Term 1 Week 10

Principal's Report

Thank you – Easter Raffle

Thank you to all our generous families who have contributed to our traditional Easter Raffle.

The donations are starting to mount up, forming the beginnings of some amazing hampers.

Thanks also to our P&C for organising this event.

We certainly know how to run a good raffle and celebrate our cultural and community events!

Eid Al-Fitr

Many thanks also to our Cultural Celebration Committee and a group of very enthusiastic parents/carers for organising this week’s Eid-Al-Fitr afternoon tea.

Eid al-Fitr is known as the festival of the breaking of the fast as it comes right after the Holy Month of Ramadan. 

For the whole month of Ramadan, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset, abstaining from food and drink. 

The month is also about reflection and doing good deeds... certainly something worth celebrating.

We are looking forward to another good turn out for this global celebration.

New Student Reports

As you may have heard in the media, the Department of Education is reviewing student reports to make them more informative and easier to understand as well as to manage teacher workload.

The main changes are as follows:

• From Term 2 we are introducing updated school reports.
• The new format has been developed by the NSW Department of Education in response to feedback from parents and educators to make reports easier to read and understand.
• Your child’s report will still show their progress across all subject areas.
• Teacher comments will appear in English, Mathematics and the General Comment section, in line with department policy.
• The general comment for Kindergarten also covers all other Key Learning Areas including, Creative Arts, HSIE, PDHPE, and Science and Technology.
• A new achievement scale and descriptions are included to provide a clearer picture of your child’s progress.
• Parent/teacher interviews of course remain an important way to discuss your child’s progress and achievement in more detail. These interviews are happening next week.

More information will be sent home as we approach the traditional report writing season in Term 2.

Uniforms and Earrings - Reminder

One of the most important drivers of student success is student belonging.                  A student’s strong sense of belonging allows them to trust the staff, have confidence with their peers and see the purpose of learning routines.

Each teacher works hard every day, running class sessions where belonging, social skills, emotional regulation and learning routines are discussed and students’ emotional states are tracked.

These routines are crucial in teaching self-regulation as well as flagging students who are showing signs of emotional distress.

Another tool for belonging is the school uniform. Having every child wearing similar attire places every child on an even playing field, irrespective of their social economic background.

When uniform standards start to slip and children begin to wear trending items of clothing, such as different coloured hats, very quickly students’ capacity to afford such items becomes apparent.

Our school uniform standards also ensure the safety of our students.

Long earrings for example should not be worn at school as they present a safety risk in a playground with hundreds of other children.

It therefore is essential that we continue to have these discussions with our children.

Please keep an eye on what your child is wearing.

A quick discussion about appropriate jewellery or the correct hat may ensure everyone feels comfortable in our school as well as potentially avoiding a serious injury.

Enjoy your families,

Ian Short 
Principal

Stage One Zoo Excursion

On Tuesday 25^th March, Stage One ventured to Sydney Zoo to compliment the learning they have been doing in the classroom. In Geography they have been learning to read maps with the zoo map being one of their activities.         In Science, the students have been learning about how animals and plants are used for food and fibre and were able to learn more by reading the displays as they walked around the zoo. The ‘poop cycle’ was of particular interest to 2 Palm.

Students spent the day watching the animals they have been reading and writing about. Watching the baboons playfully wrestle and chase each other was highly entertaining and definitely a highlight for many of the students. Stage One were amused by the active meerkats, in awe of the sharks, fascinated by the snakes and admired the very sleepy wombat. Year 2 were excited to see the penguins that they have been learning about through the text ‘Sophie Scott Goes South’ and measure themselves up against the real life display. We spent a lot of time at their enclosure watching them dive and soar through the water.

Part of the day was set aside to watch a live demonstration that explored traditional Aboriginal artefacts, allowing the students to gain an understanding of how plants and animals were sustainably used for food, fibre, tools, weapons, and medicines. Stage One students also got up and moved as they learnt about the traditional creative arts. They listened to traditional musical instruments, such as the didgeridoo and clapsticks and gained an understanding of traditional dance movements and the stories behind them.

The students roared with excitement when getting up close to the different dinosaurs on display at the zoo. They loved having their photo taken with the interactive exhibits, showing great imagination and character with their poses.

After a fun-filled day, the students, staff and parent helpers definitely earnt themselves a good nights sleep. Thank you to all the parents who volunteered to support us on the day. We can’t do it without you.

AFL and Netball Gala Day

A group of Stage 2 and Stage 3 students had a fantastic experience representing Vardys Road Public School at the AFL and Netball Gala Day on Friday, March 28th. They showcased excellent sportsmanship, fair play, and humility across their five matches. Although the netball games were ultimately cancelled one and half games, due to weather conditions, both teams made Vardys Road Public School proud.

Come and Try Athletics

On Wednesday 26^th March, students in Years 2-4 from Violet, Iris and Lavender represented Vardys Road Public School in the 'Come and Try' Athletics carnival. We joined together with other schools to experience a range of Athletics events in an inclusive environment. We ran 50m, 75m and 100m races, joined interschool teams for relay races, and had fun with field events like long jump, discus, javelin and shot put. All of our students did Vardys Road Public School proud by participating with enthusiasm and giving everything a go.

We had an amazing time!

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Stage 3 Graffiti Prevention Incursion

On Tuesday, 25th March, Stage 3 participated in a Graffiti Prevention Incursion, an initiative run by Blacktown City Council. Students learnt about the social and financial impacts that graffiti can have on individuals, businesses and the community.

Friday 9th May - Save The Date!

A mum's love is the sunshine that helps us bloom.

From the Office

Our lost property box of unlabelled items is overflowing!

Please come and collect any lost items that belong to your child. Anything not claimed by Friday 11th April, last day of Term 1, will be donated.

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

Students return back to school for Term 2 on Wednesday 30th April.

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 Secretary) 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.

We have two important positions vacant, Secretary and Planning & Projects Coordinator. Please see our Roles and Responsibilities document for the role descriptions. If you are keen to try something new, please get in touch for more information about either of these roles.

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

Thank you so much for the Easter Chocolates and Easter Themed goodies that have been donated 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 have been sent home with your child. Tickets are $1 each - *Make sure there is a name and contact number on the sold tickets. Return your sold tickets to the front office marked attention P & C Easter Raffle by Wednesday 9^th April 2025.

Raffle will be drawn at the K-2 Easter Hat Parade on Friday 11^th April 2025.

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.

We will also have a free lolly guessing competition available on both nights too. Make sure to come visit us to hear more about what we do and how you can be a part of the P & C Association.

Upcoming Event for Term 2:

The traditional Mother’s Day stall will be held on Wednesday 7^th May with a second chance stall on Thursday 8^th May.

P&C Role Vacancies

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.

Following the Week 8 AGM, we now have a couple of role vacancies, so please consider whether you'd be able to take on one of these important roles. See the Roles & Responsibilities document for more details, but here's a summary of what's involved:

• Secretary – are you highly organised (e.g. love ticking tasks off lists!)? - this could be the role for you!! Responsible for the day to day organisation of the P&C, including checking the Team email account, following the meeting papers schedule for requesting agenda items, preparing meeting papers, and recording the minutes, maintaining the member register and volunteer register, and assisting other P&C roles with documentation if needed, e.g. to notify our insurance company in preparation for P&C events.

• Planning & Projects Coordinator - this role works closely with the President and has a longer-term focus, coordinating the planning process with the P&C Executive, and is involved in running any major projects that come out of the planning process.

Please contact team@vrpspc.org.au to express interest or to ask questions.

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. 

MSP Photography News!

VRPS Jigsaw OOSH

Please see below the Jigsaw OOSH vacation care program.

Bookings are essential. 

PCYC April School Holidays

Michelle Rowland MP Easter Competition

Students from Kindergarten to Year 6 have been invited to participate in the Greenway Easter Colouring Competition.

 Entries close on Thursday 10 April 2025 and should be returned to my new electorate office at Level 1, Suite 101C, 130 Main Street, Blacktown, or you can post entries to PO Box 8525, Blacktown NSW 2148. Alternatively, you may wish to scan your entries and return them via email.

The prize will be an Easter hamper, and the winners will be announced after Thursday 10th April 2025.

All children who enter will also receive a certificate of participation.

We encourage your children to participate in this fun activity, and hope they enjoy it!

Please contact my office on 02 9671 4780 or Michelle.Rowland.MP@aph.gov.au if you require any further information regarding the competition.

Happy colouring!

Kind regards,
Michelle Rowland MP
Federal Member for Greenway

Bonus: Easter Craft!

Handprint Bunny Egg Holders

To make handprint bunny egg holders, you will need:

• Glue dots or non-toxic glue
• Coloured card
• Scissors
• Felt-tip pens
• Chocolate eggs

What to do:

1. On a sheet of coloured card, trace around your hand. Cut out as many hand prints as you have eggs.
2. Fold the outer finger down to make bunny arms.
3. Cut the central finger off, leaving two bunny ears sticking up.
4. Use felt-tip pens to draw on the face and ears.
5. Stick a wrapped chocolate egg to the bunnies’ paws using glue dots or non-toxic glue.

Recipe of the Week

Hot Cross Bun Caramel Slice

Ingredients

• 6 apple and cinnamon hot cross buns, split
• 2 x 397g cans sweetened condensed milk
• 1/2 cup (175g) golden syrup
• 80g butter, chopped
• 20g butter, extra
• 100g dark chocolate, melted
• Assorted Easter eggs, to decorate
  

Method

Step 1
Preheat oven to 180°C. Grease a 20cm (base measurement) square cake pan and line base and sides with baking paper. Arrange the hot cross bun bases, cut-side up, over the base of prepared pan, trimming to fit. Fill any gaps in base with some of the bun tops, trimming to fit. Bake for 10 mins or until crisp.

Step 2

Meanwhile, place the condensed milk, golden syrup and chopped butter in a medium saucepan. Cook, stirring constantly, over medium heat for 5 mins or until the butter melts and the caramel is smooth.

Step 3
Pour the caramel over the bun base in the pan. Bake for 20-25 mins or until golden brown. Set aside to cool.

Step 4
While the slice is cooling, melt the extra butter in a medium frying pan over medium heat. Cut remaining bun tops into 2cm pieces. Add the bun top pieces to the pan and cook, stirring, for 5 mins or until golden and toasted.

Step 5
Pour the melted chocolate over the slice and smooth the surface. Top with the toasted bun top pieces and Easter eggs. Place in the fridge for 1 hour or until firm. Cut into pieces to serve.

Thought of the Week