National Simultaneous Storytime

On May 21st at 11.00am thousands of Australian children all across the country, including the Wyvern boys from Kindy to Year 2, will participate in National Simultaneous Storytime. In libraries, classrooms, preschools and bookstores children will read the same book, Too Many Elephants in This House, at the same time. In its 14th year, this initiative of the Australian Library and Information Association is part of its annually held Library and Information Week.

The aim of National Simultaneous Storytime is to promote literacy amongst children and expose them to the magic and excitement of reading. It addresses key learning ares in the Australian Curriculum such as: interpreting, analysing and evaluating texts, and placing texts in context. It also provides a way for families and communities to get involved in children’s literacy by sharing in their reading experience and introducing age appropriate themes for discussion.

Wyvern Kindergarten boys will join Newington Year 12 students in the Senior School Library to participate in small group readings and guided discussions of Too Many Elephants in This House at the National Simultaneous Storytime appointed time. Later, each Kindy boy will have a shared reading of a favourite book with a Year 12 student. Follow-up literature activities about the book and the experience will be completed when the Kindy boys return to class.

Years 1 and 2 students will participate in National Simultaneous Storytime at Wyvern. Classroom teachers and Mrs Barnes will read and discuss Ursula Dubosarsky’s book and students will be involved in literature activities based on the book. Further details about National Simultaneous Storytime can be found on the ALIA website https://www.alia.org.au/nss.

Book Synopsis 

In Eric’s house there were  too many elephants – in the living room, in the kitchen, in the bathroom, even in his bedroom! The elephants take up a lot of space, but Eric loves every one of them. So when his mum says they have to go, Eric comes up with a clever solution to a very BIG problem…

Joanne Barnes
Teacher Librarian

Wyvern Kitchen Garden

You may think that work has slowed down in the Kitchen Garden since the cooler weather has moved in, however, there is much work to be done.  Late last term we sowed brussel sprouts, coriander, spring onions and nasturtiums.  Our salad greens didn’t do to well over the holidays so we resowed the area last week.  For those of you who have joined our Space, you will be aware that we entered the Landcare Winter Vegetable Competition.  Our seeds arrived over the holiday break and last week we sowed our carrot seeds in both upright pipes and in the ground – which position will yield a better crop? Sign up to our Space to see our progress!  We will also need to thin our seedlings, sow more seeds and mulch, mulch, mulch.

Later on in the year we will also re-pot our 16 dwarf citrus trees that were generously donated  by parents.  Currently we’re in the process of sourcing larger pots so they can continue to grow and flourish.

Lisa di Brazzà
Oscar Reinitz 4P/ Sebastian Reinitz 1S

Art Club

Last term, Art Monitor boys were treated to a special excursion to the AGNSW to see Art Express.

These Art Monitors had been working hard in the Art room each week helping Mrs Bourke and Ms Buining with tasks that make the art department run smoothly.

It was an exciting excursion ,as the boys got to go on the train with Ms Buining and Mr Baker after school on a Wednesday. The boys were taken around ‘Art Express’ which is an exhibition of elected students of year 12 and their ‘body of work’.

The boys were very interested in the way the work was made. There were a lot of fine and detailed drawings, paintings, ceramics and photography and video.

They were very interested in the interactive artwork, made with embroidery in the form of a scanned code. People could scan the embroidery with their phones, and each code had a esoteric saying.

The 19th Sydney Biennale is also currently showing at the AGNSW and various other places around Sydney. It is well worth a look.

Meredith Buining
3-6 Art Teacher

Artist of the Week

K – 2 Artist of the Week

Edward Armstrong Bailey KV
Edward experimented with clay for the first time in the Art Room. He used a variety of tools including a garlic press to create a wonderful sculpture of Splat the Cat. Edward later finished his work by spraying it with diluted black acrylic paint.

Kian Chan 2S
Kian listened carefully to information about friends and how they use the internet wisely. He then created a poster that gave information on the topic. Kian was able to use water-colour oil pastel neatly in this work.

Debbie Bourke
K-2 Art Teacher

3 – 6 Artist of the Week

Year 4
Year 4 spent an exciting lesson looking at the 16th Century painter G Archimboldo. This artist used themes of food, or animals to make up interesting images of faces.

Year 4 spent their last week of Term 1 studying the topic ‘Simple Machines’. And thus, in art, we created machine faces out of black and white photocopies of cogs and wheels. Students collaged these  various images to create interesting and comical faces similar to Archimboldo. Students also were challenged to think creatively with their layering technique, as well as the use of wire to create 3D images on their work.

 Harry Colhoun 4M

Oliver Nicholas 4C

Meredith Buining
3-6 Art Teacher

Summer Sport Photos 2014

Dear Parents,

You can order your son’s Summer Sport Photos online from Advanced Life Photographers. Please click on the link below to order your son’s Summer Sport Photo 2014.

Summer Sport Photos 2014 Order Form

Digital Brain

Digital Culture And Sleep Deprivation

Technology saturates many of our waking moments. But how does it impact our rest and sleep? Technology is an incredibly powerful tool, which can help achieve great educational goals. Therefore, in this digital era we need to be thoughtful and strategic with our use of technology to prevent addiction and insomnia.

Our brains are superlatively designed to adapt to the surrounding environment. This is called neuroplasticity. The connections in our brain cells are influenced, strengthened and changed by our daily experiences. Subsequently a world filled with all pervasive digital technology has a powerful influence on our brains. This screen-based life style can have positive effects. For example technology facilitates creative insight and deep understanding through innovative and collaborative projects. Additionally technology assists learning and performance in skills that require continual and directed repetition. But technology can have a detrimental impact on neural processes, such as sleep patterns.

According to Dr Seton from the Woodlock Institute of Medical Research, sleep deprivation affects one in ten teenagers but only two percent recognise the problem as a medical issue. Electronic devices are a frequent cause of sleep deprivation. This is largely due to the portability of technology. Children can easily spend time in their bedroom, even in their bed using their iPods, iPads and laptops. The light from these screens lowers melatonin levels, making it difficult to fall asleep. Additionally technology is now a key means of social connectivity, so children are eager to stay up late socialising online due to a fear of missing out (FOMO).

We want our children to gain the maximum educational benefit from technology. Therefore, here are five strategies for managing technology and sleep deprivation.

Screen Time: Discuss the screen time hours spent using technology. This should include computers, tablets, phones and gaming consoles. Set time limits for screen time and be consistent with usage throughout the week. In addition stop screen time one hour before bed so that sleep is not interrupted.

Clear Boundaries: For children in primary school, all technology is best used and stored in public living areas. This eliminates the temptation to stay up late socialising online. It also gives parents better awareness of how and when devices are being used. Set up designated spaces for charging devices at home so that is easy to create routine of plugging them in before bedtime.

Age Restrictions: Look carefully in to the age restrictions of social media. Most social media networks, including Facebook, Instagram, KIK Messenger and SnapChat have a recommended age restriction of thirteen years. If children become addicted to social media at a young age, it can be incredibly difficult to manage in teenage years.

Notice the Signs: Look out for warning signs indicating sleep deprivation. These can include poor concentration levels, moodiness, feeling lethargic and excessive sleep on the weekend. Sleep deprivation can cause side effects such as risk-taking, poor self-esteem, depression and obesity.

Walk The Walk: As adults we are also at risk of sleep deprivation due to excessive hours spent on digital technologies. It is helpful to walk the walk with our children and students, to model behavior that demonstrates clear boundaries and thoughtful use of technology.

References
Sharples, S. (2014, May 6). Clinic gives weary teens a good night’s sleep. Inner West Courier Inner City, p.8.
Greenfield, S. (2012, August 7). How digital culture is rewiring our brains. Sydney Morning Herald.

Emma Clemens
Innovative Learning Leader

P&F News and Events

Hello!

Wasn’t the Jazz Band at the Mother’s Day Breakfast super?! This was their first public gig as a recently formed ensemble and the early morning practice is obviously paying dividends. Speaking of early morning, thankfully those clouds cleared up and Wyvern mums could gather in the fresh air with their first coffee, catching up on things, discussing their plans for ‘our special Sunday’ and wondering what our boys had chosen from the catalogue that we perused in secret so we could drop hints accordingly.

Last week had a ‘giving’ theme for me, as I spent three nights occupied with charitable activity (and got caught up in a silent auction, justifying the spend because it’s for a good cause). On one of those evenings, I gave a speech about ‘lookism’ (yes, this is a real ‘ism’ that is currently the subject of a study by The University of Sydney) and discrimination faced by women in need who can’t afford to dress ‘appropriately’ for job interviews – and the work that NFP Dress for Success does to help them.

I’d like to share with you just a few sentences from that speech. As I spoke those words, in the context of discussing the importance of the work of Dress for Success, I was thinking of the Women of Wyvern who I know to be real examples of the point I was making: We know that a mother who is strong and confident will be able to better provide for the family and will encourage her children to be strong and confident. Confident children do better at school and are more likely to become confident adults. Every positive step made by a woman is returned at least fourfold by her impact on her family and the community.

Please come… Our Term 2 P&F meeting is on Thursday, 15 May, from 7.00pm – 8.30pm. We have a very important keynote presentation, which is about the boys’ social and emotional development. Mr Holden will also be providing us with an update on the school’s anti-bullying policy and building plans. For children, we have supervised dinner (a pizza treat) and play in the rooftop playground to save you the angst of organising childcare. We should be done by 8:30pm in the interest of getting home and getting to bed.

Until next time, be well and happy.

Natalie Mina
President, Wyvern P&F
natalie.mina@accenture.com; 0414 850 455

Dates for your diary

Special reminder: Year 3 Parents’ Coffee & Chat, every Thursday from 8.15am at the Little Treasures Café, 313 Stanmore Rd, Petersham (up the road from the senior school, opposite the fruit market)

• Thursday 15 May – Term 2 P&F Meeting, 7.00pm – 8.30pm
• Saturday 24 May – Wyvern Music Weekend, 1.00pm – 4.00pm
• Sunday 25 May – Wyvern Music Weekend, 9.00am – 3.30pm
• Friday 26 July – Christmas in July, Wyvern Parents’ social event, 7.00pm – 11.00pm
• Kindy mums meet at Paper Cup every Wednesday and Friday morning at 8:15am

OSHCLUB – Wyvern’s Before & After School Care Program

Wyvern’s Before and After School Care Program is run by OSHClub. Enrolment for all students is recommended and allows parents to easily manage their before and after school care needs via an online account. Visit  www.oshclub.com.au to use the free enrolment service.

For all late bookings, please contact the Coordinator, Eleanor, on 0428 131 700. OSHClub’s head office number is (03) 8564 9000 Click here for the OSHClub Information Flyer.

For OSHClub Newsletter Term 2 – Week 3, click here.

Kind regards
OSHClub Team

Newington Crested Ware

There are a range of crested ware on offer at the Black and White shop. They range from memorabilia, clothing, keepsakes as well as an exclusive Sesquicentenary line which can be found on the Sesquicentenrary site. For more information about crested ware, please contact Rollanda Rosenstrauss.

To download the crested ware catalogue and price list  click here

To view the crested ware page on the public website, click here

Flyers in Bookstand

Tuckshop

• Everyday Tuckshop Menu

Martial Arts

• Kung Fu Action at Wyvern

Co-curricular

• Co-curricular (Before and After School) Activities at Wyvern

Wyvern Uniform Shop

Winter Items Available from the Uniform Shop – get in before the rush!

Winter blazers, long sleeve shirts and shorts just arrived. Come in and buy before end of term rush!

Long sleeve Midford shirts reduced from $30 to $15 in sizes 5, 14, 16 and 18.

We are now stocking for rugby:

• Protective headgear, sizes small/medium (made by Paladin which is high quality IRB approved).
• Mouth guards

Second Hand Clothing

Please find attached Wyvern’s Second Hand Clothing Price List.  No orders will be taken for the Second Hand Clothing Pool. If you wish to purchased an item you will need to go into the shop to do so. Click here for Second Hand Clothing Price List

Wyvern Uniform Roster Term 2 Weeks 4 and 5,  Click here

Wyvern Uniform Shop Winter Price List 2014, Click here

Wyvern Uniform Shop Order Form, Click here

Wyvern Sport

For all Saturday morning sport at Newington Senior School, parents are requested to park off site along the street. The schools onsite car park is maintained for officials, emergency vehicles and staff only. With the winter sport season upon us, the car park area can become very busy early in the morning. Please consider this simple request to ensure the smooth management of Saturday morning sport at Newington.

Wvyern Sports Draw – Round 3, Click here

Wyvern Sports Newsletter, Click here

Wvyern Sports Results and Match Report, Click here

Sporting Venue Addresses, Click here

2014 Sports Handbook, Click here

Tuckshop News, Roster & Online Ordering

Dear Parents

As a parent volunteer working in the Tuckshop can you please make sure that you adhere to the rules and regulations regarding appropriate footwear – closed in footwear with a rubber grip sole (ideally leather trainers). No sandals, thongs, open toe shoes or fabric trainers (fabric shoes may bring bacteria) may be worn.

If your son suffers from an allergy it is imperative that you advise the Wyvern Office and the Tuckshop so that we are aware of it. Click here for the ‘Alliance Catering  – Food Allergens Advisory Statement’.

Please click here for the Spotless Food Safety Information for Volunteers Guidelines

Tuckshop Menu and Roster for Term 2 Weeks 4 and 5, Click here

Everyday Menu and Price List, Click here  Please note that there have been a few changes made to this for ‘Items from the Freezer’

Online Ordering Instructions, Click here

Online Ordering FAQs, Click here

Term Dates 2014 & 2015

TERM DATES 2014

TERM ONE
Wednesday 29 January to Friday 11 April
11 week term followed by a 2 week break
Classes commence Wednesday 29 January

TERM TWO
Monday 28 April to Friday 20 June
Wyvern Staff PD Day (Student Free Day) – Friday 6 June
Queen’s Birthday (Pubic Holiday) –  Monday 9 June
8 week term followed by a 3 week break

TERM THREE
Monday 14 July to Thursday 18 September
Wyvern Staff PD Day (Student Free Day) – Friday 19 September
10 week term followed by a 2 week break

TERM FOUR
Wednesday 8 October to Monday 8 December
Labour Day Public Holiday – Monday 6 October
Wyvern Staff PD Day (Student Free Day) -Tuesday 7 October

TERM DATES 2015

TERM ONE
Thursday 29 January to Thursday 2 April
Classes commence Thursday 29 January
10 week term followed by a 2 week break

TERM TWO
Monday 20 April to Friday 26 June
Anzac Day Public Holiday – Monday 27 April
Queen’s Birthday Public Holiday – Monday 8 June
10 week term followed by a 2 week break (for 2015 only)

TERM THREE
Tuesday 14 July to Friday 18 September
10 week term followed by a 3 week break (for 2015 only)

TERM FOUR
Monday 12 October to Tuesday 8 December
Annual Prize Giving 3-6 – Tuesday 8 December

Next Two Weeks

Faith Matters

Radical Love ~ Turn the Other Cheek

The disciples lived in a culture that encouraged revenge and defending male honour. Back then, a slap in the face was considered the ultimate humiliation. Now Jesus is saying, “Whoever slaps … your right cheek, turn the other to him also.” Can you imagine how they felt? Even today when we’re insulted we refer to it as ‘a slap in the face.’ The adrenaline starts pumping and anger takes over. After all, our reputation’s at stake! But just when we’ve built up a head of steam along comes Jesus and He says, “Don’t hit back … If someone strikes you, stand there and take it” Hey, what’s wrong with this picture? This kind of radical love sees people through God’s eyes. Jesus practiced it by refusing to retaliate even though He had the right and the power to do it. As they hammered the nails into His hands and feet He prayed, “Father, forgive them; they don’t know what they’re doing.” When the captain of the Roman soldiers handling His execution saw what happened he praised God and said, “Certainly this was a righteous man”. This hardened military officer didn’t hear some cold theology. No, he was moved by the force of Christ’s love.

Your enemies matter to God! God is looking for somebody through whom He can love them. Will you be the one He uses? Are you willing to turn the other cheek? If you are, you’ll have a truly life-changing experience.

Peter Morphew
Chaplain

All Co-Curricular (Before & After School)

Please click here for the 2014 Co-curricular Activities at Wyvern – Term 2

Chess:
https://spaces.newington.nsw.edu.au/wyvern/chess/pages/437-years-1-6-chess-coaching-sign-up

Robotics:
https://spaces.newington.nsw.edu.au/wyvern/robotics/articles/3713-robocup-entries-now-open

Swim Squad, Rugby Skills, Kung Fu Action, FAST Football:
https://spaces.newington.nsw.edu.au/wyvern/sport/pages/589-extra-sport-activities

Drawing Club:
Year 6 Drawing Skills Class

Film Club – full

ICT Clubs – full

Achievement Awards and House Points

House Points

A Message from Mr Holden

NAPLAN

At Wyvern we place a strong emphasis on maintaining a balanced and engaging curriculum in both the lead up to, and during NAPLAN testing week. We challenge, encourage and support your son to achieve his personal best in the tests and we do all we can to ensure that the classroom climate is one of low anxiety. Judging from the positive feedback from students about their experience of NAPLAN testing this week it does seem that our approach strikes the right balance. I congratulate Year 5 and Year 3 students and teachers for their excellent effort shown during this week’s NAPLAN assessments. We expect the results from the assessments to be available towards the end of Term 3.

MOTHER’S DAY BREAKFAST

I thank the P & F, Emma Cope, Sally Hassen, Sarah Pussell, Kathy Burshtein, Wendy Stanton, Cath Walters, Denise Hunt, Johnny Lee, Katia and Fotis for organising an excellent Mother’s Day breakfast last Friday morning. The wonderful attendance and superb tone made the event a very special one. Thank you to Penny Tucker for the donated roses from Flowers on Norton and Julie Maree Wood for her generous donation of her beautiful cookbook to mothers on the day. I also thank the hard-working  team of Year 5 mothers,  Nicky Harmer, Julie Maree Wood and Rachael Eagleton, who coordinated the selection, ordering and distribution of Mother’s Day gifts.

BUILDING LEARNING POWER PARENT INFORMATION SESSIONS 

On Thursday 22 May, Mrs. Cate Fryda, our Learning Framework Leader, will conduct parent information sessions about our BLP Learning Framework at Wyvern. The meetings will be held in the Library with options at either 8:30am or 6:00pm. We look forward to seeing many parents attending as Mrs Fryda sets out how we equip your sons with lifelong 21^st century learning skills.

PUPIL FREE DAY ON 6 JUNE

A reminder that 6 June (Friday before the Queen’s Birthday Public Holiday) is a pupil free day. On that day Wyvern staff are looking forward to working with Bronwyn MacLeod, author and co-author of five educational texts on curriculum differentiation and gifted education. She is the author of Module 5 of the Australian Government’s Gifted and Talented Teaching Package, and has planned, implemented and published school action research projects for Independent Schools of Queensland, Sydney Diocesan Catholic Education, and the Independent Schools of Western Australia. Bronwyn also works with schools and educational authorities in New Zealand, South-East Asia and Africa.

Bronwyn is also the Convenor of the Certificate of Gifted Education and lectures in the Masters of Education courses at the University of New South Wales. She is also the director of COGE Online for the University of New South Wales and has taught mixed ability and self-contained gifted classes from K-12 in government and independent schools.

DEBATING SUCCESS

On Friday 9 May, the Year 6 debaters travelled to Meriden School, where they debated the topic ‘All Children Should Learn to Cook at School’. Our two teams, one on the affirmative side and one on the negative side, debated passionately against some very tough competition. It was a close competition with sophisticated arguments on both sides. We are thrilled to announce that both of our teams won on the day!

We are  looking forward to hosting the next debate on Friday 23 May at 2.00pm against St Patricks and Santa Sabina where both Years 5 and 6 Debating teams will be debating ‘That a Good Book is Better than a Good Movie’. Please feel free to join us on this occasion.

Ian Holden
Head of Wyvern House