Term 3 Newsletter

Principal's Report

Term 3 Welcome

Welcome back to Term 3!  It’s been a smooth and settled start to the term, and with strong routines in place, students have quickly re-engaged with their learning.  It’s wonderful to see the calm focus across classrooms and the positive energy around the school.

Our goals for 2025!

This year, we have two clear strategic goals, which we revisit each week, using them to guide our collegial engagement and shape our professional learning.

1.  Improve learning outcomes (reading, writing and spelling) through Australian Curriculum V9 English.

2.  Foster a positive learning environment where all learners feel a sense of belonging and are empowered to be successful. 

We are absolutely committed to these goals, and I am proud to share that we are making significant and positive progress. Our staff continue to work collaboratively to provide quality literacy instruction, supplemented by phonics intervention.  We look forward to sharing our data celebration!

As part of our tiered systems of support, Mrs Sullivan our Head of Department Student Services, has led a review of our Tier 1 expectations, values and processes.  Many of our families have already provided feedback around this, and we look forward to broadly sharing the expectations and values our community want to see prioritised at our school.  Another significant part of this work, is a structured approach to tiered systems of support for students.  At our school we are committed to providing proactive support to empower students to meet their goal.  We often frame this, as 'giving kids what they need to be their best self'.  This is big and busy work, and we appreciate the support and collaboration from families as we work together. 

Our school community is made up of many people, all learning and growing together.  While we hold high expectations for ourselves and each other, it’s important to remember that learning isn’t always a straight line.  None of us get it right all the time, and that’s okay.  What matters is that we approach each moment with compassion, patience, and a willingness to learn. By showing grace to one another, we strengthen the kind, inclusive and respectful culture that makes our school such a special place.

Communication

Earlier this year, we surveyed families about how you prefer to receive school communication.  The overwhelming feedback was for a single, relevant newsletter each term—supported by timely updates sent directly to your inbox.  In response, we’ve made this change.  You’ll now receive one newsletter each term, along with specific updates via email when the information relates directly to your child. 

We also strongly encourage all families to register for QParents. This platform allows you to quickly and easily submit absences and consent forms.  A new feature now enables two-way messaging between school and home, making communication even easier and more efficient for everyone.

Please note that event-specific updates will not be included in this newsletter.  Instead, they will be shared via our school Facebook page and through Schoolzine, which will come through as an email notification and directly to the SZapp.  All school events are also listed in our school calendar, accessible anytime via our school website, this newsletter, or the SZapp.

Playgrounds Before and After School

While we love seeing families connecting before and after school, we kindly remind you that children should not be using the play equipment during these times.  We thank you for supporting this expectation and helping to keep everyone safe.

2026 Enrolments

Enrolments for 2026 are now open!  If you have a child that will be starting Prep in 2026 or know someone looking to enrol at our school, please contact the office for more information.  You can also access information about our Prep transitions on our website.  Equally, if your child will not be continuing with us next year, please let our office staff know. 

School Review & School Opinion Survey

I would like to once again thank our community for their insights, collaboration and feedback during our recent school review. The Executive Summary has been shared with families and is available on our website.  It is important again to publicly recognise the commitment and care of our staff and their efforts in empowering our students to be successful. 

Families should now have received an emailed link directly from the Department of Education to participate in the annual School Opinion Survey.  The School Opinion Survey is completed in all state schools across Queensland by staff, parents and students, and helps schools understand what they are doing well and how they can continue to improve.  Please keep an eye out for the email and share your feedback; it is valued!

School Uniforms - Building a sense of belonging

We know that wearing the school uniform plays an important role in building a sense of belonging and pride.  It’s important that students are in the correct uniform each day.  We’re excited to share that our school has been successful in obtaining a grant from Variety Australia – the Children’s Charity to establish a Uniform Exchange Program.  This fully funded initiative will allow us to provide uniforms to families experiencing financial hardship and to loan uniform items to students who may need something short-term.  We are incredibly grateful for Variety’s support and appreciate our families working with us to uphold our uniform expectations.

As always, thank you for your continued support.  We are proud to partner with you in making our school a safe, connected and purposeful place for every learner.

Mobile Phones and Wearable Devices

The Department’s ‘Away for the Day’ procedure on student mobile phones also applies to wearable devices, such as smartwatches. While mobile phones must be handed in at the office for the day, wearable devices do not need to be. However, students are required to disable notifications during school hours so calls, messages, and other alerts cannot be sent or received.

Facilities Upgrades

We are so thrilled that a range of ongoing upgrades around our school are either complete or nearing completion. We've included some photos for those who don't visit our school grounds frequently.

• The multipurpose court is finished and now a vibrant space enjoyed by students every day.
• The upgrade to the junior playground is now complete. The upgrade included a new shade sail, installation of rubber soft fall to replace the bark, installation of artificial turf and new picnic tables.
• The female staff and student amenities refurbishment is complete. 
• Accessible parking is now available on our school grounds from Omar Street. Community members requiring access to this parking space, will need to call the office so we can unlock the gates.
• Two out of the three new ramps being installed across the school to provide wheelchair access across our school are now complete. We are hoping the final ramp will be finished very soon.

I am very grateful for your continued support. We are proud to partner with you in making our school a safe, connected and purposeful place for every learner.

Warm regards,

- Karla Black

Facilities

HOD - Student Services

At Ipswich West, we’re committed to supporting the wellbeing and engagement of every student.  This year, we’ve taken a proactive approach by introducing several new initiatives to build a safe, inclusive and positive learning environment.

In Term 2, we launched the Grow Your Mind social-emotional learning program, introduced targeted small-group wellbeing sessions, and gave our Whole School Positive Rewards System a fresh new look!

What is the Whole School Positive Rewards System?

You may have heard your child mention “Wombies”, “The Burrow”, or even stories of staff (including Mrs Black, Mrs Inwood, Mrs Winrow, and Mrs Sullivan!) dressed up in Wombie costumes.  These are all part of our school-wide approach to promoting and celebrating positive behaviour.

As a Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) school, we focus on explicitly teaching expectations and consistently recognising and reinforcing students who follow them. Here's how it works across the school from Prep to Year 6.

Wombies

Staff hand out Wombie tokens to students who are showing positive behaviour in class or in the playground.  Students write their name on the token and place it in their class Wombie Jar.  Every Monday at parade, a token is drawn from each jar and the selected student wins an ice block voucher!

Stamp Charts

Throughout the day, teachers use stamp charts to give consistent positive feedback.  Once a student fills their chart, they earn a Wombuck Sticker to add to their Wombuck Book.

The Wombuck Book and The Burrow

Students collect Wombuck Stickers in their Wombuck Book and use them to "purchase" rewards from The Burrow, our special student reward shop.

This system creates consistency across the school and ensures students always know what is expected—regardless of their year level or classroom.  To help share this message with our community, our Year 6 students are currently working on a short video explaining the rewards system. Keep an eye on our school Facebook page for the big reveal!

Grow Your Mind

At our school, we believe that education is about academic achievement AND about developing well-rounded individuals who can navigate the complexities of life.  We know that when children have the skills of resilience, emotional regulation and perspective, they will do better socially, academically and physically.  With the Grow Your Mind program, we aim to provide our students with the tools and resources they need to thrive in all areas of their lives.

Why the animals?  Why the brain?  And why Grow Your Mind

The animals are a playful and engaging way to teach children about their brain and some of the core functions.  Linking social and emotional wellbeing habits to the brain provides purpose and sparks a child’s interest in topics that may otherwise cause a yawn or eye roll!  E.g. gratitude, exercise, healthy friendships, and growth mindset are just a few examples.

We chose this particular program for 4 core reasons.
1.  All of the content within the platform is linked to the Australian curriculum.
2. The program has been independently reviewed by the University of Wollongong with results showing positive gains in psychological and physical wellbeing as well as a greater sense of connection and belonging.
3. Grow Your Mind provides a detailed learning continuum so that students are exposed to different topics and learning activities in each year group.
4.  Grow Your Mind provides a whole school approach to wellbeing.  This means your mental health matters too - as does ours as a staff.  The program provides accessible information we can pass on to you as parents and carers. Including their free, award-winning podcast that we hope you make the most of at home and in the car.

How will Grow Your Mind work at our school?

In Term 2 Mrs Sullivan and Mrs Graham (Wellbeing Teacher) introduced our students to the program and concepts within the program.  This term our class teachers will be “Grabbing 5” minutes of wellbeing every day in a way that is reflective and responsive to the needs of our students.  This may look like a mindful breathing exercise, a plan to be kind, listening to one of the Grow Your Mind songs, challenging unhelpful thoughts, practicing positive affirmation, being of benefit and picking up rubbish around the school or classroom.  As staff, we will receive on demand training for staff wellbeing and implementing the program.

What is all this talk of mental health?

Grow Your Mind is on a mission to reclaim the term mental health as it is often associated with mental health disorders. Whereas in fact, we all have mental health, just as we have physical health.  Our school values prevention and building the skills of positive mental health habits in our students.  By the time our students leave our school we want them to have a tool belt of strategies they can use and practice to help them on the path of enduring good mental health.  This might mean you hear your child talking about character strengths, kindness, doing something joyful, helping others, moving their bodies and more.  We will be using our brilliant books as well as the Grow Your Mind recommended reading list to further strengthen your child’s awareness of flourishing, emotions and resilience.

See below for a great video that explains the parts of the brain and introduce the animals. 

Click HERE for free at home resources.

Link to the podcast episodes

- Kaylee Sullivan

HOD - Curriculum

In Term 3, our ongoing commitment to improving student outcomes in English remains a key priority. 

This term, we continue to strengthen our whole-school approach to reading, writing, and spelling, underpinned by evidence-based teaching strategies that align with the latest research and the Australian Curriculum v9.

Term 3 English Assessment:  Speaking and Listening Task

This term’s English assessment highlights the importance of speaking and listening as part of persuasive communication. Students across all year levels will engage in age-appropriate tasks designed to develop their ability to express ideas clearly and convincingly.

Tasks range from simple spoken recounts in the early years, where students retell a personal experience and describe their feelings, to more complex presentations in the upper years, such as creating a persuasive vlog to present and justify an argument.  These authentic tasks not only build confidence and communication skills but also strengthen students’ understanding of persuasive language.

Literacy Block Growth and Targeted Support

Our literacy block continues to evolve through consistent implementation of high-impact, evidence-based practices.  Teachers are drawing on student data to adjust instruction, ensuring every child receives the support they need to progress.

Students who are still consolidating key literacy skills are supported through targeted instruction using the PLD (Promoting Literacy Development) program.  This structured and explicit approach builds strong foundations, boosts confidence, and ensures every student has the opportunity to succeed.

If you would like to know more about PLD or are looking for helpful tools, parent tips, and activity ideas, to support your child at home, please visit the PLD website via the link https://pld-literacy.org/?s=parent

A Term Full of Book Joy!

There’s a real buzz around books this term, with plenty of events designed to celebrate a love of reading.  We’re looking forward to Book Week, the Book Fair, and we’re already over halfway through the Premier’s Reading Challenge.

There will also be a Book Week parade and a special author visit, so keep an eye out for more information on these exciting events.  Let’s keep the excitement going and celebrate the joy that books bring into our lives and classrooms!

Coming Soon: Term Overview Online

A more detailed Term 3 overview will be available on our school website shortly.  It will provide families with greater insight into the learning focus across all areas and year levels. Keep your eyes peeled for further updates!

- Kristy Inwood

Head of Special Education

NCCD

Ipswich West State School staff have been finalising our 2025 Nationally Consistent Collection of Data (NCCD), which is an annual collection of data about school students with disability who are receiving adjustments across Australia.  It enables schools, education authorities and governments to better understand the needs of students with disability and how they can be best supported at school.  Student information provided to the Australian Government Department of Education and Training for the NCCD does not explicitly identify individual students.  This helps to formally and consistently recognise the support and adjustments provided to students with disability as defined in the Disability Discrimination Act 1992.  If you have any questions, please read the NCCD Factsheet for Parents/Guardians and Carers or contact Mrs Winrow (Head of Special Education) at school on 3813 5222 or via email at ywinr1@eq.edu.au

Information Sharing for Student Support

We are committed to supporting students with documentation for doctors, paediatricians, and other professionals. These letters and questionnaires take considerable time to complete, so we ask that all requests be submitted through the office with at least four weeks’ notice. This allows us to prepare thorough, accurate information to best support your child.

- Yvette Winrow

Japanese

Why I love sashimi…

With Tokyo hitting 31°C, sashimi is the perfect summer dish – light, chilled, and beautifully fresh. It’s similar to sushi but without rice (and carbs!), making it refreshing and easy to eat in the heat.

Sashimi has been enjoyed in Japan for centuries, once reserved for samurai and nobles. Today, it’s still considered a fine dish, often served first to preserve the palate. You’ll usually see it paired with soy sauce, wasabi, and garnishes like daikon or shiso leaf.

I recently enjoyed this plate in Japan – even trying more adventurous versions like chicken and goat sashimi! Only in Japan, of course, where food is prepared with great care.

Next time you're out, why not try sashimi – the food of the samurai!

- Tamasine Collins

Administration

Fresh from Our School Gardens

Our school gardens are thriving, and thanks to the hard work and dedication of our students and staff, we have some wonderful fresh produce to share!  This season, our gardens have yielded an impressive variety of vegetables, grown right here on campus with care and enthusiasm.

The gardens are not only teaching our students about the importance of healthy eating but also about responsibility, teamwork, and sustainability.  Watching the plants grow from tiny seeds into nourishing food has been a rewarding experience for everyone involved.

We invite you to take a look at the photos below to see this week's harvest.  A big thank you to all the students and Mrs Keidel who have contributed their time and effort to make our school gardens flourish!

Here’s to many more seasons of growth, learning, and fresh food!

Garden Harvest

Uniform Shop

Operating Hours:
Wednesdays:  8.30am – 9.00am
Thursdays:  2.45pm – 3.15pm

🔥 SALE – Limited Stock Available!

Girls Navy Tights (Cotton spandex knit)
• Sizes 4–6
• Only $6.00
• Be quick – limited quantity!

Microfibre Sports Jackets
 Sizes 4–16
• Only $35.00
• Adult sizes available by special order
• Features: water-repellent, crease-resistant, comfort lining, full-length front zip, lightweight and quick drying

Come in during shop hours to grab these great deals!