3 July 2025

End of term catch up

As we come to the end of Term 2, I wish to express my appreciation to our school community for your continued partnership to provide the best educational opportunities for students of Busby West Public School.

I’d like to say thank you to some staff who will not be returning in Term 3.

Miss Alana Stikovic has been appointed to another public school. On behalf of the school community, we thank Miss Stikovic for the high-quality teaching and thoughtful care provided to students during her time at Busby West. We wish you all the best!

Mrs Julie Wilson will not be returning in Term 3. Thank you for your wonderful support to our school while relieving as School Administrative Manager. I welcome Mrs Candy Christenson back full-time into this role.

I will be on leave of the first two weeks of Term 3, and Mrs Jodie Selby will be relieving in my absence.

I wish you a relaxing and safe winter holiday break. School resumes for students on Tuesday 22 July 2025.

Brian Marsland (Principal)

PSSA Gala Days – Season 2

This term we will have two rounds of PSSA Gala Days. The second round will take place on Friday 25 July.

This season students will compete in following teams:

• Mixed League Tag – Whitlam Park 3, Busby
• Mixed Newcome ball – Ed Wheeler, Sadlier
• Boys Basketball – Busby West Public School
• Mixed Netball – Woodward Park, Liverpool

We hope all students have a fantastic time playing their respective sports!

PSSA Gala Day – Season 2- Day 1 Sport Reports

This term our students have participated in Second 2 of Gala Day sports. Some of our Sports Captains have written sport reports detailing the days events.

Basketball Sport Reports:

Junior Team: Written by Skylar-Rose and Karmina

The Busby West Basketball Juniors team played against three schools. Their first game was against Hinchinbrook Public School, where they lost 10–0, but they still gave it their best effort. Next, they played against Mount Pritchard Public School and lost 14–0. Their final game was against Bonnyrigg Heights Public School, with a score of 26–0. Although the team didn’t win any games, they continued to try their hardest and showed great determination. The Best and Fairest Player award was given to Cameryn.

Senior Team: Written by Tuison, Fadia and Sarah 

The Busby West Basketball Senior Team played against three schools: Hinchinbrook Public School, Mount Pritchard Public School, and Bonnyrigg Heights Public School.

They lost one game to Hinchinbrook with a score of 16–6, but won two games — against Mount Pritchard (6–0) and Bonnyrigg Heights (12–6).

The Best and Fairest Player award went to Harry Nguyen.
Key highlights of the tournament included excellent dribbling and strong application of skills during the games.

League Tag Sport Reports: Written by Velma

Senior Team:

2025 Senior League Tag Team played with skill and teamwork, proudly representing against Green Valley, Leppington, and Heckenberg Public Schools.

One of the highlights was Isaiah, who was named Best and Fairest Player. Even though he was injured, Isaiah kept playing and showed great courage and dedication.

Juniors Team: Written by Velma

The Mixed Juniors League Tag Team B played against Mount Pritchard (1–0), Green Valley (5–1), and Heckenberg (5–2). Although Team B didn’t win any of their games, they gave it their best and kept trying until the very end.

Sophia was named Best and Fairest Player. She stood out for always sharing the ball with her teammates and never giving up, no matter what the score was. 

Kindergarten Excursion to Calmsley Hill City Farm

This term Early Stage One have been working on a unit of work called Living Things. To complement this unit of work students participated in an excursion to Calmsley Hill City Farm.

On Wednesday 25^th June, Kindergarten braved the cold and wind to attend Calmsley Hill Farm. We got to pat a bunny and a little chick. We even got to milk a cow.  We watched a whip cracking show and a dog show and went on a tractor ride which was really fun. We all had a fantastic day.

Calmsley Hill City Farm

Jellybeans Music Term 3

This year we have continued to provide expert tuition in music by employing specialist teachers. In Term 3, Stage 3 will participate in music on Thursdays. The costs for these programs are covered by the school to ensure all students can attend. This year we request families contribute $10 each time your child participates in a program.

NCCD data collection

The Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD) takes place every year. The NCCD is a collection that counts the number of school students receiving an adjustment or ‘help’ due to disability and the level of adjustment they are receiving to access education on the same basis as other students. Students are counted in the NCCD if they receive ongoing adjustments at school due to disability. This ‘help’ allows them to access education on the same basis as a child without disability. The NCCD uses the definition of disability in the Disability Discrimination Act 1992. Schools provide this information to education authorities.

School Uniform

It's getting cold

As Autumn starts to settle in we would like to encourage our families to please wear appropriate uniform to suit the weather conditions.

At Busby West Public School, we are very proud of our school uniform. The wearing of school uniform by students helps build self-confidence and a sense of connection with their community. With the cooler months approaching all students are encouraged to bring a school jacket or jumper with their name clearly printed on it.

We love seeing our students in their navy blue jumpers or jackets!

School uniforms can be purchased from our supplier Lupco - https://lupcofashions.com.au/

Alternatively navy jumpers, jackets and tracksuit pants are readily available from Kmart, Big W, Target and Best & Less.

If you need support with sourcing school uniforms for your children, please get in touch with the school office.

Please remember that students should only wear jumpers or jackets that are part of the school uniform. If a student arrives with an outer layer that isn’t uniform-approved, we’re happy to exchange it for one that is.

Please ensure your child's name is written on all clothing.

Primary Athletics Carnival

On Tuesday 24 June students in Year 2 (turning 8 in 2025) to Year 6 participated in the annual Athletics Carnival at Winnall Reserve. Students had fun competing in the 100 and 200 metre races despite the rain. Unfortunately, we cut the day short and returned to school after lunch due to the inclement weather. The sausage sizzle lunch packs were a huge hit with the students. We continued the carnival on Wednesday 25 June when students participated in the discus and shot-put events at school with Mr Hannan, Mrs Bourke and Miss Ear. A big thank you to the parents for coming to support our students.

2168 Children’s Parliament

On Wednesday 18 June, our Children’s Parliament representatives proudly participated in a regional Parliament Hearing, where they presented three key issues affecting students in the 2168 community: road safety, sports resources for gala days, and the impact of the rising cost of living.

Students raised serious concerns about road safety, particularly near schools where there are no zebra crossings or lollipop personnel. Many reported feeling unsafe during their commute, with near misses and dangerous traffic situations being far too common. In response, the Mayor acknowledged the urgency of the issue and committed to raising it at the next council meeting.

The second issue highlighted was the lack of adequate sports resources during gala days. Representatives shared that some venues have only one bin to serve more than ten schools and often lack essential facilities such as shaded areas, clean toilets, and proper sporting facilities. These challenges limit schools’ ability to provide meaningful and enjoyable sporting experiences for all students.

Finally, our representatives spoke passionately about the cost-of-living crisis and its impact on families. Many students are struggling to meet basic daily needs, such as bringing lunch to school, and are unable to participate in activities like excursions due to the high costs involved.

In response, the Mayor directed students to several free, year-round Liverpool Council programs available to primary school students, including the Liverpool Library’s robotics program and upcoming community pool facilities currently in development. These initiatives aim to support local families by offering accessible and enriching opportunities for children outside of school.

We are incredibly proud of our student leaders for speaking up and being a voice for change in our community.

Parliament Hearing

Busby West Preschool Partnership Program

At Busby West Public School our partnership programs continue to be a shining example of inter school connection and community. Most recently our preschool welcomed classes from across the school to participate in a collaborative art project. An extension to the preschooler’s interest in the Aboriginal Dreamtime story of The Rainbow Serpent was planned on a larger scale with the intention of inviting all classes to help in achieving a hands-on art project.

This involved afternoon visits to the preschool where older students supported our youngest students in role modelling and mentoring with drawing bright and colourful designs on large rocks – many with traditional Aboriginal themes and markings - which were joined together to create a super long snake that has been affectionately named ‘Rosco’… a new preschool mascot!

A unique social and creative learning opportunity, this program brought siblings together as well as fostering lively conversations and social connections amongst students as ‘Rosco the Snake’ was brought to life with fun, laughter and creative energy. We are incredibly proud of the efforts made on behalf of all students and teachers in making this partnership project a success.

The preschool children and educators look forward to hosting more social opportunities for our school students to connect and enjoy memorable experiences together.

Rosco the Snake

Semester 1 Student Progress Reports

Semester 1 student reports will be sent home on Thursday 3 July. These reports detail how your child has performed based on standards referenced assessment that is used in NSW schools. This means your child’s performance is compared to a set of standards, not to other students. Students in Year 1 to 6 have their achievement evaluated on a five-level scale to report your child’s achievement at this point in their learning. A variety of assessment opportunities were used to gather information about their learning this semester.

You may request the school to provide you with written information that clearly shows your child’s achievement compared to his or her peer group at school. This information will show you the number of children in the group in each of the achievement levels.

P&C Meeting

Our next P&C Meeting will be held Monday 28 July at 9:00am in our Multi-Purpose Room (located next to OOSH). All are welcome to attend!

The P&C (Federation of Parents and Citizens Association of New South Wales) has the objectives to:

• promote the interests of the school by bringing parents, citizens, pupils and teaching staff into close co-operation;
• assist in providing equipment required by the school;
• report to the Minister the material requirements of the school;
• assist the teaching staff in establishment of school policy and management in all facets of school activity.

Students arriving late

We have noticed an increasing number of students arriving at school after the 9:00 am bell.

As a reminder, our school operates from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, and it is crucial for students to be present at school by 8:55 am to ensure they are settled and ready for the day ahead.

Here are some steps that families can use to ensure they arrive at school before 8:55am;

Students who arrive late are missing out on essential morning routines to set them up for a successful day of learning.

Students who arrive after the 9am school bell will need to be bought to the office by a parent to obtain a late note. This ensures that they have arrived at school safely.

Thank you for supporting us to ensure all students have the opportunity to reach their maximum learning potential and be an attendance HERO.

Communicating with you

We need to be able to connect with all families. Please use the Busby West Facebook page or the Sentral Parent Portal to keep up to date with notes, information and provide reasons for your child’s absences. Classes are also using ClassDojo.

Attendance

It is very important for children to develop habits of arriving on time at an early age, beginning from the time they start school. School starts promptly at 9:00am. All students are expected to be at school and in class from 9:00am to 3:00pm each day.

Please remind your child that they must go straight to their designated area when they arrive. Gates open at 8:30am each day. A couple of minutes here and there doesn’t seem like much but every minute counts!

All students are required to provide an explanation for absences on the day they return to school. Alternatively, you can send your child’s teacher a message on Class Dojo, or lodge an absent form via the SENTRAL Parent Portal App. If your child is absent for more than three days, they will require a medical certificate upon their return.

If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s attendance, please contact the office.

Indigenous Shirts - Now Available!

In 2023 we introduced our new Indigenous Shirts which were voted for by our school community. If you would like an additional shirt they are now available to purchase from the front office for $27.00 each. 

School Gates

To ensure the safety of our students and visitors attending the school, we keep our school grounds secure outside of supervised hours and during learning time.

Our school gates open from 8:30am in the morning for students to arrive to school. Our gates open again at 2:45pm for you to collect your child in the afternoon.

Preschool families can collect their children prior to the gates opening in the afternoon, but they will be required to ring the bell at the gate.

If you wish to pick your child up prior to 3:00pm, please speak with the office staff and they will arrange for your child to meet you at the office.

Community Noticeboard