Karoo News

Term 1 Week 7 Wednesday 9th March, 2016

MARCH 2016

Friday 11th March Twilight Sports Food Pre-order

forms & payment due

Monday 14th March Labour Day public holiday

Tuesday 15th March ICAS forms & payment due

Easter raffle tickets & money due

Wednesday 16th March Coach Approach—Year 3

Year 5 Camp—final payment due Twilight Sports Carnival—5-7pm

(Easter raffle drawn)

Thursday 17th March Karoo Cross Country (Years 3-6)

Monday 21st March School Council and AGM—7pm

Tuesday 22nd March Easter Special Lunch—Prep-Y2

Wednesday 23rd March Easter Special Lunch—Years 3-6 KPA Second Hand Uniform Sale

2:30-3:45pm

Thursday 24th March Last day of Term 1

(students dismissed at 2:30pm)

Term Dates 2016 Term 1 28 Jan—24 Mar Term 2 11 Apr—24 Jun Term 3 11 Jul—16 Sept Term 4 3 Oct—20 Dec

Principal’s Comments

Footy Day Next Monday we have our footy lunch. We will also make it footy dress day for a gold coin donation. These funds will be put towards supporting our World Vision child.

3 /4 Performance Classes are spending much time in practice as they gear up for the 2 big nights on Monday 29th and Tuesday 30th August at the Rowville SC auditorium. This should be a great event.

Playground The rubber has been laid due to finally having some rain free days. It is just being given time to cure and we hope the equipment will be operational shortly.

Year 3 Tables We’ve had another big week on the times tables front with a number of our students performing brilliantly. 5’s in under 15 seconds were achieved by Keeley, Lauren, Julian, Kyle, Luke, Yara, Regan and Bradley in 3S, Annabelle and Sam in 3JC, Lachlan, Jaylen and John in 3 /4, and Leona and Sam in 3C.

We also commenced our 3’s and Caitlyn and Krispin in 3 /4, Kira, Allison, Josh, Tanner, Rylan and Ozcan in 3JC and Ethan in 3S were the “legends” in great times.

Woolies / Coles The voucher “fundraisers” from both companies are in full swing. We do have boxes in

the foyer for receipts and I note that many people have sent along some already, which

is superb. This is a great opportunity to tap into friends and family who may be happy to

support our school. I believe there is a Karoo box at the Stud Park Woolworths & there

is double points this week in that chain of stores.

Prep Rabbits Over past weeks the preps have had a mother rabbit and her babies in their classrooms. The students have enjoyed seeing the transformation from hairless, blind little things to rapidly growing cute creatures. We have them for next week as well.

Rebel There is a voucher available at the office that some people may like to take advantage

of if you were going to be shopping at Rebel this month. Offer valid until 31/08/11.

Molly On the weekend Molly in 6P had a very nasty bike accident at the BMX track which has resulted in her breaking both wrists, an elbow and sustaining facial injuries. This has required time in hospital and operations and could result in being in plaster for 6 months. Several parents have got together to organise a raffle to raise funds so that a self

standing touch screen can be purchased onto which can be downloaded books and

music. Tickets are $1 each and can be obtained from the Miss Poole’s Year 6 students.

The prize has lots of goodies in it including soaps, chocolates, lollies, golf balls, a yo-yo

and skipping ropes. We will draw the raffle on Monday 15th at assembly.

Jim Harry

Respect Responsibility Excellence Honesty & Fairness

Tolerance & Understanding

VISITORS TO THE SCHOOL

All visitors to the school must sign in and out at the office, and collect a green visitor’s badge. These badges help the students and staff identify you as an ‘authorised visitor’.

Please remember to return the

badge when you sign out.

Reminder ... SCHOOL HATS

ARE COMPULSORY IN TERMS

1 & 4

Karoo Calendar Principal’s Comments Karoo’s Top Results The Australian Curriculum and Assessment Reporting Authority publishes the latest data for 10,000 Australian schools on the My School website each year. The 2016 update will take place on Wednesday 9 March and will include: eight years of performance data, 2015 school profile, 2015 NAPLAN results and school financial information.

Since 2013, ACARA has released information on schools that demonstrate substantially above average gain as students’ progress from Year 3 to Year 5 and from Year 7 to Year 9. This year, Karoo Primary School has been identified as having achieved substantial growth in NAPLAN scores compared to: previous years, schools with similar students and other schools with similar NAPLAN average score start points. In addition, identified schools had to have a matched cohort of students across two NAPLAN periods (Years 3 to 5 ) of at least 70 per cent. ACARA’s letter stated: I am pleased to advise that ACARA has identified your school as having demonstrated substantially above average gain in NAPLAN results. On behalf of ACARA, I would like to extend my congratulations to you and your school community on this achievement. Gains of this magnitude are significant and worthy of highlighting and acknowledgement.

We are thrilled with this acknowledgement of the hard work of teachers and students in striving to achieve personal best results. Our whole school approach to literacy and numeracy which includes: Learning Intentions, CAFÉ Reading, Sound Waves Spelling and Grammar, Problem Solving and Fundamental Numeracy skills have certainly contributed to the success in this area. The results show a high standard of achievement but most importantly show the extent of growth of all students no matter what their level of achievement. Apart from academic learning, Karoo embraces developing the whole child from creative - expression in the visual and performing arts, physical and sporting skill development and appreciation of diverse cultures. The news on ABC or SBS will highlight the schools achieving these results. Camps, Sports and Excursion Parents are reminded that if you hold a valid means-tested concession card or are a temporary foster parent, you may be eligible for the CSEF. A special consideration category also exists for asylum seeker and refugee families. The allowance is paid to the school to use towards expenses relating to camps, excursions or sporting activities for the benefit of your child. The Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund helps ensure that no student misses out on the opportunity to join their classmates for important, educational and fun activities. It is part of making Victoria the Education State and the Government's commitment to breaking the link between a student's background and their achievements. The annual CSEF amount per student is: $125 for primary school students Contact the school office to obtain n a CSEF application form or download from the CSEF website. Applications close 3 June 2016.

-continued overleaf

Phone: 9759-6222 Fax: 9759-6211 Email: karoo.ps@edumail.vic.gov.au Web: http://www.karoops.vic.edu.au

NO SCHOOL ASSEMBLY

next week due to public holiday

CAMP PAYMENTS Year 5 Camp 2nd instal/bal ($100) due 16/3/16

SOME PARENTS ARE DOING THE WRONG THING—ITS TIME TO STOP! We have had a series of complaints from frustrated parents of our school community and neighbours in surrounding streets regarding parking at pick up and drop off times.

For the sake of the safety of our students and as a courtesy to our community please respect the rules:

OBSERVE the 2min parking time limit where marked.

DO NOT park in or use the staff car park at any time during school hours (disabled car park is to be used by holders of a disabled sticker only).

DO NOT park across driveways under any circumstances.

USE school crossings when crossing the road.

Knox Council has been notified of these issues and more regular checks will be made by their officers. Fines will be issued by them for by-law infringements.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND SPORTS NEWS

Summer and Will at Region Swimming Competion Summer M and Will V had excellent results at the Division Swimming Competition, finishing 1st and second, respectively, in their events. They swam on Monday at the Region competition and again swam to the very best of their ability. We are very

proud of these two students who have represented the school, Rowville District and Eastern Metropolitan Region most capably. Karoo Cross Country – Rescheduled to Thursday 17th March Due to the hot weather expected on Friday, we have decided to postpone the Karoo Cross Country until Thursday March 17 th. The wellbeing and safety of the students, teachers and our parent volunteers is our first consideration. Hopefully the new date will be a much milder day weatherwise. If parents who have offered to help, could indicate on the slip with this newsletter if they

are still able to assist on the 17th, that would be appreciated. I will contact, via a group text, parents whose phone numbers I have asking them to indicate their availability on March 17th. Any parents who are now available due to the change of date, please return the assistance slip to the main office.

Hockey and Soccer Clinics During Week Five, Year 4 classes, 5W and 6M had Hook Into Hockey sessions, which focused on participation and the basic skills of hockey. A flyer went home with all the

students who attended the sessions, detailing the Hook Into Hockey program, which is similar to the Milo Cricket and AFL Auskick programs. I have made extra copies of the flyer for any students or parents interested in finding out more about this sporting program. The flyers are in the ‘Sport’ notice holder outside the main office. Over the past 2 weeks all classes (except for Prep) have attended Mini Roos soccer clinics during their PE session. Rob, from the local soccer club Knox United, has delivered these sessions with great enthusiasm. Many of our students are already well acquainted with Rob as members of the soccer club.

Little Athletics Achievements Chloe J and Sophie J are Little Athletics members at Knox, with the Rowville Lakes group. They had some significant achievements over the weekend. On Saturday Chloe achieved a gold medal for 400m and 600m distances, a silver for the 200m

sprint and a bronze for the 800m walk. Sophie achieved a silver medal for the 400m and bronze for the 1100m walk. On Sunday they both received a participation trophy in their age group, with Sophie also receiving a silver medal for 20 personal bests and Chloe a gold medal for 30 personal bests. It is great to see students striving to do their best with their outside sporting interests. Here is a photo of Sophie and Chloe with their stash of medals !

Sharon Lee - PE & Sports Co-Ordinator

CLASS AWARDS

Years 3—6 Week Ending—4th March, 2016

Level 3—Rosnita A, Lacey Q, Josh F—3B, Mitchell H, Addison K, Shayna B—3M, Maia R, Montana F & Liam T—3W, James, Stacey, Ethan & Emily—4D, Ryan K & Taya M—4M, Claire I, Ben W & Justin K—4V. Level 4—Angela H, Daniel J, Sisley H—5LM, Lucinda S, Dominique E, William A, Jack M, Lewis K & Baylee C—5T, Tiahna L, Lara J, Kris P & Nina P—5W, Jett R, Srofiyah M, Austin H & Daniel A & Jeremy L—6M. PE: 3M and 4V Music: 4D, 5T, 5W and 6F Indonesian: 3B

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Starting from next Tuesday 15th March, we will be selling icy

poles for $1:00 after school in the Courtyard.

The money will go towards the Year 6 Graduation. So please

help support the Year 6s in their final year of primary school.

Thank you! Lilian and Madison on behalf of Year 6 students.

PRINCIPAL’S COMMENTS continued …

Community Support The school community has been strongly supporting our efforts to raise funds for the school; we have received many contributions for the Easter Egg Raffle. Please continue to support your child/children’s House by making a small donation and also by buying raffle tickets. The students receive points for their House and the winning House will be rewarded. Come along and cheer on your child/children at the Twilight Sports on Wednesday 16th March—you may also be fortunate to win one of the Easter Raffle prizes drawn that night! Thanks to KPA, School Council and Class Reps for the thorough planning and preparation for the Twilight Sports, we are looking forward to this community fun event. More details to come.

Mr Alan Tudge We were delighted to welcome Mr Alan Tudge, the Federal government member for Aston to our whole school assembly on Monday. Mr Tudge helped our captains Aimee and Fletcher present the awards and spoke glowingly of the behaviour, attitude and learning of our students. We appreciate Mr Tudge taking the time to be part of our school community.

Irene Harding Principal

Neither Karoo Primary School nor the Department of Education endorses the product or services of any private advertiser. No responsibility is accepted by Karoo Primary School or Department of Education for accuracy of information contained in advertisements or claims made by them.

COMMUNITY NEWS

KNOX SCHOOLS EXPO 2016—Thursday 17th March at Knox Civic Centre, 511 Burwood Hwy, Wantirna Sth from 5:45-8:45pm. Annual information night for parents/guardians of Years 5&6 children changing to secondary school in 2017/18. Q&A panel session will discuss critical factors when selecting a school and strategies to assist students with transition. For more info contact Knox City Council Youth Services on 9298 8533 or email angela.thurbon@knox.vic.gov.au. Bookings not required.

International Competition and Assessment for Schools (ICAS)

Karoo is again providing the opportunity for students to sit the International Competitions and Assessments for Schools (ICAS). ICAS is organised by the University of New South Wales and allows students in Year 2 to 6 to gain a measure of their own achievement in an external testing situation. The subjects for assessment are Digital Technologies, Science, Writing, Spelling, English and Mathematics

Further details and permission notes are available from the office. If you wish for your child to participate in one or more of the assessments please note that payment and permission notes are

due next Tuesday 15th March.

Fiona Marker - ICAS Co-ordinator

CANTEEN NEWS …

EASTER SPECIAL LUNCH

Preps—Yr 2 : Tuesday 22nd March

Years 3-6: Wednesday 23rd March

Pre-orders now being taken (forms sent home today).

Order forms and correct money due back to the office

no later than Wednesday 16th March.

A note from Rhonda Luttrell Student Wellbeing Officer at Karoo Primary School

What a great start we had for our lunchtime program, “Friendship

Circles” which began on Thursday 18th February. We will continue to

meet during lunch time on Thursdays, listen for the announcement.

An invitation to school parents to attend a special morning tea on

Thursday 17th March 9am to 10am. I will host this morning, and

facilitate a workshop/discussion which will focus on the issues around

“Grief and Loss”. We will meet in the staff room where we can also

enjoy a cuppa and some yummy morning tea (featuring Easter buns).

Just a reminder: I work at the school Monday and Thursday

8.30am to 4pm. I invite parents to catch up with me in the staff

room each Thursday between 9 – 9.30am for a “cuppa and chat”.

Regards, Rhonda

Helping children deal with fears:

Many children have fears that surface at various times in their

lives. Some, such as fear of the dark are common in children at

certain ages. Sometimes fears are triggered by an event or an

unfortunate accident. For instance, if a child is bitten by a dog

when young, he or she may be afraid of all dogs. Well-

publicised tragedies, which feature on our news bulletin regular-

ly, may also increase a deep feeling of fear and anxiety. Helping

children cope with their fears requires time and exploring the

issues they are facing at this time.

Wednesday 16th March

Only one more week until the Twilight Sports Carnival!!

Everyone should have received an email from their Class Rep with more information about the night and asking for volunteers to help take the kids around the events. If you haven't received an email and you would like to be involved, please email the KPA at karooparentassociation@karoops.vic.edu.au.

As we mentioned last week, there will be food available for purchasing on the night. We are also giving you the option to pre-order your food. If you would like to pre-order, please complete the form at the bottom of the newsletter and return it to the office by Friday 11th March.

See you all next week! Janelle Toh - KPA President

Twilight Sports Carnival

2016 Karoo Primary School

Easter Raffle

Karoo Parent’s Association wish to invite the Karoo Community to support their ‘house’

and support their school.

Suitable donations: * Easter Chocolates * Easter Craft

* Easter decorations * Easter storybooks

* Baskets or gift boxes suitable for packaging

Donations can be made to your ‘house colour box’ in the courtyard before school or in the Year 5&6 Learning Common at lunch eating

time (1:30pm). Points will be awarded to each ‘house’. Donations will be received up until Wednesday March 16. All prizes will be drawn at

the Twilight Sports evening Wednesday March 16.

Thank you for your support.

KPA Second hand uniform sale— Wed 23rd March Donations wanted

KPA will be holding a second hand uniform sale on Wednesday 23rd March from 2.30-3.45pm. If you have any clean, unwanted uniform items that you are will-ing to donate for the sale, please deliver them to the office as soon as possible. All proceeds will be donated back to the school. Thanks for your support.

*50c from each lunch

order will be donated

to the Royal Childrens’

Hospital Good Friday

Appeal

LOST PROPERTY—ROOM 7

Open at the following times:

Before School: Mon & Wed 8:45-9am After School: Mon to Wed 3:30-3:45pm During School: Mon to Wed 1:30-1:40pm only (No Visitors during class time please!)

STUDENT BANKING

Student Banking day at Karoo is Monday.

Please ensure your deposit slip is completed & the money is secure in the folder. New folders & deposit books available if required.

UNIFORM

Klad Sport, 8 Macro Court, Rowville Ph: 9763 0266

Open:

Monday - Friday : 8:30am-4:30pm Saturday: 9:00am-1:00pm

Uniform List available from office.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...

TWILIGHT SPORTS — FOOD PRE-ORDER FORM

Parent Name: __________________________________________________ Contact Number: __________________________

Eldest student’s name: ________ _________________________________________________________ Grade: _____________

Completed forms and money due back to the office no later than Friday 11th March 2016.

ITEM COST QUANTITY SUBTOTAL

Sausage in Bread $2.00 each $

Soft drink/Juice/Water $1.00 each $

TNT $1.00 each $

Chuppa Chups 3 for $1.00 $

Family Meal Deal

5 x Sausage in bread

5 x Soft drink/juice/water

5 x TNT

5 x Chuppa Chups

$20.00 $

Total $

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...

KAROO CROSS COUNTRY—RESCHEDULED TO 17TH MARCH

Name : …………………………………………………………… Phone: …………………………………………….. Child’s name …………………………………………………… Class: ……………………………………………...

I am able to assist at one of the checkpoints around the course on Thursday 17th March (new date)