Marks Point Classroom

PUBLIC SPEAKING:

This month our whole school public speaking finals were held and we were entertained by wonderful speeches from all finalists. The grade winners were:

Kindergarten: Olivia W and Harry M, Year 1: Meg O, Year 2: Lachlan M, Year 3: Chelsea C, Yeaar 4: Jemma K and Stage 3: Bree C and Milly W.

To view photos go to our school website gallery at: http://www.markspoint-p.schools.nsw.edu.au/sws/view/1444467.node

DEBATING

Our debating team has participated in and won their first two debates. The first debate was against Eleebana P.S. the second debate was against Fassifern P.S.

The team is an all girl side of Lauren A, Milly W, Bree C and Emma W. The team is coached by Mrs Stacey Gibson.

Marks Point P.S. Debating team

RUGBY LEAGUE:

Our boys rugby league team played and won 7 games to make it to the final and win the Paul Harrigan Cup on the 2nd June 2010. This is a competition for small schools. On the day we were undefeated, beating Islington, Cardiff, Gateshead, Mayfield East, St Peters Stockton, Hamilton North and St Pats Swansea. Mr Gleeson was rightly proud of the boys efforts with every player in the team scoring at least one try on the day. Gutsy effort from our boys! The team will now head off to Sydney to represent the region in the State Finals on the 25th August 2010.

The team was captained by Sam H and included Ben H, Jye H, Matt R, Hayden C, Brad C, Darren M, Liam C, Charlie M, Brendan B and Darcy H.

For a full report on the event please go to: http://www.newcastleknights.com.au/default.aspx?s=newsdisplay&id=26379

Winners of the Paul Harrigan Cup

SOFTBALL

Our boys softball team had a big win over caves beach recently to the tune of 18 - 2. Mrs Lowe and Mr Johnston reported that the batting was so powerful that they actually shut the opposition out by carrying an innings for over half an hour! There will be a softball double header on Wednesday 28th July at Belmont Sporties. Girls will play at 11:00 am and boys at 1:15 pm.

STARSTRUCK

Starstruck is the Hunter/Central Coast performing arts spectacular held annually in June. Once again our school was fortunate enough to participate in the extravaganza that has been running for 17 years.

Mrs Banks and the girls spent many hours auditioning then practising their dance moves for “You’re the Voice”. Bree C was also selected to perform in a special dance for 12 and 13 year old girls called “Thirteen”.

Four shows were held at the Newcastle Entertainment Centre and our girls did Marks Point School proud. I supervised students at the Saturday night show and was amazed at how it all comes together. Mrs Lowe did a fantastic job coordinating schools and entertaining us all out the back while we waited for our turn to dance. It was also great to see Mrs Langford working hard in the tunnels. Another fantastic show was thoroughly enjoyed by all. Well done girls!

Starstruck 2010

REGIONAL SUCCESS:

Congratulations to Brittany S, Emma W, Jai H, Ben H, Liam C and Hayden C who have been selected to represent the Hunter Region at the state softball titles in Sydney next term. Sam H was also successful in selection for the Hunter Region Rugby League team. Last week he played in the state rugby league trials as a representative of the Hunter Region team.

HOCKEY:

Congratulations to Mrs Lowe (co-manager and coach) of the Hunter Region girls hockey team. The Hunter Region team were joint state champions with Western Region. Mrs Lowe said this was the first win for the Hunter in over 20 years.

HALL:

The new hall is very near completion. We are hoping that it will be open in time for our Education Week celebrations in Term 3.

MATHS:

Mrs Langford and the K-2 teachers are very excited about being successful in gaining inclusion in the Targeting Early Numeracy (TEN) program. This program focuses on developing mathematical skills, knowledge and understanding in the early years.

REPORTS:

Student reports to parents went out last Friday. Interviews will take place in the first week of Term 3 for K-2 and the second week for 3-6.

Have a safe holiday everyone and see you all in Term 3

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

Last week our Zone swimming team had two days of competition on Monday (form strokes) and Tuesday (Finals in form strokes, heats and finals of freestyle and relays). All swimmers performed well in their races with some outstanding efforts from Hayden C and Kyah C who were finalists. Thank you to our P & C who donated swimming caps to all zone representatives.

Congratulations also to the students who represented their clubs at the recent State Surf Life Saving Championships. Hayden C received a bronze medal in the board relay and the ironman for Swansea Belmont SLSC. Bronte C, also of Swansea Belmont SLSC achieved a silver in the wade relay and a bronze in the run relay. Other students from our school who represented strongly were Liam C, Bree C, Lauren A and Mitch E.

Our students have also been enjoying the water activities and sailing that has been offered to us as part of the Active After School Program.

Students enjoyed a BBQ lunch yesterday thanks to a number of parents who volunteered their time to help. A big thank you to Troy Anderson, Karen Wright, Tony Roddom, Marie Cullen, Darren Wells, Kylie Wells and Lachlan Wells for helping to prepare such a delicious lunch for us!

It has also been great to see so many children taking up Mr Nichol’s challenge to wear a school hat!

Our Kindergarten students commenced their first week of ‘whole school days’ on Monday. Well done students, parents, carers and teachers.

COMING UP:

9th March - P & C School Disco - Theme is Summer!

15th March - Young Leaders Day - Executive only

17th March - Out of the Bag performance - notes go home 9th March. Cost is $4.40 per child.

19th March - P & C Gold Party

26th March - SHOW HOLIDAY - No school

We are now into our third week of term and teachers and students are really applying themselves to the task of quality teaching and learning. It was great to see so many parents attending our parent information sessions last week and this week. Our P & C meet next Thursday 18th February at 5:30pm in the computer room. Join us if you can.

Swimming Carnival Champions 2010

We kicked off this week with our school swimming carnival and our students participated enthusiastically in a great day of competition and fun. Thanks to Mrs Banks and Mrs Jones for their organisation and to all the staff and parents who assisted on the day. The results of the carnival are as follows:

1st place: GULLS, 2nd place: EAGLES, 3rd place: SWANS and 4th place: ALBATROSS.

CARNIVAL CHAMPIONS:

Junior Boy: Liam C, Junior Girl: Courtney M, Senior Boy: Hayden C and Senior Girl: Lauren A

While Years 1 to 6 were at the swimming carnival on Monday our Kindergaten students, Mrs Johns and Miss McDonell celebrated Spot’s birthday with a party back at school.

The Active After School Community sessions also commenced this week with water activities at school and sailing at the 16 Footers at Belmont. Once again these activities have been very popular with our students. A huge thank you to parents and staff who transported students to and from the 16 Footers at short notice when the bus didn’t arrive.

Welcome back to a brand new school year! A huge welcome to our new Kindergarten students and to other new students and their families.

Classes 2010

We have formed 8 ‘Home classes’ this year. They are:

KJ - Mrs Johns, K/1M - Mrs Moore, 1/2R - Mrs Jones, 2/3L - Mrs Langford, 3/4A - Miss Arthurson, 3/4G - Mr Gleeson, 4/5B - Mrs Banks and 5/6L - Mrs Lowe. Conratulations to Miss McDonell on her permanent appointment as our Teacher Librarian

Student Executive 2010

Congratulations to our new 2010 Student executive:

Captain - Samuel H, Vice Captain - Bree C, and our four prefects Hayden C, Jessica M, Milly W and Brittany S

House Captains

Congratulations to our new House captains for 2010:

SWANS - Captain: Emma W and Vice Captain: Jake M

GULLS - Captain: Lauren A and Vice Captain: Sky L

EAGLES - Captain: Jye H and Vice Captain: Lucas H

ALBATROSS - Captain: Tyla F and Vice Captain: Tegan C

New Parliament 2010

Speaker - Jake M

Prime Minister - Sam H                           Opposition - Darren M

Environment - Jye H                               Opposition - Lucas H

Sport & Recreation - Brittany S           Opposition - Lauren A

Welfare - Hayden C                                   Opposition - Matt R

Treasurer - Bree C                                     Opposition - Ruby H

Education - Milly W                                  Opposition - Karen M

Employment - Emma W                          Opposition - Brad C

OH&S - Jessica M                                        Opposition - Laura C

COMING UP:

FEBRUARY…

• 10th - School Photos
• 18th - P&C Meeting
• 20th - Bunnings P&C BBQ - helpers needed
• 22nd - Zone Swimming Carnival - Charlestown Pool - half day
• 23rd - Zone Swimming Carnival - charlestown Pool
• 25th - Whole School BBQ Lunch

This week is Fruit and Veg week and we are asking all children and parents to participate. Research shows that fruit and vegetable consumption is lower in primary aged children than any other group.

At our school we will be:

• increasing awareness of the need to eat more fruit and vegetables
• increase positive perceptions of fruit and vegetables
• incorporating fruit and vegetable themes into cross curriculum plans and school activities

Marks point PS have joined with Freshpoint Fruit Markets Swansea toward ensuring all students have the opportunity to eat FRESH FRUIT and VEGETABLES at school. Freshpoint in conjunction with the Sydney Regional Markets have been supplying 3 boxes of fruit each week for the children to eat.

This week some families have taken up the offer to purchase fruit baskets at cost price from Freshpoint.

 Click below for Nutrition Facts for Healthy Kids:

Monday 3 - Friday 7 August 2009
This week is Energy Safety Week. Energy Safety Week helps New South Wales, Queensland, South Australian and Victorian primary and pre-primary students:

• understand how energy works
• keep safe while using gas and electricity in the kitchen
• learn about being safe around LPG.

Energy safety in the kitchen is the theme for 2009. Through activities and challenges, students will learn how to keep safe while using gas and electricity in the kitchen such as with stoves, ovens and kitchen appliances.

For more information visit: http://www.originenergy.com.au/1782/Energy-Safety-Week

Schools Tree Day is the dedicated tree-planting day for young people to take part in Australia’s largest community tree panting event, National Tree Day, and is expected to attract more than 200,000 junior volunteers.

“Each year, Schools Tree Day creates a new class of budding environmentalists”, says Planet Ark’s spokeswoman Rebecca Gilling. “This event is so important because it fosters in young people an appreciation for the environment, which is so important because they’re going to be protectors of our planet in the future”.  

Today’s Schools Tree Day event will culminate with National Tree Day this Sunday 2 August where Planet Ark is aiming to plant the 15 millionth native seedling since the campaign began in 1996.  Author: Michelle Cook

For more information on National Tree Day go to: http://treeday.planetark.com/

This week is Education Week. Some things happening include:

Speeches have commenced in literacy groups this week.

WEDNESDAY:

• 2L visiting Swansea Library for Education Week Show.
• NSW University Computer test.
• Fruit & Veg Sense 9:00am - 10:30am. Parents welcome.
• Girls softball team V Caves Beach P.S.

Girls softball team

THURSDAY - Open day - All Welcome

• 10:30 Recess - Robbie O’Davis (Retired NRL player) is coming to talk to children about healthy eating.
• Biggest morning Tea in the staffroom at 10:50am
• Maths - A - Thon activities for all students from 11am.
• BBQ lunch- pre-ordered

FRIDAY

• Will V is representing our Zone at the Regional Cross Country carnival. Good luck Will.

2L students learning about the Water Cycle in Science this week.

MONDAY 

•  Debating workshop for senior students.

TUESDAY

• Ride2School workshop for years 5 and 6.
• Starstruck rehearsal - Broadmeadow

Year 5/6 Students who attended Ride2School Workshop

WEDNESDAY

• T-Ball Gala Day - Primary students.

THURSDAY

• Athletics Carnival - Baxter Oval

WEEKEND

This weekend the Shell Questacon Science Circus is coming to Newcastle. The Shell Questacon Science circus is a great opportunity for parents and children to share, discover and learn together. Explore the fascination and enjoyment of science through over 50 hands-on exhibits.

You can:

• spin like an ice-skater
• discover how fast you can throw
• try on a friend’s face

Plus, exciting science shows are presented regularly during opening hours and science toys will be on sale (cash only).

WHERE: HOWZAT - Cnr Brooks and Tooke St, Cooks Hill

WHEN: Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 May 2009 between 10am - 2pm

ADMISSION: Family $18, Adult $6, Student/Concession $5 (cash only) Under 5’s free

Today is Walk Safely to School Day

Walk Safely to School Day (WSTSD) is an annual, national event when all Primary School children are encouraged to walk and commute safely to school. It is a Community Event seeking to promote Road Safety, Health, Public Transport and the Environment.

The objectives of WSTSD are:

• To encourage parents and carers to walk to school with primary school age children and reinforce safe pedestrian behaviour.
• To promote the health benefits of walking and help create regular walking habits at an early age.
• To ensure that children up to 10 years old hold an adult’s hand when crossing the road.
• To help children develop the vital road-crossing skills they will need as they become mature pedestrians.
• To reduce the car dependency habits that are being created at an early age and which will be difficult to change as children become adults.
• To promote the use of Public Transport.
• To reduce the level of air pollution created by motor vehicles.
• To reduce the level of traffic congestion.

Thank you to Mrs Langford for organising fresh fruit and water for all the children who walked to school today.

This THURSDAY the Jollybops Science Show will be visiting our school.

About the Jollybops Science Shows

The Jollybops Science Show was established in 2002 and is a winner of the NSW Department of Education Performing Arts Unit’s Frater Award “Best Feedback from Schools” category. They have also been awarded the 2007 ‘Most Interactive Show ‘at the NSW Education Expo.

The Jollybop Science Shows is a character based science show, bringing science alive for primary school students through exciting, stimulating and interactive demonstrations. Presented through the guise of the comic duo, The JollyWizard (also known as Dr Pop Off) and Rustie the Robot, the shows combine colourful and explosive scientific demonstration, witty comic one liners , scientific dialogue and songs for Kindergarten- Year 7.

Both professional science communicators are passionate about science education and have been an inspiration to the 400,000 students and staff who have seen their shows throughout NSW, The ACT, Victoria and Queensland. They aim to inspire students and encourage a positive interest in science. The shows, and supporting educational material, are designed in line with the NSW Board of Studies Science and Technology Syllabuses.

TODAY:

• NAPLAN - Language, Spelling and Writing.

WEDNESDAY:

• NAPLAN - Reading

THURSDAY

• NAPLAN - Mathematics
• Jollybops Science Show
• Chess 12:15pm

FRIDAY

• Walk To School Day
• Debate V Windale P.S. 9:30 am

Friday 8 May 2009 has been designated STEWART HOUSE DAY.  This has the backing of both the NSW Department of Education and Training, the Teachers Federation and the Federation of Parents and Citizens’ Associations of NSW.

Stewart House has a proud 78 year record of providing short term respite care for over 1,800 public school children in need of a break from their current circumstance each year.

Stewart House helps children develop healthy lifestyles and build self esteem.

Each fortnight, 90 children from across NSW and the ACT arrive at Stewart House. Children participate in a 12-day program and attend the Department of Education and Training school that is within the grounds of Stewart House.

More than ever, Stewart House needs your support. Staff costs, food costs, maintenance costs children’s transport and entertainment costs (some $2.5million in 2009) are continually on the rise. Some ninety primary and lower secondary children attend Stewart House every fortnight during the four school terms at a cost of $90 per child per day.

This Friday 8th May is Stewart House Day. To make a donation click here. To buy Stewart House merchandise click here.

The Shell Questacon Science Circus is the flagship outreach program of Questacon, The National Science and Technology Centre in Canberra. It is educational, entertaining, hands-on, fun and coming to Newcastle from Friday 15th May to Monday 25th May.

With sponsorship from Shell in Australia the Science Circus is able to maintain a travelling exhibition consisting of 50 hands-on science exhibits, all designed to show some aspect of science. The Science Circus Presenters also perform interesting and entertaining science shows to both school and public audiences.

The Public Exhibition will be at:

HOWZAT Health and Fitness Centre  - Cnr Tooke and Darby St, Cooks Hill. Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 May, 10 am - 2 pm

At the Public Exhibition, children, their families and other community members can have a great time experimenting with over 50 interactive exhibits and watching science shows. There is also a shop with science books and toys - cash sales only.

Children under 12 MUST be accompanied by an adult. Admission: Adults $6, Students/Concession $5, Family $18, Children under 5 - free.

Ride2School is Bicycle NSW’s initiative to get more students choosing to walk, ride, skate or scooter to and from school safely and responsibly. As many children have developed less active lifestyles over the past 20 years, Ride2School aims to improve the health of students by increasing physical activity and changing attitudes to active travel. These healthy lifestyle choices made now will help shape good health in years to come. Choosing to walk or ride is also a healthy choice for the environment. In our society today it is important that we take every opportunity to reduce our carbon footprint.

Mr Gleeson organised an afternoon of fun and educational activities to raise the awareness of bike and pedestrian safety. All chidren who rode to school partcipated in a full bike safety check. Students also rode around a bike safety course and participated in a slow riding race. Thank you to the parents who helped out with the safety checks and repairs.

Below are some student interviews. Hosted by Kayley M and filmed by Ella H from the website team. Click on the play button to play the video.

Ride to School Day

A recount written by Hunter C from 2L

On Friday, 20th March, 2L went to Blacksmiths Beach.

First we walked to the breakwall and we collected shells, colourful rocks, normal rocks, sea urchins and sea weed to build sand castles. We used the things we collected to make our sand castles beautiful. Billy and Hunter helped me to build a sand castle. We made two bridges with a secret passage and it had a secret code to open the door.

Next we played a bucket game with an ice-cream container. You had to run with the ice-cream container to the ocean and 2L won the competition. After that 2L went quickly to get a drink then back to play “duck, Duck, Splash”. I chased James and got him and I had to run away from Amber but I didn’t get tipped.

Lastly we had lunch on the grass and I sat with Ruby, Charlie and Bronte from K/1 J. We went to the playground while waiting for the bus and there was rock climbing. 2L had a wonderful time.

The Diverse Australia Program is an Australian Government initiative and replaces the previous Living in Harmony Program.

It is about dealing with cultural, racial and religious intolerance. We do this by promoting respect, fairness and a sense of belonging for everyone.

The Diverse Australia Program provides information and funding to help ensure all Australians are treated fairly regardless of their background.

Harmony Day is celebrated on 21 March each year. It is managed by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship and celebrates the cohesive and inclusive nature of our nation and promotes the benefits of cultural diversity.

The key message of Harmony Day is Everyone Belongs. It’s about community participation, inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for everyone. Since Harmony day began ten years ago, thousands of schools, community groups and organisations across Australia have hosted Harmony Day events.

Our Year 5 and 6 students worked with K/1 J and Mrs Johns to make a huge Harmony Day collage. Senior students also wrote about what “Harmony” means to them. Below is what Kayla from 5/6 L had to say:

Harmony to me is a non fighting world. Harmony to me is a stop to wars. Harmony to me is a stop to teasing people because they’re different. It’s a stop to starvation in some countries. It’s a stop to young kids getting sick from working and drinking dirty water. Harmony to me is a world of peace.     
Kayla L

Earlier this term Kindergarten had a Teddy Bear’s Picnic lunch. I have just added a slideshow of photos to our slideshow page. You are welcome to post your comments.