14 February 2023
In this Issue
- Principal's Report
- NAPLAN 2023
- Photo Day 2023
'Unlocking the Code' the new approach to reading
General Assistants casual work available
- Library News, Premier’s Reading Challenge 2023, Book Club
- 'Hall Games' are Back!
- Moments in Maths
- Ethics Teachers Needed At Woonona Public School
- Southern Stars Primary Dance Company
- WHSPA Year 7 Audition Applications OPEN now for 2024
- MindQuest 2023
- 2022/2023 NSW term and vacation dates
- Canteen and uniform shop
- Community News
- Contact Us
Principal's Report
Welcome Back!
I’d like to officially welcome you to the 2023 school year. A special welcome to all the new students and families, and welcome back to all of our returning families. The beginning of the school year is always an exciting time, with students reconnecting with friends, sharing holiday experiences and looking forward to fresh experiences in a new grade. 2023 will certainly be a busy and enjoyable year at Woonona Public School.
This year, our numbers were as such that we felt confident that our students could go into their classes in the first few days. We know this was a great result for our students and teachers, and the feedback across the school has reflected a very settled start, as teachers and classes have commenced all cycles of learning and are off and running for the year.
Social Skills Program
In response to student surveys conducted last year, we have implemented a Social Skills program in 2023, to help build student sense of belonging and address some areas for potential improvement. Each week, all students K-6 will be introduced to a skill. Teachers will explicitly teach the skill and then throughout the week, as opportunities to utilise these skills occur, teachers will reinforce the skill and what behaviour students should be showing.
Already in 2023, students have learnt about active listening, asking questions and staying focused. Below is a list of the skills that students will learn, this term, and the week in which they will focus on the skill. Class teachers will share information via Seesaw on what these skills look like, for families to discuss and reinforce at home. One class award will be presented at the end of each week, for a student displaying the skill.
Week 2 – Active Listening
Week 3 – Asking Questions
Week 4 – Staying Focused
Week 5 – Accepting Consequences
Week 6 – Greeting Others
Week 7 – Politely getting the attention of others
Week 8 – Sharing
Week 9 – Following Directions
Week 10 – Asking for Help
Week 11 – Saying Thank You
New Faces On Staff
I would like to welcome Miss Shania Tyrrell to Woonona Public School. Miss Tyrrell was appointed to our school at the end of 2023 and has already jumped into her work with the lovely 5-6T. A little later in the newsletter Miss Tyrrell has written a short message of introduction.
I would also like to welcome back Mrs Lauren Lawlor. Mrs Lawlor has not been at our school for some time, as she was recently on maternity leave. Mrs Lawlor returns to our school on 5-6L and is enjoying settling into the 2023 school year. Being a big school, I have asked Mrs Lawlor to reintroduce herself to our school and community, with a short message of introduction below.
I would also like to welcome back the “old” staff who are back for another year at Woonona Public School. Throughout the holidays, I spent many days at WPS and I can tell you that at no stage was I ever alone. Staff were constantly coming and going, busily preparing for their new classes with great excitement and anticipation. We are so lucky to have such dedicated staff at Woonona.
Hello! I’m Mrs Lauren Lawlor.
In 2018 I joined the Woonona PS team and have had many teaching roles within the school from Kindergarten, Year 1, Science/Technology and many casual teaching days across all stages. The last couple of years I have been on maternity leave and working casually, but I’m excited to be returning to Woonona PS full-time in 2023.
This year I am teaching the wonderful 5-6L and I can’t wait to work with this team of fantastic students and their families, and the Stage 3 team of teachers, to see what opportunities are ahead for us to learn and grow together.
Hello! My name is Miss Shania Tyrrell.
I feel incredibly lucky to join the team at Woonona PS. I graduated from The University of Wollongong in 2022 and am thrilled to begin a career in which I am extremely passionate. As a teacher, my goal is to create a community of learners who feel challenged and excited to learn, whilst having some fun along the way. I am confident, having already spent some time with the wonderful 5-6T, that we will achieve all of that and much more in 2023.
School Swimming Carnival
Our annual Swimming Carnival will be held this Thursday and I thank Mr Michael Arrighi and the team for their organisation. I am hoping that all students who attend, no matter your involvement, have a thoroughly enjoyable day challenging yourself, cheering for your friends and enjoying one of the very special annual events on our school calendar. I would like to thank all parent helpers for your support – without such support, this event genuinely would not be possible.
District Swimming Carnival
Next Tuesday 21 February, our School Swimming team will compete at the District Swimming Carnival. I wish those selected, all the best as they compete against the best swimmers across the North Wollongong area. I am sure you will be fantastic representatives of Woonona Public School.
Southern Stars
Congratulations to Charlotte, who recently went through a grueling three-hour workshop to successfully be selected for the Southern Stars dance company. This is a huge achievement and commitment and we wish Charlotte all the best in the coming months as she works towards the big event. I would also like to congratulate Hannah and Charlie who also auditioned but were unsuccessful on this occasion. Well done for your efforts. Our school is very proud of you.
Safe People, Safe Places
As we settle back into the school year, it is important to reinforce with children the correct action to take if they are placed in a situation where they feel unsafe. Below are some key messages for children to be aware of in ensuring their safety. I would encourage parents to reinforce the ‘Safe People, Safe Places’ messages with their children, including:
- Make sure your parents or another adult you know, knows where you are at all times.
- Always walk straight home or to the place you are walking to. Walk near busier roads and streets, or use paths where there are lots of other people.
- Know where safe places are – a shop, service station, police station, library or school. If you are ever frightened, you should go to one of these places and ask them to call the police.
- Learn about safe adults you can look for and talk to if you need help – police officers, teachers at school, adults you know and trust.
- Don’t talk to people you don’t know and never get into a car with someone you don’t know. If a car stops on the side of the road and you don’t know the person inside, do not stop.
- If you are scared and can use a phone, call 000 and tell them you are scared.
- If someone tries to grab you, yell out, ‘Go away, I don’t know you’. This lets other people know you have been approached by someone you don’t know.
Kindergarten Make A Fantastic Start
Beginning school is an exciting time. This year we have had 68 new faces in our school who are in their first days of their school career. These special students have settled well into their new school, and we look forward to working with them in the coming years. Congratulations Kindergarten on taking the huge step into “Big School” and welcome to the beginning of an exciting time of fun, friendship and learning at Woonona Public School.
P&C News
Last Wednesday saw our first P&C Meeting of 2023. It was wonderful to see lots of parents attend the meeting, including a few new faces keen to be involved. For those parents who didn’t attend the last meeting, I would encourage you to join us for the next meeting. Our next meeting falls on Wednesday 8 March at 6:30pm and just happens to be our P&C AGM where all positions on the P&C executive will be declared vacant. I encourage those parents thinking about taking on a leadership role on the P&C for 2023-2024 to do so with excitement.
I firmly believe that a productive, positive working relationship between a school and its P&C enhances a school in so many ways. The 2022-2023 P&C executive has done a wonderful job and I look forward to working with a new executive team in 2023 and beyond.
School Leaders
At the end of 2022, our School Leaders for 2023 were announced. These students were democratically elected and will have a huge responsibility in leading the student population of Woonona Public School. Congratulations to the following students who were elected:
Captains: Max and Mikayla
Vice Captains: Lachlan and Zoe
Prefects: Flynn, Lennox, Mia and Natahlia
House Captains
Each year students elect two House Captains and two House Vice Captains. These students take a leadership role within their sporting house as the students participate in the School Swimming, Cross Country and Athletics Carnivals. Congratulations to the following students who were elected:
Hume
Captains: Xander and Maddi
Vice Captains: Logan and Zac
Oxley
Captains: Rocco and Ryley
Vice Captains: Alyra and Harry
Sturt
Captains: Levi and Isla
Vice Captains: Sophie and Flynn
Mitchell
Captains: Cameron and Charlize
Vice Captains: Amira and Reg
Student Representative Council
Each year students elect SRC representatives for their class. These students have an important role, as they represent ‘the voice’ of their class and fellow students, by enhancing their school life through promoting engaging opportunities within the school setting. Congratulations to the following students who were elected:
1B – Emma and Flynn
1C – Eli and Tully
1S – Layla and Benjamin
2L – Jett and Kalani
2B – Lucia and Harvey
2C – Quinn and Ivy
3/4B – Kaida and Samuel
3/4S – Judah and Madeline
3/4L – Kai and Olivia
3/4A – Ivie and Cohen
3/4M – Lucy and Samuel
3/4R – Olivia and Carter
5/6A – Jack and Isabella
5/6N – Wrenn and Jack
5/6H – Hunter and Isla
5/6T – Emily and Kai
5/6P – Nate and Hannah
5/6M – Isaac and Evie
5/6L – Charlotte and Lucas
Next Thursday 23 February, will mark our official Leaders’ Induction Ceremony.
Mr Tim Fisher
Principal
NAPLAN 2023
For those parents whose students are currently in Year 3 or Year 5, NAPLAN tests are now scheduled earlier this year than in previous years. The NAPLAN test window commences on Wednesday 15 March and finishes on Monday 27 March. Students will sit assessments in writing, reading, conventions of language (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and numeracy.
It is important that your child attends school during the testing window. If your child is unwell on a day of testing, we will do our best to arrange for an alternative session. However, all tests must be completed within this 9-day test window.
There is no scheduled practice test event for schools this year, but students will complete a series of short mock questions in class, to allow them the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the testing environment and device functionality. Parents and students may visit the public demonstration site (below), to view the types of questions students will answer:
View further information or please contact Rachel Brown through the office.
Photo Day 2023
Tuesday 28 February
You will receive an email with login instructions to order school photos on Wednesday 15 February.
Please ensure your current email address has been provided to the school, as the email will be sent to the account that is on file. If you do not receive an email please check your Junk Email.
- If you wish to purchase sibling photos, please be aware that the orders cut-off is the night before photo day to allow for scheduling.
- You do not need to return any paperwork on photo day.
- Cash envelopes will be available at your school office if you are unable to place your order online.
'Unlocking the Code' the new approach to reading
General Assistants casual work available
Local schools are looking at employing people to work casually in the role of a General Assistant at their schools.
General Assistants perform a range of tasks relating to the routine maintenance and upkeep of a Departmental school/grounds.
If you are interested or would like to know more details, please contact Karina Curry on 4284 4316 or email woonona-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au
Library News
The Library has been a hive of activity over the last two weeks with all classes visiting for their weekly lessons. This term, students will be participating in a Learning About the Library unit of work during Library lessons each week. The aim of this unit is to develop in students a deep understanding of how the Library works and the systems used to organise information, so they are able to confidently access information and explore quality literature.
Each week students will be expected to borrow books to read for pleasure and enjoyment.
- K-2 students will be able to borrow 1 book per lesson. (Library bag required)
- 3-6 students will be able to borrow 2 books per lesson. (Library bag optional)
The Library will be open first-half recess and lunch for students wishing to return and borrow additional books throughout the week. To help support this and to encourage reading for pleasure, K-2 students will be setting individual goals for borrowing this term. Each student will be setting a target for how many books they will borrow and read from the Library this term which will be monitored and tracked each week. Students will be encouraged to set learning goals for themselves which will challenge them. Students in 3-6 will commence the Premier’s Reading Challenge and this will be the focus of their borrowing this term.
I ask that you help support your child with this process by encouraging and participating with them in reading for enjoyment at home and helping them to return their Library books each week on their Library days. It is expected that all students borrow from the Library each week as this will be part of their Library lesson. Students who forget are able to bring in their books at recess or lunch (Monday to Wednesday) to return and borrow.
The Term 1 Library timetable and class Library days are:
Monday - KB, 3-4R, 3-4S, 3-4L, 2B, 2C, 2L, 3-4B
Tuesday - 5-6A, 5-6H, 5-6P, 5-6L, 5-6N, 1C, 5-6M, 5-6T
Wednesday - 1B, 3-4M, 3-4A, KG, KS, 1S
Premier’s Reading Challenge 2023
The NSW Premier’s Reading challenge officially begins next week. All student at Woonona Public School are participating in the challenge as part of their Library lesson.
The reading requirements are:
Years K-2: 25 PRC books and 5 Personal Choice books. (This will be completed as a class with their teacher)
Years 3-6: 15 PRC books and 5 Personal Choice books.
Book Club
The school will be participating in Book Club again this year and all classes have been set up on the Scholastic portal so online ordering can begin. I’d like to welcome Claire Irwin as our new Book Club coordinator for the school and give a huge thank you to Penny Starr who finished up at the end of last year as our coordinator after many years in the role. Thank you ladies, without your help we would not be able to provide this service to our students.
Last week, Issue 1 of the Scholastic Book Club was sent home with interested students. Orders can be placed below and are due by Monday 20 February.
Please remember only online orders will be accepted. No CASH payments.
LOOK INSIDE EDITION 1 BOOK CLUB NEWS
Happy reading,
Mrs Carroll
Librarian
'Hall Games' are Back!
Every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday at lunchtime, the House Captains and Vice-Captains set up 'Hall Games' under the Hall COLA. This is a place for all students K-6 to hang out, play some games and feel included. If your child is coming home saying they are feeling a little lonely in the playground or would like to get to know some other students across our school, please mention this option for structured and supervised play. A teacher is always on duty and ready for a chat too! Here, House Vice-Captains, Zach and Harry, are presenting some of the many games on offer!
Moments in Maths
There is a hum of activity in all classes as we get back into maths learning! Kinder students have been learning how to write numbers and have explored how to be 'mathemagicians', because maths is everywhere! Year 1 and 2 students have been learning about place value. Year 3 and 4 students have been learning about ascending and descending numbers and the range of strategies we can use for addition and subtraction, while Year 5 and 6 students have been exploring numbers up to one billion! We love maths at Woonona and look forward to sharing all our explorations in 2023!
Ethics Teachers Needed At Woonona Public School
Primary Ethics was started in 2010 to offer NSW primary school students philosophical ethics as an alternative to attending non-scripture classes. Ethics classes are now offered in 500 schools around the state, all taught by volunteers. Classes teach children how to think logically, disagree respectfully, support arguments with evidence and think about decisions that affect them and people around them.
The program has been very successful at Woonona Public School with all year groups having Ethics classes from Kindy to Year 6, teaching more than 100 students. Due to increasing demand each year, new volunteer teachers are always needed. We are looking for new Ethics teachers who will be able to commit to 30 minutes or 60 minutes of teaching each Wednesday morning (during term time) in 2023. Woonona’s ethics teachers include school parents, grandparents and local community members.
It's a great way to be part of the school community and do something enjoyable and meaningful. You don't need previous experience teaching or working with children as all ethics teachers are fully trained to deliver the highly structured, age-appropriate Primary Ethics curriculum.
If you're interested in becoming an ethics teacher, or if you know anyone that might be interested, please get in touch, or go to www.primaryethics.com.au to learn more. Alternatively feel free to contact Kate Quinlivan on kateq@qulture.com.au or 0432 385 450 if you have any questions.
Southern Stars Primary Dance Company
On Saturday 11 February we had three students audition to be a part of the Southern Stars Primary Dance Company. Charlotte, Hannah and Charlie all braved the heat to take part in a three-hour workshop showcasing their talents to an esteemed audition panel. A huge congratulations to Charlotte who was selected to be a part of the company for 2023. Hannah and Charlie are also to be congratulated, as even though they were not selected for the dance company, the audition panel was very impressed with the way they represented the school with pride.
Mrs McLerie
Yr7 WHSPA Auditions
Click above image for further information.
MindQuest 2023
This enrichment initiative is open once again for all students interested in attending. The program is very similar to the Learning Labs offered by Wollongong University and designed to challenge gifted and high potential students. Held at St George Girls High School on the weekend of 1 and 2 of April, students have the opportunity to participate in over 33 exciting, fast paced courses in the areas of chemistry, earth sciences, drama, LEGO robotics, art and many more. The cost of the weekend is $240. The closing date for bookings is Friday 10 March. If you or your child are interested in finding out more information, please contact Mrs Brown.
Canteen and uniform shop
Onsite uniform shop closed until further notice.
Online orders can be placed on the QuickCliq website
School Canteen
Uniform Shop
- Download the uniform price list and order form (PDF 204.7KB)
- Online orders can be placed on the QuickCliq website
Co-operation - respect - effort - responsibility
Community News
Click above image for further information.
Click above image for further information.