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 1 Week 9 24.03.11

Be Safe, Be Responsible, Be Respectful DATES FOR THE DIARY

March 25 NO PSSA : Blacktown Council has closed their grounds

April 1 PSSA Week 11 Three Way Interviews 7 Coins for Christchurch Day, Year 6 Peer Support training day 8 ANZAC ceremony, last day Term 1 28 Students return for Term 2

CURRENT NOTES Class Schedules for 3 way interviews UNSW Competitions – due back 1 st April

Dear Parents and Friends,

We are now on the home stretch in Term 1 and after a busy and exciting term students are completing work ready for Three Way Interviews. Three Ways are a great opportunity for students to talk about their learning with their parents and teachers. They help students take ownership of their learning, understanding that learning is something they participate in­ not something that is “done” to them. Please get your notes in quickly so that teachers can allocate times fairly. Obviously not everyone can have the most favoured time slots.

Our Year 4, 5 and 6 students have participated in fantastic hands­on learning opportunities with their trips to Canberra and Stanwell Tops. As well as benefiting from learning new skills and information, these activities have an equally important aspect in social development, learning independence and taking responsibility for actions. I am sure that many parents took the opportunity to thank the teachers who gave up their time to take the students on these important excursions. Year 3 will have the opportunity to participate in an overnight activity later in the year. Sadly this won’t be a Zoosnooze this time as the zoo can’t accommodate groups of this size, but I know that the venue will be carefully selected and will be appropriate to the learning program.

Last year our students enthusiastically participated in Commonwealth Games Day, raising over $8,000 for sport equipment. The majority of these funds are to be used to have a cricket net installed in our playground. I have submitted a proposal to DET and Spotless for approval. Thanks to Miss Dennis for organising the quote.

Other projects currently awaiting approval with Spotless and DET are additional computer cabling (valued at more than $5,000) that will enable us to increase the number of computers in each classroom; an intercom system and extended PA system (valued at around $12,000) that will improve our evacuation and lock down procedures. Holland blinds and interactive whiteboards for the demountables (valued at $5,000 and $21,000 respectively) are awaiting installation. The school is making these purchases with funds provided by DET through global funding and are possible due to careful financial management since the school opened. I do not believe in “hoarding” funds and prefer to use funds sensibly to make the purchases we require to enhance teaching and learning. Whilst these projects have had priority this term, in Term 2 I will start the ball rolling for a gate in the fence bordering Caballo St.

This week our staff benefited from the knowledge of Louise Zarmati about the Australian History Curriculum. Ms Zarmati is one of our parents, so we are very lucky to have her expertise so close at hand. This week we discussed aspects of historical literacy and historical inquiry. Although the Australian History Curriculum will not be fully implemented in NSW until 2013 our staff are very keen to continue learning about it and are incorporating aspects of the history curriculum into units

of work throughout 2011. Thank you to Mrs Kassis for organising this excellent professional learning opportunity.

This Friday Mrs Stokes, Mrs De Jager, Mrs Johnson, Mrs Cauchi, Miss Dennis and Mr Brent will be attending a day working with Lane Clark. They will be challenged to think about 21 st century learning and its implications for our students. I commend these school leaders and potential leaders for their willingness to challenge their thinking about teaching and learning.

Two of our talented dancers: Grace Meek and Jessica Botfield, are attending the Western Sydney Dance Camp at Kurrajong this week. Reports indicate that they are enjoying themselves. Last week Mr Brent accompanied four of our potential debaters to the Western Sydney Debating Camp at Katoomba. Bridgette Dirks, Harisma Singh, Mitchell Clayton and Theepiga Ramachandran honed their debating skills in preparation for debating season which begins in Term 2. It is wonderful that our students are being given opportunities to participate in these elite regional camps.

Next Monday we welcome our new Site Handyman, Edward Fazladad to Ironbark Ridge PS. Mr Fazladad has been a highly regarded Site Handyman at Kellyville Ridge for the past two years. He can’t wait to get started on our grounds to get them back into tip top condition. I am sure that our school community will make him welcome.

Regards

Kerry Poole Principal

Week 9

Principal’s Award 3/4/5 Balmoral for working well this term Kindy Bronte Justin Tam, Charlotte Storey, Alysha Nasir Kindy Sunshine Ali Sherriff, Kieran Doyle, Ella Eglington

Year 1 Dee Why Tori Fisher, Yashvean Anantha­Siva Year 2 Bundeena Luke Aldred, Liam Vella Year 2 Kirra Tomas Blazevic, Sonny Colosimo

Year 3 Hunters Chloe Salau, Lauren Reed, Justin Stubbs, Charlotte Conlon Year 3/4/5 Balmoral Monique Bakhos, Annika Regel Year 4 Mollymook Dominique Ashley, Maddie Moog, Matthew Watson

Year 5/6 Whitehaven On Canberra Excursion Year 6 Diamond On Canberra Excursion

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 before the end of term 1.

KINDY CAPERS Lovely to see the rain, it clears the air and keeps our children healthy. This week the classes started their next set of sounds in our Synthetic Phonics. They are doing a great job with the ones we just used. We will continue with those sounds as well. The sounds this time are I, b, r, i, d, u, f. The camera words are he, day, today, of, a. Please continue to review past sounds and camera words as well as these new ones. We look forward to seeing you in Week 11 for your 3 way interview. If you have not sent your note in please do so as quickly as possible as times are

filling up. Remember the time allotted is 15 minutes and we are not able to go past that time as it makes others very late for their turn.

Kindy Teachers

Advance Australia Fair Australians all let us rejoice, For we are young and free;

We’ve golden soil and wealth for toil, Our home is girt by sea;

Our land abounds in Nature’s gifts Of beauty rich and rare;

In history’s page, let every stage Advance Australia fair!

In joyful strains then let us sing, “Advance Australia fair!”

Beneath our radiant southern Cross, We’ll toil with hearts and hands;

To make this Commonwealth of ours Renowned of all the lands;

For those who’ve come across the seas We’ve boundless plains to share; With courage let us all combine

To advance Australia fair. In joyful strains then let us sing

“Advance Australia fair!”

Stage 2 News

With lots of excitement and enthusiasm Year 4 were on their way to The Tops at Stanwell Park for three days of adventure and no parents!!!! YEAH!!! The coach ride was very peaceful on the way and the coach driver said “they were the quietest group he’d ever had in the coach.” The students were split into three groups which were mixed between the whole of Year 4 allowing students to mingle and participate with other students and teachers. They rotated through activities including the Giant Swing (a big winner amongst the kids), Ponding, Rock Climbing, testing their co­operative skill during Survivor, Archery (Mrs McCarthy got a bulls eye and Mr Cain hit a balloon – sorry Miss Purser zilch) and Kite Making. Mr Cain, Miss Purser and Mrs McCarthy were all really impressed by the students working together and encouraging each other during these activities that saw students step outside of their comfort zone and push themselves to participate in activities which they had not tried before. Our lodgings were excellent and we were lucky enough to have our own dining room. The students were all very happy with the food – it seems we were eating non­stop. Most were happy with their room buddies and all the Year 4s were asleep at a reasonable time. The instructors at The Tops were excellent and all students listened attentively to instructions and safety requirements of the activities. The instructors organised night games and speed stack activities with the children which were thoroughly enjoyed by all.

The participation of year 4 and their families was fantastic and we’re glad the parents allowed us to take their angels away with us for a few days and give them such a wonderful experience.

Speed Stacks

Mrs McCarthy, Miss Purser and Mr Cain Year 4Teachers

School Website I have been able to upload many new items to our school website over the past week, and going by the massive number of hits I am seeing each day, it is evident that the website is fast becoming an effective communication tool. Thanks to the many parents who are downloading notes from the website rather than collecting new ones from the school office.

In regards to the media clearance consent notes, I have a pile of notes which have been returned after the cut­off date a couple weeks ago. These notes will be updated into the folders which each teacher has, the office staff has and Mrs Poole has. A reminder to anyone who is unsure whether they have provided us with written consent or not should first check with their child’s teacher and download a consent form from the website on this link: http://www.ironbarkrg­ p.schools.nsw.edu.au/sws/view/1640910.node print and return the note before the end of term to ensure that your child can be featured on our website too.

Keep checking the website for more fantastic items showcasing the wonderful things the students here at Ironbark get up to, as well as much more! Miss Penhall

Mosquito­borne diseases: information for school communities I am writing to seek your assistance in alerting your school community about a range of health risks associated with mosquito bites. Recent heavy rainfall and flooding in NSW has led to high numbers of mosquitoes in some parts of the state. Mosquitoes can transmit a number of viral infections including Ross River virus and Barmah Forest virus and there have been large numbers of these infections reported so far in 2011. More recently, a rarer but more serious mosquito­borne infection called Murray Valley Encephalitis (MVE) has been detected in western NSW. It is likely that the risk period may extend through until Easter. I seek your assistance in promoting awareness about the prevention of mosquito bites among school students who live in western NSW and for any school groups planning to travel west of the Great Dividing Range on school camps or excursions. Mosquitoes are most active around dusk and in the first few hours of the evening and again at dawn. Rivers, creeks, wetlands and recently­flooded land allows mosquitoes to breed and so people living near or visiting these areas need to be especially careful to prevent mosquito bites. Recommended ways to prevent mosquito bites Cover up when outside and mosquitoes are active (especially around dawn and around dusk). Wear light­coloured, loose­fitting long pants and sleeves and covered footwear.

Use an effective personal insect repellent on all exposed skin. The best mosquito repellents contain Diethyl Toluamide (DEET) or Picaridin.

Re­apply personal insect repellent according to directions as protection wears off. The stronger the concentration of an insect repellent, the less frequently it will need to be applied to stop mosquito bites. Repellents containing low concentrations of DEET or Picaridin provide shorter periods of protection and need to be reapplied more frequently. Mosquito coils or plug­in vapourising mats are effective when used indoors. Devices that use light to attract and electrocute insects are not effective.

Ensure houses are fitted with flyscreens on the doors and windows to prevent entry of mosquitoes.

When camping, use flyscreens on caravans and tents or sleep under mosquito nets.

I encourage you display this poster in and around your school to raise awareness about the issue, especially if your school is located in western NSW. If you require more information about mosquito­borne infections or measures to take to prevent mosquito bites, I would encourage you to make contact with your local public health unit and to review some of the information in the following links: General information about avoiding mosquito bites:

Radio advertisement: "preventing mosquito bites"

Video: "mosquito borne disease in NSW"

Murray valley encephalitis information NSW Health media release: Murray Valley Encephalitis (2 March 2011)

MVE factsheet

It would be most appreciated if you could share this information with your school community. Yours sincerely Dr Jeremy McAnulty Director, Centre for Health 11 March 2011

P & C NEWS Election Day Fundraiser

Thanks to everyone who has volunteered !! If you are at school voting on the day and we look like

we need a hand please ask to help.

All donated cakes, cupcakes, cookies, toffees, slices & lolly bags for the cake stall need to be delivered to the Canteen on

Friday 25th March between 2pm ‐ 4pm (all baking must have a label with the ingredients used)

• If you have volunteered you will have heard from Deanne with the time & a copy of the roster. The roster is also available on the school website under the P&C tab then the Fundraising section ( Link : http://www.ironbarkrg‐p.schools.nsw.edu.au )

• Don’t forget to let all your friends & neighbours know that they can vote at Ironbark Ridge PS and join us for a sausage sandwich and take home a yummy cake or two !!

Regards Ironbark Ridge P&C Association

IRONBARK RIDGE WALK OF FAME

IT’s HERE ­ stamp your child’s name on the history of our beautiful school!!

DUE – Friday 1 st April

Forms were sent home last week! (If you need another form you can print one off the school website)

We are offering you this fantastic opportunity to purchase a personalised engraved paver, to be cemented in the Ironbark Ridge Walk of Fame!!

Imagine your child’s pride and excitement with seeing their own name as part of the bricks and mortar of the wonderful school they attend every day

Families and staff can purchase one of two options:­

SINGLE NAME PAVER – this paver will detail your child’s name, the year and grade they started at our school.

Eg: “ERIC WRIGHT

KINDERGARTEN 2007”.

The cost is $30 for the first paver, and $25 for each additional.

FAMILY DOUBLE PAVER ­ This is an ideal option for the families who do not wish to purchase multiple pavers. However, all children need to have already started at Ironbark, as these pavers can’t be added to in future years. These pavers are headed with your Family name at the top and list all children underneath with their start year.

Eg: “LATHAM­CALLCOTT GABRIELLA 2006 OLIVIA 2008”

The cost is $50.

SCHOOL LEADER & HOUSE CAPTAIN PAVER ­ For the bargain price of $20, you can have an additional school leader paver that marks your special year at Ironbark!

They will be inserted into the undercover area at the end of Block G.

All orders need to be in by Friday the 1st April 2011!

Orders forms were sent home last week so if you didn’t receive one there are spares in the office or you can download one from the school website.

ANY QUESTIONS don’t hesitate to call Jenny Colosimo on 0414 629657.

This is an opportunity you simply don’t want to miss!

Commonwealth Bank Student Banking School banking has STARTED!

Just drop off your child’s Youthsaver passbook with the money they wish to deposit into the office by Friday and these deposits will be processed and your child’s book will be returned to them.

Each year the Commonwealth Bank runs an incentive program to encourage children to bank regularly. This includes collecting tokens for prizes.

This is a great way to start teaching your children great saving habits for the future as well as helping to raise some money for our school. We receive $10 for every new account that is opened through us and the Commonwealth Bank will donate to the school 5% of the value of the deposits made to student’s Youthsaver accounts through Student Banking.

If you want more details or an account application form please email Lisa or Narelle at fundraising.ironbark@gmail.com

UNIFORM SHOP NEWS

We stock all your uniform requirements. We also sell Sports House T‐shirts, artsmocks, library bags, rain ponchos, socks, hair scrunchies,

excursion & school bags, Stickybeak lunch bags, drink bottles, House Supporter Gear & sunglasses.

Coming soon ‐ gloves for winter $5 (bottle green with fingers or fingerless)

** NOW IN STOCK ** Girls headbands $7.50

(summer check one side & winter the other)

White & Green school socks 4 pairs for $10

Payments can be made by cash, cheque or eftpos/credit card (2.5% surcharge applies)

Orders may be left at the School Office outside of Uniform shop hours and payment by Direct Debit can be arranged for Parents who are unable to come to the Uniform Shop

Opening Hours during school terms : Mondays : 8:30 – 10am / Wednesdays : 2:30 – 3pm

Fridays : 8:30 – 10am / SRC Dance Nights : 5pm – 8pm

All the ladies working in the shop are VOLUNTEERS

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

School Holiday Gymnastics Clinics For School aged boys and girls

Come and experience the fun and excitement of gymnastics in our fantastic gymnastics facility

Book Now On 9620 8323 or sydacgym@hotmail.com 7/32 Artisan Rd Seven Hills

www.sydneygymnastics.com.au

• Qualified and Professional Coaches

• Olympic Standard Equipment • Foam Filled Landing Pits • Trampolines • Affiliated with Gymnastics

Term Enrolments Now Being Taken Classes for Boys and Girls 3 years and above

Monday April 11 th Tuesday April 12 th Wednesday April 13 th Thursday April 14 th Friday April 15th

Monday April 18 th Tuesday April 19 th Wednesday April 20 th Thursday April 21 st

Full Day Sessions 9.00am­3.00pm $40.00 per person per day ½ Day Sessions 9.00am­12.30pm $30.00 per person per session