Term 1, Week 1 and Week 2

Student Diary

Mrs Michelle McDonnell - Principal

All students have now received our 2020 Student Diary and existing students have been excited by its 'new look'. Please take the time to look through the diary, as we have included updated information and features.

We have included a Weekly Overview inside the front cover. Students should have labels as reminders of PE and Library lessons, and are encouraged to add other weekly events to these pages. Information regarding bell times, relevant contact information and the IB Learner Profile are also included.

Of special note are the Code of Conduct, School Uniform Guidelines and ICT Essential Agreement on pages 7 and 8. Please read these, discuss them with your child and then sign to acknowledge you have done so. Class teachers will be checking this over the next week.

Please use the Student Diary for communication with class teachers and encourage your child to share 'What Went Well' each week.

Uniform Matters

It has been wonderful to see our St. Peter's students return to school looking so neat and tidy in their uniforms. We appreciate the effort you make each day to ensure your child has each item of their uniform and comes to school looking ready to learn.

Some general reminders as we begin our year together:

- Please ensure students have their grey walking hat (Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri) or red sports cap (Wed) when they arrive at school each day. This ensures that they are sun safe in the playground before school. Playground hats should be kept at school in the classroom for wear at recess, lunch and during PE and Sport sessions.

- Girls should only wear plain gold or silver round studs, without any decorative stone or embellishment. Sleepers and other hoop type earrings should not be worn as they pose a safety risk.

- School shoes should be polished, black school shoes. Black jogger style shoes are not appropriate for wear with the uniform. We encourage Junior Primary students to have velcro as it allows students to be independent if changing shoes. Sports shoes should be predominantly white. These are available for purchase at most Sports and Shoe Stores.

As announced at the end of 2019, students are encouraged to wear their House coloured polo t-shirt on Wednesday for sport. Our students love representing their House in this way and look so bright and colourful. During 2020, students may continue to wear the white sports t-shirt. In 2019, we also introduced a St. Peter's Sports sock and would love to see all of our students wearing these on Wednesday for Sport. The current alternative to this is a plain, white fold down sock. Other sports style socks should not worn.

We thank you for supporting us with our uniform.

St. Peter's Bus Service

As you will be aware, we have introduced the St. Peter's School Bus Service.

Our Bus routes service areas are between Narellan and Campbelltown, and Ingleburn and Campbelltown. The cost per trip for the first child is $2.00 per trip and every sibling thereafter is $1.50 per trip.

Many families have already made bookings for their children and we thank them for this. If you would like to use our St. Peter's Bus Service on a regular basis or a casual basis, please email: busservice@stpeters.nsw.edu.au

Casual bookings must be made by 1.00 pm for travel the next morning or 9.00 am for same day travel in the afternoon via the email address listed above.

School Opal Cards

Please contact our School Office if you are planning for your child/ren to catch a Public Bus Service in 2020.

On behalf of Busabout, students are reminded that they must tap on and off at the beginning and end of each trip. This is one of the conditions of using a School Opal card.

Opal data gathered by tapping on and off is used to determine demand for bus services. If students do not tap on and off, services may be cancelled due to lack of patronage.

Students that do not present a valid Opal card when boarding will have their details recorded by the driver. Repeat offences may lead to travel suspension of up to 10 weeks, in line with Transport for NSW’s Student Codes of Conduct, which will result in parents being responsible for getting their children to and from school.

Thank you in advance for your support with this matter.

First Units of Inquiry

Units of Inquiry

A number of our Units of Inquiry have commenced this week across the school with a series of provocations and key inquiry questions. Our Units of Inquiry involve transdisciplinary (integrated) learning areas which are effectively combined to build on the knowledge of students. Our teachers work hard to determine the appropriate NSW curriculum content for each unit, and then devise authentic learning activities to support student understanding. We are very thankful for the revision of many syllabus documents over the year, which now support an inquiry based focus. Due to these revisions, there are clear and natural connections across a variety of learning areas which support our delivery of these units. By utilising an inquiry approach, students are able to move from concrete, factual knowledge to a deeper understanding of how our world operates under the sovereignty of God.

So far this week, grades have considered what defines the term family, what it means to be at school and how our body system sends messages. Our Year Five students even participated in a planetarium incursion to spark their curiosity in regards to the Solar System.

In the coming weeks, our 2020 Programme of Inquiry will be shared with families. This document will outline some of the learning that will take place across the school, utilising the language of the PYP framework. This document is a wonderful tool for meaningful conversation with your child / ren - surprise them by asking them about their Central Idea and then share any knowledge you have too!

For those families new to St. Peter's this year (and for those who may appreciate a refresher) our first Parent Information Session for the year will elaborate upon some of the key language of the PYP and how we put this into practice in our classrooms! We would love to see you there.

Strings - Expression Of Interest

We are fortunate to have Miss Rachel Chin running our Strings Programme in 2020. Miss Chin will be continuing to teach Strings tutorials for those students involved in Junior and Senior Strings Orchestra. Students who were involved in these programmes in 2019 will be informed by Miss Chin as to their tutorial group and which orchestra they will attend in 2020. Junior String Orchestra will take place on Monday morning 8.00 am -8.45 am, while Senior String Orchestra will rehearse Tuesday afternoon from 3.30 pm - 4.30 pm. If your child plays a string instrument and would like to join one of these groups, please contact Administration and your details will be passed on to Miss Chin.

There will also be an opportunity for students from Kindergarten - Year 6 to begin learning violin in our Training Strings programme. This programme involves students learning in a small tutorial group, as is the process for our School Band programme. Violins are available for hire from the school for this programme. Parents interested in this opportunity should complete the Google Form linked below to express their interest.

Please note that there are a limited number of spaces, and students will be offered places subject to availability of instruments in the appropriate size.

https://forms.gle/FdRA5CAb97aR1rMfA

New Staff

We would like to welcome the following new staff members to St. Peter’s:

Mrs Amy Lewis - Pre-Kindergarten Teacher - Kangaroos
Mrs Angela Simpson - Year 2 Teacher
Mrs Dalia Ataalla - Student Reception
Mr Joe Mizzi - Facilities Assistant and Bus Driver
Emiel Ataalla - Bus Driver

New Students

We would like to welcome the following new students who have joined our school:

Welcome To Our New Prep Students

Esther, Gabby Kayaan, Kahlan, Micah, Lucas, Tiffany, Fleur, Ryan, Vaishali, Kyella, Ivaan, Yuhansa, Adam, Mackenzie, Emma, Alexandra, Isaac, Aara, Thinaya, Xavier, Sophia, Luther, Hudson, Jae, Mariam, Stefan, Zachary, Alessandra, Ana, Tejas, Annabelle, Braxton, Hariprasath, Lachlan, Ryleigh, Harrison, Nimeth, Giovanni, Jaxson, Armandeep, William, Sophie, Isabella, Ervin, Aarika, Isabella, Isaac, Jacob, Emily, Simrik, Benji, Ayva, Dorothy, Damindu, Arrissa, Sophie, Anaiah, Harper, Vitaly, Allen, Chanulya, Xavier, Michael, Anjali and Ruiyang

Kindergarten

Geneva, Mateo, Irene, Ire, Eva, Emmanuel, Ethan, Andras, Amar, Layla, Amarachi, Vincent, Cristina and Ahmed

Year 2

Dinulika

Year 3

Bryelle

Year 5

Thomas

Student Leaders for 2020

School Captain - Alexander S

Vice Captain - Evelyn R

Prefects:

Tristan C

Bella G

Payten M

Dexter M

Surjin S

Peter T

Private Tutors For 2020

St. Peter's offers a range of private tutors in a range of pursuits:

Piano
Violin
Viola
Cello
Guitar
Vocal / Drama
Spanish
Mandarin Chinese
Speech Therapy

All tutors have been approved to provide lessons in our school, however, they are not employees of our school. If your child/ren are interested in pursuing lessons with any of our tutors, please contact them directly to discuss this further. Please refer to the school website for contact details.

St. Peter's OSHC Centre

St. Peter’s OSHC centre review and update our policies regularly to ensure we remain current with the Education and Care Services National Regulations 2011 and the Education and Care Services National Law 2010. During Term 1, the following OSHC policies will be reviewed:-

Nutrition
Responsible Person in Charge Policy
Sun Protection
Volunteer and Work Experience Students Policy
Water Safety Policy
Incident
Interaction with Children Policy
Medical Conditions Policy
Enrolment and Orientation Policy
Excursion
Fees and Charges Policy
Governance Policy

If you have any questions regarding our policies, please contact Lana Schwigtenberg - OSHC Coordinator at the OSHC Centre or by email: oshc@stpeters.nsw.edu.au

Meet the Teacher

Monday, 17 February 2020

Session 1: 4:00pm - 5:00pm

Session 2: 5:30pm - 6:30pm

Meet the Teacher is a wonderful opportunity for your child to demonstrate agency, as they take you on a tour of their new classroom. Come and see where they sit, where they keep their belongings and some learning that has been undertaken in these early weeks of the school year. Classroom doors will be open during each session time, and your child's teacher will be available for an informal chat! Formal conversations will take place later this term during our Parent / Teacher Interviews in Week Ten.

If you have anything you wish to discuss with your child's teacher of a more confidential and urgent matter, please arrange a time with them either through the school diary or School Administration, outside of this event.

Please note that this is a Kindergarten - Year 6 event only.

2021 Scholarships

St. Peter’s Anglican Primary School Scholarships for 2021 are available to new entry students and those enrolled in our school in Year 4, 2020. Scholarships are available in three categories:

Academic
Music
All Rounder

Scholarship Information and Application Forms can be located on the School Website and from the School Office.

Scholarship applications close:

Thursday, 9 April 2020.

Birth Announcement

Congratulations to Mrs Ha (Class Teacher) and her husband Andrew who welcomed their second son, Koa James Ha, born at 11.37 am on Sunday, 5 January 2020 (the same birthday as his Dad).

May their family be blessed with good health and happiness.

School Banking

School Banking encourages kids to save a little money each week (any amount) into their Commonwealth Bank Youthsaver account, helping them learn about the value of money and develop a good saving habit.

When you open a Commonwealth Bank Youthsaver account, your child will receive a Commonwealth Bank Dollarmites deposit wallet to use for School Banking. If they have an existing Commonwealth Bank Youthsaver account, visit your nearest branch to receive your Commonwealth Bank Dollarmites wallet.

Our School Banking programme has exciting rewards to encourage children to practice good savings habits. This year, include some environmentally friendly and reusable rewards, plus others that encourage creativity, as well as indoor and outdoor play.

Bring your deposit to school in your Commonwealth Bank Dollarmites deposit wallet on your weekly ‘School Banking Day’ to collect a silver Commonwealth Bank Dollarmites token.

Once you collect 10 tokens (if receiving physical tokens)(maximum one token per week) you can choose a reward by placing the redemption slip or card and 10 tokens in your Dollarmites deposit wallet and bring in on School Banking Day.

Our School Banking will take place every Wednesday morning from 9.30 am and will commence on Wednesday, 12 February 2020.

St. Peter's Physical Culture Club

St. Peter's Physical Culture Club hold classes in the Church Hall every Wednesday.

Physical Culture is an excellent, inexpensive and social activity for girls aged 3 years to Ladies. We encourage our members to achieve to the best of their individual ability, developing good co-ordination, posture, and discipline. A great way to keep fit and healthy, whilst having fun!!

Girls wishing to attend straight from school will be supervised by the Physical Culture staff until collected or can be returned to St Peter's OSHC.

3 & 4 years - 3.30 pm, 5 to 8 years - 4.00 pm, 9 to 12 years - 5.00 pm.

We are an Active Kids and Creative Kids provider! New Members and Beginners are most welcome.

Please contact Anne McLeod: (4625 7253 or 0417220128)

annemcleod29@gmail.com

St. Peter's School Shop

Our St. Peter's School Shop is open:

Monday: - 8.00 am - 10.45 am and 1.00 pm - 3.45 pm

Wednesday: - 8.00 am - 10.45 am

Prayer Points

Give thanks for holidays of rest and relaxation.
Pray for those impacted by fire, drought and the impacts of the Coronavirus.
Pray for those new families settling into our school this term.

Church Invites

TERM 1 : Tuesday, 28 January 2020 - Thursday, 9 April 2020

Week 3

Monday 10 February 2020

Food Day

Week 4

Monday 17 February 2020

11.30 am: Junior Primary Assembly

2.30 pm: Primary Assembly

4.00 pm: Meet the Teacher (Kindy to Year 6)

5.30 pm: Meet the Teacher (Kindy to Year 6)

Week 5

Tuesday 25 February 2020

2.00 pm: Parents Information Session

7.00 pm: Parents Information Session / Friends of St. Peter's Forum

Friday 28 February 2020

8.30 am - 9.15 am Executive Drop in

IPSSO Sport 2020

IPSSO Sport kicked off this week with games against St. Greg’s.

Results were as follows:

Junior Sport: Wednesday, 5 February 2020

SPORT	RESULT	SPAPS	STG
Soccer	Loss	0	9
Oz Tag	Loss	2	20
Kanga	Loss	62	88
Basketball	Loss	0	28

Senior Sport: Wednesday, 5 February 2020

SPORT	RESULT	SPAPS	STG
Soccer	Win	14	0
Oz Tag	Loss	0	19
Cricket	Loss	35	41
Basketball	Loss	10	48

Players of the Match:

Junior Soccer: Ella M

Senior Soccer: Emily W

Junior Oz Tag: Micah A

Senior Oz Tag: Nile B

Junior Cricket: Lachlan C

Senior Cricket: Oliver A

Junior Basketball: Christopher M

Senior Basketball: Holly W

A reminder that training for Rep Sport commences at 8.00 am each Wednesday and student attendance is an expectation of being in the team.

Headmaster's Message

Strange Holidays and Beginnings

This summer has been one of extremes and as I've chatted with many parents this week, the word 'strange' has been mentioned on numerous occasions.

It was strange being stuck at home with fires, smoke and heat. It was strange not being at the beach. It was a strange holiday!

Whilst strange in many ways, we have clearly seen how the challenges of the summer have brought out the best in Australians. We've seen enormous generosity in giving and support for those affected. We've seen incredible sacrifice in our fire volunteers, in those who have supported evacuation centres, provided meals, care and a listening ear.

We have even commenced this year by taking the rare decision to require some students to delay their return due to the Coronavirus. Some families have also elected to self quarantine and I thank our community for their understanding and look forward to all being back at school. It's a strange beginning.

Despite the heartache and the pain, there has been so much good in our communities this summer. This is the type of action that we encourage and scaffold here at St. Peter's. We desire our students to be active and responsible citizens who show the love and grace of Jesus in their interactions with others. What a great example we have!

It has been a delight to welcome back our students for the commencement of 2020. The excitement, enthusiasm and thirst for learning were obvious and I look forward to seeing growth, development, improvement and much learning throughout this year.

We welcome all of our new students across the school and pray that you would settle quickly, make friends and grow in confidence as you navigate a new school.

May God's love and grace be with us all this year.

Mr Brendan Gorman

Speaking Up

I remember my grandmother well. She was a firm but fair woman and one phrase she said often, I can still recall well. 'Children should be seen, not heard'. Perhaps you have a similar recollection of your childhood. Perhaps, even these exact words were uttered in your household growing up, or perhaps you have even been known to say something similar to your own children.

The reality is, however, starkly different to that of times gone by. We do not want to train, or expect our children to be quiet, to be passive observers of the world, without offering insight, opinion, or even correction and rebuke.

For too long, children have been told to be quiet, not to speak, to keep secrets. This is never OK. Our children must be taught and equipped with the confidence, the tools and the desire to stand up for what is true, what is right, what is OK.

Seeing someone dropping a lit cigarette out the car window in the middle of summer, is something we should stand up for, speak up against and challenge, correct, rebuke.

The reality is that our world is full of wrongdoing. As important as reading and numeracy are, young men and women who have the confidence to stand up for what isn't OK. A simple form of ACTION is saying something!

What will you say something about in 2020?