2020 Term 4, Week 6 Newsletter

Principal's News

Boodjahree jarnun!  Giabul language for "good day"!

Gamba daru! Jarowair language for "hello"!

NAIDOC Week is an opportunity for all Australians to come together to celebrate the rich history, diverse cultures and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the oldest continuing cultures on the planet.

Pittsworth State School staff and students acknowledge the traditional owners of the land upon which our school is built, the lands of the Giabul and Jarowair people.  We pay our respects to the Elders past, present and emerging, for they hold the memories, the traditions, the culture and hopes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across the state.

The theme for this year’s NAIDOC is “Always was, always will be”.

Always Was, Always Will Be recognises that First Nations people have occupied and cared for this continent for over 65,000 years.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples were Australia’s first explorers, first navigators, first engineers, first farmers, first botanists, first scientists, first diplomats, first astronomers and first artists.

The very first footprints on this continent were those belonging to First Nations people.

NAIDOC 2020 invites all Australians to embrace the true history of this country – a history which dates back thousands of generations. It’s about seeing, hearing and learning the First Nations’ 65,000 year history of this country - which is Australian history.

Remembrance Day

At the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, our staff and students will pause to remember the soldiers fallen during all wars.  During NAIDOC week, we acknowledge and pay tribute to our indigenous soldiers who fought for their country.  We honour all troops who are serving our nation.

Music Recital

The annual Music Recital will be held at Bottle Tree Hall on Tuesday 17 November 2020 starting at 6pm.  All members of our school community are welcome to attend however priority will be given to families of Instrumental Music students to ensure that Covid19 restrictions and guidelines can remain in place.  Music Awards will be presented at this event.

Schoolzine Newsletters

We are pleased and excited to inform you that we’ll be producing a new eNewsletter with Schoolzine. The move to this new format will enable us to communicate with the school community across multiple channels. It will promote and enhance our engagement with parents, students and the wider community.

We believe you’ll find the eNewsletter highly engaging, as it will provide us with a more efficient and effective means of connecting with you. The new format will allow the inclusion of video, photo galleries, online bookings, mobile app, feedback forms, calendars and so much more.

The newsletter also has a sponsorship section which provides a great opportunity for local businesses to engage with our parent community. If you would like to be a part of this, please contact Jude at Schoolzine,  07 5414 2363. 

PBL: Positive Behaviour for Learning

Our School Creed is: 

At Pittsworth State School, we are respectful, responsible and safe learners,
who persist, strive and succeed.

Week 6 PBL Focus is:  Be Respectful:  Treat others as you would like to be treated.  Be Respectful: Each person has their own beliefs and values.  Be Respectful:  Choose Kindness.

Friday 20 November is Pirate Day!

Dress like a Pirate, Talk like a Pirate, Eat like a Pirate!

In celebration of the culmination of our School Musical, Friday 20 November is "Pirate Day"!  Staff and students are invited to DRESS UP like Pirates.  The P&C will hold a special Pirate Meal Deal Day, students will have the opportunity to watch the "Strike of the Silver Scowl" Movie and join in with fun Pirate-y adventures for the day!    Tuckshop Tracy (aka Corky Crabcakes) and her crew of helpers have prepared an exciting pirate-themed menu.  Meal deal orders are due back by this Friday, 13 November. Students can bring along some extra money for other tuckshop treats.

TO DO LIST!

1.  ORDER Meal Deal by Friday 13 November - click here for the Meal Deal Form

Feel like some hearty sea shanty grub?  There's lots to choose including a Marauder's Meat Pie, Silver Scowl Scroll, Pirate Punch, Bilge Water, Captain's Choc Chip Cup Cake and Cannon Balls.

2.  ORGANISE your Pirate Costume to WEAR on Friday 20 November.

3.  BRING GOLD COINS on Friday 20 November to purchase Movie Treats such as Privateer's Popcorn and Pirate's Treasure!  You can also have your PHOTO taken inside "The Silver Scowl" for 50c!

Students

2021 Enrolments

Staffing arrangements are being made for the 2021 school year and we need your help please!

It is imperative that you advise the school if your child's enrolment status is changing for 2021. 

Student numbers affect staffing numbers.  It is no secret that we want as many students as possible to enrol at our school.

It is intended for all parents & students to know their class allocation and teacher by Wednesday 09 December 2020.

Year 3&4 Excursion to the Empire Theatre

On Wednesday 3 November, Year 3 and 4 students were invited to the Empire Theatre in Toowoomba. Featured at the Empire Theatre was a play adaptation of the popular children’s book “The 91 Storey Treehouse”. The play followed the adventures of the two main characters, Terry and Andy, on a quest to find their neighbour’s children. Terry and Andy had help from a number of friends and found themselves in various places around the treehouse. The play was interactive and students loved the opportunity to help the characters on their journey. The stage was filled with beautiful bright decorations and props which made the play all the more successful!

Many thanks to Toowoomba Regional Council for subsidizing the cost of this cultural experience for all students and to the staff of the Empire Theatre who catered for our students to ensure they remained covid safe!

2021 Student Leadership Applications

Twenty two students submitted applications for leadership positions at our school in 2021, thirteen were shortlisted after a rigorous application process including submission of a written application, panel interview and presentation of a speech to the school community during parade.  Voting has occurred and positions are filled.

2021 School Leaders will be announced at the Awards Ceremony on Monday 07 December.

SU Chaplaincy

Chaplains provide social, emotional, and spiritual support to school communities. They are in the prevention and support business, helping students find a better way to deal with life’s issues. They provide a listening ear and a caring presence in the school, available for all students, staff, and families.

Want to support our school’s Chaplaincy program?  Donations are always welcome and appreciated, thank you.

Banking details

BSB     084 – 004             
A/C     83369 4350 60

Enter the specific ID for our Pittsworth State School Chaplaincy program
Pittsworth State School 17853.  Enter your SURNAME as a reference.

https://www.suqld.org.au/services/chaplaincy/

Camps and Excursions

Monday 30 November - Tuesday 01 December:  Year 5 Emu Gully Camp
Thursday 03 December - Friday 04 December:  Year 6 Emu Gully Camp
Thanks for returning all consent forms and making payments by the due dates.

Curriculum

Sports News

Accolades were given to outgoing PE teacher Mr Tony Morris at a special parade held on Friday 30 October.

• Kurt Oberhardt represented the Pittsworth & District Junior Rugby League and spoke of Tony’s love for the game before presenting him with Danes memorabilia,
• Jess Briggs spoke on behalf of the PSS P&C Association acknowledging the tireless efforts that Tony would always contribute especially to carnival preparation,
• Johanna Wilson, Year 12 PSHS, was the voice of hundreds of students whom Tony has taught and positively influenced over the 13 years of his position at PSS,
• Wayne Beeston, as the Regional School Sports Officer, noted Tony’s contribution not only to PSS but to the sporting districts and regions including his roles as manager and coach,
• Jim Tiernan, Inner Downs District Chair, also complemented Wayne’s speech, acknowledging Tony’s contributions,
• Michael Santsingh, as Tony’s long term Principal, mentor and friend, spoke highly of Tony’s professional capabilities, passion and place in our school community,
• Tony ended the ceremony with a moving farewell to all staff, students, parents and the wider community stating how he will greatly miss Pittsworth however is looking forward to beginning a new stage in his career and having more time to spend with his wife and two sons.

Week 9 is carnival week: Junior Carnival Monday 30 November 2020 (Students born 2012-2015), and Senior Carnival Wednesday 02 December 2020 (Students born 2008-2011).
Please see information below indicating your child’s swimming lesson days & times. These lessons are an important part of the physical education program as they endeavour to teach children confidence and safety in the aquatic environment.

Year 3L Poems

Students in Year 3L have been studying poetry as part of the Australian Curriculum English learning area.  Take time to read their very intimate poems about "feelings".

Arts News

2021 Instrumental Music Program Recruitment

Mr Ryan and Mrs Johansen will begin their 2021 Instrumental Music Program Recruitment in the coming weeks and we encourage Year 3-6 students (2021) to consider joining Strings and Year 4-6 students (2021) to learn woodwind/brass/percussion.

Once enrolled in the IMP, students are expected to complete the full year of the program.

School Musical

Thank you to the incredible performers, volunteers and support staff for staging a professional and well-organised filming day.  Although the day was very long and tiring, our talented young performers maintained their enthusiasm throughout, and will be rewarded with high quality school musical movie footage.

Students who borrowed costumes and props (including privateer vests), please return all items to school as soon as possible.

School Musical Orders

It is anticipated that school musical orders will be available for collection from the school office by Friday 27 November. 

Order your copy of the School Musical on USB TODAY!! 

Ensure that you purchase a copy of the quality full colour program to complement.  Why not just buy the SHOW BAG!!  Great Christmas gift or something special for members of the family!

P&C Patch

P&Cs Qld is the peak body supporting and representing more than 576,000 state school parents and wider school communities throughout Queensland. We support the achievement of quality educational outcomes for students through fostering parental and community engagement in a thriving and successful education system. Through our state-wide network of over 1200 P&C Associations and School Councils, we have the localised presence and voice to lead and enact change.

Our Parent Talk magazine is a parent focused publication and published on a quarterly basis. It is circulated throughout Queensland state schools and P&Cs as a resource to provide parents and school communities with regular news and information on a wide range of topics relevant to parenting and education. Research confirms that where parents and community are engaged in their children’s education the outcomes vastly increase. Help us ensure Every Child has Every Chance to a successful education.  All editions of Parent Talk can be viewed here - P&Cs Qld Parent Talk Publication.

FUNDRAISING 

Pirate Day Fundraiser

Please support our 2020 musical by remembering to order our special pirate themed meal deal for your little buccaneer/s next Friday 20 November. Students can also bring gold coins to school the same day as there will be ‘Privateers Popcorn’ (freshly cooked popcorn) and ‘Pirate Treasure’ (chocolate coins) on sale for $1.00ea to enjoy as they watch The Strike of the Silver Scowl.

All funds raised will be going into producing the next Pittsworth State School Musical in 2022.

TUCKSHOP

Meal Deal order forms due back this Friday 13/11.

P&C BANK ACCOUNT DETAILS:

Pittsworth State School P&C Association

BSB: 064-427

Account: 00900460

NEXT MEETING

The final P&C meeting for 2020 is this Thursday 12 November at 6pm at Club Pittsworth.  Please feel free to come along and purchase a meal at 6pm before we begin the meeting at 7pm.

Thank you to our Tuckshop workers!

The daily efforts of our tuckshop workers and the many volunteers who support our students and our school have been tremendous this year.

On Tuckshop Day, Friday 06 November, we said a very special thank you Tracy Johnson and her wonderful team of volunteers.

Our tuckshop, managed by the P&C, provides a great service that helps out families who have to juggle many different tasks at the start of each day and some good food helps the students study and play through the day.

We don’t take their hard work for granted and it is great to see parents putting up their hands and getting involved with our school. Thank you everyone.

School Management

School Uniforms

Condamine Clothing new owners, Scott & Donna Ariell, are committed to ensuring the consistent supply of quality Pittsworth State School uniforms for your children.

Tender

OFFERED FOR SALE by Pittsworth State School

Orford Two Door Fridge x 1

Roband Contact Grill x 1

Please see further information in attached link

Office Hours

The school office is open daily from 8.30am - 3.30pm with the exception for Visitors who are required to sign in upon arrival.

Cashless School by 2021

Late Arrivals

Parents, if your student is late to school, please phone the school while you are at the front gate to give the reason and direct your child to the office to obtain a Late Slip.

Communication with Parents/Carers

All letters and consent forms are emailed to parents.  Thanks for making sure that your current email address is listed with the school.  

We currently email:

• All consent forms, notes and letters
• Semester Report Cards
• Fortnightly Newsletter

Information is also available to parents online:

• Pittsworth State School Website
• Facebook
• Qschools APP (free download, make PSS your favourite)
• SMS 
• Email

IMPORTANT TIP:
When you are emailing your consent forms back to the office please:

• email to: admin@pittsworthss.eq.edu.au 
• TIP: If you receive your emails on your Mobile Phone you can complete, sign the form and email it back to the school's admin email address. Use: ADOBE ACROBAT (use the fill and sign icon)

Emailing the Office

Please do not email any member of the administration team directly, particularly Mrs Kelly.  In the event that staff are not in the office your email will remain unread. Please email all correspondence to:admin@pittsworthss.eq.edu.au

Student Absence

• Phone the Student Absence Line 4619 8366
• Text your student absence to 0429 320 360
• Email your student absence to admin@pittsworthss.eq.edu.au

Visitors to our School

All Visitors to our school, including Volunteers and Parent Helpers, are required to electronically Sign In at the office and obtain a Visitors Lanyard which is to be worn at all times whilst on school grounds.  You are then required to Sign Out at the office prior to leaving the school grounds.

QParents

Features of QParents
QParents provides secure, online access to student information such as:

• Attendance details - Record & update absences
•  Report cards - current & historical available
• Pay your School Invoices at the click of a button
• Payment history

You are also able to update your child's details including address and medical conditions, submit reasons for unexplained absences, notify the school of future absences, and make online payments against school invoices.

If you require more information, visit https://qparents.qld.edu.au/#/about

PSS Bank Account Details

BSB: 064 427
ACC: 000 90031
Please list your student's name as the REFERENCE.

Returning Forms

For planning purposes, permission slips/notes, must be submitted to the office by the due date; late forms will not be accepted. 

Keep Your Records Updated

Have you recently changed your Phone Number, Address or Email Address? Please contact the school to update your records.  

Medication at School

School staff can only administer medication that:

• has been prescribed by a qualified health practitioner (e.g. doctor, dentist, optometrist, but not a pharmacist)
• is in its original container
• has an attached pharmacy label (must have doctor and student’s name listed)
• for over-the-counter medications such as paracetamol or alternative medicines, a letter from a Doctor and the medication with a Chemist Tag is sufficient
• An Administration of Medication Form is required to be completed and handed in to the office with the Medication.

Stay Safe through the Covid19 Pandemic

Time Out - Keeping Kids Healthy

Some medical conditions require exclusion from school to prevent the spread of infectious diseases among staff and children.  Take time to read the Timeout Poster attached to this newsletter.

https://www.health.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0022/426820/timeout_poster.pdf

Compliments or Complaints

Community News