Week 3, Term 4 2019

Dear Parents and Caregivers, 

Have I mentioned how wonderful your children are lately! I am in awe of the children and staff and what they have achieved in the past week.  There are many moments throughout our week, that we as staff make comment about how lucky we are to be teaching the children we have here at St Saviour’s.

Year 5 Camp

What an absolute pleasure it was to accompany the Year 5 children and their teachers on their camp to Murphy’s Creek last week.  The children were amazing in the way they engaged and participated in the activities.  The staff at Murphy’s Creek were equally impressed with our children commenting regularly, “The best kids we have had for a very long time.”  The children were encouraging of each other throughout every task.  A true credit to their parents and teachers.  Congratulations Year 5 on your positivity, courage and respectfulness shown towards each other and your teachers.  Over the next few weeks these students will engage in nominating and preparing for 2020 Leadership positions.  Students from Years 4 – 6 will participate in the voting process and the positions will be announced at the End of Year Mass in Week 8. 

In Week 4, our Year 6 students will head to the Gold Coast for their final Primary School Camp.  I wish the students and staff a great time together and pray the weather is kind to them.  I will be attending the Leadership Forum, next week and in my absence, Sam Hannant will be in charge whilst Judy Smith accompanies our year 6 students and staff on camp.  

COMBINED SCHOOL MUSICAL

WOW! What a spectacular show by the talented students of SSPS and SSC in the musical: Wizard of Oz over the weekend.  Thanks to everyone involved for their dedication and hard work in ensuring a great few nights of entertainment.  Many thanks to Mrs Anita McVeigh and Mrs Anne-Maree Spalding for teaching the students the songs and dances, to Mrs Emma Daniels for organising and sorting those incredible costumes and the many staff who helped out with supervision.  Congratulations to all!

Queensland Catholic Education Commission (QCEC) Visitors

Last Tuesday, we were fortunate to host visitors from QCEC, they came from as far as Townsville, Cairns, Rockhampton and Brisbane dioceses.  Our school leaders accompanied me on a tour of our school where together we told the story of learning happening here at St Saviour’s.  Following is an email from one of the visitors:

To The Principal, Ms Madonna Sleba.

Thank you for inviting us to St Saviour’s and allowing us to experience the quality students, staff, curriculum and culture of this fine school. We all agreed that each of us would love our own children and grand children to be part of your community.

I really enjoyed the interactions with students and staff and loved your innovative curriculum and caring whole school environment.

The school is a credit to your leadership and your staff’s professionalism and dedication.

Forty years’ experience in teaching and principalship enabled me to enjoy all the small things and great projects you are undertaking.

My warmest regards,

Kevin Garland,

Cairns Diocese QCEC rep

CONSISTENCY OF TEACHER JUDGEMENT (CTJ) DAY

On Monday 21^st October, we joined with three other schools at Sacred Heart Primary School.  I commend our teaching staff who organised and presented their teaching and learning journey of our STEM lighthouse project throughout the day.  Staff were also able to engage with the other schools to see and hear about their Numeracy and Well-being projects.  The sharing of ideas was greatly appreciated by all involved.

UNIFORMS

The two-year transition period from the ‘old’ to the ‘new’ uniform is coming to an end at the end of the year. As of January 2020, all students will be required to wear the new uniforms.  Please refer to the uniform requirements via our school website.  IN 2020 all students will have the option of wearing shorts and shirts to align with new uniform legislation.  These items will be available in the new year.

The new dress for students will be available in two styles to accommodate all shapes and sizes by early January, 2020.

At St Saviour’s Primary School, students are expected to maintain a high standard of dress and grooming which:

• supports a positive atmosphere where study and learning can flourish.
• promotes school unity and pride.
• presents an appropriate image of our school to the broader community and to each other.

The school uniform is available from: 

• Skooldayz Clothing Company the supplier of the school uniform.

• All uniform items can be viewed online and orders can be made at www.skooldayz.com.au

• Enquiries can be sent to info@skooldayz.com.au

• Skooldayz does have a Facebook page which all parents are welcome to follow.

• The shop operates from a ground level room in the Parent Community Room, and is open 2:30p.m. – 4:00p.m each Friday during the school year or contact Dan Eagleson on 0481 318 398 for an appointment outside these times. (NB. At the beginning of the school year, the Uniform Shop has longer trading hours)

SECOND HAND UNIFORMS

• Parents are advised to utilise the ‘Toowoomba School Uniforms for Sale’ page on Facebook to buy or sell their second hand uniforms. Once you are registered on this page you are able to search for ‘St Saviour’s Primary Uniforms’ which will take you to any available uniforms for sale.

AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE FROM SCHOOL OFFICE

• Swimming Caps (lycra)

• School Bags

• Library Bags 

PREP REFURBISHMENTS TERM 4 2019

Over the past few months much of the School Board meetings have been taken up with enrolment growth and building applications.  It was decided from these meetings that the school would need to fund the Prep refurbishment of expanding the current Prep building into three classrooms.  This refurbishment is now in full swing, with tenders going out at the beginning of next week.  The design and specifications have been published on the school noticeboard for parents to view.  This is a huge financial commitment for the school.  It is hoped that building will begin this Term in the last few weeks of term. Our current preps will be relocated to the Uniform Shop space and the Music room. 

We continue to strive towards maintaining three classes per year level with no more than 20 – 25 students in each class.  With the introduction of three classes in each year level over the next few years this opens potential to attract enrolments.  St Saviour’s Primary School has a high profile in the Toowoomba Community, and we have many enquiries each week for enrolments.  We still have enrolments available in most classes.  Please contact the school reception for details.  

In 2020, we will re-submit our Block Grant Application to QCEC for additional classrooms and new administration facilities.  

STAFFING UPDATE

In 2020, we will welcome three experienced teachers through the relocation process of the Toowoomba Catholic Schools Office.  We will welcome back, Mrs Rebecca Thomas who will join our Prep team.  Bec is excited to be returning to SSPS.  Miss Lisa Kynoch, who is currently teaching at Mary Mackillop Catholic College, Highfields and Miss Caitlin Seng, who comes to us all the way from St Mary’s, Charleville will join our teaching team.  We look forward to welcoming them to our community in 2020. It is hoped that they will be able to join us for the transition morning scheduled on Wednesday 4^th December.

SSPS currently has a number of contract teaching positions and interviews will take place shortly.  This will mean that many of our current teachers who have joined us in the last two years will be moving on. This is always an anxious time for all involved. Please keep all in your prayers during this time.

Over the September Holidays, interviews for the position of Learning Support Teacher took place due to the resignation of Mrs Elizabeth Poulton.  I am pleased to announce the appointment of Mrs Annette Murdoch and welcome her to the St Saviour’s Teaching Team in 2020.  Annette has over twenty years’ experience in the field of Learning Support and is currently in this role at St Mary’s College, Toowoomba. 

Miss Tilly Hose who is one of our valued school officers assisting students in Year Prep and Year 2 will be moving to Victoria next year.  Tilly has been instrumental in supporting students in the area of literacy.  

Mrs Jayne Greenhalgh has also informed me of her resignation as Japanese teacher for the end of year.  Jayne has been instrumental in being our champion Language teacher here at St Saviour's.  Her contribution to other culltures and language will be greatly missed.  

We will farewell all staff at the end of the year mass on Wednesday 27th November.

SCHOOL FEES  

Thank you to the families who have finalised their 2019 school fees.  It would be most appreciated if all school fees can be finalised by the end of the month.  Today your eldest child will be bringing home the 2020 School Fees and Levy information along with direct debit forms.  These will need to be completed by the end of the year.  Thank you for your continued support of our school. 

Thanks for reading

Madonna Sleba

Dear Parents and Carers,

I hope everyone has settled well back  into the school routine, despite the many and varied interruptions, (camp/ musical/ Prep orientation etc)that is typical of Term 4. I wanted to just highlight a couple of key dates/ events coming up this term, particularly for our Year 5s and 6s.

Wednesday Nov 27@ 9am:-Our end of year, whole school Mass at which all our current Year 5s will be presented with their Leadership Badge and the elected positions will be announced. This Mass will be held in the Cathedral Centre (Bingo Hall), and all family members are very welcome to attend. At this Mass we will also be farewelling staff and students who are leaving, including Mrs Liz Poulton who is retiring.

Friday Dec 6 @ 9am:- Year 6 Graduation will be held in the Mercy Centre. The ceremony will be followed by a light morning tea (traditionally supplied by Year 5 families), after which the 2019 school year concludes for the students. 

We certainly look forward to sharing these special ceremonies with you and the students and they will be here before we know it.

THANK YOU:

While our weekly choir gatherings will continue on Wednesday mornings before school for the next few weeks, I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank our committed choir members who have turned up regularly to help lead the singing at 9am Mass. Last Sunday was our last such commitment for 2019 and once again we were amazed at the number of students in attendance on such a busy weekend. I realise that behind everyone of these students is a parent (or two) who has given up their Sunday sleep in so that their child can help out at Mass. Please know that your support is very much appreciated. 

We could not do what we do without our wonderful staff, so again, sincere thanks to Miss Jo Cosgrove, Mrs Anne-Maree Spalding and Mars Anita McVeigh. SSPS is truly lucky to have such people of talent who are so generous with their time.

THE ROSARY:

You may have had your child ask you or mention, The Rosary as during October each year we do make it a focus, as a special type of traditional prayer. This prayer looks different from Prep to Year 6 however, our hope is that our students will become familiar and use the Rosary at some time. This may be in conversation with grandparents or other family members. It is a good time too, to get out the Rosary beads if there are any at home and learn how to use them. 

In the past, many students, parents and staff have said that the saying of the Rosary as a class group has been a positive experience.

DISCO for DROUGHT:

For your information, we are planning on holding a school disco on Thursday of Week 7, Nov 21 both to have fun and celebrate the coming end of the school year, but also to raise funds for drought affected communities. Please date claim this as there will be further information coming in the next few weeks.

Enjoy the rest of your week,

Judy

World Teachers' Day

World Teachers' Day is celebrated in Queensland on Friday 25 October and a wonderful opportunity to celebrate and thank teachers for the important role they play  – inside our classrooms and out in the community.

Every day Queensland teachers are making a positive difference - creating opportunities for their students, empowering minds of young people and proudly teaching our state's future leaders, innovators and influencers.

Celebrated in more than 100 countries world-wide, World Teachers' Day was established by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) in 1994 to recognise the role of teachers in society.

Teachers and School Officers at St Saviour's Primary will be celebrating this Friday with a shared morning tea.

First Aid Course

Over the last two weeks, several members of staff at St Saviour's Primary have been completing their First Aid and CPR updates at school.  These people play an important part in keeping all students safe and we thank them for their committment.

Year 6 Camp

On Tuesday of next week, our 2019 Year 6 students are leaving for camp at the Gold Coast Recreation Centre.  Thanks to Mrs Harkins, Mrs Harlen, Mrs King, Mrs Jackson and Mrs Smith who will be attending with them.  We wish them all the best for their final camp at primary school.

Friday Night Basketball

Again, thanks to Mr Luck and Mrs Conway for coaching Friday night basketball teams.  Please see the below draw for the next two weeks:

Week 3 - 25 October - All matches at Glennie

4.15pm:  Girls 3V3 V Fairholme on Court 1

4.15pm:  Boys 3V3 V East SS on Court 2

5pm:       Senior B Boys V Toowoomba Anglican School on Court 2

Week 4 - 1 November - All matches at Glennie

4.15pm:  Girls 3V3 V Downlands on Court 1

4.15pm:  Boys 3V3 V Our Lady of Lourdes on Court 2

6.30pm:   Senior B Boys V Mary MacKillop on Court 3

Congratulations Lachlan Otrtobrino

Congratulations to Lachlan Ottobrino in Year 5 who represented the U12 Darling Downs Cricket Team last week in Ipswich.  Lachlan played 5 games in total against various teams across Queensland.  Lachy played each game under very hot conditions and was Wicket Keeper for the Carnival.  Lachy, congratulations again on a wonderful week away.  The Darling Downs Manager phoned us at school last week, to let us know what a wonderful sportsman you were and what an asset you were to the team.  Well done Lachy 

SEMESTER 2 BUS TRAVEL ASSISTANCE:

Book Bingo!

We have some keen students reading to complete their Bingo page. Completed entries go into the prize draw in Week 7. The major prize is a $15.00 book voucher from The Book Tree and a large block of chocolate. There are also 10 minor prizes so students have a good chance of a prize if they commit to this reading challenge over the next few weeks.

Overdue Items

Reminder letters for items overdue by 2 weeks and 4 weeks are being issued on a regular basis so please check with your students about their loans and support them to locate overdue items if necessary.

Parent Reference Collection

Feel free to browse this collection located on the trolley in the hallway near the uniform room. Please see a library staff member if you wish to borrow any titles or to make a suggestion to add to this parent friendly resource.

Happy Reading!

Anne Anderson

Teacher Librarian

THANK YOU!!

A big thank you to parents and carers who place Book Club orders via the Scholastic Book Club app. This app and the Loop system are designed to streamline ordering.

• Orders for the current issue close this Friday 25th October.
• Please note that cheques and cash can no longer be used to pay for any Book Club order
• Please scroll to find your child's class when ordering in the app. 

Special thanks to Michelle Standing for the many volunteer hours she gives to ensure Book Club runs effectively in our school. Please support Michelle's efforts by using the ordering system carefully.

Your Book Club purchases earn commission for our school which in turn is used for school wide resources so thank you for your continued support.

Mrs Anderson

Teacher Librarian

During Term 4 we will be asking students to complete a computer game called Rumble’s Quest that is a valid and reliable measure of social-emotional wellbeing for primary school students. This measure takes approximately 20 minutes to complete. Rumble’s Quest will ask children questions, which will measure:

• Attachment to school
• Emotional and behavioural self-regulation
• Social confidence
• Supportive environments

​The students will also play games that will measure:

• Working memory (ability to keep information in your mind for a short time to be able to use it for further processing)
• Ability to focus a task and sustain attention
• Ability for inhibitory control (to stop yourself from doing something) and respond flexibility

The results of this measure will be used to plan support programs and track how effective the programs are that we are using in our school to help our students be the best they can be.

Further information about Rumbles Quest is available at this website https://www.realwell.org.au/tools/rumbles-quest/ including a demonstration video that shows you what the game looks like.

If you have any concerns about the game or would like to discuss your child’s participation, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Anne Woodcroft-Brown

School Counsellor

During Term 3, Year 2 students enjoyed learning about Australia egg-laying animals as a part of our Science and English activities.  We discovered lots of very interesting facts. Each class then focused on their favourite animals, researching the animal in greater detail.  Students did a fantastic job of writing their facts into an information report.  Students presented their information together with pictures in a poster format.

As a part of our End of Term Service Activity, students made bookmarks for the students of St Joseph’s Primary School in Stanthorpe.  Each bookmark included a message for the students including a joke to help put a smile on their face as well as trying to make Tiddalik laugh to bring much needed water to their community.

In HASS, we learnt about many places throughout Australia and how we are connected to the rest of the world.  Student prepared a Keynote presentation using iPads, which included maps and photos to assist in telling the class about a location throughout the World that they were interested in.  We learnt so much about our World, including many wonderful family connections students have to countries throughout the world.

Term 4 has had a very busy start as we have been developing our persuasive writing skills.  Students are looking forward to using their new skills in their writing and maybe even when trying to convince parents of their point of view.  It is also very exciting to be finally learning how to join our letters in our handwriting.

During Week 1, we were very fortunate to one of our mums, Mrs Simone Ottorbino, able to visit us and share her amazing knowledge of how the brain works.  Although the brain is very complicated, Mrs Ottobrino was able to explain it very simply for us. We especially enjoyed hearing how we can focus on dealing with difficult situations, ensuring we stay like Mr Cool and don’t turn into Mr Grump.  Mrs Ottobrino’s information fits in very with the ‘Zones of Regulation’ and ‘Mind Up’ activities we are using in the classroom.

In Religion, we are learning about the life and times of Jesus, while also learning about the Rosary during the month of October.  In Science, we have started to investigate and discuss our predictions of how different ingredients can be mixed with a variety of outcomes. We look forward to our hands-on activities when we see for ourselves the outcomes and changes when mixing ingredients together.

We are currently working on the 2020 P & F Calendar and hope to have this published by the end of the year.

Please support our Mango Drive (order by 20th November) and Pizza Treat day 21st November both can be purchased through Flexischools.  Please see details below.

 2020 P & F Levy

Last night at the P & F meeting, it was decided that the P & F Levy for 2020 will increase from $20 to $50 per family per annum.  Many of the Toowoomba Catholic Schools P & F associations currently ask parents for up to $100 per family or student as well as fundraising events.  We as a P & F have considered the costs associated here at St Saviour’s for P & F events and see the need for us to increase the P & F levy to help support our community and family engagement throughout the coming year.  This increase will be charged over Term 1 @$25 and Term 2 @ $25 per family. 

These funds are used to support events such as School Discos, Fun Day, Trivia Night, Colour Run, Qld Catholic Schools P & F to name a few.  These events help strengthen parent engagement and student learning.  All funds raised contribute to the ongoing delivery of parent led events and most importantly student resources such as upgrading of the Prep playground, additional classroom furniture, Reading resources for classes.   

We thank you for your ongoing support.

President Adam Prust and The Executive

MANGO FUNDRAISER:

The P&F Mango Fundraiser is happening again this year.  There was a lot of interest last year, and we hope that this year our families will once again support this fundraiser.  Ordering is via FLEXISCHOOLS.  Cost of a tray of Mangoes is $25.00  Order forms need to be returned by Wednesday 20 November, 2019.  Outside orders are welcome!!

Expected delivery beginning Week 25 - 29 November.

PIANO TUITION:

Parents wishing to access piano tuition at St Saviour's Primary School can do so through Ms Denise Smith.  Denise currently visits our school weekly to teach Piano to several of our students.  She currently has a vacancy on Tuesday at 12.30pm for anyone wishing to enrol their son or daughter.  For more details please contact Denise directly on 0414 843 339.  

Tuckshop Roster: