Dear Parents and Carers

P&C Meeting Tonight
I look forward to seeing as many families as possible represented at tonight’s P&C meeting whether online or in person. Read on for more information.

Canterbury Public School Art Exhibition
Congratulations to the talented 350 Canterbury artists and their incredible teacher, Ms Felicity Williams for an outstanding CPS Art Exhibition over the last two days and evenings. The exhibition was a testament to the hard work and dedication of our extraordinary visual art teacher, Ms Felicity Williams who inspires our young artists every day. We are enormously fortunate to have her on staff here at Canterbury Public School, as her contribution to arts education and the creative culture of this school is peerless.  

It was wonderful to see so many families come to admire the creative art works on display, many returning for a second and third visit. If you missed the show, read on to admire a collection of works. 

Thank you to the entire staff for supporting Ms Williams and the students with gluing, framing and mounting artworks, publishing and pasting artist statements, setting up the space and packing away, ensuring every class participated in the cultural experience, and supervising the exhibition in the mornings, afternoons and/or evenings. 

Festival of Instrumental Music
Participating in the Festival of Instrumental Music at the Sydney Opera House was an unforgettable experience for our students. Performing on the iconic Concert Hall stage, they felt the thrill and excitement of being part of a world-class venue renowned for its acoustics and grandeur. The atmosphere was electric, filled with the energy of talented young musicians from NSW Public Education schools across the state, all united by their passion for music. Our talented Senior Strings students showcased their skills with confidence and enthusiasm. This rare experience not only enhanced their musical abilities but also gave them a profound sense of achievement and pride, and hopefully inspiring them to continue pursuing their musical journey.

Tremendous thanks also on behalf of the students and their families to Hugo Ceran-Jerusalemy and Mrs Ryan, for all their incredible support in providing our students with the opportunity to perform in front of a full house at the Sydney Opera House. Their dedication and efforts made this unforgettable experience possible, and we truly appreciate everything they have done to help our students shine on such a prestigious stage.

Athletics Champions
By all reports, Canterbury students were stand-outs on the track and field at the Zone Athletics Carnival last week. We came fourth overall, behind the unstoppable Ashbury and two schools more than double the size of our student population. Many Canterbury students qualified for the Regionals which are at Sydney Olympic Park next week. Congratulations to all Zone representatives. You should be very proud of your efforts and achievements! Good luck to those heading to Regionals - enjoy every minute! Thank you to Ms Matar, Ms Maki and Mr Healey for your work behind the scenes to ensure our students have these opportunities to compete and demonstrate their athletic talents.

P&C Father’s Day Breakfast
Thank you to Michael M and the P&C team of volunteers for hosting the Father’s Day breakfast. Your hard work made the event a wonderful success. I also want to extend the school’s gratitude to everyone who came along and made the morning so special. Additionally, we sincerely thank POSHCare for participating as an important school partner, actively contributing to the community spirit of the day.

Stage 3 Camp

Our excited Year 5 and 6 students are off to camp bright and early tomorrow. Thanks to the wonderful teachers and support staff who kindly volunteered to escort our students on the overnight excursion, Ms Aiello, Ms Maki, Ms Carrigan, Ms Midori and Mr Wallin. Ms Aiello has worked hard to organise a wonderful program and everyone is bound to have a great time! 

Swim Scheme
A huge thanks to Ms Askin for her ongoing efforts in organising the two-week Swim Scheme program. Her planning, coordination of schedules, management of resources, and solution-focused approach to any challenges that arise, has ensured that the program runs smoothly and safely, providing a valuable and enjoyable experience for all participants. Most importantly, Ms Askin’s hard work has contributed to students’ improved water confidence and basic skills in water safety and survival. We truly appreciate her efforts in making this important program a success.

Intensive Literacy Intervention Program
Last week, Ms Aitkin hosted the NSW Department of Education’s Small Group Tuition team. Ms Aitkin shared valuable insights with the team about how she and Ms Koursaris support learning for students needing additional assistance with aspects of their reading development, and discussed common challenges, local solutions, and opportunities for the department to improve support and resources. Thank you to Ms Aitkin for providing the department with important feedback, and to Ms Koursaris, Ms Aitkin and Ms Silva for leading an outstanding literacy program that changes lives.

Next Thursday is Book Character Parade

19th Korean Performance Contest
Wishing our Korean Dance ensemble best wishes as they compete in the 19th Korean Performance Contest next Friday. The students have been rehearsing diligently for many months under the tutelage of Ms Sang hee Lee. I have every confidence they will impress the judges and audience. Thanks to Ms Lee and Ms Koursaris for leading this extracurricular program and finding authentic opportunities for our dancers to perform. 

Best Part of my Day

Tracy Considine
Principal

Please be advised that drivers who illegally stop on or near the pedestrian crossing to collect or drop off children will be reported to the police and council. This is a level five offence and the penalty is $423 and 2 demerit points. 

Child safety is of paramount importance and the responsibility of all members of this community. Thank you for putting all children’s safety ahead of convenience.

Last week the PBL focus for: 

• support classes was Turn Taking. During games, conversations and play, we take turns. At home, you can practise phrases such as ‘excuse me’ when talking, and take opportunities to play games with your child to demonstrate taking turns with manners and patience.
• Kindergarten students was setting new growth goals as old goals are achieved. At home, ask your child why their current goal is important and discuss how you can help them achieve it.
• students in year 1-6 mainstream classes was also setting new growth goals. Self-talk is what we think about ourselves and sometimes it can be helpful (inner coach) and other times unhelpful (inner critic). Discuss with your child what their new goal is and what inner thoughts they can employ to reach their goals. 

This week the PBL focus for: 

• support classes is personal space. Students are learning what it looks like and how it makes us feel. Being able to recognise the need for other people to have personal space will help us get along.
• Kindergarten students are identifying the emotions of others. At home, when watching a show together, ask your child, “how do you think that character is feeling? How do you know? What made them feel this way?” Discuss the importance of being able to ‘read’ how others are feeling and how we might help them get to green zone, where we can learn and interact successfully.
• mainstream classes 1-6 is tools to practise and use to manage emotions. Knowing that we all use different ‘tools’ to regulate emotions and learning to employ them appropriately is a lifelong skill. Talk with your child about the tools you employ and ask them what tools work for them. Remind your child that it is normal for all people to experience big emotions, and it is helpful to know how to self regulate to manage big feelings.

Meghan Ryan
PBL Committee Member

Over two intense days, the Canterbury Zone Athletics representatives competed against 17 schools for the opportunity to advance to Regionals. The weather finally cleared and set the scene for tests of endurance in the distance events, some close finishes in the sprints and tight clearings in the high jump. It was incredible just how determined Canterbury students were to achieve personal bests, while remaining true to the Canterbury culture of good sportsmanship and participation. Our athletes were the loudest supporters and most involved, representing in multiple events. 

Their efforts on the track and field were admirable, with many students placing and advancing to the regional level. Both the girls and boys junior relay teams were successful! While we await some official timed event results, a special congratulations goes to Reuben G, who placed first in the senior boys high jump, to the cheers of crowds when he cleared the bar. Special mention also to Judah F, who placed first in the 1500m distance race, far outrunning his opponents. 

Congratulations to all students who competed with enthusiasm and to those who were successful in securing a place on the Regional Athletics Team.

Rana Matar
Stage 2 Teacher

On Monday 8 September, 10 very enthusiastic stringed-instrument-playing Canterbury students participated in the Festival of Instrumental Music at the Sydney Opera House. They worked hard with their strings leader, Hugo Ceran-Jerusalemy, in the lead up to this fantastic celebration of music. The weather enabled the students to explore the Botanic Gardens for lunch, The Rocks and Pancakes on the Rocks prior to the performance. Our students behaved beautifully, listened attentively to their conductors and even had a chance to play ‘audience’ to a stringed quartet backstage before playing on stage. Performing in the Concert Hall at the Sydney Opera House is an experience that won't be forgotten and I am honoured to have accompanied them. Well done students and I’m glad the sugar intake from Sticky was at an appropriate level! 

Meghan Ryan
CPS Music Coordinator 

Thank you to everyone who joined us to celebrate the art of every student in our school at this week’s exhibition. It was wonderful to see so many students proudly sharing their work with family and friends, taking on the art scavenger hunt, and getting creative at the drawing tables.

A huge thank you to our amazing student helpers – Itka, Jade, June, Sitka, Stella, and Vanessa – for all their behind-the-scenes efforts. The beautiful bunting outside the hall and the giant chalk artwork on opening night were just some of their creations. Big thanks also to all our teaching and support staff for the many ways they helped over the past eight weeks to bring the show together. 

Felicity Williams
Visual Arts Teacher

Over the past two weeks, 60 Canterbury students have been flourishing at Swim Scheme. It has been a joy to see every student putting in their best effort, growing in confidence and strengthening their swimming skills. Their behaviour has been exemplary and they’ve even perfected the art of getting changed in record time.

A huge thank you goes to Ms Midori and Ms Louise, whose cheerful support and expertise in the water have greatly assisted both the swimming instructors and our students.

Linda Askin
Stage 1 Assistant Principal

Thank you to the families who joined Ms Silva and I to discuss their children's learning and how the school can better support our multicultural families and students. Everyone who came said they wanted to stay in touch with each other, look for opportunities for playgroups and practise their English language skills. If any family has further questions or suggestions, please feel free to contact me by calling or emailing the school.

Bjorn Wallin
English as an Additional Language or Dialect (EAL/D) Teacher

Father’s Day
What a great turn out and perfect weather. Thanks to those who turned up and helped out at the Father’s Day BBQ with their kids before school last Thursday. And thanks to OSHC for the generous donation of eggs and Ms Considine for the photos.

Uniforms
If you are interested in helping out once a term around second hand uniforms or if you (or your child) have ideas for a school sports shirt please get in touch via our email. We are looking for a parent/s to be involved in the sports shirt aspect of the uniforms.

Save the Date

• Creative arts night dinner - 22nd November 4:30pm (approx)
• Last year P&C provided a quick and easy dinner option before the creative arts night
• Garden bee - Saturday 1st November 2-4pm
• Walkathon - Thursday 6th Novemeber

If you would like to be involved in any of the above, please email the P&C. Your small help will enable all these events to go ahead. We still need volunteers. Thank you!

Garden
The school garden bee was held in perfect weather last Saturday. Thanks to Ms Murray and Mr Wallin for coming along to keep the garden ship-shape for the Green Thumb enthusiasts. There are only 2 more garden bees before the end of the year, so we look forward to seeing you there.

Support our school community
Do you (or the business you work for) want to give back locally? Partnering with our P&C means supporting the very place your child learns, plays, and grows. We’re always excited to team up with businesses and families who can help bring our school events and projects to life. Whether it’s sponsorship, donations, or simply connecting us with someone who can help, every contribution makes a big difference for our kids. If you’d like to get involved, please reach out to the P&C.

P&C contributions
You will hopefully have seen a letter about the change in the way P&C collects voluntary annual contributions from families. Thank you to all those who have been able to contribute.

P&C meeting
Our next P&C meeting is coming up this week on Wednesday, 10th September at 7.15pm. As always, you can join us in the Canterbury Public School staffroom or on zoom. We would love to see some new families, so please let others know they are welcome to come along - there is no need to be a member.

You can join us through zoom here.

Meeting ID: 771 292 7026

Passcode: 123456

P&C membership
To become a member renew your membership, please fill in a membership form online here. It costs just $2 for this calendar year.

For any questions or comments, email us on canterburypublicschool.pandc@gmail.com.