PRINCIPAL’S COMMENT

Monday 18th November 2013 Teaching staff are always reminding children about appropriate, safe behaviour in the playground as well as recognising safe play while on playground duty. Our school programs encourage and focus on positive behaviour, with immediate feedback and reinforcement being the most effective way to redirect inappropriate behaviour. We have seen significant changes in the students’ behaviour over time and it is also pleasing to note that while I was on the playground a number of times this week there were many ‘positive behaviours’ demonstrated by our wonderful students. I believe the additions to the COLA area, that of the resurfacing have helped contribute to a safer and more enjoyable playing area for children. With the support of the P&C this project was able to be completed earlier this year. We are in planning mode as they say, for 2014. The fantastic learning growth that was evident from the NAPLAN results this year is the result of four years planning around teacher quality and being the best we can in the classroom. Whilst this is just one area of planning in our school it is pleasing to note that the efforts of the teaching staff have been recognised by the director of schools. This is deserved recognition for their continued hard work and dedication in this area of our school development and importantly professional development. We will continue to develop this focus and build upon the growth that has already been achieved in 2014.

Maths at home Kids' early experiences with measurement are often based on watching their parents. Seeing mum or dad measure and pour ingredients for a recipe or weigh items at the fruit shop will often become part of their play. Maths at home: http://www.schoolatoz.nsw.edu.au/homework-and-study/mathematics/mathematics-tips/helpling-your-child-measure-mass-and-volume Picking Up and Dropping Off Students Please be aware that the “Parking Inspector” is about and bus zones are not legal ‘drop off’ or ‘pick up’ points for your children. Please do not park in our neighbours’ driveways. Dean Sneddon Principal

****** COMING EVENTS TERM 4 ****** Wed 27th Nov – P&C Meeting, 6pm, Staffroom Wed 27th Nov – Chess Fun Day Thurs 28th Nov – Diamond Award Assembly Wed 4th Dec – Junior Choir – 1.30pm-3pm – Garden Village Tues 10th Dec – Senior Choir – 12pm-2.30pm Port Panthers – Legacy Widows Christmas Lunch Wed 11th Dec – Carols Beside the Vines – 5.30pm-7.30pm Thurs 12th Dec – Presentation Day Assembly Fri 13th Dec – K-Yr2 Treat Day – Billabong Park Mon 16th Dec – St 2 & 3 Reward Day – 10am-2pm Wauchope Public Pool Tues 17th Dec – Y6 Farewell – 6pm – 8.30pm Wed 18th Dec – Last Day of Term for Students Wed 29th Jan – Students return to school

Term 4 – Week 6 Merit Awards Cooper Dibley-Coneybeare, Miela Clark KR; Hayley Pankiewicz, Michael Donohoe KL; Logan Parker, Abhish Amada 1/2MB; Summer Cambourne, Misheela Barnes 1/2S; Mikhayla Kenny, Charlee Law 1/2KB; Tanisha Roggensack, Bradyn Foley, Joel Coble, Jessica Relf, Charlotte Starr 2/3FT; Nikayla Wilkinson, Alana Bateman, Tyler Maslen, Breana Fowler 3/4B; Courtney Palmer, Ashley Donnelly, Annalise Brown 4/5M; Wes Wiseman 5/6A; Tori McCombe, Chloe Hardy, Rachael Macleod, Josh Witherspoon 5/6B; Jacob Sills, Sharna Elford 5/6P Bronze Awards Teleah Blake, Clayton Baxendale 3/4B Silver Awards Charlotte Dibley-Coneybeare, Albin Anil, Andrew Sentance 3/4O; Alanna Hurley, Breana Fowler 3/4B Gold Awards Jarrod Mackenzie, Chloe Warren 2/3TF; Timothy Visvikis, Max Lockery, Cody Griffin, Trystan Fry, Blake Dungay, Charli Spokes, Laci Taylor Hewitt KL; Lachlan Gough, Shontai Fernando, Sachin Heath 3/4O; Hannah McCleery, Justin Cooper, Jake Dunn, Hayden Harry, Shakira Evans-Morgan, Caitlin Hicks, Tiana Lambert, Dakota Lockery, Joshua Smith, Kirra-Lee Philip 3/4B K-Yr2 TREAT DAY K-Yr2 are eagerly awaiting their end of term treat day at Billabong Park. Thank you to those families who have already paid. We look forward to sharing the day with so many parents and siblings. Some students are thinking about their behaviour very carefully so that they can earn the 8 stamps necessary to attend. Any child who loses the right to attend will be refunded any money paid. Payment by instalments over the next 4 weeks is available if you prefer. Many thanks Pip Riordan CANTEEN NEWS

Roster: Tue 19th - Jan Wed 20th - Tara Thur 21st - Cathy Frid 22nd - Donna Mon 25th - Help Needed There have been several new items added to the canteen list this term and these have been put together on leaflet as an attachment to your menu. If you require a new menu please ask at the canteen or office. We endeavour to have all things available at all times, however please remember that we do not do hot food at recess. If you are interested in volunteering in the canteen next year please come over and visit or ring Imogen on 65838506 in the canteen. Imogen

BOOK CLUB Issue 8 order forms were handed out last week. If you wish to order please return the order forms with payment in a sealed envelope the Office by Thursday 28th November 2013. We are unable to accept orders received after this date. Payment can be: o in cash (correct amount please); o by cheque made payable to “Scholastic Australia”; o by credit card over the phone or internet and completing the credit card payment form. There are some great items for Christmas in this issue. If you would like to collect your order please indicate this and put your phone number on the order form and we will contact you when the order arrives. SPLENDOUR IN HALL DVD Copies of the Splendour in the Hall DVD are now available at the Office for $5. P&C MEETING The P&C are having their monthly meeting on Wednesday 27th November at 6pm in the Staffroom. All are welcome. Secretary Position A position has opened as Secretary, this roll includes taking minutes at every meeting, incoming and outgoing mail and emailing. If you are interested in taking on this position in the P&C or would like more information just contact Kelly on 0405 029 124 after 3pm or come to our meeting this month. P&C Committee YEAR 6 FAREWELL Our Yr6 Farewell will be held on Tuesday 17th December at 6pm to 8.30pm. There will be a sausage sizzle and drinks available during the evening at no cost. The canteen will be open to sell treats. Yr6 presentation and cutting of the cake is at 8pm and parents are welcome to attend at this time. The Yr6 students have decided that they would like a “Starry Night Theme”. Dress Code – Smart casual, appropriate footwear (no thongs). WESTPORT DROP-IN AFTERNOONS When: Thursday and Friday afternoons at Westport Public School from 1pm until 3pm. Pre-schoolers need a hat, drink and a snack. Drop them off to participate in a Kindergarten experience with great teachers and meet new friends. Contact our Front Office on 65832944 for more information.

LITTLE BOOKWORMS When: Tuesday mornings 9am – 9.40am Where: Westport Public School Library. Who: Pre-schoolers and their carers What: Listen to a story, craft activities and may borrow books from the library. Cost: Free. To let us know you are coming or for more information ring the school on 65832944 Bernadette Cassidy P&C MUFTI DAY The P&C are hosting a “Christmas Theme” Mufti Day on the 29th November. Students are encouraged to sear their favourite Christmas colours for a gold coin donation. Thank you Westport Public P&C Committee A FRIENDLY COMMUNITY AFTERNOON TEA! Come along to enjoy a cuppa, afternoon tea and a chat. All are welcome. When: Thursday 21st November Where: Mingaletta Room, Westport Public (Follow the signs) Why: Come and meet other parents and community members at this school. REMEMBRANCE DAY Mrs Riordan and our School Leaders, Brock Larance, Jackson Schofield, Emma Pelepczuk and Tori McCombe went down to the Town Green War Memorial last Monday to lay a wreath on behalf of our school for Remembrance Day. INTENSIVE SWIMMING SCHEME The intensive swimming scheme was a great skill for the kids to learn. Thankfully the weather was relatively good for us and the kids were very well behaved right throughout the program. Swimming is such an important skill to learn, especially since we live in a coastal area. If your child wasn’t able to participate in this swimming

scheme the Port Pool is offering intensive swimming over the January Holidays. Check the Community Notice on the back of this newsletter for more information.

YEAR 7 SELECTIVE HIGH SCHOOL PLACEMENT IN 2015 GOVERNMENT SCHOOLS Information booklets are available at the school office for parents who would like their child to apply for Year 7 entry to selective High Schools in 2015. Applications can also be made online between 15th October and 18th November 2013 via this website: www.schools.nsw.edu.au/shsplacement. All applicants are required to sit the Selective High School Placement Test to be held on Thursday 13th March 2014.

SURF SAFETY TALK Last Friday Port Macquarie Hastings Council Life Guard, Grant Hudson, talked to our students about surf safety at the beach. Grant reminded us about the safety signs we see at the beach, swimming between the red and yellow flags and showed us lifeguard uniforms. He also told us about some very good websites you can visit to get information about beaches in our area and also beaches you may visit when away on holidays. They are listed below. www.scienceofthesurf.com www.beachsafe.org.au

BUS PASS APPLICATIONS Once again we are approaching a very busy period regarding bus pass applications. If your child has a renewal application for Y3 or Y7 still at home please fill it out and send it back to school ASAP so that we can send it off to Busways and avoid any delays in your child’s bus travel for next year. All new applications for next year need to be in by week 9 of this term. Thank you SCHOOL LEADERS ELECTION Today we listened to some great speeches from twelve Yr5 students. Students from Yr2 to Yr6 then voted for 2 girls and 2 boys to be our School Leaders for 2014. All 12 candidates would be able to do an excellent job as School Leaders. The 2014 School Leaders will be announced at this year’s Presentation Day Assembly. Nicki Osborne COMMUNITY NOTICES THE HASTINGS ABORIGINAL NETWORK FOR DISABILITY AND MENTAL HEALTH Would you like to join us for a BBQ lunch and a yarn about:

• Feedback and input about key issues related to Disabilities and Mental Health

• Get to know members and local services • Promote initiatives of the network within local

community • Encourage community participation in network

Where: Birpai Local Aboriginal Land Council When: Tuesday 19th November 2013 Time: 12pm-2.30pm Please RSVP by Friday 15th Nov 2013 Joe Archibald – 0448 028 418 or joseph.archibald@nds.org.au

SOFTBALL BATTER UP Get into the swing of softball. For kids aged between 4 and12 to introduce them to the great game. There are four different levels to cater for different experience and skill levels. Softball Batter Up is a great place for future champions to start. To get into the action contact: Camden Haven/Port Macquarie Softball: 0409 124 166 Or go to our website for more information: www.softballbatterup.com.au `

JANUARY SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

MORNING INTENSIVE LEARN TO SWIM PROGRAM

Monday 6th January – Friday 10th January 2014

Monday 13th January – 17th January 2014 Monday 20th January – 24th January 2014

$50 pre-school and school age– Seahorse Level (max 4 per class)

$45 Goldfish Level (max 5 per class) $40 Frog Level (max 6 per class)

$30 Penguin (max 8 per class) Book now to secure your place

You can book in for 1, 2 or 3 weeks! Port Macquarie Olympic Pool

PH/FAX: 02 6583 1635 Email: swimwellpmq@gmail.com