22 August 2018

Newsletter Articles

From the Principal

This week we welcomed back Mrs Kerry White from her long service leave. Miss Kaia Clarke backfilled Mrs White while she was enjoying her well-deserved break. Working alongside Ms Kaia over the past five weeks has been an absolute pleasure. Ms Kaia’s compassion and commitment to our students is reflected in everything she does for the students in our school. I sincerely thank Ms Kaia for her leadership over the past five weeks and I look forward to working closely with her to continue to improve our school for all.

While Ms Kaia was acting in this role, Mrs Kerrianne Sullivan kindly agreed to fill the school’s Behaviour Teacher’s role. This is an extremely rewarding position as it not only forms the backbone of our school’s highly successful Positive Behaviour for Learning initiative, it provides support for some of our most vulnerable students. Mrs Sullivan’s knowledge of the school, our students and our processes really helped to reinforce our key messages. Mrs Susan Bernhard replaced Mrs Sullivan as the Year 1 and 2 Differentiation Mentor. I extend a sincere thank you to both Kerrianne and Susan for all they have done in their respective roles. These two teachers went above and beyond to ensure we were maintaining a high degree of consistency. On behalf of our school community we thank them for their dedication and commitment to our students and their learning.

Priority School Review

Following last year’s Full School Review, we have been working extremely hard to implement initiatives to promote positive learning outcomes for all students. Under the guidance and support of the School Improvement Unit, our school has implemented initiatives to:

• Collaboratively develop and clearly communicate an EIA with a sharp, narrow and deep focus on improvements in reading.
• Collaboratively build a strong collegial culture of mutual trust and support amongst all staff members and implement a range of strategies to ensure high levels of staff morale are achieved.

On Tuesday 28 August, our school will be hosting our 12 month Priority School Review check in meeting. Mr Alan Whitfield and another Senior Reviewer will be spending the day in our school speaking to our leaders, teachers and students about the significant improvements we have achieved over the past 12 months. At the conclusion of their visit Mr Whitfield will address the school staff, highlight our achievements, and provide his thoughts on where we should head next in our improvement journey. I look forward to sharing our progress in future editions of the Pipeline.

MLTAQ Japanese Speaking Competition

On Sunday August 19, Vincent M, Cooper A, Adam W, Isaac O, Tamika H, Alexandra R, Charlise K and Emi W represented Worongary State School at the MLTAQ Japanese Speaking Competition held at Griffith University. These students were required to deliver a speech in Japanese and present this to two judges on the day. They have given up countless lunch times over the last couple of months to practice and hone their skills. They represented our school with such enthusiasm. Mrs Fullerton and I are very proud of these students and grateful to their parents and caregivers for supporting their development in a great skill.

Science Technology Engineering Mathematics

Since the beginning of the term, our Year 6 students have been learning all about coding. Merrimac State High School is collaborating with us to implement this new and exciting initiative. Merrimac High has supported this initiative by kindly donating a robotics table and supporting our school staff to develop their expertise. This initiative is being led by Mr Dan Ricardo (STEAM Academy Teacher – Merrimac SHS) and Mr Tim Mullaly. On Friday I had the pleasure of seeing our Year 6B class trial their Lego Robotic Mexican Wave.

Many of our Year 5 students are also actively getting involved in programming and coding these robots. In fact one group of Year 5 students have programmed their robots to keep the crowd entertained during this week’s book week activities. I hope you will have the opportunity to witness their amazing efforts.

For more information about what is possible in this area (particularly for girls) please click this link:

School Opinion Survey

Time is quickly running out to have your say about our school. The suite of School Opinion Surveys are undertaken each year by the Department of Education and Training to obtain information from parents/caregivers, students and school staff to identify what we are doing well and how we can continue to improve.

Students in Year 5 and 6 were provided the opportunity to provide their opinions on the school, their learning and their well-being through the online survey last Friday. All parents should have received a letter with the instructions on how to access your individual online survey. The letter provided a log in and password which can only be used once. Please follow the instructions and contact the school if you experience any difficulties.

The information we receive from these survey will help us to plan for the future and will allow us to know what we are doing well and in what areas we need to improve.

I thank all of the parents who have provided feedback on our school’s performance through the 2018 School Opinion Survey. At this stage, only 17 parents have logged on and provided us your thoughts. This year, our school has used information obtained from the 2017 survey to implement several initiatives aimed to meet the needs of your child and your family. I strongly encourage all parents to have your say and help us make our school an amazing place of learning for all.

P&C Association Cadbury Fundraiser

Earlier in the month, the P&C Association forwarded a box of Cadbury chocolates to your family to sell as a fundraising event. All profits from this fundraiser are going towards the school’s air conditioning initiative. On behalf of the P&C Association I thank you for supporting this initiative and remind you that it is now time to return all money and unsold chocolates back to the tuckshop. If you require any additional information regarding this initiative, please feel free to email a member of the P&C Association executive - pandc@worongaryss.eq.edu.au

Supporting Farmers

Over the past week a number of school community members have asked about the possibility of co-ordinating a fundraising event in support of the much publicised drought crisis our farmers are facing. Having spent the majority of my principalship in rural towns I have a true appreciation of the difficulties our farmers face on a daily basis. Over the next few weeks, our school will be moving towards locking in a date in term 4 for an event. Watch this space for more information.

Save the Date

Learning Vine Awards

Behaviour

A Safe, Caring School and Classroom Environment

A safe and caring school and classroom environment is one in which students feel positively connected to others, respected, that their work is meaningful and that they are good at what they do.

Creating a classroom that is organised and that is characterised by mutual respect makes it a lot easier to teach effectively. One of the most important things teachers can do to promote learning, is to create classroom environments where students feel safe and have pride.

An ideal school environment embraces the idea that ALL students can learn and builds a safe learning space for all.

How can we teach and encourage our students to take care of their learning environment?

1. Put rubbish in bins.
2. Show pride in the school – look after theirs, others and school property.
3. Respect the flora and fauna.
4. Save water and turn off the taps.
5. Reduce waste and recycle.
6. Clean up after themselves and maintain a tidy workspace.
7. Respect school equipment; return it to where they found it and to use the equipment for its intended purpose.

By following these simple steps we can ALL show pride in Worongary State School and encourage a safe, caring and respectful learning environment.

Setting the Stage for Successful Assemblies

School assemblies, including those involving families, are an important part of building a strong school community, whether it is a NAIDOC ceremony, an instrumental performance or a regular assembly to celebrate our last fortnight.

However, assemblies can also be challenging. It is not easy, after all, to manage hundreds of audience members with diverse needs, as well as the needs of the performers.

Engaged and respectful audiences are a key and often overlooked contribution to successful school assemblies. When planning these events, we often think about supporting performers but forget to do the same for audiences. Taking the time to prepare everyone involved increases the likelihood that each assembly will serve the purpose of uniting the school community through a positive shared experience.

Our school focus behaviours teach the behaviours and expectations required for our students to be successful participants at our assemblies and in turn, share the positive experiences that the school has to offer.

By encouraging our students to learn and follow all of Worongary State School focus behaviours, we are constantly developing and strengthening our school rules:

I am Safe, I am Respectful, I am a Learner!

Regard Kaia Clark Behaviour

From the Music Room

Thank you to all the students from Junior and Senior Choirs, Senior Strings and Drumline who performed for Book Week Celebrations. A very big thank you to the grandparents and families that attended the performances. Your continued support is truly appreciated!

Instrumental Music 2019

Expressions of Interest are now due. Please return these forms to the Music Room or the School Office.

Enrolment contracts for continuing students are also now available and can be returned to the Music Room.

Rehearsal Times for Term 3 and 4

JUNIOR CHORAL ENSEMBLE (Years 1 – 3): Tuesday Mornings 8:10am – 8:50am.
SENIOR CHORAL ENSEMBLE (Years 4 -6): Wednesday Mornings 8:10- 8:50am.
INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC (BAND): Monday 7:45am – 8:50am
INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC (STRINGS): Tuesday 8:00am – 8:50am
DRUMLINE: Monday First Break 11:00am – 11:40am

All rehearsals are in the Music Block unless advised otherwise. Please be punctual and have all necessary equipment.

If there are any students interested in joining the ensembles or interested in learning a musical instrument in 2019, please do not hesitate to contact me kjone416@eq.edu.au

Yours in Music, Ms Katheryn Jones

Read and Grow Update

Read and Grow is a fun interactive story sharing program for parents and children 3-5 year old children who are not yet attending school.

Throughout the program we will learn to listen, sing songs, share books and play together. This is a great way to develop your child’s oral language skills and help prepare them for school.

You’re invited to attend our FREE Read and Grow Program with your 3-5 year old children
(It is not compulsory to attend all sessions)

Regards Katie Huggard, PrepTeacher

Excursions

P&C News

P&C September 2018 Meeting

The next monthly meeting will be held in the Staff room on Wednesday 19 September 2018 at 4.30pm. Everyone is welcome to attend.

P&C Father’s Day Stall

The P&C Father’s Day Stall this year will be held on:

Wednesday 29 August 2018
Thursday 30 August 2018

Only 2 days to decide what to spoil dad with this year. We have lots of little surprises to purchases …….from $1, $3, $5, $8 and $10.

Volunteers

We desperately need a strong team of volunteers we can rely on to ensure our fundraising events run successfully, if you can assist in any way please send your details to pandc@worongaryss.eq.edu.au so we can add you to our volunteer register. As we need help throughout the year we will contact you.

Grandparents Day

For Grandparents Day the P&C will have tea, coffee and cake available. There will also be some fundraising chocolates available at $1.00 per bar.

Chocolate Drive

Last day to return monies and any chocolates you have been unable to sell to the Tuckshop today Wednesday 22 August 2018. Any chocolates not handed in today you will be required to pay for.

Facebook Page

Remember to join our Facebook page “Worongary State School P and C Association” so you can keep updated with our upcoming events.

Regards P&C

Tuckshop & Uniform

Opening Hours

Monday-Friday: 8:30am-2:00pm
Closed: Entire last day of each Term

Window Out of Order

I am pleased to advise that the faulty roller door has been fixed and is back in action. Thank you to Rachel Zorbas, WSS Business Manager for arranging the repairs to be completed quickly and to Mr T for assistance in the execution.

Volunteers Needed

Mornings have been super busy lately – I would very much appreciate having an extra set of hands to make hot chocolates at breakfast time, especially on a Thursday morning. If you would like to help out and can spare half an hour between 8:30am and 9:00am please stop by or give us a call to find out more.

Product of the Month

Well done to the children who have dared to be different and have tried the Pork Sliders for the first time this month. We hoped you enjoyed these tasty treats.

Product of the Month is available via manual and online ordering and is available for both first and second break. Please see below for more information, including the accompanying offer. There is still just over one week left to give this one a go.

Product of the Month – September

The September Product of the Month will be the glorious Cheeseburger. Watch this space in the next Pipeline for details (due to hit your inbox Wednesday 5 September). However, if you are keen to know about the product before the month begins, keep an eye on the P&C Facebook page for a timely post.

UNIFORM SHOP

Opening Hours

Monday: 8:00am-9:00am
Wednesday: 2:15pm-3:15pm
Friday: 8:00am-9:00am
Direct Dial number: 5502 4409

Plastic Bags

Now that single use plastic bags are no longer available in Queensland, we ask that you please bring your own bag along to the Uniform Shop to carry your purchases home in. Thank you.

Regards, Michelle Lee Tuckshop/Uniform Convenor

Dental Van

The Dental Van will arrive at Worongary State School on Thursday 30 August 2018. If you want to attend the Dental Van you will need to ring the Oral Health number on 1300 300 850 to book your child’s free dental check. School holiday appointments are available.

Community Notices

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