Narrandera Public School Informer

Excellence, Opportunity, Success

Principal: Ms Susan Ruffles

Phone: (02) 6959 2144

Fax: (02) 6959 3274

Term 1, Week 2 Tuesday, February 5, 2013.

News from the Principal…… Welcome back to the 2013 school year. We are already getting a taste of busy days ahead for both children and staff! AFL clinics for all students yesterday and this Friday’s swimming carnival, for children turning 8 or older this year, make this a fun and busy week at school. I hope many of you can volunteer some time at the carnival on Friday – we do rely on parent and community help to ensure the success of these special events for the children. Thanks to the staff members who have volunteered their time to organise these activities. Next week NPS staff members hope to see all of you at either (or both!) of our parent/teacher meet and greet activities. On Tuesday, 12

th February, from 11:15 until 12 o’clock,

please join the children and staff for a picnic lunch (or morning tea for most adults). We ask that family members come along with their own lunch or morning tea and sit with the children and staff and have a chat. Children are welcome to take their visitors into their classroom from 11:30 to 11:55 a.m. In the evening staff will meet parents in the school library at 6 p.m. We will have a brief get-together to go over some main things about NPS and then people will be welcome to visit classrooms and meet staff until 7 p.m. Please do come along on Tuesday – we love to see you all at school. A special welcome to NPS is extended to our new Kindergarten children and their families as well as to older children and their families beginning at NPS this year. As children settle into NPS and hopefully get actively involved in all their learning and extra-curriculum activities we know they will thoroughly enjoy their time at our school. Another special welcome to NPS is extended to Mrs. Anne-Maree Moore (Assistant Principal for this year), Mr. David Tallon, Mr. Adam Barclay and to Mr. Nat Davis. They have joined our hard-working and dedicated teaching team and I know they look forward to working with your children. This year we have set up a new teaching and learning model across our school with a key focus on individual learning for students. Our class learning teams will rely very heavily on parents/caregivers working very closely with teachers so that we can optimise positive learning and well-being opportunities for our students. If you haven’t already been contacted, in the next couple of weeks you will be invited to meet with your child’s class learning support team to begin your child’s Personal Learning Plan (PLP) for 2013. During the holidays we have had new carpet laid in the Library and new lino laid outside the Year 6 classrooms. It takes time to put everything back in order in our well-resourced library so children’s lessons and borrowing won’t start until next week. Mrs. Absolom and Mrs. Roffe

are working very hard in the library and it’s looking great! Our year 4 class members are also enjoying a freshly painted classroom with new carpet and outside awnings too! Mrs Seymour has already been busy replanting some gardens and soon we shall see some new pots in the grounds. If you are able to volunteer to help IN ANY WAY at our school (in classrooms for reading, gardening, covering library books, at sport events etc) PLEASE let us know!!! The children LOVE to see you involved in their school. Staff members have already begun planning for lots of different lunch time and afternoon session activities. So far we have talked about choirs, dance groups, guitar, checkers/chess, making models, photography, softball teams, Aboriginal art and language, gardening and cooking groups. If you have any more ideas and if you, or others you know, can help PLEASE let me know ASAP! Our Learning Support Team this year --- KS – Mrs. Joanne Stamos (Assistant Principal K-3 classes); KL – Mr. Paul Lucas; Mrs. Jean Galluzzo (Aboriginal Education Officers – AEO) and Miss Billie-Jo Hickson (School Learning Support Officer – SLSO) supporting Kindergarten classes and Mrs. Julie Neville supporting Kindergarten classes and Reading Recovery for Year 1; Year 1 teachers Mrs. Kara Kroek and Mrs. Debbie Carroll supported by Mrs. Lyn Seymour (SLSO); Year 2 teachers Miss Maree Bonham and Mrs. Tammi Ryan with support from Billie-Jo; Year 3 teachers Mr. David Tallon and Miss Kira Hoogers supported by Mrs. Simone Ingram (SLSO); Year 4 teachers Mr. Adam Barclay and Mrs. Charmaine Heather supported by Lyn; Year 4/5 teachers Mrs. Anne-Maree Moore (Assistant Principal Years 4-6 classes) and Mr. Nat Davis supported by Miss Cindy Christian; Year 5 teachers Mrs. Kerryn Cassidy and Miss Bianca Dunne supported by Mr. Richard Gilbert (Relieving AEO); and Year 6 teachers Mrs. Janet Hugo and Mrs. Toni Kerr supported by Mr. Jayd Williams (SLSO). Mrs. Leanne Allen – School Administration Manager; Mrs. Noelene Hugo – School Administration Officer; Mrs. Brooke Absolom – Library Administration; and Mr. Glen Madden – General Assistant (relieving for Mr. Phillip Birch for Term 1).

Narrandera Public School Informer Tuesday, February 5

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Our thoughts and sincere sympathy are extended to Mr. Paul Lucas and his family on the sudden and sad loss of his dad, Mr. Ian Lucas. Ian was farewelled at an amazing celebration of his life held last week at the Grong Grong hall. A number of current NPS staff members and parents worked alongside Ian when he was teacher and Assistant Principal here at NPS and many of us have continued our professional and personal relationships with Ian since those days. He will always be fondly remembered as a wonderfully caring teacher and a giving person who touched thousands of people’s lives in many ways. We have lost a great and passionate teacher colleague, a proud dad, grandfather and Australian and a true friend. Our thoughts and best wishes are also extended to the Matong Public School community as they will miss Ian’s leadership and friendship as their Principal. I hope that throughout this new year of learning we can all live by some highly ‘prized’ values that Ian certainly lived his amazing life by. I look forward to working alongside you all putting the children’s needs first in our respectful, honest, caring and quality learning environment. At NPS children have access to excellence in teaching and learning, numerous activities and opportunities should they wish to involve themselves and success as individuals. We do hope that each and every one of you will join our vibrant learning team and get involved in our school activities and programs in support of all children’s learning and well-being. Have a great week. Susan Ruffles

Calendar of Events

Date Event/s

February 8 School Swimming Carnival

February 18 Fete Meeting – Library – 7pm

February 19 AECG Meeting

February 22 School Assembly – 10.30am

March 4 P & C AGM – 7pm

March 29 Good Friday

April 1 Easter Monday

April 12 Last Day Term 1

Narrandera Tennis Club - Junior Tennis Narrandera Tennis Club will resume its junior tennis program in first term for eight weeks starting Tuesday, February 5 and finishing the last Tuesday in March. Start time is 4.00pm for first group and 4.40pm for second group. $5 per child per session. Please contact Marcelle on 0478 097 985 for any enquiries.

This newsletter is produced with the support of the following local businesses:

SCHOOL DENTAL SERVICE The school dental clinic is available for all children aged

from 0 to 18 yrs of age. (teen vouchers welcome) We encourage all parents to make an appointment for

your child to have a full dental check.

Treatment at our clinic is FREE to all children who have a Medicare card.

To make an appointment please telephone our call centre on

1800 450 046

Appointments are available in Narrandera on Wednesday February 6th.

Just remember you only need to brush the teeth you want to keep!!!!

Girls’ Brigade Narrandera Girls’ Brigade has resumed its activities for 2013 on Mondays at 6pm in the Uniting Church Hall. Girls’ Brigade is a Christian-run program which addresses the spiritual, physical, social and educational needs of the girls in a fun way. Girls from Kindergarten age and above are welcome to participate. Girls’ Brigade meets each Monday night from 6pm to 8pm during term time. Any girl or parent who wants to know more about Brigade is welcome to come along and chat to the leaders and other girls. Any further information can be obtained from Anne Beckett on 6959 2207.

Principal: Susan Ruffles

Assistant Principal: Joanne Stamos Assistant Principal: Anne-Maree Moore Phone: 02 69592144 Fax: 02 69593274 Email Address: narrandera-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au School Website:

www.narrandera-p.schools.nsw.edu.au/sws/view/home.node

Canteen: 02 69591141 Dental Clinic: 1800 450 046 Narrandera Schools as Community Centre: 6959 3894/0410284145

Narrandera Public School Informer Tuesday, February 5

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Gymnastics

Activated Group is Australia's leading provider of pre-school & after school sporting programs with over 25,000

children per week participating in our programs.

Gymnastics is a great way to enhance your child's overall fitness, core strength, flexibility, spacial awareness and

balance, while having fun at the same time. Our programs are delivered by gymnastics specific

coaches who are insured and child protection screened.

We offer an exceptional range of equipment that meets international safety & quality standards:

- 8metre x 7metre foam floor area. - trampoline

- parallel bars - horizontal bar

- foam wedges - rings

- landing and crash mats

- balance beam

After a successful start to the gymnastics program in

Term 4 of last year, the after school program will re-commence Friday, 14th February, 2013 in the CRC

Hall, Narrandera. Program Information

Time: 5-8yr olds: 4pm, 9-12yr olds: 4.50pm

Duration: 8 weeks

Cost: $10 per session (We accept credit card,

direct deposit & paypal payments). * Please visit our website for more info at

www.activatedgroup.com.au/kids

* Call us on 1300 788 496 to make a booking.

Narrandera Schools as Community Centres Welcome,

The centre is back up and running after a freshen up

over the summer holidays. There are lots of exciting

programs and activities to be involved in this year.

Playgroup starts back in Week 2. This term we will be

trying a new start time of 9:30am, don’t worry if

you’re late you can arrive and leave as you please.

Playgroup sessions will be on Tuesdays and

Wednesdays from 9:30am to 11:30am for Term One.

There will continue to be no cost and a morning tea

will be provided for the children. Groups are open to

all members of the community who are in the care of a

child ages 0 – 5 years. This year we will be having

visits from professionals in early childhood education

and care, there will also be a special opportunity to

learn how to make a planter box, zumba classes will be

offered and there will be more as the year

progresses.

The playground is still only half way to completion.

Over the next few weeks we will see some raised

garden beds, bird feeders, a special garden and some

other exciting pieces being added. If you have any

materials (old pots, pavers, soil or anything), that you

think we might be able to use please come see me!

Breakfast club will run on Tuesday, Wednesday and

Thursday this term. All children are welcome to use

the breakfast club. For 50c they can have a hot Milo,

juice, toast or cereal. Fresh fruit and milkshakes will

also be available this year.

Please don’t hesitate to ask if there is something that

you are interested in seeing happen at the centre. We

are open from Monday to Thursday from 8:30am to

3:30 or you can call me on 69593894 or 0410284145.

Julie Axtill - Facilitator.

Narrandera Schools as Community Centre.

Class News – Year 3 Welcome to 2013, we hope that you have all had a restful and relaxing holiday and that you are ready to attack your learning this year. Parents please feel free to pop in and have a chat to one of the team members for Year 3 this year. It was good to see some parents do just that in the first week and we all hope that it continues. This term we will have a focus in HSIE on British Colonisation and that has begun this week. Furthermore the display board in the class is likely to change as we are starting with the Chinese New Year – Year of the Snake art activities and moving into other activities so please come in and see the amazing work that your child has done.

Narrandera Public School Informer Tuesday, February 5

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Last week saw a start to assessment tasks which will inform the teaching staff where we need to head to get the most out of the team learning situation and set up activities and strategies that will get the most out of the Year 3 students this year. It is important that your child is readily prepared for learning everyday. The supplies that they would need include a grey lead, sharpener, a red pen (for marking), coloured pencils, an eraser, pencil case, ruler, glue stick and textas (only sometimes will they use their textas). If everything is labelled there is less chance of the items getting lost. If there is anything else you need to know, or you would like to have a chat about, please contact us and we will be happy to meet with you or chat over the phone. Cheers

Miss Hoogers, Mr Tallon and Mrs Simone Ingram.

Class News – Year 5 Welcome back to school for 2013. Miss Dunn and Mrs Cassidy will be the full time teachers in Year 5 this year and Richard Gilbert will also be assisting. We have had a great start to the year and the children are very settled. We look forward to meeting all the parents and working together as a team to benefit your child’s learning and well being. We will provide more information about the equipment that is needed and about some of the activities that the children will be involved in.

Miss Dunn and Mrs Cassidy - Year 5 teachers.

Narrandera Public School Informer Tuesday, February 5

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Narrandera Public School Canteen Menu

Please write your name and class clearly on lunch bags.

Recess

Snacks

Popcorn (G) .20

Jelly cups (A) 1.00

Rice Crackers (A) .10

Chips / JJ’s (R) 1.20

Mousse (R) 1.60

Muffins (A) 1.00

Fresh Fruit Salad (G) 1.00

Rice Cakes (A) .30

*Due to circumstances beyond our control, some items may

not be available. On days when help is limited the menu will

be also limited that day.

Drinks Bottled Water (G) 1.30 Summertime Juice (A) 1.50 Fruit Box (G) 1.50 Flavoured Milk (G) 2.30 Slushy (A) 1.00 Ice Blocks Life Saver (A) 2.00 Zooper Doopers (A) .50 Frozen Yogurt (G) 2.00 Billabong (A) 1.30 Fruit Bomb (A) .30 Icy Pole (A) 1.00 Sour Ice Blocks (A) .50

SMART CHOICES

WHAT THE COLOUR CODING MEANS

Green - These foods should be encouraged and are the best choices for a healthy diet. Amber - These foods should be selected carefully and chosen only occasionally. Red - These foods are higher in fat & or sugar and should be limited to only very occasional choices.

OCCASSIONAL DAILY SPECIALS

WEDNESDAY

Garlic Bread .30c

THURSDAY

Quiche $1.50

FRIDAY

Pizza Slices .80c

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Extra sandwich

toppings or Toasted

$0.30

Lunch Orders

All made fresh in our canteen every day !

**FRESH IS BEST**

Hot food Chicken Burger (G) 4.00

Grilled Chicken Breast (G) 5.00

Chicken Wrap (G) 4.00

Hot dog (A) 3.50

Pizza (G) 2.80

Pie – Large (A) 3.00

Pie – Small (A) 2.00

Sausage Rolls (A) 2.60

Nugget (A) 3.50

Nachos (A) 3.50

Noodles (A) 1.50

Hamburger (A) 4.50

Sandwiches/Wraps/Rolls Sandwich Wrap/roll

Vegemite (G) 1.50 1.80

Cheese (G) 1.50 1.80

Egg (G) 1.50 1.80

Chicken (G) 2.60 2.90

Ham (G) 2.60 2.90

Salad (G) 2.30 2.60

Ham Salad (G) 3.50 3.80

Chicken Salad (G) 3.70 4.00

Salad Dish (G) 3.00

Salad Dish & Meat (G) 4.00

Helpers are always needed. Please phone our Canteen Supervisor

on 69591141.

Sauce Sachets .30c

We hope you enjoy our Summer Menu.

If you have any questions or

suggestions for our canteen, or would

like to volunteer (even for an hour),

please contact me at the canteen.

The Canteen opens at 8:45am and

operates Wednesday to Friday. Lunch

Orders should be placed between

8:45am and 9:30am. (Bags are

available at the counter)

Recess Orders are taken then also.

The Canteen operates to provide a

service to our children and is

constantly striving towards providing

healthy balanced meals and snacks.

We are a healthy canteen, as required

by the Government.

All salads come with

lettuce, beetroot tomato, carrot

& mayo