The Link

A Publication of Rydalmere Public School

Term 4 Week 3 2024

Principal's Updates

Grandparents' Day

Grandparents’ day was a huge success. Thank you to Mrs Srinivasan for leading a committee of teachers and parents for organising the day. It was a great turn with the hall full of people. Thank you to Kerrie from Bunnings for providing the decorate your own coaster activity. It was nice to meet and hear stories from some grandparents who have been attending this event for many years and that they always look forward to this wonderful community event. 

World Teachers' Day

On Friday 25th October it was World Teachers' Day. It was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate and acknowledge all of our fantastic teachers at Rydalmere Public School. Our teachers were spoilt by the P&C who provided them with a wonderful morning tea. On behalf of the school community, I would say thank you to all of our amazing teachers who have a positive impact on our students every day.

Oz Harvest Cooking Program

I was delighted to visit the Oz Harvest cooking program that began last Tuesday. This has been organised through the Rydalmere Public School Community Hub and it is a great opportunity for adults to participate in this program which focuses on creating healthy meals whilst developing skills in the kitchen. It was very nice to hear that some of these adults have already committed to volunteering in our school canteen in the future. 


Have a wonderful week.

Warren Yee.

Attendance

Every day counts. We know the first day of school is just as important as the last day of the week or term. Regular attendance can help your child to develop social skills and get the most out of their learning.  

  

When your child attends school every day, learning becomes easier and your child will build and maintain friendships with other children. 

K-2 Assistant Principal Updates

Early Stage 1 & Stage 1 Overview – Term 4

As we enter the final term of the school year, our focus will be on supporting our K-2 students in building upon the knowledge and skills they have developed. We aim to strengthen their foundational skills by incorporating daily reviews of key concepts, ensuring that all students feel confident and prepared for the next year level. Our goal is to reinforce their hard work and foster a sense of excitement as they look ahead to the upcoming year! 
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NSW Police Legacy Child Safety Handbook

https://issuu.com/associatedmediagroup/docs/cshb_august-2024-update?fr=sYTU5ZTc3NjA2NjY

The NSW Police Legacy Child Safety Handbook is now available in digital form. It includes important content from: NSW Rural Fire Service, NSW Health, and Transport NSW. 

You can find your copy by clicking the link below.

Coding and Robotics Club Reminder

A reminder for families with students participating in Coding and Robotics Club: please arrive at 8:00 am, as this is when the school pedestrian gate will open. We start promptly at 8:00 am. Coding and Robotics Club is an explicitly taught lesson by Mrs Colotouros and Mrs Scalley, so it’s important that all students are on time to get the most out of the session. 

If you have other children not participating in the program, such as siblings, please ensure they arrive at school after 8:30 am, when a teacher will be on playground duty. We appreciate your cooperation.

3-6 Assistant Principal Updates

Peer Support Program

We are excited to announce that Rydalmere Public School will be running a Peer Support Program for students from weeks 4-8 this term. This program plays an essential role in developing key social and emotional skills while fostering a sense of connection across different year groups.

The Peer Support Program aims to:

  • Build friendships across grades
  • Encourage independence by seeking peer support
  • Enhance participation and interaction in class
  • Promote values like leadership, open-mindedness, authenticity, prudence and hope.

Guided by trained student leaders, students will participate in weekly sessions focusing on teamwork, active listening, and positive social engagement through activities like ice-breakers and group discussions. These sessions provide a safe space to develop resilience, explore strengths, and build lasting friendships, strengthening our school community.

For questions, please contact the school office. Thank you for supporting our students' growth.

Peer Support Planning with stage 3

Stage 2 & 3 Parent Overview – Term 4

Welcome to the final term of the year! In Term 4, students in Stage 2 and 3 will consolidate their learning across key areas while engaging in exciting activities to finish the year strong. Our focus will be on refining skills in literacy and numeracy, exploring creative and critical thinking through integrated projects, and encouraging collaboration and personal growth. As we approach the end of the year, we will also prepare students for transitions, celebrations, and reflect on their achievements. Thank you for your ongoing support throughout the year! We look forward to a productive and enjoyable term ahead.
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Stage 2 Homework


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Stage 3 Homework


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Year 6 Fundraiser – Zooper Doopers

Year 6 will be selling Zooper Doopers every Tuesday at lunch from Week 4 to Week 8 this term!

  • When: Tuesdays, Weeks 4-8
  • Where: Sold from the office at lunch
  • Cost: $1 each
  • How to Buy: Students can line up along the silver seats at the top COLA

Bring your $1 coins and support our Year 6 students as they raise funds for their end-of-year activities. Thank you for your support!

Reminder for Year 5 Students: 2025 Leadership Roles

A reminder for all Year 5 students applying for leadership roles in 2025:

  • Term 4, Week 5: Leadership nominations are due to the office.

  • Term 4, Week 7: Student Leadership Special Assembly

    🕤 9:30 – 10:30am

We encourage all Year 5 students interested in leadership opportunities to submit a copy of their speech to Ms Taylor on time. Good luck to all applicants!

Current year 5 parents - selective high school open day

Girraween High School is an academically selective coeducational high school. Entry is via the Selective High School Placement Test that is run by the Department of Education’s High Performing Student’s Unit.

Girraween High School is holding an Information Evening on Monday 10th February 2025 at 6pm for current Year 5 students and their parents wishing to apply for Year 7 in 2026. Download the school flyer below.

Online applications will open on 7th November 2024 and will close on 21st February 2025 via HPSU https://shsoc.education.nsw.gov.au/.

(Late applications will not be accepted).

Giraween High School Open Day


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Under the Moonlight: Student Writing Inspired by Brother Moon

This term, our students have been diving into the beauty of figurative language, drawing inspiration from Brother Moon to create their own reflective pieces about the moon. They have worked hard to craft, edit, and publish their writing, using metaphors and idioms to bring their unique visions of the night sky to life. We encourage you to download this special collection of student work to see their creativity and growing skills as young writers firsthand. It’s a wonderful showcase of their learning journey—don’t miss it!
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Reminder: Think-Green Thursdays Begin Next Week

We are excited to announce that the Student Representative Council (SRC) is leading our Think-Green Thursdays initiative, starting next week (Term 4, Week 4) and running through to Week 10.

On Thursdays, students are encouraged to bring a nude food recess and lunch—this means food without disposable or single-use packaging. The SRC aims to promote sustainability and reduce waste in our school community through this initiative.

Thank you for supporting the SRC and helping us make a positive environmental impact! Let’s work together to make every Thursday waste-free!

From the Office

RPS Preschool Enrolments for 2025 are now open.

General Guidelines

Public preschools enrol children for one year only, the year before they start school.  Children can enrol from the beginning of the school year if they turn four years of age before 31 July that year.

Priority is given to:

  • Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander children
  • children living in low socio-economic circumstances
  • children who are unable to access other early childhood settings due to financial hardship

The Principal will then offer enrolment in the following order:

  • children living within the school's catchment area
  • children living outside the catchment area but have siblings at the school
  • other applicants       

For further information, please go to the NSW Department of Education link below:

Enrolment in a public preschool (nsw.gov.au)

Our office staff are happy to be of assistance with any further questions or with the enrolment process. 

Change of Details

Please contact the office by email rydalmere-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au if there has been a change to any of the following to your child/children's details:

- change of address.

- change of email.

- phone numbers - mobile or home/work.

- change of emergency contacts.

- Additional/change of medical circumstances

Lost Property

Our PBL expectations of being Safe, Respectful Learners support our students in taking responsibility for their own belongings at school including jumpers, hats, lunchboxes and drink bottles.

To support your child and the school in maintaining lost property to a minimum level we ask that parents or carers clearly label all items brought to school with your child's FULL NAME.

The most common items to lost property include jumpers and hats, lunchboxes and drink bottles, and personal treasures. Students have access to lost property during the school day to search for misplaced possessions. When possible, labelled items in the lost property will be returned to students. Due to the limited space for lost property, unlabeled and unclaimed items are regularly disposed of.

Lost property is located at the front of the office.

 

Dates Ahead

Friday 1 NovCricket Clinic #4
Diwali Celebrations
PSSA Newcombeball Gala Day 
Tuesday 5 NovKindergarten Transition 9:30am - 11am
Year 6 Fundraiser - Zooper Dooper Day $1
Thursday 7 NovPeer Support
Friday 8 NovP & C Colour Run
PSSA NRL Pacific Championships Student Day
Tuesday 12 NovYear 6 Fundraiser - Zooper Dooper Day $1
Thursday 14 NovPeer Support
Friday 15 NovFree Basketball Clinic
Tuesday 19 NovKindergarten Transition 9:30am - 11am
Year 6 Fundraiser - Zooper Dooper Day $1
Thursday 21 NovPeer Support
Tuesday 26 NovYear 6 Fundraiser - Zooper Dooper Day $1
Thursday 28 NovStudent Leadership Special Assembly

Peer Support
Friday 29 NovK - 2 Free AFL Clinic
Monday 2 DecP & C Meeting (7pm in the library)
Tuesday 3 DecHigh School Orientation
Wednesday 4 DecPreschool 2025 Orientation (in preschool)
Thursday 5 DecYear 6 Fundraising - Year 6 Fare
Friday 6 DecK-2 Free AFL Clinic
Wednesday 11 DecPresentation Day
Friday 13 DecPreschool Blue Group Graduation (10am-11am)
Year 6 Graduation Assembly
Year 6 Farewell at FC Social (5pm -8pm)
Tuesday 17 DecPreschool Green Group Graduation (10am-11am)
Wed 18 DecWalk out for Year 6 and other leaving students and staff

Student Wellbeing

PBL & Merit Awards - Term 4 Week 2

P&C Report

COLOUR RUN IS BACK! This term we are continuing our fundraising for A NEW PLAYGROUND with a Colour Run.

The Colour Splatacular School Run 4 Fun will be held on Friday 8th November on the School Oval from 5-7pm.

  • Students will be covered in non-toxic, biodegradable colour powder and slime from head to toe.  
  • Please make sure students wear a WHITE shirt and closed in shoes.  
  • Entry is $5 per person payable at the gate (or free to anyone who fundraises a minimum of $5).
  • Students will be given FREE sunglasses and a rainbow headband for the event. (BYO goggles if you want to wear them instead of the sunglasses supplied).
  • Students must be accompanied by a parent or guardian for the duration of the event.
  • Students are encouraged to bring a towel and change of clothes.
  • This is a community event. Siblings and friends are welcome to attend!
We encourage students to fundraise in the lead up to the event!

Visit: https://australianfundraising.com.au/ to get started by creating your online fundraising page. Please note: all cash donations must be converted to online donations through your fundraising page.

Students who fundraise can win up to 15 unique incentive prizes! You only need to raise $10 to achieve your first incentive prize. From there, you will win more and more as your fundraising total soars!

Are you able to help volunteer at the event? Please contact Chris: president@rps-pandc.org.auWe hope to see you there!

Community Hub News

Upcoming Events

Hello, Community Hub Members!

I hope you're soaking up the sunny afternoons and enjoying the vibrant purple carpet by Jacaranda at our John Street.

A heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped us prepare for the Grandparents Day celebrations. With 80 grandparents and grandfriends, along with their delightful grandchildren, the event was truly memorable. The performances by our preschoolers, K to 2 choir, and the school band were simply extraordinary. It was wonderful to see families creating amazing art pieces using the tea coasters during the event. A big thank you to all who registered, and congratulations to the 7 lucky winners who received small gifts!

We'd love to hear your thoughts! Did you get a chance to participate? What would you like us to do differently next time? What do you think worked really well? Please share your feedback using this link:https://forms.gle/sh7xYDbvptXgGGVGA

Mark your calendars for our Diwali celebrations on November 1st! Bring along a plate of food if you can, but most importantly, bring your beautiful smile. We'll kick off with some sound and breath work, followed by dancing and crafts. We can't wait to see you all on Friday! Please let Seetha know if you'll be joining us so we can plan accordingly.

Our Oz Harvest NEST cooking program started on October 22nd, and we have 8 families joining us each week. If you missed the first two sessions, don't worry—you can still join in as we have 2 more spots available. Register with Seetha today! By the end of the program, participants will receive a cookbook, a certificate, and a bunch of new friends who share a love for cooking. Don't miss out on this opportunity! Just a gentle reminder, we do not provide childminding for this program.

Stay connected, and we look forward to seeing you at the hub!

For those I haven't had the pleasure of meeting yet, I'm Seetha, your friendly Community Liaison Officer at the Community Hub. You'll find me around the school from Monday to Wednesday and on Fridays. The Community Hub is your gateway to forging meaningful connections with fellow families, the school, and local services. It's a welcoming space where all parents can meet, mingle, and build lasting friendships.

Seetha Srinivasan

Mondays

(9:30 am to 1:30 pm)

 English Conversational class (just drop in) 

Tuesdays

(9:30 to 2:30)

Office Admin Skills course (Parramatta Community College)

Oz Harvest Cooking program (from 22nd October)

Wednesdays

One Box Collection Exclusively for those who've signed up.

 Playgroup with SDN Children's Services (9:30 am - 11:30 am) ** Just walk in and play! (from 16th October)

Fridays

(9:30 am to 10:30 am)

Dance Fitness with Sophie Get your groove on—no need to sign up, just show up! (from 25th Ocotber)