March 2024 Newsletter
Principal's Report
Over the last few weeks we have had some disruption to our oval space with the new Special School building. We then had a large branch fall from one of our lovely heritage listed fig trees. I organised a full tree assessment and unfortunately it was completely rotten and for the safety of all, needed to be completely removed. We will be working with Heritage on replanting a tree and the care and maintenance program that will take place.
As you know, I am on leave from the 21 March to the 28 March to have minor surgery, and have left you in the amazing hands of Mrs Kaylee Sullivan as Acting Principal and the staff. I am sorry to have missed the Easter Hat Parade as I was so looking forward to it. The community events where our students get to shine and families attend, are one of the favourite parts of my work.
I thank you all for your support in making our school culture such a warm and welcoming place to be and look forward to continuing the wonderful work we do to ensure all our students are able to reach their true potential in Term 2.
Wishing you a happy and safe Easter break.
- Sharyn Brown
Head of Department (Curriculum)
Upcoming Excursions in Term 2
- Cross Country
Thank you for your understanding of the postponement of our school Cross Country this term, we always have the students safety as our main priority. We have changed the date for Term 2 (Tuesday 16 April 2024). All permissions previously received will be transferred to the new date, unless otherwise notified. If you have not already returned the permission forms sent home, please ensure they are returned as soon as possible. If you require a new permission form, please contact your child/ren’s classroom teacher.
We are hoping to see many parents/carers come to support their student/s on the day.
- Camp (Years 5 and 6)
This is a reminder that a minimum of $25 was due last Saturday 23 March (with the remaining fees due in Term 2 on Friday 21 June). Thank you to all those who have already made payments. At this stage we have a number of first instalment payments still outstanding.
Please be aware that if you are paying via BPoint, payments can sometimes take 24-48 hours to be processed by the bank, dependent upon what time of day you make the payment.
If you are not intending for your child to attend camp, could you please let the school know as numbers need to be finalised soon. Thank you for your support.
- Prep and Year 1
Parents keep an eye out for forms coming home in week 1 about Wildlife Encounters Incursion. The students will be visited by Wildlife Encounters who specialise in presenting interactive animal lesson as part of our Science curriculum.
- All Classes
Life Education will be visiting the school at the end of April. Information about Life Education will go home in week 1 of Term 2.
Photo Day
School Photo day is Thursday 18 April 2024 and is fast approaching. All students have been issued with an envelope. Payments are due on the day to the photographers or you can pay online before and up to the date. Please note late orders are subject to a late fee.
Student that have siblings at the school, have the opportunity to have their photo together. Please come to the office and request this envelope. These photos will be taken before school from 8.00am in the Library.
If your child has School Consent restrictions (eg no photo, no names, first name only), please be sure to return the Permission Letter sent home prior to School Photo Day, otherwise their photo can NOT be taken.
NAPLAN
The NAPLAN testing took place between Wednesday 13 March and Monday 18 March. Students did a great job of engaging in tasks and giving their best effort while sitting the test. I would like to remind our students and families that these tests are unable to measure all of what makes our students at Ipswich West State School the valuable little people they are.
Parent Teacher Interviews
Parent Teacher Interviews were held yesterday afternoon. It was wonderful seeing so many parent interacting with their child's teachers.
Go Blue for Autism Day
We celebrated GO Blue for Autism Day on Monday. What a wonderful sight to see, our students wearing blue for the day. They demonstrated solidarity and promoted understanding, creating a school environment that values diversity and celebrates neurodiversity.
Easter Hat Parade
How wonderful did all the students look today. You can see how dedicated the students were in their creations. Thank you to the wonderful parent/carers that were able to come to the school on Monday and assist their student/s.
Australian Early Development Census (AEDC)
The Australian Early Development Census (AEDC) is a nationwide data collection of early childhood development at the time children commence their first year of full-time school. The AEDC highlights what is working well and what needs to be improved or developed to support children and their families by providing evidence to support health, education and community policy and planning.
The AEDC is held every three years, with the 2024 AEDC data collection being the sixth collection. The census involves teachers of children in their first year of full-time school completing a research tool, the Australian version of the Early Development Instrument. The Instrument collects data relating to five key areas of early childhood development referred to as ‘domains’, these include:
- Physical health and well being
- Social competence
- Emotional maturity
- Language and cognitive skills (school-based)
- Communication skills and general knowledge
The AEDC domains have been shown to predict later health, wellbeing and academic success.
Teachers complete the Australian version of the Early Development Instrument (similar to a questionnaire) for children in their first year of full-time school using a secure data entry system. The AEDC data collection is set to take place from 1 May 2024 to 21 June 2024. The Instrument is completed based on the teacher’s knowledge and observations of the children in their class. Children are not required to be present while teachers complete the Instrument. Schools are provided with funding for teacher relief time – it takes teachers around 20 minutes per student to complete each Instrument.
If the teacher of an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander child in their first year of full-time school is not of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent, it is recommended the Instrument be completed in consultation with an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Consultant, where available. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Consultants bring unique cultural knowledge and are well placed to support teachers with completing the Instrument because of their personal understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children's ways of learning and behaving.
If you would like further information , please visit the AEDC website at https://www.aedc.gov.au/
SCHOOL WATCH
Parents and students can help take care of our school by reporting any suspicious after-hours activity to School Watch on 13 17 88. By keeping an eye out we can work together to create a safer school community and help to reduce vandalism, theft and arson in our school. If you see something suspicious, please don’t intervene. Call the School Watch number and let the local Police or State Government Protective Security Service deal with the matter.
- Kaylee Sullivan
Student Engagement Teacher
As we reach the end of an exciting term at Ipswich West State School, it's time to reflect on the wonderful journey of learning, growth, and achievements that we've experienced.
Student Leaders Forum
On Wednesday, Miss Carlotta and I attended the Student Leader Forum with the Student Leaders. Our Leaders came away from the day with lots of information and skills on how to be successful Leaders. I enjoyed spending the day with the students and am looking forward to watching them learn more skills and engage in the learning experiences they will be involved in.
Behaviour Focus
Over the past couple of weeks, we have been focusing on keeping our hands, feet and objects to ourselves and speaking kindly and respectfully to others. We have also been talking about noticing and becoming aware of emotions and triggers in our body and how we can reset.
Kari Foundation
Our First Nations students in Prep have also been lucky enough to receive a backpack with some back-to-school resources from Kari Foundation.
Attendance
Congratulations to the following two classes Prep/1 and Year 4. Both classes had five days this term where they have had 100% attendance, they enjoyed Zooper Doopers as a reward. Keep up the great work!
I hope you all have a safe and happy holiday. I look forward to seeing you all back next term.
- Kellie Hanrahan
Student Engagement Photos
Japanese
What is a Hyperglot and who and why would they want to be one?
Here's the statistics:
- People who can speak only one language are monolingual and are 40% of the world’s population.
- About 43% of the population in the world is bilingual and speak a second language fluently. Maybe this includes your parents and relatives! Miss Collins is one of these too!
- 13% of the popultaion are trilingual and are fluent in three languages.
- A person who can speak four or more languages is multilingual. Only 3% of people around the world can speak over four languages.
- Less than 1% of people worldwide are proficient in many languages. If someone is fluent in more than five languages, the person is called a polyglot.
- The other less than 1% are "UNICORNS"! If you meet someone who has a high degree of proficiency in over 12 languages, be truly amazed, because you are meeting a rare type of person – a HYPERGLOT!
Why would you want to be a Hyperglot?
The answer is we don't know, because the reasons why people learn languages differ. They learn it due to necessity, convenience or because they love languages. Some languages are easier to learn than others because they are closely related, so learning one will help in studying the others. An example is the Romance language group like Italian and French. Other languages may be worlds apart, such as English and Japanese.
There is also a matter of fluency in another language. One can claim to have learned many languages but the question is how many languages a person can speak fluently. Fluency in a language is when you can confidently hold a complex conversation with only a few mistakes and hesitations.
For a chance to win a prize this newsletter tell Miss Collins the two Romance languages mentioned in this article.
- Tamasine Collins
Instrumental Music
Thank you for your continued support of the Instrumental Music program. Our students have enjoyed the beginning of the year with many of them starting their journey in Instrumental Music on a new instrument. Please encourage your child to do regular practice as this helps them progress steadily on their chosen instrument.
In the first week of Term 2, I will be absent due to attending a band camp for one of my other schools. There will be no Instrumental Music lessons on Friday 19 April in week 1 of Term 2.
- Nathan Schilling
Indigenous Champions
Close the Gap
Last Thursday, students participated in activities as part of ‘Close the Gap’ day for health and education equality for all. What is ‘Close the Gap’ day? It is an opportunity for people around Australia to stand with First Australians in getting health equality for all. It means First Australians having the same opportunity to live a long and healthy life. It means encouraging everyone to be active by playing outside, connecting with nature, making friends and being creative as a way to live a long and healthy life. Thank you to the Indigenous Champions Committee and all teachers in making this event possible.
So how did our students participate? By playing Indigenous games and creating art work. It was so much fun! Check out the photos!
P & C
Uniform Shop
Uniform Shop opening hours are Fridays 8.45am to 9.15am or by appointment only.
We have some shirts (old stock) available if any families would be interested for free. Students can wear these shirts for this year only, as the new shirts will be the school expectation for 2025.
School Jackets: Please email your expression of interest to 0366_PandC@eq.edu.au. This order will be placed next week and we are hopeful that they will be delivered the first week of Term 2.
Shorts/Skorts: Once we have sold out of school shorts and skorts, we will not be stocking any more. If you require a special order, please email to 0366_PandC@eq.edu.au.
Thank You
We would like to thank all the volunteers that helped with the Tuckshop Day; Kim, Sophie and Heather. We couldn't of made the day work so well without you all.
Subway Meal Deal
Subway Meal Deal will be on Wednesday 24 April 2024. Letters will be sent out first week back at school.
- Ipswich West P&C
Student Wellbeing Worker
RACQ Streets Ahead Visit
This term, we welcomed Dee and Dave to our school to deliver the RACQ Streets Ahead Road Safety program to our students.
If you would like to reinforce and extend your child’s learning of pedestrian, passenger and riding safety, you can access Resource Packs with different age-appropriate activities in each. In addition to these packs, there are also four educational videos demonstrating the strategies taught for Prep – Year 2 students. These resources will assist you to continue teaching road safety, implementing the strategies your children will learn, and applying them to your everyday lives.
https://www.racq.com.au/streetsahead
#@racqofficial
Triple P Parenting Survey is now live
Make an impact: Triple P’s biggest parenting survey is now open.
The survey is asking the anonymous views of thousands of parents and carers across Australia on big parenting issues, such as the cost-of-living impact, online dangers, bullying, burnout, behaviour, and more. The insights will help shape Triple P’s support and communication and will further improve the collective understanding of the day-to-day parenting challenges families across Australia are facing today. Moreover, the survey aims to normalise common challenges and encourage parents and carers to reach out for help if needed. It takes less than 5 minutes to complete, and the responses are anonymous. Plus, participants can enter our draw to win one of ten $200 gift cards.
Here is the direct link to the survey: https://surveys.ctgroup.com/s3/triplepparentingsurvey
The survey closes on Tuesday 2 April 2024.
The Salvation Army - Money Care Sessions - Planning for the Unplanned
First session for 2024 details are below
Date: Wednesday 3 April 2024
Location: Springfield Site – Level 4 World Knowledge Centre 37 Sinnathamby Boulevard, Springfield Central
Time: 10.00am – 11.00am.
Sessions will be held the 1st Wednesday of each month.
Financial Counselling
Are you:
- Having trouble keeping up with credit card repayments and loans?
- Unable to pay your electricity or phone bill?
- Being chased for money you owe?
- Facing legal action for debts?
- Experiencing difficulty paying your rent or mortgage?
- About to have your car repossessed?
- Facing or considering bankruptcy?
- Wanting help managing your fines?
- Finding it tough to make ends meet?
Please note: Moneycare financial counselling does not provide emergency cash loans, vouchers or emergency relief. Use this search tool to find urgent financial assistance or emergency relief through The Salvation Army’s Doorways team.
Active Kids School Holiday Program
ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS TOUR
Ipswich Nature Centre
$5.00 per family group
Learn first hand what happens during a ranger’s day and enjoy close and personal encounters with the animals in this guided walking tour. All tours meet 15 minutes prior to start of session times. Trail is low gradient and suitable for majority of mobility devices.
Tuesday 2 and 9 April: 8.45am – 10.30am (for 9.00am start) and 10.45am – 12.30pm (for 11.00am start)
Ipswich Nature Centre, Goleby Avenue, Ipswich
Birdwatching
5+years | Cost: FREE
Ipswich offers an incredible array of birdlife, with 337 species identified in the area. Join Birdlife Qld as the showcase the wildlife in the sky in this fun, engaging experience. Binoculars supplied.
Friday 5 April 8.00am – 9.30am Kholo Gardens – 243 Riverside Drive, Muirlea
Bushwalking Day
Age: 3-6 years and 7+years FREE
Grab your shoes and take a tour through Ipswich Nature Estates. Ranger Jody will share the history and her stories
Thursday 4 April for 3-6 years: 9.00am - 10.00am
Friday 5 April for 7+ years: 9.00am - 10.00am Castle Hill Blackstone Reserve
Fishing
Age 5+ Cost: $5.00 per person
This come and try fishing session will start with an interactive discussion covering marine and personal safety. Participants will learn to tie a fishing knot, cast a rod and be given plenty of encouragement and tips to help them land a fish. All equipment supplied.
Tuesday 2 April 9.00am – 12.00pm Sunday 7 April 1.00pm – 4.00pm
Joseph Brady Park, 181 Riverside Ave Barellan Point
Mountain Biking
Age: 6+ years | Cost: FREE
This will be for kids looking for a fun way to spend the holidays and fast–track progression on the bike. The course will cover a wide range of skills with fun drills and challenges.
Tuesday 9 April Beginner: 9.00am – 10.00am Intermediate: 10.15am – 11.15am Advanced: 11.30am – 12.30pm Castle Hill Blackstone Reserve, 7B Mary Street, Blackstone
*BYO Mountain bike and helmet. See the booking calendar to determine your skill level
Orienteering
Age: Open | Cost: FREE
Get out and wander! Orienteering is an outdoor sport where participants navigate and find ‘points’ marked on maps around an area. Using smart phones this is a great one for the whole family!
Saturday 6 April 3.00 pm – 4.30 pm Limestone Park, 42A Chermside Road, Ipswich
AFL
Age: 5+ years | Cost: FREE
This activity provides an introduction to the game of AFL. Develop fundamental skills like kicking, passing and bouncing the ball. The skills will be developed through a series of fun activities and short games
Tuesday 9 April 9.00am – 10.00am Evan Marginson Park, 6 Layard Street, Goodna
Friday 12 April 10.15 am – 11.15 am Tofa A Mamao A Samoa Park, 27 Kruger Parade, Redbank
Athletics
Age: 5+ years | Cost: FREE
Practice your throwing, running and jumping techniques in this super fun athletics session! This is a great all–rounder session suitable for those of all abilities
Tuesday 2 April 10.15am – 11.15am Sutton Park, 61 Workshops Street, Brassall Thursday 4 April 8.30am – 9.30am Silver Jubilee Park, 7002 Russell Luhrs Way, Spring Mountain Monday 8 April 11.30am – 12.30pm Mark Marsh Oval, Limestone Park, 42A Chermside Road, Ipswich
Basketball
Age: 5+ years | Cost: FREE
Dribble, shoot and score in this action–packed basketball session! Improve your ball–handling skills, work on your shooting technique and learn teamwork strategies. Come ready to hoop it up and have a blast!
Tuesday 2 April 9.00am – 10.00am Sutton Park, 61 Workshops Street, Brassall Thursday 4 April 11.00am – 12.00pm Silver Jubilee Park, 7002 Russell Luhrs Way, Spring Mountain
Circus
Age: 5+ years | Cost: FREE
Unleash your inner clown at this introductory circus skills class. Learn juggling, hula hooping, balance skills and lots more!
Monday 8 April 9.00am – 10.00am Mark Marsh Oval, Limestone Park, 42A Chermside Road, Ipswich Thursday 11 April 9.45am – 10.45am Lobley Park, 243A Warwick Road, Churchill Thursday 11 April 1.00pm – 2.00pm Henry Lawson Bicentennial Park, 533/569 Karrabin Rosewood Road, Walloon
Cricket
Age: 5+ years and 10+ years | Cost: FREE
This session teaches kids the fundamental rules of cricket, whilst also developing their skills in catching, holding a cricket bat and hitting the ball, throwing accuracy and general teamwork skills
Friday 5 April 10+ years 10.15am – 11.15am Iron Bark Park, Splendid Drive, Ripley Tuesday 9 April 5+ years 10.15am – 11.15am Evan Marginson Park, 6 Layard Street, Goodna Friday 12 April 5+ years 9.00am – 10.00am Tofa A Mamao A Samoa Park, 27 Kruger Parade, Redbank
Frisbee
Age: 5+ years | Cost: FREE
Join in on the frisbee fun with friends and family. Practice your throwing and catching skills while soaking up the outdoors
Wednesday 3 April 11.00am – 12.00pm Atlantic Drive Sporting Complex, Lot 1, Summit Drive, Springfield Lakes Wednesday 10 April 9.45am – 10.45am Robelle Domain, 155 Southern Cross Circuit, Springfield Central
Gymnastics
Age: 5+ years | Cost: FREE
This activity provides an intro to Gymnastics! Build balance, strength, flexibility, agility, coordination, dedication and endurance in this fun-filled session
Friday 5 April 11.30am – 12.30pm Iron Bark Park, Splendid Drive, South Ripley Tuesday 9 April 11.30am – 12.30pm Evan Marginson Park, 6 Layard Street, Goodna
*This session offers a self-paced experience with a wide range of activities catering to various skill levels.
Netball
Age: 5+ years | Cost: FREE
Get ready to pass, pivot and shoot your way through this dynamic netball session. Learn passing, shooting and teamwork skills to enhance your ability on the court!
Wednesday 3 April 8.30am – 9.30am Atlantic Drive Sporting Complex, Lot 1, Summit Drive, Springfield Lakes Wednesday 10 April 8.30am – 9.30am Robelle Domain, 155 Southern Cross Circuit, Springfield Central
NRL
Age: 5+ years | Cost: FREE
An introduction to the game of NRL which helps to develop fundamental skills like kicking, passing and running backward. The skills will be developed through a series of fun activities. No tackling is involved in this activity
Tuesday 2 April 11.30am – 12.30pm Sutton Park, 61 Workshops Street, Brassall Thursday 4 April 9.45am – 10.45am Silver Jubilee Park, 7002 Russell Luhrs Way, Spring Mountain Monday 8 April 10.15am – 11.15am Mark Marsh Oval, Limestone Park, 42A Chermside Road, Ipswich
Soccer
Age: 5+ years and 12+ years | Cost: FREE
Emulate your soccer heroes by learning some tricky soccer skills! Children will develop coordination and balance while practising ball skills such as kicking, dribbling and shooting. Fun for all ages!
Friday 5 April 10+ years 9.00am – 10.00am Iron Bark Park, Splendid Drive, South Ripley Thursday 11 April 5+ years 8.30am – 9.30am Lobley Park, 243A Warwick Road, Churchill Thursday 11 April 5+ years 2.15pm – 3.15pm Henry Lawson Bicentennial Park, 533/569 Karrabin Rosewood Road, Walloon Friday 12 April 5+ years 11.30am – 12.30pm Tofa A Mamao A Samoa Park, 27 Kruger Parade, Redbank
Volleyball
Age: 5+ years | Cost: FREE
Dig, set and spike your way through our newest Active Kids addition: volleyball. Improve your serving, bumping and net play skills while having a blast!
Wednesday 3 April 9.45am – 10.45am Atlantic Drive Sporting Complex, Lot 1, Summit Drive, Springfield Lakes Wednesday 10 April 11.00am – 12.00pm Robelle Domain, 155 Southern Cross Circuit, Springfield Central
Learn 2 Skate
Age: 5+ years | Cost: FREE
For young skateboarders aiming to build confidence, our sessions are designed to impart essential skills for mastering the board. Led by experienced coaches, these sessions provide expert guidance to help participants develop their skateboarding abilities.
All equipment supplied including helmets. You are welcome to bring your own if preferred. Wednesday 3 April 9.00am – 10.00am, 10.00am – 11.00am Rotary Park, 254 Brisbane Road, Bundamba
Scooter Tricks
Age: 5+ years | Cost: FREE
Take your scooter skills to the next level. This session will cover scooter safety, skate park etiquette, aerial tricks, balance tricks and much more. Participants of all abilities will be able to learn something new. All participants will receive free grip tape and stickers for their scooters. BYO Helmet and non-folding two wheeled scooter suitable for skate park use. Spares available upon request.
Friday 5 April 9.30am – 10.30am, 11.00am – 12.00pm Sutton Park, 61 Workshops Street, Brassall
BMX Skills
Age: 5+ years | Cost: FREE
Get ready to amp up your BMX game. Learn the ins and outs of skate park riding, from safety and etiquette to basic jumps and dropping in. Have a go at mastering a jump, trick or a more advanced riding technique. Whether you’re a beginner or seeking a new challenge, this session caters to all skill levels. BYO BMX suitable for a skate park, as well as a helmet and enclosed shoes. Participants must be a competent rider (no training wheels or balance assists).
Friday 12 April 3.00pm – 4.00pm, 4.15pm – 5.15pm Redbank Plains Skate Park, Redbank Plains
For The Big Kids
Soccer 10+ years | Cost: FREE Friday 5 April 9.00am – 10.00am Iron Bark Park, Splendid Drive, South Ripley
Healthy Eating Workshop Teenage Health | Cost: FREE Tuesday 9 April 10.00am – 11.00am YMCA Springfield Central, 134A Parklands Drive, Springfield Central
Bushwalk The Challenge 12+ years | Cost: $5 per person Friday 5 April 5.30pm – 8.30pm White Rock Conservation Estate Paperbark Flats Picnic Area, 265–317 School Road, Redbank Plains
Cricket 10+ years | Cost: FREE Friday 5 April 10.15am – 11.15am Iron Bark Park, Splendid Drive, Ripley
Nature Photography 10+ years | Cost: FREE Thursday 4 April 9.30am – 11.00am White Rock Conservation Estate Paperbark Flats Picnic Area, 265–317 School Road, Redbank Plains
Camping Skills Advanced 12+ years | Cost: FREE Thursday 11 April 9.00 am – 12.00 pm Allawah Scout Camp, 161 Allawah Road, Mount Crosby
Healthy Lunchboxes Cost: FREE This workshop is tailored to parents with school aged children. Our expert facilitators will guide you through the Australian dietary guidelines offering practical recommendations and tips to ensure your child’s lunchbox is not only delicious but also nutritionally sound. Thursday 11 April 10.00am – 11.00am Springfield Library, Main Street, Springfield Central
- Carlotta Graham
School Photo Day
Community
