Principal's Report
Dear Gorokan PS families and friends
At Gorokan Public School, we believe it is important to provide opportunities for our students to be leaders at school and in the community. We recently inducted our Term 1 Class Captains, the senior student leadership team (Captains, Vice Captains and Prefects), and our Sporting House Captains and Vice Captains. These students have the important role of representing their classes and school on the Student Representative Council (SRC) who meet regularly with program coordinator, Mr Johnston to provide a student perspective towards school improvements and engagement. We value the input and feedback these students can provide.
Congratulations to all our student leaders. New Class Captains are selected each term from every class, and we look forward to including as many students as possible in this exciting initiative throughout the year.
2023 Student Leadership Team
- Captains: Vienna D and Elijah G
- Vice Captains: Olivia M and Ryder S
- Prefects: Alira S, Chelsea C, Ruby M, Vincent H, Bodhi C and Lucas W
2023 Sports House Captains
Brooks (Students with surnames A-E)
- Boy Captain: Tyler A
- Boy Vice Captain: Tyler B
- Girl Captain: Hayley A
- Girl Vice Captain: Katie-May C
Buck (Students with surnames F-L)
- Boy Captain: Sebastien J
- Boy Vice Captain: Caleb H
- Girl Captain: Austyn L
- Girl Vice Captain: Brooklyn G
Gasgoine (Students with surnames M-Q)
- Boy Captain: Lachlan M
- Boy Vice Captain: Michael N
- Girl Captain: Kira N
- Girl Vice Captain: Kendra N
Thwaite (Students with surnames R-Z)
- Boy Captain: Perrin S
- Boy Vice Captain: Zakery
- Girl Captain: Olivia S
- Girl Vice Captain: Leila T
Library Prefects
Year 5 - Havana B, Lily W, Alina L and Noah F
Year 6 - Khevai H, Areiyah H, Tyler N, Elijah W, Matilda N and Miley B
Term 1 Class Captains
K-2
- KC - Kai P and Pamela D
- KJ - Reyn M and Dylan S
- KLF - Jayden H and Willow W
- KTF - Lachie S and Kyla D
- KB - Raylee D and Callum M
- 1P - Joseph C and Sara Y
- 1Y - Jaxen G and Siannah H
- 1L - Zac R and Kyaisha F
- 1E - Theo O and Hannah P
- 1/2M - Kyson S and Ayla M
- 2S - Levi H and Maddison H
- 2J - William S and Kelsey C
- 2B - Jr T and Maddison S
3-6
- K-6L - Tyler R
- K-6G - Kane H
- K-6H - Nicole P
- K-6S - Braxtynn F
- 3D - Noah B and Lailahni D
- 3S - Noah S and Kailee H
- 3/4F - Nixon M and Nalah H
- 4B - Jax R and Holly M
- 4O - Tyler Y and Azalea N
- 4/5M - Harrison J and Jasmine S
- 5F - James B and Alina L
- 5H - Tyde Curtis M and Ivy L
- 5/6G - Harry R and Hayley A
- 6P - Quenten M and Chelsea C
- 6R - Sebastien J and Miley B
Zone Swimming
Congratulations to the students who participated in the Wallarah Zone Swimming Carnival at Mingara last week. Our students were outstanding at competing and supporting each other to participate and do their best. We know our Sydney North qualifying students will represent Gorokan and themselves proudly.
Harmony Day
Harmony Day will be celebrated at school on Tuesday 21 March. Students will be encouraged to wear traditional dress or an item of heritage from their family for a voluntary gold coin donation. Parents and carers are invited to attend our Harmony Day assembly to be held in the hall from 2:10pm on the day. Please note due to the capacity of the hall parents and visitors will be seated outside under the Primary COLA.
Dental Checks
The NSW Health Primary School Mobile Dental Program is currently visiting the school. Information packs and consent forms have been sent home. Please return your consent forms or request a new one from the office to ensure your child has the opportunity to participate in this important program.
NAPLAN
As mentioned previously, from 2023, the National Assessment Program - Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) is moving to Term 1 and will take place from Wednesday 15 March to Monday 27 March. The reason for this change is so that results can be returned to schools earlier in the year which will support teachers to understand the learning needs of their students and plan accordingly.
NAPLAN is a point in time assessment of literacy and numeracy skills. Each year students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 participate in tests for writing, reading, conventions of language (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and numeracy. NAPLAN tests are just one part of our school assessment program and questions are primarily based on knowledge, understanding and skills gained from the prior year of schooling.
In preparation for NAPLAN 2023, our school will undertake activities to help students to become familiar with the format and functionality of the online tests. These activities are not an assessment of student ability and will not be marked. Students and parents can access the public demonstration site to familiarise themselves with NAPLAN and the types of questions and tools available. Excessive preparation for NAPLAN is not required nor recommended. For further information please visit the link below:
The NAPLAN timetable for our school is as follows:
All required devices and equipment for testing are provided by the school, however students may be more comfortable using their own headphones for the test. Please ensure student headphones are labelled and sent to the school before the testing dates.
Please refer to the parent information sheet provided for further details. If you have any questions about NAPLAN, please contact the school or visit:
Canteen Orders
As from next week, the canteen has requested that all orders be placed via Flexischools before 9:00am (changed from 9:30am). Thanks for your anticipated assistance with this.
Anti-Racism Contact Officer (ARCO)
Mr Trent Richards is the school’s anti-racism contact officer. He undergone training for this role, which aims to resolve any unlikely issues of racism in the school and to help educate students in understanding the impact of racism.
Parents and Citizens Association (P&C)
The next P&C meeting will be held next Tuesday 14 March at 5:30pm in the school library. I look forward to welcoming those in attendance – new people are always encouraged to attend as we value the opportunity to hear new ideas and grow this dedicated team of school supporters.
Updating Contact Details
It is very important that the office has up-to-date contact details for parents and carers. If you have moved recently, changed your phone number or email address, please ensure that you let us know.
Together we can make a difference,
School News
Attendance Matters
Week 6 sees us begin our Daily Attendance Draw. This has been an exciting incentive for the students to be at school and on time! Congratulations to all our winners who have received a special prize. Keep up the great work!
Absences
If your child is absent, it is important that you inform the school of their absence as soon as possible. This can be done by responding to the text message you receive, via the parent portal, calling our friendly office staff or writing a note to your child’s class teacher. Absences of 3 or more days require a medical certificate. Unexplained absences cannot be explained after 7 days.
Extended Leave
While it is encouraged for all vacations to be planned for the school holidays, if your child has any leave planned for the year an Application for Extended Leave is required. Please see the front office for this.
Mrs Crook and Nadine
Attendance and Belonging Team
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Dates to Remember
- Monday 27 February - Friday 17 March - Dental Van Visit
- Monday 13 March - Sydney North Area Touch Footy Trials
- Tuesday 14 March - P&C Meeting at 5:30pm in the Library
- Wednesday 15 March - Wednesday 22 March - NAPLAN
- Tuesday 21 March - Harmony Day Assembly at 2:10pm
- Thursday 23 March - Sydney North Swimming Carnival
- Friday 31 March - Cross Country
- Monday 3 April - Sydney North Area Rugby League Trials
- Tuesday 4 April - Sydney North Area Basketball Trials
- Wednesday 5 and Thursday 6 April - State Swimming Carnival
- Thursday 6 April - Last day of term
- Friday 7 April - Good Friday
- Wednesday 26 April - First day of Term 2 for students
Support Unit
Current Learning
The Eaglehawk’s have been creative, learning about their prime, secondary and tertiary colours and how to mix them. They have also been learning all about different types of drama performance with mime being a favourite amongst the students.
The Frogs are having a blast during their hands-on mathematics lessons, exploring shapes, and learning to count and group objects. Learning like this can be reinforced at home by encouraging counting together. Create experiences using everyday objects like the groceries going into the shopping trolley or the toys going back in their box.
Reminders
Please keep packing a plastic water bottle and hat labelled with your child's name everyday as this helps out students to stay hydrated and play on these warm days.
When ordering your child a lunch order be mindful that they arrive at the classroom at 1:00pm. Ensure children have some snacks in their bag or a recess order to tie them over as learning is hungry work!
Celebrations of Learning
Congratulations to all of our award winners, everyone is working so hard and we are looking forward to celebrate more learners in the coming weeks.
Awards:
Drew, Atticus, Max, and Anthony.
Open Roads: Respecting Road
Mallee, Sophia, Brody W and Jax.
Mrs Crook
Deputy Principal Support Unit and Wellbeing
Early Stage 1
Current Learning
The Kindergarten teachers would like to thank all of our wonderful parents and carers for their amazing support so far this year. We have been so excited to see the fantastic healthy lunch boxes packed everyday, the labelled hats and the smiles on the children as they walk independently into school. We have found that the students have settled so quickly and easily into school routines as a result of great teamwork. Thank you.
This fortnight, Kindergarten students have been learning how to blend sounds to make a word and segment words to hear beginning and ending sounds. In Mathematics, they have been identifying numbers to thirty and recalling numbers that come before and after a given number.
In History, we are investigating the concept of family. Students are sharing information about their own families and recognising that families can be different in many ways including their country of origin. We would love for you to talk about your family background with your children so they can share their countries of origin at school.
Reminders
Morning and Afternoon Times
Thank you for being so punctual and getting your child to school before 9:00am in the mornings and thank you to the parents that are saying goodbye at the gate. It is great to see the students become more confident and independent. We understand that some parents may wish to pass on a message to the teacher, however mornings are usually very busy for our teachers so we ask that you instead write a note or ring the office and our lovely office staff will pass on your message.
From this week, Kindergarten students will conclude at 2:50pm, using the various collection points (Dudley St main gate, back gate, Kiss and Drop, Camp Australia).
Reading Eggs, Mathseeds, PM Readers and Soundwaves
This week Kindergarten students were given login details for PM readers, Reading Eggs, Mathseeds and Soundwaves.
Students can access these programs on a computer, iPad, tablet or Smartphone. Please encourage your child to log into these programs regularly. You will find that they will enjoy participating in these educational interactive activities. These programs will also help to consolidate the learning that your child is doing at school.
The passwords will look similar to this:
Please visit these websites or download the Apps to use these programs at home.
Class Dojo
Thank you to all the parents that have connected with their child’s class for Class Dojo. Don’t forget to show your child and let them hatch their egg to create their avatar. Just a reminder that Class Dojo is used as a means to communicate daily Dojo points only. Teachers do not communicate or receive parent messages through this program. We encourage you to write a note or ring the office to arrange a time to speak with your child’s class teacher if needed.
Fruit Break
Please pack a piece of fruit (or vegetable) for your child every day for fruit break.
Headphones
Please send in a set of headphones for your child to use with ipads/computers in the classroom. Make sure your child’s name is on the headphones and placed in a ziplock bag. Each child is required to provide their own personal set.
Library Day
Each class has a specific library day when they can go to the library to borrow books. Please send in a library bag with your child’s name on it so that they can borrow a book on their assigned library day.
- KB - Monday
- KTF - Tuesday
- KJ - Tuesday
- KC - Wednesday
- KLF - Wednesday
Donations
Kindergarten teachers would appreciate any donations of hand pump soap, paper towel, baby wipes and tissues for use in the classroom. Thank you to all those parents who have already made a donation.
Celebrations of Learning
Well done to all Kindergarten students for their amazing effort this fortnight. We would like to congratulate our class award winners:
- KB - Myles B, Ella-Rae C, Jace R and Octavia R
- KC - Maliyah G, Max W, Xander C and Imogen N
- KJ - Sandra A, Reyn M, Jackson D and Zahra H
- KLF - Isla A, Jasmit D, Zayden G and Alekisanita G
- KTF - Amelia B, Alexis C, Kyla D and Pallis M
Students receiving Open Road Awards:
- KB - Jack D, Elvy D, Raylee D and Zarah G
- KC - Riley C, Hazel C, Sebastian D and Ava J
- KJ - Layla N, Kaden T, Roccii M and Harlow L
- KLF - Evelyn M, Willow W, Jonathan B and Kyah H
- KTF - Zahra B, Archie G, Monique B and Electra N
Congratulations to all of our award winners this fortnight.
Mrs Alicia Duke
Assistant Principal Early Stage 1
Stage 1
Current Learning
Our focus writing for Year 2 this term is recount writing. We’ve been having lots of fun engaging in class experiences such as our teddy bear picnic, a trip to the garden to see the chickens and vegetables as well as a fun game of Ship, Shore, Shark. After each experience we use actions and pictures to help students with their recount writing. Year 2 students love moving and using their bodies as a part of their learning and are able to retell an entire experience using their actions.
Reminders
Information Sheets
Please return any student information notes to your child's classroom teacher. It really helps us to understand your child’s individual interests and needs in the classroom.
Contacting Your Child’s Teacher
If you wish to speak to your child’s classroom teacher or arrange a meeting please do not use Class Dojos and contact the school office instead who will pass on your message.
Hats
Sun safety is very important at Gorokan Public School and students without hats miss out on playing in the garden and oval at break times. Please make sure your child has a school bucket hat that is clearly labeled with their name and class.
Celebrations of Learning
Each week students across Stage 1 attend a Grade Gathering to recognise those who are travelling on the open roads and achieving academic success in class. Congratulations to all of our Stage 1 recipients who have received a Get Happier Award and the Gorokan School Award so far.
Mrs Jo Lee
Assistant Principal - Year One
Mr Mitchell Gibbs
Assistant Principal Aboriginal Education - Year Two
Stage 2
Current Learning
Stage 2 students have had a busy fortnight of learning and continue to build upon existing and new friendships within the stage. Year 3 students are preparing for NAPLAN with the support of their teachers. NAPLAN begins in Week 8 and is held over two weeks. The student’s literacy and numeracy skills will be assessed. All parents receive results of their child’s performance and how you may be able to support them moving forward. Please contact your child’s teacher if you would like further information regarding NAPLAN.
Stage 2 students are becoming more familiar with our Explicit Instruction style teaching and learning and in particular, engaging daily in English and Mathematical warm ups. They are learning a breadth of skills and transferring short term knowledge to long term.
3S students have been learning various mathematical concepts and participating in a range of hand-on activities outside the classroom. Here the students are measuring objects using formal units.
Reminders
We request that all Stage 2 students supply their own headphones to be used at school. These headphones will be used to access online educational programs and be used during NAPLAN assessment for Year 3 students. Please send headphones to school as soon as possible in a snap lock bag clearly labelled with your child’s name and class.
We look forward to celebrating Harmony Day on March 21. On this day we specifically celebrate diversity and foster inclusiveness, respect and the idea that people of all cultures can make a valuable contribution to our school community. We welcome all families to our school assembly on this day.
Please encourage your child to read nightly. Reading to your child is also a valuable learning experience.
Celebrations of Learning
Congratulations to all students who received class awards. It is wonderful to see such dedication to learning.
- 3S - Felicity and Oliver H
- 3D - Jacob, Noah, Alex and James
- 3/4F - Lincoln, Nixon, Prince, Ayla
- 4B - Beau, Hunter and Lorana
- 4O - Shanae, Violet, Uilou and Maxon
- 4/5M - Sienna and Oliver
Mrs Di Jeanpierre
Assistant Principal Stage 2
Stage 3
Current Learning
Across this term, Stage 3 students have been actively taking part in Lacrosse lessons during PE. They have engaged in developing their knowledge of the game, building up their skill set in how to play the game and have now begun playing the game in teams! We are so proud of all of their efforts as they have developed their skills individually and have been building up their teamwork skills!
All of our students have been lucky enough to take part in gardening and cooking lessons as part of the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden program. Each week students have the opportunity to further develop their skills in the kitchen and garden. Last week, 4/5M ventured into the garden for the first time where they cleaned up garden beds, sorting weeds from plants and discovered our potatoes were ready to harvest!
Reminders
A Yr 6 High School Transition note will be sent home this week. As of this year you will be able to complete an (EOI) Expression of Interest form for Year 6 to Year 7 Transition online. The online process will guide you through your options and collect the information required to make the process as smooth as possible. Please see the link below for the online EOI.
For parents/carers who are not able to complete an application online, a paper EOI form can be collected from the school office.
Please ensure your child brings a drink bottle and a school hat to school every day. All students are also required to supply their own set of headphones/earphones this year (these can be purchased from Kmart, Reject Shop etc from approx. $6:00). All of these items need to be clearly labelled with your child’s name and class.
Celebrations of Learning
We have had a number of students across Stage 3 attend Zone Swimming this past fortnight and would like to congratulate each of them for their efforts!! Throughout our Grade Gathering we have also celebrated the success of students who have worked towards achieving their personal learning goals. Our Award winners for this fortnight are:
- 4/5M - Bailee M, Alessandra O5F - Amelia W, James B, Levi S and Indy R
- 5H - Summer G, Taylah V, Merci N and Noah F
- 5/6G - Eden, Xackre and Caleb
- 6P - Brooklyn G, Logan H, Cooper B and Eleanor E
- 6R - Jack, Paiten, Miley and Michael
Mrs Kate Day
Assistant Principal
Parenting Ideas
Building strong working relationships with teachers
Studies show that healthy parent–teacher relationships are a more significant factor in student success than parent income levels or social status. Parent–teacher relationships require effort and energy from both parties if they are going to really benefit children and young people. These key strategies will help you build a healthy working relationship with teachers in the year ahead.
Get to know them
For your partnership to be meaningful and successful, you need to meet with your children’s teacher(s) with the goal of forming a respectful professional relationship. Be willing to share your aspirations for your child and be willing to build the teacher’s knowledge about your family. For balanced perspective, also gain an understanding of the teacher’s approach and what focus areas they have for their particular year group. This can be done formally by attending start of the year information evenings and informally through conversations, reading newsletters and staying in touch in digitally and in real-time.
Trust their professionalism
Children need to know that their parents are fully behind what their teachers are trying to achieve if they are going to commit fully to learning. The best way to support your child’s teacher is to trust their knowledge, professionalism and experience. Avoid the temptation to question the expertise of teachers in front of students, particularly when the teachers use methods that you are unfamiliar with. Initiate conversations with teachers around methodology to give them the chance to explain the approach they are taking.
Go through the right channels
Despite the best teaching practices things do go wrong at school. Kids experience learning difficulties. Conflict and peer rejection happen. Kids will often come home from school with grievances and call on you for assistance. Resist the urge to react emotionally. If you need to contact teachers do so respectfully, calmly and through the correct channels. A measured response will generally achieve the best result for your child.
Stay solution-focused
When problems arise at school, particularly pertaining to a child’s learning or wellbeing avoid taking a fixed position to your child’s teacher. Gather the facts as best you can and present your concerns but remain flexible to gain an outcome that’s both obtainable and in the best interests of your child. Parent-teacher relationships can easily falter when one or both parties take a firm position about a problem and are unwilling to give ground.
Utilise their resources
Teachers and schools often put a lot of work into sourcing and sharing credible resources that they think will help parents. Take the time to read, utilise and enjoy the information provided to you. It’s intended to make your parenting journey easier, which will also benefit your child not just at school, but at home. If your school doesn’t yet have a clearly defined source in place, consider suggesting one to the teacher, such as the Parenting Ideas memberships for schools.
Build links to student learning
There’s a huge body of research that points to the correlation between parent engagement in student learning and their educational success. If you want your child to improve their learning, take an interest in what they are doing. Follow school and teacher guidelines about helping at home and attend as many conferences, meetings and events involving your child as possible. This strategy has a significant, long-term impact on your child’s attitude to learning.
Stay in touch
Life’s not always smooth sailing for kids of any age. Family circumstances change. Friends move away. Illness happens. Mental health challenges can hit anyone at any time. These changes affect learning. Make sure that you keep teachers up to date with significant changes or difficulties that your child or young person experiences so they can accommodate your child’s emotional and learning needs at school.
Be loyal
Show your loyalty to your child’s teachers by being an advocate. Talk positively about your child’s teacher and school, rather than being negative about them when speaking in the wider community. Teachers hold very public positions and generally work hard to build good reputations both within their school and their wider education community. Consider a teacher’s reputation among the community and with children when you discuss educational matters with others.
In closing
Building healthy relationships with your child’s teacher doesn’t just happen. It takes goodwill from both sides, a commitment to setting aside the time necessary to support the home-based learning tasks that are expected, and a willingness to communicate concerns and commendations through the correct channels.