EPPING PUBLIC SCHOOL Opportunity, Excellence, Success

Norfolk Road, Epping NSW 2121 Phone: 9876 1452 Fax: 9876 6873

Email: epping-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au Website: www.epping-p.schools.nsw.edu.au

P & C Meeting: Second Tuesday of Each Month at 6.30 pm

Harmonious And Caring School Community

NEWSLETTER Monday, 21 November, 2011 Welcome to Week 7, Term 4

THE GREAT STAGE 2 GRAND PRIX DOWNHILL RACE Stage 2 held the biennial downhill dash last Friday. The race is the culmination of our Science and Technology unit on Simple Machines.

Here are some thoughts from the racers:

The most exciting part of the project was looking at other cars and working out how they were built. I enjoyed the racing and seeing where my friends came in their heat. Irvin 4G The part of the race I enjoyed the most was looking at the smiling faces of the Kindergarten children. They were having a ball! It was fun racing my car – I came third! I was really happy. Rani 4G.

Winners on the day were: 1st Place Annabella 2nd Place Ariana 3rd Place Rani 4th Place Andy 5th Place Hannah & Olivia (tied)

COMING EVENTS Tuesday 22 November Musica Viva

Friday 25 November School Spectacular

Thursday 1 December Gingerbread Houses – P&C

Monday 5 December Orientation Day High School Stage 2 Singing at RSL

Wednesday 7 December Presentation Day

Friday 9 December Year 6 Farewell

Tuesday 13 December Year 2 Singing at Seniors Club

Friday 16 December Students’ Last Day

MERIT AWARDS Congratulations to the following students who will receive a Merit Award at this week’s assembly. Bronze Award

Om KB Kitara 2P Claire 5S Silver Award Claire 1W Juhi 4G ASSEMBLY ITEM Assembly is held in the hall on Wednesdays at 2pm. This week the assembly will present a performance by Tom in 6P and Gus in 3C.

Opportunities for All

CONGRATULATIONS P&C Recently our P&C held their annual meeting for the election of 2012 officers. The P&C do a wonderful job in supporting the students of Epping Public School. I would like to begin by congratulating the outgoing committee on a fantastic effort throughout 2011. The following people were elected to positions for next year. President – Mr Joshua Pitcher Vice President – Mr Paul Van Oppen Secretary – Mrs Bronwyn Rosada Treasurer – Mrs Apsara Kahawita I would also like to congratulate those who have taken on committee roles. I look forward to working with you next year.

ROUNDABOUT AT CHESTER ST After much hard lobbying from our P&C the council granted their request to consider a roundabout at the corner of Chester St and Norfolk Rd. A consultation paper has now reached the school and local residents so it appears it is going to happen. This will indeed make the walk to school a safer one for our students and I thank our P&C for its hard work in achieving this outcome.

CYBER BULLYING Last week Constable Debbie Krystal from Eastwood Police Station addressed the parents of our school about the issues surrounding social networking. It was most disappointing to see only seven parents attend. For those who attended it proved a very valuable session as their children move into a world where social networking is very much everywhere.

PHOTOS FOR PRESENTATION DAY Once again, with Presentation Day approaching, I have been asked about photos. Parents can take photos of their own child receiving an award. The school has organised for award winners to be photographed and these photos will be placed on our website. During the weekly assembly I do slow things to allow parents to take photos. However the Presentation Day is a much bigger event and we need to keep to a strict timetable. Therefore I cannot slow or stop proceedings to allow photos to be taken. Parents will need to be ready to snap a photo of their child receiving an

award. Photos can be taken after the Presentation Day as well.

LEADERS’ SPEECHES The year is flying by and we are fast approaching the elections of our school leaders for 2012. As outlined in our newsletter of a couple of weeks ago, the process has changed slightly this year. However the nominees will still be required to present a speech to our Year 2 to Year 5 students in the school hall. This will take place next Monday 28 November at 9:45am. Parents are most welcome to attend the presentation of speeches. By Mr John Ford

CHESS TOURNAMENT On 16 November, 12 students from the chess squad competed in the One Day Chess Tournament at Castle Cove Public School. First, we departed in a van with Mr Weber to Castle Cove Public School. We all talked and had fun. When we arrived at the venue of the tournament all of us were nervous and excited. We separated into teams of 8. We were advised about strategies and tactics from Mr Zielinski. We entered the hall filled with tables. There were 27 tables set up for games. The adjudicator of the tournament, Richard, explained the rules and instructions. We played 6 rounds with breaks in between if we completed the match early. All of us tried our best. It was a long and tiring day. All of us had a lot of fun! I would like to thank Mr Weber and Mr Zielinski for their hard work and advice. By Zair in 5/4B

NUDE FOOD DAY Last Thursday we had a “Nude Food” day at our school. Students were encouraged to bring their lunch and recess in re usable containers or paper bags.

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EBASCA 2012 Registrations forms are now available!!! Families registering for this year will have received a yellow envelope via your child’s classroom.

All families attending Epping Public are welcome to register your children for before and after school care for 2012. Please see us at the centre for information and forms.

The EBASCA BBQ is happeing next Friday evening (2 December) from 6pm. All EBASCA families welcome, please RSVP at the centre for catering purposes.

EBASCA is running two pupil free day programs at the end of this term (Monday 19 December and Tuesday 20 December). All EBASCA families are welcome to register your children for one or both of these days. Please speak to Brigitte for more information. Phone 9868 2201.

TRAINING BAND 2012 If your child auditioned for the 2012 Training Band please return your note to the Band letterbox near the front office by Friday, 25 November. If you are unable to accept the position please indicate this on the note. If you are accepting the position please include the $50 deposit.

Suzanne Szecsodi, Band Coordinator

STUDENT NOT RETURNING OR RETURNING LATE IN 2012. This is to advise that my child will not be returning to Epping Public School or will be returning after Monday 30 January 2012 Students Name.......................................................

Class.........................................

My child will not be returning to Epping Public School in 2012.

My child will be returning to Epping Public School after Monday 30 January 2012 . Reason.........................................................

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Parent/Guardian.....................................................

Date.........................................

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SCULPTURES BY THE SEA

It had been raining relentlessly the morning of Thursday 17 November, but Stage 3 was determined to go on their excursion to ‘Sculptures by the Sea’. We crossed all of our fingers and toes in the hope that the rain would hold off for the day and, luckily, it did!

We arrived at Tamarama beach with nothing but a light drizzle and began our walk towards Bondi Beach in awe of the beautiful sculptures. The exhibition consisted of a series of large sculptures along the coast as well as some smaller sculptures which were found in the showroom at Hunter Park.

We made the full length of the exhibition and ended the day with a wonderful afternoon at Bondi Beach. Students built sand castles, played touch football and took loads of photos. The sculptures were all absolutely spectacular, but our favourite, without a doubt, was the enormous tap overlooking the ocean entitled, “Who left the tap running?” Here are a few photos for you to enjoy! By Mrs Malu

NEWS FROM THE LEARNING RESOURCE CENTRE From Wild Ideas to Wonderful Words. Children in Years 4, 5 and 6 have been sent an e-book version of this document via their school email account. It is the published version of the work completed with the author Pamela Freeman earlier this year. Again, I give credit to those students who met the commitments for this project. I sent a copy of the finished piece to Dr Freeman as well. She replied that she was delighted to see such follow-up after her time at the school and that authors don’t normally get any feedback after school visits. This surprised me as I thought this was just a matter of courtesy! Pamela also congratulated the children on their efforts.

This week is the last week that children will be able to borrow books from the library for 2011. All books must be returned by Thursday 1st December. It is a requirement that a stocktake of the library be conducted each year as part of the school’s accountability practices. I ask for your cooperation and understanding during this process. Please note that overdue bills will be issued for any outstanding books. This can be embarrassing for children and unwelcome just before Christmas, so please encourage your children to return books on time. Thank you in anticipation of your support. Mrs Lyn Campbell. Teacher-Librarian.

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P&C CALENDAR - TERM 4

Wednesday 23rd

November – 2012 Fete Kickoff Meeting (from 8:00pm)

Thursday 1st

December - Gingerbread House Workshop (7:00pm-9:00pm)

Sunday 4th

December – Working Bee (9:00am – 12noon)

GINGERBREAD HOUSE WORKSHOP

Ho Ho Ho! It’s that time of the year again. Create your very own gingerbread house at next week’s workshop or purchase a take-home-kit. Numbers are limited (45) so get in quick to this popular event otherwise you may miss out. Orders are due by Tuesday 22nd November please. CHRISTMAS TOY CATALOGUES

Avoid the stress and queues and purchase your Christmas gifts from the comfort of your lounge. Our school will receive credits equal to 20% of the value of the orders, which will be used to purchase educational resources and equipment to help teach our students. Remember you must nominate Epping Public School at the ‘Checkout’ Go to: www.chalk.com.au or www.parentdirect.com.au

CANTEEN ROSTER

DAY DATE

Week 6

WED 23 Nov Katrina Collins, Elizabeth Galbraith, Rachel Min Song, Marissa Kelly, Sonali Prabhan

FRI 25 Nov Stella Tsui, Ying Liu, Bernadette Daners, Suzan Lee, Jin Chung

Week 7

MON 28 Nov Mi-Hee Kim, Ye-Jin Lee FRENCH SUPERVISION

DAY DATE SUPERVISION (Parent of)

Week 7

WED 23 Nov Callum Mallard FRI 25 Nov Rosie Harrison

BAND ROSTER SUPERVISION TERM 4

DAY DATE

Week 7

THU 24 Nov Jean/Sang Shin

Week 8

THU 1 Dec Megan Cobcroft

TRAINING BAND 2012 If your child auditioned for the 2012 Training Band please return your note to the Band letterbox near the front office by Friday, 25th November. If you are unable to accept the position please indicate this on the note. If you are accepting the position please include the $50 deposit.

Suzanne Szecsodi, Band Coordinator

FETE 2012

Don’t forget the Kick-off Meeting at Jacqui Pitcher’s house is on this Wednesday. All welcome. The purpose of the meeting is to primarily ‘brainstorm’ ideas for the fete as well as work towards finalising a date. That way when school resumes in 2012, we will be able to start planning immediately. If you have a great idea but you’re unable to attend the meeting, we’d love to hear from you. Just send us an email outlining your idea. Meeting : Wednesday 23rd November, 8:00pm @ 18 Surrey Street, Epping

Marissa (email: marissakelly@bigpond.com or mobile: 0408 088 449)

Jacqui (email: jacqui.pitcher@optusnet.com.au or mobile: 0409 325 424)

UNIFORM SHOP

Max from Dr Shoe will be at school this Wednesday afternoon to sell his school shoes. He can be found near the Uniform Shop from 2.30pm. There are only 4 more Wednesday afternoons when the Uniform Shop will be open for you to purchase your uniforms. Our last day of opening for 2011 will be Wednesday, 14th December.

Opportunities for All

Minutes of

Epping Public School P&C Meeting

Tuesday 9th November 2011 6M Class Room

Meeting commenced at 7.00 pm, chaired by J. Pitcher Attendees: T Drego, J Pitcher, R Graham, J Ford, A&R Kahawita, K Steele, B Rosada, J Harrison, K Collins, C. Ravinthran, M Kelly Apologies: J Barnett, P van Oppen, D Kelly, D Darley, P Goldsmith, S Szecsodi, J Pitcher Minutes of Previous Meeting The Minutes of the previous meeting of 13th September 2011 were accepted as a true and correct record. Moved: B. Rosada. 2nd K. Steele. Carried. Matters Arising from Minutes Nil. Correspondence Various bank statements P&C Association magazine Thank you from Deb Darley Reports Treasurer Unfortunately Treasurer Mark Millard has relocated and is unable to continue. We thank Mark for his long standing contribution to the P&C and wish him well in his new locale. Fundraising – Marissa Kelly Spooky Disco – thanks to teachers who attended. DJ Andy loves our school! Melbourne Cup social event – 15 attended a lovely afternoon. Will do differently next year. Toy Catalogues – this year all on-line with 20% of sales going to school in vouchers. Gingerbread Workshop – 1st December - $30 a house Grounds – Paul Goldsmith No report Canteen – Kathy Steele

Red Day – 25th Nov – Red Rock Chips & Spider drink. Coffee Machine donated by Rosada family. Had been in canteen storeroom but is currently being used by Teachers in Staff room, with a donation box. As it was donated to the P&C it was agreed that it could remain in the staff room, but with one day’s notice for use by the P&C the staff would ensure it is clean. The Canteen committee will meet before year end to discuss future direction. JP stated he hopes Kathy Steele will accept an offer in 2012 to continue her great work as supervisor. Uniform – Tanya Drego Uniform Shop doing well. Following discussions with Staff, Tanya showed 2 version of a navy wool jumper, with the intention of phasing out the sloppy joe jumpers and jackets, although there is stock of both. Tanya also showed jacket example. It is the intention to purchase 8 jackets to be used by School leaders/debaters etc when representing the school. Stainless Steel bench in Canteen – Tanya has been approached by Epping Boys High who are interested in buying it. Tanya to go back with a price of $200. Money to be used to buy knives/block for the canteen. Band – Suzanne Szecsodi No report Social – Cynthia Ravinthran, Katrina Collins Morning Tea/P&C catch up Thursday 14/9 well attended. Teacher’s lunch – JF to provide dates to committee No Carols this year Kindy parents organising a picnic for 2012 Kindy families on a Saturday during Term 4. Suggestion – Tea & Tissues morning tea for new Kindy Parents. Sport – Sarah McLean No report Grants- Jane Harrison $100 gift voucher from Bunnings for Green Team shed. Josh and Bronwyn attending Bendigo Bank grant night on 22 November. Principal – J. Ford 567 students at Swim Scheme Loud Shirt Day – went well.

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2 students did well in Hills Speaking Competition Mr. Patterson took 2 teams to Milo Cricket Day Leaders – attended follow up bowling day Music Festival – Stage 2 Choir sang, Stage 3 Ensemble performed and our leaders spoke very well. Suggestion – banner to have a horizontal bar so it presents well when paraded on stage. Kindy Orientation – numbers looking to 2 ½ or 3 classes. Sport in School K to 4 going well 24 Yr 6 students recording new show on Ch 7 – Match it. (names picked out of a hat!!) Mr. Weber & Mr. Zeilinski took Chess Team to compete. Helper’s Morning Tea – 1st December Presentation Day 7th December Year 6 Farewell 9th December Website up and running – Armand Ten Dam has agreed to do P&C input NAPLAN results great and will be discussed next mtg Play Equipment – dangerous! Chris Wardle has said he will take it down and remove. ACTION: JP to discuss with P. Goldsmith and D. Kelly ACTION: Mrs. Bailey needs help planting the new garden. Discuss with Grounds Committee. John Ford outlined the Facebook incident mentioned in recent newsletters and the Police Liaision Officer at school to talk to the children. Parent talk on November 17 at 2.30pm. ACTION: Sinks? Paul Goldsmith General Business 2012 Fete – Marissa Kelly Kick off meeting to be held before end of year to discuss a BIG event for 2012 to fill our much needed coffers. Year 6 Farewell Committee member Bronwyn Rosada asked for the P&C’s annual support for this event. Motion: That the P&C support the Year 6 Farewell Committee to a maximum of $1500. Moved: B. Rosada, 2nd: K. Steele. Carried. Chinese & French classes Question: will they continue in 2012. Yes, but JP to check with Alison Fraser. Being no further business the meeting closed at 8.20 pm Next meeting TUESDAY 13th December at 6.30pm

Minutes of

Epping Public School

P&C ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Tuesday 8th November 2010 6M Class Room

Attendees: T Drego, J Pitcher, R Graham, J Ford, A&R Kahawita, K Steele, B Rosada, J Harrison, K Collins, C. Ravinthran Apologies: J Barnett, P van Oppen, M&D Kelly, D Darley, P Goldsmith, S Szecsodi, J Pitcher Minutes of Previous AGM The Minutes of the previous AGM held on 9th November 2010 were accepted as a true and correct record. Moved: J. Pitcher. 2nd K. Steele. Carried. Matters Arising from Minutes Nil President’s Report 2011 has been a year of great successes and new challenges for Epping P&C. Continuing with the commitment made in 2009 to purchase 6 interactive white-boards (IWBs) over 3 years, the P&C contributed a further $10,000 towards the school’s purchase of 3 more electronic white boards. The P&C looks forward to completing its commitment by again making a further contribution to 3 more IWBs in 2012. The P&C also funded the purchase and installation of a large venue projector for the school hall, and with the school’s support we were able to upgrade the screen to a large electronic model to better suit the multi-purpose nature of the hall. This system has had an immediate impact, supporting school presentations, enabling successful fundraising movie nights to be held for the students, and social gatherings for the grown-ups. Speaking of fundraising, the fundraising committee has had a bumper year, organising discos, movie nights and many other fun events for adults and kids alike.

Opportunities for All

Outside the school, members of the P&C have lobbied hard for some significant safety improvements to the roads around our school. Bronwyn Rosada’s tireless pursuit of a “Kiss and Drop” zone has resulted in the installation of the zone this year, and most agree that this area has reduced congestion around the school. I have also been personally lobbying for the installation of a roundabout at the Chester St and Norfolk Rd intersection after a spate of accidents resulting in vehicles mounting the kerb when students were about. Working with the Mayor Nick Berman and Federal MP John Alexander I have secured funding under the federal government’s 2011 blackspot program and look forward to the installation of the roundabout. Back inside the school, our band grows with increased enrolments and has enjoyed success at the band eisteddfod. P&C funds also went towards new instruments to keep the band sounding fantastic. Our uniform shop continues to be popular, and the increased space in its new home makes it easier for parents to find what they need for their children. New signs provided by the P&C also make the shop easier to find. Despite the best efforts of our canteen helpers and our canteen supervisor, the canteen has struggled this year to be financially successful in its 3-days-a-week format. It is still my vision that the canteen serve three purposes; a place to teach children the value of money, a support to parents to take the burden off making lunch every day, and as a significant contributor of funds to the P&C. The P&C executive is reviewing the canteen functions, and has also managed to enlist some additional support to assist with strategic planning and menu development next year. I foresee changes in the canteen operation next year, and these changes will be communicated to the school community as decisions are made. Our grounds committee continues to work to improve the green space and provide our children with space to run and play. We were also very proud to welcome an echidna to the school community, no doubt enjoying its newer, cleaner environment in the bushland of the nature trail. The social committee continues to bring a sense of community to the school, and the grants committee continues to boost our funding from a number of external sources. We also added Chinese to our languages taught after school. These groups are very much quiet achievers, but their efforts are not unnoticed and are much appreciated by the entire school community.

The P&C continues to both enjoy the support of many helpers, yet struggle to recruit coordinators to take leading roles within the P&C. Without these coordinators the P&C simply cannot survive and I feel that all P&C members need to make the search for their prospective replacements a priority in the coming year. This not only shares the load of P&C administration but also ensures a smooth transition as parents leave the school of take on new challenges. Lastly I would like to offer my sincere thanks to the teachers and staff of Epping Public School. The nature of the P&C is one where problems and issues are mainly discussed, and sometimes these problems can make us forget the many great things that happen within our school on a day-to-day basis. We know we are very lucky to belong in a school community with both high academic achievement and teachers who supports the students in their varied endeavours. The running of the meeting was handed over to J. Ford, who declared all positions vacant and conducted elections for the following positions: P&C Executive President: Josh Pitcher. Vice Presidents: Paul van Oppen. 1 VP vacant. Secretary: Bronwyn Rosada Treasurer: Apsara Kahawita Committee Chairpersons The following chairpersons were nominated: Canteen Vacant Fundraising Jacqui Pitcher & Marissa Kelly Uniform Tanya Drego Grounds Paul Goldsmith & Dave Kelly Social Katrina Collins & Cynthia Ravinthran Grants Jane Harrison & Deb Darley Band Suzanne Szecsodi Sports John Ford thank the 2011 P&C and congratulated the 2012 Committee. AGM closed at 7.00pm

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COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD Community News and accompanying advertising are a community service only and not endorsed by Epping Public School or its staff. Details for the following activities and clubs can be found in our community noticeboard:

Prevention of Parental Burnout - Coping with Children with Special Needs presented by the North Epping Learning Difficulties and ADHD (NELDA) Parent Support Group. This will be a practical session on how to stay sane in a busy family, especially as we approach the Christmas Season. Plenty of time will be allowed for questions. Parents, teachers and other professionals, are welcome to come along.

Speaker - Jo Kneebone is a fully qualified Herbalist, Naturopath and Nutritionist and also holds a diploma of remedial massage therapy

Where - All Saints Anglican Church, 295 Malton Road, North Epping (corner of Devon Street) When - Thursday evening, 1st December 2011, 7pm - 9pm. Gold coin donation at door. Tea/coffee and chat afterwards. Enquiries - Phone 8213 6252 (group's answering machine) or email parentsupport@neldapsg.org or phone 9889 5977 (ADDult ADHD NSW office)

Calling all Seniors!!!! Become involved and join the Granny Smith Day Club. Every Friday 10am till 2pm in the Epping Uniting Church Hall. There are games, quizzes, raffles, entertainers, guest speakers, exercises, morning tea and lunch.

Christmas Craft Fair – Friday and Saturday

Friday 25 November 3pm to 8pm Saturday 26 November 9am to 3pm At North Epping Bowling Club

Opportunities for All

CANTEEN RED DAY 24 NOVEMBER 2011 Enjoy a yummy cold ice cream spider and a packet of red rock chips Only $4.00 Please return your completed form and money to the canteen letterbox by: 22 November 2011 ............................................................................

Canteen Red Day

Student order form Child’s name: Class: Red rock chips (please choose) Honey Soy: Sea Salt: Please have a separate form for each child