Term 3 Week 4

Principal's Report

Bullying No Way Week

This week, Vardys Road is proudly supporting Bullying No Way: National Week of Action.

Bullying No Way Week is a commitment being made by thousands of schools and supporters across the country. It provides an opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to bullying prevention. It gives us an opportunity to connect with students, staff and school communities to implement workable solutions to prevent bullying.

The theme for this year's campaign is Be Bold. Be Kind. Speak Up.

It takes a community to be brave and address bullying behaviours, within and beyond the school gate.

Students can be bold, kind and speak up to support others being bullied. While trusted adults are there to support children and young people learn how to be kind to each other and report bullying.

This Bullying No Way Week, we’re asking you to be bold and say something, be kind and support someone and be proud to speak up against bullying.

For more information about Bullying No Way Week and bullying prevention, visit the Bullying No Way website.

During the next few weeks, we will be engaging students in meaningful discussions and activities aimed at promoting empathy, understanding and respect for diversity. We encourage families to take this opportunity to have open and honest conversations with their child/ren about the impact of bullying and what they can do if they need support.

You can access the school’s Behaviour Management Plan, which includes our bullying prevention policy at:

https://vardysroad-p.schools.nsw.gov.au/about-our-school/rules-and-policies.html

to learn more about our process for preventing and responding to bullying.

If you have concerns that your child is being bullied, please contact your child’s teacher to start these important conversations... together we can make a difference.

Blacktown Festival of Performing Arts

The Blacktown Festival of Performing Arts is fast approaching, with our Stage 2 Choir, Band, Stage 3 Dance and Senior Drama all making an appearance.

Tickets are on sale now and can be sourced at https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1412081

Congratulations Kylie Picot

Congratulations to Kylie Picot and the Vardys Road staff for being awarded the Secretary’s Award- Outstanding School Achievement, for the school’s work in writing a systematic and explicit Kindergarten to Year 6 mathematics program.

Kylie is one of the writers of this program and the school has been trialling and implementing these units of work for a number of years. Kylie’s extraordinary talent, expertise and levels of commitment are being recognised in over 250 schools, with the units now being used across the state. Most importantly the program is having a significant impact on our teaching of Mathematics... a huge achievement!

Have a happy and safe week,

Ian Short 
Principal

Orienteering

On Thursday 31st July, 20 of our fantastic Year 5 students braved the challenging conditions to participate in the Sydney West Orienteering Day. Our representatives were well behaved and appeared to enjoy the experience of challenging themselves in a relatively new sport to them and in a new environment. It was great learning experience for all who took part in the day.

Thank you to all the parents and carers who were able to take the time from their busy schedules to transport their children to the event. 

FUN AT THE FARM!

On Monday 11th August,  Kindergarten stepped onto a big bus and travelled to Calmsley Hill City Farm.
What a day!!                                                                                                                                         Thankfully the weather was extremely kind to us and the forecasted rain didn’t fall!

We went on a tour of the farm with our guide and learned all about the cows, sheep, pigs, birds and koalas. In the petting area, we even got to pat and hug the baby animals. A true highlight was a fun and bumpy tractor ride which took us around to the water holes. Almost everyone was very brave enough to help milk or pat a cow. After lunch we enjoyed watching 3 shows- the whip trick demonstration, where Mrs Davis showed her new talent of cracking the whip on all three of her attempts, the sheep dog show and a sheep shearing show. Kindy found the sheepdog quite funny, especially when he was having some trouble getting the sheep to listen to him. We were even able to take home some of Barrrrrney’s wool!

Kindy made sure they used their listening ears and made their teachers very proud while on their first, big excursion! They received lots of compliments from their farmer guides for their respectful behaviour. 

Below are Michael, Ellie and Bane’s favourite memories of the day:

I loved when Farmer Mackenzie bought out baby bunnies and we got to pat them. 

-Michael

I loved seeing the baby chicks. They reminded me of the ones we had in our classroom. 

-Ellie

I loved getting a turn to crack the whip! 

-Bane

Mrs Kelly's News

Book of the Week

Mr Duckin’s Chickens is a hilariously funny book for students from Year 2 through to Year 4.  
It is also good for children that are beginning their journey into reading chapter books.

The author Mick Elliot is coming to visit our school in 2 week’s time as well!

Larrikin Book Fair.
The Book Fair was a huge success! We had lots of families come to visit and we sold over $5000 worth of books. It is great to see that the Vardys Road community supports reading and our library. The school will receive a percentage of the money and this will go towards purchasing books for the library so that our students can grow their love of reading.

Colouring in and Bookmark Competition

In the lead up to Book Week the library is hosting a competition based on the Book Week theme - 'Book an Adventure'.

For grades K-2, a colouring-in sheet will be given to each student during their library time this week. Students can take it home, colour it in and return it to Mrs Kelly.

For grades 3-6, a bookmark template sheet will be given to each student during their library time this week. Students can take it home, design a bookmark and return it to Mrs Kelly.

One winner from each class will receive a small book prize and the overall best bookmark will be photocopied and given out to students during Book Week.

Author Visit

During Book Week, Mick Elliot is coming to visit our school. If you would like to purchase one of his books before the day, he will sign it for you. Just click here.

Book Character Parade

On Monday 25th August, there will be a Book Character Parade in the hall at 9:15am. Parents and Friends are welcome to come and watch while our students parade their costumes of their favourite book characters around the hall.

100 days = 100 books

Kindergarten came to the library on their 100 days of school to see what 100 books looks like.

They were all very impressed with so many books!

Premier’s Reading Challenge

The Premier’s Reading Challenge is coming to a close on 19th September. All students in grades K-2 will have their reading records updated by Mrs Kelly. All students in grades 3-6 will have the opportunity to update their own reading records with the support of Mrs Kelly, during their library lesson, before the due date.

If you would like to work on updating the reading record yourself you are welcome to go to the Premier’s Reading Challenge website and use your school username and password to gain access to the student section of the website.

All certificates for the PRC will be given out in Term 4. Gold Awards (4 years of PRC) will be handed out at our recess assemblies. Platinum Awards (7 years of PRC) will be handed out at the end of year Assembly.

This is a rewarding opportunity for all our students to demonstrate their reading journey over the year.

Chirping and Quacking with Excitement!

There’s been special excitement in Kindy over the past two weeks! Our baby chicks and ducks were delivered to school for the ‘Hatching Chicks’ program. Over the first week, classes visited the incubator to check on the eggs and slowly see them hatch. We ended up with 5 little chick friends and 3 ducklings.

When the chicks graduated from the incubator, they moved into the brooder box. This environment visited all Kindy rooms and students got to work alongside their new, little friends. A fun highlight was when students sat in a circle so the chicks could run around the room safely. For some students, this was exciting and scary all rolled into one! Giving them a little pat or hug was also very special.

It was also a great opportunity for students to see how the chicks moved and changed over time. Naming them was fun! Our chicks were called Oreo, Popcorn, Skittle, Cheezel and Marshmellow. The ducklings were named Waffles, Donut and Biscuit.

Seeing the process of hearing the little chirps, hatching from an egg and growing up in the brooder box has been a valuable, hands-on science activity- one our students won’t quickly forget!

Miss Anderson
Early Stage 1 Assistant Principal

TERM 3 K-6 ASSEMBLIES AND CLASS ITEMS

During Semester 1, we welcomed back class assembly items with fantastic performances from several of our Stage 1 and Stage 3 classes.

These engaging presentations will continue in Term 3 as part of our K–6 Assemblies, held at 2:10pm on Mondays in Weeks 7 and 10.

Our Term 3 Program:

Week 7 – 1 Mint and 4 Waratah

Week 10 – K Buttercup and 4 Scarlet 

SAVE THE DATE

VARDYS ROAD PUBLIC SCHOOL, ARE EXCITED TO CELEBRATE
DADS/GRANDADS, UNCLES, BROTHERS OR ANY OTHER SPECIAL PERSON IN OUR STUDENTS' LIVES

Friday 5^th SEPTEMBER 2025 AT 8:00AM TO 8:45AM

DONUT & JUICE PACKS: $8.00 PER EACH PERSON ATTENDING - CASH ONLY

WHERE: VARDYS ROAD PUBLIC SCHOOL-SCHOOL FIELDS/HALL COLA

2026 Kindergarten Information Evening

Monday, 1st September at 6:00 PM in the school hall.

We look forward to welcoming you!

From The Office

As we move into the heart of the school year, we’d like to thank all our families for staying engaged and supportive.

A friendly reminder to check your emails regularly for important updates, event information, and school notices.

Please continue to report absences promptly and keep your contact information up to date.

Warm regards,
Mrs Catalanotto, Mrs Anderson, Mrs Alonso and Miss Costa

Do you know someone eligible for Kindergarten in 2026?

Apply on-line now (through our website) for 2026!

Public Education Parent Information Evening

On Thursday 14th August a Parent Information Evening is being held at Lalor Park Public School. The session will focus on transition to school and support processes, with information being shared by different providers and principals from our local school network.

If you have a child starting school in the next few years and you have questions on how the systems, programs and policies of our public schools will support them, this session is perfect for you.

P&C News

Uniform Shop:

This term, the shop will be open during the following days and times:

• Mondays: 8:30am - 9:30am
• Tuesdays: 2:15pm - 3:15pm
• Thursdays: 9:00am - 10:00am
• Fridays: 2:20pm - 3:20pm  

Online ordering is always available, 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):
https://www.vrpspc.org.au/s/shop  

Events/Fundraising:

Calling All Heroes: Volunteers Needed for Our Epic Events This Term! 🚀

We have a jam-packed term full of amazing fundraising events, and we need YOU to help make them unforgettable! Whether you're a seasoned event pro or new to the scene, we’ve got a spot for you.

Bunnings BBQ – Sunday 31^st August

We’re excited to announce that Bunnings Seven Hills has offered us a spot for a fundraising BBQ on Sunday, 31st August and we need your help to make it a sizzling success!

The BBQ will run from 8:00am to 4:00pm, with setup and pack-up before and after. Funds raised will go directly toward classroom resources for our students.

We’re calling for volunteers to help run the BBQ, prepare sandwiches, and manage sales. Shifts will start at 7:00am and end at 5:00pm and will run for 1.5 hours, you’re more than welcome to stay longer if you're available.

Sign up for a shift here.

Can't spare the time? You can still support us by donating BBQ supplies, such as napkins, sauces, or other essentials. If you'd like to help in this way, contact us on team@vrpspc.org.au and we'll send you the list of required items.

Every bit of support be it time, supplies, or simply spreading the word helps make a difference.

Thank you in advance for being part of this great community event!

Father’s Day Stall – Tuesday 2^nd September  

Father's Day this year is celebrated on Sunday September 7th and our traditional P&C Father's Day stall will again be providing your children with an opportunity to shop for a gift.

We have pre-purchased a range of suitable options from various sources that students can choose from. The children are always excited and have a feeling of independence when choosing something special for their loved one(s).

Date: Tuesday 2nd September

Note: there will be an opportunity for students to purchase gifts on Thursday 4th September 8.30am to 9.30am if they were absent or were unable to on the Tuesday.

Cost: $5 per gift, $1 for cards, $1 for gift bag

We are also looking for volunteers to help run the store on Tuesday 2^nd September 2025. Sign up here.

SAVE  THE DATE!

Spring Twilight Markets are coming to Vardys Road Public School on Friday 12th September 2025!

As the golden hour rolls in and spring scents dance in the air, the Spring Twilight Market springs to life on Friday, 12th September! Join us from late afternoon into the evening for a vibrant gathering of food trucks, handcrafted market stalls, and that one-of-a-kind twilight charm. 

Bring your friends, your appetite, and your sense of wonder—you’ll find everything from food stalls and sweet treats to handmade treasures by local creatives. Whether you're hunting for the perfect gift or just craving a delicious bite under the stars, don’t miss your chance to experience this one-night-only spring celebration — because moments like these only come once. 

✨ Entry is free. Joy is guaranteed. 

Applications are now open for stallholders interested in joining our vibrant Spring Twilight Market. If you have something unique to showcase, we'd love to hear from you. 

Contact fundraising@vrpspc.org.au for any enquiries.

End of Term 3 BBQ and School Disco – Wednesday 24^th September

This fun filled event is back again for another year.

We will be organising a BBQ dinner in between the two discos. Parents will have the opportunity to also purchase for themselves as well as their children. Call out for volunteers will occur soon.

P&C Meetings

The P&C met this week on Monday 11^th August. Thank you to all who attended in person or online. 

At the meeting we discussed the following:

• Positions vacant:
  Secretary – no nominations were received

• There are lots of upcoming events for Term 3, including the Bunnings BBQ, Father’s Day Stall, Spring Twilight Markets and School Disco & BBQ – we'll need assistance from lots of volunteers to help make these events successful.
• Exciting news – we have been successful with our grant application to fund the re-surfacing of the school netball courts!
• We trialled a new method for voting on items at P&C meetings, which worked well and will continue to be used for future meetings.
• Mr Short gave updates about what has been happening at the school and what is coming up.
• Questions and issues discussed included Spelling Bee, Premier’s Reading Challenge, and Department of Education website platform updates.

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. 

P&C Role Vacancies:

We still have 1 volunteer role vacancy, which is a crucial one for keeping the P&C running, so currently the elected members are sharing the responsibilities on top of their elected roles, which is difficult to sustain.

Please consider whether you'd have the time and organisational skills to make this important contribution to our school community. See the Roles & Responsibilities document for more details, but here's a summary of what's involved:

       P&C Secretary – Responsible for the day-to-day organisation of the P&C, including: 

• checking the Team email account
• following the meeting schedule for requesting agenda items, preparing meeting papers, and recording the minutes 
• maintaining the member register and volunteer register
• assisting other P&C roles with documentation if needed, e.g. to notify our insurance company in preparation for P&C events. Note: there are templates and processes set up to help streamline these tasks. 

Please contact team@vrpspc.org.au to express interest in, or to ask questions about this role. 

Canteen FlexiSchools

• Online Ordering – By FlexiSchools App or Online FlexiSchools.com.au
• Ordering Times
• Same-Day Orders must be placed by 9:00am
• Late Orders – Limited Menu:
• Recess closes at 8:30am
• Lunch closes at 10:30am

Recess Orders (Morning Tea)

• Select Recess when placing your order.
• Students must collect orders from the canteen window marked "Express Order Collection" at 1st break.
  

Lunch Orders (Main Break)

• Select Lunch when ordering.
• Orders will be delivered in class baskets and handed out by teachers.
• Our staff separates orders to ensure each child receives their food at the correct break time.

Future Orders

• Orders can be placed the night before, or days/weeks in advance.
• If your child is absent: Cancel the order in the FlexiSchools App, or
• Text or phone Healthy Canteens on 0405 219 242 before 10:00am.
• FlexiSchools does not allow search by Order Number.

Please include:

School Name
Child’s Full Name
Class
"Please cancel today's order"
We are unable to “hold” or change the supply date of orders.
Refunds will be returned to your FlexiSchools account within 24 hours. Orders placed in advance are secure, even during app or system issues.

After Late Menu Closes

• If no order was placed:
• An emergency lunch will be provided (Vegemite/Jam/Cheese Sandwich, Popcorn & Water or Popper).
• Call Healthy Canteens on 0405 219 242 with credit card details.
• Contact the school office to send your child to the "Express Order Collection" window.
  

Over-the-Counter Orders (Before School)
Cash only – please send as close to correct money in small notes if possible
Accepted before school each morning at the canteen.

Items NOT Delivered in Class Baskets

The following items must be collected by students at the Cantens "Collect Orders Here" window:

• Cup of Noodles
• Hot Chocolate
• Jelly / Mousse
• Ice Blocks
• Frozen Juice Cups

Students collecting pre-ordered items do not line up with other purchasers.

Over-the-Counter Purchases (Recess & Lunch)
Cash purchases available for a limited selection of hot food, snacks, and drinks.
Pre-ordering is strongly recommended to avoid disappointment.

Healthy Canteens: 0405 219 242 – for all food and order related enquiries and changes.
Please do not phone the School Office, they cannot put you through to the canteen.
Our Office Staff are dedicated to helping you, letting our canteen staff prepare all students orders in a timely manner.

FlexiSchools Support: www.flexischools.com.au - PH : 1300 361 769 For App and money enquiries

Recipe of the Week

Spinach and Cheese Pides

Ingredients

Pide

• 450 grams plain flour
• 1 tablespoon dry yeast
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 250 ml body temp lukewarm water
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 2 teaspoons salt
  

Filling 

• 1 leek or onion finely sliced
• 125 grams spinach finely chopped
• 1 cup ricotta
• 1 egg
• 1 cup cheddar

Method

Step 1

Put the dough ingredients into a stand mixer or food processor and mix until a uniform elastic dough is formed (5 minutes in the mixer)

Step 2

Place the dough in an oiled bowl and set aside in a warm location for 30 minutes to rise. Cover with a tea towel. It's ready when it has doubled in size

Step 3
Cut the dough into 8 (for large pides) or 16 (for lunchbox size) equal portions

Step 4
Roll into balls (don't knock them back too much). Place them on a floured chopping board and cover with a damp tea towel. Rise for 20 minutes more

Step 5
Preheat oven to 200C

Step 6
In a medium sized fry pan over medium heat, cook the leeks until soft, with a little olive oil

Step 7
Combine the leek, cheeses, spinach and egg in a bowl and mix well

Step 8
Flatten the dough balls to make an oval, then roll out flat with a rolling pin

Step 9
Fold in the sides with your fingers to make a ridge and pinch the tops together

Step 10
Put them on a lined baking tray and top with the cheese mixture. Bake at 200C for 20 minutes.

Step 11
Remove from the oven and transfer to wire racks to cool.

Thought of the Week