Thursday, November 22, 2012 37/12 Year 6 Visit Canberra BIDDABAH PUBLIC SCHOOL phone 4954 6058 fax 4956 6780 page 1 Dear Parents, Last week we congratulated Mrs Burton on her appointment to Biddabah School as our new Assistant Principal. I would also like to welcome Ms Carla Morrison from Terrigal PS as our second Assistant Principal. Dressed in full school uniform, they visited Parliament House and watched as a bill was passed in The Senate. At each venue a passport-like form was stamped so our school could receive the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate. Mrs Burton’s position replaces Mrs Sandy Hunkin (now retired) but Carla’s position is new. Because our enrolment is increasing we are now entitled to a fourth Assistant Principal and Carla was selected to be that AP. Mrs Burton, Ms Minett and Mrs Dutch (rel) are the others. We are not finished yet. Mrs Ferguson has retired and now we have been asked to interview for her Assistant Principal position. The selection process will take place before the end of the year. Congratulations also need to go to Mr Wilson who has been selected in a permanent position by Valentine School. We are all very happy for Dan, but sad to see him go. Dan is the second of our top male teachers who have won permanent positions in other schools. You will recall that recently Mr Asquith was selected by Lakes Anglican Grammar at Warnervale. Year 6 Canberra Excursion 2012 The students gasped at the 360 degree view of Canberra from both Telstra Tower on Black Mountain and from the lookout at Mt Ainslie. They roared with the dinosaurs on a night tour of the National Dinosaur Museum and saw the heart of the famous race horse Phar Lap at the National Museum of Australia! Year 6 have returned from a highly successful excursion to the National Capital with loads of new knowledge about how government works, how our electoral system operates and with a new respect for those people who have given their lives in war to make our country as great as it is today. On the journey home the bus was reminiscent of Christmas morning with the children unwrapping the parcels they purchased from the shop at Questacon. This hands-on science discovery zone was a highlight for the students because they were able to see how many of the wonders of the science world work. 57 students, 5 parents, Mr Harris and Mrs Dutch, enjoyed a jam-packed three days exploring Canberra and visiting many interesting places. They visited the Australian Institute of Sport and saw the high-tech $17million pool, took part in an election at the Australian Electoral Commission and re-enacted a speech by the Governor General in Old Parliament House. BIDDABAH PUBLIC SCHOOL phone 4954 6058 The excursion was a valuable experience and was not possible without the incredible support from Danny Chard, Nicole Harrison, Wendy Lugg, Lisa Hickson and Suzanne Kildey. Thanks to all of you from all of us! Jenny Dutch Excursion Co-ordinator fax 4956 6780 page 2 100 nights = BRONZE 150 nights = SILVER 200 nights = GOLD 250 nights = DIAMOND Remember: children must be 13 years of age or older to create a Facebook account. A Covered Walkway to the Hall Reading every night is a habit we should not break but for the purpose of the 2012 Principal’s Reading Challenge the last day to be eligible for rewards at the School Service Assembly on December 10 will be: Friday 30th November Congratulations 100 nights of reading When school resumes in 2013 we should be able to walk from the library to the hall in the rain and not get wet. Bronze Certificate Both the school and the P&C have kicked the ‘Till’ to authorise the construction of a Covered Walkway from the school library to the school hall. The school’s contribution was tied to the hall building project and the P&C contribution comes from fundraising. Riley New Eli Sharman Lachlan Keenan Sarah Filip Congratulations 150 nights of reading So yes! Thanks a bunch! Silver Certificate WE SAY NO TO PEANUTS, AND ALL NUT PRODUCTS AT BIDDABAH SCHOOL Saxon Thompson-Barber Stella Geres Rebecca Dumas Jayden Marriott Blake Robinson Congratulations 200 nights of reading Fete Wish List At last night’s P&C Meeting President Stuart received a Wish List from the Biddabah teachers for spending the money raised at the School Fete. P&C will not be spending all the near on $17 000 raised at this time but the children will certainly benefit in a variety of ways as consideration is given to the teacher’s list. Gold Certificate Joel Gulliver Congratulations 250 nights of reading Diamond Certificate Abigail Gooch Ethan Cowling Taylah Cowling Overseas Teacher Interns In April 2013 Biddabah looks like inviting two young ladies from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania to intern at our school for seven weeks. They will need accommodation in the community. If you feel you can help or would like more information, see the not at the end of this newsletter. Biddabah School Magazine orders $20 Page 3 Jayden Matthews Because Friday assemblies have finished for the year, the Principal’s Reading Challenge and Green Plover Awards will be presented at the Monday morning assembly. The Reverse Christmas Tree has now been decorated in the school foyer. Bronze Ethan Cowling Noah Mudford Taylah Cowling Mikayla Hindmarch Rebecca Dumas Mia Reid Hayden Reay Crystal Lang-Piason Camille Mossman Lucy Reid Abbey Hindmarch Melanie Hain Eleanor Davies Kobe Masterson Cameron White Silver Brianna Cross Amy Hain Fleur Davies Now we are ready to accept any gifts, from students or parents who would like to contribute, to give to children in our community who are less fortunate than we are. If you are interested in helping others, just wrap your present, label it with a tag indicating whether it suits a boy or a girl (or both) and what age would be best. Then bring it in and put it under our tree. Mrs Keogh and the librarians have commenced the Library Stocktake for 2012 Biddabah School Magazine orders $20 Page 4 Today’s featured class is 5G. Similes and metaphors 5G worked in groups and were given the beginning of a simile or metaphor and had to finish them. We hope you enjoy them! By Renae Cleary, Dante Grine, Tahnee Marriott, Mackenzie Dennis, Noah Adam and Cady Lane: Congratulations to the following students for achieving a Gold Certificate in the School Banking Program: Max Muraro Aleisha Sinclair Aidan Davis Congratulations to the following students for achieving an Outstanding Certificate in the School Banking Program: Emma Gulliver WANTED: Students to take up an instrument in our fantastic school band. Mr Ward, is especially, looking for anyone interested in playing the drums, but all instruments are available on excellent terms. Research into a musical education has shown positive outcomes for student’s learning in all areas. If anyone is interested please see Mr Ward on Tuesday mornings or Mrs Broxom for details. Thank you. Biddabah School Magazine orders $20 As heavy as a grey elephant As hard as a metal jackhammer She has skin like tortoise shell As cool as a winter breeze As quick as The Incredibles He was as slow as someone caught in slow motion Slippery like a tarp with soapy water on it As smooth and slippery as an eyeball It was as bumpy as a speed hump followed by a pot hole As sweet as fresh honey As sour as a Warhead As bright as the sun As slow as a fat turtle By Aaron Watt, Emily Creely, Byron Wiseman, Lexi-Le Owen and Benjamin Glover: As heavy as an enormous elephant As cold as the floor of an ice-skating ring As hard as rock She has skin like an old crocodile As cool as a summer breeze in your hair As quick as flash! He was slow like an obese turtle Slippery like a slimy soap sliding down a water slope As smooth as butter being spread on a baby’s bottom It was as bumpy as a teenager’s pimply face As sweet as a grandmother’s treats It was sweet and sour like a lemon sorbet As bright as the sun at midday As slow as an obese snail and overweight turtle put together By Noah Andriessen, Thomas Chock, Deklan Ansems, Abbey Hindmarch, Joshua Keenan and Emily Cross As heavy as a hairy hippopotamus As cold as icy hail As hard as Superman’s six-pack She has skin as smooth as a baby’s bottom As cool as a cucumber As quick as a flash of lighting Slippery like a slip-and-slide As smooth as a puppy’s silky fur It was as bumpy as crocodile skin As sweet as a thousand lollies As slow as a dead snail Page 5 By Beaudean Millward, Tyler Sutcliffe, Ben Spinks, Izabella Alexander, Luke Gearing and Britney Daley: As heavy as a huge Blue whale As cold as frostbite As hard as a villain’s heart As quick as Usain Bolt He was slow like a sloth Slippery like a snake covered in butter, on ice As smooth as a baby’s bottom covered in talcum powder It was as bumpy as a crocodile’s hide As sweet as a cute kitten As sour as a lemon Warhead As bright as a lamp As slow as a sloth with broken bones By Ryan Crew, Lachlan Swan, Manuela Terreiro, Emily Stent, Samuel Law and Blake Phelps As heavy as a White Whale As cold as a crocodile in a cooler As hard as titanium advil She has skin like a piece of bark As cool as a cucumber As quick as a cheater He was slow like a Sunday driver Slippery like a mossy rock at the beach As smooth as a baby’s bottom It was as bumpy as crocodile skin As sweet as a lamington pie As sour as a lemon and lime lollipop As bright as a sunny day As slow as a sloth in hibernation We have received the draft copy of the 2012 Biddabah School Magazine edited by Mr Wilson and Mr Asquith and packed to the brim with class and sport photos. This year the magazine will cost you $20 Year 1 & 2 End of Year Fun Day permission note Year 3 & 4 End of Year Movie Day permission note ABSENCES, LATE or EARLY LEAVERS At Biddabah we now use computer roll marking. This means the system will generate a note to you for any unexplained absences. Late children should be accompanied and signed in by a parent otherwise an explanation request will be sent home. Biddabah School Magazine orders $20 Page 6 EXCURSIONS & PAYMENTS DUE DATE Year 2 Wetlands Thursday 29 November Due by Friday 23 November Year 5/6 Big Day Out Monday 17 December Due by Monday 10 December Stage 2 End of Year Fund Day Monday 17 December Due by Wednesday 12 December Year 1 & 2 End of Year Picnic Monday 17 December Due by Wednesday 5 December Parents are advised that no payment will be accepted after the due date unless approved by the organising teacher. TOMORROW Friday Year 2 Learn to Swim (last day) Second Semi Final of the Public Speaking in the hall (no assembly) The next meeting of the Biddabah P&C and School Council will be at 7.30pm on Apology Apologies to Newcastle Karate for their being omitted from last week’s newsletter. A big thank you for their kind donation. P & C Night Out Could those of you that received an invitation to the P & C night out being held next Wednesday evening at Warners at the Bay please RSVP to Mandy Swan on 0432 310 741 by Monday 26th November for catering purposes. For the latest P&C News email pandc@biddabah.com.au NEXT WEEK Monday Tuesday Wednesday ALL 2013 Kindergarten Orientation 9.15-10.45am Thursday Final of the Public Speaking in the hall 10.00am Grandparents Day (see information sheet) Friday Wk Year 6 Orientation Day at Warners Bay High SCHOOL DIARY 9 December 3 10 December 10 11 December 17 Scripture Assembly (Tue) 2013 PREFECT VOTING (Fri) Year 6 Dinner (Mon) Prefects Lunch (Tue) Benefactors Morning Tea (Wed) Christmas Jingles (Wed) Mugs Cup (Wed) Year 6 Graduation BIG DAY OUT (Mon) Presentation Day (Tue) School Council/P&C (Wed) Y6 CLAP OUT (Wed) Canteen News Next Friday 30 November will be a “RED DAY”. Cans of softdrink will be for sale for $1.50 each and “lollies” 20c - $1.00. As of next week juice bombs have increased in price from $1.50 to $1.70 The canteen roster for Term 1 2013 is now in the canteen. Please pop in and put your name down. We still have spots that need filling in the roster for this term, please pop in and put your name down or alternatively contact Mandy Swan on 0432 310 741 or canteen@biddabah.com , your children will love it. CANTEEN ROSTER Mon Nov 26 Kylie Hindmarch, HELP NEEDED Tue Nov 27 Paula Boersma Wed Nov 28 Sue MacLeod, Tracie Lavelle Thu Nov 29 Rajka Alexander, Christine Law Fri Nov 30 Tracie Lavelle, Liz Dabelstein, Ellen Williams, Michelle Crossley Biddabah School Magazine orders $20 Page 7 STOP PRESS, REMINDERS, LOST & FOUND Miss Betty Dimple did not cut her finger NEXT WEEK’S UNIFORM SHOP MONDAY 2.30-3.00pm Nicole Stone TUESDAY CLOSED ADVERTISING COSTS Roadside Sign in Medcalf Street Your business can advertise on our roadside sign. Advertisers are offered one of the eight places for an annual fee of $500. If you are interested in taking up this offer, please contact the principal: Mr. Graeme Mason. Newsletter Advertising Costs (incl. GST) WEDNESDAY MORNING 8.30 – 9.00am Jenny Preston WEDNESDAY PM 2.30-3.00pm Kim Gulliver Business Card Size $14.33 (week) $85.80 (term) ¼ Page $25 30 (week) $220 (year) THURSDAY CLOSED FRIDAY 2.30-3.00pm Nicole Reid ½ Page $41.80 (week) Full Page $69.30 (week) Distribute Your Pamphlets $25.00 (week) SPECIAL OFFER 1 Year $220.00 BOOKCLUB ORDERS DUE 23rd November ¼ Page Advertisement This newsletter is produced each Thursday by the students and staff of Biddabah Public School. For further information phone 4954 6058 Subscriptions can be mailed each week for $12/term or $25/year. Contact Christine or Michelle for details. OTHER NOTES SENT HOME THIS WEEK Wed Year 1 & 2 End of Year Fun Day SCHOOL HALL BOOKINGS Advertisers please contact Christine or Michelle to negotiate special rates. Parents are reminded that paid advertisements are not necessarily endorsed by the school, but they do assist with the costs of publication. Graeme Mason Principal Bookings for Biddabah’s Communal Hall can be made with the principal. 4954 6058 Biddabah School Magazine orders $20 Page 8 Biddabah School does not necessarily endorse paid advertising in this Newsletter Neck Pain? You guessed it, adjustments can help that too. In fact, new research confirms that adjustments should be your first line of defence. Be able to turn your head again so you can reverse your car properly, stop taking pain killers, and feel good. Are you ready to fix it? Call Dr Jason for a FREE Consultation to see if we can help you! Biddabah is a cool school Page 1 We are inviting GRANDPARENTS to a special day starting on Thursday, 29th November at 10.00am In the School Hall for the FINALS of the Biddabah School PUBLIC SPEAKING competition PARENTS (without toddlers) and GRANDPARENTS are invited. GRANDPARENT’S DAY 11.00am All GRANDPARENTS are invited to enjoy RECESS TIME with their grandchildren. The Canteen will be offering a special GRANDPARENTS menu. 11.30am GRANDPARENTS (only) visit their grandchildren’s classrooms. 12.00noon We hope our GRANDPARENTS will be able to: Tell us about when you were at school. Teach us some of the games you played. OVERSEAS STUDENT TEACHING INDIANA UNIVERSITY PROGRAM for INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION I have received a request from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania USA to host two student teacher interns from April 2013 for a seven week practicum at Biddabah School. Participants are usually in their early 20s in their last year of teacher training. They come with full health cover and are carefully screened. The two female interns have requested a host family or families for the duration of their stay. The student pays the host family for board and they are advised that $200 a week is standard these days. Most school communities find the host family through the parent group or the school staff. A large number of schools: primary and secondary, government and private have participated in the program. At Floraville the P&C president put up their student and a community member from Teralba put up a student who was interning at Speers Point School. Hosts usually provide an evening meal and breakfast. Lunch is the student’s responsibility. Hosts would sort out issues like internet and phone. Features of the program • • • • • • • Students gain educational and cultural experiences through working and living in overseas locations. Students spend between 6‐8 weeks in schools Students stay in homes in the school community Students contribute towards their food and board ($200 a week) Students are qualified teachers who would normally work alongside teachers Students might gain from visits to other schools to view programs of interest Students could be called upon to talk to staff and students about their homeland, culture and educational organisation I would like to hear from any parent or teacher who would be willing to host one of the overseas interns for the duration of their stay. OVERSEAS STUDENT TEACHING I am interested hosting one of the overseas interns for the duration of their stay in April 2013. Please send further information Name _________________________________ Phone___________________________ Address _________________________________________________________________