27 May 2021 - Term 2, Week 6

News from Mr Johnson

Dear Parents,

Welcome to the Week Six (6) newsletter! Where is the time going?...

Semester One - Instrumental Music Gala
This semester we see a return to our usual practice of showcasing and celebrating our Instrumental Music groups.

SAVE THE DATE: Wednesday 16 June (evening) at the Indooroopilly State High School Hall.

Just for clarification this is the ‘old hall’.

Finer details will be coming through shortly in relation to the evening’s start time along with the program.

Northern Eagles District Cross Country
Today was the re-scheduled district cross country event at the BGS fields at Fig Tree Pocket. I would like to congratulate all our 10-12 years students who attended today.

At the district level, it is the ‘Top Six (6)’ who progress as a part of the Northern Eagles Team, attending the Regional (Metropolitan West) Cross Country event.

As I receive confirmed results and achievements of our attending students, I will share these in full with our community. Included are a couple of pictures I received today. 

Maths Teams Challenge
Last Friday I had the pleasure of accompanying our teams to Indooroopilly SHS for the Maths Teams Challenge. Ironside four teams, three year 6 teams and one year 5.

There were a total of sixteen primary teams entered.

Our Year 6 team(s) achieved 2^nd, 3^rd, & 4^th place on the day. Our year 5 team finished 8^th. This is a magnificent result. Congratulations to all Ironside students for your wonderful participation and achievement. Thanks to Mr Henderson, Ms Short and Mr Perrier who also accompanied our teams at this event.

All the best for the week ahead. Stay and safe and well.

The Pocket - Early Education and Care

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Merit Certificates, Music Awards & Stars

News from Mr Murdoch

Dear parents and caregivers,

Bridge Builders - Skill of the week: Be Kind
Teaching children to be kind to someone who they have been in conflict with seems like an oxymoron.  Often, a child’s natural instinct when they have been hurt is to hurt back.

Kindness in conflict is unexpected and it can be the opposite to what someone expects.  This can mean that they struggle to continue to be mean.   Learning to be kind when we are hurt starts with how we think about the other person.  It can require empathy and encourages children to be brave enough to be the hero in a problem.

Acts of kindness release hormones that make us feel calmer, healthier and happier.  They can also be contagious.

“Empowered for Life”; Jocelyne Chirnside

Around the classrooms – Prep: 
This term we have been making connections to our favourites while exploring the Prep curriculum.  In our Literacy program we have been sharing with each other which fairy tales are favourites?  Could it be The Three Little Pigs, Jack and the Beanstalk, The Gingerbread Man or Little Red Riding Hood.

In our HASS lessons we have been investigating our favourite and most familiar places.  Prep’s popular choices have been their bedrooms, UQ Park, South Bank Parklands and Ironside State School.

In our Maths learning we have been identifying and describing our favourite way to sort 2D shapes.  Preps are choosing to sort not just by colour or size but by the number of sides and corners, how interesting.

Like all favourites everyone thinks differently but isn’t that what makes being together and learning in Prep so much fun!

Around the classrooms – Year 1: 
'Place value is a complex understanding developed over time through mathematical reasoning. Place value requires students to name, order and represent numbers.

It requires students to recognise 10 as foundational to our number system, and to fluently regroup 10 ones as one group of 10, 10 tens as 1 hundred and so on. It is important to reiterate the value of the digits; for example, 2 tens is the same as 20 or the value of 2 in 24 is 20.' – resolve: Mathematics by Inquiry.

Here are some examples of Year 1 students exploring place value in the classroom.

Around the classrooms – Year 2: 
Year 2 have been enjoying their learning about life cycles. We are very excited to report that some of our mealworms have transformed into pupae! We are excited to witness the next stage of the mealworm life cycle.

Here is some of the fantastic information report writing that the Year 2 children have been doing in English.

In HASS we have been enjoying our journey around Australia learning about the states and territories. It's been interesting finding out about different landmarks. The children have loved creating these Uluru artworks. 

News from Mrs Vecchio

NEWS FROM YEAR 3
Year 3 students are demonstrating their impressive learning during their HASS inquiry unit of study, and their persuasive writing skills in English

DATES TO NOTE YEAR 3 AND 4

Week 6:  FRIDAY 28 MAY – 4E & 4F TARCOOLA TRACK WALK – 9:00am

Week 8: YEAR 3 KARAWATHA EXCURSIONS

TARCOOLA TRACK WALK
To support learning in Science, Year 4s are venturing beyond out school gates along the Tarcoola Track. The experiences on this excursion aim to enhance students’ understanding, knowledge and interest in the Science unit “Beneath our Feet” which requires the study of erosion in our local area.

BRIDGE BUILDERS and LIBRARY ‘LIFE MEMBERS’
Many of our Bridge Builders have earned their Bronze certificate in recognitio0n of completing at least ten mediation session in the playground. 

Four more Library Monitors have been awarded a Life Membership badge for dedication and commitment to the school Library.

Parents and family members are warmly welcome to join us at school assemblies that are held on Friday mornings 9:15 – 9:45am. Weeks 6 – 9 Term 2 schedule as follows:

News from Mrs Bairstow

ICAS TESTING IN AUGUST AND SEPTEMBER
PARENT PAYMENT PORTAL NOW OPEN
Students in Years 4 – 6 will again have the opportunity to sit the ICAS Tests in English, Maths and Science.  This is optional, and paid for by parents.  Students can choose to participate in one, two, or all three of the tests.  UNSW charges $17.05 per assessment (inc GST)

All tests at Ironside will be conducted online, and will be administered during the following official testing dates:

Particular sitting dates for year levels will be determined closer to the time, and after the parent registration portal has closed.  This will allow us to coordinate timetables and resources effectively.  Tests will be conducted during class time, on school computers or ipads.

** Parents of students in Year 4 need to be aware that the Mathematics testing dates, largely clash with Year 4 Camp (Tuesday 31 August – Thursday 2 September). Students in Year 4 who choose to participate in the Mathematics test, will need to be at school on Monday 30 August to do so.  There will be no opportunity to do a catch up session due to absence because of the camp, and the Pupil Free Day.

We are often asked what are the benefits and purposes of these tests.  To make an informed decision for your child/ren please follow this link which outlines the details of the assessments:  https://www.icasassessments.com/products-icas/

Ironside State School has registered for the UNSW Global Parent Payment System.  The Payment System is a secure online payment service specifically for parents to purchase ICAS Assessments.  Paying directly to the parent portal is the only option to register your child.  The school office will not be able to accept payments, or late registrations.  

The closing date for all parent payments for all tests is Sunday 1 August.

To register your child for one or more of these assessments please follow the below link and enter the Ironside School Access Code.  Then follow the prompts to complete information and payment.

          Page link:  https://shop.icasassessments.com/pages/pps

          School access code:  JSN965

MUSIC NEWS
As detailed in Mr Johnson’s section of the newsletter, we are pleased to be able to gather again for an evening of Instrumental Music performances on Wednesday 16 June at Indooroopilly SHS.  Instrumental Music families – please stay tuned for information that will be shared early next week.

Students will need to wear their performance uniform on this evening.  Below are some reminders about the uniform requirements:

• 2021 is our ‘transition’ year as we replace the blue bow ties, neck ties and cummerbunds with a unisex blue vest.
•  It is fine for your child to wear either uniform for the entirety of 2021.
  
• All students must have the blue vest for performances from 2022 onwards.
  
• The staple items of the performance uniform remain:
  • White, long sleeved, collared shirt
    
  • Long dress trousers
    
  • Black socks
    
  • Black shoes
    
  • Blue hair accessories (if required)

Congratulations to Oscar (5B) on your first place in the Ipswich Eisteddfod.  Oscar competed in the String Solo section in the 9 to 10 year old category. He played The Boy Paganini. The adjudicator gave him 100%.  Well done Oscar!

Community Providers

HPE News - Years 3-6 Athletics Carnival

Years 3-6 Athletics Carnival: Tuesday 15 June, 2021
This year’s athletics carnival for Years 3-6 will be held at the University of Queensland’s Athletics Centre (Sir William Macgregor Dr, St Lucia) on Tuesday 15 June.

Permission
All students in years 3 to 6 will be attending this event as it is part of the HPE program at Ironside.  We have adopted an opt-out approach to permission for the event this year.  If for any reason you do not want your child to participate in this event and will be keeping them at home, please send an email to sport@ironsidess.eq.edu.au and let me know so I have an accurate record of all the students present on the day.

The Day’s Events
All field events, as well as the 100m and 200m sprint, will take place on the day across all ages. The 800m races will occur on the afternoon of Friday 11 June at Jack Cook Park (separate information to come on this in the near future).  Students will be participating in all field events, either in the competitive section or the house points section.  Students have nominated for the running events in which they wish to compete.  This has occurred during HPE class time. Students were encouraged to select at least one running event.

8 and 9 year old students (regardless of year level) will NOT be participating in either the 800m or discus events and will have only 5 events on the day. In accordance with Qld School Sport guidelines, only 10, 11 and 12 year old students are eligible for district nomination, therefore our younger students will not be disadvantaged by the decision to exclude these events from their program. Thank you for your understanding.

Any student wishing to qualify for district 1500m must attend the trials on Tuesday 8 June at 7:45am at Jack Cook Park.  This event is not associated with the carnival and does not count towards age champion.

Carnival Timing and Event Program
Students will be expected to arrive at school early on carnival day to travel by seat belted bus to and from UQ with their class teacher. There is a fee of $7.00 per child for venue and bus hire.  Invoices will be sent by email for this event.

• All Year 3 & Year 6 students MUST be at school by 8.00am on carnival day to meet on the basketball court and depart by 8:10am.
• All Year 4 & Year 5 students MUST be at school by 8.20am to meet on the basketball court and depart by 8:30am.

*Please note that students will travel back to school on buses at the end of the day. The first buses will bring the students back by approximately 3:20pm and the second buses will be back at approximately 3:40pm.

Morning Session

Girls

Afternoon Session

Boys

Girls

Finals
Approx. 2:20-3:00pm
Boys and girls 200m Finals
Boys and girls 80m/100m Finals

Parents, Covid and Parking
Parents are more than welcome to come and watch the athletics carnival.  There are however some Covid regulations put in place by the University of Queensland Athletics Centre as our event will exceed 550 people.  All adults will be required to enter the stadium via the main entrance on Sir William MacGregor Dr. and scan a QR code with the Check-In QLD app or website.  Parents will be able to sit in the stands but will not have access to the track or fields of competition.  Parents who wish to watch their children perform in the field events will have to do so from beyond the black iron fence which borders the stadium and/or behind the bunting which staff at the athletic centre will set up around the perimeter of the event area.

Parking 

1. The car parks identified to the north and south of Oval 8 (P 7 & P9) are Park and Pay, or casual parking, at $5.00 for the day. Pay by Plate or pay by App devices are located in these parking areas. Both these car parks tend to be filled probably by 8:30 am
2. The parking area to the east of Oval 8 (P8) - just across the road from the Athletic Centre grandstand - is a two level Parking Station. Pay by Plate or pay by App devices at $5.00 per day are available.  Both levels are usually filled by 8:00 am.
3. The area along Sir William MacGregor Drive and the river is also Park and Pay at $5.00 per day. A number Pay by App devices are located between the track and the Ferry jetty.  There are usually some spots along the river prior to 8:00 am while the university is in session.
4. P10 Car Park (under the synthetic turf and UQ Centre by the UQ Aquatic Centre) is casual parking on an hourly basis at a charge of $2.50 per hour and usually has spaces available.

Please Note the Following Change has occurred re Casual Parking:

Pay by Plate Machines are available for use on the upper level of the Parking Station opposite the track. Simply enter your vehicle’s registration plate details and pay by coins or credit card. There’s no need to return to your vehicle to display a paper ticket, just continue to your destination.  If you require a receipt note the 4 digit receipt number or take a photo of the receipt.  Then go online to request your receipt

Pay by Cello Park App is available as well.  The following is the link to download the App - https://www.cellopark.com.au/Site/register

Food and Eating Times
Where in the past there has been a dedicated lunch time, this year we will be removing this in the interests of keeping the flow of the day going and saving time.  Students will have multiple opportunities to snack or eat lunch during both the field event and running portions of the day.  There will be no canteen this year, so students will be required to bring all the food they are going to eat with them in their lunchboxes.  There will be cold water available throughout the day from various points in the stands and around the field event facilities.  Parents will have access to the Saint Lucy Caffe e Cucina as well as the new coffee hut near the netball courts at the far end of the stadium, both just a short walk away.

Thank you very much for your continued support of your child and the health and physical education department at Ironside.

Regards,
Jeremie Clarke-Okah & Megan English
HPE Specialists

Japanese Language News

I would like to share a wonderful resource for beginner readers of Japanese created by Japan Foundation. This collection of mini readers is perfect for students at Ironside learning to read hiragana. Students can have fun making their own mini books and collecting all books in each series to add to their home libraries. Children can also download digital copies of readers to their Kindles. They may also be inspired to create their own!

This wonderful resource can be found at https://jpf.org.au/classroom-resources/resources/hiragana-mini-books/. Happy reading! 

Aboud Sensei
アブード先生

News from Chappy

Hello Ironside,

My name is Thu Klett and I am your new chaplain.

Did you know that there are over 700 chaplains working across 913 schools in Queensland? If you did, you already know much more about chaplaincy than me! Interestingly, I had no idea what a chaplain was until I saw the advertisement. I spent time researching the role online as well as speaking to people who have been chaplains themselves or have worked with one. The stories were all so different and inspiring in various ways.

The stories reminded me of my family’s Easter Holiday. This year we went away with some friends. On one of the days, another mum suggested going for walk to the creek. Now for me, a walk means anywhere that has a path and relatively flat. 30 mins into the ‘walk’, I realised this was not going to be what I considered a ‘walk’. We reached what felt like a cliff face and yet, the other families kept going…crawling on their hands and feet because the surface was too steep to walk upright on. I could feel my anxiety rising as my daughter started to cry. Our group started to disperse as varying abilities determined the speed at which we could scale the cliff. I felt I was holding on for dear life and had very little energy or ability left over to support my daughter. It was a struggle…but I was so grateful that there was another couple in our group who stayed with us and helped us across. They held our hands, they found the most stable rocks to hold on to and they encouraged us to keep going. They offered to carry my backpack and they offered something to drink. They didn’t try to tell us what to do or judge us for our poor core strength. They didn’t lecture us or tell us we should be stronger. They didn’t over analyse the situation or tell us we ‘should have known’ what it was going to be like. They were simply there, walking beside us, offering us anything we needed, including patience.

For me, this is what chaplaincy is and I feel honoured to have the opportunity to pass on the same kindness I have received in my life. Life is not always a clear path and we will all face our cliffs along the way. Sometimes the cliffs are really dangerous and will require abseiling equipment and professional help. Other cliffs are smaller, but are still hard and require a different type of support to get to the next ledge.

Practically, chaplaincy looks very different across schools. Some chaplains facilitate breakfast clubs, friendship groups, education support, workshops, extra-curricular activities, social and emotional support and mentoring. How chaplaincy will look at Ironside will be shaped by our wonderful community of students, staff and parents. As such, I would love to hear from you! If you would like to share your experiences with chaplaincy or suggest ideas to further support the overall positive wellbeing of the school, please let me know! You can contact me on 3258.3111 or email thu.klett@suchaplaincy.org.su.

**Here are some pictures of my cliff:

Indooroopilly State High School Open Day

Tuckshop News

Dear Parents,

Please let your children know  if any problem happens related to their tuckshop orders, come to Tuckshop and ask our staff. If they are shy or don’t want to come to Tuckshop for whatever reason then tell their teacher if they didn’t get food.

Also kindly remind that our procedure is if students don’t collect their orders by first break we hold in warmer or fridge until second break.

Tuckshop Team

Book: When the World Came Together

Former Ironside State Student, Amber Khan, was pleased to visit with the International Parents group on the 30 April.  Following her visit and the interest of parents she would like to welcome parents to get in touch directly on threeducksbook@gmail.com.   Order forms for her international COVID picture book are also available at the school office.  Inspired by true stories of the pandemic, children will learn how ordinary citizens and their small deeds have made big impacts to their communities around the world, as they follow three little ducks on their adventure.  Suitable for children 3- 8 years of age. 

20% of profits will be donated to ongoing C-19 research at UQ.  

Community Information