Nulkaba News 2016 Term 2 Week 4

Nulkaba News
Nulkaba Public School
5 O’Connors Road NULKABA NSW 2325
Phone: 4990 1805
Fax:
4991 1408
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.nulkaba-p.schools.nsw.edu.au
Issue 85: 2016 Term 2 – Week 4
Friday, 20 May 2016
Dear Parents and Carers
Aerobics
Congratulations to all the girls who went to the Aerobics Preliminary Competition in Sydney. We were all very proud of
the way you performed and what beautiful young ladies you were throughout the long day. Congratulations to the
Silver Sparkles, Silver Stars, Silver Spice, Silver Stunners and Grace who made it through to the state competition later
this term. Well done Cooper for giving it your all and congratulations to the girls who made it through in the audition
section. Keep training hard.
Starstruck
The first of the major rehearsals are happening this week for both dance and choir. The children are getting very excited
about their big performances. It is always a wonderful show to watch. Just four more weeks to practice. Thanks parents
for helping out with transport.
Peer Support
Our Peer support program is up and running and as I walk around the groups I am thrilled to see so many children
engaged in the lessons. These are run by our student peer support leaders. They aim to build resilience and allow for
meaningful discussions on a wide range of topics. This along with Rock and Water are wonderful support programs for
our students.
Gala Days
Once again this year many of the PSSA sports are organising Gala Days to minimise disruption to classes which as you
can imagine can be pretty frustrating to our teachers especially those in Stage 3. Thank you so much to the many
parents who are always available to take their child and other children to these events.
Zone Cross Country
Congratulations to all our students who competed in the Zone Cross Country this week. I know for some it was a hard
decision on whether to go to Zone or compete in the Rugby League Knight knockout as both were on the same day. We
have so many talented young athletes. 10 year olds girls: Jasmin K (5th) Tahni B (3rd) 11year old girls: Cooper W (2nd)
Peggy W (4th) 12 Year old girls: Harriett N (4th). And congratulations to Seth B, Tahna C and Jack W for making the
reserves.
Rugby League
A great day of football today. Our senior rugby league team played in the Knights Knockout day at Windale, just missing
out on a spot in the finals. All boys played with determination and a fantastic team spirit. Once again our students
showed wonderful Nulkaba sportsmanship. Well done, boys!
NAPLAN
Well done to all our students on completing their NAPLAN assessments as it can be quite daunting the first time
students are asked to complete these assessments, especially our Year 3 students. As I mentioned before reports will be
available in September.
Staff Development Days (SDD)
Every year the DoE assigns the last two days of the year as SDD's. This year they fall on the Monday and Tuesday after
the students complete the year on Friday 16th December. We have applied to reassign these two days. The first one will
be held on Monday 13th June (the Queen's birthday holiday.) This does not affect students in any way. The other day
will be split into two three hour afternoon sessions to be held after school, one in Term 3 and one in Term 4. We feel
this will be more productive.
Kindergarten Enrolments
We are hoping to finalise these in the next two weeks so if you have a child who will begin school in 2017 can you please
make sure you come to the office and fill in the paper work so you can be added to our list. This will make sure you
receive all the necessary information in regard to our Orientation session. Please pass along this information to any
other people you know who may have a child ready to start school next year.
School Banking
There will be no School Banking on Wednesday, 25 May 2016
Nulkaba News 2016 Term 2 – Week 4
Page 2
Friday, 20 May 2016
Coming Events
Week 5
Monday
23 May
Tuesday
24 May
Debate: Nulkaba
Comets vs Kearsley
Kings at Kearsley PS
Thursday
26 May
National
Simultaneous
Storytime
30 May
Week 6
Wednesday
25 May
31 May
Friday
27 May
Hunter PSSA Rugby
Trials (Cardiff);
Star Struck Dance
Rehearsal
1 Jun
2 Jun
ICAS Science Test
3 Jun
Hunter SSSA/PSSA
Cross Country;
School Photo Day 1
7 Jun
8 Jun
9 Jun
Week 8
Week 7
6 Jun
10 Jun
Netball PSSA Gala Day
13 Jun
14 Jun
15 Jun
16 Jun
17 Jun
Queen's Birthday
School Photo Day 2; ICAS Spelling Test;
Knight Knockout
Star Struck
Holiday
U10's;
Performance Day 1;
P&C Meeting 6:30pm Star Struck Dance
in Staff Room
Rehearsal
Star Struck Dance and Athletics Carnival;
Choir Rehearsal
Sat, 18 Jun: Aerobics
State Finals;
Star Struck
Performance Day 2
For more information please visit our website: http://www.nulkaba-p.schools.nsw.edu.au/calendar
Week 5
Canteen Roster
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
23 May
24 May
25 May
26 May
27 May
K. Mikisch
E. Costello
S. Hayes
A. Smith
A. Allen
D. Thompson
P. Twentyman
Week 6
30 May
K. Ward
31 May
C. Thwaites
1 Jun
M. Knight
2 Jun
3 Jun
J. Allerton
R. Beckett
S. Clark
C. Gilmour
J. Borghero
L. Williams
T. Broadbent
R. Procter
L. Williams
M. Wills
C. Webb
Week 7
6 Jun
7 Jun
8 Jun
9 Jun
F. Lanser
Help Needed
H. Giese
W. Jenness
Help Needed
K. McDonald
L. Edwards
K. Ward
C. Vickers
W. Saywell
M. McLellan
J. Slatter
13 Jun
Week 8
10 Jun
14 Jun
15 Jun
16 Jun
17 Jun
R. Lane
A. Grant
A. Allen
L. Barr
M. Harrington
T. Woodward
A. McLennan
M. Knight
S. Green
L. Hirst
K. Watson
Week 5 = Roster C
Week 6 = Roster D
Week 7 = Roster A
Week 8 = Roster B
If you can help to fill our current vacancies please contact Phone Linda on 0457 514 786 Support your school by
volunteering in the canteen once per month
Nulkaba News 2016 Term 2 – Week 4
Page 3
Friday, 20 May 2016
News from the Classroom
Class KH
This term KH are doing a themed unit called “Under the Sea”. We have been talking about different sea creatures and
reading various information books relating to the topic. All of KH have been eager to share what knowledge they have
about the sea. KH have been busy making some wonderful “Under the Sea” creative pieces.
Nulkaba News 2016 Term 2 – Week 4
Page 4
Friday, 20 May 2016
News from the Classroom (continued)
2Z Is The Place To Be!
The 2Z children have hit Term 2 with a bang and it is amazing the things that they are doing! We are doing ‘Dr Xargle’s
book of Earthlets’ and the children have been doing some research on the planets. The children have been using a range
of sources and learning about what makes an interesting fact. The information that we have been collecting about the
planets and the conversations between students are really exciting!
We have also had Mrs Williams coming in to teach the children how to knit. She has the patience of a saint and looks
like we will produce a knitted item by the end of term.
Also this term, 2Z are trialling new literacy groups. Students are loving being responsible for the tasks they complete and
in what order. Alex and Kenz are doing a great job of keeping the grids in order and thus far nothing has gone missing.
If any 2Z parents or grandparents have spare time, please come on in and listen to our fabulous reading!
Nulkaba News 2016 Term 2 – Week 4
Page 5
Friday, 20 May 2016
News from the Classroom (continued)
3/4 W Newsletter Item Week 4
It has been an extremely busy start to the term with NAPLAN, gymnastics, preparing for our annual Public Speaking
Competition and general day-to-day life of a school student! The students have demonstrated determination and a
sense of positivity in all endeavours. It is lovely to see those smiling faces.
During NAPLAN the Year 4 students from 3/4W and Mrs Burley’s class formed groups and made explosive volcanoes out
of paper mache, food colouring, bicarbonate soda and vinegar. Despite the mess, all students thoroughly enjoyed the
experience. The highlight of course was ‘exploding’ their volcanoes in front of a delighted group of kindergarten
students.
The gymnastics program has been very well received by the students and teachers at Nulkaba PS. The program has
offered the students professional training by the PCYC meeting the required elements of the PDHPE curriculum. The
trainers have taught the students how to perform various skills using the trampolines and the beams. It is very satisfying
to see every student highly engaged and motivated to do all of the activities, Wednesdays have quickly become the
most popular day of the school week.
In science we have been learning about all of the different materials found and used around us. We have started to
conduct many experiments to discover which materials are best used for particular purposes as well as which materials
will rot, decompose and are biodegradable.
Nulkaba News 2016 Term 2 – Week 4
Page 6
Friday, 20 May 2016
News from the Classroom (continued)
Class 5/6P
After a very busy Term 1, we were lucky to end with a fantastic trip to Sydney. All students had an amazing time, with
many highlights. Some of the adventures included a tour and a swim at Olympic Park, Sydney Aquarium, Madame
Tussauds, walking across the Harbour Bridge, Hyde Park Barracks, Bondi Beach and Luna Park.
With another busy term ahead of us - 5/6P has been working hard and are becoming successful independent learners.
The students are excited to continue with Genius Hour this term, where they have once again initiated their own
learning in a field of interest to them. We are also focusing on ‘World Studies’, where each week we discuss and
research a particular area. Students are learning how to ‘think for themselves’ and form their own opinions about
current affairs, through means of research from various points of view.
It’s that time of year again where 5/6 students shine in and out of the classroom. We have had many students
representing the school and Cessnock area in aerobics, dance, trampolining, soccer, rugby union, rugby league, netball,
cross country and debating. Along with our public speaking competition - it makes for a very busy term!
Comments from students:
 Science is interesting this term; I’ve enjoyed feeling all the different substances in our ‘liquids, solids, gases’ unit.
– Makayliah.

We have been learning a lot in Maths, I have had fun working out the area of complex shapes. - Tamara

History has been really interesting, especially leaning about the convict colonies. - Edan
Nulkaba News 2016 Term 2 – Week 4
Page 7
Friday, 20 May 2016
Parents and Citizens News
Welcome to the first edition of P&C News for Term 2.
It seems like ages ago since we held the School Fair but I wanted to provide a wrap up of the day. The Fair is not just a
fantastic fun day out for our children but it’s also one of the major fund raising activities for the School's P&C. We were
blessed with great weather and all the parents and students I spoke to had a great day out. A very big thanks to all the
volunteers who helped out in every way possible. Even the smallest amount of help goes a long way to making the day a
success. We raised $14,600 from the Fair and these funds will be used for numerous projects around the school that are
funded and implemented by your P&C. You may have noticed that the PA system at the Fair was better this year
compared to prior years. This was thanks to a new wireless microphone system that was purchased by the P&C. This
new microphone system will be well used by the teaching staff at assemblies and other special events like the Fair.
The P&C meet a couple of times per School Term. At these meetings we have an opportunity to discuss school business
with Ms Hunt and the Assistant Principals but we also discuss ideas on how we can make the school a better place. A
number of these discussions are about projects to improve the look and function of the school. We just recently
completed a paving project outside of the teachers’ staff room. This paving area contains pavers with your child’s name
on it if you purchased a special paver late last year. Our next major project is to improve the look and function of the
grassed area between the library, kindy rooms and the COLA. It is currently in need of some major TLC with numerous
dirt patches and poor drainage. We propose to establish a proper concrete pathway linking the kindy room and COLA
corner to the library corner. In addition we plan to improve the drainage on the COLA side of the area so that in wet
weather, rainfall run-off does not drain onto the surface of the COLA. In doing this we will build a stepped area so water
drains away from the COLA, this area will incorporate some handball courts and the stepped area can also act as a stage.
Further to this we will also establish concrete pads under the picnic tables to avoid unsightly dirt patches. This project
involves a lot of concrete and excavation. The P&C have agreed to fund this project to the amount $15,000. Anyone
with questions or objections on the proposed project works should contact me through the school or in writing
addressed to Mr Gary Wills, President Nulkaba P&C.
Your P&C is run to help the school, if you have any ideas or comments please feel free to contact me or any other P&C
representative. We would love as many families as possible to be involved in our P&C, supporting all of our wonderful
students, please come and join us at our next meeting on Tuesday 14June at 6.30pm in the teachers’ staff room.
All the Best – Gary Wills, President Nulkaba P&C
School Banking News
New School Banking Rewards Now Available!
Exciting new Term 2 rewards with an Outback Savers theme are now available, while stocks last!
Mud Splat Handball
Outback Pat Bag Tag
Term 1 rewards are also still available whilst stocks last.
For every deposit made at school, no matter how big or small, students will receive a silver Dollarmites token. Once
students have individually collected 10 tokens they can redeem them for exclusive School Banking reward items in
recognition of their regular savings habits. There are 2 new items released each term so be sure to keep an eye out for
them!
Thank you for supporting the School Banking program and don’t forget that WEDNESDAY is School Banking day!
If your children are not currently involved in the School Banking program and you would like to know more, please ask
for an application form from the school office.
Please note that there is no School Banking on Wednesday, 25 May 2016
Nulkaba News 2016 Term 2 – Week 4
Page 8
Friday, 20 May 2016
Canteen News
Nulkaba School Canteen News
Transfer to new Online Ordering System
Recently on 16 April 2016 Nulkaba Canteen’s online ordering system, Flexischools, implemented an increase to some
of the fees. In particular:
 Order fees increased from 25c per order to 29c per order; and
 Credit card/PayPal account top up fee increased from 29c to 15c +1% (e.g. 35c for $20 top up).
When the canteen commenced its trial of the Flexischools online ordering in Term 4 2015 the Nulkaba P&C
decided to absorb the cost of the order fee to encourage use of the new online system. Unfortunately the cost of
absorbing this fee has been over $600 since we started with Flexischools, with the amount steadily increasing as online
ordering has become more popular. This in in addition to over $250 the canteen has paid in commission to Flexischools
for providing the online ordering service.
Unfortunately the canteen can no longer afford to absorb this online order fee and still remain price competitive. As
such, a number of alternate options have been considered:
1. Pass on the full 29c order fee to users of the online system. This fee is charged per student, per order. As
such, a parent with 2 students ordering for recess and lunch will be required to pay 4 order fees which
would be an added cost of $1.16 to the orders.
2. Increase the price of canteen items to cover the additional cost incurred by the canteen for the online order
fees.
3. Switch to an alternate online ordering system which does not charge an online order fee.
It was decided that Option 3 would provide the better value for money for both parents and the canteen. As such,
commencing on Monday, 30 May 2016 the canteen will be trialing a new online ordering system operated by Our
Online Canteen. This online ordering system will operate in a similar manner to that of Flexischools. You will need to
visit www.ouronlinecanteen.com.au and sign up a new account and add your children and their class to that
account. There are no costs to set-up or use your account other than an account top up fee of 2.2% for Credit Card
and 3.4% via Paypal. Top ups via direct deposit will remain FREE!
What happens with my money in my existing Flexischools account?
As an interim measure the canteen will be operating online ordering by both Flexischools and Our Online
Canteen for the remainder of Term 2 2016. Parents can choose to use up their remaining Flexischools account balance
by the end of the term, or alternatively select to close your account and receive a full refund of the account balance
in the same method in which it was paid (i.e. direct deposit, credit card or PayPal). Flexischools guarantee that the
money will be returned within 7-10 business days, but in most instances this is occurring within 2-3 business days.
For account closures please visit www.flexischools.com.au, login to your account, click on “My Account” and then select
“Transfer my account balance back to me”.
Please continue to use Online Ordering!
Nulkaba Canteen apologises for the inconvenience in changing online ordering systems. We are hopeful that the
long term advantages of transferring to an alternate online ordering system at a reduced cost will be of benefit to
both parents and the canteen.
Please note that this change is a result of how successful online ordering has become for Nulkaba canteen which is
fabulous!! The canteen continues to encourage the use of online ordering as it results in much quicker, more accurate
orders that are easier for our busy canteen volunteers to process.
If you would like to discuss the advantages of online ordering please contact your P&C Canteen Coordinator Lynda
Hirst on 0422 988 177 or your Canteen Manager Linda Balazic on 0457 514 786.
Nulkaba News 2016 Term 2 – Week 4
Page 9
Friday, 20 May 2016
Nulkaba News 2016 Term 2 – Week 4
Page 10
Friday, 20 May 2016
Library News
Premier’s Reading Challenge Update
The number of completed entries for this year’s Challenge is continuing to grow – we now have over half of our
students with completed entries, and it is great to note that many of them are for the Gold or Platinum level certificates
– and this includes our latest completed entries. Congratulations to Tameika S of 3/4C, who is the first member of 3/4C
to have a completed entry. Congratulations also to Jack G of 5/6P, whose entry means that 5/6P is yet another class to
have every class member completing this year’s Challenge. Excellent work!
National Simultaneous Storytime
We are getting all organized for this year’s National Simultaneous
Storytime which will be held next Wednesday, May 25th at 11 am. Several
of our Stage 3 students are practicing a special performance of this year’s
story – I Got This Hat. We’d love to see everyone join in with the theme of
this story by wearing a crazy hat on the day – so if you have a funny, fabulous, unusual or just an interesting hat to wear,
bring it along to help make the performance even greater fun! Look out for some photos of the day in the next school
newsletter.
Library Book Overdue Notices
It is again time to seek out those library books that have been kept at home for too long. Notices were printed out last
week, and will be on their way to students in the near future – if indeed, they have not already been sent home. It is
vitally important that overdue loans are attended to as soon as possible. Of course, it is often the case that as overdue
notices are sent out, the books in question are returned – effectively ‘crossing in the mail’. Whether a notice has indeed
‘crossed in the mail’ or not, the return of the overdue notice to confirm the book’s return would still be greatly
appreciated. Please see Mrs Morris with any concerns.
School Sports News
Nulkaba Aerobics – Preliminary Finals at Sutherland Entertainment Centre
On Saturday 7th May many students and their families travelled to Sutherland Entertainment Centre to participate in
the School Aerobics Preliminary Finals. Nulkaba competed in two singles events, one pairs and three team events as well
as auditions.
Our results were outstanding and all girls have been invited back to the State Finals in at least one section.
Several of the students qualified for aerobics auditions; Grace F, Ayva H, Tahni B, Jasmine K, Ella B, Marli B and Cooper
W. Auditions require students to work with a choreographer to learn a short routine and then the students are judged
on how they execute this routine.
Our Future Legends team ‘Silver Sparkles’; Hallie D, Laura C, Mia H and Ruby G competed for the first time and came
third in their section. Team ‘Silver Spice’; Harriet N, Grace F, Layla D, Ebony D, Ayva H, Maddison J, Meleane K, Demi C,
Emily S and Ella B’s performance resulted in 6th place. Team ‘Silver Stars’; Tahni B, Georgia F, Natalie S, Maddison A,
Sophie M, Mercedez P and Jasmin K came second in their section.
Congratulations to our pairs ‘Silver Stunners’; Marli B and Cooper W for placing second with their routine and our
singles Grace F came 6th and Cooper W placed 13th .
We would also like to congratulate Chloe D who represents Cessnock PCYC who also qualified for the State Finals.
We wish all girls best of luck in their training over the next few weeks in preparation for the State Finals.
Nulkaba News 2016 Term 2 – Week 4
Page 11
Friday, 20 May 2016
Mother’s Day Concert and Afternoon Tea
Our Annual Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea was held a couple of weeks
ago and was a great success! The afternoon was just a small way of
showing our beautiful mothers and grandmothers how thankful we
are for all that they do to make our school the fantastic place that it is.
Thank you to the children for providing the wonderful talent and
thankyou to the teachers for preparing the afternoon tea. To all of our
wonderful mothers and grandmothers out there, we hope you had a
fabulous Mother’s Day and we thank you for coming along on the day.
School Disco
Another Successful Disco!
Thursday nights disco was a fabulous night and thanks to all the wonderful helpers for making it great for our students.
A special thanks must go to Mr McLennan (Cooper’s grandad) for the ice to ensure we had the coldest drinks in NSW!
Also to Damien and Renae for jumping up and helping out by cooking the Sausage Sizzle. It is wonderful to have people
surrounding the school who are willing to help out and offer support in any way they can. All of these voluntary and
thoughtful acts contribute to these fantastic events that are put on for the students. Not sure of the funds raised, but it
was a successful night and we should be able to purchase several things to support the iPads that are used throughout
the school. Thank you for your support and thanks to the children who conducted themselves in a respectful way and
made the night fun.
Jaclyn Zoneff
Nulkaba News 2016 Term 2 – Week 4
Page 12
Friday, 20 May 2016
Fire Brigade Visit
In Week 3 Kindergarten were lucky enough to have a special visit from the Fire Brigade and met a few of the wonderful
fire fighters who work in our local area. Not only did children enjoy seeing the fire engine and squirting the hose, they
also learnt lots about fire safety. Children talked about the difference between good fires and bad fires, ringing 000 in an
emergency, ‘Stop, Drop and Roll’ and ‘Get Down Low and Go,Go,Go’. The fire fighters spoke of how important it is for
children to learn their address and for families to have their own fire safety plans, like where to meet in the event of a
fire. We would love everyone to take the time to discuss these important messages with your children.
Nulkaba News 2016 Term 2 – Week 4
Page 13
Friday, 20 May 2016