Term 1 Week 2 Newsletter 1 February 2024

From the Principal

Welcome to 2024 and the beginning of a new year at Thangool State School.  We have had a wonderful first week with all students settling in well to their classrooms. It was great seeing returning and new families. This year we welcome -22 new preps and 2 new students -throughout our classes to our Thangool school community. We hope you enjoy your time at our school. A huge thank you to our wonderful staff in ensuring our classrooms and grounds were ready for our students and to our supportive parents for having everything ready to go for your child.

Please do not hesitate to contact myself or your child’s teacher at any time if we can help you in anyway.

Our school newsletter will come out every fortnight on even weeks. Classroom newsletters will come out in week 1 and week 5 of each term.

Have an awesome week everyone!

Fiona

School Mission Statement/Capable Learner

Our school mission statement forms the basis of all decisions made by the school. Our first question in all we do is always “what impact does this have on our students?”

Our school has developed its own Thangool State School (TSS) Capable Learner. Our capable learner works to support our mission statement looking at all aspects of what makes a student a capable learner at Thangool. Our SEL Program enables weekly sessions to explicitly pull apart the different rules, values and dispositions needed to support and nurture the whole child with all stakeholders working together.

Student Absences- Every Day Counts

As we start the new school year, parents are reminded of the importance of sending children to school every day. Being at school every day counts, with one day absent each week quickly adding up to two months of missed lessons in a year. Research shows that students who have a good attendance record are more likely to achieve high results. Unless your child is ill, it is expected that your child will be at school learning every day of the school year. More information on the importance of regular school attendance is available at http://education.qld.gov.au/everydaycounts/i ndex.html

Parade

Our school weekly parade occurs first up on a Monday morning at 8:50am. Our weekly parade enables: -

• Great way to start our week off having whole school together
• Any messages for week can be delivered first up with everyone hearing the same message
• Our rule reminders, focuses for week are given Monday morning which means students are hearing the message at the start of the day/week.
• Students can be told what the “kids Shed” activities are for the week, play areas any changes.
• Not as hot in our summer months in the afternoon.

Parents are welcome to attend our Monday morning parades.

Playground - Outdoor Classroom

We have wonderful outside space with our “Kids Shed” operating every lunch time with set activities for any child to participate in. This year Ms Lawson is leading the way in organising our activities. Our tennis court area is now fully covered which enables another great space for our students to play. We also have our cubby area, forts, sandpit, mud pit and oval all with different options for our students.

Technology Groups

This year on a Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday we have technology clubs running with students during first break. Students have an opportunity to be involved in Minecraft and lego robotics.

Lego Club

Chappy will be running lego club during 1^st break on a Wednesday and Thursday for our students. If you have any lego you would be willing to donate or for us to purchase at a great price we would welcome it for our students.

Breakfast Program

Our Breakfast Program runs each morning Monday-Friday 8:35-8:50am. We have year 6 students rostered on with Mrs Cathy White.

Student Safety and School Routines

 Given that it is a new year, I thought I’d remind people about a few safety issues that come up from time to time, and get us all back into routine.

Before School

 Students should not be at school before 8:15am. When students arrive at school they are to sit in the eating area under the building. From 8:15-8:35am our teacher aides are on duty and supervise morning play.  On a Monday, Wednesday & Friday students are involved in SMART Moves which is organised and run by our year 6 Wellbeing officers- under the super vision of staff.

Parking

Parents are also reminded that there is no parking under the tree opposite the school. Our buses depart by 8:15am of a morning so please ensure you are not in bus zone before this time and in the afternoon, they arrive from 3:05pm so please ensure your car is not parked in the bus zone from this time on.

Bus Procedure

Bus rolls are updated EACH TERM. Please ensure your details are up to date. Changes to normal bus routine need to be made to the Office by 2:30 pm so that the office team can adjust the bus rolls and get messages to the child/ren about the change. Parents are also to notify their bus driver of any changes.

General Rule Reminders

1. All students need to wear a hat- A hat is one that has a broad brim – not a cap. Our school sells a bucket hat that we encourage all students to wear.
2. Student Absences: It is a requirement that student absences are explained. This can be done by phone call, note, or email either before the absence if it is a planned one, or after the event. Unexplained absences are recorded in the student’s records. MAKE EVERY DAY COUNT.
3. Uniforms: Boys – green school polo shirt with black shorts. Girls – green school polo shirt with black skirt/skorts or shorts. All students are to wear broad brimmed hats (preferably school hat) and shoes and socks. House colours (ie yellow for Kariboe, red for Kroombit) with black shorts/skirts. Socks need to be worn at ankle height – not half way up the shins or at knee height. Uniform shirts can be purchased from our school uniform shop and QKR app.
4. ALL GEAR NEEDS TO BE NAMED!
5. Jewellery: The only jewellery items allowed to be worn at school are sleeper or stud earrings, cignet rings and medic alert necklaces/bracelets.
6. Temporary tattoos/makeup: These items are not permitted. This includes fingernail polish.
7. Arrival time at School: If children arrive before 8:15 am, they are to sit and wait quietly in the under cover eating area until 8:15 am a teacher aide starts duty.
8. Mobile Phones/Ipods/personal digital assistants/etc: Students are discouraged from having these items at school. If one comes to school, it needs to be named and placed at the office. They can be collected from the Office at 3:00pm.
9. Lunch box contents – healthier food options such as sandwiches or similar (rice cakes, wraps) and fruit are encouraged to be eaten before the packaged biscuits and chips. Water only in water bottles. NO chocolates or lollies

Away for the Day

From Term 1 2024, students across Queensland must have mobile phones switched off and ‘away for the day’ and notifications disabled on smartwatches during school hours. Our school is committed to enhancing student wellbeing and creating a learning-focused environment free from distractions. At Thangool State School, Away for the Day means that phones (and other electronic devices) are to be taken to the office upon arrival at school and picked up at the end of the day. 

Smartwatches will need to have ‘Notifications’ switched off. To find out more, visit https://tinyurl.com/329kup6u

NAPLAN

For students in year 3 & 5 NAPLAN dates are 13-25 March. Our school will again deliver this test online.  More details in coming weeks.

Staffing 2024

Business Manager:- Ros Zischke

Admin assistant:- Carmel Davis (Monday and Wednesday)

Librarian :- Cathy White

Teacher Aides:- Cathy White, Deb Carr, Amanda Goody, Paula Bruckner, Sarah Dean, Karyn Pratt, Dylan Burmester

Facility Officer/Groundsman:- Tim Boyd, Leigh Jones

Cleaners: Katy, Divina, Loretta

Mudpit

Our mud pit is operational in terms 1 & 4.  Please see table below for which week your child’s classes turn is. Students can come dressed in mud pit clothes with school uniform and towel in school bag. Students wearing mud pit clothes is parental permission for children to participate.

Mud Pit Timetable

2024 Camps

Camps offer our students opportunities to experience learning opportunities away from the classroom. Our Year 6 students will head out to Pelican Point in week 5 on Thursday 29 February and Friday 1 March for their Year 6 Leadership Camp. Our 5/6 camp this year is our Boyne Island which will occur in term 4.

Medication

 All staff and teachers must follow the Departmental Policy on the issue of medication to children at school. ANY medication supplied for the school to administer MUST be prescribed by a doctor, be in it’s original container and have an attached pharmacy label. Requirements for plans for students who are at risk of anaphylaxis and/or asthma are also detailed

SEL News

Welcome back to another exciting term. As we embark on Term One, we are thrilled to continue our journey into Social Emotional Learning (SEL). This term focuses not only on academic excellence but also on the development of essential life skills.

Throughout this term, students will participate in engaging activities, thought-provoking discussions, and opportunities for self-reflection. Research consistently shows that Social Emotional Learning contributes significantly to academic success, positive behaviour, and overall well-being. By fostering emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills, students will be better equipped to handle the challenges of school, relationships, and future endeavours.

Introduction of Parent information sessions – DATE CLAIMER Monday 18^th March

This year we are excited to announce we will be offering a series of parent information sessions to support understanding your child as they navigate the complexities of school life. This is an opportunity to support your child through challenges such as friendship concerns, self-esteem, building resilience and ensuring a safe place for your child to stay connected with you.

Part 1 - Foundations of connected families

• Date: Monday 18^th March
• Options 9-11am or 6-8pm

Watch this space for more information to come.

HOC News

Curriculum: This year our teachers have started implementing the latest version (v9) of the Australian Curriculum across all subject areas, excluding Mathematics.  We will continue to implement the previous version (v8.4) of Mathematics until we receive further information and resources from the Department. 

Reading:  Beginning in 2021, our school began an inquiry that focussed on improving reading.  During this time, we have investigated the research, participated in professional learning, purchased resources and developed the TSS Reading Policy. In 2024, we will continue with using high impact teaching practices based on research and continue implementing our reading policy.  A brief overview of our journey (and actions) so far is attached below.

Sport News

Representative sport information is being sent next week.  A student is eligible to represent their school, district, region and state in the year that they are turning ten. In 2024 students born in 2014 become eligible for representative sport. Please be aware that the age group is 10-12 unless otherwise specified. A student should not be nominate if they are unable to demonstrate a high level of skill at a representative standard and do not have a clear knowledge of the rules. This generally means playing regularly at a club level to gain this experience. Only a small number of students can represent the school at a Port Curtis trial. Unfortunately, the exact number is not finalized until sport information is sent out. This generally happens 2 weeks prior to the Port Curtis trial. An expression of interest will be available from Mrs White in the Library. This is to be collected and returned by the dates on the attached calendar. By returning this form you are agreeing that the student is available for selection at all levels and are committed to attending if selected.

GRIP Leadership

Our Year Six students travelled to Rockhampton this week to participate in the GRIP leadership conference. This was a practical and interactive day where students learned skills to develop their leadership. Students had the opportunity to interact with other schools, see what other schools across the state do, and brainstorm new and exciting ways to make an impact as leaders at Thangool State School. 

‘Stepping forward is not about me, it’s about making the school the best it can be’.

Students learnt about the four steps of developing as leaders:

1. Step up: use my talents and strengths.
2. Step in: help when I spot a need.
3. Step out: try something new.
4. Step closer: befriend others.

Book Club 2024

Our First Issue of Book Club is coming home over the next few days.  Here's some handy information regarding Book Club at our school.  Unfortunately we cannot accept cash payments for Book Club, however payment can be made online.

Separation Anxiety Webinar

Strengthening Children Through Separation Anxiety

Separation anxiety can come with loads of heartache for children and their important adults, but there’s something else it comes with – the opportunity to strengthen all children against anxiety and build their brave – and we know they can be brave.

Saying ‘goodbye’ can be tough! Not only for our children, but for us too – even the strongest and bravest of parenting hearts can feel the wrenching that can come at separation. Separation anxiety exists for a good reason. We want our children to feel loved and supported, and we also want to build their brave so anxiety doesn’t stand in the way of the important, growthful things they need to do.

Of course we’d rather our young ones never feel the tailwhip of separation anxiety, but so many young people (and the adults who love them) are going to experience anxiety at separation from a loved one. It’s part of being human, but it doesn’t have to hurt. As their important adult, you have a profound capacity to support them through separation anxiety and help them feel braver, stronger, and closer to you, even when you’re not beside them – at school, at bedtime – any time they are away from you. In this one-and-a-half-hour webinar, we will explore practical, powerful ways to do this.

This is information I wish every parent could have. I’ll be speaking to you from my professional experience, but more importantly, I’ll be speaking to you from my parenting heart. Something you might not know about me is that my own experience with my daughter’s separation anxiety when she was a little person is what led me to this work. (She’s now one of the bravest women I know!

I know we can get kids through separation anxiety. I know the heartache. I know the feelings of helplessness. And I know we can get them through. 

If you can’t make the ‘live’ online event, that’s no problem at all. A recording of the webinar will be made available to all registered participants for 30 days.

We will explore:

• why separation anxiety happens, and the important job it’s there to do;
• the thing all loving adults will do (we’ll all do them!) that can inadvertently make their anxiety worse, and what to do instead;
• why their anxiety will fuel yours;
• what adults can do to soften the impact of separation;
• how to respond in the midst of anxiety – strategies for children, parents and carers (including teachers and other important adults);
• practical ways to support your child through separation anxiety;
• specific strategies for bedtime anxiety;
• the toolbox for young people – how to help all children feel bigger at separation;
• the connection between anxiety and aggression, and how to respond to big behaviour in the moment;
• the connection between anxiety, behaviour and learning, and how to work with this;
• a road map for supporting your child through anxiety – before, during, and after;
• why relationships matter, and how to facilitate relationships between children and their important adults (teachers, other important adults) in ways that will build brave behaviour.

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