Willoughby Public School Newsletter

Dear Parents/Carers

What a great fortnight of learning we have had at Willoughby PS. The positive buzz across the school in week 8 indicates happy, positive, engaged learners

Our Stage 1 students stepped back in time during their recent visit the to the School House Museum. What a contrast to the modern school facilities we enjoy here at WPS. The presenters at the school house were in character – providing lots of laughter for the children as they showed what school was like back in the early 1900s. They even mentioned the cane! I received lovely feedback from the excursion; that our Stage 1 students were great ambassadors for our school, displaying excellent behaviour throughout the excursion. Well done, Stage 1!

On Thursday 10 June WPS hosted the zone Multicultural Speaking competition finals. I had the privilege of watching the event. The standard of speeches was outstanding and every participant should be very proud of their effort. I was very impressed by the impromptu speeches; the students were given a topic with a time limit for preparation – a hard skill that the students managed well. Thank you to Mr Orchard, Miss Hawker, our WPS student timekeepers and presenters for the smooth running of the event.  Congratulations to Kaiden and Benjamin in Stage 2, who both received highly commended awards from the adjudicator and congratulations and well-done Ella and Naomi, our Stage 3 representatives.

Students from our WPS Chess club competed in a round robin competition on Thursday 3 June. The students are dedicated players and regularly attend our WPS Chess club each week. Congratulations Ethan C (1st), Matthew W (2nd) and Fletcher R (3rd), I have their trophies but am waiting for the engraved names to arrive so that we can add these to the trophies.

I hope you have seen the recently installed storage boxes adjacent to the painted chessboards in the playground. A huge thank you to our P&C Chess Club for these as we will now be able to store the large chess pieces in the boxes, so students can play chess during recess and lunch time.

We are also waiting on the installation of a mini grandstand, so classes and students will have a great viewing area from which to watch the chess games.

I would like to acknowledge and farewell Mrs Nicole Winkler as she leaves Willoughby PS at the end of Term 2, to take up a position in the Independent School sector in Term 3. Mrs Winkler has had an outstanding career at Willoughby PS, teaching in our support class, then mainstream with mostly Year 2. Mrs Winkler has had opportunities in leadership roles and is currently our Learning and Support Teacher coordinator. Thank you, Mrs Winkler, for your hard word and dedication to the students at WPS and your friendship and support over the years, we will miss you but I know you are very excited by the new opportunity presented to you as you take your new position.

Mrs Winkler’s Learning and Support teacher position will be filled through the expression of interest process, with a new staff member beginning in Term 3. Currently, a classroom teacher and Mr Thorn’s library position are being advertised on the DoE job system, it is hoped that through the merit selection process we will have 2 new permanent appointments by the start of Term 3.

Our WPS sustainability team are ready and excited to be analysing our WPS rubbish on Tuesday 15 June! We are all looking forward to the recommendations put forward by our student waste warrior team. Thank you to Mrs Andrews for co-ordinating this event for our school.

I hope everyone has a fun filled, relaxing long weekend.

J Simmonds

The Stage 3 Premier’s Debating Team debated Artarmon Public School last week. The theme for the debates was ‘The Media’.  In two close debates students argued and counter argued their points which impressed the adjudicator with the sophistication of their arguments.

The Willoughby Wallabies were successful in their debate that ‘Kids caught cyberbullying should be banned for one year from all computers and devices’ and the Willoughby Wombats put up a great fight in their debate, but were narrowly outscored on the day.

Congratulations to all the students who participated in the debate, they showed the Willoughby Way with their commitment and behaviour during the day.

The next debate will occur during week 10. The Theme for the debate will be ‘Parents and Kids’.

Here at Willoughby PS we have been gradually introducing the Smiling Mind Program. It is an evidence based, whole school approach to support student mental health and wellbeing.

The NSW Department of Education has invested $2.4m and so far 450 NSW Public Schools are participating.

What is Smiling Mind?

Smiling Mind is a not for profit organisation that offers a range of programs and resources designed to make mindfulness accessible and easy to practise.

Their mission is to provide accessible, lifelong tools to support healthy minds.

“Keeping children happy and healthy not only involves taking care of their physical health but also their mental health.”  

Watch the following Youtube clip for more information. https://youtu.be/_CkJYxbSyF8

What is Mindfulness?

Mindfulness is a state of being fully awake to life, being aware and undistracted in the present moment. It is about focusing attention on the here and now rather than thinking about the past or worrying about the future.

Why are we doing Smiling Mind at WPS?

Evidence shows that mindfulness can be beneficial for learning. It can reduce emotional distress, settle and calm students and reduce behavioural challenges. Mindfulness can also enhance and strengthen the areas of the brain that are involved in learning, thinking and memory.

Many classes are using the Smiling Mind App for regular 10 min meditation session each day or throughout the week. Stage 1 teachers have been trialling a Wellbeing Lunchtime Club and many classes are bringing mindfulness activities into the classroom in a more structured approach covering Wellbeing lessons  from the PDHPE syllabus.

Keep a look out for Mindfulness updates and useful tips that you can trial at home. The free App is available through the App Store or Google Play and can be downloaded on your phone, iPad or computer.

https://www.smilingmind.com.au

It‘s been a great term for reading in our Library!

Some students have now already finished the PRC and have recorded all their finished books online - congratulations to those students! The Challenge is open until mid-August.

As the Term ends – a reminder to please return all overdue Library books. You may receive a note this week regarding this. If you need to contact us about anything at all, please come and see us at drop-off/pick-up or email us at https://www.librarywps.com/contact-the-library. If you think your child has returned their book already, please let us know so we can check on the shelf. Students with overdue books must return them before they can take home books over the school holidays.

A reminder that your students have access to WorldBook Online Encyclopaedia and E-Books for their homework and project work by visiting https://www.worldbookonline.com    using Username and Password both as willpub

As always – keep an eye on our Instagram account (@wps_library)  for new book reviews and reading ideas.

Mrs de Silva and Mr Thorn

Teacher Librarians

It is important that schools and families continue to follow the COVID-19 guidelines outlined on this page. In particular we wish to highlight the following:

• Students should not attend school if unwell, even with mild symptoms of COVID-19. Any person with any COVID-19 symptoms should be sent home and should not return until they have received a negative test result and are symptom-free. In circumstances where children have other medical reasons for recurrent symptoms a letter from their GP is sufficient to negate the requirement for a negative test.
• Anyone who is unwell with COVID-19 symptoms is strongly encouraged to get tested and self-isolate until a negative result is received. Locations of testing clinics are available via the NSW government websiteExternal link.
• Schools must continue to implement:
  • Personal hygiene, physical distancing, cleaning and record keeping practices.
  • Where possible to use outdoor areas weather permitting or large open spaces to enable adequate physical distancing.
  • All visitors to a school site must be well and symptom free, comply with sign-in arrangements, and the 1.5m physical distancing requirements.
• Visitors to schools should maintain 1.5m distance from other people where practicable. Avoid congestion of groups of visitors in specific areas where possible.
• All visitors to a school site must comply with sign-in arrangements. This includes acknowledging that they will comply with the COVID-19 requirements for visitors, contractors and service providers each time they visit. Visitors must also check in using the Service NSW QR code. Parents and carers who are dropping off or picking up students do not need to sign in or use the Service NSW QR code.

A WORD FROM THE PRESIDENT

There’s been some great behind the scenes actions in the last couple of weeks.

We now have the core of a Sustainability Committee (still more spaces available... please let me know if you’re keen). The EOI for the mural closes today and I have to say the response have been incredible, we’ll be shortlisting over the next couple of weeks and are very excited about it. And events, well, Winter Fest and the Fair are shaping up to be quite special.

More announcements coming soon.

Thanks,

Daniel

WPS P&C President

Do you follow us on Facebook and Instagram? Give us a like!

P&C EVENTS

If you can help in any capacity (organising, volunteering at the events, raffle/product donations) ANYTHING, for any of our events, we would love to hear from you. Please send our Events Manager, Kris, an email: krisberrell@icloud.com

WPS Winter Fest – Sunday 18th July

Willoughby Public School P&C and proud WPS Winter Fest sponsor, Atlas - Jason Georges Real Estate, would like to invite all our WPS families to an afternoon of winter fun at school.

It will be a fabulous afternoon with music, inflatables, bubble soccer, games, sideshow alley activities and dancing, including performances from Lauren Healy Dance Academy. The Willoughby Roos will also be there with games and giveaways. It's a great opportunity to catch up with old friends and make new ones.

BUY NOW: https://www.trybooking.com/BRWVB

Vintage School Fair – Sunday 10th October

Our School Fair is coming back for the first time since 2013 and it’s a HUGE event for the whole community! Bring your grandparents, neighbours, friends and anyone else you can round up along to our fabulous fair. It will be a traditional fair with rides & amusements, Devonshire teas, stalls, live entertainment…

If you can help with our Vintage School Fair in any way, please email Tanya & Jenni: volunteer@wpspandc.com.au

WPS Parents’ Party – SAVE THE DATE – Saturday 28th August

Parents & carers... SAVE THE DATE, book the babysitter & get ready to kick up your heels!   Watch this space!

Please save the dates for following events:

·         Family Fun Day (Willoughby Winter Fest) – Sunday 18th July

·         Parents’ Night – Saturday 28th August, 6.30pm

·         Father’s Day Breakfast – Friday 3rd September

·         Local Election BBQ –Saturday 4th September

·         Vintage School Fair – Sunday 10th October

·         Chicks for a Cause Lunch – October TBC

·         Starry Night (outdoor movie night) – November TBC

BAND

The Annual WPS Band Sausage Sizzle Fundraiser will take place on Friday 25 June 2021.

Each voucher includes: sausage in roll + juice box + chips =$6.50. Sausages are Halal and gluten free. Gluten free bread and vegetarian sausages will be available as an option when you order.

ORDER NOW: www.trybooking.com/events/landing/770478?bof=1

This is the last day of term. No need to pack lunch - sausages for everyone!

Special arrangements will be made for students - attending PSSA, sporting commitments or excursions on Friday 25th June - therefore they can participate in the sausage sizzle.

All lunches must be pre-ordered by Saturday 19th June - NO CASH sales on the day.

SUSTAINABLIITY COMMITTEE

Thank you to our community members who have volunteered to help with our waste audit on Tuesday.

If you're a professional in this area with some skills to share, or a passionate eco-warrior with a drive to create a more sustainable environment within our School, please get in touch! Email: president@wpspandc.com.au

REBEL SPORT LOYALTY PROGRAM – PLEASE JOIN!

If you’re buying boots or shopping for shoes, don't forget to mention Willoughby Public School every time you shop at Rebel!

Every time you shop at Rebel, 5% of your purchase can be credited to WPS to buy sports equipment for our kids. Just ask for 'Willoughby Public School' to be added as your 'club' next time you shop in-store!

It’s hard to believe we are half way through the netball season. We hope all teams have had a good start to the 2021 season.

Important Dates

• We DO NOT play on the long weekend – 11 & 12, 13 June - enjoy the extra day of rest!

• Training as usual for Wks 9 & 10 – except no 12s training on public holiday Mon 14 June.

• Rd 8 netball on 18 & 19 June – draw for Rd 8 will not be published by NSNA/Netball Connect until after the long weekend, but it’s a repeat of Rd 1 for most teams.

• Rd 6 NSG on 20 June, plus Grounds Duty – please sign up to help: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090444aaa728a5f94-nsgduty

• Three (3) week break for school holidays (returning 16 &17 July for Rd 9 Netball & 18 July Rd 7 NSG)

2022 Planning

• Many of the Committee positions will be vacated this year as our volunteers’ daughters finish Year 6 at WPS.

• Please reach out now if you are interested in keeping our wonderful netball club thriving by volunteering for a role on the committee.

Training News

Reminders to all 10s, 11s & 12s netball players, as a result of some disruptive behaviour:

• Only kind & respectful behaviour is acceptable at WPSNC – the includes at training and games, towards all players, team mates, coaches, managers, umpires and others.

• Every player and every position is vital to the success and enjoyment of your team. All players are attackers and all players are defenders.

• At training & games, please accept the position/s you are asked to play - your coach/es are giving you an important role in the team which they believe best suits you for a particular game.

Umpiring News

• Congratulations to our Year 6 umpires who have bravely started umpiring on Friday nights – Kiki, Rosie, Rana, Zoe S, Lena, Evie, Millie & Eisha. A big thanks to our mentors, all xWPS students, for supporting the new umpires, including Alex, Ava, Olivia & Aqua.

• We’ve had 3 umpires receive their Junior Level 3 accreditation recently and more to come – congrats to Lucia, Summer (x-students) and Rana.

Playing News

• Please advise your MANAGER & COACH ASAP if your daughter can’t play a game – coaches spend a lot of time planning game line ups so need to know in advance of game day. Borrowing rules are strict and we can’t just grab any WPS player to fill a last-minute vacant position.

• Please allow coaches to chat uninterrupted with their team at game intervals.

• Check in via QR code remains vital to continued safe participation – please use the codes at the WLC court entrances or on your teams’ kit bag.

• Players are now allowed 2 spectators, excluding children UNDER 12. Please follow this rule and don’t spoil it for others. Two is 2, not more.

• Keep sidelines and goal lines clear for Umpires. Spectators should line up in single file between courts, or move to another area at least 2 metres away from court lines. Please move equipment away from court.

• NO dogs, scooters, bikes etc., at Netball or NSG please. Upcoming Events • Week 3, Term 3 – WPSNC general meeting

• Year 6 camp – Rd 12, August – WPS 2 & 3 need to decide if they will forfeit.

• Mid to late Term 3 – WPSNC team photos • Presentation Day – Sunday 12 September – please save the date. ‘Like’ us on Facebook and/or Instagram: www.facebook.com/WPSNetballClub & instagram.com/wpsnetballclub/

Thanks for your support, WPSNC Committee

Willoughby Public School is currently looking for volunteer Ethics Teachers.

Do you think it’s important for children to be taught to disagree respectfully and support their arguments with evidence and well thought out moral choices? Do you think children can be taught not to act out of blind habit or peer pressure? In ethics classes, children consider complex issues such as: -how others feel -how do we treat all living things? -what is laziness? -how do we disagree in a respectful way? -what is fairness & equity Ethics teachers receive full training by Primary Ethics.

Suitable volunteers should have an interest in children’s education and the development of critical thinking skills. You need to be available for at least half an hour each Wednesday between 11.30am and 1pm during term time. They may be parents, grandparents or supportive members of the local community. If you are able to assist to ensure that more children can benefit from this program, please visit www.primaryethics.com.au to find out more about the program, or email willoughbypsethics@gmail.com to get in contact with our school’s Ethics co-ordinator Greg Flavel.

At Willoughby Public School we have a number of students with a

LIFE THREATENING NUT / PEANUT ALLERGY.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?

Even a small trace of nut, peanut or nut/peanut product may trigger a severe allergic reaction called Anaphylaxis, which attacks the immune system leading potentially to death within minutes.

This reaction can happen by taste, touch and sometimes can be airborne. All of these students have access to an adrenaline injection in the form of an Epipen, which can save lives. Photo posters are displayed in the classrooms, canteen, staffroom, playground bags and sick bay for easy identification of these children.

Willoughby PS works with parents/carers to support students in developing an awareness of their allergies and what foods to avoid. Students are encouraged not to share food and to always check with a parent/adult/teacher if unsure at any time. 

HOW CAN YOU HELP TO KEEP WPS STUDENTS SAFE? 

Please help us by not including peanut or any nut products in your child’s lunchbox. This includes peanut butter and Nutella. 

Please avoid products with any nuts/peanuts listed as an ingredient. 

Explain about nut/peanut allergy to your child and encourage the ‘no food sharing’ rule. 

Please consider what you are sending for birthday treats to share with the class, checking there are no nut products included. 

The school canteen does not serve products containing nuts. 

It is only with the continued support of all parents and staff that we can effectively maintain a safe school environment for these children.  

Thank you for your understanding. We know you will want to support the school and these children.

NSFA is the governing body for community football (soccer) in the northern suburbs region, which stretches between North Sydney and Brooklyn.

Through XLR8, our player development arm, we run holiday clinics and other programs. In the upcoming holidays we are running holiday clinics in North Turramurra, Lindfield, Chatswood, and Lane Cove.

You can read more about our holiday clinics here:   https://nsfa.asn.au/xlr8/holiday-clinics/

Kids House currently has limited vacancies in After School Care, and several vacancies every day in Before School Care.

Come and join the big extended family that is Kids House.

Please contact Jody: 02 9958 0913

kidshouse2068@gmail.com

31 Penshurst St, Willoughby