24 November 2023 - Term 4, Week 8

News from Mrs Hawkswell

Hi Ironside families,

As we approach the final 2 weeks of the school year can I please ask parents to support us with the following: 

• Please help tired students get some down time and a good night’s sleep.
• Please continue to support your children to problem solve, using our Bridge Builder Strategies, any social issues that may occur.  At this time of the year, little things can feel very big, when children are tired and less resilient.
• Please support us by emailing teachers if you think there are bubbling issues we need to know about.  This will allow teachers to put  supports in place before it gets too pointy.
• Please have the conversation to remind children that it is really important to always try to choose to be KIND to others.

Music Gala

I was very fortunate to be able to attend the Ironside State School end of year Instrumental Music Gala held in the auditorium at Brisbane Boys’ College last night.

What a wonderful evening!

Our students performed at an extremely high standard and both their music, and their behaviour, were exemplary.  They are a credit to our school.

Thank you to our instrumental music teachers, together with all other staff who support the program and who assist with events such as last night’s gala.  Your hard work and dedication were evident in the smooth running of the program last night and in the standard of the performances.  Thank you also to our P&C for providing snacks and light refreshments for our students and parents at this event.

Update for next year

I also wanted to inform the Ironside community that I have recently been asked to go to Eagle Junction SS as Acting Principal for semester 1 of 2024.

Kind regards,

Amanda Hawkswell
Principal

News from Mr Weston-Murdoch

Dear parents and caregivers,

Bridge Builders – Skill of the week (Weeks 7 & 8): REVISION

Bridge Builders® is a school-wide proactive program aligned to the Australian Curriculum (Personal and Social Capabilities), implemented sequentially from Prep–Year 6. Students are explicitly taught to apply conflict resolution strategies, communicate using a common language and build their confidence to solve interpersonal problems.

Bridge Builders® at Ironside State School is a whole school approach that promotes resilience and self-worth. It encourages students to respond appropriately and challenge conflict behaviours and to develop positive and safe relationships. It is embedded into the everyday life of the school.

To support families with younger children, Ironside State School provides access to the Bridge Builders Online Program.  This program is designed to help students with resolving everyday conflict and will be implemented during the course of the year with students accessing material both during class, and outside of class time.

Throughout the year, students have engaged in the Bridge Builders program to develop age-appropriate conflict resolution skills. Classroom teachers will continue to revise these skills and strategies for the remainder of the year.

At Ironside State School, we take an educative approach to incidents of conflict.

“We need to provide clarity for children in what choices are friendly and those that cause conflict. We must not assume that children understand the differences. It is vital to teach the language of friendly and conflict choices, so that these can be discussed as they arise.

With younger children, it is extremely important to help them understand by modelling appropriate language, tone and body language.”

 “Empowered for Life”; Jocelyne Chirnside

Around the classrooms – Prep: 

In science this term, Prep D has been learning about how things move. This week we collaborated in small groups to discover what properties toys that spin have. We looked at the shapes and properties of the toys and how that affects the balance and spinning movement.

As thinkers, we looked for things that are the same and things that are different and tried to draw some conclusions based on this. We made our own paper helicopters and went to the hall to drop them off the stage. We have also been playing with chain reactions and working on building our own simple chain reactions using things that roll, slide, push and pull.

Around the classrooms – Year 1: 

This term, year 1 has been learning how to write Procedures. We have made Apple Fizz and Fairy Bread. We also made playdoh snakes and cats. It was important that we used precise verbs and adverbs in our writing. We absolutely loved the taste testing after we finished our writing.           

Around the classrooms – Year 2: 

In poetry this term we have been experimenting with rhythmic sounds and word patterns. Alliteration is the repetition of two or more words in a line or verse of a poem, that begin with the same sound. We have had fun creating our own 'Awesome Amazing Amusing Alliterations'.

P-2 Merit Certificates

Congratulations to our merit certificate recipients from last week's assembly! 

Kind regards,

Scott Weston-Murdoch
Deputy Principal P-2

News from Mrs Bairstow

Hello Ironside families,

BYOD PARENT INFORMATION SESSION – FOR CURRENT YEAR 4 & 5 FAMILIES

Ironside State School offers a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) program for students in Years 5 and 6. Parents of students currently enrolled in Year 4 and 5 are invited to attend a parent information session regarding the program at 5.30pm on Tuesday 28 November, in the school hall.

The program outline includes:

            - The strategic context: WHY Ironside offers and recommends a BYOD option.

            - The classroom context:  HOW devices are (and are not) used in the classroom.

            - The technology context:  WHAT kind of devices are required, IT support and security.

The session will run no longer than an hour, as our P&C Meeting commences at 6.30pm in the staffroom.  Parents are welcome to stay on and see how the P&C works.  It is the final meeting of the year, so it’s a great opportunity to be a part of the process.

GIFTED AND TALETNED – INQUIRY CELEBRATION OF LEARNING

In Semester Two, Year 3, 4, 5 and 6 students in the Gifted and Talented program completed a Passion Project. Students worked in individual or small groups on a project exploring a topic of their own interest. During their learning students further developed their knowledge and use of the Learner Assets of Inquiry. They engaged as Communicators, Collaborators, Self-Managers, Thinkers, Researchers and Collaborators to complete their projects successfully.

In Week 7 of Term 4, there was a Celebration of Learning. Students from Year 3, 4, 5 and 6 and parents/carers of the students presenting, were invited to celebrate the fantastic learning the students had completed.  Congratulations to all students who presented.

YEAR SIX CELEBRATIONS

The Yearbook collated by parent volunteers will be on sale next week.  Please keep your eye on emails, notices, messages and the QKR! App for purchasing details.  The turn-around time is tight due to publishing timelines, and making the most of our Term 4 memories in the publication.  Students will only be given a Yearbook if our records indicated that it has been paid for.  Don’t miss out!

Tuesday 5 December:

The Graduation Evening is being held on Tuesday 6 December.  The evening consists of two main sections:

6 – 7.30pm:    Graduation Ceremony in the Hall

Parents are invited to join us as we acknowledge the outstanding achievements of our students with awards, certificates and speeches.  Guest speakers will also be in attendance.

Students need to arrive at school at 5.30pm to prepare with their class for the ceremony.

7.30 - 9pm:  Dance and light refreshments

This is a less formal part of the proceedings – with the opportunity for families to connect socially.  

There will be drinks and light refreshments available to purchase.  There is no full meal, so we advise that children have a late afternoon meal prior to arrival at school.

The school is not providing formal supervision for this section of the evening.  If your family would like to stay, you are very welcome to.  However, if children are staying – parents need to be there, and take responsibility for their supervision.

Dress Code

Dress for the evening is smart (eg: dress pants / collared shirts).  There is a lot of movement involved in the night, so comfortable shoes are essential.  It is not a “formal”, but also an important occasion so students are encouraged to choose a special and appropriate outfit, fitting for the occasion.  When choosing your child’s outfit, bear in mind, that it is always a very warm evening in December.

Wednesday 6 December

This is the day only that students may bring the school uniform shirts to be signed by friends and teachers, as a memento of their time at Ironside.

Students will also receive their Year Books on this day.

Thursday 7 December

The traditional Year 6 Pool Party & Games Day will take up the entire school day, after the final assembly of the year.  The assembly is an opportunity to share the news of prize winners with the student body.

Students can wear free dress on this day. 

Lunch and treats will be catered for by our P&C with the help of Chappy Thu and parent volunteers.



YEAR FIVE - STUDENT LEADERSHIP PROCESS

This week, we heard sixteen speeches from eight boys and eight girls who were shortlisted, according the voice of their peers, to deliver an address to the Year 5 cohort.  To say these speeches were outstanding, would be an understatement.  Congratulations to these students for making it this far in the process.  It is a credit to you and your families!  Students will be informed if they progress to interview early next week.

School captain nominees:  Anirudhah; Lukas; Barnabas; Mason; Ella, Madeleine; Maya, Alisa; Kai; Daniel; Johan; Geoffrey; Alice;  Selene; Nandini; Luna.

Below is a summary of the roles and responsibilities for student leaders at Ironside.

A Year 5 student nominating for election into school leadership positions must have consistently demonstrated leadership qualities throughout 2023. At Ironside State School, student leadership positions are held in high regard.  The process for student leader selection is therefore rigorous and the criteria is specific in nature.  The student leadership election process has been structured to provide a clear and supportive procedure which is outlined in the following information.

To be considered for a leadership position at Ironside students must have demonstrated consistent modelling of the Ironside Way through exhibiting the STAR values of being Safe and Kind, Treasuring Diversity, Acting with Integrity & being Respectful. They must also have demonstrated competent public speaking skills in both formal and informal contexts.  Duties of the Captains and Vice Captains include; holding executive positions in the Student Council; welcoming and hosting school guests; organising and running school assemblies; and representing Ironside at community events. 

The following timelines will guide the nomination, application, interview and election processes: 

As representatives of Ironside State School, all of these leadership roles involve and require mentoring, guidance and the maintenance of very high standards of conduct to which other students can aspire to.  We trust that parents will support their children’s involvement in the nomination and election process in accordance with the guidelines set by the school’s expectations.  We look forward to engaging in the process with the students and working with the successful applicants.

SEMESTER TWO INSTRUMENTAL GALA

What an amazing night!!  Thank you to everyone who worked so hard behind the scenes to make it so successful and memorable.  The students’ conduct and music were outstanding.  We appreciate the parental support that goes into making this program so wonderful!

STARS OF THE MONTH – NOVEMBER – CONGRAULATIONS!

Well done to Yuto; Kazumi; Hannah; Abhan; Edie; Norah; Emma; Emrys.

Kind regards,

Jenny Bairstow

Deputy Principal 5-6

News from the Enrolments Officer

Dear Ironside Parents,

Enrolments

As we approach the end of the school year, and way before you start dragging out the Christmas & New Year’s decorations(!), I thought it helpful to touch base and send a reminder on the importance of keeping in touch with the enrolments team (me) at Ironside 😊

Here’s a rundown of things you should be contacting me about:

* Enrolling your child, enrolment interview dates and times, school tours

* Changing address, telephone or email details

* Requesting an exemption from school for your child(ren) (if more than 10 school days)

* Departing from Ironside (including if you have moved out the school’s catchment area)

* Sending documents (lease agreements, rate notices, medical certificates, bills, medical action plans, legal documents)

There may be other reasons why you might want to contact me, but this is just a quick snapshot.

I totally understand how busy we all get, but would really appreciate it if you all could keep me informed of any new information you think would be important for the school to know.

If you don’t have the email address, it is: enrolments@ironsidess@eq.edu.au

Medication

An important reminder on the administration of medicine at Ironside State School.

The administration of medications to students occurs when it is necessary, and during school hours or school-related activities, and when there is either medical authorisation for its administration or it is required as an emergency first aid response. Sections 93(1) & (2) of the Medicines and Poisons Act 2019 require a responsible person to have a substance management plan (SMP) in place (as outlined in this procedure) that details how risks associated with possessing, administering and disposing of medications held at the school are managed.

If your child will need medication to be administered at school, we urge you to familiarise yourself these guidelines. Please see the following link for further information:

https://ppr.qed.qld.gov.au/attachment/information-for-parents-carers-and-health-practitioners.docx

Administration of medication procedure for 2023

Please come to the school’s reception to pick up your child’s medication before the end of the school year, 8 December 2023. Any medication not collected will be disposed of appropriately.

Administration of medication procedure for 2024

If your child will need medication during school hours, please read, complete, and sign the Consent to administer medication form below.

Once completed, please return this to the school’s reception between 15 January - 19 January 2024 where we will update the school records and store the medication. 

https://ppr.qed.qld.gov.au/attachment/consent-to-administer-medication-form.docx  

News from the Library

Library Books

All library books should have been returned by now. You will receive an overdue notice if your child still has an outstanding book/s.

Book Fair

The book fair has now finished! Yet again, it was another wonderful turn out. We hope all students enjoyed themselves. We are looking forward to the book fair returning next year!

News from Chappy Thu

Dear Families,

The Gingerbread Evening is now less than a week away and QKR! ticket sales will close next Monday (27/11)! Thank you so much to everyone who’s already bought tickets or kits to support our last event of the year! I’ve had a few questions about the event so below are the answers to FAQs:

• - I ordered a house to make at home. Can I collect the kit on the night?

Take Home Kits will be delivered to classrooms, but you are welcomed to collect on the night as well. Any left over houses not collected on the night will be delivered to classrooms as well.

• - Do I have to buy a house for each family member?

No, one house is more than enough per family or group of friends.

• - How many tickets do I have to buy for the evening?

Please buy one ticket per person attending. This guarantees a seat in the hall (places are limited) as well as some food and drink.

• - Do I have to buy a house to come in the evening?

No. You are more than welcomed to come to browse the Charity Stall, free of charge. You may also want to catch up with friends and help them decorate their house, in which case, you only need to buy Evening tickets, without a house.

• - A whole house is too much for my family. Will you have cookies to decorate like last year?

Unfortunately, no, we will not have cookies. However, if we have any left over houses, we may sell the rectangular sides as an edible canvas that can be decorated with icing and lollies. If available, each little pack will be $7.

• - My child has an extra-curricular class that finishes at 6pm. Is it ok if I come late?

Of course! The hall will be open from 6pm to 8pm. We look forward to welcoming you at any stage of the night. However, please note that the last round of food will be served at 7:15pm. If you are later than that, you will need to collect your food from the J Block kitchen.

If you have any other questions, please do not hesitate to call or email me. Otherwise, thank you for your support and I look forward to seeing you on the night!

Chappy Squad

Teams Prickly Porcupines and Sour Patch Kids have done a marvellous job representing the Squad at activities during our last fortnight of activities!

Special thanks to the following members for their outstanding contribution to the activities and school over the past two week:

• Sana, Naya, Katherine, Ivy, Thenujah, Helen, Ellie and Freya for being our representatives in the Prep Area for Bubble Friday. Your bright smiles and enthusiasm were much appreciated!
• Alisa, Alice, Cooper, Ann, Eva, Daisy, Owen and Noah for being so diligent, proactive and thoughtful at our sign in desk. We often have more students wanting to be a part of the activities than there is space, it’s not always easy to turn students away or to protect the bubble box from people randomly taking items because they are yet to know/understand the rules. Thank you!
• really stepping up and going above and beyond what was expected for their various roles. They were thoughtful in all their interactions with other students, stayed to clean up and helped others with their roles too!
• Nils, Nika, Finn, Harvey, Saksham, Ilai, Victoria, Owen and Tanmeh for being responsible, brave and creative when taking care of the cushion area. This area can get a bit rowdy from time to time with students wanting to throw the cushions or not wanting to share. Thank you for taking the time to organise games in the area and for coming to get me if other students are making poor choices. Thank you for remembering your duties, remembering that you are part of a team and knowing you can always ask for help.
• Harvey for taking the initiative to create and lead a break dancing competition. Your moves are bustin’!
• Kelly, Rose, Heidi, Mehr, Kristy, Daisy, Ella, Ash, Victoria, Luna, Maya, Tanmeh, Isabella, Ellie, Freya, Tingran, Thenujah, Andrea, James, Xavier and Ethan for their enthusiasm and creativity in every craft they made for the Charity Stall. A wonderful effort for a worthy cause!
• Noah, Ella, Rose, Victoria, Eva, Cooper, Heidi and Kristy for taking leadership of craft activities. You all not only made beautiful crafts yourself, but you also took the time to teach and help others learning how to make them too. Amazing!
• Jasmine, Camilla and Jimel for keeping your games area so neat and inviting to other students!
• Saksham, Ilai, Leo, Finn, Thomas, Ella, Cooper, Ash, Eva, Rosie, Ann, Victoria (3), Isabella, Tanmeh, Kelly, Tingran, Vivianne, Victoria (4), Daisy, Nils, Ben and Richard for placing in the top 4 several weeks in a row! I think I need to make the questions for the Scavenger Hunt harder next year. The students are just too smart 😊
• Special shout to our amazing Junior members who continue to be of service and for becoming truly valuable members of our squad! Luna, Maya, Tasuva, Lucia, Thahirah, Nika, Jimel, Himani, Lexi, Maple, Audrey and Jeremiah – you have all passed your training with flying colours and I can’t wait to have you on the Squad next year!

Here are the top members & teams as of Week 7:

Chappy Activities

By this Friday we would have completed all our activities for the term! It’s been an absolute joy making crafts, blowing bubbles, learning new facts, hearing stories and making new friends. See you all next year! (I will be busy preparing for the Gingerbread Evening in Week 9 as well as organising several celebrations in Week 10).

That’s all from me for now.

See you all in Week 10 (the last week of the year!!!),

Chappy Thu
tklet0@eq.edu.au
Wednesday, Thursday & Friday
8am to 4pm

Music News

SHEP Primary

The Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University State Honors Ensemble Program Primary will be held this weekend. This is the final SHEP program for the year.  A huge congratulations to the following students to attaining a place in this program and we hope you really enjoy your weekend of music making.

Barnabas H, Shyah K, Jacob L, Madeline L, Vassiliki O’C, Ryan S, Johan T and Aimee W

Chamber Strings Auditions

The Chamber Strings Auditions will be held next week Tuesday 28 November.  The sign up sheet is outside the music studios. Please ensure you are at your audition 5 minutes before to tune and be ready.

Year 5 and 6 Strings Solos Concert

We had our first ever solo’s concert on Thursday 16 November.  It was a lovely concert with amazing performances from everyone on the day. It was a little challenging outside with the heat and noise however I was really impressed with how the children performed and kept their focus.  Thank you to the performers for sharing your talents with us.

Year 1 and Year 2 Junior Choirs 

Next Friday (1 December) the Year 1 & Year 2 Junior Choirs will be performing their current repertoire in the school hall. Parents and caregivers are invited to attend, and enjoy the fun and energy from our littlest Ironside performers. Please be seated in the hall by 10:00 am, and the mini-Concert will commence at approximately 10:10am (running for approximately 30 - 40 minutes). The students need to be in their regular school uniform for the performance.

HPE News

3 Pin Tournament Results 

Congratulations go out to both our winning 3 Pin Tournament teams, The Eggs in the junior division and Remy's Rats in the senior division.  Both teams will take on the almighty teacher team on Monday, 27 November,  at first break.

Futsal 

Congratulations to the Under 10 boys' and girls' futsal teams who competed at the Champion of Champions National futsal competition on 10, 11 and 12 November. Congratulations to our All Stars too. Everyone played exceptionally well!

Senior Inter-House Swimming Carnivals 2023

Below you will find an overview of the swimming carnival with key information for the day. There is also a link to download the information in document form.

Uniform and Tuckshop News

Thank you for your support!

Mums, dads, carers, and grandparents are always welcomed to volunteer in the Tuckshop. It is a great way to meet other parents, and interact with your child and their friends at school. No
experience is necessary, just a friendly smile and a willingness to learn. Feel free to sign up any
school day from 9am-11:30am, weekly, fortnightly, or whenever you are available.

Please sign up here https://volunteersignup.org/JEC8Q

Plain cupcakes, oats slices, apple crumbles, banana breads, honey joys…… If you enjoy baking, you may be interested to join our home bake team.

Please sign up here https://volunteersignup.org/PL489 

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