EPPING PUBLIC SCHOOL Opportunity, Excellence, Success

Norfolk Road, Epping NSW 2121 Phone: 9876 1452 Fax: 9876 6873

Email: epping-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au Website: www.epping-p.schools.nsw.edu.au

P & C Meeting: Second Tuesday of Each Month at 6.30 pm

Harmonious And Caring School Community

NEWSLETTER Monday, 3 December, 2012 Welcome to Week 9, Term 4

BUSY TIME OF YEAR IN YEAR 6 The year is flying by and Year 6 are excited and looking forward to all the wonderful ways they will end their primary education here at Epping Public School. One of the best times will be our Year 6 Farewell. This will be held on Friday 14 December in our school hall. The theme is ‘Hollywood’ and all students and teachers are designing their wardrobe for the night, so we expect to see some Brad Pitt’s, Jennifer Aniston’s, as well as some Shrek’s and one or two Incredibles. Stage 3 children have been learning formal dancing and are looking forward to showcasing their talents. There will also be a disco where the children can show off their moves. We have a fabulous Year 5 parent committee that has been busy preparing for the event. We are looking forward to a night of fun, food and dance.

COMING EVENTS

Tuesday 4 December Scripture Christmas Service Wednesday 5 December High School Orientation Day Friday 7 December Presentation Day Monday 10 December Thank You Morning Tea for Parents Tuesday 11 December Year 3 visit The Epping Club Thursday 13 December Year 2 visit the Senior Citizens Friday 14 December Year 6 Farewell Dinner Wednesday 19 December Last day for students in 2013

2013 Tuesday 29 January 2013 Staff return Wednesday 30 January 2013 Students return

ASSEMBLY Assembly is held in the hall on Wednesdays at 2pm. This week there won’t be an assembly due to Presentation Day.

Next week, Wednesday 12 December will be a Gold Award Assembly and the assembly item will be presented by KB.

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PRESENTATION DAY Our school year culminates with our Presentation Day. On this day we recognise students’ achievements and service to our school. A lot of planning and work goes into the organisation of this day to ensure that it is special for our students who receive recognition on this day. As I have indicated, our day is this Friday and all parents, relatives and friends are welcome to attend. The K-2 Presentation Day commences at 9:45am and the Year 3 – Year 6 Presentation Day will commence at approximately 11:15am. Both assemblies will be in our school hall. To assist with the success of the day we ask that you adhere to the following requests:

No strollers or prams inside the hall. They can be left outside. Bringing them into the hall blocks exits in case of an emergency.

Do not sit in any seats with a reserved sign on them. These are for official guests.

If someone coming is in a wheelchair please let the office know so we can make arrangements.

You may take photos of your child receiving an award; however we will not slow down proceedings. All prize winners will have their photos taken (provided they have completed the permission note sent at the beginning of the year) and photos will be put up on our website.

All phones should be switched off or to silent.

Once the assembly commences noise should be kept to a minimum.

We look forward to your support in these matters.

NAME CHANGE Recently one of our staff members was married and by all accounts the day was a wonderful occasion. We wish Miss Gordon and her husband a wonderful future together. Miss Gordon will be known as Mrs

Buttrey. However because we are so close to the end of the year her class will remain 2G.

THANK YOU MORNING TEA Our Thank You to our parents Morning Tea will be held on Monday 10 December. Invites have been sent out but from past experience some do not reach their destination or may have been forgotten to be sent. Please, if you have supported the school in any way be it through the fete, the classroom, the canteen or fundraising nights, then we want you there. Complete the note in the newsletter to help us with organisation. I look forward to seeing you at the function which is to be held in the hall at 11am.

REPORTS The second semester reports will be sent home next week. They will be sent home with the child. If you do not receive one please contact the school.

LEADERS ELECTION The process for electing our leaders for 2013 is well under way. The next step is that Mr Ford and Mrs Graham are holding interviews for the Captains and Vice Captains for 2013. We would like to congratulate the following students who were voted in by the school community to be next year’s leaders.

LEADERS FOR 2013: GIRLS Melina 5S Osibi 5S Taj 5M Juhi 5M Senara 5M Rani 5M

BOYS Rithwik 5M Robert 5S Patrick 5M Jarvis 5S Justin 5M Madhawa 5M

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YEAR 6 FAREWELL Our final big event for the year is our Year 6 Farewell on Friday 14 December. This involves all of our Stage 3 students and will be held in the school hall. It is a way to pay tribute to the current Year 6 and to celebrate their time at Epping Public School.

KC WINS A PRIZE Congratulations to class KC who won a prize of $150 from the Healthy Kids Association for their Olympic Ring display. The rings were made using fruit and veg the children brought from home. We also used the broad beans grown in our school garden. We plan to put the money towards maintaining our vegetable and fruit patch. Well done! Mrs Citer

MULTICULTURAL PERSPECTIVES PUBLIC SPEAKING COMPETITION On Wednesday, 21 November 2012, Kayley in 6P represented our school in the State Final of the Multicultural Perspectives Public Speaking Competition at the ABC Centre in the city. This competition aims to heighten awareness of multicultural issues among primary school students while developing their interest and skills in public speaking, as well as their confidence. This year a record 2 136 children entered and Kayley was one of 12 finalists from the ten education regions of NSW. Kayley firstly presented a four minute prepared speech titled “Racism, it’s just not funny”. She then had five minutes to prepare a two minute speech on the unseen topic “Presenting the Show”. Kayley was exceptional. She spoke confidently and enthusiastically, captivating the audience of 400 people. The adjudicators stated that this year all speakers were of the highest calibre and their task was an extremely difficult one. The competition was won by Lily from Ferncourt Public School in Marrickville.

Kayley’s effort in this competition is to be highly commended. Well done!

Mrs A Rowsell Co-ordinator

SCHOOL TRAVEL PASSES A few reminders for students who travel by bus or train using a school travel pass.

All students moving from Year 2 into Year 3 for 2013 will need to complete a new blue application form, as they must now meet eligibility criteria.

Any student who has changed address or will be changing address before returning to school in 2013 will need to complete a new blue application form showing the new address for the pass to be processed.

All students moving from Year 6 into Year 7 for 2013 will need to complete a new blue application form – this will be arranged with their high school at their Orientation Day.

Please visit the school office for your new blue application forms.

LIBRARY MATTERS By now all children should have returned their library books for the year. Tomorrow I will start to distribute reminders about overdue books. I don’t want to impose upon you but could you see to it that outstanding items are returned promptly. Most of the students at Epping Public School are very

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responsible when it comes to Library books, so thank you mums and dads for helping your children with their obligations. Certificates for The Premier’s Reading Challenge were supposed to arrive in schools at the end of November. As yet I have not received them. On 30 November, the Sun-Herald published the Honour Roll online, instead of in newspaper format. A special supplement was published in the newspaper on 2nd December. Once I have received the certificates I will complete the details and, hopefully, distribute them this year. My other option is to hold them over till 2013 and present them at our first Assembly next year. Mrs Lyn Campbell Teacher-Librarian

CANTEEN NEWS Canteen will be closed this Friday

due to Presentation Day. Parents may purchase -Tea, Coffee or Hot Chocolate with a sweet treat, for $2 during the break between both assemblies: 10:45-11:15.

As we try to clear stock before the holidays the following specials apply; red rock sea salt 70c, Strawberry Milk Breaka’s $1.20, Frozen strawberry breakas $1.20, frozen strawberry milk cups 60c.

The following are out of stock until 2013; chicken&corn rolls, Jumpys S&V and BBQ, finger fun buns and the following ice blocks; Lemonade icy twist, callipo’s & Paddle Pop hero or villain.

Unfortunately due to a shortage of volunteers it is necessary to decrease the canteen to 2 opening days, Wednesday and Friday in 2013. Thank you to everyone who has said they can help, a roster will come home later this week for Term 1. If you are able to volunteer in 2013 Wednesday or Friday please email

Sue shbailey72@optusnet.com.au . Thank you!

NEWS FROM THE P&C P&C CALENDAR - TERM 4

Presentation Day – 7 December

Staff Thank You Lunch – 12 December

P&C President Role Still Vacant! The P&C needs a President. The role is not onerous so please contact myself or the school if you would be interested in taking on this role. The P&C President chairs the monthly P&C meetings, liaises with the school as needed and provides leadership and direction to the P&C. As President you are well supported by your executive consisting of Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer. It is critical that these roles be filled to enable the P&C so continue doing all the great things we do. Please contact me on 0413 884 251 or Joshua.pitcher@optusnet.com.au if you would like to take on one of these roles. – Josh Pitcher, outgoing P&C president

Movie Night Thanks Despite the heat, we all had a great time at the Movie Night on Friday night. Luckily we were prepared with plenty of cold water for the hot and thirsty movie-buffs! The kids all had a great time and really enjoyed the movies. A big thanks to all our many helpers. Firstly a special thanks to Dishni Yasamana for being a co-organiser with us. Then to our band of helpers on the night – Elissa Greenhalgh, Constanza Hanich, Carol Ma, Sailaja Indra, Lakshmi Sarkar, Sonali Munot, Amanda Low, Amanda Wilson-Hill, Emily Lin, Jong Jin Lee, Hannah Dahlen, Nina Si, Sindhija G, Sonali Pradhan, Kripa Shivamurthy, Wei Dolman, Anne Mount, Umai Raja, Lisa Denniss, Laura Wilden, Mollie Qiu, Glorya Williams, Mishelle, Stella Tsui, Marina Agostino, Sandya De Silva, Rachel Song, Lou-Ann Olpindo, Reena Khetarpaul,

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Samya Wijesinghe, Suneetha Leelaratna, Heather Burton, Deepthi Nanayakkara, Verginia Herson, Wendy Lam, Bronwyn Rosada, Leon D’Sylva, Hiranya Perera, Josh Pitcher, Sue Bailey, Paul van Oppen, Suzanne Szecsodi, Ji Young Park, Mario Agostino, Jane Barnett, Tim Howell, Rithmika Kawahita and Sisi Zhang. Also thanks to the many parents who baked yummy treats for the cake stall. – Marissa Kelly and Jacqui Pitcher

Fun Things Planned for “FUNDRAISING 2013” We are very pleased to confirm that we now have two Fundraising Co-ordinators for 2013. This will mean all of our children will continue to enjoy Discos, Movie Nights etc. A HUGE thank-you to two generous mums, Dishni Yasamana and Hiranya Perera who have volunteered to take on the roles. The events simply wouldn’t happen otherwise. Hiranya’s daughter will be in Year 6 next year so she will need to be replaced at the end of the year. If you are considering joining the Fundraising team, why not join Dishni and Hiranya next year? That way it will be a seamless transition into 2014. It’s very manageable and with three co-ordinators, even easier. Whether you work, study or are a stay-at-home parent, it can be done. Anyone with enthusiasm and commitment will be able to perform the role with great effect. If you’re interested please contact Marissa (0408 088 449) or Jacqui (0409 325 424).

Band News Band Dates for Term 4 2012 Week 9 Friday 7 Dec. - Presentation Day Week 10 Thursday 13 Dec - End of Band Pizza lunch for all 2012 Band members. Year 7 2013 Orientation Day is this Wednesday Dec 5. If there is a clash with your tutorial, please arrange a swap. New Bass Drum – Last week the Band took delivery of their new bass drum. It was

purchased, in part, with their 3rd place voucher from The Sydney Eisteddfod and it sounds great! Presentation Day is this Friday Dec 7. The Concert Band will perform at both assemblies. Students are to wear full summer uniform, long hair tied back and no obvious hair accessories. Brass Students give your instrument a bath for this special event. Tutorials and Rehearsals will cease at the end of this week Friday Dec 7. Instrument Maintenance Check - All school instruments and cleaning kits are to be handed in for maintenance on Presentation Day. If you know there is an issue with your instrument, please place a note on or in the case explaining the problem. Students who own their own instrument should take it home after Presentation Day. The CAPA storeroom will then be locked up to allow the Instrument Coordinators to organise the instruments for repair. End of Band Pizza Lunch will be held next Thursday Dec 13. Children who have handed in a note are to meet at the CAPA room at the start of lunch and collect a nametag. If you have not filled in an order form, please do so ASAP, or you will miss out.

Social Committee News Request for Parent Help – ‘Staff Thank You Lunch’ Each year the parents provide a special lunch for the school staff to thank them for all their hard work. This year the lunch will be held on Wednesday 12th December. Thank you to all the parents who volunteered to bring food. We still need a few parents to help on the day, even if you can only come for part of the time. If you can help set up/serve/clean up on the day please let us know when you are available. Reply to Katrina Collins: ckcollins@optusnet.com.au or 0400 488 459 as soon as possible. Parents on the catering team who have already responded to the request from our catering co-ordinator Miriam, do not need to reply.

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French Class – News

Have you considered taking French classes at Epping Public School? French classes are available for students in Years 3 – 6 on Wednesday and Friday mornings before school, and are offered at the discounted rate of $6.50 per lesson thanks to support from the school P & C. The French classes run for half an hour and are a fun introduction to learning a language. Learn French songs, play French games and have Petit Dejeuner (French breakfast of croissants and hot chocolate). Students will also learn essential French vocabulary and basic grammar. Our French teacher, Mademoiselle Claire Rey, is bilingual. To speak another language with a correct accent is much easier if children are introduced to the sounds of that language at a young age. Give your children a head start for high school by giving them an introduction to French. Please contact Alison Fraser on 9876 3278 or 0402713715 or by email at alisonfraser@optusnet.com.au if your child is interested in joining.

Chinese Class – News We can confirm that we open for 3 classes, which are: Existing Chinese background class (G1), New non-Chinese background class (G1) and New Chinese background class for beginner (G2). Could any parents who would like to enrol in please submit the form as soon as possible before term 4 so we can

finalise the number. The existing non-Chinese background class will close by the end of term 4/2012 due to low number of enrolment. (Minimum 10 students to start a class) The 2013 Chinese Language programmes:

- All 3 classes will be on every Wednesday as per existing classes. So parent please organise with EBASCA if you need your children supervise after the class.

- Fee for the first two terms (6 months) will be $220.00; $10.00 discount applies if paid by the end of term 4.

- Teaching material cost will be collected when term start next year.

- There is a sibling discount of $10.00 when more than one child from the same family enrolled and paid at same time.

- Time: 15:40pm--17:10pm - First semester in 2013 will commence on

6 February 2013. - Running under Feng Hua Chinese School

http://www.fenghua.com.au/ ( for more information)

Please fill the form and put at P&C mail box, near school reception.

Thank You, Julia (jinweili@yahoo.com.au) and Vivi (vivi_fei@hotmail.com)

Minutes of Epping Public School P&C Meeting Tuesday 13th November 2012 6G Class Room

Meeting commenced at 6.50pm pm, chaired by J Pitcher Attendees: J Ford, M Kelly, P van Oppen, B Rosada, S Szecsodi, T Drego, R Graham, J Pitcher, F McKenzie, D Yasamana, K Collins, P van Oppen, M Qui Apologies: C Ravinthran, S Bailey, D Darley, A Kahawita Minutes of Previous Meeting The Minutes of the previous meeting of 11 September 2012

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were accepted as a true and correct record. Moved: P van Oppen. 2nd B Rosada. Carried. Matters Arising from Minutes Action: Sinks – Josh has found a plumber! In train Action: Josh/Jac to make stickers for tables (next working bee) Action: Press release & photo of hall lighting thanks to Bendigo – BR to release after Fete. John Ford to take photos Action: Is wiring in hall fixed? John Ford to check. Correspondence Various bank statements P&C magazine Reports Treasurer – Apsara Kahawita $13,015 Canteen $ 5,800 P&C $ 9,600 Uniform $22,850 Fete Action: Marissa Kelly to investigate whether P&C should close fete account or keep open for future fetes. Fundraising – Marissa Kelly Movie Night – 30th NovemberMelbourne Cup Lunch – not much interest this year. Grounds – Paul Goldsmith No report Canteen – Sue BaileyReport tabled and discussed re 2013 operation of Canteen. Uniform – Tanya Drego Open on Orientation on 15/11. $33,000 turnover this year. Band – Suzanne Szecsodi 69 in band, 19 leaving and 22 training band offers made. Band will play on presentation day. All instruments being handed in for cleaning and repair. Band Committee to use $200 voucher won at Eisteddfod and $200 grant from Bendigo Bank + funds to purchase new bass drum. Full committee in place for 2013. Social –Katrina Collins & Cynthia Ravinthran Morning tea Friday 16/11 Parent Lunch 20/11 Kindy 2013 “Play in the school playground” Saturday 24/11. Working on Staff thank you lunch 12/12 and presentation day morning tea. Sport – No report

Grants – Deb Darley & Jane Harrison Report tabled. Bendigo Bank Grant – function on 27/11 – B Rosada and M Kelly to attend. NRMA – request for street signage not successful. Principal – J. Ford Swim School – 56 students Mufti – Pirate Day raised $672 for Stewart House Sports in Schools for K -4 this term Epping Boys High visited and spoke to students Yr 6 students recorded Match It TV show. Airing early 2013 Evacuation and lock down drill Action: Signs to be put in Uniform Shop Drum Group visit for K-6 Stage 3 excursion to Sculptures by the Sea Kindy Orientation for 2013 – 60 students anticipated. Stage 2 excursion to Powerhouse Museum Netball workshop Remembrance Day celebrated Epping Twilight Market – vocal ensemble and our 2 violinists performed. Multi Cultural State final – good luck Kayley! Year 6 Sausage Sizzle fundraiser – 22/11 7/12 Presentation Day – 9.45am K-2, 11.15am 3-6. Thank You morning team 10/12 14/12 Year 6 Farewell Wednesday 19/12 last day of school for students Wednesday 14/11 Students will be doing trial standardized tests on line. Focus Groups – to discuss HSIE held 13/11 and 16/11 and survey will be sent home. Epping North Public School is having a Fete in 2013 and it has been decided that the 2 schools will each host a bi-annual fete and help promote each other. Play Equipment – offer to take down and remove has been made. Marissa Kelly is sourcing quotes and will seek advice re refurbishment viability. Christmas Boxes – the wrong leaflet was sent to the school to distribute with the boxes

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which caused some comment in the newsletter. General Business 2013 Welcome BBQ – date to be set at next meeting Motion: That the P&C support the Year 6 Farewell Committee to a maximum of $1500. Moved: B. Rosada, 2nd: J Pitcher. Carried. Being no further business the meeting closed at 7.37pm. Next meeting will be TUESDAY 11th DECEMBER 2012 at 6.30pm

BAND ROSTER SUPERVISION TERM 4 DAY DATE SUPERVISION (Parent of)

Week 9

THU 6-Dec Jessica Gu

CANTEEN ROSTER TERM 4

DAY DATE

Week 9

MON 3-Dec 4M Sue, Nisha, Samya

WED 5-Dec 1W Jane H, Sonali C, Sue

FRI

7-Dec

2F Stella, Ying, Jin, Bernadette, Suzan

Week 10

MON 10-Dec 1M Elaine, Varsha, Sanobar, Madhuri

WED

12-Dec

2W Ye, Tahmina, Sonali C, Sue

FRI

14-Dec

3F Karen, Suzanne, Bronwyn, Jacqui, Jane B

FRENCH SUPERVISION TERM 4 DAY DATE SUPERVISION (Parent of)

Week 9

WED 5-Dec Jordan Brand

FRI 7-Dec Michael Chen

Week 10

WED

12-Dec

Jordan Brand

FRI 14-Dec Anton Drego

COMMUNITY NEWS Community News and accompanying advertising are a community service only and not endorsed by Epping Public School or its staff. Further information regarding these services may be found on the noticeboard on the front of the school building.

Hornsby PCYC (Police Citizens Youth Club) is running a CHRISTMAS DROP AND SHOP PROGRAM where parents can drop off their children (age 5-12 years) at Hornsby PCYC for fitness fun and activities while they do their Christmas shopping for 2 hours from 10:00am - 12:00pm on selected days in December (flyer in the school noticeboard).

SAN – Carols by Candlelight Sunday 9 December From 4pm Kids Activities & Food Fair 7pm Kids Concert 8pm Main Carols Program

Christmas Carols at North Epping Friday 14 December 7pm Epping Oval Food, Drinks & Glow sticks available for sale. Carol Singing begins at 7.30pm.

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