Emu Leonay Gazette

Local BMX Winners

admin — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 22:03:01 +0000

Penrith Panthers BMX Club had 5 riders make the trip to Victoria to contest the BMX Victorian State Titles.
Local Leonay girl, Nicole Docherty, triumphed, winning the Victorian titles for the 15 year old girls and backed it up with a second in the A pro open ladies. She also finished 3rd in the National champbix round. This has capped of a fantastic year for Nicole who has competed in the Australian Titles and World titles earlier in the year.
Nicole (pictured left) has also just recently won the NSW title for 15 year old girls and was 2nd in the A pro open ladies in NSW.
18 year old Ian Docherty has made a great start to the new year making the semi finals in Queensland in two world ranking qualifying events, riding against against two Australian Olympic riders.
For club details visit the website :panthers.bmx.com.au

Growing Church Team

admin — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 22:01:35 +0000

Tony Jones joins the team at Emu Plains Anglican Church this year as Youth and Children’s Minister. He brings years of experience as a teacher and specialist working with children, high school students and their families. Already Tony and his team have achieved a fresh and exciting new look to the various groups for children and students. All start in February 2010.
Emu Plains Anglican Church has a long history of connecting people with each other as they connect with God’s good news about Jesus. Now with additions to the team and facilities this history looks set to grow.
The 2010 program for children, students and families begins in the first week of February. Some groups are new and some have a ‘new look’ and are on different days. All include age appropriate craft, activities, bible stories and God’s good news.
• Epic! for High school
students on Fridays, 6.30-8.30pm
• Boys & Girls (K-Year 2) on Wednesdays, 4-4pm
• Boys & Girls (Year 3-6) on Wednesdays, 6.30-8pm
• Jump & Jive (ages 0-5) on Wednesdays, 9.30-10am followed by Coffee, Craft & Chat for Mums with child minding from 10am-12 noon
Further details at www.emuplains.anglican.asn.au or 4735 1001.

Barb’s A Champion

admin — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 21:48:17 +0000

The ladies at Leonay Golf Club were very excited to have their Club Champion, Barbra Grame, win the Women’s Golf Nepean Champion of Champions.
Barbra had 83 at Windsor Golf Club to win the event by 1 stroke. Her name is added to the trophy which has been going since 1960 and it’s the first time a Leonay Lady has won the honour. Congratulations Barb!

February 2010

admin — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 00:06:36 +0000

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Nepean Creative & Performing Arts High

admin — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 03:33:57 +0000

Articles written by the English extension group students were submitted for publication. This is the precis included in the paper with the full articles reprinted below.

The new air conditioning in the library, which was funded by the successful Walkathon, has been in use for a couple of months. As the heat of summer increases students will be drawn to use the library more because of the air conditioning, which is a positive thing.
The Year 9 Extension Group members went on an overnight excursion to Taronga Zoo in early November. The students’ sleeping arrangements were a bit unusual as their rooms had three pythons, three lizards, a baby croc, a frog in a terrarium, and sugar gliders in an enclosure. The students enjoyed interacting with animals and a night tour which included a visit to the observation deck under the lion’s den. “When the lions would roar it shook the window. This was an experience of a lifetime,” said Jake Smithard.
During roll call the Year 8 Extension group has been researching and writing letters to the editor of the Sydney Morning Herald about Palm oil and the problems it creates for animals around the world.
Thanks to students Kimberly Longhurst, Matthew De Silva, Saskia Hopman, Kate Bobis, Jake Smithard, Charlotte Dabb, Karmen Chan, Ben Dunn for their news stories.

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Air conditioning in the library for the better?

The new air conditioning in the library was funded by the successful Walkathon and has been in use for a couple of months now, but what do the students think about it? Has it improved the library? Is the library now being used more by the students? We asked some students from Nepean Creative and Performing Arts High for their views on the issue. Here are their responses:

Have you used the library more since the air conditioning has been installed?

“No. I haven’t, I didn’t know it was installed in the library”

“I’ve only had the chance to use the air conditioning during sport, not in my own time.”

“I’ve used the library during class time.”

Does it make the library a better place to learn?

“No, I don’t think it will make much difference.”

“Yes, because it’s cool and you can concentrate better.”

“Yes, it allows you to forget about the heat and get on with your work.”

Do you think it will encourage more people to use the library?

“No, I think we should have air con in our classrooms”

“Yes, because in summer you can escape the heat and in winter it will be a warm, comfortable place to read a book.”

“Sometimes, in my view it will be used more as the heat increases.”

How has the air con made the library a better place?

“I am unsure as I haven’t been into the library since it has been installed.”

“It has made it a better space as it’s cooler in summer.”

“The air con has encouraged more people to use the library and its resources.”

Do you think the money raised from the Walkathon was wisely used for the air conditioning?

“I think we could have used it for more books/”

“I believe half of it could have been used for the library air con and the rest could have been used for books.”

‘I think it was a good investment for the school as it is a space that everyone can use.”

The student’s views about the new air conditioning are mixed and some feel that we could have used the money for other things. By the same token some students believe that the money was well spent and it is being put to good use. As the heat of summer increases students will be drawn to use the library more because of the air conditioning and this shows the library has been improved. We believe the money has been put to good use as all members of the school have access to the library. As things heat up outside much of the school will retreat to the cool air of the library.

By Saskia Hopman and Kate Bobis.

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Zoo Snooze Overnight Excursion

By Kimberly Longhurst

The Year 9 Extension Group members went on an overnight excursion to Taronga Zoo on Monday 2^nd November 2009. We left Nepean High at approximately 12:05pm and went via train into Circular Quay. While we were there we had some lunch by the water then went into the Museum of Contemporary Art where we spent an hour or so looking at some of the fabulous exhibitions being held. After we’d had a look around, we went and sat by the Harbour awaiting our Ferry to the Zoo.

Once we were at the Zoo we were greeted by some of the Keepers and showed to our rooms. We slept in classrooms in the Education Centre with some amazing animals that were in on show. As soon as we were settled in we went into another classroom where they brought in an Echidna for us to look at and pat which was adorable, and told us about the poaching of animals for skin and fur and so on. We then went and had a Barbeque dinner followed by another talk and parade of animals which included a baby female Crocodile and an extremely large snake. Not the greatest thing for those of us who have a fear of snakes, but we pulled through.

After that we went on an incredible night walk around the Zoo. We went and saw the Giraffes, Elephants, Lions, Tigers and more. What most of us believe to be the highlight of the excursion was when we went and saw the Lions. This was an amazing event as some of the Lions and Lionesses were out. That itself was exciting but then there must have been something going on in the den above us where the other Lions were, because they started what seemed to be a chain of roars. Once one of them started roaring they all started. It was extremely overwhelming to not only hear the Lions roar but also to see it happen right in front of you. The best part was that it kept going! They didn’t stop for quite a while and when they did we were all dumbfounded. It was truly a mesmerising thing to see and something none of us will forget for a long time.After the Lions and a few other adorable animals, we went and had some fruit for dessert and then it was off to bed for a big morning ahead.

We woke up bright and early at 6:30am, got dressed and ready, had some breakfast and then waited for the Keepers to take us on our Behind the Scenes Tour. Our first stop was with the Wild Australia animals. Here we saw, and got to pat, some adorable little Quokkas, a Koala and an Emu. Also in the exhibit were some Tortoises, Kangaroos, Wallabies, Tawny Frogmouths and more. Following the Australian animals was our Behind the Scenes Tour of the Bird Show. Here we met one of the Keepers who also help choreograph the Birds’ routines. This was really interesting as we learned more about what goes on to design Bird Shows and how difficult it can be to train some of the birds.By that time it was roughly 9:10 am so the Zoo was open for the general public. We were able to have free time at the Zoo so we could go and visit all the animals we wanted until we had to get back to our rooms to collect our belongings at about 2:00pm.

We went and visited some of the animals that we were unable to see on the Night Walk such as the Tigers. It was unbelievable being so close to the magnificent animal. It came right up to the glass and was looking right at us. Because there were a few people there by this time, being the proud cat that it is, it decided it wanted to pose for some pictures, which us happy snappers gladly took.Once we had had a good look around, we went and got our things, said our goodbyes to our hosts and headed back to the Ferry and the eventual train ride home.

All in all it was an amazing experience and all of us would definitely recommend it for future excursions. If anyone ever gets the opportunity to do something like this, definitely take it because it really was a once in a lifetime opportunity.

Zoo Camp

By Matthew De Silva

On Monday the 2^nd of November the Year Nine extension group went on an overnight camp to Taronga Zoo. We departed school at recess two for the station to get two trains to Circular Quay. After arriving at Circular Quay, we had lunch and then walked to the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA). Most of the art on display was a bit strange; however it was pretty cool at the same time, for example there was a water feature which you could walk through.

After we’d finished walking through the museum, we caught the Ferry to Taronga Zoo. After we hopped off the Ferry, we walked up a fairly big hill to one of the Zoo’s entrances but then we were told to go back down the hill and wait for the bus to take us right up the top. Once we found the place we were staying they showed us around and showed us the rooms we would be sleeping in. The boy’s room had a snake or two, a couple of lizards, a crocodile and a frog. After dumping luggage in our rooms, we had dinner and went for a night time tour of the zoo. The best thing we saw was the lions. They were making lots of noise and coming quite close to the window.

The next day I saw the entire Zoo, my favourite place to go was the Seal enclosure as it was air – conditioned ( it was 36 degrees)! The cable cars were also great as we got unlimited rides and could see the whole Zoo from above.I thought the Zoo Camp was one of the best excursions I’ve been on. It was really great to get to do things that most people don’t usually get the chance to do when they go to the Zoo, such as walk around to the zo at night.

The Zoo Camp

By Jake Smithard

Our sleeping arrangements were a bit unusual as our rooms had three pythons, three lizards, a baby croc and a frog in a terrarium, the girls room had sugar gliders in an enclosure also. Soon after we arrived the Zoo Keeper’s took us into a classroom a brought out various animals for us to interact with, the echidna being the best. We had dinner and headed off for the night tour, we stopped to look at all sorts of animals but the most enjoyable were the Giraffes and Lions. The lions would roar often, this was their way of seeing if the pride was ok. Under the Lion’s den was an observation window with speakers connected to microphones in the den. When the Lions would roar it shook the window, this was an experience of a lifetime.

We woke at 6.30am the next morning ( a “sleep in” as the Zoo Keeper’s say), had breakfast and set off for the behind the scenes tour. After that it was time to explore the Zoo.It was a very enjoyable two days and on behalf of the Year Nine Extension group and myself I’d like to thank Mrs Murray and Mr Turner for organising the excursion, supervising and making it a great time.

Local artists

admin — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 02:15:41 +0000

Georgia Garland, 8, from Emu Heights Public School and Jordan Lewis, 12, from Leonay Public School are both famous artists! They each have a painting in the 2009 Western Sydney Environment calendar.
Jordan’s colourful wetlands design was chosen for the front cover and the background at the award ceremony. Georgia’s cute platypuses are featured in December.

Move Over Master Chef

admin — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 00:46:50 +0000

There will be a couple of celebrity chefs looking over their shoulders when Emu Heights Public School Kindergarten children get older.
Each week the children take part in a developmental activities program which focuses on language acquisition and social skills through a range of small group activities.
This term the activities include computer tasks, craft, painting, creative design, water play and a special favourite, cooking. Kindergarten’s creative delicacies to date include healthy snack bars, fruit jelly and banana muffins with special Christmas treats also on the menu. With more tasty treats planned, these children won’t want to go on holidays come December!

December 2009

admin — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 00:31:21 +0000

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Local Achievers

admin — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 22:36:25 +0000

Congratulations to the six local residents who have been honoured in the 2009 Wall of Achievement Awards.
Karl Preuss and Michael Soper are Sport nominees. The Community Services nominees are Catherine Craig, Bill Reeves and Sue Sewter. The local Business nominee is Gina Field from Nepean Regional Security.

Catherine Craig
Catherine has been a volunteer coordinator of Penrith Community Kitchen since 1993. Her role includes managing and rostering volunteers, setting nourishing menus, distributing food parcels and serving meals for those in need.
Bill Reeves
Bill is the Chairman of Bridge the Gap which re-educates children at risk and those rebelling against the educational system. Bill is President of the Australian Family Association which deals with and counsels in moral issues affecting Australian families. Bill is a consultant to Westcare and provides financial planning to families in need.
Audrey (Sue) Sewter
Sue is a parish member at St Stephens Anglican Church in Penrith and as a result of the research work in the archives, Sue and her colleague have published six books on the history of St Stephens church and cemetery. Sue is actively involved in the Nepean District Historical Society and a volunteer in the Research Room at Penrith City Library.
Karl Preuss
Karl has worked as a volunteer at the ‘Festival of Penrith’ for 2 years and won his award in the sport category for his dedication and contribution to the sport of table tennis for over 25 years.Karl still plays table tennis regularly in State, national and international competitions.
Michael Soper
Michael has been a Motorcycle , Rowing, Cricket and snooker champion He won awards during his Army days, was coordinator of the Neighbourhood Watch and is a Life Member of Penrith RSL Club
Gina Field
Gina commenced the Nepean Regional Security business with one car and herself. She now has a fleet of 10 cars, 35 staff and 3 administrative staff, all local people. Both the company and Gina have been recognised in many awards programs over the 11 years since she started.

Bushcare News

admin — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 22:32:18 +0000

A Green Corps team has been working in Huntington Reserve, Emu Plains for 6 months and they have made a huge impact within the Reserve. A group of local residents are planning a new Bushcare group to work on the Nepean river bank and are looking for volunteers.

A ‘Work for the Dole’ team are operating the weeding program on the riverbank at River Road Emu Plains twice a week. They commenced in August at the north end of River Road and have been rapidly controlling the Balloon vine and Madeira vine. New plants have been selected to not affect views from the roadside. They will help to stabilise the riverbank and also improve the appearance along the path.
A group of local residents are planning a new Bushcare group to work on the river bank. Please phone River Road resident, Warren Wilson, 4735 2926 to register your interest and Penrith Council will get the group started.
A Green Corps team has been working in Huntington Reserve with track construction, weed control and planting. It is now possible to walk between Nepean Street and River Road.
The Emu Heights Bushcare Group Clissold Reserve, Wedmore Rd & Litton St, Emu Heights meets on the 2nd Saturday of the month 9am – 1pm.
The Jamison Creek Bushcare Group Leonay Oval, meet 3rd Saturday of the month from 9am – 1pm.
Bellbird Reserve Bushcare Group, Cnr Barina Cr and Koloona Dr, Emu Plains meet 4th Saturday of the month.