Karoo News

Term 1 Week 1 Wednesday 31st January, 2018

FEBRUARY 2017

Thursday 1st February ‘Getting to Know You’ interviews—

bookings open at 5pm at www.schoolinterviews.com.au

Thursday 8th February School Photos—class groups, student individuals and siblings

(Paper order forms & cash payment due on photo day)

Friday 9th February ‘Getting to Know You’ interviews—

online bookings close at 4pm Swim Team forms due back

Monday 12th February ‘Getting to Know You’ interviews

Karoo Parents Association—AGM (9am in staffroom)

Tuesday 13th February ‘Getting to Know You’ interviews

Monday 19th February School Council Meeting 7pm

Thursday 22nd February District Swimming Competition

Full list of Term 1 events in next

week’s newsletter.

Term Dates 2018

Term 1 30 Jan—29 Mar Term 2 16 Apr—29 Jun Term 3 16 Jul—21 Sept Term 4 8 Oct—21 Dec

Principal’s Comments

Footy Day Next Monday we have our footy lunch. We will also make it footy dress day for a gold coin donation. These funds will be put towards supporting our World Vision child.

3 /4 Performance Classes are spending much time in practice as they gear up for the 2 big nights on Monday 29

th

and Tuesday 30th August at the Rowville SC auditorium. This should be a great event.

Playground The rubber has been laid due to finally having some rain free days. It is just being given time to cure and we hope the equipment will be operational shortly.

Year 3 Tables We’ve had another big week on the times tables front with a number of our students performing brilliantly. 5’s in under 15 seconds were achieved by Keeley, Lauren, Julian, Kyle, Luke, Yara, Regan and Bradley in 3S, Annabelle and Sam in 3JC, Lachlan, Jaylen and John in 3 /4, and Leona and Sam in 3C.

We also commenced our 3’s and Caitlyn and Krispin in 3 /4, Kira, Allison, Josh, Tanner, Rylan and Ozcan in 3JC and Ethan in 3S were the “legends” in great times.

Woolies / Coles The voucher “fundraisers” from both companies are in full swing. We do have boxes in the foyer

for receipts and I note that many people have sent along some already, which is superb. This is a

great opportunity to tap into friends and family who may be happy to support our school. I believe

there is a Karoo box at the Stud Park Woolworths & there is double points this week in that chain

of stores.

Prep Rabbits Over past weeks the preps have had a mother rabbit and her babies in their classrooms. The students have enjoyed seeing the transformation from hairless, blind little things to rapidly growing cute creatures. We have them for next week as well.

Rebel There is a voucher available at the office that some people may like to take advantage of if you

were going to be shopping at Rebel this month. Offer valid until 31/08/11.

Molly On the weekend Molly in 6P had a very nasty bike accident at the BMX track which has resulted in her breaking both wrists, an elbow and sustaining facial injuries. This has required time in hospital and operations and could result in being in plaster for 6 months. Several parents have got together to organise a raffle to raise funds so that a self standing touch

screen can be purchased onto which can be downloaded books and music. Tickets are $1 each

and can be obtained from the Miss Poole’s Year 6 students. The prize has lots of goodies in it

including soaps, chocolates, lollies, golf balls, a yo-yo and skipping ropes. We will draw the raffle

on Monday 15th at assembly.

Jim Harry Principal

Respect Responsibility Excellence Honesty & Fairness

Tolerance & Understanding

VISITORS TO THE SCHOOL

All visitors to the school must sign in and out at the office, and collect a green visitor’s badge. These badges help the students and staff identify you as an ‘authorised visitor’.

Please remember to return the

badge when you sign out.

Reminder ... SCHOOL HATS ARE

COMPULSORY IN TERMS 1 & 4

Karoo Calendar Principal’s Comments

Welcome to a new school year—2018 has started with great enthusiasm! This is a special ’welcome’ edition of the newsletter, which this week will be given to each family as a hard copy only. From Week 2 fortnightly newsletters will be available on the school’s website and Flexibuzz on a Wednesday.

Staff have created some vibrant classrooms and learning spaces over the holidays. Norm and Sandra, our school cleaners managed to complete the holiday cleaning despite both being unwell- thank you.

Fiona Marker and I will both continue in our acting roles for the term whilst Irene Harding continues her role in the Regional office.

Yesterday the four Prep teachers eagerly awaited the arrival of our Prep students, the excitement on everyone's faces (students, teachers, parents and grandparents) was priceless. Finally the long anticipated first day of school had arrived! The day commenced with lots of smiles, a few tears and an occasional look of uncertainty. Thankfully the opportunity to have brain food, snack and a big play outside convinced the students that Prep is fun!

Work completed at the school during the holidays: all carpets were steam cleaned, the gym floor was polished, air conditioners were serviced and new Smartboards were installed in many classrooms. Last year we had several arborists check the trees in the school grounds and we have followed their advice. Several large trees that were deemed dangerous were removed in the holidays. Thanks to Cameron MacLeod (father of Riley and Olivia) for his support and advice.

Student wellbeing and safety is a priority. I would like to address two important aspects of school life that require support and commitment from home and school.

1. Student Safety Whilst we endeavour to ensure the safety of your children when they are at school I am once again asking parents to assist us. I implore you to take care, obey the traffic signs and speed limits around the school, particularly as we have 85 five year olds commencing school this year. It is also necessary for me to once again remind you that the Staff Carpark is reserved for staff cars only. The carpark is not to be used by parents to drop off, pick up or park to collect students. I will regularly be outside after school and will ask parents/ carers/ grandparents to move their vehicles from the carpark. Authorised users with disabled stickers may access the staff carpark, we have two parks available for their use. Please support me to ensure the safety of all our students- thank you.

2. Karoo Dress Code for students School Uniform is worn to instil a sense of belonging and pride in our students. School Council is responsible for approving the school uniform. There are many options of clothing available for students within our dress code. The staff have the responsibility to ensure all students adhere to this policy and we require parent support to enforce this too. I am currently modifying the Student Dress Code Policy and will be seeking approval from Council in February. It will then be sent home, uploaded onto the school website and available from the school office. However I will inform and remind the school community in advance that:

Jojo bows, tiaras and dress up style headbands are not permitted to be worn at school

Nail polish and artificial nails are not permitted to be worn at school

No make up is to be worn by students at school

Socks are to be dark green, white or black only

Any student (male or female) with longer than shoulder length hair is required to have it tied up using black, green or gold hair accessories only

Communication is important; if you have any concerns, suggestions or recommendations (we also appreciate acknowledgement too) please ensure you speak to your child's classroom teacher, make use of the student diary or Class Dojo. Importantly Fiona and I are willing to meet with you; we look forward to working together to support all students. Please find the time to talk to your child about school; listen to their stories and concerns, ask questions and encourage them to talk about the good things too. All student concerns will be managed confidentially, with respect and importantly in a manner that supports your child. I ask parents to inform us immediately if your child has a concern so we can follow up appropriately. Home and school relationships are an important aspect of your child's education. As parents you are your child's first teacher and will continue to be involved in their life-long learning.

Staff news Congratulations to Mrs Michelle Dodds (Year 2 PE teacher in 2017) and her husband Ryan, they now have two sons. Adam John was born in January, he is a brother for Aidan.

Leanne Vines—Acting Principal

Phone: 9759-6222 Fax: 9759-6211 Email: karoo.ps@edumail.vic.gov.au Web: http://www.karoops.vic.edu.au

WHOLE SCHOOL ASSEMBLY

Friday 2nd February 2:30pm

IMPORTANT DATES - CAMPS

2018 Year 5 ‘City Experience’ Camp Term 2: 16th—18th April

2018 Year 3 Camp Term 2: 26th-27th April

PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND SPORTS NEWS

District Swimming Competition—Thursday February 22rd

The District Swimming Competition takes place on Thursday February 22nd at Monash Aquatic Centre in Glen Waverley between 1:10 and 3:30pm. Many students have indicated their interest in being a part of the team. These students have taken home a form on which to record their 50m times for the stroke events they would like to be considered for. Students who are turning between the ages of 9-13 in 2018 may compete in up to 2 individual events and 1 relay event. Not all students will be able to participate and that is why sending along their times is important.

The District Swimming Competition events are 50m freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke and butterfly, in addition to freestyle and medley relay events. Please consider that your child must be able to competently and confidently swim 50m so that races are completed reasonably promptly and your child is not distressed when trying to complete their event.

Students who are successful at District level will be invited to the Division Swimming Competition. Parents are asked to transport their child to and from the pool and to stay at the pool for the duration of the competition. If you would like your child to be considered for the team please record their times for 50m on the form below and return it to Mr Maroney by Friday February 9th. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact Josh Maroney.

Parent Helpers Needed for Karoo Cross Country The Karoo Cross Country is in 6 weeks time. To conduct our Cross Country safely and effectively, we need approximately 15 parents to assist on the day. If you are able to assist us around the course between 9am and 11:30 on Friday March 9th, or the backup day, Wednesday March 14

th, please complete the slip and return it to the office. Your assistance would be greatly appreciated.

Josh Maroney - PE & Sports Co-Ordinator

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

EXPRESSION OF INTEREST FOR KAROO SWIMMING TEAM 2018 Student’s Name: ………………………………………………………….. Class / Year Level ……………………………… Date of Birth…………………………………………………………………. Squad Swimmer….. Yes/ No

Tick Event/Stroke 50m Time

Freestyle

Backstroke

Breaststroke

Butterfly

I am able to arrange transport for my

child to Monash Aquatic and

Recreation Centre on Thursday 22nd

February 2018

Yes / No

(Please circle)

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

EXPRESSION OF INTEREST FOR PARENT HELPER AT KAROO CROSS COUNTRY ON 9th MARCH 2018

Parent’s Name: ……………………………………………………………………Phone Number …………………………………………………..

Child’s Name…………………………………………………………………. Class………………..

I can assist on (please tick): Both days Only Friday March 9th Only Wednesday March 14th

Please tick the

events/strokes your child would

like to enter (if you have a time

recorded for your child please

include this)

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL’S REPORT

Welcome back to the new school year and a special welcome to all our new families. I hope everyone had a lovely holiday and are ready for an exciting year.

Assembly Assembly times have been changed for this year, keeping the critical learning time of Monday morning free. Assemblies will be held on Fridays at 2.30pm, starting with a whole school assembly this week where captains will be presented with their badges. Par-ents play such an important role in our school community and we hope to see those who can make it at assembly.

Getting To Know You Meetings – Monday 12th

February and Tuesday 13th

February Notices will be sent home today with the relevant information. The purpose is for every family to meet with their child’s teacher and to establish understandings, awareness and a swapping of information to build home school relationships. This is not a teacher report re-lating to your child. It is a chance for you to give information about your child to the teacher. Prep teachers will not be holding Getting to Know You interviews as the Prep parents will have the opportunity to chat to their child’s class teacher on their SEA testing day. Bookings can be made online and will be open from Thursday 1

st February at 5:00pm to Friday 9

th February at 4:00pm. Simply log

on to www.schoolinterviews.com.au and enter the code Tz2az, find your teacher and book a time. Confirmation emails will be sent. If you do not have access to a computer, please come into the office where we will have one available to use.

Photos Class, individual and sibling photos will be held next week on Thursday 8

th February. Please ensure that full school uniform is worn, in-

cluding only green, yellow or black hair accessories (no JoJo bows are to be worn). Named photo notices for each child were sent home yesterday. If you haven’t received a notice for each of your children, please contact their class teacher.

Mobile Phones Just a reminder that if your child requires a mobile phone at school, the Karoo Mobile Phone Policy needs to be read and signed annual-ly. Copies of the policy can be collected at the Office.

Fiona Marker - Acting Assistant Principal