Westlawn Public School

Newsletter Term 4 Week 2

23rd October 2018

Strive to Achieve

North Street, Grafton. 2460 6642 7466 westlawn-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au

The students have started the term with loads of enthusiasm. Children are remembering to be respectful, responsible and safe in their words and actions in classrooms and the playground. They are putting in their best efforts in class and showing both maturity and positive attitudes to learning. Well done to all our students! Congratulations to Ava Byrnes who was awarded the Clarence Valley District Award for Year 6 in the Newcastle Permanent Maths Competition. There were almost 19000 entrants in the competition, from over 300 schools, and 69 students won prizes. This is a wonderful achievement. Well done Ava!

Infants Playground The students are very excited about using the new Infants Playground Equipment. Now that the rain has disappeared we have asked teachers to take their class out to try the equipment and to ensure all Infants students know how to use it safely. Next week we will start classes at lunchtimes. A huge thank you to the P&C for raising funds and sharing the cost with the school to enable us to provide this equipment for our students. The excited faces are wonderful to see.

Gold Class 2019 We are very proud of the achievements of our students. The following students were successful in being selected in the Gold Class at Grafton High School for 2019. The students are: Jessica Towns, Harry Oxenbridge, Mia Hayne, Ethan Ashbrooke, Jaxson Rediger, Destiny Waldron, Alina Crosbie, Keira Rasborsek, Austen Kearns, Logan Gough, Zena Ashbaugh-Moss, Ivory Robertson and Brock Green-Robertson

International English and Mathematics Competitions Congratulations to the following students for their excellent results in the following International Competitions. International English Competition: Distinction: Elijah Lesniak Bell (Y3) Credit: Eliza Berrick (Y5), Jarvis McPhee (Y5), Lachlan O’Grady (Y5), Ava Byrnes (Y6), Luka Cheetham (Y6), Violet Herbert (Y6), Destiny Waldron (Y6) Merits: Ryder Gorring (Y5), Oneil Brown(Y5) International Mathematics Competition: Credit: Aliya Eastment (Y3), Elijah Lesniak Bell (Y3), Charlie Martin (Y3), Lachlan Clark (Y5), Eliza Berrick (Y5), Jarvis McPhee (Y5), Lachlan O’Grady (Y5), Luka Cheetham (Y6), Jimmy Ford (Y6) Jak McPhee Young (Y6) Merits: Hamish Pearce (Y3), Harvey Landrigan (Y4), Mason Cone (Y4), Tylah Radin (Y4), Jack Wiles (Y4), Jason Parkes (Y5), Ava Byrnes (Y6), Marcus Makejev (Y6) Jacaranda Thursday You may already be aware that Thursday 1st November is “Jacaranda Thursday”. This is an important community festival, which many of our families enjoy each year, and the day is, accordingly, declared as a half-day public holiday to allow for participation in festival events. This means that Westlawn Public School will be open until 1:00 pm on the Thursday of the Jacaranda week (Thursday 1st November). However, as many of the organised festival activities occur in the first half of the day, we acknowledge that many students and their families will still want to participate in those

Message from the Principal

Strive to Achieve

North Street, Grafton. 2460 6642 7466 westlawn-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au

events. Last year most students were absent from school on this day. As such, whilst the school will be open for the morning, it is unlikely that normal lessons and routine will operate. Any students who attend school in the morning will be required to stay at school until 1:00 pm, unless parents sign them out of school, as per normal school procedure. Our main bus company has informed us that school buses will run to their normal school timetables in the morning BUT NO BUSES WILL BE AVAILABLE TO TRANSPORT STUDENTS HOME WHEN THE SCHOOL CLOSES AT 1:00 PM. I would remind parents of their responsibility for the care and supervision of their children if they are absent on the day or, if they attend school in the morning, once they have left school at 1:00 pm. We look forward to a safe and enjoyable Jacaranda festival and thank you for your understanding and cooperation. Jacaranda Parade of Youth Our school will be participating in the Grafton Jacaranda Parade of Youth on Saturday 27 October. This is a wonderful opportunity for your children to experience the community spirit of the Jacaranda Festival which is so important to the Grafton community. Students are asked to assemble at the river end of Prince Street adjacent to the Civic Centre at 8:30am. Just look for our banner and students in uniform. The parade begins at 9:00am. We ask that students wear our school uniform and school hat and bring a water bottle. Primary Disco The Primary Disco next Tuesday from 6:30 to 8pm in the hall. The cost is $2.50 and the theme is Jacaranda. The money raised goes to pay for the Year 6 Farewell so that there is no cost to students. Thank you to the parents who have offered to help at the canteen. Canteen We are so lucky to have a canteen that opens 5 days a week but unfortunately we are short of volunteers on Fridays which is the busiest day of the week. We desperately need volunteers or the canteen will be closed on Fridays from Week 3. If you are able to volunteer could you please fill in the slip attached to the Newsletter and return it to the school office. In line with the new Healthy Canteen Strategy the following changes will occur over the next week: No longer available – Sunfruits and Fish Fingers Being phased out - Potato Pies and Yogo Sticks (until sold out)

Replacements – Zooper Doopers will be replaced by Quelch (for the same cost) Chips/Popcorn available – Popcorn, Honey Soy and Sea Salt chips, Grain Waves and JayJays Emails We are aware that some parents have not been receiving the Newsletter via email even though they are on the list. The IT desk through the Education Department has found it is not an issue with the department server. The issue is still under investigation. They have suggested that parents need to check the email junk/spam folders for the Newsletter. If you are still having an issue after checking your junk/spam folder please advise the school office so we can advise the IT Department.

Reminders Perpetual Trophies Time has gone so quickly this year and we need the Perpetual Trophies returned in preparation for the 2018 Presentation Day. If you have a Perpetual Trophy that your child received at the Westlawn Presentation Day last year could you please return it to the school office as soon as possible. Leaving Westlawn this year? We are confirming student numbers and staffing needs for 2019. If your child/ren will be leaving this Term or over the holidays could you please phone the school office. Thank you. Kinder Orientation Dates The dates for the Kinder Orientation morning visits for students beginning Kinder at Westlawn in 2018 are Friday 16, 23 and 30 November. The Parent Information Meeting is on 16 November while the children are at Orientation. Year 5: Applying for a Selective High School in 2020 Parents of Year 5 students who wish to apply for their child to attend a Selective High School in 2020 (a Selective Class is at Grafton High School) need to complete and submit an online application no later than 12 November 2018. The online application website is now open. Late applications will not be accepted. Selective High Schools cater for highly achieving, academically gifted students. The students sit the test on 14 March 2019. To be considered for placement students must sit the Selective High School Placement Test. For information about applying and the placement process go to https://education.nsw.gov.au/public-

Strive to Achieve

North Street, Grafton. 2460 6642 7466 westlawn-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au

schools/selective-high-schools-and-opportunity-classes/year-7. If you would like more information please contact Mrs Williams, collect a booklet at the school office or go to the link above to view the website. Have a great week Trish Ellis Relieving Principal

Principal Award Recipients for Term 3 Apoligies to the following students who also received their Principal Awards last term, however their names were not published in last week’s newsletter: Alina Crosbie 6P, Lilly Palmer 6P, Ellowese McDonogh-Allen 6P and Jessica Towns 5/6W. Congratulations to you all.

SRC Citizenship Award

The SRC present a weekly Citizenship Award at our primary assembly. Each week we meet to discuss what

encouraging things we have seen happening in our playground and classrooms. The SRC look for behaviours that

are helpful, demonstrate our school rules or an act that shows a student as a positive

role model for others. We then nominate children we have seen displaying these

behaviours. Last week the SRC focussed on finding children who were being helpful

around our school.

The students who were nominated by SRC representatives Mia Grieve, Katie Dahl,

Mollie Phelps, Bradley Clark and Edwina Walder. We all voted. The award winner has

been seen and heard…helping others to feel better when they are down, helping

teachers with jobs and being kind to her friends. This week’s Citizenship Award winner

is Mia Grieve. Congratulations Mia!

Over the coming weeks, the SRC are looking for students being trustworthy around

our school.

STUDENT OF THE WEEK

Shakeia Williams - 5/6W

CANTEEN ROSTER

WEDNESDAY 24 OCTOBER Garry Palin, Debra Watts, Gemma Radin

THURSDAY 25 OCTOBER Debra Watts, Campbell Kenneally, Kel Foster

FRIDAY 26 OCTOBER Deanna Fernance, Deb Barlow, Shane Masters

MONDAY 29 OCTOBER Julie-Ann Wiles, Melissa Johnston, Deb Barlow

TUESDAY 30 OCTOBER Debra Watts, Sue Tobin, Debbie Tobin

Strive to Achieve

North Street, Grafton. 2460 6642 7466 westlawn-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au

Diary Dates TERM 4 Week 1 Mon 15 Oct Students and staff return for Term 4 Wed 17 Oct Canteen and P&C Meeting at 6pm in Meeting Room. Week 2 Mon 22 Oct CSI catch up testing day Tues 23 Oct CSI starts for Term 4 Sat 27 Oct Jacaranda Parade of Youth Week 3 Tues 30 Oct Primary Disco Wed 31 Oct NSW PSSA Athletics Thurs 1 Nov Jacaranda half day Public Holiday from 1pm NSW PSSA Athletics Week 4 Tues 6 Nov Parent Information evening at Grafton High School 6pm CSI Fri 9 Nov Responsible Pet Program Year 6 Taster Day at Grafton High School Week 5 Wed 14 Nov Canteen and P&C Meeting at 6pm in Meeting Room. Fri 16 Nov Kinder Orientation and Parent Information Meeting Week 6 Mon 19 Nov - Fri 30 Nov Intensive Swimming Tues 20 Nov Major Raffle tickets go home CSI Wed 21 Nov-Fri 23 Nov Yr 4 to Yarrahappinni Wed 21 Nov Y6 excursion to SCU in Coffs Harbour as part of the Stellar program Infants Science Show Thurs 22 Nov Parent Helper Morning Tea at 11:00 am Fri 23 Nov Kinder Orientation Week 7 Mon 19 Nov - Fri 30 Nov Intensive Swimming Yr 5 Excursion to Lake Ainsworth Tues 27 Nov Year 6 Orientation Day at GHS Wed 28 Nov Year 6 Orientation at SGHS Fri 30 Nov Kinder Orientation Week 8 Mon 3 Dec - Fri 7 Dec Yr 6 Excursion to Canberra Tues 4 Dec CSI Thurs 6 Dec – Fri 7 Yr 3 Excursion to Coffs Beach School Week 9 Tues 11 Dec Presentation Day Major Raffle Tickets returned by this date Wed 12 Dec Award Assembly Canteen and P&C Meeting at 6pm in Meeting Room. Fri 14 Dec Reports go home Carols Night and raffle draw Week 10 Mon 17 Dec Primary end of term treat day Tues 18 Dec Infants end of term treat day Yr 6 Farewell Wed 19 Dec Students’ last day

Strive to Achieve

North Street, Grafton. 2460 6642 7466 westlawn-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au

CRANES CALENDAR

Term 4 Calendar October - December 2018

Parenting Programs and Workshops

NAVIGATING PARENTHOOD

'Navigating Parenthood' is a half-day workshop for new parents. The importance of sleep, social

interaction and routine to maintain self care as a parent are addressed.

Iluka - Iluka Library, Cnr Duke and Micalo Sts - (9:30am - 12:30pm)

October 29

BRINGING UP GREAT KIDS

The 'Bringing up Great Kids' is a 6 week program that uses ideas of mindfulness and self-

reflection to review and enhance patterns of communication. The aim of the program is to address

the sources of unhelpful and hurtful attitudes.

YAMBA - Treelands Community Centre, 24 Treelands Drive - (9.30am - 12.30pm)

6 Fridays. November 2, 9, 16, 30 & December 7, 14

GRAFTON - CRANES, 11 Kemp Street - (9.30am - 12.30pm)

6 consecutive Thursdays. November 8, 15, 22, 29 & December 6, 13

TALKING TO KIDS ABOUT COMPUTER GAMES

'Talking to Kids About Computer Games' is a half-day workshop that focuses on discussing

computer games with children. The warning signs of excessive video game use and how to

communicate these concerns with children will be covered.

GRAFTON - CRANES, 11 Kemp Street - (9.30am - 12.30pm)

November 7

HOW TO TALK SO TEENS WILL LISTEN

This half-day workshop provides parents with information about teens intellectual and emotional

development and using this knowledge to communicate more effectively. Suited to parents with

children aged 12 to 17.

GRAFTON - CRANES 11 Kemp Street (9.30am - 12.30pm)

November 14

BLENDED FAMILIES

'Blended Families' is a half-day workshop that discusses the roles of step-parents and dealing

with discipline. Strategies to connect with both biological and step-children will be covered.

GRAFTON - CRANES 11 Kemp Street (9:30am - 12:30pm)

November 21

This half-day workshop will discuss the role of step-fathers and dealing with discipline. Strategies

to connect with both biological and step-children will be covered.

GRAFTON - CRANES 11 Kemp Street (11:00am - 2:00pm)

Strive to Achieve

North Street, Grafton. 2460 6642 7466 westlawn-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au

December 5

FULL CIRCLE

Full Circle is a group that meets fortnightly to provide peer support for parents seeking access to

or restoration of a child. Guest speakers will be invited regularly to provide the group with

information and education.

GRAFTON - CRANES, 11 Kemp Street - (10am - 11.30pm)

Fortnightly of a Monday. October 22 & November 5, 19 & December 3, 17

_________________________________________________________________________________________

CANTEEN VOLUNTEER I am able to volunteer in the school canteen on Friday. Name: _____________________________________________________ Child’s Name: __________________________ Child’s Class: ________________

Strive to Achieve

North Street, Grafton. 2460 6642 7466 westlawn-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au

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