term 4 2013 newsletter done - niland-s.schools.nsw.gov.au · camp. (see page 8 for more) whats new...
TRANSCRIPT
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It is on a sad note that we say
good bye to Mr Nathaniel Baker
who is leaving Niland to pursue a
career outside of education. Mr
Baker has been a staff member at
Niland School for the past 2 years
and he will be sadly missed by
students and staff alike. Mr
Baker’s dedication to his students
was admirable and we as a school
wish him every success in his new
career.
We are also saying goodbye to
four of our fabulous students who
are all going to mainstream
settings from the beginning of
2014. I would like to wish Jessica,
Peter, Stace and Madison
continued success with their
education. Well done to all of you!
Have a happy and safe holiday.
Yours in Partnership
Renee Culgan
It is that time of year when we tidy
up our classrooms and offices, pack
up the work that we have done for
the past twelve months and reflect
on the year that was. 2013 was
many things for Niland School, it
was busy, flat out in fact! We had
so much going on for our students,
parents, staff and our broader
community. I am hoping that this
momentum can be sustained into
2014 and beyond.
In the last couple of weeks we have
had a girls camp, an excursion to
the V8’s as well as the Year 10
dinner and presentation day.
Teachers have never been busier
and students have never had so
many opportunities. Reports went
out in week 8 so if you haven’t got
your child’s report yet please
contact the front office.
Today students were told who their
teachers and support staff are for
2014. The reason for telling
students this side of the year is in
order to relieve anxiety over the
school holidays. It is important
that all students approach a new
school year as positively as
possible. The more optimistic a
student’s attitude towards school
the more likely they are to have a
positive time during their
schooling. I ask all of you to speak
to all students in your care
positively about the upcoming
school year and to encourage
them to do well and make the
most of their time at school.
Education opens so many doors
and it would be wonderful to see
our students be supported by
both home and school, making
their path to success a shared
achievement. There is no greater
pride a school teacher feels than
when they see their students
enjoying school and sharing their
experiences with the parents or
carers.
2013 has been another amazing
year for the AP’s at Niland. We
have all relocated to our own
individual offices in the admin
block. The move gives us the
opportunity to meet with students,
staff, parents & carers without
interruption, and also to focus on
our areas of responsibilities around
the school.
That being said, whispers from our
interior designers have spread that
Mr Finch’s office was built on
Minecraft, Mr Prasad has NZ
Warriors wall paper and Mr Gardner
a bike rack! It will be interesting to
see what Mrs Culgan thinks of all of
this.
We have so many fabulous
memories from all the exciting
events we have had throughout the
year, from big events like the
swimming carnival and NRL days to
our daily PlayStation and Minecraft
challenges in the Community Room.
A huge highlight was the way we
finished the year with our
PlayStation All Stars Battle Royale
finale. Held in the hall and played
on the big screen, Mr Finch hosted
the event with just about every
student in the school participating
with respect, fair play and lots of
good fun.
We look forward to 2014 and
continuing to see our students
achieving great things at Niland and
reaching their potential.
Mr Finch, Mr Prasad and Mr Gardner.
A Word from our PRINCIPAL
Awards List
Swim carnival
Bronze Levels
2
3
Community Room
4
Room Zorzo
Room Piper
5
Room Baker 6
Senior Girls
Dinner
Year 6 Graduation
7
Camp Otford
Afternoon of Art
8
One Direction Concert
9
Links to Learning 10
2014 Calender 12
A word from our ASSISTANT PRINCIPALS
Niland News T e r m 4 2 0 1 3
Safety
Respec ul
Learning
Inside this
Issue:
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Principal’s Award 2013
Dylan
ASSPA Award 2013
Jaid
Safe Respectful learning Award 2013
Kirra‐Lee
Hunter Award 2013
Mokotoa
Work Training Award 2013
Ray
PRESENTATION AWARDS 2013 SCHOOL LEADERS
2014
VICE CAPTAINS
2014
JAID
DYLAN
KIRRA‐LEE
JUSTIN
Class award 2013
Class Zorzo‐ Kira‐Lee
Class Richards– Shamron
Class Piper– Kasey
Class Higgs– Peter
Class Winkelmolen‐Dylan
Class Baker– Tyson
Most Improved 2103
Class Zorzo– Raylene
Class Richards– Madison
Class Piper– Maxwell
Class Higgs Destiny
Class Winkelmolen– Brendon
Class Baker– Dallas
Class Seddon– Nicky
Athletics Junior Age
Champion 2013
Destiny
Athletics Senior Age Champion
2013
Jaid
Athletics Junior Age
Champion 2013
Brenan
Athletics Intermediate Age Champion 2013
Corey
Athletics Senior Age
Champion 2013
Bailey
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It’s fantastic to see these students
achieve their levels and receive the
gifts they are working so hard for.
Keep up the great work!
Brennan
Bailey Rebecca
Jessica
Justin
Peter
Shamron
Tayla
Corey
Ebenzer
Jaid
Dylan
James
Maxwell
Tye
BRONZE MEDAL LEVELS
As at December 2013
Level 18
Level 19
Level 20
Level 22
Level 23
Level 25
Level 30
Chloe
Raylene
Level 17
The students were blessed with perfect
weather for their swim carnival and it is
still to be debated whether the girls beat
the boys or vice versa.
The way we see it….they were all
winners on the day!
Even a few of the staff braved
the waters.
Well done to you all!
Swim Carnival 2013
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N i l a n d N e w s
COMMUNITY ROOM
To All Parents Carers and Participants of our COMMUNITY ROOM, we would like
to say a HUGE thank you for each and every one of you for participating in our
courses and programs that have made our Community Room a success in 2013.
Your continued support and involvement has allowed us to continue to deliver even
more fantastic programs in 2014 , so please keep your eye out for
what’s on in upcoming newsletters and our Niland School
webpage.
We would like to wish you and your families a happy and safe
holidays.
EVERY STUDENT EVERY SCHOOL
Co‐ordinator KISANE WILSON
Every Student Every School MERRY XMAS to ALL OUR
PARTNERS IN 2014
Mission
Australia
Ability Options
NRL Development
Unit
Sydney Trains
Dept of Human
Services
Skills for Kids
TAFE Outreach
Bridging the Gap
Graceades Cottage
AIME
WAAT
Niland Community Room has proven to be a
hub of activity this term. We have been
strongly supported by Mission Australia
who partnered with Bridging the Gap
(BTG) to deliver the Resilience Doughnut &
Rage programs to our students. Katie, a
presenter from BTG, spoke highly of how
the students engaged in the program and
contributed. Katie also said each student
had completed the handbook for theory, so
well done to each and every one of the
students involved, you continue to make us
proud and simply want to bring more
programs to support you.
NRL Dream Believe Achieve program again
was a huge contributor this term. The
students were impressed when surprise
retired player Hazem El Masri came along to
one of their sessions and delivered a
presentation of his experiences. As a final
reward the students were treated to a day at
CUA Stadium Penrith. They had the
chance to watch the players do a training
session on the field followed by a tour of the
stadium and then given the chance to eat
their lunch in the Chairman’s Lounge… what
a once in a lifetime opportunity.
We had a surprise visit from Jake
Thomson from Australian Indigenous
Mentoring Experience (AIME) who
support students from years 9‐12 during
their HSC and university years. Jake is a
local to Mt Druitt and came along, shared
his life stories and played some strategy
games with the students, who welcomed
him openly and even invited Jake along to
our Presentation Day. It was great to see
he built such a quick relationship with the
students and will be bringing a program
to us in 2014.
1st November we had Niland Community
Open Day, what a success with many of
our services attending on the day. Please
take a browse below of the article which
is courtesy of Mt Druitt Standard. We
are very happy to see the Niland name
being spread around so positively.
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R oom Zorzo
respect to our audience.
Term 4 has started positively and we look forward to further
growth towards the end of an interesting and exciting year.
was celebrated with a big bang by both junior and senior
students. We all dressed in our scariest
costumes and enjoyed frightening and fun
activities, including scary clips, bat art,
potion and slime creations, interactive
activities and jack o lantern carving. It was a
fabulous and fun day that we hope to enjoy
again next year.
The senior girls attended a shopping and luncheon excursion
to Westfield, Mt Druitt, where they used maths and navigation
in a real life setting. Everybody enjoyed the
day and had a great time meeting Santa.
The girls practiced travel training by bus
and thoroughly enjoyed the ride. They each
had the opportunity to purchase special
items for their upcoming senior dinner and
camp. (see page 8 For more)
Whats new with staff
Term 4 has launched into top gear for our senior girls in
room 1. We have been training hard for work, partaking
in photography and strengthening female bonds through
social interactions and classroom learning.
Term 4 has seen the continuation of our senior girls at
work training. They have continued working at
Sunnyfields; packing and sorting various products. Our
senior girls have developed a positive work ethic and
values throughout the year. Our students are also
partaking in various other activities such as TAFE and
working in other schools, helping young children develop
numeracy and literacy strategies.
This term, our fantastic female class have been trying
new skills with photography. We went for a long river
walk at Nepean River and took photographs along the
way. Exercise, combined with photography, lunch and
travel training left us all with fond memories.
Each Tuesday, Ms Spedding visits our classroom to read
to a wonderful group of young ladies. The girls enjoy
hearing her wise words of strength and resilience. We are
all learning 'Not To Sweat The Small Stuff' and love being
read to by such a wonderful female role model.
Class 1 are developing writing skills and the enjoyment
we can all gain from a narrative. We are also focussing on
persuasive arguments to debate a topic, with purpose and
On Tuesday 29th of November, Classes 3 and 4 were
lucky enough to go to Featherdale Wildlife Park.
Both classes have been undertaking units of work
based on Australia, focusing on the native flora and
fauna that call Australia home.
While at Featherdale, we were treated to a private
lesson where we learnt about and were able to pat
four native Australian animals. First out was a
Shingleback lizard, followed by a Tawny Frogmouth,
then a Woma python and finally a (not so cuddly)
koala.
Our students impressed our Featherdale teacher with
what they already knew about these animals as well
as asking some excellent questions.
All who attended the excursion represented Niland,
and themselves, very well and it was a lovely way to
spend a day and finish off the school year.
R oom Piper Term 4 has been a busy time in Class 3;
with excursions, special guests and our usual routines keeping
us out of mischief. We have continued on with our ‘We are
Australian’ theme, further investigating some of the animals
we were lucky enough to encounter on our excursion to
Featherdale in Week 4.
Cooking is always an exciting part of our week and this term
we have tried our hands at baking bread, making gourmet
chicken burgers, chocolate slice and chicken and avocado
pasta. Other highlights this term have included the Dream,
Believe, Achieve NRL program, Lindsay Gardner’s magic
workshop, PBL rewards excursions, especially Putt Putt Golf,
and the Magic Show performance at the Joan Sutherland
Centre.
The whole of Class 3 would like to thank everyone involved in
organising these exciting activities. It is appreciated.
I would just like to finish by saying how much I have enjoyed
2013 and how much I am going to miss spending my days with
the boys of Class 3. You have all made 2013 a year I will never
forget. Thank you boys! It was a lovely way to spend a day and
finish off the school year.
Ms Piper
Halloween
Merry Christmas from our Room 3
Merry Christmas from our Senior Girls
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During term 4, Nick and Blake have had the opportunity to
be involved in a small motors course which runs all day on a
Thursday. The course revolves around the dismantling,
cleaning/servicing and then rebuilding of a lawnmower. The
boys where given a lawnmower each to work on over the
duration of the program, donated by local lawnmower repair
services.
Throughout the course, the boys have learnt about a vast
array of tools, how small motors work and developed an
interest within the motor industry which may see them go on
to complete apprenticeships in the future.
Nick has already had some luck in gaining work by landing a
job at Western Sydney Mower Repairs in St Marys which has
supported his participation in the course unmeasurably.
Well done to both boys and can’t wait to see them cut each‐
others grass!
Mr Baker
The Young Brothers
For the last few Fridays during term 4, David, Nick and Kyle have been participating in a program run for young males
aged 14‐18yrs of Aboriginal decent. The program is focused on developing social communication techniques in the boys, as
well as linking these back to their heritage.
So far, the boys have :
Participated in playing games associated within Aboriginal heritage
Investigated the harm of drugs and alcohol, the social ‘norms’ surrounding these, and how they can affect them as
an individual, their families and friends
Bushwalked to Emerald Falls in Wentworth Falls and learnt how to self‐relax through progressive muscle relaxation
Learnt about Aboriginal art, its meanings, importance in passing on generational stories and techniques
Went to Parramatta Stadium and listened to Chris Sandow tell his story and show how everyone has falls in their
lives
Talked about meaningful and safe relationships and how they hold responsibilities within the relationships they
share with people
It has been very pleasing to see the boys engaged in this program and to see another side to them outside the school
environment. Their attitudes and self‐efficacy have been flawless and they have (so far) shown the utmost respect to those
involved within the course. Check out the pics below.
The boys have made me very proud and can’t wait for them to pick up their bikes this week!
Mr Baker
R oom Baker
TAFE Outreach Small Motors Course
Merry Christmas from our Baker Boys
The Young Brothers
Experience
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On Monday the 2nd of December our year 10 boys and senior girls enjoyed a wonderful evening together, celebrating their achievements and enjoying each others company. They shared dinner, conversation, played piñata and capped the evening with ampules of dancing. The students had an amazing night and didn't want it to end. They were amazing and it was an honour to share such a special evening with wonderful youth. They can't wait for the opportunity to do it again and it has been quoted 'the best night of their lives'.
Thank you goes to Mrs Zorzo, Ms Daley & Ms Kennedy for all their hard work in organising.
Miss Higgs organised a well deserved Year 6 Graduation
Day & Farewell Day for those who will be leaving us.
It was the “best day ever” some say. They enjoyed lots and
lots of sugary foods followed by pizza and then the games.
Piñata was very popular, whilst those who were still hun‐
gry managed to fit in a donut. Mr Gardner & Mr Prasad
both lined up for that one whilst Mrs Spedding, Ms Brown
& Ms Piper showed they had the “moves like Jagger” on
the dance floor.
It was a fantastic day and I am sure the students are still
talking about it at home.
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Senior Girls Camp Otford Farm
Article supplied courtesy of Mt. Druitt Standard:
Term 3 our Senior Girls raised monies by way of
Afternoon of Art Auction, see article this page, all
monies raised were for end of year activities.
The girls have been on a number of excursions to the
City and now have a thorough understanding of how
to commute wisely and safely on public transport.
They also were treated to their end of year camp at
Otford Farm and by the looks of the pictures there was
nothing but much needed peace and tranquillity to
enjoy.
We are very proud of our Senior Girls and their
accomplishments this year and wish them every
success next year at the “Annual Afternoon of Art”.
Happy & Safe Christmas to you all.
During week 9, the Senior Girls attended a camp to Otford Farm for an overnight camp. All students were excited for some special time together and a range of fun activities. After lunch by the stream, horse riding was first on the agenda, where our young ladies rode for the first time. The students had a blast and laughs were echoed throughout the bush. Our young ladies went for a swim immediately following to cool down and relax. It was the perfect afternoon swim, only enhanced by Mrs Kennedy's aqua aerobics session. Our young ladies enjoyed some 'girlie
time' getting ready for dinner, gossiping and hanging out with the executive staff. We were lucky they all came because they were vital for the 800mm pizza challenge. All 12 of us accepted the challenge and polished off the pizza (lucky we had the AP's to clean our plates) and enjoyed our own gelato. We also found out Mr Gardner used to work in an old department store in Chicago. Our young ladies can tell you a few stories about that. Night time activities were excellent, filled with rolling laughter and smiles. It was a great chance to bond but if you'd like to know more about adults in onesies, you will have to ask one of
the young ladies who attended. The second day consisted of bridge walks, paddle bike rides and row boats. It was great to do so much fun exercise and laugh with each other. Our young ladies need to be commended on their behaviour and attitude on camp. They have made us very proud. Since camp, all our Room 1 students have written a lengthy recount for their own keepsakes. After all, these are memories we will treasure forever.
Ms Zorzo
“Afternoon of Art” recognition
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ONE Direction concertONE Direction concert
Compliments of Mission AustraliaCompliments of Mission Australia
SENIOR GIRLS WORK TRAINING
Term 3 Bec & Kira‐Lee enjoyed some work
training at a local Day Care Centre. From
these pictures below the little kids loved
them, we hope to see some amazing child
care teachers in the future.
FEATHERDALE WILDLIFE
This picture was a once in a lifetime opportunity to
capture. It was taken at Featherdale by our very own
Ms Wood and was way too unique not to share.
Well done, it is fantastic.
COMMUNITY ROOM
Read & Swap Trolley
If you are a keen reader and find the cost of reading newer
books too expensive, our Niland Community Room may
have the answer for you. We now have a Read & Swap
program where you come along trade in an old book and
swap it for one you have not read. Simply based on an
honesty system. We have had 60 books donated and
would like to see you all have the enjoyment of our books ,
our Senior Girls have joined in and are totally enjoying the
opportunity. Just call into Niland Office anytime and ask
to see the trolley.
On a Friday night earlier in the term Mrs Culgan and some family
members accompanied Jessica, Kira‐lee, Destiny and Britney to a
One Direction concert at the All Phones Arena. When we got there
we were delighted to see that we had box seats and that all food and
drinks were provided throughout the night, we had a great view of
the stage and we all felt very pampered. All the girls had a lot of fun.
Some of our favourite things from the night were the music and
dancing, not to mention the cute boys. We all feel really special to
have had the opportunity to go and we took lots of photos to
remember the occasion
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C ounsellor’s Corner
LINKS TO LEARNING
Throughout term 4, students at Niland School have been
lucky enough to have a magician visit their rooms and
teach them a trick or two. The students were captivated by
the Master of Magic, Lindsay who transformed our
classrooms into a learning, magical world. As you can see,
the students enjoyed the teachers having their turn of
being on the receiving end of the practical jokes. It really
was a treat and exciting moment that our students can
transform and use in their own world. We look forward to
seeing the 2014 show.
I CT Update
Looking for safe apps for your children to play on! Why
not go to the APP store and download this Assist Safety
App.
IAssistSafety App helps children learn protective behaviours. Using a hand IAssist Safety allows a child to identify 5 adults who they could ask for help if feeling unsafe. The hand assists children to remember their safe people. These 5 adults will help the child to be safe if they are scared, worried, sad or just need help. This App helps to give your child a voice in keeping themselves safe. Available in Google Play or the Apple Store.
Mr Finch
With the new year nearing, there is always so much to
remember. The following is a brief list of things for
children to return to school on 30th Jan 2013 with;
Coloured pencils, HB pencils, rubber, sharpener,
ruler.
School Uniform and shoes.
School shirts can be purchased through our school
direct.
Shirt are $19 each and Jackets $30.
Navy blue shorts can be purchased from Best & Less,
Big W etc. at a reasonable prices.
Mrs Spedding
Office Manager
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CONTACT US:
Principal: Mrs Renee Culgan
PH: 9628 6885
FAX: 9628 1550
www.niland-s.school.nsw.edu.au
niland.s.school
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