Bulletin 7 2010 - Gordon West Public School

GORDON WEST BULLETIN
VOLUME 7 2010 MAY13 2010
Principal’s Report
Grandparents’ Day was
wonderful with approximately
200 grandparents visiting
the school to be entertained
by the K/2 children in the
assembly hall followed by
visits to the individual
classrooms, culminating in
joining their grand children for morning tea in
our beautiful grounds.
This day is always very special with
grandparents being acknowledged for their
incredibly important role in the Gordon West
school community.
Ryde Road Pymble 2073
Telephone: 9498 4644
Fax: 9498 4436
Email: gordonwest-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au
Website: www.gordonwest-p.schools.nsw.edu.au
For reasons of safety children should always
be accompanied by a parent when in the
school grounds after hours.
During the next vacation the Assets
Management Unit will organise painting of
the administration building which is looking
a little worse for wear. Structural changes
will be also made to both entrances of the
building making the entrances more
attractive and practical.
Our long term plan is to have the whole
exterior of the school repainted with colours
being selected to match the new buildings.
DDates
to Remember
Sunday May 16
Band Intensive
Wed May 19
Zone X-Country
Tues 25 May
UNSW Computer
Wed 26 May
Festival Childrens
Music Choir
Congratulations to the FRASC for providing
such a delightful morning tea.
Congratulations to Mrs Kirkpatrick and her
staff on their success in the recent State
Government audit of the financial operation of
Gordon West.
It is very reassuring to the school community
that the financial management of our school is
so efficient. We welcome audits to ensure
transparency and efficiency.
Parents and their children
are welcome to use our
wonderful facilities after
school and on weekends.
However using the facilities
comes with a responsibility to
ensure that the playground is left in excellent
condition.
Food and drinks are prohibited from the K/2
fixed equipment because of staining of the
new soft fall recently installed under the
Building the Education Revolution program.
It is very important that schools are very
well presented and attractive places to be.
We are most fortunate that we have such
beautiful grounds at Gordon West.
Congratulations and
thank you to Paul Dilley
our expert groundsman
and handyman who is
instrumental in the
school site being so
attractive.
The P & C meeting on Monday evening
was very enjoyable with vigorous
discussion on a number of issues.
Mrs Gray our P & C president will report
the discussion in more detail in her report.
One area of school organisation scheduled
for more investigation and discussion was
the suitability of certain food types available
to our students over the course of the year.
Mon 7 June
P&C Meeting
Tues 8 June
Cake Day
Wed 9 June
UNSW Science
Exam
Combined Mass
OLPS

In summary food available at Gordon West falls into three
categories, green, orange and red with red food categories
being deemed suitable for consumption on only 2
occasions per term under The Healthy Schools’ Policy.
Our school canteen adheres strictly to this policy.
However children are being exposed to red foods on a
regular basis through class birthdays, cake days, chocolate
drives, class rewards and a variety of other celebrations.
A committee has been established to examine current
school practices and to survey the school community to
ascertain parent and staff opinion in relation to this
important issue.
Mrs Sparkes and Mr Ellis will represent the staff on this
committee.
Congratulations to the children and teachers of year 3
and year 5 on the completion of the 2010 Naplan tests.
Regardless of how our children
perform in the tests we are very
pleased and proud of them for
their attitude and effort in
preparation for the tests. This
year we spent a great deal more
time completing practice tests
and revising test material and are satisfied with the level
of preparation that all children have received.
Parents are reminded that results will rise and fall over the
years reflecting the ability of the different cohorts.
At Gordon West we are very proud of all of our children
who give of their personal best and these two cohorts have
certainly done us proud.
J Huckerby
Principal
PREMIER’S READING CHALLENGE –
NOT TOO LATE TO START.
The completed reading log is due at the END of AUGUST.
Children in years K – 2 are required to read/have read to them 25 books off the PRC list – we
have hundreds of these books in our Library and they have a red PRC sticker on the spine.
Children can also read 5 books of their choice making a total of 30.
Children in years 3 and 4 are required to read 15 books off the PRC list. These books have a
green sticker on the spine. They can also read 5 free choice books.
Children in years 5 and 6 are also required to read 15 books off the PRC list and these books
have a purple sticker on the spine in our Library. They are allowed 5 free choice books
making a total of 20.
For more information go to - https://products.schools.nsw.edu.au/prc/home.html
You can print a reading log or see Mrs Davis in the Library for one. We have copies of the
reading lists in the Library too.
Happy reading,
Mrs Davis and Mrs Hirst

P&C REPORT
This week's P&C meeting covered many topics. Here's a summary of some...
NAPLAN tests are being held this week (National Assessment Program: Literacy and Numeracy). On behalf of all
Year 3 and Year 5 parents, the P&C thanks the teachers for their focus and their dedication to ensure each student
does his/her Personal Best this week. Discussing the NAPLAN practice tests, one teacher explained to me, "When
my students don't do their best and they are disappointed, I really feel for them - I feel the disappointment myself.
But when they do their best and they are on a high, I am so happy and so proud of them!" The P&C commends the
teachers for their efforts during the lead up to NAPLAN.
The BER program, Building the Education Revolution, is the Federal Government's stimulus package into school
infrastructure, and has funded our new library and three classrooms. Cost estimates at this stage stand at $3.2 million.
When the building is finished, the final cost will be known. The NSW Parliament is conducting a "Parliamentary
Inquiry" into the appropriateness of fees and charges, amongst other parameters, - seemingly precipitated by the
recent media debate about "tax payers' value for money". The P&C meeting decided to make a submission to the
Inquiry, asking for "review of fees and charges relating to the GWPS new library building", as a prudent and diligent
action, even though we hold no evidence that fees and charges may have, or will be, unjustifiably inflated. Please be
assured that final costs will be carefully audited by the Department and the P&C, so participating in the Parliamentary
Inquiry is regarded as a supplementary audit process. The P&C will relay any feedback from the Inquiry, to the
school community.
Parents at the meeting expressed their very legitimate concerns regarding safety on the streets around the school at
drop-off and pick-up; eg., illegal parking, speeding and other unwise driving practices such as three point turns in
congested areas, in Kiparra, Kooyong and Shaddock Streets. Coincidently, the Area Ranger had planned to visit the
school on Tuesday of this week and will be making more visits. Please visit the RTA website (click on 'Rules and
Regulations', 'Road Rules', then 'Parking Laws'), &/or take the RTA's online demonstration Driver Knowledge Test if
you have any queries. Council's advice: if you see illegal parking around the school, please phone council
on 94240888, speak to Customer Service, and ask for a Ranger to visit the school immediately.
For a copy of the minutes, email Monique Tomlinson: mon_bruce@optusnet.com.au
If you wish to discuss anything in more detail, please feel free to contact me: 9499 8122 or jandagray@bigpond.com
Alison Gray
President GWPS P&C

Thank You....Thank You...... Thank You.....!
♦
♦
♦
To Beth Nairn and Wendy Hawkins for organising the Grandparents Day morning tea and to the Year
1 parents who brought in food and helped out on the day;
To Michelle Coady and the parents of 3B and 3H who organised and helped out with the Easter Hat
Parade morning tea last term;
Also to Eliana Johnston and the Year 2 and Year 6 parents who helped out with the first Cake day of
the year...... We have raised over $750 from these events.
Comes to Gordon West!
What’s the most fun you can have with your
friends?
Come with your family and friends to the
exclusive Gordon West screening of
Toy Story 3 on Saturday 26 th June at 2.30pm
and find out!
Tickets On Sale NOW!!
It’s set to be the BEST movie event of the year! The heroes from Toy Story and Toy Story 2 are back in an
incredible fun adventure for all the family. Andy is heading off to college, and his toys, including Woody and
Buzz are worried about their uncertain future. After some twists and turns, the toys are accidentally donated to
Sunnyside Daycare Center. There, they befriend such toys, such as Lots-O'-Huggin' "Lotso" Bear, Mr.
Pricklepants the Porcupine and a smooth-talking Ken doll. The toys are keen on starting a new life at the
daycare. It isn't long before they discover that Andy is actively searching for them, so they decide to escape -
but to make things complicated, the toys soon discover that some of their new friends aren't as friendly as they
thought.
Gordon West has secured a booking on the first Saturday of the movie’s release at Greater Union
Macquarie. Each ticket sold to Gordon West students, parents and friends will raise money for the school, so
everyone can have fun AND contribute to school fundraising efforts. Place the date in the diary now!
Tickets on sale in this Bulletin. Buy your tickets early and you could win a free movie pass. There’s
one pass for EVERY class!
Chocolate Drive - June 2010
The annual chocolate drive is on again and this year we are selling Cadbury
Chocolate bars. Each family will receive a box of 24 chocolate bars to be sold for
$2.50 each. This year there are also tasty alternatives for those who don’t want
chocolate. Please support this popular fundraising drive by selling chocolates to
friends, family, in your work place or clubs.
Boxes will be distributed to each family on Tuesday 1st June. Money (cheques or
cash) or unsold chocolates should be returned to the table outside the Canteen from 8.30 to 9.30 each day,
between Monday 21st June and Friday 25 th June. The final day for returning money or unsold chocolates
will be Friday, 25 th June.
Please see the flyer on following pages of the Bulletin for more details.
Please call 94983409 or email aspanswi@bigpond.net.au with any questions.

Comes to Gordon West!
What’s the most fun you can have with your friends?
Come with your family to the exclusive Gordon West screening of Toy Story 3 on Saturday
26 th June at 2.30pm and find out!
Buy your tickets now and you could win a free movie pass. There’s one pass for EVERY
class!
It’s set to be the BEST movie event of the year! The heroes from Toy Story and Toy Story 2 are back in an incredible fun
adventure for all the family. Andy is heading off to college, and his toys, including Woody and Buzz are worried about
their uncertain future. After some twists and turns, the toys are accidentally donated to Sunnyside Daycare Center. There,
they befriend such toys, such as Lots-O'-Huggin' "Lotso" Bear, Mr. Pricklepants the Porcupine and a smooth-talking Ken
doll. The toys are keen on starting a new life at the daycare. It isn't long before they discover that Andy is actively searching
for them, so they decide to escape - but to make things complicated, the toys soon discover that some of their new
friends aren't as friendly as they thought.
Gordon West has secured a booking on the first Saturday of the movie’s release at Greater Union Macquarie. Each
ticket sold to Gordon West students, parents and friends will raise money for the school, so everyone can have fun AND
contribute to school fundraising efforts. This year you can also choose from TWO child combo tickets – a yummy Choc
Top Ice-Cream or Midi Popcorn/Drink Combo!
Simply fill out the order form below, make sure you add in your child’s class, payment details and return to school as
soon as possible. One lucky member of each Gordon West class will be drawn from all ticket orders received.
Within a week of your order, your child will receive the special Gordon West Toy Story 3 movie tickets which must be
used for admission to our very own movie theatre session. We have limited tickets only - so don’t delay! Complete
the form below and send in your payment NOW to ensure you are part of our exclusive screening!
Extra Info: All students must be accompanied by an adult. Family friends are welcome. Payment by cheque or credit card only. No cash please.
Tickets are numbered for audit purposes, not seating allocation. Please arrive early for best seats!Tickets are your receipt of payment and will be distributed
via your child within a week of being received. Enquiries: Lynn Dwyer on 9498 4225
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
TICKET ORDER FORM – Saturday 26 th June 2.30pm
Completed form and payment must be placed in a sealed envelope clearly marked TOY STORY 3 and
placed in the TOY STORY letterbox outside the School Office or given to your Class Teacher.
Name ______________________________________________
Child’s Name ______________________________________
Phone No _____________________________
Child’s Class ____________
Child Ticket: $12.50 each _________ (Quantity) $__________ (Total)
Adult Ticket: $16.50 each _________ (Quantity) $__________ (Total)
Child Movie/Choc Top Combo: $16.50 each _________ (Quantity) $__________ (Total)
Child Movie/ Popcorn/Drink Combo: $18.50 each _________ (Quantity) $__________ (Total)
[ ] Please find enclosed my cheque for $ ___________________ made out to ‘GWPS Parents Auxiliary’ OR
[ ] Please debit my Mastercard/Visa (circle) for the sum of $ _________________.
Account Name ________________________________________ Expiry Date /
Account Number Signature _____________________________ 4/6/09

BAND NEWS
Band Intensive
The Band Intensive is this Sunday!
Please ensure that all band students from
CB1 and CB2 are at the School Hall by
12.15pm with their instrument, music
and stand. Afternoon tea will be served
to the children and they will complete the afternoon with
pizza and a drink. Pick up will be at 4.45pm.
Music Sorting
On Sunday 16 May at 12.30pm, we are asking for parents
to volunteer some of their time to help sort music. This will
take place at the school after you have dropped your child
for the Band Intensive. We have some volunteers already
but would welcome more parents.
Liz Worsley
Anne Karpin
0400 805 610 0400 315 690
gordonwestbands@hotmail.com
PARENT HELPERS REQUIRED
CANTEEN ROSTER
The Canteen roster for the next 2 weeks is as fol-
lows:-
Monday 17 May
Linda Alexander
Mary Hunt
Wendy Campbell
Monday 24 May
Melinda Peterson
Fiona Mance
Jayne Yeomans
Vanessa Spanswick
Thursday 20 May
Pippa St Clair
Jenny Bird
Lynda Tonks
Jakki Yeomans
Thursday 27 May
Dad’s Canteen
Derrick Webster
Ian Alfred
We need a couple more Dads for Canteen
Susie Fletcher
paulandsuefletcher@bigpond.com
If there are any parents or grandparents who
could spare1/2 and hour to assist with helping
students read could they
please contact Mrs
Brown at the school on
9498 4644.
Thanking you
Mrs Brown
COMBINED SCHOOLS MASS
PARENTS, FAMILY MEMBERS and friends are
warmly invited to:
COMBINED SCHOOLS MASS
for all Catholic Scripture children
At 11am WEDNESDAY 9 JUNE 2010
In OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL SUCCOUR
CHURCH
64 KENDALL STREET, WEST PYMBLE
Refreshments will be served afterwards
Mary O’Byrne
Catholic Scripture
INTERSCHOOLS SNOWSPORTS
CHAMPIONSHIPS
Any families requiring information regarding
the Interschools Snowsports
Championships can view the information
note on the Gordon West School
website under Notes and Information..
Limited forms are available at the office.

STUDENT NEWS
SPORTS RESULTS
30/4/10 7/5/10 Soccer vs Beaumont Rd
Washed Out Juniors won 4-1
Seniors drew 1-1
Netball
Jnr 1 vs Pymble lost 3-2 Snr 1 vs Pymble won 13-10
Jnr 2 vs Linfield E won 8-0 Snr 2 vs Beaumont Rd lost 4-6
Jnr 3 vs Gordon E won 5-0 Snr 3 vs Pymble won 12-1
Jnr 4 vs Beaumont Rd won 5-0 Snr 4 BYE
Mitchell Hargreaves (6D) was selected by Sydney North Region to play at the
PSSA State Tennis Carnival last week at Bathurst. There are 5 boys and 5 girls on
the Sydney North Team that will play singles, boys doubles and mixed doubles
events over 4 days.
Mitchell will be playing in 2nd seed position. If he is one of the top 7 successful
players he will be selected to compete in the Nationals Event - “The Bruce Cup” in
Bendigo, Victoria later this year. We are so proud of him and wish him all the
best!!!
Congratulations to the following students who have completed the Premiers Reading
Challenge:-
Jake Pospech 3H Katie McPartlin KS Patrick Johansson 6D
Belinda Nielsen 6E Heidi Windybank 2S Isabelle McPartlin 2M
Jemma Phelan 3B Charlie Band 6E William Shaw KT
Benjamin Basten 6E Lydia Milosavljevic 45W Isaac Kim 6E
Charmaine Leung 6E Justin Shaw 6E Laura Watkins 3B
Reuben Tunks 5G Nicholas Eliott 2P Matthew Walker 4D
Stephanie Eliott 4D

Awards for 12/5/10
KL Oliver Cushing, Julia Makin, Sam Guenther
KS Nicholas Betts, George Chapman, Josephine Teo
KT Aaliyah Gillespie, Yu Hun Chia, Sophie McGee
K1J Amelia Waland, Will Key, Abby Jackson
1S Tim Verster, Annabelle Erby, Elixabeth Thomson
1Z Skye McCully, Amy Jarvis, James Peterson
2M Isabelle McPartlin, Sebastian Goh, Benjamin Key
2P Ethan Morrissey, Nick Eliott, Linna Ma
2S Dylan Cooke, Annabel Down, Annika Humphries
3B Finlay Noice, Isabelle Bowe, Jonah Cooper
3H Elizabeth Dwyer, Dylan Martin, Logan Noice
4C Kristen Mihalarias, Thomas Fletcher, Tim Anderson
4D Molly Finnegan, Cameron Taylor, Tom McEnearney
4/5W Nicholas Moody, Ursula Phillips, Richard Brown
5G Scarlett Judson, Edward Manton Hall, Gabby Craddock
5T William Doutreband, Emma Piispa, Harrison Faktor
6D Lucia Kim, Patrick Johansson, Emma Humphries
6E Gemma Priddle, Sarah Gilman, Ben Pike