Dear Parents/Carers

CARPARK

There has been much communication about car-parking this past fortnight as usually happens at this time of year.  We did have a meeting during the middle of last year with Brisbane City Council officers who were unable to present us with solutions. The car-park itself is not within Police or City Council jurisdiction and the school is not a regulatory authority for drivers. However, I implore people to drive and park like you would if police and parking officers were watching.

I sometimes attend morning meetings and when I get to work there may not be a spot available, so I drive out of the carpark and park around the corner in a legal spot.  In fact, at my own children’s schools  as is the case at many schools, there aren’t carparks available within school-grounds.  We know that we have to factor in additional time to find the closest available street park and walk.  Adults that drive need to behave like adults. It isn’t the job of staff to adjudicate between upset adults when it is clear that some people are driving or parking illegally.  There is no justification for that to happen on school-grounds. This is about protecting children!  If you want to be guaranteed a car-park leave home earlier or arrive later-PLEASE DO NOT PARK ILLEGALLY!  Children should not see adults arguing like children over car-parking and poor driving. 

A reminder that turning right out of the front parent car-park is unsafe and therefore not allowed.

Double-parking, parking where there isn’t a space or parking in a space which is clearly signed NO PARKING, or a disability space without a sticker is clearly not allowed.

Please park correctly and ensure you are allowing room for cars to get in and out of spaces and driveways.

Do not park on yellow lines, on footpaths or block our neighbours’ driveways.

Please obey speed limits in the streets surrounding the school.

Finally, there are solutions! These might require little to no more effort and result in a lot less stress for everyone.

WALK WALK WALK! Just a small distance.

Arrive earlier or arrive later to get a carpark. 3.10 or 3.15pm is like a ghost town most days.

Use the 2 minute zone in front of the school which is clearly marked. Ask your children to wait near the flagpole, keep an eye out for you, they load themselves and off you go! This would particularly suit students in Years 2 to 6.

Schools are under no obligation to provide adequate car-parking for parents and many don’t.  Let’s enjoy the luxury of having these spaces by using them properly and taking a common-sense approach if you are unable to get a spot on a particular day. Everyone is busy these days! However, if a child or family member from this school was hurt or injured as a result of car-park behaviour,  we would all question why we didn’t slow down and think more rationally to prevent it happening. That time is now.

ONLINE EXCURSION/INCURSION FORMS

As some classes are aware, we are transitioning to online excursion forms.  We have had an excellent response already to the Prep and Year 2 excursions where online forms have already been sent.

• We have received some feedback about ideas to make  the forms more user friendly and we are working on those. 
• We are putting regular FaceBook reminders to direct parents to the excursion/incursion forms.
• During the transition period, we will be phoning those that haven’t responded to ask how we might assist them in completing the necessary permissions.
• We have support available here at school or over the phone to assist parents.

A number of our functions have been email only/online for many years particularly newsletters and report cards so we currently have email addresses for every parent of every student in our school.  Parents can still choose to pay by direct transfer, credit card (if over $10), through QParents, cash or EFTPOS at the window.  Excursion/Incursion notes are regularly not taken home, left in the bottom of bags and a large number are re-issued each excursion. The school can track more efficiently who hasn’t responded and act on that in comparison to the paper method.  The permissions come straight to the office rather than through the teacher which allows teachers to focus more on learning time and increases the reliability of forms reaching their destination. Additionally, the amount of paper used is reduced which allows the school to more easily meet its financial and environmental sustainability targets.

Please contact the office by phone, email or in person if you are having difficulties or require support.

STUDENT SUPPORT AND EXTENSION

One of our priorities this year was to move to the full inclusion model where students of all abilities receive support and/or extension close to their classrooms.  We now have a consistent Targetted Learning Team on each year level consisting of a leadership team member, classroom teachers, teacher-aides and a Targetted Learning Teacher who work together every two weeks to collect information and plan for the needs of every student in the class. The current focus is Writing. Every two weeks the improvement of the students on an aspect of their learning is analysed and addressed in the planning for the next two weeks. This week the Leadership Team have been conducting Walkthroughs where we observe classroom teaching and learning and talk to teachers and the children about how learning is progressing. This week I have been in Year 2 and Year 5.  I will share some Year 2 photos this newsletter.  The amount of adult support and extension in classrooms though it was good previously, is now moving towards great as staff become better each fortnight at targeting the needs of all students in their year level.

DRESS CODE

Attached is a draft of the Dress Code Pamphlet and we will be finalising this in the next week or two for distribution.   Next week, staff will commence distributing slips requesting parents to bring an aspect of their child’s uniform back in line with the P and C approved Dress Code.  Parents can apply for a variation to be considered by the Uniform Committee but this must be accompanied by official medical, psychological or other official evidence). I’d ask parents of Student Councillors and Senior Leaders to take particular note as compliance with the Dress Code is a condition of a student’s leadership responsibilities in this school.

STUDENT COUNCILLORS

Congratulations to our Student Councillors for Semester 1.

These are: 

Ben 3G

Peter 3HD

Sybelle 3J

Lachlan 4D

Olivia 4DC

Lisa 4HD

Elijah 4/5M

Aldin 5C

Solomon 5W

Vaoloka 5JS

Raed 6K

Alex 6J

Khileraz-Aston 6W

Some students have received their badges on assembly on Feb 25, whilst others will receive it on March 10. Parents are welcome to pin their child’s badge at this assembly if they are available.

Student Council have re-introduced “Containers for Change,” please see the slide below detailing what containers are eligible to bring into school and deposited in bags which will be situated in the eating areas daily.   This will raise funds towards a Student Council Project with the purpose of improving learning, play or the lives of others in our local or global community. We’d ask parents to support this worthwhile activity.

Have a good week,

Kathy

POSITIVE BEHAVIOUR FOR LEARNING

Teachers have almost set up the Bridge Builders online learning program.  There will be some explicit teaching around the lessons in class time with follow-up in homework time.  I have heard a number of stories where families have adopted the language and strategies with great success.  Spending time with your child as they work through the follow-up learning really helps set them up with successful conflict resolution skills.

Last Friday, interested students undertook training in Peer Mediation.  It is a big day of some revision but also new learning as the seniors learn how to assist our young students to resolve their conflict.   Peer mediators only deal with the small conflict.  If it involves physical or more serious issues, they will alert the teacher on duty.

The team revised the Rules Matrix at Monday’s meeting.  The updated version will be in classrooms and on the website by next week.

We also downloaded our minor behaviour records for the first 4 weeks of school.  The idea is that if we can identify some ‘hot spots’ early, we can proactively implement strategies to further reduce further, and perhaps major, misdemeanours.

On assembly, we revised the expectations around play and eating areas as outlined in the Rules matrix.  Year 2/3 covered play area is our exemplar!    

RELIGIOUS INSTRUCTION

Classes for Years 1, 2 and 3 start on Tuesday 3 March for those students who have returned permission notes.  The instructors are Joanne Dieters and  Aileen Beiers.  Aileen is a past parent of Craigslea having had two children attend here many years ago. 

LIFE Award recipients

PEER MEDIATORS IN TRAINING

Our peer mediators will be in the Prep, Yr 1, 2 & 3 playgrounds next week putting their training into practice.

Narelle Green

Deputy Principal

BOOK CLUB

Book Club Issue 1 books and resources were delivered to students this week.

BEFORE SCHOOL READING CLUB

Before School Reading Club is open to all students in the Library between 8:30am and 8:50am Monday - Thursday. Parents are welcome to read with their child or students can read with teachers and teacher aides who volunteer during this time.

YEAR 6 SENIOR FICTION BORROWING

Next week students in Year 6 will receive information about borrowing from our Senior Fiction Collection. Parent permission must be given before students can borrow from this part of the Library.

DIGITAL LIBRARY

Students in Year 4 and Year 5 who are participating in the Student Resource Scheme will soon be given access to the Digital Library. Please download the free Sore app on to iPads to assist students to set up their Digital Library access.

Tess Bryce
Librarian 

CHOIR

Congratulations to over 100 students who have joined the Inclusive choir and practice on a Monday at 1st break. It is so nice to see children giving up their on their playtime to sing. We are sounding great after only two practices. Well done kids!!!

PERFORMANCE CHOIR

Congratulations also to all of the successful Performance Choir students who auditioned last week. We are practicing every Tuesday and sounding terrific!

We are still looking for a pianist to play for the performance choir. Please ring the school if you are able to assist.

BAND PRACTICE

Please ensure that you attending band practice every Friday morning at 7:45am.

Thank you to all of the budding musicians who have joined into the music making each week.

Miss Owens said you are sounding great!!

STRING ORCHESTRA

String Orchestra practice is also underway Tuesday morning 8:00am.

LESSONS

All instrumental timetables have been given out and or emailed.

Please ensure that your child knows their weekly time and has their instrument and music for each lesson and practice.

HAKKA

If you know anyone who can do the Hakka and would like to join us for our Anzac Parade please contact me at the school office.

Pauline Stockill

Music Teacher

RUNNING CLUB

Students wishing to train for the school team to attend the ND Cross Country Trials 1 May, 2020 need to be participating in a training program.  Running club is Tuesday and Thursday mornings 8.15-8.35 each week and is an avenue that students can train during school time. If students are unable to attend these sessions due to other commitments they need to be training outside of school hours. There will be a test run during the last week of school in which runners will need to attend and pass. 10 yo students will need to run 2km, 11 & 12yo students will need to run 3km continuously without walking. The best 6 boys and girls from each age group may then be nominated. If you have any queries please contact Mr Heidrich at school.

David Heidrich

PE Teacher

RSPCA VISIT TO PREP

This term in Prep we have been exploring the living world in Science, and personal safety in Health. To make this learning more relevant to children’s lives the Queensland RSPCA’s education unit came to visit Craigslea State School.

During the RSPCA’s visit they talked about how to be a responsible pet owner. The RSPCA told students about pets having similar needs to themselves.

In a few weeks the RSPCA will come back to lead a session on how to approach a dog safely and what to do if they are approached by an unfamiliar dog.

Mel Bowes

Prep Teacher

The following receipients are receiving a Principal Award for:

Excellence in Mathematics

Criteria:

• Can recall required Maths Facts
• Application in Maths lessons
• Strong ability to apply Mathematic knowledge to solve problems.

P - Year 2 Awards will be presented on Junior Assembly.

Year 3 - 6 Awards will be presented on Senior Assembly.

Tuckshop Assistant

We are looking for a Tuckshop assistant to join our team on a part time basis.  Monday and Tuesday from 8.30am to 2.00pm.  This position would require some flexibility at times.

The person we are looking for should have good communication skills and be able to cope under pressure with responsibilities including food preparation, cooking, cash handling, serving students, parents and staff, using our Tuckshop online sales system, taking orders over the phone, stock control and cleaning.

There may be other requirements from time to time, ie catering and special events.

Experience preferred but not essential.  A Bluecard will be required.

Please contact Carol for a full position description by either popping in to the Hub or email operations@craigsleapandc.org.au

To apply please email Carol with your resume by Wednesday, 04 March 2020.

Uniform / Bookshop Assistant

We are looking for a Uniform / Bookshop assistant to join our team on a part time basis.  Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays from 8.30am to 10.30am.  This position may require some flexibility at times.

The person we are looking for should have good communication skills with responsibilities including serving students and parents, cash handling, stock ordering (communicating with suppliers), stock control / stock takes (including second hand uniforms) and computer skills.

Experience preferred but not essential.  A Bluecard will be required.

Please contact Carol for a full position description by either popping in to the Hub or email operations@craigsleapandc.org.au  

To apply please email Carol with your resume by Wednesday, 04 March 2020.

Easter Raffle

A container will be placed in each Year level block from Monday, 02 March for the collection of items as per the attached flyer that lists the theme for each year levels basket.

Raffle tickets will be sent home from Monday, 16 March for families to sell.

The next P&C meeting, is our annual AGM on Monday, 09 March at 6.30pm in the OSHC building.  We warmly welcome all parents and carers to attend.

P&C membership forms are available from the School Office or the Hub should you be interested in becoming a member of our wonderful P&C. 

All Executive positions are open for nominations including President, 2 x Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary and all general Committee member positions.

All existing members will also need to complete a new membership form.  

Click on the following links to download forms:  

P&C Application for Membership Form 2020 

P&C Executive Nomination Form 2020

Should you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact Carol, P&C Operations Manager on 3350 8741 or operations@craigsleapandc.org.au

School Working Bee – Saturday, 07 March – 7.00am to 11.00am

Bring hedge trimmers and secateurs if you have them.

We are cleaning up the hedges and gardens around Prep and the back path of the Sensitivity Unit.

Please RSVP to Carol on 3350 8741 or operations@craigsleapandc.org.au by Wednesday, 04 March.

5 Cent February – Tally to date – Friday, 28 February is the last chance to beat Class 6J.

Tuckshop

Please remind your children that they need to be careful with their vouchers for ice creams, ice blocks and slushies.  If they lose them we will not be able to supply their item.

Tuckshop Survey – Have you completed your survey yet?

We would love to hear your opinions with regards to our Tuckshop.  Please find attached (click here) a survey for completion and return by Friday, 28 February.  There is also a link with Survey Monkey should you prefer. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/L78BQ2Q

OSHC

We have spaces available both morning and afternoon.

Please contact Kylie on 3256 3688  craigslea.oshc@bigpond.com to secure a place.

Uniforms

We are currently in short supply of some items.  More uniforms have been ordered and we should receive these in the next three weeks.  Sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.

We will be open every morning from 8.30am to 9.30am.

Uniform orders can always be placed online - https://schoolshoponline.net.au///index.aspx with deliveries being made as soon as we can to your child’s class.

School Banking

Every Wednesday. Happy Banking! 

Please remember to drop your banking in the banking box at the front of the Uniform Shop every Wednesday before school in the morning.

2020 Entertainment Books

See attached flyer for Early Bird specials. Click here

Swimming Club

Every Friday from 6.00pm.  For more information email info@craigsleaswimming.com

School Sign – Electronic

We currently have spaces available for advertising on our electronic school sign at the front of the school.  Should you be interested, please contact Carol on either 3350 8741 or operations@craigsleapandc.org.au

The Lifeline bins out the front of the parent carpark have been removed.  Can you please ensure no more items are dropped off in this space.

Carol, our P & C Operations Manager is always more than happy for anyone to come and say hello at The Hub or should you wish to contact Carol direct you can do so on either 3350 8741 or operations@craigsleapandc.org.au