15 November 2018

Newsletter Articles

Across the Principal's Desk...

Music Extravaganza!

MASSIVE THANKS to Mrs Kim Fanning, Mr Paul Kucharski and Mrs Jess Morel for their tremendous efforts in preparing the students for last week’s Music Extravaganza! It was an evening of beautiful strings ensembles, lovely singing and wonderful band music. Many thanks to all parents, extended family members and staff who attended to support the music event and students during the event. Your support and efforts ensured the evening was an absolute success!!

Remembrance Day

Thank you also goes to all parents, students and staff who volunteered their time to support our students participation in the local Remembrance Day service at the Windsor War Memorial on Sunday. We had over 25 students who attended and sang In Flanders Field and the National Anthem. The spirit of ANZAC, with its qualities of courage, mateship and sacrifice, continues to have meaning and relevance for our sense of national identity and ensures the legacy of the ANZAC spirit is not forgotten but grows with vibrancy across new generations. Many thanks to Mrs Jo Sweetser for conducting the choir on the day.

CLASSES FOR 2019

As mentioned previously, class lists will be advertised from Tuesday 11 December 2018 (both on display boards and on the school’s website). Thank you to the parents who submitted a ‘request for consideration form’ earlier this term, this process has now closed and the 2019 class lists are well underway. It is a very complicated process to balance classes across a range of academic, social and emotional indicators. It is by no means a perfect science and our teachers will spend many hours over this term undertaking the process. **Please note that all State schools are allocated their staffing based on enrolment numbers. Changes ‘may’ need to be made to class lists in 2019 due to possible growth in our enrolments, which are determined on the eighth day of term one 2019. Currently we have planned for 28 classes (based on our predicted enrolments for 2019). If we continue to grow in enrolments, we may increase to a 29 class model.

On Wednesday 12 December, from 9.30 – 10.30am, the students will transition to their new class with their 2019 teacher, with the exception of the new prep students. This is not a session where parents are present as we want to give the new teacher the opportunity to meet their class and briefly get to know them before the holidays.

REPORT CARDS

Report cards for semester two will be emailed home on Monday 10th December after 3pm. Please note that given the large number of reports, it may take several hours for the process to be completed. Should the report not have arrived by the following morning, please email the school and we will see if there has been some technical issue.

GALA DAY SUCCESS

Congratulations to our Year 4, 5 and 6 students for a successful Gala Day recently. Unfortunately, we have only been able to participate in one Gala Day this term due to weather conditions. The students participated in the right spirit and were a credit to our school. Well done to both students and staff involved in Gala Day last week.

Building Learning Capital

As we’re at the mid-point of term four, it is timely to reflect on what all our children have accomplished. It is so rewarding to hear students speak proudly of their progress in classrooms and 'celebrate' with them when they have reached a personal learning goal.

These opportunities to reinforce their individual triumphs are crucial in having children see themselves as capable learners and develop a deep appreciation for learning. Ultimately, we want our kids to love to learn. A passion for learning is quite different from just studying to learn a grade or to please parents or teachers. Those who develop a love of learning at an early age continue the process throughout their lives.

As parents and teachers, there are steps we can take to promote learning and set our young people on a life journey of discovery and inquiry.

Share what you learnt -

Talk with children about the things you read and hear, especially the things you find interesting or information that is new to you. Starting a discussion with "I learnt something new today..." helps children see that learning is not compartmentalised to childhood.

Asking children how they feel about various issues, current events, relationships, and values helps them to feel their opinion is valued and encourages them to reflect on topics.

Promote an interest -

Encouraging a wide range of pursuits enables children to experiment with skills and activities that they enjoy or have a particular strength in. Learning new hobbies or activities also reinforces the concept of learning for pleasure and takes learning out of the classroom.

Hooked on books -

Read, read, read! Read to your kids to get them hooked on books. Have lots of books in the house. Have bookcases and digital texts that show how you value reading a range of contexts and for differing purposes.

Grow little strategists -

Play "thinking games" where there is not just one answer or where there is a requirement to plan ahead (checkers, scrabble or chess). Emphasise the value of thoughtful moves rather than the importance of winning.

School is cool -

Children who view school as a great place are less anxious and more responsive to learning. Children who see a strong partnership between home and school also feel the connectedness to school as an extension of their family. Encouraging children to be proud and have pride in their learning community reinforces the value of this special place and consolidates positive experiences linked to being a learner.

Have a wonderful fortnight,

Grant Baker
Principal

From the Deputy Principals…

DATE CHANGE! Prep - Year 2 Swimming Carnival

The Prep - Year 2 Swimming Carnival will now be on Friday 7th of December 9.00am-11.00am. This had previously been scheduled for Tuesday 4th of December. Thank you for your understanding.

Year 3-6 Swimming Carnival

In 2018, the Years 3-6 Swimming Carnival will be held over two days, Wednesday the 5th and Thursday the 6th of December. This year, we are trialling a new nominations process. To nominate your child for events, please complete the online form below by Friday 16th of November. Please discuss the events with your child before completing the form. Please complete one form for each of your children. Once nominations are received, the sequence of the program will be refined and made available to parents.

The 2018 Windsor State School swimming carnival will have a new format. Students will have the option of competing for house points as well as individual championship points. Students interested in competing for Age Champion will earn individual points in the 60m & 120m races. These races will also be awarded house points. Students competing for house points will nominate for the 30-metre event. It is strongly recommended that all students compete in all strokes. Points are awarded to all students who compete. The main aim of the carnival is for all students to participate and enjoy the experience of competition. Students that require assistance (i.e. a kickboard) will be able to use one for support. Year 6 students/House Captains will be available to provide assistance to those swimmers who require it.

Windsor’s Got Talent!

Have you got a talent that you want to showcase? Preparations will soon be underway for the annual Windsor’s Got Talent! Students in Years 3-6 can start to think about entering the event and what performance they may like to prepare. Nomination forms have been emailed and are available in hardcopy from Ms. Fernie.

RESPONSIBLE BEHAVIOUR
& CODE OF CONDUCT

Building Resilience in Children – 20 Practical, Powerful Strategies (Backed by Science)

By Karen Young

All children are capable of extraordinary things. There is no happiness gene, no success gene, and no ‘doer of extraordinary things’ gene. The potential for happiness and greatness lies in all of them, and will mean different things to different kids. We can’t change that they will face challenges along the way. What we can do is give them the skills so these challenges are never able to break them. We can build their resilience.

Resilience is being able to bounce back from stress, challenge, tragedy, trauma or adversity. When children are resilient, they are braver, more curious, more adaptable, and more able to extend their reach into the world.

The great news is that resilience is something that can be nurtured in all children.

Read the full article and find out the full 20 strategies for building Resilience at

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; awards). This year, we will celebrate students’ efforts and achievements in class and at our final ACE parade of the year on Monday 10th December at 9:00am in the Hall.

The final date for student to submit their criteria sheets to the office will be Friday 29th November, 2018 (end of Term 4 Week 8). No criteria sheets will be accepted after the date!

CHRISTIAN RI CHRISTMAS ASSEMBLIES

All students in Years 1-4 with current consent to be in Christian RI, along with students in Years 5-6 who are participating RI lessons this semester, will attend an RI Christmas assembly in the Hall on Tuesday 27th November, during the final RI lesson for the year. The assembly will tell the story of Christmas as found in the Bible through puppetry, drama, storytelling and singing. The Christian puppet theatre company Quiz Worx will be running the assembly, assisted by our other Religious Instructors.

At any time, parents may provide written instruction to the principal to change their preference for their child to participate in or be withdrawn from RI.

Any child not participating in RI will receive other instruction by a qualified member of school staff in a separate location during the time RI is held. Other instruction will relate to subject areas that have already been covered in class.

Please contact our Christian RI Coordinator Mrs Karen Grenning at grenning@bigpond.net.au if you have any questions about this assembly or the RI program.

Active School Travel

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.

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

The classes with the most Active Travellers last fortnight are:
Week 5:
3B, 4B and 1B!

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.

P&C Photobooks 2018

As we move through a busy Term 4, it will be the end of the year before we know it! This year, the P&C are running a fundraising activity that may make life a little easier for all our hard-working parent representatives as it comes time for the end of year celebrations.

Parent and Professional Photographer, Amanda Keane, will be creating photo books for each class in grades Prep to Year 5 and one book with all of the students in Year 6. Each book will have a photo of each child in that class with some questions answered by the children. Amanda has been doing these books for the last few years and they have always been a big hit with the teachers and parents alike. Photos will be taken by Amanda during the term and students will have an opportunity in class to answer the questions that will be included in the book.

Please complete this online permission form for your child’s photo and responses to be included in the book. Providing consent does not mean that you need to purchase a book. For those interested in purchasing, order forms will be sent separately.

The books are a 5x7 inch soft cover and will be available for purchase by any parents wanting a great keepsake from their child’s year at Windsor. The books will cost $25 and 20% of all profits will come back to the P&C. Some of last year’s photo books are available to view at the school office.

If you have any questions about the photobooks please feel free to email Amanda info@amandakeane.com.au

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.

Book Fair

Windsor’s annual Book Fair will be held next week from Tuesday 20 – Monday 26 November. This is Week 7 of Term 4. There will be a wide range of books from junior fiction, fiction and non-fiction and all age groups and reading levels will be catered for. The books are very reasonably priced and just in time to start your Christmas gift shopping.

Students will have the opportunity to browse during class time and may write a short ‘wish list’. However, please be assured, there is no obligation placed upon parents or students to purchase ‘wish list’ books. If you wish your child to purchase from their ‘wish list’, just send the money along with them if you can’t make it to the fair yourself.

Parents are welcome to view (and purchase) the books at the following times:

• before school each morning from 8:20 - 8:50am
• in the afternoon from 3:00 - 3:30pm on Tuesday - Monday

Book Fair will close after 3:30 on Monday 26 November

As well as cash, books may be purchased using EFTPOS or credit cards. Proceeds from the Book Fair will be used to purchase new resources for the library. Last year’s Book Fair was a great success and raised approximately $1800 for library resources.

THANKS FOR YOUR GENEROUS SUPPORT.

HAVE YOU GOT YOUR TICKETS FOR SUNSET CLUB?

Our last parent event, Sunset Club is on next weekend!

Have you got your table organised? If you love music in all its forms this will be one not to miss. We have had a fantastic response so far, so get in now and secure your tickets! You can choose from a table of 4 or 6, or alternatively, you can be seated in a group table as individuals or couples. We have planned the seating for great views of the stage staggering high-top tables to the back.

Concert, Dinner & Rockaoke

Sunset Club is a new version of the Soiree, celebrating a diverse range of music styles right throughout the night.

Concert Performers

Our concert performances include world class artists such as ARIA-winning guitarist Karin Schaupp, and singer and performer Alisha Cush. They join 8 other amazing artists from our parent and teaching body, all bringing their own individual talents and styles to the stage.

Rockaoke Song List

Following the concert, we enjoy a delicious dinner of Asian noodles, before letting our hair down with Rockaoke Australia – a live band karaoke experience. Fellow parent Bronte North has agreed to be the first cab off the rank for Rockaoke – we can’t wait to hear her sing. No matter what your talent level is, you’re going to sound incredible with a full live band behind you.

From Creedence to Lady Gaga there’s two pages of singable songs to suit everyone.

Sunset Club Details

A night of music, dancing, food and friends and celebrate the great year we’ve had. Friends and family also welcome, adults only.

Ticket prices

Pre-order only, no door sales. Include concert admission, dinner and live band karaoke experience.

Drinks

This amazing night is brought to you by the P&C Music Supporters Subcommittee and funds raised from this event will support the Windsor State School Music Department.

Have a query or need more information?Email the P&C Music Supporters Subcommittee music@windsorsspandc.com.au.

Tuckshop Appreciation Day