Kotara South Public School

Newsletter A Great Place to Be!

www.kotarasth-p.school.nsw.edu.au

kotarasth-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au

(02) 4957 5319

150 Rae Crescent Kotara South 2289

29 May 2019 | Week 5 | Term 2

From the Principal Welcome to Week 5. Term 2 is always jam-packed with explicit and specific learning, special celebrations and many sporting events. Each Friday, students in 3-6 who elect to participate in PSSA sport or interschool sport travel to various local venues in and around Newcastle. Some students elect to stay at school and lead sport for K-2, however regardless of the location, our students use competencies and knowledge of sporting skills taught in daily PE, PDHPE lessons and iPlay brain breaks to transfer this into real-life games. All students at KSPS have over 150 minutes of PDHPE on offer each and every week. We pride ourselves on the variety on offer for students with different capabilities and skills to engage in sport.

This week our school is raising awareness and working through what reconciliation means and how we can all have an impact in closing the gap. Reconciliation Week promotes the following:

“In a just, equitable and reconciled Australia, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children will have the same life chances and choices as non-Indigenous children, and the length and quality of a person’s life will not be determined by their racial background.” Our vision of reconciliation is based and measured on five dimensions: historical acceptance; race relations; equality and equity; institutional integrity and unity.

Kirstie Parker, Board Member, Reconciliation Australia

AT KSPS, we have formed a student based Aboriginal Education Committee where all Aboriginal students have a voice in their learning. We are proud to promote Aboriginal Education and perspectives in learning. We look forward to the special unveiling of the first KSPS student designed mural painted by Aunty Saretta Fielding on Tuesday 2 July. We hope you can join us for this special assembly. As the weather becomes colder and we head into winter, a reminder about winter uniforms and school jumpers. School jumpers are royal blue and have our logo on them. If they are not P & C purchased jumpers, just plain royal blue. Any PSSA, Hunter or regional sports apparel may only be worn on Friday for sport. I strongly encourage all parents to check outside classrooms and or the Lost Property- now located in the canteen area near the Uniform Shop doorway for lost items. If you are purchasing new items, please label them immediately so items can be returned to students. On Monday, notes went home to the eldest in the family and on Skoolbag for the M. A. D. D. t-shirt orders. Sizes are now displayed in the front office for parents to accurately order for their child. Please note that the due date for t-shirt orders is the 20 June. We have endeavoured to minimise costs for families with 1 x shirt $10, 2 x shirts $20 and the 3 child onwards for free. A reminder that our Student Reports will only be available on line as of this semester. You will be able to access your child’s report through the Parent Portal. Please notify the office ASAP if you do not have access or you are unsure how to use this platform. We always aim to reduce and recycle where possible. Another reminder to Year 6 parents to print copies of reports as once students move to high school, the students do not appear on our Portal any longer. In the coming fortnight, teachers will be making the Parent/Teacher Interview timetables available for parents to book a time. Please note these interviews are 15mins and we ask parents to be on time to avoid delays for other parents. If further times need to be made as a result of the interview, please do so at a later date. Interview timetable available soon- not kinder parents.

2

Our 2020 Kinder School Readiness parent session is Monday 3 June 5-6pm in K/1P room. If you know of any parents in our local area that are looking to enrol their child into Kinder, please pass on this information. Today our school participated in an out of uniform day to raise funds for our Star Struck performers. The amount raised was over $360, WOW! This money goes towards the many varied ‘behind the scenes’ costs for performers. We thank Ms Gibson, Ms Godden and Miss Martin for their tireless efforts with rehearsals and costumes etc. A big thank you to the parents who commit to travel pick-ups and drop-offs- we couldn’t do it without you. I look forward to seeing you in school so together we can make #KSPSagreatplacetobe Susan Maxworthy – PRINCIPAL

Some of KSPS staff joining in the NO LIMITS out of uniform day

3

School News PUBLIC SPEAKING The time has come for all students K-6 to prepare their speeches for our annual Public Speaking competition. Speeches will be presented in classes during Week 8. We ask that you please support your child in selecting a suitable topic and preparing a speech. This is a wonderful opportunity for students to build skills and confidence in preparing a speech and presenting to an audience. All information regarding speeches is included in the note students received last week. See your child’s teacher if you require further information. Each class teacher will select two speakers to compete in the KSPS stage finals and stage winners will then have the opportunity to compete at the local Zone level competition. We are amazed each year by the originality and creativity of our students’ speeches and are looking forward to their efforts this year.

Miss Ross and Miss O’Reilly – PUBLIC SPEAKING COORDINATORS

NATIONAL WALK SAFELY TO SCHOOL DAY KSPS will be participating in National Walk Safely to School Day, next Friday the 7th of June. We encourage all children to participate in this event as it promotes road safety and a healthy lifestyle, although it is not mandatory. There will be two different routes to walk to school. One starting at 8:00am at Nesbitt Park and the other at 8:15am on Springfield Avenue via Joslin Street. Teachers and the Ministers for Transport will be at both meeting places to walk with the children safely to school. Parents are still responsible to pick up their children after school. We are looking forward to a fun morning walking to school safely.

Route #1 Nesbitt Park to KSPS. Meeting at 8:00am Starting point: Corner of Casey Ave and Boundary St (clubhouse carpark at Nesbitt Park).

Pick up point: Corner of Boundary St and Joslin St.

Pick up point: Corner of Moruya Pde and Joslin St.

Pick up point: Lower end of the walk through lane to Rodway Pde.

Route #2 Springfield Ave via Joslin St to KSPS. Meeting at 8:15am Starting point: Corner of Springfield Ave and Rae Cres.

Pick up: Corner of Joslin St and Rae Cres, then walk along Joslin St.

Pick up: Pedestrian crossing on Joslin St, then walk up lane way to Rae Cres.

Miss O’Reilly – COORDINATING TEACHER Jack Blissett and Curtis Williams – STUDENT MINISTERS

PSSA KNOCKOUT SOCCER Last week both the Girls and Boys NSW PSSA Knockout Soccer Teams played their first matches in the state-wide competition. Our girls played exceptionally well against a strong Stockton team but unfortunately did not progress to the next round. Our boys had a very tiring 3 games in one day, and were successful in reaching the next round after defeating Newcastle East, Islington and Waratah. They will play their round 4 match in the coming weeks.

Both teams displayed excellent team-work and sportsmanship and should be proud of their efforts.

Mr Paul John, Miss Deb Payne & Mr David Baker – KNOCKOUT SOCCER COORDINATORS/ COACHES

4

WE ARE COLLECTING EARN & LEARN STICKERS KSPS is participating in the Woolworths Earn & Learn program again this year. We have an Earn & Learn sticker collection box at Woolworth Kotara and in the school office as well as the school library. Pick up sticker sheets from the Woolworths, the office or download one from our website at https://kotarasth-p.schools.nsw.gov.au/content/dam/doe/sws/schools/k/kotarasth-p/notes/earn-and-learn-sticker-sheet_2019.pdf

We are collecting stickers until 25th June. Thank you.

Valerie Main – KSPS EARN & LEARN COORDINATOR

SCHOOL READINESS PARENT INFORMATION EVENING Our School Readiness Parent Information Evening will be held on Monday next week, June 3 from 5.00pm-6.00pm in the K/1P classroom. This session is for Parents/Carers who have children who might be ready to commence Kindergarten in 2020. Please RSVP to the school office if you will be attending the session. We look forward to meeting you there.

Miss Brooke Partridge – KINDERGARTEN CO-ORDINATOR

PREMIER’S DEBATING CHALLENGE On Monday Kotara South Public School competed in the first round of the Premier’s Debating Challenge against New Lambton Public School. A big congratulation to our debaters Lilly, Jeremiah, Cooper and Amber from the Diamonds team and Luke J, Elodie, Matilda and Jay from the Kotara South Opals. Unfortunately, New Lambton were too good for us on the day but our debaters had some fantastic arguments and learnt a great deal from their first debate.

Debating is so much fun. We had our first debate on Monday and we versed New Lambton Public School Bower Birds. It was a great time going up against another school. It was an amazing learning experience. Even though we unfortunately lost our debate, our team the Kotara South Opals did a very good job. I am very proud of us and I can’t wait for our next debate. Jay – Kotara South Opals

Debating is extremely fun. I’m so proud of the Kotara South Diamonds even though we lost. We versed New Lambton Public School Night Jars. We had very strong arguments and I think we did very well and I can’t wait for our next debate. Debating is very fun and I’ll never regret trying out. Jeremiah – Kotara South Diamonds

Sam McClymont and Deb Payne – DEBATING COORDINATORS

M.A.D.D is fast approaching and Miss Martin needs some help! I am searching for talented artists, from K-6 to design the front image of our M.A.D.D Program. An overall winner will be chosen across the school, which will displayed on the front of the program. There will also be winners selected from each stage, which will be included inside the program.

ES1 - S1 Competition – 1 winner selected S2 Competition – 1 winner selected S3 Competition – 1 winner selected TIPS: Create a bright illustration that incorporates Music, Art, Dance and Drama and the year 2019.

Hard copies of the competition form can be found in the office and also Miss Martin’s room. Alternatively print out the form attached in the newsletter and return it to Miss Martin by Friday 21st June. Good Luck to all students entering the competition. Get creative!

Miss Martin – CREATIVE ARTS COORDINATOR

5

PSSA KNOCKOUT NETBALL Last Tuesday, June 21st, the PSSA Knockout netball team played their second game against Elermore Vale PS. Our team arrived at Elermore Vale, where they were greeted by a large away game crowd. Our team remained focused, walking onto the court with determination and team spirit. Throughout the whole game, students showcased some remarkable defence and attacking skills resulting in a victory of 25 -11. This win keeps our team in the competition, with their next match Tuesday 4th June against, Edgeworth Public School at home. Once again a big thank you to Mrs Robyn Cross for your support this term, with umpiring our games.

Miss Martin – PSSA NETBALL COORDINATOR

6

PSSA NETBALL Our Junior and Senior PSSA Netball teams continued playing their weekly PSSA competition over the fortnight. Both teams played two games, versing New Lambton PS and Adamstown PS.Our junior netballers started the afternoon off by driving the ball down the court to win 20 – 0. The following week juniors demonstrated cohesion as a team and had another successful win 31 – 0. The sportsman ship and encouragement displayed by our students was to be commended.

Our senior netballers continued the winning streak by defeating New Lambton PS 47 -1. Our shooters showed remarkable accuracy, feeding the ball into the ring. Success continued for our senior team in our second match. The momentum of the game was smooth yet fast paced, as students gelled well together as a team. It was all smiles for our seniors winning 31 – 0. There will be no PSSA for both teams this week as we have a BYE. Miss Martin – PSSA NETBALL COORDINATOR

7

Assembly Awards

WEEK 3 & 4 K’OR Charlotte Burton

Lexi Clarke Skylor Crowe Bobby McKee Alexander Postol Harry Vaughan

1/2 G Hailey Connell Finn O'Brien Angus Playdon Lexi Sullivan Maverick Wood Breanne Allado

3/4M Leila Donnelly Bella Vaughan Sonny Hulsman Max Hodgson Nicholas Harland

5/6P Lochlan Clenton Luke Fuller Imogen Fazzari Cooper Main Jackson Westacott Madden Willott

KR Pheobe Westacott Caius Pendlebury Kodah Wicks Ruby O’Brien Max Castagna Elin Zentner

2C Lucius Pendlebury Madeline Watson Sebastian Castagna Caleb Sturgeon Cienna Perry Lucy Kearns

3/4W Wes Martin Molly Hamence Haylee Kokkin Orla Crowe Violet Main Indri Siswoyo Zoe Cutro

HSUB Edie Kavanagh Bailey Briggs- Mason

K1/P Amber Sharpe Noah Turner Lachlan Egan Scarlett Morrison Eva Moylan Elke Hirneth

2E Rory Fenwick-Mulcahy Nate Hefferen Leona Jackson Mia Clarke Aiden Luks Kylara Wech

5/6J Will West-Sooby Darcy Breen Tom Phelan Bryson Gallagher Lexie Morrison Rosie Long Toby Beker

1A Xanthe Vickerman Gemma Ward Koby Dormand Isabella Rice Madeleine Smith Cooper Betts

3/4F Jessica Kelly Chelsea Ward Riley Hayes Shelly Price Lexie Michalitsis

5/6M Cooper Sturgeon Stela Vyslysel Jennifer Phan Charlotte Jackson Leo Mackie Mathew Butler

MERIT AWARDS

EXECUTIVE AWARDS Gold Tom Phelan, Luke Fuller

Silver Emilyne Creamer, Bella Vaughan

Bronze Cooper Betts

Keep track of school events by signing up for notifications on the Skoolbag app. ‘What’s On’ reminders are posted each Sunday evening. Or, please check the Events page of the KSPS Website for all upcoming dates and details.

8

9

P&C Association P&C MEETING Our next P&C meeting will be held on Wednesday 12 June at 7pm in the school library. Please come along and listen to what’s been going on in the school, and have an opportunity to share your thoughts and ideas.

FINAL WEEK FOR TEA TOWEL ORDERS Tea towel orders close this Friday 31 May. The order form is attached to this newsletter, please get your orders in to the office with the correct cash amount owing as soon as possible. The tea towels are a lovely way to capture a snapshot of your child’s time in primary school.

ELECTION DAY STALL Thank you to everyone who supported our Election Day stall by volunteering or by purchasing a bacon and egg roll.

GROUNDS AND GARDENS VOLUNTEER DAY Our Term 2 working bee will be on Sunday 23 June, from 9am to 11am. This is an opportunity for the school community to contribute to the beautification and improvement of our school grounds. More details to follow in our next newsletter.

Next Meeting: 12 June

7pm in the Library

kspspandc@gmail.com

Kotara South Public School P&C

Next Volunteer Day is 23rd June

10

Creating Lasting Memories! Our limited edition tea towel design will be made up of self-portraits drawn by all our children and staff.

The pictures and names have been arranged together as one commemorative design for all Kotara South Public School classes then screen printed in Royal Blue onto premium 100% white cotton tea towels.

Don’t forget to order a few extras for family members and your keepsake box. Tea towels can be ordered by completing the form below and returning with payment to the front office in an envelope clearly marked “TEA TOWEL ORDER”.

Our very special design has been prepared (see picture). There is also a sample tea towel hanging in the front office to assess quality.

Thank you for your continued support! Contact: Nicole Maytom for any further enquiries at kspspandc@gmail.com

Only $15 each OR SAVE when ordering more for

$10 each additional towel

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

TEA TOWEL ORDER FORM

Student Name: ______________________________________________ Class: ____________ Contact Name _____________________ Phone Number: ____________________________

Number of Tea Towels Ordered: 1� 2� 3� 4� 5� 6� or more →____________ CASH PAYMENTS ONLY THANK YOU TOTAL enclosed $__________

Our design

We’re fundraising with Tea Towels!

Last Chance to Order! Orders due by

Friday, 31st May.