Volume 2 - 14 February 2002
Week 3  Term1

 

Ph: 8381 7166
Fax: 8381 6041

Email:
 hvsadmin@happyvalley.sa.edu.au

Website:
 www.happyvalley.sa.edu.au

Inside this issue…
Fashion Statements, Sausage Sizzle, Fees, School Card, Kookaburra Council Leadership Team, LAP, Penny, Aust.Schools Competitions, Safe Environment for Children, Sport, OSHC, Parent Club, Kookaburra Café and photos.

Flyers - Term 1 Calendar and Acquaintance Night Information.

MIDDLE SCHOOLING ORIENTATION DAY FRIDAY 22 FEBRUARY

Each year we hold a special focus day to highlight the special expectations and considerations our Year 6&7 teachers give to our young adolescents.  The Middle Schooling Orientation Day is an opportunity for our Year 6&7 students to begin to recognise that their teachers understand the enormous physical, emotional and social changes that students go through during this period in their lives.  It is also a point at which we emphasis the importance we place on leadership skills, self-esteem, independence and interdependence.  This is a fabulous day, full of special activities and discussions.  A large number of parents are usually on hand to help with the special lunch and at least 8 staff members are involved in the activity sessions.

 

Emma Hillman (Year 6) prepares for the Winter Olympics.

 

PRESS STOPPED!

We apologise for the late delivery of this newsletter.  The photocopier broke down!
 

2001 AWARD WINNERS

At the very end of each year, at our Year 7 Graduation and final assembly, special school awards are presented, however, there is never a newsletter to announce the winners to the wider school community.  We thought we would take this opportunity to highlight the awards and to congratulate last year’s winners.

Each year we present two literary awards.  These awards are presented to a Year 6 and a Year 7 student for a piece of writing.  All Year 6&7 students are given a list of topics from which they must choose one.  They spend one full day on their writing.  Year R-5 teachers are asked to judge the (anonymous) pieces of writing.

The Sandra Kopli Memorial Prize, was won in 2001 by Year 6 student Bianca Gordon.

The Bettie Deering Memorial Prize, was won in 2001 by Year 7 student Kylie Tamblyn.

The Jo Mellor Maths Award is presented to the Year 7 student who has displayed outstanding mathematical skills throughout the year.  The winner of last year’s award was Stacey Moss.

Two students from each Year 7 class are chosen for the Leadership Awards.  These awards focus on the way students’ model leadership skills throughout the year.  Last year’s winners were:  Simon Werneke, Paige Cooper, Ashleigh Lyons and Matt Leach.

We congratulate these students and look forward to more fabulous efforts this year.
 

 

Please Note:
 Pupil Free Day
 Friday March 15

Governing Council has approved this day, when staff from all local public schools will be involved in a series of Training and Development workshops.

 

FRIENDS OF THE PANALATINGA RESERVE

We will be holding a working bee this Saturday 16 February from 1.30 to 4.00pm to organise the year's dates and activities and would love to see YOU there.

 
Page 2

Ms Gabb - Following on the voting theme from Saturday, students voted for their Kookaburra Council class representatives.

 

FASHION STATEMENTS AND MOBILE PHONES
 We generally have very good adherence to our school dress codes, and we feel the beginning of the year is a good time to remind students and parents, so that we maintain those high standards.  One reason for our dress code is to eliminate the need for students to make fashion statements with clothes and jewellery. 

All students are required to wear school uniform, including a school hat.  School hats are expected to be in good condition.  A new one should be purchased if the hat is torn or defaced in any way.

The school logo should be the only logo on clothing.   Students should not wear jewellery to school.  Studs or sleepers are the only suitable earrings.  Hair colour (eg red, blue, green) should not be worn; Sports day is the only time when this is acceptable.

This year a number of upper primary students have brought mobile phones to school.  We understand that there may be occasions when a parent may feel it is necessary for their child to have a mobile phone in their possession.  Our staff has discussed this issue and we have adopted the following procedures:

  • Students are not to have mobile phones in their possession during school hours.

  • If parents wish their child to have a mobile phone for contact outside school hours, a signed note in the student’s diary is required.

  • The phone needs to be handed to the front office staff at the beginning of the day and collected (and signed for) by the child at the end of the day.

  • If these procedures have not been followed, the phone will be confiscated from the student and the parent will be asked to collect it from the front office.

We hope this approach will minimise any problems with students having valuable communication devices at school.

 
POLLING DAY SIZZLES!
 Last Saturday a group of Pedal Prix parents and students worked through the day proving beautifully cooked sausages to voters and polling officials.  The sausage sizzle was not only a great promotion for the school, but raised $337 for this year's Pedal Prix project.  Well done to all the volunteers for their excellent work.

Mrs Saunders & Mrs Nicholson - Our Theme Boats.  We designed boats.  Then decided what materials were required.  Made them.  Experimented with them in water and then improved on them.

FEES PLEASE
A big thank you to those parents who have already paid school fees.  We know there is a real financial strain on families at this time of year.  We do, however, need those funds as soon as possible, in order to develop and maintain learning programs.  If it is difficult for some parents to get into the school personally to pay, and you wish to pay by bankcard, visa or mastercard, you can make payment by phone through Andrea (Tuesday to Friday).  As well, Andrea is happy to collect school fees at any time during these early weeks in the term.

As in the past we are happy to support those who are feeling the financial pinch, by negotiating payment of fees by regular instalments - just see Brian, Margaret or Andrea.

Final date for payments or making alternative arrangements is Monday, 4 March, 2002

School Card
 It is important that all eligible parents apply as soon as possible, otherwise the school’s income is substantially reduced and you’d be required to pay full fees.  This is most important, in our Partnerships 21 school.  The 2002 school card system provides assistance for education expenses for full time students of low-income families.

This year the application process has been simplified.  Any family, who is the holder of a health care card or pensioner concession card and wishes to apply for the school card assistance, need only fill in a School Card Application Form available from the School Office.  If you have been a recipient of School Card assistance in 2001, you must reapply at the School Office for 2002.

Parents who think they might be eligible – Please check with Andrea if you wish to apply for school card as the holder of a Centrelink Customer Reference Number or apply based on Hardship criteria.

On all applications for the School Card Scheme, it is necessary to sign a statement that the applicant is within the income limits listed below.

No. of children

$ per annum
gross

$ per week
gross

1

25,470

490

2

26,164

503

3

26,860

516

4

27,555

530

5

28,250

543

for each additional child

695 per annum

13 per week

Please respond to these notices as soon as possible – Thank You.

 
Page 3
Kookaburra Council Leadership Team

Congratulations to Josie Dimond (Treasurer), Cameron Lithgow (Chairperson) and Caitlin Betts (Secretary) who have just won these positions.  The selection process involved Year 6 & 7 students submitting written applications from which a small number of applicants were interviewed.  We were very impressed by the high quality of leadership and thinking demonstrated by all applicants. The leadership team will remain together for the year and is responsible for running our Kookaburra Council meetings and making sure that the actions that follow from the meetings help to ultimately create improved learning outcomes for students.  The team will be working with Mr Marshall and Mrs Ridge throughout the year.  Students who have been elected as Kookaburra Council class representatives for Terms 1&2 will be trained next week.
 

LEARNING MORE ABOUT LAP
 Next Wednesday morning 20 February from 9.30am until 10.30am we will have an information session about LAP.  This session will be a mix of general information about the program, what you can expect from students and teachers, to show what resources there are available as well as a time to ask questions.

This is an open invitation and attendance does not mean you have to become a volunteer.  We do have a toy box so having a toddler is not a problem.

The session will be held in the LAP area, on the northern side of our (Unit 1) Computer Room and will conclude with a 'cuppa & bikkies'.

Wendy Nicolle
LAP Coordinator
 
 

WE’RE THINKING OF PENNY

Penny Couche has been a temporary relieving teacher at this school for many years.  If fact she is considered a very dear member of staff.  Consequently we were all a little shocked last week when Penny announced that she has been diagnosed with breast cancer.  Our most recent news from Penny has been very positive and though she will not be working in the school for the next six months, while she recovers from treatment, we are sure we’ll see her cheery face around the school, from time to time.
 

AUSTRALIAN SCHOOLS
COMPETITIONS

Each year we encourage students to enter the University of New South Wales Australian Schools Competitions.  We see these competitions as worthwhile opportunities for students to gauge their level of skills against students from across the country.

The competitions are for Years 3-7 students at this school.  Today forms have been distributed to students who have expressed an interest in the competitions.  More forms are available from the front office.

Name of Competition

Entries Due at School before

Competition Date

Cost

School Coordinator

Science

25 Feb

7 May

$5

D’Arcy Jones

English

22 March

19 June

$5

Meridith Gabb

Maths

10 May

24 May

$5

Heather Bath

A SAFE ENVIRONMENT FOR YOUR CHILDREN.
We provide the following information on road safety to remind you of the importance of careful driving near schools.  The local council imposes the following parking and speed restrictions for the safety of your children.

Local Councils impose a variety of parking restrictions at and near schools to achieve a safer environment for your children.  These restrictions are also to optimise traffic safety and movement.

NO STOPPING ZONES  These zones are usually adjacent to school entrances and the approach and departure sides of school crossings.  You must not stop your vehicle in a no stopping zone, not even for a few seconds.

NO PARKING ZONES.  You may stop in a No Parking zone to immediately pick up or let down your child.  No Parking zones are to ensure a quick and smooth turnover of vehicles.

SCHOOL CROSSINGS  You cannot stop within 20m of the approach side or 10m of the departure side of a school crossing.

DOUBLE PARKING Creates dangerous situations anytime, however the danger is increased near schools, especially when children are entering or leaving school.

SPEED LIMITS   Speeding vehicles in a school zone are highly dangerous for children.  There is a speed limit of 25kph, designated by the signs and a zigzag line below, any time when children are present or when the lights are flashing (depending on the type of crossing).

We also take this opportunity to remind you that the school crossing only should be used when crossing Education Road.  Helping your child to become familiar with the school crossing will ensure their future safety.

ABOVE ALL, BE CAREFUL WHEN YOU ARE DRIVING NEAR SCHOOLS, THE SAFETY OF ALL CHILDREN DEPENDS ON YOU.

We thank the Local Government Authorised Persons Association for this information.  Copies of this leaflet are available from the front office.

SPORT NEWS
 BASKETBALL 2002
There will be a Registration and information evening on Monday 18th February in the School Hall from 6.30p.m. to 7.20 p.m. for all students that have nominated to play basketball from years 2 , 3  and 4.

If there are any Girls that would like to play from years 6 and 7 please contact me on 8387-1570 a.s.a.p. as there are only four nominated at this stage, and a coach will need to be appointed for this team.

All nominated players from years 5, 6 and 7 will be contacted by their respective coaches regarding training and game times when information becomes available.

Melissa Braham. Basketball Co-ordinator.  Ph. 8387-1570

SOCCER COACHING CLINIC
2 & 9 March

If you wish to obtain a coaching certificate please let me know by 18 February so I can register your name.

Georgie Goldfinch - 83872230

FOOTBALL
A coordinator for Football is needed.  Without a coordinator, football cannot run.

SPORT NOMINATIONS
If you haven't yet nominated for a sport this year, please do so as soon as possible as many of the sports are commencing in the coming weeks.

 
Page 4

NETBALL COORDINATOR

All students interested in playing netball for the school are asked to meet at the Primary playground on Monday 18 February at 3.30 pm.

Lee Inns Netball Coordinator

 KORFBALL
 This is the first time Korfball has been offered as a school sport in Happy Valley.  The response to it has been fantastic, so thanks to everyone for filling out and returning the forms nice and early.its not too late to fill one out.  Games are played on Tuesdays after school at Reynella East High School Hall.

 The first week, Tuesday 19 February, will be a registration and training session from 4.00 - 5.30pm.  We will organise teams, allocate coaches to each team, organise team names and team colours then have a short training session and some practice games.

  • Game times will be 3.45 or 4.40pm.  Cost $2.50 per game.

  • Games are 40 mins. long. (2x20 min.halves)

  • Each team consists of 4 males and 4 females

  • Coaches will be provided for each team.  (Any parent familiar with Korfball rules are welcome to coach).  We will be looking for a parent to manage each team.

  • Games are played during school term, not during school holidays.

 You can enter a whole team or come with a friend or a group of friends and we will find a team for you to play in.  If you are interested, just come along on Tuesday 19 February or for more details or to nominate a team, contact Debbie Adams on 83870564.

There will also be a Monday night League at Reynella East High School mainly for high school students but if you can't play on Tuesday and are in Year 7, you could play on Monday.
 

Mrs Liepe - In the German room the children are "at the beach" Am Strand, with many related drama & art activities.
 

Mrs Bailey - Our theme Bears - The children are making bear masks in activity time.  Our class mascot is "Potsy" the bear.

PARENT CLUB NEWS
A reminder to all that the Uniform Room is open on Monday and Friday mornings from 8.30am to 9.30am.  This is located in T13 just behind the Out of School Hours Care building.  Keep a watch out for our table of 50c specials, to be located outside the office periodically.  We will let you know in the Newsletter when.  We will soon have some waterproof jackets in the Uniform Room to sell as a trial venture.  These would be great for rainy days and come in Navy, Bottle, Maroon and Royal.  Come in and try them on for size.

On Sports Day 28 March, the Parent Club will be running its cake stall and we would love you to come and help if you have

1/2 hour to spare or a donation of cakes, biscuits, slices etc. would be greatly appreciated.  A notice will go home soon, so look for this and return it as soon as possible.  Thank you in advance for your valued support.

School Photos will be held in Term 2 this year around Week 7, not in first term as previously.

The next Parent Club meeting will be held on Tuesday 5 March at 9.00 in the staff room.  Come and share a coffee and cake with us, we always have plenty to eat!!

OUT OF SCHOOL HOURS CARE
 Welcome back after the Christmas holiday break.  Please come over and visit us if you are interested in care your child/ren.  Remember you don't have to be a working parent to use OSHC.  Thank you to Kay Dennert and Sue Moore for their donations of paper and toys.

Roxanne Longbottom - Director
 83222411 - direct line with answering machine.
 

KOOKABURRA CAFÉ

  • BALFOURS MEAL DEAL
    Sausage Roll & Fruit Box       $2.00 (Sauce is 10c extra)

  • HOT WEATHER
    Salad Plates for students, rolls and sandwiches

  • Frozen Orange Juice                         75c or $1.20

  • Frozen Milky Freeze Flavoured milk in tube.  Chocolate, Strawberry, Vanilla - 60c ea.

  • Due to price increases during the holidays, students are reminded of the following changes
    *Zooper Dooper Ice block                             40c
    *Zooper Dooper 1/2 Ice block                                                           20c
    *Slick Sticks - Rasp/Lemonade/O.Juice                                 60c
    *Paddle Pops - Asst.Flavours                          95c
    *Frozen Paddle Pop Thick Shake - Choc.        $1.60

  • SPECIAL Frozen Caramel Thick Shake                                                         $1.20

  • Assorted cold drinks as per price list

CANTEEN COMMITTEE IS MEETING ON FRIDAY 1 MARCH 2.15PM. ALL WELCOME.

Roster for helpers
 Mon.     18 Feb.             
Tues.    19 Feb.
Wed.     20 Feb.             Sandy Hutchings
Thurs.   21 Feb.             Karen Batten
Frid.      22 Feb.             Sue Phillips
Mon.     25 Feb.              Lee Brine
Tues.    26 Feb.              Katrina Allen
Wed.     27 Feb.             Andrea Chapman/Kellie Robertson
Thurs.   28 Feb.              Trevor Sherriff
Frid.      1 Mar.               Glenys Moylan

Thank you, Helen King

 

STUDENT INJURY PERSONAL ACCIDENT PROTECTION PLAN

Brochures are available from the school office.

 

Back to Top

 

Back to School Newsletters                               Go to School Home Page