Year 6 Visit Canberra - Biddabah Public School

Thursday, November 22, 2012 37/12
Year 6 Visit Canberra
BIDDABAH PUBLIC SCHOOL phone 4954 6058 fax 4956 6780 page 1

Dear Parents,
Last week we congratulated Mrs Burton on her
appointment to Biddabah School as our new Assistant
Principal. I would also like to welcome Ms Carla Morrison
from Terrigal PS as our second Assistant Principal.
Dressed in full school uniform, they visited Parliament
House and watched as a bill was passed in The Senate.
At each venue a passport-like form was stamped so our
school could receive the Parliament and Civics Education
Rebate.
Mrs Burton’s position replaces Mrs Sandy Hunkin (now
retired) but Carla’s position is new. Because our
enrolment is increasing we are now entitled to a fourth
Assistant Principal and Carla was selected to be that
AP. Mrs Burton, Ms Minett and Mrs Dutch (rel) are the
others.
We are not finished yet. Mrs Ferguson has retired and
now we have been asked to interview for her Assistant
Principal position. The selection process will take place
before the end of the year.
Congratulations also need to go to Mr Wilson who has
been selected in a permanent position by Valentine
School. We are all very happy for Dan, but sad to see
him go. Dan is the second of our top male teachers who
have won permanent positions in other schools. You will
recall that recently Mr Asquith was selected by Lakes
Anglican Grammar at Warnervale.
Year 6 Canberra Excursion 2012
Year 6 have returned from a highly successful
excursion to the National Capital with loads of new
knowledge about how government works, how our
electoral system operates and with a new respect for
those people who have given their lives in war to make
our country as great as it is today.
The students gasped at the 360 degree view of
Canberra from both Telstra Tower on Black Mountain
and from the lookout at Mt Ainslie. They roared with
the dinosaurs on a night tour of the National Dinosaur
Museum and saw the heart of the famous race horse
Phar Lap at the National Museum of Australia!
On the journey home the bus was reminiscent of
Christmas morning with the children unwrapping the
parcels they purchased from the shop at Questacon.
This hands-on science discovery zone was a highlight
for the students because they were able to see how
many of the wonders of the science world work.
57 students, 5 parents, Mr Harris and Mrs Dutch,
enjoyed a jam-packed three days exploring Canberra
and visiting many interesting places. They visited the
Australian Institute of Sport and saw the high-tech
$17million pool, took part in an election at the
Australian Electoral Commission and re-enacted a
speech by the Governor General in Old Parliament
House.
The excursion was a valuable experience and was not
possible without the incredible support from Danny
Chard, Nicole Harrison, Wendy Lugg, Lisa Hickson and
Suzanne Kildey.
Thanks to all of you from all of us!
Jenny Dutch
Excursion Co-ordinator
BIDDABAH PUBLIC SCHOOL phone 4954 6058 fax 4956 6780 page 2

100 nights = BRONZE
150 nights = SILVER
200 nights = GOLD
250 nights = DIAMOND
Remember: children must be 13 years of age
or older to create a Facebook account.
Reading every night is a habit we should not break but
for the purpose of the 2012 Principal’s Reading
Challenge the last day to be eligible for rewards at the
School Service Assembly on December 10 will be:
Friday 30 th November
A Covered Walkway to the Hall
When school resumes in 2013 we should be able to walk
from the library to the hall in the rain and not get wet.
Both the school and the P&C have kicked the ‘Till’ to
authorise the construction of a Covered Walkway from
the school library to the school hall. The school’s
contribution was tied to the hall building project and
the P&C contribution comes from fundraising.
So yes! Thanks a bunch!
WE SAY NO
TO PEANUTS,
AND ALL NUT PRODUCTS
AT BIDDABAH SCHOOL
Congratulations 100 nights of reading
Bronze Certificate
Riley New
Eli Sharman
Lachlan Keenan
Sarah Filip
Congratulations 150 nights of reading
Silver Certificate
Saxon Thompson-Barber
Stella Geres
Rebecca Dumas
Jayden Marriott
Blake Robinson
Fete Wish List
At last night’s P&C Meeting President Stuart received a
Wish List from the Biddabah teachers for spending the
money raised at the School Fete.
P&C will not be spending all the near on $17 000 raised
at this time but the children will certainly benefit in a
variety of ways as consideration is given to the
teacher’s list.
Overseas Teacher Interns
In April 2013 Biddabah looks like inviting two young
ladies from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania to
intern at our school for seven weeks. They will need
accommodation in the community. If you feel you can
help or would like more information, see the not at the
end of this newsletter.
Congratulations 200 nights of reading
Gold Certificate
Joel Gulliver
Congratulations 250 nights of reading
Diamond Certificate
Abigail Gooch
Ethan Cowling
Taylah Cowling
Biddabah School Magazine orders $20 Page 3

Jayden Matthews
Because Friday assemblies have
finished for the year, the Principal’s
Reading Challenge and Green Plover
Awards will be presented at the
Monday morning assembly.
The Reverse Christmas Tree has now been decorated in
the school foyer.
Bronze
Ethan Cowling
Noah Mudford
Taylah Cowling
Mikayla Hindmarch
Rebecca Dumas
Mia Reid
Hayden Reay
Crystal Lang-Piason
Camille Mossman
Lucy Reid
Abbey Hindmarch
Melanie Hain
Eleanor Davies
Kobe Masterson
Cameron White
Silver
Brianna Cross
Amy Hain
Fleur Davies
Now we are ready to accept any gifts, from students or
parents who would like to contribute, to give to children
in our community who are less fortunate than we are.
If you are interested in helping others, just wrap your
present, label it with a tag indicating whether it suits a
boy or a girl (or both) and what age would be best. Then
bring it in and put it under our tree.
Mrs Keogh and the librarians have
commenced the Library Stocktake
for 2012
Biddabah School Magazine orders $20 Page 4

Today’s featured class is 5G.
Similes and metaphors
5G worked in groups and were given the beginning of a
simile or metaphor and had to finish them. We hope you
enjoy them!
Congratulations to the following students for achieving
a Gold Certificate in the School Banking Program:
Max Muraro
Aleisha Sinclair
Aidan Davis
Congratulations to the following students for achieving
an Outstanding Certificate in the School Banking
Program:
Emma Gulliver
WANTED: Students to take up an instrument in our
fantastic school band.
Mr Ward, is especially, looking for anyone interested in
playing the drums, but all instruments are available on
excellent terms. Research into a musical education has
shown positive outcomes for student’s learning in all
areas.
If anyone is interested please see Mr Ward on Tuesday
mornings or Mrs Broxom for details.
Thank you.
By Renae Cleary, Dante Grine, Tahnee Marriott,
Mackenzie Dennis, Noah Adam and Cady Lane:
As heavy as a grey elephant
As hard as a metal jackhammer
She has skin like tortoise shell
As cool as a winter breeze
As quick as The Incredibles
He was as slow as someone caught in slow motion
Slippery like a tarp with soapy water on it
As smooth and slippery as an eyeball
It was as bumpy as a speed hump followed by a pot hole
As sweet as fresh honey
As sour as a Warhead
As bright as the sun
As slow as a fat turtle
By Aaron Watt, Emily Creely, Byron Wiseman, Lexi-Le
Owen and Benjamin Glover:
As heavy as an enormous elephant
As cold as the floor of an ice-skating ring
As hard as rock
She has skin like an old crocodile
As cool as a summer breeze in your hair
As quick as flash!
He was slow like an obese turtle
Slippery like a slimy soap sliding down a water slope
As smooth as butter being spread on a baby’s bottom
It was as bumpy as a teenager’s pimply face
As sweet as a grandmother’s treats
It was sweet and sour like a lemon sorbet
As bright as the sun at midday
As slow as an obese snail and overweight turtle put
together
By Noah Andriessen, Thomas Chock, Deklan Ansems,
Abbey Hindmarch, Joshua Keenan and Emily Cross
As heavy as a hairy hippopotamus
As cold as icy hail
As hard as Superman’s six-pack
She has skin as smooth as a baby’s bottom
As cool as a cucumber
As quick as a flash of lighting
Slippery like a slip-and-slide
As smooth as a puppy’s silky fur
It was as bumpy as crocodile skin
As sweet as a thousand lollies
As slow as a dead snail
Biddabah School Magazine orders $20 Page 5

By Beaudean Millward, Tyler Sutcliffe, Ben Spinks,
Izabella Alexander, Luke Gearing and Britney Daley:
As heavy as a huge Blue whale
As cold as frostbite
As hard as a villain’s heart
As quick as Usain Bolt
He was slow like a sloth
Slippery like a snake covered in butter, on ice
As smooth as a baby’s bottom covered in talcum powder
It was as bumpy as a crocodile’s hide
As sweet as a cute kitten
As sour as a lemon Warhead
As bright as a lamp
As slow as a sloth with broken bones
By Ryan Crew, Lachlan Swan, Manuela Terreiro, Emily
Stent, Samuel Law and Blake Phelps
As heavy as a White Whale
As cold as a crocodile in a cooler
As hard as titanium advil
She has skin like a piece of bark
As cool as a cucumber
As quick as a cheater
He was slow like a Sunday driver
Slippery like a mossy rock at the beach
As smooth as a baby’s bottom
It was as bumpy as crocodile skin
As sweet as a lamington pie
As sour as a lemon and lime lollipop
As bright as a sunny day
As slow as a sloth in hibernation
We have received the draft copy of the 2012 Biddabah
School Magazine edited by Mr Wilson and Mr Asquith
and packed to the brim with class and sport photos.
This year the magazine will cost you $20
Year 1 & 2 End of Year Fun Day permission note
Year 3 & 4 End of Year Movie Day permission note
ABSENCES, LATE or EARLY
LEAVERS
At Biddabah we now use computer roll marking.
This means the system will generate a note to you
for any unexplained absences.
Late children should be accompanied and signed in
by a parent otherwise an explanation request will
be sent home.
Biddabah School Magazine orders $20 Page 6

EXCURSIONS &
PAYMENTS
Year 2 Wetlands
Thursday 29 November
Year 5/6 Big Day Out
Monday 17 December
Stage 2 End of Year
Fund Day
Monday 17 December
Year 1 & 2 End of Year
Picnic
Monday 17 December
DUE DATE
Due by Friday 23
November
Due by Monday 10
December
Due by Wednesday 12
December
Due by Wednesday 5
December
Parents are advised that no payment will be accepted
after the due date unless approved by the organising
teacher.
TOMORROW
Friday
Year 2 Learn to Swim (last day)
Second Semi Final of the Public Speaking
in the hall (no assembly)
Apology
The next meeting of the Biddabah P&C and
School Council will be at 7.30pm on
Apologies to Newcastle Karate for their being omitted
from last week’s newsletter. A big thank you for their
kind donation.
P & C Night Out
Could those of you that received an invitation to the P
& C night out being held next Wednesday evening at
Warners at the Bay please RSVP to Mandy Swan on
0432 310 741 by Monday 26 th November for catering
purposes.
For the latest P&C News email
pandc@biddabah.com.au
NEXT WEEK
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Wk
9 December 3
10 December 10
11 December 17
ALL 2013 Kindergarten Orientation
9.15-10.45am
Final of the Public Speaking in the hall
10.00am
Grandparents Day
(see information sheet)
Year 6 Orientation Day at Warners Bay
High
SCHOOL DIARY
Scripture Assembly (Tue)
2013 PREFECT VOTING (Fri)
Year 6 Dinner (Mon)
Prefects Lunch (Tue)
Benefactors Morning Tea (Wed)
Christmas Jingles (Wed)
Mugs Cup (Wed)
Year 6 Graduation
BIG DAY OUT (Mon)
Presentation Day (Tue)
School Council/P&C (Wed)
Y6 CLAP OUT (Wed)
Canteen News
Next Friday 30 November will be a “RED DAY”. Cans of
softdrink will be for sale for $1.50 each and “lollies”
20c - $1.00. As of next week juice bombs have
increased in price from $1.50 to $1.70
The canteen roster for Term 1 2013 is now in the
canteen. Please pop in and put your name down. We still
have spots that need filling in the roster for this term,
please pop in and put your name down or alternatively
contact Mandy Swan on 0432 310 741 or
canteen@biddabah.com , your children will love it.
CANTEEN ROSTER
Mon Nov 26 Kylie Hindmarch, HELP NEEDED
Tue Nov 27 Paula Boersma
Wed Nov 28 Sue MacLeod, Tracie Lavelle
Thu Nov 29 Rajka Alexander, Christine Law
Fri Nov 30 Tracie Lavelle, Liz Dabelstein,
Ellen Williams, Michelle Crossley
Biddabah School Magazine orders $20 Page 7

STOP PRESS, REMINDERS, LOST & FOUND
Miss Betty Dimple did not cut her finger
NEXT WEEK’S UNIFORM SHOP
MONDAY
2.30-3.00pm
Nicole Stone
WEDNESDAY MORNING
8.30 – 9.00am
Jenny Preston
THURSDAY
CLOSED
TUESDAY
CLOSED
WEDNESDAY PM
2.30-3.00pm
Kim Gulliver
FRIDAY
2.30-3.00pm
Nicole Reid
BOOKCLUB
ORDERS DUE
23 rd November
OTHER NOTES SENT HOME THIS WEEK
Wed
Year 1 & 2 End of Year Fun Day
SCHOOL HALL BOOKINGS
Bookings for Biddabah’s
Communal Hall can be
made with the principal.
4954 6058
ADVERTISING COSTS
Roadside Sign in Medcalf Street
Your business can advertise on our roadside sign.
Advertisers are offered one of the eight places for an
annual fee of $500. If you are interested in taking up this
offer, please contact the principal: Mr. Graeme Mason.
Newsletter Advertising Costs (incl. GST)
Business Card Size
¼ Page
½ Page
Full Page
Distribute Your Pamphlets
SPECIAL OFFER
¼ Page Advertisement
$14.33 (week)
$85.80 (term)
$25 30 (week)
$220 (year)
$41.80 (week)
$69.30 (week)
$25.00 (week)
1 Year
$220.00
This newsletter is produced each Thursday by the students
and staff of Biddabah Public School. For further information
phone 4954 6058
Subscriptions can be mailed each week for $12/term or
$25/year. Contact Christine or Michelle for details.
Advertisers please contact Christine or Michelle to
negotiate special rates. Parents are reminded that paid
advertisements are not necessarily endorsed by the
school, but they do assist with the costs of publication.
Graeme Mason
Principal
Biddabah School Magazine orders $20 Page 8

Biddabah School does not necessarily endorse paid advertising in this Newsletter

Neck Pain
You guessed it, adjustments can help that too. In
fact, new research confirms that adjustments
should be your first line of defence. Be able to turn
your head again so you can reverse your car
properly, stop taking pain killers, and feel good.
Are you ready to fix it
Call Dr Jason for a FREE Consultation to see if
we can help you!
Biddabah is a cool school Page 1

We are inviting GRANDPARENTS
to a special day starting on
Thursday, 29 th November at 10.00am
In the School Hall
for the FINALS of the Biddabah School PUBLIC SPEAKING competition
PARENTS (without toddlers) and GRANDPARENTS are invited.
GRANDPARENT’S DAY
11.00am
11.30am
12.00noon
All GRANDPARENTS are invited to enjoy RECESS TIME with their
grandchildren. The Canteen will be offering a special GRANDPARENTS
menu.
GRANDPARENTS (only) visit their grandchildren’s classrooms.
We hope our GRANDPARENTS will be able to:
Tell us about when you were at school.
Teach us some of the games you played.

OVERSEAS STUDENT TEACHING
INDIANA UNIVERSITY PROGRAM for INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION
I have received a request from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania USA to host two student
teacher interns from April 2013 for a seven week practicum at Biddabah School. Participants are
usually in their early 20s in their last year of teacher training. They come with full health cover
and are carefully screened.
The two female interns have requested a host family or families for the duration of their stay.
The student pays the host family for board and they are advised that $200 a week is standard
these days. Most school communities find the host family through the parent group or the school
staff.
A large number of schools: primary and secondary, government and private have participated in
the program. At Floraville the P&C president put up their student and a community member from
Teralba put up a student who was interning at Speers Point School.
Hosts usually provide an evening meal and breakfast. Lunch is the student’s responsibility. Hosts
would sort out issues like internet and phone.
Features of the program
• Students gain educational and cultural experiences through working and living in overseas
locations.
• Students spend between 6‐8 weeks in schools
• Students stay in homes in the school community
• Students contribute towards their food and board ($200 a week)
• Students are qualified teachers who would normally work alongside teachers
• Students might gain from visits to other schools to view programs of interest
• Students could be called upon to talk to staff and students about their homeland, culture and
educational organisation
I would like to hear from any parent or teacher who would be willing to host one of the overseas
interns for the duration of their stay.
OVERSEAS STUDENT TEACHING
I am interested hosting one of the overseas interns for the duration of their stay in April 2013.
Please send further information
Name _________________________________
Phone___________________________
Address _________________________________________________________________