We acknowledge the traditional lands of the Awabakal people we teach and learn on, and pay our respects to elders past, present and emerging. Marks Point Public School is a proud member of the Galgabba Community of Schools.

'Walking Together and Working Together' we will celebrate the successes of our students and community.

Please access our Facebook and ClassDojo platforms to see what our students have been up to during the past fortnight:

• K-2 Swim School
• Remembrance Day
• Yarning Circle Opening
• Kindergarten Transition - Visits 3, 4 and 5

If you have any questions or concerns about your child at school (academically, wellbeing, etc.) parents/carers are asked to please contact their classroom teacher before you speak with the executive staff.

Teachers can be contacted through ClassDojo, or you are welcome to contact the office and they will ask the teacher to contact you when they are available.

If you are in need of Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs), please contact the office and we can send some home with your child.

Teachers are currently conducting assessments in readiness for our end of year reports, which are scheduled for distribution in Week 10. These reports will provide an overview of student progress for Semester 2, 2022.

We have a number of students coming to school without their school hat. We have a Sun Safe Policy and students need to be wearing a hat. If they do not have their hat, they are asked to play in the shade.

If any families would like assistance with purchasing hats, please do not hesitate to contact the school office. Please also ensure names are on hats to assist us to find the owner when a hat is found. Thank you

Findon is our PBL mascot.

Our PBL values are: * RESPECT * RESPONSIBILITY * EXCELLENCE

Each week we have a PBL focus and during the school week, students receive 'Findons' when they are demonstrating our school values and weekly focus, both in the classroom and playground areas. Findons are then placed in letterboxes in each classroom. At our assemblies each fortnight, one student is drawn out from each class letterbox and these students receive a PBL prize. All Findons are then placed into our Findon box, which is in the hall. When we reach a specific level (indicated on the front of the box) all students will celebrate our PBL whole school reward.

Congratulations to the students in the photo, whose names were drawn out and who received a PBL prize at our last assembly.

Congratulations to students who received awards during our Week 5 assembly.

The importance of arriving on time

Arriving at school and class on time:

• Ensures that students do not miss out on important learning activities scheduled early in the day

• Helps students learn the importance of punctuality and routine

• Give students time to greet their friends before class

• Reduces classroom disruption

• Lateness is recorded as a partial absence and must be explained by parents/carers.

What do I do if my child/ren is late, or if I need to pick them up early?

If your child/ren is late, you must accompany them directly to the front office for a late slip. The office staff will record the time your child/ren arrived, as well as the reason they are late. It is important that the parent/carer and student present at the office together on these occasions. Your child/ren will be given a slip to hand to their teacher.

We are now beginning the planning process for 2023. If you know your child will not be returning to Marks Point Public School in 2023 or have any information that may effect our planning could you please email the school at markspoint-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au.

Please contact the school as soon as possible to enrol for 2023.

Notes and payment due:

Swim Scheme, Years 3-6 - $40.00 - Due Wednesday, 16 November (60 places only)

Transition to High School with Confidence session Year 6 - Due Monday, 21 November

Last day of Term 4 for students

As we near the end of the year, we would like to notify you of a date change for the last day of Term 4. Students will now finish school on Friday, 16 December 2022. This is due to an additional School Development Day announced for staff across NSW Public Schools. School Development Days allow our staff to participate in additional professional learning.

With this change, we ask that you arrange alternative care for your child on Monday, 19 December 2022. Marks Point OoSH has places available for this day. Please visit their Facebook page for information.

Payments

When sending in money with your child, please ensure it is enclosed in an envelope for it to be placed into the notes box without it getting lost or mixed up with other payments.

ClassDojo

Are you connected to our ClassDojo app? Facebook and ClassDojo are our main methods of communication. Please continue to monitor the ClassDojo app and Facebook for important messages and updates. Please contact the office if you need an invitation to connect to ClassDojo.

Absences

If your child is absent, it is important to let the school know. To notify the school of your child’s absence, please either phone/email the school or reply to the SMS.

Educational Resource Fee

K-6 Educational resource fee is for specific books and learning tools for students to complete their class work. Each student is provided with the equipment needed to participate in curriculum learning. It would be appreciated if this fee could be paid in full at the Office. If you do not think this is possible please contact the school on 4945 4433.

Voluntary Contribution Fee

NSW Public Schools ask for voluntary contributions in order to purchase additional equipment. These voluntary contributions will help us purchase additional IT resources. Thank you to all those families who have paid the voluntary contribution fee.

Please note: Some dates may change. We will advise of any changes as soon as we are able.

Week 6

National Recycling Week

15 Nov -12:50pm - 2:50pm Learn to Swim, Years K-2

15 Nov - 3pm - 4pm Junior Dance Group

16 Nov - Swim Scheme, Years 3-6 - Notes due

16 Nov - 10am - 11:30am Kindergarten 2023 Transition session 5

16 Nov - 12:50pm - 2:50pm Learn to Swim, Years K-2

17 Nov - 9:15am - 12:30pm Belmont High School 'Getting Started Program' and PAT Test

17 Nov - 12:50pm - 2:50pm Learn to Swim, Years K-2

17 Nov - 3pm - 4pm Senior Dance Group

18 Nov - K-2 Excursion to Australian Reptile Park

Week 7

21 Nov - 9am - 11am Swim Scheme, Years 3-6

21 Nov -2pm - 3pm Guitar Lessons

22 Nov - 9am - 11am Swim Scheme, Years 3-6

22 Nov - 3pm - 4pm Junior Dance Group

23 Nov - 9am - 11am Swim Scheme, Years 3-6

23 Nov - 10am - 11:30am Kindergarten 2023 Transition Session 6

24 Nov - 9am - 11am Swim Scheme, Years 3-6

24 Nov - 12 -1:30pm Well Education, Transition to High School Workshop (Year 6 girls)

24 Nov - 3pm - 4pm Senior Dance Group

25 Nov - 9:15 am Student Executive Speeches (parents/carers welcome)

25 Nov - 9am - 11am Swim Scheme, Years 3-6

25 Nov - 2pm - Assembly (all welcome)

Week 8

28 Nov - 9am - 11am Swim Scheme, Years 3-6

28 Nov - 2pm - 3pm Guitar Lessons

28 Nov - 5:30pm Parent Information sessions at Swansea and Belmont High Schools

29 Nov - 9am - 11am Swim Scheme, Years 3-6

29 Nov - 9:30am - 3pm Hello High School, Swansea High School

29 Nov - Orientation Day, Belmont High School

29 Nov - 3pm - 4pm Junior Dance Group

30 Nov - 9am - 11am Swim Scheme, Years 3-6

1 Dec - 9am - 11am Swim Scheme, Years 3-6

1 Dec - 12 - 1:30pm Well Education, Transition to High School Workshop (Year 6 boys)

1 Dec - 3pm - 4pm Senior Dance Group

1 Dec - 5.30pm - P&C Meeting

2 Dec - 9am - 11am Swim Scheme, Years 3-6

Week 9

5 Dec - 2pm Community Yarn Up

5 Dec - 2pm - 3pm Guitar Lessons

6 Dec - 6pm AECG Christmas Meeting

6 Dec - 6pm - 8pm P&C Carols Night

8 Dec - 9:30am Presentation Day

9 Dec - 2pm - Assembly (all welcome)

Week 10

12 Dec - 2pm - 3pm Guitar Lessons

12 Dec - 5pm Year 6 Farewell

14 Dec - 11:50am Marks Point's Got Talent

15 Dec - Year 6 Pool Day

16 Dec - Last Day of 2022 for students

President - Tina Mahony

Secretary - Jenny Galvin

Treasurer - Alexia Ashcroft

Canteen Coordinator - Alexia Ashcroft

Uniform Coordinator - Jenny Galvin

Fundraising Coordinator - Melissa Davies

After teaching for over 40 years, I missed being involved in the education of our young children and I realised that without volunteers, the canteen cannot operate at MPPS. Being retired, I now have the time to do voluntary things.

I enjoy the interaction with the other volunteers and the joy my two grandsons get from seeing me helping in the school each week. I also enjoy seeing the good manners displayed by all members of MPPS. I think it gives parents/carers/grandparents the opportunity to witness and appreciate the efforts made by the teachers and the student body that combined, make MPPS the great little school that it is. I urge other grandparents and relatives to consider volunteering as much as they can so that our canteen can remain open through 2023.

The P&C is proud to announce that we have purchased a significant number of Little Learners Love Literacy books for our school. The books have been developed to teach children to read, write and spell with confidence. The books use sounds and letters the students have been taught, allowing them to apply their learning and build confidence.

The P&C Christmas raffle prizes will be draw at Carols Night on 6 December. We are seeking donations to create Christmas hampers as prizes. Each class has a theme for their donations. Donations should be sent to your child’s classroom.

Thank you to the families who have already donated.

KG: Sweets - lollies, chocolates and other confectionery

K/1D: Sweets - lollies, chocolates and other confectionery

1H: Christmas decorations - for the tree or table

2T: Nibbles - biscuits, crackers, chips etc.

3/4G: Pantry items - puddings, cookies, condiments and sauces etc.

4/5L: Christmas napery/tableware - table cloths, napkins, plates, cups etc

5/6D: Drinks - juice, soft drink, tea, coffee etc.

The major raffle prize this year is a custom made surfboard from AJ Surfboards.

We are also asking for prize donations from local business. If you own or know a business who would like to donate please let the school office know.

The kids had a great time at the disco, playing games and dancing. It was so much fun. The disco raised $200 for our school. This money will be used to provide the 2023 Kindergarten students with MPPS branded broad brimmed bucket hats.

The Learn to Swim Program commenced this week. The P&C is dedicated to supporting this program so our kids are strong, confident swimmers. Thank you to the Lions Club of Swansea for their generous donation to part fund this program.

Uniforms are available to order via quickcliq.com.au or contact Jenny directly on 0403 944 793.

Please contact Jenny to make an appointment if your child needs to try on sizes, view styles or browse the collection of second hand uniforms.

Hats - we have no XS or S hats in the shop at the moment. An order is in process, however, it may take a few weeks to arrive.

Lost and Found - please ensure you have your child's name on all items of clothing as there are quite a few on the Lost and Found hanger near the office. Most don't have names. If you are missing an item of clothing, please come to the office and check it out.

Thank you to Cassie and Ros for volunteering to make more scrunchies.

Our canteen volunteers have been providing fruit and vegetable platters for the children attending the kindergarten transition sessions. The idea is to create healthy eating habits and promote long term health.

Introducing BBQ chicken pizzas and sweet chilli chicken wraps. There are 2 new pizza options: BBQ chicken with cheese or BBQ Chicken with cheese & pineapple. Sweet chilli chicken wraps come with mayonnaise and lettuce/salad. Orders can be placed online at www.quickcliq.com.au or at school using the canteen letterbox.

The second payment is due for both junior and senior dancers. If you have not already paid, please transfer $55 to BSB: 032510 Account: 244909.

Unfortunately, students will not be able to continue dancing if they do not make the second payment.

Phone: (02) 4945 4433

Email: markspoint-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au

Website: https://markspoint-p.schools.nsw.gov.au/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/markspointpublicschool