Newsletter - Term 4, Week 9

Message from the Principal

Dear Bidwill PS Community,

As this is the last newsletter of the year, I would like to thank you all for your patience and understanding as we have lived through these difficult and unusual times.

Firstly, I would like to thank the wonderful staff we have at Bidwill Public School for their hard work and flexibility during the course of the year.  As Principal, I have been proud to see how well they have all worked together so that every student and their families, had access to support.

2020 will be remembered by all of us as a year of change and knowing that change can happen overnight.  All through this we remained safe and looked after each other whilst continuing to provide the very best education to students.  

For you as Parent/Caregiver, we thank you for your ongoing support and wish you all a very Merry Christmas.

I look forward to 2021 and all that it brings.  In particular, I look forward to seeing our new students and our returning ones.

Take care over the Christmas break and enjoy the special celebrations with both your family and friends.

P&C return in 2021

When the new year commences, some of the COVID guidelines will change.  

Please visit the school's website and Facebook page to see the new guidelines in the new year.

As part of the changes, the P&C meeting will be held again. More to come in the new year.


Yours in education,

Janine Macky


In line, On time, By 9

100% Attendance

Gymnastics

This term our school has been lucky enough to team up with Multisport company Dancefever. This has allowed our students from Kindy to Year 6 to experience exciting skipping and gymnastics lessons. Students have learnt a range of new and fun skills, challenged each other and the instructors and most importantly laughed along the way. Take a look at the fun we are having in these photos.

Stage 2

Healthy Harold - 1/2C

Children's Book Council of Australia Kids' Book of the Year Event

Annie and Kate recently presented book reviews at the Children’s Book Council of Australia Kids’ Book of the Year event.

Annie and Kate wrote and presented reviews of the books ‘Dog Runner’ and ‘The Glimme’ which were both shortlisted for awards this year.

They were both presented with a gift package in appreciation for their participation. Congratulations to both Year 6 students.

Writing Group

During semester 2, Stage 2 & 3 students participated in workshops to further develop writing skills. At the end of the workshops they each received a published book containing all of the writing, a story called ‘Escape’. Copies of the books will also be available for browsing in the library.

3/4G have been busy!

Attendance matters

Please respond to the message if your child is absent or late for school

Automated Attendance SMS system

Don’t forget if you receive an SMS about your child being absent from school please reply to the message with the reason your child is away or their absence will be marked as unjustfied.

It is vital that the school has your up-to-date mobile and email details.

School Travel - Term 4 2020

Applications for student travel in 2021 opened from Monday 12 October 2020.

Students who require a School Opal card or travel pass for 2021 can now apply online. A new application should be submitted if a student is applying for a school travel pass for the first time or requesting an additional pass as a result of a new shared parental responsibility situation (e.g. joint custody).

Students who have changed school/campus, changed address, repeated a year or received an expiry notification from Transport for NSW for their school travel entitlement should re-apply or update their details.

*Applications must be completed by the student's parent or legal guardian if the student is aged under 16 years. Students 16 years and over must complete the application form themselves.

Where there is a change of distance eligibility based on a student’s grade, the system will automatically update a student’s entitlement if they meet the new criteria. If they do not meet the new eligibility criteria, they will receive an expiry notification via email.

Students who have an entitlement approved under a medical condition which is due to expire will receive a notification advising them to re-apply.

Term Bus Pass holders will receive a notification to re-apply. If a student needs to update their information or re-apply, they should go online to https://apps.transport.nsw.gov.au/ssts/updateDetails

Applications need to be submitted before 31 December 2020 to ensure that current student entitlements are updated and their current entitlement/card remains valid. If their application is submitted after 31 December 2020, the system will automatically cancel an entitlement/card and a new one will need to be issued. 

Students in the Opal network applying for a SSTS or Term Bus Pass entitlement for the first time will receive their card at their nominated postal address. Cards will be mailed out from January 2021.

Students residing in Rural and Regional (R&R) areas should receive their travel pass at the commencement of the new school year from their nominated operator, this may be distributed via the school or sent direct to their address. Note: some R&R operators do not issue travel passes. Students/Parents should confirm with their nominated operator if they do not receive a pass.

New Concession Entitlement Cards 

Transport for NSW will be replacing the below cards with Transport Concession Entitlement Cards (TCEC) from October 2020:  Senior Secondary Student Concession Card (16 years and over) – also used by Mature Secondary Students (18 years and over), Distance Education Students and Home School Students

 Proof of Age card (when a student under 16 years of age looks older)  Boarder Rail Pass. All previous cards will be valid until they expire. Students who require a Transport Concession Entitlement Card should speak with their school administration staff.

Enquiries regarding school student travel can be submitted to Transport for NSW at:  https://transportnsw.info/contact-us/feedback/passes-concessions-feedback

Community News

Bidwill Public School