September 10 Newsletter
DEAR PARENTS
ARTS FESTIVAL
Congratulations to our staff, students and community members for making our inaugural Geebung Arts Festival such a success. The Arts curriculum covers a diverse range of skills which I think our students and their teachers demonstrated well in their performances and static displays.
Comments received from parents indicate that they enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere of the evenings and the opportunity to enjoy refreshments together with other parents.
If you have any suggestions about how to improve on our first festival please contact your class teacher or Mrs Wright whose idea came to fruition last week.
A special thankyou to Mrs Wright for organising the festival and to our staff and students for the effort they put into the work which was displayed. Behind the scenes the ladies in the office, tuckshop and the P and C were marvellous. The event would not have been as successful without your input – thankyou.
As a result of ticket sales we have raised $700. This money will be distributed in the following manner:
$200 has been given to the Tuckshop.
$500 will go towards the cost of an Indigenous Dance Group which will be visiting our school next term. Ms Waters has organised for the ‘Biliir Yulay Yulu-gi Company’ to visit on October 29. All students from Prep to Year 7 will be invited to attend the performance and rather than pass this cost on to parents we will use the Arts Festival money to help cover the cost. We are really looking forward to this activity.
Thankyou for your support of the Arts Festival. It was a ‘whole school’ activity so the benefits of the money raised go towards supporting a ‘whole school’ activity.
NAPLAN RESULTS
We have received the preliminary results of the 2009 National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy, and are thrilled with the efforts of our staff and students. Our aim always when working with our students is for them to be encouraged to do their best in everything they do and we believe that has occurred. Our student’s results have improved between 5% and 10% across every area tested in each of the three year levels.
While we understand the importance of an educational program which focuses on developing the social and emotional aspects of our students as well as their academic pursuits, it is pleasing to see that they, and all our teachers, have been rewarded for their work. Well done everyone!
We have not received the individual student reports as yet and will send them home as soon as they arrive.
For further information regarding the NAPLAN Testing Program please see your class teacher or visit the website: www.naplan.edu.au
The table below indicates the percentage of our students who are above the National Minimum Standard in the areas tested:
|
ASSESSMENT AREA
|
YEAR 3
|
YEAR 5
|
YEAR 7
|
|
Reading
|
97.8%
|
100%
|
96.6%
|
|
Writing
|
95.7%
|
92.5%
|
93.1%
|
|
Spelling
|
93.5%
|
97.5%
|
93.1%
|
|
Grammar and Punctuation
|
97.8%
|
95%
|
96.6%
|
|
Numeracy
|
97.8%
|
94.9%
|
100%
|
The following message originated from the Director General of Education, Ms Julie Grantham for inclusion in school newsletters:
2009 NATIONAL ASSESSMENT PROGRAM – LITERACY AND NUMERACY TEST RESULTS
In May this year, around one million students across Australia in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 participated in the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) tests for reading, writing, language conventions (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and numeracy.
From 14 September 2009, The Queensland Studies Authority, which is responsible for the administration of the NAPLAN tests in Queensland, will begin distributing results to schools across Queensland.
Every student who participated in the 2009 NAPLAN test will receive an individual report containing their results.
This report provides a range of information about your child’s performance on each of the literacy and numeracy tests. It also contains a detailed guide on what was assessed in each test and how to interpret these results. Parents and carers are encouraged to thoroughly read the report and the explanatory notes.
While these tests are important ‘point-in-time’ indicators or ‘snapshots’ of student achievement in literacy and numeracy, the results should be considered along with other information collected by our school about your child’s performance.
If you have any questions or concerns about NAPLAN testing, please contact the school office.
BEHAVIOUR MANAGEMENT – BULLYING
As you would be aware we have a very strong focus on appropriate behaviour being exhibited by all members of our school community – students, parents and staff. This expectation is obvious in our Geebung State School Responsible Behaviour Plan and will continue to be our focus as we review the plan during Term 4.
We do not tolerate inappropriate behaviour and manage behaviour incidents immediately we are made aware of them with consequences being put in place if necessary. 94% of our students behave appropriately and we are extremely proud of their efforts.
The following message originated from the Director General of Education, Ms Julie Grantham for inclusion in school newsletters:
AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE FOR PARENTS AND CARERS ABOUT BULLYING ISSUES
In this time of heightened awareness of violence in schools, I would like to reassure all parents and carers that our school takes a tough stance on bullying.
We do not tolerate any form of violence or harassment.
As principal, it is my number one priority that every student feels safe in our supportive school environment.
I have reminded all students that bullying behaviour is unacceptable and will not be tolerated at this school. I ask that parents and carers take some time this week to speak with their children about bullying and to remind them of the importance of treating others with fairness, dignity and respect.
If you believe your child is being bullied or may be involved in bullying another student, I also urge you to contact me to discuss the ways we can help to address this behaviour.
Our school community has a number of programs to combat bullying and harassment, including:
‘The Game Factory’
‘Beyond Telling Off’
For more information on these programs, please contact the school office.
Geebung State School takes very seriously its responsibility to keep our students safe and to ensure our school community is free from bullying, harassment and violence.
I urge any parents and carers who are concerned about bullying to contact me directly.
TEACHERS ON LEAVE
The following teachers will be on Leave in the early part of term Four:
Mrs Sharon Beckett replaced by Ms Jessica Dredge.
Ms Penny Callaghan replaced by Mrs Therese Proberts.
Mrs Chris McCall replaced by Mrs Ingrid Collins.
Mr Neil McMahon and Mrs Ingrid Collins will also take leave later in the term.
Mrs Pat Ashby returns from leave next term. Thankyou to Ms Suzanne Smit who has worked with 2A while Pat has been away. Thanks Suzanne – we have enjoyed working with you.
PARENT / TEACHER INTERVIEWS
During the last three weeks our teaching staff had been conducting parent teacher interviews. Thankyou to the parents who have taken advantage of this opportunity to discuss your child’s progress. If you have been unable to find a suitable time within the last three weeks please contact your class teacher to arrange a time which is suitable to you both.
FREE DRESS
Friday 18 September, the last day of term, is Free Dress Day with a gold coin donation. Please ensure clothing and footwear worn are suitable for wear at school and that clothing is sunsafe.
Money raised this Friday will go towards “Blue September”, the fund to support men’s cancer research.
TERM DATES
2009
Friday 18 September - last day of Term Three
Monday 5 October - Term Four begins
Monday 19 October - Student Free Day
Friday 11 December - school year ends
2010
Friday 22 and Monday 25 January – Student Free Days
Tuesday 26 January – Australia Day Public Holiday
Wednesday 27 January – Term One begins.
This has been an amazing term. It has been extremely busy and all of a sudden we find ourselves three quarters of the way through another year. Thankyou for being on the journey with us. We really appreciate your support and the positive comments and interactions we have with our school community.
Best wishes for a safe and happy holiday with your children.
Jayne Buchanan - Principal
A MESSAGE FROM OUR DEPUTY PRINCIPAL.
Shirakawa School visit Thursday September 17
We will be hosting 17 students from a Japanese school this Thursday afternoon. It will be their only school visit for this trip to Brisbane. Sensei Nonaka has allocated 17 Year 7 students to be buddies for our visitors and they will show them around our school and have lunch with them. There will be a presentation and performance in the hall at 1.30 pm and then we will have an opportunity for some sport for the remainder of the afternoon. We are looking forward to learning more about Japanese people and practising our Japanese language.
Swimming Club Working Bee Tuesday Sept 29 and Saturday October 3
The pool is nearly ready to use after the recent refurbishment and we are looking for some help to clean up the pool surrounds over the coming school holidays. The swimming club would like helpers for gardening, painting and general cleaning. It will start at 10.00 am on both days.
Prep 2010 Parent Information Evening Tuesday October 20 6.00 pm – 7.00 pm
For all parents/carers who have or want to enrol their child in Prep for 2010 we are having an Information Evening in the Prep building (near the oval) on October 20. This will be a great chance to hear from the teachers about our wonderful Prep program and for you to ask questions. This is intended for adults only as there will be an opportunity later this year for new Prep students to visit the program.
New PA system for the Swimming club and the school
The P&C has purchased a new indoor/outdoor portable PA system with funds received from the Brisbane City Council. It has already been put to work during the Arts Festival last week. Thanks to Councillor Fiona King from Marchant ward for the $2895.00 grant.
Neil McMahon-Deputy Principal
FATHER’S DAY RAFFLE
Thankyou to all the families who supported the Father’s Day Raffle and here are our lucky prize winners:
1st Prize Sorensen Family
2nd Prize Baird Family
3rd Prize Morcom Family
4th Prize Knight Family
Congratulations to the winning families and hope the Dad’s enjoyed their prizes
HOLIDAY SCHOOL WATCH
With school holidays fast approaching we need your help. Please keep the school watch contact number handy and Look, Listen and Report. Phone School Watch 13 1788 or your local police station if you have any concerns of suspicious activity around or within our school grounds during the school holidays.
GEEBUNG STUDENTS PERFORMING WELL!
Congratulations to the following Geebung Students who have performed well in school and out of school activities:
Michael 5AC has made it into the Metropolitan Championships in long jump. Ben H. of 1A has a yellow belt in Ju Jitsu. Joshua of 4/5AC was in the finals for Under11 Div. 3 for soccer and came second. Jordano of 6/7M won their finals in Under 11 Div 1 soccer. Jacob of 5AC was successful in attaining his next belt in Cho Dan Bo-Step .Zahlee of 6/7J was successful in attaining her next belt in 1st Poom-Step 2. Well done to all of these students.
P E SWIMMING LESSONS TERM 4
Following renovation work, our pool is a sparkling blue, and should stay that way thanks to the new system of filters and pumps. The concourse surrounding the pool has also been resurfaced. To that end, here is a reminder of some essential swimming practices:
Students must have a sunshirt, togs, and swimming cap before they enter the pool. Whereas previously the swimming shirt was optional, it has been made compulsory in state schools over the last few years.
Students may wish to bring a towel, goggles, and sunscreen.
Please keep jewellery at home or in the classroom on swimming days. This easily becomes mixed up in the change room and, particularly in the case of earrings, can be a safety hazard in the pool. If students must wear something in their ear, please make it a stud earring.
Members of the school community are always welcome to come and watch. The Prep students will be having their first experience in our school swimming pool, and they are already excited! We are presently awaiting the final confirmation that the pool is all ready to go and will confirm commencement date as soon as we know.
JUNIOR MUSIC CAMP
The following students are attending the Northside Junior Music Camp this week:
Georgie, Harrison and Sarah N - 5AC
Sheryl 4/5AC
Francine 4B
Mackenzie H, Charlotte, Renee 4W
Amylee 3C
TUCKSHOP NEWS
Birthday vouchers are available from tuckshop for ice-blocks, mini muffins, popcorn and poppers. We need one days notice. These will be delivered to your child’s classroom. We are only able to provide birthday treats bought from the tuckshop. This is a great way to support the funding our P & C provides for the school.
Helpers are needed on Thursdays and Fridays next term. Please put your name on the roster if you can spare a few hours a month.
For the families who cannot help out in the tuckshop donations of Long Life Skim Milk or Muffin Mix are always needed and would be greatly appreciated.
Brown paper lunch bags are only $2.00 for a bundle of 50 and are available from the tuckshop. Thank you for your support this term and enjoy your holidays.
Leanne and Helen – 3265 5959
ENTERTAINMENT BOOKS
We are still selling the 2009/2010 entertainment books at a cost of $60. Great value with over $15,000 in valuable offers, valid through to 1st June 2010. At the same time, you’ll be helping community fund-raising. This book is your guide to the best restaurants, hotel accommodation, attractions, sports and leisure activities…all with 25% off or 2 for 1 offers. Please contact the office on 3623 8777 for more information.
TEACHER AIDE DAY
Friday 4th September was Teacher Aide Day, a special day to say thankyou to our Teacher Aides and the wonderful work that they do. Our Teacher Aides enjoyed a special morning tea with a representative from our P & C Association.
VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTION SCHEME
Thankyou to the families who have paid the Voluntary Contribution scheme money. Funds raised through this scheme are directed to resourcing for photocopying, art and craft materials, lote, Religious Education and additional resources which directly benefit every child from Prep through to Year 7. Voluntary Contributions are currently $30.00 per child per year ($7.50 per child per term) Payments can still be made up until the end of this year and we thankyou for your support.
TERM 3 AFL
Over the last 6 weeks AFL Queensland has been conducting classes for years 6 and 7’s. We had a lot of fun and we played actual games of AFL. All of the 6/7 classes had a grand final on the last week and from 6/7M the grand final winners were the Bombers. One person from each class received a best player award. The best players from each class where Lindsay from 6/7M, Bradley 6/7B and Rhiannon 6/7J.
In the six weeks of AFL we learnt lots of new skills. It didn’t matter if we won or lost the main thing is that we all had lots of fun. We would all like to thank the people who came out from Auskick for developing and improving our skills. Thank you for making this possible.
Written by Dylan and Madeleine of 6/7B
GEEBUNG SWIMMING CLUB
BRISBANE WRITER’S FESTIVAL
On Thursday 10th September 5AC and 4/5AC travelled by train to the State Library to participate in the Brisbane Writer’s Festival. It was a fantastic day and an unforgettable experience. We were entertained, enchanted, enthralled and engaged by four very inspiring authors: Tristan Bancks, Andy Griffiths, Sherryl Clark and Colin Thompson. But a word of warning-whatever you do don’t mention Cheese!!!!!!!!!
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
14-18 Sept Crazy Pink Monkeys Art Exhibition at Chermside Library
14-18 Sept Junior Music Camp
16 Sept 9am Assembly
18 Sept Last Day of Term 3 – Free Dress Day – gold coin donation towards “Blue September”
LITERACY OLYMPICS
On the 3rd of September, 16 students from years 6 and 7 represented our school at the Wavell State High School Middle School Literacy Olympics, 55 teams from schools around the district participated. The day was divided into three parts, the first being Grammar Gains, Crazy Words came second and lastly Crypto, which was an art activity.
After the Olympics there was a prize ceremony, where lucky draw prizes were drawn and the winners were revealed. It was a very successful day for Geebung, with one of our year 6 teams being named champions. Overall everyone had a great day at the Wavell High School Literacy Olympics.
Written by Megan,Liam,Selene and Emily – Members of the Champion Team.
LIBRARY NEWS
Author Visits: Nette Hilton and Martin Chatterton
The students really enjoyed listening to our guest authors. They gained first hand information on the writing and illustration process. Martin Chatterton entertained the upper grades with his humorous caricatures of some students which are now on display in the Library.
Julie Silva
Teacher Librarian |
