19 March 2019

Newsletter Articles

Date Claimers

Principals Report

2019 P&C Executive

Congratulations to our Executive Committee.

   President – Merrick Ilett
   Vice President- Adrian McCallum
   Treasurer - Chelsea Harper
   Secretary - Kylie McAuliffe

It was pleasing to have so many dedicated parents at our AGM meeting last week. I encourage new faces to each meeting to ensure our P&C views are truly representative of our whole school community.

The time that each of our past executive and members have given to our school has been truly commendable and the results they have achieved in 2018 were outstanding. Our P&C is in great shape financially and has a reputation of being a positive and efficient organisation.

I encourage ALL parents to involve themselves as a volunteer in at least ONE P&C fundraising event each year. If every parent did this our students would be the greatest benefactors and it would also take the pressure off a small dedicated group of parents who do much of the work within our school. It is important to note parents who did not apply for membership at the AGM need to attend 1 meeting to enable them to have voting rights at the following meeting.

I really do understand that many parents may be unable to attend P&C night meetings, hopefully if you are in this boat you will keep your eye out for opportunities where you can support as a volunteer at P&C fundraising events. Fundraising events always need more workers than chiefs. To those parents that show up and pitch in when we have a fundraising event believe me you are more valued than you could ever possible realise by our team. We look forward to your continued support and the participation of many more parents this year.

Harmony and Anti Bullying National Day of Action Free Dress $1 donation - Friday 22 March

These two events fit beautifully together and as a school we will celebrate them both over the next two weeks. All classes will be participating in a number of activities over the next two weeks to promote respectful relationships, build resilience and develop strategies to deal with bullying.

We ask students to wear bright colours as free dress (sun safe) this Friday 22 March to support our anti bullying and harmony day message. A special Assembly will be held on Friday at 9:00am. Gold coin donations will be collected and be donated to Welcome2Maleny which is a local group that supports refugees on the Sunshine Coast. Welcome2Maleny donates stationary, school uniforms and school supplies to refugee students living on the Sunshine Coast.

All classes will be participating in special activities over the next couple of weeks to ensure our children are clear on what bullying is and how harmful it can be as well as developing skills to assist them in reacting appropriately if they are bullied.

Students from years 1 to 6 will participate in a survey to identify student concerns and knowledge of using the ‘High Five’ strategy.

Harmony Day Celebrations

As part of our Harmony Day celebrations this year all of our year 4 classes will unite with the Ananda Marga River School and the Maleny State High School to perform songs in the Maleny township at 9:15 in the Community Centre.

Harmony Day celebrates Australia’s cultural diversity. It’s about inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for everyone. Our diversity makes Australia a great place to live.

Held every year on 21 March. The Day is held every year on the 21 March and coincides with the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

The message of Harmony Day is ‘everyone belongs’, the Day aims to engage people to participate in their community, respect cultural and religious diversity and foster sense of belonging for everyone which fits in beautifully with our school and the Department of Education’s Inclusion Policies.

It is important everybody knows what Bullying is and what it is not.

This because the manner in which bullying is treated needs to be treated differently to get the best outcome. A similar understanding allows us to talk the same vocab and minimise misunderstandings in communication. Often anytime someone is nasty to someone else the term ‘Bullying is used when this is not the case even though the incident may be very serious.

To be classified as bullying the act needs to be: (some behaviours are hurtful and appalling but are not bullying, often because they are a one off so will be dealt with different to a bullying scenario)

• Harmful
• Deliberate
• Ongoing
• An unfair balance of power is occurring

It is important to identify the roles people play in bullying situations so that you know how to act to prevent potential bullying situations. Ask your children to explain and identify the 3 B’s in various situations you discuss or observe.

The 3 B’s

The Bully person doing the bullying.

The Bullied the person being bullied.

The Bystanders the people present when the bullying occurs.

Bystanders Make A Difference

Once the 3B’s are understood our main focus needs to be on the Bystanders behaviour. Research shows the bystanders have the most power in being able to make a difference. Bystanders will make a positive or negative difference.

School Photos (Ensure shoes are black and socks are white)

School Photos will be on Thursday 28 March please ensure students are at school on time and have full and correct formal uniform on this day, not sports shirts. Note: all Sports captains will need to wear formal uniform for initial class photo and bring sports house shirt to change into for special House Captains photo.

Year 1-3 Playground Funding Approved

At our last P&C meeting the P&C pledged $15000, and the school $5000 towards our new playground for students in years one to three.

Our Regional Facilities Department have announced they will fund an additional $20 000 towards this project which will now allow us to move forward.

Cross Country

Our Cross Country P-6 will be held Wednesday 27 March commencing at 9:00 and concluding with a special cross country assembly in the hall at 2:30pm to announce house winners and recognise 1st-3rd place getters.

The District Cross Country will be held on Friday the 26 April, Term 2 Week 1 at St Michael's College for students 10 years and above that qualify.

Knitfest Donations of Felt / Wool Required

This year our students will be decorating our front fence for Knitfest 5-7 July (Middle weekend of holidays) and we will require quite a lot of felt and wool. It will be an Australiana Theme so all colours will be required.

If you see some cheap felt/wool or have some that you don’t require please drop it in to the office. If you would like to help we would be very appreciative even if it is attaching complete items on to the hessian, many hands make light work here.

Assistance to help classes and pin items on hessian would also be welcomed. See John if you can assist.

Have a Great Week John

From the Deputy Principal

2019 ICAS Tests – New Format

Each year ‘The University of New South Wales’ offers your child an opportunity to participate in the International Competitions and Assessments for Schools (ICAS). We as a school enable your child/ren to sit these tests.

ICAS assessments have taken place annually in schools for over thirty five years and in 20 countries. Educational Assessment Australia (EAA), who design the assessments, is the not-for-profit arm of the University of New South Wales.

This year brings an exciting change to the ICAS Assessments, with assessments now being delivered in a digital online format. The online* assessments are designed to recognise and reward academic excellence.

The assessments are based on the curricula for the relevant year. Students are asked to demonstrate a deeper, integrated, and thorough level of learning.

Due to the format being online it means we will need to utilise the third party web based service provider/s that the UNSW utilises. Please read the Third Party Website Consent form thoroughly that was attached with the registration letter before completing the registration.

A registration letter went home last week to all years 3 to 6 students, with more detailed information, to enrol your child in ICAS, simply complete and return it along with the Third Party Website Consent form, with your entry fees, to school by Monday 1st April, 2019.

For more information about ICAS see the website below, contact Customer Service on (02) 8344 1010 or send an email to info@eaa.unsw.edu.au or contact me on 5499 8333, for more information regarding the Third Party Website Consent Form and what this means please contact our Innovation Teacher, Mr Greig on 5499 8333.

Your child can also prepare for ICAS using Practice Online. Practice Online tests are available for English, Mathematics and Science. Find out more about Practice Online at:

The types of tests your child can take part in, dates and entry fees are listed in the table below.

Paula Heiniger – Deputy Principal

2019 MALENY STATE SCHOOL SWIMMING CARNIVAL

Wednesday the 13th of February presented extremely hot conditions for the annual Inter House Swimming Carnival. Enthusiastic Year 3 to Year 6 students participated in a number of events to the encouragement of their parents and teammates. Each of the four house groups stood out in their bright house colours and came prepared to have a great day. Loud cheering and war cries from each House spurred on the swimmers in every event. With a high participation rate and great endeavour, students of all abilities swam to help their House earn maximum points.

Many thanks to Brendan & Allison from the pool, our volunteer parent helpers and Maleny SS staff who performed official duties on the day. Well done to all our students and congratulations to the 25 swimmers who represented Maleny State School at the Glasshouse District Swimming Carnival on the 19th February in Beerwah.

2019 Age Champions and Runner Up Champions

BOYS

GIRLS

OVERALL HOUSE WINNERS

2019 Glasshouse District Swimming Carnival

On Tuesday 19 February, the Glasshouse District Swimming Carnival was held at the Beerwah Pool. Throughout the day, swimmers from twelve schools swam strongly for their teams. Many excellent performances were recorded during the carnival by swimmers from all schools. Maleny State School swimmers showed great determination and endeavour in the contest for the District Shield. All Maleny SS swimmers swam well and are to be congratulated for their achievements with Maleny State School finishing third overall.

Congratulations to the following Maleny swimmers who achieved Age Champion or Runner – Up awards on the day.

9 year old girls Age Champion – Keelee
9 year old boys Age Champion – Samson
10 year old boys Runner Up Age Champion – Zac
11 year old girls MC Age Champion – Seanna

Congratulations to Seanna & Zac who were selected in the Glasshouse District Team to compete at the Regional Swimming on the 6th March. Both did a fantastic job representing the school and district. Seanna will go through to the State Trials.

Thank you to Maleny State School parents Jacqui & Glenn Hensel who helped with official duties at the District Carnival.

Shane Turner
PE Teacher

Kids Matter

Everyone has a right to feel safe

What is bullying?

Bullying involves deliberately and repeatedly attempting to hurt, scare or exclude someone. It can include hitting, pushing, name-calling, or taking someone’s belongings.

Bullying can also be more indirect, for example, deliberately leaving someone out of games, spreading rumours about them, or sending them nasty messages.

Cyber-bullying involves using mobile phones and the internet to bully others. The main purpose of the bullying is to have power over someone else.

Bullying is a mental health concern because it causes distress and can lead to loneliness, anxiety and depression . Bullying can also affect children’s concentration and lower their achievement at school.

When children have been bullied they may:

• not want to go to school
• be unusually quiet or secretive
• not have friends
• seem over-sensitive or weepy
• have angry outbursts.

You may notice that their property has been damaged or is missing.

Responding to bullying

It is very important to let children know that bullying is not okay and that they should report it when it does occur. Schools set standards for appropriate behaviour and safety. They also have guidelines for reporting and responding to bullying when it occurs. The consequences for bullying should address what has happened and help to ensure it will not happen again.

It is very important for the bully to understand how his or her behaviour has affected the other person and to be clear not to repeat that behaviour. To help prevent bullying, children can be taught how to be respectful and caring towards others. Children who bully may appear confident but often lack skills for building positive friendships.

Learning to be more assertive can help those who are bullied to stand up for themselves. Learning the skills of assertiveness can also help those who bully find ways to communicate their wants, needs and opinions without becoming aggressive. Both those who are bullied, and those who do the bullying, will benefit from learning effective social and emotional skills.

How parents and carers can help

If your child is being bullied:

• listen and provide support to your child
• try to understand what has been happening, how often and how long
• encourage social skills, like being assertive, telling the bully to stop and seeking help
• support your child to think through different ways they could deal with the problem
• encourage your child to try and solve this problem independently of you. Ask them to talk with their teacher or staff at school
• talk with your child’s teacher and ask for help after your child has tried to solve this problem independently
• keep talking with the school until your child feels safe.

If your child tells you about bullying he has seen or heard at school:

• encourage your child to stand up for the child who is being bullied
• encourage your child to report what he/she has seen or heard to school staff
• encourage your child to seek support for both the victim and the bully

If your child is doing the bullying:

• make sure your child knows the bullying behaviour is inappropriate and why
• try to understand the reasons why your child has behaved in this way and look for ways to address problems
• encourage perspective taking (eg “how would you feel if …”)
• help your child think of alternative paths of action.

To help prevent cyber-bullying:

• supervise children’s use of electronic devices
• teach children about ways of keeping safe when using the internet and mobile phones

Contact Details – Do we have your most up to date contact details?

There are times when we may need to contact parents and carers. Do we have your most up to date contact details? If not, please contact the school on 5499 8333 so we can update our records. These details include parent/carers’ name, address, phone numbers, email address and emergency contact details. Please remember to contact the school if any of these details change.

PBL (Positive Behaviour Learning)

Current Focus

Our school’s current 4Be Focus Rule is:

Our Be Respectful Buzz phrase is “Say No to Bullying” to link in with the National Day of Action against bullying. Classes will be discussing a number of these issues around this topic in their class activities.

Examples of this include:

• Know and use the ‘High Five.’
• Speak and treat others respectfully at all times; in person, behind people’s backs and online.
• Teasing escalates and can turn into bullying.
• Include rather than exclude others
• Treat others like you wish to be treated
• Report bullying and stand up for others rather than joining in or saying nothing

We are always working towards encouraging students to respect themselves and others.

Rewards Day

Many students will be rewarded for making good choices on our School Rewards Day – Wednesday 3rd April.

Be Epic Students (students who have collected 30 stamps for positive behaviour during the term) will have the opportunity to participate in a movie morning.

Be Awesome Club members (students who have collected 20 stamps for positive behaviour) will participate in games during the middle session. Be Epic students will also receive this reward.

Be Super students (those who have collected 10 stamps for positive behaviour) will receive classroom rewards.

Enjoy your rewards!

PBL Team

Prep A & B

Living Things

Our investigations of living things continue...

The children enjoyed an informative presentation by our Groundsman, Mr Sherwell, who shared his expertise in bee keeping. They particularly enjoyed feeling the honeycomb and tasting the sticky honey.

Bird Feeders, baths and houses have been designed and created to attract the birds. Thank you to parents for donating bird seed and ingredients to make bird seed balls. The “human” bliss balls we made were delicious too.

We have been exploring seeds and foods with seeds. We have planted some seeds and are caring for a variety of plants. We read the story “Jack and the Beanstalk” and found some “magic” beans at Prep. We are wondering if they will grow a giant beanstalk...

Art – What are you thinking?

Can you guess how the people in these portraits are feeling? Artworks inspired by Edvard Munch “The Scream”.

Mandy Bauer (Prep A) & Lindy Hicks (Prep B)

Year 1A & 1B

HASS – Baby Photographs required

In learning about changes over time, students are applying these changes to their own lives and will be comparing how they have changed from when they are a baby until current times and into the future. Mrs Jenkinson and Mrs Dykes would love to see more baby photographs sent in for this learning task (just one per student).

Science – Material Matters!

Students have been hard at work designing boats from materials that will float and stay afloat after 3 marbles are added their boats. There are some budding yacht designers in our midst and we can’t wait to see how the boats turn out!

Jo Dykes and Jenny Jenkinson

Year 2/3C

The Wonders of Science

We have been looking forward to conducting science experiments this term. Year 2 students have been investigating the properties of various materials like alfoil, fabric, paper and plastic. Also testing and examining them for their strength capabilities and water resistance. Students also predicted and tested a variety of glues for their adhesive properties with materials. Our school’s science lab is one of our favourite places to learn in each week!

Year 3 students have been examining the before and after effects of heat on the properties of a variety of solids such as butter and chocolate. We also ran another recent viscosity test with honey. Students predicted the effects on three honey samples, one that was warmed, one that was left at room temperature and another that had been pre-chilled. There was great anticipation as we timed the three honey samples in a race down the paper!

Kerry Lees

Year 3A & 3B

The students have been working on their English, Maths and Science assessments in the last few weeks. In Science we have been looking at Living, non-living and once-living things and the characteristics that make something living whether an animal or a plant. All the children have been using their Hi 5 Hand as a way of remembering different strategies to help them if they are being annoyed by someone. We also had a good discussion about the difference between being annoyed and being bullied. We are looking forward to the Cross Country next week.

Shelly Chandler and Anne Coogan

Innovation Centre

Year 5&6 GEMS – STEM Robotics Club began last week

Students started their first club session this week learning about what the program for the year will look like. We discussed the importance of all of the gear they will be using during club activities and kicked the year off with resetting all of the kits back to first opened status. It is a big job that takes a lot of responsibility to ensure none of the 580+ parts in each kit get lost. Next week we exploring all of the parts and brains and what all of the pieces do and how they come together to make a working robotic solution. Explore some of the types of activities we will be involved in this year through some Youtube videos below.

Returning Library Books

Can we ask that all students and parents take extra care in returning of borrowed library books? The Maleny branch of the Sunshine Coast Libraries has been getting a higher than usual number of our school library books accidently returned to them. It goes a long way to explaining the recent spate of overdue/ missing books. The simple way to tell the difference is to turn the book over and locate the additional book barcode. Ours has a Maleny Primary School barcode tag.

Adrian Greig and Ms Shelley

WAR ON WASTE

It is lovely to be back in the garden with the children. The Prep classes have been learning about our four bins and how to sort their rubbish. In all eating areas we have some very responsible Bin Monitors that are helping to give advice and explaining the correct procedures.

It is wonderful to see the students taking responsibility and sharing feedback about how everyone is going. The two Prep classes have visited the garden and they inspected the big compost bins. They were able to sample different herbs and to dig for potatoes and pull out an enormous radish

Members of the garden club planted out new vegetables and herbs in our old lunchbox tubs.

It is very colourful and great to reuse the tubs to grow new produce. We have so much spinach growing that next week we will try out a new recipe and make spinach parcels.

Kind Regards Lou Walsh

HARMONY DAY THIS FRIDAY

Over the last few weeks the Year 4 classes have been busy practicing their songs for Harmony Day. On Thursday, 21st March they will join with the River School to sing for the community. Harmony Day is celebrated all over Australia and it is about celebrating our cultural diversity and feeling like WE All BELONG. Please join us at the Community Centre to hear the classes from the two schools singing our songs of peace and kindness at 9:20am

On Friday, 22nd March it will be a free dress day at school for our No Bullying and Harmony Day. Children are encouraged to wear orange or a bright colour and bring along a gold coin donation.

Students of the Week: Week 5

Highest Class Attendance for Week 5

Congratulations: 2/3C

Students of the Week: Week 6

Highest Class Attendance for Week 6

Congratulations: 4A

P & C News

This month’s P&C meeting combined the AGM and March General Meeting, and was well attended.

The AGM saw re-election of the executive unchanged and presentation of the 2019 budget, which outlines the significant contribution of $65,000 to the school over the year, as well as projected income from fund raising to be undertaken.

The Obi Open Golf day on 30 March is the first P&C event of the year. For $50/player or $180 for a team of 4. Come and join the fun of an Ambrose Competition at the Maleny Golf Course. It’s an opportunity socialise, see the Maleny course, and help raise funds for the school. To enter, or to volunteer please call John 0427 192 123.

Principal John Byrne had welcome news of funding becoming available from the Education Department regional budget to assist funding the Year 1-3 playground equipment. The $20,000 of regional funds will combine with P&C and school funds to a $40,000 fund – we’re ready to go out for quotes! Thank you to the school community for your assistance in raising these P&C funds, which will provide some long awaited play equipment, and help keep our kids healthy and active.

The General Meeting also discussed

• the upcoming Bunnings BBQ, which will raise funds to support students’ attendance at the Year 6 Camp – Year 6 parents will be asked to assist in Term 2 date yet to be allocated
• confirmed the dates of the Colour Fun Run - 17 September and the
• Country Fair – 18 October 2019
• undertook to further research a recycling station
• established a working group to look at tuckshop operations
• established a working group to progress the playground equipment,
• considered an art competition for students for the school shopping bags and
• discussed our response to the State Government decision to support the development application for a fuel station opposite the school.

Thanks to parents who attended and became members of the P&C for another year. We would welcome more parents to join and be involved in decisions and activities that will make the school an even better place for our children to learn and grow.

Merrick Ilett

Chappy News

FRESH PRODUCE NEEDED…

If there are any families that have an excess of fresh fruit or vegetables from their garden, could you please let Chappy Becky know. I am looking to provide some extra support for some families in our community and your generosity would be greatly appreciated. If this is something you could help with, please leave your number at the office and I will call you back. Thank you for your kindness and willingness to be part of the solution.

MENTORS WANTED…

At Maleny we have a wonderful Mentoring program. Volunteers come in each week to spend ONE HOUR with a child, being a role model and support for children. This program is so successful and has far reaching results in the outcome of a child’s well- being and future. If you enjoy spending time with children and you have a spare hour each week please see Chappy Becky for more information.

BREAKFAST CLUB…

Every Wednesday morning I run a Breakfast Club from the Tuckshop. Children can come and have a free breakfast of toast, yoghurt, banana smoothies, fruit or milk. This lovely and healthy breakfast has been provided by our local businesses, so if you would like to help there are 2 things you could do.

1. Bring in cereals, spreads, or butter to donate
2. Volunteer an hour of your time each fortnight to serve our children.

Please see me for more information.

Chappy Becky

From Our Tuckshop

The Tuckshop is open three day a week – Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.

If you can help, please see Gunnar at the Tuckshop. Your support will be much appreciated.

FlexiSchools is our preferred ordering system and is simple and easy to use.

To register go to:

Uniform Shop

If you have one hour per month that you may be able to help us out in the Uniform Shop please contact the office on 5499 8333. Open from 8:30-9:30am on Fridays, bring along a friend and be part of our happy team

The Uniform Shop's regular hours are Friday mornings between 8.30am and 9.30am. Payment options are EFTPOS, cash or cheque at the uniform shop only. Alternatively, orders can be placed online at the website below by 5pm Wednesday for Friday pickup or class delivery.

From the Office

Payments

Payments can be made by any of the following methods.

1. Directly into our bank account noting the invoice number, initial and surname of the student for whom you are paying. Our Bank account details are:
   BSB: 064-462 Account Number: 10080359
2. Credit card using the bPoint reference number that is located on the bottom left hand side of your invoice. Credit card payments can also be made in person at the office.
3. Cash and cheque can be made by placing the cheque/correct change in a payment envelope and depositing it into the drop-safe in the office. Please ensure that the envelope is sealed so the cash does not fall out. Please write the student’s name, class, amount enclosed and what the payment is for, clearly on the envelope.

Office hours are 8:00am to 4:00pm on Monday - Friday.

From the High School

Community News

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