Merimbula Public School · Merimbula Public School 2019! What a wonderful start we have had to the...

MERIMBULA PUBLIC SCHOOL NEWSLETTER - 2019 Issue 1–Term 1, Week 1 - 5

Merimbula Public School Newsletter - 2019

MESSAGES FROM THE PRINCIPAL IN THIS ISSUE

Welcome to 2019: Welcome To Merimbula Public School 2019! What a wonderful start we have had to the year. Children have been settled and happy, staff have been super organised and lessons and activities have begun positively! We have also been super busy welcoming many new students and their families. In fact, we have had around 20 new enrolments that we were not expecting! Welcome to all of our new families! We hope that you have a wonderful start and many engaging and fun learning years at our school. Welcome also to returning students, family and staff. Mr Wes Unicomb and Mrs Anna Charlton are back at Merimbula Public School, following their relieving positions at other schools in the area. Mrs Charlton is teaching Year 2 this year and Mr Unicomb will be teaching support classes when teachers are on release/have leave. Mr Unicomb teaches FM on a Monday and FH on a Friday. Throughout the week (Tuesday to Thursday) he will be travelling to a number of schools, whilst fulfilling a

relieving role as Itinerant Support Teacher for Vision. This means he will be using his skills to teach braille and other learning areas to local students with vision support needs. We can’t wait to learn more about this from Mr Unicomb!

Students will continue to learn Japanese at Merimbula Public School in 2019, with all students attending our new Japanese and Asian Cultural Studies room for an hour a week. We will even be introducing virtual Chinese lessons to interested students, as an optional ‘club’ activity. Students in this learning group will be video conferencing into Chinese class each week, being taught by teachers in China. I cannot wait to be part of this learning group! More information about subjects and activities on offer for 2019 is shared throughout this newsletter.

Class Teachers/Room Locations and Scripture Rooms 2019: For Class Teachers/Room and Scripture Room Locations, please see the map and information on the next page. Our friendly staff are always willing to assist, and discuss your child’s needs. If you are unable to resolve a concern talking to your child’s teacher, call our office and arrange to meet with someone on the Executive Team.

Term 1 Calendar Check out the Term 1 Calendar for important dates

coming up between now and Term 2.

6

The Year Ahead Find out about upcoming events and all of our important

2019 dates.

Pages 10 & 11

Cover Photo: New Kindergarten Faces!

School News by Ms Michelle Hulme

MERIMBULA PUBLIC SCHOOL NEWSLETTER - 2019 | Issue 1–TERM 1, WEEK 1 2


Support Class Library and Japanese Times/Days (FM, FH, FL):

Media and Text Studies (Library): Tuesdays Japanese: Tuesdays (FM) Wednesdays (FL and FH)

Scripture/Special Religious Education:

Scripture (Catholic) and Special Religious Education (Christian SRE) will take place each Friday, with the exception of the first and last weeks of each term, between 11.30am and 12.10pm. Scripture and SRE classes commence in Week 6 (March 8).

The first SRE class will take place in the Hall, as Quizworks will be presenting a puppet show and activity presentation. Regular SRE and Scripture class locations are shown on the school map (previous page). *Non-S = Non-Scripture.

School Photos: School photos will be taken next Monday, February 11. Individual photos, class photos, the Year 6 photo and family photos will be taken. Representative (sport team, arts and SRC photos) will be taken on October 17.

Photo envelopes were sent home on Monday. Family photo envelopes can be collected from our office.

Photo money/envelopes should be returned by Friday. Students bringing their envelop in on photo day will be

responsible for handing them in to the photographers.

Late orders can be made online, after photo day. These orders will incur a postage cost as they may not be returned to school at the same time as the other photos. Online order details will be shared in the coming weeks on Facebook and in the next newsletter.


Executive Staff 2019: Principal:

Mrs Michelle Hulme Assistant Principal Welfare:

Mrs Janelle Hodsdon K-2 Assistant Principal:

Ms Vanessa Bain Stage 2 and 3 Assistant Principal:

Mr Ben Kirk Assistant Principal Learning and

Support: Mr Brenton Mace

School Admin Manager: Ms Penny Crowley

2019 Bell Times:

8.55am: Morning bell/line up 9.00am: Classes commence

11-11.30am: Lunch 11.30am: Classes resume

1.15-1.55pm: Recess 1.55-2.55pm: Afternoon classes

Newsletter and Communications: We are currently working on updating our School Stream app and web site for 2019. We have also been posting “What’s On This Week” messages on Facebook each Monday, as well as informing parents of notes that get sent home through the week on a “Notes” post. Other updates, pictures and communication will be sent home in our Week 2 and Week 6 Newsletters each term. Updates and changes will be posted on Facebook and important alerts/changes will be shared via the School Stream app. School Stream: Our school uses the ‘free’ School Stream app to communicate events, share some whole school/stage notes electronically (which can be signed on a smart device/phone) and send important alerts. How to get the app on your mobile device:

To Install School Stream (above picture is of the app): 1.Go to the App Store (iPhone/iPad) or Play Store (Android) 2.Search for School Stream and download the app to your phone 3.Make sure you agree to push notifications 4.Once School Stream has finished installing, open the app, type Merimbula Public School in to the search engine and select our school (or multiple schools if you have children at other schools) 5.For more detailed support/instructions, go to: schoolstream.com.au/download To choose what notifications you receive: 1.Open the app on your mobile device 2.From the slide-in menu go to settings 3.Under Edits/Alerts select My Schools and select your school to open the notifications page 4.Toggle notifications on/off according to the ones you want (PLEASE KEEP THE ALERTS AS NOTIFICATIONS AS THIS WILL BE USED IN THE EVENT OF EVACUATIONS/EMERGENCIES and important last minute reminders etc) 5.Jump between your child’s schools by touching the school logo in the top blue bar. Allergies and Anaphylaxis Update: Regulations regarding Anaphylaxis and Allergy Action Plans require all children with mild and severe allergies to have a plan completed and submitted to the school. If you have not informed the school that your child has an allergy/anaphylactic reactions, or your child’s information needs updating, please contact the office on 64951266 and request an Action Plan Form to be sent home. Action Plans are required to be updated each year and must be signed off by a doctor.

Emergency Contacts Information Update: Today we have sent home Emergency Contact and Update Forms. Please complete these and send them in to the office as soon as possible. Throughout the year, we ask that you either call the office whenever changes occur (changes to your work, home, mobile numbers & addresses) or come in to the office and fill in a change of information form. It is very important that we have up to date information in the event of an emergency, accident or if staff need to discuss your child’s needs with you. Please also ensure that other emergency contacts (ie grandparents, friends who can pick your child up) are also kept up to date. Discipline Policy and Anti-Bullying Policy: Each year we send home the Anti-Bullying Plan and Discipline Policy for parents to be aware of our rules and procedures in align with Department Policy. We also send home the linked Behaviour Code For Students. The Discipline Policy, Behaviour Code and Anti-Bullying have been sent home with today’s newsletter. Please read through them with your child. Parent-Teacher-Student Interviews: Parent-Teacher-Student 3-Way-Conferences will be held in Week 4 (Monday February 18 and Wednesday February 20). Booking slips have been sent home today. Teachers will be sharing information about your child's transition to their new class, progress so far this year as well as working with you and your child to set learning goals for 2019. At the meetings, Kindergarten parents will also be given information about their child's Best Start Assessment results. If you are unable to attend or have a phone interview on your child’s designated day, please contact your child’s class teacher to arrange a mutually suitable time to meet. Toddlers/siblings are welcome to attend the interviews if you do not have childcare arrangements, however must stay with their parent/carer at all times. In the past we have had to talk to children running around outside, disturbing before/after school care or for playing on unsupervised equipment.


Walking Permission Note: In previous years we have sent home a Walking Permission Note to cover: all walking excursions, shopping activities, Spencer Park visits, Berrambool Visits and other walking activities to some events or locations. Whilst this has been beneficial in saving time for parents, we are no longer able to have one ‘blanket note’. Separate notes will be required for all events, activities and times where students are off site. Please support us in getting notes in early for events and excursions. Notes must be in by the due date to ensure a child’s participation as we need to legally comply with getting rolls, risk assessments and other organisation in place and communicated to all participating staff prior to an event. Absences: Thank you to everyone for being so prompt in contacting the school in regard to your child’s absences. Phone calls on the day of absences are much appreciated (6495 1266), or notes sent in the following day make for less admin follow-up. Blank absence notes have been sent home with this newsletter. You can also inform the school of your child’s absence by completing the “Absentee Form” in the ‘Forms’ section on our School Stream App. It is a requirement of the Department of Education that all absences are explained. If you have planned absences ie family holidays in school time, please contact the school prior to your departure to apply for an exemption. Voluntary School Contributions: Thank you to the eager families who have already contacted us about paying ‘school fees’. Whilst our school, as with other public primary schools in NSW, does not have fees, parents/carers are invited to pay a ‘voluntary school contribution’. We have kept our contribution down to $45 for the school year per child once again. Invoices will be sent home in the coming weeks as a reminder of the contribution costs. If you would like to support us in purchasing additional resources for classrooms and the playground, please forward payment by the end of Term 1 via the payment box in the office or via the ‘Make A Payment’ tab on our web site.

Clean Up Australia Day: Clean Up Australia Day will be taking place at our school on Friday March 1. A permission note has been sent home today. We have participated in this community event for many years. Students are always proud to support the school and local area, cleaning up Spencer Park, Berrambool Oval, Munn and Randolph Street and the school grounds. It would be appreciated if students could being in non-disposable garden gloves to use on the day. They may even like to keep a set at school as we are doing a lot of gardening and environmental education this year. Please talk to your child about safety prior to the event. We will do so also.

SRC Induction: Our first assembly back for 2019 will be held this Friday, February 8 at 11.30am in the Jackson Hall. This is when our Class SRC Leaders’ Induction will take place. Congratulations to the following students who will be inducted as class representatives at this assembly for Semester 1, 2019.

1S – Charlie Taylor and Wil Farley 1H – Ivy Porter-Watson and Jai Kryskow 2C – Leina Blewitt and Jasper Robinson 2B – Eva Doherty and Jensen Robinson

3H – Alexis Morgan and Cooper Edwards 3P – Chloe Ayling and Joshua de Beer

4D – Mahika Kulkarn and Rosie Fernando

4S – Tyler Banks and Matilda Kember 5C – Bodie Peters and Ryan Denaro 5K – Aisling Kennedy and Annabella

Hutchinson 6B – Hayden Randall and Hamish

McBain 6M – Rafael Chabrier and Mason Hayes

FL,M&H- Channing Randall

Vacation Care and After School Care: Our school will continue to offer after school and vacation care in 2019, provided by Holiday Care Australia. Before school care may be arranged via a booking service. If you require more information about the service please pick up an information pack from our school office. Further information can be gained by calling 0410 342 123 or by visiting their Facebook Page or website: www.holidaycareaustralia.com Learning Support and Counsellor Referrals: Our school is very fortunate to have a School Psychologist, Mrs Kathryn Hedgecock. If you believe that your child requires additional learning support, behaviour support, anxiety support or counselling support/assessments, please contact your child’s classroom teacher to arrange a meeting time to complete a Learning and Support Team (LST) Referral Form. If your child’s class teacher believes that your child may require additional assistance, they may get in contact with you to discuss possible support options. We appreciate the support our parents/caregivers give staff through consultation to allow us to address student learning needs. The Learning and Support Team (LST) meet each Tuesday. P&C Meeting – Save The Date: Our first P&C Meeting for the year will be held on Monday February 18, 2019. It will take place at Club Sapphire, in the Rock Pool lounge between 6.30-8pm. New members and families are welcome! We’d love to tell you more about our fantastic school as well as hear ideas you have to make it even better! Attending P&C Meeting is a great way for parents who are new to the school/area to meet people and have a greater impact on their child’s education.

AECG Meeting: The next Eden AECG Meeting will be taking place on Thursday the 21st Feb at Eden Marine High School. If you have anything that you would like added to the agenda, please contact Alison Simpson (Program Manager, Twofold Aboriginal Corporation) via email: [email protected]

http://www.holidaycareaustralia.com/

mailto:[email protected]


Uniform Shop Times: Our Uniform Shop is open each Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday in 2019, between 8am and 9am. Orders can also be placed via the office.

Welcome BBQ and Expo: Our welcome BBQ and Expo will be taking place next Wednesday, February 13. Expo tables will be set up around the oval and basketball courts from 1.30pm, and all tables will offer information about services and clubs. There will be a variety of sporting clubs, fitness clubs, the arts, support services, churches and language group. Some clubs will offer registration sign up and information. We understand all carers are busy people but welcome the chance to meet you to discuss your child’s needs at school. MPS staff will be available at the same time, this way if you have not had a chance to meet your child’s teacher, you can come in and have a chat. From 3.00pm the Expo Tables and some demonstrations will continue, and a Welcome BBQ for new families will take place, until 5pm. We hope to see some new faces, as well as returning families that would like to welcome our new ones. 2019 MPS Expo Participants: Arts, Dance and Music:

• Stage Flight Drama School • Magpie Music • Ricky Bloomfield Music School • Fling Theatre • Veronica Valderrama Dance

School and Far South Flamenco (ballet, flamenco)

• fLing Physical Theatre

• FunHouse Studio • Footprint Theatre Film School • Colleen Meessmann Dance

Studio Language Lesson Providers:

• Ihola Bega (Spanish) Language School

Sport, Wellbeing and Fitness:

• Merimbula Basketball • Seaside Gym • Pambula/Merimbula Golf

Course Lessons and Games • Merimbula Tennis Club and

Lessons • AFL South Coast • Merimbula Diggers AFL Club • Merimbula Grasshoppers Soccer

Club • Pambula-Merimbula Bulldogs

Rugby League • NSW NRL • Merimbula Netball Club • Tura Golf Lessons • Merimbula Knights Cricket Club • Merimbula Health and Fitness • The Iron Stronghold Gym • Brock Seabrook’s Personal

Training • Tarryn Lucas Fitness • Eden Gymnastics • Merimbula Boardriders Club • Sapphire Coast Aquatic Centre

Pambula Education, Community and Children’s Groups:

• Scouts Merimbula • Bega High School • Eden High School • Local Preschools / Pambula

Preschool • Merimbula Tura Kindergarten

Wellbeing, Disability, Religion and Support Groups

• Catholic Scripture Providers for Merimbula Public School

• Christian Special Religious Education for Merimbula Public School

• Playability • Family Support Services • Family Referral Services

• Pambula Dental- Community Services

• Speechpoint Thank you to all businesses, groups and organisations for offering your time and services to attend our Expo in support of our children and families. What an amazing group of educators we will have in one location, ready to share their great ideas on how we can make our kids happier, healthier and more resilient! A special thanks to Mr Brenton Mace, Assistant Principal Learning and Support, for organising this event! It’s going to be huge! Cash Grants for Kids! Did you know that you can get $200 per child for sports and arts activities in 2019! The government has continued the ‘active kids’ grant program, which was on offer in 2018, and has introduced a ‘creative kids’ grant program. Use the links below to get a $100 voucher to pay towards sporting activities/registration/fees, as well as a $100 voucher for music, drama, dance or other arts activities. Each child can get both! Vouchers are available now! These vouchers will be useful if you would like to sign your child up for one of the weekend/afterschool activities being offered at our Expo.

Active Kids Voucher Link:

https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/apply-active-kids-voucher

Creative Kids Voucher Link:

https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/campaign/creative-kids

Anti-Racism Contact Officer: Our school’s Anti-Racism Contact Officer (ARCO) is Mrs Janelle Hodsdon. If you are aware of any issues regarding racism, please inform Mrs Hodsdon so that she can follow-up with education and support for all involved.

https://www.veronicavalderramadanceschool.com/

https://www.veronicavalderramadanceschool.com/

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Far-South-Flamenco/463951520372521

http://www.flingphysicaltheatre.com.au/

http://www.funhouse.studio/

https://www.footprint.org.au/


Our School Rules: At Merimbula Public School we have a positive behaviour matrix, supporting children with ideas of how they can behave correctly in all areas of the school, as well as on the bus and in ‘cyber-land’ when on computers and the Internet. Students are educated of these positive behaviours in class and during assemblies. Coinciding with these positive behaviours, our school has 5 ‘universal’ school rules for all students to follow in all areas of the school and when representing the school out of school grounds, including when off site and/or travelling to school and wearing school uniform. They include: We as students of Merimbula Public School promise to: 1. Follow instructions the first time. 2. Be in the right place at the right time. 3. Care for all property, things and people. 4. Show respect at all times. 5. Move and play safely. We can do this by: Taking responsibility for all our actions; Respecting ourselves, others and the environment; Being resilient by bouncing back. Please remind your children of these rules at home.

Canteen News: Our school canteen will once again be serving lunch and recess this year. Students are to place lunch orders in a

lunch bag into the beach shack on the front counter of our canteen prior to 9am each day. The updated 2019 menu and volunteer sheet will go home today along with this newsletter. International Food Day: Our first international food day for 2019 will be an Irish food day on Wednesday, March 20. Order forms will be sent home in the coming weeks and orders will need to be in no later than Friday March 20, so we can cater accordingly. These days will continue once per term again during 2019. We thank Mrs Bunce and volunters in advance for their hard work on these days! Are We A Nut Free School? Whilst our canteen does not serve or use nut products, our school is not a nut free school. Parents/caregivers of students with nut or any other food allergies should notify the school office and provide a Health Care Plan from their doctor that will be shared with the school canteen. We welcome the opportunity to speak with parents and carers should their child have a food allergy. Road, Bus and Bus Stop Safety: Unfortunately at times it gets brought to our attention, by community members, that a number of students have been seen crossing roads unsafely, usually when getting out of their parents’ car, or at bus stops. Some students have also been seen to cross roads and play too closely to them at/around bus stops. Please talk to your child about bus stop and travel safety to support the school in reminding your child about safe travel practices. Also, please be reminded to adhere to the 40km speed limit in school zones and PLEASE stop at our crossings rather than travelling through. ALL children are to use crossings to enter the school and will be escorted by our staff across crossings in the afternoon as part of our pick up line. This includes those on bikes and scooters. We continue to have issues with parents stopping in no stopping zones, dropping children in bus bays and performing U-turns in school zones. Please be advised parking in adjacent unit car parking spaces is also not permitted. Please work with us to keep our students and families safe.

Walking and Bike/Scooter Riding Line: It has been great to see so many students walking and riding to school. Please remind your children who walk/ride to walk their bikes/scooters on the school grounds and surrounding paths. They also MUST wear a helmet. A walking line is situated near the office so that students walking/riding can be escorted over the crossings in the busy afternoon pick-up times. We had 50 students walk or ride on Friday! Great work kids! We are going to be one super fit school by the end of the year!! Handouts – Week 1 and 2: Week 1: Swimming Carnival EOI and permission note; Support Class Cooking and Walking Activities noes; AFL PSSA trial/Paul Kelly Cup trial note. Week 2 Notes:

• Newsletter and Canteen Menu • Canteen Volunteer EOI • School Photos • Family Photos (Please collect

from the office) • School Funding • Student Information Updates • Musical Lead Actor/Parts EOI • Book Club • Absence Slips • Policies: Anti-Bullying Plan for

2019; Anti-Bullying - Parents and Carers Tips; Behaviour Code for Students; Student Discipline Policy 2019

• Google Community • Clean up Australia Day • Cross Country Permission • Cross Country – Walking The

Course Permission • General Permission to Publish • 3 way Conference Interview

Times EOI • Yr 3-6 Ski/Snow Camp • Yr 6 Sydney Camp • Yr 5 Jindabyne Camp • Home Reading Program • Recorder Festival Sydney EOI


New Sports Uniforms: New AFL and Touch Football (Boys and Girls) Uniforms have been ordered for our upcoming games/competitions. Look at the great designs! AFL:

Touch:

Sports Teams, Clubs and Performing Arts Groups: We have many activities on offer for your children in 2019. Permission and information notes about these events, activities and more will come out in the next few weeks. Information will also be posted on Facebook. Current groups on offer from next week include:

• Waste Warriors Club (with Ms Jodi Vaughan), Kindy Room – Monday Recess 1.25-1.55;

• Advanced Recorder (with Mrs Amanda Fowler), Japanese Room – Tuesday Recess 1.25-1.55;

• SRC Meetings (with Mr Craig Morris and Miss Chloe Hearn),

Year 6 Classrooms – Thursday Recess Odd Weeks 1.25-1.55;

• AFL Training (with Ms Michelle Hulme and Mr Phil Jackson), Berrambool Oval – 3.30-5.30pm this week then 3.30-5pm Week 3 and 4.

World of Maths Roadshow: Mathematics and numeracy is a compulsory component of our curriculum, and we realise the importance it has in our lives and even moreso how important it is for our students to love maths! To make numeracy fun and relevant to our students, we are embedding more science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) into our teaching and learning programs. We have also arranged for the World of Maths Roadshow to visit our school on March 12 and 13, which will be completely funded by the school. The World of Maths Roadshow is an ideal opportunity for students to see how maths is applied to some real life situations.

More importantly, students will be engaged in hands-on activities that will cater for all ability levels and probe their problem solving skills. It is a highly engaging session which will show the children that Maths can be fun! All students from Years 1 to 6 will be spending 70-90 minutes (70 for Years 1-4 and 90 for Years 5 and 6) tackling problems and having hands-on fun as part of the roadshow! What’s even better is that parents are able to attend, to see some fun maths in action! At no cost!

For more information about the World Of Maths Roadshow, to view a video of a session in action, and read testimonials from schools that have been presented to, visit the World of Maths website: www.worldofmaths.com

Aurora College Virtual Classes: Aurora College is a NSW Virtual Selective High School, providing students in rural and remote areas the chance to study specialist subjects using the latest technology. We are very fortunate to be one of only 20 schools in the state, or country for that matter, trialling virtual classes in a primary school setting, thanks to our new partnership with Aurora College.

Aurora College connects students in rural and remote locations in selective opportunity classes, covering: English, Mathematics and Science, using computer technology and personal contact to deliver the curriculum. Students are enrolled both in the selective class and also in their local school; meaning that they can access a challenging academic program without leaving home and friends to do so. We currently have three Year 6 students enrolled in Aurora College. They take part in virtual lessons from our Aurora Room in the school library.

Students attend classes by logging on to an online conferencing system for up to two and a half hours each day. Teachers at Aurora College can see and hear each student using webcams and microphones. Aurora College teachers also set classwork, homework, assignments and securely receive student work.

As part of their college enrolment, twice a year, students meet up for a residential camp. This provides a chance to complete the practical work, science experiments and more. Our participating Year 6 students will be travelling to Katoomba in Week 6 to visit the Jenolan Caves, take part in lessons with their peers from across the state and be addressed by some great guest speakers. Being part of this program also allows our Stage 3 students to link into some lessons and guest speaker presentations, for instance by famous scientists and educators.

We are really excited about this partnership and look forward to offering more educational opportunities to all of our students. For more information about Aurora College, visit their web site: http://www.aurora.nsw.edu.au/

http://www.worldofmaths.com/


Chinese Lessons: In Term 4, all of our Year 4 students took part in a trial lesson whereby they participated in some Chinese language lessons. The lesson was very successful. Students were introduced to some Chinese language activities as well as learnt about China itself. They were also given a ‘Go-Pro’ tour of a campus, school and views of a Chinese city.

In 2019 we will be trialling having a Chinese Language and Learning Club at Merimbula PS. We are waiting to hear which lunch/recess time will be confirmed for the club. Once confirmed, Expression of Interest (EOI) Permission Notes will be sent home with interested students. Lessons are not compulsory, but are one more fantastic way we are supporting our students in becoming positive global citizens and life-long learners. Up to 30 students can take part in Chinese Club. Keep your eye out for the EOIs! They will be available from the office in the coming weeks.

2019 Whole School Musical – “Rock Bottom!”: Our 2019 School Musical will be held in Term 3. Auditions for up to 45 main parts, speaking and some solo singing parts, will take place later this term. In addition to the 45 (approximate) main parts, each class will be part of the musical in some way, either through song or dance. Some students will also have the opportunity to be part of the sound, lighting and props teams. We would also love parents/caregivers/grandparents

who are interested in assisting with the musical to contact the office to let us know. We would love to have some special helpers assist with backdrops, costumes and rehearsals!

"Rock Bottom", by Craig Hawes', is a musical that will take us on a journey back through time, to prehistoric times! The ‘rock’ musical will introduce our school community to ‘The Cobblestones’, an ordinary Stone Age family of cave folk living on Stoney Street, Rock Bottom! Bobby Cobblestone (BC), one of the main characters, hatches his very first good idea and before long is whisked off to work for a beautiful celebrity - Lady Lava! Unfortunately, BC is soon in trouble when he discovers his new boss hides a dark secret that will rock Rock Bottom to its foundations!

Expressions of interest, for students wanting to have a main part, have been sent home today with interested students. Spare EOIs are also available from the office. Students who receive main parts will be expected to rehearse during lunch breaks, and possibly during a few in-class or after school rehearsals closer to the performance. Please save the following dates, during which all students K-6 will be participating in this musical spectacular:

Final Rehearsals: August 27-29, September 10, 12 and 16.

Performances: September 17 and 19 (6-8.30pm).

Overnight Camps and School Excursions: The following overnight camps have been organised for 2019:

Years 3 and 4 Team Building Camp @ Kianinny Cabins – Term 2 Week 1 (May 2 and 3). This two-day and one night camp is being offered to all Stage 2 students. Notes for this camp will be coming out in the next few weeks. Years 3-6 Ski Trip and Snow Camp – Term 3 Week 1 (July 24-26). This 3-day/2-night camp was so successful last year, it is being offered as an optional excursion for students in Years 3-6. 50 places are available. Notes for this camp have been sent home today with students in Years 3-6. More information about the camp will be shared on our Facebook site and web site in the coming weeks. Year 5 Camp @ Jindabyne – Term 4 Week 6 (November 20-22). This 3-day/2-night camp at the Jindabyne Sport and Recreation Centre involves students taking part in leadership building activities, ropes courses and a walk up Mount Kosciuszko. Notes for this have been sent home today. Year 6 Camp to Sydney – Term 4 Week 4 (November 5-8). During the 4-day/3-night camp, children will sleep at Taronga Zoo and take part in night spotlighting tours. They will sleep at Cockatoo Island and travel the Harbour and The Rocks, visiting a range of museums and exhibitions. They will also spend a night in The Rocks and eat at a Japanese Teppanyaki Bar! Notes for these memorable adventures are being sent home early to support families in making payments throughout the year. The school has also subsidised each of the excursions to reduce costs more than ever before. Families experiencing hardship can also apply for student assistance to further reduce excursion costs, by contacting the office during business hours.


Week 1

• Mon Apr 29 - Staff Development Day (office closed).

• Tue Apr 30 – Life Education Van 2 week visit.

• Wed May 1 – Jump Rope for Heart school jump off day.

• Thu May 2-Fri May 3 – Stage 2 (Yr 3&4 Camp).

Week 2 • Thur May 9 – Mother’s Day Stall. • Fri May 10 – K/1/2 AusKick Gala

Day Berrambool.

Week 3 • Tue May 14- Fri 17 - Stage 3 Online

NAPLAN.

Week 4 • Mon May 20-May 24 – Stage 2

Online NAPLAN. • Mon May 20-May 3 – SCLC Music

Camp.

Week 5 • Mon May 27 – 2020 Kindy Parent

Information Evening. • Tue May 28 – K-2 Assembly (1H). • Wed May 29 – International Food

Day. • Fri May 31 – Paul Kelly Cup South

Coast Final.

Week 6 • Sat June 8 – Students in Jazz

Weekend Lantern Festival.

Week 7 • Mon June 10 – PUBLIC HOLIDAY –

No school.

• Tue June 11 – Students back to school.

• Thur June 13 – Weyman League Finals Yr 5/6.

• Fri June 14 – Ski Trip final payment due.

Week 8 • Tue June 18 – K-2 Assembly (KS). • Wed June 19 – Canteen special

food day – theme TBC.

Week 9 • Mon June 24 – 2020 Kindergarten

Interviews commence (being held for two weeks).

• Mon June 24 – Kindy 2020 Interviews Commence.

• Tue June 25 – 3-6 Athletics Carnival Track Day, Berrambool.

• Wed June 26 – K-2 Athletics Carnival 9.30-11 @ school.

• Thu June 27 – Cross Brothers League Gala Day @ Pambula

• Fri June 28 – Sydney Excursion $150 DUE. Jindabyne Excursion $100 DUE. Ski Trip Medical and Consent Forms DUE. Week 10

• Mon July 1 – NAIDOC Performance/Christine Anu.

• Tue July 2 – K-2 Disco. • Wed July 3 – Back up 3-6 Athletics. • Thu July 4 – 3-6 Disco; Back up K-2

Athletics. • Fri July 5 – Last day of Term 2/

No SRE/Scripture.

Week 1 • Mon July 22 - Staff Development

Day (office closed). • Wed July 24 to Fri 26 – Years 3-6

optional Ski Trip. • Fri July 25 – No SRE/Scripture.

Week 2

• Mon July 29 – Recorder Performance Opera House.

• Tue July 30 – Parent/Teacher/Stud. Conferences; Musical tickets on sale.

• Wed July 31 – Parent/Teacher/Stud. Conferences.

• Fri Aug 2 – Jeans for Genes Day – Mufti Day.

Week 3 • All Week – Education Week. • Tue July 3 – Education Week

Assembly/SRC Induction.

Week 4 • Fri Aug 16 – Mufti Day.

Week 5 • All Week – Book Week. • Tues Aug 20 – No K-2 Assembly. • Wed Aug 21 – Book Fair/Book

Parade.

Week 6 • Wed Aug 28 – Whole school

musical rehearsals / International Food Day Canteen.

• Thu Aug 29- Whole school musical rehearsals.

• Fri Aug 30 – Father’s Day Stall.

Week 7 • All Week – Main characters musical

rehearsals.

Week 8 • Tue Sept 10- Whole school musical

rehearsals / No K-2 Assembly. • Thu Sept 12 – Whole school

musical dress rehearsal.

Week 9 • Mon Sept 16 - Whole school

musical dress rehearsals. • Tue Sept 17 – School Musical 6.30-

8 (arrival 6pm). • Wed Sept 18 – Prehistoric Food

Day, Canteen. • Thu Sept 19 - School Musical 6.30-8

(arrival 6pm). • Fri Sept 20 – Sydney Excursion $150

DUE.

Week 10 • All Week – 2020 Kindergarten

Interviews. • Tue Sept 24 – K-2 Disco. • Thu Sept 26 – 3-6 Disco. • Fri Sept 27 – Last Day of Term 3/

No SRE/Scripture.


Week 1 • Mon Oct 14- School resumes (staff

and students). • Thur Oct 17 – Representative

Photos (TBC). • Fri Oct 18 – Final Jindabyne

Payment $120.

Week 2 • Fri Oct 25 – Grandparent’s Day.

Week 3 • Wed Oct 30 – Jindabyne Medical

and Consent Notes DUE.

Week 4 • Tue Nov 5- Fri Nov 8 – Year 6

Sydney Camp. • Fri Nov 8 – 2020 Kindergarten

Orientation Visit – Picnic.

Week 5 • Tue Nov 12 – K-2 Assembly (2C). • Wed Nov 13 – 2020 Kindergarten

Orientation – Classroom visits and parent information session in the hall 9.30-11 / International Food Day Canteen.

Week 6 • Wed Nov 20-Fri Nov 22 – Year 5

Jindabyne Camp. • Wed Nov 20 - 2020 Kindergarten

Orientation – Classroom visits 9.30-11.

Week 7 • Tue Nov 26 – K-2 Assembly (KV). • Wed Nov 27 – 2020 Kindergarten

Orientation – Classroom visits 9.30-12.15.

• Fri Nov 29 – Scripture/SRE Christmas Concert/Service (11.30-12.10).

Week 8 • Mon Dec 2 – Fri Dec 13 – Year 2

Swimming Scheme.

Week 9

• Mon Dec 9-Fri Dec 13 – Year 2 Swimming Scheme.

• Wed Dec 11 – Special Canteen Day – Theme TBC.

• Fri Dec 13 – Presentation Day (9.15-11.00), Parent Helper’s Morning Tea (11-11.30), Kindergarten Graduation (12-1).

Week 10 • Mon Dec 16 – Class Party Day; Last

day of Term 4 for all students. • Tue Dec 17 – Year 6 Farewell

Oaklands (5.30pm); MPS Merimbula’s Got Talent - Talent Quest.

• Wed Dec 18 – Last Day of 2019 School for Students.

• Thu Dec 19/Fri Dec 20 – Staff Development Days – no staff onsite/office closed.

Japanese & Asian Studies News:

Minasan konnichiwa (Hello everyone). It has been very exciting setting up the Japanese/Asian connections classroom and creating a space where students can develop an understanding for the Japanese language and culture as well as other cultures of neighbouring countries. Origami Club will be held every Friday at lunch, after eating time in the Japanese and Asian Connections classroom. All students are welcome to join me as we explore the Japanese art of paper folding. Fowler Sensei

Media and Text Studies/ Library News: Welcome back! It is fantastic to see everyone back at school and excited about learning! This year the students will be exploring different aspects of text and media, with a focus on Author Studies in Term 1. We are asking for children to bring in their own (clearly labelled) library bags to put their borrowed books in. Due to the number of books that were lost last year, students will not be permitted to borrow if they do not have their library bag with them. It would be fantastic if parents and carers could ask kids what books they have brought home so we can work together to build a lifelong love of reading! Mrs Feneck and Mrs Mace

To get in the spirit of Author Studies, here are ten read-aloud commandments from celebrated Australian author Mem Fox:

1. Spend at least ten wildly happy minutes every single day reading aloud. From birth!

2. Read at least three stories a day: it may be the same story three times. Children need to hear a thousand stories before they can begin to learn to read. Or the same story a thousand times!

3. Read aloud with animation. Listen to your own voice and don’t be dull, or flat, or boring. Hang loose and be loud, have fun and laugh a lot.

4. Read with joy and enjoyment: real enjoyment for yourself and great joy for the listeners

5. Read the stories that your child loves, over and over, and over again, and always read in the same ‘tune’ for each book: i.e. with the same intonations and volume and speed, on each page, each time.

6. Let children hear lots of language by talking to them constantly about the pictures, or anything else connected to the book; or sing any old song that you can remember; or say nursery rhymes in a bouncy way; or be noisy together doing clapping games

7. Look for rhyme, rhythm or repetition in books for young children, and make sure the books are really short.

8. Play games with the things that you and the child can see on the page, such as letting kids finish rhymes, and finding the letters that start the child’s name and yours, remembering that it’s never work, it’s always a fabulous game.

9. Never ever get tense around books. 10. Please read aloud every day because

you just adore being with your child, not because it’s the right thing to do.


Welcome: Welcome to our new and returning parents. It is great to see all of the children back at school after the break. It has been a very settled start for the Year 1 and Year 2 classes and we are excited about the coming year.

Kindergarten children have begun their first week at school. It is likely that there have been and will be a few tears, as well as a few cheers, while they settle into the routine of coming to school each day. It helps to be a little more gentle with them as they are likely to be more tired than usual. Please know that our staff are very experienced and will do everything that they can to make the transition to school a positive experience for your child. If you have any concerns or questions, please let us know.

Classes and Staffing: We have 6 classes in K-2 this year, 2 classes per grade. Ms Jodi Vaughan and Mrs Beth Smith will be teaching Kindergarten– KV and KS. Mrs Corinna Mace will be teaching KS on Wednesdays.

Miss Chloe Hearn and Mrs Jenni Smith and will be teaching Year 1 – 1H and 1S. Ms Anna Charlton and Ms Vanessa Bain (K-2 Assistant Principal) will be teaching Year 2 – 2C and 2B.

We will be supported by Mrs Lisa Kellaway and Ms Arati George. Mrs Erin Feneck and Mrs Corinna Mace will be teaching Text and Media Studies (Library) and Mrs Amanda Fowler will be teaching Japanese. This term the following Student Learning Support Officers will be working across K-2 classes: Miss Alyssa Beasley, Mr Ross Hollander, Mrs Carol Ashworth, Ms Mel Sharpe and Mr Geoff Purcell.

If you have a concern please contact your child’s teacher in the first instance. If you require further assistance, please contact the K-2 Assistant Principal. If required, you will be then referred to the Principal.

Thank you to all of the parents and carers who have sent in their child’s school supplies. Please check that your child has a broad brimmed hat and water bottle each day.

What are We Learning? This Term, in Early Stage 1 (Kindergarten) we will be looking at the concept of ‘Beginnings’ in Literacy and covering the topics of Whole Number, 2D Space, Addition and Subtraction, 3D Space, Multiplication and Division, Volume and Capacity, Fractions and Decimals and Length in Numeracy. In

Stage 1 (Years 1 and 2) we will be looking at the concept of Diversity and Intercultural Understanding and focusing on writing informative texts. In Numeracy we will be covering the topics of Whole Number, Addition and Subtraction, Multiplication and Division, Fractions and Decimals, Patterns and Algebra, 2D Space, 3D Space, Length, Area and Probability.

We are currently developing new units of work for: Science and Technology; Visual and Creative Arts; and Personal Development, Health and Physical Education, to support our implementation of a number of new syllabus documents. We cannot wait to share more information in the coming weeks about what our work units will include and how our lessons will be even more engaging!

Home Reading: This program will begin over the first few weeks of this term. Children will bring home a home reader booklet containing information about the program and a place to record what they have read, as well as home readers in their padded envelope.

It would be great if you could assist us by ensuring that children bring their books back to change regularly. Class teachers will let you know the days on which readers will be changed.

Sport: Sport during Term 1 will be held on Wednesday afternoons for Kindergarten and Monday afternoons for Years 1 and 2. Children should wear their sports shirts on these days.

Fitness: We will also be having a 20 minute fitness session 4 days a week for 20 minutes after lunch. Children will be participating in stretching, cardio and stamina. Children should wear comfortable, well-fitting joggers for these activities.

Parent Helpers: Parent helpers are encouraged and greatly appreciated. Individual teachers will send out a note to let you know when they are required. We also require help with covering new readers. If you are able to assist, please see Ms Bain.

Assemblies: This year K-2 Assemblies will be held on Tuesday afternoons. Our first assembly will be held in week 5 on Tuesday 28 February and will be hosted by 2B. Parents, carers and friends of children in 2B are invited to attend the Jackson Hall at 2.00 pm. Kindergarten won't be attending the first assembly, however, will join us for our second assembly in week 8 on Tuesday 18 March. This will be hosted by 1S. Details of further assemblies will be in future newsletters.

Stage 1 & Kindy News by Ms Vanessa Bain


Welcome Back: Welcome back to all of our returning students and a warm welcome to our new students and families attending Merimbula PS in 2019. We have an exciting first term planned across years 3-6 and are looking forward to a fun, engaging and educational year.

Classroom Supplies: We thank you for supplying your children with all the school supplies that they need within the classroom each day. Please ensure you child has the necessary equipment for their day at school. Students across 3-6 will have their books covered at school in the early weeks of term.

English: Students are encouraged to bring in a book of their own choice to use during reading time. Please assist your child in choosing a book that is suitable. Your child’s class teacher will be able to support you in this should you have any questions. Students will also have the opportunity to borrow from the school library from Week 2.

During Term 1 students will be reading, analysing and creating a range of imaginative texts including both narratives and poetry. We will be continuing to use the Sound Waves program for spelling this year. This program uses a phonemic approach towards spelling and will be used across the school.

Maths:

Week 1-2: Whole Number + Angles

Week 3-4: Addition & Subtraction + 3 Dimensional Space

Week 5-6: Multiplication & Division + Area

Week 7-8: Fractions & Decimals + Length (Stage 2)

Fractions, Decimals & Percent + Length (Stage 3)

Week 9-10: Patterns & Algebra + Chance

Problem solving skills to be embedded throughout.

Homework: Stage 2 and 3 students will have the option to complete StudyLadder tasks to consolidate concepts learnt at school during Term 1 this year. These tasks are interactive and suitable for a range of ability levels. Teachers will be able to log on and check their student’s progress. Students will be shown how to navigate the site and given their login details during Week 3. If you do not have internet access at home printable options are available.

Students are encouraged to be reading a suitable text 20 minutes per night and practising multiplication facts up to 10x10 in Stage 2 and 12x12 in Stage 3.

In addition, students will be given a public speaking task in the coming weeks to be worked on at home in preparation for our Multicultural Public Speaking Competition coming up in Term 2.

Sport:

Stage 2: 12:15-2:55 Friday (Rotation Games at School in preparation for GALA Days and Knockouts)

Stage 3: 9:00-11:00 Friday (Rotation Games at School in preparation for GALA Days and Knockouts)

Fitness/PE:

This term for daily fitness we will be practicing skipping. Early next term we will be taking part in Jump Rope for Heart, raising funds for the Heart Foundation. More information will be sent home about the initiative in the coming weeks.

Parent Helpers:

We would very much appreciate parent helpers in the classroom during literacy rotations and other activities if you are interested. If you have some spare time and are interested please meet with your child’s teacher to discuss times. Activities might include listening to students read or helping a mathermatics group etc.

Note: See office staff for an up to date Work with Children Check form (WWWC) if you are interested.

Stage 2 and 3 News by Mr Ben Kirk


Welcome Back! The support classes would like to welcome everyone back for 2019. We are very excited for the year and the classes have hit the ground running. We have had a few classroom changes with Ms Hensman and Mr Mace taking the two ED classes. We would like to thank Mr Morris and Ms Varley-Mitchell for their hard work and wished them the best in their new opportunities. Over the first two weeks these classes they will look at setting up their class routines and getting the students prepared again for the year. We will then begin to look at organising formal transition visits for students to their home room classes, so they have a clear routine established.

Sensory Garden: All the students are very excited about our new Sensory garden that was built over the summer holidays. We would like to say a big thank

you to the POD garden team who have constructed the beautiful area. The kids have enjoyed using the space and it has been great to see students across the school using the area during break times.

Support Plans: Teachers in the Support Classes will be contacting you over the coming weeks to organise meetings to go through each students support plans. This will include establishing their IEP goals and transition visits to their home room. We love working collaboratively with families and to achieve success for each student by having the appropriate support and strategies in place.

Cooking and Brewda Coffee: The Support Classes will be continuing our cooking program for 2019. This will be held on a Thursday after lunch. Notes have been sent out for each student so please sign them and send them back in so your child can undertake the program. FL also received permission to walk notes as they will be going to the shops on Thursday to purchase our shopping for the program. They will need their note signed so they are able to go to the shops.

FH and FM will be continuing Brewda Coffee and we will making this part of our program where our key focus is on life and

social skills. They will be providing the service to staff across the school to staff and will be going to the shops to purchase the necessary equipment. For this to occur can parents please sign the permission note that was sent home.

Google Communities: There has been a new community page created for the Support Classes. A note will go home shortly asking for permission and when this occurs a link will be sent out so you will be able to join the community. Our 2018 page will be archived so if you want to get photos from last year this will need to be done shortly as you won’t be able to view the page once it is archived.

We look forward to having a great year with your kids!

Special Education News by Mr Brenton Mace


SCHOOL CALENDAR – TERM 1, 2019 Changes and updates may be seen on School Stream, our web site calendar & on Facebook

Month Week Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Sat/ Sun

Jan/Feb 1

28 PUBLIC HOLIDAY

29 Staff and students return. Pupil free

day.

30 Year 1-6 commence/ Best

Start Assessments Kindy

31 Best Start

Assessments Kindy

1 Best Start Kindy/ House

Meetings re Swim Carnival

2/3

February 2

4 Kindy Commence /Swimming note DUE

5 Newsletter/notes

home and AFL PSSA Note DUE

6 3-6 Swimming Carnival and Tabloids Day

7 AFL Team Selections @

Berrambool 3-5.30

8 SRC Induction Assemb. / Photos & Interview Notes DUE

9/10

February 3

11 School Photos (Class, Family,

Individual)

12

13 Expo and

Welcome BBQ 1.30-5pm

14 AFL Training 3.30-5 Berrambool/ Evacuation Drill

15 DUE: Musical, Google,

Permission to Publish Notes

16/17

February 4

18 P&C Meeting Club Sapphire

6.30-8pm/3Way-Conferences 3-

6pm

19

20 3 Way-

Conferences 3-6pm

21 Zone Swim Carnival Candelo/

AFL Training 3.30-5

Berrambool

22 Swim Carnival Presentation

12.30-1.15 Hall/ DUE: Paul Kelly Cup & Clean Up

note

23/24

Feb/Mar 5

25 26 K-2 Assembly – 2B

27 Paul Kelly Cup AFL Gala Day Pambula

28

1 Musical EOI Note DUE / Clean Up Australia Day

2/3

March 6

4 Yr 6 Aurora Students’ Camp

to Katoomba

5 Yr 6 Aurora Students’ Camp to Katoomba



8 Yr 6 Aurora Camp / Scripture

& SRE start & Show In Hall/

DUE: X Country note/Ski Deposit

9/10

March 7

11

12 World of Maths

visit Yr 4-6

13 World of Maths

visit Yr 1-3

14 Year 3 and 4 Auskick Gala Day

Berrambool/ Selective HS & Aurora 2020

Exam

15 Cross Country walk course 9.15-

10.30/ Musical Auditions / Anti-Bullying Day & Assembly 1.55-

2.55

16/17

March 8

18 P&C Meeting Club Sapphire

6.30-8pm/ Musical

Auditions

19 Musical Auditions / K-2 Assembly –

1S

20 Musical Audit./ International Food Day IRELAND & St

Patrick’s Day/ Wear Green Mufti

Day

21 Musical

Auditions / Harmony Day

22 Circus of Life

Performance K-2 9.30am/ 3-6 Walk Course Back Up X

Country

23/24

March 9

25

26 3-6 Cross Country Berrambool 12-2

27 K-2 Cross Country @ School 9.30-11

28 Oz Harvest Food

Waste Presentations

29 Oz Harvest Food Waste

Presentations/ DUE: Easter

Service Note, Jindy $100,

Sydney $200

30/31

April 10

1 2 Back up 3-6 Cross

Country

3 Back up K-2 Cross Country/ Easter

Food Day Canteen

4 Year 5/6 Weyman Shield League/Tag Gala

Day

5 Scripture/SRE Combined Easter Setvice 11.30-12.10

6/7 School

Holidays

April 11

8 ANZAC Day

Assembly 10-11/Anzac M’Tea

9 K-2 Disco (1.25-

2.55)

10 11 3-6 Disco (1.25-

2.55)

12 Easter Hat Parade

12-1.15/ No SRE/Scripture

today

13/14

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