Tamworth West Public School

Principal Leave

As you are reading this, I have already begun some extended leave. I am currently travelling the breadth of our country as I am about to celebrate the wedding of my eldest child and the arrival of my second grandchild. I truly hope that these two wonderful events don’t clash, because I certainly haven’t planned for that!

I had originally organised to be away for all of term three, however, have since changed plans and will now return on 4 August for a few weeks. I will then resume leave towards the end of next term to attend my daughter’s wedding.

Hmmmm! Two weddings and a baby – that sounds like a good name for a movie and definitely a way to deplete your bank account.

In my absence, Mrs Patricia Sharp will be relieving as the principal of Tamworth West Public School. She can be contacted through the front office if required.

Organisational Changes from Term 3

Sadly, we have a number of changes coming into play from the start of term three. These changes will affect students across the school.

Firstly, Mrs Kim Wilson has gained permanency at Tamworth High School. We congratulate Mrs Wilson on her appointment and wish her all the best with her move.

Secondly, Mrs Elise Bowkett has decided to join her husband back on the Far North Coast. We also wish Mrs Bowkett a joyful reunion and look forward to their return in term four.

In order to replace these staff members, we have had to make changes to our collaborative teams and Release from Face to Face timetable. All teaching staff will be returning to their minimal two hours preparation time each week from the start of next term.

Mr Chris Lyon will be replacing Mrs Wilson as the classroom teacher for 3-6W and Mrs Natalie Ward will be replacing Mrs Bowkett in an assortment of roles.

All classes will do one hour of Creative Arts with Miss Nikki Cunneen and one hour of Aboriginal language with Mrs Jo Spicer. Students will then be rostered for a session in the library each week, which will be led by their classroom teacher or Mrs Ward.

Classroom teachers will send home adjusted timetables at the start of next term so families know when to send in library bags etc.

Modified Playground Areas

For those who have been into or by the school lately, you might have noticed a large amount of fencing in, and around, the asphalt playground. The trees along the Church Street fence line have been deemed unsafe and as a result, now have to be removed.

This is expected to happen in the next few weeks and until then, students are not permitted to play in this area.

Athletics Carnival

A massive congratulations to all students and staff involved in our 2022 school athletics carnival. What a wonderful day!

A massive thank you to Mrs Milton and Mr Willis for organising the events and to all staff for helping to make the day run so smoothly. Thank you also to Amy and her band of helpers in the canteen and to the Peel High School staff and students.

Congratulations to our winners and age champions. Please read the sporting section of this newsletter for the results.

NAIDOC Week

Tamworth West Public School celebrated NAIDOC Week this week, from 27 June to 1 July. NAIDOC refers to the National Aboriginals and Islanders Day Observance Committee and it celebrates the history, culture and accomplishments of Aboriginal people. It is a time of celebration and connection between all people. This year’s NAIDOC Week theme is Get up! Stand up! Show up! – this is to encourage all of us to champion institutional, structural, collaborative, and cooperative change while celebrating those who have already driven and led change in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities over generations.

Read the full report and view photos and video from the week in the AEC section of this newsletter.

Have an awesome holiday and we look forward to seeing you next term.

Terrie Kay & Patricia Sharp

Principals

Thank you to all the families that ordered cookie dough and the volunteers, who came in and sorted it all. It is a great fundraiser for our school.

Next term, we are planning to open the clothing pool room as covid restrictions ease. Any donations of uniforms would be greatly appreciated. All items can be dropped into the office. If any parents or carer's have some free time and would like to help with operating the clothing pool, that would also be greatly appreciated. We are hoping to open at least one afternoon a fortnight, so if anyone can help, please let one of the executive team know- Renae Mumford, Naomi Welch, Emily Crompton or Catherine Te Au.

Keep an eye out next term for our Father's Day Stall. Details will be provided closer to the day.

The next P&C meeting will be held on Monday 8th August in the TWPS staff room from 5.30pm, all are welcome.

We hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday.

Over the last four weeks, our English sessions in Kindergarten have been learning about Australian animals and learning how to write an information report. We have learnt about kangaroos, echidnas and emus. Kindergarten have learnt to write a description about what these animals look like, and they have also written about where they live and what they eat.

This unit of work links to Mrs Spicer’s Gamilaraay language program and the dance which Miss Spearim has been teaching Kindergarten of a Thursday afternoon. We have learnt the dance and the Gamilaraay word for: bandaarr, bigibila, dhinawan and yurrandaali. Kindergarten have been very engaged and had so much fun with this unit.

During Maths lessons, we have been learning about data and how to present information visually. We have discussed some of the categories we can use to graph information such as according to colour, size or type of object. Students have been working with hands-on materials to make picture graphs to display their findings.

-Mrs Wilson & Miss Massey

Kindergarten Teachers

In Writing, students have continued to develop their persuasive writing skills, learning how to use time connective and opinion statements in their writing. They have also been learning how to correctly structure expositions, a persuasive text that presents one side of an argument.

Following is an example of some students’ writing, responding to the question- Should our school have longer play times?

In STEM, 1/2H have been challenged to create a table that could hold a glue stick, only using one piece of A4 paper and scissors. They also attempted to design and make a pair of glasses that could be worn and not fall off during vigorous activities, such as running and jumping. Once again, they were limited to using only to a piece of A4 paper and scissors only. Whilst many different ideas and were designed and tested, only a few were able to successful meet the challenge.

During Sport lessons, Stage 1 have been eagerly getting ready for the TWPS Athletics Carnival. Students have represented their sport’s house teams by participated in athletic skill rotations. The activities linked to sprint and run, shot put, discus, long jump and ball games. Our eight year old students, had the opportunity to take part in high jump and discus with the Stage 2 teachers.

Welcome to the beginning of July AND the end of the term!

It has been a long term with a bit of sickness within our classrooms, but we have made it!

Next term in English, we will be focusing on writing information reports. We will start the term, looking at many different animals and then continue to look at significant places. They will be places we will be visiting on our travels to Dubbo for our zoo excursion.

Maths

This semester, the Stage 2 students have been working in maths groups focusing on the Whole Number strand. Students are grouped according to their ability level with specific lessons and activities designed for their individual needs. Students have been recently doing assessments ready to participate again in maths groups next term.

Pen Licenses

Some students in Year 4 are starting to receive their pen license . These students are consistently displaying neat handwriting and meeting the book expectations in all subjects. There are many students who are close and are continuing to try extra hard to ensure they are following the book work expectations. Keep up the good work and your license will be on its way! Congratulations to these students: Hannah, A'Sha, Jacob, Charlotte, Anna from 4M and Tilly, Victoria, Julia and Laylah from 4D who have been awarded their pen license this term.

Dubbo Excursion

The Dubbo excursion deposit notes were due back a few weeks ago. If you have not already paid the $75 deposit please do so ASAP. If your child is no longer attending the excursion, can you please let your child’s teacher know as soon as possible. This will allow numbers to be finalised early term 3.

Attendance

Well done to all those students who have been regularly attending school. To celebrate students attendance of 90% and over during weeks 6 -10 of term 2, we will be hosting our attendance afternoon tea in Week 1 next term.

House Points

Each week all classes have been adding up house points within their classrooms. The house points are added each week and a running tally is put up on the sign under the COLA. We will be celebrating the winning sporting house with a celebratory BBQ early next term. Stay tuned for the announcement of the winning house!

There has been a lot of sport happening across this term! Firstly, we had Evie G and Jace represent the Tamworth zone at the Regional Cross Country trials held in Coolah. Even though it was very chilly, both students finished their race to the best of their abilities. Well done to both Jace and Evie.

A number of students participated in the boys softball PSSA gala day that was held in week 7. Our team, made up of Hamish and Max from 3B and Cameron, Jace, Ashar, Bentley, Cooper from 4M, as well as students from Stage 3. All students made hits, runs and did some great fielding. Our team played against a number of other school teams which were made up of Year 5 and 6 students, so the inclusion of the Stage 2 boys in our team is a testament to their skills and sportsmanship. Our team won the first game against Kootingal and then lost against Tamworth Public in the next round. Well done to all the students who not only played on the day but also to the other students who came and trained at school during lunch.

Winter Uniforms

A reminder that the weather is still likely to be chilly next term. When the weather is cold, it is important that students have appropriate clothing with them. Long pants and stockings will keep legs warm and jumpers are important for our top half. Please check with your child that they have adequate clothes for the day to avoid them getting sick!

Thank you parents for packing fresh fruit for our morning crunch and sip. Food doesn’t have to be whole piece, even an apple cut into slices is good. This makes eating their food while doing our morning routines nice and easy. We are discouraging students eating the fruit cups in class as they can be messy!

Thank you to all our parents and the teachers for all the hard work you do in supporting our students!

Felicity Bagshaw

Stage 2 Assistant Principal

Thank you to our school community for supporting the initiatives within our school!

Broken Bay

We have a very enthusiastic 101 students that have confirmed their attendance at the upcoming Broken Bay excursion. It is imperative that all attendees complete the online registration form created by Sport and Rec. More information will become available next term.

Year 6 Shirts

The shirts arrived and are proudly being worn by the Year 6 students. They look fabulous and we appreciate the students wearing them on the correct day… Friday.

Sporting Teams

Numerous students have represented TWPS at Zone, Regional, Knockout competitions in netball, cross country, soccer, hockey, touch football, softball, league, tennis, oz tag, basketball and even a State swimming representative already this semester. We look forward to further representation next term in athletics and hopefully some equestrian events.

We are fortunate to have staff skilled to deliver quality coaching and parents and carers able to support their child’s interests. TWPS staff are consistently proud of the demonstrated respect and sportsmanship displayed by students when representing our school.

Parent/Carer Teacher Interviews

It was a privilege to have so many families come in to meet staff and discuss their child/children’s progress. Staff were able to discover many valuable insights into their students. We are sure many parents are more aware of how to better support their child.

SRC

The SRC have been praised for their contributions in the monthly meetings. One initiative developed and delivered has been the peer games on Wednesday at play time.

Leaders are encouraging positive play. They have set up structured play for all students from K-6 to participate in varied and engaging activities.

The leaders demonstrate kindness, mindfulness and initiative while delivering peer appropriate play. They collect points for their House and it is fabulous see stages being able to mingle! See the attached photos. Next term, we hope to have the table tennis tables out as regular options for Wednesday play.

Uniforms

Stage 3 have set the standard for dressing correctly. All students have been making a concerted effort to ensure they are in the correct uniform on the correct day.

Year 6 students do outgrown their items of clothing and if only one child remains at TWPS, another uniform seems hardly worth it. However, being dressed proudly in the correct uniform does create a sense of community and belonging. Again, if you are having trouble obtaining any items, please do not hesitate to contact Mrs Milton.

CPR Awareness

We look forward to posting photos of our final day with Cameron on a school incursion. The Stage 3 based CPR awareness program is always well received by students. It is great the school can offer this course to students at no cost.

Have a fabulous school break. We encourage you and your children to rest where possible and stay warm and healthy through the winter holidays.

-Stage 3 Staff

Can you believe that we have made it to the halfway point of the year already? This term has certainly flown!

Mrs Wilson

We are very excited for Mrs Wilson, who has gained a permanent teaching position at Tamworth High School. She commences her new role day one Term 3. Congratulations Mrs Wilson! We wish you every success and look forward to hearing all about your adventures! On behalf of the Support Unit and wider Tamworth West Public School family I would like to thank you for the valuable contribution you have made during your time with us.

Mr Lyon

With the departure of Mrs Wilson, it gives me enormous pleasure to welcome Mr Chris Lyon to the Support Unit team as the teacher of 3-6W. Welcome Mr Lyon!

Parent Teacher Interviews

It was lovely to have so many families come in to discuss their child’s learning during parent teacher interviews. It is such a valuable opportunity to catch up and exchange information.

Stage 3 CPR Awareness Training

The Stage 3 based CPR awareness program will be completed on Friday afternoon. It is great the school can offer this course to students at no cost.

Stage 2 & 3 Excursions

It is imperative that all students attending the Broken Bay excursion complete the online registration form created by Sport and Rec. More information will become available next term regarding both Stage 2 and 3 excursions.

Year 6 Shirts

The Year 6 students are wearing their new shirts. They look amazing! Thanks Mrs Milton for organising ordering them. Students wear them on Friday each week.

Athletics Carnival

All students had such a wonderful time at the annual athletics carnival. Thank you to the organisers for the hard work in making the day possible.

NAIDOC Week 2022

It has been a privilege to be part of NAIDOC Week celebrations at Tamworth West Public School this week. Students and staff have participated in a range of activities. Thank you and congratulations to the Aboriginal Education Committee for the great organisation of a wonderful week for students and staff.

Happy Holidays

We would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a safe and restful holiday. We look forward to another wonderful term of learning and laughter after the break.

3/6W have worked progressively in all KLA’s to complete topics in preparation for a fresh start in Semester 2.

During June, students have participated in extracurricular activities including Be Skilled Be Fit, NAIDOC Week and the Athletics Carnival. Whilst students have participated at these events, laughter, fun and enthusiasm have been noted by Mrs Bowkett, Mr Ward and I.

During mathematics, we have been learning more about time, fractions, multiplication and whole number. Students in 3/6W continue to embrace these lessons which are mostly constructed with hands on elements to assist with supporting both new and old knowledge.

On a daily basis, we continue our learning surrounding resilience, respect and being responsible. These are not only the school's expectations the school encourages but are beneficial to carry with each of us throughout our lives. In 3/6W, whilst we have a diverse range of capabilities, I am very proud to say that all students regularly celebrate and reward each other for their increasing abilities and self-achievement, no matter how small.

Mrs Bowkett, Mr Ward and I wish all our families in 3/6W a very happy and safe winter holiday.

What a fantastic term we have had in Creative Arts. The students have been studying music and have completed some artworks. All students have been an absolute delight to teach and their engagement and positive attitudes towards music has been fantastic.

Year 4/5/6 along with 5/6D and 3/6W have been learning to play the guitar with guest musician Mr Munday, who has been visiting the classroom to teach the finer aspects of guitar playing.

Year 2/3, have re-visited the recorder from last year and have worked extremely hard to learn a variety of songs. The students were always eager to “level up” in difficulty of songs and have been always striving to improve their playing.

Year 1 and 1/4M, learnt rhythms and drumming patterns on the bucket drums. They learnt about the beat, what a rest beat was and how to create a fast and slow tempo.

Term 3, we will see some changes happening with the 4 day period timetable. However, Creative Arts will continue for all stage.

We will be studying Visual Art for all stages next term. Students do not need any additional resources.

Thank you, K-6, for a fantastic semester 1. I look forward to working with everyone next term.

-Ms Cunneen

Can you believe we are halfway through the year?

I am not sure where the year has gone. One thing I am sure of, is that the students here at Tamworth West Public School have been working so hard, engaging in a variety of learning tasks, both inside and outside the classroom.

Term 2, like each term, has been extremely busy. Our dedicated staff have engaged in professional learning to further improve their practice. During week 7, each stage group had the opportunity to continue their ‘New Art and Science of Teaching’ learning journey with Dr Janelle Wills. This was a valuable experience and the teachers have taken their new learning and are applying it within their classrooms. Mrs Kay has been leading professional learning, where staff have been exploring and embedding a variety of formative assessment techniques into teaching and learning activities. Staff have used this and summative assessments to collect meaningful data to inform and plan rich activities to cater for individual student needs.

As Mrs Kay mentioned, we have had to make changes to our collaborative team sessions. What that means for the APCI role, is that I will be visiting classrooms daily, to collaborate with teachers where I will support their teaching and learning programs.

I hope that all our families and community members have a restful break and enjoy spending time with their families and friends. If anyone hears those dreaded words “I’m bored”, please feel free to direct your child to the ‘Holiday Activity’ grid I have included!

See you all in term 3.

-Jordana Cooper

Assistant Principal Curriculum and Instruction

Tamworth recently hosted no less than 4 State PSSA Carnivals at the same time in Week 6 of Term 2. This is the first time ever in PSSA history that 4 State Carnivals have been combined. From Tuesday the 31^st May to Friday 3^rd of June both the boys and girls Hockey and boys and girls Basketball Carnivals were held in our towns excellent sporting facilities. We were fortunate enough to have 5 students from Tamworth West participating in these carnivals and representing the North West. It was an excellent opportunity for our students to test themselves against the best players in the State and experience playing at a much higher level.

Mr Willis and all the players would like to give a special thank you to Eva Flick, Cooper Holzigal and Kane Buttler for volunteering their time and expertise both at trainings on Monday afternoons and coaching us on a Thursday night. We really appreciate your assistance.

PSSA Knockouts

Boys and Girls Soccer Knockout Gala Day

On Friday 10th June, Miss May and Mrs Sharp took our boys and girls Soccer teams down to the Gipps Street Playing Fields to compete in the PSSA Soccer Knockout Gala Day. Both teams started the knockout with wins against Tamworth South. The boys winning 5 – 3 with Cooper-Lee Shaw getting a hat trick in this game. The girls also took a 2 -1 victory over the South Girls. The second round was far harder against well prepared TPS teams. Both teams toughed it out but were defeated by a more experienced opposition. Miss May and Mrs Sharp enjoyed the day and were pleased with how well both teams competed.

Athletics Carnival

Wednesday, 29th June, Tamworth West held our annual Athletics Carnival at the Tamworth Regional Athletics Centre. It was a fine, sunny day despite being a little brisk. It was pleasing to see so many students brave the cold and turn up early to compete in the 200m and 800m races.

Our students have spent a lot of time this term practising and then competing in Discus, Shot Put and High Jump eliminations at school. It was great to see a variety of students competing in the finals for these events, whilst all students had the opportunity to compete in the 100m and Long Jump at the carnival.

It was awesome to see so many parents attend the carnival after a few years of Covid restrictions not allowing them to attend. We finished with our Junior Boys and Girls Senior relays. Wentworth took out the Junior Boys, Senior Boys and Senior Girls relays whilst Farrer won the Junior Girls relay.

It was no surprise that Wentworth were named the winning house. However, the point score was extremely close. Wentworth 131, Parkes 129, Farrer 127 and Macarthur 122. It just proves that it is important to participate in as many events as possible to gain a point for your house.