10 May 2016

Newsletter Articles

Important Dates to Remember

Principal’s Report

Our School In Review

In our recent school review a number of recommendations were made to enhance the delivery of services to our children within the school. In the coming weeks I will explore these with you and feed information to the community on what is happening across these areas within our school.

Importantly there is a lot of work that has already commenced on a number of the recommendations in close consultation with the many support mechanisms in place from the Department for our school.

The key improvement strategies can be found on our website in the executive summary on page 6 of the document.

The second most important recommendation detailed the need to “review the model of placing students in streamed classes.” Within our school our data would suggest that this model alone is having little to no long-term positive benefit for students. When we compare data of schools with this grouping system not in place in fact we see no visible difference in our results that would indicate we should continue with this. It does not appear it is having any outcome for our high achieving students either. Strangely we have this in place for our senior years of schooling and not in junior years.

In our school we see that our students being placed in classes are rarely advancing the outcomes within those academic areas. In general once you are placed in a streamed class then there is likely little chance of movement from that stream of class regardless of the perceived achievement from year 3 to year 6.

In addition we make these classes based on a result in literacy and numeracy. So in fact if a student was really outstanding in science they may not get any opportunity to advance those skills in a general learning environment and subsequently may experience limited success in that area.

The school structure of classes from year 3-6 presents many issues for education in this day and age! There is a large body of research that suggests streaming alone will not benefit children. In fact the notion of streaming in itself creates in my opinion segregation between our students. This is actually confirmed in the statements from our students around the perceived value of the student cohort dependent upon their class placement. I unreservedly question strongly the unspoken messages behind this type of class set up and this view was shared by our staff upon my arrival and also at the time of the school review.

The idea of “ability grouping” versus that of “streaming” is certainly our pathway forward in developing learners who value themselves as learners who have a personal contribution to make at all levels of learning within our classrooms regardless of their stage of learning development. That is – we all have our strengths, weaknesses, likes and dislikes and as a society we have a duty to our children to build them as confident people who are confident with where they are (in their learning) and who they are as valuable people in our Edens Landing State School “family”.

We need to build an environment together where children are safe to make mistakes, feel good about contributing to their education and their outcomes and know that no matter how good we are at any one thing, that every one of us has varied strengths and weaknesses.

Our best learning is done in classrooms when we are challenged and getting things wrong! We need support scaffolds and structures that actually say to children “it’s ok to be wrong and we aspire to be right” – a concept that encourages learning in the higher order thinking domains of our brains because we are stretched and challenged!

Streaming children discourages these ideas because to enact them we need a variety of learners at differing levels of academic achievement with a variety of school and non-school experiences.

The notion of “ability grouping” however is built on stages of classroom movement where children engage in activities just above their current achievement levels. It’s a part of the day, not all day, not very day and certainly not the day! It’s what happens in classrooms in most schools on a daily basis and it’s the support our children need to move forward.

I’m serious about creating the “Edens Landing Family”. The notion that every child in every space in this school is a valued part of our school is most important to me. We need our children to belong; we need them to feel like an important part of a place where they spend a large chunk of their time and their lives! We need them to understand our “family values” and our aims at school so we can together build a brighter future - better than we could have ever imagined for all of our children.

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.

Principal’s Writing Awards

Written by Riley 5L

Hippiegeddon

“Help!” I screamed as the hippies came closer.

It all started when I saw a Volkswagen hippy van emerging from the fog. The hippies jumped out of the van and repeatedly said, “Be one with peace.”

I said “Begone hippy freaks!”

I was driving downtown in my KTM motorbike when I smelt daisies. I could hear the van’s V8. I could taste my fear of the hippies trying to put flowers in my hair.

Suddenly I remembered I had some hippiecide in my pocket. “PSSST” I sprayed them. They exploded into one million little daisies. Then I discovered they weren’t human, they were aliens. That’s why they exploded into daisies.

When I got home, I built a hippiebegone ray. I said, “Let’s get those hippies!”

Regards,

Andrew Cummings
Principal

Deputy Principal’s News

We’ve had a great start to term 2. I had the privilege of having some long service leave and having a wonderful holiday in China and learning new things that broaden my horizons and appreciation of cultures around the world. I am glad to be back and working with our students and seeing their excited faces. One of the things I celebrate is how keen they are to engage in conversations, getting a hug and smile, along with sharing their love of Edens Landing State School.

Thank you to our Prep students and staff for a wonderful Mother’s Day Pampering Afternoon. How I love to get those head and back massages. I know our mums and substitute mums for the afternoon enjoyed being pampered too. For all our mums, grandmothers and substitute mum carers and helpers, have a wonderful family time on Sunday and thank you for your unconditional love and support.

LITERACY AND LEARNING

Literacy is most commonly understood as reading and writing. But before children can read and write, they need to learn about sounds, words, language, books and stories. Parents, caregivers and other significant adults have a vital role to play in helping a child with early literacy development.

The attached article has great information about:

• Encouraging literacy development
• Communicating : its importance in literacy development
• Reading : its importance in literacy development
• Rhyme: its importance in literacy development
• Signs of early literacy difficulties
• Helping your school-age child with literacy development.

So, READ-ON! You’ll be surprised how much of an impact you have in your everyday interactions with your child. Visit this website for other FANTASTIC ideas in many different areas.

Allergy and Anaphylaxis: HEALTH ALERTS

We are asking your help to support the children in our school who are at risk of anaphylaxis.

Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that is potentially life threatening.

Food allergies are the most common cause of anaphylaxis. There is no cure for food allergy; therefore avoidance of known food allergens is crucial. Peanuts and tree nuts are the foods most likely to cause anaphylaxis.

The school is supporting children at risk of anaphylaxis by:

• training staff,
• encouraging children to wash their hands after eating,
• educating children about food allergies, and
• Choosing not to sell foods in the school canteen which have peanuts or tree nuts (e.g. hazelnuts, cashews, almonds etc) in the main ingredients list.

We ask you to support children at risk of anaphylaxis and encourage wherever possible:

• Not sending food which has peanuts or tree nuts (eg hazelnuts, cashews, almonds etc) in the main ingredients list. Note: products containing traces of peanuts or tree nuts can be sent to school.
• If possible, having alternative spreads on sandwiches, other than peanut paste and Nutella.
• teaching your child not to share food with friends that have food allergy,
• encouraging your child to wash their hands after eating,
• asking your child to get help immediately if their allergic schoolmate gets sick, and
• Explaining to your child that teasing a child with an allergy or tampering with their medication, is bullying and could be life-threatening.

With your help we can provide a safe environment that meets the needs of all our children.

PLAYGROUP – Every Tuesday 9.00 – 11.00am

Our school based playgroup is held EVERY TUESDAY 9.00 – 11.00am in the school multipurpose hall. The playgroup is designed for pre-prep students, especially siblings of current school students. We ask for a donation of $2 per child / $5 family per attendance which covers purchasing of expendable items.

Our group is growing in strength with some very keen families. Lots of exciting activities have been taking place. Some wonderful friendships and support networks are developing and everyone is having fun. COME ALONG AND TRY IT OUT!

Regards
Karen Stoyko
Deputy Principal

Deputy Principal’s News

First, I would like to wish all of our lovely Mums and care givers a very happy Mother’s Day. You all work tirelessly to ensure your families are cared for, so I hope you all get suitably spoilt by your families.

In week 3 we revisited our school rule about wearing our school uniform with pride. We are having an increasing number of students wearing affirmation bands and other items of jewellery to school. While these items are fun, they are not part of our school uniform so are not appropriate to wear to school. The only jewellery accepted is any medical alert items, studs or sleepers for pierced ears, and religious/culturally significant items. Loom bracelets made in cultural colours are not permitted.

As the cooler weather starts to creep in this term, students will be wearing jumpers to school. School jumpers are available from the uniform shop. If your child does not currently have a school jumper, a navy jumper or jacket will suffice. Patterned or brightly colour jumpers or jackets are not part of our uniform. Please ensure that all items of clothing, especially jumpers and jackets, are clearly marked with your child’s name. Our lost property basket is full of un-named items. Please help us maintain a high standard of appearance within our school by ensuring your children wear their uniform each day.

Student Council

The student council has been working hard organising an assortment of events. The buddy seat advertised last week has been placed in position and students are already starting to use it. The student council has also approved a fundraising disco for Ta Koo Ta Poh School, Blah Toh Village, Karen State, Burma. The school was built in early 2012 and opened in June 2012. It has 24 students. It is in a remote area controlled by ethnic soldiers. There are 24 students at the school. Grade 1 to Grade 4 upstairs and a kindy underneath. The teacher and her family live at the school and often take care of students whose parents have moved away to work. The school is funded independently with support from family and friends. It costs about $5000 a year for salaries, food and stationery. More information about this fundraiser will be sent home soon.

This term the student council is also fundraising to support out kitchen garden program. The first event is a free dress day on Friday of week 6 – 20th May. A gold coin donation will be collected from any student wearing free dress on the day. We want everyone to enjoy the day, so please ensure your child/ren wear school appropriate, sun safe clothing on this day. Closed in shoes and socks are still required and hair is not to be coloured, but tied back as usual. It is expected that all shorts/dresses/skirts are of a modest length and that all shirts/tops cover past your child’s tummy. School appropriate slogans and images on all clothing please.

Watch the next newsletters for information about the next student council fundraisers.

Rule of the Week

The rules for weeks 4 and 5 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 4 - Be Respectful- Maintain a clean environment

Keeping Our School Clean is the responsibility of all of us not just the cleaners and ground staff. To facilitate this we encourage the students to follow these steps:

Cleanliness of Grounds: Students are requested to use the many rubbish bins that are placed by all eating areas and most play areas to deposit their papers or uneaten food items. This is an easy thing to do which really helps keep our grounds clean and tidy.

Recycling: We encourage parents, students and staff to use re-usable containers for lunches and to recycle juice boxes and plastics. We also encourage students to take home any left-over lunches to avoid waste. To help keep our school clean, students are not to chew gum at school and to pick up any rubbish they see. Students who find broken glass or other strange and dangerous looking objects should not touch them but report these to the teacher on duty or the office staff.

If everyone follows these simple measures we will have a beautiful and clean school for everyone to enjoy.

Week 5 - Be respectful and safe when moving around the school

As with all activities carried out throughout a school day, moving around the school requires students, staff and visitors to follow school expectations. By following our school expectations, we ensure that everyone keeps themselves and those around them safe from injury or harm, and that students in class are able to learn without noisy distractions from people outside of their classrooms.

Students, staff and visitors are expected to use the walkways provided (rather than taking short-cuts across our gardens/grass), walk quietly and to the left of the path. Students, staff or visitors moving around the school during our National Anthem, are asked to stand still and quiet until the National Anthem finishes, before moving on.

Regards

Cheryl Gibson
cgibs2@eq.edu.au

Physical Education

Beenleigh Zone Cross Country

The Beenleigh Zone Cross Country Trial was held last week with students from grades four, five and six participating in the event held at Rivermount College. Congratulations must go to all students for being great ambassadors for Edens Landing and displaying great sportsmanship, pride and exemplary behaviour. In a field of over 100 students in every race, Edens Landing results were pleasing. A special mention must go to Taylor who placed 5th and Kiara 5th. These girls will now compete at the Pacific Rim Trial next week.

Events

The senior athletics carnival (grades 3-6) is to be held on the 9th and 10th June. All parents, family and friends are encouraged to come along and support. Further information will be sent home at a later date.

Interschool Sport Competition

The Interschool Sport Competition has come to an end. A big thank you goes to all staff and parents for their time and effort coaching and umpiring games. Students must be congratulated on their sportsmanship and behaviour.

Yours in Sport

Ken O’Donnell
Physical Education Teacher

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.

Kay Self
Head of Curriculum

P&C News

Fundraising

Parent/Guardians who have sold all their chocolates and request an additional box can see the P&C Fundraising Co-ordinators Monday, Wednesday & Friday from 2.30pm -3pm in the Volunteers room located in the Assembly Hall. All unsold chocolates plus money need to be returned by Friday the 13th May 8.30am -9.00am.

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!!

Outback Bankers
27/4/2016 - Luke Prep B, Deshan 3S
4/5/2016 – Evie 2GC, Lucas 3P

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