Tamworth West Public School

World Teacher's Day

Last Friday we celebrated World Teachers’ day. I would like to start this newsletter by personally thanking all our hard-working teachers for their dedication and service to the students and community of Tamworth West Public School. We are very fortunate to work with such competent educators.

Have Your Say on What School Success Looks Like

Reflecting on the challenges of the last few years, the NSW Department of Education is in the process of reviewing and evaluating what school success looks like now and in the future. It’s enhancing ways to support student success and wellbeing as part of ongoing school reform. The goal is to support our schools in a way that is more responsive to their needs and priorities.

To inform this work, the department is inviting parents and carers to share their perspectives on what the school and the department could do to improve the schooling experience. By participating, parents and carers will inform the department what is working well, what needs to be improved, and will be involved in shaping new and innovative initiatives.

Further information can be found at the Have your say on what school success looks like website.

If you would like to be part of the discussion, there is a forum being hosted at Tamworth Public School on Thursday 17 November, 8:45am – 9:45am. Please register asap to secure a place. Register: Parents and Carers

School Uniform

The Tamworth West Public School community has long ago agreed that students will have a uniform and that the Principal and staff can insist that it be worn. We are very proud of our uniform and I am seeking your support in providing it for your children.

If students do not have the correct uniform, I will provide them with one. Please contact me if you require assistance and your request will be treated confidentially.

For the most part, when I speak with students regarding their uniform, they tell me that they do have the correct uniform at home but have chosen to wear something different. I understand that there are times when uniforms might be dirty or have been misplaced. If this is the case, please send your child with a note or telephone the school office. Otherwise, I will be providing students with a uniform to change into while at school

The items of uniform that seem to be causing the most issues of late include:

• Black track pants or black shorts – please ensure students are wearing royal blue not black

• Coloured hoodies or jumpers – please ensure students are wearing red (without slogans)

• Joggers – students can wear any coloured jogger when wearing their sport uniform. Students are to wear black shoes with their everyday uniform. (If students prefer the feel and support of joggers, I recommend purchasing black joggers so they can be worn every day.)

Please don’t forget that all clothing should have your child’s name on it.

School Hours

Concern has been raised in relation to the number of students who arrive extremely early in the morning as well as those who are not being collected immediately after school.

Supervision does not commence at school until 8:55 am and bus lines are supervised by teachers until the last bus departs but students who are collected from school are dismissed at 3:25 pm.

To cater for families who work outside of these hours, our school is fortunate to house one of the Tamworth Regional Council Year Round Care facilities. For further information, please use this link: Tamworth Regional Council Year Round Care.

In the interest of student safety, please speak with your children about the following school expectations:

· Students in years 1-6 who arrive before 8:55 am are to sit under the COLA. Students in kindergarten are to sit at the kinder tables. If students make poor choices at this time, then I will take the opportunity to teach students the correct procedures and we will practice them prior to class starting at 9:25 am.

· At 3:25 pm, teachers will accompany students to William Street and Church Street gates. Teachers do not supervise students from this point on. Now that COVID restrictions have been lifted, you are very welcome to wait for your children under the COLA or the covered area adjacent to the canteen. And, if something happens and you are running late, please ring the front office and we will organise for students to meet you under the COLA. Students should not be left unsupervised for extended periods of time after school.

Thank you for your support with this.

Presentation Day

As term 4 draws to close, please be reminded that we are really looking forward to celebrating 2022 at our annual presentation day.

This year we are moving back to the Tamworth Town Hall, with families and friends very welcome to join us.

Information is as follows:

Date: Friday, 9 December 2022

Time: 10:30 am start

Place: Tamworth Town Hall

Doors will not open until 10:00 am on the day.

We hope you can join us and celebrate all things wonderful at Tamworth West Public School.

Terrie Kay

Principal

Parent Survey

The Tell Them From Me surveys provide schools with student, teacher and parent perspectives about the engagement and wellbeing of their students. This information is valuable to schools and can be used to identify strengths and successes, as well as areas to target for improvement.

At Tamworth West Public School, we value parent feedback and hope that you will take this opportunity to participate in the Tell Them From Me survey. It should only take 10 minutes and will assist us in planning an exciting and engaging environment school.

The link below will take you straight to the survey so you can complete before Friday 4 November.

We thank you in anticipation for your support

Tell Them From Me [link]

Thank You!

Thank you to everyone who volunteered or supported our school by buying a sausage at the Bunnings BBQ. The P & C really appreciated everyone's efforts.

We are currently in the process of organising the Christmas carols. P & C will be hosting a sausage sizzle and organising a visit from Santa! If anyone has musical talent and would like to participate, please let us know.

Our next meeting will be Monday, 14 November. We hope to see you there.

Kindergarten has jumped straight back into learning and we are excited about all the end-of-year events coming up throughout this term. Kinder has a full schedule this term, participating in the Colour Run, Starr's Planetarium, gymnastics each Tuesday, Remembrance Day, Life Ed Van and preparing for Presentation Day. We also have our party day on Friday, 16 December, to celebrate the end of Kindergarten.

In week one this term, students in Macarthur celebrated leading the house point tally for term three with a sausage sandwich and a popper. We would like to thank Mrs Spinks and the Wellbeing Team for making this happen.

During English lessons, Kinder students have continued learning skills necessary to write a description. We have encouraged students to develop their creative writing using a visual picture prompt. Students have found it challenging to come up with creative and new ideas each day. Mrs Wilson and Miss Massey look forward to marking this work each day and enjoy seeing the various pictures through the lens of a six-year-old.

In sport, Kindergarten has the wonderful opportunity to complete a gymnastics program with Mr McGinnity & Jemma. We had 25 spots available for Kindergarten, which were all snapped up within three days! The remaining students will participate in sport with Miss Massey and learn gymnastics skills through weekly participation in an obstacle course.

Thank you to all our parents for your continued support.

-Mrs Wilson & Miss Massey

Kindergarten Teachers

In Mathematics, Year One have been investigating patterns and algebra and the different orientations of 2D shapes. We have been using strategies for addition and subtraction, such as partitioning numbers and number lines. We investigated how many different 4 block towers we could make using 4 different colours. We found at least 14 different ones!

In Science, we are learning about Earth’s Resources, what they are, where to find them and how to use them wisely. We were amazed to learn that oil was a fossil fuel and that it was made from plants that were living at the time of the dinosaurs.

For P.E., Stage One are undertaking a variety of activities this term. Year two have sport, run by Peel High School students and some Year One and Two students are participating in gymnastics lessons too. Others are learning how to play Oz Tag. We are also learning about ways to look after ourselves in PDH.

Term 4 is always very busy

Upcoming events for this term:

• Starr’s Planetarium – 9-10 November

• Remembrance Day: 11 November

• Life Education – Wednesday, 23 November – Thursday, 1 December

• Carols by Candlelight: Wednesday, 7 December (more information to come)

• Presentation Day practice: Thursday, 8 December

• Presentation Day: Friday, 9 December (more information to come)

• Year 6 graduation: Wednesday, 14 December

• Last day of school/Class party (Movies) – Friday, 16 December (more information to come)

-Stage 1 Teachers

Welcome

Welcome back to Term 4! We are on the home stretch for 2022 and have lots of exciting things happening this term.

English

This term in writing, we are focusing on the theme 'Celebrations' which is linked with our History. Students will be looking at the different types of text - informative, imaginative and persuasive. Students will be working towards completing a project at the end of the unit.

Well done to all students who presented speeches at the end of last term. There were some excellent presentations about some very interesting animals. Speeches and script reading allow students to develop confidence to hence fluency and expression when reading aloud.

Maths

Math groups are continuing this term on the Number and Algebra strand. All other strands will be completed during class math. Groups have been designed based on the ability levels of students and lessons are differentiated accordingly. Mrs Hammond’s extension group are taking their knowledge from their sessions and teaching Miss May’s math group new ways of thinking outside the box.

Check In Assessments

Our Stage 2 students have been completing Check-in assessments in the last few weeks. Check-in assessments are online assessment for students in Years 3 to 9. They are mapped to the NSW Syllabuses and National Literacy and Numeracy Learning Progressions. There are two assessments:

• reading

• numeracy

Each assessment is designed to be quick and easy to administer, consisting of between 40 to 50 multiple choice questions. Schools can access feedback soon after the completion of the assessment which assists the school and teachers on areas to focus on and areas of growth.

Creative Arts

This term, in preparation for our Presentation Day, students will be looking at dance/movement skills. Students will be grouped in year levels with Year 4 working with Miss Deaves and Miss May and Year 3 with Mrs Lyon and Miss Bagshaw.

Life Education

The Life Education Van will be visiting our school from Wednesday, 23 November to Thursday, 1 December 2022. Tamworth West has chosen to participate in this PDHPE program as it compliments teaching programs that are taught in our classrooms.

The cost of the session is $12.00 per child. Students who don’t pay the $12.00 will not be permitted to attend and will participate in alternate learning sessions. Payments can be made by cash to classroom teachers or online via the school website. This is a secure payment method hosted by Westpac.

Dubbo Excursion

Don’t forget Dubbo excursion is approaching quickly. The completed payment was due by Monday, 31 October. There will be an information evening held tomorrrow, Wednesday, 2 November, at 5:30 pm in the hall. This will provide you with an opportunity to have your questions answered.

House Points

The winning house for term 3 was …….

MACARTHUR

Congratulations to the Macarthur students across stage 2. These students received a celebratory BBQ on Friday of week 1.

North West Representative

Well done to Jace Dawson (Year 4) for representing North West at the recent state carnival held in Sydney. Jace was not just in one event but in TWO events – 100m race and shot put. Jace came 37th overall in the 100m race and 16th in shotput. These results are across the whole state!! This is an extraordinary achievement and all of Tamworth West PS congratulate him on his results!

Playing For Life - Peel High

Last term, 3B and 4M participated in the Peel High Playing for Life program. This term, 4D and 3L are participating in this program. Students are taught a range of fundamental movement skills from Year 10 Peel High students and are rotated through the different activities to ensure students develop a variety of skills.

Crunch & Sip

The Tamworth West Aboriginal Committee have organised for fruit to be distributed to each class to promote heathy eating. Students are encouraged to access the fruit within their classrooms however are also still encouraged to bring fruit from home. As it is warming up, it is essential that students are coming to school with a water bottle to ensure they are staying hydrated and healthy. Please make sure your child has a water bottle to assist us.

Weather

It is beginning to warm up quite a bit, it is important that students move into summer uniform to ensure they are comfortable and don’t overheat. Our school uniform consist of:

• Girls – white polo and navy skort or summer dress

• Boys – grey shorts and blue polo

• White socks (not multi-coloured or coloured socks)

• Black school shoes

It is also important that students have hats, so they are protected and safe from the sun. Our school policy is No Hat – Play in the Shade. Our designated shade areas include the COLA, Hall COLA and sandpit area. Students also need their hat for sport which is on Thursday mornings to comply with the sunsafe policy.

Upcoming Events For This Term:

· Starr’s Planetarium – 9-10 November

· Remembrance Day: 11 November

· Dubbo excursion: Yr 3 – 16-18 November

· Dubbo excursion: Yr 4 – 23-25 November

· Life Ed – Wednesday, 23 November – Thursday, 1 December

· Carols by candlelight: Wednesday, 7 December (more information to come)

· Presentation Day practice: Thursday, 8 December

· Presentation Day: Friday, 9 December (more information to come)

· Year 6 graduation: Wednesday, 14 December

· Last day of school/Class party (Movies) – Friday, 16 December (more information to come)

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

-Stage 2 Teachers

Courtney Lyon

Stage 2 Classroom Teacher, Year 3

Term 4 Countdown

It seems as if I have said this before… but where has the time gone? We have a full calendar of events planned for the remainder of the year. As COVID 19 restrictions ease significantly, we delve into a new normal, which we hope shall not be impacted upon by recent rain events.

Thankfully, the rain didn’t prevent Stage 3 students being active in the hall for structured sport lessons on Friday. Miss Burns set up challenging and thought-provoking physical activities that saw high engagement and plenty of teamwork. Attached photos display the varied games and excellent use of the equipment the school has been able to purchase this year.

Thank You!

Our sincerest thanks to Miss Burns who had been working with 5/6V while Mrs Van was on leave this term. Miss Burns really has become an integral part of our Stage 3 teaching team. She has often been on stage 3 classes for extended periods of time and attended our annual excursion. Thank you, Miss Burns, and welcome back Mrs Van.

Check In Assessment

Year 5 students have also completed Check-in assessments this term. We would like to thank Mrs Cooper for her time and effort coordinating classes and ensuring Year 5 had access to technology. Mrs Cooper will meet with Stage 2 and Stage 3 staff to analyse the data from the assessments. Staff look forward to using the data to improve student outcomes and celebrate successes.

Tell Them From Me

Mrs Spinks has conducted Tell Them from Me surveys this week. Student voice is valued and survey content is analysed thoroughly. Staff will complete surveys and parents are also being given an opportunity to complete their own surveys.

Student Leaders - Playground Games

Senior students have also been active in the playground this semester. Each Wednesday, Year 5 and 6 SRC, House and Wellbeing members set up and run games for Kinder to Year 6 students. Senior students create the games, demonstrate and collect house points. The excitement and level of engagement for both the students delivering games and the participants, is delightful to observe. Thanks to the students who willingly give their own lunch play to support other children.

High School Transition

Transition opportunities for both grade 5 and 6 students have been embraced in the past weeks and more will occur. We have students attending all high schools across Tamworth. From Farrer to Oxley, Peel and Tamworth High, along with some attending the independent and Catholic systems. We are excited to see the students preparing for high school in 2023 and 2024.

Selective High Schools Testing

Applications are also being accepted now for the selective schools testing. The testing will be conducted in 2023 for placements in 2024. If you are keen for your child to access Farrer or Peel High selective classes, students must register before 16 November 2022. Parents are responsible for completing the online registration.

Stand Tall

Stand Tall was an amazing event and Year 6 students were fortunate to attend. They represented the school proudly and it is evident they are high school ready. The speakers were articulate and content meaningful for the entire audience. We hope that students are feeling more empowered through participation.

Life Education

Life Education will come to an end for Year 6 students this year. Harold has been an active and positive role model for healthy choices and habits since their kinder days. Please ensure that if your child is wishing to attend, they have returned their permission note and money.

Stage 3 staff would also like to extend gratitude to all Year 5 and 6 students. Mr Lyon, Mrs Van, Mrs Rankmore, Mrs Flick, Mr Willis, Miss Burns and Mrs Milton have all had the pleasure of teaching students about issues relating to puberty. They conducted themselves maturely and listened eagerly to learn more about their bodies and changes they will experience.

Mini Muddies

A note will be sent out for students eager to participate in the Mini Muddies. The invitation is only extended to Stage 3 students and a modified course will be run for Primary students. Students will get muddy and they will get wet. Students and staff must sign the waiver if they wish to participate. The planned event was postponed in September, and was due to run on Friday, 4 November but again has been postponed to November 25, due to the conditions at Farrer.

Year 6 Graduation

Year 6 have chosen a theme for the Year 6 Graduation, All That Class. An invitation will be extended to staff and Year 6 students to attend Tamworth Jockey Club on Wednesday, 14 December. Further details, including times and cost will be on the invitation. Students will have opportunities to take photos before the nights proceedings and then can leave their phones with family until they are collected at the completion of the night’s activities. Families concerned about purchasing suitable attire for their child, please contact Mrs Milton for assistance.

Math Groups

Mrs Hammond has been working with the extension math group and it is great to see the eager mathematicians being challenged.

English

Classes have been learning about multimodal text and some fabulous collaborative work is being observed. They have enjoyed creating dynamic texts that offer multiple ways of engagement. This week students have been creating pop up books and cards with lots of flaps, slides and springs!

Enjoy the remaining few weeks, before the Christmas preparations begin.

It has been a very busy start to term 4 for the support unit, with lots happening across the school. We’ve started our Peel High sport activities with Years 3 and 4 and the students are enjoying interacting with the high school students during these extra sport sessions. The games are varied and focus on skills based around prominent sports.

Dubbo Excursion

The Year 3 and 4 students are very excited about their upcoming adventure to Dubbo and the Taronga Western Plains Zoo. In preparation for the trip, they have been looking at the different types of animals they will be able to view. The students have also been working with maps of the zoo during math, using coordinates to locate the animals within the zoo. The excursion is set for weeks six and seven so let’s hope we have some sunny weather for the students to experience this fantastic opportunity.

Transition Days for Year 6

With our Year 6 students approaching the end of their time at Tamworth West, they have begun to visit the high schools they will be attending in 2023. Some of the high schools have sent teachers to talk to the students about what to expect. Our Year 6 students are showing lots of excitement about their future, and the different classes and lessons taught at high school.

Star Dome Planetarium

As part of learning about space, a planetarium, Star Dome, has been organised to visit the school. The planetarium is like an inflatable igloo which students enter and planetary systems are projected on the inside. Students will be learning about the Emu in the Sky and other features of the universe. Mr Lyon is trying to work out how he can visit the planetarium twice!!!

State Softball Carnival

Last term, 31 August - 2 September, Travis Mumford was representing the North West Boys PSSA Softball team as part of the state carnival held in Mudgee. Travis predominately played catcher during the carnival and really enjoyed the experience. A highlight of the week was a victory against Riverina 14 to 7. Congratulations Travis on this wonderful opportunity.