3 December: Jenna H 5 December: Adam S 6 December: Remy C 13 December: Joshua T 15 December: Kai C Kye G 16 December: Hope T 21 December: Tarly H 22 December: Vanlida L 23 December: Tyler S 28 December: Tegan H

Blacksmiths Public School _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Doing our best together

Amaroo Street Blacksmiths NSW 2281 Phone: 4971 1519 Fax: 4972 1407 Email: blacksmith-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au

Term 4 - Week 9 Tuesday 2 December 2014

DIARY DATES

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE

How time flies. Our last newsletter of the year is here. What a year it has been! I would like to start this newsletter by congratulating our wonderful students who work so hard everyday doing their best no matter what the task. They are a credit to both our school and the Blacksmiths’ community. I would also like to thank the fantastic teachers and office staff, who put in so much effort each and every day. Last week I thanked the current P&C committee for all their hard work this year and I would like to extend that to all the parents and carers. It has been a pleasure getting to know you over this past year and I look forward to continuing this in the New Year .

YEAR 6 FAREWELL The Year 6 Farewell will be held on Monday 8 December. Students should have already received their note and returned their payment. There will be a whole school disco following the farewell. The disco will begin at 7:00pm at Swansea RSL. YEAR 6 CLAP OUT Our current Year 6 students will be clapped out of school on the last day at approximately 2:55pm. Parents are most welcome to come along and clap Year 6 students out for the last time. PRESENTATION DAY Our Presentation Day will be held on Thursday 11 December from 10.00am at the Gateway Church, Pelican. All parents are welcome to attend. Teachers have been working hard on determining our award winners and believe me it has been an extremely difficult job. All of our students have worked so hard all year. END OF YEAR REPORTS Teachers have been busy assessing and writing reports over the last few weeks. End of year reports will go out on Monday 15 December. If for some reason your child is absent on this day, the report will be sent home the following day.

Wed 3 Dec Last Day for AASC - Tennis

Fri 5 Dec Swim Scheme Finishes

Dance (sport) Finishes

Mon 8 Dec Year 6 Farewell

Whole School Disco - 7.00pm

Tue 9 Dec NO CANTEEN

2nd Hand Uniform Sale - 2.30pm

Thu 11 Dec Presentation Day - 10.00am start

Fri 12 Dec NO CANTEEN

Sausage Sizzle

Mon 15 Dec Party Day

Tue 16 Dec Concert

Wed 17 Dec Last Day for Students

Tue 27 Jan Staff Development Day

Wed 28 Jan Students in Years 1-6 Return

Fri 30 Jan Kinder Students Start

MERRY CHRISTMAS & A HAPPY NEW YEAR

Term 4 - Week 9 Tuesday 2 December, 2014

FAREWELL FROM MISS GARRY

SCHOOL CONCERT You will receive a note with today’s newsletter outlining session times for the end of year concert. It is important that your child’s teacher is aware if, for some reason, they will not be participating. I would also like to remind parents attending the first session that students are unable to leave early as they are required to perform in the afternoon session. Please return the slip to indicate what session you will be attending so that we can plan accordingly.

STAFF DEVELOPMENT DAYS The last two days of this term will be spent by staff undertaking professional development on a range of topics. On the Thursday we will be participating with other local schools in the ‘8 Ways Of Learning’ course. The focus is Aboriginal education and of course the learning staff undertake can be applied to all students. On the Friday staff will continue with our ‘Focus On Reading’ training and some Mathematics syllabus implementation for 2015.

2015 RETURN TO SCHOOL School returns on Wednesday 28 January for all students in Years 1-6. The new Kindergarten students will be undertaking their BEST Start assessments on 28 and 29 January and will commence school on Friday 30 January 2015.

NUT FRIENDLY SCHOOL Please remember that Blacksmiths is a Nut Friendly school. What does this mean I hear you say? It is as simple as not bringing any nut products like peanut butter or nut bars to school. Please reinforce this with your children. Did you know that anaphylactic students can have a reaction even if someone who had peanut butter on their toast for breakfast touches something that they then touch? Washing your hands before coming to school is not only a hygienic practice but can help alleviate the risk of contamination.

EVERYDAY COUNTS As we reach the end of the year, parents are reminded of the importance of sending children to school every day. Being at school every day counts, with one day absent each week quickly adding up to two months of missed lessons in a year. Did you know, research shows that in Australia, higher student attendance at school is associated, on average, with higher student achievement? Regular school attendance will mean that your child has a better chance in life. Your child will achieve better when they go to school all day, every school day.

They learn better • they make friends • they are happier • they have a brighter future.

Unless your child is ill, it is expected that your child will be at school learning every day of the school year. There is no doubt that schools, parents and the community having strong expectations for students has a huge impact on their achievements, behaviours and pathways. When parents, carers and families support students’ learning and engagement with school, those students are more likely to perform well, both immediately and later in their schooling.

Throughout the year I have noticed that a lot of families have taken holidays during the school year. I would ask that all families endeavour to plan these holidays during school holiday times. If you are aware that your child will be away for more than 10 days please make contact with the school, as an exemption may be applied for.

P & C The P&C Annual General Meeting was held on 18 November. I would like to thank the 2014 committee for all their hard work in supporting our school. I would also like to congratulate the new executive committee:

President: Stacey Hicks Secretary: Laura Aspey Treasurer: Vacant Canteen Coordinator: Colin Taylor Uniform Shop: Lara Parker Fundraising: Mel Burge

As you can see our treasurer position is still vacant. If you would be interested in doing this position you can contact one of our committee members or the school.

KINDERGARTEN ORIENTATION Our kindergarten transition program is now complete for 2014. Our new kindergarten students all had a fantastic time and are looking forward to coming to ‘big school’ next year. What a great job our Year 4 Buddies have done making everyone feel welcome and excited about coming to school.

SWIMMING SCHEME Swimming scheme will continue this week. Students have all been enjoying lessons at Swansea pool each day. I would like to congratulate all of our swimmers on their fantastic behaviour, organisation and effort both in and out of the water. They have been making excellent progress and I am sure they can’t wait to show of their new skills and confidence over the summer.

Lastly I would like to wish all of our families a safe and happy Christmas break. I look forward to seeing you all in the new year.

Aaron Quinnell Principal As it is the last newsletter of the year, I wanted to take this opportunity to say what a pleasure it has been getting to know the staff, parents and students of Blacksmiths PS. I have been amazed by the generosity and support you have shown me during my time at this school and I truly appreciate and thank you for that. I am so sad to be saying goodbye but take with me many memorable moments. A special mention to the students in 1/2 who have made me smile every day this year!

I wish everyone the very best of luck and I look forward to hearing all about the future successes of Blacksmiths PS - I know there will be lots! I wish you all a very safe and happy Christmas and all the very best. Miss Garry

HOME READING AWARDS

QUALITY WORK AWARDS

UNIFORM SHOP NEWS

ASSEMBLY AWARDS - Weeks 7& 8

Kinder Emerson L Ella P

Marley M Kaitlin R

1/2 Tegan H

Emma T

Year 3 Kira V Ella G

Vanlida L Eliel G

4/5 Jed B Jordan J

Lochie H

Harry M

5/6 Bridie E Tom C

Patrick O Adam S

Kinder Kelly L Sheridan K

1/2 Mishayla R

Hope T

Year 3 Jake E Jayden W

Bede E Shakita B

4/5 Thomas H Max C

Finley W

Jordan J

5/6 Philip N Adam S Conah H

Term 4 - Week 9 Tuesday 2 December, 2014

UNIFORM SHOP The Uniform Shop will be open on Tuesday 9 December from 2.30pm for anyone wishing to purchase new uniforms in preparation for 2015.

We will also be selling second-hand uniforms for a gold coin donation. If any Year 6 parents would like to clean out their cupboards in preparation for high school, there will be a basket left out in the canteen for any unwanted items that can be recycled.

25 Nights: Kelly L

50 Nights: Kelly L

75 Nights: Erin B Cale A

100 Nights: Laura B

125 Nights: Jasmine W Madison H

150 Nights: Alex G Hope T Joshua T Finn W

175 Nights: Alex G Sharna C

200 Nights: Tarly H

Give your child the opportunity to learn to fish during the school holidays. The day involves fishing techniques such as knots and rigging as well as casting, bag/size limits and ethical fishing practices. The workshop is designed for kids aged 8-14 years.

Fee includes rod and reel, shirt, hat, tackle kit and show bag for the kids to take home. The workshop is led by experienced staff and volunteers from NSW DPI - Fisheries Division. Full supervision is provided on the day.

$40 per child

Numbers are limited to a maximum of 25 and bookings are essential.

Transport is the responsibility of parents. Remember to slip, slop and slap and to prepare for inclement weather if the need arises.

KIDS FISHING

WORKSHOP

Lake Macquarie 10.00am – 2.00pm on

Thursday 8 January 2015

For Bookings call: Jamie Burns Fisheries Education Officer P: 02 4980 9204 M: 0408 609 332 E: jamie.burns@dpi.nsw.gov.au Venue: Thomas Halton Park Croudace Bay Eastern End of park, away from boat ramp

HAVE A SAFE & HAPPY HOLIDAY

Fine Art & Crafts

55 Caves Beach Rd, Caves Beach. NSW

Ph 0419471660

Open 10-4pm Sat, Sun & Public Hols. or by appointment

January 2015 School Holiday Art Workshops

Child and Parent Sessions (CAPS). Children aged 6 and over may attend unaccompanied, but adults are also welcome to participate.

Monday 5th 10-12 Your own private beach

1-3 3-D construction

Tuesday 6th 10-12 Make a mug 1-3 Make a mug

Wednesday 7th 10-3 Adult workshop Part 1-Indirect Oil Painting Technique : John Morris

Thursday 8th 10-12 Print a shirt 1-3 Drawing without pencils

Friday 9th 10-12 Colour everywhere

1-3 Here’s looking at you

Monday 12th 10-12 Here’s looking at you

1-3 Print a shirt

Tuesday 13th 10-3 Adult workshop. Part 1- Colour : Lezlie Tilley

Wednesday 14th 10-3 Adult workshop Part 2-Indirect Oil Painting Technique : John Morris

Thursday 15th 10-12 Make a mug 1-3 Make a mug

Friday 16th 10-12 Drawing without pencils

1-3 Colour everywhere

Monday 19th 10-12 Colour everywhere

1-3 Your own private beach

Tuesday 20th Adult workshop. Part 2 Colour : Lezlie Tilley

Wednesday 21st 10-12 3-D Construction

1-3 Here’s looking at you

Thursday 22nd 10-12 Drawing without pencils

1-3 Print a shirt

Friday 23rd 10-12 Make a mug 1-3 Make a mug

All Tutors are qualified teachers as well as practicing artists.

See overleaf for more information about the sessions.

CHILD AND PARENT SESSIONS – January 2015

All CAPS workshops $20/person (Except clay - $25/person)

All Materials included* Make a Mug: Learn how to make your own, usable mug (and other things) from clay

Here’s Looking at You: Paint a self-portrait to hang on your wall

Print a Shirt: Screen print your own shirt with your own unique design

(* Each participant will need to bring a prewashed, plain coloured T-shirt )

Colour Everywhere: Learn about colour and colour mixing, then let your creativity

loose to create an abstract masterpiece

Drawing Without Pencils: Using a variety of materials such as charcoal, graphite pow-

der,

string, sticks and ink to create your drawing.

Your Own Private Beach : Make a diorama of your holiday at Caves Beach to take

home

using a mixture of materials

3-D Construction: Using lightweight materials to create a sculptural form. Will you

build

your house, a robot, or something from your imagination?

ADULT WORKSHOPS

$200 / 2 x 5 hr sessions (Some material required)

Indirect Oil Painting Technique Tutor: John Morris

Learn how to create depth and atmosphere in your painting by building up layers.

Colour Tutor: Lezlie Tilley

Learn colour principles and how to give that ’Pop’ to everything from home décor to

art.

Classes run dependent on numbers. Max 10/class. Booking is essential.

WHY NOT GIVE A WORKSHOP GIFT VOUCHER TO YOUR CREATIVE

FRIENDS AND FAMILY?

OTHER WORKSHOPS ARE ALSO HELD AT THE GALLERY AT VARIOUS TIMES.

CONTACT LESLIE AT THE GALLERY FOR MORE INFORMATION.