Term 3 Week 3
Freshwater State School
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23/15
Principal
Ms Vicki Sparkes
Deputy Principal
Mr Bob Lowth
Miss Martina Leiter
Business Services Manager
Mrs Anne Carson
Administration Officers
Mrs Jean Duncan
Mrs Kathy Smyth
Guidance Officer
Jane Brentnall – (Mon, Tue & Fri)
ABSENCES
 4058 9260
EMAIL
absences@freshwaterss.eq.edu.au
SCHOOL
 4058 9222
OFFICE HOURS
8:15am - 3:30pm
SCHOOL WEBSITE
www.freshwaterss.eq.edu.au
GENERIC EMAIL
the.principal@freshwaterss.eq.edu.au
NEWSLETTER EMAIL
newsletter@freshwaterss.eq.edu.au
SCHOOL OFFICE HOURS
Mon – Fri 8:15am – 3:30pm
UNIFORM SHOP HOURS
Tuesday
8:30 – 9am
Thursday
8:30 – 9am
OUTSIDE SCHOOL HOURS CARE
 4058 0252
EMAIL
oshckids@bigpond.net.au
FRESHWATER P&C OFFICE
 4055 2946
EMAIL
freshwaterpandc@bigpond.com
SCHOOL DENTIST CAIRNS NTH
 4226 4702
SCHOOLWATCH
13 17 88
DATES TO REMEMBER
29 July
8 Aug
31 July
24-28 Aug
18 Sep
6 Oct
11 Dec
Limberlost Café performance
FSS FETE DAY – 3pm
Yr 6 CIAF Tour
Book Week
Last day of Term 3
First day of Term 4
Last day of school year
28 July 2015
FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S DESK
Senior Playground
I love the new playground installed by the P&C and so do our students. We have needed to
set a roster for year levels as we can’t all fit on it at the same time. I have been out in the
playground a lot this week to help with the excitement of accessing the new playground.
Please remember that this equipment was designed for older students and is not suitable
for junior school students. We do not allow the big kids to take over the junior equipment as
it is designed for smaller students.
I have come across a few students forgetting our school processes. Please discuss these
with your child.
• Students are not allowed on playground equipment before school.
• Students need to be supervised by their parent if playing on equipment after school.
• Students leave equipment when the Outside School Hours Care bell rings (usually 3:15-3:20pm).
• Students wear hats to access outside play.
• Students eat food in the Canopy or Undercover area, not in the playground.
Mobile phones & electronic devices
Please remember that there is a school wide ban on personal use of these devices at
school. Students should not have mobile phones at school. If they are required to bring a
phone to school then it must be switched off and signed in at the Administration Office in
the morning and signed out at the end of the school day. This policy was passed by staff
and P&C in 2010 and is our current stance. Staff cannot guarantee the security of phones
or electronic devices that are kept in school bags.
These devices are distracters in class so are not allowed in classrooms. They can also be
used inappropriately in the playground.
Previously, I had one female student
photographing students without their permission and displaying the less flattering photos.
As this is a severe breach of our code of behaviour and a form of bullying, these devices
are not allowed in the playground.
I appreciate that students do need to contact home if they have extended bus travel or are
involved in afterschool activities. I would like to ensure that their phones or electronic
devices are safe but not interfering with school.
Attendance
Attendance is still a big issue for our school. If your student is sick, it is important to contact
the school by note or phone call to notify of illness. There are various bugs going around,
but unless you contact the school, we are unaware if students are sick or playing!
If students are not sick, then they need to be at school. Students that miss too many days
from school lose the continuity of their educational program. Then they don’t want to come
to school because the work is too hard. It is important to come every day.
From Thursday, I will be away for a week with the Queensland Schools U12 Girls Hockey
team. They will be playing against the other states in Perth. Mr Lowth will be Acting
Principal while I am away. He will be working from his usual desk so please contact him if
you have concerns while I am away.
Have a great week!
Vicki Sparkes
LOTE CONGRATULATIONS
Congratulations to the following students who participated in the Languages Speaking
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Competition (Japanese) today, Tuesday 28 July.
Melissa Webb
Lucinda Ericson
Sho Maruyama
Jessica Clarke
Pia Fehlberg
Carol Guerra
Poppy Cahill
Carmen Haug
Sana Ito Pushenjak
Dylan McCartney
Dylan Northcott
Lyon Price
They performed so well and many teachers complimented them on their effort,
pronunciation and behaviour throughout the day. Well done to Lyon Price who came first in
the background speakers’ section for Year 4 & 5 students. Certificates will be handed out
to these people on parade once they are sent to the school. Thank you also to the parents
who attended and helped with transporting students to and from the competition.
Well done everyone!
Mrs Fulwood
Email: newsletter@freshwaterss.eq.edu.au
School Phone Number: 4058 9222
FRESHIE ‘BUTTERFLY WINGS’ COMMENCING FRIDAY 7th AUGUST
Did you know that traditional nursery rhymes and songs are the building blocks for language
and literacy learning and development? The Butterfly Wings Child Parent Program is a group
learning experience for parents/carers and children (2-5 years) focusing on the pleasure and
power of using nursery rhymes, interactive songs and stories together.
You are invited to attend —
Where: Library Conference Room (please enter through the door closest to the school office building).
When: On Fridays, starting 7th August from 9:00am to 10:30am.
What to bring: You and your child/children (1-2 per family) and a healthy snack for your child.
Cost: FREE
What Happens At Butterfly Wings
Each group of parents and children meets once per week. Parents and children learn nursery rhymes,
songs and simple stories together improving language and vocabulary, early literacy, early numeracy,
emotional intelligence and developing social and resilience skills.
Both returning and new families are welcome. If you need more information please see Neree in PNM.
GOOD LUCK CHRISTOPHER!
Good Luck to Christopher Fry who is representing Freshwater SS at the Challenge Games in Townsville this
week. Have fun Christopher!
CONGRATULATIONS
The following students have received a Merit Award (left 2 columns) for Good Behaviour and/or Academic Achievement
and Tough Cookie Award (right 2 columns).
Merit Awards
Tough Cookie Awards
PAM
Carisse B
PKW
Noah G
PAM
Billie M
PKW
Chloe C
PNM
Dom H
PRW
Kody B
PNM
Felix J
PRW
Violet E
1EH
Freya S
1GW
Shina B & Ghalia K
1EH
Will P
1GW
Yalena GH
1MD
Ellie H
1SB
Tayson O
1MD
Grace E
1SB
Grace M
2CG
Soraya N
2DO
Mathew C
2CG
Charlie I
2DO
Ben W
2RO
Alice E
2AS
Hugo M
2RO
Tyler D
2AS
Ellie R
2AY
Abigail L
3AM
Maddix S
2AY
Aiden M
3AM
Keera F
3JR
Emma L
3NT
James H
3SS
Madison V
4KW
Dinil B
3SS
Joshua W
4KW
Ra F
4LD
Meg G
4NS
Tomos O
4LD
Kira A
4NS
Ben C
5JP
Jett B
5SW
Poppy R
5JP
Declan O
5SW
Samantha R
5PG
Lyon P
5SM
Chloe M
5PG
Paityne B
5SM
Kyle M
6JD
Jordan L
6BU
Kira Y
6JD
Jesse C
6BU
Oliver M
PE
Aleece B – 2DO
LOTE
Crystal R – 4SG
PE
Preston B – 3
LOTE
Jake GH – 3JR
3NT
Tom C
PREP ENROLMENTS FOR 2016
st
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Do you have a younger sibling due to enrol in Prep next year? Children born between 1 July 2010 and 30
June 2011 are eligible for Prep in 2016. Please complete an enrolment form (available from the school office
or www.freshwaterss.eq.edu.au) as soon as possible and return it to the office. Birth certificate and
immunisation records must be produced.
PLACES AVAILABLE TO LEARN A BAND INSTRUMENT - MR FOX
Recently 3 instruments have become available and I have the space to start a beginners group. I am looking
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for interested students in Year 5 or taller Year 4 children to come forward for tryouts on Wednesday 5
August, first lunch in Week 4. If you would like the opportunity of trying out, please email jfox30@eq.edu.au by
Friday of this week.
Instruments available: They are all large instruments and require students with average to above average
height.
2x Tenor Saxophone
1x Bass Clarinet
BAND PERFORM @ LIMBERLOST TOMORROW MORNING
Reminder to families and friends about our performance tomorrow.
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When:
Wednesday 29 July from 8:15 – 8:45am
Where:
On the deck @ Vines Café
Café open for business (please support our friends who support us).
Jason Fox, Instrumental Music Teacher
School Phone Number: 4058 9222
Email: newsletter@freshwaterss.eq.edu.au
RESULTS FROM PLANT FREE DRESS DAY
Many thanks to our FSS families for supporting our Free Dress Day last week. As well as a huge array of
plants brought in, we also had $288.35 donated to put towards the fete. Thank you to the students for
remembering to dress SunSmart.
STATEMENTS OF ACCOUNT
Statements are being posted home this week and we advise that Levy amounts still outstanding are now
overdue. Please arrange payment in full ASAP or alternatively organise an appointment with the Principal
to discuss a payment plan.
LOTE
Natsuyasumi – Summer Holiday. Between 21st July and 31st August, school children in Japan have
summer holidays. This is typically the rainy season, similar to January - February in Cairns. During
this period there are summer festivals all over Japan, and families may visit the beach, or go to the
mountains in search of cooler weather. Students will also usually have summer holiday homework to do,
and may have to participate in school club activities.
FUSION TENNIS SCHOOL CHALLENGE
Last Sunday the third round on the Fusion Tennis School Challenge was held at Freshwater Tennis Club.
Congratulations to Sergio Debuque, Max Carpenter, Dylan Northcott, William, Matilda and
Angus Cleland, Silas Gregory, Bianca Poropat, Katie Massaso, Stevie Moore, Ava and
Dylan Bramham-Whyte, Jorgie Rainbird, Robert Fitton and Aidan Firman for representing
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Freshwater SS so well at this event. Freshwater was placed 4 overall. Our students
played with great sportsmanship against students from TAS, Caravonica, Redlynch, St.
Andrews, Holy Cross, Mother of Good Counsel and Trinity Beach. Well done to our tennis representatives.
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The next School Challenge is Sunday 16 August from 9am at Trinity Beach Tennis Club. Anyone can join
in and play for our school – no experience necessary!
Mrs Knight
SCHOOL HOOPS @ FRESHWATER – Still a few vacancies
Cam Tragardh and Alex Loughton from the Cairns Taipans have developed ‘School Hoops’ - an
after school Basketball program. They will commence their 8 week program in the Canopy from
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3–4pm this Thursday 30 July. The cost is $80 which needs to be paid before the program
begins. The program is limited to 30 students from Prep to Year 6, so first in first best dressed!
Please see Mrs Knight for further information and collect an application form from the Office.
MONSTER RAFFLE TICKETS
Let’s make 2015 a record year for ticket sales. With such great prizes these tickets practically sell
themselves! Please return all sold ticket stubs and money to the office. If you are unable to sell your tickets
please return them ASAP to the office as we have families wanting additional books of tickets to sell. The
school is accountable for each and every ticket, so it is important that you return sold and/or unsold tickets to
the office. Thank you.
CRAFT STALL - Handmade Lap Quilt
We have a beautiful lap quilt displayed in the office foyer donated to our Craft Stall by
Pam Moore. Tickets are just $1 each. Good luck!
Margo Gadd & Sue Wilson 5SW
EARN & LEARN
It's back! Woolworths Earn & Learn. Freshwater State School has benefited enormously
from this fundraiser in the past and it’s simple to participate. Our Student Council is collecting
the “Earn and Learn” stickers from Woolworths. This is a great promotion for those families
that shop at Woolworths as the student council is able to trade stickers for school resourcesmicroscopes, maths blocks, reading resources, consumables, calculators ……….If you shop at
Woolworths, please ask for the stickers. Anyone from our school community who shops at
Woolworths can collect stickers to place on sticker sheets. They'll get one sticker for every $10 they spend. Once they
complete their sticker sheets collect them up and bring them to class for collection by our student council members.
Sticker sheets are available from your child’s classroom or you can print them off the website at
woolworths.com.au/earnandlearn
Please return full sheets or stickers to your child’s class or the “Earn and Learn” box in the office.
School Phone Number: 4058 9222
Email: newsletter@freshwaterss.eq.edu.au
EXPRESSION OF INTEREST
Parent/Caregiver Representative
Cairns Special School Stakeholder Reference Group
Location
Cairns, Far North Queensland
Role Type
Voluntary, Part-time, Temporary
Duration
August 2015 – December 2016
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Closing Date
Friday 7 August, 2015
Contact
Vicki Hartley, Education Advisor
Expressions of interest are sought for the voluntary position of Parent/Caregiver Representative on the Cairns Special
School Stakeholder Reference Group. This role is part-time and temporary.
The successful applicant will represent the interests of parents/caregivers and students at approximately four meetings
per year until the opening of the school in January 2017. A P&C will be established for the school in October 2016.
How to apply
Applicants are required to submit the following by email:

A statement outlining your interest in and suitability for this position (maximum 1 page)

Contact details of two referees
To submit an application or for further information regarding this position, please contact:
Vicki Hartley, Education Advisor, Far North Queensland Regional Office
E: Vicki.Hartley@dete.qld.gov.au T: 4037 3921
PARENTING IDEAS
Do you let your kids amaze you?
By Michael Grose, Director Parentingideas 2015
“I'm amazed at what children CAN do when given the opportunity and encouragement. I love the pride, confidence and
sense of purpose/ pleasure in contributing, each new skill achieved brings. The smiles are awesome too.”
A mother left this comment on our Facebook page recently in response to our post: “What would be the impact if you did
less, not more for your children?”
Lovely answer!
It got me thinking that the joy that this mother took from watching her children develop independence was no accident.
Her parenting style played a large role in her children’s independence. All power to her and her parenting style!
I’ve long believed that adults are the gatekeepers for children’s independence.
We open the gate to independence when we give children opportunities to develop self-help skills (carry their own
schoolbags, get themselves up in the morning, tidy their own rooms); provide them with real responsibility (feeding pets,
setting the meal table and preparing meals) and give them autonomy to make some of their own decisions (choosing
clothes within limits, following own interests, making choices about pocket-money spending).
We close the independence gate when we do too much for children (tidy their toys away, pack their schoolbags, make
simple snacks); rescue them from learning opportunities (take forgotten lunches to school, sort out their friendship
problems, pay their library fines) and neglect to build scaffolds to independence (such as help them make their bed, walk
half way to school, teach them to ride public transport).
It’s a quirk of parenting that many children think they are older than they are, and parents think their children are
younger than they are. We underestimate children’s abilities to the detriment of their development.
Are you an opener or closer of the gate to children’s independence?
Think of independence as a continuum with opening the gate and closing the gate at either end. If your parenting is more
at the closing end then look for ways to move down the continuum towards independence building. My advice is to make
small adaptations to your parenting. For instance, start with a child making their own snacks before moving to helping
you to prepare a meal. But first you need to develop a mindset for independence building. That means, be on the lookout
for opportunities for children to do things for themselves.
As many readers will know I firmly believe that the job of parents is to make ourselves redundant from the earliest
possible age of a child’s life. That means, that our interactions with kids have an endgame in mind – we want our kids to
be able to stand on their own two feet physically (Don’t we get a kick out of them walking for the first time!),
emotionally (with support, of course) and to navigate their world without being reliant on others.
There is no better feeling as a parent than watching your child beam with joy and pride when they’ve mastered a new
skill, overcome a challenge or conquered a fear. It’s those times that make parenting so worthwhile. Those awesome
smiles won’t happen by accident. They require a parenting style that gives kids a chance to be independent; that
encourages them to be brave and offers them the safety net of emotional support when life throws them curve balls.
Why not try it? Give your kids a chance to amaze you.
If the idea of promoting real independence in kids enthuses you then join me at Parentingideas Club where week in and
week out I’ll show you how to raise kids that will amaze you. Find out more
Email: newsletter@freshwaterss.eq.edu.au
School Phone Number: 4058 9222
GENERAL NOTICES
RAISING RESILIENT TEENAGERS
What: Free online program empowering parents to make sense of adolescence
& parent their teenager more confidently
Who: Seeking English speaking parent/guardians of child/ren 12-15yrs with
internet access
Register: www.parentingstrategies.net/depression.brief.intervention or for
further details contact the researchers at medparentingstrategies@monash.edu or call 03 9905 1250
BRINGING UP GREAT KIDS
What: 4wk course to help overcome some of the obstacles getting in the way of
being the parent you want to be
Where: UnitingCare Community, 98 Birch St, Manunda
When: Mondays 10th August to 31st August from 9:30am to 12pm
Cost: Free (child minding not available)
Contact: 4050 4955 (booking essential)
JCU OPEN DAY 2015
Where: JCU Cairns Campus
When: Sunday 23rd August from 11am to 3pm
HOLY CROSS PARISH CATHOLIC RECONCILIATION PROGRAM
Not too late –
Reconciliation Parent Evening was held on Tuesday 28th July, at St Andrew’s
College, Intake Rd, Redlynch.
On Tuesday evening, a Parents Evening was held for Catholic children in Year
3 & above, who wished to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation this year.
If you were not able to attend this meeting and you still want your child to
receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation, please give me your email or postal
address, & I will send you an enrolment form. A copy of the child’s Baptismal
Certificate must be handed in with Enrolment Form OR Baptisms can be
arranged by phoning the Parish Office. REMEMBER children need to receive
the Sacrament of Reconciliation this year (2015), if they want to receive
Sacraments of Confirmation & First Holy Communion next year (2016).
Thresea Jankowski, State School RI Coordinator Mobile 0418 184 800
Email: mjankowski@cns.catholic.edu.au
HELP, I’VE GOT A TEENAGER!
What: 6wk course to help build a better relationship with your teen
Where: UnitingCare Community, 188 Aumuller St, Bungalow
When: Tuesdays 11th August to 15th September from 5:30pm to 8pm
Cost: $60 per participant or parent couple, inc. handouts, tea/coffee
Contact: 4050 4955
CAIRNS FAMILY BIKE RIDE
What: To Raise awareness & funds for the Declan Crouch Fund
When: Sunday 23rd August from 6:30am
Where: Sound Shell, Fogarty Park, Cairns Esplanade
Who: Family registrations from 8am. Adult Cyclists from 6:30am
Major prize for highest fund raiser. Register: www.familybikeride.org.au
SPECIAL FAMILY SCREENING ‘INSIDE OUT’ TO SUPPORT FNQ
HOSPITAL FOUNDATION
When: Sunday August 2nd @ 10am
Where: Event Cinemas Cairns City, Grafton St
What: Movie ‘Inside Out’. Your donation will support Cardiac Challenge Cairns
to Cooktown Bike Ride. Tickets limited.
RSVP: rsvp_cardiac@hotmail.com
CAIRNS BMX ‘COME N TRY DAY’
Where: Cairns BMX, Scott St, Cairns
When: August 1st from 12-4pm
Bring: Bike, helmet, gloves, enclosed shoes, long pants & long sleeve shirt
Contact: 4031 2728 or check out their Facebook page
GIRL GUIDES
Girls between 5-17yrs can become a Girl Guide. Girls in Guiding achieve
goals, improve communities & grow in confidence. Guiding is for adults as well
Any woman 18yrs & older who is prepared to make the Guide Promise can be
an adult member. Take advantage of the personal & professional development
opportunities that Guiding offers. Develop skills in areas such as leadership,
event planning, advocacy, communications & more.
To Begin Your Adventure
Contact: Melanie 0416 041 510 or email melpor26@gmail.com
NEWS FROM FRESHIE CAFÉ
Hello from Di & Manfred
Thank you to Jenny and Tomoko for their assistance last week.
Parents – please remember to place a spoon in your child’s lunch box if they have something that requires a
spoon.
Treat of the week:
Cheese Sticks ············· 3 for $1.00
Have a great week and happy tuckshopping
Di Chattington and Manfred Richter
BIG ‘KIDS’ AT PLAY!
Trying out the NEW Upper School
Fitness Adventure Playground
This week students from all the upper school
classes have been treated to new playground
equipment. It was a great surprise to arrive back
from holidays to find the fabulous new challenges
in our playground. Mrs Knight has been busy
demonstrating safe strategies for its use and it
seems she too has had a good time testing her
balance and fitness!
We would like to thank everyone who helped
with its installation. We have ALL enjoyed
scrambling, climbing, balancing, and viewing
the spectacular sites from top!
b Y
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Freshie Fete News
Saturday, 8 August 2015
Dear Dads & Mums,
There is only 11 days left until the fete
and we are in great need of some help:
 Equipment Team (just an hour or two
between 8am—10am/7pm—9pm
Saturday
and 8am—11am Sunday) PLEASE call Julie
0421 245 126 or email jmiller@ecocivilsolutions.com.au
 Parking Attendants (2.30pm-4.00pm
3
volunteers
for
30
minutes
28 July — Issue 8
Japanese Stall
We need lots of volunteers to roll sushi
on the morning of the Fete between
9am—12noon at OSHC.
If you can help please contact
Miyuki Hardes on 0422 100 995
or email: abmiyuki24@gmail.com
—
each)
PLEASE call Karen 0438 748 986.
"ALL FAMILIES - PLEASE BAKE"
Big donations of clothes, books and
treasures are down this year so we have
decided to extend the drop off time until
this Friday, 31 July to the P & C Office.
Thanks to our quiet achiever and prize
finder extraordinaire, Linden Parsons, the
Silent Auction is back on!! Here are just
some of the great gifts up for grabs:
Tablet donated by Crisci family, Wine Basket - Wine Tradition NQ, Cricket Bag AutoBarn $100, Shirts North $200 voucher,
Ochre $80 voucher,
Rising Sun $100
Voucher, Hair Creations Redlynch Gift
Pack, La Fettacina $ 50 voucher, Ma Coco
$50 voucher, and Lime Tree $60 voucher.
It's time to find your favourite recipes and
bake. Cupcakes, biscuits, cakes and slices will
all be gratefully accepted at the Cupcake
Stall (located under the Canopy) on fete day.
Please refer to the following food safety
factsheet http://www.health.qld.gov.au/
foodsafety/documents/fs-4-hygiene.pdf
Please provide a list of all ingredients used,
and avoid using cream, custard, strawberries
and nuts.
Please also consider glutenfree and dairy-free baking.
Together we can make the
Cupcake/Home-baked Stall
a great success for 2015!
Keep informed with our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/events/979095212109441/
Cake Stall
On Monday the eldest
child from each family will receive a cake
box to take home and decorate. There will
be a competition on the day of the fete
for the best decorated boxes with
wonderful prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd places
in each year level . The prize for first
place for each year level is a Double pass
to the Jump Mania opening party!!!
In many families more than one child will
want to enter the competition, so please
collect extra boxes from the front office,
remembering that each decorated box
must have a home-baked cake inside.
For the box to enter the competition
there must be a home-baked cake
placed in the box.
A beautiful "Michelle Foord Cake" will be
raffled at the cake stall. Tickets are
available now at the front office between
8am- 9am for $1 each!
Freshie Fete patrons are in for a real treat
this year. The fabulous staff at Sipping Duck
Coffee Roasters have not only kindly donated
their very special coffee to sell at this year’s
Tea & Coffee Stall, they are also bringing
their own equipment and barista!!
An
enormous thank you to Sipping Duck Coffee
Roasters, Stratford, we can’t wait for a
fabulous coffee!.
Wonderfair:
Freshie Fete ride tickets
are now available from the school office from
8am—9am. CASH ONLY Note: Tickets sold
separately for the Octopus Ride.
Sponsors
Freshie families, please support our fabulous sponsors of the Freshie Fete 2015
Keep informed with our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/events/979095212109441/