Kahibah Public School Positive Relationships for Positive Learning.

31st March, 2015 Web Page: www.kahibah-p.schools.nsw.edu.au Phone: 49434501

Principal Report

Quality Work During her reading lesson with Mrs Newell, Aria D from K/1N wrote an interesting sentence about hot sausages sizzling in a pan using the language feature of onomatopoeia. It made both Mrs Newell and I very hungry!

Ben P from 1/2D has come along in leaps and bounds, jumping 7 reading levels within term 1. This is a wonderful example of what can be achieved when the home and school work together to support a child’s reading. Well done, Ben!

Kal McD from 5/6C recently shared with me his Prezi presentation that he had been working on in the library. Mrs York, our relieving librarian, commented on Kal’s immense maturity and dedication over the past three weeks when researching his Rainforest animal – the Quetzal; even working on it at home in his own time. Fantastic work, Kal! Work Health & Safety

The NSW Department of Education and Communities believes that the provision of a safe working and learning environment for everyone at its workplaces is an integral and essential part of its responsibilities as a provider of public education and other community services. The KPS WHS Committee has met, completed a WHS Self-Assessment and a WHS Management Action Plan for 2015. We ask that all volunteers continue to sign in at the front office, collect a Visitor’s tag and be familiar with the Safety Booklet available at the front office. This helps the school comply with audit requirements but more importantly helps us keep you safe.

Sporting Achievements Congratulations to Hugh S from 5/6C who recently competed in the State Little Athletics Championships, placing 7 th in the 11 years boys 60m hurdles and 6th in the 11 years boys 100m sprint with only 0.3seconds separating the top 6 competitors. Ben L from 5/6B recently competed at the NSW State Championships in trampolining, placing 6th on the double mini-tramp; 4th on the trampoline; and 2nd for synchronised trampolining, taking home the silver medal. Well done, Ben! Congratulations to both Amy A from 5/6B and Sam M from 3/4K who competed at the NSW PSSA State Swimming carnival. Amy placed 14th overall in the U/11 girls 1m springboard event; while Sam placed 17th overall in the 8yrs Boys 50m Freestyle, swimming a personal best. A huge effort by both these talented athletes!

PSSA Selections Congratulations to Lashelle H from 5/6C who qualified today for the PSSA Zone Netball team East Lake Macquarie Zone PSSA Netball team. Well done, Lashelle!

Student weekly program……

What’s Coming Up…………………………

Classes Begin - 9am and finish 3pm

Monday - Assembly @ 2.00pm

Wednesday - Student Banking

Wednesday - Drum Lessons

Thursday - Music Lessons

Friday - Band & Music Lessons

Friday - School Sport

Canteen - open Wednesday, Thursday & Friday Uniform Shop - open 8.50-9am Friday

Easter Parade— Thursday, 2nd April @ 12noon

School Photos - Wednesday, 22nd April

ANZAC Day Service - Friday, 24th April @ 10.00am

Easter Celebrations

Please join us this Thursday 2nd April from 12pm for our Easter Hat Parade. The Hunter Christian Church will be providing Hot Cross Buns and a cold drink for parents during the Easter fun and the P&C will be drawing the Easter Raffle. Hope you can make it!

Ronald McDonald House

Ronald McDonald House Newcastle, located on the grounds of the John Hunter Children’s Hospital, provides a ‘home away from home’ to families of children receiving hospital treatment for serious and life threatening conditions – whether from disease, injury or a congenital condition. They strive to provide an atmosphere where the familiar routines of home life can continue as much as possible through stressful and difficult times. As some of our families at Kahibah PS have been touched by challenging medical conditions, the staff at Kahibah PS recently participated in professional learning in regards to families and students dealing with chronic medical conditions. It was decided that the school would like to support Ronald McDonald House Newcastle, so they can continue to make it possible for families to stay together at a time when they need each other the most. Students are invited to come out of uniform and bring a gold coin donation on Thursday 2nd April, if they would like to support this very worthy charity. (I’m sure this will only add to the colour and vibrancy of our Easter celebrations!)

3 Way Interviews (Parent - Teacher - Student)

Many families have already booked a mutually convenient time to meet with their child and teacher for a 3 Way Interview. This is an important opportunity to discuss your child’s educational experiences with their teacher, so to help you be well prepared; here are some tips for getting the most out of this opportunity. At a glance:

Make a list of any questions you have. Go with a calm, positive attitude. Take a friend or support person if you need to. Let the school know beforehand if you need an interpreter. Stay in touch with the school throughout the year. Follow up with suggestions that come out of the interview. Contact the school any time of the year if you have concerns about your child. Always make an appointment to speak with the teacher.

If you would like to find out more, go to: http://www.schoolatoz.nsw.edu.au/en/homework-and-study/planning-for-the-future/parent-teacher-interviews

ANZAC Day Ceremony

We will be holding a school ANZAC Ceremony at school on Friday 24th April from 10am in the school hall. Families, friends and community members are welcome to join us as we commemorate the ANZAC Centenary. April School Holidays

Have you got April school holidays organised yet? It’s not too late to book for a Sport and Recreation Kids’ Camp. Watch the video to see how much fun these kids are having. Find out more: http://www.dsr.nsw.gov.au/kidscamps/ TERM 1 COMES TO AN END

The last day of school of term one is Thursday 2nd April. The first day back for term 2 is a Staff Development day and students resume on Tuesday 21st April.

Wishing you a safe and enjoyable vacation!

Mrs Honi Faasisila Kahibah Public School Principal

P&C 2015 Committee Update

On Tuesday 17th March 2015 the following P&C members were elected to the Committee for 2015:

President - Col Curry Vice President - Peta Forder Secretary - Michelle Hill Assistant Secretary - Dee Darney Treasurer - Sandra Fitzgerald Assistant Treasurer - Kelly Aurisch Canteen Co-Ordinator - Lou White Canteen Treasurer - Anita Crane Vacancies are available for the position of Uniform Officer. Please contact Michelle Hill on 0421 664 451 or Kelly Aurisch on 0421 347 680 to express your interest. We would really appreciate one or more volunteers for this role. Our Canteen team will meet tomorrow, 1st April at 3pm in the Hall to discuss future canteen matters. New volunteers

also welcome to join this team / meeting. Please contact Lou White on 0409 369 685 if you are unavailable for the meeting but would like to be involved. The Canteen team is also looking for volunteer buyers.

The next P&C meeting will be held on Tuesday 19th May at 7pm in the school library. The P&C wish all safe and happy holidays!

Thanks to Kahibah Mini-Mart A big thank you to Neil and the team at Kahibah Mini Mart for their generous support of our school canteen. Kahibah Mini Mart is currently donating ham and eggs weekly to our school canteen. It is fabulous to have local support. Let’s all support our local businesses!

Star Struck News Congratulations to Emma W, Lara G, Bella M, Lucy S, Wade F, Troy M, Layla N, Charlie H, Bronte B, Marlie McR, Ella R, Lilly N, Angelina V, Arabella C, Sophie M and Grace S who have been selected to be our Kahibah Star Struck team for 2015. We had a large number of senior students audition and the level of talent was very high. We have been given three dance items in all, including the finale. On Monday 27th April and Monday 11th May we will be going to the Newcastle Basketball Stadium and to Newcastle University Forum to rehearse two of our items. All permission notes and transport notes need to be returned to me asap please. Each student is also required to bring in a flash drive this week in case I need to put choreography onto it to learn over the holidays. Information will go out next term regarding our school excursion to the Friday Matinee Star Struck performance (Friday 12th June). We will take 60 students and tickets will sell fast! Looking forward to an exciting and busy Term Two! Kelly Bruce Star Struck Coordinator

African Drumbeats Our visit from the African drummers during Week 8 was exciting, inspiring and lots of fun for everyone! Fode, one of the amazing drummers, lives locally and runs drumming lessons and drumming groups for all ages at Hamilton. Please see his website or call him for more information if you or your child are interesting in following up with some African drumming lessons: 0450 136 761 or www.jamojamoarts.com.au

Kelly Bruce Visiting Shows Coordinator

Chaplain’s Message ASKING FOR HELP: As adults, we are often reluctant to ask for help when it's needed. I see this in my palliative care volunteer role.

Many people with life-limiting illnesses are too embarrassed to admit that they are having a tough time & could benefit by some help.

Sometimes they see it as a failure. Yet, there are many people who are prepared to lend a hand. However, if we are unaware of a problem, we can't solve it.

Unfortunately, this is often the case at school. Some children are too shy to ask for help, particularly in the playground. Some say they told a teacher & they felt their problem was unheard.

We want to encourage children to speak up, especially if they are in fear of other children, for whatever reason. In the past, we have taught the students to follow a plan of action, & to move to the next step, if the previous one hasn't worked.

1. Use an "I" statement. e.g. "I don't like it when you play too roughly. Please stop it." 2. Tell the teacher on duty. 3. Tell your class teacher, or one of the Executive.

Another option, (which we would be happy if parents encouraged & even assisted,) is to write the problem on paper, & put it in the "Bully Box", located in the main office foyer.

Notes need to say what the problem is, & the writer's name & class. Problems can be addressed privately & the child will know he or she has been heard. We really want our children to be safe & happy at school, so please encourage them to ask for help.

Have a safe & happy holiday. Helen Harvie (Mrs Rainbow)/School Chaplain.

School Photos Envelopes School Photos will be on Wednesday, 22nd April, which is the first Wednesday of Term 2. Photo envelopes will be sent home today. Please keep them until the actual photo day, then return them to school with money enclosed on that day.

Canteen Please be advised that the Canteen will be CLOSED on Thursday, 2nd April.

Student Council On Monday, 30th March the student council had their 2nd meeting. The items discussed were:

Buddy Seat - The buddy seat was a fantastic idea from 1/2B, and will be taken to the staff for them to talk about.

Year 6 Spot - the year 6 spot was successful. It will also be taken to the staff for them to discuss where we would

put the hangout and is Year 6 responsible enough.

Fruit Salad Cups - The fruit salad cups were turned down because the student council thought it would be too much work for the canteen ladies.

Fish & Chip Day - The fish & chip day was also voted out because the student council thought that it was too

unhealthy and it would be a lot of work for the fish & chip workers.

By Charlie Hickey

Fundraiser This Thursday, 2nd April will be out of uniform day.

A gold coin donation is required, raising money for the

Ronald McDonald House.

A very worthy cause to support.