Dear Parents and Carers

It has been an exciting two weeks at Canterbury since the previous newsletter and I would like to acknowledge staff for going above and beyond as always to provide students with enriching educational experiences beyond the classroom.

Thank you, Ms Grimes, Ms Tzodouris, and Mr Fowler, for leading Kindergarten's 100 Days celebrations. Your dedication and enthusiasm made this milestone a memorable and meaningful experience for students and parents. The day provided many benefits: For students, it fostered a sense of achievement and excitement about their learning journey, boosting confidence and motivation. For parents, the event offered a wonderful opportunity to engage with their child's education, build stronger connections with teachers and other families, and celebrate their child's growth and progress. Your leadership made this day truly special for all involved. 

Thank you, Mrs Ryan, for providing senior choir students with the unique opportunity to perform at the Sydney Opera House during the Festival of Choral Music. Incredible experiences like this not only enrich our students' musical education but also inspire and send a strong message that they can achieve anything they put their mind to. Your commitment to creating these memorable moments and giving students a deeper appreciation for the arts is truly appreciated.

Thank you, Ms Murray, for organising the Stage 2 overnight camp at Taronga Zoo. Your efforts in coordinating this exciting and educational experience provided students with a unique opportunity to learn about and connect with wildlife as part of their Science and Technology studies, and build independence and social skills.

Also, thank you to Ms Midori, Mr Wallin, Ms Murray, Ms Matar, Ms Phillips, and Ms Valastro for supervising and supporting the participating students throughout the camp. Your dedication and care ensured the safety and enjoyment of all students, making the overnight excursion a valuable experience for everyone involved.

Thank you, Ms Sevenoaks, for your dedicated work with the Senior Drama students throughout the year, culminating in their outstanding In the Spotlight performance at Campbelltown Arts Centre. Your commitment to nurturing their skills and confidence is truly appreciated. The play was well received and popular with the audience due to the quality of our students' performance, storytelling and passion. This performance served as an audition for the State Drama Festival, and we are confident that Ms Sevenoaks and the students' talent and hard work will earn the ensemble an invitation to participate.

Students from Kindergarten through Year 6 were fortunate to enjoy a special visit and presentation by Paralympian Taylor Gosens. Taylor, a judo athlete with a vision impairment, shared her inspiring journey to the 2024 Paralympics in Paris. She captivated the students with incredible stories about trying a variety of sports and activities, encouraging everyone to be inclusive of all peers in their games, regardless of ability. Thank you, Ms Valastro, for organising this powerful incursion.

Year 5 Enrichment Program

Select Year 5 students participated in a two-day enrichment program hosted by our wonderful neighbours, the outstanding Canterbury Girls High School and Canterbury Boys High School. This new initiative provided participating students with an early opportunity to experience the high school learning environment, which supports the transition from primary to secondary education. The program challenged students with advanced activities that stimulated critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills. Additionally, it allowed them to explore new subjects and interests, broadening their academic horizons. Participating in the enrichment program fostered confidence and independence, with students building relationships with high school teachers and peers from other schools, supporting their social and emotional development. 

Canterbury Staff at the Forefront of Educational Leadership

When our staff present at conferences and network meetings, they play a vital role in building the capacity of educators and leaders in Public Education by sharing their expertise, innovative practices, and successful projects. For example, Ms Sevenoaks recently delivered professional learning on writing assessment for all Assistant Principal, Curriculum and Instruction leaders in our network and the Canterbury Director of Educational Leadership. Ms Sevenoaks provided valuable strategies and insights for other leaders to adapt to enhance students' writing skills and understanding in their schools.

Similarly, Mr Wallin was invited to share his highly successful and engaging Mongolian Podcast project at the Sydney Metropolitan EAL/D Conference, inspiring educators across Sydney with creative and engaging methods to support students' English language acquisition.

Through these opportunities, our staff showcase the superb work happening at Canterbury Public School and contribute to professional growth beyond our school, fostering collaboration and raising teaching standards across the broader educational community.

Punctuality and Before School Extracurricular Clubs

If your child participates in before school programs including junior choir, yoga, green thumbs, strings, and PSSA training, please ensure they arrive on time so they do not miss out. Arriving late causes unnecessary disruption to students and staff, delays to the program and disappointment when students find the gates are already locked. Parents are responsible for ensuring their child is ready to start the activity at the scheduled time. Thank you for your cooperation.

SASS Appreciation Week 

SASS Appreciation Week (Monday 25th to Friday 29th August) is an annual event dedicated to recognising and celebrating the valuable contributions of School Administrative and Support Staff (SASS) within the education community. During this week, public schools and offices of the NSW Department of Education acknowledge the hard work, commitment, and essential roles that SASS employees play in supporting the smooth operation of schools, assisting teachers and students, and enhancing the overall educational environment. SASS Appreciation Week is an opportunity for teaching staff, students and parents to show gratitude for their often behind-the-scenes efforts that make a significant difference in the daily functioning and success of schools.