1

TEE

WELCOME TO TERM 2

Strive to Achieve

WHO’S WHO AT A GLANCE Executive

Principal: Don HUDSON Secondary Deputy Roger

HORTON Primary Deputy Sally THOMPSON

Secondary Head Teachers: English/History/CAPA Faculty Vanessa SHULTZ; Maths/PE

Faculty Wayne HOLT; TAS/LOTE Faculty Christopher

GLADYS; Science/Social Science Faculty Michael STACE; Welfare Faculty

Deborah GILBERT. Primary Assistant Principals: Stan BACKHOUSE, Carol WILLS

School Admin. Manager Sue BACKHOUSE

Friends of the School Elizabeth (Betty) BRAMBLE, OAM; Jack IRELAND, OAM HOW TO CONTACT US

Mail: 8 Meade Street Bulahdelah 2423

Telephone 4997 4329 Admin Office

4997 4766 Canteen Fax 4997 4512

Email bulahdelah-c.school@det.nsw.edu.au

Web Site bulahdelah-c.schools.nsw.edu.au

PRIDE – teaching the

values of:

Participation

Respect

Innovation

Determination

Excellence

Bulahdelah Central School

Est. 1868

A PRIDE SCHOOL

Delivering Quality Education –

Teaching Today, Educating for Tomorrow

Term 2

02/05/11 Issue 6

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School/Staff Development Day All staff, including our support staff spent last Wednesday at learning activities either at Tea Gardens PS or Pacific Palms PS as part of their on-going professional learning. All the activities where aimed at improving student learning outcomes by providing targeted professional learning activities aligned to Departmental priorities. There will be a number of follow-up activities for staff throughout the term to consolidate aspects of the day and provide opportunities for continuous learning by all staff ANZAC Ceremony and Merit Assembly Last Friday the school held its first formal assembly for the year which included our ANZAC ceremony. I would like to thank all our official guests and parents who attended to make this event a special and significant occasion. Also congratulations to all our award recipients and especially Jake Hacene who was awarded 2010 Dux of Bulahdelah Central School. I will post a number of photographs from the event on our website during the coming week. Students and Sleep I have written previously about students’ getting enough sleep and how important it is for both their health and learning. Just recently ABC Science again highlighted more research on the topic; Sleeping neurons linked to mistakes, which has relevance for our students – your child and even us adults. I have provided the link below plus links to earlier topics also worth reading. http://www.abc.net.au/science/articles/2011/04/28/3201420.htm?site=science&topic =human

Lack of sleep ups mental illness risk, Science Online, 01 Sep 2010 http://www.abc.net.au/science/articles/2010/09/01/2999748.htm Seven hours the magic number for sleep, Science Online, 02 Aug 2010 http://www.abc.net.au/science/articles/2010/08/02/2970662.htm

Evaluation of Stage 6 (Years 11&12) We are currently in the planning phase of an evaluation of our senior school. The terms of reference haven’t quite been finalised but we will be calling on parents, students and staff to have an input either via survey, focus group or individual interview. Once we have finalised details I will put information in the newsletter and be calling on volunteers to participate. Whilst we will directly approach a random selection, all students, parents and staff will have the opportunity to have their say and provide the school with valuable data to plan for 2012 and beyond. Practice Makes Perfect – The value of study Everyone knows the old saying, “Practice makes perfect.” Practice may not always make perfect, but it is certain that without practice, little learning occurs. What might be surprising is how much practice or how many sessions do the students need before they can use any new knowledge effectively. Studies have shown that when students first begin practicing a skill their learning progresses very quickly and that students actually need at least 20 practice sessions before you can be reasonably sure they grasp a new skill enough to use it effectively on their own. Once we go past about 10 sessions the learning increments are smaller and generally get smaller to a stage where obviously the increase in skill level doesn’t warrant the time spent practicing. But the overall result is that practice always enhances learning and it is only after a great deal of practice cans a student perform a skill with speed and accuracy.

- Don Hudson, Principal.

FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S DESK

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Welcome back to Term 2. Our secondary ANZAC Day commemoration was held on Friday hosted by our school captain and supported by our secondary choir, music and organised by Mr. McKinley. At the assembly Jake Hacene was presented with the award of Dux for 2010 and Kimberley Gilbert and Alex Barry received the Premier’s Volunteer Award. The Bulahdelah ANZAC Day service was held on ANZAC Day and there was a good representation from Bulahdelah Central School students. Thanks to the parents and students who went to the trouble of supporting this important community event. Congratulations also to our school captains who led the students in the march and also contributed to the service. Also in the holidays I was delighted to read in the paper about two of our students who were successful: Jaxon Harris was recognised for his achievements in woodchopping and Amelia Follett gained a silver in Junior Australia Little Athletics. Congratulations to both these students. Tuesday we have our parent teacher evening for both parents and students in Years 7, 11 and 12. Students have been issued with a booking sheet and should be talking to parents about suitable times to see their teachers. This is an important opportunity for parents of senior students to talk about their progress with their teachers and it is the last opportunity for year 12 parents to have an organised formal meeting before the HSC. For Year 7 parents it is a chance to meet your student’s teachers and talk about how they have settled into secondary learning. In the next couple of weeks our students will be engaged in a variety of sporting and cultural activities at the Taree Eisteddfod as well as participating in the Zone Cross Country on Tuesday 3rd May. All the best to these students in their endeavours.

- Roger Horton, Secondary Deputy Principal.

Welcome back to Term 2 of the school year. I trust you all took the opportunity to relax and recharge the batteries for what is already shaping up to be a very busy term for both students and staff alike. Staff will be participating in a number of professional learning activities throughout the term. Just like students, the staff continue to learn and broaden their knowledge around curriculum and student welfare issues. This learning, in turn, supports the students in achieving the best possible learning and social outcomes. The students will also be engaged in a variety of educational, social and sporting activities throughout the term. It is important that the students embrace these learning opportunities and fulfill their responsibilities as learners……. listening in class, following teacher instructions and completing work to the best of their ability. I would again like to mention the enormous amount of work done by both students in and teachers of Stage 3, last term. The rich tasks, completed by the students, were very impressive and I was very fortunate to be on the judging panel. It was not an easy task but one which I enjoyed very much. Congratulations to the winners of the categories. Your presentations were wonderful examples of participation, innovation, determination and excellence! I am sure that all students will respond with equal enthusiasm to the rich task planned for this term on Egypt. I know that Mrs. Mac already has some exciting learning experiences planned. Have fun!!! If you have any concerns or queries about any aspect of your child’s education, please do not hesitate to contact the school. The office staff will be only too happy to arrange a meeting time with your child’s teacher. I look forward to working with students, parents and staff this term. Mrs. Murrell will be teaching 3M for the remainder of the year. Mrs. Murrell is a regular casual teacher in our school. I would like to welcome her to our staff and I look forward to working with her for the remainder of the year. Mrs. Murphy is on extended leave overseas. She will return at the beginning of 2012. Some dates for your diary: 2/5 Assembly (Captain induction), 5/5 Mother’s Day stall, 6/5 Zone X Country, 10th – 13th/5 NAPLAN testing for students in Yrs 3 and 5, Taree Eisteddfod. Sally Thompson, Primary Deputy Principal.

SECONDARY DEPUTY PRINCIPAL

PRIMARY DEPUTY PRINCIPAL

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P & C PROCEEDINGS

Congratulations to the winners of our Easter Guessing

Competition: First Stan Backhouse, second Kate Schiffman, third Ethan Cowan.

Mother’s Day Stall: Thursday 5th May. A selection of gifts to choose from: Mother’s Day gift card $0:50c; Mum Cap $6:00; Mum Drink Bottle with Cooler Bag $8:00; Mum’s Pen $1:50; Mum’s Shopping List $ 2:00; Fridge Photo Magnet Set (2) $5:00; Shopping Tote Bag $2:00;Mum’s Mouse Mat $3:00; Bubble Bath $3:00; Pink Cosmetic Bags (2) $6:00; Mum’s Mug $6:00; Grandmother Mug $6:00; Travel Mug $6:00. Thanks to the P & C members who purchased the gifts and those who will be at the school on Thursday to sell them.

Mother’s Day Guessing Competition: First prize is overnight accommodation in a waterfront villa at Myall Shores Eco Resort, including breakfast for 2, dinner for 2 and 2 hours kayak hire. Second prize: Luxurious charcoal gown and matching slippers (can be exchanged at any Sussan store), pamper pack and foot scrub. Third Prize: Handbag (can be exchanged at Watt's In Vogue Bulahdelah) Tickets $1 each. Will be drawn on Saturday 7 May at 12 noon. Please return tickets (sold & unsold) by Thursday 5 May. Winners will be notified.

The P&C members would like to say a BIG thank you to Myall Shores Eco Resort for

their donation of first prize. Also Watt’s In Vogue donated the very beautiful bag as the third prize so MANY thanks to them as well.

P & C members appreciate their generous support. The proceeds of our fundraising assist all of the children at Bulahdelah

Central School. Thank you to everyone who supports our fundraising efforts.

Remember our May monthly meeting is set down for next Monday, 9th May at

3:30pm in the Staff Common Room. All welcome

NAPLAN TESTING

National Assessment Program Literacy and Numeracy testing will take place on Tuesday 10, Wednesday 11 and Thursday 12 May. Every year, all students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 are assessed on the same days using national tests in reading, writing, language conventions (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and numeracy. The results help determine if students are reaching important educational outcomes. More information: www.nap.edu.au

WHOLE SCHOOL INFORMATION

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ANZAC COMMUNITY COMMEMORATION

Although ANZAC Day fell in the school holidays, many BCS students, accompanied by some staff, marched in the community parade and participated in the service which followed. Once again music teacher Wendy Parsons and community member Thora-Lou Smith led the school band. (The school held its own ceremony on Friday 29th April.)

DO YOU HAVE PRIDE: Participation, Respect, Innovation, Determination, Excellence

P Participation We promote participation and school spirit in an environment that

values the participation of students, staff and the wider community. Are you actively involved in the life of the school?

R

Respect We respect the rights of others, ourselves and the school in an

environment of harmony and personal responsibility. Do you respect yourself, respect others and take responsibility

for you own actions?

I

Innovation We initiate and continue to improve as individuals, teams and the school.

Can you find a better, smarter or more creative way?

D Determination We work towards quality, success and recognition in a persevering

manner. Do you keep on working towards your goals?

E

Excellence We do our best to achieve excellence.

Have you done your best?

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CANTEEN – we are a HEALTHY canteen

The BCS Canteen staff Sheryl Barry (Canteen Manager) and Stephanie Dennis (Assistant) continue to provide a healthy and varied selection of foods for our students and staff. They prepare healthy one-off specials each week. These specials are publicised each fortnight in the school newsletter, on the school web site and the daily notices. Students and staff are invited to order from this list in addition to the Menu/Price List. Specials this fortnight are: DAY May RECESS COST LUNCH COST MON 02 Chicken Goujons $ 3:00 Chicken Cabanara $ 4:00 TUES 03 Wedges S/C Chilli Sauce $ 3:00 Beef Stir Fry $ 4:00 WEDS 04 Noodles (Chicken or Beef) $ 2:50 Hot Roast Roll (G) $ 3:00 THURS 05 P.Pies/Sausage Rolls (each) $ 1:00 Cheese & Chicken Wraps T $ 3:50 FRI 06 Chicken Wedges $ 3:00 Curried Prawns & Rice $ 4:50 MON 09 Spring Rolls $ 2:50 Sweet & Sour Pork $ 4:00 TUES 10 T Mini Chicken Wraps $ 3:00 Savourt Mince & Mashed Pot. $ 4:00 WEDS 11 Banana Cake $ 2:00 Rissoles with (G) Rolls $ 2:50 THURS 12 Meatballs $ 3:00 Vol au Vents $ 3:50 FRI 13 Mini Salad Wrap $ 2:50 Hot Dogs $ 2:50

OPERATION ART WORKSHOPS

Selected students from Stages 1 to 3 were given the opportunity to attend a Visual Arts “Operation Art” Workshop for talented visual arts students at the Glasshouse Regional Art Gallery, Port Macquarie between 5th and 7th April. These workshops are offered by the NSW Department of Education as a way of highlighting the visual arts talents of K- Yr 10 students in NSW schools. They provide an opportunity for four selected, talented students from each Stage to attend the workshops which are taught by specialist art teachers using a variety of mediums and reinforcing the creative arts syllabus. Those students who participated were Zac & Kodi Perrott and Bridie & Finlay O’Connell and Miranda White-McDougall from Stage 1, Stage 2 students Dakota Bonney & Yileen Galimard and Matt Aldis, Djindi Galimard, Tara Price & Maddision Shannon (Stage 3).

EASTER HAT PARADE

As usual this annual event proved popular with students, staff and parents alike. Many wonderful creations paraded before us but the final results were: Kindergarten – Zane Pringle, Izac Hamilton-Tate, 1/2B Izaac Chisholm, Shannon Powick; 1/2W Jayden Wattling, Harry Plummer; Year 3 Holly Towers, Elly Rae Banks; Year 4 Brock Buchanan, Georgia Roberts; 5/6McD Mary-Joy Bramston, Tom Locke; 5/6Mel Jack Hutchinson, Rachel Rae. Thanks to everyone for their support.

PRIMARY POINTS

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STAGE 3 REWARD DAY

Wednesday 6th April saw Stage 3 students (Years 5 and 6) attending an excursion at the

Treetops Adventure Park, Minmi. This activity allowed students to be rewarded for a term of hard work and good behaviour. The

challenges encouraged

self confidence,

helping each other, pushing own limits, learning about the forest and bonding with classmates. The students all did really well and some of them pushed their limits as far as they could go!! Actually, so did the adults! A big thank you to Mrs Gooch and Mrs MacDonald who participated in the challenges as we could not have completed the courses without them. The excursion was a great success and I would recommend having a go, it was fantastic!!! (Even though I am feeling a little sore afterwards.)

- Mel Murphy, Class Teacher Photos: Above: Left Cherise White; Right Kensley Nassif; Right Bottom Mel Murphy, Sonia MacDonald, Leanne Gooch (the 3 Musketeers); Front page; Top Jessica Chalker, Bottom Kayden Malone.

PSSA TENNIS REPORT

The BCS primary tennis team was defeated by a stronger Forster team in Round 3 of the Hunter division of the competition. The team comprising Klayton Haynes, Kayden Malone, Tamara Gooch and Madison Shannon played some excellent tennis and were certainly not disgraced by their efforts. Their level of sportsmanship was commendable as was their on court behaviour. It was a privilege to be associated with the team. They did themselves and the school proud!!! I would like to congratulate the team on progressing as far as they did in the competition. It was a fantastic achievement by the whole team. I would like to thank the students on their efforts and the parents and community for their assistance throughout. We are very grateful for the support they have given the students and the school. Another fine example of participation, respect, determination and excellence. Well done guys!!!

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STAGE 1 MUSEUM DAY

In Term 1, Stage 1 were learning about the importance of family history and memories. On Wednesday 30th March we had a special Museum Day with our families. We showed our mums, dads and grandparents our special memory “Me Boxes”, our favourite clothing and shared our photos and classroom learning. Then we had a picnic lunch with our families, and played old fashion games after lunch.

- Penny Britton, Class Teacher

Photos: Top left – class group; bottom left Tindo Galimard & Kelly Hutchinson; bottom right Amber Cunningham, Khloe Middleton, Maddison Richards, top right Maddison Richards.

WALK SAFELY TO SCHOOL

On Friday 20 May, leave the car at home and walk, ride, bus or train the kids to school safely as part of Walk Safely to School Day. The day promotes fitness, road safety, public transport and the environment. For more information, a student writing competition and healthy breakfast ideas go to: www.walk.com.au

YEAR 7, 11 & 12 PARENT MEETING – TOMORROW, 03/05/11 Parents of students in Years 7, 11 & 12 are encouraged to attend a Parent Meeting tomorrow, 3rd May 2011 commencing at 4:30pm in the Middle School building. Booking sheets have been distributed to students and contact has been made with parents via email and telephone (Yrs 11 & 12). There will be a Sausage Sizzle early in the evening. We look forward to seeing you there.

CAINE PERFORMANCE

Students from Years 9 to 12 were able to attend a performance of the play “Caine” performed by the Zeal Theatre at Dungog on 5th April. This presented an opportunity to see live theatre at an affordable price. Zeal Theatre focuses on contemporary issues and characters and this was a highly acclaimed performance.

YEAR 9 MARINE STUDIES EXCURSION

After several postponements, the Year 9 Marine Studies excursion covering marine rock pool ecology, diversity and sand dune ecology took place on Monday 4th April, 2011.Marine ecology is an essential part of Marine Studies. This excursion looked at the rock pool habitat and

SECONDARY NEWS

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interrelationships between organisms. In addition, beach and sand dune ecosystems were studied at Jimmy’s Beach, Tea Gardens.

FIVE WAYS TO HELP YOUR CHILD MANAGE FACEBOOK.

1. Sign up for your own Facebook account, work out how to make a few friends and spend a couple of hours navigating your way around.

2. Find the privacy settings in the drop down menu by clicking on ‘Account’ in the top right hand corner on the page. Facebook organises privacy settings into ‘Everyone’, ‘Friends of friends’, ‘Friends only’ and ‘Customise’, which can restrict access to an individual or small group.

3. Search for your child online yourself. You may find that their profile information including their name, photo, and a list of names and photos of all their friends can be accessed by anyone with a computer.

4. Then, ask your child to show you how their privacy settings are configured and find out whether they understand them.

5. Also ask them to show you how to block someone, how to refuse a friend request from a stranger and how to un-tag themselves from other people's photos; that is, take their searchable name off an image.

INTERESTED IN PLAYING TENNIS? LIVE IN THE STROUD AREA? Students in Years 7 to 12 are invited to attend a meeting on Tuesday 3rd May at the Stroud Courts (4:30pm)to discuss how the Stroud District Tennis Club will organise the Intermediate (Mixed) Winter Competition. Please phone Caroline on 0407686446 if interested or just turn up.

ANNUAL MLC SPORTS DAY

The Myall Learning Community Sports Day was held on Tuesday 5th April, with students from our partner schools (Tea gardens PS, Booral PS, Coolongolook PS and Bungwahl PS) participating in sports such as Touch, Soccer, Continuous Cricket, Handball and Basketball.

SPORTING UPDATES

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SOCCER - U15 Girl’s The Soccer match against Tuncurry set down for 8th April was forfeited by Tuncurry,

meaning our team goes onto the next round this term.

SOCCER - Boys Last Friday our senior boy’s soccer team played Great Lakes College Forster-Tuncurry in

the second round of the Open Boys CHS Knockout. Mr. Sibert has been training the boys over ther last term and they even had a trial game against the Bulahdelah Bullets as part of their preparation. Unfortunately we were up against a very skilled and competent team from Forster and they ended up giving us a lesson in how to play soccer with some crisp passing, close ball skills and clinical approach. However our boys remained committed and competitive throughout the game and were rewarded with a goal in the final minutes from Brad Keaton to leave us defeated by 11 goals to 1. Congratulations to all the boys for their commitment and to Mr. Sibert for his time. Thanks also to Robert Grace for refereeing. – Roger Horton.

SCHOOL DISCOS – CHRISTCHURCH EARTHQUAKE APPEAL

Two school discos were organised by the Student Representative Council (SRC) for Thursday 31st March, both held in the school hall. They provided a chance for students to interact on a social level and have fun. The theme for these discos was All Black (black & white). Primary students attended their disco from 2.30pm until 4.30pm and, as part of their entry fee, they were given a sausage sandwich and a drink. Secondary students attended their disco from 5:00pm until 9:00pm. The canteen was open for both discos and the SRC wishes to thank all those staff members who volunteered their time so that these discos could be held. Without their assistance the discos would not happen. The amount of $2 from each student’s entry fee was donated to the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal. The total was $346. Well done everyone.

OFFICE HOURS – Please note CHANGE of closure times: Your school’s Administration Office is open Monday to Friday from 8:10am to 3:30pm. The exception is Thursday Week A – the office will close at 3:00pm to enable SASS to hold a monthly meeting. Dates for Term 2 are 26th May and 23rd June. Please mark these dates on your home calendar. NEXT NEWSLETTER: Monday 16th May, 2011 – Issue 7.

BCS distributes the Tall Timbers newsletter by email. If you are not receiving the newsletter, please make sure your email address is entered correctly at the school office and that your mailbox is cleared each Monday fortnight. Also, the newsletter is available on the school webpage. PLEASE NOTE: A small number of printed copies of the newsletter are available in the foyer of the school administration office for those parents who

require a printed version and for visitors to the school Newsletter distribution dates for Term 2 are: 16th & 30th May, 13th & 27th June. Please mark these dates on your home calendar and, if necessary, remind your student to collect your copy from the foyer.

SRC SCRIBBLINGS

HOUSEKEEPING

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Dates are correct at time of publication. Please do not hesitate to contact the School Administration Office if you have any queries.

WORDS OF WISDOM

“Advice is least heeded when most needed. “ English Proverb

BCS BILLBOARD

2011 May 04 Senior Girls Soccer 05 Yr 12 UNE Open Day (and 6th) Primary Mother’s Day stall 06 Please return all P & C Mother’s Day Guessing Competition tickets, sold or unsold 08 Mother’s Day 09 Taree Eisteddfod commences – drama and public speaking 09 P & C Meeting, 3:30pm, Staff Common Room 10 NAPLAN (also 11th & 12th) 12 Year 9 Australian Tax Office Seminar 16 Bike Challenge 2011 week commences 20 Walk Safely to School 24 Science in the Suburbs 26 PUBLIC EDUCATION DAY & National Sorry day – Office closed 3pm 31 Taree Eisteddfod Music (also 1st June) June 01 Great Aussie Bush Camp Yrs 3 & 4 –up to & including 03/06/11 02 Year 7 Injections 06 Life Education Van till 8th 23 Office closed 3pm 27 State Drama Camp to 30th July 01 Last day of term 2 04 NAIDOC Week commences

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HUNTER NEW ENGLAND NSW HEALTH Health Lifetime Habits for a Super Smile!

An exciting opportunity is being offered to all students at BCS. A dental examination at a Public Dental Clinic is available for your child. If you would like to have a check-up at the Public Dental Clinic this month please phone on 1300 651 625 or see your own family dental practice. Encourage your children to have good oral health: take advantage of this fantastic opportunity and remember to brush teeth twice a day, especially at night.

Your smile, your responsibility

BECOME A WEP HOST FAMILY

World Education Program (WEP) is inviting you to experience another culture in your own home by becoming a volunteer host family to one of our international students arriving in July 2011. Our students from Italy, France, Belgium, The Netherlands, Sweden, Finland, Norway, Japan, Brazil and Chile are looking forward to experiencing life in Australia, making new friends and becoming a member of an Australian family soon. Meet our Students! Alicia from Belgium: “I want to see what it is like living in

this country, learning customs, having a great relationship with a new family." Francesca from Italy has visited Africa on a volunteer program with her scout group. She has also helped to look after young children. Laura from Belgium enjoys drama, music and dance and coaches young gymnasts. Thais from Brazil likes watching TV, playing computers, listening to music, kayaking/canoeing, going to the movies, cooking and camping. She hopes to become a successful architect in the future. Find out more! Getting to know your student before him or her arrives brings fun and joy to everyone involved. Take the next step and contact WEP today to receive a full information pack for your family. - Nikki Medwell, Inbound Exchange Administrator Phone: 1300 884 733 Email:wep@wep.org.au Online: www.wep.org.au

It’s easier than you think and a fantastic experience for all!

BULAHDELAH EAT WELL PROGRAM! FREE lifestyle program!

If you have high cholesterol, high blood pressure, would like to reduce your weight or would just like to learn how to improve your health, then we would like to invite you to our Eat Well

Program! Learn how to: choose a healthy diet; read food labels; keep your heart health; manage your weight; choose healthy takeaways; make recipes healthier. Venue: Bulahdelah Community Health Centre. No doctor’s referral is necessary; however places are limited so bookings are essential. To book your place or for further information please contact Hannah Smoothy Community Dietitian on (02)

65385058. Program 1 Date Time

General Healthy Eating Eating for a Healthy Heart Weight Management

4th May 2011 10.00 am – 12 noon (2 hours)

Program 2 Date Time

Label Reading Recipe Modification Healthy Takeaway Options

11th May 2011 10.00 am – 11.30 am (1½ hours)

COMMUNITY CHATTER