31 August 2017

Newsletter Articles

Across the Principal’s Desk…

2017 NAPLAN results…

I would like to acknowledge the efforts and achievement of our Year 3 and Year 5 students in the recent NAPLAN tests. The data has recently been made available and as you can see form the graphs below, there are trends of a sustained trajectory of improvement across many of the domains assessed. I know that as we continue with our explicit improvement agenda, we will continue to see improved results. I am yet to compare our results to 'like schools' across the nation but can already see areas with fantastic achievements since 2013 and other areas where as a staff we will investigate them to build consistency and school-wide practices. We will continue to align our resources, tools and support available to chart an improvement journey based on our answers to the following critical questions:

• How well are my students learning?
• How do I know this?
• What will I do to improve their learning?
• How will I know whether it is working?

Essentially, NAPLAN confirms for me that as we mature our approach to school improvement by increasing the precision of our work, we can expect strong and continued growth in the future.

Recently I‘ve had numerous discussions with families about a number of topics including; the teaching profession, NAPLAN, report cards and what students need to be successful in the future. I have expanded upon two topics below to provide you with more information and insight into them…

Academic success alone determines future success in workplace and society?

There is little doubt that the foundations of literacy and numeracy are critical in forming a firm basis for a child’s educational future and future job prospects. However, to hang all importance on academic success and scores such as NAPLAN and OP is misguided and simply not a balanced approach to developing a well-rounded individual. We see so much more in our students through providing a range of learning opportunities and a variety of means by which to assess such.

We want the students at Windsor to leave our school with a sense of fulfilment and satisfaction about what they have achieved. We want their efforts to establish within them appreciation of hard work, passion for learning and brewing anticipation for where life will take them. This means that every student in every classroom, regardless of where they are at, has the ability to improve their own skills and knowledge. Having high expectations is not about setting the same standards for everyone. It is about motivating students to set their own goals to work towards every time they come to school.

In fact, as Angela Lee Duckworth outlines in the attached Ted Talk clip, her research across a diverse range of schools and workplaces indicates clearly that those who show ‘grit’ or an ability to go after and be ’dogged’ in their pursuit of success, in something they are passionate about, are clearly the most successful. It’s about having a ‘growth mindset.’ I urge you to take the time to watch this short clip. There are also links to other talks by Angela.

Teaching is only from 9am – 3pm, isn’t it?

The teachers at Windsor work incredibly hard and spend many nights, weekends and school holidays preparing, marking and planning to ensure that the students get the best possible learning opportunities each and every day. They also undertake additional work related/voluntary activities such as school excursions, camps, before/after school clubs, competitions, sporting events and the list goes on.

Being a teacher is a rewarding, yet challenging career and some teachers decide to either work full time or part time to balance their family and work life. I have included a link to a new series on ABC television regarding the enormous challenges faced by teachers. Some of this explains just why we are heading towards a massive teacher shortage across the nation and this includes the principalship as well. We cannot attract the best people for teaching if we don’t look after them, which includes community expectations remaining reasonable in terms of what a single teacher can physically achieve with 25-28 students in each class. I think it is important for us all to keep in mind the many constraints upon our teacher’s time and the complexity of teaching itself. I believe our teachers do an amazing job and go well and truly above and beyond in so many ways. It’s what makes our school culture so strong and teaching our children is a partnership shared by all.

SPARQ-ed Biochemistry immersion program

Recently Year 5 student Owen Arnold attended the SPARQ-ed Biochemistry immersion program at the University of Queensland, through the Young Scholars Program. Owen spent Friday and Saturday last week in a PC2 lab (at the Translational Research Institute in the PA Hospital grounds) purifying and growing a fluorescent bacteria that glowed under UV light. He was able to use a variety of scientific equipment and techniques to do this. Well done Owen and it certainly looks like you had a fun time!

Grant Baker

Officeworks Update

As you will be aware, the School Council and P&C has successfully negotiated with DET for the return of the Officeworks site to Windsor State School. This has been a long complicated process yet through Persistence and Confidence this incredible milestone has been achieved.

As a result of these negotiations, it was determined that the site will be developed into useful school space that could include multiuse sporting facilities, increased integration with the pool and future expansion with additional classrooms.

The existing structure, due to its age and residual life, will not be suitable for long term use and is to be demolished and removed making additional usable space. The process to complete the design, obtain council approvals, request quotations and procure the contractors to construct the works is expected to take 9 months (June next year). As such, DET and the School have agreed to extend the Officeworks lease until June next year which allows the business to source alternative premises.

The process to plan and redevelop this area in coordination with DET is complicated. A committee has been created to ensure the School’s and Students’ interests are being managed to the highest level. This committee includes the Principal, members from the School Council, professional engineers, planners, architects and builders from the School Facilities Committee. This committee is fully integrated with the DET Project Management team to ensure the Schools expectations are met and that this truly rare opportunity is fully utilised to the best possible outcome.

This is a fantastic opportunity for the School and Community. This development can be integrated into the School’s Master Plan and provides an excellent strategic opportunity to manage the School’s continued growth in a controlled organic manner.

Additional ongoing updates will be provided over the duration of the development.

STEVE ALLAN
School Facilities Committee Chair
Email: Steve.Allan@fkg.com.au

from the Deputy Principal…

ENROL NOW FOR PREP 2018!

Have you got a child born between 1 July 2012 and 30/6/2013? Enrol them now for Prep!

As our school is officially at capacity, our Enrolment Management Plan must be totally enforced. We can only offer places to students in our catchment area.

Places in Prep for 2018 are limited to 100 students, unless more students live in our catchment area. We no longer provide students in the Lutwyche Gordon Park area with guaranteed enrolment. Please check that you are in our school catchment online, at the link below.

I ask all parents currently at the school with siblings due to start school in 2018 to ensure enrolment forms are completed as soon as possible.

Father’s Day Stall

On Thursday, students will have the opportunity to purchase a gift for their Dad at the Father’s Day stall in the hall. Students in Prep – Year 3 will also have time to shop in class time and shopping will also be available before school from 8:15am and during first break.

NAIDOC Week

As NAIDOC Week was during the school holidays, we are celebrating NAIDOC Week at Windsor State School this week. During the week, special guests will be visiting the school as part of our NAIDOC Celebrations. Our student NAIDOC Ambassadors, Marly and Reshaei, will assist with the organisation and facilitation of our NAIDOC Week celebrations.

Lucas Proudfoot from Circular Rhythm will perform for our Year 3 students, covering diversity throughout Aboriginal Australia. Another visitor to our school, Derek Oram, will engage our Year 4 students in cultural sessions that complement the current Year 4 Science unit. Also during the week, all students have the opportunity to engage with a variety of texts during their literacy experiences that highlight our NAIDOC celebrations.

Thank you to Gregg Dreise for visiting our school last week for our Prep –Year 2 author visit. Gregg is an author, illustrator, teacher and descendent of the Kamilaroi and Yuwaalaraay people. His books ‘Silly Birds’, ‘Kookoo Kookaburra’ and ‘Mad Magpie’ are humble, charming and quintessentially Australian fables.

CANBERRA TRIP

In Week 6, Our Year 6 students undertook an education tour of the national capital, Canberra. The students had the opportunity to participate in a variety of educational programs with a focus on Australia’s history, culture, heritage and democracy. Thank you to the Year 6 parents for supporting this wonderful experience and to the students for their application of the school values and Keys to Success throughout the week. Thank you also to all of the attending staff for their commitment both during and in preparation for this highly engaging camp.

Please read below a Camp Report from one of our Year 6 students:

Year 6 Canberra Trip 2017

Last week, the year six students visited Canberra, We visited many educational places. At Old Parliament House, we sat in the seats where the Senators sat in the early1900’s. One of the cooler places in Canberra we visited was in Blue Cow. We skied and played in the snow and had snowball fights. Then, we went to other solemn places like the Australian War Memorial and we placed a poppy next to our soldier. We watched the closing ceremony which was very special. While all of these activities were fun, educating and exciting, we all enjoyed a sleep at the end of the day. Questacon was a great place to visit and the Giant Drop was very scary. We had a remarkable trip and wish it had not ended. This amazing week of education could not have been possible without our awesome teachers and guides.

Bronte (6A)

TYKE-OH DRUMMING JAPANESE DRUMMING EXPERIENCE

On Thursday next week, Windsor State School students will have the opportunity to view the Tyke-Oh Japanese Drumming. This incursion enhances our school’s Japanese Languages program and provides a unique experience for our students. Please ensure that payment has been made for your child to attend this incursion.

RESPONSIBLE BEHAVIOUR & CODE OF CONDUCT

The Importance of Play in the Parent-Child Interaction

As parents, we know that play is important work for young children, but how important is play to the parent-child interaction?

A recent study conducted by researchers at West University of Timisoara in Romania, has found that different forms of play help both in the harmonious development of the child, as well as the parent-child interaction, if parents involve themselves in forms of play with their children. These forms of play include creation play (spontaneous initiation and development) construction play (prefabricated materials), didactic play (blends play with learning), movement play (contributes to general physical development) and sportive play (more complex physical development and development of cooperation, team spirit, resilience etc.).

The study affirmed that play is the foundation that contributes to development, wellbeing, socialisation, learning, creativity and imagination. All children, regardless of sex, ethnic, cultural or social background, will involve themselves in play. Every child needs to play in order to develop and to form his/her individual personality. The playful atmosphere signifies freedom and joy, a withdrawal from the realms of reality and stepping into the world of imagination and of the impossible, which can become possible.

The importance of playing with our children is fundamental in the construction of the parent-child relationship, in the understanding of the child and in gaining the child’s trust. Play can also be used by the parent as an efficient and pleasurable means of educating and disciplining the child.

Key messages:

• A low involvement by the parent in the play activity with the child means a low level of quality interaction between the two.
• Play helps a child interact with their environment, providing possibilities to develop their capacity to use their senses.
• Play in itself involves a plan that implies purpose and rules, so that a child can realize a certain action that produces satisfaction.
• Up to school age, play is affirmation for a child.
• Play offers children a sum of impressions and experiences that contribute to the enrichment of knowledge of their world and life.
• Children enhance their capacity to understand complex situations through play.

Things you can do:

• Get down and dusty. Dig in the garden, try water play or rolling in grass.
• Rather than buy play dough, Google a recipe and let your child help you cook up a saucepan full.
• Give children space and time to use their imaginations.
• Have toy free days.
• Encourage tactile play for younger children, or playing shops for older kids, incorporating numeracy and literacy.
• Invite other children over for play days.
• Allow children to sort any conflict themselves, rather than step in and mediate.
• Make good use of park and playground time.
• Take nature walks together, collecting leaves, feathers, stones. Pack a clip board. Kids love clipboards.
• As a family, play board or card games together, especially for older kids.
• Monitor electronic devices in favour of creative play.

Source : The importance of play in the parent-child interaction, Runcan, Petracovschi & Borca.
Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences 46 (2012) 795-799. www.sciencedirect.com

Takeaway from Professor Michael Bernard:

The more a parent engages in play activities with their child, the better the quality of their interaction will become. Play gives kids opportunities to make sense of their world and when we interact with our kids in play, we as parents have the chance to bond, get to know our children, and share their wonder and creativity. We can also help to instigate fun activities to enhance their physical development, and social-emotional learning.

For more information and resources on positive and effective parenting, visit the link below.

Active School Travel

The weather is perfect so grab your scooters (and helmets) on Wednesdays and let's win the Golden Boot trophy for the highest percentage of children scootering to school during the month of August! This trophy is awarded across all Active School Travel Schools in Brisbane. If you don't live close enough, park away from the school and scooter the rest of the way.

Every family has received a Windsor State School Active School Travel Map. This map shows different Active School Travel routes, bikeways, crossings and more! There are also suggested routes where you can park outside the 6-8 minute walk radius from the school gate and walk or ride the final part of your journey. Part way is okay! You can download a copy of the map below. This map makes it easy to for parents, students and staff to find their best walking, riding or public transport route to school. Families may also like to use the map on the weekend to re-discover the local area.

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 House Captains, together with the support of the Student Council, are running this exciting initiative. 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.

If you choose to register your child online, a secure fundraising page will be created as soon as you register, and you can then share this link with as many people as possible. 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. For example, you do not need to display full 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! Thank you for joining us in the fight against heart disease!

Follow Windsor SS on Facebook & Twitter!

Get the most up-to-date information and school alerts by following Windsor State School on Facebook www.facebook.com.au/windsorss 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!

Master Teacher’s Report

Master Teacher / STLaN Update

Age Appropriate Pedagogies:

Today our focus is Inquiry learning.

What is Inquiry-based learning?

• Begins with a question, problem or idea.
• Involves students in planning and carrying out investigations, proposing explanations and solutions, and communicating their understanding of concepts in a variety of ways.
• Provides opportunities for children to make decisions/choices
• Facilitates active learning processes (e.g. inferring, hypothesizing, measuring, predicting, classifying, analysing, experimenting, generalising and formulating conclusions)

Last week, 1D ventured outside to the sandpit to investigate capacity. Throughout the lesson the students were actively engaged doing, observing, raising questions and discussing findings.

2017 Term 3 Week 3 AAP

Reading:

Prep C enjoy reading in their rainforest.

Before school Reading Intervention

All reading programs, except Year 1 MiniLit will finish at the end of Week 9. Please refer to the table below for the final session date for Term 3 sessions.

MiniLit will finish on Thursday 14th September.

Our Playgroup, the Windsoroos

Last Friday, we welcomed two more families to our playgroup. We had fun making and eating PIZZA!

2017 Term 3 Week 3 Windsoroos

2017 Timetable for the Windsoroos:

For more information about our playgroup, please click on the attachment below.

We look forward to having fun and growing with you and your child/children at the Windsoroos Playgroup.

ICAS – Parent Access to Student Results

The ICAS results are slowly being returned. Once I have received them all, I will collate them and hand back to the children. As in previous years, we will hold on to the Distinctions and High Distinctions. These will be presented to those students at the end of year parade on December 4. If you would like to further analyse your child’s results you can access their details through the ICAS website and the student portal link. The website can be found below.. Each certificate comes with a yellow cover letter that informs you of their score in each area tested. On this letter, you will find your child’s TAP-ID and PIN just after the Comparative Performance graph. This will allow you to gain access to their results as well as the questions they had to answer. It may be worthwhile to show your child these results and discuss areas that may need further explanation. This will certainly help them when they participate next year.

Innovators of Tomorrow

Just a friendly reminder that children will assemble in the quadrangle to eat a quick afternoon and then be collected by the workshop teacher. Parents, please collect your child from the workshop location. Thanks.

Tinkering with Technology

This week 32 Year 5 and 6 students attended a Tinkering with Technology workshop at QUT’s The Cube. Students engaged in a process of project-based learning through tinkering using a range of digital technologies, from MaKey MaKey to Chibitronics and littleBits . They worked collaboratively to solve an open-ended, real-world challenge. It was a fantastic day, even though they had to disassemble their awesome robots.

Eloise Gannon Foundation

On behalf of the Eloise Gannon Foundation I would like to sincerely thank the wonderful Windsor State School staff, students and families for getting behind Team Eloise, your support and generosity was incredible as was the sea of pink on Friday!

We have been overwhelmed by the kindness of you all in so many ways. Your contribution and support will go directly to helping the Foundation achieve our goals and raise much needed awareness.

Many thanks again to a very special community.

Kind regards,
Nikki Gannon

School Banking Update-

The yearly Australia wide competition is now on for all school bankers. Bank at school at least 3 times between 14 August and 10 November for the chance to win some high tech prizes. Remember banking is every Tuesday so fill out the deposit slip and give it to the classroom teacher. A Youthsaver Commonwealth bank account is required to do school banking which can be opened at any branch with a birth certificate. For every 10 bankings at school a reward can be claimed.

School banking is a P&C fundraiser with commissions paid by the bank (not taken from your child’s money!).

Munch Monitor Ordering Reminder

We’re very lucky to have such a user-friendly ordering system for our school tuck shop.

But even the best of us can have parenting fails. I should know, I’ve made this Munch Monitor ordering mistake myself…

When you place an order – other than an everyday meal deal – you need to ensure you submit the order for each break separately.

That is: Click the Submit button once after first break selection and click the Submit button again after your second break selection. Sounds obvious. However, we do get the odd missed lunch.

While we make every effort to ensure that every child has lunch at WSS, and if something is missing their teacher will take them to the school administration and you will receive a phone call. But your child may miss out on their preferred selection due to what has been prepped for the day’s orders.

Any queries, please contact retail@windsorsspandc.com.au.

Thank you for your support
Georgia Limmer, Retail Subcommittee

Uniform shop co-convenor position

Do you have a passion for retail? An interest in school uniforms including ordering and supplier liaison and assisting new families to find the right items in our beautifully organised uniform shop? Are you looking for some regular paid hours and a way to regularly volunteer for our school community?

Then we have the position for you. Windsor State School is looking for a Uniform Shop Co-convenor to work alongside our current Convenor with the idea of taking over the role as Uniform Shop Convenor in 2018.

If this is something you are interested in and you have a current Blue Card or willingness to obtain a Blue Card, are an Australian resident and are ready to start asap, please contact Georgia Limmer on retail@windsorsspandc.com.au so we can arrange an interview.

• Open 4 hours per fortnight. Two hours paid per week, some volunteer hours are required.
• Manage a volunteer ‘call out’ for peak times i.e. prep transition day
• Hours increasing in 2018