1. education
2. school

Blair State School
Newsletter
Thursday, 14 May 2015
From the Principal’s Desk
NAPLAN
Most students have now completed the NAPLAN
assessments with a few to complete catch up tests on
Monday. I would like to commend our students on how they
have conducted themselves during the week. They have
tried their hardest and shown respectful behaviour so that
all students have been able to focus and concentrate.
Thanks also to all the staff for their efforts in preparing
students leading up to the testing as well as the teaching and
learning that has occurred last year and this year. The result
has been that students have had the confidence in their
ability and not been too over awed by the assessment
program. The results should come through around the end
of July with individual reports for each student and an
enormous quantity of data returning to the school.
P&C EXECUTIVE
Congratulations to the new members of our P&C Executive
for taking on these important roles.
President:
Louisea Peace
Vice-President:
Tracy Smith
Secretary:
Geoff Andrews (continuing in this role)
Treasurer:
Leanne Archer
Assistant Treasurers: Noeline Schluter (Clayton) and
Julee Tracey-Patte
A huge thank you to the outgoing executive, Tod Parker
(President) and Leonie Freeman (Treasurer) for their efforts
during their time in their respective roles. You have given
much during your time on the executive and made a valued
contribution to our school and community.
Address: Cribb Street
Sadliers Crossing Qld 4305
Phone: 3281 4726
Fax:
3281 4561
Email:
[email protected]
Office Hours
8.15 am — 3.45 pm
Student Absence
Phone: 3281 4726
Press 1
Changes to Contact Details
If your contact details have
changed, please email
[email protected]
Tuckshop
Phone: 3281 4726
Press 2
Payments
Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays
8.15 am — 11.15 am
P & C Meetings
Held the Second Tuesday of
each month at 6.30 pm
Email: [email protected]
Outside School Hours Care
Phone: 3202 2496
Mobile: 0476 662 036
Blair State School
T h u rs d ay, 1 4 M ay 2 0 1 5
From the Principal’s Desk continued...
I look forward to working with the new executive to ensure that our students are
supported through quality practices in teaching and learning, effective resources,
extra-curricular activities and supportive well being programs.
HIGH FIVE – HANDLING PROBLEM SITUATIONS
Our school uses a process called the ‘High Five’ for students to use when confronted with
any difficult situation. Students can recall the High Five practices verbatim when asked by
staff. However, putting the ‘High Five’ steps into practice when faced with a problem is a
totally different story.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Ask them to, “STOP”
Use a firm voice and say, “Stop it. I don’t like it.” (you could add how it makes you
feel and what you will do if they don’t stop)
Try to ignore it
Walk away
Tell an adult (preferably the closest adult after you have tried the first four steps)
The ‘HIGH Five’ steps can be used in most situations. If the matter is serious, ongoing or
safety is an issue, an adult should be approached immediately. Staff deal with many issues
every day where students do not use the first four steps before they approach an adult.
Research has shown the importance for children to try to resolve issues and problem solve
themselves in the first instance as this increases resilience. Generational studies have
identified that each generation is less resilience than the one before and there are concerns for the current generation of children. An explanation offered for this decrease in
resilience is that children are now kept so safe (almost bubble wrapped) and that adults
step in to sort out most problems for them. As result, they never have to sort things out
for themselves and don’t develop the skills that lead to becoming resilient.
Whatever the reasons, children need to be resilient and we believe that the High Five is a
way to help children develop this important and very valuable quality. We will continue to
stress the importance of using the High Five and teaching children how to use the steps.
You may be able to use these at home as well and hopefully we can increase levels of resilience together.
Peter Lund
Principal
Blair State School
T h u rs d ay, 1 4 M ay 2 0 1 5
From the Deputy Principal’s Desk
SPORTS DAY
Blair will be holding its annual Athletics Carnival on Thursday, 18 June. In the event of rain
please check your text messages or Blair State School Facebook page.
To ensure all students are safe during the day it is important that students
remain with their groups on the oval. No-one should be loitering around school
buildings while visiting toilets.
Students need to move directly
between ovals and toilets with a buddy and without wasting time.
Please
ensure students have hats, sunscreen, food and fluids throughout the day.
Early Departures - Parents wishing to leave before 2.45 pm will need to sign
their child/ren out early. Sign-out sheets will be available with the Admin
staff. No student will be allowed to leave with another parent without
written permission. This must be provided to the class teacher or administration at the
beginning of the day. Remember it is a legal requirement to sign your children out, so
please ensure this is done. If adults see something of concern, please notify a staff
member immediately.
Messages to Students - It will be impossible to get phone messages to children on the day.
Please ensure any messages are written on a note and given to the class teacher in the
morning before Sports Day commences. Closer to the day, a mobile number will be
provided for use in case of an emergency.
THE OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED ON SPORTS DAY
Lastly, although it is a competition, it is important that sportsmanship is a
priority and everyone conduct themselves appropriately on the day. Protests
or problems need to be raised in a respectful manner through the
appropriate processes so everyone can enjoy a great day.
Prior to Sports Day each year, we run the 800m and 200m events. The 800m event will be
held on Thursday, 04 June at 1.30 pm and the 200m event will be held on Thursday,
11 June at 1.30 pm.
MEDALLION SPONSORSHIP
If you are interested in sponsoring a medallion for a Boy's or Girl's Age Champion
($10) please see Mrs Van Der Zee or Mrs van der Westen on a Money Day
(Tuesday, Thursday or Friday 8.15 am — 11.15 am) to organise this.
Blair State School
T h u rs d ay, 1 4 M ay 2 0 1 5
From the Deputy Principal’s Desk continued...
PSYCHOLOGIST AT BLAIR STATE SCHOOL
Do you find that your child is having emotional or behavioural issues? OnPsych are a team
of fully qualified and registered psychologists who specialise in child and adolescent
services working in primary and secondary schools in both individual and group settings.
Services are performed at NO COST to the school, student or parent through Medicare
bulk billing. We are now lucky to have OnPsych at Blair State School.
If you believe that this might benefit your child, please contact (Mrs Jones - Deputy
Principal) for further instructions.
PLAYING OUR PART TO BUILD A NATIONAL PICTURE OF CHILD HEALTH
In early 2015 our school along with thousands of others across the country will begin
preparations for the third Australian Early Development Census (AEDC). The AEDC
measures five key areas of development in children during their first year of full-time
school to build a national picture of health and wellbeing. Since 2009, the census results
have helped communities, schools and governments plan services and target support for
children and families. Teachers are trained to assess each child and answer questions.
Children don’t need to be present so no class time is missed, and parents/carers don’t
need to supply schools with any new information for the census. Teachers’ individual
assessments are then analysed by the AEDC and reported as anonymous groups of
children in the final report.
In communities across the country, census results have helped communities to plan new
playgrounds and parental services; schools are seeing improved student performance
through new literacy programmes and governments are using the results as evidence to
develop better policies for children. Teachers have also noticed practical benefits in the
classroom. Some said in previous years that completing the assessments made them
more aware of the needs of individual children and the class as a whole. Others reported
that the census results are useful in planning for transitions to school and for developing
class programmes.
Participation in the AEDC is voluntary. Parents/carers don’t need to take any action
unless they choose not to include their children in the census.
To find out more about the census and how communities are using the data to help
children and families visit the AEDC website www.aedc.gov.au
Desley Jones
Deputy Principal
Blair State School
T h u rs d ay, 1 4 M ay 2 0 1 5
School Policy Reminders
UNIFORMS
There is an expectation that all students will wear full school uniform each day. This
includes a sun safe hat (see Hats Section) and covered footwear. All students are expected
to maintain uniform standards throughout the cooler months (no jeans or hooded coats
allowed). Track pants and jackets are available from Lowes, Ipswich Mall.
MESSAGES
Urgent/important messages to children via the office should be kept to a
minimum, especially in the afternoon when it may be difficult to pass them on by
school end. Teachers are not to be interrupted during teaching time, therefore
most messages will be passed to the teachers during lunch breaks.
ABSENCES
Parental Responsibilities include:

Ensure their child arrives at school or their educational program on time every day.

Ensure their child attends school or their educational program every school day.

Minimise disrupting their child’s school day so their child has the best opportunity to
learn.

Contact the school prior to any planned absences.

Provide an explanation (preferably in writing), if not beforehand then within 2 days of
the student’s return to school, each time their child is absent from school, this may
take the form of:

a medical certificate

a written explanation note or email containing the student’s name, dates and
reasons for absence

a verbal explanation to the school through either a phone call or visit to the
school

Ensure their child follows the school’s recommended processes and procedures for
late arrival and early departure.
After three days of a child’s absence with no advice, the school will contact you.
Absenteeism including late arrival is noted on each child’s report card.
UNSUITABLE ITEMS
Items such as knives, other sharp items, cigarettes or cigarette lighters are not to
be brought to school and may lead to a school suspension if located in a student’s
possession.
Blair State School
T h u rs d ay, 1 4 M ay 2 0 1 5
Help Required
TUCKSHOP
Any parents or grandparents who may be interested in volunteering in our Tuckshop, please contact our Tuckshop Convenor Jo Stewart on 3281 4726 (Press 2).
BREAKFAST CLUB
We are still seeking support from the community for breakfast club helpers,
particularly on Tuesday mornings. If you can help between 8.00 am and
8.40 am please contact administration.
STUDENT SCHOOL BANKING
Volunteers are needed to help with student school banking. Please leave your
name at the tuckshop if you are able to assist for approximately 45 minutes before school on banking days. It would be great to have enough people to set up
a roster.
Blair State School
T h u rs d ay, 1 4 M ay 2 0 1 5
School Wide Positive Behaviour Support
WEEK
SWPBS WEEKLY LESSON FOCUS
SLOGAN
1
The 4 expectations of Blair State
School.
Bears raise the BARRS by Being

Be responsible
Active
Learners,
Respectful,

Be respectful
Responsible and Safe.

Be an active learner

Be safe.
2
Keep hands, feet and objects to
Bears show respect for others in
yourself and respect other’s
everything they say and do.
personal space and property.
3
Follow learning directions.
Bears are gold, when they do as
they’re told.
Be honest and truthful.
Bears show what to do when they
are honest and true.
5
Accept consequences.
Choices
made
will
consequences - good or bad.
6
Managing anger.
No-one cares for angry bears.
7
Bullying - what and who.
Bully free zone!
8
Bullying - strategies to deal with Bears have ways to have bullying
bullying.
free days.
9
Conflict resolution (Problem solving,
Bears strive to do High 5.
High 5).
10
Revision and
behaviours.
consolidation
of
have
Blair State School
T h u rs d ay, 1 4 M ay 2 0 1 5
Library News
Blair State School
T h u rs d ay, 1 4 M ay 2 0 1 5
Library News
READ-A-THON NEWS
We recently held a School Read-A-Thon between 09 March and 20 March as a major
fundraising event this year.
The School Read-a-Thon was a great success; we raised $2 606.00 to go towards Library
resources.
Holding fundraisers like the School Read-A-Thon promotes a stimulating, fun and literacy
based environment that ensures we send the right message to our students about
developing creativity and a healthy mind. The main focus of this event was on
participation, so thank you to all of those students who got involved!
I would like to thank all the parents and family members who contributed to making the
program a success. From all of the parents that motivated their children to get involved,
to all the people who undertook numerous tasks to make this easy to run.
Thank you all, I look forward to sharing the new resources with everyone!
Miss Stokes
Librarian
Blair State School
T h u rs d ay, 1 4 M ay 2 0 1 5
Indigenous News
HEARING HEALTH SCREENING
Hearing Health screening starts Monday, 18 May to Wednesday, 20 May for all Indigenous
students. Screening will be conducted by Kambu Health Centre and permission slips MUST be
returned by Friday, 15 May 2015. Any inquiries relating to this screening please contact
Warren Alberts at Kambu on (07) 3812 3843.
Blair State School
T h u rs d ay, 1 4 M ay 2 0 1 5
Sport News
Interschool Sport results for Friday, 08 May 2015
SPORT
TEAM PLAYED
RESULT
Girls Soccer Snr
Mt Crosby
Lost
1
-
0
Girls Soccer Jnr
Mt Crosby
Lost
3
-
0
Boys Soccer Snr
Brassall
Lost
6
-
1
Boys Soccer Snr
Brassall
Won 1
-
0
Netball Snr
Silkstone
Lost 18 -
4
Netball Jnr
Karalee
Won 4
1
Rugby League Snr
Central
Won 42 - 30
Rugby League Jnr
Central
Won 36 - 30
-
Training for soccer and rugby league is still on this afternoon,
14 May 2015.
Blair State School
T h u rs d ay, 1 4 M ay 2 0 1 5
Sport News
Blair State School
GIRLS’ SOCCER DRAW
DATE
SCHOOL
VENUE
13/03/15
Ipswich West
Ipswich West
20/03/15
Brassall
Ipswich Knights
27/03/15
St Mary’s
Sutton Park
24/04/15
St Joseph’s
St Joseph’s
01/05/15
CANCELLED
08/05/15
Mount Crosby
22/05/15
BYE
29/05/15
Silkstone
05/06/15
Semi Finals - TBA
12/06/15
Finals - TBA
Sutton Park
Jim Donald Oval
VENUE LOCATIONS
St Josephs Catholic Primary School
42 Pine Mountain Road
NORTH IPSWICH
Ipswich Knights Soccer Club
Brisbane Road
Bundamba
Sutton Park
Workshops Street
BRASSALL
Jim Donald Oval
22 Madden Street
EASTERN HEIGHTS
Timothy Maloney Oval
Opposite St Mary’s Church
IPSWICH
Ipswich West State School
Omar Street
WEST IPSWICH
Colleges United Soccer Club
Mt Crosby Sports Ground
Allawah Road
MT CROSBY
Rangers Rugby Union
Woodend Road
WOODEND
Blair State School
T h u rs d ay, 1 4 M ay 2 0 1 5
Sport News
Blair State School
BOYS’ SOCCER DRAW
DATE
SCHOOL
VENUE
13/03/15
Immaculate Heart
Rangers (1)
20/03/15
BYE
27/03/15
Fernvale A
Ebbw Vale (1)
24/04/15
Ipswich West
Ipswich West
01/05/15
CANCELLED
08/05/15
Brassall
15/05/15
IPSWICH SHOW HOLIDAY
22/05/15
Redbank Plains
Ebbw Vale (1)
29/05/15
Fernvale B
Ebbw Vale (2)
05/06/15
Semi Finals - TBA
12/06/15
Finals - TBA
Ebbw Vale (1)
VENUE LOCATIONS
Sutton Park
Workshops Street
BRASSALL
Stallard Park
Deebing Creek Road
YAMANTO
Colleges United Soccer Club
Mt Crosby Sports Ground
Allawah Road
MT CROSBY
Rangers Rugby Union
Woodend Road
WOODEND
Ipswich Knights Junior Soccer Club
Railway Street
EBBW VALE
Blair State School
T h u rs d ay, 1 4 M ay 2 0 1 5
Sport News
Blair State School
RUGBY LEAGUE DRAW
DATE
SCHOOL
VENUE
13/03/15
Sacred Heart
Norths (B)
20/03/15
Redbank Plains
Norths (C)
27/03/15
Redbank Plains
Rangers (B)
04/04/15
NO SPORT - LAST DAY OF TERM
24/04/15
Silkstone
01/05/15
CANCELLED
08/05/15
Central
15/05/15
IPSWICH SHOW HOLIDAY
22/05/15
St Josephs
Norths (B)
29/05/15
Churchill/St Mary’s
Norths (B)
05/06/15
Bye
12/06/15
FINALS
19/06/15
FINALS
VENUE LOCATIONS
Brothers
-
Norths -
Rangers
Brothers Leagues Club
Wildey Street
RACEVIEW
Norths Rugby League
Pelican Street
NORTH IPSWICH
-
Rangers Rugby Union
Woodend Road
WOODEND
Norths (B)
Brothers (B)
Blair State School
T h u rs d ay, 1 4 M ay 2 0 1 5
Sport News
Blair State School
SENIOR NETBALL DRAW
DATE
SCHOOL
COURT
13/03/15
St Brigids
15
20/03/15
Sacred Heart
16
27/03/15
Ipswich North
21
24/04/15
Bundamba
22
01/05/15
CANCELLED
08/05/15
Silkstone
21
22/05/15
Raceview
16
29/05/15
Hatton Vale
15
05/06/15
Bethany
14
12/06/15
Semi Finals - TBA
19/06/15
Finals - TBA
VENUE LOCATIONS
Limestone Netball Courts
Salisbury Road
EASTERN HEIGHTS
Blair State School
T h u rs d ay, 1 4 M ay 2 0 1 5
Parade Certificates
Congratulations to the following students who were awarded Certificates on Parade
on Friday 08/05/15.
Auron, PB
Seth, PB
Jaxen, PB
Zara, PY
Clyde, PY
Kiara, 1B
Charlie, 1B
Imogen, 1Y
Ella, 1Y
Clinton, 1/2A
Elise, 1/2A
Liam, 1/2A
Cortez, 1/2R
Caylin, 1/2R
Gregory, 2/3C
Hannah, 2/3M
Teejay, 2/3M
Charleigh, 2/3M
Jasmine, 3/4B
Alisha, 3/4B
Mackenzie, 3/4B
William, 3/4Y
Xavier, 3/4Y
Georgina, 4/5A
Harper, 4/5A
Chris, 4/5A
Lacey, 4/5C
Jaelen, 4/5C
Damian, 4/5M
Lachlan, 4/5M
Tiernan, 4/5M
Eric, 6Y
Blair State School
T h u rs d ay, 1 4 M ay 2 0 1 5
Community Notices
Blair State School
T h u rs d ay, 1 4 M ay 2 0 1 5
Tuckshop Roster
Week: 18 May - 22 May 2015
Mon:
Tue:
Wed:
Thu:
Fri:
L Peace, S Conroy
W Hobden, L Freeman
R Ogrodnik, L Rees
N Clayton, B Manieta
S Goodwin, J Tracey-Patte, R Langer
Any parents or grandparents who may be interested in volunteering in our Tuckshop,
please contact our Tuckshop Convenor Jo Stewart on 3281 4726 (Press 2).
Before lining up for the Tuckshop, please make sure all orders are completed and you
have the correct money.
Blair State School
T h u rs d ay, 1 4 M ay 2 0 1 5
P&C News
Hello! Louisea Peace is my name and I am the new P&C President. I look forward to my
new Role within the School.
I would like to take the opportunity to thank everyone for their help with the Mothers’ Day
stall this year. The P&C appreciate your donations, be it time or gifts to sell to support our
school’s fundraising efforts. Thank you to Noeline Clayton for organising the Mothers’ Day
stall and putting it together with little notice. It was a hit with the students buying a gift
for someone special to them, we raised $900! Well done!
Our Blair State School Centenary is coming up in March 2017. In order to plan Centenary
celebrations, a Centenary Committee will need to be formed. We are hopeful past
students, teachers or Blair community members would like to have input into activities or
have memorabilia, videos or anything they would like to contribute to celebrating
100 years of Blair State School. We also require help with the centenary commemorative
book. For more information contact the P&C via email [email protected] or join
the Facebook page for past students https://www.facebook.com/groups/
blairpaststudents. We will need to start planning special events very shortly.
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank our outgoing P&C Executives. Their
contribution to Blair State School whilst on the committee is much appreciated. I would
also like to welcome our new members.
We are in need of a fundraising member for our P&C. If you are interested in putting
forward your nomination, please contact a member of the executive via
[email protected] or me on 0468 358 711.
Louisea Peace
P&C President.
Blair State School
T h u rs d ay, 1 4 M ay 2 0 1 5
Payment Closing Dates
16 June 2015
Year 1/2 Excursion — Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary ($23.00)
Due Now
2015 Prep — Year 6 Resource Levy ($120.00)
Due Now
Instrumental Hire ($30.00)
Instrumental Levy ($20.00)
2015 Prep — Year 6 Resource Levy
All payments ($120) were due by 02 April 2015. If you haven’t
finalised your payment/s please do so next week.
Payments —Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays
8.15 am — 11.15 am
Blair State School
T h u rs d ay, 1 4 M ay 2 0 1 5
Term 2 Events
15 May 2015
Ipswich Show Holiday
18-20 May 2015
Indigenous Hearing Health screening
27 May 2015
State of Origin Sausage Sizzle
08 June 2015
Queen’s Birthday Holiday
17 June 2015
Ditto Show, Prep — Year 3
18 June 2015
Sports Day
24 June 2015
Year 1/2 Excursion—Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
Please see the following attachments
for upcoming Term 2 Events