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BULAHDELAH CENTRAL SCHOOL

A PRIDE School Strive to Achieve Term 3 Week 8 Issue 13 2nd September, 2013

Strive to Achieve

BULAHDELAH CENTRAL SCHOOL

A PRIDE School

Strive to Achieve Term 1 Week 4 Issue 2 18th February, 2013

BULAHDELAH CENTRAL SCHOOL

A PRIDE School

Strive to Achieve Term 1 Week 4 Issue 2 18th February, 2013

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Where’s Wally

At the BCS

Book Week Character Parade

GREAT NEWS INSIDE * Footwear Guidelines

* HPV School Vaccination

* Cyberbullying

* Mischief & Mayhem Day

* Healthy Harold

* R U OK? Day

* Spring Fair

BCS SCHOOL PROGRAMS VALUE OF THE WEEK Participation. We promote

participation & school spirit in an

environment that values the

participation of students, staff &

the wider community. Are you

actively involved in the life of the

school?

Above: Jayden Watling (Where’s Wally?)

Below: Matthew Brown (Spiderman) &

Olivia Smith (Minnie Mouse)

LtoR: Heather Moncrieff-Wicked Witch of the West, Kimberley Scott-Good Fairy, Roger Horton-Harry Potter, Tara Smith-Wicked Witch of the East & Michael De Angelis-Pony Boy/The Outsiders

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On Friday 23rd August, the SRC (Student

Representative Council) held a book character

parade and bake sale to raise funds to purchase

equipment for the school. This will include

seating for the oval, resources for class rooms

and a recycling system.

Students from K-12 and some enthusiastic staff

participated in the parade. There were many

spectacular and colourful costumes worn on the

day. It was great to see so many people

participating, including staff members.

Prizes were awarded to first place in each Year

group which was judged by members of the SRC.

Judging was based on likeness to the book

character, creativity and originality.

The SRC also held a bake sale at recess and sold

colourful cup cakes, including ‘Alien Cup Cakes’ to

coincide with the bookweek theme of “Read

Across the Universe”.

The SRC would like to thank all the students and

staff who dressed up on the day, the parents and

grandparents who supported the parade and all

students who contributed in some way to the

success of the day which raised an awesome

$407.

Cori-Lee Schmidt, Charli Burns & Kyle Shultz Jaxon Harris

Brooke Towers, Scott Smith & Chyna Smith

Megan Harrington, Daniel Sahyoun & Emma Crispin

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Footwear Guidelines for NSW government

schools

There is an on-going issue with a number of

students who either continually or periodically

wear footwear that is inappropriate for school

and which is totally inappropriate for practical

based subjects.

The Department, through its Safe Working Policy,

is committed to providing a safe working and

learning environment for all staff, students and

visitors, in accordance with statutory and

regulatory obligations.

Footwear is an important safety item. Good soles

provide a sound grip on the floor preventing

accidents such as slips, trips and falls from

occurring. Footwear can also protect feet from

damage caused by accidents such as falling

objects or chemical spillages.

The Department provides guidelines to assist

NSW government schools in providing a safe

working and learning environment. We also have

risk management controls in place in relation to

footwear to ensure the health and wellbeing of

our students.

Areas where safe footwear must be worn

In accordance with the Safe Working Policy, the

Department has identified areas of its workplaces

where appropriate footwear must be worn by

staff, students and visitors to ensure their safety.

Areas where enclosed leather footwear (or other

material confirmed by the manufacturer to be

suitable, refer to Australian/NZ Standard 2210:

Safety Protective and Occupational Footwear) is

required are: Technology rooms, Industrial Arts

and trades workshop areas, Science laboratories,

Canteen and Food Technology (Kitchen) areas,

Agricultural areas and activities, and Visual Art

workshops.

Sandals, open footwear or high heeled shoes are

not permitted in these areas. If students present

for a class or activity with inappropriate footwear

the student will be offered alternative

educational activities until they are wearing

appropriate footwear. We also send letters home

to inform parents that their child had to be

excluded from lessons because of inappropriate

footwear.

Appropriate safe footwear may also be identified

as a requirement in relation to other areas or

activities, eg: in situations where floors can’t

always be kept dry or clean, the right footwear is

especially important, so a slip resistant shoe may

be required.

As the school principal and workplace manager I

am responsible for ensuring procedures are in

place to maintain a safe work environment in

accordance with the Safe Work Policy and DEC

guidelines. In accordance with WH&S legislation,

I have the authority to determine that staff and

students wear shoes that are appropriate to

ensure Work (Occupational) Health and Safety for

the planned activity. Staff are required to

exclude students with incorrect footwear from

classes where there are any identified risks to

feet.

I ask that parents purchase appropriate enclosed

leather footwear for their children so that they

are able to participate fully in all activities here at

school.

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT:

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In 2012, the Australian Government announced

that human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine would

be provided free to male students in high schools

from 2013.

· From 2013, males in Year 7 in all NSW high

schools will be offered HPV vaccine annually.

· In addition, males in Year 9 will be offered the

vaccine as part of the national ‘catch up’ program

in 2013 and 2014.

· Males who are 14-15 years of age in 2013 and

who are in Year 10 can receive free HPV vaccine

at their GP during 2013 only: it is important when

making the GP appointment that the receptionist

is informed of the reason for the visit and that

sufficient time is allowed for the vaccine to be

ordered and delivered to the GP.

· HPV vaccination will continue to be offered

annually to female students in Year 7 only.

· The Australian Government has developed

information for parents, students and health

professionals about HPV vaccination.

HPV SCHOOL VACCINATION PROGRAM:

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Tips for Parents

At a Glance Talk to your children about cyberbullying

before it happens. Be aware of what your children are doing

online. Locate the computer in a shared or visible

place in the home. Don't simply ignore cyberbullying. Watch for changes in mood and behaviour

in your child. Report abuse to the relevant authorities. All schools have anti-bullying policies – ask

about yours.

Say NO to cyberbullying – tips for parents 1. Talk to your children about cyberbullying

before it happens. Work out strategies to address cyberbullying that you are comfortable with so your children know what to expect if they do report their concerns to you.

2. Establish one or two other trusted adults your children are comfortable in approaching about their concerns.

3. Be aware of what your child is doing online and explore it with them.

4. Keep the lines of communication open so your children will be comfortable about talking to you if something is worrying them. Help your children to develop the skills they need to interact safely and respectfully online. Guide their online activities and help them learn to communicate appropriately with friends and family.

5. Try to locate the computer in a shared or visible place in the home.

6. Discuss the kinds of sites that are ok to explore and those that are not and have clear rules about online activities.

7. Help your children to block anyone who sends offensive content. Most social networking services allow users to block and report someone who is behaving badly.

What to do if you think your children are being cyberbullied

1. Discuss any changes in mood or behaviour with them. If you are concerned, help your children to stay connected to friends and family they trust.

2. Notify the police immediately if you have serious concerns for your children's safety.

3. Work with your child to save some evidence of cyberbullying behaviour – it may need to be followed up by their school, internet service provider (ISP), mobile phone carrier or the police.

4. If you need to involve your children's school, ask them to thoroughly explain their processes so that you can work toward achieving a positive outcome. (NSW public schools have anti-bullying policies which you can ask to see, or can often find on their websites.)

5. Cyberbullying won't stop if it's ignored – you can help by listening to your children and working with them to take control of the situation.

CYBERBULLYING PREVENTION:

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Sept 5 Yrs8-12 Bell Shakespeare Masterclass

6 U14’s & U16’s Rugby Union Taree

9 P&C Meeting Tea Gardens 4pm

10 Yrs9&10 Self Esteem Workshop

11 Secondary Disco

12 R U OK Day

13 Roald Dahl Day

16-19 Yr9 Dubbo Camp

IMPORTANT DATES:

Make a date with mischief and mayhem!

The official Roald Dahl Day takes place every year on 13th September, on the birthday of the World's No. 1 Storyteller. In 2013, Roald Dahl Day coincides with Friday 13th the perfect excuse for even more mischief and mayhem than usual.

So this year we're celebrating all the tricksy

characters that fill Roald Dahl's books - from

George and his mayhemic medicine to

those foulsome Witches to Matilda and her

parent-scaring tricks. After all, no birthday

celebration is complete without a little bit

of mischief!

There are lots of ways for you to join in the

fun.

REMINDER: If your student will be absent from school for 5 or more days on a family holiday,

an EXEMPTION FORM (one for each student in your family) should be completed and returned to the

school PRIOR to the holiday for principal approval.

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R U OK? Foundation is as a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to encouraging conversations to prevent suicide. R U OK? are dedicated to encouraging and enabling all people to regularly and meaningfully ask ‘are you ok?’ of anyone struggling with life. They were founded by Gavin Larkin in 2009.

Gavin wanted to create a world without suicide after experiencing the suicide death of his father, Barry Larkin. R U OK? Day is a national day of action on the second Thursday of September (12th September 2013) and reminds people to regularly check in with family and friends. The R U OK? Foundation works collaboratively with experts in suicide prevention and mental illness, as well as government departments, corporate leaders, teachers, universities, students and community groups.

Everyone in the school community has a role to

play in helping with school attendance.

Having students attend school is extremely

beneficial to the future of local communities.

However, many students do not attend school

regularly or fail to attend at all.

Schools, parents and caregivers, local community

members and businesses are all an essential part of

providing and supporting education in our schools.

The NSW Department of Education and

Communities employs Home School Liaison

Officers (HSLOs) across the state. These officers

are teacher who support schools and the school

community to ensure that all students attend

school regularly.

Parents having difficulty getting their child to

school should not hesitate to contact either the

school principal or the Home School Liaison Officer

at your nearest Department of Education and

Communities office.

Call toll free 131 536 for your nearest regional

office.

Celebrate Attendance

Hints and Tips No 6: School Community

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Are our children cyber safe? There is

no doubting that our children have been

born into a technology focused world. They are

techno savvy but are they techno safe? Last

week the Hunter Life Education van visited our

school. They delivered a new program to

students with a cyber safety focus. The facts,

however, were shocking. The fact that several

children in the primary department at Bulahdelah

Central School have their own registered

facebook account was particularly concerning. It

is illegal for a child under thirteen to register their

own account. The registration process requires a

date of birth and hence this information has been

fraudulently entered. Additionally, many children

are using a sibling's or parent's account. If your

child is using facebook they WILL be exposed to

inappropriate material at some point in time.

Let's keep our children as children!

The presenter also shared a frightening account

of a primary school aged child from the Hunter

region who had met a 'friend' online. Just prior

to their meeting, the Federal police intervened

and arrested a 60 year old male. That child was

lucky. So how can we help? Technology use

needs to be very closely supervised and

monitored. Children can socialise without the

need for a social network page. Close down our

children's illegal facebook accounts. Computer

games can be fun but what benefit can a game

bring when it displays vehicles and road rage or

teenagers and violence? There are lots of great,

quality online resources and PC/Wii and

playstation games. Support our children in

making the best choices.

On a lighter note, Mrs Thompson has jetted off to

Eire, via Seoul and is no doubt enjoying the grand

hospitality of the Irish. She heads over to

Scotland next, followed by some time in England

where she will engage in a professional learning

partnership with our recent visitor Miss Marion

from Essex. We wish her safe and happy travels.

Staff and students are currently battling with a

particularly virulent winter bug. If your child (or

teacher) is unwell, please allow them time to

convalesce at home, ensuring they are fit and

ready to re-engage in the classroom activities.

Finally, best of luck to our primary debating team,

Anjoli Luxon, Marni Barry, Chyna Smith, Hayley

Chalker and our reserve, Brooke Towers, as they

prepare for the semi-final round of the lower

North Coast debating competition. What a

pleasure to work with such an enthusiastic and

capable group of students. Well done girls!

BCS REL DEPUTY PRI. PRINCIPAL:

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Please ensure all items of your child’s uniform are

clearly marked for easy identification and return.

We have a number of school jumpers and hats

which are handed in with no names.

The teachers are not responsible for ensuring

students have their jumpers and hats at the end

of the day. Lost items are taken to the lost

property bin. This bin is cleaned out at the end of

each term with unclaimed items of clothing going

to the op-shop.

LOST PROPERTY:

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Taree – Forster – Pacific Palms – Raymond Terrace

Coach Departs: 07.00am – Taree, Fotheringham Park Bus Zone (The Clock) 07.40am – Forster Visitor Information Centre 08.10am – Pacific Palms, Blueys Shops 08.20am – Pacific Palms, Smiths Lake Turn-off 09.00am – Bulahdelah (Shell Service Station Bus Shelter) 09.50am – Raymond Terrace (McDonalds Heatherbrae)* 10.20am – Arrive at FAT AS BUTTER (Newcastle Station)

Face book page – Mid Coast Shuttle Events Transport

Coach Returns: 11.00pm – Departs FAT AS BUTTER (Newcastle Station) 11.30pm – Raymond Terrace (McDonalds Heatherbrae) 01.00am – Smiths Lake Turn-off 01.10am – Pacific Palms Blueys Shops 01.30am – Forster Visitor Information Centre 02.10am – Taree, Fotheringham Park Bus Zone (The Clock) Cost $50 for the round trip from Taree, Forster & Pacific Palms. Cost $30 for the round trip from Raymond Terrace Bookings are essential and can be made by phoning Steve Gatland at Mid Coast Shuttle on 0411 568 022 or by sending an [email] < steve@midcoastshuttle.com > Bus fare to be paid as passengers board the coach. A wristband will be issued as proof of purchase.

“FAT AS BUTTER” COACH TIMETABLE:

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The BCS Canteen staff Sheryl Barry (Canteen Manager) and Christina Watt continue to provide a healthy and varied

selection of foods for our students and staff. They prepare healthy one-off specials each week. These specials are

publicised each fortnight in the school newsletter and on the school web site. Students and staff are invited to order

from this list in addition to the Menu/Price List.

Specials this fortnight are:

BCS distributes the Tall Timbers newsletter by

FAMILY EMAIL. Please ensure that your family

email is entered correctly on our records. We also

place a copy of our newsletter on our website;

Next Newsletter for Term 3: 16th September.

http://www.bulahdelah-c.schools.nsw.edu.au.

Parents, if you have changed any details e.g. your address, mobile phone, home phone or emergency

contacts, could you please make sure you let the office know so we are able to keep an accurate record. It

is important for us and your children that we are able to contact you in case of an emergency.

DATE RECESS COST LUNCH COST

Sept 2 McBites $3.00 Kebabs & Salad $5.50

Sept 3 Wedges (Chicken) $3.00 Vol Au Vents $4.00

Sept 4 Mini Chicken Wraps $3.00 Chicken Parmigiana $6.00

Sept 5 Smoothies $2.00 Stir Fry Veg $4.00

Sept 6 Noodles $2.00 Quiche & Salad $4.50

Sept 9 Mini Salad Wraps $3.00 Beef (G) Rolls $3.00

Sept 10 Goujons $3.00 Stir Fry (Chicken) $4.00

Sept 11 Wedges Sour Cream/Chilli Sauce $3.00 Seafood Basket $6.00

Sept 12 Scones Jam & Cream $1.50 Chicken Schnitzel & Chips $5.00

Sept 13 Hot Dogs $3.00 Italian Salad $4.50

HOUSEKEEPING INFORMATION:

CANTEEN SPECIALS:

ARE YOUR CONTACT DETAILS UP-TO-DATE?