August 2024 Newsletter
Principal's Report
I want to thank you for your support as I transition into the Principal role for the remainder of this term. Your kindness and encouraging words are a big part of what makes Ipswich West State School such a wonderful community, and I feel truly privileged to be a part of it.
We've already had some fantastic events this term, including Street Science, NAIDOC Day, and Camp. I'm especially excited about the upcoming community events like Book Week and the P&C Colour Run.
School Opinion Survey 2024
Thank you to all of those who have already completed the Parent/Caregiver Survey. If you have not had a chance to complete the survey yet, please note that the online surveys will remain open until Friday 16 August 2024. This is your opportunity to provide feedback about what our school does well and how we can improve.
To have your say, check your email for an invitation from the Department of Education titled School Opinion Survey for parents and caregivers, 2024.
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.
Parent Teacher Interviews
Parent Teacher Interviews will be on Wednesday 11 September 2024 from 3.20pm to 6.00pm. Emails will be sent out to families this week.
2025 Prep Interviews
We will be conducting our 2025 Prep Interviews on Monday 2 September and Tuesday 3 September 2024. Emails will be sent out to families in the upcoming week.
Swimming Lessons
Permission notes have been sent home for swimming lessons. Lessons will commence for all students between Monday 9 and Friday 13 September 2024. Permission notes and full payment ($40) is required by Monday 26 August 2024.
Pupil Free Day
Just a reminder that on Friday 30 August 2024, it is a student free day, and the school will be closed. So please enjoy a long weekend with your student/s.
I hope you are all staying dry in this weather.
- Kaylee Sullivan
Head of Department (Curriculum)
Book Week
Costume Parade and Dress Up Day
This year our Book Week costume parade will be on Friday 16 August at 9.00am. The theme this year is “Reading is Magic!” and will take place in the Undercover Area where we will present classroom awards for Excellence in Reading. We will then ask students to parade their costumes around the Basketball Court area. Parents and caregivers are invited to attend the parade. With current high occurrences of illnesses, please take reasonable measures to keep everyone safe: consider wearing a mask, stay home if unwell and socially distance when possible.
Adults and younger siblings attending the fun event are welcomed and encouraged to wear costumes.
Book Week Picnic Lunch for staff and students
After our parade, staff will join all students for lunch in the Undercover Area. Families are encouraged to pack something special in your children’s lunchboxes for them to enjoy on this day. Again, due to the high occurrences of illness this winter season, please send only individual lunches, please do not send items to share.
Suggestions for special treats may include sandwiches cut into interesting shapes, favourite snacks, favourite fruits, baked treats etc.
Mrs Sullivan and I are looking forward to sharing a special lunch, in costume, with our students on this day!
Story Arts Excursion
Students in Years 3 and 4, walked to the Story Arts Festival at the Ipswich Civic Centre last week.
Our enthusiastic audience was able to hear from several published authors and some illustrators even displayed their amazing artistic talents. Stories about life’s journeys, searching for pirate treasure and even alien invasions have awakened our students’ imaginations, many of whom now have new ideas for Book Week costumes!
Year 5 & 6 Camp
Last week, our Year 5 and 6 students thoroughly enjoyed their adventures at Maroon Dam Outdoor Education Centre.
For some of our students, this has been their first time away without their family, they have shown tremendous growth and maturity in facing this challenge. We are very proud of all of our students for their exemplary behaviour being Safe, Respectful and Responsible Learners whilst on camp. Well done, Team!
A huge thank you to our incredible staff members who have given many hours of their personal time to attend camp, and for their efforts in organising this opportunity for our students. Ms Hicks, Ms Dutta, Mrs Hanrahan and Mrs Winrow, we thank you for your dedication!
- Kimberley Drice
Story Arts
Year 5 Camp
Year 6 Camp
Student Engagement Teacher
Wow, what a busy few weeks! Our Year 5 and 6 students returned from camp, and we have heard lots of stories of the fun they had, many are already looking forward to next year's camp!
Uniforms
This week I have been visiting classes to remind students about wearing the correct school uniform. We have noticed a few students wearing different coloured jumpers that aren’t school uniform. There have also been a few students wearing incorrect shoes and socks. I have reminded students that the school uniform is not colourful long socks and boots are not school uniform, they should be wearing joggers (runners). A reminder also that makeup, dangle earrings and painted nails are not part of our school uniform.
High School
Last week Ipswich State High School came to visit our Year 6 students to give them information about the school and what to expect if they are attending there next year. The information packs were handed to the students that confirmed they would be attending in 2025. If you didn’t receive one, please contact me and I will give one to your child. Staff emphasised to students that they need to complete enrolment forms and submit them early to ensure they have the best opportunity to choose their elective subjects.
I have contacted Bremer State High School and their enrolments are all completed online, they will be in contact with me about also coming for a visit.
If you have any trouble filling in or accessing these forms, please contact the Office, Ms Carlotta or myself.
100% Attendance
Congratulations to Prep and Prep/1 for having five days of 100% attendance.
Attendance
A reminder, if you child is away can you please let the Office know the reason and when you expect them to return by either phone 07 3813 5222 or 0366_absences@eq.edu.au
NAIDOC Day
Below are some photos of the painted rocks the students created during NAIDOC Day. This activity was arranged by the Leichhardt Community Centre, and the students loved it.
- Kellie Hanrahan
100% Attendance
Japanese
Continuing on from my last newsletter article, here are the last five lessons from "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 the last 5 key lessons and insights from the book:
- Mindfulness and Focus: The practice of mindfulness, being fully present in the moment, is integral to the ganbatte philosophy. By focusing on the task at hand and giving it your full attention, you can achieve better results and reduce stress. This could also be renamed “put down your phone!”)
- Purpose and Meaning: Having a clear sense of purpose and meaning in life is essential. Ganbatte encourages individuals to pursue their goals with passion and dedication, finding fulfillment in the process rather than just the outcome. Have you ever heard “it is better to travel than arrive”?
- Adaptability and Flexibility: Life is unpredictable, and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances is a key aspect of the ganbatte mindset. This involves being open to new ideas, willing to change plans, and staying flexible in the face of adversity. Well, COVID got us practising that!
- Balancing Work and Rest: While the ganbatte spirit emphasises hard work, it also acknowledges the importance of rest and recovery. Balancing effort with adequate rest ensures long-term sustainability and prevents burnout. Did you know that in the Japanese workplace it is acceptable to take a power nap at your desk?
- Gratitude and Positivity: Cultivating a positive attitude and practicing gratitude are important components of the ganbatte philosophy. Appreciating the small successes and maintaining a hopeful outlook can keep motivation high and foster a sense of well-being.
Well, yet again that’s enough philosophising for this newsletter. For a chance to win a prize tell Miss Collins what is ok to do in the workplace in Japan?
- Tamasine Collins
Indigenous Champions Committee
P & C
Next Meeting
Monday 19 August 2024 at 3.15pm in the school Library.
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 - 8.30am to 9.15am and 2.30pm to 3.15pm.
Father's Day Stall
- Monday 26 August to Tuesday 27 August 2024 - 8.30am to 9.15am and 2.30pm to 3.15pm
- Wednesday 28 August 2024 8.30am to 9.15am
Colour Run
Thursday 29 August 2024 - 2.00pm to 3.00pm.
- Ipswich West P&C
Student Wellbeing Worker
School Student Broadband Initiative – free internet for eligible families
The process for applying for the SSBI changed at the beginning of the year and families can now self-nominate/refer.
The SSBI can support your child’s education with free internet at home. Contact the team to check your eligibility and for help getting your family connected.
The program is primarily intended as an affordability measure to help those with school-aged children who may be experiencing financial hardship. Call 1800 954 610 (10am – 6pm AEDT Monday to Friday).
R U OK? Day
Ask R U OK? Any day because life happens every day.
A lot can happen in a year, a month, a week. Whether it’s your friend, family member, colleague, partner, or teammate, the people you care about go through life’s ups and downs every day. And they’re not alone, with 72% of Australians reporting elevated levels of distress.
Regular, meaningful conversations with the people close to you can help prevent small things from becoming big things. By checking in regularly, you build trust and normalise talking about what’s really going on. When the people in your world find themselves struggling, they know you’re someone they can talk to.
So don't wait for R U OK?Day on Thursday 12 September. Ask R U OK? Any Day of the year because a conversation could change a life.
*We invite students, parents and carers to wear a yellow accessory on Thursday 12 September. Please note that full school uniform must still be worn.
Community Assistance
- Lifeline - Provides 24-hour crisis counselling, support groups and suicide prevention services. Call 13 11 14, text 0477 13 11 14 or chat online.
- Suicide Call Back Service - Provides 24/7 support if you or someone you know is feeling suicidal. Call 1300 659 467.
- Beyond Blue - Aims to increase awareness of depression and anxiety and reduce stigma. If you or a loved one need help, you can call 1300 22 4636, 24 hours/7 days a week or chat online.
- MindSpot - Is a free telephone and online service for people with anxiety, stress, low mood or depression. It provides online assessment and treatment for anxiety and depression. MindSpot is not an emergency or instant response service. Call 1800 61 44 34.
- Head to Health - Gives advice and will connect you to local mental health services. Call 1800 595 212.
- MensLine Australia - Is a professional telephone and online counselling service offering support to Australian men. Call 1300 78 99 78, 24 hours/7 or chat online.
- Carlotta Graham
Request for Information
The form below is for families when external providers have requested information and assessments from the school. Please note that the turnaround for this to be completed is four weeks from when the form has been submitted. These documents are time consuming to make sure that all the facts are in place for your student.... Thank you for your understanding.
Community
