September 2023 Newsletter

Principal's Report

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

Book Week 

Last week we celebrated Book Week.  Our wonderful staff delighted our students at play times by reading books in the courtyard.  Thank you to all our families for supporting the success of the Book Week Parade.  It was wonderful to have so many parents, grandparents and pre-prep families attend as we celebrated the love of reading.  There were some fabulous costumes this year that explained the excited faces of our students.

P&C Association

A big thank you to our P & C Association and parent volunteers who organised and manned the Book Stall all week.  This has given our students an opportunity to be excited about reading and any profits made will then be returned as library book purchases for our students to borrow.

The Colour Run

We have another exciting event, “The Colour Run” on Thursday 31 August at 2.00 pm.  Students are to come to school wearing old shirt and shorts that you don’t mind being stained.  If you are wishing your child to wear a shower or swimming cap, please feel free to send that with them on the day.  White shirts seem to be the easiest to get the colour out of afterwards.  It would also be advisable to pack a towel for afterwards to travel home with.  NO students will be permitted to run in their school shirts.  The students are required to wear their joggers as a safety precaution whilst they complete the obstacle course on the oval and are sprayed with colour.  This is our main fundraiser for the year, thank you for your fundraising efforts.  

Classroom Visits

This last fortnight when I have visited classes,  I have been observing the teaching of English lessons.  Our teachers make the learning explicit for our students so that they know exactly what they are learning, we call this the “ learning intent”.  The students also are told what the success criteria is so they know what they need to do in this lesson to be successful.  The teachers co-create learning walls in their classrooms to make the learning visible.  Students place samples of their lessons, their work or modelled responses, deconstructed texts and the assessment criteria to be able to refer to during the learning process.  This helps students to identify where they are in regards to an A – E score and what they need to do to be able to receive a higher grade in their writing.  For example if a writing sample is identified as being equivalent to a C standard, they can look at a B standard and identify the language features, noun groups etc they might need to include to improve their writing to achieve a higher grade.  Learning Walls are based on the research of John Hattie and his visible learning.  We use current research to ensure that our teaching practices are current and maximising the learning of all our students to achieve their potential.  Please ask your child if they have been using the learning wall in their classroom to help them improve in English.

Parent/Teacher Interviews

Parent/Teacher interviews will be held on Wednesday 13 September from 3.15 pm to 6.00 pm.  Prep to Year 2/3 classes will be in the library and Year 3/4 classes to Year 5/6 classes will be in their classrooms.

Please take this opportunity to connect with your child/children’s teacher to discuss their progression.  Ms Noble will be sending home information about booking on-line.  Please contact the office if you require any assistance.

Enrolments for 2024

If you or someone you know has a Prep 2024 child that hasn’t enrolled in our school as yet, we strongly encourage enrolments now.  We are holding Prep 2024 interviews this term and we don’t want any future Prep children to miss this opportunity.  Similarly, if your child is in Year 6, please ensure you have enrolled your child in High School as they will also have transition to high school days coming up soon.  It is really important for students to attend transition days to become familiar with the new school environment.

Staff update

I am delighted to announce that my contract has been extended until the end of the 2023 school year.  As you know Mr Matthew Larsen has returned to the classroom as the Year 3/4 B Teacher.  The Student Engagement Teacher position was advertised and we will welcome Ms Lynette Davies to our school taking up this position on Monday 4 September 2023.  Mrs Therese Hayden is taking some long service leave for the last two weeks of Term 3 and we welcome Ms Lauren Williams who will be teaching the Year 2 class.  Ms Williams has been a relief teacher at our school previously so is familiar with all our routines.

Mrs Martina Noble has made the decision to return to her previous school as a Classroom Teacher for Term 4.  I know you will join me in wishing Mrs Noble all the very best.  The Head of Department – Curriculum role is currently advertised and will be going through a full panel interview process.  I will keep you informed on the outcome.

Student Free Day

Just a reminder that on Friday 1 September 2023, is a Student Free Day.  Please enjoy a nice long weekend.

- Sharyn Brown

Head of Department-Curriculum

Book Week

Last week we celebrated Book Week.  Thank you to all the parents, students and pre-prep children who partook and dressed up.  It was wonderful being able to have family and community participation.

Again, this year we saw some amazing creativity with book themed dioramas.  All the students and staff enjoyed viewing these and spotting details from the books chosen.  Congratulations to all the students who were able to put the effort into participating in this activity.

During this week for Book Week, staff have taken turns to read one of this year’s CBCA notable books in the junior playground.  Thank you, Miss Dutta, Ms Gage, Mrs Hicks, Mrs Carberry,            Miss Collins, Mrs Lam, Ms Horstman, Mrs Brown and Mrs Bartlam, for volunteering your time to share these special books.

The P&C held their Scholastic Book Fair the past week.  Thank you to all the families who supported our school and made a purchase.  To make room for new books we’ll be able to get through rewards from the Book Fair, we will be clearing some of our older books that aren’t utilised frequently from the library.

Indigenous Literacy Day

The Indigenous Literacy Day Great Book Swap that supports the Indigenous Literacy Foundation is being held on Wednesday 6 September 2023.  Students won’t be required to ‘swap’ a book, as the school will be making available the books no longer needed in our library for students to take home to keep - all while supporting a great cause!  Please see further information from the Indigenous Literacy Foundation about the Great Book Swap contained in the attached letter.  

If your child would like to participate in the event, the Student Council ask that students bring a gold coin or note.  The Indigenous Literacy Foundation have also set up a school fundraising site which allows you to make an online donation to your school’s Great Book Swap in the lead up to the event.  Here is the link to the online event page https://edu.greatbookswap.org.au/ipswichwestsgreatbookswap 

2023 SWIMMING PROGRAM

The swimming program will commence on Monday 11 September to Friday 15 September 2023, the last week of this term.  This program is provided by Peter McMahon’s Swim Factory and is a learn-to-swim program with instructors.

When students first arrive at The Swim Factory, they are each individually assessed and placed into groups with students of similar swimming ability.  These groups are each taught essential swimming and water safety skills that scaffold and build upon their prior knowledge and skills.

The Swim Factory tailored learn-to-swim program is delivered by qualified and experienced instructors and overseen by a dedicated Deck Supervisor to ensure the program runs smoothly.  The centre is an indoor learn-to-swim centre with heated pools.

On completion of the school learn-to-swim program, all students will receive a personalised certificate of achievement (subject to minimum attendance).  The cost for the whole swimming program will be $35.00 for the five lessons.  This cost has been subsidised by the school.

As the expectation is that all students attend, no refunds will be made without a medical certificate provided to the school.  To enable us to organise these swimming lessons, please complete the permission form sent home and return it to students class teacher.  Payment ($35.00) and permissions for swimming lesson are due by Monday 4 September 2023.

Prep Interviews

Prep 2024 children and their parent/s are invited to an individual interview with either a current Prep teacher or another member of staff.  This interview is so the school has a better understanding of the family and children’s individual needs and experiences.  It is recommended for all of our 2024 Prep Enrolments.  The interviews will last about 20 minutes.  During this time parents will be discussing their child, their capabilities and their goals for Prep. We will ask a series of questions in order to get to know your child better.  Whilst this is occurring, your child will be working with one of our Prep teachers or staff members and engaging in a range of early childhood activities.  This will include basic Pre-Prep skills such as colour recognition, gross motor activities and drawing.  Interviews are offered on Tuesday 5 September and Thursday 7 September.

Curriculum Conversations

During week 8 and 9, teachers will be offline for a day per teaching team to plan Unit 4 for English, Maths and Science.  Teachers at Ipswich West have been creating contextualised units that align to the Australian Curriculum for our students over the last couple of years.

For English, considerations that are made when moderating before the unit begins include:

• What is the assessment asking the students to think, know and do?
• How can we present these to the students as ‘I can…’ statements as their success criteria for the unit?
• What example will we show and work through with the students so that they understand what is expected of them?
• Using data from previous assessment, what do our students already know and do well and what will they need more support with?
• What will we need to ensure is included on the Learning Wall for our students’ success?

- Martina Noble

Book Week Parade

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Japanese

Gozan no Okuribi Festival, Ky

Gozan-no-okuribi (五山送り火), is a festival held in Kyoto, Japan during Obon on 16 August.  The Japanese believe their ancestors' spirits return from the other world to visit during Obon in mid-August. During this festival, more commonly known as Daimonji (大文字), five giant bonfires are lit on mountains surrounding the city.  It signifies the moment when the spirits of deceased family members, who are said to visit this world during Obon, are believed to be returning to the spirit world.  Bonfires act as guides for the spirits to find their way back safely — thus the name Okuribi (送り火, roughly "send-off fire").

Starting at 8.00 pm, the giant bonfires are lit, each with a distinctive shape. Three of the fires form giant kanji characters, and two form familiar shapes.  The characters, their locations, meanings, and the lighting times are:

• Daimonji (大文字), the character meaning "large" or "great", is lit on Daimonji-Yama/Higashi-Yama, Nyoigatake at 8.00 pm;
• Myō/Hō (妙・法), the characters meaning "wondrous dharma" (referring to Buddhist teachings), are lit on Matsugasaki, Nishi-Yama/Higashi-Yama at 8.10 pm;
• Funagata (舟形), the shape of a boat, is lit on Nishigamo, Funa-Yama at 8.15 pm;
• Hidari Daimonji (左大文字), again, the character meaning "large", is lit on Daihoku-San, Hidaridaimonji-San at 8.15 pm;
• Toriigata (鳥居形), the shape of a shrine gate, is lit on Toriimoto, Mandara-San at 8.20 pm.

The most famous—and the first to be lit—is the character dai (大), on Kyoto's Daimonji-yama (大文字山, daimonjiyama).  The other four fires are lit at five to ten-minute intervals, and by 8.30 pm, all the characters can be seen.  Each bonfire lasts for 30 minutes.

- Tamasine Collins

Festival

Physical Education

This Term our Year 3 and 4 students, have been focusing on learning the skills of T-Ball.

They have been having a great time learning how to hit the ball off the stand. We have then been developing our skills of throwing and catching to develop our fielding skill so we can play mini games of T-Ball.

- Erin Bartlam

T-Ball

P & C

Volunteers Needed

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

Book Fair

I would like to say a huge thank you to all the volunteers for their help throughout the book fair week.

Father's Day Stall

Father’s Day stall Monday 28 to Thursday 31 August 2023 between 8.30 am to 9.15 am and in the afternoon from 2.30 pm to 3.15 pm price range is from $1.00 - $9.00.

Colour Run

Colour run is on Thursday 31 August 2023 at 2.00 pm.  The kids will be supplied with the free headband and sunglasses. 

Next Meeting

Our next P & C Meeting is on Monday 4 September in our school library from 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.

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!

Uniform shop will be closed on Friday 31 August 2023.

Last day of trading for this term will be Friday 8 September 2023.

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

RUOK?

RUOK? Day is on Thursday 14 September 2023. It is the National Day of Action when we highlight the importance of meaningful conversations, and remind our school community to start them every day of the year.  It is so important to let the people you care about know you’re here and to really hear them!  Asking R U OK? Is certainly a good first step, but you also need to genuinely listen to what comes next. 

Recent research was conducted, to understand what a meaningful R U OK? conversation looks like and three common things were mentioned:

1. Trust:  you need know the person they speak to is someone they trust, and for many, someone they are close to.

2. Authenticity:  they want to know the person asking them genuinely wants to hear the answer.

3. Environment:  people prefer to have these conversations in a private space with enough time to share what they want to say.

By taking the time for an R U OK? conversation and genuinely listening with an open mind, we can all help the people in our world feel supported and connected.  Let the people in your world know you’re here, to really hear, because a conversation could change a life.
**Yellow is the official colour of RUOK? Day, however our school uniform is yellow/gold so we are not asking students to wear any additional yellow accessories.  Instead, we invite you to open up the conversation with others and ask, “RUOK?”

Three Clever Little Apps for Your Mental Health Wellbeing – All Free

App 1: Mood Mission - helps you learn new and better ways of coping with low moods and anxiety.  Tell Mood Mission how you’re feeling and it will give you a tailored list of 5 Missions that can help you feel better.  Missions are activities and mental health strategies that are quick, easily achievable, and backed up by scientific evidence.

Mood Mission is based on cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which is an evidence-based psychological therapy for anxiety and depression. Anyone can use Mood Mission, whether you just want a lift in your day or need a bit more help recovering from anxiety or depression.
https://au.reachout.com/tools-and-apps/moodmission

App 2: ReachOut Worry Time - Everyone has worries pop into their head from time to time, but sometimes they won't go away and start to impact your everyday life.  ReachOut Worry Time interrupts this repetitive thinking by setting aside your worries until later, so you don't get caught up in them and can get on with your day.  This means you can deal with worries once a day, rather than carrying them around with you 24/7.  Produced in consultation with the Centre for Clinical Interventions, ReachOut Worry Time is based on cognitive behavioural techniques that are used by health and wellbeing practitioners to assist people with anxiety and stress.
https://au.reachout.com/tools-and-apps/reachout-worrytime

App 3: Breathe2Relax - Breathe2Relax provides instructions for deep breathing exercises that can help reduce stress.  Deep breathing has been shown to improve mood and deal with anger and anxiety.  It can be used wherever you are, as a standalone tool or combined with other therapies.
https://au.reachout.com/tools-and-apps/breathe2relax
(Thanks to Reachout) – www.reachout.com

One Box Food Hamper Program

The One Box is a not for profit organisation, driven by a mission to ensure that as many people as possible have dignified, reliable and regular access to nutritious food.  Since 2017, our school has been linked in with One Box, allowing us to support families going through tough times with free weekly boxes of fresh, nutritious produce.
We currently have three openings in the program for eligible families.  If you would like to know more, please email me so I can discuss this further with you on cgrah197@eq.edu.au.  *This will be on a first come, first served basis. Eligibility includes: receiving a Centrelink payment and/or finding it difficult to make ends meet and/or unemployed.  You must be able to collect your food box from the school each Thursday afternoon between 2.30 pm - 3.10 pm (during school term).

YMCA Queensland Government Emergency Food Relief Program

The program provides support to vulnerable Queenslanders experiencing immediate financial hardship and provides access to items such as vouchers for food.  Our school will be able to request Coles or Woolworths vouchers (eGift Cards) for up to (4) families per term.  The vouchers will have a 3-month expiry and can only be requested by the school.
Eligibility includes immediate financial hardship and/or unemployed and/or illness and/or unexpected expenses.
If you are interested in this program and meet the eligibility, please email me for further discussion.
N.B. The YMCA and school cannot guarantee funds for family vouchers will be available.

eSafety

The Australian eSafety Commissioner offers families free online webinars each term and this term has a number of valuable short sessions to support families navigate technology and the online environment.  Click on this link to find out more:  https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents/webinars

- Carlotta Graham

Awards

Community Kindness

Jared

Jared (JJ) comes into the office to donate 1 or 2 excercise books each week (except this week was 24).  He donates these books for the students in need.  We thank you for your kindness and supporting our students.

Katie and Kayleen

Both Katie and Kayleen have kindly donated a trolley to store the carpet squares that students sit on for Assembly.  This will be a wonderful help being able to wheel back into the Uniform Shop.

Teacher Aide Appreciation Week

On this occasion, we want to thank our Teacher Aides for all the work they do with our students on a daily basis in supporting their journey in learning.   We see your diligence, commitment, and effect as students grow, develop skills, and gain knowledge.

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