The Wrap @Appin

Term 1, Week 2

📅 Dates to Remember

Upcoming Events

📝Mrs Collins - Principal's Desk

Week 1 & 2 of Term 1

Dear Appin Public School families,

Welcome to Week 2 and to the start of what promises to be an exciting and positive year at Appin Public School. It has been a joy to see our students return to school, reconnect with friends, and settle back into routines so smoothly.

A Strong Start

Across the school, students have begun the year with enthusiasm and a willingness to learn. Classrooms are calm, purposeful, and full of energy, with teachers spending time building strong relationships, establishing expectations, and supporting students to feel safe, settled, and ready to learn.

We are particularly proud of how confidently our students have returned, especially our Kindergarten children, who have shown courage, curiosity, and big smiles as they begin their school journey.

Empowering Student Voice

This week, I had the pleasure of working with our new Student Leadership Team. It was a wonderful meeting, and the students shared their excitement, ideas, and enthusiasm for the year ahead. Our Prime Minister has been busy putting her cabinet together, and all Portfolio Ministers have now been allocated. See their section later in the newsletter. I have no doubt that our student leaders will have a positive and meaningful impact across our school community in 2026.

Meeting the Team

Next week, our teachers will introduce themselves and share their roles within the school with our families. This session will be held in the school hall from 2:15 pm and is for Year 1–6 parents and carers.

Following this, families will move to the Stage Leaders’ classrooms for an opportunity to meet your child’s class teacher. These sessions will run for 30 minutes, with two sessions offered sharing the same information to support families who have children across different stages.

Alongside our teaching staff, we welcome our new General Assistant, Scott Fursey, who has already made a wonderful start and is a valued addition to our school team.

Communication and Staying Connected

Clear and respectful communication is essential to supporting our students and working effectively in partnership with families.

For all student-related matters, the class teacher is always the first point of contact. Our Stage Leaders work closely with teachers and families to provide additional support within each stage. Where required, matters may then be supported by the Assistant Principals and or specialist support staff, and finally the Principal, ensuring concerns are addressed thoughtfully and at the appropriate level.

If you would like to arrange a one-on-one meeting with your child’s teacher, please contact the school office to schedule a suitable time. Teachers are also available at the end of the school day for brief check-ins; however, longer conversations are best supported through a scheduled appointment.

How We Communicate

All notes and formal communication are sent via email through School Bytes.
Facebook is used as a celebratory platform to showcase student achievements and school successes.
Instagram provides highlights of upcoming events and student participation.
New in 2026, we will be using X to share professional learning, key updates, and short snapshots of teaching and learning across the school – for
The school newsletter remains our most in-depth communication tool, sharing learning, events, leadership updates, and what’s coming up across the school.

A New Newsletter Structure in 2026

To support families as our school continues to grow, we will be introducing a new newsletter format this year. Rather than fortnightly newsletters, we will publish:

Two newsletters per term, and
A student-designed end-of-term wrap-up newsletter, celebrating learning and events from the term.

The first newsletter each term will focus on K–2, and the second on Years 3–6. This approach allows information to be more targeted, manageable, and meaningful, while reducing information overload for families.

We believe this structure will improve clarity, keep communication purposeful, and ensure families can easily access the information most relevant to them.

Sports Timetable Update

We apologise for the late notice regarding the additional sport session this year, which has resulted in an extra day where sports uniform is required. The Department has increased the mandated time for physical activity, which necessitated changes to school timetables. These timetables could not be finalised until staff returned to school, as they were also dependent on final student numbers and class organisation. We appreciate your understanding and flexibility as we implement these changes to support student wellbeing.

Get Involved – P&C

We warmly encourage families to consider becoming involved in our P&C. It is a welcoming and supportive group who work collaboratively to support our students, staff, and wider school community. Being part of the P&C is a wonderful way to connect with other families, contribute to school initiatives, and help make a positive difference at Appin Public School.

Come along to the next meeting next Tuesday at 6:30pm which will also include the AGM.

Opportunity Class and Selective High School Applications – 2027

Applications for Opportunity Class (OC) and Selective High School (SHS) placement for 2027 are now open.

Parents and carers can apply:

for Opportunity Class placement when their child is at the end of Year 3 or the start of Year 4, and
for Selective High School placement when their child is at the end of Year 5 or the start of Year 6.

Applications close on Friday 20 February 2026. Due to the extended application period, late applications will not be accepted, so families are encouraged to apply early.

Applications can be submitted online via the NSW Department of Education website under Selective high schools and opportunity classes.

If you have any questions about the application process, please contact the school office for general guidance or refer to the Department’s website for detailed information.

Have a fabulous weekend.

Mrs Collins

🗂️ From the Executive Desks

🌟Mrs Partridge

Assistant Principal Curriculum & Instruction (Literacy)

With the start of a new year comes renewed energy, and this term I am excited to be working closely in our K–2 classrooms as we set strong foundations in literacy.

Today, I visited two kindergarten classes to begin this important work. Together, we focused on our first high-frequency words: a, the, and on. These small words play a big role in early reading success, and our students were eager and proud to learn them.

Next week, these words will become our kindergarten students’ weekly passwords. Children will be encouraged to read these words as they leave the classroom for play breaks, toilet breaks and other transitions. It is a fun and motivating way to build automaticity.

You can support this learning at home by writing these words together and inviting your child to read them to you. A quick daily check makes a big difference and I promise, they will amaze you!!!

🌟Ms Martin

Assistant Principal Curriculum & Instruction (Numeracy)

As we begin the year, I’m excited to share our whole-school focus on numeracy, particularly across Years 3–6. This term, my work is centred on supporting teachers directly in classrooms as we strengthen students’ multiplicative thinking. These are the big ideas behind multiplication, division, grouping and scaling. This kind of thinking is essential for success not just in maths, but across everyday problem-solving. You might hear your child talking about different ways to solve problems, explaining their thinking, or noticing patterns in numbers. That reasoning and discussion is exactly what we’re aiming for. In Term 2, this focus will continue with our K–2 students, where we’ll be building the strong foundations that lead into multiplicative thinking later on.

Alongside our numeracy work, we are also moving forward with curriculum reform across the school. Our classroom and specialist teachers are now delivering the updated syllabuses from the NSW Department of Education, bringing fresh, engaging learning experiences in each Key Learning Area. These new syllabuses emphasise deeper understanding, creativity and real-world connections, and our specialist programs are a fantastic example of this in action.

It’s an exciting time for learning at our school, and we’re proud of the way our teachers are embracing these changes to ensure students are curious, confident and challenged learners.

🐨Mrs Muntz

Assistant Principal Early Stage 1 (Kindergarten)

What a Great Start to the Year in Kindergarten!

We have had a wonderful start to the 2026 school year, and our Kindergarten students have settled in beautifully. Over the past few weeks, we have been focusing on learning our school rules and expectations, helping students feel safe, confident, and ready to learn.

Our Year 6 buddies have been visiting the kindergarten classrooms during lunch eating time to eat alongside our students and have also been providing wonderful support in the playground. These buddy connections are already building positive relationships and helping our youngest learners feel part of our wider school community.

Learning has begun with a strong focus on phonics. Students have been learning the sounds s, a, and t, and they have all been working hard to listen, focus, and practise these new sounds. In English, we have been reading the mentor text Starting School by Jane Godwin. Through this text, students have been learning about what is needed to prepare for their first days of school and sharing their own experiences and feelings about starting school.

In Mathematics, we have been learning about becoming mathematicians by investigating the world around us and exploring how we use mathematics in our everyday lives. Students have enjoyed engaging in hands-on activities and discussions that build curiosity and confidence in their learning.

The kindergarten team is currently completing the Best Start Assessment with individual students. This assessment provides teachers with valuable information about each child’s understanding and knowledge in Literacy and Mathematics, allowing us to plan targeted learning experiences to support every student’s progress.

In my role as Assistant Principal, I will continue coordinating Technology across the school and working closely with teachers and students to embed technology and effective communication processes in classrooms. I will also be working closely with the P&C and our wider community to strengthen partnerships and build positive community relationships.

We are very proud of the way our Kindergarten students have started the year and look forward to an exciting year of learning ahead. 🌟

Kookaburra

Emu

Possum

🐨 Mrs Hawkins

Assistant Principal Stage 1 (Year 1/2)

Welcome to the first newsletter of the year! I am thrilled to be working with such a passionate and hardworking Stage 1 team. Our classes (Quokka - Mrs Hawkins and Mrs Keir, Glider - Miss Kennedy, Bilby - Mrs Matthews, Lorikeet - Mr Pincock and Turtle - Ms Stehr) have been busy settling in, setting up routines and classroom expectations to create a positive and successful start to the year. We have been having lots of fun getting to know each other and building a supportive classroom community. As part of this, students have been exploring the many emotions that come with starting a new school year through the wonderful book The Wild Guide to Starting School. It’s been a great way to help everyone feel comfortable, confident, and ready for the exciting year ahead!

I look forward to continuing to get to know all of our Stage 1 students and their families, building strong relationships that support learning and wellbeing.

As part of my role as Assistant Principal, I will continue to be involved with the School Promotions, Transitions and Enrolment Committee and will also be facilitating professional learning sessions focused on the What Works Best document. The What Works Best document outlines the key teaching practices and strategies that have been proven to help students learn most effectively. It guides our teachers in creating the best possible learning experiences to support every child’s success. I look forward to supporting our staff and community as we strive for the best outcomes for all our students.

Quokka

Bilby

Glider

Lorikeet

Turtle

🐨Mr Sylwestrzak

Assistant Principal Stage 2 (Year 3/4)

Welcome!
We’re excited to begin the year and introduce our Stage team and classes.

Ms Paxton – Echidna Class
Mr Bax – Dingo Class
Ms Lewis – Wallaby Class
Mr Sylwestrzak (Stage AP) – Flying Fox Class

Our team is looking forward to working closely with students and families to create a positive, supportive learning environment where every child can thrive. We’re excited for a great year ahead!

If you want it a bit more upbeat or more formal, say the word and I’ll tweak the tone 😊

Welcome back to a new year! It has been wonderful to see students return with positive attitudes and a readiness to learn. This term, our focus will be on building strong learning routines, setting high expectations for the presentation of bookwork, encouraging exemplary behaviour both inside and outside the classroom, and supporting students to reach their full potential academically and socially.

As Stage Supervisor, one of my key roles this year will be overseeing and supporting attendance across the school. Last year, our whole-school attendance was well above both the state average and similar school groups. Regular attendance is essential for student success, and I will be working closely with staff, students, and families to promote consistent attendance and address any concerns early.

I am also looking forward to getting to know all the students across Stage 2, building positive relationships, and supporting their growth and wellbeing throughout the year.

We are excited for a productive and successful term ahead and thank our community for their continued partnership and support in all areas of their child’s learning.

Flying Fox

Echidna

Dingo

Wallaby

🐨Mr Hennessy

Relieving Assistant Principal Stage 3 (Year 5/6)

Welcome back! I am looking forward to working alongside students, staff and families this year in my role as Stage 3 Relieving Assistant Principal for Semester 1.

Stage 3 has had a fantastic start to the year, with all classes settling in well and establishing positive routines. Mr Earnshaw is teaching Class Wombat and Miss Duggan is teaching Class Gecko, and both classes have made a smooth and settled transition into the new school year.

In English, students are focusing on narrative writing and will be using Storm Boy as a mentor text to support their learning. In Mathematics, the focus this term is on developing students’ multiplicative thinking skills. NAPLAN will take place in Weeks 8 and 9, with Year 5 students beginning preparation over the coming weeks.

We are looking forward to the Wooglamai Leadership Day on 18 February and the Stage 3 Leadership Incursion on 26 February, which will provide valuable opportunities for students to develop their leadership skills. House meetings will be held in Week 3, and we are excited to announce our new house captains in preparation for the swimming carnival. Our Ministers are enthusiastic about their new roles and are looking forward to working closely with the SRC to support and improve our school.

We are currently in the process of selecting and ordering the Year 6 shirts and look forward to sharing these with the community soon. I will also be coordinating Aboriginal Education this year and working closely with the Cultural Group to support student learning and strengthen connections to culture.

Wombat

Kangaroo

Gecko

🐨 Meet our Ministers

Dear Parents and Carers,

This year, our student parliament has been having important conversations about respect, inclusion and the values we want our school to stand for.

As part of this we have been learning more about the people our school sports houses are named after: Lachlan Macquarie, James Tyson, Hamilton Hume and William Hovell.

While these figures are a part of Australian history, we have also learned that some of their actions and beliefs do not align with the values we promote in our school today, particularly in relation to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Our school is committed to being a safe, inclusive and respectful place for all students and families. This includes acknowledging our shared history honestly and making choices that reflect kindness, fairness and respect.

The reasons we want to change the sports house names is because:

Lachlan Macquarie ordered the Appin massacre, forced removal of children, he was known to have a temper as he ruled and he also caused many conflicts.
James Tyson has had criminal convictions in New York, his massive fortune was stolen on first nations land, he has been criticised for an aggressive persona, as well as doing some terrible things to women. Some of his properties were sites of brutal massacres of Indigenous people.
Hamilton Hume was responsible for the dispossession of first nations land, caused a bitter public feud with Wiliam Hovell and he had a controversial family.
William Hovell had a navigational error during the 1824 expedition and had a bitter fued with Hamilton Hume. He almost caused his party to split up in dangerous areas in the Australian bush.

For this reason, our Student Parliament believes it is time to change our house names. This decision is not about erasing history, but about ensuring that the names we use represent teamwork, pride and school spirit which reflect the values we want to uphold now and into the future.

We see this as an opportunity to choose new house names that celebrate positive qualities, unity and respect, and that all students can feel proud to belong to.

Thank you for supporting our school as we continue to learn, grow and work together to make our community the best it can be.

Written by Billie and Holly (Prime Minister and Speaker)

🐨 Positive Behaviour for Learning

PBL Merit Award System

We have recently updated and streamlined our merit award process to make it simpler and more consistent across the school. Class teachers will now hand out three merit awards each week, recognising students who demonstrate our whole school values of being safe, respectful, and learners. Once a student collects three merit awards, they earn a Bronze certificate. Collecting three Bronze certificates leads to a Silver certificate, and three Silver certificates earn a Gold certificate. This revised system makes it easier for students and families to understand and celebrate achievements in a clear and meaningful way.

From the Office

Uniform donations required!!

From time to time the office has the need for spare uniforms for little accidents!!

If you can donate any of the following uniform items, please call the office on

4631 1220 and we will let you know if they are still required, before donating. Thank you in

anticipation of your assistance.

Boys: Size 8 shorts x 1, Size 8 grey pants x 1, Size 10 shorts x 1, Size 10 shirts x 2, Size 12 shirts x 1, Size 12 shorts x 1.

Girls: Size 8 dress x 2, Size 10 dress x 1, Size 10 grey pants/skorts x 1, Size 12 dress x 1, Size 12 shirt x 1.

Fleece jackets – Size 10, 14 (1 of each)

P.S Don't forget to ring the office first to check if that item is still needed.

Regards

Appin Public School

Students should have received Issue 1 Book Club brochures this week. If your student did not receive one, please talk to their class teacher. Online LOOP Book Club orders are due on Thursday, 19th February, 2026.

📌 Don't Forget

Updating School

It is very important that we have up to date and correct contact details for our students. If you have a new home address, mobile phone number or email address, please contact our school office to update these details as soon as possible.

Unexplained Absences

Please remember that the NSW Education Act requires that all student absences must be explained within 7 days of the first day of them being away from school. Please contact us promptly whenever your child is absent and let us know the reason for them being away.

A text message will be sent home each day the student has an unexplained absence. Parents have 7 days to reply on the parent portal or contact the school, otherwise unexplained absences become unjustified.

If you have any questions or if you need support with your child’s attendance, please contact the school on 46 311 220.

Canteen Online Ordering

Mel's Lunchbox provides lunch orders with Spriggy Schools Online Ordering App. If you have any questions, or suggestions, please contact Mel on Mb: 0456 815160.

Just a reminder that there is absolutely no parking or pedestrian access through our staff car park at any time. If dropping off or picking up from OOSH, please use the OOSH gate provided. Thank you.

Lost Property

Please clearly label your child’s clothing or items they bring to school and replace these names when they wear off. Please also ask at the front office for any valuable lost items such as watches, glasses, jewellery etc. At the end of the term, we will donate any unclaimed items to the Uniform Shop or to a charity.

🤝 P&C Power @ Appin

P & C Annual General Meeting

Our P&C Annual General Meeting will be held on Tuesday, 10th February at 6:30pm in the School Staffroom. All positions on the P & C Committee will be declared vacant and it would be great to have all positions filled on the night. The positions to be filled are: President, Secretary, Treasurer, Fundraising & Uniform Shop. Everyone is welcome to come even if you don’t

want to fill a position, you just may want to become a voting member for $1.00. Even if you are new to our school, or have never been before, please come along and see how the

P & C contribute to our children. The P & C meet on Tuesday's in Week 3 and Week 7 of each term at 6:30 pm in the school staffroom. It is a great way to get involved in ways to help our

school, meet new people and to be informed of things coming up. Hope to see you there! All welcome!

P & C Uniform Shop

The Uniform Shop is open every Monday, from 8:30am to 9:30am. The Uniform Shop has Eftpos available for payments, as well as cash. Online order form at https://form.jotform/212808469354867 - or scan the QR Code.

Orders will be filled when the shop is open on Monday mornings and left at office for pickup, or given to child if paid by credit card. Full cash payment must accompany orders left at the office, or pay cash on pickup of online order. Prices subject to change, depending upon suppliers.

📬 Contact Us

appin-p.schools.nsw.gov.au/

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