Dear Parents and Carers

It has been a special week at Canterbury learning more about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and exploring how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia. Some of the highlights include:

National Reconciliation Week: Charmaine Ledden-Lewis Illustrator Talk

National Reconciliation Week: Special Assembly 

National Reconciliation Week: P&C Afternoon Tea

National Reconciliation Week: Connection to Country

In addition, teachers designed lessons aligned to this year’s National Reconciliation Week theme and the PBL focus explored why we say sorry. Stage 2’s lesson incorporated Socratic circles to facilitate rich conversations about reconciliation and develop actions we can take to build a better future. Learning intentions and success criteria made the lesson’s purpose clear and students had the opportunity to reflect on their understanding. Stage 1’s lesson was a deconstruction of the lyrics to Solid Rock to understand its message and relationship with National Reconciliation Week as well as the power of songs. Early Stage 1’s lesson focused on understanding who the Wangal and Bediagal peoples' were, and their connection to the land that our school stands on. Stage 3 used this year’s theme to explore past events, reflect on the present and make a pledge for the future. Support classes learned that there are many Aboriginal languages and nations in NSW and ACT alone, and that National Reconciliation Week is a time to say sorry, listen, learn and show respect so that we can work and play together. Key Word Sign was cleverly used to reinforce words of significance for NRW. 

Thank you to Louise, Dora, Pamela and staff, Emily and the P&C, our Deadly Kids, the Student Representative Council, and parents and carers for making this National Reconciliation Week one to remember. 

Support Unit Morning Tea
The incredible Ms Talati hosted a delightful support unit morning tea last Friday. Hearing from families about homework, excursions and camps, therapists and high school has given us a lot to think about and some great ideas. Matthew Williams, Community and Inclusion Liaison Officer from Primary Out of School Hours Care (POSHCare) talked about his new role which is to ensure OOSH is inclusive of all CPS students who need out of hours childcare, including those with a disability. Thanks also to our wonderful office team for providing a sumptuous morning tea. It was lovely to hear our families speak with deep respect and appreciation for our teachers and SLSOs, and the care, education and attention they provide. The feeling is mutual!

At the next morning tea, we will be joined by Dulwich High School support unit staff, parents and students who will share information about the high school experience as well as moving from primary school to high school. 

In the Spotlight
Congratulations to the Senior Drama Ensemble who performed yesterday at In the Spotlight, a drama initiative by The Arts Unit. As always, the performance was well received by the audience and panel. I would also like to acknowledge Ms Sevenoaks who has done a fantastic job preparing the ensemble for their first performance of the year which was also an audition for an evening festival later in the year. 

First Nations Community of Schools
Canterbury is hosting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and school staff from across the Canterbury Network tomorrow afternoon. The purpose of this initiative is to cultivate a strong sense of community, belonging, and cultural understanding among schools, staff, students and families. Our Deadly families are warmly welcome (please check email for details).

School Vegetable Garden Working Bee
Join the Green Thumbs and other families this Saturday from 2-4pm in the vege garden. No experience is necessary. Everyone is welcome. See further details below.

School Tour and Information for Prospective Families
The next tour is scheduled for Thursday 26th June from 9:45-11:15am. Please let friends and neighbours know this is open to all families looking to enrol their K-6 children at our school.

Monday is a Public Holiday
This weekend is a long weekend. Students and staff return on Tuesday 10th June.

Tracy Considine
Principal

Last week all classes focussed on Sorry Day and Reconciliation Week. 

Support Class students learnt about the original Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who originally lived in Australia and there were many different language groups. They also learnt about how to build good friendships. When a friendship has been ruined we must have a reconciliation, which means building up and coming back to a friendship or harmony after the friendship has been harmed.

ES1 and Stage 1 students learnt about how to acknowledge country and build bridges when we have harmed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in days gone past. This is why we say sorry.

Stage 2 and Stage 3 focussed on building an understanding about National Sorry Day. This day acknowledges when the Australian Government nationally apologised for the past practice of forcibly taking thousands of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children away from their parents, brothers, sisters and grandparents.These children are called the Stolen Generations. Thousands of them never saw their family again. They were even forced to forget their language and culture and live with strangers, many who were often very cruel and racist. Taking these children away from their homes and families caused lots of pain and sadness that is still felt by many today. Many of the Stolen Generations are now adults who are still trying to find their families, and connect with their traditional cultures and communities. Many still feel very sad when looking back at the time when they were taken away from their families just because they were Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. Sorry Day is a time for all Australians to say sorry for the hurt caused, that so many still feel today.

This week mainstream students focussed on how to maximise their learning time and identifying when their focus is interrupted. They also discussed: 

Why is it important to be a learner?

• So that we have new skills and knowledge to support us in real life
• Learning is good for us and helps our brain to develop!
• Prepares us for the future (further study, employment and life choices)
• Helps to develop our own interests and enjoyment in life

 Why is it important to demonstrate being a learner at school?

• It is important to show the person speaking that you are listening - it shows that you value what they are saying as we all learn from each other
• It is important that we listen to all instructions so we know what to do
• It helps us to maximise learning time for ourselves and others, ensuring we get the most out of the lesson

Talk to your child about what distracts you and your focus. Ask them what they discovered they need to work on to increase their opportunities during learning time.

This week, Support classes looked at the Blue Zone of regulation (sad, tired, sick and upset) - how we feel and what it looks like. They also investigated what makes you sad (having no one to play with, getting into trouble and losing something) and things that make us tired (bad sleep, a busy day or a late night). You can support your child by identifying when you feel in the Blue Zone and explaining why. This can help children recognise this in themselves. 

Meghan Ryan
PBL Committee Member

Yesterday, the Canterbury Senior Drama Club embarked on an exciting journey to the Campbelltown Arts Centre, where they captivated a packed audience of schools from across Sydney with their vibrant and engaging play ‘UFOh No!’. The students’ remarkable talent and dedication were on full display as they took to the stage, reinforcing their reputation for being outstanding performers.

Their performance was met with enthusiastic applause and laughs, showcasing not only their acting skills but also their ability to connect with the audience through humour and heartfelt moments.

Following the show, the drama club participated in an enriching workshop focused on characterisation and improvisation, led by experienced drama teachers. This hands-on experience allowed the students to delve deeper into their craft, exploring new techniques and enhancing their creativity. 

Overall, it was a fantastic day filled with inspiration, learning, and the joy of performance, leaving the Canterbury Senior Drama Club eager for their next opportunity to shine!

Ms Sevenoaks
Senior Drama Club Coordinator

In Term 2, we are offering our students in Years 3 to 6 the opportunity to participate in the NSW Public Schools Student Survey. The survey gives students the chance to share their thoughts and feelings about life at school, including questions about their engagement, learning experiences and wellbeing at school.

Hearing directly from our students will help us understand what’s working well and where improvements can be made to our school. The survey is confidential, takes around 10 to 15 minutes to complete, and will be conducted online during school hours.

Participation is voluntary. If you prefer your child not to participate, please complete the opt-out consent form, which has been sent home via School Bytes email. If you give permission for your child to participate, no further action is required. Further information about the survey is available at https://education.nsw.gov.au/npss

Ms Karla Sevenoaks
NPSS Coordinator

If you're in Sydney this weekend, please drop by on Saturday afternoon to help in the garden. 

2:00-4:00pm

Enter via Church St gates

Donations request (second hand)

• Outdoor pavers to tidy up the shed’s floor
• Peg board to line shed door and tidy garden tools
• Trellis materials (no plastic) so help build climbing frames for beans and peas

Contact Ms Murray if you have any questions about donations (and before dropping them off) anna.murray2@det.nsw.edu.au 

Ms Anna Murray
Stage 2 Assistant Principal

In the second session, Year 5 students learnt about why our bodies change as we get older and what puberty means. This change occurs to make children’s bodies change into adult bodies. Many children begin puberty between the ages of 10 and 14 years. Students also learnt about the importance of keeping themselves healthy by eating well and staying hydrated by drinking lots of water.  

Year 6 students learnt about what constitutes a healthy, respectful relationship. They also learnt about reproduction, conception, foetal development and birth. Students also went through their responsibilities as they grow and mature into adults. 

In the final session, Year 5 students learnt what a relationship is, what builds a healthy relationship and how to solve conflicts that occur in relationships. 

Year 6 students learnt about the processes of reproduction, fertilisation and the stages of pregnancy. They also explored and practised strategies that can assist them in dealing with issues they may encounter in adolescence, including ways of managing stress and high school expectations.

Parents and carers are encouraged to discuss the above concepts with their child. Student booklets have now gone home for further guidance and support with these discussions at home. You are also welcome to visit the Interrelate website for further information about the program: https://interrelate.org.au/relationships-and-sexuality-education/information-for-parents-and-carers/  

Carmel Aiello
Stage 3 Assistant Principal

Challenge and inspire your young musician with the opportunity to take part in the Sydney Symphony’s motivational three-day student orchestral workshop for aspiring young musicians in years 4–12. Take a deep dive into the finer elements of rehearsing and performing a major orchestral work with the guidance of the talented musicians of the Sydney Symphony and the 2025 Fellowship.

This workshop is a three-day event, all three dates must be attended by participants. The dates below indicate the start time of each day. Starting times may change closer to the event.

Parramatta Marist High School

Wed 01 October, 2025, 9:30am

Thu 02 October, 2025, 10:00am

Fri 03 October, 2025, 10:00am

Applications close 11:59pm, Friday 4 July 2025. Apply Here.

Is your child reading a comic book backwards? When you ask them what they are reading do they say Naruto? Or Demon Slayer? Chances are they have discovered Manga, Japanese comic books and graphic novels. It’s great they are reading but is the content age appropriate? If you would like to learn more about all things manga (including how to find the age ratings) have a look at this great parent’s guide put together by Canton Public Library.

Gaby Aitkin
Intensive Literacy Intervention Teacher

Reconciliation Week
The P&C were so pleased to see so many CPS kids and their families sticking around last Wednesday afternoon to help mark Reconciliation Week.  After sharing some yummy snacks and warm milo, everyone got a chance to try out some Aboriginal games as well as contribute to a large artwork.  A big thanks to all the parent and teachers who helped on the day and to everyone who donated toward the Aboriginal garden.

Canteen
Every 5 years there is a “tender” for the running of the school canteen.  There is a parent representative as part of the decision-making process for the next company that will run the canteen.  If you are interested in being involved, please email the P&C as it is happening soon.

If you have any feedback on the school canteen, please send us an email.

Second Hand Uniforms
The P&C will be holding a second-hand uniform stall this Friday 6 June.  We’ll be outside of the front office from 8.50am – 9.15am.  Payment can be made by cash or card.  Second hand clothes, bags and shoes will be for sale.

If you are interested in helping once a term around second hand uniforms or if you (or your child) are interested in the school getting a sports shirt, please get in touch.  We have a role for someone to be involved in setting up just this aspect of the uniforms.

Garden
The next school garden bee is this Saturday 7^th June from 2-4pm.  Please come in the Church St gate near the staffroom.  No experience is necessary, and it is a great way to get to know some other families at the school.

P&C meeting
Our next meeting will be Wednesday 18^th June at 7,15pm in the staffroom at the school or online.  You can join us on Zoom.  Everyone is welcome.

P&C membership
To become a member, re-new 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.