Winston Hills Public School Newsletter

Year 6 Leaders

I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the outstanding group of students that we have as our school leaders in Year 6. Over the past two weeks, they have done an amazing job at getting back into a routine and being the best role models for the rest of the school.

I hope that the rest of the term provides them with great memories of Winston Hills Public School as their time here comes to an end.

A big thank you to our Year 6 teachers who are hard at work getting things organised for the Year 6 Farewell. I know that the students are looking forward to the night.

Kindergarten Orientation

Recent changes to COVID-19 restrictions has meant that Winston Hills Public School will be able to hold Kindergarten Orientation for our students commencing school in 2022. Kindergarten Orientation provides a great opportunity for your child to experience a small taste of what a classroom is like and is an important part of a positive start to school.

Students will be invited to attend an orientation session during the week beginning Monday 6th December 2021. Due to the current guidelines, groups will be smaller, staggered throughout the week and will avoid regular school starting times. Unfortunately, parents are not able to remain on site during the orientation.

Students who are already enrolled for Kindergarten 2022 will receive a letter in the mail that outlines their orientation session shortly. We ask that parents respond to the survey link in the letter so we know they have received the information and that the allocated time is suitable.

If you have a child starting Kindergarten next year and you have not enrolled them as of yet, we ask that you contact the school as soon as possible so that they can be included in these sessions.

Class Planning for 2022

We are currently in the process of working out class formations for 2022. An important part of this is knowing the numbers for each of the grades. I would like to thank the parents who have informed us that their children are leaving our school this year.

If you know of anyone who has moved into the area and are looking to enrol their children into our school for next year, please suggest that they do so ASAP to help with the planning process.

If you have any concerns or things that you think need to be considered for your child’s placement for next year, please email me on mark.byrne@det.nsw.edu.au

Student Leaders 2022

Over the past couple of days, our students have been involved in deciding who our school leaders will be for 2022. I would like to thank the Year 5 students who have nominated and presented a speech. This year the speeches will be delivered via video, utilising the school’s green screen technology. I would like to thank Mr Johnson for putting together all of the videos.

Are You Moving In 2022?

If you are intending to leave the school this year, could you please notify the office on 9639 8518, as soon as possible (excluding Year 6 of course). Accurate numbers are important for our class planning and staffing for 2022.

Mark Byrne

Mark.byrne@det.nsw.edu.au

It’s hard to believe we are halfway through the term! I hope our families are settling back into a normal routine despite the ongoing restrictions.

Refunds

We encountered some problems during the refunding process which set us back. However, we are working hard to ensure that your money is refunded as soon as possible.

Please be advised that online payments (POP) are refunded by the school. However, cash payments will be refunded by the department. We do not know the time frame for when you will receive your refund. Please bear in mind that the department is also processing refunds for other schools.

Statement of Accounts

Unfortunately, emailing statements to families has also been delayed due to the problems encountered. Therefore, we have extended the due date for Term 1/2022 Invoice, and any overdue accounts, to

Thursday, 9th December 2021.

Our apologies for any inconvenience these delays may have caused and thank you again for your patience and understanding.

Credit

There are families who have had their accounts either paid in full or partially paid using credit. A note will be attached to your receipts which will be sent home with your child.

Scope It

$40 will be credited to your account to use for future activities/excursions.

Swimming Carnival

Return of permission notes has also been extended to Thursday, 9th December 2021. Please ensure that permission slips are returned to the teacher by the due date.

If your child is not/cannot attend, please advise the school by email to winstonhil-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au

Please note, that we are also preparing for the Department of Education Financial Rollover which is fast approaching. This will be followed with the Department’s Administration Rollover of student details. We ask all school families to please support the Office Administration team by ensuring that all school accounts are completely finalised by the due date. If you have a concern or a problem with your account, please contact the School Admin Manager on 9639 1931.

We thank you in anticipation of your ongoing support.

Tere Griffin

School Administrative Manager

The Worry Tree

Children can worry about so many things - big and small. I’ve heard all sorts of worries like; sitting for tests, talking in front of the class, a friend issue, finding school work difficult and even the worry of tornados appearing.

A few terms ago, with a group of students, we made a worry tree together. You might like to try this at home so that your child can write down their worry and stick it to the worry tree. In doing this, they are acknowledging their worry in writing, which allows them to talk to you about it. They can then come up with a solution to their worry and work on overcoming it. As time goes on, your child can revisit their worry and see if it’s time to remove it from the tree. When their worries are removed, replace them with flowers so they can see how many worries and challenges they have overcome. Here’s how to make a worry tree:

1. Find a branch from your garden or draw a tree on a large sheet of paper.

2. Draw some leaves on paper and cut them out.

3. Write worries on the leaves and sticky tape them to the tree.

4. Draw some flowers on paper, cut them out and when worries have passed, replace them with flowers.

Take care, and please email me if you have any wellbeing needs .

Kylie Isherwood

kylie.isherwood@det.nsw.edu.au

I’m so please to be able to say that with the latest change in restrictions we ARE going to be able to have some end of year celebrations for our wonderful band students. I will be sending out emails soon with dates and details.  Also, due to the changes we will be having a few bucket drumming sessions.  We are allowed to gather for band rehearsals but not blow into our instruments. Training band will do three sessions and Intermediate and Performance bands will each do two sessions. Again, dates will be confirmed via email later this week. 

Band 2022: Unfortunately, we are not going to be able to have a ‘blowtest’ session this term. Those students currently in Year 2 who might be interested in trying out for Training Band 2022 will have to be a little patient with us. All going well we will hold a mini concert for Year 3 2022 early in Term 1 and an information evening/ blowtest around the same time.

Sam Hinchelwood

NO Over the Counter Orders

Lunch & Recess Orders are On-Line ONLY

There will be no over the counter service until further notice.