MAGPIE MESSENGER TERM 4 WEEK 10

Issue 20 2020

Term 4 Week 10

Heathcote Public School

2020 has certainly been a year to remember. The challenge of learning from home was unexpected and daunting, but I am proud to say our staff, students and parents rose to the challenge and exceeded all expectations. This period of time when everything stopped, kids were told to stay home, the school resembled a ghost town and we took to laptops and iPads to continue our learning, will live long in our memories. Students who experienced this will probably tell their children and grandchildren about this, about what it was like to live through the pandemic of 2020.

We have come out the other side stronger and wiser for it. Our school has also seen improvement, with a new long jump sand pit, new roofs and gutters on all buildings, and the synthetic grass which lifts the appearance and safety of the primary playground. The SRC and P&C have worked together to enhance the student bathrooms, with colourful and inspirational posters on the walls.

Thank you to our teachers, executive team and staff, who have continued to go above and beyond to keep us moving forward this year. Good luck and thank you to our two staff members who are leaving us this year, Miss Courtney Smith who will be teaching at Sylvania Public School next year; and Mrs Sue Stolk who will continue as the permanent Deputy Principal at Gymea Bay Public School. Their hard work, expertise and professionalism will be missed.

Thank you to the parents and P&C who have supported the school this year. P&C donations have helped pay for our school improvements, and hardworking parent volunteers have kept our canteen, uniform shop, fundraising and HOOSH operating.

Thank you also to our wonderful students whose kindness, respect and smiling faces make it a pleasure to come to work each day.

I would like to wish everyone a happy, safe and relaxing Christmas break. Good luck to our Year 6 students as they start the next chapter of their lives at high school. I hope they remember some the quotes they now see on the bathroom walls,

“Be the change you want to see in the world!”

“Opportunities don’t just happen. You create them!”

“No one is perfect, that’s why pencils have erasers.”

And as we’ve seen this year, “Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass, it’s about learning to dance in the rain!” 

Student Leaders 2021

Congratulations to our Student Leaders, SRC Executives and House Captain for 2020 who were inducted at the Presentation Day last week.

Student Leaders

Bella E, Tommy M, Allee R, Eliza S

SRC Executives   

Isabella F, Amber G, Lucas M, Jacob S

House Captains

Gilmore  -  Addison K, Lachlan L

Kendall -  Lachlan S, Zac P

Lawson - Hudson W, Emma C

Paterson - Nicole L, Brooke O

Semester 2 Reports

End of year reports were sent home on Friday 11 December. We have made a slight change this year by adding a “Where to next” section at the bottom of the English and Mathematics pages. Future directions were previously included in the general comment, but following some feedback from parents we decided to write this separately to make the future directions clearer and simplify the general comment. Any feedback on the new format of the reports is welcome.

 Share Our Space

Our school playground will not be open these school holidays due to some works that will be carried out in preparation for the installation of the new HOOSH building. At this stage the new building is due to be installed on 8 February 2021.

School Dates

Our last day for this year will be Wednesday 16 December when we will say goodbye to our Year 6 students as they prepare for high school next year. In 2021 there will be a public holiday on Tuesday 26 January followed by two School Development Days on Wednesday 27 January and Thursday 28 January. Year 1 to Year 6 students will start on Friday 29 January, with Kindergarten having three days of Best Start assessing and their first official day on Wednesday 3 February starting at 9:30am.

Year 6 Farewell Arch

Due to COVID restrictions our Year 6 Farewell Arch on the last day of school will be done differently this year. From 2:45pm students will pass through an archway of fellow students. Parents are invited to form a separate arch on the footpath from the Veno Street gate, going down to the Oliver Street gate.  Parents from different families will need to keep 1.5m apart and must not attend if they are feeling unwell.  Year 6 students will re-enter the school at the Oliver Street gate to say their final goodbyes to staff and fellow students.

Stage 3 Camp 2021

Our Years 5 and 6 camp to Canberra for 2021 has been booked for Term 1, Week 8 (Wednesday 17 March - Friday 19 March).  This camp is expected to cost approximately $300 and you may wish to start budgeting now for this upcoming expense.  A note with more details will be sent home early in Term 1.

Have a wonderful Christmas break!

Damien Field

Principal

Showcase Concert USB

After our wonderful Showcase Concert we thought parents may be interested in having a copy of it as a permanent keepsake.We are offering you the opportunity to purchase a USB with the concert on it for $6. Please see the note which was sent home with children yesterday for further information.  

Presentation Day

Our Annual Presentation Day was held at school on Thursday 10 December under very different circumstances this year due to COVID restrictions.  Congratulations to all award winners.

The Toilet Project

Our student bathrooms have been given a colorful boost thanks to some inspiring new artworks as part of the School Toilet Project by the Student Leaders, SRC Exec and P&C. Thank you Sheridan and ShawFireArts for your amazing work and generosity!  See below for a sample of some of the inspiring displays.

Year 6 Farewell

Our Year 6 students managed to celebrate their Farewell Club Heathcote on Tuesday 8 December.  

Staff and Community Member Awards

Congratulations to Mrs Emma Stokes, Mrs Steed and Mr Field who received Woronora River Principal's Network Awards for their hard work and dedication to the HPS community!

"Emma is a respected and well-known member of the Heathcote Public School community.  She has served for five years as coordinator of the uniform shop and during this time has gone above and beyond the expectations of the role.  She has been an active member of the Parents and Citizens Association since 2013.  Emma goes out of her way to meet the needs of our families and ensure no child goes without.  The staff of Heathcote Public School highly value the various contributions she makes to our school from coordinating the uniform shop, helping out at Kinder Orientation, volunteering her time at various school events and helping with resources for our environmental group.  Emma displays an enormous capacity to support our school and we value her integrity and flexibility in her role.  Emma is an asset to the Heathcote Public School community and is highly deserving of this award."

"Mrs Steed is progressive in her delivery of high-quality literacy programs, particularly targeting children with specific learning difficulties and those identified as high potential or gifted.  She tailors and individualises programs reflecting high expectations with explicit instruction.  She has a careful balanced approach to student wellbeing in the classroom which has a direct impact on student growth. She develops the whole child and has worked in challenging and diverse settings including both rural and urban schools.  She has taught in both primary and high school settings and has also relieved in executive positions.  She has a deep understanding and empathy of students and their background which has helped develop an inclusive classroom ensuring quality education and wellbeing for all students.  Mrs Steed is held in high regard in the school community and willingly gives up her times for extracurricular activities such as sport and dance.  Mrs Steed is an asset to Heathcote Public School and is highly deserving of this award."

Stage 3 Camp at Nepean Adventure Centre

Our Stage 3 students had a wonderful time at camp and participated in a wide variety of activities.

Primary Gold Award Winners' Morning Tea

All students in Years 3-6 who had received a Gold Award winner during the year had morning tea with Mr Field recently.

Stage 1 Christmas Craft Activities

Stage 1 children came dressed in a Christmas theme last week and had a wonderful time making Christmas craft.  After all their hard work they enjoyed a bbq sausage sizzle lunch.

Kindergarten Bush Christmas

The Royal National Park Environmental Education Centre visited our school to facilitate the Bush Christmas Program. Kindergarten children participated in craft, music and story activities designed to increase their awareness of the Australian bush and the animals which live in it.  The classes were also given an Australian native to plant in the school grounds

Happy reading everyone!!!!

Mrs Pucovski

Librarian

ANSTO Virtual Science Fair
This term a group of Stage 2 and 3 scientists entered ANSTO's Virtual Science Fair. The students planned, conducted and reviewed investigations with straw rockets. Students discovered the importance of conducting a fair test and how repeating an investigation can give you more accurate results. Each group received personalised feedback from an ANSTO scientist, a valuable reflection tool! A special mention to Year 3 students Jack S, Phin Z, Lincoln C and Makya D who received a Judges' Honourable Mention for their data collection.

Congratulations to these children who have received an Achievement Award.  Their names will be announced at this week's assembly. 

KA   Cailin D, Matthew B, Emily D, Olive D, Slater G, George H

KM  Ellie P, Phoebe E, Atticus F, Kye T, Izach T, Tameeka M

1B   Lacey M, Remi S, George K, Phoebe P

1H   Carla W, Dominic L, Sienna F, Lyam P

2D   Hayden P, Kelsie B, Hayden F, Isla B

2G   

2S  Emily B, Dawson E, Hayden C, Asher B, Adriano V, Ainsley K

3R   Ella C, Madison D, Jarryd T, Maeve R

3S   Amelia C, Maya J, Jolene G, Luke H, Phoebe C, Seth P

4A  

4S    Lucy B, Jacob D, Logan D, Jordan P, Layla E, Addi O

5/6A  

5/6C   

5/6M  Addison K, Amber G, Tahlia C, Scarlett R

RFF    Ethan M (3R), Ryan F (5/6C), Amelia M (4A), Nicole L (5/6C)

Library 

LaST  Cooper H (1H), Harlem W (1H)

Congratulations to Grace S who received the school's very first Platinum Award at our last assembly.

As we approach the end of 2020, on behalf of the P&C I would like to thank Mr Field, Teachers, Staff, Students, Parents and Carers,  2020 P&C Exec Committee, Coordinators, Members, and Volunteers. Thank you to everyone for supporting our school, students and P&C initiatives.

Following on from a challenging 2020, we look forward to working the school community to make 2021 an amazing and successful year for our school.

The P&C AGM will take place in Term 1, Week 8.  As per the constitution, during the AGM a new P&C Executive Committee will be elected with all roles available for nomination and election. I encourage all members of our school community to become involved, share your ideas and participating in supporting our school and students.

Keep your eye out early next term for more information on the P&C – what it is all about, role descriptions and more. In the meantime, if you are interested, please reach out to any of the committee or members who will gladly chat to you and answer any questions you may have.

Thank you, wishing you all the best for the holidays

Tracie Junghans

Vice President

A massive day at Club Heathcote Christmas Festival on Sunday, thanks to Gem, Jess, Emma, Kristy, Leah, Estelle, Jo, Tracie and Lou for giving up their day to help make the stall happen. We sold a range of gift items to lots of happy customers and the weather held out with thankfully no rain. So pleased we were able to have this opportunity to raise additional funds for the school in such a challenging year for fundraising. It was awesome to try out the P&Cs new PayPal eftpos machine. Being able to capture card sales was fantastic and we look forward to rolling this out for future P&C initiatives  

Rebecca Bussell

Fundraising Co-ordinator

Ph: 0428 439 794 E:rbussell@rockymountaineer.com

Just a few reminders.  You can still purchase uniforms via Flexischools whilst the uniform shop is closed for the year. These orders will then be filled once we return to school in 2021. School hats are also available via the front office for $14 (cash only).

We will be re-opening on Monday 1 February 2021.

Emma Stokes

Uniform Shop Coordinator

0418 993 679

CBA School Banking 2020

Watch this space for Term 1, 2021!

Thank you for your understanding.

In the meantime if you would like more information about School Banking at HPS please contact Helen Holloway 0434 120 218 or visit 

Many thanks for your understanding.

HPS School Banking Team

On behalf of the HOOSH Team, we would like to congratulate the children elected as Student Leaders, House Captains, and SRC Executives. We would like to give a specific shout out to Bella E, Nicole L, Lachlan L, Allee R, Isabella F, Lachlan Sk, Lucas M, Jacob S, Amber G, and Emma C, some of our HOOSH crew who we have been proud to watch grow over the years. Well done to all of you. We are excited to see how you take on this new and awesome responsibility and know you will be great!

Our charity donations have now been sent out and have arrived! The lovely group of mums running Smiles2U are working hard to put together care packages to be sent out to children and families to brighten up their hospital stay.

“Thank you so, so much Heathcote OOSH. We are extremely grateful and truly appreciate the support. Merry Christmas and hope 2021 is a happy and positive year for you all.” Michelle Key, Founder of Smiles2U.

“On Monday Skate Now skate school came to teach us how to skateboard. We got to learn how to go down ramps and go through tunnels. Some people already knew how to skate and got to do obstacle courses and challenges and practiced their tricks. It was so cool and the people were helpful, friendly and nice. I hope we get to do it again because I really liked it.” Grace C – Stage 2

Finally, we would like to give a massive special thank you to Jayde’s dad Blake Menezes, for creating wonderful end of year Christmas ornaments for the kids - what a legend! We are so grateful for all the families that have shown their appreciation and support throughout this unpredictable year and are looking forward to what 2021 brings, knowing we can face it head on with such a solid team behind us. Happy Holidays to all our families! We can’t wait to see you all back again in the new year <:0)  

As always, if your child will be away and not attending the service or if you require urgent casual placements, please let us know by contacting HOOSH on 0437 001 753 or via email at hoosh@live.com.au. 

Lauren Doel

HOOSH Convenor

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a safe and enjoyable holiday break. 

Good luck to the Year 6 students as they move to high school.

We will reopen on Friday 29 January. The menu will be limited on the first day and return to the full menu on Monday 1 February. Please check Flexischools for availability if you are ordering on that Friday.

 If you are able to help in canteen next year, please contact me on 0410520533 or heathcotepublicschoolcanteen@gmail.com

 Stay safe and see you in 2021!

Naomi Russell

Canteen Coordinator 

The P&C email address is

heathcotepublicschool@pandcaffiliate.org.au

Monday 14 December

Tuesday 15 December

• End of Year Activities Day

Wednesday 16 December

• Last day for students for 2020
• Year 6 Farewell Arch 2:45pm-3:00pm

Thursday 17 December

• School Development Day

Friday 18 December

• School Development Day

Wednesday 27 January

• School Development Day

Thursday 28 January

• School Development Day

Friday 29 January

• Students in Years 1-6 return to school
• Kindergarten Best Start Assessments commence
• Canteen will re-open with limited menu

Monday 1 February 

• Kindergarten Best Start Assessments continue   
• Uniform Shop will re-open
• Canteen open with full menu

Tuesday 2 February

• Kindergarten Best Start Assessments continue   
• Textbook delivery day

Wednesday 3 February

• Kindergarten students commence at 9:30am

Thursday 4 February

Friday 5 February

Monday 8 February

• Years 2-6 Swimming Carnival

Tuesday 9 February

• HOOSH meeting 6:00pm
• P&C meeting 7:00pm

Wednesday 10 February

Thursday 11 February

Friday 12 February

Monday 15 February

Tuesday 16 February

Wednesday 17  February

Thursday 18 February

Friday 19 February

• PSSA Summer Competition commences

Heathcote Public School 

Oliver Street

Heathcote, NSW, 2233

9520 8759

Email: heathcote-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au

Visit us on the web at http://www.heathcote-p.schools.nsw.edu.au/