22 May 2025
Principal’s Report
Dear Parents and Caregivers,
Festival of Cultures 2025
The Festival of Cultures Day was held on Thursday 15th May, last week. It was an absolutely fantastic day of celebration, highlighting our multicultural heritage and how we as Australians from many different backgrounds can live, work and learn together.
A highlight of the day was the Cultural Parade. It commenced with a wonderful Smoking Ceremony and Welcome to Country by Uncle Brendon. Despite a few drops of rain which caused me huge anxiety, the rain did hold off. Students from across our school then welcomed visitors speaking in their traditional language.
Our parade was led by our Aboriginal students, representing their culture and connection to this land. They were followed by hundreds of students representing their cultural groups. Over thirty different countries were represented in our parade.
It was wonderful to have so many students, staff and parents dressed in their cultural dress and carrying their flag. An absolute highlight was to have many parents and grandparents join the parade to walk with their children. A huge thanks to all the families who attended and joined the parade.
The middle session of the day was dedicated to cultural activities with classes rotating through different classrooms, involvement in dance workshops, weaving, art and traditional games.
The day culminated in class cultural feasts, where students shared food from their culture.
Thank you so much to all parents, staff and students for supporting our 2025 Festival of Cultures and making it such a terrific community celebration. I would like to acknowledge the great work of Mrs Zouriakas, Ms Evangelou and the organising team for coordinating this great day.
Blacktown Zone Cross Country Carnival
On Tuesday 20th May, 30 students represented Blacktown South PS at the Zone Cross Country Carnival, which was held at Paterson Reserve at Quakers Hill. They all did their very best and were great ambassadors for our school.
A great result with 4 students qualifying to go to the Sydney West Championship, and 4 students as reserve runners. The Sydney West Championship will be held at Motorsport Park on Wednesday 12th June. These students were:
Zach Shaitly – 11 years boys, second place
Heidi Lui – 11 years girls, eighth place
Ibrahim Omarzai – 10 year boys, seventh place
Ernesto Demirpence – 10 year boys, eighth place
Thank you to Mr McMurtrie who coordinated our team, and Mrs Kumar who attended as an official.
National Reconciliation Week is held from the 27th May to 3rd June.
The National Reconciliation Week (NRW) 2025 theme, ‘Bridging Now to Next’, reflects the ongoing connection between past, present and future.
Bridging Now to Next calls on all Australians to step forward together, to look ahead and continue the push forward as past lessons guide us.
In the #NRW2025 theme artwork created by Kalkadoon woman Bree Buttenshaw, native plants − which are known for regenerating after fire and thriving through adversity − symbolise our collective strength and the possibilities of renewal. This is a time for growth, reflection, and commitment to walking together.
Australia’s history of reconciliation is not a linear one, we have made great strides and experienced disappointing setbacks.
Twenty-five years ago, Corroboree 2000 brought together Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous leaders in a historic call for reconciliation. We continue that work in 2025, inviting all Australians to join us in Bridging Now to Next – building a more united and respectful nation.
Read more about this year’s theme #BridgingNowtoNext
Year 3-6 Athletics Carnival – Monday 2nd June
The Athletics Carnival will be held on Monday 2nd June at the Blacktown Athletic Centre.
Students attending on the day will have an opportunity to compete in the range of Track Events, 100, 200 and 800 metres. There will also be a range of novelty events and activities to enjoy.
Year 2 students turning 8 this year may also attend.
Please ensure permission notes and money has been returned by next Friday 30th May.
Ted Powell (Principal, Blacktown South Public School 1968 – 1987)
We have just recently been informed of the passing of Ted Powell, a long serving past Principal of Blacktown South Public School.
Edward (Ted) Powell, passed away towards the end of 2024, aged 93. We offer our most sincere condolences to his wife Betty and all of Ted’s family – Ted’s leadership of the school and its community, spanning 20 years, will always be remembered and highly valued.
Ted was appointed Principal of Blacktown South in 1968 after previous service as Principal in schools in regional NSW. Under his leadership, the school grew and developed into one of the largest Primary Schools in the State, serving the expanding Blacktown community. Ted believed that students developed best when there was a strong connection between teachers and the parent community. He was instrumental in ensuring the P&C Association was an integral part of the school, through regular meetings, overseeing the School Canteen and conducting the widely recognised Annual School Fete, which evolved into the Fete and Fireworks celebration. Ted also saw the need for students of working families to have their children cared for before and after school and during vacations and under his Principalship, the Blacktown South Activities Centre was established, with a Demountable Classroom being utilised as a home base.
A staunch supporter of the NSW Teachers Federation, Ted was active in advocating for better conditions and salaries for staff in NSW Public Schools. Another initiative of significance in the local community was Ted’s support of the establishment of the Blacktown South Safety House Scheme, which extended the care and safety of students beyond the school gate. Even after his retirement from the Teaching Service in 1987, Ted was actively involved in regular meetings of the Safety House Committee at the school.
Ted was also actively involved in Blacktown Rotary. He became their longest-serving member, serving in various capacities on the Board of Directors and was President of the Rotary Club of Blacktown City from 1974-1975, in 1991 being awarded the Paul Harris Fellowship of Rotary.
Street Parking around our School
We have received numerous community complaints over the past few weeks, the majority have involved parents parking across driveways or in ’No Parking’ Zones.
We ask that you arrive a little early in the afternoons for pick-ups and for special school events to assist in finding a legal park that does not impact our community.
Your cooperation with this matter is most appreciated.
Andrew Bowmer - Principal
Cultural Calendar for May & June
Dear Parents,
I endeavour to include as many cultural events as possible, unfortunately I do accidently miss some. If I have missed an important cultural event for your culture or religion please inform me so I can correct it in the coming newsletter. Thanks for your help.
May 23rd - Declaration of Bab (Baha’i). Baha’i believers around the world celebrate the 1844 as the day of the declaration of the Bab, who was the forerunner of Baha’u’llah the founder of the Baha’i Faith.
May 24th - Independence Day -Eritrea
May 25th - Africa Day- (African Union), National Day- Argentina, Independence Day- Jordan
May 26th - Independence Day – Georgia, National Day - Guyana
May 26th - National Sorry Day- is an annual event that has been held in Australia on 26 May, since 1998, to remember and commemorate the mistreatment of the country's Aboriginal People.
May 27th - June 3rd - National Reconciliation Week
May 28th - National Day- Nepal, National Day - Ethiopia, Republic Day -Azerbaijan
May 28th - Ascension of Bahá'u'lláh - (Baha’i). This is an important holy day celebrated on the 28th May, at 3am. It commemorates the anniversary of the death of the founder of the Bahá'í faith, Bahá'u'lláh, and his teachings.
May 29th - Ascension Day (Christian) commemorates the Christian belief of the bodily Ascension of Jesus into heaven. It is one of the universally celebrated feasts of Christian churches. Ascension Day is traditionally celebrated on a Thursday, the fortieth day of Easter.
June 1st - First Day of Winter, Independence Day- Samoa
June 2nd - Foundation of the Republic – Italy
June 2nd - Shavuot/Feast of Weeks (Jewish) is a Jewish holiday that occurs on the sixth day of the Hebrew month of Sivan. Shavuot has a double significance. It marks the all-important wheat harvest in Israel and it commemorates the anniversary of the day when God gave the Torah to the nation of Israel assembled at Mount Sinai.
June 3rd - Mabo Day- Commemorates Eddie Koiki Mabo, a Torres Strait Islander, whose campaign for Indigenous land rights led to a landmark decision of the High Court of Australia that, on 3 June 1992, overturned the legal fiction of ‘terra nullius’ which had characterised Australian law with regards to land and title since the voyage of James Cook in 1770.
June 5th - Constitution Day – Denmark
June 6th - National Day- Sweden
June 7th - Eid Al Adha (Muslim) is a significant annual Islamic observance for Muslim communities across Australia. It is also known as the Feast of Sacrifice or Festival of Sacrifice as it commemorates Ibrahim’s (Abraham) willingness to sacrifice his son to God.
June 8th - Pentecost/Whitsunday (Christian) celebrated on the seventh Sunday after Easter, commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and other followers of Jesus Christ.
June 8th - Bounty Day – Norfolk Island – Is the Anniversary (Bounty) Day which celebrates the anniversary of the arrival of the Pitcairn Islanders to Norfolk Island. The Pitcairners were the descendants of the infamous English sailors of mutiny on the Bounty fame and the Tahitian women who, under their leader Fletcher Christian began a new life on isolated Pitcairn Island. After outgrowing tiny Pitcairn, the community, Queen Victoria gave Norfolk Island to the 8 island families.
June 9th - King’s Birthday Holiday (NSW)
June 10th - Portugal Day – Portugal
June 12th - National Day- Russian Federation, Independence Day- Philippines
Important Australian Milestones
May 27th - The 1967 referendum removed discrimination against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
June 1st - NSW Anti-Discrimination Act 1977
June 3rd - Mabo Native Title High Court Decision 1992
June 11th - Commonwealth of Australia Racial Discrimination Act 1975
June 26th - Australia joined the United Nations 1945
Principal’s Reading Awards
Congratulations to the following students from Kindergarten – Year 6 who have been awarded the Principal’s Reading award for 100 nights of home reading.
Luca Sarandrea | Luan Yuan | Sharon Li |
Attendance Matters
At the beginning of the term we sent home a report of your child's absences for Term 1. This is so you are kept informed of the amount of time your child has not attended school. Regular school attendance is very important for student academic, social and emotional growth. At Blacktown South we encourage regular attendance to help your child grow in each of these areas. If your child is going to be absent on any school day, please send in a notification via sZapp - our preferred option or via the school phone 9622 2449 after 8.30am to help us keep accurate records.
Another way we are working hard at keeping you up to date with your child's absences is through daily emails for children who are not at school and no reason has been supplied that day. Somewhere between 10.30am and 12.00pm you will receive an email from the school stating that your child is absent if you have not notified us of the reason for the absence. Please work with us and respond through sZapp so that we can reduce our numbers of unexplained absences. Working together we can achieve maximum success for all.
Remember #Attendance Matters.
PBL
Greetings readers,
Welcome to Week 4 and the PBL team’s second newsletter article for Term 2.
Over the past two weeks, students at Blacktown South Public School have been focusing on Library expectations. It was great to see many students being Safe, Respectful Learners in the Library. A special congratulations to year 6 for being sensible and doing an amazing job during their library lessons. Well-done!
This fortnight, students at Blacktown South Public School will be learning about toilet expectations. To maintain a safe and respectful environment for all students, the PBL team would like to remind all of the importance of proper toilet etiquette.
Firstly, why is it important to wash your hands after using toilets?
Washing hands can keep you healthy and prevent the spread of infections. Germs can spread from person to person or from surfaces to people. Hence, washing hands after using the toilets can protect you and others from a range of infectious diseases.
To wash your hands effectively, follow these five essential steps:
Secondly, how can you be safe, responsible, and respectful when using school toilets?
- Keeping the toilet area clean.
- Flushing the toilet after use.
- Using water responsibly.
- Taking turns to use the hand dryer.
- Respecting others' privacy.
- Always going to the toilet with a responsible buddy.
- Keeping food, toys, play equipment outside.
- Returning promptly to the playground or classroom.
Remember, accidents can happen when using the school toilet. And when that happens, it is important to promptly report to a teacher and the school office.
Finally, at Blacktown South we need to always try to go to the toilet during playtime! What does this expectation mean?
It means less disruptions during lessons and more focused and conducive learning experiences for students. Additionally, it helps prevent students from feeling rushed or anxious about needing to use the restroom during class, allowing them to fully engage in their learning activities.
Have a wonderful fortnight,
The PBL Team
Year 3
In Year 3, we have had a wonderful start to Term 2 and we are busy learning! In English, we are reading a new text called Wandi, which is based on the real story of a world-famous dingo. Through this story, we are gaining a deeper understanding of the textual concepts of argument and authority.
In Mathematics, we are collecting data and learning how to organise it efficiently. We’re also creating a range of graphs using the data collected and interpreting the information they show.
We are also training ourselves for the upcoming Athletics Carnival this term by practising skills such as long jump, high jump, and shot put.
Another exciting event we’re looking forward to is our excursion to The Rocks in Week 5, which supports our History unit on First Contact. We will be discovering what Australia was like at the time of the First Fleet and exploring what life was like at that moment in history.
It’s going to be a very busy and exciting term of learning, and we can’t wait!
P&C and Uniform Shop
Our Parent and Community organization is managed by a dedicated team of parent volunteers. Our objective is to engage with the school community and secure funding to enhance school facilities, equipment, and student support.
We are delighted to congratulate our wonderful President Renee Tsingolis and her family on the birth of their baby girl. Mum and bub are doing well, and we eagerly anticipate welcoming the littlest member, to our P&C community.
Mothers’ Day Stall
We held our Mothers’ Day stall on May 6th and our backup stall on May 7th.
This was a great success with lots of new items for sale this year.
We sold a total of 1470 items!
We would like to give special recognition to our Fundraiser Coordinator, Melissa Wilson, and Leanne Pearce for making this such a successful event.
We also extend our sincere gratitude to our volunteers: Mandi Ashraf, Melissa Wilson, Leanne Pearce, Hayley Hutchison, Jane Ruparo, Peter Black, Hrishikesh Joshi, Sabrina Bampini, Lavanya Keerththan, Sadia Youseff, Manpreet Kaur, Rayan Assaad, and Reena Devi. Your assistance is deeply appreciated; without you, this event would not have been possible.
Term 2 fundraisers and key dates to put in your calendars:
- Loose Change Drive- Commencing June.
The winning class gets a pizza party and the money raised goes towards purchasing home readers and new books for the library.
- Crazy Socks Day– 18th June
- State of Origin Donut Day– 18th June
All proceeds of our fundraising events go towards our fundraising goals.
Should you wish to volunteer your assistance at these events or throughout the year, please contact us. We are always seeking volunteers, and it's an excellent opportunity to build community connections.
Uniform Shop News!!
Our uniform shop's opening hours and days are:
Mondays and Thursdays, from 9:20 am to 10:20 am weekly.
Winter stock is readily available in all sizes and styles so please come and see us as Winter is just around the corner.
Skivvys in all sizes are now available, gloves and grey long pants in 4 and 10 have now arrived.
We have an abundance of hats available to purchase including Legionares, Caps and microfibre bucket hats.
We also offer a secondhand rack with prices starting at just $2. We gratefully accept uniform donations, and all proceeds benefit the P&C. Just drop them off to us during shop hours.
Alternatively you can order online via the link provided, these will be placed in your child's teacher's pigeon hole for distribution. We will endeavour to compelte these purchase on Mondays and Thursdays.
Click here to purchase school uniforms online
https://blacktown-south-ps-uniform-shop.myshopify.com/collections/all
Please like our P&C/Uniform shop Facebook page for updates.
Click here to view the P&C Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/blacktownsouthpublicschoolpandc
Business donations are very much welcome.
On our P&C website we have added the option "P&C contribution" (link below).
This is optional but it would be a great help if each family of our school could help with a donation. Thank you.
https://blacktown-south-ps-uniform-shop.myshopify.com/products/p-c-contribution-donation
Digital Entertainment book
This fundraiser is available to be purchased all year. The digital entertainment book is conveniently available through an app. It is full of savings on entertainment, dining, travel, activities and much more. By purchasing through our link, the P&C receive a percentage of the total, contributing towards our fundraising goals. Please purchase through the link below:
Click here to purchase:
https://subscribe.entertainment.com.au/fundraiser/215g669
If you too would like to join our team of volunteers, please contact us at:
pc.bsps@outlook.com.au or Renee on 0415859158
Notes
Please click below for any notes that have gone home in the past that you might have missed:
Community News
At Blacktown South Public School, we support our local community. Click on the links for further information.
School Contacts
Blacktown South Public School
183 Flushcombe Road
Blacktown NSW 2148
Ph: 9622 6034, 9622 2449
Fax: 9831 2379
Email: blacktowns-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au
Principal: Mr Andrew Bowmer
Deputy Principals: Mrs Kathy Price, Mrs Renee Radecki (Monday to Wednesday) and Mrs Sathiya Segaram (Thursday to Friday)
Assistant Principals - APCI: Miss Raelene Rillera, Ms Amanda Sheaves and Mrs Sathiya Segaram.
Assistant Principals: Kindergarten Miss Krystal Evangelou
Year 1 Miss Matilda Lee
Year 2 Miss Fiona Pearce
Year 3 Mrs Hannah Casley
Year 4 Mrs Amy Charlesworth
Year 5 Miss Alyce Rogers
Year 6 Mr Patrick Lee-Eyles
Specialist Teachers Mrs Panayiota Zouriakas
Senior Administration Manager: Mrs Claire Dobbie
School Administration Officers: Mrs Robyn Taylor, Ms Doris Mifsud,
Miss Daphne Manivong, Ms Tara Shipway and Mrs Melinda Cooper
School Counsellor: Ms Lisa Harvey, Ms Olivia Parrott and Ms Josephine Cali
P&C Association
President: Renee Tsingolis
Vice President: Mandi Ashraf
Treasurer: Sarah Noor
Secretary: Hayley Hutchison
Assistant Secretary: Position Vacant
Assistant Treasurer: Position Vacant
Uniform Shop Committee:
Manager: Hayley Hutchison
Sarah Noor, Melissa Wilson, Effie Browne, Renee Tsingolis and Mandi Ashraf.
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