Avondale Herald

Roast Roll

The children and staff of Avondale were treated last Monday with delicious roast rolls for lunch. This was generously provided by an anonymous parent of the school, again typifying the tremendous community spirit of what Avondale exemplifies. I would like to say a sincere thanks for this most generous contribution to the school –it is much appreciated.

Graduation Dinner

The Graduation Dinner for the Year 6 students of 2009 was held in the Multi-Purpose Hall last Wednesday evening. It was a truly magnificent night with the children enjoying their final farewell of the year with family and teachers. The Year 6’s performed a multitude of skits and presentations to their peers and families. I would like to thank Ms Hand for her unbelievable efforts and countless hours spent behind the scenes in ensuring the night’s success (I take my hat off to her for her incredible efforts) and to Mrs Picken and Mrs Collins for willingly being wonderful waitresses on the night and to Mr O’Shea for organising the wonderful slideshows. The children were fabulous and should feel proud of their tremendous efforts and achievements! Finally, I would like to wish Aprile, Demmi, Bryony, Aryton, Harrison and Cash every success in High School and the best of luck for the future. Remember, ‘Follow your dreams”.

Phoenix Park

I hope that the parents who managed to visit Phoenix Park on Thursday found the new developments and progress exciting for Avondale’s new school. I would like to thank Sarah, Catherine, Jacqui and Abigall (New Enrolments Person) for organising the tours and for teachers in putting together classroom visuals. If parents have any questions, please don’t hesitate to be in contact.
We will also be organising a visit for the children to Phoenix Park in the coming weeks once further progress has been made.

Accomplishment Assemblies

It has been wonderful to see the many classes across the school sharing in their grades accomplishment assemblies this term. We have so many talented children at AGS and the teachers are providing fabulous opportunities for the rest of the school to observe the strengths and talents of our many children. I look forward to observing the remainder of the accomplishment assemblies.

Spelling Bee

It has been a pleasure to witness the Spelling Bee Competition across the school over the last few weeks. As we know, spelling is an important component to the English language that affects all literacy areas. I would like to congratulate all students for their positive participation in the competition and to the finalists and eventual winners for their outstanding achievements. Thank you to Mrs Bullock for introducing this important initiative in a fun, yet meaningful manner.

Gymnastics Equipment

Over the past 2 weeks our students have thoroughly enjoyed the new gymnastics equipment, purchased by the school with a contribution from the fundraising efforts of our Parent’s Association.  It is wonderful to see the children tumbling, jumping, rolling and of course learning a new skill.

Upcoming Events

Fathers Weekend Away With Their Children – Camp on St John’s Island
28th November

PA Christmas Party
4th December

Back to the Future Concert
9th December

Preschool Final Assembly
15th December

Celebrate 2009 Assembly
17th December

I hope all families enjoy the Hari Raya long weekend!

Martin Tait
Head of Avondale Grammar School

Foiled again by technology! I have attached the buddy photos gallery from Week 4-5 newsletter more successfully this time!

Enjoy the long weekend.

Kalliope Coplin
Peschool Director

Dear Parents,

We have been very busy in Kindergarten this year. All year round Kindergarten has given us more time to work towards our star goals. We are learning to work cooperatively with others in large and small groups.
This week, for cooking we  were grateful to have Mrs.O’Donoghue Price to help us make Christmas festive goodies in Kindergarten. It was an exciting and a fun affair. When kids are young, even the smallest task that they are allowed to complete or help with will boost their self esteem, as well as encourage their imagination. Cries of “Let me help!” and “I want to do it myself!” were the norm each time we pulled out the pots and pans. Children have a natural fascination with cooking and baking. It has to do with their general need to touch, explore and fiddle with whatever gadget is put in front of them.

Many adults have fond memories of growing up cooking along side their Grandmothers and Mums or helping Dad out by the barbeque. Here are a few appetizing receipies to get you started teaching a future generations of chefs.

Try these great receipies with your children at home- we hope you will enjoy them as much as we did!

GINGERBREAD COOKIES

Ingredients:

125gms butter

1 cup brown sugar

3 tbsp golden syrup

1 egg yolk

2 cups plain flour

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp ground ginger

Procedure:

Cream butter, sugar & golden syrup together, add egg yolk and beat well.

Fold in sifted dry ingredients, mix to a firm dough adding more flour if necessary.

Refrigerate for 1/2hour.

Roll, and cut into shapes.

Bake at 180 C  for around 10-12 mins.

Eat warm straight from the oven, or if they last long enough decorate.

————————————————————————————————————————–

SHORTBREAD COOKIES

Ingredients:

250gm butter

5 Heaped Tbsp Icing Sugar

1 cup cornflour

2 cups plain flour

Procedure:

Soften butter and cream together with Icing sugar.

Mix in cornflour

Add flour and mix to a firm dough – firm enough to roll, adding more flour if needed.

Roll, cut into shapes and bake at 180C for around 12– 15mins.

——————————————————————————————————————————

TRUFFLES

Ingredients:

50gm butter

100gm cooking chocolate

1 cup icing sugar (approx)

1 tsp vanilla essence

1 tsp cocoa

coconut

Procedure:

Melt butter & chocolate together in saucepan, over a low heat.

Add 1 cup icing sugar.

Stir until mixture is thick enough to handle.

Stir in vanilla essence & cocoa.

Add enough of remaining icing sugar to make a stiff mixture.

Shape into balls, roll in coconut.

Chill until firm.

———————————————————————————————————————–

Best wishes.

Warmest Regards,

Kindergarten Teachers

Just a reminder to all the students who currently do Robotics, Lego or Filming each Wednesday afternoon, there is a make up session this Monday 30th November. This is place of the session that would have taken place on Wednesday 9th December. Next Wednesday’s session will go ahead as planned.