

Carnival Date

Sydney North Swimming Monday 15 March

WHPS Cross Country TBC

Pittwater Zone Cross Country Wednesday 26 May

Sydney North Cross Country Friday 4 June

WHPS Athletics Thursday 5 August

Pittwater Zone Athletics TBC

Sydney North Athletics Monday 6 September

Pittwater Zone Trials PSSA Zone trials are for older students who excel in a particular sport. They must have several years of club/representative experience. We are asked to send a maximum 2-3 students for each sport. Successful students must be able to commit to training and future trial sessions. Please note:

- Expressing interest in a trial does not guarantee selection. Mr James and Mr Bennett will consult with the relevant coaches. - Due to the competitive nature of these trials we are asked by the convenors to send only the outstanding players for each sport.

Therefore, many schools do not send any students for certain sports. - You will need to include details of your child’s ability (years’ experience and representative teams). Notes will be sent home to

students selected to trial. Upcoming Trials

Sport Trial Date Cut-Off Date/Conditions

Sydney North AFL Tuesday 16 March Players must qualify for Pittwater team. Cut-off date Friday 5 March

Sub-Regional Boys Cricket Tuesday 16 March Players must qualify for Pittwater team. Pittwater Trial took place on Monday 15 February.

Sydney North Boys Cricket Monday 22 March Players must qualify for Sub-regional team.

Sydney North Rugby League Wednesday 24 March Players must qualify for sub-regional team. Cut-off date Friday 5 March

Sydney North Girls Cricket Monday 29 March Cut-off date Wednesday 3 March

Manly/Pittwater Boys Soccer TBC Players must qualify for the 3 available WHPS spots. A trial was held at lunch on Wednesday 10 March.

Sydney North Boys Soccer Tuesday 30 March Players must qualify for the Manly/Pittwater team

Pittwater Boys Softball TBC Cut-off date TBC

Manly/Pittwater Rugby Union TBC Cut-off date TBC

Pittwater Netball Wednesday 31 March Friday 19 March

The full list of trials can be found on: https://app.education.nsw.gov.au/sport/Calendar/TermCalendar?t=250&a=8&sp=&el=0&et=&act=&st=2,8,3,5,4&pl=true&par=false&dis=true&se=true&nep=true&nes=true&ml=False&vat=true&vaw=false&vad=false Please email the school if your child is interested in trialling for Pittwater Zone/Sydney North teams. The school will inform students when we receive more information about upcoming trials. Keeping up to date If you would like further information about sport at the school, zone, region or state level, please use the following apps/websites.

• WHPS Sport – Flexischools app, school website and school newsletter.

• Pittwater Zone Sport – Team app. Sign up to the website/app and search for ‘Pittwater PSSA’ https://www.teamapp.com/?_detail=v1

• Sydney North PSSA – Website https://app.education.nsw.gov.au/sport/SydneyNorth

• NSW PSSA – Website https://app.education.nsw.gov.au/sport/NSWPSSA

Good luck to all our students who will be trialling and competing over the next few weeks. Yours in sport, Mr James

THE WHEELER WAY Another example of the wonderful Wheeler community spirit! It was such a delight to receive this email yesterday. Two of our fabulous students doing their bit and volunteering to help clean up our local environment as part of ‘Clean Up Australia Day’. Well done Lucy and Angus, we are very proud of you and the wonderful, responsible citizens you are becoming. Thanks to mum Emma for sharing the photo.

Simone Rizzuto Principal

MESSAGES FROM THE P&C P&C MEETING Our next monthly P&C meeting will be held at the school this Monday 15 March at 7pm in the library. We welcome everyone to join but given COVID restrictions we are limited in numbers so please register if you would like to attend by emailing secretary@whps-pandc.org Amanda Petersen Secretary Wheeler Heights Public School Parents and Citizens Association

CANTEEN NEWS We have now been given the go ahead to allow volunteers back into the canteen. We have set up a schedule on the ‘Sign Up’ app for

those wanting to help at the canteen. It is the same system that has been used in the past.

Volunteers can go to signup.com to create a log in and choose the dates that suit them. We have split the time between two options of

either 9:30am-11:30am or 11:30am-1:30pm.

Details for the signup app:

User name: whpscanteen@gmail.com Password: whpscanteen2020

Please note our email address has changed to canteen@whps-pandc.org - please update your records accordingly.

Tracey and Heidi

Canteen supervisors

COMMUNITY NEWS