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.

Many of you will notice this newsletter is quite different to our usual newsletters. We have decided to use a digital platform 'Smore' to produce our newsletters so we are able to upload documents and make our newsletter more interactive. We would really appreciate any feedback in relation to this new format. Feedback can be emailed to markspoint-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au. Thank you.

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

• Zone Public Speaking
• Crazy Hair Day

If you have a child starting Kindergarten in 2023, we welcome you to our Kindergarten Parent/Carer Information Session on Wednesday, 14 September at 5pm.

Our whole school photo was not able to be taken on school photo day, due to the rain. We have rescheduled this photo, which will now be on Thursday, 1 September (next week). Students are asked to wear full school uniform on this day.

The "Eat Fresh & Win" campaign commenced last week and will end on Friday, 16 September 2022.

• Each time a student brings a piece of fruit or vegetable from home, they are rewarded with a signature on their entry form.
• Upon collecting two signatures, students return their entry form to the Office to be rewarded with a sticker and a bonus card to win one of 10,000 Rubik's Cubes and other major prizes.
• The major prize draw will take place on Wednesday, 12 October 2022 at Sydney Markets with all winners published on the Fresh for Kids website on Monday, 17 October 2022.
• Prizes will be sent to the winners by Friday, 28 October 2022.

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.

Week 6

The Awabakal word for touch is "numala"

Week 7

The Awabakal word for have a good day is "maruung bangayi"

Please visit our Facebook and Class Dojo platforms to see past videos of students presenting Awabakal words.

Findon is our PBL mascot.

Our PBL values are; RESPECT * RESPONSIBILTY * 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. Findon's 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 Findon's 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. We are so excited we recently achieved our PBL whole school reward and will be having our ice cream or ice block day soon.

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

Congratulations to students who received awards during the 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.

• Gives 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.

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

Week 6

Book Week

Parent-Teacher Interviews

25 Aug, 10am-1.50pm - Book Week Event

26 Aug - Hunter PSSA Athletics

26 Aug - Peer Support Commences

Week 7

In Class Spelling Bees this week
29 Aug - Bahtabah Oz Tag Gala Day, Stage 3

29 Aug - Guitar Lessons

31 Aug - Preschool Visit

1 Sept - Whole School Photo (please wear full school uniform)

1 Sept - Well-I-AM, Year 6 Girls

1 Sept - Guitar Lessons (make up day)

2 Sept, 7.30am - Father's Day Breakfast

2 Sept - P&C Father's Day Stall

2 Sept, 12 noon - Assembly (all welcome)

Week 8

5 Sept - Guitar Lessons

8 Sept - Well-I-AM, Year 6 Girls

8 Sept, 5.30pm - P&C Meeting

9 Sept - Peer Support, Stage 3

9 Sept, 9.15am - Spelling Bee Final, Stage 2

9 Sept, 12 noon - Spelling Bee Final, Stage 3

Week 9

12 Sept - Guitar Lessons

12 Sept - Galgabba Spelling Bee, Stages 2 and 3

14 Sept - Preschool Visit

14 Sept - Kindergarten 2023 Parent Information Session

15 Sept - Well-I-AM, Year 6 Girls

16 Sept, 12 noon - Assembly (all welcome)

Week 10

19 Sept - Guitar Lessons

20 Sept - Year 6 Mini Fete

22 Sept - Debate 3, hosted by Marks Point Public School

22 Sept - Well-I-AM, Year 6 Girls

23 Sept - School Garden Bed Competition, Set-up

23 Sept - Last Day of Term 3

24 Sept - School Garden Bed Competition, Judging

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

Notes to be returned:

• Bahtabah Oztag Gala Day (due: Thursday, 25 August)
• Father's Day Breakfast (due: Friday, 26 August)

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 our main methods of communication between the school and our community. 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.

President - Tina Mahony

Secretary - Jenny Galvin

Treasurer - Alexia Ashcroft

Canteen Coordinator - Alexia Ashcroft

Uniform Coordinator - Jenny Galvin

Fundraising Coordinator - Danielle McCormack and Melissa Davies

Financial Member: Sarah Fuller, member since 2019

I joined the P&C in 2019 when my daughter Edie started in Kindergarten.

We were relatively new to the area and I thought it would be a good way to meet other parents and to be involved with the school.

I really enjoy being a member, knowing what’s happening within the school and what the upcoming events are.

I love that it’s not a huge commitment and it’s no big deal if I can’t get to every meeting, everyone's time is valued and appreciated.

We have such a wonderful little school and I’m proud to be a member of its very special little P&C.

Uniforms are available to order via quickcliq.com.au or by contacting 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.

Did you know the P&C recycle preloved school dresses into scrunchies? Scrunchies have been a big hit with students and a great fundraiser. If you have a dress to donate or enjoy sewing please contact Jenny.

Our canteen volunteers are working hard to reduce waste, remove single use plastics and increase recycling at the canteen. Almost all canteen packaging has switched to compostable and carbon neutral solutions. The recycling of soft plastics has recently been implemented and cardboard, paper, bottles and tins continue to be recycled and reduced where possible. Organic waste from the canteen is now being composted. If you have ideas to help create a sustainable canteen please contact Alexia via alexia.wurz@gmail.com or 0477 276 878.

Canteen is OPEN on Wednesdays and Fridays.

On Friday, 2 September students will have the opportunity to visit the P&C Father’s Day Stall. There will be a wonderful selection of gifts available. Gifts range from 50c to $10.00. Cash sales only.

Donations for the stall would be greatly appreciated and could include confectionary, fudge, cookies, toiletries, books, mugs and other small gifts. Please leave new or preloved items (in excellent condition) at the office.

We are also seeking volunteers to help on the day between 8:30am - 11:30am. If you would like to assist please contact Tina on 0412 008 308.

Crazy hair day was pretty CRAZY! There were some fabulous styles from both staff and students. Thank you to everyone who participated. Together we raised $170.

Canned fruit and vegetables can be really handy for lunchboxes and they are just as nutritious as fresh foods!

Why not try:

• Tinned fruit in natural juice - use in pikelets or serve with yoghurt
• Canned beans like chickpeas or cannellini beans - use to make dips like hommus or try making your own roasted chickpeas as a snack
• Add tinned vegetables like peas, carrot or corn to rice or pasta dishes
• Tinned corn - on it's own as a snack or try making corn fritters

Caves Beach Surf Life Saving Club registrations for the 2022/2023 season are now open.

For details or information on how to become a member please see our website.

www.cavesslsc.com.au

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