Cowra Public School NEWS
PRINCIPAL’S REPORT Dear Parents This week we are all ready to cheer on our swimmers who will be competing in the Cowra District Swimming Carnival tomorrow. Cowra Public School has 28 swimmers competing and we are sure that many will place or win, but we are certain that all of our children will give their best. Good luck to the team and to Mrs Duncan who is coordinating the day. I would like to mention and thank the work involved in the administration of this carnival and the hours the dedicated team organised by Mrs Duncan have done to make the event a success. All parents are welcome to attend the day to cheer and we look forward to seeing your support. This week started well before the children had even arrived at school with the front page of the Cowra Guardian highlighting the opening of the new ramp at Cowra Public School. Justin Saxby and his sister Sophie took the honours of cutting the ribbon and being the first children to use the ramp. This is seen as a great investment in our school and one that will benefit all students and parents from now. Yesterday the school hosted a number of NRL players from the Canberra Raiders who were travelling through to Orange as part of their Pre- Season program. The players met with the children and spoke about nutrition and lifestyle to encourage healthy life choices. Mr Murray coordinated the event and the children enjoyed the experience.
FOR YOUR DIARY FEBRUARY 19
District Swimming Carnival-Cowra
22
School photographs
MARCH 4
Regional Swimming Carnival - Dubbo
9
Infants Parent/Teacher interviews
10
Primary Parent/Teacher interviews
12
Festival of International Understanding
14
AECG Meeting 2.00pm CPS
17
Combined K-6 Assembly
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 8.40am
Term 1, Week 4
18 February 2016
NSW Department of Education and Communities Next week on Monday the school will be having SCHOOL PHOTOS. All children are to be in full summer uniform and we hope everyone will bring their best smile on the day. Photos can be purchased on-line through Cliff Dykes Photography. Information will be given out on this in the next few weeks.
for both boys and girls groups. These workshops are available to children who are highly interested in dance with the details being found at NSW Education Arts Unit webpage under dance workshops. This is an individual activity for students and parents must apply soon if interested.
It is always a pleasure to walk new parents around our school and all areas highlight the wonderful facilities and programs run at the school. One area that we often don’t talk about however is our amazing canteen. Mrs Willis has been running the school canteen at Cowra Public School for 16 years and in that time has seen many changes to the school and the canteen itself. The canteen was refurbished in 2012 and now boasts one of the best equipped facilities in the western area. Mrs Willis has always strived to be innovative with the school menu, offering healthy choices to children throughout the year and I can honestly say that Mrs Willis is a tireless worker who always goes out of her way to welcome each and every child with a smile. The Cowra Public School Canteen is a P&C run operation and we are extremely lucky to be able to offer this service to the school 5 days per week. Soon the canteen is looking at commencing weekly MEAL DEAL DAYS with some great food selections on offer. We hope parents take the opportunity to support our great canteen on these days while providing their child with a very special lunch. Costs will be kept low to assist parents. The school is also looking at some other exciting ideas involving the canteen. The canteen is always looking for parents who would like to become involved in the school and what a great way to get to know the children and staff. Please let Mrs Willis know if you are available on any day as all assistance is appreciated.
Finally I would like to invite parents to the first P&C meeting of the year which will be held on Wednesday, 24 February. The meeting starts at 6pm and usually goes for an hour. These meetings are a great source of information in relation to school direction and planning and I encourage any parent to come along to join the P&C team.
The school often gets a host of offers at this time of year by organisations across the state to be involved in and one such opportunity presented itself just last week. The Arts Unit of the NSW Education Dept from Sydney are offering several dance workshops that highlight extension dance
Enjoy the week.
Bradley Tom
P & C Meeting Wednesday, 24 February 6.00pm in staffroom
Justin Saxby and Sophie Saxby with Mr Tom cutting the ribbon to open our “NEW RAMP”
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
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ASSEMBLIES COMBINED (K-6) ASSEMBLIES SCHOOL TERMS FOR 2016 Term 1
Commenced Thursday, 28 January Concludes Friday, 8 April Term 2 Commences Wednesday, 27 April Concludes Friday, 1 July Term 3 Commences Tuesday, 19 July Concludes Friday, 23September Term 4 Commences Monday, 10 October Concludes Friday, 16 December for students
This Term the school will be holding 2 combined (K-6) Assemblies Thursday, 18 February at 2.00pm in the auditorium.
Commencing
on
The next Combined assembly will be on Thursday, 17 March at 2.00pm in the auditorium. Everyone is welcome to attend. Primary and Infants Aussies of the Month will be presented at the assemblies on Thursday, 18 February and Thursday, 17 March. Merit certificates will also be awarded on these days.
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 2.00pm until 3.00pm 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 ICAS (INTERNATIONAL COMPETITIONS AND
ASSESSMENTS FOR SCHOOLS The University of NSW offers entries into these annual assessments in the following subject areas, cost as indicated: Digital Technologies $8 Science $8 Writing $17 Spelling $11 English $8 Mathematics $8
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 along with the PBL awards will also be presented on the day. Everyone is welcome to come along to any of these assemblies or singing afternoons.
WHY CAN’T I SKIP MY 20 MINUTES OF READING TONIGHT? Student “A” reads 20 minutes each day 3600 minutes in a school year
Student “B” reads 5 minutes each day 900 minutes in a school year
Student “C” reads 1 minute each day 180 minutes in a school year
Entry is invited from students in Years 3 to 6. Assessment dates are as follows: Digi Tech 17/5/16 Science 31/5/16 Spelling 15/6/16 Writing 13-17/6/16 English 2/8/16 Maths 16/8/16 ENTRIES for all competitions close with the school office on Friday, 1st April.
By the end of 6th grade Student “A” will have read the equivalent of 60 whole school days. Student “B” will have read only 12 school days. Which student would you expect to have a better vocabulary? Which student would you expect to be more successful in school...and in life?
Phone: 63423070 Email: cliff@Cliffdykes.com.au
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SCHOOL PWebsite: HOTOGRAPHS
www.cliffdykes.com.au
Next Monday, 22 February 2016
PAYMENT NOW DUE:
Dear Parents of Cowra Public School
SCHOOL FEES - $40 per child (Family maximum $80)
Your photo day is: Monday 22th February
The prompt payment of school fees would be greatly appreciated. We keep fees to a minimum - $40 a child, which equates to approximately 20c a day. Funds raised are used to purchase classroom essentials such as exercise books, readers etc.
This year you will not receive an order envelope. All images will be uploaded to our online site for preview & purchase, approx. 2 weeks after photo day. Not only can you view your child’s photo before placing an order, you can also select from our range of backgrounds. On photo day each child will receive a card with their unique shoot key. The shoot keys will not be activated until Tuesday 8th March. This allows us time to match and check all the photos before uploading commences.
BAND : $25 a term - Term 1 now due These funds are used to purchase musical instruments.
EMBROIDING SCHOOL HATS Mr Embroidery will label student’s school hats with their names for only $3.00. This will enable lost hats to be returned to their rightful owner.
How to order when shoot keys are
COWRA FESTIVAL OF INTERNATIONAL UNDERSTANDING EXPRESSION OF INTEREST activated: Go to our Website
www.cliffdykes.com.au
Cowra Public School will again be participating in the Cowra Festival of International Understanding parade on Saturday, 12 March 2016. Select “Order Online” and enter your shoot key Any child is interested in being of this event needs to fill in the form below and return it to the school by Monday 22 Click onwho your child’s image & part select your preferred February. background Parents need to be aware it does require some costuming. The theme for this year is “Tonga” and we have some great ideas for Selectthat your package how the children can be dressed. Any assistance from parents in the making of some costume parts/props or help on the day would be Ifvery youmuch wishappreciated. to enter another child’s code, just click “Change Shoot” from the menu Children will be walking as part of Cowra Public School group this year (NO FLOAT) and will be required to walk quietly and safely throughout Once the youparade. have completed your orders, go to checkout. PARADE TIMES: before Tuesday 22nd March All packages 11.15 am ordered Assemble at Brougham Park will be returned the School 12.00 noon Paradeto will travel along Darling Street, Kendal Street and finish at River Park. Please provide your child with a bottle of water, as it can get quite warm while waiting for the parade to start. Children are to be picked up from River Park immediately after the parade. Parents will need to ensure their child is at Brougham Park at 11.15am on the day and collect their child immediately after the parade.
COWRA FESTIVAL OF INTERNATIONAL UNDERSTANDING - FESTIVAL WALK PERMISSION NOTE I give permission for my child _______________________________________ in ___________ class to participate in the Cowra Festival of International Understanding Festival walk to be held on Saturday, 12 March 2016.
I understand that the children will be walking as a school group and this will involve travel down Darling Street, Kendal Street and finish at River Park.
I understand that the students need to meet at Brougham Park at 11.15am.
I understand that the students will be supervised by an adult when walking.
I understand that the children will be required to walk quietly and safely throughout the parade and will discuss this with my child.
I understand that the children need to be picked up from River Park immediately after the parade.
Signed: __________________________________ Parent/Carer
Date:________________________
Library News Infants at the Library Infants students attend the library during class time once a week. During this time the students do borrowing and quiet reading and technology lessons. Kindy students borrow one book and Year 1 & 2 can borrow two books of their choosing. Infants require a library bag from home to borrow. This can be as simple as a plastic bag with the student’s name on it. In Term 1 Infants students will be practising the following skills during their technology lessons:
Book Week 2016 Book Week is not until Term 3, but you might like to get your thinking cap on for a costume. The theme for book week this year is:
Australia: Story Country
Kindergarten: Using a mouse. If you have access to a computer with a mouse it would be most beneficial for your child to practise using a mouse. If you Google ‘mouse skills games’ you will find lots of age appropriate games that are designed to help children to develop mouse skills like single clicking, double clicking, scrolling and drag and drop.
Typing their name. It would be beneficial if you are able to allow your child to practise typing their name.
Using Paint.
Year 1 &2
Revising logging in, mouse skills and opening and using a program.
Typing Skills
Year 2—taking a digital photo and manipulating digital photo
Regards Sheridan Oborn: sheridan.oborn@det.nsw.edu.au Trish Long: trisha.long2@det.nsw.edu.au
2016 Library Monitors Congratulations to the students selected to be library monitors in 2016.
Tobi Casey, Madison Forbes, Eliza Mulligan, Tom Carter, Francesco Adattini, Josie Muddle, Nakeya Ryan, Djakai Reid, Madison O'Brien, Mathew Scott, Alex Shaw, Hollie Baker, Tahlee-Pearl Beckett, Krystal White, Nikolai Paki, Lucy Scammell. These students are well behaved, hard working, organised and will be a great help to us in the library. We look forward to working with you all over the year. Library monitor badges will be presented at the Primary assembly in Week 6.
SURPRISE! On Monday lunchtime, Stage 2/3 students got a real surprise when Senior Constable Holmes called in and spoke to the students at length and even had a game of cricket with the students. Senior Constable Holmes also called in at Cowra Public School and played with the Infants students at lunchtime. Thanks Senior Constable Homes. What a treat for the students.
SPORT PSSA DISTRICT SWIMMING CARNIVAL Tomorrow twenty eight students from Cowra Public School will compete in the Cowra District PSSA Swimming Carnival. The athletes will walk down to the Aquatic Centre accompanied by Cowra Public School staff. Students will come to school as usual and will leave straight after roll call at 9.10am. Swimmers MUST compete in ALL events in which they are nominated. This is a PSSA requirement. Parents are very welcome to attend and may collect their children at the end of the Carnival. Please advise a teacher if you are taking your child early. All events are timed finals. All heats and finals are seeded according to entry times. Each heat will have six swimmers. Swimmers who come first, second or third in any event are eligible to attend the Regional Carnival provided third place is competitive. The Regional Carnival will be held at Dubbo on Friday, 4 March commencing at 9.00am. As there will be no bus organised individuals are to arrange their own transport to Dubbo. We wish all the swimmers the best of luck tomorrow.
SPORT TERM 1
DISTRICT TEAM
Infants sports commenced last week. Years 1 and 2 are working in groups developing their physical and social skills this term. They are enjoying soccer skills, t-ball, parachute games, running relays, throwing and catching and obstacle course activities.
Boys
Girls
Joshua Anslow Corey Cartwright Dean Cartwright Gary Cheng Zander De Wet Henry Fagan Mitchell Graham Myles Miller Sasha Paki Jake Roberts Baxter Sellenthin Charlie Sturgiss McKay Sullivan Mac Webster
Jada Buchan Kaili Buckley Keira Buckley Coco Chambers Imogen Chambers Amelia Clements Cailin McKay Hannah McKay Zoe McKay Ella Meeuwisse Chloe Muddle Alice Mulligan Eliza Mulligan Lucy Scammell
Primary sport also commenced last Friday and involved a range of games and activities which each class rotating through over the course of the term. These included: discuss, shot-put and long jump (in preparation for the Athletics Carnival in Week 10), cricket, soccer, softball, athletics novelty events, ball games, running games and parachute games. Sport will take place at 10.10am-11.10am each Friday morning.
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SPORT continued Boys
SWIMMING CARNIVAL RESULTS Boys
Girls
8 years 50m freestyle 1st
Charlie Sturgiss
Alice Mulligan
2nd
Zoe McKay
3rd
Taamara Paki
9 years 50m freestyle 1st
McKay Sullivan
Kaili Buckley
2nd
Henry Fagan
Chloe Muddle
3rd
Liam Saunders
Jemima Scammell
10 years 50m freestyle 1st
Dean Cartwright
Jada Buchan
2nd
Zander De Wit
Hannah McKay
3rd
Sasha Paki
Coco Chambers
11 years 50m freestyle 1st
Jake Roberts
Imogen Chambers
2nd
Joshua Anslow
Lucy Scammell
3rd
Hayden Gailey
Eliza Mulligan
Girls
Senior backstroke 1st
Mac Webster
Ella Meeuwisse
2nd
Gary Cheng
Cailin McKay
3rd
Myles Miller
Amelia Clements
Junior butterfly 1st
Jada Buchan
2nd
Hannah McKay
3rd
Annabelle Sturgiss
11 years butterfly 1st
Jake Roberts
Lucy Scammell
2nd
Joshua Anslow
Imogen Chambers
3rd
Senior butterfly 1st
Mac Webster
Cailin McKay
2nd
Myles Miller
Amelia Clements
3rd
Tyahla Munro
Junior individual medley 12 years 50m freestyle 1st
Mac Webster
Cailin McKay
2nd
Corey Cartwright
Ella Meeuwisse
3rd
Mitchell Graham
Amelia Clements
Junior breaststroke 1st
Henry Fagan
Jada Buchan
2nd
Zander De Wet
Keira Buckley
3rd
Jacob Graham
Hannah McKay
1st
Jada Buchan
2nd
Hannah McKay
Senior individual medley 1st
Mac Webster
Cailin McKay
2nd
Jake Roberts
Lucy Scammell
3rd
Imogen Chambers
All age 100m freestyle 1st
Mac Webster
Cailin McKay
11 year breaststroke
2nd
Jake Roberts
Imogen Chambers
Jake Roberts
3rd
Gary Cheng
Lucy Scammell
Imogen Chambers
2nd
Lucy Scammell
3rd
Jacqueline Long
Senior breaststroke 1st
1st
Mac Webster
AGE CHAMPIONS Junior
Henry Fagan
Jada Buchan
11 year
Jake Roberts
Lucy Scammell Imogen Chambers
Cailin McKay
2nd
Amelia Clements
3rd
Ella Meeuwisse
Senior
Mac Webster
Cailin McKay
Record Junior backstroke 1st
Baxter Sellenthin
Coco Chambers
2nd
Henry Fagan
Jada Buchan
3rd
Keira Buckley
11 years backstroke
Junior Girls Medley
Time
Jada Buchan
4:21:21
Champion House
Brigalow
All Age Relay
1st
Jake Roberts
Lucy Scammell
1st
Myall
Brigalow
2nd
Joshua Anslow
Imogen Chambers
2nd
Wandoo
Myall
3rd
Hayden Gailey
Eliza Mulligan
3rd
Kurrajong
Kurrajong
P&C
COWRA PLAY RUGBY UNION
The P & C will be holding their FIRST MEETING FOR 2016 on Wednesday, 24 February at 6.00pm in the school staff room.
WHAT IS THE P&C? P&C stands for Parents and Citizens, and Cowra Public School’s P&C Association meets once a month on Thursday evenings. The objective of the P&C is to provide parents, carers and concerned citizens an opportunity to discuss aspects of their child’s education with the school’s Principal and other staff. P&C’s are often seen by the wider community primarily as fund raising committees. Whilst there are many activities that the P&C engage in to raise funds for extras in the schools, our primary focus is providing parents with an avenue to constructively discuss any aspects of their child’s schooling with school staff. The P&C usually meet on the third Thursday of each month, and the next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, 24 February at 6.00 pm in the school staff room.
We would love to see some new Kindergarten parents at the meeting!!!
CANTEEN 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. The school is seeking volunteers to work in the school canteen. There are going to be exciting new menus and more hands make light work. Please see Lisa Willis in the canteen if you can assist in any way. Volunteer assistance is needed from 9.00am until 2.00pm daily OR perhaps 9.00am until 11.00am to make the lunches. With the new “Meal Deals” going to be offered, volunteers with fresh ideas and creativity would be most appreciated. This is a great way to meet other parents and enjoy a day with the children at Cowra Public School.
Have you played a team sport before but never get a go? Are you short or tall or big or rangy? Never get noticed on a playing field? Ever heard of Rugby Union? Well it sounds like you have a spot in Rugby Union, the game they play in heaven and Cowra. You will have to train on a Thursday night and games are played on Saturdays. There is travelling involved but the coach has his bus license and will get you there for a small fee. Now is the time to step up and say ‘I’m having a go”. Don’t worry about your iPod, iPad, Xbox and whatever….you’ll be in the thick of attack and defence, playing hard and fast, as you work with your team mates to let them know you’re Cowra boys and you mean business. You will learn new skills in Rugby. It’s not that hard. If you can run and catch and kick and tackle you’re in. If you think you can’t then the coaches will teach you because there is no such word as can’t. For the parents…..please feel free to contact me on my mobile and email below. The Cowra Rugby club are putting together the Under 13’s and it would be sensational if you and your son were to be involved with our club. We are not an elitist group. We are here to grow the game but more importantly we want to be part of your son’s development as a boy and to teach him the art of Rugby but most importantly the life skills that he will need in his journey. We are a family and we drive our club under the ethos of including the family. If you are interested please do not hesitate to contact me. Damien Stephenson, Under 13’s coach Cowra Junior Rugby Club Mob: 0409 426601 Email: d.js@bigpond.com
WANTED! CLEANERS Casual cleaners are wanted for Cowra Holiday Park, Cowra Phone 0425 213 827
PO Box 900, Cowra NSW 2794 T/A Lic 2TA5695 Phone: 6342 1021 Fax: 6342 4597 Email: info@cowrabus.com.au Web: http:www.cowrabus.com.au
ROYAL EASTER SHOW: Saturday, 19 March 2016, Sydney: Expression of Interest
FIDDLER ON THE ROOF: Saturday, 9 April, 2106, Capitol Theatre, Sydney: $190.00
GHOST: Saturday, 23 April, 2016, Theatre Royal, Sydney: $195.00 WE WILL ROCK YOU: Saturday, 14 May, 2016: Lyric Theatre, Sydney: $190.00 GEORGIE GIRL: Saturday, 4 June 2016, State Theatre, Sydney: $195.00
SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN: Saturday, 6 August 2016, Lyric Theatre, Sydney: $190.00
MY FAIR LADY: Saturday, 8 October 2016, Sydney Opera House, Sydney: $240.00
“Cowra Travel Takes you There”