22 March 2018

Newsletter Articles

PRINCIPAL REPORT

Moggill State School Instructional Rounds

Last week a team of school leaders, inclusion teachers and classroom teachers visited Moggill State School to engage in instructional rounds. This is a process where teams of 4 or so people from fellow Curiosity and Powerful Learning schools visit multiple classrooms across a school over the course of a morning to ascertain school performance against specified teaching and learning criteria. The feedback provided to the school helps inform them of how they are travelling and where to next. Our staff found it an invaluable exercise, affirming that the work that we are doing as part of the Curiosity and Powerful Learning cluster, is the right work for our children at this time.

Yeronga State School had an instructional round last year and will participate again next year.

Principal Learning Exchange

Next term I have been given the opportunity to be the Acting Principal of Indooroopilly State School for the first five weeks whilst their Principal steps up into a Regional role for a short while. This is a great opportunity for me to learn more about how to lead a larger Curiosity and Powerful learning school. Given the rapid growth of inner city schools, it is important for the leadership of Yeronga State School to continually review operating systems to ensure we are being highly effective. I look forward to sharing my learnings when I return. Ms Michelle D’Netto, Principal of Runcorn State School, will be replacing me for five weeks. Michelle worked with the School Improvement Unit for a year as a lead reviewer and will provide some great feedback on how we are progressing at Yeronga State School.

Term Reflections and Celebrations

Inquiry Exhibitions

It has been an exciting time this term in the classrooms as our teachers focussed on adopting an inquiry stance across their school days. Our Prep, Year 5 and 6 team have engaged in Guided Inquiry units, giving our children quality learning experiences whilst developing their learning assets of collaborator, researcher, self-manager, thinker and communicator.

The Year 5 & 6 classes are holding their first exhibitions to share their learnings about research and inquiry, learner assets and knowledge and concepts with parents and some year level peers one afternoon in the next week. Our Prep students will present an Exhibition during Semester 2.

We know that inquiry groups are nervous about their presentations. We also know, from careful monitoring, that the individual and group learnings during the inquiry process has been amazing. I would like to congratulate the staff and students for the wonderful work they have done and wish them all the best for their presentations as they bravely lead the way.

BYOiPad Program

Congratulations to our Year 2 teachers, parents and students for the wonderful way that they have engaged with and adopted the BYOiPad program. The seamless way that students are bringing the devices to and from school, the natural way that teachers are allowing the students to document their learnings and the supportive way that parents have addressed their concerns is a credit to you all.

Deb Cowie has been walking alongside our teachers, parents and students as they have begun this journey. She began a closed FaceBook page on BYOiPads as a space to ask for help if needed and runs two genius hour sessions each week to troubleshoot any issues too. We have been offering some learning opportunities for parents on topics such as Book Creator use. We have also met with Griffith to look for ways to measure student engagement and the impact of the program. Engagement is not easy to measure as there are so many factors that impact this however teachers’ professional judgment is highly valued. Our teachers are reporting that teaching and learning has been amplified significantly with all children having ready access to devices. We will continue to monitor and collect data as we go.

Dogs In The School Grounds

Many families like to walk to or from school with their dogs. Making sure that they are on a leash and under your control is very important. Please do not tie your dogs up in the school grounds and leave them as I have witnessed dogs unattended growling and/or jumping up on children. Parents are the best people to judge if their dog will be safe. It is important to note that we have to file a dangerous dog report to the Brisbane City Council if anyone is bitten. Please help us keep our children and your dogs safe.

Parking

Thank you to the many people who are using the 2 minute STOP KISS Go zone so well. It is important to move to the bottom of the zone before picking up or dropping off to allow the zone to work efficiently. Please do not do a U-turn in front of this zone as I was very worried to see many near misses, including to adults and children on bikes when people engage in this practice.

I have received descriptions and registrations of cars who do continually park in this zone, leaving their vehicle in the middle of the zone, causing a bottle neck. Please be considerate of others and help keep traffic flowing around our school.

Thank you to everyone for following our direction not to park in the school grounds. You are helping to keep our children safe.

Master Plan

Yesterday I met with architects to discuss the possible challenges for our site as we continue to grow. A master plan is being developed for most schools within 5km of the city. The government will then prioritise needs and work to deliver aspects of school plans. Examples of challenges raised for Yeronga State School so far are hall capacity, YOSHC capacity, Junior School and Senior School capacity, retention of green space including Nature Play, classrooms designed for modern learning- including the lack of storage for subjects like Design Technology, Art and Science, poor acoustics and inflexibility to accommodate different teaching and learning approaches.

Yeronga State School is heritage listed, which includes most school buildings and significant areas of the grounds. Careful planning is required to accommodate growth as our school follows the trajectory of many inner city schools.

Debbie Spanner

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL REPORT

Cross Country

This week we enjoyed being a part of the Senior Cross Country. It was wonderful to witness the determination displayed by the students taking part and particularly exciting to see the sense of achievement as students crossed the finish line. Well done to all of the participants and congratulations to the students selected to represent Yeronga State School at the next level of competition.

We look forward to the running of the Junior Cross Country during Term Two (Thursday 3rd May).

Harmony Day

Each year Yeronga State School celebrates the diversity of our school population through Harmony Day. This year’s celebrations were bigger than ever, with two assemblies being held to mark the occasion. It has been marvelous to see the high level of community involvement in this event, which recognises and highlights the importance of cultural diversity in our school. The aim of the day is to promote inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for everyone at our school.

Active School Travel - Let’s get active!

Well done to all students who are consistently participating in Active School Travel. This week we celebrated ‘National Ride to School Day’, with students who rode their bike to school on Wednesday receiving double points!

Prep Enrolments for 2019

Last week we held our first Prep Enrolment information sessions to support families to prepare for the beginning of the Prep journey in 2019. If you have a child due to start Prep in 2019, please complete and submit an enrolment application package as soon as possible. This will assist the school in planning to best meet the needs of our incoming Prep students.

Please spread the word to friends and family members who may have a child ready to enrol in Prep for next year at Yeronga State School:

• Parents of students who live in the YSS catchment area are encouraged to complete and submit an enrolment application form (available from the school office). We ask for these forms to be completed as soon as possible.
• Parents of students who do not live with the YSS catchment area are asked to complete a one page ‘Expression of Interest’ form. These forms will be available from the YSS office from 8am on Wednesday 28 March and will be accepted in the order that they are received by the office.

International Women’s Day Breakfast

What a wonderful morning we had at YSS celebrating the achievements of women on International Women’s Day.

The students in Year Five and Six who attended the breakfast, along with significant family members, enjoyed hearing about the incredible life experiences of our guest speaker Judith Bowler. Judith was a student at Yeronga State School in the 1950s and she has dedicated the last 20 years of her life to helping girls in developing countries to gain an education, thereby realising opportunities and possibilities that may not have been available to them. Judith certainly epitomises our school motto of ‘Service Before Self’. We extend our thanks to Ruth Bennett for organising this memorable event.

Attendees of the breakfast requested details about how donations can be made to help the students of The Demazong English Academy in Sikkim, India. There are some details below about the school and how members of our community can assist.

Demazong English Academy, Sikkim, India:

Donations of junior school picture story books, puzzles, laptops and other learning resources for primary school aged children would be very welcome. Cash donations are always welcome and can be done by EFT. Anyone who is interested in helping in any way, please contact Judith Bowlers on 0408189304

International Women’s Day

Behaviour Celebrations

Next week those children who have achieved an A, B or C rating for the term in regards to their behaviour standards will participate in the term’s behavior celebrations. This will be a time for student across the year levels to be recognized for consistently meeting the Yeronga State School expectations of doing your best, being responsible, being respectful and being safe. Children who are not participating in the celebrations will be provided with alternative supervision. Class teachers will confirm beforehand if your child is not participating.

ANZAC Day

Our Anzac Day ceremony will be held at 9.00am on Tuesday 24 April on the senior school oval. We hope that many of our parents will be able to attend. The children are asked to bring a flower or small bouquet to place under the trees in Honour Avenue during the ceremony. This tribute has been occurring since 1924 and is a very special part of our school tradition around the Anzacs.

Children will need to be in formal school uniform (no senior shirts).

Kate Paynter and Marie Robertson

P & C REPORT

pandc@yerongass.eq.edu.au

ANZAC Day

The Anzac Day Ceremony is scheduled for Tuesday 24th April. At the conclusion of the ceremony the P&C organises a morning tea for the visiting dignitaries and invited guests. It would be appreciated if families could contribute a plate of sweet or savoury food for the event. Food can be left in the Senior Staffroom (ground level Admin building). All crockery and containers will be washed and ready for pick up in the afternoon. Please contact Ruth Bennett rbenn127@eq.edu.au or 0403 252 536 if you can help.

P&C Meeting

The next P&C meeting will be held in the Resource Centre next Tuesday 27th March at 7pm. Please come and join us to find out what has happened during term 1 and help to make plans for the rest of the year.

Coding Kids and Chess

Due to popularity, next term we will be adding more extracurricular classes to our current schedule. Coding Kids will be running an extra Codebuilder. Scratch class on Monday afternoons for children in grades 2-4 (see attached flyer) and Chess Mates will be running an extra Chess class for all grades on Tuesday afternoons. If you're interested in any of these classes please email them directly at curious@codingkids.com.au or info@chessmates.com.au . (If you are interested in any of our other classes, please contact us at pandc@yerongass.eq.edu.au

Senior Cross Country Snow Cones

Thank you to everyone who helped with the snow cones stall this week. Many hands really do make light work. The kids were able to cool down after their hard run and we managed to raise some much needed funds. Totals will be available next week at the P&C meeting or on our Facebook page: Yeronga State School P&C Association

Easter Raffle Wrapping

Who will win the class prize??? It’s a very close race at the top of the leader board with three classes all trying to win. There is only a couple of days left to get your raffle tickets and money back to school. Remember – you have to be in it, to win it!!! Volunteers are still required to help with the Easter baskets on Friday 23rd March at 9.00am meeting in the Resource Centre. If you have an hour spare, please text Ruth Bennett 0403 252 536 and come along and join in with the Easter fun.

Coles Sports for Schools

Thank you to everyone who has been collecting their Coles vouchers. Remember vouchers can be placed in the boxes located outside Coles Fairfield or at school in the lower level of admin or in the grade 1 building.

Tuckshop News

The tuckshop will be open on Wednesday and Thursday in the last week of school.

We look forward to seeing you all again for term 2 with new menu items and May the 4th Be With You.

P and C Committee

MONEY MATTERS

Annual Voluntary Contribution

At Yeronga State School we ask that parents of the school make an annual voluntary contribution to supplement Government funding received in the school.

The State Government meets the cost of providing instruction, administration and base facilities. Over the past few years we have been fortunate to receive additional grants and funds raised through the school community which have assisted in providing additional support staff, teaching and learning resources, up to date ICTs, beautifying our grounds and building maintenance.

It is our goal to continually enhance the resources available for student learning, recreation and comfort. We strive to provide these resources through the P&C and the school fund raising activities which, in 2018, includes a voluntary financial contribution as part of these fund raising initiatives.

In 2018 we are asking the families make a contribution of $60 per child. This equates to $15 per term or $1.50 per week, which has the support of our P&C.

These funds will be utilised to create a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics) designated space in our Resource Centre for all children to access.

The voluntary contribution can be paid directly to the school by credit card, cheque (made payable to Yeronga State School), cash or by direct deposit to our bank account. If paying by direct deposit please ensure that you put your child’s name as a reference and if possible the letters VC.

BSB: 064-101
Account No: 00090146
Account Name: Yeronga State School General Account.

Your support of this initiative would be greatly appreciated.

Unknown Payment

A payment was made by direct deposit to the school account on 19 March. The reference is Payment MACQM. I am unable to identify which student this is for. If you recall using that reference could you please contact me asap by email nalla6@eq.edu.au or phone 3426 0333.

When making deposits to the school bank account it is important that your child’s name and a reference is included eg ICAS.

Payments Now Due

Statements have now been sent to each family. We would appreciate if any outstanding amounts could be rectified as soon as possible. Please remember if your statement shows a negative amount, you are in credit.

Nicki Allardyce

FROM THE OFFICE

School Photos

This year our school photos will be taken by MSP Photography. Please ensure your children wear their best and correct formal uniform. Please refer to the School Handbook for details on the uniform.

This week, each child will be receiving a personalised envelope which will include details for payment and ordering. Payments will not be accepted at the school office. If you misplace your envelope, please email the office at npavl0@eq.edu.au and a new form will be delivered to the classroom.

There will also be the opportunity for family photos however please note these will only be done before school from 8am – 8.40am. Students must make their own way to the hall for their photo and will not be followed up by MSP Photography staff. If your children are at YOSHC, please advise YOSHC staff you would like a family photo taken and they will take them to the photographers. If you wish to have a family photo, please collect a Family Photo Form from the payment boxes located in the Senior and Junior school as soon as possible.

Please note that music photos will be taken in term 4.

If you have any questions, contact MSP Photography on 3848 3946.

IT Support Teacher Aide

We are seeking interested applicants for the position above. Hours will be 4 hours per week, which would need to be completed between 6.30-8.30am or 3.30-5.30pm over 2 days. Days can be negotiated with the successful applicant.

Job description

• Manage iPad updates to new operating systems
• regularly update apps
• Trouble shoot issues – particularly network connectivity
• Maintain ipad charging trolleys
• Add and remove apps
• Maintain a cleanse and archive of files and photos on a cyclical basis

Applicants need

• a sound working knowledge of
  - IOS 11 and
  - OS 10 and above on a Macbook pro
  - Apple configurator
• Be independent in researching trouble shooting strategies
• Be able to show initiative in maintaining ipads

Please send your resume and 2 referees to principal@yerongass.eq.edu.au by Wednesday 28 March.

Lost Property

As we near the end of Term One, it would be timely to remind your child to have a look in the Lost Property for any items they have misplaced. Junior Lost Property is located underneath the Year One building (in the middle) and Senior Lost Property is located under the stairs in the Administration block.

Have your details changed?

It is imperative that the office has up-to-date information for parents and emergency contacts. Trying to find current phone numbers may lead to delays in students receiving medication or care that is needed. Ideally one emergency contact should be a neighbour or family friend. The office also issues important messages via email, as well as classroom notices, invoices and online permission forms.

Please take a moment to ensure your details are correct. Parent email address and mobile number, and student address can be updated directly through QParents. If you need to make any changes to or add an emergency contact, please email the office at admin@yerongass.eq.edu.au ensuring student name and class is included.

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MUSIC

The Music block has been a hive of activity this term with the extra-curricular ensembles preparing for some important performances:

Southside Beginner Band Camp

From 21 – 23 March, Year 4 students who nominated to attend the Southside Beginner Band Camp will join other students from our District at the Sleeman Theatre in Chandler to develop their music reading and playing skills. The camp will culminate in a final performance on March 23 where students will show off what they have worked on over the previous three days.

Harmony Day

The Cosmio Singers and Stella Voce have each prepared a piece to perform at the Harmony Day assemblies on Thursday, March 22. The Cosmio Singers and Stella Voce will both perform at the Junior Assembly at 9:15am and Stella Voce will perform at the Senior Assembly at 2:00pm. Both choirs are to meet Mrs Easey in the music room at 9:00am and Stella Voce members only, again at 1:45pm for a brief 5-minute warm-up before performing.

ANZAC Day

The Senior Band will be combining with the Yeronga State High School Band to perform at the ANZAC Day Commemoration on April 25 at the Yeronga Memorial Park. Students will be asked to meet Mr Grodecki at the Cenotaph at 6:45 am wearing the formal school uniform. Permission forms with further information about this performance will be sent home soon.

In extra news, please remember that Mr Grodecki and Mrs Rosewarne will not be at school on Wednesday and Thursday, March 21 – 22 as they will be attending the Southside Beginner Camp. Therefore, there will be no lessons or Band Rehearsals on these days.

Yours in Music,
Lauren Easey

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Cross Country Training

Cross Country Training continues for District Aspirants and Junior School (Years Prep to Two). District Aspirants are those who placed in the top 10 in their age group and are turning 10 or over this year (those born 2006 to 2008). Sessions will be on Mondays from 3:15 to 3:45 and Tuesdays from 8:00 to 8:30 in weeks 6 and 8 and from 3:15 to 3:45 in week 9, Fridays 8 to 8:30.

I am still awaiting a decision from the District so that I know how many children can be nominated for the Eastern Taipans District Cross Country to be held on 2 May (TBC).

The Junior School Carnival will be held on 3 May. I am hoping to release the permission notes next week.

Senior Cross Country Day 19 March

So many runners and so little time to take in the house results. It looks like an extremely close contest for the winning house.

Congratulations to our all students whose racing across all the age groups was of a high standard and magnificent to watch.

Congratulations to our Age Champions: 2006 Boys - Harry C; 2006 Girls - Margaret G, 2007 Boys: Alexander P, 2007 Girls: Chloe F, 2008 Boys: Sam L, 2008 Girls: Antonia M, 2009 Boys: Jasper G, 2009 Girls: Willow H, 2010 Boys: Digby T, 2010 Girls: Lily R.

Senior Cross Country

Well done to our parents and teachers who came along to support and officiate. A big further congratulations to our teachers who displayed great professionalism in unfamiliar roles. A massive thank you to Mr Sutherland who trained students prepared the course, officiated and acted as lead runner for some age groups. Thanks also to Ruth Bennett for so many great years of selfless service.

District Team Sports

District Boys Touch Football (Eastern Taipans)

Congratulations to Harry C on his selection in the District Touch Football Team. A super effort as the trials were the same day as the school cross country.

Good Luck to our Netball Girls

Best of luck to Morgan J, Yar C, Huong M & Isabel W at the Eastern District Netball Trials on 19 April.

District Representative Sport Opportunities

Students turning 10 – 12 years old in 2018 are able to nominate to attend Eastern Taipan District sporting trials. Athletes who compete at district trials must have a high level of ability in their chosen sport.

If your child is interested in participating in a selection trial, contact Mr Bateman a month before the trials. Dates can be found on the Eastern Taipan District website and below. District Convenors expect each school to only nominate students who have exhibited a very high level of ability in that sport. Whilst your child may be at the highest level at club sport, this is no guarantee they will be selected to try-out for District Team. Our school has 2 sports convenors who understand the standard required and for this reason we only send children who demonstrate that high level of ability.

Qualification for Track and Field, Swimming and Cross Country district trials are finalised after the school carnivals.

Important Sporting Dates (10 – 12 year olds)

District AFL Trials: 26 March
District Rugby League Trials: 28 March
District Netball Trials: 19 April
District Girls' Football (Soccer) Trials: 23 April
District Boys' Football (Soccer) Trials: 23 April
Regional AFL Trial: 23 to 24 April
District Touch Trial: 21 May

Cameron Bateman

Gala Day Results

Yeronga A Soccer Teams

Gala Day 2 was always going to be a challenging day for the A division soccer teams. The boys had to play Algester, Sunnybank Hills and Stretton all who have school populations almost double ours. In very hot and humid conditions both teams played with plenty of team spirit and showed a tremendous amount of grit.

The Senior boys had two hard fought wins to start the day however, they found Stretton too strong in the final game and were beaten for the first time this year. The Junior boys had three very convincing wins and continued to show improvement in every match.

Both teams are looking forward to Gala Day 3 and hope to finish the season with great performances.

Mr C – coach

Girls Soccer

This term has marked a significant increase in the number of girls participating in soccer, fielding three junior teams and two senior teams. The girls have displayed great enthusiasm and motivation during both training sessions and the two gala days. The senior girls have been especially motivated to succeed seeing as this will be there last year together.

One of the senior girl teams is currently undefeated, this has acted as a significant motivator for them and the girls must be commended on their teamwork and tactical finesse when competing against other teams. The junior girls are also to be commended on their attitude, dedication and sportsmanship towards soccer. It is safe to say that Yeronga has a bright future in girls' soccer and producing quality players.

Mr Newby – coach

Girls Soccer

CHAPPY’S-CHAT

Harmony Day Celebrations…

Harmony Day was celebrated today with two spectacular assemblies, for both junior and senior schools. Each year level contributed to the assembly with an item of song or dance, with our Preppies performing for the first time. The opening procession of flags of every country represented by our school families was very moving and remains an important part of the day’s celebrations.

As part of the lead up to Harmony Day, a baton relay was launched a month ago, with a special baton going through the hands of every student and staff member, recognising the connections we have together here at school. The relay was inspired by the real Queen’s Baton Relay that is currently in Brisbane and headed to the Gold Coast for the Commonwealth Games.

The journey of the Queen’s Baton Relay that will arrive at the Commonwealth Games in 2 weeks time actually began nearly a year ago at Buckingham Palace as part of London’s Commonwealth Day festivities. On that day, the Queen gave a speech that reminded me of some of the same important messages that we talk about for Harmony Day:

• we can all work together to ensure harmony
• the cornerstone of peace is simply respect and understanding for one another
• we build peace by defending the dignity of every individual
• we should offer opportunity to everyone
• we need to overcome division and have reconciliation
• the benefits we have as a community of people can be multiplied and shared

Some of the discussions our students have had when the baton relay came to their classrooms might not be so eloquently written, but essentially say the same things:

• Harmony brings people together as a group in unity
• Through friendship we can make the world a better place
• Harmony is celebrating kindness to everybody and everything
• Harmony is treating others as we would liked to be treated
• Be kind
• Some key words are RESPECT, KINDNESS, FRIENDSHIP, HAPPY, CONNECTED and PEACEFUL

What does harmony mean for you? What does it mean for your family?

Entertainment Book available now…

Flyers have gone home this week for your opportunity to purchase an Entertainment Book or Digital Membership. Enjoy thousands of up to 50% off and 2-for-1 offers from the best restaurants, hotels, activities, travel and more. 20% from every membership sold contributes to supporting the Chaplaincy program at our school. A sample book is available for you to check out at the Senior School payment desk. To order visit the link below or complete the order form on the bottom of the flyer.

Blessings,
Chappy Jenny

SCHOOL BANKING

Thursday is school banking day. Remember to bank every week to earn some great prizes.

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