4 April 2025

Principal

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

Welcome to the last newsletter of what has been a very busy Term One. Our students have been so settled and this is a testament to the strong links between home and school. When children have clearly defined and consistent boundaries and expectations, they really do thrive.

I am particularly proud of our Year 6 students, captains and leaders. These older students really set the tone in our school, and our younger students look up to them as role models. This term, their behaviour and commitment to learning and making the most of their final year at our school has been impressive!

The settled tone has also been supported by the on-going implementation of The Resilience Project (TRP) in classrooms across the school. We are excited to see how providing students with tools to build resilience and happiness (related to gratitude, empathy and mindfulness) can improve overall wellbeing.

Thanks to Mrs Weber and the GEMs team members Ms Geary and Miss Fayle for their dedication and commitment in leading this on-going whole school initiative.

Return to school/ Staff Development Day

Next term commences for all students on Wednesday 30 April.

Teachers and staff, however, return on Monday 28 April for a staff development day which teachers will spend deep in professional learning on High Potential and Gifted Education (HPGE). If you recall, I mentioned in my presentation on Meet The Teacher night earlier this term that HPGE will become a special focus for us in the years ahead and will be a central pillar of our soon-to-be-released new school plan.

During this professional learning opportunity, our staff will engage in a series of modules designed to enhance our capabilities across four key domains: creative, intellectual, physical, and social-emotional. This holistic approach aims to equip our teachers with the tools and strategies necessary to effectively support and nurture the diverse talents of all students.

Catering to students at all levels of ability is crucial for fostering an inclusive and enriching learning environment. By recognising and addressing the unique needs of our gifted and high potential learners, we can ensure that they are appropriately challenged and engaged.

At the same time, this work benefits all students, as differentiated instruction and enriched learning experiences can enhance the educational journey for everyone. By investing in our staff's professional growth in HPGE, we are committing to providing a balanced and supportive educational experience that empowers every child to reach their full potential.

The specific topics we are looking at include:

• Revisiting Gifted Education
• Unrecognized potential – achievement and underachievement
• Finding high potential an introduction
• Talent development for high potential and gifted students

The department has information for parents about HPGE at the following address: https://education.nsw.gov.au/teaching-and-learning/high-potential-and-gifted-education/supporting-parents-and-carers

This learning will be jointly led by our entire school leadership team of whom I am very proud.

Semester Statement of Contribution

Last week, and a little later than planned, we sent out our Semester Statement of Contribution to all Avalon families. Thank you to all the families who jumped right in and made their contributions straight away – we truly appreciate it! However, we are very mindful that these are challenging times economically and many families are quite stretched with the high cost of living.

If you are having difficulties making this contribution, feel free to give me a call, or Kylie Jarrett (our Business Manager) in total confidence.

Parent Teacher Interviews

As I write, parent teacher interviews are underway. We hope you enjoy the opportunity to connect with your child’s classroom teacher and hear of the learning progress so far this year. If you know that you are running late or cannot attend at your appointed time, please let the teacher know so that they can adjust their schedule.

How was your day?

Wondering what questions to ask your child about their day at school? Like most of us, if you only ever seem to get one-word answers from your child, you might just need to change your approach or questions! Here are a few ideas that you could try

• What made you smile today?
• Can you tell me an example of kindness you saw/showed?
• What did you do that was creative?
• What’s the biggest difference between this year and last year?
• Tell me something you know today that you didn't know yesterday.
• If you could send one person from school to the moon in a rocket ship who would it be?
• If you could change one thing about your day, what would it be?
• What made your teacher smile?
What made them frown?
• If you could switch seats with anyone in class, who would it be? And why?
• What kind of person were you today

Of course, timing can be everything. Maggie Dent (child psychologist) says don’t ask straight after school! Kids are exhausted.

Instead of a quiz, have a conversation. Here are some tips that I found on the internet that might resonate with you:

‘I started to tell them how my day was and what I got up to. My daughter took a lot of interest and then started to open up and tell me what she got up to at school.’ – Kat

‘Start by telling them a little about your day, highlights and lowlights. Then ask them to do the same.’ – Sandy

‘Ask nothing! Share all the good, funny and exciting things you did through the day, and then they start doing the same. Otherwise, they feel it’s like a chore or an inquisition. Try it … it works!’ – Jarita

Look forward to hearing how you go!

ANZAC DAY

Our ANZAC Day service will be held in the school hall on Thursday 1 May in a ceremony led by our student leadership team.

On ANZAC Day itself, students from our school will be marching through Avalon, led by Mrs Bateson. Students should assemble outside the school on Old Barrenjoey Road at 10.45am.

At Palm Beach, members of the school band will be accompanying the service outside Club Palm Beach at 11:00am, and I look forward to joining them too.

P&C Mother’s Day

The P&C is busy planning a special Mother’s Day event for our wonderful Avalon mothers. Save the date – Thursday 8 May.

Walk Safely to School Day

Now in its 26th year, National Walk Safely to School Day (WSTSD) is an annual event when all Primary School children are encouraged to walk and commute safely to school. This year, it takes place on Friday 16 May, so pop the date in your calendar and plan to leave the car at home!

Road/bike safety

Speaking of keeping safe, as we head into the holidays, a reminder to all students to ride sensibly and safely around our streets – we receive complaints on an almost daily basis from community members impacted by the sometimes-careless riding of our students. We can probably all improve in this regard, and it would really help if we joined together and reminded our children (and ourselves!) to follow the road rules, so we can all stay safe in this great community.

A reminder too that the ‘kiss and drop’ zones are not for ‘parking’. The rangers are aware of an increasing number of parents sitting in their cars or parking in the zone and walking into school. Please help us and the whole school community by using the ‘kiss and drop zones’ in the correct manner.

Impressive students – Happiness Through Helping

Impressive news about two of our students - Blake (2MS) and Ava (KAS). Instead of birthday presents for their March birthdays, they elected to ask all their friends and family to donate to their Colour Run fund raising page. This was a tough choice for an 8 and 6 year old. Blake raised $816 for the school and Ava raised $670 for the school which was a tremendous effort.

Congratulations to both students – we are super proud of you!

In conclusion….

As we move into the holidays, I would like to thank all staff and students for their hard work and efforts this term. Thank you also to our P&C, parents and community members who support the school is so many ways – we couldn’t do it without you.

Wishing you all a safe and happy holiday and see you again on Wednesday 30 April for another exciting term of learning at our wonderful school.

Andy Rankin

Principal

The public school difference – the best education money can’t buy!

Student success

• Our students achieve above the national average in NAPLAN.
• Nearly 50 of our students topped the state in their 2024 HSC subjects.
• Over 90% of our graduates go into further education, training or employment. Find out how our public school alumni are leading the way in almost every industry.

A world of opportunities

• We have more than 140,000 teachers and school support staff who are dedicated to student learning and success.
• We offer students a wealth of resources and opportunities to help them thrive through STEM, sports, arts and our High Potential and Gifted Education programs.
• Our schools have access to cutting-edge technology and innovative learning tools such as Canva for Education, Adobe for Education and Google and Microsoft suites.

Diverse communities

• With more than 2,200 schools in cities, towns and rural communities across the state, we offer incredible diversity and choice in our educational offerings.
• Our students come from a wide range of backgrounds, with more than 38% coming from homes where languages other than English are spoken.
• We have committed to improve educational outcomes and wellbeing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.

Support for all learners

• Our schools cater to the needs of all students through individualised learning plans and specialist educators for students who need additional support.
• We offer comprehensive support systems, including career guidance and wellbeing programs. Every high school student also has access to a school counsellor and a student support officer.
• We offer strong transition programs from school into the workplace or further study, drawing on collaborations with universities and industry.

PBL (Positive Behaviour for Learning)

Avalon Public School uses the Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) Program. The school’s code of behaviour is underpinned by the expectations of:

• Respect 
• Responsibility 
• Personal Best

These values are displayed in each classroom and various areas throughout the school. The expectations are explicitly taught to students across the different school settings to ensure children remain safe and supported at school.       

This week, classes are discussing and practising the Avalon Public School transition expectations which, when followed, will make our transitions safe and happy. 

Below are our K-6 transition expectations and with photos to remind you of what these expectations look like in our school: 

Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability

Our school is participating in the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (Data Collection). This Data Collection is taking place in government, Catholic and Independent schools across Australia, and will provide valuable information about supports required for a broad group of students. This will enable Australian and State governments to better target support and resources in schools. This in turn will help schools give students with disability the support they need.

The Data Collection is not limited to students with diagnosed disabilities. It uses a very broad definition of disability, taken from the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 and the Disability Standards for Education 2005, which describe a broad range of health and learning conditions for which schools are required to provide ‘reasonable adjustments’ to support students to participate on the same basis as other students.

For more information please visit:

NSW Public Schools Student Survey

In Term 2, we are offering our students the opportunity to participate in the NSW Public Schools Student Survey. The survey gives students the chance to share their thoughts and feelings about life at school, including questions about their engagement, learning experiences and wellbeing at school.

Hearing directly from our students will help us understand what’s working well and where improvements can be made to our school. The survey is confidential, takes around 10 to 15 minutes to complete, and will be conducted online during school hours.

Participation is voluntary. If you prefer your child not to participate, please complete the opt-out consent form, which will be sent home in Week 2, and return it to the school by the end of Week 3. Further information about the survey is available at

Sport

Regional Swimming Carnival Report

The recent Regional Swimming Carnival was an exciting event where our swimmers displayed their talent and hard work.

Raffie Roberts (3/4MD) did a great job by reaching the finals in the 50m Freestyle, where she finished in 7th place. An amazing effort from our youngest competitor!

Alyssa Elliot (6CW) also shined at the carnival. She made it to the finals in the 50m Backstroke and came 8th. Alyssa competed in several events, finishing 13th in the 50m Breaststroke, 20th in the 50m Freestyle, and 16th in the 100m Freestyle. Her efforts in all these races show her skill and commitment.

Josie Wellings (3/4MD) put in a solid performance, finishing 17th in the 50m Freestyle. Another promising swimmer with a bright future ahead!

The senior girls relay team, made up of Alina Drain (5JH), Alyssa Elliot, Evie Roberts (6LF), and Lucy Turner (6JS), finished 14th overall. Their teamwork and encouragement for each other were impressive and showed great sportsmanship despite personnel changes in the lead up.

Overall, the Regional Swimming Carnival was a wonderful chance for our swimmers to show what they can do. Everyone at Avalon is proud of their efforts and achievements.

Zone Rugby Union

We are thrilled to announce that Archie Jones-Hughes (6LC) and Henry Killman (6LC) have been selected to trial for Opens Combined Zones Rugby Union team! Their hard work, dedication, and exceptional talent have truly shone through, allowing them to represent our school with pride.

Not only did they showcase their skills on the field, but they also exemplified great sportsmanship and teamwork, making us all proud.

Congratulations to both boys on this fantastic achievement!

Zone AFL

Once again Harry Nosworthy from 6LF has made the combined Manly/Pittwater zone AFL team! This is a fantastic achievement and shows how hard Harry has worked in the sport.

As he joins his teammates to represent our zone, we believe Harry will keep doing great things on the field. We can't wait to hear how he performs in the upcoming games.

Congratulations again, Harry!

Sustainability Stars

Two incredible groups of students are making a significant impact on our school's commitment to reducing waste every day. 
First, a big shoutout to our Compost Crew! These dedicated students take the time to collect compost bins from the playgrounds, staffroom and canteen, ensuring that all organic waste is emptied into our school compost facility in the garden. Your hard work not only helps keep our school clean but also enriches our gardens and supports sustainability. 
Secondly, we want to recognise our Paper Bin Team for their fantastic work in emptying the playground paper bins. By ensuring that brown lunch order paper bags are properly disposed of in the school's paper skip bin, they are helping to reduce landfill waste and promote recycling within our school community. 
Thank you to all these students for their outstanding dedication and teamwork. Together, they embody our school motto of "happiness through helping".

Garden Club

Well the first term has gone in a blink! Autumn might have finally arrived; Sue and I will be very grateful when the humidity eases up. While wandering in the front veggie garden today Sue spotted a native teddy bear bee, we were so excited, we could have watched it for hours. It was heavy with pollen, feasting on the flowering prostrate rosemary. Usually, we see Blue banded bees so it was an unexpected delight. Deliberately planting flowers amongst our veggies and letting things go to seed seems to be working, all the pollinators have noticeably increased in numbers in the veggie patch.

We've continued making origami seeds packets with the classes, harvesting seeds from our parsley and fennel plants. Today we also saved some of our snake bean seeds. We've continued to plant out crops of broad beans, peas, rainbow chard, spinach, beetroot, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, bok choy, carrots, radishes and Freckle lettuce. Sweet peas are in, and there's always one or twenty sunflower seeds planted each week... the K-2 do love a sunflower seed.

We've been doing a bit of bushcraft with some classes, making trellis frames from found branches and sticks to be used for our Peas. We're selectively clearing beds for winter crops, Garlic will be the next one to plant up. Chopping, clearing, stirring the compost, and watering are just a few of our weekly garden jobs.

Last week when 6LC were helping us clear beds they made a fantastic discovery.... a watermelon! 'sugar baby' was the variety planted, we thought that we didn't get anything this year so it was really wonderful for them to find it hidden between our wicking beds, the students were super excited. We cut it up in class, which led to a great question... Why are there so many seeds in it? It was a great segue into being able to talk about food production, how seedless varieties don't produce seed to save and grow from as they are often sterile.

The importance for food security, by growing heirloom varieties play an important part  in sustainable and regenerative Vegetable Gardening. Not only are you creating a closed loop system but also, as all the students enthusiastically agreed last week, the flavour of the watermelon was amazing! Nothing compares to home grown.

Last week we also gave away rainbow chard, purple and white eggplants as well as the last of our green tomatoes. Some of you might have been wondering why we put out Green Tomatoes? Cherry tomatoes will go on forever in our Sydney climate, we had to clear a few beds, hence the green tomatoes. This article, green tomatoes , from Pip magazine talks about all things 'Green Tomato' and how you can use up your excess tomato crop. I'm going to try and make the cake, garden club loves all things cake! It looks delicious.

One more week of school, the bees will keep on buzzing, keep on growing everyone, you're doing a great job.

Fiona and Sue

Garden Club

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Uniform Store News

Reminder: We have moved location! 

Please note that the Uniform Store has moved to: 

Room 1, H Block, K-2 Area. 

 Uniform Store opening hours:  

Monday 8am-10am 

Thursday 2.30pm-4pm 

Orders can be placed online and will be delivered on Mondays and Fridays to your Child’s Classroom.   

Any Urgent Uniform requests, (ie Hat replacements), please come to the Canteen. 

Canteen News

Easter Specials Friday 11th April 

Available to order for Recess or Lunch 

Chocolate, Apple Cinnamon or Traditional Hot Cross Buns $2.00 (GF Option Available) 

Snap Stix Watermelon or Blueberry - over the counter at Lunch time $1.50 

Band

Performance Band Workshop with Northern Beaches Concert Band This term, our Performance Band had the incredible opportunity to take part in a music workshop with the Northern Beaches Concert Band. This group of talented adult musicians, led by the wonderful Sarah Shaw (former Avalon Band Director), welcomed our students into their ensemble for a unique and inspiring rehearsal experience.

Sitting side-by-side with seasoned performers, our students sharpened their skills and learned to blend beautifully as a cohesive group under the guidance of our own Band Leader Colden Anderson. It was a rewarding and uplifting experience, building both confidence and musicality.

Training Band’s Open Rehearsal & Easter Morning Tea

Mark your calendars! On April 8, our Training Band will host a special Open Rehearsal Morning Tea at Elouera. Families are warmly invited to come along, enjoy a cup of tea or coffee with hot cross buns, and witness the wonderful progress our young musicians have made this term.

Lydia Hicks Art Raffle – Supporting Our Band Through Creativity!

We’re thrilled to launch a special art raffle in support of the APS Band Program, featuring a stunning original artwork generously donated by our talented Band Committee member and local artist, Lydia Hicks.

This beautiful piece, now showcased on the P&C website will be raffled to raise funds for exciting initiatives like Band Camp, the Band Tour, and other enriching experiences for our enthusiastic musicians.

A heartfelt thanks to Lydia for sharing her talent and generous spirit. Let’s get behind this creative fundraiser and show our support for both our band program and one of our amazing band parents! 

Need a break over the Easter Holidays? Ever thought of trying OOSH?

We have a fantastic program available for some school holiday fun:-

Learn to skate with the team from “Skate Now”  Get friendly with a snake or a lizard with Kym the Reptile Man. 

We will enjoy an Easter Egg hunt, Kite making, and so much more. 

Join us for an excursion with Ranger Jamie to Clifton Gardens for some bush exploration, beach games and a spot of fishing. 

What you see on our program is only a small part of the fun to be had.  

If you have a school aged child, Grandchildren, or relatives visiting over the holidays, click on the links below to register and to make a booking. 

Our Activity Program:

Booking form:

If your Child will be joining the service for the first time, you will also need to complete a Registration Form:

Our staff are available to answer any questions, please don’t hesitate to email info@avalonoosh.com.au or give us a call Phone: 9918 9672

For further information on our Services, please visit our website:

https://avalonoosh.com.au/

Community