2 February 2018

Newsletter Articles

FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S DESK

Welcome back to what I am sure will be another very successful and enjoyable school year. The children have settled in extremely well over the past 2 weeks, thanks to the hard work of both parents and staff preparing the students for a smooth transition. To our returning families it is great to see you back ready to go in 2018. To our new families a big Musgrave Hill welcome to you. You have chosen an amazing school and community to be a part of.

You hear us talk a lot about Day 8 and enrolments numbers and I am happy to say that we have maintained our student numbers and at this stage there will be no class changes and we will continue to operate as we have since the beginning of the term. Predicting enrolment numbers is never easy but due to the strong communication between families and the school at the end of last year and the beginning of this one has allowed us to be relatively accurate.

Apart from our regular teaching team, 2018 introduces some new faces to Musgrave Hill State School - Natalie Kent Year 4 returns to Musgrave after Maternity Leave, Susan Parsons Year 2, Carolyn Swan (Part-time with Jenna Benson) Year 1 returns after a year on leave and we welcome our new Strings Teacher Steph Williams.

We start the school year with a slight change within the Administration Team. Ms Tamara Hall our Head of Curriculum has been given a wonderful and exciting opportunity to work at Regional Office as a Principal and Curriculum Advisor for the South East Region. At this stage it is a 6 month contract for Tamara but this could be extended. We wish Tamara all the best in her new endeavour. A replacement will be sought as soon as possible.

IMPORTANT CHANGES TO TAKE NOTE OF-:

Uniforms

Please note that the sport shirt we have here is only to be worn on a Friday. Over time there has been confusion and mixed messages being sent home regarding when the sports shirt could be worn so to clarify any uncertainties, Friday is the day for Sport Shirts.

As lovely and pretty as the big JoJo Bows are, unfortunately they are not practical for the school environment with many girls unable to wear their hats over the top which then becomes a sun safety issue. Therefore we are going to have to insist that these bows are not worn at school. I know the girls love to have bows in their hair and we are more than happy to accommodate smaller bows that are in the school colours.

Thank you in advance for supporting our uniform policy and ensuring your child/ren comes each and every day in the correct uniform.

Musgrave Hill Homework Policy Changes

Last year we undertook an extensive consultation process with the community regarding homework. I want to take this opportunity to thank the many, many families who participated in the survey and the parents who gave up their time to talk to me personally around the issue of homework. As stated previously there is a multitude of research that supports the distribution of homework but for every article that supports there are as many if not more that opposes the necessity of homework. Thus making the debate even harder for educators to respond to effectively.

At Musgrave we believe as do the majority of parents/carers that having balance is the most important factor in a child’s life. Therefore we need to ensure any form of additional tasks set to do in the home enhance a student’s learning, is purposeful and relevant while at the same time supports their social, emotional and academic needs. Below is the outline and homework requirements of all year levels. This will take effect as of next week.

Prep

• Daily reading to, with, and by parents/caregivers or other family members - 15 to 20 minutes per night. Reading aloud and sharing stories with your child is one of the most important ways to build literacy skills and help your child to go on to read more successfully later in their schooling.
• “Big Talk” Homework - A designated topic will be assigned each week for students. “Big Talk” is encouraging students to chat and gather thoughts, ideas and feelings, with as many people as possible about this topic so they can share their conversations at school at the allocated time.
• When students are ready, sight words will be sent home.
• 10 to 15 minutes daily for physical activity.

Years 1/2/3

• Daily reading to, with, and by parents/caregivers or other family members - 15 to 20 minutes per night. Students are to keep a journal of title and author of all books read and show teachers on agreed times and days so progress can be marked off in their data books.
• Sight words if still required by students.
• “Big Talk” Homework- A designated topic will be assigned each week for students. “Big Talk” is encouraging students to chat and gather thoughts, ideas and feelings, with as many people as possible about this topic so they can share their conversations at school at the allocated time.
• Mathletics - weekly tasks assigned by class teachers. Students without access to the internet at home will have opportunities during lunch times to access the computers here at school to complete their assigned Mathletics homework task.
• 10 to 15 minutes daily for physical activity.

Years 4/5/6

• Daily independent reading - 20 to 30 minutes per night. Students are to keep a journal of title and author of all books read and show teachers on agreed times and days so progress can be marked off in their data books.
• “Big Talk” Homework - A designated topic will be assigned each week for students. “Big Talk” is encouraging students to chat and gather thoughts, ideas and feelings, with as many people as possible about this topic so they can share their conversations at school at the allocated time.
• Mathletics - weekly task assigned by class teachers. Students without access to the internet at home will have opportunities during lunch times to access the computers here at school to complete their assigned Mathletics homework task.
• 10 to 15 minutes daily for physical activity.

In addition to the above homework requirements-: In Term 1 our annual “Spell Off” will once again be on the agenda thus requiring students to learn and practice their spelling words at home throughout Term 1. The same requirement will occur in Term 3 with our “Math’s Bee”, students will need to learn and practice their number facts.

We believe this provides the balance in life and learning for children of primary school age. Please note the “Big Talk” homework mentioned above will be explained in more detail in the upcoming Parent Information Sessions. We need to encourage the development of language and listening skills in order to develop a child’s writing ability, hence the introduction of “Big Talk”. This is in preparation for the implementation of our new writing program “Big Writes”. The idea behind the program “Big Writes” is if a child can’t say it then they will struggle to write it”.

Meet and Greet

Meet and Greet has started again for 2018 for Year 1 to 6-: One of the most important roles we will ever play here at Musgrave Hill is ensuring the safety and well-being of your child/ren. As students arrive at school in the morning they are all to go to the covered area outside the hall where they are supervised by staff. When the first bell goes all students whether they are with their parents or not are to go to the covered area for our morning “Meet and Greet”. This gives Admin and staff the opportunity to welcome all students for the day, recognise important events, and pass on any messages but more importantly for every student to start the day in a safe and positive manner.

Please note students are not to go to their classrooms and drop off bags etc before school, they need to go straight to the undercover area outside the hall. It has been a wonderful way to start each day this week and it has set a positive tone for everyone. I thank all the parents for embracing this concept and for the many who have expressed their gratitude that the safety of their child is paramount at our school but for also starting the day where every child knows they matter and are important.

Our Prep Students are to go to the Prep Area.

Parent Information Sessions

Parents/Guardians of Musgrave Hill students are invited to attend the upcoming parent information afternoon sessions on February Wednesday 14th 2018. These afternoons are a great opportunity to meet your child’s teacher, hear all about the great things your child will experience this year as well as an opportunity to ask any questions you may have in relation to the teaching and learning planned for your child. Details for the Parent Information Sessions are:

Playgrounds Before School

Please remember that all playgrounds are out of bounds before and after school even if supervised by the parent. Thank you for understanding and support in this matter.

Here at Musgrave we are very proud of the culture we have created and it is because of the relationship between home and school that we are able to continue to thrive. I understand that not everyone will agree with changes that we are implementing within the school in 2018 but I encourage you to support them as everything we do is for the betterment of our students, school and community.

Julie-Anne McGuinness – Principal

MESSAGE FROM THE OFFICE

Student Resource Scheme 2018

If you have not already paid your 2018 Student Resource Scheme please do so as soon as possible so we can organise a book pack for your child.

Our office takes cash ONLY on a Tuesday and Thursday morning from 8am – 10am, we accept eftpos/credit card during office hours or at any time through BPoint, BPay or Direct Credit into our account. Our account details are as follows:

Name: Musgrave Hill SS General Account
BSB: 064 – 430
Account No: 00090243

ASSEMBLY AWARDS

MUSIC NEWS

Dear Music Students and Parents

Welcome back for 2018! As well as welcoming back all the band students from last year it is my pleasure to welcome our new students to the program this year. We are looking forward to another productive and successful year.

Band Program – Mr Denning

Continuing Band students (Yr 5&6)

Instrumental Music lessons (during school time) will commence on Mondays from week 3.

Band Ensemble (before school at 7.45) will commence on Monday week 4 in the Arts/ Music Block.

Beginner Band students (Yr 4&5)

All beginning students will begin lessons on Monday in week 3 in the Arts/ Music Block. Beginning students with their own instruments should bring them on Monday. Students hiring school instruments will be issued with those during the next couple of weeks.

Strings Program – Miss Williams

We welcome Ms. Williams to Musgrave Hill State School as our Instrumental Music (Strings) teacher in 2018.

Beginning and Continuing String students

All beginning and continuing String students will begin lessons on Friday in week 3 in the Arts/ Music Block.

Please check your respective timetables to make sure you have the correct day and time. Timetables are located on the Arts/ Music Block window beside the entrance and all Yr4, 5 and 6 classrooms will have a copy.

Please return any remaining Instrumental Music forms to the Arts/Music Block or to Administration as soon as possible. If you have any questions regarding the Instrumental Music Program please contact me or administration. We are looking forward to a great year filled with music.

The Drum Club

This year we are excited to be introducing The Drum Club.

Drum Club has been organised to give as many students at Musgrave Hill an opportunity to participate in a percussion based ensemble and learn basic drumming and music reading skills in a fun but disciplined and inclusive environment.

Drum Club is available to all students in years 4, 5 and 6 who are not currently in the Instrumental Music Program but are keen to participate and agree to abide by the rules of Drum Club.

Students who are already participating in the Instrumental Music Band program are eligible to apply for The Percussion Ensemble if they are keen to join and agree to abide by the same rules as Drum Club.

Places in Drum Club are limited. Students are not required to audition. No prior music experience is necessary. Students who complete and return the enrolment form are considered first until places are filled. A waiting list will be set up for anyone who doesn’t get a place initially but wishes to be involved.

There is no cost to participate in Drum Club or Percussion Ensemble in 2018. Drums, practice drums, drum sticks and mallets are provided. Music sheets and practice sheets are also provided.

Drum Club meets on Monday in The Arts/Music Room at 1.10pm for 30 minutes from week 3 until week 9 during term time unless indicated otherwise.

Students who learn an instrument in the Band Program are eligible to join the Percussion Ensemble which meets on Monday in The Arts/Music Room at 11.00am for 30 minutes from week 3 until week 9 during term time unless indicated otherwise.

Enrolment Forms for Drum Club are available from the Arts/Music room or from Administration.

Yours in music,
Andrew Denning - Instrumental Music Teacher - adenn52@eq.edu.au

COME AND JOIN OUR PLAYGROUP

SPORTS TALK

Run Club

It’s wonderful to see such bright and enthusiastic faces ready to start Run Club for 2018!! Run Club will be back and running as of WEEK 3 this year. An information letter should have already been sent home for new families to the school and I welcome you all to come and try Run Club Wednesday morning in week 3!!

A reminder of times is -

Tuesday 2nd break

Years 1-6

Wednesday 8am (before school)

Prep – 6, including Mums/Dads/Grandparents/Carers/younger or older siblings!

Broadwater Trial Info

Throughout the year, I will pass on any Broadwater Trial dates both at Meet & Greet of a morning and also here in the Newsletter. Please be reminded that these trials are not a ‘Come and Try Day’, they are a competitive meet, and only students that play club level in that sport will be encouraged to trial. Our first trial for the year is coming up very soon and is Broadwater Swimming. Please advise your child to see me ASAP for details should they be interested in trialling. There are qualification times they must be able to meet in order to be nominated for these trials.

Swimming – Trial date = Thursday 15th Feb

Other trials approaching …

12 yrs Boys/Girls Hockey – Trial date = Thursday 22nd Feb

Netball/Soccer/Basketball/Rugby League all approaching in March. Stay tuned for details.

Mrs Halsall – PE Teacher

PREP 2019

TUCKSHOP NEWS

All Tuckshop orders are to be placed throughFlexischools, if you have any questions or would like to know how this works please come and see Ange or Sally at the Tuckshop.

There will be new menu items added shortly, please keep an eye out.

Uniforms

Unfortunately our size 6 & 8 skorts (navy blue) have sold out, there will be a new delivery arriving late February, we apologise for any inconvenience

Angela Anderson and Sally McWilliams – Tuckshop Convenors

P&C NEWS

Welcome back to 2018 to our new and returning families, I hope everyone had an enjoyable break.

Our first P & C meeting for 2018 will be on Wednesday 14th February at 5pm in the staff room, and our AGM will be held in March.

P & C meetings are held the second Wednesday of each month.

Tina Quirke - P&C President

eLEARNING

Welcome to 2018.

eLearning is off and running with some exciting things in store this year. This term we see the Year 4 and Year 6 students experiencing the new Digital Technologies Curriculum with Mr Driscoll in the Science Lab. We also see students from Year 1 to Year 6 being introduced to using Information and Communication Technology (ICT) safely with a special lesson with class teachers and our ICT support Technician, Andrew Shaw. Students will learn how to use the laptops safely, learn how to log on to the school network and some tips for being safe online. Later this term teachers will focus on using ICT to support Mathematics learning, particularly how to use technology to engage students during ‘warm-ups’ at the start of Mathematics lessons. It will be fun!

The School’s Acceptable Use of ICT Policy and Personally Owned Device Policy have both been uploaded to the School website. Please take the time to read these policies and discuss them with your child/ren. The Agreement part of the policies were sent home for parent and student signatures but in effort to reduce paper use, the actual policies are available online. If you would like a paper copy of the policies please contact the office.

All agreements must be signed before students are able to bring iPads to school and access the school network. Both sides of the note must also be signed, regardless of whether they have their own iPads/devices or not.

If you would like to find out more about eLearning at our school, come along to a short presentation that will coincide with the Parent Information sessions in Week 4. Please see the flyer in this newsletter for more information.

Please do not hesitate to contact class teachers or myself if you have any questions.

Regards,

Annette Vlaanderen - avlaa2@eq.edu.au

INTERNET SAFETY DAY

Next Tuesday 6th February is Internet Safety Day. This year’s theme is ‘Create, connect and share respect: A better internet starts with you’. All students in Years 1 to 6 will participate in cybersafety activities as part of their introductory lesson in the ICT Lab and these will be followed up throughout the year as needed. Musgrave Hill State School is committed to being a cybersafe school! Please take the time to discuss internet safety with your children. If you are looking for some useful information on internet safety, you may find this site useful:

A WORD FROM OUR GUIDANCE OFFICER

Worries and Anxieties: Helping Children to Cope

Children, like adults, have all sorts of strong feelings about what is happening to them. At times, the world can seem frightening or uncertain, which may create fearfulness, worry or anxiety.

Different Types of Anxiety

Fears and Phobias

Very young children often develop fears and phobias. These can be triggered by changes (going to childcare, separating from a parent), or particular things (spiders, snakes, monsters etc). Fears like these are common but with encouragement and support most children learn to overcome their anxiety.

General Anxiety

Some youngsters feel anxious most of the time for no apparent reason – it may be their temperament or may be a pattern of behaviour that is shared by other members of the family.

School-Related Anxiety

School refusal can be caused by anxiety – separating from parents, fear of bullying, problems with friendships, trouble with school work or teachers are worth investigating

Home Related Anxiety

Family problems (money issues, squabbling, separation/divorce), death of a family member or friend, harsh discipline or a traumatic experience eg. burglary can be a cause of anxiety (as well as depression).

What are the Signs

• Feeling sick – stomach aches, headaches. Not being able to stomach food.
• Feeling tense, fidgety, needing to go to the toilet often
• Feeling fearful or panicky, breathless, sweaty
• Being irritable, tearful, clingy or having sleeping difficulties
• Withdrawing from social contact

Anxiety can limit a person’s experiences in life. It can contribute to lack of confidence, loneliness, health problems and learning difficulties. The emotional effects if not remedied can be long lasting.

What to do

• Talk to your child –show your child that you care and want to understand the reasons for their anxiety
• Give comfort, reassurance and practical help with how to cope eg. encourage helpful thoughts rather than focussing on unhelpful thoughts. (There are children’s books to help children cope with divorce, death, anxieties.)
• Prepare your child for changes. If possible give sufficient warning – talk to them about what might happen and why, as well as ways to manage the changes
• For children with school/ separation anxiety, regular routines and consistency around sleep, and getting ready for school, having breakfast etc will generally improve the outcome
• Be aware of school or family situations that may be creating worries for your child
• Be aware of your own anxiety and protect your child from taking on your woes
• Use relaxation techniques eg controlling your breathing, listening to peaceful music, doing something you enjoy
• Encourage daily exercise, healthy eating , drinking plenty of water, and most importantly getting enough sleep – children need at least 8 to 9 hours – a healthy body helps keep us on top of difficult situations

If your child is so anxious that they can’t cope, more specialist help may be needed. Have a chat with your guidance officer, and/ or see your doctor.

Adapted from Mental Health and Growing Up, 3rd Edition – Factsheets

Joy Wheeler – Guidance Officer

Y.M.C.A. MUSGRAVE HILL

Welcome back to another school year, from all the staff at YMCA Musgrave Hill we hope you all had a safe and exciting holiday break. For those families who are new to the school the YMCA is located in D block just up from the school office. We are open from 6:30am-9:00am and from 2:00pm-6:00pm during the school term, and from 6:30am-6:00pm during Vacation Care. During the school term we provide breakfast and afternoon tea for the children, during Vacation Care we provide breakfast, morning tea and afternoon tea. Please come in and visit our friendly staff for more information and an estimate on fees.

In the coming weeks we will be recommencing Homework Club, please stay tuned for more information regarding this.

A reminder to all families that 2018 enrolment forms must be completed in order for bookings to be processed, if you are yet to do this and know you will be needing care during this year please come in and pick up an enrolment form.

Have you joined our ‘My Family Lounge’ app? The ‘My Family Lounge’ app is a fast and easy way to make casual bookings for your child for Before, After and Vacation Care. Mark your child as absent for Before, After and Vacation Care and cancel your child through the app for Before, After and Vacation Care.

Please come in and see our friendly staff for more information.

Triscina James
Phone : 07 55283490 - Mobile : 0439752168 - Email : amh@ymca.com.org.au

SAVER PLUS

COMMUNITY NEWS

“This is a service provided when space permits. The school acts solely as a messenger and is not actually recommending any activities advertised”

Positive Energy Fitness and Tennis

Southport High School – Excellence Information Evening

UPCOMING EVENTS