Dear Families,

I am proud to share with you at our upcoming PandC meeting on Tuesday evening our 2025-2028 School Strategic Plan.

The priorities of Belong Engage Achieve are the summation of the yearlong consultation process over the 2024 year with students, staff and families.

We launched the plan via our open classroom and stay and play afternoon on Friday 14 February as our first opportunity to bring our community together, focussed on the teaching, learning and social cohesion of our children and families.

We understand not all families were able to make the open classrooms and stay and play. With a strategic plan with belonging as the foundation of engagement and achievement, we are committed to a renewed sense of connection with our families through events such as these. This year our parent teacher information night was replaced by this student-centred informal event. Teachers will be sharing the information usually shared at the parent -teacher information night via email with their class families, so please look out for this. Parent-Teacher individual student progress conversations will still take place in week 8 and 9 of this term.

This week on senior assembly I shared with students the AGES model of making learning stick.

AGES is the secret to greater retention for learners of all ages! To summarize:

1. Start by paying attention to attention. Focus and notice. Have an open mindset!
2. Once the learners have had a single focus of attention to a topic, guide them to self-generate connections to their existing knowledge. Ask curious questions!
3. In the realm of emotions and stressors, positively emotionally engage your learners, maximizing positive connections with the class while pushing stressors aside. Encourage positive memory recollection that the new learning reminds you of!
4. Finally, allow for spacing; that is time to sleep in order to refresh, renew, and let the information soak in for long term storage. If possible, revisit content in between learning sessions. Revisit the learning by attending to new vocabulary and noticing the concepts in various contexts!

Enjoy sharing new things you have learned and have the children share their new learnings and wonderings with you.

A huge thankyou to all our classroom parent representatives. Please look out for an introductory email from your class parent rep in the coming week.

Have a great week,

Eunice

Belonging at Yeronga State School

Classrooms have been exploring the idea of ‘belonging’ over the past few weeks.  Students and teachers have been collaborating to explore their class values, expectations and important routines.   Teachers have facilitated relationship building experiences and getting to know their 2025 learners.  We know that when students feel a sense of belonging at school, they are set up to succeed and thrive. Have you talked to our young person about belonging?  How do they experience it, build it and feel it?

Celebrating Belonging in 1M and 2B

Mulitcultural Morning Tea

Last week we celebrated belonging at YSS with our first multicultural morning tea of the year. It was wonderful to welcome EAL/D families to honour the richness of our diversity and belonging at Yeronga State School.

Student Leadership Induction Ceremony - 17th February

On Monday 17^th February at 9am, year 6 students in formal school leadership positions will be inducted into their positions at the Leadership Induction Ceremony.  Student Councillors from years 3-6 will also be inducted into their positions for the 2025 school year. Parents and community members are invited to join us for this special occasion.

Remember to be sun safe!

Be just like these year 6’s and be sun safe! Students require a wide brimmed school or navy hat to play outdoors at play times.  If students don’t have a hat, the library is open for play times every day.

Cash 4 Cans

A message from 6M…start collecting your cans!

Running Club

Running club will commence next week (2) and continue until the end of Term 4 on Mondays and Tuesdays, with Mr Bateman. Mr Sutherland will advise when he is ready to commence his sessions on Fridays. The sessions will take place unless the weather makes it impossible to run safely. Sessions will be held on Mondays, from 3:15 to 3:45 and Tuesdays from 7:45 to 8:15 with Mr Bateman. Mr Sutherland will probably be 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 oval. Parents are most welcome to participate.

Congratulations to Our District Swimming Competitors

Congratulation to those listed below on their performances at District Swimming. All were very brave and swam very well at Brisbane’s international class venue. Our competitors were; Audrey G, Isabella C, Lexie A, Chloe A, Evelyn D, Willow S, Madeleine A, Eliana D, Natalia A, Lucinda W, Harper H, Veronica B, Daniel S, Jamie Y, Lincoln R, Hamish N, Oliver M-F, George T, and Lachlan H. Commiserations to Morry H who was ill and could not attend.

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.

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

The representative pathway for school sport is for students aged 10 to 12 years. Yeronga is part of a very strong district which consists of 28 schools (Eastern Taipans District).

In most sports we are encouraged to send only 2 students from the school that demonstrate a very high level of ability. The majority of these teams are under 12 teams. A good guide for this is:

• A representative club player
• A top performer in your sport outside of school
• Playing in higher age groups
• Consistently demonstrating outstanding performances in interschool sport fixtures and training sessions in the highest division.

In order to be considered to attend a District Trial students should make themselves known to either (Mr Bateman or Mr Curness) at least 2 weeks prior to the trials.

Important Sporting Dates Term 1, 2025 (Preliminary)

25 February 2025 – 10 – 12 years District Girls AFL

26 February 2025 – 10 – 19 years Met West Regional Swimming

28 February 2025 – 10 – 19 years District Squash Nominations

4 March 2025 – 10 – 12 years District Boys & Girls Basketball

5 March 2025 – 10 – 11 & 11-12 years District Boys & Girls Rugby League

12 March 2025 – 10 – 12 years District Boys AFL

14 March 2025 – 10 – 12 years District Boys & Girls Golf & Hockey Nominations

20 March 2025 – Yeronga State School Cross Country Junior (Prep to Year 3) & Senior Appointment. (Years 4 to 6)

24 March 2025 – Yeronga (Yrs 4-6) 25m Swimming Carnival

26 March 2025 – Yeronga State School Cross Country Junior (Prep to Year 3) & Senior (Years 4 to 6) Reserve Day

28 March 2025-Gala Day 1 for Years 5 & 6

We are very excited to continue moving forward with our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) at Yeronga State School.  A Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) is a formal commitment to reconciliation. It documents how our school will strengthen relationships, respect and opportunities in the classroom, around the school/service and with the community.

We are establishing a working group and would love Parents to be involved in this process. If you would like to become a part of this consultation group, please email Felicia Chapman at fjcha0@eq.edu.au.  Or pop into the Year Four Inclusion Pod for a yarn!

Bienvenido a todas las familias/Welcome to all families,

I would like to take this opportunity to welcome past and new families to Yeronga State School.

Mi nombre es Señora Andrea Bueno I am the Spanish Teacher for Prep to Year 6. This is my eighth year at Yeronga. I look forward in continuing to share our learning in future newsletters throughout the year and watch our students shine and support them in becoming global language learners.

The study of the Spanish language program at YSS provides opportunities for children to become more accepting of diversity, more respectful of others and more aware of their place in our multicultural society.

In correspondence with the Australian Curriculum, the process of teaching and learning Spanish at YSS focuses on ‘learn about’, ‘learn to’ and ‘I can’ statements. For example, through a variety of student-centred activities such as games, rhymes, songs, iPad applications, dialogues and collaborative hands-on projects, children learn numbers to count, go shopping, say their ages, research projects about Spanish speaking countries, etc. We have high expectations for all students.

The aim of the P-6 Spanish Language program at YSS is to equip students with communication skills and transferable language learning strategies they can use during their primary school level and beyond their school journey in learning languages. At the same time, students will gain insights into the relationship between language and culture, leading to lifelong personal, educational and vocational benefits.

Yeronga will continue using the ELLA F-2 program. The ELLA F-2 program will give students a great opportunity to expose them not just in learning a language but also cultural competence.  ELLA is a digital, play-based program that includes a series of interactive applications (apps), aimed at making language learning engaging and interesting for children in early years (P-2) of schooling.

At Yeronga we encourage students to do 5 minutes of Spanish a day. To support your child at home you can encourage them to independently or as a family practice what they are learning by checking in with them. The school has purchased ROCKALINGUA (music based Spanish learning) subscription. Click on the hyperlink to take you to the site and login in as a student. I will email login details to families. Login details have been updated, you will be able to enter the username and password or scan the QR code. All the songs are also available on Spotify.

The websites and apps enlisted are great resources to support your families journey learning Spanish. Click on the links.

Duolingo (In case your children want to advance his/her knowledge at their own pace. You need to create an account)

Duolingo (Google play)

Duolingo (App store)

Duolingo Kids only on the App store for iPhones and iPads FREE app.

Video channels:  Happy Learning Spanish   and   Learning through music with Basho & friends

For those families that have Disney+ they have Handy Manny. Manny Garcia, a bilingual Hispanic handyman, and his anthropomorphic tools. It also teaches young children the beginnings of Spanish and the importance of cultural diversity. You can watch some episodes on YouTube.

Prep and new families to year 1 and 2 please see attached information about the ELLA apps.

Please do not hesitate to email me ( abuen4@eq.edu.au) if you have any questions regards Spanish.

 Muchas gracias Señora Andrea Bueno

Reading for pleasure

We know that when students come to school they learn to read. As they move up through the school to focus changes from learning to read, to reading to learn. We need to focus on the most important aspect of reading – reading for pleasure. This starts at a very early age where children “picture read”. Many of our students make a grab for the graphic novels because they are still utilizing the graphics to tell the story.

Reading for pleasure is a cornerstone of personal and academic development for primary school students. Engaging with books not only ignites imagination but also offers a multitude of benefits that extend far beyond the classroom.

The Multifaceted Benefits of Reading for Pleasure

Enhanced Literacy Skills: Regular reading enriches vocabulary, improves

1. comprehension, and fosters a deeper understanding of language structures. These skills are fundamental for academic success across all subjects.
2. Social and Emotional Development: Through stories, children explore diverse perspectives, cultures, and experiences, which cultivates empathy and social awareness. This emotional intelligence is crucial for building healthy relationships and understanding the world around them.
3. Cognitive Benefits: Reading stimulates critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. It encourages children to make connections, predict outcomes, and analyse scenarios, thereby enhancing cognitive functions.
4. Improved Well-being: Immersing oneself in a good book can be a source of relaxation and stress relief. It provides an escape from daily pressures, contributing to better mental health and overall well-being.

Strategies to Foster a Love for Reading

• Create a Reading-Friendly Environment: Ensure that books are easily accessible at home and in the classroom. A diverse and engaging selection can entice young readers to explore different genres and topics.
• Lead by Example: When children observe adults engaged in reading, they are more likely to emulate this behaviour. Sharing your reading experiences can inspire them to develop their own reading habits.
• Incorporate Reading into Daily Routines: Set aside dedicated time for reading each day. This consistency reinforces the habit and signals that reading is a valued activity.
• Leverage Technology and Multimedia: Utilize audiobooks, e-readers, and educational apps to make reading more interactive and accessible, especially for reluctant readers.

Resources to Support Reading Engagement

To further encourage reading for pleasure, consider exploring the following websites:

• Oxford Owl: Offers a vast library of free eBooks and reading activities tailored for children.
• National Literacy Trust: Provides resources and support to promote literacy and a love of reading among children.
• The School Magazine: An Australian publication that delivers engaging stories, poems, and articles suitable for primary students.
• Your Kids Next Read: Podcast by Megan Daley and Alison Tait
• The Enchanted Hour: The miraculous power of reading aloud in the age of distraction.

By nurturing a passion for reading from an early age, we equip children with the tools they need for lifelong learning and personal growth. Encouraging reading for pleasure is an investment in their future, fostering skills and habits that will benefit them throughout their lives.

Not currently part of the P&C?  Sign up here -  P&C Sign UP- to be the first to learn about what’s happening around the school.

Date claimers:

• Today! 14 February. Open Classroom 'Stay n Play’ from 2 - 3 pm in and around the school grounds. Members of the P &C executive will be present to chat about what it means to be a part of our P and C, and how you can get involved in 2025
• Tuesday 18 February. First P and C meeting of 2025 / AGM. 7pm in the curiosity centre. At our first meeting for 2025 All executive positions will be declared vacant, and nominations sought for executive and non-executive roles. A summary of those roles is below.
• Monday, 21 February – Pancake Day. The Tuckshop is hosting a pancake morning before school starts. Flexischools ordering will commence soon!

Please get in touch with the Secretary (secretary@yeronongasspandc.org.au) if you are interested in any of these roles and taking a more active role with the P and C’s projects and priorities in 2025.

Remember - You must be a P&C member to nominate and vote.

See you Tuesday 18 February at 7pm!

Join up here P&C Sign UP

Follow us on Facebook: YSS P&C Facebook

The P&C Tuckshop is holding a Pancake Breaky on Monday 24^th February (Week 5).

• Location: Tuckshop
• Time: 7am - 8.30am (before school starts)

Pancakes with selected sauces $3.50 (LIMITED NUMBERS)

Gluten free pancakes with selected sauces $4 (LIMITED NUMBERS)

Order on flexi school to guarantee a serve of pancake ( limited numbers )

Flexi school Orders STRICTLY CLOSE on 3pm Friday 21st February

 ORDER ON FLEXI SCHOOLS NOW TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT.

AusKick and SuperKick AFL

Annerley Stephens History Group

Jabiru Yeronga OSHC - February Newsletter

ENROL NOW

For enrolments, please complete and submit an Expression of Interest form on our website.

For enrolment interviews, please bring:

Your child that is being enrolled

Birth certificate/passport/travel documents

Most recent school report card/NAPLAN reports

Enrolment application documents

To watch the Yeronga State High Video, please click the link below

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nxI0tsaM6Ss&t=2s

To watch Y Yeronga (Why Yeronga Video) please click on the link below

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYNam89UzIY

OPEN DAY

Yeronga SHS Open Day will be held on Thursday 3 April 2025. On Open Day you’ll have the opportunity to explore our school and meet the staff and students that make Yeronga State High School such a special place to learn. Open Day is when we have a chance to showcase our school to prospective students, their families and the community. Visitors will have the opportunity to experience what Yeronga State High School has to offer and explore the school, visit academic and co-curricular interactive displays, learn more about our Academies of Excellence, enjoy performances and a whole lot more.

A highlight of Open Day is a ‘behind the scenes’ tour hosted by our current student leaders. Not only will you be guided around our wonderful school but they will share with you stories about their very own student experience along the way!

Y-TOUR ENROLMENT INFORMATION SESSION

Our next Y-Tour session is on 12 June 2024 at 3.30pm. Join us for an immersive experience at our Y-Tours! We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to welcome you and your family, providing a firsthand look at our exceptional facilities, introducing you to our esteemed leadership team and student leaders, and showcasing the unique Yeronga difference. 

This event is not just a tour—it's a chance for prospective parents to engage in meaningful discussions about subjects, explore aspects of the school, and gather essential enrolment information. 

All families are warmly invited to attend. Upcoming Y-Tour sessions will be shared on our Facebook page External link, Instagram page External link and school website. 

Should you have any questions or require further assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at enrolments@yerongashs.eq.edu.au.

Looking forward to sharing the Yeronga experience with you!

YERONGA SHS ACADEMIES

Please click on the link below to find out more about our Academies. Enrol now for 2025!

https://yerongashs.eq.edu.au/curriculum/specialist-programs

Click on the link below to watch a video on our academies.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dk6R_wfrp5M&t=54s

BECOME A HOMESTAY PROVIDER