23 May 2018

Newsletter Articles

Across the Principal’s Desk…

School Funding

Within our school, we are most fortunate to have a very active parent community working hard to raise additional funds for numerous resources and projects across the school. Funding from the federal and state governments only goes part of the way towards providing your child’s education. We also access various grants, which are made available, with mixed success.

For a long time now, the Windsor school community has been able to deliver additional support to students’ right across the school. Sometimes it is specific projects such as:

Playground equipment, air conditioning, interactive whiteboards and televisions, iPads, laptops, wireless access points, among many other things. Currently, funds also support purchasing of resources for classrooms such as: Digital programs (i.e. Mathletics and Reading Eggs), Maths and English resources, assistive technologies, books for the library collection, software, sporting gear etc.

One of the most critical aspects of this funding is to support the Human Resources component such as additional teacher aide time and release time for teachers to undertake special programs and projects to enhance student learning. Without this financial support, there are many core and additional activities we would need to cease. The greatest area of support we can target with this funding is to the teachers and support staff at the coalface who make the greatest difference to your child’s learning.

I want to make it very clear that we operate on a ‘global funding’ model. This essentially means that we pool all available funds and allocate to the areas of greatest need across the school, based on what the teachers indicate they most require and what we have identified in the 2017 – 2019 School Strategic Plan, which was developed in consultation across the school community. This model works particularly well, as we can target whole school initiatives, which have the greatest impact for student learning. We are always very careful and prudent when combining the fundraising monies and the government provided funds, to ensure we get the best value for money and target the areas most in need to benefit the majority of students. The most recent example of this would be the $90,000 contribution the P&C made in 2016 towards technology (iPads) at Windsor.

I know that through close work with the P&C, whose primary role is to undertake fundraising and social activities, we will continue to target what is outlined in our Strategic Plan, whilst planning for future needs which may arise such as refurbishment of facilities, implementing a ‘cooling solution’ across the school, upgrading school equipment and delivering particular resources, both physical and human to support the staff in the school.

Therefore, when the time comes and various fundraising event arise, such as the upcoming Windsor Fest, every little bit of assistance counts. Thank you for your continued support Windsor!

New Reporting Format

As I have previously communicated, we will be implementing a ‘new look’ report card with a reduced number of comments at the end of Semester 1 and 2. The subject sections (e.g. English, Maths, Science etc.) on the report cards will show the level of achievement and effort only. The report card will be accompanied by a Semester 1, or Semester 2, Curriculum Information that will give an overview of the Curriculum content, skills and learnings from all subject areas.

Overall Behaviour achievement and comment will remain unchanged; however, the General comment will be more personalised by the teacher and include affirmations and recommendations for improvement. As usual, the Semester 1 report card will be sent home in week 1 of Term 3.

In Term 3, we will conduct an additional round of formal interviews, but this time the students will also engage in the conversations, thus making them parent/teacher/student interviews. During these interviews, students will discuss Learning Goals and their individual progress/feedback with the opportunity for both teachers and parents to discuss their learning. These discussions will ensure that the remaining 6 months of learning is set up for success and any concerns are highlighted/plans put in place. Students will prepare for this new process in early Term 3. The interview format is still being finalised but the booking process will occur as normal through ‘SessionKeeper’.

** Please note - that at ANY stage throughout the year (as is the case now), a parent, or teacher, can request a meeting to discuss their child’s academic, behaviour, social/emotional/wellbeing needs. This will not change as honest, transparent and open relationships between teachers/students and parents are paramount!

Winter Uniform

As we finally start to feel the coolness of winter arriving, can I please remind you that we are a ‘uniform school’ and as such, require students to be wearing the correct colour jackets and leggings/ track pants etc. Royal blue is the correct colour for students – which is available through the school’s uniform shop.

We have this expectation, endorsed by the P&C Association, so that students are easily identified as being from Windsor for safety and for pride in our school. There are many jackets, both new and second-hand in the school uniform shop for purchase.

Please also ensure that ALL items of clothing have your child’s name on them. We have in the past had several thousand dollars’ worth of gear in lost property at any one time. Pleas ensure that you check the Lost Property (located in A Block) and your child’s classroom first if an item of clothing goes missing.

Grant Baker

RESPONSIBLE BEHAVIOUR & CODE OF CONDUCT

‘Dear Kids, Love From Your Brain.’ What All Kids Need to Know About the Brain

by Karen Young

Kids do great things with the right information, and any information we can give them about how to become the best version of themselves will lay a sprinkling of gold dust on their path to adulthood. They have enormous power to influence the structure and function of their brain in ways that will build important skills and qualities, such as resilience, courage, confidence, and emotional and social intelligence. First though, we need to give them the information they need to perform their magic. Here’s what all kids need to know.

All great things need a few good instructions and your brain is up there with the greatest things of all. If your brain could talk, here’s what it would want you to know

Clink on the link below to read Karen Young’s full article:

GO FOR GOLD! Have you achieved Silver or Gold yet?

Our Whole School Responsible Behaviour Plan has been developed around students’ behaviour choices and their commitment to our school rules, beliefs and values (Respect for Self; Respect for Others; Respect for the School). Bronze (C- Satisfactory), Silver (B- often very good), and Gold (A- consistently excellent) levels are achieved when students achieve specific criteria. These criteria are related to the school beliefs and values about RESPECT and the development of the 5 keys to success and happiness, CONFIDENCE; PERSISTENCE; ORGANISATION; GETTING ALONG; RESILIENCE. All students (except Prep who work through the Early Years program) begin on Bronze at the beginning of the year and may apply for Silver (after 4 weeks on Bronze) and Gold (after 6 weeks on Silver) as the year progresses.

Students may progress up, or down, these levels as a result of the choices they make. Again, being a Silver or Gold student reflects an awareness and understanding of our schools’ values and beliefs about Respect and the development of the five foundations. It is the responsibility of each student to follow the process when applying to become a Gold/Silver student. This process includes completing an application, demonstrating that they meet the criteria of behaviours, negotiating with classroom teachers and acquiring the necessary signatures to confirm that they demonstrate each of the criteria.

The school acknowledges positive role models of behaviour in many ways throughout the year (merit badges; public acknowledgements; ACE awards). This year, we will celebrate students’ efforts and achievements in class and at special parades throughout the year.

UNDER 8’s DAY 2018

This Thursday May 24th, the children in Prep to Year 2 will be participating in an activities morning to celebrate Under 8’s week.

All parents in Prep-2 should by now have completed the permission webform below for children to attend the event. Please only complete this webform once! The cost of the day will be $5.00 and parents will be invoiced to cover the costs of the morning.

This day is dedicated to celebrating the early years of school and the theme this year is ' Children Exploring Language and Culture'. Parents of children in Prep-Year 2 are invited to come along and have some fun with your child while they take part in the morning.

Some of the fun and exciting activities that will be running on the day include face painting, a jumping castle maze, fruity necklaces…and lots more!

This year, the children are invited to wear free dress. Due to the nature of some of the activities, it would be great if they could come dressed in clothes that they can get messy in. This year there will be a cake stall running to help raise funds for P-2 resources. After all the fun activities you are invited to share morning tea with your child at school. A Coffee Van will also be on-site throughout the morning.

As teachers are responsible for a particular activity, children will require supervision. To ensure the day’s success we need as much parent assistance as possible. If you are able to come along on the day to assist your child or a small group of children, please complete and return the form sent home by your child’s teacher. The festivities will begin at 9am and will finish at 11am (first break). We look forward to seeing everyone at the festivities.

Gala Days

Sport is an integral part of our school curriculum. The next three Fridays of Term 2 are Interschool Sport Gala Days. Each student 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 at the hall from 8.30am. We will begin boarding the buses at 8.50am and the buses will be unable to wait for late arrivals.

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.

HOW DO YOU ENSURE A HAPPY AND SUCCESSFUL GALA DAY?

Playing by the Rules means thinking that by following school rules, school will be a better place to live and learn, and that you will stay out of trouble and be more successful if you do.

Thinking First means that when someone acts badly or unfairly, before you take action, you (a) think of the alternative courses of action; (b) think of the consequences of different actions you can take; and (c) predict the impact your actions may have on the feelings of the other person.

Being Tolerant of Others means thinking that, when someone is mean to you or is different from you, he or she is not a totally bad person. It means thinking that you need to find out more about the person. It also means not wanting to “get back” at the person.

Social Responsibility means thinking that it’s important to be caring, to try hard to do your best, to be fair to others, to make sure that everyone has the freedom to say what they think and feel without fear, to be honest and tell the truth, to have integrity by making sure that you do what you say you’re going to do, to respect others and have nice manners, to act responsibly by making good choices, to sort out problems without fighting, to care about nature and other living things, and to be understanding and include others who are different.

ACTIVE SCHOOL TRAVEL

Walk Safely to School Day!

Last Friday 18th May was Walk Safely to School Day! Walk Safely to School Day is an annual, national event when all primary school children are encouraged to walk to school. It promotes road safety, health, and the environment.

To celebrate Walk Safely to School Day, many students wore “Crazy Socks” when they actively travelled to school! Congratulations to everyone who participated!

Being part of the Active School Travel program, we are already leading by example and encouraging our students to actively travel every week. Being part of the national day showed our students they are part of a much bigger, international movement encouraging healthier habits and a greener environment. Active School Travel is one of the easiest ways to incorporate physical activity into everyday life for all children.

So be active and healthy, and actively travel to school!

Walking Wheeling Wednesday EVERY Wednesday! Let’s get active Windsor!!

The classes with the most Active Travellers last fortnight are:
Week 5: 3rd 3C, 2nd 3A and 1st: 3B
Week 4: 3rd 3A, 2nd 1B and 1st 3C
Congratulations!

Children can claim their AST prizes by presenting their AST passports at the office after checking by their class teacher. Don’t forget to choose an active way to travel to school that keeps the cars off the road!

INSTALL THE SCHOOLZINE ‘SZAPP’ ON YOUR PHONE?

Our newsletter is now available each fortnight either via email or by accessing the Schoolzine app. Details on how to download the app are available on the attached file.

Any families who are unable to access either the emails or app, please contact the school office.

QParents

Have you registered for QParents yet?

QParents is a secure app that provides parents of Queensland State School students with an easy avenue of communication with the school. Join the thousands of parents who have already registered to gain 24 hour direct access to your child’s information and communicate with school easily and efficiently.

Don’t have time to go in to school and pay an invoice? Have a family holiday coming up and need to let the school know you’ll be away? Want to have access to your child’s report cards quickly and easily? With the QParents portal, you have access to everything via a single, clear student dashboard.

You can also request updates or changes to student details such as providing reasons for past unexplained absences, advising the school of future absences, notifying the school of changes to student address and medical conditions and viewing and paying outstanding invoices.

Parents receive an invitation email and a Student ID card containing an EQ ID number to register.

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!

If you do not receive an invitation (QPAO), please contact the office on 3866 4333 if you require any further information or assistance.

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.

Musical 2018! Peter Pan Jr.

Students who successfully achieved a part in the 2018 School Musical, Peter Pan Jr, are rehearsing each week leading up to the event. Tickets will soon go on sale for $20 per Adult and $15 per child.

Rehearsal take place in the Hall on Wednesday and Thursday afternoons from 3pm-4:15pm.

Only students participating in the musical are permitted to attend rehearsals. Alternative care arrangements for supervision of siblings must be made. Any student present at after school Musical rehearsals, who is not a cast member, will be sent to the office and parents contacted to collect.

WindsorFest 2018

On the Hunt for a Major Raffle Prize

Are you still trying to find a way to help ensure our biggest fundraiser for 2018 is a great success? We are still on the hunt for our major raffle prize. Do you have a holiday home and would be willing to donate a week long stay? Or do you regularly go to the same holiday place and could approach the owners, for a donation? We’re looking for a relaxing holiday for our major raffle prize this year. Perhaps a week long stay, or even a weekend. This would be easy for people to donate and such a great draw card for our raffle, which is one of the biggest incomes for the fair.

If you can help us get a Major Raffle Prize please email windsorfest@windsorsspandc.com.au

Silent Auction and Other Donations

We also still need other donations for our minor raffle prizes and Silent Auction

• Do you own/manage a business?
• Do you know someone in marketing/promotions?
• Do you work for a company that can offer great merchandise?
• Do you frequently visit a shop/restaurant/gym?

We’re looking for donations of:

• vouchers for restaurants
• vouchers for kids sports/music/activities
• beauty product gift packs
• sporting equipment
• vouchers for massage
• vouchers for hair or beauty treatments
• gym memberships
• tickets to sporting events or local attractions

We have a pre-written letter below that you can use as a template to approach businesses, just add the name at the top! Remember the event isn't until 15th Sept, so please ensure there's a long expiry date on any vouchers.

We have such a fabulous Windsor community, and this is a fantastic opportunity to promote local businesses within our school community. The business/prize donation will be promoted on our WindsorFest website which will be online until after the event and through the P&C facebook page.

If you can help at all or receive any donations, please send the details to windsorfest@windsorsspandc.com.au

Call out for all plants and/or cuttings that you might be able to donate

• Landscaping? any plants that can be pulled out of the garden and placed in a pots, e.g. Agapanthus or Bromeliads, succulents or orchid pups. Even mondo grass.
• Any cuttings such as Dracaena, Frangipani, Geraniums, Yucca, Cordyline
• Pineapple tops or avocado seeds are welcome too. Maybe you are friends with your local fruit and Vegetable store that you may be able to ask for pineapple tops?

If we haven't mentioned a plant or you think you might be able to help but not sure please just send us an email we are happy to answer any questions.

If you can pot them and look after them until the fair, we have plenty of pots to share. If you can provide the plants but are unable to care then we are happy to accept your donation.

If you would like to donate plants or cuttings or for further information please contact:

Angela Kenyon 5A on angkenyon@hotmail.com
Katie Robinson PD on kr284@uowmail.edu.au

We thank-you for your support.

Second Hand Donations

If you have any larger second hand donations, could you please assist the committee by placing them directly into the hall storeroom on or near the shelves at the back marked “WindsorFest Second Hand Goods”.

Thanks in advance!

Helping Hands

Hey Everyone

Well term 2 is truly in full swing! A quick recap – we had a lovely vacation care, and enjoyed taking our children to another Helping Hands service to partake in carnival day filled with activities like ninja warrior courses, jumping castles, circus skills and face painting. Other highlights were our go karting day, dino dig day where the kids could search for dino bones and make their own fossils to take home. Outback day was also great, Dani brought in her hiking gear and had everyone help her set up her swag before making some billy tea on her camp oven and enjoying damper, which went down a treat!

Of course, this has us very excited for our next Vacation Care! Which we can reveal has excursions to Bounce and the Brisbane Museum as well as Laser tag at the service and a lego workshop coming to create some awesome Lego creations. We will also look forward to our Pyjama Party, Survivor Day and Newspaper Construction Days so please be sure to download our Vacation Care brochure and have a look!

We will also be announcing the return of our date nights with the date to be confirmed for the beginning of June. Date Night has been a special care service where children can attend the service after 6.30pm and have dinner and games whilst you and your partner get some much needed you time! Your child/ren must be enrolled in the service to take advantage of this special event so please register you’re interested via email on windsor@helpinghandsnetwork.com.au or phone 0458 009 761.

See you all around the school!

Your Helping Hands Windsor Team