Friday, March 26, 2010

Principal’s Message

It is with a heavy heart that I write my last newsletter as Principal at Sarah Redfern Public School. After eighteen wonderful years I will move on to another school in Term 2.

As I signalled last November, 2010 was deemed by the Dept. of Education & Training to be my last year due to the reduction in school enrolments. I had always hoped that greater numbers of new students might walk through our doors and, whilst I am sure that will happen sometime in 2011, it will not come in time to maintain my seniority. And so I decided to apply for a larger school, Canley Vale P.S., that was vacant.

Sarah Redfern P.S. has been the most amazing place to lead, nurture and develop.

Our children have character, spirituality and a genuine sense of fairness. Their consideration and care for one another is unsurpassed. It has been a pleasure to share their loveliness and to watch them learn and grow.

Working with the teaching, administration and support staff has been an absolute pleasure. Observing their growth and development and having a hand in their achievements is a point of great pride. – 6 teachers during my time are now Principals. Many others have become Assistant and Deputy Principals. Sarah Redfern is renowned for teacher development as well as improved student learning outcomes.

May I take this opportunity to thank the parents and community members who have always supported my decisions and actions. I know at times that the public spotlight on our school has been quite intense but the feeling of absolute confidence from the parents has encouraged greater advocacy.

I thank you for the privilege of working with your beautiful children.

And so I leave behind part of my heart and soul but take with me some wonderful memories.

While the selection process for a new principal takes place Clarice Maclou will fulfil the relieving position. A temporary teacher will look after 5/6M under Clarice’s supervision. It is most likely that the new Principal will enter on duty in Term 3. The fortunate person will come into a wonderful situation – the school is in ‘great shape’.

Good Kids’ Excursion
One of my great pleasures and last duties at Sarah Redfern P.S. will be to accompany the children to the Bike Track in Campbelltown on Monday, 29th March.

We congratulate these youngsters who have demonstrated many of the characteristics of responsible citizen-ship.

Easter Fair
We look forward to welcoming all parents, extended family and community members on Thursday, 1st April to join us for the Easter Fair. Many thanks to Nicole Ede, our ACLO, and members of the P&C who have been seeking donations and other support. Well done! Please remember that we will begin with a hat parade at 9.45am.

Have a wonderful holiday with your families and please return safe and sound. Teachers will focus on training in the area of higher order comprehension on Monday, 19th April. All children will return the next day – Tuesday, 20th April.

With my very best wishes.
Cheryl McBride OAM

School Uniforms

Please note that the uniform shop at school will be closed on Fridays commencing Week 1, Term 2.

Parents will be unable to purchase uniforms from school on Fridays.

School Swimming Scheme Years 2 to 6

There are still some places available in our Learn To Swim Scheme – information and consent notes from Mrs. Boothe.

All notes must be returned no later than this Friday, 26th March. Please take advantage of this scheme. Total cost is $40.00.

Remember, the scheme starts on the first day back at school in Term 2, Tuesday, 20th April.

Zone Representatives

Congratulations to the following children who were selected in The Fields Zone teams after attending trails conducted so far:

Rugby League: Rickylee Russell & Kali Taiseni
Netball: Tanesha Oud, Bella Mariner, Michaela Eadie, Renee Muaulu & Alafou Fatu
Basketball: Sam Tagoai, Moroni Poppe, Teancum Timu & Loren Paewai

Following the basketball carnival, Loren was selected to represent SSW Region at the State carnival. Congratulations, Loren!

Zone Swimming

Well done to Jordan Roberts Bentley, Michaela Eadie, Atatu Phillips and John Robert whose swim times qualified them for The Fields Zone carnival at Macquarie Fields pool. All were quite competitive in the heats with Jordan and John qualifying for the finals.

John finished 4th in the 12yr. 50m freestyle, Jordan was 4th in the Junior 50m butterfly and 6th in the 9yr. 50m freestyle. Congratulations to all on your impressive results!

Many thanks to the families for your support and encouragement of all the children during the heats and finals.

Oztag Report

Last Friday, after a long, hot walk to Kayes Park, the senior Oztag team played five games. They won two and narrowly lost the other three games. Everybody played well and showed great sportsmanship.

The junior Oztag team played five games also. They won four and had a draw against Guise PS. Everyone had a lot of fun and played well together despite the heat.

When we finally made it back to school, after an epic marathon in the sweltering heat, Mrs. Gehrke and Mrs. Mitchell’s faces matched their school shirts. Mrs. Gehrke thought her feet were on fire! We were all so hot and tired we had to have a lay down in the cool of 6G’s classroom.

Softball Report

On Friday our girls softball team played two games. In our first game Michaela Eadie scored two home runs and Renee Muaulu pitched very well. Our score was 9 all.

In our second game Cristina Browne pitched 3 people out in a row and Lenah Yalayala had a turn at catcher.

In the boys first game they made 6 home runs and the score was 7-8 but unfortunately they lost. In their second game the boys made 9 home runs but lost the game 11-15 as well .

We would like to thank the girls who helped the boys in their game. We would like to thank our softball couch Mr. Roberts and a special thank you Priscilla Martin for coming down and helping out.

by Maddison and Cristina 4/5R

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Principal’s Message

Many apologies that the newsletter is so late this week. The business of the school day (and night) has never been greater! The update is as follows:

Class Change
With an additional 20 children enrolling this year, as compared to last, we have moved into the band for an additional teacher. As our numbers are very near maximum in the junior part of the school we will create a class that will provide vacancies in the K-4 area.

We will complete the changeover by the end of term when a new teacher is appointed. An advertisement has been submitted to the Dept. of Education and Training.

All parents of children likely to be effected will be contacted by teachers.

P&C Meeting/Parent Workshop
Yesterday afternoon we met with parents to enjoy a workshop on ‘Spelling’. Marianne Lakeman, the Community Liaison Officer from regional office, led the activities and provided parents with a number of helpful ‘handouts’ to use at home.

We look forward to the next workshop on Wednesday, 9th June, when we will look at the ways children acquire skills in Mathematics. Melissa Harding, who has organised the workshops with Marianne, will prepare a ‘take home’ pack of activities for parents who attend. Many thanks, Melissa!

Following the workshop, parents met and voted for their P&C executive. The following parents will hold their positions for 2010 and 2011:
President: Charmaine Brown
Vice Presidents: Amy Garland
Liz Dean
Secretary: Skye Johnson
Treasurers: Marion Ison
Hayley Wilson

Congratulations, ladies! I am sure that their energies will support and sustain our school.

Hail Kim Soldo
Many, many thanks to Kim Soldo, who for more than a decade has given voluntary time to support our children, teachers and parents. Kim’s commitment and talent are outstanding. She has organised so many fundraising events and directed P&C support to critical areas of the school such as air conditioning, shade shelter, swimming scheme, camps, additional teacher time, excursions, reading material, maths resources and the list goes on.

Congratulations, Kim, on your outstanding role as President of our P&C and School Council.

Have a wonderful fortnight.
Cheryl McBride OAM

DONATIONS

Parents, don’t forget that our White Elephant stall is looking for donations of household goods (either new and unwanted or in good condition), Why not have a clean out – your trash could be someone else’s treasure!
Bring your goodies to the Community Room as soon as possible.

Easter Hat Parade

For Infants Only
Children will parade before the school
to start our spectacular Easter Fair on 1st April.
We look forward to seeing the wonderful creations!

School Swimming Scheme (SSS) Yrs.2-6

Over 90 children took home an information and consent note last week. Please ensure your consent note is returned by Monday, 15th March. We need at least 75 children to attend the SSS, otherwise we will have to revert to one session with a maximum of 60 children.

Additional notes are available from Mrs. Boothe in the office. If your child lacks skills or confidence in the water they should attend. Total cost is $40.00.

Thursday, March 4, 2010

Principal’s Message

Dear Parents,

How wonderful it was to return from leave and enjoy the induction of the Student Representative Council and the Sports Captains for 2010. Parents, teachers and students were equally proud of the young people who have been elected by their peers. (See over page for names and photos.)

Our Student Representative Council President is Ashika Jagdish and Vice President is Shagota Khan. We congratulate and pay homage to these wonderful young leaders.

School Swimming Carnival
Congratulations to Amy Smith and the team of teachers who organised our carnival. All events were run smoothly and our children gave their best effort to participate.

The following children swam very well. They will progress to compete at the Zone carnival on 1st March. Garry Bland will accompany the children.

Jordan Roberts Bentley
John Robert
Michaela Eadie
Atatu Phillips
Teancum Timu


Easter Fair
On Thursday, 1st April we will be holding our Easter Fair in the school grounds.

Festivities will commence with an Infants Hat Parade and continue throughout the day with rides, stalls, show bags, sausage sizzle and lots more.

If you are able to help with any donations of new or used items please send in to school as soon as possible. Please keep the date free to come and enjoy the fun of the fair with your children.

Submissions to the Parliamentary Inquiry into the Provision of Education to Special Needs/
Disabled Children
Many thanks to all parents who presented submissions and to the many more who are completing them. Please remember that without wide support the current funding for children with disabilities will remain inadequate.

Again our teachers presented at a forum of teachers, parents and principals organised by the NSW Teachers Federation on Monday evening. Their presentation was magnificent and proudly represented the Sarah Redfern P.S. community. We look forward to taking the next step of giving evidence at the Inquiry in March.

Many thanks to Amy Garland who represented our parent community. It was a ‘big ask’ for parents to watch/listen to the confronting information presented.

Kind Regards
Cheryl McBride OAM

First Confession & Holy Communion

Catholic children in state schools in Yr.3 or over are due to be prepared to receive the sacraments of Forgiveness and Holy Communion.

An enrolment and information meeting for parents will be held on Monday, 22nd February at 7.30pm in the Parish Centre of the Holy Family Church, Oxford Road, Ingleburn. Baptism certificates are required for enrolment. For enquiries, please contact Fr. Peter on 9605 2785.

School Parking

Please note that due to the new work being done in Guernsey Avenue parents can only park on the school side of the road. The opposite side has been blocked off and it is not safe to park there when dropping off or picking up your children.

Also, some parents have been parking up the driveway behind Preschool. This is an emergency access road into the school and it is illegal to block this roadway