2 – 6 Gullane Drive, Sunbury Vic 3429

email: goonawarra.ps@edumail.vic.gov.au / website: www.goonawarra.vic.edu.au

Telephone: 9744 7137 / Fax Number: 9744-7284

No: 3913 Thursday, 5th

December, 2013

Goonawarra is G.R.E.A.T!

At Goonawarra we all aim to be -

Generous Responsible Enthusiastic Ambitious Trustworthy

Register to get your electronic copy of the newsletter via the ‘Document’ tab on our website. Make our webpage your homepage.

Dear Parents, Teachers & Students,

‘Creating Learning Opportunities through Quality Education.’

PLAYGROUP CHRISTMAS BREAKUP: Tuesday, 17th December 10am – 12pm All playgroups invited. Bring a plate of food. Have a great time!

PARENT HELPERS MORNING TEA: Throughout the year we are very fortunate to have many parents and grandparents assist the school in so many ways. Some are very active in the classroom, some in the school grounds and some help our specialist teachers and Chaplain. Other parents take work home, others work on committees such as School Council and Parents & Friends. Some assist in the canteen and uniform shop. Some attend excursions and camps as well as helping with sporting teams and the choir. There are many other ways that parents are involved in the life of the school. As a staff, we are extremely grateful for the high level of support we receive from families. It is vital to the life of a thriving school to have parents working closely with staff by doing what they can to build a strong positive relationship which assists all members of the school community.

DATES TO REMEMBER:

Friday, 6th December: Grade 5/6 Homework Reward.

Tuesday, 10th December: Prep 2014 Transition.

Book Pack sales from 9:00 – 11:00 for Preps 2014 students

Book Pack sales 2:00pm – 4:30pm for Grades 1 – 6 2014 students.

Wednesday, 11th December: Choir performances in different Sunbury locations.

Thursday, 12th December: Parents & Friends Christmas Stall.

Parent Helpers Morning Tea.

Wednesday, 18th December: Grade 3 / 4 & 2/3S End of Year Break Up at Maddingley Park

Grade 6 Graduation at 6pm.

Thursday, 19th December: Prep – 2 Christmas Concert 2:30 – 3:30pm.

Parents Afternoon Tea.

Friday, 20th December: END OF TERM – EARLY DISMISSAL at 1:30pm.

In order to celebrate the wonderful support we receive from parents, a special

Parent Helpers Morning Tea is being put on by the staff on

Thursday, 12th December in the staffroom between 11.00am – 12 noon.

All parents are most welcome (encouraged) to join in this event!

It is our way of saying thankyou!

STAFF FOR 2014: It is my pleasure to announce the Goonawarra staff and structure for next year. In addition to our current staff we have appointed two new members, Miss Stephanie Coakley and Mrs Jana Music (see photos). The structure will be – Prep C Mrs Sue Conn (Room 1) (Prep – Gr 2 Area Leader) Prep F Mrs Jessica Fry (Room 2) Grade 1B Miss Danielle Brown (Room 3) Grade 1C Miss Simone Casey (Room 4) Grade 1 / 2M Mrs Jana Music (Room 5) Grade 2RH Mrs Kerrie Romer (1/2 time) & Mrs Lorraine Howard (1/2 time) (Room 6) Grade 2 / 3S Mrs Joanne Sullivan (Room 8) (Gr 3 / 4 Area Leader) Senior Building (Newer Building)

Grade 3B Miss Lauren Baird (Room 14) Grade 4C Miss Stephanie Coakley (Room 16) Grade 4B Mr Gerald Bronchinetti (Room 17) Grade 5 / 6PC Mrs Michele Pinti (3 days) & Mrs Sandi Cassinides (2 days) (Room 18) Grade 5 / 6R Ms Marita Ryan (Room 19) (Gr 5 / 6 Area Leader) Grade 5 / 6F Mr Michael Fitzclarence (Room 13) SPECIALISTS Mrs Sonja Procek Visual & Performing Arts & Choir Mrs Deb McEwen Science & Technology Mrs Liz Hornby LOTE (Italian), Numeracy & Literacy Support. Mrs Pirjo Hargrave Physical Education, PMP and Sport. OFFICE: Mrs Judy Toogood Business Manager Janine office / website EDUCATION SUPPORT STAFF: Alison Integration / 1st Aid / Speech / library support Ange Integration / 1st Aid / Speech / OH&S Michelle Integration / 1st Aid / Speech / Website Sue Integration / 1st Aid / Speech / library technician WELFARE OFFICER – Mrs Michele Pinti (2 days) CHAPLAIN - To be appointed. FAREWELLS: Mrs Barbara Macey will end a very satisfying, rewarding and enriching teaching career at the end of this year. Mrs Macey has worked tirelessly to provide a stimulating and engaging learning environment for many students who have had the opportunity to be in her care at Goonawarra. Mrs Macey’s final day will be Friday 20th December – last day of Term. Our Chaplain, Mrs Asha Angelico (was Sebastian) will also be leaving at the end of the year. Now that she is married, the distance to school will make it too hard for her to continue in this role. Asha has worked with many students at recess, lunchtime, in small groups and with individuals throughout this year. Her assistance has been greatly appreciated by the whole school community.

STUDENT PLACEMENTS: Students will be informed of which class they are in on Tuesday 10th December. On this day they will spend several hours with their new class and teacher. As usual, each student will bring home a photo of their new class. Please note: The student End of Year Reports, which are currently being compiled, will be sent home on Friday 13th December. *Next week’s newsletter will have an explanation of some sections of the report. CHIOR PERFORMANCES: Next Wednesday, 11th December the school choir will be singing at Sunbury Square Shopping Centre at 11:00am. They will also be performing at Goonawarra Aged Care Facility, Sunbury Gardens and Riddell Gardens Nursing Homes and Bunnings on the same day. P & F CHRISTMAS STALL: On Thursday, 12th December (next Thursday) the Parents & Friends group will be conducting a Christmas Stall at which students can purchase presents for members of their family or friends. The price range is $1:00 - $10:00. Students love this experience! Many thanks to the P & F for organising this activity. PRINCIPAL FOR A DAY – TERM 4: On Monday two Grade Six students, Jemma Rizk and Ben Ieremia had the opportunity to shadow me and be ‘Principal for a Day’. We started the concept of student Principals last Term and it was very successful. Based on this experience it was decided that each term, two Grade Six students will have this chance. This week’s experience also went extremely well. From my point of view I have thoroughly enjoyed these days. As well as the students taking Assembly and visiting classes we have engaged in some deep discussions about school matters. In next weeks newsletter there will be article from Jemma and Ben of their experience for the day.

WHAT MAKES A GOOD TEACHER? Thank you to those parents who have already replied to this request. It is not too late! If there is a member of the staff (teaching or non-teaching) at Goonawarra that you believe is doing a wonderful job in educating and nurturing students, I encourage you to spend a minute and email or write to

me to express your thoughts. I will pass them on to the staff member at an appropriate time. This way I get to share your comments of gratitude which I may not otherwise see if you write them in a Christmas card etc directly to the staff member. Use fairweather.alan.e@edumail.vic.gov.au to contact me. PIANO FOR SALE: Over the last month we have been advertising a piano which is in very good condition but is no longer needed by the school. We have a written condition assessment report which values it at $4,500. The school would be interested to talk to anyone who would like to make an offer for the piano. The piano is on display near the front office. If you are interested please speak to Alan Fairweather. HELP NEEDED:

Someone who can replace / repair a 100mm x 100mm chip of concrete next to a drainage grate – not a pathway. A minor task – but a potential trip hazard. Thank you to Stuart Reid (Dad of Jacob in Prep C) for repairing the concrete.

The following teachers Mrs Sullivan, Mrs Romer, Miss Baird, Mrs Howard, Mrs Hornby, Mrs Hargrave and Mr Fitzclarence all need to pack up their classrooms in the next two weeks in preparation for next year when they will be in another room. If you could offer any assistance, it would be greatly appreciated. See the teachers directly to offer your help.

The school owns a leaf blower. Once a week we need someone who could walk around and blow the mulch, leaf matter and dust off the paths. It is a simple 15 minute task, but the result will look great!

Anthony Bailey (school dad) has offered to paint the wooden seats outside the classrooms starting with the Preps and Grade One (facing the synthetic grass). It is a big task and he would appreciate some help. Please contact the office if you could assist Anthony. The paint will definitely give these areas a fresh face lift.

Over the holidays please feel free to use the school grounds with your children. If you see any damage or unruly behavior, please contact the Police on 000.

If you can assist with any of these tasks, please contact the office. PLAY GROUPS: Play Groups for 0 – 5 year olds and their parents operate in Room 12 (next to the gym) every Tuesday between 10am – 12pm and 12.30 – 2.30pm and Thursday between 10am – 12pm. Contact Karen Reilly at school for more information – 9744 7137. Playgroups will continue up until the 19th December and then resume as from Tuesday, 4th February 2014. Alan Fairweather Principal fairweather.alan.e@edumail.vic.gov.au

TERM DATES FOR 2014: Term 1: 28th Jan (staff) / 29th Jan (all students including Preps) to 4 April Term 2: Tues 22nd April to 27th June ** Easter Mon 21st April & ANZAC Day Fri 25th April Term 3: 14 July to 19 September Term 4: 6th October to 19th December

Head lice: We have had a couple of cases of head lice reported this week in Prep F & 3B. Please check your child’s hair on a regular basis using the following method: Step 1: Comb any type of hair conditioner on to dry,

brushed (detangled) hair. Step 2: Comb sections of the hair with a fine toothed,

headlike comb. Step 3: Wipe the conditioner from the comb onto a

paper towel or tissue. Step 4: Look on the tissue and on the comb for lice

and eggs. Step 5: Repeat the combing for every part of the head

at least 4 or 5 times. If lice or eggs are found please commence treatment immediately. Children are able to return to school once treatment has commenced. It is also important

to notify the school as soon as possible. The Department of Health and Family Services strongly recommends that treatments are reapplied 7 days

later to prevent reinfestation. I ask all parents to carry out weekly checks and to treat any infestations promptly. Please note that unless treatment is carried out effectively the head lice will reappear. Regular checks prompt and repeated treatment and notification to the school will assist us to control the spread of head lice in our school.

Extend OSHC at

Goonawarra Primary

School

Our weekly recap: Who enjoyed the first day of Summer on Sunday? I put up my Christmas tree at home. I would love to hear about what you got up to on the first day of Summer. We still have a need for storage lockers and /or large plastic storage containers as the store room we share with the adjoining classroom will no longer be available to us. If you know of any for sale please advise one of our staff. Amber.

Star of the Week... Ethan L. For being a good friend to everyone in the program.

Activities for next week Monday, 9

th: Christmas & Summer ornaments

Tuesday, 10th

: Decorate the room &

writing Christmas cards Wednesday, 11

th: Computer Labs

Thursday, 12th

: Outdoor activities Friday, 13

th: Finishing off Friday and

crafting with Cristin. ONLINE BOOKINGS: extend.com.au CALL OUR OFFICE: 1300 366 437

Summer School Holiday Program bookings NOW OPEN at a School near you! Monday, 9

th December to Friday, 20

th December* and

Monday, 6th January to Friday, 24

th January*

We have heaps of jam-packed activities and incursions ranging from Arts & Crafts, Cooking, plenty of games and sports and lots of Festive and Summer activities! Visit the Extend website at extend.com.au for program timetables, booking forms, and activity descriptions. December bookings close Friday, 29

th November and

January bookings close Monday, 16th December – book

now to avoid disappointment.

School Banking day is on TUESDAYS. IMPORTANT: It’s time to trade in your dollarmites tokens for a reward. If you have tokens earned and not yet redeemed

please redeem them by tomorrow – Friday, 6th December, as orders will not arrive before end of term if ordered any later.

Birthday celebrations for

the week of (1st – 7th December).

Congratulations to: Hannah

V., Ethan S. and Brayden P.

LIBRARY NEWS:

A reminder to all parents that all books MUST be returned to the library for the annual stocktake.

Please assist your children in returning these items promptly. If you have any questions please

contact Sue Lavars in the library. Thank you.

PARENTS & FRIENDS NEWS: Well we have come to that time of the year again when we will be having our Christmas Stall - this will be held on Thursday, 12th

December. Ideally if you have any new items that you think may be of use for our stall then we would appreciate them donated.

They can be dropped in to the school office at any time - the more items donated the less the school needs to spend!

We will be setting up, pricing and wrapping the items from 2:00pm Wednesday, 11th

December so if anyone is able to help with this

then that is appreciated. Likewise if anyone is able to help with selling items we will be doing so from 9:00am Thursday in the

Science Room.

CANTEEN ROSTER: Friday, 6th December: Hanna Arafa and Gwenda Griggs. Wednesday, 11th December: Nicole Huybers and Louise Callaghan. Friday, 13th December: Hanna Arafa, Megan Jordan and Lisa Teuma.

Community Safety Survey Hume City Council is currently undertaking a Community

Safety Survey. The purpose of this survey is to develop a

new Community Safety Strategy for the city. The survey

provides you with the opportunity to have some input into

this new strategy. If you would like to have a say

copies of the survey along with pre-paid envelopes can be

picked up from the front office of the school.

LITTLE ATHLETICS VICTORIA

Family Fun & Fitness Who can do Little Athletics? Little Athletics Victoria venues are able to cater for children from 5 – 15 years of age, with many centres able to cater to athletics with a disability. No matter what your skills or ability Little Athletics is all about family, fun and fitness and making sure you can be your best. For more information: Sunbury Little Athletics Centre, contact Emma Lynch on 0419 107 769 or email: sunbury@lavic.com.au Website: www.lavic.com.au

Mega Demo Learn how much fun Scrapbooking and Card Making is

with Kaszazz. Product demonstrations; Create a FREE Make and Take

Christmas Gift; Win won of 5 gift packs valued at $25 Enjoy a light supper

Date : Saturday 7th December

Registration : 7pm - 7.20pm Mega Demo and refreshments 7.30pm - 9pm. At

Sunbury Baptist Church, 207 Gap Road, Sunbury. The Event is FREE but Bookings are Essential Contact Liz Hornby lizatsunbury@hotmail.com or Sharyn Snook 0409028400 *Mention you are a member of the Goonawarra School

Community and we'll donate a gift RRP $5 to be sold at

the upcoming Parents and Friends Christmas Stall.