WALLACIA PUBLIC SCHOOL 1573-1585 Mulgoa Road

WALLACIA NSW 2745 Tel: 4773 8433

Fax: 4773 9050 Email: Wallacia-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au

Principal: Mr Trev Mason

______________________________________________________________________________

‘Today is for Tomorrow’

SAFE RESPECTFUL LEARNERS

NEWS FROM WALLACIA PUBLIC SCHOOL

Term 3 Week 2 July 25, 2017

Mr Mason Principal’s Report

How many of you woke up this morning thinking ‘I wonder what I can do today to undermine my

children, subvert their effort, turn them off learning and limit their achievement’? Not one of you, I

bet! Almost universally, what we parents want is: a) for our kids to grow up to be happy, healthy

and well-adjusted in life and: b) to find success in whatever it is they do. And we want to do our

best to help them get there.

Yet, according to Dr Carol Dweck, psychologist and author of the book “Mindset: The New

Psychology of Success”, many of the techniques we use to help our kids, boomerang. Often, we

end up sending our kids the exact opposite message than what we intend to! According to Dr

Dweck, most people have one of the two possible mindsets — a fixed mindset or a growth

mindset.

A fixed mindset is one where we believe that our core personality, character, talent, abilities and

intelligence are fixed. We are either smart, or dumb. We are either talented at something or we

aren’t. The world is made of some gifted people, whom the rest admire from the sidelines. In the

fixed mindset world, we have no problems issuing statements like – ‘He couldn’t dance if he tried,

he’s got two left feet’ or ‘She’s got a green thumb, anything she touches, blooms’ or ‘I just can’t do

Maths, I just don’t have the mind for it”.

A growth mindset on the other hand, is the opposite, where we believe that everything about a

person is malleable. Through resilience and effort, anyone can build themselves into anything they

want to be. So, there are no smart or dumb people — only those who have unlocked the potential

of their intellect and those who haven’t. There are no talented geniuses, only hard-working ones

who have chosen to take their abilities to the next level. You don’t have to ever stand in the

sidelines merely admiring someone – you could turn yourself into that person if you are really

passionate about it as they are and willing to put in the effort. And anyone can learn to dance,

garden or do Maths.

As you may expect, the particular mindset we have shapes the lens through which we view our

world and impacts every single thought and action we take. For instance consider how the

different mindsets deal with success and failure: In the fixed mindset, since people believe that

they are one thing or the other, every little success validates them as a person and every little

failure tears them down. So, they have the need to look smart at all costs. Success makes them

bloat up with pride. When they fail, it’s the opposite. Consequently, as soon as they face a

setback, they scramble to find someone or something to fix the blame on and are constantly

making excuses. Since success and failure are so tightly tied to a sense of identity, people with

the fixed mindset tend to develop an irrational fear of failure and tend to take fewer risks. This in

turn limits how successful they can potentially be. In case they do go on to be successful, that

success is extremely tormented and needs to be guarded fiercely. A good example of this is the

tennis champion John McEnroe.

In the growth mindset, people believe that success is a result of effort rather than just raw talent.

So, people with the growth mindset work hard to constantly grow and improve. Success is earned

and never taken for granted. On the flip side, setbacks are seen as the inevitable side-effects of

pursuing any endeavour. They are treated as opportunities for further improvement. Since success

and failure are seen as separate events that are not directly tied to their identities, people with the

growth mindset tend to wear their success with humility and handle failures gracefully. A good

example of this would be the basketball champion Michael Jordan.

We want to raise our kids to have a growth mindset. As parents we don’t just want our kids to be

successful, we want them to enjoy the journey to that success. We want them to be successful for

all the right reasons. We want them to be resilient in getting to that success and handle any

setbacks on the way gracefully. And when they are eventually successful, we want it to bring them

deep satisfaction and fulfilment, instead of giving rise to fear, paranoia, arrogance or self-

conceitedness.

Great kids, parents, teachers and leaders are made, not born.

Reports – I trust that everyone has had time to read and digest their child(ren)’s reports. If you

have questions or you would like to find out more about your child’s learning, please make an

appointment to see your child’s teacher.

I spent time with the software builders from Sentral designing and developing our School Reports.

I am happy with the outcome but there was an important detail which slipped through that has

caused a little confusion. This is completely my fault and I apologise for any misunderstandings.

As teachers marked off individual grades, the program highlighted the expectations across the

various levels from A to E. For some unintentional reason, as teachers marked off the Effort

aspects for subjects, the level C expectations were registering as Very High. If your child got a C,

then teachers believed that your child’s effort was very high. Normally we assume that a very high

effort is an A. I did not specifically outline this to the software builders as I assumed the A to E

grading expectations were the same as the subject grade expectations. We did test and check the

reports but somehow I still managed to miss this. If your child received a C for Effort then they

were Very High, and this should really have registered as an A. We will ensure this is fixed for

the next reports!

The Tell Them From Me student feedback survey (Term 3, 2017)

I am delighted that this term our school will again participate in a Department of Education

initiative: the Tell Them From Me student feedback survey. The survey measures factors that are

known to affect academic achievement and other student outcomes. The focus of the NSW-wide

survey is on student wellbeing, engagement and effective teaching practices.

You may remember that our students also participated in a Tell Them From Me student survey in

Term 1 this year. Asking students to complete the survey twice in one year allows us to identify

trends in student responses as well as track engagement and motivation across the school year.

The survey is a great opportunity for our students to provide us with valuable and quick feedback

on what they think about school life, how engaged they are with school and the different ways that

teachers interact with them. Schools in Australia and around the world have used the Tell Them

From Me survey to help improve how they do things at school.

More information about the survey is available at: http://surveys.cese.nsw.gov.au

I want to assure you that the survey is confidential. The survey is conducted online and will

typically take less than 30 minutes to complete. It will be administered during school hours

between 21 August and 13 October. Participating in the survey is entirely voluntary.

A consent form and FAQs for parents/carers about the survey is being sent home with students. If

you do not want your child or children to participate, please return the form to school by 04/08/17

Copies of the form and FAQs are available from: http://surveys.cese.nsw.gov.au/information-for-

parents.

This process includes our school participating in the Partners in Learning parent survey (another

part of the Tell Them From Me suite of surveys) this term. The survey asks parents and carers

questions about different factors that are known to impact on student wellbeing and engagement.

Running this survey will help our school understand parents’ and carers’ perspectives on their

child’s experience at school. These include: communication between parents/carers and staff,

activities and practices at home and parent/carer views on the school's support of learning and

behaviour. This valuable feedback will help our school make practical improvements.

The survey is conducted entirely online on smartphones, ipads, tablets, laptops or computers. The

survey will typically take 15 minutes or less to complete and is completely confidential. The parent

survey will be conducted between 21 August and 13 October. Although participating in the survey

is entirely voluntary, your responses are very much appreciated.

We will provide further information about how to access the survey. In the meantime, more

information about the survey is available at: http://surveys.cese.nsw.gov.au/

Professional Learning – The teachers and I spent the last days of the holidays engaging in some

awesome professional learning. It was great to meet, mix and learn with other teachers and

leaders. I am currently away conducting External Validation training because I have been asked to

conduct some reviews of other schools. Mrs Tritton will be taking some Long Service Leave for the

last 3 weeks of this term. Mr Rush will be replacing her during this time.

Warm regards

Trev Mason

120 Year Celebration-Museum

Hi if anyone has any memorabilia from Wallacia Public School, that

they would like displayed in our museum, please don’t forget to bring it

in soon. I will be setting up from the 24th July, so anytime from this

date would be fantastic. Thank you in anticipation.

Fiona Tritton

120 Years Celebration

Year 6 Stalls Market Day August 1 2017

Maids Braids And Slime! On August the 1st we will open a stall with different types of braids for $4, bows for $2.50, cool elastics for 10c, rice balloons for $1 each and slime for

$3.50 so come down to our stall!! By Kiana, Jessica and Sienna

LITTLE MUNCHERS

WE SELL CUPCAKES ($2), COCONUT

ICE ($1.50), WATER (50c). WE ARE

DOING A JELLYBEAN CONTEST ($1

for 3 guesses) and 50c for 1)

120 Years Celebration

Year 6 Stalls Market Day August 1 2017 ( Continued)

Nepean Valley Performing Arts Festival: Rehearsal 2 Just a friendly reminder that our next combined choir rehearsal is at Penrith South Public School on Wednesday, 26th July 2017. Please ensure your child is at school at 8:30am, as the bus will be departing at 8:45am.

Dentist Visit

Thursday September 7

Please return permission forms

by Friday September 1

Dance Group Costumes This year’s dance group is titled ‘Move Your Body’ and is a dance which uses fabric to accentuate the effects of movement. The students have been an important part involved in sharing their ideas for the costumes. The price of the dance group costumes which have been handmade comes to total of $14.00 per student.

- Students will be supplied with a black t shirt, which will be wrapped in coloured material.

- Please make sure your child has plain black full length trousers/ dance pants. (Available at Penrith Best and Less / Target)

- Plain Black Canvas shoes, lace up or slip on. (Available at Penrith Big W/ Target)

- Black socks Please return this dance costume payment slip below, to the school office by Friday 4th August, 2017. Kind Regards, Talia Carroll Trev Mason Dance Coordinator Principal ___________________________________________________________________

Dance Group Costume Payment Return to Wallacia PS Office by, Friday 4th August, 2017.

Please find payment for (child’s name) ________________________ of class _____

for their Dance Group Costume.

I have enclosed $14.00 I have made an online payment of $14.00. My receipt number is:_____________ Parent Signature: _________________________________

Date: _______________________

Kindergarten News Welcome back to our Kindergarten families and students. Term 3 is always a busy time. Homework and Reading groups will begin in week 2. Students have been very eager to start the Kindergarten/ Year 1 dance group, it will begin in the first few weeks of term. Kindergarten and I are certainly looking forward to meeting all of the children who will be starting Kindergarten next year at our first Kindy Transition on Thursday 3

rd August.

We look forward to a busy term of learning, exploring and adventures in Kindergarten this term.

Athletics Carnival The Athletics Carnival is next week on Wednesday 2

nd August at

Warragamba Sportsground. It is expected that all students attend. K-2 students will participate in sporting games and activities while students in 3-6 participate in the events. The bus will leave Wallacia Public School at 8:45am and return by 3:00pm. Parents are most welcome to attend the day to watch and cheer on their children.

Blue Mountains Nepean Dance Festival The Blue Mountains Nepean Dance Festival takes place in weeks 7 and 8 in Term 3. Our dance group have been practising hard to prepare for these performances. Students will attend a rehearsal, morning matinee and evening performance at the Joan Sutherland Centre in Penrith. The dates of these performances will be sent home so that families can purchase tickets, which will sell out very quickly. Thank you to Miss Gobor and Mrs Cullen who have been assisting with making the dance group costumes, your assistance is greatly appreciated.

Miss Carroll

2017 Combined Small Schools’ Athletics Carnival

And Gala Day Excursion Description: Listed below are the details of our Combined Small Schools’ Athletics Carnival and Gala day. Whilst it is a combined carnival where the students will complete the events with students from the other schools – it is not a school vs. school carnival. The emphasis is on participation, high personal achievement and socialisation. The students will sit in their school groups as in previous years. During the day they will rotate in combined groups through four events under the supervision of staff from the small schools involved.

It is expected that ALL students will attend this event, there will be no supervision at school, all teaching staff are attending this event.

Date: Wednesday August 2 2017. Back up date: Wednesday August 9 2017 (if postponed from 2.8.17).

Time: Departing school at 8.45am sharp. Students should arrive at school from

8.30am. Students will return to school by bus, in time for dismissal at 3.00pm Transport: Students will be transported by bus to and from Warragamba Sports Oval. Cost: $12.00 (includes the cost of the bus and facilities on the day, including St John’s Ambulance attendance and ground hire). Attire & What to Bring: Sports uniform, hat, drink bottle, jacket, recess and lunch. There will be NO canteen facilities available on the day. Staff member/s with CPR training: All teachers. First Aid will be provided by St John’s Ambulance. Additional Information: Students who are turning 8 years or older this year are able to compete in the Athletics Carnival. The events will be 100m, 200m, 800m, Long Jump, Shot Put, Discus and Relays. Students in K – 2 under the age of 8 years will be involved in Gala Athletic Activities. Assistance is required to help run some of the events. If you are able to assist please indicate this on the permission slip, along with the times you are available. If your child has a medical condition that will preclude or limit involvement, please indicate this in

the attached section, which is to be returned to school by Friday 28 July 2017.

Mr Trev Mason Miss Talia Carroll Principal Organising Teacher

2017 Combined Small Schools’ Athletics Carnival and Gala Day

Please return to the office before Friday 28 July

I hereby give consent for my son/daughter ……………………………......……………. to travel by bus and participate in the Combined Small Schools’ Athletics Carnival, Gala Day on Wednesday 2 August (or Wednesday 9 August if postponed) at Warragamba Sports Oval. Special needs of my child, of which you need to be aware (e.g. allergies, asthma, medication)

…………………………………..……………………………………………………………

………………………………………................................................................................. To the best of my knowledge, he/she has no medical condition or injury, which puts him/her at risk in participating in this activity: Yes: □ No: □ I have made an online payment on DATE: _______ RECEIPT NUMBER________ I enclose a total of __________ ($12.00 per student) I will be able to assist on the day from __________ to __________ I understand that this excursion has the approval of the Principal. Signature of Parent / Caregiver …………………................……………………. Date: ....................................

CAMP PAYMENTS Stage 2 (Years 3 & 4) Camp 2017 – YMCA Camp Yarramundi

Students in Years 3 and 4 who have paid their $50 deposit and maintain acceptable behaviour at school in the classroom and playground will be attending a 2 day, 1 night camp on Thursday 9th and Friday 10th November 2017 (Term 4, Week 5). This year the camp will be at YMCA Camp Yarramundi – Springwood Rd, Yarramundi 2753. Transport to and from the camp will be by bus. The 2 day and 1 night camp including all meals, activities, accommodation and transport by bus is a total cost of $210 per child. As a camp deposit of $50 has been paid, the balance remaining is $160. You may pay the remaining amount for the camp in three instalments or as a one off payment. All camp payments must be finalised by the due dates. Payments can be made using the Parent Online Payment (P.O.P.) system. This is preferred method of payment. More information about the camp site and activities can be found on the YMCA website via this link http://camping.ymcansw.org.au/ Payment Plans

Option 1 Payment 1 – Due Friday 26th May 2017 (Term 2 Week 5) - $55 Payment 2 – Due Friday 28th July 2017 (Term 3 Week 2) - $55 Payment 3 – Due Friday 15th September 2017 (Term 3 Week 9) - $50

Option 2 Complete balance of camp payment of $160 due Friday 15th September 2017

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

Years 5 and 6 (Stage 3) Canberra Trip 2017

It is pleasing to confirm the cost of the Stage 3 Canberra Trip in Term 4 will be $360 per child. As explained in the previous note, this cost covers accommodation, activities, coach travel and all meals (excluding recess and lunch on the first day). Students will meet at Luddenham Public School on Wednesday 25th October at 6.30am and will return to Luddenham Public School on Friday 27th October at approximately 5.30pm. This trip is a wonderful experience for your child and I am pleased they are able to join us. You may pay the remaining amount of $300 for the trip in full or to help with the cost of the trip you may pay in three instalments. All payments must be finalised by the due dates. Payment Plan

Payment 1 – Due Friday 23rd June 2017 - $100 Payment 2 – Due Friday 11th August 2017 - $100 Payment 3 – Due Friday 15th September 2017 - $100

CAMP PAYMENT Student’s Name: _________________________________________ Class _________________________ O Enclosed is Cash $____________________________________________________________________ O I have made an online payment of $__________ My receipt number is __________ Date paid ________ Being for: (Please circle) Stage 2 Camp Stage 3 Camp

Coming Events

DATE Event Cost Who’s Involved

Final Date for Payment

Wed 26 July

Choir rehearsal Choir Be at School @ 8.30am please

Fri 28 July Stage 2 (Yrs 3 and 4) Camp instalment 2

$55 Years 3 and 4 who have paid Camp deposit

Fri 28 July

Tue 1 Aug 120-Year Anniversary W P S

N/A School and Community

N/A

Wed 2 Aug Combined Small Schools Athletics Carnival

$12.00 Students K-6 Fri 28 July

Thu 3 Aug Kindy 2018 Transition – First Meet and Greet 9.15 am

N/A Kindy 2018 and Families

N/A

Tuesday 8 Aug Touch Football Gala Day

No Charge Selected Team Members-Parent Transport

N/A

Fri 11 Aug Stage 3 (Yrs 5 and 6) Camp instalment 2

$100 Years 5 and 6 who have paid Camp deposit

Fri 11 Aug

Tue 15 Aug Choir performance Penrith Valley Performing Arts Festival

Ticket price TBA

Choir TBA

‘Today is for Tomorrow’

SAFE RESPECTFUL LEARNERS

______________________________________________________________________________