1Stokers Road Stokers Siding NSW 2484 T 02 6677 9236 F 02 6677 9454 E stokerssid-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au

STOKERS SIDINGPublic SchoolNewsletter

THUR 10 March Kindy Photos

FRI 25 March Good Friday

MON 28 March Easter Monday

FRI 8 April Last Day Term 1

WED 27 April Students return to school - Term 2

TUES 10-12 MAY NAPLAN

MON 13 June Queens Birthday

Upcoming EventsTerm 1 - Week 2 & 3 Wednesday 17th February 2016

2Stokers Road Stokers Siding NSW 2484 T 02 6677 9236 F 02 6677 9454 E stokerssid-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au

Dear Parents/Carers and Community Members,

We have had a fantastic start to the term with all children settling in well and learning is well underway.

Meet the Teacher Afternoon and Parent Forum

On Thursday 3 March I cordially invite you to attend our ‘Meet the Teachers’ afternoon tea from 3.30pm -4pm. This is an informal opportunity for you to get know your child’s class teacher as well as other staff at Stokers Siding PS . Following afternoon tea, there will be a parent forum hosted by Mrs Anne Bowden, Community engagement Officer (DEC) designed to provide an opportunity for all parents to have input in to the future directions of the school. I strongly encourage you to come along and have your say about your child’s school. I hope to see you there.

Studio

The Studio program commenced last week, with sessions being held on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons. A big thank you to Roxanne, for her time and energy, as she will be facilitating the sessions for the students in years 3,4,5 & 6.

Tweed Small Schools Choir

I am very excited to advise families and community members that the Tweed Smalls Schools Choir, will be happening again in 2016. Mrs Vikki Armour (co-ordinator) is now calling for interested students in Years 4, 5 or 6, who are talented singers, to audition to be a part of the choir. Information is available from the office for interested students. This is fabulous opportunity and would encourage interested students to submit a nomination form.

Health care Plans

If your child has an allergy, asthma or a medical condition that warrants a health care plan, could you please see your GP and provide us with an updated copy. If you need any clarification or advice please contact myself.

STEM project

The S7 group (School Learning Community) was recently successful in our application for inclusion in the NSW DEC’s Integrated

STEM project! This will see the S7 group join with a number of other schools selected from across the state in creating innovative projects incorporating Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). Unlike traditional models of teaching, this approach of combining subjects provides students with a practical application of theory and concepts. Not only does this approach assist the students academically, but (and many argue more importantly) it helps students develop skills in areas such as communication, collaborative work environments, problem solving and problem identification. Mr Hollis and I will form part of the STEM team along with two other teachers from Crabbes Creek PS and Condong PS. We are very excited to be part of the project and look forward to bringing new learning to our classrooms.

Federal Funding

Last year the Federal Government committed to a new funding model for schools. Funds are now being allocated to schools according to need. For the first time in many years money is being given to schools that have Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. Schools will receive additional funding if one or both parents speak another language at home. Parent’s employment also directly effects funding our school receives. The government collects this statistical information from the student enrolment forms.For most parents these enrolment forms are completed prior to Kindergarten and never looked at again until you enrol your child in high school, a period of 7 years. If your employment circumstances have changed, you chose not to list which language you speak at home or left off information about your Aboriginal background, we would like to know. Please ring our school or drop a note off at our office so we can adjust our records. This information is confidential and will not be shared with other parents. Your information could increase the funds of our school.

Gardens

This term we are reinvigorating the garden beds. If you have spare seedlings or herbs we would be very grateful for any donations. Another program for families to take advantage of is the Seed Library at Murwillumbah Library. All Library members are able to visit the Library and avail themselves of five packets of seeds. This is a fabulous

3Stokers Road Stokers Siding NSW 2484 T 02 6677 9236 F 02 6677 9454 E stokerssid-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au

program and would be a great way for us to kick start our gardens.

School Stream App

Our main form of communication other than our newsletter and website, is our free School Stream app. If you have not yet downloaded the app, I encourage you to do so to ensure you receive up to date information. See download instructions within this newsletter.

Have a great week.

Regards,Cherie King

4Stokers Road Stokers Siding NSW 2484 T 02 6677 9236 F 02 6677 9454 E stokerssid-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au

Australian Mathematics CompetitionThe Australian Mathematics Competition is now open and the Trust are taking registrations. The event is open to all students in years 3, 4, 5, and 6, and will be held on Thursday 28 July 2016. The cost of the competition is $6 per student. If you wish for your child to participate in the competition, please call the office and we will arrange for the information and permission note to be sent home. All permission notes and monies must be returned to school by Thursday 24 March 2016.

P&C MeetingPlease note, there will be no P&C meeting this week. The next date for the P&C meeting will be advised in the coming weeks.

MERIT AWARDSWeek 2

Congratulations to our Merit Award winners: Lily Axford, Seth Jamieson, Bhatha Harrison, Django Baartz-Hague, Zac Baker, Starling

McKay & Calum Campbell

Special Congratulations to our Student of the Week

Mia Axford

Special congratulations to our Student of the Week

Sabine Glaser

Congratulations to our Merit Award winners: Nanda McColl, Lilly McKay, Ryan Garland, Ezra

Baker, Yogi McColl & Willow Wilson

Week 3

CanteenHelpers are needed as back up volunteers when our canteen manager Sue is unable to do canteen.Ring Sue on 0484773488 or leave a message with Gloria or Tegan.Your children enjoy canteen each Friday. Perhaps you could give a few hours of your time to make sure it can open. Our thanks to both Kelly & Edwina for putting their hands up to support Sue.

5Stokers Road Stokers Siding NSW 2484 T 02 6677 9236 F 02 6677 9454 E stokerssid-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au

Nutrition SnippetFussy eater?If you’ve got a fussy eater in the family, a behaviour reward chart can be a great way to get them eating and enjoying new foods and more fruit & veg.Praise from parents or the offer of small rewards is a good motivator for many children.A behaviour reward chart can work wonders too. Remember to decide on rewards and goals in advance and keep them realistic and motivating. For more information visit www.eatittobeatit.com.au

New Uniforms now in stockOur P&C wish to advise that new supplies of black cargoes, our new skort and green polos have arrived.Call in to school if you need new uniforms.Our girls are looking very smart in their new skorts.

Library NewsOur library is open for borrowing on Thursdays and Fridays. All children should bring a library bag. Encourage your child to check out our library. We have a wide range of interesting, educational and amusing books to fit all tastes for reading.Reading books encourage children with their literacy, comprehension, spelling and general knowledge.Rod Hollis

Book Club OrdersBook Club orders are due in THIS WEEK. Please make sure you get yours in.

WelcomeBeth Walker is our new School Learning Support Officer (SLSO). Beth is supporting the children in K-1. Beth has many years of experience to help her fill this role. Welcome to Stokers Siding School, Beth.

Tyler Thompson is our Student Teacher. Tyler is working with 2-3 and Mrs. King. Tyler’s lessons have really engaged the children. Tyler will be with us until May. We wish her all the best in her future career.

Kindy PhotosThe Daily News is visiting our school on Thursday 10th March at 10 a.m. Kindy photos will be in an upcoming issue of the Daily News.

6Stokers Road Stokers Siding NSW 2484 T 02 6677 9236 F 02 6677 9454 E stokerssid-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au

Beth Walker - SLSO Clem & Oscar reading in K-1

Achievement Awards Lily A, Ginger B, Ezra B & Cooper F

Tyler Thompson - Student Teacher