2024 Term 1, Week 6 Newsletter

Principal's News

GRIP Leadership Conference

Our school leadership team represented our school with pride at the recent GRIP Leadership Conference.

Students learnt about the important role that student leaders play within our school, with the mantra to:  "step up, step in, step out, step closer".

Protocols for Parents & Visitors

All visitors to the school during the hours of 9am and 3pm are required to present to the office and sign in:  parents, carers, visitors, contractors are not allowed to access the school unless prior permission has been granted.

Parents are not allowed to access student classrooms unless authorised by a member of the administration team.

The school gates will be open at 8.30am for students to enter the school.  The gates will then be closed at 9am (excluding the front pedestrian gate at Admin) and then re-opened at 3pm for students to exit. 

Thank you for understanding that these protocols are in place primarily for student protection purposes.

NRL NEWS just in!  Years 1-4 parents & students

The Toowoomba NRL Game Development staff are pleased to invite students to the Toowoomba Year's 1-4 NRL League Tag Gala Day on Friday 15th March 2024.
If you wish for your child to participate in this event, please complete the online expression of interest BY TUESDAY 05 March 2024.  https://pittsworthss.schoolzineplus.com/form/34 

Hearing Tests

To give our children the best start in life, it is important that they have good hearing and healthy ears!

Carbal Medical Services offers hearing health checks for students at PSS.

Doing so is your best chance of preventing Ear Disease; which can lead to loss of hearing forever if left unchecked.

Register your child today to receive a hearing test in early Term 3.

Phone 1300 379 558 or visit:

www.carbal.com.au/hearing-health

QParents

We recently emailed out invitations to Parents/Carers to join QParents.  We strongly encourage you to join up.

You can easily:

• Provide digital Consent (no more returning paper forms!)
• Notify if your child will be absent
• Pay invoices (quick and easy)
• View Report Cards
• Update Student Details

Contact the office today if you have any queries and to obtain your child's EQ ID Number.

QParents will make your life so much easier, no more paper forms!!!

Curriculum

Parent Teacher Interviews Term 1, 2024

The 12 minute interviews will be conducted on Monday 18 March in Bottle Tree Hall for all parents/students in Prep to Year 6, as per the times listed below.

Bookings are made by clicking on the link below:  

https://pittsworthss.schoolzineplus.com/2024ParentTeacherInterviewsTerm1

Pittsworth Show

Students and staff have been busy writing and creating art and craft for the upcoming Pittsworth Show. Each year level has a different art and craft theme to create including Superheros, Clowns and the Olympics. Students in Years 2-6 have also been practicing their handwriting skills. They will write an extract of ‘Still Call Australia Home’ by Peter Allan. Students’ art, craft and handwriting will be on display in the Show Pavilion for the duration of the Pittsworth Show. Students in Years 3-5 will participate in the Agventure Program at the Pittsworth Show on Friday, 8 March.

Years 3, 4 & 5 Parents, have you returned the Consent Form for your child

to attend the excursion to the Pittsworth Show?

Check your emails!

NAPLAN

Students in Years 3 and 5 will undertake NAPLAN from the 13 – 25 March 2024.

More information regarding NAPLAN can be found at:  https://nap.edu.au/naplan/for-parents-carers

Term 1 Important Dates

Sporting News

Legends Of League

“Dream, Believe, Achieve”

On Wednesday 14 February, we had the pleasure of the Legends of Leagues visit our school. There were four former NRL players that came to share their story, this included three players that grew up in small Queensland towns. Craig Teevan from Oakey, Ashley Taylor from St George and Jaiman Lowe from Toowoomba. Also, Terry Matterson from Sydney.

They gave us some inspirational messages about setting goals and achieving them. All the players told us about their lives and how they worked hard to become professional players. The key message to our students was: "if you dream to do something, believe you can and work hard to achieve that dream"!  Dream, Believe, Achieve. 

The Legends of League Game was held on Saturday 17 February at the Pittsworth Leagues Club. It was a fantastic day for our community! Some of our PSS students, who play for the Pittsworth Danes, played in front of about 4000 people. They also got to run onto the field with the Legends of League and Pittsworth All Stars, which consisted of some of our students’ dads. This is an event our community and students will never forget. Thanks to Matt Briggs for putting so much time and effort into organising such a memorable event.

Inner Downs Swimming

Last Monday 18 February, 10 students from our school represented at the Inner Downs Swimming Carnival. This included Abigail B, Matilda B, Brodie T, Tori K, Addison C, Cooper G, Hudson G, Will C, Preston W and Harrison C.

Harrison C broke the 11years 100m Freestyle and is now off to the Darling Downs Swimming Carnival, alongside Will C and Brodie T.  Congratulations boys!

Everyone should be super proud of their effort and we wish the boys the best of luck at the DD Carnival.

Inner Downs Netball

On Monday 26 February Matilda B, Lily L and Ariana S went to Highfields to try out for the Inner Downs Netball Team.

Congratulations to Ariana and Lily who have made the Inner Downs Team and will attend the Darling Downs Trials on Monday 11th March in Toowoomba.

Inner Downs Trials

There are lots of Sporting trials on this term and the next term please keep an eye out for these notifications in the Newsletter and Facebook. Please contact Ms Will for further information. Also, Ms Will does not work Mondays so please have forms to her by the Friday beforehand.

Cross Country Dates

PSS Cross Country.  Friday, 22 March 2024 (Week 9).  Training has commenced, Tuesday and Friday mornings at 8:30 on the oval, with Miss Will.

Gore Highway Cross Country: 18 April 2024, Cecil Plains

FUTSAL Clinics, Years 3-6 students

Friday 10 May and Friday 17 May.  Bottle Tree Hall.  

Inner Downs Trial Fees

As the IDZ Trials are currently underway, we would like to bring to your attention a matter of utmost importance regarding the nomination fee. The IDZ Sports Contact has advised some students are attending trials without having paid their nomination fee. They wish to emphasize the critical nature of timely payment to ensure the smooth conduct of the trials and maintain fairness in the process.

To facilitate the payment process, we kindly request all participants to utilize the Qkr! app. It is imperative that the nomination fee is settled by the designated date. Failure to adhere to this deadline will regrettably render students ineligible to partake in the trials.

Please see the Guide below for detailed instructions on utilizing the Qkr! app. 

NO fee paid by due date = No trial for students

2024 Darling Downs School Sport

Parents/Carers please contact Ms Will for further information regarding these events. These events will be open to students that are interested and have experience in these sporting events. Nominations come out a few weeks prior to events so please let Ms Will know closer to the event if your child is interested.

Students will only be nominated for Swimming, Cross Country and Track & Field if they have made qualifying times.

Ms Will’s email: bwill641@eq.edu.au or phone 4619 8333.

The Arts

School Musical 

School Musical:  On Friday 16 August this year, we will be presenting the ninth bienniel Pittsworth State School Musical ... ‘Lost Paradise: The Garden that Time Forgot’. Students from years three, four, five and six are invited to audition for roles (beginning Wednesday 28 February).  Students will sign up for auditions and backstage crew during arts lessons at school.  Students who wish to audition must be prepared to sing a school musical song (taught during arts lessons).  Each student must audition alone, and be prepared to recite part of the audition script, sing and demonstrate some acting skills (using the appropriate voice and dramatic actions of the character).   

Rehearsals will be held before school and in lunch breaks during term two and term three. Immediately prior to the performance, there will be four Thursday evening rehearsals (6.00pm – 9.00pm) and two Sunday rehearsals (12.00pm – 3.00pm). Interested parents are invited to join the School Musical Production Committee. 

Please see documents below: ‘School Musical Dates’ and ‘Audition Script’.

LOST PARADISE: THE GARDEN THAT TIME FORGOT - The Story:

Step into a world where a neglected neighbourhood plot transforms into a vibrant haven of hope and unity. In ‘Lost Paradise’, follow the journey of a determined group of children who refuse to let adversity wilt their dreams. Led by the spirited Evie and her loyal companion Nathan, these young heroes embark on a quest to breathe life back into a forgotten garden. But as they toil against the odds, facing sabotage from mischievous troublemakers and scepticism from unsupportive council authorities, they discover that the true magic lies in the power of friendship and perseverance. With every seed planted and every obstacle overcome, the story of ‘The Garden that Time Forgot’ blossoms into a tale of resilience, inspiration and the unwavering belief that beauty can flourish even in the most unlikely places. This heart-warming journey of discovery, showcases the transformative power of love, laughter and the indomitable human spirit. 

 Students who wish to be part of the Backstage Crew must sign up at the music room, and attend any scheduled meetings.  Please note that only six students in year five or six will be selected to form the Backstage Crew.  Selections will be based on the following:

A meeting for students nominating to be part of the Backstage Crew will be held on Wednesday 29 March (11.00am) with Mrs Wheeldon (school musical director) and Miss Edwards (Backstage Manager).  Those students who are unsuccessful in gaining selection in the Backstage Crew are encouraged to audition for a part on-stage.

 Please keep an eye on the newsletter for further updates!

Date Claimers:          

28 February – ‘Lost Paradise’ auditions begin

17 May – SINGFEST  

17 - 20 July – CGEN                                                                                                                                                                            

16 August – ‘Lost Paradise: The Garden that Time Forgot’ school musical performance

Fanfare - Concert Band

This year our school concert band will compete in the Instrumental Fanfare Competition. Fanfare is the biennial statewide festival of bands and orchestras from Queensland state schools. It showcases the exciting music-making that occurs in school-based ensembles across the state. The emphasis for Fanfare is on improving the quality of ensembles, promoting the highest possible standard of performance, striving for excellence and encouraging participation. Fanfare is held over 3 rounds with Regional heats, regional Finals (invited ensembles only), and state finals which is made up of the top 5 bands from across the state in Primary and Secondary.

The regional heat for Pittsworth State School will be held in May at Centenary Heights State High School, once dates and times are finalised, Mr Todd will send more information home.

SRC News/Eco Club News

Student Support Services

Useful phone numbers and links for Parents and Students

Kids Helpline (24hrs): 1800 551 800 https://kidshelpline.com.au/

Lifeline (24hrs): 13 11 14  https://www.lifeline.org.au/

Headspace (9am – 1 am 7 days per week)  https://headspace.org.au/eheadspace/

Parentline (8am-10pm): 1300 30 1300  https://parentline.com.au/

Bullying No Way www.bullyingnoway.gov.au

Beyond Blue (24/7 mental health support): 1300 22 46 36 www.beyondblue.org.au

Standby – Suicide Bereavement Support (24/7) : 1300 727 247  www.standbysupport.com.au

DV Connect (24 hr Domestic Violence helpline): 1800 811 811 www.dvconnect.org.au

P&C Patch

TUCKSHOP

Tuckshop is back up and running on Wednesdays and Fridays.  Orders can be placed through the Qkr! app and close at 8.30am.

We still need a couple of extra Tuckshop helpers this term.  Thank you to the people that have already put their name down.  If you think you could possibly spare a few hours on a Friday morning, please contact Karla in the Tuckshop on 4619 8333 or email psssecretary@outlook.com

What volunteering in the tuckshop looks like…

2.5 hrs of your time

9:00 – 11:30am (or longer if you wish)

• Counting money to make sure it matches the order/ printing and sticking on labels for online orders
• Burger/sandwich/wrap prep
• Pack orders with pre-prepared food items (muffins, milo balls, sumo cookies)
• Pack hot foods/drinks into order bags
• Wash and clean up
• Serve ice cream and ice blocks

It is that easy and the time will fly!

HAVE YOUR SAY

All families have been emailed a short survey, giving you the opportunity to provide feedback to the P&C.  The survey should only take about 3-5 minutes.  All responses are anonymous.  This survey will close at the start of March so responses can be discussed at the next meeting.

COUNCIL FREE PLANT VOUCHERS

Did you just receive a free plant voucher from Toowoomba Regional Council in your rates notice?   We are currently seeking donations of these vouchers to contribute towards improving our school grounds.  Vouchers can be donated to the school office.

COOL NIGHTS BIG BAND ON STAGE

Keep your eyes open for further details on this event, coming up on Saturday 11 May.  It’ll be a great night out!

VOLUNTEERS – MANDATORY TRAINING
There is a small amount of mandatory training that must be completed in order to volunteer at school.   It is quite quick to complete (10-15 minutes)

NEXT P&C MEETING

Next General Meeting will be held on Thursday 14 March at the Pittsworth Function Centre, commencing at 6.30pm sharp.

Mandatory Volunteers Training - All volunteers must complete before volunteering at our school.

P&C Bank Account Details

P&C Forms and Tuckshop Menu

Have you downloaded the Qkr! App to order tuckshop?

Quick, easy, no more looking for cash!

Tuckshop open Wednesdays and Fridays

School Management

For Tender - Panasonic TV

See document below for further details and photos.

Tender closes Thursday 14 March 2024.

Join QParents 

Excursion Consent Forms

Time Out Poster  - Keeping Our Kids Healthy

Transport Forms

Medication at School

Birthday Celebrations at School

School Dress Code

Mandatory Volunteers Training 

Health Food and Drinks at School

Payment Methods

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

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.

Late Arrivals
Parents/Carers, if your student is late to school, please escort your student to the office to sign your child in and to obtain a Late Slip for them to give their teacher.

Communication with Parents/Carers
All letters and consent forms are emailed to parents. 
Information is also available to parents online:

• Pittsworth State School Website
• Our School Newsletter (emailed)
• Facebook
• SMS 
• Email

Email:  admin@pittsworthss.eq.edu.au

Community News

Family and Child Connect

Family and Child Connect provides families free, unlimited and confidential advice. They can connect you to local services that help with: 

• building better family relationships
• managing child behaviour
• healthcare
• housing.

If your family is going through tough times, call them today at 13 FAMILY (13 32 64) or visit familychildconnect.org.au.

Beyond Blue

Phone: 1300 22 4636 (24 hours, 7 days a week).

Chat online: between 3pm–12am, 7 days a week via the online chat page External link.

Email: get a response within 24 hours via the email form External link.

Visit the Beyond Blue website External link for more information.

Bullying. No Way!

Bullying. No Way! External link is a great source of information for students, parents and teachers to learn about bullying, how to recognise it and what to do if you see or experience it.

headspace

headspace External link provides free online and telephone support and counselling for young people aged 12-25 and their families and friends.

Lifeline

Phone: 13 11 14 (24 hours, 7 days a week).
Chat online: between 8pm–4am, 7 days a week via the online chat page External link.

Visit the Lifeline website External link for more information.

Parentline

Phone: 1300 30 1300 (cost of a local call) 8am–10pm, 7 days a week.

Information: Tip sheets from a range of over 100 topics are available online External link.