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BLACKWELL PUBLIC SCHOOL
Blackwell Public School
www.blackwellps.com.au
Phone: 9670 5080
CALENDAR EVENTS
Thursday, 13th Nov

Kinder Orientation
Evening 6:30pm in
Hall

Active After School
Friday, 14th Nove


School Banking
PSSA & Martial Arts
Monday, 17th Nov


Kindy Orientation
Yr K-2 Assembly
2pm in Hall
Tuesday, 18th Nov



Sydney West
Dance Sport
Kindy Orientation
Active After School
Wednesday, 19th Nov

Uniform Shop 8:309:30am
Thursday, 20th Nov



Playgroup 9:15am
Kindy Orientation
Active After School
Friday, 21st Nov


School Banking
PSSA & Martial Arts
Monday, 24th Nov


Kindy Orientation
Yr 3-6 Assembly
2pm in Hall
Tuesday, 25th Nov



Kindy Orientation
St 2 Zoo Snooze
Active After School
Wednesday, 26th Nov



Uniform Shop 8:309:30am
Yr 6 Odd Short Day
St 2 Zoo Snooze
Wednesday, 12th November 2014
Remembrance Day
As we start to prepare for the century of Gallipoli and World War 1 our
Remembrance Day Service here had special significance. We used our newly
prepared Gallipoli Garden to host the service and unveil our plaque to mark the
Spirit of our ANZACS. Unfortunately our poppies are still struggling to break
through the ground but they are faintly visible, perhaps by ANZAC Day 2015. Our
SRC represented us both here and at St Mary’s RSL. To mark this occasion all SRC
classes were present with a special century flag which will hang in our library
next year. The local RSL has also asked us to research five of the 162 local St
Mary’s residents who volunteered for WW1. These names are
George Edwin Andrews
William Harold Garner
Richard Theodore Parkin
Samuel Ashley
O Lyneham
Each school has been given five names to research and write a short one page
document to assist the work done by Lyne Forde of the St Mary’s Historical
Society. If you are interested in this type of history or perhaps know something
about the volunteers, your information would be much appreciated. We have
until the end of the year!!! I thought I should end with the thoughts of two of our
students who conducted our service.
“This year marks the 96th anniversary of Remembrance Day, which is the official
ending of World War I in 1918. Remembrance Day falls on the 11th day of the
11th month at the 11th hour each year. The red poppy has become a familiar
emblem of Remembrance Day in the poem, “In Flanders Fields”-by John McCrae.
These poppies bloomed across many of the battlefields of Flanders in World War
1. The poppies’ vivid colour became a symbol of the spilt blood that stained the
earth of those battlefields. Every year on this day Australians observe one
minutes silence that is dedicated to the civilian men, women and children who
sacrificed their life to protect their nation. It is a tradition well worth recognising.
We will remember them.”—Casey
“On Remembrance Day we think about the spirit of our ANZACS. ANZACS stands
for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps.
The Australian and New Zealand soldiers displayed courage, endurance and
mateship on those battlefields. The ANZAC spirit became a symbol of unity
among our fighting men and a powerful symbol in the Australian culture. The
ANZACS gained a reputation as being brave, determined soldiers and skilful
service people who always fought as mates. We remember and give gratitude
and show national pride for our men and women who have fought and died in all
conflicts.”—Andre.
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2
“In Flanders Field” by Major John McCrae
In Flanders Fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row
That mark our place and in the sky
The larks still bravely singing fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below”.
REMEMBRANCE DAY
Virtues:
Tolerance
Self-discipline
Honesty
Kindness
Respect
Patience
Responsibility
Next PLAYGROUP is Thursday, 20th November at 9.15m in the Kinder COLA
area. Please bring a hat, “crunch and sip” and be ready for a fun time.
Unfortunately I will be absent on this day due to a family funeral so our
DISCO will be on our last one–on the 4th December-sorry Olivia and my
other Disco Divas!
Kris Hudswell
www.blackwellps.com.au
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3
BLACKWELL P&C XMAS RAFFLE 2014
One booklet of 10 tickets @$1 each has been sent home with each child last Friday, 7th November 2014.
All tickets and monies are to be returned by 9:30am Friday 12th December 2014.
Raffle will be drawn Monday, 15th December 2014.
As of Monday, 10th November 2014 from 8:30am to 9:15am , P&C members will be on hand to collect
returned tickets and money or for additional books if required at the Uniform Shop area in the school foyer.
Prizes include:

1st Prize -HOLIDAY MANTA BARGARA RESORT-including return flights for 2 and 5 nights’
accommodation for 4.

2nd Prize-HORSING AROUND – including a Black Caviar Picture (value $450) and a bottle of Teachers
Scotch.

3rd Prize-PHOTO SESSION – including $150 photography voucher from Kylie Marie Photography, large
photo frame.

4th Prize-FITNESS PACK – including a 3 month gym membership at Plus Fitness 24/7 at St Marys and
Sam’s Pizza voucher.

5th Prize- CAMPING/BBQ PACK – including a spit rotisserie, picnic basket set and camping food carrier/
holder.

6th Prize-KIDS – including a $40 Smiggle gift card, remote control helicopter, under water digital camera,
2 x Featherdale passes.

7th Prize-SCHOOL PACK – including $50 Westfield gift card and $50 voucher from Abel Schoolwear.

8th Prize-HAIR PACK – including $130 basket of hair products, Cosmetic Beauty and Laser Clinic voucher
for manicure and pedicure.

PET PACK – including large container of various pet goodies, bowls, pet blanket, pet mat.

MENS PAMPER PACK – including a 10 pack Lynx deodorant pack, Men’s aftershave carry satchel pack,
$50 Hogs Breath voucher, a bottle of Wild Turkey.

LADIES NIGHT OUT PACK – including various items and $50 Hogs Breath voucher.

LADIES PAMPER PACK – including various items and a bottle of Liquer.

BEACH PACK – including various beach items and a $50 Hogs Breath voucher.

COOKING PACK – including an Asian cook set, various cooking items and Asian Cook Book.

PANDORA – a Pandora Bracelet and $50 Hogs Breath voucher.

CANDLES – 2 x candle pack sets and a bottle of liquer, Sam’s pizza vouchers.

ARTIST—3 x Drawing sets, $50 Abel Schoolwear voucher.
EACH STAGE WILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO WIN A PRIZE FOR MOST TICKETS SOLD. PRIZES INCLUDE
GAMES AND BOOKS.
THERE IS A RAZOR SCOOTER FOR THE OVERALL MOST TICKETS SOLD FOR THE SCHOOL.
Regards
P&C Committee
www.
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4
Letter from Mrs Naglic
Last year, soon after Rhyann was diagnosed with cancer once again, I bought an inspirational book for
Rhyann. As she was impressed by Pat Farmer and his story of strength and courage, I asked Pat to write a
special message for her inside. I visited her home, gave her the book and enjoyed a lovely morning tea
with Rhyann, Kevin and Lynn. While in the kitchen with Lynn, Rhyann mentioned to me a hope that one
day we should organise a day where Red Cross and possibly Pat Farmer could visit our school for a blood
donation day. Unfortunately this day didn't eventuate well, not yet anyway.
The Friday before Rhyann passed, I saw on the whiteboard that she was in Mt Druitt Hospital for a blood
transfusion and it hit me there and then, that I had to act to fulfil her dream. I didn't expect that it would
be done in her memory but what a lovely way to honour such a strong, courageous and determined friend.
The morning after the funeral I contacted Red Cross and told them our story. They were touched by the
story and very sympathetic but explained that mobile units are booked up to 18mths ahead and while they
had been to high schools before, as Yr 11 & 12 students can donate, they had never been to a primary
school. They were kind enough to suggest some nearby locations and dates where mobile units will be
located not too far from our school. I think this is where Rhyann intervened because the following day I
received a call saying that there had been a cancellation and would we be interested in a mobile unit visit.
Although keen to help me out, Alyssa from Red Cross told me that we would have to meet some
requirements before it can be approved. One, do we have a large, bitumen car park on site to house the
unit and two, how was I going to recruit enough people for donations. We need approx 80 interested
people to achieve 40 actual donations due to illness, medications, health history, etc. I told her we have a
lovely big car park, just perfect for the job and most importantly, I know that donating blood in honour of
Rhyann, is something which would motivate not only members of staff but also the wider parent
community, other local schools and Rhyann's own family and friends.
I understand that for various reasons, not everyone will be willing and or able to participate on the day.
However, perhaps you, like me, have always wanted to donate blood but have just never made it happen
yet. I know that if I needed blood, I would be enormously grateful that a generous stranger had provided
this gift for me. Now is simply the perfect time to donate life saving blood. Unfortunately, we can't save
our beautiful friend, Rhyann but we can save the lives of others and in the process, honour a beautiful,
young lady who I know will be looking down upon us with a huge smile.
For those of you that are a little nervous about the whole idea, I will share a conversation Kevin had with
Dee and I at the wake. After commenting to him how lovely his poem and Rhys's speech were at the
church, Kevin said that he was so nervous that he didn't know if he could do it but then he thought about
all that Rhyann had endured and decided that if she could go through that, then I can do this.
Once the details have been finalised and approval is given by Red Cross, I will notify our school community
about "Give Blood For Rhyann Whittaker Day" via the newsletter. If interested, people will be able to call
Red Cross, discuss their health and determine whether or not they are eligible and then book in for a
donation on that date.
Sometimes in life, you just have to follow your heart. One random act of kindness could save numerous
lives...it could be someone close to you, or even your own!
Thanks for listening,
The Blood Bank Van will be at Rooty Hill RSL from Monday 15th to Friday 19th December.
Information about what you need to know about giving blood is on page 13 & 14.
Details regarding booking in will be in the next newsletter.
What a great gift to someone at Christmas.
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Applying for Year 7 entry to selective high schools in 2016 Reminder
Applications are now open for entry to a selective high school in 2016. All applications are
online only. No paper application forms are accepted. All applications close on 17th
November, 2014. If you do not have access to a computer you may apply online at school
or you may wish to visit the local library.
An information booklet for parents can be obtained from the school office. Parents must
apply online at www.schools.nsw.edu.au/shsplacaement. As entry to a selective high
school is based on academic merit, there is a Selective High School Placement test which
will be held on Thursday, 12 March 2015.
A note has gone home to all Year 5 students advising of this process.
TERM 4 INVOICES
Invoices have been sent home last week, with a covering letter to all students outlining any
outstanding monies owing. Please return any payments, together with the invoice, to the
school office. These invoices will be returned with the receipt.
Thank you for your co-operation in paying these invoices throughout the year.
DESIGN AN AD Winner
Congratulations to Monique Buksh in Year 5 who came second in
the Primary School Section. Here is her design for Sigma Appliance
Services:
www.blackwellps.com.au
PAGE
6
SRC Report
Congratulations to our first two winners of our weekly raffle for ‘Mama Lana’s
Community Foundation’ Food Drive. Lara S2K & Jemimah S2C were very happy to
receive a $2 canteen voucher. Keep your donations coming! Every Monday two
winners will be drawn. Remember to bring your non perishable items to Mrs Cooke’s
classroom and make sure you receive a ticket for the raffle.
The support we have received for our muffin baking has been greatly appreciated.
Thank you to our dedicated mums and grandmas that volunteer each week. If you
would like to take home a muffin mix on a Tuesday, come to see Mrs Cooke in the
morning just before the bell. There is no roster, just first in first served. Cooked
muffins are returned on Wednesday mornings.
At our last meeting, the SRC decided to go ahead with our ‘Christmas Giving Tree’.
We found this to be a very worthwhile and successful project last year. Blackwell
teachers also decided to donate to the ‘Giving Tree’ instead of buying ‘Kris Kringle’
presents for each other. The SRC members are busy designing posters to display
around the school to tell you all about it. Keep your eye out for them! Donations of
new toys, books, beauty products (for teenagers), gift vouchers etc will be gladly
accepted. Start collecting now and wait until the tree is up in the office to bring your
donations to school.
It’s Audition Time!
Auditions are being held for the talent quest
throughout Weeks 6 and 7. Each stage will run
their own auditions and students will be notified of
when each stage audition is to be held. The
Talent Quest being held on Thursday,4th
December. Please remember that this is meant to
be a fun process and we can only put a limited
number of acts through to the finals. If your act doesn’t make it through, enjoy trying
out, and have another go next year.
www.blackwellps.com.au
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7
PRINCIPAL AWARDS
MERIT & VIRTUE AWARDS
Congratulations to the following
students who have received a Principal Award on
Monday, 10th November
KD
Annalise
KP
Chrislyn
KR
Lily
KS
Riley
KT
Jared
S1C
Joel
S1R
Nikki
S1M
Isabella
S1TC Mikayla
S1H
Makayla
S1CH Jaxon
S1F
Teagan
S1L
Bailey
S2FJ Lini
S2L
Jaxon
S2C
Katherine
S2MC Trent
S2K
John
S3CB Kaitlen
S3R
Asif
S3M
Reese
S3S
Sam R
S3W Nilisha
Congratulations to the following
students who have received a Merit or Virtue on:
Monday, 3rd November
S2C
Jasmine
Caleb
Charlotte
S2FJ Ryan
Tahnae
Cooper
S2K
Tiago
Jack
Paige
Kurt
Rhyli
Cameron
S2L
Jarryn
Jake
Ella
S2MC Maddison
Tayla
Jacob
S3R
Aleshia
Tyla
Anthony
S3M
Mikayla
Arav
Kynan
S3S
Iqra
Cameron
Chantelle
S3W Anthony
Andre
At Blackwell we
encourage our
students to use
Good manners,
Good thinking and
Good learning.
www.blackwellps.com.au
PAGE
8
Library News
Library Routine: Borrow > Return weekly > Borrow.
Keep books in a safe spot at home.
Parents please send a note if books are lost or damaged. If this happens please send a
contribution up to $10 so the book can be replaced.
Library Weblinks
What Makes a Good Book For Young Kids
http://tinyurl.com/n3xw99e
There are some good ideas here on this page from Schoolatoz Practical Help for parents
http://www.schoolatoz.nsw.edu.au
What’s on in the world of books this month? Check it out at the website.
http://childrensbooksdaily.com/
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
S3M
S2FJ
S1D
KP
S3CB
KS
S3S
S2L
S1C
KR
S1CH
S3R
S2C
S1H
KD
S3W
S1L
S1M
KT
S1F
S2K
K1TC
S2MC
Library
The last week of borrowing is 17th to 22nd November 2014, Week 7.
Please return all library books on Monday, 24th November 2014 (Week 8) as
the library will be starting to stocktake.
Ms Johnston
Teacher/Librarian
www.blackwellps.com.au
EARLY STAGE 1 INFORMATION
Early Stage 1 Teachers 2014
KD Mrs Deanne Witchard
KR Mrs Pauline Richmond
KP Mrs Paula Anderson &
Mrs Michelle Mifsud
KT Mrs Jo Turnbull &
Mrs Jo Wrigley
www.blackwellps.com.au
PAGE
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PAGE
STAGE 1 INFORMATION
10
Stage 1 had a wonderful time at our excursion last week. The
students were very excited and had an enjoyable experience.
Lots of them think that they would like to go back and spend
more time there.
End of year party
Stage 1 Teachers 2014
S1C Mrs Rochelle Bellamy
S1R Mrs Bev Reynolds
S1M Mrs Malinda Frazer
This year we are combining our end of year party day with a
movie about Paddington Bear. Notes have gone out so there is
plenty of time for permission slips and payment of $15.00 to be
returned. All the information needed can be found on the note
that was sent home.
S1TC Mrs Dyan Toledano &
Mrs Jill Capuyan
S1H Mrs Anna Hancock
S1CH Mrs Julie Crossman &
Many students are busy practising for the talent quest which is
held at the end of this term.
Mrs Merryn Handley
S1F Mr Hani Farag
S1L Miss Heather Lane
Teachers are very busy writing reports at present. These will
be sent home in Week 10. Please return the report folders
from Semester 1 so that they can be used again for the end of
year reports.
We would like to remind students and parents that nail polish
and jewellery (except for small earrings, like studs and sleepers,
as well as watches) are not part of our school uniform and
should not be worn at school.
Library
The last week of borrowing is 17th to 22nd November
2014, (Week 7).
Please return all library books on Monday, 24th November
2014 (Week 8) as the library will be starting to stocktake.
www.blackwellps.com.au
PAGE
STAGE 2 INFORMATION
11
Stage 2 News
What a terrific cake stall Stage 2 had last week. There were so
many delicious cakes to choose from. A big thank you to
everyone who donated cakes and a special mention to Mrs
Cameron and the wonderful parents who volunteered to set up
and sell the cakes. We made $1348.50, a mighty effort! All
money raised goes to purchasing laptops.
Reports
It is that time of year again… teachers are busy writing end of
year reports. Reports will be going home in Week 10. It is time
to start returning your child’s blue school portfolio folder so
that their Semester 2 report can be placed inside.
Stage 2 Teachers 2014
S2FJ Mrs Fiona Cooke &
Mrs Jennifer Naglic
S2L Mrs Kathi Lockley
S2C Ms Stephanie Coard
S2CM Mrs Rachel Cameron &
Mrs Kylie McIntosh
S2K Mrs Sharalynne Krensel
Home Reading
Please remember to read each night and write the book title in
your Home Reading Log. After you have read for 25 nights, you
need to bring your log to school for your teacher to check.
IMPORTANT DATES……
Week
6
Date
Friday 14/11
What’s happening?
Final notes and payments
for Zoo Snooze DUE
7
Tuesday 18/11
Sydney West Dance Sport –
Year 4
Library
The last week of
borrowing is 17th to
22nd November
2014, (Week 7).
Please return all
library books on
Monday, 24th Nov
2014 (Week 8) as
the library will be
starting to
stocktake.
8
To be advised shortly
Zoo Snooze Camp
10
Wednesday 10/12
Stage 2 Fun Day…… More
information coming soon!
(Will be at school)
10
Thursday 11/12
Privilege Day Stage 2 Disco
11
Monday 15/12
End of Year Presentation
Day – You will receive an
invitation if your child is
11
www.blackwellps.com.au
Tuesday 16/12
Class Party day
PAGE
12
STAGE 3 INFORMATION
Year 6 CD-2 Photos
Stage 3 Teachers 2014
S3CB Mrs Rachel Bullus &
Mrs Kerri Cummins
Mrs Tracey Smith (Alys’ mum) will be or organising the Year 6
Graduation power point presentation this year. If possible 2 photos
to be scanned and email to Mrs Smith.
Email address:
briansmith3@optusnet.com.au
or
the photos placed in an envelope with the students name to the
front office and put in the box provided.
Please find information about Term 4 Stage 3
Year 6 Odd shorts Day.
Final PSSA for Summer.
Year 5 School Leaders present.
S3S Mrs Denise Suffling
Year 6 Public High School Orientation Day.
S3W Mr Rod Woolard
Year 6 Fun Day Blaxland Riverside Park. (Note will be
coming home shortly).
Applying for Year 7 entry
8th
Dec
Sports Assembly. PSSA Banners and Athletics and
to selective high schools
Swimming Champion medals will be presented.
in 2016.
9th Dec
Year 6 Mini Fete: ODD DAY Where all your odd
Applications are now open
clothes.
for entry to a selective high
9th Dec
Stage 3 reports home.
school in 2016. All
10-12th Dec Stage 3 Camp for 3 days
applications are online only.
15th Dec
Presentation Day (Invites will be sent home).
No paper application forms
15th Dec
Year 6 Leavers Arch. School lines up and Year 6 walk
are accepted. All
through the middle and out the gate.at 2.55pm
applications close on 17
Monday afternoon.
November, 2014. If you do
16th Dec
Year 6 Graduation Ceremony 9.15am to 10.00am.
not have access to a
16th Dec
Year 6 Farewell 5.00pn arrival for 5.30pm meal. Disco
computer you may apply
from 7.00pm to 8.30pm.
online at school or you may
Year 5 invited at 7.00pm for the disco. Night finishes at
wish to visit the local library.
8.30pm.
An information booklet for
17th Dec
Last day of term.
S3R Mr Robert Samuels
S3M Miss Milica Makragic
parents can be obtained
from the school office.
Parents must apply online at
www.schools.nsw.edu.au/
shsplacaement. As entry to a
selective high school is
based on academic merit,
there is a Selective High
School Placement test which
will be held on Thursday, 12
March 2015.
26th Nov
28th Nov
1st Dec
3rd Dec
5th Dec



As you can see our final few weeks of 2014 are very busy.
Please ensure that all permission notes are returned promptly.
Please remember Uniform still needs to be worn and we are
starting to see more bracelets and jewellery being worn. Save
this for home and after school where it will not get lost, stolen
or broken.
Mobile phones need to be handed in at the front office. We
have heard a few going off in bags and the problem with that is
they can get lost, broken and or stolen.
Library
The last week of borrowing is 17th to 22nd November 2014,
(Week 7).Please return all library books on Monday, 24th Nov
2014 (Week 8) as the library will be starting to stocktake.
www.blackwellps.com.au
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13
www.blackwellps.com.au
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www.blackwellps.com.au
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www.blackwellps.com.au
PAGE
ABEL SCHOOLWEAR SHOP
Uniform shop open at Blackwell Public
School on the following Wednesdays:
Term 4 Dates:
19th November
26th November
3rd December
10th December
Open: 8:30am-9:30am
44 Peachtree Road, Penrith
PH: 4731 2388
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