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Thursday, 15 November 2012

Tanilba Bay Public School Fortnightly Newsletter Term 4 Week 6

Ph: 49824762 Fax: 49823112 Email: tanilbabay-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au Online: www.tanilbabay-p.schools.nsw.edu.au

Principal’s Message School Disrupted by Mindless Destruction Sadly our classrooms have been broken in to over the last two weekends. The first break-in left a small amount of damage to the library and a couple of classrooms. This came in the form of some tagging and turning out of desk drawers etc. which on the surface did not disrupt us too much. During this first break-in the most disappointing and disruptive thing to happen was the equipment which was stolen. We had an iPad and a laptop stolen from Mrs Wood’s classroom. The laptop which was stolen had been donated last year to the school to support a very popular student who is blind. Software on this laptop is used to translate his work from Braille so the teacher can mark his work. The loss of this equipment will have a significant impact on his educational experience both this year and next as the laptop would have moved on to High School with him. I have now been informed that this will not be covered by insurance so we will need to fundraise to replace it. Sadly, all of the photos taken on the Stage 3 excursion were downloaded on the stolen iPad. The iPad will eventually be replaced by the insurance company but many great memories will be lost. I have heard that these two items are already being offered for sale in the local area. Please advise the local police if you hear anything. The most recent break-in has caused a huge amount of damage to our classrooms and disruption, upset and distress to our students and staff. It has also severely disrupted our school routines and left our Years 5 & 6 students displaced from their classrooms all week. It is disappointing that an element in the community sees the school as a soft target and does not stop to consider the ramifications for the students who are so proud of their school and classrooms. Seven

rooms were damaged or trashed over the weekend and the four rooms which have been most severely trashed will need to be gutted and refurbished during the school holidays. These rooms have had their Interactive White Boards destroyed, some computers damaged beyond repair, carpets ruined and walls ruined with paint etc. We hope to have our students back in their classrooms on Monday. However, as I previously mentioned these classrooms will be less than desirable as they will be an eyesore with paint stains all over walls, floors and carpet. Although these are all being cleaned this week the stains are simply not coming out. These classrooms will also have no Interactive White Boards for the remainder of the year. Unfortunately, there is no way we can avoid this as the new carpets (made to order) and Interactive White Boards all have to be ordered and installed which will take some time. It is extremely disheartening and disappointing to know that the final weeks for our 2012 Year 6 cohort will end in this fashion. Rumours that I hear indicate that some of those involved in the break-ins have family members at the school and yet give no thought to their actions. Nor do they consider the cost to the community as all of this damage and mindless destruction comes at a huge expense to tax payers. I would encourage all community minded people to report any information that they might have about the break-ins to the police so we can stop this spate of mindless destruction to a fabulous community asset. Also if anyone knows who is using the graffiti tag SWIFT they should also report this information to the local police. I would like to thank all of our staff members and students for the outstanding way they have

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Thursday, 15 November 2012 Week 4 Term 6

supported each other and worked together to get through this very challenging week. I would also like to thank the overwhelming majority of parents who have supported us this week with offers of help or just simply understanding the need to have the back gate locked this week. This has been for the safety of students and community members as this area has been hazardous with vehicles, cleaning machinery, workmen and broken glass. I would also like to point out to the couple of parents who have complained about the inconvenience to their lives that this disruption was not the fault of the school, myself or any other staff member and we certainly did not ask for this major disruption to our workplace. Thanks to the Tilligerry RSL for their fundraising event next week to cover costs not covered by our insurance. See advertisement on the back page. Stuart Wylie Principal Canteen News Hot Food Items When lunch orders are despatched from the Canteen, hot food items are actually served well above the required temperature as set down by the Food Authority’s guidelines. We cannot be held responsible for any foods that go cold if your children do not choose to eat these items straight away. Fruit Preparation for Students Parents, please help out by preparing your child’s fruit the way they like to eat it. For example, if your child likes their fruit/veg peeled or cut up, please send them to school with it like that. The Canteen volunteers do not have the time to do this. Helpers Urgently Required The Canteen relies on volunteers to operate. If we do not have volunteers, we simply will have to reduce the number of days the Canteen will be open. If you can spare some time, even one hour per month, please contact the Canteen or the Office. Your help would be much appreciated! Manners There have been numerous occasions when, due to the lack of volunteers children have had to wait for lunch orders and to be served a little longer than normal. This cannot be helped and it would be appreciated if patience and respect is shown to the

very few dedicated helpers we do have. Thank you to those students who always show beautiful manners. Robyn McDermott Canteen Supervisor Swim Scheme Update HURRY, HURRY, HURRY! Swim Scheme Notes and $$$ due soon! If you require another copy of the note please request one from the front office. Notes have gone home regarding the School Swim Scheme. All students in Year 2 and identified students in Years 3-6 are eligible to attend. Please send in your permission note and money to the office as soon as possible. Soon we will be opening the program to all students 3-6 in order to fill the spaces. This is a fantastic program providing students with free swimming instruction. Payment covers the cost of bus travel and pool entry. Swimming is such a vital life skill in our waterside community we hope many families take advantage of this fantastic opportunity.

Sunday 11th November 2012 was Remembrance Day. Each year on the 11th of the 11th at 11am we pause to remember those who have suffered in war, conflicts and peace operations. Our Parliament Leaders proudly represented Tanilba Bay Public School at the local community commemorative ceremony at the Tilligerry RSL. Thank you to the following students and their families:

Remembrance Day

Blake Robinson, Chloe White, Caitlyn Beech, Isabelle Brady, Maggie Young, Jayden Maidstone, Liam Mansfield, Kieryn Morley, Caleb Coupe and Jase White.

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2013 Parliament Leader Nominations Congratulations to the following students who were nominated as candidates for 2013 Parliament: Abbye Irwin Lachlan O’Neill Chloe Newman Cain O’Neill Shayarne Arnold Karlie Gaff Ruby Wright Bree Chester Kira Nikora Kane Chester Rhian Wilkins Ryan Farrell Jack Hagan Jase White Edan Taggart Jazmine Taplin The candidates did a fabulous job of presenting their election speeches to the school cohort at a special assembly on Thursday 15 November, 2012. All students from year 2 to 5 will participate in the vote next week in order to elect our final Parliament Leaders. Good luck to all! Lisa Wood Stage 3 Sydney Excursion On the 31st of October we began our overnight Sydney adventure with an early morning start and lots of happy faces. Our first activity, the IMAX Theatre, was fabulous and we were able to experience the extreme power of a Tornado in 3D. The walking tour around the Rocks was fascinating and many students commented on the beautiful architecture of the Garrison Church which was built in 1840. The following morning was stunning and we had a beautiful morning walk along the harbour. The visit to Parliament House allowed some of our students to show their potential in various roles within Parliament including: Speaker of the House, Sergeant-at-Arms, The Clerk of the House, Premier, Opposition Leader and Ministers. Passing a Bill through Parliament is a complicated process! Hyde Park Barracks allowed the students to take a glimpse at the hardships of life in the past but also gave us an opportunity to relax for a few moments in the hammock room. The Powerhouse Museum and the Sydney Harbour Bridge were also great experiences. The children thoroughly enjoyed their time in Sydney. Stage 3 Teachers

1S Wow Week 6 already! 1S have been busy learning lots of new things and revising things we have learnt throughout the year. It has been wonderful to see the growth students have made with their reading. Remember home reading is so important to support students reading progress. Last week the students learnt how to fill in their own reading logs so they can become more independent at home. A special mention to Lara Forde who has filled up her entire home reading log an amazing dedication to home reading!

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As the year winds down, we are starting to run low on essential classroom supplies. If you have a spare box of tissues we would really appreciate them in class. Stephanie Sturgess Stage 2 As the weather heats up we need to mindful of drinking an adequate amount of water each day for efficient brain function. Please ensure your child has a bottle of water in their bag each day. The warmer, sunnier days also entice out our friendly reptiles such as bearded dragons. We need to ensure that all students leave the animals be and refrain from trying to touch or unsettle the lizards. Please talk to your child about being respectful to these creatures at all times. Eleanor Roberts (Stage 2 Assistant Principal) 4R 4R have been producing some excellent work this term. In literacy, we have been learning about Explanations. This week we have written an explanation on “Why the Dinosaurs became extinct”. This was a very interesting topic and the students in 4R wrote some very informative pieces of writing. We have also been enjoying our weekly PE lessons. The students in 4R have been learning and practising ball skills each Thursday. I have seen a huge improvement in the co-ordination and skill from the students, congratulations! I would like to congratulate Ethan Andrews and Jayden Cathcart for achieving their PBL badges! Cassandra Ridgeway 5/6W 5/6W students have adapted well to our change in circumstances and have been working hard in various learning experiences this week. I am impressed with the level of maturity that students have displayed with numerous changes in routine. We have been debating the benefits of Global Connections for Australia as well as writing an

exposition on the impact that vandalism has on people and the community. We have also looked at safety within the environment and considered personal safety and choices in various situations. Congratulations to Caleb Coupe, Abbye Irwin, Jahli Magick and Holly Griffin who all received their PBL Badge last week. Lisa Wood Calendar of Events

Monday 19 November Kindergarten 2013 Story Time 9-10 Wed 14 November Special

Transition 12-1 Mon 26-30 November Swim School Friday 30 November Chess Club

Tournament Mon 3-7 December Swim School Monday 10 December Whole School & Sports

Assembly Tuesday 11 December Stage 2 Christmas

Concert Wed 12 December Presentation

Day Thursday 13 December K-2 Christmas

Concert Friday 14 December Party Day & Disco Tuesday 18 December Yr 6 Farewell

Wed 19 December Students’ Last Day of

Term

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Tilligerry Festival This Saturday, 17 November and we will again be having our sausage sizzle. It will be a great day with rides, sail past, dragon boats, market stalls & community stalls. To make sure we have enough stock for next year, can you please order by 26 November. That will allow our suppliers enough time to get the stock here for the first week of school. Our suppliers shut down over the Christmas period so we can’t just order late January for February. If you have already ordered your uniform, it is packed ready to go in the uniform shop. Remember we only take cash or cheques. The uniform shop is open in the AV Room on Mondays from 9 -10 and Wednesdays from 2-3.

School Shirts $18 Prices

Boys School Shorts $20 Girls School Skorts $20 School Jackets $33 School Trackpants $24 School Hats $7 Next Meeting Our meetings are held on the last Thursday of each month at 3.15. Our final one will be Thurs 29 November. The next meeting will be discussing the day/time of our meetings. We will also be discussing our fundraising for 2013 to make sure it is a co-ordinated effort between us and the school. Our meetings are held in the multi-purpose room next to HB 17. All are very welcome.

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Thursday, 15 November 2012 Week 4 Term 6