2024 Term 1 Week 2

Important Dates

Principal's Report

Welcome to the 2024 School Year!  

Welcome back all of our students and families

A big, cheerful shout-out to our new Eastwood Public School families! Welcome to the rollercoaster of excitement and education that we call home. I hope the vacation treated you well, providing enough relaxation and rejuvenation to power through this school year with flying colours.

I would like to extend a warm welcome to everyone as we ready ourselves for all that awaits at our upcoming events organised by the school and the ever-enthusiastic P&C. The staff and I are gearing up for what promises to be an exciting and rewarding year ahead.

Our students have kicked off the year with such gusto; It was fantastic to see their beaming smiles on the first day. They were practically doing cartwheels down the hallway, thrilled to be back in the school groove. I managed to catch up with some parents, although I must confess, a handful were sprinting in the opposite direction, performing a flawless heel-click, cheering, and shouting "finally" after successfully dropping off their bundles of joy. Ah, the sweet sound of parental victory! Here's to a year filled with laughter, learning, and maybe a few more heel-clicks of triumph. Cheers to the start of something amazing!

Welcome to Kindergarten students

Congratulations and welcome to our 92 new Kindergarten students who started school on Tuesday. It was lovely to have so many parents at school to share this memorable occasion. The boys and girls are settling well into their new classes. I must acknowledge the wonderful work of our Kindergarten teachers as well as the support and administration staff who have made the first days as smooth as possible.

Classes

Students have been placed into their 2024 class and teachers are establishing class routines and beginning learning programs. The organisation of 2024 classes has been a complex task and I can assure parents that it has involved considerable input from previous teachers, the executive team, support staff and has taken into account many factors. The needs of the entire student body are carefully considered when new classes are formed and we strive to create safe, supportive and stimulating learning environment for all students. Students have quickly settled into their new classes and are enjoying the challenges of the new school year I appreciate your support in encouraging and reassuring your child within the first few weeks and throughout the year. A class list is included.

Staffing

I would like to welcome to Eastwood Public School Mrs Taylor Empeigne who is our new Literacy and Numeracy Intervention teacher. Mrs Empeigne is an experienced teacher with a wealth of knowledge and will be focussing on those students who need assistance with certain aspects of English and mathematics. We also welcome Ms Shelley Sellar who is joining our Front Office two days a week as Business Manager. We welcome a few familiar faces who have returned to Eastwood after periods of leave. Mrs Erin Lee and Ms Eva Koumi are returning in the roles of EALD teachers.

New Build

Some great news on the ‘New Build’ front. The Department has engaged a new builder for the 9 new classrooms being constructed on our site. Work is progressing well, and we are hoping that the build will be finished by the end of Term 3.

As the build takes shape I will publish photos in our tri-term newsletters. We are very excited to see the progress of these wonderful new learning spaces.

School A to Z

Our new families in particular may also be interested in accessing the useful information for parents and carers provided for 2018 here: http://www.schoolatoz.nsw.edu.au/.

Working in Partnership

We recognise that in order to be successful, our children need support from both the home and school. We know a strong partnership with you will make a great difference in your child’s education. As partners, we share the responsibility for our children’s success and want you to know that we will do our very best to carry out our responsibilities. We ask that you guide and support your child’s learning by ensuring that he/she:

• Attends school daily and arrives on time, ready for the day’s learning experience
  
• Reads daily to develop a love for reading and to improve literacy skills
  
• Shares school experiences with you so that you are aware of his/her school life
  
• Informs you if he/she needs additional support in any area or subject
  
• Knows that you expect him/her to do well at school

Bell Times

There is no supervision in the playground before 8:40am, so we kindly request that no child arrives on the school grounds earlier than this, except for those attending EBASCC or tuition. This precaution is in place for the safety of our students, as there are no teachers on duty until 8:40 am. If a child is found on the school grounds before this time, we will contact parents and request them to either collect their child or stay with them until 8:40 am. Your cooperation in ensuring a secure environment for all is greatly appreciated.

Teaching time begins at 9:10am. Below are the schedules for K-2 and 3-6.

Years K-2

Class

9:10am – 10:30am

Crunch and Sip

10:30am – 10:40am

Class

10:40am – 12:00pm

Lunch Time

12:00pm – 12:40pm

Class

12:40 – 2:00pm

Recess/Afternoon Tea

2:00pm – 2:30pm

Class

2:30pm – 3:10pm – Class

3:10pm – The school day concludes at 3:10 pm, and we expect all students to be picked up promptly. In the event that a child is not collected by this time, parents will receive a phone call. If necessary, the student may be enrolled in the After School Care facility, with an associated fee.

If you anticipate running late, it is your responsibility to make alternate arrangements. The school cannot accommodate the supervision of your child beyond the designated hours. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in upholding the safety and efficiency of our end-of-day procedures.

Years 3-6

Class

9:10am – 11:10am (Includes Crunch and Sip)

Recess

11:10am – 11:40am

Class

11:40am – 1:10pm

Lunch Time

1:10pm – 1:50pm

Class

1:50 – 3:10pm

3:10pm – The school day concludes at 3:10 pm, and we expect all students to be picked up promptly. In the event that a child is not collected by this time, parents will receive a phone call. If necessary, the student may be enrolled in the After School Care facility, with an associated fee.

If you anticipate running late, it is your responsibility to make alternate arrangements. The school cannot accommodate the supervision of your child beyond the designated hours. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in upholding the safety and efficiency of our end-of-day procedures.

Absences

If your child is absent for any reason from school, could you please ensure that a note is provided stating the date and reason for that absence. This is a legal responsibility and is closely monitored by the Department. An explanation of absence is required within 7 days. If the school has not received a note outlining a reason for the absence, a reminder letter will be sent home after 7 days.

If you are taking a long term of absence, for example a holiday during the school term, you must inform the school’s front office and complete a Certificate of Extended Leave – Holiday. Any documentation such as travel details, itinerary or flight bookings are needed to issue the certificate.

SMS Absences

Eastwood Public School is implementing a new communication initiative to enhance student safety and streamline the process of reporting absences. Parents of absent children will now receive SMS notifications at 10:30 am each day, ensuring all students are properly accounted for.

If your child is present, you will not receive any notification. However, if your child is absent, the SMS message will allow you to provide an explanation for their absence within a 12 - hour timeframe.

We are thrilled to introduce this service, aiming to foster a more efficient and secure environment for our students. This improvement not only prioritises student safety but also facilitates seamless communication between parents and the school regarding any absence.

Thank you for your cooperation in ensuring the well-being of our students at Eastwood Public School.

Dropping Off and Picking Up students

A ‘Kiss and Ride Zone’ or ‘Drop-off and Pick-up’ area utilises existing 'No Parking' zones around schools. In these areas, drivers may stop to drop off or pick up children, however No Parking rules apply:

• Maximum stop time is 2 minutes
• Driver must remain in or within 3 metres of the vehicle
• Vehicle must not be left unattended

Additional safety tips for school zones:

• Always drop-off or pick-up your child from the designated area, following the school’s procedures
• Make sure children use the footpath-side door when getting in and out of a car
• Make sure the hand brake is applied when the vehicle is stationary
• Never double park
• Never park across a pedestrian crossing
• Never undertake a U-turn in close proximity to the school.

Safety Tips for Students:

• Stay buckled up until the vehicle has stopped in the ‘Drop-off and Pick-up’ area
• Make sure your school bag and other items are in a safe position, e.g. on the floor
• Be ready to get out of the car with your belongings when the car has stopped and you have unbuckled your seatbelt
• Always get in and out of the backseat of the vehicle through the safety door - the rear footpath-side door.

No Stopping

What does it mean? You cannot stop in this area FOR ANY REASON (including queuing or waiting for space).
Why is it there? Keeps clear sight lines between drivers and children/pedestrians.
Penalty $330 + 2 Demerit Points (School Zone)

No Parking

What does it mean? You can stop in a NO PARKING zone for a maximum of two minutes to drop off and pick up passengers. If no spaces are available you cannot queue on the road way or in any other zones while waiting for a space. You will need to drive away and park elsewhere, only returning when there is space to pull up. You must stay within three metres of your vehicle at all times.
Why is it there? To provide a safe place for children/pedestrian set down and pick up.
Penalty $183 + 2 Demerit points (School Zone) 

Bus Zone

What does it mean? You must not stop or park in a bus zone for any reason (including queuing or waiting for a space) unless you are driving a bus.
Why is it there? To provide a safe place for large buses to set down and pick up school children.
Penalty $330 + 2 Demerit Points (School Zone)

Pedestrian Crossings

You must not stop within 20 metres before a pedestrian crossing or 10 metres after a crossing unless there is a control sign permitting parking.
Why is it there? To ensure that children can be clearly seen by vehicles approaching the crossing.
Penalty $439 + 2 Demerit Points (School Zone)

Footpaths, Driveways and Nature Strips

You must not stop on any footpath or nature strip, or even a driveway crossing a footpath or nature strip FOR ANY REASON. 
Why is it there? You could easily run over a child or force pedestrians onto the road to get around you.
Penalty $183 + 2 Demerit points (School Zone)

Double Parking

You must not stop on the road adjacent to another vehicle at any time even to drop off or pick up passengers.
Why is it there? Double parking forces other cars to go around you causing traffic congestion and reduces the view of drivers and children crossing the road.

Regards,

Michael Kammerer - Principal

Meet The Teacher Information Sessions

Sessions will begin at 4:00pm and 5:00pm depending on the Stage and will run for one hour. These sessions are designed to give a general overview of what is happening in the stage/grade/class for the year. If you wish to speak individually to a teacher regarding your child, please make an appointment for another time.

Tuesday 20 February – Kindergarten (Beginning at 4:00pm)

Tuesday 20 February ­– Stage 2 (Years 3 and 4 - Beginning at 5:00pm)

Wednesday 21 February ­– Stage 1 (Years 1 and 2 - Beginning at 4:00pm)

Wednesday 21 February ­– Stage 3 (Years 5 and 6 - Beginning at 5:00pm)

Wellbeing Program

Last year we started ‘You Can Do It’ Program with Mrs Turnbull at the helm. We will be continuing the program this year and after staff and community consultation have changed the award system to reflect the Five Keys To Success. There are five keys, which align with the ‘Keys to Success’ in the You Can Do It social and emotional program. Each key has a designated colour and is associated with the development of a particular social/emotional skillset. The five keys are:

• Confidence

Confidence requires that young people not be overly concerned with what others think if they make a mistake. Confidence is revealed when young people are not afraid to fail and are happy to meet someone new. Confidence involves young people having trust in themselves and believing that they will probably be successful in the end. Confident young people stand up straight, look people in the eye, and speak clearly and with a firm tone of voice.

• Persistence

Persistence is revealed when young people try hard when doing schoolwork, they find frustrating and do not feel like doing, and finfish their work on time. young People who keep trying to complete an assignment rather than becoming distracted, and those who elect to play after they've done their work, demonstrate motivation and can be described as persistent.

• Organisation

Organisation is revealed when young people keep track of their assignments, schedule their time effectively, and set goals they want to do in specific areas of their schoolwork and in other endeavours. Organisation also means having in hand all materials needed to do schoolwork and having a system for sorting previously learned material.

• Getting Along

Getting Along is revealed when young people make friends easily, work co-operatively with each other, resolve conflicts by discussion rather than fights, manage their anger, show tolerance, and follow class rules, including making responsible choices so that everyone's rights are protected and volunteer for community service.

• Emotional Resilience

Emotional Resilience is shown when young people are able to stop themselves from getting extremely angry, down, or worried when something "bad" happens. Emotional Resilience also means being able to calm down, feel better when overly upset, and bounce back from adversity.

 The 12 Positive Habits of the Mind

• Social Responsibility (Values of Character)
• Playing by the Rules
• Thinking First
• Being Tolerant of Others
• Planning My Time
• Setting Goals
• Giving Effort
• Working Tough
• I Can Do It
• Being independent
• Taking Risks
• Accepting Myself

Mobile Phones/Devices/Smart Watches

This is a friendly reminder that, in alignment with the NSW Government's directive on mobile phones in schools, the use of mobile phones and wearable devices, including smartwatches, is strictly prohibited on school grounds. The new policy, effective from Term 4, 2023, aims to create a focused and conducive learning environment.

Wearable devices encompass items such as AirPods, headphones, smartwatches, and Apple Watches. If a student is observed with a smartwatch on their wrist, they will be kindly requested to remove it and store it in their bag. In the event of repeated instances, the smartwatch may be confiscated and can be retrieved at the end of the school day.

For further information, please refer to the Department of Education's guidelines on the mobile phone and smartwatch ban:

Mobile phones now banned in all NSW public schools

Student Use of Mobile Phones in Schools

Thank you for your cooperation in maintaining a distraction-free learning environment.

Deputy Principal's Report

Sarah Balestriere (3-6) Leonie Marshman (K-2)   

Welcome Back

On behalf of Mrs Marshman and myself, we would like to welcome back our returning and new families. It has been a delight to see how quickly our students have settled into routines and adapted to their new classes, making and consolidating friendships. Just a reminder that if parents or guardians need to contact the school or teacher, your first point of contact is the office, where you can send an email or make a phone call. If you require interpreting assistance, we can definitely provide support. Please allow time for students to adapt to their new classes. We will be holding Meet The Teacher afternoons in the coming weeks, with Parent/Teacher interviews towards the end of the term 

Stationery Requirements - Stages 1, 2 and 3 

For any students in Years 1-6, please refer to the attached notes to access the correct stationery requirements. Just a reminder that Stage 1 refers to Years 1 and 2,  Stage 2 refers to Years 3 and 4 and Stage 3 refers to Years 5 and 6. 

Stage 1

https://eastwoodps.schoolzineplus.com/_file/media/1580/stationery_requirements_for_stage_1_2024.pdf 

Stage 2

https://eastwoodps.schoolzineplus.com/_file/media/1578/2024_stage_2_requirements.pdf 

Stage 3

https://eastwoodps.schoolzineplus.com/_file/media/1579/2024_stage_3_requirements.pdf 

Community Languages 

Mandarin and Korean classes will start next week. Mandarin is offered across the school from Kinder to Year 4 and Korean from Kinder to Year 6. This year teachers will be developing programs from the new Language Curriculum. Students of all language backgrounds are welcome to join. If your child is from a non-native Mandarin or Korean background and you would like your child to join a language class, please notify your child’s teacher. Please note that students can not learn both languages due to timetable clashes and disruption to the normal class schedule.  

New English and Mathematics Curriculum 

It is an exciting year this year with the implementation of the new English and Mathematics curriculum from Kindergarten to Year 6. 

There are three key principles that underpin the English and Mathematics syllabuses. They are as follows: 

Students should, 

1. Build strong foundations at every stage of school
2. Learn with understanding and develop skills in applying knowledge
3. Make ongoing progress 

With the new curriculum there may be new ways of doing things. For example, homework may look different, mathematics lessons may look different and the way spelling is taught may be different.  

Further information on the new English and Mathematics curriculum will follow in the next EPS newsletter. 

Mrs Kathy Gounakis 

Assistant Principal, Curriculum and Instruction 

NAPLAN 2024

The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) is an annual assessment for students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9.

It is a nationwide measure through which parents/carers, teachers, schools, education authorities, governments and the broader community can determine whether or not young Australians are developing the literacy and numeracy skills that provide the critical foundation for other learning and for their productive and rewarding participation in the community.

NAPLAN results allow parents/carers and educators to see how students are progressing in literacy and numeracy over time – individually, as part of their school community, and against national standards.

NAPLAN is made up of tests in the 4 areas (or ‘domains’) of:

● Reading

● Writing

● Conventions of language (spelling, grammar and punctuation)

● Numeracy.

National testing dates are from 13 till 25 March, which is Weeks 7 and 8.

Allergies

As we continue to prioritise the safety and well-being of all students at Eastwood Public School, we kindly remind you of the importance of anaphylaxis awareness. Anaphylaxis is a potentially life threatening, severe allergic reaction which occurs after exposure to an allergen (usually to foods, insects or medicines), to which a person is already extremely sensitive.

We understand that providing nutritious lunches for your children is essential. However, we must emphasise the significance of avoiding high-risk products such as peanut butter, Nutella and seafood in school lunchboxes. . Even trace amounts of nuts can pose a serious risk to students with allergies. 

There are a number of students at Eastwood Public School with anaphylaxis and similar allergic conditions and our staff undertake face-to-face and online training in providing an emergency response to this condition. The parents of our anaphylactic and allergic students work hard to educate their children about the risks of sharing food, as do our teachers. In view of this, the school kindly asks that you also talk to your child about the potential risks of sharing food and ask them to wash their hands after eating any nut-based or seafood products.

Thank you for your understanding, our anaphylactic children and their families appreciate your support.

School Photo

Eastwood Public School School photo day will be on Tuesday 13 February 2024.
Ordering your school photos is quick and easy using the NEW MSP Online Platform! Please click the PDF below to enlarge and access the links.

You can also order your Family (Sibling) Photos at the same time you order the individual photos.

Please be mindful that:

• Family orders must be placed BEFORE photo day.
• Family Photos are ONLY for siblings currently attending Eastwood Public School.

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