24 June 2021 - Term 2, Week 10

News from Mr Johnson

Dear Parents,

Long Service Leave
I will be taking some long service leave for the first three (3) weeks of next term. During this time Mrs Larissa Vecchio will be the Acting Principal.

The Region has been fully supportive of my preference to cover this leave (and the associated flow on effects) internally. This will ensure a seamless continuation of our learning and teaching priorities for what is a relatively short time.

The staffing picture for weeks one, two and three looks like:

A/Principal – Mrs Larissa Vecchio

DP(s) – Mrs Jennifer Bairstow (5/6), Mrs Shelley Lee (3/4), Mr Scott Murdoch (P/2)

HOC(s) – (5/6) Not Replaced, Mrs Alice Cowan-Dillon (3/4), Ms Shelley Drew (P/2)

Congratulations Mr Peter Davey
Mr Peter Davey, HOC (3/4) has been successful in winning the advertised Deputy Principal position at MacGregor State School. I would like to affirm, congratulate and wish Peter all the best for his new role, commencing in term three.

Peter has been a highly valued and trusted member of this leadership team. Our loss is the system's gain. I am absolutely delighted to see Peter achieve his professional goal of a Deputy Principal position.

Senior Sports Day
On behalf of the school community I would like to extend my appreciation to Mr Clarke-Okah and Mrs English for their preparation, coordination and execution of our (rescheduled) senior sports day. I have received a significant amount of wide ranging and positive feedback regarding the day.

In my six years, this was certainly the highlight of Senior Athletics carnivals.

I would also like to express my thanks to UQ Athletics who, in ‘carnival season’ were able to accommodate our school so quickly after our original washout.

Happy Holidays
As I head towards a slightly longer break personally, I would like to thank the community for another semester of great support and understanding.

If you are travelling these holidays, do so safely and have a wonderful time with family and friends.

Thank you in advance of your support towards Mrs Larissa Vecchio and the team at the start of next term. I look forward to re-connecting with you from Monday 2 August.  

School resumes for students on MONDAY 12 July 2021.

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

The Pocket - Early Education and Care

*** ADVERTISEMENT***

Lost Property

We still have a considerable amount of lost property. Named items are returned where possible, but most items at the moment are ‘nameless’.  For health and safety reasons, at the end of each term, we clear the shelves and make donations to charities where possible.  Parents are encouraged and welcome to come and have a look for lost items, if possible. 

The lost property is kept on the J Block top verandah.  Go to the top level rear entrance of the hall, take a slight right and the verandah that overlooks the oval houses all of these items.

Also, we have some small items such as watches and glasses at the lost property kept in the office.  Unclaimed items from this lost property will also be donated to charity.  Please stop by the office on Friday 25 June or during the first week of Term 3.

News from Mr Murdoch

Dear parents and caregivers,

Bridge Builders - Skill of the week: Apologise
An apology can be one of the most powerful ways to build a bridge in conflict situations. Giving an apology with meaning and at the right time can bridge the problem quickly and allow children to move on from it.  Children need to be encouraged to look at the person they are apologising to. Eye contact is important in communication.   Sincerity is key in an apology, so starting by using the other child’s name is good.  It not only gains the person’s attention, it also shows respect.

Children should be encouraged to say what they are sorry for, because this shows recognition of what they have done that has caused the pain.  Where possible, it is helpful to encourage children to ‘do’ something that restores justice and can repair the obstacles in the relationship caused by conflict.

Another important skill with regards to apologising is accepting an apology.  They could say, “Apology accepted,” “I forgive you.” or “Thanks for saying sorry.”  Try to prevent children from saying “That’s ok.” when someone apologises.  It is not ok for someone to hurt them.  By saying these other responses they are acknowledging a receiving of the apology and that what was done is not ok for them to continue to do.

“Empowered for Life”; Jocelyne Chirnside

Semester 1, 2021: Academic Reporting

Please be advised that Semester 1, 2021 Academic Reports will be emailed to families Friday 25 June, after 3:00pm.

On request from a parent or carer, the school can provide a comparison of the student’s level of achievement in each learning area and/or subject against the achievements of other students in the school, in the same year level who undertook the learning area and/or subject—whilst maintaining the privacy of individual students.

Requests for comparative reports can be made by emailing: admin@ironsidess.eq.edu.au

2022 Prep Enrolment Process

1. Pre-Enrolment Information

• Prep Information Video: Our pre-enrolment Prep information video will be accessible on the school website early Term 3. The purpose of this video is to provide an overview and general information in regards to the enrolment process and what you and your child can expect in the first year of school. 
• ISS Website https://ironsidess.eq.edu.au/Enrolments/Prep/Pages/Prep.aspx

1. Enrolment Applications (from Term 3)

• Prep 2022 Enrolment Pack will be 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.

Details relating to our enrolment interview days will be provided in Term 3.

Around the classrooms – Prep: 
Next term the Prep students will be looking at rhyming books and having a go at identifying words that rhyme. As an introduction to this unit Prep D have been looking at the book ‘Room on a broom’. We collaged our own witches’ hats and wrote about what we would bring on our broom if we had room. Below are some examples of the finished product!

Around the classrooms – Year 1: 
Year 1 has been investigating sound and light through interactions with everyday phenomena. As a culminating activity for this term’s Science unit, students selected from an assortment of recycled materials to make musical instruments during an incursion with Reverse Garbage. As a ‘tuning in’ experience, two groups of enthusiastic Year 5 and 6 students visited Year 1 classes last week to briefly play their instrument, explain how sounds are made and respond to questions.

Around the classrooms – Year 2: 
In 2D we have been consolidating our understanding of place value by exploring three-digit numbers. To help with our learning, we made MAB monsters and calculated their values.

News from Mr Davey

Year 3 Excursion to Karawatha Forest Park
This term in Science, students in Year 3 have been learning about living and non-living things. This learning culminated with a visit to the Karawatha Forest Discovery Centre.

Students learnt all about the significance of the natural area, including the local frog population.

The day began with an interesting nature talk that captivated each and every one of the students. They then went for a bush walk through Karawatha Forest Park and saw lots of interesting things including some animal habitats. The day came to an end after a fun game that taught students about the importance of looking after the environment.

Camp Quality
On Friday 25 June, Ironside will host Camp Quality and their talented puppeteers who will be presenting a student-friendly program to raise awareness about cancer.  See their information (below).  Show times are as follows:

Session 1:           9:00am-9:50am – Grades 5 & 6 – ‘The Caped Crusader’
Session 2:           10:05am-10:55am – Grades 3 & 4 – ‘The Caped Crusader’

There is no cost associated with this event and parents are most welcome to attend.  Parents who prefer their children to “opt-out” of the activity are asked to email their class teacher directly.

Community Providers

Job Opening for a Cleaner

IRONSIDE STATE SCHOOL

CLEANER POSITION

1 x 30hrs per week (split shift)

5:00am to 8:00am

3:00pm to 6:00pm

Working with Children Blue Card essential and must be obtained prior to commencement. 

A criminal history check will also be undertaken for the successful applicant.

Prospective employees have unlimited work rights.

Successful applicants will have a 3 month probation period

Email BSM@ironsidess.eq.edu.au for application package

Position Vacant for Casual School Crossing Supervisor

A position exists for a Casual School Crossing Supervisor at Ironside State School.

• A School Crossing Supervisor must be able to work in all-weather conditions,
• 1 hour and 30 mins per day - a maximum of up to 5 days per fortnight (on a rostered basis).
• Relief opportunities on your rostered days off.
• Pay Rate $31.11 per hour.

Commencement of employment for the successful applicant is dependent on:

• The favourable outcome of a health assessment.
• A Positive Notice Blue Card (you do not need to have a blue card to apply for the position).

Applications are available by emailing admin@ironsidess.eq.edu.au 

P&C Working Bee

Trash or Treasure at Ironside's Spring Fair

Community Information