TERM 4

Week 2

Tues 27 Oct                      Bandfest

Thurs 29 Oct                     Prospective school leadership workshop for Yr 5

Week 4

Mon 9 Nov                        New Library works begin

Tues 10 Nov                      Kinder 2010 Orientation (9.30am hall) new smartboards installed

PRINCIPALS REPORT:

Welcome back to what is going to be a short but very busy term for everyone, especially our seniors who will soon head off to High School.

“The capacity for getting along with our neighbour depends to a large extent on the capacity for getting along with ourselves. The self-respecting individual will try to be as tolerant of his or her neighbour’s shortcomings as they are of their own.”

In other words look at improving the character and flaws of ourselves before we eagerly begin stating those deficiencies of others.

I refer to this quote in the light of increased publicised incidents of bullying within our nations schools and society, most notable – cyber bullying. When I talk about cyber bullying I refer to the misuse of mobile phones, the internet (MySpace, face book, MSN, email etc.). This form of bullying can be worse than the more traditional forms that we usually think of. The problem with this form of bullying is that it can actually invade your personal space at home as well because it goes outside the confines of physical, face to face bullying.

Bullying in any shape or form is not tolerated! It is unacceptable at school and out in society and can have long lasting effects on people.

The school will take a very firm line with anyone who participates, assists and condones bullying. I have attached to the newsletter a copy of our School Anti-Bullying Policy for all community members. Students have been participating in workshops about bullying, what to do and how to deal with it when it occurs. I have attached as an example, two internet addresses from the ABC’s ‘Behind the News’ show which are fantastic in  educating students and parents. They are:

www.abc.net.au/news/btn/story/s2564784.htm

www.abc.net.au/news/btn/story/s2531191.htm

The school is happy to work in close consultation with parents to address any issues or concerns regarding these matters. The first step towards a bully free environment is to speak up and inform others when it occurs, then be prepared to work towards resolving issues.

Next Thursday 29^th October, all year 5 students who wish to be considered for prospective School Leadership positions such as; School Leader, Councillor or Sports Captains for 2010 are to meet to discuss the eligibility criteria. It will be expected that all prospective candidates will be able to demonstrate the following criteria and incorporate this into their pre-election speech:

• Responsibility
• Good Conduct
• Dedication
• Organisation
• Confidence
• Citizenship

Small and regular workshops will be held with the prospective candidates outlining their roles and responsibilities and how to incorporate the criteria into their speeches.

Student Leadership Elections (Speech Day) will be held on Friday 27^th November in the school hall.

Kindergarten orientation for 2010 will take place on Tuesday 10^th November at 9.30am in the school hall. This will be an exciting opportunity for our current leaders to meet and greet current and prospective parents.

The work on our undercover walk ways is complete and they look wonderful. They are going to be a great bonus. It is the school’s view to eventually extend the undercover walk way leading to the bus shelter.

Work on the new library will begin on Monday 9^th November. This will see the temporary relocation of our existing library to be placed near the bus shelter while the new library is being built. During the same week on 10^th and 11^th November, our two new interactive smartboards will be installed in both the K/1 room and 5/6 room.

A busy time ahead indeed!

Barry Croft

Principal

MERIT AWARDS

K/1 – Sam, Cory, Jacob K, Kiri, Georgie-Rose

1/2 – Zac, Grace, Lachlan, Erin, Justin, Kobe.

2/3 – Angus, Luke, Keigan, Viv

4/5 – Jordan, Miranda, Jarrad, Jasmin, Brodie

5/6 – Nathan,

CLASS AWARDS

Class of the week – K/1

Extra Effort – 1/2

Winning Class – 4/5

Last term All Bronze Award Winners were treated to afternoon tea with Mr Croft. We had 32 excited and well deserved recipients. Congratulations to those children. Keep up the great work!

KINDER/YEAR 1

We hope you had an enjoyable holiday.

Welcome back to the last term for 2009 and what a busy one it will be!

Our programs will continue as usual, incorporating meeting and playing with next year’s Kindergarten children, practising for an end-of-year concert and making Christmas crafts!

We will again visit Wangi Wangi Library. Our first visit will be Tuesday 3^rd November.

Our tissue supply has dwindled to the last two boxes – although the cold and flu is over, the children continue to use many tissues a day. If you could pick a box up when you are shopping it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your support.

YEAR 2/3

Welcome back!

Spelling homework has changed this term. As well as writing their words out every night your child will have a spelling unit to complete each week. This will replace the sentences they were doing previously.

For the next few weeks the class will be focusing on the purpose & structure of procedural texts & we will be putting our knowledge & learning to use by writing some of our own.

This term’s integrated unit is “Getting About” – looking at the different ways people use to move in & around our community.

YEAR 4/5

Please find this term’s homework and narrative assignment handed to your student this week. Students have returned happily from their holiday break and have settled into work. Assessments will be occurring throughout this term for reports, so ensure students are wide awake and well prepared.

Thank you. Mr O’Brien

YEAR 5/6

Students have returned happily from their holiday break and are busy at work. This term is an exciting time for our year 5/6 students but is also a very busy and short one in terms of assessments, election of new school leaders, High School Orientation days and farewell.

LIBRARY

Please remember to bring Library bags for borrowing. Even though things are chaotic with the relocation of the library pending construction of the new library, borrowing will still happen in the makeshift library.

BAND

Band fees of $20 for Term 4 are now due. Please pay at the office.

Band is on each Monday morning in the hall.

Band students should be at school by 8:40am.

ALERT

Please be aware that several cases of impetigo have been reported in our area.

The symptoms are: small red spots which change into blisters that fill with pus and become crusted.

Impetigo is a highly infectious disease and therefore students are excluded from school if they contract the disease. Students can not return until treatment has started and sores are healed.

If your child presents with these symptoms contact your medical practitioner ASAP and notify the school.

GARDEN REQUEST

We are currently transforming our walkways by creating hedging along them. If you have any excess agapanthus or clivias in your garden we will be very happy to incorporate them into our new hedges.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Liam C

Jonny M

Joel B

Jaden B

Best wishes and have a great day!!!

WELCOME

We would like to welcome Caitlin S of Yr 2/3 and her family to our school.

FRUIT n VEG ORDERS

A reminder that Fruit n Veg orders are available this term. $5 from each order will go to fundraising (cancer council initial 3 weeks and our school thereafter). Orders and payments can be left at the office Tuesday mornings for collection Thursday afternoons. The following boxes are available:

1 Small mixed fruit n veg $20

2 Large mixed fruit n veg $30

3 Fruit only $25

4 Veg only $25

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.

UNIFORM SHOP

School caps have arrived and are available for purchase at the office.

PRICE LIST

Shirts            $20

Jackets (fleece)        $35

Caps & 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

Lever Arch Folders    $2.00

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

SUN SAFETY

BE SAFE – is our number 1 school rule so…

Remember: NO HAT – NO PLAY

NO SPORT

NO P.E

(No thongs at anytime – this includes Discos)

Mr Croft is currently on Paternity Leave following the birth of a baby boy, Alex Patrick. All is well in the Croft household and our warmest congratulations and best wishes go to the Croft Family.

If you are enrolling a child at Wangi Wangi Public School in 2010 and haven’t collected forms from the office, please do so as soon as possible.

Reminder – Kinder 2010 play session and morning tea to be held this Monday 28^th September (9.30am in school hall).

Our dates for Kindergarten Orientation which will take place next term are as follows;

-          Tuesday 10^th November 9.30am.  Parent meeting for new parents and kinder students of 2010.

-          Tuesday 17^th November, Interviews with kinder teacher so parents and students can

-          meet & discuss expectations and transition to school.

-          Tuesday 24^th November, Wednesday 25^th and Thursday 26^th November. New Kinder students for 2010 join with current K/1 students, to encourage a happy transition to school.

Congratulations to Laura W and Jake S (both in Year 6) for their wonderful success in the recent Regional Athletics.  Both will now compete in the State Championships on the 28^th, 29^th October.  Laura will compete in Discus and Shot-Put events and Jake will compete in Discus.  This is a wonderful achievement and Wangi Wangi Public School is extremely proud of both students.

What a fantastic effort from our Junior and Senior Girls Dance groups at the Pre-School Fete on Saturday 12^th September.  Thankyou to the families for arranging your day so the girls could dance and for supporting Wangi School, the Pre-School and our Local Community.

Our small, talented Band will participate in Bandfest on Tuesday 27^th October.  This is a competition which allows bands of all levels, from beginner to experienced the opportunity to hear bands from other schools.  At this stage, we still require transport for some students, so if you are able to assist please see Mrs Lilliss BEFORE the end of term.

Our new covered walkways are nearing completion and looking terrific.  Thank you for your patience and assistance in ensuring the safety of all our children when walking around fences and entering and leaving school grounds.

Please continue the supervision during our coming holiday break by discussing road safety rules when crossing the road or riding a bike or skateboard.

We hope all families have a safe and enjoyable holiday break.

All students and staff return for Term 4 on Monday 19^th October.

If you see any unwelcome visitors in our school grounds during the holidays please ring School Security on 1300 880 021.

Anne Lilliss

Assistant Principal

Dear Parents,

I would like to share a story with you that I think is relevant to us all.

A philosophy professor stood before his class and had some items in front of him. When he began, wordlessly he picked up a large empty jar and proceeded to fill it with rocks, rocks about 5cm in diameter.

He asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was. So the professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar lightly. The pebbles of course, rolled into the open areas between the rocks.

He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed that it was. The students laughed. The professor then picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything.

“Now”, said the professor, “I want you to recognise that this is your life. The rocks are the important things – your family, your health and your children – anything that is important to you, that if it were lost, you would be nearly destroyed. The pebbles are the other things in your life that matter, like your job, your house, your car. The sand is everything else, the small stuff. If you put the sand into the jar first there is no room for the pebbles or the rocks.

The same goes for your life. If you spend all your energy and time on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are important to you. Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play with your children; take time for yourself, your partner and family. There will always be time to go to work, clean the house, prepare a party and mow the lawn.

Take care of the rocks first – the things that really matter. Set your priorities, the rest is just sand”.

As parents this is an important lesson for us all to learn. Children learn best through the example of those that are closest to them. If we as parents concern ourselves with the small things in life then we run the risk of our children learning that the important things such as family do not matter as much.

Life can get very busy. The demands of work are ever increasing. In an effort to better our children’s life we fill their afternoons with extra curricula activities such as sports, music lessons and tutoring. While work is important and all the extra curricular activities certainly benefit the children; are they at the expense of real family time?

With the holidays fast approaching I urge all families to relax and spend some much needed family time together. A couple of hours can make a real difference to children and can teach them about making priorities for the important things in life.

Enjoy the rest of the term,

Barry Croft

Principal

MERIT AWARDS

K/1 – Conor, Sandhya, Reece, Jessie, Jayden J,           Cory, Pheobe, Harry.

1/2 – Callum, Erin, Lachlan, Destiny, Stuart, Nakita, Kaitlyn, Sascha.

2/3 – Enola, Jye, Tristan, Eva, Bridie, Zac W, Gina, Shannon, Angus, Brooke, Nakita W.

4/5 – Brody, Lily, Georgia A, Jacob M, Keeley, Kiarrah, Declan, Jai, Miranda, Jarrad.

5/6 – Emily P, Georgia T, Cody M, Jake S, Mikey, Aden K,Tiara, Anika, Nathan, Teagan,

KINDER/YEAR 1

Another term almost at an end! K/1 have worked very hard and are looking forward to their holidays.

On Tuesday afternoon of the last week we will be having a Talking and Listening session. Children may talk about any topic they wish. They should prepare to talk for 1-2 minutes. If you are able to, it would be helpful if your son/daughter has the opportunity to practise their talk – remember they need to start with “Good Afternoon K/1” and finish with “Thank you for listening”.

We would like to welcome Jessie to K/1!

Sadly, we have to say “Goodbye” to Ella who will leave us during the holidays. Good luck Ella and your family, we will miss you.

YEAR 1/ 2

Another term is a drawing to a close and Year 1/2 should be very proud of their great work they have achieved. There has been lots of quality work produced and some “red hot” attempts with Writing.

Those children who complete and hand in homework by Friday this week will earn themselves a week off for the last week of term.

Please ensure your child brings home lunch boxes, drink bottles and jackets for a wash during the holidays.

I will be on Long Service Leave for the first 2 weeks of term 4 and Mrs Carmody will be taking the class. I will return to school on Tuesday 3rd November.

Please keep reading during the holidays. Have a safe, relaxing holiday.

YEAR 2/3

2/3 had a great excursion to Warners Bay McDonalds last week.  Here are some recounts from the excursion:

On Tuesday the 15 of September 2/3 and 4/5 went to Warners Bay Macca’s.  We arrived there and sat in some seats.  Kylie introduced herself, so did Daryl and Adrianna.  Adrianna showed us through the back where they make the food.  We got to hear the orders through the headset from Drive thru.  We got to make our own food and we got to go in the freezer was so cool.  We then went outside and ate our happy meal. Then we got our free ice-cream. YUM – YUM.  I can’t wait to return.

By Eva

On Tuesday the 15^th September 2/3 and 4/5 went to McDonalds to have lunch.  First we went in groups in a tour to see how they make the burgers.  Secondly, we made our own food and ate it.  Thirdly, we had free soft serves and the teachers got a sundae.  Next, we caught a bus to the park and we did a sheet on McDonalds and on Warners Bay Esplanade.  Finally, we caught a bus back to school and got on with the day.

By Nicholas

On Tuesday 15^th September 2/3 and 4/5 went to Warners Bay McDonalds.  We got a tour around the place and went into a fridge and freezer.  Daryl the owner told us some things and Adriana was the one that gave us the tour and then there’s Kylie that told us the rules of the place.  At the end of the tour we got to make our own lunch and eat it.  After, we got a free ice cream.  Then it was time to go home back to school.  We had a really good time.

By Molly

YEAR 4/5

Have a lovely safe holiday.  Come back refreshed for a short busy term.  Keep up the reading in the holidays.  The students are enjoying the new award system with legends and free time awards, just ask the students.

Mr O’Brien

DANCE

Please note there will be no dance in Term 4.

BAND

Band is on each Monday morning in the hall.

Band students should be at school by 8:40am.

P&C

The next meeting for our P&C will be held next Tuesday 29^th Sept at 6:30pm

SCHOOL DISCO

The P&C will be holding a Disco next Wednesday 30 Sept. Entry is $3.00 and this includes a drink and packet of JJ’s.

Other items will be available for sale at the canteen: Giant Koala, Chomp, Curly Wurly, Fizzer, Giant Python, Life savers, Giant Sherbet Straw and cans of drink.

There will be two sessions:

K-2     2pm-3:15pm

3-6     3:30pm-5pm

Helpers are desperately needed to collect money at the door and to assist with serving drinks & chips. If you are able to spare some time to help please leave your name at the office by Monday.

SCHOOL MURALS

The murals around our school are coming along and are looking great. Some have been completed already and others are waiting on parents/care givers to help complete.

The designs have been drawn and colour coded all you have to do is find ½ hour any time during school hours, grab a paint brush, pick a colour (available at the front office) and off you go!!

The kids will be very proud of your contribution.

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.

UNIFORM SHOP

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

Also available are assorted coloured lever arch folders for $2. Year 6 students may find them useful for High School next year!

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

SUN SAFETY

BE SAFE – is our number 1 school rule so…

Remember: NO HAT – NO PLAY

NO SPORT

NO P.E

(No thongs at anytime – this includes Discos)

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

HOLIDAY FUN AT YMCA

Ice skating, Putt Putt golf, Live show, cooking, Kindifarm, Sand Wizards, medieval day.

For more info contact Alanna or Kerry

49594444

KIDS TO KANGAROOS

Learn skills and play games of Rugby League for girls & boys 5 to 12 yrs.

Entries close Mon 12 Oct 10am cost $25

Tues 13 Oct 9:30am-12:30pm

At District Park, Broadmeadow

Contact Helene 0411159430

YMCA GYMNASTIC CENTRE

Mon, Tues & Wed from 4pm

Recreational, advanced and competition classes.

Contact Lisa 49594444

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 17^th, resuming Monday 28^th 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.

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 8^th 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 15^th 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 1^st child

$20 2^nd child

$0 3^rd 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

2^nd Abby Hurst

3^rd 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

TERM 3

Week 1

Mon 3 Aug                        Public Speaking

Dance commences

Tues 4 Aug                        Fire Fighter Visit K/1

Long Jump & High Jump 12:30 Wangi Oval

Wed 5 Aug                        Public Speaking Stage 3

Fri 7 Aug                          Public Speaking ESI

Week 4

Tues 18 Aug                       P & C Meeting

Wed 19 Aug                       Maths Competition

Week 5 BOOK WEEK

Mon 24^h Aug                       Water Safety

Fri 28 Aug                         Book Week Parade & Assembly

Week 6

Wed 2 Sept                        Newcastle Permanent Maths Competition

PRINCIPALS REPORT:

The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty…

Welcome back to the beginning of yet another busy term. I trust that everyone enjoyed the school holidays and made the most of the opportunity to spend quality time together as a family.

Student reports were sent home at the end of last term and I truly hope that parents and children took the time to discuss the grades and comments provided. I hope that they provide the positive focus for what needs to be addressed in the remaining two terms.

During the Staff Development day held on Monday 27^th July, all staff participated in focussed sessions on Quality Teaching and Quality Learning, Integrating Technology into the curriculum and CPR, Resuscitation.

Tapping into the collective wisdom and experiences of staff, we spent considerable time re-evaluating and redefining what our expectations and principles would be focussed on. Thus:

At Wangi Wangi Public School all staff will demonstrate;

• Flexibility in their teaching styles
• Enthusiasm
• Commitment
• High expectations for both students and themselves
• Imagination and creativity
• High level Communication and Understanding

By the same token, the provision of a Quality learning Environment will be reflected by;

• Happy safe learners who are willing to take risks
• Actively engaged students and community
• Learning programs that cater for varied learning styles
• Explicit and instruction and high expectations
• All ideas are valued and accepted
• The rights and feelings of others are respected

As published last term By Week 5 of term 3 it will be unacceptable to wear any hat or jumper/jacket that does not comply with the school uniform code.

It will be expected that students wear the full school uniform at all times.

Boys Uniform

• Red school shirt ordered & purchased from the school office
• Black shorts or trousers (which are available from any Best’n Less, K-mart, Big W, Lowes or Target stores)
• School Logo Jacket ordered & purchased from the school office OR a Red Jumper (which are available from any Best’n Less, K-mart, Big W, Lowes or Target stores)
• White socks
• Black Shoes
• Black school hat ordered & purchased from the school office

Girls Uniform

• Red school shirt ordered & purchased from the school office
• Black skorts or trousers (which are available from any Best’n Less, K-mart, Big W, Lowes or Target stores) NOT BIKE PANTS OR TIGHTS
• School Logo Jacket ordered & purchased from the school office OR a Red Jumper (which are available from any Best’n Less, K-mart, Big W, Lowes or Target stores)
• White socks
• Black Shoes
• Black school hat ordered & purchased from the school office

School uniforms are reflective of the school community values and expectations. We hold high values and expectations.

The school will be introducing a new award system that begins this week. The award structure is designed to provide an incentive for all students to demonstrate the schools values as well as the production of quality work and participation.

• Each week the classroom teachers will hand out four awards per class to students (this may also include library awards and technology awards). Once a student has accumulated 5 class awards they will receive a bronze award (any student who receives a bronze award will be invited to have afternoon tea with the principal at the end of the term).
• If a student has accumulated 5 bronze awards they will receive a Silver Principals Award (any student who receives a Principals award, of any type, will be invited to the movies and lunch with the principal at the end of any term).
• If a student accumulates two silver principals awards they will receive a Gold Principals Award and will have their name placed on a school honour board.
• Any student who receives a ‘You Can Do It’ wrist band will also enjoy an afternoon tea at the end of any term.

Please be aware that our school fees are $10.00 per term ($20.00 per semester).  These school fees assist the school in providing much needed books and stationary for students. Last semester we only had a 47% payment rate. This means that of the expected $2280.00 which was used to purchase books, stationary and equipment, the school only received $1072.00. I urge all families to make a concerted effort to pay the school fees.

Enjoy the week ahead,

Principal

Mr Barry Croft

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     Jacob K, Jonny M.

1/2     Stuart C, Thomas M

2/3     Shannan C & Nakita W.

4/5     Emily E, Keeley Mc.

5/6     Anika D, Emily P.

Kinder / Yr 1

Welcome back to another busy term!

Next Tuesday Wangi Fire Brigade will visit our classroom to talk to the children about fire safety. If we are lucky we might get to look inside the fire engine!

Keep up the great work with homework, sounds books and home reading.

Year 1/ 2

Welcome back to another busy term.

It’s great to see most children are now healthy.

Iggy will start coming home next week and this term children have to write a Procedure telling us how to make their favourite recipe. We can all share some recipes and Iggy will have a wonderful time trying them all out.

There is something very exciting happening in K/1 & 1/2’s classrooms in 2 weeks time.

Keep your eyes open for this exciting event!

Year 2/3

We would like to welcome Miss Sally Carr to our class. Sally is an intern student who will be with us for the next 10 weeks.

Year 4/ 5

Welcome to Term 3 – Keep an eye out for new homework assignment this week early next week. Remember to practise, practise, practise, reading, spelling & maths.

Mr O’Bie

Year 5/6

A warm welcome is extended to Mr Burley, who joins the crew this term as a training teacher. He is looking forward to working on some exciting units with the children and has slotted in quite well.

TALENT QUEST

Congratulations to all who participated in & helped run the talent quest last term.As you can see “Wangi’s Got Talent”.

In the K-2 section:

1^st place – Samantha Dilley

2^nd place – Enola Noble

3^rd place – Siena Johnson, Grace Van Den Boogaard & Nakita Yates

Encouragement – Jayden James

In the 3-6 section:

1^st place – Keeley McGlashan

2^nd place – Teagan Condrot

3^rd place – Adam Montefiore

Encouragement – Bailey Vincent

Look for the Talent Quest article in last week’s Lake Mail.

Also a big thankyou to judges Kyle Williams & Di Taylor and to Wangi Workers Club for use of the venue and their generous prize money donation.

1st place in the Raffle went to ticket Number Blue 14F if you could present your ticket at the office you can collect your prize.   Thank you to everyone who bought tickets.

DANCE

Dance will commence on Monday 3^rd August.

ATHLETICS UPDATE

Long jump & High Jump events that were postponed last term will now be held on Tuesday 4^th August.

Because of the time constraints only serious competitors will be allowed to attend.

We will be walking down to the oval at 12:30pm. Any parents who are able to help are very welcome.

LIBRARY

Book week August 22 – 28. Theme this year is “Book Safari”.

On Friday 28 August there will be a Book Week Parade – K-6 – where children come dressed as their favourite book character. Leading up to Book Week competitions will also be running. Winners will receive their prizes on this day as well as the presentation of special library Bronze Awards.

There will also be a book sale where parents may wish to purchase a book on behalf of their child and then donate that book to the library – cost will be kept to approximately $15 or less.

Keep up the borrowing and return any overdue books.

Many thanks

Mrs R

BAND

If you would like your child to learn a musical instrument and become part of the School Band please see the Office ladies.

CANTEEN VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

If you would like to volunteer for 1 day per month please contact Jodie Milligan on

0412603425 or if you are unable to attend on your rostered day please ring.

.

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

COMMUNITY NOTICES

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CONGRATULATIONS!!

To local sailors Nathan & Hayley Outteridge who have recently competed in the

World 49er & 29er Championships in Italy.

Nathan & crew, Iain Jensen, won the

World 49ers Titles.

Then Nathan & his girlfriend came 2^nd in the 29ers Titles while Hayley & Iain came 3^rd.

Look out for these future Olympians.

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Kids Club

Returns next week 4 August

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

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WESTLAKES MACQUARIE FAMILY SUPPORT SERVICES

Is holding a 6 week Program for Parents with children up to 8 years.

Learn how to redirect misbehaviour & help children find positive alternatives, foster

positive behaviour and learn the skill of encouragement

Wed 5 Aug to  Wed 9 Sept 10am- 12md

At Bonnells Bay Youth Centre

Fishery Point Rd Bonnells Bay

For info & bookings 4959 6050

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WESTERN LAKE MACQUARIE CONCERT BAND

Stilling Street, Rathmines (near shops)

Learners Classes!

All Ages are accepted. All abilities from beginner to experienced.

To learn to play musical instrument all that is needed is for you to attend weekly classes every Tuesday from 5pm during school term.

Instruments may be hired for a small cost.

For more information Contact

Doug Treloar on 4959 1826

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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

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PRINCIPALS REPORT:

To those children who have demonstrated persistence, confidence and growth in skill level it is worth reflecting on the following verse:

Winner’s Creed

If you think you are beaten, you are

If you think you dare not, you don’t;

If you’d like to win, but think you can’t

It’s almost certain you won’t.

If you think you’ll lose, you’re lost,

For out in the world we find

Success begins with a person’s faith

It’s all in the state of mind.

Life’s battles don’t always go

To the stronger or faster hand;

They go to the one who trusts in themselves

And always thinks “I CAN”.

Have faith in your abilities, persist with tasks and give everything your best.

As we wind down the end of this term I would like to acknowledge the fact that students have been extremely busy training and practicing for extra curricular activities such as; Dance Festival, Rugby League, Soccer and Talent Quest, on top of completing assessments. I am extremely proud of the efforts of all students as they prepare themselves for contests and performances. I am equally proud and thankful of the efforts of those staff involved in making these activities accessible to our children.

Yesterday the Senior Rugby League Team participated in the 2009 All Schools Paul Harragon Cup. The team played with strength of mind, determination and endurance to win every game in their pool, before going on to win the preliminary and semi-finals. After winning 8 consecutive games and remaining undefeated during the competition, our boys

played in the grand final against Blacksmiths, going down by one try. On behalf of the parents, Des Johnson the coach and myself, I would like to congratulate each and every one of the players for their commitment and thank them for the spirited effort.

Student reports will go home on Wednesday 8^th July and I would like to congratulate everyone on a wonderful effort for Semester 1. I encourage students and parents to read the comments carefully on the reports. Celebrate the successes of your child and discuss with them the areas that they will need to focus on for the second semester. Please note that 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.

Congratulations to the following students who have had NO ABSENCES this semester:

Jaden B 1/2, Samantha D 2/3, Nakita Y 1/2, Cory N K/1, Brooke T 2/3, Nakita W 2/3, Felicity Mc 4/5, Teagan C 5/6, Jai J 4/5, Georgia T 5/6.

An absolutely superb effort!

Please remember that next Friday 10^th July is the last day of school for this term. I would like to wish everyone a wonderful, safe break and look forward to catching up with you next term. Remember that Monday 27^th July is Staff Development Day. All children return on the Tuesday.

Enjoy the break!

Mr Barry Croft
Principal

“NUTRITION SNIPPET

Eat It To Beat IT: Quick & easy dinner with a stack of vegies!

Got home from work late? Kids hungry? Forget take-away. The kids will be fed in less than 10 minutes with this “no-fuss” recipe. You’d be waiting in the pizza queue for longer than that!

Vegie Omelette

1. Whisk 2 eggs with a fork

2. Pour into a small greased frypan

3. Throw in a couple of handfuls of finely chopped/grated vegies (carrot/zucchini/mushrooms/corn/capsicum)

4. Sprinkle reduced fat cheese over the top of the vegies

5. When egg starts to cook, fold the omelette over on itself

6. Voila! Dinner in less than 10 minutes! Serve with wholemeal toast.

An individual’s attitudes are shaped by the people they spend time with. The most important thing that we need to remember is that the support of a loving, caring family and their partnership with the school is essential for a child to succeed.

In the lead up to next term, the school will be formalising its approach to student uniforms and will look towards implementing a disciplined uniform code. School uniforms are reflective of the school community values and expectations.

 As a parent and educator when I think of what makes a quality school, one that I would feel secure and happy with sending my own child too, I think of terms such as; quality programs, orderly and inclusive environments, positive discipline and welfare practices and pride in student presentation (both student work and uniform).

It will be expected that students wear the full school uniform at all times.

Boys Uniform
• Red school shirt ordered & purchased from the school office
• Black shorts or trousers (which are available from any Best’n Less, K-mart, Big W, Lowes or Target stores)
• School Logo Jacket ordered & purchased from the school office OR a Red Jumper (which are available from any Best’n Less, K-mart, Big W, Lowes or Target stores)
• White socks
• Black Shoes
• Black school hat ordered & purchased from the school office

 
Girls Uniform
• Red school shirt ordered & purchased from the school office
• Black skorts or trousers (which are available from any Best’n Less, K-mart, Big W, Lowes or Target stores) NOT BIKE PANTS OR TIGHTS
• School Logo Jacket ordered & purchased from the school office OR a Red Jumper (which are available from any Best’n Less, K-mart, Big W, Lowes or Target stores)
• White socks
• Black Shoes
• Black school hat ordered & purchased from the school office

By Week 5 of term 3 it will be unacceptable to wear any hat or jumper/jacket that does not comply with the school uniform code. Please note that there are no changes to the school uniform as such, this is the uniform that has been published in the school handbook. The school is simply formalising the implementation of our school uniform. School uniforms are reflective of the school community values and expectations. We hold high values and expectations.

Our students have demonstrated some amazing talent of the past few weeks, whether it be academics, sporting or within the realms of the creative and performing arts. Yesterday our school visited Wangi Workers Club to put on a performance for the Probus committee. The audience and I were blown away with the talents of students performing. Each and every person who represented our school yesterday, whether that is as a performer or an audience participant should feel proud of themselves.

Congratulations to all of our children. I would also like to congratulate and thank the tireless efforts of our staff who had been working so hard this term getting children organised for concerts, rehearsals, performances etc.

When asked about Wangi by colleagues and friends the three words that ring loud in my conversations with them are: ‘Quality, Care and Commitment’. We have quality educational programs running at the school, but they would fall short every time if it wasn’t for the Care and Commitment demonstrated daily by the staff who make everybody’s day an enjoyable one.

Unfortunately the wet weather has hampered our ability to run the Athletics carnival this week. Our fall back date for Field events will be Wednesday 24th June, from 10.00am for our 8year olds to 12/13year olds (grades 2-6). The track events will be held on Thursday 25th June and will involve the whole school. Sport house colours are to be worn on these days. Fingers crossed for fine weather…

Enjoy the week ahead,

Barry Croft
Principal

Weekly Merit Awards
Congratulations to:
K/1: Logan B & Jaylen J
1/ 2:  Zandra G & Sienna J
2/3: Luke G & Nicholas P
4/5:  Brody G & Jacob M
5/6:  Darcy W & Bree J
Kinder / Yr 1
A BIG thank you to those who have donated tissues to our classroom!
Well done Year 1! Everyone is learning their spelling words each week and having success in their test, keep up the great work!
Both Kindergarten and Year 1 are working really hard and succeeding at reading and writing in the classroom.

Year 1/ 2.
This term is simply flying by!
Thank you to the families who have sent along extra tissues.
Please ensure your child has a warm jacket in this cold weather.

Year 2/3
Year 2/3 have been busy working on their organisational skills in preparation for writing information reports.  During classroom reading they have been listening to bush poetry and tales of past times.  Their visual arts work has included great efforts in printing and collage techniques.

Year 5/6   
It has been pleasing to see the diligent approach that students have taken to their studies. It has been a busy tail end of the term and students have been busily completing assessment tasks which will support reporting to parents.  

STAR STRUCK

Well done to all students who successfully sang in the Star Struck choir.  Your singing was fabulous.
Thank you to the parents who supported us by transporting children to the train station and from the Entertainment Centre.  We wouldn’t be able to participate if we didn’t all work together as a team.
 
TALENT QUEST
Will be held the last week of school on Thursday 9th July at 7pm at Wangi Workers Club.

DANCE   
Hunter Dance Festival is on Tuesday 30th June for the Junior Girls and Thursday 2nd July for the Senior Girls.
Notes were sent out last week about these performances along with an expression of interest to help with transport to the rehearsals.
Please return these by FRIDAY so that I can determine whether we will have enough transport to participate in the rehearsals.

LIBRARY 
Helpers wanted –
Do you have some
time that you
could help cover
some of our library
books.  Please see Mrs Rayfield ASAP as we have a number of new books waiting to be loaned but they need covering first.

Premiers Reading Challenge
If you would like your child to take part please return orange permission notes to Mrs Rayfield.

BAND
   
If you would like your child to learn a musical instrument and become part of the School Band please see the Office ladies. 
REMINDER:
Band starts each Friday at 8:45am sharp –please be there at 8:40am to set up.

 CANTEEN VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
If you would like to volunteer for 1 day per month please contact Jodie Milligan on
0412603425 or if you are unable to attend on your rostered day please ring.

One of the great things about being a teacher is being a close witness to a child learning a new skill. To see a child observe, practise and master an unfamiliar task and to feel the sense of self-worth gained by that child is truly a great experience.

Children learn in many ways but constantly I am reminded that their observation of others is how they most quickly learn their skills of interaction, communication and behaviour.

This is why strong links between home and school are vitally important and can make all the difference to children’s academic and social progress. It is important that children see that a school is valued as an important place by those at home. Of equal importance is that the values held at school are reflected and regarded well by those in a child’s life. Schoolwork and school activities should be openly well supported by all those in a school community and children encouraged to give their best in every facet of school life.

In a culture where “winners are grinners” it is important for all of us to remember that a winner is someone who recognizes their God-given talents, works their tail off to develop
them into skills and uses these skills to accomplish their goals.

Our achievements and successes come through diligence, patience and the humbling decision to seek help when help is required.

If we encourage children to apply themselves, persevere when it appears hard and seek assistance when in doubt, than their chances of success rapidly increase.

Starstruck
Our students and staff have been working tirelessly in preparation for the upcoming Starstruck performance. I would like to wish all our students the very best of luck and thank Mrs Lilliss for planning, organisation and commitment to preparing the students.

Red Cross Blood Donor drive
The Red Cross Blood Donor vehicle has been in town raising awareness and seeking patrons to provide much needed donations of blood. Students will bring home a Red Cross bag to assist in prompting us all to think about donating blood and the benefits to others of such a noteworthy and unselfish act.

Mr Barry Croft
Principal 

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

Weekly Merit Awards
Congratulations to:
K/1: Phoebe P, Ella G
1/ 2:  Caitlin L, Kobe N,
Justin T
2/3: Vivienne J, Zachary W, Tristan M
4/5:  Jarred W, Abby H
5/6:  Anika D, Laura W

Kinder / Yr 1
K/ 1 have been learning about “Earthworms” and both classes have written FANTASTIC Information Reports about them!  Ask your child to tell you something they learnt about “Earthworms”.  Great dinner time topic!

Cold and flu season is upon us – our tissue supply is running low.  If you could pick up a box when you are doing the groceries it would be much appreciated.  Thank you to those families who have already helped out.

Year 1/ 2.
Year 1/ 2 have been doing some excellent writing of descriptions.  Please continue the great effort with Home Reading and homework.
We desperately need more boxes of tissues as lots of children are continually using them.  Please send a warm jacket now that the weather is colder.

Year 2/3
Year 2/ 3 have completed the unit of work on natural materials and some of their uses, and are now beginning work on a unit called ‘The Way We Were’ which explores the changes and continuities in the way families have done things over time.  Parents and caregivers can help by providing information on changes they have experienced, and past memories, on survey sheets that students will bring home.  Hopefully students will enjoy learning about “the good old days” as much as they enjoyed working with nature.
Year 2/ 3 will visit Wangi Wangi library on Wednesday 17/06/09

Year 4/ 5
Our Great Space units are on display in the classroom.  The Rain poem is on display in the classroom with some exceptional examples of fine writing.
We have begun our new unit  “Food for Thought”.  The students are in for a treat by making their museum of Australian Identity Timeline.
STAR STURCK
Rehearsal this Friday 5th June.  Be at Fassifern train station by 7:20am.  We will be back at Fassifern station at 3:30 pm

CONGRATULATIONS to these children who will represent Wangi School at the Zone level of Public Speaking
Early Stage 1 –    Phobe P
Stage 1 (Yrs 1 & 2) Nakita Y & Viv J
Stage 2 (Yrs 3 & 4) Gina L & Gabby M
Stage 3 (Yrs 5 & 6) Teagan C & Joel H
TALENT QUEST
Will be held the last week of school on Thursday 9th July at 7pm at Wangi Workers Club.
Auditions will be Tuesday next week the 9th June. Please bring props, music, instruments etc ready for the day.  Costumes are optional.
FOOTBALL GALA DAY.
Last week, boys in Years 5 and 6 went to the Football Gala Day at Kentish Oval.  We had great fun and showed good sportsmanship.  It was a great day and we had a red hot go.  A big thank you to Mr Johnson for all his hard work in getting us ready for the game.
DANCE   
I would encourage all parents to pay their Term 2 dance fees by the due date to ease the financial burden as there may be extra costs for making the costumes.
Hunter Dance Festival date for your diary:
Junior Girls – Tuesday 30th June 2009
Senior Girls – Thursday 2nd July 2009
LIBRARY 
Helpers wanted –
Do you have some  time that you could help cover some of our library books.  Please see Mrs Rayfield ASAP as we have a number of new books waiting to be loaned but they need covering first.
Overdue notices are currently being sent out, please return books as soon as possible, please disregard if you have already returned books. 

Kids Club Book Club
 Closes Friday 12th June

Premiers Reading Challenge
If you would like your child to take part please return orange permission notes to Mrs Rayfield.

BAND
   
If you would like your child to learn a musical instrument and become part of the School Band please see the Office ladies. 
REMINDER:
Band starts each Friday at 8:45am sharp –please be there at 8:40am to set up.

 CANTEEN VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
If you would like to volunteer for 1 day per month please contact Jodie Milligan on 0412603425 or if you are unable to attend on your rostered day please ring.

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

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

MATHS TUTOR –
KINDER TO YEAR 12
Phone Ben: 4975 2388 or 0421235309

 
DRAMA CLASSES
Have fun!  Build confidence, improve speech and communication skills.  Use your imagination and explore acting, improvisation, mine, creative movement and public speaking.  All ages
Contact Susan McBurney A.S.D;L.T.C.L
On 4975 1822
0412 092205
HSC Drama help for Individual projects also available

FIONA’S STUDIO OF DANCE
Be inspired by our great range of Dance classes – Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Contemporary & Lyrical and Physical Culture.
Enrolments now being accepted 49733133.

M.A.D. DANCE
• Fun dance classes in Tap, Jazz and Modern/Contemporary
• Classes for both boys and girls from 3 years up
• No uniform, costumes, free showcase at end-of-year, all students receive a trophy
• All student get the opportunity to perform at local events
• NEW studio Term 2 at Bonnells Bay Public School
• Classes from $4 – $6 per week with discounts for unlimited classes and family discount
For more information contact Miss Meritta
Phone 0413 616 966
Webiste: www.myspace.com/mad_dance
Email:maddance@hotmail.com

WESTERN LAKE MACQUARIE CONCERT BAND
Stilling Street, Rathmines (near shops)
Learners Classes!
All Ages are accepted. All abilities from beginner to experienced.
To learn to play musical instrument all that is needed is for you to attend weekly classes every Tuesday from 5pm during school term.
Instruments may be hired for a small cost.
For more information Contact
Doug Treloar on 4959 1826

NUTRITION SNIPPETS”
EAT IT TO BEAT IT:  VEGIES FOR BREAKFAST?  YOU’RE KIDDING!

A good breakfast is especially important for kids because it can improve energy levels, alertness and concentration.  Many people would not think of breakfast as a time to squeeze in some extra vegies but the following ideas provide a solid meal for breakfast with 1-2 serves of vegies!  They will also help to warm the kids up on cold winter mornings! Top tip: protein helps to fill kids up and gives them sustained energy for concentration and alertness. In the following examples, baked beans and eggs are good sources of protein.
• Toast/muffin topped with cooked mushrooms, tomatoes, baked beans, capsicum or creamed corn
• Chop and add left over vegies to an omelette or savoury pancake
• Heat chopped leftover vegetables and serve as a topping for toast;  add an egg or reduced-fat cheese for a more substantial meal

Developing high standards… modelling our expectations.

If we truly want the best for our children then we all need to be effect leaders who model high standards, expectations and accountability.

The school has reviewed and modified our systems and structures, programs and policies to ensure that we provide consistent, systematic and explicit teaching and learning programs K-6. Our priorities will be heavily focussed on improving student achievements in: Spelling, Grammar/Punctuation, Reading/Comprehension, Writing and Mathematics (Number, Space and Measurement).

In order to do this our morning sessions will be an uninterrupted learning time. Students who demonstrate learning needs will be catered for via:
- Differentiated teaching & learning programs K-6;
- School based Support Teacher Learning Assistance (STLA) program, which will target students K-3 in small group and/or one-to-one support;
- District STLA support targeting students 4-6;
- Integration Funding Support; and
- Support Teacher Behaviour (STB) which targets students with emotional, social and behavioural needs.

The school staff and community representative have reviewed the new School Discipline and Welfare Policy which will take effect as of today. Please find attached a copy of this and make a concerted effort to understand and talk with your child about the processes involved. This policy K-6 develops further the high standards and expectations of all members of the school and supports the statement ‘Quality Programs…Quality Assurance’. The implementation and application of this policy will be Firm, Fair and Consistent.

The school has been successful in its application for funding under the Commonwealths’ “Building the Education Revolution” (BER) and “National Schools Pride” (NSP) projects. As a result; we will see the removal of our two demountable buildings and in their place, the development of a new fixed Library building. We also have the installation of new covered walkways leading between buildings and to the hall. It is hoped that we may continue that along the path to the bus shelter.  We have yet to be given a specific time; however, I have been notified that it will take place this year.

I would like to warmly invite all members of our community; parents, grandparents, community members and businesses to join us next Wednesday 27th May at 1pm, in celebrating Public Education and the wonderful school of Wangi Wangi Public. Students will be putting on an assembly to showcase their hard work and efforts. It would be great to see as many of you here as possible.

Mr Barry Croft
Principal   

REMINDERS:
• School Security – please make an anonymous call if you see anything that looks wrong going on in the school during the holidays. Phone: 1300 880 021
• Public Speaking for early Stage 1 and Stage 1 will be at this weeks Assembly.  Friday 12:15
• Education week Assembly next Wednesday 27th May starting at 1pm.
• Starstruck Rehearsal next Tuesday 26th May. NOTES MUST be returned by Friday 22nd May.
Weekly Merit Awards
Congratulations to:
K/1: Kellie M, Jaden J, Georgir-Rose C & Reece W
1/ 2:  Erin B, Finn G, Zac H,
Grace V & Liam K
2/3:  Jye C, Joel B, Brooke T & Emily B
4/5:  Declan G, Kiarrah B, Chrissy N & Miranda L
5/6:  Anika D, Emily H, Michael H, Jake S & Tiara Y
 
  
  
A BIG THANK YOU to Jodie in the Canteen for organising our Naplan Breakfast for our Year 3 and year 5  students.

From the Office
Our School Voluntary Contribution fees (also known as school fees) are $10 per term -payable at the office.  This supplements all our learning resources for our students. 
Thank you all for your help in this area.

Kinder / Yr 1
K/1 will be walking to Wangi Library in week 6, weather permitting.  A note will be sent home with details closer to the time.
Thank you Year 1 parents for supporting your child’s learning through helping them learn their spelling words – a great result was achieved last week, keep up the great work!
Thank you Kinder parents for ensuring your child’s sound book is returned each Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.  The book can remain at home until the following week so that your child can revise their sounds every day.
Year 1/ 2.
Well done to all those children who had a “red hot go” at Public Speaking!  Every child has had a try, so congratulations to everyone.  “Iggy” is currently meeting some interesting animals when he visits your home.  Keep up the great work.
Don’t forget to think about an item for the Talent Quest (last week of this term).
Almost everyone is completing their homework each week.  Keep up the great effort.
Year 2/3
Year 2/ 3 have been showing wonderful organisation and getting along, while working hard building knowledge about the sources of, and uses for natural materials.  Students have also been showing their evolving artistic talents in visual arts projects.
With winter approaching, parents are reminded that any donations of tissues will be gratefully received.

Year 5/ 6
I am constantly amazed by the individual brilliance and efforts of the students in 5/6.  We have had a very strong focus over the course of the last two weeks on writing, mathematics and public speaking. Last newsletter I wrote briefly about participation, practise and persistence being the kick starters for success. The children have demonstrated, and are developing, their understanding of the phrase EFFORT EARNS SUCCESS. Keep up the great work!

CROSS COUNTRY
It was wonderful to see all the children ‘Have a Go’ last week in the school cross country. What was even more inspiring was to see senior students encourage and run along side our younger children, encouraging them to persist and keep going. Wonderful work!

Tomorrow, 22nd May, we will have a number of students head off to Rathmines for the Zone Cross Country. We wish all of our competitors the best of luck and encourage them to do their best.

DANCE   
Dance commenced again this week.  All children were fitted with costumes last week.  I would encourage all parents to pay their Term 2 dance fees by the due date to ease the financial burden as there may be extra costs for making the costumes.
Hunter Dance Festival date for your diary:
Junior Girls – Tuesday 30th June 2009
Senior Girls – Thursday 2nd July 2009

BAND
   
Band has started up again this year.  If you would like your child to learn a musical instrument and become part of the School Band please see the Office ladies.  Instruments available:  Flutes, Clarinets, Trumpets and Tuba.
REMINDER:
Band starts each Friday at 8:45am sharp –please be there at 8:40am to set up.
P&C NEWS
What a wonderful attendance to our first P&C meeting this term. We would like to encourage many more people to join us when we meet again on Tuesday 16th June at 6.30pm, school staffroom. Agenda items discussed included:
- systematic whole school literacy and numeracy programs;
- support measures in place for students with learning needs;
- school welfare/discipline policy;
- new capital works to go ahead in the school; and
- community business partnerships with the school.

If you are interested in viewing a copy of the minutes of this meeting they are available in the front foyer of the office.

 CANTEEN VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
If you would like to volunteer for 1 day per month please contact Jodie Milligan on
0412603425 or if you are unable to attend on your rostered day please ring.
.

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

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COMMUNITY NOTICES

Kids Club
Meets every second Tuesday
at Wangi Uniting Church.
Children K – 6 welcome.
4pm – 6pm
Includes music, craft and dinner.
7th April
Bev Hincks on 4975 5158
Or Nerida Rayfield on 4975 2312

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MATHS TUTOR –
KINDER TO YEAR 12
Phone Ben: 4975 2388 or 0421235309

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DRAMA CLASSES
Have fun!  Build confidence, improve speech and communication skills.  Use your imagination and explore acting, improvisation, mine, creative movement and public speaking.  All ages
Contact Susan McBurney A.S.D;L.T.C.L
On 4975 1822
0412 092205
HSC Drama help for Individual projects also available

zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

FIONA’S STUDIO OF DANCE
Be inspired by our great range of Dance classes – Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Contemporary & Lyrical and Physical Culture.
Enrolments now being accepted 49733133.

zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

M.A.D. DANCE
• Fun dance classes in Tap, Jazz and Modern/Contemporary
• Classes for both boys and girls from 3 years up
• No uniform, costumes, free showcase at end-of-year, all students receive a trophy
• All student get the opportunity to perform at local events
• NEW studio Term 2 at Bonnells Bay Public School
• Classes from $4 – $6 per week with discounts for unlimited classes and family discount
For more information contact Miss Meritta
Phone 0413 616 966
Webiste: www.myspace.com/mad_dance
Email:maddance@hotmail.com

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WESTERN LAKE MACQUARIE CONCERT BAND
Stilling Street, Rathmines (near shops)
Learners Classes!
All Ages are accepted. All abilities from beginner to experienced.
To learn to play musical instrument all that is needed is for you to attend weekly classes every Tuesday from 5pm during school term.
Instruments may be hired for a small cost.
For more information Contact
Doug Treloar on 4959 1826

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Asthma Foundation NSW launches new information
service-
ASTHMA ASSIST
At the Foundation we know that credible health
information is highly sought after but often difficult to
find. Asthma Foundation NSW aims to provide the
community with evidence based and user friendly
information to help people better understand and
manage their asthma to avoid unnecessary asthma
attacks, and to minimise asthma symptoms so people
with asthma can lead full and productive lives.
To this end, Asthma Foundation NSW has developed a free information service “Asthma Assist” for anyone
with asthma or an interest in asthma.
By registering you will receive:
onAIR – our free email newsletter
Sent up to 6 times a year onAIR features information
about topics such as asthma research, medications
and devices, and asthma triggers.
An Asthma Control Pack
This includes an Asthma Emergency Card and other
useful information to help you manage your child’s
asthma, or the asthma of someone you know and care for. You can request up to 3 packs per household.
A free asthma first aid magnet
Be sure you know what to do in an asthma emergency.
If your child….
- Ever wakes in the night coughing or wheezing
- Gets breathless or wheezy during the day
- Needs to take their blue reliever puffer more than 3
times a week
- Find their asthma limits physical activity & exercise
It is possible that their asthma is not as well controlled
as it could be. Many people with asthma put up with
these symptoms without realising it’s their asthma that
is letting them down.
Find out how you can better manage your child’s
asthma. Join our free information service – Asthma
Assist at www.asthmansw.org.au
Any questions please contact our free Asthma
Information Line 1800 645 130

 
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
In June the Australian Red Cross Donor Mobile will be visiting Wangi Wangi Fire Station which is located not far from your school.
 
 
Your blood donation will go far – you don’t have to!
 
The Australian Red Cross Blood Service needs over 500 blood donations every single week on the Central Coast to meet the need for blood in local hospitals. 2009 has been declared Year of the Blood Donor by the Federal Government and many new donors are needed to ensure there is an adequate supply of blood. By giving blood this June you can help save three lives.
 
With this in mind The Australian Red Cross Blood Service is asking you to do something special and give blood when the donor mobile visits
 
Wangi Wangi Fire Station:
 
Thursday 4th June – 1:30pm to 6:30pm
 
Please call 13 14 95 or visit www.donateblood.com.au to make an appointment and save 3 lives!
**********************************************************************************************************
 

“NUTRITION SNIPPETS”

7) GO FOR 2 & 5®: HELP!!  MY KIDS WON’T EAT FRUIT & VEGETABLES!
So you’re one of the thousands of parents in Australia who has had difficulty getting your kids to eat fruit and vegetables.  Let’s have a look at a few tips that might turn things around!
• Remember the saying “the apple never falls far from the tree”? It’s important for parents and carers to eat and enjoy a wide variety of fruit and vegetables every day.  Kids are more likely to copy what they see!
• Get the kids involved in choosing and washing the fruit and vegetables they want to take for school.  Allow them to peel/cut/grate if they are old enough to do this.  They might even eat some as they work! 
• Never assume your child dislikes a specific fruit or vegetable based on past experience or because you don’t like it yourself. Kids learn to like things that are familiar to them, so keep offering them in a variety of ways.
• Keep a bowl of fruit or vegetables in the fridge for kids to grab as an easy snack before/after school or to include in their school lunchbox (raw peas, carrot/celery/zucchini sticks, cherry tomatoes, grapes, green beans, mushrooms, chunks of capsicum).  These can be eaten plain as a snack at school or dipped in yoghurt/hommous.

Log onto www.cancercouncil.com.au/eatittobeatit for a fact sheet on “Strategies to Get Children to Eat Fruit and Vegetables”

1) EAT IT TO BEAT IT: TRY THESE TASTY PIZZA MUFFINS IN YOUR CHILD’S LUNCH BOX

Whoever said fruit or vegetables had to go into the lunchbox in the form of a sandwich and piece of fruit?  Not a bad idea, but how’s this for a bit of a change? A mum from Eleebana shared this healthy recipe that her daughters love. She says “These pizza muffins make a great snack and are easy and fun to make”.  Why not make them for dinner one night and use the left-overs in the kids’ lunchbox the next day? 

Pizza Muffins:
Ingredients
Multigrain English Muffins
Lean ham, diced
Tomato Paste/pizza paste
Diced capsicum
Diced mushrooms
Diced tomato
Pineapple pieces
Low fat grated cheese
(or use any other vegies you like)
Method:
Spread tomato paste on muffin
Place diced vegies, ham and pineapple pieces on top
Sprinkle with cheese
Bake in oven or under griller till cheese melts

We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit. Effort earns success…

Participation, practise and persistence are the kick starters for success. If we do not attempt what might seem too hard, if we do not practise new skills and strategies and if we do not persist when things seem too tough, then we will never truly feel what it means to succeed.

I have the wonderful and unique role of teaching and administrative management within the school and at times this can be likened to a juggling act. However, both roles allow me to develop a strong rapport with students, staff and community and gain a ‘finger on the pulse’ analysis of day-to-day issues. Due to this complex role I would ask that should parents or community members need to arrange a meeting with me, please do so for before/after school or Wednesdays which are my executive days. This way I am able to provide you with the quality time you require, whilst not compromising the quality of the education provided to my students.

I would like to warmly welcome everyone back to a very busy term and thank our wonderful mothers and grandmothers for their presence at our Mother’s Day morning tea. This was a wonderful opportunity to meet some of the community and thank them for their efforts in assisting children both at school and at home.

A huge thank you is extended to our P&C members for their efforts in arranging a Mother’s Day stall and then frantically wrapping gifts.

I hope that this weekend we take time to reflect and celebrate the wonderful people in our lives who make numerous sacrifices in order to raise us with love and guidance. I would like to wish all of our Mothers and Grandmothers a wonderful day and hope that you are treated like royalty, even if only for the day.

Enjoy the week ahead,

Mr Barry Croft

Principal    

REMINDERS:

School Security – please make an anonymous call if you see anything that looks wrong going on in the school.
Phone: 1300 880021   

Principal’s Awards

Well done to:

Paris S in Year 3 for “Getting along” and

   Connor P in Year 1 for “Persistence”.

Kinder / Yr 1

Welcome back!! We are all refreshed and ready for another full-on term!

“Star of the Week” will begin next week.  Each Monday a child’s name will be drawn out of a box and he/ she will be the classroom helper of the week.  Watch for his/ her picture and compliments on the classroom door. 
“Me” boxes are slowly coming along.

Year 1 – don’t forget to learn your spelling words for a test each Tuesday.

It’s sniffle season again, any donation of tissues would be appreciated.  Thank you.

Year 1/ 2

Iggy certainly enjoyed his holidays (as you will see when he comes to visit this term). And has come back to school refreshed and ready to work hard!  When he visits this time he needs to meet an animal and children need to write an information report about that animal.  I’m looking forward to reading them.

Public Speaking will start next week (Monday 11^th May) in our normal “News” sessions.  Please listen to your child’s speech before next week.  Every child is expected to “have a go” at this task.

We will be walking to Wangi Library next Thursday 14^th May, leaving school at 2:30pm.  Please remember your bag and card for borrowing.

Year 2/3

Homework began again this week.  Please encourage your child to write out their spelling words every night as well as to read.  Home readers can be changed as often as needed – not just Friday.

The project on National Parks is due on Monday 18^th May – use the sheet handed out as a guide to help research relevant facts.

We have welcomed Mr Norm McCurry into our classroom as an intern teacher.  He has many interesting activities and lessons planned for the class.  Already the children have examined parts of plants under the microscope and planted sunflower seeds as part of our “Back to Nature” unit.

Year 4/5

NAPLAN is a big focus next week and students will need to come to school bright, awake and ready for the test.  A NAPLAN Breakfast will be held on the Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 9am and 9:20am, before class.

So year 5 need to start getting plenty of rest and goodnight sleeps over the coming days.

Homework has gone home so please keep an eye out for their sheets in their bags.

A great response to assignments on the solar system.  They will be on display until week 4 when students will be asked to take them home.

Year 5/ 6

NAPLAN BREAKFAST

A “Naplan breakfast” has been organised for students in Year 3 and Year 5 who will be doing the Naplan test next week.  Breakfast will be available free of charge at the canteen between 9am and 9:20am on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.  Come early so you don’t miss out!

CROSS COUNTRY

The school Cross Country will be held on Friday 8^th May 2009 commencing at 12.15pm. Parents are invited to come along and encourage competitors.  Anyone who is willing to help by being stationed around the course please see Mrs Murphy – it would be greatly appreciated.

This is a whole school event but only children 8 years and up are eligible to go to zone.

DANCE   

Dance commenced again this week.  All children were fitted with costumes last week.  I would encourage all parents to pay their Term 2 dance fees by the due date to ease the financial burden as there may be extra costs for making the costumes.

Hunter Dance Festival date for your diary:

Junior Girls – Tuesday 30^th June 2009

Senior Girls – Thursday 2^nd July 2009

BAND                         

Band has started up again this year.  If you would like your child to learn a musical instrument and become part of the School Band please see the Office ladies.  Instruments available:  Flutes, Clarinets, Trumpets and Tuba.

REMINDER:

Band starts each Friday at 8:45am sharp –please be there at 8:40am to set up.

INTERNATIONAL COMPETITIONS – For those students in years 3-6 who are entering these competitions there is a website that offers you a range of practice questions. 

Go to www.eaa.unsw.edu.au and follow the link to prepare.

P&C NEWS

We desperately need someone to nominate themselves, or another willing parent, to take on the role of P&C President – if you can help please ring the school.

Winners of the Easter Raffle:

1^st – Madison H

2^nd – Luke G

3^rd  -  The Roderick Family

Consolation:  Kerry Mc, Angus N, Clair D, Connor P, Destoni M and Keigan M.

CANTEEN VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

If you would like to volunteer for 1 day per month please contact Jodie Milligan on

0412603425 or if you are unable to attend on your rostered day please ring.

Talking & Listening

This is an important part of helping your child with literacy. Some ideas in this area include:

“NUTRITION SNIPPETS”

6) YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND AN EXCLUSIVE ONE-OFF NUTRITION SESSION

Help Cancer Council and your family, all at no cost! Cancer Council NSW invites parents and carers of primary school children in the Hunter region to participate in a groundbreaking new trial aimed at increasing consumption of fruit and vegetables.

Free ‘Fruit ‘n’ Veg $ense’ sessions will run from April to July 2009, in local schools across the Hunter region addressing issues such as fussy eaters, stretching your food dollar further, menu modification and planning. Sessions are free to attend and you will receive handy resources and new recipe ideas to use at home. The trial requires you to complete two short questionnaires and attend one session.

To enrol and participate, please contact the Cancer Council (Hunter) Research Hotline on: 4923 0710 and leave your name & best contact phone number, alternatively send an email to: eatittobeatit@nswcc.org.au .We will call you back to confirm your place in the session.

These sessions are part of the Cancer Council’s Eat It To Beat It program, providing Hunter families with budget friendly ways of eating essential fruit and vegetables every day! To find out more about Eat It To Beat It check out our website: www.cancercouncil.com.au/eatittobeatit

• Talk to your child about events and ideas in books they are reading or as you are reading together.
• Listen when your child tells you about things that have happened to them. This can help them put their ideas together before they start writing stories.
• Sometimes ask your child a question that can have many answers rather than just yes or no. This helps them to think about different ways to look at things including solving problems.
• Ask your child about why they made certain choices when making a decision. Ask for their opinion on topics and discuss this.
• Allow your child to talk to a number of other children including those of various ages. Also allow them to listen to and share their ideas with others. This helps children to develop their talking and listening skills.
• Show by your behaviour that you are listening. Interact with your children, ask questions, add information and make links with other things you share in common. Talk to your child about how others know they are listening such as not walking away when others are talking.
• Talk at a normal pace and volume, and use adult words.

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

Weekly Merit Awards

Congratulations to:

K/1: Harrison F, Jacob K

1/ 2:  Erin B, Destiny H

2/3:  Maggie G, Enola N

4/5:  Bailey V,  Brodie H

5/6:  Anika D, Toby G