NewsletterMount Keira Name SchoolDemonstration Name School Established 1861 “Learning and Caring”
255 Mount Keira Road MOUNT KEIRA NSW 2500 Ph 02 4229 1446 E [email protected] Website www.mtkeira-p.schools.nsw.edu.au
IssueThe 1 - TermSummit 1 - Week Term 1 2 Week 6 Tuesday 5 June 2018 Tuesday, 5 June 2018
Term 1 Week 6
Friday 8 June P and C Charity Breakfast Term 2 Week 7
Monday 11 June Queen’s Birthday Public Holiday 12-15 June Years 5 and 6 Berry Sport and Recreation Camp Term 2 Week 8
Wednesday 20 June ICAS Spelling Wednesday 20 June Waratah Excursion to Adams Family performance at TIGS Thursday 21 June ICAS Writing Other important dates for 2018
Monday 25 June Monday Munchies Kebabs Monday 2 July School Athletics Carnival at Beaton Park Thursday 5 July Showcase Assembly 2pm Friday 6 July Student reports to be sent home and last day of Term 2 Monday 23 July Staff Development Day Tuesday 24 July Students return to school Dear Parents
Class of the Week
Over the past few weeks Lilli Pilli has been investigating the properties of materials and what happens when they are changed. One of these materials was spaghetti, and its differences before and after being cooked. As an extension of this, we completed a STEM challenge to build the tallest tower we could using uncooked spaghetti and marshmallows. The students thoroughly enjoyed putting their critical thinking and creativity to the test to work out the best way to construct their towers.
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Term 2 Week 6 5 June 2018
Reconciliation Morning Tea
On Thursday 24 May, I accompanied six wonderful students to the Northern Illawarra AECG Reconciliation Morning tea at the Novotel Wollongong. We had a great time meeting with members of the Aboriginal Community as well as meeting children from other schools. The event was a great opportunity to hear speakers from the Aboriginal community and watch outstanding performances from a variety of local high schools.
Reconciliation Walk
Wow what a wonderful experience it was for all students to be involved in! On Friday students from Mount Keira participated in the annual Reconciliation Walk at Bellambi Public School. Staff and students braved the cold weather to walk in unity to acknowledge Reconciliation Week. The students reflected on this year’s theme ‘Don’t keep history a mystery’ and shared the journey of reconciliation with over 2000 local community members. It was amazing for all involved to appreciate the ‘sea of colour’ walking together to recognise such an important event and time in our Nation’s history.
Small School Soccer
A very big congratulations to our Small Schools’ Soccer team who played so well against Otford Public School on Friday. Both teams fought hard for the win however, Mt Keira was just too good on the day taking the win 2-1. A special thanks to Mr Harvey and Mr Lucas for volunteering their time to coach our team. We look forward to our next match in the Small Schools’ Soccer Tournament.
Year 6 Grip Leadership Day
On Friday 25 May our Year 6 students attended the Grip Leadership Conference at the University of Wollongong with students from other schools across the region. The students listened to motivational speakers and participated in role plays and games which will assist them to develop lifelong leadership skills. Once again it was an inspiring day for our leaders.
A report from Ella On the 25 May, the Year 6 students went to a GRIP leadership conference at the UOW. It was a great opportunity and we learnt so much including: “leaders are transformers”, “lead like a strawberry NOT a watermelon” and plenty more. It was a great experience and was it very enjoyable. I would definitely recommend it to next year’s Year 6.
Simultaneous Read and the Biggest Morning Tea
It was wonderful to see so many parents and grandparents on the day. Thank you to all the staff, students, parents and grandparents who supported these two events by either listening to their child or another child read or sending some cakes along for the morning tea. Your support is much appreciated. The Mount Keira community once again exceeded all of our expectations and raised $609.30 towards the Cancer Council. Well Done Everyone!
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Term 2 Week 6 5 June 2018
Incursion for Stage 2
On Wednesday 30 May, our Stage 2 students took part in the Ranger Jamie incursion. They learnt all about ‘Forces’ and the way in which they interact with each other. Students worked in teams to build and design their own billycart which was an experience many children had never been exposed to before. Some of the comments from students were: ‘Best day ever! We got to ride a billy cart,’ ‘It was so fun. We learnt all about friction and how billycarts work!’
A day and educational opportunity many children will remember for years to come.
Reports
Teachers have been very busy writing the Semester 1 reports and it is wonderful to read about all the learning that is happening. Semester 1 reports will go home on Friday, 6 July. Reports are a point in time report and these report comments reflect the learning and achievement of students only during Term 1 and 2 2018.
Student learning is scaled using the following descriptors– Outstanding, High, Sound, Basic and Limited. If a child has achieved the outcomes expected for their stage of development, they will receive a Sound scale. Sound is the standard expectation and reflects the student’s knowledge and understanding of the content taught. For example- If a child gets 20/20 in their grade/years spelling every week they are a Sound- they are showing their learning of what is taught. It is expected that all students will achieve this outcome. An explanation of all descriptors appears on the front page of your child’s report.
Please sit with your child and discuss their report. Celebrate your child’s success and set goals for Semester 2.
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Term 2 Week 6 5 June 2018
Stage 3 Berry Camp
Our Year 5 and 6 students will be attending a four day, three night excursion to Berry Sports and Recreation Centre from 12-15 June. This will be a wonderful experience where the students will be involved in a number of ultimate learning challenges that will take the curriculum out of the classroom. Students and staff attending are looking forward to this exciting educational event. It is sure to be an action packed four days.
Please ensure payments, which were due last week, are finalised by Wednesday or discuss the matter with Mrs Carroll if you have not already done so. A notification was sent home yesterday via Skoolbag confirming final details.
Waratah Excursion to “The Adams Family” Performance
Our Waratah Class have been invited by The Illawarra Grammar School to attend a matinee preview of the upcoming performance of The Adams Family on Wednesday 20 June. There will be no cost for the excursion as TIGS have also offered transport using their buses. A notification will be sent via Skoolbag this week please ensure you submit it by 8 June 2018. This should be a wonderful performance and we wish to thank TIGS for this generous offer.
Premiers Debating Competition
On Monday 25 June, our schools debating team will be participating in the annual Premiers Debating Challenge. Our team will set off ‘bright and early’ for a full day of debates at Nareena Hills Public School. We wish them all the best for a successful and enjoyable day.
Spelling Bee
This year I have registered Mount Keira to participate in the Premiers Spelling Bee. This competition is for students in Year 3-6 however, Year 2 students may participate if they wish to compete in the age group above.
Word list for students to practice are currently available at https://www.artsunit.nsw.edu.au/2018- premiers-spelling-bee
Due to the competition guidelines, I am unable to publish the password to access these words however if you are wanting to see the words online, students may ask their classroom teacher or myself for this password. For more information and/or competition rules please click on the link above for full details. Mount Keira will hold their school spelling bee early Term 3.
Premiers Reading Challenge
The NSW Premier's Reading Challenge is well underway for 2018. The Challenge aims to encourage a love of reading for leisure and pleasure in students, and to enable them to experience quality literature. It is not a competition but a challenge to each student to read, to read more and to read more widely. New and exciting books are continuing to be added.
Reading with your child is a great way to spend some quality time together.
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Term 2 Week 6 5 June 2018
The challenge runs until 31 August, so there is plenty of time to get reading and ensure you log on to the website https://online.det.nsw.edu.au/prc/logon.html to register the books your child has read at home.
ICAS postponed
Due to the Stage 3 Camp and a number of students being absent on the scheduled day, I have needed to reschedule the ICAS Spelling and Writing assessments. These assessments will now take place on the Wednesday and Thursday of week 8. Thanks for your flexibility.
Head Lice
Head Lice are again presenting a problem here at school. Please ensure you check your child’s hair at least once a week. If there are eggs or live lice the hair must be treated with solutions that are available from the chemist. Once treated the hair must be combed with a fine tooth comb and all eggs removed. Leaving just one egg can result in head lice infestation again. Please ensure that hair is tied back. A good spray with hairspray or thick coating of conditioner before your child comes to school will prevent live lice being able to lay eggs on the hair strands. This puts a barrier on the hair and the eggs cannot stick. Once a week, take a peek.
History Room
Our History Room was established in 2011 to celebrate the school’s history. It is currently in need of a few hours TLC to give our display items a good dust, readjust our pictures and make sure our historic items are kept in good order. If you have any time to spare to help us to give it a facelift please see Mrs Christlo. Any time you could give would be much appreciated and it is a nice warm inside activity on a cold winter’s day.
School Safety
Please remember that if you ever hear noise or notice unwanted visitors to our school please contact school security on 1300 88 00 21. This kind of behaviour is disappointing and comes at a large cost to the school.
Put on those winter woolleys, rug up and have a great fortnight. The next newsletter will be in Week 8. Until then.....
Keep smiling Mrs Carroll
Principal
What’s Due?
Term 2 Invoices
As per the Skoolbag notification Term 2 invoices were sent home with students last Tuesday. If you did not find one in your eldest child’s bag please see Mrs Christlo as a matter of urgency. Payments are due by Tuesday 19 June 2018. Should any family have difficulty meeting the payment by that time Page | 5
Term 2 Week 6 5 June 2018
please contact Mrs Carroll as a matter of urgency to discuss a repayment plan. Student assistance may also be available. Please see Mrs Christlo if you are unsure what any item on the account represents. There was a printing error with the Coding for the term it states Term 1 but it is for the usual 5 week program the students participate in each term. The Whole School sport this term is an athletics program run by Chodat Fitness.
Our preferred payment method is online via our “Make a Payment” tab on the Homepage of the website. Please note there is no need to list individual payments just the full amount of the invoice under one student’s name is fine and we will split the payment between all the children.
Activity/ Note Students Involved Due Date Final Camp payment $275 (invoice sent home earlier in Years 5 and 6 Overdue the term) Adam’s Family performance excursion (Skoolbag will be Waratah (Yr 3 & 4) 8 June sent home this week) Scholastic Book Club (sent home last week) Interested students Friday 15 June Term 2 Invoices (sent home last Tuesday) All families 19 June
P and C News
Wollongong Homeless Hub fundraiser breakfast: Friday 8th June 8.15 to 9.15am @ MKDS. 7 volunteers needed Literacy fundraiser Book Stall: Friday 8th June 8.15 to 9.15am @ MKDS in stage 3 classroom.
Literacy fundraiser Book Stall
Please remember to donate your unwanted children’s and adult’s books to our book stall. Books can be taken to the Stage 3 classroom. Books can be purchased from the Stage 3 classroom on Friday morning during the breakfast. All books will be 50c or $1 and sets will be priced individually. Thank you to the families who have already donated books – if you have donated books please pick up a voucher from the office for 5 free books from the stall.
Homeless Hub Breakfast
On 8 June we will be raising funds for Wollongong Homeless Hub during their Wrap Up Homelessness Day. Wear your beanies and scarves and enjoy breakfast with the children.
Breakfast will be: Fruit/Yoghurt cups $2 Choc/Strawberry Milk $1.50 Cereal $1.50 Water $1.50 Sausage Sandwiches $2 Apple/Orange Juice $1.50 Bacon & Egg Sandwich $3 Muffins $2
An order form will go home with the children today. You must return your order and cash payment by Thursday at 3.15pm. There will be a limited amount of food available on the morning if you forget to order but we cannot guarantee what will be available so please preorder if you can. If you forget to
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Term 2 Week 6 5 June 2018
bring money on Friday morning parents may give the P and C an IOU but they must be paid by Monday afternoon with either cash to the office or a deposit direct to the P and C BSB 062644 Acc 000900820.
The Homeless Hub are also in need of the following items: Tin tuna Tin soup Pasta and pasta sauce UHT milk and juice Noodle Cups Instant rice pouches Baked beans and spaghetti Crackers Breakfast biscuits and cereal Blankets Jackets Hats and scarves
Donations can be taken to the breakfast or left at the office beforehand. They will be taken to the Homeless Hub straight after the breakfast. We are looking for: • 3 parents to assist with set up or shopping on Thursday • 2 volunteers on the BBQ from 7.30am, 3 to serve and 2 to pack up.
Please contact Kerry on WhatsApp or 0421 480441 if you can assist.
News and Reminders
Thank you Natalie D and Lili for mulching two of the garden areas this week. We have one more garden to mulch. If you are available during school hours to put mulch on the bottom picnic table area please see Mrs Christlo in the office or Lili.
The children have been planting tree seeds in the back garden (between the toilet block and the Stage 3 classroom). They would love to show you all their hard work so take some time before school to pop down and see the nursery.
The school is running short of soccer balls, basketballs, tennis balls etc. They have just ordered a lovely assortment of balls with the points from our Coles Sports for Schools program but in the meantime if you have any balls you wish to donate to the school they would be greatly appreciated. They can be dropped at the office.
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Term 2 Week 6 5 June 2018
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Term 2 Week 6 5 June 2018
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