16 August 2016

Newsletter Articles

Principal’s Report

Happy 100th Birthday Windsor SS Main Building!

After an enormous year of celebration during last year’s sesquicentenary, it was fitting that the 100th birthday of Windsor State School’s Main Building was a more modest event. The official opening of the main building, by the Education Minister of the time, was on 5 August, 1916. To commemorate 100 years of quality education within the walls Windsor’s main building, we revisited and enjoyed the special images from the past, see below.

Windsor SS Main Building, 1916-2016, celebrating 100 years of providing quality education to families of Windsor and Brisbane’s north.

NAPLAN vs. Report Card Results

Recently, we received our school performance reports for NAPLAN 2016. I am pleased to report that our school demonstrated solid results and improvement across almost all areas, with between 90 and 100% of students achieving above National Minimum Standard in all tests. In Year 3, 100% of students achieved above National Minimum Standard in all areas of Literacy and 98% in Numeracy. The number of students within the Upper 2 Bands was also above the National Cohort in all areas in Years 3 and 5, the exception being Year 5 Spelling (U2B) where Windsor student performance was similar to the Nation.

It was; however, brought to my attention that some parents/caregivers are drawing comparisons between NAPLAN test results and A-E ratings on report cards and that any obvious disparity between the two reports has been causing concern. Whilst some links may be apparent, NAPLAN results are calculated from three short multiple choice tests (Reading, Language Conventions, Numeracy) and one Writing test across three days in May each year. NAPLAN are short tests of Literacy and Numeracy. Literacy and Numeracy are two of the Australian Curriculum General Capabilities, not subject or learning areas (i.e. English, Mathematics, Science etc.). Specific outcomes for literacy and numeracy, at year level junctures are outlined in the Australian Curriculum; however, the General Capabilities are not independently reported on at the end of each semester. A student’s NAPLAN results may not always align directly with their A-E results on reports, for which multiple assessments are collected over two 20-week semesters each year.

As outlined in the Qld DET P-12 curriculum, assessment and reporting framework, we use standards based assessments. On Report Cards, A-E ratings are given according to explicit achievement standards in the Australian Curriculum, English and Mathematics. These two subject areas are rigorously assessed using multiple assessment tasks, each semester, against these Australian Curriculum Achievement Standards. Common Assessment tasks are moderated each semester, by class teachers, across each year level to arrive at overall Report Card ratings for English and Mathematics. The achievement standard for each subject area equates to a Satisfactory or ‘C’ standard. For a student to achieve an overall ‘A’ for the subject of English, they need to have achieved an ‘A’ level for both Reading and Writing (Receptive and Productive Modes). In Year 3 English for example, like all year levels, students engage with a range of genre over the course of the semester. Their overall writing result is assessed across multiple genre (i.e. Narrative, Persuasive and Informative) during the Semester. Students need to consistently demonstrate a very high standard of writing across all genre to achieve an overall ‘A’ for writing. In comparison, the NAPLAN Writing Test assesses one genre in an on-demand context. NAPLAN also doesn’t test all core content of each subject of the Australian Curriculum.

We do expect, at a whole school level, that our A-E data will correlate to the NAPLAN banding results to some degree. At Windsor SS, we have continued our focus on whole school, consistent, rigorous and moderated assessment and have seen greater alignment of school NAPLAN and A-E data. This, however, may not necessarily be the case for individual students. See extract below from a Grattan Institute article:

NAPLAN data is very useful in providing the school, state and nation with important information about student performance. We do; however, also need to remember that each NAPLAN test is one short test, over three days. One test on its own cannot measure the range of an entire semester’s worth of learning. That is why, at Windsor State School, we use a portfolio approach to assessment. A range of assessments are used to obtain an overall judgement of each student’s performance, in each subject area, against the Australian Curriculum achievement standards.

Interpreting the NAPLAN report can be challenging. If you are unsure as to how to interpret your child’s NAPLAN report, please follow the link below to the NAPLAN website:

If you have concerns about your child’s report card results as compared to their NAPLAN report, I urge you to make an appointment to discuss with your class teacher who will be able to explain why specific judgements were made for overall subject ratings for Semester 1 report cards.

Have a happy and successful week!

Matt Keong
Principal

WINDSORFEST

Windsorfest Spring Fair is also not far away, Sunday 16th October…less than 2 months to go!

Windsorfest raffle ticket books have been sent home. 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. Please return any ‘unused’ tickets to the office so they can be sold by someone else.

Thanks to everyone for donating to the sweet and cake stalls. Donations for the month of August are branded soft drinks as follows:

1. Prep & Year 1 – Coke/Pepsi/Diet/Zero/Max
2. Years 2 & 3 – Fanta/Sunkist/Creaming Soda
3. Years 4 & 5 – Lemonade/Sprite/Lift/Solo
4. Year 6 – Poppers and 600ml water.

Also, it’s time to get rid of all those half empty tins of paint from under the house as well as old sheets. Please make sure that lids are on securely when putting paint tins into the donation bins along with any old sheets you may have around the house.

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.

Canberra Year 6

Our Year 6 students are undertaking an education tour of the national capital this week, 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.

Prep 2017 Interviews

Over the last fortnight we have been conducting Prep interviews for 2017 students. If you know of people who live in our catchment and intend to enrol at Windsor SS in 2017, please ask them to contact Admin on 38664333 to arrange an interview this week.

Bridge to Brisbane fundraiser

The Bridge to Brisbane walk is happening on Sunday 28th August. This year, many of our staff are walking to support The Eloise Gannon Foundation. The Foundation was created to honour the memory of Eloise Gannon who, at 15, died unexpectedly due to Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome (WPW). The Foundation was formed with the specific goal of raising awareness of WPW, and other cardiac arrhythmias, to help reduce the incidence of Sudden Cardiac Death in our youth.

For those of you that aren’t aware, Eloise is the daughter of Nikki Gannon of our administration team. We already have 80 runners and walkers in our team and would love the Windsor community to join in and show their support. “Team Eloise” is currently the 3rd highest fundraising team so if you would like to contribute to the Foundation or register for the event please visit the link below. For more information regarding The Foundation and their goals please visit the link below. Thank you for your support.

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. Further information on the Australian Curriculum: Digital Technologies curriculum is available via the link below.

Roxanne O’Donoghue
Deputy Principal

Pastoral Care Focus

Emotional Resilience
Things to Say to Encourage Emotional Resilience

• “You didn’t let yourself get too angry.”
• “You’ve learned how not to get too nervous.”
• “You didn’t let that setback stop you from trying.”
• “Even though you didn’t do as well as you wanted, you are still positive.”
• “You seem not to have blown that negative event out of proportion.”
• “Keeping your cool helps.”
• “You see, you can get through the tough stuff.”
• “You chose not to upset yourself about what happened.”

Emotional Resilience Behaviour

• Does not get too down when schoolwork is not good
• Keeps trying in the face of setbacks
• Handles teasing or social difficulties without getting too upset
• Manages frustration when he/she does not understand something right away
• Manages frustration of having a lot of work to do
• Controls anger when treated unfairly
• Manages nerves when taking exams or performing in public
• Is able to say “no” and stand up to negative peer pressure
• Calms down quickly after getting very upset

Eliminate the Following Types of Thinking

• Self-Down: Don’t put yourself down when something bad happens
• Needing to Be Perfect: Mistakes are normal along the road to success. It doesn’t have to be perfect.
• Needing Approval: Don’t be too worried about what others think of you. You are you.
• I Can’t Do It: If you think you can’t, you can’t
• I Can’t Be Bothered: Doing things you don’t like to do is key to your success
• Being Intolerant of Others: Do not judge people. It is good to find out more about them.

Book Week

2016 Theme: Australia! Story Country

Next week is Book Week! At Windsor State School, we are celebrating Book Week with visits from famous authors and our dress-up parade on Monday 22nd of August. Students are invited to come dressed as a book character or in a costume that reflects this year’s theme.

Opera Q

This week, 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.

Jump Rope for Heart!

Over $4000 already raised!

Until the end of Week 7, 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 follow 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 at http://heartfoundation.org.au/thank-you-prizes.

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

The Breathe Project

Just Breathe…These simple words have been flying around our school this week along with one simple breathing technique. This technique aims 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.

Last week, Breathe Project Founders Kat & Bodhi dropped in to educate Windsor SS students and teachers on how to breathe correctly and they also encourage parents to join the project.

NAIDOC Week

As NAIDOC Week was during the school holidays, we will be celebrating NAIDOC Week at Windsor State School in Week 8 this term. Parents and families are invited to attend a special NAIDOC Week parade on Monday 29th of August. During the week, special guests will be visiting the school as part of our NAIDOC Celebrations.

On Friday 2nd September, Luke Mallie, an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artist and graphic designer, will facilitate workshops for Year 3 students that complement their current Technology unit. Also on that day, Paul Craft, an Aboriginal cultural educator from Burragun Aboriginal Cultural Services, will engage Year 4 students in cultural sessions that complement the current Year 4 Science unit.

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!

Master Teacher’s Report

Literacy Update

Reading

Is your child’s reading improving? Has your child been reading “Good Fit Books”?

What is a “Good Fit Book”?

A “Good Fit Book” is a book that the reader enjoys, which can be read with a high level of accuracy, fluency and comprehension.

Reading “Good Fit Books” is absolutely imperative if students are to progress as readers.

Children must spend the majority of their independent reading time engaged in books which they can decode and comprehend at very high levels. Regie Routman states that reading books which are too difficult does not help children, but in fact has an adverse effect on their growth and development as readers (Reading Essentials).

In 2005, Richard Allington stated that current research defines a “Just Right” or a “Good Fit” book for independent reading as one which children can read with 99% accuracy. This is a shift from prior thinking that identified a book as a “Good Fit” when students could read it with 95% or greater accuracy.

How do we teach children to choose books that are a “Good Fit” for them?

We demonstrate the concept of good fit books by using the metaphor of shoes.

We bring in a bag of shoes filled with dress up shoes, tennis shoes, T-boots, runners and a pair of footie boots. We begin by pulling out each pair of shoes and discussing the following steps:

I - I choose

P - Purpose Why do I want to ……?

I - Interest Does it interest me?

C - Comprehend Am I understanding what I am reading?

K - Know Do I know almost all the words?

How do I help my child choose a “Good Fit Book”?

• Continually talk about what a “Good Fit Book” is.
• Use the IPICK strategy (above) when visiting book shops, libraries or even your book shelves at home
• Help your child select his/her books by identifying difficult books as “Goal Books” rather than a “Good Fit Book”

Writing

Our students are certainly enjoying the “Golden Pencil” awards and the Student Leadership team’s writing challenge.

A little taste of our great writing from our budding authors:

Next week, I will be hosting Master Teacher Meeting on writing. Teachers from neighbouring schools will be moderating a variety of genre work samples from Years 2, 4 and 6. We will also be sharing successful writing practices.

Exciting Tuckshop News

For 1 Day only, this term we're introducing Sushi Tuesday 30 August!

We are trialling delicious, fresh and healthy sushi to be delivered as a first break meal option at the Windsor State School tuckshop.

For just $2.80 each, they come individually packed with a soy sauce sachet, and all rolls are Gluten Free.

Pre-order on Munch Monitor by 10am Monday 29 August, to have delicious fresh Large Sushi Rolls (approx 10cm) available at first break on Tuesday 30 August.

Menu options available are:

• Tuna Salad Roll
• Teriyaki Chicken Roll
• Crispy Chicken Roll
• Avocado Roll

We hope for Sushi Tuesday to be a success so we can offer it as a more regular menu option in 2017.

School Stuff

Now that everyone is back at school with all their Booklist items for the year, Schoolstuff is entering their low season. From the 15th February through to the 4th October, they are open from 9am to 4pm Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays. There are three simple methods for filling orders through Schoolstuff:

• ONLINE: Go to www.schoolstuff.com.au at any time to place your order. You can either have your order despatched to your chosen address or it can be collected from our warehouse. Orders are despatched on Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays.
• PHONE: Call us on 33917000 and we will place the order for you.
• RETAIL STORE: Visit our store at 81A Caswell St East Brisbane for an instant service. Our staff will pick and pack your order for you while you wait. The store is open Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays 9am -4pm throughout the year, including school holidays.