Wynnum State School eNewsletter

Principal's Message

Colour Run

A big shout out to the P&C, student contributors and organising staff for a tremendous Colour Run. Although the sliming and colouring has given a somewhat semi-permanent green tinge to my moustache and beard, it was pleasing to be part of such a well-supported event, raising significant funds for the school. Well done!

Student Leaders for 2022

It was an absolute pleasure to witness all the prospective 2022 student leader candidates present their speeches prior to the democratic voting process by peers. The speeches not only contained all the aspects associated with good student leadership, but all students described the Habits of Mind through their personal stories and pitches to the audience. The candidates were all amazing Wynnum Warriors, and so articulate with their carefully prepared speeches. I wish them well through the process.

Reporting Semester 2, 2021

Parents would appreciate that developing report card comments across multiple subjects for end of semester reporting requires a huge investment of time and energy from teachers. After considerable feedback from teachers and the Wynnum State School community, Wynnum State School is moving to an end of semester reporting format that will reduce the size of the comments, and be more precise in regards to highlighting positive gains and identifying the next step for improvement in regards to that learning area.

Articles in the next newsletter will outline these important changes in more detail.

Classes for 2022

As we commence the planning for the 2022 school year, I would like to share with the community some early work to change the process for allocating students to classes and the complex consideration that this involves.

Over the past few years, classes have been created on a distribution of students with similar levels of achievement, consistently grouped together. Australian educational research has not been able to adequately demonstrate any significant impact on improved student learning, and this model perhaps is now not in line with the school’s overall preferred future in terms of inclusion.

To provide our Wynnum Warriors with learning environments that give them the best advantage for personal success, a process considering equitable gender distribution, mixed learning abilities and student wellbeing considerations will be the basis of class creations for 2022.

The allocation of students will be a multi-step process that involves both the current classroom teachers, who bring a particular knowledge of students after a year of working with them, and consultation with precinct leaders and specialist teachers.

The big news for parents is that this work will ensure all classes for 2022 (class lists) will be made available to the parent community by the end of the year. This action has been taken to reduce the anxiety that students show leading up to the beginning of the next academic year and to provide you with some degree of reassurance. The only disclaimer to this of course, is the final placement process can only be set after Day 8, 2022.

2022 Destinations

If you have a student in Prep to Year 5 who will not be attending Wynnum State School in 2022, it would be most appreciated if you could inform the office know as soon as possible.

Mark Ionn
Principal

Habit of Mind and Loving Literature with Ms Connell

The Habits of Mind are a set of 16 thinking skills that intelligent thinkers use to solve problems in which the answer is unknown. Created by Arthur Costa and Bena Kallick, these thinking skills or habits, are present in the best decision makers. This fortnight’s Habit of Mind is Communicating with Clarity and Precision.

Communicating with Clarity and Precision is about being very careful with our communications, avoiding exaggeration or understatements, being clearly understood. It is also about including important details without too much detail.

A fun way to introduce to your Wynnum Warriors the way words can be ‘tricky’ is explored in The King who Rained by Fred Gwynne. This book is full of puns that can lead to some really interesting conversations. Enjoy!

Literacy Update with Ms O'Donoghue

The world is a wonderous place! We can learn about the world through the eyes of authors.

It is useful for children to read about topics they know about, and topics that are unfamiliar, which can help them build new knowledge of the world. A child who knows a lot about basketball, for example, will read at a higher level when they’re reading a book about basketball, compared to a book about ballet.

Talk with your child about the topics you read about. Share your experiences or google the places or animals in the stories. This is how we learn new things…this is how we teach our children to become inquisitive about the world they live in.

Applications wanted- Wynnum State School Crossing Supervisor

Triple P Parenting - "Raising Resilient Children" - Session 2 - Monday 25 October

Life Education Queensland is offering a second session for those families who missed out on the successful session from earlier this week. The 90 minute Triple P - Positive Parenting Program "Raising Resilient Children" aims to help parents:

Teach children to manage their emotions
Develop children's ability to bounce back from disappointment
Show children how to express strong feelings in a healthy way
Raise children who can deal with stress
Encourage problem-solving and a positive attitude

Monday 25 October 5:00pm - 6:30pm - Admin Building

To RSVP please make contact with the office via email (principal@wynnumss.eq.edu.au). We are limited to 25 people and it will be on a 'first in' basis for the remaining spots. Please note, there is no cost for the event.

Thank you for your interest.

Library Buzz with Mrs Sutton and the Library Team

Can I say, our library is certainly looking sensational after the arrival of some brand-new furniture. From low bench seating to our very popular mobile booths, the library team have relished configuring the colourful and ergonomically designed seating to suit our library space. All our new furniture is on wheels allowing us lots of flexibility around future configurations. In particular, the arrival of our beautiful rug has been quite the highlight this week. This amazing colourful artwork transferred to a rug is titled ‘Waterways’ and was painted by Steven Bekue who is an Aboriginal artist from the Bundjalung and Bidjara peoples.

The story behind the rug –

Growing up Steven would go crabbing, fishing and oystering with his Uncles and Brothers. He always loved being near the water and continues to share that passion with his children and partner. This amazing artwork represents the waterways for the Bundjalung people. The waterways are very important to the Bundjalung people as it is the home to a lot of their main food source, such as fish, crabs, oysters, etc. The food sources are all found in the ocean, rivers, creeks and other natural waterways such as streams, lakes and waterholes.

I have observed our students drawn initially to the warm and vibrant colours of the rug, but I can’t help but smile when I notice students touch and feel the very pleasant softness of the rug. It seems to have a relaxing experience for all who choose to sit or lie down and imagine they are enjoying the waterways of Bundjalung people. Please come in to see and feel for yourself.

Thank you to Mrs Colledge and her Extension & Enrichment (E&E) students, for allowing the library to host their Champions for the Bay photographic exhibition. All students were most excited to finally be able to take home their exhibits to display proudly at home.

Mrs Macintosh’s group have allowed us some more time to showcase their colourful and very creative artworks from the E & E program. Thanks Mrs Mac and students.

Next newsletter I will be sharing and thanking those people responsible for allowing us to buy some new readers for our students.

Keep reading Wynnum Warriors…

Mrs Sutton and the Library Team

Science News with Mrs Crowe

How does light travel? How do we see images and objects? Year 1 have been eagerly Questioning and Problem Solving and Gathering Data through all Senses as they began investigations about LIGHT!
Explorations with the Science Lab ‘Light Box’, using optical illusion slides, colour change discs and animal X-rays, stimulated much exploration and discussion full of Wonderment and Awe! Hands-on investigation with light tubes, torches and kaleidoscopes continued important scientific exploration.

How do opposite forces interact? How does gravity affect our body and influence the force we need to apply in movement? Year Two Worked Interdependently with partners to investigate opposite forces of ‘Push and Pull’. Our Year 2 Wynnum Warrior physicists innovated many ways to ‘Push and Pull’. All were fully engaged in active learning! Enjoy their responses in the photos below!

Science news in Year 6 with Mrs Bennet

This term students in Year 6 are learning how the growth and survival of living things are affected by the physical conditions of their environment. We are specifically investigating micro-organisms such as viruses, bacteria, mould and fungi

Last week we explored how yeast, being one of the only visible micro-organisms, can grow and create a gas (carbon dioxide) by changing the environment it is in, using different combinations of yeast, sugar and warm water. Many students even made a connection by comparing the experiment with the procedure to make bread. Although the experiment took time, many students were amazed at what happened to the yeast when it was put in the right conditions. Students have expressed how they are excited to learn more about these weird, wonderful and invisible organisms.

Maths Matters with Mrs Lentakis (Numeracy coach) and Mrs van Fleet (Maths Intervention teacher)

What’s going on: Mrs van Fleet is working with some Year 4 students on their next step learning in fractions.

Tell me about: The Year One Australian Curriculum Mathematics achievement standard aspect relating to fractions is- identify representations of one half.

By Year Four achievement standard aspects relating to fractions are- recognise common equivalent fractions in familiar contexts and make connections between fraction and decimal notations up to two decimal places; locate familiar fractions on a number line.

Just as whole number numeration is established through the use of materials, fraction ideas also need to grow out of the use of materials that represent one whole. The whole is now broken into equal parts and a fraction language needs to develop from this partitioning process. Paper folding activities are commonly used to introduce fractions.

Fractions are always concerned with part of something. That something could be a whole (chocolate block), a collection (sports team) or a position on a number line. Building the fraction concept requires three distinct understandings – parts must be equal, the number of equal parts gives the fraction its name, and the number of parts to be considered/shaded tell how many of the equal parts the fraction has.

‘Have a go’ together: Egg Carton Equivalent Fraction Activities

Ask your child if they can fill in 1/2 of the egg carton (use stones, buttons, lego blocks etc). Ask them how many eggs this would be. If 1/2 of the carton is the same as 6 out of 12 or 6/12, you can then begin to help them see what an equivalent fraction is.

Help them demonstrate 1/3 by drawing a black line to divide the carton into thirds to help visualise 1/3 of a carton which is the same as filling 4 places out of 12 or 4/12.

Have them fill 2/3 by filling in two of the three parts of the egg carton. They can count the objects to see that 8 out of 12 places are filled. They can then see that 2/3 is equivalent to 8/12 .

The carton can then be cut divided into quarters to help them visualise the 4 parts of the original 12 places in the carton. Have them demonstrate 3/4 or 2/4 in the same fashion and find equivalent fractions.

Music with Mr Morgan

Year 3 - 2022 Instrumental Music Program - Information Evening

There was a great response to the Instrumental Music Information Evening last Thursday. Any students or parents that were unable to attend are able to receive an Expression of Interest Form and Information Booklet from Mr Morgan in the Music Room. Please remember to return your Forms to Mr Morgan. Year 3 students will be performing their Selmer Aural Test in music this week, which will help instrumental teachers with determining instrument allocations.

All Choirs, Bands and Ensembles - Sounds in Spring

It has come to that time of year where all Wynnum SS students in the Choral and Instrumental Programs are invited to perform at the annual Sounds in Spring Concert, Thursday 4 November at 6:00pm at Mega Central.

Family and friends are warmly invited to our Sounds in Spring Concert. This event will showcase what the music students have been learning throughout the year. Each year, the standard of these concerts are high and are entertaining for the whole family.

Please see the letter that was sent home for more details, and remember to hand your permission form to Mr Morgan in the music room.

Senior Band - Music By the Bay – Sunday 24 October

A reminder that the Senior Band will be performing in ‘Music By The Bay’ on the Manly Foreshore this Sunday, along with other schools and bands in the Wynnum area. Students are to arrive at 10:45am for a 11:20am performance. All permission forms are now due to Mr Morgan in the music room.

Year 2 Sleepover - Thursday 21 October

Our Year 2 Wynnum Warriors have a sleepover at school in the Auditorium this evening, Thursday 21 October which commences at 4:30pm. Cost is $10 and includes dinner, breakfast and lunch. Notes have been sent home to all Year 2 families with instructions on how to pay. If you haven't made payment already, please contact the office.

Year 3 HASS Excursion

Year 3 students will be engaging with the MBEEC program Birds and Beaches, Dogs and Leashes next week. 3AC and 3RM will be attending on Tuesday 26 October, and 3EH and 3HP will be attending on Wednesday 27 October. Students will need to wear full school uniform including a school hat, and bring a water bottle and a waste free lunch. Please pack a raincoat in case of inclement weather. Students will need to be at school by 8:45am and will return by 2:30pm. Thank you to those families who have assisted in the organisation of the day by paying for the excursion by the due date. If you have any further questions, please contact your child’s homeroom teacher.

Rugby League – Metropolitan East Regional Shield with Mr Singleton

The Wynnum State School U10 and U12 rugby league teams were successful in winning their Patrons Trophy Grand Finals held at the end of Term 2 at the Wynnum-Manly JRLFC. Both teams progressed to play in the newly formed Metropolitan East rugby league competition, the Regional Shield. The competition was held on Tuesday 14^th September at the Carina Leagues Club . This new, invitation only tournament consisted of other State Schools that won their District rugby league competitions, along with invited Private and Independent Schools.

The U10’s played five pool matches, defeating Hilliard SS, John Paul College, Manly SS and Woodridge North SS, but narrowly losing to Belmont SS on the siren. This placed them in the Grand Final to face Belmont SS. In the Final the boys had learnt from their pool loss and comfortably won 24 – 8. The Wynnum SS U10 rugby league team are now crowned the first Metropolitan East Regional Shield champions.

The U12’s played three pool matches, winning all of them by defeating West End SS, St Edward’s and a close battle against St Laurence’s. This placed them at the top of their pool and into the Semi Finals against Belmont SS. After a comfortable win, the boys now had their greatest challenge of the day in the Grand Final, taking on the might of local rivals Iona College. Iona, after easily winning all of their games during the day and not conceding a try were definitely favourites to take out the title. However, in the Final our boys were focused and prepared for the tough game and it showed from the kick off. Wynnum scored first and Iona levelled. We scored again, with Iona levelling just before halftime. In the second half, Jack G scored his second try of the game to lead 12 – 8. With only minutes remaining, Iona scored in the corner to level the match 12 – 12. The game finished as a draw and the Wynnum SS U12 rugby league team were crowned the first Metropolitan East Regional Shield champions, along with Iona.

This is an incredible result for our Wynnum Warriors, knowing that our the hard work and effort has paid off and now we can enjoy the results and prepare to defend our titles next year. Well done boys!

White Cane Day - 15 October

On Friday 15October we celebrated White Cane Day!

A long white cane is the mobility aid most people who are blind or have low vision choose to use. Because it is so widely used, the white cane has become an internationally recognised symbol of blindness and low vision.

Despite being called white canes, they come in a range of colours and are also made from different materials. There are also a range of different tips available to help people navigate different surfaces and environments.

Using Canes
During second break, we tried using the cane to navigate through an obstacle course!

This activity was lots of fun, but there’s more to properly using a white cane than just picking one up and heading off across the school. At Wynnum State School we work with orientation and mobility specialists to make sure students know how to use a cane effectively when out and about. We also have many teachers and paraprofessionals trained in Orientation and Mobility. If you see a teacher wearing a bright yellow lanyard, that is a sign for others to know that an orientation and mobility lesson is taking place!

We also spent time decoding secret braille messages, reading with our fingers, and constructing our names with our new Lego Braille Bricks!

What our blind and vision impaired students want you to know:

“If someone is coming through, can you please step out of the way if they have a cane? This is good manners and I don’t like hitting people in the feet”

“We like when you ask if we need help, but please don’t touch or turn me without asking”

What did the students think about White Cane Day?

“It’s harder to walk around than you think it is going to be”

“Reading braille is like a superpower! You could learn to read in the dark!”

“It’s easy until you turn around. Then you don’t know what direction you are facing anymore!”

Day for Daniel - 28 October

On Thursday 28 October (Week 4) Wynnum State School will be participating in Day for Daniel (due to Friday 29 October being EKKA showday holiday). This special event is dedicated to Daniel Morcombe and the theme is ‘Wear Red, Educate and Donate’. Our school community is encouraged to wear red to support this cause and our staff, parents and carers are encouraged to start a conversation about personal child safety to prevent abuse and promote lifelong health and wellbeing. You are welcome to directly support the foundation by donating via the following website.

https://danielmorcombe.com.au/donate/

Years 5 & 6 Handball Competition - The Student Council

The Student Council will be hosting a Handball Competition for Year 5 and 6 students in Week 6. Teams can be in groups of 2, 3 or 4 and it will cost each team 50 cents to enter. This entry fee is to go towards the grand prize of the winning team being presented with new handballs. 16 teams are needed. The first rounds will begin on Wednesday, November 10, at first break and will run through the end of Week 6 into Week 7. The Student Council look forward to this exciting event. May the best team win!

Snoop Dog the Awesome WSS Therapy Dog

Did you know the simple act of petting or playing with a dog is good for your mental health? It promotes the release of hormones serotonin, prolactin and oxytocin – all of which play a part in elevating moods. Thanks Snoop!

Snoop Dog out and about assisting our WSS Warriors

2022 Resource Kit order - Due 26 November

2022 Resource kit lists were sent home to all students last week. Year level lists are also available for download on the school website. Orders need to be returned by 26 November 2021 to SOS or the school office.

QSchools App

Don't forget to download the QSchools App to your Iphone or Android device. The QSchools App is another great way for Wynnum State School families to receive and read our fortnightly school newsletter and also receive important notifications regarding school events. Simply download to your phone and 'star' Wynnum State School as your 'favourite' school.

P&C News - Colour Fun Run, Trivia Night, Uniform and Tuckshop Update

Colour Explosion School Fun Run

What an amazing, colourful day! Thank you to everyone who supported our Colour Fun Run and raised necessary funds for our student laptops! As you can see in the pictures, all participating children (and some teachers) had a fantastic time! There was lots of laughing, running, and just getting colour everywhere! Thank you also to the teachers who helped all the children to get changed after!

Trivia Night

A fun night was had by all who were able to come to our Trivia Night to celebrate our school’s 10^th birthday, but above all to support our school. Everyone learnt lots of “weird, but interesting” facts (who knew that Lego produces the most tyres!), enjoyed the yummy platters, and with 47 raffle prizes up for grabs, we had many happy winners!

We would like to take the opportunity to thank all our amazing prize sponsors from our community and afar. Thank you for supporting our school and our fundraising efforts!

Our major prize of a Tangalooma Quad Bike Day Cruise with Dolphin Feeding for 2 Adults and 2 Children went to a very happy recipient!

We also like to acknowledge our sponsor for the night – Sash & Gable! Sash & Gable have been sponsors of our school for many years now and we would like to thank them for their ongoing support. Thank you, Sash & Gable, and we hope you had a great night!

A special ‘Thank you’ from our Executive Team also to the mums and volunteers who helped organise the event, set up on the day, prepared the grazing platters and provided support on the night! You helped us make this a successful event and for that, we sincerely thank you!

Wynnum Wahoos Swim Club

Our Wynnum Wahoos Swim Club has started this term and has already had two successful nights! With everyone competing against themselves, we already had PBs (personal bests) as well as PRs (pool records). The Wynnum Wahoos Swim Club is a great opportunity for our Wynnum Warriors to practice their swimming, racing against their own time and catching up with their mates. It is not too late to join, so go to https://my.swimlynx.com.au and either login (for returning users) or signup (for new users). Once logged into the app, existing swimmers can be registered and/or new swimmers registered. Season membership fees can also be paid at the same time. If you wish to have a trial night, just sign up using the process above without paying the membership fees. This will allow you one trial night before deciding to join.

For any questions, please contact: Paul Sheather (wynnumwahoos@gmail.com)

Tuckshop & Uniform Shop updates

Our Tuckshop is back in full swing and our ladies are busy cooking and baking delicious food for our Wynnum Warriors! Don’t forget our Tuckshop “Loyalty Card” for our amazing volunteers. Volunteering on a Monday, Thursday or Friday morning at our Tuckshop will earn you a ‘star’. For three (3) ‘stars’ earned, you / your child will receive a $5 credit from the Tuckshop. Please see our lovely ladies at the Tuckshop if you are able to help out.

The Tuckshop will be having a suggestion box at the Tuckshop in Week 4 - 6 for parents and students to write down meal/snack suggestions that they would like to see on the menu in 2022.

Lucky Order Giveaway: Beginning in Week 4 and running for seven weeks, any Wynnum Warrior who purchases a fruit or vegetable item from our menu will have their name entered into the weekly draw to win a Plush Toy! If you place an order for a piece of Fresh Fruit, Fruit Salad Cup, Salad Box, a Salad Sandwich or Wrap, your name will be automatically entered into the draw.

Who will be our first lucky winner?

If you have any pre-loved uniforms, especially polo shirts, which are still in good condition, please consider donating them to our uniform shop, so that someone else can enjoy them. Thank you!