Newsletter: Term 4 - Week 1

A Message from the Principal

Welcome back everyone! I’m hoping you had a great break and for those who travelled, you managed to find some sunshine. Term 4 is traditionally one of the busiest terms of the school year as we are simultaneously finishing up the year and preparing for next. As such, we will likely be sending out quite a lot of information throughout the term relating to next year. This will start this week where I later write about bookpacks and subscriptions.

I am looking forward to next Friday morning where we will be hosting our first of two parent pop in sessions in our staff room where I, and members of the school executive will be available for an informal chat and field any of your queries or concerns. This session will be held from 9:00-9:45am. If you are planning on attending, please complete the linked form so we have an idea of numbers for this event. Light refreshments will be provided.

On Wednesday this week we held our traditional whole school Mexican Hat Dance to celebrate the (slow) return of warmer weather. Our Year 6 student leaders did a wonderful job of demonstrating the dance and then went on to assist other students. Many thanks to Kerry for organising this.

Student (and staff) Successes – You will later read about the success of some of our students at the National Skipping Championships which was a remarkable effort. I am always happy for parents to share these successes with me. We have a great school with students who have very diverse interests and talents, I love reading about them. Speaking of diverse talents, over the holidays our Year 6 teacher Callum won the NSW state championships of the Yu-Gi-Oh card game. Well done Callum!

Bookpacks - You will receive an email at the beginning of next week from the school regarding the purchasing of student bookpacks for next year. We have worked closely with WINC, our stationery supplier, to keep prices for these at a minimum. In terms of purchasing, families will be required to order online and pay directly to WINC. DO NOT PAY THE SCHOOL. If they are ordered before the end of the school year, they will qualify for free shipping, where the pack will be delivered to the school in January ready for use on the first day of school. Families purchasing after this would need to pay the delivery cost of $12.95 and the pack would be delivered home.

Subscriptions – You will be receiving an email from the school in the next few days regarding the third party subscriptions we use here at Neville Bonner. To date, we predominately use Reading Eggs and Mathletics at our school. In addition to these platforms, we will be utilising two subscriptions in the future. The first, Seesaw, an online application where teachers and students can share work on a virtual portfolio. We are currently trialling Seesaw with our younger year groups and will rollout to the whole school for 2023. This will replace the existing work portfolio that is sent home at the end of each semester. There is a small cost per student for Seesaw ($8.50 p/a) which we have added to our student bookpacks. The second subscription we will be using is the ACER Online Assessment and Reporting Platform. This platform allows us to conduct progressive achievement testing (PAT) with our year 2 to year 6 students online. It is commonly used at many schools across the country and gives us annual data on student literacy and numeracy capabilities across our school. Although there is a cost to this, the school will not be seeking a contribution from families. I ask that all families respond to the email, through filling in the linked form, as soon as possible.

Islamic Education in Schools – For our families who observe the Islamic faith, in 2023 we will be offering an Islamic Education in Schools program at Neville Bonner School. Much like the Christian Education in Schools program which is in many ACT schools, this program will see volunteers come in and teach Islam. This will likely be during the first of our students’ playbreaks. An expression of interest and more information will be sent out later this term.

ICAS Testing – We will be in a position to send home certificates to students for their efforts with the ICAS tests in the next couple of weeks. Parents of these children will already be able to access results on the portal. It was great for our students to compete in this competition this year, and as school we will continue to offer this opportunity in the coming years.

Dates to Remember

Term 4

Tuesday 18 October - Pre school M/T groups Loud shirt day
Friday 21 October - Community morning tea
Friday 21 October - Loud shirt day
Monday 24 October - P & C meeting 7pm
Tuesday 25 October - Year 3 National zoo & aquarium excursion
Wednesday 26 - Friday 28 October - Year 6 camp Cooba
Friday 28 October - Pupil free day

Friday 11 November - Market day
Monday 14 & Tuesday 15 November - Year 5 puberty workshop
Tuesday 15 November - Pre school M/T Canberra Reptile zoo excursion
Friday 18 November - Pre school T/F Canberra Reptile zoo excursion

Thursday 24 November - Community morning tea
Friday 25 November - Outdoor Year 5 & 6 band concert
Monday 28 November - Pupil free day

Monday 5 December - Year 6 Amaroo transition day
Thursday 15 December - Year 6 Graduation
Friday 16 December - Year 6 fun day
Friday 16 December - Last day of term 4

Term 1 - 2023

Monday 31 January - M/T preschool, Kindergarten and new students start
Tuesday 1 February - All students return to school
Thursday 3 February - T/F preschool students start

Communications Sent Home This Week

Notes and Emails Home

Loud shirt day - email
Passion & purpose lunchtime dance program Years 3-6- email
Year 5 Filipino dance performance - email

SMS Texts Home

Absences
Year 6 camp payment reminder
Whole school photo

School Hours

Learning programmes begin for children at 9am each morning.

Children in Kindergarten to Year 6 are welcome to arrive from 8.45am. Once the bell rings children are to go directly to their classroom.

Back gates will close at 9am and the front gate will be closed at 9.15am. Any arrivals after that time will need to sign in late at reception.

The school day ends at 3pm. Parents/carers are expected to meet and collect their children promptly at 3pm.

Arrangements are in place for children who attend the after school program or catch the bus.

If you would like to enquire about bookings for before or after school care please contact communities at work Neville Bonner Primary School - Communities at Work (commsatwork.org)

Term 4 Assembly Schedule

Positive Behaviours for Learning

PBL Update

This term we will be starting to have a fortnightly PBL focus across the school. The focus will be explicitly taught in your child's classroom and we will share what the focus is in the newsletter. The teachers will be looking for students who are showing this expected behaviour with a raffle ticket. These raffle tickets will be drawn out at assembly for a special award. The PBL team will be adding up the raffle tickets, when the school has 1000, we will have a whole school mufti day.

Week 2 & 3 PBL Focus

We are sunsafe.

You can support us with the whole school PBL focus by ensuring your child has a school hat in their bag and discussing with them, How can you be sunsafe at school?

In the next two weeks we will be sending out our Draft PBL behaviour matrix. This matrix outlines all of the expectations in the different areas of school. We will be asking for your feedback and thoughts on this important document. Keep an eye out for it with the newsletter.

The PBL Team

Australian Rope Skipping Championships

During the school holidays, three Neville Bonner Primary students (Mia – year 1 and Keira and Maddie - year 4) travelled to Darwin to compete in the Australian Rope Skipping Championships as part of the Jazzy Jumpers skipping team. The girls skipped extremely well bringing home a swag of medals in both individual and team events, with Mia becoming the 7 years and under female National Champion.

Mia

Gold – Individual Overall (7 years & under female)

Gold – 30 sec speed sprint (7 years & under female)

Gold – Individual freestyle (7 years & under female)

Silver – 1 minute speed (7 years & under female)

Gold – Single rope pair freestyle (8 years & under)

Gold – Single rope speed relay (8 years & under)

Gold – Double Dutch freestyle (9-10 years)

Bronze – Double Dutch speed relay (8 years & under)

Keira

Silver – Individual freestyle (10 years female)

Silver – Team single rope freestyle (9-10 years)

Silver – Double Dutch freestyle (9-10 years)

Bronze – Single rope speed relay (9-10 years)

Maddie

Gold – Double Dutch freestyle (9-10 years)

Gold – Double Dutch speed relay (9-10 years)

Silver – Team single rope freestyle (9-10 years)

Bronze – Single rope speed relay (9-10 years)

Market Day

We need your help !

The students are keen to commence making. Thank you for donations so far, we need lots more!

Donations Required to make products

(You can imagine with 800 students we need a lot!)

Plain flour Vegetable Oil

Popping corn Cream of Tartar

Salt Baking powder

Cheap conditioner Cornflour

Snap Lock Bags (small) Googly eyes

Baby oil Curling ribbon

Washi tape Fabric glue

Feathers Quelch Sticks

Yarn/Wool Rice

Small clean plastic jars with lid

Balloons Lead pencils

Microwave popcorn Dishwashing liquid

Face Paint Glycerin

Bendable straws Patterned paper

Pipe Cleaners/Chenille Sticks

Bath bomb moulds Soap

Embroidery Thread Water Balloons

Halal lollipops Paper cups

Small Styrofoam balls Felt - various colours

Gel Pens Sharpies

Small smooth rocks (decorative garden type)

Good condition second hand items such as toys suitable for prizes welcome. Holidays might be the perfect time for a clean out!

Neville Bonner Primary School staff and students are so excited to announce the return of Market Day this year!

Friday 11 November (Week 5, Term 4)

Every Learning Group has begun planning for the occasion and are keen to get started. There will be a variety of stalls selling items and plenty of fun activities that the children will be able to enjoy.

In order for our Market Day to be a success, we are hoping that our wonderful families and wider community might be able to assist with donations of items.

If you are able to donate any of the following items, please drop them off to Reception or send them in to school with your child, and they will be distributed to the respective Learning Group.

Fresh Ingredients Donations required Week 5

Coconut water, frozen mixed berries, bananas, coconut yoghurt, honey

Donations to be used as prizes

Small bouncy balls, stickers, temporary tattoos, glitter pens, fancy pencils, novelty erasers, wrapped lollies, lollipops, packets of seeds, hair accessories, packet of cards, small toys (good used condition accepted), Post-it notes, fridge magnets, cookie cutters, crayons, colourful chalk, mini bubbles, lanyards, lego mini figs, matchbox cars, key ring, fun paper clips, mini puzzles ....... little fun items to win as prizes.

(We are trying to minimise the use of lollies as prizes.)

Lost Property

We would like to remind families that lost property is not collected or stored at the front office.

Effort is made to return labelled clothing to the child's Learning Group when found.

Please label each item of clothing to make this process easier.

Every building/Learning Group has a lost property collection.

Please check for lost items in your child's learning area.

Sharing Food for Celebrations

We are happy to invite families to bring in food to share for birthdays and celebrations.

We ask that you please comply with our allergy policy and do not include nuts or nut products.

School Carpark

Keeping our students safe is always a top priority, and we remind you of the importance of safety when driving through the school carpark.

In order to maintain the efficient flow of traffic, upon entering the carpark off William Cooper Avenue, please drive as far down the carpark as you can to let your child/ren out of your vehicle. Please do not stop at the top end of the carpark near the entry as this prevents other vehicles from entering the carpark and holds up traffic along William Cooper Avenue. We ask that parents/carers do not exit their vehicles as this can slow down traffic flow and there are repercussions for other motorists. If you need to assist your child/ren to exit your vehicle, you will need to park in a parking bay. Parents/carers and visitors are encouraged to use the rear car park off Mabo Boulevard to park in order to drop-off/pick-up students, or to park for extended periods throughout the school day.

Thank you for your assistance in following this routine so we can provide a safer environment for everyone.

Storytime in the Library

During Book Week and Literacy Week we had story time in the library and due to popular demand we are excited to announce we will be continuing this initiative.

Storytime takes place every morning 8.45-8.55am in the library or in front of the library on sunny days. All children, along with parents with non-school age children are welcome to attend. We look forward to seeing you at Storytime!

Year 4 Learning Page

Year 4 began our new inquiry unit on Tuesday morning with some interesting investigations. Students navigated maps of a bygone era, analysed ships from days gone by and tried their hands at trading goods like the merchants of yesteryear. Across the classes there were many curious wonderings, detailed observations, insightful questions and joyful exchanges.

We then gathered together as a group to discuss their experiences and how these ideas of mapping, ships and trade could be linked to each other, and what it might all have to do with them as students. An excited bunch of students left the class on Tuesday morning, looking forward to their investigations into the Age of Exploration.

Parents' and Citizens' Association

2022 NBPS P&C Committee

Welcome back to Term Four.

Keep an eye on the School Newsletter and the Facebook group for event notices and updates.

P&C Committee Meeting

The next Committee meeting is at 7pm on Monday 24th October in the staff lounge.

All school families are welcome to attend.

The meeting covers items involving the school environment, from the principal, the canteen, committee president, committee treasurer, fundraising plans and such. The meeting is generally 1-2 hours only, although a quick meeting is a good meeting, so we aim for quick ones.

Portrait Fundraiser - Saturday 19 November

After a two year break, we are very happy to be able to host the Family Portrait Fundraiser again.

This fundraiser gives families the opportunity to have a professional family portrait taken right here at school. You will receive a 10'x13'inch Family Portrait + Wallet Photo for $20, and you can choose to purchase more photos (with additional poses and digital images) if you wish.

This has always proven to be very popular, so if you are wanting to have your family portrait taken make sure to scan the QR code on the flier asap and confirm your appointment time.

Canteen General

Our canteen is open for lunch five days a week, orders are via Flexischools website (https://flexischools.com.au/), the Flexischools App or cash direct to the canteen. Any cancellations must be advised prior to 9am on the day.

Remember, if you happened to forget to pick up some lunchbox items over the weekend, we have some great meal deals on Mondays and Tuesdays to ease the stress!

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.

Over the counter sales.

The Canteen will have over the counter sales available for the following periods:

** Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday: 11.15am to 11.45am - Break One.

** Thursday and Friday: 1pm to 2pm - Break Two.

Our canteen will have some delicious snacks available for the children to buy. There will be freshly baked muffins and pikelets, popcorn, crackers, potato sticks, pretzels, fruit, yoghurt, juice, flavoured milk and more! Gluten free and halal options will be available.

Prices start from $1.00, and this is a great way to learn and be responsible about handling money. Come and support your canteen and grab a yummy snack!

Scholastic Book Club

Issue 7 catalogues have arrived and will come home with your child soon. Book club orders will be due by Friday 28/10.

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.

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 will be returning in Term 4, both Morning and afternoon sessions will be held, on school grounds, under the school hall covered area, at the following opening hours.

** Week 2 - Wednesday, 19th October, from 8:45am to 9:45am.

** Week 3 - Wednesday, 26th October, from 2:45pm to 3:45pm.

** Week 4 - Wednesday, 2nd November, from 8:45am to 9:45am.

** Week 5 - Wednesday, 9th November, from 2:45pm to 3:15pm.

The available summer stock of shorts and skorts are now being displayed as we head into the warmer months.

We have loads of pre-loved uniforms for sale. Preferred payment is via EFTPOS, however cash will be accepted. The photos provide an idea of the availability of stock.

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).

Return-It Scheme

The P&C have registered with the Canberra Return-it scheme, you can donate to the P&C by using the QR code (or phone number) attached to the newsletter. The process is:

- Place your bags of cans or bottles into a semi-see-through bag (they need to see it's not general household rubbish), a normal kitchen tidy bag is okay.

- Scan the QR code, or enter the phone number, from the flyer, at the return point, follow the remainder of the instructions and attach the printed sticker to the bag.

- Deposit the bag(s) into the hopper.

- The bag(s) will be collected by the Return-It/CDS group and counted at one of their facilities (during a quiet period of their day).

- A notice of deposit will be received by the P&C - Thank you!!!

There are two, close to school, return points located at:

- Gungahlin: O'Brien Place - near the carwash, Gungahlin Vet and Goodyear tyres.

- Amaroo: near the school oval off Horsepark Drive.

The returns generated from the scheme will assist the P&C to support the school, from sports equipment, school discos, Year 6 end-of-year surprises, etc.

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.