Term 3 – Week 6 - 28th August 2019

Principal’s Report from the desk of Tracey Cresnar

This week, is School Administrative and Support Staff (SASS) Recognition Week, a time to acknowledge and thank the often-unsung heroes in our public schools. Our SAS staff play an important role in the school community. SAS staff work in school offices, in classrooms and libraries and maintain and care for school grounds and buildings. So, a big THANK YOU goes out to Atsuko, Anna, Diane, Donna, Jess, Jon, Mark, Martine, Merinda, Roberta, Sally-Anne, Sarah and Suzy for all your valuable work and contributions in supporting great teaching and learning outcomes at Hamilton Public School.

Also, a huge THANK YOU to all staff who took students to the Stage 2 and 3 camps. For these great experiences to happen for our students, teachers give up their own time and families. Camps and excursions are not mandatory and only happen because of the enormous efforts and dedication of our teachers who put up their hands to run these extra-curricular activities. It is a huge job being responsible for so many students at one time and teachers are ‘on duty’ 24/7 while away. We all greatly appreciate our teachers’ time, effort and commitment in giving our students these wonderful learning opportunities and lots of fun.

I am sure that the camp staff and SAS Staff would really enjoy any sign of appreciation for their efforts.

Australia –ASEAN BRIDGE School Partnership

We have more staff going above and beyond with both Mrs Marr and Mrs Lindsay (who are both unwell) following through on a school plan commitment to connect the school with a school in Asia. Asia and Australian's Engagement with Asia is a cross-curriculum priority and is mandated in the Curriculum. It is incorporated in our schools’ strategic directions in order to further enrich our students' educational journey.

Mrs Marr and Mrs Lindsay met our exchange teacher, Mr Halim, last Saturday and have undergone four days of intensive training to develop common goals for this partnership. Mr Halim will be at our school until Wednesday 4th September and will be teaching lessons and participating in all aspects of school life. He will be visiting many homes for dinner and discussions while he is here, to broaden his experiences while in Australia. We would like to acknowledge Nicole and Trent (Evie and Zoe's family) and thank them for opening their doors for a visit from Mr Hamil. If you see Mr Hamil at the school during the week please don’t hesitate to come and have a chat with him.

An information sheet explaining more about this partnership is attached to this newsletter.

Father’s Day Breakfast

This Friday, we celebrate Father’s Day with our BBQ breakfast commencing at 7:45am in the canteen area. Thank you to Rebecca McKerrow (Jessica and Sam’s mum) for coordinating the event and to all the volunteers who are giving up their time to assist. There will also be some Father’s, Grandfather’s and Uncles’ Day tea towels for sale for $15 each, just in case you missed ordering one of these special gifts. Thank you to the P & C Association and especially, Craig Sparks, for coordinating this fundraiser, and for members of the community for purchasing them as we have raised approximately $1300. Thank you everyone!

After the breakfast, we would love you to join us for our whole school assembly with performances from the school band, choir and senior tap boys. I am sure that all breakfast visitors will be highly entertained and that Mr Hamil will be very impressed with the talents of our students.

We would like to wish all our dads, grandads, uncles and other special friends a wonderful Father’s Day on Sunday.

Warmest regards

Tracey Cresnar

The Library Report

Book Week 2019

We had a fantastic day on Wednesday 21st August celebrating Book Week 2019. The children looked amazing in their costumes, the performance from Hamilton Library was incredible and everyone helped to make Hush visible again at the picnic!

This is what some of the children said about the day;

Evie: The performances were really funny, my favourite was ‘Here Comes Stinkbug.’

Georgina: I liked listening to Possum Magic, we had to eat the picnic food to make Hush visible again. The food was really yummy!

Elliot and Leo: Book week celebrations were great! We loved all of the special things we got to do.

Catie: After recess we wrote a book report, my report was about the story Heidi. Heidi is a good story because Heidi is always kind to everyone.

Isabella: My favourite part of the day was writing about the character that I came dressed as. My character was Hilda, Hilda is kind and goes on lots of adventures with her pet deer, Twig.

Book Week wouldn’t be Book Week without finding out who the winners were for the Children’s Book Awards. This year children in K-3 listened to six stories from the early childhood category.

And the winner chosen by the CBCA was; Tricky’s Bad Day, written by Alison Lester.

Children in 4-6 listened to stories from the picture book category. The winner for this category was Cicada, written by Shaun Tan.

Stage 3 camp - Sydney Day 1 This week Stage 3 (88 children!) went to camp accompanied by Mr Osborn, Mrs Marr, Mrs Foot, Sally-Anne, Jon and Mr Handley. It was a two-hour drive from school to Sydney. We walked over the Sydney Harbour Bridge, which was so high up we had an amazing view of the water and the Sydney Opera House. After the walk on the Harbour Bridge, we went to The Big Dig, an archaeological digging site in The Rocks. We learnt that only three people in Sydney died from the Plague and about several important people who used to live in The Rocks and their impact on colonial Sydney. Then we studied some objects and dug in some sand to find old artefacts. After the Big Dig, we went and visited a museum about the Gadigal people, the first people to live in Sydney. We walked around with our guide and she told us about a sacred place where only men could go (women had a sacred place too). There they held rituals such as initiation for boys. This was a growing up ceremony where they had their front right tooth knocked out with a piece of sandstone. If they flinched or cried they would get another tooth knocked out later on. When women were born, a strand of their hair would be wrapped around their left pinkie finger. After a couple of days, they would go to the sea and have their left pinkie finger flicked off into the sea. They were giving something of their own to the sea.

Day 2 After breakfast, we went to the Museum of Sydney and learnt about the First Fleet from an Aboriginal perspective through an artwork, we stood on the foundations of the first government house built, and we saw the bones of the governors' first dog. We also played a version of charades, where the instructor gave us Gadigal words and we had to act them out. After The Museum of Sydney we went to the Botanical Gardens. We walked to a hill and then ate our packed lunch there. There were plants from all over the world! We then went to the Sydney Jewish Museum. We were told about the Holocaust by Mimi, who was a person who survived the Holocaust. She told a gripping story about her and her brother Sam moving from place to place to escape the Nazis. We then had a tour with several friendly volunteers around the museum. Day 3 We had to get up early on Wednesday because we needed to pack to go to the zoo! After we had packed, we went to the Police and Justice Museum. At the Police and Justice Museum, we looked at weapons and we did a re-enactment of a bushranger court case. Then we went to Cockatoo Island. We dressed up as outlaws, guards and bosses and had a tour with a person called Ross. We saw some old convict homes and he told us all about the history of Cockatoo Island. After that, we went to Taronga Zoo and did the ZooSnooz program. We set up our sleeping bags and ate dinner. After dinner, we looked at animals and went to bed. Day 4 In the morning we ate breakfast and split up into three groups - 5/6O, 5/6F and 5/6M. Each class worked with a zookeeper who shared their expertise and passion. We gained firsthand experience with everything from Barking Owls to Tasmanian Devils to tiny forest monkeys with white beards. After the spending time behand the scenes we meandered through the zoo taking in the Seal show and getting up close to Tigers, Giraffes and some very entertaining Chimpanzee’s. We had had an amazing time on camp and thank all the teachers for creating a fantastic camp. By Caoimhe Brollo McCarthy and Evie McClenahan

EALD Student’s Special Day

Last week Lily, Kannapat, Damanpreet, Shakya and Tenzin enjoyed making Sushi. We had to follow the steps from a recipe and choose our fillings. It was hard keeping it altogether and fitting it into our mouths but we thought it was yummy. After we filled ourselves with Sushi we walked to Hamilton Park and enjoyed playing in the playground and having a game of cricket. Great team work and following instructions everyone!

Year 3 Wetlands Excursion

On the 21st of August 3K and 3H went on an excursion to the Hunter Wetlands. When we first got there, we met Mrs Gardener and Mrs Campbell. They were so much fun! They were the two teachers who ran the activities for the day. Then we were split up into two groups, and started our first activity.

The activities were, navigating around the park, bird watching, water, dirt and air testing, bush tucker garden where we learnt about different plants and what they are used for. We also visited the tank room where we got to see a crocodile, turtle and a diamond python. During our bird watching activity, we saw turtle’s stickybeaking out of the water that was cute. While we were doing these four activities, we were blown away of how windy it was!

After the jam-packed day, year 3 returned to Hamilton Public School!

We all had a great day out. Thank you to Mrs Haines, Mrs Kelly and Roberta for taking us there.

By Darcie Wade and Penny Langlands

Zone Athletics

On Tuesday 13th August, 37 of our athletes attended the Zone Athletics Carnival at Hunter Sports Centre, Glendale. Our school qualified and competed in most events, with many students making the finals in their events.

It was fantastic to see so much sportsmanship and effort on this day, with many students achieving personal bests at this carnival. Congratulations to all of our students who competed.

Mrs Kellie Smith

Ace Antonovich –AFL

Last week, I represented NSW in the All Schools Australia National AFL Championships. I along with 22 other boys went through a number of selection trials to get there. Last month, we had a four day training camp in Barooga on the Victorian border all leading up to last week. We played 11 games over the seven days, winning six and losing five. I mostly played on the wing and in the backline so I only kicked one goal. Overall the opportunity I had to play with and against Australia’s best schoolboy AFL players was incredible. I was also fortunate enough to make some great new

friends. Thank you to everyone who bought a raffle ticket, it helped me out a lot.

Children’s University News

In Week 4, Georgia Osland, editor of the Newcastle Weekly visited our school and provided the CU students with a journalism/writing workshop. The students learnt about what makes a good article and how quality articles are structured. They were introduced to the word ‘lede’ and that the lede is the introductory section of a news story and is intended to entice a reader to read the full story. The students had a go at writing their own lede. Thank you to all students who participated in this workshop and parents who come along and assisted at the end.

Graduation is not far away!

The Graduation Ceremony for Hamilton Public School students will be held on Monday 28 October. Please keep this evening free. In order to get ready for this exciting event, students will have a gown fitting at school on Wednesday 11 September at 11:45am.

Tracey Cresnar

Blue Gate Garden News Days are getting longer, Spring is on its way and our veggies are growing. Hooray! This Friday 30th August 2.45-3.15pm Mrs Isaacs and 2I will have a small market stall with radishes, salad mix, rosemary bunches, rocket, and oregano pots. Come, say hello and bring some coins to buy some fresh produce. We are also on the lookout for some key garden items. If anyone can help out with these we’d be so appreciative. We are on the hunt for: - tomato stakes - star pickets - hay - and your vegie scraps. Feel free to drop them straight into the left box of the 3-bay-compost-system near the shed. Thank you so much to Carly Gardener and Jamie Pomfrett for donating hay to start up our new no-dig garden bed. Also big thanks to Fiona Crommelin and Craig Sparks for volunteering to build a mini greenhouse to raise seedlings in a more protected environment.

Year 4 Camp

Last week, Year 4 went to the Great Aussie Bush Camp at Tea Gardens for two nights and three days. We had the most amazing time, and all challenged ourselves in a variety ways, from tackling the heights of the giant swing, dual flying fox and high ropes, to the icy, obstacle course that was mud world and working as a team to solve puzzles during orienteering. All students displayed great maturity and team work, and the staff commented that we were by far the best group they’d seen in a long time. I would like to extend a very big thank you to both Mr Farrar and Donna for their hard work and dedication in ensuring that the camp went off without a hitch and that a great time was had by all! Parents will be sent a link to the google slides document containing more photos from camp shortly.

Miss Rose

Stage 2 Assistant Principal

Spotlight on Writing AHHHH! The wicked witch let out a frightening laugh. "Those children will be dead in a second," she plotted. She is as quiet as a mouse, when she's hunting. By Billy 2L Creek! Creek! The fairies are creeping around in my room.

"What's that odd noise?" wondered the little girl. The girl was shaking like a tiny leaf in the wind. By Elodie 2L La La La! The beautiful fairy, sang as loud as she could. "What is that odd noise?" I whispered. The fairy was as quiet as a butterfly fluttering her wings. "I'm as pretty as a princess," squeaked the fairy. By Eve 2L Hahaha! Mr Twit laughed as he caught the birds. “Bird pie my favourite,” he cackled as loud as a crow. By Saxon 2I Psssss! The balloon went as Mr Twit blew it up. “I wonder how many more balloons it’s going to take until she snaps in half ?” wondered Mr Twit. He was as evil as Voldemort. By Sam 2I

During the day, the mini dolphin did a mini front flip. It was fun. He did not do it right but he kept on trying. He gave up. It was just too hard. He never got to do it. By Elliott KMA The dolphin is having a nice time in the cool water. By Olivia KMA

Polar bears lay down on the ice to camouflage, so they can catch a seal. They roll in the snow, so they can keep their fur clean. By Hugo KMA Hush ate a piece of pavlova. After he ate a piece of pavlova, he climbed up on the umbrella and looked at the amazing view while Nan had a nap. By Eve KMA

Request for all School Maintenance Local Trades Providers and Suppliers The NSW Government has committed the largest investment in planned maintenance at public schools in the history of NSW. A record $1.3 billion is being spent on an ambitious delivery program, focused on employing local businesses and contractors across the state. To assist in addressing regional school maintenance issues and at the same time provide work for local trade’s persons and suppliers across the Hunter / Central Coast regions, over $100 million is being invested to upgrade and maintain our school infrastructure.

Given this record spend by School Infrastructure NSW, you are invited to an Asset Management Unit industry breakfast briefing. This will provide information to existing and new contractors on how you can get involved.

To find out more by attending our Industry breakfast register at https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/industry-engagement-information-session-tickets-65766578607 or contact your Asset Management Unit on 4088 3500.

Communication

One form of communication at Hamilton Public School is via our SkoolBag App.

Keeping informed is important. So, if you do not have the SkoolBag App download it today. It is as easy as 1,2,3.

Nature News

Upcoming Events

Day Date Time Event Friday 30th August 7.45 – 8.45 Father’s Day Breakfast

9:15-10:00 KMU UN Assembly Item

Monday- Friday

2nd-6th September

Kindergarten 2020 Interviews all week

Tuesday 3rd September ICAS Digital Technologies

Thursday 5th September ICAS Science

Sport Swimming

Tuesday 10th September ICAS Writing

Thursday 12th September ICAS Spelling

Final week of swimming

Friday 13th September 3H UN Assembly Item

Tuesday 17th september 3 Way Conferences Years 3-6

ICAS English

Wednesday 18th September 3 Way Conferences K-2

Thursday 19th September ICAS Mathematics

Friday 27th september 2L UN Assembly Item

Thursday and Friday

17-18th October Matinee and Evening time TBA.

28 August 2019

Hamilton Public School partners with SK Kubang Kerian (3) in 2019 to BRIDGE intercultural understanding

This year, Hamilton Public School will join the Australia-ASEAN BRIDGE School Partnerships Program to

establish an international school partnership with SK Kubang Kerian (3) in Malaysia to improve student-learning outcomes. HPS will be one of 35 schools around Australia in 2019 embarking on a nationally acclaimed program aimed at fostering greater ties between Australia and Malaysia through education.

The Australia–ASEAN BRIDGE School Partnerships Program connects Australian teachers, students and school communities with their counterparts in the ASEAN region. BRIDGE is a whole school professional learning program that builds teachers' capability through school partnerships to develop intercultural understanding, build global competencies enhance technology skills, and establish sustainable school partnerships and a community network of learners.

From, today, HPS will host a teacher from its partner school, SK Kubang Kerian (3) to collaborate on professional teacher practice and develop strategies to make the most of and maintain their international school partnership.

Participating schools across Australia report many positive outcomes from their involvement in the BRIDGE, such as increased interest in languages, a deeper understanding of the region and the establishment of long-distance friendships between students.

The Australia-ASEAN BRIDGE Schools Partnership Program has been running for 7 years with the support of the Australian Government through the Australia ASEAN Council at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The broader Australia-Asia BRIDGE School Partnerships was established in 2008 and has connected over 330 schools in Australia with schools across Asia.

About Asia Education Foundation Asia Education Foundation (AEF) is Australia’s premier organisation supporting schools to educate a new generation of globally competent and Asia capable young Australians. AEF is focused on ensuring that all Australian students develop a deep understanding of Australia and our place in the world, intercultural understanding and language skills to communicate and collaborate with the peoples of Asia and the world. AEF is a national not-for-profit initiative of Asialink at The University of Melbourne.

Community News

Learn to Surf Newcastle

Operated/owned by Miles Niddrie, Level 2 Surf Coach, since 2004.

Nudie Surf Groms is back again during School Holidays, weekends/after school.

Surf safety education and local beach info taught each lesson.

Age groups are 5-12yrs (max 15 kids/3coaches) (4:1 ratio under 9’s)

School holiday 4 x 1.5hr $180pp inc rego fee for the Surfgroms pack value $120.

13yrs-18yrs Surfteens $165pp which follows the Surfgroms format.

Active kids vouchers accepted ages 5-18yrs.

Single 1.5hr lessons daily $45pp during school hols. All equipment supplied.

For bookings and enquiries please call 0404 83 9585.

Email at miles@learntosurfnewcastle.com or www.learntosurfnewcastle.com

The appearance of advertising in our newsletter does not indicate Hamilton Public School’s support or endorsement.