Dear Parents & Carers, 

We are nearing the end of another term. Term 3 has been another busy term of learning and events and I congratulate all students for the fantastic effort and achievement for each day they attend school. We are blessed to all be a part of a wonderful school community.

Dr Michael-Carr Gregg, one of Australian's leading child and adolescent psychologists will be speaking in Gloucester on 17th October at the Gloucester Senior Citizens Centre. The presentation will include practical, evidence-based tips to assist students reducing stress and increase productivity, and while aimed at Surviving the HSC, it would be a wonderful opportunity to hear from Dr Carr Gregg. Dr Carr Gregg's presentation will incorporate the latest research from around the world on the psychology of effective study techniques, how to improve memory, how to avoid distractions, what foods to eat before exams and much more. Please see the flyer below on how to register.

Thank our wonderful volunteers that come in each Monday for shared table. We appreciate them for giving up their time each Monday. We are currently seeking volunteers for several Mondays in Term 4. Please contact Mrs Moore in the office if you can help. 

Congratulations to the Gurjiven, Nihal and the Singh family on the birth of a baby girl. We trust everyone is doing well!

Term 4 will no doubt be a busy term. In the newsletter are some dates for Term 4 which will include a Pupil Free Day on Monday 21st October (Week 2) as well as the commencement of swimming for sport on Thursdays from Week 4. We will also be running a playgroup in Weeks 2, 3 and 4. We have our new Kindergarten kids coming in for Early Birds starting in Week 5.

I will be on Long Service Leave until Week 2 of Term 4. Mr McCann will be Acting Principal during this time. Thank you to Mr McCann, and all of our staff, in their leadership and in all that they do in their roles and supporting students at our school. I hope that you all have a safe and enjoyable holiday. We look forward to all the students returning on Monday 14th October for Term 4.

Warm regards, 

Amy Maslen

Principal

Congratulations to Amelia, Hamish and Georgia who represented our school at the Manning Public Speaking Competition held at St. Joseph's Taree yesterday. 

The students prepared and delivered a speech on the following topics:

Amelia - Your favourite book (prepared speech)

Hamish - If I won a million dollars (impromptu speech) Benefits of exercise (prepared speech)

Georgia - If animals could talk (impromptu speech) The power of kindness (prepared speech)

The students all spoke extremely well and represented our school in a very impressive manner. Well done.

A big thanks to Michael Fulton and Clare Macgregor for taking the students over to Taree for the competition.

Thank you to everyone who purchased books from our book fair last week and a huge thank you to the MacGregor, Battle, McInnes, Maslen, Banyer, Whitby, Moore and Shultz families for purchasing books to donate to our library.  The donated books are now on display in the library. 

The book fair sales totalled $1969.00 enabling us to order books to the value of $492.00 free of charge. 

The children also enjoyed a visit from Meerkat productions who performed an adaptation of the book Timeless, which won Best picture book of the year.

Again a huge thank you to all who supported our book fair and the wonderful costumes the children wore for the parade. 

Mrs Shultz. 

Congratulations to Lillian Sheely, who on Tuesday cut her hair for the Wigs for Kids charity. Thank you to all those who supported. Lillian has currently raised over $800 and the link for fundraising is still open. Lillian's hair. We are so proud of you Lillian!Thank you to Pagen, from the Hairy Dairy for cutting Lillian's hair. 

Wigs 4 Kids is an Australian charity that make wigs for sick children that require one, from the result of having cancer or leukaemia. Wigs 4 Kids help change childrens lives by making them feel more confident and special as they undergo treatment for disease. Students who have 20cm of hair or longer can cut or shave their hair and this can be donated to Wigs 4 Kids, along with funds to support children in need. 

https://fundraise.kidswithcancer.org.au/fundraisers/lilliansheely

This term we have been lucky enough to have tennis lessons at Gloucester Tennis Courts. The sessions are run by tennis coaches Greg and Toni. The students have thoroughly enjoyed the first two sessions and have already demonstrated great improvement in their tennis skills. We will have another tennis session next week with the final session in Week 1 Term 4.

Our Mini Vinnies group will be having a fundraiser next Thursday 26th September to support the Australian Rhino Project. Clarry, Lola and Mattea have organised a number of activities for the students to participate in and to raise some money to support their chosen project.

The students are able to wear casual clothes on the day, but they need to wear appropriate clothing for sport as they will also have tennis on this day.

Parents please note that there will be a Pupil Free Day Monday 21 October (Week 2 Term 4). Staff will be receiving professional development in 'Verbal Intervention'. Also on this day all three classrooms will be receiving a freshen up with new carpet being installed.