December 2023 Newsletter

Principal's Report

Awards Ceremony

On Wednesday, we held our Awards Ceremony and School Leaders Induction Ceremony.  I would like to thank our outgoing School Captains and School Leaders (Madison, Leila, Ruby, Margaret, Claire, Lachlan, Isaac G, Aaron, Payten, Matilda) for the exceptional job they have done this year with helping students and staff.

Award Recipients

2024 School Leaders

Swimming Carnival

Recently we held our annual Swimming Carnival.  It was such a fabulous day.  I am not sure who had more fun, the students or staff.  It was so great to see so many of our students participate in the fun events, the day was all about just having a go.  All our students were so supportive and encouraging to each other, it made this one of the best school events we have had this year.

"Meet the Teacher"

We will be holding a “Meet the Teacher” session on the Wednesday 6 December at 2.00pm to 3.00pm, where our students will be spending some time with their new classroom teacher for 2024.  The booklists will also be sent home on that day.

2024

We are close to finalising our staff and classes for 2024.  If you are not planning on returning in 2024 or will be returning after 22 January 2024 can you please call the office. 

To make the first school day of 2024 easier for parents and students, we will be opening classrooms on Tuesday 16 January from 2.00pm to 3.00pm for any parents that would like to drop off their children’s booklist items.  The P & C will also be opening the Uniform Shop on that day.

School starts on Monday 22 January 2024.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your ongoing support this year and wish you and your family a happy and safe holiday break.

Staff Farewell 

It is with mixed emotions that we will say goodbye to Mr Larsen, Mr Johnston, Mrs Bartlam, Mr Salmon, and Ms Davies at the end of this year.  We are sad to see them leave as we know the difference they have made to our entire school community, however we are also excited that they will be able to take the next steps on their professional journey in 2024.  Joining us at Ipswich West State School, will be Mrs Markert, Mrs Edwards and Ms Banjer.  These teachers will be here for our Meet the Teacher afternoon.

- Sharyn Brown

Awards Ceremony

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Head of Department (Curriculum)

Assessment Time

As we approach assessment time, it's essential for our young learners to be        well-prepared in both mind and body.  Encouraging a good night's sleep, a nutritious breakfast and regular attendance at school are key factors in their success.  We want to ensure that our students not only excel academically but also maintain their overall wellbeing.  Let's work together to support them to preserver on this exciting journey of learning and growth!

Report Cards will be emailed home on Thursday 7 December 2023.

Art Gallery

The student Art Gallery dazzled parents and visitors with a showcase of the incredible visual art works that our talented students have diligently crafted throughout the term.  This event captivated parents/guardians as they  wandered through classrooms, each transformed into a unique art space.  It was a wonderful opportunity for our students to proudly exhibit their creative talents, sharing their unique perspectives and skills with the world.  As the term comes to a close, this art exhibition is not just a display of artistic growth, but also a heartwarming end-of-year celebration, uniting our school community in appreciation of the artistic journey our students have embarked upon.

- Kaylee Sullivan

Student Engagement Teacher

Behaviour Focus

In class the teachers will be unpacking what this ‘looks like, sounds like and feels like’ in the playground and in the classroom. When we respond politely, it shows that we respect other people. Just like we want others to be kind and respectful to us, we should do the same for them. Being polite helps us make friends. When we use nice words and good manners, it makes people feel happy and want to be our friends. Polite words and manners make people feel good inside. It's like giving them a little present of kindness with our words.

Ways you can help at home:

Teaching a child to speak and respond politely is an essential aspect of their social and emotional development. Below are a couple of ideas you can use at home.

• Model polite behaviour – Children learn by observing, so parents should model polite behaviour e.g., Use “please” and “thank- you” regularly, and demonstrate good manners in various social situations.
• Consistent Reinforcement- Consistency is key when teaching manners. Reinforce polite language and actions consistently, whether at home, with family, or in public settings.
• Positive Reinforcement: Praise and reward polite behaviour. Positive reinforcement, such as verbal praise or a small reward, can motivate children to continue using polite behaviour.
• Teach Empathy – Help your child understand how their words and actions can affect others. Encourage them to consider other people’s feelings and perspectives.

Remember that teaching polite behaviour is an ongoing process, and patience is crucial. Celebrate small victories, and be a supportive guide as your child develops their communication skills.

End of Year Disco

Let’s get your dancing shoes ready to celebrate the end of year on Friday 1 December 2023.

During school time, classes will come to the library during their timetabled slot. Students will get to dance and there will be a few games to play as well

Dress:  This day will be a free dress day!  Please make sure your outfit is sun safe and comfortable to wear dancing.  Also make sure you are wearing comfortable and safe suitable shoes to wear at school.  

NO GOLD COIN REQUIRED!

More exciting news!!!

The P & C will be providing a free meal, ice block and popcorn for those children that returned these form by 29 November 2023.

Administration

Library Books

All Library Books should have been returned last week.  Please check your child's bag and bedroom etc for any outstanding Library books.

Lost and Found

There are lots of items that have been placed in lost property. Please ask your student to check the lost and found if they have misplaced their belongings.

2024 Medication

Just a friendly reminder that all medication must be collected from the office, by a Parent/Carer on or before the last day of the school year.

2024 Medication Forms will be sent home in the last week of school to those students currently requiring medication.  Please complete & return on the first day of school (22/1/2024) with your child’s medication. A separate form is required for each different medication.

All medication we receive must:

• Be delivered to the school by a parent or carer (must be over 18)
• Be supplied in the original pharmacy container with a valid clear pharmacy label
• State your child’s full name
• State the doctor’s name
• State the exact dosage to be administered (eg 1 x 10mg tablet every 4 hours) as per medical practitioner’s instructions.  (See above) 
• Be supplied in original form - ½ tablets preferred in a Webster/Blister pack. If this is not possible, please provide a pill cutter.   Please do not provide cut medication
• Be in date - please remember to check expiry dates
• The above requirements are also applicable to any changes in medication, top up of supply etc.

All ‘As Required’ medications (eg Asthma, Allergies, Panadol etc) will require further information from your Doctor.  Asthma & Anaphylaxis must also provide an Action Plan.

The Department of Education’s Medication Policy states we are unable to administer medication, if the above requirements have not been met.

If your child’s medication/medical condition is no longer applicable, please advise us as soon as possible.

Thank you for assisting us in supporting your child’s health needs.

Japanese

As part of the Japanese lessons, I have had contact from a school in Tokyo that would like to connect with our school.  Therefore, I am organising a Christmas card/ New Year card exchange between the Prep and Year 5 students with students of a similar age in Tokyo.

Cards will include students’ first names, ages, year levels and their favourite things about Christmas.  I understand that some families do not celebrate Christmas therefore an alternative activity of making a card or writing a letter around their favourite school activities will be provided.

If you do not want your child to participate in the Christmas activity and prefer that they complete an alternative activity, can you please email me at: tcoll78@eq.edu.au

Did you know that there are quite a few differences between Australian and Japanese schools and how they celebrate Christmas and New Year?

Japanese schools are separated into three levels not two: six years in Elementary School, three years in Junior High School and two or three years in High School.  Compulsory education lasts for nine years through Elementary and Junior High School.

The Japanese school year also runs at different times because of the opposite seasons and different culture of Japan.  Second term in Japan starts in early September and runs until arroximatley December 25.  The final term begins in early January and continues to late March.

Christmas is not really celebrated in the same way in Japan as in Australia because they are generally not a Christian country, so Christmas is only about marketing and a date night for couples.  In fact, most shops will be open as normal on Christmas Day in Japan.  KFC is the most popular Christmas dish and orders have probably already been made for Christmas pickup.  The big holiday time is New Year because Japan is generally a Buddhist country and this is a time for families to visit as many temples as possible and spend time at home during the cold winter holidays.

Physical Education

Swimming Carnival

Our Year 3-6 Swimming Carnival was a great success.  I would like to congratulate the students who came and participated, on their efforts and behaviour.  It was a wonderful event and all students should be proud of their efforts.

Our overall scores for the Swimming Carnival were Sturt House on 430 points and Mitchell house on 454 points.  Congratulations to Mitchell!

Congratulations to our Age Champions:

NRL Gala Day

Our Prep to Year 2 students had a NRL Gala Day with coaches from the NRL.  Each group had an hour session with coaches and played NRL Tag.  The students were able to apply their skills they had learnt over the past 2 weeks and use them to play rotational Tag games against other classes and classmates. The students were praised for their efforts and behaviour during each session.

NRL Gala Day

P & C

Raffles

We would like to thank all the families that supported our raffle this year.  Below is the list of donations with the lucky winners.

1. SeaWorld (dnated by Switch Realty) - Ebony 
2. Barbecue (donated by West Ipswich Bunnings) - Roz Burns
3. Bench seat (donated by West Ipswich Bunnings) - Ebony 
4. Limestone 4 movie tickets (donated by ICYS) - Mack
5. Meat tray (Prescott Meat at Yamanto) - Jenny Vickery
6. Dustbuster vacuum cleaner (donated Big W) - Vincent Family
7. Camp chair (donated Anaconda West Ipswich) - Kate Primmer
8. Camp chair (donated by Anaconda West Ipswich) - Vincent Family
9. Supercheap car wash package (donated by Supercheap at Riverlink) - Brooke McCall 
10. Hamper (dontated by Michelle Toombs) - Zoe 
11. Bee hamper (donated by Backyeard Bee Keeper) - Robert Johnstone
12. Christmas hamper (donated by Shayne Neumann) - Jenny Vickery
13. $50 Woolworths gift card (donated by Wollworths at Riverlink) - Claudia
14. $25 Coles gift card (donated by Coles at Riverlink) - Mishka
    
15. $50 Kmart gift card (donated by Coles at Riverlink) - Claudia
16. $25 Coles gift card (donated by Coles at Riverlink) - Thea-Rose
    
17. Yeti water bottle and beanie (donated by  ????)- Ms Hayden
18. Mum pack (donated by P&C)- Ms Hayden 
19. Dad pack (donated by P&C) - Claudia
20. Doughnut King vouchers (donated by Angela Dodd) - Ebony
21. Iplay voucher (donated by Iplay at Riverlink) - Ebony
22. Zarraffas gift card (donated by Zarraffas at West Ipswich)- Ms Hayden 
23. $40 Woolworths gift card (donated by Woolworth at Riverlink) - Shimmer Woolnough 
24. Robot toy (donated P&C)- Ellie Mc
25. Glass set (donated by Primmer family)- Ebony 

Disco Meal Deal

Students that returned forms to the office, will receive their Free Meal Deal on Friday 1 December 2023.   

Uniform Shop

The Uniform Shop will be opened on the Tuesday 16 January 2024 from 9.00am to 3.00pm.  

Student Wellbeing Worker

STAR Community Services Charity Collection

We are still in need of gifts and non-perishable food items for our 2023 community charity.  Donations are 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 in each classroom.  Gifts suited for over 65's and non-perishable food (in date please).

*Last day to accept donations is Wednesday 6 December 2023.  

We thank you in advance for your kind generosity and support.

Christmas in Ipswich – Program and Calendar

Christmas in Ipswich brings good tidings and cheer.  Follow the link for all the program details.

The Christmas in Ipswich program will finish with family-friendly New Year’s Eve celebrations at Tivoli Drive-In and fireworks at Springfield Central, South Ripley, Ipswich Central and Chuwar.

For the full program, visit www.Christmasinipswich.com.au

https://ipswich.cld.bz/Christmas-in-Ipswich-Program-2023

Silly Sock Day

It was wonderful to see so many of our students and staff wearing a pair of silly socks on ‘Silly Sock Day’.  The students were full of happiness and smiles, showing off their socks. Stay tuned for more themed days in 2024.

Royal Life Saving Adult Learn to Swim Program – FREE

Ipswich City Council, in conjunction with Royal Life Saving Queensland, are happy to offer adults aged 18+ years free water safety and swimming lessons in a five day program.
Monday 4 – Friday 8 December 2023 - 3.00pm, 4.00pm, 5.30pm and 6.30pm
Where: Orion Lagoon - 155 Southern Cross Circuit, Springfield Central
https://www.cognitoforms.com/IpswichCityCouncil2/RoyalLifeSavingAdultLearnToSwimLessonsDec23

Community