Principal's Report
Dear Gorokan Public School Community,
Welcome to Week 6 of Term 4. As we approach the final weeks of the school year, we are excited to share the many events and activities planned to make this term a fulfilling and memorable one for our students. Thank you for your continued support as we work together to create opportunities for growth and success.
Mock Parliament
Last Friday, Stage 3 students participated in a Mock Parliament session with Federal Member for Dobell, Emma McBride MP, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Milton Dick MP. This visit celebrated the students’ efforts during their Canberra excursion earlier this year. The session was highly engaging and provided a fantastic opportunity to deepen their understanding of Australia’s democratic process. A big thank you to Emma and Milton for their ongoing support of our students and school.
Acknowledgment of P&C Contribution
A heartfelt thank you to our P&C members for their unwavering commitment and support throughout 2024. Your dedication has significantly enhanced our school programs and resources, positively impacting our students' learning experiences and strengthening our school community. We deeply appreciate the time and effort you have invested in making Gorokan Public School the best it can be.
NAPLAN Results – Years 3-5 Growth
We are pleased to share this year’s NAPLAN Value Added data, which tracks student growth between assessment years (Years 3 to 5, 5 to 7, and 7 to 9). This data compares students’ previous NAPLAN results with their current level of achievement, providing a clear picture of their progress over time.
The graph below highlights the growth of our students from Years 3 to 5, demonstrating that they are performing above the state average and tracking very well compared to other schools across NSW. This excellent result is a testament to the dedication of our students, staff, and school community. We are proud of these achievements and remain committed to fostering continued growth and success for all learners through our unwavering commitment to explicit teaching in every classroom at Gorokan Public School.
Digital Safety Talk
Stage 3 students recently attended a presentation led by NSW Police, focusing on the vital topic of digital safety. The session provided practical advice on staying safe online. We extend our gratitude to the NSW Police Force and Tuggerah Lakes Police District for equipping our students with these important skills.
Student Voice
The Term 4 Class Captains and student leadership team held their final meeting last week. Discussions included:
- 1. Indoor end-of-term rewards for wet weather scenarios.
- 2. Suggestions for Gorokan Gold Rewards prizes, considering cost, size, and popularity.
- 3. Identifying areas in classrooms or playgrounds needing maintenance or cleaning over the holidays.
We appreciate the thoughtful input from our students and the guidance of Mr Johnston and Mrs Jeanpierre in facilitating these important discussions.
Condolences
Our thoughts are with the family of Skye Warren, one of our parents, who passed away suddenly. We send our heartfelt condolences to her family during this difficult time.
Schools Spectacular
Rehearsals are underway for the Schools Spectacular, themed ALL4ONE, set to take place on 29–30 November at Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney Olympic Park. Our students are working hard, and we’re grateful to staff and families for their support in making this opportunity possible. Tickets are available via Ticketek.
Rotary Citizenship Awards: Congratulations to Luke B and Amelia W
I am pleased to announce that Luke B and Amelia W are the deserving recipients of this year’s Northlakes Toukley Rotary Club Citizenship Award. Both students have demonstrated exemplary behaviour and have served as outstanding role models for their peers throughout their years at Gorokan Public School.
A special acknowledgement goes to Taliah L, who led the Acknowledgement of Country at the event. I would also like to extend our gratitude to our Aboriginal Dance Troupe and the Ridgedidgers for their performances that opened this special occasion. Additionally, Amelia had the honour of addressing the gathering on behalf of the award recipients.
Thank you to the Northlakes Toukley Rotary Club for providing our students with this meaningful opportunity for recognition.
School Development Days 2025
In 2025, there will be eight pupil-free days to support the rollout of the new curriculum. These days are as follows:
- Term 1: Friday, 31 January – Wednesday, 5 February (4 days)
- Term 2: Monday, 28 April – Tuesday, 29 April (2 days)
- Term 3: Monday, 21 July (1 day)
- Term 4: Monday, 13 October (1 day)
Please note there will be no student supervision on these days as staff will be engaged in professional learning.
Muru Bulbi Cup
Today, Gorokan Public School proudly participated in the first ever Muru Bulbi Cup, a round-robin gala day showcasing girls' and boys' Oztag teams from the eight primary schools across the Muru Bulbi region. Our students demonstrated excellent teamwork, sportsmanship, and school spirit as they represented our school with pride.
The Muru Bulbi Cup is an exciting new initiative that allows our Stage 3 students to compete alongside their peers from neighbouring schools. The event is not just a one-off, it’s a tradition that students will be able to continue as they move on to high school, with Gorokan, Northlakes, and Lake Munmorah High Schools taking the lead in running the Cup for future participants.
We are incredibly proud of our Gorokan Public School students for their dedication and enthusiasm during this inaugural event and look forward to seeing them continue to shine in the years to come!
2025 Enrolments and Class Placements
Planning for 2025 is underway. If your child is not returning to Gorokan PS next year (excluding Year 6), please inform the office as soon as possible. Enrolment information and packs are available at the office or online:
If you have specific placement requests for your child, please submit them in writing by Friday 22 November. While we can’t guarantee every request, we will give each one careful consideration.
Together we can make a difference.
School News
Attendance
What Are My Legal Responsibilities?
Education in New South Wales is compulsory for all children between the ages of six years and below the minimum school leaving age of 17 years. The Education Act 1990 requires that parents ensure their children of compulsory school age are enrolled at, and regularly attend school, or, are registered with the NSW Education and Standards Authority for home schooling. Once enrolled, children are required to attend school each day it is open for students.
The importance of arriving on time
Learning starts at 9:00am for Gorokan Public School students. Each day starts with an Attendance Prize Draw at our morning assembly. If your child is in line, on time and ready to learn when their name is drawn out of the box they will receive a prize.
Arriving at school and class on time
- Ensures that students do not miss out on important learning activities scheduled early in the day
- Helps students learn the importance of punctuality and routine
- Give students time to greet their friends before class
- Reduces classroom disruption
Lateness is recorded as a partial absence and must be explained by parents.
Every minute counts at school so even if you ae running late we encourage all students to still turn up so that they don’t miss out.
Dates to Remember
- Thursday 21 November - 2025 Student Leadership Speeches at 9:30am
- Thursday 21 November - Chess Competition at 9:00am
- Thursday 21 November - Rumbalara Incursion at 9:00am
- Monday 25 November - Healthy Jarjums at 9:00am
- Tuesday 26 November - Kindergarten Responsible Pet Program at 10:00am
- Tuesday 26 November - Perfect Presence Coaching for Year 6
- Wednesday 27 November - Rumbalara Incursion at 9:00am
- Thursday 28 November - Thank You Morning Tea
- Friday 29 November - 2024 Schools Spectacular
- Tuesday 3 December - Year 6 Statewide Transition Day
- Wednesday 4 December - Rumbalara Incursion at 9:00am
- Thursday 5 December - Scripture Concert 12:15am - 12:45am
- Friday 6 December - Year 6 vs staff in oztag and basketball
- Friday 6 December - Year 6 Mini Fete
- Monday 9 December - Year 6 Farewell at Wyong Leagues Club at 5:00pm
- Tuesday 10 December - Presentation Day Assembly at 9:30am
- Wednesday 11 December - Rumbalara Incursion at 9:00am
- Thursday 12 December - Christmas Sing-A-Long at 11:30am
- Friday 13 December - Party Day/Rewards Day
- Monday 16 December - Gorokan's Got Talent
- Wednesday 18 December - Year 6 Clap Out and Year Book handout at 2:00pm
- Wednesday 18 December - Last day of school for students
- Thursday 19 December - School Development Day 1 (pupil free day)
- Friday 20 December - School Development Day 2 (pupil free day)
Inclusive Education Team
Current Learning
Over the past few weeks, the students in the IET have been learning about the following topics:
- In science we are exploring the earth beneath our feet. We have been investigating the processes that result in changes to the earth’s surface. We have been looking at the ways in which we use earth’s resources and consider the influence of human activity on the earth’s surface and its atmosphere.
Reminders
Please note the following reminders:
- With the weather heating up, please ensure your child has a hat and plastic water bottle.
- Please label all items.
- High school transitions are well under way for our Year 6 students. Please check the details with your child’s teacher.
- Attendance matters. If your child is absent from school please reply to the school text message so their absence can be justified.
- School pick up time is 2:45pm - 3:00pm. If you would like to collect your child before 2:45pm (unless you have an ILP arrangement in place), you will need to sign them out at the office before collecting them from their classroom. The office will provide you with an early leaver's slip to give to your child’s teacher.
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Celebrations of Learning
Congratulations to the following students who have displayed safe, respectful and successful behaviour this fortnight and received class awards. We are extremely proud of these students.
Merit Awards
- K6S - Maximus L and Jaxon C
- K6K - Kaiden H and Tyson T
- K6L - Kane H and Owen M
- K6H - Zachery W and Mace W
Mrs Shauna Crook (Deputy Principal Support Unit Wellbeing) and the IET
Early Stage 1
Current Learning
Over the past few weeks, the students in Kindergarten have been learning about the following topics:
- In mathematics Kindergarten have been making groups and sharing groups of objects evenly
- In English students are writing compound sentences using the conjunction ‘and’
- In the Get Happier Program, we have been learning about the ‘Accepting Road’. As a part of this program we invited a special guest from Social Futures to speak to Kindergarten about accepting and embracing individual differences with kindness and respect
- Last week we were also fortunate to have some Gorokan High School students come and visit Kindergarten. During the visit, students spent time getting to know one another so that the high school students can write a story for the Kinders to read
Reminders
Please note the following reminders:
- Gorokan’s Got Talent - A note will be sent via School Bytes this week about Gorokan’s Got Talent, our K-6 end of year talent show. If your child wishes to perform, please complete the permission note asap. All Kindergarten items will be performed in front of the Kindergarten grade first and then a select few items will be chosen to perform in the finals in front of the school. Your child can choose to sing, dance, tell jokes, do magic tricks or pick another special talent. The cost for student's performing is $2.00.
- Homework Folders and Library Books - Thank you for your support with the homework folders this year. As we are nearing the end of the year, we are asking that students return their homework folders along with any outstanding library books to their class teacher. The last week for borrowing library books is this week. Please continue to read to your child and log in to Reading Eggs and Mathseeds over the next few weeks to continue consolidating skills.
Celebrations of Learning
Congratulations to the following students who have displayed safe, respectful and successful behaviour this fortnight and received class awards. We are extremely proud of these students.
Merit Awards
- KB - Sonny M, Arianna G, Teejaye H and Kennedy M
- KJ - Casper C, Kenzley H and Kyelan E
- KLF - Evie H, Layla J, Sage L and Logan M
- KDT - Riley A, Brad M, Elarah B and Mia V
Open Road Awards
- KB - Declen D, Theo E, Anaseini K, and Aria S
- KJ - Jett N and Emma H
- KLF - Ivy A, Layla J, Sienna Ma and Narraway F
- KDT - Elarah B, Mia V, Bryden W, Zailey R and Indiana-Lee H
Mrs Alicia Duke
Assistant Principal Early Stage 1
Stage 1
Current Learning
Over the past few weeks students in Stage 1 students have been learning about the following topics:
- Students in 1Y, 2S and 2D have started enjoying the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden and making delicious sandwiches and decorating biscuits! Yummo!
- In mathematics, we have been learning all about division and chance. What are the possibilities?
- In English Year 1 continue writing descriptions, whilst Year 2 are focusing on writing persuasive texts.
Reminder
Please note the following reminders:
- Gorokan’s Got Talent - A note will be sent via School Bytes this week about Gorokan’s Got Talent, our K-6 end of year talent show. If your child wishes to perform, please complete the permission note asap. All Kindergarten items will be performed in front of the Kindergarten grade first and then a select few items will be chosen to perform in the finals in front of the school. Your child can choose to sing, dance, tell jokes, do magic tricks or pick another special talent. The cost for student's performing is $2.00.
- Gorokan Public School hats are to be worn every day and labelled clearly with your child’s name on it!
Celebrations of Learning
Congratulations to the following students who have displayed safe, respectful and successful behaviour this fortnight and received class awards. We are extremely proud of these students.
Open Road Awards
- 1AR - Kai and Wyatt
- 1E - Isla and Ella
- 1M - Emmiley and Lilly
- 1Y - Maliyah and Taelan
- 1/2K - Connor and Charlie
- 2D - Cali and Kierah
- 2J - Dan and Marshie
- 2S - Willow
- 2/3O - Chloe
Merit Awards
- 1AR - Kyrah and Kyla
- 1E - Aubree and Axel
- 1M - Daemon and Maddy
- 1Y - Mila and Maddox
- 1/2K - Layla S and Mya
- 2D - Kacey and Ado
- 2J - Payton and Marshie
- 2S - Kian and Rylan
- 2/3O - Stephen
Mrs Kate Day
Assistant Principal Year One
Stage 2
Current Learning
Over the past few weeks students in Stage 2 students have been learning about the following topics:
- Poetry writing in Year 3
- Narrative writing in Year 4
- Calculating area, length, and perimeter in mathematics
- Getting happier by exiting the Dead End roads and focusing on how to travel on the Open Roads
Reminders
Please note the following reminders:
- Gorokan’s Got Talent will be held in the final week of Term 4. Students are encouraged to start rehearsing now. Please keep an eye out this week via School Bytes to give your child permission to perform and pay their $2.00 entry fee.
- Please revisit the key elements of each Open Road with your child/ren during the next fortnight
Week 6 - Supporting Road
Week 7 - Trusting Road
Celebrations of Learning
Congratulations to the following students who have displayed safe, respectful and successful behaviour this fortnight and received class awards. We are extremely proud of these students.
Open Road Awards
- 2/3O - Samara, Rosie and Donte
- 3B - Millie S, Harrison, Ellie G and Karlaruby
- 3S - Sophie, Jr, Maddie and Isabelle
- 3/4J - Kelsey, Bailey, Emily and Elliot
- 4G - Latalea, Aynsley, Maddison and Prince
- 4H - Lailahni, Tyson, Alex and Taliah
Merit Awards
- 2/3O - Ben, Ayden and Nakia
- 3B - Shakaya, Evie, Isabela-Rose and Zach
- 3S - Phoenix, Zac, Jeremy and Hunter
- 3/4J - Felicity, Lillianne, Maddison and Jake
- 4G - Noah S, Byron, Lucas H and Mia C
- 4H - Phoenix, Carter, Sophie and Lailahni
Mrs Di Jeanpierre
Assistant Principal Stage 2
Stage 3
Current Learning
Over the past few weeks students in Stage 3 students have been learning about the following topics:
- In English students have been examining and experimenting with elements in literature that do not follow the form and function of a single genre.
- In mathematics the students have been exploring the use of brackets and the order of operations to write number sentences; and using hectares and square kilometres as units of measurement for area.
- In geography the students have been examining some of the different connections Australia has with other countries.
Reminders
Please note the following reminders:
- Gorokan’s Got Talent - A note will be sent via School Bytes this week about Gorokan’s Got Talent, our K-6 end of year talent show. If your child wishes to perform, please complete the note and pay the $2.00 entry fee as soon as possible.
- Year 6 Statewide Transition Day on Tuesday 3 December
- Year 6 Mini Fete Fundraiser event on Friday 6 December
- Year 6 Farewell on Monday 9 December
Celebrations of Learning
Congratulations to the following students who have displayed safe, respectful and successful behaviour this fortnight and received class awards. We are extremely proud of these students.
Open Road Awards
- 5/6G - Jae-Li W and Adam N
- 5/6C - Connor and Luke
- 5/6P - Havana and Nikkita
- 5/6F - Kendall and Yasmin
- 5/6R - Khang and Aaliyah
- 5/6M - Indigo and Brianna
Merit Awards
- 5/6G - Loki W and Jason R
- 5/6C - Noel and Lorana
- 5/6P - Skye and Ben
- 5/6F - Seth and Cooper
- 5/6R - Trevor M and Nixon M
- 5/6M - Kevin & Mayah
Mr Mitchell Gibbs
Stage 3 Assistant Principal
Parenting Ideas
Soft Eyes
I have a challenge for you. Try to feel angry...but make your eyes soft and kind. It’s the psychological equivalent of patting your head, rubbing your belly, hopping on one leg, and sticking your tongue in and out—all at once. Perhaps it’s harder. They’re fundamentallyincompatible. I don’t think you can do both.
One of the best ways I’ve found to help parents guide their children successfully—particularly atthose tense times when they’re about to crack—is to practise “soft eyes”."Soft eyes" is not a term you'll find in traditional parenting literature, but it has deep psychological and neurological roots. It serves as a powerful tool for emotional regulation—not just for you but also for your child.
How Soft Eyes Help Your Child
When your child is stressed or anxious, seeing your soft eyes can send a reassuring message. Their brain's mirror neurons pick up on your calm demeanour, signalling that the environment is safe. Your gentle gaze can help them feel loved and understood, even amidst their worries.
Regulating Your Emotions
Practising soft eyes also helps you manage your own emotional responses. In high-stress situations, it can be easy to react with anger or frustration. However, adopting soft eyes allows you to engage in two important emotional regulation strategies: emotional suppression and reappraisal.
Emotional Suppression
This involves holding back your emotional responses. For example, when your kids are fighting, you might want to explode but instead maintain your calm. While this can prevent an escalation, habitual suppressors experience impacts on wellbeing such as increased levels of depressive symptoms, less life satisfaction, and poorer social functioning.
Reappraisal
This is the process of changing how you interpret a situation to alter its emotional impact. When you choose to see things from your child’s perspective or frame the moment in a broader context, you activate your prefrontal cortex early on, which helps calm your emotions. This makes it easier to maintain a gentle demeanour.
The Science Behind “Soft Eyes”
Putting on our soft eyes isn’t about trying to influence others’ feelings through eye magic (like a Jedi Knight). However, soft eyes matter for us. Even if we’re not able to access soft eyes automatically through reappraisal, simply relieving the tension in the muscles around our eyes can influence our emotions.
One group of researchers performed a series of experiments demonstrating that furrowing the brow increases the temperature of blood entering the brain, making people feel negative. On the other hand, facial movements associated with smiling reduced the temperature of blood entering the brain and increased positive mood. (These differences are imperceptibly tiny – only 0.1 ̊C, and imperceptible to the person experiencing it, yet it’s enough to make a measurable impact on mood and even made people dislike an imaginary scent.) This helps us understand the term “hot-headed”!
Manipulating our facial expressions has an impact on heart rate, emotional reactions, and even on brain activation in the prefrontal cortex and amygdala. In other words, sometimes soft eyes help us access our soft hearts.
Finally, while Jedi eye magic doesn’t work (at least not outside the Star Wars universe), having soft eyes can create a ripple effect. Studies have shown that when one person engages in emotional regulation, their partner often mirrors that calmness, leading to a shared sense of peace. This is rooted in our extended mirror neuron system, which plays a crucial role in how we connect with others emotionally.
Practical Tips for Practising Soft Eyes
- 1. Pause and Breathe: When you feel your emotions rising, take a moment to pause. Deep breaths can help you reset and shift your mindset.
- 2. Relax Your Face: Consciously soften the muscles around your eyes. Imagine a gentle smile or visualise a calming scene.
- 3. Reframe the Situation: Try to see the moment from your child’s perspective. This can help you respond with empathy rather than frustration.
- 4. Practice Regularly: Incorporate moments of soft eyes into your daily routine. Whether during family meals or bedtime, soft eyes can become a habit.
- 5. Model for Your Kids: Show your children what soft eyes look like. Discuss how emotions work and encourage them to practise this technique when they’re upset.
So next time you’re about ready to “lose your cool”, make those eyes soft. Smile kindly. Change your face... and you’ll change your mood. And that might be all it takes to make the day better for you and your kids.
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