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487 Cattai Road. CATTAI NSW 2756 - Ph 4572 8445 - Fax 4572 8760

Email: cattai-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au

www.cattai-p.schools.nsw.edu.au

CATTAI PUBLIC SCHOOL

Pelican Post Newsletter 9.5.2013 Term 2, Week 2 _______________________________________________________________________________________________

From the Principal……

Dear Parents,

Welcome back students, families and our extended community members. I trust everyone has taken the time to rest up and enjoy some quality time with family over the holidays.

We ended Term 1 on a real positive with the World’s Greatest Shave raising over $1000 and have continued in that same positive manner to start Term 2. The ZoosnooZ excursion was a great success and students participated with enthusiasm in the Fun Run held on Monday. I have been particularly proud of the students’ behaviour and effort to start the term. Let’s keep it up, Cattai!

HOMEWORK SESSION You would have received a note yesterday letting you know that we have decided to introduce a new homework format in all classrooms K - 6.

Students will be informed of the new format on Monday and we would like to offer an information session for all parents next Tuesday 14th May at 4.30pm in the Library. We will walk through the new homework grid and answer any questions you may have. Light refreshments will be offered.

MARITIME MUSEUM AND ZOOSNOOZ Students last week visited the Maritime Museum and Taronga Zoo for a ZoosnooZ Experience. This is the first time we have taken students on this excursion, and it was also a first for many students sleeping away from home.

The students had a wonderful time at the zoo and were once again an absolute pleasure to take away. Zoo staff commented, more than once, on how well-behaved our students were and how interested and thoughtful they were during discussions. I was particularly impressed when

the senior students donated their own money to the fight against a cancer that is wiping out the Tasmanian Devil.

You can read more about the excursion in the reports written by 4,5,6 students.

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487 Cattai Road. CATTAI NSW 2756 - Ph 4572 8445 - Fax 4572 8760

Email: cattai-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au

www.cattai-p.schools.nsw.edu.au

ASTHMA PLANS The staff at Cattai Public School recently participated in an Asthma Awareness Update, which has caused us to look at our policies and procedures surrounding Asthma related issues within the school.

If your child has been diagnosed with Asthma, even if very mild, parents are required to obtain an Asthma Action Plan. These can be obtained by visiting your local GP and should cost nothing.

We also require parents to be vigilant in the monitoring of puffer spray medication. It is essential that these do not expire, and this is the responsibility of the parents, not the school.

If you require any clarification or assistance with either of these issues, please contact me for further information.

MP VISIT TO CATTAI PUBLIC SCHOOL Next Wednesday 15th May we will have a special visitor to the school. Ray Williams, State Member of Parliament for the Hawkesbury will be attending our school. He has a keen interest in BMX riding and sport in general, and would like to visit the school to see our BMX track and watch the soccer session provided by Active After School Communities.

There will be local media present at the event to take photos of the students. If you have any objections to Ray Williams’ office and/or the local media using your child’s photo in any manner, could you please fill in the tear-off slip at the back of this Pelican Post and return to Mrs Weatherstone in the office. We do currently have permission to publish notes in the office, but this

is a unique situation and requires an additional note.

If we do not receive this slip we will assume you do not object to your child’s photo being taken and used by either of the organisations mentioned above.

SMALL SCHOOLS’ CROSS COUNTRY The Small Schools’ Cross Country will be held this Friday 10th May at Woodbury Reserve in Glossodia. Travel to this carnival is by private transport, so please ensure your child has transport to and from the venue. The carnival is scheduled to finish at approximately 2.00pm.

OPPORTUNITY CLASS APPLICATIONS A note was sent home to all Year 4 students earlier this week about OC applications for students to attend Opportunity Classes for Year 5 students in 2014.

The applications can be accessed online at www.schools.nsw.edu.au/ocplacement. If you require any assistance with any aspect of the application process, please contact me as soon as possible.

NAPLAN The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) is an annual assessment for students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9. It has been an annual event for schools since 2008. On Tuesday 14, Wednesday 15 and Thursday 16 May, students will take the 2013 NAPLAN tests.

NAPLAN assesses skills in literacy and numeracy that are developed over time, through the school curriculum. NAPLAN is not a pass or fail type test, but rather shows how students are progressing in numeracy and literacy skills against national standards for all Australian children. It also provides valuable information that allows schools and governments to better target effort and support to help all students achieve their potential and acquire the basic skills to help them build successful and happy lives.

All students are expected to participate in the tests. Students with disability may qualify for reasonable adjustments that reflect the support normally provided to them in the classroom.

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487 Cattai Road. CATTAI NSW 2756 - Ph 4572 8445 - Fax 4572 8760

Email: cattai-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au

www.cattai-p.schools.nsw.edu.au

Some students with very specific circumstances may be exempted from participating in the tests. For information about participation in NAPLAN, you can go to: http://www.nap.edu.au/naplan/parent-carer-support.html

NAPLAN tests fundamental skills rather than specific content, and as such is not a test for which students can study or drill. The best way you can help your child prepare for NAPLAN is to let them know that NAPLAN is just one part of their school program, and to urge them to simply do the best they can on the day. The use of services by coaching providers is not recommended.

An individual student NAPLAN report will be issued by the school later this year. Parents can use this information to monitor how their child is progressing and to identify any areas of concern. Parents may also wish to use their child’s results to discuss progress with teachers. More information is available at www.nap.edu.au.

Matt Carter Principal EARN & LEARN The school is once again collecting stickers for EARN & LEARN. Parents who shop at Woolworths and are able to collect the stickers and the sticker sheets can hand them into the front office, or alternatively, can place them in the box provided for Cattai School at Woolworths Windsor store.

ePELICAN POST In keeping up with the digital age, and to help save the environment we are encouraging families to receive the Pelican Post via email. This will also help us to reduce the cost of printing dramatically. If you would like to receive the Pelican Post electronically, instead of the traditional paper copy could you please advise Mrs Weatherstone in the office of your email address. It is hoped that eventually the Pelican Post will be delivered electronically as it will save us valuable time, paper and money. Thanks in anticipation of your support.

NAPLAN – a skills snapshot If your child is in Year 3, 5, 7, or 9, they’ll sit NAPLAN tests on May 14-16. And despite what you may have heard there’s no need to panic or start an intensive study program with your child. Find out more: http://www.schoolatoz.nsw.edu.au/homework-and-study/homework-tips/all-about-naplan ASSIGNMENTS DUE? Is your child unsure how to work to a deadline? Teach them how to find the end date and work backwards to plan their preparation activities. These assignment starters on popular topics also help kids to kick-start their projects. Find out more: http://www.schoolatoz.nsw.edu.au/homework-and-study/other-subjects-and-assignments

FIRE STATION OPEN DAY Kids could have their dreams come true and get to climb up on the big red truck. There will be activities, show bags and a chance for kids and their parents to meet their local fire fighting heroes on your local station’s open day. Find out more: www.fire.nsw.gov.au GET THE MATHS ON RISK-TAKING Kids can't cram maths, especially concepts half understood; the foundations must first be in place. Listen to broadcaster and maths fan Adam Spencer on loving maths for our kids' sake and what to do when it's all too hard. Find out more: http://www.schoolatoz.nsw.edu.au/homework-and-study/mathematics/mathematics-tips/the-sum-of-us School Security – please call 1300 88 00 21

CATTAI CALENDAR – TERM 2 2013 Week 2 10/5 PSSA Cross Country

Week 3 14/5 NAPLAN 15/5 NAPLAN 15/5 AASC Soccer 16/5 NAPLAN 16/5 AASC Athletics

Week 4 22/5 AASC Soccer 23/5 AASC Athletics 24/5 District Cross Country

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487 Cattai Road. CATTAI NSW 2756 - Ph 4572 8445 - Fax 4572 8760

Email: cattai-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au

www.cattai-p.schools.nsw.edu.au

Scots Uniting Church

Pitt Town

Friday 24 May – Bush

Dance in our Hall- supper provided

$5.00 per person or $10.00 per family

ALL WELCOME

Starting a 6.30pm

99 Bathurst Street, PITT TOWN

>>>>>COME AND JOIN IN – DON’T MISS A GREAT

NIGHT of FUN<<<<

Kenthurst & District Soccer Club

It’s not too late to register!

We can still accommodate

GIRLS and BOYS in most

age groups, but would

especially like more U7’’s

and girls for our U14G’s

(including U12G’s & U13G’s)

and U16G’s (may be

U15G’s))

Phone 96541251 or

0409997813 or email

cathye@tpg.com.au for

further information.

www.kenthurstsoccer.com.au

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487 Cattai Road. CATTAI NSW 2756 - Ph 4572 8445 - Fax 4572 8760

Email: cattai-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au

www.cattai-p.schools.nsw.edu.au

CATTAI PRIMARY SCHOOL P & C ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER

ISSUE 06/ 2013

PRESIDENT: Nicole May Phone: 4575 0258 0412 195 425 pandnmay@optusnet.com.au

1ST

VICE PRESIDENT: Mark Mitchell Phone: 4575 5395 0418 288 936 (Mon, Thurs Fri only)

SECRETARY (newsletter): Kim Smith Phone: 4572 8502 0419 435 022 ksm13@bigpond.net.au

TREASURER: Kim Clark Phone: 4572 8837 0411 709 577

UNIFORMS: Jo Roughley Phone: 4572 8598

BOOKCLUB: Sarah Thompson Phone: CORRESPONDENCE SEC: Sarah Telfer Phone: 0410 424 170

PUBLICITY OFFICER: Kristine waters Phone: 0458 612 385

HOT LUNCH COORDINATOR: Rebecca Lehrer Phone: 4577 6584

Lasagne Lunch – Thanks to Rebecca Lehrer for providing our kids with a yummy lunch on returning from the Zoo Snooz. The kids were starving and enjoyed every mouthful. Thanks also to the helpers who served.

Winter Uniforms

Please look through the second hands cupboard in the old admin building for winter gear – donate $2 per item to the office. If you need to have something made up by Kaye Neich (she is located at McGraths Hill and does all our uniforms) please contact her direct to organise. Her number is 45 778660. She will have some order forms and when you take your child for a fitting she will fill out the order form, then bring the form back to the school and pay. Kaye will drop the uniform back to school when completed.

Fun Run Sponsor Forms

Get your sponsorship money in as soon as you can, so we can work out who raised the most money and who gets the prize!!

School Brochure

It is time to update the school brochure and we need testimonials from parents. If you are interested please contact our publicity Officer Kris on 0458 612 385.

Woolworths Earn and Learn

We are collecting stickers again so please let friends and family know and get them into the school.

Biggest Loser Competition

Well done to all those taking part, it is very competitive and the kilos are vanishing fast!!!! There is an IPAD up for grabs and GOOD LUCK.

Xmas in July ; 20th July – Book the baby sitters!!!!

The planning is well on its way. Tickets will be available soon. Rough Stock has been booked to play on the night. Start organising your tables of 8 or you can come on your own. Don’t forget to get in touch, if you can help out with donations or making phone calls to ask for donations!!

P&C Bank Details for EFT’s If you prefer you can transfer money for uniforms, hot lunches etc. Please just send in a copy of the receipt to the office marked P&C, with your name and description so we can reconcile with statements. Cattai Parents and Citizens Association BSB 062 622 A/C 009 00547 All items in regard to P&C to go into our Newsletter can be sent to the school marked “Attn: P&C

Newsletter” or emailed to: ksm13@bigpond.net.au before Wednesday.

IMPORTANT DATES AND REMINDERS Cake Day 5

th June – Families rostered; McLaren, Mitchell, Telfer, Bow and Marsh.

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487 Cattai Road. CATTAI NSW 2756 - Ph 4572 8445 - Fax 4572 8760

Email: cattai-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au

www.cattai-p.schools.nsw.edu.au