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Gorokan Public School Newsletter - Week 8 Term 3, 2024

Principal's Report

Dear parents, carers and students

At Gorokan we encourage students to attend school every day they are able. This year we changed our Attendance Awards.

We reward attendance at school by:

1. A daily “At school & On time” ice block draw at each morning assembly.

2. Students can also earn a number of different colour wrist bands based on the number of days they have attended school throughout the year. This gives all students the opportunity to be recognised even if they have been unfortunate enough to suffer illness throughout the term or year.

Students no longer receive an award for 100% attendance each term. By the end of this term, school would have been open for approximately 145 days. Therefore the majority of students will be looking forward to receiving their GOLD (135 days) wrist band in the next few weeks or in the first half of Term 4. This new reward is not just based on one term, but the days keep building over all terms in a year which allows more students to be recognised.

We understand that genuine sickness and other circumstances impact attendance and we would like to thank all our parents and carers who actively notify the school or respond to the student absence text messages and email reminders explaining student absences. By explaining the leave as ‘Sick’ or ‘Justified Leave’ we can ensure all student records are up to date and complete.

Book Week

The annual Gorokan Public School Book Week Parade was held on Friday, 30 August on the school oval. It was wonderful to see so many family and friends in attendance to admire our costumes. Thank you to all our parents and carers for all the time and effort preparing the students costumes. They all looked sensational.

Our 2024 K-2 Book Parade was full of character and colour.

Prior to the parade all Year 3-6 students were excited to receive their Term 3 Book Bank books from Dymocks Children’s Charities. Thank you Dymocks for supporting reading at our school.

Mr Zammit handing out Book Bank boxes to Class Captains from Year 3-6.

Kindergarten 2025 Enrolments

We held our first Kindergarten 2025 Transition session at school today. We are now accepting enrolments for Kindergarten 2025. Applications can be submitted online via the Gorokan Public School enrolment application link below.

Our next Transition session will be held on Wednesday 25 September 2024.

School Swimming Scheme- Starts NEXT week!

The School Swimming and Water Safety Program will run from Monday, 16 September to Friday, 27 September 2024, providing students with the opportunity to build confidence in the water. This program is open to students in Years 2 to 6. Spaces are limited, so please submit the permission note promptly to ensure your child’s participation.

Yarn Up - Thursday 26 September at 3:10pm

Parents and carers are warmly invited to come along to our Yarn Up in Week 10. We will be showcasing the outstanding talent and cultural and learning opportunities supported at Gorokan.

Gorokan Public and High Schools Aboriginal dance group performing at the Central Coast Showcase.

School Hours & Before School Supervision

We kindly remind parents and carers to ensure that students are not at school before 8:30am in the morning. While to gate is open at 8:20am each morning for a limited number of early school bus students, active supervision does not start until 8:30am each morning. Students who arrive before 8:30am are required to sit in their class line until the supervising teacher arrives.

Before school care is available through Camp Australia if you need children supervised before or after school. Please contact Camp Australia on 1300 105 343 or info@campaustralia.com

Staffing

Mr Clenton is relieving Principal while Mr Zammit is on leave in week 8. Mr Gibbs will be relieving Deputy Principal during this time.

Jason Clenton (Relieving Principal)

School News

Attendance

Library

Scholastic Book Fair

The last day to bring in orders for the Book Fair will be this Friday 13 September. Please give any orders to Mrs G in the library. Please ensure you have included the names of the books purchased, student details, receipt number and amount paid.

As the Book Fair cases and books have now been returned to Scholastic, the books purchased by students on a pre-payment form will need to be 're-ordered' by Mrs G so these books may not arrive for a few weeks. Thank you for your understanding.

New Canteen Menu

Dates to Remember

  • Thursday 12 September - Friday 20 September - Check-In Assessments Years 3,4,5 and 6
  • Thursday 12 September - R U OK? Day
  • Friday 13 September - Zone Athletics Carnival
  • Monday 16 September - Friday 27 September - Swimming Scheme
  • Wednesday 18 September - Central Coast Public Speaking Competition Round 1 at Budgewoi Public School
  • Thursday 19 September - Bilby Bash
  • Monday 23 September - Sydney North Athletics Carnival
  • Wednesday 25 September - Kindergarten 2025 Transition session 2
  • Thursday 26 September - Term 3 Yarn Up at 3:10pm
  • Friday 27 September - Sporting Colours Mufti Day (gold coin donation)
  • Friday 27 September - Last day of Term 3
  • Monday 14 October - First day of Term 4 for students

Inclusive Education Team

Current Learning

Over the past few weeks, the students K6L have been learning about reptiles.

  • We began our unit with an excursion with Year 1 to the Reptile Park and a visit from Kym the Reptile Man,where we got to see crocodiles, snakes, turtles and lizards up close and personal. We have now turned our classroom into our own reptile park.
  • In English we have been exploring adjectives by describing different parts of reptiles to make our sentences more interesting.
  • In science we have been looking at the characteristics of reptiles and taking a closer look at different species of snakes, turtles and lizards

Reminders

Please note the following reminders:

  • Now that the weather is warming up, please make sure your young people bring a labelled plastic water bottle to school each day to ensure they can stay well hydrated.
  • Please label all items of clothing and containers. These items are easily misplaced and are easily returned when we know who owns them.

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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 6 Open Road Awards

  • Turtles - Ben B
  • Eaglehawks - Brock D
  • Echidna - Mace
  • Frogs - Owen

Week 7 Open Road Awards

  • Turtles - Ashton
  • Eaglehawks - Atticus
  • Echidnas - Leo
  • Frogs - Xander

Week 6 Merit Awards

  • Turtles - Brody
  • Eaglehawks - Johnny
  • Echidna - Dylan
  • Frogs - Anthony

Week 7 Merit Awards

  • Turtles - Beau
  • Eaglehawks - Thomas
  • Echidnas - Jarvis
  • Frogs - Xander

Mrs Shauna Crook (Deputy Principal Wellbeing) and the Inclusive Education Team

Early Stage 1

Current Learning

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

  • In maths, we have been creating patterns that repeat over and over and using drawings to solve addition and subtraction problems.
  • In art, we have been experimenting with colour mixing and using different brush strokes to create various effects.
  • In English, we have been learning to spell words with split digraphs e.g. like, cake.

Reminders

Please note the following reminders:

  • Please make sure that your child has a hat at school. The weather is getting warmer and children will be required to have a hat to play on the oval. The uniform shop is open every Friday morning from 8:30am until 9:15am if you need to purchase a new hat.
  • Lunches - Your child requires a sandwich or wrap, 1-2 pieces of fruit and another healthy snack option such as a muffin or yoghurt each day. Please leave the lollies and sugary foods for home time.
  • Canteen - we have noticed some children are bringing quite a bit of money for the canteen each day. Please be mindful of the amount of money you send as some children are buying so many treats that they don't have time to eat them in breaks. We find it best for parents to order online so that they are aware of what their child is ordering.

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 - Kairo M, Hudson H, Anaseini K and Aurora M
  • KJ - River F and Cali B
  • KLF - Linkin P, Savannah C, Sienna M and Poppi B
  • KDT - Dimitri G and Seth J

Open Road Awards

  • KB - Ally S, Declen D, Kiani S and Luna F
  • KJ - Riley Q and Hayden D
  • KLF - Kaidyn C, Jackson H, Riley T and Layla J
  • KDT - Sienna B and Maia 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:

  • Friends of 10 and 20 in mathematics
  • Length and measuring objects up to 1 metre.
  • Creative narrative writing focus.

Reminder

Please note the following reminders:

  • All students are to please bring their school hats to school everyday - 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.

Open Road Awards

  • 1AR - Kyrah and Zahra
  • 1E - Ella and Johnny
  • 1M - Kaden and Nullah
  • 1Y - Roccii and Imogen
  • 1/2K - Chloe and Kyannah
  • 2D - Kacey and Keirah
  • 2J - Olivia R and Isabella
  • 2S - Charlotte and Tamika
  • 2/3O - Dominic

Merit Awards

  • 1AR - Wyatt and Jordan
  • 1E - Dylan and Mason
  • 1M - Daemon and Jakobi
  • 1Y - Willow and Kora
  • 1/2K - Izzy and Louis
  • 2D - Zayviah and Neyamiah
  • 2J - Theo and Kyaisha
  • 2S - Bella and Nate
  • 2/3O - Jaelee

1M’s wonderful narrative writing student samples of ‘Jack and the beanstalk!’.

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:

  • ‘Check In’ Assessments for Years 3 -6 in Reading and Numeracy
  • Persuasive writing in English - and creating presentations, posters, videos, logos and more using Canva or google slides, free-to-use online graphic design tools.
  • In Mathematics - measuring volume and multiplying by 10’s, 100’s, 1000’s

Reminders

Please note the following reminders:

  • Swimming Scheme in Weeks 9 and 10.
  • Zone Athletics is on Friday 13 September at Mingara. Make sure permission notes have been signed on School Bytes.

Week 8 Get Happier Focus

Week 9 Get Happier Focus

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 - Ivy G, Donte H and River
  • 3B - Morgan S, Marlee C, Isabelle S and Maddison S
  • 3S - Lucas F and Yanika T
  • 3/4J - Xavier M, Adrian T, Audrey T and Giselle D
  • 4G - Lucas. H, Blair. C, Reily. C and Nixon. H
  • 4H - Aaliyah A, Taliah L, Sophie C and Ethan D

Merit Awards

  • 2/3O - Ivy R, Olivia F and Lucas B
  • 3B - Jason K, Logan M, Koa S and Karlaruby C-T
  • 3S - Naet T-D, Amity C and Sophie L
  • 3/4J - Elliot B, Bailey E, Mila C and Braxtyn L
  • 4G - Noah. G, Liam. S, Noah. S and Ryan. P
  • 4H - Carter T.G, Phoenix C, Jackson M and Jacob R
Book Week celebrations

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 Maths, Stage 3 has been using the area model to multiply, read and interpret 12 and 24 hour time and name prisms and pyramids according to the shape of their base.
  • Year 6 participated in a Sports Day as part of their transition for high school on Friday 6 September at Morry Breen Oval. Year 5 participated in some science and technology activities including BeeBots, STEM and Maths & Geography tasks.
  • In geography, students have been researching and describing the features and characteristics of Australia and an Asian country of their choice and comparing their similarities and differences.
  • Stage 3 has been busy doing Check-in assessments for English and maths.

Reminders

Please note the following reminders:

  • Swimming Scheme starts on Monday 16 September. All money and permission notes should be finalised this week.
  • Zone Athletics is on Friday 13 September at Mingara. Make sure permission notes have been signed on School Bytes.

Celebrations of Learning

Week 6 Open Road Awards

  • 5/6G - Braxton W
  • 5/6C - James B
  • 5/6P - Tai
  • 5/6F - Robert
  • 5/6R - Helina G
  • 5/6M - Mayah

Week 7 Open Road Awards

  • 5/6G - Jae-Li W
  • 5/6C - Lakyn J
  • 5/6P - Tyde
  • 5/6F - Kendall
  • 5/6R - Hunter O
  • 5/6M - Emmanuella

Week 6 Merit Awards

  • 5/6G - Chelsea Z
  • 5/6C - Shanae P
  • 5/6P - Lachlan
  • 5/6F - Jayla
  • 5/6R - Henry H
  • 5/6M - Alessandra

Week 7 Merit Awards

  • 5/6G - Jason R
  • 5/6C - Savannah B
  • 5/6P - Jakhiel
  • 5/6F - Izzy
  • 5/6R - Lucy U
  • 5/6M - Juliet
Tiddalick the Frog artist
Tiddalick the Frog artist

Mr Mitchell Gibbs

Stage 3 Assistant Principal

Community News

Parenting Ideas

R U OK?

I’m not really supposed to say this, but R U OK Day has always sat a little uncomfortably with me. I know we need to show we care – and I’m all for that. I know we need to be willing to have the tough conversations – and I’m all for that.

The trouble for me is twofold: first, asking “are you ok?” doesn’t tend to feel authentic in most casual conversations. This, we can change, by having more meaningful conversations. But second – and importantly – in the unlikely event that someone says “No, I’m actually not doing so well” we tend to be a little unsure of how to respond. This is the case whether we’re talking to a friend or one of our kids.

Our Insights articles are typically about parenting. This article can still apply to parenting, but really, this one’s for everyone who has ever wondered how to ask if someone is ok, or who has felt unsure about how to respond when things aren’t ok.

R U Ok?

Think about how we typically ask someone how things are for them. Common questions might be:

  • How are you? (Common responses are “not bad”, “fine thanks”, or a sigh followed by “I’m ok”.)
  • How was your day? (Common responses are “meh”, “mmmm hmm”, or “fine”.)
  • What’s wrong? (Common responses are “nothing” or a big gush of emotions.)

Let’s consider a couple of important factors:

1. What have they already told you? Perhaps their body language is slumped. Maybe they seem to have been crying or are jittery, upset, or even antagonistic.

2. How’s your timing? Asking a question about emotions when someone is emotional or tired can trigger responses that aren’t helpful. Sometimes we might even become irritated when we get a one-word answer like “fine”. Timing matters.

3. Is there an audience? If others are around, a person will want to “maintain face”. Face needs describe the way we try to look like wehave it together so no one judges us. An audience reduces the likelihood that someone will be honest with us.

4. How have you asked? We often ask if people are ok because we’ve seen that they’re looking like they’re struggling, but we ask at the wrong time or in front of a crowd… or perhaps we ask the wrong way. A quick “what’s wrong?”, or “how are you” can sometimes give the impression that we’re not interested in the answer.

5. How is your relationship? A lesson I’ve learned the hard way is that if I don’t share a strong enough relationship with someone, my questions about how they’re doing won’t go very far. (Face needs play a role here again.) A person has to know - deep in their bones - that you've got their back if they're going to open up.

How to ask the question

There are many ways to find out how someone is. Here are three suggestions:

  • First, when you see that someone isn’t doing so well, you are away from others, the timing is right, and the relationship is strong, ask “Are you ok?” The question should be asked with eye contact (and a gentle touch – perhaps on the shoulder – if appropriate), compassion, and a clear desire to know more.
  • Second, you might follow the suggestion above but instead ask “How are you feeling?” This question opens a dialogue that can also be productive.
  • Third, say what you see. (This is my preferred option, although it may not always be right.) In this instance, you might say, “It looks like you’re having a really rough time at the moment.” Or you could say, “I might be reading this wrong, but lately I feel like it’s been a struggle for you.” This leads to a more natural “are you ok?”

When they say they’re fine

People often hide how they’re really feeling. They don’t want to look weak or incompetent. Or perhaps they don’t want to be honest – with you or themselves.

A friend recently shared the following with me:

I was on a walk with a few mates. We walk regularly together – at least twice a week. After a walk, Shane came up to me and said, “No one cares about what I’m going through. But I’m falling apart. I just don’t think I can keep doing this. And no one is checking in".

My friend had checked in with Shane that day (and every other day they met) with a standard “how are things, mate?” and Shane had met that question with a smile, a nod, a handshake, and a “yeah, great mate. You?”

Now and then, it’s good to pause and say something like, “Ok, that’s the standard answer. But how are things… really? Are you ok?”

Often it’s the second question that makes the difference.

Where to from here?

When someone gives you an indication that they’re struggling – that they’re not really “ok” – you might sometimes get stuck. What do you say?

Clumsy statements like “you’ll be ok” often spill from our lips. We mean well. But this rarely helps. Well-intentioned advice might be our natural response. It’s rare that someone who is not ok actually wants our advice though. This is better saved for later.

Instead, try the following:

  • 1. Say thanks. “I really appreciate you letting me know.”
  • 2. Validate. “Things can be really rough sometimes.”
  • 3. Listen. “I’m here and I’m listening.”
  • 4. Offer support. “If there were anything at all that I could do, what would it be?” or better yet, “I think I can help. Are you open to…? (and make an offer of support like a meal or a regular catch up)“.

And if someone is in real danger, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

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