The Grapevine - Allambie Heights Public School

The Grapevine
Term 4, Week 10
11 December 2012
PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE
Allambie Heights Public School
Web Site: www.allambieht-p.schools.nsw.edu.au
Phone: 9451 5440 Fax: 9975 5046
Email: allambieht-p.school@det.nsw.edu.au
Your Community School of Excellence
Farewell Year 6
This time of the year is both exciting and daunting for our year 6 students and their parents. The transition from the security of
primary school to the unknown of high school is a major milestone for all involved. Farewelling primary school is an important
process in ensuring this transition is smooth for all students and their families.
Last Thursday, staff joined parents and special guests, our year 6 boys and girls, at the ‘Year 6 Farewell Dinner Dance’. This
fun evening was a culmination of a lot of hard work by students, staff and parents. My thanks to all involved for bringing such
a memorable night to our senior school community. The hall looked amazing, the food was delicious, the boys and girls
looked stunning and the dancing was highly entertaining. I’m sure all in attendance take away life-long memories of this
fabulous evening.
Yesterday, year 6 students and their teachers braved the weather to attend a team building session at Narrabeen Sport and
Rec. From high ropes to archery, all students loved this opportunity to work together and further develop their leadership,
team work and resilience skills. This was followed by a family afternoon tea in the hall to thank our year 6 parents for all their
support throughout the year. During this afternoon tea, student achievement was recognised as 11 year 6 students received
their Gold Book entry and school medal – what a special way to finish the year at Allambie Heights Public School. My thanks
to Mr Aikin, Miss Barrett and Mrs Brown for organising such a great day.
Our school community looks forward to the coming week as year 6 complete their seven years of primary school. On behalf of
our community, I wish all farewelling students and families all the best for the coming years and thank them for their wonderful
contributions to our school.
Volunteers Morning Tea
As we acknowledge all the work volunteers contribute to our school, I invite all volunteers to a special Morning Tea, tomorrow
Wednesday 12 December. This morning tea will be held in the staffroom and will commence at 10.30am.
Providing opportunities for all
In 2013, the school will be offering after school lessons in Mandarin. An external company, “ChiFUNese”, will run these
lessons at school. If you would like your child/ren to be involved in these after school lessons, please complete the
Expression of Interest attached to The Grapevine email or online at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/W6VJPWM
by Wednesday 12 December 2012.
Important 2013 dates and information
School resumes on Tuesday 29 January for staff, Wednesday 30 January for students in year 1 - year 6 and Thursday 31
January for Kindergarten students.
On the Wednesday 30 January students should put their bags outside their 2012 classroom from 8.40am and play in the
morning playground area until the bell at 9.10am. At 9.10am staff will meet the students at their 2012 classroom. Please
arrange with your child where you will meet them in the afternoon until you know which classroom they will be in.
Angela Helsloot, Relieving Principal
CANTEEN CLOSED
Wednesday 12 December
THANK YOU MORNING TEA
Wednesday 12 December
10:30am in the staff room

School News
CALENDAR
Week 10 Wednesday 12 December Last day of Scripture
Thank You Morning Tea
Talent Quest
Friday 14 December
Presentation Day 1:00pm
Week 11 Wednesday 19 December Picnic Day
Last day of 2012 for students
Friday 21 December
Last day of 2012 for teaching staff
CRUNCH & SIP
Eat Fewer Snacks and Select Healthier Alternatives - Ideas to help you ‘snack smart’
• The simplest way to limit unhealthy snacks is to not buy them. Instead, stock the pantry, fruit
bowl and fridge with healthy snacks, and include them in lunchboxes.
• Commercial snack foods available in the supermarket have varying nutritional value. When
choosing grain-based snacks, look for the healthier options which are high in fibre and whole grains
– and look for products with the Heart Foundation Tick.
• Put a clear limit on the number of less healthy snack foods eaten each week, such as lollies,
chocolate, donuts, some fruit bars, cereal bars and muesli bars, potato and corn chips, hot chips and
savoury and sweet biscuits.
KINDERGARTEN PRESENTATION DAY
All Kindergarten children will be receiving a Graduation Certificate at our school presentation day on Friday 14 December
which commences at 1:00pm in the school hall. All parents are welcome to attend.
LOST PROPERTY
There are items of non school clothing that have been handed at the office during the term. These items will be available for
collection from the rear verandah of the office building on Wednesday 12, Thursday 13 and Friday 14 December from 3:00pm
-3:30pm. Unclaimed items will be donated to charity at the end of the term.
SCHOOL WEBSITE
Have a look at our school website at www.allambieht-p.schools.nsw.edu.au where you can look at the following albums which
have been uploaded to the photo gallery on the front page:
• Letters to Santa
• Scarecrows
• Scalabrini Band Performances
• Art Shack
STUDENT BANKING
This Wednesday is the last day for student banking for 2012. Student banking will resume in 2013 in term 1, week 3. If you
would like to open a student bank account please email me at melerskine@live.net.au or phone 0416 203 872.
Mel Erskine, Parent
COMMEMORATIVE PAVERS
The family pavers have arrived and will hopefully be put in place at the entry to the school very soon.
If you are able to assist with the laying of these bricks/pavers please contact k.blakeney@bigpond.com or 0412 626 959.
LIBRARY NEWS
Borrowing has finished for the year and all items must be returned to the library now. Students who have very
overdue books are asked to search in all possible places. If items cannot be found replacement cost or donations of new
books are greatly appreciated in place of lost books. A special reminder to year 6 students, who need to return items
before leaving for high school. Thank you for your assistance in this matter.
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Scalabrini Village Christmas Performance
Both bands performed at the Scalabrini Village last week and did a fantastic job entertaining the residents. Each
performance was well received with a yippee” from one enthusiastic resident.
Scarecrows
Kindergarten students made a wonderful scarecrow for our school vegetable garden which will help to keep the birds away.
Letter to Santa
Kindergarten students have been busy writing letters to Santa and posting them in the box in the office foyer.
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Our annual art showcase displayed art works created by students involved in our art extension program Art Shack.
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The last couple of weeks have been very busy and yet exciting for year 6 students. The annual Village Fair was a huge
success. The students created, organised and ran their own stalls. We spent weeks preparing and making things from
jewellery to hand sewn pencil cases. The children are to be commended for their efforts in running such a fabulous day. An
impressive sum of $3,850 was raised for the school. The students and teachers are discussing several possibilities for how
this money can be spent in the school. Last Thursday evening was the Dinner Dance. The girls looked lovely in their
gorgeous new dresses and the boys very smart. The parents did a fantastic job of decorating the hall in a beach theme and
providing dinner for everyone. It was a really enjoyable night for all, with some heart-warming speeches, the presentation of
graduation certificates and yearbooks and plenty of fun dancing. It was a very special night for the students, parents and
teachers. Yesterday, year 6 started the day with their final excursion to Narrabeen Sport and Recreation Centre. Two brave
groups took on the high-ropes course in the rain, while one group participated in archery (in the dry hall). I know one
highlight for most students was seeing the Manly Sea Eagles training on the oval. We concluded the day with an afternoon
tea with the year 6 parents. It was a time to present some Gold Book awards, but more importantly for the year 6 teachers to
show our gratitude to the parents for their support over the year.
It has been a memorable year full of many highlights. Good luck and farewell to our wonderful year 6 students. We look
forward to hearing from you in the future.
Louisa Brown, Assistant Principal
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P&C News
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all teachers and children for having a great year and achieving so much
together throughout the year. Well done to all prize recipients and to those elected to the school student leadership team
and good luck!
A special thanks to Angela Helsloot who has done a terrific job as Relieving Principal after being thrown in mid-year to run
the school. She really has done an amazing job and I would like to take this opportunity to wish her all the best for 2013
wherever she may be. The recruitment process for the Principal position in 2013 has commenced and a decision is likely in
the next few weeks.
Stormwater drainage issues in the school grounds have apparently been resolved by the Department of Education and
Communities, consequently work on the Discovery Trail is planned to commence in early January.
Northern Sydney Regional P&C group is on Facebook if you wish to follow latest developments. Recently the Department of
Education and Communities announced plans to acquire the University of Technology Ku-ring-gai campus for education
purposes
http://www.facebook.com/NorthernSydneyPandCs?ref=stream
I would also like to wish everyone in the school community a happy Christmas and hope you all have a great holiday break!
BAND NEWS
Matt Cameron, President
Training Band 2013
An email was sent to all 2013 Training Band parents yesterday. Could you please email me at adhutt@optusnet.com.au if
you did not receive it. Also, it would be appreciated if the notes regarding whether you intend to buy or purchase an
instrument for next year could be returned to the office. The committee is in the process of allocating instruments, so needs
to know how many children wish to hire them.
Concert Band 2013
Could all notes regarding whether you intend to return for 2013 be returned to the office as soon as possible.
Uniform returns
If not already done so, can the boys please return their band uniforms to the office. The shirts need to be laundered.
Thinking of purchasing an instrument for Christmas?
The school has received some special deals from Mall Music. If you are interested, the price list has been placed on the
school website under band notes. You can deal directly with Mall Music.
Tutor list
The 2013 tutor list has been posted on the school website under band notes.
Dates for next year
Instrument distribution
1st training band rehearsal
1st concert band rehearsal
Monday 4 February 2013, during school hours
Tuesday 5 February 2013, 7:45am
Wednesday 6 February 2013, 7:45am
2012 wrap
Congratulations to both bands for an extremely successful and rewarding year. The students have shown enthusiasm and
dedication to the band program all year. The results in the Yamaha festival are just one example. The students have also
performed at School assemblies, the Spring Fun Fair, NSSWE concerts, the Warringah Mall Spectacular, Scalabrini Village
and the Allambie Bands in Concert. Congratulations to Max T who was awarded the 2012 award for most outstanding
contribution to the AHPS band program (presented at Allambie Bands in Concert). A well-deserved recipient, who is not
only a talented musician but a considerate and encouraging member of the band. Congratulations to those students who
have received excellent individual results in their music exams. We farewell the year 6 band members and wish them all the
best in high school. We look forward to another rewarding year in 2013. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Deanne Hutt and Kristin Wells on behalf of the band committee
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SNACK SHACK NEWS
Last day for lunch ordering term 4 2012
First day for lunch ordering term 1 2013
Tuesday 18 December
Wednesday 6 February
THE SNACK SHACK IS CLOSED TOMORROW WEDNESDAY 12 DECEMBER
Flexischools has advised that all recurring orders will be cancelled at the end of this year. Please reset them next year.
Reminder that there is a reduced menu for the rest of the year, due to limited volunteer assistance.
Last week there were 13 emergency lunches, six of which were expecting an order via Flexischools and the order had not
come through. Please continue to check that you have clicked through to the final stage of ordering. On the “check order”
tab there is a light blue box at the top of the order page with an !. It says “ this order is not yet placed”. You must click
the button on the right of this box to place this order. The button that message refers to says “Place Thursday’s
Order”, for example. You can also opt to receive an email confirmation.
Thank You
• Many thanks to Marijana M and Nicole W who held the fort from noon on Monday 26 November while I attended an
activity commitment with my children. Girls, you did a really great job, thank you.
• Huge thanks to Jessi who, in addition to volunteering in the Snack Shack all year, has given her own time, and
recruited that of a colleague, to create a promo video for the Snack Shack – more details to follow. This is very
exciting and we are very grateful for her time and energy.
• Big thanks to my fabulous committee, Karen B, Petra M and Dee MJ who have given a great deal of their time and
energy in behind the scenes support for the Snack Shack. They continue to give their time on a weekly basis to
support me in maintaining the smooth running of the Snack Shack. I appreciate your commitment to the cause,
support and good humour ladies, thank you!
• I could not do what I do without the help and support from all the wonderful ladies in the office. Good humour and
support once more in bucket loads. Many thanks ladies.
• Thanks to our local, wonderful businesses Wisemans, IGA and Bakers Delight for their continued support of the
Snack Shack. The ongoing discounts from IGA and Bakers Delight help us keep our prices reasonable.
• I have had some fabulous year 6 helpers over this year. Thank you for stepping in when we have been stuck for
counter service. Wishing you all the very best for this exciting next step in your education. I will miss seeing my
regulars!
Snack Shack Roster
If you are planning to volunteer in the Snack Shack next year, please provide your details to Lisa on 0409 994 809 /
ahpscanteen@gmail.com so that she can put the roster together for January 2013. We need people 4 hours once a
term, especially as families with current year 6 children leave the school
Week 10 Wednesday 12/12
C A N T E N C L O S E D
Thursday 13/12 Jenny C 1 cancellation - 1 volunteer needed
Friday 14/12 Liz J Veronica C Kate F – if needed
Week 11 Monday 17/12 Jessi Vanessa
Tuesday 18/12
Eliza for counter service
Last day for lunch orders – wrap pack day
UNIFORM SHOP
The Uniform Shop will be open on Thursday 13 December. This is the last day that it will open this year so make sure that
you have all your uniform ready for next year. The Uniform Shop will be open Thursday 1 February. Have a great Christmas
break everyone.
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Community Notices
BALGOWLAH PHYSIE CLUB
Dance and exercise for all ages, which builds confidence and improves fitness and is lots of fun! Open Day 1 February
2013. More information call Belinda 0410 490 511 or www.balgowlahphysie.com.au. The first 2 lessons are obligation free.
HEMMING SERVICE
For all your hemming service needs, such as school uniforms, pants, dresses, skirts, shirts please contact Diane on
0412 425 151 or email di_tipper@optusnet.com.au
CHRISTMAS ART & CRAFT WORKSHOPS
Fun Xmas Art and Craft Workshops at Allambie Heights Public School on Monday 17, Tuesday 18 and Wednesday 19
December from 3:30pm to 5:30pm in the Art Room. Design and create a different decoration each day. $30 per workshop
or $80 for all 3. Bookings essential. Call Daphne on 0409 569483. Flyers and enrolment forms are available from the school
office. Starting Term 1 2013, weekly art classes in the Art Room.
AMF BOWLING - THIS SUMMER UNLIMITED BOWLING ALL DAY
During the school holidays AMF bowling centres are offering all day bowling sessions for $15.90 per person. Collect a Value
Deals card from the school office or call 132 263 or visit www.amfbowling.com.au
MANLY-WARRINGAH SCHOOL HOLIDAY PROGRAM SUMMER 2013
Vacation care brochures are now available in the office for your information.
VOCAL ARTS CENTRE
Kids Summer Holiday Singing Program 2013 from Tuesday 22 to Friday 25 January. The four day program covers pop and
rock hits from the last ten years. Available to children aged 6 to 13 years. For more information or to make a booking please
call 9976 5552.
ALLAMBIE NETBALL CLUB – REGISTRATION DAY
Saturday 9 February 2013 from 10:00am to 2:00pm at Allambie Heights School Community Hall. Fees for 8-10 years $150;
11-17years Juniors $165; Seniors $190; New Bodysuit Uniform - $100. For further information and registration forms
www.allambie.netball.asn.au or email: allambie.netball@people.net.au
MANLY WARRINGAH GYMNASTIC CLUB HOLIDAY FUN
Have fun these school holidays at our fully equipped gymnastics facility. Monday 17 to Friday 21 December (short days
only) and Monday to Friday from 7 to 25 January 2013. Bookings are essential. Please phone 9972 9222 to book or visit our
website at www.mwgymclub.com
SCHOOL HOLIDAY TENNIS AND ACTIVITY CAMP
Summer holiday tennis camps will be held at the Allambie Heights Community Tennis Centre. Camp 1: Thursday 20 and
Friday 21 December (2 days). Camp 2: Monday 21 to Friday 25 January 2013 (5 days). For information and bookings
contact Suzy Ellis on 0417 381 138 or email: suzyellis@bigpond.com
THANK YOU MORNING TEA
Wednesday 12 December at 10.30am in the Staff Room
Our school is holding a special thank you morning tea to show how much we
appreciate your help. If you have been a helper with reading, Canteen, Spring Fun
Fair, excursions, Uniform Shop, P&C, working bees or any other capacity at our
school, please come along to enjoy our thank you morning tea.
From the staff of Allambie Heights Public School
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