Thangool State School eNewsletter

From the Principal's Desk

Can you believe we are nearing the end of term 1 and Easter holidays already?! A very big thank you to everyone for a wonderful term 1, supporting us as we continue to navigate our way through these uncertain times and being flexible with the constant changes.

We have a busy couple of weeks ahead jam packed with learning, sports and end of term activities

NAPLAN

NAPLAN Online for Year 3 & Year 5 – 11-21 May This year, between 10^th and 20^th May, our Year 3 & Year 5 students will be doing NAPLAN Online. Online assessment offers many new opportunities that are often limited, or not possible, with paper-based tests. Trials by the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) suggest students are more engaged with online tests that use a tailored test design which adapts to their knowledge and abilities. They are less likely to become discouraged as they progress through tailored tests.

This year, students in Year 3 will continue to complete the writing test using pencil and paper. All other test components, including Year 5 writing, will be conducted in an online environment.

NAPLAN assesses literacy and numeracy skills that students are already learning at school. On its own, NAPLAN is not a test that can be studied for and students are not expected to do so. NAPLAN is just one aspect of a school’s assessment and reporting process – it does not replace ongoing assessments made by teachers about student performance; however, students and parents may use individual results to discuss progress with teachers.

Medication Policy

At the beginning of term 2 a new Education Queensland medication policy comes into effect. This means staff at the school are unable to administer any medication that does not have a prescription label from a Doctor. Over this term we have been slowly introducing these new guidelines but if you have any queries please make contact with our office.

Visible Learning Walls

The Learning Walls play a pivotal part of learning at Thangool. The classrooms predominantly have English, Math and Science, with our specialist teachers also having learning walls in their spaces.

The key features of the walls involve the students being able to identify the learning criteria and what constitutes an A, B and C. These are accompanied by written examples or destructed examples of the text guiding the students to understand what elements are required to achieve a mark. It is very important that the students have their own examples of work on the wall to create connections.

The learning walls are used as an extra aide in the classroom.

We look forward to sharing our learning walls and classrooms at our end of term assembly.

Showcasing our School

Today we hosted staff from regional office and Rockhampton schools to come and see our classrooms and be involved in professional development lead by Mrs Ellen Brewer. Everyday our teachers engage students in learning using a wide range of pedagogies (how we teach). Our school has been involved in using AAP (Age Appropriate Pedagogy) since 2015. We are extremely proud of the teaching that occurs at Thangool and thank our staff for their openness in allowing visitors to observe evidence-based practices in action.

Staff Learning

Our staff are continually involved in professional learning opportunities to continue to improve their practice.

On Thursday our teacher aides will work with Miss Sarah Moller (speech therapist) to unpack the best way to support students in the classroom in the area of literacy.

This Friday classroom teachers will engage in their PLC’s (Professional Learning Community) P-2 & 3-6. During this time teachers discuss curriculum, moderate student work, use data to inform next steps in teaching and learning and problem solve with colleagues to continue to build capability.

We are very proud of the teaching practices at our school that ensure our students get the very best education. It is also wonderful to see our teachers following our school rule of “We Learn”.

Parent Teacher Interviews

Parent teacher interviews are being held on Thursday 31 March from 12-5:30pm. Bookings will be open on Monday and parents can be book online. The Link will be emailed out, on school website or on our school Facebook. If you experience any difficulties please contact our office.

Parent teacher interviews are an opportunity to touch base with your child’s classroom teacher. Please note that the interviews are only 15mins so we ask you are punctual and stick to your allocated time slot. Teachers do have a parent sheet for those attending interviews, these are reflective of the conversation held by teachers with parents so will not be sent home to parents if you do not attend an interview. All students will receive a written report at the end of Semester 1.

TSS Capable Learner Framework

Cross Country

Friday 1^st April we will hold our school cross country at the Rec Reserve. All staff will be at the Rec Reserve on this day so no children can be at school until the completion of our cross country.

On Thursday afternoon 31^st March students in 1-6 will walk to the Rec Reserve under staff supervision to walk the course. Students have been involved in Smart Moves 3 times a week in preparation for running the cross country. As our Prep students’ course is on the oval of the Rec Reserve they will remain at school for the walk through along with any student who hasn’t returned their permission form.

Our cross country is also a project club fundraiser. This fundraiser every year supports project club in purchasing new reading materials. Please encourage family and friends from far and wide to jump online and support your child to help raise money towards reading.

At the competition of our cross country we will have a sausage sizzle (for those who wish to order) followed by the announcement of age champions and the overall winners.

I look forward to seeing you all there and enjoying the moment KARIBOE holds up this year’s trophy! 😊

School Photos

School Photos will be taken tomorrow, Thursday 17th March 2022. Students should bring their photo envelope with them tomorrow. Students should wear their school uniform not their red/yellow house shirt.

From our HOC (Head of Curriculum)

Sport's News

Port Curtis Sports Trials/Representative School Sport

Students are eligible to represent their school, district, region and state in the year that they are turning ten. In 2022, student born in 2012 become eligible for representative sport. Please be aware that the age group is 10-12 years unless otherwise specified. Only a small number of students can represent the school at a Port Curtis level. Unfortunately, the exact number is not finalised until sport information is sent out (this generally happens 2 weeks prior to the Port Curtis trial. An expression of interest form will be available from Mrs White in the library. This is to be collected and returned by the due date. By returning this form you are agreeing that the student is available for selection at all levels and are committed to attending if selected. It is the responsibility of the parent to check that the students are available to attend trials at all levels and transport and cost if the responsibility of the family. Schools must nominate the students to the Port Curtis trial manager only. Families received a letter at the beginning of the year outling the process and the dates of all the trials for the year. If there are more students wating to go to a Port Curtis trial, a seperate trial will be held at school by myself to select the students who will represent the school. Cross Country and Athletics are selected at the inter house school carnivals with the top placing students eligible for selection. If you have any questions about the process please do not hesitate to contact myself to discuss your concerns.

Students born in (2012, 2011 and 2010)

Upcoming Trial Dates

Expressions of Interest Due

Interschool Touch Competition (Friday 18th March) - Interschool Touch Day: Friday 25th March

Soccer (16th March 2022) - Trial Date: 21st April 2022

Rugby Union (29th March 2022) - Trial Date: 28th April 2022

Yellow Ball Tennis (19th April 2022) - Trial Date: 5th May 2022

Cross Country Trial Date: 22nd April 2022

P&C News

Our P&C AGM was held on Monday 14th March 2022. Congratulations to the new committee and we look forward to working with them over the coming year.

President - Amanda Hicks
Vice President - Amanda Goody
Secretary - Matilda Fairley/Catrina Stevens
Treasurer - Leisa Vickers
Tuckshop - Tara Pavey
Uniforms - Amanda Mastroieni
Grants - Matilda Fairley
Fundraising - Ebony Nancarrow
RREAP - Amanda Burnett

Special Meeting

A special meeting has been called for Tuesday 29th March 2022 at 3.30pm in the library to discuss playground options and uniform suppliers. Currently, the present uniform supplier is no longer able to provide our uniforms so we need to source a new supplier (we will not be changing the uniform design). We will also be discussing the next step in our playgroup redevelopment and to make decisions around this. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Uniform Stock Shortages

At the moment, the P&C is having issues sourcing the Green uniform polos, currently there is no stock of Size 6, 8, 10 and 12 shirts. The P&C hope to have this problem sorted by the middle of term 2. Please watch the newsletter and Facebook for further updates in regard to stock shortages.

Tuckshop Meal Deal

The Tuckshop Meal Deal for this Friday is a Hot Dog and Slushie for $5.00. Orders can be placed via the QKr App and will close on Thursday at 9.30am to allow for the ingredients to be purchased.

Student Achievement

Congratulations to our Students of the Week for Week 7 & 8

Prep: Thomas P: For being a diligent learner

Prep: Billie - Working diligently on her letters and sounds

Gr 1: Jayde - Participating appropriately in all activities and being a kind friend to all

Gr 1: Levi - For making responsible choices and helping friends to tidy up

Gr 2: Emily - For participating appropriately in all learning activities. Keep up the great work!

Gr 3: Blayne - For trying your hardest and for making fantastic, positive learning choices.

Gr 3: Thea - For being an active, enthusiastic learner and putting your best effort into all tasks.

Gr 4: Riley - Embracing challenges

Gr 4: Lachie - Working as a team

Gr 5: Jett - Displaying playfulness

Gr 5: Blake - Resilience and asking for help

Gr 6: Dylan - For embracing the challenges faced on Friday

Gr 6: Brayden - For having a playful attitude towards learning.

Principal's Award

Claire & Miles

Badge Ceremony 2022

Our Year 6 Leaders received their Leadership Badges on Monday 7th March 2022 in front of their fellow students, staff, parents and family members. Mr Bob Moschioni presented their badges and each student recited a pledge for their position. Congratulations Year 6, we know that you will have an amazing year as our school leaders.