Term 4 Week 2 Newsletter 9 October 2024
From the Principal
It was wonderful to see the students return to school happy to see their friends and ready to learn. We look forward to a busy term with plenty of educational experiences.
Next week our year 5 and 6 students are away at Boyne Island for the week. Keep on eye on our Facebook page to keep up to date with their adventures.
Attendance
At Thangool we are passionate about building lifelong learners who have the best chance of success. In order to do this good student attendance is essential.
Why does school attendance matter?
Regular school attendance gives students a better chance at life. Students achieve better when they go to school all day, every school day because:
- They have increased access to learning opportunities
- They maintain friendships
- They stay connected to the curriculum progression
- They develop self-efficacy as a learner
- They have better long-term life outcomes.
Our attendance rate to date is 89.3% well below our target of 94%. Children should be at school every day they are well. If your child is having difficulty attending, please discuss their needs with your child’s teacher. I am also always happy to assist, so please let us know if you need support.
Planning for 2024
In term 4, we will be busy planning resources and staffing for the 2025 school year. We would appreciate you keep in contact with the administration team about your child’s enrolment (if changing) for 2025.
If you know anyone who is wishing to enrol or thinking about enrolling and would like a tour please encourage them to contact our school as soon as possible.
This information ensures our planning and resourcing of staff is as accurate as possible for 2025.
To support our students with our transition program within our school, we are in a position to release our classroom teachers for 2025 (subject to change as dependant on day 8 numbers):-
Prep- Mrs Ellen Brewer
Year 1- Miss Breanna Black
Year 2- Mrs Leanne Lawson
Year 3- Miss Darcie Lang
Year 4- Miss Jessica Dean
Year 5- Mrs Rameeya Cheng
Year 6- Miss Charmaine Symes
Our staffing provides a wealth of experience and stability for our students and families. Please note we will release part time and support teachers in the coming weeks.
Capable Learner
The start of a new term is always a great time to revisit our expectations ensuring clarity and consistency.
Our Thangool Capable Learner relates to the classroom and in the playground. By consistently emphasising our school rules, dispositions, values and holding high expectations, we ensure that all students are kept safe and are able to learn to the best of their ability. Our capable learner is built on key foundations and surround by ensuring we are inclusive, focus on wellbeing and provide feedback using our language of good, better, how. Please consider discussing our capable learner with your child/ren at home.
This term on parade we are introducing students to the Auslan sign for our dispositions.
Long Service Leave
In week 4, I will be on leave and Ms Sammi Jo Hyland will be in charge.
Have a wonderful week.
Fiona
HOC News
Learning Beyond the Classroom
As we have returned to learning our year 5 and 6 students are off on their camp. The camp offers numerous benefits for students, firstly, it is an opportunity to learn beyond the traditional classroom setting. It allows students to learn in a more relaxed and hands-on environment. This change of scenery can spark enthusiasm for learning and foster a sense of adventure and curiosity as they are presented with new opportunities to incorporate experiential learning, connecting theoretical knowledge to real-world applications.
Other ‘beyond the classroom’ activities this term include our mud pit. Playing in the mud pit is a joyful and memorable experience, especially for our students as it offers a range of physical, sensory, and developmental benefits. It encourages creativity as kids use their imagination to build and shape mud structures, fostering problem-solving skills. Regardless of age, the mud pit also provides sensory stimulation, allowing children to explore different textures, temperatures, and sensations, which can contribute to their cognitive and sensory development. It is a great outdoor activity that encourages kids to disconnect from screens and connect with nature. Aside from the educational and physical benefits, playing in a mud pit is simply pure fun. It fosters a sense of freedom, encourages laughter, and creates cherished childhood memories.
Transitions
Throughout this term, students will begin transitions to the 2025 learning environments. Our transition program at Thangool involves making connections to our Kindy families, practising and familiarising ourselves with our new teachers (where possible) as well as visits for our Year 6 students to the local High Schools.
TIPS FOR PARENTS
- Keep a positive attitude and model excitement
- Watch for signs of anxiety or stress
- Talk about their new routines
- Listen to your child and ask open ended questions
- Encourage peer relationships that are kind, supportive and loyal
- Encourage your child to participate in new activities
- Show support and seek advice if needed
SEL News
Welcome Back to Term 4 in Social Emotional Learning!
We hope everyone had a restful break and is ready for another exciting term of growth and learning!
In Year 4, our students are working hard on communication and problem-solving. This term, they will be engaging in team-based activities that encourage them to work together, communicate effectively, and solve challenges as a unit.
In Year 5, our students are taking a big step toward leadership. They are in the process of organising the end of year Dance and the Parent vs Year 6 Handball Competition. This is a great opportunity for our students to practice their communication and organisational skills. They will learn from their mistakes and their successes to help them as emerging leaders.
Navigating the Transition to High School for Year 6 Students
Our Year 6 students are on the cusp of an exciting but sometimes overwhelming transition to high school. Research shows that this period can bring a mix of emotions—ranging from excitement to anxiety—and often involves both social and academic challenges.
Supporting Year 6 through Transition
As parents, you can help ease this transition by:
- Listening with empathy – Your child may express excitement, anxiety, or even sadness. Research shows that when parents listen actively, children feel more supported and are better able to manage their emotions.
- Reassuring them – Remind them that it’s normal to feel a range of emotions, and that you’ll be there to support them. High school can also bring many exciting opportunities for growth.
- Preparing them for change – Talk openly about what to expect in high school, both academically and socially. Helping your child understand the new routines and challenges can alleviate some of their anxieties.
Sports News
With new management at the pool we are looking at getting our swimming carnival and water awareness organised early. These days need heavy involvement from our families to make them successful. Please note that the times are based on previous years but may change to better fit available staffing options. We will do our best to keep them at this though. With volunteers becoming harder to find in our busying lifestyle; volunteer numbers will determine how our interschool carnival (using the swim club system or through carnival system and manual timing) and water awareness is run. Please take the time to consider if you are available to help on these days so we can make accurate decisions as we plan for these days. Please register your interest in the links below.
Swimming carnival time keepers
https://signup.zone/ErqstzmaSHeA7WzCF
Swimming official (starter, computer system) – please email me
Water awareness
https://signup.zone/jXqGYZHBMaRbzMZct
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