Heaton Hotline Week 7 Term 4: 2024

Dear Heaton Public School Community,

It is with great excitement and gratitude that I write my first message for the school newsletter as your new Principal. My first few days here have been nothing short of wonderful, and I am truly humbled by the warm welcome I have received from the staff, students, and the broader community. From the moment I arrived, I have felt right at home, and I am already deeply impressed by the passion, dedication, and kindness that define this school.

Heaton Public School is an exceptional place, and I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of this vibrant and diverse community. I am looking forward to meeting many more of you in the coming weeks so please do not be afraid to say hi if you see me in passing.

I have set a rather ambitious goal to learn all the students names by the end of the term. This is proving quite a challenge! However, I believe it is important to make that effort—both to connect with our students on a deeper level and to show them that they are seen and valued. While it may take a little time, I’m excited for the journey ahead and will continue to work hard to meet this goal. It will not hurt the students to see me engage in the productive struggle of learning also.

Thank you once again for making me feel so welcome. I am eager to work together with you all to support the continued growth and success of Heaton Public School. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the staff of Heaton. With Mr Taylor at the helm, they certainly kept the school in great shape while they patiently awaited my arrival.

Here’s to a fantastic year road ahead!

Warmly,

Holly Foot

Principal

Please remember that money for our Year 6 farewell is now due. The Farewell is scheduled to take place on Wednesday 11 December and the cost is $10 per person. The final day for payment is November 29.

You are welcome to pre-order a bundle in the morning. All sales will be CASH only.

Understanding Opportunity Classes

Opportunity classes are specialised settings for high-potential and gifted students in Years 5 and 6. They provide a unique learning environment where students can thrive alongside peers with similar abilities, enjoying tailored teaching that allows for a faster pace and deeper exploration of subjects.

Key Points about Opportunity Classes:

• Application Period: Applications open annually from November to February. Parents can apply for Year 5 placement when their child is at the end of Year 3 or the beginning of Year 4.
• Academic and Social Benefits: Opportunity classes offer an environment where students can challenge themselves academically and socially. They enjoy learning with others who share their curiosity, love of complex ideas, and interest in deep learning.
• Extracurricular Opportunities: These classes also provide access to a wide range of co-curricular activities, including sports, music, creative arts, and special interest clubs.

Is an Opportunity Class Right for Your Child?

If your child shows signs of high academic potential, such as an intense curiosity, creativity, or focus on areas of passion, an opportunity class might be a good fit. Not all high-potential learners display every trait, as factors like opportunity and background can impact expression.

Accessing More Resources

To explore further, visit the Student Resource Hub for opportunity classes. Here, your child can find information on selective education, interactive quizzes, example test questions, and more to see if this pathway aligns with their strengths and interests.

For additional details and support, you can also refer to the department's High Potential and Gifted Education Policy.

Selective high schools and opportunity classes

Key dates – applying for entry in 2026

• 7 November 2024 to 21 February 2025 – parents and carers apply for opportunity class entry in 2026.
• 2-4 May 2025 – students sit the selective opportunity class placement test for entry in 2026.
• 19 May 2025 – make up test date (approved illness/misadventure requests)
• Term 3, 2025 – placement outcomes and offers released to parents and carers
• Term 1, 2026 – students who gain entry begin attending their opportunity class or selective high school

WEEK 6

NAP Excursion Stockton Park

Date: Thursday, Nov 21

Time: All Day

WEEK 7

Cultural Excursion with Jesmond P.S

Date: Wednesday, Nov 27

Time: All Day

WEEK 8

Swim School -Stage 2

Dates: 2.12.24 to 6.12.24

Time: 10:00am - 1:00pm

WEEK 9

Presentation Day

Date: Tuesday, Dec 10

Time: 9:30am - 11:00am

Location: Jesmond Senior Campus School Hall

Year 6 Farewell

Date: Wednesday, Dec 11

Time: 5:30pm - 7:30pm

Volunteers Morning Tea

Date: Friday, Dec 13

Time: 9:30am - 10:30am

WEEK 10

Mini Fete

Date: Tuesday, Dec 17

Time: TBA

K/1F are resilient learners. They know how to challenge themselves so that they can reach their learning potential.

The kindergarten students in K/1F are constantly practising resilience, including when they are learning. They strive to do their best and sometimes they make a mistake, but they have learnt that's okay. They do not get upset as they are resilient learners. Instead, they take on feedback and learn from their mistakes. The students are very proud of all the hard work they have been doing.

This information is for those parents and carers who registered their child for Term 4 swimming lessons! We’re excited for your child to take part in the ‘Swim to Survive’ program, which focuses on vital swimming and water safety skills in line with PDHPE learning goals.

Event Details:

When: Week 8, Term 4

Time: Depart school at 10:15am, return at 1:20pm

Transport: Bus

What to Wear:

School uniform with swimmer's underneath

What to Bring:

- Swimmers

- Towel

- Goggles

- Recess and lunch

- Drink bottle

- Plastic bag

We recommend all students apply sunscreen before school each morning. The school will supply top up sunscreen as required to help protect our students from the sun, especially on days of prolonged exposure. If you do not wish for your child to receive additional sunscreen, please contact the office to opt out.

If you haven't already, now is the time to enrol your child at our school.

Children can start Kindergarten at the beginning of the school year if they turn 5 on or before 31 July of that year. By law, all children must be in compulsory schooling by their 6th birthday.

Deciding when your child should start school is a personal choice. It can be helpful to discuss this with your child's preschool teacher, carer, doctor, or your local primary school. Our teachers are trained to support your child regardless of their age or level of development.

Children develop at different rates and acquire skills in unique ways. Our school tailors its approach to meet the needs, learning styles, and progress rates of individual students. We also plan learning experiences based on the skills students bring with them to school.

Just a reminder to please use the parent app and make sure your notifications are switched on. I've checked into the issue some people were having with notifications, but the company assures me it's not a problem for any other school. If you have any problems, please see the office. All notes and finance will now go through this system, and you can address your absences and permissions during this time.

Please click the document below for support around using the app for accepting activities and for paying for excursions. Sentral Finance Parent FAQs

Ice blocks are sold every Wednesday by the Year 6 Fundraising Committee.

Ice blocks are 50c each.

This money raised supports the end of year activities for all students.

*Please note: It is important that children are not left unattended in cars. It is against the law in NSW to leave infants and children unattended in a car. If a child is left unattended, it is our duty to report this to the police.

If anyone has any spare second hand uniforms that don't fit, the office would love to accept these as spares if you are happy to donate.

Our parent group has established a parent Facebook page. Please click the link to join if you want to be updated with events or volunteer at school community events as a parent. These include events such as the Mother's Day Stall and Harmony Day.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/943647789995949

If you would like to volunteer in the canteen on a Friday. Please scan the QR code to join the Heaton canteen committee.

Please ensure your child has the correct change for the canteen.

The Shared Table will be hosting monthly community lunches to celebrate the cultural diversity of Jesmond and surrounds. Community members will cook and share unique cultural dishes and cooking tips from their country of origin. Each lunch will showcase a different culture and will be FREE. The first lunch will be on Thursday 5 December from12.00pm and will showcase SYRIAN cuisine. Jesmond Neighbourhood Centre (44 Mordue Pde, Jesmond). To register interest, please contact Elizabeth by 28 Novelizabethh@thecanopy.org.au 4950 2365 or 0449 947 721 * Bookings Please let us know if you wish to attend, and we will randomly select people from those who expressed interest.

Upcoming events can be seen in the calendar section of the Sentral parent app at any time.

We nurture and inspire every child to dream big.

Learning together with Respect, Responsibility and Inclusion.

Email: heaton-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au
Website: https://heaton-p.schools.nsw.gov.au/
Location: Janet St, Jesmond NSW, Australia
Phone: 02 49526022
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeatonPublicSchool/?rf=193922817306711