From the Principal’s desk
Welcome to our first newsletter for Term 4. The term is racing ahead and in the upcoming weeks we will be organising:
- our Learn to Swim program
- assessing and preparation for student progress reporting
- end of year play and presentation night
- costumes for the play (working bees)
- High School orientations
- Year 5 captain and prefect speeches
- finalising our Kinder orientation Rockets program
- a tennis program
- an Aboriginal Cultural awareness program
Plus, all of the other things that need to be done in a regular week of school! Please check the calendar on Sentral regularly so as not to miss anything!
PLAY AND PRESENTATION NIGHT
We have a lot of new parents so I though it would be prudent to explain how our Presentation Night and Play evening runs.
The evening is held at the Rylstone Memorial Hall and will commence at 5:30pm. Students wear their summer uniform. Award recipients are kept a secret until the evening. The formal part of the evening usually runs from approximately 5:30pm to 6:45pm. We then break for supper provided by the P&C and students have a quick snack and get changed into their costumes which will have been taken to the hall by the teachers earlier in the day.
The Play will start at approximately 7:30pm. It will go for roughly an hour and ends with Christmas carols. It’s a really big, long and usually HOT night, but it’s lots of fun and the children enjoy it!
COSTUME WORKING BEE
This year we don’t have our beloved Mrs Balfoort to supervise the costumes (she’s too busy enjoying supervising grandchildren!), so we are asking for volunteers for costume making working bees. A note has recently been sent home where you could indicate whether you could come along to a working bee or would prefer to take some costume making to complete at home. If you are available please let us know. You can do that here.
The at school costume making working bees will be held in the school hall from 10am to 2pm on Wednesdays 1st and 22nd of November. All welcome!
UNIFORM
Just a reminder bike pants, yoga pants or tights are NOT part of our school uniform. If you do not have the correct uniform, there are plenty of second-hand pieces available at extremely reasonable prices and I urge to contact our P&C uniform shop.
Additionally, BLACK shoes are to be worn at all times except sports day. Coloured sneakers, cowboy boots or capped / coloured boots are not permitted.
It’s been proven the wearing of the correct uniform instils pride and team spirit. Advantages of wearing the correct school uniform have been found to :
- Create cohesion.
- Reduce the potential for bullying.
- Improve study ethic.
- Increase safety.
- Fairer dress codes.
- Remove peer pressure.
- Prepare for the outside world.
- Easy mornings for students and parents.
The department supports the wearing of school uniform, which promotes a sense of belonging for students and creates a positive identity for the school community. School uniforms also contribute to the personal safety of students by allowing easier recognition of students inside the school and in the community.
DEVICES IN SCHOOLS
As we are all aware, mobile phones and smart watches have been banned in NSW DoE schools from the beginning of this term. Whilst mobile phones have always been banned in primary schools, smart watches that can connect to the internet, text message or take photos fall under the same category as mobile phones. If your child has a wearable device that can connect to the internet or take pictures, they are asked to not bring it to school.
POLICE AND PRINCIPALS FORUM
I recently attended a Police and Principal’s forum and to say it was an eye-opener would be a major understatement. I was both shocked and disturbed to see how much violence and inappropriate content our children could be exposed to. Racism, hate crimes and radicalisation, sexploitation and cyber bullying are absolutely rampant. Weapons, pornography, child grooming and violence are common.
It was distressing to see how easily predators can reach our children. I urge you to please be aware of your children when they are online. Our children do not have the emotional maturity to deal with the tsunami of violence and hate that they can be exposed to when online. The world is a big and scary place, considering current world events.
Do you know what apps your child is on? Do you know who they are chatting to or sending photos to? Do you know what different iconography and symbolism means? Do you supervise your child’s online time? Are they alone in their bedroom behind a closed door? Are they gaming on an age inappropriate game?
I have been sharing links to different e-safety commissioner articles and training. More can be found here: https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents
What we can do to keep kids safer online
We can play a pivotal role in helping our children establish boundaries that protect them from potential harm.
As eSafety often sees a correlation between school terms and cyberbullying, we urge parents and caregivers to consider the following advice as kids head back to school in this term:
1. Show interest and be engaged
Take an active interest in the online games your children play and the social media profiles they follow, just as you would make time to play a physical game with them at a local park or engage in a board game. Staying involved in your child’s digital activities can help you identify when they might need support.
2. Monitor online activity
Familiarise yourself with the platforms and services your children use and check the minimum age guidance. Some social media accounts your children follow may discuss concepts and ideas that are not age-appropriate for your child. Regularly check and ensure the content they engage with aligns with their developmental stage.
3. Promote device usage in open areas
Encourage your children to use devices in open areas of the home, such as the living room, rather than isolated spaces like their bedroom or bathroom. This way, you can easily interact with them, understand who they are communicating with and identify any signs of distress.
4. Activate age-appropriate parental controls and privacy settings
Double-check you have implemented parental controls and privacy settings that are suitable for your child's age and level of online maturity. These measures are not failsafe but can help enhance their safety while browsing online.
Whilst we can keep children safe and protected at school, unsupervised computer time at home can lead to significant risk.
RYLSTONE P&C REFERENDUM FOOD STALL
Thank you to everyone who came along to support our P&C food stall on Referendum Saturday. Once again, an ENORMOUS thank you goes out to those P&C families who turn up and help. Families were here early on Saturday morning to set up and prepare and then stayed all day to help and then pack up. Thank you to those families who also made slices and snacks.
We are so grateful for all of the families on our P&C and what you do for our school and students.
As always, please reach out for a chat if you have any questions and concerns. This time of year gets frantic and busy, and it’s easy to get overwhelmed and stressed. Don’t let problems grow and questions go unanswered. Please contact either myself or your class teacher if you need any support or clarification.
Cheers,
Jodee
Please keep up to date with COVID information by accessing the latest news from the Department of Education at the link above.
In the classrooms
Wattle
We've had an excellent beginning to Term Four, and our progress in both writing and mathematics has been remarkable. We've also been placing a strong emphasis on promoting healthy eating. In the past week, we had an enjoyable experience experimenting with vegetables. It was intriguing to observe the differing reactions among our peers, with some relishing the taste while others found it challenging to embrace.
We are currently in the midst of preparing for our Assembly performance in Week 4, and we're eagerly looking forward to sharing it with you.
Waratah
Waratah students have been writing acrostic poems on Remembrance Day.
Infants Sports Day
Infant Sports Day (Week 10 Term 3) was a great success, with enthusiastic participation from all students. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Kandos Public School for coming and joining us. It was a delight to host you and form new friendships.
I would like to commend and thank our Year 5/6 students, who played an instrumental role in organising and managing the event. They were complimented by all of the staff from Kandos Public School on their manners, encouragement and overall leadership. We are immensely grateful to our Year 5/6 students for serving as outstanding ambassadors for our school. Well done and thank you to all.
SRC News
Sentral
Parent FAQ: I am trying to give permission for an activity but it is blocked / won't allow me.
- This could be because the permission due by date has passed. You will need to contact the school office on 6379 1404
- Or if a payment is made before the permission is granted, then permission is assumed. As some activities have QUESTIONS we would like you to answer, it is better to do permissions before making payments.
Parent FAQ: Can I use the Parent Portal to allocate available credit to a fee item?
Yes, you can on the website parent portal:
- website portal login here: https://rylstoneps.sentral.com.au/auth/portal
- view total available credit in the Parents app. This includes credit notes and overpayments.
- allocate available ‘fees in advance’ credit to outstanding fees directly through the Parent Portal (website). If you only use the Sentral Parent app, just let the school know that you wish to use your credit.
To allocate available credit to a fee item (via web page not phone app):
- Log into the Portal (note: this is not the app on your phone but the web portal) and select Payments.
- View information under Payable. If you have credit to allocate, the amount of credit is displayed.
- Select the Allocate Credit link under a fee item to allocate credit to that item.
- Under Payment Summary, next to Use Unallocated Credit, enter an amount.
- Select Allocate Credit
- Select Confirm
Parent FAQ: Can I pay for multiple fees or activities in one transaction?
Yes, it is possible to make a single payment for multiple activities or fees.
Process multiple payments in one transaction by completing the following steps:
- In the Payments menu, filter by ‘Unpaid.’
- Select the items you wish to pay for. Selected items will turn green.
- Click ‘Make Payment’ and follow the prompts.
- Now when you navigate to the Home Feed the activity or fee will show with a green tick ‘Actioned’ where payment has been made in full.
More Sentral Finance Parent FAQs can be found here: Parent FAQs
Please note that the payment request / fees will be cancelled if your child does not participate in an activity or if payment is not required. If you have any questions or need help, contact Karon in the office, and we welcome your feedback.
Sentral is used to:
- provide permission and make payments for excursions or other activities
- view and respond to student absences
- book your Parent Teacher interview when a session is run
- view the Calendar to keep up to date with activities that are taking place
- find the link to newsletters - now appearing on the home page under 'Newsletters' and also in the Newsfeed
- we are using portal messages to inform parents of Sick Bay incidents - particularly for head injuries
- use the Links tab to access quick links to the P&C's Uniform Shop and Learning from Home resources for parents
Have you missed any activities posted in Sentral?
- Costume Working Bees 1/11 & 22/11
- Yrs 3-6 Choir performance at StreetFeast 4/11
- Year 5 P&C Washup Stand at StreetFeast 4/11
- K-6, Whole School Excursion to Possum Magic in Bathurst 10/11
- K-2, Learn to Swim program 13-24/11
- K-6, Annual Presentation Night and Concert 12/12 starting at 5:30pm at Rylstone Hall with request for voluntary contribution towards costumes
Applications for Selective High School in 2025
Applications for Year 7 entry to selective high schools in 2025 opened on 9 October 2023 and close on 20 November 2023 at our Selective High Schools and Opportunity Classes Year 7 website.
A Parent Information Booklet is available from the school office.
Department of Education Webinar - Applying for Selective High School
Wednesday 1st November, 7:00-8:00pm AEDT
Is your child in Year 5? Is your child curious? Do they love learning and enjoy a challenge? Learn more about selective high schools and apply today.
We are excited to bring you essential information from the Department of Education regarding an upcoming webinar designed exclusively for parents of children in Year 5. This webinar aims to provide valuable insights into the application process for a placement at a selective high school for year 7’s in 2025.
Being a part of selective high schools allows for a learning environment designed especially for academically gifted and high-potential students. Subjects are taught at the pace and complexity just for them.
Being in a classroom with other talented learners supports your child's academic and social development.
Parents or carers of students in Year 5 need to apply by 20 November 2023 for placement at selective high school for Year 7 in 2025.
Parents and carers are invited to attend the webinar to learn more about selective high schools, the application and placement process. The webinar will cover:
- Benefits of selective high school
- Types of selective high schools: fully selective, partially selective, online
- Explaining the placement process
- The Equity Placement Model
- Submitting the online application
- Reasonable adjustments for disability
Preparing for the test, including:
- what to expect
- practice test papers
- test centres
- what if something goes wrong on test day?
Ensuring Fair Access, we are committed to fairness and inclusivity. The Equity Placement Model reserves up to 20% of selective high school places for students from diverse backgrounds, including those from low socio-educational advantage backgrounds, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, students from rural and remote locations, and students with disabilities.
Dates for your calendar
Don't forget you can find all these dates on your Sentral Calendar too.
October
- 27th - Rylstone Rockets
- 27th - Pink Up Day
- 27th - P&C Meal Deal
November
- 3rd - Final Rylstone Rockets, including graduation
- 4th - StreetFeast Choir Performance
- 4th - P&C Washup Stand Yr 5 Fundraiser
- 6th - P&C Meeting at 3:30pm
- 10th - Possum Magic, Bathurst (whole school excursion)
- 13-24th - Learn to Swim program (K-2)
- 15th - Kandos HS Yr 6 - 7 Transition Day
- 17th - Captains Speeches & voting
- 20th - Selective High School 2025 applications close
December
- 1st - Gold ARPY Assemby
- 7th - Year 6 Lunch with Ms Burcher 11:45am
- 8th - Representation Awards Assembly at 9:30am
- 8th - Scripture Christmas Special at Uniting Church 2pm
- 8th - Disco to Farewell Year 6 5:30pm
- 12th - End of Year Presentation & Play @ 5:30pm
- 13th - Student Reports go home
- 14th - SRC Market Day
- 15th - SRC Talent Quest
- 15th - End of Term BBQ
- 15th - Students last day
Reminders
- Payments to school (not P&C) can be made online via Sentral Pay with a debit or credit card or cash can be sent in an envelope to the school office. The school does not have an EFTPOS machine.
- Sport is on Thursdays
- Please check your child's attendance on the Sentral app and keep up to date with absence explanations. A text message will be sent if your child is absent and you haven't submitted an explanation
- School Drive Subsidy and bus transport: Please keep your details current and notify the Dept. of Transport of any address changes at www.transportnsw.info/school-students
Bus Travel Passes
Travel from Term 1 2024
We ask that parents plan ahead and make sure their child knows which service/s to use and has a valid ticket to travel, such as a School Travel Pass (outside Greater Sydney), from the start of the school year.
Applications for 2024 School Student Transport Scheme (SSTS) travel open at the start of Term 4 2023, so parents/students can apply or update details early and be ready for the start of the new school year.
Garden Update
P and C News
Fundraising Evening for Parents
Uniform Shop Opening Times
Our current Committee have decided to change the Uniform Shop opening times to Friday AFTERNOONS straight after school 3:20 – 3:50pm. We hope this will allow parents to head to the shop straight from School Assembly or work well with working hours.
Uniform purchases can still be made online ( https://rylstone-public-school-parents-and-citizens-association.square.site/ ) and sent home with your child on Friday afternoons. Afterpay is now available.
Next Meeting
- Date: Monday 6th November
- Time: 3.30pm
- School Hall
- Everyone is welcome!
Kate Nash - PandC President
rylstonepandc@gmail.com
Community News
Mudgee Cricket - Girls
Exciting news for Girls Cricket in the Mudgee-Rylstone Area!!! We will have an ALL GIRLS team playing in the Under 12s this season AND we've been offered a FREE 4 WEEK COACHING CLINIC by CricketNSW for girls aged 8-12 commencing 25th October. Clinic will be held 4-5pm Wednesday afternoons at Vic Park Mudgee. Register @playhq.com to find out more or contact Mudgee Junior Cricket at mudgeejuniorcricket@gmail.com
School Student Broadband Initiative (from Andrew Gee MP)
For many Australian families, dealing with the cost of digital connectivity is a daily reality. Given the increasing cost-of-living pressures impacting so many families the digital divide is only growing larger.
To help, the Australian Government is providing up to 30,000 unconnected families with school aged children across all states and territories with a free National Broadband Network (NBN) connection for 12 months.
The initiative will provide 50 megabits per second (Mbps) fixed-line services, Fixed-Wireless Plus and Sky Muster Plus services, depending on where the family lives, with large or unlimited data quotas. The School Student Broadband Initiative is an affordability measure to narrow the digital divide and boost education opportunities for students without access to home internet.
To be eligible, a family must:
- Have a child living at home that is enrolled in an Australian school in 2023.
- Have no active NBN service.
If you are interested and qualify please contact the school by email giving us your permission to pass on your name, address and contact details to the Office of Andrew Gee MP.