Dear Parents and Carers,

The open afternoon was very well attended by current, former, and even future families from our community. It was a great opportunity to celebrate how fortunate we are to be associated with a great school with amazing students and dedicated staff. A survey was sent out via the school app last week, parents are encouraged to offer feedback to the school about the open afternoon.

An observation in my time at the school is witnessing how on numerous times that members of the school community have looked after others in a time of need. Whether it has been the P&C or friends just helping friends the support has not gone unnoticed. A few families are currently experiencing some challenges and it is great to hear how the community has helped with meals, child minding, advocacy, wellbeing support and other good deeds. Without mentioning names - thank you. Our thoughts are with those experiencing tough times.

Friday week is National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence (NDA). We have chosen for our school to register as a NDA school which enables access to learning resources. This week students experienced growth mindset learning via the Ned Show which incorporated anti bullying strategies. The concepts will be reinforced in each classroom. Similar to all schools, the school rejects all forms of bullying behaviour including online (or cyber) bullying. Our school works to provide a safe, inclusive, and respectful learning community that promotes student wellbeing. The Department of Education defines bullying behaviour as having three key features. It involves the intentional misuse of power in a relationship. It is ongoing and repeated, and it involves behaviours that can cause harm.

Next Thursday, guest speakers from Castle Hill Police, Castle Hill High School and from Samuel Gilbert PS staff will offer parents valuable information. Topics include cyber safety, critical and creative thinking, literacy development, technology and science education, and a range of social safety tips. Parents of students in Years 3-6 are invited to attend. More information can be found in the school app notification sent out yesterday (Wednesday).

This year’s Science Week theme is ‘Innovation, Powering Future Industries’. Science at our school develops students' scientific inquiry skills, values and attitudes, such as objectivity, curiosity and habits of mind including critical thinking. Therefore, it provides ways of making sense of the world systematically.

Although Science Week starts next Monday, today each Stage group experienced a different theme by hands on experiments and class-based activities. Delivered by visiting science tutors the incursion complemented our teacher programming of science throughout the school term. 

Sunday week, 20 August is the return of the renowned Samuel Gilbert PS Great Fete. 

A few more volunteers are needed to offer 1 or 2 hours on the day. This may include support at a stall during the fete or with pack up at 3pm. If available, you are encouraged to contact the school P&C.#sgpspc #sgpsgreatfete #samuelgilbertpublicschool

Greg McLaren
PRINCIPAL

We look forward to welcoming parents to our information evening next Thursday. Information regarding the workshops on offer and the timetable for the evening has been sent out via the school app.

Samuel Gilbert is looking forward to celebrating Book Week during Week 6 with our students and families. On Monday 21 August we invite parents into classrooms to see a variety of reading activities in process and this will be followed by a Book Character Parade and a shared recess time for families. Morning book reads in the library’s tiered seating area on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday with Mr Hands can also be enjoyed by students and their families.

Full details of these events have been sent via the school app.

The Zone Athletics Carnival will be held at Blacktown International Sports Park on Thursday 24 August. Students have now been notified of their involvement in this event. We wish them the best of luck and congratulate them on qualifying for this representative level.

Next Wednesday, 16 August Zach F. and Felix L. will be competing in the regional finals of the Premier’s Spelling Bee via Zoom. We wish them the very best of luck.

Oliver H will be representing Sydney West in the NSW PSSA Football Championship in Nelsons Bay next week, we wish him all the best.

Jesse A will be representing NSW in Diving during Week 6 at Sydney Olympic Park. We wish him every success.

Next Wednesday 16 August we will be holding a “Green and Gold” Mufti Day to celebrate the Diamonds World Cup victory, the Matilda’s World Cup achievements, so far, (fingers crossed they will still be competing by Wednesday ) and the Boomers bid for the FIBA World Cup, featuring our own past pupil, Josh Green. The funds raised will be used to support our current students, possibly future Olympians themselves, Amelia B. and Jesse A. who will be representing New South Wales in Netball and Diving in the coming weeks. This is an outstanding achievement and we wish them the very best of luck. Jesse will be diving at Olympic Park between the 21 -27 August and Amelia will be competing at the Gold Netball Centre in Western Australia between 9 and 15 September.

A huge congratulations to Amelia B. who represented Sydney West in the state PSSA Netball championships at the end of July. Not only were Amelia’s team the runners up on the day but Amelia was awarded the Players Player for the SW Tournament. She was also chosen to represent the NSW team in the upcoming School Sport Australia Championships to be held early in September in Western Australia. We are extremely proud of you Amelia – this is an outstanding achievement.

Congratulations to Mr Whybrow and the boy’s Football Knockout team who defeated Carlingford West PS last Thursday earning themselves a place in Round 6 against Cambridge Gardens Public School. This match will be played next week.

The Boy’s Softball KO team was also successful in their Round 3 match last week against Panania PS. The boys did a great job for their first game playing as a team, due to the earlier rounds being won through forfeit. Their Round 4 match will be against Camden South PS. We wish the boys the best of luck.

On Saturday 12 August Orienteering NSW will be holding an event on the grounds of Samuel Gilbert. Students from Samuel Gilbert wishing to participate will be given complimentary entry. Please see app attachments for further details. 

The plants donated by Toyota and supplied by Swanes were plentiful and the enthusiasm of the children was high. Unfortunately the ground was VERY hard and digging the holes for the beautiful plants was a challenge. If any parents have access to a hole digger or auger we would be very grateful of some help, as we still have a large number of plants requiring planting.

This week many children have been provided with free dental checks courtesy of the NSW Health Sydney West dental team. We hope this has been a helpful service for our families. 

Cathie Barclay & Gilliane Appave
DEPUTY PRINCIPALS 

What does fluency mean? Fluent reading acts as a bridge between automatic word reading and comprehension. It is the link between reading words quickly and effortlessly, and understanding and comprehending text. Explicit teaching and instruction are required to support children in becoming fluent readers.

Reading fluency refers to the ability to read words in texts accurately, effortlessly, at an appropriate rate, with phrasing and expression that reflects the meaning of the text. It has been referred to as the bridge between word recognition and comprehension, as it involves both reading the words in the text accurately and gaining meaning from the text in the way the author(s) intended.

Fluent reading is an important goal for students. Readers need to establish automatic, efficient and accurate word reading to free up the cognitive load so they are able to attend to the meaning of the text. Once meaning is accessed a reader learns to use their voice appropriately in response to reflect the author’s message. This is called prosody. Prosody and automaticity work together as the reader moves towards a deeper understanding of text.

The following components of fluency are explicitly taught at school:

Expression and volume – the sound of the reading, including intonation and phrasing that is reflective of the author’s intended message.

Rhythm and phrasing – reading words in phrase groups. The text is read by linking phrases as well as responding to punctuation with intonation and pausing.

Accuracy and smoothness – the reading of words correctly in an easily pronounced way with minimal hesitation.

Automaticity and pace – the reading of words automatically and effortlessly at a rate that matches the text. It is reading at a pace that is consistent to carry a message and that the listener can understand.

You can work with your child at home to improve their fluent reading. When reading to your child, read with a clear, steady and expressive voice to model correctly the components of fluency. Have your child consistently read to you so they can practise an expressive voice with confidence.

Amanda Keane
Assistant Principal, Curriculum and Instruction

Only 10 days to go! 
Great Fete: We are very excited to welcome our community on Sunday 20^th August 10am-3:00pm. We would like to take this opportunity to thank the Samuel Gilbert community, our parents and staff and all the volunteers for making this event possible. A big shout out to the Great Fete Committee who have put in many hours over many months to make this event a success. The Great Fete is a wonderful family event featuring rides, entertainment, markets stalls and food trucks. We look forward to seeing you and your family there.

A few last reminders:-
Upcycle Donations: Bring along your donations and given them a new life! All donations are welcome at the old hall at the following days/times:

• Sunday 13th (this Sunday) 2-5pm
• Friday 18th 8.30am-9.30am and 2.30pm-4pm

The Giant Raffle: Tickets are due back to the school office on Monday 14 August. Make sure the name and contact details are clearly written and the ticket stubs are returned to us with the student’s name on the back together with the money. Thank you to all our families for your support.   

Cake Stall: Requests for Cake stall packaging are due by Monday 14 August. Complete your request here: https://forms.office.com/r/dj327vGpat. Packaging will be sent home on Wednesday 16 August.

Volunteers: Can you give an hour? We cannot run the Great Fete without the help of our wonderful school community. See https://signup.com/Group/1201983172073/ to find a time slot that works for you.

Rides: You can still pre-purchase ride armbands, which allow unlimited access to the rides. Pre-purchased armbands are $35 up to the day before the Great Fete! ($40 on Fete Day). Save $5 per armband and purchase ahead of the day. Your unlimited ride armband gets you access to unlimited carnival rides, plus the amazing Kidz Zoo! Individual rides tickets can also be purchased on the day for $8 each.

To buy your unlimited rides armbands, go to https://www.trybooking.com/CJYSS OR scan the QR code below:The next Fete meeting is Tuesday 15 August at 7:30pm in the Library. 

• Great Fete – Sunday 20 August 10:00am-3:00pm
• Band Camp - Wednesday 30-Thursday 31 August
• Father’s Day Breakfast and Jersey Day – Friday 1 September 
• Interrelate (Years 3 – 6) Online on Tuesday 24 October
  Where Did I Come From: 6pm
  Preparing for Puberty: 7:15pm
• Mother/Daughter Camp – 18-19 of November – This event is for Mum’s and daughters in Years 3 – 6.

• Website: www.sgpspc.org.au 
• Fete Website: www.greatfete.com.au 
• Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/SGPSPC
• Fete Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/sgpsgreatfete/
• School website: www.samuelgilbertnsw.edu.au 
• School app: You can find the link to the school app on our front page of the www.sgpspc.org.au website 

Elizabeth Tye
SGPS P&C Vice President
etye@sgpspc.org.au 

Welcome to our new families. It is so great to see the Band Program growing!

Our Bands performed so well last week at the Open Afternoon! Thank you to all the parents and students who helped pack away afterwards.

Please find a list below of all the exciting Events that our Bands are involved in this Term.

Term 3 Dates

Sunday, 20 August – GREAT FETE

•        There will be a separate email about the arrangements for the Fete sent out this week. ALL Bands will be performing between 10:10-10:40am on the Main Stage (Oval)

Tuesday, 22 August – HAWKESBURY EISTEDDFOD, WINDSOR

•      All Band Members should have received a permission note to attend the Hawkesbury Eisteddfod through Schoolbytes last week. If you did not, please contact the school office. Parents and friends are welcome to attend the Eisteddfod, however there is an entrance fee (see note).

Wednesday, 30 – Thursday, 31 August – BAND CAMP

•        Final Payment for Band Camp is due on the 16th August. A note will be sent out in the week prior with a packing list and final details.

•       If you can help with transporting Percussion Equipment to or from the Camp (Gross Vale) please respond here: https://forms.gle/LFrnokefQGmmyJXo6 

Term 4 Dates

Sunday, 22 October – INVITATIONAL CONCERT

•        Concert at the Harvey Lowe Pavillion in the Afternoon

•        Please RSVP in Bandforte to this event if you haven’t alreadyIf you have any further questions, please contact Briony at sgpsbandcoordinator@gmail.com

Welcome to Term 3, This year is going by so fast! Term 3 has seen our Stage 2 and Stage 3 classes commence the construction of their own digital books for a digital library of student work. All students from Year 3 to Year 6 have been exploring in depth what it means to be an author, looking at the purpose and motivation of authors in the creation of their works. Students have developed unique characters with a detailed back story and their roles as protagonist or antagonist within stories and the motivations of the characters driving them in these roles. The students have then begun writing and editing their books, with some students working co-operatively to create a series of books about the same characters. I look forward to reading and sharing the finished products of their efforts.

The younger grades have not been missing out with a fun look at the different genres of fiction books available in the library and exploring the features of each unique genre, where genres can overlap and what books we have in the library for each of the genres. Students in Kindergarten to Year 2 have been using their genre knowledge to locate books throughout the fiction section of the library and have learnt to identify and record title and author of these books and discuss why they believe each book belongs to a certain genre with their classmates.

I hope everyone has got their costumes ready for the whole school Book Character Costume Parade on Monday 21 August to celebrate the start of Book Week, we have a number of Children’s Literature events occurring across the week in addition to the wonderful literature lessons in classes, the Library has planned:

Monday 21 August 2023

8:20 am – Special Morning Read event.                               

Frank’s Red Hat by Sean Avery for Picture Book of the Year.

There’s No Such Book by Jessica Denman for CBCA award for new illustrator.

8:50 am – Visit your child’s classroom for a variety of reading activities. 

9:50 am – Select your vantage points to enjoy watching our school book-character parade taking place in the new hall and COLA area. Children should come dressed as a book character and ideally bring the book of character they represent. (Try to represent book character rather than a movie or super hero.) 

Parents are welcome to dress up to if they wish!

10:50 am – Bring a special recess to share with your children. 

Wednesday 23 August 2023

8:20 am – Special Morning Read event.       

Where the Lyrebird Lives by Vikki Conley for Book of the Year: Early Childhood.

Snap! by Anna Walker for Book of the Year: Early Childhood.

Thursday 24 August 2023

8:20 am – Regular Morning Read 

Come to the tiered learning space to hear some fun Book Week books.

The Thursday Morning Read is back on this week and will be continuing every Thursday Morning at 8:20 am in the tiered Learning Space in the Library. All are welcome, students, siblings, parents, and grandparents, come along and listen to two fun stories before school. With Book Week coming up there will be some special edition Morning Read sessions: Monday 21 August at 8:20am and Wednesday 23 August at 8:20am in addition to the usual Thursday Morning Read session, so come along as a guest reader will be reading one of the books at each session.

Just a reminder That the Premiers Reading Challenge is open for students, please remember to enter the students’ books in their reading record, accessed via the PRC student site (link below)

Remember: The Premier’s Reading Challenge closes for student entries: Friday 18 August 2023

PRC Booklists   can be downloaded from the booklists page. Almost 200 new books are now available for students to read as part of their challenge experience.

Student Website:

The PRC student site will be updated prior to the challenge opening.  The PRC student site is a user-friendly and engaging way for students to enter their reading records. As they enter their books, students will be rewarded with new avatars and challenge titles. Students and parents can visit the support article to view a video which demonstrates the use of the student site.

Anh Do arrived in Australia at age 3 on a small fishing boat packed with 47 other Vietnamese refugees. Having survived pirate attacks, dehydration, and internment in a Malaysian refugee camp, young Anh came through this adversity with a determination to make the most out of life. Anh Do has many talents, he is a successful comedian, actor, artist television host and award-winning author!

In 2010 he released The Happiest Refugee, his enormously popular memoir detailing his journey from war-torn Vietnam to Australia. The book won numerous awards in 2011, including Australian Book of the Year, Biography of the Year, Newcomer of the Year, and Indie Book of the Year. Since then Anh Do has brought the story to life in a critically acclaimed inspirational live show, The Happiest Refugee Live, which has commanded sell-out seasons in hundreds of locations all over the country. Anh has written many other books since, including the nationally best-selling children’s series’ Weir Do, Hotdog, Ninja Kid, Wolf Girl, Rise of the Mythix, E-Boy, Pow Pow Pig, Sky Dragon, Smarty Pup and The Champ!

Yours in reading,

Adam Hands,
Librarian

Menu Changes 
Once again, our costs have increased and we have had to review our prices. Fortunately our costs are still lower than some other canteens but we have to increase the following items:

• Tuna (sandwiches, rolls, wraps, salads) – an extra 50c
• Baked potatoes – an extra 50c; now $3.00
• GF Beef lasagne, Butter chicken, Bolognaise pasta bake, Fried rice with chicken, Macaroni cheese, Beef nachos dippers – an extra 50c; now $6.00
• Snack meat pie – price rise from $2.50 to $2.80
• Noodle cups – price rise from $2.80 to $3.00
• Sausage roll – price rise from $3.00 to $3.50
• Tomato and BBQ sauce portions – price rise to 40c
• Stone Baked Margherita pizzas – price rise to $5.00
• Large spring water bottle – price rise to $2.00

A new menu will be updated on the School and P&C websites, and prices will be reflected on Munch Monitor.

General
Students are requested not to come to the canteen with notes larger than $5 (unless they are buying a hat or cap). The Canteen does not handle large amounts of cash. We also do not have any EFTPOS or credit card facilities.

The canteen holds a supply of school hats and caps for purchase. School hats are $16, and School Caps are $15. Please try to use exact money as advised above we don’t have a lot of change. 

Only drinks are available before school at the canteen. 

Please ensure your child has lunch. Many students are coming to canteen with a note from their teacher advising they don’t have lunch or think they have an online lunch order. This is holding us up from serving students during their lunch break especially if we have no volunteers to assist and we are on our own. 

Volunteers
Volunteers are always needed to service a large school like ours. Volunteers are essential to help keep costs down, especially with the rise in food, utility and insurances. Shifts are 9am to 11:15am and 11:30am to 2pm. If you have a few hours free and would like to help, please contact the canteen. 

We have several Grandparents helping out at the canteen and their assistance is invaluable—thank you to these wonderful grandparents. As well as a thank you to our regular volunteers.

Free Online Allergy Training
https://foodallergytraining.org.au/

The above website offers online free allergy training for various business including school canteens. You may find this training useful, especially if you volunteer at the canteen—however it is not required to volunteer at the canteen as the Canteen staff have undertaken the necessary training. 

Pumpkin Head
Thank you to Brian from Pumpkin Head. Even though his children finished at the school some years ago, he is still donating some fruit and vegetables to the canteen every week. 

Jenelle Lockrey & Jacqui Cumming
Canteen Supervisors

Shop Hours
Monday 8.30am -9.30am & Wednesday 2.30pm – 3.30pm
Only one family per time will be served in the shop.

Please book through the P&C website: //www.sgpspc.org.au/uniformshopappointment// and follow any updates from the P&C or school about COVID safe measures.

Out of stock
Trackpants size 6: these are out of stock until term 4 delivery. Please advise by email if you wish to cancel your order or wait until they come in.
Sport shirt size 12: due in with summer orders.
Navy socks shoe size 13-3: due in with summer orders. 

Deliveries
Summer stock is due to arrive late Term 3, early Term 4.

Preloved Stock 
We have plenty of items available at very good prices. Donations always welcome. These can be left at the School Office, the Canteen or at the Uniform Shop.

Kindergarten 2024
Parents with older children at the school are encouraged to order online on Munch Monitor where possible, for delivery to older sibling’s class.

Stocktake
We will be doing our yearly stocktake in Week 10 of Term 3. The shop will be open at the normal times.

Kind Regards,

Sheryl Naylor
SGPS P&C Uniform Shop Manager
Email: //uniformshop@sgpspc.org.au//

A huge congratulations to all of Miss Stacey’s and the 3 lunchtime dance groups for their fabulous performances at Open Day last Thursday. Please note the following dates for the diary and see school bytes for more information, permission and payment of these upcoming dance activities.

Great Fete: 20 August (ALL dance groups)

3-6 Assembly:  24 August (Mrs Medcalf’s dance group)

Hills Performing Arts Festival: 29 August (Miss Stacey’s and Mrs Medcalf’s dance groups)

Hawkesbury Eisteddfod: 30 August (Miss Stacey’s and Mrs Medcalf’s dance groups, except for band students)

A big thanks to all teachers involved in running these groups and to parents for the ongoing support of the performing arts.

Mrs Medcalf (Dance coordinator)
Learning and Support Teacher (LaST)

Week 5
Monday, 14 August: Upcycle Stall for Great Fete open for donations
Tuesday, 15 August: Stage 3 Public Speaking Finals
Wednesday, 16 August: Regional Spelling Bee Final
Thursday, 17 August: Stage 2 & 3 Parent Information Evening 5-7pm
Friday, 18 August: Stage 2 Public Speaking Finals & PSSA Finals
Sunday, 20 August: The Great Fete

Week 6
Monday, 21 August: Book Week Celebrations 8:20am – 10:50am
Tuesday, 22 August: Band Eisteddfod Primary Proms Rehearsal
Thursday, 24 August: Zone Athletics Carnival

Yesterday our Year 6 classes were very lucky and privileged to welcome a group of Japanese Exchange students into their classrooms.

The fourteen students that visited us are from different public and private schools in Onojo City in the Fukuoka Prefecture of the Japanese Island of Kyushu. The students are here in Australia on an exchange program with Castle Hill High School to learn about life and schooling in Australia.

Whilst they visited our Year 6 classrooms they taught our students about Japanese culture, food and art. This culminated in activities where students learnt how to use chopsticks to eat, make origami figures, and write their name in calligraphy.

There was lots of excitement and laughter from both set of students as they learnt to overcome an obvious language barrier to teach and learn from each other.

We wish our new Japanese friends all the best and hope their stay in Australia is a wonderful learning opportunity.

Mr Wicks
Year 6 Teacher

Art on Canvas - www.artoncanvas.com.au