1. education
2. school

Ironside State School
NEWSLETTER
5 February 2015 / Edition 1
2 Hawken Drive
St Lucia QLD 4067
Telephone: 07 3258 3111
DATE CLAIMERS
5.2.15
Year 1 Teacher/Parent
Session (4:00pm)
7.2.15
Welcome Back to
School Bush Dance
organised by The
Chaplaincy Committee
(4:00 -7:30pm)
10.2.15
P&C 2015 AGM
(6:30pm)
11.2.15
Parent Rep Meeting
(2:00pm)
Year 2 Teacher/Parent
Session ( 3:30pm)
Year 3 Teacher/Parent
Session (6:30pm)
16.2.15
Investiture Ceremony
(2:30pm)
Year 6 Teacher/Parent
Session (6:00pm)
17.2.15
Year 5 Teacher/Parent
Session (5:30pm)
Year 4 Teacher/Parent
Session (6:00pm)
18.2.15
Overseas and Australian
Family Network Meeting
(2:00pm)
24.2.15
First P&C General
Meeting (6:30pm)
12.3.15
Prep - Year 6 Hands on
Art Evening
19.6.15
International Breakfast
and Concert (7:30am)
1
STUDENT ABSENCE LINE: 3258 3160
[email protected]
Facsimile: 07 3258 3100
Web: www.ironsidess.eq.edu.au
Dear Parents and Caregivers,
At the beginning of each year we take time to reflect on our journey so
far and plan for the year ahead. In 2015 “The Ironside Way” will remain
our overarching philosophy that drives our school culture. The Ironside
Way’ gives us a framework for the way we treat each other and
approach our tasks to the best of our ability across all areas of school
life. It gives us a common language of expectation and behaviour. Our
Ironside Stars program is a positive reinforcement of these behaviours
and expectations and will be evident to all who enter our school gates.
Our explicit teaching and learning agenda in 2015 will be focused on
the teaching of reading and writing as well as mathematical problem
solving. We will also continue to deepen our knowledge and continue to
work with International Consultant Lane Clark on Inquiry Based Learning.
We will again implement our personalised education through the
development of individual student goals and the creation of growth
mindsets within and beyond our classrooms. I am looking forward to
working with you again this year to make our great school even better!
IRONSIDE WAY
The beginning of the year is a good time to get organised. This means
having all the school supplies needed to complete work, keeping a
neat and tidy desk and school bag, listening carefully to teacher’s
instructions before starting work, planning time to get things done and
setting goals for what we want to achieve. It’s also a good time to meet
and make new friends and remind ourselves that being kind to others
and being inclusive is part of what ‘The Ironside Way’ is all about. Not
only our students, but our whole Ironside Community prides itself on the
positive way in which we interact with each other. Being kind to others is
an easy goal to achieve – a smile and a happy greeting costs nothing
and helps us to feel good at the same time!
TUCKSHOP VOLUNTEERS
The Tuckshop is currently very short on volunteers due to losing all the
Year 6 & 7 parents who were regular volunteers at the end of last
year. Currently we have a number of days with no volunteer helpers at
all. On the days when there are no volunteers we will be forced to close
for over the counter purchases for both first break and second break
and only fill online orders - that means no orders through the classroom
tuckshop boxes either. If you can spare some time it will be most
appreciated. Please contact Gina Noble on 0405 064 132.
Yours in Education
Angela Douglas
Principal
NEWS FROM MS RUDDICK
A warm welcome back to all returning families at Ironside and welcome to all the new families who have
enrolled at Ironside. We have had an amazing start to the school year with the students all focussed and ready
to learn.
My role involves working closely with the Prep, Year 1 and 2 teachers, students and parents. I am also involved
in the Arts which includes the Instrumental Music, Choral and Visual Arts Programmes. I will also be coordinating
the 2015 Japan Study Tour. I am also looking forward to working with parents on a number of committees
including the Overseas and Australian Family Network, Chaplaincy, Friends of the Arts and Parent Reps.
It will be another very busy yet rewarding year at Ironside. Please note the following dates for your calendar:
Saturday 7 February
Welcome to 2015 Bush Dance from 4:00pm - 7:30pm at
Ironside
Wednesday 11 February
Parent Rep Meeting at 2:00pm in the Staffroom
Monday 16 February
Investiture Ceremony in our Hall at 2:30pm to acknowledge our
2015 School Captains and Vice School Captains and the
Semester One House Captains.
Wednesday 18 February
Overseas and Australian Family Network at 2:00pm in the EAL/D
classroom above the canteen. The entrance is near the
Staffroom in A Block.
Thursday 12 March
Prep - Year 6 Hands on Art Evening in the Hall
Friday 19 June
International Breakfast and Concert commencing at 7:30am
2015 JAPAN STUDY TOUR
Expressions of Interest to participate in the 2015 Study Tour to Japan in the September School holidays will be
sent home with all students in Years 5 and 6 next week.
PREP- YEAR 2 TEACHER / PARENT SESSIONS
Thank you to the parents who attended Tuesday Evening’s Prep session. I am looking forward to meeting with
the Year 1 parents this afternoon at 4:00pm and the Year 2 parents at 3:30pm on Wednesday 11 February. All
sessions will be held in the classrooms.
BIRTHDAYS AT IRONSIDE
It is important birthdays are recognised at school however class parties, large cakes and party bags are for
outside of school hours at home or other venues. As part of the Smart Choices, healthy food and drink supply
strategy, schools are committed to promoting healthy food choices. If you choose to send something to share,
suitable food suggestions that are easy to hand out include cut up pieces of fruit, ice blocks, muffins cupcakes
or biscuits. Please be aware that many students have food allergies. No nuts or food containing nuts should be
brought to school. Thank you in advance for your understanding and cooperation.
Former Year 1 Ironside Teacher, Mrs Mary Rose Boyd has officially retired from teaching. If any families who
know Mrs Boyd would like to send her a card or any other message, I am happy to receive them and forward to
her. We all wish Mrs Boyd a Happy Retirement. As a school community, we certainly miss her as a teacher and
friend here at Ironside.
Kind Regards
Janice Ruddick
Deputy Principal
2
NEWS FROM MR KNIGHTS
WELCOME BACK
The year is certainly off and running with all classrooms hives of activity. Walking around the school it is amazing
to see how quickly our students have settled and are ready to learn. This year we welcome Year 4 into the
ICALe Program. Also as a trial this term the Year 3 students are having lunch with the Year 4 to 6 students at
1:00 -1:30pm. I look forward to meeting you all this year and believe it will be a very productive year for all
students.
ICALe
We have received all the computers and we are working hard to finalise the build and get them out. We are
expecting that most computers will go out tomorrow. There maybe one to two classes that will go out Monday.
Thank you for your patience in this matter. I would like to thank Mrs Leesa Behrens and Mr Nic Jones for their
efforts. They work tirelessly in supporting our students and teachers in all their ICT needs.
BEFORE SCHOOL
If you arrive before the bell (8:15am onwards) then students are expected to go to a supervised area. For
students in Prep - Year 2 you are required to go under G Block. For Students in Years 3 - 6, you are required to
go to the Library Basement.
YEARS 3-6 TEACHER/PARENT SESSIONS
From next week you will have the opportunity to meet your class teachers and to hear from them their
expectations, the current focus of teaching and learning and how you are able to assist. If you are unable to
make the evening please contact your teacher to make another time for a short catch-up.
Parent Information Evenings are planned as follows:
Year 3
Wednesday 11 February
6:30pm
Year 4
Tuesday 17 February
6:00pm
Year 5
Tuesday 17 February
5:30pm
Year 6
Monday 16 February
6:00pm
INTERSCHOOL SPORT
Mrs Walters is currently working on the Semester 1 sports program for Years 5 and 6. Preference letters will go out
shortly.
MOBILE MUSTER
Its time to clear out the old phones from drawers and send them in for recycling. Drop them into the front office
and they can be added to our cache. This year we are aiming for 10kg of phones.
Adam Knights
Deputy Principal
3
EAL/D PROGRAM NEWS
We would like to welcome both our new and continuing families. We hope that 2015 (the year of the goat) will
be both enjoyable and successful.
At Ironside State School we offer an English as an Additional Language and/or Dialect (EAL/D) program to
support the development of English language skills for children whose first or home language is not English.
Within this program, we assist EAL/D children to not only learn English but also learn through English. EAL/D
specialist teachers and EAL/D teacher aides work with identified EAL/D children through withdrawal and/or
within the mainstream classroom when offering support.
In 2015 we are delivering this program using three levels for support. Identified students are assessed on arrival
to determine which level is appropriate. Students are then monitored throughout the year and support levels
adjusted as their English language proficiency progresses.
The three types of support are 1. Intensive English Classes - In 2015 there will be 2 levels of classes held in the EAL/D Centre and will be taught
by experienced EAL/D specialists. These classes began on Monday 2 February in the EAL/D Room.
The Level 1 Beginners Class (Years 1 & 2) will be held Monday to Thursday between 9:00am and 10:45am. The
Level 1 Beginners Class (Years 3 to 6) will be held Monday to Thursday between 11:30am and 1:00pm. The
Level 2 Beginners Class (Years 1 & 2) will be held on Monday and Tuesday between 9:00am and 10:45am.
2. EAL/D teacher / EAL/D Teacher Aide support - this may be individual or small group withdrawal. An EAL/D
Teacher Aide may work with the students to improve reading, writing or numeracy skills.
3. EAL/D Teacher Aide support within the classroom. An EAL/D Teacher Aide may support small groups of
students during classroom activities.
The EAL/D Room is now located in E Block opposite the Staffroom. This room is staffed by EAL/D Coordinator/
Teacher – Miss Kylie Sommerfeld, EAL/D Teacher - Mrs Kerry Powell. EAL/D Teacher Aides – Mrs Lucy Paul,
Mrs Dilani Peiris and Mrs Nidhi Tanna will also be using this area when supporting individual and small groups of
students. Mrs Rachel McWilliam will be supporting EAL/D students during Fly In Squad sessions in Years 1-3.
In 2014 we were very fortunate to have had such fantastic support from volunteers, many of whom were able
to assist bilingually, who helped during the Intensive Classes as well as reading with students. We look forward to
welcoming volunteers again in 2015 who would like to assist us during the Intensive Classes or by just reading
and speaking with the students.
We have already been approached by a number of parents for which we would like to say a big welcome
and thank you! It is these partnerships in education that help to enhance the learning experiences for every
student.
It is going to be an exciting year ahead for the program. Some highlights to look forward to will be Harmony
Day in March, the International Breakfast in June and the school Fete later in the year.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss ideas for developing English skills at home, please feel free to
contact us through email - [email protected] or simply pop into the EAL/D Room.
Kylie Sommerfeld
EAL/D Coordinator/ Teacher
4
P&C News
P&C would like to remind all parents and citizens of our annual General Meeting which will be held on Tuesday
10 February at 6:30pm in the Staffroom. At this meeting, current memberships will lapse and new members and
renewals will be approved. We will also be electing office bearers for 2015. Please join us and we would love to
see you there.
Sincerely,
Stephen Dowdle
President - Ironside State School P&C Association
[email protected]
MUSIC NEWS
BAND STUDENTS – Woodwind, Brass & Percussion
SENIOR CONCERT BAND REHEARSAL (continuing & advanced students)
Rehearsals commence on Wednesday 11 February at 7:30am in the Hall. We look forward to seeing all band
students who are continuing on from 2014 at this first rehearsal for the year.
CONTINUING STUDENTS
Lessons for all instrumental music students continuing on from 2014 will commence in Week 3 of Term 1.
Timetables will be emailed to parents and distributed to students this week. If you have not received a copy by
email please contact Ms Lee Long ([email protected]).
YEAR 4 & 5 BEGINNER BAND STUDENTS
All Year 4 & 5 students should have received their jumpstart lessons this week. The timetable for the remainder of
Term 1 will have been distributed to all students by Friday and emailed to parents. From Week 3, all students
have been timetabled for a half-hour lesson during class time each week.
ADULT STARTER PROGRAM
Positions are still available for parents to enrol in the Adult Starter Program which begins on
Wednesday 11 February from 7:00pm-8:30pm in the Indooroopilly State School Hall. Please contact Mr John
Grainger ([email protected]) for more information. This program is available to all Indooroopilly State School
parents/guardians and friends.
Happy music-making!
Ms Janelle Lee Long & Mr John Grainger
Instrumental Music Teachers - Band
5
TUCKSHOP NEWS
Term 1: Week 3
Date
Tuckshop
Mon
Tues
Wed
Thurs
Fri
09/02
10/02
11/02
12/02
13/02
Date
Mon
Tues
Wed
Thurs
Fri
Homebake
09/02 Morag Pilleris, 2 volunteers required
10/02 Thilini de Silva, Natalie Hillcoat , 1 volunteer required
11/02 Cynthia Griffs, 2 volunteers required
12/02 Cindy Davies, 2 volunteers required
13/02 Julie Crowe, 2 volunteers required
3 volunteers required
3 volunteers required
Linda Culkin, Irene Winter, 2 volunteers required
Sarah Henry, 3 volunteers required
Behnaz Behi, Eileen Hayes, 1 volunteers required
Term 1: Week 4
Date
Mon
Tues
Wed
Thurs
Fri
Date
Mon
Tues
Wed
Thurs
Fri
Tuckshop
16/02
17/02
18/02
19/02
20/02
Audrey Joubert, 2 volunteers required
Mevis Tee, Penny Garnett, 1 volunteer required
Michaela Sargent, Leanne Lau, 2 volunteers required
Akiko Shirakawa, Yukie Ishioka, Naomi Yagi, Akiko Tanabe
Behnaz Behi, Audrey Joubert, 1 volunteer required
Homebake
16/02
17/02
18/02
19/02
20/02
Connie Fuchs, Thao Nguyen, 1 volunteer required
Nadia Fernandez, 2 volunteers required
Isobel Khursandi, 2 volunteers required
Fiona Himstedt, 2 volunteers required
3 volunteers required
TUCKSHOP AND HOMEBAKE VOLUNTEERS FOR 2015
We urgently require more volunteers for the 2015 roster. Forms were sent home with all students last week. If
you are able to help out one day each month in the Tuckshop we would love to hear from you! Either
complete the form and send back to us via the Tuckshop box in your child’s classroom or send an email to Iana
or Gina.
If you were volunteering in 2014 and would like to go on this year, please, re-register using details below.
Iana Golitsyna (0407 893 711)
Gina Noble (0405 064 132)
Tuckshop Conveners
6
7
8
9
Due to the change in regulations which now allows
for children being born in July to apply for early entry
into Prep Campus Kindy now has a couple of
vacancies in our Kindergarten room for children who
are 3 years 5 months+.
If you would like to find out any further information
please give us a call on 3365 3894.
JUNIOR FOOTBALL at TARINGA ROVERS
Looking to play football; new to Brisbane;
want a new challenge ! Taringa Rovers FC
are looking for Junior Male & Female
players for 2015 – all ages (3 to 18) and ability
levels catered for.
Contact Kelvin 0412 085 388
[email protected]
or
Email
Chess Coaching
Ironside State School
Lessons will commence on Monday 9th February
at 7:40am – 8:40am in the Computer Room and
the cost is $91.00 per term.
All ages and abilities are welcome and lots of fun
learning is had by all. To enrol please go to
www.gardinerchess.com.au and click on the
‘Parents’ icon.
Please call Gardiner Chess on 5522 7221 if you
have any queries.
Happy Chessing!
Gardiner Chess
10
11