School Newsletter Week 3

Belmont State School | Strive to Excel
Independent Public School
Newsletter
From the Principal
Term 2 Week 3
7 May 2015
Dear Parents and Caregivers
Contact Our School:
Old Cleveland Road
Carindale QLD 4152
Prep Year in 2016?
Thank you to all those families that attended our Prep 2016 Information
Sessions last week. If you have a child due to start Prep in 2016, or know
someone else who does, please contact our office to have your details
included on our database. Children are eligible for Prep in 2016 if they were
st
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born between 1 July 2010 and 30 June 2011. While the new school year is
still several terms away, it is important that as an Independent Public School
we have as much information as possible to manage our enrolments.
Mothers’ Day Stall thanks
Thank you to our amazing P&C for providing our students with the opportunity to purchase a gift
for Mothers’ Day this coming Sunday. Thank you to the volunteers that gave of their time to
assist in running the stall and thank you to parents and carers for your support too!
On behalf of Belmont State School I would like to wish all of our mothers a wonderful and
relaxing Mother’s Day. This is an opportunity for all to celebrate and recognise all of the great
things that our Mums do for us each and every day.
Phone: (07) 3843 9333
Fax: (07) 3843 9300
Student Absence Line:
(07) 3843 9388
Email:
admin@belmontss.eq.edu.au
Web:
www.belmontss.eq.edu.au
NAPLAN testing time again
Next week, our students in Years 3 and 5 will participate in the annual National Assessment
Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) to assess their skills and understanding in the areas
of reading, writing, language conventions (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and numeracy.
The tests will be conducted in all state and non-state schools across the country from Tuesday 12
May to Thursday 14 May.
An individual NAPLAN report for each child will be sent home later this year. Results provide
additional feedback for parents, carers and teachers on how students are progressing in key
curriculum areas. The best way you can help your child prepare for NAPLAN is to reassure your
child that NAPLAN tests are just one part of their school program, and to urge them to simply do
the best they can.
As our students participate in NAPLAN, I would ask everyone to consider the following five points
to focus on strategies for use when taking tests. These can help to ensure students do not
become overwhelmed.
1. Be prepared – get a good night’s sleep and have a healthy breakfast (you can’t
concentrate when you are hungry).
2. Concentrate on one question at a time. If you are unsure of the answer make note of it
and go back to it later.
3. If you do not know the answer or begin to feel anxious, breathe and try to relax (wiggle
your toes, stretch, etc.).
4. Have a go – attempt every question, even if you are not sure of the answer.
School Watch
13 17 88 Crime Stoppers
Office Hours:
8.00am – 3.45pm
School Hours:
8.45am – 3.00pm
P&C MEETINGS
Odd Months – 3rd Friday 9am – Hub
rd
Even Months – 3 Tuesday 7pm - MPC
All community members are
very welcome ☺
1800 333 000
If you see any suspicious behaviour in the school, please phone the School Watch number and keep our school safe.
Belmont State School | Strive to Excel
Newsletter | Term 2 Week 3 | 7 May 2015
5.
Don’t sweat the small stuff. Testing is only one way in which your teacher gathers
information on your learning.
If you have any question or concerns regarding 2015 NAPLAN, please speak with myself or Mrs
Tanya Abell.
Every Day Counts – really!
The importance of school attendance for all students cannot be overstated. There is a link
between student attendance at school and student learning outcomes. In basic terms, students
with strong school attendance have improved chances of academic success than students who
do not attend school regularly. This is simply because students in attendance at school are
being exposed to more teaching and learning experiences than those who are away from
school. Your child or children will achieve better when they attend school all day, every school
day.
George Zanatta
Painter and Decorator
email - g.zanatta@bigpond.com
web - www.georgezanatta.com.au
Mobile 0419 777203
ALL QUOTES ARE
FREE
Along with our intention to ensure no “unexplained” absences in 2015, we also have goal for
a 95% or better attendance rate in 2015 – a goal we are currently achieving as a school, so
well done everyone!
To give you an idea of just how important every school day is, please consider the following:
One day absent a fortnight, for each fortnight of the year, adds up to twenty days absent (or
four weeks) for a year – over 13 years of schooling this is the equivalent of missing nearly one
and a half years of schooling, or finishing in Year 11;
One day absent a week, for each week of the year, adds up to forty days absent (or eight
weeks) for a year – over 13 years of schooling this is the equivalent of missing over two and a
half years of schooling, or finishing in Year 10;
Two days absent a week, for each week of the year, adds up to eighty days absent (or sixteen
weeks) for a year – over 13 years of schooling this is the equivalent of missing over five years
of schooling, or finishing in Year 7;
Three days absent a week, for each week of the year, adds up to one hundred and twenty days
absent (or twenty-four weeks) for a year – over 13 years of schooling this is the equivalent of
missing nearly eight years of schooling, or finishing in Year 5!
National Excellence in Teaching Awards
The National Excellence in Teaching Awards (NEiTA) Foundation was formed in 1994 to
recognise the teaching profession and the important role it plays in shaping young minds.
Since then, NEiTA has given much deserved recognition to thousands of excellent and
inspirational teachers across Australia and New Zealand.
For 20 years, the NEiTA program has continued to offer communities an opportunity to
celebrate the work of great teachers who inspire their students and their communities. The
Australian Scholarships Group (ASG) has supported NEiTA since its inception, and together
ASG and NEiTA have helped pioneer recognition of the important contribution teachers make
to our community.
School Watch
13 17 88 Crime Stoppers
1800 333 000
If you see any suspicious behaviour in the school, please phone the School Watch number and keep our school safe.
Belmont State School | Strive to Excel
Newsletter | Term 2 Week 3 | 7 May 2015
NEiTA gives parents, grandparents, secondary student councils, school boards/councils,
parent associations, committees of management and community organisations the
opportunity to nominate their inspirational teachers and school leaders. For further
information, or to nominate a great Belmont State School teacher, visit:
www.asg.com.au/neita
QSchools app
Have you downloaded the QSchools app yet? Last week we distributed a postcard to
every student that explains how you can upload the app to your mobile devices.
The QSchools app is FREE and allows parents, carers and the community to receive
information through their mobile devices. This information includes push notifications,
emergency announcements, newsletters, documents, calendar events, news, tuckshop
and uniform shop information, school hours, contact details and social media feeds.
“SPEAK OUT”
GROUP SPEECH AND
DRAMA LESSONS
For Primary students after school
Wednesdays 3:30 – 4:30pm
Grades 3 – 5
Venue: Mt Bruce Scout Hall
(69 Ferguson Rd, Camp Hill)
Cost: $12 per week (payable by the term)
Contact: Karen Neale (B.A.Dip Ed, ADPA)
Ph: 0400170373
E: mandkneale@bigpond.com
for Enrolment Form
The QSchools app links directly to information and updates on our school’s website and
can be downloaded via the Apple iTunes store, Google Play, Windows Stores and
Windows Phone Store. For more information visit: http://qld.gov.au/QSchools
Yours in education,
Mr Anthony Palmer
Principal
From the Deputy Principal
What a beautiful warm start to May – you could be forgiven for
thinking we are in the northern hemisphere not the southern! I
hope all of our families survived the rain last week without too
much damage to homes or cars.
NAPLAN
Our Year 3 and 5 students will soon participate in the annual National Assessment
Program — Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) tests to assess their skills and understanding
in the areas of reading, writing, language conventions (spelling, grammar and
punctuation) and numeracy. The tests will be conducted in all state and non-state schools
across the country from 12–14 May.
An individual NAPLAN report for each child will be sent home later this year. Results
provide additional feedback for parents, carers and teachers on how students are
progressing in key curriculum areas.
School Watch
13 17 88 Crime Stoppers
ADVERTISING SPACE
AVAILABLE
REASONABLE RATES
CONTACT
admin@belmontss.eq.edu.au
Or phone 3843 9333
for more details.
1800 333 000
If you see any suspicious behaviour in the school, please phone the School Watch number and keep our school safe.
Belmont State School | Strive to Excel
Newsletter | Term 2 Week 3 | 7 May 2015
The best way you can help your child prepare for NAPLAN is to reassure your child that NAPLAN tests are just one part of their school
program, and to urge them to simply do the best they can. Please also ensure that your child arrives at school on time so as not to
create any distress for them.
Further NAPLAN information for parents and carers is available online. Please contact the school if you have any questions about your
child participating in NAPLAN testing. We wish all of our year 3 and 5 students the very best next week.
YEAR 4 CAMP
In just over two weeks our Year 4 students will set off on their first school camp. This year they are off to Mapleton up in the Sunshine
Coast hinterland. I had the pleasure of visiting last year’s campers and can say with absolutely certainty that this year’s students will
have a lot of fun. It is a great opportunity for them to gain further independence and establish life long memories from primary school.
More information regarding what to take to camp will be coming home shortly along with any last minute information.
Mr Palmer and myself will once again head up for a day trip and join with the students in that day’s activities. You will be able to follow
the students on their camp via our twitter account. Also I would encourage families to download the QSchools app on their
smartphones as this a great way to get up to date information from the school.
KIDSMATTER
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On the 19 of May staff members from the SWPBS team will be attending training in KidsMatter. This
is part of our ongoing focus on mental health and wellbeing. I look forward to sharing new information
on our implementation progress after this session.
NEPAL EARTHQUAKE FUNDRAISER
A big thank you to our Student Council and Belmont students for their efforts in raising funds for the
relief efforts in Nepal. It is devastating to hear just how badly affected areas of Nepal are. Over $800
was raised for the World Vision appeal and it demonstrates how compassionate and caring our
students are. Thank you.
Have a great week!
Mrs Tanya Abell
Deputy Principal
From the Office
PAYMENTS
We are currently accepting payments for the following activities.
Activity
Year 4 Camp
Year 5 Camp
Year 6 Camp
Final Balance
$152.00
$198.75
$810.00
Due Date
Wed 13 May
Thurs 25 June
Thurs 20 August
Payments can be made at the office on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays or we will accept credit card payments over
the phone. We will also accept instalments for these camp payments. Please assist by meeting the due date for payments.
School Watch
13 17 88 Crime Stoppers
1800 333 000
If you see any suspicious behaviour in the school, please phone the School Watch number and keep our school safe.
Belmont State School | Strive to Excel
Newsletter | Term 2 Week 3 | 7 May 2015
From the Library
PREMIER’S READING CHALLENGE
Belmont State School students will once again be participating in the Premier’s Reading Challenge. This is an
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annual State wide initiative for students up to Year 9. This year the Challenge is celebrating its 10 anniversary.
It is not a competition but aims to improve literacy and encourage children to engage in reading for pleasure
and learning. Forms will be sent home shortly with the students in preparation for the reading period which is
from 19 May – 28 August.
Students who complete the challenge have their efforts recognised through the receipt of a Certificate of
Achievement signed by the Premier of Queensland. For a student to successfully complete the Premier’s Reading Challenge they must
read or experience the number of books indicated below. Experiencing a book can include classroom or at home activities such as
shared reading, listening and reading along with a book, or being read to.
We hope to have a record number of participants from
our school.
Year Level
Prep – Year 2
Years 3 - 4
Years 5 - 6
Mr Walter Vecchio
Teacher Librarian
Number of books
Read or experience 20 books
20 books
15 books
HPE News
STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT
Congratulations to Sophie K in 2E who recently competed at Diving Australia’s National Diving Competition in the 11 and under age
group. Sophie (aged only 7) won a bronze medal in the 5m platform and came 4th on the 1m board. She has also recently travelled to
nd
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New Zealand and competed in the Wellington Diving Championships coming 2 on both 3m and 1m and 1 in synchronised diving.
These are all wonderful achievements and a future star to watch. Well done Sophie!
STAFF V STUDENT SOCCER GAME
th
On Wednesday the 29 of April the teachers and students played a
game of mouth-watering soccer. The first goal was scored by our
groundsman Mr King Koi. The students responded almost instantly,
but the shot just sailed high. We had an action packed second half.
The atmosphere was huge. Jeremy C 6A played a through ball to Alex
T 6A and he scored! The scores were now locked at 1-1. In the last
minute the teachers managed to find the back of the net leaving the
game at 2-1 in favour of the teachers. There were some great plays
and some great saves made. At the end everyone had a great time.
Ben O 6D
Miss Tracey Barnett
HPE Teacher
School Watch
13 17 88 Crime Stoppers
1800 333 000
If you see any suspicious behaviour in the school, please phone the School Watch number and keep our school safe.
Belmont State School | Strive to Excel
Newsletter | Term 2 Week 3 | 7 May 2015
Dates to Note
Fri May 8
Tue May 12 – Thu May 14
Fri May 15
Tue May 19
Mon May 25
Wed May 27 – Fri May 29
Thu May 28
Tue Jun 2
Tue Jun 2
Wed Jun 3
Mon Jun 8
Tue Jun 9 – Tue Jun 16
Wed Jun 10
Thu Jun 11
Mon Jun 15 - Mon Jun 22
Tue Jun 23
Wed Jun 24
Wed Jun 24
Thu Jun 25
Fri Jun 26
Fri Jun 26
Mon Jul 13
Tue Jul 14 – Fri Jul 17
Tue Jul 21 – Fri Jul 24
Sun Jul 26
School Watch
Scholastic Book Orders Close Remember: NO cash payments accepted orders to office by Thur May 7
NAPLAN Testing (Years 3 and 5)
P&C Meeting -9.00am -P&C Hub ( Pelicans Block)
ICAS Digital Technologies Competition
Year 1 Fire Education Visit
Year 4 Camp - Mapleton
Under 8’s Day
Cyber Smart Presentation
Year 1 Fire Education Celebration
ICAS Science Competition
Queen’s Birthday Public Holiday
Book Fair
ICAS Writing Competition
ICAS Spelling Competition
Fun with Maths
Prep – Year 3 Athletics Carnival
Athletics Field Events 10 – 13 years and 800m after lunch
Prom Concert – 6.30pm tuning – 7:00pm start – School Hall
Athletics Track Events (9yrs - 13yrs)
Report Cards go home
Last Day of Term 2
First Day of Term 3
Year 5 & 6 Instrumental Music Camp
Year 4 Instrumental Music Camp
Belmont Carnival
13 17 88 Crime Stoppers
1800 333 000
If you see any suspicious behaviour in the school, please phone the School Watch number and keep our school safe.
Belmont State School | Strive to Excel
Newsletter | Term 2 Week 3 | 7 May 2015
Community News
NAB AFL Auskick is running at your school now!
Where: Belmont State School
When: First session is on Monday 4th May 2015
Time: 3:10pm – 4:10pm
Length of program: 6 weeks*
Cost: $70
For more information
visit aflauskick.com.au or call 3394 2198
School Watch
13 17 88 Crime Stoppers
1800 333 000
If you see any suspicious behaviour in the school, please phone the School Watch number and keep our school safe.