Rozelle Public School Newsletter

TERM ONE WEEK THREE

FROM THE PRINCIPAL

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 to an Exciting Start to the 2025 School Year!

We are thrilled to welcome our students back after the long summer break! The energy around the school has been contagious, and no doubt, many parents shared in the joy last Thursday as children across the state returned to school.

A Warm Welcome to Our Kindergarten Families

Starting school is a big milestone and we want to extend a special welcome to our new kindergarten students and their families. The first few weeks can bring a mix of excitement and adjustment, but please know we are here to support you every step of the way. Our staff is dedicated to making this transition as smooth as possible, helping our youngest learners settle into their routines, make new friends, and feel comfortable in their new environment. If you have any questions, concerns, or are finding morning drop-offs challenging, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s teacher. We look forward to seeing our kindergarten students grow, learn, and thrive throughout the year!

Class Formation News

On Monday, our classes for 2025 were finalised, and students have now met their new teacher and classmates. This transition is often filled with excitement, though we understand it may also bring a bit of uncertainty. Please know that a great deal of thought goes into forming each class, ensuring that every student is placed in an environment where they can thrive both academically and socially.

If your child feels unsettled after the first few weeks, we encourage you to reach out to their teacher. Together, we can identify any concerns and find the best ways to support their transition.

Meet the Teacher Evenings

We are excited to invite you to our Meet the Teacher Evenings next week. This is a fantastic opportunity to connect with your child’s teachers, gain insight into classroom expectations, and learn about the engaging learning experiences planned for the year. Further details can be found below.

Term One is Action-Packed!

Every term at Rozelle is filled with sporting and academic challenges, along with opportunities to create, compose, and perform. Term One is shaping up to be especially exciting for our Stage Three students, with camps  and swim scheme scheduled in Weeks 9 and 10.

  • Year Six will embark on a three-day excursion to Canberra in Week 9.

  • Year Five will experience three days of outdoor activities and challenges at Stanwell Tops in Week 10.

  • Year Two students will participate in a 10-day learn-to-swim program at Cook and Phillip Pool.

Families can learn more about these initiatives during next week’s Meet the Teacher Evenings.

School Communications

Are you receiving all important school communications? A significant amount of essential information has been sent home this week. While it may feel overwhelming now, the volume of emails and messages will decrease as the term progresses.

If you believe you are missing any school updates, newsletters, or notes, please contact the office for assistance.

Thank you for your continued support and trust in our school community. We look forward to a successful and inspiring year ahead, celebrating the many achievements of our students.

MEET THE TEACHER EVENT

Next week the school invites parents to a Meet the Teacher Evening. The 30 minute session is a wonderful opportunity to connect with your child's teachers, learn about classroom expectations and gain insight into the learning experiences planned for this year.

The evening will include:

  • A chance to meet our dedicated teachers and staff
  • An opportunity to visit your child's classroom
  • Information about curriculum, school policies and classroom routines
  • An opportunity to ask questions and build a strong home-school partnership

The dates and times are as follows:

Tuesday 18 February 

Kindergarten: 5:15pm - 5:45pm
Years One & Two: 5:45pm - 6:15pm

Wednesday 19 February

Years Three & Four: 5:15pm - 5:45pm
Years Five & Six: 5:45pm - 6:15pm

2025 STAFFING & CLASS NAMES

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

ROLE / POSITION / CLASSTEACHER

PRINCIPAL

ANDREW BRAIDING

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL

ANGELA SVINOS

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL CURRICULUM & INSTRUCTIONTARA BRYANT
PRESCHOOL LAVENDERSANDY DORN STEGER (M-W)
PRESCHOOL ROSESANDY DORN STEGER (TH-F)
K DAINTREEEMMA CHATMAN
K JUBUGHALEESEPFORA AMANATIADIS
K MURRAYCHRISTINA DEVITT
K SWANNICOLE QUIGLEY
1 DARLINGKATE VALLIERES (M-THURSDAY) / CHRSTINE McDONALD (F)

1 MEKONG

HAYLEY WATTS
1 THAMES

RUTH LANGSTAFF (M-W, F)

/ CHRISTINE McDONALD (TH)

1/ 2 INARI 

NICOLE LAMSA

2 ALESUNDDESIREE RONSEN (M-W, F) / BERNIE (TH)
2 CONGO

LISA TOHVER

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL - STAGE ONE

2 MISSISSIPPI

CARLIE PUNCH (M-TH) / BERNIE MOLONEY (F)

3 ARNOANDREA MACPHERSON
3 VENICE

LIZ SINGLETON

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL - STAGE TWO

3/4 NILEALEX NICHOLLS (M-W) / MERRYN HATSATOURIS (TH-F)
4 OKAVANGOAMELIA ROBERTS
4 ZAMBEZIISABELLA LUNGO
5 AMAZONALISON TAYLOR
5 HALONGELLA GUBB
5/6 CASPIANABBIE WALKER
6 DERWENT

ALDEN KWOK

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL - STAGE THREE

6 LOCH NESS

CLAIRE ROLLAND 

LIBRARY

AMY HORTON

VISUAL ARTS ALISON COLE
MUSIC (K-2)JEN McLACHLAN
MUSIC (Y3-6)CARIS DOYLE
DANCEMEL DUNNE
LEARNING SUPPORT & STUDENT WELLBEING COORDINATOR

LOUISE HOWLETT 

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL - EARLY STAGE 1

ENGLISH LANGUAGE SUPPORTJEN CHRISTIE / JEN LAU / JUDY JONES
HIGH PERFORMANCE & GIFTED EDUCATIONSARAH BLUESTONE
LEARNING SUPPORT JEN CHRISTIE / JEN LAU
ADMINISTRATION TEAM

POPPY KRILIS - MANAGER

AMANDA McKENZIE

SAKIKO JOHNSON

AMANDA PALFREYMAN

MATT ROE (BAND)

STUDENT SUPPORT OFFICERS

TANYA KOS

DARCY ANDERSON

KATE MORK

SAM BENNETT

TRENT BORNSTEIN

YASMIN LOHREY

MIKAKO ENDO - PRESCHOOL

DIANE STEVENS

GENERAL ASSISTANCEDALLAS McWHIRTER

SCHOOL CONTRIBUTIONS FOR 2025

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

· Software licences for digital resources used with the Interactive panels and for work in class and at home eg. 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. 

2025 VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTION

TOTAL for one child attending the school

$150.00

TOTAL for two children attending the school 

$270.00
TOTAL for three children attending the school$300.00

Online payment method is preferred and can be made via the school website or School Bytes 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 Mr Braiding if you ever need to discuss difficulties with payment.

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

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, dance, 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 2025

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 extracurricular 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)

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 $165. For more information please contact our band co-ordinator Matt at matthew.roe3@det.nsw.edu.au

STRING PROGRAM (VIOLIN & CELLO) 

The Rozelle Public School string program offers extracurricular music lessons for the Violin and Cello to children from as early as kindergarten onwards. Private lessons are held at the school during the school day. lessons are NOW available at RPS in 2025. We are very fortunate to welcome Mr Alfred Yu to take violin lessons this year on Tuesdays, with his wealth of experience teaching and performing.

  • VIOLIN TUTOR: Alfred Yu
  • CELLO TUTOR: Henry Bury

Please contact our band co-ordinator Matt at  matthew.roe3@det.nsw.edu.au for further information on lesson costs, times available and hire/buy options.

UKULELE PROGRAM

The Rozelle Public School ukulele program offers extracurricular 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. 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

UKELELES 2025 SCHEDULE

TUESDAYS 8.10am 
WEDNESDAYS 8.00am
THURSDAYS 8.10am
Year 1 Ukes
Year 5 & 6 Ukes
Years 2 & 3 & 4 Ukes
KEYBOARD LESSONS (GROUP)

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

Leichhardt 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

FRENCH LESSONS

Bonjour Babies offer French lessons at Rozelle Public School on Wednesday afternoons from 3pm-4.55pm. Places are strictly limited (max. 10 students). This club is open to students aged 6 - 12 yrs old. To register/enquire please email: info@bonjourbabies.com.au. 

MUSIC & CREATIVE ARTS PROGRAM

Music, Dance & Performing Arts

ARTS UNIT DANCE WORKSHOPS (Y1-6)

The Arts Unit offers a variety of workshops through the year for students to extend their dance skills & are held at Sydney Dance Company studios by professional tutors. Own transport required. Details: https://artsunit.nsw.edu.au/program/primary-dance-workshops

Coming soon are:

  • Years 1 and 2 – one day workshop; Monday 12 May, 10am – 2pm ($65)
  • Years 3 and 4 – one day workshop; Tuesday 13 May, 10am – 2pm ($75)
  • Years 5 and 6 – two day workshop; Monday 5 and Tuesday 6 May, 9am – 3pm ($150)
  • Years 4 to 12 boys– one day workshop; Wednesday 7 May, 9am – 3pm ($85)

FILM MAKERS Y5-6

'Film By' is offering an online workshop for students interested in filmmaking & covering camera operation, sound design, green screen & storytelling. The workshop will be held on Thursday 22 May 9:30am to 3pm (beginners/online only). Cost: $30/student. A Teams link will be provided once registration and fees are paid. Applications: https://artsunit.nsw.edu.au/film-by/workshops/individual-student-workshops

CALENDAR TERM DATES

Term 1 Key Dates

WEEK 4

  • Meet the Teacher Evening Sessions (K-2) - Tuesday 18 February
  • Meet the Teacher Evening Sessions (Y3-6) - Wednesday 19 February

WEEK 5

  • P&C Meeting - Wednesday 26 February (7.30pm Staff room)

WEEK 6

  • ZONE Swimming Carnival - Wednesday 5 March
  • P&C Welcome Picnic - Friday 7 March from 4:30pm

WEEK 7

  • Y3-6 ASSEMBLY - Host: 4 Zambizi - Monday 10 March from 2pm
  • NAPLAN Testing Commences - Wednesday 12 March concludes Monday 24 March

WEEK 8

  • K-2 ASSEMBLY - Host: 2 Congo - Monday 17 March from 2pm
  • NAPLAN Testing Period 

WEEK 9

  • Y3-6 ASSEMBLY - Host: 4 Okavango - Monday 24 March from 2pm
  • Swim Scheme Program Years 2 & 3 from Monday 24 March till Friday 4 April
  • Y6 Canberra Excursion - Wednesday 26 March - Friday 28 March
  • P&C Meeting - Wednesday 26 March
  • P&C Trivia Night - Saturday 29 March

WEEK 10

  • Y5 Stanwell Tops Excursion - Wednesday 2 April - Friday 4 April

WEEK 11

  • K-2 ASSEMBLY - Host: 2 Mississippi - Monday 7 April from 2pm
  • Student Last Day - Friday 11 April

TERM 2 - STUDENTS START BACK: Wednesday 30 April

HIGH SCHOOL INFORMATION

SELECTIVE HIGH SCHOOL ENTRY 2026

Applications for selective high school entry in 2026 are now open and will close on 21 February 2025.

The online application as well as additional information can be found on the webpage: https://education.nsw.gov.au/schooling/parents-and-carers/choosing-a-school-setting/selective-high-schools/placement-test

From 2025, the placement tests for selective high schools and opportunity classes will move from single version paper-based tests to computer-based tests.

This change will apply to students seeking placement in a selective high school or opportunity class starting in Term 1, 2026.

Students must sit a placement test to be considered for Year 7 placement in a selective high school. No other form of academic merit is considered.

Test dates

The placement tests are held at scheduled times over multiple days (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) each year. The Selective High School Placement Test is held in the afternoon.

There will be multiple versions of the computer-based test to allow the tests to be conducted over multiple days and allow for a make-up test.

Students attend one test day only and do not need to bring their own device to sit the placement tests.

Test Year

School Entry Year

Main Test Period

Make-up Test

2025

2026

Friday 2 May to Sunday 4 May 2025

Monday 19 May 2025

                                              

DULWICH HIGH SCHOOL OF VISUAL ARTS & DESIGN

RECENT NEWS & ACTIVITIES

Philippines Charity Adventure by Lexi & Teddy

P&C UPDATE

JOIN US FOR THE P&C MEETING!

The first P&C meeting for the year will be held on Wednesday 26 February at 7:30pm - 9pm in the staff room. At this meeting, the P&C will discuss the $80,000 2025 funding budget. According to the P&C survey conducted late last year, over 70 percent of respondents chose educational enrichment activities as the P&C’s 2025 top priority, while 10-20 percent chose improvement to school infrastructure and social events. Common responses regarding wishlists for the school include foreign language instruction, after school care activities, wellness programs, diversity programs and more art and music events. These options will be discussed at this meeting, so If you would like to add your voice to this conversation please join us. 

It’s only $1 per annum to join the P&C!

THE WELCOME PICNIC - FRIDAY 7 MARCH FROM 4:30PM - 6:30PM

FREE ADMISSION – No RSVP Required!

Join us for a delightful afternoon at the RPS Welcome Picnic! Pack a picnic or grab a sausage sizzle and an ice cream from the Gelatissimo cart while enjoying complimentary airbrush tattoos. This is a fantastic opportunity to meet up with friends or make new ones.

Don’t miss the launch of our Sustainable Learning Area with special guest Mayor Darcy Byrnes! We look forward to seeing you there!

Sign up & volunteer to help on the BBQ on the day here: volunteersignup.org/KXKH4

Please note this is a cashless and alcohol free event.

SAVE THE DATE -  TRIVIA NIGHT - SATURDAY 29 MARCH

The annual sell out parents only Trivia night is on Saturday 29 March, 7pm - 10.30pm in the school hall. Book individual seats or a table of 8. Tickets $25p. This event sells out so get in quick!

BYO Food and Drink. Adults only event.

Tickets on sale soon,

CLASS WHATSAPP 

As students start their 2025 classes, the P&C would like to introduce our brand-new Rozelle Public School WhatsApp Community!

This will be the new way to keep everyone connected, informed, and up to date—all in one place.

What’s the WhatsApp Community?

Think of it as our school’s central hub:

● Quick and Easy Updates: The P&C will use the main announcements group to share important school-wide news, so you won’t miss a thing and there will be less of a burden on Class Reps.

● Your Class, Your Space: Each class will have its own private group within the Community. You’ll still have your usual space for class-specific chats and updates, but now everything is nicely linked together. The P&C and school admins will not be able to see what goes on in there.

Privacy? Don’t Worry!

● The P&C will manage the Community but won’t have access to any private class group conversations—those remain yours to enjoy.

How to Join the Community

It’s super easy! Just click the link below to join the School WhatsApp Community and then join your childs group. LINK: https://chat.whatsapp.com/IO9FrVFTJjg7y2dlA4cojC

This is a great step toward making communication smoother and more streamlined for all of us—no more chasing updates or missed messages. We can’t wait to see you there!

NEW UNIFORM ORDERS

Please order new items online from LW Reid Made for Schools with deliveries direct to your home. New orders can be made using this link madeforschool

SECOND HAND UNIFORM SHOP

The Second hand uniform shop operates from 8:45am-9:15am, every second Friday through-out the term in weeks 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 in the Canteen, located above the stairs across from the hall.

REMINDERS & SCHOOL ADMIN INFORMATION

PARENT ONLINE PAYMENT SYSTEM
RPS use School Bytes finance system for online payment and permission form consent. If you have not done so already, parents should access the School Bytes portal and register using https://portal.schoolbytes.education.

When logged online, go to the "Activities Section" to give parent consent and payment. PLEASE NOTE: Consent must be given before a payment can be made. 

You can access your portal at anytime, using the portal link https://portal.schoolbytes.education.

You an also access your portal via the Rozelle Public School website - by clicking on the button "Make a Payment" located at the bottom of the home page screen. If you should have any questions, or have difficulty logging in, please get in touch with the School Office. 

SURF HATS

Rozelle has a supply of small and medium Surf Hats for sale from the office for $15 cash.  Stage 3 Caps can also be purchased from the office for $13 cash. 

THE SCHOOL CANTEEN
The School Canteen operates as an order-only service five days per week. All orders are made online through Spriggy Schools app and delivered to the school in time for students to enjoy at lunchtime and recess. Orders need to be placed by 7:30am on the day or can be placed weekly in advance. Families will need to download the Spriggy Schools app and create a profile for their child. If you need assistance visit spriggyschools.com.au.

NUT AWARE
A number of students at Rozelle have been diagnosed with a life-threatening allergy to nuts. While it is not advised for the school to declare itself “nut-free” we are definitely a “nut-aware” school. This means that we ask parents/carers to carefully consider the food they provide for their child and avoid foods that contain nuts. Before sending in food for special occasions for your child’s class, please check with the teacher. The school appreciates everyone’s effort in keeping all our students safe and supporting their families to manage this difficult situation.

COMMUNITY

ROZELLE PUBLIC SCHOOL

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