Willoughby Public School Newsletter

Dear Parents/Carers

What a fabulous term of learning we have had at Willoughby PS. I would like to congratulate our students on their focus and dedication to learning during Term 2. It is now time to relax and recharge ready for Term 3.

We have had some lovely feedback from a number of community members over the past fortnight, especially from excursion venues complimenting our student on their respectful behaviour at the excursions. Our students and teachers should be very proud of this feedback! Well done to everyone involved for the outstanding representation of Willoughby PS.

Thank you and farewell Mr Thorn and Mrs Winkler. We honoured their contribution to our Willoughby PS community with a whole school clap out this afternoon. We wish them well as they start at their new schools in Term 3.

This week, all students in K-6 will took home their Semester 1 student reports. I have been very impressed with student improvement and growth. There should be no surprises in the reports and it is a good opportunity to discuss with your child areas requiring development and focus for Term 3.

I have noted in particular the number of absent days and partial day attendance and the impact this has on learning. The Department of Education has an attendance goal of 95% attendance for all students across the state. We will be monitoring student attendance throughout Semester 2.

We had a wonderful day at the track carnival last week – the sun was shining just for Willoughby. All students should be very proud of their efforts on the day. I have included some photos of the action on the day. The Field Carnival will be held on Thursday 22 July.

Thank you to our band coordinators, students and conductors for hosting our Open Band Rehearsals this week. It was lovely to showcase the growth and skills developed across Term 2. The Band Sausage Sizzle was a huge success – thank you for a yummy treat to celebrate the end of term.

Thank you to our teachers, admin and support staff for a wonderful time. I hope everyone have a relaxing holiday, despite the daily changes we are encountering with COVID.

Students return on Tuesday 13 July.

J Simmonds

From next term the SRC and Willoughby Waste Warriors (student sustainability team) will be joining forces to run a "Recycle your old batteries" initiative. Batteries are very damaging to the environment as they contain harmful substances such as mercury, cadmium and lead. If they are disposed of in landfill these heavy metals might contaminate the soil and groundwater.

Please send in any old or used batteries, of all types, and we will dispose of them through the Woolworths battery recycling scheme at Northbridge Plaza.

The SRC Fundraiser was a huge success last week and students wore blue to support awareness of bowel cancer.

We raised $1363 and our donation was matched by supporting partners of Red Apple Day, meaning we've helped raise an amazing $2726 for bowel cancer research and support. 

Thank you for your generous support.

We would like to thank the hard work and dedication of our outgoing representatives and look forward to welcoming new student representatives to the SRC next term.

A WORD FROM THE PRESIDENT

Some exciting behind the scenes action this week with the first meeting of the P&C Sustainability Committee. 

The purpose of the committee is to work with the school in helping educate students from Kindy up on best practice sustainability, as well as setting a high bar across all P&C activities. You’ll be hearing about some great initiatives as the committee moves through the gears and as always, we welcome input from any parents and carers.  

Thanks,

Daniel

WPS P&C President

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P&C EVENTS

Planning is going ahead for our exciting events. We will continue to follow guidelines from NSW Health and the Department of Education and keep you updated regularly.

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

ENTERTAINMENT BOOK FUNDRAISER

Buy your online Entertainment Book here: Willoughby Public School (entdigital.net)

Lots of deals and prizes to be won.

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!

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