Mount Kuring-gai Public School

Leeming Street, Mount Kuring-gai NSW 2080

T (02) 9457 9088 F (02) 9457 8691 E-mail: mtkuringga-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au March 2017

Principal's Report Caring and Kind

One of our Year 3 students, Sophie (3/4J), is doing a speech in class and the topic is ‘How to make the world a better place’. She chose animals in shelters and how she can help them feel calm and loved. On Tuesday, she visited the Gosford Pound where she read to the dogs. When she first got there they were anxious, but as she started to read to them they sat and listened to her. A couple of dogs even fell asleep. Sophie's mum was so proud of her for doing such a selfless thing and we would like to recognise this wonderful initiative at a school level. Well done Sophie.

Harmony Day

On Tuesday you would have seen a ‘Sea of Orange’ at MKPS, as it was Harmony Day. Harmony Day is a

day for all Australians to celebrate our diverse, wonderful country that we live in. Each class participated in

lessons to learn about the significance of the day. Thank you to Miss Rigby who organised the entire day

for the whole school. This included; lesson ideas for each of the teachers; art activities which are being

displayed in the hall; and the speeches in Wednesday’s assembly.

Parent Teacher Interviews

Today is the last day to book an interview time for the Parent/Teacher Interviews which will take place

from next week. Please go to www.schoolinterviews.com.au and use the school’s unique code w8muw.

This booking system will close at 8am Friday morning.

P&C

Please read the P&C section of this newsletter as there is going to be meeting of the P&C on the

Wednesday of Week 1(First day back at school). The main points of the meeting will be to discuss the

Mountain Festival where I know they are still looking for volunteers and to vote on how to best support the

school. The P&C of any school is a wonderful way to support your child’s education in any number of

ways, depending on your availability. I would love to see you there!

Year 6 Present

Last year’s Year 6 group raised approximately $5,000 for the school. I held some discussions with them at

the end of last year on how they think the money would best suit the school and support the school for

many years to come. The majority of the children wanted to see technology improved within the school. I

am fully supportive of this and will be purchasing either iPads or laptops in the coming weeks. As

discussed at P&C the school’s wifi needs upgrading to ensure these devices work properly and this will be

one of the discussions at the next P&C meeting on how to support the school.

Smart Watches

A couple of children at MKPS have smart watches which they are wearing to school, and this is

perfectly fine. However, some of these new watches have the ability to take photos. I ask all

parents to talk to their children about the safe and appropriate use of technology. As adults we

know that there are pitfalls with technology but children don’t always realise the result of their

actions until it is too late. Everyone is entitled to their privacy and this should be respected by

others. Please remind your children that these watches are not to be used to take photos whilst on

school grounds. I thank you in advance for having a conversation with your children.

School Uniforms

Generally speaking the school’s summer uniform is worn in Terms 1 and 4, with the winter uniform

worn in Terms 2 and 3. However, there are always a couple of weeks at the beginning of Terms 2

and 4 where either uniform is acceptable depending on the weather conditions.

Student Absences

A friendly reminder that if your child is away from school that you have to notify the school,

usually via a letter to the teacher of the reason for the absence as soon as they return to school.

Alternatively you can advise the school via the Skoolbag App. If your child is likely to be away

from school for more than a couple of days please ring the school’s office and notify us.

Personal Toys

Over the last couple of weeks it has been noticeable that a lot of children, especially in the

younger grades, are bringing their own personal toys to school. From experience this practice

often leads to upset children. I would ask all children to ensure that they leave their personal toys

at home to avoid disappointment. There is lots of equipment out for them to play with and

lunchtime and afternoon tea are perfect times for the children to play with their friends and devel-

op their creative side and create their own safe games.

Matt Pinchbeck

Principal (rel)

SCHOOL BANKING

School Banking takes place every Tuesday outside the library.

Please take your books to Mrs Fieramosca and not to the school

office.

If you forget we are happy to pass them on the following week.

P & C News

Planning for the Mountain Festival is underway. So far we have booked the rides and settled on

most of the activities, stalls and food choices. We are still looking for volunteers so if you can help

out, join the Face book page https://www.facebook.com/groups/MKPSMountainFestHelpers2017/

or contact Richard Thompson on 0419 269 819.

The Pizza Night will be held next Friday 31st March. Cost will be $25 for adults and kids eat free. The

canteen will be open and a movie shown in the hall for the kids. See the notice below for details.

We will also be running a Bunnings BBQ on Saturday 1st April. If you are able to help out for a couple

of hours between 9am and 4pm, please contact Richard Thompson on 0419 269 819.

P & C fundraising goes towards helping the school to purchase learning tools which may otherwise

not be available given the limited budget available to the school. This year, in consultation with the

school, we have identified two projects to aim for:

Installation of a WIFI system ($2,550). The WIFI system will compliment the school’s

purchase of devices allowing the students to go online.

An upgrade of the school’s phone/PA system ($3,100). This will assist the school’s response

in an emergency situation.

We will vote on whether these projects become our fundraising goals at the next P & C meeting.

If you would like to come along and see how the P & C works, the next meeting will be held on the

26th April at 7:00pm in the school library.

4/5B Report

4/5B have been trialling a new exciting writing Program called Night Zookeeper. This is an interactive writing program where students are able to create pieces of writing online. This month is World Creative Writing Month and 4/5B are in a challenge with thousands of schools from around the world to write the most words during the month of March. Currently 4/5B sit 39th on the world leader board with 8 days to go. One student Jaimie G has been recognised as one of the outstanding writers this month and had her work published in the Night Times which identifies the best writer of the week.

https://www.nightzookeeper.com/edu/stories/58bfa43643d6570004422071 you can read Jamie’s work via the link.

Year 6 Fundraising: It is the final few days to get your order in for the Hot Cross Bun Fundraiser for Year 6. Final payments must be made by Friday March 31. An order will be placed with Bite Me Bakehouse after this date and Hot Cross Buns will be sent home with children on Thursday 6 April. Thank you for your support. PSSA Sport Football: Training for PSSA Football will take place at Mt Kuring-gai Oval on Friday mornings from 8am -9am where students will be walked back to school by Mr Byrne. If raining please check the School App to see if training has been cancelled. Games start in Week 10. L.Byrne Assistant Principal (rel)

MOUNTAIN FESTIVAL 2017 The Mt Kuring-gai P & C is currently planning the 2017 Mountain Festival. We

are looking to fill the following positions and get an early start to organising

the event. Please let the P & C know if you are able to fill any of the following

roles by either email mkps.pandc@gmail.com or to Richard Thompson on

0419 269 819.

Festival organiser

Stall organiser

Treasurer

Entertainment organiser

Fundraiser/sponsor organiser

Advertising organiser

Setup organiser

Richard Thompson

President Mt Kuring-Gai P & C President

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

2017

Friday 24th March

Star of the Month Assembly

Monday 27th March—31st March

Parent teacher interviews

Tuesday 28th March

Year 1 & 2 Historical Museum

Friday 31st March

Pizza Night

MUNCH AND CRUNCH

As you all know, Munch and Crunch is a set time in our school where students ‘refuel’ on vegetables, salad and fruit and ‘rehydrate’ with water. Students who are not hungry and are well hydrated perform better in the classroom, show increased concentration, and are less likely to be irritable and disruptive.

We see so many lovely varieties of fruits and vegetables in our classrooms on a daily basis but we are also noticing that some packaged fruits are coming in for Munch and Crunch. The emphasis is on fresh fruit and vegetables to promote healthy eating and encourage our students to try new foods. Please see the list below for the foods we will allow for Munch and Crunch.

ALLOWED

All fresh vegetables

All fresh fruit

Frozen vegetables and fruit without other additives such as sauces or coatings

Tinned fruit in water or natural juice on limited occasions

Tinned vegetables without sauces (preferably no added salt) on limited occasions

Dried fruit in small amounts and on limited occasions

Plain water

NOT ALLOWED

‘Fruit’ products (e.g. fruit leathers, fruit roll-ups, fruit straps)

Fruit jams or jellies Tinned fruit in syrup

Vegetable or potato crisps

Flavoured and/or carbonated water

Fruit or vegetable juices

Fruit cordial

Any drink other than plain water

The P & C will be holding a pizza night Friday 31st March

from 5pm at the school

ALL YOU CAN EAT SAVOURY AND DESSERT PIZZAS!!!

Cost will be $25 per adult and kids eat free.

The canteen will be open and a movie will be shown in the hall for the kids.

The pizza night is a great chance for the school community to get together and celebrate the end of

term in a relaxed environment. Bring a rug and find a spot on the grass.

So that we can get an idea of numbers, could you please RSVP to mkps.pandc@gmail.com.

Payment by bank transfer will be available next week or cash can be paid on the night.

Hope to see you there.

Regards

MKPS P & C

Note: Department of Education requires that this be a non-alcohol event.

Community Notice Board

Play Netball in 2017

It’s not too late!

Rebels still have positions available for

6-9 year olds playing Friday night

Note: Age is the age you will be by 31/12/2017

Contact

Jenny Wicks

0407 460 014 / 9456 3058

Hornsby Local library is running a Community Connections program at Horns-by library on Thursdays 2pm-4pm. This event is part of Community Connection Hot Desk, a referral and Information service with a diverse range of scheduled topics and service providers. Each week features a different topic and specific service provider. 20 min appointments available. Bookings pre-ferred, but not essential. Book by phone 9847 6813 or in person at Hornsby Library Branch.

23rd March: Northcott -a not-for-profit disability service provider that works with customers to realise their potential, by providing services and support to promote a genuinely inclusive society. 30th March: Mission Australia is a support service for young people and families. The Northern Sydney team provide a range of programs focused on education and early intervention, including. Support is pro-

vided by Case Management, Counselling or Support Groups.

6th April: Mission Australia is a support service for young people and families. The Northern Sydney team provide a range of programs focused on education and early intervention, including. Support is provided

by Case Management, Counselling or Support Groups.

27th April Waitara Family Centre provides a range of family and parenting services that directly address family well-being, parenting, relationship skills, and early childhood development. 25th May: Waitara Family Centre provides a range of family and parenting services that directly address family well-being, parenting, relationship skills, and early childhood development.

15th June: Community Connections - NDIS Uniting. Helping people with a disability and their families get the most of the NDIS.