Term 2, Week 6 - Friday 6 June, 2025

Calendar

From the Principal

This week:

• National Reconciliation Week (NRW)
• Toilet upgrade news
• Classrooms out of action
• More good news – we have a permanent general assistant
  

Reconciliation Week was celebrated last week 27 May - 3 June

We kicked off the week with a terrific assembly which introduced the topics of ‘The Stolen Generations’, ‘The National Apology’ and the theme for this year, Bridging Now to Next.

During the week, all classes engaged in further learning of these concepts in an age-appropriate way and every class developed an Acknowledgement of Country and prepared a display of work to show their understanding.

On Monday afternoon, all classes participated in a gallery walk to every classroom to view the product of their learning. Led by their teachers, it was a further learning experience. The discussion and expert questioning as the students toured the school was outstanding.

In every classroom I saw examples of how our terrific teachers personalised the experience and enabled students to shine. I saw woven Rainbow Serpents, colourful Australian flowers, pastel dot paintings, the use of leaves and written work in such creative ways – there are many very talented children at KPS.

Mr Webber has put together a short video to share that I am sure will impress you all!

Toilet upgrade news

You will be pleased to hear that the commencement of work is imminent.

The contract for the works has been awarded and our start up meeting is next week.

While the work is happening, the toilets at the end of E block will be used by our 3 – 6 students and the toilets adjacent to the staffroom will be used by K – 2.

Classrooms out of action

You will be aware that during the recent heavy rains a number of our classrooms sustained flooding. All classrooms in J Block are back in action after swift action by our asset services unit to repair the damage.

The support unit classrooms downstairs in D block suffered the most damage and are still out of action while drainage works to prevent further flooding are undertaken and carpet is replaced and cabinetry works are completed. When finished though, we can be confident that the classrooms will not be affected again.

More good news

Many of you have commented about the improvement in our school grounds while Mr Erik Brown has been working as our casual General Assistant. I am delighted to announce that Erik was successful in the recruitment process to fill the position permanently. During the flooding that impacted classrooms he took exceptional initiative and worked very hard to address the problem and our school staff could not speak more highly of him. Welcome to the KPS team Mr Brown!

Hope you have had a great week at our great school.

Trish Peters
Principal

News from Around the School

News from 1/2M

1/2M has begun creating a meaningful artwork for Reconciliation Week.

The photo shows the first stage of our project - each student’s handprint will become part of a larger display.

These handprints are just the beginning of a collaborative piece that celebrates unity, respect, and shared voices.

News from 2F

This term, our class has dived into dynamic hands-on learning experiences that connect Maths and MAPPEN! We’ve been delving into the concept of forces and their effects, taking on the role of scientists as we navigate the scientific process. Our exploration has included making predictions, conducting experiments, and connecting our maths unit on data through the graphing of our results.

A highlight of our learning has been our investigation into friction. We explored the effect friction has on the distance a toy car travels. In conducting our experiment, we understood the importance of keeping certain variables constant, such as the angle of the ramp and the use of the same toy car, to ensure fair testing. We carefully selected surfaces that would create varying levels of friction, such as carpet, vinyl, and asphalt, to observe how each affected the distance travelled by the toy cars. This challenge has sparked our creativity and critical thinking skills. It’s been a fantastic journey filled with teamwork, discovery, and problem-solving!

2W Reconciliation Art and Science experiments

2W created a collaborative artwork for National Reconciliation Week. We first looked at the artwork created by Kalkadoon woman, Bree Buttenshaw that she created for this year's campaign "Bridging Now to Next”. Her artwork celebrates the resilience of Australia's native flora.  We studied the native flora of Lemon Myrtle, Banksia, Gum Leaves, Desert Lime and Kangaroo Paw.

2W looked at these plants brought in from Mrs B’s garden and used pastels to design our individual pieces of art. We then taped them to the classroom windows and used our designs as templates for painting.

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This term in science, 2W have been exploring different kinds of forces including: friction, gravity, applied force and tension. We have been creating hypotheses, testing them by conducting fiar tests and collecting data.  All while having lots of fun!

News from 3E, 2G, 1A

In the lead-up to Reconciliation Week, our support classes were honoured to welcome parent and Aboriginal artist Kylie Cassidy, who generously led a meaningful art lesson.

During the session, students explored a variety of Aboriginal symbols and gained an understanding of their cultural significance. They then had the opportunity to apply their learning by creating their own visual stories on canvas' using the symbols they had studied.

These thoughtful and creative artworks were proudly showcased during our Reconciliation Classroom Gallery Walk. The students were deeply engaged throughout the experience and thoroughly enjoyed the lesson.

We extend a huge thank you to Kylie and her daughter for sharing their time, cultural knowledge, and creativity with us. It was a valuable and inspiring experience for all involved.

PSSA Girls Touch Football by Madalie Stafford

A big well done to our outstanding girls touch team. Considering it was pouring with rain, the girls were drenched and freezing, they played some excellent football.

They beat Avoca Beach PS in the first game and then faced Empire Bay PS in the second game, beating them convincingly to progress to the quarter finals.

Excellent leadership shown by our experienced players, brilliant defence by all and terrific teamwork to get us across the try line.

Good luck, girls, for your next game!

PSSA Netball Team

The school netball team has advanced to Round 4 of the PSSA Knockout Competition.

Comprising several experienced netballers and some students who are now proud to call themselves netballers, the team faced Brisbania in Round 2.

They collaborated effectively to secure a convincing victory. In Round 3, we played against Woy Woy South PS, a team with a more comparable skill level. 

It was a closely contested match, but KPS emerged victorious with a score of 13-10.

Premier's Reading Challenge 2025

The 2025 Premier's Reading Challenge is underway. At Kincumber Public School our Teacher Librarian, Mrs Judd, will complete and validate the reading logs for our students in Kindergarten to Year 2. 

The Challenge aims to encourage a love of reading for leisure and pleasure in students, and to enable them to experience quality literature. It is not a competition but a challenge to each student to read, to read more and to read more widely. The Premier's Reading Challenge is open to all NSW students in Kindergarten to Year 10.

KPS Year 3 to Year 6 students who wish to complete the 2025 PRC should complete their reading log at home. Students are to complete their online Student Reading Record by Friday 19 September 2025, then Mrs Judd will check and validate student reading logs. Certificates will be issued at the end of Term 4.

View the Introduction to the NSW Premier's Reading Challenge video for more information.

Students who complete four years of PRC are awarded a Gold Certificate and then a Platinum Certificate on completing seven years of PRC. When at high school (Year 9 or 10) students are awarded a PRC Medal on completing seven PRCs from Year 3.

Congratulations to the following students from Stage 2 and Stage 3 who have already completed the PRC 2025. 

Keep Reading!

Assembly Roster for Early Stage 1 (Kindy) and Stage 1 (Years 1 & 2) for 2025

Please see below the roster for Early Stage 1 and Stage 1 for 2025.  

Please note that assemblies are now run fortnightly starting Week 2 (Friday 9 May).  If there are any changes to the below, families will be notified by the Sentral Parent Portal.

We look forward to seeing as many families as possible. 

Changes to the NSW Department of Education’s enrolment policy for 2025

Please see below a parent fact sheet on "Changes to the enrolment policy".

Lost Property

Lost property is now located in the school office.

Please make sure that your children’s school jackets and hats are labelled with their full name, not initials, in legible writing as this makes it easier to return the item of clothing to your child if found.

Unclaimed items will be donated to charity if not claimed at the end of each term.

P&C News

Claim Your Free $20 or $40 eGift Card Today!

Want to save big while making a difference? With an Entertainment Membership, you’ll unlock amazing rewards and support our fundraiser at the same time!

Here’s what you’ll get when you purchase your Membership between now and 5pm AEST Tuesday 10 June 2025:

• A FREE Prepaid Activ Visa eGift Card valued at $20 or $40
• Get a $40 eGift Card with a Multi City Membership
• Get a $20 eGift Card with a Single City Membership

Plus – 20% of your purchase goes directly to support our fundraiser!

It’s a win-win – savings for you and support for us.

Order here: https://subscribe.entertainment.com.au/fundraiser/34h166

Hurry – offer ends 5pm AEST, Tuesday 10 June 2025!

Little Leaders

Little Leaders Overnight Leadership Camp (July 8 – 10, 2025)
Little Leaders are thrilled to share a meaningful opportunity for students these July school holidays — the Little Leaders Overnight Leadership Camp, held at Broken Bay Sport & Recreation Centre from Tuesday 8 July to Thursday 10 July, 2025.

This 3-day, 2-night camp is designed for students aged 10–16 and provides a chance to step outside their comfort zones, build confidence, and develop important life skills in a safe, fun, and supportive environment.

Local School Discount
Families from local schools are eligible for a 10% discount. Use the code KINDNESS at checkout to redeem.  For more information or to register, please visit

The P&C are looking for a Secretary!

Kincumber Public School P&C is seeking a new Secretary to join their amazing team.

The role includes preparing meeting agendas and minutes, handling correspondence, and keeping accurate records — perfect for someone organised who loves supporting our school community! 

If this sounds like you (or someone you know), email us at admin@kpspc.onmicrosoft.com with your name, contact details, and preferred time to chat.

Donate Your Bottles and Cans to KPS!

Thanks to our hardworking P&C team, we're thrilled to announce that you can now support Kincumber Public School by donating your eligible bottles and cans directly from ANY Return and Earn machine using the Return and Earn app!  It's super easy and makes a huge difference for our students. Here's how:

• Download and Open the Return and Earn app
• Search for "KPS" under the "Charities" menu
• Press "Set as Payout" to make KPS your active donation method
• Scan the app and start returning your containers
• Press "TRANSFER" on the RVM screen when you're done
• 100% of your refunds will go to KPS P&C, helping us provide valuable resources ad events for our amazing students

Community News

MEDIA RELEASE - 5 Lands Walk 2025 Cancelled

We wish to advise that the 5 Lands Walk for 2025 has been cancelled due to severe weather impacts on the walking track, as well as associated safety and logistical challenges. 

The decision was made with the much regret, and we appreciate your understanding and continued support.

Tjudibaring AECG Fundraising BBQ

School Holiday Fun at the Central Coast Dance Camp - 8 to 11 July, 2025

FREE Girls Futsal Program

Free indoor soccer for girls aged 10-16. Come along, give it a go, learn new skills, improve your game, make friends and have fun!

Nunyara Influenza Vaccination Clinic

Clinics are run on on Thursdays from 8am to 7pm.

Available to all Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community members and their families.

Call 4320 2698 to book in or walk in. Parking available on site.

Headspace - Free Mental Health Services to Young People 12-25

Australian Navy Cadets - TS Hawkesbury @ Point Clare ... Back for Term 2

TS Hawkesbury will be returning to regular parades for Term 2, starting 3 May, 2025. 

We are still accepting expressions of interest from any young people; The only requirement is they must be turning 13 in 2025.  The flyer below shows programs that are offered ...

TS Hawkesbury at Point Clare
Time: Saturdays, 08:30am until 3.00pm
Where: 119 Kurrawa Ave, POINT CLARE NSW 2250 - Next to Marine Rescue

How to apply:
Please click https://www.navycadets.gov.au/find-a-unit

This will take you to 'find a unit', please select 2250 and click TS Hawkesbury.  The ANC has units located all across Australia, and each unit has their own different parade times.

Australian Air League (NSW Group)

Central Coast Junior Chess Club

Central Coast Family Support Services

Saver Plus Program

Term 2 is a great time to support families with Saver Plus—a free program that helps eligible parents save for school costs, while receiving up to $500 in matched funds.

What can families use the money for?  
Saver Plus can help cover the cost of school uniforms, excursions, camps, technology, sports fees, and more.

Who can join?  
Participants must:

• Have a child in school (or study themselves)
• Have a Health Care or Pensioner Concession Card
• Have some income (self or partner)
• Be 18+ years old

Why Saver Plus works:

• $500 matched savings to ease school expenses
• Free online money skills workshops called Money Minded
• Proven to improve financial wellbeing and savings confidence

Visit www.saverplus.org.au for more details. 1300 610 355

Quick Reference Guides for Parents

What is the School Student Broadband Initiative?

One lesson that schools and the government learned from the "learning from home" periods in 2020 and 2021 was that not all students had access to effective and reliable internet services. As a result, many students were strongly disadvantaged, impacting the continuity of their education.

Did you know that the Australian Government in conjunction with the NBN, offer the School Student Broadband Initiative to address this gap? If your school has any students that live in an area that can access the NBN, but do not currently have an NBN service at home, please let them know about the initiative.

Eligible families will be provided with home internet service at no cost until 31 December 2025, through a participating internet provider over the National Broadband Network. The link above provides all the necessary information for eligible families to take advantage of this initiative.

Canteen

• Canteen lunch and recess orders can be processed through the online ordering system Sentral StudentPayPlus or paid in cash at school on the day
• Small items are available for purchase across the counter.  Please do not send your child with more than $5
• Cut-off time for both on-line and cash orders on the day is 8.00am. You can order up to a month in advance on-line
• Canteen orders will be delivered to classrooms
• Lunch - 10.50am (eat lunch in classroom) to 11.30am
• Recess - 1.00pm to 1.25pm

Canteen and Uniform Ordering Information

We are now using Sentral StudentPayPlus for canteen and uniform orders.

Please use the links below to help set up your account if you have not already done so.

Uniform Shop

All uniform items can ONLY be ordered online via Sentral StudentPayPlus. Uniform orders will be delivered to students in their classrooms the following day.

If you require an item that is showing as out-of-stock on the Sentral StudentPayPlus, please let the office know so that we can place the order.

Parents are now able to order a Kincumber Public School logo backpack via the Harlequin online store.  They will be despatched directly to your home address.  Please see a link below to their website and the flyer for more information.

School Student Travel Information for Parents and Students

The Music Bus Classes - Term 2 Enrolments Now Open!

The Music Bus has opened their term 2 enrolments and are inviting new students to apply.

Classes offered are:
· Keyboard (Prep-y6) · Ukulele (Prep-y6) · Drums (y1-y6) · Guitar (Y2-y6)

Lessons are:

• 30 minute duration - once per week
• held in the hi tech music classroom on wheels on our site
• cost $22 per week ($24 drums) payable by the term on commencement

If you wish to take part please complete this expression of interest form.

https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/ee4627a5204c46158e1ab17e7c8069c6

Attendance Matters

Research highlights a clear correlation between student attendance and positive student outcomes. This research tells us that students with an attendance rate above 90% have greater academic and social success. Parents can view term attendance rates for their child/ren in the Sentral Attendance portal.

ALL student absences must be explained within 7 days, this is a Department of Education policy. Parents can lodge student absences through the Sentral Parent Portal at any time within the 7 days.

Online Enrolment System

The Online Enrolment System is designed to provide flexibility for parents to submit an Application to Enrol in a NSW Government School online at the time that best suits you. The application can be accessed on all browsers and mobile devices including iOS and Android.

The online application process is currently available to:

• Local and out of area enrolments
• Children who are Australian citizens, New Zealand citizens or permanent residents
• Children who live in NSW

We offer our support and encourage you to complete your application to enrol online. If however, you do not feel comfortable completing an application online, a paper copy will be available for collection from the front office or can be downloaded from the Department’s going to a public school site.

Parent Portal

Kincumber Public School uses the Sentral ‘Parent Portal’ for a variety of communication purposes.

We broadcast messages to the whole school, stages, individual classes and students. This might include reminders for upcoming events, excursions and may also include notes.

Parents are able to use 2-way messaging for important but not urgent communication regarding student wellbeing and learning. This should not be considered an instant messaging service as teachers DO NOT receive notifications and will only get them after logging into our system at a convenient time during the school day. We understand that many families have flexible working hours and will need to send or respond to portal information at a time convenient to them.  We also expect that families will understand that teachers will manage communications to you in the same way.

You can download the Sentral Parent Portal to your smart phone and receive notifications to help you stay up to date with what’s happening in school.

Rachel Andrew 
Assistant Principal – ES1 and School Improvement 

Before and After School Care (OOSH)

Here at Kincumber OSHC all of our fees can be subsidised by the new childcare subsidy, and we accept both permanent and casual bookings.

Please drop in, contact us on 0408 658 187 or via email at oshc.kincumber@ymcansw.org.au for more information.

Enrolments are done online. Please visit www.ymcansw.org.au/childrens-services and follow the prompts.

Road Safety – a Shared Responsibility 

When thinking about road safety, what is shared responsibility? 

It’s a way for us, individually, to ensure the safety of everyone in our community. 

Central Coast Council regularly reviews the environment around our many schools, improving areas such as the setup of parking restrictions or the upgrading of crossings. Supporting schools to educate their school community about road safety outside schools is also a role of our Council. 

Everyone in the school community - parents, grandparents, carers, teachers, students, bus drivers, crossing supervisors and motorists passing through the area – all have a responsibility for the road safety of our children. 

 Please consider the following to help keep the members of your school community safe 

• If you drop off or pick up children to or from school, please follow the Road Rules 
• There are designated areas that allow for parking but there are also areas that do not allow parking 
• Pedestrian and / or School Crossings provide the safest options for crossing the road 
• Speed limits are set at 40 km/hour to help keep people around school areas - especially children - safe. 

Road safety around schools is about shared responsibility. Addressing road safety issues are not always about needing more parking spaces. 

Children are great imitators so please set a good example and model safe behaviour. 

The Safe System Approach to Road Safety has been adopted in NSW. The following is taken from the NSW Towards Zero Road Safety Campaign: 

People are at the heart of the safe system approach to road safety. 

Road safety is a shared responsibility – everyone needs to make safe decisions on and around the road to prioritise safety. 

All road users owe it to themselves and to everyone else on the road to follow the road rules and drive to the conditions. Crashes can be prevented, and lives can be saved, by making safe choices. 

Source: NSW Centre for Road Safety  

Traffic Around School