Newsletter | Term 1 Week 10

Principal Message

I would like to take a moment to express our appreciation to our parents and the entire school community for your understanding during the recent disruption when our phone lines were down for three days. During this time, we were fortunate to have technology at our disposal, allowing us to rely on mobile phones for emergencies and to communicate effectively via email. Your patience, support and understanding is appreciated.

Book Fair

Thank you to all the parents who supported the Book Fair, it was great to see so many families visiting the school, supporting the school and positive reading habits through purchasing engaging books for your children.

Did you know: By reading to children starting at a young age, even before they’re able to communicate verbally, helps lay the neurological groundwork for effective language use and literacy? That’s partly because books expose children to vocabulary and grammar that they wouldn’t normally hear.

Thank you to Mr Tassell who was available for all students and families to have the chance to buy from the Book Fair.

Continue learning and discussing learning while on holidays!

As the holiday break approaches, it’s a wonderful opportunity for students to relax and recharge. However, maintaining a connection to learning during this time can be beneficial for their academic growth. Here are some practical ways you can support your child's continued learning, while not ‘learning’:

1. Reading Together
   Encourage daily reading by selecting a mix of fiction and non-fiction books. Create a cosy reading corner where you can read together. Discuss the stories and ask questions to enhance comprehension and critical thinking.
2. Games
   Engage your child with board games, card games, or puzzles that promote problem-solving skills and critical thinking. Games that involve maths, language, or strategy can be both fun and educational.
3. Activities
   Incorporate activities such as cooking or baking, which can teach measurement and following instructions. Explore science experiments using household items to spark curiosity and encourage exploration.
4. Nature Walks
   Take nature walks and encourage your child to observe their surroundings. Count different items to support numeracy. Discuss the different plants, animals, and ecosystems you encounter. This can be a great way to integrate maths, science and environmental education into your holiday activities.
5. Creative Arts and Crafts
   Support your child's creativity by engaging in arts and crafts projects. Encourage them to express themselves through drawing, painting, or building with recycled materials. This fosters creativity and fine motor skills.
6. Writing
   Give your child access to writing materials, encourage them to write and enjoy writing. This can encourage creativity whilst continuing the use of fine motor skills and supporting writing in everyday experiences.

By incorporating these activities into your holiday plans, you can create a supportive learning environment that keeps your child engaged and excited about learning.

The importance of checking-in at the office

At our school, we welcome everyone who walks through our gates. Whether you're a parent or a community member, your presence enriches our school environment and supports our students' learning experiences. However, we want to take a moment to emphasise the importance of checking in at the office upon your arrival.

When you arrive at the office, our office staff will assist you to check-in and guide you to your destination within the school. This process not only helps us keep track of visitors but also allows us to provide you with information and support as needed.

We genuinely welcome all visitors to our school and appreciate your cooperation in this important safety measure. Your understanding and adherence to our check-in policy contribute significantly to the overall well-being of our school community.

Return to School – Term 2

We are getting towards the end of Term 1 with the last day 11 April. It is important to note that Term 2 has two School Development Days, Monday 28 and Tuesday 29 April.

All students return for Term 2 - Wednesday 30 April.

Nick Garner
Rel. Principal

Celebrating Success

Mrs. Watson and her dedicated gardening team have been hard at work, showcasing the importance of sustainability in our school community. Their recent tasks, which included weeding, mulching, composting, and harvesting rosemary, have kept them busy and engaged!

These gardening experiences not only teach our students where food comes from but also instill a sense of responsibility and teamwork. By engaging in these meaningful activities, they are fostering a deeper connection with nature and developing healthy eating habits.

We are proud of our gardening team’s efforts and their role in promoting sustainability within our school. Together, we are cultivating a brighter, greener future for our community!

Miss Katen
Rel. Deputy Principal

Early Stage 1

A look ahead at Term 2 

Like all good things, Term 1 is coming to an end. It will soon be time to take a rest and recharge for our youngest learners. Term 2 is going to be a time full of growing and exploring new learning. Speaking of which, below I’ve added our plans for the upcoming term. 

Getting Along   

In Kindergarten we are focusing on getting along in the classroom and playground.   

At Floraville Public school, students are expected to:  

• Be kind and respectful  

• Be safe  

• Keep hands and feet to self  

What are we learning in Kindergarten in Term 2? 

Literacy 

Remember, we are looking for the sound the letter makes - not its name. How many words can you make from the sounds you know?  

Numeracy 

Our term 2 programs will cover the following concepts in two-week blocks. 

Understanding Equality 

This area emphasises the concept of whole numbers, as well as the skills of adding to and taking away from amounts, while introducing the idea of mass. 

Exploring Data 

Students will learn to represent whole numbers, work with adding to and taking away from amounts, and gain an understanding of time and data analysis. 

Choosing Measurement Units 

This topic covers whole numbers and their additions and subtractions, while also introducing measurement concepts related to length and time. 

Manipulating Collections 

Students will explore how collections of objects can change by either increasing or decreasing them, focusing on whole numbers, amount adjustments, and data handling. 

Movement and Location 

This section encourages understanding whole numbers, adding to and subtracting from amounts, forming groups, and introduces geometric concepts related to position and length. 

History 

In our ongoing exploration of the differences between the past and present, we invite you to share any technology from the past that you may have at home, such as CD players, cassette recorders, vinyl players, or older button phones. Discussing these items with your children can provide valuable insights into how they were used in everyday life. Our family history journals are still circulating, make sure to send it back in when you’ve completed your part. 

Science 

Students explore the characteristics and needs of living things, understanding that they require essential elements such as air, food, and water. They enhance their learning by investigating the growth of a plant. 

PD/H/PE 

PE – How can we move and be active with others?  

PD/H – What makes me special and how do I communicate with others?  

Nhunda kumba kumba (thank you and goodbye) 
Mr Myers
Early Stage 1 Assistant Principal Rel.

Stage 1

As we approach the end of the term, it's hard to believe how quickly the time has flown by! It has been wonderful to meet and connect with so many parents and carers during the recent parent-teacher interviews. Your involvement and insights have been invaluable in supporting the growth and success of our students. We look forward to a productive Term 2, filled with new learning opportunities and growth.

Personal Development/Health

We continue to learn about effective communication and how to express our thoughts and feelings with an emphasis on body language. Body language conveys emotions and intentions often more powerfully than words. By understanding and practicing body language, students can enhance their interpersonal skills and build stronger relationships.

At home, students can engage in various activities to practice expressing their feelings through body language:

1. Emotion Charades: Play a game of charades where your child take turns acting out different emotions without speaking. Others must guess the emotion based solely on body language.
2. Mirror Activity: Pair up and have one person express a feeling (like happiness, sadness, or anger) using only their body language while the other person mirrors their actions. This helps develop awareness of non-verbal cues.
3. Storytelling with Gestures: Encourage your child to tell a story or recount a favourite memory using expressive body language and gestures. This reinforces the connection between verbal and non-verbal communication.
4. Daily Emotion Check-In: At school, students check-in daily by identifying their feelings in different contexts. At home, have your child check-in each day and reflect on how they felt throughout the day and practice expressing those emotions with body language in front of a mirror.

Through these activities, students can become more attuned to their own emotions and learn to communicate more effectively with others, both verbally and non-verbally.

Gymnastics

Stage 1 are enjoying gymnastics lessons. They are participating enthusiastically, learning new skills and most importantly having fun. If any lessons are postponed, they will be rescheduled and noted on the School Bytes Parent Calendar.

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Mrs Martinez
Stage 1 Assistant Principal 

Stage 2

It is always a pleasure to visit the Year 3 and 4 classrooms and chat with students about their learning. Students are engaged with their work and they are keen to share it with an audience.

3A

In 3A, Zayden and Maliah created some outstanding artwork inspired by John Wolseley. His art often explores the relationships between nature and human impact, showing an appreciation for the Australian landscape. What better inspiration than our very own gully! 3A has done an amazing job with their creations and well done, Zayden and Maliah.

2/3K

2/3K have been finding ways to improve their mental strategies when adding two numbers. One method is ‘levelling’, where numbers are rounded to make them easier to add.  Lachlan and Lucas were very proud to show this technique. It sure does make addition simpler.

3/4O

Class 3/4O has been busily researching information on natural disasters such as volcanos and earthquakes as part of their learning in Geography. They were interested to discover that an earthquake occurred in Newcastle in 1989. Even more interesting for them was that Mr O and Mrs Barden were able to give a firsthand recount of what happened on the day.

4/5D

4/5D have been studying the book Desert Lake by Pamela Freeman and Liz Anelli. It is a hybrid text that combines narrative storytelling with factual information, blending elements of fiction and non-fiction to explore the ecology and cultural significance of a desert environment. Kingston, Archie, Willow and Matilda did a wonderful job of creating their own hybrid texts. They included both descriptive and technical language in their writing.

4L

4L are learning about fractions. Ivy, Nina, Aisha and Mylah explained how they were calculating which snail had won an imaginary race. Can you calculate who won?

Term 1 is almost over and the best is still ahead of us.

Mr O'Shannessy
Stage 2 Assistant Principal

Stage 3

As Term 1 comes to a close, it's time for our Stage 3 students to take a well-deserved break! The holidays are a great time for students to rest and reflect on all the exciting things they have learned this term.

Last Friday, Tingira Heights Fire Department visited as part of their bushfire unit in Geography and Science.

During the visit, firefighters led informative discussions that captivated the students, highlighting essential fire safety practices and the ways in which bushfires can affect local environments and communities. The students were thrilled to explore the fire trucks firsthand, gaining a closer look at the vital equipment used in emergency situations, including the Jaws of Life, heat sensors, ladders, and chainsaws. The firefighters also explained the different types of fire trucks, including those specifically designed for bushfire response with 4WD off-road capabilities, as well as those suited for suburban house fires. This firsthand knowledge helped students understand the importance of preparedness and the critical role that firefighters play in safeguarding our community. This hands-on experience helped reinforce the lessons learned in the classroom.

In Personal Development and Health (PDH) unit, students are looking at what makes them who they are and how they can get along better with others. This unit helps students think about how their identity and behaviour can change over time. As part of their learning, students also discover ways to build positive and respectful relationships with others. They learn that showing empathy and understanding how someone else feels is very important. By being inclusive and respectful, students realised they can make a positive difference in their own lives and in the lives of others.

To help support children in this area, families can

1. Encourage Open Communication: Talk with your child about their thoughts and feelings regarding their identity and experiences. Ask open-ended questions that allow them to express themselves and share their unique perspectives. This can help them feel valued and understood.
2. Model Empathy and Respect: Demonstrate empathetic behaviour and respect for others in your everyday interactions. Show your child the importance of considering other people's feelings and experiences, which can help them develop similar attitudes in their relationships.
3. Promote Inclusivity: Encourage your child to include others in activities and to celebrate diversity. Discuss the importance of accepting differences and fostering friendships with people from various backgrounds. This can help them build positive relationships and a strong sense of community.

6N has created a vibrant and meaningful artwork in celebration of Harmony Day, using oil pastels to explore the element of colour in Creative Arts. By drawing on colours symbolising harmony, the students collaboratively designed a piece that embodies unity and diversity. This stunning artwork will be displayed in the school's Aboriginal Culture Hub, highlighting the importance of inclusivity and the rich cultural tapestry of our community. Congratulations to 6N for their outstanding effort and creativity!

Mr Cox
Stage 3 Assistant Principal

School News

9th Annual Newcastle & Hunter Combined Schools ANZAC Commemorative Event: A Celebration of Service

On Tuesday, 1 April 2025, our school leaders had the privilege of attending the 69th Annual Newcastle & Hunter Combined Schools ANZAC Commemorative Event.

The event was a vibrant display of talent, with students from local high schools singing and performing, bringing a fresh twist to the traditional ANZAC Day service.

The event served as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by our servicemen and women, while also celebrating the significant contributions of women throughout our nation's history.

Together, we continue to honour the legacy of those who have served, fostering a spirit of remembrance and respect within our community. Let us carry this spirit forward as we reflect on the importance of service and sacrifice.

Student Representative Council -  Out of Uniform Day

Easter Hat Parade

Hop on Down to the Easter Hat Parade!

Get ready to celebrate Easter in style at Floraville Public School!

When: Friday, April 11 2025 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
What: Annual Easter Hat Parade
Where: Under the Cola

K-2 students will be busy crafting their fabulous Easter hats in the classroom. We can't wait to see the imaginative designs that spring from their creativity! Remember, it’s a day to shine.

3-6 students are encouraged to sport their wackiest hairstyles—think bunny ears, spiky hair, or anything that says “crazy”!

We invite all parents and carers to come along and cheer for your children as they show off their creations in the parade. After the festivities, be sure to stop by the hall for the P&C Easter Raffles, where you could win some egg-citing prizes!

All students are invited to come dressed out of uniform.

We look forward to seeing everyone’s festive spirit and creativity on display! 🐰🎉🥚

Star Struck 

Starting School Information Night

Share Our Space

Swansea Public School

Teralba Public School

Sport News

Primary Athletics Carnival

Congratulations to Aubrey!

We are thrilled to announce that Aubrey L has achieved a significant milestone in her basketball journey. On Wednesday, 26 March, Aubrey participated in the Hunter trials, showcasing her skills and determination. We are proud to share that she has been selected as a member of the Hunter team! We wish her all the best as she represents the Hunter region in upcoming competitions. Go Aubrey!

ELMPSSA Netball

This Wednesday, three students from FPS—Mila S, Indi V, and Sophie M were selected to participate in the trials for the East Lake Macquarie PSSA Netball Team. The girls demonstrated remarkable skill and determination as they competed in an intensive series of ten games to advance to the next stage of selection. The competition was fiercely challenging, yet the girls showcased outstanding performance and sportsmanship throughout. We are proud to announce that all three students have successfully progressed and have received invitations to trial for the Hunter PSSA Netball Team. Congratulations to Mila, Indi, and Sophie on this significant achievement!

Rugby Union

Mr Cox is taking names of boys interested in trialling for the combined Eastlakes and Westlakes Boys Rugby Union team. Trials will be conducted on Wednesday, 14 May 2025 . In order to trial, students must be boys, turning 11 or 12 years of age in the current year and have experience in rugby or other contact football codes.  A limited number of students can be nominated for these trials.

Out of Uniform Disco

The Out of Uniform Disco held on Monday was a fantastic success! We are thrilled to report that all funds raised will go towards supporting our students who represent the school at the Regional and State levels. Thank you to everyone who participated and contributed to this wonderful event! Your support makes a difference in helping our talented students shine!

Winter Trials

As the winter sport trials concluded this Thursday, we would like to inform you that unfortunately, not all students will be selected for the teams. The teams will be announced on Monday. Students who are not selected will participate in sports at school every Friday afternoon during Term 2 and 3. For those students who are selected, notes will be emailed to families with further details, before the end of the term. If your child no longer wishes to keep their position on a team, please email the school as soon as possible so that another student may be offered the spot. Thank you for your understanding and support!

P&C News

🗓️ P&C Meeting

Our last P&C catch-up for Term 1 is scheduled for Tuesday, 8 April, at 6:30pm in the school library. We warmly invite all parents and guardians to join us for this important meeting.

During this session, we will:

• Discuss exciting ideas from the fundraising sub-committee and explore opportunities for future events.
• Make plans for our P&C activities for Terms 2-4, ensuring we continue to support our school community effectively.
• Catch up with Ms. Yeo and Mr. Garner, who will share updates on school initiatives and answer any questions you may have.
• Welcome new members to the P&C! If you’re interested in getting involved, this is a great opportunity to learn more and meet other parents.

We look forward to seeing as many people there as possible! Remember, you don’t have to be a P&C member to attend, but we would be delighted to welcome you if you choose to join us. Let’s finish the term strong together, and we hope to see you there!

🐣 P&C Easter Raffle Extravaganza

We are excited to announce the annual P&C Easter Raffle Extravaganza, which will take place in the hall after the Easter Hat/Crazy Hair Parade on Friday, 11 April. The Parade will kick off at 12pm in the COLA, and students will proceed to the hall for the Easter Raffle afterwards.

Here’s everything you need to know to get involved in this egg-citing event:

Donations

• We invite all students to bring in an Easter egg or item as a donation for the raffle until Thursday, 10 April. These donations can be placed in the specially designated Easter tubs located in each classroom.
• Please remind your children that these items are donations and should not be eaten or broken on the way to school.
• Additionally, we would love to collect 2nd hand Easter bags in good condition to help promote sustainability in our prize wrapping process. This is a great way to reduce waste while still contributing to the fun!

Raffle Tickets

• Raffle tickets will be available for purchase online, making it easier than ever to participate! Ticket sales will close on Thursday, 10 April, at 6pm.
• To purchase tickets, visit Floraville Public School P&C Association Fundraising Raffle | RaffleLink.
• All proceeds from the raffle will directly support our school programs and initiatives.

Volunteers Needed

• We are seeking approximately 20 adult volunteers to assist with sorting and wrapping the raffle prizes on Friday, 11 April, from 8:30-11:00am in the hall. Your help is invaluable in making this event a success!
• If you can lend a hand, please sign up at Events | Floraville P S P&C Association. Make sure to click “attend,” fill in your details, and proceed to the “cart” to finalise your registration. Signing up is free, so you won’t need to provide any bank details.
• You will receive a confirmation email once you have successfully registered to volunteer.
• Please note that all volunteers are required to complete the Department of Education's new digital declaration. For further details, check with the office.

Join the Fun

• We warmly invite all students and their families to join in the festivities! The parade and raffle promise to be a fun-filled day, and we encourage everyone to come and celebrate together. Be sure to check the flyer for more details on the event!

🥚 Canteen Easter Bags

From Tuesday, 1 April, until Friday, 11 April, our canteen will offer 4 different Easter lunch bags. Each meal deal includes a main item, a drink, a 50c ice block, carrot sticks, and a special Easter (non-food) treat. Students will need to bring their lunch bags to the canteen to collect their ice blocks.

Lunch orders can be placed via Flexischools or at the canteen counter. Here are the options:

• BAG 1 – BUNNY
  Small (4 dino nuggets) for $4
  Large (8 dino nuggets) for $9
  
  
• BAG 2 – BILBY
  Cheese toastie for $6.50
  
  

• BAG 3 – CHICKIE
  Chicken burger for $9
  
  

• BAG 4 – KOALA
  4 fish fingers and 8 potato gems for $8.50

These lunch bags are a great way for students to enjoy a special meal while supporting our P&C initiatives.

🌟 OOSH Update from the CubbyOOSH Team

Here are a few important notes regarding bookings for our OOSH service:

Fully Booked Sessions
Please be advised that the Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon sessions are currently full, and there is a waitlist in place. If you need to book a session on these days, please check availability in advance.

Last-Minute Cancellations
If you need to cancel a session at the last minute, you can do so easily via the Kangarootime app. Alternatively, you can notify the Floraville service directly by:

• Email: floraville@cubbycc.com.au
• Sending a text message to the Floraville team at 0452 099 063

It's important to communicate cancellations, as there have been numerous no-shows this year without prior notification. The OOSH team has a legal obligation to ensure the safety of children booked into the service. When students are absent without notice, staff spend considerable time trying to contact families to locate the children.

Permanent Bookings
If you have a permanent booking on any day that you no longer require (ongoing), please contact the head office to change or cancel this booking.

You can reach the team at:

• Phone: 1300 553 583
• Email: support@cubbycc.com.au

Questions or Issues
If you have any questions or issues that you would like to raise, please do not hesitate to contact the CubbyOOSH service directly at floraville@cubbycc.com.au  or phone 0452 099 063. The team is here to help!

Thank you for your cooperation and support in keeping our OOSH service running smoothly!

🗳️ P&C Committee News

The fundraising and canteen sub-committees have begun planning some exciting activities for the year ahead! We currently have the Band Parent Rep position and several spots available on the Fundraising sub-committee. If you are interested in nominating for one of these positions, please visit School Bytes Forms.

If you would like additional information about any of these roles, please don't hesitate to email fpspresident@gmail.com.

Your involvement can make a significant difference to our school community!

💬 Becoming a P&C Member

Anyone can become a member of the P&C at any time! Membership is open to all and costs just $1 per year. There is no obligation to attend meetings or take on additional responsibilities to be a member.

By joining, you will receive:

• The P&C meeting agenda, minutes, and reports, as well as monthly principal reports.
• The opportunity to vote on important issues that affect the school.
• A way to stay informed about what’s happening at Floraville Public School.

Joining the P&C is a fantastic way to stay connected with our school community and support our students. If you would like to join, please visit our website: About Us | Floraville P S P&C Association.

P&C Communication

Stay up to date with the latest P&C information and events.

📨Email us: fpspresident@gmail.com
🌍Visit our website: https://floravillepublicschoolpc.square.site/
📘 Join us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/p.c.floraville

Amanda Bailey
P&C President on behalf of the P&C Committee

CUBBY OOSH - Autumn Vacation Care

 The CubbyOOSH Vacation Care timetable is available and bookings are open. Days are filling up, so if you need a particular date, consider booking this soon. Please also take note of the cancellation policy on the Cubby OOSH website prior to booking Floraville-CubbyOOSH.

Community Newsletter

Please see Community Newsletter - Term 2 for community events and news.