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THE KING’S SCHOOL PREPARATORY SCHOOL
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Issue No. 12: 10 August, 2018
Year Six PYP Exhibition
It has been a very big week in the life of the Year 6 boys. After completing six weeks of focused research
into an area of interest under the Transdisciplinary Theme: Sharing the Planet, the boys shared the
results of their independent inquiries with the School community.
The Exhibition is completed in the final year of a student’s
engagement with the Primary Years Programme. Over a
six week period the students undertake an independent
inquiry into a particular focus area to demonstrate their
mastery of the process of inquiry and the transdisciplinary
skills. Their research will involve identifying appropriate
primary research sources and setting up interviews either
in person or via Skype. The boys work in small groups of
up to four students inquiring into a chosen topic, with
each student taking on a particular focus area within the
inquiry. Mentors from across the Prep staff are assigned to
the student groups to discuss learning directions and help the boys in setting targets in their inquiries.
This year, the research topics are framed under the
Transdisciplinary Theme: Sharing the Planet. The boys’
interests and research have led them to such topics as
crypto currencies, fast food addiction, human rights,
medical advances, renewable energy, food security, global
warming, social media and gaming addiction, pollution –
some challenging topics with which to wrestle. The boys
have written their Central Ideas, Lines of Inquiry,
identified the Key Concepts, and co-ordinated their
research and presentations. The Exhibition provides
students with the opportunity to demonstrate their skills
as independent learners and requires considerable time
management and organisational skills. It is a challenge that equips them well before they enter their
secondary schooling.
International Music Success
Over the holiday period, Year 5 student Murphy Xi was invited to participate in
an international violin competition known as the Convivio Violin Competition,
held in Portugal. I’m thrilled to report that Murphy performed with distinction,
achieving a 1st Honourable Mention in the 10-12 year division. Murphy then
travelled to America where he participated in the International Academy Violin
Competition at the Cleveland Institute of Music where he gained 1st Place. These
are tremendous results given the candidature of the competitions.
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK: A person’s true wealth is the good he or she does in the world.” Nazr Mohammed
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PREP NEWSLETTER ISSUE 12: 10 August, 2018
Art Show Opening Night – Friday 21 September – Don’t miss out!
Parents will have received an invitation to attend the Opening of this year’s King’s School Art Show on
Friday 21 September. The event will be held at the Prep precinct and will include a wonderful collection of
art work to peruse for that blank wall at home that needs to be given life.
The evening promises to be a great event with delicious catering by Time to Talk and De’lish Store &
Catering. Ticket sales are open this week and the community is encouraged to make the most of the early
bird discounts available and enjoy this event with friends, family and work colleagues.
Tickets can now be purchased at www.kings.edu.au.
The paintings in this year’s Art Prize finalists include a number of high profile artists competing for the
$20,000 prize. These include former Archibald Prize winner, Del Kathryn Barton, and other artists
whose work is in demand such as Julian Meagher, Laura Jones and Reg Mombassa. It is a great
opportunity to find artwork that not only looks great, but has investment potential.
The evening is going to be a wonderful event so please book a ticket and join this special community
event.
Parents we need your Support !
We require families to volunteer for different roles over the course of the weekend. Correspondence
will be sent home early next week to help guide the manpower to different year level focus areas.
Please sign up early so that we can finalise the personnel support needed across the weekend.
To volunteer access http://volunteers.kingsfest.com.au
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PREP NEWSLETTER ISSUE 12: 10 August, 2018
Helping our Children Stay Safe and Responsible Online One of the hardest challenges for parents is placing the necessary safeguards and restrictions on ICT use in the home. Most boys love gaming and pester about having additional time to play. Whilst protestations can be difficult to deal with, it is important that firm, consistent boundaries are in place. Likewise, boys will want to push the boundaries on restricted ages for social media and various games. It’s important that parents follow the guidelines recommended for various games and applications as children can be exposed to ideas, material and language that can be harmful. At the moment, Fortnite is a game that has huge popularity across the globe. Fornite is not recommended for children under the age of 12 years, although you do not need to provide your age to be able to play online. It is a combat game where people compete online. The object of the game is to collect weapons, build fortifications and engage in combat with others. It’s important to note that aside from the violence that the game encourages, children have direct access to other players and may be exposed to offensive or inappropriate language or unwanted contact through chat or voice function. I strongly recommend that parents follow the guidelines recommended for age restrictions. Parents will find the information contained on the Government’s Office of the eSafety Commissioner site on Games, Apps and Social Networking very informative and helpful. https://www.esafety.gov.au/esafety-information/games-apps-and-social-networking Prep School Fiver For A Farmer Mufti Day – Friday 17August As a Prep School response to the very real heartache and devastation many rural families of Australia are suffering through ongoing drought, we are raising awareness with the boys and hope to provide practical assistance as well. ‘Fiver for a Farmer Mufti Day’ on Friday 17 August will be an opportunity for generosity of giving from Prep families. This concept was created by a young Sydney boy who wants to help out mates on the farms. How good is it to respond to student led initiatives! In essence, we hope that the boys will come dressed as farmers, and that families will donate at least $5.00 to the cause. The money raised will be directed to Rural Aid and Drought Angels. Please add this onto the family calendar as a reminder for a checked shirt, jeans or overalls, and maybe boots and a hat if available. Class teachers will collect the money on the day. Our Year 5 boys will be out in the country witnessing first hand the challenges faced by farmers. They won’t be able to participate in the Mufti Day but we do encourage Year 5 families to contribute to the fundraising as well once back at school the following Monday or via the link https://afiverforafarmer.com.au/ By demonstrating social action, we are raising a generation of students who are outward looking, of a philanthropic mindset and who exercise kindness and empathy. Please support ‘Fiver for a Farmer Day’ with a spirit of generosity. The Old Boys’ School Homecoming Sports Fixture on 18 August will be another opportunity for families to show solidarity and support. Details of this will be sent to the community. Peter Allison Head of the Preparatory School Page 3 PREP NEWSLETTER ISSUE 12: 10 August, 2018
Headmaster’s Distinctions
Term 3 Week 2 & 3
Pre-Kindergarten Year 1 Year 3 Year 5
TRAN, Edward INDRAJIT, Ariya x 2 CHEMERYS, Timothy
DOHNT, Lex
FAYAD, Roman
GREGSON, William
MONTANA, Christopher x 2
NGUYEN, Ryan x 2
Kindergarten Year 2 Year 4 Year 6
CLEARY, Joshua CURTIN, Thomas x 3 McGIBBON, Lachlan DMITRENKO,
COOPER, Joshua DIB, Rami GUAZZAROTTO, Max x 4 Anton
DAVIDSON, Tom IERARDO, Franco MADSON, Samuel STEPHENSON,
KIDD, Lachlan MADSON, Oliver Fletcher
MADSON, Edward MANOJ, Neil
QUACH, Jayden McGIBBON, Rory
TE MOMO, Louis PETROVIC, Archer
ZHENG, Henry RACE, Bodie
RAJANI, Jad
SALGADO, Saviru
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PREP NEWSLETTER ISSUE 12: 10 August, 2018
Deputy Head
Year Six Exhibition
I want to take this opportunity to congratulate the Year 6 boys and their teachers for a wonderful
Exhibition opening on Thursday evening. The knowledge the boys exhibited on their topics, displays the
wonderful benefits of the inquiry process.
This could not have been achieved without the hard work of the boys, and the fantastic support of the
Year 6 staff and each group’s Staff Mentor. All staff were involved, with many staff giving up large
amounts of time to assist the boys. Congratulations to all!
Stranger Danger
Every now and again we hear reports in the news of an unknown adult approaching a child or trying to
entice a child into a car. This is a topic of discussion that every family should have with their children
each year and ensure they know what to do.
Earlier this year, the Today programme did a story on this topic and tested, with parental permission,
whether their child/ren would be enticed to leave the area they were playing in with a stranger.
Frighteningly, seven of the eight children did leave with the stranger.
The clip can be viewed by following this link.
(https://www.9now.com.au/today/2018/clip-cjiasryg400810how277owo22 ).
This is an experiment that I have seen on social media, in various western countries, numerous times
over recent years and each time a large percentage of children left with these strangers. Although the
experiments were often done with 3-7 year olds, they still tell us that despite us having these discussions
with our children the message is not always getting through.
One of the recommendations that was suggested in this clip that I liked, was to substitute stranger with
“non-trusted” person and to use the term “trusted” when talking about someone with whom they could
interact.
Could I please encourage all parents to have this discussion with their children and reinforce that:
they should not listen to or be too close to a non-trusted person – rather to move away or back
inside.
they should never ever go with a non-trusted person – no matter what the non-trusted person
says.
they should have a code word that you and your child share, that is easy for them to remember
and assure them that only a trusted adult will know the code word that you both share.
they understand that a non-trusted person may make up sad stories, like looking for a lost pet,
needing help with a sick child, or needing directions.
they understand that a non-trusted person may offer treats, gifts or lollies for ‘helping’.
they should make sure an adult they trust knows where they are at all times.
if they have to walk somewhere by themselves, to walk near busier roads/streets.
if they are ever frightened, to go into a ‘safe place’ like a shop, police station or school and
NEVER get into a car with someone they don’t know.
More information can be found at sites such as http://istaysafe.com.au/outdoor-safety/personal/stranger-
danger/
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PREP NEWSLETTER ISSUE 12: 10 August, 2018
NAPLAN Online Readiness Test All parents in Years 3 and 5 should have received an email from me earlier this week outlining the details of this test. Please contact me if you require any further information. No After School Activities – Tuesday 21 August 2018 I would like to give advance notice to all parents that there will not be any After School Activities or KIP on Tuesday 21 August 2018. On this day all Prep School staff will be attending the annual North West Region Professional Development Afternoon and Dinner. The King’s School Preparatory School belongs to a network of schools who join together once a year for an afternoon and evening of professional development and networking. This year’s session is due to take place on Tuesday, 21 August 2018 at Arden Anglican School. As all Prep staff will be involved, we will be unable to run any After School Activities on this day. However, Camp Australia will run their normal After School Program for families unable to make alternative arrangements. This is a user-pays system and more information can be found by contacting Camp Australia. It is important that all families wishing to make use of the Camp Australia After School Care book their child in to ensure there is enough staff to supervise. All Pre-K to Year 2 boys not collected by 3:00 pm and all Year 3-6 boys not collected by 3:30 pm will be escorted to After School Care. Boys needing to catch the late buses will need to attend Camp Australia who will escort boys to the late buses. ICAS Competitions Each year the School enters all boys in Years 3-6 into the Mathematics and English ICAS Competitions. These competitions give the boys a good opportunity to practise completing an external test, with many questions in the same style as NAPLAN tests. If you would prefer your son not to sit these tests please contact me at gbb@kings.edu.au The English paper was held last week, while the Mathematics paper will be held Tuesday, 14 August. Greg Blackman Deputy Head of the Preparatory School For bookings please visit: www.kings.edu.au Page 6 PREP NEWSLETTER ISSUE 12: 10 August, 2018
Upcoming Events
NSW Band Festival – Year 3 Band (8:00am) and Concert Band
Week 4 Sunday, 12 August 2018
(8:45am) - UNSW
Monday, 13 August 2018 Year 5 Inventions Expo - Year 5 rooms (3:30-4:30 pm)
Dads’ Breakfast Seminar (7:00am) with Dr Bruce Robinson -
Tuesday, 14 August 2018 Horrocks Hall
Stage 3 Meeting (8:30 am)
ICAS Mathematics Competition
IPSHA Debating Round 6 - St Euphemia (Home)
Wednesday, 15 August 2018 Maths Olympiad
Year 5 Hill End Excursion
Art Show Meeting (7:30 pm)
Thursday, 16 August 2018 Dalleywater Centre Auxiliary
Year 5 Hill End Excursion
Friday, 17 August 2018 Year 5 Hill End Excursion
Strings Soiree - Horrocks Hall (4:00 pm)
NSW JCL Chess Competition
Saturday, 18 August 2018 Shore Invitational Athletics Carnival
CBA Book Week commences
Football End of Season Dinner – Novotel Parramatta(6:30 pm)
Subaru NSW State Snowsports Championships -
Thredbo/Perisher (until 26 Aug)
Week 5 Sunday, 19 August 2018
Monday, 20 August 2018 King’s Has Got Talent Auditions – Lunchtime (Mon-Fri)
Tuesday, 21 August 2018 King’s Has Got Talent Auditions – Lunchtime
NWPD Afternoon and Evening – No After School Activities
Wednesday, 22 August 2018 King’s Has Got Talent Auditions – Lunchtime
Thursday, 23 August 2018 NAPLAN Online Readiness Test – Years 3 and 5
King’s Has Got Talent Auditions – Lunchtime
Gala Day Training during Sport time
Stiles Charity event: Children’s Bookstall (all proceeds go to
Friday, 24 August 2018 Tathra Bushfire Appeal)
King’s Has Got Talent Auditions – Lunchtime
Pre-K to Year 2 - Find Your Treasure: Book Week Literacy
Rotations – Dalleywater Centre (9:00-10:25 am)
Saturday, 25 August 2018 Barker Invitational Athletics Carnival
NSW State Band Championships – Year 3 Band and Concert
Sunday, 26 August 2018
Band
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PREP NEWSLETTER ISSUE 12: 10 August, 2018
DIRECTOR OF STUDENTS
WELLBEING MATTERS – SLEEP HYGIENE
Families will know that the boys in Years 3 to 6 took part in an online Wellbeing Survey last term. One of
the sections was on the lifestyle matters of Sleep, Exercise and Diet. The boys were asked to rate their
success on a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 as unsuccessful ranging through to 5 as very successful. This elicited
some interesting results across Years 3, 4, 5 and 6. With the goal of boys considering themselves as being
successful or very successful, we see that not all boys meet this, by their own estimation.
Each boy rated his success on the amount of sleep he is habitually having, with 10 hours the minimum
goal, the amount of exercise he is doing, taking care not to do too little or too much, and on healthy
eating habits.
One of the main concerns reflected from the data regards Sleep Hygiene:
22 Year 3 boys do not consider themselves as successful
17 Year 4 boys do not consider themselves as successful
30 Year 5 boys do not consider themselves as successful
29 Year 6 boys do not consider themselves as successful
Dr Michael Carr-Gregg, prominent Child and Adolescent Psychologist, asserts that 40% of Australians
are sleep deprived. He explains that sleep is not an indulgence, rather a critical time for restoration,
energy conservation, brain processing, memory consolidation and creativity enhancement. The repair
and reorganisation of the brain that occurs during sleep is critical for learning. Information is integrated
for short and long term memory, and learning is settled. Sleep deprivation has been linked with weight
gain, diabetes risk, inefficient hormone regulation, distractibility, inflammation, hyperactivity, risk of
infection, cancer, cardiovascular disease, burnout, and depression.
Dr Carr-Gregg recommends that parents take note of these recommendations:
Decide that sleep is a priority
Make the bedroom a haven for sleep - cool, dark, quiet
Wind down prior to sleep
Reduce the amount of light exposure at least 30 minutes before bedtime and make the room as
dark as possible
Establish a regular bedtime and wake up time
Ensure the bedroom is a technology free zone
Parents need to be the decision makers when it comes to essential functions such as sleep hygiene. Our
boys need at least 10 hours of sleep per night; more for the younger ones. Given the health risk factors
and the negative effect on learning for inadequate sleep, parents need to take a hard and honest look at
what they are accepting and promoting in their homes.
Kids Matter, the Australian Primary Schools Mental Health Initiative recommends the setting of limits for a
child’s behaviour. Having some basic rules in place helps children understand what we except from them. Setting
up consistent routines for daily activities like bed time, meal time, bath time, and home learning time, means
everyone knows what to expect. Having routines also helps children feel secure. Rules work best when they are
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PREP NEWSLETTER ISSUE 12: 10 August, 2018
simple, few, and positively state what parents expect of their children. Consistency of expectation and obligation is so important, as is setting a good example. It is great to appreciate your child’s efforts in meeting expectations by thanking them, this is of great encouragement for children. Setting effective limits is not about having lots of strict rules and associated punishments, but rather making expectations very clear and consistent. Parents of Primary boys are encouraged to discuss these 3 areas of sleep, exercise and diet with their sons and get a sense of where they estimated their success or otherwise. Reflection is an integral component of the IB Primary Years Program, and so we encourage this across all domains. If your son sees himself as being anything but successful in these areas, then the time to change things is right now. I am happy and available to discuss wellbeing matters with boys, staff and parents. Belinda Baxter bsb@kings.edu.au Page 9 PREP NEWSLETTER ISSUE 12: 10 August, 2018
DIRECTOR OF LEARNING
The PYP Exhibition
In the final year of the PYP, students carry out an extended, in-depth,
collaborative project known as the PYP Exhibition.
This involves students working collaboratively to conduct an in-depth
inquiry into real-life issues or problems. Students collectively synthesise
all of the essential elements of the PYP in ways that can be shared with the
whole school community.
The Exhibition also provides schools and
students with a wonderful opportunity to
celebrate the transition of learners to the
next phase of their education.
Our Exhibition opening night was held
on Thursday 9 August. One of the
highlights was listening to the amazing musical performances of the
boys. Their singing is always moving, but they certainly reached new
heights with ‘This is Me’, from The Greatest Showman.
We then moved into the Year Six rooms and were able to see the
culmination of the boys’ inquiries. As we spoke to the boys, it was clear
that they had a solid conceptual understanding and knowledge of the
issue they chose to research. They identified the skills they used throughout their project and explained
how they displayed the PYP attitudes and the IB Learner Profile.
We had many visitors from the PYP community attend our Exhibition this year, including teachers and
students from other schools.
It was truly an incredible experience for all the boys, as they
demonstrated their transdisciplinary inquiry skills.
As always, Exhibition was a real highlight of the Prep calendar,
showcasing the boys’ inquiry and collaborative learning skills, as well as
their ability to engage with people and discuss their learning.
A huge thank you must go to all teachers who worked with groups over
the course of the research and presentation of Exhibition.
Congratulations to all of our Year 6 boys and their dedicated teachers:
Jo Grinham, Helen Eldridge, Karen Mackey, Russel McCool and Chris
Xegas.
Sonia Weston
Director of Learning/PYP Coordinator
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PREP NEWSLETTER ISSUE 12: 10 August, 2018Year 6 Exhibition
State of Origin Shield and Meeting with Kristian Heffernan.
On Monday 30 July, Kristian Heffernan met Year 6 students Lachlan Hind, James Miranda-Clark and
Joseph Repanellis to assist them with their Exhibition Research.
Kristian is an Indigenous Australian who is
the son of Rugby League Immortal Arthur
Beetson. He is continuing the good work that
his father started in the Aboriginal
Community by ensuring that all Indigenous
Australians have an equal pathway to excel in
their chosen sport.
Kristian has also been put in charge of
running the NRL’s flagship community-based
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
Program, School to Work. The program is
aimed at getting Indigenous children through
their High School Certificates and onto
fulltime study or employment.
The boys Inquiry Task centred on Human Rights and Racial
Discrimination. As their Primary Resource, Kristian spoke to the
boys for over an hour and left a lasting impact. He mentioned to
the boys that the best way to prevent racial discrimination in
Australia is to strive to reconcile between both groups of people.
Year 6 also met with Kristian who spoke to the boys about
“community” and how sport can bring races together in positive
ways. When Kristian spoke, the boys listened! His presence
mirrored that of his illustrious father, both on and off the field.
Year 6 also had the honour of being the first school in NSW to hold
up this year’s 2018 State of Origin Shield. The Origin Shield,
seldom seen in NSW in recent times was a welcomed sight for all
our boys!
Chris Xegas
Year 6 Teacher
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