In this week’s newsletter…….

* Athletics Carnival

* P & C News

*Principal’s Message

Upcoming events

20 June - Lower Clarence Eisteddfod

23rd June—Multicultural Public Speaking Final at Westlawn PS

23rd June– Award ceremonies both campuses

25th June—Disney On Ice Brisbane trip

Term Calendar - Click Here School Website - Click Here

Grafton Public School A Tradition of Excellence

Term 2 Week 9: Monday 20th June 2016

Locked Bag 9024 Grafton 2460 PHONE: Primary - 66421000 Infants - 66422286

Email: grafton-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au

Last week’s Athletics Carnival was postponed after the running events due to intermittent rain. The weather changed

regularly from rain to bright sunshine, but after the running events it was decided a postponement would be safer for

all concerned. The field events are gradually being completed during lunchtimes and sports sessions but once again

the weather is being unkind. Once all of the events are completed, we will be able to announce full results.

Athletics Carnival

Dear Parents and Carers,

The canteen lines extended back 10 to 15 students deep as they waited to purchase at last Friday’s Treats Day. It

was a case of “Food glorious food” with many returning to see if they could have a second time purchasing more

tasty morsels. There were slices, cupcakes, crackles, biscuits of all sizes and colours and many fancy and exotic

homemade items as well as a number of shop selected items. Thank you to all of you who sent along items for sale. I

know I enjoyed the gluten and egg free mini cupcakes as well as a slice or two. A big, “Thankyou” goes to Mrs Bec

Stanmore for co-ordinating this great culinary event.

Please note that our Canteen helpers and community members now have a regular canteen meeting on the last

Monday of each month. Thus, next Monday, 27th June between 9.30 and 10.45 am, we will be holding our Canteen

meeting which will discuss meal options, food groups and colours, health and safety issues etc. If you cannot attend

yet have an idea or a concern, please forward it to the school or to Bec at the canteen prior to the meeting.

One of our debating teams travelled to Woolgoolga Primary school last Friday to compete in their first round of

the Multi-Cultural Debating Competition. I extend my sincere thanks to Mrs Kate Goodall who mentored and

coached the team and drove them to and from the venue. Also, a special thank you to Stella Lydon for replacing

Hope Endean who was sick on the day and needed to be replaced at the eleventh hour.

Our senior and junior dance groups participated in the Mid North Coast Dance Festival last Thursday. This was a

high quality Festival – sold out – where schools from across our Educational cluster showcased their talent. There

were many impressive items with the high schools displaying to our students just where dance can take them to as a

form of study. Macksville, South Grafton and Jetty High all produced high quality routines which were very well

received. Our two items were also up there with the best on the night and a great tribute to the effort and

application of the students who participated. Again, without our tireless and dedicated staff this would not have

occurred. My thanks I extend to Mrs Tracy Avery our dance co-ordinator, Miss Amanda Crawford, our

choreographer and dance teacher, and Mrs Mel Hennessy and Mrs Stephanie Harrigan, our student support

personnel. Now, for those present, the team had a novel way of stretching and limbering up using the old “paper ,

scissors, rock” game as the base of this program. I wouldn’t recommend it for those who have tight tendons!

As stated in earlier newsletters, we receive Resource Allocation Money for a variety of reasons. This has been the

direct result of the state government supplying our school with funding using formulas that were identified in the

Gonski Report on education. Some of this money is for our socio economic disparities – families on very low incomes.

We have been identified as having approximately half our students coming from families in the lowest quartile of

income across Australia. We use this money to assist students to attend excursions, participate in band, choir and/

or dance programs, provide extra teacher support in the teaching of Literacy and Numeracy, and, where required,

assist with uniform requirements. It doesn’t go a long way yet it does bridge a gap – and we see our students

attending our school all wearing their uniform with no inference of socio-economic background nor discrimination

related to socio-economic background. It is great to see our students all in uniform with no clue as to who earns

what. This is a great leveller as all our students extend their respect to each other with no discrimination related

to clothing. This is a big task in today’s millennium -narcissistic based generation.

Another area of RAM relates to our Aboriginal assistance. It is indeed great to have Mr Greville Close working with

our students enriching their understanding of Bundjalung language and traditional and contemporary dance. Again,

this is a direct result of the funding we receive.

Last Friday we were able to send home the school photos you have been so patiently awaiting. I hope you were

pleased with the packages. I know many questioned the time delay however the company doing the work had a major

machinery breakdown requiring the purchasing and installation of new machinery, thus the extended time frame.

Next week Year 6 will be in the nation’s capital – Canberra and preparing for a day in the snow. I just hope the cold

fronts drop enough snow for them to enjoy this special moment in time. I know this will be one of those memorable

excursions and I hope all goes well for our students and escorting staff.

...cont

From the Principal

A huge thank you to everyone who attended the P & C meeting last Tuesday night. At this meeting we discussed:

· Mr Avery spoke about his role on the Clarence Valley Transport Committee. Results and data about increasing

and updating pedestrian and cycleways was very disappointing. The P&C Committee to draft letter of concern for

our school community to view.

· New Treasurers elected. We welcome Mel Hennessy and Rob Connell who will share this role.

· Canteen news – Treats Day last Friday and the introduction of a sub committee to discuss happenings in the

canteen.

· P & C is a great way to stay informed about what and why things are happening across the school and to have

your opinions and suggestions heard within a structured forum. Our next meeting will be Tuesday 9th of August at

7pm in the school library. Please come along and join us!

P & C News

Financial News

With the end of another term and the end of the financial year fast approaching, we would just like to remind families

that some still have annual school fees unpaid. The GPS school fees are very reasonable in price and are an important

part of our school budget. These fees go directly towards the cost of materials and resources used to enhance your

child’s learning experience. By paying these contributions you are supporting your child’s learning and helping our

school provide the best educational opportunities. Please pay your fees as soon as possible.

From next term, parents will be offered the chance to make payments for fees, excursions, sporting events etc

online. A link will be placed on our website and payments can be made from any mastercard or visa credit/

debit card. More details will feature in upcoming newsletters.

Today, we have 82 students travelling to the Lower Clarence Eisteddfod to perform in band and choir sections with

Mrs Leigh Robertson and Mr Tim Keogh. Following this, the students will entertain aged residents at Mareeba

Nursing Home. Good luck and well done!

Excursions – these are not a curriculum essential rather a curriculum enrichment and as such children have to

prove they are responsible, reliable and respectful by meeting our school STAR qualities and following the NSW

DEC Core Rules.

All students in NSW Government schools are expected to:

Attend every school day, unless they are legally excused, and be in class on time and prepared to learn.

Maintain a neat appearance, including adhering to the requirements of the school’s uniform or dress code policy.

Behave safely, considerately and responsibly, including when travelling to and from school.

Show respect at all times for teachers, other school staff and helpers, including following class rules, speaking

courteously and cooperating with instructions and learning activities.

Treat one another with dignity and respect.

Care for property belonging to themselves, the school and others.

For those who do not – they will not attend as staff have a duty of care and under WH & S we cannot send

students who may place others – students, staff and/or the general public at risk due to their inappropriate self-

regulation.

I wish you all a pleasant week, one where we find time to breathe deeply and relax.

Will Randall

Principal

From the Principal

Brief But Important

* Canberra Excursion : The Year 6 Canberra excursion starts on Sunday night. Students will travel to Canberra and

the Snowy Mountains visiting many interesting venues.

Students will bring home a final note this week with reminder information about the excursion. If parents have any

queries regarding the excursion they should contact Mr Bennett or the Year 6 teachers.

* School Banking – Due to high demand the mud splat hand ball is no longer available to be ordered. Options available

at this time are:

Wildlife Writer Set Term 1 2016

Outback Pat Bag Tag Term 2 2016

Galaxy Glider 2015

Outer Space Saver Money Box 2015

Intergalactic Rocket 2015

ET DVD 2015

2 new rewards will be released in term 3, your child is also welcome to wait for these items.

Backtrack Eraser Pen

Jump and Skip rope

Thank you from the School Banking Co-ordinators.

We are taking a busload of excited Disney fans to Brisbane this Saturday for the

latest Disney on Ice extravaganza. We have had a late withdrawal by a family, so

have 3 tickets available if anyone wishes to join us. Cost is $90 each which

includes the bus travel, show and morning tea. If you would like to join us, please

let Miss Karen know ASAP.

Disney on Ice Vacancies????

Canteen

Infants Roster

21/6/16 Help needed

22/6/16 Kelly James

23/6/16 Dannielle Chamberlain

24/6/16 Paula and Ingrid

27/6/16 Leah Walters

Primary Roster

21/6/16 Help needed

22/6/16 Help Needed

23/6/16 Help Needed

24/6/16 Rhonda Adamson

27/6/16 Kate Kratz

Volunteers are needed for several days, particularly Tuesdays at

Infants. If you can help, please let us know!

Our school photos were distributed to all students last Friday. We would appreciate any feedback parents and

carers would like to make. Please email feedback to our school email address as a company representative is

coming to visit us next week to hear our comments.

Group photos such as SRC, Prefects, Sporting House Captains, Library Monitors, Band, Choir etc are available for

viewing in the Primary Office. Should you wish to order one of these, order envelopes are available from the office and

orders must be paid for by the end of Week 2 next term, Friday 29th July. Orders can also be made online.

If you wish to purchase additional copies of class or individual photos, please check at the office as there is a special

school code you need to input when ordering these online.

School Photos

Bike Bus

Planning is well underway for Kindergarten 2017, with the Kinder Kritters Orientation program

commencing in early Term 3. If there are any little brothers and sisters, friends, or cousins who are

starting “big school” next year, please call in to get forms as soon as possible so that they can be a part

of this program. Please spread the word to friends and neighbours who may have pre-schoolers starting

with us next year.

Community Notices

Each week we will try to acknowledge the children who received awards at their grade assemblies in the previous

week. Congratulations to the following students who received awards last week:

Kinder: Rhys Austen, Caleb Shaw, Mannix Anderson, Stella Lauchlan, Kobie Morgan, Sienna-Jade Whatley, Fletcher

Purnell, Scarlet McGuren, Charlotte Evans, Romey Castle, Kloe-May Chellew, Miah Taylor

Year 1: Charlie Hamilton, Raymond Randall, Zayden Third, Charlie Gosper, Myles Adamson, Chase Chapman,Oliver

Hamilton, Cloe Highley Peacock, Tiffany Mills, Eligh Perry, Sophie Carter, Chloe Donohoe

Year 2: Isaac Collins, Willow Kirby, Lachlan Coles, Shayla Shelton, Lincoln Riepon, Mersaydie Morgan, Tyron Hickling-

McGrady, Cooper Stephenson, Zac Morrissey, Holly Swadling, Sebastien McLachlan

Year 3:

Year 4: Anicka Peters, Rugeerthana Kumaradasan, Travis Unitt, Hannah Watkins

Year 5: Tayla Morrissey, Nathaniel McKenna, Stella Lydon, Makayla Metcalfe, Elora Thompson, Khane O’Dwyer,

Harley Spiteri, Mack Brennan, Ashley Barnes, Levi Kirke

Year 6: Andrew Stanmore, Felicity Ellem, Laura Hennessy, Kisha Primorac, Isabelle Brennan, Noah Fahey, Breanna

Smith, Alysia Mclennan, Cody Riepon, Imahni Lenoy, Lachlan Linsket, Aillyn Brown

Support Unit:

Assembly Awards

Good Luck to Martina Williams who is away this week competing in the NSW PSSA State Hockey Championships as a

member of the North Coast Girls team. We are sure she will do well. Our own Miss Buckley is the coach/manager of

the North Coast team, so we know that the team is in good hands.

Sports News

Community Notices