Dr Carmel McGrath

2020 Class Allocation Preferences

Thank you to all parents who have submitted their written requests for class allocations 2020.  Over the next weeks we will be ensuring all students have the opportunity to name 5 friends who they wish to be placed with in the class allocations.  We do this to ensure that each student has at least one close friend with them for the following year. 

At times parents include friendship lists in their class allocation requests.  While we review these, where there is a discrepancy between who the parent and child have asked for, we will always go with the child’s request. We believe giving students a voice in this process is an important part of ensuring balanced classes. 

I am sure that you understand that class allocations is a complex process and a great deal of time and thought goes into placements.  For this reason, once classes are formed, we will not take any further requests or make last minute changes.  These changes can in fact cause a number of issues which impact on numerous other students. 

Report Cards

Teachers are currently collaborating to:

• Align A-E standardised comments for English and Maths,
• Create standardised Key Learning Area descriptors for all other subjects, and
• Create standardised A-E behaviour comments, which are being aligned to our whole school Positive Behaviour for Learning framework. Thank you to staff and our PBL Committee (including staff, parents and Jabiru staff) who have coordinated and focused our behaviour data to ensure greater consistency of standards and record keeping across the school. 

Having consistent standards and comments is an important aspect of the alignment of planning, teaching and assessment.  The work also aligns with our Inclusive Education policy ensuring that adjustments and supports are implemented as part of our approach ensuring all students are able to succeed both academically and socially.

General comments are completely individualised for students.

Inclusive Education

Inclusive Education is one of the key priorities of the ‘Every Student Succeeding – State Schools Strategy 2018-2022.  It has come through very strongly as a key priority from students, staff and parents in our Quadrennial School Review and will continue to be a major part of our New Farm State School Strategic Plan 2020-2024.

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” Nelson Mandela

‘Our Commitment means that children and young people across Queensland, from all social, cultural, community and family backgrounds, and of all identities and all abilities 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
• Achieve academically and socially with reasonable adjustments and supports tailored to meet their learning needs. (Department of Education, Inclusion Policy)

As Nelson Mandela said Education is key to change and so importantly we will ensure there are strategic plans which focus on ongoing professional learning and development of staff, information sharing and learning for students, and strengthening of partnerships with parents and community agencies to increase our understanding of disability and diversity. 

As part of this work New Farm has joined the Regional ‘Autism Friendly School’ initiative for 2020.  Inclusion Coach Judy Loudon and I are attending the initial information session for the project this week.  With Judy’s expertise and experience in disability in a wide range of roles including Advisory Consultant for Inclusion and her work with Autism Queensland, we have strong leadership for building the collective efficacy of our whole school community and creating a positive culture of inclusion for all. 

Prep Open Day

Thank you to all the Prep Teachers, Leadership team, parents and office staff who helped organise this year’s event.  There was great attendance with families hearing more about the school curriculum and what to expect with the start of school.  Our 2020 preppies had a wonderful time attending the prep classes and being involved in a range of fun activities for the morning.  Once again our regular parent volunteer groups attended, as well as banking and Jabiru staff who were there to answer questions for our new families. Currently we have 75 preps enrolled for next year so it looks feasible that we will form 4 prep classes.  There will only we one final round of prep interviews this year, so if you know of anyone who is yet to enrol, please encourage them to contact us without delay. 

Master Plan

I understand from the Project team that we will be holding another session in the latter part of this term so that the team can provide feedback to the community group which met and workshopped the site plans.  Once dates are finalised, participants will be notified.

End of Year Disco

This Friday our Year 6 parent group are holding our End of Year Disco.  The disco theme is ‘Halloween’.  Thank you to all the staff and parent volunteers especially Year 6 parent coordinator Fiona Caniglia for her efforts.  Parents are asked not to dress up and to remind children they must remain in the disco area as they are not permitted in and around the school during this event for safety and supervision reasons.

Day for Daniel

On Friday 01 November students and staff are asked to wear red to show their support for ‘Day for Daniel’.  Year 5 and 6 students who are attending the final make up Gala Day are also asked to wear their normal sports uniform but show their support by wearing something red such as red socks, red shoes, red ribbons or a red hat.  All students except for those attending Gala Day will attend a special assembly on Friday morning which will be followed by a ‘walk for Daniel’ around our school.  Ms Horn’s 3 W class are presenting the RECOGNISE REACT REPORT message and video at assembly.

Drumming Group

Thank you to Chris Chapman and Judy Loudon for supporting the new drumming group.  Students are thoroughly enjoying their experience and Mr Chapman is hoping the group will be ready for an assembly performance sometime this term. 

Extreme Heat

As we approach our summer season, we will be monitoring weather and planning for alternative inside play where appropriate.  Students and staff are being reminded about the importance of our Sun Safety Policy – specifically

2020 School Leader Selection

Last Friday many students submitted their nomination forms for 2020 leadership roles.  This is an exciting time for our Year 5 students and I wish them well for this process.  Parents you can see below the timeline of events in this process.  You are very welcome to attend the speeches. 

We as parents always want to encourage our children to aspire to do their best but it is also important to have some discussion about building resilience, learning from the experience and knowing that if you do not get the position, it’s ok to feel upset or disappointed but then move on from that. 

Resilience is about bouncing back from some sort of negative event or experience.  Over the past few years, I have been very impressed with the resilience the students have shown.  I wish all students the very best for their participation in the selection process.

• Wed 30 Oct 9am (Hall)– School and Vice-captain speeches and student voting (yr 3-5 vote)
• Thurs 31 Oct 9:30 – 1:00– Principal interviews shortlisted students
• Fri 01 Nov – Principal announces the 2020 School and Vice Captains
• Wed 06 Nov 9 – 10am (classrooms) – House captain speeches and student voting
• Thurs 07 Nov 9:30-1:00 – Principal interviews shortlisted students
• Fri 08 Nov– Principal announces the 2020 House Captains
• Wed 13 Nov 9-10am– Project Captain speeches and student voting (classrooms)
• Thurs 14 Nov 9:30-1:00 – Principal interviews shortlisted students
• Fri 15 Nov – Principal announces the 2020 Project Group Captains
• Tuesday 19 Nov Assembly– 2020 Captains introduced to school on assembly

Kay Bradley  

How is Behaviour Managed at New Farm?

At New Farm State School, we use the Positive Behaviour for Learning Framework to promote agreed, consistent and supportive behaviour expectations.  By frequently reinforcing these expectations, our students are aware of the behaviour we expect in every setting within the school.  The PBL is successful for 80% of our students.

For some students we need to apply some more focussed behaviour management.  This will mean a referral to Admin through our Student Support Services committee and the development of a Behaviour Support plan, in consultation with parents.  This support plan can include, but is not limited to, daily ‘check ins’, increased supervision, monitoring of behaviour in the classroom and the playground and a targeted supported play group.

Although extremely rare, if further support is required, our Admin team can access Regional Behaviour Support specialists.

  P.B.L. FOCUS OF THE WEEK

Halloween Disco- Please note there will be barricades in some area of the school. Please remind children to stay in with families for the duration of the disco. First Aid will be closed on Friday night, please ensure you have all emergency medications with you for your child.

Oval – rejuvenation project stage 1 completed- thank to you staff and students for your patience whist we have the oval closed to allow the new grass to take hold on the oval. The fencing will be in place for two weeks. Our schools officer will be able to mow the grass very soon.

Staircase A Block – emergency repairs. Rowan Cassidy will be completing the repairs to our stairs. Starting Monday 4 November for approximately one week. Please observe all safety signage and remind children not to play in this area. There will be a level of noise as they will be cutting wood and using nail guns etc.

Hall- Projector screen has been installed Wednesday 23 October.

Parent Volunteers and Visitors to the school – Signing in at the office every time you volunteer at the school.

Reminder to all Parents, Carers and Visitors to our school.

All volunteers are required to sign in and out at the office prior to going to your child’s class to attend activities. This includes classroom helpers and tuckshop volunteers.

The Mandatory Training for Volunteers and Visitors needs to be completed prior to attending class activities and class excursions

Mandatory Training for Volunteers and Visitors

School Watch

The School Watch Program is a partnership between Education Queensland, the Queensland Police Service and the State Government Protective Security Service.  It aims to reduce criminal activity in Queensland schools and encourages everyone to look out for after-hours crime in our schools.  If you see anything suspicious, please don’t attempt to intervene.

Call the School Watch number – 13 17 88

TERM 4 TUCKSHOP

The tuckshop will be open on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday during Term 4.

Daily specials:

• Monday – homemade beef pies, chicken pies and sausage rolls
• Wednesday – pasta (including gluten free option) and pizza
• Thursday – sushi (chicken, avocado and tuna), sushi bento box and fried rice (pork and vegetarian)
• Friday - sausage sizzle and nachos (beef and vegetarian)

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

We are looking for a backup list of volunteers to help us in the tuckshop when we are unable to get enough volunteers from the class lists.

We are looking for people who would be available from 8.45am – 11am on one or more of the following days – Monday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday. If you are able to help could you please email Vanessa at hello@nfsspandc.com.au or come and see us at the tuckshop.

We really need help to ensure that the tuckshop runs smoothly and we are able to keep providing home-cooked nutritious foods.

Thank you to everyone who has helped us in the tuckshop. We are truly grateful!!

MONEY OWING

We still have a considerable number of students owing money to the tuckshop, some from previous years. Could you please come and check with us to see if you child’s name is on the board. 

TUCKSHOP VOLUNTEERING

TERM 4

Week 5 – 2A

Week 6 - 2MB

Week 7 – 2P

Week 8 – 1/2N

Week 9 – 1F

Week 10 – 1G

The Debating Club @ New Farm State School

The students competed in an Evening Debate on Thursday 24 October 2019.  The topic was "that parents should be required to attend detention with their children".

The teams included:

Congratulations to all of the students for a successful evening.  A special thanks to Ella for speaking twice on the night.  The Affirmative Team secured a win in both  Debate 1 and  2.    If you would like to join The Debating Club then please contact Debating Australia on debatingaustralia@gmail.com or 0402 618 890.  Classes are held Tuesday afternoon at 3pm in the Library and it is open to year 4, 5 and 6 students.  The final Evening Debate for 2019 will be held on Thursday 21 November 2019 which will be a match between students and parents.

Dear New Farm State School Families

We still need volunteers to make the disco a roaring success. If you haven’t already, please consider helping out to set up, during the event and to pack down.  You can follow a link below. We especially need helpers and 7pm and 8 pm.

Thanks for your help everyone.  With a little bit of help from everyone, the night will be a great success.

Best regards

Fiona Caniglia

(Sierra and Montse’s mum).

0400 1964 92

Safety guidelines for costumes at the Disco

We have become aware that some older students are planning on dressing up as characters from The Joker and other adult characters that may cause younger children to feel or be afraid.

We would ask everyone to follow these guidelines in helping their children plan a costume:

• Remember there will be very young children at the event
• Aim for fun Halloween themes but avoid very scary costumes that may cause young children to feel/be afraid. Prizes will be awarded for the most fun and funny costumes
• Remember smaller children don’t necessarily separate pretending from something real (a wonderful stage of life) and that might mean that an older child dressed in a costume that looks terrifying might seem completely real and leave them feeling unsafe). Aim for fun and funny!

Prizes for most fun and funny Halloween Costume judged at 7.30pm

Prizes will be available for the most fun and funny Halloween Costumes on the night. First, second and third will be judged at 7.30pm in front of the stage. Everyone who wants to take part should make their way to the stage just before 7.30pm.

The New Farm State School Halloween Disco : Date Claimer and Call for Volunteers

The much loved New Farm State School Halloween Disco will take place on Friday 1 November from 6.00pm.

There will be a Disco with activities and games, bar, food, home bake for charity and other treats.  It is a great night for

families to gather and enjoy our amazing school community.

A call for home-bake to sell on the night for charity

Please reply to fiona.caniglia@gmail.com if you can provide some home-bake for sale.  All proceeds will go to charity via the community and charity group at school. Cup-cakes, brownies and sweets are always popular but any contributions will be fantastic.

Bring an item of non-perishable food for a Christmas Food Pantry

Bring an item of non-perishable food for a Christmas Food Pantry to help local charities as well as they work to help homeless people and other vulnerable households through the Christmas period. Collection bins will be on hand.  Tinned food is great as is rice, pasta and Christmas treats.

We need at least 30 volunteers to make the night a success!

To make it a great occasion we need parents to consider volunteering for various tasks on the day.  We need at least 30 volunteers to handle setting up, bar/canteen and pack down so please consider giving one hour of your time.

You can register to volunteer at this link. You can also contact Fiona on 0400 196 492 if you have any questions or ideas.

The committee - from L to R:

Diana Williamson, Yasmahne Hanel, Giselle Massieu, Kylie Barr, Claire Townsend, Justine Khoury, Belinda Hill, Marika Calabro, Tanja Malone

Our 4th Annual Hats & Heels glamorous fundraising lunch was held on Saturday 19 October at Bucci, and once again this sold out event was a huge success. A big thank you to everyone that joined us, Minister Grace Grace, Cr. Vicki Howard, Dr Carmel McGrath and her team, mums from NFSS and Holy Spirit and other lovely ladies in our community.

With your help, we have raised an amazing $32,000 to resurface the play area outside the school hall. 

A big thank you also to our major sponsors Cr Vicki Howard and Loan Market, and also to our general sponsors Hutchinsons Builders and Consolidated Properties.

More photos to follow on Facebook New Farm Hats and Heels and Instagram #nfhatsandheels2019

Thank you to the organising committee - L to R Diane Williamson, Yasmahne Hanel, Giselle Massieu, Kylie Barr, Claire Townsend, Justine Khoury, Belinda Hill, Markia Calabro and Tanja Malone.

Classes taking part in swimming lessons are enjoying some great swimming weather so far.

We would like to remind parents to keep checking the fit and working order of caps, goggles and sun-safe swim shirts.

A number of students are coming to lessons without these items – which are all essential for lessons. The best fitting gear will allow your child to enjoy comfortable, uninterrupted learning.

To enable safe movement of students and classes, and to ensure the best environment for learning we ask the following be supported:

• Only school staff or designated support personnel are to allow the opening of the pool safety gate. Students are being asked to wait and gain teacher assistance with the gate.

• Parents are asked not to enter the pool area during school lessons.

Change of Day

Interested students who would like to participate in some net sports, supervised by Mr Rainbow, are invited to come to the hall on Thursday mornings 8am to join in.  This week will be BADMINTON. Modified equipment can cater for lower and upper school.

Expectations are that students who attend will remain with Mr Rainbow in the hall until dismissed at 8:30am to the before school supervision areas.

Get involved in the School Banking program.

New Farm State School is excited to offer the Commonwealth Bank School Banking program to all students.

School Banking is a fun, interactive and engaging way for young Australians to learn about money and develop good savings habits. Children who deposit money into their Youthsaver account through School Banking earn Dollarmites tokens, which they can save up and redeem for exciting rewards.

The rewards available during 2019 are:

* Scented Stackable Highlighters 

* Snowy Origami Set                 

* Icicle Slapband Ruler 

* Yeti Fluffly Notepad 

* Arctic Owl Fluffy Keyring

* Scratch Art Cards

* Water Skimming Bounce Ball 

* Polar Pencils & Pencil Toppers

School Banking is also a great fundraiser for our school. Our school receives a Regular Savers Contribution of $5 for every 10 deposits processed per student as well as an Annual Contribution which is based on the number of students who made at least one School Banking deposit in the prior year.

Getting involved in School Banking is easy!

All you need to get involved in the School Banking program is a Commonwealth Bank Youthsaver account. You can open an account for your child in one of two ways:  

1. Online

Visit commbank.com.au/schoolbanking and click on the link to open a Youthsaver account. 

2. In branch

Visit a Commonwealth Bank branch with identification for yourself and your child, like a driver’s licence and birth certificate.

If your child has an existing Commonwealth Bank Youthsaver account they can start banking straight away. They just need to bring their deposit in every week on School Banking day using their Dollarmites deposit wallet. 

School Banking day is every Friday (except for the first and last Friday of each term). Each week you just need to hand in your bank book between 8.15 - 8.45am outside the Library.

If you would like to know more about School Banking, please ask for a 2019 School Banking program information pack at banking on Friday morning or visit commbank.com.au/schoolbanking

For further information, please contact Belinda Hill on bjyates12@hotmail.com

The Federal Member for Brisbane, Trevor Evans MP, is once again running his annual Christmas Card Design Competition for junior primary school students. This year’s theme is “Christmas in Brisbane”.

The winners will each have their artwork featured on Trevor’s Christmas card which is sent to the entire Brisbane electorate, as well as each receiving a prize of a family pass movie pack to enjoy.

As well as an overall winner, there will be additional winners for each of the categories of:

• Prep/Year 1
• Year 2 and
• Year 3 students.

Please make sure entries are scanned in colour, and returned to the Office of Trevor Evans MP by Friday 1 November 2019 (either by email to trevor.evans.mp@aph.gov.au or mailed to PO Box 143, Albion DC, Qld 4010).

We hope your junior school students will enjoy taking the opportunity to participate in this annual competition!

Christmas in Brisbane