Cowra Public School NEWS Term 1, Week 10
PSSA STATE SWIMMING CARNIVAL Best wishes to Anja Gower and Isabella Scammell who are competing in the Western Region swimming team at Homebush in Sydney next Tuesday and Wednesday. We wish them all the best.
Anja Gower
Isabella Scammell
FOR YOUR DIARY 4
CPS Cross Country
8
Russell Richardson /David Peachy
8
Netball Gala Day
9
State PSSA Swimming in Sydney
10
State PSSA Swimming in Sydney
10
University of NSW entries close
11
Infants Easter Hat Parade
11
Last day of Term 1
28
Pupil Free Day
29
Students return for Term 2
MAY 1
Infants Singing 12.30pm in Infants Open Space
2
P & C catering fundraiser
9
Mother’s Day stall
20
Stage 2 excursion to Canberra Zoo
NSW Department of Education and Communities
PRINCIPAL’S REPORT Dear Parents Today I am going to take the opportunity to formally acknowledge Mrs Eileen Day and the wonderful service she has provided Cowra Public School over the last 7 years. As mentioned in a previous newsletter, Mrs Day will be moving on from our school to take the Principal position at Dubbo West Public School commencing next term. Mrs Day has been the IM teacher and Stage 3 Assistant Principal at our school and has always demonstrated the ability to bring out the best in all children no matter who they are. Mrs Day has been a valued member of the Cowra Public School Executive team and has been instrumental with the running of the school, often coordinating the NAIDOC Challenge Public Speaking, the Pie Drive, excursions and general running of the Stage and school events. This is a very exciting time for Eileen and the entire staff wish her the very best in her upcoming role. This week the school has seen a great deal of work undertaken both within the classrooms and in the school grounds. Firstly we have had painters working in several rooms as well as the replacement of ceiling sheeting. To add to this the lift that is being constructed is coming together and during the week several major steps in the construction process were completed. In addition to this progress in building the school has been very productive with the children moving well in all classrooms. The school is very proud of the consistent progress of the children and we are delighted with the academic growth being experienced across all Stages. This week has also seen several events take place with the standout highlights being the visit from the Australian Reptile Park “Snake Man” and the Bandaged Bears Picnic yesterday. The display of Australia’s most dangerous snakes had the children and staff captivated with a truly wonderful and
CONTACTING THE SCHOOL Administration Office Hours:
8.30am - 3.30pm
School commences at 9.10am School finishes at 3.15pm Students are not supervised before 8.45am
3 March 2014
informative presentation on how snakes and other reptiles live. The children were able to interact with a 3.5 metre python, being able to touch the skin and several children had the experience of having the snake placed around their shoulders. Following this event the Bandaged Bears Picnic was held with huge numbers of bandaged bears of all shapes, colours and sizes being displayed across the school. A definite contrast to the snake show in the morning, but equally enjoyable with all the children very happy to bring their special friends to school. The school also had sporting success with Joshua Pokoney being selected into the Western Region Rugby Union team to play at the State Carnival later in the year. Josh, Lindsey and Luke all trialled for the team with all boys being highly commended by the selectors. Next week the school will be represented at the State Swimming Championships by Isabella Scammell and Anja Gower. Both girls gained selection into the Western Region Representative team by finishing in the top 3 at the regional carnival held in Dubbo. Next week the girls travel to Sydney Olympic Aquatic Centre to compete with the top swimmers in the state and we wish the girls the best of luck. Next week will also see the first instalment of the 2014 Adventure Days. Every child is eligible to attend these days with the only criteria for selection being strong work ethic and attendance. Teachers will select two students from classes in Years 3-6 on Friday this week with notes going out that day. The adventure days involve activities such as bushwalking, caving, waterfall climbing etc and is seen as incentive for students to work hard and attend school. No cost to the students is incurred on the day .
Brad Tom
Mail: PO Box 285, Cowra Phone: 6342 2400 Fax: 6341 1357 School Counsellor 6341 3078 Email: cowra-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au Web: http://www.cowra-p.schools.nsw.edu.au DEPT.HEALTH DENTAL CLINIC:
1300 552 208
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Cowra Public School
SCHOOL FEES Each year the school asks families to pay a small contribution towards the cost of their child’s education.
INFANTS ASSEMBLIES Infants assemblies will now be held every second Thursday, i.e. even weeks. The assemblies will be held in the Infants Open Space and commence at 2.00pm and finish at 2.30pm when the children will return to their classrooms. At these assemblies students will be receiving Merit Certificates and PBL awards. Every alternate Thursday (not assembly week) from 12.30pm until 1.00pm the Infants will be holding combined singing in the Infants Open Space. All parents are invited to come along and listen to the children singing.
PRIMARY ASSEMBLIES The Primary will also be holding their assemblies every second Thursday, i.e. even weeks at 2.30pm in the school auditorium, The assemblies will include the Year 6 Public Speaking and Merit Certificates will also be presented on the day. All parents assemblies.
are
invited
to
attend
both
COMBINED ASSEMBLIES The
school
will
be
holding
combined
assemblies twice a term. At these assemblies the Infants and Primary Aussies of the Month will be announced and the children will be presented with their awards.
This contribution helps to cover the cost of books, paper and other items used by every child. The school has set the fee at $30 per child with a family maximum of $60. This equates to approximately 15c per day. The receipt of your contribution would be very much appreciated and payment can be made at the school office.
YR 6 TRANSITION TO COWRA HIGH SCHOOL Each Tuesday for the rest of the year, Year 6 students attend Cowra High School for transition into Year 7 next year. All students need to be in full school uniform with correct closed in shoes. This is an OH & S requirement.
GRIP STUDENT LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE The Grip Student Leadership Conference is designed for School student leaders. The aim is to inspire the students to serve their school with excellence and to reach their full potential as leaders. The 2014 Grip Student Leadership Conference will be held at the Charles Sturt University, Wagga on Tuesday, 27 May 2014. The program will involve high profile speakers from varied backgrounds and different personal leadership experiences. To register your child for this conference the attendance fee is $37. This fee must be paid at the school office by Friday, 21 March. Parents who have indicated that they will also be attending will be required to pay $20 by the same date. Mrs Kathryn Macnamara will be attending the conference with the students. Start and finish times: - Students must arrive between 8.45am and 9.10am. The first session will begin at 9.15am. The final session will conclude at 2.30pm. Students will leave Cowra Public School at 6.00am and return at approximately 5.30pm. Morning tea and lunch breaks: - Catering is not included in the conference registration. Students must bring a packed morning tea and lunch. Dress: - Students are to be dressed in full winter school uniform. TRAVEL to and from Wagga will be by private car, leaving Cowra Public School at 6.00am parents will need to organise transport for their children.
PBL REWARD DAY
UNIVERSITY OF NSW COMPETITIONS The University of NSW’s, International Competition and Assessment for Schools is the largest independent competition and assessment program for schools in Australia. It is also delivered to over 20 countries. Students in Years 3 to 6 are invited and encouraged to enter the following ICAS subjects: Computer Skills: (Tuesday, 20 May)
$8.00
Science: (Wednesday, 4 June)
$8.00
Writing: (Monday, 16 June)
$17.00
Spelling: (Tuesday, 17 June)
$11.00
English: (Tuesday, 29 July)
$8.00
Mathematics: (Tuesday, 12 August)
$8.00
(Sitting date in brackets.)
ALL ENTIRES CLOSE Thursday, 10th April 2014
On the last Friday of Term 1, the school will be holding a PBL Reward afternoon for students who have not received a blue slip in the last 5 weeks of term. This is a whole school afternoon (K-6) where students will be allowed to bring in electronic games, board games, card games etc. and craft activities.
COMBINED SCRIPTURE ~ EASTER Next Wednesday Infants will be holding their combined scripture at 10.30am in the school Auditorium. Primary will be holding their combined scripture at 12.20pm1.00pm in the school Auditorium.
TERM 2 DATES Monday, 28 April ~ Pupil Free Day Tuesday, 29 April ~ Students return
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STAGE 2 EXCURSION TO CANBERRA ZOO On Tuesday, 20 May, Stage 2 children have the opportunity to participate in a day excursion to Canberra Zoo. The excursion will tie in with work being studied on endangered animals and Australian fauna, The cost is $42.00, which must be paid at the school’s office before Friday, 9 May 2014. Payments can be made in instalments (e.g.$10.00 a week). What To Bring/Wear (in a sturdy bag/back-pack):
Suitable mufti attire, including sensible closed in shoes Hat, sunscreen, insect repellent (raincoat, if weather indicates) Pocket money for souvenirs (maximum $20) Morning tea, lunch , afternoon tea Drink bottle Camera (optional) The bus will depart Cowra Public School at 7.30am and return at approximately 5.00pm. Any medication your child may need on the day should be given to the class teacher. The child’s name and instructions for administering must be clearly shown. Kathryn Macnamara Stage 2 Assistant Principal
INFANTS HAT PARADE The Infants (K-2) will be holding an Easter Hat Parade on Friday, 11 April (last day of Term 1). Students will be making their hats in their classrooms during the next two weeks. If parents have any ideas or wish to assist with their child’s hat making, please contact their child’s class teacher. The parade will take place at 9.30am in the school auditorium.
GIRLS’ ABORIGINAL DANCE GROUP The Girls’ Aboriginal Dance Group has been invited to perform at the opening ceremony of Catapult in Bathurst next week. Catapult is the national youth Circus and Physical Theatre Festival. This Festival runs from Monday, 1 April until Sunday, 13 April. The festival aims to bring young people in the region together with professional artists where they will be inspired to continue to build on their skills and self-confidence. The students will perform on Tuesday, 8 April at 7.00pm. The students will be transported to and from Bathurst by the Cowra High School bus. Miss James will accompany the group. The girls will need to go to Bathurst for a rehearsal on Monday, 7 April at 4.00pm. They will be supervised by Mrs Cheryl McAlister from Cowra High.
BANDAGED BEAR DAY
ANZAC DAY
Congratulations to everyone who brought in their lovely bears.
The official Cowra ANZAC Day march will be held on Friday, 25 April, which is the second Friday of the school holidays.
The school raised $233.00 for the Westmead Children’s Hospital . Well done everyone!
We encourage as many students as possible to be involved in the march. Captains, Vice Captains, Prefects and all students have been invited to attend. Students and staff will be meeting at 10.20am at the Cowra RSL Club for the laying of the wreaths before the march down Kendal Street to the Cenotaph and the ANZAC Day ceremony. Students are to wear full school winter uniform. A note has gone home inviting all students to attend. Please fill in the permission slip and return it to the school by Friday, 11 April.
GARDEN CLUB NEWS Garden Club is up and running for 2014 and we have over 40 students signed up to take part in the program. We have used the last few weeks to mulch and prepare the gardens and will be planting a variety of winter vegetables generously donated by Mr Nigel Hazell. We will keep the school community updated as the season progresses.
NOW ACCEPTING PAYMENT FOR:SCHOOL CONTRIBUTION: $30 per student, with a family maximum of $60. Payment would be appreciated this term.
UNIVERSITY OF NSW COMPETITIONS: All Primary students are invited to participate. Entries close Thursday, 10th April.
STAGE 2 EXCURSION TO CANBERRA ZOO: Tuesday, 20 May 2014. $42.00 or instalments of $10.00. Closes Friday, 9 May 2014. GRIP STUDENT LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE: Tuesday, 27 May. $37.00 per student.
Cowra Public School
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SPORT SPORTING ACTIVITIES FOR TERM 1 Tomorrow is the Cross Country for all Primary students. Next week, Friday, 11 April sport will be class based due to the Cowra Aquatic Centre closing for the winter. Shavaughn Duncan PE/Sport teacher
RUGBY LEAGUE: DAVID PEACHEY SHIELD (Years 5 & 6) & RUSSELL RICHARDSON CUP (Years 3 & 4) Cowra Public School will be participating in the David Peachey Shield and Russell Richardson Cup against other schools in the district on Tuesday, 8 April 2014 at River Park All students NOT involved in the Netball Gala Day are expected to take part in this day as this is a whole school event and will be the allocated sport session for Week 11. The students will walk to and from River Park at approximately 9.15am and will return in time for buses. They will be accompanied by Mr Albert Murray, Mr Blake Duncombe and Mr Greg Garlick. Players will need to pay $1.00 (PSSA levy) to the office by Tuesday, 8 April. While the school makes an effort to minimise the possibility of injury, and recommends the wearing of a correctly fitted mouthguard and head gear, there will remain some degree of risk inherent in participation in what is essentially a body contact sport. Albert Murray Coach
NETBALL GALA DAY Cowra Public School students have been invited to participate in a Netball Gala Day on Tuesday, 8 April. The Gala Day which is held at the netball courts at Col Stinson Oval is a fun, non-competitive day attended by all the Primary Schools in Cowra and has proven to be very enjoyable in previous years. It is expected that all students who are NOT involved with the David Peachey/Russell Richardson Shield will attend the Netball Gala Day as this is a whole school event and will be the allocated sport session for Week 11. Students will come to school as per usual on Tuesday morning and after roll call will walk to the sporting venues, where they will stay until the conclusion of the Gala Days at approximately 2.00pm-2.30pm. Netballers will be allocated teams which will be of mixed ability. There will not be winners announced, just acknowledgement of those students who display excellent sportsmanship and effort. Students attending both venues need to bring the following: Hat and sunscreen
Plenty of water to drink All food required for the day - NO LUNCH ORDERS THAT DAY
All students should know what activity they are doing on the day (either football or netball). If they are not sure, please see Mrs Duncan tomorrow. Shavaughn Duncan PE/Sport
CROSS COUNTRY TRIALS ~ TOMORROW Cowra Public School will be holding their annual Cross Country trials on tomorrow, Friday, 4 April 2014. Details: Line up at 9.30am. (Finish at 11.10am) Proceed to River Park, assemble Sit in age/sex groups
8/9 and 10 year girls and boys will complete one lap 11/12 and 13 year girls and boys will complete 2 laps
Order: 11 year boys 11 year girls 2 laps 12/13 year boys 12/13 girls 2 laps 8/9 year boys 8/9 year girls 1 lap 10 year boys 10 year girls 1 lap District Cross Country will be held at Koorawatha on Monday, 2 June. The first six placegetters will be selected for the school team. Regional Cross Country is in Wellington on Wednesday, 11 June 2014. Please remind children about hats, drinks and sunscreen and they are to remain inside fence lines and are not to go onto roads etc. With more significant rain forecast to fall at the end of this week, we are anticipating the fact that the Cross Country may be postponed. If that is the case it will be run on the Friday of Week 1 in Term 2 at 2.00pm. I will make a decision regarding the event on Friday morning at 9.00am - fingers crossed for a fine day! Shavaughn Duncan PE/Sport
WESTERN REGION RUGBY UNION TRIALS Three students from Cowra Public School tried out for the Western Region Rugby Union team last Tuesday. All players acquitted themselves well and enjoyed the experience. Congratulations to Joshua Pokoney who was chosen in the Western Region Rugby Union side to go to the State Carnival in August.
Lindsay Munro and Luke Kinsey were very unlucky to just miss out on a place in the side.
Cowra Public School
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Sport continued
COMMUNITY
PSSA RUGBY LEAGUE
COWRA JUNIOR SOCCER 2014
Congratulations to the following students who gained selection in the Cowra & District Rugby League teams to play In the Western Region Rugby League Trials at Dubbo on Monday, 7 April. Under 11’s: Open team:
Harlee Simms, Joel Edgerton Lindsay Munro, Joshua Pokoney, Luke Kinsey, Blake Williams, Sonny Eastwood
The venue is Apex Oval. Games will commence at 9.30am and conclude at approximately 2.30pm. Players will need to locate Mr Albert Murray on arrival at the ground. Cost is $2.00 per player. Players will need to bring their own football gear, as well as recess, lunch and drinks. Travel to and from Dubbo is by private car, so it is up to players and their parents to organise transport.
P&C
Club officials will be at the canteen at Edgell Park on the following dates to help with registration and take payment: Friday 4 April from 5-6 Saturday 5 April from 9-12 Registration (and payment) can also be done online through myfootballclub.com.au until Sunday morning. Cost: 5s to 8s 9s to 16s
$60 $90
An additional $10 fee will apply for any late registrations after Saturday 5 April. A discount is available for families registering more than three children. For any enquiries, email registrar@cowrasoccer.org.au
MAJOR FUNDRAISER FOR THE P. & C. The Cowra Public School P & C has accepted a large catering job as a fundraiser for the school this year. The fundraiser is on Friday, 2 May. There are various different kinds of help required - eg premade cakes/slices, fruit platters sliced and delivered on the day, and assistance with preparation, serving and clearing up on the day. However small, any contribution will be greatly appreciated! If you feel you could assist in some way please email pm2006@bigpond.net.au. Many thanks to those who have already offered their help (you do not need to contact me again). I will make contact closer to the time. Pip Fagan
P & C EXECUTIVE Congratulations to the following executive who were elected at last night’s P & C Annual General Meeting. President: Vice President: Secretary: Clothing Pool:
The last opportunity for on time junior soccer registration is this weekend.
Mr Robert Webster Mr Nigel Hazell Mrs Miriam Kelly Mrs Cindy Saxby
The school would like to thank the outgoing executive for all their hard work and wish the new executive all the best for the future. The school would like to acknowledge Mrs Trisha Long for all her hard work in the role of Treasurer for the P & C. over the past seven years. Mrs Long will continue to be the Food Service unit book-keeper. The school would also like to acknowledge Mr Rob Willis for his work as P & C Vice President.
PCYC COWRA Laser Tag Laser Tag runs on Wednesday nights at PCYC’s Young Road complex commencing at 5.30pm. Cost is $5.00 per player and you must be a PCYC member to attend. A Laser Tag gala day will be held on Saturday 5 April with 45 minute sessions commencing on the hour from 10am, with the last session commencing at 3pm. You must book your place for the gala day as spaces are limited to a maximum of 12 players per session (6 players per team). Cost will be $5.00 per player per session. This is an opportunity to get a group of friends together, form a couple of teams and book a timeslot to battle each other with tactics, stealth and teamwork. Junior Disco The next Junior Disco for Kinder to Year 6 children will be held on Friday 28 March from 6pm to 8pm. Entry is $5 and there will be a canteen and sausage sizzle in operation. A sausage sandwich will cost $2. Music and lights provided by Laurie’s Disco. Supervision provided by PCYC Police, staff and volunteers. Junior Basketball Junior Basketball will again be offered on both Monday and Wednesday afternoons in Term 2. This will consist of coaching sessions and games to develop and improve the skills of the younger players. The cost for Junior Basketball will be $30 per player per term for those attending once a week, or you can book for both days for $50 for the school term. Men’s Basketball PCYC is hoping to start a regular Men’s Wednesday night Basketball competition on 7 May. Nomination forms are available at PCYC’s Young Road complex, so guys if you want to start playing full ‘five a side’ matches, start organising your teams now. Nominations will close on 29 April, competition fees will be $60 per player aged 18 and older, $45 per player aged under
18.
PCYC Membership You must be a PCYC member to participate in any of the PCYC activities, yearly membership is $5.00 for under 18’s and $10 for ages 18 and older.
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2014 NRL HOLIDAY CLINIC COWRA
T HE I NAUGURAL W OMBAT B OOKS ILLUSTRATION CHALLENGE - NOW OPEN!
NRL Development will be holding a clinic at Cowra in the upcoming school holidays. Register and pay online at the address below. See information below:
Wombat Books is seeking original illustrations from Australian students to publish in a unique picture book by well-known children’s author Aleesah Darlison. The Challenge has been established to provide aspiring young illustrators with the opportunity to be published in a professionally produced children’s book and gain an introduction into the world of illustrating.
Cowra Holiday Clinic – River Park Cowra 23rd
Date: Wednesday April Time: 10:00am - 12:00pm (Children aged 5-12) Cost: $35 Rugby League Football, Kicking Tee, Carry Bag, Water Bottle, Truckers Cap, Footy Pump, Footy Cards and a One Community Magnet. Contact: Mick Armstrong on 0402892839 marmstrong@nrl.com.au Go to the address below to register and pay online. http:// www.westernnswdevelopment.leaguenet.com.au/
or
SCHOOL HOLIDAY CLINICS
Sydney’s largest school holiday program returns these holidays, with over 50 fun-filled activities to keep your kids active, outdoors and entertained. A range of activities are free or under $20.00, making it affordable to discover Sydney’s most exciting playground these holidays!
One outstanding illustrator will be given the exclusive opportunity to design the cover for the book and will win a cash prize of $200. For full guidelines and entry forms visit: www.wombatbooks.com.au/ competitions
SYDNEY OLYMPIC PARK HOLIDAY PROGRAM
The book, titled Zoo Ball, is scheduled for release in early 2015. Up to twenty winning illustrators will be published in the book and will also receive two free copies of the book and a $50 voucher. They will be acknowledged on the Wombat Books website as a rising illustrator and there may be opportunities for them to illustrate work in the future.
Archery - Kids on Target & little Archers Fizzics Science Workshops All day Holiday Recreational Program Martial Arts for Kids Art, Cooking and Drumming Workshops
Are you looking for some great fun activities for your children to be involved in these April school holidays? AFL NSW/ACT will be running a school holiday clinic for boys and girls aged 4-12. Bathurst: Mon Apr 14 - George Park, Browning Street – 10:00am-12:00pm Orange: Mon Apr 14 – Jack Brabham Park – 2:00-4:00pm Young: Tue Apr 15 – Burrangong Oval, Burrangong Hall Road – 10:00am12:00pm Cowra: Tue Apr 15 – River Park, Vaux Street – 2:00-4:00pm Forbes: Wed Apr 16 – South Circle Oval, King Street – 10:00am-12:00pm Parkes: Wed Apr 16 - Cheney Park, Station Street – 2:00-4:00pm Dubbo: Wed Apr 23 – South Dubbo Oval, Boundary Road – 10:00am12:00pm Mudgee: Wed Apr 23 – Victoria Park, Perry Street – 2:00-4:00pm
Sport & Adventure Camps
* Venues subject to availability
Cheerleading & Gymnastics
COST: $30 includes a NAB AFL Auskick School Auskick bag with synthetic Sherrin football PLUS a drink/snack
Space Racing for Kids Circus Skills & Flying Trapeze
Register by April 7, but pay on the day. To register, go to: www.aflcentralwest.com.au and complete the short online registration. It’s that easy!
… and lots more
Full details at www.kids.inthepark.com.au
No previous AFL experience required – just the willingness to have heaps and heaps of fun.
PO Box 900, Cowra NSW 2794
T/A Lic 2TA5695
Phone: 6342 1021
Fax: 6342 4597
Email: info@cowrabus.com.au
DISNEY ON ICE: 11 July 2014 - Sydney - Expression of Interest
WICKED: 11 October 2014, Capitol Theatre, Sydney - Expression of Interest
COWRA TRAVEL IN CONJUNCTION WITH GO SEE TOURING: Norfolk Island: 9-17 October 2014, Includes 13 activities/tours - Expression of Interest
“Cowra Travel Takes You There”