Dear Parent and Caregivers

As we move into the middle of the first term, our support groups for the school are beginning to meet.  If you are new to the school community, I would encourage you to find an area that you can become involved; whether that be through  groups such as the P and C Association, School Council, helping in tuckshop, swimming or maybe through becoming part of our Local Chaplaincy Committee.  Maybe it is attending school and P and C events such as the upcoming Trivia night planned for next month?

Our first P and C Meeting will be held next week on February 23rd and the School Council will also meet for the first time this year on Monday 8th March.  Prep-1 swimming commences next week and Chappy Sarah is in the process of setting up our first LCC meeting for the year.

Encouraging parent engagement is more than common courtesy. It’s one of the best ways to create a positive learning environment for every student. To create a community built on parent-teacher relationships in our school, we need to all work to nurture parent engagement.

This is because it is the most accurate predictor of academic achievement.  It’s not socioeconomic status, nor how prestigious the school is that a child attends. The best predictor of student success is the extent to which families encourage learning at home and involve themselves in their child’s education.  When parents are engaged in their children’s school lives, students have the home support and knowledge they need to do their homework and also develop a lifelong love of learning.

So whilst we are all busy I encourage you to find ways that you can be involved in your child’s education and the life of the school.

WELLBEING

Another one of our big pieces of work this year is to develop our school’s Student Learning and Wellbeing Framework (SLAWF).  As part of that we will be investigating different frameworks that may be used as a resource to support our work and documenting all of the supports and processes we already have in place to support the mental health and wellbeing of our students.  Following that, we will also be working on a Staff Wellbeing Framework. Whilst we progress on this journey, I will continue to use my spot at assemblies and the newsletters to bring a focus on a skill for that fortnight.

This week on assembly I spoke to the students about the importance of respectful relationships with all that they work with at school, home and in the community and the importance of understanding that almost everything you achieve in life will come from working well with others.  When this happens chemicals are released that make you feel good which makes you feel connected, protected and respected.  When we are in this place that is when great learning and achievements can happen.

PARENT TEACHER MEETINGS

Thank you to those parents who were able to respond to the survey around the whole-school parent information sessions posted in the last newsletter.  We certainly take on board the feedback received for planning the parent information sessions next year.

On our calendar we have scheduled Parent Teacher Meetings in Week 8 of this term.  We are going to try a whole-school muster event for this, also as most schools already do.  We will hold the evening in EPAC on Tuesday, 16th March from 3:15-6:45pm.  All teachers will be available on this evening for 10 minute interviews to be booked through our SOBS Booking program.  More details will come home about this before then but please date claim this evening.

NAPLAN 2021

Another reminder about NAPLAN 2021.  As you may have heard in the media, NAPLAN will continue for students in Yr 3 and 5 in Qld schools in 2021.  As our school was preparing to go online with NAPLAN testing last year before it was cancelled we will continue that preparation this year.  We will conduct the practice tests for the students to practice the format and to check connectivity etc between March 22 and April 30 and the actual online tests will be conducted between 11-21 May, 2021. If your child is in Yr 3 or 5 and you have any concerns about your child sitting the NAPLAN tests this year, please contact myself or our Head of Curriculum- Mrs Amy O’Malley.

Till next time,

Mrs Anne Robinson

Principal

Student Code of Conduct

At present we are refining our Enoggera State School Student Code of Conduct.  This document was previously called our Responsible Behaviour Plan and will clearly articulate the responsibilities and processes we use in our school to promote a productive, effective whole school approach to discipline.

Its purpose is to facilitate high standards of behaviour from all in the school community, ensuring learning and teaching in our school is prioritised, where all students are able to experience success and staff enjoy a safe workplace. A draft copy of this document is available on the Enoggera State School website under quick links. https://enoggerass.eq.edu.au/supportandresources/formsanddocuments/documents/student%20code%20of%20conduct%202021.pdf

Reflection Room Procedures

At Enoggera students are referred to the Reflection Room if they are requiring support in managing their behaviour or strategies when encountering conflict or difficult situations both in classroom and playground settings.  This strategy is a proactive measure employed to use students’ own behaviours to drive learning opportunities so that they can make positive or more effective choices moving forward.  The reflection room is open at first break every day from 11:10 – 11:40am.  Parents will be notified via email if their child has attended the reflection room with some information around why.  We encourage you to discuss the visit with your child and allow them to communicate their learning with you.

Amy O'Malley

aomal3@eq.edu.au

Year 1A

It has been a very busy start to Year 1 and students in 1A are beginning to settle in to the routines of Year 1 and having their own desk.  We have spent time discussing the school rules, the high five strategy for dealing with conflicts and co-creating a set of classroom rules/expectations to guide us throughout the year.

In Maths, we have been looking at counting patterns and working with teen numbers.  In English, we have been reading a number of imaginative texts and looking at how authors use language and pictures to tell us about the characters in a story.

In Science, we are exploring the external features of living things and how these features help the living thing survive.  In HASS, students are enjoying learning about changes over time and what children played with before the invention of computers and iPads!  Students have also been stretching their imaginations to think about what toys and new inventions we will see in the future.

1A have also been enjoying their specialist lessons in drama, music, digital technology and HPE and are looking forward to commencing swimming next week.

Students in 1A have commenced a Mindfulness program and are working at using mindfulness techniques to calm their bodies after playtime.

Kim Turner

kturn127@eq.edu.au

1/2A News

We are busy, busy, busy learning in our classroom! We have began our super interesting science lessons and have become forensic scientists – we’ve been looking for clues – to solve the mystery of the giant egg in the nest! We found lots of interesting facts. We learned that a baby swan is called a cygnet, ducks lay around 8 to 12 blue-coloured eggs in a nest, and swans find a best friend (mate) for life! We analysed how swans and ducks are similar and different to each other and looked at the changing features from cygnet to swan!

In maths we have created a display in our classroom called the “Chance Wall”. Year 1 students have drawn and described events that will, might and won’t happen, and Year 2 have levelled up their vocabulary to certain, likely, unlikely and impossible! Our wall is looking much brighter! We love discussing “crazy impossible” things, like “It can’t rain jelly!” and “We can’t play with real life dinosaurs at lunch time!” See who can think of the silliest impossible thing in your family! The children are welcome to come to school and add to our Chance Wall.

Swimming has gone off with a splash this term! The first two lessons have been exciting, energetic and extraordinary! We love swimming in 1/2A! The children are so responsible in getting to the pool on time and also are able to change quickly back into their uniforms, ready for learning in the classroom. Everyone has been so brave in getting in the water and doing their very best – even if it’s out of their comfort zone. Thank you to the parents who have come to help out. If you are interested in coming along to help, please contact me and we can schedule you in!

This week’s focus is respect and I have already given out so many Gotcha’s! We are so lucky to belong to a wonderful, friendly class. I especially love seeing the Year 2 students helping the Year 1’s, not only with their schoolwork, but also with finding lunchboxes after lunchtime and if someone is having a bad day and missing home.

Anyway, I could talk all day about how amazing school has been so far this term! Look out for our next newsletter entry for more updates?

From Miss Kane

Laura Kane

lckan0@eq.edu.au

Dance

This Semester we are learning about Dance. Dance is a fabulous subject that marries physical development and self-expression. Students from Prep to Year 6 have participated in warm ups, technical sequences and compositional tasks based on the elements of dance.

Our Prep students have done a wonderful job exploring how they can use their bodies for dance. We also have been practising our three class rules; follow instructions, be safe and have a go. Go Preps! We are very proud of you efforts.

Senior Dance Ensemble

It is fabulous to be once again working with our amazing ensemble of dancers. We are well and truly full up with near 30 students.  I appreciate the large number of other super keen students who wish to be involved. Next year, after the Year 6 students depart, we will fill the spots. Our first rehearsal went very well. The students learnt contemporary warm up exercises and we started the choreography on a new routine. Well done students.

Digital Technologies

Well done to all the students who have come along to Coding and Robotics Club. Thank you to our Year 6 students for leading our robotics lunchtime programs. The students have had fun exploring Spheros and Ozobots.

We have had a number of students wanting to practise their touch typing skills. Last year, students were introduced to the free online program, Typing Club. Given NAPLAN will be online; students are most welcome to practise their typing in the computer room Mondays first break. Typing Club can be found at https://www.typingclub.com/

Melissa Wilcox

Teacher

wilcoxm@eq.edu.au

The ESS Choirs and Recorder Club have begun for the term.

Junior Choir (P-3): Monday 1^st Break

Senior Choir (4-6): Friday 8am

Recorder: Friday 1^st Break

These groups are still open to new students and there are no fees. If students wish to join they simply come to the Music room in EPAC at the designated time. We do ask for consistent attendance for all groups and for students to bring a folder for their Music.

Ms Mariel Hopper

Classroom Music Teacher

Mxhop2@eq.edu.au

Jody Kellin

jkell551@eq.edu.au

Welcome back everyone a warm welcome to new ESS parents and care givers.  For those who are new to the school, please follow us on Facebook (@EnoggeraSSPandC) and read more about the work of the P&C on the ESS school website (www.enoggerass.eq.edu.au).  If you would like to contact the P&C, please send us a message via Facebook or email us at enoggerapandc@gmail.com.

Call for nominations - P&C Executive

2021 will be a year of renewal for the P&C with all four of our hard working P&C Executive Members intending to resign from their roles in March this year at the AGM.  After years of service to the school community and as the driving force behind some very successful fundraising initiatives, Jacqui, Patricia, Bec and Ainslie have decided to step back which means we are calling for nominations from interested ESS community members to take on an executive role.  For more information on any of the executive roles, please email enoggerapandc@gmail.com. 

The P&C is also recruiting a paid position for a part time Operations Manager.  For further details on this role please take a look at our Seek ad -

https://www.seek.com.au/job/51351015?type=standard#searchRequestToken=b620f237-e139-4dad-82b0-cbff4c757969

Uniform Shop

A reminder that our Uniform Shop is open every Tuesday morning during school terms from 8.15am.  All items have been restocked and are available for sale.  Order can also be placed via the QKR! App.

The Tuck Inn (our Tuckshop)

Our tuckshop is open every Wednesday and Friday and our Tuck Inn menu for Term 1 is now available on the school website.   Our tuckshop is managed by the wonderful Rosetta but we also need volunteers to assist Rosetta each Wednesday and Friday morning from 9am - 11am.  For further information, please contact Rosetta directly on rosettadimauro@bigpond.com.

To order tuckshop, please make sure you've downloaded the QKR! App and follow the prompts to set up your account and student details.  Orders can only be placed via QKR and they must be placed by 8.30am on the morning of tuckshop day. 

We are also seeking donations of the following items for the tuckshop.  If you wish to donate, please contact Rosetta to arrange drop off:

Alfoil, paper towels, desiccated coconut, rice malt syrup, coconut oil, tinned corn, tinned crushed tomatoes, hand sanitizer, dishwashing liquid, chux, block butter, raw sugar, milk choc chip bits, self raising flour.

Thank you to all those families who have donated so far, we are still taking items Wednesday and Friday mornings.

Containers for Change

Please help us fill up those Containers for Change bins at school (purple bins) with suitable containers for recycling.  To check if your containers are eligible, check the back of the container for the 10c symbol (lids must also be removed).  If you wish to visit the depot and deposit your own containers and contribute to the ESS scheme, our school scheme ID is C10051863.

If anybody has connections with any  local businesses who would be happy to save their containers for us to cash in as part of our fundraising, please contact one of the P&C members with details.

Next P&C meeting Tuesday 23rd February 2021 at 6:15pm.

P&C Executive

President – Jacqui Phillips 

Vice President – Patricia Cabrera

Secretary – Ainslie Fiene

Treasurer – Bec O’Donnell