It has been so lovely to have consecutive days of sunshine and blue sky. The community feel of students and parents at drop off and pick up is fantastic and the smile and energy on the students' faces is even better.

It has been great to have parent volunteers back in our K-2 classrooms to help with activities such as literacy groups, maths groups, art and excursions. Teachers have been working closely with the respective class parents to get volunteer rosters and activities set. Please remember if you are volunteering in the classroom, you must come to the office to sign in and have your working with children check. If you have noot already done this, to save time you can download the fillable PDF here: Parent_Volunteer_WWCC_forms.pdf

Parent / Teacher Interviews:

Information regarding booking parent teacher interviews in week 10 this term will be coming home soon. Please understand that teachers are currently assessing and preparing written academic reports to come home prior to the Week 10 interviews to discuss with you. Please be patient in the coming weeks and know that your child's teacher is planning, teaching, assessing and preparing a detailed report to share with you soon. They do not have time to meet with all families prior to the scheduled interviews in Week 10.

Of course if there are urgent matters or wellbeing concerns, please email the school and the appropriate person will contact you to assist. Alternatively, if there are any issues or concerns a classroom teacher has, they will contact you directly.

Your patience and understanding is appreciated as it allows teachers to do what they do best and be prepared to share with you detailed information about your child's academic progress at the end of the term.

Lost Uniforms

The winds, they are a changing...

As the mornings begin to become brisk, students are reminded each morning by their loving parents to 'put on a jumper, it's cold outside!' This is wonderful advice and is very helpful to young children who don't often think of the implications of going jumper-less each morning.

Other wonderful advice I would like to give everyone is checking each removable item students wear, ie jumpers to keep warm of a morning, are clearly labelled with the child's name so if and when taken off and thrown on the ground, it makes it easier to be returned or found.

There are a group of Year 5 students and teachers who volunteer their time to sort and return lost items each week, but this is quite hard when the name is illegible or not there. Please take care with your items but also speak with your children about building their responsibility to safely store their jumpers in their bags when they get warm throughout the day.

Second Hand Uniform Shop 

There have been some reports of parents going into the second hand uniform shop throughout the day when it is not open and looking for clothes. Please remember this is a storage area for items and not an open / free shop. If you would like to purchase second hand uniforms, please come to the shop during opening hours.

NATIONAL WALK SAFELY TO SCHOOL DAY

Friday 20th May is National Walk Safely to school day. A great opportunity for you to discuss with your children the importance of road safety, health, public transport and the environment.

I will be looking forward to not only a sunny day but seeing so many of our families walk to school next Friday and potentially starting a new trend or way to get active each morning in the future. I understand some families within our community live a little too far to walk. Think outside the box for this one and possibly park a few streets away and walk as an alternative.

WSTSD_2022_flyer_NAT.pdf

Year 2 in Term 2

On the 6^th of May, we did a Raw Art incursion and made flower pots. Firstly, we made patterns on the middle of the flowers. Then we drew the leaves on a piece of small paper. Next, we glued the petals onto the middle circle. After that, we stuck a stick on the flower like it’s stem. We rolled out brown clay into a sphere and put the flowers into the pot. After five days, we painted the flower pots to make them colourful and then took them home. We enjoyed our incursion and really liked using clay.

 By Alice Min, Katy Wu and Samantha Low

Rapid Antigen Testing: - More RAT kits will be sent home in the following weeks to be used for symptomatic testing as well as testing of close contacts during Term 2. These kits will be sent home in school bags. 

Close Contacts: - As of the 22 April, close contacts (household contacts) no longer have to isolate. This means that from the beginning of Term 2, students and staff who are identified as close contacts will be able to attend school, following certain guidelines.

• Parents must notify the school if they are intending to return under this provision.
• Must be symptom free. Student close contacts are encouraged to wear mask.
• Conduct a daily rapid antigen test (RAT) and return a negative result each morning before attending school for 5 school days.
• Any visitor to a school site who is a close contact is required to advise the school that they are a close contact before they come on site. These visitors should conduct a daily RAT and return a negative result before attending. They must also wear a mask indoors at all times (adult staff and visitors)

COVID Positive: - If a student tests positive to COVID-19 they must follow NSW Health guidelines and

• Notify the school of positive result
• Isolate for 7 days
• Return to school post 7 day isolation as long as symptom free

Digital Learning packs when isolating at home. If your child is feeling ok and you would like to access the Department's Digital Learning packs please access them here.

https://education.nsw.gov.au/teaching-and-learning/learning-from-home/learning-at-home/2022-digital-learning-packs/primary

The Departments Digital Learning Packs provide 5 days of learning activities for you and your child/children to work through at your pace. This system is set up to support families to manage the time at home. This is not mandatory, only optional.

Continued COVID Smart Measures

• All staff and visitors must meet double vaccination requirements.
• Ventilation is maximised in all learning areas.
• Hygiene practices and enhanced cleaning of high touch and target areas.

Reducing the risk of illness this winter season.

• stay home if unwell

• keep up to date with vaccinations – including the flu vaccine, which is available from your local GP, pharmacy or Aboriginal Medical Service. Flu vaccines are free for all children aged 6 months to under 5 years, or for a small charge for those aged 5 years and older

• get tested immediately for COVID-19 if you become symptomatic and isolate until you receive a negative result

• practice good hand hygiene by washing regularly with soap and water

• take a RAT before visiting vulnerable loved ones or going to large gatherings and events.

Dear Parents and Carers, 

NAPLAN is currently taking place for year 3 and year 5 students. Sessions will be held between Tuesday, 10 May – Friday 20^th May 2022. No changes on our regular band rehearsals, but please keep checking your emails as there may be changes to tutorials. 

Please refer below for other key dates and events.

Band Key Date/Event for Term 2:

Attendance to the above events is compulsory and all Band students are expected to attend as part of the Music Program.

Music Intensive Weekend 2022

The Artarmon Music Intensive Weekend is coming up on Saturday 28th – Sunday 29th May. All students in Junior Band, Junior String, Concert Band, Concert String, Senior Band, Senior Strings, Jazz Band and Orchestra are expected to attend. You should by now received an email from our event coordinator to register your child for Music Intensive Weekend. Please complete the online registration by Friday, 20th May (two more days to go!!).

We need parents to assist with supervision for each session for the Intensive weekend to work effectively. Tasks will include sign in/out, supervision of tutorials, breaks, cooking and serving of sausage sizzle. Please make yourself available and indicate your time preference on the online registration form. Please note there are 2 different days signup sheets for Saturday and Sunday.

We are still short of critical parent volunteers to make the event fun and success.  To sign up, please register your interest to link  Music intensive Weekend parents volunteers (signup.zone)

Please contact the event coordinator Dan Liu (Nicole) at ld810207@hotmail.com if you have any questions.

Sydney Eisteddfod 2022

It is very exciting that we will be competing at the Sydney Eisteddfod 2022 in person. The event will be held at the Concourse, Victoria Ave Chatswood, from Saturday 4th June – Wednesday 8th June. The cost of this excursion has already been included in the semester band fees. All Band members are expected to attend.

Please check your children’s performance time carefully as time will differ for each band. Registration email will be sent out to the parents/carers shortly. Parents are very welcome to attend and tickets are available from the Sydney Eisteddfod desk at Level 1, Chatswood Concourse Concert Hall, on the day. The cost is $25 per ticket for adults, $20 concession, $10 child/youth.

Band Supervision: Call for Parent Volunteers for Morning Rehearsals

(Training Band and Concert Band)

As parents are now allowed back on the school site, we have started a roster for parents to assist and supervise band rehearsals from 07:50am to 08:50am morning. 

There are still few spots available for Training Band and Concert Band. This year we would like to open the volunteering to all band groups. You are welcome to volunteer for any rehearsal, all help is very much appreciated.

The band co-ordinators have created a signup zone page. Please click on this link and enter your details for the time that best suits you (please note there is a different tab for each band group).

https://signup.zone/gsdhQDjk2Eo2mWqJA 

Band Invoice

Please note that band enrolments have been finalised and invoices were sent out in April 2022. Please check your Junk Mail folder or contact Band Treasurer at treasurerband@artarmonpandc.org.au if you have not received your invoice.

Please read carefully before you make payment.

1. You will see both band and string bank accounts on the invoice. Please make sure you pay into BAND account and the details are: BSB - 032090, Account number 170463.
2. If you are using the creative kids voucher, please make sure to submit your voucher details ASAP and deduct $100 from the total amount when transfer your payment. If you are unsure how to submit your voucher details, please contact band at your earliest convenience.

Feel free to contact the band treasurer should you have any other questions.

Regular Band Rehearsal Times:  

For rehearsals before school, students should arrive at school promptly at 7.50 am so that the rehearsal can start by 8:00 am.

Got a question?

Step 1: Have you looked in the 2022 band information pack? A copy is available in the MSM parent portal.

Step 2: Keep up to date with our weekly Band News.

Step 3:

For instrument related enquiries please contact our Instrument Coordinator Kirsteen at apsbandinstruments@gmail.com.

For tutor related enquires please contact our Tutor Coordinator Jane at tutorband@artarmonpandc.org.au.

For invoicing related enquiries, please contact our Treasurer Lynn at treasurerband@artarmonpandc.org.au.

Step 4: for any other enquiries please contact your wonderful Band Coordinators!

THANK YOU!

Ellis Foong & Christine Cao – 2022 Band Co-Convenors

Email: band@artarmonpandc.org.au

Dear Strings Parents,

String parents, in addition to email communications, we encourage you to check Newsflash regularly for upcoming events and important string updates.

A kind reminder that the Weekend Music Intensive and Sydney Eisteddfod events are coming up. Emails with detailed information have been sent out – please register your children on the parent portal (https://portal.msmusic.com.au) if you haven’t already. For the Weekend Music Intensive, there will be a Sunday sausage sizzle lunch, please ensure that you have filled in any medical, dietary requirements on the online registration.

If you are able to assist for any of the events, please find the details to sign up below.

Weekend Music Intensive 28-29 May

The Artarmon Music Intensive Weekend is coming up on 28-29 May. Saturday 12:30-5:30pm; Sunday arrival and sign in by parent 7:55am (Orchestra) / 8:45am (Other groups) - 2:30pm. A mini-concert will be held from 1.30-2.30pm on the Sunday where all groups and parents are welcome to attend. Please note that an adult must sign your child in and out each day. All students in Junior Band, Junior Strings, Concert Band, Concert Strings, Senior Band, Senior Strings, Jazz Band and Orchestra are expected to attend (Except Training Band & Training Strings).

This event will put the students in good preparation for the Sydney Eisteddfod recording that is occurring the week after the music intensive on Saturday 4^th June.

Detailed information was sent out this week from Nicole Liu. Please register for the Music Intensive online via the parent portal by Friday 20^th May. https://portal.msmusic.com.au

Please note that Music uniforms will require to be purchased prior to the concert on Sunday for the Weekend Music intensive in May.

• White point-collar long sleeved shirt (NOT the winter blouse for girls)
• black formal pants,
• black socks, and
• black school shoes;
• Music Tie

White collared shirts and pants are available from the school uniform shop or may be purchased elsewhere e.g. Kmart, Lowes etc. Music tie, only available from school uniform shop - $20. Please purchase a music uniform prior to Music Intensive and Eisteddfod.

If you are able to assist in this event, please add your details to APS Music Intensive Weekend (signup.zone)

Sydney Eisteddfod Saturday 4^th June

The Weekend Music intensive will have the students well prepared for the next event which is Sydney Eisteddfod on Saturday 4^th June.

Please note down the times that students will require to be in attendance. Orchestra 930am-10am, Junior 10-11am, Concert 10-11am, Senior Strings 11-12pm will perform at the Sydney Eisteddfod on Saturday 4th June at the Concourse, Victoria Ave Chatswood. It is recommended that students be at the venue of Chatswood Concourse, a good half an hour before their allocated session.

All String members are expected to attend. If there are any difficulties meeting this commitment you must email the Eisteddfod Coordinator explaining the reason. Children are to wear their performance uniform, and bring with them their music, instrument, and a water bottle and small snack to have at the venue while waiting. There will not be time to visit the canteen.

Parents are very welcome to come to watch the performance, tickets are available from the Sydney Eisteddfod desk at Level 1, Chatswood Concourse Concert Hall, on the day. The cost is $25 per ticket for adults, $20 concession, $10 child/youth.

If you can assist in this event, please sign up here: https://signup.com/go/AnfvjhR

If you have any questions please contact your String Eisteddfod coordinator, Courtney at courtskimyoshi@gmail.com

Got a question?

Step 1: Have you looked in the 2022 Strings information pack? A copy is available in the MSM parent portal. https://portal.msmusic.com.au/artarmonmusic

Step 2: Keep up to date with our weekly Strings News by checking Newsflash in the Schoolzine app.

Step 3: For instrument related enquiries please contact our Instrument Coordinators Aarti at APSstringsinstruments@gmail.com

For tutor related enquires please contact our Tutor Coordinator Jane at tutorband@artarmonpandc.org.au.

For invoicing related enquiries, please contact our Treasurers Namitha and Cat at stringstreasurer@gmail.com

Step 4: for any other enquiries please contact your wonderful String Coordinators:

Dates for the diary

Attendance to the above events is compulsory and String students are expected to attend as part of the Music Program.

Update your child’s class details

Now that classes have been confirmed, please UPDATE your child’s class details on the parent portal. https://portal.msmusic.com.au/artarmonmusic

Don’t forget to subscribe to SzApp for String Ensemble News. Found under Manage tab, choose the String Ensemble to keep in the loop with any alerts to upcoming events and updated news.

As a general courtesy, please ensure your tutors are also informed in advance if your child is unable to attend their lessons due to illness, doctor’s appointment, Selective School test, Covid isolation etc.

Ensembles 

If your child is sick and/or unable to attend a rehearsal, please notify your corresponding Strings Coordinator.

Ensemble rehearsals:

        Trainings Strings              1250pm for 1pm start -140pm, Tuesday Lunchtimes, music room

 Junior Strings:                7:45 for 750am start -8:45am Tuesdays, school hall

         Concert Strings:                  7:45 for 750am start -8:45am Thursdays, school hall

         Senior Strings:                    3-4pm Tuesdays, music room