A humbling moment to be able to be at school last Wednesday evening and watch our dedicated teachers engage with the community through sharing best practice of literacy in the classroom at Artarmon PS. Thank you to all the parents who participated and an even bigger thank you to the staff who volunteered their time to want to help build our sense of belonging and community connection with you all.

BUILDING UPDATE

Administration Building - We are at the final stages of this project now with a completion date of Week 10 this term. We will remain in our temporary office for the reminder of Term 3, however, we will be back up and running with our new look administration office for the start of Term 4.

Noah's Ark Toilet - The Noah's Ark toilet or more commonly known as the 'Kindy' toilet or the Abbott Rd toilet block has only weeks left in commission. During the school holidays it will be demolished and the new facilities will begin to be built. This project will not be complete until during the Christmas holidays and the new toilets will be ready for the start of 2023.

A temporary toilet block for students is being delivered for the students to use and will be placed near the entrance to the oval. 

McMillan Shade Structure - Our new community funded shade structures are finally being erected during the school holidays in the McMillan playground. 

I understand the community use our school playground during the holidays, so please be aware that there will be construction fencing both in the McMillan playground and behind the Kindy at the entrance to the oval.

INVOICES

Yesterday school fee reminders were sent to any family with outstanding fees. Thank you in advance to those families who have promptly paid as these fees cover the extra costs included in school programs including excursion and incursions.

Please ensure you take up the 'fees in advance' if you have any on your statement. If you need assistance with this, please contact the office.

Voluntary Contribution - The voluntary contribution is added to every family's fees each year. This contribution is as it says 'voluntary' and I can not thank our community enough for the generosity already in supporting our school with your contribution. So far this year we have received $138, 500

How have we used these funds so far?

• $114, 000 for an additional staff member to support learning programs across the school and support
• $24,000 towards the cost of playground shade structure being erected in McMillan Playground these holidays. These funds are in addition 

TELL THEM FROM ME SURVEY

In the coming weeks we'll be asking parents to complete the parent Tell Them From Me (TTFM) survey to collect some data on our school.

Please find attached extra information and frequently asked questions on the survey and uses for the data.

Parent_Survey_FAQ.pdf

FATHER'S DAY

The P&C fundraising committee have again volunteered their time to organise and provide another two opportunities this week to help and continue to build our community's sense of belonging and connection.

1. Father's Day Stall - Happening this Friday

2. Fathering Project - Pizza and Paper Plains - Happening this Saturday

I am sure through P&C class chat groups and emails our parent volunteers who plan, prepare and execute these events for our community are continually thanked by our parents, however, I would like to take this opportunity to publicly thank those hard working volunteers who do not do it for them, but for all the children at Artarmon.

To the father's, grandfathers, step dads and male role models or father figures in our students lives, I wish you a wonderful Father's Day this weekend.

CONGRATULATIONS TO PAST STUDENT RINKY HIJIKATA

A huge achievement by one of our past students Rinky Hijikata who this morning played against Nadal in the first round of the US open. An amazing start to take the first set 6-4. An amazing performance with no doubt an amazing career in the future.

Well done Rinky. Artarmon is behind you all the way!

Literacy Parent Information Night

Last Wednesday night, our school hall was buzzing with over 200 parents and a horde of teachers from every grade. We were gathered with one purpose; to discuss how literacy is taught at Artarmon Public School and to present ways that parents can support their child’s development of literacy skills.

Our staff shared their passion for teaching literacy through presentations or by sharing activities and ideas that parents could carry out at home. Many of these activities and ideas will be shared shortly on our school website, so watch this space!

Thank you to all teachers who gave up their time to plan, prepare and present and to all parents who attended! It’s clear from parents’ feedback below that it was a fantastic evening.

If you enjoyed the evening, we would love it if you could join us again next Wednesday for the Numeracy Parent Information Evening.

“First time to attend this kind of session. I am very happy with the presentation. It is very informative.”

“I felt the night was very useful. I found the Kindergarten session very helpful and interactive.”

“Sometimes new parents are clueless on how to help but sessions like this are very useful.”

“Being able to interact with the teachers and understand the tools they use to teach literacy, so we can better understand and help as parents.”

“It was fantastic. I just want to say a huge thank you.”

“It was run really well and we really appreciate the time and effort the staff have put into running the event - thank you.”

“Thanks very much for all the teachers for your dedication! We really appreciate it!"

Taronga Zoo Recount

By Paddy Molloy and Jack Watt

Yesterday we went to Taronga Zoo for an excursion. When we arrived we saw the very tall giraffe eating leaves out of a feeding box. The next thing we saw was our favourite- the Capybara. They weren’t doing much but they are very cool and chunky. The third animal we saw was the camels, they were very big and had a lump on their back. The camels were being fed at that moment so we didn’t really get to see them. On the way to the Tamarins we saw a colourful peacock that was minding it’s own business. The Cotton Top Tamarins were eating upside down and using their claws to give them a good grip on the tree. The tamarin had a long tail, a little face and a big body. Their food looked like skittles. One of the first shows we saw was the seal show featuring Pepe, Bondi and Diego. Even though we weren’t in the splash zone our favourite part was when the seals jumped up and touched the buoy with their nose. The next thing we saw was the meerkat talk, the people said the teeth are like carnivore teeth but their diet was like an omnivore. It was a very tiring but interesting day and we learnt a lot of new cool facts.

Taronga Zoo Excursion

By Isabelle White

Yesterday, we went to Taronga Zoo and it was amazing. It was even more fun than going with my parents and my sister.

Firstly, we went to the giraffes they were having breakfast at the time and they were eating dried leaves and fruit. I also noticed that the giraffes use their tongue to curl the food into their mouth.

Secondly, we saw the capybara and the ducks. The ducks were white, golden and black. The Capybara was the size of a dog and was brown and wet. It was almost like a giant wombat!

Thirdly, while we were walking to the next animal we bumped into a peacock that was walking on the path. For a second I thought that it had escaped from a cage but it was not actually a zoo animal.

Then, we did an ethogram on the Tamarin and this is what we recorded:

Behaviour:

30s jumping and playing

1m on top of the cage and tree

1m30s jumping between the trees

2m lying in the cage

2m30s hiding

3m climbing up tree and leaping

3m30s climbing up tree

4m climbing on rope

4m30s on food table

5m back in cage and feeding

In conclusion I personally think that this was the best excursion ever. I hope other Year 5’s have a good time at Taronga Zoo like I did.

Last week, Artarmon had approximately 60 students represent the school at the North Shore Zone Athletics Carnival in field events at ES Marks Athletics track, and track events at Sydney Academy of Sport, Narrabeen. The weather gods were on our side, with both days being held under bright sunshine.

Each student performed very well, with a few setting new personal bests and there was some very competitive performances.

Congratulations to the following students who qualified for the regional carnival to be held at Homebush later this term.

Shiori Fujikawa – Junior Girls 200m 2^nd Place

Isabella Campbell – Senior Girls 200m 2^nd Place

Thomas Eaton, Joshua Park, Eric Yang and Matthew Feng – Senior 4 x 100m Boys Relay 1^st Place

1^st Reserve – Eric Yang – Senior Boys Long Jump

1^st Reserve – Thomas Eaton – 11 Boys Long Jump and 11 Boys 100. Well done everyone, we are very proud of you.

Tournament of Minds Regional Finals

On Sunday, two teams of excited Year 5 and Year 6 students attended the Sydney North Regional Final for Tournament of Minds at Waitara Public School. These students have worked enthusiastically this term during lunch times and before school to prepare props, costumes and a dramatic performance that is aimed to solve an authentic, open-ended challenge. They demonstrated creative, divergent thinking, collaborative enterprise, excellence and teamwork. Congratulations to Kristina, Elisya, Airan, Hia, Rachel, Arshiya, David, Lauren, Grace, Emma, Ayaan, Alex, Jess and Niharika on your excellent performances and thank you to the mums and dads who supported their attendance!

Tickets for the Concourse concert are now available through Ticketek.

Get your tickets now https://premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/show.aspx?sh=ARTARMON22 

If your child is performing, they do not need a ticket.

Artarmon Public School presents ‘Celebration of the Arts.’ Thursday 15^th September 2022 at 7pm.

Artarmon Public School invites you to join us for an evening performance showcasing our finest dance, choir and musical ensembles.

This concert will feature our Year Two and Kameraigal Choirs, our Junior and Senior Dance Groups and Guitar Group, Training, Junior, Concert and Senior Strings, Orchestra, Junior, Training, Concert and Senior Bands.

We look forward to sharing this celebration of the arts and our amazingly talented students with you.

PERMISSION NOTE UPDATE- Last call for notes!

Strings Uniform

-On the note that went home (23.08.22), there was some outdated information regarding the 'Strings Uniform'

Music Uniforms-Band and Strings are as follows:

- 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 the concert.

There has been some confusion around who to return the permission notes to. 'Group Leaders' refers to the leader of the ensemble. The group leaders need to be aware of who is attending the Concourse Concert so that they know numbers and formations for the night. If your child is in more than one ensemble, there are 2 'return slips' on the permission note that can be given to both leaders. If they are in more than 2, they can come and get an extra note or a handwritten note from home will suffice. Group leaders for each ensemble are listed below:

Band- Mr Walmsley

Strings- Mr Mansakhani

Guitar- Lan Zhong

Jnr Dance- Mrs Stanistreet or Mrs Ekas

Snr Dance- Ms Gallagher and Ms Winchester

Year 2 Choir- Ms Mullens, Ms Wickens and Ms Mendes

Kameraigal Choir- Ms Marshall, Mr Oriel and Mrs Sestak

Dear Parents and Carers, please refer below for key dates and events.

Upcoming Band Key Date/Event:

Attendance to the above events is compulsory and all Band students are expected to attend as part of the Music Program (except for the New England Orchestra Tour).

Chatswood Concourse Concert

Our Artarmon Public School Celebration of Arts is fast approaching. Each performing child has given a permission slip. Please remind your child to return the completed form to the Music Room. If you are in multiple groups or ensemble, please return a slip to EACH group/ensemble.

Parent Volunteers Needed!!

As you may know, ALL of the administration of the Band Program (and Strings) is completed entirely by parent volunteers.  Currently we have two openings of new parent volunteers to fill empty roles. Volunteering to help out with band is a great way to connect with the school community, gain a better understanding of the music & band program and most importantly your child will be thrilled that you are involved with something they are involved in.

If you able to assist or have any further questions on any of the roles, please email band.artarmonpandc@gmail.com

• Tutor Coordinator Assistant



1$0.

$.

.,2!

"

1$0.

$.

.,2!

Liaises between the school, parents, tutors and music directors (Band & Strings) in relation to tutorials; coordinates lesson timetables & reports; communicates tutorial information to parents; updates/emails tutors as required.

• Instrument Coordinator Assistant Opening

Assists Instrument Coordinators with issuing instruments, organising repairs, updating and maintaining instrument register and annual instrument checks.

Band Supervision: Call for Parent Volunteers for Morning Rehearsals

We have started a roster for parents to assist and supervise band rehearsals from 07:50am to 08:50am morning. This is also a great opportunity to watch your child and their band practice. However, except for Training Band, we still missing significant numbers of parent volunteers.

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

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 Daly, Oisze Altonaga & Jun Li at instrumentsband.artarmonpandc@gmail.com.

For tutor related enquires please contact your Tutor in the first instance. Alternatively, email Tutor Coordinator Jane Absolum/Rebecca at tutorband.atarmonpandc@gmail.com

For invoicing related enquiries, please contact our Treasurer Lynn at at treasurerband.artarmonpandc@gmail.com

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@gmail.com

Dear String Parents,

The Fox Studios Recording Sessions and Chatswood Concourse Concert are fast approaching. Please remind your children to put in the extra effort to perfect their pieces ready for their upcoming performances.

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

Fox Studio Recording Sessions

Please note some changes with regards to the recording sessions, which are on next Thursday 8^th September 2022.

• Training Strings will have their recording sessions onsite at school;
• Junior Strings, Concert Strings and Senior Strings will have their recording sessions at Fox Studios.

The school will transport school double basses to and from Fox Studios.

Chatswood Concourse Concert

Not long to go until the Artarmon Public School Celebration of the Arts, which is on 15^th September 2022. Please ensure your child has returned their completed permission slip to their group leader(s) or the Music room.

Please be reminded that performers are to wear their music uniform for the Concourse concert.

The music uniform is as follows:

• 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 the concert.

Please note that double bass players will be required to bring their home double bass to the Chatswood Concourse for their performance.

Absence during Tutorials

A reminder regarding absences: parents/caregivers must inform their child's instrumental tutor directly regarding absences in a timely manner. It is important to note school does not inform tutors of student absentees. Lessons that are missed without due notice will be forfeited.

Orchestra – Parent Supervision Roster

Our orchestra ensemble is on Wednesdays 7:50am – 8:50am in the Music Room. If you are available to assist and supervise the rehearsals, please sign up using the following google link:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1AWVJlOXfX9dBr-W4a2_a2t1yeis5_G1FwaYDnAWE9fA/edit?usp=sharing

Dates for the diary

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

Ensembles

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

Ensemble rehearsals

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.

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.

The Walkathon 

Written by Rayyan Junaid, Eric Yang, Suyi Ren and James Hird

On Tuesday (Last week), we, Artarmon were blessed with clear skies and an overly sunny day, well maybe not entirely. Everyone was ready, it was the day we had been waiting for, the walkathon, one of the most exhilarating days of the year and, you guessed it! We would be walking across the school.

The day began as normal, no one would have known it was the walkathon but secretly every kid was watching the clock ticking slowly. Every minute felt as if it were an hour but time got there eventually. Having just finished recess we all gathered at the basketball court anticipating the beginning. For some this was the first of many but for others this would be the last one, nonetheless everyone had great pleasure doing this but time was ticking and so slowly by slowly every year (in descending order) started walking this marathon I mean walkathon. Lap after lap the joy was held up as students walked, talked and raised money all simultaneously but time never stopped and unfortunately that meant the walkathon was coming to an end. Whether they did 5 laps, 10 laps or even 20 laps they all made a significant impact on our school.

Many of you may be wondering what the purpose of having all these children walking around the oval for. The walkathon is an excellent day for students to raise money for new outdoor learning spaces at Artarmon Public School. We are determined to make sure that the money the children raised is returned back to their own good. The best way to do this is to have them walk to keep themselves fit enough while providing benefits for the school. What’s more, your child has the chance to win fabulous prizes too. How does money just come to the school though? The foundation of this is sponsors. Students are paid a specified amount of money from sponsors for every lap they do and all this money is given to the school. All for benefit, don’t worry! I have also explained that the children have the chance to win great prizes that will be announced in week 10 assembly. The walkathon is a place for children to have fun, get fit, have a chance to win and help out the school. This year’s walkathon was definitely considered a success.

The Walkathon 2022 was a huge victory for students for teachers alike. We all had so much fun raising money for the school and keeping ourselves fit, walking over and over in the sunlight, basking in the warmth and we hope to do all of this again next year. (sorry year 6!) All in all, this year's walkathon was extremely exciting and we all enjoyed it.

Special thanks to Ms Wong and Ms Winchester for organising this great even