Cowra Public School NEWS PRINCIPAL’S REPORT
5 February 2015
Term 1, Week 2
Dear Parents This week the students of Cowra Public School have adjusted to their new classes well and I am delighted in the manner in which the classes are operating. All students are following our PBL expectations of being Safe, On task and Respectful. Kindergarten have enjoyed their week at school with the teachers introducing a number of very exciting lessons and working hard in establishing our structure and processes to the children. A huge thank you goes to the Mums and Dads of the new children of the school, for assisting their children in the afternoon during their first few weeks. Today we held our first assembly of the year which was mostly a practise assembly for students. Every two weeks we will be having an assembly and we welcome parents and friends to attend.
FOR YOUR DIARY FEBRUARY 11
Infants Parent Information Night (Kinder - 4.30-5.00pm) (Stage 1 (Yrs 1 & 2) - 5.00-5.30pm)
11
Scripture classes commence
12
St 2 Parent Information Night (3/4) 5.30pm in St 2 Open Space
12
St 3 Parent Information Night (5/6) 6.30pm
13
CPS Swimming Carnival
13
Book Club Closes
17
School Photographs
19
Combined Assembly 2.00pm
20
District Swimming Carnival - Canowindra
26
Paul Kelly Cup - Stage 3
MARCH 3
State Library visit
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
NSW Department of Education and Communities
Tomorrow the school will be having the captains and kindergarten student photographs taken for the Guardian newspaper. All students are to be in full uniform for the photo please. This is a keepsake for many parents.
On Thursday,12 February the school will be hosting the Penrith Panthers as a NRL visit to the school. This commences at 11.30 and if you are a fan of the Panthers feel free to come and sit in on the event.
On Monday the school is holding a Keep NSW Beautiful session for classes from each Stage. This is a highly successful program that highlights the advantages of recycling and reducing waste.
Soon the school will be asking for parent helpers to put their name forward to assist in reading and similar activities. Please start thinking about being involved in such ac ti vi ti es. We greatl y appreciate the work our parents do in providing time to assist and support student learning.
Next week the school will be passing out instruments to our new band members for 2015. Nearly all students previously in the school band will continue with lessons this year and we are excited to have the skills and expertise of Mrs Maryann Wright leading our group once again. New members have submitted their expressions of interest and we are aligning the students to the instruments availability. Cowra Public is very proud to provide our students with the opportunity of playing in a band and appreciate the children’s dedication to learning. Next week the school will be holding the Parent Information nights. This is an opportunity for parents to meet their child’s teacher and hear what will be happening in the class and the school. On Wednesday between 4.30 and 5 pm Kindergarten will hold their meetings in the Kindergarten rooms. This will be followed from 5pm – 5.30pm by Years 1 and 2 holding their talks, also in the classrooms. On Thursday the older students will have their Parent Information night starting at 5.30pm for Years 3 and 4 in the down stairs Open Space. After, at 6.30pm, the Stage 3 classes will be held in Mrs Hilton’s room. This is an important meeting as the plans for the year are outlined including the major excursions being held.
Next week on Friday we will be holding the annual swimming carnival and we look forward to seeing the children chase some of the long standing records on the day. Once again we welcome parents to become involved in the day as spectators and possibly competitors in the parent race. One very big event this year will be the school Fete that is being held on the Friday, 20 March. This is always a great event and we hope to have parents attend but also become involved as part of the P&C team that organises the night. We are not looking for a huge outlay of time but more for assistance leading up to the night or even an hour on the night. More information will be provided over the next few weeks.
Enjoy the week.
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
Cowra Public School
Page 2
SCHOOL PHOTOGRAPHS Photographs will be taken on Tuesday, 17 February. Students will be photographed in classes.
SCHOOL TERMS FOR 2015
Arrangement are a little different this year with NO envelopes being sent home. Each students will receive a slip of paper with their unique code on it.
Term 1
Commenced Wednesday, 28 January Concludes Thursday 2 April Term 2 Commences Tuesday, 21 April Concludes Friday, 26 June Term 3 Commences Tuesday, 14 July Concludes Friday, 18 September Term 4 Commences Tuesday, 6 October Concludes Wednesday, 16 December for students
These codes will not be handed out on photo day, rather approximately 2-3 weeks after the photo day, when the job is ready to be uploaded. All orders will come through our system, with no paper orders necessary. All orders placed within 21 days will be returned to the school, but any orders after that time will be posted direct to customers. Family envelopes will still be provided in the office for those wishing to order family photos. These CAN be ordered online also. To order a family photo online you just add an “F” to the eldest child’s order. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call and ask. number for Cliff Dykes Photography is 6342 3070.
Phone
ALL students are photographed, regardless of orders, and parents can order all through the years but a late fee will apply. Parents can then go online and view the photographs before buying. Background colours can also be changed. Parents can pay by credit card or paypal. There will be a cut off time and photographs will be delivered back to the school for distribution.
BUS TRAVEL Bus application forms are available from the front office. All Kindergarten to Year 2 students are entitled to FREE travel, irrespective of distance. All Year 3 students who travel by bus need to fill in a new bus form.
PRIMARY PARENT INFORMATION SESSIONS
INFORMATION SESSIONS
Thursday, 12 February
Wednesday, 11 February
5.30pm Stage 2 parents (Years 3 & 4) in in Stage 2 Open Space
Kindergarten, Year 1 and Year 2 parents
EMAILING OF NEWSLETTERS The Cowra Public School newsletter is available via email and can also be seen on the Cowra Public School “Web” page each week. Go online and have a look. http:// www.cowra.p.schools.nsw.ed u.au. If you would like a coloured copy of the newsletter emailed to you, please contact the school with your email address.
INFANTS PARENT
6.30pm Stage 3 parents (Years 5 & 6) Enter via entrance.
Vaux
Street,
Western
4.30-5.00pm Kindergarten in individual classrooms end
Parents you are invited to attend a general information session to inform you about Stage organisation and happenings in primary for 2015. H1-2 will be holding individual meetings with parents in lieu of Stage meetings. Mrs Hopkins will advise parents of the date and time.
5.00-5.30pm Stage 1 (Years 1 & 2) in individual classrooms Parents are invited to attend an information session to inform you about class and Stage organisation for 2015. This will not cover specific information about individual children, however you are always welcome to arrange a meeting with your child’s class teacher. Meetings will be held in individual teachers’ rooms. We look forward to your attendance on this evening.
Cowra Public School
YEAR 6 TRANSITION TO HIGH SCHOOL Year 6 transition to High School will commence on Tuesday, 10 February and will continue each Tuesday throughout Terms 1, 2, 3 and 4. Students will access lessons from the science and technology syllabus, the music syllabus and the visual arts syllabus and will follow the same content and outcomes as students in Stage 3. Staff from Cowra Public School will accompany the students each Tuesday. This transition program has been put in place to support students as they move from Primary to High School. Students will leave Cowra Public School at 2.00pm and will leave for home from the High School using their usual means of transport. Travel to the High School will be by bus. There is no cost to parents for the bus travel. Students are required to wear full school uniform (including fully enclosed black leather shoes). This is an OH&S requirement. Should you have any enquiries regarding this or any other matter, please do not hesitate to contact the school as we are happy to help. Thank you for your continued support.
COMBINED (K-6) ASSEMBLIES This Term the school will be holding 2 combined (K-6) assemblies: Thursday, 19 February at 2.00pm in the auditorium. Thursday, 19 March at 2.00pm in the auditorium. Primary and Infants Aussies of the Month will be presented at these assemblies and Merit Certificates awarded. Everyone is welcome to attend.
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. Everyone is welcome to come along to any of these assemblies or singing afternoons.
Page 3
IS YOUR CHILD GETTING TO SCHOOL ON TIME? If your child is:
10 minutes late for school each day, that equals 7 days learning time lost for your child in the year!
1/2 hour late for school each day, that equals over 21 days, or 4 weeks, of learning time lost for your child! REMEMBER: CLASS BEGIN AT 9.10AM If your child is late to school, they must be signed in by AN ADULT and obtain a slip to give to their teacher. The sign in book can be found on the front counter of the school office - or ask at the desk.
BAND PROGRAM The Band program will continue again this year. Notes have been sent home this week to all Primary students who are interested in continuing with the band or who are interested in joining our band program. The children will be required to complete a commitment agreement stating that they understand that they are required to practise during the week. The school is also asking parents to sign a commitment agreement stating that they agree to provide suitable care of the instruments for the duration of the year. As Cowra Public School is committed to providing this opportunity to all Primary students the cost has been kept to a minimum. Students will receive tutoring throughout the year. The cost of the instrument hire is capped at $80.00 which can be paid to the school over the year at $20.00 per term. The students will be given the instrument in good working order and will be expected to care for the instrument. Band will be held each Monday at school and children will be required to bring their instruments without fail. If you have any enquiries, please contact the school for more details.
ABORIGINAL HOMEWORK CENTRE The Aboriginal Homework Centre will run on Tuesday’s from 3.30pm until 5.00pm at Cowra High School. This year the centre will be opening up the Homework Centre for non-Aboriginal students who may required a space to complete their homework with teacher assistance. The Homework Centre will commence next week (Week 3).
CHANGE OF ADDRESS/ PHONE NUMBER If you have recently changed your address or phone number please inform the school office promptly . In the case of an emergency we need the correct contact details .
Term 1, Week 2 Page 4
SPORT SPORTING ACTIVITIES FOR TERM 1
Our sporting calendar commences very early on in Term 1 and the first major event for our school is the Annual Swimming Carnival which takes place on Friday, 13 February at the Cowra Aquatic Centre. All students in Year 3-6 are expected and encouraged to attend. The entry fee is $2.00 unless your child has a season pass. There will be a variety of novelty activities for non-swimmers to take part in as well as the usual events. These include the 100m, 50m freestyle, the backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly and medley events. 25m races will also take place. All entries for events will be taken at HOUSE MEETINGS to be held next Wednesday, 4 February at 2.30pm and every event is a timed final i.e. the fastest times across the heats gain places. Every child will have the opportunity to get wet and have some fun (those Year 2 students who are turning 8 years of age this year and are competitive swimmers are eligible to enter a race but need to see Mrs Duncan to discuss it with her). Parental assistance is a vital part of our carnival and we welcome any assistance from family or community members. Please indicate on the slip attached to this newsletter if you can be of assistance. If you are new to the school or just moving into Primary and need more information please contact Mrs Duncan on 6342 2400 for assistance. Shavaughn Duncan PE/Sport District Carnival is on Friday, 20 February at Canowindra Pool. More information will be forwarded in the next couple of weeks.
Program for Swimming Carnival 1
Boys All Age 100m Freestyle
21
Boys Junior Backstroke
2
Girls All Age 100m Freestyle
22
Girls Junior Backstroke
3
Boys 8 years Freestyle
23
Boys 11 years Backstroke
4
Girls 8 years Freestyle
24
Girls 11 years Backstroke
5
Boys 9 years Freestyle
25
Boys 12/13 years Backstroke
6
Girls 9 years Freestyle
26
Girls 12/13 years Backstroke
7
Boys 10 years Freestyle
27
Novelty event - Cork scramble
8
Girls 10 years Freestyle
28
Boys Junior Butterfly
9
Boys 11 years Freestyle
29
Girls Junior Butterfly
10
Girls 11 years Freestyle
30
Boys 11 years Butterfly
11
Boys 12 years Freestyle
31
Girls 11 years Butterfly
12
Girls 12 years Freestyle
32
Boys 12/13 years Butterfly
13
Novelty event - Noodle races
33
Girls 12/13 years Butterfly
14
Boys Junior Breaststroke
34
Novelty event - 25m races
15
Girls Junior Breaststroke
35
Junior Medley 4 x50m Boys
16
Boys 11 years Breaststroke
36
Junior Medley 4 x50m Girls
17
Girls 11 years Breaststroke
37
Senior Medley 4 x 50m Boys
18
Boys 12/13 years Breaststroke
38
Senior Medley 4 x 50m Girls
19
Girls 12/13 years Breaststroke
39
House relays (if time allows)
20
Novelty event - Kickboard races
Cowra Public School SWIMMING CARNIVAL ~ OFFER OF ASSISTANCE Friday, 13 February 2015 from 9.45am - 3.00pm Dear Mrs Duncan I am happy to assist with the Annual Swimming Carnival Friday, 13 February 2015, from 9.45am until 3.00pm OR *please specify ………………………………………….. Name: (please print)
…………………………………………………………………………….……………………….
Phone:
………………………………………..
SPORT continued
P. & C continued
COWRA POOL CANTEEN
CANTEEN ASSISTANCE
HOT FOOD Bucket of chips Bucket of wedges
The P&C Association run our school’s canteen and offer an affordable and healthy service to students and staff. All profits made in our canteen are spent on projects within our school.
$3.50 $3.50
SNACK BOXES - $5.50 (4 different snacks) 4 nuggets. Chips & sauce
2 fish cocktails, chips & tartare sauce 2 calamari, chips & tartare sauce Wedges, sour cream & sweet chilli sauce
Meat pie Pasties Sausage roll Spinach & Ricotta s/roll
$3.60 $3.60 $2.50 $2.50
Scallops Fish cocktail Calamari Chicko roll Chicken nuggets 5 for
$1.00 $1.00 $1.00 $3.00 $3.00
Sauce
.30c
Orders need to be in by 11.00am
NRL COMMUNITY CARNIVAL NRL Development in conjunction with the Penrith Panthers will be conducting its annual Community Carnival on Thursday, 12 February from 11.30am-12.10pm at Cowra Public School. The Community Carnival involves NRL players visiting country areas to promote Rugby League and various key messages relevant to primary school students. The focus of this year’s carnival is “Wellbeing” and will reinforce the importance of physical activity, nutrition and mental wellbeing in a young person’s life. There will a NRL Clinic at River Park on Thursday, February from 4.-00-5.00pm and everyone is welcome.
P. & C
The P & C will again be holding a FETE. The FETE is scheduled for Friday, 20 March 2015 commencing at 5.00pm in the school grounds. This will be the P & C’s major fundraiser for the year and all proceeds from the FETE will go towards your child’s education so please mark the date down on your calendar.
Please consider running a stall or assisting with a stall. A list of stalls available will be sent home shortly.
If you can assist in any way, please fill out the form below and return it to the school.
Our canteen manger, Lisa Willis desperately needs volunteers to assist in running the canteen this year. Please consider spending one day a month or term volunteering. It is a great way to keep in touch with your children and their friends. Volunteer assistance is needed from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. daily OR perhaps 9.00am until 11.00am to make the lunches. If you could assist, please ring the school or see Lisa in the canteen. The canteen menu is attached to this newsletter.
CANTEEN PRICE LIST There is an amended Canteen Price list attached to this newsletter. There will be no party pies, sausage rolls or pies for the rest of summer.
CLOTHING POOL The school runs a very well equipped Clothing Pool. The Clothing Pool is run by the canteen manager, Mrs Lisa Willis. Lisa is available to show parents the stock at any time. Please be mindful that Lisa is extremely busy before school taking lunch orders etc. and at recess and lunch times. The clothing pool has girl’s summer uniforms, boy’s shorts and shirts and both boy’s and girl’s sports clothes. The clothing pool also stocks chair bags and library bags. If any parent has school clothing in good condition they wish to sell, please label the clothing with your name and phone number along with the amount you wish to sell it for. The P & C take a small commission on the sale.
~~ 6 weeks to go ~~
FRIDAY 20 MARCH 2015 5pm in the school grounds
COMING VERY SOON …….. Mark the date in your diaries – the P&C’s major fund raising activity for 2015 is only 6 weeks away. All funds raised from the fete will be used on projects that benefit all children at our school - there are things you can be doing now to help our fete committee ..... WE NEED YOUR HELP!—we can’t run a fete without help so please consider donating an hour or two of your time on fete night. The P&C need help before and after the fete to set up and pack up, as well as helpers to work on the stalls over the fete’s duration. If you can help in any way, please fill out the form in next week’s newsletter and return it to school before the end of Term. Many hands make light work! If you can spare a few hours on Fete Day please complete the form on page 7 of this newsletter and return it to the school ASAP. JAZZY JARS How the stall works: Families donate jars full of exciting things - foodstuffs (lollies etc.) must be wrapped. At the Fete you purchase a ticket at the Jazzy Jar stall You win the jar with the same number as your ticket ALL TICKETS WIN A JAR! The Infants class and Primary class contributing the most jars will receive a reward for each child in the class. Stuck for ideas?? We accept any jars which have usable goods inside.
Some suggestions - pencils, crayons, erasers, seeds, wrapped lollies, wrapped chocolates, bird seed, small soaps, dog biscuits, toy cars, rings, bracelets, hair bands or clips, combs, candles, pens, sewing items, pegs, playdough, pins, screws or nails...the list is endless. If you can fit it in a jar—send it in!
Plastic or glass jars are acceptable. Last Fete we had over 800 jars!!
MARKET STALL HOLDERS—do you have a product or service that you want to sell? Our fete gives you the opportunity to peddle your wares at a very affordable price. If you are interested in having a stall at our fete, please contact the school office. HAUNTED HOUSE –ENTER ONLY IF YOU DARE. The famed CPS HAUNTED HOUSE will return to the Fete, with plans underway for it to be spookier and scarier than ever! This attraction is one of the children’s favourite, but it does need a few hours of setting up so if you have some creative flair and are not afraid of the dark, please get in touch with the P&C. Also wanted - any ex Halloween props and decorations, scary ghosts or spider webs - please leave your donations at the school office. BOOK STALL – You can donate any preloved books, magazines (in good condition), video games or DVDs to our school for our book stall. Books can be left at the school office leading up to Christmas. Make some room at your place and donate them to us! OTHER ATTRACTIONS – Dance performances, student art displays, face painting, fun activities for all ages, insane balloon fun, chocolate wheel, school merchandise, EXCELLENT FOOD and much, much more. PLAN A FUN EVENING OUT WITH YOUR FAMILY AT OUR FETE ON MARCH 20 !!!
AFL CLINIC Yesterday AFL Australia visited our school for a clinic to teach students about the game of Australian Football (AFL). This was the first time Kindergarten students had the opportunity to be involved in activities outside their normal classroom. By the look of the faces on the Kindergarten children they all seemed to thoroughly enjoy their day.
COMMUNITY OOSH AFTERCARE 2015
SOUTHERN CROSS CINEMA
COWRA TENNIS
CANTEEN ROSTER 9/2/15
10/2/15
11/2/15
Cindy Newsome
Cindy Saxby
Melissa Andersen
12/2/15
13/2/15 Kim Meeuwisse
P. & C. FETE Offer of Assistance Friday, 20 March 2015
~ Many hands make light work! ~ Dear P&C Fete Committee I am able to assist as indicated below: I am able to run a stall or assist with a stall. I am able to help setup during the afternoon, from 3.00pm I am able to help pack up at the conclusion of the Fete at 8.00pm Name: __________________________________________
Telephone _______________________
Any suggestions: ____________________________________________________________________________________
COMMUNITY
United Fusion Inc. United Fusion will be running a two year program of workshops for Cowra students (aged 5 to 18 years), across many facets of the Creative Arts. Industry experts will travel to Cowra to provide tuition across vocal, instrumental, scriptwriting, stage makeup, sound and lighting, set and costume design, dance and drama. All workshops will have a common theme and will culminate in 2016 with a production at the Cowra Japanese Gardens. If you would like more information about these workshops, United Fusion has a Facebook page where people can find information. The school has a copy of the programs being offered this year if you would a copy. United Fusion email: unitedfusioncowra@gmail.com Contact person: Alison Buckley/Victoria Gordan
PO Box 900, Cowra NSW 2794 T/A Lic 2TA5695 Email: info@cowrabus.com.au LES MISERABLES: Saturday, 13 June 2015, Capitol Theatre, Sydney - $220.00
Phone: 6342 1021 Fax: 6342 4597 Web: http:www.cowrabus.com.au MATILDA: Saturday, 12 September 2015, Lyric Theatre, Sydney, $220.00
ZEALAND NORTH & SOUTH ISLAND: 18 days - Numerous activities included. Departing from Cowra 6th March, 2015. Returning to Cowra 23rd March, 2015. From $5,750.00 twin share
“Cowra Travel Takes you There”
Cowra Public School
SUMMER CANTEEN MENU ~ PLEASE NOTE: NO CREDIT FACILITIES EXIST ~ Prices effective from Wednesday, 28 January 2015 and subject to change RECESS PURCHASES are
made directly from the canteen during the recess break
ALL LUNCH ORDERS MUST BE WRITTEN ON A PAPER BAG AND HANDED IN AT THE CANTEEN BETWEEN 8.45 AND 9.10 A.M.
***PLEASE NOTE: YOU WILL BE CHARGED 0.20 IF YOU DON’T HAVE A LUNCH BAG***
EVERYDAY HEALTHY CHOICES SNACKS Carrot Stick 1/4 Orange Celery Cheese Slinky Apples Vanilla Custard
.05 .10 .10 .20 .60 1.50
Seasonal Fruit Popcorn
.50 1.00
SANDWICHES, ROLLS & WRAPS (please specify wholemeal or white) Baked Beans 2.30 Ham 3.00 y Health Spaghetti 2.30 Tomato 2.00 Vegemite 1.50 Egg 2.00 Cheese 2.00 Ham & Salad 4.00 Chicken (fresh) 3.50 Salad (no meat) 3.00 Chicken & Salad 4.00 Salad Bowl 4.50 Salad Bowl with meat 5.00 ** To have additional sandwich fillings, add 10cents to the basic sandwich price for each additional filling. Extras include tomato sauce, pickles, mayonnaise and having the sandwich toasted. ** Bread rolls & wraps cost .30 cents extra.
HOT FOOD Spaghetti Bolognaise Lasagne Fish & Salad
DRINKS Water (large) Water (small) Flavoured Milk Up & Go
4.20 4.20 4.50
1.40 1.00 1.70 2.20
OCCASIONAL FOODS These foods should be ordered infrequently for children as a treat
FOOD Chicken Nuggets ( max. 6) Chicken Crackles (max. 6) Pizza Singles (lunch only)
0.50 each 0.50 each 2.50
Extras Tomato, BBQ, Sweet & Sour 0.40 each Sauces (limit2) DRINKS Frozen Juice
0.70
Large Juice Poppers
3.00 1.20
Shaky Shake
2.00
SNACKS Snakatas JJ’s JJ’s Noodles Frozen Juice Paddle Pops Quelch Sticks Mini Callippo
1.00 1.20 1.00 0.70 1.60 0.50 1.00
Ice Cream Cup Icy twist
1.30 1.60
** Please note that ice creams are available at lunch only.