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WELLERS HILL STATE SCHOOL Strive to Succeed

Principal: Mr John Webster

Deputy Principal: Mr Jack White Deputy Principal: Ms Lisa Tonscheck

Deputy Principal: Taku Hashimoto School Captains: Layla Borhani, Catherine Ellerton,

Mitchell Holm, Joel Taylor

Telephone: 07 3249 1333 Fax: 07 3848 0228

Web: www.wellhillss.eq.edu.au Email: admin@wellhillss.eq.edu.au

Wednesday 8 November 2017

FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Dear Parents and Community Members We have reached Week 6 and school seems to be getting busier and busier. Over the last two weeks we have celebrated a significant amount of musical achievement. Our choirs, bands and strings have competed in Music Fest and all did extremely well. This year is the first time our Year 2 students have performed in a strings

competition and everyone was proud of their confidence and playing ability. Our music teachers, Josie Price, Robyn Rosewarne and Gillian Christensen are absolutely amazing and I thank them for their dedication to making our music programme the best in Brisbane. As all parents would be aware, WHSS was a State Finalist in the DET State Showcase Awards for Excellence. While the Japanese Bilingual Programme did not win in the category of Global Engagement, we are proud to have achieved a State Finalist award. I would like to congratulate the winner in the Global Engagement category, Robina State Secondary School for their Secondary Japanese Bilingual Programme. I would also like to thank the members of the WHSS P and C Association for funding the improvement of the three school ovals. The larger Top Oval is currently under refurbishment. With the other two oval repairs following closely after the top oval completion. This is an extremely expensive project for the P and C Association; however the improvements will benefit all students in the school. The P and C has also just completed the installation of air conditioning in all classrooms across the school. The teachers have indicated that the afternoons are more productive in terms of teaching and learning due to the rooms having A/C. Thank you to all of the members of the P and C for making conditions better for our students. Have a great week. Kind regards John

WHAT’S ON AT WELLERS Prep Investigation Morning 17 November Year 6 Graduation 6 December

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DATE CLAIMERS and DUE DATES FOR PAYMENTS Year Level Event Due Date Amount

Prep Santa Show 22 November 15 November $7 6 Wet n Wild 7 December 24 November $28/Pass$10

Multiple excursions/activities can be paid with one cheque or EFTPOS transaction (located at office). Cash is also acceptable.

On each excursion letter will be a DUE DATE for payment. No monies will be accepted after the due date. Therefore, unfortunately, students will not be able to attend the excursion/activity.

CAPTAINS’ CORNER

Year 6 is working hard fundraising for Graduation in week 10. This week a P-3 disco will be happening in the Hall for a gold coin donation. On a different note, the top oval will be out of bounds for the rest of the year due to the growing of the grass.

Catherine Ellerton, Layla Borhani, Joel Taylor, Mitchell Holm

STUDENT COUNCIL FUNDRAISING

Starting on Tuesday the 31st of October, a group of Year Six students hosted a movie fundraiser for the Year Prep, One, Two, Three and Four. On the first day were preps and year ones, the total raised on that day was $330.10 in two breaks. On Day 2 of this extravagant idea was the Year Twos. They helped raise $220 in one break! Day three was even better. Year Six as well as the Years Three and Four raised $332.35 in one break!! That brings up a grand total of $882.45! This broke records and was the most money ever raised in 3 days by a group of Year Six students in the history of Wellers Hill State School

Jack Stevens

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ICAS – INTERNATIONAL COMPETITIONS and ASSESSMENTS f or SCHOOLS Once again, our students have performed well above national standards in the International Competitions and Assessment for Schools. ICAS testing is authentic, higher-end assessment designed to challenge students’ knowledge and understanding over a spectrum of levels of difficulty. The following students will be presented with their achievement certificates on parade on Friday 17th November. Certificates for Merit and Participation will be sent home this week. English 2017

Credit = Top 40% Distinction = Top 10% Hig h Distinction = Top 2%

Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Year 6

Credit Harry N Lennox J Zara H Jessica A

Sam C Flynn S Mia B Charlie C

Kristen C Atticus L Connor B Carly O

Ivy S Finnian M Stanley C-W Harrison W

Luke T Isabella B Jacob D

Arpana A Flynn G

Millie B Eleanor H

Callum L

Eliza P

Distinction Tannum Cassin Piper D

Brooke O

Remy W-M

High Distinction Alisha G Monique S Trish C

Catherine E

PRINCIPAL’S AWARD: TRISH C - With a score of 50/50 – Trish was in the top 1 % of Year 6 students who took the test in Australia and South – East Asia.

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Writing 2017

Credit = Top 40% Distinction = Top 10% Hig h Distinction = Top 2%

Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Year 6

Credit Kristen C Flynn S Connor B Catherine E

Kai F D Isabella B Stanley C-W Sophie H

Cohen M Julia O Olivia G Chloe T

Emma R Eliza P Nicholas L

Ivy S Monique S

Lashitha T

Distinction Kris K Millie B Mia B

Alisha G

High Distinction Tara M

PRINCIPAL’S AWARD Tara Mann: With a score of 22/ 34 – Tara was in the top 1 % of Year 5 students who took the test in Australia and South – East Asia.

SCHOOL BEHAVIOUR LEADERSHIP TEAM :

GOTCHAS

Gotchas are given when children are 'caught' doing the right thing and are not used as a 'carrot to bribe’ students to behave appropriately. They are an overt consequence of appropriate behavi our. This reinforcement occurs continuously throughout the day. When staff ‘catch’ a student following the rules they can choose to give them a Gotcha card. When students are given a Gotcha card they drop the card in designated boxes in the Library.

Each week students are selected from their House and these students are given the opportunity to choose a prize from the “Gotcha” box if they are in Prep – Year 2 and receive an iceblock from the Tuckshop if they are in Years 3 - 6.

When a child receives five or more Gotchas he/she is eligible to receive a certificate from the Principal/Deputy Principals. Cards are never removed as a consequence for problem behaviour.

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SPORT NEWS Sports Dates for Term 4 Senior Twilight Swimming Carnival > Monday 27th November Junior Swimming Carnival > Thursday 30th November Queensland State Track & Field Carnival Good luck to Harry P at the upcoming Pacific School Games, which is to be held in Adelaide in December. Twilight Swimming Carnival (Age 9-12) – District Qu alifying Event The Twilight Swimming Carnival will be held in Week 9. This carnival serves two purposes: - To decide age champions from 9-12 years based on total points from 50m Freestyle, 50m

Breaststroke, 50m Backstroke and 50m Butterfly. - To determine the top 2-3 swimmers in each age/gender group by event to attend the district

swimming carnival in 2018 (subject to reaching the qualifying time).

Only students turning 9-12 in 2017 can enter this event. Attendance is not compulsory however, non-swimmers can attend and support. Students will first be timed in PE classes and must achieve the qualifying time before being able to nominate. This is to ensure all students who nominate for the carnival are serious about attending and are able to competently swim the 50m distance for the given stroke. Date: Monday 27th November 2017 (Week 9) Time: 6-7:30pm Nominations: In PE Class (Weeks 6, 7 & 8) Junior Swimming Carnival (Years 1 – 3) This year the 1-3 carnival will be organised by allocated time blocks for each year level. The approximate timetable is as follows:

• 8.50 – 9.55 > Year 1 • 9.55 – 11.00 > Year 2 • 11.45 – 12.50 > Year 3 • 13.00 – 13.10 > Presentation • 13.10 > Finish

There are no nominations for events; students simply choose whether they will swim across pool or full length for each individual stroke. Students cannot do both and should swim at their standard – no experienced swimmers across pool. There will be races for freestyle, backstroke and breaststroke. No butterfly. First, second and third place get ribbons and points for each race. Sun safety is a priority, sunscreen to be applied before school, sun shirts, caps, goggles essential. Year 1 students are asked to wear their swimmers to school. Swimming (Term 4) PE lessons will move back into the pool in term 4 so here are a few reminders of how swimming lessons work and what you need to be prepared. Students must have swimmers, sun shirt, cap, towel and a bag to put it all in. Goggles are recommended; as they will prevent sore eyes and help you swim in a straight line. All of this gear must be named and it is advisable to wear sunscreen on the day of your lesson. Lessons for all years will start in week two. For parents: find out what day and time your child’s swimming lesson is on to see if you can help out on the day and most importantly remind them to pack their swimmers for that day. For prep classes it would be ideal to have a minimum four parents in the water and a couple out of the pool. For Year 1-3 that there are a minimum of three parents at a lesson with at least two being in the water to assist. With the upper school one-two parents on the pool deck is sufficient.

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I understand that parents are extremely busy but even if you make it to one lesson in a term, I am sure your child will appreciate that you went to watch them swim and it will help share the load around the rest of the parent group. It is important that students make an effort to be swimming at every lesson as it is a short and busy term and new skills are learnt every week. Remember to bring your swimmers and even if you aren’t feeling 100% to at least try to get in the pool and swim because you will feel much better for giving it a go. Students are reminded that three “no swims” without a valid reason may result in an RT visit. Thank you all for continued support of Wellers Hill Sports in 2017.

FROM THE SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE Hi Everyone The Sustainability Committee is continuing our quest to encourage the Wellers Hill school community to conserve water. We have renewed the posters at all of the drinking bubblers to remind students to turn off the taps when they have finished drinking. We are also continuing with visits to classrooms at lunch breaks to check if lights, fans and air conditioners are turned off. Classrooms are rewarded with a star on their door if everything is off or a reminder cloud if there is something left on. As summer has arrived early, it is even more important to keep an eye on the usage of fan and air conditioners. Remember to conserve water and electricity. Let’s finish the year of strongly!!!!! Thanks Jade Sustainability Committee Captain

GOOD NEWS STORY Congratulations to Aiden W. who is competing at the QSS 11- 12 Years Aquathlon State Championships to be held at Hervey Bay on 17 February 2018. Good Luck Aiden.

FROM THE CHAPLAIN

As Chaplain, I often supply spare hats, swimwear, uniforms etc. to students when they are in need.

A representative from another primary school, which has a high refugee population, has informed me of a need at their school, for donations of small sized swimwear (around sizes 4-5) to assist some of the refugee students who do not own togs, rashies etc.

If you are able to help – either with second-hand gear or new, swim hats, goggles etc. I will be very happy to pass on all donations.

Stephanie Kennedy Chaplain WHSS

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FUTURE LEARNING TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM Wellers Hill State School is working hard to help our students to be safe, smart and responsible while interacting online. Click on the icons below for further details. "The internet has become an integral part of life. It is a powerful resource, enabling people of all ages to learn and communicate in a myriad of new ways. For children, growing up in a world where the internet has always been available, it is an essential tool." - The Australian Communication & Media Authority Because children are using the internet extensively both at home and at school, parents are encouraged to read the Cyber Smart Guide for Families. It will provide practical advice and information on safe internet usage at home and in public spaces, such as libraries or internet cafes. Parents can help to keep their children cyber safe, and ensure that the whole family enjoys positive internet experiences. This Guide will assist parents to achieve this goal. Cyber Smart Guide for Families

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MUSIC NEWS

ALL MUSIC STUDENTS

Music Night

The second Music (& Awards) Night will be held on Wednesday the 29 th of November – 6.30pm at the new venue - Mansfield State High School. Due to the growth of the Music Program, a larger venue is required to accommodate students, parents and guests. Please put this date in your calendars as ALL MUSIC STUDENTS are expected to be in attendance. A note with details of the event will be sent home soon. If a student is unable to attend due to an unchangeable prior commitment, parents are asked to please let the Director of the group know ASAP via email.

CHOIRS

Musicfest – Congratulations

Congratulations to Junior Choir, Senior Choir and Vocal Group. All three choirs performed beautifully last weekend at Musicfest. Junior Choir achieving a Silver Award, and Senior Choir and Vocal Group achieving Gold Awards. The adjudicator, Mr Timothy Sherlock is a very experienced and well respected member of the Brisbane Choral scene, and he gave all the choirs very positive feedback. Well done to ALL CHOIRS!

Senior Choir Parade Performance

The Senior Choir will be performing on parade on Friday the 17 th of November at the whole school parade! School uniform (not sports uniform) should be worn for this parade performance. Senior Choir rehearsal will run as usual on this morning.

BAND NEWS

Congratulations

A huge Congratulations to our year 4,5 and 6 Band students who performed at MusicFest.!

Our youngest band, the year 4 Junior Band played with energy and precision and were awarded a GOLD Award. Our Senior Concert Band consisting of year 5 and 6 students performed outstandingly and were awarded the very prestigious PLATINUM award! Congratulations to all our performers on their fine achievements.

Band Recruitment

2018 instrument offers for the band program have been given to students this week. Unfortunately, due to the high demand of the program, not all students have been successful in gaining a position. Those students who were unsuccessful have been placed on a waiting list.

Those students successful in being awarded a position in the program have until Wednesday 15th November to return their enrolment, instrument loan and accessory pack forms to confirm their position in the program.

Levies

Levies for 2018 will be issued by the school and are due to be paid by week 9 Friday 1st December.

Year 4 Band Students

This week year 4 students were given information about purchasing their own instrument for 2018 (flute, clarinet, alto saxophone, trumpet, trombone, percussion). Included in this information are details regarding recommended brands and music shop suppliers. This is a very busy time for music stores,

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please ensure you start planning your instrument purchase now in order to have it for 2018. Many music stores also have rent-to-buy and payment schemes to assist families.

STRING NEWS

Ensemble Rehearsals

Thank you to the Grade 2 and 4 parents who attended a different rehearsal this week. It was great hearing the potential ensembles for 2018! There is no rehearsal on Friday morning (10th) for the Grade 2’s.

All rehearsals will return to normal next week and continue up until the concert night (Wednesday November 29th). There will be no rehearsals after this date. There will be no rehearsal for the Grade 2’s on Friday the 1st of December. Lessons will continue up until Week 8.

School instruments

If your child is loaning a school instrument, it mu st be returned to school on Thursday the 30 th of November. Instruments will be sent to the repairer on this day, so it is essential every instrument is returned. If your child is loaning an instrument next year, they will need to return a Christmas loan form if they wish to borrow it over the school holidays (provided it doesn’t need repairs).

New instrument for 2018

By now all students who need to purchase a new instrument or upgrade to a bigger instrument should have received a note about this. If your child didn’t receive a note, it means they can remain on the same instrument for next year. Please read the information provided about what to purchase (and what not to purchase!) and if you have any questions email jpric211@eq.edu

Happy Music Making! Mrs Kristensen, Mrs Rosewarne, Mrs Price.

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P-2 Parade Certificates

PREP F Laura M Ben P

PREP J Abbie C-M Nicholas H

PREP M Hazel T Piper S

PREP P Tenzin S Georgie T

PREP TM Ravi P Kalyn S

1C Umika M Alex D

1H Havey T Elyssa B

1P Luciana P Vlinder M

1RE Gabriella B Vasco P

Deacon M

1T Estella H Abbey C

1/2BL Lucinda C Georgia R

2K Jordan S Charlie S

2M Riley E Sonny W

2T Ruby T Grace M

2H & 2U

Olive S Sierra M

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LIBRARY NEWS Issue 8 of Book Club has just been issued.

Orders close on Wednesday, 22 November.

TRAFFIC ACTION GROUP: Next Meeting – Wednesday 22 nd November 6:00pm Annexe

KEY MESSAGES:

• Don’t park in pick-up zones • Walk a while (even just a block) • Speed up pick-up (family names on visors make loading easier) • Only cross at the crossing • Stagger pick-up time (less traffic by 3.15pm) • On your bike! (ride and use the bike locker)

UNIFORM SHOP Wednesday 1:30 to 3.30 p.m.

Friday 8.00 to 10.00 a.m. Deb Love Telephone 3249 1361 School

uniformshopwhss@gmail.com

EMERGENCY CONTACTS

Please ensure the school has up-to-date information regarding emergency contacts so that you can be contacted promptly if required.

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SCHOOL BANKING

We are fast approaching the end of the school year. A reminder that the final banking for 2017 will be Thursday 23rd November (week 8). This will ensure the final rewards claimed by children will arrive before school holidays. Prizes available are: Colour Change Markers 3D Chalk Set Tablet Case Smiley Emoji Keyring Volt Handball Pencil and Tech Case Epic Earphones

We thank you for your ongoing support of the school banking program at Wellers Hill. If you ever have any questions or queries regarding the school banking program, please feel free to drop in and see the banking ladies in the staff room on Thursday morning. Kind Regards, Caroline and Laura School Banking Team COMMUNITY NEWS TENNIS HOT SHOTS – NEW CLASSES ADDED FOR TERM 4 ENR OLMENTS! Enrolments are now open for term 4 tennis coaching. Additional places have been made available for the Term 4 Tennis Program. ENROL ONLINE at www.tennisforkids.com.au

PRIVATE AND SEMI-PRIVATE LESSONS AVAILABLE ON REQUEST Should you have any questions please contact Tennis for Kids on info@tennisforkids.com.au or 0408 187 741. NEW CHILDREN, ENROLLING IN TERM 4 WILL RECEIVE A FR EE JUNIOR TENNIS RACQUET!

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SCHOOL HOLIDAY TENNIS COACHING CLINICS MONDAY 11TH, TUESDAY 12TH, WEDNESDAY 13TH DECEMBER (8am – 10.30am) MONDAY 15TH, TUESDAY 16TH, WEDNESDAY 17TH JANUARY (8am – 10.30am) During these coming school holidays Tennis For Kids will be delivering School Holiday Coaching Clinics at Coorparoo - Our Lady of Mount Carmel Primary School (only a 5 minute drive away!) The coaching clinics are suitable for everyone as children will be divided into groups according to both age and ability. Each session includes plenty of coaching and games, with coaches ensuring regular breaks and snack time, especially for the littlies! Holiday Clinic positions are limited. Last holidays the program was completely booked out 2 weeks before school finished so please enrol early to avoid disappointment. For further details or to enrol, please click this link - http://tennisforkids.com.au/holiday-clinics-2/ or contact Tennis For Kids at info@tennisforkids.com.au or on 0408 187 741

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Community Christmas Carols Sunday 3rd December

7PM Right HERE in our School Hall

This is a feel-good, family-friendly event that will be enjoyed by all generations. Enjoy the telling of the Christmas story in the form of a pageant, join in with the Carol-ing and make some more beautiful Christmas memories. The Carols will proceed, even in wet weather, as we will be indoors. Free refreshments afterwards. Invite family and friends and get set for a lovely community event. PS. There will be a goodwill offering during the evening which will be used to support the work of Uniting World in their work in eradicating poverty

PARKRUN There is a large contingent of Wellers Hill families both past and present who participate in Parkrun at Stones Corner and we would love to see you there. It is as simple as registering via the link below then turning up. The people who run it do a great job and everyone is made to feel very welcome. I will guarantee that there will be someone there that you know.

Details:

Where: Hanlon Park Corner of Junction St and O’Keefe St Stones Corner

When: (Almost) Every Saturday at 7:00am

Cost: Free

Fitness Level: Very fit to “Warning: This Activity Can Be Addictive”

Link: http://www.parkrun.com.au/stonescorner/