27 August 2025

Welcome

The Value of School Camp

We are part way through our camp season at KPS. I am sure you have heard wonderful stories from those who have already attended. We are excited that so many of our Year Three students are also looking forward to school camp and it will soon be their turn in Week 9 as they embark on their adventure to Taronga Zoo!

School camp is one of the most memorable and rewarding experiences of primary school. Beyond the excitement of new activities and adventures, it plays an important role in helping students develop essential life skills that reach far beyond the classroom.

At camp, children are given the opportunity to step out of their comfort zones and try new things—whether that’s conquering a high ropes course, abseiling, or simply eating a meal with new friends. These moments create lasting bonds and strengthen friendships as students share experiences, laughter, and challenges together.

Camp also encourages independence and resilience. Being responsible for their own belongings, making their beds, and managing their daily routines fosters a sense of responsibility and self-reliance. Away from home, students often discover strengths and abilities they didn’t know they had, learning to problem-solve and adapt in different situations.

Families can help prepare their child for camp by practising simple skills at home, such as packing a bag, dressing themselves, and tying their shoelaces. These small but important steps build confidence and ensure children are ready to manage daily tasks with greater independence.

Most importantly, school camp allows students to learn more about themselves. It helps them build confidence, grow in independence, and appreciate the value of teamwork and cooperation. These lessons stay with them long after camp is over, shaping not only their school journey but also their personal growth.

Help your child feel confident and independent at camp by practising these skills at home:

• Packing a bag– encourage your child to lay out their clothes and belongings, then pack them into their own bag.
• Dressing themselves– practise putting on jumpers, jackets, socks, and shoes without help.
• Tying shoelaces– make sure your child can confidently tie and re-tie their shoes.
• Managing belongings– show them how to keep track of hats, jumpers, and water bottles.
• Bedtime routines– encourage independence with brushing teeth, packing away clothes, and preparing for the next day.
• Trying new foods– encourage your child to taste different foods, just as they will at camp meals.

With a little practice, children arrive at camp ready to thrive—confident, responsible, and excited for the adventure ahead!

Ms Louise Stone

Principal

Upcoming Dates

Thursday 28 August – Year 6 Mufti Day students wear “Favourite Animal”

Wednesday 10 September – SNOW Musical

Friday 12 September – Walkathon

Monday 15 September – Cantabile Choir Rehearsal and Concert - Sydney Opera House

Tuesday 16 September – Kindergarten 2026 Meet & Greet

Wednesday 17 September to Thursday 18 September – Year 3 ZooSnooze

Wednesday 17 September – Year 2 Movie Night

Friday 19 September - Walkathon back up day

Tuesday 23 September – P&C Meeting

Thursday 25 September – SRC Mufti Day Witches, Wizards & Fairies

Friday 26 September – Last Day Term 3

Student Wellbeing @ KPS

Focus of the Fortnight

Through our Focus of the Fortnight sessions, we teach students about our Kensington Public School values: Honour, Knowledge and Community, by learning new skills and making positive choices.

Each rotation we focus on a different aspect of SEL (Social and Emotional Learning). Our learning is also linked to our Personal Development and Health lessons each week.

KPS Recognised the National Week of Action Against Bullying

On Thursday 14 August 2025, Kensington Public School joined schools across the nation in recognising the National Week of Action Against Bullying.

Students took part in a variety of engaging activities and lessons, created by their teachers, to deepen their understanding of respect, inclusion, and the importance of standing together against bullying.

As part of the day’s activities, students were invited to wear odd socks which is a simple but powerful way to celebrate individuality and promote acceptance. This fun initiative encouraged students to express what makes them unique, while strengthening student connectedness and fostering a strong sense of belonging within our school community.

The day was a meaningful reminder of the positive action that can be achieved when students, staff, and the wider community grow connections and stand united in creating a safe, supportive environment for all.

Please take a look at some of the fantastic photos and contributions from the day:

6DT Display:

3J Display:

KPS Anti- Bullying Pledge

Soon, our fantastic SRC representatives will be working hard to survey students regarding our current KPS Anti-Bullying Pledge. Our current pledge was created by students last year and we hope to ensure that the pledge remains meaningful and relevant for all. Students will be invited to make suggestions regarding adjustments and updates and the new revised pledge will be published in the Week 8 newsletter.

A reminder of last week’s key messages:

Planning for a safe and supportive school community requires a whole-school community approach. Whole-school responses to bullying prevention builds positive and supportive school environments by incorporating strategies for intervention at all levels, inclusive of students, teachers, parents and carers.

Three key characteristics outlined in the national definition of bullying distinguish bullying behaviours from other negative behaviours which are not bullying. The key characteristics of bullying include:

1. power imbalance
2. deliberate intent to cause harm, and
3. ongoing and repeated behaviour. 

While the following behaviours are not bullying, they may still be serious and require intervention at home and at school:

•   arguments and disagreements (where there is no power imbalance)
•   single acts of social rejection or unkind behaviour, or
•   isolated incidents of aggression, intimidation or violence.

It is important for our whole-school community, including our staff, parents, carers and students to have a clear understanding of the definition of bullying to be able to correctly identify and respond to incidents of bullying. 

 If you have concerns that your child is being bullied, please contact the classroom teacher. You will be referred to the Stage Supervisor and/or Principal if a satisfactory outcome is not achieved. If you believe the behaviour constitutes a crime, or is a serious incident of cyberbullying, please refer to the ‘Bullying. No Way!’ website for information on how to report to other authorities and gaining further help.

For more information about how KPS supports student wellbeing and bullying prevention, please take a look at our 2025 KPS School Behaviour Support and Management Plan which is on our school website and visit the Bullying. No Way! website. 

Warm regards,

The Student Wellbeing Team

Check-in Assessment for Years 3, 4, 5 and 6

During Weeks 7-9, students will participate in the NSW Department of Education ‘Check-in Assessment.’ This is an online literacy and numeracy assessment available to schools to assess and monitor student learning.

The assessments will be scheduled across weeks 7-9 to allow all classes to access the necessary laptops.

These assessments supplement existing school assessment practices and provide teachers with further information to support the identification of students’ performance in literacy and numeracy and inform next steps in teaching and learning.

All NSW Department of Education schools are required to participate and all students complete a reading and numeracy assessment. In addition to this, students in Year 6 complete a writing assessment.

These assessments are designed to:

• provide an overview of student learning across a year level
• identify student misconceptions
• support planning and programming
• complement other in-school assessments and teacher observations.

Students requiring additional support and adjustments will receive the same level of support that they would normally receive within the classroom setting.

If you have any questions regarding the ‘Check-in’ assessments, please contact Mrs Tovey (Check-in Assessment Co-ordinator) through the school office.

Performing Arts News- 3-6 Musical SNOW

Parent Information and Reminders

The 3-6 School Musical is only 2.5 weeks away, and excitement is building! Students, teachers, and parent helpers are busily practicing and preparing for a fantastic evening of entertainment. We can’t wait to see it all come together on performance day Wednesday 10 September. 

This week on Monday, 25 August, a hard copy 'Parent Information' note was sent home in your child's school bag outlining important drop-off and pick-up arrangements for the rehearsal, matinee performance and evening event on Wednesday 10 September. Please read this information carefully to ensure your child is well-prepared and the day runs smoothly. A copy of this note is also attached below.

In addition, we have also attached the ‘Snow Costume Note' that was distributed to your child as a hard copy in Week 10, Term 2. Please read the details thoroughly, as costume requirements vary between classes and characters. Please also double check the Sentral Parent Portal App to ensure you have paid the $22 costume levy.

Finally, please also check you have given permission and made payment for the 'Snow Dress Rehearsal & Matinee Transport' note on the Sentral Parent Portal App.

Thank you for your support!

Ms Fredman and Ms McGrath

Tickets to the 3-6 Musical 'Snow' are selling fast!

Evening Performance - Wednesday 10 September 2025

6pm at The Wintle Theatre, The Juniors Kingsford

See the link below to purchase tickets:

https://thejuniors.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/salesevent/152971

Matinee Performance - Wednesday 10 September 2025

12:45pm at The Wintle Theatre, The Juniors Kingsford

See the link below to purchase tickets:

https://THEJUNIORS.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/salesevent/153557

Merit Certificates Weeks 4 & 5

Walkathon

Your child/children have received their sponsor cards for the annual KPS Walkathon. Please use the sponsorship card to help you keep track of pledges your child/children collect and then return these to school by Monday 8 September. Students will receive stamps for the walk to and from Kensington Oval. Sponsorship money will be collected, or paid in the Sentral Parent Portal, in Week 10 of Term 3. Money raised will be used to purchase new technology equipment and resources for the delivery of new curriculum to be used across K-6. In the event of rain, we will hold our walkathon the following week, Friday 19 September, and send a Schoolzine with information for our families. Please note the canteen will be closed but lunch orders are available through Welcomeasy, until midnight Thursday 18 September, and will be delivered to Kensington Oval. Please use the link to order your child/children’s lunch: https://welcomeasy.com.au/collections/events.

Don't forget donations can be made through the Sentral Parent Portal app called StudentPayPlus.  

When using StudentPayPlus for the first time, you will be asked to create a new StudentPayPlus account. You will automatically be directed to our Kensington Public School store menu with your child’s credentials already shared across from Sentral. Once logged in, you will be presented with all of the items that have been set up by the school. You will now be able to pay for the Walkathon. Once your item has been added to your cart, you may continue purchasing other items and then navigate to the check out.

If you have any questions about StudentPayPlus, please email via the school email: kensington-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au

Yasmin Rae-Seymour
Walkathon Coordinator

Spelling Bee 2025

Last Friday, Rayaa and Jayden proudly represented Kensington Public School in the Regional Spelling Bee. Competing against 30 talented students from a range of public schools, both performed exceptionally well. Jayden achieved an outstanding result, placing second in the senior division. We congratulate both students on their hard work and success – they are truly the top spellers in Stages 2 and 3 at our school.

Cathy Espinosa

6DT Podcast

This term, our Year 6 students have stepped into the world of digital media by creating their very own school podcast. The project combines creativity, collaboration, and storytelling, giving students a chance to share their voices with the community.

The podcast explores two exciting themes:

Life at Our School – Students capture the unique spirit of our classrooms, playground, and community. From favourite learning moments and what students like about school to following the excitement of sports team results, they reflect on what makes our school such a welcoming place. They’ve also been inspired by the achievements of our famous ex-students, who have gone on to become leaders in sport, the arts, and public life, proving that the foundations laid here can take you anywhere.

The Mysteries That Surround Our School – With a curious twist, students investigate the unanswered questions and playful legends that float around the playground. Chief among them is the story of Boris, the mysterious huntsman spider who once made the library his home. Where has Boris gone? Was he spotted in the hall last week, or has he disappeared for good? Other mysteries include the long-rumoured underground bunker hidden beneath the school grounds and the secret of the locked cupboard in the storeroom.

To give context to their stories, Year 6 also looked back at the history of our school, which has stood proudly at the heart of our community for generations. From its early days with just a few classrooms to the thriving and diverse school we know today, students have been fascinated to see how traditions, values, and learning have evolved.

Working in teams, students have taken on roles as scriptwriters, interviewers, sound editors, and presenters. They’ve learned how to plan and record content, edit with sound effects and music, and deliver engaging episodes for an audience. This has been a fantastic opportunity to build skills in speaking, listening, collaboration, and digital storytelling.

The first episodes will be released later this term, and we can’t wait for our community to tune in. Parents and carers will be able to listen through the school website and Instagram highlights.

Stay tuned – our Year 6 students are ready to entertain, inform, celebrate sports results, share school history, and perhaps even solve the mystery of Boris the Huntsman Spider and the legendary underground bunker!

What is Year Four Camp?

Perhaps kookaburras laughing, students hanging upside down five and ten metres high from a platform, making hydration stations and folding pillowcases will give you a clue into the fun and excitement of Year Four Camp. 

Year Four students have written a glimpse below of their moments of the 3-day Collaroy Camp. Take a look!

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Collaroy Camp by Ellie 4/3A

On Monday the 11th of August 2025, Year Four had the privilege of going to Collaroy Camp, and we had a blast with our friends and teachers!

My favourite thing about camp was spending time with my friends and teachers. I also enjoyed doing some fun activities such as abseiling and the giant swing.

The best activity was definitely the giant swing. It was a little bit scary but super fun! When you pull the red handle, you suddenly drop - and then swing. It was so funny watching my teacher scream!

The yummiest meal at Collaroy was the third day’s breakfast. We had an egg and bacon roll, and I also had Just Right cereal with peach in it. My friends at the table had the same.

I was challenged by the first night’s dinner - it wasn’t my favourite. We had chicken with gravy, peas, mashed potato and corn on the cob.

Collaroy Camp was an awesome experience, and I hope the teachers had as much fun as we did!

Collaroy Camp! by James 4R

Camp was A-mazing! Nothing could stop me doing every astonishing activity I could! One of the most amusing activities was LASER TAG!!!!!!! It was the best, especially when we played “capture the flag”! That was surely the most unforgettable enterprise we did there. The food, I can't even say how good it was, notably when we had FISH AND CHIPS!!!!! I highly recommend going to Collaroy Centre for anyone who loves a challenge and facing fears!

Collaroy Camp by Ailsa 4R

Collaroy Camp was the most amazing and unforgettable experience ever! My favourite activity was the High Ropes, because going onto the wobbly platforms and ziplining through the air was full of nervousness and adventure, and fun. Also, the free time in our cabins with my friends was full of laughter! And the food was delicious! I learnt that facing my fears and giving everything a try is totally worth it, as it can lead to extraordinary memories. I would definitely recommend Collaroy Camp to anyone who loves being outdoors and using teamwork. So why wouldn’t you go?

Collaroy Camp by Gigi 4R

Collaroy camp was the best camp I've ever been to. My favourite activity was high ropes. I was so scared as soon as I stepped onto it, but it was too late. I pushed the fears away and finished it 4 times. I enjoyed the yummy food, the hot dog was AMAZING! I learned that even if you're too scared to do something just push the fears away. I strongly recommend Collaroy because it is an exercise doing all scary but amazing activities and it helps with trusting your classmates and friends.

Sydney Coastal Zone Athletics Carnival

On Wednesday 20 August, 39 students represented Kensington Public School at the Sydney Coastal Zone Athletics Carnival. This was held at ES Marks Field. Our athletics team ran, jumped and threw to the very best of their ability. All athletes should be so proud of their achievements on an extremely cold, wet and miserable day. Many students achieved their personal best times or distances, and all are to be congratulated for their behaviour on a very long day. Thank you also to the many supportive parents who were able to attend and assist when children needed to go in many different directions at once.

Special congratulations to Alby, Jaycee, Honzik and Julian who have progressed to the Sydney East Regional Athletics Carnival! 

Environmental News

This week we had a very special guest attend our Environmental meeting. It was Natalie from WIRES. Nat is a volunteer who looks after possums and birds. She came in to talk to us about how they rescue animals and where our donation money will be spent. 

It was a great meeting.

P&C News

FATHER’S DAY TRIVIA NIGHT! 

Get ready for a night of laughs, questions, and questionable answers!

When: Fri 29 August at 6:30pm
Where: KPS Hall
Cost: $35

 What’s on:

• Brain-busting Trivia 
• Ice-cold refreshments
• Delicious Pies &
• Loads of Fun 

Bring your thinking cap or just bring your A-game!

It’s going to be a legendary night!

Purchase tickets here - kenso.au/fathersday 

KPS Uniform Shop - EOI for long sleeve sports shirts

The KPS uniform shop is gauging interest in long sleeve sports shirts. They will be of similar material to the current short sleeve sports shirts, providing extra sun protection in summer.

We appreciate your input in advance. Click the link to vote yes or no - 

Thanks!
KPS Uniform Shop

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!

2 yrs ago Estelle decided she would grow her hair to donate to the Cancer Council to make a wig for a lovely recipient undergoing cancer treatment.

As of last week , her hair was long enough and she had it cut off.

We had to prepare her hair according to their guidelines. Her hair had to have no colour or products. Today I’ll post it off with a very heartfelt note from her.

She hasn’t raised any money but wanted to raise awareness of this beautiful cause.

The final event of the outdoor field hockey rep season was the Metro South West Carnival in Narellan on Sunday 17 August. Sophie and Eline again represented Sydney East. This time Eline was pulled up to the girls 1 team and played together with Sophie in Division 1. Sophie captained her team in the final. The 1-0 win got the team a gold medal!

Sydney Technical High School Open Morning for Year 5 students on Tuesday 23 September 2025

MindQuest 25

Please see the brochure attached with information regarding courses for the 99^th MindQuest program which will be held on Saturday 20 September & Sunday 21 September at St George Girls High School.

Community News

Canteen

Uniform Shop

Group Singing Classes Adults

Holiday Camps

Code Camp

Student 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 & Acting Program

Ricky’s Music Tuition