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SAMUEL GILBERT PUBLIC SCHOOL
COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER
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RELIEVING PRINCIPAL’S REPORT
Annual School Reports: The 2007 Annual School Report has been printed and will be received by all families by the end of the week. The report highlights school achievements throughout 2007 and flags targets for 2008. I recommend it to you.
Technology Update: Six new Smartboards and a new projector in the Computer room have recently been installed. This means that all students across the school now have greater access to this wonderful technology. Smartboards were installed in the library, 2T, 3J, 4E, 4/5/6J and 6C classrooms. Teachers in all grades now have improved access to this terrific teaching tool. As I walk around the school those boards are consistently in use.
School Canteen: One of the wonderful services the P&C offers to our school is the canteen which operates a very efficient and competitive service to our families. The canteen could not run as effectively as it does without the dedication of the canteen coordinators. One of our coordinators – Julie Dalmazzo is resigning at the end of the term. Julie has given 5 years of dedicated service to ensure the needs of our students and families are met and I’d like to take the opportunity to thank her for all she has done and wish her the very best for her next venture.
Canberra Excursion: It was a great privilege to accompany Year 6 on their Canberra Excursion last week. The excursion provides many wonderful learning opportunities but also enables our Year 6 students to enrich their interpersonal skills. The students were fabulous school ambassadors and were complimented on their behaviour and participation by guides, their bus drivers and members of the public. I’d also like to thank Mrs Hart, Mrs Smith, Mr Crossman and Mrs Cooney for all of the time they invested in planning an excellent excursion and for giving up their family time to accompany the children.
Working Bee: It was fantastic to see the wonderful response to our first P&C Working Bee this year. A big thank you goes to the 24 families who attended. I’m sure you’ll agree with me their efforts have made an amazing impact on the physical appearance of our school. Those first impressions when you enter the school grounds are very important. Thank you to the Australian Plants Society who donated seedlings for us to plant. Thanks also go to Chris Coe for coordinating the activities and Ms Barclay for her support.
Cross Country: Our Cross Country Carnival will take place next Wednesday. K/1 & Y2 7 year old students will compete on the school oval from approximately 9:30–10:15am. Students in Years 2–6 will compete on Castle Glen from approximately 10:45–12:45pm. Parents are welcome to attend. Students are asked to wear their house coloured t-shirt and sports shorts or skort.
- 2007 Fete Sponsors -
New Principal: The position has gone to merit selection. Interviews will occur next week and it is anticipated an appointment will be made before the end of term. As there is a ten day appeal period the new Principal may not be announced until the beginning of next term. The Deputy position will not be filled this term. The new Principal will coordinate that process next term.
Drug Education Forum: Thank you to those parents who attended the Drug Education forum at Castle Hill Primary. I’m sure the information they gained was very informative and valuable. Thank you to Brendan and Rachael who participated in the presentation of the program.
Attendance: Schools are constantly monitoring patterns of poor attendance in order to rectify any problems quickly.
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
- Remember to include the date or dates.
- Remind your child to give the note to the teacher.
- If your child is going to be away for more than three days please call the school to let the teacher know. You will still need to write a note when your child returns to school.
- If your child is going to be away for 12 days or more you need to ask at the office for an exemption form that will need to be completed and returned to the Principal prior to the absence.
- If your child is late for school you should accompany them to the office to explain their absence. Lateness due to sleeping in or traffic congestion is not considered an acceptable reason for absence. The roll, as a legal document, will reflect this.
Stopwork Meeting: The NSW Teachers’ Federation has called a stopwork meeting for its members next Tuesday, 8th April from 8:30–11:00am. You will receive notification later this week advising you if your class teacher has chosen to attend this meeting.
Anzac Day: Next Thursday at 9:40am we will hold our school Anzac Day service. As this is a commemorative service it is important that all students wear full school uniform and black school shoes. Students are asked to bring a flower as each class lays a floral tribute at the foot of our flagpole after the service.
Library: Mrs Craft will be on Long Service Leave from the beginning of next term until the end of this year. Mrs Bridie will be taking Mrs Craft’s place during that time.
School Leader Induction Assembly: Students elected as SRC representatives, Prefects and School Captains will be recognised in a school assembly on Thursday, 10th April at 1.35pm. Parents of these students are welcome to attend the assembly.
Holidays: The term ends on Friday, 11th April. Students return to school on Tuesday, 29th April. Monday is a School Development Day for teachers only. I hope you will enjoy a safe, relaxing holiday.
Finally I’d like to take this opportunity to say what a pleasure it has been to be part of the Samuel Gilbert community for the last three years. It has been an honour to work with such a fantastic school community to ensure the provision of quality learning experiences for all of our students. It is a delight to come to school each day to work with your wonderful children. Their enthusiasm and joy for learning is demonstrated daily. I am constantly reminded of how caring, friendly and supportive they are towards each other.
I’d personally like to acknowledge the professionalism, talent and dedication of the teaching, office and ancillary staff at Samuel Gilbert. It is second to none.
The students, staff and parents make this school the lighthouse that it is in our community. I will miss being part of Samuel Gilbert but am looking forward to moving on to new challenges as the Principal of Jasper Road.
As I say farewell I wish all the students, staff and parents the very best in the future. I’ll look forward to meeting you again at many of the combined sporting and cultural events held within our district.
Mary-Anne Martin
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- 2007 Fete Sponsors -
FROM THE RELIEVING DEPUTY PRINCIPAL
Dance Enrichment
It is exciting to be able to offer Dance Enrichment opportunities to our children this year. Miss Cassie has been overwhelmed with the response and is very excited to be able to run both a Junior (Years 1, 2 & 3) and Senior group (Years 4, 5,and 6). Unfortunately not all children will be able to be involved as there is a limited number of places and a large number of applicants. Cassie will notify all children next week who have been successful and will provide you with any additional information. The Senior group will commence rehearsals on Tuesday, 29th April between 7:30 and 8:30am and the Junior Group will commence rehearsals in the same time
slot on Thursday, 1st May. Please remember it is the responsibility of all parents to supervise your children until Cassie has commenced the class.
Operation Art
Classes are busy preparing artworks for our Operation Art Competition. We ask all families to lend their support to this competition which is being held to raise money for the Children’s Hospital at Westmead. Entry fee is only $2.00 and we would like every child in the school to be involved. All children will be creating an art work which will be submitted for judging if the entry fee has been received. One never knows when it will be their child in need of the wonderful services offered by the Children’s Hospital so we encourage children and parents alike to join us as we support Westmead.
Gifted and Talented Programs
MindQuest enrichment courses are once again being held at Baulkham Hills High School on Saturday, 24th and Sunday, 25th May. These courses cater to students from Years 1 to 6 and accommodate interests across a broad range or areas. From Chemistry to Drama and History to Animal Antics, there is something for everyone. If your child has a talent in a particular area you may like to collect a course outline and application form from the front office. Cost of the weekend is $150.00 and the closing date Monday, May 5th.
Training Band
From the commencement of Term 2 the Training Band will be rehearsing in Burragali on Tuesday mornings due to the introduction of Dance Enrichment.
National Walk Safely to School Day
Friday, 2nd May is National Walk Safely to School Day. This day aims to promote the health benefits of walking and create regular walking habits at an early age. Road safety awareness is also fostered and car dependency habits are hopefully reduced. If walking is totally out of the question for your family perhaps you can park a block or two from the school to support this national initiative. Enjoy the walk and keep your fingers crossed for a fine day!
Farewell
Mary-Anne Martin will be leaving us at the end of this term to begin a new chapter in her career as principal of Jasper Road Public School. Our loss of a dedicated, caring and hardworking Deputy Principal is certainly Jasper Road’s gain. Children, staff and parents will certainly miss her kind and friendly presence in our school but I am sure that all share with me in wishing her the very best at her new school. Good luck, Mary-Anne, you will be missed.
Cathie Barclay
- 2007 Fete Sponsors -
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P&C PRESIDENT’S REPORT
A very successful working bee was held at the school on Sunday, 30th March with nearly 30 families attending. A great deal was achieved especially in the areas leading to the office, behind the hall and near the bottom Gilbert Road gate. While much was achieved towards the tidying and beautification of the school grounds, it also highlighted the need for much more work to be done. To this end we are hoping to hold a working bee a term for the rest of the year, so do try to come along and join in the fun your help will be greatly appreciated.
I would like to extend my special thanks to Chris Coe whose drive and vision made the day possible and whose untiring work towards the quality of the school environment is greatly appreciated. For those who don’t know, Chris is an ex teacher at Samuel Gilbert, who retired in 2004, but still comes in one day a week as a volunteer gardener for our School. Many thanks Chris!
Also to Mary-Anne Martin, our relieving, (soon to be leaving) Principal, who made the best scones ever (Devonshire Teas at the Fete perhaps?) and wheeled many barrow loads of mulch all day.
I am sure that Radox was used by the bucket load by all that gave so much on the day. Thank you and be very proud of what you achieved, and remember to recruit more help for the next one. Note:- for pictures, and Chris Coe’s wrap of the day please look up the Samuel Gilbert website.
In other P&C news we have completed our budget. I’m sure that we would all like to be able to purchase more equipment for the educational needs of our children. The only way we can do this is to raise more than we anticipate, and that is up to the help that you, as parents, give the P&C’s fund raising efforts.
We are seeking volunteers to help in the organisation of our annual fete. If you are able to help, please contact any of the P & C executive or send an e-mail to sgps.pcinfo@gmail.com.
Part of the role of the P&C is to provide parents the opportunity to discuss issues to do with the operation of the school. To make this easier for parents the executive have appointed Kristen Parle as our parent liaison coordinator. Should you have any issue with which you need help or clarification, please speak to Kristen or send her an e-mail to the above address.
We have also planned a fairly full calendar of events for the year, aimed at both fundraising and strengthening the “community spirit” of SGPS. So keep a lookout in the newsletter for details of upcoming events and come along and join in the fun for a good cause; our kids!
Allan White
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SAMUEL GILBERT OOSHCC
Vacation care is running at OOSH this coming school holidays for two weeks commencing Monday, 14th April to Thursday, 24th April inclusive. Vacation care will include excursions and in house activities. Some vacancies apply. If you are interested please contact OOSH on 9899 2729 to make a booking.
Lesley Soper, Director
BAND REPORT
The three bands are running smoothly. Band Camp preparations are well under way and the camp promises to be a great time of music tutorials as well as lots of fun. For the few people who are still to return notes, can you please return them as soon as possible.
TheTraining Band will be rehearsing in Burragali in Term 2 with Mr S to make room in the hall for a before school dance group. Training Band rehearsals will continue as usual on Tuesday at 7.30am.
Keep practising as we are currently entering our bands in upcoming eisteddfods.
Sue Lack, Band Committee
- 2007 Fete Sponsors -
FROM THE CANTEEN
The Canteen will be CLOSED on the last day of term, Friday, 11th April for cleaning – no lunches will be available on that day.
At the Cross Country Carnival on Wednesday, 9th April there will be no hot food available at the Canteen. Sandwiches and wraps will be available for purchase. If parents would like to order a sandwich please place an order via your child’s basket in the morning. Tea and coffee will be available on the carnival day.
Wishing you all a safe, happy holiday.
Julie Dalmazzo & Carolyn Chamberlain
Canteen Supervisors
FROM THE UNIFORM SHOP
A special thank you to Karen Langan for getting those entire flying jacket orders out on Tuesday.
If you are able to help out in the Uniform Shop on a Tuesday please leave your name contact details at the School Office. It doesn’t have to be every week. If there are four assistants then your commitment is only a couple of hours once a month. The shop provides a great service to the school community with all profits going back to buy resources for the school. The only criterion is willingness. Unfortunately there is no space for prams.
The following is a list of estimated delivery dates for orders:
- Long sleeved polos – April 8
- Short sleeved polos size 6 & 8 – April 8
- Girl’s long pants – April 8 (cost $32)
- Navy zip jackets size 6 – April 29
- Waterproof jacket size 12 – May
- Medium sized hats – April 8
- Sports shirts size 8 – April 29
Also boy’s long trousers are in stock. Size 4,6,8 at $28 and sizes 10,12,14,16 at $31. (If you purchased a small sized pair last week please see me, email or send a note to obtain a credit as I have over charged you.)
Karen Pike, (Volunteer Coordinator)
OF COMMUNITY INTEREST
. Free Mice and Kittens – If you are interested in adopting 2 FREE cute and friendly female mice (good quality cage included) please contact Mrs Boecker on 0400 301 237.
There are also 2 FREE 8 week old kittens (1 male and 1 female) who are looking for a home. If you are interested please contact Marty on 0415 193 941.
. Glenhaven Football Club would like to hear from anyone with children aged 6 who would like to play Under 7’s soccer for their club. If you are interested please contact Greg Edwards on 0414 681 777 or Steven Phillips on 0409 996 911.
. Donate Blood – at Bunnings, Dural from Monday, 21st April to Saturday, 26th April for the Australian Red Cross Blood Service. Your blood donation can help save three lives. Appointments are essential so please ring 13 14 95.
. The Epping Club is organising the Epping Street Fair on Sunday, 25th May from 10.00am to 4.00pm as a fundraiser for local charities. If you are interested in the Talent Quest or Junior Art Show please contact Melinda Witherow on 9815 0959 for details on applying.
. Rainbow for Girls (IORG) is a community based organisation that meets in Castle Hill. On Saturday, 19th April we will be having a craft afternoon, making items for Mother’s Day, which is not very far away. This session will start at 2.30pm and conclude approximately 5.00pm. Parents are most welcome to stay with their daughters. There is no charge for this craft afternoon.
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