Nirimba State Primary School Newsletter Issue 2 2024
Principal News
Dear Parents, carers and community members,
Another great term of learning has come to an end at our school. It has been a very busy term with lots of celebration and successes. Our students have done a fantastic job settling in this year and commencing in their new year levels this term. A very special congratulations to all of our Preppies who have done an incredible job this term. We are all very proud of you!
I have had many opportunities to visit classrooms this term to speak with students about their learning and to see the great work that they are producing. I have been very impressed by the incredible artwork, creativity through STEAM and wonderful writing in English I’ve seen. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all staff for their work this term and to thank parents and carers for their support with their child’s learning this term.
We are excited to announce that we have been able to expand our private allied health services at the school to include a private psychologist and physiotherapist who will be commencing services at the school from Week 1, Term 2. Welcome Mrs Patty Marriner and Forward Health to Nirimba State Primary School. These services are in addition to Ocean Grace (Child and Family Therapist), CMB Speech Pathology, 123 OT (Occupational Therapy) and Sprout (Social Worker). If you are interested in your child accessing any of these services here at school, please email Michelle Sinclair our Guidance Officer: msinc25@eq.edu.au
Congratulations to Lu Schutt who was returned as the P&C President and Shauntay Malkind as the Vice President. They have been joined by two new executive members, Maura Andrade has been elected as the secretary and Dee Rowlands as the Treasurer. I look forward to working with the P&C executive and wider P&C committee over the coming months. The P&C plays an important role as the ‘parent voice’ in the decision processes of the school so I would encourage parents and carers to get involved whenever you can. If you are able to volunteer your time during the week or for school events, please send them an email and you can discuss ways in which you can help: nirimbapandc@outlook.com
Over the holidays we have a few infrastructure and ground works occurring in the first week of the holidays. Prep A and Prep B will have external doors installed which will help alleviate the pedestrian traffic, making the corridor less crowded. We are also having all the playgrounds’ soft fall topped up, and if it ever stops raining, there will a lot of work occurring on the gardens. These projects are in addition to the significant cleaning that will occur as well. Thank you to staff for their work on these projects.
Again, well done and congratulations to all students for all of your efforts and hard work this term. Keep up the great work! Wishing all families, a wonderful holiday period. I look forward to seeing everyone back in Term 2 for another great term of learning our awesome school!
Yours in education
Steven Moore
Social Media - Community Message
Participating in the online environment can be a positive experience, but there are also a broad range of concerns that may need to be considered, including online privacy and information protection, online etiquette, digital citizenship and knowing how to get help to deal with online issues.
As you may be aware, comments posted online about people and organisations may impact permanently on their digital reputation. This includes teachers, other staff, students and the school. There can be very real negative consequences from online posts – relationships between school staff, students and parents can be permanently damaged.
Facebook and other social networking sites are generally not private communities and, depending on an individual’s privacy and security settings, comments may be read by many people and remain online indefinitely.
If you or your child are posting information online about the school, staff or students, I ask that you consider the ramifications of these comments on the school and any individuals in the school community. As a rule of thumb:
- Public discussion is most effective when it is conducted in a polite and respectful manner;
- Before posting, it is important to consider whether those people you are posting about want information, including photos and comments regarding them and their children, posted on Facebook or on other sites. Perhaps ask the people involved in the post for permission before you publish something or tag someone online;
- Rather than airing complaints or grievances in a public forum like Facebook, come and talk to the school first about how to resolve your concerns;
- Remember that as a parent you have a responsibility to supervise and regulate your own children’s online activities at home and their impact on the reputation and privacy of others.
For further information on managing cybersafety, please go to https://behaviour.education.qld.gov.au/resources-publications/Documents/cyberbullying-parents-caregivers-guide.pdf
If you have any concerns and would like to discuss further I invite you to make an appointment with a member of the team.
Deputy Principal
What a wonderful way to finish Term 1, despite the very wet weather! Well done to all of our students (and their families!) who created such wonderful Easter Hats for our parade this morning! It’s always wonderful to see how creative our students are. Congratulations to our raffle winners – I’m sure you will enjoy your prizes.
We also celebrated our students behaviour efforts with our PBL rewards day today, despite the weather trying hard to impact the activities. There are always so many different activities for all of our students to participate in and it’s a wonderful way to celebrate our students being safe, being learners and being respectful.
Thank you to those parents who made the time to meet with their child’s class teacher this week. Student progress meetings are a wonderful opportunity for both parents and teachers to discuss each child’s progress. There is a wide variety of quality teaching and learning occurring in every classroom every day and I am very proud of the progress our students are making this term.
A special mention to our Year 3 and 5 students who completed their NAPLAN online tests over the past few weeks. They approached these tests with enthusiasm and thank you to the PCYC for providing a wonderful breakfast for the students.
Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a safe and happy (and dry!) Easter holiday break. I look forward to welcoming families back for Term 2 on Monday, 15th of April.
Yours in Education,
Elise Maguire
Deputy Principal
Student Services
At Nirimba State Primary School, we believe in nurturing not only academic excellence but also the holistic development of our students. We are committed to creating a positive and inclusive learning environment where every child feels valued, respected, and empowered to thrive. As part of this commitment, we place great emphasis on Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) and cultivating respectful relationships among our students, staff, and wider community. This term I held my first parent information session. For those who couldn’t make it, here is a detailed summary of what PBL is and why it is important here at Nirimba State Primary School:
What is Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL)?
Positive Behaviour for Learning is a proactive approach to teaching and reinforcing behavioural expectations in schools. At Nirimba, PBL forms the foundation of our behaviour management system, guiding students towards making positive choices and demonstrating desirable behaviours.
Through PBL, we aim to:
Teach Expectations: We explicitly teach our students about behavioural expectations across various settings within the school, such as classrooms, hallways, playgrounds, and assemblies.
Reinforce Positive Behaviour: We acknowledge and celebrate students' adherence to these expectations through verbal praise, tangible rewards, and other forms of positive reinforcement.
Provide Support: For students who may struggle to meet behavioural expectations, we offer additional support and guidance to help them succeed.
Cultivating Respectful Relationships
In addition to PBL, fostering respectful relationships is paramount in creating a safe and supportive school community. We believe that respectful relationships are built on empathy, understanding, and mutual respect. Through our curriculum and daily interactions, we strive to:
Promote Empathy: We encourage students to consider the perspectives and feelings of others, fostering empathy and compassion within our school community.
Encourage Communication: Effective communication is key to building respectful relationships. We provide opportunities for students to express themselves openly and respectfully, while also teaching active listening skills.
Resolve Conflicts Peacefully: Conflict is a natural part of human interaction. However, we teach students constructive ways to resolve conflicts through dialogue, compromise, and problem-solving.
Celebrating Successes and Progress
We are proud to see the positive impact of our efforts in promoting PBL and respectful relationships at Nirimba State Primary School. We celebrate the successes and progress of our students through various means, including:
Recognition Assemblies: Regular assemblies where students are acknowledged for their achievements in demonstrating positive behaviour and building respectful relationships.
Classroom Rewards: Teachers implement individual and class-based reward systems to reinforce positive behaviour and encourage a supportive classroom environment.
Community Involvement: We actively involve parents, caregivers, and the wider community in our efforts to promote PBL and respectful relationships, recognising that collaboration is key to creating a positive school culture.
Moving Forward Together
As we continue on our journey of fostering positive behaviour for learning and building respectful relationships, we invite the entire Nirimba community to join us in this endeavour. Together, we can create an environment where every child feels safe, supported, and inspired to reach their full potential. Keep an eye out for more parent sessions in Term 2, 3 and 4.
To all our valued families, thank you for your ongoing support and commitment to the values of Nirimba State Primary School. Wishing each and every one of you a happy, safe and restful Easter break and we will see you all back in Term 2!
Kylie McKenna
Head of Department Student Services
Guidance Officer
Can you believe we have made it to the end of the first term already?! They say time flies when you’re having fun! The holidays are just around the corner and are the perfect time for our families to rest and recharge ready for another busy term ahead. Holidays are also a great time for families to spend quality time together and connect with each other, away from the daily grind of waking up early, preparing school lunches, doing the school run and participating in after-school activities.
Keep an eye out for these kid-friendly activities on the Sunshine Coast over the Easter break for the whole family:
- Thursday 28th March – Saturday 30th March at Kawana Shopping World, Easter Egg Hunt & Meet the Easter Bunny
- Saturday 30th March & Sunday 31st March, Festuri: The Surf and Sea Multicultural Festival at Moffat Beach Park (celebrate diverse cultures with face painting, animal petting, mask & bracelet making)
- Sunday 31st March, 4pm at Kings Beach Amphitheatre Easter Extravaganza - Movie in the Park – Paddington Bear (including egg hunt, kids activities, fashion market and food trucks)
Next term, we are very excited to welcome Kelsey Swift, a Paediatric Physiotherapist from Forward Health to our team of allied health professionals. Kelsey will be available to see students at the school on a Wednesday. Any families interested in accessing physiotherapy for their child/ren are welcome to contact Forward Health at Currimundi to make a direct referral 0420 522 558 or contact the school for more details.
We will also be welcoming Patty Marriner, a private Psychologist to our external support services next term. Patty is a very experienced practitioner and open to seeing students for support with emotional regulation, behaviour support, psychometric assessment and assisting with interventions for children with complex needs.
We look forward to welcoming Kelsey and Patty to the allied health team.
Wishing everyone a relaxing and restful holiday. Take care and see you next term.
Michelle
Business Manager
I’d like to start by extending a huge thanks to everyone that has covered off their fees for the end of term 1 - it’s never fun talking about finance but we had an amazing response to emails and statements that went out a couple of weeks ago, so thanks to everyone who is up to date on fees, requested payment plans, or even just wanted to discuss what our Student Resource Scheme covers.
As we move into Term 2 we’ve got a number of works underway at school, including new soft fall mulch for all of our playgrounds and some exterior doors being added to Prep A and B to help with foot traffic. This year’s weather so far, as well as our friendly Corella population (who appear to have now moved on!), has presented many challenges to both our Cleaning and Grounds teams so I’d like to give them a shout out and thanks for their continued hard work. Both teams will also be working over the holiday period so everyone will be returning to a beautiful clean school for Term 2.
Excursion and Incursion invoices will also be coming out more regularly as more and more happen through the year – please adhere to due dates wherever possible or communicate when that can’t be done to ensure children aren’t missing out.
As always, if anyone would like to discuss their fees or arrange a payment plan please don’t hesitate to get in touch with me at rodon65@eq.edu.au, via phone, or dropping into the office. I’m also more than happy to discuss anything regarding our facilities, including hire.
Cheers,
Ryan O’Donnell
Business Manager
Sustainability Club News
The BIG Battery Recycling Rescue Challenge
Every class is now taking part in the big battery recycling rescue challenge with battery buckets in classrooms and students recycling batteries to reduce batteries going into landfill.
What type of batteries do we recycle?
- Alkaline
- Button cells
- Lead Batteries
- Lithium Ion
- Nickel cadmium
- Nickel metal hydride
- Zinc Air
- Zinc Carbon
Classroom Rewards - As part of the Big Battery Rescue at the end of each semester, one class will receive and end of semester pizza party. GET RECYCLING!!
School Rewards - Once per semester, $100 for your school if you reach 100kg of batteries recycled during that semester.
End of year Rewards - $2,000/$1,300/$800 end of year grand prizes for the top 3 schools that recycle the most batteries for the year (based on averaged weight per student).
GARDEN NEWS
The hydroponics setup in the garden is now all set and running smoothly, bringing a burst of greenery that's exciting for both kids and adults! Imagine seeing parsley and rocket sprouting up right before your eyes. The parsley plants will soon be perfect for adding flavour to meals. The strawberries are popping up, promising juicy treats. It's not just gardening; it's like having a mini jungle of fresh, yummy stuff right in our school backyard!
My New Gallery
Visual Arts Club
Welcome to the wonderful life of Year 3-6 Visual Arts Club! 🎨
In just a few weeks, our budding artists have embarked on an incredible journey of creativity and expression. From the delicate strokes of watercolour to the bold lines of oil pastels, and the intricate details of pencil and pen, we've explored a myriad of mediums to bring our imaginations to life.
It's been a joy to witness the enthusiasm and dedication of our young artists as they pour their hearts into each masterpiece. Together, we've formed a community of like-minded individuals who share a passion for art and a commitment to nurturing our talents.
Keep an eye out around the school for some of our creations! Can’t wait to see you all in Term 2 for more Visual Arts fun. 😊
My New Gallery
Japanese
Students at Nirimba have been exploring aspects of Japanese weather, seasons and festivals and how they differ to Australia. Year 2 students have been learning about てんきand きせつ and the differences in season and weather between Japan and Australia. Year 4 students have been learning about Japanese まつり that occur throughout the year. Students felt a little envious of the celebration of こどものひ in Japan and the fact that this is a public holiday, wishing this was also a celebration here in Australia. A recent festival celebrated in Japan was ひなまつり. Our Year 1 students created ‘crowns’ to celebrate this festival. A number of our students at Nirimba have indicated that they have been to or are going to Japan. Grade 6 students have explored 4 major cities/areas in 日本 and are planning their ideal trip to Japan, writing an itinerary about their trip in Japanese.
Phrases for this newsletter:
てんき (tenki) Weather
きせつ (kisetsu) Season
まつり (matsuri) Festival
こどものひ (kodomonohi) Children’s Day
ひなまつり (hinamatsuri) Doll’s Festival
日本 (nihon) Japan
My New Gallery
Sports News
Sports News
Cross Country
Hopefully by now everyone is aware of the new date that has been set for our 2024 Cross Country Carnival. Wednesday the 17th of April (first week back after the holidays) is the new date and we hope to see as many parents and family members attend the day as possible. The race schedule and plan for the day will remain exactly the same as has been communicated previously to families.
Interschool Sport
On Friday in weeks 6 & 7, our four Softball teams headed to Glasshouse Mountains Sports Complex to participate in Interschool Softball against a number of other teams in our sporting district. All four of our teams performed extremely well considering a large number of the players on each team had never played softball before. The Boys A Team came away with the best overall finish of the four teams and ended up in 5th position out of all the schools in their division. It was great to see so many of our Year 6 students embracing the chance to play a sport they were unfamiliar with and learning some new skills along the way.
District Sports
Our upper school students have continued to have success in getting themselves selected into Glasshouse District sporting teams as the term has gone on.
- Freya (5/6A) represented Glasshouse at the Sunshine Coast Regional Touch Trials
- Savannah (5A) represented Glasshouse at the Sunshine Coast Regional Netball Trials
- Sienna (4/5A), Rory (5/6A) and Evie (6A) all represented Glasshouse at the Sunshine Coast Regional Swimming Trials.
- Harry (6A) has been chosen in the Glasshouse District Rugby League team which will play at the Sunshine Coast Trials in early Term 2
- Evie (6A), Jordie (6B) and Demi (6B) were all selected in the Glasshouse District Football (Soccer) team and will play at the Sunshine Coast Trials in early Term 2.
Just more Nirimba students excelling on the sporting field this year and I’m sure they won’t be the last ones selected in other teams as the year goes on.
Oztag
In 2024, Nirimba SPS is entering a team for the first time into the All Schools Oztag Championships which are held here on the Sunshine Coast in late July. These championships have become a huge event with last year over 80 schools and 240 teams entering from around QLD.
Our first ever Nirimba team will begin training before school in week 2 of Term 2 in order to prepare for the championships.
A big congratulations to the following students who will represent our school across the three day championships in July:
Finn (6A), Logan (6A), Harry (6A), Mason (6A), Billy (6A), Evie (6A), Sophia (6A), Lilli (6A), Georgie (6A), Rory (6B), Harrison (6B), Audrey (6B), Jordie (6B) and Amelia (6B).
Athletics
Just an early heads up for the school community that our Athletics Carnival this year is scheduled for Tuesday the 11th and Wednesday the 12th of June. This is the Tuesday and Wednesday in week 9 of Term 2. This is always a highlight of the year where all our students from Prep – Year 6 get to show of all their athletic skills and abilities. More information around the Athletics Carnival will be sent home to families throughout Term 2.
Prep News
As we come to the end of our first term, it is with great pride and joy that we reflect on the incredible journey our little learners have embarked upon.
Our Preps have flourished in their new environment, making friends, learning new skills and building the foundations for a lifetime of learning. We are incredibly proud of each and every one of them and the progress they have made in such a short time.
One of the highlights of this term has been our focus on stories. We have been delving into a variety of stories and exploring the elements that make them so engaging. Our little learners have been captivated by these stories and have shown great enthusiasm in retelling them in fun and creative ways. From dramatic puppet shows to imaginative storytelling sessions, it has been a joy to see their imaginations at work.
My New Gallery
Year 1
Look out Picasso! This term Year 1 have been doing plenty of visual art in STEAM. Our STEAM unit this semester is making connections with our science unit which is all about animals and their habitats. Year 1 have been experimenting with different materials, techniques, technologies and processes to make artworks representing an animal and their habitats that suit animal’s needs and creating art which shows healthy and unhealthy habitats. Look at these amazing creations!
My New Gallery
Year 2
The Year 2 students undertook on an exciting journey this term into narrative creation, where they demonstrate a keen understanding of storytelling structure while drawing inspiration from beloved characters in literature. With texts like 'Fox' and 'Lucy Goosey' by Margret Wild as their inspiration and guide, these young storytellers created intricate narratives with imaginative flair. Armed with the knowledge of character development, plot sequencing, and descriptive language, they take known animal characters on new unique adventures. Through this creative process, the Year 2 students not only honed their literacy skills but also developed a deeper appreciation for the power of storytelling to captivate hearts and minds.
My New Gallery
Year 3
We are thrilled to share the exciting journey your children have embarked on this term since our last newsletter. In Science, our Year 3’s have delved into hands-on experiments, exploring shadows with chalk, sparking curiosity and scientific inquiry. In English, they crafted compelling narratives on friendship, transformed into captivating digital stories. Health lessons empowered them with emotional regulation skills and deepened their understanding of friendship dynamics. Mathematics brought out their creativity as they designed maps, navigated real and virtual terrains, and meticulously labelled 3D shapes in the immersive world of Minecraft. We're proud of their growth and accomplishments!
Mr Roberts & Mrs Dodd
My New Gallery
Year 4
Wow! What a fantastic first term of Year 4! It has been a busy time for our students, packed with both academic and extracurricular activities.
Our classrooms have been buzzing with creativity as students engaged in various STEAM design and building challenges. These hands-on activities have not only sparked their curiosity but also nurtured their problem-solving skills and innovative thinking.
In Mathematics, students planned and conducted a survey to gather preferences for new food items to add to the tuckshop menu. This data was then collated into a frequency table and a many-to-one pictogram to share students’ findings. These data displays were then analysed and interpreted to determine the results of our investigation.
Students have transformed their scientific understanding of the Earths movements into a range of multimodal presentations such as iMovies, 3D clay models, Keynotes, posters and more! Through these presentations, they showcased their understanding of complex concepts in an engaging and accessible manner.
In Humanities and Social Sciences (HASS), our young scholars have been exploring the significance of laws and rules in society. Through thought-provoking discussions and activities, they have gained insights into the importance of governance and civic responsibility.
Promoting healthy habits and fostering wellbeing has been a priority in our classrooms this term. Students have been actively identifying strategies to improve their lifestyle habits and develop personalised plans to enhance their overall wellbeing. Their enthusiasm for leading a healthy lifestyle is truly inspiring.
Students have demonstrated a high level of digital literacy this term. We have utilised our amazing 1-1 iPad program for a range of assessment tasks, which has successfully enhanced student engagement and supported student’s access to learning. Congratulations to our diligent students who have been putting in their best efforts to complete all assessments with resilience and determination.
We wish you all a wonderful and safe holiday, and look forward to seeing you all back for more amazing learning opportunities in Term 2.
My New Gallery
Year 5
5A
In a short time, Year 5 have impressed with their dedication to learning. They excelled in crafting fantasy stories and undertaking challenging math concepts, showing impressive creativity and hard work. Their English assessment, where they created 'good' and 'evil' characters in fantasy worlds, displayed their strong writing and critical thinking skills. Alongside their achievements, they also demonstrated exemplary behaviour, consistently embodying the values of being safe, respectful, and eager learners. Moreover, 5A successfully completed NAPLAN, showcasing their proficiency and readiness for future academic challenges. They completed math assessments covering decimals, fractions, transformations, and even statistical analysis of sun safety. Additionally, 5A showed a deep understanding of science by making a guide about natural disasters, explaining the effects on Earth and communities, and suggesting ways to handle them. Their progress and enthusiasm are truly inspiring, proving their commitment to doing their best.
5/6A
We're thrilled to share the remarkable achievements of our students in 5/6A this term. Our Year 5s demonstrated resilience and determination as they faced the NAPLAN assessments head-on, while our Year 6 students seamlessly transitioned into their leadership roles within the school community. Throughout our class curriculum, we delved into diverse mathematical concepts such as fractions, decimals, mapping conventions, and statistics, fostering a strong foundation in numerical literacy. In English, our students showcased exemplary dedication by crafting engaging short stories, captivating audiences with their creativity and skill. Moreover, I commend our students for their remarkable independent learning during Science Inquiry lessons, where they embraced challenges with enthusiasm, employing problem-solving strategies to seek out knowledge and overcome obstacles. Additionally, our Minecraft exploration provided a unique educational experience, immersing students in the realities of Pre-Federation Australia, where they mined resources to trade for building materials and survival essentials. This immersive journey offered invaluable insights into historical ways of life, enriching our understanding of Australia's past. Congratulations to 5/6A for a stellar start to 2024—let's continue to thrive and excel together!
My New Gallery
Year 6
6B - The second half of this term has been packed with exciting activities and valuable learning experiences for us. We have been actively engaged in observing science investigations as well as creating multimodal presentations to educate others about significant figures of federation. We have also been conducting statistical investigations on our role in Queensland's journey towards becoming a zero-waste society. Additionally, we dedicated time to cross country training, enhancing our physical fitness and team spirit.
One of the highlights of the second half of this term will be our participation in an online incursion with Kids Helpline. This is taking place on the 28th of March. This opportunity will allow us to collaborate with their counsellors, learn how to express and normalize our worries about transitioning to High School, and understand the importance of mental well-being.
During the session, we will explore the riverbank analogy and learn how to build a strategy bridge.
Now that we have settled into the class and understand the expectations, we are excited to embark on a new adventure in term two. With a solid foundation in place, we are ready to dive into incredible learning opportunities and further enrich our academic journey. Stay tuned for our weekly updates and exciting developments as we continue to grow and excel in our educational endeavours. Have a lovely Easter break from 6B!
6A - The wonderful class of 6A completed their Science Unit with an investigation into reversible and irreversible changes to matter. Students were given the challenge of making predictions on how different types of items (bicarb soda, ice, wax, cheese) would react when heated and cooled and got working on the task of proving their hypothesis. It was so interesting seeing each example of matter changing its state from solid to liquid and back again. However, one item didn’t change at all! Can you guess which one?
We had so much fun going to the Science lab to conduct our experiment. Hands-on investigations like this are an ideal way for students to show their scientific knowledge and understanding and build their inquisitive minds.