CREEKSIDE NEWS Term 1, Week 4

February 21, 2020

Getting into the Swim of Things

On Wednesday February 12, our annual school swimming carnival was held at Morisset Pool and,

whilst we only had a small number of swimmers in our competitive races, there were some

amazing performances from those students who did choose to participate in these events. What

was also fantastic to see was the way in which all of our students conducted themselves over the

course of the day. The enthusiasm on display was a pleasure to witness, as was the

determination of our students to “have a go”. Our students should be rather proud of their efforts in

being very supportive of each other’s performances for their

sporting houses. What a great sight it was to see our students

cheering heartily for their peers, and encouraging one another

to push themselves to achieve their best. We would also like to

thank our parent volunteers and Mrs Harris, who once again

worked very hard to ensure that our carnival was prepared and

that everything ran smoothly. What a pleasure it was to view

parents, family and friends providing great encouragement for

not just their own children, but for all of our swimmers. We are

lucky to have such a supportive community. Congratulations

again, on your efforts.

After our carnival, 10 swimmers were selected to go on to

represent our school at the Westlakes zone carnival, which was

held at Speers Point Pool on Tuesday February 18. On this

day, our students represented our school in true Dora Creek

spirit, as they challenged other students from across the Lake

Macquarie West Area. Against some very stiff opposition, our

school representatives did nothing but their best and fronted up

with some highly notable performances. We are very proud and

extremely pleased to announce that, due to their efforts at the Westlakes

carnival, Bailey and Lexi will now be heading to Lambton Pool on Tuesday, March 3,

to represent Westlakes Zone and Dora Creek Public School at the Hunter Region

Swimming Carnival. Bailey will compete in 50m Breaststroke, Butterfly, Backstroke

and Freestyle, along with the 200m Individual Medley and the 100m All Age

Championship; while Lexi will compete in the 50m Breaststroke. Congratulations,

Bailey and Lexi, our best wishes go with you. Superb effort.

Dora Creek Public School

150 Years of Quality Education

UPCOMING EVENTS

03/ 03 Soccer Gala Day (Junior)

05/ 03 Soccer Gala Day (Senior)

10/ 03 Hunter Valley Zoo (5/6TM)

17/ 03 Oakvale Farm (K-2)

20/ 03 Harmony Day and Meal Deal

Responsible Pet Visit (K-2)

26/ 03 Disco

01/ 04 School Photos

02/ 04 Year 6 Fundraiser (TBC)

08/ 04 ANZAC Service

09/ 04 Final Day of Term One

Easter Hat Parade

10/ 04 Good Friday

27/ 04 Term 2 Staff Development Day

28/ 04 Students Return for Term 2

Next Meeting– 6.30pm, Monday 2nd March.

150 Years Sesquicentenary

As you may or may not be aware, the P and C, along with a

few of our community members who have been connected

to the school for a long time, have formed a committee to

oversee preparations for our 150 years celebrations during

the first weekend of August. Presently, we are short of

people who are willing to step up and take some of the

pressure of this very small but committed group of people.

If you are willing to assist in any way, whether it be with

some creative skills, or organisational skills, your support

would be greatly appreciated. We have a number of ideas

that are in the pipeline but require a greater number of

bodies to help these ideas come to fruition. At this point in

time, we are in the process of organising fundraising and

commemorative items, along with trying to make contact

with people who have had connections with the school

during its esteemed history; for inclusion in the 150 years

commemorative book that is currently being constructed.

We are also seeking ideas for, along with a commitment to

assist in, events and activities that can be added to our fete,

which will take place on Sunday 2nd August. Your support

here will be greatly appreciated.

Canteen

Keep your eyes pealed for the Meal Deal note that will be

coming home very soon. This meal deal will take place in

conjunction with Harmony Day, which the school will

celebrate on Friday 20th March.

NOTES HOME

YEAR 6 Shirts

5/6 Hunter Valley Zoo

Soccer Gala

School Textbooks

Oakvale Farm (K-2)

SRE

Please Help Us Help our Native Wildlife

This term 3/4 will be making animal pouches for the Pouch

Project during our creative arts lessons. Around 5 billion

animals have fallen victim to Australia’s worst bush fire crisis

in history. Joeys, possums, bats, koalas and bandicoots are

just a few of our Australian wildlife that are in dire need of

our aid right now.

Wildlife centres around the country are desperate for people

to craft and donate pouches to keep these animals safe. The

Pouch Project have set a goal of 5444 pouches and we

would love to help them get a little closer to this goal.

If you have any spare, or old, cotton, linen or bamboo fabric

pieces (such as old tea towels), which have a minimum size

of 15cm by 15cm, and you are able to donate this to 3/4H, we

would very much appreciate your support.

Thank you in advance from 3/4H :-)

Safety at Pick-Up and Drop-Off

During the early part of the year, as you may well have noticed, schools are even busier places than usual. Because of this, it is important to remember that there are many new students at our school who are not quite used to being around busy areas, and we therefore need to be vigilant around our crossing areas, along with our entry and exit points. Due to this, we would ask that, when dropping off and picking up your child/ ren, please do your best to park in places that allow children a safe entry and exit point to your vehicle; ensure that you encourage your child to use the footpaths correctly; and also use the designated school crossing zone. Try your best, as well, to meet your child on the school side of the street, rather than waiting on the opposite side of the road. As I’m sure you’re aware, when your young son or daughter is excited to see you at the end of a long school day, they can unfortunately make impulsive choices that may lead to serious injury, or worse. We would also appreciate it if you as their parents and family members use care and consideration for others in areas of high foot-traffic. Whilst we understand that the walking path is quite narrow, the driveway is not a designated drop off and pick-up area for students, and nor are the “NO STOPPING” zones immediately adjacent to the driveway. The black gates at the top of the driveway have been installed to ensure that access from the driveway is restricted to staff, deliveries, or contrac-tors only; and drivers displaying disability stickers. Students and visitors must exit and enter our school using the walkers’ footpath, rather than the driveway. The safety and wellbeing of our students is always at the forefront of what we do; and we are really grateful for your support in ensuring that this continues to be the case. Some other points to consider are:

* Always hold your child's hand when walking on the footpath and when crossing the road until they are at least 8 years old. * When children are between 8 and 10 years old, supervise them very closely when near traffic, when entering or exiting vehicles, or when crossing the road. * Encourage your child to be a safe pedestrian by keeping to the left of the footpath, being aware of vehicles around drive-ways and make sure you minimise distraction from mobile phones and/ or other people.