Karoo News

Term 1 Week 3 Wednesday 11th February, 2015

FEBRUARY 2015

Thursday 12th February School Photos—class and student

individuals.

Monday 16th February School Council nominations close

at 4:00pm.

Friday 20th February Family Movie Night—

movie starts at 8:45pm

Monday 23rd February District Swimming Competition Prep Family Night and Picnic

5—6:30pm ‘Getting to Know You’ interviews

Tuesday 24th February Cyber Smarts—Yr 5 & 6

Cyber Smarts Parent Session—7pm ‘Getting to Know You’ interviews

Term Dates 2015 Term 1 28 Jan—27 Mar Term 2 13 Apr—26 Jun Term 3 13 Jul—18 Sept Term 4 5 Oct—18 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

SCHOOL FOYER MONITOR

Featuring this week …

Preps—First day of school

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.

STUDENT BANKING

Student banking day is

Monday. Please ensure your

deposit slip is completed and the

money is secure in the folder. New

folders and deposit books available if

required.

Reminder ... SCHOOL HATS ARE

COMPULSORY IN TERMS 1 & 4

Karoo Calendar Principal’s Comments

School Council Elections Nomination forms are available at the office for general positions as school councillors. There are two types of Nomination forms available: a Self-nomination and a Nomination Form for Parent Member Category. The forms must be signed by the nominated and/or the nominator. School Council elects the office bearers. Below is the School Council election time-line.

School Council Election Timeline Monday 9th February: School Council –Call for Nominations Monday 16th February: Nominations close at 4pm and assessed to determine if a ballot is required Wednesday 18th February: List of candidates posted Monday 23rd February: Ballot papers prepared and available at office (if Ballot required) Tuesday 3rd March: Ballot closes at 4 p.m. Thursday 5th March: Vote count and declaration of poll

School Council Meeting: Date to be determined

Getting To Know You Meetings ‘Getting to Know You’ meetings have been set for the week beginning 23rd February with times available on Monday 23rd February from 3.50pm. to 5:00pm and Tuesday 23rd February from 3.50 pm to 7.30 pm (teacher times vary). 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 relating to your child. It is a chance for you to give information about your child to the teacher. The time allocated is 10 minutes, so if you need more time to share information please request a further 10 minutes or another time that is mutually convenient. If you are unable to attend these meetings you may prefer to contact your child’s teacher by phone.

There is an online booking form and some teachers have times apart from Monday and Tuesday, which will be online. Go to www.schoolinterviews.com.au/code. (Contact the school for our School Event Code.) Bookings open Thursday 12th February at 4pm.

Some of the information that you might like to share about your child might include:

What you see as the strengths of your child

Any academic, social or emotional considerations or areas of concern

What are your child’s special interests?

Any relevant family information and medical concerns

Movie Night A reminder to order your movie tickets for Friday 20th February. It should be a really fun night with some great meal deals. Gates open at 6.30 pm - movie screens at 8:45pm. Pre-ordered meal deals available for collection until 8:30pm. Help needed—please complete the form overleaf and return it to school ASAP.

On Line Music Solutions At assembly on Monday we had a wonderful presentation by On Line Music showcasing an array of musical instruments that students are able to learn. They provide instruction in Woodwind and Brass, Keyboard, Drums and Guitar. Justin heads a team of talented teachers who are positive and encouraging with their tuition. Forms are available at the office, if you are interested in enrolling your child.

Student Leadership Our school captains and house captains have done an excellent job in running the Sports Equipment Borrowing system. They have showed strong organisational skills and demonstrated our Karoo Values as they undertake these duties. Congratulations to: Rhianna and Zac, Amelia and Alex, Lauren and Lachlan, Molly and Sammy and Divya and Dilon.

Our Year Six students also have a roster to be in the Prep playground at lunchtimes to assist the younger students with positive and creative play. The Preps and the Year 6 students have loved the opportunity to interact and it has certainly assisted our Preps to feel connected to school.

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

SCHOOL ASSEMBLY

Prep—2 : Monday 16th February

DOWNLOAD THE

TIQBIZ APP

School photos—tomorrow

Thursday 12th February

Correct school uniform must be worn (no sports tops for photos)

Please bring your order and payment to school.

LOST PROPERTY— COMMUNITY CENTRE

Open Before & After School:

Mon-Thurs 8:45-9am and 3:30-3:45pm

No Visitors during class time please!

LIBRARY CORNER

School Library Monitors Each year a group of Year 6 students are carefully

selected to be Library Monitors for the school. These children are given many special responsibilities which include, assisting in the effective running of lunchtime library activities and whole school events such as Book Week.

Congratulations to the following students who have obtained this sought after leadership position for 2015: Richesson B—6R, Mikayla L—6R, Jessica P—6R, Ivan W—6R, Luke T—6M, Hannah T—6M, Murphy D—6A, Sarah S—6A and Lucy P—6A. Library Opening Hours Mornings: We are pleased to announce that the library will be open before school every Tuesday and Friday this term from 8:45am – 9:00am. Parents and children are welcome to enjoy the library facilities during these times and student borrowing will be available.

Lunchtimes: The library will be open during lunchtime each Wednesday this term (from 1:40pm – 2:30pm) and Thursday (from 1:40pm – 2:05pm). Students are invited to browse and borrow on these occasions or may simply like to play games or utilise the drawing and colouring materials.

Michelle Mitchell Library

CLASS AWARDS

Prep— Year 2 Week Ending—6th February, 2015

Level 2—Leon J—1A, 1C—The whole class, Cooper B & Emma B—1M.

Indonesian: 1J

Year 3-6 Week Ending— 6th February, 2015

Level 3—Keira G & Sahil S—3D, Matthew D—3LS, Hannah P & Lukman M—4M, Tiahna L & Nirad G—4V.

Indonesian: 3W and 4V

UNIFORM

Klad Sport, 2/8 Macro Court, Rowville Ph: 9763 0266

Open:

Monday - Friday : 8:30am-4:30pm Saturday: 9:00am-1:00pm

SIGN UP NOW FOR MUSIC

LESSONS 2015

Dear Parents and Students,

Instrumental music lessons will commence from Week 3 of

Term 1. Options for 2015 include keyboard, guitar, sax, clarinet,

flute, drums and trumpet. A new rock band will also be

commencing this year involving current students.

Students wishing to participate in any of these programs will

need to get themselves an enrolment form from the school office,

have their parents fill it in and either leave it at the school office

or post it directly to Online Music Solutions. Information about

the programs may be found on the reverse side of the enrolment

forms. All families will receive a phone call close to lessons

commencing to confirm the lesson time.

Note: Students from 2014 need to re-enrol to continue in 2015.

Website Link – visit www.musiclessonvideos.net

Further enquiries: ph: 9874 6667 or email oms@bigpond.net.au

PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND SPORTS NEWS District Swimming Competition and Venue Clarification Thank you to the students who have expressed an

interest in being a member of the Karoo Swimming Team. Students who have been selected to participate in the swimming competition will bring home a notice on Thursday or Friday this week. Most students have selected freestyle as the event they would like to enter. There are only 2 freestyle events for each gender and age group and the 4 x 50 metre relay. So unfortunately not all students can be placed in their preferred stroke event. Back stroke has 2 events per age and gender, breaststroke and butterfly have 1 event per age and gender. There is one 4 x 50m freestyle relay event for each age and gender and one open medley event for boys and girls. Students can be entered in 2 individual and 2 relay events. As mentioned priority is given to students who have provided their times. The venue for the competition is OASIS POOL, not Knox Leisureworks.

Sharon Lee

Open During School: Mon—Thurs 1:30-1:40pm

Principal’s Report continued Attendance At School Council the question was raised about attendance and School Attendance Officers. At Karoo we have excellent attendance records as compared with state averages. Just remember, at school—every day counts and that patterns of behaviour are established early in life. If your child does miss school, a note must be written and sent to the classroom teacher (to be kept on file for 7 years). This is a department requirement as school attendance is compulsory.

School Attendance Officers are being put into place to work on behalf of a Department of Education Regional Director who has authority to follow up attendance issues. Any attendance issues that are escalated can lead to an Infringement Notice. Any attendance issues with your child may be discussed with the classroom teacher or administration. We can work together to get your child to school every day. For more information and resources to help address attendance issues, visit: www.education.vic.gov.au/school/parents/behaviour/Pages/studentattendance.aspx

Karoo Parents Association It was great to have a large gathering at Monday evening’s Karoo Parents Association Meeting. There was plenty of discussion and ideas raised with lots of opportunity to build community connection and assist children and families to support each other and the school. There was quite a bit of discussion about Class Representatives, Tip Sheets for Parents and a means to honour Eddie Veal our late crossing supervisor. The next meeting is the Annual General Meeting on Thursday 5

th March at 9am in the staffroom. ALL WELCOME!

Irene Harding Principal

CANTEEN NEWS …

New ‘Meal Deal’ available for Term 1 only (details overleaf)

Neither Karoo Primary School nor the Department of Education endorses the product or services of any private advertiser. No responsibility is accepted by Karoo Primary School or Department of Education for accuracy of information contained in advertisements or claims made by them.

COMMUNITY NEWS

ANCHOR KINSHIP CARE: Have you heard about the Anchor Kinship Care Program? Anchor is a not-for-profit, community based organisation. Kinship care is provided by a family member, close friend or other significant person in a child’s social network, when the child cannot live with their birth parents. The Anchor Kinship Care Program recognises the ongoing stresses that kinship carer’s face. In response, Anchor runs two groups for kinship carers as a way of providing a space for carers to meet and gain support. Monthly get togethers (activity session and meal with fellow carers) and monthly morning teas. For more information regarding the Kinship Care program and the support groups, please contact Jessie Lobley at Anchor Kinship Care on 9801 1999 or email kinship.info@anchor.org.au. GIRL GUIDES FERNTREE GULLY—2015 Enrolments open! Girl Guides is a fantastic way to make friends, gain new skills and have fun. Gumnuts (5-7yrs) Mon 6-7:15pm; Butterflies (7-10yrs) Tues 5-6:30pm; Watermelons (10-14yrs) Thurs 6:30-8:30pm. For more information contact Jane on 0408 505 661. BORONIA JUNIOR SOCCER CLUB—Seeking new players for season 2015. Open day - Wednesday 11th Feb at 6pm and Sunday 8th March at 9am at Dobson Reserve, Ferntree Gully. Pre-season training Wednesdays from Feb 18 at 6pm for U8-11s (born 2004-7) and Sundays from Mar 15 at 9am for U5-7 (born 2008-10).

ROWVILLE FOOTBALL CLUB—2nd and final Junior Registration Evening Season 2015 on 4th March 2015 at Seebeck Recreation Reserve, Seebeck Clubrooms from 6:30-9:30pm. Fees: 1st child—$180, 2nd child—$150, 3rd child—$130. Merchandise sale and mouthguard fitting on the same night. For any enquiries email registrations@rowvillefc.org.au. SCORESBY JUNIOR FOOTBALL CLUB and ROWVILLE HAWKS JUNIOR FOOTBALL CLUB - Registration Day for Season 2015—Sunday 15th Feb from 12-2pm at Carrington Park Reserve (next to Bunnings Scoresby). Sausage sizzle provided. Fees: U8, 9, 10—$120; Competitive teams U11-17—$180; Youth girls—$220. For more information visit www.scoresbyjuniorfc.org.au or www. rowvillehawks.com.au KNOX FESTIVAL—2015 OPPY BIKE RIDE—Sign up now! Sunday 1st March 2015 10am-3pm. The Oppy Bike Ride is a family friendly task-based ride for cyclists of all levels. With 3 routes exploring Knox’s great bike paths and major prizes to be won (group & individual) Register now at www.knox.vic.gov.au/oppy

MATHLETICS AT KAROO

For several years now, Karoo has subscribed to an on-line numeracy resource called MATHLETICS. This system of lessons and

basic number fact practice sessions are available to all Karoo students both at school and at home.

Each student has their own unique password which allows them to log in via the Mathletics website www.mathletics.com.au .

Classroom teachers are able to individualise activities for student completion and monitor progress through a comprehensive assessment and reporting system.

It is important that parents ensure that siblings do not access Mathletics through passwords of older or younger brothers as

progress information is recorded and accessed by teachers regularly.

Research tells us that the more proficient a student is at recalling basic addition, subtraction, multiplication and division number

facts, the more working memory they have to focus on complex problem solving. Teachers at Karoo have a strong focus in their mathematics lesson on building student capacity in this area.

Parents wanting to help their children at home are encouraged to make quizzes and friendly competition a natural part of family

interaction.

Our youngest students will benefit from automatic recall of number

partners to 10 (e.g. 6 plus what makes 10) whilst our senior stu-dents need to know all their tables as well as the reverse division fact (e.g. 3x3=9 and 9÷3=3)

Learning number facts is developmental and hence why we learn

addition facts, then subtraction facts, followed by multiplication facts (tables) and finally division facts.

Please feel welcome to discuss your child’s development in number fact recall with their classroom teacher who will also have some great ideas and resources for use at home.

Mathematics Leadership Team

CANTEEN NEWS …

TERM 1 MEAL DEAL Your choice of:

OR

PLUS Big M (Chocolate or Strawberry) and a Muffin

$6.50 per meal (available each day throughout term 1 as part of the canteen menu)

Ham & Cheese Sandwich / Ham & Cheese Toasted

Sandwich

Chicken Wrap (Tortilla, Chicken Tender,

Lettuce, Cheese Mayo)

The Knox Schools Expo is an annual information night for parents/guardians of Years 5 & 6 children changing to secondary school in 2016/17, or for those with younger children who like to plan ahead. Attendees can have conversations with representatives from Knox Secondary Schools, and a Q&A session at 7pm will provide the audience with an opportunity to explore/discuss critical factors when selecting a secondary school.

When: Thursday 12 March at 6.30-8.30pm Where: Knox Civic Centre, 511 Burwood Hwy Wantirna South

For more information about the Knox Schools Expo contact : Angela Thurbon, Knox Youth Services Ph: 9298 8533, or email angela.thurbon@knox.vic.gov.au Megan Parker, Knox Youth Services Ph: 9298 8308 or email: megan.parker@knox.vic.gov.au.

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NEWSLETTER VIA EMAIL

Eldest Students Name: ………………………………………………….. Grade: ……………………

Parent Name: …………………………………………….Email address: ……………………………………………………….

I would like to receive the newsletter via email instead of a hard copy

I received it electronically last year and would like to continue to receive it by email

Please return this form to the school office. Don’t forget to update your email details with us if it changes.

Year 6 Sport Team Parent Coaching — Fridays from 9:00-10:00am Parent’s name ……………………………………………………... Contact number………………………………. Child’s name and class…………………………………………… I have a Working with Children Check Yes / No

I am available to assist on Friday mornings during Terms 1 and 2 between 9:00-10:00am with the following sports: (please circle)

Tee Ball Netball

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

Karoo Family Movie Night - Friday 20th Feb 2015

Name ……………………………………………………………….. Phone ………………………………………………

Eldest Child’s Name and Grade ……………………………………………...…………………………………..

We require volunteers to help in the canteen and assist on the entry gates. Please circle the time slot you are able to help.

6.00pm - 7.15pm or 7.15pm - 8.30pm

(Movie starts at 8:45pm)

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

INVITE YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS

GATES OPEN AT 6.30PM FOR AN 8.45PM MOVIE—JOIN US FOR FREE ACTIVITIES BEFORE THE MOVIE! HELPERS REQUIRED … SEE BELOW.

$5 MOVIE MEAL DEALS ALSO AVAILABLE

EITHER 1X HOTDOG OR 1 X PIZZA SLICE PLUS 1X CAN OF DRINK AND 1X LOLLY BAG

ALL TICKETS AND MEAL DEALS MUST BE PRE PURCHASED (ORDER FORMS AVAI LABLE FROM THE OFFICE).

ALL CHILDREN MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY AN ADULT.

FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT

SCREENING UNDER THE STARS

FRIDAY

20TH FEBRUARY

ADULTS AT KIDS PRIC-ES

ALL TICKETS $8

* CHILDREN UNDER 5 FREE