THE HEIGHTS BYTES

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

We wish you and your family a happy and safe holiday break.

Students return to school on Tuesday 30th April

COMMUNITY PANTRY CRATES

Friendly reminder to please return borrowed Community Pantry crates

SCIENCE SPACE EXCURSION - Stage 2 & 3

We're thrilled to share the exciting highlights from our recent science excursion to Wollongong! Our Stage 2 and 3 students delved into the wonders of space, forces, light, and sound through engaging exhibitions and hands-on activities.

One of the most thrilling experiences was our STEM activity, where students collaborated to design and build towers. They put their structures to the test in simulated earthquake conditions, applying their knowledge of engineering principles to create sturdy and resilient designs.

Additionally, our students had the opportunity to witness a live experiment demonstration, where they learned firsthand about forces and observed kinetic energy in action. It was a fascinating opportunity for them to see scientific principles come to life right before their eyes.

The visit to the Planetarium was another unforgettable experience. Our students immersed themselves in the mysteries of the cosmos, learning about stars, our sun, and the vastness of the Milky Way.

Overall, it was an amazing day filled with exploration, discovery, and fun!

TERM 2 STAFF UPDATE

As we approach the school holidays and are looking towards Term 2, there are a number of key staffing changes that have come to light recently. It is important to express that wherever possible, the school will always weigh up all available options and ultimately action what we feel is the best decision for our students and school. Change is part of life and when there are changes, we always endeavour to inform our community and our students, where possible. Heading into next term, there are a few changes and they are highlighted below:

Mrs Karen Parkes is heading down to Nowra East Public School for the remainder of the school year. Mrs Parkes is our Assistant Principal Curriculum Instruction and will be taking up her new role of relieving Deputy Principal Preschool-Year 2 until the end of 2024.

With Mrs Parkes leaving, Mrs Sarah Goodall will be continuing in her substantive role of Assistant Principal Curriculum Instruction, but extending her time in this role to four days per week.

Mrs Elizabeth Scott will be moving from the K-2 Assistant Principal role and step into a part-time Assistant Principal Curriculum Instruction Leader role, with a strong focus on Aboriginal Education.

With Mrs Goodall and Ms Scott moving away from the K-2 Assistant Principal role, we welcome a new face Ms Resli Caverley to the BHPS team. Ms Caverley will be the relieving Assistant Principal K-2 for the remainder of the school year.

In exciting news, Mrs Cassandra Larkings our Assistant Principal 3-6 will be beginning her maternity leave and we welcome a new face, Mr Paul Murray into the relieving role of 3-6 Assistant Principal for the remainder f the school year.

Mrs Lauren Gaudiosi, part time class teacher on 3/4 Burri Burri has also started her maternity leave and Miss Bowe Smith will be replacing her for the remainder of the school year every Thursday and Friday. Mrs Kate Hodgson will remain on 3/4 Burri Burri Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

Mrs Jordyn Bond classroom teacher on 1/2 Yambayimba (Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday) and 1/2 Walungarid (Thursday and Friday) will be stepping away from class and into the Release from Face to Face position (RFF) as she prepares to take maternity leave in Term 2. Mrs Angela Turner will be replacing Mrs Bond on 1/2 Yambayimba on Monday and Tuesday (Mrs Gerrey will remain the other class teacher Wednesday, Thursday and Friday) and 1/2 Walungarid on Thursday and Friday from the beginning of Term 2.

We understand there are quite a few changes and know that can sometimes cause hesitation. All students have been notified of these changes and we are excited to start Term 2 off on the front foot. All classroom teachers are known to the students of the classes they are moving to and have been working with our students throughout the term in some capacity. We have been slowly implementing this change over plan to ensure there is no loss to the continuity of learning in our classrooms and to ensure all our students know the familiar faces of the teachers that will be guiding and shaping them in their education journey.

MOTHER'S DAY

CONGRATULATIONS

Congratulations Miss Waples on your upcoming nuptials, we hope your wedding is everything you've dreamed!

Mrs. Larkings and Mrs. Gaudiosi, heartfelt congratulations on embarking on the beautiful journey of motherhood! Wishing you both a joyous maternity leave and a magical beginning to this new chapter in your lives.

BHPS 2024 ATHLETICS CARNIVAL

Barrack Heights Public School's athletics carnival will be held on the 10th of May (Friday Week 2 Term 2) at Myimbarr Oval.

Students will be travelling to and from the carnival via bus.

Students are encouraged to wear their house colours on the day of the carnival as long as it is appropriate clothing and footwear for competing. Students will need to bring their hat, lunch, snacks and drink bottles to the carnival.

Friends and family are most welcome to spectate at the carnival and any parent volunteers to help on the day would be greatly appreciated.

HEALTHY HAROLD LIFE EDUCATION

The Life Education Van will be visiting Barrack Heights Public School in Term 2 from the 29th May to 3rd June.

The visit is part of our curriculum and is compulsory for all students, class teachers have selected the programs that students will be learning about, should you have any questions please reply to this email and your child's teacher will be informed.

The cost for each student is $7. This covers

A 60-minute lesson for Early Stage 1 and Stage 1 and a 90-minute lesson for Stage 2 and Stage 3 facilitated by the Life Education Educator
Pre and post visit learning activities with outcomes stemming from the PDHPE Syllabus
A student workbook and a sticker

ABOVE & BEYOND AWARDS

In an exciting move Barrack Heights Public School will be implementing a new 'Above and Beyond' Award for selected students. This award will be presented each term and part of the introduction of this award will include an award presentation at a Monday morning assembly (date to be determined) followed by a 'reward party' with Mrs Ramsay.

Barrack Heights is proud to introduce the 'Above and Beyond' award, a prestigious recognition given to select students who consistently demonstrate exceptional behaviors that go beyond normal expectations. This award celebrates the outstanding efforts and contributions of students who exhibit a strong commitment to their learning, school community, and personal development.

To receive the 'Above and Beyond' award, a student must display the following behaviors consistently:

Exemplary Attitude: The student shows a positive and enthusiastic attitude towards learning, peers, and teachers. They approach challenges with optimism and perseverance.
Exceptional Effort: The student consistently puts forth their best effort in all aspects of school life, including academic work, extracurricular activities, and behaviour.
Outstanding Citizenship: The student demonstrates kindness, respect, and empathy towards others. They are a role model for their peers and contribute positively to the school community.
Leadership: The student shows leadership qualities by taking initiative, demonstrating responsibility, and inspiring others to do their best.
Commitment to Personal Growth: The student actively seeks opportunities for growth and improvement, both academically and personally. They are open to feedback and strive to constantly improve themselves.

Being awarded the 'Above and Beyond' award is a significant achievement and reflects the student's dedication to excellence and positive impact on the school community. We encourage all students to aspire to these high standards of behavior and congratulate those who receive this prestigious award. Students can be nominated by any BHPS staff member, including but not limited to the classroom teacher, Executive staff, Principal, Support educators and Relief teachers. This award is for the highest level of consistency in every part of school life, it is not a 'one off display of expected behaviour'.

Watch this space for more information on the Term 1 recipients.

POSITIVE BEHAVIOUR SUPPORT

As part of our commitment to consistently improving the behaviour support systems at Barrack Heights, we would like your feedback. We would really appreciate it if you could follow the QR code below to complete a short survey on our Positive Behaviour Support systems. Thank you for your continued support.

Check out our Behaviour Focus for Term 2 Week 1 for when we return from the school holidays!

Best regards,

The PBS Team

PBS Parent Survey

Term 2 Week 1

IMPORTANT DATES FOR YOUR CALENDAR

PERSONALISED LEARNING PATHWAY MEETINGS

Personalised Learning Pathway meetings will be held throughout the day on Wednesday 1 May, 2024 (Week 1, Term 2) in our school library. All Aboriginal families, class teachers and Aboriginal students will meet to collaboratively develop the individual plan in order to assist students to achieve their aspirations and educational potential.

A separate invitation will go home to families with specific information.

Regards,

Mrs Scott

ANZAC DAY COMMEMORATION SERVICE SHELLHARBOUR

If you wish to attend please meet Miss Finlay in front of the Event Cinemas in Shellharbour City at 7.15am on the 25th April.

ANZAC CEREMONY AT BARRACK HEIGHTS

In exciting news, 25 Australian Navy Trainee Officers from HMAS Creswell will be attending Barrack Heights Public School on Monday 13 May to commemorate those who have fallen, have served and are currently serving in Australian Armed Forces in the BHPS ANZAC Day Ceremony. This is a rare opportunity and one we are extremely excited to be part of. The ceremony will begin out at our Memorial Garden at 11:30am and following the service we are hoping to have an opportunity to have some group time with the Officer Trainees. Please stay tuned for more updates on this opportunity.

SAFE SCHOOL DROP-OFF & PICK-UP

SCHOOL BYTES

Barrack Heights uses School Bytes for communication, reminders, payments for excursions and sports, attendance submissions and statements of accounts. If you haven't already downloaded the app link your child/ren please click on the link

App Store - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/school-bytes/id6463097826
Google Play - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=education.schoolbytes

If you have any questions please contact the office for assistance.

GENERAL REMINDERS

Have you moved house or changed your phone number or email address? Please update your details at the office or by sending an email to the school at barrackht-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au
Please see the office staff if your child has any medical requirements or if medical information needs to be updated.
School times are 8.55am - 3pm. If your child is late, they must come to the office for a late note. All absences, both whole day and partial absences, need to be explained. You can do this via the School Bytes app, email, phone or at the office.
If students are marked as absent on the school roll, an SMS will be sent out before 11am on the same day advising you of the absence. Please respond via schoolbytes advising the reason for their absence.