A Message from Mr Holden

Dear Parents,

Last week, parents of students in Years 3 & 5 received their sons’ NAPLAN results. Whilst we accept that NAPLAN testing can be challenging, at Wyvern we seek to provide a learning environment of low anxiety so that boys can be themselves at their best.This year performance in the key areas tested (reading, spelling, writing, grammar and punctuation and numeracy) was very strong with our school average being significantly above the national average as well as for that of similar independent schools. In addition we have seen pleasing growth in the areas tested when compared to our good results from last year. I congratulate students and staff for their very good approach to NAPLAN earlier this year.

Last weekend eight Wyvern teams’ performed at the Regional Tournament of Minds (TOM) finals. The high level of student participation in our TOM club, run by Mr Reinier Jessurun, has been tremendous to see. It is an excellent forum for boys to work in collaborative teams where they must solve problems, under strict time pressure, by showing their creativity, initiative and innovation. Well done to all boys for your wonderful ‘TOM’ efforts.

I was delighted to see the Wyvern Athletics team represent the school so well at this week’s IPSHA Carnival. A number of boys set personal best times or distances and all competed with great pride, exhibiting excellent sportsmanship. I thank the many parents who gave such practical support to the team. A special well done to the following bays who will go on to compete at the Combined Independent School’s athletics competition on 13 September:  Lionel Falk-Brown in 100m, Sam Walker in discus, Lipina Ata in shot put and Xavier Borralho in discus.  

I congratulate Mrs Melanie Bryden (Year 2 Team Leader) who has been appointed as Acting Deputy Head (K-3) for the duration of Term 4 whilst Ms Sandra Gray is Acting Head of Wyvern. Mrs Rebecca Stewart, who returns from a period of maternity leave in Term 4, will be teaching Class 2M.

Finally a big thank you to the Wyvern P and F executive for organising the Father’s Day Breakfast tomorrow morning. I am sure that the event will be hugely enjoyable for fathers and sons.

Ian Holden
Head of Wyvern House

Artists of the Week

K – 2 Artists of the Week

Kurt Hunter KW & Nicholas Paradise KW

This week Kindergarten continued their unit on Storytelling through Art.  They investigated the work of artist Donatello and discovered the story behind his sculpture of the Marzocco Lion.  The boys have created their own mixed media lion based on this famous Italian sculpture.  Great work!

Yelena Rubie
K-2 Visual Art Teacher

Clubs & Extra Curricular Activities at Wyvern – Term 3

Dear Parents,

Please find attached Club and Extra Curricular Activities at Wyvern – Term 3 below. Once you click on the link below select the activity you are interested in and it will take you to the relevant Space Page on SPACES. Please note that not all activities are linked yet as. Will update again when this is all finalised. 

Term 3 Clubs and Extra-Curricular Activities at Wyvern

Please refer to SPACES for more information regarding the Clubs and Activities.

Kind regards

Wyvern Office

2017 Co-curricular, Music & Winter Sport Photo Orders

The Wyvern Co-curricular, Music and Winter Sport photos are now available to order online from Advanced Life Photography.

To order photos please go to www.advancedlife.com.au and use the 9 digit online code Z4L MJR RWN.

Kind regards

Wyvern Office

Donut Day

Faith Matters

Good father?

Max Lucado writes: “Today’s my first Father’s Day without a father. For 31 years I had one of the best, but now he’s … buried under an oak tree in a west Texas cemetery. Strange he isn’t here … because he was always available. His words were nothing novel; his achievements, though admirable, were nothing extraordinary. But his presence was. Because he was there, life went smoothly …the future was secure … and my growing up was what God intended. He taught me how to shave and how to pray. He taught me that wrong should be punished … and that rightness has its own reward. He modelled … the elusive balance between ambition and self-acceptance. I knew if I ever needed him he’d be there. Like a warm fireplace. Maybe that’s why this Father’s Day’s a bit chilly. The fire’s gone out. The winds of age swallowed his splendid flame leaving only golden embers. But there’s a strange thing about those embers, stir them … and the flame will dance … and knock just enough chill out of the air to remind me that he’s still … present.”

Whilst this will not necessarily be our own experience as a child or a father it does cause us to pause and ponder.

The Bible pictures God as the perfect, ever-present Dad. While those who are fathers among us will struggle, make mistakes and even scar our children, God is totally reliable, 100% dependable. Even though at times we might be bemused about the way He does things we can be assured He has our very best interest at heart.

The wise King Solomon said, “The righteous man walks in integrity … blessed are his children after him.” (Proverbs 20:7)

Rev Peter Morphew
Chaplain

Flyers in Bookstand

Martial Arts – Kung Fu Action at Wyvern

Term 3 Clubs and Extra Curricular Activities at Wyvern 

Sport

Greek School

School Student Opal Information

OshClub

Uniform Shop

• Summer Price List
• Winter Price List
• Order Form

Kids and Co Psychology

Next Two Weeks

How Much Screen Time Is Too Much Screen Time?

The tough question that I am asked all the time from parents and friends is how much time should our children be spending in front of a screen? As an eLearning teacher it is sometimes hard to come up with the right answer for this. Luckily there is a lot of advice out there to help us make informed decisions that will benefit our children.

The ever so helpful website commonsensemedia.org has your screen time plan sorted. An idea provided by the experts suggests sitting down as a family and discussing a screen time and media plan. ‘Sit down with your kids and work out a weekly plan that includes activities such as camps, trips, and events as well as media and tech time. If you’re traveling, talk about whether to bring devices and when and how much they can be used.’ This media plan can be a great anchor point to go back to and keep everyone on track.

Another helpful tip is to reset your Wi-Fi password at the end of the day or the end of the week. Create a list of activities for your children to do before they can access the new Wi-Fi password. Some activities include household chores, reading time, outside play or any other activity that is important to you and your family.

Commonsensemedia.org also recommend a list of apps that ‘let them have their cake and eat it too.’ They suggest blending outdoor activities with some of their favourite apps. One that is suggested on the website and is a household favorite for the Cross family is Geocache. The exciting app has the whole family out and about on a wild treasure chase. The website also suggests popular fitness apps and other outdoor apps to get the whole family moving around. A list of the most popular apps in this category can be found here https://www.commonsensemedia.org/lists/apps-that-inspire-kids-to-play-outside

So, how many minutes should be allocated to screen time? Unfortunately, I cannot give you the answer to this. It will all depend on how your child is using technology and what is important to your family. If you have any questions about the resources suggested above, please do not hesitate in contacting me.

Tony Cross
eLearning – Wyvern House and Lindfield Preparatory School

Oshclub – Wyvern’s Before and After School Care Provider

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 on 0428 131 700. OSHClub’s head office number is (03) 8564 9000 Click here for the OSHClub Information Flyer.

Newsletter, Click here

Kind regards

OSHClub Team

Sausage Sizzle Day

Sport

Sport Newsletter, Click here

Sporting Venue Addresses, Click here

2017 Sports Handbook, Click here

Term Dates 2017

Term Dates 2018

Thunderstorm Asthma

Thunderstorm Asthma is a term we have all heard of now. It occurred in Melbourne last November where sadly nine people died as a result and ambulance services were stretched to the limit. So what exactly is it?

Thunderstorm Asthma can occur when there are high levels of pollen in the air combined with hot, windy, humid weather conditions. Ryegrass pollen in Spring is released into the air and blown with the wind. The usual pollen size is relatively large and so becomes trapped in the upper airways like the nose and throat. It does not easily reach the lungs.

During a particular type of thunderstorm however, pollen grains absorb moisture, start to swell and then burst into hundreds of tiny pollen starch particles. Storm winds blow these particles to the ground where they are easily inhaled deep into the lungs.

The lungs become irritated, linings become swollen, narrower and more mucus is formed.

People with asthma can be affected but interestingly those with severe hay fever are also affected even if they have never been diagnosed with asthma.

Thunderstorms are more common in Spring so be aware of the pollen count especially on windy days www.sydneypollen.com.au

What can you do to reduce your risk?

• Firstly see your doctor to make sure that your hay fever due to grass pollen is well treated.
• Regular use of nasal corticosteroid sprays is more effective than antihistamine tablets for severe hay fever, and both treatments can be used together.
• Always carry your blue reliever puffer
• Take your daily preventer and hay fever nasal spray if prescribed
• Avoid going outside just before and after the thunderstorm
• Close windows and doors
• Follow your asthma plan or asthma first aid steps
• If symptoms are quickly worsening call 000.

Bushfire Season

With the recent controlled bush burn off, smoke and increased air pollution can trigger asthma symptoms – wheezing, breathlessness, persistent coughing and chest tightness.

To limit exposure to the smoke, reduce outdoor activity, close windows and doors and use recirculated air in the car. Make sure you have more than one blue reliever medication with you in case one runs out.

Do you have an asthma plan?

An asthma action plan helps the person with asthma and/or their carer recognise worsening asthma and gives clear instructions on what to do in response.

Click here to see an example of an Asthma Plan

How to recognise signs of a asthma flare-up or attack

If you are experiencing any of these signs, start asthma first aid. Do not wait until asthma is severe. Remember anyone can develop asthma at any age.

If you are experiencing a severe or life-threatening asthma attack, call an ambulance – Dial Triple Zero (000) and then start asthma first aid.

Learn more about First Aid for asthma here: https://www.nationalasthma.org.au/asthma-first-aid

Sister Margaret Bates
College Nurse

Tuckshop Menu & Roster

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

Tuckshop Menu and Roster Term 3 Weeks 8 and 9, Click here

Everyday Menu and Price List, Click here

Online Ordering Instructions, Click here

Online Ordering FAQs, Click here

Kind regards

Wyvern Office

Uniform Shop

UNIFORM SHOP TRADING HOURS

Wyvern Uniform Roster Term 3 Weeks 8 and 9, Click here

Wyvern Uniform Shop Order Form, Click here

Wyvern Uniform Shop Winter Price List 2017, Click here

Wyvern Uniform Shop Summer Price List 2016/2017, Click here

Kind regards

Nicole Williams
Uniform Shop Convenor