Pendle Hill Public School News

Dear Parents/Carers,

I am pleased to share highlights from our recent Leaders Assembly, where we celebrated the remarkable achievements of our student leaders and their contributions to our school community. It was inspiring to witness their commitment to fostering a positive environment and supporting their peers. We also took this opportunity to honour International Women's Day, recognising the significant impact women have made in our society. At our recent Staff Development Days, we listened to Jasmine Seymour read stories as part of our Acknowledgement of Country and knowledge building about local Aboriginal culture. Jasmine is a talented Dharug author and educator, known for her captivating children's books that celebrate Indigenous culture and stories. Her work inspires students to embrace their heritage and fosters a deeper understanding of Aboriginal perspectives within our school community. Her stories can be found on You Tube and are well worth listening to with your children.

We began NAPLAN testing this week and I wanted to assure you that our staff is dedicated to supporting our students through this process. We believe that NAPLAN is just one of many ways to measure student progress and learning. Our focus remains on providing a nurturing environment where all students can thrive academically and personally. Please encourage your children to do their best and remind them that doing their best is what matters. Thank you for your continued support and partnership in your child’s education.

Our Parents and Citizens (P&C) Association plays a crucial role in fostering a vibrant school community by supporting various initiatives and events. Thank you to parents and caregivers who joined us for our first meeting of the year, where we discussed upcoming projects and ways to enhance our students' educational experiences. Our commitment to work together is invaluable.

Our school, in collaboration with the P&C Association, is excited to host a working bee to prepare an area for a new yarning circle. Yarning circles are invaluable in creating a culturally inclusive space where students can engage in open dialogue, share stories, and build mutual respect and understanding. This initiative not only enriches our cultural education but also strengthens community bonds as we work together to enhance our school environment. please keep a look out for a date and time for this event.

Nicole Hogan

Relieving Principal

Term 1 2025

6.2.25 - Students return to school.

24.3.25 - Harmony Day

11.4.25 - Last day of term 1.

Changes to term dates 2025

There have been some changes to the number of school development days teachers will have for professional learning over the next few years. In primary schools we have four new curriculums to implement by the beginning of 2027. Planning for these changes require a lot of teacher professional development so teachers can understand the aims of the curriculums and effectively plan and teach using them. The additional days will support the implementation of those curriculums and effective learning for students. The new 2025 term start dates for students are listed below.

• Term 1: Thursday 6th, February
• Term 2: Wednesday 30 April
• Term 3: Tuesday 22 July
• Term 4: Tuesday 14 October

Preschool are learning about our preschool worm farm. We looked at our book and poster about the worms and are learning about the things worms like to eat. Did you know the worms don’t like chilli, onions, garlic, bread, milk, cheese or oranges. They love fruit and vegetable scraps, egg shells, tea leaves, newspaper and hair. We looked at our preschool worm farm. We had turns at looking at the worms and we saw where the worms live. Children are learning that the worm wee can be mixed with water and used to water the plants and flowers (EYLF Outcome 2). Some children held the worms while other children were happy to look.

Children are learning to collect our fruit and vegetable scraps after morning tea and lunch for the worms to eat. We will continue learning about the worms and sustainable practices in the preschool (EYLF Outcome 2).

Margaret Akamatis

Pendle Hill Public School Preschool

In June students from our school will be undertaking an education tour of Canberra, the national capital. Students will be given the opportunity to participate in a variety of educational programs with a focus on Australia’s history, culture, heritage and democracy.

The Australian Government recognises the importance of all young Australians being able to visit the national capital as part of their Civics and Citizenship education. To assist families in meeting the cost of the excursion the Australian Government is contributing funding of $30 per student under the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate program towards those costs. The rebate is paid directly to the school upon completion of the excursion.

The Zone Swimming Carnival was held on Wednesday 5th March, 2025 at Blacktown Aquatic Centre. Congratulations to our swimmers who had a successful day.

On March 7, 2025, Pendle Hill Public School students showcased their cricket and league tag skills at the PSSA Gala Day. The event brought together young athletes from various schools, promoting teamwork and sportsmanship. Students demonstrated their hard work and dedication as they competed in spirited matches throughout the day. The Gala Day not only celebrated cricket and league tag but also fostered friendships and a sense of community among participants. Pendle Hill's students represented their school with pride, making it a memorable day for everyone involved.

Ice-blocks are on sale every TUESDAY, THURSDAY and FRIDAY at lunch time. This is run by the SRC. Ice-blocks are $1.

This is the Pendle Hill Public School what's app link. Parents, grandparents carers and family members can keep up to date with the P&C meetings and brainstorm ideas for fundraising.

Pendle Hill What's App Link

Mail sent from the Stakeholder Liaison Team, Customers Systems and Operations.

Our school is a Creative and Performing Arts High School, and the school will hold auditions for talented students in Dance, Drama, Music, Visual Arts and Circus.

The auditions for Year 6 students (Year 7, 2026) and Years 8 – 11 (for placement in 2025) are now open.

Audition dates are Monday 31st March - Friday 4th April 2025

Our Open Day/Evening will be on Tuesday 11th March 2025

Talented students with a strong interest in Dance, Drama, Visual Arts, Music and Circus are encouraged to apply. Local (In Area) students wanting to be part of our selective Creative and Performing Arts program MUST also audition.

Students who gain selection into our school benefit from a range of curriculum and welfare initiatives. Our school also offers modern performance and technical production facilities, specialist teachers and a supportive whole school ethos, which promote excellence in the Creative and Performing Arts.

Many of our Creative and Performing Arts students are multi-talented and have interest in several Creative Arts areas. Our school offers a broad comprehensive curriculum and Music, Dance, Drama, Visual Arts and Circus work together under the banner of the Creative and Performing Arts.

CAPA Audition applications are to be submitted with all documentation, portfolio and video submissions online via a link on the school’s website, where parents can also register their interest.

www.northmead-h.schools.nsw.gov.au

Closing date for submissions is Monday 24th March 2025.

Should you have any further questions about the auditions, please do not hesitate to contact the school: northmead-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au

Yours sincerely

Ms Narelle Vazquez

Principal

Kind regards

June Stepic

School Administrative Officer

Northmead Creative and Performing Arts High School​

PH: 9630 4116

june.stepic@det.nsw.edu.au

See Information and Flyer Below

Dear Parents/Carers

The school has partnered with Subway Fresh to deliver healthy lunch options for your child. The menu is attached to this note and has a selection of healthy Subs, wraps, salads and drinks.

Parents are able to order lunch options for their child on

Wednesday and Friday.

Orders can only be made through Spriggy Schools. You will need to download the app and follow the instructions on the attached page. Your child's order will be delivered to our school at lunch time.

Orders will need to be placed by 10am each Wednesday and Friday. No late will be accepted.

Please note that the canteen is not open and does not sell other lunch or snack items.

Children can purchase an ice-block on TUESDAY, THURSDAY and FRIDAY at lunch time. This is run by the SRC.

We want to do all we can to be sure your child achieves their potential and enjoys being in school.

We know that school is the best place to learn. By attending school every day your child will get the most out of their learning .

Please ensure your child returns back to school for 2025 on Day One. Returning on time helps us get all children into classes quickly for a start on class programs with 2025 teachers. If you have change plans please let the office know on Day One or by posting a messageon Sentral before we return

.

A reminder that planned travel should only be taken during school holidays and students should be at school every day during school term, right from beginning to end.

As part of our school plan we are focusing on systematic and explicit vocabulary instruction in classrooms. Vocabulary knowledge is also important in the first years at school as oral language comprehension has been shown to support accurate word recognition. Vocabulary knowledge is a strong predictor of reading comprehension by Year 5, and by Year 8 it is the main predictor of success.

Read more about vocabulary instruction in the attachment.

Complete the survey (QR code) when you have read about vocabulary instruction to help our planning and for us to identify what information is useful to parents.

Shop online or at the onsite shop in the school grounds.

Shop opened every Wednesday 8.30-9.30 am

Online orders at www.exceluniforms.com.au

Order online for delivery at school

Any enquires can be made direct to Excel Uniforms

Phone 0405 506 383/Email php@exceluniforms.com.au

Please log on to the Internet and register for access to our Parent Portal where you can make payments, see notes and information and submit absences. You need a parent access key to set up an account, the office can provide you with an access key.

You can register here https://pendlehill-p.sentral.com.au/auth/portal?action=register

Once you have logged in and registered with your access key you should see the screen below where you can either make a payment, see notes or submit an absence.

On site before and afterschool care provided by Activity Centres Inc.

Ph. 0403 865 828

Cool Kids Music Co. Small Group Music Lessons at School. Enrol Now for 2024.

Parent supervision for children attending cool kids music class

Just a reminder that all students attending music classes need to have a parent with them before and during the class. There is no supervision for children waiting for class to begin at 3.30pm.

This summer, the City of Parramatta Libraries invites all children aged 16 and under to sign up for the Summer Reading Holiday Program, where they can win exciting prizes.

Dive into a world of imagination and prepare for a season brimming with creativity, captivating stories, and the chance to embark on new adventures while celebrating the joy of reading.

Pick up a brochure at your local library, or for more details, visit https://parra.city/SRHP202425

Every child has the right to a safe, happy home connected to family and community.

By opening your home and your heart to a child in need, you can help provide a child with the stability and connection to culture that they need to thrive.

For singles, couples or families, fostering can fit and enhance your current stage of life.

Whether you are able to commit to respite care on weekends or during school holidays, or care for a child on a short or long term basis, your impact will be long lasting.

Please see flyer below for registration.

The Y and Merrylands Youth Centre are collaborating and offering “Streetgym”

Streetgym is a FREE program that offers sporting activities/active sessions during the School Term followed by snacks and drinks which are provided. It is somewhat similar to ‘Fit For Life’ held at PCYC’s.

The sessions will be held every Wednesday between 2:30pm and 4:30pm at Merrylands Youth Centre located at 289 Merrylands Road, Merrylands. I will be making my way down to most sessions as well to support and encourage participation and it could be a great opportunity for young people to engage with the police for positive reasons.

I have attached a flyer for the program. If you feel it would benefit your students, please feel free to share on social media or in school newsletters etc.

Any questions or if you want to know more, please contact me via email or phone.

Have a great day!

Dean Tonkin