Nirimba State Primary School Newsletter Final Issue 2023

Principal News

Dear Parents, Carers and members of the Nirimba community,

Another year has come to an end at our school. It is hard to believe that our school will be entering its third year of providing educational services to the Nirimba and Banya communities. Our school is experiencing significant growth as more residences are completed and the community welcomes new families. At the time of writing this article our predicted enrolments are approximately 540 students with 8 or 9 additional classes throughout different year levels. I would like to take this opportunity to extend a warm welcome to all of the new students who will be joining us next year and welcome their parents and carers.

From next year we will adding additional management positions to the school to support students, families and staff. Michelle Sinclair our guidance officer will be with us in a full-time capacity from next year and we will have a Head of Department (Curriculum) and Head of Department (Student Services) working on a number of initiatives and projects to further enhance the educational services and opportunities for students at our school.

Congratulations to all of the awards winners! It was wonderful to celebrate your fantastic achievements in the presence of parents, peers and staff. Thank you to all parents, carers and family members who were available to join us for our awards ceremony. I also want to congratulate our incoming student leaders who were announced at our awards ceremony. Well done, I am confident you will do a great job in your student leadership positions next year.

There have certainly been many things to celebrate and acknowledge this year. This year our school received a $50000 grant to further our sustainability agenda at the school, Year 5 and 6 went on a trip of a lifetime to Kanomi Island for their camp, we held our first musical “Moana”, had many fun-filled learning experiences through the many different excursions and incursions and participated in RoboRave for the first time. Thank you to the extremely dedicated teaching staff for providing these amazing opportunities for our students it certainly has been a very busy year.  

Thank you, students and parents, for your contributions in making Nirimba State Primary School a great place to be. Wishing everyone a wonderful festive season and holidays. I look forward to seeing everyone back next year for another great year of learning. To the students and families who are leaving us, I wish you all the best for the future.

Yours in education

Steven Moore

Principal

Deputy Principal News

Dear Parents and Carers,

We have almost made it to the end of another year at Nirimba State Primary School. What a fantastic year it has been and I am looking forward to welcoming our new families and students to the school in 2024. The last few weeks have been very busy and full of celebrations for our students and our school…there are still a few more celebrations to come!

In Week 7 this term, our Year 5 students stepped up and delivered some very impressive leadership speeches. Speaking publicly can be a very daunting experience and each and every speech delivered was commendable – well done students! What an impressive start to their school leadership journey and I know our 2024 Year 6 students will be excellent role models to our younger students.

On Monday last week, we celebrated our Prep students completing their first year of formal schooling. This is a huge milestone in every child’s schooling journey and the students enjoyed being up on the big stage to receive their certificate. They have all grown up so much over the course of the year and I look forward to seeing their continued growth in Year 1.

On Friday we celebrated the end of the primary school journey for our year 6 students. It has been wonderful to see these students grow over the past 2 years at Nirimba. Many of these students have taken on a leadership role, they have been exceptional role models and wonderful playground helpers through the Burra Buddies program. I wish each and every one of our Year 6 students the very best as they continue their learning journey into secondary school.

We also had the pleasure of acknowledging the impressive achievements of our 2024 students at our Awards Morning. This is always a highlight and I thoroughly enjoy celebrating our students’ achievements. Congratulations to all of our award recipients and I hope you all take the time to reflect on this wonderful achievement. Students Semester 2 report cards will be distributed via email on the last day of school- well done to all students on your efforts this semester. Please make sure your email addresses are up to date so you receive these without issue.

As the school staff look towards 2024 planning, please mark your diaries for Friday the 19^th January 2024. We will be holding our open afternoon between 12.30pm and 2.30pm where class lists will be displayed and you will be able to visit your child’s classroom, meet their teacher and drop off your stationery packs that you have purchased. This is always a wonderful opportunity for teachers and students to meet and it helps the first day of school be a little calmer for our little people.

Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to wish the Nirimba school community a safe and happy Christmas break. I hope you all enjoy the break and I look forward to welcoming you all back to Nirimba in January, 2024.

Yours in Education,

Elise Maguire

Business Manager

Thanks once again for the warm welcomes and for your understanding as I settle in here at Nirimba State Primary School. As many of you will have seen, everything at NSPS is growing and the Administration team is no exception – thank you to all of the parents and members of the community for your interest in the recently advertised Administration Officer position here at the school.

As the 2023 school year comes to an end, I just need to remind families that payments are all now overdue and need to be finalised prior to Friday.  Please don’t hesitate to contact me via phone or email at rodon65@eq.edu.au if there’s any queries or concerns, or if you would like to discuss payment plans for your school fees.

We’re looking forward to a huge year for 2024, and invoicing for the School Resource Scheme will be coming out in the last week of January for all students, so keep an eye out for those. Have a great break and look forward to seeing everyone again at the start of next year.

Cheers,

Ryan O’Donnell

PBL

Hello from the Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) team and we would like to take this opportunity to thank all students, staff and families for their commitment to PBL this year. Nirimba State Primary School prides itself having a culture that promotes learning and PBL is a big part of this.  We also thank our parent body for completing the school survey and it was great to read all of the positive comments and it was epecially uplifting to read that 100% of families feel welcome at our school.

This term we have finished our last ‘Burra Buck’ shop for the year and we look forward to reopening again in Term 1 – Week 5 in 2024.  In Week 7 – we celebrated “World Kindness Day” and it was great to see our families enjoying the chalk messages, music, bubbles and messages of kindness. The smiles and joy in the school community made for a wonderful start to a Monday 😊. We also thank Jack Reed and his team from the Broncos for coming out to work with our team of boys this term. This program was designed to support some students with positive teamwork, respect, resilience, determination and dedication to succeed. Jack has many important and strong messages for young males who would like to progress in the sporting field and this program was a huge highlight for those involved. The program ran over a 4 week period and we thank Jack for his time and we look forward to having him back on board in 2024.

In Week 10, we will finish off the year with a whole school fun day that will also consist of a water slide to celebrate how awesome our students are. Over the holidays, we encourage families to take a well earned break and enjoy the glorious sunshine that the coast has to offer but keeping in mind the ways in which to stay keep safe so that we can see all your happy faces back in Term 1 next year.  Some tips from the PBL team:

• Stay well hydrated.
• Don’t forget to slip, slop, slap when outdoors.
• Swim between the flags.
• Students – remember to keep in contact with family members when you are out in the community to ensure your safety.
• Wear your helmet when riding bikes and scooters.
• Follow the road rules.
• Have plenty of rest.

Once again, thank you families for supporting PBL and our school. We look forward to a positive and great start to the next school year. Take care over the holidays and see you back in January 2024!

Kylie McKenna (PBL Leader)

Sustainability Club News!

WOW, can you believe we have reached the end of 2023.  Our gardeners have been so busy this semester with harvesting, re-planting and weeding. They too have loved watching our fruit and vegetables grow in the garden beds.

Our students lit up this term when we had our 1^st fruits growing on the peach, mulberry and apricot trees. They loved taste testing these fresh fruits. We too thoroughly enjoyed picking tomatoes and beans on a weekly basis. These were growing in abundance so we gave them to our school canteen where they washed and prepared them in salads and made-up fruit break bags for $1.

A highlight this term was when we harvested our cabbages. We enjoyed assisting in the student kitchen to make coleslaw. YUM! How delicious it was to be able to eat this, it even tasted nearly the same as KFC’s coleslaw.

Lastly, it's been heartening to witness the remarkable upgrade in our sustainability area, where the addition of a well-thought-out shade structure has not only enhanced the functionality but also bestowed an aesthetic charm upon our garden space. The thoughtful use of gravel not only contributes to a more sustainable and water-efficient environment but also adds a rustic elegance to the landscape. The laid paths with pavers not only provide a structured and organised feel to the garden but also serve as a testament to the thoughtful design choices made in this upgrade. It has created a space that is both environmentally responsible and visually delightful. The result is a garden that not only caters to the principles of sustainability but also offers a tranquil and inviting atmosphere. Due to these up-grades we have had more students attending our sustainability club and love their enthusiasm. Kudos to the school team and builders behind this transformation!

Jodie and Leeanne

Japanese - Sensei Ogawa

こんにちは

There were so many exciting activities in our Japanese classes throughout our last term of 2023. Some year levels celebrated たいいくのひ , 七五三  and あきまつり. We also began our connection to Linden Hall, a school in Fukuoka, Japan with our Year 5 students writing letters as well as having conversations (in both Japanese and English!) during our live Zoom calls to Japan. The Year 6 students finished their learning of Japanese at Nirimba by making their own キャラべん which looked too good to eat! New Year’s Day is the most important festival in Japan and the Year 5 and 6 students created their own New Year’s Day cards.

あけましておめでとうございます。(akemashite omedeto gozaimasu) Happy New Year!!

Words for this newsletter:

たいいくのひ (taiikunohi) – Sports Day

七五三 (Shichigosan) – 7,5,3 Festival

あきまつり(akimatsuri) – Autumn Festivals

キャラべん (kyaraben) – character obento



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Sports News - Mr Collingwood

School Swimming:

School swimming has come and gone for 2023. A big thank you to all Nirimba students and families for ensuring all the students were given the chance to develop and extend their swimming skills and abilities. It was so pleasing and rewarding to see the students grow in confidence and continue to develop and refine their stroke techniques over the seven weeks.

Not only did the students do a wonderful job in the water but they also set a wonderful example for our school. The staff at the pool repeatedly said to me how they were such a lovely bunch of kids to work with. WELL DONE NIRIMBA!!!

A selected group of students then participated in our school’s swimming selection trials for 2024. These students raced against each other to be named Age Champion for their age group and to also register their fastest possible times to be eligible for our swimming team to compete at the Glasshouse District Carnival in early 2024. Our Age Champions were:

The following students have also registered times to be part of our school team who will compete at Beerwah in Term 1, 2024:

Marlowe (2A), Alani (2A), Aurora (2A), Chloe (3B), Sienna (3A), Rylie (3A), Tahli (3/4A), Evie (5A), Jordie (5A), Sophia (5B), Lewis (1/2A), Kye (3A), Bradley (4A), Rory (4A), Finn (5B), Logan (5B).

Beach Safe Surf Skills Program:

In week 8, on the 20^th, 21^st and 22^nd of November, students in Years 4 – 6 headed to Dicky Beach in Caloundra and to the Mooloolaba Spit to participate in Surf Lifesaving Queensland’s Beach Safe & Surf Skills Program. This was a great opportunity for our upper school students to participate in some really fun beach activities, learn about the surf and how to keep themselves and others safe. Even though the students experienced some very “interesting” weather (especially the Year 5 students), they were a credit to themselves and the school by behaving and participating in the best Nirimba way!

PE/Sport in 2024:

With 2023 coming to an end, I would just like to extend a very big THANK YOU to every Nirimba family or community member who supported our students throughout the year. Whether it was simply coming along to support the kids on carnival days, transporting students to District Carnivals as well as assisting in various other ways, it was very much appreciated.

As our school continues to rapidly grow, there will be many more sporting opportunities for our students to participate in and I am already looking forward to making some of those available to the kids in 2024. With the rapid growth of the school, a second PE teacher will also be joining the team in 2024 which I’m sure will also be a valuable asset to our school.

I’d just like to take this opportunity to wish all our departing Year 6 students the very best with their new adventures in High School and wish all Nirimba families a very happy holidays and I look forward to seeing you all again in 2024!

Discovery Centre News - Miss Schultz

The Discovery Centre has proved to be a popular space for students during break times. There are a variety of activities for students to participate in, including Chess Club, Board Games Club and our Nirimba Lego Masters Competition (NLMC). Each term, a new NLMC theme challenge is set and students work diligently together to create their teams Lego masterpiece.  The winning teams for the Term 4 NLMC Sport challenge have been announced and team members received their certificates on parade.

This term, our library collection has increased with the purchase of additional books. In addition, a selection of non-fiction books have been ordered to expand our collection for 2024. Our library has evolved since this time last year and is looking vibrant with the addition of new books, resources and displays, including students’ artwork.

As the school year draws to a close, I would like to wish our school community a safe and fun filled Christmas break.

Happy holidays!

My New Gallery

Coding and Robotics Club

The Senior Robotics Club at Nirimba has been a hive of innovation and creativity this term, showcasing the vast potential of our diverse range of robots on campus. Students have delved into the world of robotics, unveiling remarkable feats across various spectrums.

Some of our talented students have embarked on unconventional paths, employing Dash Bots not only in the realm of technology but also in the dramatic arts. Witnessing these bots in captivating performances has been a sight to behold. Additionally, others have engaged in high-octane battles, transforming these robots into exhilarating racers.

However, the allure of coding has beckoned to a different group of students, sparking an intense fascination with the intricacies of complex codes. Their dedication to refining their coding skills within the robotics domain has been commendable and inspiring.

Meanwhile, the Junior Robotics enthusiasts have been immersed in the rudiments of engineering using Lego robotics kits. Their creative prowess has been on display as they craft mini machines, demonstrating their budding expertise in this field.

Beyond the regular curriculum, our after-school Robotics Club has ventured into the realm of Makey Makey, utilising it to program a game. Furthermore, they've ingeniously fashioned custom controllers for their game in our MakerSpace, fostering a hands-on approach to learning and innovation.

This year has been nothing short of exhilarating for Robotics at Nirimba in 2023. As we eagerly anticipate the future, we extend a warm invitation to all prospective members to join us in the fascinating world of Robotics in 2024. Together, let's continue to push the boundaries of innovation and exploration.

Playgroup

Playgroup mornings at Nirimba have been lots of fun this year and we thank the PCYC for partnering with the school to provide this wonderful opportunity for the little people of Nirimba. In 2024, Playgroup will remain on Tuesday mornings, however instead of in the room in B Block, Playgroup will occur in the hall, out of the OSH Care room.

Playgroup will restart in Week 4 of Term 1 next year on Tuesday 13th February. We look forward to seeing you there!

P & C

Hi Nirimba Families!

We know that this time of year can be difficult for everyone and anyone. If you or someone you know is having trouble making ends meet and needs a helping hand with school supplies for next year please send us a private message on FB or email nirimbapandc@outlook.com so we can help. 

CHRISTMAS CAROLS SAUSAGE SIZZLE:
Come and join the P&C for an end of year sausage sizzle at the canteen from 4pm Wednesday Dec 6^th before the Christmas Carol Performances. We will have sausages, Drinks, chips, slushies and treats available for purchase from the canteen. Students are to arrive to the hall at 5:15 in preparation and the carols will begin at 5:30. No entry to hall will be allowed before this time. 
NSPS P&C

Prep

Celebrating a Year of Marvellous Milestones!

As the school year draws to a close, we can't help but reflect on the incredible journey our little learners have embarked upon in their first year of school. It has been a year filled with laughter, growth, and countless magical moments. From the first day of school until now, we have watched your little ones transform into confident, capable learners.

But it's not just about the academic achievements it's about the friendships forged and the values embraced. We witnessed acts of kindness that melted our hearts and teamwork that would make any teacher proud. They learned to share, to take turns, and to celebrate each other's successes, no matter how big or small.

The growth we've seen in each child is a testament to their resilience and eagerness to learn. As teachers, we have had the privilege of being a part of their early educational journey, and it has been an absolute joy to watch them bloom.

Let's take a moment to applaud these incredible young minds and the milestones they've reached. We are immensely proud of the remarkable progress they've made.

Year 1

As we embark on the final weeks of the year, we reflect on the incredible term of learning that our students have experienced. A highlight was the recent puppet workshop incursion with Larrikin Puppets, where our students not only enjoyed a captivating puppet show but also independently crafted their own sock puppets. The workshop provided them with an engaging session to explore the fascinating world of puppetry and how these delightful creations come to life.

We wish everyone a lovely Christmas holiday!

Ms Khan, Mr Lester and Mrs Hibble

Year 2

As we wave goodbye to an absolutely fantastic school year, let's take a moment to celebrate the journey of growth and achievement that our 1/2A and 2A students have navigated. From their first steps into the classroom to the confident strides they take now, let's applaud the milestones, big and small, and cherish the memories of a year filled with exploration, discovery, and success.

Our classrooms have buzzed with energy this term as students explored the fascinating world of Chemical Science. Our young scientists embarked on a thrilling exploration of materials and their amazing properties. A particularly engaging aspect of this unit was the hands-on application of knowledge through our STEAM challenge where children engaged in the engineering design process as they were challenged to construct a lunch box capable of safely carrying a sandwich and a piece of fruit. This project not only allowed them to apply their understanding of material properties but also encouraged creativity and problem-solving. We had so many unique and creative designs.

Thank you for a memorable year 1/2A and 2A!

Mrs Kerr & Mr Hansen

Year 3

We are absolutely thrilled to share our observations on the remarkable achievements our Year 3 students have made this term. The level of dedication and creativity displayed by these young minds has been nothing short of inspiring. It's been a joy to witness how they seamlessly integrated the use of iPads into their learning journey, leveraging technology to enhance their responses and showcase their learning.

One standout in Year 4 was the collaborative effort seen in their Media assessments. Working in groups, the students harnessed the power of their iPads to craft imaginative and compelling TV ads for a place that they collectively deemed worthy of protection. The fusion of technology, teamwork, and creativity resulted in projects that surpassed expectations! The imaginative flair displayed in their projects not only showcased their technical skills but also their ability to think critically and dream big.

In addition to their outstanding work on media assessments, the Year 3 students further showcased their technological prowess by engaging in an exciting and educational endeavour – the creation of a guessing game on ScratchMIT. This project not only demonstrated their proficiency with the iPad but also highlighted their programming and problem-solving skills. Immersing themselves in the world of coding, the students embarked on the challenge of designing a guessing game that required the implementation of various Scratch blocks to construct the hidden code. Witnessing their enthusiastic exploration of coding concepts was truly remarkable. The guessing game not only served as a fun and interactive learning experience but also fostered a deeper appreciation for the intricate mechanics behind programming.

In Mathematics, the exploration of fractions and money took on a dynamic and interactive dimension. Through hands-on activities and real-world examples, the students not only mastered the abstract nature of fractions but also gained a practical understanding of the value and use of money.

In English, the adaptation of poems and the exploration of our senses to describe a beloved place showcased the students' creativity and linguistic dexterity. By weaving their personal experiences into poetic expressions, they not only honed their writing skills but also developed a profound connection to the power of language.

As we reflect on the achievements and joyous moments throughout the year, it's clear that the collaborative efforts of teachers and students have resulted in a positive and impactful educational experience. Here's to the Year 3 students for embracing the journey with enthusiasm and spirit. We wish everyone continued success and many more joyful learning adventures in Year 4.

Thanks Mrs Dodd and Mr K

Year 4

As we bid farewell to another fantastic school year, it's with great pride and joy that we reflect on the remarkable journey of our Year 3/4A and 4A classes. These young learners have not only excelled academically but have also demonstrated tremendous development in their social and emotional intelligence.

Throughout the year, we witnessed the strengthening of friendships and the development of independence among our students. They've evolved into lifelong learners, approaching challenges with resilience, bravery, and empathy.

A highlight of the year was undoubtedly the Year 4 Camp, where our students stepped outside their comfort zones, tackled challenges head-on, and showcased exceptional teamwork. The experience fostered not only a sense of accomplishment but also a deeper understanding of the values of resilience and empathy.

Reflecting on the past year, it has been a joy and a privilege to teach such delightful classes. We commend our students for their dedication to learning and their positive attitudes.

As we approach the holiday season, we wish all our students and their families a happy and safe break. Thank you for an incredible year, and we look forward to more exciting adventures and achievements in the upcoming school year.

Miss K & Ms Cahill 

Year 5

As we approach the final stretch of 2023, it's time to reflect on the incredible journey we've had together in Year 5 at Nirimba State Primary School. Here's a snapshot of our recent endeavours and achievements:

Exploring the World of Endangered Creatures with 3D Design Software

Throughout the term, our Year 5 students have embarked on an exciting journey into the world of endangered creatures using cutting-edge 3D design software. They've showcased their creativity by crafting stunning representations of these majestic animals while also learning about the importance of wildlife conservation.

Financial Literacy and Savings Planning

Understanding the value of money and the significance of financial planning is a crucial life skill. Our students have been actively engaged in learning how to create savings plans, emphasizing the importance of responsible financial habits.

Adapting to Unexpected Challenges with Resilience

Despite facing unfavourable weather conditions during our surf skills session, our Year 5 cohort displayed resilience and adaptability. Despite heavy rain and winds, they enthusiastically participated and made the most out of the day, showcasing their indomitable spirit and making fond memories.

Demonstrating Maturity and Excellence

This year, our students have exhibited remarkable maturity and flexibility, especially during this bustling time of the year. Their commitment to maintaining high standards of work is commendable and speaks volumes about their dedication and perseverance.

Delving into Cultural Issues through 'Storm Boy'

Our deep analysis of the book and film 'Storm Boy' has allowed us to explore profound cultural issues. Through insightful discussions and reflections, our students have gained a broader perspective and a deeper understanding of various cultural themes.

Switching Roles

After completing all our assessment for the year, students in 5A attempted the role of a teacher. In pairs, they created and delivered Seesaw lessons to the class. Well done to those students who volunteered to see the classroom through Mr Perrin’s eyes, there may be some future teachers among us.

Gratitude and Best Wishes

As the year draws to a close, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our Year 5 students for their hard work, enthusiasm, and positive attitude. We want to express our sincerest thanks to your families for their unwavering support throughout the year.

Finally, to our wonderful Year 5 students, as you embark on your final year of primary school next year, remember that your journey doesn't end here; it's a stepping stone toward new adventures and opportunities. We wish you all the very best and look forward to watching you shine in the future.

Regards

Mr Perrin & Mr Spencer

Year 6

Welcome to the final term of primary school for all my Year 6 families and hasn’t the year just flown by? This time of year, is always filled with many mixed emotions of excitement, nerves and sadness. 6A has worked tirelessly to complete their primary schooling to the best of their ability and I could not be prouder of them all.  This term in English, we read the text ‘Wonder’ and the deep conversations that came from this moral based novel was so wonderful to be a part of.  The powerful messages I received from the class was how kind and caring they all are. They discussed their opinions of characters and plot with detail and in such a respectful manner!

In Math this term, we worked hard on decimals, fractions and percentages. We looked at how they connect to money and financial matters. Science was filled with investigations for reversible and irreversible changes and who would have thought melting ice would be so much fun 😊.  HASS was filled with business ideas for Aura and what the community still needs to make this area develop and I think we have some budding entrepreneurs in Year 6. In Heath, we looked at strategies to help deal with conflict and change, specifically transitioning to high school. Physical Education was all swimming and surf but 6A still enjoyed their lunchtime volleyball, handball and basketball competitions.

For STEAM and home learning projects the class made wonderful toys to show their understanding of energy changes and they created natural disaster shelters for school settings.  These tasks enabled creativity to flow and they produced exceptional designs that appealed highly to their Year 1 buddy classes.

Overall, it has been an absolute pleasure to teach 6A this year and I don’t think there are enough words to describe the journey we have been on and some of us for 2 years!  I wish all my 6A crew all the very best for their next phase of schooling and I hope they all stay in contact to let me know how they are all going!  TAKE CARE 6A and embrace all the opportunities that may come your way 😊