3 August 2016

Newsletter Articles

Principal's Report

Digital Disruption!

Welcome to the first edition of the Windsor State School digital newsletter. As Windsor SS rapidly approaches 700 students, it is important that we are able to efficiently and effectively reach the entire community. To enable the school and P&C to circulate important information, we have engaged the services of a DET approved external provider, Schoolzine (link below) . The new and improved Windsor SS 'digital newsletter' will improve communication with the school community and beyond in an environmentally friendly and interactive way. The new digital newsletter will also be delivered, via email, directly into the inboxes of those parents/caregivers who have up-to-date details in our school database. This database is updated regularly.

Our new digital newsletter will also be a place for community sponsorship and advertising. The Schoolzine Advertising Sales Team will work diligently to source family friendly advertising sponsors and 20% of advertising sales revenue is rebated back to our school. If you are interested in advertising a business or community organisation, please contact advertising@schoolzine.com.au to make further enquiries.

Remember, to receive the digital newsletter via email, it is important that your contact details are current at Admin.

WINDSORFEST

Windsorfest Spring Fair is also not far away, Sunday 16th October…less than 3 months to go!

Windsorfest raffle ticket books were sent home last week. Tickets are $5 each or a book for $40 (Whole books must be sold to one individual or family). Prizes will be awarded to the two students who sell the most tickets in Prep-Year 2 and Year 3-6.

The Windsorfest subcommittee are also looking for a parent that can help with a second-hand ladies clothing stall. The stall and the clothes have already been organised; however, there is currently no convenor. If you can help, please contact Admin on 3866 4333 to be put in contact with the Windsorfest team.

The 'doggy parade' is making a come-back this year at Windsorfest. Start to get creative with your four legged furry best friend. The judging categories will be advertised in the coming weeks, so start thinking creatively!

Donations are as follows:

• Preps, 1 & 2: sweet stall donations (Condensed milk, cocoa, vanilla essence, white sugar, cooking chocolate etc.)
• Years 3-6: cake stall donations (Plain/SR Flour, Caster Sugar, Brown Sugar, Choc Chips etc.)

Cash donations for Windsorfest are also most welcome via EFT transfer (Windsor SS P&C Association BSB: 064-114 Acct No: 00900697 Payment Ref: WFest Donate). We appreciate your support in ensuring the success of Windsorfest.

Alice in Wonderland Jr.

Last week we were treated to "Alice in Wonderland Jr.", produced in conjunction with our partners at QACI (Qld Academy Creative Industries). The two performances of the musical at the QACI theatre were sensational and enabled students to learn more about The Arts and performance. I would like to thank Mrs. Jess Morel for the hours of rehearsals and preparation that culminated in the stage production. Tributes also go to Mrs. Kim Fanning, Miss Melinda Gatti, Miss Christine Fernie, Miss Loren White, Mrs. Amanda Vincenzi and Mrs. Emma Kemph for their valuable contributions. Thanks also to Nandita Adhikari, Catherine Olivieri, Denzil Hildebrand, Donna Field and the many parents who graciously volunteered their time in support of this great event. We appreciate your continued support and look forward to the new musical extravaganza!

Canberra Year 6

Our Year 6 students will soon be undertaking an education tour of the national capital, from Monday 15-19th August. Students will be given the opportunity to participate in a variety of educational programs with a focus on Australia's history, culture, heritage and democracy.

The Australian Government recognises the importance of all young Australians being able to visit the national capital as part of their Civics and Citizenship education. To assist families in meeting the cost of the excursion the Australian Government is contributing funding of $60.00 per student under the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate program towards those costs. The rebate is paid directly to the school upon completion of the trip. The PACER contribution has already been deducted from the cost of the overall trip to Canberra.

Please be reminded to pay all outstanding invoices immediately as all final payments are now overdue.

Respectful School Communication

Over the last few years, communication between the school, teachers and community has become much easier with improved technologies, such as email and social media. As a society, we are now inundated with information and communication, all the time, which is positive but can also impact people's well-being. As a school, we endeavour to keep parents informed about teaching, learning and special events as much as is humanly possible. However, as imperfect human beings, we also have limitations and sometimes errors are made. We thank you for understanding that there may be times when a breakdown in communication occurs unintentionally due to the complexity of our school environment.

As our school values are all about RESPECT, please be mindful that teachers/school staff are not available 24 hours/day, 7 days/week and have a right to their personal time. Communication outside of school hours and on weekends may go unanswered until appropriate times. Emails that arrive immediately before school, or during valuable teaching/learning time may not be even seen until 3pm. It is not unreasonable to allow 48 hours for an email reply to arrive from teachers/staff during the school term.

If there is an emergency, or you need to contact staff urgently, please phone Admin on 3866 4333 during school hours.

Writing Fever

One of our major focus areas for improvement is writing. During Semester 1, the whole school caught "Writing Fever"; we focused on fostering enthusiasm and satisfaction during the writing process. This semester will see our Teacher-Librarian, Mrs. Pam Godfrey, working closely with teachers and students to enhance our writing program, specifically in Years 3-5 where we often see achievement and effort diminishing.

Mrs. Godfrey has already been involved in resource selection, procurement and cooperative planning with teachers last term and now will assist these classes in the implementation of their class writing programs. Having Mrs. Godfrey working directly with students enables teachers to work with smaller groups of children to differentiate teaching and further enhance student outcomes.

Voluntary Financial Contribution

Providing a quality education for your children is a very resource intensive process. The Qld Department of Education provides schools, in conjunction with School Councils and Parents' & Citizens' Association, with a framework for the operation of voluntary student contribution schemes. These schemes have the sole role of enhancing resources available to improve student learning. It is essential that we maintain our high level of education provision. Each year, as part of our budget process, we identify funding priority areas for the Voluntary Parent Contribution Scheme. When choosing these priority areas, the School Council, P&C and the school staff look to purchase resources that directly benefit students in classrooms.

In 2015, DET funded a full wireless upgrade project which now allows increased connectivity across the entire school site. As part of the school review process, the community identified the integration of a wide range of digital technologies to implement an innovative approach to curriculum delivery as one of two major school improvement priorities for development. The School Council and DET have now endorsed the school strategic plan and are in the process of working on a full ICT (Information & Communication Technologies) plan which will outline current and future requirements.

As parents would be aware, ICT costs and materials are always increasing. Technology advances quickly. Whilst we try to provide quality up-to-date ICT resources, within the constraints of our annual budget, this is only achievable with your generous support. The ICT plan will involve significant financial investment, hardware and software, for direct use in classrooms in the coming years. These requirements could be iPads, iPad apps, laptops, interactive whiteboards and/or emerging technologies yet to be identified.

In 2016, your contribution of $120 per student will directly fund the purchase of ICT requirements (hardware and software) for use in classrooms. To date, we have raised over $30,000 and purchased laptops, iPads and interactive projectors. Thanks to those who have contributed so far, please keep those donations coming!

Families with three or more students receive a reduction with total contribution not exceeding $275. Please note that this scheme is voluntary and parents are under no obligation to contribute. In partnership with our School Council and P&C Association, I would; however, encourage parents to contribute and help enhance the learning outcomes for your children. $120 per child is about 0.60c per child/school day (200 days/year).

Parents can elect to make part payments at any time by regular EFT deposits into the school's bank account. Please find details of payments methods below. Simply return the form with either your contribution, in a clearly marked envelope, or EFT deposit directly into the school bank account (BSB#064-114; A/C#00090145). Payments can also now be made via EFTPOS (MasterCard/Visa) at the office. A receipt for all money contributed to this scheme will be provided.

Have a happy and successful week!

Matt Keong
Principal

Deputy Principal's Report

Curriculum Update

Australian Curriculum: Digital Technologies

In Semester 2, Windsor State School will begin to implement the Australian Curriculum: Digital Technologies curriculum in Prep, Year 1 and Year 2. In following years, the curriculum will roll out in the higher year levels. This coming semester, students will engage with, and be assessed against, the Prep-Year 2 Achievement Standard of the Australian Curriculum, as outlined below:

Digital Technologies is a new subject in the Australian Curriculum. It has not been a subject in previous Queensland curriculums. In the past, we have taught and assessed 'Technology' as a subject, which may involve digital technologies, but is primarily focused on the design, make and appraise process. This will continue to be the practice in Years 3-6 in Semester 2 this year. The information below is the Australian Curriculum: Digital Technologies rationale. This rationale, along with further details on the Digital Technologies curriculum is available via the link below.

Rationale

Technologies enrich and impact on the lives of people and societies globally. Australia needs enterprising individuals who can make discerning decisions about the development and use of technologies and who can independently and collaboratively develop solutions to complex challenges and contribute to sustainable patterns of living. Technologies can play an important role in transforming, restoring and sustaining societies and natural, managed, and constructed environments.

Australian Curriculum: Digital Technologies, is a subject in which students use computational thinking and information systems to define, design and implement digital solutions.

In a world that is increasingly digitised and automated, it is critical to the wellbeing and sustainability of the economy, the environment and society, that the benefits of information systems are exploited ethically. This requires deep knowledge and understanding of digital systems (a component of an information system) and how to manage risks. Ubiquitous digital systems such as mobile and desktop devices and networks are transforming learning, recreational activities, home life and work. Digital systems support new ways of collaborating and communicating, and require new skills such as computational and systems thinking. These technologies are an essential problem-solving toolset in our knowledge-based society.

The Australian Curriculum: Digital Technologies empowers students to shape change by influencing how contemporary and emerging information systems and practices are applied to meet current and future needs. A deep knowledge and understanding of information systems enables students to be creative and discerning decision-makers when they select, use and manage data, information, processes and digital systems to meet needs and shape preferred futures.

Digital Technologies provides students with practical opportunities to use design thinking and to be innovative developers of digital solutions and knowledge. The subject helps students to become innovative creators of digital solutions, effective users of digital systems and critical consumers of information conveyed by digital systems.

Digital Technologies provides students with authentic learning challenges that foster curiosity, confidence, persistence, innovation, creativity, respect and cooperation. These are all necessary when using and developing information systems to make sense of complex ideas and relationships in all areas of learning. Digital Technologies helps students to be regional and global citizens capable of actively and ethically communicating and collaborating.

Australian Curriculum Version 7.5:

Pastoral Care Focus

Persistence

Things to Say to Encourage Persistent Behaviour

• "You didn't give up!"
• "You kept trying. Great effort."
• "Making that extra effort will help you learn."
• "Your effort is important. It will help you succeed."
• "See, persistence pays off."
• "I see you understand that to be successful, you sometimes have to do things you don't feel like doing."
• "The more you practise, the better you become."

Persistent Behaviour

• Continuing to try even harder when schoolwork is hard
• Not being distracted by others
• Checking schoolwork when finished to make sure it is correct
• Trying and completing work found to be 'boring'
• Listening to instructions
• Finishing work instead of playing
• Not giving up too quickly
• Doing what you said you were going to do
• Returning phone calls
• Putting things away

Teach the Following Types of Thinking

• I Can Do It: When trying difficult activities, it is helpful if you think you are more likely to be successful than to fail.
• Giving Effort: The harder you try, the more successful you will be.
• Working Tough: To be successful in the future, you sometimes have to do things that are boring or not fun in the present.

What's On at Windsor SS

Student Council Disco This Week

Come to the disco dressed in fluoro or neon colours!

The Student Council welcomes everyone back to Term 3 with a Disco on Thursday, 4th August. This Disco helps to raise money to support student council projects at the school and the Act for Kids charity.

Tickets will be available in the Early Years Precinct, before 8:50am, in the week leading up to the Disco ($5.00 single ticket; $10.00 family ticket-2 or more).

The Disco times are as follows:

Prep-Year 2 - 5:15pm-6:30pm
Year 3-6 - 7:00pm-8:30pm

All Prep-Year 2 students must be accompanied by their parent/guardian at all times during the Disco. Parents/Guardians, you are responsible for your own children. Teachers will supervise at the Year 3-6 Disco. Parents are not required to stay at the Year 3-6 Disco, but must collect students promptly at 8:30pm. Food and drink will be on sale at the Disco and the DJ will also be selling glow products.

Jump Rope for Heart!

Windsor State School is participating in the Heart Foundation Jump Rope for Heart program and we would love your support! The School Captains and Vice Captains, together with the support of the Student Council, are running this exciting project as part of the City Cluster Leadership Program.

Heart Foundation Jump Rope for Heart is an exciting and non-competitive program which encourages children to become more active through skipping, learning new skills and raising vital funds for heart research and community health programs. We also receive 10 per cent of the funds raised to use here at school.

Jump Rope for Heart is also a great way to encourage children to get involved in our community and support Australia's leading heart health charity, the Heart Foundation. The Jump Rope team provides us with a range of resources and support to implement the program and in return we ask that students help by seeking sponsorship for their involvement.

Sponsorship is easy! Simply go online via the link below and register your child today! Alternatively, sponsorship can be collected via the hardcopy sponsorship form that has been sent home with your child.

If you choose to register your child online, a secure fundraising page will be created as soon as you complete registration. You are then able to share this link with as many people as you like. This is an easy, safe way for your child to monitor their progress, receive bonus prizes and even receive sponsorship from family and friends who are further afield. Please be mindful of Cyber Safety when setting up your child's registration page. Although it is an option, you do not need to use student name/s or photos on your child's sponsorship page.

As students raise money, they not only help support the Heart Foundation and the school, but they are also rewarded with exciting Thank You Prizes! These include skipping ropes, soccer balls and even trampolines and flying cars! The list of Thank You Prizes can be viewed below.

Thank you for joining us in the fight against heart disease!

True Relationships and Reproductive Health Workshops

No spaces left!

Please find below information about Family Education Programs that are being facilitated in the school Hall during Term 3. These family sessions will take place on the following dates and will cover:

Wed 3 August, 6:00-7:30pm – Family Education – Bodies and feeling safe (Year 4)
Thu 11 August 2016, 6:00-7:30pm – Family Education – Preparing for puberty (Year 5)
Thu 25 August 2016, 6:00-7:30pm – Family Education –Introduction to reproduction (Year 6)

True Relationships and Reproductive Health (True), formerly known as Family Planning Queensland, delivers family education sessions that are aimed at developing open and healthy communication about relationships and sexuality between parents/carers and children. These sessions provide age appropriate information to help build children's self-esteem. The purpose of these sessions is to facilitate open communication about sexuality between you and your children.

All sessions are provided by trained experts and are designed to cater for specific ages and year levels. The cost will be $20.00 per student. If you have previously returned an Intention to Attend form, you will receive the invoice for this $20.00 payment this week.

If you have any questions please contact me at the school or contact True Relationships and Reproductive Health directly on 3250 0240 or check out their website below.

The Breathe Project

On the 8th of August, Windsor State School students and teachers will participate in free workshops hosted by the Breathe Project. These workshops are focused on the use of breathing techniques to enhance mindfulness and wellbeing and reduce stress and anxiety.

The Breathe Project is an independent health promotion initiative empowering youth, schools and communities with one simple breathing technique. The project teaches students and teachers how to practically use this technique and integrate it into the classroom.

Opera Q

In Week 6 (Monday 15th – Friday 19th August), Year 5 students will have the rare opportunity of working with Opera Q in the Sing Story program.

This program blends music and writing, as students construct narratives through the medium of Opera. Young people often have little exposure to opera and, subsequently, many have common misconceptions about the art form. Sing Story shows students that opera is simply a story told through drama and song.

Aligned with the National Curriculum, Sing Story encourages the use of critical literacy skills, helping students to understand the narrative structure through the deconstruction of popular opera plots. Students discuss the elements of setting, characters, relationships, complications, solutions and themes.

This week-long residency allows the three Year 5 classes to spend a day each deconstructing narratives of well-known operas and then collaboratively creating and rehearsing their own narrative. On the final day, all classes come together and perform their new works.

QParents

Our school now has QParents. Parents should have received an invitation email or letter by now and it's great to see that so many parents have registered already.

If you have not received an invitation, please advise us immediately. QParents will soon become an integral part of how we communicate with parents. Get on board to enjoy the ease and convenience that QParents offers.

Help us become more 'paper-less' by registering for QParents now!