Goondi SS 01.02.2023 Newsletter

From the Principal

Dear Parents and Carers,                                                                                                 

We have had a great start to 2023!  All of our classes are settling in to their new routines, getting to know teachers and making new friends.  Thank you to our parents and carers for ensuring that students began the school year with their booklist requirements, and in full school uniform.

As Parents and carers, you play a critical role in your child’s learning and there are many actions that you can take to assist and improve your child’s learning.  Making sure your child attends school every day is the single most important thing you can do in your child’s educational journey.

We know that most absences are mainly due to illness and only a very small number of students finish the year with 100% attendance.  However, it is the unexplained absences and lateness which have a negative effect on a child’s learning.   Therefore, at this time of year we ask that you make every effort to get your child to school on time each day of the school year.  This will ensure that your child will be given the best chance to be successful at school and really make the most of the opportunities for learning that primary school offers.  Regularly missing school is directly related to poor student outcomes. 

Our school target this year is once again set at 95% for all students and we will need your support as parents and carers to ensure that we can achieve this. Remember – “Every Day Counts.”   This year, we are re-introducing our 95% attendance wrist bands which will be given to all students who have attended for at least 95% at the end of Term 1.

As I have visited our classrooms over these first few days of the year, I can report that there is a real sense of focus and engagement from all year levels.  It is very encouraging to see our students making an effort to join in with the learning and to develop the comradery that glues each class together and ultimately creates the best chance for a great year. 

Finally, again welcome back to school and all of our staff look forward to working with you through the year. 

Regards,

Peter Begemann

Principal

School Calendar

TERM 1 CALENDAR

School Events  (More to come)

Thurs 9^th Mar – School Photos

27^th – 30^th Mar – Parent/Teacher interviews

P&C Events

Mon 20^th Feb – P&C Annual General Meeting 5:30pm

Other School News

COMMUNICATION

There are many forms of communication at Goondi State School.  We encourage positive communication with your main connection to the school, your class teacher.  This can be done easily through the use of ClassDojo messaging or arranging a meeting.  Goondi also offers the fortnightly electronic newsletter, emails and Facebook.  Please help us to improve communication by ensuring your contact details are up to date.

STUDENT UNIFORM

Our student uniform instils a sense of pride in the school, is sun safe, and is designed to ensure that students can participate in the full range of school activities offered.

It also:

• Promotes a safe learning environment by enabling ready identification of students and non-students at school;
• Promotes an effective teaching and learning environment by eliminating the distraction of competition in dress and fashion at school;
• Fosters mutual respect among individuals at the school
• Promotes a supportive environment at the school by fostering a sense of belonging.

Our school student uniform consists of the following:

School polo shirt

Royal blue shorts or royal blue pants (boys)

Royal blue skort, royal blue skirt or royal blue pants (girls)

School hat (wide brimmed royal blue)

Shoes – joggers only

White ankle length socks 

School uniform items can be purchased through P&C uniforms on the address below or from the uniform shop which runs at school each Thursday from 7:45am – 8:45am

www.goondissuniforms.com.au

P&C ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

The P&C’s Annual General Meeting will be held on Monday 20^th February in the school library commencing at 5:30pm.

Please consider being part of our P&C. We are a great school with strong academic results, terrific students, dedicated staff and great facilities. To complete the picture we need a strong P&C that is composed of parents who have many years of involvement and new parents with fresh and new ideas.  P&C meetings give a great opportunity to get involved in the discussions and to put forward ideas.

SCHOOL CROSSING

As this time of year, we ask that you assist us to promote road safety among our students and help to set the ‘right’ example by  always using the school crossing whether it is manned by a crossing supervisor or not.   We ask that students are not called by parents and carers to cross the road to meet them in any location other than the crossing.  This places students at risk and encourages others to do the same.   We also relay this message to our students at assembly.

PARKING

Safety is our first concern.  Therefore, we ask that all parents and carers obey the traffic and parking rules to ensure the safety of our students and other members of our school community.

• We ask that parents and carers use the 5-minute parking bays appropriately. These parking bays are designated for parents to collect their child from the pick-up area and then leave.
• Avoid parking on footpaths or driveways. This is an extremely unsafe practice that hampers driver visibility and puts the lives of students walking to and from school at risk.

WHAT DID YOU DO AT SCHOOL TODAY?

We all know that on many occasions a response to this question is usually along the lines of ‘Nothing’ or ‘I can’t remember’. 

Below are some ideas that give a better chance of starting a more positive conversation with your child:

• What was your best moment at school today? (or what was your worst moment at school today?)
• Tell me something that made you laugh today
• Who did you help today? Who helped you today?
• When were you the happiest today?
• Tell me about three different times you used your pencil today at school
• Tell me one thing that you learned today
• What was the coolest (saddest, funniest, scariest) thing that you saw today?
• What do you think you should do/learn more of at school? (or what do you think you should do/learn less of at school?)
• What part of the day do you look forward to?
• If you got to be the teacher tomorrow what would you do differently?

ATTENDANCE

Research shows that in Queensland, higher student attendance at school is associated, on average, with higher student achievement.

Why is regular attendance at school important?

Regular school attendance will mean that your child has a better chance in life. Your child will achieve better when they go to school all day, every school day.

• they learn better
• they make friends
• they are happier
• they have a brighter future.

Why must I send my child to school?

Under Queensland law, you must make sure your child of school age is enrolled and attends school all day, every school day unless they have an acceptable reason. Illness, doing work experience or competing in a school sporting event are acceptable reasons for being absent from school. Principals decide if the reason given for your child’s absence is acceptable. Avoid keeping your child away from school for:

• birthdays, shopping, visiting family and friends, if they sleep in, looking after other children, minor check-ups or care such as haircuts.

Routine medical or other health appointments should be made either before or after school or during the school holidays.

What should I do if our family is going on a holiday in school time?

You are encouraged not to schedule holidays during school time. If your family holiday is during school time, let the school know in advance and talk about what arrangements can be made for your child. Depending on the circumstances the school may be able to provide tasks for your child to complete while they are absent or assist you to organise an exemption from schooling.

Do I need to let the school know if my child is away from school?

Yes, you must let the school know when your child is absent from school. If possible, advise the school beforehand.

Are you having problems getting your child to school for some of these reasons?

• won’t get out of bed in the morning
• won’t go to bed at night
• can’t find their uniform, books, school bag …
• slow to eat breakfast
• haven’t done their homework
• watching TV
• have a test or presentation to do, have an assignment to hand in
• it’s their birthday.

If so, a set routine can help

• have a set time to go to bed
• have a set time to get out of bed
• have uniform and school bag ready the night before
• have a set time for starting and finishing breakfast
• set a time for daily homework activities
• speak about school positively
• be firm, send your child to school every school day including their birthday and the last day of term!

What should I do if my child won’t go to school?

You should contact the school as soon as possible for advice and support.

Prep News

Year 1 News

Welcome to Year 1. We have all had a great start to the year and we are excited to see how much our students will grow this year. Homework was sent home yesterday. The folders will need to be sent to school each day for teachers to check that spelling is completed. The reading books will be changed every Friday.

Our writing genre this term is an Imaginative Recount. We are reading many exciting children’s books and using the characters from these books in our own stories.

In Maths we have kicked off the term learning all about teen numbers, counting and our addition facts.

Our Science unit is titled “Changes Around Me” and we will be learning all about the weather, ourselves and animals.

In HAAS we are learning all about the Past, Present and Future.

Our students have settled well into the routines of Year 1 and we are excited for the year ahead. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us via Class Dojo message or a phone call to the office. Here’s to a great year!

Hayley, Leigh, Wendy, Kimberley, Fiona and Anita.

Year 2 News

Year 3 News

Year 4 News

Year 5 News

English: This term students will be reviewing narrative and persuasive text in preparation for NAPLAN at the end of Term 1. There are two writing assessments this term. The first is an exposition on “Junk food- Should it be banned at school?” and the second is a narrative – “The red box”.

Daily Spelling lessons, Reading Rotations and weekly Writing, Grammar and Punctuation will also occur as part of the literacy block.

Maths: Our structured maths block includes daily number fact and problem-solving practice as well as explicit lessons covering concepts from the three strands of Mathematics: Number and Algebra, Statistics and Probability, and Measurement and Geometry.

Science: This term’s science unit is called Earth's Place in the Solar System.  We will consider Earth as a component within a solar system and use models for investigating systems at astronomical scales. They will understand that Earth is part of a system of planets and other celestial bodies, orbiting around a star. We will research Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ understanding of the night sky and how scientists were able to develop ideas about the solar system through the gathering of evidence through space exploration. They will also recognise how technologies developed to aid space exploration have changed the way people live, work and communicate. Working independently and collaboratively, students will plan and apply the elements of scientific investigations to answer questions and solve problems using appropriate equipment. Elements of digital technology, human endeavour and design and production skills are incorporated into the lessons.

HASS: In Term 1, we are focusing on developing an understanding of why decisions need to be made when allocating resources for society's needs and wants. They study the various factors that influence them when making decisions and examine methods that can help with consumer decision making.

Design and Technology: This term, students learn how components of digital systems interact with each other to transmit data. Students are introduced to binary code and how and why data is collected, organised and used within different digital systems. Practical activities include writing simple binary code and creating digital infographics. Design and production skills, such as identifying and defining and researching and planning are developed throughout.

Homework: Homework is given out every Monday and is due the on Friday for marking. In term 1 it consists of nightly reading, spelling and a worksheet consolidating in-class Maths concepts. Spelling is based on the program Spelling Mastery and the next spelling list will be highlighted after completing a Spelling Mastery test at school.  Students will have an option to complete spelling and math homework on-line.  This will assist in higher engagement and ICT life-skills.  For reading students will read for 10 minutes from a book they have borrowed from our library. It is your child’s responsibility to complete their homework. If it is not completed, they will be given a detention and will be expected to complete it on Friday.

Kayla Hutchins, Rebecca Nolan and Janette McClelland

Year 5/6 & 6 News

This year our cohort is made up of Mr Richards’ Year 5/6 class and Mrs Worth’s Year 6 class, with both classes being supported by our Teacher Aide Mrs McClelland. Our first couple of weeks have passed quickly and both classes are already into the swing of a new year.

Here is what we will be working on in Term 1:

This term in ENGLISH students will be reading, analysing and responding to Scarecrow Army, a novel which tells the historical tale of the ANZACs at Gallipoli.  This in-depth study of Gallipoli and the First World War will be a valuable lead up to the ANZAC ceremony early in Term 2. Our literacy studies also include daily spelling lessons, and weekly writing, grammar, punctuation, and reading comprehension lessons.

Our MATHS program includes daily number facts practice, as well as consolidation and explicit lessons covering concepts from the three strands of Mathematics: Number and Algebra, Statistics and Probability, and Measurement and Geometry.

This term’s SCIENCE unit is called It’s Electrifying and examines electrical circuits as a means of transferring and transforming electricity. We also study the differences between electrical circulators and insulators, including their various purposes. This is a hands-on Science unit, and students will really enjoy building circuits and experimenting with various materials to discover if they are conductors or insulators.

In HASS this term we are exploring The World’s Cultural Diversity – beginning with the world’s first people, then investigating the United Nations, and finishing by exploring different cultures from around the world.

Our Design and Technology unit, which we will begin later this term, and continue across the semester, is called Living Off The Land, and focusses on sustainable fibre and food production.

Students are also already enjoying specialist classes – HPE with Mrs McKay and Mrs Bulstrode, MUSIC with Mrs MacGillivray, DANCE with Ms Rosa and ITALIAN with Signora Lazzarini.

We are looking forward to an exciting and successful first term! Please don’t forget that if you have any questions, you can contact us via Class Dojo, or by calling the school and making an appointment.

Mr Richards, Mrs Worth and Mrs McClelland.

The Arts News

The Arts is alive with music and energy this term as we focus on the curriculum area of Dance. Completing fortnightly lessons, students will explore The Elements of Dance as the foundational concepts that help them develop movement skills and understand dance as an artistic practice.  This term students will concentrate on the elements of Body, Action, Space, Time, Energy as a framework to discuss any kind of movement. They will be introduced to simple choreography techniques and will collaborate in groups of three to perform in unison for their classmates.  Already many students have shown great potential, and I look forward to seeing their confidence and ability progress throughout the term!

Francesca Rosa

Arts Teacher

Music News

It has been a joyous and enthusiastic start to music this year. All classes are following a developmental music program which includes singing, listening, movement and music literacy from Years 1 to 6. Prep follow a similar developmental program in preparation for music literacy in Year 1. All year levels focus on the elements of music which include beat, rhythm, pitch, dynamics, expression, form, texture and timbre.

In the next two weeks all students in Years 4 to 6 will complete a vocal assessment which will enable selection for the 2023 Senior Choir. The Senior Choir will begin in Week 3, rehearsing twice a week every Tuesday from 1:25pm to 2:00pm and Wednesday from 8:30am to 9:00am.

I’m looking forward to an enjoyable year.

Kind regards

Kerry Macgillivray

MUSIC TEACHER  

Sports News

All 10,11 and 12 year old ( born 2013, 2012& 2011) girls and boys who are interested in trying out for the District CRICKET or TOUCH Teams, please go to the Goondi S.S. Facebook site. All Trial information and forms are available there and below.

L.O.T.E News

Saluti (Greetings)

At Goondi State School students in Years 5 and 6 learn Italian.  Welcome back (bentornati) to those students who were taking Italian last year.  Welcome (benvenuti) to those students learning Italian this year for the first time.

In our Italian lessons we will be starting the year learning some Italian songs: Ciao buongiorno in Year 5 and a welcome song in Year 6.  Ask your child to sing a song to you!  Songs are excellent ways to build confidence, enhance pronunciation and improve fluency when learning another language. 

Exercise books will be collected regularly and feedback provided.  Encourage your child to speak Italian with you and discuss what they are learning!

Arrivederci (Goodbye)

Signora Lazzarini

Community News

Wet Tropics Waterways Photography Competition

We’re encouraging school students to send in their best waterway photos – from rivers to waterfalls and estuaries to ocean – for a chance to win awesome prizes ranging from adventure packages to appliances.

We would love for you to share this competition with your school community. There is a category for under 15s and a range of open categories.

This Wet Tropics Waterways competition is celebrating the beauty, diversity, and importance of our waterways big and small.

Judged by Far North Queensland-based professional photographers, this competition is also a chance to be featured in our environment and lifestyle magazine 'Reef and Rivers' and our social media platforms.

This is a Wet Tropics Waterways Initiative. Wet Tropics Waterways is a partnership of 50+ organisations with a goal to improve the health of our waterways and the quality of water flowing to the Great Barrier Reef. To learn more and enter, go to https://wettropicswaterways.org.au/photo-competition/.

For more information, please contact Hannah O’Kane at hannah.okane@terrain.org.au.