Newsletter 27th Aug 2009
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
TERM 3
Week 5 BOOK WEEK
Fri 28 Aug Book Week Parade & Assembly
Week 6
Wed 2 Sept Newcastle Permanent Maths Competition Stage 3
Spelling Bee
Thurs 3 Sept Father’s Day BBQ 7:30-8:30am
Fri 4 Sept School Excursion to Wildlife World & Imax
Week 7
Tues 8 Sept Parent/Carers Computer Training Evening 6-7.30pm
Week 8
Tues 15 Sept Parents/Carers Literacy Training Session 6-7:30pm
Week 9
Wed 23 Sept Knights Knock Out
Week 10
Tues 29 Sept P&C Meeting
PRINCIPALS REPORT:
League tables have taken on a whole new meaning recently. No longer does it just refer to footy tipping.
With great interest I have been monitoring the debate regarding the publication of National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) results. The views put forward by all stakeholders, both for and against the new system, whereby like-schools will be compared based on academic results, in my view were quite valid. There is no doubt that schools need to be accountable for their standard of education and the ways in which they respond to the needs of students.
All stakeholders seemed to have had the interests of students at heart. Interestingly though was the basic observation that while the measure of academic achievement is all very well, how do we measure the ability of a person to be a well-rounded human being who can get along with others and contribute to society?
Julia Gillard’s response was that we can’t measure these fundamental values. Her position was that we measure what we can – literacy and numeracy – and do something about it. Fair enough, I think. But this is where the quality of Wangi Wangi Public School’s education shines through.
We endeavour to teach and support the development of the whole child – academically, socially, emotionally and physically. Our school philosophy is based on the challenge of teaching the whole child.
Wangi Wangi Primary is not just a school. We are a group of people who are striving for the same things. We all want the best for our children. We are a community. We work towards sustaining a strong sense of belonging; where we work and learn together; we help each other in good and bad times; we support each other; we forgive each other; we have fun together and look forward to being in each others company.
Next month the NAPLAN results will be revealed. Regardless of differing opinions surrounding NAPLAN and league tables, Wangi will continue to develop effective initiatives to support students academically, whilst ensuring the teaching of the whole child. We are committed to providing opportunities for all children to reach their full potential.
Douglas Property Maintenance has begun preliminary work on the production of the school undercover walkways. They have been very flexible in allowing us to maintain access to the school via the side gate on Dobell Road, as well as maintaining access to the hall. They will be working in that area for at least a fortnight.
Due to wild and windy weather on Tuesday JK Cooper Tree Services had to postpone their proposed work. Further issues have caused them to postpone till later this term.
Recently I had contacted Lake Macquarie City Council to discuss my concerns regarding community safety on the Dobell Road side entrance to the school. The Traffic Facilities and Road Safety Committee has inspected the site and have resolved to replace the existing signs with fluorescent signs for the children’s crossing and update the crossing line marking. It is hoped that this includes and is not limited to a zebra crossing.
Mrs Chiles has begun work on the mural ‘beautification initiatives’ and is seeking community assistance on Monday, Tuesday or Thursday afternoons between 2.15pm and 3.30pm. The murals currently underway are at the side entrance to the Infants buildings. Following this, murals will be painted on the Toilet blocks, Canteen and the walls of the Infants building.
Congratulations to all our wonderful Zone Athletic representatives. Thank you to all of our wonderful parents who assisted with transportation to and from Glendale Athletics Centre. Without your patience and assistance our children wouldn’t have been able to participate in such a competitive and exciting arena. Thank you to Mrs Murphy, Miss Carr and Mr Burley for your efforts on the day.
To celebrate Fathers Day the school in conjunction with Year 6 students will be putting on a Fathers Day & Grandfathers Day BBQ Breakfast next Thursday morning from 7.30am to 8.30am. Children are encouraged to bring their father, grandfather or carer along and enjoy a hearty breakfast, thanking them for their continued wonderful efforts.
It has been fantastic to see our children in school uniform. Their diligence and parental assistance has been greatly appreciated. The consistent uniform complements the high expectations and quality image we are working on publicising to all. Fantastic work!
Don’t forget our two community training sessions entitled “Supporting student learning through Interactive Technology”(The date for this is Tuesday 8th September, from 6.00pm to 7.30pm to be held in the school computer lab) and ‘Enhancing young children’s literacy…A guide to consolidating student understanding’. (This will be a valuable opportunity for families who have children in the infants and lower primary classes and will be held in the library on 15th September from 6.00pm to 7.30pm).
CANTEEN NEWS Volunteer helpers are desperately needed for the canteen. At present the demand for the canteen is high but the ability to staff it is becoming increasingly difficult. This will mean that we may unfortunately have to reduce trading times and/or days. If you are able to assist in any way please let us know ASAP. Contact Jodie Milligan on
0412603425.
REMINDERS:
- School Security – please make an anonymous call if you see anything that looks wrong going on in the school outside school hours.
Phone: 1300 880 021
MERIT AWARDS
Congratulations to:
K/1 – Sandya x 2, Phoebe, Alicia, Jonny,
Ella, Carl, Kellie
1/2 – Liam K, Siena J, Kaitlyn M, Kobe
Nakita Y, Caitlin, Jaden, Mitchell
2/3 – Paris, Enola, Zac W, Angus, Joel B
Viv, Nakita W, Nic , Bridie
4/5 – Joel H, Jai J, Liam C, Abby H.
5/6 – Tahi, Toby, Tiara, Laura,Emily H,
Laura, Teagan, Darcy, Anika, Emily P.
KINDER/YEAR 1
We have been enjoying our chickens and watching them hatch.
The chickens can go home with children at the end of 2 weeks (please note – they are egg-laying chickens).
I will need a note from home giving your permission if you would like to have a chicken.
We are really looking forward to our excursion next week to Wildlife World & Imax.
YEAR 1/ 2
Our chickens have arrived and they are so cute! One is noisy and we have already named him “Chirpy”.
We are learning to look after them and anxiously waiting for some eggs to start hatching.
The chickens can go home with children at the end of 2 weeks but they are egg-laying chickens (not “meat” chickens).
I will need a note from home giving your permission if you would like to have a chicken.
Don’t forget our Book Week Parade this Friday 28 August starting at 12:15pm. I’m looking forward to seeing everyone dressed up as their favourite book character.
YEAR 2/3
Permission notes will be sent home this week regarding the upcoming excursion in week 8. This excursion is in relation to a unit students will be starting next week on Products & Services.
YEAR 5/6
With the work load becoming increasingly more difficult, students are continuously encouraged to work diligently on their organisational skills. As this term progresses and we edge closer and closer to our final term, the volume of work will increase. Students are encouraged to seek assistance if and when required, practice and persist. Remember success follows hard work.
Transitional programs are underway for our students who are aiming to go to Morisset High School. For students and families who have applied and been accepted into another High School, I ask that you inform us of where you are intending to go to in 2010, so that we may arrange a similar transition process for you.
SYDNEY EXCURSION
Full payment of money for the school excursion to Widlife World & IMAX is due by this Monday- 31 August
$40 1st child
$20 2nd child
$0 3rd child
EXCURSION DETAILS
Date: Friday 4 Sept
Times:
Leave Arrive at school at 8:00am
(for 8:15am departure)
Return Aiming to return to school 4-4:15pm
Bring: Own food (lunch & recess)
2 drinks
No money
LIBRARY
Book Week Parade this Friday 28 August at 12:15pm. Dress as your favourite book character. Competition prizes and Bronze Library Certificates will be awarded.
There will also be a book sale where parents can purchase a book in the name of your child and donate back to the library.
Watch out for the Staff Dress Up!!
ZONE ATHLETICS
Congratulations to all those children who participated in the Zone Athletics Carnival at Glendale on Friday & Monday. All children showed great sportsmanship & were proud ambassadors for the school.
A special mention to Jake Southee & Leighton Taylor who will go on to represent at Regional Level.
A huge thank you to all those parents who helped with transport & organisation on both days especially Leeanne who had the responsibility of team manager.
OOPS!!
An amendment needs to be made to the results of the Junior Girls Discus event held at the school. The results should have been:
1st Tiara Yates
2nd Abby Hurst
3rd Paris Southee
My apologies to the girls & their families for the mistake.
SUN SAFETY
“Be Safe” is our number 1 school rule so…
REMEMBER, NO HAT – NO PLAY, NO SPORT, NO P.E!!!
NO THONGS AT ANY TIME – this includes DISCOS
UNIFORM SHOP
Please note:
-School caps are now available for $10 each.
-All skorts have been reduced to $15
PRICE LIST
Shirts $20
Jackets (fleece) $35
Caps $10
Hats $10
Skorts $15
WORKBOOKS
An assortment of workbooks for use at home are available for sale at the office.
Titles include:
Targeting Handwriting $9.50
Go Maths $15.95
Go Figure $9.95
Go Check $9.95
MATHS RESOURCES $1.00
For the next 2 weeks there will be an assortment of Maths resources for sale.
These include:
Games, rulers, calculators and other teaching tools.
All these items will be priced at $1.00.
Also available are assorted coloured lever arch folders for $2. Year 6 students may find them useful for High School next year!
COMMUNITY NOTICES
KIDS CLUB
Meets every second Tuesday
at Wangi Uniting Church.
Children K – 6 welcome.
4pm – 6pm
Includes music, craft and dinner.
Bev Hincks on 4975 5158
Or Nerida Rayfield on 4975 2312
WESTLAKES ATHLETICS CLUB
2009-2010 Season Registration
at Wangi Oval
Friday 28 August 5pm – 7pm
& Tuesday 1 September 5pm – 7pm
For children 3 years and up.
Season starts 4 Sept at 5:45pm
Contact David 49176277 or Rebecca 49752130
WANGI RSL AMATEUR SAILING CLUB
“Try sailing” & “Learn to Sail” classes commence Sat 10 October at 9am.
Children must be able to swim 50m with a life jacket on.
Open Day Sat 5 September at 9:30am.
Information: Warwick Fatches 49753836
SWANSEA BELMONT NIPPERS
Registration Days held at Swansea Belmont Surf Club
Sun 30 Aug 10am-2am
Sun 6 Sept 10am-2am
Tues 8 Sept 6pm-8pm
(Birth certificate required to register)
Contact: Steven 0402464962,
Andrew 0425349605, Paul 0416048648
PETER PAN PRE-SCHOOL COMMUNITY FETE
Sat 12 Sept 10am- 2pm
Entertainment, Stalls, Food, Show Bags, Jumping Castle, Devonshire Teas, Face Painting, Trash & Treasure and more.
CARDIFF HIGH SCHOOL REUNION
A reunion has been organised for those students who were in Yr 12 of ’89
(Yr 10 of ’87 or Yr 11 of ’88)
Contact Nerissa 0420341554