Friday October 20th, 2017

Setting our goals for Term 4.

Setting new learning goals for the remainder of the year will

be the focus as part of next weeks three-way conferences.

Parents and students are encouraged to meet with your

child’s teacher to discuss the progress of current learning

goals and set some focuses for the remainder of the year.

These conferences will only be brief (15 minute)

conversations and will be revising your child’s current

learning goals and formulating new goals for your child to

work towards achieving this term.

We are again using School Interviews as a way of

coordinating the booking process. If you follow the steps

and use the access details below you will be prompted to

make a reservation at a time of your choosing. Bookings

will open at 5pm on Wednesday 18th October. When an

interview is booked you will receive confirmation by return

email. If you are unable to find an appropriate time next

week, please feel free to organise a meeting in future

weeks.

Behaviour Policy Revision– Parent Feedback.

Bellbird Public School is committed to ensuring that we

provide an engaging, safe and respectful learning

environment for the kids in our care each day. As part of

this commitment, we are currently reviewing our behaviour/

discipline policy and are asking for feedback from staff,

students and parents about current practice and how we

could improve our systems in the future. Thanks to those

parents who have already completed the survey. There is

fantastic information being shared. Fill out the survey by

v i s i t ing https://www.surveymonkey.com/

r/36CM7MB .

Life skills program getting rave reviews

Week 1~Self regulation and respect

Students and teachers showed excitement about starting their Life Skills Group program. Students had the opportunity to share their thoughts on why learning mindfulness tools will be beneficial for our minds and bodies. They recognised it as, “relaxing, calming and helpful when you are stressed or worried”. Students learnt a new breath technique and became aware of where breath is felt in the body. The breathing exercises are designed to show students how the breath helps to regulate the body and that each of us has more control over our bodies than we think! Controlled breathing also calms the body and mind and decreases the anxiety that sends our amygdala into fight, flight, or freeze mode. Regular practise of the tools learnt in the Tools for Transition program helps to prime the brain to be more reflective and less reactive. Over time, this strengthens neural pathways and connections and mindful awareness moves from being a temporary state to a long-term trait.

Parents/Carers: Ask your child why it is important to have self-

regulation.

Family self-care tip : Give at least one compliment to your family

members daily.

Week 2~Communication and honesty

This week students were taught the importance of honest communication and mindful listening. Throughout the lesson, students had the opportunity to discuss and experience why honesty is important with their class and were prompted to ‘speak up’ and increase their contribution in a range of co-operative situations. Additionally, students practised mindful listening by listening very carefully to a specific sound. After, the class was able to share their experiences and discuss why listening mindfully is so important in our lives. Students also increased their awareness on how mindful listening can also expand academic, athletic and creative success. Throughout the game this week, students were prompted to increase their focus, concentration, coordination and communication.

Parents/Carers: Ask your child why it is important to be honest in

their communication, especially during times of transition.

Family self-care tip: Take a walk with your child and pay attention

to all the sounds around you. When you are walking try and label

each sound in your mind. For example, if you hear a bird, say to

yourself, “bird.”

How to book 1. Go to www.schoolinterviews.com.au

2. Enter the event code : zcx9r.

3. Select an available time that suits you.

Intensive swimming program kicks off next week.

Forty of our students will head to Cessnock Pool next week to

participate in our annual learn to swim program. The program

focuses on developing basic skills in the water to ensure all

kids have the necessary skills to stay safe in the water.

Students will leave school at 10.45am and return by 12.30pm.

Please ensure your child takes a packed lunch and does not

have a lunch order on these days. Please label all items

including socks and undies!

Year 6 Colour Run Fundraiser 27th October

To raise money for the Year 6 farewell we have decided to

hold a colour run fundraising event. Year 6 students will run

around an obstacle course with students K-5 stationed at

vantage points around the obstacle course armed with a bag

of coloured powder (made from corn-starch and food dye). As

the Year 6 students run past each vantage point, the K-5

students will throw the coloured powder onto the Year 6

students. Students will also have the opportunity to purchase

a hot dog and snow cone as part of this fun event. As P&C

are assisting with the coordination of this event, Orders must

be paid in cash, with money and forms due back on

Wednesday 25th October.

End of Year Party Days

Teachers are busy organising end of year party days for the

last week of term. These days are a great way to finish the

year, and celebrate the year’s achievements with their

classes. Notes for these will be out later in the term with full

details, however costs are detailed below to allow parents to

pay early to avoid adding any extra financial stress at the end

of the year. Payments can be made from now.

Sports News

Netballers make grand final.

Last Friday the girls’ netball team competed in the Netball

Primary School Cup. They played extremely well winning all

their rounds earning themselves a place in the senior girl’s’

grand final. Unfortunately, we didn’t take home the win but all

girls showed great sportsmanship and determination. This was

a great success with more than half of our team made up of

junior players. Well done girls! We will definitely be a force to

be reckoned with in future years.

Gymnastics program

Students in years 3-6 have been dipping, twirling, balancing,

crunching and jumping as part of our school gymnastics

program . The program is funded through the sporting schools

program and delivered by Sports in Schools who bring a large

range of equipment for the kids to develop strength and skills

in gymnastics, many of which are then transferable to other

sports and activities. Primary students have another two

weeks, before infants take over from weeks 5-8.

Stage 2 Party Day—Wednesday 13th December Ten Pin Bowling—$20 Stage 3 Party Day—Thursday 14th December Raw Challenge. $42 per child K-2 Party Day— Thursday 14th December PCYC Pizza Party—$20

Selective High School Applications

Selective High School Applications 2019. Selective high

schools cater for the specific needs of high achieving gifted

students who may otherwise be without sufficient classmates

at their own academic and social level. Selective schools

help gifted and talent students to learn by grouping them with

other gifted and talented students, teaching them in special-

ised ways and providing educational materials at the appro-

priate level. Parents apply when the student is in Year 5. The

students sit the test in March of Year 6.

To be considered for placement students must sit the Selec-

tive High School Placement Test. For information about ap-

plying and the placement process go to https://

education.nsw.gov.au/public-schools/selective-high-schools-

and-opportunity-classes/year-7.

Closing date for applications is 13 November 2017

Students of the Week KF

Jack M for always pushing himself to produce outstanding,

quality work.

Matthew E for being a kind, respectful and supportive class-

mate.

KH

Cassiel F for fantastic work in reading & writing.

Preston Z for excellent effort in spelling & grammar in his writ-

ing.

S1M

Willow P for improved fluency in reading.

Alexander P for improvement in reading.

S1PB

Lilly-May M for always being an active learner.

Zac T for a pleasing improvement in writing.

S1S

Molly C for being a great leader in S1S.

Levi R for improvements in all areas of school.

S2S

Zac G for a fantastic start to Term 4.

Joshua C for eagerness to do homework.

S23B

Isla T for always producing quality work.

Charlie C for outstanding effort towards achieving goals.

S3B

Cooper B for always trying his best.

Callum M for displaying a great attitude towards learning.

S3G

Jacob E for displaying maturity and positive self esteem.

James T for contributing thoughtful and relevant ideas to

class.

Principals Award Piper C for attempting new challenges and showing growth in

all areas.

Cessnock Scout Hall—Monday

6.00 to 7.00pm

Bellbird Community Hall—Tuesday & Thursday 6.00 to 7.00pm

CANTEEN ROSTER Commencing 23 October 2017

Monday Cherie C / Dianne D

Tuesday Lee M / Jaya B

Wednesday Chelsie I / Psy I

Thursday Katrina W / Cathy P / VACANT

Friday Cherie C / Rosezanne T / VACANT

Commencing 30 October 2017

Monday Kristi C / Nannette J

Tuesday Cherie C / Di D

Wednesday Chelsie I / Psy I

Thursday Di D / Kristy W / Leanne W

Friday Cherie C / Kristin B / Lesley P

Congratulations to the following students for receiving their Silver Award

S2S

Leteisha A Grace B Brodi B

Liam C Khadija C Jesse C

Joshua C Jaxson F Sophie F

Garry F Izzy-Rose F Mayrah-Claire F

Gabriel G Lilly H Kolbi H

Lillian I Chelsea L Charlotte L

Samuel M Johnny M Evie P

Janaya-Rae S Seth S Shanay S

Ruby T Caleb T Tamsyn W

S23B

Nathan A Aiden B Dakota B

Lachlan C Lincoln W

Assembly news

Last term, S2M created clap sticks for the Australia theme in

music. We analysed music lyrics to an Australian song and

created music using body percussion and instruments.

At assembly, this term we presented a song 'We will rock you'

by singing and keeping a beat using the clap sticks. A special

mention goes to our wonderful singers Charles K and William

D.

SRC news

During assembly students that were elected by their class-

rooms as Student Representative Council (SRC) received

their badges. Congratulations to the following students:

KH - Joden J, Isobel L

KF - Blake T, Izabella H

S1S - Levi R, Molly C

S1M - Draygan M, Natalia G

S1PB - Emmerson V, Lachyln R

S2S - Khadija C, John M

S2M - Taylah M, Sharna P

S2/3B - Stella H, Bailey B

S3B - Blake R, Alysa O

S3G - Logan W, Stephany S

FREE & fun program for fitter, healthier, happier

kids!

Are you worried about your child’s weight?

Go to www.go4fun.com.au to see if your child could do Go4Fun.

Go4Fun is a FREE 10 week program which runs over one school term after school hours. During the pro-gram children and their families get involved in fun games and activities and learn about delicious nutri-tious foods they can eat every day. Children need to be 7-13 years old and a parent or carer also needs to attend. Younger and/or older sib-lings are encouraged to attend. Go to www.go4fun.com.au or call 1800 780 900 to

Dates to Remember

Term 4, 2017

Week 3

Monday 23 to Thursday 26 October

Swimming Scheme - Cessnock Pool 11.15am

Wednesday 25 October

Kinder 2018 Orientation Session 2

2.00pm to 3.00pm

Friday 27 October

Year 6 Fundraiser - Colour Run

Week 4

Monday 30 October to Friday 3 November

Swimming Scheme - Cessnock Pool 11.15am

Monday 30 October

Early Stage 1 Assembly Item

Wednesday 1 November

Kinder 2018 Orientation Session 3

2.00pm to 3.00pm

Week 5

Wednesday 8 November

Kinder 2018 Orientation Session 4

2.00pm to 3.00pm

Week 6

Monday 13 November

Stage 1 Assembly Item

Tuesday 14 November

P&C Meeting 4.30pm to 6.30pm

Wednesday 15 November

Kinder 2018 Orientation Session 5

Teddy Bear’s Picnic

2.00pm to 3.00pm

Week 8

Monday 27 November

Stage 2 Assembly Item

Week 9

Monday 4 December

Special Assembly—Details to follow

Thursday 7 December

Carols—Details to follow

Week 10

Monday 11th December

Presentation Day

Notes Home

The following notes have been sent home this fortnight. If

you have not received them they are available on our web-

site for download.

Year 6 Fundraiser—Colour Run

Early Stage 1 & Stage 1 Party Day

Stage 3 PDHPE Permission Form

Parent Three Way Conferences

If you experience difficulties downloading the notes off the

website the office has copies available.

Scholastic Book Club—Issue 7 2017

Due: Friday 27 October

Please place completed order form with correct money in

an envelope in the letter box at the front office.

Sorry late orders will not be accepted!

Enquiries to Mrs Yeatman & Miss Smith.