Volume 18 - 8th November 2024
From The Principal
Andrew Goldie - Principal
Attendance
We have had some celebrations this week with our whole school attendance lifting. Attending school every day is so important. If children miss only 1 day a month that’s adds up to 12 days a year. If that child completes year 12 following that pattern, they will miss 156 days. Imagine how much you could learn in 156 days. Keep them coming😊
We made 80% for whole school average attendance and 3 classes over 90%!
Plans for 2025
As we start to move towards 2025 our school is currently looking at plans to establish goals for next year. What do we want to achieve and what do we need to get there? A big piece of work for us will be to implement the framework developed by Doug Fisher. It is important that our students, staff and families all feel a sense of belonging at our school. The Diagram below outlines the framework we will be implementing.
Facilities
Our school continues to be improved in terms of grounds and facilities. We are currently having a new playground installed which will look amazing and we will also have some brand-new classrooms and support rooms moving into next year.
From The Deputy Principal
Mrs. Finlay - Deputy Principal
Celebrating Reading Achievements at Leichhardt State School
On Monday of Week 5, Leichhardt State School proudly celebrated the achievements of students who completed the 2024 Premier's Reading Challenge, with special recognition given to those who went above and beyond in their reading efforts. The event highlighted the school’s commitment to fostering a love of reading and academic excellence among students.
We were honoured to have Ms Wendy Bourne, the newly elected member for Ipswich West, join us for this special occasion. Her presence underscored the importance of community support for educational initiatives.
Below is a photo of our accomplished readers who completed the challenge.
Students who read further than the set 20 books were as follows:
Mayson 456LLP read 36 books
Shaunak 5B read 40 books
Tyshaun 456LLP, Tristan 456LLP and Jade 4A read 60 books
Isabella 456LLP read 100 books
These students enjoyed a special celebratory morning tea with their families, making the day even more memorable. They also had the opportunity to choose prizes that were generously donated by Ms. McQueen, the 2024 Premier's Reading Challenge Ambassador. Thank you, Mrs McQueen.
Attendance Achievements in Week 5 @ Leichhardt
A big congratulations to 3A for achieving the highest attendance of the Junior School classes in Week 5 with an overall attendance average percentage of 88.24%. Well done, 3A!
Week 5, in the Senior School, 4B led the way with the highest attendance, achieving an impressive 90.83%. Keep up the great work, 4B!
Attendance Achievements in Week 6 @ Leichhardt
A big congratulations to 1B for reaching and surpassing the attendance goal of 90% with an overall attendance average percentage of 92.73% in Week 6. Well done 1B!
Week 6, in the Senior School, 5B led the way with the highest attendance, achieving an impressive 93.33%. Keep up the great work, 5B!
Macayla and Tyrone (1B) with the Junior Attendance Lion
Gerard and Zebastyn (5B) with the Senior Attendance Lion.
Why School Attendance is Critical
Regular school attendance is key to student success. Being present every day helps students stay on track with learning, build strong relationships, and develop important life skills. Let’s work together to help every student achieve 90% attendance or higher across all year levels. Every day counts!
Celebrating Year 5 English Success!
This term, our Year 5 students have been diving into the world of narratives, inspired by Nim’s Island. They’ve been reading the text and crafting their own creative stories, showing impressive imagination and skill.
A special thank you to Mia and Marlie for presenting their learning journey and sharing what they’re working on to achieve an A. Their dedication and insights truly reflect the hard work happening in our Year 5 English classes. Well done to all students for your enthusiasm and progress this term! Keep up the fantastic work!
Prep 2025 Orientation Reminder
Just a reminder that next Tuesday marks the final week of our Prep 2025 Orientation afternoons. If your child is starting Prep next year, we encourage you to attend to help them transition smoothly into their new learning environment.
These sessions are designed to familiarize both parents and children with our school, teachers, and routines, ensuring a confident and positive start to their educational journey.
We look forward to seeing you there and supporting your child's step into Prep!
From The Head Of Department - Teaching And Learning
Ms. Everingham - Head of Department - Teaching and Learning
Positive Behaviour for Learning!
During Weeks 4, 5, and 6, our Positive Behaviour for Learning focus centred on the themes of safety and respect within the classroom, throughout the school, and in the wider community. Students engaged in discussions and activities aimed at understanding the importance of creating a safe and respectful environment for themselves and others. Through collaborative projects such as Day for Daniel, students explored ways to promote positive behaviour, recognize safe practices, and encourage respectful interactions both in and out of school.
Shout out to our Preps!
Preps have been practising walking safely and respectfully to and from the pools and have been discussing safe and respectful behaviours in their classrooms.
Here are some activities you can do with your child/ren to promote safe and respectful behaviours in the classroom, around the school and in the community.
Year 5 and 6 reminders
As we prepare for the transition to high school, we encourage our Year 5 and 6 students to take greater responsibility for their supplies. Please remind your student to check that their pencil case, complete with lead pencils and an eraser, as well as their ruler, are packed in their bag each morning before leaving for school. Thank you to Miss Greenwood for creating the posters that will help remind students to stay organised!
Sun Safety
As the warmer weather approaches, it is important for all students to practice sun safety. Please encourage your child to:
- Wear a broad-brim hat to protect their face and neck.
- Apply sunscreen regularly throughout the day.
- Bring a water bottle to stay hydrated.
- Seek shade whenever possible, whether under a building or tree.
Let’s work together to keep our students safe and healthy in the sun!
‘Best Class on Parade’
We’re excited to continue the ‘Best Class on Parade’ Trophy! This award will go to the class that best demonstrates the SHELL behaviour during Parade and leaves the hall the quietest.
SHELL stands for:
S – Sitting quietly
H – Hands together
E – Eyes facing the speaker
L – Listening ears on
L – Legs crossed
Let’s all work together to earn this trophy by showing our best behaviour!
The winning class will enjoy VIP seating the following week as a special reward! Let’s all work together to earn this trophy and enjoy the perks of being the best class!
Good luck to everyone!
Congratulations to the following classes;
Week 5 – 3B
Week 6 – 1A
Teachers and students have continued to work together as a team, to keep school and personal property safe. This includes; staying on task, storing and charging our devices after use, and placing our school bags in a neat manner. As part of the PBL process, teachers and students have had conversations about how to use devices. As a school, we are in the process of creating positively stated expectations to embed throughout the school.
As a school we have created our device expectations. If you have any questions or concerns, we are requesting the community to share their feedback with us.
High Five
Students are encouraged to use the ‘High Five’ when needed. This is reviewed every assembly as well as in class and in the playground, in order to support our students in making good behaviour choices.
PBL in Practice Family Engagement
I would like to thank our families for partnering with us around Positive Behaviour for Learning. The Department of Education has outlined the benefits for students of family-school engagement including: improved academic outcomes, stronger relationships with adults and peers, better social skills; and improved mental health. When families and schools work together to reinforce positive behaviours, students benefit from clear expectations and consistent reinforcement both at home and in school. This collaboration helps to create a cohesive approach to behaviour management, fostering a sense of community and shared responsibility for students' well-being and success.
If you would like any more information regarding PBL in practice, family engagement. Please visit this link
From The Head Of Special Education
Ms. Rivett - HOSES
Just a friendly reminder that if you have not enrolled your child into high school for Year 7, now is a good time to do this. Local high schools have started their transitions to Year 7 and offer additional transition days for students, who require extra support settling into their new schools. Ipswich State High School has begun their supported transition days.
Bremer will have their supported transition days coming up in November. This program is designed to provide students with the opportunity to tour the school, meet the Year 7 team, and work in smaller groups ahead of Bremer’s Orientation Day, scheduled for Friday, 29th November. This additional exposure will help ease any anxieties and set students up for a successful transition to high school. If you wish for your child to participate in these additional sessions at Bremer High School, please scan the QR Code or email Emily Convery to register.
As we are coming close to the end of a busy term, we ask that if you require observation letters, questionnaires completed or require interviews with specialists to please see or email Admin to complete an External Request and to make sure your consent to share is updated. Before we can make contact with your external agencies, we requiring their name added to your consent to share.
Jessica Rivett
Head of Special Education
Instrumental Music Program
As the year draws to a close I would to congratulate all of the students who have participated in instrumental music this year. They participated in weekly lessons at school and a number of students represented Leichhardt State School at the Ipswich Bootcamp band camp held in Term 3. Congratulations on your perseverance and hard work.
Early in term 1 2025, I will be approaching students who are in Year 4 & 5 to gain expression of interests from students interested in learning Trumpet, Trombone or drums.
I wish all Leichhardt State school families a happy and safe festive season.
Regards,
Mr Nathan Schilling
Book Club
Last Book Club of the year is coming home with students in the next couple of days. Some great reads for Christmas or to keep learning over the holidays!
Orders will be due on Friday, 22nd of November.
Sports News
From The Teachers
Year 1
The grade 1's are learning patterns. We used fruit loops to create different types of colour patterns and then we got to eat them afterwards! We have done many activities with Aunty Marly including making bonnets, painting some sticks in the outside garden area and reading and learning about our Country and our Land. Aunty Marly also brought in an Emu egg for us to look at. Some of our students wore pink accessories in support of Breast Cancer Awareness month. We have also been doing our swimming lessons with Mr Woody!
Gardening Club
The school's gardening club is thriving! Students are working together to grow a variety of fresh vegetables. This hands-on experience teaches students valuable skills about planting, nurturing and harvesting produce while developing a love for gardening and the environment. Families are encouraged to take home fresh produce, allowing students to share the fruits of their labor with their loved ones. It's a wonderful way to connect school activities with home life, promoting healthy eating and sustainability.
From The P&C
From The Community
