- Freshwater State School

Term 1 Week 5
Freshwater State School
5/15
Principal
Ms Vicki Sparkes
Deputy Principal
Mr Bob Lowth
Mrs Melinda Gothmann
Business Services Manager
Mrs Anne Carson
Administration Officers
Mrs Jean Duncan
Mrs Tracey Lane
Mrs Kathy Smyth
Guidance Officer
Jane Brentnall – (Mon, Tue & Fri)
ABSENCES
 4058 9260
EMAIL
absences@freshwaterss.eq.edu.au
SCHOOL
 4058 9222
OFFICE HOURS
8:15am - 3:30pm
SCHOOL WEBSITE
www.freshwaterss.eq.edu.au
GENERIC EMAIL
the.principal@freshwaterss.eq.edu.au
NEWSLETTER EMAIL
newsletter@freshwaterss.eq.edu.au
SCHOOL OFFICE HOURS
Mon – Fri 8:15am – 3:30pm
UNIFORM SHOP HOURS
Tuesday
8:30 – 9am
Thursday
8:30 – 9am
OUTSIDE SCHOOL HOURS CARE
 4058 0252
EMAIL
oshckids@bigpond.net.au
FRESHWATER P&C OFFICE
 4055 2946
EMAIL
freshwaterpandc@bigpond.com
SCHOOL DENTIST CAIRNS NTH
 4226 4702
SCHOOLWATCH
13 17 88
3 Mar
9 Mar
11 Mar
13 Mar
2 April
2 April
3 April
DATES TO REMEMBER
KM Club commences
AGM for P&C
Yr3-6 Swimming Day 1
Yr3-6 Swimming Day 2
Yr3-6 Swimming Carnival
Last day of Term 1
Good Friday
th
24 February 2015
From The Principal
Reading is the most important skill that children learn so it is important that as parents, we
assist our children to learn to read. There are many ways you can do this at home;
• Read to your child every day, even big kids enjoy stories read to them
• Access books – buy them or borrow them; libraries are a great resource
• Listen to your child read
• Talk with your child as children need a broad oral language
• Read signs and notices around your house and the community.
All students can access extra reading practice every day with our before school reading
program. Ms Loretta and parents are in the reading room from 8:00am until the bell rings to
listen to all students who arrive. Please encourage your child to attend reading club before
school.
This week, I would like to remind families about the P&C Voluntary Contribution. The
amount is $50 and is voluntary, so you will not receive an invoice from school. I strongly urge
all families to contribute if possible. If all families paid this contribution we would be able to
access approximately an extra $14,000 for school technology resources. Our P&C does not
organise lots of raffles and fundraising so we all need your assistance by contributing to this
donation.
Similarly, I am purchasing school site licenses for a number of internet resources – Mathletics,
Sunshine Readers and Study Ladder. The licenses we purchase allow students to access
these programs wherever they can access the Internet. With students having their own log
on, they can access these programs at home, at the Library, even on the road. This is truly
learning anytime, anywhere. Of course, these licenses can be expensive so I ask that families
pay their Student Resource Levy (Invoiced) which covers part of the costs. Student
Resource Levies for all year levels are $100.00 per student.
School Grounds: After Hours
I have noticed some children loitering around the school after hours, on weekends and after
school has finished for the day. We have seen evidence of graffiti around buildings, children
riding bikes and scooters on the concrete paths and increased litter. Some behaviour
displayed is dangerous and careless. Under no circumstances are children to be playing
around the buildings or in the school grounds after hours. There are some groups who have
received formal permission to use the school facilities and if you have a legitimate reason to
use the grounds please approach the school with a written request for consideration.
Vicki Sparkes
Principal
From the Deputy Principal
School Wide Positive Behaviour Support
This fortnight students have been focussing on ways to stay safe. Specifically, the lesson
deals with “Stranger Awareness”, although it is important that children understand that the
strategies taught can be applied to any situation in which they feel threatened or not safe.
Students have learnt that if they are approached by someone they don’t know, they should
use “NO, GO, YELL, TELL.” This means:
1. Say NO firmly and loudly.
2. Go away from the stranger – run if you need to.
3. Yell as loudly as you can.
4. Tell an adult you know and trust (e.g. parent, teacher, carer)
It is timely to have such a lesson focus at the beginning of the school year when many
students walk or ride to school, alone. To be ‘safe’ is one of the Freshwater State School
rules that are positively reinforced by staff. Supporting messages from the child’s home
help the child see and hear the message from important and trusted adults in their life.
Before School Routine
To align with the Be Safe and Be Responsible rules, please encourage your child to follow
the ‘before school routine’ if they arrive at school before 8:15am:
• Wait in the Under Cover area. Parents are welcome to wait with their child.
• Sit down.
• Talk quietly with friends.
• When the bell rings at 8:15am, walk to your classroom.
Have a great week!
Yours in Learning,
Melinda Gothmann
Email: newsletter@freshwaterss.eq.edu.au
School Phone Number: 4058 9222
INTRODUCING
RUSSELL & NATALIE
Russell Spanner – ICT
Manager
Is he still there? Freshwater State
School is like a second home. I have
been part of this wonderful community
for a few years now. Many changes have occurred over
the years – biro melting classrooms to pleasant airconditioning, chalk boards to Interactive White Boards.
Community involvement in the school has consistently
been a strength of the school.
My classroom role has changed this year. I will be
supporting teachers and classes across the school for
specific curriculum ICT tasks rather than taking lower
school classes to the lab once a week. My other area of
responsibility is the management of the school ICT
Network. I have an Office in the Library.
Natalie Bouliane – Coach for Differentiation
Hello, some of you may know me from
my previous position as the Teacher for
Students with Disabilities in the Club
Room. I am excited to continue my
work supporting students in a broader
sense in my new role as Coach for
Differentiation. Differentiation is the
modification of teaching strategies, unit
plans and assessments to support the
needs of individual students so they can experience
success in their learning. Part of my role is to assist
teachers to organise Targeted Teaching programs in
the classroom and to write Individual Curriculum Plans
for students working at year levels different from their
peers. Although I miss teaching in the Club Room I am
pleased to see the students so happy in the care of
their new SWD teachers, Ahnita Mackedie and Kate
Caunt. I’m looking forward to working with all of the
students at Freshwater this year!
PINK STUMPS DAY
Many thanks to our Freshwater families for
donating to the Jane McGrath Foundation last
Friday, Pink Stumps Day. We raised $321…thank
you. The Teachers v Sport Captains Lunchtime
Cricket Match was a fun affair. The teachers once
again displayed their fine cricketing skills, Mrs
Sparkes would not be bribed on any umpiring
decisions and the newly appointed Sports
Captains were on fire! The Sports Captains
scored the winning run on the last ball of the
game! Well done Sports Captains 
WRITING CLUB
Our new writing club got off to a good start with six
students all working hard to warm up their fingers and
write neatly. Great work Lachlan, Hayden, Harriet,
Curtis, Charlotte and Imogen. Thank you to Dylan and
Silas from 6NB for helping set up and run the group.
Writing Club will be in the Library on Tuesdays and
Fridays, 8.00– 8.30am for the rest of Term 1.
Mrs Black
YR 5 CAMP & EISTEDDFOD DATES
The Year 5 camp will overlap with the music section of
the Eisteddfod. I have spoken with a representative of
the CDJE and have been told the following. If your
child is doing a solo you could contact the Association
and check when the item may be on. Duos and group
items will usually be on a weekend.
Dance: June 25 to July 5
Speech: June 25-28
Music:
June 17-24
http://cairnseisteddfod.com.au/
CONGRATULATIONS
The following students have received a Merit Award for
Good Behaviour and/or Academic Achievement.
Merit Awards
PAM
Oliver Alden
PNM
Naomi Beaman
PRW
Eli Sheardown
1EH
Gisele Bilic
1GW
Beau Vermey
1MD
Lochlan Norris
1SB
Jasper Ringer
2CG
Sam Bryceson
2DO
Hannah Dowey
2RO
Mitchell Lane
2SM
Lillian Fysh
2AY
Joshua Brunner
The following students have received a Tough Cookie
Award.
Tough Cookie Awards
PAM
Luca Catelan-Ramirez
PNM
Chase Ivanov
PRW
Ava McKay
1EH
Mason Moore
1GW
Wil Baldwin
1MD
Maddison Monson
1SB
Bianca Bury
2CG
Kahlen Drake
2DO
Scotty Davidson
2RO
Eliza Webb
2SM
Franky Cuzon
2AY
Abigail Lanigan
FRESHIE’S WONDERFUL FETE
The fete may seem like a long way off, but it will be
here before we know it. Would you like to be involved?
This is a great opportunity to do something amazing for
your child's school and get to know other parents.
Volunteers are already starting to put their hands up to
convene stalls but we need many more. If you don't
want to do it alone, grab a friend and co-convene your
favourite stall. The P&C is also looking for people to join
the fete team to be involved with the overall organising.
It's a big job, but with many of us involved it will be less
work and more fun. Please register your interest with
the P&C office on 4055 2946. We'll be calling a fete
meeting soon, so watch this space!
Fiona Sewell P&C President
Email: newsletter@freshwaterss.eq.edu.au
School Phone Number: 4058 9222
WORKSHOP FOR PREP PARENTS
Come along to an informative and interactive workshop
where we will share some strategies to
help your child have the best possible
start to becoming a confident reader.
Venue: FSS Library Conference Room
Time: 6:00 – 7:30pm
th
When: Wednesday, February 25
Unfortunately, there is no babysitting
service available.
However…tea,
coffee, biscuits and a willingness to share our expertise
and listen to your thoughts and questions will be
available!
Jenni McDonald P-2 Literacy Coach
BUTTERFLY WINGS COMMENCING
Friday 27th February
The Butterfly Wings Child Parent Program is a group
learning experience for parents/carers and children (2-5
years) focusing on the pleasure and power of using
nursery rhymes, interactive songs and stories together.
Where: Library Conference Room (please enter through the door
closest to the school office building).
When: Starts Friday 27th February from 9—10:30am continuing
each Friday for 5 weeks
What to bring: You and your child/children (1-2 per family) and a
healthy snack for your child.
Cost: FREE
YEAR 3-6 SWIMMING
Year 3-6 will be swimming in Term One this year.
Notes
for
Year
3-6
Swimming
have
gone
home.
The dates are: Wednesday
th
th
11 & Friday 13 March,
th
th
and Friday 20
March,
Wednesday 18
th
st
Wednesday 25 March and 1 April.
Year Level
5SM 5JP
5KC, 5PG
3JR, 3NT
6BU, 6JD,
6BR
4KW, 4LD,
4SG
4NS, 3AM,
3SS
Depart from
School
8.50AM
9:35AM
10:20AM
9:10-9:55AM
9:55-10:40AM
10:40-11:25AM
Return to
School
10.20AM approx
11:05AM approx
11.50AM approx
11:50AM
12.10-12: 55PM
1:20PM approx
12:35PM
12:55-1:40PM
2:05PM approx
1:20PM
1:40-2:25PM
2:50PM approx
Swim
PLEASE NOTE that Year 5SM and 5JP
need to depart school at 8.50am
nd
Our swimming carnival is Thursday 2 April at
Smithfield Pool.
Please see Mrs Knight if you have any queries.
SPARE CLOTHES NEEDED
If anyone has spare uniform shorts and green
polo’s, size 8 or 10, please consider donating
them to the school office. On occasion we need
spares to deal with life’s little accidents and at
present we are running short (pardon the pun!)
THE FRESHIE LEAGUE
The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, and it’s a
glorious week to begin playing rugby league. The 2015
NRL Development Cup will begin tomorrow afternoon
with our first game against White Rock SS. Our intrepid
scouts report that a large
and enthusiastic squad of
footballers
have
been
training hard, with tackling
and game sense at the top
of list of skills to master. In
the wake of the visit of
Cowboys players James
Tamou and Ray Thompson
to Freshwater last Friday,
we cannot confirm whether
our Green Machine players
are following in their
footsteps with five rashers
of bacon and five eggs for breakfast. Time will tell. The
game kicks off at 5:30pm tomorrow afternoon at Jones
Park, Mann Street, Westcourt. Spectators and
supporters are most welcome! Until next week,
The Freshy Leaguie
FUN RUN/CROSS COUNTRY
nd
Wednesday 22 April
The Fun Run will be here before we know it. The
nd
date is 22 April, the first Wednesday of Term 2.
Sponsorship forms for Fun Run fundraising will be
sent
home
later
this
term.
Remember if every student raises
$14.20 we will make $10,000.00 for
the Physical Education Program
and Equipment. We need more
soccer goals and lines marked on
our concrete spaces this year.
The student who raises the most money in their
year level will receive a fantastic prize and the
highest fundraising class will share a Pizza Party.
This sort of targeted fundraising is one of the
things that make Freshwater SS special.
HELP – We need parents to assist with the
running of the Fun Run – Organising Sponsorship
forms, recording money raised and assisting on
the day of the Fun Run. This is not very time
consuming and a great way to help the kids at
Freshie. Please see Mrs Knight if you are able to
assist. Mrs Knight & Parents for PE
LOTE NEWS
The language spoken in Japan is Japanese. To write
it we use a combination of Chinese kanji characters
and two uniquely Japanese phonetic scripts called
hiragana and katakana . Children at Freshwater
learn how to use each of these alphabets. For
example, they can write their names in katakana ,
number to 100 in kanji and will use most of the 46
characters in hiragana by the end of Year 6.
School Phone Number: 4058 9222
Email: newsletter@freshwaterss.eq.edu.au
FRESHIE SHOP NEWS
If you haven't already noticed, the
Freshie Shop has relocated next door
for a bigger and better service to the
families of Freshwater. Our awesome team of
volunteers have created an outstanding service to the
school with their hard work and dedication. The
Freshwater P&C would like to sincerely thank all
parents involved in the management and organisation
of the Freshie Shop. At Freshwater, parents do make a
difference in our schooling experience.
JANE’S JOTTINGS
Jane Brentnall – Guidance Officer
CAIRNS YOUTH ORCHESTRA RECRUITING
We are accepting new enrolments in ALL orchestral instruments at
ALL levels for the Friday afternoon/evening weekly rehearsals which
commenced Friday 30th January. The CYO is particularly seeking
flute, clarinet & percussion players. Contact Mrs M Duffy the CYO
Musical Director 4053 2630 or email kandmduffy@westnet.com.au
LITTLE LIFESAVERS @ CAIRNS ESPLANADE
Term 1: Saturdays from 14th Feb to 28th March from 8:15 to 10am
Holidays: Mon 13th to Fri 17th April from 8-10am. No Wednesdays
Term 2: Saturdays from 18th to 6th June from 8:15 to 10am
Cost: Holiday session $85 inc rashy. Term sessions $150 inc rashy.
Contact: 4049 1201 or rdavidson@lifesaving.com.au
Quick Tips for Helping Kids keep Cool & Calm
Have a Laugh! It is almost impossible to feel stressed while
you are having a laugh or sharing a joke. Make sure that
your young person has plenty of time to have fun each
day!
TINY TACKER TUESDAY @ CNS REGIONAL GALLERY
Great fun for younger brothers & sisters at the Cairns Regional
Gallery. Tiny Tacker Tuesdays for ages 2-5, from 10-10:45am with
artist Louisa Ennis-Thomas. Discover your Gallery & make wonderful
artworks. $70 for 6wks or $60 for members or $12 per class if booked
in advance.
NEWS FROM FRESHIE CAFÉ
CAIRNS YOUNG VOICES 2015
What: Bringing together students from all over Cairns to experience
the joy of singing. Join us for music appreciation classes, theory of
music lessons & group choral sessions.
Contact: cyvoices@bigpond.net.au or
www.cairnsyoungvoices.com.au
Hello from Di & Manfred
Thanks once again to Tomoko for making the
Rice Balls. Parents, just to settle your mind in
reference to the Banana Smoothies, the bananas
are freshly brought into the Tuckshop and we
freeze them, they are not purchased from any
supplies pre-frozen. Remember also that we
have the Freshie Afterschool Snack Attack
operating on Wednesday and Friday afternoons.
These will need to be ordered in advance via
Flexischools or the paper bag method, by midday
on the relevant day.
Treat of the week:
Honey Coconut biscuits ···· 3 for $1.00
Have a great week and happy tuckshopping
GENERAL NOTICES
GIVEAWAY
Sleepers to give away, please see Chris (Grounds & Facilities Officer)
at school if you are interested.
C&K HOLLOWAYS BEACH: KINDERGARTEN
Kindergarten places are still available for children from 3 years of age.
Visit us at 7 Jacarana Street Holloways Beach or contact us at
(07) 4055 9132 Email: holloways@candk.asn.au
FSS NETSETGO
What: NetSetGo is an opportunity for kids to increase social & motor
skills & experience netball in a fun & friendly environment.
Where: The Canopy, FSS
Who: Boys/girls 5-10yr olds
When: Wed 18th Feb from 3:05-4:05pm
Cost: $80 with NetSetGo pack, $60 without pack
Bring: Suitable clothing, appropriate footwear, hat, ball from kit, water
bottle & sunscreen
FNQ MALE SUICIDE PREVENTION TASKFORCE
When: Friday 6th March 5 – 7 pm
Where: Brothers Leagues Club Anderson Street
What: a FREE presentation by four international & national speakers
No need to RSVP just bring a mate and come along
PCYC YOUTH GROUP FOR TEENS WITH ASD
Who: 12-16yr olds
When: Fridays from 6-8pm (fortnightly in term time)
Where: PCYC function room
Cost: PCYC annual membership + $100 per term for sessions
Contact: Brigitte cairnsasdyouthgroup@gmail.com
BRINGING WORLD CLASS SOCCER COACHING TO FSS
What: After school care program teaching kids discipline, fitness &
team work
Where: FSS for 7 wks Cost: $10 per session
When: Every Friday 13th Feb to 27th Mar from 3:05 to 4:15pm
Contact: Joe Holt on 0422 409 335 / info@worldclasfootball.com.au
Kids are welcome to come along any Friday, they don’t have to do the full
7wks. If raining it will be held in the Canopy.
CAIRNS JNR CHORAL SOCIETY
What: For kids who love to sing. Ages 8-18yrs
When: Meet every Tuesday from 5:30pm
Where: Cairns Choral Society Hall, Grove St
Contact: Toni Dunstan on 0437 942 019
POPPERS @ FRESHIE
What: A 5wk group to aid young people experiencing parental
separation, conflict & change
Who: 6-9 yr olds
When: Tues 17th Feb to Tues 24th March from 9:30-10:50am
Where: FSS, Corkill St, Freshwater
Cost: Free. Please leave your name at FSS office
ELLIS BEACH SURF CLUB SIGN ON / OPEN DAY
When: Sat 28th & Sun 29th March from 10am to 3pm
Where: Ellis Beach Clubhouse
What: Clubhouse tours, beach activities for Nippers, free sausage
sizzle etc
Contact: ellis.slsc@bigpond.com