August 2023 Newsletter

Principal's Report

Dear Parents, Carers and friends of the Ipswich West State School Community,

We really need your help to ensure our students are successful.  We are constantly evaluating ways to engage our students in learning to help them improve and succeed.  This is proving very difficult for the large amount of students having several days off school, who are late to school or being collected early on a regular basis.  We are monitoring each student’s attendance data because we care about your child’s education and future.  If your child’s attendance rate falls under 85% without an acceptable reason, we will be in contact to arrange a meeting to support your child attending school.  We are here to help every family and our staff are available to offer your family support.  The data below might seem alarming but attending school regularly really does count towards your child’s future.

Any student that arrives after 9.00 am must be escorted into the office by an adult.  A late slip will then be provided for the student to give to the classroom teacher.

Classrooms

When staff arrive at school, they are busy organising classwork for the day, in meetings and/or already teaching students.  We respectfully request that parents/caregivers do not enter students' learning spaces and ask if you would like to meet with your child/ren's class teacher, please email them and request a meeting.  Thank you for your understanding.

School Opinion Survey 2023

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 18 August 2023.  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, 2023. 

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.

NAPLAN 2023

Last week we received a paper copy of the Year 3 and Year 5 NAPLAN results.  I have had enquires s about extra copies for non-custodial parents.  So far, the school has not received a digital version of these results to be able to give to non-custodial parents.  We will keep checking our One School system and when they become available we will notify the community.

School Colour Run – Thursday 31 August 2.00 pm – 3.00 pm on the school oval

Do you know one of our staff membrs will be getting slimed at our colour run?  Can you guess who this is?  I have agreed to be sprayed with colour if we raise over $5,000.  With the current count at over $4,000 with 5 weeks to go, I am a little worried my hair will end up rainbow coloured.  Your child can receive cool prizes while the money raised goes directly back to the school for more resources for your children.  Please keep fundraising !

- Sharyn Brown

Head of Department-Curriculum

Book Week

Parade

This year the CBCA Book Week is from 19 August until 25 August.  We will be holding our Book Week parade on Tuesday 22 August at 9.00 am.  The theme this year is “Read, Grow, Inspire”.

This year the Book Week parade will take place in the basketball court area. Parents and caregivers are invited to the parade.  With current high occurrences of illness, 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 are welcomed and encouraged to wear costumes.

Diorama Competition

This year we will again be decorating our library with the artwork of our students for Book Week.

Create a diorama from your favourite book that makes you ‘dream’.

• Setting of your diorama is from a book
• Must have the title and author of the book somewhere
• Will be shoebox size (other boxes may be used)
• Will be displayed in the library
• Are due at school Friday 19th August to the library
• Prizes will be awarded for best diorama in
  • • P, Prep/1 and Year 1
    • Year 2
    • Year 2/3
    • Year 3/4A and Year 3/4B
    • Year 5/6A and Year 5/6B

Talking to students around the school, there are many great ideas already happening for dioramas.  

Parent/Teacher Interviews

In Week 10 we will undertake our Semester 2 Parent/Teacher Interviews.  These will be held at the school and will be face to face.  These interviews are mid-Semester and are a great time to check in on students’ progress, before the end of term distribution of Report Cards.  This gives teachers and parents/carers the opportunity to identify next steps and goals for their future learning.  Parents and carers are encouraged to attend.

We will again be booking the interviews using an online booking system.  Further details will follow with information for booking these sessions via email.  The interviews will be held on one afternoon/evening on Wednesday 13 September.

- Martina Noble

Student Engagement Teacher

NED Performance

The NED performance was a major success with feedback from students and staff explaining how much they loved the show and messages delivered.  If parents are interested in following up the messages from the show please visit http://mindsetmission.com/parents.html.  These resources are excellent, especially if you wish to assist your children with having a positive mindset.

Classroom Rules and Whole Class Reward

Students will work with their own classroom teachers to create classroom rules and to come up with ideas for a whole Class Reward.  It is proven that if students are involved in the process of creating classroom rules, then they are more likely to follow them.  All students will attend the Classroom Reward and work together to achieve it.  Parents, I would suggest involving your child in the creation process of rules and rewards and try this at home if you are experiencing problematic behaviours.

Prize Box

When students collect enough wombucks or fill their stamp charts, students will visit me and be able to pick a prize out of the prize box.

Students of the Week

Here a Ipswich West our classroom teachers choose one student who they have noticed for various reasons during the week.  This student is acknowledged on parade and is given a certificate outlining the reason for the award.

Attendance

Our schoolwide goal for every student is 95% attendance.  Did you know missing one day of school each fortnight = missing more than a year of learning over 12 years?  If parents require assistance with their child’s attendance please reach out and express this.

Behaviour Focus of The Week

Each fortnight on parade, the Behaviour Focus of the Week is communicated to our students.  Classroom teachers deliver the lesson to students each week.  I visit classrooms fortnightly to check student’s understanding of the Behaviour Focusses.  The Behaviour Focusses for the upcoming weeks are:

Week 3 – Creating problem-solving strategies

Week 4 – Size of the problem

Week 5 – Classroom Rules

Week 6 – Zones Bingo

- Matthew Larsen

Japanese

Japanese Club

Did you know that every Wednesday at second break the library hosts a “Japanese Club”?

We don’t have set activities but students can enjoy using iPads, colouring-in Japanese pictures, dress-ups, making sushi and enjoying all the toys on the tatami mats.

Students, please join us any week you are free!

Japanese Summer Hobbies

It’s still summer in Japan and do you know what hobby the creator of Pokemon enjoyed as a child?

Collecting bugs and beetles!

This is a very popular summer pastime for children throughout Japan and can be enjoyed cheaply and by everyone.

Here are the four most popular bugs to catch (and don’t forget…..You Gotta Catch ‘Em All!):

1. Nokogiri kuwagata or sawtooth stag beetles are among some of the most sought after insects during bug-catching season.  While stag beetles come in hundreds of varieties, the sawtooth type has distinctive antler-like jaws that jut out from its reddish-dark brown body.  Found throughout Japan, these beetles are valuable catches to add to your collection.  Although males can measure over 70 millimeters long, they can also be less than half that length.  Females tend to be much smaller at 20-40 millimeters with shorter jaws. 

2. Semi (cicadas) can be found all across Japan, from Hokkaido to Okinawa. They come in several varieties and are a popular choice for bug catchers. Coming in at about 60-70 millimeters in length, kumazemi or bear cicadas are the largest in Japan. Cicadas are active around the end of July and into September. 

3. Another popular choice for bug catchers and collectors are kabutomushi (rhinoceros beetles). These reddish-brown insects are known for the unique y-shaped horns that sit atop male bodies, a feature that recalls the samurai helmets of the feudal era. Kabutomushi most enjoy chestnut, oak and gingko trees and are mostly active between June and August. 

4. Found across Japan, but mainly in Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu, kamakiri (praying mantises) are known for their long bodies, which can grow to 90 millimeters for males and 105 millimeters for females, triangular-shaped heads and their folded forelegs which resemble the act of praying. 

So when summer hits, leave your mobile by the TV, take up the bug collecting challenge and catch them all (just like they do in Japan).

- Tamasine Collins

Physical Education

In Week 2, Ipswich West State School had a group of students that competed at the Ipswich North and South Zone Track and Field Carnival.  The students were: Elijah, Bentley, Claire, Mia and Lachlan.  I would like to congratulate these students on their effort at the carnival.

Western Ranges Districts

Congratulations to Mia who after competing at the Ipswich South and North Zone Track and Field Carnival has been selected to compete at the Western Ranges District Sports Track and Field on 10 August at St. Lucia for High Jump.  We wish you all the best.

- Erin Bartlam

P & C

Volunteers Needed

We are needing some more volunteers for all of this term's upcoming exciting events.  If you can spare some time, please email me with the times and dates at 0366_PandC@ipswichwestss.edu.au.

Book Fair

Book Fair will be on from, Thursday 17 August to Tuesday 22 August 2023.  This event will be held at the Junior Undercover Area from 8.30 am to 9.00 am and 2.30 pm to 3.15 pm.

Colour Run

The Colour Explosion School Fun Run will be on Thursday 31 August 2023 commencing 2.00 pm to 3.00 pm on the school oval.  Parents are welcome to attend this splatacular event. 

Father's Day Stall

We will be hosting a Father's Day Stall on Monday 28 August to Thursday 31 August from 8.30 am to 9.00 am and 2.30 pm to 3.15 pm in the Junior Undercover Area.

Uniforms 

We have finally received our order from our supplier and now have stock available.  Uniform Shop opening hours are Fridays 8.30 am to 9.15 am.

Flash sale on old design Shirts $10.00 while stock last (they can be worn up to 2025).

We have available a limited amount/sizes of FREE second hand uniforms (both summer and winter) for those families in need.  Be quick!

Next Meeting

Our next P & C Meeting is on Monday 4 September in our school library at 3.15 pm to 4.15 pm.  We would love to see some new faces.

We are needing a Secretary for our P&C.  Please let us know if you are interested.

Subway Fundraiser

On Thursday 14 September we will be having a Subway fundraiser.  More information will be sent home in the next couple of weeks.

 - Ipswich West P&C

Student Wellbeing Worker

Support Groups

Parents Without Partners Queensland is a support organisation providing single parents and their children with an opportunity of enhancing self-confidence and personal growth.  PWP is a charitable organisation which encourages friendship through various community and social activities, including weekly coffee and chat evenings, welfare and support, education, monthly newsletters, social functions, new friendships, children and family activities.
You must be a lone parent, step parent or grand parent.  It is not necessary for you to have custody of your children.  Your children can be of any age.  Annual membership fees are approximately $20.  There is a branch in Ipswich http://pwpqld.weebly.com/

Everyday Mums is a new take on Mother's groups.  It’s a safe space for new Mums in Ipswich to connect, build friendships, gain support and knowledge.
https://everydaymums.com.au/about/

Did you know?

Ipwich has so many not for profit organisations, who support families with food, vouchers, bills and clothing.

Ipswich Food Barn                           Access Community Services                   Rosewood Community Centre
1 Darling St, Woodend                    07 3412 8222                                           07 5464 1544
07 3496 1514                                  9am-3pm Monday                                    Essential services
Food Hampers                                Food Bills Fuel Vouchers                          Food Hampers                              
Mon Tues Thurs Fri                         Prescriptions                                             Rosewood area
_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Ipswich Healthy Hampers                Salvation Army                                         Goodna Neighbourhood House
50 Coal St, Chuwar                          1300 371 288                                          33 Queen St, Goodna
(Tivoli Drive In)                                  Relief Services                                        07 3815 1648
Mon – Fri                                           Counselling                                             Mon – Fri  - Food & Bread
Facebook contact                              Assessment process
____________________________________________________________________________________________

Shiloh Christian Centre                    St Vincent De Paul Society                       Leichhardt Community Centre
72 Redbank Plains Rd                     1800 846 643                                            1 Denman St, Leichhardt
07 3288 5966                                   272 Brisbane St, Ipswich                           07 3814 1270
Food Hampers                                 Tues & Fri 9.30am-12pm                           Free bakery goods &
Wed & Fri 9am-1pm                         By appointment                                         Emergency relief
____________________________________________________________________________________________

Ipswich Assist                                   Gailes Community House                         Riverview Neighbourhood
20 Limestone St Ipswich                  30 Karina St, Gailes                                  House – Mitchell St Riverview
07 3413 1070                                   07 3879 3004                                            07 3816 2111
Mon – Thursday                               Food Hampers                                          Bread & Emergency Relief
Food Hampers
__________________________________________________________________________________________

The Haven Food Relief Shop          The Community Centre Riverview              Uniting Care
229 Brisbane Rd Goodna                138 Old Ipswich Rd, Riverview                   Financial Support
0455 995 561                                   07 3810 8114                                             Groceries & Fuel Vouchers
Frozen meals & groceries                Financial counselling                                  07 3432 6100 for appt.
Mon – Sat 9am-4pm                        Free bread and produce

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Anglicare Southern Qld                   YMCA Springfield Lakes                             Qld Family & Youth Support
Mental Health & Family                   Community Centre                                      Services (QFYSS)
Wellbeing Service                            07 3288 2292                                             1 Scott St, Goodna
Financial Counselling &                   Food vouchers                                            07 3818 1050
Financial Resilience                         Child Health Clinics                                    Food | Youth Support
07 3432 6100                                                                                                      QUIP Assessments Mon – Fri
National Debt Line
1800 007 007

What’s on in Ipswich

Van Jam is a brand new Australian-first music festival and combined caravanning / RV experience coming to Ipswich from September 22-24.  Over three days, thousands of caravan and RV owners will descend upon Willowbank Raceway, and revel in an Australian rock showcase, featuring some of the country’s top artists and emerging talents.

BLUEY WILL BE THERE!
While Van Jam is featuring a stellar line up of entertainment for the adults, there’s also a great kids program – which features Bluey!  A dedicated children’s festival called miniVAN is being run concurrently with Van Jam so kids can rock out participating in a wide variety of crafts and activities.  There’s also a fully supervised, paid child-minding service to give parents the opportunity to enjoy the music and festivities child-free.  Get ready to play Magic Asparagus, Magic Xylophone, Keepy Uppy and more during the daily Bluey Live Experience sessions, and meet them after the show.  The miniVAN program will run from 8.00 am to 6.00 pm daily, childminding is available from 3.00 pm to 11.00 pm for two hour periods at a time, parents will need to collect children for a food break before signing them back in again.
https://www.discoveripswich.com.au/5-reasons-to-book-van-jam/

7 FREE things to do in Ipswich

1. Queens Park and Ipswich Nature Centre
2. Heritage buildings and trails – Visit the information centre: https://www.discoveripswich.com.au/information-centre/ipswich-visitor-information-centre/
3. Denmark Hill - The Denmark Hill conservation area, features walking tracks, a kids playground and amazing birdlife
4. Nerima Gardens (In Queens Park): https://www.discoveripswich.com.au/attraction/nerima-gardens/
5. Robelle Domain Springfield – Full of parks, Orion Lagoon, walking trails, cafes and so much more
6. Amberley Airforce Base - The RAAF Amberley Air Force Base opens its doors once a month (every third Sunday) to allow visits to a museum located on the base.  It’s a great size museum for the little ones and there are a number of historical aircraft to see and even a few to climb aboard!
7. Colleges Crossing – Mt Crosby Rd Chuwar – Now partially open https://www.discoveripswich.com.au/attraction/colleges-crossing-recreation-reserve-2/

- Carlotta Graham

Queensland Road Safety Week

Queensland Road Safety Week (QRSW) is a key event in Queensland's road safety calendar.  The annual event is a joint initiative between the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) and the Queensland Police Service (QPS).

This year's theme is 'Road safety starts with me'.  We're asking staff, parents, and students to wear yellow one day during the week in their support for road safety.  A range of activities and resources are available for schools from the Department of Transport and Main Roads' StreetSmarts website.

Sadly, road trauma is a leading cause of death of Queensland children.  As a community, young people need our support and guidance to keep safe on and around roads while they are still developing the cognitive, sensory and physical skills required to be safe road users.  We hope that together, we can shine a light on road safety, and lay the foundations for a generation of safe road users.  Find out how you can get involved, visit StreetSmarts website, www.streetsmarts.initiatives.qld.gov.au/qrsw-2023/.

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