4 May 2017

Newsletter Articles

PRINCIPAL REPORT

New Format for Newsletter

Last week we moved to a new online format for our fortnightly newsletter using SchoolZine. The online newsletter is easier to read using mobile phones and iPads, can be navigated through using the menu at the top and can be translated into over 80 languages in the press of a button. As always, we will still be providing printed copies at the payment boxes in the Senior and Junior School.

I would like to thank Leonie for all the work she put into our previous newsletter over the past many years and am sure she will enjoy working with the new format as well.

ANZAC Day

Thank you all for your contributions in making this year’s ANZAC Day ceremony so memorable. The Director General, Dr Jim Watterston, was so impressed with the Yeronga State School students and the compassionate and respectful community we have. A special thank you to Mrs Carla Walker for the outstanding job she did organising this special event on our school calendar.

ANZAC Day Ceremony

Yeronga State School has been participating in the Stephens RSL ANZAC Day March each year for the last six years. Each year I am humbled by the children (and their parents) for turning up so early in the morning, beautifully dressed in their school uniforms, to represent our school so proudly. This year it was lovely to see that some of our past students used the event as a way of staying connected with each other. There are children who have attended every march so far and we captured some of them in the image below. Thank you to the Pursey, Griffith and Hooper families for all you do to ensure our children are comfortable during the ceremony.

ANZAC Day March to Yeronga Memorial Park Cenotaph

Cross Country

Congratulations to our District Cross Country team who not only won B District Division but accumulated enough points that they could have won A Division too, which have schools with between 800 – 1100 students. This outstanding result indicates how many of our students finished in the Top 20. Our school has a long tradition of winning District Cross Country and we are incredibly proud that the tradition has continued this year! I was disappointed to be out of school for the last few days and so could not participate in the excitement. Thank you to staff and parents who have worked hard to train and encourage our children over the last few months. Congratulations to the six students and one reserve who are members of the Sunnybank District team, heading to Regional Cross country competition shortly.

Last week’s Junior cross country competition brings to a close cross country for the majority of our school. Congratulations to all our children who showed tremendous grit and resilience, knowing the aim is to do your best and the only person you are competing against is yourself. It was lovely to see our parents and spectators embracing this philosophy as they cheered everyone home. Our eyes now turn to all things athletics which will be held at the end of term. Good luck, Everyone!

Parent Workshop- 31 May- Bridge Builders – Conflict vs Bullying

This year our children have been introduced to the Bridge Builders program, which aims to teach children strategies to address conflict effectively, so they can move through life confidently. Conflict is an unavoidable fact of life and usually occurs because of our different needs, beliefs or expectations. Resolving conflict well enables us to move more confidently through our lives and create positive and healthy environments around us. Click on the link below for further information about the presenter, Joceyln Chirnside and this excellent workshop.

On 31 May parents are invited to attend a parent education workshop on Bridge Builders. I encourage you all to participate, so you can help your children to use the strategies to resolve sibling and friendship conflict as well. If you would like to attend, please register by e-mailing Lisa MacBeth on lmacb4@eq.edu.au with the Subject Line Bridge Builders workshop and your name.

Learner Protocols – Be Kind

Each fortnight our children are exploring a learner protocol that they need to develop to ensure they operate effectively as a learner, individually and as a team member, in our classrooms. This fortnight the children are looking at Be Kind. One of the best ways that children learn this protocol is by observing the actions of those around them.

Thank you to the many members of our community who role model kindness every day for our children. I regularly see parents helping out in and around our school. I regularly meet with parents who advocate strongly for other families and children if they believe something needs to be done to ensure we have a safe and just community. I see parents waiting with other children until their parents arrive, people reaching out to others who are having a tough day to see what they can do to help. I hear parents reminding children to wait their turn and use their manners and encouraging them to think about how they talk to each other. These every day acts teach our children to be kinder towards each other and helps them to be a positive, caring member of our school and the wider community.

Staff Biographies

Each fortnight our newsletter will feature two staff members, to help our parent community become more familiar with the many roles and responsibilities our staff embrace. This year we will mainly feature teaching staff. However, there are many behind the scene non-teaching staff who help ensure our school days run smoothly. We will introduce you to these staff as well in the future.

Willow is a Champion!

On the 22 and 23 April the Queensland State Championships for Trampoline were held in Rockhampton. At only 8 years old Willow, from Robertson Gymnastics Club, competed in the Under 11’s. She did extremely well as probably the youngest competitor there! She was placed 2nd state champ for trampoline, 2nd state champ for double mini and 5th for synchronised trampoline. The most prestigious award she received was the Darren Scott Memorial trophy, given to only one person every year for the highest technical score out of all competing athletes in every age group in Queensland. It is the most accurate/neatest performance, not including the difficulty. This award has been going since 1978!

Unfortunately Willow is a year too young to compete at Nationals in Melbourne this year, but she has plenty of time to reach her dreams. So proud of her!!

Queensland State Championships for Trampoline

Active School Travel Walking School Bus – Car Free Fridays!

On the first Friday of the month we will have Walking School buses for Park and Stride, that depart from three local locations:

1. Cenotaph in Memorial Park (Mrs Cowie and YOSHC) ,
2. 7/11, Opposite Red Rooster, Cnr. Ipswich Rd and South St (Ms Vaggs and Mrs Mitchell),
3. River City Cycle, Fairfield Rd. (Mrs Lane and Mrs McGuire)

The Importance of Sleep

The long weekends over the last few weeks should mean that our children are coming to school well rested however many of our younger students seem rather exhausted from their weekend adventures. The changes in routine from the disruption of so many long weekends in a row means that we may have overlooked the importance of our bedtime routines. Children need quality sleep to help their brain and body function effectively. Too little sleep can affect how we grow and our immune system. Children from 5-12 need between 10-11 hours sleep each night. Bed times between 7pm-8pm would seem to be helpful. Good luck in re-establishing your routines as we settle into the patterns of a normal working week again

Debbie Spanner

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL REPORT

ANZAC Day

Thank you to all those who helped in the organisation and attendance at the annual Anzac Day ceremony. Each year our special guests are delighted to be part of this school event and are always complementary about how our children show respect during the ceremony. Congratulations to the school captains and vice captains and the student council for officiating and helping to host our morning tea with our special guests.

Senior Cross Country

Senior Cross Country event was held on 27 March 2017. Well done to all competitors!

Senior Cross Country

Junior Cross Country

Junior Cross Country event was held on 27 April 2017. Well done to all the students in the junior school for a big effort on the day.

Long Service Leave

I will be on long service leave from 15 May to 20 July. I will be briefing my replacement next week and he/she will be the contact person for any queries regarding Student Services.

Carla Walker

HEALTH

We have had a few reports of children in the school having worms. Worms, like head lice, are very common among children and can be treated quickly and easily. Some sign of worms include itchy bottom or feeling 'out of sorts'. Please see the link for further information and if you suspect your child may have worms, see your local pharmacy.

P & C REPORT

Save the Date!

The P&C is proud to present the seminar Before You Hit Send : A Social Media SOS for Children & Parents. The seminar will be hosted by Sarah Wills and Lisa Carlaw from ‘Those Two Girls’ and presented by Rebecca Sparrow This presentation provides information on the importance of real life friendships, ideal age to open a social media account, personal values, importance of privacy settings and the idea of consent.

Jo Thomson
pandc@yerongass.eq.edu.au

MUSIC

Junior Band

Junior Band started last week, with Mrs Jodie Brighton, on Friday morning. We look forward to following their progress.

Senior Choir

Senior Choir will be performing Monday evening, May 22 at the Queensland Youth Music Awards, Mansfield State High School. They then take Wednesday 24 May out of school time to represent Yeronga at the first ever Creative Generation Voices competition – an Education Queensland event.

Thank you to all the parents who have paid, returned forms and organised our music uniform, including completely black shoes and ankle height white socks for all.

Jane Plumridge

RESOURCE CENTRE

We would like to thank the parents who have brought in books that their children have outgrown and are still in good condition. If we receive books that are more suited to home we will pass them on to the P&C for the Fair. A very big thank you needs to go to Sara Hughes who has been volunteering weekly in our library. Our library is very popular with a quick turn over of books. Sara and our teacher aides do an extraordinary job in getting the books back on the shelves so that they can be borrowed again.

We will be hosting a Scholastic book fair this term. The students will have opportunities to create a wish list of the books they would like. Please be rest assured that we emphasise that this is a wish list and not a “must buy” list. The book fair will be open for sales on Tuesday 6 June 3: 15 – 5:00, Thursday 3:15 – 6:00pm (this coincided with the school disco) and on Friday 9 June 3:15 – 4:30. If you have any upcoming birthday that you would like to buy a good present for this is a great opportunity.

Deborah Cowie / Faith Hage

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Cross Country Champions

Congratulations to all of our students who participated in the Sunnybank District Cross Country. The result of their labours was fantastic. They not only won their division, but they would have won the division above which includes those schools with student populations far in excess of ours. Their racing across all the age groups was of a high standard and magnificent to watch. Magnificent not only for the results, but also the pure grit displayed. At least 3 runners were in a terrible state as they were coming into the final 500m of their races, but finished for their team.

A massive thank you to Mr Sutherland who trained students, gave warm ups and provided us with a tent for the day.

Congratulations again to the Yeronga State School team for the District Cross Country namely:

10 Years Girls: Tahlia B, Chloe F, Georgia M, Minna D-W, Thea C, Kyla V, Kate M and Milly B.

10 Years Boys: Alexander P, Harrison A, Bill S, Timo S, Archie S, Elijah H, Jack N and Joshua M.

11 Years Girls: Margaret G, Claudia W, Lucy C, Ella Q, Myla T, Madeleine I, Lucinda M and Ava D.

11 Years Boys: Joe K, Harry C, Tomas B, Yohan B, Harvey P, Lachie H, Dan B and Jack B.

12 Years Girls: Eloise N, Zoe H, Bridget C, Sienna R, Ellana M, Jane E, Laetia G and Caitlin R.

12 Years Boys: Joshua W, Daniel W , Joseph K, Adam A, Anas M, Lachlan S and Cody R.

Apologies to the 12 years Boys

A big apology to Joshua W, Daniel W , Joseph K, Adam A, Anas M, Lachlan S, Kiearlon P, Ethan L, Cody R and Damien W whose names were entered incorrectly, or not at all, in the last edition of the newsletter and for the assembly presentation. The previous sentence contains their names in the correct order. Many apologies boys and thank you for your patience.

Sunnybank Representatives

Congratulations to the following Sunnybank Representatives:

Cross Country

Joshua W, Harry C, Margaret G, Alexander P, Harry A and Chloe F. Congratulations also to Claudia W, who is a reserve for the Sunnybank team. Remember not to ignore an opportunity to train. My training will continue on Monday afternoons at 3:15pm, as will Mr Sutherland’s on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings at 7.00am.

Touch

Harry C and Cody R.

Rugby League

Cody R.

Girls Football

Lucy C and Thea C.

Boys Football

Joe K and Yohan B. It’s the first time, I’m fairly sure, that we have had two of our students selected in this team.

Gala Days (10 to 12 Years Students)

Don’t forget that there are two more Gala Days to come on 19 May and 02 June.

I heard that there were some fantastic results in the Boys Football, Girls Football and Softball.

Athletics Selection Trials

These are now very close and the following schedule is to inform students what they will be doing each week. These trials are to select the finalists and relay teams from each House for our Athletics Carnival to be held on 20 June.

Sunnybank District Sporting Trials

The representative pathway for school sport is for children from 10 to 12 years of age. Yeronga is part of a very strong district which consists of 28 schools from Yeronga State School to the Calamvale area. In contact and skill team sports those aged 11 and 12 possess the advantages of size and speed, if not skill on most occasions. Selectors are choosing those with the skill and the resilience to compete at a higher level. Remember that selectors give up their time for these trials meaning that it is important for us to send only those ready to go to a higher level. Very seldom is it appropriate to send students for experience. An indicator of readiness for participation at a higher level would be being among the best 3 or 4 players in most games for your club’s under 12 teams.

In order to be selected to attend a District Trial, children should make themselves known to me (Mr Bateman) for either a selection trial with the appropriate teacher or so that they may be given the appropriate forms. Remember that children must give at least two weeks’ notice that they wish to attend a district trial to allow for a school selection trial to be held in the event of a great deal of interest being shown in a particular sport.

Important Sporting Dates (District and Regional Dates for 10 to 12 Year Olds Only)

Years 3 to 6 YSS Athletics Trials: 5 May, 16 May, 23 May & 8 June.
Regional Hockey: 20 May
District Cross Country: 2 May
Regional Cross Country: 16 May
Regional Football: 16 & 17 May
Gala Day 2: 19 May
Gala Day 3: 26 May
District Tennis Trials: 23 May
District Rugby: 24 May
Regional Golf: 25 May

Cameron Bateman

GALA SPORTS DAY 1

Senior and Junior Girls Soccer Teams

The senior and junior girls soccer teams had a wonderful first Gala Day. For many girls it was their first time playing soccer and their first Gala day. The girls demonstrated outstanding sportsmanship and courage to play in different positions on the field (including goalkeeper). Throughout the day we had a number of wins, a tie and a few losses. Special congratulations to the Senior team and the Junior Blue team who won all their games. Thanks to the two Yeronga State High School students, Zahra and Lucy, who helped us referee on Friday.

Alex McShane, Coach

T’ball & Softball

The softball and T’ball teams had a very successful outcome at Gala Day. All teams played well and maintained Yeronga’s reputation for good sportsmanship in all sixteen games. Special mention to Softball B team who one all their games.

With Yeronga setting such a high standard of play, we look forward to our next Gala Day on 19 May.

Lauren & Ellie

A Division Soccer - Boys

For many of the boys this was their first experience of interschool sport. It is certainly an experience they won’t forget for some time. Both the Seniors and Juniors won all their games convincingly without conceding a goal. In fact, in six games the boys scored over 50 goals. Playing on a full sized soccer field with the offside rule in place also provided many of the students with a new experience. Overall, the players demonstrated excellent sportsmanship and team work.

Hamish Curness, Coach

Soccer – Junior and Senior Boys C

Both C grade teams had a great day out last Friday representing our school well by putting in a big effort and showing positive sportsmanship. The Senior side came up against some good opposition but tried hard throughout all three games even when not in a winning position. They are to be commended for their willingness to continue improving their skills and not giving up. The Junior side played some good soccer winning two of their three games and going down narrowly (0-1) in their only loss. This was all the more impressive considering they had only ten players and no reserves throughout the day.

Aaron Hartin, Coach

DISTRICT TOUCH FOOTBALL

Congratulations to Myla T, Maddie I and Margaret G on their recent selection in the Sunnybank District Touch Football team. We now have a total of 5 students representing the District at the regional trials in June. We wish them all the best of luck.

MAD HAIR AFTERNOON : Preps 2 and 3

Prep 2 and 3 had fun during a Crazy Hair Afternoon as we learnt about how sometimes we are able to relate our own experiences to events and characters we read about in books.

CHAPPY’S CHAT

Who do you admire?

My daughter asked me recently, “Is there a famous person who I really admire?” It took me quite a while to answer because I’m not one to be dazzled by fame or fortune. Of course I have my favourite actors, enjoy particular musicians, appreciate the talent of sports stars and genius of many inventors and entrepreneurs. However, none of those really stood out as being truly admiral, particularly when I considered other aspects of their lives.

As I thought more about my daughter’s question, I realised that there are many people I admire, respect and even model my life after, but none of those people are world famous. They are actually everyday heroes who have overcome difficulties in their life, worked hard, and still found the strength to help people. Often they are quiet achievers and very humble, not out to seek fame and fortune.

As an example, the Queensland State Finalist for the Barnardos Australia Mother of the Year is Sharon Macrae, a former stay-at-home Mum to 4 children, now a Senior Constable with Queensland Police. Like most inspirational people, Sharon has had many difficulties throughout her life that includes abuse and the loss of her husband to cancer. Even so, she has been able to raise and protect her own family as well as to help care for others in need. She works with juvenile offenders and refugees, and campaigns against domestic violence, supporting victims to restart their lives. She has successfully balanced family, work, and community involvement. That is the sort of person that I admire.

How would you answer that same question?

Free Workshop

Women’s House is providing a free workshop series in May and June for women who are supporting young children affected by domestic violence. Childcare is available. Dates are Thursdays May 18 and 25, June 1, 8, 15 and 22 at 9:30am-12:30pm. RSVP required. For further information, contact Women’s House on 3391 0005.

Blessings,
Jennifer Bennett
jenniferb@chappy.org.au

ARCHIVES MATTER

Young Alumni Story

Alice Laidlaw was enrolled at Yeronga Primary School from 2005 – 2011. After leaving primary school, Alice attended St Peters Lutheran College and graduated with an OP 2. She is currently studying a dual degree of midwifery and nursing at UQ.

When asked about her fondest memory of primary school Alice said Under 8’s Day. “It was a really fun day where we got to participate in different activities like arts and craft and went to a mini disco.”

This April, Alice performed with the Brisbane Regional Youth Orchestra (BRYO) at Carnegie Hall, New York. BRYO is a full symphony orchestra for performers 26 years and under. The orchestra was selected to play with other international youth groups at the New York International Music Festival. The BRYO was successful in winning a gold award. Alice said: “Playing in such a gorgeous hall, with all its history and meeting other young musicians from all over the world was certainly a highlight”.

Alice believes a lot of her current musical success stems from her days at Yeronga. When learning the violin, Alice was inspired by Mrs Eastgate, who helped improve technique but also made sure string lessons were always enjoyable and fun, and Mrs Plumridge who taught Alice the recorder, ukulele and marimba.

Congratulations Alice. It’s great to hear from alumni who are achieving their goals. If anyone has an alumni story they would like to share, email Ruth Bennett (Archivist) – rbenn127@eq.edu.au

SCHOOL BANKING

27.04.2017 Total Bankers – 71
Junior Banker of the Week: Tom ( 2C)
Senior Banker of the Week: Ben (3L)

04.05.2017 Total Bankers – 56
Junior Banker of the Week: Brendan (2R)
Senior Banker of the Week: Elyssa (4D)

COMMUNITY NOTICES

DATE CLAIMERS

May

04 - Principal & Parent Q&A Sessions – Year 5 – 9.00-9:30am
04 - AVA Pet Talks 9:00-10:30am (Prep students)
04 - YSS Athletics Trials
04 - Student Council – Activity with ECDP
05 - Active Travel – catch the Walking School Bus
05 - Free Dress Day for fete – bring a chocolate bar
9-11 - NAPLAN Testing
10 - Prep 4 Mother’s Day Celebration 9:00-11:00am
11 - Principal & Parent Q&A Sessions – Year 3 – 9.00-9:30am
11 - AVA Pet PEP Talks 9:00-10:30am (Year 1 students)
11&12 - Mother’s Day Stall: Prep-Year 6 students 9:00-11:00am
12 - Prep 1 - Prep 3 Mother’s Day Celebration 9:00-11:00am
15 - YSS Athletics Trials
16 - Yeronga High Open Day for Years 5 & 6
16 - P&C Meeting 7:00pm Resource Centre
16&17 - Metropolitan West Football Trials
17 - School Photo Day 8:30am-2:00pm
18 - Principal & Parent Q&A Sessions – Prep – 9.00-9:30am
19 - National “Walk to School Safely” Day – Silly Socks theme
19 - GALA SPORTS DAY 2 (Back-up 26 May)
22 - District Girls Rugby League Trials
22 - Senior Choir Competing @ QYMA (evening)
23 - YSS Athletics Trials
23 - District Tennis Trials
23 - ICAS Testing (Digital Technologies)
24 - Senior Choir in Creative Generation Voices, Sherwood SS
24 - District Rugby Union Trials
24 - Student Council: P-2 Games in the breaks
25 - Principal & Parent Q&A Sessions – Year 6 – 9.00-9:30am
26 - Student Council: Arcade games day for Yr 3-6 in hall
27 - SCHOOL FETE from 12:00pm – fireworks approx. 6:30pm
29 - District Girls Softball Trials
30 - ICAS Testing (Science)
31 - Parent Workshop “Bridge Builders” 7:00-8:30pm Resource Centre

June

01 - Principal & Parent Q&A Sessions – Year 2 – 9.00-9:30am
01 - Metropolitan West Cross Country Trials
01 - District Boys Softball Trials
02 - Active Travel : catch the Walking School Bus
02 - GALA SPORTS DAY 3
05 - Metropolitan West Touch Trials
05-06 - SheFlies Drone Workshop for Years 5 & 6. Cost involved.
06-07 - Metropolitan West Tennis Trials
08 - Principal and Parent Q&A Sessions – Yr 4 – 9:00-9:30am
08 - School Disco – Semester 1 - “Winter Wonderland”
12-16 - ICAS Testing (Writing)
12-16 - Student Council – Table tennis competition 4-6s, teachers
13 - Metropolitan West Girls Rugby League Trials
14 - ICAS Testing (Spelling)
15 - Principal and Parent Q&A Sessions – Yr 4 – 9:00-9:30am
20 - P&C Meeting 7:00pm Resource Centre
20 - YSS Senior Athletics Carnival
20-23 - Junior Strings Camp (Southside)
21 - Behaviour Celebration – Term 2
22 - Student Council – PJ Day/Buddy Class reading activity
23 - YSS Junior Sports Carnival 9-11:00am (Prep-Year 2) to be confirmed
23 - Last Day Semester 1

July

10 - Day 1 – Term 3

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