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It has been lovely to see so many smiles and fresh haircuts as we have returned for Term 4. During the holidays I popped in to school on a couple of occasions which coincided with the mum’s group. A small group of parents meet regularly during school time, but wanted to continue the support during the school holidays and approached us to ask permission to meet here at school. We welcomed the opportunity to open our space for them, with kitchen as well as play facilities. Do contact the P & C directly, or myself through email or via the phone to be included in the gatherings- it really is an informal way to meet together and provide a safe play space.
On Friday 18th October, the school signing choir was asked to perform 4 songs at the huge fundraiser that is ‘Radiothon’. All donations go to providing support at the Children’s Hospital at Westmead, and there was a real buzz around the place. Considering it was a sensory overload, the students in the choir coped remarkably well, with paparazzi clicking camera’s and some people joining in with the lyrics. We performed 4 songs and we were warmly received. Of delight to the students was the presence of Paw Patrol (who preceded us) and the Star Wars characters, who wandered around for photo opportunities. We even had photos taken with R2D2 -to take home as a memento.
It was an honour to be invited to ‘Chicken Salt’ on Monday October 21st when Room 4 students- Kaspar, Brendan, Jayden C, Alkira and Jayden F represented Karonga School in a community exercise to give exposure to the Hamish and Andy show as they celebrate the best chicken shop in Australia. Fans were encouraged to dress up- so in true Karonga style the students wore hats, kipper ties and feather boa’s to add pizzazz to the visit. Steve, the owner, who always treats our students with great respect, joined in the fun, and even presented the students with free samples to bring back to school!
The P & C met on Monday 21st October (third Monday of the month) at 7.30pm in the PL room. Can I encourage any family members to attend P & C meetings- as it is through your attendance and voting that we can effect best change for the students. There is NO agenda to fundraise for the school, as the P & C manage the fleet of buses, through Colin, which supports the school in a significant financial way.
On Thursday October 24th I attended the Epping Combined Children’s Choir. We have been practicing a signing song to support the Karonga Signing Choir at the upcoming Epping Music Festival. What a great opportunity for our schools to work together to put on this event. Tickets go on sale next week if you would like to support us.
The first 2 weeks back at school has culminated in the beloved Graduation. Around 65 families, relatives and school staff met at the Epping Club to celebrate the end of the schooling years for Kimberley, Kaspar, Jacob and Joseph. A great time was had by all as we reminisced and rejoiced over the school years. We wish them all well as they complete their last term at Karonga and join their chosen post-school placement.
Ruth Rogers
Wow! Where has 2019 gone? In Room 5 we cannot believe we are in Term 4. We have already hit the ground running, and have been very busy.
In the gym this week, our trainer Michelle did some Zumba with us. Zumba is a fun way to get fit and Winfred and Gavin were particularly good at copying Michelle’s moves. In other fitness activities, Kugan has been working really hard in swimming and has been swimming laps of the pool with our swimming instructor Karen.
Joseph is working hard on his communication and is now using his iPad to request help in different situations and with different staff. Sharon has been using her manners when communicating with various staff around the school.
Gordon has been doing some excellent desk work and work education skills. He has been concentrating well on the tasks and when he delivers the roll to the office, he is very polite to Lesley and Sarah in the office.
We are looking forward to the rest of Term 4 and excited to see what it brings.
Photos left to right:
Gavin and Winfred dancing - Winfred independently matching Community signs during desk work - Joseph enjoying singing using the microphone
Above left: Joseph, Gavin and Winfred walking safely during physical fitness
Above right: Gavin at the gym doing arm exercises
Until next time.
Susan and Emma
Recently Karonga School was successful in being awarded a Federal grant from the Department of Veteran Affairs to create an Anzac Garden that would be both a memorial to Australian service men and women and a new teaching space outside the library.
Being awarded this Grant was an acknowledgement of the excellence and significance of the history teaching program at Karonga School taught in the library.
On Tuesday 10th September we had a wonderful group of NAB Bank volunteers who worked hard to create the garden space under the direction of Jennifer Robertshaw our Horticulture SLSO.
It was a team effort to prepare and mulch such a large area, clean the brick pavers, position the pots and plant. Featured in the centre is a Lone Pine propagated by the Australian War Memorial from the original at Gallipoli. Also included are commemorative roses – the ‘Centenary of Gallipoli’ rose and the ‘Peace’ rose.
Rm 14 students contributed by planting the Gallipoli rosemary.
Sensory story boxes about the Gallipoli campaign, WW1 and the Anzacs are being prepared for use in this very special teaching space.
In keeping with Karonga’s School Vision of ‘supporting students to be life-long learners and valued members of the community’, students will use the garden as both a reflective and teaching space to develop an understanding of the link between the historical events of the Gallipoli campaign and Anzac Day today.
Students will be using their historical knowledge to contribute to the information to be included on the plaques in the garden. They will also be assisting me in determining the appropriate inclusions in the opening ceremony.
An official opening ceremony is being planned for Remembrance Day in November which we are hoping will include a catafalque party from the Holsworthy Army Base.
A huge thank you to our NAB Bank volunteers who have made such a huge contribution to creating this commemorative garden and for the ongoing support of the NAB Bank for our school. Thank you also to Jennifer Robertshaw for her coordination of this important partnership with the NAB bank.
Photos: top row - left to right
NAB Banking volunteer: The wonderful NAB volunteers, job well done: Jennifer (SLSO) instructing NAB volunteers on planting techniques
Photos: bottom row - left to right
Joshua watering the commenorative plants: Kimberley planting Gallipoli rosemary: Looking back at the Anzac Garden and Library
Janelle Simpson-Goodwin, Assistant Principal/Teacher Librarian
I would like to introduce myself to the Karonga community and share my excitement in joining what I can already see is an amazing school full of wonderful, happy students and teachers.
My name is Kerrie Sheehan and this is my first permanent teaching appointment after having worked in temporary teaching roles for the past five years. I am currently completing my last few weeks of my Master’s Degree in Special and Inclusive Education at the University of Sydney, of which I am super proud. My final research project involves exploring the benefits of both therapeutic and educational robotics in special education classrooms… a very interesting topic, particularly as we move into an increasingly demanding technological world.
Most recently, my role as Technology teacher at Putney Public School for the past two years has provided me with experience in implementing a whole range of technologies into the classroom, whilst catering for the diverse learning needs of many different students. The great thing about robotics in particular, is that coding and playing with robots is so engaging… which makes learning fun!
I have two beautiful children, Tyla (14) and Deon (8), both of whom keep me very busy. I am very much involved in coaching softball – both adults and children. This weekend I will be coaching the Northern Storm State League Team in their final series at Blacktown Olympic Park. Hopefully we bring home the gold!
This past week at Karonga has been absolutely amazing. I’m very honoured to have been given the opportunity to teach here and can’t wait to get to know everyone. Learning the names of all the students and teachers has been challenging, however, I’m sure I will pick it up soon – everyone has been so welcoming, and I thank you all for that. I can’t wait to see what the rest of 2019 brings!
Leila is a new student in Room 3 who started at Karonga at the end of Term 3. She is in year 8 and loves to play instruments in both our classroom and music therapy sessions. She enjoys the liberty swing, stories, gardening, music and shiny objects. She is a gentle and happy student who enjoys being with her peers. Leila is making great progress in all her class activities. We are looking forward to sharing more of Leila’s interests and learning strengths.
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