Tallowood School

Newsletter16 March 2020

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

2-13 March Swim School

20 March Harmony Day

2 Apr i l World Auts im Awareness Day

8 Apr i l ANZAC Serv ice

9 Apr i l Easter Fun Day and last day of Term 1

5 May P&C Meet ing

Creating Pathways for LIfe - We Learn - We Care - We are Safe

tallowood-s.school@det.nsw.edu.au

https://tallowood-s.schools.nsw.gov.au

9836 3810

https://www.facebook.com/tallowood5459/

44 Redden Drive, Kellyville NSW 2155

@TallowoodSchool

RESPECT PROFESSIONALISM INCLUSION WELLBEING CARE & EMPATHY

Dear Parents and Carers,

It’s hard to believe we are now half way through term 1! It has been great to see so many parents and carers coming in the school to attend meetings with teachers and to set priority goals for their child to work on this year. It is also great to see students settled into the daily routines of school and engaging in so many wonderful learning opportunities each day.

Harmony DayHarmony Day is celebrated annually in Australia on 21 March. It began in 1999, coinciding with the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. Harmony Day is about inclusiveness, respect and belonging for all Australians and these are things we value very highly at Tallowood School as reflect in our school values. We will be celebrating Harmony Day on Friday 20 March, so keep an eye out for more information coming home soon.

School Plan (2018 – 2020)We are in the final year of our three year plan (2018-2020) and our Strategic Directions are as follows:

Strategic Direction 1: Every student is engaged and challenged to learn – To have high expectations for students to develop to their full potential through outcome-focused education that is individualised, innovative, meaningful and evidence based.

Strategic Direction 2: Student centred communication for all – To embed consistent and appropriate use of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) strategies across the school and community.

Strategic Direction 3: Connecting and empowering the school community – To build strong purposeful relationships as an educational community by leading and inspiring a culture of collaboration and trust. To empower students, families, agencies and staff to engage meaningfully with their community.

Greg WoodPrincipal

Creating Pathways for Life - We Learn - We Care - We are Safe Page 2

RESPECT PROFESSIONALISM INCLUSION WELLBEING CARE & EMPATHY

On Thursday, 2 April a group of Tallowood students will be performing at Rouse Hill Town Centre. Thursday 2 April is World Autism Awareness Day and we are celebrating by performing folk dancing to our community. We will be dancing in the fountain area at 12pm. We would love to see you there, if you are free, to support our students.

Creating Pathways for LIfe - We Learn - We Care - We are Safe Page 3

RESPECT PROFESSIONALISM INCLUSION WELLBEING CARE & EMPATHY

We all know how important support is to our own journeys. So as I come across support or interest groups in the area, I will try to include them in the newsletter. Today I’m highlighting Project CSC and Variety.

Project CSC is an initiative of the Rouse Hill Salvation Army standing for “connect, support, community”. It is a local, faith-based group that seeks to support families of children with medically complex or additional needs. You don’t have to share their faith to receive support.

Liam and Alli Holland who facilitate the group have lived experience in this area and understand the highs and the lows of family-rich moments, sorrow, hospitals, supported transport, NDIS, all while growing a family. Project CSC offers many supportive services including emergency meals and transport, home and hospital visits, men’s and women’s social/life groups, sibling support, activities for parents, school holiday fun days, information and education sessions, financial assistance for medications, family cooking classes, accessible events and outings. They also host an inclusive church service held the first Sunday of each month at The Ponds School. ‘WE DREAM OF A COMMUNITY FILLED WITH HOPE WHERE NOBODY HAS TO DO THE JOURNEY ALONE’ - Liam and Alli Holland

If you would like further information, you can contact Alli directly at alli.holland@aue.salvationarmy.org or check out their facebook page.

https://www.facebook.com/Project-CSC-337786520031493/

Variety was founded in 1928 in the USA and arrived on Australian shores in 1975. Since their creation Variety has sought out ways to support and include children from disadvantaged backgrounds. In Australia, they are very well known for their support of kids with additional needs.

They can help families with grants for numerous things including educational supplies, daily requirements such as nappies and feeding tools, communication technology, house and vehicle modifications, wigs, medical equipment and support as well as accessing various therapies. They can help meet your child’s needs while you are waiting for NDIS provisions.

They also run scholarships, programs and experiences that promote inclusion and fun and are currently supporting the build of “Livvi’s Place” accessible playgrounds.

Please use the link to find out more about the awesome charity.

https://www.variety.org.au/nsw/?variety_state=nsw

Juanita McMillanSchool Chaplain

Creating Pathways for Life - We Learn - We Care - We are Safe Page 4

RESPECT PROFESSIONALISM INCLUSION WELLBEING CARE & EMPATHY

CLASS 4

What a busy few weeks we have had!! Three students settling into school life for the first time and the rest of us learning and adapting to new routines. We have had fun exploring stories with dress ups and lots of props, craft activities, messy sensory activities, music therapy and so much more.

Creating Pathways for Life - We Learn - We Care - We are Safe Page 5

RESPECT PROFESSIONALISM INCLUSION WELLBEING CARE & EMPATHY

Class 6 has had a very busy start to the year. We have been exploring the books written by Kate Toms. These books are based on nursery rhymes so Class 6 have had a lot of enjoyment listening to and learning the actions that are associated with Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star, The Wheels on the Bus, Incy Wincy Spider and Old MacDonald had a Farm. Nursery rhymes helps students learn new vocabulary, enhance memory and concentration. When actions are linked to nursery rhymes it helps boost motor skills and improves rhythm. Class 6 have created wonderful works of art based on these stories.

Creating Pathways for Life - We Learn - We Care - We are Safe Page 6

RESPECT PROFESSIONALISM INCLUSION WELLBEING CARE & EMPATHY

CLASS 16

Christina, Ethan, Owen, Pablo and Riley have had a great start to the year in class 16. We are enjoying our weekly swimming and sport. In class we have read and listened to Dreamtime stories and created art work abour the stories. We are enjoying our Road Safety and Music programs with Manmohan. Here we are having fun creating our art work.