principal's corner - 7 november 2013 - thornlands · principal's corner - 7 november 2013...

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Principal's Corner - 7 November 2013

Today we welcomed Liam Smith the South East Region, Assistant Regional Director to our school.

He was here to conduct the Verification meeting which is the final step in the Quadrennial School

Review process. At this meeting he noted the strengths of our school, the priorities and areas of focus

for us in the next four years and signed off on our Strategic Plan. He was very complimentary of the

work we are doing here at Thornlands and commends us on the strong collegial nature of our staff

and the strong community support that we enjoy. I would like to thank all of you, who offered us

your feedback throughout this process. After analysing and synthesizing all of the feedback from

staff, parents and students the following was developed as our new school Vision Statement. It is

based around the six values that emerged strongly as those which we as a school community aspire

to: Trust, Respect, Teamwork, Community, Inclusion and Excellence. The Vision Statement

below will be on our school website in the near fut ure.

Thornlands State School Vision – Our Values in Acti on

(Excellence, Trust, Respect, Inclusion, Community, Teamwork)

EXCELLENCE (Teamwork, Inclusion, Community, Trust, Respect)

At Thornlands State School our Vision is MORE, Making Our Results Excellent. This reflects our high

expectation for the success of all students and staff who we believe, can and should, achieve their full

potential. This is achieved through our community, students, parents and staff, working together and

being committed to our Thornlands State School vision.

We highly value opportunities for our community to engage, learn and achieve across the "pillars” of

education; Academic, Sporting, Arts/Cultural , Social/Emotional and Community as we “Grow the

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Whole Child”. We embrace diversity and are inclusive of all, helping every student and staff member

reach their full potential and excel to their personal best.

TRUST AND RESPECT (Excellence, Inclusion, Teamwork, Community )

As one of the oldest schools in the Redlands we are proud of our traditions, whilst at the same time

reaching into the future to create a responsive curriculum, which prepares our children with lifelong

skills. Students receive appropriate modeling and encouragement to demonstrate respect for and

acceptance of a diverse range of learners and learning styles. As they engage in meaningful and

purposeful learning they develop

trust that they will be supported and challenged to reach their full potential and achieve at or above

National standards. Learning takes place across a range of settings and situations, enhanced by the

use of digital technologies used to support learning and engagement. Students are encouraged and

challenged to have high expectations and the motivation to succeed and to learn individually as well

as collaboratively. We challenge students to take risks in their learning, to strive for improvement, to

set personal goals and learn from their mistakes. Commitment, excellence and achievement are

acknowledged and celebrated at all levels by our school community.

INCLUSION (Excellence, Teamwork, Trust, Respect, Community)

Data is used to drive decisions at whole school, class and student levels. Rigorous identification of

differing needs and abilities is combined with effective intervention and evidence based, best practice

teaching, including a range of extension programs to challenge our most capable learners. The

teaching of Higher Order Thinking skills promotes the development of learners who question, have

the curiosity to seek answers and can apply skills and knowledge in a diverse range of contexts.

Personal learning goals are designed and developed collaboratively between teachers, students and

parents and are a valuable resource to provide explicit feedback to enhance our learning at

Thornlands State School.

COMMUNITY and TEAMWORK (Excellence, Trust, Respect, Inclusion)

Both our teaching and non-teaching staff are highly skilled and knowledgeable. We engage in

ongoing professional development to further enhance our abilities and work collaboratively in strong

teams which regularly plan, reflect and share together. In this way we learn from, and are led by each

other, as we strive for our personal best. Hence, Thornlands State School is constantly building our

school’s capacity to achieve our vision as we engage in a consistent whole school approach to

teaching, learning, assessing and reporting. We consistently draw on our collective strengths and

continuously grow the professionalism and knowledge of our staff .

Thornlands State School is proud to enjoy a very positive reputation in the larger community and

students come from a broad geographical area, attracted by our strong academic outcomes as well

as our reputation for a positive, supportive and safe learning environment. Students are happy at



Thornlands State School, enjoying a sense of achievement and optimism which are the outcomes of

our positive school culture. Our students and staff are always encouraged to strive to do their best

both individually and as part of a team.

At Thornlands State School, we value our strong sense of community, our strong sense of belonging

and commitment and our shared responsibility to ensure effective partnerships are built within and

beyond our school. We provide a range of leadership opportunities for staff, students and parents as

our highly valued partners in the learning process. We provide clear, timely and open communication

with meaningful opportunities for active participation and consultation within our community. A range

of whole school events provide a forum for sharing and celebrating our many successes. At

Thornlands State School we embrace a culture of reflection, dialogue and feedback, where all

opinions are valued and considered and are part of our continuously evolving, highly positive

community spirit.

_________________________________________________________________________

One of the strengths of our school is the involvement of a large number of parents and other

community members who volunteer their time in a myriad of ways from assisting in the classrooms, to

working in the tuckshop, to attending camps and excursions, to upgrading our gardens and in so

many other ways. Their contribution overall is invaluable and so we would like to say thank

you. On Thursday, 6th December at 9:30am we will be holding a morning tea to express our

appreciation for the time and commitment of our volunteers. Watch out for your personal invitation

coming home soon.

Please note – if you have a Prep aged student who will be attending Prep at Thornlands next year

and you have not already done so, now is the time to get the enrolment process completed (even if

you already have older children already attending our school). If you have not done so as yet, please

contact the school Office ASAP for an interview time. This assists us greatly with our planning for next

year.

Thanks for your ongoing support of our great school.

Regards

Robyn

Measles health alert

Queensland Health is concerned about the number of measles outbreaks in Queensland this year.

Measles is a highly infectious disease that begins with symptoms such as fever, tiredness, cough,



runny nose and/or red inflamed eyes. Measles can lead to complications such as middle ear

infections, pneumonia (lung infection) and encephalitis (inflammation of the brain).

Measles can spread very easily. Vaccination is the only way to prevent measles. Queensland Health

encourages anyone who has not had two measles-containing vaccinations, or who is not sure about

their vaccination status, to get vaccinated as soon as possible. The measles vaccine is free from your

local doctor for anyone born from 1966 onwards.

If parents think their child might have measles, they are advised to keep them away from school and

make an appointment with a doctor or phone 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) to organise medical

assessment.

More information is available from

http://access.health.qld.gov.au/hid/InfectionsandParasites/ViralInfections/measles_fs.asp

Health and Safety

In the interests of the health and safety of all our staff, students, parents and other visitors I ask you

to be mindful of the following important matters:

The playground equipment is not to be used before and after school, as its use is not

supervised at those times.

•

Smoking is not allowed on school grounds. Should you need to smoke, please ensure that you

move away from gateways and other entry points where children and parents are likely to pass

close by.

•

Dogs are not allowed on the school grounds at any time.•

Thank you in advance for your consideration with regards to these important matters.

Crimestoppers

You may have noticed a new Crimestoppers sign next to our gate on South Street. This has been

provided by the local Crime Prevention branch of the Queensland Police. To assist them to promote

Crime Stoppers I have included the link to Crime Stoppers Queensland below.

https://qld.crimestoppers.com.au/cs/queensland_home.jsp

Thanks for your ongoing support of our great school.

Regards

Robyn



Absence Line - 3821 8181All absences must be reported to the office

either by the absent line or directly to office staff

to ensure the accuracy of our records.

School News

DATE CLAIMERS

Money collection days are Tuesday & Thursday Befor e 10am

14-15 November Year 1 UWW Sleepover (1R, 1HK)

21 NovemberLAST DAY FOR PAYMENT FOR YR 7 GRADUATION

& SEAWORLD

22 November Book Club order payment due (NO CASH)

25 November RE Christmas Concert 9-11am

28 November Seasons for growth Parent Info Session

3 December Creative Arts Extension Day CDSHS

4 December Christmas Concert

5 December Volunteer Celebration

6 December Online 2014 Booklist - final orders close

9 December Yr 1-3 Swimming fun day

10 December Year 7 Graduation 6:30pm

11 December Prep Orientation Day 9am-10am

Year 6 Farewell 2pm

12 December Yr 6&7 Sea World Excursion



13 December Last Day of Term 4

23-24 January Uniform Shop 9am-12noon

28 January School resumes 2014

Click here to view 2013 School Calendar

and 2014 School Calendar

PREP ENROLMENTS 2014

Orientation Day - Wednesday 11 December

Introduction to the teacher and class 9:am - 10:00am

Please click here for further information.

A reminder that for any of you who have young children turning five

by June 30 2014, they are eligible to attend Prep next year. If you

have friends or neighbours with children this age, please pass on this

information to them also. For an enrolment form/ information contact

our school office on 3821 8111.

2014 Booklists

Booklists and ordering details for 2014 are now ava ilable on the school

website or by clicking here . Students received a paper copy this week.

Curriculum Corner



Welcome to the end of Week 5 and the middle of Term 4! The term is in full swing with a range of

exciting learning opportunities being undertaken in each and every classroom! Don’t be alarmed if

your child seems unusually emotional or tired at present. At this time of year, it is perfectly

understandable. However there are a number of steps you can take to minimise the impact and

strain on your child and ultimately your family.

Try to stick to a routine as much as possible : At this time of year there are a number of

evening events and gatherings that interrupt our usual routines. On the days that aren’t

interrupted endeavour to ensure that your child eats well and gets plenty of rest.

1.

Ensure there is ‘down time’ : Just like all adults, your child also needs time to unwind and

relax. Don’t push them to engage in conversation if they don’t seem to want to talk.

Encourage them to go and do something fun or relaxing like riding a bike or reading a book

and try again later.

2.

Consider reducing extra commitments or demands : Unfortunately at this time of year the

list of demands competing for time and attention can seem endless. If you are feeling

overwhelmed then it is quite likely your child is also. It is not always possible to miss

something, but for those events or sessions that aren’t a high priority or can be postponed,

consider rescheduling or cancelling.

3.

Parent Information Sessions on Reading

Over the past fortnight we hosted two parent information sessions on reading and the ways you can

support and extend your child at home. These workshops were very well attended and the feedback

was extremely positive. Don’t be dismayed if you were unable to attend as we will be holding these

sessions again early next year. If there are other areas of the curriculum that you would be interested

in learning more about, please don’t hesitate to contact me. I am very keen to make these sessions

relevant and purposeful to our school community and am more than happy to cater these

presentations to areas that are identified as being of high need in our community.

Australian Curriculum

As you are hopefully aware, 2012 saw the implementation of the new Australian Curriculum English,

Maths and Science. This year teachers began teaching Australian Curriculum History, and in 2014

Australian Curriculum Geography will be introduced. For the first time in Queensland Primary

Schools, both History and Geography are being taught as individual subjects in a discipline based

approach. Through these studies, it is intended students develop a holistic knowledge of the world

and its peoples, as they come to understand and appreciate it from the different perspectives inherent

in the disciplines. Strong continuities within these curriculums are developed progressively, from

Prep to Year 10 to align with senior levels of schooling.



Geography is an extremely practical discipline made all the more engaging by the development of

spatial technologies such as GPS, GIPS, ‘World Wind’ and ‘Geoflight’*. Like History, Geography

uses an inquiry approach to assist students to make meaning of their world. This basically means

that it teaches students to ask and respond to questions, plan an inquiry, collect,

evaluate, analyse and interpret information and suggest responses. Students will

conduct fieldwork, map and interpret data and use spatial technologies. They will

be expected to develop a range of skills and capabilities and extend their thinking

through the use of information and communication technologies, identifying and

appreciating different perspectives, engaging in cooperative learning scenarios and responding

critically and creatively to information and problems posed.

Education Queensland is supporting schools and teachers with additional Curriculum into the

Classroom (C2C) exemplar resources for History and Geography. Teachers at Thornlands State

School will continue to engage in professional learning in order to effectively implement both of these

areas.

*For more information on spatial technologies - click on the following link

http://www.learningplace.com.au/deliver/content.asp?pid=37645

Enjoy the rest of the week!

Kind regards,

Kristy Warriner Head of Curriculum

Gardening Club

Where: Meet at the Administration Building to sign in.

When: Every Tuesday morning from 9am to 12pm.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the small army of volunteers who, in such a short period

of time have managed to transform the Year 2 and 3 eating area gardens into a beautiful space full of

flowers and colour. A definite change from the barren brown dirt that was once there. We are enjoying

the challenge and overwhelmed by the support that we have received from the parents, teachers and



children of our great school, as well as a number of local businesses who have graciously assisted

our cause with donations in various forms.

I would like to thank the following businesses for their generous donations:

Treescape Australasia Pty Ltd - garden mulch•

Permanent Pot Hole Solutions - asphalt•

Shamrock Plants- plants•

Plant Providers - plants•

I would like to thank the following Thornlands State School parents for their generous donations:

Nyree Gardener - rocks for garden edging•

Nicola Sweeney- empty plant pots•

Lisa Wilson - plants•

An enormous thank you goes out to the following individuals who have supported our Gardening Club

from inception and continue to work tirelessly to make this such a great success. Without you, this

would never have come to fruition.

Lisa Wilson•

Nyree Gardener•

Lyndee Purdew•

Sherrie McGowan•

Karen Venables•

Michelle•

Robyn Wilton - Thornlands State School - Principal•

Carey Haydon - Thornlands State School - Business Services Manager•

Norm - Thornlands State School - Groundsman•

Ross - Thornlands State School - Groundsman•

Sue - Thornlands State School - Admin Assistant•

Tracey - Thornlands State School - Admin Assistant•

Kate Walters - Thornlands State School - Music Teacher•

Bunnings - Victoria Point have ever so kindly agreed to sponsor our Memorial Garden in memory of

Ms Diane Fretter (our Year 2F teacher), who passed away suddenly on the 31st August, 2013. On

Thursday 14 November, 2013, Bunnings - Victoria Point will be donating all of the plants needed to

complete this garden. I would like to thank Bunnings - Victoria Point and in particular Heather

Morrison for co-ordinating, advising and assisting us with our living tribute to Dianne.

We will be holding our Gardening Club on Thursday 14 November at 9am, instead of Tuesday 12

November, 2013 for this week only. This will enable us to plant and complete the Memorial Garden.



If you would like to assist us on Thursday 14 November or any of our regular Tuesday sessions, you

will be warmly welcomed and appreciated.

We are currently asking for donations of:

Potting Mix for cuttings•

Poly pipe and fittings (joiners, sprinkler heads, pipe clamps) for an irrigation system•

For any further details regarding the Gardening Club, please contact Tanya on 0438445501 (please

leave a message) or email [email protected].

There's a little green thumb in us all.

Happy Gardening.

Tanya Macnamara

Parent information Session

Thursday 28 November 2013

2.15 pm Library Panorama Computer Lab

Seasons for Growth Grief Program-Learning to live w ith change and loss

Change and loss are issues that affect all of us at some stage in our lives. At

Thornlands State School we recognise that when changes occur in families

through death, separation, divorce or related circu mstances, young people may

benefit from learning how to manage these changes effectively. We are therefore

offering a very successful education program called Seasons for Growth. We are

planning to offer this program in Term One and Two 2014. This program is facilitated

in small groups during class time, depending the age of the student (groups for 6-8

yrs, 9-12 yrs). The program will be run by jointly by Robyn Weber Guidance Officer

and Angela Wolferstan Chaplain and is based on research which highlights the

importance of social support and the need to practise new skills to cope effectively

with change and loss. The program focuses on issues such as self-esteem,

managing feelings, problem-solving, decision-making, effective communication and



support networks. There is no cost for the program at this stage. Materials are

supplied. There are 10 weekly sessions. Sessions last 45-50 minutes.

If you think your child may benefit from Seasons for Growth program we would

encourage you to attend a parent information session prior to commencing the

program.

Thornlands State School is pleased to be able to offer this important program and

we are confident that it will be a valuable learning experience for those who request

to be involved. If you are able to attend this session or would like an alternative time

for the session, please contact Robyn Weber at [email protected] or Angela

Wolferstan at [email protected] .

Library News

All Library books will be due back by 29 November, but if students would like to have

some Library books over the holidays, they can sign up for a Holiday Reading Pack,

which will include a collection of books to have for the duration of the Christmas

holidays. To register, parents will need to sign a Permission Form (available from the

Library, on the school website, or with this newsletter), and return it to the Library.

Students will then choose a collection of books for their Holiday Reading Pack which

can be picked up during the last week of term. It will then be returned when school

resumes in 2014. Please note that numbers are limited per year level.

Book Club orders are due 22 November. A reminder that cash cannot be accepted.

Payment is online or by phone directly to Scholastic. Instructions are on the

brochures distributed to students.

Brochures have been distributed to students, but they can also be downloaded on

the Scholastic website.

Borrow ebooks from Thornlands Library



Don't forget that you can now borrow ebooks from our Library to

read on a home computer (Mac or PC), or handheld device.

1. Go to http://thornlands.wheelers.co/ and click on “Sign In”

2. Click on “Register”

3. Fill in the registration form online and your registration will be approved by email as soon as

possible.

4. After your registration is complete, you will be able to start borrowing ebooks. More information

about how to do this is athttp://thornlands.wheelers.co/help.

News from Chappy Ange

The Redlands City Church Food Ministry provides for families in need, with affordable

grocery items, fruit, vegies, bread and milk (when available). Operating from, and by, the

Redlands City Church, the food bank is open every Wednesday from 9am – 2pm. For

enquiries, please contact Redlands City Church on 3207 9154 or visit

www.redlandcitychurch.com.

Busy Bugs Playgroup has vacancies! If you're inter ested

in having a fun morning with your little one we are at the

school hall on Tuesdays from 9am to 11am. Pop in a nd say

hello or email Stacey at [email protected]

Breakfast Club

Thursday morning 7:45am in the hall.

All welcome!

P&C News



Tuckshop News

View the New Summer Menu here

Monday 11 Nov Wednesady 13 Nov Thursday 14 Nov Friday 15 Nov

Chappy

Ange

•

Sheena R•

Renee T•

Lisa Wilson•

Michelle

Caughey

•

Heather B•

Faye

Denning

•

Karen V •

Heather B•

Sheena R•

Kellie

Richardson

•

Heather B•

Lisa Hooper•

Karen V •

Monday 18 Nov Wednesday 20 Nov Thursday 21 Nov Fri 22 Nov

Sheena R•

Karen V •

Dee-arn P •

Heather B•

Nyree Gardner •

Sheena R•

Norma

Travis

•

Heather B •

Kellie

Richardson

•

Sorran P•

Karen

Venerables

•

Heather

Bloxham

•

Starting 14 October, the Tuckshop will be open Mondays as well as Wednesdays, Thursdays &

Fridays 8.15-11.40am in term 4 & term 1 - 2014. Come and meet the New Thornlands State School

Chaplain, Ange, kindly volunteering at the Tuckshop Monday's starting 14 October.

Please consider supporting Monday's service so the P&C Association can continue through the

Tuckshop to provide this valuable four-day Menu to the Thornlands community.

As of Term 4 the P&C Association has made Thornlands uniform hats available directly from the

Tuckshop



Bucket Hat | 2XS XS S/M L/XL $ 12.50

Swimming caps $5.00 (Waiting for new stock)

FREE Bag with all online orders flexischools.com.au.

Over-the-Counter Bag (10c each). Orders placed after 9.15am cannot be guaranteed their

menu choice.

•

Only Australian currency is accepted at the Tuckshop. Thank You.•

Sushi Pre-order Wed for Thursday’s Lunch $3.50 each OR 2 for $6.50•

Gluten Free Bread now available $1.00•

Operating hours are 8.am-1.30pm Wed-Fri

Before school sales 8.15-8.40am (Warm Milo’s available $1.50cup)

Or come in before & or after you read in your child’s class

Then there is after lunch ice block & snack sales 11.15-11.40am

Also after service clean-up & preparation for the next day 11.30-1.30pm

So you see you don’t have to fit into a set regime just pick a time, day, week or month I’m sure our

students will love you for it!

Without our valued volunteers there would be no Tuckshop at Thornlands. Morning Tea/ Lunch

provided

Online Ordering

Our school has now introduced a great new online ordering system for the tuckshop called

FlexiSchools. This system allows parents or students to place orders from home, work or school at

any time typically up until just before school starts. The payment is also done online, so you no

longer need to send cash or a paper order to school. As well as being convenient for parents, the

online orders are much faster and easier for the canteen to process - so it makes everyone’s life a

little easier. FlexiSchools is well established and tested, operating in hundreds of schools across

Australia.

Getting online is easy and only takes a second to register. Simply go to www.flexischools.com.au

and click “Register Now”. You will be sent an email with further instructions on how to complete the

registration. Once registered, you can start placing orders immediately. If you have any questions,

FlexiSchools provide a great help desk on 1300 361 769, or you can contact them via their website.

There are a variety of payment options supported, including Visa, Mastercard (credit and debit), Bank

Transfer and Payclick. The system operates via a pre-paid account, so you don’t need to scrounge



for coins in the morning and can easily budget for your canteen spending throughout the term. The

system is now available, so we look forward to seeing your next order online! If you have any

questions, please ask Louise for more information.

Uniform Shop News

Avoid the rush. Get in early for your new uniform. The uniform shop will be opening on Friday mornings from 8:30-9:30am.

Anyone requiring uniforms at other times during the week may leave money and details in the P&C collection box in the office

and the ladies will try to fill the order at their earliest convenience. The ladies may be contacted by contacting the

school office or by emailing [email protected]

Uniform shop also open 23 & 24 January 2014 from 9am-12am

Community News

SUMMER IS COMING

NEW SWIM SCHOOL OPENING AT OUR SCHOOL POOL!!!

Under new Management

Register your interest and be one of the first to sign up to SUE AITKEN SWIM SCHOOL



Opening in October 2013!

Catering for Learn to Swim Classes and Squads

We aim to provide a fun, safe environment for which all children can learn, improve and develop in

the water….regardless of their abilities!

We offer small class sizes for learn to swim allowing a more individual approach to your child’s

swimming coaching. Classes will be offered to cover all areas of development. Get in Quick to be part

of our new and exciting swim school.

For more information or to book in for a free assessment please contact:

Sue Aitken

Ph: 0421 906 238

Email: [email protected]

@ Sue Aitken SWIM Schoo l

[email protected]

http://www.thornlanss.eq.edu.au

Panorama Drive

Thornlands, QLD , 4164

07 3821 8111

07 3821 8100

07 3821 8181

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