N E W S L E T T E R D A T E

Gundaroo Public School

Week 6, Term 3, 2017

Dear Parents,

What a wonderfully busy and exciting week we have just had.

As predicted, Gundaroo wowed the audience at the Canberra Theatre with the perfect mix of story, song and humour in our performance of ‘Ali Baba’. A huge pat on the back to each and every student who did such an excellent job, and of course, to Mrs Greenhalgh and Mrs Harris pulling it together in just a few weeks! I am sure that we have set a record not only for the most stage-time, but also the shortest lead-up time!

Students’ investigative and inquiry skills were challenged on Friday, with a visit by the CSIRO and Senator Arthur Sinodinos. I’m not quite sure which held more interest for the students - the current political situation or the toothpick experiment! Nonetheless, students had a great time posing questions and hypotheses, and hearing from a range of scientists all across the world in the webinar.

Our K-2 students had a brilliant time visiting the Queanbeyan Library yesterday as part of Book Week celebrations, before heading on to the National Museum for the Lego Towers of Tomorrow exhibition.

Today’s Open Morning highlighted all of the wonderful things we do here at Gundaroo, gave us an opportunity to show off our beautiful students as well as emphasised the relaxed country feel that makes our school so special. If you know of anyone who is looking to enrol next year but missed the Open Day, please encourage them to get in touch so we can forward them the relevant information for our upcoming Orientation Days. We would hate for them to miss out!

Don’t forget, tomorrow is our Book Week parade. Children are encouraged to come in the theme of ‘Escape to Everywhere’ by dressing for where they would like to escape to. Favourite book characters are also an option!

We really are lucky to have all of these wonderful opportunities on our doorstep, yet still be able to escape to the peace and calm of our little country school. We have a relatively quiet few weeks coming up, with just a few events between now and when our Intensive Swimming starts. Make sure you keep an eye on the school calendar attached to the newsletter so you don’t miss anything!

On another note, we are busily updating our School website with lots of information and photos, as well as posting any notes that are due to be returned. Much of it is still a work in progress, but we are getting there! The newsletter is also posted on the school website each week, so be sure to take a look.

Have a great week,

Nigel Trethowan.

02 62368115 gundaroo-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au www.gundaroo-p.schools.nsw.edu.au

Kai for doing a

great job of

looking after new

students

**Every Thursday**

Tin Shed Bread

Lunch

$5

22.8.17

Bush Fire

Preparation

7:30pm

5/6 Classroom

22-25.8.17

Book Fair

in the Library

ALL WEEK!

23.8.17

Book Week Dress

Up - Escape to

Everywhere!

25.8.17

Whole School

Assembly (K)

2:20pm

Shout Outs!

Kathleen for a

great effort at

Band

William for caring

for others in the

playground

Matilda for trying

her hardest in

Jump Rope for

Heart

Tin shed bread lunch!

Braised lamb, pumpkin and barley (dairy

and gluten free)

$5

There is an EFT option this term; parents may

pay for their child for the term ($50), or still pay

cash on the day ($5).

For any parents with outstanding payments

from Term 2, they may also use the following

bank account details to pay anything in

arrears:

Commonwealth Bank of Australia

Tin Shed Bread/Maribeth Cole

BSB: 063 097 ACC: 11289934

REF: Child’s name.

Enrolling in 2018?

If you know of anyone who is looking to enrol

their child/ren at Gundaroo in 2018, ask them

to get in touch.

We will be holding our Orientation Sessions on

the first three Thursdays of Term 4, from 9am -

11am (12th, 19th and 26th of October).

All children new to Gundaroo, not just those in

Kindergarten, are welcome to attend to get to

know the students and teachers before they

begin next year.

Last week, students in Years 3-6 were treated to an afternoon of scientific inquiry with CSIRO STEM Professionals Vicky and Mary, as well as a one-hour webinar (which can be viewed here: https://vimeo.com/230383748/96b3bd367e) exploring big questions and coming up with big ideas to solve some of life’s big problems. We were also lucky to host Senator Arthur Sinodinos, the Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science. Students had great time asking Senator Sinodinos a range of questions (some not necessarily science related) and sharing with him their scientific knowledge.

Talking Tickets

“Let your smile change the world.”

Swimming Notes for Intensive Swimming Lessons

have gone home. Swimming Lessons will take place each

day in the final two weeks of term, from the 11th-22nd September.

The cost is $70 per child for 10 lessons. The cost of transport for the lessons has been covered by the P&C and Sporting

Schools grant.

BIRTHDAYS!

Lily - 28th August

We had a wonderful start to Book Week with a visit to the Queanbeyan Library by K-2. Ms Sebbens had escaped by train to Everywhere and read the children some of her favourite books. The Book Fair is now on! Anytime the sign is out feel free to come and browse and/or buy. Books with a pink sticker are ones we don’t have in our library yet. The fair will run all week. TOMORROW is dress up day in the Library. Come dressed as you would be if you had escaped to your favourite place. The Children’s Book Council Awards have been announced with some surprises as usual. The children are keen to finally be able to borrow our selection of shortlisted books so look out for those gold and silver stickers. Happy Reading! Mrs Harris

Pack Crunch & Sip Every Day!

As a group, fruit and vegetables are rich in vitamins and minerals. They provide other nutrients important for growth and

development, such as dietary fibre, needed to avoid constipation.

All the info:

WHEN: Saturday 9th September

WHERE: Gundaroo Soldier’s Memorial Hall

TIME: 6:30pm for a prompt 7pm start

WHAT TO WEAR: Come dressed to theme – The Cruise

…or not, if it’s not your thing

WHAT TO BRING: drinks, supper, coins for fines and games

WHAT HAPPENS: a fun night with some great prizes on offer

and other great items to purchase

in support of the school

BOOKINGS: $15 p.p. thru the school office

Tables of eight – bring your brains trust, or join

an open table and meet some great people

Ph. 6236 8115

GUNDAROO PUBLIC SCHOOL P&C

QUIZ NIGHT

Can’t make the night, but would love to make a donation

towards new computers for the students?

Call the school to make a pledge – Ph. 6236 8115

Gundaroo Public School Term 3 Calendar

WEEK MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN

Jul

1

17

Staff Development

Day

18

Term 3 begins. P&C Meeting

7pm.

19

20 21

‘Mr Stink’ Years 3-6

$20

22 23

Jul

2

24 25

26

Camp Berry Years 5-6

($270)

27

Camp Berry Years 5-6

28

Camp Berry Years 5-6

29 30

Jul/Aug

3

31

Morris Gleitzman

Years 2-6 ($10)

1

P&C Meeting 7pm

2

3

4

Whole School Assembly (2/3)

2:20pm

5 6

Aug

4

7

Spelling Bee 9am

8

Healthy Harold K-6

($10)

9

Healthy Harold K-6

10

11

Whole School Assembly (5/6)

2:20pm

12 13

Aug

5

14

Perf. Arts 3-6 ($20) Tech

Rehearsal

15

Perf. Arts 3-6 Matinee &

Night

16

Perf. Arts 3-6 Night Concert

17

18

19 20

Aug

6

21

22

Open Morning 9:30am

23 24 25

Whole School Assembly (K)

2:20pm

26

27

Aug/Sep

7

28

29

30 31

1

Regional Athletics

AIS

2

Tournament of Minds

3

Tournament of Minds

Sep

8

4

5

P&C Meeting 7pm

6 7 8 Jump Off Day Whole School

Assembly (Ind. Performances)

2:20pm

9

Quiz Night

10

Sep

9

11

Swim School K-6

($70)

12

Swim School K-6

13

Swim School K-6

14

Swim School K-6

15

Swim School K-6

16 17

Sep

10

18

Swim School K-6

19

Swim School K-6

20

Swim School K-6

21

Swim School K-6

22

Swim School K-6

23 24

Meet Innovatrix

This week we focus on MAKING LINKS

Making Links: I connect new ideas to things I know already and I like to share these connections with others. I find pleasure in seeing how things fit together and make patterns. I create

analogies to draw on when needed. I use your links to help you through new, complicated situations.

What does making links look like?

The ability to extend and transfer learning across different topics, subjects, year levels,

home to school, school to home and to all other areas of their lives.

All knowledge is connected to all other knowledge. The fun is in making the links.

– Arthur Aufderheide

Conversations encouraging making links to have at home;

In a situation discussing similarities to current world issues, past personal experiences or

texts viewed or read.

A great opportunity to make links is when viewing or reading texts.

You could use some of the following sentence starters:

- I felt like…. (character) when I ……

- This part reminds me of…….

- What were my feelings when I read this?

- How is this similar to other texts I have read / viewed?

- What does this remind me of in the real world?

- How is this text similar / different to things that happen in the real world?

Innovatrix uses her head and her heart to make

reasonable and insightful choices. She capitalises on

resources available to her to be clever and imaginative.

She will ask the tricky questions about how to get

things done and will constantly make links with what

she already knows to guide her.

Tommy’s Aunt Sue had just arrived for a visit. “Hi Tommy. You’re a big school boy now! How is school?” “Good,” Tommy said. “What do you like about it?” asked Aunt Sue. “Friends – Allan and Georgio.” “Great! You’ve made some friends already.” “I like my teacher too.”

Aunt Sue also talked to Tommy’s friend, Lulu, who had come over to play. “What about you, Lulu? How do you like school?” “It’s good. If I need the teacher then I have to put up my hand. But if I need help at playtime I can ask Jackie,” said Lulu. “Is Jackie your friend?” “Jackie’s my buddy. She’s a big girl.” “What does a buddy do?” “She helps me if I don’t know where to go or other stuff. She helps to look after me ‘cos she’s big and I’m new.”

Starting school is a big change for childrenNot only do they have to cope with schoolwork and teachers, but they also have to get used to being part of a class and a whole school. A lot more is expected of children when they start school and there are lots more people to get on with. It helps children to know that there are people at school who will look after them and care about their needs.

Belonging improves mental health, wellbeing and learning All children need to feel that school is a safe place where people will care about them, where their needs for support, respect and friendship will be met, and where they will be able to get help to work out problems. When these needs are met children develop a sense of belonging at school. Belonging is very important for children’s mental health and wellbeing.

Children who feel that they belong at school are happier, more relaxed and have fewer behavioural problems than other students. They are also more motivated to learn and be more successful with their school work. Research into children’s mental health has found that a sense of belonging and connectedness at school helps to protect children against mental health diffi culties and improves their learning.

Making friends and having positive relationships with teachers helps children develop a sense of belonging at school. Having older ‘buddies’ to turn to helps younger children feel that school is a place where they can get help if they need it. Looking after younger children encourages caring and helping in older children and helps to reduce confl icts and bullying. These are some of the ways that children’s sense of belonging at school can be supported.

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po

nent

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Belonging at school makes a difference

More ways schools can help create a sense of belonging As part of KidsMatter Primary, schools look closely at ways they can continue to build strong positive respectful relationships with all students and families. This includes things like:

• making the school environment welcoming for all students and families

• encouraging teachers to get to know all their students and their families

• identifying ways of improving communication with families

• focusing on child and family strengths• making sure that school policies on safety, welfare

and discipline are clearly communicated and support a sense of belonging for children and families.

How parents and carers can helpParents and carers can work with school staff to help create a bridge between home and school. When the adults responsible for children take a positive interest in what happens at school it helps children feel at home. It also makes it easier to pick up any problems early when they are easiest to resolve.

• Find out about the school and what your child is learning; participate in information sessions.

• Make time to listen to your child tell you about what he or she is doing at school.

• Let your child’s teacher know if he/she is having diffi culties and discuss what kinds of things you can do at home and school to help.

Copyright: © Commonwealth of Australia 2012-13. This work is copyright. You may use this work in accordance with the terms of licence available at www.kidsmatter.edu.au

This resource is part of a range of KidsMatter Primary information sheets for families and school staff. View them all online at www.kidsmatter.edu.au

All children need to feel that school is a safe place.

Gundaroo Public School’s

Little Explorers

Program

(Formerly Gundaroo Playgroup)

Who: Parents and under school age kids

Time: 9am (after school drop off)- 10:45am

Date: Every Thursday during school term

Place: Gundaroo Public School hall

What to bring: $2 per adult entry*, 1 piece

of fruit per child to share and a drink

bottle each

Contact: Emma – 0411 366 682 for any

questions

Hope to see you there!!

* Entry fee covers cost playgroup supplies, tea/coffee and a light

morning tea.

Fortnightly Newsletter

THIS WEEKS ACTIVITIES

The children have been continuing to skip in the

afternoons, following on from the schools Jump

Rope for Heart program.

A popular quiet activity has been the big jigsaw

that we have been working on together.

All of our experiences for children are

implemented through the My Time Our Place

curriculum, which means they are based on the

children’s interests, requests and with a focus on

encouraging independence, collaboration and

introduction and enjoyment of leisure activities.

VACATION CARE

We had a great time last holidays, and it is already

time for us to start thinking about the next holiday

program. Please let us know if you have any ideas

of activities that we could include for the school

holidays in September.

GOSH SERVICES

Please remember that GOSH closes at 6pm each

day, so please ensure that you collect your children

by 6pm otherwise late fees may be charged.

“Caring for

Children”

G.O.S.H Gundaroo outside school hours

Email: Gundaroogosh@gmail.com

Phone: 0427 410 537

Hours: 7am-9am/3pm-6pm Mon-Fri

Boomerangs

Softball

Club

BOYS AND GIRLS

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A NEW SUMMER SPORT TO TRY?

COME AND PLAY BALL WITH BOOMERANGS!

MAKE NEW FRIENDS, GET ACTIVE AND HAVE FUN

WE CATER FOR ALL AGES AND ABILITIES IN T-BALL AND SOFTBALL

JOIN AS A SCHOOL TEAM OR INDIVIDUAL

REGISTRATIONS ARE NOW OPEN!

PLEASE CONTACT OUR JUNIOR SOFTBALL COORDINATOR for more information

RAE MCKINNON boomerangs_softballclub@hotmail.com OR 0403563810

or checkout our website boomerangssoftball.sportingpulse.net

WE EVEN CATER FOR MUMS, DADS, GRANS AND GRANDADS – BEGINNERS TO

EXPERIENCED PLAYERS – FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY!