7 June 2017

Newsletter Articles

Across the Principal’s Desk…

Preparing Students to be 'Life Ready'

It seems that recently I have been delivered a reminder of the importance of educating the ‘whole child’, from the articles which have come across my desk and I have read through a conference I attended last week that reinforced so much of what I believe is critical to the future of education across the world. The importance of early intervention and embedding the fundamentals of literacy and numeracy must be upheld right through a child’s formal education and beyond, yet it cannot be the only focus we have in a world of rapid change and increasing diversity.

I listened to Peter Hoj, Vice Chancellor of the University of Queensland speak about the significant renewal they are undertaking as one of the leading tertiary institutions in the world. He sees many of his faculties as ‘out of touch’ with the real world and needing to ensure that the delivery of these courses meets the expectations of life beyond school and university.

He could not be clearer about his desire to see students coming to his university with the ability to be diverse thinkers, creators, collaborators, contributors with a social conscience and a resilience to be able to adapt to change and embrace it. He was most critical and concerned by the level of, as he described it ‘spoon feeding’ which is occurring across the secondary schooling systems, with the only aim being to get the students across the line with an OP1. The attrition rate for first year university students is climbing, with an enormous burnout rate because they have been pushed to breaking point throughout their senior schooling and quite often well before this too, not to mention the ever increasing anxiety and mental illness which is eating away at the very core of these students.

I think it is very concerning that we might judge the success of a school on how much homework and high expectations regarding output that it places upon the students. I have seen firsthand that the education in some of these institutions is ‘beige’ for want of a better word, sticking with quite old and antiquated practices because they deliver on the academic success, but never mind the social or emotional needs and growth of the student. Schooling is so much more than textbooks and regurgitating content.

I read with interest a speech given by Geoff Gallop, Professor Emeritus from the University of Sydney which was entitled ‘What is an Educated Person?’ Where he challenges the idea of what is a truly educated person. He states that ‘they may be very knowledgeable but resistant to change and uncaring in attitude. On the other hand they may be capable of critical thought but ignorant of the consequences that may result from its application. They have many education credentials but little understanding of the real life circumstances that supported them along the way or indeed the assumptions that lay behind their credibility. As such, education invites us to continuous improvement in our knowledge base, our investigatory skills and our awareness of self and the world in which we have to adapt and innovate. Add to that our conscious and ongoing commitment to an open, caring and compassionate society that breeds support for evidence based and human rights infused policies rather than ignorance and bigotry’.

I have attached another interesting article which I read this week that really provides a balanced view of education and the preparation of being ‘life ready’. At Windsor, we are working very hard to ensure that your children, our students, are receiving a balanced and holistic education. Their academic success, underpinned by balance in their social and emotional world is critical. Thank you for supporting this with your own children. It makes for a well-rounded and balanced child and a wonderful culture across our school and into society.

IMPORTANT MESSAGE: Officeworks site

Background Information

As the community is aware, the site occupied by Officeworks is due to return to the school on 1 July 2017.

Over recent weeks, Officeworks approached the School seeking an extension of their lease for a further year.

Throughout 2016, investigations were undertaken by the School regarding the suitability of the Officeworks’ building for future school use. As previously discussed at P&C meetings, an Engineer's assessment was undertaken which identified the building unsuitable for future educational use.

In addition, The Department of Education and Training, in considering the needs of all state schools, were unable to confirm any short-term time frames for the building to be demolished and the site returned to the school as useable space.

Agreed Outcome

Following negotiations between the School, the Department of Education & Training and Officeworks, the School Council and I are pleased to announce that an additional fixed 1 year lease has been granted to Officeworks. This agreement secures the necessary funding and guarantees the return of the site to the School on 1 July 2018.

This outcome entails Officeworks remaining in the building for an additional 12 months, and ensures that the school can now confidently plan for the return of the site and prepare for the associated construction works, with an aim of returning the site, as useable space, as soon as practically can be achieved post 30 June 2018.

This is a very positive outcome for our school community and provides clarity and certainty for future development of the site, that meets school need and aligns with our endorsed Master Plan. The school will now work collaboratively with the Department of Education & Training to commence project planning.

Q&A Session

Following the announcement last week, a Question and Answer session was held in the school Library on the evening of Thursday 1 June 2017, to allow members of the school community to ask any questions regarding the agreed outcome. Questions mainly focussed on the intended use of the site, what assurances the School had regarding the funding arrangement and handover on 1 July 2018.

Members of the School Council, the P&C Executive and Facilities Subcommittee were able to advise that they had written assurances from DET regarding both the funding and handover arrangements and that they were actively involved in the negotiations with both DET and Officeworks, including the drafting of agreements between the parties. The community members in attendance were also advised that, as funding and timing were now known, the Master Plan can be revisited to ensure how best the site may be utilised under these arrangements.

The feeling from those present at the session was that this was a great outcome for the School and a credit to all those involved, in what has been a 10 year process so far.

ACE Awards

Each Semester we recognise and celebrate the outstanding efforts of students who have displayed exceptional commitment to learning and our school values. Our ACE awards recognise students’ efforts and encourage all students to strive to do their best.

The term ACE originally came from the following acronym of awards that we first gave out.

At the end of Semester 1, Years 1–6 are presented on assembly with awards for:

Commitment to Learning
Citizenship

For the Semester 1 Awards each class teacher nominates someone in their class for these awards, and students receive a certificate. At the end of Semester 2, Years 1–2 continue with these awards and Years 3-6 receive Achievement and Academic awards for each KLA across the year level.

Our Semester One ACE Awards will be presented at a special parade on Monday 19 June in the Hall. All parents are welcome to attend and will be contacted if their child is receiving an award.

Semester 1 Report Cards

Semester one Report Cards will be emailed home on Friday July 14, the end of the first week of Term Three. There will be no printed report cards provided to parents unless requested at Admin. These reports may be followed up with a parent teacher interview later in term three. Please be aware that parents may see a teacher at any time about their child’s progress by making an appointment, with your class teacher, at an agreeable time.

Our school has now had QParents for over 12 months. Parents should have received an invitation email or letter by now and we now have over 75% of parents registered.

If you have not received an invitation please advise us, at Admin, immediately. QParents is becoming an integral part of how we communicate with parents. Get on board to enjoy the ease and convenience that QParents offers. QParents saves time when paying invoices as it takes you directly to the payment screen. Ensure that your email address, as well as other details, are up to date.

from the Deputy Principal…

Final Gala Day this week!

Sport is an integral part of our school curriculum. This Fridays is the final Winter Interschool Sport Gala Day for. Please be reminded that all students in Years 4-6 must pay $12 per day, for each Gala Day, and have returned a completed permission slip to participate in Gala Days. It is crucial that the buses leave on time so that students do not miss games, so we ask that all Year 4-6 students arrive at school promptly on these mornings. Supervision will be provided from 8.30am. We will begin boarding the buses at 8.50am and the buses will be unable to wait for late arrivals.

Students must wear their Windsor State School Sports Uniform to Gala Days. Year 6 students may wear their Senior shirts.

Please remember to send sunscreen with your child to reapply throughout the day. It is important that they take responsibility for their personal sun-safety.

Athletics Carnivals

Next week, on Tuesday 13 June, the Prep-Year 2 students will also compete in their Athletics Carnival from 9am to approximately 1:00pm on our school oval. Parents are invited to attend, as spectators, and share in a sausage sizzle throughout the day.

On Thursday 15 June and Friday 16 June, we will also be holding our Year 3-6 Annual Athletics Carnival as part of our Physical Education Program. Students will be involved in both track and field events. The Carnival aims to increase children’s skills, develop team work and enhance our school culture.

Year 3-6 students will be walking, with staff, to and from Windsor ark, Grafton Street, Windsor on both days. Parents may take children home directly from the park after signing them out with the class teacher. Students must wear House Sports Shirt, School Pants, Joggers and School Hat. It is important that everyone bring a water bottle and apply their own sunscreen before school. There will be frequent reminders to reapply throughout the day. Students are required to bring their own lunch; tuckshop may be ordered and will be delivered to Windsor Park.

All Year 3-6 permission forms are due back at school by Monday 12 June 2017. No child can attend without returning the consent form as we are leaving the school grounds.

Further information about these events, including an approximate program, will be sent home this week.

Australian Curriculum: ICTs General Capability

Key Ideas

The key ideas for ICT Capability are organised into five interrelated elements in the learning continuum.

Organising elements for ICT Capability

Applying social and ethical protocols and practices when using ICT

This element involves students developing an understanding of how social and ethical protocols and practices are applied when using ICT.

Students apply appropriate practices to recognise the intellectual property for digital information of themselves and others. They use appropriate practices for the physical and logical storage and security of digital information, and apply appropriate protocols when using ICT to safely create, communicate or share information. Students gain an understanding of the benefits and consequences of the use of ICT by individuals, groups and communities and the impact of the use of ICT on the fabric of society. In developing and acting with ICT capability, students:

• recognise intellectual property
• apply digital information security practices
• apply personal security protocols
• identify the impacts of ICT in society.

Investigating with ICT

This element involves students investigating questions, topics or problems using ICT.

Students use ICT to define and plan information searches of a range of primary and secondary sources. They locate, access, generate, organise and/or analyse data and information and apply criteria to verify the integrity and value of the digital data, information and sources using ICT. In developing and acting with ICT capability, students:

• define and plan information searches
• locate, generate and access data and information
• select and evaluate data and information.

Creating with ICT

This element involves students using ICT to realise creative intentions and create solutions to challenges and tasks.

Students use ICT to generate ideas, plans and processes that clarify a task or steps, and generate and manage digital solutions to challenges arising from learning activities or responding to a need or creative intention. In developing and acting with ICT capability, students:

• generate ideas, plans and processes
• generate solutions to challenges and learning area tasks.

Communicating with ICT

This element involves students understanding and using appropriate ICT to communicate with others.

Students use ICT to share ideas and information to collaboratively construct knowledge and digital solutions. They develop an understanding of the context when communicating using ICT, including a sense of the audience, the form of communication, the techniques used and the characteristics of the users and the technologies. In developing and acting with ICT capability, students:

• collaborate, share and exchange
• understand computer-mediated communications.

Managing and operating ICT

This element involves students managing and operating ICT to investigate, create and communicate.

Students apply technical knowledge and skills to select, use and troubleshoot appropriate digital technologies. They develop an understanding of hardware and software components, and operations of appropriate ICT systems, including their functions, processes, procedures and devices. Students apply technical knowledge and skills to efficiently and securely manage and maintain digital data. In developing and acting with ICT capability, students:

• select and use hardware and software
• understand ICT systems
• manage digital data.

RESPONSIBLE BEHAVIOUR & CODE OF CONDUCT

We know that there are two dimensions of social and emotional development, positive and negative. A negative mindset acts as a barrier to positive outcomes and consists of the blockers, outlined below. Sometimes our emotions can be overwhelmingly powerful and these negative blockers can lead to behavioural, emotional and learning problems in children. Our major goal is to weaken negative Habits of the Mind and offer students coping skills and strategies to eliminate the Blockers. We want to strengthen the positive Habits of the Minds, at the same time, and provide students with knowledge and skills to develop the 5 keys to success.

Feeling Very Down - (like “Sad Sally”) means that when something negative happens to you – such as when someone is mean to you, you have a break-up with a friend, you have not achieved a good result in your school work, sport or other extra curricula area, and you feel very unhappy – you can, at these times, feel lonely. You might feel hopeless and inadequate believing that everything is bad and will always stay that way. Sometimes, if you feel very down for a long time, you can lose your motivation to work, lose your appetite, and find it hard to get out of bed.

Negative Habits of Mind that lead to Feeling Very Down, like Sad Sally, include:

• Self-Downing - thinking that I am a total failure or useless when I have been rejected of have not achieved a good result.
• Needing to be Perfect- thinking that I have to be successful in everything important I do and that it’s horrible when I’m not.
• Needing Approval - thinking that I need people (parents, teachers, peers) to approve of what I do and that, when they don’t, it’s the worst thing in the world.

• I Can’t Do It - when I have not been successful at something, thinking I am not good at anything and never will be; thinking that when someone I like or respect seems not to like me, there is nothing I can do to make things better.
• Giving Up - thinking that I have no control over what happens to me (good or bad) and that there is little point in trying anything because I will never be successful.

Michael E. Bernard, Ph.D.
Professor, Melbourne Graduate School of Education
University of Melbourne
Founder, You Can Do It! Education

Check out the link below for more expert parenting advice.

Check out the video “Mojo meets the Beast” below. Despite the videos being an American context, it provides another resource to spark discussion, with parents and teachers, around strategies to deal with negative “blocker” thinking. When children can understand, identify and realise that strong emotions are a normal part of life they will be able to develop the mindset and skillset to manage these and bounce back.

Active School Travel

Road Safety Assembly

Active School Travel’s larger than life AST Crew visited our school assembly on Monday 29th May.

While they were here, the AST Crew reminded students, teachers and parents how to safely cross the road. The Crew’s four steps to safely cross the road are:

STOP - at least one metre from the kerb
LOOK - right, left and right again
LISTEN – for the sound of close traffic
THINK – is it safe to cross and am I holding an adult’s hand?

Parents, please practise these steps with your children EVERYTIME you cross the road.

As adults, we lead by example so it’s essential that we do the right thing when we cross the road. This year, everyone will have more opportunities to practise their road crossing skills when they leave the car at home and actively travel to and from school.

Remember: Driveways can be dangerous places. Make sure your children stop, look, listen and think before crossing a driveway.

Follow Windsor SS on Facebook & Twitter!

Get the most up-to-date information and school alerts by following Windsor State School on Facebook and Twitter @Windsor_SS

You can also access important school information and alerts, including Facebook/Twitter, via the QSchools app! Download it now and keep informed of everything that is happening at our school.

QParents…please get on board!

Our school also has QParents. Parents will receive an invitation email or letter to register this week. Prep parents will also receive a Student ID card containing an EQ ID number to register.

If you do not receive an invitation (QPAO), please advise Admin ASAP. QParents is one of the ways we communicate with parents, get on board to enjoy the ease and convenience that QParents offers.

QParents is also the means by which parents access Student Reports. It is important to register now as printed reports are no longer sent home at the end of each Semester. Help us become more ‘paper-less’ by registering for QParents now!

THE WRITERS’ BOX

Each week, students are invited to apply the Seven Steps to a stimulus provided on parade and place their writing in the Writers’ Box outside the office. Over the past few weeks, students have written to a range of topics.

Eli (2D) and Louisa (4B) wrote very entertaining narratives about the ‘strange events that were seen on TV’.

Many Windsor SS students showed their enthusiasm for active travel when writing to persuade more students to actively travel to school. Claire and Owyn from 5C were particularly convincing!

It was fantastic to read so many entries from the lower school for last week’s writing challenge! Lucy (1A) and Eli (PA) were very creative when writing their imaginative retell about visiting another planet.

Although not necessarily taught in the below order, the Seven Steps to Writing Success are:

1. Plan for Success
2. Sizzling Starts
3. Tightening Tension
4. Dynamic Dialogue
5. Show, Don't Tell
6. Ban the Boring
7. Exciting Endings

If you would like to know more about each of the Seven Steps to Writing Success, follow the link below for a description of each step.

Roxanne O’Donoghue
Head of Curriculum

Family Education Programs

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:

Tuesday 18 July 2017, 6:00-7:30pm – Family Education – Bodies and feeling safe (recommended for Year 4)

Tuesday 1 August 2017, 6:00-7:30pm – Family Education – Preparing for puberty (recommended for Year 5)

Tuesday 29 August 2017, 6:00-7:30pm – Family Education – Introduction to reproduction (recommended for 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. ‘Bodies and feeling safe’ covers topics such as naming reproductive body parts, public and private and personal safety. ‘Preparing for Puberty’ is designed to encourage communication about male and female body parts, and discuss the various physical, social and emotional changes that occur during puberty. ‘Introduction to Reproduction’ also includes discussion about fertilisation, pregnancy and birth.

All sessions are provided by trained experts and are designed to cater for specific ages and year levels. However, if you would prefer your child to attend a session that is suggested for a year level other than their own, you are able to register for that session.

There are limited spaces available for these sessions so please indicate as soon as possible your intention to attend. The cost will be $17 per student. Please complete the ‘Intention to Attend’ form that will be sent home this week and return to the school office as soon as possible, as we only have 30 spaces per session available. An invoice for $17.00 will then be issued to those who returned the first 30 ‘Intention to Attend’ forms.

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.

Cupcake Friday

Music Supporters Subcommittee Fundraiser

At Windsor State School we are very lucky to be able to offer our students access to an excellent music program. However, funding for the program only ever goes so far and valuable extra resources are always in need. On Friday 9th June, the P&C Music Supporters Subcommittee will be holding a cupcake stall at the Constitution Road entrance from 3pm to help raise funds for the school’s music department. Please support this event by sending money along with your child, so they can purchase a cupcake on their way home, or come into school and buy enough cupcakes to get you through the weekend. Cupcakes will be sold for $2.

P-2 Athletics Carnival

Tuckshop – Tuesday 13 June

The Tuckshop will be operating from the Hall canteen during the P-2 Athletics Carnival. There will be a limited range of hot and cold food available for purchase as well as snacks and drinks.