September 4th

Is it appropriate to say out loud?

At Norwood Primary we continuously strive to instil the qualities of our 3Rs……

RESPECTFUL          RESPONSIBLE          RESILIENT

Part of developing the skills and dispositions of the 3Rs is being conscious and considerate of what we say. What is said in just a split second may cause offense, ongoing stress and at times fear.

It takes responsibility of individuals to choose words that are respectful and appropriate, and also the resilience to maintain respectful language even when things go wrong.

Inappropriate and disrespectful talk is NOT part of any school curriculum; it’s not taught and certainly not acceptable within any school context, and in the main is not socially acceptable.

It appears to now be common place for media to air, and at times actively promote disrespectful and unkind interactions between people as a part of ‘entertainment drama’ particularly within what is termed as ‘reality’ productions. Unfortunately, we sometimes see similar behaviour playing out within the school context, particularly the playground. Children learn from what they see and hear and it is up to all of us to actively encourage and model the behaviour and language that we expect from our children.

At present we have needed to have a more focussed approach to reminding and teaching our expectations in regards to appropriate talk at school. We often say …… ‘just because a thought may pop into your head, it doesn’t mean it is appropriate to say out loud!’

The following diagram is a great visual for discussions about stopping and thinking before we speak.

Thank you for your ongoing support to ensure all our children develop these important skills.

Karen

Individual student results have arrived and are being sent home today (Wed. Sept 4th) with the grade 3 & 5 students.

Due to the on-line scenario and some connectivity disruptions, results should be interpreted with care.

Norwood and its teachers are analysing the data and using it to support directions for learning at both the grade level and the individual level. Further NAPLAN information is available from www.nap.edu.au alternatively there is FAQ sheet at the front office.

We applaud families and students who are able to be active en route to school. Walking is a great way to start the day, but we know that this is not possible for all.

If students ride bikes or scooters to school it is important that they are pushed (not ridden) inside the school grounds. This is for the safety of all community members.  

When students arrive at school they should to take their bike/scooter immediately to the bike shed.

The Cancer Council and Student Parliament  are in conversations and updating the schools Sun Smart policy. As climate changes and the UV rays strengthen we are being reminded that a UV rating of 3 or above requires protection. The recommendation is for hats to be worn in September, right through until the end of April. This is not neatly Term 1 and 4 as it was previously. The policy - yet to be ratified, can be viewed below. We ask that students start wearing hats when outside. Thank you for your support in this matter. Parent feedback on the policy is welcome, via the school email (norwood.primary@education.tas.gov.au).

Gary Jones

Kinder Williams Hagley Excursion

Who: Kinder Williams

Where: Hagley Farm School - hands on animal experiences connecting us with our environment

When: Thursday 12 September, leaving school at 9:20 am and returning by 2:45 pm

Students will need plenty to eat and drink and a warm coat.  Gumboots or spare shoes and socks would be handy.  Please contact your child’s teacher if you have any questions.

1B, 1M, 1-2 Y & 2P Excursion

Who: 1B, 1M, 1-2 Y and 2P

Where: Circ’s’Cool Excursion - as part of our Health and Physical Education learning program

When: Tuesday 24th September. 1 - 2 Y and 2P leave at 9:30 am return by 11:30 am. 1B and 1M leave at 11:30 am and return by 1:30 pm

Students should wear their PE uniform, they will also need to bring morning tea and lunch and a large bottle of water. 

Please contact your child’s teacher if you have any questions.

3 Hill and 4 Horkings Excursion to Hollybank

Who: 3 Hill and 4 Horkings

Where: Hollybank - learning about life cycles of plants

When: Tuesday 10 September, leaving school at 9:15 am and returning by 2:45 pm

Students should wear their PE uniform and bring their hat, jumper and coat, they will also need to bring morning tea, lunch and a large drink. 

Please contact your child’s teacher if you have any questions.

Yesterday we went to the Queen Victoria Museum and saw a dinosaur exhibition. Did you know that a microraptor is a small dinosaur that was a thief. We tried to figure out what they might steal. Can you guess?

We have written about what we would do if we were an ant.

On Friday the 16^th August, Mrs Marshall and 10 Grade 5/6 students spent the day at Launceston’s Linc Library to participate in Write a Book in a Day – a competition to produce a novel for children with cancer. The book was written and illustrated in a consecutive 12-hour period under a unique set of parameters; two human characters, one non-human character, an issue, a setting and five random words.

It was an incredible experience, one that pushed imaginations, creativity and team work to its limits. The students are to be congratulated on their efforts and their published book, once judged it will be available in our school library.

Thank you to the staff, parents and carers for your commitment and support.

 Mrs Marshall

Starts on Monday 16th September

Finishes on Friday 27th September

• The last 2 weeks of this term!

9:20am               3 Barker

10:20am             3s from 2-3G & 4-5 Summers

11:20am             5 Marshall/Holt & 3-4 Faulkner

12:40pm             3 Hill & 5 Poke/Walker

1:40pm               4 Horkings, 5s from 5-6 Rae & invited grade 6s

Our annual program for children in grades 3-5 is approaching and will be held at the Launceston Aquatic Centre.

Please remember to have your child equipped with the appropriate attire and prepared to swim on day one. I strongly encourage all students involved to fully commit to attending this compulsory swimming, life-saving and fitness - developing program.

Every day counts! If your child is unable to attend all or part of this compulsory program a medical certificate may be required. Being confident in and around aquatic environments is a very important life skill.

You will need:

• Bathers
• Towel
• Plastic bag (for wet bathers, towel etc.)
• Goggles (can be taken but will be used sparingly during the program)
• School windcheater - to put on when leaving the pool.

Please remember that if your child regularly accesses the canteen on Thursdays and Fridays, the above timetable may have an effect on recess and lunchtime ordering. We will also allow 15 minutes either side of the one hour session for travel and change room procedures, e.g: 9:20am - 10:20am timeslot, bus leaves school at 9:05am and returns to school at 10:35am approx.

If parents wish to observe their child at work during the program, they will need to inform the Aquatic Centre front desk of their purpose, or pay admission. The first 2 days and the last 2 days of the program are best avoided when observing. We are expecting Mr Leighton to be one of the swimming teachers and Mr Humphrey will be the teacher in charge. Students will not have PE during this fortnight.

Gary Jones

Pre-Kinder Sessions

We are enjoying our time with you and your children in Pre-Kinder sessions on Wednesdays. Please be advised that the final session this term will be on Wednesday 18th September. We will resume sessions after the holidays on Wednesday 16^th October.

Lynette House and Melinda Williams (Early Years Teachers)

The Student Parliament have negotiated a date for this FREE opportunity to dress in your favourite footy, basketball, soccer or netball...team. In the busy term we have decided upon Friday 13th September. We hope your AFL team is one of the remaining six at this stage of the season!

We are beginning the process of allocating next year's kindergarten children to one of three kindergarten groups. If you have requests for which days your child will attend kindergarten in 2020, please have your paperwork back to our office by Friday 6th September.

Tomorrow, 5th September is 'The Great Book Swap'. This will be held from 8:30am - 9:00am and from 3:00pm - 3:30pm. This event will be for all grades from Kinder to Grade 6. Most books are $1.00 but we also have some amazing sales. All the money raised will be donated to the Indigenous Literacy Foundation. This event is hosted by Sophie T, Charlotte T and their committee. 

Overall organisers for 2019 will be Bonita Morgan and Tracey Mitchell. Fantastic news ladies. They will liaise with Ben Humphrey, Gary Jones and the coaches.

Thanks to the willingness of many parents we are able to offer a variety of opportunities for a variety of age groups. Please attend the selection nights, with the understanding that the games are on a weekend (see below) and that the cost is around the $40 dollar mark. 

Dates:

19/20 October (year 3/4)

26/27 October (year 5/6)

The championships are conducted by Basketball Tasmania. This involves an on-line individual registration after teams are finalised.

50 of our School Choir members will be performing on Wednesday September 25^th  as part of the Singfest 2019 Choir. Tickets for the performance are being sold over the counter at Theatre North (next to the Princess Theatre, Brisbane Street, Launceston), or over the phone on 03 6323 3666 payable by credit card. 

The students participating will be required for a rehearsal at the Albert Hall for the whole school day of Singfest to rehearse with the combined choir. They will also be required again in the evening for the concert. During the day rehearsal children are to wear their PE uniform, and their best school uniform during the evening performance.

Father's Day Stall

This year’s Father's Day Stall was a big success, with a profit of $1428.60 made over Thursday and Friday. A big thank you to the families who donated items, the mothers who volunteered last week and Mrs Bligh and Mrs Birch in the office who were of great assistance to me in the months leading up to the Stall. We hope everyone had a lovely Father's Day!

Angela Hawley (Father’s Day Stall organizer)

Next School Association meeting:

When:            Tuesday 10^th September

Time:             7:30pm

Where:          Staff room

Everyone is welcome to attend!

This meeting, topics will include: Before School Care, School Fair 2020, End of Year event and more.

Grade 6 Leavers Tops - Update

We are happy to announce that the Grade 6 Leavers tops have been received.  Invoices will be going out soon and leavers tops will have to be paid for in full before collection.

Grade 6 students will be able to wear their tops from Week 8 on Fridays only. More information will come from their teachers and senior staff.