1

ECDP 38935158 Dental Service (off site) 1300300850 Uniform shop 38935118 Cafeteria 38935128 BASE committee 33965368 Wynnum Wahoos Swim Club 33965368 Wynnum PCYC School age care absentee line text 0429879913 with your child’s name, session and date of absence.

In this newsletter

12 February 2020

Website address: https://wynnumss.eq.edu.au

Principal: Glenyce Hadfield Deputy Principal: Megan Connell Deputy Principal: Sonya Wilson Deputy Principal: Ron van den Brande Deputy Principal/ Inclusion: Lara Collingwood

Principal’s Message Habit of Mind Loving Literature Library Buzz Year 1 Project Teaching Support Wynnum SS Cleaning Staff Welcome Ezra Mabo Chappy Adam ECDP Instrumental music Health and Fitness Science News Religious Instruction Camps School Photos P&C News Calendar Community News

principal@wynnumss.eq.edu.au

REMINDER - No student

should be in the grounds

before 8:30am. First ‘chime

time’ is sounded at 8:42am.

School staff members are not

on playground duty before

school. Students are to wait

quietly and patiently in the

Meet and Greet Area, MEGA

Central (D Block) from their

arrival time until released at

8:42am

Whole School Assembly every Monday 2:00pm in

MEGA Central

P - 1 Precinct Assembly commencing Week 4, every

even week on a Tuesday at 2:15pm

Years 2 - 3 Precinct Assembly commencing Week 3,

every odd week on a Tuesday at 2:15pm

Years 4 - 6 Precinct Assembly commencing Week 3,

every odd week on a Friday at 11:30am.

2020 Wynnum State School Leaders after ‘Welcome to Office’ Morning Tea

2

Back to Menu

PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE Welcome to week 3! And, what delight and relief it is to have the rain with us, and hoping that all places that need it are experiencing it, in the manner that they need.

For 2020, Day 8 is now Day 13 and that is tomorrow, falling on Thursday 13 February. Our current enrolment numbers are sitting at 775 students from Prep to Year 6. As the newsletter goes to press, it is with gratitude, I thank all the Year 2

and 3 students for bringing their parents to last night’s Year Level Gatherings/Curriculum Sessions. Their rendition of Tomorrow Starts Today was heart felt and provides everyone with a fresh, and exciting start to the 2020 school year. Thanks also goes to all the parents for their attendance, interactions and valuing this process. It is with anticipation that we have a full house for this afternoon’s and evening events. It is through a positive team approach, working partnership, thinking interdependently where all parties understand, appreciate and contribute to the learning process, (a life long process) where things truly happen for students. Their brains are activated. They are open to knowing learning is ‘hard’ and can ‘hurt’, and will turn into fun, jubilation and achievements. They are resilient, can cope with change, can handle specific feedback and feedforward, learn from mistakes and willing to have a go knowing that they will need to step out of their comfort zone. It is certainly true the saying, from little things big things grow. Every step in building knowledge, skills and behaviours (both social and learning) is worthy of acknowledgement, and this job is for all of us. Success breeds success.

This team approach requires all parties - student, his or her family and school personnel (teachers, leaders, support staff) - being on the same page for the betterment of the child. The school, through a consultative process has a deliberate and determined aspiration, that of growing the intelligences of every child to become, creative, democratic, healthy, informed and eco citizens. We have a strong value system based on the Habits of Mind and many processes and procedures to help students (and all

members of the school village) to be safe, responsible, and respectful.

At this time of the year, it is timely to reconnect to the aspirations, value system and some of the processes and procedures.

To define this educational partnership, consider the following article from Dr Judith Locke –

‘When I taught high school in the early 2000s communication between teachers and parents was often limited to the parent teacher night and occasional school events. Things have changed since then, and now, many parents and teachers work as a team to ensure most out of their schooling. But occasionally parent interactions with teachers aren’t so helpful. Because of this, let’s explore things to bring to the school’s attention and things that you can leave alone. Let us start with things that don’t need to be brought to the teachers attentions -

your child not getting enough ‘good work’ stickers: While praise can be a little encouraging, a child should not be purely motivated by acclaim, particularly as they become older. If your child wants more praise from their teacher, it usually means that they are a little dependent on reassurance. Therefore, it is good for them to get a little less of it, so they start to focus on mastering skills rather than seeking regular admiration. The school’s focus is on positive reinforcement based the specificities of the curriculum, skills, effort, and the social and learning behaviours that are being taught and practised.

3

Back to Menu

telling a teacher exactly how to teach your child: Teachers are there primarily to teach the curriculum and choose teaching approaches which best suit the needs of the whole class, while also taking care of students with particular needs. They can’t cater to every single child’s preferences. More importantly, ideas of teaching according to ‘learning styles’ have been pretty much debunked by research. The school’s focus is on key, high yield pedagogical practices and differentiation.

telling a school which teacher best ‘suits’ your child: the idea that certain types of teachers suit particular students has also been discredited. Research has shown that there is no single characteristic of effective teachers and concludes that a range of teacher behaviours, skills and knowledge is beneficial to students. The school’s focus is on next step learning for every child and we learn through and from interactions with a variety of learned people.

asking a teacher to increase your child’s mark: teachers are usually accurate in their assessment of children and more objective because they have years of experience determining good and not so good work for your child’s age. If you want to improve your child’s result, encourage them to speak to the teacher and find out what they could do better next time. The school is on about empowering the students to listen with understanding and empathy, and that constructive, specific feedback and feedforward is a natural and essential part of learning.

trying to prevent your child receiving a consequence, such as detention: typically, consequences are the result of a student’s behaviour declining a little. They’re given to pull them into line a little more, so their learning isn’t impacted. Children are often very good at manipulating the facts to claim innocence to their parents, but don’t let their creativity stop the teacher’s attempt to improve their behaviour. The school’s focus is on everyone owning their behaviour, making good choices for the betterment of all. The reflection sheet is NOT a detention or consequence. It is a mode of communication where a student is responsible and accountable to share an incident that she/he was involved in at school with his/her parents. It is a reflective process to assist the student to consider a better course of action, next time, if involved in a similar incident.

What should you bring to the schools or teachers attention?

a change of circumstances or a tricky event: Let the school know what is going on in your child’s life which may be impacting their mood or their learning, such as their parents separating or a child or family member’s illness.

a change in child’s mood: speak to them if your child is behaving differently, including being more reluctant to come to school, withdrawing from things they used to find enjoyable, or being more difficult to manage at home.

friendship difficulties: talk to school about your child experiencing differences with peers or having trouble making friends.

your child having difficulty understanding the work: let school know if your child seems to be struggling with studies, to gain their insights into what they have noticed in the classroom and playground. Also give them any reports prepared by professionals.

If you have any responses to this article or feedback and feedforward to our year level Gatherings/Curriculum Sessions, please do not hesitate to make contact with any of our Executive Leaders.

Tomorrow starts Today!

Glenyce Hadfield Principal It takes a village to raise a child

TAKE AWAY FOR PARENTS Tips to work together with your children’s teachers:

Make an appointment so they are able to have an informed conversation with you.

This may take a few days to get a time that works for both of you.

You might want to let them know brief details of what you want to discuss so they are prepared for the meeting with the relevant information.

Go into it with the attitude that you will work together and not blame anyone.

Stay calm in the meeting to ensure it is productive. Take notes if you can, so you can refer back to them.

Dr Judith Locke is a

Brisbane-based clinical

psychologist who presents

parenting workshops

across Australia. Her book,

The Bonsai Child, provides

strategies for modern

parents.

4

Back to Menu

HABIT OF MIND This fortnight’s Habit of Mind is Managing Impulsivity. This is about taking your time, to think before acting; remaining calm, thoughtful and deliberative. The habit of Managing Impulsivity is one the habits that is part of the student self assessment checklist and assists the year level teams to teach, monitor and assess the social and learning behaviours for all students specific for Prep to Year 6. The specific skills being taught are -

I listen to instructions before I begin

I monitor my behaviour by thinking before I act

I consider consequences and alternatives

I use feedback to adjust my behaviour

I remain in control and calm when dealing with problems

I can understand and handle my emotions

I care for others, their work and their belongings

I speak to other students respectfully when they do things that annoy me

I form a vision of product, plan of action or a goal while monitoring progress

This then becomes the criteria for self reflection, student and teacher observation and consultation.

LOVING LITERATURE This fortnight's Habit of Mind of Managing Impulsivity is of great interest not only to all of us here at Wynnum State School but also to educational researchers. This is because of the relationship that has been identified between students being able to manage impulsivity and their success in emotional and academic areas of school life. This week's online book It's Hard to Be Five! by Jamie Lee Curtis brings this Habit to life through the eyes of a five year old. Students of all ages will enjoy the child's perspective of the exciting successes that result from mastering this important Habit. Sharing this text together naturally leads to discussing what kinds of things Managing Impulsivity helps with in all our lives. Enjoy!

LIBRARY BUZZ …to our Iona Reading Buddies, who visited two of our Year 2 classes on Tuesday afternoon. There was such excitement and anticipation from the students of Mrs Woods and Mrs Anderson’s classes. In fact, Mrs Anderson shared that her students managed to get dressed after swimming in record

time, to get to the library for their Buddy read. There are many benefits from these fun and positive experiences with our Year 11 Ionians. Our students have regular opportunities to hear stories read-aloud, which promotes text engagement and increased attention span. Modelled reading by an adult also helps tune students into reading with fluency, phrasing and expression. Most importantly, the conversations with an older student about topics that interest and involve them, helps extend their vocabulary, oral language abilities and overall depth of understanding. We value our connection of working with the Iona school community.

Our library continues to take shape with enhanced learning spaces. Please visit us to view our reading castle and the growing number of book characters appearing on and around the castle. Take a seat in the big green reading chair with your child before school and enjoy some special reading time together.

5

Back to Menu

I conclude with some snap shots of students engaged in a myriad of learning experiences throughout the day in our beautiful library. Mrs Sutton

YEAR 1 PROJECT 1HH presenting on Whole School Assembly about Recycle, Reuse and Reducing waste. Our Eco Citizens have set us a challenge to recycle. We can do it!

TEACHING SUPPORT - Who are we? We absolutely love Maths! We can be seen out and about in Homerooms supporting students and staff. We love to see students using materials to make sense of mathematics. We advocate that maths learning is knowing, doing and applying. We know that Maths is a vital, lifelong skill, it's everywhere! We want students to love Maths too! MATHS RULES!

Thank you for keeping our Learning Spaces clean and tidy – ready for learners

Helen Lentakis and Cheryl van Fleet

Introducing Wynnum State School cleaning staff

Karen Riley, Nicole Heron, Kathy Frisch, Tanya Lang Small, Toni O’Connor, Sam Tonges, Maria Lopez

6

Back to Menu

Yura. My name is Ezra Mabo. I am a proud Meriam man (Murray

Island) with close connections to my grandmother’s country, Palm

Island. I was born on Thursday Island and raised in Townsville. My

grandparents are the late Eddie Mabo and Dr. Bonita Mabo. My

background is in Youth Detention and Child Protection and have been

in this industry for over 10 years. My passion is in lifting the health

and educational outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander

children, youth and families. I am very grateful for the opportunity to

be working alongside children, families and staff at Wynnum State

School. Please don’t hesitate to come and say hello if you see me

around. Again, thank you all for the opportunity and look forward to

the journey ahead. Yuiway.

CHAPPY ADAM I work here at Wynnum State School on a Thursday and Friday. My role is to provide social, emotional and spiritual support. I assist teachers and students in the classroom, under the teacher’s supervision I support classroom activities such as handwriting, maths activities, reading and comprehension and keeping students on task. I support students who are considered at risk of disengaging in either class, small groups or individual support. I facilitate experiences of inclusivity for students at lunch times such as chess clubs or interacting with students in the playground or oval. Chappies are a safe person for young people to connect with at schools and provide a listening ear, caring presence and a message of hope. Working with other members of the school’s support team, I care for students across a broad range of personal, family, friendship and school issues.

The partnership between the school and the Chaplaincy Service is supported by local Churches, businesses and community organisations. These positive relationships help young people to face difficult issues and provide hope, connection, meaning and purpose. The Wynnum SS Chaplaincy Service is available to everyone in the school community regardless of his/her religious beliefs. If you would like more information about the Wynnum State School Chaplaincy service or any information about any upcoming holiday camps please contact me via email at adamw1@chappy.org.au

EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM (ECDP) A Regional service for children 0-5 with disability.

What is an ECDP? An ECDP is a program the Queensland Government’s Department of Education has provided for more than 40 years to support children with disability from birth to five years. ECDP’s aim to support children’s early learning and help develop valuable skills children need to be successful learners now and as they transition to school. There are 102 ECDP’s based at state schools. One of these is housed at Wynnum State School. Is my child eligible to attend an ECDP? Your child may be eligible to attend ECDP if they have a significant disability (diagnosed or suspected) in one of the following six categories; autism spectrum disorder, hearing impairment, intellectual disability, physical impairment, speech language impairment or vision impairment. How do I register my child at an ECDP? You need to have evidence of the diagnosis or suspected impairment for your child to attend ECDP. Your child’s paediatrician or allied health professional could provide this. Contact the ECDP on 3893 5158 if you have any questions regarding evidence required to support your child’s ECDP registration process. Mrs Lara Collingwood, Acting Deputy Principal.

Wynnum Warrior Welcome to Ezra

7

Back to Menu

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC We are pleased to announce that Mr John Cosic and Mrs Vivienne Thomas will be our Instrumental Music teachers again in 2020. This year will see the Instrumental Music Program grow to 90 students with 32 new students joining the ‘Beginners’ Band. Offers have gone home last week and acceptances are due back Wednesday 12 February. Instrumental music lessons will be held each Thursday commencing 13 February with lesson timetables available this week. Senior Band rehearsal will be Thursday afternoon 2:45-3:45pm. Junior Band rehearsals will be Thursday morning before school and will commence in Term 2. Please ensure that all forms are ret urned to Executive Services and fees are paid by the due date.

HEALTH AND FITNESS Last week students from Years 4-6 completed the Beep Test during PE. The 20m shuttle run tests the participant’s ability to maintain a certain pace while increasing the pace at every level attained. It’s a great way to check a person’s fitness is developing and maintaining. Well done to everyone for participating. SUPER SCIENCE SPOT Did you know that this week we were so lucky to experience two natural phenomenon? Firstly, with the recent heavy rain, we were all concerned the earthworms were drowning when we saw so many of them across the concrete paths at school. However, we found out it was actually their chance to migrate to new gardens and that earthworms cannot drown! They can actually survive for more than a week submerged and need water to live and breathe under the ground! They even use it as a chance to find a new mating friend! Secondly, we were all so amazed by the 30cm long ‘Titan’ stick insect that visited the Science Lab for the day on Monday! Discussion and observation occurred while watching this fantastic insect that lives in the trees near the Science Lab. Look out for the Stick Insect and Earthworm display outside the Science Lab Room! Send me any Science questions your child has for further investigation! Mrs Sue Crowe (Science)

RELIGIOUS INSTRUCTION Queensland state schools embrace a multitude of cultural, religious and non-religious beliefs and encourage students to grow and develop as a whole person, in particular, in beliefs, values and attitudes. Under the Education (General Provisions) Act 2006, schools are required to provide regular Religious Instruction if approached by a faith group and students of that faith attend the school. Participation in religious instruction is not compulsory. Any student (except Prep students) may participate in religious instruction if a parent has given consent and indicated a religion on the Application for Student Enrolment From or in other written advice to the Principal.

At Wynnum State School students’ affiliated with Christian based religions are currently offered instruction. Our Religious Instructors are Mrs Donna Bayliss, Mrs Jemima Lee and Mrs Melanie Schrodter, a long standing and valued staff member coordinates this instruction. Each lesson includes singing and bible based learning using the revised Connect curriculum. Mrs Schrodter is happy to address any questions regarding the Religious Instruction program. A brochure covering the key benefits of Religious Instruction will be sent home with students. If you would like to update your child’s Religious permissions a letter can be collected from Executive Services or Homeroom teachers. This semester Religious Instruction is offered to students in Years 4-6 and lessons are every second Thursday afternoon for 30 minutes. Any student not participating in the official Religious Instruction program will be supervised and catered for in their year level.

8

Back to Menu

CAMPS The curriculum for students in Years 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 include a year level school camp. The camps for Years 4 – 6 are off site and in Term 1. All students attending must display behaviours that reflect the Tomorrow’s Citizen model (informed, democratic, creative, healthy and eco citizenship) to indicate their readiness to engage in camp. Parent information, permission and medical forms have been sent home with students. Parents should be aware of the changes to guidelines to the administering of medications. As of 2019, all medications including those purchased over the counter need to be prescribed by a medical practitioner and be accompanied by the Medical Consent form. Any questions regarding camp should be initially directed to Homeroom teachers. If family finances are a concern, please contact Executive Services. SCHOOL PHOTOS Little Images are coming to capture the smiles and personalities of our children and our amazing staff. School Photos will be taken on Thursday 27 and Friday 28 February. Answers to some common questions include:- How do I order – Go to www.myschooldays.com.au and enter the Order ID – W3447. All packages are detailed on the website. On some phones, rotating the screen will provide more details. Can my children have their photograph taken together - They can. This can also include siblings that do not attend the school. There is a section on the Ordering page dedicated to Sibling Photos. Can I view the photos before purchasing – A pre paid system is offered to keep the photo prices as low as possible. You can order afterwards, however a Postage and Handling Fee may apply. What if I don’t like my photos – Little Images provide a full refund/reshoot if you are unhappy with the photos. What to wear - All students should wear the correct school uniform, including shoes.

P&C NEWS Our Next meeting is on Thursday 20 February, A Block Conference Room, All welcome.

BASE - Welcome back for 2020. Our Tears Cheers

and Tim Tams morning tea was a hit with parents leaving their loved ones for the tender care of the teachers. It was a great start to the year. This year we have less volunteers wishing to be involved in our wonderful safety program and so we are appealing to you all for support in getting involved in BASE. We have a wonderful team to educate the students in safety awareness who need your help. If you would like to be involved, our next meeting isTuesday 3 March 8:00am in the conference room administration building. If we have no more interested parents, we will finish this worthwhile program. We hope for your support. If unable to come to our meeting, please contact Glenda Jansen via the school office 3893 5111. Thanks and we hope to see you there, all are welcome.

Preferred Payment Method for Student Activities is EFT – Wynnum State School’s account details are: BSB: 064 133 ACCOUNT NUMBER: 10406271 Include the student’s name and a reason for payment as a reference so that the payee can be identified (eg J Smith, Music Camp).

9

Back to Menu

STUDENT BANKING available every Thursday. For questions or queries about the P&C, come and see us or email wynnumss.pandc@gmail.com. Follow us on Facebook // WSSPandC | WSSFriends WYNNUM WAHOOS Amateur Swim Club – Enquiries to John Stock, P&C Subcommittee Chair, via wynnumwahoos@gmail.com. MEGA-BITE – Snack pack service will continue to be offered Tuesdays and Wednesdays, with full menu on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! We could not run an event, fundraiser, cafeteria without the help of our volunteers. We want to provide the best service for our students and families, so if you could spare an hour at least, we would LOVE your help in the cafeteria. So catch up with Julie our cafeteria convenor, she won’t say no to more volunteers. UNIFORM SHOP – Open every Tuesday 8:30am-9:30am and Thursday 2:30pm-3:30pm with payment facilities including cash, cheque, EFTPOS, lay-by or direct deposit into P&C account. Order online 24/7 – visit www.flexischools.com.au, enter ‘Wynnum State School’, follow the prompts. Julie Taylor, P&C Operations Manager (MEGA-BITE & Uniform Shop) on 0449 804 427.

SCHOOL CALENDAR 2019

FEBURARY

24 Year 6 National Young Leaders day

27 School Photos

28 School Photos

MARCH

13 Schools with Pools

16 P&C Meeting

20 Cross Country Years 3-6

23 - 25 Year 5 Emu Gully Camp ( approximate cost $273)

25-27 Year 4 Camp –Sunshine Coast (approximate cost $300)

31 Year 6 Camp Goodenough (approximate cost $385)

APRIL

1-3 Year 6 Camp Goodenough ( approximate cost $385)

MAY

12-15 NAPLAN

18 P&C Meeting

SPREAD THE WORD ABOUT THE QSCHOOLS APP! School newsletters are available electronically. The

Qschools app is free to download via the Apple iTunes, Google Play and Windows stores. Qschools allows

you to subscribe, search and ‘favourite’ multiple schools. You can access latest school news, calendar events,

newsletters, annual reports and documents. Our school sends ‘push notifications’ to advise or remind our

school community about upcoming events. To receive automatic updates enable QSchools push notifications

in your phone settings.

10

Back to Menu

COMMUNITY NEWS

11