April 2024 Newsletter
Principal's Report
Welcome back to Term 2. We have started the term with a busy week.
Cross Country Carnival
Congratulations to all of our students that participated in our Cross Country Carnival. I was so impressed with students that aren’t athletic, giving it a go and cheering each other on. One of the many wonderful aspects of our school is that our students care for each other and are happy to see each other achieve.
ANZAC Commemorative Ceremony
This last week we acknowledged and remembered our Defence Force personnel both current members and those that have served. We remembered those men and woman that served for our country to be free. Thank you to all of our parents and special guests (Cr Andrew Antoniolli, Ross Wadsworth (Ipswich RSL) and Katie Vincent (P&C)) that joined us for the Commemorative Ceremony and also the students that joined me marching in the Ipswich ANZAC Parade. Below we have attached the link of the parade.
https://www.youtube.com/live/z6A7WuwaZgg?si=c6eCbAUgD_cW4XFQ
Drop Off Zone
I have been made aware that of a morning some parents are parking in the drop and go zone at the front of the school. This is a drop off zone only. Please ensure that you don’t leave your car, that you help your child/children out if needed and then leave. Council often patrol the area with their cameras and some parents have been fined for misuse of the drop off zone.
Classroom Volunteers
We welcome our parents coming into the school to help in the classroom and with the various events we hold. Therefore to provide some further information and training, Mrs Sullivan and I will be running a “Parents in the Classroom” course on Thursday 16 May at 9.00am in the library. The course will provide information to parents on privacy, Code of Conduct and Student Protection. We will also be presenting how to assist with a literacy group in the classroom and our PLD program. It is a great opportunity to meet other parents. If you are interested in attending the course, can you please email or phone the office and notify of your attendance by Friday 10 May 2024.
- Sharyn Brown
ANZAC Services
Head of Department (Curriculum)
Welcome back to Term 2 of school! This term will see public holidays, incursions, report cards, and countless opportunities for growth and learning.
INCURSIONS
- Life Education
Next week, Life Education Queensland and Healthy Harold will be visiting our school between Monday 29 April and Wednesday 1 May! The P&C have kindly donated money so that all of our students can attend this program. Your child/ren should have brought home a permission slip so they can attend this exciting and interactive session. If you have not already done so, please complete this form and return as soon as possible. Attached are the programs being presented to relevant age groups.
- Prep & Year 1
On the 30 May 2024, Prep, Prep/1 and Year 1 students will be visited by Wildlife Encounters who specialise in presenting interactive animal lesson as part of our science curriculum. Permission and payment are due by Thursday 16 May 2024.
Math Project Based Learning
In Term 1, we began our Math Units aligned to Version 9 of the Australian Curriculum. Our teachers planned Math Units that focussed on the pedagogy of Project Based Learning. Project Based Learning is an instructional approach that engages students in hands-on, real-world projects to deepen their understanding of concepts. It was so wonderful to wander around the school during Math lessons last term and hear students excited to discuss the learning intentions of their projects. Great job to our amazing teachers who have taken on this new pedagogy and are finding innovative and exciting ways to engage our students in learning.
In Year 4, students created “Tiny Space Homes”. Through learning Math concepts such a number, measurement, perimeter, area and shape the students created Spaces Homes that would be perfect for Mars. The students needed to use critical thinking skills to plan the layout of their home and think about how furniture would fit into the space. You will see from the photos attached that they did a fabulous job!
Under 8's Day
We are currently organising an Under 8’s Day for Friday 24 May 2024 (9.15am to 10.45am). This is a day to celebrattion for all of our younger students to participate in. We invite parents and families of our Prep – Year 2 students along to this special day as we celebrate the importance of play in a young child’s developmental journey.
- Kaylee Sullivan
Math Project
Student Engagement Teacher
Welcome to Term 2. I hope you all had an enjoyable break. We have had a wonderful start to the new term. Students are settled and back into their school routines. We have started the term off with ANZAC Day celebrations. The students that attended the parade did a wonderful job at representing our school. Thank you to their parents for bringing them along.
Student Council
The Student Council also had ANZAC biscuits for sale and we still have plenty left, so we will be selling them for 50 cents each over the next few weeks.
Behaviour Focus
We have been focusing on “Participating in Classroom activities”.
We have also been talking about strategies on how to manage our emotions and what that might look like in the classroom or playground.
Thanks for your support!
- Kellie Hanrahan
Inclusion Support Teacher
Nationally consistent collection of data on school students with disability
All schools in Australia are required by federal law to record the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD) annually. Schools and the Department of Education must accurately report the NCCD, in accordance with the National NCCD Guidelines, to the Australian Government. The NCCD records the adjustments made by schools for 10 weeks or more, that enable a student with disability to access and participate in education on the same basis as their peers. Please read the attached NCCD Parent Factsheet for more information and contact Yvette Winrow (Inclusion Support Teacher) at ywinr1@eq.edu.au if you have any questions.
- Yvette Winrow
Physical Education Teacher
Cross Country
What a wonderful morning watching the students trying their best and supporting each other.
Sturt's total was 311 Points and Mitchell's was 298 Points. Congratulation to Sturt, the winner for 2024.
Some of our older students will be competing in the district trials on Thursday 2 May 2024. We wish them all the best and hope they enjoy the experience.
Below are the results for the winning age groups.
| Years | Position | Boys | Girls |
| 2016 | 1 | Ethan | Evotia |
| 2 | Mack | Jacie | |
| 3 | Kenai | Lexi | |
| 2015 | 1 | Declan | Aysha |
| 2 | Alex | Tazzlah | |
| 3 | Tino | Felicity | |
| 2014 | 1 | Aiden | Josephine |
| 2 | Buddy | Caydence | |
| 3 | Owen | Brylee | |
| 2013 | 1 | Sun | Mia |
| 2 | Bentley | Sarah | |
| 3 | Keoki | Indiana | |
| 2012 | 1 | Elijah | Celia |
| 2 | Corbin | Imogen | |
| 3 | Levi | Natalia |
Sports Day
School Sports Day will be held on Tuesday 18 June 2024. More information will be sent out closer to the date.
- Jack Warner
Cross Country
P & C
Next Meeting
Our next meeting is Monday 29 April at 3.15pm in the library. We hope that more families can come and support our school P&C.
Uniform Shop
School jackets have arrived. We are currently waiting on a back order, which should be delivered next week.
Uniform Shop opening hours are Fridays 8.30am to 9.00am or by appointment only.
Subway Meal Deal
Student and Staff certainly enjoyed the Subway Meal Deal this week. Thank you to all the families for supporting this fundraiser.
Mother's Day Stall
We will be having a Mother’s Day stall for students to purchase some goodies for this special occassioin. Prices vary from $2.50 to $9.00:
When: Tuesday 7 May to Friday 10 May 2024
Times: 8.30am - 9.00am and 2.45pm - 3.15pm*
Where: Junior Playground Courtyard
* Or until all sold.
Volunteers
We are looking for volunteers in our upcoming events. If you are able to assist in some or all events, please email us at 0366_pandc@eq.edu.au.
- Ipswich West P&C
Student Wellbeing Worker
Walk Safely to School Day
Walk Safely to School Day will be celebrated on Friday 10 May 2024. It aims to improve the environment and our daily exercise routines. Walking to school is the perfect way to start the day by getting some exercise and fresh air, ready to start school with a clear mind.
Here are some of the benefits you can enjoy when you choose to walk to school:
- Walking offers a great opportunity to remind children about safe pedestrian behaviour and recap the rules of the road.
- Being outside in the fresh air creates a space in your day for mindful exercise.
- Walking and taking in the scenery around you creates a sense of calm that will set you up for the rest of your day.
- Walking to school will help reduce the air pollution in your area or near your school.
- By using your feet instead of a car, you can also help reduce traffic congestion.
*** Did you know there is off street parking for up to 12 cars at the Omar Street Park? This is a great way to park and walk your child/ren safely to and from school, not only on this day, but once or twice a week. The park is approximately 400 metres (6 minute walk) from our school and has a sealed footpath. By parking here, you can walk to collect your child from the school gate, then enjoy a short walk with your child back to the car and perhaps even let them play on the park play equipment for a few minutes to help them unwind from their busy day.
One Box Food Hamper Program
Each week, our school receives 15 food boxes for families in need. This is made possible by our school being registered with The One Box program, who provide the boxes at no cost. Each box contains a range of fresh fruit and vegetables and a loaf of bread. Currently there is a vacancy for one family to join the program. If you could benefit from receiving a free weekly box, please email me so I can call you to discuss further. * We ask that only families apply who really need a food box, to please email: cgrah197@eq.edu.au – Selection will be based on a first come, first served basis (depending on eligibility).
Everyday Mums
Everyday Mums is a new take of Mother’s groups. It’s a safe space for new Mum’s in Ipswich to connect, build friendships, gain support and knowledge - https://everydaymums.com.au/
Ipswich Community Directory
This is an online platform, designed to give Ipswich residents information on a range of support networks, including financial aid; food relief; advocacy; housing, multicultural support; mental health; family support and so much more - https://www.mycommunitydirectory.com.au/Queensland/Ipswich/Welfare_Assistance___Services?PageNo=1
- Carlotta Graham
Community
