Cowra Public School NEWS Term 3, Week 8
PRINCIPAL’S REPORT Dear Parents Congratulations to the students who attended the Western Region Athletics carnival in Dubbo last Friday. All students are to be commended for their attitude and behaviour. Two of our students, Bella Scammell and Brody Fiene, were successful in gaining places at the State Carnival to be held in October. Our congratulations and best wishes to them both on this wonderful achievement. We would also like to extend our appreciation to the parents and caregivers who so willingly give their time to enable our students to participate in these events. On Monday morning we farewelled the Stage 2 students as they departed for the Blue Mountains. After two very full days we welcomed the weary but very happy group home. They had a wonderful time and gained a greater understanding of the features and history of this significant area. Thanks to Mrs Macnamarra, Mrs Cobcroft and Mr Murray who escorted the students on their excursion. They complimented all the children on their behaviour and were proud to be
FOR YOUR DIARY
3 September 2015
NSW Department of Education accompanying students.
such
exemplary
On Wednesday Aurora Virtual High School conducted their introductory video conference for the families and students who will be entering the program in 2016. This is an exciting opportunity for our students and another avenue for families to consider when considering high school options. Of course this week leads into that very special time of the year when we celebrate Father’s Day. Mrs Kelly, as part of the P & C initiative, has organised a very successful stall. All classes did some window shopping and are in the process of purchasing that special gift for the important men in their lives. We wish all fathers, grandfathers and carers a very happy Father’s Day. Next week Year 4 will be conducting their Bike Day training. This is an important experience for all students, current and potential bike riders, as they learn the road rules and safety procedures that will make them
responsible road users. At this stage of their development children are becoming more independent and this will assist them greatly as they begin to venture out onto the roads on their own. We hope that all students will be able to participate in the day’s activities. Whilst the term is rapidly drawing to a close there are still many activities scheduled for the next two weeks. One highlight is the PBL Jumping Castle and Giant Slide reward day. Whether we have visitors in our school or are out in public we are regularly complimented on the behaviour of our students. It is a pleasure to be able to celebrate our success in such an enjoyable way. Regards,
Kerry Cole Relieving Principal
ENROL NOW FOR 2016 - Kinder to Year 6
SEPTEMBER 8
Woolworths Earn & Learn ends
9
Stage 3 T20 Cricket
11
Jump Rope for Heart - Primary
15-16
Cowra Show
17
Infants Assembly
17
Primary Assembly
17
PBL Reward Day
18
St 3 Social Skills Day
18
Last day of term 3
The school’s motto is “Knowledge is Power” and the emphasis is on giving every child, every opportunity, every day to support them in reaching their full potential as individuals.
Kinder Orientation Orientation sessions will be held for students commencing Kindergarten in 2016. Sessions will be held from 9.30-11.00am Sessions: Thursday, 8 October Thursday, 15 October Thursday, 22 October Thursday, 29 October
OCTOBER
Kindergarten packages now available at the school office.
5
Public Holiday
6
Students return for Term 4
For more information phone: 6342 2400 or call into the office in Vaux Street.
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
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-.schools.nsw.edu.au DEPT.HEALTH DENTAL CLINIC:
1300 552 208
SCHOOL TERMS FOR 2015 Term 3 Commenced Tuesday, 14 July Concludes Friday, 18 September Term 4 Commences Tuesday, 6 October Concludes Wednesday, 16 December for students
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Cowra Public School
DUE NOW School Fee: $40 per child, with a family maximum of $80. Band Fee Term 3: $20 a term
COMBINED (K-6) ASSEMBLIES The next Combined school assembly (K-6) will be held on: Thursday, 29 October at 2.00pm in the auditorium.
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. Every alternate Thursday (not assembly week) from 12.30pm until 1.00pm the Infants will be holding combined singing in the Infants Open Space.
PRIMARY ASSEMBLIES The Primary will also be holding their assemblies every second Thursday, i.e. even weeks at 2.30pm in the school auditorium.
WOOLWORTHS EARN & LEARN Woolworths Earn and Learn is back. This community program enables school s to earn educational resources when anyone from the school community shops at Woolworths. The program commenced on Wednesday, 15 July. When staff, parents and friends shop at Woolworths they collect stickers to place on their sticker cards. For every $10.00 someone spends at Woolworths they will receive a sticker. Once the sticker cards have been completed they can be placed in a collection box, at either the school or at Woolworths. The program will close on Tuesday, 8 September when all the completed sticker cards are co u n te d an d re tu r n e d to Woolworths. The points collected will be redeemed on resources and equipment.
Stage 3 Excursion to Narrabeen Sport & Rec.: Cost $390 Money can be paid off the excursion at any time. Year 6 T-Shirt: Cost $25.00 School Spectacular ~ Sydney: Cost $25.00 for tickets
COWRA SHOW Cowra Public School will again be having a display stand at the Cowra Show (Tuesday, 15 September and Wednesday 16 September). All classes are finishing off some wonderful work to display at the show. We have some extraordinary talent at our school and the display will showcase the brilliant work our students have completed. All parents are invited to have wander around the stall and have a talk to the staff manning the stall.
SURVEY ~ AND MATHS
CULTURE
Each year the Department of Education requires schools to survey their school community in order to reflect on, inform and facilitate planning to improve student outcomes. This year Cowra Public School will be s u r v e y i n g s ch o ol cul tu r e a nd mathematics. Attached to this newsletter are the two surveys or alternatively you can do the surveys on line. Below are the links to complete the surveys online. We value the input of our community and would encourage everyone to take the opportunity to respond. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BTGGBYV https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/M7BQKD
SCHOOL SPECTACULAR 2015 MATINEE PERFORMANCE Cowra Public School has been selected to be part of the 2015 School Spectacular being held in November. Thirteen of our girls have been chosen to participate in the spectacular on Friday, 27 November and Saturday, 28 November. The spectacular will be holding a matinee performance on Friday, 27 November for school children. As our dance program has over sixty five boys and girls participating at the moment, we would like to give our dance students and Stage 3 students the opportunity to experience the spectacular. The school has purchased tickets for the Friday matinee performance at a reduced rate of $25.00 per ticket and have offered these to the dance students first and now to Stage 3 students. The school is covering the cost of the bus to and from Sydney. The bus will depart Cowra Public School at 6.00am and return at approximately at 8.00pm. As the bus has a capacity to hold fifty five students it will be the first fifty five students who return their permission note along with the $25.00 ticket cost to the school that will get to go. Notes have gone out and these need to be returned ASAP as seats are filling up fast.
YEAR 6 SOUVENIR T-SHIRTS Year 6 students have again shown interest in ordering a Souvenir T-shirt. The t-shirts will cost $25.00 each. They will be gold, with the design (pictured) opposite on the front and all the Year 6 students’ names on the back. The front design and students’ names will be printed in black. If you wish your child to take advantage of this offer please fill in the form (that was sent home) with the size of the t-shirt required and return it to the school with the $25.00. Please measure your child - do not estimate as t-shirts cannot be exchanged. The orders need to be back at school by Friday, 11 September so the orders can be submitted and the t-shirts returned to the school in time for the Year 6 excursion to Sydney.
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STAGE 3 NARRABEEN EXCURSION
PBL REWARD DAY JUMPING CASTLE AND GIANT SLIDE
MONDAY, 16TH FRIDAY, 20TH NOVEMBER
On Thursday 17 September (Week 10) as a PBL Reward Day the school will be having a Jumping Castle and Giant Slide.
The school has this week, purchased rail tickets for those student who have indicated they are definitely participating - i.e. paid the $90 deposit (due 18/6/15).
The castle and slide will be operational from 10.00am until 2.00pm. All students will be able to take part and a roster will be organised next week.
STAGE 3 SOCIAL SKILLS DEVELOPMENT DAY Stage 3 will be holding a Social Skills Day on Friday, 18 September 2015. The students will be departing the school at 11.00am to walk to River Park. Students wishing to purchase lunch from McDonalds will walk across the Low Level bridge from the school. The students will be accompanied to and from River Park and McDonalds by the Stage 3 teachers. The students will return to school at approximately 3.00pm. Children should: Wear comfortable shoes Bring their own recess Bring their own lunch OR purchase McDonald’s Should wear casual clothes and bring sunscreen and a drink. Activities: Sporting equipment will be provided, however, children may bring their own. Compulsory: Hat Sunscreen Covered walking shoes (joggers) Casual clothes - no bare shoulders Drinks
FINAL DATE for full payment Thursday, 29th October. A part refund will be made on medical grounds only.
Payments can be made at any time, however we have listed the remaining instalment dates below: $50 : Thursday, 3rd September $50 : Thursday, 17th September $50 : Thursday, 15th October $50 : (or balance outstanding) Thursday, 29th October
COWRA HIGH SCHOOL GIFTED & TALENTED PROGRAM Commencing in 2016, Cowra High School will be offering a program that will give high performing students the competitive edge they need to excel in their chosen study beyond high school.
The school will be holding an information session for interested parents tonight, Thursday, 3 September 2015 in the school library commencing at 6.30pm. For the 2016 GaT program, all Year 7-9 students currently in the top classes will be tested for the program. If you are parent/caregiver of a current year 6 student, separate testing will occur on Friday, 11 September at 9.30am at Cowra Public School.
Stage 3 Teachers
PREMIER’S SPELLING BEE PARTICIPANTS
If you wish your child to sit the test please fill in the amended form sent home and return it to Cowra Public School.
PREMIER’S SPELLING BEE
Archie Osborne
Tahlee-Pearl Beckett
Cowra Public School has been invited to participate in the Premier’s Spelling Bee competition for students in two age divisions: Junior - Year 3 and 4 Senior - Year 5 and 6 Archie Osborne, Tahlee-Pearl Beckett, Madeleine Mulligan and Jessica Henderson have been selected to represent Cowra Public School. The Regional finals will be held on Wednesday, 9 September at Millthorpe Public School One winner from each Regional Final across the state will then proceed to the State Finals to be held in Sydney. The Junior competition will run from 9.30am-11.30am The Senior competition will run from 12.30pm-2.30pm. Transport to and from Millthorpe will be by private car.
Madeleine Mulligan
Jessica Henderson
Debbie Cobcroft Spelling Bee Coordinator
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Cowra Public School
KINDERGARTEN STUDENTS FOR THE MONTH OF AUGUST
Aurelia Williams ~ KM
Jannali Robinson-Reid ~ KW
YEAR 4 ROAD SAFETY PROGRAM CYCLING SKILLS
-
Many children ride bicycles, yet have little idea of basic cycling skills and safety, either off or on the roads. Each year children’s lives are lost in cycling accidents. Many of the accidents do not involve another moving vehicle and could be prevented through improved knowledge, skills and attitude. As part of our road safety program, we are conducting a halfday session of cycling activities at school for Year 4. To gain full benefit from the program, children with bicycles and Standards Association of Australia approved cycling safety helmets should bring them to school on Wednesday, 9 September 2015. The helmet must be worn in the interests of safety and it is now the law. Children should try to arrange to borrow a helmet for the day if they do not own one. All helmets brought to school should have the child’s name on them. These basic cycling skills and safety lessons DO NOT INCLUDE CYCLING ON THE ROAD. All lessons will be conducted in the school playground. Their aim is to improve cycling safety. Please check your child’s bicycle for safety and discuss the way in which you would like your child to transport the bicycle to school. Parental help in the supervision and instruction of children would be most gratefully appreciated. The course will run from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and again from 2:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m., on Wednesday, 9 September 2015. Children who are not able to get a bike to school for this day are encouraged to make arrangements to share a friend’s bike in order to participate in the bike safety activities. A permission note has gone home. Please complete and return to school if you wish your child to take part in this safety program. Albert Murray Bike Coordinator
Lachlan White ~ KR
SPORT SPORT NEWS! This is the last week for normal Primary sport as the Jump Rope for Heart Jump Off Day takes place next Friday (Week 9) and the Stage 3 Social Skills / Stage 2 Tabloids day will take place on Friday of Week 10. Please note that sport groups are permanent and no changes can be accommodated. Students who play the sports below will need to pay their money to the school office tomorrow morning. Netball: $2.00 pw Skate boarding/scootering: $2.00 pw Golf: $8.00 pw Laser Tag: $5.00 pw Shavuaghn Duncan PE/Sport
T20 CRICKET DAY On Wednesday, 9 September, the Cowra Junior Cricket Association and Cricket NSW have organised a T20 Cricket Day at Holman Oval (Junior League Grounds) in Cowra. The day will commence at 9.00am and will run to 2.45pm. Children will return to school at the end of the cricket. All Stage 3 students have been invited to participate in the day. Children will need to bring al food and drink for the day. Hats and sunscreen are recommended. Students will need to wear their sports uniform. Cricket gear will be provided, although students may bring their own gear if they wish. Students will be accompanied by the Stage 3 teachers and will be walking to and from Holman Oval.
COWRA PSSA DISTRICT ATHLETICS CARNIVAL
REGIONAL ATHLETICS REPRESENTATIVES
Last Friday, twenty three of our students travelled to Dubbo to compete as part of the Cowra District team in the Regional Athletics Carnival. It was a long day for all competitors and their families and as always, our students performed with sportsmanship and enthusiasm. Brody Fiene and Isabella Scammell were successful in gaining a place in the Western Region team who will compete at the State Carnival taking place at Homebush, Sydney on the 14 and 15 October. Not only did Brody and Bella put in a fine performance on Friday but they were the only students from the Cowra District (Boorowa, Grenfell, Canowindra, Small School, Mulyan and Cowra Public) to make the Regional team! Congratulations to them both and a huge thank you to those parents who took time out of their busy schedule to transport their children to Dubbo. I would also very much like to thank those families who provided transport for other children in order for them to compete. Your assistance is greatly appreciated. Shavuaghn Duncan PE/Sport
JUMP ROPE FOR HEART Jump Rope for Heart is coming! Friday, 11 September is our “Jump Off Day” and will replace normal Friday afternoon sport. All students should have received a sponsorship form by now and I encourage everyone to aim to achieve a particular fundraising goal in order to earn a great prize and raise some much needed funds for the National Heart Foundation! The quickest and easiest way to fundraise is online. Find out how at www.heartfoundation.org/aujumprope for heart. Fundraising begins now and all funds are due to the school (excluding online donations) by Friday, 18 September. Anyone needing a sponsorship form should see Mrs Duncan ASAP.
P&C
Isabella Scammell
COWRA LOCAL AECG
Brody Fiene
(Cowra Aboriginal
Education Consultative Group)
Meeting Notice Date: Monday 7 September 2015 Time: 2.00pm Venue: Cowra Public School Aboriginal community members and parent/ carers of Aboriginal students at all schools in Cowra and surrounding areas are warmly invited to attend. Afternoon tea will be provided. Beatrice Murray AECG President
COMMUNITY FATHER’S DAY STALL
Community Morning Tea Free Every Friday 10.30am to 11.30am Everyone Welcome
A gift to say “I love you”, “Appreciate you” or just “Thanks”; Do some chores, save some cash, or raid your piggy banks!
Cowra Information & Neighbourhood Centre
15 Vaux Street COWRA For more information call us on 6340 1100
Tomorrow, the P & C will be hosting a Father’s Day Stall. If your child has not bought a gift already, tomorrow is the last day for purchasing. *** all new, exciting products*** Up to 2-3 gifts per student. All gifts $2.00 - $5.00
Cowra Information & Neighbourhood Centre
COMMUNITY continued
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LITTLE ATHLETICS REGISTRATIONS It’s that time of year again! Little Athletics Cowra invites all children aged between Under 6’s and Under 17’s to join our family friendly sporting association.
SPOIL YOUR DAD ON FATHERS’ DAY
Sunday September 6th 12:00 noon to 2:30pm
OASIS RESTAURANT (Civic Motor Inn, 20 Young Road)
Two course menu
Registration dates are Thursday, 10 and 17 September and also Monday, 14 September between 4 – 6 pm at the Triathlon canteen, Twigg Oval or you can register online at www.lansw.com.au. Children born before September 2012 are eligible to join The Tiny Tots, fees remain at $80. Under 6’s – Under 17’s remain at $85. Registrations for a third child will have a discount of $5. Club shirts may be purchased at Mr Embroidery. Shorts are to be black with no logos. An orientation day will be held on Thursday, 8 October at 5:30pm. Why not come along learn some new skills and make new friends all while being active and having fun.
A choice of roasts and all the trimmings plus sweets and a complimentary glass of local wine for every Father
Little Athletics is a totally voluntary organisation. Parental assistance is vital for the smooth and successful running of activities on Thursday afternoons. We encourage all parents to not just drop off their, children but to stay and volunteer and be a part of your child’s athletics afternoon. If we don’t have enough volunteers we can’t run all the events the children love to do.
$30 per person Book early 6341 1753
The season begins on Thursday, 15 October. A later start time of 5:30pm has been implemented to help parents who work late to be involved. For any other information please feel free to call Tracey (Secretary) on 0427 423 460 or Russell ( President ) on 0417 658 210.
COMMUNITY continued
Cowra Public School
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SAFER DRIVER COURSE: Butch’s A1 Driving School is the coach for Module 2 of this course held at the RFS/SES shed on the Airport Rd Cowra. MARCH: Saturday, 7th @ 9.00am APRIL: Saturday, 11th @ 9.00am MAY: Saturday, 23rd @ 9.00am JUNE: Saturday, 27th @ 9.00am
PO Box 900, Cowra NSW 2794 T/A Lic 2TA5695 Email: info@cowrabus.com.au
Phone: 6342 1021 Fax: 6342 4597 Web: http:www.cowrabus.com.au
LORD OF THE DANCE: Saturday, 10 October, 2015, Canberra Theatre, Canberra - $150.00
FLORIADE: Saturday, 10 October, 2015, Canberra - $55.00
MATILDA: SATURDAY, 31 October 2015, Lyric Theatre, Sydney, $220.00
BATHURST SPRING SPECTACULAR: Saturday, 31 October 2015. Heritage Homes and Gardens Expression of interest
SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN: Saturday, 6 August 2016, Lyric Theatre, Sydney - $190.00
EDINBURGH MILITARY TATTOO: 13-15 February, 2016, Etihad Stadium, Melbourne, Expression of interest - $665.00
“Cowra Travel Takes you There”
STAGE 2 EXCURSION TO THE BLUE MOUNTAINS The Stage Two teachers would like to say a big thank you to the parents who gave us the privilege of taking their children on our Blue Mountains Excursion this week. The students followed our school expectations of being on task, respectful and safe throughout the excursion. It made us very proud to have tour guides, venue managers and members of the public complement our students on their exemplary manners and behaviour. The teachers were especially pleased that all the children were in their beds and asleep by 9.45pm! Some of the highlights of the excursion, in the students’ words were: The Scenic Railway was popular because it was a bit scary going down the steep hill (the steepest in the world) and it was dark! The bushwalks were popular because we learnt about different plant species, we saw old coal mines and tools used, and we saw lyrebirds. Jenolan Caves were interesting and exciting because there was a cave where there were skeletons of a bat and a wombat, the crystal cave was magnificent and we could touch some crystals, we saw stalagmites and stalactites, there was a rock wallaby hopping inside one cave and lots of different light effects. Govett’s Leap had excellent views and on the bushwalk there we learned lots about the plants and animals. Some people got to try bush tucker. We saw scar trees. The gift shop at Scenic World had lots of interesting games, toys and souvenirs. We enjoyed the bus trip, especially when the teachers gave out lollies! Stage 2 teachers
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