informative presentation on how snakes

and other reptiles live. The children were

able to interact with a 3.5 metre python,

being able to touch the skin and several

children had the experience of having

the snake placed around their shoulders.

Following this event the Bandaged Bears

Picnic was held with huge numbers of

bandaged bears of all shapes, colours

and sizes being displayed across the

school. A definite contrast to the snake

show in the morning, but equally

enjoyable with all the children very

happy to bring their special friends to

school.

The school also had sporting success with

Joshua Pokoney being selected into the

Western Region Rugby Union team to

play at the State Carnival later in the

year. Josh, Lindsey and Luke all trialled for

the team with all boys being highly

commended by the selectors.

Next week the school will be represented

at the State Swimming Championships

by Isabella Scammell and Anja Gower.

Both girls gained selection into the

Western Region Representative team by

finishing in the top 3 at the regional

carnival held in Dubbo. Next week the

girls travel to Sydney Olympic Aquatic

Centre to compete with the top

swimmers in the state and we wish the

girls the best of luck.

Next week will also see the first instalment

of the 2014 Adventure Days. Every child is

eligible to attend these days with the

only criteria for selection being strong

work ethic and attendance. Teachers will

select two students from classes in Years

3-6 on Friday this week with notes going

out that day. The adventure days involve

activities such as bushwalking, caving,

waterfall climbing etc and is seen as

incentive for students to work hard and

attend school. No cost to the students is

incurred on the day .

Brad Tom

NSW Department of Education and Communities

Cowra Public School

NEWS

3 March 2014 Term 1, Week 10

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT

FOR YOUR DIARY

4 CPS Cross Country

8 Russell Richardson /David

Peachy

8 Netball Gala Day

9 State PSSA Swimming in Sydney

10 State PSSA Swimming in Sydney

10 University of NSW entries close

11 Infants Easter Hat Parade

11 Last day of Term 1

28 Pupil Free Day

29 Students return for Term 2

MAY

1 Infants Singing 12.30pm in

Infants Open Space

2 P & C catering fundraiser

9 Mother’s Day stall

20 Stage 2 excursion to Canberra

Zoo

CONTACTING THE SCHOOL Administration Office Hours: 8.30am - 3.30pm

School commences at 9.10am

School finishes at 3.15pm

Students are not supervised before 8.45am

Mail: PO Box 285, Cowra

Phone: 6342 2400

Fax: 6341 1357

School Counsellor 6341 3078

Email: cowra-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au

Web: http://www.cowra-p.schools.nsw.edu.au

DEPT.HEALTH DENTAL CLINIC: 1300 552 208

Dear Parents

Today I am going to take the opportunity to

formally acknowledge Mrs Eileen Day and

the wonderful service she has provided

Cowra Public School over the last 7 years.

As mentioned in a previous newsletter, Mrs

Day will be moving on from our school to

take the Principal position at Dubbo West

Public School commencing next term. Mrs

Day has been the IM teacher and Stage 3

Assistant Principal at our school and has

always demonstrated the ability to bring

out the best in all children no matter who

they are. Mrs Day has been a valued

member of the Cowra Public School

Executive team and has been instrumental

with the running of the school, often

coordinating the NAIDOC Challenge Public

Speaking, the Pie Drive, excursions and

general running of the Stage and school

events. This is a very exciting time for Eileen

and the entire staff wish her the very best in

her upcoming role.

This week the school has seen a great deal

of work undertaken both within the

classrooms and in the school grounds. Firstly

we have had painters working in several

rooms as well as the replacement of ceiling

sheeting. To add to this the lift that is being

constructed is coming together and during

the week several major steps in the

construction process were completed.

In addition to this progress in building the

school has been very productive with the

children moving well in all classrooms. The

school is very proud of the consistent

progress of the children and we are

delighted with the academic growth being

experienced across all Stages.

This week has also seen several events take

place with the standout highlights being the

visit from the Australian Reptile Park “Snake

Man” and the Bandaged Bears Picnic

yesterday. The display of Australia’s most

dangerous snakes had the children and

staff captivated with a truly wonderful and

PSSA STATE SWIMMING

CARNIVAL

Best wishes to Anja Gower and Isabella

Scammell who are competing in the

Western Region swimming team at

Homebush in Sydney next Tuesday and

Wednesday.

We wish them all the best.

Anja Gower Isabella Scammell

Page 2 Cowra Public School

INFANTS ASSEMBLIES

Infants assemblies will now be held every

second Thursday, i.e. even weeks. The

assemblies will be held in the Infants Open

Space and commence at 2.00pm and finish

at 2.30pm when the children will return to

their classrooms.

At these assemblies students will be receiving

Merit Certificates and PBL awards.

Every alternate Thursday (not assembly

week) from 12.30pm until 1.00pm the Infants

will be holding combined singing in the

Infants Open Space. All parents are invited to

come along and listen to the children

singing.

PRIMARY ASSEMBLIES

The Primary will also be holding their

assemblies every second Thursday, i.e. even

weeks at 2.30pm in the school auditorium,

The assemblies will include the Year 6 Public

Speaking and Merit Certificates will also be

presented on the day.

All parents are invited to attend both

assemblies.

COMBINED ASSEMBLIES

The school will be holding combined

assemblies twice a term. At these assemblies

the Infants and Primary Aussies of the Month

will be announced and the children will be

presented with their awards.

UNIVERSITY OF NSW

COMPETITIONS

The University of NSW’s, International Competition and

Assessment for Schools is the largest independent competition

and assessment program for schools in Australia. It is also

delivered to over 20 countries.

Students in Years 3 to 6 are invited and encouraged to enter the

following ICAS subjects:

Computer Skills: (Tuesday, 20 May) $8.00

Science: (Wednesday, 4 June) $8.00

Writing: (Monday, 16 June) $17.00

Spelling: (Tuesday, 17 June) $11.00

English: (Tuesday, 29 July) $8.00

Mathematics: (Tuesday, 12 August) $8.00

(Sitting date in brackets.)

ALL ENTIRES CLOSE

Thursday, 10th April 2014

SCHOOL FEES

Each year the school asks families to pay

a small contribution towards the cost of

their child’s education.

This contribution helps to cover the cost

of books, paper and other items used by

every child.

The school has set the fee at $30 per

child with a family maximum of $60. This

equates to approximately 15c per day.

The receipt of your contribution would be

very much appreciated and payment

can be made at the school office.

TERM 2 DATES

Monday, 28 April ~ Pupil Free Day

Tuesday, 29 April ~ Students return

GRIP STUDENT LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE

The Grip Student Leadership Conference is designed for School student leaders. The

aim is to inspire the students to serve their school with excellence and to reach their

full potential as leaders. The 2014 Grip Student Leadership Conference will be held at

the Charles Sturt University, Wagga on Tuesday, 27 May 2014.

The program will involve high profile speakers from varied backgrounds and different

personal leadership experiences.

To register your child for this conference the attendance fee is $37. This fee must be

paid at the school office by Friday, 21 March. Parents who have indicated that they

will also be attending will be required to pay $20 by the same date.

Mrs Kathryn Macnamara will be attending the conference with the students.

Start and finish times: - Students must arrive between 8.45am and 9.10am. The first

session will begin at 9.15am. The final session will conclude at 2.30pm. Students will

leave Cowra Public School at 6.00am and return at approximately 5.30pm.

Morning tea and lunch breaks: - Catering is not included in the conference

registration. Students must bring a packed morning tea and lunch.

Dress: - Students are to be dressed in full winter school uniform.

TRAVEL to and from Wagga will be by private car, leaving Cowra Public School at

6.00am parents will need to organise transport for their children.

YR 6 TRANSITION TO

COWRA HIGH

SCHOOL

Each Tuesday for the rest of the year,

Year 6 students attend Cowra High

School for transition into Year 7 next

year.

All students need to be in full school

uniform with correct closed in shoes.

This is an OH & S requirement.

PBL REWARD DAY

On the last Friday of Term 1, the school will be holding a PBL

Reward afternoon for students who have not received a blue

slip in the last 5 weeks of term.

This is a whole school afternoon (K-6) where students will be

allowed to bring in electronic games, board games, card

games etc. and craft activities.

COMBINED SCRIPTURE ~ EASTER

Next Wednesday Infants will be holding their combined scripture

at 10.30am in the school Auditorium.

Primary will be holding their combined scripture at 12.20pm-

1.00pm in the school Auditorium.

Page 3

STAGE 2 EXCURSION TO CANBERRA

ZOO

On Tuesday, 20 May, Stage 2 children have the opportunity to

participate in a day excursion to Canberra Zoo. The excursion

will tie in with work being studied on endangered animals and

Australian fauna,

The cost is $42.00, which must be paid at the school’s office

before Friday, 9 May 2014.

Payments can be made in instalments (e.g.$10.00 a week).

What To Bring/Wear (in a sturdy bag/back-pack):

Suitable mufti attire, including sensible closed in shoes

Hat, sunscreen, insect repellent (raincoat, if weather

indicates)

Pocket money for souvenirs (maximum $20)

Morning tea, lunch , afternoon tea

Drink bottle

Camera (optional)

The bus will depart Cowra Public School at 7.30am and return at

approximately 5.00pm.

Any medication your child may

need on the day should be given to

the class teacher. The child’s name

and instructions for administering

must be clearly shown.

Kathryn Macnamara

Stage 2 Assistant Principal

Cowra Public School

NOW ACCEPTING PAYMENT FOR:-

SCHOOL CONTRIBUTION: $30 per student, with a family maximum of $60. Payment would be appreciated

this term.

UNIVERSITY OF NSW COMPETITIONS:

All Primary students are invited to participate.

Entries close Thursday, 10th April.

STAGE 2 EXCURSION TO CANBERRA ZOO: Tuesday, 20 May 2014. $42.00 or instalments of $10.00. Closes Friday, 9 May 2014.

GRIP STUDENT LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE: Tuesday, 27 May. $37.00 per student.

INFANTS HAT PARADE

The Infants (K-2) will be holding an Easter

Hat Parade on Friday, 11 April (last day

of Term 1).

Students will be making their hats in their classrooms during

the next two weeks.

If parents have any ideas or wish to assist with their child’s

hat making, please contact their child’s class teacher.

The parade will take place at 9.30am in the school

auditorium.

GIRLS’ ABORIGINAL DANCE GROUP

The Girls’ Aboriginal Dance Group has been invited to

perform at the opening ceremony of Catapult in Bathurst

next week. Catapult is the national youth Circus and

Physical Theatre Festival. This Festival runs from Monday, 1

April until Sunday, 13 April. The festival aims to bring young

people in the region together with professional artists where

they will be inspired to continue to build on their skills and

self-confidence.

The students will perform on Tuesday, 8 April at 7.00pm. The

students will be transported to and from Bathurst by the

Cowra High School bus. Miss James will accompany the

group. The girls will need to go to Bathurst for a rehearsal on

Monday, 7 April at 4.00pm. They will be supervised by Mrs

Cheryl McAlister from Cowra High.

GARDEN CLUB NEWS

Garden Club is up and running for 2014 and we have over

40 students signed up to take part in the program.

We have used the last few weeks to mulch and prepare the

gardens and will be planting a variety of

winter vegetables generously donated by

Mr Nigel Hazell.

We will keep the school community

updated as the season progresses.

ANZAC DAY

The official Cowra ANZAC Day march will

be held on Friday, 25 April, which is the

second Friday of the school holidays.

We encourage as many students as possible to be involved in

the march. Captains, Vice Captains, Prefects and all students

have been invited to attend. Students and staff will be meeting

at 10.20am at the Cowra RSL Club for the laying of the wreaths

before the march down Kendal Street to the Cenotaph and the

ANZAC Day ceremony.

Students are to wear full school winter uniform.

A note has gone home inviting all students to attend. Please fill

in the permission slip and return it to the school by Friday, 11 April.

BANDAGED BEAR DAY

Congratulations to everyone who brought in their lovely

bears.

The school raised $233.00 for the Westmead Children’s

Hospital . Well done everyone!

Page 4

SPORTING ACTIVITIES FOR TERM 1

Tomorrow is the Cross Country for all Primary students.

Next week, Friday, 11 April sport will be class based

due to the Cowra Aquatic Centre closing for the

winter.

Shavaughn Duncan

PE/Sport teacher

SPORT

CROSS COUNTRY TRIALS ~

TOMORROW

Cowra Public School will be holding their annual

Cross Country trials on tomorrow, Friday, 4 April 2014.

Details:

Line up at 9.30am. (Finish at 11.10am)

Proceed to River Park, assemble

Sit in age/sex groups

8/9 and 10 year girls and boys will complete

one lap

11/12 and 13 year girls and boys will

complete 2 laps

Order:

11 year boys 11 year girls 2 laps

12/13 year boys 12/13 girls 2 laps

8/9 year boys 8/9 year girls 1 lap

10 year boys 10 year girls 1 lap

District Cross Country will be held

at Koorawatha on Monday, 2

June. The first six placegetters will

be selected for the school team.

Regional Cross Country is in

Wellington on Wednesday, 11

June 2014.

Please remind children about hats, drinks and

sunscreen and they are to remain inside fence lines

and are not to go onto roads etc.

With more significant rain forecast to fall at the end

of this week, we are anticipating the fact that the

Cross Country may be postponed. If that is the case

it will be run on the Friday of Week 1 in Term 2 at

2.00pm. I will make a decision regarding the event

on Friday morning at 9.00am - fingers crossed for a

fine day!

Shavaughn Duncan

PE/Sport

RUGBY LEAGUE: DAVID PEACHEY SHIELD

(Years 5 & 6) & RUSSELL RICHARDSON CUP (Years

3 & 4)

Cowra Public School will be participating in the David Peachey Shield

and Russell Richardson Cup against other schools in the district on

Tuesday, 8 April 2014 at River Park

All students NOT involved in the Netball Gala Day are expected to take

part in this day as this is a whole school event and will be the allocated

sport session for Week 11.

The students will walk to and from River Park at approximately 9.15am and

will return in time for buses. They will be accompanied by Mr Albert

Murray, Mr Blake Duncombe and Mr Greg Garlick.

Players will need to pay $1.00 (PSSA levy) to the office by Tuesday, 8 April.

While the school makes an effort to minimise the possibility of injury, and

recommends the wearing of a correctly fitted mouthguard and head

gear, there will remain some degree of risk inherent in participation in

what is essentially a body contact sport.

Albert Murray

Coach

NETBALL GALA DAY

Cowra Public School students have been invited to

participate in a Netball Gala Day on Tuesday, 8 April.

The Gala Day which is held at the netball courts at Col

Stinson Oval is a fun, non-competitive day attended

by all the Primary Schools in Cowra and has proven to

be very enjoyable in previous years.

It is expected that all students who are NOT involved

with the David Peachey/Russell Richardson Shield will attend the Netball

Gala Day as this is a whole school event and will be the allocated sport

session for Week 11.

Students will come to school as per usual on Tuesday morning and after

roll call will walk to the sporting venues, where they will stay until the

conclusion of the Gala Days at approximately 2.00pm-2.30pm. Netballers

will be allocated teams which will be of mixed ability. There will not be

winners announced, just acknowledgement of those students who display

excellent sportsmanship and effort.

Students attending both venues need to bring the following:

Hat and sunscreen

Plenty of water to drink

All food required for the day - NO LUNCH ORDERS THAT DAY

All students should know what activity they are doing on the day (either

football or netball). If they are not sure, please see Mrs Duncan tomorrow.

Shavaughn Duncan

PE/Sport

Cowra Public School

WESTERN REGION RUGBY

UNION TRIALS

Three students from Cowra Public School tried out

for the Western Region Rugby Union team last

Tuesday. All players

acquitted themselves well

and enjoyed the experience.

Congratulations to Joshua

Pokoney who was chosen in

the Western Region Rugby

Union side to go to the State

Carnival in August.

Lindsay Munro and Luke Kinsey were very unlucky to

just miss out on a place in the side.

P & C

Page 5 Cowra Public School

COMMUNITY

PCYC COWRA

Laser Tag

Laser Tag runs on Wednesday nights at PCYC’s Young Road complex

commencing at 5.30pm. Cost is $5.00 per player and you must be a

PCYC member to attend.

A Laser Tag gala day will be held on Saturday 5 April with 45 minute

sessions commencing on the hour from 10am, with the last session

commencing at 3pm. You must book your place for the gala day as

spaces are limited to a maximum of 12 players per session (6 players per

team). Cost will be $5.00 per player per session.

This is an opportunity to get a group of friends together, form a couple of

teams and book a timeslot to battle each other with tactics, stealth and

teamwork.

Junior Disco

The next Junior Disco for Kinder to Year 6 children will be held on Friday

28 March from 6pm to 8pm. Entry is $5 and there will be a canteen and

sausage sizzle in operation. A sausage sandwich will cost $2. Music and lights provided by Laurie’s Disco.

Supervision provided by PCYC Police, staff and volunteers.

Junior Basketball

Junior Basketball will again be offered on both Monday and Wednesday

afternoons in Term 2. This will consist of coaching sessions and games to

develop and improve the skills of the younger players.

The cost for Junior Basketball will be $30 per player per term for those

attending once a week, or you can book for both days for $50 for the

school term.

Men’s Basketball

PCYC is hoping to start a regular Men’s Wednesday night Basketball

competition on 7 May. Nomination forms are available at PCYC’s Young

Road complex, so guys if you want to start playing full ‘five a side’

matches, start organising your teams now.

Nominations will close on 29 April, competition fees will be $60 per player

aged 18 and older, $45 per player aged under 18.

PCYC Membership

You must be a PCYC member to participate in any of the PCYC

activities, yearly membership is $5.00 for under 18’s and $10 for ages 18 and older.

COWRA JUNIOR SOCCER 2014

The last opportunity for on time junior soccer registration is this

weekend.

Club officials will be at the canteen at Edgell Park on the following

dates to help with registration and take payment:

Friday 4 April from 5-6

Saturday 5 April from 9-12

Registration (and payment) can also be done

online through myfootballclub.com.au until

Sunday morning.

Cost:

5s to 8s $60

9s to 16s $90

An additional $10 fee will apply for any late registrations after

Saturday 5 April.

A discount is available for families registering more than three

children.

For any enquiries, email registrar@cowrasoccer.org.au

MAJOR FUNDRAISER FOR THE P. & C.

The Cowra Public School P & C has accepted a large

catering job as a fundraiser for the school this year. The

fundraiser is on Friday, 2 May.

There are various different kinds of help required - eg pre-

made cakes/slices, fruit platters sliced and delivered on the

day, and assistance with preparation, serving and clearing

up on the day.

However small, any contribution will be greatly appreciated!

If you feel you could assist in some way please email

pm2006@bigpond.net.au.

Many thanks to those who have already offered their help

(you do not need to contact me again). I will make contact

closer to the time.

Pip Fagan

PSSA RUGBY LEAGUE

Congratulations to the following students who gained

selection in the Cowra & District Rugby League teams to play

In the Western Region Rugby League Trials at Dubbo on

Monday, 7 April.

Under 11’s: Harlee Simms, Joel Edgerton

Open team: Lindsay Munro, Joshua Pokoney, Luke

Kinsey, Blake Williams, Sonny Eastwood

The venue is Apex Oval. Games will commence at 9.30am

and conclude at approximately 2.30pm. Players will need to

locate Mr Albert Murray on arrival at the ground.

Cost is $2.00 per player.

Players will need to bring their own football gear, as well as

recess, lunch and drinks.

Travel to and from Dubbo is by private car, so it is up to

players and their parents to organise transport.

Sport continued

P & C EXECUTIVE

Congratulations to the following executive who were

elected at last night’s P & C Annual General Meeting.

President: Mr Robert Webster

Vice President: Mr Nigel Hazell

Secretary: Mrs Miriam Kelly

Clothing Pool: Mrs Cindy Saxby

The school would like to thank the outgoing executive for all

their hard work and wish the new executive all the best for

the future.

The school would like to acknowledge Mrs Trisha Long for all

her hard work in the role of Treasurer for the P & C. over the

past seven years. Mrs Long will continue to be the Food

Service unit book-keeper. The school would also like to

acknowledge Mr Rob Willis for his work as P & C Vice

President.

PO Box 900, Cowra NSW 2794 T/A Lic 2TA5695 Phone: 6342 1021 Fax: 6342 4597

Email: info@cowrabus.com.au

DISNEY ON ICE: 11 July 2014 - Sydney - Expression of Interest WICKED: 11 October 2014, Capitol Theatre, Sydney - Expression of Interest

COWRA TRAVEL IN CONJUNCTION WITH GO SEE TOURING: Norfolk Island: 9-17 October 2014, Includes 13 activities/tours - Expression of Interest

“Cowra Travel Takes You There”

2014 NRL HOLIDAY

CLINIC COWRA

NRL Development will be holding a

clinic at Cowra in the upcoming

school holidays. Register and pay

online at the address below.

See information below:

Cowra Holiday Clinic – River Park Cowra

Date: Wednesday 23rd April

Time: 10:00am - 12:00pm (Children aged 5-12)

Cost: $35 Rugby League Football, Kicking Tee, Carry Bag,

Water Bottle, Truckers Cap, Footy Pump, Footy Cards and

a One Community Magnet.

Contact: Mick Armstrong on 0402892839 or

marmstrong@nrl.com.au

Go to the address below to register and pay online.

http://

www.westernnswdevelopment.leaguenet.com.au/

SYDNEY OLYMPIC PARK

HOLIDAY PROGRAM

Sydney’s largest school holiday program returns these

holidays, with over 50 fun-filled activities to keep your

kids active, outdoors and entertained. A range of

activities are free or under $20.00, making it affordable

to discover Sydney’s most exciting playground these

holidays!

Archery - Kids on Target & little Archers

Fizzics Science Workshops

All day Holiday Recreational Program

Martial Arts for Kids

Art, Cooking and Drumming Workshops

Sport & Adventure Camps

Cheerleading & Gymnastics

Space Racing for Kids

Circus Skills & Flying Trapeze

… and lots more

Full details at www.kids.inthepark.com.au

THE INAUGURAL WOMBAT BOOKS

ILLUSTRATION CHALLENGE - NOW OPEN!

Wombat Books is seeking original illustrations from Australian students to

publish in a unique picture book by well-known children’s author

Aleesah Darlison. The Challenge has been established to provide

aspiring young illustrators with the opportunity to be published in a

professionally produced children’s book and gain an introduction into

the world of illustrating.

The book, titled Zoo Ball, is scheduled for release in early 2015. Up to

twenty winning illustrators will be published in the book and will also

receive two free copies of the book and a $50 voucher. They will be

acknowledged on the Wombat Books website as a rising illustrator and

there may be opportunities for them to illustrate work in the future.

One outstanding illustrator will be given the exclusive opportunity to

design the cover for the book and will win a cash prize of $200.

For full guidelines and entry forms visit: www.wombatbooks.com.au/

competitions

SCHOOL HOLIDAY CLINICS

Are you looking for some great fun activities

for your children to be involved in these April

school holidays? AFL NSW/ACT will be

running a school holiday clinic for boys and girls aged 4-12.

Bathurst: Mon Apr 14 - George Park, Browning Street – 10:00am-12:00pm

Orange: Mon Apr 14 – Jack Brabham Park – 2:00-4:00pm

Young: Tue Apr 15 – Burrangong Oval, Burrangong Hall Road – 10:00am-

12:00pm

Cowra: Tue Apr 15 – River Park, Vaux Street – 2:00-4:00pm

Forbes: Wed Apr 16 – South Circle Oval, King Street – 10:00am-12:00pm

Parkes: Wed Apr 16 - Cheney Park, Station Street – 2:00-4:00pm

Dubbo: Wed Apr 23 – South Dubbo Oval, Boundary Road – 10:00am-

12:00pm

Mudgee: Wed Apr 23 – Victoria Park, Perry Street – 2:00-4:00pm

* Venues subject to availability

COST: $30 includes a NAB AFL Auskick School Auskick bag with

synthetic Sherrin football PLUS a drink/snack

Register by April 7, but pay on the day. To register, go to:

www.aflcentralwest.com.au and complete the short online

registration. It’s that easy!

No previous AFL experience required – just the willingness to have heaps and heaps of fun.

Cowra Public School Page 6