Term 1 Week 8

Principal's Report

Parent Teacher Interviews

Parent teacher Interviews are fast approaching

In the week starting April 7, (Week 11), we will be providing the formal opportunity for parents and carers to be meeting with their child’s teacher.

This is crucial for your child’s learning journey with evidence clearly showing the link between improved student outcomes and parent engagement.

The P&C are making this important opportunity easy for families to fit into families’ busy schedules by organising coffee and pizza trucks to be onsite during the interview times. This will allow families to order dinner, have the all—important discussion with their child’s teacher and then pick up dinner on the way home; an easy way to manage a busy night.

More information will be sent home soon explaining how to book the parent interview times and order your pizza dinner.

Voluntary Contributions

As mentioned in the last newsletter, the school annually reviews its requests for parent contributions, ensuring that requests are aligned with focus areas of the school and are reasonable.

This has allowed our financial contribution requests to be meaningful and targeted.

Upon our most recent review of these processes and after considering a change in Departmental expectations, the school will no longer be requesting financial support for in-school programs or for donations of such items as tissues, glue sticks or whiteboard markers.

It is important that we continue to send a message that Public Education provides a quality education for every child. As such the above changes will ensure that this message is delivered consistently.

Invoices for the reduced voluntary contributions will be sent home in the next week.

Digital Devices

NSW Department of Education provides guidelines, procedures and safe and secure technology-related resources, equipment and infrastructure to help protect students from harm and create environments where students can benefit from using technology. This is represented through the ‘student use of digital devices and online services policy’.

Digital devices are defined as electronic devices that can receive, store, process and share digital information and connect to applications (apps), websites and other online services. They include desktop computers, laptops, tablets, smartwatches, smartphones and other devices.

As per Department policy, primary school students must not use digital devices during class, at recess and at lunch unless approved by a Principal or teacher. Exemptions may be granted by a principal or teacher, including allowing students to use a device for an educational purpose, or as part of a reasonable adjustment for student learning and wellbeing.

At present no student at the school has permission to use a mobile phone or a smartwatch to communicate to any other person or capture images during class time, at recess or at lunch.

This issue is often raised and parents/carers needing a more detailed discussion about this issue are encouraged to contact the school to make an appointment.

ANZAC Day

One of the most moving traditions at Vardys is our ANZAC assembly.

The manner in which the staff and students pay their respect to our armed forces and remember those whose sacrifice has provided the lifestyle and freedom we enjoy today, is a sight to behold.

While these assemblies usually do not boast large numbers of parents, our community is more than welcome to attend…it will not disappoint!

The ANZAC service will be held in the assembly hall, on Wednesday April 9th, commencing at 11:40am.

Accessing External Therapists

Occasionally, but increasingly, parents and carers are finding that external therapists such as Occupational Therapists and Speech Therapists are often unavailable out of school hours.

This unfortunate reality often prompts requests of therapists working with the students on site during school hours.

The school’s default position is that as much as possible, we endeavour to ensure lessons are not interrupted by such appointments.

However, occasionally the benefits outweigh the disadvantages and the school in these situations, will explore the option of accommodating external therapy sessions.

In these situations, the information below provided some guidelines and protocols for the engagement of these services.

Requesting an NDIS-funded therapy service for your child at a NSW public school Information for parents and carers

This document provides information for parents and carers seeking to have NDIS-funded services delivered at school.

There are 4 key steps for parents and carers who want an NDIS-funded service delivered in school:

1. Ask the school in writing
2. Meet with school staff to discuss details
3. The principal considers your request, taking into account the needs of your child, other students and the operations of the school
4. The principal lets you know whether or not the provider can deliver their services at the school.

NDIS-funded therapy supports and schools

Some children and young people with disability may benefit from allied health and specialist therapies. Examples include physiotherapy, speech pathology and occupational therapy. In most cases, these therapies can be delivered at home or in a therapist’s office. Some therapies may be best delivered in school during school time.

The NSW Department of Education and the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) recommend that therapy services funded through a child’s NDIS support plan

are best delivered outside of school time. This allows the school to focus on teaching your child and all other students, and ensures your child does not miss out on important learning time.

Schools work with both parents and allied health providers to meet the needs of students and support their learning and development. This may include sharing information about the student and what activities might work best to support them. In some cases, where it is suitable, this may mean working directly with the provider in the classroom.

The principal is responsible for deciding when and how therapy services are delivered in the school. The principal will make decisions that ensure that the school is able to run to benefit all students and without disrupting learning. The principal will manage any services that come into the school in a way that supports children to continue to take part in classes and school activities.

How to request the service for your child to be provided at school

1. Firstly, make your request to the principal in writing so that there is a record of your request. The principal will consider your request.
2. Meet with the principal or the school staff they nominate. This may be during your normal planning meetings with the school about your child's learning and support.
3. You may want to invite the therapy provider to the meeting. Note: Schools will not meet any costs for providers to attend meetings at school.
4. Bring all relevant documents and information to the meeting. This may include reports from specialists or therapists, or your child's NDIS support plan.
5. Discuss with the school possible days and times for the service to be provided at school.
6. The principal will then need time to consider your request and let you know their decision.

The principal will consider a number of important matters

After your meeting with the school, the principal will consider a number of matters including:

• the school's duty of care to all students and staff
• how the service relates to your child's needs
• impacts on your child if they will need to leave the classroom to receive therapy
• arrangements to ensure that your child is adequately supervised when receiving the service
• effects on other students if the service needs to be provided in the classroom
• whether the service needs to be delivered at a particular time of the day.

The principal will let you know about their decision

If the principal agrees for the service to be provided at the school, you will need to let the provider know. This includes letting them know the agreed times and days for the service to be delivered at school.

If the principal decides that the service is not able to be delivered at the school, talk to the school about how the service delivered outside of school can support your child’s learning. The school may decide to talk directly with your provider about how the provider’s services can help with your child’s learning goals.

Providers coming into a school need to meet legal requirements.

Before starting work in a school, the service provider will be asked to show that they comply with certain legal requirements. This includes a Working with Children Check clearance for all provider staff working in the school. The school will give providers information about these requirements.

Providers will be asked to sign a written agreement with the school. This agreement sets out how they will work in the school, including the agreed times and days for the service to be delivered. The provider will need to record the details of the services that they will provide to your child in the school. You can request a copy of the agreement between the school and the provider, including information that relates to your child.

The school has the right to stop a provider’s access if:

• the provider breaches their agreement with the school
• the principal decides the service does not support your child’s educational needs or goals
• the service impacts on school operations.

The principal will contact you before they take this step. If you are unhappy with this decision, you should discuss it with the principal.

Your ongoing role when a provider is working in a school

Under your child’s NDIS plan, you will have a service agreement with the provider you have chosen for your child’s therapy support. This means you will continue to have a role when it is agreed that the service will be delivered at school. This includes:

• Letting the therapy provider know that the school has agreed to them working with your child at school at the agreed times and any other conditions. This information will be included in the written agreement with the school.
• Telling the therapy provider as soon as possible if your child is absent from school on a day when the provider is supposed to go to the school.
• Telling the service provider if other activities at school mean that therapy cannot take place. For example, when sports carnivals, excursions, or special events or assemblies are scheduled.
• Telling the school if you stop using the service or change providers.
• Meeting or talking regularly with school staff to review your child's personalised learning and support plan, and talking about how the service is going.

Schools will not assess providers

Schools will not assess the professional skills of therapy providers or evaluate their accreditation. However, if the school has concerns about the service being delivered to your child, the school will discuss these concerns with you.

Enjoy your families,

Ian Short 
Principal

Kindergarten Teddy Bear’s Picnic

Kindergarten had a ‘beary’ good time at the Teddy Bear’s Picnic! The weather always likes to make things difficult for organisation, but the rain held off and we had a beautiful morning out on the field! We had races, played with our teddies at the Adventure Playground and enjoyed recess together. Our bears loved joining in with races, where each child showed resilience and team spirit. Kindergarten also loved watching the teachers demonstrate races, calling out, “Ready, Set, Go!” before every race and cheering on their friends! A special shout out to Siaosi who led all the group chants including “Try your Best!” Our teddies joined us for a day of learning inside the classroom as well, which was a lot of fun! Here are some recounts from our students:

“I liked pretending to feed my teddy crunch and sip.”

• Marley

 “I liked running on the field with my teddy.”

• Luna

 “I liked playing with my teddy on the Adventure Playground.”

• Jerara

 “I loved doing all the races.”

• Christopher

 It was a great experience for the children as they were given opportunity to interact with friends from other classes during the excursion. A big thank you to Mr S, Miss Monique, Mr Riley and Mr Tylor and of course the Kindy and Support Unit teams for making this such a lovely experience for our students! 

Beck Anderson
Early Stage 1 Assistant Principal

GRIP

On Friday 7^th March, our School Prefects attended the GRIP Student Leadership Conference. They learnt how being a school leader is about service, not status. The Prefects also learnt how to generate and implement ideas in their school, which they are looking forward to doing throughout the year.

Stage 2 Elizabeth Farm Excursion

Stage 2 had a blast on their excursion in Week 7 to Elizabeth Farm and Experiment Cottage. The excursion tied together History and Science by showing students how British colonisation influenced agricultural practices and the development of the food and fibre industries in Australia. By participating in hands-on activities, students were able to better grasp the concepts they are learning in their classrooms and see the relevance in a historical context.

We started our journey on the bus, arriving at our destination, without too much rain. We split into 2 groups and each headed to our first venue for the day. 

At Elizabeth Farm we learnt about what it might’ve been like to be a convict serving Elizabeth and John Macarthur. We looked at how different life was without electricity and plumbing. We did some chores and then we were given our ‘ticket of leave’.

At the Experiment Cottage we learnt about the lives of James Ruse, a convict who is recognised as Australia’s first farmer, and Doctor John Harris, a medical practitioner, whose contributions provided insight into the early medical practices in Australia.

Aboriginal Education Consultancy Group

On the 11th March, Stage 3 students from Vardys Road Public School's Aboriginal Education Consultancy Group joined local schools at Doonside Technology High School. As a school, they collaborated on The Gathering, a powerful Indigenous artwork. Using the school colours—blues, yellow, and white—they expressed themes of culture, Country, and deep connection to the land. This creative project strengthened their sense of belonging while celebrating Indigenous heritage within the wider school community.

From the Office

We would like to recognise the truly amazing and inspirational women in our lives.

We hope that every had a wonder International Women's Day on Saturday 8th March 2025.

Lost Items

A friendly reminder to check that your child’s clothing and lunch boxes/bottles are clearly labelled so that we can return it to them quickly and efficiently.

Mrs Kelly's News

Welcome to our Library Monitors for 2025

From MSP Photography

Vardys Road Public School - Photo Day for 2025 is

Tuesday 1st April 2025

This flyer includes our school's unique link and QR Code that will take parents/cares to a dedicated ‘Vardys Road Public School’ MSP Online site. This link is specific to our school, and is not accessible from the MSP Photography website. 

Parents/Carers can then log-in/sign-up via this link. Click on "Sign in with Student Details"

Using your child's details (surname and date of birth) and place their photo order securely.  (Hard copy will also be sent home soon) Once logged in, you will also be able to add additional children and this will activate the sibling packs to appear for ordering. 

Below you will find instructions on how to order.

Late Orders can still be placed by clicking the link or scanning the QR Code.

Please be advised that a late fee will apply. For multi household/split families, they can indicate this within their order at the checkout so we can label accordingly for the student/s.

P&C News

Like most P&Cs, the Vardys Road Public School P&C Association is run solely on volunteer power. We would like to invite you to choose ‘just one thing’ that you might like to help with this year, whether it’s big (like nominating to be P&C President) or smaller (like helping at a BBQ or on a stall). Every contribution is greatly appreciated, and if everyone chooses just one thing, we can all make a huge difference for our children, families, school and community.

For a full picture of the P&C volunteering opportunities for 2025, including events, uniform shop, and P&C roles, and to assist us in setting up our 2025 volunteer register, we ask that you complete the 2025 Just One Thing survey. Please note that the survey is best viewed on a computer or iPad rather than a phone.

If you have any questions or feedback about the survey, please email team@vrpspc.org.au .

Uniform Shop

This year the shop will be opening on the days and times below:

• Monday mornings between 8:30am -9:30am
• Tuesday afternoons between 2:15pm –3:15pm
• Thursday mornings between 9:00am - 10:00am
• Friday afternoons between 2:20pm and 3:20pm

Online ordering is always available here, and orders should be delivered to your child’s classroom within the next day or two (be sure to include your child’s name and class in the Notes section at checkout). 

Stock update: white polo shirts are now back in stock.

Events / Fundraising

2025 EASTER RAFFLE DONATIONS

We kindly ask students to bring in Easter Chocolates and Easter Themed goodies as a donation for our upcoming Easter Raffle. Donations can be dropped into the front office by Friday 4th April marked Attention: P&C Easter Raffle.

Please ensure all food is in its original packaging and everything is within its use by date.

Raffle tickets will be coming home with your child this week. Tickets are $1 each - *Make sure there is a name and contact number on the sold tickets. Return sold tickets to the front office marked attention P & C Easter Raffle

Further information about raffle tickets will be sent in the coming weeks.

Meets, Treats & Eats is back again for 2025! Take the night off from cooking and come down and purchase delicious pizza and cold drinks while attending Parent Teacher Interviews. The Coffee van and Pizza truck will be attending Monday 7^th April and Tuesday 8^th April only.

Pizza menu to follow once released.

P&C Meetings

Thank you to everyone who attended our AGM and general meeting on Monday night. It was fantastic to see so many people in person and online.

A big thank you to our 2024 team, who have done some outstanding work, well done! As some of the team have been able to continue in their roles, we are hoping to keep building the presence and contribution of the P&C. Congratulations and welcome to those taking on new roles, we are excited to see what the year brings.

2025 P&C Executive Team:

President – Karen Biernat
VicePresident Uniform – David Eibner
Vice President Fundraising and Events – Kayte Moores & Rachael Singh-Wheldall
Treasurer – Rich Morris
Secretary – Vacant

2025 P&C Non-Executive Team:
Uniform Shop Manager – Peta Imber
Uniform Shop Coordinator – Aprille Rose
Grants Coordinator – Jenna Molesworth
Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging Coordinator – Laura Ewen
Planning & Projects Coordinator – Vacant
Sponsorships & Donations Coordinator – Deborah Simpson

Website & Communications Coordinator – David Eibner
Jigsaw OOSH Parent Representative – Lauren Chapman

You’ll notice that we have two important positions vacant, Secretary and Planning & Projects Coordinator. If you are keen to try something new, please get in touch for more information about either of these roles.

We love welcoming new members, or welcoming back old ones, so if you’ve been meaning to join or rejoin we’d love to have you! Send through your membership form or get in touch with any questions via email: team@vrpspc.org.au , or check out our website: https://www.vrpspc.org.au for further information. 

VRPS Jigsaw OOSH

Please see below the Jigsaw OOSH vacation care program.

Bookings are essential. 

Discover Primary Ethics: Empowering Young Minds webinar

For members of the public who are interested in shaping the way our future leaders think and act, or who are looking for a meaningful way to give back to their community. Run as a one-hour online Zoom session, this webinar explains how individuals can make a difference as a volunteer with Primary Ethics. Attendees will be able to see (and participate) in a live ethics class and hear first-hand experience from current volunteers. They will learn about Primary Ethics’ history and mission, volunteering opportunities available and the comprehensive free training and support provided.

Whether looking for a fulfilling way to give back, get involved in the local community or learn new skills, this session will provide all the information needed to get started and become one of our thousands of volunteers.

The next Discover Primary Ethics: Empowering young minds webinars are scheduled on:

• 12.30pm – 1.30pm Friday 21 March
• 7pm – 8pm Thursday 10 April
• 12.30pm – 1.30pm Friday 16 May
• 12.30pm – 1.30pm Monday 16 June

Interested adults are welcome to sign up via Humanitix here. Current and past Primary Ethics volunteers are very welcome (and encouraged) to forward details of this event to their social networks. Thank you!

Contact: Danya Webb or Emily Zytaruk on training@primaryethics.com.au for more details.

For further information on the Ethics program at Vardys Road, please contact our volunteer Ethics Coordinator, Karen Biernat on ethicsatvardysroad@outlook.com .

STEM Holiday Workshop

Recipe of the Week

Mini banana and blueberry breads

Ingredients

• 2 cups self-raising flour
• 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup caster sugar
• 3/4 cup buttermilk
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 overripe banana, mashed
• 1 cup fresh blueberries or frozen blueberries
• Extra 1 banana, sliced
  

Method

Step 1
Preheat oven to 190C/170C fan-forced. Grease an 8-hole 3/4 cup-capacity mini loaf pan. Line base and 2 long sides with baking paper, extending paper 1cm above edges of pans.

Step 2

Sift flour, bicarbonate of soda and cinnamon in a large bowl. Stir in sugar. Whisk buttermilk, oil, eggs, vanilla and mashed banana in a medium bowl. Add buttermilk mixture to flour mixture. Stir until just combined. Fold in blueberries.

Step 3
Spoon into prepared pan holes. Smooth top. Arrange extra banana over batter.

Step 4
Bake for 15 minutes or until a skewer inserted into centre of each loaf comes out clean. Cool in pan for 5 minutes. Turn, top-side up, onto a wire rack to cool completely. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.

Thought of the Week