Gatton State School Newsletter

Term 1 2020 / No.3 27th February 2020

Gatton State School

Gatton State School can trace its history down through two centuries and look back with pride at its contribution to education in the Lockyer Valley. Established in 1876 Gatton State School has a long and proud history in academic, sporting and cultural pursuits.

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From the Principal's desk...

           

Dear Parents, Carers and members of the Gatton state school community,

Today I have the privilege of writing my first newsletter article as the incoming Principal of Gatton State School. However, before I begin introducing myself, I believe it’s important to acknowledge the tremendous contribution of Mr Vince Burke as he begins a different life of a well-deserved retirement. Mr Burke has been Principal of a number of schools across Queensland and the Darling Downs South West Region with a career spanning over thirty years with the last eight years at Gatton State School. You can be assured that Mr Burke’s legacy of ‘every child, every day’ will remain a priority for Gatton State School and that ‘every day counts! I know I can speak on behalf of staff, students, parents, carers and Principal colleagues in wishing Mr and Mrs Burke all the best in retirement as they plan their next overseas holiday. My hope is to lead the school with the same conviction as Mr Burke with a focus on every child being the best they can be. All the best Vince and Eve!

As one chapter draws to a close, the next begins to unfold and it’s with pleasure that I have the opportunity of leading Gatton State School. My career began as a teacher in the South West Region in Mitchell and Roma before embarking on the Principal trail. Since my first posting as Principal of Burketown State School in the Gulf of Carpentaria I have enjoyed leading Veresdale Scrub School, Cawarral School, Severnlea School on the Granite Belt and eight Toowoomba schools spanning thirty years and most recently returning from secondment from Central Office in Brisbane and Regional Office in Toowoomba.

Thank you for the warm welcome from those of you I have already met and I look forward to meeting more families over the coming weeks.

I’d like to especially thank the wonderful staff of this great school who care deeply for each and every child, every day! Their professionalism and commitment to supporting young people of the Gatton community is second to none. I’m looking forward to working with school staff, families and the broader community to further enhance the wonderful opportunities available to children of this school. Till then, all the best as together we ‘Strive to Succeed’.

Respect our staff, respect our school 

A key priority of state school staff, parents, carers and families is to foster a safe and healthy learning environment for all Queensland students. As a parent or carer of a school-aged child, there may be times when issues arise that affect your child, for example a playground incident or a matter within the classroom.

How these issues are handled can make a significant difference to the learning and development of our students, and the positive environment we aim to create and nurture. Please take a few minutes to read the attached Department of Education information sheet on how to ‘resolving issues respectfully at school’. Thank you in anticipation of working together to ensure that we can focus on every child, every day.

Regards,

Warren Merchant

Principal

Who to contact?

Who to contact for assistance:

Please note the updated administration organizational responsibility for year levels.  If you have any concerns or ideas, please contact the following:

  • Principal Warren Merchant whole school and Year 6

    • Deputy Principal Stuart Fuller, Years 4 and 5

    Acting Deputy Principal Ann Marie Zillmann, Year 1,2,3

  • Acting Deputy Principal Jack Wright, ECDP, Prep and multi-age classes

Gatton State School’s Behaviour Expectations

Now that the school year is well under way it is very important that our students and families are aware of, and understand, our three school behaviour expectations.

These expectations will be discussed and taught in every classroom and referred to continually throughout the year. To support our students with learning and understanding our expectations, it would be helpful for our families to discuss and refer to them at home. More information regarding our behaviour expectations will be available in fortnightly newsletters and the school web site.

 

BE SAFE                   BE RESPECTFUL              BE RESPONSIBLE

Resolving Issues Respectfully in our School

2020 Student Leaders Induction

2020 Student Leader Induction Ceremony

On Friday the 14th February the annual student leader induction ceremony was held. The following students were presented with their badges.

      School Captains                                            School Vice-Captains

       Kailey Banks                                                     Azariah Zillmann

       Jack Whiting                                                      Willem Fedrick

House Captains                      

Comets   Captains                                                Meteors   Captains                                                                                                                                                         Lacie Willmett                                                          Jada Sticklen

Gamal Abdalla                                                         Kairon

Vice-Captains                                                         Vice-Captains

Lily Darby                                                                 Madison Crawford

Bryan Greenslade                                                   Lincoln Thompson

 

Planets   Captains                                                 Stars Captains

Sophie Ost                                                              Shania Patra                       

Mohamed Haroun                                                 Seth Melton

Vice-Captains                                                      Vice-Captains

Paige McBride                                                     Matilda Meagher

Rizwan Muhammad                                            Travis White

Student Council Representatives

4H- Zahra Gaudie          5H- Hannah Whiting          6F- Samantha Mann

4S- Torah Zillmann        5J- Adam Burchmann        6P- Tamlin Albury

 5P- Chloe Brechney         6R- Jordyn Osman         MR- Freedom Masso

Music Captain

Kaylee Sabburg

 

We also farewelled our outgoing principal Mr Burke on this day. We thank Mr Burke for his service to Gatton State School and wish him all the best in his retirement.

 

  

            

2020 Student Leaders

School Captains and Vice Captains
Gatton State School saying farewell to Mr Burke
Student Council Representatives
Comets Captains
Meteors Captains
Planets Captains
Stars Captains
Music Captain

Gatton State School is Proudly a PBL school

Using a whole-school approach to promote positive behaviour across a school is the most effective way to develop a safe and supportive learning environment.    

In a whole-school approach, the school community (students, parents and school staff) work together to establish the expectations for behaviour. The expectations are simple, clear and explicit. 

Parents and the wider community play an important role in creating a safe and supportive school environment. Parents are valuable partners in supporting the school and their child's learning and behaviour. Parents have valuable insights about how to best support their child's behaviour and learning. 

We are extending an expression of interest for people to join the PBL committee and attend 4-6 meetings per year.  We are looking for a commitment over time to be involved in the selection of focus behaviours, rewards days for the end of term and assisting with the running of our events.  If you are interested in joining our committee please leave your contact details with the front office staff.   ​

Behaviour of the Fortnight

“I am in the right place at the right time”

This fortnight we are focussing on “I am in the right place at the right time”.

One of the most important aspects of this is for our students to be in class and ready to learn at the second bell at the beginning of the day and after both breaks. This is a timely reminder that at the 8:45am our first bell sounds for students to head to their classroom.

Thank-you to all our families who support our focus behaviours by having follow-up discussions at home.  It is great for us all to be working together to make our school a great place to be.  One of the features of parade are the students observing, via video whether our teachers are following the school behaviours.  Come along and see if you can determine if our staff are participating throughout our school safely. 

Thank you for your ongoing support.

Lynette Urquhart 

               

Being in the right place at the right time

In the Right Place
At the Right Time

Sleep

Sleep 

There is a huge volume of research that is pointing to sleep as being a vital part of a successful school day. Here are some tips on how you can help your child to get a great night’s sleep:

About sleep and learning

Good-quality sleep helps your child concentrate, remember things and behave well. This helps them to be a successful learner.  Poor sleep or not enough sleep affects concentration, memory and behaviour, making it harder for your child to learn. Children who don’t sleep well are more likely to feel sleepy at school during the day and to have difficulties with learning.

Concentration and sleep

Children who are sleepy have trouble concentrating during the day. If your child can’t keep their attention on what they are trying to learn, whether it’s climbing a tree at the park or singing a song at school, it will affect their learning.

Memory and sleep

Remembering things is part of learning. If your child is tired, it’s harder for them to remember basic things like how to spell words, how to do maths calculations, or where to find information in a book or on the internet. It’s also harder for them to remember how to do things like playing a musical instrument.

Our brains create and strengthen different types of memory in different sleep cycles. For example, just before your child wakes in the morning, their brain uses the last stages of REM sleep to sort and store memories and information from the previous day and get ready for the day ahead.

Behaviour and sleep

Sleepy children tend to have more problems with behaviour at preschool or school – and at home too! 

For example, a sleepy and tired child might not cooperate in class or have difficulty following the teacher’s instructions. A sleepy child might miss out on learning because the teacher is busy managing their behaviour.

For more tips on sleep and other parenting ideas visit http://raisingchildren.net.au/

Schools Clean Up Day

Since 1992, schools across Australia have worked together and made a real difference to their environment and local communities through participating in Schools Clean Up Day. We have registered for this event and will be conducting our clean up on the 20th March between 2.30-3.00pm.  These sites make an immense contribution to the rubbish removed by volunteers - young and old! Schools Clean Up Day is a fun and engaging way to teach young Australians about the responsible disposal of rubbish, resource recovery and the repercussions of rubbish dumped irresponsibly in the local environment.

Lockyer Zone Cricket Trials Postponed

Unfortunately due to a clash in dates with the year 6 camp, the Lockyer Zone Cricket Trials have been postponed to a date yet to be confirmed. This will allow for all eligible to attend the trials. (New date will be advised asap possibly beginning of Term2)

Year 6 Camp

Year 6 students have the opportunity to attend Murphy’s Creek Adventure Camp from 11th to 13th March. All Camp acceptance forms have gone home with students and should have been returned to the school office. The final cost of the camp is $270.00. Payments are due by Friday 6th March. Please contact office if you are experiencing difficulties with payment. Payments can be made via Bpoint (details are on your invoice) or at the school office via cash/EFTPOS.

NRL Inspire RESPECT

On Wednesday the 12th of February the year 3-6 students participated in the NRL Inspire Respect program. The program promoted respect in all aspects of our lives, respecting ourselves, respecting our bodies and respecting other people. Melbourne Storm player Albert Vete came to present the program along with Jason Fairleigh the local NRL game development officer and our local member Jim McDonald.

RESPECT

Melbourne Storm's Albert Vete
Passing the ball
Watching Video about RESPECT

Lockyer Valley Libraries proudly hosts Stig Wemyss Show

Lockyer Valley Libraries proudly hosted the Stig Wemyss show to Gatton State School on Thursday the 13th of February. Stig is the narrator of all the Andy Griffiths audiobooks and his shows have been hugely popular in schools all around the world for the last 5 years. 

Stig was certainly very popular and entertaining, acting as a rockstar, playing a confusing game of “sausages” and making students fill their mouths with marshmallows.

Stig Wemyss

Zooper Dooper Sale

As a Term 1 Red Food day we will be selling Zooper Dooper ice-blocks outside the Staffroom on Tuesday 10th March at 11-15am for $0.50 cents each. (Money raised from the sale of these iceblock will help subsidise some cost of school excursions)


Maker Space

If you have any old newspapers at home can you please bring them in to Maker Space.

What has MW class been doing in Term ?

It’s halfway through term one and what have MW students been doing? We’ve practised our handwriting, writing the date, high frequency words and spelling. We’ve used models, manipulatives, quick pictures and symbols to build deeper mathematical understandings. We’ve had music with Mr Edwards and swimming with Mrs Scott. We’ve borrowed books from the library, listened to stories and practised read-to-self. We’ve cooked mini pizzas, made play dough and, iced and decorated biscuits with our grade 5 buddies. We’ve dug in the sandpit, climbed on the playground and run on the oval. We’ve gone to parade, worn our uniforms with pride, used our manners and been kind to others. We’ve talked, laughed and gotten to know each other. We’ve been busy.

Friday Morning Sport Term 1

Friday Morning Sport Term 1

This term students in year 4-6 participate in Friday morning sport. Children are divided into teams from a variety of sports.  In Term 1 students can play Softball, Cricket, Basketball, T-Ball, Kanga, Newcombe and general games.

This term sport will be played in the mornings in order to avoid the sometimes extreme afternoon heat.  Games will be played from approximately 9:45 to 10:50am with travel time required in addition to this.

Softball, T-Ball, Cricket, Newcombe and Kanga are graded so that they have an inter-school and intra-school component. A draw is created so that a number of the children can play against other schools including Withcott, OLGC, Peace and Lake Clarendon. 

Teams are sometimes required to travel during the term for games.  When teams play in town (eg. Cahill Park or Redbacks) the bus price is $4.00, when a team travels out of town (eg. Withcott, Lake Clarendon etc) the price is $6.50.  Note: Every effort is made to have teams play only two or three out of town days in the draw.

Teams that travel in term 1 are:

Softball A and B                     T-Ball A and B

Cricket A                                 Newcombe A and B (possibly)

Kanga A and B

Important note about messages to students

It can be difficult for office staff to contact children during sport. Only ask the office to contact your child in an emergency.  Please ensure you tell the office staff what sport and team your child is in.

Some sports also have a weekly court hire cost.

Basketball:                    $1.00

*(Basketball is played at the Lockyer Valley Sports Centre.  Students walk to this venue)

Overview of draw:

31st January                               Gatton Team Selections

7th February                               Gatton practise games

14th February                             Interschool games – Peace & OLGC

21st February                             Lockyer Zone Swimming Carnival

28th February                             Interschool games – Peace & OLGC

6th March                                   Interschool games – Withcott

13th March                                 Year 6 Camp – no sport

20th March                                 Interschool games – Withcott & Lk Clarendon

27th March                                 Lockyer Zone Softball, Cricket, Kanga Carnival

3rd April                                      Gatton SS Swimming Carnival

 

Students are instructed by their teacher and on parade each week about who is to travel, cost and venues of each sport.  Bus and venue money is to be given to the teacher in charge of the sport, on Friday morning before parade.

Parents are requested to ensure children bring correct money, their hat and a water bottle on all travel days.  Venue hire fees must also be paid weekly.

           

Swimming Lessons Term 1

Please note that there will be NO swimming on the following dates due to swimming carnivals by other schools or for other reasons listed:  

  • Tuesday 3rd March  (DD Secondary Carnival)

    • Wednesday 4th March  (DD Primary Carnival)

    Tuesday 10th March (Year 6 camp preparation)

    Wednesday 11th March (Year 6 camp)

    No classes will swim in the last week of term however the senior swimming carnival will be on Friday 3rd  April (last day of term 1)

Students of families, who pay the bulk swimming payment, will not miss any of their paid lessons as this is a 10 week term and these missed swimming days have been taken into account.

Don’t forget our Senior Swimming Carnival will be held in the last week of this term, Friday 3rd April.

              

Year 4-6 School Swimming Carnival

Year 4 -6 Swimming Carnival. 

 

Date:                   Friday 3rd April

 Time:                  9:15am (Start); 3:00pm (Finish)

 Venue:                Lockyer Valley Aquatic Centre

 Cost:                   ALL children in year 4 - 6 pay $5 on Friday morning 3rd April to their teacher. Children will walk to the pool in class groups.

 Bathing Caps:    House coloured bathing caps are available from the office for $3.00 each.

 Programs:          On sale for $3.00 from the school office on Thursday 2nd April. Children in 50 metre and 25 metre events have their name in the program.

 Uniform:            Children should wear their school uniform and a hat.  Bring; togs, towel, sunscreen. Don't wear togs to school in the morning. (Children will change into togs at the pool.)

 Lunch:                Children should bring a packed lunch. The pool canteen will be open during the day.

 N.B:                    Every year children ask if they can stay behind at the pool after the carnival. No child will be permitted to remain behind at the pool after the carnival. Children may go home with their parents if the parent sees the class teacher.

Helpers:              We will require a number of parents to assist as timekeepers. If you can help in this regard please contact Mrs Scott or leave a message at the office. All parents are welcome and encouraged to attend.

Program overview:

Each child will swim up to five swims. One event from each block.

Champion Events - A trophy will be awarded to 9yrs, 10yrs, 11yrs & 12yrs champions for girls and boys with medals for 2nd place in each age group.

For 10-12 year olds, the fastest heat (last heat) of 50m events marked * below will be considered for Championship points.  For 9 year olds, the fastest (last heat) of 25m events marked # below will be considered for Championship points.

 

Age Level

Block A

 

Block B

Breaststroke, Relay

Block C

Backstroke/Back kick

Block D

 

Block E

Freestyle

9

Freestyle Relay

15 metres short board kick

15 metres Noodle kick

Short board Relay

15 metres Freestyle

25 metres Breaststroke #

25 metres Backstroke #

25 metres Freestyle #

10

Freestyle Relay

15 metres short board kick

15 metres Back kick

15 metres Freestyle

25 metres Breaststroke

25 metres Backstroke

25 metres Freestyle

 

50 metres Breaststroke *

50 metres Backstroke *

50 metres Freestyle *

11

Freestyle Relay

15 metres short board kick

15 metres Back kick

15 metres Freestyle

25 metres Breaststroke

25 metres Backstroke

25 metres Freestyle

 

50 metres Breaststroke *

50 metres Backstroke *

50 metres Freestyle *

12

Freestyle Relay

15 metres short board kick

15 metres Back kick

15 metres Freestyle

25 metres Breaststroke

25 metres Backstroke

25 metres Freestyle

50 metres Breaststroke *

50 metres Backstroke *

50 metres Freestyle *

* Championship events for 11-12 years plus 50m Butterfly.  * Championship events for 10 years plus 25m Butterfly

# Championship events for 9 years plus 25m Butterfly.

             

Lockyer Zone Swimming Carnival

On Friday the 21st of February, 30 Gatton State School students participated in the Lockyer Zone Swimming Carnival as swimmers or helpers. The students had a fantastic day with plenty of ribbons and lots of the smiles.  

Four students made qualifying times and were selected to participate in the Lockyer zone team in the Darling Downs Swimming trials on Wednesday the 4th of March. These students were: Jacob Whittle, Imogen Griffiths, Kaleb Myers and Azariah Zillmann.  We wish them all the best at the trials.

Congratulations to Imogen Griffiths and Azariah Zillmann who received medallions as runner-up age champions.

 

Imogen Griffiths 10 years runner-up age champion

Azariah Zillmann 11 years runner-up age champion

              

Lockyer Zone Swimming Carnival

Naming Your Child's Belongings

Parents please ensure that all of your child/rens clothing and other items are named clearly. This includes school uniforms. With children changing their clothes in a hurry for swimming, items quite often get mixed up and left behind. If your child’s name is on their belongings it makes it easier for staff and students to identify their belongings and have them returned to their rightful owners.

School Crossings

Today a familiar sight around schools is the School Crossing Supervisor. Their role in the school community is to ensure that the students who cross the road at the children’s crossing do so in a safe manner.  

Children crossing flags are displayed near crossings around schools before and after school hours when children are crossing the road. A children's crossing may be supervised.

School crossing supervisors use a hand-held stop sign to stop traffic and allow children to cross the road safely.

When the children’s crossing flags are on display, you must stop at the stop bars and give way to any pedestrians on or entering the crossing (regardless of whether a crossing supervisor is present or not).

You must wait until all pedestrians have crossed the road and the crossing supervisor has returned to the footpath.

If you need to stop or park (picking up or dropping of passengers) your vehicle must be no closer than 20 metres on the approach side and 10 metres on the departure side of the crossing. These “NO STOPPING” areas are clearly marked with a no stopping sign.  

Remember, road safety is everybody’s business.

              

P&C News

Welcome

Welcome everyone from the new committee for 20250. We look forward to hearing your ideas, working alongside and most importantly getting to know each and every one of our students and their families.

 

New Tuckshop days and hours are Wednesday to Friday 8:15am to 1:30pm.

The School Tuckshop is run by the P&C Association, therefore all revenue earned through the Tuckshop goes back to helping purchase items to aid students learning.

A new Tuckshop Menu will be out soon. We strive to bring your children a healthy range of reasonably priced food. The tuckshop menu is Smart Choice compliant and unfortunately due to factors outside of our control some menu items may at times be unavailable. Tuckshop hours are as above, However please note that trading hours and menu prices may change. In these circumstances any changes will be advertised in the School newsletter and on the School website.

To place a tuckshop order please ensure you provide a suitably sized paper bag with the following information-

Students Name

Students Class

First break or Second break (a separate bag for each break if ordering for both first and second break).

Menu items ordered

Total cost of the order.

Tuckshop orders should be placed in the class tuckshop box prior to 9:10am.

Unfortunately the Tuckshop does not provide credit! Please ensure payment is included with your child’s order.

 

Speedway

Volunteers are needed to help man the Canteen at the Gatton Speedway on March 21st from 11am to 9pm. If you have an hour or two to spare please contact the school office 0754663333.


Volunteers

Volunteers are an important part of our Tuckshop. We cannot operate without Volunteers and provide this service to your children. It is a great place to catch up with others and contribute to the school. Some life-long friendships have been made from volunteering at the school Tuckshop. Students love to see someone they know and love in the Tuckshop during their break times.

Our busiest times are in the mornings from 9:00am – 11:40am so after you drop your children at school maybe you could lend a hand for an hour or two. Please contact the Tuckshop on 54663314 or the school office on 54663333 for more information on volunteering.


Uniforms

The Tuckshop is taking layby's for  uniforms. To help families with the expense of uniforms you now have the option to layby uniforms. Please contact the office or Tuckshop for a layby order form.