Hill Street News

 A Connected, Creative, Caring Learning Community. 

Term 1 Week 3

Acknowledgement of Country 

We would like to pay respect and acknowledge the traditional custodians of this land and pay respect to Elders both past and present and future.

Welcome to a new school year! I would like to extend a very warm welcome to all of our Kindergarten students and all other new enrolments and their families to the McCallums Hill Public School community. I hope that you have all enjoyed the holiday period and are looking forward to the exciting year ahead.

On 27 and 30 January, our staff engaged in professional learning and were extremely busy planning and preparing for our students during the two School Development Days. On 27 January we hosted professional learning for MHPS, Lakemba PS, Belmore South PS and Bexley North PS staff and collaborated across our Community of Schools.

Our students have settled in well with thanks to the fabulous efforts of our staff and parents/carers. Kindergarten students have participated in the Best Start assessments. The data collected during Best Start assessments provides teachers with information as to where each student is at in literacy and numeracy and informs ‘where to next’ so that appropriate teaching and learning experiences can be planned. Best Start reports will be issued towards the end of this term. During the first two weeks of school, students in Kindergarten to Year 6 have focused on on Positive Behaviour for Learning  (PBL) key messages as well as getting to know each other, their teachers and the learning spaces.

• Ms Gardner who applied through an Expression of Interest (EOI) for the Semester 1 Deputy Principal position (with a possibility of extension) was the successful candidate. Congratulations Ms Gardner! We look forward to your continued contributions to our students, staff and community.
• We officially welcome Mr Unicomb, Assistant Principal Curriculum and Instruction and Ms Martins, Support Unit classroom teacher to our school and look forward to their contributions to the MHPS community.
• Ms Stone will continue relieving as School Administrative Manager for Terms 1 and 2 at her current school. Congratulations to Mrs Plavsic who was the successful applicant through an EOI. Mrs Plavsic  will be replacing Ms Stone in her substantive role as School Administrative Officer (SAO) on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays during this period. 
• Mrs Rizzuti will continue on as Business Manager at her current school this year. Conratulations to Mrs Triantafyllou (who relieved in Mrs Rizzuti's position in term 4) who was the successful applicant through an EOI. Mrs Triantafyllou will relieve in Mrs Rizzuti's position from Terms 1-4 this year. 
• Mrs Vallak, our Support Unit Assistant Principal has left MHPS and as a result, a panel will be formed to advertise her position. We thank Mrs Vallak for all her contributions to the Support Unit and MHPS community and wish her all the best in her future endeavours. 
• Mrs Ivanovska, our Learning and Support Teacher has officially left MHPS to work at a nearby school. We thank her for all her contributions to the MHPS community and wish her well in her future career. The Learning and Support Teacher position will be advertised and we hope to secure a permanent teacher shortly.
• A very warm welcome to the following teachers who were new to our school: Mrs Charif, Mr Aggett, Ms Sanchez, Mrs Kalodikis, Mrs Michos and Mrs Palmano. We also look forward to their valued contributions to the students, staff and MHPS community. 
• Mr Spiteri is currently on leave and will return in Term 2. Miss Holborow is currently relieving in his position. 
• We also welcome back Ms Polias and Mr Clarke from their extended leave. 

Specialist Staff

• Learning and Support: Mrs Wallace is working as our Learning and Support Teacher (LaST). Ms Gardener will be our Learning and Support Team coordinator this year. 
• CLOTE: This year we continue to have Mrs Paphitis and Mr Hijazi as our Greek and Arabic CLOTE teachers.
• English as an Additional Language or Dialect (EAL/D): Mrs Labos and Mrs Kalodikis continue on with the wonderful work of supporting our EAL/D students.

Executive Team

We have Assistant Principals who oversee different teams within our school. They are also available to answer your queries and to help. They are:

• Mrs Sklavounos 
• Mrs Batalis  
• Mr Unicomb
• Mrs Michos (relieving)

Office

We are very fortunate at McCallums Hill Public School to have wonderful office staff.  They can answer questions about term payments, enrolments, the school app and communication as well as redirect any queries if you are not sure who to contact. Our 2023 office staff are as follows:

• School Administrative Manager – Ms Shepherd
• Relieving School Administrative Officer – Mrs Triantafyllou
• Relieving School Administrative Officer – Mrs Plavsic

Learning and Support Officers (SLSO's)

There are a number of SLSO's who have a variety of responsibilities throughout our school. Some work only in our Support Unit. Others work throughout our school supporting the teacher to deliver programs. They are able to answer your questions, though they may often redirect you to the class teacher as the class teacher is ultimately responsible for your child’s learning program.

Our SLSO's are as follows: 

Support Unit: Mrs Koutsoukos, Mrs Tropea, Miss Taousanis, Mrs Tickner (formerly Ms Walker). A huge congratulations to Ms Walker who got married in the holidays!

Mainstream: Mrs Townsend and Mrs Primerano

Thank you for your continued patience as we navigate our way to the confirmation of classes. Please note classes may still change as a result of our numbers. The classes we have so far are as follows:

• KC - Mrs Calleja
• K/1S - Mrs Sklavounos (Assistant Principal)
• KD - Mrs De Lautour
• 1CW - Mrs Clasper (M-T) & Ms Withers (W-F)
• 1E - Mr Efthymiou
• 2O - Ms O'Connor
• 2MC - Mrs Mustapic (M-W) & Mrs Charif (Th-F)
• 3B - Mrs Batalis (Assistant Principal)
• 3/4C - Mr Clarke
• 4K - Mr Karagiorgos
• 5LP - Mrs Leggio (M-W) & Mrs Polias (Th-F)
• 5/6A - Mr Aggett
• 6W- Ms Witts
• K-6K - Mrs Khanh
• 1-2S- Miss Holborow (Mr Spiteri)
• 3-4M - Ms Martins (M-Th) & Ms Barrett (F)
• 4-6 - Ms Bhradmeung (M-T) & Mrs Papas (W-F)

The teaching in all classrooms follows syllabus documents that describe learning as a continuum from Early Stage 1 to Stage 3. Teaching in all classes will cater for the individual learning needs of each student. Research into composite classes has found that it makes no difference to performance whether students are in a straight year group or in a multi-age class. The most important factors in determining how well a student does are the quality of the teacher and his or her teaching multi-age classes may benefit students both socially and emotionally. If you would like to read more about composite classes and the research available follow this link: https://www.det.nsw.edu.au/media/downloads/about-us/statistics-and-research/key-statisticsand-reports/composite-and-multiage-classes.pdf

The classroom teachers, Learning and Support teachers and English as an Additional Language or dialect teachers have been observing, gathering and analysing as much information about your children’s learning needs as possible. Teachers use this information to collaboratively design learning experiences for the next few weeks and then evaluate the strategies and assess the student learning in order to determine the pathway for the following few weeks. This cycle continues throughout the year and involves various specialist staff across the school working collaboratively with classroom teachers to improve learning outcomes for all students.

We look forward to welcoming our families at the Meet the Teacher/Parent Information Session next Thursday at 3.30pm in the hall which will be followed by a visit to classrooms and then a BBQ until 5pm with our greatest thanks to our amazing P&C!

It is vital students are at school by 9am every day to maximise learning. The first part of the day is both a time when teachers explain learning intentions for the day and children’s peak concentration time. If you are finding that you have already been running a little late, please leave home earlier, particularly on wet days. Arriving to school on time helps students learn the importance of punctuality and routine. We ask that students arrive after 8:30am as there is no supervision until 8:30am. If you need to bring your child to school earlier than 8:30am, please contact Team Kids, our before and after school care facility. Lateness is recorded as a partial absence and must be explained by parents.

We have four primary ways of communicating information to our school community: this newsletter, the School Enews app, the MHPS app and the school website www.mccallumhi-p.schools.nsw.edu.au

The newsletter will be published every fortnight and sent out via the MHPS app. The newsletter is also available for download from the school website or through the School Enews or MHPS app.

From time to time, parents/carers or other members of the school community may need to approach the school in order to discuss the progress and welfare of their child or enquire about school policy or practice. Having procedures in place will help answer questions or solve problems as soon as possible.

If you have concerns about:

• your child’s progress:  Please contact the school by phone or email to make an appointment to discuss issues with your child’s teacher.
• your child’s welfare:  Minor issues - please contact the school by phone or email to make an appointment to discuss issues with your child’s teacher For more serious concerns, contact the office. Please let the office staff know about the nature of your concern and arrange a suitable time to talk with the appropriate staff member.
• School policy or practice: Please contact the office and let the office staff know about the nature of your concern and make an appointment to see the principal and/or appropriate member of staff.

Urgent Matters

Please do not email the school in regards to urgent matters. While the office staff do their best to check the school email account regularly throughout the day, sometimes this is not always possible. Please call the office on 9759 4396 for any urgent matters.

Change Of Details

Up to date information ensures that we can support you and your child.

Please notify the office if:

• you have changed your address, telephone number(s), emergency contacts and/or email
• your child’s medical support needs have changed, please notify the office
• custody or access rights to do with your child have changed

Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that is potentially life threatening. We require parents/carers to immediately alert the school to any allergies or medical conditions that may affect their child. The most common offensive allergens for anaphylaxis are nut-based products such as peanut butter, egg, nutella or muesli bars and seafood. Please talk to your child about buying items from the canteen for others as we strongly discourage this.

If your child has any health care needs that the school needs to be aware of, please contact the school on 9759 4396. 

As a collective group, we must remind students about the safe crossing of roads and walking safely to and from school. A very big thank you  to our parents/carers who are already modelling safe practices by parking a little further away from the school and walking their children to the gates. The modelling of this safe behaviour models to our students that crossing at marked pedestrian crossings are the only way roads should be crossed and where possible that students are crossing with a supervising adult. 

It is expected that everyone in our school community demonstrates safe driving and parking at all times. Please comply with the marked areas outside the school. The police and parking rangers regularly patrol the area and fines can be expensive for parking illegally around a school. Please also be mindful of our neighbours and do not park over driveways. It is expected that the school driveway be clear at all times. 

I know that we will all work together to keep our community safe. 

We have had a number of work over the school holidays and past few weeks. We have had some painting work done in the hall, outside and in the administration block which looks fabulous. This work is expected to be finished in the next few weeks. 

Today we saw the completion of work in the hall to widen the area near the stage to accommodate a new wheelchair lift.

Our yarning circle and outdoor classrooms are expected to be completed next Wednesday pending weather. We have heard so many of our students say they cant wait to use the new spaces!

Our new snake seats (where the Kindergarten students previously lined up last year) look great!

Our canteen had a total makeover and looks fantastic! It received a new kitchen, air conditioner, screen door, flooring, splashback and was also painted.

Our stage 2 and 3 classrooms  will receive a roof replacement. Please know that classes will move into another classroom in the school while the roof over their classroom gets replaced. 

Due to the many works around the school, students are expected to line up in the morning muster (artificial grass area) everyday where they will be collected by the teacher.

I am excited for the term ahead and the opportunities it presents us as a school community.

Looking forward to seeing you all at our Meet the Teacher/Community BBQ next week.

Kindest regards

Elizabeth Markovski 

The School Community Charter outlines the responsibilities of parents, carers, educators and school staff in NSW public schools to ensure our learning environments are collaborative, supportive and cohesive. 

We all play a part

Parents and carers play an important role in the school community. The School Community Charter informs parents and carers on how to engage with NSW public schools. Read the School Community Charter (PDF 1.4 MB) to ensure you understand how important it is to create a positive learning environment for our students.

Parents and carers can expect:

• to be welcomed into our schools to work in partnership to promote student learning
• communication from teaching staff will be timely, polite, informative and solutions focussed
• professional relationships with school staff will be based on transparency, honesty and mutual respect
• to be treated fairly. Tolerance and understanding are promoted as we respect diversity.

Our staff will find a time to talk to you when they can give you their full attention. Please remember that while our staff are in class or dealing with other matters, they may not be available to answer your questions immediately.

Respectful communication is a right

In all workplaces, people have the right to feel respected. Unacceptable and offensive behaviour has no place in our school communities. To ensure the safety and wellbeing of students, staff and the community in our schools, steps will be taken to address unacceptable behaviour. This may include restricting contact with the school community or, in more serious cases, referral to NSW Police.

Unacceptable behaviour in schools

Unacceptable behaviour may include but is not limited to:

• Aggressive or intimidating actions, such as violence, threatening gestures or physical proximity.
• Aggressive or intimidating language, including the use of obscenities, making sexist, racist or derogatory comments or using a rude tone.
• Treating members of the school community differently due to aspects such as their religion or disability.
• Inappropriate and time wasting communication.

We look forward to connecting with our community to ensure we have a collaborative, cohesive and supportive culture that has positive outcomes for all

Our preferred method of payment is online, this can be accessed through our school app or website. Feel free to contact the front office if you require any help with this.

If you are unable to make payment online and wish to pay cash, please ensure you have placed all money in an envelope or zip lock bag clearly marked with your child's name and class and what the payment is for.

PARENT ONLINE PAYMENTS.pdf

TERM 1 CALENDAR 2023

Our first week in Kindergarten has been a great success! Students have done a great job of adjusting to our daily routines. We continue to review classroom rules and procedures as well as school rules and appropriate indoor voice level.

Reminder to please write your child’s name in all of their belongings, particularly hats, lunchboxes, and water bottles.

Stage 1 have had a very happy and successful start to term 1. The students have settled in very well with their new teachers and are becoming increasingly confident in their new classroom environments. The children were so excited to see their friends and welcome new friends. It is always amazing to see how the children have grown and matured, keen to return as leaders supporting new children in the class.

This year the following staff members will be working with your children on the Stage 1 team: 

• Mrs Clasper Year 1 (M, T) and Ms Withers Year 1 (W, Th, F) 
• Mr Efthymiou Year 1
• Mrs O’Connor Year 2
• Mrs Mustapic (M, T, W) and Mrs Charif (Th, F)

Over the last couple of weeks, we have prioritised student wellbeing to ensure a smooth transition back to school. This has included establishing positive relationships both in and on the playground and revisiting important school routines. The beginning of the year has provided a wonderful opportunity to learn about Lunar New Year as well as people and places that are special to us. We are looking forward to next week’s Parent and Carer information session where we will have the opportunity to meet you all and to share the learning journey we have planned for your children.

 Welcome back to all our Stage 2 families! It has been great to have the students back at school and we look forward to connecting with each family. The students looked amazing in their correct school uniform and black shoes this week. The start of the year can be a very expensive time of the year and we appreciate the effort you have made to ensure they are wearing their school uniforms with pride. They all look and feel the part. Stage 2 have been learning about how our school rules apply to different areas of the playground. They have focused on areas that are marked with a red line to indicate a space in the school that is unable to be supervised and therefore is unsafe. Students have been revising how we can be safe, thoughtful, active Learners who are respectful in all areas of our school. Looking forward to see you all at next Thursday’s Meet the Teacher Event and P+C BBQ. 

 Welcome back Stage 3 families to another fun filled, action packed year. We hope you all had an amazing and relaxing holiday break and are now ready to step back into the learning. It has been so great to see all your smiling faces walking through the gates ready for your next chapter of learning. Stage 3 has been getting to know each other's interest and hobby through some ‘Get to Know You’ artworks. They have also been exploring the school wide PBL expectations of being Safe, Thoughtful, Active Learners who are Respectful and collaboratively explaining what these look like in the classroom and on the playground. We are looking forward to a fantastic term of learning and can’t wait to see you all at the Meet the Teacher afternoon. 

Welcome to 2023! Our wonderful Support Unit students are settling in well, revisiting school and class rules and starting their learning journey with fun interactive activities. We are excited to see what 2023 brings. 

Lunchtimes in the library are always fun with lots of different activities available for the students.

Below are a few activities from this week.

We currently have access to storybox library. Our school username is McCallums and the password is "books". There are lots of wonderful books read by well known Australians that you are able to watch at home.  

There is a large collection of clothing left behind from last year. Please ensure all belongings are clearly labelled so that items can be returned. Lost property is placed on the verandah behind the office. Parents are encouraged to go through this to check for lost property at drop-off or pick up time. The lost property has recently been washed, please come and check for your items in the next two weeks as any non-uniform items will be sent to charity at the end of the term.

Students from our school went on an education tour of the national capital. Students were given the opportunity to participate in a variety of educational programs with a focus on Australia’s history, culture, heritage and democracy. The Australian Government recognises the importance of all young Australians being able to visit the national capital as part of their Civics and Citizenship education. To assist families in meeting the cost of the excursion the Australian Government contributed funding of $30 per student under the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate program towards those costs. The rebate will be paid directly to the school.  

02 9759 4396
mccallumhi-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au
McCallum Street, Roselands NSW 2196
mccallumhi-p.schools.nsw.gov.au