Gorokan Public School Newsletter - Week 10 Term 4, 2024

Principal's Report

Dear Gorokan Public School Community,

As we wrap up another highly productive and enjoyable term, I’d like to acknowledge the efforts of our students, staff, and school community. We've made solid progress toward our goals and maintained a positive learning environment for student growth and achievement. With the holidays ahead, I hope the Spring weather provides an opportunity for some rest and fun times with family and friends.

Transition to School

Today marked the second transition session for our 2025 Kindergarten students, with a strong turnout. If your child is starting Kindergarten next year, please enrol promptly, as only enrolled students can join this important program. So far, we have over 80 enrolments for the upcoming year. You can enrol online using the link below or pick up paper forms from our office. We look forward to welcoming our future Kindergarten students and their families, and it was a pleasure meeting many of you today.

Kindergarten 2025 Enrolment

Check-in Assessments

Congratulations to our Year 3, 4, 5, and 6 students for completing the annual Check-in assessments! This online evaluation, conducted in NSW public schools, assesses reading and numeracy, with Year 6 students also completing a writing task. Each test takes about 60 minutes, but students can take additional time if needed. The assessments help identify student performance and guide future teaching strategies. We are thrilled to announce that our results compare very favourably to Statistically Similar Schools and the State. Stunning outcomes—well done!

Central Coast Public Speaking Competition

Congratulations to the students who competed in the first round of the Central Coast Public Speaking Competition, held at Budgewoi Public School on Wednesday, 18 September. All participants demonstrated confidence and skill, making our school and community proud. Special congratulations to George C from KDT, Casper C from KJ, and Glaiza Joy L from 2/3O, who have advanced to the next round.

Bilby Bash

Last Thursday, 19 September, our Stage 2 Aboriginal students participated in the annual Bilby Bash at Budgewoi Public School. This celebration of Aboriginal culture brought together students from Muru Bulbi AECG schools to engage in a range of cultural activities, including dance, art, craft, Dreamtime stories, bush tucker, and Indigenous games. It was a wonderful day enjoyed by all.

Rewards Day

This term, students will celebrate Rewards Day on the last day with a sporting colours mufti day, to add to the fun. Congratulations to all students for their positive engagement in learning over the past ten weeks. As we look ahead to next term, I encourage everyone to reflect on their achievements and set personal goals for continued personal improvement.

Sydney North Athletics Carnival

Congratulations to our students who competed at the Sydney North Athletics Carnival on Monday 23 September. We are incredibly proud of their dedication and outstanding performances. Jae-Li W competed in the 12yrs 100m and discus, Annabelle H was in the Junior Girls shot put and Johnny C competed in the Multiclass 100m, 200m and Shot Put. Our students showcased not only their athletic talents but also exemplary sportsmanship. Special thanks to Mrs Farrell and Ms O’Connell for their excellent organisation and support.

Term 3 Yarn Up

Parents and carers are invited to join us for the Term 3 Yarn Up tomorrow, Thursday 26 September at 3:10 pm. Our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, along with the Koori Choir, will perform in a showcase of dance, didgeridoo, and singing. We’ll be holding a sausage sizzle and serving light refreshments as we celebrate the talents of our students. All are welcome.

Swimming Scheme

A big thank you to Mrs Farrell for her outstanding organisation of this year’s Swimming Scheme. The NSW Department of Education’s School Swimming Scheme is an intensive program that builds water confidence and teaches basic water safety and survival skills. Congratulations to the 180 students who participated this year!

Scholastic Book Fair

The Book Fair held on Friday, 30 August, was highly successful, with total book purchases and orders amounting to $4017.00. As a result, the school earned $1205.00 in Scholastic Rewards, which will be used to acquire new books and resources for the library. Special thanks go to our librarian, Mrs. Giancotti, for her excellent organisation of this event.

Books that have had to be ordered will arrive early next term now. Thank you so much for your support.

Externally Funded Service Providers

When managing requests from externally funded services to deliver support at the school, there are three key steps to follow:

1. Requests must be made in writing to the Principal and will be evaluated based on the needs and interests of the intended student(s) and the school's operational requirements.

2. If approved, service providers must meet all legal and policy requirements and enter into an agreement with the school.

3. Providers must undergo an induction before starting services.

External providers do not have automatic access, even if they serve other students at the school or have been granted access elsewhere. Decisions are made case by case, ensuring the educational needs of the students are prioritised. The delivery of NDIS services should not disrupt education. For more information, please contact the school.

A Final Note

Thank you for another productive term. I encourage all students to keep reading during the holidays, as it supports learning and builds imagination. Whether it's a book or something else of interest, make time to enjoy it.

Have a restful break, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back when school resumes on Monday, 14 October.

By working together, we can continue to create positive change in our school community.

School News

Attendance

Secondhand Uniforms

We are running low on supplies of secondhand uniforms. If you have any spare secondhand uniforms that you can donate to the school we would greatly appreciate them. We have plenty of school jumpers but desperately need school shirts, sports shirts, shorts and skorts.

Dates to Remember

  • Thursday 26 September - Athletics Ribbon Assembly at 9:15am
  • Thursday 26 September - Term 3 Yarn Up at 3:10pm
  • Friday 27 September - Sporting Colours Mufti Day and Rewards Day (Gold coin donation)
  • Friday 27 September - Last day of Swimming Scheme
  • Friday 27 September - Last day of Term 3
  • Monday 14 October - First day of Term 4 for staff and students
  • Tuesday 15 October - Central Coast Public Speaking Final
  • Friday 18 October - Friday 22 November - Passport to Success for Year 6
  • Friday 18 October - Water Education Incursion in hall at 2:00pm
  • Wednesday 23 October - Kindergarten Transition session 3 in classrooms
  • Wednesday 23 October - Thursday 24 October - State Athletics Carnival
  • Thursday 24 October - Term 4 Class Captain Assembly at 2:00pm
  • Friday 25 October - Day for Daniel - Red Mufti Day
  • Monday 4 November - P&C General Meeting at 3:15pm
  • Wednesday 6 November - Kindergarten Transition session 4 in classrooms

Inclusive Education Team

Current Learning

Over the past few weeks, the students in the IET have been learning about the following topics:

  • In Week 9 many students in the IET began the Swimming Scheme program. Students have found enjoyment in learning swim skills and developing water confidence.
  • In English we have worked on our handwriting with focus on the letters x and y. We have linked our handwriting to our PDHPE unit by writing positive affirmations and self-affirming sentences containing these letters.
  • In mathematics we have been measuring objects and comparing them using informal units such as footsteps and formal units centimetres and metres.
  • In geography we have been using our knowledge on how to care for special places we belong to and applying it to the school setting. We looked at certain areas in school and discussed how we can take care of these places.

Reminders

Please note the following reminder:

  • The IET will be running our own Gorokan Olympic Games on Friday 27 September.

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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.

Week 8 Open Road Awards

  • Turtles - Beau
  • Eaglehawks - Atticus
  • Echidnas - Mace
  • Frogs - Kane

Week 9 Open Road Awards

  • Turtles - Benjamin
  • Eaglehawks - Brock
  • Echidnas - Braxton
  • Frogs - Mark

Week 8 Merit Awards

  • Turtles - Drew
  • Eaglehawks - Brock
  • Echidnas - Dylan
  • Frogs - Owen

Week 9 Merit Awards

  • Turtles - Maximus
  • Eaglehawks - Nicole
  • Echidnas - Drew
  • Frogs - Anthony

Mrs Shauna Crook

Deputy Principal Support Unit and Wellbeing

Early Stage 1

Current Learning

Over the past few weeks, the students in Kindergarten students have been learning about the following topics:

  • In mathematics the students have been learning to find and compare the area of shapes. We have also been measuring different sized lines using string to see which is longest.
  • In English students have been learning to write sentences with an adjective (describing word).
  • In science, Kindergarten students are learning about the weather.

Reminders

Please note the following reminders:

  • We still have quite a few students without hats. The uniform shop is open on Fridays from 8:30am if you need to purchase a new one.
  • Sports mufti day this Friday. Wear your favourite sport jersey.
  • Have a wonderful holiday. Don’t forget to read to your child and play lots of counting games over the break. We look forward to seeing you all back at school after the holidays.

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 - Jaxson S, River B, Isla F and Kennedy M
  • KJ - Aadam K, Cub M, Pretty U and Chelsea W
  • KLF - Finn M, Logan M, Layla J and Zhavia T
  • KDT - Piper D and Mia V

Open Road Awards

  • KB - Aria S, Sonny M, Isabella T and Teejaye H
  • KJ - Emma H, Cub M, River F and Kenzley H
  • KLF -Liam b, Evie H, Ivy A and Linkin P
  • KDT - Riley A and Takari R

Mrs Alicia Duke

Assistant Principal Early Stage 1

Stage 1

Current Learning

Over the past few weeks, the students in Stage 1 have been learning about the following topics:

  • In mathematics, students have been learning about and constructing 3D shapes including cubes, and prisms.
  • In English, students have been learning to write with a "sizzling start", where, who and what did they do.
  • In PDHPE, students have been learning about safety in child protection.

Reminder

Please note the following reminders:

  • We remind all students to please wear a school hat everyday - clearly labelled.
  • Have a fabulous holiday break. We look forward to seeing you all again in Term 4!

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 - Mark and Evelyn
  • 1E - Elvy and Isaac
  • 1M - Jordan and Aubrey
  • 1Y - Jack and Mila
  • 1/2K - Jace and Benji
  • 2D - Sara and Beau
  • 2J - Hunter and Lucas
  • 2S - Violet and Pailee
  • 2/3O - Chloe

Merit Awards

  • 1AR - Maya and Kai
  • 1E - Levi and Harlow
  • 1M - Kyah and Max
  • 1Y - Isabel and Archie
  • 1/2K - Mya and Millie
  • 2D - Cohen and Bindi
  • 2J - Sara and Beau
  • 2S - Max and Rhylan
  • 2/3O - Stephen

Mrs Kate Day

Assistant Principal Year One

Stage 2

Current Learning

Over the past few weeks, the students in Stage 2 have been learning about the following topics:

  • In English - Persuasive devices used in writing and advertisements to persuade the audience. Refining and improving our daily reading and writing warm ups.
  • in mathematics, finding the capacity and volume of objects in mathematics and exploring chance and the likelihood of events occurring.
  • Swimming skills (for those students participating in the Special Swimming Scheme) and safety in and around water.
  • Bilby Bash excursion for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.

Reminders

Please note the following reminders:

  • Please encourage your child to read over the holidays and to keep a journal of their adventures to share with their class when they return on Monday 14 October.
  • Rewards Day - sporting activities on the school oval this Friday.

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 - Rosie and Marcus
  • 3B - Archey D and Ellie G
  • 3S - Phoenix, Seth, Jr T and Naet
  • 3/4J - Cooper S, Oliver V, Bailey E and Maddison H
  • 4G - Maddison W, Adele P, Haylen D and Byron N
  • 4H - Jacob R and Lailahni D

Merit Awards

  • 2/3O - Chloe H andLevi
  • 3B - Ayla M and Morgan S
  • 3S - Mele, Mahlia, Abbie C and Manny
  • 3/4J - Kailee H, Lincoln N, Emily N and Cooper W
  • 4G - Ella K, Latalea N, Noah H and James E
  • 4H - Chelsea L and Rozie D

Congratulations to Anabelle H for placing first at zone in shot put. We wish her good luck at Regional North.

Mrs Di Jeanpierre

Assistant Principal Stage 2

Stage 3

Current Learning

Over the past few weeks, the students in Stage 3 have been learning about the following topics:

  • In mathematics, students have been exploring the Cartesian coordinate system.
  • In English, they have explored books written by Jeannie Baker, focusing on imagery.
  • In LAC, students have engaged with the geographical and geological features of Darkinjung Country.
  • In PDHPE, they‘ve been investigating skills to recognise characteristics of respectful relationships and identify safe and unsafe online behaviour, types of violence, coercion and how power might be abused.

Reminders

Please note the following reminders:

  • In Term 4, our Sports Day will be changing to Wednesday. Please ensure students wear their sports uniform on this day.
  • As the weather is heating up, it is important that students remember to wear a sun safe hat when doing sport, PE and playing outside. We remind all students to please wear a school hat every day (clearly labelled with their name).

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.

Week 8 Open Road Awards

  • 5/6G Phoenix W
  • 5/6C - James B
  • 5/6P - Jack C
  • 5/6F - Andriel
  • 5/6R - Merci N
  • 5/6M - Ollie

Week 9 Open Road Awards

  • 5/6G - Kafa T
  • 5/6C - Alina
  • 5/6P - Beau K
  • 5/6F - Ayla
  • 5/6R - Jaida
  • 5/6M - Dakota

Week 8 Merit Awards

  • 5/6G - Alyssa M
  • 5/6C - Shanae P
  • 5/6P - Keira
  • 5/6F - Joel
  • 5/6R - Henry
  • 5/6M - Aiva

Week 9 Merit Awards

  • 5/6G - Mat C
  • 5/6C - Connor V
  • 5/6P - Tyde
  • 5/6F - Allira
  • 5/6R - Hunter
  • 5/6M - Indy

Have a wonderful holiday break. We look forward to seeing you all again in Term 4!

Mr Mitchell Gibbs

Stage 3 Assistant Principal

Community News

Parenting Ideas

The Case for Risky Play in an Age of Overprotection

Remember playgrounds? I’m talking about the real deal: towering metal structures, splintery wooden forts, rocket ships you could climb up into for forever, and swings that sent you soaring; playgrounds where skinned knees and the occasional lost tooth were badges of honour, not cause for panic.

Today, those playgrounds are becoming an endangered species. In their place, we’ve erected sanitised, plastic-coated play areas that prioritise safety over adventure. Rather than making playgrounds as safe as necessary, we’re making them as safe as possible. Swings barely leave the ground, monkey bars are disappearing, soft fall cushions the ground, and the merry-ground? It’s been banished to the realm of nostalgia.

We’ve become so obsessed with a well-intentioned desire to protect our kids from every possible bump and bruise that we’ve forgotten something crucial: kids need risk.

They need to climb, jump, fall, and get back up again. They need to test their limits, push their boundaries, and experience the thrill of conquering a challenge.

And I’m talking about all kids. Typically developing kids, children with disabilities, neurodivergent kids… the lot. Taking risks is how we build competence, and with competence comes confidence and self-esteem.

Renowned psychiatrist and mental health expert, Professor Patrick McGorry, has found that Australian young people are second only to US youth when it comes to mental health challenges. And researchers like New York University’s Jonathan Haidt have linked the decline in risky play to the rising rates of anxiety and depression Professor McGorry describes in his recent studies. The argument: kids who are constantly shielded from risk may grow up feeling ill-equipped to handle life’s inevitable challenges. They may become overly cautious, afraid to step outside their comfort zones, and paralysed by fear of failure.

It makes sense, though. We love our kids. We want them to be safe. The last thing we want isfor them to break their arm. And yet… aren’t those some of the very best stories we tell for the rest of our lives? Stories of adventure and misfortune; stories about how we scored our scars?

The Biosphere 2 experiment offers a cautionary tale. Scientists tried to create a perfect, self-sustaining ecosystem, but they failed miserably. The trees grew tall, fast, and straight. But then they toppled. They were too top heavy. Their roots were too shallow because there was no wind in Biosphere 2. The trees lacked the “stress wood” that develops in response to challenges (like windy days).

Our kids are like those trees. They’re growing up in a controlled environment, protected from the harsh realities of the world. But when they finally venture out on their own, they’re going to get knocked down. And if they haven’t developed the resilience – the stress wood – to get back up, they’re going to struggle.

Let’s be clear. Risky play is not:

  • Ignoring evidence-based and mandated safety measures (e.g., the use of helmets, car seats, life jackets, stair safety gates).
  • Leaving children unsupervised in potentially hazardous situations (e.g., street play in traffic areas).
  • Pushing children to take risks beyond their own comfort level.

I’m not suggesting that we throw caution to the wind or encourage reckless behaviour. It’s about finding a balance. It’s about creating playgrounds and environments where kids can explore their limits within a safe and supportive framework. It’s about encouraging them to climb trees, build forts, and jump off swings, while also providing guidance and supervision.

The benefits of risky play are undeniable.

Studies have shown that kids who engage in such play:

  • Are less likely to develop anxiety and depression.
  • Have better social skills, improved physical coordination, and enhanced creativity.
  • Are more likely to take initiative, demonstrate leadership qualities, and persevere in the face of challenges.

Research also shows that risky play is essential for building resilience, confidence, and problem-solving skills. It helps kids learn to assess risk, make decisions, and navigate the world on their own terms. And the American and Canadian Paediatric Societies are both encouraging parents to help their kids take more risks!

By denying children of those opportunities, we’re not just robbing them of fun – we’re stunting their development.

So let’s reclaim the playground as a space for adventure and exploration. Let’s embrace the scraped knees, the joyful shouts, and the occasional tears that are an inevitable part of childhood because school camp is hard, riding down the hill is scary, or the wind is blowing strong. Let’s trust our kids to navigate the world, to take risks, and to discover the resilience that lies within. And let’s turn off the computer/tablet screens so they can get out there and go for it.

Because in a world that’s increasingly sanitised and controlled, the greatest risk may be not taking any risks at all.