18 August 2023 - Term 3, Week 6
News from Mrs Hawkswell
Hello Ironside Parents and Carers,
I am very excited to tell you that while I was on LSL last week, I was informed that I was being extended here at Ironside. My extension is to the end of term 3 at this stage, but again it is dependent on the recruitment process for a new principal being finalised.
Choirs for Years 3 & 4 and 5 & 6 and an Audition Choir Coming Soon:
From 25th August we have employed a music teacher on Fridays to provide opportunities for our year 3 /4/ 5 and 6 students to be part of a choral program. Mrs Wilson comes to us with a great deal of vocal experience and is a teacher with Education Queensland. She will join Ironside on from Friday 25th. On this first Friday she will work with Mrs Huxley to get to know our music program and also meet our students and give those interested in joining one of the choirs an Expression of Interest. It will be amazing to have more voices joined in song around our school again.
Lost Property:
Thank you to our dedicated Year 4 students who have put in a great deal of effort to transfer our lost property to its new ‘resting space’ in the port racks outside the Administration doors. There is still a massive amount of student property there, I urge parents to come in with your students and try to find missing items. Items still there at the end of term, will be donated to a charity.
Animal of School Grounds:
Can I please remind all parents and carers, that DOGS and other animals are NOT allowed on school grounds at pick up or drop off time, this ALSO include OSHC pick up and drop off. We are very happy for fury family member to make the walk to school – we just ask they say goodbye at our school gates.
OSHC Regulations and licencing agreement with the school:
Did you know that the operations of OSHC services are highly regulated?
I have been liaising with OSHC director, Natalie and her team, on what they need to ensure they comply with these regulations.
To meet these strict policies, the DoE requires a formal agreement to be established with the school. To remove any doubt, for the OSHC service to obtain and hold their service approval, OSHC requires authority to use the school's premises (Reg 32), both morning and afternoon.
For both regulatory and logistical reasons, this means OSHC has exclusivity to certain aspects of the school ground during operating times. This is critical for our afternoons when the service is used by many more families and larger numbers mean they use many more of our outdoor spaces.
One of the strict requirements of OSHC is to ensure the safety and wellbeing of children within their care. While there are many factors that contribute to protecting children from harm and hazards, having a physical environment that is unincumbered with others during the times OSHC staff and students are using these spaces is a key focus.
In order to uphold our agreement (so OSHC can operate free of compliance issues), parents and any students not attending OSHC will need to move from our school site by 3.30 each day.
We are working with OSHC to have this ‘new way of working’ fully implemented by the start of term 4, however, we would be grateful if parents started putting this in to practice sooner if possible.
I thank you in advance for your support of our families who need to access our OSHC services, and your compliance of this new way of working.
School ARRIVAL time for students:
Could I please remind parents and carers that our first bell rings at 8.55 am. This indicates it is time for students to move to their classroom where learning begins from 9 am. We still have many students arriving well after this 9 am start time. These late arrivals require rolls to be adjusted and this impacting on the workload for our lovely office staff, and it also means your child could be missing critical learning time each day. I ask that parents work with us to ensure students are at school and on time every day. Arriving 15 minutes late for school each day – equates to missing about 1 x day of learning per fortnight….some food for thought.
Student SAFETY and school supervision:
On the flip side, I have also had teachers come to me concerned that they see several students arriving at school before 7.30 each day. This would be appropriate if they were then being supervised at OSHC, but it is neither appropriate nor safe for students to be on our school grounds prior to 8.20 without adult supervision. The 8.20 arrival time allows them to arrive, put their bag away and wait quietly until staff are on duty from 8.30, when they can then play safely in allocated spaces.
I request that parents and carers please put safety first and delay the time children leave home, so they can arrive at school by around 8.20 ready to play with friends when they are being supervised by our staff.
School Opinion Survey:
The Annual School Opinion Survey will close today (18 August 2023). Thank You to any of our families who participated. Data indicated the following parent participation -
Have a lovely weekend.
Kind regards,
Amanda Hawkswell
Principal
News from Mr Weston-Murdoch
Dear parents and caregivers,
REVISION: Bridge Builders - Skill of the week (Week 6): Asking them to stop
Finding and maintaining friendships is not always an innate skill, and getting along with everybody all of the time is impossible. In life, conflict is inevitable. Children may try to resolve problems, but without an understanding of what to do and how do it, a successful outcome for both parties is unlikely.
There are seven skills that children need to overcome personal and social obstacles and to build a bride to move on from conflict confidently. The first step in that process is “Asking them to stop”.
Asking someone to stop is something children can use in almost every conflict they have; however, it often doesn’t work as it is not done correctly or the other person is choosing to escalate the situation. It can be extremely helpful to give your child the tools to know how to ask someone to stop assertively. There are three keys factors that help this to be more successful:
- understanding the importance of body language,
- recognising tone of voice,
- using words that are powerful.
“Empowered for Life”; Jocelyne Chirnside
Around the classrooms – Year 1:
In 1E we are continuing to explore and retell cultural stories and have been looking at the story “How the Kangaroo’s Got Their Tails”. We have used our skills as researchers to find interesting information about kangaroos and we have also practiced our skills as communicators, to role play the story and share our retell using our story maps.
Around the classrooms – Year 2:
This term the Year Two students have been looking at the history of the Ekka as part of our HASS unit. The origin of the ‘show bag’ has been a topic of great interest and humour amongst students. Did you know, the first ‘sample bag’ was a bag of coal? The good news though is that it was free! Students are now in the process of designing their own show bags as part of the media arts unit. After looking at many current examples of showbags, there have been some clever, creative and thoughtful designs come to fruition. These are just a few examples to share with you.
Kind regards,
Scott Weston-Murdoch
Deputy Principal P-2
News from Mr Davey
Dear parents and caregivers,
It’s Great to be Back
Having had a few weeks off to head up to the tip of Cape York, it’s wonderful to be back and to be welcomed back by so many smiling faces. I’d like to acknowledge the fantastic work completed by Ms Cowan-Dillon and Ms Burt in my absence. It was fantastic to see that Years 3 and 4 didn’t miss a beat.
3F Learning in the Sunshine
On my first day back, it was wonderful to stumble across Mrs Ward-Isles and 3F enjoying a Science lesson in the Oasis. The students were very engaged and being amazing inquirers.
Year 4 Camp – Tangalooma
We’re only 8 weeks away from embarking on our camp to Tangalooma and we have some very excited students. Intent to Participate forms went home last week along with an invoice for the deposit. If you’re intending for your child/children to attend camp, please return this form as soon as possible and have the deposit paid by Friday 25/8/23. This is the date we will base our final numbers on.
Over the next couple of weeks, more forms will be coming home. These include:
- Permission form
- Final Invoice
- Dietary Requirements
- What to bring
- Medication
- Waivers for certain activities
Please keep an eye out for these forms and return as soon as possible to your classroom teacher.
Bridge Builders’ Skill of the Week – Ignore and Don’t React
Ignoring and not reacting is very hard to do! Yet it is one of the most common strategies given to children when they have a conflict. Without explicit teaching children may think they are choosing to ignore and not react but they are actually giving a fight or flight reaction which fuels the problem. Ignoring and not reacting can be a way to deescalate a conflict, however, it does not always provide resolution.
Tips to teach this skill at home:
- Help your child to understand that being able to ignore or not react starts with taking control of your thinking. Upset thinking will cause a reaction. Helpful thoughts will assist to calm down and Ignore and not react.
- Brainstorm with your child what are some ‘good’ thoughts that they can think about.
- Remind them not to look at the person.
- Help them to move to another friend. With your child, practise different ways that they can approach another child and ask if they can play with them.
Kind regards,
Peter Davey
Deputy Principal 3-4
News from Mrs Bairstow
STUDENT COUNCIL NEWS
Thank you for your support of another successful Silent Disco!! A fun night was had by all and I’d like to especially thank and acknowledge these people for making the students’ favourite event of the year so fantastic:
Miss Jeanes & Miss Faithfull for all of their behind the scenes work and additional hours of commitment in coordinating the Student Council.
Student Councillors for your exceptional work in communicating, volunteering lunch hours, advertising and helping on the night. You are fantastic leaders and role models for your peers.
Teachers who gave up their Tuesday night to ensure safe supervision – and who also enjoyed some dancing and singing along with the students. They love seeing you there!
Tony Lowes and the P&C for organising the delicious food truck and drinks for parents.
Katarina and Hopkins (Ironside parents) from Briki who generously donated the prize for the student raffle.
YEAR 5 NEWS
We are excited to advise that planning for the Year 5 Camp at Tyalgum Ridge is underway.
Dates: Wednesday 11 – Friday 13 October, 2023.
Location: Tyalgum Ridge is located just over the NSW border and is set against the stunning background of the hinterland.
Program: The focus for this camp is leadership and developing self-awareness and resilience which is highly relevant for the future leaders of the school. Tyalgum Ridge Retreat programs are based around small group interaction where students are encouraged to show personal initiative and leadership in well-planned, challenging outdoor activities. The program is also based around students observing and improving their understanding of the natural processes which are occurring around them. Students will be organised into groups with teachers/supervisors from Ironside State School and will have the opportunity to work with peers from across the Year 5 cohort.
Transport: Students will be transported to Ironside State School to Tyalgum Ridge Retreat, and return by coach. The buses are air conditioned and seat belted. Details about when to arrive at school for departure will be communicated closer to the time. Students are to be collected from Ironside State School at 3pm on the last day of the Camp.
Activities: All activities conducted at Tyalgum Ridge Retreat are carefully evaluated and managed through risk management procedures. Participants are instructed in the safety procedures to be followed for the duration of each activity, which includes a description of each piece of equipment that is used, their correct handling and a full practical demonstration of the activity. Activities are managed by qualified, experienced camp staff and students are also carefully supervised by Ironside staff at all times. Activities will be determined once student numbers are finalised and may include canoeing, orienteering, archery, mountain biking, flying fox, initiative games, reptile encounter and a rainforest walk.
Accommodation: Students will be accommodated in comfortable rooms with ensuites sleeping in one main building. Staff will be accommodated in single rooms throughout this same building to allow for close supervision of students.
Dining: The camp is fully catered with a daily menu consisting of breakfast, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. Individuals with special dietary needs are also catered for subject to information being provided in advance of the camp.
Cost: The cost for the camp includes accommodation, facility and equipment hire, catering, program instruction and transport. The final cost will be advised after all deposits have been paid and student numbers are finalised. As a general indication, the cost of this camp last year was $265. If student numbers are lower than expected, the price may increase. Full payment is required by the dates outlined in this letter, for students to be able to attend.
For a safe and successful Year 5 Camp, students need to demonstrate the Ironside STAR expectations at school in the lead-up to Camp and during the duration of Camp. Students must show they can act safely, respectfully and follow the directions of supervising adults at all times. Students whose actions place themselves or others at risk may be removed from activities, or if the conduct breach is serious, parents may be called to take their child home. All costs associated with early departure due to student misconduct will be paid by the child’s parents.
Year 5 Camp is not a compulsory activity – student participation is determined by the school and student’s parents. Students who do not attend Year 5 Camp are taught by an Ironside teacher with a parallel program at school. All students are provided with full opportunity to wish to self-nominate for leadership opportunities. While it is encouraged, attendance at Camp is not a pre-requisite for this process.
Student participation is also dependent on conduct at school. Students whose conduct does not meet school expectations in terms of safety, integrity, respect for others and compliance with instructions may not be eligible to attend Camp. This final decision rests with the Camp Co-ordinator, Deputy Principal Year 5/6.
Parents who would like their child to go on Camp are asked to complete the “Intention to Participate” form (attached) (return to class teacher) and pay a $50 non-refundable deposit by Friday 25 August. Invoices for the deposit have been issued to all families. Please check your junk mail boxes if this this has not been received.
Full and final payment needs to be made by Friday 15 September 2023.
Please feel welcome to email me if you have any questions on jbair51@eq.edu.au
YEAR 6 NEWS
Students are applying their experiences from their recent trip to Canberra in the HASS studies, which focuses on Australia’s place in our diverse changing world. This camp provides invaluable learning and assists our students in making real world connections to the curriculum. We acknowledge the contribution of the PACER program, which assists schools and families in reducing the financial cost of attending our National Capital. Each Ironside student received $90 off the cost of the camp through PACER.
Kind regards,
Jennifer Bairstow
Deputy Principal 5-6
Term 3 Events
HPE News
Last month we had many of our top athletes participate in the district track and field trials. Congratulations to the following students who have qualified to represent the district at the regional track and field trials being help on August 29th and 30th:
Samara D A
Oliver P P
Edie R
Selene A
Sam W
Mason D
Madeleine D
Francesca T
We look forward to hearing of your success!
Good luck to the Ironside girls soccer team headed to the Southeast Queensland Primary Football Championships this coming Monday. The team looks to have some great games versus teams from Met East and South Coast regions. Good luck to:
Nhi N
Selene A
Anne H
Avaya S
Ruby B
Rebecca P
Zofia R
Elizabeth FH
Fatimah A
Ella G
Luna N
Akari C
On the 24th of June the After School Dance Program, run by Creative Dance Industries, competed in the annual Unite Eisteddfod. The students performed a number of creative, fun, challenging routines and their instructors were incredibly proud of their achievements. Thank you to everyone who came along and supported our talented dancers!
Ironside Mega Crew - 2nd
Ironside Senior Hip Hop - 3rd
Ironside Junior Hip Hop - 3rd
Music News
Upcoming Dates
News from Chappy Thu
Dear Families,
Our Father’s Day Breakfast is nearly here! With less than 2 weeks to go, preparations are well on the way to make this a fun & enjoyable event for the whole family. The Chaplaincy Team wanted to take the opportunity to celebrate all the fathers, carers & role models in our lives.
This year, we will have a variety of outdoor activities with associated messages, including:
- Inflatable Maze (Find your way with your Father. We can feel a little loss in life, but our father/mother/carer/role model can help us find our way)
- Hunger Ball Soccer Arena (Be Playful with you Father. Your father/mother/carer/role model is on your team & is there to encourage you & challenge you in life)
- Giant Lego/Building Blocks (Build with your Father. Your father/mother/carer/role model can help you build a strong foundation in your life when you are feeling unsteady)
Tickets for this will be $10 for a child AND adult. Only the child will have a wristband so they can take any adult they want with them. They will have unlimited turns on all activities (time permitting).
We will also have a chocolate stall for students to choose a gift for their dad (or mum or carer). The chocolates will have messages on them too. For example, Dad, you are the cleverest of them all (Smarties), or Dad, we think you’re out of this world (Mars or Milky Way). Chocolates are $2 each. A big thank you to the EALD team, especially Ms Sommerfield, Ms Dancer, Ms Dilani as well as the amazing parents for preparing the chocolates with messages.
We will also have a moving photobooth to capture moments, raffle, delicious food & even barista coffee provided by Rich Pour for only $5 for any type of coffee or milk you prefer.
Tickets are on sale NOW through the QKR! App. Ticket sales will CLOSE on Monday, 28th August.
Lastly, please email me at tklet0@eq.edu.au if you would like to volunteer!
Besides the Breakfast, we also celebrated the School Disco last Tuesday & Orange Day today, which is the national day of action against bullying. I had the honour of working with some of our students to make a video about bullying as well as posters to show our support as an official no bullying school. What a wonderful initiative by the Ironside Events Committee, led by the ever wonderful Ms Pinkerton, to shed light on this topic. By doing so we can provide support & understanding to those who feel bullied or are bullied as well as those who have accidentally or intentionally displayed bullying behaviours. Because at Ironside, we offer a safe place to belong, grow, change & learn together.
Next week is Book Week! Do you have your costume yet?
Our beautiful community really is buzzing with events!
Chappy Squad
Teams Dolphins & Fire Dragons did a fantastic job leading the activities over the last 2 weeks. Unfortunately for the Fire Dragons, many of their activities were postponed due to the EKKA holiday & because I was sick Friday. I was very proud of the students for showing such resilience & empathy for the situation. Not a single student complained that it wasn’t fair.
Special thanks to the following members for their outstanding contribution to the activities & school over the past two week:
- Shyah, Tracey, Heidi, Rose & Andrea for their commitment, leadership & creativity. Together, they were wonderful role models for their team & through their encouragement, led the Dolphins to first place on the team leader board!
- Mehr, Iglaria, Umaiza, Sabet, Ann, Cooper, Ella, Ben & Valentine for their enthusiasm & positive attitude towards every task. You make every activity fun for everyone!
- Tingran for her kindness, inclusivity & thoughtfulness. She noticed a younger student in the Oasis looking lonely & sad. She spoke to me about it, then went to sit with the girl & asked her to join the activities. Beautiful!
- James & Xavier for leading their team to victory in the Scavenger Hunt!
- Gita, Zara & Olia for representing the squad beautifully in the Prep Area for Bubble Friday!
Here are the top members & teams as of Week 5:
The last two weeks of activities will be led by teams Happy Happy! & Nutella CC Cookies! Fire Dragons will also have an opportunity to do extra activities due to their disrupted week this week.
The Squad roster is outlined below. Please remind students that they can roster on once EVERY WEEK. On their ‘special’ week, they can choose 3 activities to help at instead of just one (if they want to).
Chappy Activities
Chappy Activities were a bit fractured this fortnight with the EKKA Holiday & Chappy being sick on Friday, but we made the most of the time we had. We made bears & foxes in Origami Club, went on a scavenger hunt (congratulations to James & Xavier for leading their team with Sophie & Ethan to victory!), enjoyed crafts & treats in Chappy Lounge, were amazed by bubbles, learnt new games & learnt new facts such as the reason why Pluto was no longer considered a planet. For those who don’t know, Pluto is classified as a dwarf planet because its gravitational force is not strong enough to clear its own orbit, which is one of the three criteria of being a planet. This was one of our scavenger hunt questions :) So much fun!
And that’s all from me for now. Wishing you all a wonderful weekend!
Until Next Time,
Chappy Thu
tklet0@eq.edu.au
Wednesday, Thursday & Friday
8am to 4pm
EcoMarines
Dear parents and carers,
Big thanks to Connor from Bunnings for helping the EcoMarine team create a vege garden for some real life context around living things and where food comes from.
Advertising
Uniform and Tuckshop News
Volunteers needed!
We need your help. We are looking for volunteers who can spare a few hours a week to assist with preparing and serving in the tuckshop. No experience is necessary, just a friendly smile and a willingness to learn. There’s not even any need to commit to a regular roster, just sign up when you can!
Volunteering in the tuckshop is a great way to meet other parents, support our school community, and have some fun. Why not get a group together? You can sign up here https://volunteersignup.org/MREWY
If you can’t spare any time and enjoy baking perhaps you could sign up to our Homebake roster here https://volunteersignup.org/PL489
Thank you for your support!
International Parent Group News
St Lucia Uniting Church
Creator Camp - Sept 28-29
Make new friends! Explore your creativity!
A wonderful day camp for kids in years 3-6
At St Lucia Uniting Church Hall (7 Hawken Drive, right across from Ironside SS)
$40 per student including lunch.
Mandy Smith
Pastor,
St Lucia Uniting Church