PRINCIPAL’S REPORT
Cowra Public School NEWS 4 September 2014
Term 3, Week 8
Dear Parents What a fantastic day! Today we have enjoyed a school wide PBL reward in the form of a giant slide and jumping castle. The children and staff had a great time bouncing, sliding and most of all laughing. This reward has been provided as recognition of the wonderful response the students have displayed during the year in our PBL expectations that highlight our three goals of being Respectful, On Task and Safe. Our school has an outstanding reputation for our consistent, nurturing approach to life skill lessons based on values. This week the school has received the NAPLAN results for Years 3 and 5 and parents will receive their child’s results today. The school has made strong growth with many students showing large increases in the grading levels from Year 3 to Year 5. At Cowra Public School all children participate in this national test. If you would like to discuss your child’s results please do not hesitate to come to the school for a meeting. Often the results can be confusing, so please feel free to come in. Archikidz will be in full swing next week and to say we are excited is an
FOR YOUR DIARY
NSW Department of Education and Communities understatement. As mentioned in previous newsletters Archikidz is a hands on program based around architecture and design. Fifty students from Cowra Public School and 300 students, in total, from right across the Cowra district will be involved in this unique program over three days. On Wednesday, Archikidz kicks off with Stage 2 students travelling out to the Corridor Project venue at Riverslea Woolshed. The day will involve up to 30 volunteers who are all involved in the field of engineering, architecture and design and teaching. Many of the volunteers are giving their time from their regular positions and a large number are travelling from Sydney to be involved. I would like to thank Emma Rees-Raaijmakers, founder of Archikidz in Australia and Phoebe and Dylan Gower, from the Corridor Project, for their tireless work in organising this truly wonderful event. I would encourage all parents and children who will be going to the Cowra Show next week to take the time to visit the Cowra Public School stall. Our stall will be displaying artwork and students' work in a visual extravaganza. A huge thank you to our wonderful staff members who will be manning the stall. In the last week of the term the Cowra P&C will be holding their major event for 2014, being a BINGO night. This event is going to be a lot of fun with over $1500 in prizes on offer. The night will be held on Thursday, 18
SEPTEMBER 5
Father’s Day Stall
9-10
Cowra Show
10-12
Archikidz
11
P & C Meeting 6.00pm
15
Premier’s Spelling Bee
16
Canteen Red Day
17
KR & KW Japanese Gardens
18
P & C Bingo Night
19
Stage 3 Social Skills Day
19
LAST DAY OF TERM
Lastly but most importantly I would like to acknowledge the significant milestone reached by one of the most valued members of the Cowra Public School team. Mrs Marilyn Crossley has been formally recognised for her tremendous service to the education of children of Cowra for 30 years. Mrs Crossley has been the first person that people meet at CPS for a number of years and has been in charge of school finances and general organisation of all administration. Mrs Crossley goes above and beyond for the students and staff of Cowra Public School and is often one of the first arriving and last to leave each day. I congratulate Marilyn and sincerely thank her for her commitment to her position and the students of Cowra Public School. Brad Tom
P & C Meeting ~ Thursday 11 September at 6.00pm
Students return
CONTACTING THE SCHOOL Administration Office Hours:
As Sunday represents one of, if not the most important day of the year, I would like to wish all the Fathers a very happy Fathers Day. A big thank you goes to Miriam Kelly for organising the Fathers Day stall during the week.
Mrs Marilyn Crossley is pictured with her husband, Doug and her mother, Win receiving her thirty year certificate for service to the NSW Education
SEPTEMBER 7
September starting with a BBQ at 6.00pm then proceeding into the Bingo at 7.00pm. More information is detailed in the newsletter and we encourage everyone (children and parents) to come along.
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-p.schools.nsw.edu.au DEPT.HEALTH DENTAL CLINIC:
1300 552 208
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Cowra Public School
STAGE 3 SOCIAL SKILLS DEVELOPMENT DAY Friday, 19 September 2014
INFANTS ASSEMBLIES
Stage 3 will be holding a Social Skills Day on Friday, 19 September 2014
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.
We 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.
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.
COMBINED ASSEMBLY 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.
NOW ACCEPTING PAYMENT FOR:
SCHOOL CONTRIBUTION: $30 per student, with a family maximum of $60. Payment would be appreciated this term.
BAND: $10 per term
STAGE 3 EXCURSION TO CANBERRA: Next instalment Thursday 18 September: $50.00 Total cost: $272.00
KINDERGARTEN JAPANESE GARDENS : $8.00 Closes Friday 12 September YEAR 6 T-SHIRTS: $25.00 Closes tomorrow.
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
A permission note has been sent home and this needs to be filled in and returned to school before Wednesday, 17 September.
NSW PREMIER’S SPELLING BEE Our school has once again entered the NSW Premier’s Spelling Bee. The spelling bee will be held on Monday 15 September at Raglan Public School, Bathurst. The competition will be held in two stage divisions: Junior Division (Year 3 and 4). Congratulations to Mac Webster and Archie Osborne who represent Cowra Public School in this section. Senior Division (Year 4 and 5). Congratulations to Jessica Henderson and Tess Roberts who will represent Cowra Public School in this section.
KINDERGARTEN EXCURSION TO JAPANESE GARDENS ~ PAYMENT OF $8.00 BY FRIDAY 12 SEPTEMBER On Wednesday, 17 September students in KR and KW have the opportunity to visit the Japanese Garden for Sakura Matsuri (Cherry Blossom Festival). The cost of $8.00 per student and should be paid to the school office by Friday, 12 September. This will cover admission to the Garden, activities and bus travel. The children will walk back to school. We will be leaving the school grounds at 9.45 a.m. In small groups we will walk through the Garden, take part in various activities and then enjoy a picnic lunch at Billy Goat Hill Park. Recess, lunch and a drink in a disposable container (poppa type), will need to be packed in a small back pack. Due to the large number of children expected to attend on the day, parents are unable to accompany us on this occasion. The students will be divided into small groups and supervised by school staff. Parents are however, very welcome to join us at Billy Goat Hill Park at approximately 1:00 p.m. and bring along their picnic lunch. Children may wear casual clothes and joggers, no sandals or thongs please, as we will be walking back to school in the afternoon. Don’t forget sunscreen and a hat.
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Cowra Public School
SPORT
YEAR 6 SOUVENIR T-SHIRT Year 6 students have shown interest in ordering a Souvenir T-Shirt.
REGIONAL ATHLETICS CARNIVAL
The t-shirts will cost $25 each. They will be gold, with the design pictured here on the front and all the Year 6 students’ names on the back. The front design and students’ names will be printed in black.
Fifteen of our students travelled to Dubbo last Friday to represent the school and the Cowra District in the Western Region PSSA Athletics Carnival.
Year 6 Teachers
LAST DAY FOR PAYMENT TOMORROW
It was a very early start to the day for our athletes and their families followed by a busy and tiring day of competition and then travel home. Congratulations to everyone who competed and especially to Cambell White, Marcus O’Connor and Chloe Wolfenden who qualified to go to the State Athletics at Homebush on 15, 16 October.
CAMP QUALITY VISIT Next Monday, 8 September Camp Quality will be visiting the school on their way through from Mittagong to Newcastle raising funds for Camp Quality. The riders will be giving a talk about Camp Quality ( who they are, what they do and why they are doing the ride) and showing their bikes. There will be question time available for students.
A special mention and a big thank you to Hallie Wolfenden who replaced a member of the junior Boys’ Relay team who was too ill to compete. Hallie put on a huge effort to run in two relays and was glad to do so. Well done Hallie!
ALL STUDENTS ARE ASKED FOR A GOLD COIN DONATION TO GO TOWARDS CAMP QUALITY.
Thank you to all the family and friends who accompanied the team, particularly those who gave a lift to other students.
STAGE 2 BIKE DAY
As always our students competed with enthusiasm and good sportsmanship and according to the District team manager, Mrs Johnson were a pleasure to deal with.
Last Thursday Year 4 students participated in various activities designed to improve their bike riding skills. All students who participated thoroughly enjoyed the day. Congratulations to all Year 4 students involved for participating responsibly in this program.
Well done CPS! Regional team:
Special thanks to the staff from the PCYC, Vicki Edwards, Chantelle Tompkins, Liz McKay, Kelly Collins and the school prefects.
CPS DANCE GROUP Unfortunately the Cowra Public School Dance Group will not be performing at the Cowra Show Spectacular this year. The Cowra Show Society is not holding a school spectacular at this time. The girls are a little disappointed as they have been practising really hard over the last few weeks.
Gary Cheng Joel Edgerton Chloe Horne Luke Kinsey Madeleine Mulligan Kyle Murray Marcus O’Connor Joshua Palmer
Natasha Planicka Joshua Pokoney Isabella Scammell Mac Webster Cambell White Chloe Wolfenden Hallie Wolfenden
Shavaughn Duncan PE/Sport
OUR STATE ATHLETICS REPRESENTATIVES
The girls will be performing at Bilyara Nursing Home some time next term. The students who were going to the Archikidz still go on the day they were allocated.
SUPERVISION BEFORE SCHOOL There is NO playground supervision of students at school before 8,45am every morning. Teaching staff do not come on duty before this time and it is not safe to send your child to school without proper supervision. If for any reason you need to have your child dropped off early in an emergency, please contact the front office and your child will be looked after in the office until a teacher comes on duty.
Chloe Wolfenden
Marcus O’Connor
Cambell White
SPORT ~ TOMORROW If your child is going to the skate park or the netball oval for sport tomorrow they need to pay $3.00 to the school office before school commences. If your child does not pay they will be given another sport for the week.
SPORT continued TENNIS COMPETITION Cowra Public School tennis team is to play in a combined tennis competition against St Raphael’s and Mulyan Public School at the Cowra Tennis Courts on Thursday, 18 September 2014 A permission note has been sent home to the children involved. Information: Play will be from 9.30am - 1.00pm (players will then return to school. School sports uniform is to be worn. (hat and sunscreen is essential) Cost is $5.00 per player. (pay to Mr Lewis with the permission note) Players will assemble at school at 9.15am, then travel by private car to Cowra Tennis Courts. Mr Paul Lewis will accompany the team and parental assistance would be much appreciated.
COMMUNITY SCOUTS AT THE COWRA SHOW Come and see the Scouts when you’re at the Show next Wednesday. There’s some wild and crazy stuff to try out (if you dare!)
SCRAPBOOKING CLASSES The Cowra Information and Neighbourhood Centre will be running scrapbooking classes on either Monday or Friday. If you interested please leave your name and number with reception and which day you prefer for the classes. All you will need to bring are photo’s and some scrapbooking supplies you wish to use. Cutting mat, scissors, glue etc. will be provided. If you have any questions please call Rhee on 6340 1100.
P&C
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P & C MEETING Thursday, 11 September at 6.00pm in staffroom All welcome
FATHER’S DAY STALL The Infants children will have the opportunity to purchase a present for their fathers/grandfathers tomorrow. Any Primary student who forgot their money today can also have the opportunity to purchase a gift tomorrow. This will be a great opportunity for Infants students to participate in some independent shopping. All gifts are priced between $2.00 and $5.00 and there is a great variety of gifts to choose from. Some gifts are labelled for Dad and Grandfather and the rest are unlabelled. There has been approximately 700 items ordered, so there is stock for students to purchase more than one gift. Gifts all come gift boxed, cello wrapped, in a pouch or on a card and will be placed in plastic shopping bags once purchased.
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Thursday, 18 September 2014 Over $1,500 in prizes to be won!!! Where: School Auditorium Time: 7.00 p.m. (Doors open at 6.30pm) Cost: $3.00 per book (20 games) $15.00 for a sheet (6 books — 120 games) ** purchased at the door
All Welcome BBQ available from 6.00pm ** Sausage sandwiches ** Steak sandwiches ** Chicken kebabs Tea, Coffee, popcorn & canteen available Children must be accompanied by a parent or adult All funds raised on the evening will be used by the P & C towards your child’s education
PBL Reward Day Jumping Castle and Giant Slide
Cowra Public School
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GRENFELL GOLDFEST Saturday, 27 September 2014 10.00am—2.00pm Main St, Grenfell NSW Bring your friends and family and step back in time to the 1860’s when gold was first discovered at the Grenfell Gold Fest.
Bushranger re-enactments Hand spinning Vintage car and truck display Live music historical artefact displays Lace making Local art galleries & museums open Blacksmith demonstrations Gold planning & rock display
KIDSFLIX (ARTHRITIS & OSTEOPOROSIS NSW) Arthritis & Osteoporosis NSW is hosting a Kidsflix event at Bathurst on Saturday, 18 October. Kidsflix is a free event for children and young people living with a chronic illness, disability or in a disadvantaged situation and their family. The morning consists of children’s face painting from 9.00am10.00am followed by the movies Planes: Fire and Rescue, with each person attending provided with a drink and popcorn to complete their movie experience. The best part is that it is all free. The invited child’s immediate family (i.e. siblings, parents, carers) are also part of the experience at no cost. The school has application forms and more information about this day if you are interested in attending. Applications need to be returned by Friday, 3 October via mail, fax or email.
PO Box 900, Cowra NSW 2794 Phone: 6342 1021
T/A Lic 2TA5695 Fax: 6342 4597
Email: info@cowrabus.com.au Web: http:www.cowrabus.com.au AUSTRALIAN GARDEN SHOW: Saturday, 6th September, Centennial Park, Sydney EXPRESSION OF INTEREST
WICKED: 11th October 2014, Capitol Theatre, Sydney - $210.00
BJORN AGAIN: 25th October, 2014: Canberra Theatre - $130.00
DIRTY DANCING: Saturday, 6th Decembmer, 2014: Lyric Theatre, Sydney - $190.00
2015 AUSTRALIAN TENNIS OPEN: Friday, 23rd January-Monday 26th January, 2015: Book early. EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST
NEW ZEALND 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”