Winston Hills Public School Newsletter

Hills Performing Arts Festival

The Hills Performing Arts Festival was an amazing event that showcased our students and their many talents. Our dancers, choir and band did the school proud on the night. I would like to thank Miss Russell for her leadership of the event. I would also like to thank Miss Frank, Ms Ward, Miss Lamb, Miss Davies, Mrs Taufer, Miss Charalabidis, Miss Nettleton, Ms Basladynski and Mrs Jefferies for preparing the items. Thank you Miss Lee and the Band Committee for the support of the band. I would also like to give thanks to Mrs Bishop, Mrs Wood and Mrs Frame for helping behind the scenes on the night.

K-2 Sports Carnival

Next Thursday, 18th September will be our K-2 Athletics Carnival. This is always a day that the students enjoy and is well supported by the community. It will be held at Gooden Reserve and we have our fingers crossed that we get good weather.

Sporting Achievement

Congratulations to Lachlan Hough who recently represented Sydney West Area at the State Football Championships. We are proud of his efforts at this event.

Plovers in the Playground

Over the past week, our use of playgrounds has been impacted by swooping plovers (birds) and their baby. The plover is protected under the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 which means that it is illegal to harm, chase or interfere with a plover. The school is waiting on advice on how to address this.

SMS Messages For Absentees

The school uses a SMS system to notify parents if a student is away. By the school sending the SMS, and with parents responding, the school is meeting its audit requirements. This approach also reduces the morning administrative role of teachers so they can focus on teaching.

To help with the recording of absences, it is important that you include a reason when you reply via SMS. Saying that they are at “home” or “yes” would be considered unjustified by the Department. If you have more than one child away sick, please indicate this in the message that you send back to the school, as the system will only record the absence against one child, and staff will manually record this information against siblings.

Are You Moving In 2026?

If you are intending to leave the school this year, could you please notify the office on 9639 8518, as soon as possible (excluding Year 6 of course). Accurate numbers are important for our class planning and staffing for 2026.

Kindergarten Enrolments for 2026

If you are aware of any in-area children intending to enrol for next year (who haven’t already done so), please advise them to contact the school as soon as possible to fill in enrolment forms. This can be done by visiting https://winstonhil-p.schools.nsw.gov.au/about-our-school/enrolment.html

P&C

The next P&C meeting will be held tonight at 6:30pm in the staffroom.

Mark Byrne

Mark.byrne@det.nsw.edu.au

Father’s Day 2025

Last Friday saw another successful Father’s Day breakfast at Winston Hills. The playground was alive with smiling faces, chatter and full bellies. A big thank you to all the dedicated and hardworking staff for making this such a success.

Recognition Assembly

Our Term 3 Recognition Assembly will be held on Monday 22 September, starting at 9:30. This is an opportunity to recognise some of the special achievements and awards that students have received during the term. Our class captains for Term 4 will be recognised and presented with their badges at this assembly. Students who are receiving a certificate for their bronze, silver or gold awards on this day will receive an invitation prior to the date. They will be invited to attend the Principals’ Morning Tea after the assembly. Please note the cut off for Merit awards this term is Wednesday 10 September. All parents/carers are very welcome to come to our Recognition Assembly.

Group Photo day

A reminder that our school’s Group Photo day will be on Thursday 11 September, 2025.

The school photographers will be taking group photos such as dance, choir, band, school leaders, PSSA groups and the Year 6 grade photo. All students are asked to wear their sports uniform. Year 6 students are asked to wear their sport uniform and School Jacket for their Year 6 photo.

Late Arrivals and Early Leavers

We kindly ask for your support in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all students during school arrival times. It is important that if your child arrives at school late or leaves early, they do not go straight to their classroom. Instead, they should first report to the school office.

Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL)

Focus Area for Week 7 and 8

This fortnight’s PBL focus is about being respectful: We use our manners and speak kindly to each other.

Posters will be put up around the school to emphasise this fortnight’s focus.

K-6G and 2-6C have been exploring lots of fun activities! Check out some of the exciting and creative programs and events we've enjoyed together this semester.