Holbrook Public School

Quality education for all, in a secure and caring environment

ISSUE 21: Term 4, Week 9 - Monday, 5 December 2022

From the Principal's desk

This year has brought many changes to Holbrook Public School and has seen many changes from the previous years disappear or be embedded in our everyday life. The year’s highlight for me was being welcomed to Holbrook Public School by students, staff, and the wider school community. I have also enjoyed our school’s ability to host and attend school and community events again and involve the community at many of these.

As the year ends, we also farewell our Year 6 students and some families who have been involved in the school for many years. I wish our Year 6 students all the best in their new educational adventure and their families. I hope they will visit and share their experiences in the future.

Farewelling our Year 6 students also means we welcome our 2023 Kindergarten students through the transition program. We also welcome new families to join the Holbrook Public School ‘family’. I have enjoyed meeting our Kindergarten families at a barbecue and parent information session.

NEW Holbrook Public School Facebook page

https://www.facebook.com/HolbrookPublicSchool/

Holbrook Public School is happy to announce that we have an official NSW Department of Education Facebook page. This page will share images of our outstanding school and act as a means of promoting Holbrook Public School in the wider community. Photos of students can only be published if the correct NSW Department of Education permission to publish form has been completed by the student’s parent or guardian. All families and community members must abide by the NSW Department of Education Official School Social Media – Rules of Engagement

 https://education.nsw.gov.au/about-us/social-media/social-media-rules-of-engagement

Moderation Hours:

This page is moderated from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on weekdays, excluding school holidays and public holidays.

Comments:

Our school community encourages interaction from participants with the understanding that the school does not endorse comments or wall postings made by visitors to the page. We ask that visitors who comment on the page show respect for other users by ensuring discussions remain civil. Personal attacks, trolling or spam will not be tolerated. We reserve the right to remove any participant that does not adhere to the rules of engagement or the platform's community standards. Remember, your name and photo will be seen next to your comment, visible to all visitors to the page.

Feedback or Questions:

We encourage parents and carers to speak directly with the school as they are best placed to help resolve school-based situations as soon as possible.

Inclusive Engaging Respectful Schools (IER)

The new IER policy was presented to the P&C at the Wednesday, 30 November meeting. These new policies: Inclusive Education for students with a disability, Student Behaviour Policy, and Restrictive Practices Framework and Policy, will ensure every student is included, engaged, and respected. Schools and classrooms are complex, and supporting students is at the core value of what we do. We want to ensure that our staff have what they need to support ALL students, especially students with additional needs. These initiatives are an essential next step to building improvements and consistency in inclusive practice and student engagement across all NSW public schools. If you would like more information about the Inclusive, Engaging and Respectful Schools, please contact the school or visit the following website

https://education.nsw.gov.au/student-wellbeing/whole-school-approach/inclusive--engaging-and-respectful-schools

Presentation Night

I look forward to my first Presentation Night at Holbrook Public School on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. It is an opportunity for our whole school community to celebrate the success of our students throughout the year. It is a chance to highlight their effort, achievement, excellence, growth, citizenship, and leadership and to inspire other students to reach their full potential. Parents and community members are welcome, and I look forward to celebrating our students and staff at this end-of-year function.

2023 Planning

Planning for 2023 is still underway. If enrolments remain stable, we will have seven mainstream classes. We will be looking at stage-based classes to support the holistic development of our students, considering academic achievement, social and emotional development, and curriculum requirements. Over the next few weeks, we will have ‘Step Up’ days where students visit new learning environments. For example, Year 2 students will visit Stage 2 (Year 3 and 4) classrooms to support the transition to their new school setting for 2023. Please note that these will not be the classes for 2023 but more of an opportunity to build connections and sample the next stage of learning to support student well-being. I am happy to discuss this further with any families.

I want to thank the 2022 school staff for their dedication to the students and families at Holbrook Public School and their hard work throughout the year.

I wish everyone a safe and merry Christmas. I hope you have time to rest and enjoy time with your families and friends. I look forward to reconnecting with you all in the new year, ready for an exciting 2023 at Holbrook Public School.

Louise Purss-Semple
Principal

Reminders

EventDate
Out of uniform day, In preparation for our Presentation Night, Thursday, 8 December, will be an out-of-uniform day.8 December
Library Books - Return all library books and class readers9 December
Lost property - Check the lost property boxes and collect your child's unclaimed items16 December

Student Medications - Please collect your child's medication from the teacher at the swimming pool (students in Years 3-6) and from the office (students in Years K-2)

16 December
REMINDER: Recently, the NSW Department of Education announced that students will now finish school on Friday, 16 December 2022, making Monday, 19 December 2022  an additional School Development Day for staff across NSW Public Schools. School Development Days allow staff to participate in professional learning that was put on hold due to COVID-19 staffing pressures and plan for 2023 to ensure we meet the needs of our students. With this change, we ask that you arrange alternative care for your child/children on Monday, 19 December 2022.

Downloaded the SENTRAL Parent Portal app to view your child's Semester 2 report

Parents must download the SENTRAL Parent Portal app to view their child's Semester 2 report.

If your child needs to catch a bus to school in 2023, please click on the link to apply.

Please note: If your child is currently in Year 2 (2022) and catches a bus, you must fill out a new bus application for 2023.

The School Drive Subsidy is available in areas with limited or no public transport. The subsidy is intended to partly offset the cost of using a private vehicle to drive the eligible student all or part of the way to school.

2023 School stationery requirements

Being ready to learn is of great importance. It assists your child greatly if they are adequately equipped for school. Attached is a list of student requirements for next year. It would be appreciated if you would ensure that your child has these items at the beginning of next year so that learning can begin smoothly. If the box is shaded, your child requires this item.

Please ensure that all items are labelled, as they are the responsibility of each child.

All other stationery and books will be supplied by the school. You should regularly check with your child that they have sufficient supplies throughout the year.

Thank you for your continued support.

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Christmas craft with Mrs D

During lunch on Friday, several students have been stretching the boundaries of their creativity to make air-dried clay ornaments for their Christmas tree. This week, we will paint them, and next week, we will make Christmas cards.

Final Kindergarten Transition sessions

Our final 2 Transition sessions for 2022 were a great success! Throughout the term, as a whole school community, we have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know our new students and their families. We have learnt so much about these amazing children and are  excited to continue learning about the gifts and talents they bring to Holbrook Public School.  

We have enjoyed opportunities to build strong, positive connections with the staff and students at the Greater Hume Children Services (GHCS). Each week our buddies relished the opportunity to visit the children at GHCS to read them some of their favourite picture books and relive some memories of times when they attended the service. Thank you to Kimberly and the Team for being so open and welcoming.  

A big thank you must go to our 2023 Year 6 buddies. The students have gone above and beyond at each transition session to ensure the incoming Kindergarten students were included, welcomed, and supported. They have helped the children to settle into big school and have proved themselves to be very worthy leaders of our school.  

Another big thank you needs to go to Miss Hemphill, our Kindergarten teacher, for her outstanding commitment and dedication to ensuring a smooth transition for our students. How lucky our children are to have you as their teacher guiding them through their first year of formal education.  

We look forward to welcoming the 2023 Kindergarten students for their first day of school on Friday, 3 February and seeing them for their Best Start Kindergarten Assessment on Tuesday, 31 January, Wednesday, 2 February or Thursday, 2 February.   

Kind regards

Mrs Amelia White
Assistant Principal, Curriculum and Instruction  

Sports assembly

Our annual sports assembly was held last Friday to recognise the sporting achievements of our students during 2022. Congratulations to all our students for participating in and contributng to sport this year. We thank the house captains and vice captains for their tireless work manning the sports shed daily. Congratulations to Sybil Triggs, who received a State Team certificate for her selection in the NSW Australian Football Primary All School Girls 12 Years and Under team to play at the School Sport Australia AFL National Championships in Adelaide.

Congratulations to our Age Champions and Runner-ups from our three carnivals this year. Special congratulations must also go to the following students who received a team award for 2022.

AFL (boys) – Byron Flewin Improvement

AFL (girls) – Sybil Triggs - Excellence

Netball – Jessica Frana - Improvement

Cricket – Ollie Cardile - Excellence

Rugby League – Chace Liddell – Excellence

League Tag – Anabella Lindsay - Encouragement

Boccia – Blade Maher – Encouragement

Well done to all recipients. We look forward to another busy year of sport in 2023.

Chrissy Lavis
Sports Co-ordinator

Battle of the Border Horse and Carriage Drawing Competition

The judging for the drawing competition was held on Sunday at the Battle of the Border in Mullengandra by artist, Anne Gilbert. The artist and organiser were very impressed by the entries, and they were displayed in the main pavilion for all competitors and spectators to see. 

The winners of each category receive a Regent Cinemas Kids Day Out pack that includes two Child Star passes, two star candy bar passes and a $10 game pass. The prizes were sponsored by Ian Scarborough. 

The results were:  

Kindergarten, Year 1 and Year 2  

1st – Isabel Torocsik 

2nd – Arabella Pincott 

3rd – Rigby Retallick 

Year 3 and Year 4 

1st – Jimmy Boers 

2nd – Will Finlay 

3rd – Zye Liddell and Fergus Glass 

Year 5 and Year 6  

1st – Jess Frana 

2nd – Jett Coates 

3rd – Zander Maher 

Chess set donation - Thank you to the Saunders family

Thank you to the Saunders family, who donated two new chess sets to our school. Chess is a proven way to improve memory function, so why not encourage your child to give it a go.

Did you know: The word "Checkmate" comes from the Persian phrase "Shah Mat," which means "the King is dead."

Whole School Presentation Night - Thursday, 8 December 2022

Our annual K-6 Presentation Night will be held on Thursday, 8 December, at 6:30 p.m. in the school hall. In preparation for our Presentation Night, Thursday, 8 December, will be an out-of-uniform day. Students must wear enclosed footwear, a hat and clothes that cover their shoulders (i.e. no singlet tops).

Presentation Night is an opportunity for our school community to celebrate the students' successes for their efforts over the year. As you can appreciate, not everyone will receive an award on the day; however, all students have been celebrated for their achievements throughout the year at fortnightly school assemblies. Our school aims to deliver education that inspires students to succeed, fosters high expectations, and encourages them to reach their full potential.

Families' attendance at this event is welcomed and encouraged.

Presentation Night - Donations

Each year the awards are sponsored by the local community. If you would like to make a donation towards the book prizes this year, it will be greatly appreciated. Your name will be listed in our presentation night program as a recognition of your valuable contribution to our school. Donations can be sent to the office.

Giving Tree

Last year, the children and families of Holbrook Public School generously donated gifts to go under our Giving Tree, believing that Christmas was a time to be caring and sharing and reaching out to people.  

Our school community showed that a kind gesture could go a long way; consequently, we donated more than 80 gifts to children who were not as well off as ourselves. 

This year, our Giving Tree will again go up and wouldn’t it be amazing if we could again show how caring and generous we are as a school community?    

Once again, our students are encouraged to consider purchasing a small gift to leave under the tree for an unknown student of their own age. Please wrap the gift and attach a gift tag stating the gender and age of the intended recipient. In return, each child will be able to take from the Givin Tree a small Christmas memento to adorn their own Christmas tree as a thank you. Please bring in your small gifts by Friday, 9 December.

The presents will go to the Uniting Church in Albury, and they will then distribute them to children of homeless and underprivileged families in Albury and surrounding districts. 

Mrs Dionysius and Mrs Jones 

School dance

When: Monday, 12 December 2022

Where: School hall

Time: 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. There will be no supervision before 5:00 p.m., and Year 6 students will be farewelled at 6:20 p.m. Parents are welcome to attend.

Dress: Smart casual. Please wear sensible, covered dancing footwear.

Fee: Gold coin  donation will be taken on entry and will be forwarded to Stewart House

Please bring your own water bottle (labelled)

Farewell

After four wonderful years at Holbrook Public School, it is time for me to say goodbye, as I have gained a permanent position at St Paul’s Lutheran School, Henty. I have loved my time here, helping students to grow and learn whilst learning myself as well. Apart from the amazing learning that has taken place in the classrooms, my highlights would have to be the PSSA netball knockout girls reaching the semi-finals in 2021 and taking the recorder students to Sydney for the Festival of Instrumental Music earlier this year.

Thank you to all students, staff, parents and community members who have made my time here so fantastic. You have all been so supportive and encouraging.

No doubt, I will still see many of you when Holbrook plays the Giants during the football and netball season. I look forward to hearing what incredible things are happening at Holbrook Public School.

All the very best for next year.

Christine Biar

2023 enrolments are now being accepted for all students who reside within our local school area. Please select the link below for further details and to begin your application.
Students who do not reside in our school area may be considered for an out-of-area enrolment. Please select the link below for further details.

Pre-loved uniforms for sale from $5 each

Uniform ItemSizes Available
Summer Uniforms
Short sleeve polo shirt4, 6, 8, 10
Shorts4, 10, 12
Skorts8
Summer dress4, 6, 8, 10
Winter Uniforms
Long sleeve polo shirt4, 6, 8, 10, 12
Fleece jacket4, 6, 8, 10
Long pants4, 6, 12
Tartan pants10
Tartan skirt4, 6, 8, 10
Tartan tunic8
Windcheater6, 8, 10, 12
Sports Uniforms
Sports shirt4, 6, 8, 10, 12
Sports shorts6, 8
Track pants4, 6, 8
Accessories
Bata School Shoes3
Hats
Socks
Tights

Parenting Ideas - Maintaining strong family traditions

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Cancer Council - Make the festive season fruity

Community news

Intensive swimming

Date and Time

From Monday, December. 5th to Friday, December. 16th

Location

Holbrook War Memorial Swimming PoolGet Directions

Presentation Night

Date and Time

From Thursday, December. 8th, 6:30 pm to Thursday, December. 8th, 8:00 pm

Location

146 Albury Street, Holbrook NSW, AustraliaGet Directions

School dance

Date and Time

From Monday, December. 12th, 5:00 pm to Monday, December. 12th, 6:30 pm

Location

146 Albury Street, Holbrook NSW, AustraliaGet Directions

Information

When: Monday, 12 December 2022

Where: School hall

Time: 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. There will be no supervision before 5:00 p.m., and Year 6 students will be farewelled at 6:20 p.m. Parents are welcome to attend.

Dress: Smart casual. Please wear sensible, covered dancing footwear.

Fee: Gold coin  donation will be taken on entry and will be forwarded to Stewart House

Please bring your own water bottle (labelled)

End of Term 4

Date and Time

From Friday, December. 16th to Friday, December. 16th

Location

146 Albury Street, Holbrook NSW, AustraliaGet Directions

Information

Students conclude another year of learning at Holbrook Public School.

Staff Development Day

Date and Time

From Monday, December. 19th to Monday, December. 19th

Location

146 Albury Street, Holbrook NSW, AustraliaGet Directions

Information

Staff use this day to finalise the end-of-year school processes.

Staff Development Day

Date and Time

From Friday, January. 27th to Monday, January. 30th

Location

146 Albury Street, Holbrook NSW, AustraliaGet Directions

Information

Staff use this day to undertake mandatory training and plan for the new school year.

Students in Years 1-6 commence 2023

Date and Time

From Tuesday, January. 31st to Tuesday, January. 31st

Location

146 Albury Street, Holbrook NSW, AustraliaGet Directions

Kindergarten Best Start Assessment

Date and Time

From Tuesday, January. 31st to Thursday, February. 2nd

Location

146 Albury Street, Holbrook NSW, AustraliaGet Directions

Students in Kindergarten commence 2023

Date and Time

From Friday, February. 3rd to Friday, February. 3rd

Location

146 Albury Street, Holbrook NSW, AustraliaGet Directions

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