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Blackwell P&C AGM 2023
Principal’s Report
Our theme in 2022 was “Gratitude” as we have much to be thankful for at Blackwell. Over the past 15 years hundreds of studies have linked gratitude to increased happiness, stronger relationships and improved wellbeing. We would hope that a focus on positive aspects of school life would benefit with better attitudes towards schooling. We looked at boosting resilience, not only with students but with staff and the community.
We tried to identify best practices and the principles for fostering gratitude in the classroom and collaborated with staff to identify effective strategies and resources. One of our more successful programs was the Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and the investment in the Forge Wellbeing Program. Surveys were conducted each 5 weeks and gave staff an insight into their students’ moods and wellbeing.
Our P&C led the way in reinvigorating our community after 2 years of Covid restrictions. Families were once again on site and able to participate in a range of community events.
Whilst the financial aspect of the P&C was amazing, the benefits of coming together to celebrate community was by far the most worthwhile. The P&C team were enthusiastic, and each term had an event that raised considerable funds. A highlight was the Halloween Disco! An amazing turn up by every grade and awesome costumes which I am sure the P&C will ask to be repeated!
Financially the P&C made a very generous donation of $22 000 which was used to assist with the installation of a new electronic school sign, new school lectern, House Points Score board, new seating in both the canteen and Stage 1 area. All monies raised by the fundraising events in 2022 went directly back to the school to be used by our students.
The Executive Team worked tirelessly behind the scenes and were keen to be involved not only in the fundraising activities but, more importantly, in what quality education looks like at Blackwell
As Principal I would hope that this community spirit could be nurtured, and the role of the P&C could once again focus on educational aspects as opposed to fundraising.
The P&C team was proactive and so resourceful that I hope we can continue in this endeavour in 2023. Thank you.
Kris Hudswell
Principal
Unfortunately, our P&C AGM held on Monday, 6th March was not able to elect an Executive team!
This parent body needs your support. I have included a message from a long time member in the P&C section of this newsletter and hope this message is heard. It would be a shame not to have this important forum cease through lack of interest from our parents.
**Please ensure to read the message from P&C below**
Peer Support will commence next Monday and I run each Monday afternoon until early Term 2.
The program enables our seniors to take a leadership role across the classes. It also enables our students to meet new students, work together in tema situations and share ideas and experiences. Our students really enjoy these sessions!
As most parents are aware, Blackwell students each carry a 'Behaviour Licence'. Our licences carry points and are based on our 3 expectations of 'Good Manners, Good Thinking and Good Learning' at all times and in all situations.
Our first Privelege Day will focus on Anti Bullying stratgies and hopefully build the message that 'Bullying' in any form is not acceptable. Most of our students are great role models and demonstrate excellent behaviour.
'Stranger Danger' just a reminder that we all need to remind our students about walking to and from school safely and being alert to people around us.
Kris Hudswll
Principal
News from the Deputy Principal
NAPLAN
Last year, State and Federal Education Ministers agreed to a change of dates for delivery of the National Assessment Program - Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN). Earlier testing in the year will mean that schools receive school and student results much earlier allowing for intervention programs to be started earlier.
2023 NAPLAN testing for students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 will be completed at Blackwell Public School from Wednesday 15th to Monday 27th March 2023.
Participation of students in NAPLAN testing is always encouraged. NAPLAN is a standardised national test and provides schools and education systems with snapshot of student achievement and growth.
As explained previously, Blackwell School students along with all students Australia-wide will be completing NAPLAN Online. The online testing is different for students as it is a tailored-test. This means that as students answer questions, the test will adapt to their level and provide both parents and the school with a more accurate result later in the year. The exception is the Year 3 Writing test that is still a paper-based written test for students.
Students require headphones for NAPLAN as some of the questions and writing stimulus are read to students on their devices. Stage 3 and Stage 2 teachers have been requesting headphones come in to school with your child.
Catch-up sessions are planned for students who may miss a test through an absence or for other reasons. No other testing will be conducted outside of these planned times.
Naplan Timetable Blackwell Public School
15th March |
Year 3 Writing Paper Test Year 5 Writing Online |
16th March | Catch up only for Year 3 writing |
20th March |
Year 3 Reading/Convention of Language Year 5 Reading/Convention of Language |
22nd March |
Year 3 Numeracy Year 5 Numeracy |
23rd,24th,27th March | Catch up testing for students absent |
Every minute matters when it comes to reading
At Blackwell Public School, we want to develop a love of reading. The beginning of the school year is a great time to establish regular reading routines at home (if you haven’t already). It is also a timely reminder that every minute matters when it comes to reading. Check out this little visual to see the impact of what 20 minutes of reading (this includes being read to) has on learning.
Our library is full of wonderful resources and classes borrow weekly. Let’s start developing some reading habits.
SPORT
Congratulations, Mr Brown and Mr Sterjovski, as all students in Years 3-6, plus some Year 2 competitors, were able to participate in the annual Blackwell Swimming Carnival. It was great to see so many parents enjoying the occasion, too. Looking forward to hearing about some great results from the District carnival that was held last Friday.
SCRIPTURE
Scripture classes have started for all grades, exept Kindergarten. As previously advised, students from Year 1 to Year 2 attend scripture classes between 12.15am and 12:45pm each Wednesday. Students from Years 3 to 6 will attend from 12:45pm to 1.15pm. This year, some denominations have not been able to provide enough trained staff for all grades, so students not attending scripture, will attend organised groups, supervised by Blackwell staff, where the students participate in learning about our school’s virtues. Last week it was Tolerance. As mandated by the NSW Department of Education, these students are not permitted to participate in curriculum-based lessons or other extracurricular activities, during this time.
At any time, parents have the right to change scripture nominations. However, a written note to the class teacher must be provided, for any change to occur.
Some Reminders
School starts at 8.55 and all students should be at school prior to the bell. If arriving after the bell students are required to get a late notice from the front office.
Our gates open at 8.30am. This is when our staff are on duty. Please hold children back from arriving too early as there is no supervision.
All visitors to the school must report to the office first. This includes parents who are attending the school after the start of the school day. Students will not be released from their classroom without a slip from the office. This is a safety precaution to ensure only people who have the right to access students do so.
A reminder that all student absences must be explained either in writing (by the SZapp app or by email) or by speaking to the school/class teacher (who will record the explanation in writing). All families taking vacation leave outside of school holidays must also write to the principal. It is important to note that Australia has mandatory school attendance.
The staff car park is not available for dropping off students in the mornings or picking up students at the end of the day. It is a small car park and our staff can’t all park there because it is so small. It is also difficult getting out during peak times (especially if others are trying to get in) so please do not use the car park. While I realise that often people think that when they do it there is no harm, but if everyone did it, of course, there would be chaos. It is also not safe for children to be in this area as backing cars don’t always see small children and children can move quickly and unpredictably. Thanks for your support on this.
Rod Woolard
Deputy Principal
Extra Ordinary P&C Annual General Meeting (AGM) 3rd April 2023 at 6:30pm
Hello Blackwell community,
On Monday, 6 March 2023 the Blackwell P&C held its AGM.
Unfortunately due to the lack of parent/caregiver interest and attendance, a new P&C committee for 2023 was not formed.
The P&C is more than just fundraising. It is a group of community minded people, parents and citizens, who take on a more formal role to assist the school in many areas such as:
- To foster general community interest into educational matters.
- To encourage closer relationships between the parents/caregivers of students attending the school, members of the community, and the staff of the school.
- Providing feedback on school policies and activities.
- Utilising funds raised throughout the year to better resource the school, and enhance student learning.
- Being part of tender and recruitment panels that impact the school.
The P&C meet the first Monday of each month at the school for about an hour, to discuss different matters.
Remember that without you, the P&C cannot operate.
To continue this important work, the P&C need people from all walks of life, with a range of talents who are committed to delivering great outcomes for their children and the school.
Everybody has a role to play and your ideas will be heard.
The more people involved, the more exciting and successful it will be.
Failure to form a P&C committee on this date will mean that our P&C, and great work they do, will no longer be able to continue.
So please come along to the emergency AGM on 3 April 2023 at 6:30pm, bring a friend – It’s always easier to have a familiar face in a new environment.
Kind regards
Blackwell P&C
Parents are able to make online payments to the school for amounts owing for students, via a secure payment page hosted by Westpac. Payments can be made using either a Visa or MasterCard credit or debit card, and can be made via computer. The payment page is accessed from the front page of the schools website by selecting $ Make a payment Button below.
Items that can be paid include the school pack, excursions, creative and practical arts activities (these include choir, drama and dance). There is also a category called ‘Other’ to cover items not covered in the previous headings. Other can be used to make a complete payment of a school invoice.
When you access the $ Make a payment you must enter:
- the students name and class, date of birth
- contact details-full name, phone number and email address
- payment item-other, then description
These details are entered each time you make a payment as student information is not held within the payment system.
This is a secure payment system hosted by Westpac to ensure that your credit/debit card details are captured in a secure manner, these details are not passed back to the school.
You have the ability to check and change any details of the payment before the payment is processed
Details of the payments are passed daily to the school where they will be receipted against your child’s account. For any enquiries regarding the Online Payment process please contact the School Administration Office.
If you would like to use NSW Back to School Vouchers on the school packs, please ensure to email the school on Blackwell-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au with your child/ren details, QR code and Voucher number. When the outstanding payment is made your account will be cleared.
**PLEASE NOTE** Please do not pay any online payments which should be paid to a third party provider. For Example, School Photographers; P&C Fund-Raising etc. If unsure please call the school to check. CASH Only when paying at the Front Office.
Where: | Longneck Lagoon Environmental Education Centre, Maraylya |
Date: | Thursday, 23rd March 2023 |
Cost: | $25.00 |
Who: | SRC Primary and Year 2 Students |
Transport: | Bus |
Where: | Yarramundi Camp |
Date: | Thursday, 12th September until Friday 15th Septermber 2023 |
Cost: | $250.00 |
Transport: | Bus |
Where: | Parramatta Riverside Theatre |
Date: | Tuesday, 2nd May 2023 |
Cost: | $45.00 |
Transport: | Bus |
Medication at School
Please ensure that the front office has ALL of your updated medical information and any medication required.
All Anaphylaxis & Asthma Plans need to be updated annually.
If prescribed medication is to be given to students at school, a blister pack either supplied from the chemist or in its original packaging is now required. Medication that needs to be cut will need to be done so by a pharmacist and delivered to the school in a blister pack.
Contact Information
Please ensure your contact details are updated at the front office so we can to contact you.
Student Absences - SMS Alert
If your child is absent from school you will receive an SMS at approximately 10am requesting a reason for their absence. If you could please respond to the SMS the school is then able to update their records using this system. You are not required to contact the school by phone prior to 10am to advise of your childs absence. Thank you for your continued support.
WEBSITE
https://blackwell-p.schools.nsw.gov.au/
SZAPP ALERTS
CLICK HERE FOR HOW TO GUIDE:
https://www.schoolzine.com/szapp-installation
https://www.facebook.com/blackwellps/
If you have any problems, please see the front office.