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PRINCIPAL’S COMMENT It is with sad regret that I inform you that on Monday night, Loraine Eadie, mother of Eve and Amara Starkey, lost her long-fought battle with breast cancer. We send our sincere sympathies to her partner, Barney and Eve and Amara.

Your child/ren would have heard this sad news and may mention this to you and want to talk about things that this event has brought up in their mind. School counselling support can be made available should the need arise.

A funeral will be held on Monday 10 February, 2:30pm at Lake Innes Crematorium. Close friends of Loraine’s are welcome to attend and members of our school staff and P&C will be in attendance to represent our school community.

As a result of this, I wish to inform you that there will be some changes to our usual class and school routines. Mr Small will remain at school to coordinate the supervision of students, along with Mr Coen, Mrs Ellis and Mrs McCormack and classes will need to be combined after lunch. Along with this, our usually efficient Kiss and Drop procedures may take a little longer, with less staff manning this.

We appreciate your patience and support in this unusual situation as we seek to support members of our school community at this difficult time.

Once again, we would like to welcome our students and families back to the 2020 school year at Beechwood PS. All of our classes have had a very smooth transition back into normal school routines, including our wonderful 27 new Kindergarten students.

For those who may have missed my previous message, we have no significant changes to our staffing this year. We welcome Mrs Arentsen back from her maternity leave. Mrs Arentsen is working on Tuesdays and Thursdays and she has joined the Learning and Support Team with Mrs Small.

MINOR CHANGES TO SCHOOL PROCEDURES:

• Whole School Assemblies: This year our whole school assemblies will now be on Friday afternoons from 2-3pm. As a staff, we have discussed the importance of being able to utilise every morning session as a key time to focus on literacy teaching and learning. Teachers are committed to devoting as much time as possible to teaching activities that will ensure the development of every student’s reading and writing knowledge, skills and understanding.

• Primary Homework: Last week students in Years 3, 4, 5 and 6 were given a Homework note to take home. We are asking parents/carers to choose an ‘opt-in’ or ‘opt-out’ approach to homework. Teachers will no longer be printing extra unused pages of homework, but saving resources and providing homework to those students whose parents have opted-in. Mrs Small has asked Years 3-6 parents/carers to return the completed note if they would like to opt-out of homework for this year. For those parents/carers who will still like to have homework provided to their son/daughter each week, you do not need to do anything.

• Primary Swimming: Mr Small will be discussing some issues around Years 3-6 weekly swimming (Friday sport) at the next P&C meeting. In light of recent events that have affected our community, we would like to consult with our P&C members (as representatives of our community) and have their input into this sport program.

Vol. 35. No. 1. 5 February 2020

“Tree”mendous Awards:

Josh C

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Enrolment Our enrolment stands at 167 students with the following class structure in place at this stage.

KMC - Mr Matt Coen K-1LC - Mrs Leanne Clayworth 1-2P - Mrs Sheree Peach – Acting Assistant Principal 2B - Miss Eliza Barnett 3-4S - Miss Sherlock 4-5S - Mr Sam Small – Assistant Principal 5-6P - Miss Pollard

School Administrative Manager – Mrs Rose Reid (Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri)

School Administrative Officers – Mrs Cheryl Carpenter – currently on leave, Mrs Melissa King (Tues, Wed, Thurs, alternate Fri) and Mrs Verna Wallace (Volunteer Wed)

General Assistant – Mr Noel Tape

School Learning Support Officers – Ms Sharon Palmer, Mr Noel Tape

Cleaner – Mr Tony Stibbard. The library and Personal Development and Health (PDH) program will be undertaken by Mr Newell (Tues, Wed). The teacher release for all classes and Science programs for all classes (Tues, Wed), will be undertaken by Mrs Fiona McCormack. Mrs Peach and Mr Small will be released from face to face teaching each Friday this term to work on our school external validation submission. Mr Newell will replace Mrs Peach in 1-2P while Mrs McCormack will replace Mr Small in 4-5S.

New Enrolments I would like to welcome our new Kindergarten students, (pictured here), other new enrolments and their parents into the Beechwood School community. I hope the children and parents enjoy their schooling and find it rewarding, stimulating and educationally sound.

Kindergarten 2020 Front row: Lane, Felix, Max, Jed, Myles, Felicity, Emily, Airlee, Brooklyn, Mason, Ryan, Claire, Georgia. Back Row: Jimmy, Ivy, Lucy, Chelsea, Louis, Nash, Thomas, Nicholas, Jarvis, Alexis, Anneliese, Mia, Angelina, Mr Coen. Other New Enrolments: Amelia (4-5S), Joshua (1-2P) and Aria (1-2P). School Parliament 2020 The induction for our new school leaders into Parliament will be held at the first assembly, hosted by Year 6 on Friday 14 February. A special guest, Chris Roelandts- RFS Captain from Hollisdale Brigade, will present the new Parliament members with their portfolio badges and Certificates.

Prime Minister: Declan Juric Leader of Opposition: Denny Michael Treasurer: Jaxson Clay Ministers: Sport & Recreation: Charlie Hamerlok, Jake Hillard Parks & Gardens: Sophie Cooper, Lawson Cooper Health & Transport: Alaria Gutierrez Personal Relations: Eve Starkey Education & Functions: Andie Beckwith

Year 5-6 Assembly Friday 14 February, 2020

at 2.00pm. (Please note new time trialling this term)

Induction of 2020 School Parliament with Special Guest! All welcome!

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Fortnightly Bulletins Our school Bulletin is distributed on a fortnightly basis. During Term 1 the Bulletins will be published as follows.

Week 2: Wednesday 5 February Week 4: Wednesday 19 February Week 6: Wednesday 4 March Week 8: Wednesday 18 March Week 10: Wednesday 1 April

Regular updates and reminders of school events will be placed on the Skoolbag App and Website. The SkoolBag App can be found in PlayStore on Android phones or via iTunes on iPhones. Paper copies are only available upon request however, this first Bulletin for 2020 will be distributed to all families in paper form. Follow the P&C facebook page (Beechwood P&C) for daily updates. Like the page and then choose “following” to make sure you are kept up to date. Acknowledgment I would like to take time to acknowledge and thank the Beechwood Public School staff, many of whom have spent many hours at school over the holidays preparing their rooms and getting ready for their classes. I know that the staff have made our learning environments colourful, exciting and interesting places to learn. Thank you to our dedicated and committed staff. District Swimming Carnival - Wednesday 13.2.20 This week, permission notes will be sent home and are due back next Tuesday 11 February 2020. Good luck to all our swimming competitors!

School Attendance Information For Parents Regular attendance at school allows children to progress both academically and socially. It is a pre-requisite for future success and ensures students the widest possible choice when deciding on future careers and lifestyles.

The Education Reform Act, 1990, states that caregivers are required by law to ensure that children in their care, aged 6 to 15 years, attend school regularly and that they provide the school with an explanation for the absence within 7days.

Schools are for children. Regular attendance ensures that carers and students get the most out of school. By working together we will be able to make sure that school is a safe, happy and enjoyable place for all and that student’s future success is maximised. (NOTE: eFORM absentee notes can be found on the SkoolBag App or via the SkoolBag App tab on the school website. Alternatively you can send a note in with your child. Also, blank Yellow absentee notes can be obtained from the office or the class teacher). Sick Bay Monitor For the information of new parents/carers to Beechwood Public School we have a close circuit camera installed in our sick bay room attached to a monitor in the office to enable observation of sick students. This will greatly assist in keeping our students safe and secure whilst they are unwell at school. Changes to Normal Travel Routines Much confusion, anxiety and concern can be placed on students and staff if changes to normal travel routines are not received in the written form.

If for some reason a child has to vary their normal travel mode, parents are requested to inform the school of these changes in writing.

Staff have been advised that all students are to travel via their normal methods UNLESS written notification from the parents is received. All previous on-going changes of routine for 2019 have been discarded. If you wish your child to have a regular change of routine each week on a particular day or days, you will need to inform us again in writing. Also, if you wish to give permission for another person to pick your child/ren up from school at any time, please advise in writing.

Student Banking

Bring your deposit book & money to Mrs King in the office each

Thursday before school. Rewards are available!

New enrolments, please see Mrs King.

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(NOTE: Blue Change of Routine proforma notes are available at the school office. You can also complete the eFORM that can be found on the SkoolBag App or under the SkoolBag App Tab on the school website. TRACEY BROMFIELD Relieving Principal FRIDAY FUNDRAISING Chicken Sausages on bread may be purchased at $2.00 each and Bulla Splits $2.00 each. Half a sausage in slice of bread available for $1.00. Slushies are available ($2.00 each) and poppers/flavoured milk ($2.00 each).

The first 2020 School Parliament Friday Fundraising Canteen commenced last Friday.

Orders are taken on Friday mornings on the school back veranda by designated School Parliament members (prices above).

Mr Noel Tape is the overseer for the purchasing of supplies for the Friday Fundraising Canteen again in 2020 and parent volunteers help out cooking sausages and serving ice-creams and drinks. ALL profits from the Friday Fundraising Canteen go towards bus costs for every class for excursions. Over $4,000 was raised in 2019! A great effort!

New parents or carers who are able to help out as a volunteer for just 2 hours on any Friday, could you please complete the slip that follows, include the dates of any Friday/s you prefer and return to Mrs King or alternatively phone the office on 6585 6136.

If we get a few helpers it may mean only having to come in once a term. There is a detailed instruction sheet available outlining what to do so if you would like to have a copy before deciding, just ask at the office. Your help is very much needed and appreciated! (Please complete volunteer slip and roster below).

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FRIDAY FUNDRAISING CANTEEN

Name: __________________________ Date/s of Friday/s Available: _____________________________

Contact Phone Number: __________________________ _________________________________ Sorry, I can no longer help on Friday Fundraising Canteen - Name: ______________________________

TERM 1, 2020 – FRIDAY FUNDRAISER ROSTER WEEK 2: Friday 7 February 11.30 – 1.30pm Alison COLEMAN-LOCKE WEEK 3: Friday 14 February 11.30 – 1.30pm Jessica ZYCKI WEEK 4: Friday 21 February 11.30 – 1.30pm Carlie CLAY WEEK 5: Friday 28 Feburary 11.30 – 1.30pm Ashleigh WHITTON WEEK 6: Friday 6 March 11.30 – 1.30pm Chris CALLER WEEK 7: Friday 13 March 11.30 – 1.30pm Tamara THURLING-HERR WEEK 8: Friday 20 March 11.30 – 1.30pm _______________ (Helper Needed Please) WEEK 9: Friday 27 March 11.30 – 1.30pm _______________ (Helper Needed Please) WEEK 10: Friday 3 April 11.30 – 1.30pm Ashleigh WHITTON WEEK 11: Friday 10 April 11.30 – 1.30pm _______________ (Helper Needed Please) If your rostered date is not suitable or if you no longer can do the Friday Fundraising Canteen, please phone the office on 6585 6136.

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION At school we are modelling the behaviours that we are teaching the students. The students are learning about sustainability and recycling and have learnt about sorting their rubbish.

To support this we have introduced Return and Earn into the school. If your family would like to support the school by collecting your plastic and glass bottles, aluminium cans and poppers, Mrs Mac has some bags that can be given to your child to take home for your collection. These bags can then be returned full, and the school will receive 10c for each container. Thank you in advance, Mrs Mc

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COOKING CLUB Mrs Mc is starting a cooking club this year. This will happen on a Monday at lunchtime with food made being available for sale at the canteen on Tuesday. Students will create recipes using food produced in our school garden. We are passionate about healthy eating at Beechwood School and are excited to provide this opportunity for students to learn about produce from paddock to plate.

The club will be available for year 3 – 6 students. Numbers will be limited due to space, safety and number of students interested. It is hoped all students interested will be able to cook at least twice during the year.

Our committee currently consists of Mrs Mc, Mr Tape, and Mrs J. Turnewitsch. We would like more members from the community on our committee to assist with lessons and share ideas to make this initiative as successful as possible.

Please contact the school if you are interested in joining our team.

Mrs Fiona McCormack

CANTEEN NEWS

Canteen Menu A Term 1, 2020 Canteen Menu is included on Page 10 of this Bulletin. Stickybeaks Lunch Wallets The Canteen is selling Stickybeaks Lunch Wallets and encouraging people to use these reusable lunch order bags. Cost is $10 each. They don’t need to be ordered and will be available until sold out. Please visit the canteen on Tuesdays if you have any questions. Canteen Volunteers for 2020 We are always looking for volunteers to fill our Canteen Roster or to fill in when someone rostered is unable to do their shift. If you are able to assist, please let us know by returning the below form to school.

Alison Cooper

Canteen Supervisor

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2020 CANTEEN ROSTER VOLUNTEER SLIP

Name: ___________________________ Your Child’s Name: ______________________ YES, I am able to help in the canteen on:- Contact Number: _______________________ Date/s of Tuesday/s available: ________________________________________________ Specific Dates I am/am not available: ___________________________________________

Please call me if a rostered volunteer is unable to attend YES / NO I would like to be a member of the canteen subcommittee YES / NO

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TERM 1 - 2020 IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER

Week 3: Wednesday 12 Feb 9.00 – 10.00am Scripture/Ethics start 5.00pm-6.00pm Meet the Teacher Night Thursday 13 Feb HCH PSSA District Swimming Carnival-Port

Macquarie Pool

Friday 14 February 2.00pm (Please note new time of Assembly Year 5-6P Assembly & Parliament Induction Week 4: Tuesday 18 February 6.00pm P&C – AGM – All welcome Wednesday 19 February LNC PSSA Swimming Carnival Thursday 20 February 9.00am-12.00pm Library Van visit Friday 21 February 2.15pm-3.00pm Clean Up Australia Day

Week 5: Friday 28 February 2.00pm Year 4-5S Assembly

END OF TERM 1 – Thursday 9 April 2020 TERM 2 – STUDENTS RETURN – Tuesday 28 April 2020

P&C NEWS Welcome back for 2020!

What does a P&C Association do? The objects of a P&C Association are to; promote the interests of the school by bringing parents, citizens, pupils and teaching staff into close co-operation; assist in providing equipment required by the school; report to the Minister the material requirements of the school; assist the teaching staff in establishment of school policy and management in all facets of school activity.

Our Annual General Meeting will be held in the library at 6pm on Tuesday February 18. All welcome! If you are a current financial member, you are required to attend or submit an apology to beechwoodpandc.secretary@gmail.com. Only current financial members are eligible to vote and must be present to do so. After the AGM will be the first general meeting of the year and new members will be signed up.

For those wishing to join the P&C, we meet first Tuesday of the month at 6pm in the library. Annual membership is only $1.00. LIBBY HAMERLOK - P&C President

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