Leichhardt State School eNewsletter

From the Principal

Welcome to 2022 School Year! We hope you enjoyed the holidays with your family and friends, and are looking forward to sending your students back to school on Monday. Following my article, I have included all the communications we sent this week through emails and SchoolStream, in an attempt to reach as many people as possible.

I thank you in advance for following the guidelines around our arrangements for the first four weeks, 7 February to 4 March. One of the most important things to keep everyone safe is that students who are feeling unwell stay at home until their symptoms have gone away.

We understand that this may be a difficult time for our families and, as always, we are doing everything we can to support you in the best way possible. From Monday, 7 February, we will have a new position at the school focused on supporting our families, the Community Support Coordinator. This role will assist families to access the available support services for themselves and their children.

As you are aware, we will not be having any large gatherings on the school grounds until 4 March. We have decided to move all the ceremonies to later in the term, in the hope that our parents will be able to attend. As the situation continues to develop, we will be communicating with you the changes that take place.

In the meantime, take care of yourself and your loved ones. We cannot wait to see our students back on Monday!!

Frequently asked questions

What happens if my child develops COVID-19 symptoms while at school?

If a student develops symptoms while at school they will be made comfortable and isolated in a safe place until collected by their parent/carer.

When the student is collected, the parent/carer will receive a RAT to administer at home.

If the test result is negative and they are well, student can return to school. If the test is positive, they will need to follow Queensland Health quarantine and isolation requirements.

Do I come to school to collect a RAT if my child is sick at home?

No. All students and school staff and who are sick or showing COVID-19 symptoms should visit their

local testing clinic. They will be prioritised to collect a RAT and take it home to administer.

If the test result is negative and they are well, the staff member or student can return to school. If the test is positive, they will need to follow Queensland Health quarantine and isolation requirements.

Do students in Years 3–6 have to bring a face mask to school?

Students in Years 3–6 will be provided with masks by their school and strongly encouraged to wear

them when physical distancing is not possible.

Will sporting events be continuing?

Yes. Sporting events will continue on and off school site

Can my school hold face-to-face assemblies or large gatherings, including school camps?

No, these activities are currently suspended. However, your school will provide information about

what this means for you and any changes to the school calendar. Some schools may deliver events

on line.

Are there any special arrangements for students starting Kindergarten or Prep?

Yes. While there are limitations to parents/carers on school sites, we know that starting Kindergarten or Prep is an important milestone in a child’s learning journey, and we want all children and families

to have a positive transition. Schools are ready to safely welcome you and your child.

Can I enter the school with my child who attends an Early Childhood Development Program, Kindy, Prep or Year 1 or is experiencing vulnerability?

Yes. You will be able to enter the school grounds to support your child’s start to school. Your school

will communicate with you about how they will manage the flow of children and families on the

school site for the first four weeks.

Can parents/carers of Years 2 and above come onto school grounds?

Schools will be limiting the number of visitors on school sites from 7 February -4 March 2022. If your

child is experiencing vulnerability you may enter to support your child’s start to school. Your school

will communicate with you the arrangements for these 4 weeks.

If my child is home unwell are they expected to do school work?

No. If children are unwell, they should rest and recover.

Student and families can access teaching and learning on the learning@home site.

There are resources available to help families and students care for their mental health and well-being at this time.

Families should contact their school to discuss possible learning at home arrangements.

Are teachers expected to provide remote learning to unwell children?

No. If children are unwell, they should rest and recover.

Student and families can access teaching and learning on the learning@home site.

There are resources available to help families and students care for their mental health and well-being at this time.

Families should contact their school to discuss possible learning at home arrangements.

Will I be informed is there is a positive of COVID-19?

Members of the school community, including staff and families, will be informed about positive

cases.

Can outside organisations still hire/use school facilities?

From 7 February to 4 March, external organisations and/or contractors will need to contact their

school for further information regarding limitations to access school facilities.

If my child is quarantining at home are they expected to do school work?

No although students and families are encouraged to access teaching and learning on the learning@

home site.

Families should contact their school to discuss possible learning at home arrangements which suit

the school and family context.

Update for school community

Dear parents and caregivers

Thank you for your ongoing support as we work together to respond to the evolving COVID-19

situation. As announced by the Premier on Sunday 30 January 2022, the Queensland Government has released

the COVID-safe back to school plan.

From Monday 7 February, key features of the plan include:

– Suspension of school camps, excursions, assemblies, and large gatherings (please note that

school sport will continue as usual)

– Limiting of visitors on site, with exceptions for parents and carers of Prep or Year 1 students

– Special drop off zones

– Masks supplied and strongly encouraged for students in Years 3 to 6

– Mask wearing for all staff, contractors, visitor and volunteers

– Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) available in school for students and staff who develop symptoms

while on site

– Priority access to RATs for students and staff at Queensland Health testing clinics

– A range of ventilation measures

You can access the Return to School plan here, and further information and FAQs on the Department

of Education COVID-19 website.

Essential to the success of these measures, is that if your child is unwell or displaying any COVID-19

symptoms, they must not attend school. I cannot emphasise this message strongly enough – it is

critical to keeping our school community safe.

Rapid antigen tests (RATs)

Our school has a supply of RATs, which will be provided to any staff or students who, while attending

school, develop COVID-19 symptoms. Please note if your child has COVID-19 symptoms while at

home they must not attend school.

Your child, if they have COVID-19 symptoms, can visit your local Queensland health testing clinic and

will be given priority access to a free RAT.

Limiting access for visitors

At our school, limitations on parent and visitor access are now in place.

If you are a parent of a Kindy/Prep or Year 1 student, you may enter the school with your child.

For other parents and visitors, please limit your access to the school as much as possible.

Excursions and camps

Any excursions and camps scheduled between now and 4 March are cancelled.

I encourage you to stay informed of the latest developments relating to COVID-19 by regularly visiting

the Queensland Government website.

Thank you for your understanding as we continue to work together during this difficult and

unprecedented time.

ARRANGEMENTS FOR BACK TO SCHOOL FROM 7 FEBRUARY TO 4 MARCH 2022

To ensure our school remains a COVID-safe environment, the following plan has been developed for the first four weeks upon return, 7 February to 4 March. A letter will be sent to all parents later today, including Frequently Asked Questions.

Students and parents on school grounds

All students will be returning to school on Monday 7 February.
Only parents of children in Prep and Year 1 may enter the school grounds.
Parents of students in Years 2-6 are asked to say bye to the children at the gate, and pick them up from the gate in the afternoon.
Any parent is allowed on the school grounds in case of an emergency.

Drop-off and Pick-up

Three gates will be open to access the school grounds: Gate 1 (near Administration), Gate 3 (near Basketball courts) and Gate 4 (Grassed car park area).

Student books and stationery

Students have the whole week to bring their stationery to school.
Students are to bring pens, pencils and a couple of notebooks on the first day, and bring the rest of the equipment throughout the week, so they do not have to carry a heavy bag on Day 1.

Face masks

All school staff, volunteers, family members, contractors and other visitors are required to wear masks.
Students in Years 3-6 will be provided with masks and strongly encouraged to wear them when physical distancing is not possible.
Face masks may be removed in some circumstances (e.g. if physical distancing can be maintained).

School camps, excursions, assemblies and large gatherings

All large gatherings, assemblies, camps and excursions are suspended during this time.

Yours sincerely

Maja Bogicevic

Principal

From the HOSES

As you all prepare for the return to school on Monday, many people will be feeling a mix of emotions. Remember to take the time to talk to your children about how they might be feeling, listen to the reasons they think they feel this way and let them know that what they are feeling is okay and that everything will be alright.

If you have any concerns about the first day, you are welcome to contact the school so that relevant staff can be made aware and support can be put into place.

A few things of importance to note for the beginning of the school year:

If your child has received a medical diagnosis over the holidays or there is any change with regard to medication or medical management plans, please advise the school as soon as possible.
If you would like your child to be able to access their NDIS service providers during school hours at the school, you will need to make a formal request (see Helen in the front office for the paperwork) and have an access agreement put in place. Any students who had access agreements in place last year will need to confirm/update information about service providers and sign a new access agreement before providers are allowed to provide services at the school in 2022. Please see Helen in the front office to make these arrangements or for further information.
If you require any paperwork or letters from the school to provide to your Doctor or Specialist please request this through the HOSES, Mrs Neville or the Guidance Office, George Castles. These should not be directly given to or requested from the Classroom Teachers.

Reading @ Leichhardt

School hasn’t even started back yet and our students are already smashing reading goals on Reading Eggs!

Here are just some of the certificates that have been achieved by our Year 1 to Year 3 students:

What about our amazing 2022 Preps! The below students have not even started Prep this year and they are already smashing Reading Eggs awards! Well done, students!

Reading Eggs Gold certificates will be ready for collection on return to school. How amazing, reading awards even before the first day of school!

If you would like your child to engage with Reading Eggs and do not have their login details, please contact Mrs Finlay (Head of Department: Reading).

In week 1 of term 1, the students of Leichhardt State School participated in some craft activities. On Monday and Tuesday we made paper planes to see how far they could fly. There were many different types made and each one flew differently. The students also did lot of craft with Aunty Marly. They also made a yummy treat to take home. the students had some library time and listened to a story, while the story was played they had a go at drawing pictures of what was happening in the story.

In week 2 of term 1, the students of Leichhardt State School participated in some craft activities. On Monday we painted pictures of animals and the Australian landscape. We also created nature crowns with leaves and bark on them. We made our own Chinese Dragons and lantern collarges. On Thursday, we engaged in story origami. We made penguins, whales, kites, and surfboards as the stories were told. After we finished we made chatterboxes. we enjoyed making chatterboxes of all sizes. we had a great time this week.

Year 6 Meadia Captain.

This term in Science, the students in years 5 and 6 will be focusing on chemical science linked to indigenous culture. The Year 6 students will be completing a unit called ‘Let’s Stick It Together’. During the unit they will investigate the traditional uses of adhesives by Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islanders. Our Year 5 students' unit is ‘What’s Cooking’, where they will investigate traditional cooking methods used by Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islanders.

In Arts, we have two amazing new arts teachers, Miss Hnarakis, who is teaching Prep to Year 4 and Miss Fullarton will be teaching our Year 5 and 6 students. Both teachers will be teaching visual arts and have developed creative, engaging units to allow students to develop their Arts skills and knowledge. We can’t wait to see their art works!

Mr Brennan is our new technology teacher and will be teaching years 4, 5 and 6 in the STEAM area. In Semester 1, the students will be learning about, circuits, robotics and how to manage our waste footprint.

We are excited for all the hands on learning experiences our students will be provided this year in STEAM!

Swimming News

Swimming will commence Monday 07/02/22. Please refer to the table below on what items your child will require and what day your child will be swimming. Please ensure all permission forms have been returned. If you have not already completed a permission form you can find them in front of the main office entrance.

Term 1 - Swimming
Please ensure the following items are labelled clearly.	Days	Classes
Sun safe swimmers Swimming cap Goggles Towel Bag to put wet gear in	Monday	1A 1B 2A 2B
	Tuesday	3A 3B 3C 4B 4C
	Thursday	4A 5A 5B 6A 6B

Some of wonderful Leichhardt Staff

From Prep A

Hello! My name is Miss Toolis and I will be teaching Prep A this year. In our class we will be doing lots of fun activities like drawing, writing, reading, craft, dancing, gardening and lots more. Some things I like are dogs, craft, the colour green, chocolate, mangoes, dancing and sports.

Pop on by to Prep A to see out Jungle classroom.

From Prep B

Hello Leichhardt. Lots of you already know me well but for those who do not I am a prep teacher and the Early Years Coordinator. I have been at Leichhardt State School for six years and this year I will be in Prep B with Miss Amy. I am looking forward to meeting all of the new students starting at our school this year and catching up with everyone when we return.

Welcome to 2022. Over the last two weeks Miss Simonds and Miss Amy have been getting the classroom ready. We as so excited for the year to start and cannot wait to see you all on Monday.

From 1A

Hi My name is Jaya Vasudevan and I am teaching 1A this year. Students call me Miss J!

I have been working as a casual/contract teacher in south-east Queensland since October 2019. I also have 8 years of classroom experience from my home country, which is India. Throughout my career, I have had the opportunities to work with a wide variety students and was able to support them to the best of my skills and abilities. I look forward to meeting you all soon.

From 1B

Hello there to everyone in the Leichhardt community,

I would like to introduce myself as I will be one of the new faces that you see around the school. My name is Lisa Krings and I will be teaching 1B at Leichhardt State School. Although I have recently graduated from university, I have previously been a kindergarten teacher for three years. I am married with three boys aged 4, 6 and 16 years old. My boys are sports crazy especially about cricket, soccer and karate. I, on the other hand, prefer sitting quietly with a cup of tea.

I am very excited about being part of the Leichhardt community and seeing the children on Monday after the delay to the school year.

See you Monday,

Mrs Lisa Krings

From 2A

Welcome to a new year in 2A. My name is Ms Reck and I will be your teacher this year. It is very exciting to be at Leichhardt this year! I am new to the school this year I am so excited to be here and look forward to lots of great learning and fun adventures. I can’t wait to meet you all next week when we can get back into the classroom. I hope you are having a wonderful summer holiday, all the best.

Ms Sara Reck

From 4A

I began teaching in the Leichhardt school community in 2021 and have enjoyed my experience. I look forward to being the classroom teacher for 4A in 2022. I have been a Primary School teacher within the Ipswich region since 2015. Prior to 2015 I taught in North Queensland, Uluru, Toowoomba and at the Brisbane Youth Detention Centre. I enjoy the outdoors, music, sport and investing.

Mr David Jentz

From 5A Emily O'Connor

Hi Leichhardt,

My name is Miss O'Connor and I will be teaching year 5 and 6 Science and HASS. I am also a Head of Department at Leichhardt so I am lucky enough to get to visit every classroom! My aim every day is to help others strive to be the best version of themselves. I love sport and health/fitness, the outdoors (especially the beach) as well as spending time with my family and friends. A favourite food is sweets (chocolate!) and my favourite drink is coffee. Below are some photos of our 5A classroom. I am looking forward to another great year of learning and hope you are also excited for the year ahead!

From the Technology Teacher

Well where to begin. I am a new math and technology teacher at Leichhardt this year, and 6B’s Connect teacher. I love tech gadgets and anything to do with technology. I also love music, math, art, sports cars and motorcycles photography, travelling, nature/environment and I am passionate about learning new things. I am a parent of three beautiful children (two are adults) but no grandchildren. I am excited about working with you at Leichhardt this year, with plans to try out new technologies, and incorporate them into our learning. I take a terrible selfie, something that I am working on. Apparently you have to look up, so that you do get a double chin or shadow. So here goes, opps terrible, and I left my tech in my ears opps. Well to be honest this is a trip to Kakadu, and so are these. Indigenous art gallery, in Jabiru NT.

This little girl is from the Cooinda (Yellow Water croc tour)

I look forward to working with you and learning together, hopefully it will be as exciting as my Kakadu trip, without the danger and sharp teeth.

Mr Brennan

From the Instrumental Teacher

Dear Parents, Guardians and Students,

My name is Mr Kurt Schouten. I am your new Instrumental Music Teacher for 2022. I am certainly looking forward to be starting a new year together after the challenges of 2020 and 2021. I am very excited to be joining you and the instrumental music students at Leichhardt State School. I will be teaching Percussion lessons on Wednesdays in the STEAM Building. If you or your child are interested in Percussion lessons this year, please contact me via email at kscho94@eq.edu.au for more information. I am looking forward to meeting you all next week. Stay safe!

Mr Schouten

From the Arts Teacher

Yama, My name, Is Lee FullARTon and I am mostly known as Miss ART!

Yes! That’s because I have ART in name, and I am Full on ART!

I was honoured with that name by a prep student from Leichhardt many years ago.

I am a practicing and teaching ARTist and I so look forward to working with fellow artist Aunty Marly Hooper to bring an exciting art program to the senior students at Leichhardt State School.

“Art changes people … people change the world!”

Hi everyone,

My name is Sarah and I am so excited to be part of Leichardt State School this year in 2022. I have recently just moved from Adelaide, South Australia to Brisbane and can’t wait to be teaching ‘The Arts’ across many year levels this year. I have always been a classroom teacher throughout my journey, teaching from grades 1 to 3. I will be working from Monday to Thursday in the STEAM area so please feel free to come and chat if needed or send me an e-mail. I look forward to this new chapter and meeting new staff, families, communities and your children. I wish everyone a safe and happy year ahead.

From the Chaplain

My name is Jacob but the students and staff call me Mr M. I am the Chaplain here at Leichhardt state school and I have been a part of the staff since about 2011. I currently work at the school two days a week and I am also currently studying Psychology at university. My role as chaplain is versatile and can see me helping the school in many different ways on any given day. I provide emotional support to staff and students, assist in class rooms when I can, shoot hoops and play hand ball at lunch times, help run programs and from time to time draw terrible stickmen with the prepies. I look forward to seeing familiar faces on Monday next week and meeting new ones.

From the HOD-PBL

Hi my name is Mrs Joy Anforth and I have been working in Education for 19 years and at Leichhardt State School for 3 years. I am the Head of Department for Positive Behaviour for Learning, this role requires me to develop plans that support teachers and students while at school, both inside and outside of the classroom.

I live nearly an hour from Leichhardt on a farm with many animals that keep me busy especially my pet Piggus the pig, Lambert the sheep and Billy the goat, who all enjoy going on afternoon walks with me. In my family I have a husband and 2 daughters that are 14 and 18 years old. My younger daughter is in grade 9 and my older daughter is currently studying Education at the University of Southern Queensland. I’m excited for students to be back next week and meeting all of the newcomers to our wonderful school. Enjoy the weekend.

From Student Reception

Hi Everyone,

Many of you know me as Miss Kelsie, and I work in Student Reception. I have worked at Leichhardt for 4 Years doing many different roles throughout my time here.

Although I spend most of my time in the office, I like to get out at play and eating time to have a chat with the students.

In my spare time I like playing soccer, fishing and spending time with my family and friends. My favourite food is anything sweet and I enjoy coffee.

I will be away on Maternity leave for Term 2 and Term 3 as I welcome my first little baby in April, but am looking forward to returning the end of year celebrations and Term 4.

I am looking forward to getting to know all the new families and seeing all the familiar returning faces.

Feel free to say Hi next time you walk past Student Office!

From the Sanctuary

Hi Everyone,

I'm Mrs Anna, Welcome back! You can find me hanging out in our 'Sanctuary' room. This is a safe, calming space to help you feel calm and connected. I have some new plant friends for you to meet and a few new surprises in our fish tank🐟

Aunty Marly-

Wuyah all I am Marly Hooper/ Aunty Marly, I am a strong proud Kooma women from Southwest QLD. I am the Aboriginal Cultural Coordinator at Leichhardt. I work specifically in the Deadly Room supporting children, staff, families as well as the community. My likes are art, sports (especially AFL), asian food and I love gardening. Come in anytime and say 'Hi,' to us in the Deadly Room.

Hello, I’m Miss Emma and I work in the Deadly Room with Aunty Marly and with the year 5&6 students. I have been at Leichhardt for 2 years and love seeing the kids. I like camping, tennis (playing and watching) and dinner with my parents and family time. Looking forward to Seeing all the kids back next week.

Meet our Pre-Service Teachers

Through out the year you may see a few new faces for a few week. These are our wonderful Pac Teachers on placement.

Get to know a little bit about some starting on Monday.

My name is Sandra Hartley, and I am currently a student at the University of Southern Queensland studying for my bachelor’s degree in Primary Education.

I am excited to be working in Prep B with Mrs Simonds and Miss Amy as part of my professional experience.

My husband and I reside in the Scenic Rim on a small rural property, and we have three adult children, twin daughters aged 28 and a son aged 25. When I find some spare time in my week my hobbies include gardening and puzzles. I have worked at the local primary school as a teacher aide since 2002. My passion for education has motivated me to undertake further studies to become a qualified teacher. My goal is to inspire a love of learning in all students with whom I work.

I am very grateful to have the opportunity to be a part of the teaching and learning community at Leichhardt State School. I am looking forward to getting to know the students and working collaboratively with the teaching staff to provide relevant and engaging learning experiences

News From Student Services

STUDENT SERVICES – WE CARE!

The Student Services Room at Leichhardt State School is where students will find the First Aid and Sick Bay areas. Our trained First Aid Officers have certificates in First Aid, CPR, Asthma, Anaphylaxis and Diabetes.

When attending to students in First Aid and Sick Bay there are policies and procedures that must be followed. Information regarding these can be found by visiting ppr.qed.qld.gov.au.

Students requiring to take medication at school will do so at the Student Services Room. The following points need to be followed:

All medication (including over-the-counter medication) must be prescribed by a healthcare professional and provided in the original packaging or Webster pack, with a pharmacy label attached stating student’s name, dose and time to be given.
All medication must be signed into Student Services and the appropriate paperwork signed by the parent, requesting medication to be administered.
Student’s diagnosed with Asthma will need to provide an up to date Asthma plan and any medication/puffers they require. We also require students to provide their own spacer. This is to keep in line with the current Covid-19 health and safety recommendations from Asthma Australia.

If your child suffers from a medical condition, please notify Student Services so that we can provide the best care for your child. Some medical conditions require exclusion from school to prevent the spread of infectious diseases among staff and students.

At Student Services we will endeavour to support and care for our students the best way that we can. Whether they need a change of clothes, have a hungry belly or need a friendly chat, we are always here.

You can contact Student Services directly on 3813 3222 (Option 2).

SECONDHAND UNIFORMS:

If any families have any school uniforms that their children have grown out of and would like to donate them to the school, they would be gratefully appreciated.

REMEMBER! Always pack an ice-pack or frozen water bottle with your child’s lunch. This will help prevent the growth of bacteria and keep it cool until lunch time.

Library News

Dear families,

The best gift any parent can give a child is the love of books and the joy and benefits of independent reading for fun. Children who read at home, or are read to, have a head start on reading success in school.

Our school is participating in Scholastic Book Club this year. Up to twice a term, during the school year, we will send home the Book Club catalogue with a different selection of books offered for all ages.

You’ll find award-winning books and bestsellers, as well as old and new favourites. The books span a wide range of children’s reading levels and interests and are

inexpensive (some books cost as little as $3).

It is easy to order. The Book Club LOOP platform for parents allows you to pay by credit card. Your child’s order is submitted directly to school and the books will be delivered to class. You can place your child’s order at scholastic.com.au/loop or by using the LOOP app, which can be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play, or by filling in the back page and paying by eftpos at the school office.

Children owning their own books is something special! We hope that you will encourage your child to order books this year. Each order helps earn free books and teaching materials for our classrooms; however there is never any obligation to order. We know of no better way to encourage reading than to allow children to choose the books they want to read.

Issue 1 will be available when your child comes to school next week and the orders are due back from the 17/2/2022.

Thanks

Leichhardt State School Book Club Team