Welcome to our school newsletter - "your local school....our local community" 

Dear Parents and Carers,

This week is Bullying No Way National Week of Action. The week provides an opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to bullying prevention. Bullying won’t stop on its own and at Putney we are trying to build a culture of kindness through Putney Power.

The theme for this year's campaign is Be Bold. Be Kind. Speak Up.

It takes a community to be brave and address bullying behaviours, within and beyond the school gate.

Students can be bold, kind and speak up to support others being bullied. While trusted adults are there to support children and young people learn how to be kind to each other and report bullying.

Our Years 3-6 students began the week with Kids Helpline Largest Anti-Bullying lesson. Our students participated in the live webinar delivered by Kids Helpline. 

The 20-minute lesson covered the following content:

• Insights from young people who have faced bullying and have contacted Kids Helpline for support

• Practical, in-the-moment strategies for different types of bullying – and why they work

• Reporting and support options for bullying.

During the week we will be engaging students in meaningful discussions and activities aimed at promoting empathy, understanding and respect for diversity. Stage 3 students will be listening to a cyber safety talk from our Police Liaison officer on August 19.th

Families play an important role in helping children understand bullying and know how to respond to it.

If your child tells you about things at school, or you observe something in public that involves conflict or bullying, take the opportunity to talk about what bullying is. 

Questions you could ask:

•  What do you think bullying is?

• Have you seen it? How did you feel?

• Have you ever felt scared at school because of bullying?

• As well as me, who are the other adults you would talk to when it comes to things like bullying?

• Have you or your friends left other kids out on purpose? Do you think that was bullying? Why or why not?

• Have you ever tried to help someone who is being bullied? What happened? What would you do if it happens again?

Remind your child that bullying is never okay and discuss how they can respond safely if they experience or witness it. Encourage them to seek help from a trusted adult and keep seeking support if needed.

By promoting open communication, we empower children to stand up against bullying and create a safer environment where everyone can feel that they belong.

For more information visit bullyingnoway.gov.au.

Extended Leave

Just a reminder concerning the process when applying for extended leave during school term time. While we understand that there may be exceptional circumstances that require families to take time away from school, it is important to note that regular attendance is crucial for students' educational development.

If you are considering applying for extended leave, please follow these guidelines:

1. Application Form: Complete the Extended Leave Application Form available on School Bytes.

2. Submission Timeline: Submit your application as early as possible, ideally at least four weeks in advance of the proposed leave to allow for processing and consideration.

3. Supporting Documentation: Include any relevant supporting documents that outline the reasons for the leave.

4. Approval Process: I review the application as per Department guidelines, and you will be notified of the outcome. Please note that leave may not be granted for reasons such as holidays during term time.

Thank you for following the process.

Athletics Carnival

We were fortunate to have had our Athletics carnival last Tuesday on such a clear, sunny day. As is the case with all our carnivals, we encourage maximum student participation in the events. The smooth running would not be possible without the support and assistance of parents. Thank you to those who were able to take on these vital roles. A big thank you to the organisers Mrs Martin, Mrs Hedge and Mrs Miller who had the unenviable task of finding an alternative venue following our washed out first date.

P and C meeting

I’d like to thank Ms Curtis and Ms Scarcella who presented our school’s 2025 NAPLAN results at last week’s P and C meeting. I appreciate their support after work hours to engage our school community in teaching and learning at our school. 

Student Achievements 

Congratulations to Jonas L, Leonard C and former student Felix C who were chosen as finalists in the NSW Strings and Piano State Finals, held at the University of New South Wales on Saturday August 23rd and Sunday August 24th. We wish them well on such an outstanding achievement!

During the school holidays, Luella G entered a submission “Solving the Puzzle of Sustainability” into the Ryde Council SWAP Art competition. Congratulations to Luella on being chosen as a finalist! Her jigsaw puzzle made of recycled waste is impressive! Good luck in the next round Luella.

The staff are looking forward to dressing up as book week characters and joining in the fun at next week’s book parade on Thursday 21st August.  Book Week is always a highlight of our school calendar.

Michelle Brooks

Principal

Check-in assessment for Year 3, 4, 5 & 6

Dear parents and carers,

During Term 3, Years 3, 4, 5 & 6 will participate in semester Check-in assessments during Week 6 to 10 (25 August to 26 September).

The Check-in assessment is a NSW Department of Education online literacy and numeracy assessment available to support schools to assess and monitor student learning.

The assessment can supplement existing school practices to identify how students are performing in literacy and numeracy and to help teachers tailor their teaching more specifically to student needs. Students with disabilities may receive the same level of support during the assessment they would normally receive in the classroom.

All students complete a reading assessment and a numeracy assessment. Year 6 students will also complete a writing assessment.

Students will be asked to bring wired headphones or earbuds that plug into a computer to enable them to hear audio during the assessment. Earbuds used for mobile phones or other portable devices may be suitable for use during the assessment. The type of computer connection needed is a jack connection.

If your child needs headphones provided by the school, please contact your class teacher.

As part of The Resilience Project, Stage 1 have been learning about compromise and conflict. We have been learning that conflict can arise when people have different ideas or ways of doing things. In our recent empathy lesson, students explored the meanings of conflict and compromise through text-to-self connections, discussions, and role play. They recognised that a compromise can be reached when they show empathy by being willing to listen to others’ ideas and ‘meet in the middle.’ Our learning intentions focused on understanding the role of empathy in resolving conflict and practicing this skill by considering the needs and feelings of everyone involved. By illustrating the steps to find a compromise, students are developing crucial conflict resolution skills that will benefit them in their interactions both in and out of the classroom.

Canteen

As always, any questions or feedback concerning the canteen can be emailed to canteen@putneypc.org.au.

Soup of the Week

Potato and Leek soup sold out and the Roasted Pumpkin and Sweet Potato soup is almost gone. One staff member was quoted as saying it is the "best soup she's ever tasted". Reporters are still investigating just how much soup she's had in her life and therefore how much of a compliment that is. For now let's assume the soup is super tasty.

Next soup off the blender will be corn chowder. Available at recess and lunch it's great value at $6 for a cup of soup and some garlic bread.

Second Hand Uniforms (SHU)

Calendar of Events

Important dates for your diary.

P&C Partners