Mount Ousley Public School News

We have enjoyed another two wonderful weeks of learning and collaboration here at Mount Ousley. Our students have settled into their new classes and are forming new friendships, getting to know their new routines and their teacher. 

While our students have been very busy learning, so have our teachers. We are embarking on a journey of ongoing learning in research-based methods of teaching reading across all age groups, training in 4C's begins next week and teachers are busy planning learning with their teaching partner each fortnight. This coupled with the shared expertise of our two Assistant Principals, Ms Sinton and Mrs Kerron, has our staff excited about their new learning and our students enjoying new ways of learning in the classroom. 

We are in the process of writing our School Improvement Plan as part of a four year cycle that every school is undertaking. The premise behind this is, that even though we are great, we can always be better and we should always strive to improve. This ensures all our students leave our school as numerate, literate, critical thinking young people who can continue to learn and contribute to their high school and to their communities outside of the school environment.  The vision statement is currently under consultation and I urge you to come forward with your thoughts and suggestions prior to the next P&C meeting, 9th March. The proposed vision statement that has been constructed by staff and parents is; "Our school is a small school with big opportunities. It is a place of inclusivity, excellence and innovation built on genuine relationships and a shared culture of trust. Every member of our school is focused on ensuring children thrive. Every decision reflects what works best for each child. Every child is empowered to achieve and have their voices heard."

Term 1

February     23        Band 

February     23        Footsteps Dance 

February     24        Scripture 

March         2           Meet the teacher afternoon    3/6 classes

March         3           Meet the teacher afternoon     K-2 classes

Student Mobile Phones

Students that bring their mobile phones to school are required to sign their phones in at the office when they arrive and then sign them out at the end of the day.

 Lost Property

We have a stripy towel, a light blue towel and a black drink bottle that had been left at the swimming carnival. We have asked the students if they belong to them and have had no response. If your child came home with out one of these items please ask them to come to the office to collect.

Sports Day

Sport this term will be held on a Tuesday. All students will be participating in dance. The dance lessons will be coached by a Footsteps Dance instructor. Please have your children wear their sports uniform on this day. 

Permission to Publish

If you haven't returned the 'Permission to Publish' note that went home last week with every student, please do so as soon as possible.

Guitar and Band Ensemble 

It was lovely to see enthusiastic students attend Band and Guitar lessons on Tuesday. 

A number of students presented at band and guitar with out having returned their notes. All permission notes, whether for a returning student or a student wanting to join this year, will need to be returned by Monday 22nd February.

School Office Hours

The school office is open from 8:30am till 3:30pm.

Voluntary School Contributions

If you wish to pay the school contributions you may do so either by paying on-line or have your child bring the money in an envelope marked with their name an class on the front. We are asking for contributions of $30 per student or $50 per family. School contributions are voluntary.

Book Club

Orders for Issue 1 close on the 24th February. 

P &C meeting

The next P&C meeting will be held on 9th March 2021 at 6pm in the Collaboration Room. This will be the AGM for 2021. The easiest way to get to this room is via the Vereker street entrance, come in the back door and head towards the K/1 classrooms. We are able to host this meeting on site for up to an hour with a maximum of 30 participants. Physical distancing requirements and signing in will need to occur. 

P&C meetings are held on the second Tuesday of the month  in the same location. We look forward to seeing you there.

Uniform Shop

All uniform orders can be sent to the office and orders will be filled on Monday afternoon and given to students each Tuesday once payment has been received. 

The uniform shop will be manned on Monday afternoon from 3pm till 3:30pm.

At Mount Ousley we pride ourselves on our ability to cater for the needs of all students. This support takes on many forms ranging from differentiated instruction by the classroom teacher, additional support offered by a Student Learning Support Officer, small group instruction in the classroom with the teacher or by an interventionist and in some cases withdrawal for very specific and targeted interventions. We are currently in the process of determining which students require additional support, once this is confirmed you will be contacted to discuss your child's needs. 

We also have a school counsellor who is available each Monday. There are parent referral and permission notes for you to fill out if you would like your child to access this service. 

We look forward to working with you to support your child throughout the year.  

APPLICATION PROCESS

• Students can be encouraged to apply by their school, classroom teacher, subject specialist teachers from school or out-of-school or by their parents. If a school-based professional is identifying a potential student they will supply them with a Teacher Nomination Letter
• Parents/Guardians visit our website and read the full list of workshops available by scrolling to the “Workshop Descriptions” section.
• Parents/Guardians (or school if parent/guardian is unable to) fill out the online application form.
• This is an academic and creative arts enrichment program designed for students who are motivated and passionate learners and performing excellently in their area of interest. First-time applicants are required to demonstrate their suitability for the program. One piece of supporting documentation is required (see 'Supporting Documentation' section on website). Please note that the Teacher Nomination Letter can be used as a supporting document.
• Learning Labs is registered as COVID-Safe and follows the guidelines set out by the NSW Government here.

Please know that workshops fill very quickly.

We will also have several sponsorship places available for students who identify as Australian Aboriginal/Torres Strait or students experiencing financial difficulty. 

 For further information about workshops and the application process please visit our website, or contact the Learning Labs team via email at learning-labs@uow.edu.au or phone on (02) 4221 5557.

We thank you for your continued support of Learning Labs and we hope to share our passion for providing further opportunities to your students in April!