19 March 2025

Welcome

Dear Kensington Public School Families, welcome to our Week Eight Newsletter.

We are excited to share with you the wonderful diversity that makes our school community so special. At Kensington Public School, we believe that every student, regardless of their background or abilities, has the right to belong, feel safe, and learn in an inclusive environment, this is embedded in our Wellbeing programs.

One of our main focuses at Kensington Public School is ensuring that every student feels a strong sense of safety and belonging. When students feel secure and part of a supportive community or team, they develop a positive attitude towards school attendance. This sense of belonging directly influences their engagement, motivation, and overall academic performance. By fostering an environment where every student feels valued and connected, we create a foundation for lifelong learning and success. As always, if you have questions please email and we will get back to you to answer any questions you have. 

Our school is a tapestry of unique individuals, from neurodiverse students across the learning continuum to students from various cultural and religious backgrounds. We celebrate the fact that everyone learns differently, and we embrace the rich tapestry of backgrounds and experiences that our students bring with them into our school. Our classrooms are spaces where we honour and respect these differences, creating an environment where every student can thrive.

We want every student to know that they have the right to come to school and feel a sense of belonging in a community that values them for who they are. Our commitment to diversity and inclusion is not just a statement; it's a practice that we embed in every aspect of school life. Together, we will continue to foster an environment where each student can learn, grow, and flourish, embracing the beautiful mosaic of perspectives and experiences that make our Kensington Public School family unique.

Thank you for being an essential part of our vibrant and diverse school community.

Warm regards,
Ms Louise Stone
Principal

Alumni Afternoon Tea

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Upcoming Dates

Friday 21 March – Harmony Day – Please wear a splash of orange (e.g. t-shirt or socks or hair tie)
Monday 24 March to Wednesday 26 March – Parent/Student/Teacher Meetings see below for details.
Tuesday 25 March – 6.30 pm - 7.30 pm KPSOOSH Information Session in person or online. 7.30 pm P&C AGM Meeting in person in the school library and 8.00 pm P&C GM will be in person in the school library or via google meet.
Thursday 27 March – Cross Country Carnival

Student, Parent, Teacher Meetings 2025 Reminder Closes Friday 21 March at 2.00 pm

Please see the link below for booking our ‘Student/ Parent/ Teacher Meetings’.

Please ensure you have the class name and name of your child’s teacher ready for booking.

Booking will be available on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday 24-26 March. Please don't forget that students are to attend these meetings.

School Photo Day

School Photo Day Term 3 Tuesday 22 July 2025

Sports/ Group Photo Day Thursday 24 July 2025

Year 6 moving to Year 7 Reminder Submissions due 28 March 2025

To enrol your child in Year 7 for 2025, you will need to complete an Expression of Interest for Year 6 to Year 7 transition. The Expression of Interest (EOI) lets you indicate which school(s) you would like your child to attend in Year 7.

The EOI process is available online. After you submit an EOI and it has been assessed, your child will be offered a place at a high school.

If your child will not be attending a NSW Government high school next year, please let us know by completing a Placement Not Required form.

If you are unsure whether they will be attending a NSW Government school (you’ve applied for a private school, or you are moving interstate), we ask that you still complete an EOI and follow up with your school once a decision has been made.

The online process will guide you through your options and collect the information required to make the process as smooth as possible.

For parents/carers who are not able to complete an application online, a paper EOI form can be collected from the school office.

Please visit https://kensington-p.schools.nsw.gov.au/about-our-school/enrolment.html section of our website to complete an EOI or PNR online.

Student Wellbeing @ KPS

Focus of the Fortnight, Week 8 - Week 11

Across the school, students are continuing to revisit the Focus of the Fortnight skills and values. It has been particularly pleasing to see how well students have been supporting one another on the playground. Please find the remaining Focus of the Fortnight topics for this term copied below:

Student of the Term, Term One 2025 

Students across the school have been busy revisiting and reflecting upon our core school values of Honour, Knowledge, and Community, particularly as they prepare to vote who this term’s Student of the Term will be. This coveted award celebrates positive behaviour and the achievements of peers, teaching students to recognise how they can advocate for themselves and others. Students who receive an award will receive their award at our Student of the Term assembly for Term One which will be held in Week 10 on Monday 31st March at 2.30pm. Please look out for a special announcement and the names of the worthy recipients in our Week 11 newsletter.

Harmony Week Celebration: Monday 17 March - Sunday 23 March

 As mentioned in our last newsletter, we will be celebrating Harmony Week this week. The ongoing theme of Harmony Week is ‘Everyone Belongs’. Harmony Week is a time of cultural respect for all. In class, during this week, students will participate in Harmony Week activities to learn and understand how all Australians equally belong to this nation and enrich it.

Please support our Harmony Day by wearing a ‘Splash of’ orange on Friday 21 March. 

Orange is the colour chosen to represent Harmony Week. Traditionally, orange signifies social communication and meaningful conversations. It also relates to the freedom of ideas and encouragement of mutual respect. Students can choose to wear something orange during Harmony Day to show their support for cultural diversity and an inclusive Australia. Examples may include an orange t-shirt, orange socks, orange hair ties. 

Recognising Trust Networks:

Building a respectful and inclusive classroom environment is fundamental to helping students feel safe and supported at school.  Each year, throughout the year, the Student Wellbeing team will be supporting teachers and students to develop greater awareness of the ways in which we can all build a kindness culture. Students will be taught to develop their personal and social capabilities throughout their PDHPE lessons. One of the activities we teach each year is supporting students, K - 6, to recognise who is part of their ‘Trust Network.’ By encouraging students to reflect on who they can go to for help or advice when they need it, we hope to ensure that students feel safe and supported here at school. In all classes, students have discussed what it means to feel safe and unsafe and they have also created a personal and whole class visual reminder detailing who they can go to for support in their ‘Trust Networks’. 

Bullying Prevention @ KPS

As part of our ongoing discussions through our PDHPE sessions, students are also encouraged to reflect upon how to build and maintain positive relationships. 

Bullying is defined by three key features:

• it involves a misuse of power in a relationship
• it is intentional, ongoing and repeated
• it involves behaviours that can cause harm.

Having a disagreement with a friend, or a single incident or argument is not defined as bullying. These behaviours may be upsetting, and should be resolved, but they are not bullying.

Physical and verbal bullying, such as kicking or name calling can be easy to see (overt). Other types of bullying, such as social exclusion or spreading rumours are not as easy to see (covert).

Bullying can have serious and long-lasting effects on a person's mental and physical health. It can lead to anxiety, depression and low self-esteem. It can also impact a person's ability to learn and succeed in school.

Please visit the following websites and documents for further information and advice to support your child. If you have any questions or would like to know more about services and resources to support your child, please feel free to get in touch with the school Student Wellbeing team by making contact with the school office. 

https://bullyingnoway.gov.au/support-and-advice/for-families 

https://studentwellbeinghub.edu.au/parents/ 

Link: Parent and Carers Information NSW DoE Bullying

KPS School Behaviour Support and Management Plan

KPS Anti Bullying Plan Parent Flyer (1).pptx

Warmest regards,

The Student Wellbeing Team 

Celebration Hat Parade and Easter Raffle

Our SRC annual Easter Raffle and Celebration Hat Parade will be held on Thursday 10 April at 9:15am under the COLA. Parents and families are invited to attend the celebrations. All students are encouraged to design and create a hat to represent any holiday celebrated by their families at this time, such as Easter, Holi, Greek Easter, Passover and Ramadan. Please consider the practicality of hats. Hats may be brought in and stored in classrooms from Monday 7 April 2025.

Each year during our Celebration Hat Parade, 4 x Easter Raffle baskets are given away as prizes to each class. We are asking for your generous donations for these baskets.  Donations may include Easter Eggs (please no nuts), activity books, stickers, fluffy toys, games and craft kits. All donations should be given to class teachers and can be bought in from next week. Raffle tickets will be sold at school from Monday 24 March through to Wednesday 9 April. Tickets are 50 cents each or 5 for $2. All money raised will be donated to the Sydney Children’s Hospital. If you are available to help make the raffle prizes (4 baskets in total per class), please let your Class Parent know.

Merit Certificates Weeks 6 & 7

PSSA Sport Results Weeks 6 & 7

Sydney Coastal PSSA Zone Swimming Carnival

On the 5 March 2025, 30 students represented Kensington Public School at the Sydney Coastal PSSA Zone Swimming Carnival. This event was held at Des Renford Aquatic Centre. These students deserve recognition for their efforts in each of their events throughout the day, as well as for the respect they showed to officials and the sportsmanship they demonstrated toward fellow competitors. Congratulations to Leon A, Honzik H, Ellie P, Angie Z, Isabella H and Aeris T who will be representing the Sydney Coastal Zone at the Metropolitan East Regional Swimming Carnival.

Well done!

SRC Update - Term 1 Week 6

Favourite Sports Person/Team Mufti Day

Year 6 chose their first mufti day theme and this saw our students enjoy the friendly rivalry of different sports and sporting teams, when they came to school dressed in their favourite team jerseys and colours. Students proudly supported their favourite players, displaying Honour and Community throughout the day. There were no “red cards” issued and everyone enjoyed the camaraderie. Congratulations to all our students and our whole community who enthusiastically participated and helped raise $231.00 for the Year 6 end of year gift.

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Year 2 Intensive Swimming Scheme at Gunyama Park Aquatic and Recreation Centre

We are now halfway through our week-long Intensive Swimming Program at Gunyama Park Aquatic and Recreation Centre, and our Year 2 students are already making fantastic progress!

The NSW Department of Education School Swimming Scheme is an intensive learn-to-swim program designed to develop water confidence and provide students with essential water safety and survival skills. Over the five days, students participate in two 45-minute lessons each day, guided by experienced instructors.

So far, our students have been working hard on their stroke techniques, floating skills, and overall water safety awareness. It’s been wonderful to see their confidence grow with each session.

With a few more days to go, we look forward to seeing even more improvement. Well done to all our young swimmers for their dedication and enthusiasm!

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Student School Travel information for parents and students

School Travel Passes

Students who require a School Opal card or travel pass but have not yet applied need to apply here https://tfnsw-mashup-2prod.pegacloud.net/ApplySSTS/ApplySSTS.html as soon as possible.

In the Opal network, students should travel with a Child/Youth Opal card until they receive their valid School Opal card.

Terms of Use

Students using School Opal cards must tap on and tap off.

This includes travel within the approved times between 6.30am and 7.00pm from Monday to Friday on school days only. Students must use their Child/Youth Opal card for any travel outside these times.

All students are required to comply with the Student Code of Conduct Student Code of Conduct when travelling | transportnsw.info. The code of conduct aims to ensure the safety and well-being of school children and other passengers. It is important that parents ensure their child is aware of this, as failure to comply with the code of conduct can result in a suspension from travel.

Ethics Teachers Needed 2025

We currently cannot meet the demand for ethics classes at KPS and so there are many students on waiting lists. Ethics classes can only be offered as an alternative if we have volunteer teachers. Volunteers can come from our parents, grandparents, friends, and local community, from every walk of life. Primary Ethics offers full, free training, lesson scripts and teaching support.

Ethics encourages children to listen closely and to develop their opinions through ethical reasoning. Ethics helps kids develop confidence and empathy. As an ethics teacher, you will get a lot out of it too!

If you have an hour a week and want to ensure children at our school can access this valuable program, go to: https://primaryethics.com.au/volunteer/ethics-teacher/

Or contact the KPS Ethics Coordinator, John-Daniel Encel jd.encel@unsw.edu.au

Celebrating and Highlighting Our Community

Please email the school with details of any accomplishments that our wonderful community has achieved, and we will publish it in our next newsletter. Don’t forget to include a photo!

Sophie in Year 6 and Eline in Year 4 attended the Regional Challenge in Tamworth. This field hockey state event is organised by Hockey NSW and concludes the 10 week Centre of Development (COD) program. 

Eline followed in Sophie’s footsteps by being awarded this year’s Regional Challenge Players Pride Award. The award was handed out by Hockey NSW and acknowledges Eline’s on field performance at the Regional Challenge in Tamworth and at the 10 week COD training program, and citizenship displayed. Well done Sophie and Eline!

Congratulations Ryan in Year 2 who was awarded the Bluey Award for U7 boys last weekend at Clovelly Nippers. The Bluey Award is given to the child who best represents the values of the Clovelly Nippers and is most likely to become a lifesaver. Well done! 

School Holiday Camps

Code Camp

Community News

Canteen

Uniform Shop

Group Singing Classes for Adults - Wednesday Night in the Hall

Register Your Interest - New Extra Curricula Program

DZP Acting Program Lunchtime Classes. Please contact them directly to express your interest.

Extra Curricula Programs at KPS 2025

Call them directly for information. 

Animal Oz Illustration- Comic Art- Animation

Chess Classes

Class Artz Academy

Directions in Music

DZP Dance

Ricky’s Music Tuition

Swedish School