Newsletter: Term 2 - Week 6

A Message from the Principal

Congratulations to all of our student who participated in the North Gungahlin Cross Country carnival this morning. Thankfully the weather in the morning wasn’t too cold in comparison to the last couple of weeks. Staff who supported the team were impressed with student behaviour and said our students represented the school extremely well. Well done to all involved.

Our school review will commence on Monday next week and span through the week until the end of the day on Thursday when the panel will report their findings. I put out a call inviting parents to contact me if they would like to speak with the panel a few weeks back and it is still not too late. If you’d like to be involved please let me know.

Yesterday morning was a slightly different start to the school day where we held a hats off ceremony on the river. Our Year 6 student leaders did well demonstrating the dance to our younger year groups and the event seemed to be enjoyed by many smiling students. During the months of June and July it is not compulsory to wear hats at school.

Thank you to the families that supported our Wear it Yellow Day fundraiser for the organisation Children’s Ground. We do not yet have a tally of the amount of money raised, but rest assured all monies collected will go to this charity.

School Opening and Closing times 

I’d like to remind our community that the school gates will be open each morning from 8:30am, and supervision will be provided on the river area from that time. At the end of the day parents are more than welcome to attend on site, however we ask that you leave by 3:15pm to enable our BSO Cameron to lock that gates in a timely fashion.  Many thanks for your support with this.

Managing Staff Absences

As the colder weather sets in, we expect to see a higher number of staff away at times due to seasonal illness and COVID-19. To ensure that we continue to provide all students with quality learning with minimal disruption, we may be implementing temporary changes to our learning programs. 

 

If required, some classes may be combined for short periods of time. We may also deliver student self-directed learning onsite using either online modules such as Google classroom or hard copy resources. The school may also take the opportunity to temporarily modify timetables. There may also be a need to postpone excursions and other extra-curricular activities until there is enough staff to support them. 

Every school will implement these measures differently and has the flexibility to make choices that best meet the needs of their school community.  If changes are required at our school at any time, we will write to you to let you know. We will also ensure we keep you up to date on how long we expect any changes to be in place.


As always, we remain committed to providing our students with high quality learning experiences in a safe and welcoming school environment.


Thank you for your understanding.

 

Staying COVID Smart at school

To help minimise the spread of COVID-19 and other illnesses in our school please remember the following:


You can access free rapid antigen tests from the front office. Nasal and saliva tests are available.

For the latest COVID-19 advice please visit the ACT’s COVID-19 website.                                                                                                                                       

Active travel program evaluation

Transport Canberra and City Services (TCCS) is undertaking an evaluation of the school active travel programs, including the Ride or Walk to School, Active Streets for Schools and School Crossing Supervisor programs.

As part of the evaluation, TCCS is requesting school communities to complete a short online survey about their travel habits to and from school. The survey can be accessed through this link or via the QR code below.

TCCS has engaged First Person Consulting (FPC) – a Melbourne-based evaluation consultancy – to manage the evaluation and the surveys. FPC will not be collecting any identifiable information from anyone completing the survey, and all responses will be kept confidential and anonymous.

TCCS appreciates your support to evaluate these programs to continue to enhance the program offerings to schools.

Dates to Remember

Communications Sent Home This Week

Notes and Emails Home

SMS Texts Home

PBL at NBPS

Safe - Respectful - Learner 

Acknowledgments

Last term we shared the introduction of our blue, white and orange tokens. These tokens are being collected in the front office. You can see a picture of our token collectors on the left. Once these three tubes are full we will have a whole school celebration. Teachers and administrative staff are regularly handing out tokens also known as free and frequents. These are given out with a positive acknowledgment of the behaviour the student is demonstrating. The research demonstrates that by positively acknowledging the behaviour it is more likely to be repeated and can support a strong sense of self and improve student wellbeing. 

In addition to this students are rewarded when they reach certain levels of tokens. For example, if a student receives 30 safe tokens they are rewarded with a Bronze safe certificate. Once the student has received 50 safe tokens they will get a silver safe certificate. Once they get 100 safe tokens they will receive a gold safe certificate. This is the same for all three of our expectations. Once a child receives a gold safe, gold respectful and a gold learner award they will be acknowledged with a school medal. These will be handed out at assembly and parents will be invited to see their children receive these special awards. 

Amaroo High School Year 7 Enrolment

Enrol for 2024 (1).pdf

Invoices for Web Based Subscriptions

A reminder that subscription invoices are now overdue. Families who did not order book packs with WINC were emailed invoices for web based subscriptions last term. (If you require another copy please contact the front office) These include seesaw, reading eggs and Mathletics. Please promptly pay these invoices so your child/ren can be given access to these platforms. Preferred payment is via Quickweb: Payment - Neville Bonner Primary School (nevillebonnerps.act.edu.au) 

Author Visit - Dr. Cameron Stelzer

Author Visit – Dr Cameron Stelzer, The Story Doctor

On Monday 5 and Thursday 8 June, we have a special visit from Author and Illustrator Dr Cameron Stelzer. Dr Cameron is visiting Neville Bonner Primary School to run workshops with our P-6 students. Students will enjoy a range of engaging sessions including an interactive Big Screen Book Reading with Cameron, follow-along drawing activities, taking a behind-the-scenes look at creating a book, and writing and illustration workshops. Students and teachers are looking forward to two great days!

Monday Workshops - Year 2,3, 4, 6 and Preschool Beginning of the week

Tuesday Workshops - Year 1,3, 5, Kindergarten and Preschool end of the week


If you haven't already returned your note please return to the front office, we are still accepting notes and payments.


In conjunction with the Author Visit, Neville Bonner PS families have a special opportunity to purchase signed and personalised copies of Cameron’s books at special prices. Individual books are $10-$15 each and there are also exclusive book sets available. Students will receive an order form on the day of the workshops (payment is via the online payment portal listed on the form; no cash). Forms can be returned the following day, to the Office.

Wear It Yellow Day 

As part of our National Reconciliation Week this year, on Friday 2 June (and Tuesday 6 June for the Monday Tuesday Preschool groups) we are encouraging all students and teachers to take part in a yellow-themed casual dress day to raise funds for a First Nations organisation, Children’s Ground. 

The National Reconciliation Week theme for 2023 is ‘Be a voice for generations.’ This theme encourages all Australians to be a voice for reconciliation in tangible ways in our everyday lives – where we live, work and play. As part of ‘Wear It Yellow Day’, students will engage with National Reconciliation Week learning materials and have vibrant discussions about First Nations culture and history. 

We remind students and teachers who take part to bring in a gold coin to donate to Children’s Ground. We will provide an update on how much money we have raised following our collection on Tuesday. 

Alternatively we would love it if you can make your donation online using this fundraising link: Neville Bonner Primary School - Wear it Yellow 2023 

Education Legislation Reform

As our education system continues to grow and evolve the ACT Government is considering a range of legislation improvements to ensure our systems and supports remain contemporary, and reflect the needs of students, families and teaching staff now and into the future.

Reforms are being considered to:

To have Your Say, head to the Your Say conversations website to read the discussion papers, take the survey, leave a comment or make a submission: http://www.yoursayconversations.act.gov.au/education-legislation-reform

Feedback will close at 11:59pm on 6 June 2023.

2024 Preschool & Year 7 Enrolment

Have you remembered to enrol for the 2024 school year? If you apply by midnight 2 June you will receive an offer from 24 July 2023. Applications received after 2 June may receive an offer later in the year. Enrolments are open for students from preschool through to year 12. Going local leads to great things – apply online at https://bit.ly/3Zqhoj9 

The Smith Family Saver Plus Program

The Smith Family (ACT) offers a range of programs to help families and individuals to stay engaged with education. Saver Plus is a program with a specific focus on supporting families and individuals with low incomes to meet their education expenses.

Saver Plus is a matched savings and financial education program that aims to help people on lower incomes to strengthen their financial skills and to develop a savings habit. The program provides financial skills education and motivates participants to save by matching their savings dollar for dollar, up to $500. These savings can be used to pay for education costs such as computers, books, uniforms, extracurricular activities and school excursions. 

Contact Saver Plus on 1300 610 355 or saverplus@bsl.org.au.

Equity Fund 2023

Apply now for the Future of Education Equity Fund for the 2023 school year. Eligible low-income ACT families can receive one-off payments for financial aid to help cover the costs of their children’s educational costs, such as sport equipment and activities, music lessons, school uniforms and excursions. The Fund is open to eligible students enrolled in preschools that are attached to an ACT government school, through to Year 12 in the ACT. Further information and the online application form is available at https://www.education.act.gov.au/support-for-our-students/financial-and-resource-assistance-for-families

Parents' and Citizens' Association

Neville Bonner Parents and Citizens Committee

Our P&C provides services to the school such as canteen, second hand uniform shop, disco and other activities. Without a P&C, we cannot continue to do these things. For more information on our committee and event notices and updates, please head to the P&C Facebook or the Neville Bonner P&C page We are always happy to accept new members into the P&C and event volunteers as well - send us an email.

More information about our canteen; lunch orders and over the counter sales, and the uniform shop can be found on the P&C component of the school website.

Contact Us

Want to touch base with your P&C? You can email us at nevillebonnerps.pandc@gmail.com, or connect through FB at https://www.facebook.com/NBPS.PandC.


P&C Committee meetings

Committee meetings are moving to Week 2 and 7. Our next meeting is: Week 7: 5 June 2023 – 6pm. We are always happy to have new people come along. We meet in the staff lounge for just over an hour, sometimes quicker. Come along and see how we are looking to support the school and students. 

Entertainment Book

Purchase this great online book full of entertainment vouchers and discount offers!! Single city books available for $69.99 or Multi city for $119.99. Did you know you can buy discounted vouchers, gift cards and presents with an Entertainment book? There are some really great offers. Make sure you subscribe to access the amazing deals. You can find the Entertainment book Official Site by clicking this link. Proceeds from each book purchased are donated to the P&C.

Second Hand Uniform Shop

Neville Bonner Primary School P&C Second Hand Uniform Stall is hosted under the school hall covered area.

** Term 2 - Week 6 - Wednesday 31st May, from 8.45am to 9.45am.

** Term 2 - Week 7 - Wednesday, 7th June, from 2.45pm to 3.45pm.

We have loads of pre-loved uniforms for sale. Preferred payment is via EFTPOS, however cash will be accepted. If you have good quality school uniform items you no longer need, the P&C will gratefully accept your donation to our second hand uniform stall through the canteen (or please place them in the tub near the front office).

Scholatic Book Club

Issue 3 orders have been returned to the school and should make their way home next week.

Issue 4 catalogues will also be sent home next week and close 16 June 2023.

Unfortunately, we can NOT accept cash orders through the front office, please place orders through the Scholastic Book Club LOOP website.
 There is an option to select 'gift', during the order process, if you do not want your child to receive the order. If you select this option you will receive a phone call to collect your order at a different time. Don’t forget 20% of every sale is given to us in ‘rewards’ that the school can use to purchase resources from the catalogues.

Birthday cupcakes

Our amazing canteen team offers birthday cupcakes! Cost is $30 per class, with orders required one (1) week in advance. To place an order, or for more information, please email canteennbps@gmail.com.

Return-It Scheme

The P&C have registered with the Canberra Return-it scheme, you can donate to the P&C by using the mobile number (0497233172) or QR code. 

Contact Information

Principal:

Will Johnston 

william.johnston@ed.act.edu.au


Deputy Principals:

Haeley Simms (P-2) haeley.simms@ed.act.edu.au

Sylvia Headon (3-6) sylvia.headon@ed.act.edu.au

P&C President:

Jayne Trustum nevillebonnerps.pandc@gmail.com


Board Chair:

Amani Kerr

Community Information