13 August 2020- Term 3, Week 5

News from Mr Johnson

Dear Parents,
PARENT TEACHER PHONE INTERVIEWS – MAKE YOUR BOOKINGS
Parent/Teacher interviews are being conducted via telephone in weeks 8 and 9 of this term (Monday 31 August – Friday 11 September). We again will be using the online booking system available through https://www.schoolinterviews.com.au.

Bookings have been opened to parents as of 3:00pm, Thursday 13 August, and the system closes for parent bookings at 3.00pm, Friday 28 August.

Each teacher, within that period of time, has ensured that there are adequate timeslots available to cater for all students in their class. This is totally dependent on their personal circumstances; however, we appreciate that any time outside of school hours is the teachers’ own time and their commitment to this important communication process is acknowledged and appreciated.

If you are unable to co-ordinate a phone interview in one of the timeslots provided, please contact your child’s teacher to negotiate a mutually suitable time. For the most part though, it is expected that parents book according to the times made available on the booking website.

Please follow these instructions to book your parent teacher interview with your child’s teacher:

1. Go to https://www.schoolinterviews.com.au
2. Access the Ironside SS booking page by entering the following case-sensitive Event Code: qy7cb
3. Follow the prompts to provide your email address, your name and your child’s name.
   *Please include your current and preferred contact number in this information.
4. Select your child’s teacher from the drop down box.
   
5. Select one of the timeslots available with your child’s teacher. Press Go.
   
6. A confirmation email will be sent to you.

If you need to cancel or reschedule your booking, you can do this by following the link in the email you have received.

Please contact the school office if you require assistance with this process.

SNEAK PEEK – 150^TH ANNIVERSARY PHOTO

BE CAREFUL ON THE WAY HOME – Baty St Park
A number of our students are being collected at Baty St Park in the afternoons. Heading down to Baty St Park can lend itself to ‘picking up some speed’! If your child is heading to this point, please talk with them about being completely mindful of the environment around them. Walking and riding safely and sensibly is the safest way to go.

IF YOU ARE SICK – STAY HOME!
I need to stress to families that the ‘previous normal’ of students heading to school if mildly unwell and “seeing how you go” does not apply in the current COVID-19 context.

I understand there is a clear difference between some anxious tummies, allergies etc. However, if your child displays cold or flu like symptoms – cough, fever, runny nose, aches, lethargy etc. they need to be at home. In these present times we need to ensure both the health and wellbeing of the individual as well as the group.

Thank you in advance for your support.

Have a great week ahead. Stay safe and well.

*The Pocket - Early Education and Care*

****Advertisement****

Hi Ironside State School families!

Are you looking for a fabulous childcare centre?

The Pocket Early Education and Care, St Lucia’s newest child care centre is opening in early July.

Just a three minute drive from Ironside, our purpose-built centre offers a fun and supportive learning environment for your child, with state of the art facilities, engaged staff, nutritious meals prepared daily and our very own FUNdamentals program.

As an early learning centre, we at The Pocket believe that each child is unique. Because of this we cater to your child’s individual needs and developmental pathways, through our ‘learning by playing’ philosophy. This allows your child to better understand the world in which they live, through our planned early education programs which engages their capacity to participate, communicate, investigate, create, and reflect.

To support your child’s growing body as they develop and learn, we provide fresh, homestyle meals prepared on site, each day, by our Chef, Eliza. We also provide clear and regular communication daily about your child’s progress, routine and activities using Storypark.

Our degree qualified Early Childhood Teachers in our Kindergarten programme, ensures your child receives the best start to life before starting Prep. Our Centre Manager, Shandelle Banditt, and our friendly staff are committed to providing your child with incredible learning experiences in a safe and supportive environment that will foster a lifetime of benefits.

Educating and caring for your child 5 days per week, 52 weeks per year, 6.30am-6.30pm to support you and your family.

To join our Pocket community, call Elise, our Enrolments Manager, on 3568 5800 or 0476 997 332 or email enrolments@thepocketchildcare.com.au to discuss your children’s requirements.

****Advertisement****

Ironside Stars of the Month

News from Mr Murdoch

Dear parents and caregivers,

2021 Prep Enrolment Process

1. Pre-Enrolment Information

• Prep Information Evening: Typically, this is a general information session about our Prep program and enrolment process conducted in our school hall.

Due to the social distancing measures and health restrictions currently in place, this presentation is now available online..

• ISS Website contains up to date enrolment information and Enrolment Packs https://ironsidess.eq.edu.au/Enrolments/Prep/Pages/Prep.aspx.

1. Enrolment Applications (from now)

• Prep 2021 Enrolment Pack is available on our website.
• Applicants must be currently living in the Ironside Catchment and be able to supply supporting evidence as per the criteria in the Ironside State School Enrolment Management Plan.

There is no waitlist and no cap on enrolments.

Enrolment Management Plan (from 30 June 2017)

• No out of catchment enrolments.
• No sibling policy.
• Must be intending to stay for 12+ months.
• All applications require the execution of the Ironside State School Statutory Declaration which confirms the student’s residence in the catchment and the parents’ acknowledgment that they must reside in the catchment for the duration of their child’s enrolment.
• Ongoing checks that students reside in catchment.

If you have any questions regarding the enrolment application and required documentation, please contact enrolments@ironsidess.eq.edu.au.

Year 2
This term the Year 2's have been discovering all about Brisbane’s EKKA. With the event cancelled this year, the children decided there was only so much learning they could do from looking at historical sources – interesting though old pictures and news articles were!!

They were unanimous in their decision to invite in some experts to hear all about Queensland’s most famous annual show. The teachers did an amazing job of contacting (dressing up as) ticket sellers, stunt-persons, chefs, farmers, visitors from the past, groundskeepers, show-bag sellers and competitors.

The children had heaps of fun listening to their stories, learning from differing opinions and practising their questioning skills! What a great way to learn all about our fascinating local history…

News from Mrs Vecchio

YEAR 4 ICAS
Parents who have chosen to register their children for the University of NSW ICAS Tests are asked to please take note that ICAS testing occurs across the week within the testing periods as per the UNSW guidelines.  That is:

• Science - Week 6: 17 August - 21 August
• Mathematics – Week 7: 24 August – 28 August
• English – Week 9: 31 August – 3 September

Days and times for different classes will vary depending on the number of students registered for the tests and availability of devices. ICAS tests are done on-line using school iPads and administered by our Heads of Curriculum.  The testing schedule must also try to minimise the impact on continuity of learning and teaching programs in regular class and specialist lessons.

YEAR 4 ON EXCURSION
Year 4 classes are heading to the Queensland Museum & Science Centre SparkLab in Week 8 to enhance students’ understanding, knowledge and interest in Science, Mathematics and Technologies.

Tuesday 1September - 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E

Wednesday 2 September - 4A, 4F, 4G

Buses depart Ironside at 9:30am and should arrive back at school by 2:45pm for 3:00pm pick up.  Students must wear their full and proper school uniform (Ironside SS jumper/jacket or navy blue jumpers/jacket) and bring their hat, water bottle, morning tea and lunch packed into a small bag or backpack.

Queensland Museum has COVID-19 restrictions in place to ensure a safe experience for our students and staff.  As well as social distancing, maximum capacity numbers and hygiene protocols, adult attendee numbers are limited to 5 per class (including the teacher).  Please refer to the note that was sent home with students and is due back by Friday 14 August.

Parents who have any safety concerns can refer to the Queensland Museum fact sheet available from your class teacher.  We fully respect the decision of parents who choose not to approve their child’s attendance at the excursion. Students not attending will spend the day with another Year 4 class back at school.

LIBRARY NEWS
Throughout Term 3, Ms Roche has been conducting a competition to encourage our students’ love of reading.  Each book borrowed, or read during break times, earned a token for their reader’s team. 

Results were: 

1^st place:              OXLEY

2^nd place:             STURT

3^rd place:              FLINDERS

4^TH PLACE:            COOK

Congratulations to the OXLEY team – the trophy is yours this term!   

Accolades also to Catalina F for achieving the Library Medal of Service, and to Freya A and Allisya S who were awarded Life Badges. 

AFTER SCHOOL PICKUP
We continue to ask that parents of students in Years 1 – 6 delay their car pick-up until 3:10pm. 

Prep students are collected first at 3:00pm and they need to be safely in cars before the next wave of vehicles.

Thank you to community members who are co-operating with the pick-up protocols and routines.

News from Mrs Bairstow

NEWSFLASH . . . WARMEST AUGUST DAY IN CANBERRA’S HISTORY!
Today, our Year 6 cohort visited Canberra in the best Covid way we could imagine for them.  The itinerary saw three “Bus Groups” move between the War Memorial, the Royal Australian Mint, the CSIRO and Parliament House.  The students enjoyed lunching in the “Art Gallery Gardens”, and Mr P’s River Bank Championship is always a favourite camp activity.  A few photos are below.  A full recap will be in next week’s newsletter.  While the weather wasn’t quite “beanie worthy” – the spirit of the Canberra trip was definitely alive.  I’d like to extend a sincere thanks and congratulations to the Year 6 team for modelling for our students, a growth mindset in a challenging year.  While Covid restricted how far we could travel, they made the most of the circumstances – and they have gone above and beyond in their planning of a fun day of interactive experiences for the kids.

THANK YOU JUSTICE EDELMAN!
Our Canberra week could not have started off any better!  The Honourable James Edelman, Justice of the High Court of Australia shared his knowledge and wisdom with our Year 6 students with an engaging presentation on Monday morning.  The students were riveted throughout, and their questions were mature and insightful.  This was a rare, and very valued opportunity for our students, and we sincerely thank Justice Edelman for his time.

STUDENT COUNCIL – RUOK!?

STUDENT LAPTOP PROGRAM – TERM FOUR OPEN NOW! 
If you wish to purchase a student laptop for your child in Years 4, 5 or 6 through the school’s bulk purchasing agreement with HP for the commencement of Term 4, please follow these procedures detailed below.

 Refer to the Laptop Info Sheet below. This document details the specific details of the program.

 Complete the Student Parent Agreement below and return pages 11 and 12 to the school office.    

 Pay a $400 non-refundable deposit – an invoice will be generated after this payment is received.

 The deadline for deposits is Thursday 3 September.

 On Monday 7 September, a bulk order will be placed with HP. Laptops are usually delivered by HP over the following one month period, meaning they can be delivered and processed in the early stages of Term 4.  Please note that the Covid-19 pandemic led to significantly delayed delivery of our Term 2 and 3 orders.  These circumstances are beyond our control and families need to be aware that delivery timelines are not as reliable as in previous orders.

As previously communicated, there will not be the opportunity to purchase a student one-to-one laptop in 2021.  Next year will be a ‘pause year’ while we reassess the program and plan for the emerging digital needs of our curriculum.  Therefore, if your student is currently in Years 4 or 5, this is the last opportunity for you to purchase through the school’s program for at least 12 months.

Please contact Mrs Bairstow if you have any queries about this process at jbair51@eq.edu.au

News from HPE

Next week’s 3 Pin matches.

Also, any 10-12 year old boys interested in trialing for district cricket need to see Mr. Clarke-Okah by the end of the day on Monday, Aug. 17.

Jeremie Clarke-Okah
HPE Specialist
jclar577@eq.edu.au

Japanese Language News

Japanese Language News 
The Modern Language Teachers Association of Qld (MLTAQ) in collaboration with Education Perfect (EP) is holding its Japanese Speech Competition online this year. The competition requires students to upload a video of a prepared speech introducing themselves in Japanese.  Students in years 4, 5 and 6 learning Japanese who are interested in entering this competition are asked to contact Ms Aboud as soon as possible (nabou1@eq.edu.au). Entries are limited to four students per year level. Final date for video upload is Wednesday 9 September. 

Community Providers

To enquire about advertising please send an email to news@ironsidess.eq.edu.au

News from the P&C

Meet the P&C Executive…

President – Tuan Ha

How long have you been a member of the P&C? -  member for 2 years

Child/ren and grade? 1 Child - Grade 2 Ms Beeston 

Occupation? - Doctor - Radiation Oncologist

Why you volunteered to be on the P&C? I really believe in volunteering to encourage engagement with the school and the community,  I volunteer as a Scout leader for Joeys and St Johns Ambulance

What makes you really happy? Getting to spend time with my family, board games, walks and beach

What do you do for fun? Getting into the garden and getting my hands dirty 

What are you currently reading/watching/listening to? - Big nerd, read anything spy/espionage, like watching comedies for a laugh and eclectic mix of music from heavy metal to classical

If you could have a superpower what would it be and why? Time travel, I'd love to be able to meet some people from the past as well as explore the future.

Hall Air-conditioning – The P&C executive has been working with school administration to install air-conditioning in the hall. Honeywill Consulting has been engaged as the project managers (same crew used for the tuckshop upgrade). As with all capital works there are always some surprises and the hall air-conditioning is no exception. School administration and Honeywill are talking with the Department of Education about the capacity of the power grid being upgraded before the air conditioning can be installed. The unit is huge and will require a large capacity grid to run smoothly without shorting the power across the school. Upgrading the grid is a costly exercise. Stay tuned for more updates…

150^th Anniversary – Ball tickets for the celebration on 10 October at Hillstone are available for sale on QKR for $120. Tickets include a drink on arrival, two course meal with cash bar available. No mingling or dancing. This is a seated event. Tickets are limited to 150 and ticket sales close on 11 September.  For more information on any of the events surrounding the 150^th Anniversary email ironside.anniversary150@gmail.com.

The tea towel for the 150^th Anniversary has been released and is available for purchase on the QKR app for $15.

Next General Meeting Tuesday 25 August at 6:30pm in the staff room.

All welcome!

P&C Swim-a-thon

Dear Parents and Students

The Ironside State School P&C will once again hold its popular Swim-a-thon in Term 3, Week 10 (14 – 18 September 2020). The Swim-a-thon is the P&Cs major fundraising event for 2020 (in 2018 it raised in excess of $32 000) and will assist with funding projects around the school.

The Swim-a-thon will be conducted during scheduled PE lessons during week 10 of term 3.  All students in Years Prep-6 are expected to participate in this fun activity as part of their normal PE/Health program, however, obtaining sponsorship is entirely at the discretion of parents/caretakers.

Students in Prep will walk/run around the Ironside oval as many times as possible in 15 minutes. Year 1 will swim as many widths of the pool as they can in 15 minutes.  Years 2-6 students will swim as many 25m lengths as they can in 15 minutes.  Students need only complete as many laps as they wish and may swim any stroke to complete laps. They can also use noodles, kickboards, etc to help.

The procedure for the Run-a-thon/ Swim-a-thon is as follows:

STEP 1 - A sponsorship form will be sent home early next week or can be downloaded below. When seeking sponsorship, students are not encouraged to approach strangers and should always be accompanied by a responsible adult.  This form is to be returned with your list of sponsors or your donation amount written on the form, by 28 August.  Please DO NOT fill in the number of laps as this will be recorded on the day.

STEP 2 – Complete your run or swim during your allocated time.  The number of laps you do will be recorded by parent helpers and teachers on the day.

STEP 3 – Your forms will be sent home so that you can collect your sponsorship money.  Please assist your child with the collection of sponsorship monies.

STEP 4 – Return your sponsorship money to school by Monday 19 October.  There are 2 options for doing this:

OPTION A – via the Qkr! App, either to the P&C General Fund or the P&C Building Fund (tax deductible)  OR

OPTION B – to the school office in an envelope clearly marked “Swim-a-thon” or “P&C Fundraiser”.  Please note this is a CASH ONLY option.

For the students, it’s all about the PRIZES. Certificates will be given to every participant, plus exciting prizes will be awarded to –

1. Most money raised by a class.
2. Highest participation rate in a class.
3. Best effort by participants and most laps swum (per year level 1-6).
4. Most money raised by an individual.
5. Most money raised by a Prep class.
6. Most money raised by a Prep Student.

Parent helpers from each class will be required on the day to assist with counting the number of laps completed. If you can assist with your child’s class on the day of their normal PE/Health lesson, please contact your class teacher as soon as possible.

Please support this major fundraising initiative. Best wishes to all for a highly successful and enjoyable event.

MR TUAN HA                                                                        MR DAMIAN JOHNSON
PRESIDENT                                                                           PRINCIPAL                           

P&C Fundraiser - Entertainment Book

The NEW 2020 | 2021 Entertainment app is now available for purchase, so you can save money AND help raise funds at the same time (20% / $14 per membership will go to the P&C).

Let’s support our local community and our school’s P&C Projects!  

**Order online at http://www.entbook.com.au/2y22817.

If you need further information, please email Treena:  ISSEntertainmentBook@gmail.com .

Uniform Shop

Tuckshop

Many thanks to Melanie, mum of Megan (5E) and Mollie (Prep E), who brought us beautiful home bake this week!

Community Information