Newsletter T4 Wk3

KINDERGARTEN ORIENTATION

A friendly reminder that our first Kindergarten Orientation will be held on Monday 9^th November at 2pm with parents in the school library and children in the Kinder class.

A second Orientation session will be held the following Monday 16^th November also commencing at 2pm only for children. There will be no session for parents.

2010 PLANNING

To assist our school with planning for next year could you please inform the office if you know that you will be not be at our school next year. This, of course applies to students currently in classes K – 5.

SPECIAL SWIMMING SCHEME

Notes have been sent home for this wonderful Learn to Swim program. There are only 60 places available, therefore, we will accept children on a first in basis.

Please ask at the office for a permission note.

This program is only for students who are in Years 2 – 6 and cannot swim 25 metres.

Please note, there are still a few places open for students who wish to learn to swim.

PRESENTATION ASSEMBLY

The executive teachers and the front office staff have held a meeting to set up a timeline of roles and responsibilities leading up to our Annual Presentation Assembly to be held on Monday 14^th December at Corrimal High School.

This year there will be two book prizes and four certificates awarded to each class.

Major trophies to be presented will include:

Dux Award – Year 6 student

K – 3 - Junior Citizenship

4 – 6 – Senior Citizenship

Oracy Grade winners

Technology Award

Junior Sports Award

Senior Sports Award

Creative and Practical Arts – “The Arts” Award

THANK YOU MR AUCHTERLONIE

A special thank you to Mr Auchterlonie for his hard work painting and helping to transform our former Oosh room into a mainstream classroom. He is doing a marvellous job. Thank you!

Also thank you to Mr Ballango and Mrs Privett for their outstanding efforts in respect to setting up the new Learning Support class. Again, thank you!

SCHOOL EVALUATION

Corrimal East staff will be shortly engaging in a series of staff meetings that will culminate in the writing of the school’s 2010 Action plan.

We will be setting targets and directions which address our student’s learning needs and help establish our school as one of the premier schools in the Wollongong District.

We will set school targets and then plan and implement strategies that will successfully show that our targets have been met. As it is part of a 3 year plan some targets that were established last year will be evaluated and refined to best meet the needs of our students.

During our Week 4 meeting, I invite interested parents to participate and have the opportunity to contribute in helping set future directions for our school. If you are interested in participating please contact the office for details.

Next year our 2010 kindergarten students and teachers will again participate in the Best Start program and establish early learning parameters which will form the basis of our Early Stage One teaching learning programs.

SCHOOL’S SPECTACULAR

Tickets are now available to the NSW Public School’s performing arts showcase of the year, the 2009 Schools Spectacular on Friday 27 and Saturday 28 November. This year’s Schools Spectacular will feature more than 3,000 performers from 250 schools on the stage of the Sydney Entertainment Centre.

Tickets are available through Ticketmaster on 1300 883 622 or online www.ticketmaster.com.au (click to music-dance/electronic). Group bookings can be made on 02 8512 9020 or by email: groups.nsw@ticketmaster.com.au. Allow five days delivery for tickets issued by mail.

SELECTIVE HIGH SCHOOL APPLICATIONS

If you have a child seeking placement in a selective high school in Year 7 in 2011, applications must be made to your current primary school by Friday 13 November 2009. Generally students are in Year 5 in 2009 when applying for Year 7 entry in 2011.

Application packages will be available in schools from 26 October 2009.
There are 17 fully selective, 23 partially selective, a virtual selective class provision (Western NSW Region) and four selective agricultural high schools in NSW offering places in Year 7. Application procedures are also published online at:

www.schools.nsw.edu.au/learning/k-6assessments/selectiveschools.php

THANK YOU

A big thank you goes to Mrs Theobald for transporting the debating team to Russell Vale Public School last week.

Mr Davies

Newsletter T4 Wk2

BUSY TERM

Term 4 promises to be quite hectic with our normal array of activities coupled with major building projects commencing.

As specific parts of the school receive refurbishments this will directly impact on classrooms in the near vicinity. Some classes may have to be moved to another location to ensure classes are able to work in a quiet environment.

School assessments will be completed so teachers can finalise Semester 2 reports. Other important activities occurring include:

* A Gala Day in Week 5.

* Our school choir will perform a variety of Christmas

songs in the Wollongong Mall during Week 7.

* Year 6 Farewell in Week 8.

* Parents Thank You Morning Tea in Week 8.

* Presentation Assembly in Week 9.

* Reports home in Week 9.

* Last Day of school for students – Wednesday 16^th

December

* Last Day of school for Teachers – Friday 18^th December.

KINDERGARTEN ORIENTATION

Letters inviting both parents and new Kindergarten children to our school for their orientation were sent home last week. The dates for these orientation days are Monday 9^th November and Monday 16^th November.

If you know of any new families in the area please encourage them to make contact with our school.

STARTING KINDERGARTEN

If you have a child starting Kindergarten next year, these ten tips for parents can make planning for this event easier.

www.schools.nsw.edu.au/gotoschool/primary/tentips.php

For general information on starting kindergarten, including, starting school, a ready for school checklist and information on the Best Start Kindergarten Assessment go to: www.schools.nsw.edu.au/gotoschool/primary/primaryindex.php

To watch a vodcast on Kindergarten orientation go to: www.schools.nsw.edu.au/news/ezine/yr2009/issue03/watch/index.php

LEARNING SUPPORT CLASS

Our new Learning Support class will start next week. Initially there will be one student, but this will increase to a maximum number of 7 students.

This class has been set up to help support families who have a child with a disability and reside in the Northern Wollongong area.

2010 PLANNING

To assist our school with planning for next year could you please inform the office if you know that you will be not be at our school next year. This, of course applies to students currently in classes K – 5.

BE SUN SMART THIS SUMMER

Australia has one of the highest skin cancer rates in the world and most of the damage is done in the first 15 years of life. Fortunately, being SunSmart is a simple and effective way to reduce the risk of developing skin cancer. The Cancer Council has a website devoted to information that can help you be SunSmart all year round. Check it out at: www.cancer.org.au/cancersmartlifestyle/sunsmart.htm

SPECIAL SWIMMING SCHEME

Notes have been sent home for this wonderful Learn to Swim program. There are only 60 places available, therefore, we will accept children on a first in basis.

Please check that your child has received a note, otherwise, contact our front office and we will send out another note.

This program is only for students who are in Years 2 – 6 and cannot swim 25 metres.

SCHOOL UNIFORM

A friendly reminder to all students that it is compulsory to wear school uniform to school each day. That includes appropriate footwear, which ideally should be black lace up shoes and joggers for fitness sessions. There has been an unfortunate trend starting to creep in where students are starting to wearing casual coloured slip on shoes. Besides providing little protection for your ankles, the coloured shoes do not conform to our uniform code.

Be proud of your school and wear the correct uniform and everybody will be happy.

YEAR 7 SELECTIVE SCHOOL APPLICATIONS

If you would like to you child to apply for a placement in a selective school for 2011 you will need to fill out an application form which can be obtained from the office. It must be returned to the school no later than 13^th November.

TENNIS LESSONS WITH MRS DAVIES

This week there will be the following changes to tennis lessons.

Students who play on Thursday morning should come on Wednesday morning, those who play on Thursday lunch time should come on Wednesday lunch time. Those who play on Friday lunch time should come on Tuesday lunch time. These changes only apply to this week!

Thank you

Mrs Davies

Newsletter T4 Wk1

WELCOME BACK

We hope all of our families have had a restful, safe and enjoyable holiday and all of the children are ready for a productive and busy term. This term is a nine week term with students completing the school year on Wednesday 16^th December. Staff will be having an extra two days at school to plan and organise teaching and learning programs for the 2010 school year. Therefore the last day for staff this year is Friday 18^th December.

ADMINISTRATION BLOCK MAINTENANCE

Over the school holiday break the administration building has been repainted to maintain the fresh and vibrant feel of our school. Hopefully this will brighten the first impression our visitors see upon entering the school.

OUT AND ABOUT WITH KINDERGARTEN

KB and KF will be visiting the NSW Art Gallery on Thursday 22^nd October. We hope they have a wonderful experience seeing many incredible art works up close and on a grand scale. We hope the visit inspires many budding artists. We look forward to hearing about their adventures when they return.

SPECIAL SWIMMING SCHEME

The special swimming scheme will commence on Monday 2^nd November 2009. Mrs Robinson and Mr Privett will be accompanying the students during these invaluable lessons. The children will be leaving school at approximately 10:15 am and will be returning to school by 12:15 pm. The students will be walking to and from Corrimal Swimming Pool. The cost per child per swimming lesson is $2.00. The cost for the two-week program is $20.00 per student. This represents outstanding value and provides your child with an essential life skill, a skill that could ultimately save their lives. If you would like your child to participate in the swimming scheme please complete the permission note and return the note with payment to the sport slot in the money box at the front office. This program is open to students from years 2 to 6 who are non-swimmers or who are unable to swim 25 metres confidently.

Newsletter T3 Wk9

NAPLAN RESULTS

NAPLAN results have now been sent home and the results have clearly highlighted certain strengths and future directions for our school.

Our Year 3 results have highlighted certain areas of Literacy and Numeracy which need to be addressed. Writing is still a concern, however, there are certain signs that indicate a shift towards the positive. Our Grammar and Punctuation results show that we have over 50% of our students in the top two bands which is in accordance with State data and above our Regional level.

Areas that need further progress include Spelling, Reading and certain strands of Numeracy. In Measurement, Data, Space and Geometry our school has more students in the top two bands compared to both State and Regional levels.

Our year 5 results were outstanding with overall Literacy, Reading, Spelling, Grammar and Punctuation, Writing, and all strands of Numeracy showing greater than State and Regional levels number of students in the top two bands.

Growth from Year 3 to Year 5 was also extremely strong with our school growth as follows:

School Growth State Growth

Overall Literacy : 86.6 77.6

Reading : 104.2 87.7

Writing : 62.3 60.2

Numeracy : 107.1 95.3

Information obtained from the NAPLAN results will serve as the starting point when refining our targets for our Management Plan.

Irrespective of results Literacy, Numeracy and Information Technology will always provide the cornerstone of our teaching learning programs at Corrimal East Public School

In Term 4 the staff will formalise these plans which will help ensure that our students are exposed to high quality teaching programs that address areas of need and build upon past successes.

There have been some pleasing indicators, however, there is still much to achieve to ensure all students are receiving the required support to help them realize their full potential.

NAPLAN INFORMATION

Next Tuesday night (29^th September) at 6.30pm I will hold a special NAPLAN presentation for our parents to be held in the school Library. This should run for about 40 minutes and I will be able to present a wider perspective of our school’s results and hopefully give clear directions as to where our school is heading in the next few years.

GALA DAY

This Friday our school will participate in a Gala Day, with the boys playing Dragon Tag at Dalton Park while the girls will be playing AFL at Guest Park.

Our school will be running the canteen at Dalton Park. If you are able to offer any assistance with the canteen, even if only for an hour, please contact the office and leave your name and contact details.

SCHOOL BUILDING PROJECTS WEBSITE

A new website is now available for anyone seeking information about school projects being constructed in NSW under the three year $14.7 billion, Building the Education Revolution (BER). This site is a fantastic source of information for school communities to see how their project is progressing. Key features of the new site include Twitter, blogs and vodcasts which would allow instant communication about any program.

Check it out at: www.ber.nsw.gov.au

CHILD PROTECTION SURVEY

The National Association for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (NAPCAN) is inviting all Australians to participate in an online survey to help bring child abuse out into the open. Follow the link at: www.preventingchildabuse.com.au.The survey is open until 1 November.

KEEPING SAFE ONLINE

As a parent, there are several actions you can take to help keep your child safe online and not having a computer in your child’s room may be an answer. Check out the latest Click ezine for advice on cyber safety and much more: www.schools.nsw.edu.au/click.

STRANGER DANGER – ALERT-

As you may have heard on the news there has been an incident of a man in a red car approaching school children.

Please talk to your children and remind them of the strategies to use if they are approached.

Newsletter T3 Wk8

SCHOOL WORKS

This week I have had a seemingly cast of thousands assessing our school for major works under the Building the Education Revolution program.

A team from Richard Crookes Construction measured, surveyed and took photos as an initial fact finding task. These results go to head office and they equate our building wish list with available money.

Hopefully we will receive some positive news in the next month or so. Once major works have been budgeted and approved, work will commence before 1^st December.

This building will impact on the school in the short term however, the benefits will far outweigh any short term problems. We just need to be flexible.

PUBLIC WORKS

The two rooms known as the Oosh room and the RFF room have now been cabled, which means for the first time at Corrimal East Public School we have every classroom networked.

These two rooms are also set up to house an Interactive white board. This presents exciting possibilities as we look for extra ways to extend our students in the key area of Technology.

PRESCHOOL VISITS

This week we continue our communication with our local preschools. We have visits organized over two days, they are as follows:

· Wednesday 16^th September – Pioneer Road Long Day Care and Gumnut Village will be visiting our school from 9.30 am – 10.15 am.

· Thursday 17^th September – KU East Corrimal will be visiting our school from 9.45am – 10.30 am.

Children visiting our school will be joining with our current Kindergarten students and participating in a short literacy lesson. At the conclusion they will meet with their parents where they will enjoy a quick morning tea.

DIY SCHOOL DAYS PARENT FOLDER

Have all your child’s school information organised in the one place, neatly filed and easily accessible. It’s not impossible! Simply go to: www.schools.nsw.edu.au/news/schooldays/index.php then download and print off folder covers and section dividers. It also contains useful homework helpers, a school handbook and information on student health. It looks great when it’s finished and you can add in your child's school reports and artwork throughout the year. Store the folder in a handy place and your life will be so much easier.

CHILD PROTECTION SURVEY

The National Association for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (NAPCAN) is inviting all Australians to participate in an online survey to help bring child abuse out into the open. Follow the link at: www.preventingchildabuse.com.au.The survey is open until 1 November.

KEEPING SAFE ONLINE

As a parent, there are several actions you can take to help keep your child safe online and not having a computer in your child’s room may be an answer. Check out the latest Click ezine for advice on cyber safety and much more: www.schools.nsw.edu.au/click.

HATS

As the weather starts to heat up it is timely reminder that, as part of our Sun Protection policy, all students need to be wearing hat once they are outside. A simple precaution now by wearing a hat can save a lot of grief in later years when sun spots change into melanoma. Please support the school on this issue as we are endeavouring to instil heavy lifestyle choices for our children.

NAPLAN RESULTS

The NAPLAN results are in and your child’s report will be sent

home today.

Newsletter T3 Wk7

SCHOOL ORACY COMPETITION

Last Thursday our Oracy finals were held in the school hall and was well attended by supportive parents and relatives. Grade finalists included the following students:

Kindergarten: Tiarne E (KB), James F (KF), Julian L (KP), Maddison L (KF), Kynan C(KB)

and Ryan C (KP).

Year One: Caelan B (1B) and Jacob P (1B).

Year Two : Ethan A (2B), Vanessa J (2R), Jasmine P (2T), Taj B (2R), Kayde J (2T).

and Jade P (2B).

Year Three : Annalise W (3T), Ellen Z (3C), Grace SG (3T) and Ebony P (3C).

Year Four : Kye C (4C), Thomas D (4V), Tayla H (4C) and Phoebe T (4V).

Year Five : Tama HR (5F), Alex O (5G), Jamie L (5F) and Jade R (5G).

Year Six : Madison K (6P), Tyler J (6G), Karmen F (6G) and Noah R (6P).

Congratulations to all grade finalists, they spoke with great enthusiasm and vigour on the day!

Our overall Grade Oracy Champions for 2009 are as follows:

Kindergarten: Kynan C (KB) Year One : Jacob P (1B)

Year Two : Ethan A (2B) Year Three : Ebony P (3C)

Year Four : Thomas D (4V) Year Five : Jade R (5G)

Year Six : Karmen F (6G)

A special thank you to all parents and teachers who helped support these students with preparation for the Oracy finals.

NATIONAL LITERACY and NUMERACY WEEK

Last week was also National Literacy and Numeracy Week and we co-ordinated several activities with a focus on Reading and Writing. On the Monday Cartoonist Dave worked with our students and on the Wednesday we had various community members share stories with our students. I was privileged enough to be one of the presenters and thoroughly enjoyed the experience of sharing several books with 2/3T and KF.

A special thank you to the following community members who helped with our storytelling. Our children are the beneficiaries of your kind support and assistance! Thank you to the following people:

Mr John Mayfield, Ms Carol Bond, Mr Scott Penning, Mr Rob Vergano

Ms Leanne Smith, Ms Sharon McFarlane, Mr Hedley Privett, Mr Ron Heffernan,

Mr Chris Cranny, Mr Bruce Dowling and Ms Jennifer Hayward.

Thank you again, Mrs Bland, for your terrific organization.

PUBLIC WORKS

Last Friday our school received funding from the Department of Commerce to cable the RFF room and the Oosh room. This will enable both of these rooms to receive internet access. I expect both of these rooms to be utilized in the near future as a base for special needs students, therefore, the need for computer access to these rooms is essential.

NEW BELL SYSTEM

The Department of Commerce has also approved the installation of a

new bell system which will incorporate our school’s OH&S procedures.

There will be three distinct bells which will communicate clearly to

people on school grounds at the time the following emergency bells:

· Emergency Evacuation

· Lockdown and

· Lockout.

An all-clear bell will also be used.

Please note this funding is not part of the $2000000 BER funding

we expect to receive as part of the Government’s Round 3 funding.

Newsletter T3 Wk6

SCHOOL ORACY COMPETITION

This Thursday, 3^rd September our Oracy finals will be held in the school hall. This is an important day for each of the finalists as they receive the opportunity to present their speeches in front of a larger audience.

We run Oracy at Corrimal East Public School so as to:

· Promote public speaking skills across the school K – 6.

· Allow all students the opportunity to appreciate the presentations of others and recognize the strengths of their peers.

· Develop effective listening skills and the knowledge that listening to others is a valuable learning experience.

· Encourage students who display special abilities in this area to perform to their personal best and promote this as an activity for the enhancement of Gifted and Talented programs.

· Encourage confidence in students and the ability to speak in front of an audience.

Grade Finals will take place on Thursday 3^rd September. Finalists will have been notified by separate letter.

Times are as follows:

K – 2 : 10.00 – 11.00

3 – 6 : 11.30 – 1.00

The duration of speeches for each grade are as follows:

Kindergarten - 1 minute long

Years 1 and 2 - 2 minutes long

Years 3 and 4 - 3 minutes long

Years 5 and 6 - 4 minutes long.

Good Luck to all finalists!

NATIONAL LITERACY and NUMERACY WEEK

This week is also National Literacy and Numeracy Week and we will be coordinating several activities with a focus on Reading and Writing. Today we had a cartoonist work with our students and on Wednesday we have invited various community members to share stories with our students. Mrs Bland has reported on these events later in this week’s Carooma.

Thank you again, Mrs Bland, for your terrific organization.

SCHOOL ZONE ROAD SAFETY

A reminder to parents that from 1 July 2009 the government has increased fines and loss of demerit points for all driving offences occurring in school zones. We are committed to providing a safe environment for all our students and visitors, so please observe the 40km/h speed limit during school hours and stop in designated drop off areas only.

STARTING SCHOOL

If you have a child starting school next year it’s important to enrol your child and to attend Kindergarten orientation later in the year. Watch a vodcast on starting school and Kindergarten orientation at www.schools.nsw.edu.au/news/ezine/yr2009/issue03/watch/index.php . You might know of other families that would like this information.

NEW MONEY PAYMENT SYSTEM

Our new money collection system seems to be working really well and I have received very positive feedback from staff, students and parents. Mr Auchterlonie made this unit, and as with all of his work, has produced an outstanding result. We are very lucky to have Mr Auchterlonie at our school. Thank you Mr Auchterlonie for your continued hard work!

SCHOOL FETE

Thank you to the many parents, staff and students who supported our Family Fete Day. A huge show of support by our school community was in full evidence and it was a great opportunity to talk with so many of our community members.

A bit windy but what a relief no rain! All in all a perfect day for a fete.

A special thank you to Sharon McFarlane and her committee who worked tirelessly to ensure the Fete was a success.

In anyone’s terms this was a great success and again this can only be attributed to the fantastic work of our whole school community.

Again, thank you very much for your support!

Library News

Cartoon Dave’s Visit: today, many of our students have enjoyed a fun session with Dave Hackett (Cartoon Dave)learning to draw cartoons, and hearing about his life as an author of 8 books. Thanks, Dave for coming to our school.

Everyone reads! – reading sessions with invited guests; On Wednesday this week, we will be hosting 12 members of our school community as they each talk to a number of classes about their reading experiences. These sho7uld also be fun and informative sessions, and we thank each of them for donating their time to our school and helping us to promote reading as an enjoyable and worthwhile activity. Thank you to Ron Heffernan, Bruce Dowling, Patrick Flanagan, Carol Bond, Sharon McFarlane, Jenny Hayward, Chris Cranny, Paul Dorin, Scott Penning, Leanne Smith and Mr Schofield.

Premier’s ReadingChallenge; Congratulations to Ellen Z for completing the 2009 PRC. All entries have now been processes and sent to Sydney for official certificates to be printed.

Kim Bland – Teacher/Librarian

P & C Fete Update: THIS SUNDAY 30TH AUGUST 11AM – 3PM

Shade Shelters – We still need some shade shelters to use on Sunday. If you have a Shelter we could use please give me a call ASAP – Sharon 4283 8680.

Cake Stall – Are you planning on cooking for our stall? If so you can collect cake boxes to put your cooking in this Friday afternoon at the Duff Parade gate from 2.45pm.

Setting Up – We welcome anyone who has some spare time on Sunday morning from 9am to assist with setting up of our fete.

Armbands – This week is your last chance to purchase your child’s armband for $20. Armbands will be $25 on Sunday. Enclose your money in an envelope clearly marked armbands and with your child’s name and class, and place it in the P&C slot. It would be best if this was done by Thursday. For those who have pre-ordered your armband, a receipt will be issued this Friday. This receipt is to be taken to the ticket van on Sunday to collect your armband.

Donations – Donations for books, plants, trash’n’ treasure, can be left in the hall this Wed, Thurs, Fri from 9am – 3pm or Sat 10am – 12noon.

Pamphlet Drop – Last year’s Pamphlet drop was very successful in advertising our Fete to the community. Can You Help by delivering around your neighbourhood? If so please see the office to nominate your area and to pick up your pamphlets. Please deliver your pamphlets as soon as possible.

Stampin’ Up – Cardmaking, Scrapbooking and Papercraft

Come and see me at the Stampin’Up stall at the fete on Sunday. There will be demonstrations every ½ hour showing you how easy it is to make simple cards and scrapbook pages. Go in the draw to win a $20 gift voucher. $10 from every workshop booked will be donated to the school. Jenny - Stampin’ Up!

SCHOOL FETE – SUNDAY 30TH AUGUST 11AM – 3PM!!!!

Don’t forget the School Fete is on this Sunday. Armbands can be pre-purchased for $20 through the school.

Newsletter T3 Wk5

BULLYING BEHAVIOURS

During the course of the year the topic of Bullying behaviours often resurfaces. The last couple of weeks there have been several incidents that have involved bullying.

Please note that Bullying will not be tolerated in any form. Strong consequences will be applied including Yellow Room lunch time detention and suspension. All students have the fundamental right to feel safe and happy while at school and to be treated with dignity and respect. It is very important for students who feel they are being bullied to tell someone and believe that their concerns are being taken seriously.

We need to identify the bullies and ensure that bullying behaviours are eradicated. Class teachers, teachers on playground duty, Grade supervisors and myself need to beware of bullying if it is occurring in our playground.

SCHOOL DEBATING SUCCESS!

Last Thursday our school had their first official Debate against Tarrawanna Public School. Our team for this debate consisted of Lani, Janai, Melinda and Noah. Our team debated superbly and were adjudged clear cut winners. The Principal of Russell Vale PS was the judge and he spoke very positively about the skills demonstrated by our team.

Congratulations to the team and also to Mr Davies, the team co-ordinator. A special thank you to Mrs Rzeminski for her help with transporting the team to and from the venue.

SCHOOL SOCCER

Last week our girls played Gerringong PS in Round 4 of the State Girls soccer Knockout at Corrimal High School. Unfortunately our girls were defeated 7 – 0 against a very committed opposition.

Never-the-less this was an outstanding result by our team to progress so far in this very competitive competition. Well Done to all girls in this team, Mr Privett for his hard work and to the many parents who have supported this team.

A special thank you to Corrimal High School for the use of their oval and students who refereed the games.

SCHOOL ORACY COMPETITION

During the past 4 weeks students K – 6 have been presenting Oracy talks in class. Next week teachers will be asked to nominate 2 representatives from each class. Extra students may be nominated from cross grade or cross stage classes.

These students will then compete against students from other classes of the same grade. All class winners will receive a certificate on the day. Overall grade winners K – 6 will receive an Oracy trophy during our End of year Presentation Day.

Parents of students who have been nominated to represent their class will receive an invitation to watch their child participate in the Grade Finals.

Grade Finals will take place on Thursday 3^rd September.

Times are as follows:

K – 2: 10.00 – 11.00

3 – 6: 11.30 – 1.00

NATIONAL LITERACY and NUMERACY WEEK

Week 6 also heralds National Literacy and Numeracy Week. Our school will be incorporating Book Week activities with our Oracy finals in recognition of this important week. The outline for this week is as follows:

Monday: Cartoonist visit.

Wednesday: Story Telling – various members of our school community will be sharing favourite stories with our students.

Thursday: Oracy Finals – K – 6 – (to start straight after scripture).

Thank you to Mrs Bland for her excellent coordination of the Book week activities.

GALA DAY – SEPTEMBER 25 - CANTEEN

We are looking for someone to co-ordinate the BBQ / Canteen stall at the next Brokers District PSSA Gala Day to be held at Dalton Park, Fairy Meadow on Friday 25^th Sept. We will also need several helpers. If you are interested in being the co-ordinator and / or a volunteer, please leave your name at the office by Friday 28th August. Helpers will be needed on the day from approx 8.30am to 1pm. The Canteen will be selling pre-cooked sausage sandwiches, drinks and lollies. All money raised will be put towards the Year 6 farewell.

Wendy Dowling

Newsletter T3 Wk4

FLASHING LIGHTS ON PIONEER ROAD
Last week the RTA informed me that flashing 40km zone lights will be installed outside our school on Pioneer Road. The installation of these flashing lights will occur some time between September and December this year. This news was gratefully received as our school is not easily seen from Pioneer Road and these signs will certainly help protect our students.

CHORAL FESTIVAL
Last week our school participated in the Choral Festival and performed brilliantly! Both the Senior and Junior Choirs made all of the teachers and parents, who were present on the night, justifiably proud. Well Done Boys and Girls!
Again a special thank you to Mrs Murphy, Mr Chapman, Mrs Willigers and Mrs Chapman for their outstanding management and coordination of this event.

GIRLS SOCCER
Our girls state knockout team will play their next match against Gerringong Public School at Corrimal High School tomorrow. This match will start at 1pm. Good Luck to our girls!


TEACHER PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Last Tuesday each stage met and discussed assessment tasks and formulated an Assessment timeline which will help collate data which in turn will be used as a basis for Semester Two reports. This week our stages will again meet to formalize data ready to be transferred onto our whole school tracking sheets.

SMOKE FREE CARS
A reminder that it is now against the law to smoke in a car with a child under the age of 16. Children are particularly susceptible to the negative health effects of passive smoking. Exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke by children can lead to an increased risk of asthma, lower respiratory tract infections such as pneumonia and bronchitis, coughing and wheezing. A $250 on the spot fine applies to the driver and any passenger who breaks the law and this will be enforced by NSW Police. More information including fact sheets in community languages is available at: www.health.nsw.gov.au/publichealth/healthpromotion/tobacco/smoke_free_cars.asp For support to stop smoking call the Quit Line on: 13 78 48.

SNAP HAPPY
With digital cameras, it’s now so easy to share photos with family and friends online. But how do you control where they end up and how can you remove material once it’s out there?
The latest issue of Click, the department’s guide to technology for parents, has some great advice on keeping your family’s photos safe from prying eyes and some simple ways you can ensure the privacy of people in the photos, especially children.
Read the full story at: www.schools.nsw.edu.au/click

Newsletter T3 Wk3

NEW FENCE
Our fence is one week old and so far, new processes seem to be working well. A sign has been placed on each gate to remind community members about times when the gates will be closed. Please note, the Duff Parade entrance is now the only entry to the school during school hours. The Pioneer Road gate will be open in the morning until 9.30am where upon it will be closed. This gate will reopen at 2.30pm and again be closed at about 3.20pm.

CHORAL FESTIVAL
This week our school will perform in the Choral Festival at Anita’s Theatre in Thirroul. Both our Junior and Senior Choir will be performing at this prestigious Music Festival. Our date for performing is Wednesday 12th August. Tickets for the concert are available through the school. Order forms have been sent home. I hope to see you at Anita’s Theatre on Wednesday night!

GIRLS SOCCER SUCCESS
Congratulations to our Girls Soccer team again who now progress to Round 4 in the State knockout with another hard fought 1 – 0 win over Mt Kembla Public School. Well done Mr Privett and to all of the girls in the team.

BROKERS ATHLETICS CARNIVAL
Last Monday, 65 children from Corrimal East Public School competed at the Brokers District Athletics meet at Kerryn McCann Athletics Field in Wollongong. We came second overall and had many children who won their event or took a place. Ribbons will be presented this week when time permits. Mikayla H was the 11yrs Girl Champion. Well done and congratulations to all competitors. The Area Carnival will be on 17th September at Canberra.
Mr Privett, Mr Vorobieff and Mr Balango

GOLF LESSONS
There have been a number of families who expressed an interest in their child participating in Golf lessons. These lessons started last Friday in our school grounds after school. Simon Bergner is the golf coach and he is a golf coach who is based at Russell Vale Golf Course. There are limited spaces available for anybody who would like their child to be coached in the popular sport of Golf.
If you are interested contact our front office or meet with Simon yourself on Friday here at school.

TEACHER PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Last week our staff professional development theme was in the area of Reading. As Literacy and Numeracy are focal targets for our school there will be a continual up-skilling and development during Term 3.

TECHNOLOGY UPDATE
Mini Movies
Our project for the Illawarra South East Region Mini Movies Festival began last week, with a group of Stage 3 student’s story boarding “Corrimal East News”. This project is due for completion in Week 8 and will be shown to the whole school at the end of term. It will be the first of more student video productions at our school.
Software for Home
Often I’m asked by parents about the software we use at school and if any of it could be used at home. A couple of very good software titles, ideal for school projects are:
Comic Life (Mac OS X & Windows) - http://plasq.com/comiclife
Art Rage (Mac OS X & Windows) - http://www.artrage.com
Headphones at School
Students are encouraged to bring a small set of headphones to school for use with the computers. Often there are tasks, such as making podcasts in Garage Band or recording in Kid Pix, where these are very useful.
Mr Burke

Newsletter T3 Wk2

NEW FENCE

Last Friday I had a meeting and inspection of works completed with both the contractor and the Department of Commerce.
I was personally delighted with the quality and efficiency of the work completed.

An official handover of gate keys took place on Friday, therefore I would envisage all gates will be officially locked and opened as from Monday 3rd August.

Times that the school gates will be locked are as follows:

Pioneer Road gates
7.45am – gates are opened.
9.30am – gates are locked.
2.30pm – gates are opened.
3.20pm – gates are locked.

Duff Parade gates
7.45am – gates are opened
3.30pm – gates are locked.
Please note the Duff Parade gates are the central access for our school during the school day.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank our P & C and in particular Scott Penning for their outstanding support with the establishment of a school security fence.

Community members who need access to the school after school hours may contact our front office and a gate key can be made available.

If you have any concerns regarding these arrangements please do not hesitate in contacting me.

CHORAL FESTIVAL

This week the Choral Festival commences at Anita’s Theatre in Thirroul.
Both our Junior and Senior Choir will be performing at this prestigious Music Festival. Our date for performing is Wednesday 12th August.
There has been a lot of hard work preparing for this event and it would be amiss of me not to congratulate the fantastic effort and commitment our students have demonstrated.
Also very special thanks to Mrs Murphy, Mr Chapman, Mrs Chapman and Mrs Willigers for their outstanding organisation and countless hours spent coordinating and preparing for this event.
Thank you for your terrific commitment and providing a unique opportunity for students at Corrimal East Public School.

HUMAN SWINE FLU INFORMATION

This year it is likely many more people will come down with flu‐like illnesses than in recent flu seasons because few people have immunity to the human swine flu virus.

As the number of cases of flu increases, we all need to take steps to minimise the transmission of the virus in school communities as some staff and students are at greater risk of severe illness from flu.

Staff or students who become unwell should stay away from school until they are well to minimise the transmission of the flu.

Any student who identifies that they are unwell, or is displaying flu‐like symptoms at school will be sent to a sick‐bay area and their parent or carer will be called to take them home.

Please watch carefully for any signs or symptoms of flu‐like illness in your child. If they are unwell please do not send them to school until their symptoms have gone.

These symptoms include fever, cough, tiredness, muscle aches, sore throat, chills or shortness of breath.

Some people are more likely to develop severe illness from both seasonal influenza and swine flu. NSW Health advises that this group includes people who:
Are pregnant (particularly in the second and third trimester)
symptoms of flu appear because you may need anti-influenza medication and it works best if you have chronic lung disease (including asthma)
Are very obese
Have chronic heart conditions
Have chronic kidney disease
Have chronic liver disease
Have blood disorders (including sickle cell disease)
Have neurological disorders
Have metabolic disorders (such as diabetes)
Have weakened or suppressed immune systems (which may be caused by cancers, medications or HIV/AIDS)
Are of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander background (of any age).

If you or your child is in one of these categories, please seek urgent medical attention.

The department has policies in place to support schools this flu season. I can assure you that the department will continue to act on all advice received from NSW Health to ensure the health, safety and wellbeing of our staff and students.
Additional health information is available from the H1N1 Influenza 09 section of the NSW Health website at: http://www.emergency.health.nsw.gov.au/swineflu/index.asp

GIRLS SOCCER SUCCESS
Congratulations to our Girls Soccer team who now progress to Round 3 in the State Knockout with a hard fought 1 – 0 win over Balgownie. Well done Mr Privett and to all of the girls in the team.

CONGRATULATIONS TO MRS GONZAGA
There has been significant research highlighting that Teacher quality has the greatest impact on student learning. Having said that, it gives me great pleasure to announce that Mrs Gonzaga has been nominated by the School Community for the ASG Inspirational Teaching Awards. A fantastic achievement. Well done Mrs Gonzaga.

TENNIS LESSONS
Due to private reasons, Mrs Davies will be unable to teach tennis lessons today. If your child should have had a lesson at lunchtime today could they please come prepared for it tomorrow (Tuesday) lunchtime and those who would have had a lesson this afternoon, please come prepared for it tomorrow afternoon.
Mrs Davies

WHAT’S ON THIS WEEK
Mon 3rd August Brokers Athletics
Wed 5th August ICAS English Skills
Mon 10th August K1P +1B – Walk to Corrimal
Tues 11th August P & C Fete Committee Meeting 6.30pm
P & C Meeting 7pm
Wed 12th August Choral Festival day practice, 8am – 2pm
Wed 12th August Night Performance
Thurs 13th August Fathers Day stall shop
Fri 14th August Back up Fathers Day stall

COMING EVENTS – ASSEMBLY CLASS ITEMS
Fri 7th August School Choir – 11.30am
Fri 21st August K/1P class item.

TAKING 2009 KINDERGARTEN ENROLMENTS NOW
We are now officially taking enrolments for Kindergarten – aged students for the 2009 school year.
If you know of school aged students ready to start school next year please encourage them to contact our school and pick up

Holidays and First Day Back

School resumes on Tuesday the 28th of July for all students K - 6.

We hope you have an enjoyable and safe mid year break.

Other News

FETE DAY – CLASS STALLS

KB Hot Dogs

KF Photos

K/1P Hot Potatoes / soft Tacos

1B Trash-N-Treasure: Please start saving for this stall but keep your donations at home until a date to be advised to bring in your goods.

2B Cakes: We are seeking donations of packet cakes /

slices/ muffins / cupcakes for the parents of 2B to bake. Please send donations to 2B’s classroom.

2R Second Hand Books: Please save your donations

until a drop off date – to be advised.

2/3T Basket Raffle: Notes will be handed out at beginning

of next term advising you of the class themes for donations.

3/4C Jar Stall: Mufti Day Fri 10^th July, see note over page.

4V Sausage Sizzle:

5F Tattoos, Magnets and Badges

5/6G Plants: If you or someone you know is a gardener, please start planting your clippings – donations can be dropped off – date to be advised.

6P Devonshire Tea

P & C Fundraising Committee

EXCURSION TO POWERHOUSE MUSEUM K – 2

A BIG THANK YOU:

The excursion to the Powerhouse Museum on Monday was an extremely successful day. This was due to the wonderful group of thirty three parents who gave up their time to help us out at the museum. We were able to split the children up into smaller groups, which meant it was far easier to manouvre ourselves around the museum and the children got so much more out of the experience.

Now for the Honor roll:

Donna Cairney, Marnie Chadburn, Sheree Ruddock, Katie Lawler, Karen Edwards, Joanne Brain, Nicole Allman, Catherine Campbell, Belinda Stevens, Renee Scifleet, Linda Friend, Debbie Sweeny, Melody Mayfield, Leisa Hellstedt, Vicki Josephson, Craig St George, Bronwyne Brown, Rochelle Banning, Bronwyn Lee, Melissa Nichols, Cindy Sepple, Sheree Leeson, Linda Trebel, Rebecca Bosseler, Kylie Cutler, Samantha Katsoulas, Natalie De-Clouett, Rochelle Noble, Karyn Truman, Jane Donnellan, René Giblett, Joanne Harle, Sarah Carden and Martin Hookey.

Thank you all so much. K – 2 Staff

Lifeline Wallet Cards for each student

This wallet card is designed to encourage young people or their family members to seek help and call Lifeline during difficult times. This type of help seeking has been endorsed by the NSW Dept of Education and Training in the educational video ‘Help’s On Hand: Reach Out & Grab It’.

Your child will have received one of these cards today.

Choral Festival

Corrimal East Public School Senior and Junior choirs will be performing in the 2009 Choral Festival at Anita’s Theatre, Thirroul on Wednesday, August 12^th commencing at 7.30pm. Permission notes and more information will be sent home to the choir children on Wednesday of this week.

All tickets must be purchased through the school as the Box Office will not be open on the night. All money for tickets must go through the class money folder as no money is taken at the office. Children in the choir do not need to purchase a ticket. Tickets are $12 per adult and $6 per child. Please come along and support your children as they have been working very hard!