Connected

We have almost hit the half-way mark of the term, where students continue to do amazing things inside and out of the classroom, achieving many personal goals. I would like to give a big shout out to all parents, carers and friends for your continued support, making our school the great school it is!

Education Week 2023 – ‘Celebrating 175 Years of Education – Learning, Celebrating, Embracing.

Last week we celebrated 175 years of Public Education. Public Education provides equitable access to quality education for all students, promoting a diverse and inclusive learning environment and I am so proud of the Wattle Grove way, where all students have a place, individuality is celebrated and opportunities provided for all students to thrive and succeed, laying the foundations for individual success in the classroom and beyond.

We started the week with Pyjama Day, where we encouraged a love of reading for enjoyment. Students got to wear their PJs and share their favourite books with peers. It was lovely seeing the students warm and cosy, whilst engaging in reading for enjoyment.

Tuesday, we welcomed families and friends to celebrate the great work happening in classrooms and beyond. It was heartwarming to see so many families visiting classrooms and talking with the children about their learning. Following the Open Classrooms, we were treated to an array of performances as part of our Education Week Assembly. Abby and Oliver, our School Captains, did an amazing job leading the assembly. Our Kindergarten Dance group were just so cute dancing to a medley of songs, bringing a smile to all our faces. Our Dance Ensemble Group displayed such skill when performing their amazing dance, which they also performed at the ‘In the Spotlight Festival’ last term. Kai presented a thought-provoking speech on facing our fears, with fabulous tips for us all. Our choir was so graceful in their performance and Mr Red and Danny, bought a tear to my eye, singing ‘Yellow.’ I was so proud watching all our students celebrate and embrace the spirit of Public Education. Thank you to Mrs Valensise for organising our assembly and all the staff involved with the performances and organisation.

Wednesday saw our Kindergarten students celebrate 100 days of learning at Wattle Grove. The children came dressed up as if they were 100 years old and engaged in an array of special activities over the day. Thank you to our amazing Kindergarten team for making this day such a great day for the children.

On Thursday our 3-6 Aboriginal students went on country with Mrs Robinson, Mrs Solo and Mr Hall, from the Georges River Environment Education Centre. The students spent the morning exploring the Sandy Point Trail learning how the traditional owners used the river and plants in this area. They gathered stones from the trail to make their own ochre which they used to paint. They also saw a scar tree and koala markings. The students had an amazing morning of learning. Thank you, Mrs Robinson, for organising such an amazing day.

On Friday we announced the class winner of our PBL (Positive Behaviour for Learning) poster competition. The children did a fabulous job, creating posters to acknowledge our school expectations. The names and posters of the winners are presented further on in the newsletter. Each class winner received a stationery gift. Thank you, Mr Wilson and Mrs Hankin!

Education Week was truly a week of celebrating the great things happening at Wattle Grove, an awesome Public School! Thank you to all staff and families.

Camping Adventures
This week, Year 5 headed off to Kincumber Aussie Bush Camp for three action packed days. The students participated in a range of activities focussing on not only physical fitness but working collaboratively with team members. Camp is such a character building experience and our students did an amazing job. I would like to acknowledge Mrs Cabrera for organising this wonderful opportunity for Year 5 as well as attending the camp, and Mrs Dodd, Mrs Farah, Miss Standen and Miss Cascio for also attending the camp. Staff attending the camp give up their own personal time to make this happen, and I would like to thank them for doing this for our children.

Staffing
We welcome Miss McAlpine to Wattle Grove. Miss McAlpine will be teaching 2 Olive, Wednesdays to Fridays, and will be teaching various classes Monday and Tuesday. She is very excited to be part of the Wattle Grove family and I am sure you will all make her feel welcome.

Kindergarten Enrolments 2024 (Repeated Item)
If you have a child starting Kindergarten in 2024, could you please ensure your online enrolment application has been completed and submitted to the school and that all supporting documents have been received. This supports our school planning for 2024. We look forward to seeing our 2024 Kinder students at Orientation in Term 4.

Wellbeing
It is important we take care of ourselves so we can take care of those who we love. If you or your child require support, please reach out to Mrs Valensise and me, we are here to help. However, some children may prefer to talk about their feelings to someone they don’t know. Potential sources of confidential support 24/7 for your child/ren at no cost include:

• Kids Helpline (1800 551800 or www.kidshelp.com.au)

• headspace (1800 650 890 or [http://www.headspace.org.au)*]www.headspace.org.au) 12 years old and above

• You or your child/ren can contact the State Mental Health Telephone Access Line (1800 011 511).

Year One Phonics Screener Check 
Next week, Year One students will participate in a quick Phonic Screener Check. This is an assessment completed 1-1 with each student, providing important information for planning purposes. Please see further on for more detailed information. 

Nicole Cameron
Principal

I was very excited to zoom into all the Kindergarten classes as they celebrated their 100 days of formal schooling. The children have done an amazing job adjusting to life at school and have achieved so much in 6 months. I am so proud of them all and give praise to our amazing Kindergarten teachers and families.

Over the day, the students participated in an array of activities which focussed on the magic number, 100. They also enjoyed a sweet treat at the end of the day, a yummy ice-cream Sundae with chocolate syrup and sprinkles – YUM!

Their costumes were amazing, so much so that I didn’t recognise many of the students with their grey hair, rollers, and moustaches!

Well done, Kindergarten!

Welcome to this fortnight’s newsletter. As a school community we have much to be proud of. This was evidenced during our Open Day celebrations with so many visitors to our school. Our teachers opened their classroom doors and our students had huge smiles as they welcomed family members to share the wonderful work they have been doing. The assembly is always a highlight with so much entertainment and a celebration of some of the opportunities offered to our students. The whole day was a great acknowledgement of Public Education. Also, a big thank you to the community for supporting our Year 6 cake stall.

Principal’s Day
Last Friday, School Principal Day crept upon us. As a community, the last two weeks have been difficult but our captain steered the ship and navigated us through this with her knowledge, compassion and strength. I am privileged to work with such an amazing leader who inspires me. Thanks for being an amazing boss Nicole Cameron and an exceptional and hard working principal of our beautiful school. 

Year 1 Phonics Screening
Next week (starting Monday 14 August), each Year one child will be assessed on their phonic knowledge. This is a short one to one assessment that takes approximately seven minutes per child. The information collected will assist the school to see who is tracking well and which students require further intervention.

Year 5 Camp
A shout out to our Year 5 students and the wonderful team of teachers who attended camp. There were plenty of opportunities to challenge themselves and achieve something outside their comfort zone demonstrating resilience and grit. A special thank you to Mrs Cabrera for organising this overnight excursion.

Lost Property
I kindly plead with all families to go through your child’s belongings, such as lunch boxes, drink bottles, hats and jumpers and label these with your child’s first name and last name. This makes finding the owner of items left behind on the playground much easier. I remind students on a daily basis that being a responsible student means looking after their belongings. Jackets, jumpers, hats, drink bottles seem to be multiplying. It is becoming almost impossible to manage.

Professional Learning
On Thursday and Friday of this week Miss Cameron, Mrs Boyes and I engaged in two days of rich learning as part of the Network of Innovation and Inquiry. We were inspired by the keynote speakers who shared their stories and the importance of keeping our students at the centre. The theme this year was PROUD and we reflected on how proud we are to be public educators which supports and provides opportunities for every single one of our students.

Be well and kind.

Vicky Valensise
Deputy Principal

5 Merit Awards	Zoe 2 Lime, Ledger K Yellow, Addison K Yellow, Charlotte K Yellow,  Amity 1 Sky
10 Merit Awards	Lucy 1 Sky, Sophie 1 Aqua, Reeva 4 Berry, Charlotte 1 Sky, Nithila 1 Aqua, Dallas 1 Aqua, Zachary 1 Aqua, William 1 Aqua, Maddox 1 Sky, Ashlee 1 Navy
15 Merit Awards	Raphael 3 Canary, Abigail 4 Crimson, Blake 2 Olive, Zayden 4 Crimson, Aleko 2 Lime, Josie 2 Olive
20 Merit Awards	Holly 3 Gold, Jais 3 Amber, Tyler 3 Canary, Ella 3 Amber, Brooklyn 3 Gold
25 Merit Awards	Alexander 5 Lavender, Larissa 4 Berry, Zara 3 Gold, Sophia 4 Scarlet, Hannah 5 Lilac
30 Merit Awards	Ethan 6 Flamingo, Mason 5 Lavender
35 Merit Awards	Georgie 6 Pink
45 Merit Awards	Nella 6 Magenta

K Green - Hunter, Mitchell, Walter, Willow, Jackson, Leo

K Blue - Everly, Tyler, Louis, Ruby, Abigail

K Yellow - Tyler, Austin, Alexander, Alaska, Zachary

1 Aqua - Savanna, James, Tess, Sophie, Hugo, Hudson

1 Navy - Hudson, Stanislav, Madeline, Sophie, Bethany

1 Sky - Maddox, Fayona, Mia, Riley, Lucy, Cody

2 Mint - Emily, Ellira, Cullen, Hayley, Hamodi, Salesi

2 Lime - Lizzy, Faheem, Michael, Kaitlin, Hazel, Nixon

2 Olive - Mila, Lucas, Georgia T, Piper, Georgia K, Asher

3 Amber - Samuel, Jason, Kayden H, Louis, Asher, Liam

3 Canary - Brielle, Tyler, Bailey, Hollie, Tarisi, Talia

3 Gold - Linda, Aiden, Holly, Margaret, Henry R, Enoch

4 Crimson - Everly, Hannah, Amelia M, Sienna, Amelia H, Patrick, Peter, Amelia T

4 Scarlet - Chloe, Harry, Bodhi, Tara, Terence, Emily

4 Berry - Justin, Jesse, Leonardo, Zebadiah, Reeva

5 Indigo - Damian, Josh, Tayla, Amilia, Chanel, Charlie

5 Lilac - Yazmine, Flynn, Ezekiel, Hannah, Isla, Thomas

5 Lavender - Logan, Bronwyn, Kai, Jonah, Sienna, Chase

6 Pink - Mackenzy, Georgie, Livia, Rachel, Aiden, Serena, Harry

6 Flamingo - Kieran, Benjamin, Piper, Elarya, Vincent, Pranay

6 Magenta - Will, Fawzan, Nella, Zahraa, Layla, Niharika

K Blue	Clarisse, Seth, Ethan, Ruben
K Green	Walter, Charlotte
K Yellow	Lincoln, Devlin
1 Aqua	Audrey, Eliana, Liam, Rua, Aadith, Sophie, Zachary, Serg, Dallas
1 Navy	Santiago, Ava
1 Sky	Amity,  Maddox, Charlotte, Mia, Isla, Tom, Kseniya
2 Lime	Leo, Ava, Ahmad, Aleko
2 Mint	Mia, Lila, Hamodi, Mya, Aria, Brody
2 Olive	Declan, Lylah, Katie, Asher, Josie, Helena, Hamish, Georgia T, Georgia K, Maddison, Caitlyn
3 Amber	Sophia, Veronika, Liam, Jais
3 Canary	Cristian, Eliana, Talia
3 Gold	Nalika, Grayson
4 Berry	Justin, Jesse, Aidan, Cruz, Ruby
4 Crimson	Everly, Annabelle, Declan, Antony, Amelia, Patrick, Hunter, Taylor
4 Scarlet	Liam, Sophia, Dej'a
5 Indigo	Micah, Patrick, Xander, Taliah
5 Lavender	Brendan, Alex, Logan, Henry, Bronwyn
5 Lilac	Tanner, Max, Aadi, Rosalie, Eden
6 Flamingo	Marcus, Ariel, Aria, Talan, Ella, Abby, Eliza-Kate
6 Magenta	Hayley, Selina, Cooper
6 Pink	James, Aralia, Tayla, Oliver, Eli, Dylan, Joel, Jackson, Rachel, Charles, Jordan

Congratulations Eliana from 1 Aqua

Congratulations Joel from 6 Pink

Reminder: Just a reminder that the Premier’s Reading Challenge is closing very soon. The challenge aims to encourage a love of reading and enables students to experience quality literature. It is not a competition but a challenge to each student to read, to read more and to read more widely. Our school’s aim is to encourage every child in years K-6 to participate in the Premier’s Reading Challenge. This could form a valuable part of your child’s home reading program. Students must complete a set amount of reading to complete the reading challenge.

The challenge will close on Friday August 18, 2023. Details of the Premier’s Reading Challenge can be found on the following website along with comprehensive book titles; https://online.det.nsw.edu.au/prc/studentExperience.html

 

Congratulations to the following students who have completed the Premier’s Reading Challenge since our last newsletter:

Ryan  KY Clarisse  KB Tyler  KY Kobe  KB Seth  KB Scarlett  KB Emilio KG Theodore  KY Joelle  KB Everly  KB Alex  KY Damon  KG Audrey  KG Ayden  KG Harper  KB Noah  KG William  KB Domenic  KB Asher  KB Madeleine  KY Addison  KY Ethan  KB Amar  KY Tyler  KB Addison  KB Kevin  KB Zoey  KG Walter  KG Louis  KB Hunter KG Manaia  KY     Musa 2L Nixon  2L Michael  2L Leo  2L Kristian 2L Hazel  2L Gordon  3A Hollie  3C Ethan  3C Kaira  3A Jais  3A

Batool KB Lincoln  KY Noah  KG Jackson  KG Kris  KB Rahil  KY Reilly  KY Alaska  KY Keary  KY Charlotte  KG Brody  KY Albie  KB Isaac  KY Charlotte  KY Indie  KG Miuna  KY Archie  KG Aleksey  KG Maia KG Ivy  KG Mitchell  KG Ruben  KB Ruby  KB Willow  KG Isabelle KY Jared  KY Austin KY Leo  KG Abigail  KB Zachary  KY Ike  KG     Josiah  3A Kirra  3A Louis  3A Tyler  3C Huxley  3A Enoch  3G Chloe  4S Owen  4C Amelia  4C Larissa  4B Kiahna  4S

Aaron  KB Devlin  KY Matt  KG Cody  1S Liam 1S Cooper  1S Isla  1S Amity 1S Max  1S Hamish  1S Kai  1S Riley  1S Mia  1S Fayona  1S Tom 1S Anthony  1S Charlotte  1S Grace  1S Kseniya  1S Daniel  1S Lucy  1S Maddox  1S Nithila  1A Rodela  1A Audrey 1A Savanna 1A Liam  1A James  1A Tess  1A Rua  1A Aadith 1A     Jiaan  4B Ruby 4B Eden  5L Isla  5L Max  5L Darcy  5I Hannah  5L Bronywyn  5L Archer  5L Ajisth  5L Amilia  5I

Sophie  1A Zachary  1A George  1A Hugo  1A Hudson  1A William  1A Serg  1A Elijah  1A Dallas  1A Eliana  1A Gracie  1A Henri  1N Ava  1N Zoe  2L Kaitlin  2L Alexandra  2L Sofia  2L Bailey  2L Aleko 2L Lucia  2L Ahmad  2L Zarlee  2L Ava  2L Theia 2L Flynn 2L Claire  2L Faheem  2L Lizzy  2L Hamza  2L Zara  2L Jack  2L     Mikayla  5L Maddie  6P Bria  6F Alexis  6P Georgie  6P Aiyana  6F Madiu  6M Tahlia  6M Vivek 6F Ben  6M

Over the past six months Stage 3 have been taking part in a project called “Our Backyard”. In this project students have been investigating the endangered native flora and fauna found in the wetlands located in our playground, specifically the endangered Cumberland Plain Woodland Snail. Students have brainstormed and researched solutions to preserve our wetlands and its inhabitants.

On Thursday we moved onto the next phase of our project, which is regenerating our wetlands with Toolijooa Environmental Restoration staff. Stage 3 were very excited to finally get into the wetlands and help with the regeneration process by weeding and clearing the noxious weeds that have entered the wetlands over the last 25 years. 

A huge congratulations to Joel for competing at the Sydney South West Golf Trials on Monday and winning the tournament.  Joel will now be competing at the State PSSA Golf Championships over 3 days at Batemans Bay in September. 

Congratulations to Bua who was recently selected at the Sydney South West 7's Girls Rugby tournament to represent our region at the State carnival at Mudgee in September.

Congratulations to Antony who competed at the State PSSA Cross Country Championships last Friday. This is an amazing achievement running against the top 100 runners in the state and we are very proud of you.