Northern Round Up

Term 3 Week 10 - 2025

School News

Term 4 will see our Hat Policy return to full focus.

As the sunny days continue, it's more important than ever for our students to protect themselves from the harmful effects of the sun during break times. Wearing a hat is a simple and effective way to reduce the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage.

At our school, we prioritise the health and safety of all students. That’s why we ask every student to wear a hat when they are outside during recess and lunch. To maintain a consistent and respectful school environment, we require students to wear the official school hat. However, we also accept neutral black or navy hats, provided they are either bucket style or full brim. These styles offer the best protection by shading the face, ears, and neck.

We encourage families to support this policy by ensuring their children come to school each day with an appropriate hat. Together, we can help our students enjoy the outdoors safely and build lifelong habits for sun safety.

Thank you for your ongoing support in keeping our school community healthy and safe.

Stationery Supplies need refreshing

As we approach the upcoming school term, we encourage all families to take a moment during the break to refresh their child’s stationery supplies. Having the right tools on hand helps students stay organised and ready to engage fully in their learning each day.

We ask our school community to consider the individual needs of their child and ensure they have all necessary items for a successful Term 4. In particular, we now require students to have at least two quality whiteboard markers. These markers are essential for classroom activities and student participation on whiteboards.

To support longevity and consistent performance, we recommend using Teachable Whiteboard Markers or Expo brand markers. These brands are known for their durability and resistance to drying out, helping students and teachers avoid interruptions during lessons.

Thank you for your support in helping us maintain a productive and well-prepared learning environment. We look forward to an exciting and successful Term 4!

Keeping our Children safe online during the break

As the school break approaches, many families will be enjoying more time at home, with children likely spending increased time online. While the internet offers wonderful opportunities for learning and entertainment, it is important to ensure our children’s online activity is safe and balanced.

We strongly recommend that parents and carers closely monitor their child’s internet use during the break. Limiting access to times when adults can supervise helps protect children from inappropriate content and online risks. Being present while children are online allows adults to guide positive digital habits and address any concerns immediately.

Additionally, we suggest that home internet routers be disconnected or turned off during night hours, especially when adults are asleep. This simple step helps ensure children are not using devices unsupervised late at night, supporting healthy sleep routines and reducing exposure to potentially harmful online environments.

Together, by staying vigilant and involved, we can help our children enjoy the benefits of technology safely and responsibly.

Thank you for your ongoing support in keeping our school community safe and connected.

How to support your child with Bullying

Bullying, whether it happens at school or online, can be distressing for children and families alike. If your child shares with you that they are being bullied, it’s important to respond with care, support, and clear strategies to help them feel safe and empowered.

Here are three key strategies parents can use to support their child:

  • Listen and Believe Your Child - Start by creating a safe space for your child to talk openly. Listen carefully without interrupting or immediately offering solutions. Let them know you believe them and that it’s not their fault. Feeling heard and supported is the first step towards healing.

  • Gather Information and Document - Encourage your child to share details about what has happened—when, where, and who was involved. Keep a record of incidents, including screenshots or messages if the bullying is online. This documentation is helpful when working with the school or other authorities to address the situation.

  • Work Collaboratively with the School - Contact your child’s teacher, principal, or the school’s welfare team to report the bullying. Schools have policies and procedures in place to address bullying and support students. Collaborating with staff ensures a coordinated approach to keep your child safe and promote positive change.

  • Remember, your support and proactive involvement make a significant difference in your child’s wellbeing. If you ever feel your child is in immediate danger, seek professional help promptly.

    Thank you for partnering with us to create a safe and respectful school community for all students.

    The Importance of Home Reading During the School Holidays

    As we approach the school holidays, it’s a perfect time to encourage our students and their families to keep the joy of reading alive at home. While holidays offer a well-deserved break from the routine of school, they also present a valuable opportunity for children to continue developing their literacy skills in a relaxed and enjoyable way.

    Research consistently shows that children who engage in regular reading over holiday breaks maintain and even improve their reading abilities. This continued practice supports vocabulary growth, comprehension skills, and a lifelong love of learning. Reading at home also provides a wonderful chance for families to connect, share stories, and explore new worlds together.

    Incorporating reading into holiday routines doesn’t have to be a chore. Whether it’s a favourite storybook, an exciting novel, or engaging online reading activities, every bit of reading counts. Encouraging children to read daily, even in small amounts, can help maintain momentum and build confidence.

    To support your child’s reading at home during the holidays, here are five practical tips to get started with online reading:

  • Explore Interactive E-books and Audiobooks: Many websites and apps offer free access to interactive e-books and audiobooks that make reading fun and engaging for children of all ages.

  • Use Educational Reading Websites: Platforms like Storyline Online, ABC Reading Eggs, or local library digital collections provide a wide range of age-appropriate books and reading activities.

  • Set a Daily Reading Time: Create a consistent time each day dedicated to reading. This routine helps children form good habits and look forward to their reading time.

  • Join Online Reading Challenges: Encourage your child to participate in holiday reading challenges or book clubs available through schools or public libraries to add motivation and a sense of community.

  • Discuss What They Read: Take a few minutes to talk about the stories or information your child encounters online. Asking questions and sharing thoughts enhances comprehension and makes reading more meaningful.

  • By supporting home reading during the holidays, we give our children a strong foundation for success in school and beyond. Let’s work together to keep their love of reading thriving all year round!

    GNPS Card System

    This document outlines the new 'Card System' that will commence at the beginning of Term 3, 2025. This will replace the existing 'Loss of Privileges' process. 
    Download

    Stationery Pack Update

    Our stationery outline will be updated shortly to reflect the addition of two whiteboard markers. These are used constantly in our learning environments. All students have access to mini whiteboards and the some classes have whiteboard top tables. From term 2, all students will require 2x Whiteboard Markers of any colour added to their personal stationery supply.

    We do ask you to ensure that these are 'Whiteboard' markers and not 'Permanent' Markers. Permanent Markers are still not required in student personal supplies.   

    Stationery Needs - 2025

    As we end the school year and prepare for a new one, our current stationery list will remain in place for 2025.

    All students will be asked to supply their own basic stationery needs at school. The need for students to take some ownership and responsibility in this area has increased over the years. We are hoping that this sense of ownership over the supply will lead to our students taking great care with their supplies. Part of this plan will be that equipment will be sent home each Friday. This will allow our community to review your children's current equipment levels and resupply as needed.

    The school has created this list based on basic Kmart resources. This ensures it is accessible and fairly low in cost. You do have the flexibility of adjusting the brands and exact purchases based on what is available and meets the needs of the list. 

    The cost of a K-3 stationery supply is roughly $13, whilst a 4-6 stationery supply is slightly higher at around $17.

    The school will continue to have a small supply to help with meeting the needs of those student who forget their pencil case or who are unable to purchase the required equipment.

    If you have any questions regarding this, please contact your child's classroom teacher or team leader.

    Stationery Lists - 2025

    Stationery Lists for K-3 and 4-6.
    This is the latest updated list.
    Download
    Ali Condylios is our Community Liaison Officer (CLO) and works on Tuesdays to support our school and community. She can be contacted at the address above.

    School Uniform as a focus in 2025

    We are so proud of our school and are keen to maintain our current momentum. We would like to refocus our attention back on the need for our students to wear our uniform each day. The Behaviour Code for Students outlines an expectation that all students will '...meet the school's agreed uniform policy or dress code'. 

    Our focus will shift in 2025, with a renewed expectation for students to wear their uniform each day. The inclusion of the 'commemorative shirt' will continue in 2025. However the regular uniform that is now purchased from Lowes looks amazing. We want to ensure that the great school of North, is represented through the uniform that all students wear each day.

    To assist with this focus, our new 2025, Reward System will be reflected with this focus in 2025. More details below.

    Important Update on GNPS Social Media Policy

    As part of our ongoing commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of our students, we are implementing a new policy regarding our school's social media presence. Beginning in Semester 2, our social media accounts will only feature images of students who are in full school uniform.

    This decision reflects our dedication to promoting a positive school identity and reinforcing our school values. By showcasing our students in their school uniforms, we aim to foster a sense of pride and belonging within our school community.

    We understand that sharing moments and achievements is important, and we will continue to celebrate the wonderful activities and events taking place at our school. However, we believe that this change will enhance the privacy and protection of our students while still allowing us to highlight their accomplishments.

    School Calendar Events - Term 4 2025

    Whilst we aim to be accurate with the details below, there are times when we are required to adjust times and dates to match whole school events. Audiri posts and Facebook notifications are generally better at providing the best information regarding the school calendar.

    Week 1

    13 October to 19 October

    • Monday 13 October - Staff Development Day - Admin is open
    • Tuesday 14 October - Students return to learning.

    Week 2

    20 October to 26 October

    • Tuesday 21 October - RDA
    • Tuesday 21 October - Got It Parent Meetings.
    • Friday 24 October - Responsible Pet Ownership Talks - K-2 classes

    Week 3

    27 October to 2 November

    • Halloween Book Fair at school this week!! Buy a cheap BOO-k!
    • Tuesday 28 October - Grandparents Day
    • Wednesday 29 October - Kinder Orientation Session 1
    • Thursday 30 October - Halloween Disco
    • Friday 31 October - World Teachers Day
    • Friday 31 October - HALLOWEEN!!

    Week 4

    3 November to 9 November

    • Monday 3 November - P&C Meeting - All welcome
    • Tuesday 4 November - RDA
    • Tuesday 4 November - Kinder 2026 Information Evening 
    • Wednesday 5 November - Kinder Orientation Session 2
    • Friday 7 November - Ranger Jamie Tours Excursion - Primary Classes

    Week 5

    10 November to 16 November

    • Tuesday 11 November - Remembrance Day 2025
    • Tuesday 11 November - K-2 Raiders Gala Day
    • Wednesday 12 November - Kinder Orientation Session 3
    • Thursday 13 November - World Kindness Day
    • Friday 14 November - Jump Rope For Heart - Jump Off!!

    Week 6

    17 November to 23 November

    • Tuesday 18 November - RDA
    • Wednesday 19 November - NRMA Road Safety Day
    • Friday 21 November - K-2 Canberra Zoo and Aquarium Excursion

    Week 7

    24 November to 30 November

    • Wednesday 26 November - Year 6 Big Day Out - Jamberoo
    • Thursday 27 November - School Captains Mayoral Reception

    Week 8

    1 December to 7 December

    • Monday 1 December - P&C Meeting
    • Tuesday 2 December - RDA
    • Tuesday 2 December - High School Orientation Day - MHS and GHS
    • Wednesday 3 December - MHS Family Event

    Week 9

    8 December to 14 December

    • Wednesday 10 December - Presentation Evening - GCOPS

    Week 10

    15 December to 21 December

    • Monday 15 December - Year 6 Farewell
    • Tuesday 16 December - Community Breakfast Event
    • Wednesday 17 December - Water Fun Day
    • Friday 19 December - Last Day for 2025
    • Friday 19 December - Changing of the Guard Ceremony

    Save the Dates:

    2026 Fireworks- New Year, New Theme!

    Save the Date!    Saturday 9th May 2026


    We look forward to bringing you another spectacular event in 2026

    Northern Bites - Update

    Northern Bites

    The canteen is open weekly this year on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays, and if anyone is interested in helping out in the canteen to please contact Sharon, our canteen manager on 0428 259 791. Please download QKR to order your students lunch online

    Kind Regards

    Sharon

    Current Canteen Menu

    Please find attached the current menu. Orders can be sent to school or placed via the QKR app.
    Download

    Around the area...

    North Support Resources

    Our New Rules/Expectations 2025

    Please click on the link to learn about our new set of School Rules/Expectations. This commenced across the school in 2024 and will continue moving into 2025. You are more than welcome to ask the school office for a copy of these document to share and discuss with your children at home.
    Download

    School Contact Guide

    There are many times that you may need to contact the school to discuss things. The best contact to start this process is your child's Classroom Teacher and your child's Team Leader. The guide enclosed is a digital copy of the paper copy sent home at the commencement of term. This guide will be frequently updated with names of new staff and staff associated with your child's stage of learning. 

    Please contact the school by either calling or email, outline your needs and we will ensure that the right member of staff is passed on the details so they can connect directly with you.

    Download

    NSW Behaviour Code for Students

    Please find attached a copy of the NSW Behaviour Code for Students. Our current focus for the remainder of Term 4 is reducing 'Inappropriate Language' at school. This code outlines student expectation in being respectful to others and speaking courteously. 
    Download

    GNPS Mobile Phone Policy and Guidelines

    Our guidelines for Student Mobile Phone and Portable Devices at GNPS.
    Download

    School Community Charter

    The following School Community Charter outlines the responsibilities of parents, carers, educators and school staff in NSW public schools to ensure our learning environments are collaborative, supportive and cohesive. 
    Feel free to download and read at your leisure. 
    Download

    Mental Health Service and Support

    The school has had a recent number of students that have been experiencing some difficulty and have required to access the support of CAMHS. The school is currently working with the 'Be You' team to seek additional support and services in this space. We are here to help as best we can, we would ideally like to work proactively with our community. If you would like to discuss anything to do with your children, please reach out and contact the school. We are more than happy to provide whatever support we can.

    The 'BeYou' Team have provided the following information for places where you can also seek support for yourself or your children.

    Download

    Please remember to...

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