Thursday 10 Sept 2009 Newsletter
PRINCIPALS REPORT:
When one door of opportunity closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened for us.
The school is continuously looking for opportunities to strengthen partnerships with the community and increase the capability of everyone to support students in their pursuits.
On Tuesday evening the Technology Reference Group held a Community Technology Training and Development session, which provided not only explicit scaffolds for parents in using technology at home as a learning and consolidative tool, but a valuable set of interactive resources which are sure to engage and increase the depth of knowledge of the key learning areas. I would like to thank Mrs Chiles and Mr Obrien for their preparation and organisation of that evening and thank those participants.
Next Tuesday evening the Literacy Reference Group will be running a Community Literacy Training and Development Session, which will focus on support strategies for parents/carers on phonetics, sight words, ‘concepts of print’ and reading/comprehension strategies. This will be a fantastic opportunity to learn quick, proven sustainable strategies to support literacy at home.
It is the quality and strength of school/parent partnerships that significantly increases the social and academic development and well being of our children. When the school and parent/community work in collaboration, student achievements, successes and well being are improved.
I would like to express my gratitude to those parents and grandparents who participated in the Fathers Day BBQ breakfast. What another wonderful opportunity for the school to connect with our community.
As a part of developing School Pride our whole school beautification projects are well underway. I continue to ask for the assistance of any community volunteers to help with the mural paintings around the school. Once completed we truly will have a bright and warm atmosphere.
It is fantastic to see all students in full school uniform, everyday. I am extremely proud of all of the children for working hard to maintain such high standards and am very thankful of the community support behind this drive.
It is on our failures that we base a new and different and better success.
The most successful people in life are that way because they have made mistakes, learnt from them and applied themselves persistently.
On Monday the NAPLAN results will be revealed to students and parents. Similarly to student reports that were sent home last semester, I urge all parents and children to sit down together and discuss the individual achievements across Reading, Writing, Spelling, Grammar and Numeracy. The Data Analysis Sheets that each child in Year 3 and Year 5 will receive will illustrate your child’s achievements compared to the National average and the School average.
Children should feel proud of their efforts and parents should continue to support their child in achieving the best results that they can.
Staff will commence analysis of student’s NAPLAN achievements in order to review the effectiveness of educational programs, resources and support/enrichment opportunities provided to students.
Enjoy the week ahead,
Barry Croft
Principal
CONGRATULATIONS
I would like to congratulate our Jnr Regional Public Speaking winner Vivienne (2/3) and our Regional Athletics Representatives Jake, Leighton and Laura (5/6).
KINDER/YEAR 1
What a wonderful excursion K/1 had! The Imax Theatre really brought bugs to life in 3D – the children were reaching out to touch them! “Wildlife World” provided lots more interesting things to see and learn about. The bus was a lot quieter on the way home with many worn out passengers including 3 teachers and Mrs Smith.
We have really had a “back to nature” week. The Henny Penny hatching programme was a huge success! What a fantastic experience watching a chicken hatch! It is SO exhausting for the little chicken! The children kept a “Chicken Diary” in which they recorded the unfolding events. Many thanks to the families who were able to take some chickens. We hope you enjoy your eggs!
The Surf Lifesaving Association runs a beach/water safety program each year. Some lifesavers and an interesting helper visited the classroom this week to teach the children some basic water safety rules.
Next week K/1 will be walking to the Wangi Wangi library on Wednesday afternoon after recess. This will be a book borrowing visit so children need to bring their library card and a bag.
YEAR 1/ 2
There are a lot of great things that have happened in 1/2 this term.
- Wonderful behaviour on our excursion to Sydney.
- Creative costumes for the Book Week Parade.
- Super effort with uniform.
- Extra special carers of our chickens.
- Fantastic Procedure writing both at school and when Iggy goes home.
Please continue the quality effort with Homework and Home Reading.
Remember to keep all your awards and certificates so you can receive your Bronze award.
Year 1/2 would like to share some of their writing about the CHICKENS;
The chickens were very soft and cuddly. They had a pointy beak. They have a special tooth that they use to crack open the egg. They have fluffy wings. They have long legs and pointy toe nails. By Grace.
Cutie has cute wings. She has fluffy fur. Her beak is yellow. She has two holes in her beak. She has skin coloured legs. Cutie has pointy nails. By Josie
Chickens have sharp beaks and pink rubbery feet. They have yellow fur but sometimes it can be brown. They have brown eyes and they are fluffy. They are so cute. By Justin
They have a yellow beak. They have two black eyes. They have 2 legs. They have 2 wings and a tail. They feel soft. By Stuart
I held Goldie. He had pink legs and a white tip on the end of the beak to crack the egg.
By Callum
The chicken had a pink and yellow beak. It has black circle eyes. It has three little pink toes. It has sharp nails. By Kobe
YEAR 2/3
Don’t forget the McDonalds excursion next Tuesday. Children are required to be in full school uniform – this includes covered shoes. Girls should have their hair tied back neatly for health & safety reasons.
2/3 will be walking to Wangi Library on Thursday 17 September – remember to bring library cards on this day
YEAR 5/6
Students are busy working on assessments. It is fantastic to see the improvements in academic achievement, confidence and effort, right across the class.
It was great experience for Year 6 students to participate in CPR training with our Surf Lifesaving Association members the other day. I would almost feel confident enough to let them save me. But then again.…
Please note that I will be on Paternity Leave from Thursday 17th, resuming Monday 28th September. Mrs Rayfield will be teaching the class.
LIBRARY
Congratulations to all those who received their Bronze Library Award in Book Week & keep up the borrowing.
The Book Week Parade was a huge success, thank you to all who dressed up and participated. There was a wide range of interesting characters and the judging was quite difficult. Congratulations to the Character & Competition winners for a terrific effort. Special thank you to all who attended the Parade & bought books for the Library.
Also special thanks to the Lovely Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs.
PS Anyone with “Beautician” contacts might like to contribute towards a make over for “Snow White”!!
Mrs Rayfield
DANCE
Pre-School Fete Sat 12/09/09
Only Junior & Senior Girls Dance Groups will be performing at the Pre-School Fete.
Unfortunately, due to other commitments, there are not enough boys for the Boys Dance Group to perform.