8 November 2018

Newsletter Articles

PRINCIPAL REPORT

WELCOME BACK MS SPANNER

This week we welcome back Debbie Spanner. Deb begins her graduated return to work program this week. Deb is very excited to be back in the school and the community is delighted to have her back with us.

PREP ORIENTATION MORNING

Our 2019 Preps and their parents came along to Yeronga State School on Wednesday morning to experience some time in our Prep rooms. There were many smiling faces as the Preps participated in activities guided by our Prep teachers and teacher aides. There was a real feeling of warmth and community on the morning and we were all very impressed with how well our future Preps followed instructions and settled into the rooms.

Our Student Leaders helped out on the morning and were a credit to our community. Many of the new parents commented on how polite and helpful our leaders were and how impressed they were with them. Well done student leaders – you make us very proud.

ACTIVE SCHOOL TRAVEL

Next year, our school has been selected as one of 16 new schools joining Brisbane City Council’s Active School Travel program.

Active School Travel promotes clean and green, active and healthy school travel modes such as walking, cycling, scootering, car-pooling and public transport. Over the next three years, our school will receive a range of free resources, tools, incursions to encourage active travel to and from school.

By leaving your car at home at least one day a week on our active travel day, we can reduce traffic congestion at the school gate, improve road safety, create a cleaner environment, save money and improve our health and fitness!

So look out for Active School Travel next year and start thinking how you and your family can use your car less and be active on the way to and from school.

We are now looking for volunteers to be part of the Active School Travel Team. We are looking for a parent representative from both the upper and lower sectors of the school. If you are interested in being one of our parent reps please contact Tracy Freeman tfree19@eq.edu.au.

For more information on the program and how you can actively travel please visit Council’s website

MUSIC NEWS

Yeronga had great success at the Music Fest Performances last Saturday. The Senior and Junior Strings Ensembles received Gold awards. Well done to Tamsyn Eastgate for her work with these groups and well done to all the students involved. Instrumental music is a big commitment but when the effort is put in, it is all worth it!

Big Sing

This Friday night 9/11 Yeronga is holding its end of year Big Sing event at Yeronga High School. These music nights showcase the hard work put in by our music department throughout the year. The night begins at 6:00pm and all are welcome to attend to support the music team. A gold coin entry fee will be taken at the door.

Remembrance Day

Sunday, 11 November 2018 marks the 100th anniversary of the Armistice which ended the First World War. On Friday this week, Yeronga State School will observe one minute of silence in order to mark this important moment in our history.

There will be a special commemorative walk on Sunday along Honour Avenue organised by Stephen`s RSL sub branch. This walk will end at the Cenotaph where the annual Remembrance Ceremony will take place. Chappy Jen has more details about this event in her section.

Thank You – Debbie Spanner

I was delighted to begin my return to work on Tuesday morning. It was lovely to chat to staff, children and parents as I moved around the school. I popped my head into some Prep and Year 1 classes and I was struck by how much they have grown in the last 6 months, not to mention how much they have learned. I was also struck by how calm and happy staff and students appeared, which is no mean feat given the end of year is looming. I will be visiting year levels over the next few weeks.

I’d like to thank all of you who have sent messages of support and encouragement during my absence. Engaging in ruthless self-care has allowed me to return feeling physically and mentally strong. I am in awe of the incredible health system we have in Australia and so grateful to work for such a supportive employer as Department of Education and Training.

I’d like to say a big thank you to Mrs Carmel Herbert for her calm, authentic, collaborative and professional leadership. Knowing the school was in good hands made being away easier. Carmel and I are looking forward to working together for the rest of the year as we say goodbye to 2018 and set up for 2019.

I also need to say a special thank you to Mrs Kate Paynter for the outstanding job she has done, being the longest serving in the Yeronga Administration team, with a semester at Yeronga under her belt! Her skill, dedication and commitment has ensured that things pretty well continued as usual.

I hope to see some of you around during the many school events that traditionally finish off the school year! Be sure to check the school calendar so you don’t miss anything important!

ALL THINGS DATA

Parents, staff and 60 students from Year 5&6 complete School Opinion surveys annually. The data was released to schools earlier this term.

Carmel will share the data at the next P&C meeting, however, of the 92 parents who completed the survey, 98.9% believed that their children were safe and liked being here. 100% of students believe their teachers encourage them to do their best and are getting a good education at our school. It was really exciting to see that 100% of our students also believe that they can access technology when they need it to assist with their learning. Interestingly our parents have indicated they would like a deeper understanding on how we use technology so successfully in the school. Something for us to work on next year.

Our staff data is incredibly strong with 100% of our staff feeling safe and enjoying being at this school. All our teaching staff feel confident engaging all children in the learning at this school! This is affirmation for the systems and professional learning program, including the Curiosity and Powerful Learning work, that we have engaged in over the last three years. Thank you to Jane Leishman, Deb Cowie, Gaynor Couchman, Liz Kemp and Louise Vaggs for their support in helping our teaching teams be so successful.

A particularly big growth area in the data has been the children believing we take their opinions seriously. Given the locus of control shift for their learning in the inquiry approach and inquiry stance, it is great to see this manifest as children feeling they have a stronger voice!

We are in a great place to keep moving forward to continue to grow our great school into a truly outstanding one.

Carmel Herbert & Debbie Spanner

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL REPORT

The last few weeks have been action packed at Yeronga State School with the last of the Gala Days for 2018 and Chappy’s weekend camping event. It is an exciting time of year for us as we spend time in classrooms interacting with students as they reflect on their learning and share with us the results of their commitment as literate, numerate and curious learners here at Yeronga State School.

Classroom Awards

Please note some clarification regarding the Classroom Award structure for 2018. The criteria for the awards are listed below. It is important to note that the total ratings are cumulative across Semester One and Two.

Academic Awards

Effort Awards

Citizenship Award – Walker Award

Free Dress Day

This Friday 9 November is a Free Dress Day. Funds raised from gold coin donations will go towards assisting the Fete Committee in preparing for the 2019 Yeronga State School Fete. The theme for the Free Dress Day has been decided upon by the Student Council. Students are invited to come dressed up as what they would like to be when they grow up or someone who inspires them. It’s a terrific theme and we look forward to seeing many creative and innovative ideas this Friday!

Prep Orientation

This Wednesday we had the pleasure of hosting our new Prep students for 2019. They arrived at school where they were greeted by our student leaders and then spent the morning with their parents in the current Prep classrooms. The children engaged in activities that they will do when they arrive in Prep next year. Lots of fun was had by all and we look forward to seeing them again next year.

Enjoy the next two weeks!

Kate Paynter and Tracy Freeman

P & C REPORT

P&C Meeting:

The final P&C meeting of the year will be held at 7pm on Tuesday 20 November in the Resource Centre. Please come along and hear what's been happening as we wrap up a great year.

P&C Executive:

There will be a number of P&C Executive positions available in 2019. If you're interested in getting to know more about what might be involved in being part of the Executive team please feel free to contact any of us directly or via yerongasspandc@gmail.com

Container Refund Scheme:

The Container Refund Scheme is now up and running in Queensland. Yeronga SS P&C is currently registered as a 'virtual donation point'. This means that anyone with our Scheme ID 10004300 can nominate to donate their refunds directly to the school. At this stage we are unable to accept containers at the school however families can take their containers to designated drop off points. For more info please go to the link below.

If you're not sure which containers are eligible, please check out:

For further info please check out the Yeronga State School P&C Association Facebook page or the YSS Cool School Review Facebook page.

Fete News:

The fete committee is gearing up for an awesome fete next year. We are currently seeking sponsors and we need your help to spread the word amongst our local community or your affiliated organisations.

This is great opportunity to get involved, gain exposure and support our school.

Tuckshop:

Thursday 15th November School Disco

The tuckshop will once again be open for dinner at the school disco starting at 4:30pm.

Please note peak time for the tuckshop is between the junior and senior discos - 6pm till 6:30pm.

Disco Meal Deal 1 - $5.00

1. Sausage sandwich or slice of pizza
2. Popper
3. Mini cupcake

Disco Meal Deal 2 - $6.00

1. Sausage sandwich or slice of pizza
2. Soft drink
3. Mini cupcake

Uniform Shop Bargains:

2017 Senior Shirts are for half price for the last 5 weeks of term. Maybe you’re looking for a signature shirt for last day of school.

3 x size 14
2 x size 16
For $18.50.

pandc@yerongass.eq.edu.au

Jo Thompson

MONEY MATTERS

Statements & Outstanding Payments

With the end of the school year fast approaching it would be appreciated if payment for all invoices can be made as soon as possible. Should you wish to pay in instalments please contact the office so that the necessary arrangements can be made.

Swimming invoices are now OVERDUE. Please ensure that these invoices are paid as soon as possible.

One School is currently experiencing difficulties with raising statements. Once this issue has been resolved I will be sending out Statements on a weekly basis. If you have a credit on your account i.e. - $10.00 please do not pay that amount. The credit can be offset against upcoming invoices etc. To do this please email me authorising the credit to be used.

Invoices for the 2019 Student Resource Scheme have now been finalised. Unfortunately we are unable to accept late applications.

The following invoices are now due. Please use BPoint or QParents to finalise these amounts as soon as possible.

Nicki Allardyce

FROM THE OFFICE

Late Arrivals

This is a reminder that all lessons start at 8.55am each day. The first bell will go at 8.50am to call all the students to their rooms.

If your student arrives AFTER 8.55am they are required to go to the office to collect a late slip. If your student arrives after 8.55am and does not come to the office for a late slip they will be marked as away. Parents will then receive an SMS to let them know their child is away.

To avoid this, students need to come to the office to get a late slip no matter the reason for their delay.

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.

2019 Enrolments

The enrolment process for 2019 is well underway and we ask all current families who will have a child starting next year, to complete an enrolment form ASAP. If you are aware of any families looking to start at Yeronga State School next year, please let them know to contact the office as soon as possible. Enrolment forms are available here, our website or from the school office.

Physical Education

Swimming has commenced

Swimming lessons are being held at the times stated in the permission note with the exception of 4CH and 4J who exchanged their time with 2L and 2W. 4CH and 4J now attend swimming on Tuesdays from 1:45 to 2:30 and 2L and 2W now attend swimming from 12:30 to 1:15. Please remember to refer to the equipment list on the permission note so that your children have everything they need for their lessons. Children should have a complete change of clothes, swimming togs including a rashie for lessons, goggles (essential), towel, sunscreen, bathing cap (will be supplied), deodorant (for older students) and flip flops or thongs (much preferred). Rashies are not required for races at carnivals, but students should cover up when not racing.

Swimming Carnivals

Preparations are beginning for these very important events on the Yeronga State School Calendar. Students need to be thinking, from the commencement of lessons, exactly which events they would like to compete in as once the program is written there will be very little time for changes. If children wish to withdraw from events that they can swim they will need parental permission. A form will be uploaded to the school web page for this purpose. Please remember that as the carnival will be held in the 25m pool at Yeronga Park there should be little concern over the completion of 50m events.

We will, as always, require parental support in the form of officials to make these carnivals run efficiently. If you are able to help please contact Mr Bateman via email; cbate12@eq.edu.au. We have been very fortunate, over the years, to have outstanding parental contributions from people like Ruth Bennet and we hope that this tradition continues. Also we are hoping to re-introduce some 100m events this year. Obviously we will require time to hold these events. Time will be difficult to find unless we have adequate numbers of officials.

On a lighter note the big question is; who can end Lawson’s 7 year dominance in swimming? Can Kendall, who won Cross Country? Can Evans, who won the Athletics? Could Paterson, who are yet to chalk up a win this year? Only time will tell who will be the winner of our new swimming trophy.

Competition Information

Please advise and remind children of their age for the carnival

i.e. the age they turned or will turn this year e.g. 2006 – 12 years.

Children cannot compete in the same 50m and 25m event.

e.g. 50m & 25m freestyle - not permitted; 50m & 25m in different strokes - permitted.

50 & 25m events will be swum in the 25m pool. Swimmers must leave the pool immediately upon finishing their race and then wait on the deck in front of their lane for the judges.

Trophies or pennants for Championship are the 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 years boys and girls age championships, Champion House and the Yeronga Gift.

Age Championships are earnt by the most successful swimmer over Freestyle, Backstroke, Breaststroke and Butterfly in the 50m events.

The Yeronga Gift is an Open freestyle event for boys and girls who swim the eight fastest times in the 50m Freestyle and does not count toward the age championship.

Relays - There will be one relay (6 x 50m freestyle) event for girls and one for boys made up of a swimmer from each age group (9, 10, 11, 12). Team members may swim in any order.

1 point will be awarded to each swimmer who participates in the 25m heats.

2 points will be awarded to each swimmer who participates in the finals (50m events only).

This meet is a Carnival event for 2018. Our school swimmers are eligible for the District Meet in 2019 and will be chosen for this if their time betters the qualifying time for their event.

The Logistics

1. We will need Assistance to set up at Yeronga Park Swimming Pool from 7.30am and also with officiating from 9:00am. If you can help with either of these tasks it would be much appreciated.
2. Children must wear togs under uniform to school.
3. Children must bring towel, underclothes, drink morning tea and lunch in swimming bag. The canteen will be selling to the children, but for those competing a packed lunch would be most convenient
4. Children should be ready for departure from school at 8.40am. First events to be marshalled at 9.00am. All children of the correct age will attend.
5. On arrival at pool, report to house area and remove uniform.
6. All children participating in a 50m event will be called to the marshalling area at the 50m pool end of the 25m pool, and then be divided into their heats. When their time comes all children participating in a 25m stroke or kickboard event will be called to the marshalling area, and then be divided into their heats
7. Finals will not be conducted for any events with places being decided by the fastest times.
8. There will be a 45 minute lunch break following the Yeronga Gift.
9. Teachers will commence returning children to school following the Presentation. If you wish to take your child home earlier please inform the School Office and your child's teacher.
10. Awards will be presented after the conclusion of the last events. Winners of 50m events; Championship trophies for girls and boys aged 8, 9, 10, 11&12; Winning House; Yeronga Gift.
11. There are no individualised ribbons for 25m events. There are no finals for any events.
12. The event order will be 50m Freestyle Events, 25m Freestyle Events, Kickboard on front, 50m Breaststroke Events, 25m Breaststroke Events, Yeronga Swimming Gift: (Boys/Girls Open Freestyle Race (eight fastest times swum in 50m heats for boys and girls)) 50m Backstroke Events 25m Backstroke Events, Kickboard on back, 50m Butterfly Events 25m Butterfly Events, Freestyle Relay, if time permits, 100m Events & Presentation.

Congratulations Margaret

Well done again to Margaret 6M. She is our second State Representative this year. Her athletic versatility and fantastic attitude make her a very deserving recipient of state honours. This is also the case with Harvey 6M, who will soon travel to Golf Nationals in Melbourne. We wish them both every success in their endeavours.

Eastern 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.

Next Year’s Early Sporting Trials

It is a little way off just now, but worth noting that there will be a one in seven year change next year (2019) with the Northern Territory hosting National Athletics. Due to this circumstance it is most likely that both the Cross Country and Athletics Carnivals will be held in term one. District Cross Country will be held in week 10 of term 1 and District Athletics will be held in week 5 of term 2. This will mean a considerable increase in the workload for all in term 1 including students. It’s particularly worth noting for those training toward representative honours in Athletics and Cross Country.

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

1. Yeronga State School Senior Swimming Carnival (Years 3 – 6 ) – 20 November
2. Yeronga State School Junior Swimming Carnival (Years 1 & 2) – 29 November

Cameron Bateman

MUSIC

Congratulations to the Junior and Senior String ensembles for both achieving Gold awards at the recent MusicFest Schools Ensembles competition! The students were both excited and nervous before their performances at Coorparoo Secondary College and the strings teacher, Mrs Eastgate, was very proud of their efforts. This was an excellent result for both ensembles and the adjudicator commented in particular on the ensembles' attention to detail and stage presentation. This was also the first time in many years that the Junior string ensemble has performed at a competition. Thanks to all the parents and family members who came and supported the students' efforts.

Don’t forget that our end of year concerts are quickly approaching on the following dates:

Friday November 9 – The Big Sing
Friday November 23 – The Big Play

Both concerts are at the Yeronga State High School hall. Performers at both concerts are requested to arrive at 5:30pm to be tuned and warmed up for a 6:00pm start. Performers are also required to wear their formal school uniform:

Also, please remember that Year 2 students in Cosmio Singers have now finished rehearsals for the year (keep your eyes peeled for a break up party invitation). Year 3 students are welcome to join Stella Voce rehearsals on Tuesday mornings from 7:30 – 8:30am in the Music Room to prepare for next year. The last Stella Voce rehearsal for all students will be on Tuesday, November 20.

MusicFest

What wonderful results today with both the senior and junior string ensembles being awarded Gold awards at today's MusicFest performances. Gold awards are given to ensembles that are 'extremely competent in all aspects including musicianship, technique and presentation.' Congratulations to all the students on your efforts - you've done me and the school proud!

I particularly enjoyed seeing the younger players in year 3 playing with the same level of focus and confidence as the older more experienced players.

Thanks to Charise Holm (last-year's strings teacher when I was on maternity leave) and Katie Sillar for helping out with the Junior Ensemble. Thanks also to all the parents for coming and supporting your kids, it was so lovely for the students to be able to perform in front of so many people!

Stradivari Ensemble adjudicator comments:

Frere Jacque - well arranged - canons are quite difficult but you handled this excellent arrangement with great aplomb.

A Playful Dance - well done on the use of the semiquavers with this young ensemble.

Dangerous Quest - A difficult piece. Perhaps a greater dynamic contrast would lift this piece to greater heights. Congratulations on your well prepared repertoire. You played confidently and worked well with your excellent conductor. Now work on refining the note pitching as this will further lift your overall performance. Well done all.

Brandenburg Ensemble adjudicator comments:

Medieval Kings - A strong rhythmical start - well done. Nice use of dynamics in bar 25, well done and well played.

Cradle Song - well led and your playing without conductor is most commendable. Perhaps a slightly faster tempo might further enhance the beauty of this lullaby.

Presto - great energetic start- well played. Congratulations on a very fine performance. You obviously enjoy playing in this ensemble. Now work on refining the intonation and, lower strings, on greater vibrant projection to further enhance your lovely playing. Very close to platinum - BRAVO Yeronga.

Finally, there will still be Brandenburg rehearsal this Monday morning- we only have four rehearsals until the school concert!

Lauren Easey & Tamsyn Eastgate

RESOURCE CENTRE

Book Fair is back:

We will be holding a book fair from 13/Nov/2018 – 19/Nov/2018. This is a great opportunity to be able to stock up on some Christmas gifts. We will be open on the disco night to give you an opportunity to browse without assistance.

Shopping hours:

Our book fairs offer us the opportunity of purchasing extra books and equipment for the library. The last book fair helped buy a technology trolley and books for the library.

Deborah Cowie and Faith Hage

Chappy’s Chat

Remembrance Day – this Sunday 11 November…

Stephens RSL Sub-branch has organised a public Remembrance walk along Honour Avenue, Yeronga on Sunday, 11 November 2018. It takes place prior to the annual Remembrance Day ceremony at 9.45am with the walk beginning from the Park Road gates and continuing on to the Cenotaph near Ipswich Road, Annerley. Everyone is invited to join in the walk but the RSL is seeking school age students to assist by calling out the names of the soldiers (recorded on the markers) who did not return from WWI. More details are available on the attached flyer. If your children would like to participate in this special event, please complete a registration at the link below.

Camp at School with Dad…

We were so fortunate to have excellent weather for our camp, in between the rainy weeks and then the heat wave. It was a perfect sunny weekend, and it was a lot of fun and a great time for all. As always, Chappy Games gave plenty of opportunity to decorate Dad, and test his bravery, endurance, and stamina. Thank you men for coming and spending time with your children and supporting Chaplaincy at our school. Check out some of the photos from camp this year.

Also, many thanks to a great group of volunteers who came to prepare and cook food, to help setup and packdown, and to look after the registration desk. Thank you to Kurilpa Scouts for coming with activities and camp fire.

Donations Needed…

This year I’ve been able to pass on so many of your donations (given earlier in the year) of uniforms, books and stationery to families needing help with resources, and as a result my “giving” cupboard is starting to look a bit bare. So as you clean up this years’ school supplies, please consider donating any unused and clean items to be passed on to others. It will be much appreciated.

Coming Soon…

Chappy Jenny

GREEN TEAM

Nude Food Day

Thanks to our very generous sponsors ‘The Source’ Bulk foods at West End, we had some very happy winners announced in assemblies over the past two weeks. 4 giant jars of treats went to the classes with the least amount of rubbish (there was a tie so they’ll have to share the ‘Golden Bin’ trophy) and some beautiful stainless steel lunchboxes, insulated drink bottles and beeswax wraps for our individual winners.

Our senior school winners were…

6N – they brought no rubbish to school at all!!

Individual prizes were won by Sadie 5M, Charlie 4J and Safi 2/3T.

Our junior school winners were…

Prep 1 – they also brought no rubbish to school at all!

Individual prizes were won by Damian Prep 3, Andrey 1P and Alyssa 2BR.

Congratulations to everyone on the enormous effort to reduce our rubbish! 500 students across the school came with no rubbish at all. 10 classes had less than 10 pieces of rubbish in total. The year level with the least amount of rubbish was year 6 with only 24 pieces of rubbish across the entire year level!

20 beeswax wraps were made by the year 5 and 6 students, with help from the wonderful Yeronga Community Centre staff, which will reduce plastic packaging in the future.

Hundreds of bottle tops were saved from landfill and have been turned into a beautiful artwork by Liby Elcome of Lib’s Art Heart, with the help of some year 2 and 4 students, which will be displayed outside the school tuckshop when it is complete.

Trash Free Tuesday

In order to keep the momentum going and continue our new good habits, the Green Team have introduced Trash Free Tuesday. Just like Nude Food Day, the aim of Trash Free Tuesday is to encourage families to do their best to send food to school without packaging (nude food). This helps our school look tidier and empowers students to make conscious choices about what they eat and encourages them to think about their impact on the environment (and their health).

Thank you for all of your support!

SCHOOL BANKING

Remember, to bank every Thursday to earn some great prizes.

COMMUNITY NOTICES

Coding Kids

Students at Coding Kids completed some amazing new projects and new tech challenges! Our young coders exercised their creativity, problem solving, and design skills by creating their own digital projects around the theme of Fantasy & Stories! They designed and built their own digital solutions with computer games such as Starfish Choir and Don't Touch the Dino. Join us at our Holiday Hackafun Code Camps these summer holidays for more great projects in Scratch, Python, Web Dev, 3D printing, and much more!

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