ACPS Blue & White Newsletter 1 11/03/2020

■ Address: 142-152 Faulkner St, Armidale NSW 2350 ■ Phone: 02 6772 3420 ■ Fax: 02 6771 2262 ■ Email: armidalec-p.admin@det.nsw.edu.au ■ Website: www.armidalec-p.schools.nsw.edu.au

The Blue and White Armidale City Public

School the heart of Armidale

Quality teaching since 1861

11 February 2020

ACPS Blue & White Newsletter 2 11/03/2020

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT Last week, the annual general meeting of the P&C was held. Congratulations to the following people on election as members of the Armidale City Public School P&C executive for 2020: President: Matt Hobbs Vice Presidents: Michelle Koina & Rebecca Smith Treasurer: Sue Gooley Secretary: Melissa Gibbs

Selective Schools Test The Selective High School Placement Test will be held tomorrow, 12 March 2020 from 9.00am to 1.30pm at Uralla Central School.

Go to https://education.nsw.gov.au/public-schools/selective-high-schools-and-opportunity-classes/year-7 to find:

A map of test centre addresses under the heading 'The test.’ 

The bulletin, Test information for parents and students. 

The bulletin contains very important information about   the test and should be read carefully.  

Information for parents and carers to support children and young people: How you can support your child It is perfectly normal for children to have questions about events that are covered in the media, such as the information currently being distributed about COVID-19. Children look to the significant adults in their lives for guidance on how to manage their reactions and you can help your child by remaining calm and reassuring them.

There is a common misunderstanding that talking with your child about a topic such as COVID-19 may increase their anxiety. This is not the case. It is important to listen to your child and answer their questions as honestly as possible and correct any misunderstandings. This will help them feel informed and understand what is happening.

Keeping up to date with the facts from reliable sources will help keep conversations calm, considered and constructive. Provide information in words that are appropriate to the age of your child.

Children can be distressed by hearing repeated stories so monitor how much your child is being exposed to television and social media and encourage them to talk to you about what they are seeing and hearing.

Some practical advice Some practical advice for your child includes reminding them to cover their nose and mouth when they cough or sneeze (coughing into their elbow is a useful strategy), keep their hands clean by washing them regularly with soap and water, and avoid touching their eyes, nose and mouth before washing their hands. These are easy habits for children to adopt, and should help them feel as though they’re able to exert some control over their circumstances.

If your child must stay home, it is important for your child to maintain a healthy lifestyle including proper diet, sleep, and social contact at home and by email and phone with family and friends.

Communication is important read the department’s response to COVID-19 for

current information read any information sent home by the school contact the school if your child becomes unwell

Where to get help Contact the school if you are concerned about your child’s wellbeing to discuss the most appropriate support. Support is also available through a number of agencies and community organisations. Parents and carers can: call the National Coronavirus Health Information line

(1800 020 080) review the NSW Health COVID-19 website for the

latest information from the local General Practitioner or Community Health Centre

If you would like additional support, the following services are available

The school counselling service Kids Helpline – 1800 55 1800 – kidshelpline.com.au Headspace – 1800 650 890 – eheadspace.org.au Parent Helpline – 1300 1300 52 Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636 Lifeline – 13 11 14

Have a terrific week. Ms Deborah Nay

Principal

12 March Selective High School Testing 17 March 2pm K-6 Assembly 18 March Harmony Day 24 March Book Week Parade 25 March 6pm The Fathering Project 31 March 2pm K-6 Assembly 8 April 6.30pm P&C Meeting 9 April Easter Hat Parade 9 April Last Day for Term One 27 April First Day of Term Two for Staff 28 April First Day of Term Two for Students

Please check this calendar weekly for updates.

ACPS Launch Event THE FATHERING PROJECT

6pm Wednesday 25 March School Library

All Father’s and Father Figures Welcome

More information to come P&C I

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ACPS Blue & White Newsletter 3 11/03/2020

KR CLASS NEWS Kinder Red has had a wonderful start to the year, with students settling in beautifully to their new environment and learning the rules and routines that help them learn at school. In literacy, students have enjoyed exploring texts about animals. This week, students are focusing on frogs and their life cycle, and are working towards sharing their knowledge about frogs through diagrams. Students have been learning about 5-star writing and have set writing goals which they have enjoyed working towards in whole class and small group writing activities. In maths, students have enjoyed learning about position by giving their peers directions to different locations in the school. This week, students are exploring mass by comparing the weight of items by hefting and sorting items by their weight. Kinder Red are all looking forward to their upcoming excursion to the police station, and they have enjoyed planning and writing down the questions they would like to ask the police officers. Kinder Red are looking forward to continuing to learn and have fun in the weeks to come!

Ms Hannah Rowland Class Teacher

Harmony Day -Wednesday March 18 On Harmony Day we celebrate living in a community that strives to live in peace and harmony by showing respect, understanding and kindness towards others.

On Wednesday 18 March, 2020 students are asked to try and wear something orange as a symbol of peace and harmony. If any student/parent wishes to wear their traditional national dress we encourage them to do so.

In the morning from 9:15am some students will be performing a traditional dance from their country. Students who come in their traditional dress will be invited to greet the staff and students in their first language. It would be greatly appreciated if parents could please support their children with practising their dance and greetings.

We are planning to hold a multicultural food tasting event for the students in each classroom at 1:00pm, and would appreciate it if families could send along a labelled dish of food in the morning to share at lunch. If you do wish to make a hot dish, please assist by bringing it up to your child’s classroom by 12:30pm as we have limited heating facilities. Children are asked to bring a plastic /paper dish or plate and spoon to use on the day.

ACPS Blue & White Newsletter 4 11/03/2020

Bottle Top Count

A BIG Thank You to all those who are collecting

bottle tops.

962 798