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SAMUEL GILBERT PUBLIC SCHOOL
COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER
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PRINCIPAL’S REPORT
Welcome back to Term 2. It is terrific to be part of such a wonderful school and school community. I have been very busy getting to know the programs, organisation, staff and students of Samuel Gilbert Public School. I am very excited about the huge variety of quality programs that are offered to our students.
I would like to acknowledge the wonderful leadership of Mr Fraser and Mrs Martin over many years. I look forward to working with our school community and continue the great work and excellent name of Samuel Gilbert.
Term Calendar
This term as with most, is full of activities and special events including camps, excursions and sport days. This newsletter contains a pull-off calendar of events for this term. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information is correct. Please be aware that occasionally events need to be changed due to a variety of circumstances beyond our control. In such cases I will endeavour to communicate the changes clearly and as early as possible.
Cross Country Carnivals
We were fortunate with the weather last week and were able to hold two terrific cross country carnivals. It was fantastic to see the students take such pride in their achievements on the day. Thank you to the many parents who helped on the day as well as those who came to support as spectators. I apologise that there was some confusion in communication which meant that some families missed viewing races.
Please Note: The date for the Zone Cross Country is still being determined. I will publish this information as soon as possible.
Mother’s Day Stall
Thank you to the parents who ran an excellent stall over Monday and Tuesday of this week. I would like to wish all our wonderful mums a very special day on Sunday.
P & C Meeting
The first P & C meeting for Term 2 will be held next Tuesday, 13th May at 7.30pm in the school staffroom. I look forward to this meeting as an opportunity to get to know more of our school community.
Band Camp
Well done to all those students attending Band Camp on Wednesday and Thursday. It was wonderful joining you on Thursday evening for dinner and the concert.
Year 5 Camp
In Week 4 our Year 5 students will be going away to camp at Lake Burrendong for 5 days. This is a wonderful opportunity for the students to participate in a variety of physical and team building activities. Camps are one of the highlights of school and I am sure the boys and girls will have a fantastic week.
Staff Changes
With the current change of school leadership and some teachers on leave there are a number of changes of staff for Term 2.
Ms Barclay will continue as Relieving Deputy Principal. Mrs Samuels will continue as KB teacher. Mrs Bridie will be the Teacher Librarian for the remainder of 2008. Mrs Patti will be the RFF Science teacher for the term. Mrs Campbell will teach 1 day RFF Science and Friday on 4E class.
NSW Teachers’ Federation Industrial Action
The NSW Teachers’ Federation has called a days industrial action for Thursday, 22nd May. Information will be sent home early next week to inform families about the degree of supervision available at Samuel Gilbert.
Finally
I would like to thank the staff, students and parents who have made me feel so welcome. It is always a big job for any staff member starting in a new school, it is especially so for Principals.
If you have any concerns or simply would like to discuss some issues with me, please do not hesitate to come and visit. I’m committed to working with staff, students and parents to continue to see Samuel Gilbert Public School excel in every way.
Andrew Bowmer
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RELIEVING DEPUTY PRINCIPAL’S REPORT
Dance Enrichment
These classes commenced this term with approximately 22 children selected in each of the Junior and Senior groups. The response was overwhelming but we encourage those who missed out this year to try again next time.
Congratulations to all who were selected, we look forward to enjoying your first performance.
Northern Sydney Region Enrichment Day
Last Friday ten talented Year 3 and 4 students travelled to Glenorie and Eastwood Public Schools to participate in a variety of enrichment workshops. Mathematics, Visual Arts, ICT Animation, Technology, Biodiversity, Creative Thinking and Sport were the areas explored by our students. The day was enjoyed by all and provided a wonderful opportunity for students to pursue their particular interests.
Operation Art
Thank you to all children who supported the Children’s Hospital at Westmead with entry in our Operation Art Competition. Some fabulous pieces of art work were created and the difficult task of judging went to the art students and staff at Castle Hill High School. The four entries chosen to proceed into the Operation Art were art works by KW, SM, BR and CM. Congratulations to these children! Ribbons were also awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in each year. Highly Commended awards were also given
Thanks go to our wonderful judges from Castle Hill High School.
National Walk Safely to School Day
It was wonderful to see so many families and students supporting this National initiative which aims to foster a positive approach to healthier lifestyles. Children were quite excited to have discovered how long, how far and how many steps it took to walk to school. Perhaps walking to school could become a more regular part of everyone’s week?
National Assessment Program - Literacy and Numeracy
Next week our Year 3 and Year 5 students will be completing the NAPLAN tests which are replacing the Basic Skills Tests. Testing will be held over three days, Tuesday, 13th May - Language Conventions and Writing, Wednesday, 14th May - Reading and Thursday, 15th May - Numeracy. Tests will commence in the morning and will conclude by 12:00. It is important for children to arrive at school punctually so that testing can commence on time.
Mother’s Day Stall
An enormous thank you to our team of mums who created so many wonderful gifts for our children to purchase at this year’s Mother’s Day Stall. The stall was a huge success and lots of wonderful “surprises” have been hidden away until Sunday. We all appreciate the time and effort that has gone into the organisation of this stall.
Bus Behaviour and Bus Passes
Towards the end of last term we had a number of incidents involving poor behaviour on the afternoon buses. While this has been addressed at school we ask parents to reinforce with their children the need to behave in a sensible and safe manner when travelling on public transport. It is also important for children to understand that their fare should either be paid or a bus pass used. We have been notified that inspectors will be checking on fare evasion throughout this term.
Westfields Sports
Applications are invited from students interested in being considered for enrolment in Year 7 at Westfields Sports in 2009. Located at Fairfield West, Westfield Sports provides opportunities for students with exceptional sporting talent.
Galston High School
Applications for the placement test in the Year 7 Extension Class for 2009 are required by Friday, 23rd May. If you wish to apply for the test which will be held at the school on Monday, 16th June, please contact Galston High School on 9651 2222.
Mufti Day – 8th April
On this Mufti Day we raised $560 for Castle Hill Police Constable, Robert Paterson, who was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer which has never been seen before in Australia or the world.
Sportspersons & Aussies of the Month
Sportspersons for the months for February and March were – RZ, BH, JP & CR
Aussies of the month were – SS, AK, RB & BP
Cathie Barclay
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AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE FOR NATIONAL CAPITAL EXCURSION
Last term students from our school completed an educational tour of the national capital. While on this tour they participated in a variety of educational programs focused on Australia’s history, culture, heritage and democracy.
The Australian Government recognises the importance of all young Australians being able to visit their National Capital as part of their civics and citizenship education. To assist in meeting the cost of the excursion the Australian Government contributed funding under the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate program toward the travel expenses incurred. The school would like to thank the Australian Government for their support of this program.
SPORTS REPORT
Welcome back to another busy term on the sporting field.
We were certainly up and running with two great cross country carnivals in our first week. A huge thank you to Katrina Richmond and Brigida Smith for their organisation of the Junior Carnival and Karen Marcolin and Marion Johnson for the Senior Carnival. Our carnivals just don’t happen! There are many hours, days and week go into the preparation beforehand. To all the parents who gave their assistance also a big thank you.
Congratulations to ALL children who competed. It is very encouraging to see the high participation rate and even though we can’t all cross the finish line together it is great to see so many giving it their best. To those who will go on to represent us at the Zone Carnival we wish them all the best and look forward to reporting on your success in future newsletters. The date for the Zone Cross Country will be in Week 5 (actual day to be decided) and notes will be coming home when date is known.
Friday P.S.S.A.
Trials for our winter sports have been undertaken and children have been selected in Netball, Newcombe Ball, Soccer, AFL and Rugby League. Congratulations to all children who have gained selection. Please return the permission note, together with the signed Code of Conduct to the teacher/coach by Friday as the competition begins this week.
Parents are encouraged to support our weekly competitions and we ask that you adhere to the Parent’s Code of Conduct also sent home. Children will need correct school uniform, including hat, when representing us each week. Where a special school jersey is worn we ask that these be looked after and laundered each week as they are costly to replace. Special jerseys are for the game only and should not become the Friday all day uniform. Football and soccer boots are not to be worn on the bus to and from the grounds.
Thank you to Karen Marcolin, Stephanie Walters, Lynnea Hart, Eileen Tudor, Brad Crossman and Rachael Patti for their willingness to choose and coach these teams.
School Sport
P.S.S.A. teams are the culmination of many years of teaching skills. It is always encouraging to see all grades out teaching the fundamentals each week. In the senior grades (4, 5 & 6), children not involved in P.S.S.A. teams will participate in intra school sport here at school each Friday. Many thanks to Jutta Smith for organising this program.
Zone Selection (Castle Hill)
Congratulations to JM and WL who have gained selection in the Castle Hill Zone Softball team and will be off to the Area Carnival.
Area Selection (Sydney West)
Congratulations to JT, JM, DW and BR who have all gained selection in boys and girls Hockey teams.
LK and RZ who have gained selection in Rugby League.
JP gained selection in A.F.L.
We wish them well as they compete at State Carnivals in their respective sports.
Gymnastics
It is very pleasing to see the increase in the skill level and willingness to try new challenges in gymnastics lessons. Every child participates in gym for one term as part of the PD/Health/PE syllabus. From the class program children are targeted by the gym instructors and invited back the next term for enrichment sessions where skills are further developed. Fifty-five children were targeted from the classes who participated in Term 1. This has been culled to a more manageable group of twenty-six for safety reasons.Congratulations to these children
The number of children targeted is testimonial to our most worthwhile program which has developed over the last 5 years.
Elaine Cater,
Sports Coordinator
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THE PREMIER’S SPORTING CHALLENGE
Many of our students participate or have participated in the Premier’s Reading Challenge. This year the Premier has released a sporting challenge to try and help combat childhood obesity.
All classes have decided to enter this challenge. Please refer to the article ‘Fitness Challenge for Schools’ or the website listed if you would like more information.
Children are encouraged to participate in moderate to vigorous activities for 1 hour (accumulative) per day over a period of 15 weeks. As it is ‘accumulative’, parents will be asked to sign children’s log books in Years 3-6 to say they agree with what the child has claimed.
Each class works as a team pooling their time to a maximum 85 minutes per day per student. Children are then awarded Bronze, Silver, Gold or Diamond awards depending on the number of minutes each class averages out.
The ‘Walk to School Day’ last Friday was an excellent example of how we can actively engage students in physical activity on a daily basis. Others might include walking the dog or bike riding with a friend. It does not mean everyone must run out and join a major game to accumulate your hour.
Any parent who would be willing to enter the data on computer, I would love to see you! Please come and make yourself known to me.
Further updates on this program will appear in future newsletters.
Elaine Cater,
Sports Coordinator
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P & C PRESIDENT’S REPORT
On behalf of the school community I would like to extend a very warm welcome to our new Principal, Andrew Bowmer. For those who do not know Andrew commenced his teaching career at Samuel Gilbert in 1986, the year the school was founded. I’m sure at that time he never imagined that he would eventually return as principal.
P & C meetings will now be held on the second Tuesday of the month to allow for a more accurate Treasurer’s report reflecting the previous month’s bank statements.
Our first P & C meeting for the term will be held on Tuesday, 13th May, in the staffroom commencing at 7.30pm. This will also be our new principals first meeting, so I urge you all come along and give him a warm welcome.
At this meeting we will be discussing this years fete preparations, and finalising the fete committee so if you have any ideas or suggestions please come along and make yourself known to John Lawson, our Fete Coordinator.
We will also be discussing a proposal to change our financial year end, and, therefore our Annual General Meeting date. This is a very important proposal and your input will be greatly appreciated.
By now I am sure everyone will have either purchased or returned their Entertainment Books, if you have not sent your money in yet, please do so urgently so that Emily can finalise the accounts. While on that I would like to thank Emily Koller one of our Kindy mums who has done a great job in organising the Entertainment Books this year, as at the end of last week we had raised over $1600 for the P & C, and the happy purchasers have already began to make great savings.
The P & C last week gave the school $28,000 for the newest batch of Smartboards, and paid the insurance subscription to cover the students in case of a serious injury, so please continue to support our fundraising endeavours.
Finally don’t forget to brush up on your trivia for the Samuel Gilbert Trivia Night on 24th May. Get your tables organised, come enjoy the fun and have a great night with other members of the school community.
Allan White
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BAND REPORT
Currently our 3 bands are at Vision Valley for their annual band camp. If past years are anything to go by, the camp will be a huge success. There will be lots of music tutorials, great fun activities and the annual talent quest. The camp ends with our fantastic concert on Thursday night where the families enjoy listening to all the bands.
The next band meeting will be Thursday, 22nd May at 8.00pm in the staffroom.
Sue Lack, Band Committee
FROM THE CANTEEN
The new Winter Menu is out now. Please note that Playwater $1.80 is not available. We apologise for this error.
All items for this menu are available for Terms 2 and 3 only. Please note that there is limited hot food on Fridays.
We have vacancies on the roster for the first Tuesday in the month (2 for the morning shift and 1 for the second shift) and the fifth Thursday in the month (2 for the first shift and 1 for the second shift). If you can spare some time to help in the Canteen it would be greatly appreciated.
Carolyn Chamberlain, Canteen Supervisor
FROM THE UNIFORM SHOP
Please contact the office if you can help out in the shop on a Tuesday morning. 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. I would like to open the shop one or two Monday afternoons a term from 2.30 to 3.30pm if I can get two volunteers. 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 though, there is not the space for prams.)
- Navy zip jackets in size six have arrived.
- New style hats are now available in all sizes.
- New style sports shorts are now available in all sizes.
- For winter the long sleeved polos (however size 6 have already sold out)
- Girls and boys long pants are in stock.
- Red Robyn 40 Denier tights $9 have arrived. The original thinner tights are still available for $4.
The following is a list of estimate delivery dates based on manufacturer’s information:
- Waterproof jacket size 12 – May 27
- Long sleeved polos in size 6 – June 17
- Girls long sleeved blouse size 6 and 10 – June 10
The queues have been very long so if you just wish to get a simple exchange or refund of an item you may like to bundle it with a note explaining what you would like done, include your child’s name and class, and leave it at the school office marked for the uniform shop and we will try to sort it out on the following Tuesday along with any other orders.
Karen Pike, Uniform Shop Committee
OF COMMUNITY INTEREST
. Beecroft Cherrybrook Junior Rugby Club is seeking players for the Under 12’s. If you are interested or know of anyone who is would like to play Rugby please ring Mark Sexty on 0430 519 489.
. Interrelate Family Centres are holding seminars on ‘Ideas for Parenting Teens’ on Wednesday, 7th May from 6-9pm, ‘Positive Parenting’ on Monday, 12th May from 6-9pm and ‘The Challenge of Disciplining Your Children’ on Monday, 23rd June from 6-9pm at the Interrelate Family Centre, 685 Old Northern Road, Dural at a cost of $15 per single adult or $25 per couple. For bookings and enquiries ring 9653 9533.
. Rockets Castle Hill Soccer has vacancies for ages 4-6 year old boys and girls each Saturday morning at Eric Mobbs Reserve, Castle Hill. For more enquiries ring Mike Molyneux on 0412 778 815 or Sal Maresca on 0421 135 498.
. Student Exchange Australia is looking for host families for students aged 15-18 years from 15 countries. If your family can offer a friendly, supportive and caring home environment please ring 1300 135 331.
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