Horsley Herald Term 2 Week 8 2021

We are almost at the end of another productive and exciting term, however I wanted to write to you to let you know about our renewed attendance processes being carried out at Horsley Park Public School. Attendance is one of our central priorities and we strive to create a welcoming environment for all students to attend school and participate in learning.

School attendance is closely linked to positive learning outcomes, an overall sense of wellbeing and a feeling of connectedness.

Regular attendance at school is essential to assist students to maximise their potential in terms of social, emotional and academic achievement. Lateness also has a huge impact on student wellbeing. Every day counts. Missing just one day of school a fortnight can amount to four weeks of lost learning over a year. Over the student’s school life, this can equal one year of missed learning.

I encourage you to read the Parent Fact sheet from the Department of Education on school attendance.

To promote the importance of attendance as a precursor to student wellbeing our school conducts attendance checks every fortnight. This is a process whereby students who are identified as having a percentage attendance of less than 90% are flagged as having attendance that is of concern.

As parents and carers, you will be notified of sustained and concerning absence below 90%. The school will also give you a call to discuss the attendance and contributing factors.

We want to work with any families or students who may be having problems to support them to improve school attendance. The student’s attendance will be reviewed and appropriate follow up action taken in response to the effectiveness of the strategies implemented to improve attendance rates.

The importance of attending school cannot be undersold in terms of the positive outcomes it yields for a student’s social, emotional and academic learning.

Your partnership is fundamental to our aims to improve student attendance and, in turn, uphold the community values of our great school.

If you would like to discuss any aspect of attendance as it relates to student wellbeing, please do not hesitate to contact me on 9620 1301 or by the school email.

We want to work together with our families to help us meet our attendance goals.

Lateness

Once enrolled, children are required to attend school each day it is open for students.

The importance of arriving on time Arriving at school and class on time:

• Ensures that students do not miss out on important learning activities scheduled early in the day

• Helps students learn the importance of punctuality and routine.

• Give students time to greet their friends before class

• Reduces classroom disruption Lateness is recorded as a partial absence and must be explained by parents.

Semester One Student Reports

Our teaching staff have spent considerable amounts of time over the past few weeks writing student reports for Semester One. The reports provide a summary of your child’s progress and effort for terms 1 and 2. 

Student reports will be sent home on Friday 18 June. Parents and carers will have the opportunity to have a parent teacher interview by request. 

Kindergarten 2022

Enrolments for Kindergarten 2022 are now being accepted.

Children born between 1st August 2016 and 31st July 2017 are eligible to enrol.

Parents / carers who would like to enrol a child for Kindergarten next year please visit our website and complete the online enrolment form https://horsleypk-p.schools.nsw.gov.au/about-our-school/enrolment.html

Wait to be contacted by the school.

Once staff have processed the application form you will be contacted to make an appointment to come and visit the school to provide supporting documentation and have a readiness conversation:

• Child’s birth certificate for proof of age

• Passports and visas for families born overseas

• 100 point Proof of residence (e.g. Council rate notice, gas, rental agreement, electricity account or bank account).

• Please visit https://horsleypk-p.schools.nsw.gov.au/

• Immunisation Certificate

Health Plans if required (allergy, asthma etc.)

Collaborative Planning

During week 10, staff will be involved in Collaborative Planning. This is when staff work together to prepare units of learning, assessment and resources to meet the requirements in each syllabus. The staff use this time to develop activities that are differentiated for the learning needs of all students.

"Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love" - Lao Tzu

Enjoy the long weekend and have a wonderful week.

Anica Tanevski

Principal

Last week was Reconciliation Week and Reconciliation week is about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders coming together in respect. Our school did engaging activities related to Reconciliation Week and Sorry Day. 

Also last week our school introduced 'online on time', which is where all students have a chance to get picked out to get a $2 voucher for the canteen if you are in line on time. So far Gina, Paul, Evelyn, Joshua and Mackenzie have won. Good luck and make sure you're online on time!

Two weeks ago we started our Premier's Sporting Challenge, which is when every 20 minutes of sport you do, you tick a box. At the end of it you receive a special award.

Lately, children have been practicing dance moves for the upcoming Wakakirri Concert. It’s on the 19th of August, so make sure you purchase your tickets soon! Speaking of dancing, aboriginal girls from years 3-6 are visiting Bossley Park Public School to practice a dance for NAIDOC week, eventually they will perform to us and multiple public schools. 

Remember the PBL rule, keep your hands and feet to yourself. Only two more weeks until the winter holidays! Have fun and listen to your teachers!

Yorke Daher and Isabella Sambono  - School Captains

Dear Parents/Carers,

Please find attached the information for the 2021 ICAS tests. This year, all payments will be made directly through the ICAS website. Please follow the instructions carefully to register your child.