15th of December - ISSUE 20

News and Updates from

Relieving Principal Report

Clap your hands, stomp your feet, UPS in 2023 can’t be beat !

This past fortnight has been filled with many exciting events.  

It was a joy to see our Stage 3 students participating in the Wonder Animation Project last week. Our students met animators and scientists from UTS and were shown the beginnings of various projects that dive into the eyes of a microscope. We also had 43 students represent UPS, at our first ever Balmain PSSA Zone Soccer Gala Day. 



Student leadership

We had 12 prospective candidates who wowed the whole school with their 2024 leadership speeches last Thursday. A huge congratulations to all candidates, you are all so inspirational. The school then swiftly voted, and I am pleased to announce that Zara, Francesca, Floyd and Destin have been selected as our 2024 UPS leadership team.

Wanaaring Public School

Friday was a very special day at Ultimo PS, not only did we have our K-2 and our 3-6 Presentation Day Assemblies, we also welcomed our new friends from Wanaaring Public School. Their school is located on the western border of the Bourke Shire on Barkindji Country. The school is 200 kms west of Bourke along the Paroo River on the Upper Western Plains of NSW. There are only 10 students in their whole school. The visit has  resulted in a wonderful friendship and connection between the schools. We look forward to keeping in touch! 


Year 6 Farewell

We hosted the Year 6 Farewell on Tuesday night. 

Students and staff had a wonderful night celebrating the success of our graduating class. A special shout out to our parent helpers who helped transform our hall into a Starry Night, it looked absolutely incredible. 

Gavin and Mel, on behalf of our Year 6 cohort, thank you for the most delicious dinner, we thoroughly enjoyed it. 

                                                                                                                                                               


Final Words 

As we reach the end of another great year at Ultimo Public School, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the successful year we've had together. This year has been filled with many learning opportunities and wonderful community events. Our Kindy cohort experienced their first excursion and students developed a positive disposition towards writing, speaking and reading. Stage 3 traveled to Canberra where they strengthened friendships and learnt about how our government operates. Let’s also not forget our most recent community event, Christmas in Pyrmont. 

Our students have shown dedication and enthusiasm towards daily school life, embracing new challenges with openness and determination. Students have all made progress towards academic success.

Let's also acknowledge the hard work and professionalism of our amazing teachers and support staff. Their unwavering commitment to students and their families is truly commendable. The dedication of staff has played an instrumental role in contributing to a successful school year. 

Beyond the classroom, our school community has thrived in creating a warm, inclusive, and supportive environment. Through many events, sports carnivals, art projects, performances and more, our students have showcased their talents and creativity - so much to celebrate!

We say goodbye to some wonderful staff who are taking leave, have received transfers  or are departing Ultimo PS for new and exciting chapters; Anne-Marie Richardson, Doreen Lee, Ms Lamaro, Mr Bransdon, Mrs Smith, Ms Mao, Ms Scanlon, Ms Konstantinidis, Ms Kim Nguyen, Mrs Lemaire, and Ms Turner we thank you for your service to Ultimo PS and wish you all the very best for 2024. 

I wanted to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to the Assistant Principals for the incredible support and collaboration I have experienced during my time as the Relieving Principal. Your unwavering dedication and commitment to our shared goals have made a significant impact, and I am truly thankful for each one of you.

Wishing all our students and families a wonderful festive season. I hope that everyone finds time to relax and spend time with your families and loved ones.

Clare Baptist,
Relieving Principal

 


From the Library

Library monitors party:

Last Monday, I hosted a party to celebrate and thank all the amazing work our Library monitors. These students sacrifice half of their lunchtimes, mostly 3 times a week, to help out in the Library. This is a leadership position and one which every one of them have taken on the responsibility with pride and integrity. I hope I have been able to impart some skills and offer them a place where they can be themselves. More importantly, they have shared with me their thoughts and ideas to make the Library a more inclusive space and I have loved watching the Library transform this year. Although I am sad to see them leave Ultimo, I wish them every success for their transition into High School and I hope they can reflect fondly on their time in the Library.

Returning of books:

If your child is in Year 6, or is leaving the school, please make sure they have returned all their books. I will be sending another reminder note for any books outstanding. If you believe you have returned all books, please send an email to the office and they will forward to me. Thank you for your understanding.

Reflecting on the year: 2023

Wow what an amazing year! 2023 has been a big year at Ultimo Public School and of course in the Library!

· We added over 1000 new books to the fiction, non-fiction and picture book collections thanks to the rewards from your purchases from Scholastic Book Club and parent donations.

· Led a new initiative, Breakfast Reading Club which brought our Stage 3 students and Kindergarten and Year One students as well as Screen Australia to read and share breakfast and a story every Thursday.

· Library monitor excursion: CBCA Book Awards Winners

· Celebrated Book Week: Read, Grow Inspire: A celebration of Book Week with our Scholastic Book Fair, Book Week Parade & competitions for students

· Multicultural reading session with Kindergarten and Stage 2 & 3 students

· Lunchtime Lego and craft in the Library

· Two Author incursions and workshops (Belinda Murrell and Oliver Phommavanah)

· Participated in the National Simultaneous Storytime & Read Australia Initiative

· Almost half of the school completed the Premiers Reading Challenge with an aim to increase in 2024!

Stage 2: Recycling bin project: Sustainability

This semester during Library sessions, students in Geography have been learning about sustainability and ways in which they can reduce waste at school. Students chose an idea for their bin, designed a poster explaining what it does and then detailed how it will help the environment. Students then enjoyed a design day where they could collaborate and construct a prototype of their bin. As you can see by these constructions, we have a talented group of architects and designers in Stage 2. The future is in safe hands!

Thank you to our parents and volunteers especially for your time in covering books, donating books and for your ongoing support of the Library. It has been a wonderful first year as Teacher Librarian at Ultimo and I look forward to an exciting 2024, where I can continue to inspire a love of reading within your child.

From Admin Team

Change of Parent Portal 

We have reviewed the SENTRAL Parents  Portal  and have decided to move to a different company in 2024. 

We will be transitioning to SchoolBytes for all applications, including finance, attendance, well being and permission notes. We will provide updates in the new year when the transition to the new system is ready to go online.

School Dates for 2024

Students in years 1 to 6 commence school on Thursday 1st of February ,2024 . If your child will still  be on holidays  and you haven't lodged an extended leave form  please email the school so your child is accounted for.

Kindergarten 2024

The best start information has been sent out. Please check your email for more information. The first day of Kindergarten is the 5th of February 2024. 

Shout Out to our amazing community

Stage 1 

Finishing-up a wonderful year of learning with lots of FUN!

Stage 1 have enjoyed a range of team games and problem-solving experiences this week. What a way to end the year! 

School Leaders Report 

The end of school!! How exciting is that? We are  sure that all the teachers and students are looking forward to the Christmas Holidays. The Year 6 enjoyed their farewell dinner and we  have to say it was wild. With amazing food and drink, we were head over heels with excitement for the event. Not to mention some amazing arcade games . The theme was Under The Stars and we all tried to incorporate in our outfit something star-related.

 A huge thank you to McKenzie's parents who catered our Year 6 Dinner.We enjoyed the  entree of meat pies, spring rolls, pastries and sausage rolls. Loved the  main meal choices of Fish and Chips, Butter Chicken, Sliders and Chicken and Chips. For dessert was first some cake with fruit and then tubs of ice cream. We didn't need breakfast the next morning!

We also want to thank all the parents that dedicated their time and effort for setting up the school hall , that looked amazing!!  And all the teaching and support staff that did the background work that made our night a memorable one. 

The 2024 School Leaders are Destin, Francesca, Floyd and Zara. Congrats to them and all the best of luck for next year. We have enjoyed being your 2023 School Leaders but soon we are leaving for High School but we know that the 2024 School Leaders will do an even better job then us. 

So now we shall leave you to your holidays but next year you will be walking through the gates and from then we leave you in the hands of the 2024 School Leaders, SRC, Library Monitors, Sport Leaders and Environmental Guardians.

Goodbye Ultimo Public School and Thank you for everything.

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Ultimo Celebrates 

We would like to congratulate Myka for her amazing performance at the Tina Turner Australian Musical Theatre. Her classroom teachers were impressed and proud of her achievements on stage! 

Dates to Remember

Fri 15th- Last Day of Term 4 

February 2024

Thursday 1ST - Back to school for students from year 1 to year 6

Monday 5th - First Day Kindergarten

Tuesday 6th- Swimming Carnival

From the P&C 

Please donate any washed unwanted current logo  school uniform items to the office. The P&C will hold secondhand uniform sales next year.  We appreciate your kindness.

Well being 

                                                                                                                                             

Community Noticeboard

   



(02) 8571 8600
ultimo-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au
47 - 53 Jones Street, Ultimo NSW 2007