2023 Prep Enrolments

Thank you to all families who have now completed their prep ’23 enrolment applications.  On completion of the final 2 Fridays of interviews this term we will have 75 new students enrolled.  I anticipate approximately 90 students enrolments by the end of term 4 2022.

Pick up and Drop Off

Just a reminder of a couple of things that could be improved and would really help things run even better:

1. Vehicles cannot turn right onto James Street during the peak hours of drop off and pick up. When drivers try to do this, it really causes a lot of congestion as cars are not moving.  Please only turn LEFT out of Heal Street. 
   Clearly display your child/ren’s name on the windscreen visor. Unfortunately, there are a number of makeshift name signs on dashboards and others without name tags which makes the job of staff more difficult. 

End Of Term – Finish Strong

As we head toward the end of a term, it is important to continue our focus and maintain routines so that students know that it is ‘business as usual’.  Maintaining routines helps support a positive and safe learning environment for all students. 

R U OK? DAY | 8 SEPTEMBER 
R U OK? Day is an opportunity to connect with people and have conversations that can help others through difficult times in their lives. If you have a feeling that someone you know or care about is behaving a little differently, perhaps now is the time to ask them: "R U OK?"  The website has a great deal of classroom support material and staff wellbeing ideas.

 

https://www.ruok.org.au/education

Curriculum Planning

This week year level teaching teams will meet for Planning days with HOD Judy Loudon as they complete Term 4 units and pre-unit moderation.  Class teachers are covered by specialist teachers or regular relief staff during these sessions.

2023 Year 6 Student Leadership Selection Process

In term 4 I will send out a full suite of information on the timelines and procedures for the selection process.  Year 5 students will have a couple of weeks in the beginning of term 4 to prepare their nominations before speeches begin. 

First Day of Term 4 is Tuesday 04 October.  Monday 03 October is a public holiday and the school will be closed on this day.

In conjunction with Brisbane City Council’s Active School Travel program, we are able to offer free bike skills training for our year 4 and 5 students.

Bike Skills – Year 4 & 5 Students

Available for Year 4 and 5 students on Thursday 8 September, in school time. All participants are to bring their own bike and helmet. All details of the event and how to register are at this link. We have extended the registration date for this event, to Friday the 2nd of September. 

https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/new-farm-state-school-bike-skills-training-tickets-358274547817

IMPORTANT - Class formation for 2023 

We will soon be starting the complex process of forming 2023 classes. At this stage, we welcome parent input. 

If you would like to share information relating to your child’s learning, personality clashes and other important family information, you are able to do so through the following link:

https://forms.office.com/r/gSkHAwK0Ld

This link will be open until 3 p.m. on Friday the 16^th of September

HOD Curriculum Newsletter 29^th August 2022

Pre Prep PLAYGROUP PROGRAM

We now have over 20 children registered to attend the 6 weekly playdates commencing on Monday 10^th October (see flier attached to the newsletter). Thanks to current parents Dahna and Rachel for offering to help out. We are looking for another parent or parents to help out on Wednesday 26^th October and Wednesday 16^th November. They will be mentored by Jo Keehan and Judy Loudon (HOD Curriculum). Please email admin@newfarmss.edu.au if you are interested in helping out with this initiative.

Last Monday over 15 staff attended our Early Years Community Connections Network as we seek to actively promote networking with Early Childhood Education Centres in our local area. This is part of our Transition to School Plan. Our guest speaker from the Benevolent Society, Jenny Machin, presented about their Early Childhood Approach and the support this organisation offers families. Further information about their services can be found at www.benevolent.org.au or email benevolent.ECEI@NDIS.gov.au or phone 1300 003234.

The Department of Education is committed to providing high quality education to all Queenslanders. This commitment means that children and young people from all social, cultural, community and family backgrounds, and of all identities and all abilities so they are able to:

• attend their local state school or education centre and be welcomed;
• access and participate in a high-quality education and fully engage in the curriculum along-side their similar aged peers;
• learn in a safe and supportive environment, free from bullying, discrimination or harassment; and
• achieve academically and socially with reasonable adjustments and supports tailored to meet their learning needs.                                                            
  
  

The Metropolitan Region - Early Childhood Education and Care sector Term 3 recommendations include-

• Refer to the Starting School Guide.
• Parents/caregiver are a valuable and valued contributor to the transition plan. Contact the school to arrange a meeting to discuss your child’s transition to school. Discuss your child’s needs, strengths, and any concerns you may have about their transition to school.
• Support your child to attend all transition activities scheduled by the kindergarten and school.
• Contact the on-site Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) service to enrol your child for the Prep year should this service be required.
• Establish a regular bedtime and bedtime routine that includes reading a story with your child.

Term 4 recommendations include-

• Attend and contribute to any meetings made by key partners.
• Contribute to the Kindergarten Transition Statements and/or ECDP Transition Summary.
• Support your child to attend all transition activities scheduled by the kindergarten and school.
• Attend Prep information sessions conducted by the school.
• Complete the book list order, organise school uniform (including shoes) and device requirements (if needed).
• Have your child’s hearing and sight tested prior to school (they can access a free 4-5-year-old Child Health check).
• Note important information for the Prep year, including the date of the first day of school, school start and finish times and the school contact information.

Term 1 of the school year recommendations include-

• Ensure your child attends school regularly and on time each day.
• Prepare and pack a nutritious, healthy lunch box each day.
• Read the school newsletter and all email communication from your child’s teacher and/or school community. Take note of important information such as key dates, specialist lessons and days and upcoming events.
• Check in with your child’s teacher or key contact person (as determined in Term 3) about your child’s progress.
• Stay updated by joining the P&C or volunteering in the school community.