From the Principal Covid-19 Update Eltham PS will continue to keep all parents and carers informed of developments with regard to Coronavirus and any implications for the school and students. Parents can access information from NSW Health and the Education Department’s website. The best way to stay safe is to ensure that you regularly wash your hands for at least 20 seconds. It is also extremely important to go to the doctor should you feel unwell. Students should NOT attend school unless they are 100% well. Parents will be contacted to collect their children should they arrive at school sick or become unwell during the course of the day. Last Friday Mr McKenzie conducted a science experiment in front of the whole school and it involved using bread to show how quickly germs spread and ultimately how washing hands using the ‘20 second rule’; washing hands thoroughly with soap whilst singing ‘Happy Birthday’, can dramatically reduce the spread of germs and bacteria. The bread was smeared over a student laptop, a child’s unwashed hands, washed hands with sanitiser and a thorough ‘20 second’ rule wash. The bread was bagged and can be viewed in the windows outside the Junbung room. Unfortunately, all extra curricula activities, excursions and social events and gatherings have been postponed until further notice. Please see me if you have any questions about this.

North Coast Regional Swimming Carnival Congratulations to Hannah, Jojo and Tirren who competed at the North Coast Regional Swimming Carnival in Coffs Harbour two weeks ago. A special congratulations to Tirren who placed second in Freestyle and first in Butterfly and was the Senior Boy Champion at the carnival. Tirren will progress to the NSW State Championships in Sydney later in the year and we are all extremely proud of him. Well done Tirren!

Dates for your Diary Week 8 Friday 20 March Harmony Day Week 10 Friday 3 April School Photos Week 11 Monday 6 April Healthy Harold K-4 Thursday 9 April Last day of term for

students – Mufti Day All assemblies, public gatherings, sporting and excursions have been postponed until further notice. We thank you for your patience and support during this difficult time.

T: 6629 1321 F: 6629 1027 E: eltham-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au W: www.eltham-p.schools.nsw.gov.au

Principal: Janet O’Shannessy

Eltham Public School “Helping each other grow”

Term 1 – Week 8 Wednesday, March 18, 2020

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Harmony Day Harmony Day will be combined with the National Day of Action against Bullying on Friday 20 March. Students will work in groups across K-6 and will participate in activities about harmony, diversity, cyber safety and anti-bullying. We are asking students to come dressed in the colour orange which represents inclusion and harmony and to bring a gold coin donation to support the charity ‘Beyond Blue.’ – Ms Watson Northern Rivers Zone Sports Trials, including NCPSSA and NSWPSSA Sporting Events We have received information that ALL Northern Rivers, North Coast and NSW Zone Trials, championships, carnivals and knockout games are temporarily ceased until further notice. For families who have already paid levies for upcoming events, please contact Maureen in the office to organise reimbursement.

Happy Birthday

Happy birthday to Fletcher who celebrates his birthday on March 20 and Reece who celebrates his birthday on March 21. We hope you both have very special days. Hip, hip hooray!!

Book Club Orders

Scholastic Book Club orders are due via LOOP on 23 March. Please see Maureen should you need any clarification with this process.

Healthy Harold

It’s almost that time of the year again, Healthy Harold will be at Eltham Public School K – 4 on Monday 6 April. Alongside Life Education, Healthy Harold has been visiting schools for over 40 years. For more information visit https://www.lifeeducation.org.au/our-program/ Permission notes and information will be sent home next week. Please call the school if you would like more information about these visits.

K-1 My Body Matters – Healthy food choices, importance of physical activity, safety

2-4 All Systems Go – Function of body systems, peer pressure, second-hand smoking and safety with medicines.

The Farm Byron Bay Excursion

Last Wednesday, the Bundjalarhm class had a wonderful experience at The Farm, Byron Bay. The students explored ‘The Farm’; learning about farm life, where our food comes from and how to grow our own food at school and home. They met chooks, pigs, horses and a python! Also, the students picked eggplant and ate Cranberry Hibiscus, a Japanese spinach and macadamias straight from the garden and orchard. We are very proud of our Kindergarten students on their very first excursion and our Year 1 students who were very supportive. A big thank you to Mr Currie and Mrs Leslie who attended on the day.

“The Cranberry Hibiscus was very yummy.” - Zara “I liked looking at the pigs and meeting Big Bruce.” - Arki “I like the playground and the piglets.” - Finn “I had a great day! I liked seeing all the animals, cracking macadamias and trying some plants in the garden.” - Isla Time online - How much is too much? There is no magic figure. The right amount of screen time can depend on a range of factors like your child’s age and maturity, the kind of content they are consuming, their learning needs and your family routine. It can be easy to focus only on the clock, but the quality and nature of what they are doing online, and your involvement, are just as important. Consider your child’s screen use in the context of their overall health and wellbeing. For example, is online time getting in the way of their sleep and exercise? Is it impacting on their face-to-face connections with family and friends? The answers to these questions will guide you and help strike the right balance of online and offline activities for your child. www.esafety.gov.au/parents Commonwealth Bank Student Banking Due to the developing situation with Coronavirus School Banking has been temporarily paused until the start of Term 2. We will advise you when Student Banking recommences.

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K/1 Excursion to The Farm, Byron Bay

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