Chickens In Shalvey Public School - & More Stories - Story Factory

One of the most popular things to do at Shalvey Public School, near Mt Druitt, is  look after the chickens. The school has a coop with eight of them. In The Secret Life of Chickens, one of our favourite programs this past term, the  year 3 and 4 students wrote about what the chickens do in the day (sleep, play  in the dirt, lay eggs) and what they do in their surprisingly active secret lives at  night (eat curry, have a pool party, dance to Lil Nas X's Old Town Road). As you  can see below, Isabella wrote that: "the chickens steal all the classroom keys  from Mrs Lee's office so they can go into the computer room and play Minecraft  and Roblox. None of the kids are allowed to play so the chickens say 'ha ha!'"  We've been working with these fantastic kids - and their equally fantastic teachers and support staff - for nearly a year now. Their confidence as writers, and their willingness to engage at school, has improved tremendously. DANCING WITH BANGARRA DANCE THEATRE This past term, we've been working with students at Chifley College Dunheved and Granville South Creative and Performing Arts High School as they write creative responses to dance, and learn more about the artform. We're doing this in collaboration with Kaine Sultan Babij, a former dancer with Bangarra and choreographer, as part of Art, Write, Light, a three-year project generously supported by The Balnaves  Foundation. Recently these students visited the Sydney Opera House and were blown  away to see their first Bangarra performance (one student said: "I never knew you could go inside the Opera House"). This week Kaine returned  to dance a commissioned piece at the students' schools, based on stories  from his country about the caterpillar. It was a profound cultural and artistic experience for many of them. Here's an extract of the collaborative poem the students at Granville South CAPA wrote in response to Kaine's dance: caterpillars move the landscape his body was rising the land was being sculpted a stiff body wiggling around, it looked as though it wanted to hatch.   Students from Chifley College Dunheved outside the Sydney Opera House, before seeing a performance by Bangarra Dance Theatre. Huge thanks to Bangarra for the tickets!

ACCOLADES FOR CATH We were thrilled that our co-founder and executive director, Cath Keenan, was awarded an Member of the Order of Australia in the Queens Birthday Honours List. The official citation was "for significant service to children as an advocate for improving literacy and creative learning, and to the community of Redfern." Cath said: "I am humbled by this award but it really should be shared by everyone who makes the Story Factory the special place it is: our staff, board, volunteers, supporters and most of all, our amazing kids." Our co-founder and executive director, Cath Keenan, with Zara, a student in our Year of Poetry workshop.   TEACHERS - BRING A FRIEND FOR FREE TO OUR PROFESSIONAL LEARNING PROGRAMS THIS HOLIDAYS We've been running our fun and engaging creative writing workshops for seven years now, and in that time we've developed a huge range of innovative strategies to get young people writing. These tried and tested methods work with young people of all ages and abilities. We love sharing them through our NESA-registered Teacher Professional Learning Programs - and teachers love them too! This holidays only, teachers can bring a friend to one of our workshops for free! From 15-17th July, we're running three workshops on Matchbox Poetry, Modular Odyssey and Craft of Writing. If you know a teacher, please let them know! It costs just $150 (plus GST) for TWO people to come to a program. Each program is 2 hours of NESA-registered PL and comes with a swag of classroom-ready resources to take home. An independent evaluation of these programs found that 100% of responding teachers had implemented what they learnt in the classroom, and 82% had noticed an improvement in their students' writing. To find out more, click here. Teachers participating in our professional learning programs. See you again when Term 3 gets underway! Thanks for being part of our Story Factory community. With warmest wishes, Cath Keenan and all the Story Factory board and staff. Donate Now

MEET OUR SUPERSTARS OF THE MONTH STUDENTS OF THE MONTH: INTAN, REECE & SIU These three legends are in Year 12 at Alexandria Park Community School, and we've been working with them in their English Studies class to write pieces that define what it means to be Australian. They were so good we published them on our website right here so you can read them in full. There is a new arrival point of view from Intan, a fictional take from Reece, and an Aboriginal perspective from Siu. We have been blown away by their commitment and thoughtful writing. Fun fact: We've been seeing Siu and Reece in workshops, on and off, for four years now! VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH: ROBA AWAD Roba started volunteering at Story Factory in January last year, and is currently studying to be a primary school teacher. She is an incredibly generous and talented volunteer who set the bar high at Liverpool Public this term. She does an amazing job of supporting all of her students; from the moment she steps into the workshop you can feel the buzz of positive energy. She is warm and welcoming and her whiteboard art skills make her such an asset in any workshop. Roba, you are a huge inspiration, thank you so much for all that you do! TEACHER OF THE MONTH: REBECCA LI  Rebecca teaches at Matraville Sports High and is a total superstar! She says, "Being part of the students’ writing process and watching them grow has been an absolute delight. The Story Factory workshops have privileged me in seeing the potential that may not be so noticeable in the usual classroom. In particular, the workshops have really given our students a rare opportunity to improve their craft of writing and pursue their stories by sharing ideas and working with peers and volunteers. Even for the students who face instability each day, being able to see their proud smiles when they receive their final bound book confirms the reasons why I chose to become a teacher." Thank you Rebecca for all that you do!

Static Dance Studio- Winter Workshop - ' whyilovemountdruitt' Face Book Page

Tracey Schofield Stocker

15 hrs

• **HERE IT IS**

Static Dance Studios Winter Workshop with Marko Panzic!

- 2 age groups, 8-12yrs and 13yrs & Over!
- Commercial Jazz!
- ONLY $30pp!!!!

Come along and learn from one of the best in the industry and most importantly share the love of dance!

This workshop is open to the public, not just members of Static Dance Studios.

Book your place today by visiting Try Booking:

https://www.trybooking.com/BCUVW

Limited Spots in each age group so get in quick!

• www.staticdancestudios.com.au
• Email: info@staticdance.com.au
• Instagram: @staticdancestudios

#dance #dancer #workshop #class #learn #inspire #grow #love #happy#smile #westernsydney #danceclasses #sds2019 #sdscelebrating15years

Degradable Or Biodegradable Bin Bags - That It The Question - Shared to 'ewhyilovemountdruitt' Face Book Page

Okay, let’s talk about what’s best for the kitchen bin. 

I took this pic at Woolworths, and I’m a little frustrated because of how deceiving and confusing this is for the regular shopper just trying their best to make a good decision at the checkout. 

Multix have come out with a ‘greener’ bin liner option. Looks great on the outside, but let’s break this down. 

The top roll I’m holding is labelled ‘plant based’ under Multix’s ‘Greener’ range. Okay, sounds positive right? Well, yes that’s a positive, as it also states that it’s “made from 60% plant-based material, a renewable resource from the sugarcane industry” which is indeed a great move, but if you look closely, it is also labelled as ‘degradable’.

Now, degradable is not to be confused with ‘biodegradable’ because anything that is degradable will not fully break down into the soil when it ends up in landfill. Instead, it turns into tiny pieces of plastic that will never break down, continuing the micro plastics issue we currently face in our oceans. Probably not a great option.

The second roll I’m holding is same brand, being Multix, same ‘greener’ range in bold labelling, but here are the differences.

Firstly, instead of ‘plant based’ labelling, they have it labelled as ‘compostable’. It also states that it’s ‘biodegradable’. This is where it makes ALL the difference!

So, compostable and biodegradable are sort of the same, but sort of not. To the average person, it would seem the same, but here are the slight differences. They both aim to break down safely into the earth, however, biodegradable is made for breaking down in landfills, and compostable is made with a specific set of requirements to break down safely in a compost. Usually the compostable bags are quicker to break down too. So, if you were after a bag safe to put into your compost bin, or wanting to just use the bag for kitchen to wheelie bin, I can understand how this could be confusing.
I looked closer on the back of the label and it is marked as “home compostable AS 5810 ABAP 20006” and “compostable AS 4736 ABAP 10060”. These numbers refer to the certification from the Australian Bioplastics Association. This is probably a good option to purchase, and they have different sizes to choose from, plus it is labelled as safe for composts too, so double great.

Lastly, I wanted to shed light on another brand called ‘compost-a-pak”. These were so clearly marked compostable, with zero confusing labels. This is also certified and marked on the back of the label “compostable certification number AS 4736-2006 ABAP 10019” and “home compostable certification number ABAP 20001”. It also states under the headline “made from vegetable material and plastic free. Australian certified compostable”. This is so crystal clear, and easy to understand, and I wanted to show the stark difference in the marketing and labelling.
I’ve seen many people putting the first option on the conveyor belt at the checkout and I know those people are just trying to make the best decision, but it’s not fair that they’re being misled. I couldn’t find other sizes in this brand on the shelf besides the one, but it’s still a pretty good option.

I hope this helps you make your decision a little easier when you go shopping next 🙂

DISCLAIMER 30/06/2019: I am just a regular degular 26 year old interior design grad, and by no means an expert in this field. I don’t have all the answers either but I’m open to learning more if you have other info for me to look into! This post is for people who prefer to buy bin liners, who are just trying their best to implement small positive changes in their house holds. 

I’m not claiming bin liners are better than any other option as I think it’s super unrealistic to expect a one size fits all option to work for everyone’s differing and unique households. If you do naked bins, awesome. If you line with newspaper, great. I’m not against any other method, again, this is just highlighting labeling confusions for those who prefer this particular method for their home. So please be kind, I’m about building each other up and learning together, seeing as we are all in this together 🙂

UPDATE 01/07/2019: I have a community for you all to join and continue sharing your research with me so we can continue the discussion and help each other understand all the different ways we can implement small changes into our homes and lifestyles. Join here
https://www.facebook.com/groups/970660032971121/

Thank you for sharing.
Veronica Maree

Busways Update

From Saturday 6 and Sunday 21 July, route 

729, 739V, 750, 759, 761, 770, 771, 774, 775 & 776 

services departing from Mount Druitt Station only, will divert due to roadworks on Kurrajong Ave. 

Services will divert via North Pde, Belmore Ave and Luxford Rd to travel on their normal respective routes from Carlisle Ave.

No bus stops will be missed.

There are no diversions in place for services travelling to Mt Druitt Station.

Blacktown City Council - Media Release -Construction Contract Signed For Warrick Lane Redevelopment

 6 July 2019 

The transformation of the Blacktown CBD has taken another

step forward with the signing of a $55 million contract for 

construction work associated with the redevelopment of the 

Warrick Lane precinct.

Blacktown City Council has entered into a contract with A W 

Edwards Pty Ltd for the construction of an underground 

carpark, an open plaza and public park above the carpark, 

and 2 buildings flanking the plaza.

In welcoming the contract, Blacktown City Mayor Stephen 

Bali MP said; “A W Edwards has a proven track record in the 

construction of major public projects.

“The partnership between Blacktown City Council and A W 

Edwards will yield a huge public asset and will ignite the 

rejuvenation and development of the CBD,” Mayor Bali said.

A W Edwards CEO, Mr Greg D’Arcy said;  “A W Edwards 

welcomes the opportunity to be part of the team on the 

Warrick Lane project that will transform the Blacktown CBD 

into a vibrant and welcoming space for the community. 

“Warrick Lane is a transformational project and a vital part of 

Blacktown City Council’s 2036 Strategic Plan.”

Demolition of the building housing the former Blacktown 

Mall, at the corner of Main St and Warrick Lane has been 

completed and the site cleared. The remaining buildings will 

be demolished later this month after the Westpac branch in 

Main St has been relocated.

Following the completion of all demolition work, the site will 

be handed over to A W Edwards for the construction of the 

carpark, plaza and associated buildings.

Mayor Bali said; “Council has insisted that the construction 

contractors put in place strict dust, noise and vibration 

minimisation measures.”

The 470-space carpark will have world-class facilities 

including electric car charging points, disability access, lift 

access and parking space availability indicators.

The Main Street Plaza and 2 flanking buildings will provide a 

new CBD centrepiece providing open space, gardens, restaurants, retail shops and some office space.

Mayor Bali said; “The Warrick Lane project will pave the way 

for the construction of further multi storey buildings on land 

adjacent to the precinct providing commercial, retail and 

housing space and a home to Australian Catholic 

University’s Blacktown campus.”

The Civic Park and plaza are due for completion in August 

next year, with the carpark expected to be open late 2020.

Blacktown City Council - Family Fish in 2019 - Blacktown City Council Face Book Page

Blacktown City Council‎Family Fish in 2019

Click here for invitation



Our City’s favourite and craziest event is back - the Family Fish In!

Held over the weekends of 2 & 3 and 9 & 10 August 2019, 600 Trout will be game for all of those fishing enthusiasts wanting to try their luck at the perfect catch. All you need to bring is your own fishing rod, fishing line and bait.

Tickets go on sale 2nd July 2019 at: https://www.blacktown.nsw.gov.au/Events-and-activities/2019-Blacktown-City-Family-Fish-In

For more information please visit councils website or call the Community events team on 9839 6000

New Electricity Pricing Consumer Rights - ACCC Face Book Page

ACCC Consumer Rights

12 hrs · 

New rules for electricity pricing give consumers in south-east Queensland, NSW and South Australia more control over their energy costs.

Click here for Details

Do You Think This Is a Possible Scam? - Shared From to MtDruitt Local Neighborhood & Crime Watch

Tell me if this is a scam:

A fellow called, 'Kevin' from Smith Family (1/4 Irish) and there a lot of us in the area here to ask you something. He said that he was here to sell an idea they have with homeless children which is over 100,000 children. He said that The Smith Family feed, educate and refer them to foster homes and need an adult to send messages every day to this children but it costs $1.70 per day.He presented a small book to look at and said you will be on a 15 day cooling off period before payments are made.

He then obtained details from myself: name, address, dob email address, sent a text that said from 'Smith Family'

"Thanks for becoming a child sponsor John. Your monthly gift will hep an Australian child catch up, thrive at school & break the cycle of the disadvantage." and required bank details.

When I said I will not provide bank details - I said I will look at book and get back to him. He then said everyone gives banks details as that is your pledge to these children. Again I said to him I'm not everyone and rather not provide this due to scammers and fraudsters. All of a sudden he said he will delete my details, required the book back from myself and he disappeared like a flash of gun and I quickly heard him drive off with his car.

I think I did good.

Safer Weed Killer Products For Blacktown City Council Staff - The Standard - News Local

Click here for details

Editors Notes: My issue here is that for many years, we don't hear of walk outs from jobs or strikes and this happened at the largest populated City Council in New South Wales. Surely this could have been resolved through a Workplace Health & Safety Inspection that must be conducted over many years. Thank God it is resolved!

250 Jobs on Offer - Do you Want One? - The Standard - News Local

Click here for further details