Marks Point Classroom

Sorry for not posting for a while, Term 2 is shaping up to be another busy term.

Some of the highlights from the past 5 weeks include:

OUR SCHOOL WEBSITE

• Our new school website was launched at the end of last term. The site is a DET designed template and has lots of useful information about the school, curriculum and activities; and student welfare. There are also photo albums and a calender of events. Click on the link below to view the site.
• http://www.markspoint-p.schools.nsw.edu.au/sws/view/2560.node

ANZAC DAY

• This year our students were  invited to participate in the ANZAC Day March at Swansea as part of the Galgabba Community of Schools. Our school captains placed a tribute at the Centopaph at the swansea Community War Memorial.

NAPLAN

• Last week our Year 3 and Year 5 students participated in NAPLAN which is the National Assessment Program in Literacy and Numeracy. For more information on NAPLAN visit http://www.naplan.edu.au/

NEW HALL

• Our new hall is nearing completion. It will be a great space for our school and community to use and we are getting very excited about its opening.

PUBLIC SPEAKING

• All classes K-6 are currently participating in our Annual Public Speaking competition. All children were given 3 weeks preparation time. Students from each class are currently being selected to progress through to our school’s “Speak-Off Week” to be held in Week 8 (7th June). The winner of each year group will be invited to attend the Zone Finals in Week 4 Term 3.
• The topics for 2010 are: K - A Burst of Colour, Year 1 - My Special Day, Year 2 - My Magical Mystery Tour, Year 3 - When I woke up I was a Giant, Year 4 - What you can do to make the World a Better Place, Year 5 - It’s a Technological World, Year 6 - What is Excellence?

CROSS COUNTRY

Some of our Cross Country winners

• Following our school Cross Country the following students represented our school at the Zone Cross Country carnival held on the 29th April.
• Abbey O, Bronte C, Billy H, Darcey H, Drew C, Alex T, Josie O, Arrazona C, Jemma K, Charlie M, Nelson W, Noah S, Liam C, Lara O, Kiara M, Amy T, Ben H, Darren M, Brenden, Jay S, Britt S, Milly W, Bree C, Sam H, Jye H and Hayden C. All children ran well with Britt S placing 8th in her age division and Charlie M 11th in his.

SOFTBALL

• Jai H, Liam C, Ben H, Hayden C, Brittany S and Emma W were successful at Zone Softball trials and have been invited to trail for Regional Softball selections in July.
• Our boys softball team won their first game against Belmont P.S. by one run in extra time. The final score was 18 - 17. The boys were due to play their second game today against Caves Beach P.S. but it has been postponed due to the weather. Team members are: Jye H, Sam H, Hayden C, Ben H, Liam C, Matt R, Ben R, Elye L, Brad C, Levi T and Noah S.
• Our girls softball team played their first game against Biddabah P.S. last Friday. They won 13 - 11 due to great team work from the girls. A special mention goes to Emma W for great pitching and Bree C for great catching. Team members are: Emma W, Bree C, Milly W, Arrazona C, Josie O, Britt S, Lauren A, Alyssa C, Tyler F, and reserves Jemma, Rosie and Jazmine.
• Mrs Lowe coaches both teams.

PIZZA DAY

• Last week Year 6 organised a Fundraiser Pizza Day. Both children and teachers enjoyed their pizza lunch.

WALK SAFELY TO SCHOOL DAY

• Once again Mrs Langford co-ordinated our annual “Walk Safely to School Day”. Children were encouraged to walk safely to school on Friday 7th May. Upon arrival, children who walked to school received a piece of fruit and a drink.
• For more information on Walk Safely to school Day visit: http://www.walk.com.au

CHESS

• This year we have 3 teams entered in the chess competition.In the first round our Knights chess team defeated Jewells P.S. winning 5 games to 3 while our two Rookies teams played against each other.

ACTIVE AFTER SCHOOL

• This term our students who participate in the Active After School program have had the opportunity to learn circus skills and Taekwondo. For more information on this program visit: http://www.ausport.gov.au/participating/schools_and_juniors/aasc/about

Welcome back to Term 3. We hope you had an enjoyable holiday and managed to avoid the worst of the flu season.

Unfortunately the ‘Swine Flu’ issue remains and we continue in a protection phase. We need to ensure usual good hygiene processes are in place: covering our mouth when couging or sneezing, disposing of tissues properly and very importantly washing our hands regularly. It is essential that if your child has flu-like symptoms then they should be kept at home until they are well.

Sports Representation
Congratulations to Zac F who has gained selection in two Hunter Regional Teams. Zac will represent in Rugby Union at the end of August and later in the year in the Regional Softball Team. Great Effort Zac!

Congratulations also to three of our girls who have gained selection to the Hunter Region Girls Softball Team- Daisy W, Shae O and Brittany S. They will travel to Tamworth in week 10 and they will be accompanied by Mrs Lowe, the Regional coach.
Well done students !(and parents)

Ex-students Alexander and Lachlan Wells have continued with their softball success in being selected to represent Country NSW at the State Championships to be held in Tamworth.

Public Speaking
The following students will be representing our school at the Eastlakes Zone finals next week:
Stage 3-Chole C and Bree C, Stage 2- Bianca C and Liam C, Stage 1- Chelsey C and Piper L, and Early Stage 1- Emma H and Sophie H.
Well Done and good luck for next week.

Tree Planting
Last Friday 400 Lilly Pilly plants were delivered to the school and planted by the students for Schools national Tree Day. The plants were organised by our Student Parliamentarian Mitchell D and Mrs Lowe through the Trees in Newcastle Initiative. Each student had the opportunity to plant a tree in the garden areas on Friday.

Interviews
You have had the opportunity to meet with your child’s teacher during interviews last week (and last term). We are very pleased with the way our learning/teaching programs are progressing and look to continued development in our student outcomes during the year.

School Development Day
All your support was much appreciated for our pupil free day last Monday. The staff were able to gain valuable input into the practcal application of  Interactive Whiteboards in the classroom. We are anxiously awaiting the installation of the ‘Connected Classroom’ facility (Interactive Whiteboard and Video Conferencing). This should be happening shortly. We are also expecting Interactive Whiteboards to be installed in each classroom under the National School Pride Program (funded by the Federal and State Governments) in the not too distant future.

BER (Building the Education Revolution)
Tenders for the construction of the new hall (which has been allocated to our school under the BER program), have been called. Hopefully construction will be under way soon.

Have a great Term 3. Colin Nichols- Principal

Premiers Reading Challenge

With the PRC close to reaching the finish line, Miss McDonell has already begun to recieve completed challenges.

Congratulations to those students who are finihsed. If your child has completed the challenge please return the reading list to the library so that the data can be enetred and sent off.
K-2 Challenge= 30 books read.
3-6 Challenge= 20 books read. 
All reading lists must be returned by the 7th August.

DATES TO REMEMBER

July
31st     Tree Planting
August
3rd     Project Libertae Interviews
4th     Univeristy English Test/Zone Public Speaking Stage 2
5th     Zone Public Speaking Stage 3
6th     PIZZA DAY
7th     Zone Public Speaking Stage 1
11th   Swansea High enrichment test
11th   Active After School Care Starts Hip Hop for BOYS only
12th   Active After School care starts Cycling for GIRLS only
NOTES MUST BE RETURNED TO MRS LOWE ASAP!!!

The end of Term 2 is here. The year is flying by and again we have had an extremely busy term.

This week saw the first of our interviews. Stage 2 teachers had a productive day on Wednesday and many parents attended.

The rest of the interviews are scheduled for Term 3, Week 1.

28.7.2009    -   stage 3 Interviews

29.7.2009   -   Early Stage 1 Interviews

5.8.2009   -   Mrs Vallender’s Interviews

Reports were sent home on Wednesday and parents responses have been extremely positive. Further information on Literacy and Numeracy results will be given to parents at interview time.

Chloe C and Bree C attended the finals of Multicultural Perspectives Public Speaking Competition last week. The girls spoke extremely well and Chloe received a Highly Commended Certificate for her speech on welcoming refugees. A great effort!

Zac F produced an amazing effort last Wednesday at the Hunter Region Rugby Union trials and gained selection in the team. Zac was also selected in the Hunter Region Softball Team. What a fantastic effort!

Last Thursday Mr Gleeson took a strong team of league boys to the Paul Harragon Cup. The boys played well and reached the Semi-Final. Thankyou to Mr Gleeson and parents for transportation. Well done to our boys!

This week a pamphlet on Bullying - A Parents Guide has been issued to each family at our school. We are very pro-active in regards to bullying as we build a strong partnership between our school and parents to improve learning outcomes for all students.

School Holiday Fun - Swansea Library has a circus Workshop on Tuesday 21 July 2009 from 10am - 11:30am for children 8yrs and over. Bookings are essential and cost $6.

Unfortunately the T-Ball Gala day was again interrupted by bad weather. More details to follow next term.

June Monthly Maths Award Recipients: Cassandra M, Ruby W, Jimmy G, Sharolan F, Bronte F, Liam C, Georgia R, Tegan R, William V and Matthew R.

Term 3 Active After School Care commences Tuesday 11th August (Hip Hop Dance - Boys) and Wednesday 12th August (Cycling - Girls).

Have a safe and happy holiday.

As part of our school’s new approach towards the way we communicate with you, we are excited to inform you that now we offer interactive, graphically rich, full colour electronic newsletters to all our parents.

The concept of eNews is similar to the printed newsletters which we already send out regularly, but with added benefits - eNews is personally delivered directly to your email inbox via the internet. This delivery method has many advantages.

It is cost effective, time efficient & personalised to your name. Most importantly the school receives this service completely free of charge from Australian Newsletter Services who also supply our paper newsletters with the help of advertisers.

To receive this service all you need is internet access and email. Those who currently do not have internet access at home can still receive our traditional paper newsletter.

To sign up for our eNewsletter please type in the link below into the address bar of your browser. Australian Newsletter services has made the sign up process automated and only takes a few minutes when promps are followed. Your email address will only be used to send out school eNews and nothing else.

http://mailouts.austnews.com.au/subscription/marks-point-ps.html

If you experience any difficulties please feel free to contact austNews IT department on 1800 245 077 or email help@austnews.com.au

School bullying has been in the news in recent weeks. At Marks Point School we constantly strive to improve by strengthening our culture and empowering students to succeed. Empowerment of our students is all about self development and strength. Values are taught to our students through Peer support and followed up in classrooms. Peer support has run during this term every Friday for 10 weeks.

Values specifically taught in Peer support are: Caring, Kindness, Patience, Friendliness, Truthfulness, Trustworthiness, Co-operation and Consideration. These values lead children to be resilient and sensible. Children are taught to be open and honest and to know, through genuine care and concern for each other, when to seek advice or offer assistance.

The “Flu’ season is upon us again. Many students have had bad coughs and headaches. Please keep your child at home if they are sick and make sure your contact details are up to date in case we need to call you.

Don’t forget to send in an absent note when your child returns to school, include the date absent and the reason your child was away. If your child is going to be absent for an extended period, please ring after the second day.

During the week Life skills students attended a market day at maitland Goal. This year we had 4 groups who were involved in shop selling. The children involved were: Ben H, Liam C, Elye L, Alyssa C, Peta M, Hayden C, Bradley C, Heather M, Lauren A, Bree C, Chloe C, Lucas H, Zac F, Will V, Mitchell D and Kayley M.

The rest of the students had the opportunity to spend their hard earned “Marks” which had to be exchanged for “Mutuals”. The technology component this year was to assemble a dolls house. Students had to purchase the goods they needed to build the house. Many thanks to Mr Gleeson and Mrs Parker for their organisation and to the parents for helping with transport.

Hunter celebrations for NADOC Week “Honouring Our Elders Nurturing Our Youth” begins on 6th July through to the 12th July. For more information on activities during the week please contact the front office for a brochure.

If you have a child ready to start school in 2010 or know of anyone in the area who does, enrolments are now being taken. If your child was born between 1st August 2004 and 31st July 2005 your child is eligible to start school in 2010.

The Uniform shop will be having a huge SALE on Thursday 9th July between 8:30am - 9:30am under the COLA.

Mr Nichols returns from leave after the holidays.

Last week we were fortunate enough to have a visit from Robyn McKerihan, the Regional Director and Kay Peno our School Regional director. This was an informal visit to showcase our school. Robyn met with staff and had a tour of the school, including our new community room. Mrs Langford, our relieving Principal, spoke with Robyn about our plans and actions in 2009.

The main focus of the visit was to get a better understanding of the range of specific literacy and numeracy initiatives that are being implemented in our school. They were most impressed with the friendly, warm, co-operative atmosphere that we have at Marks Point school.

NUMERACY ACTIVITIES AT HOME

Earlier this term, surveys were sent home to parents of students in K-2, Miss Arthurson and Miss McDonell’s maths groups. Parent survey comments were as follows;

• I always try to help my child when he/she asks for help or gets stuck.
• I am comfortable with maths homework.
• At home we do measuring through cooking and number games mentally when travelling in the car.
• My child loves maths and enjoys all maths work.
• Children love the bonding we have playing together.
• My child tells me about some of what he/she does, he/she make it seem like fun.
• A lot of the maths children do is taught differently now. It makes it a bit harder to help.

Post surveys will be given at the end of the year.

SOFTBALL NEWS

Congratulations to all students who trialled at Zone softball last Friday. These students were picked to go to the next round:

Boys - Hayden C, Zac F and Darren M.

Girls - Shae O, Brittany S, Emma W and Daisy W.

The boys next round is on Friday 3rd July and the girls will be on Friday 10th July. We wish these students well in their next round.

CHESS

Our chess team of Mitchell D, Nathan C, Clay S and Bradley C played Caves Beach last Thursday in chess. The boys played hard to draw one game but lost the second round.

PUBLIC SPEAKING

Next week Chloe C and Bree C will compete in the local finals of the Multicultural Perspective Public Speaking Competition. We wish them all the best.

DEBATING

On Tuesday our debating team of Bree C, Laura A, Ruby H and Brittany S debated against Swansea Public school. The topic was “Should mobile phones be allowed in school?” The girls argued for the negative and were successful in their arguements. A special thanks to Mrs Chivas for coaching the girls.

CTJ DAYS

The last of our Consistent Teacher Judgement days (CTJ) was on Tuesday.  Early Stage 1 teachers had a productive day analysing and grading student work samples in readiness for reports to go home in week 11 on 7th July.

PARENT TEACHER INTERVIEWS

Notes for parent teacher interviews have gone home this week. Stage 2 will conduct their interviews on Wednesday 8th July and stage 3 on Thursday 29th July. Early stage 1 and Stage 1 will be on Thursday 30th July. Mrs Vallender’s interviews are on Wednesday 5th August.

Mrs Cathy Anderson was presented with her service to students medallion on Wednesday at a morning tea with staff. We wish her well with her retirement.

ATHLETICS CARNIVAL CHAMPIONS:

Junior Girl Champion - Kiara M

Junior Boy Champion - Ben H

Senior Girl Champion - Brittany S

Senior Boy Champion - William V

MPPS Debating Team 2009

NAPLAN -  The National Assessment Programn Literacy and Numeracy commenced on Tuesday and will finish today. There is an opportunity to ‘catch up’ anyone who may have missed parts of the assessment tomorrow.

Softball and T-Ball - Our senior boys softball team ran into a very good Belmont side last Thursday. despite displaying some excellent skills the boys went down in a very intense game. Thank you to Mrs Lowe for her coaching and to parents who provided transport and support for the team.

The senior girls softball team are still hard at practice for their game. We have entered seven teams in the T-Ball Gala Day to be held on Thursday 20th May.

Cross Country - Congratulations to all participants who took part in the Eastlakes Zone Cross Country event last Friday in the rainy conditions. Will V finished 6th, Charlie M 8th and Sam H 10th in their age division. Good luck to Will who will represent our zone at the Regional event. Thank you to Mrs Wells for the use of her tent and to all parents for the great team spirit. Thank you also to Mr Gleeson for managing the team.

Star Struck - Our dance group with Mrs Banks is in full swing as they practice their moves for their role in Star Struck 2009. The dancers this year are: Lara O, Emma W, Jessica M, Kiara M, Ruby H, Ella H, Shayna J, Chloe C, Alyssa C, Shae O, Kayley M, Lauren A and Carolyn H.

This is a very intense time as they build up to the performances to be held from Tuesday 9th June. Thank you to students, parents and staff for their commitment to this wonderful production.

Athletics Carnival - Our school athletics carnival will be held on Thursday 21st May at Baxter Field. This is also Public Education Day. Please join us if you can.

Kinder News - Mrs Moore will be returning from leave next Monday. We wish to thank Ms Dana Denz for the great work she has carried out with KM during Mrs. Moore’s absence.

Education Week - Education Week this year is in Week 5, from Monday 25th May. Our school will be holding a ‘Mathletics Day’ on Thursday 28th May. students have been asked to gain sponsorship for the activities they will complete during the day. Parents are most welcome to join us during the day. We will also hold the Biggest Morning Tea in the staffroom at recess, and there will be a PRE-ORDERED BBQ lunch available.

A display of our students’ art work will be incorporated into a Galgabba Display at the swansea Library during the week. Please take the opportunity to visit the library and see what wonderful creative students we have.

International Competitions and Assessments for Schools (ICAS)- The NSW University Computer assessment will take place on Wednesday 27th May for those students who have entered.

Opportunity Class - Parents with children seeking placement in an opportunity class in Year 5 in 2010 are required to submit an application form to their current primary school by 22 May 2009. Generally students are in Year 4 in 2009 when applying for Year 5 entry in 2010. Forms are available from the school.

Chess - Good luck to our chess team (Mitchell D, Nathan C, Bradley C, Reserves Lucas H and Lyndon B) who will play two matches against St Pauls today.

Debating - Our debating team will have their first debate against Windale on Friday. The team is Mitchell D, Kayley M, Ella H and Chloe C. Thank you to Mrs Chivas for managing the team this year.

Boys Softball - The Boys softball team were defeated by Belmont Public School yesterday. Congratulations to Darren M who was awarded man of the match. Thank you to Mrs Lowe for organising and coaching the team, who even trained in the school holidays. The team is Darren M, Caleb O, William V, Cameron B, Zac F, Mitchell D, Oskar M, Hayden C, Samuel H, Jye H, Isaac W, Bradley C and Matthew R. Great effort boys!

Peer Support - After training last week, the Peer Support Program commenced this week. This program enables students to learn skills in a peer led approach in small groups. The program this term is focusing on the ‘Key Values’ of our school. These keys are displayed on the front of the school building and in each classroom. They are: TRUSTWORTHINESS, KINDNESS, LOYALTY, SELF CONFIDENCE, RESPECTING RULES, GOOD EXAMPLE, PATIENCE, FRIENDLINESS, CO-OPERATION, CONSIDERATION, FORGIVENESS and CARING.

NAPLAN - A reminder that the National Assessment Plan in Literacy and Numeracy testing will take place next week. The program is: Tuesday 12th May - Language, Spelling and Writing; Wednesday 13th May - Reading; Thursday 14th May - Mathematics. Please ensure that your child is here for these important assessments.

Stewie the Dolphin Day for Stewart House - Yesterday our student parliament distributed the pre-ordered Stewie the Dolphin key rings and ‘tattoo’ stickers so they could be worn today for Stewart House Day. Stewart House provides holidays, medical and dental checkups for students and respite for families. Stewart House was set up with the support of teachers (through donations and salary deductions) over 70 years ago. Stewart House is our school’s main charity. Thank you for supporting the excellent work they do.

Numeracy Activities at Home - These games will begin to go home at the beginning of Week 2 and Week 3. The games will go home on a Monday and need to be returned on Thursday. The games will be checked on Friday and if the game is not returned or there are pieces missing a note will be sent home. These games took a long time to put together and purchasing of resources was costly so please be careful with all the pieces. Don’t forget to return the parent survey as soon as possible. Thanks.

April Maths Award Winners- Courtney L, Charlie H, Ella M, Tegan J, Jake M, Ben H, Heather M, William G, Mitchell D, Hayden C and Tyla F. Congratulations!

Dates to Remember:

• 12 - 14th May - NAPLAN
• 14th May - Jollybops Science Show
• 15th May - Walk Safely to School Day
• 18th May - Maths A Thon forms return to school
• 19th May - Ride2School - Yr 5/6
• 19th May - Starstruck Rehearsal - Broadmeadow
• 20th May - T-Ball Gala Day
• 21st May - Athletics Carnival
• 25th May - EDUCATION WEEK
• 25th May - Starstruck MAJOR rehersal
• 26th May - Knights Knockout
• 28th May - Maths Activity day, BBQ, Biggest Morning Tea

School Development Day - Thank you for supporting our School Development Day. As a staff  we reviewed our Welfare and Discipline policy and procedures, finalised processes for assessment and reporting for this semester, and organised our Consistent Teacher Judgement plan.

Influenza Virus - As the World Health Organisation has raised its swine flu alert our department has indicated that NSW Health and other relevant State and Commonwealth government agencies have comprehensive strategies in place to manage this situation.

However, it is a timely reminder to carry out good hygiene practices and minimise the spread of infections. Some simple precautions include washing hands, covering mouth when sneezing or coughing and if symptoms of flu exist, stay at home and seek medical advice.

Ride 2 School - Our school applied to become a coach school for the Ride 2 school program and has been successful. On the 19th May our Year 5 and 6 students will be able to participate in a bike safety workshop. An officer from Bicycle NSW will be in attendance on the day.

Anzac Day March - Thank you to the students, parents and teachers who attended the ANZAC DAY march last weekend and represented our school so proudly.

School Cross Country - Congratulations to all the students who participated in the Cross Country event today. The 8, 9 and 10 years ran a challenging 2000 metres and the 11 and 12 years, 3000 metres. Thank you to Mr Gleeson and Mrs Banks for organising the event.

Start of the Junior Boys Cross Country Race

Active After School Communities - Our Active After School program will recommence this coming Monday and Tuesday afternoon. Monday will be for seniors participating in an athletics program and multiple games on Tuesdays for the juniors.

P & C Mother’s Day Stall donations - The P&C are asking for donations for their Mother’s Day Stall to be held on Friday 8th May. Anything that you think would make a great Mother’s Day surprise would be greatly appreciated. Please leave these donations in your child’s classroom in the tubs provided. Your support is always greatly appreciated.

The P&C will also be holding a wrapping bee on Thursday 7th May in the hall at 9:30am for those parents who are able to spare some time and help out.

The uniform shop is open on Thursdays from 8:45am - 9:15am and is located at the end of the verandah near Mrs Bank’s room.

Numeracy Activities at Home - A parent survey will be sent home this week for Numeracy Activities at Home. Parents of students in K-2, Miss Arthurson’s and Miss McDonell’s maths groups will receive these surveys. Please complete the survey as soon as possible and return it to your class teacher, thank you.

Volunteers Needed - canteen volunteers are urgently needed. Please contact the school if you are able to help out.

Stage 2 Starlight Activity morning and fundraiser - Tomorrow in Friday groups Stage 2 children along with Miss Arthurson and Mrs Banks will be participating in Starlight themed activities to raise money for the children’s charity “The Starlight Children’s Foundation Australia”.

The Starlight Children’s Foundation Australia, provides support for seriously ill children throughout Australia by providing fun activities, weekend escapes and special wishes for seriously ill children and their families.

Please help us to support this charity by allowing your child to make a gold coin donation on Friday. The students will be allowed to wear purple and/or yellow or dress up as their favourite superstar on the day.

For more information on the Starlight Children’s Foundation visit www.starlight.org.au

Dates to Remember:

• 8th May -  Mother’s Day Stall
• 12th - 14th May - NAPLAN Yr 3 & 5
• 14th May - Science Made Fun 12:30 K- 6 

News from this week’s  School Newsletter:

Term 2:  Our staff will be participating in a School Development Day on Tuesday 28th April. Classes for Term 2 will commence for all students on Wednesday 29th April.

ANZAC Day: Some of our students will be attending the ANZAC Day march at the invitation of the Belmont RSL Sub Branch on ANZAC Day, Saturday 25th April. Thank you to those students and parents who are participating on this special commemorative event.

P&C Easter Egg Raffle: The raffle was drawn today. Thank you to the parents who wrapped the copious quantities of eggs into forty one delicious looking parcels. Thank you again for supporting this fund raiser.

Mathematics: Our world of Maths day was enjoyed by everyone. Thank you to those parents/carers who were able to spend some time with the student groups yesterday.

NAPLAN 2009: a reminder that the National Assessment Plan Literacy and Numeracy tests will take place commencing on Tuesday 12th May and finish on Thursday 14th May. If you have any queries please contact the school.

Book Fair: Our book Fair was held yesterday. Aside from the opportunity to purchase excellent reading material from a great range of books, our school library will also benefit from the sales. Thank you to Miss McDonnell and her volunteers for putting on this event and to our parents for supporting it.

School Cross Country: Our school cross-country event will be held on Thursday 30th April. This is in week one of next term. students who are 8 or turn 8 years of age this year, and older, are able to participate. The age divisions and distances are: 8/9 and 10 yrs girls and boys - 2000m; 11/12 and 13 yrs boys and girls - 3000m. Training runs over the holiday period are highly recommended.

Softball: Our boys’ softball team were ready to go on Tuesday, dressed in their team uniform and looking very professional. Unfortunately the grounds at Belmont were declared unusable and so the game against Belmont had to be postponed until next term.

Library News: The Premier’s Reading Challenge is beginning again for 2009. Thank you to all those students who have registered. Students may begin reading now! Student reading logs will be given out once all students are oficially registered. Please look on the PRC website, click here, or in the library for the appropriate age booklists. Don’t forget that five books may be free choice.

Also a big thank you to Mr and Mrs Willoughby for their enormous donation of a class set of each of the 15 book series recently published by the Daily Telegraph. The students and staff greatly appreciate this kind of donation and will get lots of enjoyment from these books.