Principal's MessageWelcome to Education Week and NAIDOC celebrations throughout week 3. Already it is week 3 and we have participated in so many exciting events and looking forward to so many more. Last Friday, that children in 3 /4 M presented our first K-6 assembly for the term and it certainly was fabulous. It has been lovely to see the children return to school enthusiastically and keen to meet up with friends and teachers. Everyone enjoyed listening to each other’s stories about their experiences during the school holidays and what they look forward to learning in the term to come. Kindergarten celebrated 100 days of learning and many children have participated in gala days and Southern Stars rehearsals since the beginning of this term. The teachers are enjoying preparing these learning experiences and appreciate the support the parents and whole school community provide. Due to some necessary maintenance on the retaining wall at Terry’s Turf we have had to secure this area and as a result this play area is out of bounds until the work is complete. Hopefully the work will be completed soon, and the children can return to playing in this space. The third flagpole has been erected and we are closer to completing the area at the front of the school so that the traditional bell can be used during milestone occasions. NAPLAN results have been shared and we are so pleased with the ongoing growth all our students have made. As teachers we are informed by these results along with a multitude of internal assessments, however these external results provide us with a snapshot of where our students are, in a moment in time. These results are provided to the school along with an abundance of information that assists teachers in breaking down the questions and how to target areas of strength and identify focus areas for teaching in the months ahead. We have begun gymnastics this term and all children have really enjoyed participating in these sessions that are filled with positive energy and music to match. Unanderra Public School proudly appeared in the Illawarra Mercury last Thursday, showcasing some of the amazing things we have achieved and what we are looking forward to doing in the months ahead. https://www.illawarramercury.com.au/story/8285384/milestone-celebration-for-public-schools/ We look forward to seeing our families and community friends this Friday as we celebrate Education week and NAIDOC week. Driving and stopping safely near our school The beginning and end of the school day are busy times for pedestrians and vehicles outside the school. Part of our duty of care is to ensure all students kindergarten through to Year 6 enter and exit the school grounds safely. It is imperative that all students enter the car in the drop zone safely and teachers are available to guide students into the car or to the place they need to be. This includes walking out of the school gates from both the front and the back of the school. We understand that at times it is frustrating to wait however the safety of students and staff is paramount. Thank you! I have copied the rules of Road Safety from the NSW Government for your reference. • Park safely and legally, even if it means walking further to the school gate. Parking signs are planned with children’s safety in mind. • Slow down to 40km/h in the school zone and stay aware of crossings. • Always Park and turn legally around the school. • Never double park as it puts children at risk. • Manoeuvres such as U-turns and three-point turns are dangerous. • Never Park in a bus zone or in the school bus bay. • Make sure your children use the Safety Door (rear footpath side door) to get in and out of the car. • At a supervised crossing, observe the directions of the school crossing supervisor. • Model safe and considerate behaviour for your child – they will learn from you. Remember to always give way to pedestrians particularly when entering and leaving driveways. Don’t Park across the school driveway or the entrance to the school car park. I t’s always a good idea to use the drop off and pickup area suggested by your school. This will help keep all children as safe as possible during the busiest times of the school day. For more information on keeping our kids safe around schools visit the families section on safetytown.com.au The staff at UPS thank the parents and carers for their support and understanding with this very important part of student safety and wellbeing. SMART START- 2023 for Kindergarten 2024 In addition to our kindergarten orientation program, this transition to school initiative will run for 5 weeks each Tuesday at Unanderra Public School. The children will work with Mrs Evelyn Bell, Relieving Assistant Principal K-2, and other school staff on the focuses of the transition program. The parents/carers attend a separate session with Mrs Anissa Rajendra, Principal, and other school staff as an opportunity to share and learn about different elements of primary school. Where: Unanderra Public School (Derribong Drive, Courdeaux Heights) When: 9.15am to 10.15am each Tuesday August 22nd, 29th and September 5th, 12th, 19th What to bring: Children need a clearly labelled water bottle, a piece of fruit or vegetable to eat as a snack and to wear enclosed shoes (e.g. joggers). No other items/food is necessary. Arrival: Parents/Carers and children will be welcomed at the front gate by our students and directed to KB, one of our kindergarten rooms, to drop off your child/ren and sign the attendance sheet. If able to stay for the parent/carer sessions, you will then be directed to Room 17. We are so excited to welcome our newest members of our school community very soon. If you have any questions or know of any child who is of school age for 2024, please don’t hesitate to share this with other families and/or contact the school via email or phone if needed. Smart Start Program Children’s Session Focuses Parent/Carer Session Focuses Finally, I wish to acknowledge the way in which our students have conducted themselves since returning to school this term. I have received both parent and community feedback that our students are polite, respectful, and thoughtful of others. This is something to be proud of! Have a wonderful month ahead. Anissa Rajendra What's Coming up this Term
In 3/4C this term we have started to look at Narratives, specifically Fairytales. We have been using narrative mountains to help us understand the key components that are needed to construct narratives. So far we have been looking into The Gingerbread man, The Three Billy Goats Gruff and The Three Little Pigs. Through narrative mountains we are exploring how different traditional fairy tales are constructed and how they might be twisted to create new fairytales. We will ultimately use this knowledge to create our very own fairytales. Watch this space to see our amazing story writing skills. What we do in 3/4S!For this week’s Unanderra Yarns, 3/4S would like to showcase some of the amazing and engaging activities that they completed on a daily basis to promote Aboriginal perspective when learning. Firstly, every morning in 3/4S starts with our morning circle. During morning circle, students take turns at reading the class Acknowledgment of Country. Every student always shows respect during this time, listening to what is being said. Also, when a person wants to speak during morning circle, they need to be holding our classroom Yarning Stick. This teaches the students about the importance of patience, appropriate turn taking and active listening. In mathematics, 3/4S have been learning to use stories and images to share their understanding of multiplication. The use of stories, symbols and images in the classroom setting has been said to be effective strategies to engage both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal students in their learning. The students have loved completing this work, and have demonstrated some incredibly creative ways to show what they know! One of the students’ favourite games to play during sport sessions is Buroinjin. Buroinjin is a game traditionally played the Kabi Kabi people of South Queensland. Everyone is always eager to join in, stay active and give 110%. Please enjoy some photos of our morning circle, mathematics work, and Buroinjin sessions! K-6 Assembly AwardsKB Merit: Leo O & Jaida L Student of the week: Oliver.M KS Merit: Indiana S & Hunter C.R. Student of the week: Chloe L KE Merit: Mia M & Oliver W Student of the week: Hunter W 1/2R Merit: Tyler L & Lily B Student of the week: Ava D 1M Merit: Romano G & Dylan M. Student of the week: Ramon M. 1P Merit: Jett W. & Bowie C. Student of the week: Aria K. 2L Merit: Hailey N & Cohen O Student of the week: Daisy K 2N: Merit: Jemma C & Isla A Student of the week: Zayden M 3/4C Merit: Milah. K & Aya. R Student of the week: Lola. M 3/4S Merit: Jaylen L & Katherine D. Student of the week: Logan J 3/4BA Merit: Declan R & Charlotte B Student of the week: Axel C 3/4M Merit: Student of the week: 5D Merit: Chayse N & Jaxon M Student of the week: Anastasia W 5L Merit: Serena R & Ryan H Student of the week: Lachlan C 6V Merit: Finn M & Logan WP Student of the week: Leanne O 6S Merit: Zahlia L & Cooper V Student of the week: Bentley C Bronze and Silver AwardsBronze Awards: Kindergarten: Ziggy.E Jude.G Skylah.C Oliver.M Emmy.B Coby.C. Stage 1: Skye S Leo D Ruby-Rose S Silver Awards: Stage 1: Cody J Jax T Mackenzie C Stage 3: Evie D Rugby 7's & Touch 7'SOn Thursday 27th August, I had the pleasure of taking a 50 students from stage 2 and stage 3 to the Rugby and Touch 7s Gala Day. I would like to commend the students for their outstanding behaviour and excellent sportsmanship throughout the event. Their positive attitudes and respect towards one another truly exemplified the spirit of fair play and camaraderie we aim to promote at UPS. It was a pleasure to witness the kids' passion for the game and the support they showed towards their fellow participants. Renae Scruby Sports Coordinator
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Unanderra Public School
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