Term 3 - 2023 Week 7 Newsletter

Principal's Message with Mr Ionn

Week 7

I’m looking forward to the dress up day as part of Book Week. Book Week is one of my favourite times of the year when we get to celebrate books and reading. Reading is the single most important skill we can learn that improves opportunities in our life. Books give us not just opportunities to learn to read but also reflect on the messages within. Have you read The Paper Bag Princess? A great tale of looking beyond the clothes we wear or belongings we have, and instead looking at the person we are inside. The book Matilda has some great quotes, which I’m sure you’ll agree could also be attributed to our Matildas:

• Somewhere inside all of us is the power to change the world.
• If you are good, life is good.
• Remember that wherever your heart is, there you will find your treasure.
• Never do anything by halves if you want to get away with it. Be outrageous.

At the end of the day, what is the biggest lesson this week and the Matildas provide us? Be inspired to do better, be better and celebrate growth and accomplishments.

Parent Teacher Interviews

Thank you, parents and caregivers, for undertaking the online booking procedure for this semester’s Parent Teacher Interviews next Wednesday. I’m looking forward to welcoming everyone to this important conversation about achieving the next lift for your child.

Student Free Day – School Closure (Friday 1 September)

Please be aware that next Friday is a Student Free Day. Staff professional development days across the state for teachers are 19 and 20 January, 13 and 14 April and 1 September 2023. Schools are able to decide when they undertake the required hours for professional development for the flexible days, as long as they are on the flexible days, in the school holidays or out of school hours. Wynnum State School elected to complete more professional learning at the beginning of the year on the flexible days.  Therefore, not only is September 1 a student free day, staff will not attend the site on this day and the school will be closed.    

Enrolment Agreement Revisit

To have been enrolled at Wynnum State School, the enrolment agreement would have been signed as an acknowledgement of school expectations, and sets out the responsibilities of the student, parents or carers and the school staff about the education of students.

I understand that this document could feel like just another document to sign at enrolment, but it is a defining reference piece in our school. We all have a role to play to ensure that we can be the best we can.  This is how we enact the “Believe, Achieve, Succeed” motto – everyday!

Responsibility of student to:

• attend school regularly, on time, ready to learn and take part in school activities
• act at all times with respect and show tolerance towards other students and staff
• work hard and comply with requests or directions from the staff members
• respect the school environment
• abide by school rules, meet homework requirements and wear school’s uniform.

The P&C of Wynnum State School resolves that it supports a student dress code for Wynnum State School because it believes that the wearing of the Wynnum State School uniform promotes objectives of Education (General Provisions) Bill 2006.  In particular, the P&C of Wynnum State School supports the intention of a student dress code in providing a safe and supportive teaching and learning environment by:

• ready identification of students and non-students at school;
• eliminating distraction of competition in dress and fashion at school;
• fostering a sense of belonging; and
• developing mutual respect among students through minimising visible evidence of economic or social differences.

Responsibility of parents to:

• attend open evenings for parents
• let the school know if there are any problems that may affect your child’s ability to learn
• inform school of reason for any absence
• treat school staff with respect and tolerance
• support the authority and discipline of the school enabling your child to achieve maturity, self-discipline and self-control
• abide by school’s policy regarding access to school grounds before, during and after school hours.

Responsibility of school to:

• develop each individual student’s talent as fully as possible
• inform parents and carers regularly about how their children are progressing
• inform students, parents and carers about what the teachers aim to teach the students each term
• teach effectively and to set the highest standards in work and behaviour
• take reasonable steps to ensure the safety, happiness and self-confidence of all students
• be open and welcoming at all reasonable times and offer opportunities for parents and carers to become involved in the school community
• clearly articulate the school’s expectations regarding the responsible behaviour plan for students and the school’s dress code policy
• ensure that the parent is aware of the school’s record-keeping policy including the creation of a transfer note should the student enrol at another school
• set, mark and monitor homework regularly in keeping with the school’s homework policy
• contact parents and carers as soon as is possible if the school is concerned about the child’s school work, behaviour, attendance or punctuality
• deal with complaints in an open, fair and transparent manner
• consult parents on any major issues affecting students
• treat students and parents with respect and tolerance.

Double Thumbs Up for Double Double Play

You may or may not be aware that over the past few weeks, WSS has been trialling an initiative to provide our students with more play time. We have done this by restructuring Second Break.

First Break is unchanged with all students having 20 minutes designated eating time followed by 20 minutes designated play time. Preps and Year Ones also have an additional snack time known as Brain Break, that remains unchanged. However, now in Second Break, where students previously had 15 minutes designated eating and 15 minutes designated play, they now have the choice of what they would like to do. Far and away the majority of students are choosing what we hoped they would, which is to play for the entire Second Break, hence the name Double Double Play.

As educators, it brings incredible joy to see our students having increased opportunities to connect with each other in the playgrounds, library and oval spaces.  Play has been described as the work of the child and our students are letting us know that they love their work!

One of the ways we heard from the students was through class surveys. In the survey, we asked how many students wanted Double Double Play to continue, as well as suggestions for improvements. Over 90% of the students voted to continue Double Double Play. Suggestions for improvements mostly involved working out how to best share spaces (especially soccer fields) and solving lunch box issues – wish us luck!

Prep 2024 Enrolments!

Additionally please make contact with the office if you know your child will not be returning in 2024 (excluding year 6 students). 

Save The Date!

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

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures priority provides opportunities for all students to deepen their knowledge of Australia by engaging with the world’s oldest continuous living cultures. Through the Australian Curriculum, students will understand that contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities are strong, resilient, rich and diverse.

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures priority uses a conceptual framework to provide a context for learning. The framework comprises the underlying elements of Identity and Living Communities and the key concepts of Country/Place, Culture and People. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Identities are represented as central to the priority and are approached through knowledge and understanding of the interconnected elements of Country/Place, Culture and People. The development of knowledge about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ law, languages, dialects and literacies is approached through the exploration of Cultures. These relationships are linked to the deep knowledge traditions and holistic world views of Aboriginal communities and/or Torres Strait Islander communities.

Students will understand that Identities and Cultures have been, and are, a source of strength and resilience for Aboriginal Peoples and Torres Strait Islander Peoples against the historic and contemporary impacts of colonisation. 

At Wynnum we embed knowledge and understanding through the curriculum areas in every year level.  Some examples of this are shared below.

Literacy & Numeracy Week

Literacy & Numeracy Week is observed annually in August and September each year, and this year it takes place from August 29 to September 4. It is an initiative that was started by the Australian government to encourage reading, writing, and numeracy in students as well as recognize their achievements and the work of teachers and parents in the fields.

At Wynnum we concentrate on literacy and numeracy in every key learning area, every day.  However, next week we have some fun activities for students to work on, hoping to challenge their thinking and apply some of their learning to create solutions to problems.

Fun Facts about reading

1.    It’s a stress reliever

Reading for just six minutes a day is studied to reduce stress by a whole 68%.

2.    It takes a book a day

If you read one book a day to your child, they would have been read approximately 1,825 books by the time they are five.

3.    It’s the best vocabulary builder

Studies show that children learn 4,000 to 12,000 words per year through reading.

4.    It pays off

Children who read up to a million words a year are in the top 2% of reading achievement.

5.    It doesn’t take a lot

If you read just 20 minutes a day, you would have read over a million words by the end of the year.

P-2 Science and Technology with Mrs Crowe

Our P-6 Wynnum Warriors were absolutely full of Wonderment and Awe and eagerly Gathered Data through all Senses with every investigation during Science Week!

Comments of true interest and engagement were expressed, such as “I just definitely am going to be a scientist when I get out of school!”; “I LOVE Science!”; “Can I draw my own innovation at home and bring it in to Science Week?”; “Beebots are sciency fun!”

Electric circuits and coding challenges prompted much Questioning and Problem posing and solving too! Dancing with the CSIRO Digital Human was extra great scientific fun in 2023! What an absolutely fantastic week of predictions, investigations and scientific discussion. Enjoy the photos below!

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Water is a precious resource which Year Two hydrologists are keen to protect it for the future. They are very proud of their waterdrop display full of posters created to share the message to save water! Pop into the Junior Science Lab to view the many different important messages on the rain wall.

Design Technology tasks are well underway. (Year One are designing a playground; Year Two are designing a sustainable raft). Both Year One and Two worked on ‘Step Two of the Design Process: Research and Imagine’. Our young designers used I pads for internet research and recorded selected ideas and information in their own ‘Design Project Booklets’. So much concentration and detailed recording!

Wellbeing Connection Program Years 4-6

Our Wellbeing Connection Program is well underway!

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Guidance Officer message with Mrs Manning (Guidance Offier)

Dear parents/caregivers,

Anxiety is something that we are all faced with at some stage in our lives. In the bustling rhythm of modern life, it's not uncommon to encounter moments of anxiety. As the year quickly approaches its end; the worry of new things (year levels/High school/etc) in particular might cause anxiety in some students (and adults). Whether it's the flutter of unease before an important meeting or the persistent worry about future uncertainties, anxiety can affect us all.

Unmasking Anxiety:

Anxiety is a natural response designed to protect us from potential threats. However, when this response becomes excessive or persistent, it can evolve into a mental health challenge. Physical sensations like a racing heart, shallow breaths, and a racing mind are some of anxiety's telltale signs. Recognizing anxiety signs in children is crucial for providing them with the support they need. Children may not always have the words to express their feelings, so it's important for parents, caregivers, and educators to be attuned to behavioural and emotional changes.

Here are some common signs of anxiety in children:

Excessive Worry (Persistent and excessive worrying about various aspects of life, or situations). Physical Symptoms (Frequent complaints of headaches, stomach-aches, etc., often with no underlying medical cause). Avoidance (Avoiding certain situations or places, such as school, social gatherings, or specific activities). Perfectionism (Setting unrealistically high standards for themselves and becoming distressed if they cannot meet them). Restlessness or Fidgeting (Difficulty sitting still, restlessness, or constant fidgeting, which might be an outward manifestation of internal anxiety). Irritability (Increased irritability or moodiness). Sleep Issues (Changes in sleep patterns). Difficulty Concentrating (Struggling to focus on tasks due to a preoccupation with worries or an inability to quiet their racing thoughts). Physical Tension (Displaying signs of physical tension). Seeking Reassurance (Constantly seeking reassurance from adults or repeatedly asking questions about potential worries). Social Withdrawal (Becoming more socially isolated or withdrawing from activities they previously enjoyed). Overthinking and Rumination (Ruminating excessively about negative experiences or situations, which can exacerbate anxious feelings). Perceived Threats (Seeing ordinary situations as potential threats, leading to an overly cautious or fearful approach to everyday life).

Tools for Taming Anxiety:

Some things to try and combat anxiety symptoms are: Mindfulness and Breathing, Self-Care Rituals, Challenging Negative Thoughts, Physical Activity, Seeking Support, Embracing Uncertainty and Grounding techniques.

Grounding techniques:

Grounding techniques are psychological strategies used to help individuals stay present and connected to reality, especially during moments of anxiety, stress, or dissociation. These techniques are often used to bring a person's attention back to the present moment and their surroundings, which can be particularly useful in managing overwhelming emotions or experiences. Focus on your breathing and take slow, deep breaths. Count each breath in and out, paying close attention to the physical sensations of breathing. Mentally scan your body from head to toe, focusing on each body part and noticing any sensations or tension. This helps you become more aware of your physical presence.

The 5-4-3-2-1 grounding technique is a simple and effective method for bringing your focus back to the present moment by engaging your senses. Here's how to do it:

• 5 Things You Can See: Look around your environment and identify five things you can see. They can be objects, colours, or anything in your surroundings. Take your time to observe each item and describe it to yourself in your mind.
• 4 Things You Can Touch: Shift your attention to your sense of touch. Identify four things you can touch or feel around you. It could be the texture of a surface, the fabric of your clothing, or the sensation of the ground beneath your feet.
• 3 Things You Can Hear: Now, tune in to your sense of hearing. Identify three things you can hear in your environment. It could be the sound of a fan, birds chirping, people talking, or any other auditory input.
• 2 Things You Can Smell: Pay attention to your sense of smell. Identify two things you can smell. It might be the scent of food, flowers, a scented candle, or any other odours in your vicinity.
• 1 Thing You Can Taste: Finally, focus on your sense of taste. Identify one thing you can taste. If you have something to eat or drink nearby, take a moment to savour its taste.

It's important to note that each child is unique, and their expression of anxiety can vary. While experiencing some of these signs occasionally is normal, consistent and interfering patterns of these behaviours may indicate the presence of an anxiety disorder. If you suspect your child is struggling with anxiety, consider seeking professional guidance from a paediatrician, therapist, or counsellor who specializes in children's mental health. Open communication, creating a supportive environment, and offering coping strategies can help children better manage their anxiety and build emotional resilience.

If you, or a loved one need support; please reach out to someone or contact one of the relevant numbers below:

• Police / Ambulance – 000
• Lifeline provides 24hr telephone counselling for people in crisis or emotional distress on 13 11 14
• Kids Helpline is a free 24hr counselling service for Australian kids and young people 1800 55 1800
• Parentline provides confidential counselling for parents, from 8am-10pm, 7 days a week1300 301 300

Take Care.

P&C News

Un-Fundrasier Update: A roaring round of applause for our amazing school families!  Your generosity during our very first un-fundrasier has been extraordinary. Together, we've rallied and raised a whopping $3775! This remarkable feat showcases the power of our united community spirit. We're beyond grateful for your support!

Upcoming Events

Meet & Greet :
Join us for a friendly meet and greet with the P&C Executive team during the Parent-Teacher interviews – a great opportunity to connect and learn more about our school community!

Disco: 14^th September at 5pm – 8pm at Mega Central. The WSS P&C invite you to the 2023 school disco! The theme this year is “country”. Come and join us for an epic evening! More info will be shared on the P&C Facebook page.

Tuckshop Tidbits: Hey, super parents!  A quick tuckshop update for you. To ensure every grade 2 - 6 kiddo gets to enjoy our scrumptious tuckshop goodies, we kindly request that you remind your champs to swing by and grab their orders. We've had a few uncollected orders lately, and our staff's been making a lot of phone calls to the office and classrooms. Let's work together to ensure our hungry learners don't miss out on the yumminess!

Hail to Our Tuckshop Heroes: Huge high-fives and heartfelt thanks to our wonderful volunteers who've been lending a hand in the tuckshop! New faces are shining through, and we're loving the vibrant energy. But guess what? We've got room for even more helping hands! If you're ready to dive into the tuckshop fun, don't hesitate—click the link below and join the team. Let's keep the delicious vibes rolling.

Calling All Chicken Whisperers: Are you ready for a feathered adventure?  Our next mission: creating a cozy chicken coop for 4 to 5 clucking companions! We're calling on parents and carers who are up for some Saturday coop-building action. We need up to 7 awesome adults for a few hours on 2 Saturdays. If this chirpy endeavor tickles your fancy, reach out to the P&C team and let's hatch this egg-citing plan together.

Thank you for being the heart and soul of our vibrant P&C community. 🌈 Let's keep shining, supporting, and soaring together!

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