Murwillumbah Public SchoolPromoting Excellence in EducationNewsletter 22nd February 2017 Week 5 Term 1

PUBLICSCHOOL

Prince Street 6672 1467Murwillumbah

Principals Message The last few weeks have seen students and teachers settling into their learning routines and, as I move around the school visiting classrooms, it is very pleasing to see how engaged and involved students and teachers are in their learning. I’ve had the pleasure of spending time in the playground and classes since our students resumed and I have been very impressed with the inclusive and harmonious manner in which they have returned to school. It has been awesome to see students new to our school being included by their new friends. I congratulate our students for ‘getting along’ so well with each other as it makes for a happy, inclusive environment. This was also apparent at the recent swimming carnival which was a fun day with many students having a go in various events and being encouraged by their team mates.On Monday, notes were sent home to all parents about the first of our 2017 Parent/Student/Teacher goal setting session. The purpose of these meetings are for all three parties to have valuable input into establishing personal goals for children to work towards throughout the year. Each interview runs for around 15 minutes. Your input into your child’s education is invaluable to

us and I really do hope that all of our parents and carers will take this opportunity to return the interview slip requesting an interview time with teachers. Your involvement makes a huge difference! I’ve been so impressed by the absolute care the staff at Murwillumbah PS show your children. When they come to the office on a message, when they’re unwell, when they can’t find someone to play with, when they want to share special work, when it’s hot, when there’s conflict between students and certainly in classrooms each and everyday. What a fabulous team of staff we have – please take the time to acknowledge the work they do – school leaders, teachers, administrative and support staff, I’m so very happy that we have a great team at Murwillumbah!I am so pleased to see such community support of our uniform policy. We now have plenty of school hats available for purchase at the office for $13. Wearing a school hat is part of our school uniform. Don’t forget that sport uniform is worn every Friday for all students K-6. When on my daily visits, I am always so impressed with all children wearing full school uniform. Keep up the great work everyone.

School News

www.murwillumb-p.schools.nsw.edu.au Page 2

One of our school values is respect. Students at our school show respect by actively listening when teachers and others are talking. We know it is important to respect and accept the rights and differences of others. Caring and treating others the way you would like to be treated is a kind and respectful thing to do. Students can also respect their class members by allowing others to learn.Thank you to the many parents who have left us with accurate emergency contact lists. Unfortunately, there has been occasion during the last few weeks where we have tried without success to contact parents and emergency contacts. Please take the time to update your mobile phone contacts and your child’s emergency contact people. Drop into the office to update your contact numbers or email the school. Many thanks. It is most distressing for your children if we are unable to contact you.Once again, thank you to our parents who remain in the parent pick up area when dropping children off or picking them up each day. Parents wishing to visit or assist

in classrooms are required to complete the Working with Children Statutory Declaration and sign the Visitors and Volunteers Book, which is located in the office foyer, with each visit. This procedure assists us in ensuring the safety of students and the visitor. If you require a Working with Children Statutory Declaration, please call into the office.Congratulations to the following children who have visited my office to show me their wonderful work.2W Martha, Mia, Ben, Jesse, Danica3/4L Eryn, Hayley, Hudson1S Khylan, Leila, Chloe

Newsflash- Have just returned from the musical opera performance in the school hall, it was one of the best performances I have seen in my career. Take the time to ask your children about it.Enjoy the weekRegardsLes Daley

Principals Message Cont.

Merit Awards CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR MERIT AWARD WINNERS FOR WEEK 4 TERM 1KA: Damon, Kalia 3/4L: Georgia, Lilly BKP: Isaiah, Seth 3/4S: Sarah, Aleisha1K: Declan, Rose 5/6G: Vanessa, Bronte1S: Leila, Khylan 5/6P: Ben, James2M: Layla, Samuel 5/6R: Xanaia, Lachlan C2W: Oliver, Danica Computer/Library: Nathaniel, Aleah3/4H: Rishabh, Helen Music: Bowie, Cree3/4J: Fionn, Leah Mrs Taylor: Callum, Jacob

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR MERIT AWARD WINNERS FOR WEEK 5 TERM 1KA: Lara, Archie 3/4L: Kasen, FinnianKP: Alexander, Ella 3/4S: Tristan, Halo1K: Aleah, Jayden 5/6G: Nara, Brielle1S: Jara, Callum 5/6P: Rhiannon, Ella B2M: Eli, Finnlay 5/6R: Mikelle, Nick2W: Marlie, Zavier Computer/Library: Leah, Traelon3/4H: Alexander, Kathryn Music: Luis, Cash, Jack C, Danica DL3/4J: Lilly-Rose, Kaitlyn Mrs Taylor: Izzy, Scarlette

www.murwillumb-p.schools.nsw.edu.au Page 3

Reading groups have been established and the children have engaged well with the reading group activities. In writing we have been looking at writing recounts and will continue with recounts this week. “News” groups have also been established and all the children are expected to make an oral presentation on their allocated “news” day. The topic for this week is “My Favourite Animal”. Alternatively the children can share something with the class that is significant in their lives.Fractions will be our topic in maths this week and “area” and “length” will be our topics for next week. The topic for Science this term is “Beneath Our Feet” and the children will be looking at soil and the effects of erosion. In Geography we are looking at natural environments and will explore the climate, natural vegetation and native animals of places in Australia.Those children who attend scripture classes will have their first lesson this week. On Wednesday the children will have the opportunity to enjoy a performance produced for children by Australian Opera at school. A busy week ahead.

This week in 3/4S...

Welcome to the Library for 2017!I am very excited to be able to introduce and harness a love of reading amongst students. At Murwillumbah Public School, every student is given the wonderful opportunity to visit our library and computer lab at a scheduled class time each week, as well as the opportunity to visit during most lunch times. During scheduled library lessons, students have the opportunity to borrow up to 2 books to take home for the week. To be able to do this, students will need a library bag, to help keep the book safe. If you do not have a library bag, they are available to purchase for $3 from the library. Books need to be returned before more can be borrowed.

The days each class visit the library are as follows: Monday: 1S, 1K, 2W and 3/4J Tuesday: 5/6P, 5/6R, 5/6G and 3/4S Wednesday: 3/4H, 3/4L, KP and KA Friday: 2M

When books are taken home, it is very important that they come back to school in good condition. Some tips to remember are:- Use a library bag- Always put your book in a safe place- Always have clean hands before you read- No tearing, scribbling or spilling food and drinks onto the booksOur first Book Club order for the year, Issue 1, is due tomorrow, Thursday 23/2/17. Each time we receive a new issue; there will be spare copies available on the table at the front office. Each issue has books starting as low as $1 to purchase, which is amazing!I am looking forward to a wonderful 2017.Mrs Scott.

Library News

www.murwillumb-p.schools.nsw.edu.au Page 4

OPERA AUSTRALIA VISITS MURWILLUMBAH PSWe are very excited to announce that our students will experience a free production presentation of ‘El Kid’ by Opera Australia, in our new school hall, today, Wednesday 22 February. This production has been offered to Murwillumbah PS for free for every student as a thank you for our participation in The Magic Flute production a few years ago, which Mrs Armour organised and coordinated. "El Kid" is an opera for children that has been written by Opera Australia using the music from "Carmen" and the story of "The Three Billy Goats Gruff". Every class has been thoroughly enjoying the "El Kid" unit of work to prepare them for this performance. What an amazing opportunity for our kids to enjoy!

RECORDER ENSEMBLEThis year we are offering our Recorder Ensemble as an option for dedicated and talented Year 4, 5 and 6 recorder players who wish to extend their skills. This ensemble will meet each Monday morning from 8.00-9.00am in the music room. Students will need to be prepared to• learn their music at home and come prepared each week to play with the ensemble• attend each Monday morning• look forward to the opportunity to play in an awesome 5 part recorder ensemble.Students will be provided with all music and a CD of their part to assist with home rehearsal. We will be using descant, treble, tenor and bass recorders. All larger recorders are provided by MPS. The cost to be in the ensemble is nil.Students who were in the ensemble last year only need to register their name with Mrs Armour. Students wishing to join the ensemble will need to audition on descant recorder at lunchtime on Monday 27th February. The audition music is available from Mrs Armour or the office. Mrs Armour will be available to help students with the audition music at 8.00 am on Monday 27th February.Performances will be school and community based eg. school assemblies, Festival of Performing Arts, Tyalgum Festival of Music etc. We will not be travelling to Sydney this year.The first rehearsal will be at 8.00am on Monday 6th March 2017. Please contact Mrs Armour via the school office with any enquiries.

Music News

School News HEAD LICEWe suspect that nits/head lice are present in the hair of some students within the school.The source of hair lice is almost impossible to trace, but we do know that the infestation travels quickly. Would you please check your child’s hair tonight and if you find any eggs or lice then please commence treatment as recommended as soon as possible. CONDITIONER AND FINE TOOTH COMB METHOD1.Apply conditioner to dry hair aiming to cover each hair from root to tip with a layer of conditioner.2.Detangle the hair using an ordinary comb.3.Immediately comb the hair with a fine tooth comb.4.Wipe the conditioner off the fine tooth comb onto a paper tissue and look for eggs and lice.5.Repeat the combing for every part of the head at least 5 times.6.Also examine the comb for lice and eggs.The Department of Education considers that the detection and treatment of head lice in children is a parental responsibility.

www.murwillumb-p.schools.nsw.edu.au Page 5

3/4L has made a very settled and productive start to the year. The children are actively engaged in all Key Learning Areas and already making pleasing progress.This semester 3/4L is implementing a new reading programme that focuses strongly on teaching genres (recounts, procedures, reports, non-fiction, fiction, and poetry) in a Guided Reading framework. It also concentrates on developing specific literacy skills for all students in the classroom. The programme involves four reading rotations, two independent and two teacher directed. We are pleased to also have Mrs Taylor and a SLSO working with the children during these rotations. The children are very focussed and excited by all the programmed activities.Next Thursday we have Goal Setting meetings. These meetings involve the student, teacher and parents establishing goals for the students to strive to achieve during 2017. I look forward to seeing you.Lynn Lack

Around the School with 3/4L

CRICKET TRIALSLast Tuesday Nick and Noah attended the Far North Coast Cricket Trials held at Tweed Heads. Nick unfortunately was unable to participate due to an injury that had occurred. Noah, however, put in a great effort representing Murwillumbah Public School. His performance gained him selection in the FNC team to attend the North Coast Trials in Sawtell on the 5th and 6th March. Congratulations to Noah and we wish him all the best in his endeavour to reach the next level.

DISTRICT SWIMMINGLast Thursday 16th February, Murwillumbah had 23 students attending the District Swimming Carnival in the Murwillumbah Pool. All students put in a great effort representing our school, but unfortunately found the competition tough. Success on the day came to Tess who placed 2nd in the Junior 200m Individual Medley and Cooper who placed 2nd in the Butterfly and Breaststroke. Cooper also came 4th in the 50m Freestyle. Both Tess and Cooper have qualified to attend the FNC Carnival to be held this Friday in Murwillumbah. We wish them the best.

TENNISYesterday, Tuesday 21st February, Charlie attended the District Tennis Trials at Banora Point. At these trials Charlie was able to use his experience and skill to progress to the next level. The next trial (FNC) will be held on Friday, March 10th.

Sports Report

www.murwillumb-p.schools.nsw.edu.au Page 6

TWEED BALL SERIES 2017The new season of the Miss Tweed Ball Series 2017 is ready to go.

April 29th Stokers/Dunbible May 6th Pottsville May 13th Bilambil May 20th Tumbulgum May 27th Burringbar June 3rd Crystal Creek June 17th Uki June 24th Tyalgum July 29th Chillingham August 5th Final Ball

Starting at 8pm and tickets are available at the door. The evening is planned to have something for all the family with no alcohol. The dress code is semi-formal, but many of the girls go formal. After the titles dance there is a supper break provided by the local hall included in your admission price. The evenings conclude at midnight. The music is provided by the band Trilogy.

Community News

MURWILLUMBAH NETBALL ASSOCIATIONSIGN ON… SIGN ON…SIGN ON… SIGN ON… Murwillumbah netball club would like to invite new and existing players to our sign on days for the new 2017 season.Please come down to the local netball courts on:Saturday 18 and 25 February from 11am to 1pm.We cover all ages and levels. Come and join and support your friendly netball club.

UKI PYTHONS SOCCER CLUBUki Soccer Club are currently seeking Female & Male junior players of all ages for the upcoming season 2017.Potential players can go line and register their interest in playing for the Pythons at http://www.myfootballclub.com.au follow the prompts, fill out the details with up to date contact info.Info & a get together arvo is being held at the club on Sat 25th Feb - 4pm till around 7pm, so if you require some help in registration or just would like to meet and greet prior to registration then come on out to the Uki Sports Club @ the “Vic Bianchetti Sports Ground” 1553 Kyogle rd, Uki

School News

CALENDAR

Term 1

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY

523rd Feb

Tweed Daily Kindy Photo

10:40am

24th FebFNC Swimming

627th Feb

Stage 3 Parent Meetings

9am - 4:30pm

28th FebKindy Parent

Meetings9am - 4:30pm

1st MarStage 1 Parent

Meetings 9am - 4:30pm

2nd MarStage 2 Parent

Meetings 9am - 4:30pm

3rd Mar

76th Mar 7th Mar 8th Mar 9th Mar

WHS Yr7 2018 Parent Info 6pm

10th MarFNC Tennis

Trials

813th Mar 14th Mar 15th Mar 16th Mar 17th Mar

920th Mar

School Photos21st Mar 22nd Mar

Hockey Gala Day

23rd Mar 24th MarSchool

X Country

1027th Mar 28th Mar 29th Mar

Seniors Concert

FNC Rugby League Trial

30 Mar 31 Mar

113rd April

Sunshine Coast 4th April

Sunshine Coast5th April

Sunshine Coast6th April 7th April

LAST DAY OF TERM 1

SCHOOL HOLIDAYS - Monday 10th April 2017 to Friday 21st 2017

Staff Development Day - Monday 24th April 2017Tuesday 25th April 2017 - ANZAC DAY Public HolidayStudents return Wednesday 26th April 2017

www.murwillumb-p.schools.nsw.edu.au Page 7