Principal's Message

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

Amongst the busy-ness of the end of year organisation and celebrations, together with the 2023 planning in full swing, we take time to reflect on the achievements and success of this year. We are very proud of the professionalism of our staff together with the outstanding achievement of our learners.

Special thanks to all of you, our school community, who have contributed to the success of the school year. We could not be so successful without the generous support of time and talent from our parents and community volunteers.

All of our learners have worked so hard this year and are to be congratulated on reaching their goals. The learners have grown, worked as a team, learned new concepts, led, supported, shared, gardened, played games, used technology, read, counted, danced, painted and smiled a lot. We know next year will be even better.

It is a special time for our Senior learners as we farewell them to the next chapter of High school. We are very proud of them and look forward to the many adventures and stories they will bring back to tell us.

I ask the teachers and collective staff community to metaphorically stand. All of these amazing people have chosen their careers for a reason. They love what they do. And it shows. Many have worked here for the year, for a number of years and some for decades. The passion they show demonstrates something intrinsic about our community, the environment, the workplace… the people. Can we get an applause for these awesome people!

It is the time to farewell some of our magnificent teaching staff who will be heading to other roles and taking with them a piece of South Coogee magic next year:

• Mary Floratos will be leaving on Friday 16^th December to Peakhurst West PS as an Assistant Principal Curriculum & Instruction leader. We have been privileged to have you here at our school and thank you for all the work and relationships built during this time,
• Lisa Pivato (2P) & Justyna Wild (KP) who will be expanding their experiences in teaching around the Eastern Suburbs. Thank you both for your time, enthusiasm and care,
• Maria Stathis has decided that retirement suits her and has officially retired from the NSWDoE
• Rosalie Gander has also taken 2022 to decide on retirement and has also officially given notice.
• In a temporary capacity for 2023, Betty Thomas will be relieving at Gardeners Rd PS as Assistant Principal. We wish you the very best and give our sincere thank you for all you have done for our school over the years,
• Chantal Cake will continue her relieving position as Deputy Principal moving from Randwick PS to Summer Hill PS.

It is with a saddened heart that we farewell these wonderful people who have made a real difference to our school and your children. Thank you so much for the energy and support you have given us here. We will miss you but wish you all the very best.

For our newest members of the South Coogee PS team, please watch for the first newsletter 2023 for introductions and class allocations.

I am immensely proud of the South Coogee PS community for the outstanding support this year and would like to share my sincere gratitude to you all. I hope that your end of year celebrations, time with family and the summer break brings joy and reflection to you and your family and creates good memories to draw on in the year to come. We hope you have a safe and peaceful holiday and look forward to seeing you all in the new year.

Trish Fisher

Class News - 2P

What a wonderful term we have had in Class 2P!

Over the past two weeks, Year 2 students participated in the NSW Swim Scheme program. All students showed great determination in learning new water safety skills and mastering their swimming technique. For some students it had been their first adventure on a bus, and we all had loads of fun playing ‘Spotto’ and ‘Scissors, Paper, Rock’ during the short commute.   

In class, we have been working on a procedure writing unit where students followed step-by-step instructions to create their own sock puppet. Students then performed a brilliant puppet show which coincided quite nicely with Crazy Hair and Sock Day.

Our Maths lessons have also been amazing because we’ve been learning about fractions, position and volume and capacity using hands on materials.

“I liked using lego to learn about position. It’s fun and it’s teaching us Maths because we learn how to direct ourselves and how to use a map.” Noah

“I loved learning about fractions. It was so fun. We got to use pasta to show halves, quarter and eighths.” Stan

“We measured water and it was really fun even though I got water splashed all over my uniform.” Heidi

Class News - 3A

This term, we have been reading Roald Dahl’s Fantastic Mr. Fox as part of our shared reading unit.

Our favourite part of the story is where Mr. Fox is sneaking around the farms trying to steal some food. We created an artwork of that part using a video on YouTube as a guide.

We first drew the outline in lead pencil, then traced over it with a black texta. After that, we used watercolour paint to add a pop of colour and made it look similar to the picture found online.

They look amazing!

Class News - 3M - Reflections on 2022

It’s been a very busy year and we have learnt so much. Here are some of our thoughts on our year in 3M.

I enjoyed doing maths with the class. I also really enjoyed spelling tests because I like to spell things. I am really looking forward to being in Year 4 and having harder maths and harder spelling. Blake

I loved going to camp and doing all the fun activities. I liked making up routines in gymnastics and doing fun games in dance. I learned how to do a backbend and a tear drop bridge. I also learned how to do compensation strategy correctly. Clara

I enjoyed my experience at camp. I especially liked making damper and canoeing. I also enjoyed making many pieces of art such as penguins, lily pads, peacocks, portraits, foxes and pirate ships. They were all fun experiences. Our science lessons throughout the year were one of a kind! We made a toy, while learning about materials. This year was great. Minttu

I liked everything but my favourite thing was doing tennis and camping. I liked doing basketball as the games were fun. James

I really enjoyed camp, science, art, scripture and maths. But what I enjoyed the most is having such an amazing teacher. Sasha (Thank you Sasha - Mrs M)

I enjoyed making new friends and science where we made toys with different materials. Aayush

I enjoyed camp because they had fun activities and I also liked PSSA because you had to go against the best players from other schools. ROCCO

I learned new things that I never knew. Camp was the BEST thing ever – the best break from my brother! Liora

I enjoyed PSSA because in netball it was a chance to play other schools and interact with other people in the school. Izzy

I enjoyed SISA, sport, science, handwriting and having fun with my friends. In SISA we broke the record with BOB the ball. Tilly

I loved book week because we got to dress up in our favourite book costume and bring in the book. Lucy

I really enjoyed sport. Emma

Class News - 4B

During Term 4 we have been studying different types of poems and the language devices that are used in poetry. We have created a few of our own.

HAIKU

ELEPHANTS

Elephants are huge

They are strong, grey and smell bad

A bad pet they’d be.

By Jack H

SUMMER

Amazing summer

Searing hot days at the beach

I feel so sweaty.

By Jake J

SUMMER

The hot sunny days

Some sunscreen is needed fast

Hats on your heads quick.

By Violet M

ONOMATAPEIA

PET STORE

Woof, Meow, Squeak

So many animals to sell this week

Hiss, Cluck, BANG

Oh no! What made that clang?

By Bowie T

HAUNTED HOUSE

Scary noises come from the back

I hear a cackle is this thing going to attack

Twing, Swoosh, Swish. Do you know what I see.

My Mum shooing away a silly little bee.

By Bowie T

WAY OUT IN THE WILD

Roar, roar, roar

Thumps the dinosaur

Swish, swoosh, swash

Was that a bat

Romp, romp, romp

Cries the wild boar

With all this noise

What will I do?

By Ocean R

Jump Rope For Heart - Congratulations SCPS!

As you know we completed the Jump Rope for Heart fundraiser this term, raising much needed money for the Heart Foundation of Australia.

We had an overwhelming response from our learners and every student built skills in skipping, whether it was new tricks or proficiency in basic forward skipping.

Ropes came out at lunchtime as well as in PE and I even noticed OOSH had ropes out too!

You may have already heard that the final amount raised was $17947! This was such an amazing effort from our whole community, so thank you very much to everyone who got involved.

A massive congratulations to our highest fundraiser, Naomi D from 1A, who raised a whopping $1230.30!

From The Office

Refunds for cancelled sport and returned jerseys for 2022 have now been refunded into Fees in Advance and have been allocated to cover outstanding excursions. If there is nothing outstanding it will remain in Fees in Advance and carry over to 2023. 

A link for payment for any outstanding amounts from 2022 will be emailed. Please look out for this link, and settle these amounts before the end of term. If you do not receive an email you have nothing outstanding.

The office staff wish you all a safe and happy holiday, and look forward to seeing you in 2023.

Deputy Principal's Message

Class of the Week - KW

The whole of Kindergarten recently spent a wonderful day at the Golden Ridge Farm. It was incredible to be farmers for the day. We hand fed goats and sheep and even lamas! It was important to keep our fingers flat otherwise they would have been nibbled! 

Back in the barn, we helped look after some baby goats. We were kids feeding kids! These babies may look small but they were so strong and kept on tugging the milk bottle right out of our hands. 

We also had to milk Betty the cow. Can you believe we all had a go at milking her? She was such a good cow and stood still while munching on hay. We had to squeeze quickly to make the milk come out and it was a little trickier than some of us thought to make sure the milk went into the bucket.

After milking and feeding it was time for lunch and a play in the sunshine with all our Kindy friends.

Then it was cuddle time. We all sat on bales of hay and cuddled a chick, a duckling, a rabbit and a guinea pig.  Sometimes they squiggled and we had to hold them carefully so as not to hurt them. Even the teachers had a cuddle with these fluffy friends.

On the way back to school we had a big rest (with some children having a bigger rest than others!).

What a farm-tastic excursion!

“I loved patting the duckling because it was fluffy and cute. It had very soft feathers. It felt so soft” -  Ariana from KW

Wasabi Kids Incursion

On Tuesday November 8 Stage 1 attended the Wasabi Kids incursion.

We had lots of fun learning about Japanese culture from Aiko our host! We watched a puppet show, listened to stories, learnt Japanese words, did a traditional fan dance and played a ninja game.

 It was so much fun!!

Band Excursion to Cinderella The Musical

On Wednesday November 2, South Coogee Public School’s Senior, Intermediate, and Junior bands went on an excursion to the Sydney Lyric Theatre to see the musical Cinderella.

We left school at 12:00pm, and soon arrived at the theatre at 12:45. We quickly found our seats and waited for the show to commence. The show went for 2 hours and 30 minutes, including one twenty minute interval break.

The show was very engaging and the actors were particularly realistic. They were amazing at showing emotion on their faces, and their voices were truly expressive.

The Orchestra was huge and they had a knack for catching your emotion and it made the scene feel more alive. Whatever the scene, it immediately made the emotion feel stronger. It felt great to be a part of the audience, and it felt like our eyes couldn’t be taken off the stage because we just needed to know what was going to happen next.

Overall, the South Coogee Public School band groups had a great time and we were very lucky to have that excursion organised for us.  

Adelaide B, Eden M and Zali L

Game Changer Challenge

Last week, five students from Year 6 represented SCPS at the Game Changer Challenge grand final at Parramatta. The Game Changer Challenge is the Department of Education’s award-winning design thinking competition.

The challenge centres on discovering solutions for a real-world, wicked problem by applying classroom learning. The Einstein Sisters - a team consisting of Pele K, Bianca G, Georgie G, Issy V and Zienna D - represented SCPS, and made it to the final 32 with their amazing idea about creating a platform for students to normalise their mental health.

The girls worked together as an amazing unit, completing a number of design thinking challenges over the two days and finally presented their final pitch, on the final day, to a panel of notable judges and a large audience.

The competition is run each year by the department, and open to all public schools in NSW. Over 2200 schools started out and only 32 remained. A huge achievement by the future leaders of tomorrow!

K-2 Grandparents Day Assembly

On Monday November 14  K-2 held a Grandparents Assembly; it was the first one in a few years so we were excited to have our grandparents visit us at school.

We were entertained by the Junior Choir under the leadership of Mrs Susy Leal.

There were many fabulous speakers talking fondly about their grandparents – Mirabelle- KA, Ava W-KP, Sophie B-KS and Rose C-KW. 

The speakers from Stage 1 didn’t disappoint and spoke from the heart. Chloe S -1A, Harriett V-1D, Josh-1T, Harley-1/2M, Poppy-2E, Chloe-2L and Eadie-2P.

We all sang and created actions for the song “All You Need is Love”.  We would like to give praise to the two marvellous hosts from 1/2M – Maya and Liam.

Grandparents were then asked to stay at school and share recess with K-2. It was a fabulous morning with many smiling, happy children and wonderful, caring grandparents!

From the Office

Fees

Outstanding amounts for Excursions, Incursions and Subject Contributions now overdue. Please check your emails, as you would have received a link for payment.

The end of year is fast approaching and all outstanding amounts on your school invoice now need to be finalised. 

Please contact the school office if you require assistance with any payments.

Uniforms and Lunch Boxes

Please ensure all belongings are clearly labelled. We return all labelled lost property to your child's classroom.

Principal's Message

Hello everyone,

We will all blink and Term 4 will be done! Below are a few events to add to your calendar. Please keep an eye on Skoolbag as well.

Intention to enrol for 2023. Thank you to all families for completing the Operoo form again. It is so very important to gather this information as it determines the number of staff and classes for our school.

Outstanding fees. Now is the time to get all accounts up to date. We rely on your fee payment and donations to ensure all learners have access to curriculum and extra curricula resources. Thank you.

P & C – Wednesday 26th October is your last opportunity to have a voice regarding the changes to the Leadership guidelines. Please join us at 7pm.

Friday 28th October is Australia’s WORLD TEACHERS DAY. You may see the staff donning a hat in recognition of this day. If you get the opportunity, please thank a teacher.

Updating the school website. Please access our school website for some of our transition webisodes and presentation power points as a guide to what to expect next year for you and your children. (All will be uploaded by mid Term 4) :

https://sthcoogee-p.schools.nsw.gov.au/about-our-school/transition-webisodes.html

Kind Regards Trish

Class of The Week - 5/6F

What has 5/6F been up to?

We finished Term 2 with some wonderful and exciting new experiences at The Aussie Bush Camp. This was a great success, full of fun, excitement, and challenges. We had a fantastic time, and it was wonderful to see our students relax and embrace the camp lifestyle!

“We had a great time at camp! We really enjoyed canoeing and spending time in the cabins with our friends. Getting to know each other better outside of school was great. We also loved the challenge of building rafts as a team and racing them.”

In 5/6 F this term we are continuing our quest to make our writing interesting to a reader. We use adjectives, adverbs, and poetic device to ensure our audience is wowed! We are also studying poetry and learning to write a variety of poems for entertainment. Attached are some examples of our writing.

Defence News

Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway

On Tuesday 11 October, the Defence Students from South Coogee Public School had the opportunity to visit the Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway in Concord. This visit was made possible through the Defence School Mentor (Laura Chilton) and the sponsorship and organisation of the Coogee Randwick Clovelly RSL, from which Mike Sterling and Louise Kirkwood accompanied the school on the day.

Charlotte & Daniel’s Dad - Dave, was also able to join us and shared his stories from having recently walked the Kokoda Track.

The students participated in a wreath laying ceremony, before experiencing the jungle “firsthand” though VR Goggles, and then taking a guided walk through the stations.

They were able to gain great insight into the Papua New Guinea Campaign, and learnt valuable lessons from the guides, including a Kokoda veteran.

Our guides passed on the knowledge and legacy of those words – Courage, Endurance, Sacrifice & Mateship.

New Bubblers

Thank you to the P&C for being instrumental in the purchase and installation of some new water stations for the learners. They can easily quench their thirst, and also fill their water bottles too. And they look amazing!

Jump Rope For Heart

Jump Rope for Heart is the Heart Foundation’s primary school skipping challenge that helps kids move more, have fun and raise funds for lifesaving research and programs.

This year is the 40th year of Jump Rope for Heart! To celebrate this milestone, we’ve got an audacious goal to see our student Heart Heroes at SCPS to log 40 hours of skipping throughout the program! Register your child online, so they can receive the full benefits of the program and participate in online fundraising, simply follow the link below to get started.

www.jumprope.org.au/parents

Students will be skipping throughout the term in PE lessons and during lunch. You can share their online fundraising page with family and friends to help raise money for this great cause. SCPS has already raised over $6500!!!

We will hold our school Jump Off Day on 15th November, this will mark the end of the program and is a chance for everyone to come together to skip and show off their newly learned skills.

Thank you for supporting the Jump Rope for Heart program!

Lacrosse

A huge thank you to coach Tim Koodrin who has joined our PE classes this week and next week to teach us the sport of Lacrosse.

The students really loved learning new skills and playing different games with him. Flyers have been sent home publicising a program on Sunday afternoons for students who wish to further develop their skills.

The program will be run at our school and any child is welcome – you don’t need to be a Sth Coogee student!