27th October
A NOTE FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Welcome back
Term 4 has begun with a bang! Almost every year group have been on an excursion over the last three weeks, making it a fun start to the term. Kindergarten visited Golden Ridge Animal Farm where they held and learnt about a range of cute animals, including ducklings, chickens and rabbits. They even milked a cow! For the first time, our Year 3 and 4 students attended the Powerchair World Cup at Homebush where they cheered on the athletes with great excitement and enthusiasm. Our eldest cohort of students attended the Great Aussie Bush Camp and by all accounts our students worked well encouraging their peers (and teachers) as they pushed personal boundaries and bravely conquered challenging activities. Well done to all and thank you to our staff who took time away from their personal lives to ensure that our students were well cared for.
Kindergarten Transition
This year, we have introduced an Enrolment Interview with myself and Mr Ben Dixon, our Assistant Principal who will be the executive on Kindergarten in 2024. The interviews have been well attended by our soon-to-be youngest students and their families, and have been a huge success. It has been a wonderful opportunity to establish positive connections with our new families, connect with our existing parents and carers, and mostly importantly getting to know our Kindergarten 2024 students. This initiative will further enhance our transition program and foster a sense of belonging for these children and establish positive partnerships with our parent community.
Kindergarten Orientation begins next week, beginning with a school tour and parent information session followed by four orientation sessions for our students. We know that this model works best for our students as we observe who they work and play well with and how we can best cater for their individual needs next year.
Another new initiative this year that we are trialling is a parent and carer morning tea which will be held during the final orientation session in order for our parents to meet other parents. We know that the opportunity for our families to meet over the last few years of restrictions has been limited and has had an impact on the overall sense of connection to our school community. We anticipate that our Kinder transition program will result in a smooth transition for our kinder students and their families as we welcome them to Sherwood Ridge.
SPA Clubs
You might have heard your child talk about our SPA Clubs and wondered what they are. In order to foster wellbeing and to facilitate social and emotional development, we have various clubs on offer for students K-6 to attend during lunch times each day, including sport, technology, creative arts, board games and puzzles. We know that some students find making friends and socialising difficult. By joining a club they meet peers with similar interests and are more likely to make a positive connection with them. It helps students learn to play and cooperate with others under the guidance of a staff member or even an older student.
Some SPA clubs are led by our Stage 3 students, providing a leadership opportunity for them. Our Wellbeing Mentor, Mrs Misela has organised bright green vests for these student leaders to wear so that they stand out in the playground. Look out for the School App announcements of which SPA Clubs are on offer each day and encourage your child to give them a go.
Zen Den
We also have a Zen Den where our deputy principals Mrs Blacker and Mrs Bryant work alongside students who might need mentorship, support or a break from the big playground spaces in a safe environment. Teachers can recommend students attend the Zen Den. This program is slowly gaining momentum and popularity.
Social Skills Program
Our Wellbeing Mentor Mrs Misela has organised for two social skills groups for our Stage 3 students to mentor some of our Stage 1 students twice a week. The focus is on developing team-building skills as well as social skills to support and strengthen positive behaviour choices. It is a win-win initiative, benefiting the older student and the younger student.
Grandparents and Friends Day
Yesterday we held our annual Grandparents and Friends Day and it was fabulous to see our students share their classrooms and learning with their loved ones. It truly is one of my favourite events on the school calendar.
World Teachers’ Day
Today is World Teachers’ Day when Australians will celebrate the teaching profession. We started it the right way by providing our dedicated staff with a cooked breakfast.
Let’s celebrate Australia’s teachers for their skilled work in educating, inspiring and supporting our students. Hats off to teachers this World Teachers’ Day!
Share your “hats off” selfie to celebrate teachers and tell us what they mean to you. This is your chance to join Australia in celebrating teachers. You can show your appreciation by posting a “hats off” selfie on social media, either on your own or with family or friends. Grab your hat – beret, beanie, bucket, bowler – and remember to tag #WorldTeachersDay
Alternatively, write an email to the school to thank your child’s teacher, add a comment on our School Facebook page or pop by the school and take the time to thank our talented and dedicated teachers for all that they do for our students, public education and Sherwood Ridge community.
A huge thank you to our P&C for recognising this important day and for their gift to our staff of a coffee, cold drink and a snack.
Kind regards,
Mrs Jody Sullivan
Principal
K-2 Assembly Badge Recipient Lists – Issued Week 2
Green | Kayla K K/1W, Jack B KLM, Toby R KLM – Issued Week 10 Term 3 Zoe R KLM, Allen D KK, Marcelo S KK, Vihaan B KBC, Hamish K KBC |
Red | Savreen K K/1W, Kai L K/1W, Christian L K/1W, Lena T K/1W, Amaara A 1S, Alira M 1S, Charlie G 1S, Ilyaas S 1S - Issued Week 10 Term 3 Jackson H 1S, Noah T 2N, Blake L 2N, Eva Q 2A, NFP 1V, Suzie H 1V, Ryan P 1V, Evany M 1V, Diana L 1V |
Blue | Sidd R 2T, Thomas B 2N, Lily L 2A, Mia C 2N, James J 2N - Issued Week 10 Term 3 Aydin K 2N, Lincoln R 2E, Sartaaj S 2E, Zayn L 2N |
White | |
Bronze | |
Silver | |
Gold |
3-6 Assembly Badge Recipient Lists - – Issued Week 2
Green | Elma Z 3C, Kayal K 4B,Kingsly L 5/6A, Zane D 3/4M |
Red | Aava S 3S, Ashley C 3/4M, Ishaan B 3C, Krystal J 4B, Bianca J SR |
Blue | Mason C 3C, Mya K 4B, Charlotte K 3S, Aayansh S 3S, Emma L 3A, Harris L 3A, Charlie F SJ, Prince L SJ, Austin C 3A |
White | Arjun T 5S, Zarif I 3S, Ibrahim A 3C, Dzaky A 5D, Vaanya M 3/4M, Amyra B 3/4M, Mattia A 3/4M, John H 4R, Charles S 3C, Ankang Z 3C |
Bronze | Noah P 5R, Justin L 6T, Georgi G 3C, Varsha S 3/4M, Allen C 5/6A, Jenson T 4R, Liam B 3S, Leeroy Z 3/4M, Aditi P 4L |
Silver | Jennifer W 4B, Oliver C 5S, Samantha C 4B, Amelie B 4B, Kayden C 4B, Charlotte C 4R, |
Gold | Cooper B 6T, Piper HC 6T, Callum Q 5/6A, Tillie J 4R |
K-2 Merit Award Recipient Lists
Class | |
KBC | Sabyasachi G, Milana T, Luke W – Issued Week 10 Daud H, Ryan M, Emily W |
KK | Anaya N, Carina N, Alexa P – Issued Week 10 Callen B, Phoenix D, Zoyah K |
KLM | Michael B, Ashley L, Sia J – Issued Week 10 |
K/1W | Savreen K, Freddie D, Olivia O – Issued Week 10 Style Q, Ishaan K, Raevyn H |
1S | |
1K | Rishi R, Armaan S, Elsie P, Matthew X |
1V | Max R, Evany M, Lorelai H – Issued Week 10 Suzie H, Kayseri B, Hamza W |
2A | Isaac J, Ryan H, Kaylee H, Lily L – Issued Week 10 Rhys C, Finn C, Santino T, Adriana T |
2E | Jet C, Kiefer W, James S, Kavin K, Kashvi S |
2N | Mia C, Jonah M, Zayne S, Amelia B – Issued Week 10 Mahi B, Blake L, Noah T, Ashleigh H |
2T | Luca P, Sidd R, Kai W, Bella W– Issued Week 10 Yasmin B, Kitana S, Rocco B, Chloe H |
SBL | Fateh S, NFP – Issued Week 10 Dre T, Ghaniyah M |
SJ |
3-6 Merit Award Recipient Lists
Class | |
3C | Ariana D, Trystan Z, Tinoush S, Charles S |
3A | Oliver H, Hannah C, Austin C, Gabriella D |
3S | NFP, Anaaya P, Andy C, Aayansh A |
3/4M | |
4B | Turner T, Miraya P, Rohan M, Abigail D |
4L | Jimin S, Prithvi R, NFP, Elvin D |
4R | NFP, Tillie J, John H, Chloe W |
5D | Emma L, Nicky D, Noah C, Sasha G |
5R | Ella H, Cyrus D, Sianna C, Breeti M |
5S | Tan T, Yuna J, Oliver C, William B |
5/6A | Kingsley L, Aleena C, Callum Q, Audrey S |
6MB | |
6G | |
6T | Ethan H, Zara S, Cadence C, Tiara P |
SJ | |
SR | Bianca J, Zac M |
SBL |
Caught You Being Good
Kindergarten Caught You Being Good
Jack B KLM, Toby R KLM, Melody C KK, Aavya A KBC, Zayn S K1/W – Issued Week 10
Rishi I KBC, Sia J KLM, Matteo P KLM, Allan D KK, Arsha S KK
Stage 1 Caught You Being Good
Lily LR 2A, Sophia B 2A, JP 2A, Bella C 27, Arlo T 2T, Jayden L 1K, Ryan P 1V, Christian L K1/W, NFP 1V, Ayden C 1K – Issued Week 10
Jacob B 1K, Billy R 1S, Holly S 2A, Arlo T 2T, Jet C 2E, NFP 1V, May L 1S, NFP 2E, Rachel C K/1W, Skylah P 2N, Samar K SBL
Stage 2 Caught You Being Good
Noah L SJ, Bianca J SR, Krystal J 4B, Leo V 4B, Samantha C 4B, Tashmika P 4B, Zac M 4B, NFP 3S, Aahil C 3S, Ivy S 3S, Xavier S-G 3S, Nelisa U 3S, NFP 4R, Ryan T 4R, Elyssa S 4R, Tarra E 4R, Imran N 4R, Prithvi R 4L, Kabeer K 4L, Willow P 4L, Elvin D 4L, Kristian T 4L
Stage 3 Caught You Being Good
Angela L 5/6A, Will B 5S, Kaira M 5S, Dzaky A 5D, Angel Q 5D, Shanaya S 5R, Clara M 6G, Jacob L 6T, Cristiano T 6T, Declan Z 6MB
FROM THE TEACHERS
Celebr8 with Motiv8
We are excited that Motiv8 will again be visiting our school to help celebrate 2023. The energetic Motv8 staff will be on hand to guide our students through a range of challenges, activities, games and fun. These fun days will take place across week 9. Make sure you have paid and signed permission for your child to come through our Schoolbytes App.
Merryl Blacker
K-2 Deputy
2023 Parents in Learning: Tell Them From Me Surveys
This Term, our school will be participating in the Partners in Learning parent survey, another part of the Tell Them From Me suite of surveys (student, teacher and parent surveys) on student engagement. The survey asks parents and carers questions about different factors that are known to impact on student wellbeing and engagement.
Running this survey will help our school understand parents’ and carers’ perspectives on their child’s experience at school. These include: communication between parents/carers and staff, activities and practices at home and parent/carer views on the school's support of learning and behaviour. This valuable feedback will help our school make practical improvements.
The survey is conducted entirely online on smartphones, iPads, tablets, laptops or computers. The survey will typically take 15 minutes or less to complete and is completely confidential. The parent survey will be conducted the next few weeks up until Friday 3 November. Although participating in the survey is entirely voluntary, your responses are very much appreciated.
We would really appreciate if you could take some time to complete the Tell Them From Me Survey.
The survey can be completed on the following link:
Alternatively, the survey can be accessed through the following QR code:
Many thanks for your ongoing support,
Merryl Blacker
Deputy Principal
Selective High School Applications Open
Selective high schools provide a learning environment designed for academically gifted and high potential students. They help students learn by:
- Grouping them with other gifted students
- Using specialised teaching methods so students can learn at a quicker pace and in more detail
- Supporting their unique wellbeing needs
Most students in selective high schools enjoy learning more when their classmates have similar abilities and interests. Research shows that students benefit both academically and socially from the learning environment in selective high schools. Selective high schools are unzoned so you can apply no matter where you live.
Where are they located?
There are 47 selective high schools for Year 7 entry in NSW with:
- 17 selective high schools
- 25 partially selective high schools
- 4 agricultural selective high schools (3 that offer boarding)
- Aurora College, for rural and remote students available in 182 authorised host schools.
Check the selective high school map to find one near you. Or look up the selective high schools list.
Is a selective high school the right fit for my child?
If your child learns quickly, asks complex questions, has a good memory or is intensely focused in their area of interest, then a selective high school might be a great fit. Discuss the opportunity with your child and look through the information together on Selective high schools – Year 7 and in the new student resource hub.
Fair and equitable access
The Equity Placement Model helps make access fairer for more high potential students in our community.
We know that some students may be missing out because they experience educational disadvantage.
Under the Model, up to 20% of student places at each selective high school are held for:
- students from low socio-educational advantage backgrounds
- Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students
- students from rural and remote locations
- students with disability.
These students can be offered a place if their test performance is within 10% of the lowest general applicant first-round offer for the school. Learn more at Equity Placement Model.
The application process
Complete the online application. Applications opened on Monday 9 October.
Applications close on 20 November 2023.
Once the application has been submitted and processed your child will be allocated to a test centre to sit the Selective High School Placement Test on 9 May 2024. Selective high school places are offered based on students’ test performance (academic merit). Learn more about the placement process and the placement test at Selective high schools and opportunity classes.
Ready to apply?
Further information
Contact the Selective Education Unit
Placement of students in selective high schools in Year 7 is administered by the Selective Education Unit.
The SHS and OC schools’ site has a messaging feature that you can use to send and receive messages from the Unit at any time (Designated principal's DoE login is required).
Email: ssu@det.nsw.edu.au
Telephone: 1300 880 367.
The preferred way for parents to contact the Selective Education Unit is by sending messages through their application dashboard.
Greg Luther
Stage 3 Assistant Principal
Stage 1 Fri-Yay Student Voice
On Friday 8 September, Stage 1 students, teachers, parents and carers joined together for another Fri-Yay event. Here are some of the students' thoughts and feelings about their participation.
- I enjoyed:
- playing games with my Mum and my Dad.
- cutting and doing the hundreds chart puzzle because it was fun and challenging
- The best thing about FriYay is:
- playing with our parents at school.
- we get to spend time with our parents at school.
- Term 2 FriYay was better because:
- it was more fun and had better games.
- Term 3 FriYay was better because:
- there were lots of people and I had fun.
- If there was another FriYay, I…
- would show my parents the artworks and maybe even do some.
- would like to go to other classes to play with their parents.
- I wish…
- there were more activities.
- my parents could come but I know they are busy at work.
Student Agency
As part of our school's Strategic Improvement Plan we are committed to giving our students the opportunity to have a voice and share their thoughts on different things we do here at SRPS. Some of our Stage 2 students recently spent some time discussing their opinions about the week 9 FriYay events.
- Last week for FriYay:
- We made Pasta Towers.
- We enjoyed making spaghetti towers with friends and family, getting awards from our mum and dads and working as a team.
- The best thing about FriYay:
- We got to work as a team, it was really fun and it was competitive. Also, we won because the tallest tower would get a Sherwood Star and our team had the tallest tower.
- We get to work on our teamwork.
- Family came and made towers with us and you got to be in a group with friends. We also worked as a team.
- I enjoyed:
- Friyay and having the parents and carers over to do fun activities.
- That we made really cool spaghetti towers and we competed against other teams with 2-6 people in them.
- If there was another FriYay:
- I would make another castle out of spaghetti.
- I would include some family members to pick some games or activities.
Stage 2 Excursion to the Powerchair Football World Cup 2023
Stage 2 had a brilliant time at the 2023 Powerchair Football World Cup event at Homebush during Week 2.
Our students supported all participating nations enthusiastically, with some nation support groups being so appreciative that they offered our students flags, wrist bands, hats and face paint.
The atmosphere was phenomenal, the matches competitive and the athletes inspirational.
The largest support was of course given to our Australian Poweroos who we were lucky enough to see stage a wonderful comeback to draw their match against the tough Japanese opposition 1-1.
SPA Club Information & Updates
Supported / Structured Play Area (SPA) Clubs have been embraced by our school community, been highly attended, student-led and demonstrate student voice at Sherwood Ridge.
During Term 3, each leader was presented with a green SPA LEADER vest to wear whilst leading their Club. These vests ensure our leaders are highly visible for all students. Thank you to Miss Speechley for adding our finishing touches.
With another successful term of SPA Clubs at Sherwood Ridge, the Term 3 SPA leaders received their certificate of appreciation at the 3-6 Assembly this week.
So far this year we have been able to provide the following SPA Clubs to support our students in developing and mastering their social and emotional learning skills and strategies:
- K-2 Developmental Play
- Art Club
- Drawing & Puzzles Club
- Dance Club
- Calm Club
- Skipping & Hula Hoops
- Gardening Club
- Handball Club
- Soccer Club
- Comic Book & Character Designing Club
- Thinking Games & Rubik’s Cube Club
- Board Games Club
- Yoga Club
- Chess Club
- Life Tracing & Drawing Club
- Art & Craft Club
- Warhammer Alliance
- Minecraft Club
- Digging & Construction Club
- Writing Club
- Netball Skills & Shooting Club
- Snakes & Ladder / Chess Club
- Nature Sketching Club
- Lego Club
- Uno / Numero Club
- Fun Sports Games Club
- Abstract Art & Drawing Club
- Zen Den (operates from the Learning Centre)
During Term 4, we have even more dedicated members of our school’s student leadership team, including some of our Stage 2 aspiring leaders, organising and leading a variety of activities and experiences across the school.
If you would like to see which experiences are being offered this term, please click the timetable link below.
On behalf of the PBL team, I would like to thank all of our aspiring school leaders, including our Year 2 Sporting House Leaders and House Captains, for their dedication and commitment to this initiative.
Mrs Greer Misela
Well-being Mentor
2024 Kindergarten Orientation
We are excited to be welcoming our newest learners to Sherwood Ridge Public School over the next few weeks.
Wednesday 1 November
4:30pm School Tour for Parents
5:00pm Parent Information Session
We have 4 Orientation sessions over 4 Thursdays to help our Kindy students settle into big school.
These sessions will take place on Thursday 2, 9, 16 and 23 November. If you have a school aged child and you are yet to enrol them, please do so ASAP by contacting our School Office.
Merryl Blacker
K-2 Deputy
Saver Plus
Saver Plus is funded by ANZ and the Australian Government Department of Social Services. This not-for-profit program aims to help eligible participants with free online financial education workshops and $500 matched savings for education costs such as laptop, uniforms, books, sports equipment, excursions, etc. The program started in 2003 and has helped more than 58,000 Australians.
Program eligibility criteria include:
- be studying OR have a child in school (can be starting school next year)
- have a current Health Care or Pensioner Concession Card and eligible Centrelink payment
- have regular income from work (either yourself or your partner)* or other income
- be 18+ years old
- Never completed Saver Plus in the past
*Please note that Saver Plus accepts Child Support Payment, Carer payment, as well as employment and casual payment in the income criteria
Some program details and eligibility criteria can be founded at
The Year 6 Mini Fete
The Year 6 Mini Fete is just around the corner on Tuesday 7 November. Remember to save your pocket money for an afternoon of fun, food, and festivities!
If you are in K-5 now is the time for any donations of new or pre-loved children's books and novels, games, toys, DVDs, etc.
Students in Year 6 are also encouraged to bring a case of soft drink cans in as well.
All donations should go via the classroom teacher.
Thank you in advance for your generosity towards our wonderful year 6 students.
Safety on Wheels
School Student Travel
Students not returning in 2024
It is that time of year where we are making decisions regarding school structures for 2024. If your child is in Kindergarten - Year 5 in 2023 and not returning to Sherwood Ridge Public School in 2024, please advise via the below email address. Please also include the school that your child will be attending in 2024.
sherwood-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au
Being safe @ SRPS
Pedestrian Safety
Stop! Look! Listen! Think! every time you cross the road
Always hold a grown-up’s hand
When a grown-up’s hand is not available, hold a pram, bag or their clothes
Always cross the road with a grown-up
Hold a grown-up’s hand when you cross the road
Hold a grown-up’s hand when you’re on the footpath
Hold a grown-up’s hand when you’re in a car park
Use a safe place to cross the road
P&C NEWS & OTHER GOOD STUFF TO KNOW
SHERWOOD RIDGE PUBLIC SCHOOL P&C FACEBOOK PAGE
Please like our official P&C page on FB... a great way to know what is going on at our school and keep up to date with news and views from other parents and members of the school community.
The new P & C executive for 2023 are:
President: Leanne Hagerty
Vice President: Vacant
Treasurer: Kathryn Pollastrini
Secretary: Corinne Keane
2nd hand uniform Coordinator: Nicole Susic
UNIFORM SHOP INFORMATION
After a couple of months planning, we are delighted to announce the launch of our newly redesigned uniform shop.
We hope you like the fresh new look to the website, and the simplified shops that will allow you to shop for our child with ease, find the latest news updates and find answers to all your questions in our FAQs section.
Email: SRPS@valourschools.com.au
Phone: 02 9651 3711
TRADING HOURS - NOVEMBER
Dear Parents and Carers,
Please be advised that the Uniform shop will be open the following days in November:
- Thursday 2 November - 8:30am - 10:45am
- Thursday 8 November - 8:30am - 10:45am
- Thursday 16 November - 8:30am - 10:45am
It will continue to be open on Monday afternoons as per normal, 2:00-3:30pm and will return to Wednesday trading on Wednesday 22 November.
The uniform shop will be closed on the following dates:
- Wednesday 25 October
- Wednesday 1 November
- Wednesday 8 November
- Wednesday 15 November
If you wish to place an order online this can be done on their website:
SCHOOL CROSSING SUPERVISOR – ST MICHAEL’S PRIMARY SCHOOL BAULKHAM HILLS
St Michael’s Primary currently have a position available for a School Crossing Supervisor, please see link for details.
THE HILLS SHIRE COUNCIL PARKING PENALTIES & RULES
The Hills Chinese School
The Hills Chinese school have returned to face to face classes at Sherwood Ridge Public School.
For any enquiries or enrolments please contact Mary Yan Li - Principal - 0411 085 882.
Hills Community Aid
Hills Community Aid is here for you!
At this time we are practicing physical distancing while encouraging social inclusion.
We are providing over the phone, email and video support for a range of our services.
If you would like to speak with one of our staff please call and leave a message on our answering service (02) 9639 8620 or email and a member of staff will be in contact.
Follow our Facebook page to stay up to date with our social support services
EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS
Lifeline 13 11 14
Kids Helpline 1800 551 800
Link2Home 1800 152 152
DV Support Service 1800 737 732
Beyond Blue 1300 224 636
MensLine Australia 1300 789 978
COVID-19 Helpline 1800 020 080
The Hills Community Aid and Information Service Inc.
390 Windsor Road, BAULKHAM HILLS NSW 2153
Phone: 02 9639 8620 Office hours 9.30am – 3.00pm
Fax: 02 9686 3100