Cowan Public School - Newsletter
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Issue 20
20th December, 2018
Chandler Avenue, Cowan NSW 2081
9456 1065
Dates to Remember
Dear Parents and Carers,
At the end of every year we look back and
reflect on all the wonderful opportunities that
the children of Cowan have been a part of.
Highlights of this year have included the
Writers’ Festival, lots of excursions, the success
of our Soccer team in the Small School’s
Knockout, and the trips away, the External
validation process for the school and individual
student success.
Over the past couple of weeks I have had the
privilege to be able to attend the Year 6
Farewell, Presentation Night, the Final League
Tag of the year, the Year 6 tunnel and a very wet
Carols evening last night.
All of these events help make Cowan the
outstanding school it is and it is with much
sadness that I am saying farewell to this amazing
school and community to take up the position of
Principal at Normanhurst West Public School. I
have been relieving there this Term and was
successful through the selection process to be
permanently appointed. It reminds me a lot of
Cowan with a great staff, fantastic students and
a very supportive and committed community,
only much bigger in size.
The last 6 years have flown by and there are too
many people to thank for making my time at
Cowan the best times I have had in a long
teaching career. Every student who has been
through the school, during the past 6 years, I
have very fond memories of. The parent
community have been wonderfully supportive of
everything that we have done.
Please refer to website for all calendar dates
2019 - January
School Development Day—staff only 29th
Years 1-6 begin lessons 30th
February
Swimming Carnival—Gosford 1st
Best Start Assessment—Kindergarten 1st
Kindergarten begin lessons 4th
Cowan Band—Wednesdays at 7.30am
Music Tutor Program—Individual Days
Peer Reading—Tuesdays & Thursdays
Cowan Dance Group—Fridays 8am
PSSA Sport—Fridays 9-11am
[email protected] www.cowan-
Farewell Year 6!
Have a Wonderful Christmas & a Safe & Happy Holiday
to All Our Families
Photography: PicMii by Kristiina
There have been a couple who have disagreed
with certain suggestions over the years, but there
is nothing like a good discussion!
The staff at Cowan are absolutely the best staff
you could find anywhere and the community
should never forget that. I am very pleased to
say that I have developed very good friendships
with all of them over the years and it is very sad
today to be leaving them. A particular mention
to Mrs Hope who has kept me on task, most of
the time, and I will miss her support and
friendship.
The show must go on as they say and the start of
2019 will see Mrs Darby return in her role as
Acting Principal. I thank her for stepping into
the role this term. The position of Principal will
be advertised early in the term and you will know
your new Principal before the end of Term 1.
The school year begins for all children in Years
1-6 on Wednesday, 30th January and
Kindergarten students on Monday 4th February.
Thank you very much for allowing me to be the
leader of this great school for the past 6 years and
I hope that you all have a great Christmas and
holiday break. I will still be making a nuisance
of myself at times by visiting the Bush Dance
and other events. You can never completely
leave this wonderful school.
FAREWELL
Paul McSweeney
Principal
Cowan Public School … a vibrant and caring learning community
Congratulations to the following students
who have received awards recently:
Bronze: Melanie Claire Sophie
Harry Eve Joshua
Sam Eliza Kira
Molly Cedar Nicholas
Sarah April Timothy
Charlotte Annie B Daniel
Daisy Jack
Silver: Joshua Eliza Kira
Nicholas April Timothy
Annie B Daniel Jack
Platinum: Claire Sophie Eve
Molly Sarah
AWARDS
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Dear Parents and Carers,
I know that most parents could not make it to our ‘Thank You
Morning Tea’, however we all just want you to know that you
are appreciated. Thank you to the parents, carers and
volunteers for all the support you have given our School this
year. Your generosity in giving up your time to assist in
classrooms and helping out in so many ways, is much
appreciated. Special thanks go to those parents and carers
who are leaving us this year also.
Thank you to the wonderful teaching staff, administration and
general assistant, our student learning support officers and
our wonderful students for making this school such an
amazing school. I feel very honoured to work with such a
team.
Presentation Night was an opportunity to celebrate student
achievement and success and it was a very special night for
many. We also saw the band, the dance group and whole
school choir perform at this ceremony. It just shows the
wonderful programs that this school has to offer. Well done
to all.
Congratulations to the 2019 Student Leadership Team, Will,
Charlotte, Raeke and Bill. We look forward to working with
you in your new roles next year.
Strike! The Platinum Awardee outing was a lot of fun. Next
year we will review the award scheme and hopefully will
generate more successful awardees.
Whole School outing to Dangar Island was a quick ferry trip
and then a quick return. Unfortunately, there was no power
on the island. Recess was consumed, some games and fun,
then returned to Brooklyn where some more fun activities
were had. We all then had an ice block to cool us down.
Later we enjoyed catching the train and our brisk walk back
to school.
Cowan has Talent. The ‘Talent Quest’ yesterday showcased
some great acts. The students especially loved our Flash
Mob! From plays to singing to cracking some whips, we
were thoroughly entertained.
Carols Night went ahead with a drizzle of rain, well a big
drizzle. It was a great night. Looking forward to the next.
Next year Students in Years 1–6 will return to school on
Wednesday,30 January. Kindergarten students will complete
their Best Start assessment on 31 January commencing school
lessons on Monday 4 February.
To assist with transition anxiety for the new school year
please see the link below. We hope this may be helpful.
https://healthyfamilies.beyondblue.org.au/age-6-12/mental-
healthconditions-
in children/anxiety/tackling-back-to-school-anxiety
Please return all swimming carnival notes on the first day
back at school, if you have not already done so.
I hope you all have a great Christmas and New Year. Enjoy
the holidays and the staff of Cowan will see you next year.
Please enjoy some rest, relaxation and family time and we
will see you back refreshed and revitalised for a productive
2019.
Regards
Tracey Darby
Acting Principal
Mystery Marvels Competition… What a wonderful term it has been for Mystery Marvel names
at Cowan. Well done to our lucky last winner, Makai, who
unveiled Nelson Mandela as the Mystery Marvel.
Congratulations to all those who worked with friends and
family as keen detectives to correctly identify our icons.
Sophie Roberts
Student Parliament… Thursday 13th December was the final day for Student
Parliament for 2018. The ministers discussed motions that
were passed during the year and informed the student body
about the progress of these motions. Anything that was not
finalised this year will be forwarded onto next year’s
parliament. Thank you very much to all the ministers,
shadow ministers and our Prime Ministers, Treasurer and
Secretary for all your hard work this year.
Recognition & Awards… We were pleased to recognise all our students’ achievements
this year. All have improved and grown as individuals.
Congratulations to Jack and Sam on achieving Senior and
Junior Citizens of 2018. Also, congratulations to Annie B
on receiving the Matt Kean Leadership Award.
Congratulations to Annie B on being awarded Sports
Champion, and to Jack on receiving the Premier’s Sporting
Challenge medal.
Congratulations to our Sports House winners:
Swimming Carnival: Alberta
Cross Country Carnival: Fraser
Athletics Carnival: Alberta
Sports House for 2018: Alberta
Congratulations to other award winners:
Campers of the Year:
Jack Yr6
Will Yr5
Eliza Yr3
Spelling Bee Champions of the Year:
Raeke Yrs5/6
Makai Yrs2/3/4
Sophie K/1
Public Speaking Champions:
Mitchell Yrs5/6
Makai Yrs2/3/4
Joshua K/1
Reading Improvement Award Jack Yrs5/6
James Yrs5/6
Cristiano Yrs2/3/4
Ellie Yrs2/3/4
Lastly, congratulations to our Class Award recipients:
K/1
Sophie Excellent Application in All Areas
Claire Exemplary Effort in Writing & Creative Arts
Eve Class Citizenship Award
Yrs 2/3/4
Harvey Exemplary Application in All Areas of Learning
Tasman Excellent Application in
All Areas of Learning
Archie Consistent Excellence of Achievement
April Class Citizenship Award
Page 3 I ss ue 20 Cowan Public School … a vibrant and caring learning community
Yrs 5/6
Mitchell Commendable Achievement in Maths
Raeke Commendable Achievement in Literacy
Daisy Excellent Application in All Areas
Fira Most Improved Student in Yrs5/6
Library… If you find any of our Library books at home over the
holidays, please put them aside and return to school our first
week back in 2019. Thank you for your consideration.
The Cowan Street Library will be up and running at the
beginning of next year. Please start saving any books that
you would like to donate. That is adult and children’s
books in good quality.
Uniform Items… Over the holidays, if you find any uniform item in your
child’s bag or at home, that does not belong to them, would
you please bring to school on the first day back in 2019.
Thank you for your cooperation.
COOSH… Remember that during school terms COOSH is available
Monday to Friday, before and after school, and will continue
the same in 2019.
Band News… The CPS Band has had a very successful year in 2018. We
have performed on many occasions and improved every time.
This year all Band students have enjoyed their experience,
especially our Band Camp at Camp Kedron, Ingleside.
The Band tutoring program is looking for new students for
2019, so if your child is interested please contact us on
[email protected] to enrol or for further
information.
We have a wonderful group of students learning an
instrument, and learning to sing, with CPS Tutoring Program.
Our tutors are from surrounding high schools and universities
and the children have enjoyed learning from these young
adults. They are all qualified in their instrument, and
learning to become fantastic teachers. We would like to
invite new members to our Tutoring Program. Our tutoring
program is available to all students K-6, though some
instruments may prove too large for K/1.
All students who have been learning an instrument with CPS
Tutoring Program for at least 6 months (Yrs2-6) are welcome
to join the Band. Your child can also apply for the Band if
they know how to play an instrument, maybe a flute,
keyboard, guitar or violin, and have had lessons outside
school for at least 6 months. The Band is aimed at students
in Yrs2-6. New members to the Band are welcome to join in
Term 1 2019.
Any questions, or for further information, please contact us
on [email protected]. Hope you all have a
wonderful Christmas and a happy holiday season!
Band Committee
Cake Days… Thank you to all our families this year who provided treats
for cake days. We very much appreciate your support and
the students were enthusiastic to raise money for Stewart
House and Student Parliament.
End of Year / Holidays… With the end of our School year and with the long holiday
period ahead, we would like to take this opportunity to ask
our families to keep an eye out on our School over the
vacation period. As you use our School grounds or pass by
the school, if you notice any suspicious or anti-social
behaviour please contact the School Security Unit on 1300
880 021, or Hornsby Police on 9476 9799.
Leadership in 2019… As announced at Presentation Night, our leaders in 2019 are
Will and Charlotte as our School Captains, with Raeke and
Bill as our Vice Captains. All our Year 6 students will
embrace leadership roles in 2019 and we look forward to
their dedication and success in their roles.
School Year 2019…
Tuesday 29th January—School Development Day—staff
only
Wednesday 30th January—lessons begin: Yrs1-6
students
Friday 1st February—Cowan Swimming Carnival at
Gosford Pool / Kindergarten Best Start assessment at CPS
Monday 4th February—lessons begin: Kindergarten
students.
2019 Cowan Swimming Carnival… Consent notes not received to-date, please return on the first
day of the 2019 school year. A copy of the note can be found
on the Notes page of our website:
https://cowan-p.schools.nsw.gov.au/notes.html
Friday 1st February (first Friday in Term 1 2019).
Gosford Olympic Pool, 42 Masons Parade, Gosford.
Years 1-6 students.
9.30am to 2.15pm.
Cost $7—will be included in Term 1 2019 Costing.
Students to bring morning tea, lunch, drink, towel, hat and
sunblock.
Dress in casual clothing using house colours where
possible.
No crepe paper or coloured zinc. Clear zinc only.
Parents will need to transport their child/children, or
arrange with another parent to transport.
Best Start for Kindergarten 2019… On the first Friday of our 2019 school year, Friday 1st
February, our new students in Kindergarten will be
undergoing their Best Start testing.
P&C SPOT
Another year has come, and gone, and we have once again reached the Holidays.
To those families finishing with Cowan Public School this year, I take the opportunity to bid you farewell and thank you for
the contributions that you have made to our school over the year that you have been part of it. Don’t be a stranger and we
would continue to welcome you at any of the school events that we will be having in the months and years to come.
I cannot let the last newsletter of the year pass with reiterating the thanks that I gave at the Presentation Evening, along with
some additional ones. A special thanks to the P&C Executive team of Melissa as Vice President and organiser extraordinaire
of all things COOSH, to Suzanne as Secretary, and Rob as Treasurer. Thanks also to the wider team of Emma for
coordinating the Facebook and social messaging, to Nicola for uniforms, to Kristina, Anne & Georgina for the band, Jo for
coordinating the Mothers & Fathers day stalls, and Emily & Kelly who along with some already named above who organised
the Trivia night. It has been this wider team that have assisted enormously with the running, and activities of the P&C.
In regards to before and after school care programs for 2019, the P&C Executive will be a undertaking review of how this year
operated and we will be continuing discussions with the school and other groups to ensure that we will have some program in
place for next year. Further news of this will come out prior to the commencement of Term 1 2019 via the P&C Facebook
group.
As mentioned at the Presentation evening, the P&C Association AGM is to be held on Wednesday 20th February 2019 at
7.30pm, please place this date in your diary now. At this meeting there will need to be a new Executive Team voted as each of
the current team have reached the end of their fixed terms in their respective roles. Please consider if you are able to take on a
role with the P&C as this important organisation is there to support the school and more importantly the students.
Some other early dates for 2019
- Sunday 17th February - Bunnings BBQ at Thornleigh
- Saturday 23rd March - Election Day stalls at Cowan School
For some that were at the at the Carols last night and heard direct, or may be reading about it in this newsletter, the news has
come through that Paul McSweeney has been successful in gaining a permanent move to Normanhurst West Public School as
their Principal, and we congratulate him on this opportunity. Paul’s passion for our small school has been demonstrated with
his enthusiasm and efforts over the last couple of years, and I have had the pleasure of working with Paul over the last couple
of years as P&C President. On behalf of the P&C and the school community our sincere thanks to Paul for his leadership of
the school during his time at Cowan and all the very best of luck with the permanent move to Normanhurst West.
To this end, we are very pleased to hear that we will be retaining Tracey Darby as Acting Principal for at least the first term of
2019, and indeed we hope more substantively beyond that time. Again I have enjoyed working with Tracey over the last term
and I am sure that together we will only continue to move forward as a great small school under her leadership next year.
It was indeed a great way to finish off the year again with the annual Carols at the school albeit a bit wet and not much
singing, but a great social way to get to the end of the school year. My thanks to all those that came along braving the weather
in particular to those that helped out on the BBQ, in especially to Jo and Patsy for their coordination & assistance.
So in closing for 2019 my best wishes to all families in our school community for a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year,
and I look forward to seeing all those returning in 2019.
Peter Marshall
P&C President
0468 392 081
www.facebook.com/cowanpandc
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Page 5 I ss ue 20 Cowan Public School … a vibrant and caring learning community
The teachers and staff of Cowan Public School
would like to wish all our students and their families
a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, and a safe and happy holiday!
We look forward to seeing you in 2019
School Security Holiday Period
If you see any suspicious or anti-social behaviour on our school grounds over the holiday period
you are encouraged to contact the
School Security Unit on 1300 880 021
or Hornsby Police on 9476 9799
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