Yeronga State School eNewsletter

Dear Families,

As book week celebrations close, we are reminded of the fleeting micro-moments of joy we have at hand throughout the day. The simple act of reading a picture book with a child, reminds us of the transcendental nature of this shared experience. The quietness of sharing other worlds as the pictures and words come to life in our imagination. We are never too old to share the wonder of a master illustrator who captures the essence of the author’s intent. We are never too old to experience the joy of bringing written words to life through our own voice. I had the pleasure of reading a treasured picture book to 6M this week in an opportune moment this week. This class of 12 and 13 years olds cross legged at my feet, eyes wide, lost in the story, it was bliss, and I quietly believe, bliss for them. No lessons to be taught, no questions to be answered, no knowledge to prove. Just joy to be shared. Do you have a treasured picture book? I look forward to joining our Year 6 students this week on camp at Tallebudgera. I’ll be sure to pack some picture books. Just in case.

Our 2025 whole school literacy focus is vocabulary instruction. The following information from The Literacy Hub explains the essence of a tiered approach to vocabulary instruction. https://www.literacyhub.edu.au/for-families/

How does vocabulary contribute to reading success?

When children have a large ‘spoken’ vocabulary understand lots of different words, they are well placed to recognise and understand those words when they see them when reading.

Words can be broken up into three groups, sometimes called ‘Tiers’.

Tier 1 vocabulary is the words most frequently used when speaking and writing; words like the, and, was, some and ‘everyday’ words like dog, happy, play, go. These words are also called ‘high frequency’ or ‘sight words’ because readers will see them in lots of different texts and need to be able to recognise them automatically, by sight. Many Tier 1 words can’t be ‘sounded out’ (in Yeronga their spelling doesn’t directly correspond to the way we say them; for example, was is pronounced /woz/, this is another reason they need to be learnt ‘by sight’.

Tier 2 and Tier 3 vocabulary contains more sophisticated and subject-specific words. Children who hear a wide range of words used in talking and reading books aloud will be better able to understand those words when they begin to read them in books.

How can families help with vocabulary learning at home?

As with oral language, parents and caregivers can best support their children in learning vocabulary by encouraging them to talk and listen for a range of different purposes, and reading aloud to them often. Children learn new words by hearing them used meaningfully many times and by being encouraged to use new words in their own talk. Other ways to support vocabulary learning include the following:

Become ‘word aware’ as you read aloud. One of the best places for children to hear new words used meaningfully is in great children’s literature. Comment on words you know are new to your child. What do they sound like, what could they mean, what do they remind you of?
Get your children to become ‘word detectives’ when out and about. Notice new and interesting words on street signs, at the zoo or museum, on menus or on pamphlets.
Use a wide vocabulary when speaking to your child. Encourage children to ask the meanings of unfamiliar words and to use new words in their own spoken communication.

Have a great week,

Eunice Webb

Principal

Discovering Through Conceptual Curriculum

At our school, we are committed to engaging learners in meaningful and authentic contexts that spark curiosity and build deep understanding. One of the ways we achieve this is through a conceptual curriculum. A Conceptual approach allows students to explore “big ideas” and guiding questions that connect learning across subject areas, encouraging creativity, problem-solving, and real-world application.

This term, our overarching concept has been Discovery. Students across year levels have been challenged to think critically and explore their learning through different lenses:

Prep students asked, How might we discover what materials and movement can do by exploring the challenges and solutions in fairy tales? What do these stories teach us about characters and problem-solving? Through hands-on play, building, and storytelling, our youngest learners have combined imagination with inquiry, testing ideas and reflecting on what makes characters resilient and resourceful.
Year 4 students explored the question, How might we discover different perspectives of the past through stories? They examined texts, artefacts, and narratives, learning that history can be understood in multiple ways depending on whose story is told. This helped them to recognise the importance of empathy and perspective-taking in understanding our shared past.
Year 5 students investigated, How does science help us take action in response to environmental issues? By connecting scientific knowledge with current challenges, they explored practical ways to make a positive difference, reinforcing that discovery leads not just to knowledge, but to responsibility and action.

Across all year levels, our learners are seeing that discovery is more than just finding answers—it’s about asking thoughtful questions, making connections, and applying what they learn to the world around them.

Through this conceptual curriculum, we aim to develop not only knowledge and skills, but also curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking. Taught alongside our learning assets, teaching from a conceptual focus helps students develop the qualities that will prepare them to be thoughtful, informed, and engaged members of their community.

Instrumental Music Events:

Thursday September 4- Recruitment Evening for year 2 and 3 students interested in joining the strings or band program in 2026- 6:30pm in the School Hall

September 9-11- Southside Senior Music Workshop- selected year 6 strings and band students- Chandler Theatre, Sleeman Sports Centre

Monday October 27- Strings MusicFest performances- Iona College, Wynnum- Chamber Strings arrive 4:00pm, Junior Strings arrive 5:50pm and Senior Strings arrive 6:40pm

Thursday November 27- Yeronga SS Big Play and Awards- YSHS Cultural Centre- 6pm

Book Week Parade Wrap-Up

What a wonderful end to book week! Well done to everyone on a spectacular display of costumes. We saw how reading can ignite creativity, adventure and joy through the miriad of characters and stories presented at our parade last Friday.

A huge shout out to our marvellous teachers for jumping in boots and all. To our amazing parents, who have taken creativity to the next level. And of course our students who adapted so well to the change in venue and had a lot of fun.

Book Week Author Visit

Our students enjoyed a very inspiring visit by Jonathan Bentley author and illustrator today in our final book week activity for 2025.

Celebrating Indigenous Literacy Week in Book Week: A Big Thank You!

We are thrilled to share the wonderful success of our recent Book Sale for Indigenous Literacy Week — together, we raised an incredible $535 for ROOP (Reading Out of Poverty)!

A heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone who contributed, whether by donating books, volunteering time, or simply stopping by the fair to browse and buy. Your support helped turn this event into a celebration of literacy, community spirit, and positive change.

Reading Out of Poverty (ROOP) is an organisation dedicated to improving literacy skills among children from disadvantaged backgrounds, particularly Indigenous and culturally diverse communities. Every dollar raised will go towards providing educational resources and literacy programs where they're needed most.

It was inspiring to see so many people come together to support this cause — proof that small actions really can make a big difference.

Thank you again for your generosity and enthusiasm. Let’s continue to support literacy and learning in every way we can!

Regional Athletics Qualifiers

Congratulations to the children listed below who qualified for the Met West Regional Athletics on the 2^nd and 3^rd of September at QSAC. Our qualifiers are; Natalia A, Ruby B, Hyuga B, Finley C, Deuel D, Max G, Harry G, James I, Clara J, Nina J, James L, Siwoo L, Hudson M, Daniel Mc, Ncumisa M, Harper R, Daniel S, Willow S, Xavier T, George T & Lennox Mc. This was an excellent effort, but sadly not all will compete due to conflicting commitments. Congratulations again to our qualifiers. A massive thank you also to Mr C who organised and managed the team at Eastern Taipans District Athletics.

Ball Games

This important school event will occur on the 12^th of September. Please do come along to enjoy the colour, creativity and sporting prowess on show during our only class based sporting event with all classes across the school dressing in their class theme. I’ve included the program below for your convenience.

Ball Games Program:

9:00: Prep to Year 2

Year Two Mixed Heat One & Two

Under Over Ball, Tunnel Ball & Take & Put

Year One Mixed Heat One & Two

Under Over Ball, Tunnel Ball & Take & Put

Year Two Mixed Heat Three

Under Over Ball, Tunnel Ball & Take & Put

Year One Mixed Heat Three

Under Over Ball, Tunnel Ball & Take & Put

All Prep Mixed Heat (Approximately 10:30)

Under Over Ball, Tunnel Ball & Take & Put

Years 5 & 6: 11:45

Year 5 Mixed Heat One & Two