October 2023 Newsletter

Principal's Report

A warm welcome back to Term 4.  I trust you had an enjoyable holiday break with your children.  I am really impressed how settled and happy the students have returned last week and how quickly they engaged back into routines and learning.  This term is a really busy term with many school events and the planning of classes and staff for 2024.  It is vital that we have the most accurate information to plan for our 2024 classes.

If you know of any Prep children starting in 2024 that have not yet enrolled, please encourage the parents to contact the school office.  Our Prep transition days started this week and the research states that children that attend transition days and become familiar with their new environment, settle well into school and engage in learning quickly.

If you know your family will be moving and changing schools in 2024, please notify the office so our student numbers are accurate as this directly effects staffing.

Last term I spoke to the Year 5 students about the School Leadership process and the qualities required to be a good School Leader in representing our school.  Interested students were given a nomination form to complete if they are interested in applying for a School Leader position. 

The process is as follows:

Student Leadership timeline

• By the end of Week 3 – Aspiring Student Leaders submit their completed Student Leader Accreditation cards to Ms Brown
• Weeks 4 & 5  – Principal and Head of Department (Curriculum) review and approve Senior Leaders Accreditation forms
• Week 6 – Students nominating for a School Captain position give their speeches on Monday 6 November 2023, where students and staff vote.  Parent attendance for speeches will be by invitation only.  More details will be shared with the community closer to the date of speeches
• Week 7 – Students nominating for a House Captain position give their speeches on Monday 13 November 2023, where students and staff vote.  Parent attendance for speeches will be by invitation only.  More details will be shared with the community closer to the date. 
• Week 8 – 2023 School Captains, House Captains and Senior Leaders are notified of their successful position
• Week 9 – 2023 School Captains, House Captains and Senior Leaders are recognised and inducted at the Awards Ceremony

Awards Ceremony

This year our School Awards Ceremony will be held here at the school with the Year 3 to Year 6 students in attendance.  We will also invite the parents of those children receiving an award and/or a school leadership position to attend.  More information will be released closer to the event.

Staffing Updates

We welcome Mrs Kaylee Sullivan to our school as Head of Department (Curriculum).  Ms Lyn Davies our Student Engagement Teacher has had to take leave, and being replaced with Kellie Hanrahan.

Events

Please check the school calendar of events in this newsletter to keep updated of the many wonderful events we have planned this term, and also keep checking your class dojo and our school Facebook page for teacher messages and updates.  Communication is the key to ensure a positive school culture and we continue to work hard to ensure we maintain those positive relationships with our school community.

School Times

Early Arrivals
Students can arrive at school from 8.15am.  We have staff on duty in the undercover area from 8.15am and we recommend students arrive between 8.30am and 8.40am.  This provides your children with the best opportunity to build friendships and be ready for the day ahead.  No student should be on school grounds before 8.15 am.

Late Arrivals
Please be aware that school starts at 8.50am and students begin learning at 9.00am.  Any student who arrives after 9.00am must be escorted to the office by an adult.  A late slip will be provided for students to give to the classroom teacher.

Late Pick Up
A friendly reminder that our school finishes at 3.00pm.  We have had many children still at school after 3.30pm.  The children are very tired by the end of the day and can become upset when waiting a long period of time for their parents to collect them.  We have a well-staffed and efficient drop and drive system for your convenience.  Please ensure you have collected your child from school by 3.15pm for their safety and wellbeing.  After 3.15pm, students will be taken to the office where you will need to come in and collect them. 

- Sharyn Brown

Head of Department (Curriculum)

About Me

My name is Kaylee Sullivan and I am new in the role of Head of Department - Curriculum, at Ipswich West State School.  Thank you for the warm welcome I have received by staff, students and the community.  I am really looking forward to getting to know everyone as the term goes on.

Book Club

Students will be given the latest issue of the Scholastic Book Club to bring home.  Book Club gives students the opportunity to build their personal library but also helps to fund books purchased for our school library.  Book Club is ordered using the online ordering system.  The cut off for orders with this issue is Thursday 19 October 2023.

EXCURSIONS

Eco Club

Student from the Eco club went to the Ipswich Civic Centre to be a part of the Youth Sustainability Summit on Wednesday 11 October 2023.  The theme for this year’s summit is ‘Impact’ with a focus on the skills we need to lead change.  Students will hear from other school students about a range of sustainability projects and how they can inspire their fellow students to work together in improving sustainability outcomes

Prep & Year 1

On Tuesday 21 November 2023, our Prep, Prep/1 and Year 1 students will have the opportunity to participate in an exciting excursion at The Workshop Railway Museum.  The students will be participating in the “Push it!  Pull it!  Move it! Program” supporting the learning of this term’s Science Unit investigating forces and motion.

Permissions and invoices were sent this week. 

Year 2 & Year 2/3

On Wednesday 1 November 2023, Year 2 and Year 2/3 will be participating in an exciting incursion at school as part of our science curriculum.  The incursion includes Big Bang Education hands-on workshops (2 x workshops per student) and a whole day of science activities linked to the Australian Curriculum and classroom learning.  The aims of the incursion are to investigate: how push or pull affects how an object moves or changes shape, and; how different materials can be combined for a particular purpose.  Permission and payment are required by Wednesday 18 October 2023.

- Kaylee Sullivan

Japanese

For the purposes of this newsletter article, you will have to go to Youtube to watch the video link (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m1jY2VLCRmY&t=75s) which features breathtaking aerial views from all around Japan.

The video starts out with the most famous of the Japanese mountains, Mt. Fuji. Standing proudly between Shizuoka and Yamanashi prefectures, this peak is one of the most beautiful landmarks of Japan and is the most photographed mountain in the world.

We transition to Goryokaku Park in Hakodate, Hokkaido known for the fleeting beauty of its cherry blossoms and the permanent beauty of its fort.  The fort was built in the 19th century and has a unique star shape that can be best appreciated from above. 

The next destination is the verdant wilderness of Yakushima, an island just off the coast of Kyushu.  Native animals pick their way over the rocky floor and the waterfalls gush in powerful, constant sprays. Yakushima doesn’t feature in many English-language holiday brochures, but every holiday sees Japanese nationals head there to enjoy its sub-tropical delights.

Next, we’re treated to a front-row seat to one of Toyokawa’s Tezutsu festivals: patrons are treated to a spectacular show where fireworks artisans from each district bring their handcrafted cannons and fire them, in hopes it will protect the city from misfortune.  The video even gives us a fly-on-the-wall eyeful of the creative process before their cannons are fired.

Finally there is the classic Tokyo skyline shot which looks jaw-dropping from this unique angle, and the high resolution creates a dreamlike effect.  The video concludes with a series of nightscape views from the places we’ve toured in the previous minutes, and before you know it, it’s over.

Enjoi shite imashita ka (Did you enjoy it?)

Ps. What animals were on the island?  Be the first to tell Miss Collins.

- Tamasine Collins

Physical Education

This term our students will be learning the following:

Prep

Participate in gross motor rotations such; as egg and spoon, basketball dribbling, football pass, frisbee throw, netball shooting, sack race soccer dribble and soccer shooting.  Through playing a wide variety of games, we will be learning and developing our skills to play fairly and communicate with others.

Year 1-2

Will perform fundamental movement skills of two-handed throwing and two-handed catching, soccer dribbling and basketball dribbling.  They will test their problem solving skills to solve large ball challenges and identify how the body reacts to various physical activities.

Year 3-4

Develop the fundamental movement skills of running, jumping and throwing.  They will practise and refine these skills in individually based activities.  Students will apply these skills in simple games and group challenges by refining movement concepts and strategies.

Year 5-6

Will develop and refine specialised basketball skills.  They will develop and refine dribbling, passing, shooting and defensive skills and concepts in drills and games.  Students will explore the health-related fitness components of a basketball.

Swimming Carnival

This term we will be having our Year 3 - Year 6 Swimming Carnival!  Our Swimming Carnival will be held at Leichardt Community Pool on Friday 10 November 2023.  Students will be transported by bus to the pool for a 9.40am start and the carnival will conclude at 1.30pm to arrive back at school for 2.00pm.  Our carnival will have championship and non-championship races.  More information and reminders will be sent out in the coming weeks.

- Erin Bartlam

Lessons

P & C

Sausage Sizzle Fundraiser

We invite you to participate in our Sausage Sizzle Fundraiser being held on Thursday 19 October 2023.

To help process orders and avoid disappointment on the day the P&C would like pre-orders submitted by Tuesday 17 October 2023.

Pre-orders should be placed in a sealed envelope with the following details:

• Full Name of the student
• Student/s class
• Place a number in the pre-order boxes, to indicate how many items required.
• Include the total amount of money included in the envelope.
• Return pre-order forms to the office (opening hours 8.00am to 4.00pm).

A limited number of items will be available for over the counter sale on the day, for parents and carers.

Subway Fundraiser

We would like to thank those families that supported the Subway Fundraiser last term. We raised a total of $205.00!

Uniforms 

Opening hours are Fridays 8.30am to 9.15am.

 - Ipswich West P&C

Student Wellbeing Worker

Welcome to Term 4!  I hope you all enjoyed the school holidays and some of the wonderful activities Ipswich had to offer.  I’m looking forward to an exciting and busy term.

If you would like to meet with me, I am available Wednesday 8.30am – 1.30pm and Thursday 8.30am – 3.30pm.  Please email me to schedule a meeting: cgrah197@eq.edu.au.

All meetings are free and confidential.  I support children and families and work with other members of the school’s support team.  I aim to create an environment which promotes the physical, emotional, social and intellectual development and wellbeing of all students.

STAR Community Services Charity Collection

This term, we are inviting staff, students, parents and carers to donate goods to the annual Secret Santa charity for our elderly Ipswich community residents.

We have participated in this charity in the last few years, successfully donating non-perishable food and gifts for many residents, who were so grateful and deeply touched.

Our donations were made up into hampers by STAR Community volunteers and handed to elderly residents who were struggling to cope with being alone during the festive period.

Students can place donations in the collection boxes which will be in each classroom.

Need some inspiration on what to donate?  

Gifts suited for over 65's and non-perishable food (in date please).

Socks, coffee, tea, pamper packs, perfume, aftershave, hand cream, household items (new items only please), fruit cake, throws, card games, jigsaw puzzles, gardening seat/cushion, biscuits, chocolates, books.......Let your imagination take over!

*Last day to accept donations is Wednesday 6 December 2023

We thank you in advance for your kind generosity and support

Get red, RED, ready for Day for Daniel 2023!

Day for Daniel is Australia’s largest child safety event of its kind and Ipswich West State School has been invited to participate in the annual Ipswich Day for Daniel walk on Friday 27 October, hosted by the Queensland Police Service and ICYS Ipswich Community Youth.  Day for Daniel is a National Day of Action to raise awareness of child safety, protection and harm prevention.  It aims to help empower our children to Recognise, React and Report if they feel something is wrong.  All students, parents and carers will be invited to participate in the walk.

We will walk as a whole school, leaving here at approximately 9.35 am (subject to change slightly) and join up with Ipswich community organisations and the Queensland Police Service and Mounted Operations Unit on the corner of Waghorn and Limestone streets.  The junior classes will have a shorter route than the senior classes.  *Please see consent letter for full details, including the maps/route.

Your child has been sent home with a consent letter, which will need to be completed, signed and returned to their class teacher by Thursday 26 October 2023.  If you need another copy, please email your child's class teacher.

Students are invited to wear a red accessory on the day (hair ribbon, socks, wristband etc) but must wear full school uniform and blue school hat.

We hope to see as many parents/carers on the day.
*This is a weather permitting event and may be cancelled on the day due to inclement weather

Health talks for Year 5/6 students

On Thursday, we invited Bremer State High School Registered Nurse, Trink Tonkes to our school to deliver health talks to the Year 5/6 students.  The presentations covered important topice such as body changes, personal hygiene, emotional changes, puberty, mindfulness and menstruation.  The feedback from students and parents was very positive and we look forward to inviting Trink back in 2024.

Youth Sustainability Summit 2023

On Wednesday, students from our school Eco Club and School Council were invited to participate in the Youth Sustainability Summit (YSS), developed and organised by the Ipswich City Council.  This year’s theme was ‘Impact’ and had a particular focus on the skills we need to lead change.  It feaured special guests and hands on workshops, giving the students the chance to understand, discuss and develop sustainable projects at home and at school.  We look forward to the 2024 YSS.

Financial Counselling – Moneycare Salvation Army

This team can help if you are:

• Feeling overwhelmed with credit card debt and other repayments
• Worried about how to make ends meet on your income
• Facing legal action regarding debts and feeling harassed by creditors or debt collectors
• Worried about your car or house being repossessed
• Concerned about being evicted from your home

They also have workers based in the Ipswich, Somerset and Lockyer Valley region

Financial Counselling Intake Line - 1800 722 363

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.

Email:  cgrah197@eq.edu.au  This will be on a first come, first served basis.  N.B. The YMCA and school cannot guarantee funds for family vouchers will be available.

School Student Broadband Initiative – Australian Government

To boost educational opportunities and narrow the digital divide, families without home internet are encouraged to apply for the School Student Broadband Initiative (SSBI).  Access to internet at home can support children to build their digital skills and participate in a world that is more reliant on digital technology.

The Australian Government is supporting the National Broadband Network (NBN) to implement the SSBI to provide free home internet for one year for up to 30,000 unconnected families across Australia with school aged students.

To be eligible for SSBI, a family must:

*  Have a child living at home that is enrolled in a Queensland state school in 2023
*  Not have an active internet service at home. Having a mobile internet service does not affect eligibility
*  Be referred by a nominating organisation such as the Department of Education (the Department)
*  Agree their child has access to a device and has the digital skills to use the internet safely or will be
supervised
*  Live in a premises that can access the NBN via a standard connection – this will be checked by NBN

Referral through the Department
The Department is pleased to support the nomination of families for the SSBI. If you would like to apply for the SSBI please contact me: cgrah197@eq.edu.au for an application (online or paper form) and further information about the initiative.

- Carlotta Graham

From Our Community

Crime Prevention

Halloween (Tuesday 31 October 2023)

While we all love a good scare, the Queensland Police Service wants to remind community members to creep it real and ensure the safety of children is top priority.  To make sure your Halloween doesn’t become a nightmare, trick or treaters should:

• Be accompanied by a trusted, responsible adult monster at all times.
• Always walk, not run, between houses and stick to the footpath rather than the road.
• Wear bright colours to enhance your visibility to passing motorists – Ghosts are only cool if you can see them!
• Never enter a stranger’s house, even if they have invited you in after knocking on their door.
• Consider joining your friends on a neighbourhood adventure – there is safety in numbers for little witches and vampires; and
• Trick or treating late into the night is very scary. Go home and dig into your cavity starter pack – especially on a school night.

As little zombies, ghosts and witches will take to the streets for Halloween trick or treating, we understand that not everybody celebrates this fang-tastic night, so we have created some posters that you can display on your door or in a prominent position at your home, indicating whether or not you welcome trick or treaters, or don’t wish to be disturbed. Posters can be downloaded at mypolice.qld.gov.au/news
This is a joint initiative between Queensland Police Service and Neighbourhood Watch.

Queensland Seniors Month

Throughout the month of October, people of all ages, cultures, and abilities will come together and connect, celebrating the essential roles that older people play in our communities.  Connecting Queenslanders through inclusive events and activities, Seniors Month will bring people of all ages, cultures, and abilities together within their community, uniting them through shared interests and passions.  Seniors month also provides a great opportunity to discover new programs and activities, and support services.  

Feeling safe is essential to your health and wellbeing.  There are a number of steps you can take to protect your safety and security.

• Be cautious about information you give to strangers - don’t tell them where you live or when you’ll be away.
• When shopping, avoid carrying large amounts of money and never leave your handbag unattended.
• If you received mail, emails or phone calls requesting money, even if it’s for charity, verify where the request has come from before donating. If unsure, contact your local police station.
• If you have a phone book listing, only list your initials and surname to limit the amount of information available.
• In your phone, program in the contact numbers of a relative, neighbour or friend you can contact if you need assistance. Also, program in the emergency number, Triple Zero (000)
  

Research shows that people who appear confident and take personal safety precautions are less likely to become victims of crime.

Awards