November 2024 Newsletter
Principal's Report
Term 4 is always an exciting time in schools, filled with the joy of celebrating our graduating Year 6 students, wrapping up the year on a strong note, and preparing for another year of growing and learning in 2025. This term has been especially active with several significant facilities projects underway and in the planning phase. Below, you’ll find important updates on all that’s happening.
2025 School Year
At this stage, we are expecting to start the year with sufficient enrolments for 9 classes. We are required to ensure that we are able to accommodate enrolments from students from within our catchment. At present, we are therefore not able to accept out of catchment enrolments.
Over the next couple of weeks, class lists for 2025 will be prepared. Students will then find out who their classroom teacher for 2025 will be on Move Up Day (Wednesday 4 December).
Facilities
Completed projects:
- The refurbishment of our flexi-space. The space is coming to life with new acoustic panelling and lego boards installed on the wall.
- Garden potting table and sink.
- D Block stairs (directional painting and handrails installed)
- H Block refresh (painting, new air conditioners, carpet, pin boards, blinds and acoustic panels)
- Library air conditioning.
Upcoming school-funded projects:
- Installation of new flag poles (Scheduled for Week 11). This will enable us to proudly fly the Australian, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags every day.
- Upgrade of the office courtyard area. This includes installation of artificial turf and replacement of the tables. (Scheduled for Weeks 10 and 11). The courtyard will need to be closed at different stages throughout this project.
Major facilities: Ipswich West Special School and Ipswich West State School
As previously communicated, Ipswich West Special School enrolments have increased significantly, and additional classrooms are urgently required to accommodate their enrolment growth. For 12 months only, an additional two-story classroom will be place on the oval. I have included a screenshot further below of the placement of the building and the temporary fence that will be installed. We will continue to work with the department around alternative venues for our cross country and athletics carnival.
I can now provide an update around this significant project.
- Friday 22 November - The top oval access will be restricted from 12:00pm so that fill can be delivered to provide safe vehicle access to the oval. A temporary fence will be established, and the site supervisor will provide a spotter. Should a truck need to deliver fill during play time, our students will be directed off the oval and over to the playground. To prioritise the safety of students at both schools, a fulltime spotter will be onsite and will ensure work ceases if a student is near the area.
- Saturday 23 November - Temporary fence installation and site establishment. This fence will be in place while the construction work takes place. Access to the oval will be very limited during this time. As a school, we will adjust play schedules as needed to ensure students have opportunities to play and have fun. We are pleased that this work was held over until the end of term to minimise disruption as much as possible.
- Friday 6 December - (after 4.00pm – Saturday 7 December) Installation of the new building.
Exciting upgrades for us!
In recognition of the significant impact these works have on our school community, part of the project includes funding for upgrades for our school. You would already be aware that our basketball court is being refurbished. We expect to be able to announce a start date soon.
I can now also share the exciting news that the below works have been approved. The company managing the project is planning to have these works completed over the school holidays.
- Upgrade of the female staff and student amenities block.
- Upgrade of the junior playground. This includes installation of soft-fall rubber or rubber tiles and an upgrade of the shade structure.
These are both significant upgrades and projects that we would otherwise not be in a position to fund.
I will continue to keep the community updated as information comes to hand.
2025 School Leaders
Our prospective 2025 School Leaders are currently in the process of preparing their speeches for the upcoming school captain and house captain elections. The School Captain speeches will take place on Friday 22 November after assembly. The House Captain speeches will then take place after first break on the same day. Parents and families of students delivering a speech are very welcome to join us. Our captains will then be announced at the Awards Presentation on Friday 29 November. The Leadership Induction and Badge Presentation will take place in 2025.
End of Year Events
See below the dates for important end of year events.
This year, we are particularly excited to once again host an end of year concert. ‘Wild Wild West’ will take place on Thursday 5 December at 1.30pm. During this concert, each class will do a short performance. Class teachers will communicate directly with families regarding costumes and props for students.
We want to hear from YOU!
As we currently plan for 2025, we would like to hear from our community. We want to know what you think we do well, and how we may work together to further improve. This feedback is so important to us and will help inform our 2025 strategic plans. Please either click the link or scan the QR code.
CLICK HERE TO COMPLETE THE SURVEY
See the QR code below to access the survey.
Week 11
Explanation
Every 6-7 years, our school academic calendar requires a recalibration, which results in an extra week being added to the school year. Normally we have 10 weeks of learning per term, a total of 40 weeks for the year. This year, we have 41 weeks in the academic calendar, with Term 4 consisting of 11 weeks.
What will this look like at Ipswich West State School?
As a school, with the exception of our Year 6 Graduation that will take place on Monday 9 December, all formal school events and regular class-based programs will be finalised in Week 10 (Friday 6 December) as per usual.
In Week 11, we will take the opportunity to implement a range of student engagement, cultural and wellbeing activities. While these activities take place, staff will be engaging in professional development and planning for implementation of Version 9 of the Australian Curriculum.
It is important to note:
- Students may not be supervised by their regular teacher.
- Students may work with students from other year levels.
- The activities will comprise of tasks that a multitude of age groups can participate in.
- Students are still expected to wear their full school uniform.
- Usual roll marking and absence procedures apply.
On a final note, I would like to reiterate to the community that should you have any concerns with your child at school, in the first instance, please contact your child’s classroom teacher. I would also encourage families to please reach out with any other concerns, feedback or ideas you may have. Families are also reminded that the P&C is a good opportunity to provide feedback and work alongside school staff to further improve Ipswich West State School.
Warm regards,
- Karla Black
Head of Department (Curriculum)
Halfway Through Term 4!
We’re already halfway through Term 4, and the excitement is building! The second half of our term is filled with wonderful celebrations and activities that we can’t wait to share with you.
Report Cards
Our school provides Report Cards twice a year to help students and parents understand each child’s academic progress, behaviour, and achievements. These reports highlight students’ strengths and set new learning goals to support their growth. To make sure you receive your child’s Report Card, please confirm your email address is up to date. Report Cards will be sent by email on Wednesday 11 December.
Wild West Concert
Get ready for some fun! Our students and teachers are hard at work preparing end-of-year performances for the Wild West Concert. Join us on Thursday 5 December at 1.30pm in the Undercover Area to celebrate their hard work and enjoy some fantastic entertainment!
Excursions
Years 2 & 3 Visit to Beenleigh Historical Village
Our Year 2 and Year 3 students had an amazing time at the Beenleigh Historical Village. They were thrilled to learn about life in olden-day schools and had a great time sharing what they discovered.
Prep & Year 1 Visit to Lone Pine
Our Prep and Year 1 students visited Lone Pine. Despite the warm weather, students and teachers enjoyed watching the animal shows and exploring the unique habitats built for each animal.
Year 6 Japanese Experience
Year 6 students, together with Ms Collins and Miss Dutta, had an incredible experience at Ipswich State High School, where they got to immerse themselves in Japanese culture. It was a day full of learning and fun!
A special thank you to our dedicated teachers for organizing these enriching experiences for our students. These opportunities truly bring learning to life!
- Kaylee Sullivan
Student Engagement Teacher
Positive Start to the Day
As we start to approach the busy part of the term, our school is focusing on helping students enter the classroom calmly and ready to learn. This skill is essential for creating a positive, focused start to the day, especially as assessments have started. Each morning, teachers will guide students in simple, mindfulness exercises and quiet activities to help them settle in peacefully. Practicing these calming techniques can make a big difference in keeping students centred and prepared for their lessons. We invite families to explore these strategies at home too, creating a calm, supportive start to each day.
High School Transition
Over the past couple of weeks, I have been speaking to some of our Year 6 students regarding their feelings about High School. Yes, it’s such an exciting yet challenging time for Year 6 students! Transitioning from primary to high school brings a mix of emotions—excitement for new opportunities and friends, along with some anxiety about the unknown. It’s essential to support them through this period, helping them reflect on their achievements, prepare for new routines, and build the confidence to embrace this new chapter.
I look forward to seeing you all at our upcoming school events during the next few weeks.
Thanks for your support!
- Kellie Hanrahan
Japanese
Lifelong Learner
Most of you know that last December I went to Okinawa, Japan to study the Japanese language for 60 hours assisted by grant money I received from my old university. This stipend enabled me to polish up my conversational Japanese, kanji and grammar and travel more in Japan.
I finished university almost thirty years ago, but I continue to learn and study Japanese and discover new things about the specialised subject I teach. Lifelong learning is the "ongoing, voluntary, and self-motivated" pursuit of learning for either personal or professional reasons. I have personal and professional reasons to study Japanese: to keep my ageing brain fit and for my career.
I study Japanese in all the above ways: formally (at school in Okinawa), on non-formal platforms (like Instagram and Facebook), and informal ways (just by talking to Japanese people). To be a lifelong learner is what we all hope for you and your personal development.
Japanese Grammar
Some new grammar I’ve learnt recently:
Chouon:
These are words that have long sounds, resulting in a lengthened pronunciation in Japanese. In Japanese class I indicate this with an out-stretched arm gesture.
In Japanese the vowels are in a different order: A I U E O.
All of these sounds can be doubled and can really change the meaning of words. For example:
Kado かど (corner) vs kaado カード (card)
Kutsu くつ (shoes) vs kutsuu くつう (pain, agony)
Sokuon:
Sokuon involves a double consonant in a word. This results in a slight pause, or hiccup, when pronouncing the word in Japanese. In Japanese I indicate this double with a hand gesture like an inverted “V”. It’s not the easiest pronunciation point to get at first, but you will get the hang of it the more familiar you become with the language.
When writing in romaji, you use a double consonant, while in kana you will use the small “tsu” (っ for hiragana and ッ for katakana) in place of the repeated consonant.
For a chance to win a prize from Miss Collins tell her the meaning of a word which can change with a double vowel.
- Tamasine Collins
Administration
Remembrance Day
Monday 11 November 2024 is Remembrance Day. Administration have Poppies (50c each) and metal badges ($5.00 each) available for purchase.
Instrumental Music Instruments
All instrumental hires are due back on Friday 22 November 2024.
Library Books
All students are required to return their Library Books back to the Library by Friday 22 November 2024.
Lost and Found
There are lots of items that have been placed in lost property. Please ask your student to check the lost and found if they have misplaced anything. Just a friendly reminder to label your child's belongings with their name for easy identification.
P&C
Next Meeting
Our next P&C meeting is Monday 18 November, in the school library at 3.15pm. All families are welcome to attend. All agenda items please be sent to pandc@ipswichwestss.equ.edu
Christmas Raffle
More information to come in the upcoming weeks. Keep an eye on Facebook.
Uniform shop
Our Uniform Shop opening hours are Fridays 8.30am - 9.00am.
Last day of trading will be Friday 6 December 2024.
- Ipswich West P&C
Student Wellbeing Worker
Triple P’s tips for teaming up as parents, co-parents and grandparents
As parents, carers, co-parents, and grandparents, you play a crucial role in your children’s lives. Your ability to work together as a parenting team is what helps create a stable, loving environment for children to thrive. Disagreements can be common at times. It is how we handle these conflicts that impacts our children’s happiness and wellbeing. Resolving disputes calmly can create a more positive environment. Dive into Triple P’s latest articles on how to parent as part of a team, whatever your family make-up. They are full of tips and ideas on how we can support children and build healthy family relationships.
The Triple P – Positive Parenting Program can help you handle the ups and downs of parenting more calmly and confidently. The following 3 articles are now live on the Triple P Parent Website:
- Apart but together: Co-parenting after separation or divorce
- It will be grand! Team parenting for grandparents
- Teamwork is key when parents disagree
STAR Community Services Charity
Once again, we are participating in an end of year charity and will continue to support STAR Community Services. We are asking for donations of small gifts (suited to our older generation), and non-perishable food items which will be made into gift baskets and handed to elderly Ipswich residents who will be alone during the festive period. Donations can be handed to the class teacher, who will drop them into one of our collection boxes. Need some ideas on what to donate: Tea, coffee, hot chocolate, biscuits, chocolate, fruit cake, household goods, small gardening items, puzzle books, pamper packs etc.
**Last day to donate: Thursday 5 December**
We thank you in advance for your kind generosity and support.
- Carlotta Graham
