Week 5 Term 1 2016

NEWSLETTER

DATES TO

REMEMBER

TERM 1 2016

MARCH

PUBLIC

HOLIDAY GOOD FRIDAY

AND EASTER

MONDAY

Friday 25th

Monday 28th

STUDENTS

RETURN

Tuesday 29th

APRIL

LAST DAY OF

TERM 1

Friday 8th

Minerva School

Learning for Life

Eton Street SUTHERLAND NSW 2232 Telephone: 9521 3433 Fax: 9545 3316

E-mail: minerva-s.school@det.nsw.edu.au

WEBSITE: www.minerva-s.schools.nsw.edu.au

Donations to Minerva School are now tax deductible.

Year 12 2016 Senior Jacket

Presentation The traditional Senior Jacket Presentation continues at

Minerva. Our Year 12 students were formally presented to

the Minerva School community with their Senior Jackets

at a lunchtime assembly by our Principal Ms Sara Swift. All

the students look forward to receiving their jackets once

they reach Year 12.

Week 5 Term 1 2016

PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE

Welcome Dear parents/carers,

Welcome to the new school year for 2016.

I’d like to extend a very warm welcome to

our new students and their families. I know

that they will soon feel right at home

amongst the students, staff and parents of

Minerva. I have certainly been made to feel

very welcome and I thank you all for your

friendly smiles, hellos and best wishes. I

am quickly getting to know all the students

and it is a pleasure to meet and greet many

parents every day at the gate.

Each morning it is wonderful to see the

enthusiasm of our students as they arrive

ready to engage in a broad range of

learning activities at Minerva School. Thank

you to our families for having your children

well organised for the day in the correct

school uniform and with their belongings

packed and labelled.

Currently staff are engaged with parents in

Learning and Support Plan meetings. These

meetings are an opportunity for us to work

closely with parents to ensure we plan for

individual and meaningful student goals

which we then use when developing

programs and outcomes for each student.

We look forward to working collaboratively

with you over the coming weeks and the

year ahead. At Minerva we value the

partnership between parents, families and

the school and there are many ways for you

to become involved and actively support

your child’s education. If you are

interested in volunteering at the school

there are a number of areas in which we

need support. We need a group of green

thumbs to help maintain our amazing

sensory garden on a regular basis. We need

some bookworms to help out Jenny in the

library – covering books, reading groups

etc. We are always looking for volunteers

to help with things like the Mother’s Day

stall and Father’s Day stall. If you have a

special area of interest or skill that you

think may be of interest, please give us a

call – our students deserve a varied and

exciting curriculum. I am very interested in

forming a parent group who are specifically

interested in fundraising for the school.

We don’t necessarily need to have a formal

P & C, just a group of people willing to

network, raise awareness about our

students and school and promote a positive

image of our school community. I will

organise a parent meeting later this term,

as I have some fun fundraising ideas to

share and discuss! In week 8 of this term,

Monday March 14th, we will be holding an

Open Morning at school. We will be inviting

parents/family members to come to school

and join with their child’s class for an

interactive and fun learning session! The

morning will run from 11:30-12:30, with

time for a 20 minute activity in the

classroom, a short presentation on Positive

Behaviour for Learning (PBL) at Minerva

and an early lunch where parents can chat

and catch up with others. Keep your eyes

open for a note which will be coming home

shortly about the Open Morning.

I am looking forward to a positive term of

growth. Keep smiling and look after each

other. Thank you to all those parents who

have sent in their voluntary school

contributions and fees and a very special

thanks to the Dau family for their

generous donation. Also thank you to

Mark’s mother for her very large hot cross

bun order. Thank you for supporting our

SRC fundraiser.

Sara Swift

PRINCIPAL

Page 2 NEWSLETTER

Week 5 Term 1 2016

Grevillea Class have been enjoying the Sensory Room and Sensory Garden

Ewan , Warwick and David enjoying the mirror wall

Dante

making

musical

sounds

Peter enjoys the

Bubble Tube

Ewan and Joshua relaxing on the swing and Warwick

enjoys the massager.

Week 5 Term 1 2016

What is Mind Matters?

Mind Matters is a way of approaching what we do every day at school. It helps

promote positive mental health through the whole school community and works

on improving student relationships and resilience. Research shows that the

mental health and wellbeing of students is a key foundation for school success.

Minerva School is starting its Mind Matters journey this year. We are going to

be talking and learning about how to promote positive mental health and well-

being. We are going to be asking what people think about mental health –

what’s important to parents, families, students and staff. We want you to get

involved and help us build a strong, positive school community. So, keep your

eyes on this spot in the newsletter – we’ll be asking for your help and support

soon!

Crunch & Sip

Help your child to ‘refuel’ and ‘rehydrate’ by packing a fruit or

vegetable snack and a water bottle for the daily Crunch & Sip

break at school.

For more information on Crunch & Sip and tips on increasing your

child’s fruit and vegetable intake, download the information

brochure: http://healthy-kids.com.au/wp- content/

uploads/2014/07/2014CrunchnSip-Parent-2page1.pdf

Week 5 Term 1 2016

Encouraging kids to unplug from screens and play!

Here are some simple things children and families can do to encourage us all to unplug

from our screens and get moving!

Get green - help the kids make their very own backyard vege-

table patch. Organise a neighbourhood roster so that you can

take turns to supervise the kids while they play at the local

park. Make sure there are some water balloons around for

some summer fun. Make one day a week a ‘friends’ day where

you encourage your children to bring their friends around to

play. Don’t undervalue the simple things (like having balls or a skipping rope around).

Often they’ll have so much fun they won’t even realise they are being active.

For more simple ways to reduce screen time and more information:

http://www.healthpromotion.com.au/Documents/HRUT/Parent_Resources/

Unplug_and_Play.pdf

Lunchbox Inspiration

Kids can become bored with the same foods packed in the lunchbox each day. Try

some of these tips to keep lunch interesting and healthy:

Wholegrains: Swap sandwiches for a wholegrain roll, wrap, savoury crackers or pasta.

Meat & meat alternatives: Boiled egg, hummus spread, turkey or chicken slices,

canned tuna or salmon, beans & lentils.

Vegetables: Cut vegetables into different shapes and sizes. Select a rainbow of

colours try cherry tomatoes, green, red or yellow capsicum, carrots, snow peas, cu-

cumber, celery.

Fruit: Mix it up. Select fruit that is in season for sweetest flavour and best value.

Dairy: Reduced fat cheese cubes, yoghurt or milk are all great options to increase

your child’s calcium intake – important for strong, healthy bones.

For more information on packing a healthy lunchbox visit www.healthykids.nsw.gov.au

Looking for some lunchbox inspiration, check out these great lunchbox ideas:

http://healthy- kids.com.au/10-great-lunch-box-ideas/

Week 5 Term 1 2016

Happy Birthday

to the following students for January

and February

Jack W, Andrew S, Mikayla G,

Alessandro B and Dante P.

Jarnte and Chris have almost finished their

excellent painting and collage work on planes.

The class has been learning about the history

of aviation and the Wright brothers invention

of the aeroplane.

Here is Daylan making the best Sushi in town !

Eucalyptus Class

Week 5 Term 1 2016

Banksia

Class

Banksia Class

started their

business venture last week making

Squeezy Cheesey’s for everyone. The

boys tried hard with their various

tasks in the Living Skills room. We

buttered bread and put on cheese

slices for 35 sandwiches. Then we

placed them in the sandwich maker,

bagged them and delivered them. Well

done everyone! See you next week…

During this term, Waratah Class has been

busy learning about primary and secondary

colours in art. As part of our class’s art making

experiences we are learning about how colour

can influence an artwork mood. We have

celebrated Mikayla and

Alessandro’s Birthdays. Also the class is learning

in History about ancient Egyptian culture,

customs and tradition. We are looking forward to

an educational and fun filled 2016.

Week 5 Term 1 2016

2016 MINERVA SCHOOL CAPTAINS AND SRC Last Friday a special Assembly was held to induct our School Captains and

SRC Members.

Congratulations to Michael P and Sebi D—our School Captains and to Ethan C,

Kane L and Peter E - our SRC Members.

Principal Sara Swift presented each of the students with their badges and

then introduced them to the school community. We thank the very proud

families for attending this special assembly.

Week 5 Term 1 2016

Protea Class

We have had an exciting start to term we have moved classrooms!

We are now within the main body of the school. We have been learn-

ing about hermit crabs and how to keep them. They tickle your hand

when you hold them. Perry is getting very good at cooking his lunch

on Tuesdays, he likes to have a cheesy squeezy.

Week 5 Term 1 2016

The students of Bottle Brush class have all settled into their new school

year extremely well . Here is a collage of some of their school year so far.

Congratulations to two members of our class, Michael and Kane, for being voted

to help lead our school as school captain and SRC member. We are very proud of

you both!!

Week 5 Term 1 2016

National School Chaplaincy Program

Minerva School is pleased to introduce our newest member of staff.

Karla Donaldson (pictured above with Michael and Malachi from Bottle Brush

Class) is a qualified Social Worker from Project Youth who will be working in our

school in 2016.

She was appointed with funding sourced through the National School Chaplaincy

Program.

Late last year our staff and parent community voted unanimously to apply for

the Program and we are thrilled to have gained someone with Karla’s skills and

enthusiasm join us!

Welcome Karla!

Week 5 Term 1 2016

Week 5 Term 1 2016

Wattle Class We have had an extremely busy start to the term in

Wattle Class. We have been learning to cook simple

snacks in Food Technology Lessons in our newly refurbished living skills room

as well as keep the sensory garden looking good by watering the plants, picking

the silverbeet and mint and cleaning the chalk board.

Week 5 Term 1 2016

NDIS

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a new disability support system that is

being introduced in stages across Australia. The NDIS will eventually replace the current

disability support system in New South Wales (NSW).

Carers and the NDIS is a half-day workshop for family members and friends (carers) of

people with disability. It aims to provide carers with a general introduction to the NDIS,

help carers support the person they care for to access the NDIS, and prepare carers to

communicate their own needs in relation to the NDIS. Please note there are workshops

upcoming in our area: •Bankstown, 17 March 2016 •Sutherland, 12 April 2016

Time: 10am to 2pm Location: Venues to be advised upon registration

Cost: Free Register: Call (02) 9280 4744 or email education@carersnsw.org.au.

Spaces are limited.

Week 5 Term 1 2016

Como-Jannali Rotary Vintage Fair The annual Rotary Vintage & Collectables

Fair is on this Saturday 27th February at Sutherland Entertainment Centre.

Como- Jannali Rotary are long term supporters of our school community so

please support this event if you can.

HEATHCOTE PARLIAMENTARY AWARD FOR

CITIZENSHIP 2015

At our 2015 Presentation Day, Sebi D was the recipient of the Heathcote

Parliamentary Award for Citizenship. This award was presented by Mr Lee

Evans, MP Member for Heathcote at State Parliament House. A very proud

Sebi, attended the ceremony with his family and enjoyed morning tea with

Mr Evans. Congratulations Sebi!

Week 5 Term 1 2016

Library News

I have begun tasks in library, in preparation for our change from oasis to a

new school library system. The new library system known as Oliver is a

Web based learning, teaching, information and library management tool.

The exciting part is that it is going to be fantastic for Minerva students.

It will provide an Interactive experience and a vastly improved search

capability, with Standard and Simplified interfaces. It also delivers digital

content such as eBooks and websites to our school. Some of our favourite

storyline online and storybox books will be presented visually for students

to access easily and it will help to focus student research to the most

appropriate information resources.

The migration to Oliver will be happening near the end of term two. During

the lead up time tasks are completed, resources sorted and training is

provided. You will hear more about how the new system is going later on in

the year. Teacher Librarian: Jenny Marshall

Malachi and Kane from Bottlebrush class

enjoying library leisure time.

Kane is reading detailed instructions

for the creation of his paper plane.

Malachi is very focused, also using a craft

book and his trusty friend to help with his

project.

Week 5 Term 1 2016

Positive Behaviour for Learning

The PBL team has been very busy in early 2016.

Our first task was to review the current school rules and expectations to

make sure they have meaning to our students, families and staff in 2016.

Parents and staff were surveyed in order to determine the values we

considered most important for our students. The results of these surveys

were:

safety

care for others

and learning. These will be our new school expectations from 2016. They are the

overriding values and desired behaviours that sum up what we want from our

students.

Our next step is to look at the school rules which help our students achieve

these expectations. Rules are more specific but directly link to the

expectations. For example, being in the right place and allowing other’s

personal space are ways we help keep everyone SAFE.

Thanks to everyone for your valued survey responses – almost 60% of our

families provided feedback!

The PBL Team will continue to keep you updated of our progress in the

implementation of PBL at Minerva School. We are aiming to hold our official

PBL Launch Day for students, staff and families later in 2016!

THANK YOU Minerva would like to acknowledge

and thank the Sutherland Shire Toy

Restoration Centre at Jannali for

their kind and generous donations of

duplo, jigsaws puzzles and games for

our playground program. Please

support them if you can.

Thank You We would like to thank Bella Bakery at Sutherland for their ongoing and generous

support of our school. It is very much appreciated.

Week 5 Term 1 2016

Be Healthy – Be Active

Treats for special occasions

Food is an important part of special occasions for everyone and should be enjoyed. Your

child may be invited to a party with lots of foods high in fat and sugar or to a meal at a

fast food restaurant. These meals will do no harm as long as they are only eaten occa-

sionally. But remember, children’s parties don’t need to be filled with junk food to be fun.

Try to include some healthy foods as well. Here are some suggestions:

Children and adults need physical activity every day. Activity helps build better bones,

muscles, joints and helps maintain a healthy weight. Physical activity can also reduce the

risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and some cancers. Get active anyway you can - walk-

ing, riding, swimming, and playing active games together.

Pretzels mini pizzas

fruit platters fresh berries

finger sandwiches low-fat mini fruit muffins

homemade popcorn slices of watermelon

frozen orange wedges hummus and pita bread

cheese cubes and crackers vegetable sticks and rice crackers with dips

toasted Lebanese bread in place of corn chips and crisps

Week 5 Term 1 2016

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR KNITTING BLANKET SQUARES

“Wrap with Love” is a volunteer organisation that distributes blankets within Australia

and to over 75 overseas countries, particularly countries that have suffered natural

disasters and civil unrest. These blankets are made from 28 squares that are knitted by

volunteers. The Rotary Club of Como Jannali has a band of volunteers that knit, crotched

and help sew the 28 squares to make beautiful warm blankets. If you would like to help knit

and/or sew please Contact Diane Curtis from Como-Jannali Rotary on 0408 125 971