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The School Report

Newsletter of Fernvale State School

1605 Brisbane Valley Highway Fernvale Q 4306

www.fernvaless.eq.edu.au PH 54271333 Fax 54271300 Absence 54271360

Issue No: 03 10 February 2020

Dates to Remember

February April

17 P&C Meeting 1 World Autism Day 26 Leaders Badge Ceremony 2 Tour de Cure (Ch7 Sunrise visit) 3 Last day Term 1 March 3 K-3 Easter Bonnet Parade 2 Yr1-3 Swimming Each Monday – 30th March 20 First day Term 2 12 Brisbane West Zone Chess – Grand Avenue SS 13 Zones of Regulation- Parent Information Session May

18 Arts Council - Buddies 1 Prep Mother’s Day 20 Bullying No Way Day – wear orange 4 Public Holiday 26 Parent Teacher Interviews 3.15 -9pm

30-31 Prep Vision Screening

Further school date claimers will be added once finalised. Dates are subject to change.

From the Principal

The beautiful rain continues to fall and is expected to do so over the course of the next week. At school if there is rain at lunch time and the grounds are muddy or saturated we call “Wet Weather Policy”. If “Wet Weather Policy” is called students have eat time as per normal but are restricted for play time to generally the classroom area where students are supervised whilst they partake in activities such as board games, Lego, IPad use, colouring in, reading etc of their own choice. Staffing Due to the Coronavirus and flooding particularly in North Queensland with many school closures the Day 8 process has been extended by the Department to Day 13 now. This Thursday will be the “Day 13” measure to capture all enrolments in every school in Queensland and finalise staffing entitlements for each and every school. I will communicate to all school community members our final staffing once this process has been finalised. Thank you for your continued support in this process. Expression of Interests There are no current vacancies but from time to time we may need to consider casual or relief staff in a variety of roles within the school. Expression of Interests are now sought to place on file interests in the following positions: *Casual School Officer (Ground and Facilities) *Casual Administration Officer *Casual Cleaner *Casual Teacher Aide All Expressions of Interest to be placed on file should be addressed to Mrs Ogg (Business Manager). A brief letter with resume should be submitted if interested in any of the above roles.

From the Principal

Religious Instruction

Parents are given an opportunity when undertaking the Application of Enrolment process to indicate if they wish for their child to partake in Religious Instruction (RI) or not. Religious Instruction is not compulsory and is only for those students with express written consent from parents/carers. Students not given permission to attend Religious Instruction classes are separated from RI students and undertake normal school work at RI time. I wish to again stress that Religious Instruction is not compulsory and undertaken by volunteer RI personnel from local community churches. Parents wishing to withdraw their child/children from Religious Instruction may do so at any time however this requires a written letter addressed to the Principal indicating such. Only upon written or emailed consent from a parent or carer will a student be removed from non- compulsory RI classes. Planning with local Religious Instruction volunteers will see the RI program commence in week 4. It is planned that Year One, Two and Three students with written consent will have their half hour RI lesson of a Friday afternoon between 2 and 3pm. Students with written consent from Year Four, Five and Six will have their RI lesson of a Wednesday afternoon from 2:30-3pm. Final timetables will be confirmed once final student numbers and volunteer RI staff are finalised. Parade School Parade is held every Wednesday from 2:30-3pm. Family members are welcome to attend each week to support our school messages and acknowledge any student recipients of award/certificates. P&C Meeting The first general P&C Meeting of the year will be held next Monday evening 17 February. The meeting is held in the Administration block and commences at 7pm. All parents/carers are welcome to attend and be involved in your P&C Association.

Kind Regards

David

From the Deputy Principal

What a lovely wet week! We look forward our Little Explorers Playgroup commencing this Thursday. The playgroup is designed for children 0-5 years and facilitated by the delightful Mrs Helen Levitt. Please see the Little Explorers Newsletter for more information. Everyone is welcome! It has been wonderful to visit our classrooms and see all our children happily settled in routines. It was lovely to visit our 2/3T class as the busied themselves with learning in their reading groups. Our reading block structure in Year 1, Year 2 and 2/3T means that every group is assigned an adult to facilitate learning, support and extend children when needed.

From the Deputy Principal

Across our school all our teachers use brain breaks with their class. Brain breaks are quick, whole-class activities that give students opportunities to pause, move, and interact in safe, structured ways. For example, students can stand up and stretch while listening to an inspiring or calming reading to help them refocus. Or, they can be involved in movement activities to help them recharge their energy. Here is 5T recharging their brains using Go Noodle dancing.

By now you would have by now received information the following information from your child’s teacher/s

Term Overview of the curriculum content your children will be learning at school

A timetable of the schedule for your child across the week (these are subject to change)

A copy of the classroom rules that have been negotiated in each class based on our

Fernvale values and aligned with our FSS Responsible Behaviour Plan (available on our

website)

It is important that we communicate with you what is happening in your child’s schooling life. As we all know, working together as a team for your child is the best way to ensure success. For further information regarding curriculum content click on the Australian Curriculum logo. New dates for your diary…. Friday 13 March You are invited to our Zones of Regulation Parent information session. Enjoy a cup of tea and learn more about the Zones and how we are using them across our school Thursday 18 March Our first Arts Council performance for our Prep-Year 6 children. This entertaining show ‘Buddies discusses topics such as kindness, friendship, acceptance and strategies for when things are not going so well. The cost will be $5.50 and is payable at the office by Friday 13 March. For more information https://www.brainstormproductions.edu.au/primary-school-shows/buddies Thursday 26 March Term 1 Parent Teacher Interviews held in our hall 3:15pm-9pm. More information to follow next week Have a lovely week! Kylie

From the Deputy Principal Getting to know our Fernvale Staff! This week meet our fabulous Year 1 Teaching Team! Ms G – Tamara Gerchow

Six Quick Favourites

Favourite Colour Lavender

Favourite Animal Dogs and Penguins

Favourite Snack Strawberries

Favourite Drink Ice Tea

Favourite Song/Band

Seasons of love because it reminds us that every moment is precious and should be celebrated

Favourite Hobby Dancing

1. What is the best thing about teaching? Working with incredible children every day and

watching them realise their potential. There is no greater joy than watching a child realise they can do something that they had not being able to do before.

2. Have you met anyone famous and when? Li Cunxin in 2012. The author of Mao’s Last

Dancer and an incredibly inspiring man. He has had many hardships in his life, but he has made his success through never giving up.

3. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? You will never speak to anyone more than

you speak to yourself in your mind. So, speak nicely.

4. What is the one thing you would like to change in the world? Putting a stop to bullying and violence.

5. What is your happiest childhood memory? Holidays with my family at Burleigh Beach.

6. Who are the people you most admire? My nana. She was an incredibly inspiring

woman, who spent her life giving to others. She taught me the value of kindness and I will always be grateful to have had an incredible role model like her.

From the Deputy Principal Ms Anderson – 1A

Six Quick Favourites

Favourite Colour Light Yellow

Favourite Animal Dogs

Favourite Snack Chocolate

Favourite Drink Lemon Water

Favourite Song/Band

Florida Georgia Line or Luke

Combs

Favourite Hobby Fishing, camping,

kayaking

1. What is the best thing about teaching? The best thing about teaching is getting to

know a whole bunch of new students each year and watching them grow into their best selves! I love being a person that my students can look up to and learn from. I think it is such a fun and rewarding job to have!

2. Have you met anyone famous and when? In 2013, my mum and I were at Universal Studies in California sitting down to watch a show. We had a few spare seats next to us and then suddenly Josh Duhamel and Fergie sat down next to us with their young child. I couldn’t believe my eyes! I have also met Illy and the Thundamentals at various festivals.

3. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? “She’ll be apples”, meaning everything

will be alright!

4. What is the one thing you would like to change in the world? I would like to change the way the world sometimes perceives mental health and I would love for everyone to treat each other with kindness and respect!

5. What is your happiest childhood memory? There are too many, but they are all with

my family and being outside and exploring.

6. Who are the people you most admire? I admire my mum, dad and brother, but I also admire my great grandfather. He was in WWII and he is still incredibly well! He is turning 100 in July and I think he is the most magnificent person in the world.

From the Deputy Principal Ms Thorn – 1T

Six Quick Favourites

Favourite Colour Blue

Favourite Animal Dog

Favourite Snack Chocolate

Favourite Drink Coffee

Favourite Song/Band

Jack Johnson

Favourite Hobby Reading

1. What is the best thing about teaching? Watching children get excited about learning.

2. Have you met anyone famous and when? No

3. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? Always be kind even when others are

not. You never know what has happened in their day. 4. What is the one thing you would like to change in the world? Poverty – I would like to

see no child ever have to go without. 5. What is your happiest childhood memory? Holidaying at Caloundra with my family. 6. Who are the people you most admire? My mum because she never give up even when

the odds are against her.

Zones of Regulation – Tools/Strategies To support the implementation of the Zones of Regulation program across our school, each week in our newsletter we will share information and/or tools & strategies that we are teaching our children. Calming Techniques: The purpose of these strategies is to get better blood flow, release

excessive energy, relax muscles, and get the mind and body working together.

1. Brain Button a. Spread thumb and fingers b. Press thumb and fingers just below the collar bone in

the center of the chest c. Place other hand just below the belly button d. Gently rub chest in a gentle squeezing motion while

taking deep breaths 2. Thinking Cap

a. Place fingers on the top of each ear b. Gently unroll the curved part of each ear c. Work your way up and down your ear d. Breathe as you go e. Repeat

3. Palm Press/Bug squish a. Place palms together in front of chest b. Take a deep breath, as you breathe out

press palms together as hard as you can c. Relax your hands with palms still together and

release your breath d. Repeat 4 times

Other School Matters School Office Hours The School Office is open from 8am to 3:30pm Monday to Friday Student Absences All absences must be reported to the school on 54271333 or the Student Absence line 54271300. Please state your child’s name, reason and anticipated duration of absence. If you have not informed the school of any absence, the school will automatically send an alert seeking a reason via SMS.

Telephone Numbers

Student Absences: 5427 1360 The student absence line is available if you wish to leave a message that your child will be away. Please include reason why and what class your child is in without waiting for your call to be answered which may be more convenient to you.

Other School Matters Swimming Year 1-3 Swimming Program commences Monday 2nd March and continues each Monday until the fun carnival on Monday 30th March. Cost $5 per student per lesson or $25 for the 5 week block. A completed consent form must be returned to the teacher prior to the start of the swimming program. Junior Choir Junior Choir is for any children in Years 1-3. Come along Wednesday to the Music Room second break play, we will be learning some songs for the Easter Bonnet Parade. Mrs Adsett Fernvale State School P&C Association Hi all and welcome to a new school year. Our first meeting for 2020 will be next Monday, 17th February, at 7:00pm. Please note this is not our AGM, so don’t get scared away thinking you may end up with an executive position- that won’t happen till March!! We look forward to seeing you there and welcome new faces along. General Information: Meetings held 3rd Monday of Month (none in school holidays, public holidays or pupil free days), 7:00pm, admin building. Minutes can be found on School website.

Community Notices

The Lowood and Fernvale Well Baby Child Health Clinic will now be appointment based commencing February 2020. The Well Baby Child Health Clinic will commence appointments from 9:15am onwards and all bookings will be co-ordinated through our Intake Officer on 1800 607 030. The Lowood Clinic, held at the Lowood Community Centre, 1 Peace Street, will continue to run on the 2th and 4th Thursday of the month and during school holidays. The Fernvale clinic, held at the Fernvale State School, 1605 Brisbane Valley Highway, will continue on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month in the school term only.

The Child Health Nurse role includes 0-12 year developmental checks and health surveillance; parenting support; sleep and settling advice, infant feeding and nutrition advice; behaviour management programs; postnatal support; facilitate parents meeting other parents and provide information regarding services in the local area and referral pathways.

Additionally, the School Health Nurse Clinic provides hearing screens for children 4-18 yrs (older age group while attending school) at Ipswich, Goodna and Laidley Community health centres. Bookings for the Hearing clinic can be made by contacting our Intake Officer on 1800 607 030.