Term 3 - 2023 Week 1 Newsletter

Principal's Message with Mr Ionn

Welcome back.  Our bayside weather has been a bit chilly, but the return on Monday was a warm one, with hundreds of smiling faces, enthusiastically starting a new term and looking forward to being back at school with their teachers and friends.

 As Principal, my number one priority is the learning, wellbeing and safety of every child. Schools are dynamic ‘people organisations’ and as a school community, we all have a vested interest in the wellbeing of the school. The working relationship between the home and the school is a vital link, ensuring a positive and productive education for every child. 

 NAIDOC Week Assembly

It was a real pleasure to speak at our NAIDOC Assembly.  It was a great opportunity to celebrate the relationship between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non‑Indigenous Australians, and the ongoing work to build equity, to be inclusive, and the proper recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ rights.

Once again, we were entertained by the Duribang Ganjiyil Dance Group.  It was great to connect with previous Wynnum State School students in this group.

I am proud of the work of the Wynnum Bajara. This year we secured a significant partnership with Moreton Bay Environmental Education Centre to offer significant cultural learning days with Matt Walker during each NAIDOC week ongoing each year, starting this year with students in Year 4-6. It was a proud moment to induct two new student leaders as Bajara Cultural leaders: Mallana Lee and Jalirick Scafe-Agie. Inaugural Bajara Captains will design a logo for Bajara group as part of their legacy.

NAIDOC Week

National NAIDOC Week celebrations are held across Australia in the first week of July each year (Sunday to Sunday), to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. NAIDOC Week is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nations cultures and histories and participate in celebrations of the oldest, continuous living cultures on earth.

Messages from some Wynnum Warriors 

Jayden 4GS -  On Monday we went to MBEEC to learn about Indigenous culture. Year 4 went to see the display to learn about NAIDOC week with Matt Burns. I learnt that some plants can be used for food and weapons. 

Ella and Ava 4GS - We went to Moreton Bay Environmental Centre to learn about the history of the Indigenous culture and peoples. Matt Burns, a Quandamooka elder taught us that the dolphins were friends with all of the Quandamooka people until British colonies came and took over. We found this excursion very interesting and enjoyable. Thank you to Matt Burns for sharing your knowledge. 

Arjun and Gordon - Yura! This year, the years 4 - 6 had an enjoyable experience at MBEEC with Matt Burns. We learnt how to make fires and how First Nations people used tools to hunt for food. It was also fascinating to find out more about First Nations games and dances. Thank you Matt. 
Caitlin and Hayley This term we had a Quandamooka presentation with Matt Burns and the MBEEC staffs. We participated in a whole range of activities including Yarning Circle, Jumpinpin (an adapted traditional fish hunting game) and a dance to represent the Quandamooka, Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal country. Matt Burns taught us about how they traditionally made and used tools, and to udnerstand more about our First Nations cultures and why that is significant to everyone. We will never forget this excursion. 

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SAVE THE DATE!

Save the Date - Parent Teacher Interviews

Twice a year, Queensland State Schools offer parents/carers, the opportunity to discuss their child’s achievement, effort and behaviour at the school with their child’s teachers. At WSS, our Term 3 Parent Teacher Interviews will be held on Wednesday 30 August. The next edition of the Newsletter (week 3) will have the online link you need to use to make your booking/s.

Teaching and Learning with Ms O'Donoghue (Head of Curriculum)

Importance of Asking Questions

Asking questions means a child is becoming interested in something. They are trying to figure out things and how they work. Some of the skills that they develop while asking questions are:

• Critical thinking and logic building by analysing a situation and creating a question mentally
• Reasoning ability, trying to understand answers given to their questions, and coming up with answers themselves
• Communication skills, since kids ask questions in different social settings and from different people
• Social skills, as they ask questions from parents, grandparents, friends, and other people
• Relationship-building since they turn to trusted people for answers

It’s important to respond to the questions but avoid the temptation of jumping right in. Let them use their thinking and critical skills to figure out the answer without your help. Once you feel that they have thought of enough options, give them a simple and correct explanation.

How to Encourage Questioning in Children Through Activities:

There are many ways in which you can nurture your child’s curiosity and thinking skills.

• Introduce them to new things and new experiences
• Make time for free play and pretend play
• Read books with them
• Show them how to ask questions (be a role-model)
• Pick the right toys (playdough, art, music, water games, sand play, board games, puzzles, there are many options)
• Do not dismiss their questions. Endless questions are tiring but try to remember that this is the beginning of their discovery of what life holds. It may seem simple to us, as adults, but they aretrying to make sense of their world.  Stay strong!!!

Chaplaincy and Student Wellbeing Officer Survey

Chaplaincy and Student Wellbeing Officer (formerly ‘student welfare worker’) services are optional for schools and support the general wellbeing of students, parents and staff, provide an additional adult role model in the school and can enhance engagement with the broader community.

Prior to applying for funding for chaplaincy or student wellbeing officer services, schools are to consult with the school community to ensure there is support for the introduction or continuation of a chaplaincy or student wellbeing officer service within the school.

To receive your input, please click on the link below. While the survey only has two questions and should take less than one minute to complete, your input is invaluable.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/VJBL96V

Health & Safety Reminders

Safety in the Pick-Up Zone

We again request that caregivers do not create an afternoon pick-up line through the middle of the carpark on Boxgrove Avenue. It is dangerous and we have the actual pick up zone for the purpose of ensuring everyone’s safety. If you are puting your child and other children at risk by misusing the carpark in this way, we beg you to reconsider. WSS is fortunate to have an off-road pick-up zone. We understand it is really busy from 2.30-2.50pm, but the leadership team staff the area until after 3.00pm and that is a great time time to arrive. 

Primrose Park

A reminder that children going to Primrose Park, or any other local park, before or after school are the responsibility of their parents and caregivers. We recommend that children are supervised to provide support for any challenges that may arise.

Thank you for supporting our Wynnum SS community to remain safe.

Library Matters with Mrs Sutton and the Library Team

NAIDOC week celebrates our 65,000 plus year culture and connection to this country. 

Across every generation, our Elders have played, and continue to play, an important role and hold a prominent place in our communities and families. 

Our lower years have particularly enjoyed the reading of the story Finding Our Heart narrated by ABC News and playschool presenter, Tony Armstrong.  You might like to check out the link below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sn7XBfAq294

My New Gallery

Written and developed in workshops lead by Australian author Alison Lester with the students on Melville Island, No Way Yirrikipayi was our other special book for the P-2 students this week.  Written in both Tiwi and English the students enjoyed listening to the story of the hungry crocodile searching for land and sea animals to eat.  Again, you might like to watch a local elder read this story along with a clever animated video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJsFgtvoYBw

Scholastic Books have a great free book offer giveaway this issue, particularly if you use loop ordering.

Check out this deal!!

And finally…you might like to start pondering about what you might want to wear for Book Week 2023.  Yes, keep the 25^th August (Week 7) locked in your diaries because the new theme this year is Read, Grow, Inspire!! 

Certainly, more to come to get us ready to celebrate books…and some great costumes!!!

(PS…can’t wait to show you more!)

Just keep reading ......Mrs Sutton and the Library Team

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P-2 Science and Technology with Mrs Crowe

‘Earth and Space Sciences’ began in week one coordination with NAIDOC Week. P-2 scientists engaged in introductory experiences that demonstrated how our First Nations people were the first true astronomers. Before Galileo: ABC Message Stick

This informative video (from a few years ago) shows a true collaboration of scientists and our first nations people. It shares and celebrates the deep collective understanding of astronomy from both cultures who still continue to work together.

Year Two did excellent recordings in their science journals to represent what they already know about water as their starting point for learning more about water as a precious Earthly resource in “Waterworks”. Look at the detail in their work in the photos below.

P-2 Earth and Space Science Investigations for Term Three:

Prep - ‘Weather in our World’ (Identifying Weather Patterns)

Year One - ‘Changes All Around’ (Seasonal/ Environmental Changes)

Year Two - ‘Water Works’ (The Water Cycle)

Technology in Semester Two is Design Technologies.  Students will develop an understanding of how society and environmental sustainability factors influence design and technologies decisions. Students will evaluate designed solutions using questions such as ‘How does it work?’, ‘What purpose does it meet?’, ‘Who will use it?’, ‘What do I like about it?’ or ‘How can it be improved?’ They begin to consider the impact of their decisions and of technologies on others and the environment and the future.

Prep - Design a Chicken Coop (integrated with in-class Farm Unit)

Year One - Design a Community Playground (community needs)

Year Two – Design a Raft from sustainable materials.

It certainly will be an exciting term ahead for our young Wynnum Warrior meteorologists, climatologists, hydrologists and designers as they investigate climatic changes on earth, its precious resources and designing for the future on Earth. Look up, look around and discover science and technology happening in your world every day!

Year 5 Maths Moments

Snapshots of student LED learning in action!

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2023 ICAS Assessments

The ICAS assessments will no longer be facilitated by WSS.

Janison Exam Management (JEM) is running 2023 ICAS Assessment Centres at which your child or children can participate in the assessments.

2023 registration closing dates are rapidly approaching and more information can be found via this link

https://www.icasassessments.com/products-icas/testing-centres/

P&C News

Our next P&C meeting is this Wednesday 19th July in the school Admin block. Please arrive in person or online from 6pm for a 6:30pm start. Microsoft teams link to be emailed along with the agenda. The hot topic of the night will be fundraising. 

The tuck shop is looking !!!

The tuckshop thrives off the contributions of people, whether food prep, serving over the counter, restocking, or making coffee. You can choose to help a little as an hour or all morning. Alternatively you can help on the special meal deal days. We have an Ekka deal coming up soon. Volunteers receive a free lunch, icy poles for your kids and a sense of community. You can volunteer by contacting our convenor, Vanessa Managrave or by emailing us at wynnumss.pandc@gmail.com

School Facebook Page

Please visit the page via this link https://www.facebook.com/WynnumStateSchool  and click Like!

Absentee Line

To notify the school of your child's absence, please text your child's name and reason for absence to 0429 467 361.

2023 School Term Dates

School Bus Services

Just a reminder that we have a bus service that runs from Wynnum State School. Below is a link to both services.

https://jp.translink.com.au/plan-your-journey/timetables/bus/T/815

https://jp.translink.com.au/plan-your-journey/timetables/bus/t/819/outbound/2022-05-31

A Go Card will need to be purchased to be able to utilise this Translink bus service. The following link lists retail outlets of where to purchase a Go card https://translink.com.au/tickets-and-fares/go-card/locations 

Community News