10 May 2024 - Term 2, Week 4

Acknowledgement of Country

News from Mrs Kelly

Hi Everyone,   

Ironside State School’s Chamber Strings competed in the Queensland Youth Music Awards last week and they WON!!!!!!!  CONGRATULATIONS to all of these children and Ms Trudy Weekes!!!!!  Thankfully I was there to watch and listen and yet again was moved to tears.  The performance from these children was utterly flawless and frankly astounding.  I could just go on and on but I will stop.  We are so very proud of them, congratulations again!!

Our Year 1 Choir did a wonderful job of entertaining us on assembly last week  -  wow!  Then today we had Year 4 performing and they were equally impressive!

Thank you to them and of course, Mrs Marianne Huxley and Ms Kellie Wilson. 

The Inter Strings performed with Ms Weekes last week for the first time and honestly, it was extraordinary given their age and stage  -  congratulations to all of them!

Year 2 got to enjoy Lone Pine as part of their learning yesterday and I believe they were great ambassadors for our school.  I also believe it was a fantastic excursion.  Thank you to the Year 2 Team for organising and overseeing this fabulous learning opportunity.  

Thank you to everyone who attended our P&C Meeting, it was wonderful to have so many people there, please keep coming.  They don’t normally go quite that long and P&Cs are an integral part of schools, be part of that!

Coming up this fortnight:

• Junior Strings Extravaganza -  Tuesday 14 May at 8:30am
• Parent Group -  Tuesday 14 May, 2:15pm  -  Chappy Central
• Year 6 Canberra Trip Parent Information Night -  Tuesday 14 May 6pm in the hall
• Year 5 Debating Team Auditions -  Wednesday 15 May, 3pm
• P-2 Merit Assembly -  Friday 17 May, Year 2 Choir Performing -  9:15am
• Religious Instruction -  Friday 17 May
• Interschool Sport -  Friday 17 May
• Ironside State School Bookfair -  Monday 20 May -  Friday 24 May
• Prep Vision Screening -  Monday 20 May
• Parent Group -  Tuesday 21 May, 2:15pm  -  Chappy Central
• National Simultaneous Storytime -  Wednesday 22 May
• Year 6 Debating Team Auditions -  Wednesday 22 May 3pm
• Denpasar’s Children Centre from Bali visiting Ironside SS -  Thursday 23 May  -  Friday 24 May
• Brisbane North Chess Competition -  Thursday 23 May
• 3-6 STARS Assembly - Friday 24 May  -  Chamber Strings performing  -  9:15pm
• Religious Instruction -  Friday 24 May
  

Many things are coming up in the next fortnight, please always keep a close eye on the calendar, I do update it if new things arise.

Thankfully we cannot get enough of instrumental music around here and there is a Junior Strings Extravaganza next Tuesday morning at 8:30am  I don’t know what this is but I am keen to find out!

I am very excited to see that Debating is on offer at Ironside State School for our Year 5 and 6s.  Public speaking is a much-valued skill that genuinely open doors for people who engage in it.  Connecting and communicating with others is vital and debating teaches you how do to just that in a specific forum.  Thank you Ms Dannielle Faithfull and Mr James Tait for overseeing this brilliant opportunity.

Mr Neil Malcolm is overseeing another wonderful extra-curricula activity here at Ironside and that is chess!  What a brilliant game!  The Ironside SS Chess Team are off to compete at the Brisbane North Chess Competition and we wish them all the best!

Ironside State School’s semester 1 Book Fair is on in two weeks  -  make sure you are part of it.  See the library section of the newsletter for all of the details. I am very excited about the National Simultaneous Storytime on the Wednesday.  That is where across the nation a single chosen book is read at the same time  -  how fabulous!!  Books are portable magic!  Thank you to our librarians, Ms Roche and Mrs Sauvage.  We are looking forward to a great week!

In under 2 weeks we will have a visit from a Balinese school called the Denpasar’s Children Centre.  Apparently this school traditionally visited Ironside SS before the pandemic, so thank you to Mrs Shelley Lee for organising their return.  We are very much looking forward to welcoming them again. 

Whilst talking about visiting schools, if you have not signed up to billet (host  -  provide a bed and meals) children or adults when the Japanese Schools  visit, can you seriously think about doing it?  This is an amazing opportunity and we can’t continue to sustain these tours without you wonderful volunteers. Please click on the following link to register your interest.  Please see the update from Mrs Lee further down and on how to register your interest for this great experience. 

Finally, Happy Mother’s Day to all Mums and women who play a mothering figure in people’s lives.  This Sunday is your special day.  Thank you to our P&C for organising our Mother’s Day Stall and thank you to all of our volunteers and those who made donations, it is helpful for children to have an option to buy something here at school to help celebrate their Mums.  Of course, Mums don’t need gifts; hugs and a cup of tea will totally do the trick, as will cleaning the house, making dinner…...anything that thanks Mums for all they do.  Have a wonderful day on Sunday!!

Have a safe and wonderful week!

Yours in Education,
Angie Kelly

PS  Year 6 parents whose children are going on the Canberra trip, please try to come to the Information Session next Tuesday 14 May at 6pm in the hall.

Important Term 2 Dates

A message from Brisbane Council

News from Mr Weston-Murdoch

Dear parents and caregivers,

School Values and Expectations:  Weeks 5 & 6

Our focus for the fortnight ahead.

Bridge Builders – Skill of the week

The skills we’ve been practising.

(Week 3): Ignore and Don’t React

Ignoring or not reacting to conflict is much easier said than done.  Without clear guidance about how to do this, and when to do it, many children will quickly say, “That doesn’t work.”  This means that they lose a powerful tool that does have its place in dealing with difficult behaviour.

Ignore and Don’t React should be used either when the child doesn’t know the other person and there is no need to resolve, or when the other person is trying to get a rise or reaction out of them.

Some tips for effectively ignoring and not reacting are:

• Take a deep breath and relax your body
• Don’t look at the person
• Think of something else
• Move to a safe place

When children choose not to react, they are showing they have the power to stay emotionally calm.

(Week 4): Share and Take Turns

Not sharing or not taking turns is often one of the biggest causes of conflict in a home. Helping children to recognise that when they choose this skill there are three benefits for them including:

1. They might share with you.
2. You become better friends.
3. You feel good.

Help your child to practise sharing. You could stay nearby and encourage them so they don’t forget to share. When your child does try to share, be specific with praising what they shared and add ‘You must feel so proud of yourself to be so generous. Well done.’

You can build your child’s sharing skills by watching for and praising good turn-taking, encouraging fairness and explaining about sharing. Simple activities that involve sharing and taking turns like kicking soccer goals or shooting basketball hoops can be helpful.  Model sharing in your behaviour with others. At home, look for opportunities to share things with your partner. When you and your friends are together, make a point of sharing and describe it as you do so. Young children are great observers and imitators.

“Empowered for Life”; Jocelyne Chirnside

During English in 1E we have been reading different fiction books and learning to describe the characters in the texts. We have been working on adding some adjectives to make our writing interesting.

Can you read the clues to guess who the characters are in our “Who am I?” descriptions.

In Maths this term we are focusing on addition and subtraction strategies. The children have been learning about place value through the use of MAB blocks. Understanding the value of digits can make it easier to work out addition and subtraction problems. Making MAB Monsters was monster fun!

And finally parents, I'd like to share with you this wonderful picture of our P-Y2 students receiving their merit awards. I've been amazed at the effort and dedication displayed by students this term and all students should be proud of their achievements. 

Well done everyone! 

Kind regards,

Scott Weston-Murdoch
Deputy Principal P-2
and the P-2 Team

News from Mr Corbett

Dear Familes,

Over the past week, our  Year 3-6 students delved into the Bridge Builder strategy of "Ignore, Don't React," exploring its transformative potential in various aspects of life. As we wrap up and move onto the next strategy, I'd like to share some snapshots I've taken within our school.

A Special Mother's Day Greeting

I would like to take a moment to extend heartfelt wishes to all the mothers in our community. As Mother's Day approaches this Sunday, let's pause to celebrate and express our gratitude.

And finally, I wanted to leave you with this image of our Year 3-6 merit award winners. Seeing the students receive their awards was truly motivating and I applaud their effort and hard work.

Well done everyone! 

Warm regards,

Thomas Corbett
Deputy Principal Y3-4
and the 3-4 Team

News from Mrs Bailey

Dear Families,

Year 6 Canberra Camp Information night is on Tuesday 14^th May at 6pm in the Hall. If you are unable to attend, we’ll ensure you receive the PowerPoint and notes.

A reminder that consent forms are due no later than Tuesday the 21^st of May.

Below is a link to the consent form which you can fill out and email to your classroom teacher once completed.

If you're having trouble signing the form please go to: https://www.adobe.com/acrobat/online/sign-pdf.html for further help. 

Year 6

In Year 6 maths, students have been working very hard on angles, fractions, negative and positive numbers, surface area, as well as other challenging but rewarding parts. Students in Mr Henderson's (6F) class have enjoyed learning these new aspects with peers and individually.

Students have been gathering this knowledge to prepare for the upcoming "Australian Problem-Solving Mathematical Olympiad” as well as the upcoming “Australian Maths Competition” later on in the year. 

Despite the mathematical challenges along the way, students have persevered and problem-solved with the help of teachers and the amazing resources on hand. 

Well done and good luck for the competitions! 

Year 5

Warm regards,

Katie Bailey
Deputy Principal Y5-6
and the 5-6 Team

Japan Study Tour News

Ironside host families needed to billet guests from one of our Japanese sister schools

Kon'nichiwa​! 

In July / August this year, we are excited to be once again welcoming Ironside’s three Japanese sister schools after a six year break due to the Covid 19 Pandemic.

Our relationship with our three sister schools has a long history.

The cultural exchange program began at Ironside State School with a class back in 1981.

Even after 43 years, the purpose of these study tours has remained the same. For students from Ironside and each of our three sister schools to:

• be immersed totally in a different culture
• experience time in a Japanese/Australian school
• experience and enjoy aspects of Japanese/Australian life
• identify the similarities and differences of the two cultures

Every second year, Ironside students travel to Japan and visit our three sister schools. In 2023, a group of Year 5 and 6 students, staff and parents participated in the Ironside Japan Study Tour. Over a two-week period, participants spent time visiting places of cultural significance as well as interacting with students and families from our three sister schools.

On alternate years, our three sister schools visit Ironside.

Here’s how you can be involved!

Expressions of interest

If you would like to share in this rich cultural experience, expressions of interest are now being sought from Ironside families to billet our Japanese guests. Students and adults are billeted in pairs to make the homestay more harmonious for both sides. With each passing year, the importance of growing family ties between billeting families from Ironside State School and our three sister schools has become a strength of the program. Individuals from both countries continue to benefit from the experience. The exchange of cultural ideas and ways of life continue to nurture international goodwill and understanding between our two nations.

Dates for this year’s visit

• Haga Elementary School in Haga: Arriving July 20th - July 24th
• Tomiokahigashi Elementary School in Sakai: Arriving July 27th - August 1st
• Kobe University Elementary School in Akashi: Arriving August 5th - August 9th

Click here to complete your expression of interest

What’s required

As a host family you would be required to provide a comfortable place to sleep, breakfast and evening meals and allow your guests to experience everyday life with your family.

Please email Shelley Lee slee73@eq.edu.au should you have any questions.

N.B. No payment is given to host families as when Ironside travels to Japan, reciprocal home visit arrangements are made for us.

Kind regards,

Shelly Lee
Head of Curriculum

Term 2 Student Activities & Areas

Dear Familes, 

Have we mentioned there are a lot of things going on at Ironside?

Sometimes it's hard for parents - and children -  to know what these activities are, so below is a helpful schedule of all the groups, clubs and meetings we have on during the school day. 

Drama Club

Jazz hands at the ready because Ironside State School is excited to announce...

News from Chappy Thu

Dear Families,

I hope you all had a lovely long weekend & feel refreshed as we head into the busier half of the term. My family & I spent the weekend in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, exploring Montville & attending the annual Wood Expo. My husband loves making wooden items in his spare time (like our amazing Chappy Squad peg badge board!) & was truly in his element. My son even learnt how to make a wooden flute whilst my daughter sampled all the delicious local produce! Yum!

The Term 2 Chappy Squad members have diligently been leading activities over the past fortnight, with some volunteering each day! I am especially proud of the captains who have all led their first team meetings this term – Well Done Captains!

Special thanks to the following members for their outstanding contribution to the activities & school over the past two week:

• Lavit, Jonny, Olivia, Margaret, Anthea, Nolan & Carolina for seamlessly & enthusiastically taking on roles despite being new to the Squad this term – thank you!
• Rosie, Ann, Alice, Arnika, Ella, Eva, Xavier, James, Ethan, Lavit, Saksham, Ilai, Kelly, Cooper, Tanmeh and Victoria for volunteering to be our Pack Up crew over the past fortnight. Thank for always doing your best to restore Chappy Central to its intended organised, warm & clean state after all our visitors! You are so appreciated!
• Hafsa, Alisa, Victoria, Tanmeh, Kelly, Alice & Ella for the care & love you put into each heart you learnt to sew for the 1,000 Hearts Club. I was so impressed by how quickly you learnt a new skill & how kind you were to donate your work to the Kindness Project.
• Emilia, Nadine, Rishika, Sam, Sara & Luna for leading our outdoor paper hearts crafts for the 1,000 Hearts Club. Your patience & dedication was amazing!
• Hafsa & Rose for the creative, gentle & inclusive way they run their activities, such as the drawing competition or origami challenge. Thank you for joining the Squad this year!
• Stasiya, Tahlia, Eva, Lucrezia, Andrea, Victoria, Adeline, Het, Cooper, Eva, Tingran & Luciana for being on our Prep Crew this fortnight! The preps loved their time with you & teachers have praised you for your confidence, enthusiasm & patience with our high energy prep bubbies 😉

Here are the top members & teams as of Week 3:

Chappy Activities were filled with laughter & new friendships over the past fortnight! In Origami Club, we made blue birds for the library display in preparation of the National Simultaneous Storytime – what a fun collaboration!

We also made swans from a video made with Alice! In Disco & Dress Up Club, Kelly taught us all new moves, whilst Fred, Jonny, Asher, Jay Jun & Aimaan played fun, uplifting songs as our DJs. In our Scavenger Hunts, we learnt about ANZAC Day & celebrated mothers for Mother Day. Congratulations Ilai, Lavit, Saksham, Esther, Margaret, Yuki & Meeka for leading the winning teams! In the 1,000 Hearts club, we managed to make 40 felt & paper hearts over the past fortnight & gave away 30 already to people who needed a little encouragement due to sickness or unfortunate circumstances. What a wonderful way to bring a little joy, care & kindness into our community. Bubbles of joy were dispersed at Bubble Friday & lots of fun was had at Chappy Lounge too!

Mother’s Day

Lastly, I just wanted to give a shout out to all the amazing mothers & mother-figures we have in our community. Even though some days feel harder than others, your dedication to your children & the love you envelope them with truly makes a difference in their lives as well as the lives around them. Thank you for all you do, both seen & unseen! You are all amazing!

A special thank you must also go to our incredible P&C, especially Phoebe, for all the tremendous work organising & running the much loved Mother’s Day Stall! I helped a little, but I know many, many more hours were spent buying, wrapping, planning, making, setting up & selling all the thoughtful & loving gifts. Thank you!

And that’s all from me for now. Wishing you all a wonderful weekend!

Until Next Time,
Chappy Thu

tklet0@eq.edu.au
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday
8am to 4pm

Music News

Dear Families, 

It's been a busy few weeks for music at Ironside. We have lots of events activities coming up so please do keep an eye out for these. 

In the meantime here's some information on upcoming events. 

Upcoming Dates

Strings Outstanding Commitment Awards for Term 1

Every week students work together in their small lessons groups on their practice, attendance and preparation for lessons.  From each year level one group receives the award for outstanding commitment to these goals. 

The small groups below have earned the reward for term 3.  

QYMA

The Chamber Strings orchestra performed at the Queensland Youth Music Awards on Wednesday night at St Peter's.  The students played exceptionally well and were rewarded with First Place and retain the trophy for another year.  Well Done to the students, they should be very proud of their performance, it was really beautiful on the night.

SHEP

Congratulations to the following students who have been offered a place in SHEP Brisbane for 2024. This program is for Year 6 to 12 students and runs for 3 days in July.

Sophie H Yr 6

Johan T Yr 6

Junior Strings

Very excitingly next week we have our combined workshop with the beginner students from Indooroopilly State School.  This is an amazing day of playing and learning with a concert at 1:30pm. 

So don’t forget your instruments Tuesday the 14^th of May – 8am – Ironside School Hall

Library News

Dear Families,

Dust off your bookmarkers, because it's that time of year again. 

Book Fair returns to Ironside! 

See below for more details and other related news. 

HPE News

Fast approaching is our Senior Athletics Carnival on Tuesday, June 11^th.  All year 3-6 students will be spending the day at the UQ Athletics Centre participating in a range of competitive as well as house points athletic events.  In the coming days, you will be able to find all the information regarding the event on our school website, including the schedule for the day, qualification standards for districts, costs and the permission form.  

Some important information to be aware of:

• Students have already been surveyed for the running races they wish to participate in.  These choices can be modified up until Friday, June 7th.  
• Competitive trials for high jump, shot put and discus will be taking place during class time in weeks 5 and 6
• Long jump trials will be held at Jack Cook Park in Week 7 (May 27-31) every morning from 8am - 8:40am.  Students who wish to trial only have to come once, to get their 3 attempts in.  Please note that these are the only times available to trial for long jump.
• On the day of the carnival (Tuesday, June 11th), year 3 and 6 students will be leaving the school by bus at 8:00am.  Year 4 and 5 will be following at 8:20am.  Return buses will bring the same year levels back, with the first buses leaving at 3pm and returning to school by 3:20pm and 3:40pm respectively.

As mentioned, all information about the carnival will be posted on the school website in the coming days.  Please go to https://ironsidess.eq.edu.au/co-curricular/sports to view this information.

If any further information is require, please feel free to email me your queries.

Thank you .

Jeremie Clarke-Okah

HPE Specialist

General Meetings

Thank you to all that attended last months general meeting. It was great to see so many people come along to the meeting and listen and share their thoughts about how the P&C can assist the school. If you would like a copy of the minutes and are not currently a member, please send an email to pandcironside@gmail.com. 

This months meeting is on Tuesday 28^th May.

All are welcome. 

Mothers Day Stall

Wow!!!! What a day?!? Thank you to everyone that contributed and helped in the running of the Mother's Day Stall. A special shout out goes to Phoebe Anderson for all her hard work and organising skills.

International Breakfast

A number of people have asked when the International Breakfast is happening this year. The decision was made last year by the School in conjunction with the School Council and P&C, that the breakfast would occur every 2 years, the alternate year of the Fair. This was due to the significant time, effort and work placed on the same individuals who manage and work at both events. This coupled with keeping in mind the cost to parents and caregivers purchasing tickets for similar events in the same year. 

As always, if you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to email the P&C at pandcironside@gmail.com

Advertising

For all advertsing enquiries please email: communications@ironsidess.eq.edu.au