The Brief | Term 4 Week 4
Principal Message
2025 School Year Dates
The NSW Department of Education and the NSW Teachers Federation have announced key changes for 2025, including an updated school calendar that will incorporate additional professional learning days for teachers.
To improve student outcomes, school development days provide staff with a mix of school-directed and teacher-chosen professional development opportunities. These will focus on collaborative planning, preparation, and professional growth.
The start date for all students in 2025, Kindergarten to Year 6, will be Thursday, 6 February.
First to last days for students
- Term 1: Thursday 6 February to Friday 11 April
- Term 2: Wednesday 30 April to Friday 4 July
- Term 3: Tuesday 22 July to Friday 26 September
- Term 4: Tuesday 14 October to Friday 19 December
School development days (students do not attend on school development days)
- Term 1: Friday 31 January to Wednesday 5 February
- Term 2: Monday 28 April and Tuesday 29 April
- Term 3: Monday 21 July
- Term 4: Monday 13 October
We understand that changes to the schedule can be challenging, and we appreciate your flexibility and support as we work to ensure a smooth transition into the new school year.
2025 School Planning
We're at the beginning of our planning phase and getting ready for an amazing 2025 school year, and knowing our student numbers in advance allows us to create the best possible learning environment for everyone. If your family is considering a move to our school zone, we'd love to hear from you!
Here's how you can help:
- Are you moving? Let us know as soon as possible by calling or emailing the school. This helps us plan our class structures and resourcing for next year.
- Know someone moving here? Encourage them to contact our school at their earliest convenience. We can include them in our upcoming planning and answer any questions they might have.
- New to the area and ready to join our learning community? Families can begin the enrolment process by visiting Online Enrolment Application.
Your cooperation helps us plan effectively for another fantastic school year.
Selective High Schools and Opportunity Classes
From 2025, the placement tests for selective high schools and opportunity classes will move from single version paper-based tests to computer-based tests.
These changes will result in:
- a more engaging experience for students with computer-based testing
- a longer application period for parents and carers to apply
- more choice for parents and carers of when their child will sit a placement test
- outcomes being released earlier to parents and carers.
There will also be changes to the application process for 2026 entry to selective high schools and opportunity classes. The application period for both OC and SHS is now the same and will run from 7 November 2024 to 21 February 2025. Due to the longer application period, late applications will not be accepted.
With the new application period, parents and carers can now apply for OC placement when their child is at the end of Year 3 or at the start of Year 4, and for SHS placement at the end of Year 5 or at the start of Year 6.
The application link will be available at Selective high schools and opportunity classes from 7 November.
Comprehensive information can be found at:
Further resources and quick tips can be be accessed below:
Term 4 Events
Our school has commenced planning for many end-of-year events and we would like to give families as much notice as possible.
High School Orientation Day – Tuesday 3 December
Presentation Day – Thursday 12 December
Party Day – Monday 16 December
Year 6 Farewell – Tuesday 17 December
Year 6 Clap Out – Wednesday 18 December
Last day for students – Wednesday 18 December
Presentation Day will be held on Thursday, 12 December, split into two sessions. Kindergarten to Year 2 students will have their Presentation Day at 9:15 am, ending around 10 am. Years 3 to 6 will have their Presentation Day at 10 am, ending around 11:15 am. Please note that the start of the first break may be slightly delayed. We're excited to celebrate the achievements of students at these special events.
Kirstie Yeo
Principal
Awabakal Word of the Week
Early Stage 1
English
Week | Phonics | High Frequency Words |
| 4 | a_e - split vowel teams (made, cake, sale) | word, world, work, number |
| 5 | i_e - split vowel teams (like, time, ride) | could, would, should, ask, large |
| 6 | o_e - split vowel teams (home, nose, bone) | your, more, before, our, down |
| 7-10 | Consolidation |
English Language Arts
Our current 2-week unit is 'The Gratitude Project'. This topic study provides students with opportunities to engage in activities that will help instil gratitude as a lifelong habit that can contribute to their well-being. Kindergarten have already begun writing Thank You Cards and will be writing a Gratitude Journal.
What are some things you are grateful for? Discuss with your child at home things your are grateful for, at breakfast or dinner time.
Mathematics
Kindergarten have been learning all about 3D objects! We have been learning how to name, describe and represent 2D shapes and explore familiar 3D objects by sorting, stacking, describing, and making representations. Check out some of our 3D objects!
Over the next fortnight, our unit for mathematics is focusing on measurement. Students will be learning how to measure length by direct and indirect comparison, identify and compare area and mass and compare internal volume by filling and packing.
Geography
This week in Kindergarten, our students engaged in an enriching learning experience focused on the significance of local places to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. Students explored various sites in our community and discussed why these places are special, fostering a deeper understanding of our cultural heritage. They also enjoyed reading the Awabakal story, “When the Moon Cried and Formed the Belmont Lagoon,” in our beautiful Aboriginal garden. This storytelling session provided a meaningful context for our discussions and helped appreciate the stories that shape our local landscape. As part of this lesson, students identified their favourite places at school and shared the reasons for their choices. After a walk around the school, they drew pictures of their favourite spots, showcasing their creativity and personal connections to the school environment.
Sport - Gymnastics
This term, Kindergarten are completing a 4-week Gymnastics program! Over the past three weeks, the students have been busy developing their skills in rolling, jumping, and balancing. This program has introduced students to the fundamental gymnastics techniques and has helped build their confidence. It's wonderful to see them as they practice and share their progress with each other!
As we wrap up this engaging program, we encourage you to ask your child about their favourite activities and what they’ve learned.
Miss Gee
Early Stage 1 Assistant Principal
Stage 1
English
Year 1 | Year 2 | |
Week 4 | - y, ie - i_e | - eer, ear, ere |
Week 7 | - ow, oa - o_e | - ir, er, ur - or |
Week 8 | - ew, u_e - u | - air, are - ere, ear |
We are busy doing our spelling assessments and continuing to work hard with a focus on fluency and comprehension with our reading. You can read nightly with your child and ask them to reread when sentences become word by word rather than smooth. You can also ask comprehension questions about the story such as why do you think this character did that? What would you do instead and why?
Mathematics
2H has been hard at work measuring different things around the room with formal units and creating our own mathematical problems.
The next “big idea” we are exploring in mathematics is;
“Data is collected to solve problems”
This unit introduces students to collecting purposeful data and different ways we can explore and examine data. It also looks at the year as well as chance outcomes that are familiar to students:
- select appropriate methods to collect, display and interpret data
- identify misleading data
- learn the order of seasons and months of the year and how to use a calendar
- use the language of chance to reason about possible outcomes in familiar activities.
At home, ask your child about their learning at school. What data can we collect at home? How can we represent it? What are the chances that it will rain today – check a weather app and discuss. You could talk about the number of cars that are white/black/coloured that drive past when on the way to school. What are the chances of seeing a blue can compared to a white car?
Try this challenge!
How far is it?
- Find s special date on the calendar. What day of the week is it?
- How many days until this special date? In days? In days and weeks?
- What day of the week will they next month start on? Why?
Sport
Congratulations to students who participated in our Swim Scheme for 2024. You have all worked so hard and made improvements to your water safety!
In sport at school we are putting our skills into practice. We have started playing sports in groups. Here 2N are throwing and catching to play Newcombe Ball. They have been showing some great sportsmanship by working together, sharing and cheering each other on. Great job 2N!
Ask your child about the importance of physical activity and healthy eating as we have been discussing this in class.
Creative Arts
In creative arts we have started looking at improvisation in Drama. Students have been looking at trying to make up situations off the top of their head and particularly saying yes to encourage others to share.
At home, you can make up one sentence adventures. Each person takes a turn saying a sentence for the story. What can you come up with?
You can also try some improvisation by having a topic like wild weather or a holiday gone wrong.
Nhunda khumba khumba
Miss Katen
Stage 1 Assistant Principal
Stage 2
During P.E. lessons students have been actively engaged in an exciting journey into the world of movement sequences this term while learning the vital principles of fair play. Through various activities and team challenges, they have explored how to combine different movements such as jumping, running, balancing, catching and throwing into varied sequences. Through lively discussions, role-playing scenarios, and fun physical games, they are learning about sportsmanship, inclusion, and teamwork.
Students have been learning how to read, interpret and reconstruct informative texts. Articles, reports, and non-fiction books provide valuable information about the world around us. By reading these texts, children learn about different topics, such as science, history, and geography, helping them to build a broader knowledge base.
In history, Stage 2 will continue their learning to understand the significance of cultural traditions and how they shape identity within communities. By exploring various celebrations, students will gain insight into different historical events and cultural practices, fostering respect for diversity. Learning about celebrations helps students connect with traditions and recognise the importance of shared experiences that bring people together. Halloween provided some inspiration for students in 3K to get creative with pumpkin designs.
4R and 4N have been reading "200 Minutes of Danger" by Jack Heath. It is an action-packed thriller that follows the intense experiences of the main character, who finds himself in a race against time. As the clock ticks down, he must navigate a series of challenges and make split-second decisions in order to survive. Chloe and Allira recommend the book for those who enjoy excitement and action.
Mr O'Shannessy
Stage 2 Assistant Principal
Stage 3
Mathematics
Year 5 will be developing the big idea that questions can be asked and answered by interpreting data.
In this 2-week unit students are provided opportunities to:
- represent probabilities of outcomes of chance experiments using fractions, decimals and percentages, comparing predicted outcomes with observed results
- describe, interpret and pose questions about data presented in tables, column graphs, line graphs and timelines
- investigate how data representations can be misleading or biased.
Year 6 will be developing the big idea that questions can be asked and answered by interpreting data.
In this 2-week unit students are provided opportunities to:
- create random generators and describe probabilities using fractions
- conduct chance experiments with both small and large numbers of trials and compare observed frequencies with expected results
- interpret and compare a range of data displays, including data presented in digital media and elsewhere.
Year 6 shirts 2025
Congratulations to all Year 5 students who showcased their ideas for the Year 6 shirt 2025. The ideas have been handed over to the designer, who is now incorporating the students' concepts into the final product. The creativity and originality displayed were outstanding, and we look forward to unveiling the finished design. A note with purchase details will be available shortly. Here are just a few of the ideas contributed by students.
Mrs Martinez
Stage 3 Assistant Principal
School News
Student Leadership
We have had 17 students from Year 5 successful through nomination and application phases to become School Captains, Vice-Captains and Prefects in 2025.
Currently their profiles are being displayed outside the hall for students to see. All nominees are now preparing a 2-minute speech to be presented to Year 2-6 and staff from 9:30am on Wednesday 13 November. Parents and community are invited to attend.
Following the delivery of leadership speeches, students return to their classrooms to vote for their preferred leaders. Each student, including the candidates, can indicate 3 votes on their ballot paper.
Students will place the number 1 next to their first preference, the number 2 next to their second preference, and the number 3 next to their final preference. Students do not need to use all three votes, nor do they need to be gender specific.
The ballot paper will have a small photo of each of the candidates and their names in alphabetical order (family name) to assist students in their voting selection.
Below are the 17 nominees.
Sports Leadership voting will take place on Friday 22 November.
Year 6 Canberra 2024
Last week, Year 6 embarked on their much-anticipated annual excursion to Canberra, and it proved to be an exceptional learning experience for all involved. The staff accompanying the students were unanimous in their praise for the outstanding behaviour displayed by everyone, particularly highlighting the persistence and resilience throughout the trip.
Day 1 commenced bright and early at 6:10 am, as students gathered at the school, buzzing with excitement for the adventures ahead. The bus ride to Canberra was filled with laughter and enthusiasm, setting a positive tone for the days to come. We made a delightful stopover in Mittagong, where Mr. Myers entertained the students with his impressive touch football skills.
Upon arrival in Canberra, we visited the Australian War Memorial. Students were captivated by a guided tour that shared stories of persistence and hardship, honouring the sacrifices of fallen Australians. After reflecting on these important lessons, we proceeded to the end of ANZAC Drive to explore Parliament House. There, students experienced a guided tour that included visits to the Senate, the House of Representatives, and the portraits of past Prime Ministers and Governor Generals. The day culminated in an engaging role-play activity where students participated in the process of passing a bill, deepening their understanding of our democratic system.
After a fulfiling day, students returned to their accommodation for a meal that fuelled their energy for the next adventure: the Canberra Reptile Zoo. This hands-on experience allowed students to interact with snakes, turtles, crocodiles, and lizards. Following such an action packed day, students settled into their cabins with ease, drifting off to sleep quickly.
Day 2 dawned with renewed excitement as students jumped back into the bustling schedule. The day began with an informative tour of the Australian Institute of Sport, where students engaged in hands-on skill testing at Sportex. The group then visited the National Capital Authority to learn about the development of Canberra as Australia’s capital. Next, they explored the National Gallery, where students developed their own interpretations of works focused on Australian artists. Their cultural journey continued at the National Museum, where they encountered artefacts that have significantly contributed to Australia as a nation.
A highlight for many students was their visit to Questacon, where they actively contributed to Lego displays, experienced an earthquake simulation, and generated a lightning bolt after sliding down the free-fall slide.
On Day 3, the adventure continued with a visit to the Electoral Education Centre, where students learned about the Constitution, elections, and voting. This was followed by a trip to the Royal Australian Mint, where they discovered the history and development of Australian coins and currency.
After three action-packed days in Canberra, students boarded the bus for a quieter return trip home, reflecting on the knowledge and experiences gained. The exceptional behaviour of all students throughout the excursion deserves commendation, with numerous guides praising their manners, knowledge, and attentiveness.
A heartfelt thank you goes to Miss Dorman, Miss Reid, and Mr Myers for dedicating their personal time to provide students with such valuable learning experiences and lifelong memories.
Mr Garner
Deputy Principal
Sport News
House name changes
Due to minimal responses to the renaming of The Sporting Houses – we have decided to hold off the changing of house names and revisit it in 2025.
From The Office
Beat the Bite
As part of this initiative, our school has been provided with RID Tropical Antiseptic Bite Protection 100ml pump spray bottles that are available for families to purchase at a discounted cost of $5 (RRP $9.50). These can be purchased from the office with cash or EFTPOS, or you can log into your School Bytes parent portal, go to the ‘Payments’ tab, select the ‘Add other item’ tab, and from there you can complete your purchase. To ensure there is sufficient stock available for all families, until next Friday 1 November, there will be a maximum of 2 bottles per family available for purchase. We will update families in week 4 if there is still stock available for purchase.
For all online purchases, office staff will send these home with students, or email the school if you would prefer to collect your order from the office.
Change of details form
If you are wanting to update/change your child's contact information, you can find the Change of details form via the School Bytes Parent App.
- Log in to the School Bytes Parent App
- Click on Forms
- Change of details form will be sitting under 'General'.
P&C Community News
Last P&C Meeting for 2024
Our last P&C meeting for the year is coming up on Tuesday 12th November, 6:30pm in the school library. As a bonus, Bakers Delight Belmont are big supporters of our P&C and are sharing some special Christmas treats for our last meeting of the year too! Yum!
Some of our agenda items for discussion include:
- Proposal for a 2nd hand uniform shop at school
- New Teachers Award and the flow on effect for our school
- Updated class structures for 2025
- Fundraising planning for the end of the year and term 1 next year.
- Aboriginal artwork/mural in the school
- End of year school community celebrations
- Succession planning for P&C members in 2025
- Considerations for an online P&C meeting option next year
Anyone can attend a meeting, anytime. You don’t have to take on extra tasks. The more people we have involved and attending our meetings, the more exciting and successful the P&C will be at achieving our goals and supporting our children and the school.
Canteen
Thank you to all the superstar volunteers in the canteen, and of course Margaret, Amanda W, and Amanda J for keeping the canteen going – we couldn’t stay open 4 days a week without your continued support, so thank you! The Halloween treats were a hit, and we know the students appreciate the extra time and effort that goes into adding these special touches in the canteen. Also, a big shout out to those people who responded to our recent Facebook post requesting quite a few volunteer days to be filled for term 4. It was great to see some new faces (and some of our regulars too) quickly pulling together to fill the roster. We are always happy to welcome volunteers in the canteen – helping out once a term or once a year does make a difference! If you’d like to let us know your availability and interest for helping in the canteen, send us a message on Facebook or email floravillecanteen@yahoo.com
NPA Sports Equipment Fundraiser
The Christmas countdown is on – less than 7 weeks until Santa arrives!!! NPA sports offer personalised sporting equipment, and these make the best Christmas gifts. Our affiliation with NPA finishes at the end of the year so we’d love to add some extra sales before the promotion ends. Families are invited to purchase anything from the NPA website using our unique link and 20% of sales go back to the P&C, which then go back to our school. Items can be personalised with your child’s name or team/club name, so this means no more lost equipment! Items are sent quickly and posted directly to your home. For our school to receive the funds, orders need to be made using the following unique link: https://npaevents.com.au/?sca_ref=5593459.I2Qxx5OoE9.
P&C Communication
Please follow the official P&C Facebook page to keep up to date with the latest P&C information and events. Our page is www.facebook.com/p.c.floraville. If you need to get in touch with the P&C, you can send us a message on our Facebook page, or send an email to fpspresident@gmail.com.
Amanda Bailey
P&C Committee
LOWES
Community Newsletter
Please see October Community Newsletter for community events and news.