Punchbowl Public School

Principal’s Newsletter

Term 1, 2018

Welcome to Term 1

From Mr Smyth-Gapps

Acting Principal

A warm welcome back to Punchbowl Public

School for Term 1, 2018 and a special

welcome to all our new families. We hope

you enjoy being active and contributing

members of our vibrant learning community.

At Punchbowl Public School

We are LEARNERS

We are RESPECTFUL

We are SAFE

Our vision is to create an inclusive learning environment

with high expectations which enables students to become

independent, successful lifelong learners.

We are proud to be

a White Ribbon

School

On behalf of our Punchbowl

Public School Community,

we pay our respects to

Elders, past, present and

future and acknowledge the

Bidgigal people of the Eora

nation, who were the

traditional custodians of the

land on which we are

learning together and

growing as a safe,

respectful and united

community.

Developed by student leaders,

Lesley Marks, Carol Brown

and Rose Manousaridis on

18 August, 2016.

Welcome to 2018

The new school year is now up and running and we are very excited about the opportunities

that lie ahead for our students in 2018.

This year will see the commencement of a new School Plan, detailing the school’s directions

for the next 3 years. This plan will represent the voice of staff, students and the community

and will be published later in the term.

This year, our school will continue to utilise specialist staff and resources to ensure that all of

our students receive engaging, targeted and personalised access to the curriculum. The

school will continue to strengthen teaching practices in Literacy and Numeracy through

targeted programs implemented by the Instructional Leaders and the school’s Learning and

Support Teachers (LaSTs) and School Learning and Support Officers (SLSOs) will continue

to provide personalised support to identified students. Additional counselling services and a

speech pathologist will also work as part of the school staff in 2018.

A greater focus on healthy lifestyle, nutrition and sports programs will be made available

through a dedicated PDHPE teacher in 2018 and students K-6 will continue to access

weekly Creative Arts programs from specialist teachers.

2018 will also see an increase in partnerships with external agencies, local schools and

community groups to ensure that students are developing their skills, values and attitudes in

different and creative ways. The formation of a P&C this year will also ensure that parents

are active partners in the school.

This year, the school will also continue to develop opportunities for students to be part of

decision making processes across the school. The school’s Positive Behaviour for Learning

(PBL) team will continue to work with school leaders and members of the ‘Student Voice’

committee to ensure that students have an active say in ‘their school’.

We look forward to a year of growth and achievement!

Mr C. Smyth-Gapps

Acting Principal

Our vision is to create an inclusive learning environment

with high expectations which enables students to become

independent, successful lifelong learners.

How can parents help their child succeed at school

Our children have the best opportunity for success when there is a strong connection

between the school and home. These are some of the things that you can do at home to

help your child have success at school:

Morning Routine Rest is highly important! Ensure that your child has a good night’s sleep the night before school. This can make a big difference to your child’s attentiveness and attitude at school. It is also a good idea to pack bags and prepare lunches the night before school. A healthy breakfast in the morning is also a great start to the school day! Self Reliance Teach your children how to take responsibility. Discuss their responsibilities in regards to

getting ready for school. Suitable responsibilities around the house can also build

independence in your child/children. Allow your children the opportunity to identify and solve

their own problems. These provide great learning opportunities and provide the skills

required to be effective learners at school.

Staffing News

We have a number of staff changes in our school for 2018.

Mr Noshie is the Relieving Assistant Principal for Stage 3 (Yrs 5 and 6) for at least

Term 1, 2018.

The Reading Recovery program is no longer running at the school. As a result, Mrs

Shopovski is now teaching Kindergarten in 2018.

Mrs O’Donoghue returns to the school 3 days per this year and will be teaching 2CO

with Mrs Christodoulou (2 days per week).

Mrs Mosleh is a new teacher at the school, teaching 3M in 2018.

Mrs Salem is also a new teacher at the school, teaching 5/6B for at least Term 1 in

2018

Mrs Willoughby returns to the school 3 days per week this year and will be working in a

role releasing executive staff.

Mrs Wax also returns to the school in 2018. She will be working 2 days per week in a

role releasing executive staff.

Mrs Kelly and Mrs Tsotras will be working in the library in 2018.

Mrs Butt is working in the Early Intervention Unit as an SLSO in 2018.

Mrs Lukas is working in K/2G (Autism Support Class) as an SLSO in 2018.

Mrs Dehlsen is working as an SLSO in the Preschool for 3 days per week in 2018.

Working together: Parents and our School in Partnership

When parents choose to enrol their children at Punchbowl Public School they enter a

partnership where the responsibility of the child’s education becomes a shared

responsibility. Developing open, respectful and two way communication between our school

and parents will increase the opportunities for success of all students.

Early this term, the school has undertaken the process of establishing a P&C. Once senior

positions are elected next week, the P&C will work closely with the school to organise and

lead a variety of initiatives and events across the school. We look forward to working closely

with our parents in 2018.

How can parents be actively engaged in their child’s education?

When parents set high expectations, talk regularly about school and the value of learning,

and encourage positive attitudes and respect for school and teachers, their children perform

better. Other things parents can do which have also been shown to have a positive impact

are to develop positive relationships with the school including providing feedback, reading

with their children, talking about what they are learning, and helping them to develop strong

work habits.

Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) / White Ribbon

Punchbowl Public School is a proud PBL and White Ribbon school.

We have an uncompromising focus on student learning in a climate of respect.

We implement Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) which focuses on quality teaching in safe, orderly and respectful environments across the school. By teaching positive behaviour skills in a culture of high expectations we are building a teaching and learning environment which promotes learning, respect and safety for students, staff, parents/carers and the community. We are preparing our students to be literate, numerate and socially responsible citizens of the future.

At Punchbowl Public School

We are LEARNERS

We are RESPECTFUL

We are SAFE

School Website

The school website provides current information regarding news and events, guidelines,

policies, procedures and links to additional information. Please visit the school website

www.punchbowl-p.schools.nsw.edu.au

Skoolbag

No more lost paper in school bags! We are now using the Skoolbag app as our

primary communication tool with parents. The School Mobile App provides schools with an

easy way to tell parents and carers everything they need to know about school news,

newsletters, upcoming events, cancellations, school notices, school documents and much

more.

All sick forms can be completed easily online by clicking on forms. Please download the

FREE app by searching for ‘Punchbowl Public School’ in your app store. All school

newsletters will be pushed out via the app. If you require a hard copy please contact the

office.

Facebook

Punchbowl Public School is also on Facebook. www.facebook.com/punchbowlps

Please 'like' and comment on the regular updates.

Your child’s health

Parents are responsible for advising the school of health conditions of their children. Our school

asks for medical information when you enrol your child. It is also important that you let us know

if your child’s health care needs change or if a new health condition develops.

Information about allergies, medical conditions such as asthma and diabetes and other health care related issues (including prior conditions such as medical procedures in the last 12 months) should be provided to the school by parents. Please provide this information in writing to the principal. This will greatly assist our school in planning to support your child’s health and wellbeing.

Please also remember to notify staff in the school office of any changes to your contact details or to the contact details of other people nominated as emergency contacts.

We appreciate your assistance in this regard and assure you that any information you provide the school will be stored securely and will only be used or disclosed in order to support your son or daughter’s health needs or as otherwise required by law.

Monday morning whole school assemblies

The school meets all together every Monday morning to celebrate our diversity and unity by acknowledging the traditional custodians of the land through Acknowledgement to Country , singing our National Anthem and reciting our School Oath.

The assembly also provides us with the opportunity to discuss our weekly Positive Behaviour for Learning focus and to celebrate the achievements of our students. This assembly is used to present Pennants, Banners and Medallions to the students who have progressed through the school’s Acknowledgement System.

It is wonderful to see parents at this assembly and we encourage you to encourage other parents to attend. This is a wonderful opportunity to bring our community together once a week.

Bullying

The school rejects all forms of bullying and harassment. The School Anti Bullying Plan which is posted on the school website www.punchbowl-p.schools.nsw.edu.au., outlines clearly the roles and responsibilities students, parents and the school, all have in managing bullying. Please ensure you discuss your child’s responsibilities in relation to this. If we are not aware of this behaviour we are unable to implement our policy and procedures. If you would like a hard copy please contact the office.

Contact details

Please ensure that the school has an updated copy of your family details. This includes address, contact numbers and the details of any emergency contacts. It is very important that this information is up to date so that the school can contact you when required. To update your personal details, please visit the school office or download and complete the form on the Skoolbag App. Voluntary Contributions

The school has a voluntary school service fee scheme. The school appreciates all payments received by parents. Please complete the form sent home this week and return it to school with your family’s financial contribution as soon as possible.

Providing feedback

The school encourages and values parent feedback. The following extract is from the school’s Visitor Access Policy which is posted on the school website www.punchbowl-p.schools.nsw.edu.au If you require a hard copy please do not hesitate to ask the office staff.

HOW TO APPROACH THE SCHOOL

I need to remind you that under no circumstances do parents and carers have the authority to approach children who are not in their care to discuss matters of concern. If you have any concerns about students who are not in your care, you are required to raise this with teachers in the first instance.

The school’s Visitor Access Policy explains the options for raising concerns and is posted on the school website www.punchbowl-p.schools.nsw.edu.au. If you require a hard copy please contact the office.

School Newsletter (Punchbowl Press)

This will be issued on Mondays week 5 and week 10 of each term through the school’s communication App Skoolbag. It is also posted on the school website www.punchbowl-p.schools.nsw.edu.au If you require a hard copy please contact the office.

CONCERN APPROPRIATE ACTION

The academic progress of your own child

Directly contact the child’s teacher either by note, by phone or in person to arrange a suitable time to discuss any issues.

Issues around your own child For minor issues directly contact your child’s teacher to clarify information.

For more serious concerns, contact the office. State nature of concern and arrange a suitable time to talk with class teacher or appropriate staff member.

To convey information about change of address, telephone number, emergency contact, custody details, health issues etc. Please contact the office.

Issues around other students Contact the class teacher.

Contact the Deputy Principal if the problem persists.

School policy or practice Contact the office. State nature of concern and make an appointment to see the principal and/or appropriate member of staff.

Issues around a staff member Contact the office and arrange an appointment to meet directly with the Principal.

Sick Children Please do not send your child to school if he/she is sick as this requires the school to contact you so you can collect your child. It also means that the transmission of sickness is much more difficult to manage. The school’s policy is that parents and carers are required to take sick or injured children home.

Nuts at school Currently there are students enrolled at the school who have severe allergies to nuts. Please avoid sending food with nuts with your child to school. Also please remind your child that students are not permitted to share food at school.

Early and Late Arrivals

Early Arrivals

The school’s supervision roster begins at 8.30 am. Parents and carers are legally responsible for the care and supervision of their children prior to 8.30. Please do not leave your child unsupervised at the school before 8.30 am.

We understand that many parents/carers have commitments at work which require them to leave before 8.30 am. Before and After School Care services operate in the community from 7.00am every school morning.

Late Arrivals and Early Departures

If students arrive late or need to leave early they are required to report to the front office. Please ensure that your child arrives at school on time and leaves on time. Regular lateness interferes with their learning and that of the class and creates an unreasonable work load for our office staff who are required to record the lateness and provide notes for the teachers.

Collection of students at the end of the day

It is the parents/carers responsibility to collect their child at 3.00 pm.

All Kindergarten students must be collected by parents and carers or if arranged with the school an older sibling. All year 1 and 2 students are to be collected from the infants playground by parents and carers or if arranged with the school an older sibling.

All 3-6 students may leave the school at 3.00 pm unaccompanied by an adult unless alternative arrangements have been made with the school.

If students have not been collected by 3.10 they are escorted to the office where parents are contacted between 3.10 and 3.30 by office staff. This includes those students who are waiting to be collected on Rossmore Avenue. Parents and carers are required to attend the office to collect and sign out their children.

The school’s Supervision Plan is posted on the school website www.punchbowl-p.schools.nsw.edu.au. If you require a hard copy please contact the office.

Homework

The school’s Homework Guidelines are posted on the school website, www.punchbowl-p.schools.nsw.edu.au If you have any feedback about homework please discuss this with the classroom teacher.

Head Injuries

The school requires that parents of students who have had a head injury collect their child and seek medical advice.

Visiting the School We encourage and value the interest that parents and carers take in our school. It is very important, however, that when parents and carers visit the school while students are in classrooms learning, during recess and lunch, that they report to the office in the first instance. This serves two purposes. It reduces unnecessary interruptions to students’ learning and it ensures that the school is aware of who is on the school site. The safety of your children is our key priority. The school’s Visitor Access Policy is posted on the school website.www.punchbowl-p.schools.nsw.edu.au. If you require a hard copy please contact the office.

Student and Staff Toilets

Only staff and students who are enrolled at the school are permitted to use the toilets. Parents attending the SaCC should use the toilets in the library.

Lost Property

The school’s policy is to donate all unclaimed lost property to the uniform pool or to a charity at the end of each term. Please ensure that you label your children’s property. Lost property this year will be stored in a trolley near the money collection box outside the office. Parents will be able to look through lost property items at the beginning of each day. Our new lost property system will commence next week.

Hats and Library Bags

These can be purchased at the office. The cost of a hat is $9 and library bags are $7. Please ensure you have the exact money as the office does not hold change.

Payments online

The school has an online payment portal linked to the school’s website to make it easier for you to pay for school related payments. This is a secure payment page hosted by Westpac.

How?

Log onto School site at www.punchbowl-p.schools.nsw.edu.au and go to payments.

Click on “Make a Payment” and follow the prompts to make a payment via Visa or MasterCard.

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted within 4 metres of a pedestrian entrance to or exit from the school. Please see attached notice.

For any enquiries regarding the Online Payment process please contact the staff in the school office.