Belair Public School Newsletter Take Just Pride 34 Carolyn Street, Adamstown Heights NSW 2289 Phone: 4952 1735

Email: belair-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au

Term 2 Week 2 7 May, 2019

Principal’s Message

Our Year 6 teachers, students and Mr Beard have ventured to Canberra for 3 days this week and I am certain that they will have a fun, educational yet somewhat chilly time away. We look forward to hearing about their adventures on their return. It is certainly a busy time to be exploring Canberra and Parliament House should be a hive of activity. Starstruck students have commenced learning the choreography for their performance as they face a busy time ahead rehearsing and organising costumes for the show in the middle of June. It is such a pleasure to see the dedication the students and teachers are applying to be part of this wonderful event. I would like to take the opportunity to wish all our school mums a Happy Mothers’ Day for this coming Sunday. I hope you have a lovely day and feel appreciated for all that you do. I am sure you will receive some beautiful gifts that have been purchased from the Mother’s Day stall this Thursday. On Thursday Belair Stage 3 teachers will be visiting Kotara High School, along with other teachers from the Kotara Community of Schools, to observe lessons delivered by Kotara High teachers around the ongoing ALARM project. From this visit our teachers will gain an insight of how the ALARM matrix is used in the high school context with the vision of making the transition to high school for our Year 6 students more meaningful. The aim of the project is to have a positive impact on student growth across transition years through the use of common pedagogy and common language when writing a written response that requires critical thinking across all key learning areas. It has been a busy start to the term already with our students representing the school in Knights All Schools Rugby League competition, Newcastle Zone Cross Country and the Train-on debate day and next week our Year 3 and 5 students commence the NAPLAN tests in reading, language, writing and mathematics.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Term 2

May

2 + 8 Starstruck Choreography Days

6–8 Canberra Excursion Year 6

9 Mother’s Day Stall

13–24 NAPLAN Testing

14 P&C Meeting at 7pm Tuesday Evening

17 Whole School Assembly

School Disco

20–24 Book Fair

21 + 22 + 29 Life Education

30 Starstruck Combined Rehearsal 8am

June

4 Grandfriend’s Day

3-7 Book Fair in Library

6 PSSA Netball Knockout Gala Day - Stage 3

11 Basketball Gala Day

12 + 13 Starstruck Rehearsal

Days

14 + 15 Starstruck Shows

17

NSW State Library Visit 11.30am Yr 4 & Yr 5

Water Show K+ Yr1 - 2pm

Congratulations to assembly classes of the week 1B and 4R. P&C News • The Mother’s Day Stall is on Thursday May 9 (Week 2). Helpers are needed on the day please. Gifts will range from $5 to $10. If you are able to help out for an hour or two or for the whole stall from 9am–12.30, please let the office know and they will pass your details onto Priscilla. • The next P&C Meeting is planned for Tuesday May 14 at 7pm. Please note the variation of the day to allow parents with Wednesday commitments to attend. Everyone is welcome. • Our Term 2 Disco is planned for Friday May 17. The P&C is discussing a more open approach, particularly with the K–2 disco so parents can see their children enjoying the dancing and activities.

ALARM PROJECT Stage 3 This week I will finish explaining the final step of the ALARM matrix. The ALARM matrix is made up of a series of categories that help students investigate a text at a deep enough level for an adequate response. The ALARM matrix guides students through seven levels of critical thinking as they structure a response to a text; Define, Describe, Explain, Analyse, Critically Analyse and Evaluate. This week I will elaborate on the Evaluate matric component so that you are able to support your child’s learning from home. The evaluate component of ALARM is where your opinion can kick in.

• A judgement on how successful or unsuccessful a text has been through its components. • Words that specifically indicate the way in which the component was successful.

When evaluating the text you are explaining how the text broadened and deepened your understanding of the topic? You can do this by:

1. Making connections between what you have read and what you already know.

2. Summarise how your understanding of the topic has changed/developed due to reading the text (what do you know now). Kind regards, Kathie Colley

Belair Public School

We are looking forward to welcoming our Grandfriends

to school on

9.30am– 10.15am K-2 Assembly and Performances in the hall

including junior choir

10.15am– 10.45am K-2 Open Classroom Visits

10.45am– 11.30am Recess

Cakes, sweet biscuits and slices on sale as part of the band fundraiser

Canteen-coffee, tea, and savoury plates- cheese and biscuits on sale 11.30am- 12.00pm 3–6 Open Classroom Visits 12.00pm- 12.45pm 3–6 Assembly and Performances under the Primary COLA (including bands, choirs and dance groups) 1.00pm End of Grandfriends’ Day activities

The Book Fair will be open in the library for the day

Knights Knockout Gala Day Last Thursday our football team competed in the Knights Knockout Gala Day at Windale football fields. We had our most successful result in recent memory, winning four out of our five games and progressing to the quarter finals. Unfortunately we were defeated by the overall winners but the attitude, sportsmanship and behaviour of the Belair team both on and off the field was fantastic. Many thanks to our coach Mick Butcher for volunteering his time to train the boys during lunchtime as well as guiding them during the game day. Also, thanks to Murray O'Brien for supplying the jumpers from Kotara Bears and the many parents, grandparents and friends who cheered the team on. I am very proud of this wonderful group of boys: Ryder, Reid, Sonny, Casey, Oliver, Callan, Xavier, Kynon, Liam, Colter, Luke, Levi, Michael, Zavier, Tyson, Archie and Damien. Hunter Creative Arts Camp – Camp Toukley Monday 2 – Friday 6 September The Hunter Creative Arts Camp is aimed at students in Years 5 and 6 with a passion for and exceptional abilities in music, art, dance or drama. This week-long intensive camp provides students with access to industry professionals in their area of expertise. The cost of the camp is $450. If you would like your child to be considered for nomination, please speak with their class teacher. Stage 2 Yoga Sessions This term our Stage 2 classes are fortunate enough to participate in yoga sessions with Mrs Tash Whyte. The sessions will run for half an hour on a fortnightly basis. We're looking forward to working on our breathing, stretching and relaxing techniques with Mrs Whyte!

Woolworths Earn & Learn

It’s easy to Earn and Learn. Just get everyone you can earning as many stickers as possible. The promotion runs for a limited time, so spread the word and get everyone helping you collect stickers; kids, parents, grandparents, neighbours and friends. Between 1 May and 25 Jun 2019, collect as many

stickers as you can. Stick them onto a sticker sheet (these are available at Woolworths, in the school office or online to print out). Bring your sticker sheet to school and place them in the collection box located in the SCHOOL OFFICE.

Zone Cross Country Last Friday Elijah G, Ben R, Annika D, Hugo W, Evie W, Hannah B, Eve T, Kaia H, Chloe L, Cameron B, Charlie W, Taj A, Tom F, Liam S, Emma C, Emily H, Poupe M, Macy W, Lachlan M, Lorenna T, Toby R, Allia W, Ashton C and Zavier M attended zone cross country. The 24 students were fantastic representatives of Belair Public School, they showed great manners, outstanding sportsmanship and achieved terrific results. All of them ran well and three will be representing Newcastle Zone at regionals. Congratulations go to Annika D (who came first in her age group), Lorenna T (who came fifth in her age group) and Macy W (who came sixth in her age group).

W

Student Awards

KA

Amelia B, Joshua S 2L Samuel H, Indiana W

4/5J

Thomas B, Joshua M, Abigail W

KM

Lily B, Tobias R 2M

Isabella H, Izaac S

5G

Sophie F, Fletcher K, Lucy M

KZ

Jordan L, Aisling T

3E

Oliver S, Evie W

5K

Sam C, Max D

1B Juliet U, Lucy M 3H Mikaeel K, Genevieve M

5/6F

Jaiden A, Sebastian K

1K

3M

Luke D, Grace K 6P Hannah A, Lachlan F

1S Odin B, Molly J

4B

Hannah B, Lauren P

6W

Thomas C, Ava H

2C Liam B, Eva M

4R

Luke C, William E

Canteen Roster and News ~ Canteen Supervisor Sonja

0438 684 401

The Green Tree Kitchen

Check out our new online only specials at flexischools.com.au

May 8

Wednesday

Allison Buckingham

May 9

Thursday

Renee P

May 10

Friday

Megan M, Sally H, Mel W, Rebecca R

May 13

Monday

May 14

Tuesday

Desiree

Food Glorious Food!!

You can now order Pasta on Monday and Mini Pizza on Wednesday online for recess.

Special meal deals are also available at flexischools.com.au

Did You Know That?

Did you know that you can add avocado to any sandwich, burger or wrap for just $1!

The first issue for this term has been sent home. Orders

are due by:

THURSDAY 15 MAY

The issue will be closed-off in LOOP after this date.

Book Club orders can only be placed via LOOP. Paper forms cannot be completed and placed at the

office. All orders earn resources for our school.

What is LOOP? LOOP is Scholastic Book Club’s “Linked Online Ordering & Payment” platform. This system allows parents to place and pay for their order without the need to return the

paper form to school. With LOOP you can pay using credit card and you can use any Scholastic vouchers.

LOOP includes a gift option so you can still request that your order is left at the office to be collected.

You can access LOOP either at www.scholastic.com.au/LOOP or via the app (download from the App Store or Google play).

If you have any problems using LOOP, Scholastic are more than happy to help out parents directly – call them on 1800 021 233.

Belair Book Club Co-ordinator – Catherine Whittaker, 0414 945 817

Why do students do NAPLAN?

The National Assessment Program - Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) assesses literacy and numeracy skills that are essential for every child to progress through school and life. Students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 participate in the annual NAPLAN tests in reading, writing, conventions of language (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and numeracy. The assessment provides parents and schools with an understanding of how individual students are performing at the time of the tests. NAPLAN is just one aspect of a school's assessment and reporting process - it does not replace ongoing assessments made by teachers about student performance.

NAPLAN also provides schools, education authorities and governments with information about how education programs are working and whether young Australians are meeting important educational outcomes in literacy and numeracy. What is assessed? NAPLAN assesses literacy and numeracy skills that students are learning through their regular school curriculum. All government and non-government education authorities have contributed to the development of NAPLAN materials.

In 2019 most students across Australia will sit NAPLAN online.

Feedback in the first year of NAPLAN Online showed that students engaged well with online assessments. One of the main benefits of NAPLAN Online is tailored (or adaptive) testing, where the test automatically adapts to a student's test performance. The test presents questions of higher or lower complexity, depending on a student's performance. Tailored (or adaptive) testing is designed to assess a wider range of student abilities and to measure student achievement more precisely. Your child should not be concerned if they find questions more challenging than usual; they may be taking a more complex test pathway. A student's overall NAPLAN score is based on the number

NAPLAN Online is not a test of keyboard skills. There are variations in how fast and well a student can type - just as there are variations in how fast and well a student can write by hand. Year 3 students will complete the writing test on paper. To get an idea of what the online assessment looks like, visit the public demonstration site at nap.edu.au

How can I help my child prepare? Help your child prepare by reassuring them that NAPLAN ls just one part of their school program, and by reminding them on the day to simply try their best. Teachers will ensure students are familiar with the types of questions in the tests and will provide appropriate support and guidance. Ensuring students are familiar with using devices, typing on them and navigating through programs are a part of student learning and a requirement of the Australian Curriculum from the first year at school. ACARA does not recommend excessive preparation for NAPLAN or the use of coaching providers. NAPLAN is about assessing learning progress in literacy and numeracy.

In 2019, your child will sit the NAPLAN online tests. However, children in some other schools across Australia will sit the NAPLAN paper tests this year. Federal, state and territory education ministers have agreed that all schools will move online by 2020. State and territory education authorities will determine when their schools move online.

As students are assessed on the same literacy and numeracy curriculum content, regardless of whether they complete the test online or on paper, results for both formats can be reported on the same NAPLAN assessment scale. To find out more about NAPLAN Online, visit nap.edu.au

Participation in NAPLAN

All students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 are expected to participate in the annual NAPLAN assessment. Students with disability may qualify for adjustments that reflect the support normally provided for classroom assessments. You should first discuss the use of any disability adjustments to your child with your child's teacher. A formal exemption may be granted for a student with disability that severely limits their capacity to participate in the assessment, or for a student who has recently arrived in Australia and has a non-English speaking background. Your school principal and your local test adm1nistrat1on authority can give you more information on NAPLAN Online disability adjustments or the process required to gain a formal exemption.

NAPLAN Online 2019 timetable

The assessment window for NAPLAN Online is extended from three days provided for the paper test to nine days. This is to give schools more flexibility in scheduling and accommodate schools that may have fewer devices. The NAPLAN Online assessment window starts on Tuesday 14 May and finishes on Friday 24 May 2019. The online tests must be taken in the following order.

What if my child is absent from school on assessment days?

Where possible, schools may arrange for individual students who are absent at the time of testing to complete missed tests at another time during the school's test schedule. Individual students are not permitted to sit NAPLAN online tests after Friday 24 May 2019.

How is my child's performance measured? Individual student performance is shown on a national achievement scale for each assessment. A result at the national minimum standard indicates that the student has demonstrated the basic literacy and numeracy skills needed to participate fully in that year level. A NAPLAN individual student report will be issued by your child's school later in the year. If you do not receive a report, you should contact your child's school. How are NAPLAN results used?

Students and parents may use individual results to discuss progress with teachers. Teachers use results to better identify students who would benefit from greater challenges or extra support. Schools use results to identify strengths and areas to improve in teaching programs, and to set goals in literacy and numeracy. School systems use results to review programs and support offered to schools. The community can see average school NAPLAN results at myschool.edu.au

Where can I get more information?

For more information about NAPLAN: contact your child's school contact your local test administration authority at nap.edu.au/TAA visit nap.edu.au

For information about how personal information for NAPLAN is handled by ACARA, visit nap.edu. /napla nprivacy

Test Duration Order Details

Writing

Year 3: 40 min. Year 5: 40 min. Year 7· 40 min. Year 9. 40 min.

To be ·completed in the first two days

Year 3 students do a paper-based writing test on day one only

i Year 3: 45 min. Year 5: 50 min.

To be completed

Students read a range of

Reading Year 7; 65 min. Year 9: 65.min.

after the writing test

informative. imaginative and

1 persuasive texts

Convention

s of language

Year 3: 4'5 min. Year 5: 45 min. Year 7: 45 min. Year 9: 45 min.

To be ·completed after the reading test

This test includes spelling grammar and punctuation

I Numeracy

j

I I

Year 3: 45 min. To be This test Year 5: 50 min. competed includes Year 7: 65 min Year 9: 65 min.

after the conventions

number and algebra;

of language measurement test and geometry; and statistics and probability

Monthly Report March 2019

Dear Belair staff and community, We are excited to announce that the Plastic Police® website is now live! Visit www.plasticpolice.com.au to read about the program and browse the case studies, news articles and FAQs. We are working on adding additional case studies to our website, so please let us know if you would like your organisation featured. This month, we are pleased to welcome Spicers Retreats and Compass Housing to the Plastic Police® family. Spicers Retreats is implementing the Plastic Police® program as part of its sustainability vision to achieve zero net waste by 2030. Compass Housing is the first not for profit organisation to implement the program. Compass is aligning its business operations to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to play its part in ending poverty, protecting the planet and ensuring prosperity for all. As Plastic Police® aligns with a number of SDGs, we are pleased to be helping them on this sustainability journey. We wish you a Happy Easter and hope you enjoy the long weekend.

Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Total 2018 Weights Collected (kg) 42 38 44 28 68 28 36 141 10 52 54 32 573

2019 Weight Collected (kg) 0 30 22 52

Total soft plastic collected to date: 625kg Total products purchased to date: 1,930kg % Offset (purchased ÷ collected): 309%

This Easter, choose Easter eggs wrapped in foil or cardboard instead of plastic. You can even purchase completely package-free Easter eggs from The Source Bulk Foods stores. Remember that the aluminium foil from Easter eggs can be recycled - just scrunch it into a ball that is at least the size of your fist to ensure it won’t fall through the sorting equipment at the recycling facility.

Go cold turkey on plastic bags, including the thicker retail bags. Carry a reusable bag with you when you go shopping to avoid having to purchase new ones each time.

Reuse postage bags or get creative when posting packages – did you know you can use boxes, such as cereal boxes, for posting bulky items? Just ask your post office for a label.

Use a lunchbox, containers or reusable wax wraps instead of cling wrap. Choose plastic-free produce at the supermarket where possible. When ordering takeaway Chinese or Thai food, ask for no plastic bag and remember to bring your reusable bag (bonus points if

you bring reusable containers for your takeout!). Choose toilet paper that comes wrapped in paper instead of plastic. Check out Who Gives a Crap for a toilet paper brand that is

plastic-free, made from recycled paper and bamboo, and donates profits to help build toilets in developing countries. Buy bread from a bakery and ask for it in a paper bag instead of plastic. Better yet – bring your own reusable bread bag! For plastic-free snacks, choose fresh fruit and check out the range at your local bulk food store. Use a metal pooper-scooper to pick up pet poo in the backyard rather than single-use plastic dog poo bags. Certified compostable

dog poo bags can now be purchased at vending machines located at Charlestown Square (Ground floor and mezzanine level) and Stocklands Glendale (Coles foyer). Bigger compostable bags can also be purchased at these vending machines which are perfect for lining your kitchen general waste bin. To place an order for Plastic Police® special recycling bags, or to enquire about products made from soft plastics, please email us at info@plasticpolice.com.au.

Program Updates

Monthly Collec�on Sta�s�cs

10 Tips to Reduce So� Plas�c Use