Newsletter No. 15
NEWSLETTER
Inside this Issue
Page
No.3
No.4
No.5
No.6
No.7
No.8
No.9
No.10
No.11 & 12
No.13
No.14
No.15
No.16
Article
Intel – Galileo Project, Multicultural
Liaison Officer, Core Value
Principal’s Recognition, Swim Scheme,
Approaching Students & Parents,
Bathurst Excursion
Professional Learning, Kindergarten 2015
Information/Expo Evening, The Learning
and Support Team, Cybersafety
Student Absences, Car Park Safety,
Emergency Clothing
Quakers Hill High School CAPA Showcase,
New Image Personal Conditioning
100th Birthday Celebrations
Quakers Hill High School Yr 7 2015
Orientation
Girraween High School Open Night
Information
School Banking Information
Interrelate Information
Junaya Family Development Services –
Stop, Think, Do
Teen Triple P Information
Diwali Celebrations
Important Dates
Date
20 & 21 Oct
22 October
24 October
27 October
29 October
30 October
31 October
3 & 4 Nov
Event
St 3 Bathurst Camp 5M & 5H,
Kindergarten 2015 Transition 9:20am
School Banking, CSIRO incursion St 2, K-2
Sports Carnival
PSSA Sport
Kindergarten 2015 Transition 9:20am
School Banking, CSIRO incursion St 2
Crazy Hair Day – Gold Coin Donation
Principal’s Assembly 9:30am, PSSA Sport
St 3 Bathurst Camp 6H & 6C, Kindergarten
2015 Expo evening 6pm
16 October 2014
The school calendar is also available on our website.
From the Principal
Welcome back for Term 4, and welcome to our new
students and their families, I trust that you had a
wonderful, restful time with your child(ren) over our
recent break. Can you believe that it is almost the end of
the year? That we only have 11 weeks to go till the
Christmas break?
Term 3 was such a busy, but very productive term for
the students of our lovely school. Our amazing school
enjoyed so many successes and achievements and so
many changes in so many different areas.
Sport; Our PSSA and representative teams represented
our school with great pride and outstanding
sportsmanship. They achieved great results and many of
our students gained representative at state honours.
Our netballers and Oz tag teams crowned joint
champions.
Stage 2 students participated in the NRL Gala Day with
the boy’s team undefeated in their pool. The NSW boys
and girls touch footy teams represented in the NSW
Touch Football Gala Day competition. Our junior and
senior girls taking out the competition as undefeated
champions.
Quakers Hill Public School Newsletter
Debating; Our multicultural, district and premiers
debating teams, led by Mr Dorrell and Miss Vumbacca,
Miss Susi and Miss Kladal excelled, winning many of
their debates. Highlight being, the Premier Debating
Team competed in the regional semi-final. Of special
note was Hayley O’Connor who was selected as a
Western Sydney Regional Team representative at state
level.
Performing Arts; Quakers Hill held a wonderful drama
night hosted by the Stage 3 drama group and 6S and
5H performing selected adapted scenes. The students
treated the audience to magnificent performances,
delivered by extremely talented senior students.
Our Band, Choir and senior dance group performed at
the Blacktown Music Festival, with schools across
Blacktown and captivated the audience with their
wonderful talent, passion and pride.
The junior dance group, led by Mrs McDonald
performed at the Hawkesbury Eisteddfod captivating
the audience with their wonderful choreographed
dance routine and sensational costumes.
Spelling: Quakers Hill competed in the regional
Premier’s Spelling Bee competition with outstanding
success. In the junior section Phoebe Tan and Tasmir
16 October 2014
Ali represented Quakers Hill, whilst Prathibaha Murali
and Sameen Chowdhury competed in the senior
section.
Academically; academically, our students achieved
great success in the university competitions in the
areas of English, Mathematics, Science, Writing,
Spelling and Computer Skills. Our 2014 results were
outstanding with many high distinctions and
distinctions achieved. The 2014 National Assessment
Program, acknowledged the amazing work and
powerful teaching that occurs on a daily basis with our
students achieving wonderful results in literacy and
numeracy, with our kiddies achieving at and well
above state average.
This year, 40 Year 6 students gained admission in to
selective schools including, Baulkham Hills, Girraween,
James Ruse High and Blacktown Girls High for 2015.
This number equates to 60% of the students who sat
the selective high school test were successful. Quakers
Hill continues to provide quality teaching and learning
programs for all of our children. Our opportunity and
enrichment classes have a strong reputation within
the wider community, providing an excellent
education for our enrichment students.
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Quakers Hill Public School Newsletter
32 Year 6 students were provided the wonderful
opportunity to participate in the 'Move it' game show
filmed at the Fox Studios. The students were filmed
competing in an action packed series of game show
activities to be broadcast in the near future. A
tremendous opportunity for our school and for our
amazing students.
Fathers’ Day; During Term 3 the school also celebrated
fathers’ day by holding a fathers’ day breakfast. What
an amazing morning this was. It was wonderful to see
so many dads, granddads and significant male role
models interacting with their children and sharing a
cuppa and hot breakfast. A stunning morning
appreciated by all who attended.
Education Week; Quakers Hill celebrated Education
Week Open Day and what a marvellous day it was. Our
students demonstrated just why they are the best
children in NSW, with extremely talented teachers and
wonderfully supportive parents. The students and
teachers worked hard (practising every week) to
provide us with an array of different and wonderfully
entertaining performances which included dancing,
singing, and band items. Our performance groups, the
dance groups, the choir and band group were also
simply sensational on the day, capturing the attention
and imagination of the audience.
Book Week; Book week was also celebrated during
Term 3, culminating in our K-6 book parade. To see the
enormous effort that parents and students put into
their costumes and the enthusiastic manner in which
our dedicated staff supported this event through their
costumes was simply altruistic. What a memorable
day.
Term 4 is already shaping up to be an extremely busy
time for Quakers Hill. Student reports will be sent
home at the end of Week 8, Year 6 will have their
farewell, Kindergarten orientation, Kindergarten
Transition groups, Kindergarten Information evening
and Kindergarten picnic day will be held. The
Opportunity Class orientation day and information
evening will also occur, not to mention Stage 3’s
Bathurst excursion, presentation day and our annual
swimming scheme. Wow, wow, wow! What a busy,
busy Term.
Intel – Galileo Project
Some months ago our school was approached to take
part in the Galileo pilot project. Our school is one of 15
schools in the world talking part in this initiative
receiving 20 Galileo Generation 2 motherboards.
16 October 2014
The programs designed around the new ICT
component of the Australian Curriculum and looking
at developing coding skills in students. Stage 3
students will be involved in the Galileo program as the
initial pilot group.
This is in every sense an amazing opportunity for our
school and wonderful recognition of the reputation
our school has locally and in a wider sense in terms of
our passion for technology and learning.
Multicultural Liaison Officer
Welcome to Helen Huynh who starts with us as the
multicultural liaison officer. The school will be funded
for 1 day per week for 80 weeks. Helen will work with
your community building on the assets of the
community. When this is established the idea is to
involve other local schools in sharing the successful
strategies and strengthening local parent/community
partnerships.
Helen’s role statement includes;
-
-
Promoting empathy and intercultural
understanding between the Department and
CALD communities.
Assisting schools in identifying, highlighting,
mapping, connecting and celebrating the
diverse range of community assets.
Providing information about the cultural
background of CALD students and cross
cultural communication to assist schools to
implement the ABCD program.
Communicating
information
about
educational policies and practices to CALD
communities.
Assisting schools in the identification of
strategies to involve CALD parents and
communities in education.
Helen will be a wonderful resource for our school.
Helen is well known to many of our parents and
students through her work in the positive parenting
programs and parent workshops.
October’s core value is DEMOCRACY - Accepting and
promoting the rights, freedoms and responsibilities of
being an Australian citizen.
Bert Lo Campo – Principal
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Quakers Hill Public School Newsletter
Principal’s Recognition
Chloe Riley - Chloe received her medal for most
outstanding player for the Blacktown Netball
representative team. An outstanding achievement by
a remarkable netballer.
Kaitlin Brindley – Quakers Hill Public School's own
newest soccer star on the cover of the 'Soccer News
Monthly' magazine. A remarkably talented young
soccer player.
16 October 2014
Approaching Students and Parents
As a parent myself, at times issues occur in my
children’s school concerning other children. I know
that when issues do occur, as parents they affect us
emotionally and we want to sort out these issues for
our children by talking to the students concerned, this
is a natural human reaction. When issues occur, I
encourage you not to confront or talk to the children
involved. If there is an issue with another child or
parent it is imperative that you talk to your child’s
teacher, any of the assistant principals, Mrs Droscher
Mrs Davis or me (Bert Lo Campo).
Please ensure that you do not speak to anyone else’s
child or their parent as this often escalates matters.
Our school has very clear expectations about this.
Please be assured that the school will deal with any
issues/concerns raised by parents and we will work to
resolve them for you. Your co-operation on this matter
is very much appreciated. I will not hesitate to take
stern action in regards to such incidences.
Bathurst Excursion
Stage 3 will be attending their Bathurst overnight
excursion commencing Week 3 and concluding Week
6. The students will be involved in a number of
learning opportunities and visiting a number of venues
during their time in Bathurst. Have an amazing time
guys.
Enrol now for 2015 don’t miss your
opportunity to enrol in our great school
Bert Lo Campo - Principal
Swim Scheme 2014
This year’s swimming scheme will be held between
Monday 1 December and Friday 14 December. As in
previous years, students from Year 2 to Year 6 can
participate in this event. Swim Scheme is important for
any child who is not a competent swimmer.
Permission notes have been sent home and there will
be a cut-off date for the collection of money. Please
note that money ($60) cannot be accepted after the
cut-off date, as buses need to be booked and numbers
confirmed with the aquatic centre. This year’s cut-off
date off for money will be Friday 14 November.
Quakers Hill Public School prides itself in delivering
quality programs to students in a warm, caring
learning environment. Our teachers are professional,
caring and committed to teaching students a broad
and balanced curriculum across the key learning areas
(KLAs). We pride ourselves on catering for the
individual learning needs of all children.
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Quakers Hill Public School Newsletter
If your child is turning 5 before 31 July 2015 they can
enrol at Quakers Hill Public School for 2015. Please
collect an enrolment package from the office and
return it as soon as possible. Proof of age and
residency status will be required.
Professional Learning
Teacher professional learning, professional reading
and dialogue are integral components in order to
ensure that teachers in all schools continue to keep up
to date with current trends, programs and philosophy
and that our students continually receive the very best
teaching and learning possible.
Quakers Hill Primary School is committed to ensuring
that its teachers are involved in a process of continual
learning and continually attending quality professional
learning opportunities. Throughout 2014, the staff has
been involved in many varied and innovative
professional learning activities.
The knowledge, skills and pedagogy the staff bring
back to our school, their classrooms and for your
children will be pivotal in ensuring that what happens
in the classrooms is exemplary, up-to-date teaching.
Our school has a structured process in place for when
teachers attend important learning opportunities.
Teaching and learning programs, literacy and
numeracy lessons do, at all times, continue and are
carried out by teachers covering classes.
Kindergarten
Evening
2015
Information/Expo
This year’s Kindergarten Information/Expo Evening will
be held on Monday 3 November commencing at 6pm.
On the night information about Kindergarten,
programs, expectations and preparation will be
discussed. The orientation session has been organised
as an ‘expo’ style night. School uniforms will be on
display and can be ordered on the night. Our transition
program will run over 3 morning sessions starting at
9:20am on Wednesday 13, 20 and 27 October. I look
forward to meeting as many of our new Kindergarten
parents as possible.
Early arrivals / late pick ups
The number of students at school prior to morning
supervision at 8:40am and left at school after
3:30pm has been of concern. Please note that
students should not arrive at school prior to 8:40am
or be left waiting for parents after 3:30pm.
16 October 2014
Before and after school care is available (run by
Quakers Hill Family Services) to parents who require
this service prior to 8:40am or after school after
3:30pm.
Whatever arrangements you make, please
understand that you remain legally responsible for
your child prior to 8:40am when supervision begins.
I would therefore ask that you ensure that your child
is not left unsupervised at the school before 8:40am
anymore.
Students who are left behind after the last school
bus departs will be taken to before and after school
care. Please note that a cost will be incurred.
The Learning and Support Team
The Learning and Support Team is in the process of
designing and creating stories which aim to support
individual students' needs (academic or behavioural)
within social contexts.
These are known as 'Social Stories' or 'Social Scripts'
and usually include photos of the student engaging in
the appropriate behaviours for the particular setting,
be it the classroom, playground or other relevant
areas. These are used within the classroom as a simple
but effective tool to engage students, encourage
positive behaviour and reinforce expectations.
Helen Davis – Deputy Principal
Cybersafety
Keeping your kids safe online is easy with a few simple
precautions.
1. Nothing replaces parental supervision and
education for kids about cybersafety.
2. Set a technology curfew.
3. Remind your child to never give out identifying
information such as your home address,
school name or telephone number in a public
message such as chat or newsgroups.
4. Remind your child that people don't always
tell the truth online, and they can't take
anything at face value.
5. Reassure your child that they can tell you
anything, without fear of losing the laptop or
internet access.
6. If they get a message or email that's
threatening or rude, they should 'STOP,
BLOCK, TELL'. First step is to tell your child to
stop responding to the abuse and then block
those people sending threatening or rude
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Quakers Hill Public School Newsletter
messages if they continue. Let your child know
that if they are being bothered by someone
online or know someone else who is, they
should tell a trusted adult.
7. Never click on any links that are contained in
emails from people they don't know.
8. If you suspect your child has been contacted
by a predator, try to save a copy of the chat
log (or whatever form the contact takes) for
evidence. Call Crime Stoppers 24-hour line
1800 333 000 to make a formal complaint.
9. Your child will be using computers and the
technology for the rest of their lives – you're in
the great position of being able to get them
off to a safe, positive start.
(From
NSW
DEC
School
A-Z
website
http://www.schoolatoz.nsw.edu.au/zh/technology/cy
bersafety/cybersafety-tips-every-parent-should-know)
The NSW DEC digital citizen website is also a great
resourcehttp://www.digitalcitizenship.nsw.edu.au/Prim_Splash
/index.htm.
Helen Davis – Deputy Principal
Student absences
Quakers Hill uses an electronic system to monitor
student attendance. As part of this system letters are
generated for students who have unexplained
absences. These letters are sent home and I ask that
you return the note to your child’s teacher explaining
the reason for your child’s absence. On occasions, you
will receive an attendance letter asking for an
explanation of absence and which you believe you
have already explained. If this occurs, please return
the letter anyway with an explanation. Sometimes our
electronic system has made a mistake and of course
there are times when human errors are made. I do
apologise for the inconvenience this causes, but I am
sure that you’ll understand that it is far better to
better safe than sorry and follow up on unexplained
absences.
A positive attitude towards punctuality and full
attendance at school are most important in ensuring
the best possible learning opportunities for all
students. Children who attend school regularly are
usually more successful and happier than those with
frequent full or partial absences. We realise, that on
occasion, events occur beyond your control and
students are absent from school, however, we ask for
16 October 2014
your support to ensure that your child is at school by
9:05am each day.
From time to time Department of Education and
Training officers audit the school attendance records.
In these circumstances children with attendance
patterns that are of concern may be identified. If
attendance and partial attendance become a concern
to the school, then parents will receive an attendance
concern and partial attendance concern letter. These
letters will need to signed and returned to the school.
If you have any concerns over your child's attendance
please arrange an appointment to speak to your
child's teacher.
What is a justified reason for being absent from
school? Justified reasons for absences may include the
student:
•
•
•
•
having an unavoidable medical or dental
appointment (preferably, these should be made
after school or during holidays)
being required to attend a recognised religious
holiday
being required to attend an exceptional or urgent
family circumstance (such as attending a funeral)
being sick, or having an infectious disease.
The safety of our students – car park
A reminder that the parking of cars in the school car
park during morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up is
discouraged because of the obvious safety risks to
children. Children are not often as aware of what is
going on around them, especially in the excitement of
going home at the end of the day and when talking to
their friends.
The school reminds our wonderful families that entry
and exit into our school is through the pedestrian
gates only, not through the staff car park.
Emergency Clothing
From time to time it is necessary to provide students
with emergency clothing.
As our supplies of
emergency clothing is very limited, if you have been
supplied with this clothing would you please launder
and return the clothing to school as soon as possible.
Also, the school appreciates any donations of school
clothes which you no longer require for use in our sick
bay, especially smaller sizes. We also appreciate
donations of clean underwear as well.
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Quakers Hill Public School Newsletter
A Stellar 2014 Production is just around
the corner for Quakers Hill High School
Amidst a multitude of rehearsals, meetings and
working bees the year has spun past us in a heartstopping blur and a new CAPA Showcase is almost
upon us; the fruition of months of hard work by staff,
students and parents.
This year’s epic event is ‘ROAR’, a cabaret and
exhibition exploring the notion of self-discovery,
individuality, and self-expression. It is an arresting
theatrical blend of Dance, Music, Drama and the Arts,
which celebrates the diverse voices, perspectives and
talents of our students and with an ensemble that
exceeds 120 students in Years 7 - 10, is truly
representative of the best our school has to offer.
16 October 2014
Refreshments:
Will be available for purchase on both showcase
evenings
Performance venue:
School Hall, Quakers Hill High School, 70 Lalor Rd
Quakers Hill
School contact number: 9837 1533
This year we witness eclectic rock anthems belted out
by our own rock bands, soulful pop ballads delivered
by our vocalists and inspiring renditions of classic and
contemporary instrumental pieces that strike a chord
with our musicians. Our dramatists take you on a
comic stroll through an angst ridden playground, rife
with emergent love, scheming gals and friendship
quandaries, as our protagonists discover their voices
and find their place in an always challenging world.
Our dance ensemble will then transport you to an
adrenalin filled arena where a choreographic blending
of classic cultural moves and hip-hop gives form to an
explosive new dance. You will savour the high energy
cheer moves, the precision of the tap dancers and the
choreographic skill of our teachers.
Where the performance artists cannot take you, our
art makers will. Our 2014 CAPA Art Exhibition will
fascinate, provoke and charm you, with a rich blend of
photography, ceramics, painting and a truly
enchanting light installation project. This year’s CAPA
Showcase, is loud, proud and completely unmissable.
Performance evenings:
Tuesday 4 and Wednesday 5 November 2014
Art exhibition commences at:
Pre-show entertainment begins at:
Performance begins at:
5:00 pm
6:00 pm
7:00 pm
Tickets go on sale:
Tuesday 7 October
And will also be available for purchase at the door
Cost:
$10 for children/$15 for adults
New Image Personal Conditioning
New Image Personal Conditioning is
delighted to support QHPS by donating a
prize of 10 pack of personal training sessions
valued at $550.00. The winner will receive a
full program for success designed by one of
our expert trainers, including nutritional
advice and exercise prescription.
At New Image, we believe the good life starts with a
healthy body. Our trainers have helped clients take
control of their lives, overcome health conditions and
create a body that they love. Visit our website
newimagept.com.au to discover our unique fitness
community.
Contact details: Unit 216 (East Lobby) 33 Lexington
Drive, Norwest Business Park, Bella Vista. Email
[email protected], Phone 8883 4031,
facebook/newimagept
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Quakers Hill Public School Newsletter
16 October 2014
100 Birthday Celebrations
th
When : Friday 7 November
Time : 9.30am – 12.30pm approximately
9.30am - 11.30am mini fete (this includes recess)
11.30am – 12pm settle into class, crunch and sip
12pm assembly and open time capsule
What Is Happening On The Day?
Mini Fete
Mini Fete is run by our Year 6 students. Mini Fete includes games such as:
Nerf War (2 tokens)
Sponge Throw (1 token)
Nail Art (1 token)
Soccer Shoot Out (1 token)
Knock The Can (1 token)
Minute To Win It (1 token)
Balloon Pop (1 token) Jumping Castles(2 tokens)
Photobooth (4 tokens)
All mini fete activities are run on our token system. Tokens need to be prepaid. Each token = $1.
Roving Sales
STEP RIGHT UP TO QUAKERS HILL PUBLIC SCHOOL’S
Helium Balloons $2 each (cash or tokens)
Whirly Windmills $4 each (cash or tokens)
Food
Sausage Sizzle $2 (cash or tokens)
Showbags $4 - $7 (cash or tokens)
Canteen open on the day
Raffles
Prizes are coming in thick and fast. Prizes include:
* 10 Personal Training Sessions with Sean L’Estrange
* Featherdale Wildlife Park * Calmsley Hill Farm
* AMF Bowling * FX Zone * M9 Laser Skirmish
Creative Cake Competition
Creative Cakes – Bake a cake and enter it into our cake competition. Judges will award 3 prizes for the most creative cakes (age groups do
not apply). All cakes will be for sale after judging (so please make sure that containers and cake boards do not need to be returned). Cakes
will need to be at the art room outside of 6H and 56P by 9.30am on the day. Please ensure all cakes are labelled with entrants name and
contact details.
Memorabilia
Displays for viewing! Memorabilia available to purchase on the day – varied prices!
Dinner
There will be a celebration dinner at Quakers Inn commencing at 5.30pm. Previous staff and students from Quakers Hill PS are welcome to
attend. Please contact Rob Pugh on 9626 9655 for further details.
Quakers Hill Public School Alumni
Quakers Hill Public School was founded at its current site on 2 November 1914. A number of former students, led by Merrilyn Attenborough
decided to form a reunion committee. Quakers Hill Public School alumni will be joining us on the day. For more information please contact
the current committee of:
Don Pollock
Jean Horsley (nee Paynter) Jude Eastwell (nee Oppy) Edna Lewis (nee Guy)
Contact Details : [email protected]
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Quakers Hill Public School Newsletter
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Quakers Hill Public School Newsletter
16 October 2014
GIRRAWEEN HIGH SCHOOL
Invitation To Open Night 2014
To Year 5 Students And Their Parents
Girraween High School is an academically selective high school
which offers a curriculum for students who aspire to achieve exceptional HSC results.
The school has experienced and dedicated staff,
providing students with safe, engaging classes
and well-equipped facilities.
You are invited to attend an Open Night which will be held at the school.
The school band will perform from 5:30pm and you are welcome to enjoy this
performance.
The Open Night will feature classroom tours, displays, presentations and the chance
to meet students and teachers.
Refreshments will be provided.
Date:
Tuesday, 4 November 2014
Time:
6pm to 8pm
Venue:
Girraween High School
th
110 Gilba Road
GIRRAWEEN NSW 2145
Tel:
9636 7293 or 9636 7303
Fax:
9896 3274
Web:
www.girraween-h.schools.nsw.edu.au
F1 in Schools Challenge State Champions: Team Solar Eclipse
HSC 2013 Achievements:
• 50 students received an ATAR of 95 or higher.
• 10 students received the Premier’s Award for All Round Excellence.
• 222 mentions on the Distinguished Achievers List (Band 6 Results).
• 1 student was placed 6th in the state for History Extension.
• 100% of students achieved the top two bands in English Extension 1 and 2, Accelerated
Chemistry, Senior Science, Modern History, Extension History, Legal Studies, French
Continuers and Extension, Music 1 and 2, and Drama.
• Over 96% of students achieved results in the top two bands in the Mathematics Extension 1
and Ancient History courses.
• In Mathematics Extension 2, 90% of students finished in the top 2 bands.
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Quakers Hill Public School Newsletter
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Quakers Hill Public School Newsletter
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Quakers Hill Public School Newsletter
16 October 2014
The Challenge of
Disciplining your Child
Assists parents with constructive techniques in
disciplining and encouraging their children
Topics include:
• Understand what positive discipline means and how to set clear
boundaries that children respect and learn to appreciate
• Use conflict as a tool to improve relationships
• Use tips and hints on different discipline techniques
Date:
Monday 24 November
6pm – 9pm
Venue:
Interrelate Family Centre
Suite 423, Level 4
14 Lexington Drive
BELLA VISTA
Cost:
$25 / $15 concession
To Register:
Call 8882 7850
** BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL **
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Diwali Celebrations
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