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VOLUME 17 Issue 35

ACTING PRINCIPAL Mr Nathan Brown EXPERIENCED SENIOR TEACHERS Mrs Susan Anderson Mrs Louise Cowley Mrs Michelle Dohle Ms Colleen Dunn Mrs Alison Fisher Mrs Annette McLean SENIOR TEACHERS Mrs Annette Colley Mrs Kelly Webster HEAD OF SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES Mrs Vicky Parker HEAD OF CURRICULUM Mrs Glenda Moloney BUSINESS SERVICES MANAGER Mrs Debbie Kings P&C PRESIDENT Mrs Amy Mutch ADDRESS PO Box 231 St George 4487

02 November, 2016

Winners of our 2016 Mathletics Competition Leichhardt House!

Great fun was had during Astronomy Night before the storm hit - we really enjoyed Star Wars Yoga!

PHONE: 07 46 208 333 FAX: 07 46 208 300 EMAIL: [email protected]. edu.au

WEBSITE: www.stgeorgess.eq.edu.au

FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/stgeorgess

In this issue: • From the Principal

• 2017 Prep Enrolments • Students of the Week • From the Head of • • • • • • • • • •

Special Education Services Swimming Community Notes Sunrise Playgroup News from 3/4 Supporting Your Child in Early Education Bike Safety Behaviour Focus Buffalo Lodge School Calendar From the Head of Curriculum

The Table Tennis competition was hotly contested.

Thank you Pastor Sam for assisting us in commissioning Chappy Elton to our School.

OUR SCHOOL EXPECTATIONS: BE SAFE, BE RESPONSIBLE, BE RESPECTFUL

FROM THE PRINCIPAL School Awards’ Evening The most significant School community occasion of the year, our School Awards’ Evening, will be conducted on Wednesday 07 December, commencing at 6.30pm in the Multi-Purpose Hall at School. Historically these occasions have been outstanding showcases and celebrations of individual and School achievement. I look forward to sharing this special occasion with the School and wider community. World Teachers’ Day Last Friday’s World Teachers’ Day was certainly enjoyed and appreciated by our Teachers. Especially enjoyed and appreciated was the shared morning tea. Teachers, again, thank you for and congratulations on the tremendous job you do! Personal Technology Devices Our Responsible Behaviour Plan for Students states that students must not bring personal technology devices eg mobile telephones, cameras or Ipods to School. However, special consideration may be given for the use of such devices on special occasions. Such devices used contrary to this policy will be confiscated by the School and may be collected from the office at the conclusion of the day. In short, these devices should be left at home, or if they are brought to School (if approved under the special consideration clause), they must be handed to the office upon arrival at School and may be collected upon departure from School. Outstanding State Education Week! Our annual State Education Week enjoyed last week, certainly proved to be a great week of excitement, recognition and celebration around the outstanding work being done by our School community. Staff, parents and students, thank you once again for your involvement. The week certainly was a most enjoyable way of sharing, recognising and celebrating the special achievements of our School community in a very special way! Student Dress Code The St George State School is a “uniform” School, with an official dress code (uniform policy), which is endorsed by the School community. Page 19 of the 2016 School Handbook outlines this agreed School dress code. The School dress code can also be found on the School Website. It is pleasing to observe that with the warmer weather now upon us, students are presenting at School each day immaculately dressed in School uniform. Presently parades continue to be occasions when it is very obvious that students are embracing the dress code and are proud and happy to comply with the dress code requirements. Parades are indeed a very pleasant

sight. Parents, thank you for your on-going support and help around the School dress code implementation as we approach the final half of this final term of the year. Congratulations To …. • The St George High School on the success of last evening’s annual Speech Night. • Students and staff (especially HPE Teacher Miss Scott), on the great start to the swimming season! • Our P&C - another excellent monthly meeting last week! Thank You To ….. •

Parents and wider community members for their kind words and encouragement for our Teachers in recognition of last Friday’s World Teachers’ Day.

Remember …. This week’s behaviour focus is: Be Safe – Follow evacuation procedures (fire drills and lockdowns). Contact: Mr Nathan Brown Acting Principal

2017 Prep Enrolments With this year progressing very quickly, it is appropriate that we look at details that will be relevant for Prep and Year One for next year. • Children born from 01 July 2011 to 30 June 2012 (ie turning 5 by 30 June 2017) will be eligible for Prep in 2017. Please note: • If your child is presently enrolled in Prep or Year One, then you need to take no specific action at this time. • If you have a child who is eligible for Prep in 2017, you need to complete an application for enrolment form as soon as possible (forms are available from the Office). • From 2017 Prep will be compulsory for all children. • If you know of children who will be eligible for Prep or Year One in 2017, please encourage the parents to complete an application for enrolment form as soon as possible. As is always the case, if you need further information, please contact the School Office. Contact: School Administration

Students of the Week Congratulations to our students who received Student of the Week Awards for Week 4, Term 4 2016. P/1 Eli Champion - For great participation in all tasks. (Being Responsible) Rehan Perera - For excellent work in Mathematics. (Being Responsible) Tyreak Bearman and Lakye Fing - For always being ready to learn. (Being Responsible) Bryson Risson - For a great effort in Spelling. (Being Responsible) Tahnee Washington - For her great effort with rhyming words. (Being Responsible) Elijah Ware - For his excellent engagement in Science. (Being Responsible) Annamė van der Merwe - For her awesome writing in class. (Being Responsible) 1/2A Jahliarah Graham - For great work with reading. (Being Responsible) Toby McKay - For great work with spelling. (Being Responsible) Quincy Quig - For trying hard with handwriting. (Being Responsible) Cooper Wippell - For awesome high frequency word work. (Being Responsible) 1/2B Zac Cott - For his hard work reaching his reading target. (Being Responsible) Ashanti Thurston - For being respectful and responsible. (Being Respectful and Responsible) Neil Hamman and Marshal Sanford - For a great effort at swimming. (Being Responsible) 2/3 Nequwa Collins - For her contributions in English. (Being Responsible) Lillian Stenhouse - For her contributions during Science investigations. (Being Responsible) Lachlan Mellifont - For demonstrating excellent symmetrical drawings. (Being Responsible) Jackson Reeves - For fabulous work with reading. (Being Responsible) 3/4 David Thompson and Adele Chandler - For awesome discussions in Science. (Being Responsible) Sharni Hiles - For displaying a positive attitude to learning. (Being Responsible) Freya Ware - For awesome work with double digit multiplication. (Being Responsible) 4/5 Emma-Leigh Turnbull-Bennett - For amazing work during Maths rotations. (Being Responsible) Mackenzie Reeves - For smashing her reading goals. (Being Responsible) Seamus Lamb - For working independently and getting jobs done. (Being Responsible) Jaleah Turnbull - For an excellent effort with reading. (Being Responsible)

5/6A Francis McDougall, Jared Clifford, Toby Brimblecombe and Ty Tattam - For having a go at all tasks. (Being Responsible) 5/6B Emily Regan, Darcy Beeson, Jessica Parkes and Michelle Hams - For a great week of learning. (Being Responsible) Library Claire Stenhouse and Shilayah Fing - For great participation in lunch time activities. (Being Responsible) Cooper Wippell - For showing persistence with writing. (Being Responsible) Layla Weatherall - For excellent sharing and reading. (Being Responsible) Instrumental Music Michelle Hams, Darcy Beeson, Kobie Turnbull and Lachlan York - For always working hard in Instrumental. (Being Responsible) HPE Ruben Davis, Lily Wise, Ryan Taylor and John Woodbridge - For their great effort at swimming this week. (Being Responsible) The Arts Olivia Brown - For fantastic effort in The Arts. (Being Responsible) Caroline Tattam - For wonderful drawing this week. (Being Responsible) Tilerha Fing - For fantastic effort during Media. (Being Responsible) Keira-Leigh Burke - For a great story in The Arts. (Being Responsible) Team Time Zeek Turnbull and Lachie Pope - For great participation. (Being Responsible) Tyrell McDougall - For excellent participation. (Being Responsible) Jairra Binge and Lane Graham - For being “Charlie Confidence.” (Being Responsible) Shontayne Prince and Zoe Grayson For sharing confidence building thoughts. (Being Responsible) Homework Tutoring Francis McDougall and Tom Kunde - For a great week. (Being Responsible) Please join us on parade at 10:10am on Friday when students of the week for Week 5, Term 4 will be announced.

Prep Transition Days Tuesday 08 November (9:30- 10:30) Wednesday 09 November (9:30 - 10:30) Thursday 10 November (12 to 1) Kids, come and be a preppie for the morning.

Speech Therapy Games for Children Language is communication that is used by all of us to express ourselves. Unfortunately, some children have speech disorders. Speech therapy activities can help in rectifying speech disorders among children. Some easy activities that you can do at home are below. I Spy This is a very simple game and can be played anywhere. The player spots something with his eye and the others have to guess it with a clue. The game begins with 'I spy, with my little eye, something beginning with H'. This game helps in improving reception and observation. Let your child be the spy then the guesser. Focus on the sound while saying the line. To make the game easier you can make a modification like 'I spy, with my little eye, something that's blue or square, or red'. Twenty Questions Pick a person, place or ‘thing’. Begin with 'I am thinking of..', to which, the other person questions 'a place?', 'a person?', or 'a thing?'. The player is allowed to ask only 20 questions. The games focus on developing observation skills, expressive language and conversational skills. 'Twenty Questions' is one of the fun speech therapy activities which help in improving general knowledge too.

Swimming Timetable: Below is the timetable for classes: Time

Mon

Tues

Wed

9 to 10am

5/6B

3/4

5/6A

11 to 12pm

1/2A

P/1

12 to 1pm

Songs Songs are the fun speech therapy games. Singing them on your way to school will make the trip all the more enjoyable. Songs like 'Old McDonald' and 'Wheels on the Bus' focus on a cluster on things in one place. This builds the vocabulary and leads a way to seamless imagination. Our school receives a Speech Therapy service through Education Queensland for approximately one week a term. The focus for ‘our’ Speech Therapist in most instances is catering for the child within the classroom, using existing classroom resources and structures. If you believe your child requires speech therapy intervention please contact your child’s class teacher. Contact: Mrs Vicky Parker Head of Special Education Services

Attendance Award: 5/6A (96%) Correct Uniform Award: 1/2A On Task Award: 1/2B & 5/6B Clean Area Award: 4/5

2/3

P/1 Bumblebees

2 to 3pm

4/5

1/2B

Parents, please read and attend to the following Health and Safety points: •

If a student suffers from a medical condition which might put the swimmer at risk in the water, written parental consent, supported by a medical certificate, must be obtained for the student to participate in the swimming program.

•

Students must wear their School uniform to the pool, change into their swimmers in the change rooms and change back into their uniforms before returning to School. Swimmers are not to be worn under School uniforms.

•

Students suffering from infection and suppurating sores or suspected contagions must be excluded from any swimming activity.

•

Students must remove jewellery and other ornaments before entering the water.

•

Students with long hair must have it secured to avoid interference with sight and breathing.

Tongue Twisters Try saying 'She sells seashells on the seashore', 'Betty Botter bought some butter but the butter was bitter, so Betty Botter bought some better butter to make the bitter butter better!' Tongue twisters are targeted towards articulation. In turn, they even boost confidence and motivate your child to talk more.

Butterflies

Contact: Miss Georgie Scott

Sunrise Playgroup Term 4, 2016 Focus Book + Activities 6

Bubbles

Tuesday

Thursday

08 November

10 November

15 November

17 November

2017 Prep Open Sessions 7

Messy Play

Wear your favourite pyjamas and bring your teddy bear

(Bring a towel and change of clothes) 8

Fire Truck Visit

22 November

24 November

29 November

01 December

Fire Safety 9

Christmas Activities

NO PLAYGROUP TODAY Lower School Swimming Carnival 10

Christmas Break Up

♦

06 December

08 December

Christmas Break-Up (Santa visit)

NO PLAYGROUP TODAY

All activities are subject to change. Please check our facebook page for up-to-date activities. Urgent Reminder School hats are a part of the School Uniform and must be worn each day! The School no longer has hats available for loan.

News from 3/4 Term 4, Week 5…where has the year gone? Year 3/4 has been very busy both inside and outside of the classroom. We have had many parents and members of the community compliment the St George State School Education Week display in Golders. It was great to see so many parents at our Education Week class showcase last Tuesday at the Pool. Year 3/4 has been enjoying their weekly swimming lesson. Student participation has been fantastic. In English we have been discussing the techniques and features of advertising. Be sure to ask your child/ren what a particular advertisement features in an attempt to persuade the target audience. Contact: Miss Kate Horrex Class Teacher

Cricket Coaching Course St George Junior Cricket has organised a Qld Cricket representative to visit St George to hold a coaching accreditation course. It will be held on Sunday 20 November at St George State School. Please contact Kelly Webster on 0428348861 if you are interested in attending.

Lest We Forget Remembrance Day 11 November

School Swimming Carnival Date Claimer! 29 & 30 November Helpers urgently required! Please contact the School Office if you can assist. Supporting Your Child in Early Childhood Here are some fun, everyday activities you can do with your child to help develop their literacy and numeracy skills. ♦

Play word games when out together, such as playing ‘I spy’ in the car. For young children, you can use colours such as “I spy something that is red.”

♦

Sing songs or nursery rhymes while taking a walk, packing away toys or in the car.

♦

Play outdoors - pouring water or sand into containers, scales and measuring containers allows your child to explore numeracy concepts.

♦

Paint and draw - art allows children to express themselves. As your child learns more words you may notice their painting or drawings become more detailed.

♦

Dress up - children can practise their language and communication skills by playing ‘make believe.’

♦

Do a puzzle - puzzles are a great way for children to learn about sizes, shapes and colours. Contact: Mrs Alison Fisher Experienced Senior Teacher

Bike Safety Please remember if your child rides a bike or scooter to school, bikes/scooters are to be walked into the school grounds and placed in the racks provided. Bikes/scooters must not be ridden on the grounds as this poses a risk to others. If children are riding on the school grounds their bike or scooter may be confiscated. Contact: School Administration

Behaviour Focus Be Safe Follow evacuation proceduresFire Drills and Lockdowns •

Be safe and Responsible during Fire Drills and Lockdown procedures.

•

Use stairs closest to your classroom (if possible).

•

Walk in a sensible prompt manner.

Buffalo Lodge Shield Leichhardt Nixon Mitchell

13480 13160 13140

Save the Date 25 November St George State School

EAT STREET MARKETS 5PM TO 9PM Stall Holders Wanted (no food stalls thanks) School Office - 46208333 or Amy Mutch - 0428743088

ST GEORGE TENNIS CLUB HOTSHOTS Hot Shots Membership 2016 - $10 Weekly Ball Fees- $5 Term 4 Dates Friday 04 November Friday 18 November (end of year break up) 4pm at the tennis courts.

School Calendar November Friday 04 End ASG Cycle and celebration Tuesday 08 Prep Transition 9:30 - 10:30 Wednesday 09 Year 6 Transition Afternoon at High School Prep Transition 9:30 - 10:30 Thursday 10 Prep Transition 12 - 1 Friday 11 Remembrance Day Tuesday 22 P & C Meeting Friday 25 Eat Street Markets Tuesday 29 Year 6 Transition Day at High School Junior Swimming Carnival Wednesday 30 Senior Swimming Carnival December Tuesday 06 Carols on the Balonne Wednesday 07 School Awards Evening Thursday 08 School Showcase Friday 09 Final Day Term 4 School Showcase End of Term Rewards Afternoon End ASG cycle and celebration Report Cards issued January Wednesday 18 Pupil Free Day Thursday 19 Pupil Free Day Friday 20 Pupil Free Day Monday 23 School commences 2017

URGENT NOTICE

TUCKSHOP CLOSED ON MONDAYS! Awards Evening As the end of the year approaches, preparations for the Awards Evening are progressing. The Awards Evening is a very important time in our school year and a chance to celebrate our many successes and to formally farewell our Year 6 students. There are a few important details for you to put on the calendar. The Awards Evening will be held on Wednesday 07 December in the Multi-Purpose Hall of the school. The evening will begin at 6:30 pm. All students ARE EXPECTED TO ATTEND IN FULL SCHOOL UNIFORM (School shirt, maroon shorts/skorts). The evening will include the presentation of the various School Awards, performances by our Choirs and Bands, and the presentation of the Year 6 Graduation Certificates. The Awards Evening, as with last year, WILL NOT include supper or dinner. Parents of Year 6 students and award-nominated students will receive an invitation to attend the evening. Contact: School Administration

Is your child turning 5 years old before 30 June 2017? Enrolments are being taken now for Prep! Year 6, 2017 Camp Fund Raising Cupcakes and Ice Blocks $1 Tuesdays and Thursdays Congratulations to our Students of the Week for Week 4, Term 4. Our students wore “free–dress” and a Bandanna to raise funds for Canteen.

High School Transition As part of the Year 6 Transition to High School, Year 6 students will be attending a Transition Afternoon next Wednesday at St George State High School. The purpose of the afternoon is to allow students to meet and engage with several key teachers and current Year 7 students. Students will have the opportunity to participate in lessons from a number of curriculum areas. The afternoon will begin at 12:30pm. During this time students will be supervised by staff from our school and from St George State High School. Students will travel by bus to the High School and will return to the Primary School before 3pm.

Congratulations to our Tuckshop voucher winners for Week 4, Term 4 Rehan, Drew and Riley.

2017 Year 6 Camp Fundraising Meeting 4:30pm Friday 04 November At the park/playground opposite the school.

All Welcome!

Casual Cleaner Required Applicants are required to have a current Blue Card (Working with Children Check) Please forward an expression of interest along with a current resume to: The Business Services Manager, St George State School, P O Box 231, St George 4487

The afternoon session is one of the planned transition activities that staff from both schools have been working collaboratively on since earlier this year - the main objective being to ensure that our Year 6 students have a smooth transition to High School in 2017. Contact: Mrs Glenda Moloney Head of Curriculum Student Attendance Regular attendance and punctuality are essential. In the case of absence or late arrival, parents are required to advise the School Office, or Class Teacher. If an absence is anticipated for the purpose of medical or dental appointments etc., the School should be advised beforehand. If no notification is received, the School will contact the parents seeking an explanation for the absence. If no contact can be made by telephone a letter will be sent home outlining the parents’ responsibility. If your child is late arriving at School they must first report to the Office to receive a late note before moving to class. A complete student record is kept on attendance and punctuality. Please note that a parent of a child of compulsory School age is obliged under law to ensure that their child attends School every School day unless an acceptable reason is given. Please ensure your children continues to attend School all day on each and every day until School concludes at 3pm on Friday 11 December. Contact: School Administration