22 April 2016

Newsletter Articles

Important Dates to Remember

Principal’s Report

Welcome back to term 2, 2016. I hope that you had an enjoyable holiday with your children and I'm looking forward to working with you again this term.

Thank You

Many thanks to many people for the warm gestures provided upon my advice that I was staying a further term this year at Edens Landing State School. It is my most sincere pleasure to be here and actively contributing to creating a positive learning culture where:

1. We value our children as number one - their learning, their emotional wellbeing, their lifelong development
2. We recognise our staff as key drivers in delivering outstanding educational opportunities for all children and we work with them to achieve excellence
3. We build a sense of strong community amongst our parents and friends of the school creating sustainable relationships focused on children, education and empowerment of our community in a shared delivery of educational programming that is responsive to our community and student needs
4. We begin to explore our "future focus" for the next 4 years of operations at Edens Landing State School to ensure we deliver what is required now and into the future for our children

This term we will focus on the findings of the school review team who came last term to look at what we were doing at Edens Landing State School. The Executive Summary findings can be read on our school website and detail some of the recommended improvement strategies for us to consider.

This work will form an important part of what we do in the coming months and over the next 4 years. I have shared the executive summary with the P&C at the last meeting. I also gave some global strategies around what staff felt we needed to engage in to move forward and continue with the wonderful work we do at ELSS.

We are Family!

At Edens Landing State School we are family and as you know a family looks out for one another, recognises achievements, and supports individuals to be their best and so on. Family is important and so too is the notion of family at Edens Landing State School.

We recently tried a couple of whole school assemblies to see if we could get the family together. It was a process to get the entire school into the hall however it was certainly possible and valuable. I really want us to function together as a school so the whole school assembly is important to me.

It was well received by the children, staff and parents. As with any new process we need to iron out some issues but overall the children have adapted well to the new format.

In the future we will facilitate the band playing, dancers performing and use this as an opportunity to showcase our children and the wonderful work they do!

Assembly is scheduled to happen on Friday afternoon each week in the new hall commencing at 2:15pm. I would encourage and welcome parents to this event and in the coming weeks we will be working out how to accommodate parents and where they might fit into the hall. Parent involvement and communication is a very important part of our work together.

Parent Teacher Interviews

In week 3 we will be carrying out parent teacher interviews. I would encourage you to make sure you get a spot to discuss your child with the teacher. The interviews will focus on the ongoing development of your child and are an excellent opportunity to maximise the learning potential of each and every student in the school. It's also important to make connections with your child's teacher and really cement that 3 way learning relationship between the teacher, yourself and your child.

The interviews are taking place from 3:10pm to 6:30pm on Wednesday 27th April 2016. Places are filling fast so contact the office on 07 38260333 to book an appointment.

Chef Chris will be offering a delicious afternoon tea and proceeds will support our Garden and Kitchen program.

Arriving on Time is Important !

I have assessed the late arrivals data for our school and would ask that you ensure your child is arriving at school to commence class by 8:45. The disruptions to the morning class routines are not acceptable and create a negative impact on all students as teachers either have to stop work and catch up the late arrival or are simply stopped from teaching.

Please help us to help every child to be the very best they can be and to have access to the very best programs by ensuring they arrive on time ready to start school at 8:45am.

Have a fantastic term and we look forward to seeing in our school soon!

Regards

Andrew Cummings
Principal

Deputy Principal’s News

Welcome back to what is shaping up to be a very exciting and busy term. Students have slipped back into learning seamlessly, and it is encouraging to see so many wide-eyed happy faces when I enter classrooms.

This term we welcome Ms Alana Collins to 6S, replacing Mr Schalch while he is on leave.

Positive Behaviour for Learning

Our explicit teaching of behaviour expectations will continue throughout the year, focusing on the Rule of the Week – each week teachers explicitly teach lessons which focus on a selected aspect of school expectations.

The rules for weeks 2 and 3 of term are outlined below. Teachers will be discussing these with their students over the next two weeks, and it would be wonderful if parents spoke with their children about the importance of each rule.

Week 2 - Using Equipment for its intended purpose

STEPS TO SHOWING RESPECT FOR EQUIPMENT

Showing appreciation for belongings begins by first recognising their value. Students need to understand that sometimes, people value something because it has been in their family for a long time and it has sentimental value, other times it is has monetary value which makes it difficult to replace if damaged, while others may value an object because it has personal meaning. School communities value equipment because it provides the best possible opportunity for students to learn.

After students recognise that possessions have value, the next step is to understand how to appreciate them. To appreciate something is to be thankful for it. For instance, you may not appreciate the value of a winter coat in the summer, but in the winter, you are thankful and appreciative that you have a warm coat to wear.

Thankfulness and appreciation lead to the next step, respect. You show respect for possessions by taking care of them. Taking care of your belongings includes:

1. Not abusing them.
2. Keeping them clean and orderly, in their appropriate places.
3. Being sure that others, who may use them, take care of them as well.

Week 3 - Wear uniform with pride

During this week, teacher will talk to students about showing respect for our school and respect for yourself by presenting neatly and wearing the school uniform. As part of this, we expect all students who have hair which touches their collar to wear their hair tied back. Students with long fringes must also have their fringe pinned back.

Discussions will include:

• Dress codes and uniforms are often part of having a job.
• The dress code minimizes conflict in the school.
• Minimises judgment based on appearances.
• Teaches students to follow rules/laws. (Students accept that there are rules that we all abide by, students respect the learning environment)
• Students who demonstrate self-respect dress neatly – with hair brushed or combed, face and hands clean, uniform neat and clean.

BUDDY BENCH SEAT

• As part of Edens Landing State School anti-bullying and positive behaviour management program, we have added our first Buddy Bench. The Buddy Bench is much more than just a bench seat. The Buddy Bench is a place in the playground where children who feel upset, lonely or want to find someone to talk to or play with. It is a designated area of the playground where anyone can go to the Buddy Bench and sit and someone will join them.
• The Buddy Bench comes with a set of rules. These rules are as follows:

Buddy bench

Our Buddy Bench was kindly donated by Bunnings at Bethania, who are proud supporters of Edens landing State School and the Buddy Bench Project.

Regards
Cheryl Gibson
cgibs2@eq.edu.au

Deputy Principal’s News

Welcome back to another exciting term filled with learning. The children have settled well and are back into the school routine. It has been wonderful to see their smiling faces while they work and hear about their day as they leave in the afternoon.

Every day counts

Being at school every day counts, with one day absent each week, quickly adding up to two months of missed lessons in a year. Unless your child is ill, it is expected that your child will be at school learning every day of the school year. Education Queensland expects 95% attendance for students. Regulations can be found at

WINTER UNIFORMS

Our school prides itself in having an attractive uniform which various styles that caters for a range of students. A reminder that full details are available on the school website. Now that the colder weather is approaching, a reminder that our school rules and policies in accordance with the Education Act, supports the wearing of approved winter uniforms. These are available from the uniform shop, which is open on Friday mornings. Please note that as part of our dress code jeans are not acceptable, nor are coloured long socks and bright jumpers. Students are only allowed to wear school coloured or navy blue jumpers and long pants. Navy blue is versatile and can be worn at other times besides school. Please ensure that all items are clearly named for quick return.

LOCK DOWN AND EMERGENCY EVACUATION

As part of our school workplace health and safety practices, every term we hold drills for Emergency Evacuation and Lock Down. Students are provided with explicit instruction by teachers on what this means, what actions are required and expectation of behaviour. Parents and visitors to the school are expected to comply with our procedures and directions provided by school personnel, in the event of such an occurrence. Safety meeting areas for Emergency Evacuations are the junior or senior ovals.

COMMUNICATION WITH CHILDREN

Please remember that all communication regarding another child is to be handle directly with the classroom teacher or a member of the administration. It is never appropriate to approach students or other parents about issues you feel have occurred. Please approach the appropriate staff member to ensure all issues are addressed in a timely and positive way.

CROSS COUNTRY – FITNESS DAY

We were blessed with a wonderful day on our cross country / fitness day. Please remember to send in your donations as soon as possible. We would love for every student to bring in $5 each. What a difference that would make to contribute towards resources in our school, supporting student learning.

Regards,
Vanessa Webster
vwebs1@eq.edu.au

ANZAC DAY- LEST WE FORGET

World War One: Turks, Young Australians and Kiwis

After landing at Anzac Cove on the 25th of April 1915, also known as the Landing at Gaba Tepe, young Australian and Kiwi troops were ambushed by the waiting Turks. To the Turks, the Ariburnu Battle was part of the amphibious invasion of the Gallipoli Peninsula by the forces of the British Empire, which began the land phase of the Gallipoli Champaign of the First World War.

The youngest Australians and Kiwis age to go to war were 16, no one younger was supposed to enter the First World War. Whomever he was, a boy who lied about his age. His name was James Charles Martin and he was the youngest soldier out of all, aged 14 and 9 months. He was born in 1901 in Tocumwal, New South Wales and died on the 25th of October 1915.

ANZAC Day: Present 2016

ANZAC Day is celebrated on the 25th of March, every year. It is a national day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand. This day broadly commemorates all Australians and New Zealanders, who served and died in both wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations. Along with the contribution and suffering of all, who have served.

By Joshua 4A

What’s On at Edens Landing State School

Head of Curriculum’s Message

Our school’s International Study Tour Program

A huge THANK YOU to everyone in the Edens Landing School Community for their support during our visit from Kindai Elementary School last term. It was another successful visit and another opportunity for our two schools to build our friendship, share our cultures and enhance our Japanese LOTE Program.

We especially thank our Home Stay Families for their contributions and hope that they enjoyed this experience.

We are currently in negotiations with Education Queensland International and Japan for their next visit - 27th to 31st July, 2016. Yes, they are coming again in Term 3.

If you would like to become a Home Stay family, we would love to hear from you too.

Last year, our school was the first Logan School to succeed in organising a Study Tour overseas, when a group of 14 Students and Teachers spent 10 days in Japan learning about their culture and lifestyle and visiting Kindai Elementary School in Nara, near Osaka.

We have been invited to visit again in 2017. Students in Year 5 and 6 in 2017 would be eligible to participate in this amazing opportunity. More information will follow in the coming weeks, however if you are interested, please feel free to contact Mrs Sanderson, Sensei Kure or Mrs Self to have a chat.

Curriculum Round-up
Prep

Prep M- Students were asked to make something at home from recycled materials and explain what they used and how they made it. Mr Cummings gave the thumbs up for their great work.

Year 2

Welcome back to Term 2. Students have settled in well after their Easter break and have been eager to see their friends and begin another exciting term of learning.

In English, we have been enjoying writing retells of imaginative stories and students have been eager to continue reading and spelling groups.

We will be covering the following concepts in Maths over the next month:

In Science, students will be investigating how living plants change as they grow. We will be growing beans and taking photos of the process to create a media presentation in Comic Life.

Year 3

For Technology, Year 3 students have explored the purpose and textual features of posters and have applied their knowledge to design and draft their own poster, to promote a school rule. They have also been learning how to use Word software, using its features such as text resizing, Word Art, font selection and inserting images. Soon, students will be bringing their designed poster to life and publishing it through Word. We can't wait to see the finished posters displayed around our block!

Year 4

In Science, Year 4 students have selected their endangered animals. Each student can now begin his or her research into the animal and the factors influencing its survival. Over the next few weeks, students will look at how we can all work together to protect these animals for generations to come.

Year 5

NAPLAN is coming up in week 4. We are currently doing some preparation to help the children feel confident and ready. You could greatly assist your child by making sure they get a good sleep the night before each test day and provide a healthy breakfast and lunch on the day.

The last day for payment for the Gold Rush excursion is April 26. As Monday April 25 is a public holiday, payment can be made in person at the office between 8:30 am and 9:30 am on Tuesday April 26.

Year 6

Our Year 6 seniors now proudly wear their senior shirts. A beautifully designed collared shirt in the Edens Landing colours scheme bearing each of their student’s name on the back. The students in their shirts look great.

Kay Self
Head of Curriculum

P&C News

Fundraising

We have the Cadbury Chocolate Drive on at the moment forms need to be in by Friday the 22nd of April if you would like to participate. Boxes will be handed out on the 29th of April between 2:30pm and 3:30pm. All unsold chocolate and boxes plus money need to be returned by Friday the 13th May. All information can be found on the form.

We will be holding a Mother’s Day Stall on Thursday the 5th May, for the students they well come up during their class time we will send a note out closer to the day. If you are free even for just an hour on the day between 9am-1pm please email or put a note with your name and number in the P&C box in the foyer in the office.

Sausage sizzle was a success thank you to everyone that ordered and those that where there to help out on the day as well.

Thank you, to everyone that participated in the Cross Country Fun Run, the prizes, certificates and vouchers will be handed out as soon as possible.

Thank you,
Peita-Marie Winsor, Jo Fitch & Tia Townshend
Fundraising Co-ordinators
fundraising@elsspc.org.au

Student Banking

New School Banking Rewards available now!!!
Term 2 rewards with the Outback Savers theme now available, while stocks last!!
Flying Snake Tail
Wildlife Writer Set
For every deposit made at the school, no matter how big or small, students receive a silver Dollarmites token.
Once students have individually collected 10 tokens they can redeem them for exclusive School Banking rewards in recognition of their regular savings habits.
There are 2 new items released every term so be sure to keep an eye out for them!
Thank you for supporting the school banking program.
School banking day is Wednesday!!

Tuckshop News

Welcome back to term 2, I hope you all had a relaxing break. There are a few little changes with the menu for this term, so if you could make the adjustments to your menus at home that would be greatly appreciated.

• Focaccias and Turkish breads are no longer an alternative option for sandwiches.
• Classic apple juice (350ml) is no longer available
• Popcorn is now adjusted back to the correct price of $1.00
• Additions – seasonal fruit cup $1.00 and Crackers and cheese packs $2.00

Tuckshop Roster

As you can see I have some spaces on the roster, if you are able to come either Wednesday afternoon or Friday morning please come and have a chat or email me. Any amount of time is greatly appreciated.

Online Ordering is Here!

Our school has now introduced a great new online ordering system for the Tuckshop called FlexiSchools. This system allows parents and staff to place orders from home, work or school at any time. The payment is also done online, so less paper bags, cash and envelopes are sent via your student to school. As well as being convenient for parents, the online orders are much faster and easier for the tuckshop to process - so it makes everyone’s life a little easier. FlexiSchools is well established and tested, operating in hundreds of schools across Australia.

Getting online is easy and only takes a few minutes to register. Simply go to www.flexischools.com.au and click “Register Now”. You will be sent an email with further instructions on how to complete the registration. Once registered, you can start placing orders immediately. If you have any questions, FlexiSchools provide a great help desk on 1300 361 769, or you can contact them via their website.

There are a variety of payment options supported, including Visa, Mastercard (credit and debit) and Bank Transfer. The system operates via a pre-paid account.

The system is now available, so we look forward to seeing your next order online!

ANNETTE HONNERY
TUCKSHOP CONVENOR
Ph: 3508 7999
tuckshop@elsspc.org.au