Heights Happenings
Winston Heights PS - Term 4 Week 2 2024
We acknowledge the First Nations people of Australia, The Darug people, as the ongoing owners of the land on which we play and learn.
Winston Heights PS Vision Statement
Winston Heights Public School is committed to the pursuit of excellence and the provision of high quality educational opportunities for every child. Through collaborative and collegial practice, we seek to provide a rich learning environment that inspires, challenges and supports students to "Learn, Communicate and Grow" in order to become successful, confident and creative individuals and respectful, responsible citizens. Every student is known, valued, cared and planned for in our inclusive school community. We are committed to working in partnership with all stakeholders to promote continual school improvement and excellence.
⭐ PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE ⭐
As we step into Term 4, we are thrilled to welcome everyone back to another exciting season of learning and growth! The energy in our school is palpable, and it’s clear that our students are eager to dive back into their studies and reconnect with their friends. There’s nothing quite like the joy of being back at school, where friendships flourish, ideas spark, and memories are made!
Over the past two weeks, our school has been buzzing with activity. From engaging classroom lessons to fun outdoor play, our students have truly embraced the spirit of learning and camaraderie. It’s heartwarming to see their smiles and hear their laughter as they explore new concepts and share moments of joy with their peers.
We invite you to check out our Facebook page, where you can catch a glimpse of all the wonderful happenings at Winston Heights PS. From classroom highlights to special events, our page is a great way to stay connected and celebrate our vibrant school community.
- Maths with 4N
- Year 6 soccer clinics with the Western Sydney Wanders
- Year 6 dance rehearsals for their end of year events
- 3-6 assembly award recipients
- Students playing during playtime
- Kindy maths learning in the sandpit
- Year 4 busting a move during dance lessons
- K-2 assembly award recipients
- Band performing at our K-2 assembly
- Maths with 5G
- Learning in the library with 4N
- 2D maths with 3B
- Borrowing fun in the library
- Keyboard students rehearsing for their end of year presentation night
- PSSA softball and Tball
Here’s to a fantastic Term 4 filled with learning, laughter, and unforgettable experiences! Let’s make it one to remember!
🏫💙❤ ORDERING COMMEMORATIVE POLO SHIRTS ❤💙🏫
We are thrilled to commemorate the celebration of our school's 50th anniversary in 2025 with a special ‘Celebrating 50 Years’ polo shirt that is available for all students to purchase!
Following feedback from the parent, student, and staff uniform review surveys, it was clear that the enthusiasm for a commemorative polo shirt was strong. At the end of Term 3, our students and staff were presented with different polo shirt designs, and were asked to vote for their favourite design. We are pleased to announce that 79% of students and staff voted for the design shown below.
The chosen polo shirt features the school logo, along with the words 'Celebrating 50 years 1975-2025'. The cost of the polo shirt is $30.
Students will have the opportunity to proudly wear their commemorative polo shirts on sports days in 2025 and on sports days in all subsequent years.
Information about how to order a polo shirt will be emailed to all parents later this week.
Samples of the polo shirt will be available in the coming days for your child to try on at the school office. This may help ensure you choose the best size for your child. The sample sizes available are:
- Children’s sizes - 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14
- Adult sizes - S, M, L
We encourage you and your child to try on the samples so that you can make an informed decision when placing your order. Ordering a commemorative polo shirt is a one-off opportunity, so please keep in mind that these shirts cannot be re-ordered throughout 2025. Please consider your child's growth and height when making your size choice.
Please note - Orders must be placed and paid for by Wednesday 27 November. Unfortunately, if you indicate you would like to order a polo shirt and payment is not made by Wednesday 27 November, then your order will not proceed.
We anticipate delivery of the polo shirts very early in Term 1 2025. Polo shirts will be distributed as soon as they arrive.
Year 6 2025 parents - the commemorative polo shirt will not replace the Year 6 polo shirt - this option will still be provided to families and students. Information about ordering Year 6 polo shirts for 2025 will be shared with parents soon.
We are looking forward to celebrating this milestone with the entire school community, and we thank you for your ongoing support.
SCHOOL ORGANISATION FOR 2025 - CLASS REQUESTS
As we start to prepare for the upcoming school year, next term our dedicated staff will begin to work on the intricate process of organising school and class structures for 2025.
We understand the importance of ensuring that every student's needs are met to create a supportive and enriching learning environment. Therefore, we encourage parents and carers to share any information they believe should be taken into consideration during the class formation process for the upcoming year. This may include details about medical conditions, student wellbeing, requests for specific student separations, or any other factors that you feel could impact your child's learning experience. If you have forwarded class request considerations in previous years, you are requested to forward them to me again this year to ensure these are taken into consideration.
Please be aware that while we value your input, requests for placement with specific teachers or students cannot be guaranteed due to the complexity of class formation and school organisation.
To ensure that your input is considered, we kindly ask parents to submit their requests in writing or via email to me by Friday 1 November. This will allow our teachers and executive team sufficient time to consider your requests as they work on forming classes.
While we strive to accommodate requests wherever possible, the complexity of class formation means that we may not always be able to fulfil every request. Therefore, we advise that any requests received after the deadline of Friday 1 November may face challenges in being accommodated.
Your partnership and collaboration are truly valued as we work together to create a positive and supportive learning environment for all our students.
🧸 HELP WANTED! DO YOU KNOW A GRAPHIC DESIGNER? 🧸
The school had been working with a graphic designer to redesign and modernise Winston Bear, and design Heidi Bear. Unfortunately we didn’t get there with what we had visioned.
We are now searching for a new graphic designer. If you know of anyone who may be able to assist the school to design Winston Bear and Heidi Bear, could you please pass on their contact details to Mrs Bullock. Your help with this is greatly appreciated.
⭐⭐⭐🤩 CHECK OUT THIS WOW WORK - 3M 🤩⭐⭐⭐
Our amazing Year 3 students have been diving into the captivating world of Rowan of Rin! After reading this thrilling adventure, they channelled their creativity into stunning artwork inspired by the fearsome dragon that left the people of Rin without water for days.
But beware—the dragon's eye is watching!
Join me in acknowledging the adventurous spirit and imaginative talents of our 3M students as they bring this incredible story to life through their art.
As we wrap up another wonderful fortnight, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for the warmth and enthusiasm that makes our school such a special place. It’s been inspiring to see our students diving into their learning and supporting one another as they grow.
I am particularly excited to welcome our Kindy 2025 students and their families as we kick off our Kindy Orientation program this week. This is a fantastic opportunity for our new families to connect with our school community and for our incoming little learners to experience the joy and excitement that comes with being part of Winston Heights PS.
Let’s embrace this time of new beginnings and continue to support each other as we create a nurturing environment for our children. I look forward to seeing our community grow and flourish!
Warmest wishes,
Mrs Terri Bullock
Principal
🐛🍎📚 LIBRARY NEWS 📚🍎🐛
🎃🎃Halloween Hits WHPS Library 🎃🎃
Layana is keen to find out what is lurking in the deep, dark forest
My new assistant in the library - Mr Skelly Ton
Molly, Charlie and Hayley are getting wrapped up in reading these books.
Any celebration that encourages reading is always a good reason to celebrate. This is my main goal as a Librarian and it gives me immense pleasure when I see students excited to read different books. Over the past few weeks, students have enjoyed borrowing some Halloween themed books to read including Australian Ghost Stories for kids, The Not So Scary Monster and Scary Poems. I'm sure you will find your child 'carving' out some time to read this week as we all agree that reading is exskullent .
📚Library Days for Term 4📚
Please see below your child's library day in Term 4:
Monday: KE, 1/2M, 2G and 3M
Tuesday: K/1T, 5G and 6S
Wednesday: 4N, 4T and 5B
Thursday: 1H, 3B and 6P
Please make sure your child brings their library bag to school.
To help protect our books, students MUST have a library bag to borrow. Thank you for your support and understanding.
I hope you have all had a smooth start back to school this term after the holidays. Getting back into routine again is enough to give anyone a fright!! Remember, a book a day will keep the monsters away.
Kerrie Pennell
Teacher Librarian
K-2 Assemblies
We warmly invite you to join us for our K-2 assemblies, where we celebrate the achievements and talents of our young students. These assemblies are a wonderful opportunity to connect with our school community and support your child's learning journey.
We are excited to announce the upcoming performances by our talented classes:
- In Week 2, 2G will delight us with a special song.
- In Week 4, 1/2M will take the stage with a fantastic performance.
- In Week 6, K/1T will take the stage with a fantastic performance.
Your presence and encouragement mean a lot to our students, and we look forward to seeing you there!
Well done to these PBL award winners who have been Safe, Respectful & Responsible Learners:
Justin, Theo, TJ & Kerra
⭐ Week 1 - Awards ⭐
3B: Hendrix, Lakshith, Mikayla & Jayden
3M:
4N: Alisha, Waleed, Madeleine & Bryant
4T: Nicholas, Ava, Divij & Ruby
5B: Jack, Liam, Callum, Aiden
5G: Lauren, Justin, Olivia & Liam
6P: Irene, Jarrod, Amy & Daniel
6S:
Library: Sienna and 5B
Studio: Willow and 3M
⭐ Week 2 - Awards ⭐
KE: Arshiya, Hailey, Harper & Niall
K/1T: Soren, Hunter, Eda & Aria
1H: Areni, Shivaay, Neel, & Aaron
1/2M: Megeurditch, Roman, Elijah & Iverson
2G: Ava, Levi, Jasmine & Aleena
Library: Areni and 1/2M
Studio: Gwenyth and K/1T
🎯 FROM THE OFFICE 🎯
📚 Kindy Orientation & Story Afternoon 📚
Orientation Sessions
Our Kindergarten Orientation sessions will take take place from 9.15am to 10.45am on:
- Wed 30 October
- Wed 6 November
- Wed 13 November
Storytime Afternoon
Our last Kindy Storytime for this year will be held between 3.15-3.45pm on:
- Wed 27 November
📑💰 PERMISSION NOTES & PAYMENTS NOW DUE 💰📑
- Primary Dance Group Audition for 2025-permission due 4/11/24
- Year 6 Mini Fete - permission due 20/11/24
Payments can be made online or via cash or EFT at the Office.
Mrs Leverton, Mrs Calvar, Miss Griffin & Ms Lowe
💙 Thank you teachers, for all that you do 💙
📆 DATES FOR YOUR DIARY 📆
*** Dates advertised below for school events and activities are subject to change ***
⭐ Term 4 2024 ⭐
October 2024
Mon 28 - Tryout Night for Beginner Band 2025 (Year 2 +)
Mon 28 - P&C Meeting
Wed 30 - Kindy 2025 Orientation
Thu 31 - 3-6 Assembly
Thu 31 - P&C Crazy Sock and Hair Day - gold coin donation
November 2024
Fri 1 - Summer PSSA round 9
Mon 4 - Grandparents and Friends Day
Tue 5 - Band Ice Cream Stall Fundraiser
Wed 6 - Kindy 2025 Orientation
Mon 11 - Remembrance Day
Wed 13 - Kindy 2025 Orientation
Fri 15 - PSSA Semi Finals
Tue 19 - Wed 20 - Stage 2 Zoo Snooz Camp
Thu 21 - K-2 Assembly
Mon 25 - P&C Meeting
Wed 27 - Band Committee Meeting
Thu 28 - PBL Assembly
Fri 29 - Year 6 Mini Fete
December 2024
Mon 2 - Band Presentation Evening
Tue 3 - Public School High School Transition Day
Tue 3 - Keyboard Presentation Night
Wed 4 - Combined SRE Christmas session
Fri 6 - Class Party & Mufti Day
Mon 9 - Presentation Day K-2 & 3-6
Tue 10 - Christmas Carols Evening
Wed 11 - Year 6 Graduation Assembly and Farewell
Tue 17 - Talent Quest
Wed 18 - Last Day of Term 4 for students
📆 2024 TERM DATES 📆
Term 4 – Monday 14 October to Friday 20 December
***Please note: School development days for staff are included in these term dates and parents and carers should not send their children to school on these days.
2024 school development days
These dates are determined by the department and are scheduled to occur on the first 2 days of Term 1, the first day of Terms 2 and 3, and the last day of the school year.
- Thursday 19 December
- Friday 20 December
📅 2025 Term Dates 📆
Term 1 - Friday 31 January to Friday 11 April
Note: Students return Tues 4 February
Term 2 - Mon 28 April to Friday 4 July
Note: Students return Wed 30 April
Term 3 - Monday 21 July to Friday 26 September
Note: Students return Tuesday 22 July
Term 4 - Monday 13 October to Friday 19 December
Note: No Staff Development Day - Term 4 ends on 19 December for staff and students
***Please note: School development days for staff are included in these term dates and parents and carers should not send their children to school on these days.
2025 school development days
These dates are determined by the department and are scheduled to occur on the first 2 days of Term 1 and Term 2, and the first day of Term 3.
⚽ 🏀 🏐 PSSA Summer Fixtures ⚽ 🏀 🏐
Basketball
Softball/Tball
- Friday 1 November bus to Torry Burn Reserve, Baulkham Hills
- Friday 8 November walk to Gooden Reserve, Baulkham Hills
Touch Football
Students will catch a bus to Ted Horwood Reserve, Baulkham Hills
- Friday 1 November
- Friday 8 November
The P&C is excited to announce our upcoming activities for Term 4 and we are seeking enthusiastic volunteers to help make these events a success!
Upcoming Events:
- P&C Class Party Day: Friday 6December
- Christmas Carols BBQ: Tuesday 10 December, prior to the Winston's Beary Christmas Carols performed by our children.
Please mark these dates in your calendar. We will be sending out sign-up sheets, so keep an eye out if you're interested in lending a hand!
With Christmas just around the corner, we are reaching out to seek your help with donations to create hampers for our upcoming Christmas Raffle.
We have a variety of hamper themes in mind, including but not limited to:
- Christmas Food Hampers
- Family Fun Hampers
- Summer Hampers
- Games Hampers
- Arts and Craft Hampers
- Pamper Hampers
- Party Food Hampers
We kindly ask that you keep these ideas in mind throughout the holidays, as we will be calling for donations early in Term 4.
If you know of any local businesses or if you have a small business that would like to support this initiative, please contact us at events@winstonheightspandc.com.
Thank you in advance for your generosity and support.
Wishing you a wonderful holiday break, and we look forward to seeing you in Term 4!
Reminder: Winston Heights Public School P&C Association is on Facebook! Follow us here
Our aim is to provide WHPS parents/carers with information about P&C news, events, meetings etc.
UNIFORM SHOP
REMINDER: Term 4 students will wear their Summer uniform.
Uniform shop is open on Wednesdays 8.30am - 10am. Orders can be placed using Flexischools by Monday 4pm for delivery to the student on Wednesdays. Cash or EFT payments can be made at the uniform shop however we do request you bring close to correct amount for orders as we carry limited change.
Upcoming Events
Term 4
Monday 28 October – P&C Meeting at 7pm in school library
Thursday 31 October – Crazy Hair & Sock Day
Monday 25 November – P&C Meeting at 7pm in school hall
Friday 6 December – P&C Class Party and Mufti Day
Tuesday 10 December – P&C Christmas Carols BBQ
🚨 COMMUNITY NOTICES 🚨
School student travel information for parents and students
School Travel Passes
Applications are now open for 2025 School Student Transport Scheme (SSTS) travel.
Students in the Opal network applying for an Opal card (including a Term Bus Pass) for the first time will receive their School Opal card at their nominated postal address from mid-January 2025.
Students who require a School Opal card or travel pass but have not yet applied need to apply or update their details as soon as possible.
In the Opal network, students should travel with a Child/Youth Opal card until they receive their valid School Opal card. If outside Greater Sydney, parents should contact their local bus operator to discuss their travel needs.
Students living in rural and regional areas will receive their travel pass from their nominated transport operator. It may be issued via their school or be sent directly to them at home. Note: some rural and regional operators do not issue travel passes. Students/parents should confirm with their nominated operator if they do not receive a pass.
Terms of Use
Students using School Opal cards must tap on and tap off in line with the Opal terms of use.
This includes travel within the approved times between 6.30am and 7.00pm from Monday to Friday on school days only. Students must use their Child/Youth Opal card for any travel outside these times.
All students are required to comply with the Student code of conduct. The code of conduct aims to ensure the safety and well-being of school children and other passengers. It is important that parents ensure their child is aware of this, as failure to comply with the code of conduct can result in a suspension from travel.
Further information can be found at transportnsw.info/school-travel
Enquiries can be submitted at transportnsw.info/passes-concessions-feedback
We want to work with businesses within our school communities
Work is available maintaining our schools
School Infrastructure NSW manages a large maintenance program for more than 2,000 schools across all parts of NSW. To do this work, we are looking to engage local businesses, including Aboriginal owned businesses and people.
We want to go local
We are moving towards direct management of facilities maintenance, bringing in new facilities maintenance contractors and tradespeople to work directly under contract with us.
Why go local? We want to:
- be more responsive to maintenance issues reported by schools.
- ensure we are working with local trades and spending our money in our local communities.
- provide better working conditions for local tradespeople, including faster payment terms.
Opportunities for Aboriginal businesses
In addition to increasing our engagement of local contractors, we are also seeking to grow the number of local Aboriginal businesses we work with and increase employment opportunities for Aboriginal employees, apprentices and trainees.
We have Aboriginal Senior Program Officers who are able to help Aboriginal businesses, and local contractors who already employ or are looking to employ Aboriginal employees, apprentices, and trainees.
The trades and services we are looking for include:
- Multi Tradespeople
- Plumber (including roof and gas)
- Electrician
- Lift Technician
- Refrigeration mechanic
- Glazier
- Hazmat
- Arborist AQ3 / AQ5
- Locksmith
- Cleaner
- Pest control
- Carpet / vinyl
- Data technician
- Security technician
- Painter
- Plasterer / renderer
- Tiler
- Landscaper
- Brick layer
- Fire management
- Sheet metal
- Concreter
- Removalist
- Playground specialist
- Pool technicians and cleaner
- Carpenters
- Gasfitters
- Test and tag
- Lighting
- Construction
- Gutter cleaning
- Equipment construction and maintenance
- Engineering
- Fencing services building and repair
- Roofing
How can I participate?
We’re looking for a wide variety of maintenance services and trades to start with us from 1 July 2023 including electricians, plumbers, painters, and many others. It’s easy to work with us!
Reach out to our team to find out more and access the documents to apply to work with us.
On approval you’ll be setup in our systems and onboarded, with induction covering how to work with us and use our systems. Then start getting work orders allocated within 48 hours!
Contacts - To register your interest send an email to:
Southern NSW Regional Office – snsw.fmct@det.nsw.edu.au
Hunter Central Coast Regional Office — hcc.fmct@det.nsw.edu.au
North Coast Regional Office — nc.fmct@det.nsw.edu.au
Northern Sydney Regional Office —ns.fmct@det.nsw.edu.au
Sydney Regional Office — syd.fmct@det.nsw.edu.au
Western Sydney Regional Office — ws.fmct@det.nsw.edu.au
South Western Sydney Regional Office — sws.fmct@detnsw.edu.au
North Western NSW/New England Regional Office — nwnsw.fmct@det.nsw.edu.au
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