With eight weeks remaining for the school year, I know all parents are engaging with their child about school experiences. I encourage parents to also engage with the school as much as possible. Be aware of events, read school correspondence via emails, App posts and newsletters. Your partnership is invaluable and contributes greatly to the success and well-being of our students.

At Samuel Gilbert PS, we value the communication between home and school. To assist you with keeping up to date with your child’s learning this term, Stage newsletters were sent via the school App this week. This document provides essential information addressing the learning in your child’s grade level. Please see your child’s class teacher if you have any further questions.

Our Year 5 students experienced a day of developing leadership and resilience traits. It also enhanced team building skills. It was great to witness the students interact positively as they thoroughly engaged in the team challenges.

Year 6 and staff are currently contributing to the Year 6 2024 yearbook. It is always a great read but also a time to reflect on our senior students’ experiences at the school. We are very proud of our Year 6 students with or without a badge of representation as they set a good example and lead younger students.

This week we held the first of three pre-school to school transition sessions with our 2025 Kindergarten students arriving for their first taste of being at school. They successfully participated in our school orientation program supported by school staff and several Year 5 students. The preschoolers familiarised themselves with school through singing, art and other activities all whilst experiencing being in a real Kindergarten classroom. I am pleased to report that happy and smiling faces exited the classrooms to greet their parents/careers and family members at the completion of the first session.

Tomorrow Friday, 25 October is when NSW will celebrate World Teachers’ Day. World Teachers’ Day honours the dedication, hard work, and passion of teachers who play a crucial role in shaping the minds and futures of our children. The theme for World Teachers' Day 2024 is ‘Valuing Teachers' Voices: towards a new social contract for education’.

There is a great opportunity for Year 2 and older students to join our renowned school band program in 2025. An information evening is scheduled for next Tuesday, 29 October in our new hall. No musical experience is necessary for our joining students. I encourage parents to find additional information from the school App sent on 21 October with the title ‘Training Band Information 2025’ as well information found further in this newsletter. Thank you to our band conductors and committee for providing a high standard of band program at the school.

Beyond the exceptional education occurring at Samuel Gilbert PS, the school community is fortunate to have a diligent P&C. I wish the many parents and students attending the Family Camp this weekend an enjoyable time. The P&C organised student disco is scheduled for Friday, 8 November. The popular Gingerbread House making evening is on 3 December. A community Carols Night is one not to miss at the school on Friday 6 December. A Trivia Night is proposed for Term 1, 2025. I encourage all parents to contribute to the many P&C events which are not only enjoyable but directly benefit your child. Parent volunteers for our canteen are also welcomed – no experience necessary. Our next P&C meeting is on Tuesday 12 November in the library.

Many thanks to those parents who have already notified the office about their child starting Kindergarten in 2025. If any current SGPS parent has a child who will be starting school next year or if any of our families have neighbours in that position, please inform them Samuel Gilbert PS is now taking enrolments for next year. It is important to get enrolments in as soon as possible as this assists our planning for 2025. Enrolment forms are available online https://education.nsw.gov.au/public-schools/going-to-a-public-school/enrolment/primary-school-enrolment

We understand that family holidays are essential for creating lasting memories and bonding with family. However, we encourage our families to plan vacations outside of normal school days whenever possible. If you are considering an early holiday, please remember to contact the school administration office beforehand to complete the necessary paperwork. It is important that we are informed of any absences to help us plan accordingly and provide your child with the best possible support.

Please keep in your mind the 71,619 students on track to complete the Higher School Certificate (HSC) examination this year. We especially should be thinking about our school’s 2018 Year 6 students and Kindergarten 2012. Special mention to school staff with a Year 12 child completing the HSC. 

We wish each HSC candidate all the very best to attain the result they deserve, to realise their future aspirations.

Greg McLaren
PRINCIPAL

Our school’s Annual Presentation Assembly will be held at Cherrybrook Technology High School on Wednesday 11 December. 

As this is a whole school assembly seating will be limited at Cherrybrook Technology High School and tickets will be required. 

The assembly will commence at 11.00am and will conclude by approximately 1.00pm. Permission notes and further details of the assembly have been sent via School Bytes. Please complete this information as soon as possible so that numbers can be confirmed for parent seating and buses booked. 

This assembly provides the opportunity to showcase some of our Creative Arts groups and celebrate student achievement for the year. The Kindergarten and Year 6 students will perform on stage, as will junior and senior vocal groups. Miss Stacey’s Before School groups will perform a combined routine and the Performance Band will play pre show entertainment and open the assembly with the anthem and two pieces. 

Due to limited seating at CTHS, tickets for our Presentation Assembly will initially be limited to two per household. For children with parents in separate households four tickets may therefore be purchased. We have 224 numbered seats which are located in the tiered section of the auditorium. The remaining 400 seats will be on the floor and will be sold as general admission. 

The allocated seating will be sold from the office on Tuesday 19 November from 8:30am. Cash or card is acceptable. If paying in cash 2 tickets can be purchased for $15.00 to simplify the transactions. 

General admission tickets will be sold from the office from Wednesday 20 November. We will commence selling these from 8:30am. Students may purchase these on behalf of families. We ask that these are paid for in cash if possible - $8.00 per ticket or two for $15.00 – in an envelope with your child’s class and name so that the tickets can be sent to them at the end of the day. We will happily refund tickets purchased if you have a change of mind regarding your attendance. 

We hope this gives everyone an opportunity to attend who wishes to. The assembly will also be live streamed for those who are unable to attend. 

A reminder that selective school and opportunity class applications for classes in Year 7 and Year 5 2026 open on 7 November. Further details were published in the Week 8 Newsletter last term and can also be found by following this link. 

https://education.nsw.gov.au/schooling/parents-and-carers/choosing-a-school-setting/selective-high-schools

To apply for opportunity class – Year 5 entry or selective high school – Year 7 entry you must use this application website.

A flyer from Girraween Selective School is attached for you interest.

A reminder to all Year 6 families that it is important to confirm your Year 7 placement with your selected High School if you have not yet done so. If you are not accepting your local high school placement in preference to a private or selective high school it is helpful if you could let them know. All government High Schools will be having an open day for their Year 7 2024 students on Tuesday 3 December. If you have made changes to your intended High School please advise our school office. 

Further to this please inform the office if you do not wish the information regarding your child’s 2025 High School to be shared with the Year 6 Dinner Committee for display at the end of the year. 

On Monday and Tuesday 25/26 November Year 6 students will have the opportunity to participate in a mock high school at Samuel Gilbert. This will provide the opportunity for students to follow a timetable and move from lesson to lesson with different teachers, ensuring they are prepared with the required books and materials. 

We are excited to congratulate Kyra L.( 6K) on her selection as a principal performer in the Arts Unit Drama Ensemble in Pulse Alive 2025. Well done Kyra, a fabulous achievement. 

Congratulations to Airlie Roberts ( 3SB)  and her Cheer team, who took home 1st place in the NSW State Championship and 2^nd place in her Pom Dance event. They will go on to compete in the National event later this year. Good Luck to Airlie and her team! Congratulations to the other Samuel Gilbert  team members who enjoyed success at this event.

Congratulations to Evan D.(6H) who placed 2^nd in the 800m at the recent Sydney West Carnival. A well deserved result after a disrupted sporting season for Evan. Also congratulations to Arius S. (4G), Joel R. (4G)  Asher T. (4O) and Marcus Y. (4M) who placed third in the Junior Relay event. Best of luck to the 5 boys at the NSWPSSA Athletics Championships on Wednesday and Thursday this week . 

Next Friday Zach F. (6H) will be competing in the State Final of the Premier’s Spelling Bee. This is a remarkable achievement and we congratulate Zach on reaching this prestigious level. We wish him the very best of luck. In the light of Zach’s success and previous participation in 2022 (see photo below) Samuel Gilbert was invited to host the event. So joining him on the day will be Ms Hayley, Kyra L., Olivia B., Lucas W. and Amani Khan. We know these students will do us proud as Chairpersons, timekeeper and eliminator!

Stage 3 students are excited to be hosting our school Fun Fair on Wednesday 6 November. For them this is an opportunity to hone their planning, marketing and collaboration skills to create a stall that is profitable and captures the interests of their customer base. Students  have been “advertising” their stalls in our weekly assemblies and have created posters to market their product. For the rest of the students in the school the Fun Fair provides the opportunity to make independent choices and manage their money to enjoy an event as a consumer. Coins rather than notes will simplify this for the students with most stalls charging up to $3.00 in 50 cent increments. Ideally wallets and purses will be labelled with the child’s name. 

As this is a “red food” event there will be a variety of “sugary” treats on sale. Please discuss with your child and their class teacher if there are foods your child is not able to eat. 

There will also be stalls involving water, slime, hairspray and stick on nails. If these stalls present any problems for your child please discuss this with them prior to the Fun Fair. 

This will be a mufti day for students but we ask parents and carers to ensure that the children remain sun safe and wear enclosed footwear. 

Miss Stacey and her Before School groups are enjoying preparing their item for this year’s Presentation Day Assembly. Miss Stacey will be holding auditions for the 2025 Before School on Thursday 7 November.  A permission to attend the auditions will be sent via School Bytes.  Only children who return this permission will be auditioned on Thursday 7^th. Please understand that the number of places in these groups is far outweighed by the number of students who audition, so some disappointment is inevitable. 

If any families would like to donate jazz shoes and/or past dance costumes that their children no longer use we would be very appreciative.  These often help students in school groups who forget, lose or can’t afford shoes. 

Our Kindergarten Transition program is in full swing with our first session completed on Tuesday, 22 October. Most of our 2025 Kindergarten cohort came to visit, play, sing and learn. Thank you to Mrs Evans for coordinating this very important program, to our Kindergarten teachers for welcoming our pre-schoolers into their classroom and making them feel comfortable and to our parents for organising the time to bring pre-schoolers to this program. In the background there were Stage 2 teachers working with our current Kindergarten students, our English as a Second Language /Dialect (EaLD) teacher and Learning and Support Teacher and staff ensuring that the Transition went smoothly and all children were supported. All of this to ensure there were confident smiles on faces as our soon-to-be Kindergarten students left the classroom and were met by parents to continue their day. 

We look forward to the next two Transition to School sessions:
- Wednesday, 30 October – Meet at the Local Bean after drop off
- Tuesday, 5 November – second Parent Information session in the new hall

Beat the Timer can be an effective tool to help scaffold more difficult tasks and to help maintain focus.  It can also help increase the stamina of focused attention over time.    Using the timer to complete tasks, especially the more challenging tasks, will help increase the efficiency of the time spent on-task in classrooms.

Granny’s Wacky Prizes are a great way to take a break and re-energise students and teachers. The short game based prizes teach students to delay gratification and practise self-regulation. Prize ideas are endless but could include easy games such as ‘heads down thumbs up’, making silly noises, pencil drumming, and the list goes on.  Students might also come up with their own ideas.  Participating in the Granny Wacky Prizes as a shared experience helps students remember that they are all responsible for keeping the peace in their classrooms and all reap the rewards together. No one is left out.

Cathie Barclay and Gilliane Appave
DEPUTY PRINCIPALS

Welcome back to our SGPS families to Term 4. There are a number of key events for the P&C this term and so we thank our families in advance for taking the time to read and support our upcoming initiatives. 

Have you considered where the laptop or device that your child uses at school comes from? Or the play equipment that your child uses? Do you rely on the canteen for your child’s lunch, does your child play in the Band or have you visited the Uniform Shop? Did you attend a community event at school or perhaps receive a new treasure from a Mother’s/Father’s Day stall this year? 

Since 2020, the SGPS P&C have contributed $350,000.00 to our school. These funds have been used in partnership with the school towards technology including laptops, readers for students and playground upgrades including equipment and mulch. The services provided and the funds raised by the P&C make a significant difference to our students and school community. For this to continue, please consider how you can contribute to the P&C. 

A great place to start is by attending the SGPS P&C General Meeting and AGM, to be held on Tuesday 12 November at 7:30pm in the Library. This will be an in person meeting only and all parents and carers are invited to attend. 

We need you! If you have any questions or would like more about how you can use your time or skills to support our school community please do not hesitate to send an email to our P&C President, Katie at president@sgpspc.org.au. 

General Meeting: The General Meeting will be held on Tuesday 12 November at 7:30pm in the Library. 

AGM: Immediately following the General Meeting, the AGM will commence where all P&C Executive roles will be declared vacant and nominations are invited for 2024/2025. 

All forms will be available via the School App.

Have you?

• Nominated a 2024 SGPS P&C Life Member? Nominations for P&C Life Membership close tomorrow, Friday 1 November. If you know of someone who has made a  significant contribution to the school community and whose youngest child is leaving SGPS this year please complete the form available on the School App and submit it to etye@sgpspc.org.au asap. 
• Completed a P&C Membership Form for 2025? (You must complete the form by Friday 8 November and return it with the membership fee of $1 for voting rights in 2025). Forms can be emailed to secretary@sgpspc.org.au. If you don’t have a gold coin, feel free to transfer $1 to the General P&C Account (Acct No: 385804, BSB 032-164) – please include your name. 
• Nominated for a SGPS P&C Executive role for 2025? (Form is due by Friday 8 November).

All relevant forms will be posted on the School App. If you have any questions or would like more information about any of the above, please email Katie Pike (SGPS P&C President) on president@sgpspc.org.au or Lauren Wright (SGPS P&C Secretary) at secretary@sgpspc.org.au. 

The 2024 Parent/Son camp is fast approaching and we are looking forward to welcoming our families from Years 3-6 to Camp Yarramundi this weekend. Thank you to those who responded to the revised program options to attend the two day or one day program. All attendees will now have received the final camp information. If you have any last-minute questions, please contact Abbey or Tym at camp2024sgps@gmail.com. Thank you again to Abbey and Tym for all their assistance in coordinating the camp this year. 

Weekend: Sat 26th October 2024 (10am) - Sun 27th October 2024 (2pm)
Address: Camp Yarramundi, Springwood Rd, Yarramundi

This Friday is World Teacher day and it is an opportunity to thank our Executive, teaching and support staff on behalf of the school community for the good work that they do throughout the year. This year, the P&C on behalf of the school community, will provide morning tea on Friday 1 November. If you would like to take the time to thank a staff member, please send along a card or take a moment to let them know you appreciate them.

Tickets are selling fast so do not miss out on dressing up your kids in 80’s retro gear and sending them along to Bop Until They Drop! Tickets are $10 per child and include a glow band, snack and drink. 

There are two sessions: Years K-2: 6pm-7:15pm and Years 3-6: 7:30pm-9pm.

Book tickets here: https://www.trybooking.com/CWJEQ or using the QR below. Ticket sales close Friday 1 November.

Thank you to all those who have volunteered to assist on the night. There are still some spots available, particularly for packing up at the end of the night, so please register to help out: https://signup.com/go/uCTBjdT , thank you for your support!

Who doesn’t love inflatables and a colour run?! The P&C are returning again this year with the Fun Run on Wednesday 13 November 2024. A note with all the information will be coming home shortly together with a sign up for volunteers. 

The much-loved Gingerbread house returns again this year on Tuesday 3 December at 7pm. Thank you to Kylie Jones for again organising this event. There will be a note coming home shortly with all the booking details. If you can assist with the event, please contact Katie at president@sgpspc.org.au.

Save the date for the SGPS Annual Carols event. Planning is well underway for this fabulous community event for the whole family to enjoy. There are combined band performances, students singing Christmas songs as well as Carols being led by the band from St Paul’s Anglican, Castle Hill. More details to follow. 

· Parent/Son Camp: Saturday 26 October - Sunday 27 October 

· Staff Appreciation Morning Tea – Friday 1 November  

· School Disco: Friday 8 November 

· November P&C General & AGM: Tuesday 12 November 7:30pm Library

· Fun Run: Wednesday 13 November 

· Gingerbread House Evening – 3 December 

· SGPS Christmas Carols – Friday 6 December

More information: For more information on events and news please check out the following: 

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

Kind regards,

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

Hey, Music Lovers!  
Are you ready to turn up the volume on your passion for music? We’re thrilled to announce that all students years 2 to 5 are invited to join the SGPS Band program for 2025! Whether you’re already learning an instrument or just starting your musical journey, we want you to be part of our rhythm and harmony.

 Why Join the School Training Band?   

• Skill Development
   Enhance your musical abilities through structured lessons and hands-on practice, helping you become a more confident and proficient musician.
• Teamwork and Friendship
   Collaborate with fellow students who share your passion for music, fostering friendships and a sense of community while learning to work together as a team.
• Performance Experience
   Gain valuable experience by performing at school events and concerts, boosting your confidence and stage presence while showcasing your talent.
• Creative Expression
   Explore different musical styles and genres, allowing you to express yourself creatively and discover your unique musical voice.

"Research shows that at age 11 students receiving instrumental tuition had significantly higher scores in English, reading, writing and mathematics. 
This was also the case at age 16 for English, literature and mathematics, "  (Barker, D, Hallam, S, & Rogers,K, 2023)

On the 24th of October, your children heard the Samuel Gilbert Performance Band showcase a spectacular range of instruments, available to play in 2025 including:  

ALTO SAXOPHONE, EUPHONIUM, CLARINET, FLUTE, FRENCH HORN, TENOR SAXOPHONE, TRUMPET, TROMBONE, TUBA, BASS GUITAR, and PERCUSSION.

Now, mark your calendars for our Information Evening on Tuesday, October 29th at 6:00 PM in the New School Hall. Join us to help your family make informed decisions about joining the band program and discovering which instrument will spark your child's passion! You'll get to see each of the instruments, hear professional musicians play them, learn all about the fantastic benefits of being in the band, and discuss with the band directors the most appropriate instrument for your child. Don’t miss out on this chance to dive into the rhythm and excitement of music. We can't wait to see you there!

For more information, check out the Band Information 2025 letter on the school app.

To Express your Interest in joining the Training Band for 2025, please complete the form at the link below by Friday, 1st of November: This will enable your child to attend the suitability assessment on Friday, 8th November before school. Please keep this date free and we will notify you with further details once the Expression of Interest has closed.

Expression of Interest: SGPS Training Band 2025 - bandforte

🎵We look forward to welcoming you to the band family in 2025! 🎵

• Tuesday 29 October – Band Information evening for families wanting to join the Band in 2025.  
• Friday 8 October - Instrument Tryouts for Training Band 2025. 
• Monday, 20 November – Friday, 24 November – Open Band Rehearsals for Families. 
• Thursday, 5 December - 7:30am start please be ther 10 minites early to set up Combined Band Rehersal (All children performing at the carols must attend) 
• Friday, 6 December – 7:30am - 9:30am Band Celebration Breakfast for ALL band studentsin the Old Hallparents welcome 
• Friday, 6 December – Carols Evening (Mass Band – ALL Bands an email will go out shortly to see who can attend.)
• Wednesday, 11 December – Presentation Day Performance – Performance Band ONLY

• Wednesday 4th December - Training Band
• Thursday 5th December - Concert Band
• Monday 9th December - Performance Band  

Thursday 12th December - Before 8:45 am - Instruments that are no longer required for hire in 2025 please return to Burragali no later then this date. For any year 6 students who no longer want their band shirt and would like to donate it to the band as spares please return to Burragali on this date also.

Best Regards,

Band Coordinator
Samuel Gilbert Public School Band

There will be a temporary change to shop times for Term 4, as follows:-
Monday: 9:00am to 10:00am and;  

Wednesday: 9:00am to 10:00am. NO afternoon opening.

All our deliveries have arrived, so the shop is well stocked for summer uniforms. All students should now be wearing summer uniform. 

We have new socks in lemon, white and navy for PSSA in small and medium sizes.

Please consider purchasing second hand items for your child’s spare uniform that will be needed for those unexpected incidents when they first start school next year!

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

Dates and times have been outlined in the Transition leaflet for K2025 fittings and times for parent purchases during the Kinder program Term 4. Please queue outside the shop, and I apologise for any delays. Thank you everyone for your patience.

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

Term 4 and the warmer weather is here. Sushi is now available Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

First week back and we already had thirty children without lunch. PLEASE remember to send your children with lunch or confirm their order has gone through for the correct day.

We still have plenty of days available for volunteers, please put your name down and make your child’s day.

Regards,  
Jenelle, Sue and Kiarn 

Week 3
Tuesday, 29 October
Band Information Evening
Wednesday, 30 October
Round 5 2024 Trischools
Debating-NRPS Hosting
2025 Kindergarten Student Session 2
9:15am-10:30am
Thursday, 31 October
SRC Mufti Day for Stewart House
Friday, 1 November
State Spelling Bee - Good luck Zach!  

Week 4
Monday, 4 November
School Spectacular Rehearsal
SGPS School Chess Competition
Tuesday, 5 November
2025 Kindergarten Student Session 3
9:15am-10:30am
Wednesday, 6 November
Stage 3 Fun Fair
Thursday, 7 November
Year 5 Leadership Team voting
Friday, 8 November
P&C Disco
Band Instrument try outs 7:45am