South Grafton Public School Newslettersthgrafton-p.schools.nsw.gov.au/content/dam/doe/sws/schools/s/sthgrafton-p/...Principal: Mr Peter Hickey Vere Street South Grafton NSW 2460 .

Principal: Mr Peter Hickey Vere Street South Grafton NSW 2460 T: 02 6642 3388 F: 02 6643 2065

[email protected]

Inspiring Excellence through PRIDE www.sthgrafton-p.schools.nsw.edu.au

South Grafton Public School Newsletter

We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we live and work and we pay our respects to the Elders both past and present.

www.sthgrafton-p.schools.nsw.edu.au www.facebook.com/SouthGraftonPublicSchool

Term 3 Week 10 Thursday 27th September 2018

Principal’s Report Congratulations to all our students, staff and community on another fabulous term at our wonderful school. Together as a team we have achieved a number of great successes across a wide variety of initiatives daily. We celebrate these wonderful achievements and this reinforces our school values as an outstanding public school in NSW. Last week our Year 3 students had a wonderful time on their excursion to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. The students really enjoyed the many activities they participated in and our staff commented on their excellent behaviour and what a successful excursion it was.

Thank you to all our families who have supported our Jump Rope for Heart fundraiser. The School JUMP OFF was held on Monday. Our students raised $4746.31 for this worthy cause. The students who have raised $35 or more will receive their prizes next term.

Last week our Year 4 students attended Lake Ainsworth and this excursion was also an outstanding success. Our students enjoyed the wide range of activities and the very pleasant surroundings where this camp is held. Our staff again commented on the excellent behaviour of the students and what an enjoyable excursion this was.

Last Thursday 5/6AP held their annual presentation night in our Library. The theme for this year’s presentation was ‘School of the Future’ We had a large representation from our parents who really enjoyed the students’ presentations. These presentations highlighted the capacity of our students to utilise their creativity and thinking skills when developing their ideal school of the future. Thanks to Mrs Pope and her class for this excellent evening.

Principal: Mr Peter Hickey Vere Street South Grafton NSW 2460 T: 02 6642 3388 F: 02 6643 2065

[email protected]

Inspiring Excellence through PRIDE www.sthgrafton-p.schools.nsw.edu.au

Last Thursday we held our Infants sports carnival which was an outstanding success with our students enjoying their races and novelty activities and our staff enjoying the carnival. Thank you to all our families who were able to support this carnival, our school leaders, students from South Grafton High School, our staff and Mrs Walters for her excellent organisation. Congratulations to our age champions: 8 years girl - Zoe Cameron 8 years boys - Charlie Rouse 7 years girls - Jessica Zomer 7 years boys - Braxson O’Davis 6 years girls - Isabella Taylor 6 years boys - John Croake 5 years girls - Summah-Lee De Bono 5 years boys - Caleb Lolic Sports day Champion House - Blue Koalas Marching House winner - Green Wombats

Congratulations to all our students who are receiving their AAA this week. We recognise they are the outstanding students in our school and to receive a AAA is an excellent achievement. Congratulations also to all our students who will be participating in their End of Term Rewards Days this week. Thank you to our staff for organising an excellent range of activities for our students. Our PPP students who will be our 2019 Kindergarten students enjoyed an athletics carnival on Tuesday to celebrate the end of this term. Thank you to all our parents who have been supporting this program which will continue into Term 4. Could you please return your child's enrolment form asap if you are intending your child to attend Kindergarten next year. We have already ordered our additional classroom to cater for our additional Kindergarten class.

Each year our school is allocated a free allocation from the DEC IT to purchase additional computers into our school. This week we had 18 laptops and 14 stand alone computers delivered which will be distributed across classrooms to be utilised by our staff and students during Term 4. This enables us to replace older IT equipment with current technology. We are currently also looking at updating our Library furniture which is being supported by our P&C and adding the extension to our Infants walkway which will give us full cover from the back gate through to the Infants play equipment. Please be aware we have had more confirmed cases of Whooping Cough at our school. If you have any concerns please contact your doctor. Have a great week Mr Peter Hickey Principal

Important information Applications for Year 7 entry to selective high schools(Grafton HS) in 2020 must be made online between 9th October 2018 and 12th November 2018. Late applications will not be accepted. Parents must apply online at https://education.nsw.gov.au/public-schools/selective-high-schools-and-opportunity-classes/year-7 All applicants are required to sit the Selective High School Placement Test to be held on Thursday 14th March 2019. Parents are also required to complete an ‘Intention to apply’ form which is available from our school Primary office.

This term has seen many students, parents and staff fall ill to a variety of ailments which happens in school communities from time to time. With this in mind it is necessary to remind everyone of the need to be at school as often as possible. The flyer attached to this newsletter outlines the responsibilities of parents to ensure students are at school as often a possible and what to do if students are absent. As a general rule students should be at school more than 90% of the time and the NSW Department of Education deems less than 80% attendance as a concern (this equates to approximately 1 day per week). It is important as well that students are at school in time for when the bell rings at 8.55am each day. Being just 10 minutes late can be disruptive to classrooms and contributes to students missing vital instructions and valuable learning time. Mr Kevin Jones Deputy Principal

Attendance

Selective High School Application for 2020

Principal: Mr Peter Hickey Vere Street South Grafton NSW 2460 T: 02 6642 3388 F: 02 6643 2065

[email protected]

Inspiring Excellence through PRIDE www.sthgrafton-p.schools.nsw.edu.au

Students of the Week Award KAO Cooper Watson KRB Amelia Goodwin KDR Blake Howard KDM Ayla Noordhof-Skinner 1KG Scott Warwick 1BK Chloe Hutchins 1/2KW Layla Knight 1CK Jasmine R 2MA Kiara Gibson 2TJ Zoe Cameron 2LS Hunter Kroehnert 3MM Emily Robertson 3/4TA Mitchell Kelly 3JD Lacey Lawrie 4JR Lexi Bryant 5LG Tyler Allison 5SD Amie - Lea Perkins 5/6TC Jailon Donohoe 5/6AP Taliha Davey 6TM Chantel Fisher 6DZ Matthew Winmill Principal Awards Joey Gaddes, Myla Richards, Sami Zacek, Isabella Taylor Blue Ribbons Jessica Kelly, Mia West, Reagan Carpenter, Riley Stanton Pride Awards James Reeve, Myla Richards, Heidi Easton-Vanderstelt, Liara Gipp, Nova-Rose Filippa, Jaylah Hickling, Yiirrili Williams, Priya Austen, Hamish Dentler, Cooper Close, Liam Slater, Aaron Zomer, Siilus Williamson, Tiahni J, Kayden Skinner-Gordon, Levi Bowling, Shepherd Frost, Sophie Parente, Tyler Gordon, Chloe Jones, Kayleb Adams, Jaxon Worthington, Kai McGregor, Elise Grimes, Ava Thurgood-Randall, Charlie Rouse, Brodie Rolls, Jessica Kelly, Kaden Rook, Isaac Hayes, Nate Pohlmann, Stella L, Isabella Bailey, Heath Skinner, Braxson O’Davis, Shanara Cameron, Ari Towers, Deenah Jarrett, Matthew Reckless, Henry Ricketts, Nicholas Walker, Eli Whitney, Emily Loy, Addison Brown, Glenn Cameron, Ava Cable, Damian L, Aidan Menzies, Joseph Simiana, Emma Cameron, Max Spencer, Abigail Woods, Tallyn Burrows, Cohen F, Mia Nicholson, Alana Gabanski, Keighan Henderson-Wales, Leara Roberts, Dean Brown, Isaac Campbell, Riley Stanton, Emily Barrett, Ella Sinclair, Lani Crispe, Wyatt Weinert, Andrew Hughes, Hannah Horstman, Isabella Whitton, Zara McKenzie, Georgia Shorrock, Max Rayward, Mia Torrens, Chelsea Berry, Caitlin Amos, Lillian Patterson, Shyanne Martin, Summer McCarthy, Ben Egan, Jorja Keating, Nicholas Shorrock, Cassidy Hallam.

Thursday 27th Sept Infants Rewards Day Friday 28th Sept Last Day of Term 3 Primary Rewards Day Monday 15th Oct First Day of Term 4 Thursday 18th October Infants Silver badge Tuesday 23rd Oct Primary Silver badge P&C Meeting Saturday 27th Oct Jacaranda Parade of Youth Tuesday 30th Oct Jacaranda School Performances Market Square Thursday 1st Nov Half Day Jacaranda Thursday Friday 2nd Nov Telstra Riverlight Festival (Venetian Carnival) Sunday 11th Nov Remembrance Day Service Monday 12th -15thNov Year 6 Excursion Sydney Monday 19th - 30th Nov Stage 2 Swimming Tuesday 20th Nov PPP Graduation Tuesday 27th Nov Kindergarten 2019 Orientation Monday 3rd Dec Assembly of Appreciation Wednesday 5th Dec Carols on the Green Monday 10th Dec Year 6 Farewell Tuesday 11th Dec Infants Rewards Day Thursday 13th Dec Presentation Day Friday 14th Dec Primary Rewards Day Wednesday 19th Dec Last Day of Term 4

PRIMARY Monday Denise Kokkin, HELP NEEDED Tuesday Riley Burton Wednesday Sam Pol, HELP NEEDED Thursday Kerri Martin, Belinda Wormald Friday Sharon Rogers, Elise INFANTS Monday Rhonda King, HELP NEEDED Tuesday Kerrie Martin, HELP NEEDED Wednesday Kerrie Martin, HELP NEEDED Thursday Rhonda King, Sam Lowe Friday Denise Kokkin, Rhonda King

South Services Cricket Club South Services Cricket Club are looking for players in U/10, U/12s, U/14s, U/16s and seniors. If you are interested in playing cricket this year contact Tom Kroehnert 0488 096 707 or message the Facebook page for more details. Brothers Cricket Club For more information contact Jo Lucas 0448864542 or email - [email protected] or Register to play online or explore different formats available at—https://playcricket.com.au/club-finder/club-details?Id=13027

Canteen

Awards

Community Notices

Upcoming Events

CRANES Jacaranda Preschool has been a part of the local community for nearly fifty years. We pride ourselves on providing high quality education and care for children in the Grafton area. Jacaranda Preschool is open from 8.30am to 4.00pm. Fees start

from $12.50 per day. Please contact the preschool for more information 6642 4082 or [email protected]

www.cranes.org.au

Please support these businesses who support South Grafton Public School

Mark Hunting Branch Manager

62 Skinner Street South Grafton NSW 2460 P 02 6643 3044 F 02 6643 5554 M 0428 433 044 E [email protected]

Bendigo Bank

South Grafton

Community Bank Branch

CAPTAIN COOK TAKEAWAY Takeaway Food, Sandwiches, Hot BBQ Chickens, Drinks,

Cappuccino and Flat White Coffee & Grocery Lines EFTPOS available

Open 7 Days Mon-Fri 5.30am-6.30pm Sat 6am-6.30pm Sun 7.30am-4pm

303 Ryan Street, South Grafton Phone 6642 3402

Compulsory School AttendanceInformation for parents

Education for your child is important and regular attendance at school is essential for your child to achieve their educational best and increase their career and life options. NSW public schools work in partnership with parents to encourage and support regular attendance of children and young people. When your child attends school every day, learning becomes easier and your child will build and maintain friendships with other children.

What are my legal responsibilities?

Education in New South Wales is compulsory for all children between the ages of six years and below the minimum school leaving age. The Education Act 1990 requires that parents ensure their children of compulsory school age are enrolled at, and regularly attend school, or, are registered with the Board of Studies, Teaching and Educational Standards for homeschooling.

Once enrolled, children are required to attend school each day it is open for students.

The importance of arriving on time

Arriving at school and class on time

• ensures that students do not miss out on important learning activities scheduled early in the day • helps students learn the importance

of punctuality and routine • gives students time to greet their

friends before class • reduces classroom disruption.

Lateness is recorded as a partial absence and must be explained by parents.

What if my child has to be away from school?

On occasion, your child may need to be absent from school. Justified reasons for student absences may include

• being sick, or having an infectious disease • having an unavoidable medical

appointment • being required to attend a

recognised religious holiday • exceptional or urgent family

circumstance e.g. attending a funeral.

Following an absence from school you must ensure that within 7 days you provide your child’s school with a verbal or written explanation for the absence. However, if the school has not received an explanation from you within 2 days, the school may contact you to discuss the absence.

Principals may decline to accept an explanation that you have provided if they do not believe the absence is in the best interest of your child. In these circumstances your child’s absence would be recorded as unjustified. When this happens the principal will discuss their decision with you and the reasons why.

Principals may request medical certificates or other documentation when frequent or long term absences are explained as being due to illness. Principals may also seek parental permission to speak with medical specialists to obtain information to collaboratively develop a health care plan to support your child. If the request is denied, the principal can record the absences as unjustified.

Travel

Families are encouraged to travel during school holidays. If travel during school term is necessary, discuss this with your child’s school principal. An Application for Extended Leave may need to be completed. Absences relating to travel will be marked as leave on the roll and therefore contribute to your child’s total absences for the year.

In some circumstances students may be eligible to enrol in distance education for travel periods over 50 school days. This should be discussed with your child’s school principal.

NSW DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION LEARNING AND ENGAGEMENT WWW.SCHOOLS.NSW.EDU.AU

NSW DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

My child won’t go to school.What should I do?

You should contact the principal as soon as possible to discuss the issue and ask for help. Strategies to help improve attendance may include a referral to the school’s learning and support team or linking your child with appropriate support networks. The principal may seek further support from the Home School Liaison Program to develop an Attendance Improvement Plan.

What might happen if my child continues to have unacceptable absences?

It is important to understand that the Department of Education and may be required to take further action where children of compulsory school age have recurring numbers of unexplained or unjustified absences from school.

Some of the following actions may be undertaken:

• Compulsory Schooling Conferences

You may be asked, along with your child, to attend a Compulsory Schooling Conference. The conference will help to identify the supports your child may need to have in place so they attend school regularly. The school, parents and agencies will work together to develop an agreed plan (known as Undertakings) to support your child’s attendance at school.

• Application to the Children’s Court - Compulsory Schooling Order

If your child’s attendance at school remains unsatisfactory the Departmentmay apply to the Children’s Court for a Compulsory Schooling Order.

The Children’s Court magistrate may order a Compulsory Schooling Conference to be convened.

• Prosecution in the Local Court

School and Department staff remain committed to working in partnership with you to address the issues which are preventing your child’s full participation at school. In circumstances where a breach of compulsory schooling orders occurs further action may be taken against a parent in the Local Court. The result of court action can be the imposition of a community service order or a fine.

What age can my child leave school?

All New South Wales students must complete Year 10 or its equivalent. After Year 10, and up until they reach 17 years of age, there are a range of flexible options for students to complete their schooling.

Working in Partnership

The Department of Education recognises that working collaboratively with students and their families is the best way to support the regular attendance of students at school.

We look forward to working in partnership with you to support your child to fulfil their life opportunities.

NSW DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION LEARNING AND ENGAGEMENT WWW.SCHOOLS.NSW.EDU.AU

If a student misses as little as 8 days in a school term, by the end of primary school they’ll have missed over a year of school.

Further information regarding school attendance can be obtained from the following websites

Policy, information and brochures

http://www.schools.nsw.edu.au/studentsupport/programs/attendance.php

The school leaving age

http://www.schools.nsw.edu.au/leavingschool/index.php

For further advice contact

Educational services

T 131 536

Learning and Engagement

Student Engagement and Interagency Partnerships

T 9244 5356

www.dec.nsw.gov.au

Do you need an interpreter?

If you need help with English and would like further information please call the Telephone Interpreter Service on 131 450 and ask for an interpreter in your language. The operator will get an interpreter on the line to assist you with your conversation. You will not be charged for this service.

©May 2015NSW Department of Education

boomerang bags

decorate a re-usable library bag for everyone to use

everyday during holidays @ your libraries

storytime

mondays 10.30 am iluka

tuesdays 10.30 am yamba

thursdays 10.30 am grafton & maclean

stories in the enchanted garden with the junior jacaranda candidates

grafton wed 10 oct 11 - 12

flower garlands with bonnie

grafton wed 10 oct 10 - 10.30 am 10.30 - 11am

bookings essentialvisit our website for contact details www.crl.nsw.gov.au

mobileglenreagh

wed 3 oct 2.30 - 3.30

iluka wed 3 oct 10.30 - 11.30

mobilebrushgrove

thu 4 oct 10.30 - 11.30

grafton fri 5 oct 10.30 - 11.30

mobilelawrence

tue 9 oct 2.30 - 3.30

yamba fri 12 oct 10.30 - 11.30

maclean fri 12 oct 2.30 - 3.30

ozobot fun

giant geometricsculptures

maclean thu 4 oct 2.30 - 3.30

yamba fri 5 oct 2.30 - 3.30

iluka wed 10 oct 10.30 - 1.30

grafton thu 11 oct 2.30 - 3.30

Help your 7-13 year old child get healthy, active and happy with Go4Fun®.Go4Fun® is a ten week healthy lifestyle program for kids aged 7-13 who are above a healthy weight, and their families. Sessions run once a week for two hours after school, during term.

Registrations are now open.Call to find out about your local program.

Fun program for kids to become fitter, healthier and happier

1800 780 900SMS 0409 745 645 for a call back

Register online at www.go4fun.com.au www.facebook.com/go4funprogram/

TO REGISTER: FREE CALL

FREEFREE

Term 4 Commencing Monday 15th October 4pm - 6pm for 10 weeks Venue TBARun by Grafton Physio + Sport. Call 6643 5646 for more information