News

Get #FirstDay2021 ready for the new school year

Thu, 21 Jan 2021 17:19:46 AEDT

Be prepared for the new school year with our back to school tips and tools.

The start of a new school year can be both an exciting and demanding time for parents and students alike.

Our parents and carers Back to school hub can help you prepare for the year ahead with practical articles, tools, activities, calendars and checklists so you and your child can be ready from day1, term 1.

Find out about our COVID-safe school guidelines, download fun activity sheets to complete with your child, read about our health and wellbeing resources and more.

If your child is starting kindergarten, check out our starting school guide for everything you need to know from enrolment to what to expect throughout your child’s first school year.

Video – #FirstDay2021

Duration – 0:49

Stage 1 & 2 ROSEE Ceremonies

Thu, 10 Dec 2020 14:45:46 AEDT

Our Stage 1 & 2 ROSEE Ceremonies have been conducted and each award recipient can be very proud of their achievement.

Head to the Gallery to view each of the classes and their awards. Click here!

You can watch the ceremonies via video on our Facebook page.

Stage 1 Click here!

Stage 2 Click here!

Supporting effective learning at school and home with the 'What Works Best: 2020 update'

Thu, 03 Dec 2020 11:29:02 AEDT

The ‘What Works Best: 2020 update’ outlines the eight most effective teaching practices and how these can be supported at home.

Parents and carers can support effective student learning at home through the ‘What Works Best’ resource, now updated for 2020.

The What Works Best resource has been very successful helping teachers bring the best teaching practices into their classrooms. The ‘What Works Best: 2020 update’ outlines eight evidence-based teaching practices that teachers can use in their classrooms to improve student learning.

You can find out more about these practices, how it’s used in schools, our handy guide for parents and carers and conversation tips to help continue student learning at home when you visit the ‘What Works Best’ parents and carers hub.

Schools Spectacular remixed for television

Thu, 03 Dec 2020 13:33:45 AEDT

Relive memorable acts and performances from the past four years in a special televised Schools Spectacular event.

The annual Schools Spectacular, cancelled this year due to the pandemic, will entertain audiences with a special television broadcast next week.

The Schools Spectacular 2020 Remixed will air on Channel 7 on Saturday 5 December at 7pm.

The two-hour broadcast will feature memorable acts and spectacular moments from the past four years.

The show will also feature a surprise digital performance from this year’s graduating Class of 2020 with the Year 12 students sharing their passion and talents while celebrating with NSW Education for one last time.

This technical feat aims to inspire audiences as more than 70 dancers, singers, instrumental musicians and signing performers from across NSW assemble virtually for the performance.

Mark Scott, Secretary of the NSW Department of Education, said this event is an opportunity to revisit memories of past performances and celebrate the talents of students in NSW public schools.

“Schools Spectacular 2020 Remixed will be an extraordinary broadcast and a unique opportunity to look back at some of the many achievements of our talented performing arts students and their hard working and committed teachers from the past four years,” he said.

Audiences can also share their own memories and see highlights from past Schools Spectacular performances on the Schools Spectacular Facebook page.

Schools Spectacular Remixed 2020 is produced by the NSW Department of Education and proudly supported by Presenting Partners, Telstra and the NSW Teachers Federation, and Segment Partner, RØDE Microphones.

Celebrate Schools Spectacular 2020 Remixed on Saturday 5 December at 7pm on Channel 7.

Supporting effective learning at school and home with the ‘What Works Best: 2020 update’

Thu, 03 Dec 2020 11:13:07 AEDT

The ‘What Works Best: 2020 update’ outlines the eight most effective teaching practices and how these can be supported at home.

Parents and carers can support effective student learning at home through the ‘What Works Best’ resource, now updated for 2020.

School Updates App - be prepared for any emergency

Mon, 16 Nov 2020 14:46:38 AEDT

Receive notifications of school closures. Opt in to receive timely, accurate notifications about the operational status of your chosen NSW public school(s).

The NSW School Updates App was created to help our parents and carers check on the status of their school during last summer’s bushfire season. And it’s been invaluable during COVID when schools were required to close for deep cleaning.

The app is free and available now for iOS and Android users.

Visit NSW School Updates App to download and for more information

Privacy information

The app doesn't store any personal or identifiable information.

Join in the virtual NAIDOC Week celebrations

Wed, 11 Nov 2020 18:31:02 AEDT

Education celebrates NAIDOC Week 2020 (8 – 15 November 2020) with the theme ‘Always Was, Always Will Be’.

It’s a time to reflect and celebrate the history, culture and achievements of the First Nation peoples – recognising them as the traditional owners of the land.

Schools were invited to film and submit videos to celebrate history, culture and achievements of past and present Aboriginal and Torres Strait students.

Secretary, Mark Scott will give an opening address on Monday, 9 November and then Aboriginal students run a Question and Answers session with Mark Scott, Cindy Berwick, President of the NSW AECG; Martin Graham, Deputy Secretary; Michelle Hall, Executive Director, Connecetd Communities and Karen Jones, Executive Director, Aboriginal Outcomes and Partnerships.

Tuesday will showcase how NSW public schools are embedding Aboriginal cultural practices. Special thanks to; Windale Public School Preschool, Terrigal Public School, Wilcannia Central School and Murrumbidgee Regional High School for participating.

Wednesday will highlight the outstanding achievements of Benson Igua Saulo, In-coming Consul-General to the US based in Houston (2021), as his is interviewed by current students from his former schools, Tamworth High School and Peel High School.

Thursday will see Uncle Michael Jarrett deliver a Gumbaynggirr language lesson.

Friday will close out our virtual celebration with a beautiful virtual choir led by Uncle Archie Roach. Students will join him singing ‘Took the children away’ and ‘Children came back’.

Join the virtual celebration via video streams hosted by Aboriginal Outcomes and Partnerships , each weekday morning, at 9:30am, during NAIDOC Week 2020.

2021 term dates now available

Fri, 30 Oct 2020 16:27:16 AEDT

Most students start Friday 29 January (or Friday 5 February for Western division) in Term 1 2021.

To support a strong start to 2021, school staff will now have two school development days at the beginning of Term 1.

For 2021, students will return to school on Friday 29 January (or Friday 5 February for Western division), unless otherwise notified by the school. School term dates for 2021 are now available.

Western division schools, also known as ‘late start’ schools, are located in the far western region of NSW. Check if your school is a Late start school.

#MathsTrainsBrains for the future

Tue, 27 Oct 2020 18:13:20 AEDT

Parents and carers can now explore the importance of mathematical skills with the new Everyday Maths experience, featuring activities, resources and explainers targeted to year groups.

The digital launch is part of the NSW Mathematics Strategy 2025, which aims to strengthen mathematics teaching in NSW public schools, promote understanding of the usefulness of mathematics and build positive perceptions of mathematics.

Tune into Education LIVE to find out how high profile Australians like media guru Kellie Hush, former Olympian Steve Solomon and former Masterchef Alice Zaslavsky use maths in their everyday lives.

Video – #MathsTrainsBrains

Duration – 1:00

Healthy Canteen

Tue, 20 Oct 2020 12:50:15 AEDT

Fantastic news!

Flinders PS meets the NSW Healthy School Canteen Strategy!

Thank you to everyone who works in, supports and purchases from the canteen.

Year 6 Camp Update

Thu, 15 Oct 2020 09:31:13 AEDT

Fantastic news for Year 6

Camp is ON!!

Please check notes coming home and on School eNews!

eSafety Notification

Wed, 09 Sep 2020 09:43:50 AEST

Please be aware!

See note for more information.

The eSafety Commissioner is aware of distressing reports about a video circulating social media platforms.

It would be advisable for parents/ guardians to keep their children off social media for the next couple of days.

Drawing undue attention to the issue may cause unnecessary worry or distress and increase exposure.

Please encourage anyone who may be at risk or experiencing emotional distress, including worried family and friends, to contact one of the following services:

Kids Helpline. 1800 55 1800. Phone support is there all day, every day. Online support is open from 8am-midnight every day (AEST).

Suicide Callback Service. 1300 659 467. Phone support all day, every day, and follow-up calls.

eHeadspace. 1800 650 890. Open 9am-1am daily (AEST).

Lifeline. 13 11 14. Phone support all day, every day. Online support 7pm-4am daily (AEST).

Beyondblue. 1300 22 4636. Phone support all day, every day. Online support 3pm-midnight every day.

Education Week 2020

Tue, 04 Aug 2020 16:38:19 AEST

Learning Together - FPS Education Week 2020

Come on in to our classrooms at Flinders Public School to experience Education Week 2020.

Click the link to access the video.

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1670113849814066

Have your before and after school care needs changed?

Fri, 31 Jul 2020 10:47:15 AEST

The Department of Education wants to hear from all NSW parents about their specific care needs in light of COVID-19.

The NSW Government is committed to making before and after school care available to families at all NSW public primary schools, but we understand your work arrangements and care needs may have changed due to COVID-19.

To better understand how parents can best be supported to access the before and after school care, the department and Service NSW have developed a short survey.

Have your say:

visit service.nsw.gov.au/basc
email BASCreform@det.nsw.edu.au.

Updates to COVID-19 restrictions affecting NSW schools

Tue, 21 Jul 2020 23:00:39 AEST

Latest COVID-19 case locations in NSW

NSW Health has a website to inform you of the actions you should take if you have been in a location where there have been confirmed cases of COVID-19 within NSW. Monitor the site and follow the relevant health advice if you have been at any of the locations at the specified dates and times.

Students and staff who have travelled through or visited Victoria

All students and staff who have visited Victoria must have a permit to enter NSW and are required to self-isolate for 14 days.

Except for students and staff who reside in a border town, all students and staff who have visited Victoria in the 14 days before the commencement of school should not attend school until they complete the 14 days self-isolation period since they left Victoria.

Students and staff who are unable to return to school due to these self-isolation requirements will be supported to learn and work remotely during the self-isolation period via the online learning hubs until they return to on-campus learning and teaching.

NSW Health has requested anyone who has been in Victoria and is unwell or has flu-like symptoms arrange to be tested through their local medical practitioner or one of the COVID-19 clinics.

Refer to current advice for people who have recently visited Victoria.

Information for students and staff on new NSW-Victoria border restrictions

The NSW Government has announced further tightening to the restrictions for people travelling across the NSW-Victorian border.

From midnight Tuesday 21 July a border zone, defined along the Murray River, will be established.

Anyone travelling from Victoria to NSW must apply for a new permit through Service NSW.

Victorian residents who have been in one of the restricted areas in Victoria in the last 14 days must not enter NSW.

Attending schools along the border

Current permits will expire at midnight, Tuesday 21 July. We strongly encourage all parents and staff to check they have a permit and if not, apply for one through Service NSW.

Students and staff who reside in Victoria will need to be eligible for a border permit to attend school in person.

Under the new public health order, the border zone has been reduced significantly.

Not all students and staff may be eligible for a border permit under the public health order. If you are not eligible for a border permit you will not be able to cross the border. Students and staff will be supported through remote learning and working via the online learning hubs until they return to school.

Further information on the new border zone is available from Service NSW.

Border permits can be rescinded at any time if a cluster outbreak in your community occurs. We encourage parents to monitor local circumstances regularly as things may change in the coming days or weeks.

Transport to and from school will run as scheduled. For travel advice to and from school refer to Transport for NSW.

New restrictions affecting boarding schools

Any student returning from Victoria to reside at a boarding school in NSW must now self-isolate for 14 days in a NSW location separate to the boarding school. They must also obtain a negative test swab from day 10 of their isolation before entering school and have written confirmation of the test result and the period spent isolating.

Those who are unable to return to boarding while they are completing the self-isolation period will be supported through remote learning and working via the online learning hubs until they return to school.

More information

Returning to school in Term 3

Fri, 17 Jul 2020 11:24:31 AEST

Our school will be open to welcome students back to onsite learning from the beginning of Term 3 – Tuesday 21 July 2020.

As you would be aware the border between NSW and Victoria closed as of 12:01am 8 July 2020.

All staff and students returning from Victoria after this time must have a permit to enter NSW and are required to self-isolate for a period of 14 days.

All students who have been in Victoria in the last 14 days before the commencement of school must not attend school until they complete the 14 days self-isolation period since they left Victoria.

NSW Health has requested anyone who has been in Victoria and is unwell or has flu-like symptoms arrange to be tested through their local medical practitioner or one of the COVID-19 clinics.

Refer to current advice for people who have recently visited Victoria.

Students who are unable to return to school due to the border closures or self-isolation will be supported to learn remotely.

We would like to remind our community the most important action you can take is to practise good hand hygiene and physical distancing. Our school will be vigilant in implementing these requirements to minimise the risk at school.

Curriculum reform focuses on deep learning

Thu, 25 Jun 2020 16:18:10 AEST

Changes to the NSW school curriculum will be the biggest education shake-up in 30 years.

The reforms, announced by the NSW Government on Tuesday, will start rolling out in 2021. All Kindergarten to Year 12 students will learn the new curriculum by 2024.

The changes are in response to the NSW Curriculum Review by Professor Geoff Masters and will ensure every student is prepared and ready for their future.

The reforms are based on:

decluttering the curriculum by reducing unnecessary subjects
a ‘back to basics approach’ that will see a renewed focus on the core subjects of English, maths and science
Year 11 and Year 12 prequalification for university and TAFE courses.

Education Week to celebrate learning together

Fri, 19 Jun 2020 10:11:54 AEST

Education Week 2020 will be held from Monday 3 August to Friday 7 August.

Education Week is our annual week of celebration to highlight the achievements of our students and staff and the role of public schools as the cornerstone of their communities.

This year’s theme is ‘Learning together’ and it reflects the incredible months of 2020 where NSW public school students have continued to learn and achieve, despite natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Our schools have experienced significant disruption but our staff – in partnership with parents and carers – have worked tirelessly to ensure that high quality teaching and learning has continued for all students.

Department of Education Secretary Mark Scott said the best learning takes place when there is a partnership of students, teachers, parents, carers and the community.

“Our schools and families benefit from strong, respectful relationships where responsibility for student learning is shared,” Mr Scott said.

“As our lives slowly return to normal, it’s time for us to reflect on the achievements and resilience of our entire school community. We look forward to celebrating Education Week with all of you in August.”

Statewide events for Education Week include:

a live stream launch on Monday, 3 August
activities for National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day on Tuesday, 4 August
a live streamed student film festival on Wednesday, 5 August.

Schools are invited to share photos, videos and stories of local celebrations on social media using the hashtag #EdWeek20 or send an email to educationweek@det.nsw.edu.au.

Reconciliation Assembly

Fri, 29 May 2020 15:47:30 AEST

Reconciliation Assembly

Our first virtual assembly was a great success!

See the assembly content here.

Acknowledging Reconciliation Week was the perfect way to adapt to a new way of 'gathering' and communicating school wide.

Our student leaders conducted the assembly via a prerecorded video.

Mr Wells invited us to join together and acknowledge Reconciliation Day, streaming into each classroom from his office.

Thank you to our wonderful students who lead the assembly.

Thank you to all the classroom teachers and support teachers in making it happen.

Well done Flinders Public School.

Welcome Back FPS Students

Mon, 25 May 2020 10:25:02 AEST

We can't wait to see the students return on Monday.

Watch the video of what happened when the FPS Staff found out the students were coming back.

Watch it here!

Entry and Exit Procedures From May 25

Wed, 20 May 2020 14:54:05 AEST

NSW students return to the classroom full-time

Tue, 19 May 2020 09:34:58 AEST

Students across NSW will be back in the classroom full-time from next Monday, 25 May.

The success of the phased return to face to face teaching has demonstrated the education system and community are ready for school to come back full-time.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell thanked school communities and parents for their patience during this difficult time.

Ms Berejiklian said a return to full-time face to face teaching and learning is crucial for the education progress of every child in NSW from Kindergarten to Year 12.

“Since starting a managed return to the classroom, we have seen a strong degree of confidence from our school communities in managing COVID-19 and a clear desire for all students to be back at school,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“We expect schools to stick with the health advice – increased cleaning, access to hygiene supplies and compliance with hygience practices – and look forward to seeing all students back on campus five days a week.

“The health advice is very clear; a return to full-time face to face teaching is safe.”

Over the last two weeks schools have been working hard to support students practise good hygiene and implement new routines at school, which has been successful giving the community confidence that full-time face to face teaching can resume.

Ms Mitchell said she was eager to see students back in the classroom full-time.

“Our principals, teachers, support staff, parents and carers have gone above and beyond to continue the education of our students while we respond to this pandemic,” Ms Mitchell said.

“My priority is the education of our children. We know that parents across NSW share our desire for students to be back in school, and that is our expectation.

“Schools will need to maintain the measures and precautions they have put in place for the foreseeable future, including no assemblies and excursions.

“Teachers will be focused on identifying where their students are at in their education and we will be supporting them to recognise and assist those students who need additional help.”

Read the department's latest advice for families.

Thank you!

Fri, 15 May 2020 09:22:15 AEST

Keeping our school COVIDSafe

Tue, 12 May 2020 15:13:05 AEST

Help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in our community by downloading the app.

Social distancing and washing your hands remain the best ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The COVIDSafe app, developed by the Australian Government, helps to reduce the spread by allowing health experts to find close contacts faster and more accurately.

The app does not track your location. It uses your phone's Bluetooth to record other users you come into contact with, so if they test positive, NSW Health can let you know.

Find out more:

Students begin return to classrooms

Fri, 08 May 2020 17:58:51 AEST

From Monday 11 May (Week 3) students will begin a phased return to school.

The phased return will maintain distancing in the classroom while supporting students' education and wellbeing.

Most students will continue learning from home and will only attend school 1 day each week.

Our school will continue to provide detailed information about the return to the classroom throughout the rest of Term 2.

Measures to keep schools clean and safe for all students and staff include:

25% more cleaning time focused on high-touch areas
priority deliveries of hygiene supplies including soap and hand sanitiser
local school changes to pick up, drop off, lunch and recess times and processes.

Phase 1: Beginning 11 May 2020

Tue, 05 May 2020 11:59:08 AEST

Religion and ethics lessons continue at home

Tue, 05 May 2020 11:17:23 AEST

Students learning from home can continue to access Special religious education (SRE) and Special education in ethics (SEE) classes.

Face-to-face SRE, SEE and Voluntary student activities of a religious nature in schools (VSA) will not be available until schools resume normal operations.

In response to requests from school communities, SRE and SEE approved providers are delivering their authorised curriculum with modifications to allow students to learn from home from the start of Term 2.

The lesson content and the mode of delivery has been reviewed and modified for easy access by students. The approved providers recognise that learning at home will not replicate face-to-face learning at school.

The learning from home SRE and SEE programs are now available:

Term 2, Week 3

Fri, 01 May 2020 15:28:54 AEST

Arrival and Departure Procedures

Tue, 28 Apr 2020 15:18:14 AEST

Term 2 at Flinders Public School

Tue, 28 Apr 2020 14:24:24 AEST

Tune in at 8.45am to NSW Education LIVE

Tue, 28 Apr 2020 19:19:23 AEST

To welcome our students back for Term 2, join us at 8.45am from Wednesday 29 April to Friday 8 May for a special live stream.

Musician Guy Sebastian, TV foodies Matt Preston, Gary Mehigan and Manu Feildel, Gardening Australia host Costa Georgiadis, Sydney Swans player Ollie Florent, and our very own Eddie Woo, have donated their time to kick start learning from home each morning from 29 April - 8 May.

Tune in each day at 8:45am. We can't wait to see you!

Term 2

Sat, 25 Apr 2020 10:56:04 AEST

NSW students to transition back to the classroom in Term 2

Tue, 21 Apr 2020 09:59:08 AEST

NSW school students will gradually transition back to the classroom during Term 2 as the Government continues to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning Sarah Mitchell outlined the plan for students attending NSW public schools to progressively return to face-to-face learning in week three of Term 2.

Ms Berejiklian said health advice continues to be that schools remain open, and parents, teachers and students can be confident that school is safe place.

“We are grateful to all families who kept their children home from school at the end of Term 1 and to teachers who worked tirelessly to deliver education online,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“This allowed us critical time to prepare our schools to develop better online learning options and for considering additional hygiene measures to allow schools to return.

“We know that nothing is more important than a child’s education, and we must begin to return our students to their classrooms in a considered way.

“Under these changes, from week three of Term 2, every student will be attending school for one day a week.

“We will look to increase the number of days students are at school in a staged way and hope to have all children back at school full-time by Term 3.

“I’d like to thank the Catholic and Independent schools for working with the NSW Government at this time, as well as staff, including teachers, principals and cleaners, for working so hard to prepare for a resumption of school.

“I’d also like to thank parents for what has been a tough month, often juggling working from home and caring for children. We hope the partial resumption of on campus learning will provide some much needed relief to those families.”

During the first stage of on-campus learning, parents will be encouraged to keep their children home except on their allocated day of face-to-face learning. Initially, about a quarter of a school’s students are expected to be on site at any one time. The specific days students will be required to attend school each week will vary from school to school and will be clearly communicated to parents.

Classes will be split across schools, allowing schools to appropriately social distance students and teachers.

As always, schools will remain open for students who need them and no child will be turned away from school.

Ms Mitchell said careful consideration had been given to support the school community, providing clarity and certainty on the path forward.

“This plan provides a clear path that balances community concerns with a need to deliver continuity of quality education,” Ms Mitchell said.

“Hand sanitiser will be available in all classrooms and provisions are in place for at-risk teachers to work from home. Drop off, pick up, recess and lunchtimes will also be staggered to ensure social distancing.”

In addition to the staged return to school, the NSW Government has committed up to $95.7 million to help keep casual and temporary school staff engaged in active work during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Our casual and temporary teachers and other non-teaching staff across NSW schools are critical to our education system, and will help ensure the educational outcomes for our students during this staged return,” Ms Mitchell said.

A cross-sector working group of teachers will also be established to report back to the Minister on recent innovations and educational developments assembled during the COVID-19 period that are suitable to support future educational delivery.

“It’s important that we have an inventory of the cutting edge teaching solutions and recognise the best efforts of our amazing NSW teachers during a difficult time,” Ms Mitchell said.

Teachers will have an additional day to prepare for Term 2 on Tuesday 28 April making the first day of term for students Wednesday 29 April.

Latest advice

Get up-to-date information about the department's response to COVID-19 (novel coronavirus).
Explore the department's learning from home resources for teachers and parents to support both online and offline learning for all students.

Happy Easter

Fri, 10 Apr 2020 10:33:38 AEST

Keep your family entertained these school holidays

Thu, 09 Apr 2020 17:39:55 AEST

We know it’s been a challenging Term 1. Just as many communities began recovering from fires, droughts and floods, we moved to learning from home to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

The school holidays are coming, which means your family is about to have a lot of free time and nowhere to go.

To support you while looking after children we’ve put together a handy guide of activities to stimulate young minds and keep your family busy and engaged.

Check out our parents and carers toolkit for important self-care tips, free parenting podcasts and apps.

If you need a break, the Service NSW before and after school care finder can help locate vacation care programs near you.

Thank you for all that you're doing!

Fri, 03 Apr 2020 14:15:58 AEDT

Supporting Your Young Person

Thu, 02 Apr 2020 17:19:07 AEDT

Reach Out

Thu, 02 Apr 2020 10:22:58 AEDT

No Caller ID Phone Calls

Wed, 01 Apr 2020 08:38:00 AEDT

Managing Multiple Google Accounts

Tue, 31 Mar 2020 15:08:48 AEDT

Learning Delivery

Tue, 31 Mar 2020 09:53:21 AEDT

Help Us to Help You

Mon, 30 Mar 2020 13:15:06 AEDT

Help Us to Help You

Please continue to email the school email account of flinders-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au any concerns, questions or issues.

Can we please ask that you type your child's first and last name in the subject line.

This avoids confusion and ensures that the right person is sent this matter as soon as possible.

Thank you,

G. Wells

Flinder Public School community is fantastic!

Mon, 30 Mar 2020 16:17:34 AEDT

Flinders Public School community is fantastic!

Let's continue to be kind to each other!

Fantastic work!

Week 10 Workpack

Fri, 27 Mar 2020 16:03:22 AEDT

Student Work Packs

Student work packs can be collected next week.

Kindergarten and Years 3 and 4 (Stage 2) will be available on Monday in the hall from 12-4pm.

Years 1 and 2 (stage 1) and Years 5 and 6 (Stage 3) will be available on Tuesday in the from 12-4pm.

So parents DON'T have to come in twice all packs are available on TUESDAY ONLY.

Well done to everyone on a great week. Enjoy your weekend.

Well done!

Thu, 26 Mar 2020 14:53:25 AEDT

Well done to all of the students who have been working hard with their learning. We are all so proud of you.

Tips for Homeschooling

Thu, 26 Mar 2020 15:00:07 AEDT

Top Homeschooling tips

We are all in this together!

Wed, 25 Mar 2020 14:39:18 AEDT

Thank you to our parents and carers of our Flinders Public School Students. You are all amazing!

We will work together to support each other. Our core business is about supporting our students. Please email the school at any time with questions or concerns regarding your child's learning. The email account is constantly checked - flinders-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au

Thanks again.
Greg Wells - Principal

Thank you!

Wed, 25 Mar 2020 00:11:29 AEDT

Thank You

Thank you to our wonderful community for the amazing support that we have so openly shared with each other during the past few days. Today was a remarkable day, one that after 20 years of being a principal I never ever dreamed of experiencing.

To our Parents and Carers, I cannot express how grateful I am that we as a school community have come together to share the challenges that the current restrictions have placed on us all. Today as parents and carers came into the school to collect the work packs I was humbled by the manner, appreciation and deep respect that was shown so openly to all staff. The impact on our families has been significant. Families spoke openly of their challenges at home, work and in heir everyday life. Today we had significant support from our families keeping their children away from school to assist the school in managing Social Distancing. Thank you so much for this support as it enables teachers to transition across from face to face teaching to facilitating the online/ offsite delivery of learning. School is an option for those parents and carers who are “essential workers”. This supports our broader community and families that are on the frontline or serving critical services. By reducing the number of students in school we are also assisting schools to enact Social Distancing to protect our students and their families. I cannot thank our parents and carers enough for their support in this matter.

If students must come to school they must bring their work pack. There is only “one body of work”. This was sent home in the work pack, Teachers at school will supervise any student that must be at school. They will undertake the same work as those at home. I understand that some students will be coming to school on different days due to their parents being essential workers, however, I must stress that the school is not a baby sitting service for those who are not essential workers and it is just too hard.

Teachers and the school will now start to organise for further work, structures and online support for families, parents and carers. I urge everyone to take this process slowly and make it as positive experience as possible.

If you have questions I urge you to use the school email of flinders-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au The school email will be constantly monitored throughout the school day. You can expect that an email will be responded to within a 24 hour period.

Again, thank you to everyone on what has been an exceptional day. A special thank you to the staff at Flinders who have scrambled to ensure a level of support for all students and their families. Their work, commitment and dedication has been exceptional.

What is Important – Message from Greg Wells

Tue, 24 Mar 2020 14:49:12 AEDT

Below was copied from a friend of a friend’s post. A note to parents from a principal of a school. I think that the message within this is important to us all. Please read this and use it as a guide for what is important, our kids.

“Dear Parents,

You might be inclined to create a minute by minute schedule for your kids. You have high hopes of hours of learning, including online activities, science experiments, and book reports. You’ll limit technology until everything is done! But here’s the thing...

Our kids are just as scared as we are right now. Our kids not only can hear everything that is going on around them, but they feel our constant tension and anxiety. They have never experienced anything like this before. Although the idea of being off of school for 4 weeks sounds awesome, they are probably picturing a fun time like summer break, not the reality of being trapped at home and not seeing their friends.

Over the coming weeks, you will see an increase in behavior issues with your kids. Whether it’s anxiety, or anger, or protest that they can’t do things normally - it will happen. You’ll see more meltdowns, tantrums, and oppositional behavior in the coming weeks. This is normal and expected under these circumstances.

What kids need right now is to feel comforted and loved. To feel like it’s all going to be ok. And that might mean that you tear up your perfect schedule and love on your kids a bit more. Play outside and go on walks. Bake cookies and paint pictures. Play board games and watch movies. Do a science experiment together or find virtual field trips of the zoo. Start a book and read together as a family. Snuggle under warm blankets and do nothing.

Don’t worry about them regressing in school. Every single kid is in this boat and they all will be ok. When we are back in the classroom, we will all course correct and meet them where they are. Teachers are experts at this! Don’t pick fights with your kids because they don’t want to do math. Don’t scream at your kids for not following the schedule. Don’t mandate 2 hours of learning time if they are resisting it.

If I can leave you with one thing, it’s this: at the end of all of this, your kids’ mental health will be more important than their academic skills. And how they felt during this time will stay with them long after the memory of what they did during this period. So keep that in mind, every single day.

Stay safe.”

Be kind to you and your children as we all earn how to navigate through this interesting time.

Greg Wells

Principal

Flinders Public School

There will be no canteen from tomorrow until further notice

Tue, 24 Mar 2020 15:05:45 AEDT

Due to the significant changes in the operation of Flinders Public School, the canteen will close after today until further notice.

Greg Wells

Principal

School Work Packs

Tue, 24 Mar 2020 15:07:41 AEDT

Thank you to all of you for the way in which we have worked together during this challenging period of time.

Work packs are available for collection from 2pm to 3.45pm today. Due to Social Distancing work packs can be collected from the following areas;

* Kindergarten - Kindergarten Cola near Kindergarten classrooms

* Year 1 and Year 2 - Under the large Cola on netball courts

* Year 3 and Year 4 - from the School hall

* Year 5 - from the school library

* Year 6 - outside the Year 6 classrooms

I ask that if you are not able to collect your pack today between 2pm and 3.45pm that you can come tomorrow from 9am to 11am and then from 2pm to 3.30pm. Packs that are collected tomorrow will be in the hall.

Packs can be collected by a friend or family member or another student

Please take the time to read through the work pack thoroughly. There is a great deal of information with accompanying "How To" sheets.

This work pack is the first, starting work pack. There will be additional work packs with further information, work, procedures and assistance. Please keep the "How To" sheets.

As a school we are working to create one body of work for each grade that can be shared with each student and their family. I greatly appreciate the work of all teachers and staff. I also greatly appreciate parents and carers important and challenging role. There will be an increase in the support we can offer but we as a school are working to develop what is needed and how we can meet your needs.

G. Wells

Principal

Tips to maintain a healthy headspace

Tue, 24 Mar 2020 17:01:58 AEDT

How to cope with stress related to COVID-19

Tips to maintain a healthy headspace.

It can feel stressful and overwhelming during an event like the outbreak of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) and we can all be affected differently.

Access this link for more information on advice from headpace: click here

New COVID-19 restrictions begin as schools move towards online learning

Tue, 24 Mar 2020 17:51:35 AEDT

The NSW Government has taken significant new steps to increase restrictions across the state - triggering the next level of enforcement necessary to fight COVID-19.

Following the decisions made by National Cabinet, NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian confirmed the shutdown to protect NSW citizens.

"I understand many in the community are worried, and these changes will affect everyday lives, and may be upsetting," Ms Berejiklian said.

"But these decisions will make us all safer, they are taken with the health of all citizens in mind, and they must be taken now.

"If you have the capacity to work from home, you should do so."

In line with health advice, from midday today, the following non-essential activities and businesses will be temporarily shut down:

pubs, registered clubs
gyms, indoor sporting venues
cinemas, entertainment venues, casinos, and night clubs
restaurants and cafes will be restricted to takeaway and/or home delivery
religious gatherings, places of worship (excluding small weddings and funerals that comply with the 4m2 rule, which can proceed).

It is important to note essential gatherings at places such as hospitals, workplaces, constructions sites and for public transport are exempt and will continue.

As confirmed last night by the Prime Minister schools will remain open, based on health advice, which has not changed.

But from tomorrow, in NSW, for practical reasons, parents are encouraged to keep their children at home.

"Because nearly 30 per cent of children are already being kept out of school, for practical reasons NSW is encouraging parents to keep their children at home," Ms Berejiklian said.

"This will ensure there is only one unit of work, whether the student is at home or at school.

"No child will be turned away from school."

Latest advice

Get up-to-date information about the department's response to COVID-19 (novel coronavirus).
Explore the department's learning from home resources for teachers and parents to support both online and offline learning for all students.

Student Learning Organisation

Mon, 23 Mar 2020 22:00:08 AEDT

Student Learning Organisation from Tuesday 24 March

Today the Premier of NSW and our Department has advised school communities that if children can stay at home to do their learning from there, that would be a good idea. Schools will remain open for children of parents who are working in essential services and also for high-risk students for whom it's safer and better to be in a school. To be clear; those parents who work in our health system, education system, emergency services and other essential workers need to be able to access suitable supervision of their child.

The NSW Premier and our Department is asking teachers to create just one body of work that students can work on at home or under supervision. Students at school will not be in regular classrooms, they will be supervised as they work on this material prepared by their teachers in an altered learning situation that does not reflect the normal classroom structure or experience.

Response from Flinders Public School

This is an incredibly challenging period of time for all carers, parents, staff and our students. Our school has outstanding relationships with our community and we highly value this important relationship.

Teachers have developed initial work packs for families to collect tomorrow. Collection of these work packs is essential so that students have access to ongoing learning. Work packs can be collected from 2pm tomorrow. This provides the school time to print, collate, organise and pack each of our 585 students work with all of their material. This will be our first pack and will have material that will be used over subsequent weeks. The first pack is designed to assist for this week. “How to” instruction and outlines with images and screen grabs are included. Student Login and Passwords are included for each student. There will be another follow up work pack issued at the beginning of next week. The work packs contain a number of different types of work that involve digital accessed work, traditional work structures and links to websites. A digital classroom has been established for every class that each student will be able to access as well.

Work packs can be collected from 2pm in the following places. Work packs will not be available before 2pm. Students will have their names marked off the class roll to ensure all students have their work pack collected.

Kinder work packs can be collected from the Kindergarten COLA (outside kindergarten classrooms).

Year 1 and Year 2 work packs can be collected from the Netball Court.

Year 3 and Year 4 work packs can be collected from the School Hall.

Year 5 work packs can be collected from the library.

Year 6 work packs can be collected from outside the Year 6 classrooms.

I appreciate everyone’s patience during this most challenging time. There is a great deal of work going on to support our students. We are currently working in an environment that is constantly changing and extremely demanding. I greatly appreciate the efforts that parents, carers, teachers and staff are all showing to ensure that our students are supported.

Greg Wells

Principal
Flinders Public School

School Operational Monday 23 March

Sun, 22 Mar 2020 21:14:06 AEDT

School is fully operational tomorrow Monday 23rd March 2020.
A reminder for parents and students we have new lining up procedures.
Looking forward to seeing you all tomorrow.

NAPLAN 2020 - CANCELLED

Fri, 20 Mar 2020 15:08:34 AEDT

NAPLAN 2020 Cancelled

Education Ministers met today and decided that NAPLAN will not proceed in 2020. The NAPLAN test window was scheduled to be held from 12 to 22 May.
All Education Ministers acknowledge and thank all of our school leaders, our teachers and support staff for the essential work they do every day educating our children and young people, particularly during these challenging times. They are all playing a vital role in managing the response to COVID-19.
Education Ministers reiterated that the National Cabinet has agreed, on the advice of the chief health and medical officers, that "pre-emptive closure of schools are not proportionate or effective as a public health intervention to prevent community transmission of COVID-19 at this time." The advice of the Chief Health and Medical Officers is available at this link: Click here!

Supporting our children

Mon, 16 Mar 2020 10:35:25 AEDT

During this challenging time I urge parents to be mindful of how we all support children and the language we are using. See information in the above image.

Sporting activities ceased temporarily until further notice

Mon, 16 Mar 2020 16:56:15 AEDT

Dear Parents/Carers

As you may be aware, the Department of Education is implementing social distancing measures in an effort to slow the progression of COVID-19. In accordance with these measures, any whole school sporting event (such as a cross country carnival) or any other sporting activity that mixes our students with students from other schools, is cancelled for now.

South Coast School Sport has provided the update that all District, Zone, Regional Associations, NSWPSSA, NSWCHSSA and State-wide knockout activities will be 'temporarily ceased until further notice'. Advice from NSWPSSA can be found here.

The advice on distancing measures can be found here:

As we are provided with more information we will forward it on.

We thank you for your patience, cooperation and consideration.

Schools to implement distancing measures

Sun, 15 Mar 2020 20:42:50 AEDT

The NSW Department of Education is introducing proactive measures to limit the impact of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in our schools.

Mark Scott, Secretary of the Department of Education, today announced that schools would adopt social distancing measures requiring them to cancel assemblies, excursions, travel, some events and conferences.

Mr Scott said these measures are precautionary and designed to reduce exposure via non-essential gatherings.

"Schools have been a focus of the community and the government as the impacts of coronavirus have developed globally," Mr Scott said.

"From Monday onwards, I expect school assemblies and substantial gatherings to be cancelled, along with all excursions.

"The community expects schools to be as safe as possible. We are implementing these measures to provide peace of mind for students, parents and staff."

"These cancellations also extend to inter-school arts, sports, initiative activities and events.

All major arts, sports and initiative activities and events will temporarily be ceased until further notice. This includes whole-school sporting events and inter-school events involving three or more schools.

"Local inter-school sport and other activities can proceed, but we ask organisers to ensure that as far as possible, reasonable precautions are taken," Mr Scott said.

"I trust our principals and staff to show leadership during this time."

Schools will be provided with more detailed advice and suggestions on how they can adjust their day to day activities with minimal disruption.

The department is continuing to prepare for further closures if necessary with scaling up of technology, additional training of staff and preparation of offsite lessons.

Families and students in self-isolation can find useful information to continue learning from home.

For the latest information, check COVID-19 advice for schools.

School Operational Monday 16 March

Sun, 15 Mar 2020 21:07:21 AEDT

Flinders Public School is operational tomorrow, Monday 16 March

School starts at 8.25

Classes start at 8.55

NO ASSEMBLY in the morning!

Information regarding the NSW Department of Education Schools to implement distancing measures can be found at this link: https://education.nsw.gov.au/…/schools-to-implement-distanc…

The NSW Department of Education is introducing proactive measures to limit the impact of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in our schools.

Mr Scott said these measures are precautionary and designed to reduce exposure via non-essential gatherings.

Whole School Assembly Change of Date

Thu, 27 Feb 2020 13:08:42 AEDT

These changes have occurred to ensure teachers are working collaboratively to produce teaching and learning programs that cater for all students. To enable staff to meet as a stage together on a Friday, Flinders Public School has moved whole school assemblies. The whole school assembly will now occur on a Wednesday in term 1 in an odd weeks and terms 2, 3 and 4 in the even weeks. It will begin at the same time, straight after lunch on a Wednesday. The staff would like to thank you in advance for supporting these changes in our organisation. The dates are provided on the school calendar that accompanies this newsletter.

Expo Evening - Wollongong High School of the Performing Arts

Wed, 05 Feb 2020 16:29:52 AEDT

Information for families with Year 6 students!

An Expo Evening will be held on Wednesday February 19th at 5pm & 6.30pm at Wollongong High School of the Performing Arts.

Bookings are essential.

Please find attached a flyer for more information.

Illawarra Sports High School - Open Night

Wed, 05 Feb 2020 16:30:45 AEDT

Information for families with Year 5 or 6 students!

An open night for Illawarra Sports High will be held on Monday February 24th at 6pm in the Illawarra Sports High School Hall.

Please find attached a flyer for more information.

Audition application for Wollongong High School of the Performing Arts

Mon, 03 Feb 2020 14:46:59 AEDT

Attention year 6 parents 2020!

The online audition application is now available for students in Year 6 2020, who wish to audition for Wollongong High School of the Performing Arts, through the WHSPA school website.

Applications are only accepted online.

If you have any queries please notify Mr Peter Tarasenko, Assistant Principal for Stage 3, on 02 4295 7355.

Coronavirus - Department of Education statement

Tue, 28 Jan 2020 19:04:39 AEDT

The department is working with the Ministry of Health to monitor and respond to the unfolding international novel coronavirus situation.

Get up-to-date information about the department's response to novel coronavirus.

#Ready2020 – a great year starts here

Tue, 21 Jan 2020 13:26:18 AEDT

Starting school is a big moment in a child’s life. Here’s how to make the most of it.

We can’t wait for you to join us for a great year – the first step towards a lifelong love of learning.

Visit the department’s primary school resources for hints, tips and checklists to make a great start to the new school year, whether your child is starting Kindergarten or Year 6.

You’ll find:

Getting ready for primary school booklet – everything you need to be #Ready2020
Daisy’s First Day – the story of Daisy the koala’s first adventure at Kindergarten
advice from teachers – they’ve been through this before.

Video – #Ready2020: First day of Kindy

Duration – 1:00

Staying healthy into the new school year

Fri, 20 Dec 2019 16:47:13 AEDT

Immunisation is a simple, safe and effective way to protect your family from harmful diseases this holiday season and into 2020. Visit your doctor for general health and vaccination advice.

Immunisation not only protects you and your family but also others in your community, by reducing the spread of preventable diseases.

Children starting school in 2020 must have up-to-date immunisations to enrol.

These vaccinations help protect children from highly infectious and severe diseases including whooping cough and measles.

Travel health

If you’re travelling overseas during the school holidays, you may need vaccinations or medication – both for general health protection and for region-specific diseases.

If you’re travelling to the Northern Hemisphere, you may even need a flu shot.

Find out more about staying healthy while travelling.

NSW schools respond to bushfires

Mon, 11 Nov 2019 17:12:59 AEDT

Many schools are responding to the catastrophic fire rating that is affecting communities across the state this week.

We are continuously updating the School safety page with a list of government and non-government schools, as well as TAFE NSW campuses that are currently non-operational.

While some schools are temporarily non-operational due to localised fires, many others in high-risk areas are non-operational as a precautionary measure.

Schools in some areas are being used as emergency evacuation centres at the direction of the Rural Fire Service.

For schools that are currently operational, school pickups and dropoffs will continue as usual. If your school is currently non-operational, it will likely remain so tomorrow.

Large scale distressing events affect our school communities in many ways. Headspace’s mental health support resource (PDF 100.52KB) is available to help students, teachers and school staff respond to the bushfires.

Visit the School safety page for updates. The department’s Facebook and Twitter accounts will also provide updates during this period.

Steel Shade Structure Operational

Thu, 24 Oct 2019 11:06:17 AEDT

This has been a massive job and it has tested everyone’s patience at one point. However, what a resource, what an asset for our students, staff and school. There is still work to be undertaken on surrounding gardens, line marking and the grass area to the side. But we have a COLA!!! Yippee !!!

The resurfacing of the COLA will be a project we will work towards in 2020 after the Security fencing is put around the perimeter of the school. As the resurfacing will be a huge cost, I will wait until the school is secure before starting this section of this project.

The COLA, ramp to the sports storeroom, garden edging and additional concrete space has all been fully paid for from savings made over the past 6 years. This has been a long term project that will greatly benefit our students, school and the programs we are able to offer. Again thank you to all in our community for the short term pain of the term 3 work.

New Office

Thu, 24 Oct 2019 11:05:09 AEDT

A huge thank you to the office administration team that worked so hard throughout the holiday period to ensure that our new office was operational from day one term 4. What a team!!! These guys all gave up part of their holidays so that the school community and our students, staff, parents and community were not interrupted at all. I am so very proud of the hard working team here at Flinders Public School. Special thanks to Mr Herb Cordes our school General Assistant for all of his hard work in making this happen!!!

The new office allows the administration team to serve our students, staff and parents in a more functional manner that reflects their high level of professionalism. Well done again!!!

Grab a ticket to Schools Spectacular 2019

Tue, 22 Oct 2019 16:01:53 AEDT

Will you be joining us at Schools Spectacular 2019? Tickets are on sale now. Experience our live show featuring a cast of thousands of public school students from across metropolitan, rural and remote regions of NSW.

Students from different ages, cultures and backgrounds will share the spotlight as they dance, play and sing for you. Choose from one of our four massive performances at Qudos Bank Arena on Friday 22 November and Saturday 23 November.

This year's events will feature:

more than 380 schools
5,500 performers
a 3000-strong choir
2,300 dancers
an 80-piece symphony orchestra
a world-class stage band.

Group bookings

Need to make a group booking for over 10 people? Complete the Schools Preview Order Form 2019 (PDF 110KB) to attend the discounted 11am Friday matinee. The Friday matinee is discounted for school students and accompanying teachers.

If you’d like to grab a spot at one of the other three remaining shows complete the Group Booking Form 2019 (PDF 110KB).

Tickets for you and your family and friends

Save you and your family a spot online or by phone on 132 849.

Video – Schools Spectacular 2019

Duration: 0:26

Have your say on before and after school care

Fri, 13 Sep 2019 13:37:45 AEST

We want to better understand your needs for before and after school care in NSW.

Have your say today on before and after school care.

Fill out the survey by Service NSW to share your specific care needs and to register interest to stay informed of new developments.

Your input will provide insights into where there are gaps in service availability and help us to deliver extra places where they are needed.

You can also contact the team responsible for rolling out the before and after school care commitment at BASCreform@det.nsw.edu.au.

Book yourself in for Reading Hour

Thu, 12 Sep 2019 11:24:18 AEST

This Australian Reading Hour, encourage your child to discover or rekindle their love of a good book. Take the time to learn, escape and relax on Thursday 19 September and read for one hour.

Get involved at home

Join in at home and read your child a bedtime story. Studies show that reading a bedtime story six days a week can give kids almost a year’s head start when they begin school. Reading has also been shown to develop empathy, promote critical thinking and help children find a sense of self.

Join in from the classroom

Bestselling children’s author and illustrator Matt Stanton will broadcast live to primary school children across the country from the Sydney Opera House on Tuesday 17 September. We invite schools to register for the livestream of this free event.

Stanton’s author talk is among more than 140 events happening across the country involving more than 50 authors.

Take the Book Swap Challenge

We all have favourite books that we come back to again and again.

To help celebrate Reading Hour take our Book Swap Challenge. We want students, teachers, staff and parents to try reading something new on the day. To get involved, simply pair up with someone and swap your favourite books.

Take a photo and tag it with #ReadingHour so we can see how you got involved.

Video – #ReadingHour authors talk about their favourite place to read

Duration: 0:38

Looking for a good spot to open a book? We asked authors Benjamin Law, Morris Gleitzman, Jacqueline Harvey and Mick Elliott about their favourite place to read.

How to be smart and safe on social media

Thu, 05 Sep 2019 11:44:30 AEST

Use our new Digital Citizenship toolkit to empower your child to understand how their online behaviour affects themselves and others.

You and your child can find information on:

how to ‘be positive’ by understanding online behaviour and its effect
'be smart’ by thinking critically and being digitally aware
'be safe’ by protecting your security, privacy and wellbeing.

A toolkit to empower you and your child

You can find articles and videos to equip and empower your child to minimise the risks and maximise the opportunities in our digital future.

We’ve partnered with leading researchers to produce a curated toolkit – aligned to the curriculum – which teachers and you can share with the young people in your lives.

Guide your child through important concepts such as:

managing privacy settings in social media
collaborating online
avoiding scams and hoaxes
understanding the law when it comes to online speech
Internet banking, shopping online and much more.

Keep your child safe and happy online

Visit and bookmark the Digital Citizenship website. We’ll continue to add articles and resources to ensure the best possible tools are available to help you guide your child to be positive, smart and safe online.

Education Week – Every student, every voice

Thu, 01 Aug 2019 14:08:54 AEST

We are celebrating our students and their powerful voices this Education Week Monday 5 August to Friday 9 August. Every year Education Week celebrates the achievements of public schools, our students and the value of public education.

This year, the theme is Every student, every voice.

Join us for #EdWeek19 as we celebrate our students and their power to shape the world.

Video – #EdWeek19 – Every student, every voice

Duration: 0:34

Creative and Active Kids vouchers now available

Fri, 14 Jun 2019 11:39:28 AEST

Creative kids can now put a $100 voucher towards extra-curricular creative activities outside of school.

Together with Active Kids, this program aims to encourage more NSW children to participate in a range of extra-curricular activities such as coding, languages, circus, performing arts and visual arts.

Parents can apply for one $100 voucher for each child enrolled in school on the Creative Kids website and use it towards the cost of registration, participation or tuition. You just redeem the voucher with a registered provider in your area when making your payment.

This is a great opportunity for your child to become involved in a range of activities that will build on their education, growth and development.

Service NSW is working with industry bodies to deliver the program.

For more information, contact Service NSW on 137 788 or creativekids@service.nsw.gov.au.

Road Safety

Thu, 13 Jun 2019 13:55:17 AEST

Road Safety

The safety of our students around the roads is paramount and in order to help keep our kids safe we need your help!

When driving on the roads surrounding our school, it is crucial that parents/carers who are picking up/dropping off abide by the road rules and the Kiss and Drop Zone rules.

If you are walking to/from school, please encourage your child to use the pedestrian crossings.

You and your child should always use a pedestrian crossing if there is one available. It is the safest point at which to cross a road. Share how to use the different pedestrian crossings with your child when you are out walking together. Model the correct behaviours - they learn from you.

Children's Crossings

Children's crossings are usually part-time crossings that operate before and after school hours. They can also operate at other times when children use the crossing for excursions or during break times. When the red 'Children Crossing' flags are displayed, you must stop at the white line if pedestrians are waiting to cross. Drivers must remain stopped until the crossing is clear of pedestrians. We have two children’s crossings. They are located on Adam Murray Way and Willinga Road.

Please be patient when waiting for children and their families to cross the road at our crossings.

By following the rules of the children’s crossing we can all work together to keep our children and the broader community safe.

Community Respect

Please, when parking your car and leaving it to drop off/pick up a child do not hinder our local residents accessing their personal driveways. I will be contacting the local council today, on behalf of our local residents, who have been inconvenienced when Flinders Public School parents/carers park over driveways for approximately 10 minutes as they collect/drop off their child at school. Please, be mindful when you do this, it is illegal.

The Game Changer Challenge is back

Fri, 31 May 2019 12:25:12 AEST

It’s not too late to become a Game Changer with applications for the Education Week challenge due by 7 June.

The Game Changer Challenge brings 16 teams from public schools across NSW – eight from primary and eight from secondary – to Sydney during Education Week in August for a three-day, intensive design-thinking workshop.

The Game Changer workshops, which start on Tuesday 6 August, includes teacher training in the use of design thinking as a teaching methodology and its application for school planning.

It also includes a team competition where schools will work under the guidance of experts from industry and academia to develop a solution to this year’s critical question: How might we humanise technology?

Department of Education Secretary Mark Scott has encouraged students and teachers to get behind the event as it highlights the critical thinking students will need to develop to succeed in the future.

“The Game Changer Challenge is an exciting initiative that helps educate and inform our students and teachers on how to integrate the problem-solving methodology of design thinking into the classroom,” Mr Scott says.

“It embraces the 21^st century skills our students will need to thrive in a globalised world such as collaboration, creative thinking and communication.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for our students at all levels to be involved in discussing and addressing a real-world issue that will affect their future lives. I encourage every school to get involved.”

The challenge is designed to make strong learning and teaching connections to the NSW syllabus specifically in the area of developing general capabilities such as critical thinking, collaboration, creativity, communication and problem-solving.

The challenge also provides teachers with an opportunity to gain exposure to the design thinking process and includes teacher resources to introduce this creative problem-solving methodology into the classroom.

Finalists will be selected based on a 60-second video that showcases your team’s vision around the question of humanising technology.

For more information email edweek@det.nsw.edu.au or visit the Game Changer Challenge page.

Your NAPLAN questions answered

Thu, 09 May 2019 15:17:07 AEST

The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) is a point in time assessment for students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9. The tests assess the foundational skills in reading, writing, spelling and numeracy that are essential for every child to progress through school and life.

This year NAPLAN takes place between 14 and 16 May for paper tests and between 14 and 24 May for schools participating in NAPLAN Online.

NAPLAN data is used to help monitor student progress over time against a national measure and to identify areas of strength and improvement. It is used in combination with other school assessments to guide and support student learning.

Watch students ask an expert the tough questions about NAPLAN.

Video – Kids ask the hard questions

Duration – 3:45

Premier's Sporting Challenge

Thu, 09 May 2019 10:25:52 AEST

This year our school has again registered to participate in the NSW Premier’s Sporting Challenge.

The purpose of the Challenge is to encourage students to participate in sport and physical activity to lead a healthy lifestyle.

Over a ten week period, in Term 2/3, our school will be monitoring physical activity levels during class time, at recess and lunch as well as during sport lessons. Physical activity outside school hours will also count towards the Challenge award. The aim is to work towards an average of at least 60 minutes of activity a day for ten weeks.

Each student in years 3-6 will be issued with a logbook to record their daily physical activity (in class). Whilst K-2 students will work towards a Gold class award level.

Students completing the Challenge will receive a personalised certificate (Diamond, Gold, Silver or Bronze), signed by the Premier of New South Wales.

Physical activity is valued for its physical, social and emotional benefits. It also helps young people to develop communication skills, confidence and resilience.

Many of our staff will be taking on the ‘Staff Challenge’ to improve their own levels of physical activity. We would like to invite families to support us in encouraging students’ healthy use of leisure time and to experience the joy of being active together.

Apply now for My Community Project funding

Mon, 29 Apr 2019 15:11:18 AEST

Do you have a great idea to improve your area?

My Community Project is a new NSW Government funding program that is all about local ideas, local projects and local decisions.

You can apply now for grants from $20,000 - $200,000 for projects that will make a difference to your community. Projects could include new playground equipment, sports facilities, paths or ramps to improve access, public art or a community service.

The local community can vote for their favourite projects in July and successful projects will be announced in September.

Project applications close 15 May 2019.

Apply for My Community Project funding

Bring back memories, not measles

Thu, 11 Apr 2019 15:20:49 AEST

With school holidays just around the corner, it’s time to visit your doctor to check that you and your family are fully protected against measles, before you travel overseas.

Measles is a serious, highly contagious, viral illness that is easily spread through the air when an infectious person coughs, sneezes or breathes. If you and your family are not fully vaccinated, or have never been vaccinated, you are at risk of contracting measles.

Not sure if you’re fully protected?

In Australia, the measles vaccine (MMR) consists of 2 doses. If you’re not sure whether you’ve had 2 doses of the measles vaccine, visit your doctor. It’s safe to receive another dose.

Children born in Australia

If your children were born in Australia, they may have received the measles vaccine at 12 months old and the second dose at 18 months, in accordance with the National Immunisation Program.
If you have a baby under 12 months old, consult your doctor about getting their measles vaccination.

Adults born in Australia

Born before 1966 – you were most likely exposed to measles as a child and are generally considered to be immune. If in doubt, ask your GP.
Born between 1966 and 1994 – you may not have received 2 doses. Talk to your doctor about the free vaccine if you’re unsure.
Born after 1994 – the National Immunisation Program offers 2 doses, and you can check your vaccination status using the Australian Immunisation Register.

For more information about the measles vaccination, visit NSW Health or consult your local doctor.

5 road safety tips for parents and carers

Mon, 25 Feb 2019 13:28:18 AEDT

Now that students are back to school after a break it’s a good time to chat with your child about safe behaviours when you walk or commute to school.

Here are our top tips to help our students make a safe trip:

1. Be alert and aware

Take note of the dangers you come across on your walk and bring them to your child’s attention. Point out dangers, such as vehicles coming out of driveways. Talk to your child about being alert in a road environment.

2. Hold hands

When on the footpath, at a crossing or in a car park always hold your child's hand. It is advised to do this up to the age of at least 8 years old and closely supervise until at least the age of 10.

3. Choose a safe crossing

Lead by example and choose a safe place to cross the road. Explain why it is the safest place to cross.

4. Set a good example

Your child watches everything you do, so if you cross at the crossing they will too. It is also important to share these messages with other carers who may walk with your child to school.

5. Stop, Look, Listen, Think every time you cross the road

Discuss this important road safety message. STOP! one step back from the kerb. LOOK! continuously both ways. LISTEN! for the sounds of approaching traffic. THINK! whether it is safe to cross.

Practise makes perfect

The more supervised practice your child can get the better, so why not make Term 1 the start of a new routine to walk with your child to school more often.

Older children may be ready to make the journey to school independently. Before they take this step, observe if they are road safe and reinforce the road safety messages.

For more information, check out the department’s pedestrian safety advice for students, parents and carers.

Back to school

Fri, 25 Jan 2019 15:01:20 AEDT

The first day of Kindergarten and the return to school in the new year are busy times for your child – and for the entire family. To help you make the most of this time and enjoy the experience, we’ve compiled some useful tips and checklists. We want every student to be known, valued and cared for in our schools.

Our film #FirstDay2019 captures the excitement – and the nerves – of the rite of passage that is the first day of Kindergarten.

Video – Back to School 2019: First Day at Kindy

Duration – 1:00

Sporting Success

Thu, 13 Dec 2018 10:00:07 AEDT

Drew L – Major Sporting Award and South Coast Blue Recipient

This week, Year 6 student Drew L was honoured at the South Coast Major Sports Award function at Kembla Grange. Drew was awarded the prestigious John Macintosh Trophy for the Most Outstanding Performance in Primary Athletics. He also received a South Coast Blues trophy for his sporting success. This is an outstanding achievement and the highest honour that can be bestowed within the South Coast, congratulations Drew - Flinders Public School is very proud of you!

John Macintosh (the trophy’s namesake), continues to provide opportunities for students within the South Coast as a retiree, including students of Flinders Public School at both our athletics and swimming carnivals. Thank you John! Drew was honoured to receive his trophy from John this week.

A copy of Drew’s Citation summarising some of his numerous achievements is below:

DREW L - Flinders Public School

Drew L is a Year 6 student and Sport Leader, who attends Flinders Public School (part of the Mid-South District). He is an outstanding athlete who is admired and respected by his peers. Drew’s success in athletics, in both track and field events, is a result of talent, hard work and dedication to constantly improving his Personal Best.

Drew has capably represented his District at South Coast Regional Athletics Championships since he was just 8 years old. In 2014 and 2015 this involved racing in the 100m event. During the past three years, Drew’s repertoire of events has been extensive, including the long jump, high jump, discus, shot put, relay teams and 200m, in addition to the 100m. Among the highlights of his District achievements was certainly the breaking of two long-standing shot put records in consecutive years (2016 – Junior Boys and 2017 – 11 Years Boys). Drew was recognised as the deserving Mid-South District Age Champion in 2016, 2017 and 2018, for his outstanding successes.

Drew enthusiastically represented the South Coast at the NSW State Athletics Championships in 2016, 2017 and 2018. The pinnacle of his primary school athletics career was undoubtedly his selection in the NSW State Athletics Team that competed at the Pacific School Games Athletics Championships in 2017, at which he placed an impressive 5^th, not just in Australia, but in the Pacific Region, for 11 Years Boys Discus.

Drew is a multi-talented athlete who transfers his skills and sporting spirit across a number of disciplines. In 2017 and 2018, he was selected in both the Southern Illawarra Zone touch sides and rugby league teams to compete at South Coast trials. In 2018, he represented the South Coast at the NSW State Touch Championships. In addition, Drew has been a driving force, and valued team captain, in the success of his school’s State Knockout Competition touch and rugby league teams over the past two years.

Drew L is a befitting recipient of the John Macintosh Award for the ‘Most Outstanding Achievement in Primary Athletics,’ and, a South Coast Blue.

Congratulations Drew and all the very best for the future.

2019 school budget allocations

Mon, 12 Nov 2018 16:25:24 AEDT

Like all NSW public schools, this week we will receive a School Budget Allocation Report with our funding for 2019. The report will help us manage our total budget delivered through the Resource Allocation Model (RAM).

The RAM supports schools through needs-based funding to ensure a fair, efficient and transparent allocation of funds. Our school has the flexibility to make local decisions based on the specific needs of our students.

We will use our 2019 funding to support students and improve educational outcomes. The school executive will continue to work with the school community as we implement the school plan using this needs-based funding.

Learn more about the 2019 RAM funding.

Selective High Schools

Tue, 23 Oct 2018 12:22:30 AEDT

Information on how to apply for Year 7 entry to a selective High School in 2020

Selective high schools cater for high achieving academically gifted students who may otherwise be without sufficient classmates at their own academic and social level. These schools help gifted and talented students to learn by grouping them with other gifted and talented students, teaching them in specialised ways and providing educational materials at the appropriate level.

If you would like to have your child considered for Year 7 selective high school entry in 2020, you need to apply on the internet using a valid email address (not the student’s email address).

Detailed instructions on how to apply online are available now at https:// education.nsw.gov.au/public-schools/selective-high-schools-and-opportunity-classes/year-7 .

The application website closes on 12 November 2018. You must apply before the closing date as no late applications will be accepted.

Transition to School Program

Mon, 27 Aug 2018 13:40:30 AEST

This year, Flinders Public School will be trialling an additional transition to school program to support our existing Orientation Program.

Smooth Start will be facilitated by an experienced Kindergarten teacher and will provide our 2019 Kindergarten students with an opportunity to play, learn, socialise and start to develop friendships with their 2019 cohort.

If your child is commencing Kindergarten at FPS in 2019 and you have submitted your enrolment forms to our Office, an invitation is on its way to your child! We look forward to being able to support your child as they transition to Kindergarten.

NAPLAN Online School Readiness

Mon, 27 Aug 2018 13:40:51 AEST

In Week 6, all students in Years 3 and 5 will be participating in the NAPLAN Online school readiness trial.

The school readiness test is a ‘practice run' for schools to participate in a trial NAPLAN Online. The readiness test is not an assessment of student ability but will allow schools to:

• become familiar with the NAPLAN online test format and processes;

• check FPS has the technical capacity, rooms and devices to administer NAPLAN Online; • and provide students in NAPLAN Years 3 and 5 with the opportunity to experience the online test question types and format by completing a practice NAPLAN online test.

If you require additional information please access the NAPLAN Online website which provides more information about the school readiness test: https://education.nsw.gov.au/teaching-and-learning/student-assessment/naplan-online/nsw-transition-approach/readiness-activities

Spelling Bee Competition

Mon, 27 Aug 2018 13:41:15 AEST

Stage 2 and Stage 3 students were recently given the opportunity to be part of the School Spelling Bee Competition. Over 40 students nominated themselves to participate and take part in stage eliminations.

Two successful candidates from each stage were selected to represent Flinders Public School at the Regional Spelling Bee Finals against others students from other local schools.

I would like to congratulate all students who participated and wish our Stage 2 and 3 finalists all the very best at the Regional Competition on Thursday 13th September at Hayes Park Public School.

Welcome to our Waki Cho Students

Mon, 27 Aug 2018 12:37:33 AEST

Flinders Public School will be enjoying the company of 15 students from Waki Cho as part of a cultural exchange program.

These students will be involved in intensive English lessons that have built on their prior English in the morning sessions. The Waki Cho students will then work in classrooms across the school to practice the use of their English in real and functional ways with the students of Flinders Public School.

This program promotes cultural understanding, appreciation of differences and similarities whilst building bonds between students from two very different cultures. It is hoped that for our Flinders students this may generate an interest in the Japanese culture and language as well. Thank you Kelly Marsh (hosting liaison) for the support provided to the visiting teacher, students and our school.

Today's schools creating tomorrow's world

Mon, 27 Aug 2018 13:41:42 AEST

Education Week is recognised across every public school in New South Wales. This system comprises of approximately 800 000 students, 2 200 schools and 86 000 teachers.

Great learning and teaching occurs in our classrooms daily at Flinders Public School. Students are our core business and we strive to provide a variety of opportunities for them to achieve success both inside and outside of the classroom.

So far this year, our students have had the opportunity to participate in a wide range of additional activities. Some of these opportunities include;

· Premier's Reading Challenge

· Premier's Debating Challenge

· Public Speaking Initiatives/Toast Masters

· NAIDOC Performances

· NAIDOC Games

· Reconciliation Flag Walk

· Koori Kids Club – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Homework Centre

· Chillax

· Rock and Water

· Garden Club

· Environmental Committee

· National Tree Day

· ICAS Assessment

· Digital Technologies

· Science

· Writing

· Spelling

· English

· Mathematics

· Choir

· Southern Illawarra Music Festival

· Junior Music Festival

· Recorder Ensemble

· Orienteering

· Year 6 Camp

· SRC

· School Leaders,

· House/Sport Leaders

· Care Bears

· Library Monitors

· Dance Festival Southern Stars

· Tournament of the Minds (TOM)

· Operation Art

· Walk Safely to School Day

· Writing Club

· Sport; Rugby League

· Netball

· Touch Football

· Soccer

· Athletics

· Infants Sports Day

· Cross Country

· Swimming

· Orienteering

· Tennis

I am very proud of the opportunities and experiences we provide our students and know the number of additional activities provided to our students will continue to expand as the year progresses.

Student Showcase

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:05 AEST

Education Week is a statewide, annual event, held during the first week of August, to celebrate NSW public education. The week communicates the achievements of public schools, their students and the value of public education.

Education Week 2018 runs from Monday, 6 August – Friday, 10 August. The theme for 2018 Education Week is: Today's schools – creating tomorrow's world.

To celebrate Education Week, Flinders Public School we would love to invite you and your family to attend our Student Showcase and visit your child's classroom as part of our Open Day on Wednesday 8^th August.

This year, we will commence our Open Day at 9.20am with a Student Showcase in the School Hall.

During this showcase all of our students and visitors will be treated to performances from the Flinders Public School Choir, Recorder Ensemble and Dance Group.

Once the Student Showcase has concluded, visitors will then be invited to visit their child/children's classrooms. Our classrooms will be open until 10.55am.

Our Annual Book Fair will also be on in the Library and students are welcome to attend the Book Fair with their families during this time.

Please note, Open Day is not the time for parent-teacher interviews to take place as teachers will be supervising their class during this time. If you wish to discuss the individual needs and/or academic progress of your child please arrange a mutually convenient time for this interview to take place with your child's classroom teacher.

I look forward to meeting with our families at the Open Day to showcase some of the opportunities we have on offer for our students.

Our Values

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:09 AEST

The Positive Behaviour for Learning Program is underpinned by our 3 school rules of Care for Yourself, Care for Others and Care for this place. Throughout this year there has been a significant number of signs using our school mascot of ‘Flindy' positioned throughout the school. These signs rely on colour, visuals and key wording. These 3 rules are well understood by our students and staff and have established how we do our business.

(1) Be Prepared To Learn

(2) Respect Others

(3) Stay On Task

(4) Look After School Equipment and

(5) Be A Respectful Learner

These expectations will be shared throughout every classroom and learning space across the school. These are ‘the basics' of what is needed for our school and our students to achieve their personal best. These expectations are all about developing ‘common' or ‘shared' understandings by every student and staff member. These expectations have been developed through consultation with our classroom teachers and staff, with our facilitating consultants, to identify key issues that distract our students from the main game of engaging in learning. It is the PBL team and staff's belief that through shared understandings, common language, explicit teaching, our students will experience greater engagement, purpose and enjoyment in their learning. Well done to our PBL team and all staff for the sensitive manner in which they are introducing these expectations.

P&C Winter Pie Drive

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:09 AEST

The P&C Fundraising committee is once again holding a

"Winter Pie Drive"

just in time for those chilly winter nights.

Pies will be sourced from the Queen Street Bakery in Warilla and will arrive

fresh baked on the day ready for you to eat or freeze.

As well as the huge 19cm family savoury pies, there will be family sweet pies,

muffins, lamingtons and slices (see order form on back).

Thanks to the huge support of this fundraiser in previous years we are able to source the pies at a great low price, so be sure to grab a bargain!

Your order form, together with money are due back by Friday 3 August 2018.

Proceeds from each order will contribute to the upgrade of our schools literacy and numeracy resources across all grades.

Collection of your order can be made on Wednesday 15 August 2018

from 2pm, in the School Hall.

(Unfortunately we will NOT be able to hold orders over so if you are unable to collect in person can you please arrange for a friend to collect on your behalf).

Book Week

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:04 AEST

We are very pleased to announce that our Book Week book character dress-up will be held during Book Week, on Friday August 24th, Week 5. We will begin at 9.15am and expect to finish before 11am.

Children may come to school dressed as a book character, carrying the book they are from.

Please ensure costumes are appropriate with properly covered feet and shoulders.

The parade will be held in our school hall.

There will be 2 randomly selected prizes for costumed children from each class. Please note prizes are not for best dressed as it is an event to encourage love of books and reading, not a competition - participation is our aim. Teachers will also be dressed up.

The theme for Book Week this year is "Find Your Treasure" but costumes do not need to be around this theme.

Thank you all for your support of this and other Library events.

End of Semester Reports

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:05 AEST

Student reports are being finalised for this semester (Term 1 and 2). I congratulate the staff on the hard work that they have put into capturing each student's academic, social, emotional and behavioural achievement and or progress. The first semester reports are a progress report on the work undertaken in the first half of the year. The report should be constructive and celebrate areas of achievement and progress. The report should also offer areas for future learning or extension; the student's next steps in learning.

It is anticipated that reports will be sent home on Wednesday 27 June. A letter will accompany each student report. The letter outlines how parents and families can go online to book an interview with their child's teacher/s. The letter also contains our school's unique code. The school has very successfully used this system now for a number of years. It is exceptionally quick and easy. It also allows parents to see what times are available on what days.

The booking system will open at 3.00pm on Wednesday 27 June with bookings to be finalised by 1 July at 4.00pm.

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The Festival of Instrumental Music

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:13 AEST

The Flinders Public School Recorder Ensemble is comprised of twenty one enthusiastic students from Years 3 to 5, who share a love for music. After months of dedication, hard work and giving up many lunch times, our students were ready to perform at one of Australia's most iconic venues - the Sydney Opera House.

On Monday 18 June, Flinders Public School Recorder Ensemble travelled to Sydney to perform at The Festival of Instrumental Music. This festival features musically diverse performances from 1000 public school students in Combined Recorders and String Ensembles, supported by individual items from exceptionally talented vocalists, instrumental soloists and ensembles. Our students were outstanding in both their performance and their behaviour. We are so proud of our students for their hard work and commitment to their music. Performing at the Opera House will be a treasured memory, never forgotten.

Special thanks must be extended to Mrs Sharon Hayman and Mrs Lisa Dewhurst for their excellent organisation and leadership to ensure our students were provided with an outstanding learning activity that extended beyond the classroom.

I would like to extend a huge thank you to our families who drove up to Sydney to witness something very special.

Finally, I would like to congratulate all students on their commitment and dedication towards the recorder ensemble. Their work throughout the year lead to them participating in a highly successful and memorable concert. We look forward to being able to showcase our Recorder Ensemble at upcoming school events.

Debating Gala Day

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:05 AEST

Last Thursday Flinders hosted a debating gala day against Balarang PS. Students from years 5 and 6 competed in four rounds of debates on topics ranging from the use of technology, parent roles in the household, the health standards of teacher to bullying in schools. Flinders had two teams that represented us on the day with this being the first time any of the students had debated in a competition before. They all participated with dedication, enthusiasm and sportsmanship. Our Year 5 team was successful in two of their three debates. Both teams will compete again against Shellharbour PS later in the term. We wish them well for those debates.

Cross Country Carnival 2018

Mon, 27 Aug 2018 12:33:25 AEST

Our cross country carnival was held under sunny skies. A new course sent students in a loop futher around the school, increasing the challenge for students in our primary grades. Fruit was generously supplied by Woolworths Shellharbour, thankyou to their generosity.

Southern Schools Performing Ensemble Visit

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:12 AEST

The school enjoyed a magnificent showcase of talent from the Performing Ensemble. The ensemble is made up of 55 dancers, singers and musicians from local high schools in the Wollongong, Illawarra and Wagga Wagga areas. The performers are all selected on their own talent and they have the opportunity to perform all across the State. It is a class act and a wonderful display of the opportunities available to students in the public education system.

The show educated students on different instruments in the band, their sounds and how they are played. Mr Neil Lendrum, the co-ordinating teacher, highlighted the different sections of the big band; strings, brass, reed and drums. The musicians played very contemporary numbers getting all the students to bop along as the singing team performed beautifully harmonised songs. This was also supported by modern chorography to produce an outstanding show. The performance went for just over an hour and was of the highest quality with the entire audience singing, clapping and joining in. After speaking with the students following the show, the production received incredibly positive reviews with every student I spoke to awarding it a 10 out of 10!

Special thanks to Mrs Wishart for her special support performance! Mrs Wishart stole the show with her dance moves and acting abilities whilst the singers sang a song to her. I would also like to congratulate our students who danced with the dancers and singers as part of the show!

Flinders PS is Facebook famous

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:06 AEST

This week, one of Flinders Public School's favourite school images was featured on the NSW Public Schools Facebook Website! The stunning image of our students at Killalea was taken by our very own Ms Vanessa Gavin and features on the ‘Our Story' section. We really look forward to seeing what fabulous image Ms Gavin captures next!

Warilla High School Public Speaking

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:15 AEST

We are working alongside the Toastmasters International providing a Youth Leadership Program that delivers public speaking and leadership skills to selected students within our COS. With the lengthy interest from all students we have decided to provide other students with the opportunity to participate in a similar program.

For those of you who do not know about Toastmasters International, it is the leading movement devoted to making effective oral communication a worldwide reality. Through its member clubs, Toastmasters International helps men and women learn the arts of speaking, listening, and thinking — vital skills that promote self-actualization, enhance leadership potential, foster human understanding, and contribute to the betterment of mankind. It is basic to this mission that Toastmasters International continually expand its worldwide network of member clubs, thereby offering ever-greater numbers of people the opportunity to benefit from its programs.

We are proposing the development of a Community Gavel Club.

The purposes of this Gavel club shall be as follows:

* To help its members improve their abilities to communicate effectively

* To provide for its members instructions, educational materials and opportunities, which will give them skill and experience in the preparation and delivery of speeches

* To encourage its members to read and to listen analytically

* To provide its members fair and constructive evaluation of their efforts toward self-improvement

* To increase its members' knowledge of the rules of parliamentary procedure and their skills in conducting meetings and participating in group discussions

* To afford leadership training for its members

* To provide opportunities and encouragement for its members to appear before audiences and to express their thoughts creditably

We will be holding a meeting for interested parents and students to discuss the expectations and outline the course on:

Tuesday 12^th of June - 4pm

Warilla High School Library

Students from ages 8 to 18 are welcome. We need a specific number of members to be recognised as a Club. Club meetings will be held once a month.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Australian Gymnastics Championships

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:03 AEST

Indi L is travelling to Melbourne to compete in the Australian Gymnastics Championships at Hisense Arena. She will be representing NSW in Level 9 (12 years and under) Womans Artistic Gymnastics. She is very excited to be competing in the same arena as her Olympic idols did at the World Cup earlier this year that she went down to watch!

Athletics Carnival and Infants Sports Day

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:03 AEST

It's that time of year again… Athletics season!

Who? All students K-6.

What? Infants Sports Day (K-2)

Athletics Carnival (3-6)

*Special Note for Year 2 Students turning 8 this year: These students will be participating in the 100m race as part of the Athletics Carnival before joining the Infants Sports Day. If they are experienced in athletics events, they are eligible to attend the rest of the Primary Athletics Carnival as well, however they will be competing in events of the Junior category (including 9 and 10-year-old students).

When? Friday 8 June 2018

Wet weather back-up date: Friday 22 June, 2018

Where? Myimbarr Athletics and Sporting Fields

Why? Fun, fun, fun!

Also, qualifying students from the Athletics Carnival 800m (optional), 200m,

100m, High Jump, Shot Put and Long Jump will progress to the Mid-South District Athletics event.

*Special Note regarding 800m event: Serious and competent competitors (turning 8 or over), will be invited to nominate for the 800m event. These races will be held prior to the commencement of the full carnival (8.15am) and will require private transport directly to the venue. Please note that ‘Juniors' (students turning 8, 9 and 10), race together in the same category. Also, there will be NO FINALS. Place getters are determined by the fastest heat times for each division.

How? Return fully completed permission notes and $3 to school by Friday 1^st June, 2018.

Operation Art

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:09 AEST

This year schools across New South Wales were invited to participate in Operation Art. This valuable and worthwhile competition is an initiative of The Children's Hospital at Westmead in association with the New South Wales Department of Education. The Operation Art program provides a forum for schools and students to showcase their visual arts achievements through exhibitions at the Armory Gallery, Sydney Olympic Park and the Art Gallery of New South Wales. All submitted artworks are beautifully framed and exhibited at Sydney Olympic Park where each year over 10,000 visitors view the exhibition. 150 of these artworks are then selected for further exhibition opportunities including 50 selected for a tour series which are then given to the Children's Hospital at Westmead. These artworks are then displayed in corridors and high access areas to enlighten, uplift and brighten the day of all who view them. The theme this year was "cheerful and uplifting" artworks that are appropriate for display in hospitals with the overarching question "Do they make you smile?"

Each school may submit up to four works of art from students in Kindergarten to Year 10 and after careful consideration from our teachers the following students artworks were selected for submission:

Hannah McN (4/5R) - Geometric Giraffe drawing Everton K (4/5R) – Glorious Giraffe drawing Katie W (6P) – One-point perspective drawing Eva G (2M) – The Rainbow Owl

We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate our FPS representatives and wish them the best of luck in the Operation Art competition. We would also like to thank teachers for their continued support and amazing efforts in providing this opportunity for students at our school.

Lisa Ruddock - Operation Art Coordinator

NAIDOC Week Competition

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:08 AEST

NAIDOC Week will be observed and celebrated across Australia this year from Sunday 8 July to Sunday 15 July. Flinders Public School will be holding a very special NAIDOC Assembly at the beginning of Term 3 to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

One of the ways we are promoting awareness of NAIDOC Week is by holding a school wide competition in conjunction with Koori Kids. There will be two categories; a colouring competition for Years K-2 and a poetry competition for Years 3-6. The entries, which classroom teachers will be distributing over the next week, are to be completed at home and submitted to school by Friday Week 9 at which stage we will send them to Koori Kids.

As well as the opportunity to win some great prizes through Koori Kids, Flinders Public School will be awarding prizes and gift vouchers to four winning school entries – one from Kindergarten, one from Stage 1 (Years 1 and 2), one from Stage 2 (Years 3 and 4) and one from Stage 3 (Years 5 and 6). The winners will be announced at our school NAIDOC Assembly.

We look forward to seeing and reading all of the creative entries!

Flinders Public School Aboriginal Education Committee

Cyber Safety

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:05 AEST

Stage 3 students were presented, by Constable Lori Hanley from Lake Illawarra Area Command, a timely, relevant and informative presentation on CyberSafety on Tuesday. Students explored the ways in which children are using digital devices online and the positive and negative impacts they have for individuals. The discussion highlighted many of the strategies children can use to remain safe while using a variety of applications and games on digital devices. They were encouraged to consider the types of applications and games they interact with others as well the information they share. They learned that a very important aspect of interacting with others online is to only communicate with those that they know and have met previously. Constable Hanley also raised some of the consequences for bullying and sending inappropriate material online. Students are now aware that if they are involved in bullying another student or indeed anyone, from the age of 10, they may be charged with intimidation and harassment. This is a timely reminder to implement the anti-bullying strategies students have been learning about through the Flinders Public School Anti-Bullying Program. A key point regarding keeping safe online was to ensure that families and carers are aware and active in their child's interactions online. Intentionally engaging with your child and being aware of their online habits, communications and relationships may help them to avoid harm. Helpful feedback and further discussion occurred between teachers and students regarding their online behaviour and the implications for interacting safely and unsafely. Thank you to all the students for listening and participating with respect and to Constable Lori Hanley for sharing such vital information with our students. By adhering to the advice shared and the rules set for the way we communicate online, Flinders Public School students and their families shall have fruitful and safe experiences when interacting online.

To find out more go to- https://www.thinkuknow.org.au/

Walk Safely to School Day

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:15 AEST

Friday 18 May, is Walk Safely to School Day. This day is designed to encourage all primary school students to walk and commute safely to school. This is the 19th year of this national event and is supported by the Australian Government, all State, Territory Governments and Local Governments.

The main objectives of this day are:

* To encourage parents and carers to walk to school with primary school age children and reinforce safe pedestrian behaviour.

* To promote the health benefits of walking and help create regular walking habits at an early age.

* To ensure that children up to 10 years old hold an adult's hand when crossing the road.

* To help children develop the vital road-crossing skills they will need as they become mature pedestrians.

* To reduce the car dependency habits that are being created at an early age and which will be difficult to change as children become adults.

* To promote the use of Public Transport.

* To reduce the level of air pollution created by motor vehicles.

* To reduce the level of traffic congestion.

We look forward to encouraging our students to walk safely to school.

Indigenous Activities

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:07 AEST

What's New - Our school website has it's own Indigenous Activities tab.

This can be accessed via 'Curriculum & activities'

We will continue to update the website with activities as they happen.

Orienteering EOI Stage 3

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:09 AEST

An Expression of Interest note will be sent home with Stage 3 students this week, regarding participation in the South Coast Schools Orienteering Gala Day on Wednesday 23^rd May at Croome Road Sporting Complex.

Flinders PS students participated for the very first time last year and thoroughly enjoyed it! One student even went on to participate in the State Championships!

What is it?

A fun day out. Orienteering is the original adventure race: part athletics, part geography, part maths, part problem solving. Using the special map, students navigate their way around a course set through parkland and/or bush. Activities include introductory instruction, individual races and school relays.

*Private transport will be required and there is a cost of $10.

*Expression of Interest forms are due back Monday (Week 2).

NAPLAN

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:08 AEST

In May 2018 the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) will be completed by students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9. NAPLAN has the support of all State and Territory Education Ministers and will assess the literacy and numeracy skills of students across Australian schools.

The NAPLAN tests will be conducted from 15-17 May 2018.

Friday 18 May – A ‘catch-up' day is scheduled for students who missed a test or were absent on a

test day. Students may be considered for exemption from the tests if they:

· are newly arrived in Australia (less than one year before the test) and with a language background other than English, or

· have significant intellectual disability and/or significant co-existing conditions which severely limit their capacity to participate in the tests.

All other students are expected to participate in the tests. Disability adjustments which reflect the student's normal level of support in the classroom may be provided. Large print, braille, coloured paper versions and electronic tests are available to meet the needs of individual students. Access to disability adjustments or exemption from the tests must be discussed with the school principal and a parent or carer consent form must be signed. Students may be withdrawn from NAPLAN by their parent or carer. This is a matter for consideration by parents in consultation with the school principal. If you wish to withdraw your child from the tests, a parent or carer consent form must be signed. Please make an appointment with the principal of the school your child attends if you would like to discuss your child's participation in NAPLAN. Additional information about NAPLAN can be found at http://www.nap.edu.au/naplan/parent-carer-support

2019 Year 5 Entry into an Opportunity Class

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:03 AEST

News for Current Year 4 Students and Their Families: Opportunity classes cater for highly achieving academically gifted students who may otherwise be without sufficient classmates at their own academic and social level. These classes help gifted and talented students to learn by grouping them with other gifted and talented students, teaching them in specialised ways and providing educational materials at the appropriate level.

Applications for opportunity class placement are considered mainly on the combined results of the Opportunity Class Placement Test and school assessments. The Opportunity Class Placement Test will be held on Wednesday 1 August 2018.

If you would like to have your child considered for Year 5 opportunity class entry in 2019, you need to apply soon. You will need to apply on the internet using a valid email address (not the student's email address).

Detailed instructions on how to apply online will be available from Tuesday 1 May 2018 at https://education.nsw.gov.au/public-schools/selective-high-schools-and-opportunity-classes/year-5 . The application website opens on Tuesday 1 May 2018 and closes on Friday 18 May 2018. No late applications will be accepted.

There are no paper application forms. If you do not have internet access, you could apply at a public library. If you have a disability that prevents you from using a computer, you can contact the Unit for assistance after 1 May 2018.

Each student may only submit ONE application.

ANZAC Day Ceremony Assembly

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:03 AEST

Flinders Public School will hold our ANZAC Day Ceremony Assembly on Friday April 13 at 10:15 am.

All parents, carers and visitors are invited to attend this ceremony to mark 103 years since the diggers landed at Gallipoli and to remember the men and women who have fought, who have died, and who are fighting in wars.

A special part of the ceremony is the laying of flowers as a mark of remembrance. If you would like to contribute some flowers to the ceremony it would be greatly appreciated. Please send them with your child to the School Hall on Friday morning.

Cross Country Success

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:05 AEST

On the 4th April we held our annual Cross Country Carnival. It was great to see the kids not only participating with enthusiasm (and determination) but to see kids achieving their individual personal best! The delight and pride on the faces of the kids who complete the entire course was awesome. One of the highlights for me was overhearing one of our students telling their mates that they felt that they had "smashed the course and actually finished this year!" It wasn't about being first or gaining a place for them it was all about self-improvement.

It was also heartening to hear and see the support and encouragement the spectators gave to each and every student as they ran past. Thank you to all the parents and family members who came along and supported their own children and all Flinders students.

A special mention needs to be made of Woolworths Shellharbour for their very generous support of our carnival. They donated a variety of fruit and bottled water for the competitors. I know that the students really appreciated this at the end of their run. We collected all the empty bottles and will be putting them through the "return and earn" recycling process.

Woolworths Earn an Learn

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:15 AEST

A MASSIVE thank you to all the parents/students/community members who helped contribute to collecting and submitting their Woolworths Earn and Learn stickers last year.

We collected about 70,000 stickers and have this week received 8 big boxes of school equipment worth about $20,000.

Each year Woolworths offers shoppers the opportunity to collect stickers which can be redeemed by participating schools for educational resources. Flinders Public School has purchased teaching resources to be used in all classrooms, as well as some resources to support our STEAM program.

This has been our most successful Earn and Learn campaign so far and special thanks must go to Mrs Boles for organising and coordinating the program and spending much of her own time sticking stickers to sticker cards and counting them all (and there were heaps).

We look forward to being able to utilise these resources with students here at Flinders Public School.

Clean Up Flinders Day

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:04 AEST

On Friday, March 23, each class cleaned up an area in the playground for Clean Up Flinders Day. It was fantastic to see the students coming together to Care for This Place. Together we collected the equivalent of 10 garbage bags filled with rubbish, most of which was found in the gardens.

Some students went through the rubbish to count and analyse the different types of rubbish found at our school. A whopping 88% of the rubbish we collected was plastic, the rest was food, metal and wood. A further bin inspection showed that after one recess, Flinders' students threw out over 700 plastic packets! This is an average of 3 500 packets per week!

In Term 2 we will be launching Nude Food to try to reduce the amount of plastic in our school and playground.

Tathra Public School Fundraiser

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:13 AEST

On Friday 6^th April, Flinders Public School will be holding a mufti day (out of uniform) to raise funds to assist Tathra Public School in the aftermath of the recent bush fires.

This mufti day is part of a wider initiative being coordinated by Greg Wells in his role as Principal School Leadership, and will span across 67 schools within the Shellharbour Primary Principals Council.

Schools hold special items, memories and connections not just for current students, but also past students, teachers and community members. Our donations will be used to help provide much needed support to the students and staff of Tathra Public School.

In order to participate in the mufti day, we are asking that students contribute a gold coin donation.

Please ensure that your child's mufti outfit is appropriate for school and that they are wearing ‘closed in' footwear.

It is wonderful to see ‘communities assisting communities' and truly amazing to know that our contribution will amount to a generous donation that will greatly assist the Tathra community.

I'm looking forward to another wonderful week of learning and amazing educational experiences for our students!

Best Vest Super Sale

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:04 AEST

As the weather begins to cool and it's not quite cold enough for a jacket, you may be interested in purchasing a vest for your child.

For a limited time, our vests have been reduced from $42 to only $30!

Vests are available in sizes 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, S, M, L, XL, XXL and can be purchased from our School Office.

Easter Egg Raffle

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:05 AEST

Our school is holding our Annual Easter Raffle. We are asking that every student bring into school, 1 Easter egg and $2.00. The $2.00 will pay for each student to get 2 tickets in the class raffle.

All eggs will go to making up 22 class baskets and 10 special baskets for the Easter Hat Parade. This will ensure that we have a winner in each class and ten other special winners.

Tickets for the Parent Easter Raffle can be purchased at our Kindy Easter Hat Parade on Thursday 29^th March. Tickets will be for sale at a cost of $2.00 a ticket or 3 for $5.00.

We ask that your child's egg and $2.00 be sent to school by Friday 23^rd March.

All monies raised will support our students through the purchase of additional resources.

Thank you for your support

Cross Country Update

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:05 AEST

Flinders Public School's Annual Cross Country Carnival is scheduled for Wednesday 21/03/2018. Whilst we are hoping for a beautiful sunny day and the Carnival to commence at the proposed 9.15am start time, we have been informed that rain is forecast.

In the event of inclement weather, we may need to change the starting time of the event to later in the day (weather permitting), as we hope to have the carnival completed tomorrow.

Any changes to the start time or the postponement of our carnival will be communicated via our e-Alert system as soon as possible.

Whilst we do understand and sincerely appreciate that you may have taken time off work to attend the race in the morning session, it is important that we make every effort to run our carnival as soon as possible to assist with the organisation of the Mid South District Cross Country Carnival.

If you are yet to sign up to our e-Alert system, we strongly encourage you to visit our school's website and sign up to receive notes/newsletters for your child to ensure that you receive the latest information about tomorrow's event.

Anti-Bullying 2018

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:03 AEST

This term, the Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) focus area is Anti-Bullying. All classes in Years 1-6 are involved in Stage specific lessons with different weekly topic areas. Kindergarten are participating in the Bounce Back and PALS (Playing and Learn to Socialise) programs which aim to develop social skills and emotional well-being.

At Flinders Public School, we define bullying as "intentional, repeated behaviour that causes distress, hurt or undue pressure".

Parents and caregivers can assist in promoting this definition by discussing it with their children.

Bullying behaviour can be:

· Verbal - name calling, teasing, abuse, putdowns, sarcasm, insults, threats,

· Physical – hitting, punching, kicking, scratching, tripping, spitting,

· Social – ignoring, excluding, ostracising, alienating, making inappropriate gestures,

· Psychological - spreading rumours, dirty looks, hiding or damaging possessions, malicious SMS and email messages, and inappropriate use of camera phones.

Classes discuss the fact that although there are reasons people may bully, it is still not to be tolerated, and that everyone has the right to feel safe. They discuss and role play strategies that can assist to care for themselves and others in bullying situations and highlight the roles of the bully, victim and bystanders.

Parents and caregivers can assist by discussing this with their children.

Cross Country Carnival 2018

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:05 AEST

Flinders Public School Cross Country Carnival is scheduled for Wednesday 21^st March 2018. The carnival will be held on school grounds and the adjacent parkland. Students are to arrive at school as normal. The carnival will commence at 9.15am.

Please pack students lunch as per a normal school day. All lunch orders must be placed in the canteen by 8.55am. Students should also bring a hat, sunscreen, water and a jumper.

Parents and carers are welcome to attend the carnival and an area will be provided for families to sit and view all races. Students must remain inside their house group designated areas unless competing or using the toilet facilities.

Student's age groups are determined by the age they will be turning or have already turned this year

2km	3km
Junior events (8, 9 and 10 years)	11 years and Seniors events

Our Kindergarten and Year 1 students will participate in a one-lap fun run before the age races commence. Kindergarten and Year 1 will return to their classrooms at the end of their fun run.

Students should wear suitable footwear, clothing, a hat and sunscreen. They are permitted to wear their house colours.

Whitfield (A-D) Blue

Lee (E-K) Green

Gorman (L-Q) Red

Bailey (R-Z) Yellow

An E-news message alert will be sent out to families on the morning of the event if there are changes to the carnival due to weather.

State Multi Athletics

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:13 AEST

Congratulations to Drew L! Last weekend, Drew competed at the Little Athletics State Multi in the events 60m hurdles, 200m, 800m, shot put, discus and long jump. He earnt accumulative points for each event and a tremendous result of equal 3^rd in the State! Outstanding!

Selective High School Testing

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:12 AEST

Some of our Year 6 families have nominated for their child to apply for a placement at a Selective High School Test for Year 7 2019. Parents of applicants should have received an email outlining their child's test centre and the date/time of the test.

The Selective High School Test will be held on 15 March 2018 from 9.00am to 1.30pm.

Unless parents have made special arrangements with the High Performing Students Unit to attend an individually allocated test centre candidates from Flinders Public School will be sitting their test at:

Dapto High School
Cleveland Rd
DAPTO NSW 2530

Parents of applicants may also like to visit

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

· Test centre allocations by public school.

· 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.

We wish all of our Selective High School Applicants the very best of luck as they prepare and sit this test. We know that you will all work hard to achieve your personal best!

Wollongong High School of the Performing Arts

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:15 AEST

Wollongong High School of the Performing Arts (WHSPA) are currently taking applications for specialised Dance, Drama, Music and Visual Arts placements for Year 7, 2019. Applications can be submitted online through the Wollongong High School of the Performing Arts website Wollongong-h.school@det.nsw.edu.au.

Applications close Friday 9 March 2018. Please visit the website or contact WHSPA directly for further information.

Tell Them From Me survey

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:13 AEST

I am delighted that this term, our school, like many other public schools in the state, will participate in a Department of Education initiative: the Tell Them From Me student feedback survey. The Tell Them From Me survey is designed for students in Years 4 to 6. The survey measures factors that are known to affect academic achievement and other student outcomes. The focus of the NSW-wide survey is on student wellbeing, engagement and effective teaching practices.

The survey is a great opportunity for our students to provide us with valuable and quick feedback on what they think about school life, how engaged they are with school and the different ways that teachers interact with them. Schools in Australia and around the world have used the Tell Them From Me survey to help improve how they do things at school. In primary schools the questions relate to 18 measures or areas. These include; participation in sport, behaviour at school, effective learning time, homework, teacher relevance, sense of belonging, extra-curricular activities, teaching rigor, interest and motivation, effort, positive relationships, experience of being bullied, skills and learning challenges, valuing school outcomes and advocacy at school.

I want to assure you that the survey is confidential. The survey is conducted online and will typically take less than 30 minutes to complete. It will be administered during school hours between 12th March and 13th April. Participating in the survey is entirely voluntary. To ensure confidentiality the school and staff will not be able to identify individual responses.

The main purpose of the survey is to provide students with a voice so that they can make a comment about school. A consent form and FAQs for parents/carers about the survey is being sent home with students in Years 4-6 this week. If you do not want your child or children to participate, please return the form to school by Monday 12^th March 2018. Copies of the form and FAQs are available from: http://surveys.cese.nsw.gov.au/information-for-parents.

P&C Meeting

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:09 AEST

At our P&C meeting held yesterday, the P&C discussed the proposed directions for the 2018-2020 School Plan. In the 2018-2020 School Plan, Flinders Public School will be focusing on 3 strategic directions;

Strategic Direction 1: Drive engagement, autonomy and achievement in writing for all students

To ensure every student is immersed in an engaged learning environment, where they have an explicit understanding of the purpose, processes and intended product of writing. Staff will drive academic achievement for all students in writing through differentiated teaching and learning and assessing strategies that are aligned across all stages

Strategic Direction 2: Effective feedback practices drive quality teaching practices

To ensure all teachers utilise effective feedback strategies to facilitate active, engaged and transparent learning. Staff will drive academic achievement for all students in literacy through effective feedback strategies to make learning visible

Strategic Direction 3: Quality and dynamic personalised learning

To create holistic and inclusive learning processes underpinned by high expectations, best practice and meaningful parent/carer engagement to meet the diverse individualised needs of our students.

It was inspiring to see such an enthusiastic group of parents, working closely with the school team to refine the draft document to support student learning at Flinders Public School. When this plan is finalised it will be available for all on our school website.

I urge all parents to come along to future meetings and have a say in your school. The P&C meetings are a great way to get to know more about your school and the programs on offer here at Flinders Public School.

I sincerely thank our P&C for their consistent efforts supporting our students, their learning and the school community.

Our next meeting will be on Wednesday 28th March at 6:30pm in the staffroom. As always, everyone is welcome.

Meet the Teacher

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:08 AEST

Flinders Public School would like to invite you to attend our annual ‘Meet the Teacher' session on Monday 26^th February. The sessions will be held after school. Session 1 will be from 3.10pm – 3.30pm. Followed by Session 2 from 3.40pm – 4.10pm. The content covered in each of these sessions will be the same.

The sessions will be held in your child's classroom. Teachers will go through many of the class routines, expectations, units of work and grade activities.

This is an opportunity to meet teachers and find out more about your child's learning environment. Please note that these sessions are not designed for individual parent-teacher conferences so questions about an individual's learning should be organised for another time.

To assist parents and families a movie rated G will be shown in the school Hall. This enables both parents and the teacher to focus on the information presented in these sessions. It is a requirement that all school aged children will be taken to the Hall for supervision during these sessions.

A reminder to parents who have more than two children, please make a choice to see two teachers, one in Session 1 and one in Session 2 and then make an alternative time to see any other teachers as required. We hope to see all parents/carers at this afternoon.

Seven new school zone traffic offences

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:12 AEST

To help schools keep the school zone safer for all pedestrians and drivers there are seven new traffic infringements with new fines.

None of the seven offences attract demerit points when committed elsewhere on the road but in a school zone they each come with two points.

The changes are:

1. Stopping in intersection - Under the changes if a driver commits this offence in a school zone they will receive a penalty of $439 and 2 demerit points.

2. Stop within 20m of intersection (traffic lights) - Under the changes if a driver commits this offence in a school zone they will receive a penalty of $439 and 2 demerit points.

3. Stop within 10m of intersection (no traffic lights) - Under the changes if a driver commits this offence in a school zone they will receive a penalty of $439 and 2 demerit points.

4. Stop near bicycle crossing lights - Under the changes if a driver commits this offence in a school zone they will receive a penalty of $439 and 2 demerit points.

5. Obstruct access to ramp/path/passageway - Under the changes if a driver commits this offence in a school zone they will receive a penalty of $330 and 2 demerit points.

6. Not parallel park in the direction of travel - Under the changes if a driver commits this offence in a school zone they will receive a $330 fine and 2 demerit points.

7. Parallel park close to dividing line - Under the changes if a driver commits this offence in a school zone they will receive a $330 fine and 2 demerit points.

All updated school zone offences can be located through Roads and Maritime: http://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/documents/roads/safety-rules/demerits-school.pdf

Media Permission Forms

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:08 AEST

This year, Flinders Public School is issuing a General Media Permission Form for our students. This note covers permission for your child's name/image to appear in the school newsletter, on the school website and for use in school activities. This year, schools also require consent from parents/carers to create personal accounts for our students using 3^rd party software programs including Phonics Hero, Mathletics, Class Dojo, ACER, Study Ladder, SeeSaw.

Staff at Flinders Public School strive to make their lessons as current and as engaging as possible using interactive software. This software also enables teaching programs to be personalised and differentiated to meet the academic needs of all students.

Please return your consent forms to your child's classroom teacher by Friday 2^nd March.

Meet the Teacher

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:08 AEST

Now that our students are settled in their new classes, Flinders Public School will be holding their annual ‘Meet the Teacher' afternoon on Monday 26^th February. The sessions will be after school. Session 1 will be from 3:10pm—3:30pm. Followed by Session 2 from 3:40 — 4:10pm.

The sessions will be held in your child's classroom. Teachers will run through many of the routines, expectations, units of work and grade activities.

This is an opportunity to meet teachers and find out more about your child's learning environment. These sessions are not designed for individual reporting sessions so questions about individual's learning should be organised for another time.

To assist parents and families a movie rated G will be shown in the Hall. This enables both parents and the teacher to focus on the information sessions. All school aged students at school should be taken to the hall for supervision.

Bell Times

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:04 AEST

This week, there have been a number of families dropping off their children well before supervision times start at school and before teaching staff have arrived on site! Staff supervision commences at 8.25am. Please do not drop your children off at school before this time. The safety of all students is paramount.

Daily School Routine

8.25am: School grounds are supervised by teachers. Students may arrive from this time

8.55am Morning bell - Morning session begins

10.55am Recess

11.15am Middle session begins

1.00pm Lunch

2.00pm Afternoon session begins

2.55pm End of school bell

Summer Reading Challenge

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:13 AEST

Summer Reading Challenge over the school holiday period. Our students have read over one thousand quality texts between them!

All students are to be congratulated on their astounding effort and participation. The Summer Reading Challenge raffle winners are:

Stage 1 Jett T

Stage 2 Addison L

Stage 3 Angelo D

We hope you enjoy shopping with your Stockland gift card!

Mrs O'Hara

Pick-up and Drop-off zones at front on Adam Murray Way

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:10 AEST

Congratulations to all of the students and families who use this area so well. Students are very careful to watch for their family vehicle whilst waiting near the fence line. This allows a clear line of sight and also keeps students away from the moving vehicles. I also thank our students on the manner that they enter the vehicle. This must always be from the kerb side. Well done to our drivers who are moving up and through the pick-up zone in a manner that keeps the traffic flowing, particularly the drivers we have noticed doing laps of the block to ensure the traffic continues to flow! When drivers are moving down the pick-up zone to fill the space or area in the zone it enables the traffic to move efficiently and safely. Please DO NOT pull into gaps in the pickup Zone, this creates a dangerous situation for students and other motorists. I have also noticed that drivers are more alert to the crossing which is helping to keep this area safe for all of our pedestrian traffic.

Allergies

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:03 AEST

A number of our students have severe allergies to foods, including allergies to nuts and nut products.
These allergies may be life threatening (anaphylaxis) and even a trace amount can have serious consequences (1/2000^th of a peanut, for example.)
For their safety, we ask that peanut butter & products like "Nutella" are eaten at home, not at school.

Welcome to Term 1 2018

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:15 AEST

It is my pleasure to welcome everyone back to Flinders Public School for another great year of learning!

Teachers are recharged and full of enthusiasm to take on the year with your children and to provide an excellent curriculum of learning. I have noticed the excitement in the students this week as they ‘catch up' with friends, swap holiday stories and reconnect with their 2017 classroom teacher/s.

I would like to extend a warm welcome to the new families who are joining our school this year with a particularly BIG welcome to the newest and youngest members of our school community, the 2018 Kindergarten cohort. Kindergarten students have been visiting this week to undertake their Best Start Assessments and will formally commence school this Friday.

This year, we have a brand new staff member joining our teaching team. We would like to welcome Mrs Melanie Ramos to Flinders Public School. Mrs Ramos joins us from Shell Cove Public School and brings a wide repertoire of teaching and extra curricular skills to our school. We look forward to having Mrs Ramos share her expertise with the staff and students here at Flinders.

We also have another familiar face rejoining us this year. Mr Peter Tarasenko is back from Colorado, USA! I know the staff, students and families are eager to hear about Mr T's ‘American Adventure.' Welcome back Mr T!

Mrs Lyn Anderson has extended her leave for the duration of Term 1, 2018. Mrs Lisa Dewhurst will continue to work in the Deputy Principal role during this time.

Finally, Mr Greg Wells will be undertaking a Principal School Leadership role with the Department of Education for the duration of 2018. During this time, I will be relieving in the Principal role. I sincerely look forward to working closely with the Flinders community during this time.

Legal Matters & Health Plan documentation

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:07 AEST

As we have commenced a new school year, I would like to take the time to remind families that it is the responsibility of parents/carers to inform the school of any changes to or new Health Plan documentation or legal documentation that supports their child, their family arrangements and safety regarding health care or access.

Summer Reading Challenge

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:13 AEST

Throughout the summer holidays, students typically do not read the same quantity of texts read throughout the duration of the school term. As a result, it is not uncommon to see a decline in reading levels when students recommence classroom Guided Reading programs in the New Year.

In order to continue the Home Reading program, and attempt to maintain/increase student comprehension, Flinders Public School has established the ‘Summer Reading Challenge'.

This summer we encourage your child/ren to read and you to read to your child as often as possible.

Students engaging in the challenge will be presented with certificates in the New Year.

All participants who read in excess of 10 books and submit their reading challenge forms in Week 1-2018, will also go into the draw to win a prize. This prize will be drawn in Week 2.

Additional ‘Summer Reading Challenge' forms are available on the school website. We hope you enjoy participating in the challenge and look forward to working with you and your child in 2018!

2017 Student Opportunities

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:03 AEST

This year, our students have been provided with opportunities to participate in;

- Orienteering

- NAIDOC Performance and Games

- PSSA Touch Knockout & South Coast Touch Football

- St George Illawarra Dragons Visit

- PSSA Rugby League State Knockout

- NSW Rugby League All Schools Carnival

- Mid South Athletics Carnival & State Athletics, South Coast Regional Athletics

- NSW PSSA Hockey, PSSA Soccer & PSSA Netball Knockouts

- Stage 2 Twenty 20 Cricket session

- Year 5 2018 Opportunity Class Tests

- Academically Gifted Class (Year 5 Students)

- NAPLAN Online School Readiness Test (Year 3 and Year 5)

- Book Fair and Author Visit

- Easter Hat Parade

- Education Week Open Day

- Secretary of Education Mark Scott visiting classrooms at FPS

- Kindergarten 100 Day Celebration

- Preschool Information Evening Visits

- Big Day In & Kindergarten 2018 Orientation Program

- Southern Stars

- Dance Group

- Year 5 Canberra Excursion

- Stage 2 Minnamurra Rainforest Geography Excursion

- Waki Cho students visiting FPS for a cultural exchange program

- ICAS English, Mathematics, Spelling, Science, Writing, Digital Technologies

- Tournament of Mind
- STEAM Group & STEAM Fair

- Robotics Club

- FPS Public Speaking Competition

- Warilla Community of Schools Public Speaking Competition

- Premier's Spelling Bee (Stage 2 and Stage 3) + 2 students competing at a State level

- Premier's Debating Challenge

- Premier's Reading Challenge

- Winter Reading Challenge – Stage 2 & Year 5

- Summer Reading Challenge

- Life Education Van

- Talking Tactics (Year 6)

- Southern Illawarra Music Festival

- Recorder Ensemble performed at the Festival of Instrumental Music

- Junior Music Festival

- Rock and Water

- Chillax

- SRC Induction

- Care Bears

- Environmental Club

- Fruit and Veg Month

- The School Dentist

- Reconciliation Walk

- Special Interest Lunch Time Clubs

- National Tree Day

- Choir

- Year 6 Berry Sport & Recreation Camp

- House/Sport Leaders

- Library Monitors

- Operation Art

- Dress Up Book Character Parade

- Year 1 and Year 2 Killalea Excursion

- Stage 2 Minnamura Excursion

- P&C Walk-a-thon/Colour Run

- Rainbow Day

- End of year Stage activities

- Premier's Sporting Challenge

- Warilla High School NAIDOC Games Day

- Year 6 Warilla High School Transition Day

- AFL Gala Day

- SPOT4KIDS (Speech Therapy and Occupational Therapy

- Swimming Carnival, Athletics Cross Country

- SAFE4KIDS Program

- Multilit, LIPA, LIPI

National Pacific School Games

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:08 AEST

Congratulations to Drew L on representing New South Wales (and Flinders Public School) at the National Pacific School Games event in South Australia this week. Drew placed 5^th in the country for discus! A magnificent achievement! Well done Drew!

School Security

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:11 AEST

School Security Phone number - 1300 880 021

Please contact the above number if you see intruders or people in the school grounds.

Please do not come into the school grounds during the holiday period as I cannot guarantee your safety. They are patrolled by school security and the police. The school grounds are not a good place to play as the grounds are not supervised.

Wollongong Regional Hydrodynamics Lego League Comp

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:15 AEST

Congratulations to our resident robotics experts, Phillip P and Mitchell T, who have been successfully running our ‘Kids Teaching Kids' robotics program this semester. On November 25, Phillip and Mitchell participated in the Wollongong Regional Hydrodynamics FIRST Lego League Competition. Their team were awarded first place in the Robot Game and they received the Strategy and Innovation Award. They were successful in moving onto the National Competition which was held on the weekend of December 2 and 3 at Macquarie University. Again they received the Strategy and Innovation Award and have been invited to compete at the World Festival in Huston in April 2018. We are incredibly proud of their achievement and wish them the best of luck – watch out USA!

Kindergarten Orientation

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:07 AEST

Wed 29/11 marked the final session of the Orientation program for students transitioning to Kindergarten in 2018. It has been wonderful to meet our 2018 cohort and their families and introduce them to our school.

Over the duration of the orientation process, parents and families have been engaged in information sessions on attendance, school readiness, road safety, learning and support, procedures at Flinders Public School, our Positive Behaviour for Success (PBS) welfare system and the current Literacy initiatives offered to Early Stage 1 students.

Parent, Carer, Family & Community Helper Afternoon Tea

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:10 AEST

We would like to extend an invitation to all parents, carers, family and community members who have generously given up their time during the year to help in our school, to attend our annual helpers afternoon tea. This afternoon tea will be held on Monday 11^th December at 2.15 pm in the School Hall.

Please RSVP to the Office if you would like to attend.

We would love to see our volunteers there to thank them for their valuable contribution to our school.

Rose Ceremony

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:11 AEST

The Recognition of Student Effort and Excellence end of year presentation day assembly will be held on Friday 8th December. The assembly starts at 9:30am.

There is no reserved seating for this event so please arrive prior to 9:30am to secure a seat.

Letters will be sent home to families regarding awards being presented on the day over the coming weeks.

We look forward to being able to celebrate the success and efforts of our students.

Every Day Counts

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:06 AEST

As the end of the year draws closer, it is essential that we continue to work together to ensure all of our students attend school every day. It is just as important that all students are ready for learning when the 8.55am bell rings.

Below are simple snap shots that show the implications of days missed at school as well as how much learning time is missed when our students are late to school or picked up early. Arriving to school 10 minutes late each day equates to nearly 1 ½ weeks missed at the end of the year!

Class Placement for 2018

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:04 AEST

It is hard to believe that the end of the year is fast approaching. Our school takes great care to ensure the placement of each and every student into the most appropriate classroom setting. To ensure this the school considers the following issues: academic, social, emotional & behavioural needs, the dynamics of students working together, the teaching team working with each grade and students who are funded for additional support.

Students are asked about people they consider to be ‘good learning buddies' as opposed to a ‘good friend' who may not be a good support for learning. As you can see this is a huge task when you consider all of these considerations are made for over 560 students. This care is taken because as a school we believe that each student's placement is exceptionally important.

I remind families the placement of a child into a class is a very very detailed process that is undertaken with enormous care and professionalism. Your child is important, very important. But so too is every other child.

If you would like to make an appointment to discuss your child's needs in preparation for their 2018 class placement, the Senior Executive Team (Greg Wells, Natalie Marshall and Lisa Dewhurst) will be available over the next few weeks. If it is important, you will make contact with the office to book an interview. A central register of all information obtained in these meetings will be kept and will be considered in the formation of 2018 classes.

I appreciate your involvement in the process and urge families to make contact on or before Friday 24^th November. Please do not leave it until too late as the end of year is an exceptionally busy time for everyone and I do not want to disappoint anyone because they did not get organised.

NSW Spelling Bee

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:09 AEST

Congratulations to Flinders Public School students Isabella D and Angelo D

Isabella D interview on WAVE FM. Source Wave FM Radio Station

https://www.wavefm.com.au/mel-and-trav/122908-spelling-bee-finalist-isabella-duffyfinalist in 2017 Spelling Bee.

Source: The Arts Unit NSW Education

Division	Finalist	School
Junior	Jonah Mobbs	Albury Public School
Junior	Layla Wicks	Aldavilla Public School
Junior	Alex Yates	Balgowlah North Public School
Junior	Jake Martin	Baradine Central School
Junior	Shreyas J Pai Angle	Barnier Public School
Junior	Hughie McLean	Beelbangera Public School
Junior	Luka Sremcevic	Bilgola Plateau Public School
Junior	Giorgia Macleod-Laschke	Blackheath Public School
Junior	Jasmine Cohen	Bondi Public School
Junior	Chris Jais	Bradbury Public School
Junior	Beau Thompson	Bronte Public School
Junior	Caitlyn Threw	Canobolas Public School
Junior	Maxwell McCarthy	Captains Flat Public School
Junior	Morgan Pegler	Coal Point Public School
Junior	William Cooney	Condobolin Public School
Junior	Roopam Dutta	Coniston Public School
Junior	Alexander Lai	Crestwood Public School
Junior	Haydar Alhaydari	Dawson Public School
Junior	Adrian Rasica	Drummoyne Public School
Junior	Rex Forsyth	Dudley Public School
Junior	Ben Davis	Dunoon Public School
Junior	Hugo Okamoto	Empire Bay Public School
Junior	Isabella Duffy	Flinders Public School
Junior	Lucas Guiney	Forster Public School
Junior	Thanh Tran	Georges Hall Public School
Junior	Charlie Bridge	Gunnedah South Public School
Junior	Frederik Thai	Harrington Street Public School
Junior	Ayman Maqbool	Hassall Grove Public School
Junior	Samaira Zaman	Holsworthy Public School
Junior	Akshath Senthil	Homebush West Public School
Junior	Charlie Wall	Inverell Public School
Junior	Sophie Szabo	Iona Public School
Junior	Lucinda Powell	Kotara South Public School
Junior	Olive Saunders	Laguna Street Public School
Junior	Andre Wrenford	Lake Albert Public School
Junior	Nathan Smart	Melrose Park Public School
Junior	Lena Zhu	Oatley Public School
Junior	Medha Gopalakrishnan	Parramatta East Public School
Junior	Josh Ridon	Singleton Heights Public School
Junior	Marcus Goosens	Sutton Public School
Junior	Bradley Gilmour	Terranora Public School
Junior	Simran Pandey	Truscott Street Public School
Junior	Suryadutt Shaji	Tuggerah Public School
Junior	River Robinson	Yamba Public School

Division	Finalist	School
Senior	Harry Cameron	Albury Public School
Senior	Sunny Duncombe	Bangalow Public School
Senior	Andreas Panas	Bexley North Public School
Senior	Harry McGrath	Blackheath Public School
Senior	Anneliese Sandy	Boronia Park Public School
Senior	Jack Davies	Bowral Public School
Senior	Senuja Mallawa	Caddies Creek Public School
Senior	James Held	Camden Public School
Senior	Jessica Ashe	Carlton South Public School
Senior	Kayla Fairweather	Colyton Public School
Senior	Ella Hope	Condobolin Public School
Senior	Isaac Gorline-Singleman	Crescent Head Public School
Senior	Phoebe Wolfgang	Denman Public School
Senior	Xander Yeo	Emu Heights Public School
Senior	Angelo De Leon	Flinders Public School
Senior	Brayden Dowd	Gooloogong Public School
Senior	Matilda Neame	Gordon East Public School
Senior	Jessica Crooks	Gundagai South Public School
Senior	Lewis Donaldson	Gunnedah South Public School
Senior	Cameron Scott	Gymea Bay Public School
Senior	Fraser Mckeown	Hammondville Public School
Senior	Matilda Stewart	Hastings Public School
Senior	Kristian Mijic	Hinchinbrook Public School
Senior	Ryley Batterbury	Inverell Public School
Senior	Alexandria Noonan	Jerrabomberra Public School
Senior	Kasey Pryor	Lisarow Public School
Senior	Kallie Bailey	Medowie Public School
Senior	Zachary Soh	Mortlake Public School
Senior	Anjelica Delos Reyes	Mount Druitt Public School
Senior	Haajrah Alam	New Lambton South Public School
Senior	Fiona Liang	Newbridge Heights Public School
Senior	Sri Vaishnavi Kolluri	North Sydney Public School
Senior	Ché Mackay	Palmers Island Public School
Senior	Amelie Mitchell	Pottsville Beach Public School
Senior	Adrian Wong	Soldiers Point Public School
Senior	Rachael Melamed	St Ives Park Public School
Senior	Clara Kang	Summer Hill Public School
Senior	Neeve Davies	Umina Public School
Senior	Bryce Foti-Rolfe	Waratah Public School
Senior	Madelyn Leggett	Wellington Public School
Senior	Naman Mehta	Wentworthville Public School
Senior	Jordyn Worley	West Wyalong Public School
Senior	Grace Du	Wollongong Public School
Senior	Lucinda Adams	Woollahra Public School

Intention to apply for Year 7 entry to a selective high school in 2019

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:07 AEST

Applications for Year 7 selective high school entry in 2019 is now open! Year 5 students have received ‘Intention to Apply' notes.

Applications for selective high school placement are considered mainly on the basis of the Selective High School Placement Test results and school assessment scores. The Selective High School Placement Test will be held on Thursday 15th March 2018.

If you would like to have your child considered for Year 7 selective high school entry in 2019, you need to apply now. You will need to apply on the internet using a valid email address (not the student's email address).

Swimming Carnival

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:13 AEST

The school will be holding the annual swimming carnival on the 6^th December. This enables the school to support all students and families with a longer turn-around period between notes, risk assessments and preparations for the students, their families and our staff. This is an important decision and it was not made lightly. The school embarked on a school wide survey of families, teaching staff, administration and support staff and the executive team. A period was also opened up for parents and families to email thoughts, issues and concerns to the school. The Parents and Citizen association has also been consulted and has supported this decision. As is often the case, there are many different opinions. Flinders is not alone in having the school swimming carnival at the end of the school year in preparation for the following year. It is my understanding that 7 of the 9 schools in the Mid South PSSA District already hold their swimming carnivals at the end of the year.

Notes will be sent home today regarding the swimming carnival and permission for those students wishing to take up the opportunity. I urge all students eligible to compete to get their notes in as soon as possible. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact the school so that your matter can be clarified.

State Athletics finals

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:13 AEST

Congratulations to the following athletes who represented the South Coast at Sydney Olympic Park Athletic Centre, in the NSWPSSA Athletics State Championships, last Wednesday 18th and Thursday 19th October. Below is a list of their final placing…IN THE STATE!! Amazing achievements for all athletes

Joshua H - Junior Boys Relay – 22^nd (59.36sec)

Jaiden R - Junior Boys Relay - 22^nd (59.36sec)

Dylan H - Junior Boys Relay - 22^nd (59.36sec)

Cooper D - Junior Boys Relay - 22^nd (59.36sec)

Discus – 8^th (29.91)

Joshua H - 100m - 26^th (14.25sec)

200m – 21^st (29.60sec)

Long Jump – 13^th (4.13m)

Shot Put – 30^th (7.86m)

Drew L- Discus – 3^rd (37.46m)* – Qualified for Pacific School Games

Shot Put 4^th (12.86m)

Edvard G - 100m – 23^rd (13.42sec)

This is an amazing result for one school. We are very proud of all the boys' achievements.

Best wishes to Drew L (Year 5) who will be travelling to South Australia later this term to represent NSW at the Pacific School Games – Athletics!

School Photographs

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:11 AEST

School photographs are scheduled for Wednesday 1st November and Thursday 2nd November 2017. Class, individual and special group photos will be timetabled across the two days. If you would like your child to be included in photographs, please keep both dates free of alternative appointments.

Due to the complexity of scheduling photos across a large school, we need to keep a flexible timetable and it will not be possible to accommodate individual requests.

We request that students wear full school uniform and be prepared to be photographed on both days.

The school provides an opportunity for students in the school to be photographed as service to the parent community. The school also stores electronic copies of individual photographs on our internal database for use on student's reports.

Please inform the school prior to Friday 27th October if you DO NOT WISH your child/ren to be photographed. This should be done by contacting the school office or in writing to the principal.

Information/order packs have been sent home. Please take time to read the relevant information on the MSP Photography payment envelopes and remember these helpful points:

Do not seal envelopes inside each other. You can pay for all children in one envelope however each child needs to have his/her own envelope on photo day.

Sibling Photo Envelopes are available at the school office upon request. Please enclose correct money as no change can be given.

Return your individual photo envelopes on photo day ONLY. Your child will be asked to present the envelope directly to the MSP photographer. For any enquiries, please phone MSP Photography on phone: 4261 3009

Intention to apply for Year 7 entry to a selective high school in 2019

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:07 AEST

Applications for Year 7 selective high school entry in 2019 is now open! Year 5 students have received ‘Intention to Apply' notes this week.

Detailed instructions on how to apply online will be available from 10th October 2017 in a printed application information booklet and at https://education.nsw.gov.au/public-schools/selective-high-schools-and-opportunity- classes/year-7 .

The application website opens at https://education.nsw.gov.au/selective-high-schools-and- opportunity-classes/year-7 on 10th October 2017.

Applications close on 13th November 2017. Unfortunately, no late applications will be accepted.

State Athletics Carnival

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:12 AEST

Good luck to the following athletes who will be representing the South Coast at Sydney Olympic Park Athletic Centre, in the NSWPSSA Athletics State Championships, on Wednesday 18^th and Thursday 19^th October:

*Joshua H, Jaiden R, Dylan H and Cooper D (Junior Boys Relay)

*Joshua H (100m, 200m, Long Jump, Shot Put)

*Drew L (Discus, Shot Put)

*Edvard G (100m)

*Cooper D (Discus)

Illawarra Junior Vocal Ensemble

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:06 AEST

This year, Maddi F and Rhys F were selected as members of the Illawarra Junior Vocal Ensemble. This ensemble is comprised of a number of talented vocalists in Years 3-6 from many schools within the Illawarra region.

By the conclusion of 2017, Maddi and Rhys will have successfully performed at a number of high profile events including Spring into Corrimal, Festival of Choirs, Choir-tly Loud Festival and the Dapto Carols. In addition to these performances, Rhys and Maddi have been invited to perform during the Morning Show with Nick Reinburger on ABC Local Radio!

Maddi and Rhys are wonderful representatives of Flinders Public School and we would like to congratulate and commend them for their outstanding contribution, commitment and dedication towards the Illawarra Junior Vocal Ensemble.

Walk-a-Thon / Colour Run

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:04 AEST

This Friday 13^th October, students will be engaging in a Walk-a-Thon/Colour Run to raise funds to go towards purchasing additional reading books for our Guided Reading Groups.

Students will have the choice to enter the optional Colour Run activities. Students who are opting to participate should have already pre-purchased a Colour Run Wrist Band for $2.

Two professional photographers from MSP Photography will be attending on the day to take photographs of children at our Photo Booth. Photo Wrist Bands should have been pre-purchased as money was due on Wednesday 6^th September.

Please note, the purchase of the Photo Wrist Band only buys the photographers time and enables your child to be photographed at the event. Photographs taken will be available for purchase at a later date. Information about the purchase of these photographs will be provided to families after the event.

What should my child wear to the Colour Run?

As the Colour Run activities will be MESSY, it is advisable that your child wears old clothing on the day. They will not be required to wear school uniform.

Your child may also like to bring an old towel to dry themselves off/wipe off some of the excess colouring after participating in the Colour Run Activities.

You may also like to bring an additional old towel, blanket, sheet for your child to sit on in the car on the ride home from school.

As with all school events, if changes need to be made on the day, parents/carers will be notified via our E-Alert system.

We look forward to an amazing event. Fingers crossed it is a beautiful, sunny day!

Community of Schools Public Speaking Comp

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:05 AEST

Congratulations to each and every student K-6, who has presented a speech to their class! The teachers have been so impressed with how positively students have engaged in this activity, the insightful content that has been delivered and the growth in confidence and ability that has been demonstrated by those students who are now in their second or third year of participating in school-wide public speaking.

Well done to each of the class finalists who then presented their speech for a second time, in front of their entire Stage!

Class Finalists: KG – Macey V, Jonnie D. KS – Georgia B, Alexia M. KP – Chelsea A, Willow F. K/1R – Isabella Y, Hayden H, Annabelle M. 1L - James D, Dexter S. 1W - Bethany R, Ciara R. 1SG - Kelsey R, Cameron M. 2M - Izac A, Lachlan E. 2L - Lily B, Kianda D. 2G - Cruz B, Ruby M. 2/3G - Lily O, Sienna P, Hannah G, Andrej B. 3H - McKenzie B, Georgia R. 3N – Aleena C, Phoenix F. 3/4B - Ava D, Lillie H. 4O – Olivia O, Thomas E. 4K - Indiana L, Cayden D. 4/5C - Lucas C, Jordan K, Katie W, Lachlan M. 5N - Brody E, Austin W. 5D - Jason K, Jayson K. 6N - India B, Charlotte K. 6S - Skye C, Maddi F. 6P - Keagan N, Jackson S.

Four students from each Stage have been selected to present their speech again this Thursday, in front of their Infants or Primary cohort and our visiting adjudicators, to determine which speaker from each Stage will represent Flinders PS at the COS Public Speaking Competition Grand Final at Warilla High School on Friday 22nd September, 2017.

Good luck to our Stage Finalists:

Early Stage One: Jonnie D (KG), Willow F (KP), Alexia M (KS), Isabella Y (KR)

Stage One: Cruz B (2G), Lilyan B (2L), Lachlan E (2M), Ruby M (2G)

Stage Two: Cayden D (4K), Hannah G (3G), Indiana L (4K), Olivia O (4O)

Stage Three: India B (6N), Skye C (6S), Keagan N (6P), Jackson S (6P)

Mrs Naomi O'Neill

Debating and Public Speaking Coordinator

Premier's Spelling Bee Challenge

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:10 AEST

Over the past few weeks Isabella D, Alannah S (Stage 2), Anton V-D and Angelo D L (Stage 3) have sacrificed their lunch times studding a complex word list that was produced by the Premier's Spelling Bee Competition. The Spelling Bee provides the opportunity for students across NSW to learn new words and to explore the English language in an interesting and challenging way.

Last Thursday these four students visited Minamurra Public School to compete in the Regional finals. It was a tough battle; however, Angelo D L (Stage 3) and Isabella D (Stage 2) were the two finalist who will progress to the State Final of the Premier's Spelling Bee, which will take place on the 8 November in Sydney.

Congratulations to all students who have participated in the Spelling Bee Challenge and we wish Angelo and Isabella the best of luck in the State final.

Operation Art 2017

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:09 AEST

Operation Art 2017 opens this Saturday 9^th September and is open until 29^th October from 10am – 4pm at the Armory Gallery at Sydney Olympic Park.

This year Flinders Public School has three entrants into the Operation Art competition. They are:

Isabel S – KS

Keysha H – 4O

Indiana R 4/5C

At the opening there will be a marching band, hip-hop dance groups, amazing choirs, drummers and a big band all there on Saturday to help congratulate all of our Operation Art artists.

Bandaged bear will be there too!

Entry is FREE so come along and see the thousands of exciting entries from students across NSW including our talented Flinders artists. We would like to congratulate our successful entrants once again.

We wish our students the very best of luck!

Creative And Performing Arts Committee.

Walk -a - thon/Colour Run Postponed

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:15 AEST

Unfortunately, due to the inclement weather forecast tomorrow, Flinders Public School and the P&C have postponed the Walk-a-thon/Colour Run scheduled for Friday 8th September 2017.

Whilst this is disappointing, the health and safety of our students, staff and community is our priority.

We anticipate the event will now take place on Friday 13th October.

Students who have pre-purchased Meal Deals from the Canteen will still receive their lunch order tomorrow. The Canteen will be open at recess and the second half of lunch for over the counter sales.

Please be advised that there will be NO LUNCH ORDERS TOMORROW as the Canteen will be filling pre-purchased Meal Deal orders only.

We apologise for any inconvenience this may have caused and look forward to holding the event next term when the weather is warmer.

NSW Schools Orienteering Championships

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:09 AEST

Back in May this year, seventeen Flinders Public School students from Year 6 participated in the South Coast Orienteering Gala Day for the very first time. Andrew K (6N) experienced ‘adventure racing' success and placed 2^nd overall in the Year 6 Boys Division. As a result, he was personally invited and accepted an invitation to attend the 2017 NSW (State) Schools Orienteering Championships in Wollongong last weekend.

Andrew utilised his awesome athletic ability, great geographical knowledge, magic mathematical and perfect problem-solving skills to navigate his way around the maze-like grounds and buildings of Wollongong University, armed with only a map. His mission: to reach each of the checkpoints in order, as quickly as possible!

Congratulations on placing 3^rd in your age division Andrew! Well done for taking up this fantastic opportunity and enjoying a great day out with your family.

Tournament of Minds Challenge Day

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:14 AEST

On Sunday 14 students from Flinders Public School participated in Tournament of Minds at Nowra High School. These 14 students had been training and preparing since the start of Term 2. They have given up every Tuesday afternoon to come together to learn the skills of team work, creative thinking, drama and self-motivation.

We entered two teams made up of students across Years 3 to 6. They competed against other schools from the South Coast in Language Literature and Mathematical Engineering. There were 44 schools who entered Tournament of Minds with a total of 554 students competing on the day.

The teams were given a challenge at the beginning of the term within their discipline area. They had to solve the problem and present their solution in a play format. There were strict guidelines they had to follow such as performing inside a 3m by 3m square, four people in the square at all times as well as having NO outside assistance through the last five weeks. That means the students were in control of all decisions made throughout the last five weeks. Each team performed extremely well and should be very proud of what they have achieved. They were great representatives of FPS.

A big congratulations to the Language Literature team who received Tournament Honours. They have been presented with a special certificate in recognition of their great result. A special mention also goes to the Mathematical Engineering team who showed wonderful teamwork and spirit throughout the whole 5-week challenge.

A big thank you to all the parents and families who came along to Tournament day. It was great to see such support and encouragement.

School Swimming Carnival

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:12 AEST

Flinders Public School traditionally holds their Annual Swimming Carnival within the first 2 weeks of the new school year as the Mid south District Carnival takes place within the first half of Term 1.

There has been some discussion as to when is the best time to hold our Annual Swimming Carnival.

Two options have been proposed:

1: Continue to run the carnival early Term 1 in 2018 for the 2018 Mid South District Carnival

2: Facilitate the School Swimming Carnival at the end of 2017 for the 2018 Mid South District Carnival

We are seeking your feedback as to whether you would prefer to have our school carnival facilitated at the end of 2017 or continue the very quick survey using the link below.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/P3GZLF7

We genuinely appreciate your feedback and look forward to continuing to improve our school for students and their families.

Walk-a-thon and Colour Run

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:15 AEST

This year, our school will be holding a Walk-a-thon/Colour Run to raise funds for our school. This year, all monies raised will go towards purchasing additional reading books for our classroom Guided Reading Groups. The Walk–a-thon will be held on Friday 8^th September 2017 from 1.45pm (all students to participate). Colour Run activities to follow Walk-a-thon (for students who have made the $2.00 payment and returned permission slip by Wednesday 6^th September.

Flinders Public School greatly appreciates your support with this initiative. A separate note and a sponsorship form will be sent home outline the event and the manner in which students and their families can both support the event and hopefully have a great time. To acknowledge our students support the school has organised a raffle for all students who contribute towards the fundraiser. When a child returns their sponsorship form along with the money raised, they will receive an entry into our raffle. Every child who raises $1 will receive a ticket in the raffle. For every additional $10 raised, your child will receive an additional ticket. There will be one $50 gift voucher to be won in each stage. (Early Stage 1, Stage 1, Stage 2 and Stage 3). Fundraising Sponsorship Forms are due back to school by Wednesday 20^th September 2017.

There is a $2 entry fee to participate in the Colour Run activities (This is optional). Involvement in the Colour Run will be the choice of the student and the family. The Colour Run takes place immediately after the Walk-a-thon.

The school has secured the services of MSP photographers who will be taking action shots at the finish line of the colour run. Students can purchase a Photo Pass BEFORE the day. A Photo Pass costs $1.00. Passes must be pre-paid prior to the event. Passes will not be available on the day of the event. This secures the opportunity to be professionally photographed, it does not pay for any photographs. Photographs taken at the event will be available for purchase for $1 each at a later date.

All photographs taken on the day will be displayed in the school hall where orders can be placed in the week after the event. Each photograph will then sell for $1.00. This may provide a great keep sake for your child and their friends. This will be an option that students may wish to take up but it is certainly not compulsory. All monies raised from both the Walk-a-thon and the Colour Run will go directly into purchasing quality reading books for our students.

The Colour Run will involve the use of a product called Holi Colour Powder. Product used at the event will be in both powder and liquid forms. Holi Colour Powder is a natural product made out of maize starch and vegetable colours. Ingredients are as follows; Maize Starch: 100%, Malachite Green: 6.82% w/w, Basic Auramine: 12.65% w/w and Basic Rhoadamine: 9.45% w/w.

Please save the date and lets cross our fingers for some nice warm weather on the day!

Tournament of Minds

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:14 AEST

Tournament of Minds Challenge Day is at Nowra High School on Sunday the 20th August. Parents and carers are more than welcome to come along to challenge day to watch their child perform. Students need to arrive 30 minutes prior to the challenge start time. Teams are to meet at the registration desk.

We wish our teams the very best of luck as they present their spontaneous and long term challenges to the judges.

Community Safety

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:05 AEST

Community Safety Pop Up Meeting

The Lake Illawarra Local Area Command and Shellharbour City Council invite you to attend a community safety pop up meeting.

Time: 2:30pm -3:30pm

When: Tuesday 29th August 2017

Where: Out the front of Flinders Primary School, Adam Murray Way

Come and chat with your local police and council officers.

An opportunity to raise any concerns, and get to know the officers in your neighbourhood.

We hope to see you there!

Premier’s Spelling Bee Challenge

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:12 AEST

Spelling bees are growing in popularity in schools, as they're a fun way to encourage reading, promote literacy, develop general knowledge and improve vocabulary. Even better, kids seem to love them and it allows our individuals that focus on studying spelling choices and patterns of familiar and unfamiliar words to shine. Recently, Stage 2 and 3 have begun the process of challenging our fluent spellers in the Premier's Spelling Bee 2017 competition. It is our delight to announce our school winners who will now go on to the Regional Final at Minnamurra Public School on Thursday 7^th September. Congratulations to the finalists:

Stage 2 Isabella D, Alannah S

Stage 3 Angelo D, Anton V

We wish you all the very best!

Southern Stars

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:12 AEST

Rehearsals for Southern Stars 2017 POSTCARDS are in full swing with students taking part in a wide range of dance, music, drama and vocal rehearsals around the state.

Just last week over 2500 dancers attended the first Mass Dance Rehearsal at the WIN Entertainment Centre – it was a great day and a great opportunity for students to get their first glimpse at all the big dance items in the show.

The buzz is growing daily and tickets are selling fast so we encourage you to buy your tickets through Ticketmaster as soon as possible to make sure you don't miss out.

POSTCARDS, featuring 3000 public school children, will take place over four performances at the WIN Entertainment Centre in Wollongong on Friday August 25 (10am and 7.30pm) and Saturday August 26 (2pm and 7.30pm).

Most importantly, you don't have to have someone in the show to buy a ticket. A Southern Stars show is great family entertainment and suitable for all ages. It has something for everyone from death defying circus acts to marching bands, from ballet to tap, from rock'n'roll to disco, from knock out solo vocal performances to a choir of 600 sweet voices.

To keep up with all the news about POSTCARDS including recent media stories and picture galleries, visit the Southern Stars – The Arena Spectacular Facebook site. Like us and share with your friends and family!

Naplan School readiness

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:08 AEST

In Week 8 (week commencing September 4^th), Year 3 and Year 5 students at Flinders Public School will be participating in the NAPLAN Online School Readiness Test.

The school readiness test is a ‘practice run' for schools to assess their technology ahead of NAPLAN Online to check whether they have the technical capacity, rooms and devices to administer the test online in the future.

During this week, Year 3 and Year 5 students will sit an ‘Omnibus Test'. This test includes numeracy, reading and conventions of language questions. Year 5 students will also sit an online ‘Writing Test'.

Please note, the readiness test is not an assessment of student ability and therefore, families will not be provided with a report on their child's performance.

In order to complete the assessment, students will require a set of headphones. Could you please ensure your child brings a set of headphones to school in a clearly labelled bag by Wednesday 30^th August. These will be returned to your child after the NAPLAN assessment.

Welcome students from Waki Cho

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:15 AEST

Over the next 2 weeks, Flinders Public School will be hosting visitors from Waki Cho Japan. Our visiting students will be working alongside our students in classrooms to gain an understanding of what school is like in Australia, learn the English language and share some of their Japanese language and culture with our students.

I am very proud to say that our students have been incredibly welcoming to our guests and are eager to work alongside them in their classrooms and learn a little more about what life is like as a student in Japan.

DoE Secretary visit

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:04 AEST

Flinders Public School was delighted to welcome Secretary of the Department of Education Mark Scott to our school. Secretary Scott was welcomed to our school by some of our Year 6 leaders, treated to a tour of our beautiful school grounds and visited some of our classrooms and saw some of the fabulous teaching and learning activities that take place here at Flinders Public School.

2G, 2L, Mr Lew and Ms Gavin once again wowed us with their revitalised version of our school song and enjoyed sharing what they are currently learning with Secretary Scott. 4/5C were actively engaged in a highly stimulating Mathematics lesson involving planning a pizza party and 4O showcased their Guided Reading Groups and were engaged in a number of Literacy based activities.

Flinders Public School staff were also able to share their Strengthening Teachers Entering the Profession (STEP) program with Secretary Scott. This program was developed by staff at Flinders Public School in line with the Department of Education's Great Teaching Inspired Learning initiative and seeks to foster strong partnerships between the University of Wollongong, local primary schools and Teacher Education Students.

At Flinders Public School, we strive to provide high quality teaching and learning opportunities for our students. It was wonderful to be able to share a portion of these activities with Secretary Scott.

School Dentist

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:11 AEST

Flinders Public School will be having Future Care Mobile Dental Services visit our school during Week 3 of Term 3 (Week beginning 31^st July 2017). The School Dentist is an initiative that provides dental care services to children aged 2-17.

Under the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS), funded by the Australian Federal Government, the service is free of charge for eligible students. If your child is not covered under the scheme, The School Dentist can provide your child with an oral examination, clean, scale and fluoride for $99.00

Public Speaking Competition

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:10 AEST

This term, all students at Flinders Public School, K-6, will be participating in the annual COS Public Speaking Competition. The aim of the competition is to assist students to become confident, clear and focused speakers, in public situations. This will contribute to an improved self-esteem and benefit students in the world beyond school. Public Speaking is an integral part of a literacy program and is therefore part of every classrooms' curriculum.

Each and every student will be required to prepare and present a speech on the given topic to their class. Two Class Finalists will then be chosen to present that same speech in a Stage Final. From there, four speakers will be chosen to represent their Stage in the Flinders Public School Finals, which will be professionally adjudicated. One speaker from each stage will then be selected to represent our school at the next level of competition – the COS Public Speaking Competition Grand Final at Warilla High School on Friday 22^nd September, 2017.

Tell Them From Me Survey

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:13 AEST

This term, our school is taking part in the next component of the Tell Them From Me student survey. The survey will provide us with valuable feedback on what our students think about school life, how engaged they are with school and the different ways that teachers interact with them. Schools in Australia and around the world have used the Tell Them From Me survey to help them improve. The survey is completed on-line and is run by an independent research company, The Learning Bar, which specialises in school-based surveys.

Staff in schools will not be able to identify individual students from their responses. To ensure confidentiality, participating students will receive a unique username and password. Where fewer than five students respond to a question, the results will be suppressed. The survey typically takes 30 minutes or less to complete and will be administered by the school during normal school hours. Once the surveys are completed by students, reports are prepared and in most cases are available to schools within three business days.

This survey will help our school better understand how to improve student wellbeing and engagement. It will help the school identify what works to improve student outcomes.

Participating in the survey is entirely voluntary. Your child will not take part if either you or your child do not wish. If, during the survey, your child is uncomfortable, he/she can choose to stop the survey at any time. The majority of questions in the survey can be skipped.

If you do not want your child to take part in the survey, please complete the attached form and return it to your child's school by Monday 14^th August 2017.

More information about the survey and the research is available in English on the CESE website: http://surveys.cese.nsw.gov.au/information-for-parents

Southern Illawarra Music Festival

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:12 AEST

Tickets to the Southern Illawarra Music Festival are now available from the Flinders Public School office. Tickets are allocated at 2 per choir member. We will also have a waiting list for those who would like extra tickets, should they become available. Whilst we would like to know about your interest in further tickets, we are asking that you do not pre-pay for additional tickets.

When: Tuesday 29^th August at (6.30pm for students) for a 7pm start.

Where: The Grand Hall at the University of Wollongong.

Cost: $20 per ticket. Children 4 and under are free but must be seated on someone's lap at all times. Prams are not permissible in this venue.

If you require wheelchair access please note it on the slip below so organisers can reserve an appropriate seating position for you.

Choir members do not need a ticket for themselves.

Tickets must be paid for by Friday the 11^th August.

Southern Stars

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:12 AEST

Students should wear school uniform and sports type shoes. There are canteen facilities available, but the venue will be crowded and the rehearsal sometimes includes high school performers as well as primary students. Students are advised to bring a packed recess, lunch and plenty of drinks.

Date	Venue	Transport	Arrival and Departure
Tuesday 25^th July	Illawarra Sports Stadium	Bus	Meet at school at 8:30am. Depart ISS at 2:30pm. Arrive at school approx. 3:15pm.
Friday 29^th July	Illawarra Sports Stadium	Bus	Meet at school at 8:30am. Depart ISS at 3:00pm. Arrive at school approx. 3:45pm.
Wednesday 9^th August	Wollongong Entertainment Centre	Bus	Meet at school at 8:45am. Depart WEC at 3:15pm. Arrive at school approx. 4:15pm.

Premier's Reading Challenge

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:10 AEST

Students in Years 3-6 have until August to complete reading and recording 20 books for the Premier's Reading Challenge.

Recorder Ensemble

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:11 AEST

Recorder Ensemble Opera House Tickets:

Tickets sales for the Festival of Instrumental Music will open this Wednesday the 21st of June at 9am. Tickets MUST be purchased directly through the Sydney Opera House. Visit the website http://www.sydneyoperahouse.com or call (02) 9250 7777 to book your tickets.

Flinders Public School will be performing in the Mimosa concert on the 6th of September, please ensure you purchase tickets for the correct date as there are multiple concerts. Please also be aware that tickets sell fast and you cannot purchase tickets through the school. Flinders is very excited to be a part of this memorable event.

School Interviews

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:11 AEST

As Semester 1 comes to an end, teachers will commence ‘Parent/Carer-Teacher Interviews' in Week 10 (week beginning 26^th June). At Flinders Public School, parents/carers book their school interviews online at www.schoolinterviews.com.au.

Please note, the interview booking system will be opened to families Thursday 22^nd June at approximately 2.55pm and will close at 4.00pm on Sunday 25^th June.

Located within your child's report will be an information sheet that explains the process of booking an interview with your child's teacher, the code required to book an interview at Flinders Public School and the booking cut-off date and time.

End of Semester Reports

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:05 AEST

It is anticipated that reports will be sent home on Thursday 22^nd June. A letter will accompany each student report. The letter outlines how parents and families can go online to book an interview with their child's teacher/s. The letter also contains our school's unique code. The school has very successfully used this system now for a number of years. It is exceptionally quick and easy. It also allows parents to see what times are available on what days. There will be a note sent home in next weeks newsletter with all the instructions on how to login and book an interview if you wish to. The code for our school will be sent in a separate letter that accompanies your child's report.

Athletics Carnival

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:03 AEST

I encourage parents and families to come along and enjoy the day of activity at the athletics carnival. Fingers crossed the weather will not ruin a fun filled day of planned activities again. An E-alert will be sent out if the carnival is cancelled due to weather. This E-alert will be sent out at 7:30 with an update of information. The school will leave it as late as possible before sending the E-alert to cancel the carnival as this creates many other challenges for our school, the Council ground, the first aid providers, the little A team that support the school and all of the parents and families who have organised their work and schedules to attend. The school cannot hold the carnival if the fields are deemed to be unsafe or are closed by Council. I appreciate everyone being patient in regards to this matter.

An important reminder for all students who have returned their notes for the 800m event. Competing students need to be at the fields no later than 8:15am. Late arrivals cannot be accepted for the race. The 800m races start at 8:30am but competitors must warm up and report to marshalling officials before the race.

Students not competing in the 800m arrive at school at the normal time. When the bell goes at 8:55am teachers will collect each class and mark the roll before walking down to the carnival. I encourage families to be organised and on time as students arriving after the classes have left will need to be signed in at the carnival. Students arriving late or families requiring students to leave early will either sign students in or out at the Carnival Marshalling table (near the first aid tent). All class rolls will be kept there for that purpose.

All races at the carnival are timed races. The carnival operates on students times not the places in the heats. Competitors need to be running to their best time, not a place in a heat.

This year the school will be using an electronic gate and timing system. This system has been very successful for the Lake Illawarra Little A's and a number of local schools. This system has been shown to our students at our Monday morning assembly with lots of explanation and images to support students. The critical point to reinforce with our competitors will be that once the runner is placed in a lane, the runner must stay in that lane at all times during the race. At the end of the race the runner must remain in the lane and return to the finish line (in their designated lane) so that the judging marshals can escort the competitors to the scoring table.

I remind families to pack drinks, fruit, snacks and lunch for the day. Students will need a hat and sunscreen. A big thank you to all of the staff and especially to Mrs O'Neill and Mr Kunkler for their organisation. The carnival is a huge team effort! I encourage parents and families to assist on the day, as this makes the day run that bit smoother.

Pie Drive

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:10 AEST

P & C Winter Pie Drive

The P & C Fundraising committee is once again holding a "Winter Pie Drive"

just in time for those chilly winter nights.

Pies will be sourced from the Queen Street Bakery in Warilla and will arrive

freshly baked on collection day ready for you to eat or freeze.

As well as the huge 19cm family savoury pies, there will be family sweet pies,

muffins, lamingtons and slices (see order form attached).

Thanks to the huge support of this fundraiser we are able to source the pies at a great low price, so be sure to grab a bargain!

Your order form, together with money is due back by Friday 16^th June, 2017.

Proceeds from each order will contribute to the upgrade of our schools Literacy resources (K – 6).

Your order will be ready for collection on Thursday 29th June 2017

from 2pm, just in time to stock the freezers for school holidays!

The collection point for orders will be in the school's Computer Room.

(Unfortunately we will NOT be able to hold orders over so if you are unable to collect in person can you please arrange for a friend to collect on your behalf).

2017 International Competitions and Assessments for Schools Update

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:02 AEST

The next ICAS assessment is an alternate date for Year 5 and Year 6 students ONLY. It will be held in Week 7 on Thursday 8th June.

All assessments will continue to take place in the computer lab. A list of participating students for these assessments will be displayed in the front window of the staffroom prior to the assessment date.

The start time for each assessment will vary depending on the length of the assessment. Start times will also be displayed on the window with the list of participating students.

Students will need to bring a pencil and rubber with them to these assessments.

Subject/ Paper	Sitting date
Digital Technologies	23^rd May 2017
Science	30^th May 2017
Writing	12-16^th June 2017
Spelling	14^th June 2017
English	1^st August 2017
Mathematics	15^th August 2017

Our Values

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:09 AEST

The Positive Behaviour School Program is underpinned by our 3 school rules of Care for Yourself, Care for Others and Care for this Place. Throughout this year there has been a significant number of signs using our school mascot of ‘Flindy' positioned throughout the school. These signs rely on colour, visuals and key wording. These 3 rules are well understood by our students and staff and have established how we do our business.

(1) Be Prepared To Learn

(2) Respect Others

(3) Stay On Task

(4) Look After School Equipment and

(5) Be A Respectful Learner

These expectations will be shared throughout every classroom and learning space across the school. These are ‘the basics' of what is needed for our school and our students to achieve their personal best. These expectations are all about developing ‘common' or ‘shared' understandings by every student and staff member. These expectations have been developed through consultation with our classroom teachers and staff, with our facilitating consultants, to identify key issues that distract our students from the main game of engaging in learning. It is the PBS team and staff's belief that through shared understandings, common language, explicit teaching, our students will experience greater engagement, purpose and enjoyment in their learning. Well done to our PBS team and all staff for the sensitive manner in which they are introducing these expectations.

Communication & Dealing With Issues

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:04 AEST

The following processes are in place to ensure safety for all and to make sure that issues are listened to, followed up and completely researched before an outcome is shared. To avoid disappointment and possibly frustration please adhere to the following points.

1. Stay calm and organise an appointment so that the appropriate time can be provided to listen to your concern.

2. Do not approach or talk to other children other than your own. Adults can be threatening just in their presence.

3. Allow time for the school to follow up your issue. A time frame will be established with the family for how the

matter will proceed.

Families do need to consider that they have some information and that there may be additional information. Aggressive or threatening behaviour will not be accepted or tolerated in any manner and meetings will be stopped until all parties are calm. I understand that family members can become frustrated and even emotional, however, this does not excuse threatening or rude behaviour.

I look forward to working with each and every family to support our students at Flinders Public School.

National Reconciliation Week

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:08 AEST

National Reconciliation Week celebrates and builds on the respectful relationships shared by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other Australians.

This week is bookended by two significant milestones in history – the 1967 referendum and the 1992 Mabo decision. This year, these dates have increased significance, as it is the 50th anniversary of the 1967 referendum and the 25^th anniversary of the Mabo decision.

May 27, 1967 Referendum

This has been regarded as Australia's most successful referendum and a defining event in our nation's history. The 1967 referendum saw over 90 per cent of Australians vote to give the Commonwealth the power to make laws for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and recognise them in the national census.

June 3, 1992 The Mabo Decision

Commemorates the High Court of Australia's landmark Mabo decision in 1992, which legally recognised that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have a special relationship to the land—a relationship that existed prior to colonalisation and still exists today. This recognition paved the way for land rights or Native Title.

As part of the celebrations within this week, Shellharbour City Council hosts the Reconciliation Walk in Shellharbour Village. This involves the coming together of representatives from local schools, local Aboriginal Elders, council representatives and community members.

Flinders Public School was represented this year by Cohen C, Molly W, Brodie B, and Josh H. Miss Weir and Mr Hall accompanied our students. Cohen was nominated to be our school's flag bearer, and in the spirit of reconciliation, exchanged this with a certificate from a community representative in the formal ceremony whilst Miss Weir was presented with a table centrepiece for the school.

The students participated in four workshops including the 1967 Referendum, the Mabo decision, a language workshop and an artwork depicting a sea of hands.

Thank you to Miss Weir, Mr Hall and our representatives for the respect that they demonstrated throughout the day.

Mrs Nicole Perry

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Committee Coordinator

South Coast Orienteering Gala Day

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:12 AEST

South Coast Orienteering Gala Day – 17.5.17

Last Wednesday, a small group of Flinders Public School students participated in the South Coast Orienteering Gala Day at Croome Road Sporting Complex, Albion Park, for the very first time. Seventeen students from Year 6 joined seventy others from schools in Bowral, Nowra and St. Georges Basin, to enjoy a fun-filled day of ‘adventure racing.'

Orienteering includes skills that are part athletics, part geography, part maths and part problem solving. After learning the basics, like how to orientate maps with the sun and how to scan your tracking device at checkpoints, students had to navigate their way around a course through the bush – as quickly as possible!

Flinders students achieved amazing results in the individual races:

Year 6 Girls Division: 1^st – Charli R (6P), 2^nd – India B (6N), 3^rd – Georgia C (6P).

Year 6 Boys Division: 2^nd – Andrew K (6N).

These students received certificates and were invited to attend the 2017 NSW Schools Orienteering Championships in Wollongong on the weekend of August 19-20. Other students who participated in the Gala Day may also attend as their times are now registered.

After lunch, all the students formed teams of three and took part in an orienteering relay race, just for fun! There was a great atmosphere with team/school members shouting support for one another. Despite being one team member short, Joshua S (6N) and Mitchell T (6S), worked hard to be the first home! They decided to run the first leg of the race together, followed by one leg each. Great teamwork – well done boys!

Congratulations also to Tarliah R (6N), Phillip P (6P), Edvard G (6P), Ethan K (6P), Charlotte K (6N), Semih A (6S), Keagan N (6P), Jada S (6S), Olivia F (6N), Hayley A (6P) and Jorja P (6P), for their exceptional behaviour and enthusiastic participation. We will be back at this great event with a new group of Year 6 students next year!

Mrs O'Neill

Sports Organiser

School Fun Colour Run

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:11 AEST

The school will be holding a Fun Colour Run on Friday 23rd June 2017. This activity will be held on our oval in the afternoon and parents and families are most welcome to come along and watch the fun.

NAPLAN

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:08 AEST

In May 2017 the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) will be completed by students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9. NAPLAN has the support of all State and Territory Education Ministers and will assess the literacy and numeracy skills of students across Australian schools.

The results of the tests will provide important information to schools about what each student can do, and will be used to support teaching and learning programs. Parents will receive a report indicating their child's level of achievement. Each student's level of achievement will be reported against the national minimum standard.

Student background information (student name, gender, date of birth, language background and Aboriginality) will be collected as part of the National Assessment Program. This information is treated confidentially and held securely to ensure that every student's right to privacy is maintained.

Tuesday 9 May

Wednesday 10 May

Thursday 11 May

Language Conventions

(Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar)

Writing Test

Reading Test

Numeracy Test

If you require any additional information about NAPLAN, please do not hesitate to contact the school.

Additional information about NAPLAN can be found at http://www.nap.edu.au/naplan/parent-carer-support

The NAPLAN tests will be conducted from 9-11 May 2017.

Mother's Day Stall

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:08 AEST

This will be our biggest Mother's Day Stall yet! We have thousands of gifts for the children to choose from.

Children will be able to purchase more than one gift on the day.

There's gifts for Mum, Step Mum, Grandma, Nana and loved ones.

All gifts are $5 each.

Children will coming to the stall with their classes.

Anyone wishing to help at this years stall please meet at the hall after assembly.

Thank you

Congratulations

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:05 AEST

Congratulations Mrs G on your promotion: Mrs Tania Giustiniani has won through the Merit Selection process a new teaching position as an Assistant Principal at Mount Brown Public School. Mrs Giustiniani has worked at the school for over 13 years and has worked in many roles at Flinders Public School. Her contribution to the school, our teaching programs and the extra-curriculum activities on offer have been significant. As a previous President of the Southern Illawarra Music Festival, Mrs Giustiniani has ensured thousands of students have had the joy of performing in school and mass choral items. Mrs Giustiniani has been a strong advocate for the arts, supporting art school displays and exhibitions as well as many visiting performers into the school. Her work as a relieving Assistant Principal to refine and further develop the Kindergarten Orientation process along with the improved working relationship with the many preschool providers is testament to her commitment to students and their families being supported. Mrs Giustiniani was instrumental in leading the implementation of the Literacy, Language and Learning L3 program into the school. I thank Mrs Giustiniani for her service to our students, their families and our school. We wish her all the best in her new adventures and look forward to hearing about her future success at Mount Brown Public School. Mrs Giustiniani will start at Mount Brown Public School on day one term 2 this year. I am currently working to secure a suitable replacement for the class 2/3G. I look forward to making an announcement soon.

Parent Survey -Teaching

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:10 AEST

Parent Survey - Teaching: Flinders Public School would like to thank the families who recently participated in our online teaching survey. After initial analysis of the results:

* 100% of families believed what students are learning at Flinders Public School is important.

* 82.31% of families felt that teachers provide class activities that are interesting and appropriate for their child's needs and abilities.

* 64.7% of respondents indicated that their child talks to his/her teachers about what they are learning and why.

* 94.12% of families indicated that the way their child's teacher/s manage the class help him/her to learn.

* 88.23% indicated that their child's teachers know what their child can do and what they need to learn.

* 88.23% informed FPS that they believe their child's teachers keep records of his/her progress.

* 76.47% of parents and students understand how students' learning will be assessed at FPS.

* 76.47% indicated that FPS provides clear information about student achievement through the school's reporting process.

The information and data obtained through this survey will be utilised by our school team to drive improvement procedures and practices at FPS to enhance teaching across the school to ensure FPS is the very best it can be.

Yr 5 entry to an opportunity class 2018

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:16 AEST

Intention to apply: Year 5 entry to an opportunity class in 2018: Opportunity classes cater for highly achieving academically gifted students who may otherwise be without sufficient classmates at their own academic and social level. These classes help gifted and talented students to learn by grouping them with other gifted and talented students, teaching them in specialised ways and providing educational materials at the appropriate level.

If you would like to have your child considered for Year 5 opportunity class entry in 2018 at Wollongong Public School, you need to apply soon. You will need to apply on the internet using a valid email address (not the student's email address).

Detailed instructions on how to apply online will be available from 26 April 2017 in a printed application information booklet and at https://education.nsw.gov.au/selective-high-schools-and-opportunity-classes/year-5 . The application website opens on 26 April 2017 and closes on Friday 12 May 2017. No late applications will be accepted.

This year, there are no paper application forms.

If you do not have internet access and would like your child to apply for this class, you can contact the school to arrange to use a computer to complete the form.

Intention to Apply for Year 5 Entry to an Opportunity Class in 2018 notes will be distributed this week. If your child is applying for entry into the Opportunity Class, we ask that you return this note to this school by Friday 28^th April 2017.

Cross Country

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:05 AEST

The backup date for the carnival is Wednesday 29^th March. If the weather is unpredictable on this date, staff at Flinders Public School will periodically assess the conditions as the day progresses and may facilitate the event later that day. If this is to occur, an e-Alert will be issued to families indicating the start time of the event. Unfortunately, this may mean that some families will no longer be able to attend the event. However, it is imperative that the Cross Country is run as soon as possible to enable the organisation for the district carnival to commence.

I would like to thank the Stage 1 team along with Kristie O'Hara for organising the Cross Country. An event like this does not happen over night and takes weeks of planning.

We thank you for your understanding and can't wait to see the students participate in this event in the not too distant future.

South Coast Schools Performing Ensemble

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:12 AEST

As advertised in previous newsletters, the South Coast Schools Performing Ensemble will be holding a performance at Flinders Public School on Tuesday 28^th March. The show will commence at 1.40pm. Permission notes and payment are required to be returned by Friday 24^th March.

Parents are also welcome to attend this outstanding showcase with a gold coin donation. This will be collected at the door on the day. Flinders Public School is proud to support the Creative Arts talents of students in local NSW Government schools.

School Culture Survey Results

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:11 AEST

Flinders Public School would like to thank the 102 families who recently participated in our online school culture survey. After initial analysis of the results:

* 84.54% believed that Flinders Public School know about the community in which is serves.

* 87.49% felt that our school leaders have a positive influence on the school culture.

* 91.92% indicated that Flinders Public School praises and rewards individuals who are successful.

* 90.91% believed that the students are the school's main concern.

* 86% are proud of our school.

* 92.93% indicated that the school encourages new students and their families to be involved in school activities.

* 88% indicated that the school encourages students to achieve their best.

* 91.92% believe that the school encourages everybody to learn.

* 87% felt that the school caters for the learning needs of all students.

* 86% indicated that the school is continually finding ways to improve what it does.

Flinders Public School will continue to analyse these results and will subsequently use this data to continue to make improvements to ensure Flinders Public School is the best it can be.

School Culture Survey

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:11 AEST

The school will conduct a survey using questions from the improvement tool "School Map" to look closely at the culture of the school. This survey will be conducted in term 1 2017 and then again in term 3 2017. The purpose is to provide students (years 3 to 6), parents and staff with the opportunities to consider our school. There are only ten questions, so the survey can be completed easily within 5 minutes. Please have a say in your school. Let the school know where things are going well and we are hitting the mark. Let the school know if there are areas that need adjustment or improvements. The survey is anonymous and all information relating to responses is not able to be identified. The purpose of the survey is to get genuine and authentic feedback about our school.

The survey can be found at : https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/QTLZM8L

Please take the time to undertake the survey and help your school. It would be great to get a 100% completion rate from our families. I appreciate your support in advance.

Student Feedback Survey

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:13 AEST

Tell Them From Me student feedback survey (Term 1, 2017)

More information about the survey is available at: http://surveys.cese.nsw.gov.au

I want to assure you that the survey is confidential. The survey is conducted online and will typically take less than 30 minutes to complete. It will be administered during school hours between 21st March and 7th April. Participating in the survey is entirely voluntary. To ensure confidentiality the school and staff will not be able to identify individual responses.

The main purpose of the survey is to provide students with a voice so that they can make a comment about school. A consent form and FAQs for parents/carers about the survey is being sent home with students in Years 4-6 this week. If you do not want your child or children to participate, please return the form to school by Tuesday 21^st March 2017. Copies of the form and FAQs are available from: http://surveys.cese.nsw.gov.au/information-for-parents

P&C

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:10 AEST

Last Wednesday night the P&C executive meet with myself to discuss directions for the 2017 year. This small group of parents spend a significant part of their own time supporting the school and the programs on offer at the school. One of the main agendas of the P&C executive is to examine ways in which the school and our community can work together to support our students, their learning and our school as a community. We are exceptionally fortunate to have the following parents filling our P&C executive roles; President – Helen Langdon, Vice President – Matt Clarke, Treasurer – Megan Richards and Secretary – Lara Ball. There are also other support roles such as Fundraising, which has been taken on by Alicia Reinfrank this year.

I urge all parents to come along to the meetings and have a say in your school. The P&C meetings are a great way to get to know more about your school and the programs on offer here at Flinders Public School. Our next meeting will be on Wednesday 22^nd March at 6:30pm in the staffroom. As always, everyone is welcome.

Term 1 Library days and News

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:13 AEST

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Friday

K/1R

4/5C

3/4B

1SG

2/3G

We have library bags for sale in our Library if you would like one – great fabrics, triple stitched only $8 each (at cost). You can pop in before or after school to purchase. Available designs may be viewed at http://beedlesweb.com/

We will be having our first Book Club for 2017 shortly. Please note that we expect all orders this year to be put in online ie. No cash. We will be having a demonstration of this process if you would like to see it in action. Please contact me if you have any queries in this regard.

2017 International Competitions and Assessments for Schools (ICAS)

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:02 AEST

Over the course of the year, students at Flinders will be given the opportunity to test their skills and strengths with tests endorsed by the University of NSW. Test results offer an indication of your child's percentile ranking across NSW as well as an individual diagnostic report highlighting strengths and weakness in a particular subject area.

The table below provides information of dates and pricing for the tests. Students will receive a registration form for these assessments. Completed registration forms and money are due back by the 7th of March. Please note there are no refunds should your child not be available on the assessment date(s).

Subject/ Paper	School Years	Official sitting date	Entry fee incl. GST
Digital Technologies	3-10	23^rd May 2017	$9
Science	2-12	30^th May 2017	$9
Writing	3-12	12-16^th June 2017	$18
Spelling	2-12	14^th June 2017	$12
English	2-12	1^st August 2017	$9
Mathematics	2-12	15^th August 2017	$9

Eftpos Transactions

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:05 AEST

I ask that parents and families making payments via eftpos finalise any payments at school by 3:00pm each afternoon. This enables the office staff to undertake the school banking and reconciliation of transactions at the end of each day. I ask that parents and families assist the school by undertaking all eftpos transactions between 8:25am and 3:00pm. I appreciate parents and families understanding and support of this timeframe structure.

Money & Notes coming into the school

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:08 AEST

There are a number of school notes regarding excursions and programs for our students to participate in during the year. The school strives to provide ample time and warning to assist families with information so that they can prepare for the financial cost. It is essential that school notes and money be returned to school on or prior to the due date. The new financial systems in schools, including Flinders, works very differently to what has occurred in the past. All accounts that are invoiced to the school, like transport such as buses, hire of facilities, entry to events or venues are no longer paid by the school. The school now sends an invoice to "Shared Services" in Sydney and then after a period of between 2 to 5 days the account is paid. Flinders Public School does NOT hold a bank account or money. This will have a significant impact on the school's ability to be flexible with late payments for excursions and events. Hence, if the note and payment are late, THE STUDENT DOES NOT ATTEND. The school will always attempt to support families and our students but we cannot accept late payment as we do not process payment and have no facility to pay on your behalf. This makes it essential that the family and parents make payments well before payments are due! Please help the school to assist you and your child.

Legal Matters & Health Plan Documentation

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:07 AEST

I remind families that it is the responsibility of parents to inform the school of any Health Plan documentation or legal documentation that supports their child, their family arrangements and safety regarding health care or access. The school sensitively supports students who require particular arrangements to occur, when the school has the appropriate documentation provided. Currently all schools moving across to the new computerised system are uploading Health Plans and Legal documentation so that they are attached to the student's file. I ask all families to continue to keep the school updated with these matters so that Flinders Public School can support your child.

Library News

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:08 AEST

Fancy having 3 summer reading programmes in which to participate! Flinders Public School is holding one, our public library is having one and so are Scholastic!

It would be great if children could participate to avoid "summer slide" with regard to keeping reading levels up over the holidays.

http://summerreadingchallenge.scholastic.com.au/

http://www.summerreadingclub.org.au/

There are many interesting activities on http://beedlesweb.com/ including typing games which will engage and benefit your kiddiwinks.

Uniform Sales for 2017

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:15 AEST

The office sells our school uniform to assist parents and families. School shirts, dresses, hats, jumpers and vests are all available for purchasing. I urge parents to consider purchasing uniform before the beginning of the year. There is always a huge rush to purchase the uniform on the first few days of school in 2017. Uniforms can be purchased NOW. The staff development professional learning day on 27th January will see the school office open for uniform sales from 9-11am and then again from 1:30 to 3:00pm. The administration staff will undertake designated training between 11am and 1:30pm. I ask parents and families to be patient with the office team as the school will be operating a shop plus running a school. We will need to work together in order to make this work for all of us.

Industrial Action

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:07 AEST

Next Thursday 8th December the NSW Teachers Federation called for industrial action to take place in form of a stop work meeting. I have provided advice to parents and families yesterday. I am extremely hopeful that this action will enable an endorsement of the salaries and conditions campaign and avoid further action next year. I apologise for the inconvenience and remind families and parents that minimal supervision will be available at school for those families who are unable to make alternative arrangements on the day.

Rose Assembly

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:11 AEST

The Recognition of Student Effort and Excellence end of year presentation day assembly will be held on Friday 9th December. The assembly starts at 9.30am. There is no reserved seating so please arrive prior 9.30am to secure a seat. Letters will be sent home to families regarding awards being presented on the day.

Australia's Top Gymnast

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:03 AEST

Flinders PS students Indiana (Year 3) and Olivia F (Year 5) headed down to the AIS in Canberra last Friday for Team Future Camp. Indiana and Olivia are currently ranked Top 10 in Australia for skill level for their age with Olivia ranking 1st.

While in Canberra both girls had to train two sessions a day, do strength tests, ballet exams and have sessions on nutrition and what it takes to be an elite athlete. Olivia and Indiana were also trained by Australia's top gymnastics coaches and had the opportunity to meet some of Australia's top athletes including an Australian gymnast

Wow…such amazing talent here at Flinders Public School!

Legal Matters

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:07 AEST

Positive Behaviour School Program

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:10 AEST

The Positive Behaviour School Program is underpinned by our 3 school rules of Care for Yourself, Care for Others and Care for this place. These 3 rules are well understood by our students and staff and have established how we do our business.

To support the rules there are 5 key expectations in the classrooms. These expectations set the standard for an environment where teaching and learning can occur. The 5 expectations are;

(1) Be Prepared To Learn

(2) Respect Others

(3) Stay On Task

(4) Look After School Equipment and

(5) Be A Respectful Learner

These expectations will be shared throughout every classroom and learning space across the school. These are ‘the basics' of what is needed for our school and our students to achieve their personal best. These expectations are all about developing ‘common' or ‘shared' understandings by every student and staff member. These expectations have been developed through consultation with our classroom teachers and staff, with our facilitating consultants, to identify key issues that distract our students from the main game of engaging in learning. It is the PBS team and staff's belief that through shared understandings, common language and explicit teaching, our students will experience greater engagement, purpose and enjoyment in their learning. Well done to our PBS team and all staff for the sensitive manner in which they support these expectations and our students.

Kindy 2017 Orientation

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:07 AEST

The Orientation program days for 2017 and our new kindergarten students will be:

Wednesday 16th November (Session 1)

Wednesday 23rd November (Session 2)

Wednesday 30th November (Session 3)

Our new Kindergarten students will have the opportunity to work in classrooms to undertake ‘Big School' work. Parents and families will also be supported through the sharing of information regarding; school routines, pick up and drop procedures, school uniform options and purchasing, student wellbeing and support, first day procedures, school programs, Best Start – explanation and support as well as a school tour and opportunity to learn more about YOUR school.

K-2 Responsible Pet Education Program

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:11 AEST

Parents/Carers of Kindergarten, Year 1 & Year 2

On Thursday 27^th October the Responsible Pet Education Program will be visiting our school. This program aims to teach a wide range of concepts relating to responsible pet ownership, such as the importance of being safe around dogs.

This program is provided free of charge by the NSW State Government. There is also a free app, available online at www.pets.nsw.gov.au

Please take advantage of this free program and fill in the permission note below. Also indicate if your child is allergic to dogs or has a fear of dogs as the presenter will bring her dog to help demonstrate. These children will be seated at the back.

Swim School 2016

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:13 AEST

Expression of interests are now being sought for Departments 'Learn to Swim' program. The program is open to students from Year 2 to year 6. This program is critical for our less competent swimmers in preparing them to be safe and confident in and around the water.

The Department meets the costs of the qualified instructors and the school sends two staff members for supervision. There is a daily entry fee into the Kiama Leisure Centre and a bus trip to and from Kiama.

I strongly urge families to take up this important program if their child is not either competent or confident in or around water. Please check with the Office if you have any questions and return the expression of interest and deposit by 28 October 2016.

Trims

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:14 AEST

Trims – named after Matthew Flinders' cat, these tickets are distributed on a free and frequent basis once appropriate behaviours are displayed inside and outside the classroom setting. Teachers use these tickets as they see fit to reward effort, behaviour, excellence or persistence. In some settings, Trims may be achieved quite rarely, whilst in other situations they may be given out widely.

Trim tickets are not directly linked to the School Merit System, which means they cannot be traded for a merit certificate. However, it is hoped that by acting in an appropriate manner to receive a Trim ticket, a student will be more likely to display positive behaviour traits worthy of earning a school merit certificate.

All Trim tickets earned by students during a school week will be placed in a box for a weekly draw at our Friday assemblies. Five Trim tickets will be drawn at the Year 3-6 assembly and five more at the K-2 assembly. Winners of the weekly draw will receive a treat such as an ice-block, chocolate, lollypop or similar.

Some students save their Trims to increase their chances of being rewarded on Friday. This is entirely the student's choice. Some teachers use Trims as part of other class reward systems. This is entirely up to the teacher.

Trims have proven to be a truly effective form of reward at Flinders Public School.

Flinders Talent Show

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:06 AEST

The Flinders Talent Show is coming up: Week 10, Wednesday 14 December.

The talent show is for students to showcase their individual talents that we generally don't get to see in a school context eg solo singing, dancing, gymnastics, playing a musical instrument etc.

Auditions will be held around Week 7 of term (we'll announce when on assembly). Acts should go for no longer than two minutes and any songs used must have lyrics appropriate for a school audience. So keep up the practise - we look forward to watching you shine!

Application for Year 7 Entry to a Selective High School in 2018

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:03 AEST

Selective high schools cater for highly achieving academically gifted students. These schools help gifted and talented students to learn by grouping them with other gifted and talented students, teaching them in specialised ways and providing educational materials at the appropriate level.

Online applications are now available for Year 5 students to be considered for placement to a selective high school in Year 7 in 2018.

Applications close on Monday 14 November 2016. Late applications will not be accepted.

In NSW there are 17 fully selective high schools, 25 high schools with selective classes (partially selective), a virtual selective stream (for students enrolled in government schools in rural and remote locations) and 4 agricultural high schools offering selective placement in Year 7.

Please note, all students seeking Year 7 entry to a selective high school in 2018 will be required to take the Selective High School Placement Test on the morning of Thursday 9 March 2017.

Further information and the list of selective high schools is available on the Department's internet at: www.schools.nsw.edu.au/shsplacement

If you require further information, please contact the High Performing Students Unit:

Email: ssu@det.nsw.edu.au

Phone: (02) 1300 880 367

Fax: (02) 02 9266 8435

Public Speaking Grand Final

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:11 AEST

And the winner is… Ethan K.

Friday 23rd September, 2016 saw the culmination of the Warilla Community of Schools (COS) Public Speaking Competition. There were five primary schools competing against each other. They were; Flinders, Shellharbour, Barrack Heights, Shell Cove and Warilla Public Schools. Warilla High School also had Public Speakers from Years 7, 8 and 9 compete on the day. The adjudicators commented on the exceptional standard of all presenters and found the task of selecting the winners difficult.

Flinders Public School was well represented by our Stage winners; Amber T. (Early Stage 1), Preston R. (Stage 1), Ella M. (Stage 2) and Ethan K. (Stage 3). Each of these students presented their speech using a microphone and palm cards on the stage in the hall of Warilla High School in front of a large audience that included four adjudicators. Congratulations to each of these students on such an outstanding achievement.

A huge congratulations must go to Ethan K. who was announced as the overall winner for Stage 3 in the Warilla Community of Schools Public Speaking Competition. Well done Ethan!

School Photographs -MPS Photography

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:11 AEST

School photographs are scheduled for Wednesday 2 November and Thursday 3 November 2016. Class, individual and special group photos will be timetabled across the two days. If you would like your child to be included in photographs, please keep both dates free of alternative appointments. Due to the complexity of scheduling photos across a large school, we need to keep a flexible timetable and it will not be possible to accommodate individual requests.

We request that students wear full school uniform and be prepared to be photographed on both days.

Please inform the school prior to Friday 28 October if you DO NOT WISH your child/ren to be photographed. This should be done by contacting the school office on in writing to the principal.

Information/order packs have been sent home. Please take time to read the relevant information on the MSP Photography payment envelopes and remember these helpful points:

Do not seal envelopes inside each other. You can pay for all children in one envelope however each child needs to have his/her own envelope on photo day.

Sibling Photo Envelopes are available at the school office upon request. (Online Ordering is NOT available for Sibling Photo Packs.)

Please enclose correct money as no change can be given.

Return your individual photo envelopes on photo day ONLY. Your child will be asked to present the envelope directly to the MSP photographer.

For any enquiries, please phone MSP Photography on phone: 4261 3009

Junior Music Festival

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:07 AEST

Every year Stage 1 students spend every Friday, for two terms, learning 9 songs for the Junior Music Festival. Schools from Warilla, Warilla North, Peterbrough, Shellharbour, Shell Cove and Flinders gather together at the end of Term 3 to perform for each other and the Probus Choir.

This year our Theme was Australiana. A series of well loved and some very tricky songs were chosen by Shell cove to represent the musical culture of our country. Our individual Item was G'day G'day. The children sang with gusto and enthusiasm, making all the teachers proud. All the students behaved impeccably, and as were the largest school represented we felt very honoured to take them.

This event has now been running for 13 years after Tania Guistiniani and Michelle Garland (an ex teacher) began creating an atmosphere to build the profile of choir based singing among our local schools.

Thanks must be extended to the amazing students for their effort and practice as well as our amazing staff who support me teaching and learning the songs every week. As with everything at Flinders it is a massive team effort.

Primary Proms

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:10 AEST

The Primary Proms is a prestigious combined school held at the Sydney Town Hall every year. The Flinders Proms choir is made up of 26 students from Stage Two who share a passion for signing and music. Students auditioned to be a part of this exciting opportunity and gave up many lunch breaks over the year to learn an array of challenging and diverse choral works.

On Monday the 19th September, the Proms Choir travelled to Sydney to represent Flinders Public School in the Primary Proms. Our students performed beautifully and displayed quality behaviour throughout the night. The concert also featured a number of talented vocalists and musicians from public schools across the state. We are so proud of the hard work and dedication our students have committed to this memorable event.

Whole School Nude Food Picnic

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:15 AEST

In celebration of the health and wellbeing of young children across Australia, Flinders Public School will celebrate the National Health and Physical Education (HPE) Day which is Wednesday, 14th September.

The nationwide event is designed to raise awareness of the value of Health and PE in the Australian Curriculum and highlight the important role it plays in the learning and development of children, the benefit to all schools, and the educative value to the wider community. The theme is: Good for Children, Good for Schools, Good for Communities.

Flinders Public School are getting involved by holding a Nude Food Picnic. Nude Food has been promoted throughout our school this year, by both the Gardening Club and the SRC. One of our aims is to reduce the amount of rubbish in our school, to keep our grounds looking beautiful and take are of the environment. The other significant aim, is to draw awareness to the types of packaged, processed foods we are placing into our lunchboxes and encourage healthier choices to be made, fresh foods that can be placed in a container, rather than wrapped in plastic.

We are hoping to expand our initiative next year to make EVERY day, Nude Food Day.

Book Week Parade

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:04 AEST

On Wednesday 7th September the school will be holding our Book Parade. The parade will start at 9.15am in the hall and Covered Outdoor Learning Area (COLA). All classes across the school will have the opportunity to participate. Students are more than welcome to borrow a book which contains their character from the library to use as a prop at the parade. I do ask that students borrow their book before the day of the parade as the library WILL NOT be open in the morning of the parade. I encourage all families to attend if at all possible to share in the fun and excitement that books and good literature can inspire.

A reminder that if the costume is not practical for your child to participate in normal school activities after the parade, please bring other sensible and appropriate clothing to change into. Students need enclosed shoes for safety reasons. if changing into other clothing students MUST refrain from wearing singlet tops, clothing with offensive slogans or clothing that is not age appropriate.

New System for Doing Business in Schools

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:09 AEST

A new and exceptionally comprehensive system is being introduced to Schools across the state. The Learning Management and Business Reform (LMBR)program is one of the largest public sector reform initiatives in NSW. The LMBR program is delivering modern integrated IT systems to better support the many aspects of teaching and learning in NSW Public Schools. Whilst a great deal of this change will come in new and very different technology systems and programs it is not just about technology. This change is about enabling schools and the staff in them to better meet the needs of the students, parents, staff and community that each and every school serves.

Flinders PS will transition to the new NSW public schools finance system on 17th October 2016. To ensure a smooth transition, there will be changes to the way we accept parent or carer payments.

EFTPOS payments: NO PAYMENTS BETWEEN 10th October 2016 and 17th October 2016.

Cash and Cheque payments: NO PAYMENTS BETWEEN 12th October 2016 and 17th October 2016.

Online payments (POP): NO PAYMENTS BETWEEN 4:00pm 23rd September 2016 and 16th October 2016.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we transition to our new finance system.

P&C

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:09 AEST

The P&C is only a very small group of committed parents and community members but they work to improve the services available for our students.

The P&C announced a donation of $10000 to assist the school in support of learning programs and resources for the students at Flinders PS. Funds were donated for the following programs and or resources;

$2500 for Audio Books for the library and Reading programs.

$2000 for Phonics resources to support the Kindergarten and Year 1 program.

$2000 for Interconnect Home Readers for the Year 2 reading program.

$3500 for sets of class Dictionaries for students in Years 3 to 6.

The P&C have announced that they will at the beginning of term 4 this year again ask for submissions from staff for projects requiring financial support. Successful applications will be announced at the week 9 term 4 P&C meeting and then shared more broadly with the community at our end of year ROSE Presentation Day. I congratulate the P&C and in particular the executive for their efforts on behalf of the students and families at Flinders PS.

Spelling Bee

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:12 AEST

Congratulations to Isabella D and Angelo D for winning the Stage Two Spelling Bee last week. They will represent Flinders Public School alongside Flynn L and Keagan N at the regional final on September 13th at Farmborough PS.

Tournament of Minds Challenge Day

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:13 AEST

Tournament of Minds Challenge day is at University of Wollongong on Sunday 21st August. Parents and carers are more than welcome to come along to challenge day to watch their child perform. Parking is available at the University and is free on a Sunday. Transport to and from challenge day needs to be organised by parents/carers, there is no school transport. There will be food venues open throughout challenge day. Students need to arrive 30 minutes prior to the challenge time. Teams are to meet in the foyer of building

Public Speaking Competiton

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:10 AEST

This term, ALL Flinders Public School students will be participating in the Warilla Community of Schools (COS) Public Speaking Competition.

Each child is expected to prepare a speech to present to their class using skills and strategies that are being developed in classrooms as part of class English programs. Skills will vary according to the students stage of learning. These may include: appropriate voice levels, articulation, body language, gestures, eye contact, tone, pitch and pace when presenting to an audience. Students are expected to use palm cards to assist them with their speeches. Kindergarten, Year 1 and Year 2 students are permitted, where appropriate, to use pictorial points on their palm cards.

After class presentations are completed, two Class Finalists will be chosen to present the same speech in a Stage Final. From there, four speakers will be chosen to represent their Stage in the Flinders Public School Finals on Thursday 15th September (Wk 9), which will be professional adjudicated. One speaker from each stage will then be selected to represent our school at the next level of competition - the COS Public Speaking Competition Grand Final at Warilla High School on Friday 23rd September 2016.

All speeches must be completed by Friday 2nd September (Wk 7), practised and ready for performance in Week 8. Notes have been distributed to the students with Stage topics, tips and handy hints, parental information and speech guidelines. Students and families are reminded that participation is compulsory and that speeches are to be prepared and rehearsed at home.

Good luck to all students.

Public Speaking Team

Southern Illawarra Music Festival

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:12 AEST

Tickets to the Southern Illawarra Music Festival are now available from the front office. Tickets are allocated at 2 per choir member. We will also have a waiting list for those who would like extra tickets, should they become available. Whilst we would like to know about your interest in further tickets, please do not pre-pay for extra's.

When: Wednesday 14^th September at 6.30pm (for a 7pm start).

Where: The Grand Hall at the University of Wollongong.

Cost: $20 per ticket. Children 4 and under are free but must be seated on someone's lap at all times. Prams are not permissible in this venue.

If you require wheelchair access please note it on the slip below so organisers can reserve an appropriate seating position for you.

Choir members do not need a ticket for themselves.

Tickets must be paid for by Friday 12^th August.

Flinders Primary Proms Stage 2 Choir

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:06 AEST

We are very excited about providing this opportunity for students to perform at the Sydney Town Hall as part of a larger choir of approximately 400 students.

Our Proms Choir students will receive a cd and word booklet to practice with at home. They will also have a song booklet at school for rehearsing. Rehearsals will be a half lunch and a portion of the school choir time (Thursdays at 12). We ask that the Proms Choir students are also in the school choir that attends the Southern Illawarra Music Festival (SIMF) as we will be combining the repertoires.

What will this involve?

Commitment. Once the paperwork has been returned we ask that students honour the commitment they have made and see choirs through to the end of Term 3.

Attending a preliminary rehearsal in Sydney on Monday 5^th September. This would involve students catching a bus with Mrs Lay and Mrs Giustiniani, returning to school by approximately 3.30pm. (Details to be confirmed in Term 3).
Attending a day rehearsal on Monday 19^th September, at Sydney Town Hall from 12.30pm – 3.45pm followed by an evening performance 7pm – 8.30pm. (Travel arrangements for this day will be determined at a later date.)
The SIMF Festival rehearsal day & Performance night are the week before, Thursday 15^th September at the Wollongong Uni.

Year 6 Talented Sport and Development Program

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:16 AEST

On Thursday August 18th, Illawarra Sports High School will be holding the second Year 6 Trail for 2017 enrolment in the Talented Sports and Development Program.

Date - Thursday August 18th, 2016

Time - 11.00am -12.30pm

Where - Illawarra Sports High School Stadium and Oval.

Who - Second chance trial invitees and students who missed the first trial.

Transport Arrangements - Private transport.

Supervision - Private transport.

Cost - Nil

Sports to trial for -

Rugby League & Union

Girls All Codes (RL, RU, Touch, Oztag)

Netball

Soccer

Basketball

Baseball

Surfing (no surfing at trials, fitness and skills test only)

Tennis

Uniform - Students are not required to wear sports uniform, any appropriate sport clothes will be suitable.

Bring - Runners, drink bottle, hat, sunscreen, football boots and any protective gear, e.g, mouth -guard or shin pads, headgear, etc. full contact will occur in league and union.

Format -

Students will be placed into sport specific groups for trialling.

Each sport will have different criteria which will be explained to the students at the beginning.

Some sports have limited spots available. Students may be placed on a waiting list.

Students who are successful will receive an application pack.

Student Registration -

Students must register their attendance at the trials. Please return this note to ISHS or contact the front office on 4271 1099.

Students are to bring the permission note with them on the day. NO NOTE = NO TRIAL.

1C Parent Teacher Information Session

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:02 AEST

On Thursday 28th July 2016, parents/caregivers of students in 1C are invited to a general parent teacher information session to be held in the 1C classroom after school from 3.00pm - 3.15pm. Ms Formosa will provide a general outline of routines, expectations, units of work and class activities for the second half of the year.

This will be an opportunity to meet Ms Formosa and find out more about your child's learning environment. the session is not designed for individual reporting, so questions about an individual's learning cannot be addressed during this time.

To assist parents and families, supervision for school-aged students will be provided in the adjoining 1G classroom.

3/4G & 5K Bring Your Own Device Trial

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:03 AEST

Flinders Public School is committed to providing supportive 21st Century learning environments for all students and is keen to enhance learning experiences through the increased use of technology in the classroom. In order to extend learning, students in 3/4G & 5K will be participating in a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) trial during Term 3. Students will be given the opportunity to bring their own technology device for use at school.

It is not recommended or suggested that any new devices be purchased by families for the purpose of this trial. Students who are unable to bring devices from home will have access to technology currently available at the school.

Nude Food Day

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:09 AEST

The Environmental/Gardening club are introducing an initiative into our school called 'Nude Food'. The Staff and students have realised that we have a significant problem with rubbish in our school, particularly with plastic. We are going to trail our program on Thursday 23rd June, K-6, where the children do not bring any packaged food to school. All food will be in containers, which can be taken home an re-used. We will monitor our rubbish via a collection of class rubbish and data collected by each grade. The results will be discussed at Fridays Assembly and feedback given to students. We hope to make this a regular part of our school program in the future.

International Competitions and Assessments for Schools

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:07 AEST

There will be a list of students participating in this assessment on the window of 1G's classroom a week before the assessment. The time for this assessment will also be displayed on the window.

Please note the sitting dates for Year 6 students participating in Writing and Spelling will change due to camp taking place on the same date.

Subject: Spelling Subject: Writing

Year Level/s: 6 only Year Level/s: 6 only

Date: 9 June 2016 Date: 6 June 2016

Subject/ Paper	Sitting date
Writing	13-17^th June 2016
Spelling	15^th June 2016
English	2^nd August 2016
Mathematics	16^th August 2016

Sporting Challenge

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:12 AEST

Premiers Sporting Challenge @ Flinders PS
‘…more students, more active, more often."
This term students from Kindergarten – Year 6 will begin their participation the ‘Premier's Sporting Challenge.' Teachers will use a wall chart, student cards and/or an online chart to record and monitor students' physical activity levels each day over 10 weeks. It is recommended that students participate in 80 minutes of physical activity each day to maintain good health and a healthy energy intake/output balance.
Teachers will use this program to promote ‘…more students, more active, more often."
We hope parents will support this valuable State Government initiative to promote healthy lifestyles for all children attending NSW schools. Parents should look for opportunities to get your own children ‘…more active, more often.'
One suggestion made by a student in Year 4 was for parents to park the car 10 minutes walk from school and walk your children to school each day!
Students who participate in this program will receive a certificate of achievement in term 4, raise valuable funds for the school's sports programs and enjoy the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.

Cheeseburger & Juice Meal Deal

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:07:04 AEST

On Tuesday the 1st of November the School Canteen will be holding a Cheeseburger and Juice meal deal.

The cost is yet to be decided. The patties will be made by the canteen and the fresh bread rolls will be suppied by bakers Delight. There will be a slice of "real" cheese!