Lake Munmorah Public School Newsletter Page 1

Thursday 9th June 2016 Principals Report With much commentary being made through the media about the Gonski funding I have been

asked by several parents about the influence of Gonski funding in our school. To answer this

question I have prepared the following article to overview the breadth of opportunities that this

funding model has created for our school. As you can see it has considerable significance for the

school as it has facilitated the offering of increased educational opportunities for your children.

Please take time to read this article.

WHY GONSKI FUNDING MATTERS

Our goal at Lake Munmorah Public School is to promote and maintain a learning environment that is based on high expectations and the belief that all students will learn successfully. Gonski* funding has allowed our school to focus on much-needed early intervention and improve every student’s capacity to learn. This year we received $183,266 in additional funding which has been used to boost teaching and learning and provide extra resources that are of great value to our students. This funding is being provided to schools on a needs basis in line with the recommendations on the Gonski Review of school funding. The plan is to increase the funding over a six-year period and get school resources to a standard

that meets the needs of every student – now and in the future.

HOW OUR STUDENTS ARE BENEFITING FROM GONSKI FUNDING

Here are some of the ways we are using this Gonski funding to build on things the school

is already doing and to introduce new programs.

• More staff have been employed to support children with disabilities and additional learning needs.

• We’ve been able to employ an Aboriginal Resource Teacher to support Aboriginal students and build important community participation.

*WHAT’S GONSKI?

The Gonski Review was the biggest review of school funding in Australia in over 30 years. Headed by respected business leader David Gonski, it found too many schools were under-resourced and children were missing out as a result. The review recommended a significant increase in funding and a change to the way it is distributed to ensure all schools are properly resourced to meet the needs of their students. The NSW and Commonwealth Governments signed a Gonski agreement in 2013 which aimed to get all schools over a six year period to the point where they are appropriately resourced.

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• In order to help children who experience difficulties in basic areas of learning and behaviour we have increased the time allocated for Learning and Support teaching and given it increased significance by upgrading the role to an assistant principal who will improve process and implement quality wellbeing programs.

• We’ve been able to complete a refurbishment and upgrade of the school’s technology room, providing additional resources to ensure that all students, no matter what their background, are able to access learning materials in a 21

st century learning environment.

• A New Arrivals Program for students without proficient English language skills has been introduced and this has resulted in better engagement and learning.

• A Community Liaison Officer has been employed to form strong links between parents and the school through partnerships such as the Parents as Teachers program. More resources have been provided for an Aboriginal parent support group.

• We have been able to train staff and are implementing the Language, Learning and Literacy (L3) program into our infants classes ensuring that every student attains a functional and proficient use of the English language in the first years of schooling. In order to support teacher practice we have increased face to face release time for our executive teachers to allow them time to work with teachers to support their growth and development as exceptional classroom practitioners making sure that we have a quality teacher in every classroom. • Our curriculum program is being reviewed and improved to ensure that it is responding to the

requirements of the Australian curriculum and most importantly to the learning needs of the

modern contemporary child who populate our classrooms each and every day. One executive

teacher has been released from classroom duties to facilitate this.

HOW OUR STUDENTS WILL BENEFIT IF WE GET THE FULL GONSKI FUNDING

If we get the full six years of Gonski funding we can do more and enhance learning for more students. We have a plan for the future. •We want to improve our students’ access to the latest technology. •We want to improve the learning environment by investing in methods and equipment that will facilitate engagement with students. •We want to continue to improve our ability to form partnerships with parents to allow more specialised intervention in learning to occur. •We want to ensure that your child’s learning is individualised and that they experience constant growth and success in their school journey • We want our curriculum to be future focussed and formulated to meet the needs of our

students preparing them for the exciting opportunities that surround them in our advanced,

global, technological society.

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Parents as Teachers (PAT) Program

Thank you to those parents who attended the ‘Parents as Teachers’ program today. The topic on the “Development of Functional Writing Skills in Children” was well received by those present. The presenter Ms Julie Treharne did a great job in imparting some valuable tips and ideas about how parents can support children in this area. However, I was disappointed with the low is to assist families in supporting their child’s educational development as they play a significant role in doing this in the home environment. Research is clear that where families actively participate in the learning partnership with their child’s school there is enhanced outcomes for children in their overall lives. I would hope that families would be keen to take up all opportunities to learn how they could be effective in their role in the partnership. Hopefully we can increase our numbers at the next session where the topic will be on mathematical skill development – more info to follow.

School Access Times A big thank you to everyone for your support of our new access times. I know that some families had to make adjustments to their routines but hopefully you all understand that these arrangements are being made with the sole intention of keeping your children safe and not allowing them to be placed in a situation where they are unsupervised. I thank you very much for your cooperation on this matter. Remember that if your child is being escorted to school by an older sibling attending the High School we do allow them to come onto site at 8:00am, however, this must be authorised by me. All other students can enter the school at 8:15.

Camp Australia – Out of School Hours (OoSH) service It has been several weeks now that this service has been operating out of our school hall and I believe they have settled into Lake Munmorah very well. This being despite some early interruptions caused by school activities such as the Art Show etc. which saw them have to move to the library. This won’t happen too often. I am hearing very positive comments from families using the service and there appears to be a high level of satisfaction with the care being provided. I ask that if you do have before and after school care requirements for your child/ren that you consider this service as your first choice. In doing so you can be sure that your little ones are being well cared for and you are supporting your child’s school at the same time. We are keen to see this service thrive and provide our families the best option for this type of care. If you wish to utilise this program you can access information and register your child/ren via the link on our school website: http://www.lakemunmor-p.schools.nsw.edu.au/home .

Kindergarten Enrolments 2017 We are taking enrolments for Kindergarten for next year now. Our numbers for 2017 at this early stage are very strong with people approaching me from far and wide to try and gain an enrolment. If you, or someone you know, is intending commencing your child with us in 2017 please approach the office to commence the enrolment process. At 6:00 pm on Tuesday 28 June (please note change of date from last week’s newsletter) we will be holding a Kindergarten information night for all interested parents to provide information about our Kindergarten program and our school. Information will follow on this but please make a diary entry now.

Parent Online Payment Portal Did you know that you can now make payment for certain school activities through a parent

online payment portal found on our school’s website? A payment link can be found in the ribbon

on the website. This link will take you to a secure Westpac payment page. On the website you

will find user instructions which will guide you through the payment process. Of course payment

can still be made in the usual way but hopefully this convenient facility will make the busy lives

of many families much easier.

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Canteen Volunteers – Urgent

The school canteen urgently needs volunteers. Our canteen is conducted by the P&C and relies

on the support of parent volunteers to run it successfully. At the moment the volunteer base is a

bit thin. If you could give some time during the week to help in the canteen I know our canteen

manager would be very appreciative. If you are able to help can you please contact Kristy at the

canteen.

Quality Workers This Week

Quality Workers: Mia, Phoenix and Riley

Eliza and Adam at the Take 3 for the Sea Event at Ourimbah University

STUDENTS CLASS WORK SAMPLES

Milla Mackenzie Indigo Twyford Tweedie Caprice Lockhart Jade Burnham Yasmin Bass Mikaelah Nichol Toby Dowdell Cameryn Smider Jedd Jamieson Tate Young

Year 5 and 6 Writing a book in a day – Title: Through the Time Crack

Timothy Schmidt 1G An extraordinary and well written story on dinosaurs

Alyssa Burton 4F Excellent work on area in mathematics

Toby Dowdell Cameryn Smider Eliza Wetherall Adam Bennett

Stage 3 For being outstanding school ambassadors at the Take 3 for the Sea forum at Ourimbah University.

Elijah Rawnsley Mia Brown Jarod Pigram Asher Kerr-Smith Lucy Ord

K/1 Red For excellent writing on Warnayarra the Rainbow snake.

Mia Harris Riley Letherbarrow Phoenix White-Adamson

1G For excellent writing of an imaginary story about escaping from somewhere or something.

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Central Coast Council Colouring in Competition

‘parking safely around schools’

Entries have been sent home today and must be returned to school by Friday, 24th June

Entries must clearly show students name, class and school as well as

parent/carers name and signature for consent

Kahlia Pigram from 5/6D has been nominated as the Lake Munmorah Star of the Month.

Kahlia is a delightful young girl who is well respected by staff and students. She is trying her very best in class, and producing quality work. Kahlia has a close network of friends and works collaboratively during group activities. Well done Kahlia!

Brian Hilton Star of the Month

Award

Congratulations to

Kahlia Pigram our

Star of the Month

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LMPS ELECTION DAY BBQ SATURDAY 2ND JULY

Our P&C is running a BBQ on Election Day from 8am - 2pm

Volunteers are needed for 2 hour shifts

If you are able to help please leave your details at the Canteen

ENTERTAINMENT FUNDRAISING BOOKS NOW AVAILABLE AT THE OFFICE

$60.00

CANTEEN LUNCH SPECIAL

Wednesday 15th June

Pasta Bolognaise $3.00

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On Friday 24th June, students at LMPS are being asked to wear their

pyjamas to school to support 2GO’s “Give Me 5 for Kids”. The Give Me 5 for Kids initiative encourages students to raise money (especially by saving their 5c pieces) for sick children who are in hospital. The great thing about us raising money at LMPS, is that our funds go to help sick kids in our own community here on the Central Coast. On the day, we will be visited by representatives from radio station 2GO 107.7 and students are asked to bring a gold coin (or equivalent) donation so we can make a money snake. So, please start saving your 5c pieces (and any other loose change you would like to donate to this worthwhile cause) so we can make the longest snake 2GO have ever seen! Many Thanks Mrs Caban and Mrs Treharne

PYJAMA DAY

LMPS Olympic Games

Thursday 30th June

Payment of $5.00 per student due by Monday, 27th June

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Do you want a fun way to fitness? Don't miss out...

The Go4Fun Program is a FREE healthy lifestyle program aimed at helping children 7-13 years,

above their healthy weight become fitter, healthier and happier!

The once per week program runs during school term for 10 weeks at Mingara Recreation Club,

Toukley Aquatic Centre, Gosford Olympic Pool and the Peninsula Leisure Centre. It is complete-

ly free of charge to participants. Registrations are now being taken for Term 3 2016, and places

are filling fast.

For information contact Amanda on 4394 7974 or to register for the program:

Free call 1800 780 900

Register online at www.go4fun.com.au

Please note: A parent or carer must accompany each child to every session.

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Parent Online Payments

New payment option AVAILABLE NOW

The $ Make a payment link can be found in the ribbon on the school Website. By

selecting this link you will be taken to a secure Westpac payment page. (You will no

longer be in the school’s website.)

The payment process is very simple and follows the format of many other online payment

systems you may have used before.

Please collect a User Instruction leaflet from the school office for more information

Kids Adventurer Camps - July 2016

Program Number & Dates: 76465 4 – 8th July 2016 (5 days)

Program Number & Dates: 76466 11 – 15th July 2016 (5 days)

Location: Myuna Bay Sport and Recreation Centre

Age group: 7-12 years

Cost: $340.00 / person

Transport: Private transport only

Booking: Complete an Online Enrolment form for your preferred program dates

https://sportandrecreation.nsw.gov.au/events/school-holiday-program

or call 13 13 02 have your credit card details ready (Visa, Mastercard)

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OPTOMETRIST Bernard Tan

B.Sc.OPTOM; L.O.Sc; M.OPTOM Phone: 4392 3258

17 Wallarah Road, Gorokan *Eye Examinations *Sports Vision *Children’s Vision *Computer Vision *Safety Vision *Optical Dispensing

*Contact Lens Fitting and Supply

*1 year warranty frames *Scratch-resistant lenses Mon-Fri: 9am—5pm Saturday: 9am—12 noon

MEDICARE BULK BILLING

“Proudly Supporting

Lake Munmorah Public School”

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School Diary Please stick me on your

‘fridge’ TERM 2 June 13 QUEENS BIRTHDAY LONG WEEKEND 14 Students return to school 20 Zone Public Speaking 21 6:30pm - P&C Meeting - All welcome 24 2GO Pyjama Day - Give Me 5 for Kids! Sydney North PSSA Cross Country @ Gosford Racecourse 30 K-6 Olympic Day July 1 Assembly of Excellence LAST DAY OF TERM 2 P&C Election Day BBQ - Volunteers needed

2016

Volunteers needed for P&C Canteen

Please call the school office

on 4358 1171