2019 – TERM 2 – WEEK 5

Newsletters Each term three newsletters are published and uploaded to the SchoolEnews app. Week 1 – The term calendar, assembly dates and a report from the Principal. Weeks 5 and 10 – Updated calendar, reports from all classes, library news, sport news, award recipient names, community news and advertisements. Incidental news items and reminders will be posted as they occur on SchoolEnews.

2019 TERM 2 Wednesday 29 May Kindy excursion to Kuring-gai Wildflower Garden Monday 3 June Life Education commences Monday 3 June ‘Just Like You’ commences Wednesday 5 June Zone Cross Country Monday 10 June Public Holiday – Queen’s Birthday

Sunday 16 June Football Parking - Volunteer here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0B44AFA92FABFC1-football5

Monday 17 June David Morgan-Mar, Scientist in Residence Tuesday 25 June 6:30pm P&C Meeting Wednesday 26 June Athletics Carnival Friday 28 June 9:30am Parent Tour Monday 1 July Reports go home Friday 5 July Lunchtime Discos – last day of term!

Sunday 21 July Football Parking - Volunteer here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0B44AFA92FABFC1-football6

Tuesday 23 July Students return to school

From the Principal Performing Arts / P&C Fundraising This year the focus of P&C fundraising is support of our Performing Arts groups – dance, choir and bands. The opportunities that we offer our students are extensive and our aim is to further strengthen performance skills enabling us to compete in more eisteddfods and competitions. I’m sure many of you enjoyed watching the K-2 boys’ hip hop dance performance at the Mothers’ Day breakfast, and also the performance of the choir. It will be wonderful to be able to purchase costumes for dancers and singers, and instruments for the bands so that our performances are more polished, reflecting the enthusiasm and talent of our students. Thank you to our parents who contribute to fundraising, either by giving their time or by making donations; this has

Communication

been demonstrated recently at football parking, the Mothers’ Day stall and breakfast, and both the State and Federal elections. If you haven’t yet contributed this year to school fundraising, please consider doing so. Our small community relies on parental involvement so that we can provide quality opportunities and resources to all our students. The school and the P&C would like to increase the level of parental involvement in community and fundraising events – if you have any suggestions for how we can make this happen, we would love to hear them! You can email me at beverley.maunder@det.nsw.edu.au New Hall / New Playground Equipment / Building Fund Schools Infrastructure NSW has now lodged a DA application with Council, in pursuance of our plans to build a new hall. Hopefully the process will be smooth and construction can get underway. Part of this upgrade to our facilities will be the installation of an exciting new adventure playground for our students to enjoy. The school has been setting aside some funding for several years in order to do this, but we aren’t quite there yet! If you wish, you can make a tax deductible contribution to the Building Fund to boost this funding and help to ensure that we can go ahead with this project as soon as possible. Look out for more information about this from the P&C in the near future. NAPLAN Over the last two weeks our students in Years 3 and 5 completed the national assessment tests in literacy and numeracy. This year our school did all the tests online, apart from Year 3 Writing which is still a paper and pencil test. I’m sure you will be aware from media reports that the online testing, country-wide, did not go as smoothly as planned, with several technical problems occurring causing frustration and in some instances, significant stress to children. Fortunately, the difficulties we experienced here at Brookvale were minor and did not prevent the tests from being completed. We have always regarded NAPLAN tests as being the least reliable assessment tool that we have – at best it is a snapshot of performance in one week of the school year. Far more informative are the ongoing formative, diagnostic and summative assessments that our teachers carry out as in integral aspect of the planning and teaching cycle. Reporting to Parents On Monday 1 July you will receive a written report on your child’s performance at school during Semester 1. This year we are changing the format of the report in order to give you, what we believe, is more focused and specific information, not only about your child’s achievements to date, but also outlining the next steps in their learning journey in English and Mathematics. This change addresses the purpose of Strategic Direction 3 in our School Plan – ‘To increase the active and informed involvement of parents in supporting their child’s education, including their academic, social and emotional development’. Early in Term 3 we will be surveying parents to get some feedback on the new reporting format to ensure that it is indeed an improvement and meeting the needs of our community. Some changes you will notice are the inclusion of syllabus outcomes, an indication of growth in achievement from the beginning of Semester 1, and two specific individual Learning Targets; one

each for English and Mathematics. We hope that you find these reports user-friendly and informative, and look forward to receiving your feedback. Stage 3 – Bathurst Camp Last week our students in Years 5 and 6 set off very early on Wednesday morning to enjoy three days and two nights on camp at Bathurst. During their time away they enjoyed discovering what life was like in the goldfields during the 1850s and the impact of the gold rush on Australia. I would like to express a very big thank you to the three teachers who facilitated this wonderful excursion, working around the clock to ensure everything went smoothly and the students had the best time – Mr Gadd, Mr Gray and Mrs Hudson – you are amazing! I would also like to commend our students on their exemplary behaviour throughout the camp. Your Principal and teachers are very proud of you. Supporting Students with Additional Needs For a variety of reasons, children sometimes need additional support at school to ensure that they are offered every opportunity to thrive and succeed. This support may be ongoing, or may be a short-term intervention to fill some gaps in learning. We have our Learning and Support Teacher (L&ST) - Gabi Hudson, and two School Learning Support Officers (SLSOs) – Leanne and Debbie, who work closely with the Learning and Support Team using a Case Management process aiming to ensure that all student needs are met. Other supporting personnel that we have available are our School Counsellor - Deborah Campbell-Alan, our Chaplain – Charis Duce and the DET Student Services team. Our teachers have all undertaken extensive professional learning in catering for the wide range of needs that can be present, including catering for the needs of children with diagnosed disabilities and those who are intellectually gifted. Our teachers differentiate the curriculum and use a variety of strategies to ensure that all students in their class are taught at their capability level. This flowchart demonstrates how students are identified and supported. Bev Maunder

- Supervisor and Teacher agree on appropriateness of referral and complete ‘Referral Proforma 2019’

- Consultation with parents - Referral via LST coordinator (Gabi)

Learning Support Team discusses referrals and determines appropriate action and meets with Teacher to discuss observations, assessment, strategies and possible need for a Functional Behaviour Assessment

Regular reviews to determine progress.

If unsuccessful, refer to counsellor / outside agencies for support

Teacher consults with Supervisor and colleagues at Team Meeting (Strategies discussed and 3 selected to be implemented)

Student not meeting social /academic / behavioural expectations

Teacher implements support strategies (differentiates teaching & learning) Meets expectations

Presenting problem continues

Meets expectations

Presenting problem continues

Meets expectations

Meets expectations

Assembly Roster

RESPECT RESPONSIBILITY PERSONAL BEST Week 2 Liam 2A Ethan 4/5K Danielle 2KJ Week 3 Nathan 2KJ Georgia 2T Inari 4/5R Week 4 Zak KA Harmony 1M Romeo 2KJ

Week 2 Week 3 Week 4 KA Lamden & Chelsea Zach & Archer Charlie & Phoebe KH Caden & Adrian Austin & Isabella Isla & Reina KM Tai & Tiger Matteo & Akira Ryan& Zak K/1J Lofia & Michael Archie & Carter Bentley & Harriet 1L Sophie & Ben Leilani & Kyan Veer & Deon 1M Byron & Lori Sienna & Aiden Ruby & Dante 2A Jaydon & Hafiz Leorah & Jayden Lucas & Arto 2KJ Blake & Natalie Danielle & Arlia Jack & Flynn 2T James & Gerard Erica & Luis Seren & Jayden 3G Serenity & Shaan Logan & Marnie Noah & Tsetan 3T Mya & Jake Taine & Anna Mosa & Luiza 4/5R Marina & Saraya Lois & Tess Tanya & Victoria 4/5G Said & Faith Janaya & Ariana Ava & Gwen 4/5K Sam & Soumya Jaden & Belle Sam & Soumya 6H Erica & Zara Anesita & Mark Ali & Matthew Junior Band Rama & Anna Abigail Senior Band Erica & Lexus George & Hope Iris Learning Support

Bilal & Logan Dylan & Romeo

Library Anesita Sienna Eve

K-2

Reader K-2 Maths 3-6 Reader 3-6 Maths

Week 1 Akira R Moana Rama Luiza Week 2 Anne Gerard Aysha Hanz Week 3 Adrian Sammy Tiana Ariana Week 4 Isaac U Jackson N Victor Thasel

Term 2 Week 5 – Class Item: 4/5K Week 6 – Class Item: 3T Week 7 – Class Item: 4/5G Week 8 - CAPA Assembly Week 9 – SRC Week 10 – Gold, Silver, Bronze Awards & 100% Attendance Awards

Positive Behaviour, Engaged Learners (PBEL)

Merit Awards Weeks 2 – 4

Mathletics and Reading Eggs Award

Wow! What a busy term we have had so far! In Maths this term we are learning about 2D shapes. We had some very engaging lessons where we used geoboards on the iPad’s and with our maths partners designed and created our own castles using 2D shapes. We used our knowledge of numbers and addition to fit the design brief we were given. We then reflected on our learning in our maths journals. In literacy we have been working hard learning our sounds. We are learning to blend our sounds to spell and read simple words. We are also using our knowledge of sounds and sight words to write simple sentences. The teachers have been very impressed with our work. We have also been doing an author study of Pamela Allen. We have explored books such as Who Sank the Boat and Daisy’s Walk. We have acted out the stories, role played different characters within the texts, and even been authors ourselves changing parts of the text and coming up with our own imaginative twists on the stories.

Mrs Richardson, Miss Goodearl, Mr Hurley and Mrs Dixon

Year 1 has continued to show amazing improvement over all KLAs this term. All students are striving to perform at their personal best and it is wonderful to see the work they are creating. In Mathematics, the students have been learning about many different topics. They have been finding the capacity of our lunch tubs, calculating the volume of a small box, using place value to partition numbers and learning how to read and record time on an analogue and digital clock!

In writing, we have been learning how to start our stories with onomatopoeia; a Sizzling Start! We have moved past ‘Once upon a time’ and straight into the action for our stories. Many amazing learning goals are being achieved this term!

We also have the Wildflower excursion coming up in Week 7! Please ensure the excursion notes are signed and returned ASAP.

Ms Lohr, Mr Murray and Mrs Richardson

Kindergarten

Year 1

What a fabulous start to Term 2 we are having! In connection with our investigations into water and the part it plays in our lives, Year 2 students went to the Coastal Environment Centre at Narrabeen. We explored the rock platform, created beach art using natural materials found on the beach and participated in designing a water filtration unit to filter dirty water. There was also the opportunity to touch sea creatures, listen to the sounds of the sea in a conch shell, meet Crusher the mud crab and view a 3D model of the local water catchment area! The students were thoroughly engaged in all activities as you can see from the photos. In Maths we have been doing hands on activities for finding and comparing the mass of objects. We are looking forward to more exciting and engaging learning opportunities!

Ms Gilchrist, Mrs Jones, Mrs Kovacs and Mrs Tully

Year 3 has had a fantastic start to Term 2. Students have settled back into school routines and are working hard to achieve their academic and personal goals. In English, we have been creating, editing and sharing persuasive texts. In Mathematics, students have been working with their maths partners to collect and interpret data. We are looking forward to participating in more exciting and engaging learning activities this term.

Miss Gregersen and Ms Wright

Year 2

Year 3

It is amazing to think we are already in Week 5! Term 2 has flown by in Year 4 and 5 with so many activities to keep us busy! With NAPLAN done and dusted, we’d like to say how proud of Year 5 students we are for all their hard work before and during the testing. They were treated with a lovely trip away to Bathurst. Year 4 had a very exciting Week 4! With Year 5 away, it was time to start ‘celebrating’. Year 4 were given the challenge to research a celebration from around the world. They spent two days researching and planning a presentation about their celebration. On Friday, they had the opportunity to present their findings to the rest of the year group. We had some fantastic presentations and even some costumes too!! As a special treat for their hard work, Year 4 spent an hour on Friday cooking some celebratory food, Nachos, eaten for Cinco De Mayo, and Pancakes eaten for Pancake Tuesday! It was great to see Year 4 take on the responsibility of leading assembly, being Library monitors and completing a challenging research task! We look forward to hearing all about Year 5’s time away at Camp! Mr Gray, Miss Kovacs and Mrs Roberts

An action packed start to Term 2 saw Year 6 engaging with their history though the appreciation of sacrifices the ANZAC’s made on the shores of Gallipoli. Students have written poems to commemorate the ANZAC’s and learn more about Australia’s identity. Ariz Dawla was chosen by the class to represent us at the Week 1 assembly. We were lucky enough to be invited to Freshwater Senior Campus to learn six sports which we will be teaching the students in K-5 this year. We were taught by development officers and high school students from the local area. We played soccer, golf, ultimate frisbee, AFL, tee ball and cricket. Ultimate Frisbee was an absolute highlight! We have just returned from a wonderful camp out at Bathurst, where we continued our investigation into Australia’s colonial history. Thank you to Mrs Hudson for organising such an amazing experience for us all. Mr Gadd

Years 4/5

Year 6

Alarms were set, bags were packed, goodbyes were shared and with that – Stage 3 was off to Bathurst! Departing early in the morning on Wednesday 22 May and returning on Friday 24 May, Stage 3 students had a memorable time exploring caves, panning for gold, bush dancing and more! Thank you to Mr Gray and Mr Gadd for your time, enthusiasm and epic dance moves! We would also like to thank the Stage 3 students for representing Brookvale PS with pride. Students were respectful, polite and courteous throughout the whole camp – you should be proud of yourselves! Below is a recount written by Jay and Gwen from 4/5G. I hope you enjoy camp from a student’s perspective! Mrs Hudson

Camp Recount Last Wednesday Stage three went on their Bathurst camp. Their adrenaline was kicking in as they left for their three hour bus trip. Their first stop was at the Lukas Caves where they would see millions of years’ worth of history along with forming crystals. After they finished the tour inside of the caves, the continued their trip to their accommodation. They were greeted by a Sheep and Cattle Show The next morning they were eager to explore the Gold Fields. As they arrived, they spotted a lady in an apron and a cowboy hat. The activities were fantastic and they learned a lot about the mid-1800s. As they woke up the next morning, they were devastated to realise the undeniable truth that they had to leave! Before they departed they visited Scenic World. They saw ancient mining equipment and went on a cableway and railway. The camp was extraordinary and the teachers were amazing but it’s a shame that they would have to wait a whole year for the next one!

Stage 3 Camp - Bathurst

P&C News Our P&C met again on Tuesday 21 May. The meeting heard recognised that it is National Volunteer Week and noted that we have sought an unprecedented level of help in 2019 with our usual car parking and Mother’s Day events plus a State and Federal Election. We cannot fundraiser and support our school without the support of parents volunteering for these events. The help provided so far this year has been amazing and a huge thank you to everyone who has chipped in! We would encourage all parents in the school to volunteer for at least one activity per year. A report on fundraising noted a great result from recent events with over $1,700 raised by the Federal Election BBQ and Cake Stall. It was great to see lots of helpers and also thank you to the many who baked cakes, biscuits and muffins - they were very popular! Our car parking continues to be our major fundraising activity and volunteers are always sought to help with our next game this Friday evening and then June 16th. We discussed the lodgement of a Development Application for the new School Hall. This has been discussed at every meeting for over a year so it is great to see progress occurring. The P&C unanimously support the DA and proposed location of the Hall. Ongoing lobbying will occur with Council to facilitate approval and commencement of the build. Other items discussed included feedback on school hats and preparation for Term 3 events including our Father’s Day Stall and Breakfast and our Trivia Night. A final reminder was also discussed that all volunteers working in school hours need to complete an ID check with the office. This can occur at any time the office is open and requires 100 points of identification. Our next meeting is on June 25th at 6.30pm and all are welcome. Michael Clark President Brookvale Public School P&C M: 0418 627 102

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