29 May 2019

Newsletter Articles

Across the Principal's Desk...

A Fitting Farewell for Isaac

On Monday our school community gathered together to grieve the loss of our past student and friend, Isaac Tilley. Isaac had been with us since Prep, and in the midst of our shock and pain, the strength of character and resilience of our wonderful school community shone through. As we felt great sadness; gestures of kindness in the condolences from our students, families and past students were received and appreciated. Isaac’s service on Monday was attended by many family, friends, current and past students and staff from a number of schools. It was moving to see just how many lives Isaac touched. Isaac’s Mum (Loretta), his Father (Austin) and brother (Jeremy), spoke from the heart and made us all reflect that tragic events such as this only stand to remind us of how fragile life is and how important it is to not sweat the small stuff and be grateful for each day we have together.

Mrs Lesley Wallace, Head of Special Education Services (HOSES) also gave a moving speech at the service about Isaac’s time at Windsor. Many people have asked for a copy of Lesley’s speech from the service, so I have included this for you, below.

“Bring Bring.. Bring Bring – Windsor State School, Isaac speaking.” This was just one of the many phrases that made so many people smile here at school.

There are many students who you get to know throughout your teaching career, but very few who leave an imprint on your heart like Isaac did to mine, and many others I know. Isaac was one of those children who warmed your heart and made you smile – a lot. He made you smile at his kindness, his gentleness, his coyness around pretty girls, his multiple mischief making antics, his laugh like Mutley, his playfulness, his sayings, his determination and his zest for life. Isaac’s character was rich and full; and every interaction with him was a good one – even if you were chipping him on something he had done.

My name is Lesley Wallace – but for Isaac I will always be Mrs T. Today I am honoured to be speaking on behalf of the Windsor family to share some stories and memories of those who knew him well and loved him too. Since beginning in 2012 Isaac snuck into the hearts of all the Windsor community – this love is reflected in the overwhelming attendance of staff, past and present students and parents here today – and stands as a testament to the impact that Isaac had on so many.

Isaac always greeted everyone warmly with a big grin and an expressive voice. He would always remember to ask how you were; what you had been up to and most importantly what you had for lunch or dinner. If he knew your family members, he would ask after them by name and expect a full report.

He loved to run around and play chase, handball and tiggy – with his buddies – Dilyn, William and Oliver – which was always full of controversy and dramas and with various degrees of finger pointing. Regardless of this, the friendships and games continued throughout his 7 years at Windsor and even continued on to this year at his new school.

Isaac was always gentle when he needed to be. I’d watch him guide his friend around the school, making sure he was on the right track. Making sure he got where needed to and never questioning why he was a little different to others, he just understood and was there for him. There were many mischievous traits such as whispering in the ears of friends and willing them to call out crazy words at random such as “chicken”, “pizza” and “banana” in the middle of a lesson; but it was always done as a gag – which left Isaac and his friends red faced and giggling, with it being so difficult to reprimand and not join in.

We remember the joy he showed of participating in any type of game, sport or whole school activity. He was always accepted and supported by his peers and it didn’t matter how Isaac went he always gave everything a shot and laughed a lot. A broken arm at Year 4 camp didn’t slow him down and the secret of ‘not telling Mum’ he went swimming with his cast on was short lived – as it was reported straight off the bus on our return.

Along with his constant buddies, Isaac progressed through the different year levels – each year building up his posse of supporters, admirers and friends. He took off in Year 3 – with a familiarity developed in the early years; he came over to the ‘big school’.

Regardless of the challenges he faced both in and out of the classroom Isaac blossomed into an independent student who loved the celebrity status he was developing. He loved the second home that was Windsor and the freedom it allowed him to be himself and be accepted and loved for all his individualities.

Austin, Loretta, Jeremy and Lucy; our hearts break for you – but we are so very thankful for the time we had with him and be assured that we were all blessed to know that young man.

“The past week has brought many opportunities for the strength of character and resilience of our School Community to shine....”

Building Emotional Intelligence in Children: Talking about Sadness, Loss and Grief

By Karen Young

Sadness, grief and loss are a part of being human. This includes everything from the tinges of sadness that bite all of us at times, to the deep, overwhelming grief that threatens to wring the life from our core. If only we could stand between sadness and the small people in our lives and keep their hearts and minds happy all the time. But we can’t. The next best thing we can do is teach them as much as we can about how to navigate through this very real and unavoidable human emotion with courage, strength and wisdom. Here’s how to build emotional intelligence in children (older ones too) and empower them to deal with sadness, grief and loss.

School Review – 3, 4, 5 June

Every four years schools undertake a School Review. The last time Windsor completed a school review was in 2015. This will be our second School Review process; taking place next week 3 – 5 June. The reviews are an important part of how the department monitors and supports schools. The reviews are about providing schools with quality and independent feedback, tailored to the school’s context and needs. The reviews are conducted by the department’s School Improvement Unit (SIU). Reviews are undertaken by experienced educators trained in the use of the National School Improvement Tool (NSIT), a nationally recognised framework for reviewing teaching and learning practices. The review team will consist of three reviewers (Internal Reviewer, an External Reviewer and a current school Principal). Reviewers look closely at each school’s performance data and speak with a wide range of staff, students, parents and community members/organisations to get an accurate picture of the school. Unlike many other review systems, schools aren’t ranked or given a performance rating. Instead, the school is given a comprehensive report for consideration. The report outlines key findings and recommended improvement strategies to maximise student outcomes. Once the review is completed, I will share this information with staff and the school community. This information will help shape the school’s strategic direction, as we have a new four year Strategic Plan to develop during Term Three and Four of 2019.

Congratulations Year 3 and 5 Students

I would like to congratulate the Year 3 and 5 students for the confident manner in which they recently completed their NAPLAN testing. All students were focused on the task and completed the testing with a great deal of commitment. Well done to the Year 3 and 5 students and teachers involved in the 2019 testing.

Drop and Go - 2 Minute Zone

Parents are reminded that the Drop and Go zones on Constitution Road and Harris Street are 2 minute zones, both before and after school. Staying in the zone longer than 2 minutes has an impact on the flow of traffic. If you do require to park and walk your child into school of a morning, please legally park in the appropriate spaces. Your ongoing assistance with this matter ensures the safety of our students and the effective flow of traffic for all concerned.

Road Safety – Constitution Road

A number of young children have been seen crossing at the lights at the bottom of Constitution Road. If crossing here is absolutely necessary; extreme care should be taken. This is a very busy intersection and can be extremely dangerous for adults, let alone children. Young children should cross here with an adult to ensure their safety.

In the interest of your child’s safety, we encourage you and your child to use the supervised crossing zones on both Constitution Road and Harris Street. Please remind your child of safe road crossing strategies and model this behaviour.

Parking Changes – Harris Street

Please be aware of the recent change in parking restrictions along Harris Street. These restrictions do affect "Drop off" and "Pick up" times and council will be patrolling this new arrangement.

Instrumental Music Program – Thank You Mrs Masel

Thank you to Mrs. Pam Masel for her generous donation to our Instrumental Music Program. Mrs. Masel attended Windsor State School in 1951 and and has been an avid supporter of the school over many years. Her kind donation of a trombone and trumpet mean that two students can learn to play on brand new shiny instruments. Henry and Ella (pictured with Mrs. Masel) are both very grateful for the opportunity they have been given and look forward to lots of practice.

Electronic Report Cards

Report cards will be emailed directly to all parents in Week 1 of Term 3. If you have recently changed your email address, please ensure you have updated your details at the office. Please add Application.ONESCHOOL@dete.qld.gov.au to your list of safe senders to ensure report card emails aren’t sent to your ‘junk’ mail folder.

Enrol for Prep 2020!

If you have a child born between 1 July 2014 and 30 June 2015 please see the office to complete an Enrolment Form or you can visit the link below:

Woolworths Earn & Learn

Earn & Learn is back for 2019! Woolworths is once again helping students across Australia to get exciting new equipment for their schools. Please start collecting your stickers and pop them in the boxes located outside administration.

Collect as many stickers as you can between now and the 25 June 2019!!

Grant Baker
Principal

From the Deputy Principals’ Desks…

Under 8’s Day 2019…what a wonderful celebration!

Last Thursday May 23rd, the children in Prep to Year 2 participated in an activities morning to celebrate Under 8’s week. This day is dedicated to celebrating the early years of school and the theme this year was 'Celebrating Diversity of languages within home, culture and community'.

Some of the fun and exciting activities included face painting, a jumping castle maze, flag making, mask making, as well as a local guest author, Ben Long. See the slide show below for some of the highlights! Thanks to everyone who came along and to our wonderful teachers and parents for supporting the early phase of learning!

Check out Ben Long’s website where you can purchase some of his wonderful picture books!

Gala Days commence this week

Students in years 4, 5 and 6 have been eagerly training for the upcoming Gala Days which are; Friday 31 May, Friday 07 June and Friday 14 June 2019. The back-up day for wet weather is Friday 21 June 2019. Students will compete in games from 9.30am-2.30pm.

The sports are:

• Boys Soccer (played at Brisbane Grammar Playing Fields, Northgate)
• Girls Soccer (played at Virginia United FC, Nundah)
• Rugby League (played at Gibson Park, Stafford)
• Tag League (played at Shaw Park, Wooloowin)
• Hockey (played at Shaw Park, Wooloowin)
• Netball (played at Downey Park, Windsor)

Sport is an integral part of our school curriculum. Children who are at school on the day will be attending sport. If they are unable to participate due to illness or injury, a note from parents will be required and they will still travel with their team.

We still have a number of students who have not yet been given consent. Please ensure you have completed the web-form that was sent out last week, or returned the hard copies that were also distributed to some students towards the end of last week.

Arrive at the Hall at 8:30 am for roll marking and team groupings for a 9.00am departure. Please ensure your child is at the school hall at 8.30am.

Students will travel to/from Gala Day venues by bus. We strive for all buses to arrive back to school by 3:00pm.

How Do You Ensure A Happy and Successful Gala Day?

Following 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.

Accepting Everyone 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.

Students! GO FOR SILVER… GO FOR GOLD!

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 in Semester 1) 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.

NAPLAN

Last week, students in years 3 and 5 participated in NAPLAN testing. I am delighted to report that Windsor State School was the calm and productive environment that it always is. It’s wonderful that our staff, parents and carers are able to work together to reassure our students about the testing, build their confidence and trust in their ability to do well.

Integrating Technology into the Classroom

Throughout regular year level and planning meetings, teachers are involved in lengthy discussions about getting the balance of the use of iPads and pencil and paper right. Decisions are carefully considered and planning is thorough.

Below is an excellent example of a healthy balance of technology and traditional methods to enhance student learning and achieve outcomes.

Responsible Behaviour Plan 2019-2022

In 2018, our School Culture committee reviewed the Responsible Behaviour Plan for 2019-2022. The final document will be endorsed by the School Council and P&C at their first meetings of the year. The updated plan is embedded below for all parents/caregivers to read and will be uploaded with all attachments to the school website post endorsement. Please take your time to read the embedded document carefully and have conversations with your children at home. Thanks for your support!

Pastoral Care: Social Emotional Learning @ Windsor SS

Universal Support for Students

Through our Whole School Pastoral Care program, we teach and assist children in developing the 12 Positive Attitudes (previously known as Habits of the Mind) and 5 Social-Emotional skills (Getting Along, Organisation, Persistence, Confidence and Resilience) they need to reach the top of the triangle. The ultimate goals (see above) are for all children to achieve to the best of their ability, develop positive relationships and behaviour and experience the highest levels of wellbeing.

For all young people to reach the Goals at the top of the triangle, they need to also have moral Character; that is, possess Values/Strengths, positive attitudes as well as social and emotional learning skills. Values generally indicate the degree of importance of some thing or action, with the aim of determining what actions are best to do or what way is best to live, or to describe the significance of different actions. The 6 Strengths are what positive psychologists refer to as ‘Virtues’; categories consisting of different character strengths (see http://www.viacharacter.org/). There are 24-character strengths (virtues) that are incorporated under the six categories:

1. Wisdom and Knowledge: creativity, curiosity, judgment, love of learning, perspective
2. Courage: bravery, perseverance, honesty, zest
3. Humanity: love, kindness, social intelligence
4. Justice: teamwork, fairness, leadership
5. Temperance: forgiveness, humility, prudence, self-regulation
6. Transcendence: appreciation of beauty and excellence, gratitude, hope, humour, spirituality

Environment is extremely important; therefore, the efforts of family, school and community are recognised as important in helping young children to attain positive outcomes. The unique contribution of this YCDI! Education is in strengthening the mindset and social-emotional strengths all children need to realise their full potential.

Connie Confident; Oscar Organisation; Pete Persistent; Gabby Get Along; Ricky Resilient help students understand the positive attitudes they need to be successful

The You Can Do It! Education Social and Emotional Learning frameworks (see “The Windsor Way” below) address aspects of the psychological functioning of young people that lead to poor learning, behaviour and social and emotional outcomes. Negative Attitudes and under-developed Character (values and strengths) create negative Social-Emotional Blockers (Anger, Worry, Feeling Down, Procrastination, Not Paying Attention).

Symmetrically, the frameworks also represent the corresponding Positive Attitudes and Character (values, strengths) that support five essential Social-Emotional Skills all contributing to positive Social-Emotional Skills (Getting Along, Organisation, Persistence, Confidence, Resilience). It is important for students to fully understand both sides of the framework to be able to counteract the blockers and develop the positive attitudes and skills (see below).

“The Windsor Way”- based on YCDI Education! Social & Emotional Framework

Code of Conduct @ Windsor SS

Behavioural Expectations

Behaviour at Windsor State School is NOT simply related to compliant/obedient children, our goal is to fully develop all positive attitudes and social emotional skills. Behaviour results on end of semester report cards are directly linked to each student’s ability to achieve a particular Behaviour Level (A = Gold; B = Silver; C = Bronze). Students are encouraged/coached to use the Code of Conduct criteria sheet to strive for positive growth and excellence.

The behavioural expectations criteria (see WSS Code of Conduct below) are used by teachers to teach, encourage, reinforce and coach students to improve and become happy and successful. Teachers use these criteria to directly assess and assign a Behaviour rating at the end of each semester. (see our new Code of Conduct & Positive Behaviour poster below)

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

Active School Travel!

Don’t Forget Walking Wheeling Wednesday!

Wednesday is the day of the week that we ask everyone to really think about how they travel to school as we remind families that Walking Wheeling Wednesday is part of our Active School Travel program. If you can’t travel actively on a Wednesday, why not think about making every Friday “Fun Fit Friday?”

We know that everyone is different, so there are lots of ways you can actively travel to school. How will you actively travel to school?

Walk

Leave the car at home and walk your kids to school. If you live too far away, drive part of the way and walk the rest. We call that “Park and Stride”.

Cycle or Scooter

Ride with your children to school. It’s legal to ride on the footpath and remember to always have your helmet secured.

Public Transport

Public transport is easy once you know how. For bus, train and ferry timetables, visit the link below, or phone 13 12 30.

Carpool

Find a friend and carpool to school. It’s an easy way to save money and time. Talk to other parents in your child’s class or at music and sport to see who is going your way.

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

QParents

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!

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.

Curriculum Corner

Term 2, Week 6

SCIENCE in focus

The Australian Curriculum states Science provides opportunities for students to develop an understanding of important science concepts and processes, the practices used to develop scientific knowledge, of science’s contribution to our culture and society, and its applications in our lives. The curriculum supports students to develop the scientific knowledge, understandings and skills to make informed decisions about local, national and global issues and to participate, if they so wish, in science-related careers.

The Science curriculum has three interrelated strands: science understanding, science as human endeavour and science inquiry skills. Within the Science Understanding strand, students study the four areas of biological sciences, chemical sciences, Earth and space sciences, and physical sciences. Each year level studies these four areas across the school year. Science as a human endeavour involves understanding how humans seek to improve understandings and construct explanations of the natural world through scientific studies. Science inquiry skills relates to the identifying and posing questions; planning, conducting and reflecting on investigations; processing, analysing and interpreting evidence; and communicating findings.

This term, the year 4 students have been studying natural processes and human activity that cause weathering and erosion of Earth’s surface. They have predicted consequences of future occurrences and human activity and carried out investigations to deepen their understanding of the process of erosion and land management. In carrying out their investigations and communicating their findings, students used a combination of technology and ‘pencil and paper’. They worked collaboratively with others to predict, observe, compare, and communicate. Below are some examples of some student’s investigations, observations and findings.

Curriculum Coordinators,
Anna Thygesen (Prep-Yr2)
Lisa Heard (Yr3-Yr6)

Enrichment News

Lunch Time Activities

As mentioned in last terms newsletter, there are a number of extra curricular activities happening. ‘Tech Girls are Superheros’, ‘Australian STEM video challenge’ and ‘ICT explorers’. Thanks to Janine Wedmaier for facilitating the ‘ICT Explorers’ and to Kellie Robertson for helping with ‘Tech Girls are Superheros’. We are well and truly into the programs.

‘Tech Girls are Superheros’

There are three teams registered:

Year 4
Rose, Ruby and Caitlin

Year 5
Mia, Chloe, Freya

Year 6
Frances, Siobhan, Schannel, Sophia

The girls have been allocated an Industry Mentor from the STEM field and have since met these wonderful volunteers that will help guide them to develop an app to solve a chosen issue that has a focus on one of the United Nations themes. By the next newsletter we will have more information regarding the social/environmental problems the girls plan to tackle and how their app will help.

‘Australian STEM video challenge’

We have 2 teams registered:

Year 4
Fletcher, Lincoln, Isiah

Year 5
Ollie, Lachlan, Zac

The boys are developing a game incorporating the theme ‘Emergence’. The teams are meeting after school and lunch times to develop their story and game.

ICAS

This year ICAS has changed how they are implementing the ICAS assessments. They are all online (except writing) and registrations and payment are made directly to ICAS through a parent portal.

In the past parents have made the decision to nominate their child. As mentioned on the ICAS website ‘ICAS Assessments are online assessments, designed to recognise and reward academic excellence. The assessments are based on curriculum for the relevant year. Students are asked to demonstrate a deeper, integrated, and thorough level of learning.’ We ask that you consider this before nominating your child for the ICAS assessment. If you are unsure if this test is suitable for child, please ask your child’s teacher.

If you need any further information, please refer to the ICAS website.

Dates for the Tests are:

Parent payment information and links will be available in the next Newsletter.

That’s all for now. As always, if you have any expertise that could help our lunchtime activities please let me know ekemp14@eq.edu.au.

Student Council Charity

Homeless Connect

We have hit the ground running with our drive to collect toiletries and non-perishable foods for our charity of choice, Homeless Connect.

The Student Councillors launched the drive at assembly and have meet with the Student Leaders and school community to distribute posters that are being displayed in classrooms.

It would be great if you could encourage your child to bring in canned foods and toiletry items. (Non-perishable items should be well within their use by date).

Our goal is to collect at least 1 item per student over the month. The drive goes from Monday 13 May to Friday 14 June. Two weeks to go!!

The Student Councillors will bring the collections down to the hall each Thursday at second break to be stored at a central location.

Thank you for your care and participation in this great cause!

Queensland Academies Creative Industries Campus (QACI)

Junior Workshops (Yr 5 and 6)

Students in Year 5 and 6 have the opportunity to participate in QACI's new Junior Workshops. Designed using a cooperative approach these hands-on workshops provide opportunities for lateral, collaborative, and creative thinking in fun and engaging ways with our world-class educators.

Junior Workshops do not require any prior knowledge or experience. Space is limited!

Code Camp is offering a 10% discount on all camps booked by midnight this Sunday with the coupon code EARLYBIRD.

Uniform Shop

Uniform Shop is open during the School term on Mondays 2:30pm – 3:30pm and Wednesdays 8:30am – 9:30am. Uniform Shop orders can be placed online using the online ordering system, Munch Monitor. Online orders can be picked up from the Uniform Shop or delivered to your child’s class for them to bring home.

Signing up is very simple; a Munch Monitor fact sheet is available here. As an external supplier with a dedicated account management team they are able to assist with your account enquiries via help@munchmonitor.com.

Please provide any feedback regarding uniforms to the retail sub-committee at retail@windsorsspandc.eq.edu.au