Ironside State School eNewsletter

News from Mr Johnson

Dear Parents,

Thanks for your ongoing support through this disrupted and interrupted term.

There is still much to acknowledge and celebrate as we near the end of the term.

Harmony Week 2022

Last week Ironside celebrated Harmony Day and the National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence. On Wednesday students were invited to wear and share their cultural dress. Last Friday, orange was the theme! Thank you to Miss Pinkerton and the team for coordinating these opportunities across all our year levels.

Futsal Champions

Mrs English and her team of futsal coaches has done it again. A number of Ironside teams competed this week at Nissan Arena. Ironside teams consistently made it to the semi-final stages.

The 10 years boys side proved to be too good for the competition in 2022, winning their age group.

To Mrs English, Mr Cortes, Mrs Beattie, thanks a million for your extra time commitment to our co-curricular programs.

State Swimming Championships

At the time of writing, The QLD State Swimming Championships are well underway at Chandler Aquatic Centre. Sam H (5A), Rosie Z (5A) and Louie C (5F) are representing Ironside as members of the Met West Regional Side. I’d also like to acknowledge Sam W (5D) who qualified for the team. Unfortunately for Sam, swimming with an arm cast is problematic! To make this level of representation is in itself a magnificent achievement.

Rosie Z has achieved a 2^nd place in the 4 x 50m Medley relay. Louie C has achieved a 2^nd place in the 4 x 50m Freestyle relay. Rosie Z also individually achieved a 2^nd place in the 100m and 50m Breaststroke.

Student Council

This week the Student Council met officially for the first time. In keeping with our inquiry approach, the councillors were asked the big question – “So why are we here?”

Below is a photo capture of the Student Council’s agreed statements of purpose for 2022.

When our clever young people arrive at and commit to the following (with no adult input other than asking the question) it reminds us what a positive and optimistic place our future will be.

On behalf of the school community I wish our Student Council and Student Leaders all the very best for a successful 2022.

School Council Elections

Our School Council elections have been conducted for 2022. The School Council met a fortnight ago to transition and fulfil its Term One obligations. The School Council members (2022) are:

Mr Rob Wootton, Chair

Mr Prasad Chunduri

Ms Megan Breen

Mrs Nilufer Krishnamoorthy

Mr Tugrul Durali, P&C President

Mr Peter Davey

Mr Brett Perrier

Mrs Shelley Lee

Ms Megan Clark

Mr Damian Johnson, Principal

Mr Paul Logan, BM (Secretary)

Junior Swimming Carnival (Monday 28/03/22) – Postponed

We have made the decision to postpone the Junior Swimming Carnival scheduled for Monday. This is due to staff absenteeism. Specialist staff, knowledge of the children and the event are paramount to the success of the event. Holding over until all key staff are well is the best decision we can make at this time. I apologise for the disruption and any inconvenience.

All the best for the final week of school ahead for term one. Stay safe and well.

Yours Sincerely,

Damian Johnson, Principal.

Harmony Week

Orange Day

News from Mr Murdoch

Dear parents and caregivers,

Bridge Builders - Skill of the week: Calming down body and mind

Being able to calm down when we are upset or stressed is something all ages can be challenged by.

Our emotions are affected by our hormones. There are hormones released, such as cortisol and adrenalin, when our body perceives a threat. These hormones can create changes in our body often called a fight or flight response. Calming down helps reduce these stress hormones.

Learning to have flexible thinking and the ability to regulate emotional changes in our body are important life skills that children need to learn and see modelled.

Encourage persistence when your child is trying to calm down. Praise the effort not just the success. This then ensures the child has the space to make mistakes, it encourages them that as long as they keep trying they are being successful.

Teaching our children calming down skills is crucial to empower them for life!

“Empowered for Life”; Jocelyne Chirnside

Around the classrooms – Year 1:

This term in Year 1 we have been exploring character emotions. This week in 1C and 1D, we have read ‘The Pout-Pout Fish’. We have identified how the Pout-Pout Fish emotions have changed throughout the story. Here is some of our amazing work and puppets we made.

Around the classrooms – Year 2:

This term the Year Two students have been exploring the exciting world of ‘Coding’. Each week the students practice their newly acquired skills and then challenge themselves with harder tasks in our Hour of Code time. This is certainly an activity that everyone looks forward to each week.

Kind regards,

Scott Murdoch

Deputy Principal P-2

News from Mr Davey

News from Year 3 and 4

As we head towards the end of the first term, it has been wonderful to see how the students in Year 3 and 4 have been able to adapt and make the most of every learning experience. I’ve included some photos below of the fantastic work that can be seen on the walls of some of the classrooms.

Have a great break

As this is the last newsletter before the term break, I’d like to wish all of the Ironside families a fantastic break. Hopefully the weather is kind and we can all enjoy some time in the sun before winter hits. Please remember that Term 2 starts on Tuesday, 20^th April.

School Photos

School photos will work a little differently this year as we will be splitting the dates.

This means:

All class photos, individual portraits and siblings’ photos will take place on Wednesday, 20^th April and Thursday 21^st Please note that this is our first week back in Term 2.
All extra-curricular groups and captain photos will take place on Wednesday, 27^th

These dates have been split to allow families enough time to organise uniforms for some of the extra-curricular photos.

EcoMarines

Through the work of Ms Wightwick, Ironside has joined the EcoMarines. Over the coming week’s Ms Wightwick will be speaking to students in year 4, 5 and 6 about becoming an Eco Marine Ambassador. These students will be responsible for:

Leading environmental projects in our school community
Speaking at assemblies when necessary
Attending EcoMarines events with teachers to represent our school (optional)

I look forward to sharing the work these students do with Ms Wightwick across 2022.

News from Mrs Bairstow

YEAR SIX CAMP FEEDBACK OPEN UNTIL MONDAY

Yesterday I sent a newsflash to all Year 6 parents seeking feedback regarding our Year 6 camp options for this year. Please see below, and provide your input to help inform our decision making.

In the current Covid-impacted environment, we are reviewing the viability of continuing with the Sydney-Canberra tour for our Year 6 cohort.

In the case of a student / staff member testing positive for Covid, under current restrictions, they need to complete a 7-day isolation period.

There is the potential these restrictions will change, however, it is the recommendation of the Office of the Chief Health Officer – ACT Health Directorate, to advise parents that while in Canberra, confirmed cases would need to return to Queensland via private vehicle.

Other factors that we are considering is the preparedness of this cohort to attend an interstate camp. We acknowledge that due to Covid, they have not had the opportunity to attend a camp in Years 4 or 5. Some initial feedback from parents has been that they may be better supported with a local camp.

We have therefore investigated an alternative option in attending Camp Warawee. We attended this camp last year with our Year 6 cohort and had an excellent experience. Camp Warawee is in the Brisbane suburb of Joyner (a 50-minute drive from St Lucia).

The details of the two camps are summarised below:

We are seeking your input through a questionnaire as to your preference for the Year 6 camp option for 2022. Please submit your preference by Monday March 28.

After collating your feedback, we will have a final decision before the end of this term. Thank you for continuing to work alongside us as we navigate the uncertainties that Covid presents us with.

LIFE ED MAKE UP LESSONS ON FRIDAY 1 APRIL

The floods and Covid have impacted our timeline regarding the delivery of the final sessions for Life Ed. We have been able to coordinate two educators to attend on the same day, to ensure that all of the classes have had the opportunity to complete the program this term. Sarah and Heather from Life Ed will be at Ironside on Friday 1 April to complete the program. The classes scheduled for sessions on this day are: 5A, C, D & 6D, F & G. Thank you to the parent community for your continued positive feedback about this program. It forms an important part of our approach to supporting our senior students in their progression into young adulthood.

MICHAEL JEH – LIFE SKILLS SESSIONS – YEAR 6

Complementary to the Life Ed Sessions is the Life Skills Program delivered annually to our Year 6 cohort and their parents. For several years, Michael Jeh has been a valued guest speaker at Ironside, who visits our Year 6 students and leads them through a workshop - ‘Life Skills’ - which aims to develop knowledge and skills about self-concept in the context of a changing social world.

The 90 minute workshop will be run during school hours on Tuesday 5 May.

Topics covered during the workshop include:

Safe and unsafe social media and online behaviours
Successfully navigating adolescence and the transition to high school
Coping with peer pressure and bullying
Acknowledging how bystander behaviour contributes to bullying
Being a kind, resilient and positive teenager

The Life Skills program also offers a Parent Information Evening to give parents information and tools to support their children through developmental changes and challenges. Michael will be running this session the on the night prior to the student workshop. Parents are invited to attend this session on Tuesday 5 May at 6pm in the School Hall.

We have always had glowing feedback from students, parents and teachers in relation to the content and delivery of Michael’s work. For further information and testimonials please go to www.michaeljeh.com.

The total price for both student workshop and the parent information evening is $13. This will be invoiced to families after Michael has completed the program. If you wish for your child to NOT participate in the student workshop, please email your class teacher directly and your account will be adjusted accordingly.

CONGRATULATIONS LIBRARY LIFE MEMBERS

Congratulations to Aarav, Benjamin and Mary who earned their Library Life Member badges this week. Thank you for your service and commitment to our library program.

DATE CLAIMER FOR GRADUATION CELEBRATIONS

Families are advised that Year 6 graduation celebrations will take place at school on the evening of Tuesday 6 December. Students receive their Year Books on the following day for signing. There is a Year 6 pool party and games day scheduled for Thursday 8 December, during school hours.

YEAR BOOK PARENT VOLUNTEERS REQUESTED

Traditionally, students leaving Ironside receive a Year Book, which is a remarkable souvenir of their time here. It is a compilation of memories throughout the years, and celebrates special memories and moments from the students’ final year in primary school. This is coordinated by Year 6 parent volunteers, with the assistance of the Year 6 teaching team. If this is a project that you would be interested in helping with, please contact me at jbair51@eq.edu.au

COUNCILLORS AND CAPTAINS TO ATTEND LEADERSHIP DAY

26 of our Student Leaders will attend The National Young Leaders Day at the Brisbane Convention Centre on Monday 28 March. This is run by the Halogen Foundation which strives to build and encourage young leaders, and it is one of the largest and most significant youth leadership events in Australia. There are students attending from many schools, and you will have the opportunity to meet some of them as well as engage with exciting & inspirational guest speakers. Students will be accompanied by Mr Aprile and Miss Faithfull, who are very excited to be working with the Student Council this year. As mentioned in Mr Johnson’s section of this newsletter this group of leaders have already crafted a clear vision of their leadership for Ironside this year. We look forward to hearing their learnings and reflections from the day.

ICAS – EXTERNAL LOCATION OPTION AVAILABLE

Due to the delayed start to schooling, Ironside has undertaken a review of school practices. ICAS Testing onsite, is a practice that is intensive in both school time and human resources. This year, Ironside won't be facilitating ICAS testing on site. We understand that a number of parents and families value these external assessments. Instead, ICAS will be providing Queensland students with the option of participating in the online tests at one of their JEM sites, outside of school hours. We have been advised by ICAS the alternative testing venue is at QUT Garden Point campus. The assessments will take place over Saturdays and Sundays during the Assessment window. UNSW (who administer the ICAS tests) will continue to provide the school with updates and more details. We will continue to publish this information for families through the newsletter, as it comes to hand.

The website below has more information for parents about the ICAS assessment and JEM sites. https://www.icasassessments.com/support-icas

Also, attached for parents is the fact sheet from the ICAS website. ICAS_External_Information.pdf

ANZAC SERVICE

Our school will pause to reflect on the significance of ANZAC Day at an assembly at 9.15am on Friday 22 April. Parents are welcome to attend this assembly to pay their respects. We are hopeful that we can continue on the traditional whole school parade format for this important event. As the Covid climate evolves, we will update parents if there are any changes to this plan.

Kind regards,

Jennifer Bairstow

Deputy Principal Years 5 & 6

International Parent Group News

Please join us again this week in the EALD Room! Everyone is welcome from 9am until 10:30am as we take this opportunity to reconnect with each other. For further information, please contact me via email at: ksomm2@eq.edu.au.

Kylie Sommerfeld

(EALD Coordinator)

News from HPE

Senior Cross Country Carnival Delayed

As you may have read in the principal’s letter to parents on Tuesday, the cross country carnival has been delayed until the start of term two. An exact date is still to be determined, but our goal is to take all of our competitive runners down to the park and run the course before the nominations for districts are due. This will also allow us to determine age champions and be able to acknowledge them at assembly. Communication about the date of the competitive run is expected to come in week 1 of term 2. We will have a “Fun Run” for all of years 3-6 later in the year, as we did in 2020.

There is a correction to earlier communication about the distances the students will run. Those born in 2011 will also be running 3 kilometers. The distances will then be as follows:

12 years boys and girls (2010) – 3 kms

11 years boys and girls (2011) – 3kms

10 years boys and girls (2012) – 2kms

9 years boys and girls (2013) – 2kms

8 years boys and girls (2014) – 1km

Junior Swim Carnival

We are also disappointed to let you know that we will be cancelling the junior swim carnival scheduled to be run on Monday. Mrs. English will be running some fun activities for the year 1’s and 2’s during their class time next week.

Thank you 😊

Music News

Music Dates for Term 2

Please pop these dates into your diary for next term. The Fanfare dates will be confirmed when we receive the timetable of performance.

Week	Event	Groups Involved	Date	Time
1	ANZAC Day	Senior Band, Chamber Strings, Voci Musicali	Fri 22 April	TBA
2	WestCent Audition recording	Band	Tues 26 April	Between 9-3pm
	WestCent Audition recording	Strings	Thurs 28 April	Between 9-3pm
3	Fanfare Preparation Workshop	Intermediate Band (Yr 5)	Tues 3 May	12-3pm
	QSO Excursion - Lights Camera Action	Year 6 Strings, Band and Choir	Wed 4 May	9:30-11:30
	QYMA	Chamber Strings	Thurs 5 May	5:30pm
4	Fanfare Preparation Workshop	Senior Band (Yr 6)	Mon 9 May	12-3pm
	Beginner Strings Workshop	Junior Strings	Wed 11 May	12-3pm
5	Fanfare Preparation Workshop	Intermediate Strings (2-4)	Wed 18 May	12-3pm
	Fanfare Preparation Workshop	Senior Strings (Yr 4-6)	Thurs 19 May	12-3pm
6	Fanfare Preparation Workshop	Chamber Strings (Yr 4-6)	Thurs 26 May	12-3pm
7	Fanfare Option 1 - Centenary SHS	Chamber, Senior, Intermediate Strings, Senior, Intermediate Band	Thurs 2 June	During Day
	QYMA	Voci Musicali	Thurs 2 June	5:30pm
8	Fanfare Option 2 - Kenmore	Chamber, Senior, Intermediate Strings, Senior, Intermediate Band	Tues 7 June	During Day
	Choral Soiree	Choirs	Tues 7 June	6pm
9	Band Soiree	Jazz, Senior, Intermediate and Junior Band	TBC
	Strings Soiree	Chamber, Senior, intermediate and Junior Strings	Thurs 16 June	6pm

WestCent District Music Program

The WestCent District Music Program nomination forms are coming back to teachers. Please remember the nomination forms will be due to your instrumental teacher (either directly or via the office) by the 31^st of March.

Students should be practicing hard by now. Auditions will be done via video at school in Week 2 of term 2.

Queensland Symphony Orchestra Excursion

Our Year 6 Band, Strings and Choral students are going to see the Queensland Symphony Orchestra in concert on Wed the 4^th of May (Term 2 Wk 3). This will be an excellent opportunity for students to hear this amazing orchestra in an educational concert designed for students.

Forms will have been sent home via email from your teachers and are due back to the office TOMORROW - Fri 25^th March. Last Chance.

Year 4 – Band Recruiting

Offers for the band program were sent home last week and are due back TOMORROW – Fri 25^th March.

We will hold a parent information evening for successful applicants to introduce them to the program on Wed 27^th of April (term 2, wk 2) Please put this date in your diary.

If you child has missed the testing list and is in Year 4 please contact Ms Allely at lmall8@eq.edu.au. For further information, please contact Mrs Jennifer Bairstow at jbair51@eq.edu.au

Choral

The upcoming holidays would be a great time to source your performance blacks and their coloured accessories to prepare for performances next term. Students need plain black pants, black socks and shoes and a black shirt. They then add the colour accessory according to their group:
Canto Voci (Yr 3/4.) - Blue
Belle Voci (Yr 5/6) - White
Voci Musicali (Auditiond) – Silver

Attention Japanese Language Learners

I’d like to share some wonderful resources for beginner readers of Japanese created by The Japan Foundation. The first is a collection of mini readers perfect for students at Ironside learning to read hiragana. Year 4 students will be very familiar with this learning resource. Students can have fun making their own mini books and collecting all books in each series to add to their home libraries. 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/.

Another resource which supports the first is a collection of mnemonics for hiragana character recognition. This resource is based on HIRAGANA Memory Hint app, another useful learning tool. https://jpf.org.au/classroom-resources/resources/hiragana-memory-hint-flashcards/

Happy reading! 　がんばってね！

Uniform Shop

Term 1, 2022 Tuckshop Menu

CALLING ALL VOLUNTEERS!!!

Tuckshop Volunteers Needed in 2022

Volunteers are always needed and welcomed to assist at Ironside’s Tuckshop, which is run by Ironside P&C. Helping at the Tuckshop gives you the opportunity to:

Meet other parents and meet members of the teaching staff
Interact with your child and their peers at school
Become familiar with the layout and organisation of school
Provide students with nutritious food at a reasonable cost
Help generate Tuckshop revenue for the P&C used to benefit Ironside students

We welcome mums, dads, carers, and grandparents to lend assistance in the Tuckshop.

Volunteering is a great way to get involved in our school community.

REQUIREMENTS

Department of Education Queensland mandates that proof of COVID-19 double vaccination is required for all volunteers working at school. P&C requires all rostered Tuckshop volunteers to complete a 1.5-hour food and safety course (at no charge to you) before volunteering. The online course can be completed at your own pace.

If interested in volunteering at the Tuckshop, please email convenor, Olivia Qin, at pandctuckshop@ironsidess.eq.edu.au. Volunteers are generally rostered one day per week, one day per fortnight or one day per month. Volunteer hours are Monday to Fridays, 9:00am to 11:00am. Tuckshop is open from 8:00am, so you are welcome to come before 9am.

Thank you for supporting your Ironside Tuckshop!

Ironside OSHC

Easter Vacation Care program

If you are interested in your child attending or require additional information please email contactus@ironsideoshc.org.au

P & C News

Triple P - Positive Parenting Program

Online program to help families of children with eczema

Every day, thousands of Australian children suffer the effects of eczema, and families struggle with managing eczema and children’s behavioural and emotional adjustment.

Healthy Living Triple P is an adaptation of the successful Triple P - Positive Parenting Program, offering practical ideas and support for parents of children with eczema. This innovative online program is designed to help parents manage their child’s eczema more easily, help children cope with their eczema and emotions, prevent and manage difficult child behaviour, and reduce the impact of eczema on families.

Over the next few months, parents of 2-10 year old children with eczema are able to access Healthy Living Triple P free of charge as part of a research project through the Queensland Children’s Hospital, Griffith University, and the University of Queensland. For more information, please visit us at https://exp.psy.uq.edu.au/eczema/, contact Dr Amy Mitchell on (07) 3735 6462, or email healthyliving@uq.edu.au.

Advertising

Information from Michael Berkman's office

Hi, My name is Michael Berkman, and I’m your local state MP. You may have heard that in late 2021, the State Government announced that the preferred location for the new westside school is the old Toowong Bowlo next to Perrin Park.

I’m pushing to make sure the State Government and Council deliver pedestrian, cycling and public transport upgrades alongside the new school.

It should be safe and pleasant for families to walk, ride or get the bus to school. Any school generates some localised congestion at pick up and drop off time, so my priority is to minimise the number of families who are forced to drive.

That’s why I’ve just launched the “New School Safe Streets Survey” to find out what improvements you want to see in the local area.

I’ll be compiling a list of your suggestions to put forward to the relevant State Government and Council authorities. It’s important that the voices of locals are heard throughout this consultation process and I’ll work hard to make these suggestions a reality.

You can access the survey here. If you need context on the location of the new school, you can find the details here.