121 PACIFIC HIGHWAY, OURIMBAH 2258 PHONE: 4362 1033 FAX: 4362 2531

Email: ourimbah-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au

Web: www.ourimbah-p.schools.nsw.edu.au

Koala WEDNESDAY, 18th November 2009 Platypus

DATES TO REMEMBER

CANBERRA EXCURSION – WELL DONE! Thanks again to our teachers for providing a great opportunity for our Year 6 students last week during the excursion to Canberra. I am sure students will have shared with you the highlights and challenges this experience presented.

PRIDE IN OUR SCHOOL As we come to the final weeks of the 2009 learning year, and the final days in primary school for our Year 6 students, it is important that the focus is still on making the most of the educational opportunities and providing a role model for our junior students. There is still a lot to be done and we want all students to enjoy the end of year experiences. Ourimbah School has always been acknowledged throughout the Central Coast as a school with high expectations academically, socially, physically and behaviourally. In the past Ourimbah has been known as the jewel of the Central Coast schools. This has been largely due to the dedication of teachers and the wonderful support we have had from our families in maintaining these standards. At Ourimbah we work with students to help them understand the values which are part of our school culture and integral to the Department of Education and Training. We all demonstrate our values in the way we behave and the choices that we make. Our school has high expectations about how students demonstrate their pride in the school. Our school has an agreed uniform policy with parents and our standards have been traditionally very high. We are demonstrating pride in our school and pride in ourselves when we wear the uniform. The P&C and the Uniform shop along with our Student Representative Council work hard to provide great service and options in line with this policy.

DATE EVENT

23rd November Interrelate evening – 2 sessions 6.30pm and 7.45pm

25th November Yr 2 Swimming - ongoing

25th November Kinder 2010 Visit

26th November Band playing at Kibble Park at 6pm

26th November School Spectacular rehearsal

27th November School Spectacular – Matinee for school students 1pm Evening Performance 8pm

28th November School Spectacular – Matinee 2pm Evening Performance 8pm

2nd December P&C Meeting 7pm in staffroom

3rd December Parent Helpers and Scripture Teachers morning tea

4th December Magpie Picnic

STAFF PARKING ONLY Please remember the staff car park is not to be used for the dropping off or picking up of children unless special permission has been given. The RSL Club car park is the official drop off zone.

Over the last year there has been a group of students who constantly attend school without wearing the correct uniform. Predominantly this is the wearing of inappropriate hats. We are now seeing lots of jewellery that poses OHS risks, make up and nail polish. None of these items are acceptable and we ask you to ensure your children are coming to school in the correct uniform and with appropriate presentation. When representing our school at outside venues it is mandatory for full school uniform to be worn. To participate in school sport or play it is mandatory for students to wear school hats; otherwise they need to be in shaded and passive areas only. Sometimes it is difficult as parents to provide strong guidance with children in these matters. However, we ask you to support our strong policies which have underpinned a very proud Ourimbah Public School. LAST DAY OF TERM 4 2009 The last day of school for 2009 is Wednesday 16th December. For the first time the Department of Education and Training has allocated two days designated for Professional Learning and Planning at the end of the year. On the 17th and 18th December, Ourimbah staff will be involved in professional learning in the areas of Maths and ICT (Information Communication Technology), with particular focus on (IWB) Interactive Whiteboard Technology). As you are aware, Ourimbah School now has 11 IWBs. With all new technology, it is very important that staff have time to become familiar with their applications. This is only a starting point, but it is time well spent. Pamela Avery - Principal CLASSROOM AWARDS K-2 Week 4 – Ebonee Olzomer, Charlie Cook KB, Connor Browne, Aiden McGonigal KMB, Chloe Buonanova, Oliver Reid KG, Nikolas Tubinovic, Cassidy Adams 1A, Kayla Giffin, Will Clark-Cotto 1HM, Jasmine Anderson-Ireland, Jayden Findlay 1/2J, Toby Francis, Georgia Morris 1/2C, Joshua Hughes, Bayden Thomas 2P, Juan Aspitia, Bela East 2M, Corey Slattery, Aiden McLean Library, Jordan Malloy, Ben Ellicott Music. Week 5 – Jake Farr, Harrison Turner KB, Diesel Mauger, Vanessa Bouffier KMB, Gemma Dickens, Corey Ingram KG, Justin Bouffier, Sara De Mouilpied 1A, Kye Drennan, Elizabeth Howarth 1HM, Kira Chapman, Aden East 1/2J, Jessica Sim, Angel Pocock 1/2C, Amber Dickens, Tamia Ropoama 2P, Georgia Levi, Zach Gowans 2M, Zac Jamieson 2F, Cassidy Crichton, Eleanor Lowe Library, Auron Madigan, Sharni Mason Music, Campbell Duddy, Josh Drummond Technology.

CLASSROOM AWARDS 3-6 Week 4 – Brooke Farr, Joseph Kennedy 2/3F, Hayley Tink-Cox, Issac Drennan 3D, Elizabeth Parker, Lachlan Grant 3/4J, Chloe Richards, Matthew Peden 4A, Samantha Coutts-Bain, Thomas Harrison 4/5H, Emily Bradley, Harrison Cole 5C, Hannah Box, Silas Collard Music. Week 5 – Ethan Frazer 3F, Lucinda Adams-Dolling, Harry Lofthouse 3D, Daniel Bowyer, Ellen Small 3/4J, Venessa Doherty, Holly Sommerville 4A, Jordan Sluiter, Charlotte Elford 4/5H, Corey Nash, Kate Breakspear 5C, Simone Best, Harry McDermott 5/6E, Josh Fenning, Brendan Smith 6S, Samuel Newing-Stern, Edyn Dening 6B, Cassidy Guest, Danny Conway Library, Tara Deveril, April Montgomery Music 10 MAGPIE AWARDS K-2 Jakob Madden, Damon King, Tarah Griffith, Luke Fenwick-Taylor, Jorja McMahon, Brianna Wood, Laylah Shoobridge, David Cook, Hannah Lowe 10 MAGPIE AWARDS 3-6 Jackson Browne, Kaleb Varley, Kristen Barry, Kalisha Chidgey, Alex Smith, Elliot Betts, Reece Stace, Ruby Roussos, Casey Chidgey, Hugh Littlefield, Trae Boyton 15 MAGPIE AWARDS K-2 Ethan Lange, Georgia Levi, Corey Fenning, Maddison Turner, Thomas Walter, Harrison Turner, Jay Cameron, Patrick Mullen, Kye Drennan, Zach Waterson, Jamie Smith, Bethany McConnell, Elzika Linea, James Bennett 15 MAGPIE AWARDS 3-6 Bronte Lee Brook, Issac Drennan, Georgie Matthews, Callum Scott, William Schmarr, Mason Pudsey, Cory Powell, Sophie Young, Zeke Gallaway, Silas Collard, Jackson Jacobs, Tylah Bowcock, Brontee Godden, Emily Bradley, Luke Carver, Dustin Whitelum, Aoidhan Gaughran, Daniel Breakspear, Mitchel De Meyer, Timothy Gooley, Tyler Seymour, Kody O’Bryan, Jackson Browne, Lucinda Adams-Dolling, John Barry, Shae-Lee Polidano 20 MAGPIE AWARDS K-2 Brianna Duthie, Aimee McMahon, Isobel Heffernan, Connor Worth, Max Grenier, Vanessa Bouffier, Connor Browne, Diesel Mauger, Eden Duddy, Kate Murray, Delta Graham, Charlie Cook, Ben Ellicott, Shannon Troy, Daniel Kelly, Laura Escott, Bela East, Ashleigh McMahon, Hannah Drew, Toby Francis, Jaxon Forster, Joshua Drummond, Kasey Troy, Bayden Thomas, Campbell Duddy, Sean Kennedy, Madalyn Bridge, Bailey Glasson, George Levenspiel, Kirah Wyatt, Jake Farr, Elliot Marshall, Keegan Ropoama, Alex Leishman, Corey Slattery, Naomi Germain, Amber Dickens, Ebony-Rose Price, Samm Italiano, Cassidy Adams, Luke Hill, Sharni

Mason, Zachary Power, Conor Brogan, Jackson Wedesweiler, Tiarna Matthews, Brooke Scott, Riley Fisher, Aiden McLean, Haydon Watt, Harrison Montgomery, Cameron Rowatt, Michaela Mayes, Fletch Roberts, Jordan Malloy, Courtney Garstang, Daniel Lenton, Cody Wells, Angus Collins, Aiden McGonigal, Morgan Ryan, Eleanor Lowe, Erin Cameron, Lachlan Lawson, Aimee Smallman, Ellie Dark, Zac Jamieson, Fletcher Pudsey, Aiden East 20 MAGPIE AWARDS 3-6 Jack Spierings, Chloe Mellis, Brooke Farr, Jennifer Harvey, Brooke Italiano, Hammish Loader, Jack Brewster, Zoe Ross Clark, Tazmyn O’Reilly, Remy Preston, Liam Loader, April Montgomery, Kaitlin Hiscott, Holly Cochran, Sarah Ryan, Michael Heffernan, Olivia Young, Syan Garstang, Dejan Tubinovic, Summer Bartlett, Thor Johansen-Bain, Bayden Sligar, Lily Hearne, Nick Kingsland, Charlotte Elford, Nathan Alexander, Oliver Dark, Elizabeth Parker, Zachary Neilson, Emma Rice, James Pallot, Jordan Middleton, Dylan Malloy, Holly Montgomery, Tamati Peihopa, Teizha Mears, Georgina McLauchlan, Joseph Kennedy, Sharkirra Kelly, Ethan Frazer, Georgia Green, Holly Leidich, Hamish Francis, Zeke Gallaway, Emily Bradley, Bronte Lee Brook, Matthew Knight, Joshua Knibb, Adam Fleming, Madaleine Waugh, Kerry Heffernan, Caitlin Thew, Austin Brook, Nicholas Whymark, Ashley Cleasby, Joshua Pallot, Phoenix Da Silva, Edyn Dening, Silas Collard, Kurt Finn, Brad Humphris, Liam Loader, Dean Spierings, Jaydn Pearson, Alec Dark, Georgia Molin, Billie-Rose Waters, Stephanie Kaltoum-Grover, Tallyn Birch, Brontee Godden, Hayley Tink-Cox, Sophie Young, Issac Drennan, Harry Lofthouse, Cory Powell, Mason Pudsey, Wills Schmarr, Callum Scott, Paris Brown, Jayden Scott, Jessie Neill, Michael Jenkins 30 MAGPIE AWARDS K-2 Erica Fisher, Maya Preston, Lilly Bensley, Justin Boufffier, Tarni Stephenson 30 MAGPIE AWARDS 3-6 Benjamin Waugh, Jasmine Fleming, Zara Chapman, Timothy Flood UNIFORM DRAW The winner of the recent uniform draw was James Bates. Congratulations. YEAR 6 CANBERRA EXCURSION Last week 60 of our Year 6 students undertook an educational tour of the national capital. While on this tour they participated in a variety of educational programs focused on Australia’s history, culture, heritage and democracy.

The Australian Government recognises the importance of all young Australians being able to visit their national capital as part of their civics and citizenship education. To assist schools in meeting the cost of the excursion the Australian Government contributes funding towards the travel expenses incurred under the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate (PACER) program. This contribution will be paid directly to the school in the near future. We would like to thank the Australian Government for their support of this program. Whilst in Canberra the children attended Parliament House, the Australian War Memorial and Old Parliament House including the Electoral Education Centre. I would like to thank Mrs Bowd, Mrs English and Mr Edwards for accompanying the children on the excursion and making it such a worthwhile experience for all the children. JOURNEY TO THE TOP OF OZ As part of the Year 6 excursion to Canberra and the Snowy Mountains, a hike to Mt Kosciusko was planned for day three. I was fortunate enough to be part of the lead group which was confronted with snow, wind, thunderstorms and dehydration throughout the 13.5 km round trip of this expedition. Congratulations to those who made it to the summit (see picture below) and commiserations to those who almost made it in the time allowed. Sir Gary Edwards Hillary (P.S. Mrs Bowd and Mrs English remained at base camp having snow fights with the remaining 45 hikers). P&C SCHOOL DISCO Both discos were a huge success with all children enjoying themselves and ample money being raised for the Year 6 farewell. The children were well behaved and looked delightful in their fluorescent clothes. Our trusty team of P&C parents worked tirelessly to make it a special night.

Thanks to Judy Worth, Tina Dark, Fiona Brook, Sherry Denton, Carla Ellicott, Belinda Jacobs, Dianne Maloney, Terri Harvey and Narelle Smyth for your time and effort. Kathy Price MATHEMATICS COMPETITION Apologies to Charlton Lane of Year 4 and Jackson Jacobs of Year 6 whose names were accidentally omitted from last week’s newsletter. Both boys achieved Distinctions in the University of NSW Mathematics competition. Congratulations and well done. YEAR 5 MATHS CHALLENGE CAMP Recently, 2 of our Year 5 students attended a Maths Challenge Camp at Elanora Heights for 3 days. The students who attended were Michael Tawyer and Sam Drew. “There were 88 of us and we were assigned to groups. The four groups were Escher, Pascal, Fibonacci and Plato. I was in Plato and Michael was in Pascal. Our activities were based on Escher (tessellating shapes) and Plato (cubes), etc. Our last activity was a dome made out of straws which we had to build with straws of different colours and sizes, with one ‘straw’ being a metre-long wooden pole! Quite a challenge! (Sam) “We would like to thank the contributors for the event. We think it was a great experience and a wonderful challenge. We appreciated the opportunity to go.” (Michael and Sam) SELECTIVE HIGH SCHOOL APPLICATIONS Tomorrow is the last day to return application forms for Selective High School placement in 2011. Please be aware that there can be no exceptions. SPORTS NEWS NSW PSSA TOUCH FINALS DAY Congratulations to the boys in the school touch team who competed at the State Finals Day last week. The boys played well throughout the Central Coast games but came unstuck against the Far North Coast team of Terranora. Although dominating the game Ourimbah were beaten by one try in extra time. Terranora were runners up in 2008 and their experience got them through in the final minutes of our quarter final game. Well done boys, you should be very proud of your achievements this year in touch football. Gary Edwards - Coach PERPETUAL TROPHIES If there are any students who still have perpetual trophies at home, could they please return them to school as soon as possible.

The trophies we are still missing are the Junior Boy Athletics, Junior Boy Swimming, 11yr Girl Swimming, Swimming House Champs and Athletics House Champs. SOFTBALL The boys’ softball team played their round 7 game yesterday against a school team from South Sydney. Although the boys played very well and showed great sportsmanship they unfortunately went down 9-3. Well done boys, for once again getting so far in the competition. Peter Annabel RAILWAY SAFETY TALK On Friday 5th November Jonathon Beninca from the Youth Safety Outreach Program spoke with our Year 6 children. Jonathon was hit by a train while crossing the tracks after a night of drinking with his friends. His next recollection was waking up in hospital minus his right arm, a leg and his middle and index fingers. The aim of his visit was to educate young people about the consequences of dangerous risk-taking around the rail lines and trains. He talked about the impact that the injuries and deaths have on train drivers and staff involved in the aftermath of an accident like his. The children were very interested and Jonathon’s talk was excellent and informative. This has been part of our program to educate children about making positive choices. Linda Bowd READING CHALLENGE Congratulations to Mitchell Johnson 1/2J and Diesel Mauger KMB who have recently completed their Ourimbah Reading Challenge and also to Elliot Marshall KB who has completed his second “Challenge” this year. WELL DONE! Only a few weeks to go! KEEP READING! I.Driver Teacher/Librarian LIBRARY NEWS This week will be the last week for 2009 that books will be available for borrowing from the library. We would like all students to start returning their borrowed books from next week on, so that we can have them all returned by the end of the school year. Thank you. I.Driver Teacher/Librarian HOME READING All home readers also need to be returned to school next week.

INSECT PROTECTION The teachers have noticed that there are a large number of children needing ‘itchy bite’ cream during the day. Along with our beautiful bush environment we also get hungry insects. Would parents please consider putting insect repellent on their children as part of the morning dressing routine (perhaps the type that comes in a sunscreen). Many thanks. 2009 PRESENTATION DAYS / ASSEMBLIES YEARS K-2 ANNUAL PRESENTATION The K-2 Annual Presentation assembly will take place on Tuesday 8th December beginning at 9.30am. K-2 students will receive their annual class awards. Trophies for 30 Magpie award winners will also be presented. Parents of award winners and class officials will be invited to the presentation assembly before the date (letters arriving soon). Unfortunately we are severely restricted by the size of our hall and can only accommodate prize winners and their parents. If you receive a letter advising that your child is to receive an award, please reply so that we can be sure you have received it. Please contact Sandra Luckman if you have any queries YEARS 3-6 ANNUAL PRESENTATION DAY

Our Primary Presentation Day this year will be held on Wednesday 9th December. This day is successful due to the generous donations we receive each year from a few local business houses.

In order for the students to keep receiving a high standard of prizes we are in need of some more sponsors. If anyone would like to donate towards our Presentation Day we would be most grateful. Cheques can be made out to Ourimbah School and receipts are issued.

On Wednesday 9th December many of our Year 3-6 students will receive a variety of awards for class, band, music, sport etc. The induction of our 2010 school officials will also take place at this assembly. The assembly will begin at 9.30am. Unfortunately we are severely restricted by the size of our hall and can only accommodate prize winners and their parents (letters arriving soon).

If you receive a letter advising that your child is to receive an award, please reply so that we can be sure you have received it. Fur further information please contact Linda Bowd during school hours. Thank you. YEAR 6 GRADUATION 10.15am – 10.50am Tuesday 15th December This will be held in the school hall on Tuesday 15th December. Our Year 6 students will receive their Graduation Certificates and Year 6 parents are invited to attend. The assembly will begin at 10.15am. A morning tea given by our P&C will follow for the parents. YEAR 6 FAREWELL 6.15pm – 9.30pm Tuesday 15th December After a meeting with the Year 6 students and teachers we have decided to try something different for the Farewell Evening. Children have elected to have dinner at the Willows Restaurant (Wyoming) to commence at 6.30pm (meal has been paid for through Year 6 Fundraising and the P and C). Children will meet outside the restaurant between 6.00 and 6.15pm. After dinner, children and teachers will walk to the Gosford City Bowl (Wyoming). Parents are asked to meet their children at 9.30pm (no earlier please) when we estimate the bowling should be finished. Please meet your child in the foyer of the Bowling Centre. We are looking forward to the evening and know it will be a great success. Children are requested to dress in neat casual clothes. They will need to bring a pair of socks for bowling. The bowling has also been funded by the Year 6 fundraising and P and C. BUS PASSES FOR 2010 An important notice for parents of Year 2 students who are progressing to Year 3 in 2010: The Department of Transport requires a new application form for free travel from students who are progressing from Year 2 to Year 3 in 2010. Please complete the application form sent home recently; be aware that students are only eligible if they live outside the 1.6km radius from the school. Students with bus pass forms completed and handed back to school before the end of Term 4 should have their passes available at the beginning of Term 1 2010.

CAROLS ON THE BUS The Ourimbah School’s Christmas Carol Bus will be doing its annual travel around the district on Tuesday 8th December. More details to follow in the next newsletter. MUSIC NEWS BAND NEWS The band is busy rehearsing for their next concert at Kibble Park at 6pm on Thursday 26th November. Please return permission slips asap. BAND 2010 Yesterday the band performed for Year 2 and Junior Primary classes and Mr Paul demonstrated the various instruments available. If your daughter or son wishes to join our band program next year please send a short note to Mr Paul via Mrs Borrow-Jones, so that we can arrange a tryout on the instrument of their choice. Tuition fees are $120 per item. Students will also need to buy or hire an instrument and purchase a music stand and tutor book. SCHOOL SPECTACULAR PERFORMANCES 27th November – 1pm Schools Matinee 27th November – 8pm Evening Performance 28th November – 2pm Matinee Performance 28th November – 8pm Evening Performance Tickets available from Ticketmaster. HUMAN SWINE INFLUENZA VACCINE The pandemic (H1N1) 2009 Influenza (Human Swine Influenza) vaccine is now available through General Practitioners in NSW. The vaccine is available to everyone who wishes to protect themselves against pandemic influenza. As at 9th October 2009, the vaccine is available for adults and children 10 years and over. Once the vaccine is registered for younger children by the Therapeutic Goods Administration these children will also be eligible to be vaccinated. The World Health Organisaton has recommended that the pandemic (H1N1) 2009 strain be included in the annual influenza vaccination next year. The vaccine offered through the pandeic vaccination program covers the pandemic strain only. SCHOOL WEBSITE Don’t forget our school website is now up and running. The calendar is updated regularly for your convenience, so that you can see all the upcoming events at Ourimbah Public School. Go to www.ourimbah-p.schools.nsw.edu.au

P&C CANTEEN ROSTER Thursday, 19th – Teresa Mellis

Friday, 20th – Diane Maloney, Teresa Mellis

Monday, 23rd – Tina Dark

Tuesday, 24th – Narelle Smyth

Wednesday, 25th – Ros Evans, Fiona Brook

Thursday, 26th – Carolyn Drew

Friday, 27th – Robyn Kingsland, Terri Harvey

Monday, 30th – Sherry Denton, Rahna Crowhurst

Tuesday, 1st – Kerry McFawn, Lorraine Shearman

Wednesday 2nd – Belinda Jacobs

P&C CANTEEN NEWS

All helpers should have received their invitation for our Christmas night out. RSVP this Friday 20th November.

Slush puppy promotion, every child who purchases a slush puppy will go into the draw to win a slush puppy prize.

A GREAT EXAMPLE OF AN EXPOSITION After being introduced to the writing of expositions in class, 3/4J student Caitlin Brogan decided to practise one at home for fun. The following piece by Caitlin is a very good example of both an exposition and a great sense of humour. Well done Caitlin!

OURIMBAH PUBLIC SCHOOL

P&C ASSOCIATION

121 Pacific Highway OURIMBAH NSW 2258

Phone {02} 43621033 Fax {02} 43622531

MEETING DATE: Wednesday 2nd December 2009

TIME: 7.00pm

VENUE: Staff Room

AGENDA

{10 minutes reading time prior to commencement of business}

1. Welcome and Apologies

2. Minutes of Previous Meeting

3. Business Arising

1. Guest speaker from St James Ethics Centre

2. Action List

3. Teachers Wish List 4. Certificate Receivers for 2009

4. Correspondence

5. Reports

President Nitbusters

Uniform Shop Canteen Treasurer

Treasurer Canteen

Fundraising RAP

Principal Grants

6. General Business

1. Wearing of hats at school

2. Band Shirts

3. Social Convener

ALL WELCOME

VALLEY SCHOOLS LEARNING

COMMUNITY Yarn Up – An

Aboriginal Cultural Event Staff, students, parents and community members are cordially

invited to the Valley Schools Aboriginal Cultural Event and Barbecue

(Yarn Up) for 2009.

When: Wednesday 25 November 2009

Time: 6:00 – 8:00pm

Where: Narara Valley High School Hall

Program: • Free BBQ from 6:00 – 6:45pm • Art display including students’ murals from NAIDOC

Week at the Regional Art Gallery • Welcome to Country • Didgeridoo playing • Introductory (short) screening of film Kanyini • Short video of Valley Schools Bush Tucker Program run in

Term 3 for Aboriginal students in Years 5-8 • Presentation of a coolamon and certificate for each

student who participated in the Bush Tucker Program • Students reading their Dreaming Stories

All students must be accompanied by an adult.

For catering purposes, please return the slip below to Miss Clulow

or Miss Baldock by Friday 20 November.

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Please return to Miss Clulow or Miss Baldock by Friday 20 November.

VALLEY SCHOOLS LEARNING

COMMUNITY Yarn Up – An Aboriginal Cultural

Event

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The ____________________ family will attend the Valley Schools

Yarn Up.

We would like to order sausage sandwiches for ________ people.

Parent or Caregiver Signature: ____________________________

Date: ______________