2024 Term 2 Week 10

Important Dates

Principal's Report

As we approach the end of Term 2, I find myself reflecting on the remarkable events and everyday moments that make Eastwood Public School such a special place. The daily dedication of our staff is truly inspiring, and their commitment to ensuring the educational, social, and emotional needs of our students are met does not go unnoticed. From shaping the minds of tomorrow in the classroom to offering a comforting band-aid on a child’s grazed knee, their efforts are a testament to their unwavering professionalism and compassion.

To our incredible staff, I extend my deepest gratitude. Your hard work and dedication throughout the first half of the year has been exceptional. Whether it’s through engaging lessons, thoughtful guidance, or the extra mile you go to support each child, you have created an environment where our students can thrive.

To our students, your tireless efforts and enthusiasm for learning are commendable. You have worked diligently, and now it's time to enjoy a well-deserved two-week break. Use this time to recharge your batteries, spend quality moments with family and friends, and return ready for an exciting and productive Term 3. Your resilience and determination is impressive, and I look forward to seeing what you will achieve in the coming months.

To our wonderful families, your ongoing support and involvement are the backbone of our school community. Thank you for your continued assistance, whether it’s helping with homework, encouraging your children, or participating in school events. Your engagement and dedication make Eastwood a nurturing and supportive environment for all.

A special thank you goes to those extraordinary parents who go above and beyond. Your contributions, whether through assisting with the school band, serving as P&C representatives, helping out in the canteen, volunteering in classrooms, or simply expressing gratitude to our staff, are deeply appreciated. Your generosity and willingness to give your time and energy play a crucial role in making our school the vibrant community that it is.

As we head into the holiday period, I wish everyone a safe and happy break. Take this time to relax, unwind, and create lasting memories with loved ones. We look forward to welcoming you back refreshed and ready for a fantastic Term 3. Thank you once again for your incredible support and dedication. 

Have a safe and happy holiday.

Naidoc Week – Keep the Fire Burning

We are thrilled to announce that the Snapper Fish artwork, co-created by students and artist Bibi Barber, will be on display at the Sydney Opera House throughout NAIDOC Week, from July 7 to July 14. This project involved the students and teachers of Eastwood Public School in creating our area’s totem, the ‘Snapper Fish’.

We encourage everyone to visit the Opera House and explore all the artworks celebrating NAIDOC Week, especially Eastwood Public School’s collaborative piece honouring Australia’s First Peoples.

Late Arrivals – Partial Absences

The expectation is that all students arrive at school on time, before 9:10 am. A parent SHOULD accompany the child to the front office if the child is late. At the beginning of Term 3, we will be closely monitoring the situation, and any student who is continually late may receive a phone call. If a pattern emerges, the Home and School Liaison Officer (HSLO) will be called to investigate.

We understand it's cold, but arriving late to school causes significant disruptions to the student's learning experience. Missing the introductions of lessons makes it challenging for students to catch up with the rest of the class. This can lead to gaps in understanding and hinder academic progress. To ensure all students start their day on the right foot, the Senior Executive will be at the gates from 9:10 am each morning starting from Term 3 to monitor late arrivals. Our goal is to support every student in having a successful and uninterrupted educational journey.

Most late arrivals are marked as ‘Unjustified Absences’ and are recorded on the student’s ‘Progress Report’, semesterly.

Semester 1 Reports

Yesterday, student reports were uploaded onto the Parent Portal so parents can view their child’s report. Throughout the last two weeks I have been sending home letters containing ‘Access Keys’ for those who have not yet logged onto the Parent Portal. If you are still unsure on how to logon onto the Parent Portal, please have a look at the school’s website for instructions:

https://eastwood-p.schools.nsw.gov.au/sentral/parent-portal.html

Please remember that the school is not able to change username or password information. This was set up by parents when you first accessed the Portal. If you have any major problems accessing the Portal, please email the school.

If you have already logged into the Portal you can access using the link below:

Access to Parent Portal

Semester 1 reports will be available on the SENTRAL Parent Portal from 4:00pm on Thursday July 4. The school uses the A to E grade scale summarises the standard (or quality) of achievement associated with each grade.

The scale describes:

• the depth of knowledge and understanding and
• the range of skills that students working at that standard typically show.

Grades are given for individual achievement. Students will get the grade that best matches the standard of their achievement.

Teachers make professional on-balance judgements to decide which grade description best matches the standards their students have achieved at a particular point-in-time.

Reports and EAL/D                                                                                        (English as an additional language or dialect) comment

This semester, Eastwood Public School will continue to include an EaLD comment in reports for those students whose families speak another language than English at home. At Eastwood Public School we have a high percentage of NESB (Non-English-Speaking Background) families, approximately 90% and the Policy Standards for the Curriculum Planning and Programming, Assessing and Reporting to Parents K-12 outlines the importance of reporting on EAL/D student progress in learning to parents.

In addition to standard reporting requirements for all students, reports for K-10 EAL/D students should include the following information:

• an overall EAL/D Learning Progression phase,
• how English language learning has been supported, and
• how English language learning has progressed

Who are EAL/D learners:

Overseas and Australian-born students whose first language is a language or dialect other than English and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students whose first language is an Indigenous language, including traditional language, creoles and related varieties, or Aboriginal English. Many EAL/D students have strong skills and knowledge in their home language, however, to learn in English, EAL/D students require an appropriate teaching and learning environment which builds English language skills to achieve academic success.

At Eastwood Public School we have specialist EAL/D teachers who design targeted, curriculum-based English language instruction for EAL/D students and assist in the delivery of teaching programs that meet students’ particular English language learning needs. In supporting whole school programs and initiatives, EAL/D teachers focus on the English language and literacy learning of EAL/D students relative to the needs of the learner and to curriculum outcomes. This is achieved through co-designed teaching programs.

Second Language Acquisition:

Learning a new language happens over time and in stages. The stages of second language acquisition are similar to the stages of first language acquisition. Learning a second language involves the acquisition of a complex communication system, composed of the interrelating linguistic elements of communication, social usage, meanings, structures, vocabulary, word formation and sounds. The development of oral fluency begins with preproduction moving to early production, speech emergence, intermediate fluency and ending with advanced fluency. Reaching this stage may take many years of learning the language.

Average Time to Progress Through the EAL/D Learning Progression Phases:

It is very possible that a student may receive a Sound, High or Outstanding in English, but still receive an Emerging, Developing or Consolidating Phase in the EaLD report section. This is quite common and nothing to be concerned about. As you can see from the previous table, English language proficiency takes a substantial amount of time and EaLD progressions are based on ESL scales which have variations to the English syllabus.

Staffing News

Towards the end of the Term 2 you may have noticed that quite a few staff members were absent. We had a significant increase in illnesses among our staff. Many of our teachers were suffering with COVID-19, Influenza and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). The situation occasionally created challenges in maintaining our usual teaching program.

Where possible, we diligently worked to replace absent teachers to ensure that our students' learning experiences remained uninterrupted. We did everything within our power to continue delivering quality education during these difficult times.

They were challenging times, and we appreciated your cooperation and support. Thank you for your continued understanding and commitment to the well-being of our students and staff.

Farewelling Staff

At the end of the term, we bid a heartfelt farewell to Mrs Famrun Nahar, Mr Ronan Keegan, Ms Jamie O’Sullivan and Mrs Taylor Empeigne. Their dedication and contributions to Eastwood Public School have truly been appreciated. We are grateful for the impact they've had on our school community. As they embark on the next exciting chapters of their careers, we extend our best wishes and deepest appreciation.

New Build

The new build is shaping up to be a fantastic addition to Eastwood Public School, with the learning areas now looking impressive thanks to the fully installed cabinetry. Each space has been thoughtfully designed to provide an optimal environment for both teaching and learning, ensuring that students and staff have access to the best resources available. The modern architecture enhances the aesthetics of the rooms but also offers functionality, making the spaces both beautiful and practical.

We are thrilled to announce that students will be moving into these new learning areas at the beginning of Term 4. At the same time, the temporary demountables will be removed, marking a significant milestone in the development project. This transition is an exciting moment for everyone involved, as it signifies the culmination of four years of planning and construction. Both students and staff are eagerly anticipating the opening of these new spaces, which will undoubtedly enrich the educational experience and provide a fresh, inspiring atmosphere for learning.

Facebook

We have so much to be proud of and celebrate at Eastwood Public School, and we love showcasing the incredible talents of our students. Our Eastwood Public School Facebook page is dedicated to celebrating these achievements. Here, you’ll find photos and descriptions highlighting various aspects of our school life, from classroom projects and sporting events to special occasions.

This page is a celebration site where we can all share in the successes and milestones of our students. Please note that it’s not intended for day-to-day communications or to disseminate notes and updates; its primary purpose is to highlight the wonderful achievements of our students.

Thank you for being a part of our vibrant community and for joining us in celebrating the amazing things happening at our school.

Please have a look:

Thank you.

Michael Kammerer - Principal

Deputy Principal's Report

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

Attendance Matters

Spelling terminology

This week, we will focus on the spelling terminology that we teach our students from Kindergarten. Ask your child if they know any of these terms.

For a video clip on how spelling terminology is taught in the early years by Professor Tessa Daffern, watch the YouTube clip: Introducing metalanguage in the Early Years

Mrs Kathy Gounakis

Assistant Principal, Curriculum and Instruction

Education Week Whole-School Family Picnic

As part of our Education Week Whole-School Family Picnic, families will have the opportunity this year to order a special Recess Picnic Pack through the QKR App and the school Canteen. There are 3 packs to choose from for students, and also 3 packs for adults. Picnic Pack orders can be made from Week 1 next term 23 July - Tuesday 6 August before 8.20am. All orders will be delivered to your child’s classroom where you can pick them up ready for the picnic.

Wellbeing Update

Introducing Life Skills Go K-2

We have engaged with Life Skills Group to provide a Wellbeing Personal Development and Physical Education program. This includes an online program to nurture the social and emotional learning of your child so that they can be equipped to thrive in learning and in life. 

Life Skills GO - Online Blended Learning Platform

Life Skills GO is an evidence-based, curriculum-aligned online blended learning platform delivering social, emotional and physical learning for students. 

Wellbeing Information: Screen time, emotions and readiness to learn - a message for parents & carers

It will come as no surprise that the evidence suggests that excessive screen time has a negative impact on emotions and readiness to learn. Therefore, it is a good idea to reduce excessive screen time.

How much screen time is excessive?

A good place to start is the Australian Government guidelines for screen time, 24-hour movement guidelines. The guidelines recommend:

• No screen time for children younger than two years
• No more than 1 hour per day for children aged 2-5 years
• No more than two hours of sedentary recreational screen time per day for children and young people aged 5-17 years (not including school work)

Any amount of screen time above the guideline recommendations is excessive.

It is also important to note that even though this is the recommended average, it does not mean that hours can be stored up and used in one go e.g. There is no screen time Monday to Friday so we can have 14 hours over Saturday and Sunday.

Over two hours on any one day is excessive.

Screen time in the guidelines excludes schoolwork. Screen time is defined as sedentary recreational screen time, where children are sitting or laying down to watch video, scrolling social media, or playing games.

The Australian Institute of Family studies estimates that only 15% of 5–12-year-olds meet the screen time guidelines, and that the amount of screen time increases dramatically between the ages of 10 -14. In fact, the Australian Bureau of Statistics estimates that there is a rise in the percentage of students spending more than 20 hours a week on a screen.

What happens if children have an excessive amount of screen time?

We are still in the early stages of studying the impacts of screen time on children, but the early indicators of the research strongly suggest that excessive screen time can contribute directly to:

• Increased impulsive behaviour, anger, and aggression
• sensory overload that causes poor focus, inattention, and depleted mental energy
• Overstimulation that causes children to have difficulty in managing stress and regulating their mood

Evidence also suggests that excessive screen time contributes indirectly to:

• Obesity and poor physical health
• Poor quality sleep and a lack of sleep
• Reduced imagination and creativity

It should be noted that these are the potential outcomes of excessive screen time regardless of what they are doing on the screen. The symptoms and consequences amplify dramatically when you include the impact and risks of social media, exposure to mature content and violence.

What can we do to reduce screen time?

• There is a strong relationship between parents’ screen time and that of their children. So, model separating yourself from the screen.
• Limit or eliminate screen time at certain times of the day. 2 great areas to target are:
• the time immediately before bed, aim for more than an hour screen free time before sleep.
• before school

1. Discuss rules with other parents. It is much easier if all children in the friendship group have the same rules around content and access.
2. Set healthy habits as criteria for accessing screens. For example, exchange 30 minutes of reading for 30 minutes of screen time.
3. Utilise parent controls and time limits. Most adults have difficulty moderating their screen time, it is unreasonable to expect students to do this effectively without support. Help them develop self-regulation strategies.
4. Co-participate in their screen time, know what they are doing online and break up the consumption with discussion and human connection.

These strategies are just a few of many, and screen time is just one of many topics that are critical for supporting students regulate their emotions and come to school ready to learn. For more information I strongly recommend the support available from the Australian Government esafety commissioner; link to more support.

Rydr Tracy is the Head of Education at Life Skills Group and former Director Strategic Priorities at CESE. He is a specialist in evidence-informed practice in educational innovation, with a career focus on strategic change that improves student outcomes. He draws on a rare blend of successful experience in schools, system leadership roles and industry practice – experience that has given him deep understanding of the complexities of the education sector from the classroom to the boardroom and a demonstrated capacity to generate practical recommendations that are grounded in context and evidence.

Kindergarten Matters - KP

KP have been having fun while learning about time. We are learning to read time to the hour on an analog clock. We used playdoh to show the hour and minute hands.

On Tuesday 2nd July, KP listened to a Road Safety talk and got to have a turn using a wheel chair.

Stage 1 Happenings - 2T

What a busy few weeks we have had in 2T! We have been working so hard and Miss Tang has been so impressed with us! 

In the classroom, we learned about inferencing when reading texts, how to write interesting sentences using figurative language and the purposes of writing. We even wrote our own fables to teach other students school rules which we have been publishing on our new laptops and even made beautiful cover pages for! 

We also had a fantastic incursion from the Wheelchair Basketball Roadshow. We learned about road safety and got to experience how to move ourselves around in a wheelchair. It was quite hard to do – we can’t imagine how people are able to play basketball at the same time! 

What a term! We are looking forward to a wonderful and relaxing holiday break, refreshed and ready for an exciting Term 3 of learning!

Stage 2 Happenings - 3/4P

Stage 3 Happenings - 6G

The students of 6G, 2024 not just look amazing in their new stylish Hoodies, they have been engaged in several leadership tasks, including whole grade incursion with trainers,  creating sporting competitions which they ran during lunch time for younger students, peers and awarded medals to the winning competitors. They are also musically talented with Christopher giving a cello solo at the Opera House and several others participating in the recorder ensemble. They love their music and sport. Their art is just as fantastic! Some students are naturally talented and have created amazing artworks that brighten up our class. It has been a great first Semester and we are looking forward to a busy and fruitful Semester Two.

Languages - Year 1 Mandarin

In term 2, year 1 Mandarin students have been learning a story on " THE SLEEPY BEAR". The sleepy bear BRUNO needs to collect some food before it can go into hibernation. 

Students have to complete the open-ended story by following the sentence pattern of the story. They use the learned vocabulary such as days of the week, colours, numbers and different types of food or fruit in Mandarin. They practised the sentence structure through language games and wrote their own posters to complete the story. Year 1 students also researched and shared their ideas on what types of food bears like in their discussion time.  

At the end of this term, students present their story in class, perform self-assessment and reflect on their learning goals.

Languages - Korean Update

Year 3 Korean students have been exploring Korean cuisine, delving into its recipes, flavours, and cultural significance.

As part of their writing task, students had to describe their favorite Korean food, including ingredients, taste, and why they like this particular dish.

Sports Update

BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP

Congratulations to Caleb from Year 6 who competed for Sydney North in the NSW PSSA basketball championships earlier this term. The team played very well in the final to win the silver medal. A great effort all round, Caleb!!

SWIMMING

Congratulations also to Clara, Year 5, who, yet again, put in another very strong performance at the State swimming Championships at the start of the term representing Sydney North as well. She showed great resilience by swimming in a number of very close fought finals. It is a tough sport when only hundreds of seconds separate the medalists from the minor placings. It was a fantastic effort, Clara!!

PSSA TERM 2

Our first Winter term has been a little wet this time around meaning that a few rounds were washed out due to grounds not being open. The students have enjoyed playing this term and have displayed excellent skill and sportsmanship towards other teams. The introduction of our mixed teams has been very exciting this year and thank you to Miss Chavda and Miss Hadfield for coaching those two new teams.

Have an active and safe break and see you in Term 3.

Nel Hoekstra

PSSA Co-ordinator

Round 1 - WASH OUT

Round 2 - WASH OUT

Round 3

Players of the Match: Suri, Lachlan X, Bosco, Linarh, Irene, Carson.

Round 4

Players of the Match: Athena, Alexis, Axel, Marcus L, Nicholas, Aaron, Sophia S, Yvonne, Sharon.

Round 5 - WASH OUT

Round 6

Players of the Match: Alicia F, Samira, Althea, Cynthia, Summer, Cheryl Z, Dora W.

Round 7 - Wash Out

Round 8

Players of the Match: Amelia Y, Amelia L, Silver, Sophia R, Zara Ali.

Round 9

Players of the Match: Charlie P, Larissa L, Maanvi, April W, Karen Z, Namuun.

Round 10 - WASH OUT

Operation Art Competition

Congratulations to Levina of 6G and Amelia of 2C for being selected to participate in the Operation Art Competition. It was difficult to choose only two candidates this year but they both demonstrated excellent creative talent. Fingers crossed they are selected as the finalist in the overall competition. Well done girls!

Music

Festival of Instrumental Music at the Sydney Opera House

Last Tuesday, 33 students in the Recorder Ensemble and the String Orchestra travelled to the Botanical Gardens for lunch in the sunshine, before a three-or-so hour combined rehearsal for that evening’s concert. An amazing day, a fantastic concert and Miss Hadfield, Mrs Caldarevic and myself were so proud of them all.  Their behaviour was exemplary and they all played beautifully.

Congratulations to our very own Christopher Y, who was successful in his audition to perform an accompanied solo on his ‘cello – an outstanding performance from him in front of 2,000 plus audience members. 

Thank you parents, for being so supportive and here’s to next year’s FOIM!!

Mrs Hudson

Data Collection

Kindergarten Enrolments - 2025

If your child has already turned 5 this year or will be turning 5 before 31 July 2025, they are eligible to start school next year. We would appreciate if parents of our local area and of siblings of currently enrolled students could submit their applications as soon as possible. Please let your friends and family know that the process for enrolment for next year is underway.

If your child is an Australian citizen or permanent resident, you may enrol online via our website, by clicking on the enrolment tab from the link below. The school office will then contact you regarding the supporting documentation you will also need to provide. 

Temporary Visa holders will need to contact the office for further instructions to enrol students. Please e-mail the office at eastwood-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au  with your child details and your enquiries.

Merit Awards

Community News