7 September 2017

Newsletter Articles

PRINCIPAL REPORT

BYOD PROGRAM PROPOSAL

Creating learning environments that cater for our children’s current reality and their future (not our past), is a continual challenge in education. In our current classrooms we have children spending time learning how to do things using out of date tools such as dictionaries or calculators or documenting their learning laboriously with paper and pen which consumes their cognitive load and leaves limited capacity for creativity. There is frustration and confusion for our students (and some digital native teachers) trying to provide evidence for learning in ways that are time consuming and irrelevant to them. The range of abilities in year levels continues to broaden and the teacher capacity to cater for this range is enhanced by children having access to learning tools that make differentiation easier. Something has to change and the BYOD Program is the way forward.

We know that engaging children is reliant on using a variety of resources including online tools, hands on materials, paper and pen etc. Providing children with choice in how they document their learning increases engagement and their beliefs about who they are as a learner. Creating natural opportunities for children to share their learning with parents through the everyday use of a digital learning device also gives parents greater opportunities to be a part of their child’s learning.

In 2018 we are planning to create i-Pad classes in Year 2. We understand that the whole school community is interested in this decision and are currently holding Parent information sessions to discuss this move. Our last one will be next Wednesday 13 September 9:30am – 10:30am however we will provide additional information on our website after this for those who have been unable to attend any sessions, including addressing frequently asked questions. Thank you to all parents who have attended so far. We value the feedback we are getting and look forward to continuing our strong partnership as we move forward together.

STUDENT FREE DAY – Monday 16 October

Please take note of the above date as there will be no school on this day. The Student Free Day is used for moderation and professional learning.

SPORTS GALA DAYS

Students who are 10 and older have the opportunity to participate in three sports gala days each semester. Children learn how to be a member of team sports including netball, softball, afl, touch football, soccer and cricket. They play 12 games against schools across the Sunnybank District and attend training at school each week for about 12 weeks. This allows children to experience alternative sports to those they participate in outside school if they wish or participate in sports they currently play to further develop their skills.

Costs for Sports Gala days vary between $40 and $60 a semester, depending on whether we need to catch a bus to the venues. This money covers:

• Bus costs
• Provision of Sports equipment
• District affiliation fees (to help run sporting events and district carnivals)
• Facilities hire

Thank you to the teachers who coach children before and after school or during lunch hours to ensure our children can make the most of these opportunities. A big thank you to Hamish Curness (Sports Coordinator) and Cameron Bateman (PE teacher) for their efforts in ensuring our children engage in a quality sporting program.

SCHOOL ATTENDANCE

The impact of missed school days on learning is well documented. Every day does count and missing school impacts not only the child who is absent but also the class whilst the teacher tries to help upskill the child who was away. Please be vigilant about school attendance. If your child is away, please contact the student absent line or use Q Parents to . If you are concerned that your child may have a number of unexplained absences, you are welcome to see our front office for a print out of attendance for this semester so far.

STUDENT ENROLMENTS - 2018

Are you leaving? To ensure we are able to plan successfully for next year and to try to avoid the necessity to renegotiate classes after Day 8, it is important for us to have accurate information regarding student enrolments for 2018. Please advise class teachers or the school office if your children will not be returning for 2018. We understand that plans may change between now and the beginning of next year, however families who know they are leaving can help us plan for a successful 2018. Thank you for your help.

2018 Class Considerations

Student class allocation for 2018 will commence shortly. If you have any information of an educational nature you would like us to consider when we decide where to place your child for 2018, please write to Mrs Cowie or Mrs Spanner by Monday 9 October. Any requests received after this date may not be able to be considered.

Prep Enrolments 2018

Making the decision where to send your children is a difficult one and often parents put their children’s names down for a number of schools whilst trying to decide. If you are aware of anyone who is no longer coming to Yeronga SS but has not let us know, can you encourage them to do so. We have strong numbers for 2018 and are keen to offer places to others as soon as possible, if there are vacancies. Likewise, anyone contemplating whether to do another year in Kindy, you need to let us know by the end of term too, so we can plan and allocate classes

Debbie Spanner, Principal

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL REPORT

Pyjama Day and Indigenous Literacy Foundation

Thank you to all the wonderful students and staff who dressed up in their PJ’s on Thursday. We made the decision to dress up in our PJ’s rather than having a dress up book parade after receiving feedback from parents that we had too many dress up events at the same time of the year. Thank you to all those parents who have acknowledged that we have heard you. Our next dress up even is of course ball games day. For those parents who missed dressing up in their book parade costumes, we hear you too and will try and match this with another event. Watch this space.

Thank you for your generous donations which have supported our student initiatives. We have raised to support the Pyjama Foundation - $1011.10

It was with great excitement that students came to swap books. Thanks to Maddie, we have raised $1061.80 to be able to support the Indigenous literacy foundation.

Healthy Lunch Boxes and Fussy Eaters

As I walk around doing lunch eating duty, I notice that some of our students are reluctant or fussy eaters. It is important not to make eating a big issue of this and also ensure that our students have enough energy for thinking and learning. This is a hard task for any parent. I thought I would share some ideas here. Here are some links that will help you with these issues.

Some of the ideas I see parents pack that seem successful are:

• Small portions of a variety of foods – using a Bento type lunch box
• Food cut into interesting shapes
• A small tub of pasta or rice instead of bread – parents use a heat retaining container for this
• Wraps and sushi also seem to be a big hit.

Debbie Cowie, Acting Deputy Principal

P & C REPORT

Volunteers for Ballgames Day : Sno Cone Stall

The P&C are looking for volunteers to coordinate and help run the Sno Cone stall on Thursday 14 September at the Ballgames Day. If you are able to volunteer any time to help or are willing to coordinate the day please email the P&C on yerongasspandc@gmail.com

Lost Property

Our uniform shop convenor spends a lot of volunteered hours ensuring our lost property areas are kept tidy. These spaces are in public parts of our school and keeping these areas tidy is important for presentation and function. An orderly lost property space allows parents and students to more easily locate their lost items. Unfortunately we often find these spaces, particularly the upper school location, left in a mess after people have been through them looking for their lost property. Please leave the lost property areas in the neat and tidy way that you found them.

All lost property will be laid out between the year 2 and 3 buildings and between the year 1 building and year 2 demountable on Thursday 14 September to give parents and students one last opportunity to find their belongings. Any items not claimed by the end of term, on 15 September, will be donated or disposed of. There is a significant amount of lost property, so if you are missing something, please take this opportunity to have a look.

Trivia Night - Save the date

The Trivia Night is back by popular demand.

Friday 3 November

(please note this is the correct date - our apologies for the incorrect date we gave your parent reps).

Venue: Yeronga State School Hall
Theme: 70's theme!

Start planning your costumes and getting a group/ table together. Should be heaps of fun!

More details to come after the holidays.

pandc@yerongass.eq.edu.au

Jo Thomson, P&C Committee

MONEY MATTERS

Payments and Accounts

Processes for paying student invoices are constantly being updated and reviewed by both the school and our finance system One School. Our preferred method of payment is via BPoint which can be accessed by clicking on the link which appears on the bottom left hand side of invoices and statements. All payment methods are listed on the bottom of your invoice/statement.

QParents is a program that enables you to see your account history ie invoices that are outstanding, what has been paid and what credits you have on your account. You can also part pay an invoice by ticking on the invoice you are paying and amending the amount you want to pay. If you have a credit on your child’s account you will need to send an email to the office so that the credit can be applied.

If you want to put money on your child’ account for future payments this can now be done. To use the credit on your account you are required to send an email or a note to the office stating the amount you want taken off the account and for which event/excursion it is to be applied to. Please note that this is only for school incursions/excursions and not for P&C or Chappy’s events.

Statements will be issued before the end of this term. If an amount on your statement has a negative symbol - this is a credit and is not required to be paid (ie -$10.00). If you would like the credit used to pay for existing invoices, please email or send a note to the office.

Unidentified Payment

2 payments were made by direct deposit to the school’s bank account on 22 August 2017. The person who made these 2 payments has a child that plays Gala Touch. If you think this could be you, please call or email me nalla6@eq.edu.au so that I can investigate further.

Stop Endangering Our Children’s Lives

Our staff car parks are busy places especially in the mornings from 7.00am onwards. Unfortunately there have been a few incidents this term where students are being dropped off in the administration car park. The admin car park is next to the crossing and congestion is caused if vehicles are trying to exit as staff are arriving. Your assistance in not using this car park to drop your child off is appreciated.

Nicki Allardyce, Business Services Manager

HOODWINKED EXCURSION

Year 5 students recently enjoyed a day at the Pullenvale Environmental Education Centre. Students became Bush Kids as part of a Storythread that used story, drama, attentiveness and deep reflection to connect to natural places and to the past. They role-played and experienced what it was like to step back in time to 1897. Students impressed their ‘new teacher, Miss Dove,’ with their time travelling rhyme, 17 times tables and poetry recital as well as successfully writing with an ink pen. A great day was had by all.

Year 5 Teachers

MUSIC

Senior Showcase

Last Friday, 92 students in our three senior ensembles – Stella Voce choir, Senior Band and Brandenburg strings – gathered at the Coorparoo State School Performing Arts Centre for an hour of making music. It was a great night. Our Yeronga community spirit was strong as students worked in their musical teams with focus and self-discipline, and at the end, the entire audience and stage area was neatly packed up in under 10 minutes – an amazing feat.

Many students spent the week prior to the concert affected by illness, but made it to the performance with a smile. Even broken arms couldn’t keep Celia and Leith from still performing with the band, after a change of instrument.

Again we thank the music teacher, Groundsman, Business Services Manager and Principal of Coorparoo State School for their support and the hours of work that go into ensuring our students have a professional performance experience.

Our last two concerts for the year are:

The Big Play (week 7) Friday, November 17 at Coorparoo State School (All instrumental groups)
The Big Sing (week 8) Friday, November 24 at Sherwood State School

Instrumental Music for 2018

Nominations for the 2018 Beginner Band and Strings Program closed yesterday. Information on applicants is now being gathered and students will see Mrs Rosewarne or Miss Holm in weeks 1 or 2 in Term 4, for a physical test. Offers are released week 5. Responses and payments are due week 8.

Invoices for 2018 continuing students will be issues week 1, due week 8. Thank you to all who returned their forms promptly.

Jane Plumridge, Music Specialist

Maths Tournament

On Monday the 4th of September, the annual Maths Tournament was held at Graceville State School. Yeronga sent a team of Year 6 students to participate this year.

The squad consisted of the following students Lauren, Angus, Yejin, Celia, Bara and Yesmi.

Students were required to work as a team to answer many challenging questions in a designated time. Not only did we have to demonstrate a range of strategies we also had to use skills such as persistence and cooperation in order to perform at a high level.

At halftime we were in joint second having answered all questions except one correctly. The competition was tight throughout and by the end of the final relay event we had successfully placed 6th in a field of 22 teams, four questions behind Ironside SS the overall winners. We were extremely pleased with this result and represented our school with pride.

By Lauren Zillmann and Ms. Wise

RESOURCE CENTRE

Book Week

Book Week was a great success; we had a fun week celebrating our love of books. On Thursday the library hosted a milo and marshmallow morning and lots of families used the library to share books

and to have a warm drink. Friday was our author visit by Dr Cameron Stelzer and he was inspiring to watch. Students were able to pick up skills and tricks to improve their ability to design both writing material and illustrations. Thank you for your support in contributing to his visit.

Competition Winners

This term some classes entered a drawing competition that Dymocks at Indooroopilly Shopping Centre ran. The task was to design a room for the tree house series. The winner won a $100 book voucher along with the school winning a $200 book voucher. Congratulations to Milly in 4D for designing the winning entry.

Stroogle and Pie Rat Competitions

Well done to the students below who won the competition and received a book pack for their winning entries.

Willow 3C
Sam 2R
Sofia 3T

The time has come again for all library books to be returned before the term finishes. If you have misplaced a book or damaged it please either pay the $20 replacement fee or purchase the book and bring into the library to be processed. You help in returning books in greatly appreciated.

Book Club

Book Club orders will be given out on the first day of term 4. Sorry about any inconvenience this may have caused.

While on holidays make sure you make time for reading, using the log in details visit World Book Online and discover interesting facts, find experiments to engage in. There are lots of games and activities also that may be of interest.

Faith Hage, Teacher Librarian

PYJAMA DAY BUDDY READING

The pyjama dress day during Book Week proved to be a great success and was enjoyed by all who participated. Each class was given a buddy class to share books with in the afternoon. Attached are photos of 2C and 5JW students enjoying their shared reading experience.

Kay Wheatley, Year 2 Teacher

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

State Softball

Best of Luck to Zoe H and Lauren Z in their quest for state selection. As I have said before we have never had two students get to such a high level. Keep practicing!

District Cricket

We are very proud of our two selections for the Sunnybank District Boys Cricket Team; Harvey P and Brayden M. Commiserations to: Harry C and Joash M who also performed strongly on the day.

District Events for Students Aged 10 – 12 years This Term (Except Ball Games (open to all))

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.

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 – 14 September (altered and confirmed)

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 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.

Ball Games Program 14 September 2017

9:20: Prep to Year 2

Year Two Mixed Heat One
Under Over Ball, Tunnel Ball & Take & Put

Year One Mixed Heat One
Under Over Ball, Tunnel Ball & Take & Put

Year Two Mixed Heat Two
Under Over Ball, Tunnel Ball & Take & Put

Year One Mixed Heat 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 3 to 6: 11:45: Years 3-6

Year 3 Mixed Heat One
Tunnel Ball, Leader Ball & Captain Ball
Year 4 Mixed Heat One
Tunnel Ball, Leader Ball & Captain Ball
Year 5 Mixed Heat One
Tunnel Ball, Leader Ball & Captain Ball
Year 6 Mixed Heat One
Tunnel Ball, Leader Ball & Captain Ball
Year 3 Mixed Heat Two
Tunnel Ball, Leader Ball & Captain Ball
Year 4 Mixed Heat Two
Tunnel Ball, Leader Ball & Captain Ball
Year 5 Mixed Heat Two
Tunnel Ball, Leader Ball & Captain Ball
Year 6 Mixed Heat Two
Tunnel Ball, Leader Ball & Captain Ball
Year 3 Mixed Heat Three
Tunnel Ball, Leader Ball & Captain Ball
Year 4 Mixed Heat Three
Tunnel Ball, Leader Ball & Captain Ball
Year 5 Mixed Heat Three
Tunnel Ball, Leader Ball & Captain Ball
Year 6 Mixed Heat Three
Tunnel Ball, Leader Ball & Captain Ball

Abbie does it Again

In a quick acknowledgement, one of our old girls, Abbie C, has made her second state team for the year. Abbie has now been selected in the Queensland under 12 Touch Team. This goes with her previous selection in the Queensland under 12 Football team.

Well done Abbie!

To use the fine wine analogy … she has just become better and better with age.

Cameron Bateman, P.E. Teacher

JUNIOR A SOCCER

Junior A Soccer Team South East Queensland Finals

This has been one of Yeronga’s most exciting soccer journeys ever, after winning the Sunnybank District competition with 9 straight wins. The team then conquered the Metropolitan West region with 3 wins. The final stage known as the South East Queensland Finals is where the best 6 teams from a South East Queensland meet to play off to see who will be crowned the SEQ Champion. Over 600 primary schools have the opportunity to begin this journey and with the popularity of soccer in schools, you can imagine the quality of these teams.

The team unfortunately drew a very tough pool. Corinda, who the boys beat at the regional level 5-2, was a late inclusion due to a Gold Coast team pulling out. Corinda had a win and a narrow loss in the other pool to us. Our team had a 2-1 loss on the final whistle to West End SS. However, our real test was still ahead of us. Southern Cross Catholic College from Redcliffe beat West End 9-1. Southern Cross was our next opponent. Looking at the results, all things were pointing towards a very big score against Yeronga.

The next 40 minutes would have to rate as one of Yeronga State School’s finest and most courageous sporting moments ever. Every player on the team managed to find something extra and maintained their commitment to their friends for the full game. Going down 4- 0 in an amazingly fast and skilful game the boys had many reasons to be proud. The opposition coach and players declared we were the hardest opposition they had ever faced. The team handled the situation with maturity beyond their years. It was truly amazing to see the school spirit demonstrated by these boys.

Mr Curness, Coach

CHAPPY’S CHAT

Happy Father’s Day to all the men in the Yeronga School community! I cheer on the Dads, Grandads, uncles, and big brothers as you champion and support the children in your life. The Fathering Project is a partner to the University of Western Australia, and is all about helping and inspiring men with “being better dads”. There are great resources from their website including signing up for weekly tips, and there is a funny video that is a must watch called “Be positive” featuring comedian Peter Rowsthorn which focuses on the importance of having and displaying a positive attitude around children.

R U OK? Day

The national campaign R U Ok? Day is on Thursday 14 September to encourage meaningful connections and support people struggling with life. If we are worried about someone, start by commenting on the changes you might have noticed to help them open up and start talking. Trust your gut instinct and act on it. Ask R U OK? and listen without judgement. If you are concerned, encourage them to seek help. Check in with them at a later date to see if they are doing ok and have connected with the support that they need. For more information check out the website via the link below. You might also want to like their Facebook page to be encouraged to speak up throughout the year.

Riverfire Function at YSHS - 30 September

Unfortunately this event has been cancelled.

Camp at School with Dad – this weekend

The camp is now full. Unfortunately no more registrations (including Saturday walk-ins) will be accepted. For the 100 Dads and their kids that were lucky to register early, the weather looks excellent, and we will have a fantastic camping experience together.

Blessings, Jennifer Bennett
jenniferb@chappy.org.au

ARCHIVES MATTER

On Sunday 27 August, the class of 1967 were invited back to Yeronga School to reminiscence about their primary school adventures. The function was hosted by our very own Mrs McGuire who was a student at this school for her primary school education.

As Mrs McGuire said: “Life was different then. When we began school, we wrote on slates with slate pencils, we played outside without hats and sometimes without shoes, and misbehaviour was punishable with a smack or (for the unlucky boys) the cane. Many of us walked to and from school unaccompanied and we played on metal monkey bars without soft-fall below.

Over the last 50 years many things have changed at Yeronga State School but somethings remain the same: Grade 1 classes were in the big ‘Infants’ building,; teachers taught students how to read, write, add, subtract and play together. Lunchtimes were spent on the vast Yeronga ovals and under the massive camphor laurel and fig trees along School Road. As an alumni put it: Our mates were our mates and school was a happy, busy part of our lives.

Even though many years have passed since the alumni attended Yeronga, memories came flooding back and ‘remember when...’ stories were told of singing songs at lunchtime on rainy days; riding our tricycles under the big building on painted roadways; daily parade at the big school; shopping for the teachers at the corner store; playground games of skipping, elastics, footy, red rover and beam. Friendships formed so young were picked up again instantly as we remembered simpler times fondly.

All who attended the reunion strongly believed that the lessons learnt and friendships formed at Yeronga State School were a positive and impressive start in life”.

THEN

Class 1D 1967

NOW

50 Year Reunion

Back row: Stuart Mengel, Kerri Wood, Terry Phythian, Ali Sherry, Peter Wheeler.
Middle row: Wendy Collier
Front Row: Shaneen Meyers, Jillian Webb, Greg Lance, Allison Day, Sandra Dixon.

Ruth Bennett, Coordinator

THE GREEN TEAM

NUDE FOOD DAY IS COMING!

Put Tuesday 10 October 2017 into your diary as Yeronga State School will be celebrating Nude Food Day. Nude Food Day, supported by Nude Food Movers and in partnership with Nutrition Australia, creates a globally recognised day in which we can all come together and show our support towards HEALTHY EATING and WASTE REDUCTION. Our students will be joining other students around the world in bringing healthy, wrapper free lunches to school.

There will be class and individual competitions and prizes (donated by Food Connect) and lunchtime 'nude food' workshops. Also, Liby Elcome, our resident artist, will be creating a big beautiful artwork from rubbish (We need plastic bottle tops!! Pop them in the little collection bin at the tuckshop on tuckshop days)!

For ideas on how to pack a nude food lunch, click on the link below!

NUDE FOOD = HEALTHY BODY + HEALTHY PLANET

FROM THE OFFICE

Magpie Nesting Season

It’s magpie nesting season! Please be aware of swooping magpies that have nested in the school grounds over the coming weeks.

SCHOOL BANKING

31.08.2017 : 53 Bankers

Junior Banker of the Week - Sam V.

Senior Banker of the Week – Kate M.

07.09.2017 : 49 Bankers

Junior Banker of the Week - Anastasia M

Senior Banker of the Week – Ned W

There will be no banking next week due to Ball Games.

Active School Travel

Friday 8 September is ‘Bring your scooter to school day’ for Prep – Year 2. There will be a lunch time obstacle course for the students to enjoy.

COMMUNITY NOTICES

Term 4 Tennis: RISE - October 03 to December 09 – Register online.

Free Childrens Dental Program: Metro South Health Services.

WEP International Students: Become an International Family in 2018.

Bring Home a Big Brother or Sister: Volunteer to host an international student.

Kids Connect MG Psychology Clinic 2017: For children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

SQFW Health Industry Training: Funding now available.

The Yeronga Scout Den is 70: Saturday 9 September 3-5pm.

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