Calendar

Week 4 10/8 9.30am KH &

K/1A Excursion

10/8 Police School

Liaison Officer visit Constable Struan Presgrave

10/8 11.35 3/4O Assembly

10/8 12.15 Peer

Support Groups Begin

Week 5 15/8 3.30-5.30pm

Think Club $12 per session

17/8 11.35 2/3C

Assembly 17/8 12.15pm Peer

Support Week 6 20-24/8 Bookfair 22/8 3.30-5.30pm

Think Club $12 per session

24/8 10.30am

Bookfair Character Parade

Professional Learning Anaphylaxis Training ------------------------------ For more events on our

calendar please go to:

http://www.wollongbar

-p.schools.nsw.edu.au/

Relieving Principal’s Report Isn’t life busy!? Wouldn’t it be boring if it wasn’t? I thought this week I might present the

newsletter as a “snapshot” of the school diary, an idea I got when a visiting family

described our school as seeming “very dynamic and exciting”.

Monday, 6/8/12

Professional Learning – team of 4 to Coffs Harbour for training in new administration

systems and software (LMBR) being released for schools

Whole staff training in Anaphylaxis Care – mandatory annual update

4W + Senior Choir to Ballina RSL for Coastal Kids Concert rehearsal

Tuesday, 7/8/12

Jennifer Thomas to Melbourne for Australian

Institute for Teaching and School Leadership

(AITSL) training

4W + Senior Choir to Ballina for Coastal Kids

Matinee performance, followed by an evening

performance. Congratulations to our terrific

school representatives whose performances

were amazing. Thank you Ms Hamlyn and

Mrs Woolfe for the effort you have put into

training these groups and Mrs Green for your

support on the night. Organisers made comments about how our school has

improved over the last 3 years. Well done.

Tree trimming begins, to trim any branches overhanging buildings

Wednesday, 8/8/12

Cheryl Baxter visit – Cheryl is an itinerant teacher who visits us annually to teach

Kindergarten children about the importance of blowing noses properly. An unusual,

but very important, thing to learn.

Kindergarten 2013 appointments – this week several families will visit for their

Kinder 2013 interviews. If you know of anyone intending to enrol a Kinder child at

our school next year, or have a child who will be coming to Kinder 2013, now is the

time to book you appointment.

Thursday, 9/8/12

PSSA Soccer Knockout- Our boys soccer team progress to the next stage of the PSSA

Soccer Knockout, playing in Yamba today. Good luck to the team.

Occupational Therapist Practicum Student, Initial Visit – as in many professions,

Occupational Therapy students are required as a part of their training to complete

practicum experiences. We extend a warm welcome to Ashleigh Smith from

Southern Cross University, who will join us for her practicum throughout the rest of

the term. Ashleigh will visit a range of classes, observing students and working with

Thursday 9

th August 2012

Term 3, Week 4

Volume 24

Wollongbar Public School

Simpson Ave, Wollongbar 2477

Ph: 66281 302 Fax: 6628 1976

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

Principal: Jennifer Thomas

small groups to develop their fine and gross motor skills.

Congratulations

To these students who have achieved 100 nights of Home Reading:

Joshua, Talon, Jarrod, Casey

200 nights of Home Reading: Brooke

School Photos

Our School Photos will be taken on Thursday 30th August, Individual School

Photo envelopes were sent home last week. ALL Payment envelopes must be

returned to school before the 29th August otherwise your child’s photograph

cannot be taken. If you require a Family Photo envelope or you have not

received an individual envelope, please see the front office.

Friday, 10/8/12

Constable Struan Presgrave – Police School Liaison Officer visits for the day, supporting our anti bullying and

personal development programs as well as talking to Stage 1 complementing their COGs unit (combined

outcomes group), “People That Help Us”

Assembly – Come and join us for 3/4O’s assembly from

11.35 in the hall.

Peer Support Groups Begin – our seniors have

completed their training and are ready to commence

leading mixed age groups in a range of anti bullying

activities.

Tree Trimming concludes. Students have been very

intrigued by the skills of the aerial tree surgeon,

swinging through the branches. Check out the great

job they have done. The mulch left behind is an added

bonus.

In amongst all of this, are highly skilled teachers leading terrific learning in classrooms. Day to day lessons continue

as our normal business, but I have to say that really our classrooms are better described as places where what we

refer to as ”ordinary” teaching leads to extraordinary achievements. I hope your week has been as fruitful and

satisfying as ours.

Yours Sincerely,

Ben Barker

Relieving Principal

Gold Luca x2 Maddison Platinum Birthdays

Georgia Indianna Elanor Grace Sam

Khai Brenton Noah Jayden Josh

Jye Shawn Grace x2 Katie Montana

Quinton Melody Aaliyah Luca Sheridan

Siobhan Grace x2 Lillian Grace Nuliandra

Ash Alani L Chloe

Shona x2 Kayla Sienna

Merit Awards and Birthday Awards

Before After

Peer Support

Our school will be involved in the Peer Support Program this term.

What is the Peer Support Program?

The Peer Support Program provides a fun and engaging environment for students to address issues such as bullying,

relationships and self-image. Modules are designed to equip students with skills to deal proactively with life

experiences, develop a sense of self-worth and belonging and to encourage taking responsibility for decisions and

actions.

How does Peer Support work?

The whole school participates in Peer Support for 30-45minutes each week. Three or four Peer Leaders, trained Year

6 students, facilitate a class of younger students who work together through a number of structured activities. Each

teacher will supervise a class in their classroom.

How can I support my child with the Peer Support Program?

Discuss with your child the activities, concepts and understandings they are developing each week. This helps to

foster a positive connection between school and home.

Benefits for my child.

All participating students benefit from the Peer Support Program by:

Identifying personal and community values.

Demonstrating how they care for themselves and others.

Acknowledging and respecting the rights of all.

Developing ways to be responsible.

Attempting new tasks to the best of their ability.

Identifying personal and group strengths.

Katie Munro

Peer Support Coordinator

Peer Support

Year 6 were trained as Peer Support leaders in Week 1 this term. The module that the school will be working on is

called Speaking Up. This module supports students to develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to make

a positive contribution to the creation and maintenance of a safe school environment. This module runs for 6

sessions.

Speaking Up focuses on developing the following skills:

Decision making

Problem solving

Assertiveness

Empathy

Relationship building

The Peer Support Foundation has a history of involvement in the development of anti-bullying programs in schools.

Speaking Up is an experiential, skills based learning module designed to engage students as it addresses the issues of

bullying behaviours in a whole school context.

In this module students are provided with activities designed to help them identify bullying behaviours, recognize

the three groups present in any bullying scenario, empathise with others, report incidents they are aware of and

develop strategies to empower them in future encounters.

The module complements and supports the National Framework for Values Education in Australian schools. This year

our school has had a strong focus on values, identifying ‘the three R’s’ (Respect, Responsibility and Resilience) as key

values.

Values are the tools we use to guide us through our lives. They assist us to decide what is right and how we should

respond to different situations. Values provide a framework for behaviour; they also give meaning and significance

to our lives. Our values are a reflection of who we are. They shape our sense of self as we discover the different

reactions we have to a variety of situations.

Katie Munro

Peer Support Coordinator

Ballina Fair Education Week Performances

Mrs Hamlyn and Mrs Green were two very proud teachers

last Tuesday 31st July. Some of the students from Wollongbar

Public School went to Ballina Fair to perform for the general

public on a stage to celebrate Education Week. The senior

choir sang “Weather Without You” and “Count On Me” in

beautiful voice. Josh Green performed his poi routine from

the end of year concert. The Spectacular Dance Group

danced for the enjoyment of everybody who was watching

and Sam and Casey sang a glorious rendition of “Wouldn’t it

be Loverly” dressed as a chimney sweep and young flower seller.

We were so proud of the children’s performances and their

behaviour. They were true ambassadors for Wollongbar Public

School.

Natalie Hamlyn and Kim Green Supervising Teachers

Book Character Parade Friday 24th August

Dress up as your favourite storybook character! Why not get your friends together and come as characters from the

same book.

All participants must carry either-

The book that features the character Or

A sign stating the name of the character and the title of the book featuring that character.

Parents, family and visitors are welcome as spectators or participants- Parade begins at 10.30 am. Why not stay for

morning tea and pop into the Book Fair!

This week’s progress in the Woolworths Earn & Learn Program:

11,840 points

Thankyou for your support

Sticker Cards are available at the front

office

The Woolworths Earn & Learn program concludes on the

12th of August 2012. Please drop off all your sticker cards

(even if they are not complete) or stickers at the front office by

Monday the 13th

August. Thank you.

2013 Kindergarten Enrolments

Kindergarten Interviews for 2013 have begun. Parents who intend to start their child/ren at school are welcome to phone or come in to the front office to set up

an appointment with our Principal.

Our Transition to School days will be held on the first four Fridays in November- 2nd, 9th, 16th and 23rd - from

12.15pm.Our Big Day @ School, where both children and parents attend for the day, will be on Friday 30th November

2012.For more enquiries please call 6628 1302

Susan Dyer is the P&C President and can be contacted on

Ph: 0428 788 715, Susan.Dyer2@det.nsw.edu.au.

The WPS children who performed at Coastal Kids in Ballina this week did a FANTASTIC job. Congratulations to all who helped to make these kids shine. Thank you to Julie Woolfe and Nat Hamlyn for encouraging and supporting the kids and giving them the chance to all be 'stars'!

There are new and exciting developments about how our school is managed. WPS and some of the other schools in

the Plateau to the Sea Community of Schools are part of a pilot program to develop "Local Schools, Local Decisions."

Our principal is in the thick of learning these new strategies and would like to share her knowledge with us. Come

along to the next meeting - Wednesday 5th September - 7pm - to hear how our school will be empowered. It will be

a great opportunity to ask questions and be informed about the benefits for our school and our children

Thank you to all our WONDERFUL volunteers

This month our lucky winner receives a $15.00 voucher for Alstonville Garden House. So, next

time you volunteer at school don’t forget to write your name and phone number on a raffle

ticket and put it into the box in the front office for your chance to win.

News in the Canteen We have a few vacancies in our roster, especially on a Friday, and for baking on a Monday.

If you would like to become involved please let me know.

Please get in touch if you would like to find out more.

Andrea Pearce andrea.pearce4@bigpond.com or Tel: 0435 930645

Canteen Coordinator

Fund raising News – dates to Remember

Father’s Day Stall, Wednesday 29th August 1.30pm-3pm

Volunteer helpers for the stall are needed. If you can spare a half hour or an hour, please

contact Chris McNally on 66283796

School Disco, Thursday 13th September. More details in weeks to come.

A Fair to Remember – Saturday November 3rd

Our poster competition will start next week. Closing date: Wednesday, 29th August. There will be 3 age categories:

Kindy – Year 2, Years 3&4, Years 5&6. The winning entry from each age category will receive an ALL DAY RIDE PASS

to be used on the day of the Fete. Winning Entries will be announced at the School Assembly, Friday 31st August.

Entry Forms will be available next week.

$20 pre-paid ride day passes will be available for purchase Week 1, Term 4. Purchasing a pre- paid ticket will entitle

the person to unlimited rides and entertainment on the day of the Fete. Day passes will be available on the day for

$25.

Last week we showed two of the rides that will be available, have a look at what else will be available on the day.

Don’t forget about our show competitions and for a $1 per entry, children can enter their best:

Lego display Art work Best cupcake

Teachers and their classes have been asked to coordinate stalls on the day. In the coming weeks families will be

asked to support the stalls and the Fete in one way or another once our stalls are locked in.

More information coming your way soon!

Don’t Forget…….

Next Fund Raising meeting Thursday 30th August at Fiona Barnes place commencing at 7pm. For more details

contact Donna Lloyd 0413138743

Canteen

Volunteers Term 3 week 4 and 5 Friday 10th August Monday 13th August Friday 17th August

Leigh Wendy Leigh

Tash Andrea Andrea

LeAnn Sandy Gini * *9.30 – 12.00 Dianne *

Suzanna ** **11.30 – 2.00 Katrina **

P & C Calendar

P&C Calendar

What’s happening When Where

Fundraising Meeting Thursday 30th August @ 7pm Fiona Barnes

Canteen Meeting Friday 31st August @ 2pm Staff Room

P&C Meeting Wednesday 5th September @ 7pm Staff Room

Uniform Shop Date Opening Hours

Thursday 16th August 8.30 – 9.30am