Newsletter | Term 1 Week 9

Principal Message

It has been a very busy term for everyone at Floraville, with important academic learning, a wide range of sporting opportunities, the Student Representative Council, the Year 6 Canberra Excursion, and NAPLAN. For many of our kindergarten students and their families, this term marks a significant first, along with some memorable experiences for all. I would like to take a moment to recognise our students, their families, and the Floraville PS staff for their efforts. We appreciate the ongoing support that inspires every student to be an engaged, successful learner and a happy, confident, and resilient citizen.

Parent Teacher Meetings

It has been wonderful to see so many families visiting our school over the past two weeks! I understand that many families still have appointments scheduled. These meetings are a valuable opportunity to discuss your child’s progress, set goals, and strengthen the partnership between home and school.

If you haven't had a chance to book an interview, please note that the online booking system has now closed. However, we truly value these sessions and encourage you to contact the office. We will do our best to accommodate you and find a suitable time for your meeting.

NSW Public Schools Survey

In Term 2, we are offering our students the opportunity to participate in the NSW Public Schools Student Survey. The survey gives students the chance to share their thoughts and feelings about life at school, including questions about their engagement, learning experiences and wellbeing at school.

Hearing directly from our students will help us understand what’s working well and where improvements can be made to our school. The survey is confidential, takes around 10 to 15 minutes to complete, and will be conducted online during school hours.

Participation is voluntary. If you prefer your child not to participate, please complete the opt-out consent form, which has been emailed to families from Year 3-6, and return it to school. If you require a hardcopy of this form, please contact the school and it can be sent home with your child.

Further information about the survey is available at https://education.nsw.gov.au/about-us/education-data-and-research/nsw-public-schools-surveys.

Walking Safely to School

As the school year progresses, ensuring the safety of our children during their daily commute to and from school remains a top priority. Walking to school can be a healthy and enjoyable activity, but it's essential that we equip our children with the knowledge and skills they need to stay safe.

We have had some members of our local community contact us to mention that they have seen some of our students who are not being alert and aware, particularly when crossing the roads near the roundabout on Floraville Road.

If your child walks to/or from school, here are some key points to discuss with your child regarding walking safely and we are also talking about it at school:

1. Plan the Route: Help your child choose a safe route to school. Look for pathways that are well-lit and have minimal road crossings. Familiarise them with landmarks along the way to make it easier for them to navigate.
2. Use Crossings: Encourage your child to always use pedestrian crossings when available. Teach them to look for the green pedestrian signals and remind them that they should never run across the road.
3. Stay Alert: Discuss the importance of being aware of their surroundings. Encourage your child to avoid distractions such as mobile phones or being distracted by others while walking, particularly when it gets close to crossing roads.
4. Walk with Friends: Walking with a buddy or a group can enhance safety. Encourage your child to walk with friends whenever possible, as there is safety in numbers.
5. Be Visible: Especially during early mornings or late afternoons, ensure your child wears bright or reflective clothing to make them more visible to drivers.
6. Know Emergency Procedures: Teach your child what to do in case they feel unsafe or lost. Ensure they know your contact information and how to reach you or another trusted adult.

Role model road safe behaviours: It's also important for parents to model great behaviours by parking responsibly, avoiding bus or no stopping zones, and always using pedestrian crossings themselves to set a positive example for their children.

By having open conversations about these safety tips, we can empower our children to make safe choices on their way to school. For more detailed information and resources, please visit the NSW Education website on walking safely to school.

Together, let's ensure our children's journey to school is safe and enjoyable!

Return to School – Term 2

We are getting towards the end of Term 1 with the last day Friday 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.

Celebrating Success HPGE Visual Arts

Each fortnight, Miss Gee works with students in the Year 4-6 HPGE (High Potential and Gifted Education) Visual Arts group, where students are diving into the fascinating element of value in artworks, focusing on how to effectively draw light and shadows. Over the next two lessons, students will have the opportunity to identify different values - light, medium, and dark - in various artworks and demonstrate their understanding by creating a range of values using shading techniques such as hatching, cross-hatching, and blending.

Persistence and a commitment to high-quality work are essential components of our learning process. Leonardo I C and Elsa C exemplified these qualities throughout their recent projects. They approached each artwork with determination, continuously refining their techniques and seeking feedback to improve their skills.

Leonardo took the initiative to experiment with different shading methods, practicing until he achieved a nuanced understanding. His dedication was evident as he meticulously layered his oil pastel strokes to create depth and dimension in his drawings. Elsa demonstrated an incredible eye for detail. She not only applied various shading techniques but also explored the emotional impact of value in her art, enhancing her pieces with thoughtful contrasts.

Both students showcased that by embracing persistence and striving for excellence. Their hard work not only highlights their individual growth but also inspires their peers!

Awabakal Word of the Week

Aborginal Education

We are delighted to share the wonderful progress in Aboriginal education at Floraville!

To kick things off, congratulations to our Star Struck dance group! In just one week, they not only learned and created a new dance but have also been accepted to perform in the highly sought-after Aboriginal dance section of the upcoming event. This achievement showcases the hard work and dedication of all members - fantastic job, Star Struck!

The Aboriginal Culture Hub (ACH) has also been alive with local storytelling and art. Under the direction of Mrs. Morley-Davies and Mr. Myers, students have been engaged in an educational program that features local stories written by the talented Aunty Laurel Williams. These stories have been beautifully illustrated by several local Aboriginal students, including our own super-talented Isaac Peachey.

As part of this initiative, we have recreated artwork inspired by "Karabang the Water Spirit" and "The Channel Monsters." Be sure to check out the stunning photos of our students’ creations below!

Finally, we recently celebrated our first Yarn Up afternoon, which turned out to be one of the most popular and well-attended events we've had in a long time. A huge thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to making it such a success!

We look forward to more enriching experiences in Aboriginal Education and continuing to celebrate our diverse cultural heritage together. Stay tuned for more updates!

School News

Disco and 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, so all students are invited to come dressed out of uniform.

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!

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

Starting School Information Night

Sports News

ELMPSSA Netball Trials

We are excited to announce that next Wednesday, our talented students Mila S, Indi V, and Sophie M will be representing our school at the ELMPSSA Netball trials!

These trials serve as an opportunity to select a squad that will compete at the prestigious Hunter Trials. We are incredibly proud of our representatives and wish them the very best as they showcase their skills and sportsmanship.

ELMPSSA Rugby League Trials

Last Friday, we had five students trial for the U12 team and six students trial for the U11 Eastlake Macquarie PSSA Rugby League Team. We extend our congratulations to Taj H, Rylan H, Isaiah L, Oscar M, and Mack S, who successfully earned their spots on the ELMPSSA Team. They will compete in the Hunter Trials next Tuesday. Best of luck to our talented players!

PSSA Girls Cricket Knockout Gala Day

Today our Girls Cricket Team participated in the PSSA Knockout competition against Eleebana Public School. We lost the toss and were sent in to bat on a tricky pitch. The team fought for every run and were bowled out for 35 in just over 12 overs. A special mention to Claudia M, who opened the batting and steadied the ship by batting for 11 of those overs.

After a quick pep talk, Floraville took to the field and Sophie M opened the bowling with a maiden over. Indi V bowled the second over and took our first wicket, with a lovely catch from our wicketkeeper Georgia T. After two more excellent overs, Mila S bowled her first over and took another wicket, with a fantastic jumping catch from Maya F. Aria P and Alirra W-H followed up bowling some more tidy overs. Some excellent fielding from Miriama U, Ruby B and Zahra B and another great catch behind the stumps from Georgia kept the pressure on. Unfortunately, we went down in a close match with Eleebana chasing our total down in 10 overs with 6 wickets lost.

A massive congratulations to our girls, of whom many have never played cricket before (it’s seriously hard to run in those bulky pads if you’ve never tried to), and maybe we’ve unearthed a couple of cricketers of the future! Finally, the sportsmanship shown by both sets of players was exemplary, with a constant stream of positive chatter from both sides complimenting each other for their efforts.

Mr Dimmers

Cross Country Carnival

The annual Floraville PS Cross Country Carnival will be run at Marks Oval next Friday 4 April - backup date Thursday 10 April. 

• Years 8-10 run 2000m (2kms)
• Years 11 and 12 run 3000m (3kms)

This year’s carnival is an opt-in. All families with children aged 8 and above are asked to indicate if their child is participating or not on the permission note, which was sent via email.

If your child is attending, we ask that you not rely on the canteen for lunch on that day – as we may not be back by 11.

From The Office

Beat the Bite - Fundraiser

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.

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.

All monies from this fundraiser goes towards resources for the school. 

School Bytes - Hints and Tips

Change of Scripture Preferences and Permission to Publish

If you are wanting to update/change your child's Scripture Preference and Permission to Publish, you can find forms via the School Bytes Parent App.

1. Log in to the School Bytes Parent App
2. Click on Forms
3. Click on Scripture Preferences or Permission to Publish

P&C News

🌈 Harmony Day Wrap-Up

A heartfelt thank you to all Floraville families and staff for their tremendous support of our P&C Harmony Day fundraiser! It was truly a joy to see so many children with smiling faces, proudly wearing their tie-dye creations and celebrating the rich diversity of our school community.

During this event, we sold an impressive 122 t-shirts, 83 pairs of socks, 80 delicious cupcakes, and made a record 165 lunch orders last Friday. Thanks to everyone's contributions, we raised a total of $1630, which will be reinvested into vital school resources to enhance our students' learning experience.

This success wouldn't have been possible without the creative efforts of Michelle and the tireless work of Margaret and the canteen volunteers who dedicated their time last week. Your support truly makes a difference! 🎉

🐣 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 between Monday, 24 March, and 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.

🗳️ 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

Community Newsletter

Please see Community Newsletter - Term 1 for community events and news.