NSW Department of Education and Communities

Cowra Public School

NEWS

11 September 2014 Term 3, Week 9

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT

FOR YOUR DIARY

SEPTEMBER

10-12 Archikidz

11 P & C Meeting 6.00pm

15 Premier’s Spelling Bee

16 Canteen Red Day

17 KR & KW Japanese Gardens

18 P & C Bingo Night

19 Stage 3 Social Skills Day

19 LAST DAY OF TERM

SEPTEMBER

7 Students return

CONTACTING THE SCHOOL Administration Office Hours: 8.30am - 3.30pm

School commences at 9.10am

School finishes at 3.15pm

Students are not supervised before 8.45am

Mail: PO Box 285, Cowra

Phone: 6342 2400

Fax: 6341 1357

School Counsellor 6341 3078

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

Web: http://www.cowra-p.schools.nsw.edu.au

DEPT.HEALTH DENTAL CLINIC: 1300 552 208

Dear Parents

What a week? Cowra is abuzz this week

and this is very true at Cowra Public

School.

On Monday our school hosted the riders

from Camp Quality. They have been

riding from Mittagong through to

Newcastle raising money for the

wonderful children and families who are

involved with Camp Quality during their

journey dealing with cancer. Our children

enjoyed the puppet show promoting

awareness and acceptance of children

dealing with cancer and we were

delighted to present the riders with a

cheque for $300 to support their

f u n d r a i s i n g r i d e .

Our school was on display on Tuesday

and Wednesday at the Cowra Show with

our show stopping display. Mrs Cole, Mrs

Heilman, Mrs D’Elboux and Mrs Long

presented a magnificent display of

student work and events that really

highlighted the vast array of activities

offered to our children. I hope parents

had the opportunity to take a moment to

wander into the stall and have a good

look around.

Archikidz Goes Bush finally arrived after

months of preparation. Yesterday

students from Years 3 and 4 participated in

an inspiring day of design and

construction. In total over 100 students

were involved in the program on

Wednesday and that was replicated today

with Year 5 and 6 students. The work

completed by the students was truly

remarkable based around the design and

construction of shelters. The opportunity to

work with a large number of engineers,

designers, architects, town planners and

artists was one that is rarely offered to

students in a country setting. The Corridor

Project has been an excellent venue for

this program and huge thanks goes to the

coordinators of the project Dylan and

Phoebe Gower for their work making

Archikidz Goes Bush a reality. A huge thank

you also goes to Emma Rees-Raajimakers,

the director of Archikidz Australia for her

tireless drive to provide the inspiration for

children to pursue fields of education in

engineering and design and for providing

children the opportunities to meet and

work with professionals in these fields. Lastly

I would like to acknowledge the

involvement that Mrs Kerry Cole has had in

this program. Kerry has been the school link

to the project that has seen over 300

students from 14 schools involved in this 3

day event. Kerry has spent countless hours

coordinating with the other major partners

but also communicating with the schools

and children leading into the activities.

Kerry has been constantly behind every

part of the project from its conception last

year and as always never seeking

recognition for her involvement. I would

encourage all parents whose children have

been given the opportunity to be part of

the first year of Archikidz Goes Bush to

thank Mrs Cole the next time they see her

as without her commitment to the project it

may have not had the success it has.

Yesterday the school also hosted the

ZooMobile which involved lessons on native

animals and ways in which students can

assist these animals to survive in their

natural environments.

Tonight the school will be holding the

monthly P&C meeting starting at 6pm in

the staffroom. This is an important

meeting with discussion based around

the upcoming Bingo night planned for

next Thursday. Please feel free to attend

as the school values the input and

involvement of parents.

I would also like to encourage all

parents, students and community

members to come along to our Bingo

evening and enjoy the night with the

chance to win a share of over $1500

worth of prizes whilst having a great

deal of fun. This night is the major

fundraising event for the year

coordinated by the P&C and we hope

parents show their support of the night

that in turn supports your children.

Lastly Cowra Public School would like to

wish the Cowra Magpies the best of luck

for the coming weekend. The co-

President of the Magpies, Mr Dean

Murray (who works as the Aboriginal

Community Liason Officer for the

Western Area) is based at Cowra Public

School, as are former players and

teachers Albert Murray, Greg Garlick

and current player and Aboriginal

Education Officer Blake Duncombe. Also

Cowra Public have several parents of

children who will be playing in the

game. On Friday we are showing

support for the Magpies by encouraging

all students to wear black and white and

we are hoping that the players can

replicate their win from two weeks ago.

Several ex Cowra Public School students

who will be playing on Sunday will be

coming to the school on Friday and

passing out lucky draw cards to our

students that will enable one lucky

student to win a jersey on Sunday. Good

luck Magpies.

Enjoy the weekend.

Brad Tom

P & C Meeting ~ TONIGHT, 11 September at 6.00pm

Page 2 Cowra Public School

INFANTS ASSEMBLIES

Infants assemblies will now be held

every second Thursday, i.e. even

weeks. The assemblies will be held in

the Infants Open Space and

commence at 2.00pm and finish at

2.30pm when the children will return to

their classrooms.

At these assemblies students will be

receiving Merit Certificates and PBL

awards.

Every alternate Thursday (not assembly

week) from 12.30pm until 1.00pm the

Infants will be holding combined

singing in the Infants Open Space. All

parents are invited to come along and

listen to the children singing.

PRIMARY ASSEMBLIES

The Primary will also be holding their

assemblies every second Thursday, i.e.

even weeks at 2.30pm in the school

auditorium.

The assemblies will include the Year 6

Public Speaking and Merit Certificates

will also be presented on the day.

COMBINED ASSEMBLY

The school will be holding combined

assemblies twice a term. At these

assemblies the Infants and Primary

Aussies of the Month will be announced

and the children will be presented with

their awards.

NOW ACCEPTING PAYMENT

FOR:-

SCHOOL CONTRIBUTION: $30

per student, with a family

maximum of $60. Payment

would be appreciated this

term.

BAND: $10 per term

STAGE 3 EXCURSION TO

CANBERRA:

Next instalment

Thursday 18 September

Total cost: $272.00

$50.00

KINDERGARTEN JAPANESE

GARDENS : $8.00

KINDERGARTEN EXCURSION TO JAPANESE

GARDENS ~ PAYMENT OF $8.00 BY FRIDAY 12 SEPTEMBER

On Wednesday, 17 September students in KR and KW have the

opportunity to visit the Japanese Garden for Sakura Matsuri (Cherry

Blossom Festival).

The cost of $8.00 per student and should be paid to the school office by Friday, 12

September. This will cover admission to the Garden, activities and bus travel. The

children will walk back to school.

We will be leaving the school grounds at 9.45 a.m. In small groups we will walk through

the Garden, take part in various activities and then enjoy a picnic lunch at Billy Goat

Hill Park.

Recess, lunch and a drink in a disposable container (poppa type), will need to be

packed in a small back pack.

Due to the large number of children expected to attend on the day, parents are

unable to accompany us on this occasion. The students will be divided into small

groups and supervised by school staff. Parents are however, very welcome to join us

at Billy Goat Hill Park at approximately 1:00 p.m. and bring along their picnic lunch.

Children may wear casual clothes and joggers, no sandals or thongs please, as we will

be walking back to school in the afternoon. Don’t forget sunscreen and a hat.

NSW PREMIER’S SPELLING BEE

Our school has once again entered the NSW Premier’s Spelling Bee. The spelling bee

will be held on Monday 15 September at Raglan Public School, Bathurst.

The competition will be held in two stage divisions:

Junior Division (Year 3 and 4). Congratulations to Mac Webster and Archie Osborne

who will represent Cowra Public School in this section.

Senior Division (Year 4 and 5). Congratulations to Jessica Henderson and Tess Roberts

who will represent Cowra Public School in this section.

PRIMARY ASSEMBLY

AWARDS

The following students received their

awards at last week’s Assembly.

PRIMARY MERIT AWARDS:

Jake Roberts, Nakeya Ryan, Josie

Muddle, Krystal White, Hayden Gailey,

William Graham, Justin Saxby, Janet

Cheng, Amelia Simic, Will Baker, Nicola

Anslow, Cambell White, Ashleigh

Saunders, Chloe Wolfenden, Zoe

Dunlop, Kyle Murray, Jordan Ryan,

Heidi Osborne, Lewis McFarland,

Jazmyn Carter, Lachlan Stuhlfauth,

Isaiha Bridge.

INFANTS MERIT AWARDS:

Nate Williams, Rylee Pound-McGuiness,

Mathias Pemberton, Janessa Bradley-

Ryan, Mia Howarth, Haylie Ingram,

Lindsey Barlow, Tameeka Murray,

Daniel Bakini, Connor McMahon,

Murray Devlin, Sophie Saxby, Jaz

Dunlop, Jim Hazell, Aaron Hall, Hope

Booker, Lucas Dalton, Niamh Webster.

PBL AWARDS

The following students have gained

sufficient gotchas on the school’s PBL

Program to receive an achievement

certificate. The students received their

certificate for being respectful, on task

and safe.

PRIMARY

75 Gotcha Award:

Nikolai Paki, Justin Saxby Charlie Duclos,

Archie Osborne, Mason Graham, Hallie

Wolfenden, Tallis Bell, Lucy Scammell.

INFANTS

140 Gotcha Award:

Ella Kilby.

80 Gotcha Award:

Annaray Watson.

60 Gotcha Award:

Mia Brown, Tameeka Murray, Jemima

Scammell, Lorissa Wodd, Charlie Peterson,

Ezekiel Carter, Tahlia Lazanski.

40 Gotcha Award:

Daniel Bakini.

Page 3 Cowra Public School

A U G U S T AUSSIE OF THE MONTH

Shaylee is pictured with her mother, sisters, brother and the

presenter, Mrs Lyn Sharkey representing Ray White Real Estate

Jaz is pictured with her mother, sisters and the presenter, Mrs Lyn

Sharkey representing Ray White Real Estate

Primary - Shaylee Blake Shaylee received her award for being a quiet yet industrious

student who gives her best in all areas of her schooling.

She is caring and is the first of offer assistance to those in need.

Shaylee is respectful to her peers and to all staff. She always

presents herself as a positive role model for Cowra Public School.

Infants - Jaz Dunlop Jaz received her award for being a quiet achiever who is caring,

extremely thoughtful and enthusiastic. Jaz is always on task and

happily completes all work to the best of her ability. She gives

100% effort to every activity in which she participates. Jaz has an

exceptional sense of fairness, loyalty and sportsmanship and is a

great role model to all Infants students.

UNIVERSITY OF NSW WRITING TEST

Congratulations to the thirteen students who took part in the

University of NSW Writing test. One student received a High

Distinction Certificate, five students received Credit

Certificates, two students received Merit Certificates and five

students received Participation Certificates.

High Distinction Certificates

Mac Webster (Yr 4)

Credit Certificates

Archie Osborne (Yr 3)

Jacqueline Long (Yr 3)

Jake Roberts (Yr 3)

Madeleine Mulligan (Yr 5)

Heidi Osborne (Yr 5)

Merit Certificates

Isabella Scammell Yr 5)

TessRoberts (Yr 5)

Participation Certificates

Madison Forbes (Yr 4)

Eliza Mulligan (Yr 3)

Cailin McKay (Yr 4)

Hayley Harding (Yr 6)

Ella Roberts (Yr 6)

UNIVERSITY OF NSW SPELLING TEST

Congratulations to the fourteen students who took part in the

University of NSW Spelling test. Two students received High

Distinction Certificates one student received a Distinction, five

students received Credit Certificates,

a n d s i x s tu d e n t s r e c e i v e d

Participation Certificates.

High Distinction Certificates

Archie Osborne (yr 3)

Mac Webster (Yr 4)

Distinction Certificate

Heidi Osborne (Yr 5)

Credit Certificates

Nikolai Paki (Yr 3)

Elliott Blee (Yr 4)

Isabella Scammell (Yr 5)

Jessica Henderson (Yr 5)

Lewis McFarland (Yr 5)

Participation Certificates

Jacqueline Long (Yr 3)

Eliza Mulligan (Yr 3)

Jake Roberts (Yr 3)

Madeleine Mulligan (Yr 5)

Jade Milgate (Yr 5)

Ella Roberts (Yr 6)

SUPERVISION BEFORE SCHOOL

There is NO playground supervision of students at school before 8,45am every morning.

Teaching staff do not come on duty before this time and it is not safe to send your child to school without proper supervision.

If for any reason you need to have your child dropped off early in an emergency, please contact the front office and your child

will be looked after in the office until a teacher comes on duty.

Mac Webster

High Distinction

Archie Osborne

High Distinction

Mac Webster

High Distinction

SPORT

SPORT ~ TOMORROW

If your child is going to the skate park or the netball oval for sport tomorrow they need to pay $3.00 to the

school office before school commences.

If your child does not pay they will be given another sport for the week.

Sport tomorrow will be from 11.30am until 12.30pm due to Archikidz and the buses available to transport

students to and from the Skatepark and Netball courts. Recess will between 11.00am and 11.20am tomorrow.

TENNIS

COMPETITION

Cowra Public School tennis team

is to play in a combined tennis

competition against St Raphael’s

and Mulyan Public School at the

Cowra Tennis Courts on Thursday, 18 September 2014

A permission note has been sent home to the children

involved.

Information:

Play will be from 9.30am - 1.00pm (players will

then return to school).

School sports uniform is to be worn. (hat and

sunscreen is essential)

Cost is $5.00 per player. (pay to Mr Lewis with the

permission note)

Players will assemble at school at 9.15am, then

travel by private car to Cowra Tennis Courts.

Mr Paul Lewis will accompany the team and parental

assistance would be much appreciated.

STAGE 3 SOCIAL SKILLS DEVELOPMENT

DAY Friday, 19 September 2014

Stage 3 will be holding a Social Skills Day on Friday, 19 September 2014

We will be departing the school at 11.00am to walk to River Park. Stu-

dents wishing to purchase lunch from McDonalds will walk across the

Low Level Bridge from the school. The students will be accompanied

to and from River Park and McDonalds by the Stage 3 teachers. The

students will return to school at approximately

3.00pm.

Children should:

Wear comfortable shoes

Bring their own recess

Bring their own lunch OR purchase McDonald’s

Should wear casual clothes and bring sunscreen and a drink.

Activities: Sporting equipment will be provided, however, children may

bring their own.

Compulsory: * Hat

* Sunscreen

* Covered walking shoes (joggers)

* Casual clothes - no bare shoulders

* Drinks

A permission note has been sent home and this needs to be filled in

and returned to school before Wednesday, 17 September.

T20 CRICKET DAY

On Tuesday, 16 September, the Cowra Junior

Cricket Association and Cricket NSW have

organised a T20 Cricket Day at Edgell Park

(McDonald’s side of the river) in Cowra. The day

will commence at 9.00am and will run to 2.45pm.

Children will return to school at the end of the

cricket. All Stage 3 students from Cowra Public School have been

invited to participate in the day.

Children will need to bring all food and drink for the day. Hats and

sunscreen are recommended.

Students will need to wear school sport uniform on the day. Cricket

gear will be provided, although pupils may bring their own gear if they

wish (clearly labelled).

Pupils will be accompanied to Twigg Oval by Stage 3 teachers. We will

be walking to and from Twigg Oval.

Students may order their lunch from the canteen and it will be

delivered to them. NO RECESS ORDERS.

As all Stage 3 students are involved there will be NO TRANISTION TO

HIGH SCHOOL NEXT TUESDAY.

CAMP QUALITY BIKE RIDE

On Monday, 8 September over 40 bike riders and 20

support crew visited Cowra Public School on their way

from Mittagong to Newcastle stopping off in Tarago,

Canberra, Harden, Cowra, Orange, Bathurst, Mudgee,

Merriwa and Singleton. Their next stop after Cowra was

Orange riding through Canowindra.

The riders put on a great puppet show which the

children really enjoyed.

Afterwards riders from each group were presented to

the school and students were able to ask some very

interesting questions.

The school raised $300.00 towards the Camp Quality

Ride called “Glencore 1,000 K’s 4 Kids”. Well done

everyone.

COMMUNITY

P & C

P & C MEETING ~ TONIGHT

Thursday, 11 September

at 6.00pm in staffroom

All welcome

The P & C will be discussing the “BINGO NIGHT”

Page 5

AGE OF FISHES MUSEUM

The “Stories in Stone” school holiday program begins with

an artwork competition with fabulous prizes open to all

students in the local area.

During the holidays there will be an art competition

involving all local school children. The colouring

competition is for:

Up to 7 yrs - colouring competition about “Stories in

Stone”

8-12 yrs - drawing related to “Stories on Stone”

13-18 yrs - Carte blanche to create an artwork

(sculpture, painting, poem, short story etc.)

The art will be displayed in the museum. For more

information or copies of the colouring in/drawing sheets

please email the museum at aof@colourcity.com.

Throughout the holidays, during the art exhibition (22

September until 6 October ) all children will be given an

activity card, which when completed correctly will earn

each child a genuine 170 million year old fossil to take

home and keep free of charge.

On Wednesday, 1 October the museum will have the

official “Stories in Stone” Open Day where children will

permitted to the museum FREE OF CHARGE with a paying

adult. At 11.ooam Mim Loomes (author) will present and

will read to the children from her magnificent book “Long

Ago, But Not Far Away”. This will be followed by activities

and a lunchtime sausage sizzle for a gold coin donation.

All ages are welcome.

For more information please phone 6344 1008.

7.00pm in school auditorium

BBQ from 6.00pm Sausage sandwiches

Steak sandwiches

Chicken kebabs

Tomorrow in support of Cowra Magpies.

Students are asked to come dressed in Black

and White tomorrow to support the Cowra

Magpies who play in the grand finals on

Sunday.

CANTEEN

The canteen is looking at revamping their menu with more

healthy options. Unfortunately we do not have enough

volunteers to assist in the canteen at the moment.

There are a lot of children that rely on the canteen for recess

and lunch so if you could assist please contact Lisa Willis in the

canteen. One day a fortnight would make such a difference.

A new canteen menu will be coming our next term. The P & C

will be discussing the new menu at their meeting tonight.

CANTEEN RED DAY

Next Wednesday, 17 September the canteen will be

holding a ‘RED DAY”.

The theme for the day is “Footy Finals”.

There will HOT DOGS AND LOSTS OF OTHER TASTY TREATS

ON SALE.

More information will be sent home early next week.

GONSKI FUNDING CUTS

At the back of this newsletter is a letter from the Cowra Public

School P & C about reported funding cuts to the Gonski

Funding Model.

Cowra Public School has been the recipient of National

Partnership Funding which has assisted students in Literacy,

Numeracy, Aboriginal Education, Gifted and Talented

programs as well as Reading programs designed to increase

students levels of reading and comprehension. The planned

cuts to Gonski will see these programs diminish.

Please read the letter and give your support to the P & C in

fighting the cuts.

Thursday, 18 September 2014

Over $1,500 in prizes to be won!!!

Where: School Auditorium

Time: 7.00 p.m. (Doors open at 6.30pm)

Cost: $3.00 per book (20 games)

$15.00 for a sheet (6 books — 120 games)

** purchased at the door

All Welcome

BBQ available from 6.00pm ** Sausage sandwiches

** Steak sandwiches ** Chicken kebabs

Tea, Coffee, popcorn & canteen available

Children must be accompanied by a parent or adult

All funds raised on the evening will be used by the P & C towards your child’s education

Page 6

COWRA JUNIOR

CRICKET

Registration Days

Saturday, 13 September at 10.00am

Friday, 19 September at 4.00pm

Saturday, 20 September at 10.00am

Where: Sports Power, Kendal Street, Cowra.

COMMUNITY continued

ASD PARENTING COURSE

There is a parent training and information program for

parents of students with Autism happening in November

in Cowra.

Dates: Tuesday, 25 November

Wednesday, 26 November.

The course is highly recommended and is available to

parents on the Positive Partnerships website. The course

will assist parents to understand their child and support

them and manage them better.

Please visit http://www.positivepartnerships.com.au/

public/index.cfm

Cowra Public School Page 8

PO Box 900, Cowra NSW 2794 T/A Lic 2TA5695

Phone: 6342 1021 Fax: 6342 4597

Email: info@cowrabus.com.au Web: http:www.cowrabus.com.au

BJORN AGAIN: 25th October 2014, Canberra Theatre, Canberra - $130.00

DIRTY DANCING: Saturday, 6th Decembmer, 2014: Lyric Theatre, Sydney - $190.00

2015 AUSTRALIAN TENNIS OPEN: Friday, 23rd January-Monday 26th January, 2015: Book early to secure selection of sessions. from $930.00

LES MISERABLES: Saturday, 13 June 2015, Capitol Theatre, Sydney - $220.00

NEW ZEALND NORTH & SOUTH ISLAND: 18 days - Numerous activities included. Departing from Cowra 6th March, 2015. Returning to Cowra 23rd March, 2015. From $5,750.00 twin share

“Cowra Travel Takes you There”

GRENFELL GOLDFEST

Saturday, 27 September 2014

10.00am—2.00pm Main St, Grenfell NSW

Bring your friends and family and step back in time to the

1860’s when gold was first discovered at the Grenfell

Gold Fest.

Bushranger re-enactments

Hand spinning

Vintage car and truck display

Live music historical artefact displays

Lace making

Local art galleries & museums open

Blacksmith demonstrations

Gold planning & rock display

SAFER DRIVERS COURSE FOR

LEARNER DRIVERS

The next PCYC Safer Drivers course (module 1) is scheduled for

Friday 24 October.

The course is for Learner drivers that have completed a minimum

of 50 hours on-road driving experience (credits gained under the 3

for 1 scheme cannot be included) and is made up of two parts;

Module 1 - is a 3 hour facilitated group discussion on how to

manage risks on the road.

Module 2 - is a 2 hour in-vehicle coaching session to develop low

risk driving strategies.

Cost for the course is $140.00 and participants who complete the

course will receive 20 hours credit recorded in their learner driver

log book. Course fee includes PCYC membership.

Numbers are limited so please contact PCYC (ph. 63412035) to

book your place.

Vacation Care

School holidays are almost upon us so now is the time to book

your spots for PCYC Vacation Care.

PCYC Vacation Care is for school aged children ranging from

Kindergarten to Year 6, and is a formal childcare service running

at the Binni Creek Road building from 8.30am to 5.30pm, Monday

to Friday, during the school holidays.

The number of places available in vacation care is limited and the

only way to ensure your spot is to book early. The September/

October School holidays have, in the past, proven to be the

busiest of the school holiday periods for vacation care, and with

attendance numbers reaching an average of 33 during the last

school holiday period acceptance of children not already

booked in to the service cannot be guaranteed. Excursion days

will be limited to a maximum number of 32 children.

The vacation care program is available from PCYC’s Young Road

office or can be viewed at www.pcycnsw.org.au/cowra by

clicking on the ‘September 2014’ link in the news and events

section. Booking forms are also available from the Young Road

office.

Vacation care is charged out at $35.00 per child per day (+

excursions), however the amount you have to pay depends on

your CCB entitlement and payment arrangements. When your

booking is processed, an estimate of costs will be provided and

payment of the account is required prior to the children attending

the service. Excursion fees may be paid on the day of the

excursion. Children must be current PCYC members to attend

PCYC Vacation Care.

SCHOOL HOLIDAY TENNIS

CLINIC

Helen Garratt Tennis Coaching

Tennis Australia Club Professional Coach

Email: handlgarratt@bigpond.com Mobile 0407 139 164

Date: Thursday 25 September

Venue: Cowra Tennis Club

Time: 10.00am - 3.00pm (Early drop off and later pick up available if

required)

Program

10.00am - 12 noon: Skills, technique, fitness and various activities.

12.00 noon - 12.30pm: Lunch break (children to bring own lunches,

snacks and drinks).

12.30pm - 2.30pm: Match play and ball machine.

2.45pm - 3.00pm Presentation of prizes to everyone plus other awards

Racquets are available if you don’t have one.

Cost

Morning session 9.30am-12 noon: $30.00 per student per day.

Afternoon session 1.00-4.00pm : $30.00 per student per day.

Both sessions: $50.00 a day per student.

Sid Kallas Oval Sunday 14th September 2014

**Gates Open—9am**

KIDS under 16!!!! Win a Fully Framed Jumper of Your

Choice…

St George/ Illawarra, Knights, Panthers Fill in the information below and place in

box as you enter the ground. Drawn at

half time of Under 18’s.

Name: _________________________ Address: _________________________

Favourite Cowra Magpie Player

____________________________

MERVYN

the magpie

and

ex Cowra Public School

students;

Aiden Craig, Will Ingram,

Phil Ingram, Ricky Whitton,

KJ Wood, Karl Planicka

and other players,

will be visiting us on

Friday during the lunch

break