Rozelle Public School Newsletter

Rozelle is a place where Aboriginal children learned, played and celebrated their culture for thousands of years on this beautiful, natural land. As we learn, play and celebrate together on this land, we honour the Wangal people of the Eora nation and pay our respects to elders both past, present and emerging.

Welcome back to the 2024 school year. Whether you are a returning student, a new member of our school community, a dedicated staff member, or a supportive parent, I welcome you back to Rozelle Public School. I hope the summer break was relaxing and families were able to catch up with friends and loved ones. I am excited for the journey that lies ahead and the challenges that the new school year brings.

This year, we will continue to build on the strong foundation of knowledge, skills, and values that define our school. Our dedicated team of educators are prepared to inspire, guide, and support our students to achieve academic success and personal growth. To our new students, we are thrilled to have you join our community.

This week has been busy for staff and students. Last Thursday we welcomed all the Year 1-6 students and this Wednesday we welcomed our new kindy students to RPS. We have now formed 21 classes for the new school year. Parents can be assured that a great deal of time and careful consideration goes into creating classes. Every effort is made to ensure students are well placed to meet their academic and social needs. Generally, a new school year, a new teacher, a new grade, and a new class is an exciting time for students. However, for some it can be a time of uncertainty. I encourage parents to have positive conversations with their child about their new class and communicate with the class teacher so that your child is provided with the support they need.

The school also welcomed our new students to preschool. Our preschool operates 5 days a week and there are 2 classes attending. Each class attends preschool five days a fortnight. We are once again very lucky to have Sandy Dorn-Steger teaching and coordinating the program with the support of Mikako Endo.

I encourage you to actively engage with the school community, attend events, and participate in the various opportunities throughout the year.

At Rozelle we have a wonderful team of dedicated staff and this year 21 classes were formed with our class names being inspired by Poets. Please see below an overview of our class names, staff and additional programs including: music, art and support for all learners.

At 8.30am students can arrive at school where a member of the executive team will be on playground duty. They can enter via the Darling Street playground, the Merton Street or council carpark gates. All students are supervised on the asphalt. At 9am, the school day starts and students will line up before moving into classes.

Students should not be arriving at school before 8.30am unless they are attending before school care OSH Club or involved in an extracurricular activity eg band or choir.

At the end of the day, our 3-6 students are dismissed from their classrooms. Students will then meet adults in the playground, walk home or go to OSH Club. Please have a conversation with your child about your expectations for them when they are dismissed from school at 3pm.

Our K-2 students will walk into the playground and be dismissed by a member of staff - generally their class teacher. Each class will have a designated meeting spot on the asphalt. The gates are opened at 2.45pm each day for access into the playground. If arrangements change it is important that this information is shared with your child’s teacher.

Throughout the school holiday period we had significant works to upgrade different spaces as part of the Department of Education cyclic school maintenance. That involved, new carpet, upgrade of wet areas in some classrooms, painting, replacement of the lino and the replacement of the fluorescent lights to LEDs.

The blue fenced exclusion zones at the front of the school that have been erected will be extended to include the entire Block A which will be in place for some time as essential repairs are made to the sandstone. The repair work will be completed in two stages. The front and one side of Block A and then proceed to the other side and the back of the building.

Finally, the Assets department has notified the school that the Development Application has been submitted to council and we are waiting for approval for the shade structure over the basketball court.

We are very fortunate to have received the works in the holidays and the upgrade has made a significant improvement to our learning spaces.

Each year we invite parents to contribute to a range of programs and initiatives that enrich student learning. Annual contributions are voluntary and supplement the funds provided by The Department of Education and allow us to provide additional high-quality resources and programs that further support teaching and learning across the school. These include:

• Home Reader Levy
• Software licences for digital resources used with the Interactive panels and for work in class and at home eg. Mathletics, Reading Eggs, Soundwaves.
• Digital technology resources such as Chromebooks, iPads and apps.
• Additional library books and reference materials for each classroom. 
• Additional equipment to support teaching and learning in science, mathematics, sport, music, art and craft.

To help cover the cost of these programs, we are asking parents to contribute an annual payment. The payment has been tiered based on the number of children attending Rozelle Public School.

Online payment method is preferred and can be made via the school website or Audiri parent portal. Cash payments and cheques should be brought directly to the school office. Alternatively families may choose to wait until the first invoice is sent via email. Please contact Mrs Svinos if you ever need to discuss difficulties with payment.

Mr Braiding has taken leave this year and is travelling the world. He has sent us many photos of the most exciting locations has has already visited and we can report that he is enjoying his time away.

We would like to welcome Ms Emma Chatman and Ms Nicole Quigley who will be joining our Kindergarten team. We would also like to extend a warm welcome to Ms Hayley Watts who has joined our Year 1 team and Ms Isobella Lungo who has joined our Year 4 team.

We would like to extend our good wishes to Ms Alethea Scoufis who has also taken some leave this year. We look forward to welcoming her back later in the year.

WHAT EXACTLY IS A COMPOSITE CLASS?

This year and every year, there are composite classes created at Rozelle. During your child’s time in primary school it is likely they will spend time in a composite class.

What is a composite class?

Classes that are made up of children of different year levels have traditionally been called composite classes. In recent times, these classes have also been labelled multi aged or stage classes. There are two reasons why these classes are formed:

· Administrative - this is where there is an uneven enrolment in school years and classes need to be formed across a number of school years. This occurs in most primary schools and have been a feature at RPS for many years.

· Educational - where classes are formed on the basis of educational rationale as they are seen to have educational benefit for the student.

How are classes formed at RPS?

At Rozelle teachers spend many hours carefully considering and forming classes for the following year. This process begins in Term Four. Classes at Rozelle are mixed ability – they are not ‘streamed’ or formed on perceived ability. When forming classes teachers consider the following:

· Student achievement – each class consists of students working at different levels.

· Gender balance – the school tries to ensure a balanced ratio of boys and girls.

· Social factors – where possible, students are placed with an identified friend(s).

· Additional needs – RPS is an inclusive environment and some of our students require additional support in the classroom and playground. Careful class placement is always considered.

At RPS, composite classes do not consist of advanced younger students placed with older students who require remediation.

How does the teacher cater for different year groups in the same class?

The curriculum in NSW is based on stages:

· Early Stage One – Kindergarten

· Stage One – Years One & Two

· Stage Two – Years Three & Four

· Stage Three – Years Five & Six

Students revisit similar concepts every year but it is expected that over time students will develop deeper understandings and greater proficiency in applying the skills and process. For example, students in Year Three are simply at the beginning of Stage Two and Year Four students are working towards the end of the stage. Students have two years to demonstrate achievement of the Stage Two standards.

Teachers at Rozelle Public School are knowledgeable and skilful in teaching programs in single grade and composite classes. Teachers recognise individual student learning needs, catering for those who learn more quickly and give attention to those who require more time to learn the concepts and skills. This is achieved through differentiated programming which takes place in all classrooms – composite and single grade classes. 

Each year, the school hosts parent information sessions which take place in your child’s classroom. This is an opportunity for you to meet your child’s classroom teacher who will go through important information regarding curriculum, class routines and programs.

Session times are:

• Years 3-6: Tuesday 13 February at 6.00pm
• Kindy: Tuesday 20 February at 5.30pm
• Year 1–2: Tuesday 20 February at 6.00pm
  
  

Each session should run for approximately 30-40 minutes and we encourage parents to attend. The presentations are for adults and we request that students do not attend. For those students attending OSH Club, please plan for your child if you are at the parent meetings. If you are unable to attend, an overview of the presentation will be made available.

The beginning of a new school year is always tricky due to new classes and lesson timetables still being finalised, but the band has quickly returned to business, with most existing members in years 4 - 6 already back rehearsing this past week before school and even able to get back to tutorials as well. Helen was really pleased with what she heard this week and has decided that the rehearsal schedule can remain as per last year, unless your child has been specifically told otherwise.  (This will mainly apply to drummers).

BAND REHEARSAL SCHEDULE FOR TERM 1 2024

• Monday 7:45am - 8:45am - Year 4 (Junior band)
• Tuesday 7:45am - 8:45am- Years 5 & 6 (Senior band)
• Wednesday - NO REHEARSALS
• Thursday 7:45am - 8:45am - Year 4 (Junior band)
• Friday 7:45am - 8:45am - Years 5 & 6 (Senior band)
  
  

NEW 2024 TRAINING BAND 

We are busily organising timetables for the private music tutorial lessons and assigning tutors. These will shortly be shared with teachers and parents/carers to mitigate clashes with other important school activities wherever possible. Instruments and music books will be issued to children from next week and we hope that most children will be able to start their lessons in week 4 or 5. They will need a few lessons before they will be ready to attempt playing together so we will not start rehearsals for the Training band until term 2. These will be held on Wednesday mornings before school.

JOINING THE BAND

If your child is interested in joining the band, it's not too late! Training band is yet to start, and we still have openings for Clarinet, Saxophone, Trumpet and Trombone. Please contact me on matthew.roe3@det.nsw.edu.au for more information.

PULSE ALIVE 2024

Exciting News! Tickets for Pulse Alive 2024 are officially on sale! Don't miss your chance to witness an incredible showcase of talent from NSW public schools at Ken Rosewall Arena, Sydney Olympic Park on Thursday 14 March, and Friday 15 March 2024. Grab your tickets now via Ticketmaster and be part of the unforgettable experience! https://www.ticketmaster.com.au/ken.../venue/304417/

ARTS UNITS AUDITIONS

The Arts Unit offers a variety of programs for creative students to extend their skills and performance opportunities every year. Please contact Ms McLachlan/Music for further information and how to apply if interested.

YEARS 5-6 PRIMARY DRAMA ENSEMBLE 2024

Applications are open for students keen to develop their dramatic skills and will close on 14 February. If selected, weekly drama rehearsals are on Wednesdays from 4.45 to 6.45pm. Cost is $395 per year. Auditions will take place at The Arts Unit, Lewisham on the following dates:

• Sunday 18 February 10:00 am to 12:00 pm OR 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
• Wednesday 21 February 5:00 pm to 7:00 
  
  

YEARS 4-6 PUBLIC SCHOOLS DANCE ENSEMBLE

Developing high level skills in dance, the ensemble involves 4 intensive workshops in readiness for the State Dance Festival & Schools Spectacular. An audition video with specific choreography is required by April 5th.

YEARS 4-6 BOYS DANCE ENSEMBLE

The NSW boys dance ensemble develops high-level skills in dance technique, composition and performs in dance festivals & School Spectacular with 4 intensive workshop rehearsals. An audition video with specific choreography is required by February 21st.

SCHOOL SPECTACULAR 2024 INDIVIDUAL AUDITIONS:

TAIKO DRUMMERS: Years 5-6 drummers audition by playing a one minute audition video for this exciting cultural ensemble. Serious commitment required if selected, own transport to rehearsals and cost is $150.

BOYS HIP-HOP: Years 3-6 dancers can audition with a short hip hop routine video. Serious commitment required if selected and own transport to rehearsals.

FEATURED & BACKING VOCALISTS: All ages can apply via a comprehensive audition process and cost is $180. Vocalists perform in the main ensemble with a full rehearsal schedule to prepare.

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES 

Rozelle Public School is committed to providing a wide range of opportunities for students to pursue their talents and interests and explore new experiences across academic, sporting and creative domains of learning.

School staff run programs such as chess, choir, debating and public speaking and a wide variety of sports activities. Our high-quality Instrumental music program includes several bands, string ensembles, and ukulele group, and external providers allow students to participate in tennis, chess, french lessons, piano, and keyboards. 

RPS CHOIRS 2024

Love to sing? Join a choir this year for fun, friends and music making.

PRIMARY CHOIR is for Years 3-6. 

ROZELLA CHOIR is for Years 1-2. Both choirs will commence soon in Term 1. Information will be given to students by their class teachers and in morning lines. 

BAND PROGRAM (Y3-6)

The RPS Band is an extra-curricula program led by our conductor Helen Crimmins and co-ordinated by the school. The program is open for students in Years 3, 4, 5 & 6. They can choose to learn from a selection of instruments that the school hires out, including the flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, drums & more. Information about joining the band program, including fees, selecting an instrument, and instrument hire is provided to parents and carers of Year 2 students, usually in Term 3. Parents and carers are then asked to register their child’s interest and instrument preferences.  For more information contact our band co-ordinator Matthew at matthew.roe3@det.nsw.edu.au

PERCUSSION GROUP (K- Y2) - STARTS IN WEEK 2

Our external percussion tutor Bruce Stephens, leads the Percussion Group, open to students from Kindergarten to Year 2. The Percussion Group is held on Friday lunchtimes in the band room next to the Tiger Turf. Students gain experience in glockenspiel and auxiliary percussion such as cowbell, whistle, tambourine, chimes, bongos, snare drum and buckets. The cost for a term is $150. For more information please contact our band co-ordinator Matthew at  matthew.roe3@det.nsw.edu.au

STRING PROGRAM (VIOLIN) - ON HOLD

The Rozelle Public School string program offers extracurricular music lessons to children from as early as kindergarten onwards. Private lessons are held at the school during the school day. Students can also join the group string ensemble where children rehearse once a week before school and regularly perform in assemblies and string concerts. The String Program is CURRENTLY ON HOLD while we find a replacement violin tutor. More information to follow. 

UKULELE PROGRAM

The Rozelle Public School ukulele program offers extra-curricula ukulele classes to children from Year 1 onwards. The program is run by our external tutor Holly Bury. The children learn to play the ukulele and are encouraged to develop their singing voices. Classes are held in the mornings or lunchtimes to cater for the different skill levels and age groups. The cost for a term is $200. Classes commence in Week 2 and run until the end of week 9. Students must have their own ukuleles and are encouraged to practice at home. The Ukulele groups perform at assemblies and take part in numerous musical activities. For more information please contact Holly Bury at ukuleleclasses@gmail.com

VIP Music run group keyboard lessons during school lunchtime in the music room. The program is designed to provide a cost effective alternative to individual lessons. For more information visit www.learnmusicatschool.com.au

PIANO LESSONS (INDIVIDUAL)

External tutor Holy Bury offers private piano lessons during the school day for Kindergarten to Year 6 students. For more information contact Holly at hollybpiano@gmail.com

CHESS

The Sydney Academy of Chess run group lessons for students from Kindergarten to Year 6. Lessons are held on Thursday morning before school, from 8am in the library. There is also an annual Rozelle Public School chess competition held at the school, usually in Term 2. For more information contact Sydney Academy of Chess at sydneyacademyofchess.com.au

TENNIS

Leichard Tennis Academy offer group tennis lessons before school on Tuesday morning for students from Kindergarten to Year 6. For more information contact Neil at leichhardttennisacademy@gmail.com

WEEK 3

• Y3-6 Parent Information Session - Tuesday 13 February
• Swimming Carnival (Y2-6) - Wednesday 14 February

WEEK 4

• K-2 Parent Information Session - Tuesday 20 Feb
• P&C Meeting - Wednesday 21 February (7.30pm Staff room)
• P&C Welcome Picnic - Friday 23 February

WEEK 5

WEEK 6

• Y6 Canberra Camp Excursion - Wednesday 6 March - Friday 8 March
• Zone Swimming Carnival - Wednesday 6 March

WEEK 7

• P&C Meeting - Wednesday 13 March
• NAPLAN Testing Period Commences (Wednesday 13 March concludes Monday 25 March)

WEEK 8

• P&C Trivia Night - Saturday 23 March

WEEK 9

• Parent Teacher Conferences Commence - Monday 25 March to Thursday 28 March. 
• Easter Hat Parade - Thursday 28 March
• Good Friday Holiday (Friday 29 March)

WEEK 10 

• Easter Monday Holiday (Monday 1 April)
• Y5 Camp - Stanwell Tops - Tuesday 2 April to Thursday 4 April
• P&C Colour Run - Thursday 11 April
• Student Last Day - Friday 12 April
  
  

TERM 2 STUDENT START BACK: Tuesday 30 April