|
SAMUEL GILBERT PUBLIC SCHOOL
COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER
|
September, 2007 |
|
Issue No. 15 |
ENROLLING NOW FOR KINDERGARTEN 2008 |
PRINCIPAL’S REPORT
Stranger Danger: I hope that all parents received the note I sent home earlier in the week regarding the attempted abduction in the Galston area. Teachers have spoken again to all students about “being safe” and the strategies they may employ to help ensure they are safe on their way to and from school. In fact, whenever they are moving around the community.
Today the school was informed of another incident which occurred on Wednesday morning (19th September) where a student was approached on his way to school in Purchase Road, Cherrybrook. This matter has been reported to the police.
I ask that all parents continue to reinforce this message to their children and in particular to make arrangements for students to arrive and depart from school safely. I am very concerned about the number of students who wait unsupervised after school in the shopping centre area and around the bottom of the shopping car park. These are not safe areas and in the current climate parents should think carefully about the wisdom of such arrangements. Your help in this matter will ensure that our students are as safe as possible.
Ridgecrop Drive Pedestrian Crossing: The arrangements for students who cross without parent supervision at the Ridgecrop Drive pedestrian crossing have been further modified to ensure their safety. Students who need to cross Ridgecrop Drive will now go directly from class down to the “Kiss and Drop” zone and ask Mrs Hart to cross them. They will then be safely crossed.
This change has been necessary because of the increasing difficulties being experienced by teachers at the “kiss and drop” bay. Teachers are very concerned about the behaviour of some drivers who ignore the road rules and place everyone’s safety at risk, about the drivers who do U-turns into the bay, about drivers who refuse to move on even when their children are not ready for collection and others who call children across the road rather than collect them via the pedestrian crossing.
All these are very dangerous actions and make the job of the teachers supervising the area even more difficult. As well as the above change, I intend to again ask the Police and Council to increase patrols in the area at the end of the school day in an effort to ensure the safety of our students. Be aware that the penalties for infringements (both traffic and parking) around schools are severe but the safety of our students is of the utmost importance.
Uniform Review: As parents would be aware there has been a uniform review underway for some time. The views of parents, students and staff have been sought and a number of items have been approved by the P&C and have come to me for final ratification. However a number of items required further deliberation and the uniform committee have continued their consultation period.
At the moment there are still a number of items for parents to view and express their opinion on the school webpage. These items are also on display at school outside the office every day. Please take the time to have a look at these items and express your views so that the committee can finalise recommendations to the P&C.
The timeline for parent voting has been extended until the end of next week, Friday, 28th September. Students are voting on these items at the moment.
As this will be the last newsletter before the holidays may I wish all our families an enjoyable and safe holiday break and thank you for all your support this term.
School resumes for all students on Monday, 15th October.
Gordon Fraser, Principal
- 2007 Fete Sponsors -
Top
DEPUTY PRINCIPAL’S REPORT
Swimming Scheme: A number of our students in Years 2, 3 & 4 will be attending a 10 day swimming scheme program from Monday 15th October until Friday 26th October at Riverstone Pool. This is a very beneficial program as it is important that all children develop skills that allow them to feel confident when participating in water activities. Please remember this program commences the first day back next term so students need to bring their towels, costume, plastic bag and sunscreen.
Mindquest: The Mindquest Program for Gifted and Talented students will be operating on Saturday, 27th and Sunday, 28th October. If you are interested in your child participating in this program brochures are available from the school office.
TIPS for Parenting Course: On Friday, 21st September we will be repeating the sessions covering ‘Responsible Children’ and ‘Dealing With Tantrums’. In Week 11 on Monday, 24th September the sessions covered will be ‘Instead of Hitting’ and ‘Keeping Children Honest’ and then repeated again on Friday, 28th September. You may choose to attend only one session or both but we would love to see you there.
Bush Dance: A bush dance will be held on Friday 21st in our school hall from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. The admission fee for students is $2.00. Adults are free. A barbecue will be available on the evening. This will be a very enjoyable evening. It would be great to see as many families as possible supporting this evening.
Mufti Day: The SRC are running a Mufti Day next Wednesday 26th September to support J. who has been selected as a State representative for tennis. Students are asked to come dressed as their favourite sportsperson or in their favourite sports team colours and donate a gold coin. Students will receive a raffle ticket for each $1.00 they donate and go into a lucky draw to win a tennis racket. There will also be a prize for the best dressed student in each grade.
Road Safety: As you may be aware a student was killed after school this week whilst crossing the road at a school not far from ours. This was a terrible tragedy. Please discuss with your child rules about crossing roads safely. We see many dangerous incidents in the ‘Kiss & Drop Zone’ each afternoon where students are encouraged to cross the road in an unsafe manner or parents allow unsafe practices like holding onto car handles and walking alongside cars whilst they are still moving. We ask students to remain behind the yellow line until the car is stationary. Please ask your child to follow these instructions for their own safety.
Writing school notes: If your child is absent, you need to write a note within seven days.
- It must explain why your child missed school
- Include how many days your child was away, including dates.
- If your child is going to be away for more than 3 days please call the school to let the teacher know. You will still need to write a note when your child returns to school.
- Please send the note to your child’s teacher.
Mary-Anne Martin
- 2007 Fete Sponsors -
Top
SPORTS REPORT
Athletics: Congratulations to all children who represented our school at the Zone Athletics and Ball Games Carnival recently.
Special congratulations to K. of 6H and M. of 4E who have gained selection in the Castle Hill Zone team and will represent at the Sydne West Carnival next Wednesday. We wish them well!
Water Polo: Any child in Years 5 and 6 interested in learning to play water polo should see Miss Cater. You must be a competent swimmer in deep water. I have found a coach and we will have a day at the pool during the second week of the holidays. See Miss Cater if you are interested.
School Shuttle Relay: Hopefully the House School Shuttle Relay will be run next Wednesday afternoon. If your child is representing his/her House in this event please ensure they wear a T-shirt in the appropriate colour on Wednesday.
Once we have these results we will know the champion house for Athletics this year. Thank you to Ms Barclay and the House Captains for their efforts in organising this.
Elaine Cater, Sports Coordinator
IMPORTANT TERM 4 DATES
- All students return to school on Monday, 15th October, 2007 (NO Staff Development Day in Term 4).
- 2008 Kindergarten Transition Program, Session 1, Wednesday, 24th October
- 2008 Kindergarten Transition Program, Session 2, Wednesday, 31st October
- 2008 Kindergarten Transition Program, Session 3, Thursday, 8th November
- Year 6 Farewell Dinner, Friday, 14th December
- Whole School Presentation Assembly at The Hills Centre, Tuesday, 18th December
- Year 6 Final Assembly, Wednesday, 19th December
- Last day of Term 4 Friday, 21st December
FROM THE UNIFORM COMMITTEE
Survey Reminder
The Uniform Committee is currently seeking parents’ opinions about the sport shirt, boys shirt and girls alternative uniform. The uniform items and survey are outside the office. If you do not have time to get to the office, the items are on the school website and a survey can be completed online. The survey closes at end of term - Friday, 28th September. The last day for internet responses is Friday, 28th September at 11pm. Please have a say!
Thank you
The Uniform Committee and Karen Pike would like to thank Roz C. for her help in the Uniform Shop over the last two terms. We wish her all the best in her new home.
The Uniform Committee
- 2007 Fete Sponsors -
Top
FROM THE CANTEEN
The Canteen will be CLOSED for cleaning on the last day of term, Friday, 28th September. No lunch orders or recess will be available.
Please pay all outstanding IOU’s before the end of Term 3.
There will be a Special Red Food Day on Wednesday, 26th September. Cakes and lollies will be available. Please see more information further into the newsletter.
FETE THANK YOU
Cake and Coffee Stall
To those who gave an hour and served with a smile, thank you!
To those who baked scrumptious delights, thank you!
To those who supported us by buying our baked goodies, thank you!
Between you all you helped to raise over $1500 at the fete.
Well done! You were all fantastic.
Karen Pike, Stall Coordinator
BAND REPORT
What a magic day our Performance Band had last Thursday as they played for senior citizens at the Anglican Retirement Village. It was a wonderful experience for both the performers and the audience as well. The band played exceptionally well and enjoyed a delicious morning tea! A big well done to the Performance Band and Mr S.
The Galston District Festival is on early next term in which all 3 bands will be competing. Details and notes will be distributed as soon as we get our performance dates and times.
The next band meeting will be held on Thursday 20th September at 8.00pm.
Enjoy the holidays.
Sue Lack, Band Committee
SAMUEL GILBERT OOSHCC
Vacation care is running at OOSH this October school holidays for the 2 weeks commencing Tuesday, 2nd October to Friday, 12th October. Vacation care will include excursions and in house activities.
We are looking for staff/uni students. We have a couple of openings for casual positions.
Criteria:
- You enjoy working with children.
- First aid desirable or willing to obtain.
- Previous experience working with 5-12 year olds, youth group/church leaders, sports coaches.
- Studying teaching, early childhood, psychology.
Please contact the OOSH Centre on phone/fax 9899 2729 or email your resume sgoosh@bigpond.net.au
Lesley Soper and Isabelle Zastavnikovic
COUNSELLOR CORNER
Parenting is the hardest job I’ve ever done so it’s been very encouraging to see the excellent response that we have had to the parenting program that we have been running at the school.
Further to this, I would like you to take the opportunity to use the following Top Ten Tips for Parenting as an opportunity to reflect on your own parenting behaviours. And as the midwife advised me after I gave birth, ‘Enjoy your children’.
Top 10 Tips for Parenting
Use these as a guide.
- Pay attention to your child because it is important to spend frequent amounts of time with children doing things you both enjoy.
- Give them lots of physical affection like hugs and hand holding.
- Talk to them about their interests and your day.
- Give them lots of descriptive praise when they do what you want them to.
- They are more likely to misbehave when bored, so provide lots of indoor and outdoor activities.
- Teach them skills by using them yourself such as speaking politely to others.
- Set clear limits on their behaviour and let them know what will happen if they break the rules.
- If they misbehave, stay calm, and not only tell them to stop misbehaving, tell them what you want them to do instead such as ‘stop fighting and play nicely’.
- Have realistic expectations because all kids misbehave sometimes.
- Look after yourself because it is hard to be a relaxed parent if you are stressed and anxious.
Glenda Walter
School Counsellor/Education & Developmental Psychologist
- 2007 Fete Sponsors -
Top
OF COMMUNITY INTEREST
. Gazelles Netball Club is having its registration day on Saturday, 20th October for the 2008 season. Players are invited to come along to the netball courts on Coolong Street, Castle Hill between 11.00am and 2.00pm. This is registration for all grades and ages. We have many players from Samuel Gilbert and welcome players with or without experience. Please call Carlijn van Baal on 9680 9703 or www.gazellesnetballclub.org.au for more information.
. Soccer Kickstart October Holiday Clinics will be held at Ryde, Pymble/St Ives, Christie Park, Epping, Beecroft, Normanhurst and Glenhaven. Free Kickstart hat or bottle if you sign in by 26th September. All players get a free shirt/jersey. Please ring 8905 9422 or 0425 221 511 or email mail@soccerkickstart.com.au for more information and registrations.
. Galston Open Gardens are offering a Garden Lovers Package for groups of 2 or more on 19th October from 8.30-4.30pm which includes Devonshire tea, lunch, entertainment and entry to 4 gardens. Also on 20th and 21st October, 10 magnificent gardens from 9.30-4.30pm which includes morning and afternoon tea and lunch. For more information please ring John and Verity Graham on 9653 1864 or 0402 444 456.
. Australian Plants Society and Nick Corkish is presenting a talk about aspects of the threatened species conservation and regulation in NSW on Friday, 26th October at 8.00pm at Barton Hall, Anglican Retirment Village, David Road, Castle Hill. Entry and supper is free and every visitor will receive a free native plant. For more information please contact Jennifer on 9634 3163.
. Single With Children each week provides fun and exciting activities for single parents and their children. It is a great way to meet and get to know people in your area. To find out more and get a free copy of our social calendar please call 1300 300 496 or www.singlewithchildren.com.au
|
SAMUEL GILBERT PUBLIC SCHOOL
|
20 September 2007
Dear Parents,
ADDITIONAL UNIFORM OPTIONS
Very recently I received a sample of a sports shirt from a supplier that is very different to those offered in the recent uniform survey. Changing a school uniform is a large undertaking and, to ensure we are introducing items that are the best fit for the school, I have asked the uniform committee to seek opinions about this sport shirt, the preferred sport shirt from the survey and the current polo shirt.
The school is to have a separate sport and school uniform and I would like to know what two of the three options you would like for the boys school shirt and the sport shirt. To undertake this quickly, photos, descriptions and a survey form is being set up on the school’s website for you to provide your view. The items will also be displayed outside the office and a survey can be completed there as well.
The uniform committee will also take this opportunity to seek further opinions from parents and students about the girls’ alternative uniform. Two short/pant options will be displayed.
The website (www.samuelgilb-p.schools.nsw.edu.au) will be available from Monday, 17 September for two weeks until Friday, 28th September.
Students will also be asked their view; the items will be modelled at a school assembly and they will be asked to vote during lunch.
I would appreciate you taking the time to complete the survey so that we can work towards transitioning in the new uniform from 2008.
Thank you
Gordon Fraser
Top
