July 2024 Newsletter

Principal's Report

Welcome back to Term 3.

I would like to officially thank everyone for welcoming me so warmly to Ipswich West State School.  It has been a great week and I look forward to continuing to learn more and more about the students, staff, school and community.  It really is a great place to come to everyday, and everyone should be very proud.

The students have all come back refreshed and ready for a great term of learning and it has been very pleasing to see when I have been popping my head into the classes, how engaged they have been in their learning tasks.

NAIDOC Week:

Last week we celebrated NAIDOC week with a variety of activities at our school.  Students were able to join in with Bremer State High School students to learn the ‘Gari Gynda Narmi’ dance, Leichhardt State School students to learn the ‘Taba Naba’ dance, playing Deadly Games with Ipswich State High School students and painting rocks to create a serpent for our yarning circle.

I would personally like to thank Mrs Hanrahan and the Indigenous Champions Committee for all of their hard work in preparing this special event for our school and the community.  It was a fantastic morning.

2025 Enrolments

Enrolments are now open for all year levels.  If you know of anyone who is thinking of enrolling into Ipswich West State School for 2025 then please direct them to the front office to pick up an enrolment pack.  We would love to have them join us.  Our Prep enrolment processes have begun but it is not too late to join!

Families leaving IWSS

If you know that you are leaving IWSS in 2025, we would appreciate you advising the office as soon as possible, so we can begin planning for 2025.

School Opinion Survey:

The annual suite of School Opinion Surveys will be conducted this term.  All families, school staff and students in target year levels (Years 5 and 6) will be invited to participate.  An invitation to complete the Parent/Caregiver Survey will be emailed to one parent/caregiver per family.  The invitation will be sent from the Department of Education, not the school, and it will have the subject line School Opinion Survey for parents and caregivers, 2024.  Check your junk email folders if you can't find it.  The survey can be completed as soon as the invitation is received and will take approximately 5 minutes using a computer, tablet or smart phone.  

Can't find your invitation?  If your family has more than one parent/caregiver, check that they haven't received the invitation and/or check your junk email folder.  If you still cannot find your invitation, you can request a new survey from the School Opinion Survey team via email schoolopinionsurvey@qed.qld.gov.au. 

Read about the School Opinion Survey:https://alt-qed.qed.qld.gov.au/publications/reports/statistics/schooling/schools/schoolopinionsurvey/faqs

It is important you have your say - keep an eye out for yours!

Key Dates

School Opinion Survey:

• School Opinion Survey Invitation sent this week from Monday 15 July.
• School Opinion Survey Opens in Week 3 from Monday 22 July.
• School Opinion Survey Closes in Week 6 Friday 16 August. 

Prep 100 days:

Can you believe that our amazing Prep students have been at school for 100 days!  They are now 100 days brighter!  On Friday 19 July we will be celebrating this achievement by having our Preps dressing in bright colours.

Sickness:

With cold and flu season quickly approaching, please remember to look after yourself and your family.  While we want all of our students at school every day, sometimes this isn’t possible.  If your child is showing any signs of illness, then please keep them at home so they can rest and recuperate.  If your child has been vomiting at home, then please keep them at home for 24 hours before sending them to school.

The school will contact families if your child is showing signs of illness or complaining that they are not feeling well during the day.  Please ensure that all your contact details are up to date.

P&C - Book Fair:

Our Book Fair is coming!  The books will be arriving in about 4 weeks' time and students will have time to view and purchase books.  More information will be sent home closer to the start date, so keep a look out!

Book Parade:

On Friday 16 August, we will be holding our whole school Book Week Parade.  This will be held from 9.00am until 10.00am. We welcome everyone to come along, this includes our future 2025 prep students, we would love to see you all dressed up too!

P&C - Colour Run:

The P&C will be holding a Colour Run this term. The Colour Run will be a fantastic opportunity for our whole school community to get together and have some fun.  This year our Colour Run will be taking place on Thursday 29 August. Further information will be sent out closer to the date, but please add this to your calendar as it will be a fun filled day and we would love to see as many people there as we can!

- Kimberley Nicholls

Head of Department (Curriculum)

Welcome back to Term 3!  I hope you all enjoyed the winter holidays, staying snuggled and warm.  Keep a look out for some fantastic events this term including Year 5 & 6 Camp, Story Arts, Book Week, Book Fair, Colour Run, and Swimming Lessons.

Story Arts Festival

Year 3 and 4 students have been invited to attend the Ipswich Story Arts Festival on Monday 5 August at the Ipswich Civic Centre.  Our students will experience presentations by authors Charlotte Barkla, Matt Stanton and Mark Greenwood, that aim to inspire our young people to read more books.  There is no cost to the excursion, however permission notes are required and due back by Wednesday 31 July.

Year 5 & 6 Camp

Some of our Year 5 & 6 will be attending Maroon Dam Outdoor Education Centre on Monday 5 August.  Year 5 students will attend for 3 days and 2 nights, while Year 6 students will attend for 5 days and 4 nights.  Maroon OEC makes use of the natural and built environments to challenge students and provide them with unique and different experiences.  The learning experiences they will be involved in include bushwalking, camping, climbing, roping activities, group challenges and problem-solving situations.  We look forward to hearing all about Camp when our students return.

Book Week Parade

Now is the time to be thinking about what character from a book you will be dressing up as for our Book Week Parade.  The theme for 2024 is “Reading is Magic!”  I can already picture the amazing costumes.

Book Week Parade will be held on Friday 16 August 2024 at 9.00am on the Basketball Court.  We look forward to seeing you all there.

Book Fair

The P&C will run their annual Book Fair from Thursday 15 August to and including the Tuesday 20 August 2024.  This year the Book Fair will take place in the library.  If you would like to volunteer to support the P&C with the Book Fair, please contact our P&C committee via email 0366_PandC@eq.edu.au

Parent Teacher Interviews

Parent Teacher Interviews facilitate open communication between educators and parents, to support students' academic and social/emotional growth.  These sessions provide valuable insights into your child/children’s progress and allow for discussions on areas of improvement and strategies for success.

Parent Teacher Interviews will be held on Wednesday 11 September between 3.20pm and 6.20pm. 

Login information to access the Parent Teacher Interviews Booking System will be send out on Thursday 15 August, with the booking system being open between Monday 19 August and Thursday 5 September 2024.

Swimming Lessons

Information will be sent home shortly regarding swimming lessons, which will take place for all students between Monday 9 to Friday 13 September 2024.

Prep Fun Friday

Every Friday our Prep and Year 1 students engage in age-appropriate activities to consolidate concepts learnt throughout the week.  Last Friday, we were lucky enough to have our 2025 Preps join us to participate in our FUN Friday activities.

- Kaylee Sullivan

Prep Fun Friday

Student Engagement Teacher

Behaviour Focus - I wear the correct uniform

To start the term off our behaviour focus was “I wear the correct uniform”, as we are currently experiencing a cold snap remember that the school uniform is blue jumper and track pants, there has been a few different colours being worn.  Remember to name your child’s belongings as there are always A LOT of jumpers left in the playground and they have no names on them.  It is hard to return them if they have no names.  Just another reminder, I have noticed a couple of girls with fake nails and also wearing jewellery.  Both  are not part of our school uniform.

School Uniform Policy

Student Dress Code - Endorsed by Representatives of the Staff and the P&C Association April 2017

Ipswich West State School is a uniform school.  Consequently, consistent with the Department of Education Student Dress Code procedure, Ipswich West State School has developed standards of acceptable or reasonable dress in relation to:

• Clothing worn by students, including headwear and footwear
• Other aspects of personal presentation of students

The Student Dress Code is applicable to all students:

• Attending or representing our school
• Traveling to and from school
• Engaging in school activities out of school hours

In developing the Student Dress Code, we:

• Consulted with members of the school community
• Considered relevant legislation
• Considered issues of safety, affordability, and practicality
• Have developed contingencies for students facing exceptional circumstances

The Student Dress Code enables us to provide a safe and supportive learning environment by:

• Fostering a sense of school pride and belonging
• Looking smart, disciplined and 100% part of Ipswich West State School
• More easily identifying students and non-students
• Eliminating and avoiding the competition and distraction of dress and fashion at school

The Ipswich West State School Dress Code has been endorsed by the Ipswich West State School Parents and Citizens’ Association.  All students are required to wear the full Ipswich West State School uniform at all times unless an exemption has been granted by the Principal (or nominee) for special designated days e.g. Sports Days.  On these occasions, guidelines and written advice will be provided about the day/event.

Students who are unable to wear the correct uniform are expected to wear conservative dress closely resembling the school uniform and present themselves to the school office to borrow a school uniform to wear that day.  Students without royal blue, broad brimmed hats will be required to sit undercover during outdoor activities/ breaks.  Students who do not wear full school uniform or wear unsafe or inappropriate clothing may be ineligible to participate in school activities until they are wearing full school uniform.

All items of uniform should be clearly labelled with children’s names and classes and regularly checked to ensure names are still visible.

School Uniform

Ipswich West State School polo shirt

• Plain royal blue shorts/skort/skirt
• Plain royal blue bucket or broad-brimmed hat
• Plain royal blue jumper/jacket and track pants
• Sports socks
• Enclosed shoes
• Plain gold or royal blue undershirt, eg skivvy, or plain white singlet
• Royal blue or navy tights under shorts/skort/skirt
• Royal blue, navy or gold hair accessories are encouraged

General Presentation

NAIDOC

Last Thursday we had a fun morning celebrating NAIDOC week.  We were fortunate to have students from Bremer State High School, Ipswich State High School and Leichardt State School come along and teach the students Indigenous games and dances.  We also had staff from Leichhardt Community Centre come along and do Dot Painting on rocks with the students.  These rocks will make a snake shape in our Yarning Circle.  We all had a fun and engaging morning.

- Kellie Hanrahan

NAIDOC

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Japanese

An interesting book came up on my feed on Facebook recently.  It is called "Ganbatte! The Japanese Art of Always Moving Forward" by Albert Liebermann.

The book explores the Japanese philosophy of perseverance, resilience, and continuous improvement. The term "ganbatte" translates to "do your best" or "keep going," and this book delves into how this mindset can be applied to various aspects of life.

These philosophies are not just for me but could be useful for all of us in our school community.  Here are 5 key lessons and insights from the book:

1. The Spirit of Ganbatte: At its core, ganbatte embodies a spirit of perseverance and it encourages individuals to give their best effort regardless of the challenges they face.  This attitude fosters resilience and a proactive approach to problem-solving.
2. Kaizen – Continuous Improvement: A fundamental aspect of the ganbatte philosophy is the concept of kaizen, or continuous improvement.  This involves making small, incremental changes to improve efficiency and effectiveness in all areas of life, from work to personal habits.
3. Embracing Failure:  The Japanese view failure as a natural part of the learning process.  Instead of being discouraged by setbacks, the ganbatte mindset encourages viewing failures as opportunities for growth and learning.  This helps build resilience and adaptability.
4. Discipline and Consistency:  Ganbatte emphasises the importance of discipline and consistent effort.  Success is often the result of sustained effort over time, rather than short bursts of activity.  Developing a routine and sticking to it is crucial.
5. Community and Support: In Japan, the spirit of ganbatte is often fostered within a community.  People encourage and support each other to persevere and succeed.  Building a supportive network can provide motivation and help individuals stay committed to their goals.

That’s enough philosophising for this newsletter.  Stay tuned for the next five concepts in our next newsletter.

For a chance to win a prize tell Miss Collins - Why failure is ok according to the principles of “Ganbatte”?

- Tamasine Collins

Instrumental Music

Students from the Instrumental Music program attended Ipswich Bootcamp this week.  They participated in a band of 100 students from many different schools in the Ipswich area.  They spent three and half hours in rehearsals and culminated with a performance in the afternoon for parents/carers.  It was such a great opportunity for the students to experience playing in a large band. 

Ipswich West students enjoyed the experience, played well under the pressure and were well behaved.  Congratulations!

- Nathan Schilling

P & C

Next Meeting

The next meeting will be Thursday 29 July 2024 at 3.15pm.  We hope to see you there!

Uniform Shop

Uniform Shop opening hours are Fridays 8.30am to 9.00am or by appointment only.

Upcoming Events

• Book Fair Thursday 15 August to Tuesday 20 August 2024 - more information to come
• Father's Day Stall Monday 26 August to Thursday 29 August 2024 - more information to come
• Colour Run Thursday 29 August 2024 - more information to come

Volunteers

Volunteers are need for the upcoming events.  Please email the P&C President on 0366_PandC@eq.edu.au

 - Ipswich West P&C

Student Wellbeing Worker

Welcome back to Term 3.  I hope you all had a lovely break, it has been wonderful seeing all the students and families again.

Are you looking for a fun, active hiking spot in Ipswich?

White Rock - Spring Mountain is a fantastic hiking spot in Ipswich.  This beginner-friendly hike is about 7.5km round trip and takes about two hours at a leisurely pace.  See the stunning limestone formations, see panoramic views from the Main Ridge lookout and diverse flora and fauna.
https://www.discoveripswich.com.au/.../white-rock-spring.../

Articulation:  Language, Object, Space - Ipswich Art Gallery

 A design exhibition that unravels the intricate relationship between language and its profound influence on cultural and social dimensions through objects and space.  Free and all ages welcome.  See website for dates: ARTICULATION: Language, Object, Space - Ipswich Art Gallery

Design it - IAG Kids - Ipswich Art Gallery

Discover Design It - an innovative all-ages program, blending art, design, and language to inspire creativity in a hands-on environment.

Merging the visual storytelling of design, the poetic elements of language, and the beauty of artistic expression, Design It explores how these elements connect and empower effective communication and meaningful creation.
Free until 28 July.  See website for full details: design.it | art language design play - Ipswich Art Gallery

FairPlay Vouchers

Parents, carers or guardians can apply for a FairPlay voucher for their child to use towards their sport and active recreation membership, registration or participation fees with registered activity provider.
From 9.00am on 1 July, an additional 150,000 FairPlay vouchers of up to $200.00 will be available to every Queensland child aged 5 to 17 years, with another 50,000 vouchers of up to $200.00 for children under the current eligibility criteria.
https://www.qld.gov.au/recreation/sports/funding/fairplay

Triple P - Free program for separating and divorcing parents

In an Australian first, parents and carers who are going through separation or divorce now have access to a free, self-directed online course, which is university-developed and based on extensive research.
Family Transitions Triple P Online, developed by the Triple P – Positive Parenting Program, is an easy-to-use online resource that gives proven tips and strategies for managing the transition in a way that can boost parenting confidence and minimise the impact on children.

Triple P recognises that every family is different, which is why Family Transitions Triple P Online can be personalised to suit different circumstances.  The free online program supports parents and carers to:  

• Create a stable, reassuring environment for children
• Reduce adverse effects and help them feel supported, reassured and secure
• Help children and themselves to manage emotions and develop good coping skills
• Handle challenging moments more calmly and confidently
• Build effective communication and problem-solving skills to reduce conflict and co-parent more effectively
• Adapt and evolve in their new family dynamic.

Parents and carers can sign up to Family Transitions Triple P Online now at: www.triplep-parenting.net.au

- Carlotta Graham