News

At Pretty Beach Public School we are always busy as we are involved in so many wonderful activities. The activities are as diversified as our students so that we can try to cater for each individual's interests and strengths.

Teacher organised activities include School Excursions, -athons, Book week activities including a book parade and Fun Days e.g. Pirate Day. The activities run by Year 5 & 6 for their Year 6 Farewell and gift include Mothers Day stall, Cake stall, Clean up Australia Day, Fathers Day stall and breakfast and Jeans for Jeans day.

We are lucky that we have an active P & C who help us with great ideas for fun activities for fundraising, such as our annual Fireworks Night it always goes off with a bang! The Student Parliament has an active and keen fundraising committee who have developed an array of activities for us to enjoy eg Hippy Day and Discos. They develop these each year to help raise money for Stewart House and to raise money for school projects.

Clean Up Australia

Fri 05th Mar 10,

In conjunction with the Clean Up Australia day, our school held a ‘Clean Up Our School and Local Environment’ day. 

Our students did a fantastic job not only making our school cleaner and tidier but they also cleaned up Turo Park and the foreshore opposite our school.

Our Community

Tue 02nd Mar 10,

Year 4/5 students went for a walk as part of their work on "Our Community."

From this they were able to describe many of the features of the local area.

Zone Swimming Carnival

Tue 02nd Mar 10,

Congratulations to our swimming team who represented our school so well at the Zone Swimming Carnival.

Community Visitor Les Walker

Mon 01st Mar 10,

Mr Les Walker a local community member and well know to some of our students visited Yr 4/5 to talk about our community.

As they are learning about our local community this talk helped them to understand the many changes which have occurred in the area. Mr Walker has lived in the area for the past 20 years.

Pancake Procdure Yr 4/5

Tue 16th Feb 10,

Year 4/5 students made pancakes appropriately on Pancake Tuesday.

After writing the procedure they enjoyed mixing cooking then eating their pancakes.

Swim Champions

Fri 12th Feb 10,

Congratulations to our Senior, 11 year and Junior boy and girl champions.

Gymnastics Lessons

Tue 09th Feb 10,

For PE first term our student are doing gynmastics lessons.

They are developing skills that will lead to a life long enjoyment of sport that will give them good exercise habits for life.

Sports captains

Mon 08th Feb 10,

Welcome to our Sports Captains and Vice Captains for 2010.

Welfare and Safety Ministers

Fri 05th Feb 10,

Our Welfare and Safety Ministers duties are:

• Playground issues
• Safety concerns
• Student concerns, complaints, grievances
• Mediation in disputes

Technology Ministers

Fri 05th Feb 10,

Our Technology Ministers duties are:

• Computers in the library
• Energy conservation
• Water usage
• Library Monitors

Health and Environment Ministers

Fri 05th Feb 10,

Our Health and Environment Ministers duties are:

• Playground tidiness 
• Bins and bin lids
• Weekly tidiness checks
• Water conservation
• Bush classroom 
• Worm farms

Education Ministers

Fri 05th Feb 10,

Our Education Ministers duties are:

• Flags
• Weekly uniform check
• Collect and display work at assembly

2010 Swimming Carnival

Fri 05th Feb 10,

Well done to all of our students and to Mrs Selwood for a very successful Swimming Carnival.

Our students were well led by their new house captains and showed great enthusiasm and sportsmanship. Congratulations to the Kookaburras being the winning house. They were closely followed by Pelicans with only a 9 point difference in their results.

Events and Recreation Ministers

Fri 05th Feb 10,

Our Events and Recreation Ministers duties are:

• Special fundraising events
• Special school days 
• Fundraising for parliament

Sports Ministers

Fri 05th Feb 10,

Our Sports Ministers duties are:

• Sports equipment
• Deliver equipment to teachers
• Classroom equipment
• Sporting carnivals

Transport Ministers

Fri 05th Feb 10,

Our Transport Ministers duties are:

• Bus monitors
• Bike area
• Toilets
• Crossing flags

School Captains

Fri 05th Feb 10,

Our School Captains and Vice Captains for 2010 are  doing an exemplary job as new leaders for our school.

Year 6 Farewell

Wed 16th Dec 09,

A flashy, paparazzi pink, black and white themed, Year 6 Farewell Dinner and Disco was held to say goodbye to our outgoing Year 6 students.

The stars (students) attending had a great night thanks to Mrs Ghanotous, Mrs Allan and the Year 5 parents who organised the evening. Everyone had a delicious meal, the hall looked stunning and the cake featured the departing students. Also the disco enabled the students to use the dance moves leant in their Dancesport classes thanks to Abbey the DJ.

Year 5/6 Boat Regatta

Fri 11th Dec 09,

As part of the Year 5/6 unit “Life’s a Beach” students went to the swimming pool opposite our school to try out their boats.

They had races to see whose was the fastest. It was interesting to see how well some floated.

Annual Presentation Night

Fri 11th Dec 09,

Every student received their Personal Best awards at our Annual Presentation Night.

Congratulations to those students who received class, special, environment and sporting awards.We were also entertained by our choir and Year 6’s farewell song. Thank you to our official guests and community members for attending. Congratulations also to our new captains and vice captains for 2010.

Digi Ed Workshops

Tue 08th Dec 09,

Some of our students took part in a Digi Ed digital animation workshop.

All students loved it and were able to create a storyboard, build clay models, create sets, animate and film a story, and produce and edit their own digital animated movie.

Yr 2 Lobster Beach Local Area Walk

Mon 07th Dec 09,

Year 2 went on their local area walk to Lobster Beach. This is part of their environmental education program.

The children took part in a variety of activities, including relay races, flag races, sand modeling, as well as appreciating the natural beauty that surrounds them.

Boardies Day

Fri 04th Dec 09,

Our students wore their board shorts to help support the Surf Life Saving Association.

All money raised went to Kilcare Surf Life Saving Club.

Waste Watchers Program

Tue 01st Dec 09,

Our students attended a Waste Watchers Program and carried out activities to help raise awareness of the consequences of a range of waste management actions.

They investigated the benefit of reducing waste, reusing and recycling. This assisted their understanding of ways to care for the environment and simple effective things they can do to protect and conserve our natural and built environments.

Surf Fun Day

Fri 27th Nov 09,

Years 5 & 6 had a fun day at a Beach Education Program (Surf Fun Safe Day) organised by Surf Lifesaving Central Coast at Terrigal Beach.

They played volley ball and other beach games, were show how to use paddle boards, had relays and even rescued each other.

Frenchs Forest Public School performance

Mon 23rd Nov 09,

The school band from Frenchs Forest Public School performed a number of items for our school. 

It was amazing to see the musical talent that some children have. Our children were in awe of the different instruments they were using.  A great performance!

Reptile Park Excursion

Fri 13th Nov 09,

Kindergarten and their Year 6 buddies went to the Reptile Park as part of their unit of work on ‘Living Things.’

Our students enjoyed seeing the many animals, birds, spiders and reptiles. They also went to the Feathers, Fur and Scales Show which a number of our children were actively involved in. They had a wonderful day with their buddies and left the park knowing a lot more about the many living things there.

Year 1 Half Tide Rocks Local Area Walk

Fri 13th Nov 09,

Year 1 went on their environmental walk to Half Tide Rocks as part of their appreciation of the local area and awareness and care of the environment.

Our students enjoyed discovering what could be found on this rock platform.

Year 4/5 Pizza Procedure

Fri 13th Nov 09,

Year 4/5 wrote a procedure to create an individual pizza recipe.

They then utilised the canteen to make it and cook their pizza just in time for lunch. This allowed them to see if their recipe was a success.

Remembrance Day Assembly

Wed 11th Nov 09,

Our school held a very moving Remembrance Day Assembly run by our Year 6 leaders.

They explained the meaning of wearing the poppy and how on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month each year we take time to remember the sacrifices members of the armed forces and civilians have made in times of war.

Ripper Reading Program

Fri 06th Nov 09,

Students from Yrs 3 and 4 are involved in quiet reading time whilst the students from Kinder, Year 1 and 2 are reading to the Yr 6 students.

This new initiative is to promote a love and habit of reading throughout the school and it is proving to be very successful.

Year 5 Creative Writing

Fri 06th Nov 09,

Year 5 are enjoying working on their creative writing while the other students are at ripper reading.

They are carrying out various activities aimed at improving their creative writing skills.

'Oh Deer!' Musical

Wed 04th Nov 09,

Once again another outstanding performance by our students of our latest musical extravaganza written by Narelle Jones.

The musical is mainly based on Indonesian folktales about Kancil a mouse deer. While he is actually a small timid animal in these stories he manages to outwit animals much larger and more dangerous than himself. In the final scene Year 5/6 enact a traditional Javanese folktale. A more detailed description of each classes scenes follow separately.

Kancil and the Tiger performed by Year 1

Wed 04th Nov 09,

Kancil wanders through the jungle where he meets a hungry tiger.

Having to think quickly to avoid being eaten he invents stories to escape from the gullible Tiger. These stories involve wasps, monkeys, birds and snakes.

Kancil and the ciccak-cicak (geckos) performed by K/1

Wed 04th Nov 09,

Kancil comes across a house in a village complete with domestic animals and a large number of cicak.

Following an argument Kancil races the cicak to determine who is faster. He thinks he is racing only one but is tricked by the cicak and is really racing several.

Kancil and the Crocodiles performed by Year 2

Wed 04th Nov 09,

When Kancil comes to the river he wants cross he finds it is infested with crocodiles.

Kancil uses a ‘job for the King’ story to trick the crocodiles into letting him cross the river to enable him to get to the lush vegetation on the other side.

The Golden Snail performed by Year 5/6

Wed 04th Nov 09,

This story is about a Javanese Princess who is cursed by a witch and turned into a golden snail.

With the help of an old fisherwoman, the prince and princess are reunited and the villagers celebrate with them.

Kancil and the Farmer performed by Year 4/5

Wed 04th Nov 09,

In this scene Kancil is caught foraging in a farmers garden.

He had travelled on a ferry with a group of tourists and farmers to get to the farm. Once again he outsmarts both the farmer and the dog and escapes on the ferry.

Kancil and the Buffalo performed by Year 3

Wed 04th Nov 09,

This is a story where Kancil outwits a crocodile to save the life of a buffalo.

The students of a class are rehearsing a concert they are going to perform for the sultan and performing a play telling this story.

Dancesport Course

Tue 20th Oct 09,

Our School is participating in the Dancesport Course 4th Term.

This program will teach the students traditional forms of dance, dance skills, socoal skills and confidence. They will learn Funk routines, Military 2 Step, Foxtrot, Jive, Barn Dance, Cha Cha and Tango.

Gosford City Council Environment Awards

Fri 02nd Oct 09,

Once again our students entered their projects in the Gosford City Council Environment Awards.

The theme for 2009 was based around the concept of ecological footprints and the students found out ways to leave ‘smaller footprints.’ One of our Year 2 students was also a prize winner.

Year 4 Playdough Food

Fri 02nd Oct 09,

While learning about the food pyramid Year 4 made food items from playdough.

They made up their various food items and put them on a plate. They were so realistic that they could have eaten them.

Year 4 Fruit Iceblock Procedure

Thu 01st Oct 09,

Year 4 wrote a procedure for making fruit iceblocks.

They then used the canteen to squeeze, pulp and juice the various fruit to make their iceblocks. After being frozen they were able to eat their iceblocks before going home.

Years 5 & 6 Canberra Excursion

Thu 01st Oct 09,

Years 5 & 6 had a very busy and hectic Canberra excursion.

They visited the main attractions of Canberra including the War Memorial, Botanical Gardens, National Art Gallery, National Museum, and Parliament House. The trip was very informative and will assist our students with there HSIE work on Government.

Year 2 Artworks

Fri 18th Sep 09,

Our Year 2 students have created some wonderful artworks recently.

Pictured are ‘Aboriginals Fishing at Sunset,’ ‘Wanjinas Powerful Aboriginal Spirits’ and some beautiful butterflies.

Dad's Breakfast

Fri 11th Sep 09,

Our Dad’s Breakfast was once again enjoyed by lots of dads, granddads and other significant males, as part of the Dad's in Education program.

This program is aimed at heightening the awareness of the male role model in schools. It was wonderful to see the children proudly showing off their work to their dads.

Year 3's Fauna and Flora art

Fri 11th Sep 09,

Our Year 3 students have been learning about our native fauna and flora.

They painted the pictured fauna and flora from our different states.

Year 4 Communication Devices

Fri 11th Sep 09,

Year 4 made a communication device and using codes to send a message.

This was part of their Science and HSIE units of work on communication devices and codes. They created some very inventive devices to do this working together in small groups.

Year 2 'My Place' Artwork

Fri 04th Sep 09,

Year 2 have created their own ‘My Place’ artwork.

The pictured artwork was inspired by Sally Morgan’s story ‘My Place.’

Year 5 and 6 Science

Fri 04th Sep 09,

Year 5 and 6 had to make an electrical circuit for science.

This was part of their unit of work ‘Switched On.’ They had to make an electrical circuit incorporating a light and switch from a power source. They came up with some very innovative models.

Bus Safety Talks

Wed 02nd Sep 09,

Rebecca from Busways visited our school to discuss bus safety.

The purpose of her visit was to reinforce the importance of observing bus safety rules when travelling on the bus to and from school. As well as being reminded of the need for observing bus safety behaviour relating to movement, noise levels etc, students were given advice on what to do in the event of losing their bus pass or missing the bus. Students had the opportunity to ask questions as well.

Gosford City Reads

Fri 28th Aug 09,

All of our students participated in the Gosford City Reads program. 

Four of our students also attended a workshop at Kincumber High school with author Felicity Pulman.  Felicity talked about her books and the process of writing.  Children were particularly interested to find out where her ideas came from.

Zone Athletics Carnival

Mon 24th Aug 09,

Our Zone Athletics Squad recently competed at McEvoy Oval in the Zone Athletics Carnival.

While our students competed very well we unfortunately have no regional contenders this year. Congratulations to all of our students who participated. We are very proud of them.

NAIDOC Week Celebrations

Mon 17th Aug 09,

To celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture our students completed various activities.

These included boomerang painting, making jewellery, music and dance, making johnny cakes, Indigenous games and mural painting. The theme this year was is Honouring Our Elders, Nurturing Our Youth and John Oates Regional Consultant Aboriginal Education and Engagement spoke to the students about this as an opening to the day.

Athletics Carnival

Fri 14th Aug 09,

Our school recently had a fantastic Athletics Carnival.

Kookaburras were the winning team with 252 points and Pelicans being runners up on 220 points. Congratulations to all of our students for once again showing great sportsmanship.

Year 5 & 6 Science

Thu 25th Jun 09,

Mr Maiden from Kincumber High School visited our school to help us conduct some science experiments with Year 5 and 6. 

Our students conducted an experiment on the water cycle by creating clouds and making it rain. They also looked at alternate methods of creating energy, how magnetic fields work, made paper windmills and looked at soil composition.

Reconciliation/ Evironment Day Hands

Thu 18th Jun 09,

Year 3 made hands to recognise both Reconciliation Week and Environment Day.

This was part of their work on respectful relationships between Indigenous and other Australians and the aims of World Environment Day. As both of these concepts go 'hand in hand.'

Reconciliation Week Assembly

Thu 18th Jun 09,

Year 2 created a wonderful poster for Reconciliation Week.

This as well as work completed by other classes was shown at our Assembly. The theme this year was ‘See the person, not the stereotype’ and the students had to think about the kind of Australia we want to build, what it means to be an Australian citizen and the values that express this

Yr 5 & 6 Rainforest Excursion

Thu 18th Jun 09,

As part of their unit of work Rainforests Years 5 and 6 went on an excursion to Kantandra Reserve. 

Regional Public Speaking

Thu 18th Jun 09,

Congratulations to our students who represented the school at the Local Final for the Regional Multicultural Public Speaking Competition at Gosford PS.

They performed at a high level for their prepared speech and also proved to be outstanding impromptu speakers.  The topic for the Yrs 3 & 4 impromptu speech was ‘Family’ and the Yrs 5 & 6 topic was ‘Role Models’. Two of our students won and will be competing at the next level.  This is a great reflection on the terrific public speaking program we have in our school.

Yr 5/6 Reconciliation Art

Thu 18th Jun 09,

To recognise Reconciliation Week Yr 5/6 created some fabulous dot paintings.

The theme this year was ‘See the person, not the stereotype’ and this formed part of their reflections on the special place Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander people have in our Australian society.

Sydney North Cross Country

Thu 11th Jun 09,

Three of our students represented the school and zone at the Sydney North Cross Country Carnival. 

All students performed extremely well and we are all proud of their efforts.

Reading and Maths Workshops for Parents

Fri 05th Jun 09,

During Education week we held reading and maths workshops for parents.

At the reading workshop parents were shown how to help their children with reading at home. Similarly during the maths workshop teachers demonstrated a variety of maths strategies used to reinforce maths concepts taught in the class.

Zone Cross Country

Thu 04th Jun 09,

A large number of our students competed at the Zone Cross Country at Umina.

Pretty Beach performed particularly well and it was great to see so many children trying their best against a very competitive field. Three students will now represent our Zone at Trials for the Regional selection of the Sydney North Cross Country Team.

Year 1 & 2 Katrandra Excursion

Thu 04th Jun 09,

Year 1 and Year 2 went on an excursion to Katandra as part of their HSIE unit “Wet and Dry Environments."

The students went net fishing, water testing and observed the environment around Seymour Pond compared to the rainforest nearby. The children are linking arms to try and estimate the age of the turpentine tree pictured.

Education Week 'A Love of Learning'

Fri 29th May 09,

Our school had a terrific Education Week and the children just loved seeing their parents and friends at school. 

We had over 100 parents, grandparents and friends visit the school on Thursday for our open day. Over the week we saw parents watching our peer support groups in operation, attending our reading and maths workshops, looking at children’s work, being involved in maths activities, viewing a DIPL lesson and enjoying our Biggest Morning Tea with their child.

Biggest Morning Tea

Thu 28th May 09,

It was a fantastic to see so many people here to make our Biggest Morning Tea a success.

Thanks to all staff who donated everything for the morning tea which included coffee, tea, milk, paper plates, serviettes, jam, cream, scones, and chocolate cake.  It was a great effort by everyone as we raised $220 for the Cancer Council.

Live Outside the Box

Thu 21st May 09,

The Live Outside the Box program has finished with 85 students completing their passports.

With the support of their parents the children learned how to lead a healthy active lifestyle. Some of our winners are pictured.

School Cross Country

Fri 15th May 09,

Mr McInerney organised another very successful cross country with the help from a number of our parents. 

Another fantastic effort  by all students who completed the course showing great sportsmanship.

Questacon Science Circus

Thu 07th May 09,

The Shell Questacon Science Circus visited our school to conduct experiments with the students.

They were entertained while learning about the relevance of science and technology in everyday life using familiar everyday items.

ANZAC Day Service

Wed 29th Apr 09,

Our School leaders conducted a very moving ANZAC Day service.

The students were reminded why we commemorate ANZAC Day and how it honours all those who died and served in military operations for our country.

Year 4/5 Showbags

Thu 09th Apr 09,

Year 4/5 created their own show bag with five items they made themselves.

They then wrote a speech to be presented to the class which had to sell their show bag to their classmates. Some very creative show bags were presented.

Year 3 Book in a Box

Thu 02nd Apr 09,

Year 3 had to complete a review of a book and then they had to create a box about the book.

They also had to put items inside the box showing their understanding of the story. Finally they had to present their review to the in the form of a speech, which was assessed by their classmates. There were some very innovative and complex designs presented.

Crazy Hair Day

Wed 01st Apr 09,

Our School had a Crazy Hair Day to help raise money for the Year 6 Farewell.

Some very imaginative hairstyles were created by the students.

Kindergarten Healthy Lunch

Wed 01st Apr 09,

Our kindergarten students made hamburgers as part of the Science and Technology unit 'What's for lunch.'

The children enjoyed making their own healthy hamburger and eating it as well as drinking a delicious strawberry smoothy. A joint construction of a procedure was completed to do this.

Harmony Day

Mon 23rd Mar 09,

Our School recognised Harmony Day to help celebrate the unified and inclusive nature of our nation and to promote the benefits of cultural diversity.

The students all wore orange and completed artwork, poems, posters and made up games to assist their understanding of the message ‘Everyone Belongs.’

Environmetal Education- Enery Audit

Fri 13th Mar 09,

Mark Attwooll from the Rumbalara Environmental Education Centre visited our school to discuss Environment Education. Yr 6 students looked at other forms of energy, aside from coal through practical experiments.

Following this the students conducted an energy audit of our school and using the data were able to make informed judgements as to the effectiveness of our energy consumption and ways it could be improved.

Red-crowned Toadlet

Thu 12th Mar 09,

Our students were excited when they found a Red-crowned Toadlet at school near our bush classroom.

 It is a threatened species and our school is one of the few safe havens for this species.

World Maths Day

Thu 05th Mar 09,

Children in Yrs 3-6 participated in World Maths Day on Wednesday 4th March.

This was to help set a world record in answering mental arithmetic questions using the live Mathletics game engine.

Years 3 & 4 Excursion to Daley’s Point Aboriginal Relic Site

Fri 20th Feb 09,

This excursion forms part of what the students are studying in H.S.I.E. and Science and Technology this term.

They visited Daley’s Point Aboriginal Relic Site, they were painted with ochre paint, inspected the engravings, saw shell midden sites and completed kinship role-plays.

Student Art Show

Fri 17th Oct 08,

Our school held another dazzling Art Show. The library was transformed into an art gallery with fantastic pieces of art work by all of our students displayed.

This was thanks to all parents who helped with the art groups and the teachers for the time and effort they put into making this such a successful event.

Year 6 Book Week Plays

Fri 22nd Aug 08,

Our Year 6 students entertained us by performing plays for the rest of the school.

They did this as part of our Book Week celebrations. They raised $45.55 as part of their fundraising activities for a gift for the school.

Justyn Walker Author Visit

Thu 21st Aug 08,

To coincide with Book Week celebrations Justyn Walker gave a talk to our Year 3 - 6 Students.

He explained to the children how to come up with interesting ideas for a book. He also gave examples from the books he has written. 

Book Fair

Wed 28th May 08,

Our themed Book Fair Beach was very successful.

Thank you to all of the families who purchased something at the fair. From the sales the library received over $1000.00 worth of new books.

Waste Audit

Wed 21st May 08,

Our school conducted a waste audit with Lisa Wiley from Rumbalara Environmental Education Centre.

To do this we saved all our waste for one day so it could be measured how much we produced.

Worm Farms

Wed 26th Mar 08,

Lisa Wiley from Rumbalara Environmental Education Centre visited our school to see our worm farms.

She asked our environment ministers question about the care of them and discussed strategies to improve our worm farms.

Reading Challenge Champion

Tue 25th Mar 08,

Congratulations to Meleah for completing the Premiers Reading Challenge.

Melah was determined to complete the challenge and read at every opportunity to complete it so quickly. She recorded these directly onto the website via the Premiers Reading Challenge webpage.

Water Testing

Tue 25th Mar 08,

Water Testing was conducted by our environment minisiters with the help of a representative of Water Watch.

They checked the PH, salinity, turbity and water temperature. The results were very pleasing as our local waterway was found to be quite healthy. 

Environmentally Friendly Canteen

Wed 20th Feb 08,

Our canteen uses reusable containers.

As a part of the Waste Free Canteen Project we obtained grants to purchase the containers. This helps reduce the waste from the canteen as it replaces a lot of the pre-packaged food sold in the canteen.

Premiers Reading Challenge 2008

Fri 08th Feb 08,

Many Children in our school are participating in the Premiers Reading Challenge again this year.

This is an initiative to encourage and reward reading and it runs from 1 February to 1 September 2008. Children from K to Year 6 can participate. For more information see the link to the website in our downloads section.

'Water is Life' Mural

Thu 06th Dec 07,

The latest mural has been added to the canteen wall. 

A big thank you to Sue Richardson for the time and effort she put into designing and painting the mural and Rita Elphick for organising the materials and to Con Donnellan for erecting the mural onto the canteen.