The Queensland Department of Education trading as: Education Queensland International (EQI) CRICOS Registration Number 00608A 42-74 McManus St, Whitfield QLD 4870 PO Box 680, Edge Hill QLD 4870 Ph: (07) 4034 7333 E: admin@whitfieldss.eq.edu.au https://www.facebook.com/WhitfieldStateSchool https://whitfieldss.eq.edu.au Each striving for the peak Diary Dates Principal’s Report Dear Whitfield State School Community That’s a wrap – Term 3 finishes Another action filled school term of learning, activities and events has come and gone. For me the term has flown by with some of the outstanding highlights being - our Sports Carnival, Father’s Day activities, Book Week, awesome performances by our students on the sporting field, in music, and in academic competitions culminating in a spectacular dance performance from our Dance Academy students on last Friday’s assembly. This term we were also successful in being selected as the regional winner of the Showcase Awards for Excellence in Schools. Unfortunately, we didn’t make it to the state finals but it was such a huge honour for our school and it was wonderful to make it that far. Finally, at the time of writing this newsletter, we have NAIDOC Week celebration activities and PACE Day happening. Hopefully the children have enjoyed the term as much as the staff and I have. A huge thanks to the many parents, staff and the P&C who support and help to make great things happen at our school. Further Playground Upgrades As I have previously identified, the major fundraising priority for our school and our P&C, is upgrades to play spaces. The P&C have agreed to continue along this path by spending the entire PACE Day funds on new play equipment for the children. Recently we have put some new ideas to the children and received their enthusiastic support for our plans. I have included a couple of pictures of some play elements we intend to purchase and install. If you are interested in having input into our school’s play facilities or other school decisions or matters, I encourage you to come along to our P&C meetings (Week 3 –Friday mornings at 8:30am and/or Week 7 – Tuesday nights at 6pm). 2021 Enrolments Continuing Over the last few weeks, we have had a number of Principal tours and enrolment interview days in preparation for next year. The strong enrolment levels are affirming that our school’s reputation as a great school is well established. Please remember that if you or your family or friends intend to enrol children for next year, getting applications in as soon as possible is important. I look forward to welcoming plenty of new students and families to our school community at the Prep Experience morning on Wednesday 28 October 2020. Please ensure that if you intend on coming along that you pre-register as limits on this day apply due to COVID restrictions. Thanks for the feedback Over the last few weeks, it has been wonderful to receive so much positive feedback from parents and caregivers. It is truly a privilege to be the Principal of such a wonderful organisation; so many passionate and dedicated staff; committed and engaged parents and most importantly, the fantastic children of our school. Until next time Yours in schooling Mr Matt Thompson, Principal Please report all student absences via the Absence Line: (07) 4034 7366 or Email: WSSstudents@whitfieldss.eq.edu.au 18 SEPTEMBER 2020 NEWSLETTER Connect with us on Tuckshop Menu View the current menu Pictured: Junior Indigenous Parliament (see article on page 3) 5/10 Queen’s Birthday Public Holiday 6/10 First day of Term 4 7-9/10 Year 6 Camp - Tinaroo Environmental Education Centre 8/10 6KO Fishing Excursion 16/10 Odd Footwear Day 21-22/10 School Photos 22/10 2021 Prep Interviews 23/10 P&C Meeting Principal Tour 28/10 Red Day Prep Experience Day 30/10 Day for Daniel Halloween Disco & Family Fun Night World Teachers’ Day Follow our Facebook Page for additional articles and events. Hurricane Tarzan
Transcript
The Queensland Department of Education trading as: Education Queensland International (EQI) CRICOS Registration Number 00608A
Principal’s ReportDear Whitfield State School Community
That’s a wrap – Term 3 finishes Another action filled school term of learning, activities and events has come and gone. For me the term has flown by with some of the outstanding highlights being - our Sports Carnival, Father’s Day activities, Book Week, awesome performances by our students on the sporting field, in music, and in academic competitions culminating in a spectacular dance performance from our Dance Academy students on last Friday’s assembly.
This term we were also successful in being selected as the regional winner of the Showcase Awards for Excellence in Schools. Unfortunately, we didn’t make it to the state finals but it was such a huge honour for our school and it was wonderful to make it that far.
Finally, at the time of writing this newsletter, we have NAIDOC Week celebration activities and PACE Day happening. Hopefully the children have enjoyed the term as much as the staff and I have. A huge thanks to the many parents, staff and the P&C who support and help to make great things happen at our school.
Further Playground Upgrades As I have previously identified, the major fundraising priority for our school and our P&C, is upgrades to play spaces. The P&C have agreed to continue along this path by spending the entire PACE Day funds on new play equipment for the children. Recently we have put some new ideas to the children and received their enthusiastic support for our plans. I have included a couple of pictures of some play elements we intend to purchase and install. If you are interested in having input into our school’s play facilities or other school decisions or matters, I encourage you to come along to our P&C meetings (Week 3 –Friday mornings at 8:30am and/or Week 7 – Tuesday nights at 6pm).
2021 Enrolments Continuing Over the last few weeks, we have had a number of Principal tours and enrolment interview days in preparation for next year. The strong enrolment levels are affirming that our school’s reputation as a great school is well established. Please remember that if you or your family or friends intend to enrol children for next year, getting applications in as soon as possible is important. I look forward to welcoming plenty of new students and families to our school community at the Prep Experience morning on Wednesday 28 October 2020. Please ensure that if you intend on coming along that you pre-register as limits on this day apply due to COVID restrictions.
Thanks for the feedback Over the last few weeks, it has been wonderful to receive so much positive feedback from parents and caregivers. It is truly a privilege to be the Principal of such a wonderful organisation; so many passionate and dedicated staff; committed and engaged parents and most importantly, the fantastic children of our school.
Until next time Yours in schooling
Mr Matt Thompson, Principal
Please report all student absences via the Absence Line: (07) 4034 7366 or Email: [email protected]
18 SEPTEMBER 2020NEWSLETTER
Connect with us on
Tuckshop MenuView the current menu
Pictured: Junior Indigenous Parliament (see article on page 3)
5/10 Queen’s Birthday Public Holiday
6/10 First day of Term 4
7-9/10 Year 6 Camp - Tinaroo Environmental Education Centre
8/10 6KO Fishing Excursion
16/10 Odd Footwear Day
21-22/10 School Photos
22/10 2021 Prep Interviews
23/10 P&C Meeting
Principal Tour
28/10 Red Day
Prep Experience Day
30/10 Day for Daniel
Halloween Disco & Family Fun Night
World Teachers’ Day
Follow our Facebook Page for additional articles and events.
The recipe book will celebrate the Whitfield State School community which is made up of over 30 nationalities and cultures.
It will include recipes, stories and illustrations that reflect our shared love of food, family, culture and community.
All students will have the opportunity to submit a favourite family recipes and
stories for publication in the book.
Competitions are also being held for
and the
Over the school holidays children are encouraged to think of a title for the book about their family favourite recipes they would like submitted,
write a story; or design a front cover illustration. Forms for submission will be available early in Term 4
Uniform ShopThe Uniform Shop is open Tuesdays 2.30pm to 3.30 pm on the following days:
• 13 October
• 27 October
• 10 November
• 24 November
• 8 December
Prep Enrolments for 2021Please ensure you pick up an “Application for Enrolment Pack” from our Front Office or download the forms from the school website as soon as possible https://whitfieldss.eq.edu.au/enrolments/prep.
Paperwork to be handed in when you lodge your enrolment:• Application for Enrolment Form
• Yourchild’sBirthCertificate
• Student Resource Form
• Prep questionnaire
• Proof of residence (if you live in our catchment area)
• Court orders (if any)
Our office staff will then contact you to organise an enrolment interview.
If you have any questions in relation to our interview process, please do not hesitate to contact the school on 4034 7333.
Gifted Education Program (G.E.P.)Q.A.M.T. (Qld Association of Mathematics Teachers) Quiz
Congratulations to Saxon, Ian and James who recently won the Cairns Regional Round of the Q.A.M.T. Quiz!
As winner of the local regional round, the team is automatically invited to take part in the finals of the Q.A.M.T. Year 5/6 Maths Quiz which will be conducted in the third or fourth week of Term 4 on a day and time to be announced.
Well done, Team Whitfield Green!
Solid Pathways Science Week Presentation
Congratulations to Wilson whose Science presentation for Australian Science Week was selected as a winner in the Year 4 section.
Wilson and his parents visited the L.R.C. and joined a virtual online presentation this week. How exciting to see his experiment titled, “Bouncing Eggs” showcased on the Solid Pathways iSee platform alongside other winners from all corners of the state of Queensland.
No hypothesis here – Wilson’s scientific process was brilliant!
Junior Indigenous Youth Parliament
Whitfield was proudly represented at the recent Junior Indigenous Parliament by Saxon, Isaiah, Paityn, Henry, Hanae and Ramiah!
The Youth Parliament was chaired by the Speaker of the Queensland Parliament Hon Curtis Pitt along with local Members of Parliament, Michael Healy, Craig Crawford and Shane Knuth. Students debated a motion on a youth issue, spoke about an inspirational Indigenous person and participated in an Adjournment Debate about an issue falling within the jurisdiction of the Queensland Parliament.
While listening to their speeches, one could not help but think that the audience may have been witnessing some rising stars in the leadership arena of the future!
Watch this space in Term 4 for the following:
• Results from the Australian Mathematics Competition (AMC)• Results from I.C.A.S. Science• Results from I.C.A.S. Digital Technologies• Results from I.C.A.S. English• Results from I.C.A.S. Mathematics• Results from I.C.A.S. Spelling Bee• Results from Cairns District Junior Eisteddfod – Literary Section
Keep striving for the PEAK!
Annette Ryan, Coordinator - Gifted Education Program [email protected]
Save the Date: Odd Footwear Day - Friday 16 October
Our philosophy is: “We would rather lose a book than a reader.”
Thanks for assisting us as we enact this philosophy and encourage the love of books, reading and lifelong reading habits!
Teacher Aide Day … a.k.a. Library Manager Day! A little late... but I wish to take the opportunity to thank our cheerful Library Manager, Trish Large, for the many and varied ways that she adds value to our Learning Resource Centre and indeed our entire school! In this, Trish’s 31st year at Whitfield State School, her skills, talents and dedication are valued more than ever!Thanks a bunch, Trish!
Holiday reading As Term 3 draws to a close, I would like to remind parents about the wonderful public libraries that are provided by Cairns Regional Council across the Cairns district. Plan a visit for the September holidays – you will be amazed at how much is on offer!
A word from Chicken Diva! Many thanks to parents and families who supported this term’s “Book Week on the Boardwalk” celebration! Such a colourful array of costumes worn by students from Prep to Year 6… and let’s not forget the staff effort across the campus. Book Week is my favourite week each year… and 2020 was no exception!Chicken Diva signs off with a huge “THANK YOU!”
Happy reading!
Annette Ryan, Teacher-Librarian
Thank you to everyone in Whitfield State School and community for keeping our school neat and clean. We also want to thank parents for being very supportive and making litter free lunches when possible (especially every Monday which is Rubbish Return Monday).
The Student Council are doing everything they can to stop pollution - The Garden Gnomes, Litter Free Lunches, Paper Recycling organised by Year 4s, Rubbish Return Monday, and a mural displaying our impact on the waterways and reef. They are all helping to promote and educate everyone about caring for our environment.
Winners of the Litter Free Lunch Term 3 Competition are:• Junior Class 3M• Senior Class 6K
Both classes received an ice-cream party, however 3M need to be acknowledged as the only class in the school that had zero rubbish brought to school on that day. Amazing!
Who? Student Council
Why? We are raising money to paint a new mural on one of our school buildings that shows the relationship between our school and our immediate environment.
What? Come to school wearing your choice of odd footwear. This can be socks, shoes or both.
When? Term 4, Week 2 - Friday 16 October
How much? A gold coin (or more if you wish). Thank you for donating, especially if you are participating.
Ice-cream party for the highest money-raising class!
On Wednesday, 15 September we participated in NAIDOC Week activities. We had the best time learning about Indigenous culture; by making Dhari’s, threading leis, getting our faces or arms painted, colouring in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags and scratch art. We absolutely loved the day and want to thank Miss Parter for all her efforts! You are amazing!
In this unit, the Year 1 students made links between external features of living things and the environments in which they live in. They considered how the needs of living things are met in a variety of habitats.
They compared differences between healthy and unhealthy habitats and suggested how changes to habitats can affect how the needs of living things are met.
Year 2Year 2 have been learning all about the meaning and significance of NAIDOC Week as well as participating in some amazing NAIDOC Week activities. In class we have learnt about the Aboriginal and the Torres Strait Islander flag, explored some stories that help give us an insight into Indigenous culture and looked at all the different languages spoken across Australia.
What a busy few weeks it has been with assessment and wrapping up Term 3 for our Year 3 cohort! Teachers and students are looking forward to a well-deserved two-week break.
Thanks to our wonderful Teacher Aide and ILF (Indigenous Leaders for the Future) Coordinator and mentor Diane Parter for putting on another fantastic event for NAIDOC Week. The students in Year 3 always love to learn and partake in learning about our Indigenous culture. Always Was. Always Will Be. NAIDOC Week 2020 was a great success.
We have had the best term in Year 4! We have really enjoyed being back into the swing of things. This term we have hit so many goals:
• Congratulations to Katanya, Zoey, Alizee, Maddi, Fatima (4L) Reid and Kahlia (4MC) Harriet and Carys (4G) and Ariella and Tyra (4M)
• We had some superstar athletes on Sports Day
• We were lucky enough to have some of our girls in the PEAK dance performance last Friday. We loved seeing them perform
• We have all have all worked hard and been in the top three Triple R Stars of the week!
• 4G won Triple R star of the term
We have had a smashing Term 3, we can’t wait for Term 4!
Next term will be all about preparing ourselves for Year 5 so that we are ready for next year!
This term in Art the Year 5 students have been looking at how light and shadows express emotion. As part of our unit the students were asked to make a wire figure that showed an emotion. Here are some of 5U’s wire figures. Great job, they look awesome.
On Tuesday 8 September, the 6KO “Knock-Out” class of 2020 had a “practice” performance in front of our Year 3 and Year 4 students, who were a fantastic, supportive audience. The class was very nervous and the energy levels were high.
It was a mighty effort for our first public appearance. We intend to perform in front of the rest of our community in Term 4... we cannot wait!
PACE Day is over again for another year, but we can look back at the photos and memories from throughout the day and look forward to a bigger and better day next year (hopefully with families able to attend the whole day).
On behalf of Mr Olive and myself we would like to acknowledge the hard work put in by all our teachers over the last few weeks to make PACE Day such a success for our students. To all the parents/families who helped by donating their time and prizes, a massive thank you. Without the support of families PACE Day would not be such an amazing day for our students. To all our community partners who donated prizes or money, your support is greatly appreciated and we look forward to continuing these relationships in the future. To Greg, our hard working groundsman, thank you for all the work you do behind the scenes not only for PACE Day but all events held at Whitfield.
Last but not least to the students of Whitfield, I am so proud of your efforts in fundraising. Your contributions to PACE Day help us create the resources that we have to make Whitfield the school it is for our present and future students. Every year we are blown away with the effort you all put in and I hope you are all proud of your efforts.
Have a great school holidays and we look forward to seeing you all back at Whitfield for Term 4.
SportNetball - Fowler’s Cup Congratulation to the all the girls that competed. Both teams did an amazing job on the day and only dropped one game each. Unfortunately, the Senior team missed out on the final, but our Junior team came second. A massive thank you to Miss Clarke, Mrs Madden, Mrs White and Mrs Blair for coaching, umpiring and scoring!
AFL Schools QCup Following on from the success of the Netball teams, our AFL teams have also completed a successful carnival.
The boys lost 1 game for the carnival and finished 4th overall.
The girls went through the carnival undefeated and finished 1st.
Hockey in PE We were very fortunate to have a number of Junior development officers from Aspire Cairns Hockey delivering PE lessons for all students over a 2 week period. The aim of the program was to give Whitfield students the opportunity to learn the basics of hockey while developing their fundamental movement skills.
On behalf of Whitfield we would like to thank Cairns Hockey for providing this opportunity for our students. All students have had a ball participating in the program.
We also are now offering lunch time junior hockey (Tuesday 1st break Prep-Year 2) and senior hockey (Tuesday 2nd break Year 3- Year 6). If students are interested in attending these programs please remind them to turn up at the hockey goals (on the oval) during break times. Once again a big thank you to Aspire Cairns Hockey for offering this program free of charge.
For boys and girls of all hockey abilities from 8 to 14 years old.
🏑🏑Would you like to take your hockey to the next level? 🏑🏑New to hockey? WHEN?
Week 1:
Tuesday 22nd and Wednesday 23rd of September Week 2:
Tuesday 29th and Wednesday 30th of September - 9am – 1pm WHERE?
Cairns Hockey Grounds COST:
$35 Per day + BYO lunch More information in the registration form or contact [email protected]
HOCKEY SCHOOL HOLIDAY CAMP
In association with…
Great opportunity for
you on this school holidays! Don’t miss out REGISTER NOW
FOR FUN FRIENDSHIP AND ADVENTURE
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TRYING NEW AND EXCITING CHALLENGES?
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