Dear Families

This is the last newsletter for the school year and so will take the opportunity to those families for whom this year marks your last with Yeronga State School, I wish you all the very best for the future and hope that your time at Yeronga has been fulfilling and the making of lasting happy memories. Thank you for your contribution to our school and all that makes Yeronga a great school.

 To all our Year 6 students may the transition to secondary school be all that you hope it to be. Thank you for your commitment to your legacy projects this year and to all our Music, House and AV/ Technology captains, for being great ambassadors throughout the year and representing our students so finely. I would like to make special note of our 2023 school captains Violet, Jesse, Eve and Liem who represented the school on so many occasions, including the official opening of our new building with Minister Grace Grace at the beginning of the year. We congratulate the incoming captains Piper, Skye, Sebastian and Owen and look forward to working with you in 2024.

Over the course of the year our students and staff have achieved outstanding results in all aspects of the curricula and extra curricula events. Winning regional, state and national titles in individual and team athletics and sports, music, science and mathematics competitions, Yeronga students continue to shine. I wish to acknowledge our support and specialist teachers and staff who give vast amounts time to ensure our students have every opportunity to excel in all areas their talent and interest takes them.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the volunteers at the school. The work of members of the P&C, the volunteers in the tuck shop, uniform shop, at school events and classrooms is highly valued. The partnerships between the school and families cannot be underestimated. Even though our huge fence may appear unwelcoming, inside Yeronga is still the same vibrant, friendly place with families enjoying their local school and connecting with one another for the benefit of all of our children and the community. I am personally immensely grateful to our families everyday for all your bring to our school. I will make special note of our amazing and dedicated PandC executive and support team for their commitment to the families and staff over 2023. Chris, Gil, Cedryk, Gulnara, Anthea, Kristy, Tracey, Kerri and Kathy thank you for everything!

End of year is always touched with sadness as we farewell much loved staff.

In 2023 we say goodbye to the following long-term teachers at Yeronga; Josh Newby, Jess Watkins, Gemma Chase, Sonja Wise and Kate Middleton-Pol. Thank you for everything your brought to the students and school. This is Chappy Jenny’s last year after 13 Years serving as the community chaplain. On behalf of the entire community thank you for your service and dedication to our families and staff over that time. 

Ms Tracy Freeman, Junior School Deputy is taking up a principal role from the start of 2024 for Term 1. Tracy has been the first person most of our families have met when enrolling at the school. As junior school deputy principal, Tracy’s leadership in the transition to school from kindergarten ensured every single one of our new preppies are ‘known’ before their first day of school. Her dedication to getting to know every new preppy and their family and ensuring the school environment is ready to meet their needs is exceptional. The children adore ‘Mrs Freeman’ and so do we. We will you’re your vibrant, positive energy next year Tracy and wish you all the best in her new role as principal. Clare Triggell will be the Acting Deputy Principal for the Junior School whilst Tracy is away.

Please enjoy the final week of celebrations at school and have a peaceful and joyous time with family and loved ones over the coming break.

Eunice Webb

Principal

School events Events that are coming up in the Last week:

4th December: Year 1 & 2 Christmas Concert, 9am in the Hall

5th December: Prep Christmas Concert, 9am in the Hall

5th December: Year 6 Graduation - 5:30pm arrival for 6:00pm start Yeronga State High School Hall

6th December: Whole School Celebration Day

7th December: Year 6 Disco 6:00pm

8th December: Last Day of School

Collect Medication

Remember to pick up your child's Medications from the classroom or Office before leaving for holidays!

Medications cannot be stored over the holidays and will be disposed of!

Early Holidays?

The last day of school is Friday the 8th, if you are leaving before this please inform the office via QParents, or call the absentee line and leave a message, so the office is aware. Inform the teacher seperately, so they can organise your student's school work and materials to go home with them. 

QParents

All parents will require access to the QParents App in 2024. All consent forms for excursions, camps and other activities will come through QParents, and we encourage parents to use it for reporting absences, updating addresses and checking report cards. 

If you don't already have access to QParents, an email will come in the first two weeks of term to register, for all parents who have yet to sign up. Parents of New Students in 2024 will not be able to add their student until after they have attended the school for the first time. 

If you have any questions about signing up to Qparents please email kbowm49@eq.edu.au

Away for the start of school?

If you're intending to be away any time in the first two weeks of school, for holidays, overseas travel or other reasons, please email the school administration at admin@yerongass.eq.edu.au

Class Allocations 2024

An email with your childs assigned class will be sent to all parents on the afternoon of Wedneday 17th of January. Maps will be placed around the school to allow you to find your childs classroom. 

Book lists

Parents can order books through Sequel Books, or can print booklists, and buy the equivilent items through other stores. Some books, such as text books, may require a specialist education supplier. 

Book lists can be found here:

https://www.sequelbooks.com/yeronga-state-school/

• Orders placed by 15 December will be ready for dispatch or collection from our warehouse before or on 15 January 2024.
• For orders placed on or after 16 December, please monitor our website for up-to-date turnaround times.
• Prep (Delivered to School): Please note that PREP Bookpacks for the will be delivered to the school for distribution during the last week of the school holidays. please make sure to place a separate order for PREP, do not combine with orders for bookpacks for other year levels. 
• Prep and Year 1 supplies do not require labelling as resources are pooled and shared

Book packs can be dropped off at kids classrooms on the 18th and 19th of January. The school gates will be open to allow access to classrooms. 

Uniform Shop Open Hours

The Uniform shop will be open on the 9am-3pm on 18th and 19th of January. Use the booking forms below to book a time slot!

https://yerongass.schoolzineplus.com/view-session/58

https://yerongass.schoolzineplus.com/view-session/59

Thank you

After 13 years as Chappy, it’s time to say thank you and goodbye. 

My time at Yeronga has been a very rewarding time of my life and I’ve had a much larger reach than I could ever have dreamed. While being at Yeronga SS (2011-2023), I have also been the Chappy twice at Yeronga SHS (2014-2017, 2019) and the Padre to the Stephens RSL sub-branch since 2017. I also had the privilege of having the role of Community Relations Officer (2019-2021) to support the event planning and the school’s engagement with alumni and the broader community for the 150^th Anniversary Celebrations. 

Through Chaplaincy, I’ve have had the opportunity to make a difference and contribute to the wellbeing of many students, families, and staff through so many ways, including:

• Journeying with the community through the flood events of 2011 and 2022, the wild storm that wreaked so much havoc at both schools in November 2014, and helping to navigate the school’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic
• Delivering welfare packs, food hampers, Christmas goodies, quarantine care packs, attending funerals and making visits to homes, hospitals, and providing support during court appearances
• Teaching social skills and friendship skills, leading small groups activities and many assembly presentations, including the much-loved Harmony Day
• Running student programs including Thursday Club, Kindness Club, RAOK initiatives, and handball, paper-planes, and hula-hoop competitions
• Setting up a breakfast club, lunch program, organising uniform and school supplies, and helping families prepare for their first day back at school
• Advocating for faith issues, prayer needs of Muslim students, seeking housing and support for Asylum Seekers, writing many references for families for high-school applications and employment, and leading a funeral service
• Engaging with parents through a 1^st Day Welcome Morning Tea, Parent Café, yearly Volunteer Certificates, Qld Father of the Year Nomimation (local winner), and International Women’s Day Breakfast
• Leading a Peer Mentoring Program with year 6 students, supervising placement students, and mentoring other Chaplains in the inner Brisbane South corridor
• Encouraging staff through gifts, acknowledgement of birthdays, special celebrations, staffroom decorations, and lots of coffee and chocolate
• Connecting with local community leaders, stakeholders, support organisations, and faith groups to support the needs of the school
• Organising some awesome fundraising events, including Camp at School with Dad, Chappy Week Treasure Hunt, Movie Night, Subway lunch, Chappy Pancakes, and two 96Five School Excursions

However, despite all the flurry of activity across any given week, my favourite thing to do was to sit and talk, providing pastoral care to hundreds of people over the years through listening, encouraging and finding ways to help them to navigate their issues.

Thank you so much for your support, encouragement, and engagement with me personally and with the Chaplaincy program. I have loved being the Chaplain to this wonderful community of people, and have enjoyed great partnerships, relationships, and friendships amongst staff, parents, and across the wider community. You can stay in touch with me through the Community_Chaplain page on social media, or see me at the RSL community services at Yeronga Memorial Park. 

Blessings, Chappy Jenny

Email – jennifer.bennett@suchaplaincy.org.au

Facebook & Instagram – Community_Chaplain

Big Play 2023

On Friday November 17 we had our Big Play end of year showcase concert. Over 130 students in years 3 to 6 performed in one of the school’s large instrumental music ensembles.  The Junior Strings, Senior Strings, Chamber Strings, Junior Band and Senior Band filled the Yeronga State High School hall with music. Family and friends were treated to an impressive and varied program of music including music from Star Wars and the Mandalorian, haunting arrangements of folk tunes and original pieces from local Brisbane composers. We also farewelled the year 6 strings and band students who have been contributing to the instrumental music program at Yeronga for up to 4 years now. We wish them every success with their continued music journey in high school!

Other Instrumental News

Last weekend several strings and band students performed at the Queensland Conservatorium with the Primary State Honours Ensemble Program. Congratulations to Andrew A, Patrick D, Shawn D, Emma G, Tristan H. Emily H., Emily J., Stevie K., Zahra M. Pippa M., Arabella R., Artie S. and Olive S for your selection in this prestigious program. The students had a great time playing with hundreds of other selected Primary School students from all over Queensland at this amazing event that culminated in a concert at the QLD Conservatorium of Music at South Bank.

Congratulations also to Andrew A for a fantastic result achieving his grade 4 AMEB cello exam. This is a very impressive achievement for a year 5 student! 

Swimming Carnivals Summary

A big thank you to our staff and wonderful volunteers who are too numerous to name. You all did an amazing job. The carnival could not proceed without you.

Senior Carnival (Years 3 – 6): Mighty Mighty Lawson

Well done to Lawson house who have clean swept through the big three carnivals; Cross Country, Athletics and Swimming. For two years running now Lawson have achieved this. It’s an amazing effort and one that I don’t remember a house achieving once let alone twice.

Senior Age Champions

Our age champions who put in incredible efforts are;

8 Yrs

Boys: Finn J & Max G                                             Girls: Audrey G

9Yrs

Boys: Noah B                                     Girls: Natalia A

10 Yrs

Boys: Archie C                                  Girls: Charlotte R

11 Yrs

Boys: Tane D-S                                 Girls: Mollie W

12 Yrs

Boys: Jesse S                                      Girls: Stevie K

Records:

Noah B broke a record that had stood for 20 years. He broke Toby S’s record, in the 9 Yrs boys 50m breaststroke from 2003. The old mark was 50.59s. Noah’s new mark is 49.37s.

Natalia A broke the 9 Yrs Girls 50m butterfly record from 2019. The old mark of 50.87s was set by her sister; Saskia. Natalia’s new record is 50.49s.

Audrey G broke the 8 Years Girls 50m Freestyle record from 2015. The old mark of 47.10s had been held by Veronica H. Audrey’s new record is 46.99s.

Congratulations to you all on outstanding achievements.

Junior Carnival (Years 1 & 2):

This is a different style of carnival for which the aims are to prepare students for the senior carnival and for students to have some fun swimming in events that match their abilities. There were some great races and much fun was had by Year 1 students. The noodle races were a particular favourite. Unfortunately a downpour came and the Year 2 carnival was washed out. Thanks again for our parent’s and teacher’s efforts. It is impossible to run a carnival at all without your efforts.

Other Sports News

Running Club

Running club will continue until the end of the year unless the weather makes it impossible to run safely or public health restrictions return. Sessions will be held on Tuesdays, from 3:15 to 3:45 and Wednesdays from 7:45 to 8:15 with Mr Bateman. Mr Sutherland is now holding his sessions on Fridays from 7:45 to 8:15. Remember that all of these sessions will occur on the main, or years 3-6,

Football Goals

Please remember, that although these goals are metal, they are not built to be climbed upon. Please do not climb on them as you will be endangering yourself, damaging the goals and be the unhappy recipient of a white slip.

Representative Sport Dates Release (Important)

The trial dates for terms Three and Four of 2023 are listed below.

Yeronga State School (YSS) District Trial Selection Policy (Years 4 to 6)

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 need to possess the advantages of size and speed, as well as skill on most occasions.  Selectors will choose 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 compete at 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 regularly among the best 3 or 4 players 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.

Rebel Sport Community Givebacks

Just a quick note to publicise our involvement with this scheme and how it works. For some time now Yeronga State School has been part of the above mentioned scheme. The scheme gives the school credit for purchases of equipment at Rebel as anyone who purchases equipment and nominates Yeronga State School as the recipient of Community Kickbacks. I have purchased Footballs and Netballs with this credit this year. It is an easy way to contribute resources to our school especially if you enjoy spending time and money in sports stores like myself. Thanks to all of those who purchased at Rebel over the break. We have a very useful amount for equipment.

Important Sporting Dates Term 3 & Term 4, 2023

 7 February 2024 – Eastern Taipans District Swimming 

 19 February 2024 - Eastern Taipans 10 to 12 Yrs District Netball 

 20 February 2024 - Eastern Taipans 10 to 12 Yrs Boys & Girls District Basketball 

22 February 2024 - Eastern Taipans 10 to 12 Yrs Boys & Girls District Touch 

23 February 2024 - Eastern Taipans 10 to 12 Yrs Boys & Girls District Squash (nominations due) 

26 February 2024 - Eastern Taipans 10 to 12 Yrs Boys & Girls District AFL 

1 March 2024 - Eastern Taipans 10 to 12 Yrs Boys & Girls District Golf (nominations due) 

5 March 2024 - Eastern Taipans 10 to 12 Yrs Boys & Girls District Tennis 

6 March 2024 - Eastern Taipans 10 to 11 Yrs Boys & Girls District Rugby League 

TBC 2024 - Eastern Taipans 11 to 12 Yrs Boys & Girls District Rugby League 

8 March 2024 - Eastern Taipans 10 to 11 Yrs Boys & Girls District Hockey (nominations due)

Foundation to year 6 Spanish Program

Querida familias / Dear families/care givers

¡Felicidades a todos!

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all my students at Yeronga for another amazing year of Spanish lessons.  I would also like to wish our ‘Seniors of 2023’ all the best in their next chapter of their education. Stay safe over the holidays and enjoy time with your friends and families. I look forward to another amazing year in 2024.

Yeronga SS win the Queensland Maths Association Teacher 5-6 State Quiz Final. 

Competing against 11 other regional finalists, the team scored 30.5 with Middle Ridge State School and St Andrews Lutheran College tied on 26 points.

Congratulations! 

• Andrey Gonnochka  
• Tristan Hodgson
• Felix Brooks

APSMO Maths Olympiad News

Yeronga students were in the top 25% of all Maths Olympiad participants throughout Australia.

Well done!

​Tuckshop Notice

The last Friday of term will have a reduced menu. Please pre-order by Thursday next week. Check your flexischool rollover orders as some of the items may not be available due to low stock. This will help reduce wastage over the summer holidays and help our Tuckshop plan for the last day of school orders. Thank you for your co-operation. 

Last day Friday - Reduced Menu 

LAST DAY ZOOPER DOOPER SPECIAL - 3pm - $1 Zooper Doopers for sale at Prep / Grade 1 area 

Uniform Shop Notice

The uniform shop will be open during the holidays from 9am-3pm on Thur 18th and Fri 19th January for all your back-to-school needs. We will also have extended hours the first week back.  

Please see the parent rep email for the link to book a time. We are using this system to help spread the bookings out during the day. This will minimise your wait time for fittings and make everything more efficient.  

If you know the size of the items you would like, please use Flexischool's to order. Deliveries to classrooms will continue till the end of year and start again in the first week of term 1, 2024.  

P & C End of Year Wrap up! 

Thanks for being a P&C member for 2023! 

We would love you to sign up again for 2024 with our new online membership form available on the YSS P&C Website 

https://yerongasspandc.org.au/ or click the below link: 

Yeronga SS P&C Membership 2024 

P and C Events and contributions for 2023  

Community events 

The first YSS Fun Fair was held in place of a bigger Fete with families the main focus, and making $15K a bonus. Thanks to Rich and Nev and all the helpers on the day and many hours leading up to the big day.  

YSS Bush-dance and Raffle - thanks to Anna and Kerri for the many hours spent organising this boot scooting event for a great family night of dancing and thong throwing.  

Successful grant for Kitchen Garden and Tuck-shop upgrade of $14,000 - thanks Cedryk for your time and efforts pulling this together.   

In 2023 we welcomed a new Uniform Shop Convenor Anthea (with thanks also to Kristy in Term 1) and we welcomed our new Tuck-shop Convenor Tracy and her support team as well as the many volunteers that help feed the kids Tues-Friday, we thank you for your service! 

A big THANK YOU to:  

Michelle our social media helper and social media communications super star 

Parent Rep Co-ordinator - Anna
Lost property organizers- Kristy, Kerri and Kathy
Money counter and banker - Gulnara 

Secretary - Gill 

President - Chris 

VP's - Cedryk and Anna
   

Things we would love your help with in 2024  

1. Volunteering your time! The tuck-shop is always needing helpers!   
2. Helping out at any event with organising and heavy lifting before, during or after  
3. Collecting gifts and donations for raffles and fundraisers   
4. Lending us your tech skills - help update the website, P&C membership forms, or keep social media updates fun   
5. Fresh ideas - come to P&C meetings and share your ideas for activities and funding proposals   
6. Keeping the YSS community fun and supportive  

We would like to wish everyone a safe and happy Summer break!