KURRI KURRI PUBLIC SCHOOL ESTABLISHED 1904

Learning & Caring

WELCOME TO WEEK 3 & 4 TERM 1 2020

PRINCIPAL’S BLOG

Welcome to Week 4.

This year we are going to be sending home the newsletter each fortnight. This will allow for

more detail about events and more recognition of student achievement. The next newsletter

will be on Friday 6th March 2020.

Last Thursday I had the opportunity to go down to the football field to watch our Year 5 and

Year 6 boys rugby league teams play in the Mark Hughes 7’s Competition. The boys played

with exceptional skills and noteworthy sportsmanship, with both teams making it to the finals.

I was impressed by all the boys who played and they should be very proud of their

achievements on the day. A big thank you to Mr Brett and Mrs Healey for taking the teams as

well as Mick Carr, Simon Couperthwaite and Chad Lewis who supported the boys by keeping

them hydrated, first aid and general encouragement. Thank you to all the family members who

were able to come along and encourage the teams as well.

This week I will be visiting local schools with the school captains to look at ideas for the

revamping of our school playgrounds. The P&C gave us $30,000 at the end of the year to put

towards the beautification of the playground areas and make it a place for outdoor learning

and creative play. The leadership team will then jointly lead this project with me by getting

input from all the students to replace the broken Murragang equipment, design sporting and

sensory areas and creative play spaces. Keep an eye out for their design suggestions, which

will also be shared with the community to have input into.

This week we will send out the Parent/Carers and Visitors Code of Conduct on Caremonkey.

We value working with parents and encourage parents to be active participants in their child’s

schooling. Please have a read of the document as it is a guideline to ensure mutual

understanding of the schools expectations.

Warmest Regards - Mrs Sturman (Relieving Principal)

PEACEFUL PARENTS PROGRAM

This term KKPS will be offering a Mindfulness, Positive Psychology and Mindful Education

Program for parents. The program will run at school over 4 sessions on Thursdays at 9:45am-11:00am with Mrs Rae and Ms Oliver. The program will commence Thursday 5th March and

continue each Thursday at this same time.

The program aims to provide parents with opportunities to learn and practice skills in

Mindfulness and building and maintaining positive relationships. "In a family if there is one person who practices Mindfulness the entire family will become more mindful." Thich Naht

Han. If you are interested in participating in this wonderful opportunity please contact the

office. Places are limited and will be offered on a first in basis.

STAGE 3 LAUNCH DAY

Last week all Stage 3 students participated in the Term 1 Launch Day of their Real Project unit of work this term - Investigating and

Experiencing Cultural Diversity. All students

experienced and participated in five rotations

throughout the day which included Cooking -

Fried Rice & Rice paper Rolls, Novelty Games - Chopsticks Relay & Buta No Shippo, Origami, Scavenger Hunt and

Outdoor Game - Stoolball. Each rotation students experienced

different cultural experiences from around the world. Congratulations to Mrs Brennar

and our Stage 3 teachers for organising this exciting learning experience for our Stage 3 students.

SLEEK GEEKS SCIENCE ENRICHMENT

Sleek Geeks is a national science film competition for Primary and Secondary

school students. This program is sponsored by the University of Sydney

and encourages students to research and explore a scientific concept,

discovery or invention, or test their own scientific hypothesis in a 1-3 minute film project.

Students work in groups of 3 to research, plan,

script, film and produce a short 1-3 minute video

based upon a science concept or area of their

choice. Teacher support and supervision is provided by Mr Maddock and Mr Absalom.

Students will participate in a 1 hour supervised

lesson scheduled every Thursday. Additional time may be scheduled during

lunchbreaks in order to ensure entries are completed and submitted by the competition deadline. Students started this week with all entries needed to

be completed by the start of Term 2.

PBL NEWS

As a school we have been revising our Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) values of

Learning, Safety and Respect. Students and teachers have been working hard to discuss and

demonstrate our values and expected behaviours throughout our school. Our students are rewarded when showing these positive behaviours through our Kurri Kookie system. Kurri

Kookies are placed into a box and students have the chance to have their names drawn out

at PBL assemblies for the Principals Lunch. Mrs Sturman is very keen to see lots of eager faces!

A reminder to the students who have already been drawn out - Principals Lunch will occur

on Wednesday 26th February at break 2! Congratulations.

PRINCIPAL’S LUNCH

GUEST LIST

Eli K-6D Sarraya – 2H Jayden – 2G

Mason – 2H Millaky – k-6C Wyatt K-6M

Dakota – K-6C Ali – 2H JJ – K-6M

Destani – 1H Amelia – 3C Brax – 3C

Braiden – 4B Rylan – 4B Arley – 4B

Adrian – 4B Steph – 4B Nic – 4B

Blake – 6H Josh – 6W Zoe – 6J

Ava – 6W

SPORTS NEWS

Years 3-6 Sport Program

Just a reminder that our Years 3 - 6 sport choices are on Care Monkey now. There are lots of amazing choices that will keep everyone active and busy! Please make your sport choices

by Friday, 28th February. Our sport program will start Friday, 6th March. Please be aware

that any students selecting a sport outside of the school grounds, must have returned their

walking permission note.

RUGBY LEAGUE

On Thursday 20th February the Rugby League squad travelled

to home soil to compete in the Mark Hughes 7 a side

tournament. A Year 6 team and a Year 5 team were both entered into the

competition and

both were able to

secure an

undefeated streak

throughout the regular competition rounds. With

both teams coming into the finals undefeated, the

prospect of a KKPS vs KKPS Grand Final became a

real possibility. However, despite a gallant effort from the Year 5 team, they were unable to come

out of the semi-final with a victory. This left the

Year 6 side to carry KKPS flag into the Grand Final. Unfortunately, we were beaten in the last

5 seconds of the game after defending back to back sets on our own line. Mark Hughes himself described the game as the best and hardest game he has ever seen at the tournament. A

MASSIVE congratulations to both sides. In the words of the great Jack Gibson – “Played

Tough, Done Good”. A Very BIG Thank you to Mr Brett for his work with both teams to

have such a fantastic day at this event!!

ZONE SWIMMING

Last Wednesday, we had 35 students attend the Zone swimming carnival at Cessnock

pool. All of these students demonstrated outstanding sportsmanship and perseverance

in their allocated races. Our four relay teams excelled in their heats with both the senior

boys and girls placing first in their heat!

We have had some super swimmers place in their heats

Maddison Lomas - 1st Senior Backstoke, 3rd Senior Breaststoke.

Joshua Doherty - 3rd Senior Backstroke.

Tahlya Wyper - 3rd Junior Butterfly.

Braiden Creamer - 2nd Junior Butterfly.

Lucy Butler - 1st 11 years Backstroke.

Lucy Skaife - 2nd 10 years Freestyle.

Kahli Howson - 2nd 11 years Freestyle.

Lewis Jones - 1st 12 years Freestyle.

Congratulations to all students!

Miss O’Brien & Miss Corrigan

VINTAGE FAMILY DAY

Our school and P&C will once again be holding our Vintage Family Day on Sunday 29th March, while the Kurri Nostalgia Festival is on. This is a major fundraiser for our school. There will

be rides, market stalls, entertainment - our dance groups and other students will perform,

vintage cars, vintage model cars, Happy Tooth will once

again bring along Cessnock Zoo with some of their

animals plus lots, lots more to both see and do. Our P&C need extra help during this event and will be extremely

grateful to anyone who is able to come along and give a

hand. To register your availability and details please call

the school on 4937 1235.

CULTURAL GROUPS/PLP AFTERNOON TEA

Last week saw the start of our Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander Cultural Groups. All our Aboriginal & Torres Straight Islander students attended this week to discuss the activities

that will be experienced this year. We currently have Genus Passi from Youth Express

attending our school weekly to provide these cultural lessons. Permission notes for your child

to attend these groups went home with your child on Wednesday. Please complete and return

by Tuesday 25th February. We are also in the process of organising an Aboriginal Dance Group with lessons occurring after school in our hall on Wednesday afternoons. Further

information with go home once the details are finalised. Invitations went home this week to

invite ALL of our Aboriginal & Torres Straight Islander families to an afternoon tea on Tuesday

25th February from 3:30pm-4:30pm in our school library to discuss academic, social and cultural goals for their children for 2020. This afternoon tea will be prepared by our Mighty

Burras Leadership Team, selected Stage 3 students and Aunty Judy. Please come along to

assist us to best meet the needs of your child/children.

NOSTALGIA DAY/GRANDPARENTS DAY

This year we will once again be holding our Nostalgia Day on Friday 27th March in support

of our local community NOSTALGIA FESTIVAL held in Kurri Kurri 27th-29th March. This

year we are combining this event with Grandparents Day to maximise the opportunity to tie

in with units of work being taught in classrooms this term and learning opportunities. We are encouraging staff, students and visitors to our school on this day to dress up in theme with

the 50's & 60's era. The schedule for the day is:

9:30am - Fashion Parade under Boongala

10:00am - Classroom activities. This is where we invite Grandparents to bring along something to share with students, an item or a story of what school was like for them.

11:08am - Morning Tea available for Gold Coin Donation. Performances under Boongala.

11:45am - Finish

We look forward to sharing this day with our students and their Grandparents.

PRINCIPAL’S AWARDS

Isla B – 1H Braxdan C – 1H Ryder D - 1H

Amarley J – 1B Maxim T – 1P Lewis D - 1P

Maya D – 1H Blade B – 3S Savannah N – 3C

Emily H – 3/4M Wyatt L – 3/4M Olivia F – 4O

Alison E – 5J Keeliah R – 5M Keeliah R – 5M

Kohen Hill – 5M Lucy B – 5/6N Ethan E – 5/6N

Charlie A – 6W Zane B – K-6M Brock Mc – K-6D

These awards were presented at the Whole School Assembly on Friday 21st February.

IMPORTANT DATES FOR YOUR CALENDAR Monday 24th February Deposit for Year 5 Camp due

Thursday 5th March Children’s University due

Friday 6th March Final payment for Y6 shirts due

Wednesday 11th March 3-way conferences

Monday 16th March Book Fair - browsing

Tuesday 17th March P & C AGM

Book Fair - buying

Sunday 29th March Vintage Family Day

Friday 3rd April Final payment for Year 5 Camp due

Thursday 9th April Easter Hat Parade

Monday 4th May - Wednesday 6th May Year 5 Camp

NOTES CURRENTLY ON CAREMONKEY

Year 5 Outdoor Education Camp – Forster 2020

Stage 2 & 3 Cheerleading

Stage 2 & 3 Children’s University

External Providers Policy & Procedures 2020

Health Care Plans 2020

General Consent Form

Y6 Kurri Youth Support Services

Stage 2 & 3 Term 1 Sport Choices

Y6 Polo Shirts

VOLUNTEERS INDUCTIONS

Parents and caregivers who wish to volunteer in the classrooms in 2020 must attend one of

the following volunteer inductions. The below dates are the only times that the inductions

will be scheduled this year, unless deemed necessary by the school. Please call the school on

49371235 to register for your preferred session. When arriving to attend an Induction, please

report to the Office to sign in.

Tuesday 25/2 at 2:30pm Monday 2/3 at 2:30pm

URGENT - UPDATING & CURRENT INFORMATION

Welcome to the new school year! We are updating all student details for 2020. To ensure that we as a school are able to best meet and support the needs of your child/children, please

ensure that you provide us with the most current details and information surrounding your

family. These details include, address, phone numbers, emergency contacts and their phone

numbers, health needs, eg. health conditions, asthma, allergies, medications, special needs,

change of circumstances etc.. These details ensure that we can adequately support your child throughout their school day.

EXTERNAL PROVIDERS POLICY & PROCEDURES 2020

We know that you want the best support for your child, and for many children this involves external providers, like speech therapists and physiotherapists. During school hours your

teachers, SLSOs, administration and support staff, and many other people work as a team to

provide for your child’s education. For many children, time out of class can be disruptive to a

settled routine, or leave gaps in learning. For some children, therapists visiting the school will

be the best option for their personal needs, and can add to their educational experience.

If you would like your child's therapists to visit during school hours, please complete a request

form at the front office. It will not always be possible to approve an external provider coming

in during school hours, and home visits or appointments out of school hours may be a better

option in some cases. We will continue to work towards the best possible educational

experience for your child.

1. Parents and carers – fill in a request form at the school office.

2. School staff will notify you of the decision. We must consider many factors, and this

will take around a week.

3. If yes, book a Personal Outcome Support Team meeting (POST) by contacting the

office.

4. There, we will decide on shared goals and book appointments with families, therapists

and school staff, together.

5. External providers will do inductions, show identification and prepare for visits.

More information can be found in our 2020 KKPS External Providers policy.

Click for the KKPS External Providers policy 2020

COMMUNITY NEWS

Reconciliation

We will having an information meeting for Parents /Caregivers on Thursday 27th February at

7.00 pm in the Library at the Holy Spirit School, Barton Street, Kurri Kurri. This meeting is for parents/carers who have children in Year 3 and older and been baptised a Catholic and

are interested in their children making their Sacraments . The first sacrament is Reconciliation

in Year 3 and Confirmation and Communion are for children in Year 4 upwards . If your child

is in year 4 upwards and hasn’t made their Reconciliation they are very welcome to enrol in our Sacramental Program this year. At the meeting we will have parents/carers fill in an

enrolment form , it would be appreciated if you could bring your child’s baptism certificate

along with you. If you have any concerns or have any queries please don’t hesitate to contact

Cathy Brown on 0437457409 email cathy51brown@hotmail.com or the Parish office on

499091551. Our Sacramental Team are looking forward to working with you and your

children along their faith journey. Kurri Sacramental Team.

CANTEEN ROSTER

Week 5 – 24.2.20 – 28.2.20

Monday – Ross & Trista

Tuesday – Kathy Wednesday – Alicia Hills

Thursday – Breanna Kirkwood & Mandy

Friday – Karmen, Trista, Jo & Ross

Week 6 – 2.3.20 – 6.3.20

Monday – Diane & Trista

Tuesday – Samantha

Wednesday – Jan Mansfield

Thursday – Kathy & Mandy Friday – Karmen, Trista, Alicia & Ross