22 October 2025
Template Article - School Motto
School Motto: Learn to Live
Principal’s Message
Welcome back to Term 4.
It seems like only yesterday that we were starting the year and now we have 9 weeks of the year left. I hope you can see the wonderful progress your child/children have made. As a school we are very proud of their academic, social/emotional and sporting achievements.
The last day of the term is Friday 19 December but I’m aware that many families will miss the final week. Therefore, presentation days and class picnics will be held before the last week.
Grandparents Day
The staff and students of St Ives North Public School would like to welcome grandparents to our school to visit their grandchild’s classroom, hear our band and see one of our dance groups perform. Morning tea will be provided in the library for our visitors following the class visits commencing at 10:10 am.
When: Tuesday 18 November
Time: 9:30 - 10:30 am
To enable us to cater for this event, please complete the online form through the link below:
Gateways Gifted Programs - Science
This week we welcomed the Gateways Program into our school. Gateways runs programs for gifted students in a range of subject areas. This year we selected Science as the subject area. The classes have been well attended and the lessons were very engaging.
We will have another couple of days of this program later in the term as we had so many students who wanted to participate in the program.
Robotics Classes
Our students have been exploring Robotics along with coding with either Mr Walsh and Mr Lord. Feedback from the students and the teachers has been extremely positive. Thanks to Mr Walsh and Mr Lord.
Presenting at the Australia Character Education Conference
On Monday 13 October, I had the honour to present to 600 school leaders at The King’s School at North Parramatta. I presented on Ethical Leadership. It was a privilege to be invited to present at this important conference.
State Parliament Bear Pit Speech Presentation
Congratulations to Katherine A (5W) who represented our school at the State Parliament Bear Pit Presentation. Katherine’s speech was excellent and she proudly represented our school. Thank you Katherine.
Friendly debate against the Japanese International School
Late last term we hosted some debaters from the Japanese School at Terrey Hills. Thank you to our students and Mr Packham for agreeing to debate two teams from the school and for helping them with debating techniques. All students had a wonderful time and our students proudly took our visitors on a tour of the school afterwards.
Term 3 Principal’s Gold Assembly
Congratulations to all students who achieved a Principal’s Gold Award at the end of last term. It was a pleasure to hand out so many awards to our outstanding students. Thank you to our dance troupes and band for providing fabulous entertainment at our Gold Assemblies. Our traditional chocolate cake and drink are always popular with our award winners too.
Returning Trophies
If you have any school trophies from Presentation Day in 2024, can you please return these to the office as soon as possible. It is time to start preparing these trophies for this year’s end-of-year celebration.
Not returning in 2026?
Planning is now underway at St Ives North for 2026. If your child is not returning to us in 2026, we would be grateful if you could advise the School via the following email address: stivesnth-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au.
We employ some teachers on contracts and need to be able to offer enough contracts for the number of children we have. We don't want to start the year short staffed or overstaffed.
We know that our Year 6 students are heading off to high school, so there is no need to respond for these students.
Thank you in advance for your assistance with this matter.
Christine Taylor
Principal
Deputy Principals’ Message
Silver Awards
Congratulations to the following students who received their Silver Awards at assembly:
Kindergarten: Nishi S (KC), Dominic W (KC), Angus C (KL), Myla T (KW), Kye W-J (KW), Alex Y (KW)
Year 1: Eloise H (1C), Aiden W (1C), Madison E (1M), Louis F (1T)
Year 2: James R (2BW)
Year 3: Anjali A (3J), Ryder C (3J), Ruby D (3J), Willow S (3LH), Caroline Z (3MW), Aeryn L (3R), Alexander W (3R)
Year 4: Isabel A (4B), Eva I (4H), Marcus H (4M), Zoe P (4T), Kei T (4T), Harry B (4Y), Ayuj G (4Y), Zoe S (4Y)
Year 6: Kristina H (6H), Sienna J (6H), Brook L (6H), Hannah M (6H), Henri B (6L), Summer S (6L), Jack T (6T)
Bronze School Spirit Awards
Congratulations to the following student who received their Bronze School Spirit Awards at assembly:
Year 6: Sienna J (6H)
Naomi Shacham and Daniel Gorrie
Deputy Principals
PBL Focus Weeks 1 & 2
Respect: I understand that school rules keep myself and others safe.
What does this look like in the classroom and on the playground?
- If I am asked by a teacher to change my behaviour, I will.
- I allow others to share their ideas.
- I will stay in the right place at the right time.
The character strength of judgement will help me to show respect in the classroom and on the playground.
K-6 Years News
Grade Spotlight - Kindergarten
In Kindergarten, we participate in our Buddy Reading routine at least three times per week. Before reading, we sit knee to knee and elbow to elbow with our buddy reading partner and make sure that both of us can see the book. We take turns being the ‘reader’ and the ‘coach’. The reader reads the book to the coach and the coach helps their partner with any unfamiliar words, reminding them of the sounds and to “stretch and blend”. See below why students in each class love buddy reading!
Class KB
Why do you like buddy reading?
Simon: “I like buddy reading because it is fun!”
Andrew: “I like buddy reading because I can get better at reading.”
Class KC
Why do you like buddy reading?
Nishi: “I like buddy reading because we get to read with our friends.”
Andrew: “I like buddy reading because we learn how to read.”
Class KG
I love buddy reading because:
- "we learn how to take turns"
- "We can learn with our friends"
- "I love reading"
Class KL
Why do you like buddy reading?
Heidi: “We can learn more words and when we grow up we can read harder books like comic books.”
Charlie: “I like reading to my friend and reading interesting stories.”
Class KW
Why do you like buddy reading?
Ariel: “I like buddy reading because it's fun when I read with my partner and when my buddy helps me with words.”
Keira: “I like buddy reading because I like challenging words and I get to read with my friends.”
The Anxiety Project
This term each grade is commencing their lessons from The Anxiety Project. We will be learning to become more resilient, challenge ourselves and become the boss of our anxiety. Below you will find information about Locus of Control and an action you can take to help your child’s anxiety.
Locus of Control
Understanding Locus of Control, a concept introduced by psychologist Julian B. Rotter in the 1950s, refers to your child's belief about how much control they have over events and outcomes in their life. Children with an internal locus of control believe their actions and efforts significantly influence what happens to them, whilst those with an external locus of control attribute outcomes primarily to luck, fate, or other people's actions.
This mindset profoundly impacts your child's emotional well-being, academic performance, peer interactions, decision-making abilities, resilience when facing challenges, and willingness to take appropriate risks. When children believe they have agency over their circumstances, they're more likely to develop effective coping strategies and maintain better mental health.”
The Power of Process Over Person Praise
One of the most significant ways you can foster an internal locus of control is by shifting from "person praise" to "process praise." Instead of saying "You're so clever!" or "You're naturally talented!", focus on the effort and strategies your child employed: "I noticed how you kept trying different approaches until you solved that problem" or "Your dedication to practising really showed in your performance."
Research by Dr Carol Dweck demonstrates that children praised for their effort show greater resilience and willingness to tackle challenges, whilst those consistently praised for inherent abilities become more likely to avoid difficulties, fearing failure might undermine their praised traits.
SRC
The SRC are looking forward to a fundraising campaign to help the farmers who are so important to our country. There will be a mufti day in week 5 on Thursday 13 November. Rural Aid helps our farmers in many ways including provisions of water and feed as well as counselling services. Donations will be through School Bytes with a note to go out in week 3.
Stage 2 Choir Performance
In the last week of Term 3, our fabulous and very excited Year 3 and 4 students performed as part of a 600 voice massed choir at the Sydney Town Hall. For many students this is their first experience of a high level performance in one of Sydney’s top venues. The students attended their city rehearsals with Mr Persson and then were supported at the performance by Mrs Cady. Mr Gorrie was in the audience and was very impressed by the discipline and performance skills of our wonderful students.
K-6 Student News
Treat for Treat
With great success from last year, Kei T (4T) is organising a Halloween Bake Sale again this year on Friday 31 October. Halloween themed treats will be on sale in front of the canteen in the afternoon for $2 each. All the sales will be donated to UNICEF and RMHC, to help children in vulnerable situations.
Kei is calling for volunteers to help with baking and also some parents to help with selling sweets in the afternoon. If you are able to help, please join the WhatsApp group from the link below.
Good News
RoboCup Junior Australia (RCJA) 2025 National Competition
Ellie H (4T) and Elon S (4T) achieved second place in the Riley Rover Rescue Line division at the RCJA NSW State Event. After their success at the state level, they decided to challenge themselves further by participating in the more advanced Primary Rescue Line division at the national competition in Canberra on 11-12 October. They teamed up with a student from John Colet School as that student's partner could not be available for the national competition.
During this national event, their team advanced to the finals with the second-highest score after eight preliminary rounds and ultimately securing second place overall in the finals. They distinguished themselves from 55 teams across Australia nationwide and earned their place in this prestigious and professional robotics competition.
Well done Ellie and Elon!
Sydney International Cup Success
During the school holidays, some of our talented Year 4 and 6 students participated in the Sydney International Cup, a four-day tournament hosting some of the best national and international soccer development academies.
They faced some tough opposition but demonstrated great athleticism and skill, holding their own against highly competitive and incredibly talented young players. With 46 teams in the Under 10s division alone, we had an impressive top 20 finish.
The football ability displayed by all our St Ives North students was outstanding. Congratulations to the following boys on this fantastic achievement:
Ben G (6T), Connor P (4B), Jasper F (4Y), Kingsley B (4T), Oscar K (4Y), Rhyan O (4T) and William S (4Y).
Meet the Author
When Eloise T (5N) was in Year 3, she introduced Mrs Wright to a great book called ‘Runt’ by Craig Silvey which then became a classroom reader in the following year. During the recent school holidays, Eloise T and Carmen T (2A) got to meet Craig Silvey at Gordon Library and he introduced them to his new book called Runt and the Diabolical Dognapping which Eloise and Carmen are now reading and they highly recommend it.
Sport News
Judo
Tristan Y (4H) competed in the Judo Queensland International Open on Sunday 28 September in the U/11 division A group representing SINPS. Tristan had a fantastic meet and came away with:
- Gold - Individual
- Bronze - Australian school competition
Congratulations Tristan! What an awesome achievement.
Gymnastics
Suri L (5G) competed at the National Clubs Carnival on the Gold Coast on 21–27 September and she did very well.
Suri achieved Bronze overall in Level 5 Junior in her individual events which included 2nd in clubs, 4th in ball and 7th in freehand.
She also took part in the Category 1 and 2 multiples with her teammates and they had some great results including a Bronze, 2x 4th place and 5th place.
Suri had a really fun week and it was a wonderful experience for her.
Congratulations Suri. A fabulous achievement!
P&C News
Voluntary Contribution
Thank you very much to the families who have paid the 2025 Voluntary Contribution. The P&C are very appreciative of the financial support that you provide to the school. We look forward to purchasing the new playground equipment, literacy resources for the students and completing the hall upgrades soon. We also recognise that many families support the school through volunteering at the many activities and events that we run. Your support is invaluable, and these events could not run without you. No matter how you support the school, it is appreciated and integral to creating a thriving school community and allows the P&C to continually invest in the school and its resources.
If you wish to pay the voluntary contribution and have not yet done so, this can be done via your account on School Bytes. We do apologise for the double emails at the end of last term encouraging payment. This was a system error and was not intended to convey the message that the voluntary contribution was in fact compulsory.
Music President 2026
We are seeking expressions of interest for a new Music President commencing in 2026. The amazing Ali Shahnazi will be stepping down after three fabulous years as president as his youngest child moves onto high school, and we are looking for someone to take on the role. If you have a passion for the school music program, are organised, can work collaboratively and would like to contribute to the school music program, then we would love to hear from you! Please reach out to Ali music@sinpspnc.org.au or myself president@sinpspnc.org.
Roshell Boulton
SINPS P&C President
SINPS Festive Fair - Save the date!
Join us for the biggest event on the school's social calendar - the SINPS Festive Fair!
Date: Sunday 23 November
Time: 11am to 3pm
Who's invited: Everyone!
Fun passes: Pre-purchase and save on Flexischools
Fun passes for non-SINPS friends: https://bit.ly/festive-fair-tickets
More info: www.sinpspnc.org.au/festive-fair or search on Facebook or Instagram
It's the return of last year's Market Day, but bigger and even better! Think mega jumping castle and slide, petting zoo, giant inflatable hungry hippos and live music!
And of course market stalls from SINPS families - PLUS stallholders from across Sydney. Perfect for getting a head start on your Christmas shopping.
Let’s make it a day to remember - mark your calendars, tell your friends, sports teams, and anyone else with kids who like a good time - and get ready for a fantastic community celebration!
Kate Kirk
SINPS P&C Treasurer
SINPS Music Program - Training Band
SINPS Music program is recruiting for the 2026 Training Band. Year 3 students are eligible to join and they don't need to have any musical background. Please see the poster and click on the Music Program overview below for information on how to register for Training Band. If you have any questions please email: sinps.musicprogram@gmail.com.
Ali Shahnazi
SINPS P&C Music President
Useful Information
SINPS Extra Curricular Activities
In addition to our magnificent strings and band program which is run by our brilliant P&C, the following extra curricular activities are available before and after school. The choirs and dance groups are run by our teachers and the other activities are run by external organisations. The school will also hold auditions for the 2026 Hip Hop dance, Junior Jazz dance and Senior Contemporary dance groups later in Term 4.
Choir | Room | Time | Teacher/s | |
Monday | Years 3-4 (Stage 2) | 3-6 CAPA room - meet outside canteen first | 7:45 am | Ms Cady, Mr Alex Persson, Miss Yuri Ok |
Wednesday | Years 5-6 (Stage 3) | 3-6 CAPA room - meet outside canteen first | 7:45 am | Ms Caroline Cady |
Extra Curricular Activities Term 4 2025 | |||
Community User | Room | Time | |
Monday | State Soccer | Oval | 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm |
Tuesday | KE Academy Public Speaking for Kids | B Block K-2 Creative Art | 3:15 pm to 5:15 pm |
Wednesday | Sydney Academy of Chess Sydney Academy of Chess Richard Mei (Robotics with Lego) Art on Canvas for Kids | B Block K-2 Creative Arts B Block K-2 Creative Arts & K-2 Science B Block K-2 Science Art room | 7:50 am to 8:30 am 7:50 am to 8:30 am 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm 3:10 pm to 4:10 pm |
Thursday | Ricky's Music Tuition (guitar lessons) Mandarin Stars Art on Canvas for Kids | B Block OOSH rooms B Block K-2 Creative Arts Art room | 10:40 am to 12:40 pm 3:05 pm to 5:05 pm 3:10 pm to 4:10 pm |
Friday | KE Academy Public Speaking for Kids Richard Mei (Robotics with Lego) State Soccer | B Block K-2 Creative Art B Block K-2 Science Oval | 3:15 pm to 5:15 pm 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm 7:30 am to 8:30 am |
Extended Leave Application Form
For travel of four days or more, please complete the online form through the link below or in the School Bytes parent portal in the Forms section:
Volunteer Declaration Form for parents/carers wanting to volunteer at our school
The Department of Education has digitised their screening process and you now only need to complete a digital declaration. Parents and carers who would like to volunteer at our school for any reason (e.g. canteen, class helpers, reading groups, athletics carnivals, special events, etc.) are required to complete a Digital Volunteer Declaration.
Prior to commencing volunteer work, please contact the office to provide your full name, email address and mobile number. The Department of Education will then send an invitation via email to you to complete an online Digital Declaration. Next time you attend the school, you will need to present a photo ID to finalise the screening process.
We understand you may have already been through the screening process, but we are asking you to redo your declaration form through this new process.
Change of Student Details Form
Parents can now update student contact and address details by completing the online form through the link below or in the School Bytes parent portal in the Forms section:
Community Noticeboard
Free Parent Webinar - Transition to High School Seminar
Northern Sydney Local Health District Early Years and School Years teams have invited Wayahead Mental Health Association NSW to present a Small Steps Transition to High School seminar to parents and carers on Wednesday 22 October at 7:15 pm. This seminar will be useful for parents whose children are in Years 5 or 6. This seminar will not be recorded. Attendees receive a Small Steps resource pack PDF and Live Life Well @school transitions school pack.
Starting high school can be a challenge for young people. This seminar will assist parents with strategies to help their child manage the changes in the transition to high school. Wayahead has been delivering Small Steps seminars to parents and carers in NSW schools for over 20 years.
Please click on the following link to register for this free webinar:
SWAP IT Resources
We are now a SWAP IT school! Look out for weekly SWAP IT messages to help you 'swap' for healthier lunchboxes! Please see the posters below for helpful tips and also visit the SWAP IT website: www.swapit.net.au/tips.
Free Stepping Stones Parenting Webinars - Triple P
Please click on the flyer below for information about three upcoming webinars titled: Positive Parenting for children with a disability; Helping your child reach their potential and Changing Problem Behaviour into Positive Behaviour. Please register via the QR codes as the links do not work.
SINPS After School Cricket Blast Program
Please see the flyer below about a four week After School Cricket Program at SINPS on Thursday afternoons from 20 November until 11 December.
Cricket Blast Discount
Please see the flyer below about a $20 discount for St Ives North students to play in the Woolworths Cricket Blast competition with St Ives Juniors Cricket Club.
Family Fun Fair
St Ives Preschool Kindergarten is hosting a Family Fun Fair on Sunday 26 October. Please see the flyer below for more details.
State Soccer Classes
Please see the flyer below for information about State Soccer’s full range of classes.
After School Public Speaking Classes
Please see the flyer below for more information about after school public speaking classes at SINPS.
Newsletter Sponsors
