Dear Parents and Caregivers
I would like to start this fortnight’s newsletter by acknowledging all of the students who received Special Awards at last Friday’s assembly. Students who received awards have consistently demonstrated safe, respectful, responsible learning behaviours, both in classrooms and on the playground. Congratulations to those students who received 25, 50, 75 and 100s award at this assembly. These student’s names are published in a separate item.
I would also like to acknowledge all of the students who represented Lithgow Public School at the District Cross Country in Wallerawang yesterday, and congratulations to Xara, Sophie, Kobe, Indigo, Beau, Izaha, Tyler, Cody, Caleb, Kate, Salmana, Seth, Riley, Liam, Chad, Charolotte, Isabelle. Hannah and Halle, who will now represent the school at the Western Cross County Carnival on Wednesday 9 June. I would like to thank Mr Campling and Wallerawang Public School for running another successful event and Mrs Trounce for accompanying our students.
Multi-Cultural Public Speaking Competition
It was wonderful to attend the school final for the multi-cultural public speaking competition today. This is the first time that Lithgow Public School has participated in this competition in my time as Principal. This competition is coordinated by the NSW Department of Education Arts Unit. The competition aims to develop awareness of the benefits of a multi-cultural society as well as to provide our students with an opportunity to develop their public speaking skills. I was so proud today to see 12 students from Stage 2 and 9 students from Stage 3 deliver multi-cultural speeches to their peers. They showed great courage as they delivered their prepared speeches to the school. I would like to acknowledge and thank the teachers who worked with the students to develop and refine their public speaking skills and to Miss Hunter who coordinated the event. Whilst we are only able to send 2 school representatives from each Stage to the next level of the competition, it is my opinion that they are all winners. Having said that, I have great pleasure in announcing that Xara and Ella will represent Stage 2, with Baasil and Dayna representing Stage 3 at the next level of the competition. Well done and good luck at Bathurst West Public School.
Cupcakes / Cakes for student birthdays
At the last P&C meeting the decision was made that the school will no longer support the practice of providing cakes or cupcakes for student birthdays. This decision has been taken to ensure that students who experience allergies and or potential anaphylaxis are not exposed to foods that could lead to, or exacerbate, these conditions. As part of this decision the P&C will trial a new option through the canteen for parents to purchase birthday food to be shared with classmates. More information regarding this will be provided in the near future.
Smith Family - Learning for Life Scholarships
A reminder that the Smith Family offer Learning for Life Scholarships and I thought I would take the opportunity to outline how the scholarship works. The Smith Family make2 yearly payments to families, one at the beginning of each Semester. Scholarship funds can be used for any education expenses and include school uniforms and shoes, stationary, books, equipment or subject fees, school camps or excursions.
How to Apply / Conditions
The school, through consultation with parents will make a referral to the Smith Family. Three main conditions apply.
1. The recipient needs to hold a current Health Care Card or Pension Concession Card
2. The child in receipt of the scholarship must have school attendance above 80%
3. Are not currently receiving the Learning for Life Scholarship
If you feel that you and your child would benefit from a school referral to the Smith Family for the Learning for Life Scholarship, and you meet the conditions above, please make an appointment to meet with Mr Peard or myself. We will then complete the referral form with you and submit these to the Smith Family on your behalf.
Voluntary School Contributions
A reminder that NSW Public Schools set voluntary contributions to assist with the purchase of stationary and equipment for our students. As in previous years the voluntary contributions are set at $35 per student. Please note that these contributions are voluntary and there is no expectation that all parents or caregivers will pay them. Contributions that are received reduce the cost to the school to purchase stationary and learning materials and allows funds to be allocated to support other school initiatives. Any support in this area is greatly valued and appreciated.
Attendance
The school continues to place great focus in the area of student attendance. It has been great to see sustained improvement in overall attendance with our term’s attendance sitting at 92.4%. It would be in all our student’s best interest if we were able to work towards increasing this to at least 94% by the end of the term. Whilst we understand that students should stay home when they are sick, it is also vital for each student’s long term future that they attend school every day when they are able to. I would ask parents and caregivers to reconsider taking holidays during school term and avoid appointments during the school day where possible. Remaining focused and resolute in this area will improve the educational outcomes for our students.
Have a great fortnight,
Mark Davies | Principal | Lithgow Public School
