8 December 2023
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A NOTE FROM THE PRINCIPAL
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SHERWOOD RIDGE AWARDS
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FROM THE TEACHERS
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FROM THE LIBRARY
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STUDENTS NOT RETURNING IN 2024
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SAFETY ON WHEELS
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THE SCHOOL STUDENT TRAVEL
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PRIMARY ETHICS
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HINDU SCRIPTURE SCHOOL PROGRAM
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SCHOOL BAND
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COOL KIDS MUSIC
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P&C NEWS & OTHER GOOD STUFF TO KNOW
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UNIFORM SHOP INFORMATION
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THE HILLS SHIRE COUNCIL PARKING PENALTIES & RULES
A NOTE FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Over the past two weeks, we have held annual special presentation ceremonies, hosted final assemblies and important events. It has been an opportunity to celebrate achievement, reward effort, showcase talent and farewell our senior students. As this is the final edition of the newsletter, it is so important to pause and reflect on the year that’s been and to share success with our community. Collectively, we have made significant gains in whole school excellence in 2023, across a range of elements. Earlier in the year we were Externally Validated by the Department of Education and through this process our strengths were highlighted and our areas for improvement identified. I am proud to say that we have shifted significantly as a school, demonstrating progress that we haven’t seen in many years, achieving 90% of our school targets and progress measures in our school plan. This is commendable and needs to be highlighted and celebrated.
At Sherwood Ridge PS we are committed to our school vision, one that speaks of being inclusive where wellbeing and student growth is at the centre of all that we do. A vision where we partner with parents and carers to ensure that our students are engaged and learning. Evidence of our commitment to this vision are our many community events at which we have seen a dramatic increase in attendance by our parents and carers. Several new initiatives this year in the area of community were introduced, including - FriYays and the Kindergarten Enrolment Interviews. Both were hugely successful in sharing learning and also providing opportunity for connections to be made between families. We know that relationships underpin children’s feelings about school. Research shows that engaging parents and carers in their child’s education at school leads to better educational and wellbeing outcomes. This sense of belonging and connectedness is dear to my heart and something that I am passionate about for our school community. At our school our staff work tirelessly to ensure that each student learns, grows and belongs.
What a year we’ve had, nurturing student potential and supporting their academic, social and emotional growth. Our students have shown their talents in a range of avenues including, sports carnivals and performing arts festivals, science fairs and maths days. One experience that they will remember for many years to come was our Channel 7 visit when we were broadcast across Australia on television. The whole nation were able to witness our strong sense of community. Such a sense of excitement it brought to our school.
Every student brings to school with them a different set of experiences, knowledge and skills. It didn’t take us long to work out who our Kindergarten students are and to see how very capable they can be as learners. It has been absolutely wonderful to see them grow throughout the year, making friends with one another and connecting with their Year 6 Buddies. As our youngest learners, they began the year with only being able to tell us some sounds that letters make and maybe being able to write their name. Now, they have proven that they are more than ready for Year 1 because not only can they write their own name, but they can write a perfect sentence. Through reading number picture books, subitising with bead kebabs and counting bugs and bus wheels, our Kindergarten students have engaged in the new Maths syllabus. Their teachers have noticed how clever they are with numbers and the connections they make to the world. As Mrs Brodie says maths is everywhere and our students clearly know this. They have had some fun events in their first year of school, none more exciting than a visit to the farm where cows were milked and chickens were held. We celebrated 100 days of Kindergarten, ever so happy for our youngest learners as they reached this milestone.
With daily sounds, rhyming and reading lessons from their teachers, Year 1 students have become great readers with 7% additional growth to that of their peers last year. Their teachers tell me that they absolutely love learning in maths. Classroom games such as Minute to Win It and Garbage have helped them to understand place value and the 5 counting principles. No longer the youngest in the school, Year 1 have thrived in the classroom, delighting teachers with their energy and enthusiasm. They’ve learnt about local places, developed mapping skills and discussed Aboriginal peoples’ connection to Country. They’ve learnt so much this year, showing their individual strengths and interests.
For our Year 2 students, working with friends and peers in groups has been a large part of their learning experience this year. In Science they explored force and learnt about the physical world through push and pull activities. Following class work on reading comprehension strategies, reading for meaning and building fluency, 92% of our Year 2 students achieved growth from Term 1 to Term 4 in the PAT Reading test. They have worked extra hard in literacy. These students have shown their teachers that they are well and truly ready for Year 3 with 88% of them making huge improvements in their PAT maths scores since the beginning of the year. They’ve had some fun events as well, such as an excursion to Rouse Hill Estate for history. Each week I’ve witnessed their growing maturity and strong leadership skills, showing how grown up they are now and more than ready for Year 3 next year.
After fundraising with the P&C in 2022, it has been an absolute joy for the whole school community to see our students in our support unit enjoy their new playground space this year. They have shown us how committed they are to learning. Through a focus in class on comprehension they demonstrated improvement in describing and recalling details of what they read, as well as being like little detectives finding nouns and verbs in their reading. Always keen in maths, they have shown enjoyment in investigating patterns with numbers, shapes and even music. They had such fun at The Shine Shed, exploring the space using their bodies in new ways. I’ve watched each of our support unit students develop and mature over the year and more recently felt so proud of those of you who host assemblies for their peers. This year, for the first time, some of our support unit students ventured outside of the school gates and into our community, with visits to the local park and Kellyville Plaza demonstrating improved communication skills and independence. These experiences provided them with the opportunity to apply their developing maths skills to the real world with the use of money. They have all come so far and I look forward to witnessing their continued growth next year.
Our Year 3 students have had a year-long focus on making predictions in reading and comprehension strategies in reading groups, where they have demonstrated success. Their reading check-in assessment results completed earlier this term show that a large percentage of students are scoring higher than the state average. In maths, our school’s Year 3 Check-in test results are 6% above state average, which is fabulous. These students are particularly skilful in the Statistics and Probability strand with over 86% of these questions answered correctly. In addition to literacy and numeracy, our Year 3 students have been learning about animals, plants and environments which widened their perspective and broadened their knowledge about their place in the world. The research work that was completed on koalas was both informative and inspirational. They have had several exciting events this year, including attending the Powerchair World Cup at Homebush where their enthusiasm, respect and support at this event warmed the hearts of their teachers and showed us how mature they have become. With a new-found love of extra-curricular activities, we have watched with delight as our Year 3 students embraced all aspects of school life this year.
Our Year 4 students have had a greater voice in their learning this year, more than any other year before. Working collaboratively with their peers as they strive to achieve their learning goals. As a year group, they have worked very hard on reading and understanding new words, and using more sophisticated vocabulary in their writing. Results from the recent Check-in Assessment show an 8% improvement from their Term 2 results. Class work and regular visits from our HAE teachers have resulted in great improvements to number sense and algebra evident in their outstanding results in the recent Check-in assessment. In fact, our Year 4 students have achieved results higher than state average and statistically similar school groups. Our teachers have watched on with delight as these students threw themselves wholeheartedly into all school events over the last twelve months, including a visit to Lane Cove National Park. The work that they completed on comparing Australia to South Korea was well done and allowed them to show their potential in their learning. Throughout the year our Year 4 students have proven that they are more than ready to move into the senior years of primary school next year.
Our Year 5 students have demonstrated an understanding of the importance of vocabulary – using bump it up walls, word of the day and choosing what word best fits texts that they have been reading and writing. After looking at the PAT Vocabulary Skills assessments from Term 1 to Term 4, it was wonderful to see their increased test scores. A focus on the explicit teaching of the decimal place value of our number system has led to growth in this area in maths. This year these students experienced a school camp for the first time, not only demonstrating increased maturity when staying away from family, but also pushing their own personal boundaries and being brave as they attempted climbing challenges and swings. Their leadership skills have developed as the year has progressed with some students electing to lead SPA Clubs, frequently giving up their lunch times for others. It has been wonderful to witness such eagerness to represent their peers and engage in the process to become a student leader in 2024. I look forward to working alongside our new school leaders next year.
Research on the unique continent of Antarctica and work on travel and tourism to places far and wide has broadened our Year 6 students’ global perspectives. In literacy, a lot of time was spent throughout the year on thinking beyond the texts they read by working on a program called Key Into Inferencing. Year 6 made huge growth in this area which was evident in the Check-in assessment data with high scores across the grade in all Stage 3 inferencing outcomes - and even the achievement of some Stage 4 (Yr7/8) outcomes. Quite an accomplishment that they should be proud of. In maths this year, through learning sprints focused on using a decimat to investigate decimal place value and connections to fractions and percentages, our Year 6 students made important links with this learning to converting measurements of length and mass. Resulting in excellent growth in your learning from Term 1 to Term 4 in the PAT Maths assessment.
As always, the Year 6 calendar is full of special events, from camp to creating the longest coin line, to hosting a whole-school mini-fete, we know that these students will remember these experiences forever. High School Week demonstrated that they are ready for high school. I know that their buddies will miss having them at primary school having formed special bonds with them that supported their transition into Big School. It was an absolute joy celebrating their graduation of Year 6 and formal on Monday evening.
I would like to express my gratitude, on behalf of the students and staff, to Mrs Leanne Hagerty for her work as President of the School P&C over the last 2 years. During Leanne’s time as President, she has successfully led her team to further enhance the P&C and lift the profile within our school community. Under Leanne’s leadership we have seen Mission Possible succeed as a fundraising event that resulted in the upgrade to our support unit playground. Our students have more space to move around and this has supported their physical development and social needs. There have been a range of activities over the couple of years from Trivia Nights to election day BBQs and cake stalls - always with community in mind. Also, thank you to the outgoing members of the P&C for your dedication to our students and school community this year. Special mention must be made to Mrs Robyn Robson who has been a long-standing member of our P&C. Robyn has worked tirelessly for 12 years for our students and it is with gratitude that we farewell her this year.
I look forward to working alongside our new executive next year and into the future as we work in partnership to improve student outcomes and further enhance our wonderful school.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our staff, teaching and non-teaching, for always putting the needs of the students first and for their passionate dedication to high quality education. At our school, our staff take the time to get to know each student, what it is that makes them an individual and work tirelessly to cater for needs to ensure that each and every student flourishes now and in the future. Our impressive growth in student achievement is testament to high quality teaching.
I am proud of our staff who work together, our executive including Mrs Bryce, Ms Leverton, Mrs Vasanth, Mr Dixon, Mr Luther, Mrs Brodie and Mrs Zic, our SaSS staff and dedicated teaching staff showing care and expertise of the highest level as part of what has become a high-expectations learning culture. Mrs Brodie who has taken on a curriculum delivery leadership role in our school, working shoulder-to-shoulder with our teachers and Mrs Misela as our Wellbeing Mentor, have ensured that our students are well supported in their learning and wellbeing. I’d like to make special mention of your deputy principals, Mrs Blacker and Mrs Bryant who stand by my side each day, making important decisions to ensure that Sherwood Ridge PS is the best place to be. Their wisdom, strength in leadership and vast skillset in teaching, leading and learning are much admired and valued. I thank our wonderful staff for all that they do for our students and community.
In staffing news, we will farewell several staff members at the end of this year. Mrs Kiarni Vella has worked at our school for the past 5 years and will next year work in a school that is closer to her home. Mrs Vella has been a staff member whom everyone is happy to work with on a grade or stage team or on a shared class. Our students will miss her. We wish her well and thank Mrs Vella for her commitment to our students.
Mrs Kellie Crook is also going to work closer to home in 2024 which means that she will not be working at Sherwood Ridge PS next year. Whilst Mrs Crook isn’t officially leaving, we will certainly miss her at SRPS for the year.
Mrs Jacqueline Jones is taking a year of leave next year to spend time with her family. We wish her all the best and hope to see her in the hallways at SRPS on occasion as a casual teacher or SLSO.
Mrs Tracey Crowther is leaving Sherwood Ridge PS at the end of the term as she has made the decision to work casually rather than on a permanent basis. We thank Mrs Crowther for her service to our students and the school as a SLSO over the last 6 years. I know that the connections she has made with the students in our support unit are genuine and that they will be sad to see her leave our school.
I am pleased to announce that Mrs Joanne Whitford has been successful through the merit selection process and is promoting to the position of Assistant Principal at Oakhill Drive PS in 2024. As an experienced and talented teacher, and a passionate leader, Mrs Whitford is deserving of her new role and we are thrilled for her. We thank her for her service to SRPS over the past 6 years. She will be missed by our students. Congratulations Mrs Whitford!
Mrs Samantha Sheather has been granted a transfer to Oakville PS and will be leaving Sherwood Ridge PS after 16 years of being a valued member of staff. With her knowledge of curriculum, excellent classroom management skills and passion for mentoring her colleagues, Mrs Sheather will be an asset to her new school and very much missed at SRPS. We thank her for all that she has given to our school community, she will leave a legacy as a long-standing staff member. We wish her well for the future.
I am excited about next year and the festivities that 2024 will bring, as we as a school community celebrate 20 years of Sherwood Ridge PS. I feel honoured to lead this wonderful school into its 20th year - what a fabulous milestone for the Kellyville community and for public education, but most importantly, for our students. I’d like to take this opportunity to formally announce that Santino T from Year 2 won our 20th Anniversary Logo Competition. His logo design will be one the cover of the community cookbook. Congratulations, Santino!
To our parents and carers, as always, your unwavering support this year and your partnership in educating your children has been phenomenal and I am proud of what we have achieved together. I look forward to 2024 and continuing that partnership in your child's learning journey.
CLASS AWARD RECIPIENTS FOR 2023
Class awards are given to children who have excelled in exemplifying our school core values and motto: Learning, Respect, Community and From Each Their Best.
The Learning Award is presented to a student who is motivated and committed, demonstrating a great love for learning. This is not necessarily a student who has achieved the highest academic results, but one who has displayed a growth mindset.
The Respect Award is presented to a student who shows kindness and empathy towards others and demonstrates expected behaviour in all school settings.
The Community Award is presented to a student who is enthusiastically involved in school wide activities, promoting a sense of belonging and pride in their school.
The From Each Their Best Award is presented to students in each class who have shown consistent effort throughout the year.
KBC - Learning: Tarlan S; Respect: George P; Community: Mieke B; From Each Their Best: Bodhi H
KK - Learning: Louis C; Respect: Carina N; Community: Marcelo S; From Each Their Best: Allan D
KLM - Learning: Matteo P; Respect: Tobias R; Community: Calliope RM; From Each Their Best: Adam M
K/1W - Learning: Zayn S; Learning: Rachel C; Respect: Lena T; Community: Kai L; From Each Their Best: Kayla K
1K - Learning: Rishi R; Respect: Khadija P; Community: Alice M; From Each Their Best: Elijah F
1V - Learning: Duru M; Respect: Owen Z; Community: Alira S; From Each Their Best: Leon B
1S - Learning: Ilyaas S; Respect: Amelia V; Community: Alira M; From Each Their Best: Amelia T
SBL - Community: Dre T; From Each Their Best: Zanthia SG
2A - Learning: Hridaan M; Respect: Bella C; Community: Ariane M; From Each Their Best: Talvin J
2E - Learning: Sartaaj SM; Respect: James L; Community: Summer L; From Each Their Best: Kashvi S
2N - Learning: Leda D; Respect: Mahi B; Community: Zayne S; From Each Their Best: Noah T
2T - Learning: Elijah A; Respect: Lennox L; Community: Edith D; From Each Their Best: Bella W
3A - Learning: Alicia C; Respect: Hannah C; Community: Arash K; From Each Their Best: Evan G
3C - Learning: Georgi G; Respect: Ibrahim A; Community: Nayolie J; From Each Their Best: Shania N
3S - Learning: Aahil C; Respect: Joshua C; Community: Eliana C; From Each Their Best: Mia A
3/4M - Learning: Varsha S; Learning: Leo Z; Respect: Madeline C; Community: Ashley C; From Each Their Best: Ian L
4B - Learning: Kayal K; Respect: Jackson H; Community: Jennifer W; From Each Their Best: Samantha C
4L - Learning: Elvin D; Respect: Ivy M; Community: Naisha K; From Each Their Best: Jimin S
4R - Learning: Govind K; Respect: Elyssa S; Community: Godha A; From Each Their Best: Matilda L
5/6A – Learning: Akira N; Respect: Shaalya R; Learning: Lucas C; Community: Samir I; From Each Their Best: Kashvi M
5D –Learning: Chinmayi A; Respect: Rohaan B; Community: Ainsley N; From Each Their Best: Larry H
5R – Learning: Shashank R; Respect: Ella H; Community: James H; From Each Their Best: Kaya K
5S – Learning: Krish S; Respect: Kaira M; Community: Tianna H; From Each Their Best: Jack M
6MB – Learning: Mackenzie H; Respect: Sophie S; Community: Joshua S; From Each Their Best: Kate G
6G – Learning: Ivy S; Respect: Jeremiah T; Community: Clara M; From Each Their Best: Oliver R
6T – Learning: Ariadne K; Respect: Zara S; Community: Jacob L; From Each Their Best: Luca A
SR – Learning: Zac M; From Each Their Best: Alexander T
SJ - Learning: Benjamin-PL; From Each Their Best: Noah L
MAJOR AWARD RECIPIENTS FOR 2023
Years K-2
Premier’s Sporting Challenge Award: Freddie F
The Premier’s Sporting Challenge Award goes to a student who demonstrates a commitment to fair play, consistent effort in all sporting activities and contributes to our overall weekly sporting program.
K-2 Performing Arts Award: Ashleigh H
The K-2 Performing Arts Award is presented to a student who has a commitment to and participation in practices and rehearsals. They have demonstrated outstanding talent and skill in one or more areas of the performing arts.
Kellyville Lions Club Award: Alicia J
This award is for a student who is deemed to have made a positive contribution to the school community. They have exhibited a positive attitude towards learning, growth and personal health and shown concern for the welfare of other students.
Hills Shire Council Citizenship Award: Yasmin B
This award is given to a student who demonstrates leadership and models school expectations. They are a positive influence on their peers, working collaboratively with others and fostering a love for school. They eagerly participate in school events and activities, always wearing their school uniform with pride.
Years 3-6
Awards for Swimming and Athletics Champions are decided on a points system. The students who were recipients of these awards scored more points for their respective houses on the days of the carnivals.
Swimming Awards
Junior Girls Swimming - Krystal J
Junior Boys Swimming - Blake B
11 Yr Girls Swimming - Marlee T
11 Yr Boys Swimming - Allen C
Senior Girls Swimming - Lily R
Senior Boys Swimming - Flynn M
House Swimming Shield - Earth
Athletics Awards
Junior Girls Athletics - Daisy Z
Junior Boys Athletics - Finley P
11 Yr Girls Athletics - Charlotte Q
11 Yr Boys Athletics - Michael C
Senior Girls Athletics - Aleena E
Senior Boys Athletics - Dominic B
House Athletics Shield - Water
Cross Country Awards
House Cross Country Shield – Earth
Stage 2 Premier’s Sporting Challenge Award: Miranda K
The Stage 2 Premier’s Sporting Challenge Award goes to a student who demonstrates a commitment to fair play, consistent effort in all sporting activities and contributes to our overall weekly sporting program.
Hogan/Moth Service to Sport Award: Ariana B-K
The Hogan/Moth Service to Sport Award recognises a student’s effort, commitment and unwavering dedication to enhancing sport at Sherwood Ridge. This includes attendance at and participation in carnivals, leadership seen in supporting younger students, assistance given in the maintenance of equipment, involvement in PSSA teams and contributions to school sport programs. It also involves demonstration at all times of positive attitudes and values.
Sportsperson of the Year: Kaya K
Sportsperson of the Year is indeed Sherwood Ridge’s most prestigious sporting award. Points are allocated to students for achievement in a range of sports. Students represent our school at Zone, Area, State and National levels. They can participate in individual or team events. We have students who achieve outstanding results in more than one sport.
Performing Arts Award: Piper H-C
Sherwood Ridge has a wonderful history of excellence in the performing arts. In determining the recipient of this award, the following criteria are addressed: commitment to and participation in practices and rehearsals; outstanding talent and skill; and consistent involvement in one or more areas of the performing arts.
National Australia Bank of Rouse Hill Leadership Award: Shiroy C
The National Australia Bank of Rouse Hill Leadership Award is given to a student who displays leadership qualities across the school. The qualities looked for are: demonstrated skills and understandings that benefit all students; the ability to commit to tasks and follow them through; high motivation and a commitment to continued participation in all facets of school life; and enthusiasm in carrying out assigned tasks or duties.
Ray Williams Encouragement Award: Lily R
This award is given by Ray Williams MP, Member for Castle Hill. He asks the school to nominate a student who encapsulates all that we desire in a community member of Sherwood Ridge PS.
2024 STUDENT LEADERSHIP TEAM
Congratulations to the 2024 Student Leadership team, we know that you will represent your fellow students and Sherwood Ridge PS with integrity and honour.
School Captains – Ainsley N and James H
School Vice Captains – Akira N and Noah P
Prefects – Emma L, Elle R, Gajan T and Dzaky A
2024 SCHOOL STRUCTURE
A school’s staffing and structure of classes is determined by the number of enrolments a school has. At this point in time, Sherwood Ridge PS has an anticipated enrolment of 644 students for 2024, resulting in 25 mainstream and three Support Classes being formed.
Teachers have worked with their Assistant Principal to form classes based upon a 28 class model. When forming classes, staff consider the academic, social and emotional needs of students, as well as ensuring that all students have a familiar face with them in their new class. With student enrolment numbers fluctuating, the following school structure may change early in 2024. I anticipate that we will be able to transition our students into their 2024 class on day one of Term 1 and we will not need to keep our students in a holding pattern for next year, however please be mindful that this may change over the school holiday break.
SRPS STAFFING FOR 2024
Executive Team
Principal | Mrs Jody Sullivan | Assistant Principal, Curriculum and Instruction | Mrs Deborah Brodie |
Deputy Principal | Mrs Merryl Blacker | School Counsellor | Mrs Rebecca Falzon |
Deputy Principal Years 3-6 | Mrs Kylie Bryant | Assistant Principal Inclusion & Support Unit | Mrs Alicia Bryce |
Assistant Principal Kindergarten | Mr Ben Dixon | Assistant Principal Stage 1 | Mrs Prathibha Vasanth |
Assistant Principal Stage 2 | Ms Keryn Leverton | Assistant Principal Stage 3 | Mr Greg Luther |
Assistant Principal | Mrs Suzana Zic |
Non-Teaching Staff
Business Manager | Mrs Melissa Taylor | SAO | Mrs Corinne Barker |
SAM | Mrs Sarah Lawless | SAO | Mrs Vanessa Gremmo |
SAO | Mrs Julie Godby | SAO | Mrs Natasha Stewart |
SAO | Mrs Kim Gardner | SLSO – Support Unit | Mrs Christine Bugeja |
SAO | Mrs Debra-Lee Faith | SLSO – Support Unit | Mrs Sharon Howard |
SLSO | Mrs Shannon Harding | SLSO | Mrs Jodie Stocker |
SLSO | Mrs Judith Findley | SLSO | Mrs Meaghan Taylor |
General Assistant | Mr Geoffrey Bell | Site Handyperson | Ms Hayley Scott |
Specialist Teachers
LaST | Mrs Suzana Zic | EAL/D | Mrs Raelene Richardson |
Intensive Learning & Support | Mrs Debra Claxton | Intensive Learning & Support | Mrs Cathy Keller |
Wellbeing Mentor | Mrs Greer Misela | Technology | Mr Andrew McConnell |
Teacher Librarians | Mrs Cathy Keller |
Classroom Teachers
Kindergarten Team – Assistant Principal Mr Ben Dixon | |
Mr Ben Dixon & Mrs Karen McIntyre | Mrs Tammy Velez |
Miss Emma Anderson | Mrs Melissa McFadden |
Stage 1 (Year 1 and Year 2) Team – Assistant Principal Mrs Prathibha Vasanth | |
Mrs Prathibha Vasanth & Mrs Caroline Mitry | Ms Emma Canning |
Mrs Celia Bowd | Mrs Allison Rojas & Mrs Sarah Chant |
Miss Caitlin Harding | Mrs Kelly-Ann Newland |
Mrs Hanna Ryu | |
Stage 2 (Year 3 and Year 4) Team – Assistant Principal Ms Keryn Leverton | |
Ms Keryn Leverton & Ms Allison Clark | Mrs Catherine Lyons & Mrs Elise McColl |
Mr Andrew McConnell | Miss Isabella McCallum |
Mrs Belinda Mason | Ms Raquel Shearman |
Mrs Catherine Rose |
Stage 3 (Year 5 and Year 6) Team – Assistant Principal Mr Greg Luther | |
Mr Greg Luther & Mrs Kylie Muddle | Mrs Andra Adamsons |
Mr Jason Lee | Mrs Kate Brindell |
Miss Taylor Speechley | Miss Amanda Millgate & Mrs Greer Misela |
Mrs Dayna Mitchell | |
Inclusion and Support Unit Team (K-6) – Assistant Principal Mrs Alicia Bryce | |
Mrs Alicia Bryce & Mrs Melanie Little | Miss Rebecca Swinton |
Mrs Lauren Boumelhem |
Release from Face-to-Face Teachers and Casual Teachers
Miss Sarah Gartside | Mrs Natalie Beatriz |
Ms Allison Clark | Mrs Sarah Carter |
Mrs Alexis Totsis | Mrs Sandi McCully |
Mrs Caroline Mitry | Mrs Jaime Davies |
Mrs Allison Rojas | Mrs Kylie Muddle |
Mrs Karen Leard | Mrs Claudia Percossi |
A reminder that the final day for students is Friday 15 December as the Department have scheduled two School Development Days that are pupil free on Monday 18 and Tuesday 19 December. We will welcome our Years 1-6 students back to school on Thursday 1 February 2024 for the beginning of a fresh start to a new year of learning. The first day for Kindergarten is Wednesday 7 February 2024.
Wishing all of our students, staff and families a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Kind regards,
Mrs Jody Sullivan
Principal
SHERWOOD RIDGE AWARDS
K-2 Assembly Badge Recipient Lists
Green | Harper R KBC, Daud H KBC, Bodhi H KBC, Emily W KBC, Milana T KBC, Luke W KBC, Aleena Z 1K, Lucas L 2T, Matteo P KLM, Noah S KLM, Sia J KLM, Michael B KLM, |
Red | Kayseri B 1V, Leon B 1V, Hamza W 1V, Elijah M 1V, Teodora T 1V, Tiffany J 1V, |
Blue | Kai W 2T, Charles N 2E, NFP 2N, May L 1S, NFP 2E, David K 2E, Keifer W 2E, |
White | Bella W 2T, James L 2E, Zeke F 2N - Issued Week 6 |
Bronze | |
Silver | |
Gold |
3-6 Assembly Badge Recipient Lists
Green | Mara G 4B, Arshan M 3/4M, Aahil C 3S, Kaira M 5S, Hera B 5S, Ayaan B 5R – Issued Week 7 |
Red | Tran T 6MB, Linh T 6MB, Philip K 6MB, Larry H 5D, Lillian Z 3A – Issued Week 7 |
Blue | Charlotte K 3S – Issued Week 3 |
White | Ryan K 6MB, Matilda L 4R, Noah B SJ, Nizar N 4R, Anisa R 4R, Dana K 3A, Willow R 3S, Samhita K 3S, Jackson S 3C, Leevi P SR, Evan G 3A, Vincent Y 3A, Oliver H 3A, |
Bronze | Sandy W 3/4M, Ryan C 4B, Yvonne C 3/4M, Ella H 5R, Ivy S 3S, Michael K 4B, |
Silver | Sophie S 6MB, Josh S 6MB, Kai H 6MB, Lauren C 6MB, Ben W 6MB, Dhiya S 6MB, Dante S 4B, Charlotte Q 5R, Lachlan H 4B, Alannah D 5D, Michael C 5D, Noah C 5D, Lucy F 5R, Alex B 3A, Levi D 3A, Nicholas Q 4L Sienna G 5/6A - Issued Week 7 |
Gold | Georgia B 6MB, Kate G 6MB, Kaitlyn Y 6MB, Harper G 4R,Emily J 3/4M, Mona L 4R, Krish S 5S, Emma L 5D, Andria Z 5R - Issued Week 7 |
K-2 Merit Award Recipient Lists
Class | |
KBC | Lena D, Vihaan B, Harper R – Issued Week 6 |
KK | |
KLM | |
K/1W | Eric T, Tom K, Ishaan K - Issued Week 5 Savreen K, Sage S, Olivia O - Issued Week 6 |
1S | |
1K | |
1V | |
2A | Eva Q, Ayaan K, NFP - Issued Week 6 |
2E | Maya R, Sowmya R, Summer L, Archer B - Issued Week 6 |
2N | Erin K, Macy W, Shuya Z, Zayne S - Issued Week 6 |
2T | Jayden L, Luca P, Elijah A - Issued Week 6 |
SBL | NFP, Fateh S – Issued Week 6 |
SJ |
3-6 Merit Award Recipient Lists
Class | |
3C | Harlie-Rose G, Jackson S, Rebecca F, Ankang Z - Issued Week 7 |
3A | Emma L, Parsa F, Raymond L, Dana K - Issued Week 7 |
3S | Willow R, Jayden L, Ivy S, Chiara D - Issued Week 7 |
3/4M | |
4B | Zach M, Jackson H, Sara S, Kayden C - Issued Week 7 |
4L | Louis B, Dale D, Willow P, Jacob O, Rutendo, Aditi P - Issued Week 7 |
4R | Baibhavi A, Imran N, Jayaan S, Jemima W, Hayden Y - Issued Week 7 |
5D | Bowie R, Seth W, Angel Q, Alannah D - Issued Week 7 |
5R | Samantha W, Bella D, Zamin S, Yaseen Z - Issued Week 7 |
5S | Mason C, Jayce J, Olivia H - Issued Week 7 |
5/6A | Dominic B, Ilsa K, Anvitha P, Allen C - Issued Week 7 |
6MB | Kaylee W, Nicholas C, Ali A, NFP Tran T - Issued Week 7 |
6G | |
6T | |
SJ | |
SR | Zane A, Leevi P - Issued Week 7 |
SBL |
Caught You Being Good
Kindergarten Caught You Being Good
Roshan R KK, Mahi S KK, Amoolya G KLM, Zoe R KLM, Juan DK KLM – Issued week 6 |
Stage 1 Caught You Being Good
Athena H 2E, Alicia J 2A, Kayaan G 2E, Ryan H 2A, Diana L 1V, Aydin K 2N, Zayne S 2N, |
Stage 2 Caught You Being Good
Bianca J SR, Radvin Z SBL, Noah L SJ – Issued Week 8 |
Stage 3 Caught You Being Good
Alex T SR, Prince L SJ, Noah B SJ – Issued Week 6 |
FROM THE TEACHERS
Premier’s Sporting Challenge 2023
On behalf of the PDHPE team, I would like to congratulate all SRPS students for completing this year’s Premier’s Sporting Challenge (PSC).
This year, across NSW, 1,354 schools participated including 428,011 primary and secondary students and 12,564 staff, making 2023 one of the biggest years yet.
Proudly, at SRPS, every student has received a bronze, silver, gold, or diamond certificate. Congratulations to all!
I would also like to extend our appreciation to our PSC Sports Ambassadors for their dedication and ongoing commitment to sport at SRPS.
Finally, I would like to thank Mrs Velez for coordinating this year’s PSC. We appreciate your efforts.
Let’s hope 2024 is another wonderful year of sport, health, and fitness.
Mrs Greer Misela.
Maths Fun Day
On Thursday 23 November 2023 all students from Kindergarten to Year 6 participated in Maths Fun Day. The students in each grade rotated to different measurement, geometrical and number activities that were practical, hands on and loads of fun.
See below for some of the activities that the students of Sherwood Ridge PS were involved in.
Yr 5 High School Sports Gala Day
On Tuesday 21 November 2023 all Year 5 students walked to Kellyville High School to participate in a sports gala day organised by Year 11. Students played OzTag, Soccer, Netball and Basketball against Kellyville Public School. The day was finished with a sausage sizzle and a dance off. Both Sherwood Ridge and Kellyville Public School were declared winners and came home with trophies.
Successful Year 6 Mini-Fete Thanks to Community Support
We want to extend a big thank you to the families who contributed to the success of the Year 6 Mini-Fete in Week 5. Your donations of items and services were invaluable. The students in Year 6 had a great time organising and running the event, which was a practical demonstration of their planning skills. Impressively, they raised over $7,000, which will go towards their farewell and a gift to the school. This event was a fine example of our community's spirit and the capabilities of our students. Thank you to everyone who helped make it happen.
High School Taster Week: A Preview of High School Life
During Week 6, our students delved into the High School Taster Week, exploring a variety of subjects like Shakespeare, Agriculture, Musical Theory, Algebra, Hospitality, and Korean. This initiative provided them with a realistic taste of high school, showcasing a diverse range of lessons and teachers, including the Executive team. The week was an exciting blend of learning and discovery, offering insights into the different disciplines they will encounter in their future educational journey.
We owe a huge thank you to all the staff members who dedicated their time and effort to make this event both educational and enjoyable. The Taster Week not only gave students fun learning experiences but also highlighted the increased responsibilities and homework expectations in high school. This event was instrumental in preparing our students for the transition to high school, making them excited and better equipped for the challenges ahead.
2024 Swimming Carnival
On Tuesday 5 December, a select number of students from Year 1 to Year 5 competed in the Swimming Carnival at Blacktown Aquatic Centre. The carnival was run to determine the students who swam a fast enough time to compete in the Castle Hill Zone Carnival in 2024.
The students who competed are to be congratulated for the camaraderie shown as they cheered for the students swimming in each race.
It was a particularly fun day and the students displayed exceptional skills and speed in the pool.
A huge thank you to the parent volunteers who were timekeeping. The 2023 Sporting House leaders supported the competitors which were very much appreciated on the day.
Ribbons will be presented to 1st, 2nd and 3rd place getters in each overall event (not each heat) at an assembly in 2024.
A Magical Evening: Year 6 Graduation and Farewell at The Marsden
On Monday the 4 of December, our Year 6 students, dressed in their finest, gathered at The Marsden to celebrate their Graduation and Farewell. This special occasion was graced not only by the students but also by their families, peers, and staff, coming together to mark this significant milestone in their educational journey.
The students' behaviour throughout the evening was exemplary, a true reflection of the values of Sherwood Ridge Public School. The night was filled with joy and entertainment, with students thoroughly enjoying the dance floor and capturing fun moments in the photo booths. These activities added an extra layer of excitement to the celebration, creating lasting memories for all.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to all the staff members and the parent committee whose dedication and hard work transformed the night into a truly magical experience. The effort put into every detail did not go unnoticed and played a crucial role in the success of the event.
As we bid farewell to the graduating class of 2023, we extend our warmest congratulations and best wishes to them as they embark on their high school journey. Their time at our school has been filled with growth, learning, and cherished moments, and we are confident they will continue to achieve great things in the next chapter of their lives.
FROM THE LIBRARY
Library has closed for the year due to stocktake and moving.
Please ensure all books your child has borrowed have been returned. All books must be returned by Friday 8 December.
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.
SAFETY ON WHEELS
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
THE SCHOOL STUDENT TRAVEL
PRIMARY ETHICS
HINDU SCRIPTURE SCHOOL PROGRAM
SCHOOL BAND
COOL KIDS MUSIC
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.
Website: https://valourschools.com.au/pages/sherwood-public-school-uniform-shop
Email: SRPS@valourschools.com.au
Phone: 02 9651 3711
TRADING HOURS
Monday: 2.00pm - 3.30pm
Wednesday: 8.30am - 10.00am
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
www.hca.org.au