13 July 2017

Newsletter Articles

PRINCIPAL REPORT

WELCOME BACK

It was lovely to see our students excitedly greeting their friends and teachers on Monday as they returned to school from a well-deserved holiday. Thank you to all the parents who have ensured the students had the correct uniform items and school supplies to have a great term!!

THANK YOU MRS WALKER!

Mrs Carla Walker, Yeronga State School’s dedicated and passionate Deputy Principal, has written a beautiful letter to the community this week, advising you of her decision to retire. Mrs Walker has been a part of the DNA of Yeronga State School for over 25 years and has been integral to the success of many students and a great support to staff, students and families. It goes without saying we will miss her and, given Carla’s incredible work ethic, we have some big shoes to fill!

Given that Carla is going overseas for most of this term, we will organise a function to thank her for the enormous contribution to our community early in Term 4. I know many past and present families may wish to attend, along with past and present staff.

I know what a tough decision this was for Mrs Walker. However I hope she enjoys some great times with her family, friends and her many hobbies and interests.

Thank you Mrs Walker. We will miss you!

PARENT TEACHER INTERVIEWS

This term we have changed our parent teacher interview booking program to Schedule Keeper. Interviews will be held during weeks 4 and 5 and an e-mail will be sent this week advising you of how to book.

The Parent Teacher Interviews in Term 3 is future focussed and are about clarifying your child’s learning goals for Semester 2 and discussing strategies for supporting students’ learning, based on how your child is progressing this year. We prefer not to use this time to revisit report cards so if you have anything about report cards you wish to clarify, I encourage you to do this beforehand.

CLASS TERM NEWSLETTERS

During the next three weeks each class teacher will be sending home a class newsletter outlining some of the learning, events and expectations for the term ahead. This should be a great tool for giving parents an overview of the term ahead and help you understand the curriculum priorities as well.

PROCEDURE FOR LATE ARRIVALS

Our school rolls are marked by the classroom teachers by 9:00am daily. If your child is not at school by this time, it is highly likely you will receive an SMS indicating that your child is absent. Your child’s safety is our first priority and therefore any unexplained absences receive our immediate attention. If you receive an SMS, please contact us immediately so we can follow up your child’s whereabouts as quickly as possible. I encourage you to `assume the best’ if you know your child is at school.

All late arrivals (after 9am), from Prep through to Year 6 students, must report to the Senior school office for a ‘late’ slip before going to their classrooms. The school office logs the arrival and you will receive a slip to take to the class teacher. It is important to note that even 5 minutes late each day means your child is missing nearly half an hour of schooling a week. That quickly adds up over the course of a year. Late arrival also disrupts the teaching and learning of all students so please help by being on time.

UPDATING STUDENT DETAILS

If you have changed your mobile phone number or moved house recently, have you advised the school? The quickest way to do this can be to check through Q Parents. However if you do not have Q Parents then please contact the school via the admin e-mail – admin@yerongass.eq.edu.au

QParents is an online portal that provides parents with a snapshot of information surfaced from OneSchool about their child and allows them to:

• view attendance details, report cards, invoices and a history of payments
• provide reasons for unexplained absences and to notify the school of future absences
• view and pay school invoices online
• update student details including residential and postal address as well as medical conditions.

Please contact Nicki at nalla6@eq.edu.au for a personal invitation.

DONATIONS OF JUMPERS

Do you have any spare navy blue jumpers at home? We are happy to take second hand donations of jumpers and uniforms for our school office. Please deliver any items you are happy to donate to the office.

Thank You

We would like to thank Yeronga State High School for their generous donation of 17 microscopes. Our children will enjoy using these are part of their science lessons.

Debbie Spanner, Principal

FROM OUR DEPUTY PRINCIPAL

Dear Parents and Members of the YSS Community

Last week I made the decision to make a major change in my life. After much thought, I have decided to retire from my position as Deputy Principal of Yeronga SS from the end of my Long Service Leave at the end of July. I know this is the right decision and this is the right time for me.

I don’t have enough words to express the way I feel about my time at YSS and my leaving. I have loved this community and will miss the amazing community that is Yeronga SS, the staff, the parents and of course the children.

I have so many memories that I cannot possibly name them all here. As I have been sorting through old photos for the archives in the past few weeks I have realised again and even more so the many changes and events of which I have had the privilege to be a part.

As I get very emotional at goodbyes, I was really not sure I could handle a long lead up to a final day and everyone counting down the days. My emotions would have made it so much harder to say those goodbyes.

I began as Assistant Principal at Yeronga SS just over 25 years ago. It sounds like such a long time but has gone so quickly. This community has always been special. I worked in seven other schools before coming here and can say YSS had a feel that was unique from day one.

During my time here I have worked with three Principals, Mrs Joan Bradbury, Mr John Johnson and Mrs Debbie Spanner. From each I learnt much and shared many new educational changes and made decisions that have changed the face of YSS over the years. I want to thank them for their support and collegiality.

I have worked with so many wonderful people. I cannot possibly name them all. Teachers over all those years who have made a difference to children’s lives not just in the act of teaching but in nurturing and caring for each individual, teacher aides who go far beyond their role to support the teaching staff, office staff who are the first face of YSS that welcomes new members to our community and support the craziness that can be administration of a large school, the cleaning and grounds staff and other auxiliary personnel who not only keep the school buildings and grounds looking great but contribute to so many other school events. Chappy Jenny and the chappies before her who quietly and empathetically support everyone in the community with a listening ear and a big smile. Thank you to you all.

A big school like ours also has support from Guidance officers, Speech Pathologists, Advisory teachers, YOSHC personnel, YSHS staff, Education Qld personnel, outside agencies and health professionals with whom I have communicated in my role, worked alongside and I want to thank also for their support of me.

A school cannot function as well as this one without the generosity of the volunteers who come in so many forms, from the P and C executive and members, who over the years have worked so hard to support the school to provide events and funds and build community, to the 100’s who have volunteered with reading, RI, art, working bees, timekeeping, organising morning teas, decorations etc. Your work is truly a gift that has enhanced the community and is priceless.

Thank you to all of the parents of Yeronga for your support for me in my role at YSS. Strong parental relationships are the strength for any school and working together so much can be achieved as it has over the years.

What can I say about the students of Yeronga SS? They are amazing. I have known them to be accepting of differences, show a love of life and joy of participation in events, competitive but fair, supportive of one another, respectful with a little cheekiness thrown in. They reflect the values and qualities encouraged by their families which will help them to be good citizens in the future. It has been my pleasure to work with so many wonderful children over the years. To watch them come in at the start of their school career with eager or cautious faces, develop over time and move on to Secondary Education as confident students ready for new challenges. They are the future leaders of our world and it is in very safe hands.

During my years in education there have been many changes in pedagogy, curriculum, strategy, management and organisation but one thing has not changed. Children. Our students are what we are here for. Educating children is a privilege and one I have loved.

I have also loved being involved in the organisation of events for the students like the Under 8’s afternoons which we ran from 1992 till the mid 2000’s, the many events organised with the Student Council like our EKKA day and Olympics, Pyjama dress-ups with bring-a-favourite-book to school, our 2000 mini Olympics and 2006 Yerongawealth games to name just a few. I remember them fondly and I hope the students do too.

Yeronga SS has been such a large part of my life. I have shared with the parents and community important events, family happiness and sadness, the fallout from natural disasters, changes in the school environment, losses and joy. I have great admiration for the strength of the school community and its fierce protection of its identity. So many physical changes over the years, new buildings, new playgrounds, upgrades but keeping the same identity and spirit.

I shall miss my Prep fan club of hellos when I go to playground duty each day, the” ah ha” moments when a child gets something for the first time, the drawings, their laughter, the stories parents would be best to not know that we know (!), the curiosity of little ones, the changes as puberty begins, meeting parents on pathways for a chat, watching music skills develop, sharing the joy of a sporting victory and so much more.

As I live close by I often run into past students and parents and it is a joy to find out what they are doing and to share some memories. I hope this continues as it is such a pleasure to see those little 5 year olds grown into adults. And those parents who haven’t aged at all! The added delight has been times when past students have come in to enrol their own little ones. Makes me feel old, but what a pleasure to be a part of another generation of YSS.

I have arranged with Debbie to come up and say farewell to the children at assembly so they will know I am leaving too.

I wish you the best for the rest of 2017 and the future. I hope to continue to keep in contact about the events and changes at Yeronga SS through my many friends at the school. Don’t worry I won’t be able to stay away. You’ll be sick of me turning up to events!!!!

Please come up to me if you see me around at events, in shopping centres or anywhere else. I love finding out about the lives of our past students and that of their parents.

Yeronga SS will always have a special place in my heart. So to all of you who have been a part of my life at YSS – thank you for the memories. They are part of the fabric of my life.

All the best

Carla

ACTING DEPUTY PRINCIPAL REPORT

It’s all go for term three!

Life Education Visit

We are looking forward to Harold and The Life Education van visiting Yeronga State School once again, from Wednesday 2 August to Monday 14 August. The cost for the visit is $9.00 for Prep –Year 4 and $10.00 for Years 5 and 6. This includes the cost of the visit and the follow up work book. Each year level programme is different and each Life Education visit is unique. Invoices will be sent out shortly.

There is a special parent session on Wednesday 2 August at 1:45pm which informs parents about the programme and gives you an opportunity to ask the Life Education Teacher any questions.

National Consistent Collection of Data

All schools in Australia participate in the nationally consistent collection of data on School Students with Disability (the national data collection). The national data collection is an annual collection that counts the number of school students with disability and the level of reasonable educational adjustment they are provided with.

This national data collection collects information about students with disability in a consistent, reliable and systematic way. The national data collection draws on and reflects the ongoing work teachers and education staff do to support students with disability.

The implementation of the national data collection will provide all Australian schools, education authorities and the community with information about:

• the number of school students with disability
• where they are located
• the level of reasonable adjustment provided for them to participate fully in schooling
• each student’s broad type of disability.

Prep 2018 Information sessions Tuesday 8 August

We will be holding two Prep Information Sessions for the 2018 Prep intake - 9:15am and a repeat at 6:15pm on Tuesday 8 August. The purpose of these sessions is to give parents an insight into Prep at Yeronga State School. Please let Kindy or Day Care friends know that if they are considering attending Yeronga State School, they need to begin the enrolment process as soon as possible so that we can make the best possible decisions based on the students enrolling.

2018 Enrolments

We are starting the enrolment process for 2018 and ask all current families that will have a new child starting next year, to complete an enrolment form ASAP. Enrolment forms are available on our website or from the school office.

Student Council Activities

The Student Council will be hosting activities in the hall. Prep – year 2 will have fun and games on Tuesday 26 July during both breaks and Years 3 – 6 will have fun activities on Friday 28 July.

Deborah Cowie, Acting Deputy Principal

MONEY MATTERS

BPoint Link

Welcome back to Term 3. Over the holidays the One School team made a few enhancements to our finance processes. One of the features updated was BPoint. If you click on the BPoint link on the bottom left hand side of your invoice all the payment details will be pre-populated. All you need to do is add the amount being paid. BPoint can also be set up to have payments automatically deducted from your nominated account. Should you wish to pay in instalments please contact me.

QParents

QParents – did you know that you can access and print your child’s report card through QParents? You can also see your account information, update personal information as well as advise the school of any absences. If you would like to be invited to QParents please email me on nalla6@eq.edu.au .

Nicki Allardyce, Business Manager

MUSIC

Yeronga Friends of Music

At the last P&C Meeting, a new parent community group was launched – The Yeronga Friends of Music. P&C members have received information on the goals and role of the group. Basically, YFoM would exist to support the development of extra-curricular music and support events and concerts. No major commitment is required, but most of the development work would be done this term, preparing for 2018. There are two concerts this term and two more in Term 4, where support would be appreciated.

Initially, I am setting up an email list and would appreciated anyone who is thinking they could contribute now or down the track, to complete the online survey found in the link below. Please do this by next Thursday, when I will send out one email to all outlining the plan for 2017 and where help would be appreciated. It is at this point that people can then sign up for specific roles or events.

Jane Plumridge, Music Specialist

RESOURCE CENTRE

Book Week

Term 3 in the library is the time we celebrate Book Week. This year Book Week will be held in Week 8. We have an author visit scheduled for Friday September 1st Cameron Stelzer of the Stroogle Book Series. Invoices will be sent home soon. There is a number of activities planned for the week so look out for the timetable in the next newsletter.

We need your help!

We have quite a lot of books that need covering. If you could spare some time on Thursday mornings please come to the library between 9:00-11:00am and help us get the books ready to be borrowed.

Returns

Returns are still being chased so if your child has an overdue book please either find the book, replace the book or pay the fee for the school to replace the book. We want everyone able to borrow as soon as possible.

Faith Hage, Teacher Librarian

YEAR 1 FIRE SERVICES VISIT

Firefighters from the Annerley Fire Station visited the Year One classrooms at the end of last term to reinforce and teach fire safety rules to the children.

It is important for young children to learn basic, yet potentially life-saving rules and messages, such as Stop, Drop and Roll and Get Down Low and Go, Go, Go!

The visits allowed an opportunity for the children to see the fire truck and the equipment. Every child had a chance to spray the fire hose. This was very exciting!

The learning experiences allowed the children to connect with the firefighters as trusted and helpful people in the community.

Debbie Quinn, Year 1 Teacher

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Yeronga State School Senior (Years 3-6) Athletics Carnival Day 20 June

What a great day it was. Thank you to all who attended and especially to those who lent us their assistance. Many thanks to Mr Palmer who lent us some of his Yeronga State High School students to help officiate for the carnival. We really could not carry out the carnival without their help.

A massive thank you to all Yeronga State School staff, in general, who continue to go above and beyond my expectations throughout the conduct of the trials and the carnival proper. In particular many thanks for the help of Mr Sutherland and Mrs Cowie who were at school very early to assist with preparations and stayed late to tidy up

Mighty Mighty Kendall (Our Champion House)

As Meatloaf said “two out of three ain’t bad” or something along those lines. Kendall have retained the cross country championship and regained the athletics championship. This amounts to an excellent effort this year, but can they take the swimming championship from six time champions Lawson or will it be a Meatloaf year. That will be played out in term 4. For now Kendall should be extremely pleased with their dominance this year.

Congratulations to our Age Champions

8 years: Jayden R & Willow H
9 Years: Juliet & Sam L
10 Years: Bill S & Hayley R
11 Years: Joe K & Lucy C
12 Years: Cody R & Eloise N

Finally congratulations to our record breakers

Jayden R who broke 4 Records including the 8 years boys 200m, Discus, Long Jump & High Jump
Clancy J who broke the 14 year old 11 Years boys Discus Record
Margaret G who broke her big sister’s 11 years girls 800m record
Hayley R who broke the 10 years girls high jump record
Salima W who broke the 8 years girls discus record.

District Athletics

Congratulation and good luck to the following people on the selection and qualification to compete for Yeronga State School at the Sunnybank District Athletics on July 21 and July 25.

Our team includes, in both reserve and team member capacities:

Bill S, Alexander P, Jack N, Archie S, Aiden Y, Timo S, Liam C, Harry A, Elijah H, Oscar S, Joshua M, Joe K, Yohan B, Tomas B, Nicholas P, Clancy J, Lachie H, Noah S, Harry C, Daniel W, Cody R, Lachlan S, Damien W, Joseph K, Kiearlon P, Joshua W, Leith J, Hayley R, Edilawit K, Lauren G, Morgan J, Tahlia B, Kate M, Kyla V, Chloe F, Yar C, Georgia M, Catherine K, Myla T, Lucy C, Claudia W, Abbey G, Liina N, Celia A, Isable F, Sigourney L, Ellie M, Huong M, Lucinda M, Margaret G, Ella Q, Maddie I, Eloise N, Lara D, Sienna R, Bridget C, Zoe H, Laetia G, Lauren Z, Ellana M & Caitlin R.

Please see Mr Bateman urgently if you have been named here, but have not received an email with the permission forms and timetable attached.

Go Margaret Go!

Our Margaret G is off the State Cross Country Championships very shortly. We wish her all the best in her bid for selection.

District Events for Students Aged 10 – 12 years

Please make your children aware of these events well ahead of time so that they may consult the relevant teachers regarding their suitability and participation.

State Cross Country - 15 - 17 July (Go Margaret)
District Athletics - 21 July & 25 July
Regional Athletics - 14 & 15 August
Gala Day 1 - 11 August (Reserve Date 18 August)
District Girls Cricket - 21 August
District Boys Cricket - 22 & 24
Regional Boys Cricket - 4 & 5 September
Regional Girls Cricket - 6 September
Gala Day 2 - 8 September (Reserve Date 15 September)
Yeronga State School Ball Games - 12 September (to be confirmed).

Cameron Bateman, P.E. Teacher

CHAPPY’S CHAT

Welcome back to school for the new semester. I hope you are feeling refreshed and ready to get back into a new school term.

Assistance with School Uniforms, Books and Resources for 2018

Applications to St Vincent de Paul Society Qld – Children’s Education Fund for 2018 school year open from 1 August and close 15 September 2017. The Joseph and Violet McGowan Memorial and General Fund assists children attending all year levels to purchase uniforms, books and resources. School fees, school levies and excursions are not covered.

Who is Eligible? A recipient with a CRN (Centrelink Referral Number) and in receipt of FTB (Family Tax Benefits A & B) and has children noted on the Centrelink Income Statement.

Phone the St Vincent de Paul HelpLine on 3010 1096 and ask for the St Vincent de Paul volunteers to come to your home to get your financial details to fill out an application. All applications will be assessed by the St Vincent de Paul Children’s Education Fund Committee on a case by case basis.

Chappy’s Movie Night 28 July

Chappy’s Fun Night Out is screening the animated Disney movie “Moana”. It is the inspirational story of a Polynesian girl who follows her dreams and sets sail on a great adventure to prove herself a master wayfinder and fulfil her ancestor’s unfinished quest. It has themes of bravery, perseverance and identity.

This great family night out is only 2 weeks away. Check out the Chappy’s Movie Night flyer attached to this newsletter for all the details or pick one up at the payment boxes. Please register quickly to avoid any disappointment. $6.00 per person includes entry, a ticket for the lucky door prizes, one sausage sizzle and a drink.

Please be aware the movie has a PG rating and has some scenes that may be scary for young children.

Other coming events

9/10 September - Camp at School with Dad
30 September - River Fire Event at YSHS

Blessings, Jennifer Bennett
jenniferb@chappy.org.au

SCHOOL BANKING

22.06.2017

Junior Banker of the week: Sam 1P
Senior Banker of the Week: Jerusha 4D

13.07.2017: 54 Bankers

Junior Banker of the Week: Saskia 1P
Senior Banker of the Week: Kyla 5M

COMMUNITY NOTICES

Yeronga AFL Club - A Ladies Luncheon – Saturday 29 July 2017 12:30pm.
Queensland Police - Dogs on Patrol – Camp Hill State School Cricket Oval, Sunday 16 July
Cultural Night – A Celebration of Community – 167 Beaudesert Rd, Moorooka, 29 July
Tarragindi Tigers Football Club - Mini Roos U4-U6 - Starts Friday 14 July
Tarragindi Tigers Football Club Mini Roos - U5-U9 Girls – Starts Friday 14 July
Queensland Academies Creative Industries Information Session – Monday 24 July

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