NEWSLETTER Castle Hill Public School

Castle Hill Public School
NEWSLETTER
Les Shore Place, Castle Hill NSW 2154
Phone: 9634 3777
Fax: 9899 6845 Email: castlehill-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au
Webpage: www.castlehill-p.schools.nsw.edu.au
November 5, 2014
WORLD TEACHERS’ DAY
Thank you to the parent community of Castle Hill who supported our staff
on World Teachers’ Day, Friday October 31. Your generosity and thanks,
organised through the P&C, were greatly appreciated by staff. We
welcomed the coffee van and delicious muffins (baked by the school
canteen). It was a lovely morning tea - thank you from the staff 
MUSIC COUNT US IN (MCUI)
Last Thursday we participated as a school in MCUI – your children may have
come home with the very catchy song “Paint you a song” in their heads. All
students and staff learnt the song over the course of this term. The event
culminated in us participating via live streaming with 2100 other schools
from around Australia to sing as a massed choir of over 500 000 students. Mrs McMahon organised for
our school’s participation and led us as we sang. In the words of “Paint you a song” music brings us
together! Participating in music activities, whether they are band, choir, recorder, classroom based
music or as a massed choir is a wonderful way of coming together with peers and friends. This was
certainly evident by the broad smiles on the students’ faces as they were singing and participating in
the event. A great school community event!
KINDERGARTEN 2015 ORIENTATION
Our 2015 Kindergarten orientation program commenced last Tuesday evening with our parent
information evening. It was extremely well attended and I thank all staff and community members who
attended in support of our school. Thank you to;
Staff
Community
Denise Lockrey
Melanie Keast
Liga Hegner – P&C president
Chantal Fernandes
Jolanta Alibrandi
Rebecca O’Shea – SCC President
Julianne Smith
Meg Wong
Kylee Meyer – Canteen Manager
Gay Parsons
Nancy Wen – Chinese Community Support
Isabell & Emma G – FunHouse
This amount of community and staff commitment to our school demonstrates to our incoming families
we are a community based school committed to our students. The orientation program continues with
preschoolers visiting this Tuesday November 4 and next Tuesday November 11, 2014 9.30-10.30am. If
you are at our morning greetings you may notice a number of new families on the courtyard area. Please
make them feel welcome and direct all preschoolers and their families to the school hall.
STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS
Congratulations to Mark, Year 3, who participated in the 2014 NSW Gymnastics Junior State
Championship on the October 26 at Rooty Hill. Mark placed third in the overall competition. He trains
with Castle Hill RSL Gymnastics Club where he trains 3 days per week. His team (Level 3 Age) placed
second overall. Mark is also in the State Development Squad team since the beginning of the year. Well
done Mark – we are proud of you!
Congratulations also to Robyn, Year 3, who is also a talented gymnast who trains with Castle Hill RSL
Gymnastics Club. Robyn has been selected to compete at the National Gymnastics Clubs Championships
in Victoria later in November. We wish Robyn the best of luck in her events.
-
Mrs Megan Gibbons, Relieving Principal
What’s in your child’s bag today?
 Notes Instrumental Band Program – Introduction (Years 4 and 5)
Kindergarten News
Sight words for this week in class are: after, us, home, saw, am, fly, five, sing, boy, girl, play, sit, think,
day, ran, good, eat, help, read, jump. These are known as the pink sight words.
Thank you parents who volunteered their time to help out at our excursion to Golden Ridge Farm last
week. The students had a wonderful experience and thoroughly enjoyed their visit.
We welcomed our Kindergarten students for 2015 to the first of four orientation visits to school on
Tuesday. All students were excited to visit school in the Kindergarten classrooms for the first time.
Their next visit is Tuesday November 11, from 9.30-10.30am.
Do not forget to wear your crazy socks with your school uniform and come along with crazy hair this
Friday. Please make a donation of a gold coin.
Please return your child’s red note folder each Thursday. Home readers are changed every day. Please
record and sign the home reader card every night. Many students have read for 100 and 200 nights
and received a certificate for their efforts. Keep on reading.
Excursion to Golden Ridge Farm
On Thursday all of the Kindy classes went to Golden Ridge Farm and we
meet Farmer Keegan and Farmer Paul. We held a duckling, a rabbit, a
rooster, a hen and a kitten. We fed the goats bottles of milk. Then we
walked around the farm. We fed the animals lots of bread. We milked
Sally the cow. Then we went back to school with our bags and we went on
the bus.
By Sam KS
From the Kindergarten Teachers
Ice Bucket Challenge
This Friday, 6D will be participating in the ALS, or MND (Motor Neurone Disease) as it‘s known in
Australia, ‘Ice Bucket Challenge’.
The students watched a story about the ‘Ice Bucket Challenge’ and an Australian family living with a
sufferer or MND and were inspired to participate.
In conjunction with ‘Crazy Hair and Sock Day’ where funds are being raised for the Children’s Hospital
at Westmead, 6D will participate in the ‘Ice Bucket Challenge’ to raise awareness for motor neurone
disease and to remind us all of the importance of supporting those in need and raising money for
medical care and research.
The class have challenged me to participate, a challenge which I have accepted. I am very proud of the
students undertaking this act of citizenship which I am sure will be lots of fun as well!
- Kim Dudgeon (6D class teacher)
Stewart House Clothing collection
Thanks to all the families, teachers and students who brought
in bags of clean clothing for Stewart House. Stewart House is
a charity that provides care and support for children in need.
It was inspiring to see so many CHPS students working
together to collect all the bags and load the truck. Stewart
House benefits financially from collections of clothing from
schools
and
we
nearly
filled the back of the
truck!
Thanks so much for your support.
-
Mrs Ambler
Band News
Is your child interested in joining the band next year? Would you like more information on the School Band
program? The School Band is now taking enrolments for 2015 and participation is open to all students who are
currently in year 2-5. No prior experience is required.
Students will have recently attended a Concert by the band and Teaching Services Australia (TSA) staff
demonstrating the variety of instruments available for tuition next year. They will also have received a yellow
Expression of Interest form (“Band Program Introduction”). Students who return this form will be given the
opportunity to test a variety of instruments to help them find the one most suited to them. They will then be
given a comprehensive Enrolment Pack with the results of this instrument test.
Learning an instrument in an ensemble is a great way to experience the social, educational and personal
benefits that music and the arts have to offer. TSA is committed to providing a quality concert band program,
with full band rehearsals, great value tuition and rent-to-buy instrument hire.
This yellow Expression of Interest form is due back to the school office within 5 days. You can download this
note at www.teachingservices.com.au or for more information email info@teachingservices.com.au
The Children’s Hospital at Westmead’s 2014 Christmas Appeal
The SRC is having a crazy hair and sock day on Friday November 7
The SRC’s charity event will be held on Friday November 7 (week 5) and it will be a crazy hair and sock
day to raise money for ‘The Children's Hospital at Westmead's 2014 Christmas Appeal’.
Students can wear crazy socks and have a crazy hairstyle but they will need to wear their sports
uniform or normal school uniform. It is not a mufti day. SRC asks all students to please bring a gold coin
donation.
We, the SRC have registered to support The Children’s Hospital Christmas appeal which means that
each student at CHPS will be given a heart sticker and a special heart message card to complete which
will be sent to the sick kids this Christmas. All the money raised from our crazy hair and sock day will
support The Children’s Hospital Appeal.
Thanks for your support and for caring about sick kids.
-
The SRC, Mrs Ambler & Mr Lamont
PSSA Sport Venues – November 07, 2014 – All buses leave school at 9:05am and return by 10:45am.
Touch Football – Memorial Avenue, Kellyville
Cricket – Fred Caterson
Softball/Tball – Fred Caterson
Basketball – Bernie Mullane
School Sport – Castlewood
Mini Merit Awards
Bronze Awards
Joshua (1N), William (2A), Rakha (5E), Naia (1O) and Daena (6H)
Silver Awards
Jeanni (6M), Charly (5/4C) and Celestia (3A)
Gold Awards
Katie (6D), Lachlan (6M) and Phoebe (6/5G)
Congratulations to our fabulous students who have reached these goals!
Important 2014 Dates / Information regarding mini merit system

Wednesday November 12
– Last day to present mini merits for 2014. Students can continue collecting for presenting in
2015.
- Last day to present mini merit sets for Bronze, Silver and Gold levels.
-
Last Day for Year 6 platinum students to present totals of certificate collection for total of
50 or more in readiness for platinum assembly.

Last K-6 assembly – Monday November 24

K-6 Platinum assembly –Monday December 1
Term 4 Week 4 - Congratulations to our fabulous students who have earned seven mini merits.
Rainbow: Riyan (KA), Jake (KP), Andrew (KP), Charlotte (1G) 2 sets, Abdullah (1G) 2 sets, Samara (1G),
Damia (1K), Kara (1K), Aiden (1N) 2 sets, Tammie (1O), Morgan (1O), Cameron (1O), Luca (2A), Jack (2A),
Mia (2C) 2 sets, Amelia (2C), Felicia (2G), Jacob (2G), Max (2G), Elena (2G), Sienna (2R), Alexandria
(2R), Darren (2R), Payton (3/2L) 2 sets, Libby (3/2L) 2 sets, Holly (3/2L), Olivia (3/2L), Natalie (3A),
Rachel (3A), Charlotte (3G), Haadiah (3G), Hayley (3S) 3 sets, Rachel (4P), Naethan (4P) 5 sets, Emily
(4P) 2 sets, Ella (4S), Nathaniel (4S), Sahel (4S), Noah (4W) 5 sets, Jack (4W), Lakshi (5/4C), Susie
(5/4C), Olivia (5/4C) 3 sets, Imran (5/4C), Charly (5/4C), Rubens (5S), Nick (5S) 2 sets, Hari (5S),
Jordan (6/5G) 2 sets, Phoebe (6/5G), Fleur (6H) 7 sets, Sharon (6H) 2 sets, Sami (6H) 3 sets, Daena
(6H), Natalie (6M) 3 sets, Sohil (6M), Cassie (6M), James (6M), Ashley (6M) 5 sets, James (6M),
Sebastian (6M), Emma (6M), Tara (6M), Harry (6M), Lachlan (6M) 2 sets, Idris (6M), Sam (6M) 3 sets,
Rebecca (6M), Lidia (6M).
English: Stephanie (KA), Riyan (KA), Jordan (KM) 3 sets, Wasswa (KP), Jake (KP), Samara (1G), Bethany
(1K), Damia (1K), Isla (1O), Jack (2C), Jaeden (2C), Gianna (2G), Jacob (2G), Payton (3/2L), MaddisonJayne (3A), Natalie (3A), Haadiah (3G), Ian (3P), Jacinta (4P), Emily (4P) 2 sets, Rachel (4P), Naethan
(4P) 4 sets, Zac (4S), Connor (4S) 2 sets, Ella (4S), Charly (5/4C) 2 sets, Olivia (5/4C), Fleur (6H) 2
sets, Sami (6H), Sharon (6H), Jemma (6M), Rebecca (6M), Natalie (6M) 2 sets, Richard (6M), Emma
(6M), Sylvie (6M), Lidia (6M), Bella (6M), Tara (6M), Jeanni (6M), Emma (6M)), Justin (6M).
Maths: Haadi (KA), Jordan (KM), Kenuli (1F), Toby (1N), Mindy (2G), Alex (4P), Charly (5/4C), Sophie
(5E), Natalia (6H), Sami (6H), Paris (6H), Sharon (6H), Ashley (6M) 2 sets, Richard (6M), Natalie (6M),
Justin (6M).
Creative Arts: Danielle (KS), Madison (1O), Natalie (3A), Haadiah (3G), Connor (4S), Phoebe (6/5G),
Natalie (6M).
PD/H/PE: Abdullah (1G), Rivithu (1K), Jacob (2G), Natalie (3A), Nathaniel (4S), Connor (4S), Phoebe
(6/5G), Rayana (6D), Sharon (6H), Bella (6M).
Science & Technology: Bethany (1K), Natalie (3A), Naethan (4P), Alex (4P), Connor (4S), Charly (5/4C).
HSIE: William (2A), Callum (2R), Phoebe (6/5G), Sebastiaan (6M), Harrison (6M), Natalie (6M), Jemma
(6M), Rebecca (6M), Emma G (6M), Emma Z (6M), Jeannie (6M), Lidia (6M), Harry (6M), Lachlan (6M),
Richard (6M), Bella (6M), Sylvie (6M), Ashley (6M), Hannah (6M), Sohil (6M).
Citizenship: Tahleah (KA), Serena (KK), Sean (KK), Hayden (KK), Abdullah (1G), Hari (1M), Scarlett (1N),
Aiden (1N), Alex (4P), Olivia (5/4C), Charly (5/4C), Hari (5S), Maddy (6D), Sami (6H), Natalie (6M),
Harrison (6M).
-Ms Denise Lockrey, Deputy Principal
P&C News
The P&C Landscaping Team are holding a Planting Working Bee for the school’s front garden this coming
Saturday 8th November commencing at 12:30pm. If you are able to assist on the day, even for an hour,
your help would be greatly appreciated. Enclosed shoes are necessary and BYO gloves if possible (some
gloves will be provided). Many of the shrubs are in small pots so bring the kids along and they can enjoy
planting too.
- Fiona Foote Landscaping Team
School Community Club (SCC) News
Kinder Orientation Morning Tea
Thank you to all the wonderful parents who helped out at yesterday's kinder orientation morning tea.
There are many of you, including Julia, Bec P, Yolanda, Karen, Marie, Mel B, Carrie, Kylie and Tanya in
the canteen, Simone P, Mariam, Fiona, Amanda, and Nancey and others from the Chinese Group. I hope I
haven't missed anyone. What a team!
The morning ran very smoothly and provided for a great welcome to the new families starting at CHPS
in 2015. It was also a great social event for the “experienced” parents of which there seemed to be a
few. It’s great to see so many of our little friends starting school together.
The SCC sold $116 worth of library and morning tea bags. The money has been given back to the library
so they can make new ones. We also sold $55 worth of excursion bags, pencil cases, and socks, which
will go back to the Uniform Shop.
Thank you to those that helped in the organisation on the day, and with packing up. Your contribution to
our school and our community is valued.
Kinder 2014 Picture Plates
For those that placed an order, kindergarten students will receive their picture plates this Thursday.
Thank you to Megan, Paulyn, Julia, and Rebecca for your involvement in this activity.
Upcoming Events:
End of year SCC get together/lunch
Are you free next Tuesday? The SCC would like to invite all our fantastic volunteers, those that
contribute by attending at meetings, and the greater school community, to a lunch at Castle Hill RSL, in
the courtyard from 11.30. Everyone is welcome to come along for a bite, enjoy the company of our
wonderful parent base, and have a laugh. Young children are welcome. There is a playground for
toddlers. If you need to be signed in, please contact me, and that can be arranged.
We would like to have a final get together to wrap up what has been a fantastic year. If you can join us,
you can send me an email at rebeccaoshea@iinet.net.au.
When: Tuesday November 11, 11.30am
Where: Castle Hill RSL
Gala Day, 11 December 2014.
More information will be sent out by email, as well as in upcoming newsletters. In the meantime, if there
is anyone who would like to coordinate the SCC Gala Day BBQ, and help in the organisation leading up to
the day, please contact me via email rebeccaoshea@iinet.net.au.
Next meeting: There are no more meetings for 2014. The next meeting will be in term 1 2015, week 2.
Hope to see you there.
Rebecca O'Shea, President
CHPS Community Club
0400 479 639; rebeccaoshea@iinet.net.au
Canteen News
ROSTER:
Thursday November 6 Bhavisha Solanki, Marzia Rahmati (VOLUNTEER
VACANCY AVAILABLE)
Friday November 7 Cheryl Power, Abby Sun, Fiona Hansen, Chris, Katherine Watson
Monday November 10 Kim Eagleton, Denise Miller
Tuesday November 11 Lynelle Inkster, Annie Hanna
Wednesday November 12 Maggie Perez, Svetlana Prosser
NEWS:
Halloween last Thursday and Friday were extremely busy,
fun and entertaining days!
We would like to send a HUGE
shout out and thank you to Lisa
Stokan, Abby Sun, Katherine Watson, Danielle Fox, Mel Fryer, Patrice Zirh,
Katherine Mullen and Toni Bray for your amazing help and getting into the
spirit with your great costumes and fun personalities. The children wouldn't
have had such a great time trying to choose a special treat
without all your help and we are so appreciative of your
efforts and willingness to ice/decorate/plate up/serve. You
all did a fantastic job!
- Canteen Committee
Uniform Shop News
Volunteer Roster: Thursday 6th November – Lynelle Inkster, Paulyn Tan
Monday 10th November- Marie Dols, Sylvia Scargall, Bec Pignat
Thursday 13th November – Carrie ProsserShaw, Maggie Perez,Fiona Donnelly
The Uniform shop will be CLOSED MONDAY 1st DECEMBER
All flexischool orders will be processed as normal that week.
If you are able to help Tuesday 11th November 9am-11am that would be greatly appreciated as I
desperately need volunteers that day. Thank you
Dr Shoe will be at school Thursday 27th November in the COLA area.
This year you will be able to order online through Flexischools. Please go to www.flexischools.com.au
where you can place your orders, which will be delivered to the classroom. Parents are advised that
Flexischool orders will be signed for by the child. Loss of orders will be the responsibility of child and
their parents.
Simone Pedler, Uniform Shop Manager
043880993 or simone.pedler@det.nsw.edu.au
Term 4 Overview as at today
5
Nov 3
K-6 Assembly –
2pm
6
Nov 10
Yr 2 School
Swim Scheme
commences
Nov 4
Kindergarten 2015
Orientation – 9.30 –
10.30am
Yr 5 Interrelate
Nov 5
Nov 11
Kindergarten 2015
Orientation – 9.30 –
10.30am
Yr 5 Interrelate
Nov 12
K-6 Assembly –
2pm
Nov 6
Nov 7
PSSA [round 12]
SRC charity event
– crazy hair &
crazy sock day
Nov 13
Nov 14
PSSA [round 13]
8.30am SRC
meeting – 3A room
P&C meeting –
7.30pm
7
Nov 17
Yr 2 School
Swim Scheme
continues
K-6 Assembly –
2pm
Nov 18
New enrolment tour
– 10am
Nov 19
Nov 20
Nov 21
PSSA [round 14]
8
Nov 24
Last Assembly
2015 school
leaders
introduced.
Nov 25
Kindergarten 2015
Orientation – 9.30 –
10.30am
Nov 26
Last SRE lessons
Yr3-6
Nov 27
Kindergarten 2015
Orientation – 9.30
– 10.30am
Nov 28
PSSA [round 15]
8.30am SRC
meeting – 3A room
9
Dec 1
Platinum
Assembly – 2pm
Dec 2
Executive 5P planning
day
Dec 3
Scripture
Assembly for
years 3 to 6
Parent Helper
Morning Tea –
10.30am
High School
Orientation Day
Dec 4
New enrolment
tour – 2pm
5.30-7pm official
opening of new
Funhouse building
Dec 5
PSSA Finals
Dec 10
Yr 6 Farewell –
5.30 – 9.00pm
P&C meeting –
7.30pm staffroom
Dec 11
Gala Day
Dec 12
Presentation Day
@ Castle Grand
Dec 17
Last Day for
students
Yr 6 vs teachers
match – 11.30am
Yr 6 Graduation
Ceremony –
2.15pm
Yr 6 clap out –
2.45pm
Dec 18
Staff
Development Day
– no students
10
11
Dec 8
Gold lunch –
12.15pm
Dec 9
Silver Afternoon Tea
– 2.30pm
Dec 15
Talent Quest
Dec 16
Talent Quest
Moving Day
Moving Day
Student semester
2 reports home
7-9pm Tai Chi
using hall
New enrolment
tour – 10am
Dec 19
Staff
Development Day
– no students
Term 1 2015 Overview
TERM 1
Week
1
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Jan 26
Public Holiday
Jan 27
Staff
Development
Day – no
students
Jan 28
Years 1-6 return
Best Start Day
Jan 29
Best Start Day
Jan 30
Best Start Day
2
Feb 2
Kindergarten
start
Feb 3
.
Feb 4
.
Feb 5
.
Feb 6
.
3
Feb 9
.
Feb 10
Expenses
collection
Feb 11
Expenses collection
Feb 12
Expenses collection
Feb 13
.
4
Feb 16
.
Feb 17
K-2 Parent
Information
session – 6-7pm
Feb 18
3-6 Parent
Information
Sessions 6.00 –
7.00pm
Feb 19
.
Feb 20
.
*******
PARENTING IDEAS – Michael Grose
Have a look at the website - www.parentingideas.com.au This week’s topic “Helping kids unwind’.