Ironbark Ridge PS Withers Rd, Rouse Hill 2155 Ph: 8814 5687 Fax: 8814 5698 Email: ironbarkrg­p.school@det.nsw.edu.au Webpage: www.ironbarkrg­p.schools.nsw.edu.au

Newsletter ‘11 Term 4 Week 1 13.10.11

Be Safe, Be Responsible, Be Respectful

DATES FOR THE DIARY OCTOBER

14 th PSSA 17 th Be Skilled, Be Fit 18 th 1 st K 2012 orientation session 19 th Be Skilled, Be Fit; Assembly: student leaders 20 th K­6 Aboriginal Performer 21 st PSSA 24 th Be Skilled, Be Fit 26 th Be Skilled, Be Fit; 2 nd K 2012 orientation session;

Assembly: 4 Mollymook 28 th PSSA 31 st Be Skilled, Be Fit

CURRENT NOTES Aboriginal Performance due 18 th October Forensic Frenzy (Yrs 5 & 6) – 25 th October PSSA Sport – 20 th October Yr 3 Overnight Excursion Yarramundi – 7 th November School Swimming Scheme – 19 th October

Dear Parents and Friends,

Welcome back to our final term for 2011. I hope that everyone enjoyed the break, even though the weather was not particularly kind.

During the holidays I attended a school reunion (Year 10, 1973­ yes, that makes me VERY old!). There were people there who I had not seen for many years and although I had been a reluctant attendee, I was very glad that I attended and renewed some school friendships. Even though there was lots of bald heads, grey hair and expanded waistlines, people’s personalities were very much as I remembered them. It made me think about how precious our school years are and how the friendships made during school years can endure the ups and downs of life.

This week I am leading a school review team at Winston Heights PS, so will not be around from Wednesday till Friday. Over the next two weeks I am assisting with a regional job and will be working away from our school. I know that when I am not here the school continues to function beautifully thanks to the wonderful executive team and office staff. Thanks to email and mobile phones I am never far away if needed but in reality I rarely am, so thank you to the staff who continue on regardless of their absent principal.

In Education Week I announced that Mrs Burns had been nominated for a National Inspirational Teacher Award. We have been notified that she has progressed to the next round and will soon be interviewed as part of the selection process. Good luck Mrs Burns.

Hard to believe that next week we will once again welcome our new batch of Kinder students for the first of their orientation visits. Thank you to this year’s Kinder teachers for organising the visits.

It is the time of year that rumours run rife about classes and teachers for next year. I know that no one will believe me but at this stage I have no firm idea of the composition of classes as enrolments change almost daily with comings and goings.

Here is what I do know: there will be 21 classes to start the year and it is highly likely that some of these will be composites; the extra demountable that we require will be delivered during this term; we need one additional teacher and this may be filled by a transfer or through merit selection­ we don’t know which way yet; some teachers who are currently on maternity leave will be returning next year, usually in a part­time capacity which means that there will be more job­shared classes;

Please be aware that students without consent for media publication are not named in this newsletter. If you wish to provide consent please download the consent form from the school website following this link

http://www.ironbarkrg‐p.schools.nsw.edu.au/sws/view/1640910.node and return the office.

there will be one Year 5 and one Year 6 OC; I will be retiring at the end of Term 2 but I don’t know how or when a new principal will be appointed; due to the fluid nature of enrolments we will not be announcing classes and teachers until the beginning of 2012.

Apart from that, I will give parents relevant information if and when it is appropriate. If anyone knows any other “facts”, could you please let me know so that I have the “facts” too?

Remember the old saying “never let the truth get in the way of a good story”.

Have a good week everyone.

Regards

Kerry Poole, Principal

Week 1

Principal’s Award 4M for always working well Kindy Bronte Keyan Kohistani, Charlotte Storey, Ankana Dharmaratnam Kindy Sunshine Myah Newth, Ali Sherriff, Kieran Doyle

Year 1 Dee Why Ben Burton­Harris, Tori Fisher Year 2 Bundeena Isabella Garcia, Olivia Scott, Liam Vella, Owain Lilly Year 2 Kirra Marcos Cabral, Ainsley Cassar, Jack Johnson, Tyson Thomas

Year 3 Hunters Dylan Gray, Benjamin Creer, Stephanie Cremona, Charlotte Conlon, Tahlya Large

Year 3/4/5 Balmoral Jessica Pillars, Monique ABakhos, Segal Madan, Noah Casaclang, Tom Havill

Year 4 Mollymook Monique Urio, Eric Wright, Anthony Sultana Year 5/6 Whitehaven Raja Mandava, Porsha Pupo, Emma Clayton, Alex Barbara,

Year 6 Diamond Sheena Sangha, Michelle Kim, Cindy Chau, Aryan Panchasara,

PSSA SPORT 13 th October 2011

Our games are as follows: Oz­Tag­ played at Second Ponds Reserve, Withers Road, Rouse Hill Cricket – Hills Centenary Oval, Commercial Road, Kellyville T­Ball/Softball – Hills Centenary Oval, Commercial Road, Kellyville AFL – played at Wrights Reserve (Pyes Road, Quakers Hill)

KINDY CAPERS

Welcome back to the last term for Kindergarten. It was just a year ago that our current students were having their first taste of ‘big school’. Next week we will be commencing our 2012 orientation sessions. We can’t wait to see the eager faces walking through our gates (parents of course). Anyway it is always an exciting time for everyone. Our teachers are currently gathering information for the end of year reports. If you wish to discuss any aspect of your child’s educational growth please arrange for an interview. We have always encouraged you to do so.

S.R.C Crazy Socks and Hair Walk‐a‐thon The Walk­a­thon held on the last day of Term 3 was a great success! The sun was shining and the students of Ironbark Ridge really got into the spirit with their crazy hairdos and wild socks.

Congratulations to all of the students and teachers who participated on the day, not only did we have fun, but we also managed to raise a magnificent $8,500. What a fantastic effort and a big thank you to all of the family and friends who kindly supported our fundraising event. The S.R.C. representatives have been in discussions with their classes about how to best spend the money raised and the S.R.C. met on Wednesday to vote on these suggestions. We’ll keep you posted on the final outcome of resources bought – not sure if the wish for a giant swimming pool and slippery will result but can’t blame a kid for trying!!

The winning class that raised the most money was 2 Bundeena.Wonderful effort, Mr Brent was very proud of you and I’m sure that you will enjoy your prize of a pizza lunch and ice­cream on Tuesday in Week 3.

Congratulations to the following students who raised the most money in K­2 and 3­6, we hope that you had fun spending your Rouse Hill Town Centre gift vouchers.

Winners K­2 were Boy – Owain Lilly (2B) Girl – Kaitlin Calderwood (KSH)

Winners 3­6 were Boy – Ibrahim Khan (5/6W) Girl – Tamara Rhode (4P)

Certificates were awarded to the following students who raised the most money in their class;

KB ­ Charli­Rose Buhagiar KN ­ Cavan Buhagiar KSH ­ Kaitlin Calderwood KSU ­ Carlotte Moog 1B ­ Amithi Vaithilingam 1D ­ Name Withheld 1C ­ Cooper Stone 2B ­ Owain Lilly 2K ­ Lachlan Whalen 2P ­ Name Withheld 3B ­ Selena Cardillo 3H ­ Bailee Kingston 3/4/5B­ Name Withheld 4M ­ Maddison Moog 4P ­ Tamara Rhode 5C ­ Natasha Hirst 5/6S ­ Dermont McKeever­King, 5 /6 J ­ Alessia Cauchi

Owen Jordan 5/6W – Ibrahim Khan 6D ­ Cindy Chau

Thank you to everyone for making our Walk­a­thon such a great success!

Regards,

Mrs Nahirny and Mrs Walker Walk­a­thon Organisers

WELFARE MATTERS

Woolworths Earn and Learn Points We currently have 10,047 points registered for teaching resources. The promotion ends on the 18 th October so help us to earn and learn more resources for our students.

Learning assistance library

Located at Oatlands Public School and open during term 10am­4pm weekdays, except Thursday, the Jill Sherlock Memorial Learning Assistance Library is available to parents to support the teaching and learning needs of students with learning difficulties.

The library, located at Oatlands Public School and open during term 10am­4pm weekdays (except Thursday), provides resources for students from preschool to Year 12 in the context of syllabus and curriculum requirements.

For more info: W: www.sherlocklibrary.det.nsw.edu.au, T: 9630 2326 or E: jsherlock.library@det.nsw.edu.au

Whooping cough alert

NSW Health warns there has been an increase in whooping cough among primary school­aged children. Whooping cough is contagious and can be especially dangerous for babies.

Whooping cough starts like a cold and progresses to bouts of coughing that can last for many weeks. Older children may just have a cough that is persistent and is worse at night. The infection can occur even in fully­vaccinated children.

• Children with symptoms should see a GP. • If your doctor diagnoses whooping cough, please let the school know and keep your child

at home until they have taken five days of antibiotics. Keep coughing children away from babies.

• Whooping cough vaccines give good protection against infection but immunity fades. If your school­aged child has younger siblings, it’s a good idea to check that they are up to date with their vaccines.

More information go to: www.health.nsw.gov.au/PublicHealth/Infectious/whoopingcough/facts.asp

P & C NEWS

Canteen News Hi everyone and welcome back to Term 4! Thank you to all of the fantastic people who have put their hand up to volunteer in the canteen this term.

Just a quick reminder that we are no longer able to take orders for Sushi on Mondays. Sushi is only available for order of Wednesday and Friday. If your child orders sushi on a Monday they will be offered an alternative.

Our volunteers for next week are:

Monday 17/10/11 – Grace Cho, Jenny Zheng (8:30 – 11:30) & Nat Wall (11:30 – 2)

Wednesday 19/10/11 – Emma Ashley, Donna Wright, Jacqueline Kingston, Sharyn L­C (11 – 2:30pm) & Melanie Cabral (8:45 – 11:30)

Friday 21/10/11 – Jane Moog, Annie Matthews, Lyn Storey, Amanda Stewart (10 – 2) & Eddie Palaci (8:45 – 11:30)

Don't forget to register to order online…visit www.flexischools.com.au and sign up today!

UNIFORM SHOP NEWS

The Uniform Shop is online NOW !! www.flexischools.com.au

Order & pay for your school uniforms & accessories online. Your order will then be filled and ready for you to pick up from the Shop.

We stock all your uniform requirements and we also sell Sports House T‐shirts, artsmocks, library bags, rain ponchos, socks & tights, gloves, hair scrunchies & headbands, excursion bags, school bags, drink bottles, House Supporter Gear &

sunglasses and more !!!.

Kindy 2012 Starter Packs now available online too.

Payments can be made by cash, cheque or eftpos/credit card (2.5% surcharge applies & c/card must be done in person)

Uniform Order Forms available from the School Website under the P&C Tab www.ironbarkrg‐p.schools.nsw.edu.au

Opening hours are currently during School Terms only Mondays 8:30am – 9:30am / Wednesdays 2:30pm – 3:00pm Thursdays 8:30am – 9:30am / SRC Dance nights 5pm ‐ 8pm

Uniform shop: Deanne 0414 553 766

Coles Sports for Schools ** FINAL CHANCE **

Coles is giving all primary and secondary schools in Australia the chance to get brand new sporting equipment – and we need your help!

A BIG thanks to everyone who has returned them so far We are on track to exceeding last year’s count of 19,125 !!!

This is the LAST WEEK to collect vouchers from Coles as the promotion ends Tuesday 18 th October 2011.

You have until Friday 21 st October 2011 to drop them into the collection box we have in the School Admin Office.

The more vouchers we collect, the more sports gear we can get! Just remember to ask for the vouchers during your normal weekly shop..

*Excludes purchases on gift cards, mobile recharge, calling cards, iTunes, tobacco and tobacco related products.

FAMILY BINGO NIGHT Saturday 29 October 2011

Don’t forget to get your tickets for the Family Bingo Night, either via the attached invitation or through the Flexischool website. Next week there will also be volunteers selling tickets at school between 2.30­3.15pm Monday to Friday. Ainsley Young is busy organising some other great games for the night so get your tickets early so that you don’t miss out!!

Also, we need YOUR HELP with sponsorship or donation of prizes that can be used on the night. Exactly how can you help?

§ Companies or families can sponsor a round of Bingo and receive recognition on the night. § Donate a gift card to the value of $5, $10 or $25 as a prize for winners of corners, first line or

full cards in Bingo. Your donation will be acknowledged when the card is presented to the winner.

§ Donate other items or services that can be used as prizes for some of our other games, in our raffle or lucky door draw. Again, all contributions will be recognized on the night.

Please contact Sue Meek (0402 945860) if you wish to sponsor or donate.

Naturally we will need volunteers to help out on the night with various tasks – if you are able to give us a little of your time please contact Julia Duval (0414 354788).

Family Bingo Night Committee

COMMUNITY NOTICES

Are you interested in a selective high school?

An Academic Selective School

2011 Information Night Girraween High School will hold an information night for families intending to enrol their children in Year 7 in 2013. The information will be very useful for parents whose children are sitting for The Selective High Schools Test in 2012.

Date: Tuesday, 25th October 2011 Time: 6pm to 8pm – School open to the parents and students Venue: Girraween High School

Gilba Road Girraween NSW 2145

Tel: (02) 9636­7293 Fax: (02) 9896­3274 Web: www.girraween­h.schools.nsw.edu.au

There will be classroom tours, displays, music & presentations as well as the chance to meet the students and teachers. Don’t miss out on this opportunity.

S St t G Ge eo or rg ge e G Gi ir rl ls s H Hi ig gh h S Sc ch ho oo ol l

An academically selective high school for girls.

Applications for entry to selective high schools are to be forwarded to primary school principals by 18 November 2011.

Interested parents and prospective students of Year 7, 2013 are invited to visit St George Girls High School commencing at 9.30am on Thursday 3 November 2011.

The Principal’s address in the school hall will be followed by morning tea with the Principal, Staff and Prefects.

St George Girls High School Victoria Street

Kogarah NSW 2217 Phone: 9587 5902, 9587 4109

St George Girls High School will be holding an Information Morning on Thursday 3 November 2011 for interested parents and prospective students of Year 7, 2013.

E En nr ro ol lm me en nt ts s f fo or r Y Ye ea ar r 7 7, , 2 20 01 13 3

POLICE INFORMATION EVENING ON CYBER SAFETY

We invite parents, accompanied by their child to attend an evening presentation by Police Youth Liaison Officer­ Constable Rob Paterson on the safe and appropriate use of the internet. By attending with your child it is hoped that all families will have access to accurate information to assist in future household discussions on the use of computers and the internet in their homes. We hope all parents can attend wherever possible with their child.

Where: Beaumont Hills School Hall

When: Tuesday 18 th October

Time: 7pm – 8.15pm

BAULKHAM HILLS SPORTS CLUB NETBALL DIVISION

Is holding their Registration Day for Season 2012 on Saturday 15 th October at Baulkham Hills Sports Club, 11 Renown Road Baulkham Hills.

For all girls & ladies turning 5yrs in 2012 through to Seniors. All grades offered.

We teach you to play and enjoy Netball. New members to our Club will need to bring a photo copy only of proof of age & and a coloured passport size photo. Registration forms can be download loaded from our Club web site www.bhscnetball.org/ You will need both BHSNA & BHSCND registration forms which can be found on gossip page.

All enquires can be answered at registration, please do not put off registering for 2012 as once all teams have enough members we close our books on that age group, you may be disappointed later as we will be unable to place you in a team.

BECOME A WEP HOST FAMILY Open your door to an international exchange student and expand your knowledge of other countries,

cultures, languages and cuisines!

A place to call home World Education Program (WEP) is looking for volunteer host families for international students arriving in January 2012. Our students from Italy, Belgium, Brazil and Japan are looking forward to experiencing life in Australia, making new friends and becoming a member of an Australian family soon.

Find out more! Getting to know your student before he or she arrives brings fun and joy to everyone involved. Take the next step and contact WEP today to receive a full information pack for your family.

Chantel Woods Inbound Exchange Administrator Toll Free: 1300 884 733 Email: wep@wep.org.au

It’s easier than you think and a fantastic experience for all!

A not­for­profit student exchange organisation registered with the education departments.

With summer coming and the kids and their friends wanting to get in the pool, now is the time to ask yourself:

IS YOUR POOL CHILD­SAFE? The Royal Life Saving Society has just published the 2010/2011 Drowning Statistics. Unfortunately, 28 children under 4 years old drowned and 12 of these under 4 years old drowned in swimming pools. Another 4 who drowned in swimming pools were under 14.

50% of all child drownings occur in swimming pools.

IS YOUR POOL SAFE?

Because of these alarming statistics, PoolWerx are proud to sponsor Royal Life Saving Society to help reduce these numbers.

For over 15 years Royal Life Saving’s Keep Watch program has been educating parents and carers on strategies to keep their children safe when they are in, on, or around the water.

This is done by promoting the 4 Keep Watch actions:

• Supervise Your Child – Always be within arms’ reach. • Restrict Access to Water – Provide barriers to water locations. • Be Water Aware – Introduce your child to water through water awareness classes; discuss hazards and put rules in place at aquatic locations. • Learn Resuscitation – Resuscitation is a skill for life.

PoolWerx want to also make sure that your pool fence is compliant to the National Pool safety legislation. Does it meet the following criteria? –

• Your pool fence must be at least 1.2 meters high • Vertical gaps in the fence no more than 100mm apart • Gap under the fence no more than 100mm • Gate lock must at least 1.5mtrs from the ground and self latch • Gate must be self closing from fully open position • Ensure that there are no climbing hazards next to the pool fence (like pot plants) • NEVER prop the pool gate open

So, let PoolWerx help you and your family to have a Safe and Healthy summer and we will donate 5% of your purchases back to your school. Simply inform our friendly team that you’re a a friend of the school and we will update your account card in our computer system. All of your in­store and onsite transactions will be tracked and totalled at the end of March 2012.

If there is an emergency remember that a rapid response is the best response. In Australia emergency services are contacted by dialing 000 on any phone. For more information visit www.keepwatch.com.au