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 and present.

THANK YOU TO OUR VOLUNTEERS

On behalf of the entire school community, we would like to express our sincere gratitude for the time, effort and dedication of the school volunteers who have generously given so much over the course of 2024. Your support and hard work make a significant difference in the lives of our students, staff and families. Whether you helped in the classroom, organized events, or contributed in any other way, your contributions are truly appreciated. Thank you for being an integral part of our school’s success. Your kindness and commitment inspire us all.

PERFORMING ARTS

Congratulations to Ava P (6 Paterson) on her hard work, commitment and excellence as part of the Featured Drama Ensemble in the 2024 Schools Spectacular. We have had fantastic feedback from choreographers and teachers who organised the program as to how responsive, focused and considerate the students were and the amazing skills they have acquired. Ava represented Rozelle Public School with enormous pride and respect and we are proud of her achievement. Well done Ava!

STAFFING NEWS  FOR 2025

In 2025, there will be some changes in staffing across the school. Some of these changes are short term, others for a longer period, some permanent. 

Caris Doyle will be returning from her maternity leave to teach music 3 days a week.

Nicole Lamsa will be returning after spending last year in Finland. We look forward to Nicole’s return in 2025. 

Michael Bancks will be retiring from teaching his own class and will return to casual teaching.

And finally, Andrew Braiding will be returning from taking extended leave in 2024 energised and ready for all the new challenges ahead. 

I, Angela Svinos am very grateful to have had this opportunity to step up into the role of Principal. RPS is fortunate to have a depth of talented leaders who supported me to lead the school this year. I know Andrew is also looking forward to returning.

YEAR 3-6 PRESENTATION ASSEMBLY 

Ms Tara Bryant, our Deputy Principal, is planning for our end of year Presentation Assembly. This assembly is for our Year 3-6 students and parents are most welcome to attend. The assembly is planned for Wednesday 11 December commencing at 9.15am.

LAST DAY OF SCHOOL

The last day of the school year for 2024 is Wednesday 18 December. The long standing tradition of the leavers arch will continue as will the special Leavers Assembly. For Year Six and those students leaving the school, the leavers arch will take place at around 2.45pm on that day.

LEAVERS ASSEMBLY

On Wednesday 18 December, the school will host the final assembly for the year - the Leavers Assembly. The assembly will start at 9.15am where Year Six will be presented with their graduation certificates. Students across other grades, who are leaving the school, will also be acknowledged with a certificate. 

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.

We've witnessed some fine performances this term from all stages of the band and that sadly brings us to the last assembly performance of the year. Advanced members have been handpicked by Helen and are busily rehearsing for what will be one of the most technically difficult performances of the year. Parents welcome to attend as always!

• Week 9 - Wednesday 11 Dec 9:15am (Presentation Day Assembly) - Me! & Aladdin 
  
  

MORNING BAND REHEARSALS
Week 9 & 10 as normal until Wednesday 18 December. School leavers to please drop their instruments in the band room after their last rehearsal with name labelled clearly.

• Monday 7:45am - 8:45am - Year 4 (Junior band)
• Tuesday 7:45am - 8:45am - Years 5 & 6 (Senior band)
• Wednesday 7:45am - 8:45am - Training band (all novices)
• Thursday 7:45am - 8:45am - Year 4 (Junior band)
• Friday 7:45am - 8:45am - Years 5 & 6 (Senior band)
  
  

WANT TO JOIN THE RPS BAND NEXT YEAR?

A reminder that we are seeking expression of interest from those students currently in Year 2 to join the 2025 RPS Training Band .  We also encourage any children currently in years 3-5 to join as it's never too late to learn!  No experience is necessary. We have flute, clarinet, trumpet,  trombone and Alto Sax positions available. If you think your child might be interested to join the band next year, please email matthew.roe3@det.nsw.edu.au 

RPS STRINGS PROGRAM

Sadly, Bianca Parison has made the difficult decision to relocate interstate next year and will therefore be unable to continue with her violin tutoring at RPS. Bianca has only been with us a short while, but it was wonderful that she was able to take over the programme at very short notice and see the children through Term 4. Rest assured that the search will begin for a replacement to start in 2025!   

K-2 PERCUSSION GROUP

Bruce Stephens runs a very popular Friday lunchtime percussion group for stage 1 children in Kindy through to Year 2. Bruce teaches the children basic composition using standard music notation and introduces them to great beats using an array of percussive instruments including drums,  drum sticks and boom whackers. The class is focused on making music fun! It also provides a springboard to play in the RPS band by encouraging them to learn to play as a group. We are now accepting expressions of interest if your child would be interested to join in Term 1 2025. Please contact matthew.roe3@det.nsw.edu.au 

JAZZ IN THE PARK
Jazz in the Park returns in 2024 on Saturday 7 December from 1pm-6pm as Balmain comes alive with the sounds of Jazz in Gladstone Park! An event sure to please lovers of fine music. Enjoy a picnic and bring the family to experience an afternoon in the park with the best of Inner West Jazz. Featuring an outstanding line-up of musicians & check out wonderful stallholders and workshops throughout the day including Together2 and Rock Paper Scissors. Details: https://www.innerwest.nsw.gov.au/explore/whats-on/annual-events/jazz-in-the-park

CAROLS ON NORTON 2024
Date: Sunday 15 December   
Time: 7pm
It’s on again! Carols on Norton, the magical outdoor musical experience under the stars is back at Pioneers Memorial Park on Sunday 15 December at 7pm. Sit back with your family and friends as the sun goes down and sing along with the Leichhardt Espresso Chorus, the Candy Cane Kids Choir, the incredible Tinsel Orchestra and more! It’s all free. Don’t forget the picnic basket! Details: https://espressochorus.com.au/carols-on-norton/

SYDNEY YOUTH ORCHESTRA: SUMMER SCHOOL
SYO Summer School runs from13-18 January for students in primary school who play an orchestral instrument; from their first year of playing through to AMEB Grades. Musicians will receive expert guidance from tutors and conductors & placed in ensembles suited to their experience level, helping them build confidence while learning alongside their peers. No audition needed. Details: https://syo.com.au/

WEEK 9

• Kindy Christmas Sing-along - Tuesday 10 December at 9:15am
• Stage 1 Christmas Sing-along - Tuesday 10 December at 10:15am
• Indigenous Literacy Foundation Book Swap - Tuesday 10 December 
• Presentation Day (Years 3-6) - Wednesday 11 December at 9:15am
• Year 6 Farewell Evening - Thursday 12 December from 6pm-8pm 

WEEK 10

• School Fun Day - Monday 16 December
• Last Day for Students - Wednesday 18 December
• Leavers Assembly - Wednesday 18 December at 9:15am
• Leavers Arch - Wednesday 18 December at 2:45pm

2025 KEY DATES

• First School Day Back for ALL Students (Kindy to Year 6) - Thursday 6 February
• Preschool Thursday & Friday Group Commence - Thursday 6 February
• Preschool Monday & Tuesday Group Commence - Monday 10 February
• Y2-6 Swimming Carnival - Friday 14 February
• P&C Welcome Picnic - Friday 7 March
• Y6 Canberra Excursion - Wednesday 26 March - Friday 28 March
• Y5 Stanwell Tops Excursion - Wednesday 2 April - Friday 4 April
• Last Day of Term 1 - Friday 11 April

A reminder for any parents or visitors attending the school assembly to please enter the front of the school, via the Darling Street entry.

Here are some exciting activities happening at OSHclub in the coming months!

LET'S PLAY: Monday 9 December

TREAT YO'SELF: Friday 13 December  

PUPIL FREE DAYS CARE: Thursday 19 and Friday 20 December with special Christmas activities running from 7.30am to 6pm

OSHCLUB HOLIDAY CAMP PROGRAM: Running from 6 January 2025